Mr. J. J. HUGHES:
This is the second time this has been voted and I would like to know why the work has not been gone on with.
Mr. ROGERS:
There is $24,000 of revote of last year's appropriation for the construction of two piers at this place. The delay is due to the fact that we could not arrive at an understanding with the owners of the adjoining land. If my hon, friend could help us out we would be glad to have his assistance.
Mr. HUGHES:
What arrangements does the department desire to make?
Mr. ROGERS:
We are asking a release as against damages to the surrounding land.
Mr. HUGHES:
Is it expected that by
opening the harbour the sand may Change its course? This is an outlet from a lake that crosses a sand bar.
Mr. ROGERS:
To some extent. I do not know whether it would do a certain amount of injury.
Mr. HUGHES:
I understand that the
Conservative candidate in the last election wished to get the farmers owning the adjoining land to sign a document to the effect that if their land was injured by the construction of this work they would waive all claims against the Government, and that they refused to do so.
Mr. ROGERS:
That is right.
Mr. HUGHES:
Is it usual to ask men whose land may be injured by the construction of public works to do that sort of thing?
Mr. ROGERS:
It is always usual when
they would have the direct benefit they would have in this case from the work.
Mr. HUGHES:
In all probability it will not be possible to come to terms with these men on the conditions laid down by the department. Would it not be desirable to construct the harbour at some other place nearby where no such land injuries are likely to result?
Mr. ROGERS:
I do not know that it
would be. I could not give an .answer without having a report from an engineer.
Mr. HUGHES:
I think there is a report in the department that a boat harbour can be constructed near there, at Long Point, without danger from drifting sands.
Mr. ROGERS:
Could not my hon. friend convince the farmers that we are not asking too much from them? i
Mr. HUGHES:
I do not know. If their land is valuable and their farms would be destroyed, I think you are asking them to do too much when you ask them to waive all claim to damages. If I owned land there I certainly would not sign such a document and I do not think it is reasonable to ask them to do so. What is the use of having the vote here if it is not intended to expend the money.
Mr. ROGERS:
We intend to expend the money if we can get the farmers to grant a relief.
Mr. HUGHES :
You cannot exipect that.
New Brunswick, Bathurst-harbour improve-merits, $100,000.
Mr. TURGEON:
In what way does the minister intend to do this work, by contract or by dredges belonging to the department?
Mr. ROGERS:
By contract.
Mr. TURGEON:
By a new' contract or
by an extension of the contracts of last year?