Mr. SPEAKER:

I have the honour to inform the House that, when the House did attend His Excellency the Governor General this day in the Senate Chamber, His Excellency was pleased to make a speech to both Houses of Parliament. To prevent mistakes I have obtained a copy, which is as follows:

Honourable Gentlemen of the Senate:

Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

I desire on this occasion to express m"y respectful appreciation of the honour conferred on me by the King in appointing me to the distinguished office of Governor General.

I esteem it a high privilege to become closely identified with Canada at the time when she is taking so splendid a part in the world-wide struggle, and I look forward to her ability and capacity to exercise an ever-increasing influence in bringing the war to a victorious conclusion.

When peace is again happily restored I am confident that' the vast resources of the Dominion will'continue to be developed for the lasting benefit of the Empire and in the best interests of liberty and humanity.

Although nearly two and a half years have elapsed since the outbreak of war yet that period has not been more than sufficient for the enormous preparation necessary to enable our Empire to throw its full strength into the struggle.

The events that have transpired since prorogation give convincing testimony of the efficiency of the measures thus taken and bear splendid tribute to the valour and heroism of His Majesty's forces in every theatre of war.

With preparation already so ample and still increasing we may confidently anticipate that the not distant future will bring such success to the allied arms as will assure the full maintenance of the purposes and ideals for which we have engaged in this war.

The Canadian forces dispatched overseas during 1916 numbered more than 165,000 and the aggregate of enlistments in Canada since the outbreak of war is nearly 400.000. In attack as well as in defence the valour, endurance and resourcefulness of the Canadian troops have been conspicuous on every occasion when they have met the enemy, and they have splendidly upheld the highest traditions of their country.

Equally notable and impressive has been the fine spirit of loyalty displayed by the people of this Dominion who have freely dedicated their energies and their material resources to the common defence of our Empire.

Steps have been taken by my advisers for better organization of National Service, and attention has been given to the more thorough utilization of our natural resources. Measures have also been taken in co-operation with the Government of the United Kingdom to facilitate the increased production of munitions in Canada.

The Government of the United Kingdom have invited the First Ministers of the Dominions to attend a series of special and continuous meetings of the War Cabinet (of which for this purpose they will be members) to consider urgent

questions affecting-* the prosecution of the war the possible conditions on which the Allied Nations could assent to its termination, and the problems which would then immediately arise. This invitation has been accepted on behalf of Canada.

The Fiftieth Anniversary of the foundation of this Dominion draws near and brings with it the inspiring memory of all that has been accomplished during the half century in the upbuilding of a united and powerful nation. My advisers believe that, notwithstanding the continuance of the war, there should be an appropriate commemoration of an event so notable in the history of Canada.

The life of the present Parliament will expire in October next, and under existing legislation a dissolution and election would be necessary in the early future. My advisers, however, are of opinion that the wishes of the Canadian people and the, urgent requirements of the war would be best met by avoiding the distraction and confusion consequent upon a general election at so critical a time.

That purpose can only be effected through the medium of legislation by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. A resolution authorizing and requesting the enactment of such legislation as will further extend the life of this Parliament will be presented to you.

Although in some parts of the. Dominion weather conditions affected adversely the excellent prospects of an unusually large harvest, yet taking the country as a whole, the labours of our husbandmen have been abundantly rewarded.

The commercial, industrial and financial stability of the country has been well maintained during the past year. There is every reason to believe that the Dominion will be in a position to meet satisfactorily the readjustment of conditions which must ensue upon the termination of the war.

Important measures designed to aid in meeting these new conditions have 'been in preparation and some of them will be submitted for your consideration.

Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

The accounts for the last and the estimates for the next fiscal year will be submitted to you without delay, and you will be asked to make the necessary financial provision for the effective conduct of the war.

Honourable Gentlemen of the Senate:

Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

The lofty patriotism, the fine courage, and the inflexible purpose which have animated all His Majesty's Dominions in upholding our great cause are in nowise abated. In common with the rest of the Empire the people of this Dominion are firmly resolved that in this war which has entailed so much sacrifice and which we have undertaken for the highest ideals of humanity and civilization our efforts shall be continued and strengthened until they are crowned with an abiding peace.

I commend to your attentive consideration all measures submitted to you for that great purpose, and I pray that the Divine blessing may attend your deliberations.

On motion of Hon. J. D. Hazen, it was ordered that the speech of His Excellency the Governor General to both Houses of

Parliament be taken into consideration on Monday next, and that this order have precedence over all other business except the introduction of Bills until disposed of.

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

I lay on the

table a copy of the correspondence relating to the Imperial War Conference of 1917. I had intended that this should be laid on the table of the House on Friday, hut finding that that had not been done, I directed that a copy be sent to my right honourable friend who leads the Opposition, and I think he received it.

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

I lay on ,the table a copy of the correspondence relating to the withdrawal of the Ross rifle from the Canadian army corps. It ought to be explained that -the asterisks to be found in the correspondence represents matter which, for -military reasons, and at the express request of the War Office, has been omitted.

Mr. OLIVER:

Is this the report of Sir Douglas Haig that was spoken of at the end of last session of Parliament?

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

I do not recall that any report from Sir Douglas Haig was referred to, but all the papers that can be brought down are here. There is a report by Sir Douglas Haig among the papers that aTe now submitted. I am not sure, however, that it ante dates the end of last session.

Mr. PUGSLEY:

- Does my right hon. friend not recall that at the end of last session he informed the House that a very full investigation artd report would be made by Sir Douglas Haig as to the working of the Ross rifle?