Item agreed to. Grant towards the expenses of the Canadian Athletie Team at the International Olympio Games in 1924. $15,000.
Mr. MacLAREN:
Where are the Olympic games to be held and what arrangement has
Supply-Miscellaneous
been made in regard to the selection of the Canadian team?
Mr. MARTELL:
As we are celebrating the advent to Canada of one of the greatest races in the world I would suggest that we devote the money under this item towards that celebration. If we have any money to spend I think it should be spent on such an object as this.
Mr. CHURCH:
1 wanted to ask the Acting Minister of National Defence what was being done to fix up the forts in the Niagara district, but the item has apparently been rushed through. So far as this particular vote is concerned I think that the government should see to it that the money is given to the actual contestants representing Canada in the Olympic games. The province of Ontario has contributed $5,000 to the fund on the understanding that the money is to go to the competitors themselves and not to enable persons in an executive capacity to have a free trip, and I think that the government should insist on the same thing in connection with this vote.
Mr. MacLAREN:
It is desirable that we should send a team from Canada representative of our best athletes, and the committee would no doubt like to know how the selection is to be made.
Mr. FIELDING:
We shall have to be assured before the money is paid that proper means wall be taken to see that the athletes of all provinces are given a fair show. I have forgotten the names of the gentlemen of the delegation that waited upon me, but I think they were introduced by the hon. member for North Toronto (Mr. Church). We felt that the object was a good one, because undoubtedly we are all proud of our athletes, and their participation in these games will be a splendid advertisement for Canada. We shall take pains to see that the various provinces are well represented, and I have not the slightest doubt that before the money is paid over we shall have satisfactory assurances on that score.
Mr. MacLAREN:
I am not- objecting to this vote for a single moment, because I am sure the object is an excellent one. Indeed, representations were made to me to try to ensure that the principal athletic organizations of the country should be given a voice in the matter. I do ask the minister to see that these various organizations shall be heard and that the matter shall not rest with any one association.
Mr. FIELDING:
That is a reasonable re>
quest and we will endeavour to meet it.
Item agreed to. Public Archives-arrears of cost of living bonus, $110.96.
Mr. FIELDING:
I move that this item be struck out.
Motion agreed to. Further amount required for passport office, $2,000.
Mr. MEIGHEN:
Has the government any knowledge yet of the reported establishment of a Canadian publicity bureau in London under a Mr. Cranfield? I inquired in regard to this subject some weeks ago.
Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):
One-third
of the cost of this publicity work is bome by the government, one-third by the Canadian Pacific Railway and one-third by the Canadian National Railways.
Mr. MEIGHEN:
How is it Mr. Cranfield
was selected?
Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):
He was
simply selected by the railways and the government for the purpose of carrying on puolicity work in connection with immigra tion. The work is under the control and supervision of Mr. Obed Smith.
Mr. MEIGHEN:
What is the annual expenditure?
Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):
It is not
very considerable. I do not remember whether it is $15,000 or $25,000. I have the information in the office, but not here.
Mr. MEIGHEN:
What qualifications has
Mr. Cranfield? That is the point I am raising.
Mr. STEWART (Argenteuil):
I understood he had been employed for some years by the government in publiaity work.
Mr. MEIGHEN:
I never heard of him.