1. Yes.

2. The statement made in the House on 24th February referred to an apportionment of the moneys on hand from the Dawes payments and not to any changes in the report.

3. Report has been delivered upon seven of the remaining 13 claims.

4. No.

5. Correspondence on files of reparation commissioner and of Department Secretary of State discloses that some of the claimants are in impoverished circumstances.

1. Has any change been made in the postmastership at Ernfold, Saskatchewan?

2. If so, for what reasons?

3. Have any charges been laid against the said postmaster?

4. If so, of what nature and by whom?

5. Will the said postmaster be granted an investigation into any charge made against him?

1. Yes.

2. Active political partisanship.

3. Yes.

4. Member for constituency stated that he had personal knowledge of the postmaster's political activities and also submitted declarations from S E.. Lowrie, W. P. Cornell and Jas. Manning of Ernfold preferring charges of active political partisanship.

5. Not the practice in cases in which a member is prepared to state that of his own knowledge an offence contravening the provisions of the Civil Service Act, respecting political partisanship, has been committed.

1. Was T. B. Richards discharged as overseer of Murray canal?

2. If so, by whom was the charge laid against him?

3. Was there an investigation?

4. If not, why?

5. Is it the policy of the government to dismiss civil servants without investigation?

1. Yes.

2. R. H. McCrudden.

3. Yes.

4. Answered by No. 3.

5. Investigation is customary unless charge is made by the sitting member of his own knowledge.

Mr. LAFLAMME:

What transportation expenses (mileage) were paid to the returing officer for the county of Montmagny in the general elections of 1926?

Hon. Mr. RINFRET:

Mr. Telesphore Coulombe, the returning officer for the county of Montmagny in the general election of 1926, was paid $79.70 as transportation expenses.

Questions

1. Is it the intention of the government to reintroduce tile measure of last session dealing with financial assistance to settlers on crown lands?

2. If not, wdiy?

1. This bill will not be introduced this session.

2. The bill as introduced last session might be of some benefit to settlers on crown lands. It is probable, however, that legislation will be introduced next session that will meet the situation in a more satisfactory manner.

Hon Mr. BENNETT:

What sum does the Canadian National Railways require during 1927 for, (a.) construction of branch lines; (b) additions and improvement of railway; (c) equipment; (d) other capital expenditures?

Hon. Mr. DUNNING:

(a) On former branch lines (to complete), 11,660,000; on new branch line program, $7,336,000; the latter is to make possible 337.8 miles of grading, 94.3 miles of track and 56.3 miles of ballast.

(b) $17,834,418.32.

(c) Government loan (estimates of 192627 passed February 10, 1927), $5,000,000; equipment trust issue for fifteen millions will provide balance of requirement.

(d) No capital expenditures other than those enumerated.

1. Has a vacancy recently occurred in the post office service at Rodney, Ontario?

2. Has an appointment to fill the vacancy been made? If so, is it temporary or permanent?

3. Who is the appointee?

4. What part does the Civil Service Commission play in rural post office appointments?

5. Will returned soldiers be shown any preference when filling the position permanently?

1. Yes.

2. A temporary appointment has been authorized pending the Civil Service Commission's selection.

3. William Tolmie.

4. Civil Service Commission makes selection of permanent incumbents in cases where salary exceeds $200 a year.

5. Appointment will be made according to provisions of Civil Service Act.