Mr. SPEAKER:

I understand this measure is not opposed. It came up from the Senate last night and was given first and second readings.

Motion agreed to and bill read the third time and passed.

Right Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister):

I beg to move, seconded by the hon. leader of the opposition, the motion which I presented to the House on April 12, and which reads:

That, in conformity with the provisions of Bill No. 260, An Act to amend the Dominion Elections Act which was passed by both Houses of Parliament, Jules Castonguay be designated as the successor of Oliver Mowat Biggar as Chief Electoral Officer.

I may say that I have spoken with my hon. friend, the leader of the Progressive party concerning the motion and I am now in a position to state that it appears to meet with the cordial approval of all parties in the House.

Right Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister) moved:

Resolved that as Canada is approaching the sixtieth anniversary of her founding as a Dominion, the parliament of Canada place on record its deep appreciation of the achievements of the fathers of confederation, and with united voice express its faith and confidence in the future of this our country, and its development as a member of the British commonwealth of nations, owing allegiance to His Majesty the King.

It is the earnest wish of parliament that the diamond jubilee celebration, for which plans are now being rapidly matured, shall commemorate appropriately and enthusiastically the accomplishment of confederation and the subsequent progress of the Dominion. We trust that this commemoration will lend added inspiration to the patriotic fervour of our people, and afford a clearer vision of our aspirations and ideals, to the end that from sea to_ sea there may be developed a robust Canadian spirit, and in all things Canadian profounder national unity.

Yesterday I handed a copy of this resolution to my hon. friend, the leader of the opposition (Mr. Guthrie) and to my hon. friend the leader of the Progressive party (Mr. Gardiner). The leader of the opposition was kind enough to say that he would be pleased to second the motion. I know from the leader of the Progressive party that he would be equally ready to do so. The resolution requires nothing in the way of explanation or amplification. It speaks for itself. A similar motion will be presented in the other chamber to-day. We may, I think, count upon the voice of parliament being unanimously expressed with respect to its representations and the .patriotic purpose the resolution is intended to serve.

Mr. GUTHRIE:

What is this bill?

Mr. STEWART:

It came over from the Senate.

Mr. GUTHRIE:

That does not help it.

Mr. STEWART (Edmonton):

Some years age the right of issuing water licenses in the railway belt of British Columbia was delegated to the provincial controller. Last session we passed an amending act providing that before

.any licenses were granted we must be coir-suited. This legislation was introduced1 by us largely on account of complaints made by some of the residents in the water belt with respect to the manner in which such licenses were being issued.. As a result about sixty licenses have been held up. The matter was of interest to the Speaker of the Senate and others who were affected and a mutual agreement was reached between the parties interested. This bill is for the purpose of suspending our rights under the amending act in order that the licenses may be issued. The bill was introduced in the Senate.

Mr. GUTHRIE:

We cannot agree to it,

anyway. It is a very controversial measure.

Mr. STEWART (Edmonton):

I admit it.

The difficulty is that, as hon. members from British Columbia are aware, licenses are being held up. It was in order to overcome the difficulty that we were anxious to pass this legislation. However, if hon. gentlemen object I am not going to press the matter. The measure is entirely in the interests of residents in the railway belt of British Columbia; it does not affect any other part of the province.

Mr. SPEAKER:

Next sitting of the House.

Motion stands.