Hon. P. J. VENIOT (Gloucester):

I would like to have an explanation of this resolution. Perhaps we could have it in committee, but if the minister is in a position to give it, I would prefer to have it now. I see that the governor general in council shall fix the rate per annum of salaries. Why is this salary not fixed under the Civil Service Act?

Mr. GORDON:

In answer to the hon.

member I reply that this department of the government never operated under the Civil Service Act. There may be arguments advanced why it should, but at the present time the government, through my department, is endeavouring to reorganize the soldiers settlement board with a view to cutting down the expense of administration and, I believe, to giving greater service and having greater efficiency in the administration of the board and of its funds.

Mr. VENIOT:

I have no objection to the motion going through, but we will have a better chance to discuss it in committee.

Motion agreed to and the house went into committee, Mr. Hanson (York-Sunbury) in the chair.

Supply-Public Works

Resolution reported, read the second time and concurred in. Mr. Gordon thereupon moved for leave to introduce Bill No. 41, to amend the Soldier Settlement Act.

Motion agreed to and bill read the first time.

Hon. H. A. STEWART (Minister of Public Works):

Mr. Chairman, yesterday the member for Assiniboia (Mr. McKenzie) asked for certain information in connection with the public buildings at Deloraine, Areola and Watrous. I have the information now and will place it on Hansard:

Deloraine

Site, $1,500; contract for building, $24,903; fittings and lock boxes, $2,279; grading and sidewalks, $1,000; clock, $1,000; contingencies and superintendence, $2,218.-Total, $32,900.

Population in 1930, 760; postal revenue, 1929-30. $5,369.78; customs revenue, 1929-30, $5,640.18.

Areola

Estimated cost of site, $200; lowest tender for building, $27,870; fittings, $3,000; grading, $2,000; contingencies and superintendence, $3.000-Total, $36,070.

Population in 1930, 700; postal revenue, 1929-30, $5,279.51; customs revenue, nil.

Watrous

Estimated cost of site, $8,000; buildings, $24,000; fittings, $3,000; grading and sidewalks, $1,000; contingencies and superintendence, $2.000-Total, $38,000.

Population in 1930, no figures; population in 1921, 1,101; postal revenue, 1929-30, $7,209.53.

It will be seen that the revenue from Areola is the smallest of the three and the cost of the building the highest.

Mr. POULIOT:

Mr. Chairman, I understand that the Public Works department called for tenders for the construction of a veranda on the post office building at Riviere du Loup. I am informed that two tenders were received, one from Charron and Anctil for $255, and the other from Philippe Blier for $295. Will the minister inform me why no tender was accepted?

[Mr Veniot.]

Mr. STEWART (Leeds):

I have sent for the information and will give it to my hon. friend a little later, if that will suit him.

Mr. POULIOT:

I thank the minister. May I ask if the failure to proceed with the work is due to the action of Mr. Dube, the defeated candidate for Temiscouata county?

Mr. STEWART (Leeds):

No, I would say not.

Mr. POULIOT:

Has he the government patronage in Temiscouata county?

Mr. STEWART (Leeds):

No gentleman has the patronage for any of these counties.

Oh, oh.

Mr. POULIOT:

Is the hon. minister insinuating that (he Tory candidate in Temiscouata is not a gentleman?

Mr. YENIOT:

Is there anything in the item of $50,000 for experimental farms for additional buildings at Fredericton?

Mr. STEWART (Leeds):

There is no specific appropriation for any building; it is just a general item to cover needed repairs, wherever those repairs may be found to be required.

Mr. VENIOT:

Has the department received any request from those in charge of the experimental farm at Fredericton for additional buildings?

Mr. STEWART (Leeds):

I cannot say

definitely; but in all probability if conditions warrant repairs there we have some representations about them and they will be considered.