George Alexander Drew (Leader of the Official Opposition)
Progressive Conservative
Mr. George A. Drew (Leader of the Opposiiion):
Mr. Speaker, I wish to join with the Prime Minister (Mr. St. Laurent) in the tribute he has paid to two highly respected members of this house who enjoyed the friendship and the affectionate regard of those who knew them. Both, as has been said already, were from Prince Edward Island, and in that fact there is evidence of the continuing contribution made to the whole of Canada by a province which is proud of its history and its place in our country.
The last time I saw Mr. Matthews was during last summer in Brandon. It was typical of the friendship which exists among the members of this house that one of those who extended courtesies to me while I was there was Mr. Matthews. In his genial and kindly way he made it quite clear that, with him, service in the House of Commons could never interfere with personal friendship, no matter what differences of opinion there might be as to the way in which the political affairs of this country can best be conducted.
The same thing was true of Mr. Douglas. Mr. Douglas was always generous and friendly, not only to those of his own political party but to those of other political parties as well. It seemed to me that both these gentlemen displayed that measure of understanding friendship which, after all, is the basis of our freedom.
I wish to join with the Prime Minister and the other members of this house in extending sincere sympathy to Mrs. Matthews and Mrs. Douglas and to their families, and we all hope,
I am sure, they will derive a substantial measure of comfort from the knowledge that the members of this house will think of our departed colleagues with respect and affection.