Mr. HAZEN:

That is .to carry out the legislation which was passed this year, which, hon. members will remember, gave the $100 increase instead of 'the $50 increase. The original estimates were based on the statutory increase of $50. This is to make up the difference.

Progress reported.

Mr. HAZEN:

The acting Minister of Public Works (Mr. Reid) is away to-day, and has asked me to bring the matter before the committee. It was before the committee on a previous occasion and there was some criticism of it. A good many years ago, during the time that the constituency

of St. John was represented by the late Hon. Isaac Burpee, it was decided to extend this breakwater running from the western shore of St. John harbour to Partridge island.

Mr. HAZEN:

At the present time practically all the vessels coming into the*harbour are propelled by steam or gasolene. There is not a fishing boat that comes up from the island or along the shore that has not a gasolene engine in it, and there is consequently little trouble in running the mile or two extra to get around the island. In addition to that, the schooner trade is not as important as it was in .years gone by. The necessity for this work had been recognized, I think, for very many years past. It has been recognized by those interested in the business of the port, and the construction of the work has been urged from time to time by the Board of

Trade and other public bodies. In 1914, some time before the outbreak of the war, tenders were invited for the construction of the extension to this breakwater. The tenders were received soon after the outbreak of the war. It was stated in the House the other day that the work was not proceeded with because the Government thought the tenders too high, but that was not the case. It was not because of the price at all, if I recollect the circumstances, for the officers of the department considered the price fair and reasonable; but the work whs not gone on with, because the war having broken, out, it was thought desirable to retard construction of all public works as much as possible. Conditions to-day, however, are such that I think it is imperatively necessary that the work should be proceeded with.

Mr. HAZEN:

That is the subsidy.

Mr. HAZEN:

I have a statement from the Board of Pension Commissioners showing the amount that will be required for the year. The total amount required is $8,000,000, made us as follows:

1. Pensions already granted-

Amount paid for pensions in Canada and England for months of

April, May and June, 1917 $1,253,470

Estimate of pensions to be paid from July 1, 1917, to March 31, jgig , 3,021,637

2. New Pensions-

New pensions estimated at $1,800 per month from July 1, 1917, to March 31, 1918, at average of $400 per pension per month $2,700,000

The average of $400 per pension per month Is based on past business; 1,000 pensions for

April, 1917, working out at $450 per annum, and at the same number for May, 1917, working out at $380 (per annum.

3. Gratuities (for disability-Class 6)- Gratuities paid April, May

and June, 1917 $ 29,400

Estimates from July 1,

1917, to March 31, 1918, average $300 per month for 9 months, at $50 per

gratuity 135,000

$ 164,400

4. Estimated expenses of administering pensions-

Salaries, rentals, etc $ 470,000

The total has been put, in round figures, at $8,000,000. The amount of $2,000,000 is further required, in addition to the amount provided in the main estimates, in order to meet expenses up to March 31 next.