Mr. LAVERGNE moved:

That Bill (No. 51) respecting the Montmagny Mutual Fire Insurance Company and to change its name to the Manufacturer's Fire Insurance Company be now passed, and that the title be entered on the Order Paper as the Factories Insurance Company.

Mr. LAVERGNE.

The Minister of Finance is here.

Mr. LOUIS LAVERGNE (Drummond and Arthabaska).

(Translation.) Mr. Speaker, Mr. J. D. TAYLOR.

I wish to say a few words in regard to that question. Though I sympathize with the idea which has inspired the hon. member for South Wellington (Mr. Guthrie), I confess that I cannot agree with the motion as it is framed. Therefore, if the wording of that motion were put to the vote on its own merit, I would be obliged to vote against it, whereas I am in favour of the proposed adjournment. We know bat everything relating to education is under the jurisdiction of the local governments, and for my part I would like the authority to remain vested with those governments. I do not want the federal government to interfere later on with our education affairs.

Just now we are secure from all danger with regard to education. I am anxious to keep for my province its self-government in its integrity, and I believe that all the other provinces are anxious also to preserve their autonomy. I would not therefore let anybody infringe upon it.

We have heard so much talk about the question of separate schools that we should not desire that matter to be brought up again. Our system is perfectly good, and 1 confess that I am against that motion if it is intended to deprive us of our rights with regard to education. If, on the contrary, the question is for the federal government to interfere only m order to give moneys with a view to assist provinces in the establishment of technical schools, I shall approve the motion, provided the moneys be given to the provincial governments and they have the right to control the appropriation of the funds and to manage them as they think proper, but not otherwise.

I think this motion is actually dangerous, because if it were adopted we in favour of separate schools would find ourselves, later on, in a very bad position.

As I have already said, if I were obliged to vote on the merits of this proposition, I would vote against it. But as the question is on the adjournment of the debate, I am in favour of this latter motion.

Mr. LAVERGNE.

This is in the county of Champlain. I am sorry the hon. member for Champlain (Mr. Blondin) is not here because I know he would defend the work if he were present. There are large saw-mills located upon the river and boats go into the river to get lumber.

Mr. LAVERGNE.

Yes there is one at Ste. Genevieve and one at the mouth of the river Batiscan.

Riviere Bonaventure-training pier, $4,500.