74 TOURING QUEBEC AND THE MARITIMES

the most pleasant features of the trip, since we left To- ronto two weeks ago today, has been the social functions we have enjoyed in Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, St. John, Moncton and other places. We havehad the privilege of listening to a number of distinguished men. I rather think we have reached the high water mark in this respect in Halifax. We have learned quite incidentally that the Maritime Provinces have given to the Dominion‘a large number of able men.”

Dr. Crews then introduced Mayor Gastonquay, who bade the party an official welcome on behalf of the city of Halifax. “I welcome you,” said the Mayor, “to the oldest‘ British city in‘ Canada. You come to a land that has been associated with the Empire in times of stress and in times of peace, and especially during the late great war. We did our utmost and all that was expected of us, to help towards the great end. Although some of us were not at the front, we have suffered in the explosion. We have been, as you are aware, a military base, and also a naval base for a great number of years, so that you come to a city of tradition and history. We have been favored with a visit from the Women’s Press Association and from the Authors’ Association, and we welcomed them because we believe that the east and west will come to know each other in this way, and that this Canada of ours will thus become a better country to live in. I sincerely hope that you will enjoy your visit here, and that you will know more about this good old city by the sea than you did when you entered it.”

Sir Robert Borden was then introduced and added his words of welcome to those already spoken by the Mayor of Halifax. “Let me add,” said Sir Robert, “whatever words of welcome are necessary to the very fine welcome which has already been extended to you by the Mayor of