Legislative Assembly

I am sure that all our members in this House are not unmindful of the great part the First District of Kings played in the formation of this government. You will recall, Mr. Speaker, that I paid tribute at our session last fall to my prede- cessor, the late William Acorn. Mr. Acorn’s untimely passing, of course, necessitated a deferred election.

My people were called upon to make a decision, a decision to elect a govern ment. The people met that challenge, returning “Dauntless Dan" MacDonald. (Hear, Hear) to the Legislature and sending me here for the first time. (Hear, hear) (Ap- fil‘ause). Since that time another title has been conferred and now my colleagues is

own as the Honourable “Dauntless Dan". (Applause) He is recognized by auth- ority that can’t be disputed as one of the best ministers of agriculture this province has produced. (Applause).

Mr. Speaker, allow me at this time to congratulate you on being elevated to the high position which you hold. As I witnessed your induction at the special ses- sion of the Legislature last fall, I was exceedingly proud. Proud that your many years of service have been recognized, proud that your ability has been recognized: but there was another reason, Mr. Speaker. I was, and am, exceedingly proud of the part that French Acadians have contributed, and are indeed still contributing to our Island. You know, Honourable Sir, that I have my home in a town settled by your forefathers. For many years these hardy fishermen from France fished the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, sought shelter and dried their fish, and returned home each fall with their summer’s catch. One summer, as the boats arrived in Souris, arrived at our Harbour, the crews noticed great numbers of drowned mice floating on the tide, inspiring one Frenchman to exclaim, “souris”, which of course is the French for mouse. Needless to say, since that time the name has stuck, and since that day in 1744, some two hundred and twenty-three years ago, our port has been called Souris Harbour. As years went by these dauntless men brought their families withdthem, and eventually cleared the forest, back from the very edge of the clam mea ows.

I am sure that they had great visions of the fisheries potential at this port. Indeed I am happy to relate, not only to you, Sir, but to this House, and to all this Island that industry has been expanded at our port. How happy they would be if onb they could know that this great new phase of the fisheries has been developed by none other than Eastern Fisheries Limited, composed entirely of descendants of your forefathers, and let it be said that all may know that this operation has been out- standingly successful. Indeed, it is an example of what can be done by Islanders. Although in excess of ten million pounds of fish were landed at Eastern Fishers by the dragger fleet and processed, providing employment for hundreds in our area, they are not resting on their laurels, they intend to expand their operations both on land and at sea, bringing new dollars to our Island economy. Is it any wonder, Mr. Speaker, we are proud of the French heritage of this Island Province.

M. le Président de l’Assemblée Legislative. A cette occasion, je veux vous feliciter ainsi que le Ministre du Travail, l’Honorable J. Elma- Blanchard. Vos nominations aux postes d’importance dans ce chambre et dans le Conseil, rends temoignage et honneur aux descendants Acadien de notre province. Je vous donne mes meilleurs souhaits. Je sais que vous servires votre province avec honneur et distinction.

( Applause) .

Mr. Speaker, Dan and I are proud of the people of First Kings, proud of our relationship with our forefathers. Gentlemen, one of our most highly respected citizens of Souris is none other than Mrs. Wilfred Wright, granddaughter of Col. John Hamilton Gray, who was also Premier from 1863 to 1865, and one of the Fathers of Confederation. You in this City of Charlottetown have recently appointed as your Post-master, Mr. W. A. Wright, great grandson of this eminent gentlemen. Also the new Col. Gray School is called after him and so will be the new car-ferry.

During the past year further honour has been brought to Mrs. Adele Townshenl, a playwright, in having another of her plays, “Whistle in the Wind”, presented It

_4_