March 16,_ 1967

Mr. Speaker, when I adjourned the meeting last night I was dealing with the character of the Address.

We were talking about the omnibus address that was delivered in this House a day or two ago, and on the appointment of the Premier’s Cabinet. A strange ap- pointment, and I emphasize in doing so that I have nothing personal against any member of the Cabinet, or against the Premier, because I have always had a great deal of respect for these men individually, although I may criticize the activities for which they are responsible. I got as far as Charlottetown on the last occasion, and I mentioned that the Premier had appointed them like the prophets of old, two by two. In the First District of Prince, two down in Summerside, and then he had two in Charlottetown, and then he went on to the Third District of Queens — he didn’t ‘ have two in there — but they had a man in there that was in the political life of the { province for a long time. He has carried on a great number of rear-guard actions on behalf of the Liberal Party but I was rather amazed at the Premier, who, during the election campaign, emphasized youth so strongly went out and selected the cen- tenarian of his troop and he gave him three portfolios. What an amazing thing! Fisheries, Industry and Natural Resources. As a matter of fact, some nasty people say he is associated with a lot of other things. It has been suggested that a “Star- Chamber” of the Liberal Party is being set up and this crippled Minister has a good deal to do in matters of political executions held of innocent Conservatives who may have been in the employ of the government. Be that as it may, he has been picked for a large number of important honours which I feel are almost too much for a man of his years. However, we wish him well. Down in Belfast, a surprising thing, where he had two wonderful men. One was a fisherman and a farmer, and the other was a farmer who he had delivered some good constructive addresses in this House. We thought Belfast should get one of these portfolios, but no, Sir! That wasn’t to be. Somehow or other the lintels of the doors were sprinkled with the essence of un- suitability and a “Political Passover” took place. Where did they land? Two more down in Murray Harbour. Then they thought that perhaps the two down there would be lonesome and they added another fellow down there to keep them company, the Honourable Minister of Public Works. Well, I say this for those fellows: they haven’t made too much noise this summer because they sort of faded into the mists of Murray Harbour and they watched the rape of Georgetown and the destruction of industrial development in this Province without opening their mouths or saying one word. We will deal with that one later, too. And then they took another tre- mendous leap and down they went to Souris. Here’s my friend here, the new man. Oh, I am watching him, I have him under my scrutiny all the time. Well they couldn't very well appoint two from down there, but there were two expectant people there. As the Scripture tells us. . . .

Some Member: Still down there too.

Walter R. Shaw: “In the days of tribulation, two men shall be working in the fields, one shall be taken and the other left." And so here the new “Agricola" of the government was selected and I think he is a pretty good fellow. (A plause) I hope he is going to do a good job on those potatoes that I am talking a tit. Being as this is a stormy night perhaps he might, along with the Premier, have closer contact with the Honourable Minister from Ottawa. But the one that was left was very disappointed indeed; at least that's what they tell me in Souris. And he looks off in sadness to the site of the new park down there of which one of his fellow members from Kings County said, “It is an impossibility; you are not going to get it.” Also, he new golf course, which was promised for First Kings, has now been located for e convenience of the Minister of Golf Courses, right next to the empty, gloomy orridors of the industrial complex that was locked up by this Government, firing in

e rocess three or four hundred people. So that is the group, that is the group of Cabsiet members, and, may I say again, I think that they are nice fellows if we could just keep them on the job.

L. George Dewar: Four of them take the place of the former Minister.

Walter R. Shaw: Yes, that’s right. Most amazing thing! Why the Premier made a selection on that basis is very difficult for me to understand. Now, the Mover and Seconder of the Speech from the Throne. I don’t believe I really eon- gratulated you yesterday; I was impressed with your speech, that is, your biogra-

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