Friday, April 21, 1967

people of our province too, the Senior Citizens Homes. (Applause) And if there was something that was noble and as appreciated, it was the provision for the need of these people for a wonderful and necessary environment as is provided under our Senior Citizens Housing setup. Unfortunately, and I regret to say, it looks as though it is coming to an abrupt halt. We are looking forward to a program of housing which is promised by this present Government. We hope thatp it will be of value and an asset to the people who cannot afford to build homes for themselves.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I am just about finished, but there is one thing that I think that I should mention before I sit down. We all realize, since we last met in this Chamber, that changes have taken place. Former members who sat here last year, some of them are not here this year, and some who were not here last year are here this year. And those who are here this year and were here last year have changed sides in the House. Probably there is nothing wrong with this. But I often wonder. as the members of the Government face the problems and battle with them, if they do not feel like General Wolfe did when he sailed up below the Plains of Abraham and sad to himself, “The paths of glory lead but to the grave." We hope that their path of glory will not lead to the grave, but that they will continue on to do, and to develop, things in the interests of the people of Prince Edward Island. There is one thing that probably grieves me most of all, of course. It seems that the political party that can play the biggest Santa Claus to the people is the party that is most likely to form the government. The party that throws out the biggest bribes, and the party that can promise the people goody-goodies, and I am not blaming any one particular party or the other. I am blaming both, they are using the people of our country as little children instead of using them as responsible citizens in our society. Of course. little children always grow up and mature and the old Bible saying says that, “When he was a child, he spake as a child and he acted as a child and when he grew up he put away childish things.” But I believe, and I am sure that the people of this Island and of our country in general would agree, they do not want childish gimmicks in order to influence their decision at election time. They do not want to be promised a land that is flowing with milk and honey, and at the same time heading headlong into debt and bankru p.tcy They only want to know the truth and face the reality They are fed up with these elec— tion gimmicks and the party today that is going to ybe frank and honest is the party that is going to come out and promise the true opportunities of life. And as the National Anthem of ours has said, there is opportunity for all those who toil. It is a land of hope for all who toil, and I believe that, soon, governments and parties ought to realize that this is in the best interests of the people of our province and of our country. Forget about the election gimmicks. As I said before, I do not blame any particular party; I think we are all as guilty, one as the other, but I am hoping that in the future that these things will not be practised, and with those words, Mr. Speaker, I thank you.

(Applause).

Honourable T. Earle Hickey, (Fifth Prince) Provincial Secretary, and Pro- vincial Treasurer:

Mr. Speaker, in making my maiden speech as a member of this House I am very conscious of the high standards set by those who proceeded me, and I would hope that the many experienced members of this House will take into consideration my lack of experience and knowledge when passing judgment on my humble effort.

I would like to compliment you, Mr. Speaker, on your appointment to your ggsition and I am sure you realize, as the rest of us do, that from day to day it has en a tough job, but I know your wisdom and judgment will make an excellent

job of it.

I would like also to congratulate the Mover and Seconder of the Speech from the Throne. Both of them have made an excellent impression on the House and I am sure they have added a great deal to this Debate.

During the regime headed by the present Chief Justice Campbell I was an employee of the provincial government. As a matter of fact the present Leader of the Opposition, who was then Deputy Minister of Agriculture, was my boss for a time, and a fine boss he was too!

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