PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND SPEECHES OP THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY SPEAKER : HONOURABLE PROSPER ARSENAULT THIRD SESSION of the FIFTY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1968 SPEECH FROM THE THRONE Monday, February 26, 1968 Harold P. Smith (Fourth Queens): Mr. Speaker , I move seconded by the Honourable Member from Fourth Prince, Mr. Thompson , that the following: address be presented to His Honour Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Willibald J. MaeDonald , CD., Lieut¬ enant-Governor of Prince Edward Island . "May it please your Honour, we your Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects The Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island , in Session assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks, Your Honour, for the gracious speech which Your Honour has addressed to this Assembly at the opening of this Session." Mr. Speaker , I first wish to acknowledge and thank the Premier for the honour he has conferred on the District I represent, the Fourth District of Queens, by asking me to move the Address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. Of course, I must say, Sir, that Fourth Queens, the historic Belfast District is very worthy of this honour and recognition. This district was one of the first areas of the Province to be settled by the Selkirk Settlers in 1803. They were an enterprising and energetic people, who have passed this high quality of life on to many descendents who live in the district today. These people have distinguished themselves in every walk of life, both at home and abroad. They have made an import¬ ant contribution to the district and to the Province. Of course, Mr. Speaker , not all the people of my district are descendents of the Selkirk settlers, as is the case throughout the Province. People of various origins have joined in harmony to develop the Province. The people of Fourth Queens possess a friendly, sincere, honest disposition; they have shown ability to work hard, for enterprise and have prospered. Our district was highly honoured last summer when the present Earl of Selkirk visited us. His visit brought back to many people of our district recollections of stories heard from their forebears and memories of earlier days. This district also possesses many natural advantages. Good agricultural land, proximity to fishing grounds, scenic beauty, and all the attractions of rural Prince Edward Island . The word " Belfast " itself symbolizes this beauty. It is derived from the French word " Bell Face " which is translated "beautiful aspect" or "view". With so many attractions I sometimes wonder why more people do not settle in Belfast . Perhaps during this session we will be considering some ideas and policies which may be helpful for this purpose. Before I proceed, Mr. Speaker , to comment on the subjects outlined in His Honour's speech, I wish to say, Sir, that we are very happy that you are again presiding over our deliberations in this Assembly. We have admired the manner in which you have conducted yourself in this important office. You have shown firmness and fairness in all your work. I assure you, Sir, of our continued confidence and respect. May I also add that we are happy that all honourable members are back in their seats again this year, possibly with the exception of one, and we hope he will be back shortly and that no serious afflictions have befallen any of us. I am sure, Mr. Speaker , that we will all approach our duties with that responsible attitude which is demanded of us, and is expected by the people of the Province whom we represent. Mr. Speaker , our Centennial year, which we celebrated with energy and im¬ agination, has now passed and we have entered upon our second century of Confed¬ eration. Of course there will be another confederation to celebrate in 1973, a very —5—