Legislative Assembly

sure, when he is called upon to do so will, carry out the proceedings in this Assem— bly in which both government and opposition members would expect him to do.

Our youthful Premier, the Honourable A. B. Campbell, although having many problems to resolve during the past year appears full of vim and vigor and has demonstrated that we can look forward to a very interesting Session from the gov- ernment point of view, having such a very capable young man at the helm. (Applause)

The Honourable Leader of the Opposition appears to be in good health, which I am very grateful for. He, like all of us is one year older, yet he appears to hold his youth better than most. Although he has indicated his intention to retire, I am quite sure that he intends to fire both barrels before doing so and has already made a very good start.

I would also like to congratulate the Mover of the Speech from the Throne, the senior member from Fourth Queens, for the very fine job he did. He had plenty of material to work with and certainly carried out his duty in a very inter- esting and convincing manner. I would also, Mr. Speaker, like to extend to him my congratulations on his son being appointed as Chief of the Fresh Products Division Canadian Department of Agriculture. This certainly is quite an achieve- ment and I am sure we are all very pleased to have heard this news.

As well, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Seconder in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, the junior members from Fourth Prince. Although the honourable member has only been a member of the Legislative Assembly for a short period of time he has convinced me that he has much to offer to the Assembly. He certainly deserves congratulations for the manner in which he carried out his

very important duty.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I would like to report on the activities carried out in the Department of Highways for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1968.

The year started off with tremendous snow removal problems. After a mild start, last winter turned into a series of snow storms and drifting snow, that caused many transportation worries, and used up a great deal of this year’s snow removal

budget even before 1968 ever started

Spring and summer were unusually wet and as a result road machinery was kept on maintenance much longer than usual and this of course delayed road con-

struction.

The remainder of the year however was reasonably good construction weather, and as a result, progress for the year was satisfactory.

Mr. Speaker, road building costs have been steadily increasing in recent years, due to the fact that the price of equipment has risen sharply (an average of 50% in ten years) while wages, fuel costs and repair costs have doubled in that time. Costs, as well, rose during this year, partly due to the upward revision of truck rates, and partly to improved highway standards designed to make our roads safer, especially in winter.

When we began this year’s work on provincial pavement, which averaged one mile per project in length, we found that paving plants were well distributed throughout the Province in more or less firmly fixed locations. No contractor can afford to move a plant for a one mile job, which means that the owner of the nearest plant could underbid all others. At the same time the Department would pay a higher cost than if road contruction was carried out on a negotiated basis.

In the face of this, Mr. Speaker, it was considered to be more economical to follow former practices carried out, and negotiate prices for these small jobs. We simply adopted negotiated prices paid last year, which I am sure you will agree due to rise in costs was a better deal this year.

To date we have called tenders for pavement work as follows: From Miscouche to Day’s Corner, June 2, 1967. Anderson Bridge and Approaches, August 21, 1967.

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