‘ _Legislative Assembly 7

Hon. George J. Ferguson: I think you’re quite correct, Sir. During the past year, Mr. Speaker, when I was in hospital, Mr. George MacKay was appoint- ed Executive Assistant to the Dept. of Highways and I must say that he carried out his duties in a very capable manner as I’m sure you’re all aware that only he could do. He has a terrific personality, meets the people well and I’m sure the fact that he was there made my stay in hospital more enjoyable knowing that I had someone who was so available and so capable to meet the public and certainly I feel that it is a pleasure for me to express in this Assembly how much I appreciate his efforts and certainly in the manner in which he carried out his work.

L. George Dewar: Who’s this, Mr. Minister? Hon. George J. Ferguson: Mr. George MacKay. Walter R. Shaw: Was he the Acting Minister?

Hon. George J. Ferguson: He was appointed Executive Assistant while I was in hospital.

Walter R. Shaw: Oh, yes. I see. Who was the Minister at that time? \Vho was acting?

Hon. George J. Ferguson: The Honourable Keir Clark. Walter R. Shaw: 0h, was he there any time at all? Hon. George J. Ferguson: Oh, yes.

Walter R. Shaw: Mr. MacKay was doing that —

Hon. George J. Ferguson: . . . . as well and this is something that I almost neglected to do, for carrying on for me while I was away and he did very well in- deed. Mr. Speaker, during the past fiscal year the Health Dept. wing of the newly constructed Provincial Office building on Kent Street was occupied in De- cember thus signifying substantial completion of the contract. A group of temporary buildings was erected at the Provincial Vocational School, Malpeque Road to pro- vide much needed expansion room. Many alterations and improvements to vari- ous buildings have been added during the year as well as extensive improvements by maintenance crews. The Fire Marshal, in his report, said there were 68 fewer fires in the Province than in the previous year and deaths by fire dropped from thirteen to four. Fire losses totalled $886,000 of which $640,000 was covered by insurance. The number of fires 358. A new rural fire fighting assistance plan was implemented through the Dept. of Municipal Affairs and met with high ap— proval in most of our thirty—two fire brigades. Under this plan ten fire brigades had taken advantage of capital assistance grants in the purchasing of new trucks and four in the building of new fire halls. Aswell, all brigades that qualify will receive 25% of their operating expenditures. Mr. Speaker, the work load has been steadily increasing in the Public Works and Highways over the past few years and it has been decided to separate the Departments and 1 would like to mention to the Members of the Assembly that Mr. John Gilmore, who has been chief engineer for the past four years has been appointed Deputy Minister of Public Works. Now, during the year, in closing I might say this, during the year I attended the Canadian Good Roads Convention and Dr. Gordon Shrum, Chancellor of Simon-Fraser University and Co-Chairman of the British Columbia iHydro addressed the conven- tion and these are part of his remarks. He stated that the first country to abolish the motor car will be the healthiest, happiest and wealthiest in the world and the automobile will disappear from all countries before the end of the next century. Dr. Shrum said there is no such thing as an unlimited resource and that world supplies of gas and oil would disappear in the 2lst century. Pollution and ever in- creasing accident rates and the need for land to produce food would contribute to the demise of cars and highways, he said. He predicted that highways already in existance would be used then for recreation and as landing strips for aircraft. Something to think about, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much. (Applause)

Walter R. Shaw: I would like to congratulate the Minister on the very fine statement he’s made and I congratulate him particularly on this fact that this

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