HWednesday, March 6, 1968

Hon. .1. Elmer Blanchard: After that nice compliment paid to me in his Throne

Speech by the member from First Queens, I have assured him of my vote if he can get me in as a delegate.

(Laughter) Frank Myers: Good enough!

Hon. J. Elmer Blanchard: But there must be some of the others waiting in the wings. The gcod Doctor from O’Leary seems to be keeping a quiet interest in things. The former Attorney—General would surely claim his right to the position and he should have a lot of things going for him. Then there is the Junior Member from Sixth Queens who quit the previous Cabinet for some unknown reason and who, I under- stand, fs trying a Rockefeller stunt in waiting for a draft from the Convention floor.

I wonder what about the former Minister of Industry, from Second Queens; what about the former Minister of Fisheries?

L. George Dewar: Lots of good men.

Hon. J. Elmer Blanchard: The “grape-vine" has it that he is the white haired boy who has been appointed to grab all the marbles. And there is my good friend from the Third District of Prince, the former Minister of Welfare and Labour. I would expect that some of these gentlemen would be asking a considerable number of questions in taking the initiative on the attack, but they are all very quiet and subdued. Perhaps some of the three defeated Cabinet Ministers are anxious to get back into the fray? Strange, too, on reflection, that the only losses suffered in the 1966 election were those three Cabinet Ministers and a real close shave for the fourth. Then, too, they may raid the Federal M.P.’s ranks, but this is poor political strategy since it will be an admission of fear of defeat in the next Federal election. At least it might solve the problem as to which one of the members would run in Hillsborough, and which one in Malpeque when the election does come. However, there must be someone on that side of the House who has sufficient leadership qualities to take over without going outside of this House. I think I have said enough.

Frank Myers: I think so.

Hon. J. Elmer Blanchard: Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear the senior member from Second Prince pay tribute to Cyrus Ching, who was born in Prince Edward

Island and passed his early years here. I would like to associate myself with his remarks.

Cyrus Ching was 91 years old when he died in Washington in December, 1967. Ching spent fifty years of his life in labour-management conciliation tasks and rose to the top Labour Management post in the United States as the Director of the United States Conciliation Services. During his life-time he held posts on the direct appointment of three United States Presidents namely, Roosevelt, Trueman and Eisen- hower. He was active until the day before his death.

The New York Times commented editorially, “His life was an adventure in harnessing something as explosive as the atom, the combative instincts of labour and management.” He received the highest praise his adopted country could give him and accolades were lavish in the press. Distinguished tributes were paid by the United States Secretary of Labour, Willard Wertz, George Meaney, the President of the A.F.L.-C.I.O., and the present Director of United States Mediation and Con- ciliation Service.

A full account of his life and career with full credit to Prince Edward Island was flashed around the world by the United States Information Office.

Ching was asked his formula for success in labour management relations. He replied with typical Island sincerity, “It was just a matter of getting along with people”. An habitual pipe smoker he was forever circled, encircled, in a cloud of smoke; he was a kind and gentle man with a keen sense of humor but he could lay things on the line and he was a natural-born mediator who could cut through complications easily.

Cyrus Ching was a great Islander and an adopted American; he serves as a

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