Thursday,_ March 14, 1968

I noticed a couple of things in his talk last night about two Liberal lawyers who had presented only those witnesses who could help the Liberal cause. I attended a couple of the sittings, but followed them very closely in the newspaper and it seems to be quoted in this Legislature as the word of everybody. I think, Sir, that it was open to everybody and all who wished to attend. There were former Cabinet Ministers, there were other members from the other side of the House who have talked long and hard about this problem over two sittings of this Legislature that I do believe could have gone before that Commission and under Oath, kissing the Bible, gives these facts to a Commission and be subjected to cross-examination. All the true facts would then lie before the Royal Commission, their side as well as this side, if you wanted to bring sides into it could have been presented. They had a lawyer there paid for by the government, representing the former administration. I believe it should have been his duty, it was his privilege at least, to call any person or persons, or delegations that he so desired to do. This was open. I think far too much political fuss has been made over this Georgetown deal. It is a problem and no doubt has created a great crisis in the financing of the provincial government.

I don’t think that using the immunity of this Legislature will help any. I would think the facts would be better placed in the proper position or places and dealt with under proper facilities.

There was one statement made by the former Minister of Fisheries about a salary being paid to Mr. Sigsworth of $33,000 in a two month period. I have been advised by the Provincial Treasurer that that amount was incorrect and it should have been $3,300 and some dollars instead of $33,000 and some hundred. Apparently it was in a six month period but the figure was $33,000 and some odd hundred dollars that was quoted. If there is a typographical error, or something like this, everybody has to stand up and brag and pick about it and this is a great big issue. What are we, children? We have to be eighteen years of age to vote now and I think that we can get on with a lot more solid, sound, down-to—earth work for the province than some of these petty things. Who cares whose opinion it is? If it is not facts I say it is irrelevant and I think that as elected members We get down to work with honesty, integrity, sincerity and do something. That is what this Legislative As- sembly is for, Sir, and then I will feel that I am doing my part if we all play it that way. (Applause)

Mr. Speaker, I presume that I am probably the last to speak on the Draft Address. The hour is getting near five-thirty, I think I have presented all that I would like to at this time. I may have something to add in the Budget Debate. I would like however, Mr. Speaker, to offer my congratulations to you in the way that you are carrying on your office this year. To all members of the House, I. hope that they will support any safety program that comes your way in your district at any time, and at all times, and not only support them but I do hope that you Will promote them. Thank you.

(Applause)

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