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237 8
. I' ~OUSB OF ASSEMBLY,
March 7th., 1917•
i, .•. . I
1191, MB, §HI.JI tabled regulationsa
l. Made under the Agriculture and
Marketing Act.
2. Made under the Gasoline Licensing Aot.
Both by the Boa1·d ot Public Utilities.
PIUlilER STANFIELD• Pursuant to notice tabled, I hereby move,
seconded by the hon. Provincial Secretary, that the Public
Aooount1 ot the Province or Nova Scotia tor the 12 months ti_scal year ended March 31, 1956, be referred to the
·,
standing committee or the House on Public Accounts.
So referred.
Ppbliq Billp tor Second Readi RI•
Bill 1, -- To amend the Con1tabl11 Aot. (Chapter lt-8, 19~)
HOR, KR, PQNAHQI • . Mr. Speaker, I move that this bill be now
read a second time, and I think that the explanatory n~te
appended is so clear that little explanation is needed.
It•a doing away with a provisibn that at one time might
baYe been considered u1eru1, but that through the years
baa been more honored in the breach than in the observanoem
and it is felt that bo useful purpose can be served by
oontinuing the requirement a, part or th.e statute, which
ia beinc .. ended aooordingly.
Reterred to Lav Allendmenta Committee.
r
" '
237 T Ma.rob ·7th., 19J7 •.
B11J, 12 -- The Bduoat1on ot the Deat Act.
THE PRBMIER • I move the second reading or this bill.
The etteot is to increase the grant to the School tor
the Blind -- School tor the Deat, rather -- trom $4;o. a year to 1;50. a year.
Referred to Law Amendments Committss.
Bill 1§ -- The Bduoa tion or the Blind Act.~·
THB PREMIER • I aove the second reading or this bill which
will increase the grant to the School tor the Blint trom
l't-~O. to $600. a year, making the total payment to the
School tor the Bl.ind --or increasing the total payment
according to the aex or the pupil from 8900. to 81,200
a year.
HB, IUCIS• Mr. Speaker, where does the other portion ot
the increase come trom.
BOMB BPI, MEMBBRS • Inaudible remarka,
Kr, BICKBa
(
The history has been that the aun1c1palit1ee
paid an equal a1110UDt. lly question was intended to clarity'
the section -- as to whether, in raising the provincial
ooatr1but1on we were also raisins the municipal contribution?
DI PREMIER• I'm not sur•• I wouldn't like to mislead 111 hon.
friend. I Id better oheok t bat to •ke ,certain, and meanwhile
let t b.e matter stand.
KB, llIQUa Well, then, the previous aot ought to stand, too.
W1 thout the aot in tront ot me, I oan 't tell, bu.t I would '
think t b.at it would be neoe1aar1 to amend aore than one '
1eot100 to have that • rreot'.J
' . 237 U
Maroh 7th., 19;7.
Both bills ordered to stand.
1111 2Q -- To amend !he Housing and Rentals Act.
HON, MR, LBVY1 I move the 1eoond readl.us or this bill, wh1oh.
extends the lite or certain provisions tor another year.
Referred to Law .Amendments Committss.
Bill 21 -- To amend The Village Service Aot.
HQI, MR. LBVYa . I move the seoohd raadin1 ot this bill.
Clause One makes a· .correction.
Clause Two authorises a village commission to
engage in garbage collection and disposal.
Clauses 3,J+ and ; require no explanation.
Clause Six enables a village commiss~on to
borrow trom banks pending issue or debentures, aa is now authorized tor towns.
Beterred to Law Amendments Committee.
PBIH4P §TAHFIELJ21
,,
Hr. Speaker, I aove tb.e i-esuaption ot the
debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech trom the Throne.
Carried.
\1 Ike 8p1u1t• The hon. aember tor DigbTJ C Applause).
I ,
- 238 -
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY,
March 7th, 1957. ,.
MR, MALCOLM s. LEONARD (PC) DIGBY:
Digby. i~. Speaker; The honourable member from
(Applause.)
Mr. Speaker, in rising to participate in
the debate on the address in reply to His Honour's
speech, I wish first of all to add my words of con
gratulation to yourself upon your elevation to your high office. I am mindful of the fact that you
represent a constituency which has long been famous,
and has been made more so in recent years by the
excellent literary work of that great Nova Scotian
author, Dr. Thomas Raddall. (hear, hea~ and applause.)
I am minded also that your constituency has
in the past sent many distinguished representatives
to this House, and that you yourself, Sir, are follow
ing in a line of worthy predecessors. (Applause.)
For a number of years you have practised in the honor
able profession of law on the South Shore of this
Province, where you have enjoyed an excellent stand
ing not only with the public but also with the profes sion to which you belong.
You have become regarded as a lawyer of
.)
,
great integrity and ability, and as a gentleman of
the first deP.;ree. (Hearl hear?) I am satisfied
that during. your term of office that you do·nonour
not only to yourself, but also to the entire province.
I wish further to add my words of congrat
ulations t0 the Mover and Seconder of the Address in .. f , I
'••ply to the Speech from the Throne. Both of the
- 239 -
lWJarch 7th, 1957.
MR. LEONARD - cont'di
;-:.,1 - .
members gave 1.. concise and crisply delivered speeches
containing material of a very high degree.
To you, the Honourable Leader of the Oppos
ition, I wish to say that we both were born in the
same part of the Annapolis Valley. I like to look upon the Honourable Leader of the Opposition as one
of my friends, and I feel confident that in the years
to come •.•••••••••••••
Continued on next page,
,f;
' 'I
, I
I I
- 240 - l{arch 7th 1957.
that he will conduct himself in his high office as
Leader of the Opposition in keeping with the high
stand~rd set for him by his predecessors •• (Heart Hear t)
To the honourable leader of the CCF Party, . I wish to say, fv1r. ,J}x:!aker, I was greatly impres~ed
with the contribution he has made to this debate. It
is apparent that he is a conscientious man .• (Applause).
I would be very remiss in my duties, Mr.
Jpeaker, if I did not congratulate the Honourable, the
rremier, upon the formation of his government and in
choosing ben tlemen of a very high order • • ( :~ear t Hear t ) I feel tha~ the very realistic manner in
which theJ have apµroached public problems is living proof
that we in ~ova 3cotia are entering upon a bright now era •• (Applau.se).
If I W3re making predictions, I would say that
as future generations come and go, as future history
ia written, the Honourable ;~ remier1 s rood work and
good name will occupy a very prominent place in ~heir history •• (Applause).
T!ds cood name and good work llill be extolled
through the len~th of this province, down through future genera~ions • • ( Hear i Hear ~)
To my honourable friends opposite I wish to
say that we in the back benches are very happy \d th our
tovernment • • ( Hear t Hear t) • v:e think that the Honour
able Premier has made' excellent choices in re6ard to the
Cabinet of this House •• (Heart Heart and applause).
I will say this, that I may only have an
:I
- 241 -
harch 7th 1957.
Mn. LlONrtRD cont'd : ------ example in this House •• ·(Applause).
Let me say this that I feel my sentiments are
very close to t hoae of the back benctiers when I say
that any word emanating for the opposition ranks •..
that may be construed as intended to divide will fall
here on deaf ears •• (Applause).
I•.r, Speaker, I have the honour of represent
ing the constituency of the :1ectoral district of Digby.
· This constituency is internationally famous for its
beauty • • ( Hear ~ Hear t ) .• • and the waters bounding
its beautiful coastline, its rivers, its hills and its·
lakes - it is, I think, a most beautiful constituency,
and a beautiful town.
I like to think that when Champlain entered
the Annapolis Basin and likened the scenery they beheld .:,
to a "mirror set in emerald" that he was thinking
particu.la rly of t he placid waters of the Annapolis Basin
from Jear Hiver, now the Svitzerland of r ova Scotia to the wooded shore of Digby, crowned in varied shades of green.
Durin~ the years that have passed since, al
though much may have altered there along the shore, it
has not in any way detracted from the view.
It is little wonder to me that Admiral Digby
and his followers saw fit to settle alone the shores of
what is now the town of Digby, and it is equally of little
wonder that it ~alled for the loyal Acadian people when
they made their long trek back to Nova .icotia to set · le
in the town of Digby and the region of ...,t. r":ary' s Bay.
In my constituency, we have a fine, hospitable, energetic set of people. lte have people of pure 11cadian
r
·• 242
March 7th, 1957,
f:m •· LEONARD - Cont'd ;
descent, people of An~lo-Saxon descent, and finally
people representating an admixture of the two. I
would be remiss if I did not mention that we have a
fine colored settlemnt at Feymouth Falls of people
who have been there for generations and who are
numbered among our solid citizens.
Big business, as the term is commonly
understood, is unknown in the Digby constituency. ,.
The people of Digby Neck and islands are inshore
fishermen and have been for generations. Their
future and their security rests upon the preservation
and perpetuation of the inshor fishing industry. In
past years, their livelihood has been threatened by
foreign trawlers entering within the three mile limit
and sometimes nearer short. Now, Mr. Speaker, here
if I may pay tribute to our Federal Representative,
hr. George c. Nowlan, (Applause) who in the House 0£
Commons for years has carried on a very arduous fight
to have_ an international fishing treaty whereby foreign
trawlers cannot fish within less than twelve miles from
our Atlantic shores.
Now, 1ir, I was very pleased to read in the
,.__.~.m-"'•···l)resa yesterday, that that matter is now being put I , .
before the United Nations by the govern~ent of Canada
and I also wish to pay tribute to the sane g~ntleman
tor his work in ·securing many, many public works - . ' I
break-waters and other public works beneficial to the
fishermen of that area. 1
I I
•
• 243 -
March 7th, 19S7.
tffl. LEONARO - cggt'd;
In the town of Digby, there is no large
industry. ~~ did have a fairly large industry
under the name of H. T. l•:arne Limited employing ap
proximately JOO men. It put in circulation in an
average month for labor and raw materials from forty
to fifty thousand dollars every month. An industry
of that type and size though you can well understand
is a vital concern to that whole area.
Last Year, during our bumper month of August,
this industry unfortunately went into voluntary liquid
ation, and it has not been settled as yet.
You will see by today's edition of the Halifax
Chronicle~Herald that a delegation representating the
Doard of Trade of the town of Digb? plans to call on
the Honourable tlinister of Industry; The obvious
purpose is that these citizens, vitally interested as
we all are in the restoaation of that industry and its
threatened 9isposition, · and realizing that while the
liquidation from a legal standpoint, is a matter of'
precedent, yet the public must have a vital interest
as to whether or not that industry is to keep going and
the purpose of the de Lega.t Lon will be to ask the govern
ment for its advice and counsel from the point of view
of the province as to whether assistance can be given.
I feel sure that the honourable minister will meet that
delegation and give them all the assistance that he is
able to do. I I
- 244 -
March 7th, 1957.
MR. LEONARD - cont'd;
I want also to pay tribute to an industry
that has been established in the Weymouth area in re
cent years. This industry is Weymouth Industries Li
mited. They manufacture a very good grade of furni
ture and in addition in the last year or two they
have been manufacturing a non-conventional type of
pleasure boat for sale on the American market.
This is a sort of revolutionary type of
boat in great demand in the United States today, and
for which this industry deserves great credit.
During recent weoks, the special edition
of "Tide and Surf", each featured as the "Boat of The
Month", a boat produced by Weymouth Industries Lim:fmd.
(Applause and thumping).
This illustration, Mr. 3peaker, is proof
that by the employment of sound ideas and native
~kills, that industry can progress, and·can make its way in Nova Scotia.
We also have other industries in our con-
stituency. 11rming is a very important industry, al
though, unfortunately the number of farmers continues I
to diminish.
I would also mention that the naval base at
Cornwallis, situated in Annapolis West, about 11 miles
from Digby, is also of great value to us, with the
employment of approximately 150 civilian personnel,
earning the money which is put into circulation in that area.
"'' .. - 245 -
March 7th, 1957.
MR. tEONARD - cont'd;
A great many people now in the area carry
on a certain amount of lumbering. Unfortunately
privately owned stands of timber are becoming scarcer
and scarcer. The production and export of pulp-wood
and pit-props has for years been a source of revenue
not onl,y to the farmers and operators but also to labor.
It is, however, regrettable that in the years when the
wood was plentiful the government did not see fit to
establish an industry that would manufacture it int,o
finished products.
In dealing with our highways - and I don't
know, Mr. Spe~ker - how far I should go - I feel
rather timid - after all the requests that have been
made - but I presume th«:t t the Honourable Minister of
Highways will have something left for Digby County.
But, I want to point out first of all, that
we have a ferry connecting the mainland of Digby Neck
wi t·h Long Island, and a ferry connecting Long Island
with Brier Island, and while I have advocated for years
that these ferries are part and parcel of our highways
system and should be eventually free to the travelling
public, nevertheless I want .co extend thanks on turhalf
of my constituency for having made fares for passen
gers travelling in motor vehicles free to the people
of these islands. ( Desk thumping. )
This will be of great benefit to the people
of these islands, first because before these steps were:
taken, a motor vehicle owner, carrying four other pas
eengers, travelling across these two ferries, paid a I I
... ·, ....
. - 246 -
~'"arch 7th, 1957.
·l\rtt. · LEOMARD - cont 'g_;
total in ferry charges of six dollars. Now with. the
abolition of passenger tolls, he pays two dollars. -
a saving of 66 2/3%, (Applause.)
On Long Island, there is a road which is a
continuation of the main highway on Digby Neck and
this road, Mr. Speaker, is urgently in need of pre
paration for paving and subsequent paving. The
people on these islands aro fishermen and this road
is the only avenue by which they can get their fish
to market in the winter. .. great deal of 'money has
been spent in recent years in gravelling this road
but it has not improved. The only solution, I am
satisfied, is a paved road.
I would also like to say that the eooncmy
of our area depends to a great extent upon the pro
vision of an adequate and proper system of highways
suitable for year round travel. Now our constituency
is compact - it is not very large - the roads that
require to be paved are not extensive. Nevertlieless,
these roads require to be used throughout the year,
not only by the farmers and lumbermen and people tra
velling to and from markets - but with almost complete
consolidation of our schools at the present time in the
···-""Municipality of Digby ,1 there is travel transporting
'the children to and from school daily, and the paving
of theee·roads would be of material benefit to us all
economically as well as adding to our comfort.
, I I I
/..
- 247 - '
Mal'.'ch 7th, 1957.
j
I feel that there should be a paved high
·W•y leading from North Range to the heart of the
farming country through Hill :arove, and connecting
with another paved road from Barton to Maxwelton,
should be paved, and to the West. And when that is
done - and I hope Mr. Speaker, that it will be done
during this term of office - I can assure you that
this will be of great material benefit to our con stituency.
If
I am very gratified to know that the
bridge at the Grand Joggin is to be rebuilt this
sum.mer. The bridge has been there for many years and
has been a hazard for several years. It is wide enough
only for a single car, and that section of the high
way, as you know, Mr. Speaker, is very·extensively travelled,
Another subject which I would like the
honourable Minister of Highways to th~nk about_is the
dangerous condition of the Victoria Bridge crossing
the Bear River. This bridge was built. many years ago
before motor vehicle travel was ever considered. A I
fine bridge to accommodate the horse and buggy, but
this bridge is by no means safe for modern traffic,
The approaches to t hi~ bridge are very
curved and hilly, and represent a very dangerous
situation, all through the year, particularly in the wintertime.
I would suggest to the honourable Minister
ot highways, th.at his engineering staff look into the I possibility of construction of a new bridge from the
1
- 248 -
March 7th, 1957.
MB, LEONARD - 9ont1d:
area of Bear River Station directly across the mouth
ot the Bear River where the Colonial Armj Hotel now
.ia situated. This would mean a perfectly straight
road from Smith's Cove to Deep Brook, and would eli
minate a great deal of the hazards on that present highway.
Now, Mr. Speaker, I wish to speak very
briefly on the matter of my personal views on the
education position. I want to assure you that my
views are my own. I am reminded that this is Ed
ucation Week, and I would remind you, Sir, that I
am in favour o~ every boy and girl in this country
having an equal opportunity to receive an education.
(Prolonged Applause). I think my own record justifies that statement.
In my early years, it was my pleasure and
good fortune to be able to finance my own way through
two universities, and also to teach in schools when I
was 16 years of age, and later in town schools. I
reel that all these schools have a place in society
and I have learned to evaluate them and give them the
proper respect which is due. I know that Nova Scotia
has made many great contributions to the cause of
education but I am sure that we have educated many
people who have gone to the· rest of Canada and to the
United States in the past. But I am mindful of the fact I
also that the emphasis in those days, the emphasis' in
t_he past and the emphasis today, should be on the qual
ity of instructi,on first, rather on the size or luxury I
of our school b~ildings.
- 24,9 -
March 7th, 1957,
.g, l«IPNARD··- oont'd;
I believe in principle in the idea of con
solidation. I think the consolidation of the High School
grades is an excellent thing. I have always taken that
view. I believe that our High School students should
r,oeive the best education the public are willing to give them.
As for the pupils in the grades - £rom
Grade 1 to Grade 7, I think we should be more cautious.
I think the sensible rule to follow there is this, that
where consolidation is necessary and where it is neces
sary and economical, and the people are in favour 0£ it,
then there should be consolidation.
Where it is not economical and where it ·is
not practical, and where a reasonable alternative is
available, where the people are not in f'avour of it - -,
that consolidation should not be £orced upon the
people of any municipality.
In dealing with the curriculum, I believe
the curriculum in the schools to-day is good. I have
children of my own e,:,ing to school, and I have taken ·
an interest in their studies throughout the year,
and I am satisfied that the curriculum sets a very high and good standard.
...
I I
.. 250
March ?th1 19S7.
MB• U)N4hD - gont'd.
There is only one suggestion, Lr. Speaker, l hevo to make and thit is this:
At the prosent timo school children travel
to school at the age of five years. They require to
spend one year in primor and one year in Grado l. I don't think that thst is necessary.
It means that in the normal courso of events the child will reach Grade 12 at the age of 18. If,
on the oth~r hand ha or she were allowed to take primer
and Gr~de 1 - in one year - a child would finish Grade 12 at seventeGn.
hnother problem is that it means, if thoy
are going on to college. they are gettin6 through
college one yof'r later ·thBn they ought. (Applause).
lv!ore than that , it adds one more classroom by keeping the kinder~arten pupils one year, and adds
to the expense of education.
I feel the.t the honourable the Minister of', .. Education should seriously consider the need to revert
to the old system of allowing pupils starting out at
age five to spend one half of the year in pr~mer and the last half in Gradel.
I tl!ink most of us bore did that-I don't
think we have naed to feel any inferiority complex about our education. (Applause) •
.. l• I , .
.. · 251 -
March 7th, l9S7.
Now, i:ir. -peaker , I Wish to speak on the deer population. (Applauso).
I am reminded that over half a centruy ago Major Daley and his son from Digby - and a great many good things come from Digby - imported a few deer and
turned them loose in the Lake Joli area. That was the
beginning of our present deer herd. That herd in
creased until early in the 1930's - the government
found it wise to open the season on deer. The herd
apparently continued to increase until some years
after the Second ~iorld war.
The number of hunters during the war years
was not great because so many men wei-o in service or
so many were employed. But after the war the number
of hunters increased, and today there is a great con
troversy as to whether or not the deer are scarce.
The ·position taken by servants in the De
partment of Lands and Forests, is that they are so
plentiful that they are in danger of starving.
\o1ell, Mr. opaaker-, I have the great est
admiration and respect for Civil Servants, but may
I eay, respectfully - that the que~tion that always
, I
. I
... 252 -
March 7th, 1957 •
. . '········· •• ,,.,., l'!' ·• •
. occurs to me is: ·~iho ie an expert? ·wijhat qualifies
one to be an expert?
In this case I rather think that the real
'·' ·experts are tha men who 11 ve in the woods the 6reater part of the year. , ( HeE4rl Heart and desk pounding).
And I say, without fear of contradiction, that the
majority of these - trappers and guides and woods
men who know whereof they speak - have great fears
about the preservation pf our deer population, and
I might eay of our sporting industry.
The guides to whom I have spoken are very
aeriously alarmed over the eituation in the province.
Deer are getting scarcer every year. I have gone
into the woods with experienced 6-uides and helpers,
and I took time to sit down and talk the situation
over, and gentlemen, these men are very seriously
alarmed.
I I
- 25.3 -
March 7th, 1957.
Mh. L4)NARp - cont'd!
I Wt..s pl\Jasod to seo in today's issue of the
Chronicle-Herald, a picture of Joe hogers and a r€port
of an interview on the subject. Joe Rogers is a guide
from Lake KedJemakoogee, .a man w~o knows what he's
talking about, a man who has ev~ry interest in keeping
the deer season healthy to the extent that there will
be a continuing opportunity to have deer.
And l'iir. l~oger s shares the alarm and I think
voices the opinion of the guides, hunters &nd woodsmen
·ot this province when he says that tho deer situation
is reaching the dan6cr point.
It is all very well to form theoretical op
inions that because 40 or 50 thousand deer were ~hot
last yoar, they must be plentiful. To me, Mr. Speaker,
that doesn't mean a thing except for the .fact th&t 40 · or 50 thousand more doer were killed.
In 1937 the last opon season on moose - in
that year lOJO moose were reported killed in Nova Scotia.
In the preVious year , in 1936, t hor s were only 922 'kill
ed, and therefore you could argue by statistics that
moose were more plentiful in 1937 than tbey wer e in 1936.
The fact of the matter· remains that after the
season closed and in the year that followed, it was
found that the moose had been'practically exterminated. (Applause).
,, .·•. {• .1,
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n, • ,) 'l ..............
! .....
l,:.-·:.r
- 254 -
I~Iarch 7th, 1957.
Mh~ L~ONARD - cont'd:
Now I will call on the ·Minister of Lands
and Forests, l'ir. Spe ake r , to take heed of this situ
ation before it 'is too late.
A sport, or business, or whatever you wish
to call it, that provides 60,000 or thereabout, with~
a means of variation is big business.
It means recreation for so me people, and
' for some ,t>eople their only means of making a li vli
hood during the :tall season.
Anything that can be done to help the deer
situation in this province should be done. The num
ber of hunters from outside the province are the
source of great income for guides, and woodsmen
throughout the province.
I say we are in danger of losing our deer
herd, and losing with it one of our most valuable re
sources. I would suggest that if the Minister of Lands
and li·orests is not as yet prepared to bring legislation
changing the Lands and Forests Act to restrict the
deer kill to one buck for a matter of two or three
• years, that aom~thing definite should be done •
. And if the ~;ovdrnment is not convinced by
the opinions of experienced ~uides and woodsmen, by
all means let them -without delay appoint a Commission
tQ conduct he~rings throu6hout the province to call I
as witnesses men who can be regarded as experts.
Now 1·:r. 5peaker, I wish to thank you and the
~embers of this House for giving me so courteous a
hearing. (Prolonged applause).
- 255 -
March 7th, 1957,
MR,· fliTEH ~1. NICHOLSON - (L)
ANNAPOLIS WEST
Mr. Speaker, I feel that. I ought at once to
compliment my learned and honourable friend from Digby
for the fine speech which ho has just concluded. I
should not like, however, for anyone to run away with
the idea that Digby is the only beauty spot in the west
ern counties. It must be remembered that before Admiral
Digby was ever heard of, the discerning and adventuresome
Champlain and his associates, Lescarbot and H~bert, sailed
into Digby Gut and we.can presume that they looked into
tne west and not Digby, then turned the1r boats ·to the
east and came up and founded Port Royal in the constit
uency which is now Annapolis West, the oldest established
settlement in British North America. (applause)
At the outset I should like to emulate the
excellent example set by previous speakers on both sides
of the House in congratulating you upon your appointment
to the high office of Speaker of this Assembly. Others
have referred to the fine reputation you earned here
during former Sessions. The good repute in which you
are held in this connection has been well earned, I am
sure. But my mind goes back to earlier days when we
were fellow students in the great Law School of Dalhousie
University, and I am able to assure the Honourable
Members of this House that there you also earned a re
putation for fairness, courtesy and industry. It is our
good fortune, Sir, to be answerable here to a man of
your calibre.
May I also compliment the mover and seconder I
· of the 'Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne,
and the previous speakers in this Debate whose style
and substance has, I am sure, lived up to the high I
' traditions of this Assembly. I,
.¥ \}¥:
! 1.;·.· !! :i .. ;,
- 256 -
March 7th, 1957.
tm. NICHOLSON - ·cont'd:
May I also add a word of congratulation to The
Honourable the Premier upon his elevation to. that hf.gh'
office. He will at all times, I am sure, strive to sup
press pure partisanship in favour _of the common ~ood.
In this connection, however, I was rather puzzled over
· the remarks of The Honourable the Premier on Monday last
when he said; and I quote from page 109 of Hansard:
"Now the third general problem has been
our endeavour to create a good public
~ervice with a good morale. Our aim has
been to achieve a change of governm~nt
without disruption of government services.
I --- remind the Legislature that the
only grDund, except inefficiency, upon
which full-time employees of the govern
ment have been dismissed, the only
ground has been political activity in
the last election."
Two questions immediate.ly came to my mind: First, re
calling other remarks of the Premier to the effect that
the Department of Highways was being and would be oper
ated by the Minister and his staff and not by "field
men", I wondeFed who in that Department determined what
constituted political activity and who decided upon the
...
" .
L guilt of the individuals who were relieved of their
positions. Surely this information and these decisions
must have come from sources closely connected with the
grass roots of political life in the various constit
uencies throughout tne Province.
Secondly, I was at a loss to see the logic in
relieving people of their jobs because of political
activity because tuos e who replaced them, certainly in I
my cdnstituency, were people who were extremely active.
politically in October last, anct indeed were no doubt
257 -
. March 7th, 1957.
lv.iR. NICHOLSON - cont'd:
appointed to their positions by the present government
as a reward for and in recognition of such activity. I
suppose they are now sad and sorry to learn that their
political days are over. 11,,,. :~
.1 .. i,1,._,,,,~., .. MR •. HICKS:
'./le shall see what the future may bring.
r~Jl.. NICHOldON:
The matter of new appointments, particularly to
local Highway positions, was surely a task of the local
Conservative political organization. I am speaking now
of the local hi: .hways situation. I know that in my con
stituency, shortly after the last Election, the local
Highways Superintendent was accompanied by and directed
upon a tour of the road sections by the local President
of the Conservative Association and I am advised that
this tour was made in order to carry out the replacement
of road foreman. If this is the stuff of which the new
policy is made, we could do with less of it. (laughter)
Now, Mr. Speaker, I would ask your indulgence
while I deal with a matter of great importance to my
constituency of Annapolis West, and to other constit
encies in the western counties. It was gratifying to
learn from paragraph 26 of the Throne Speech that the
government proposes to enter an agreement with the gov- \ ernement of Canada regarding the construction of a dam
and roadway across the Annapolis River.
For the benefit of honourable members not al-
ready familiar with the scope of this project it may be
well to say a few words about the type of structure hither
to proposed, and the advantages which will result from its
construction.
At the present aoment the Annapolis River is I
spanned by a steel bridge C?nstructed between Granville
- 258 - March 7th, 1957.
~~. NICHOLSON - cont'd:
Ferry and the Town of Annapolis Royal I believe in the
year 1921 and I am told is the longest bridge in Nova
Scotia maintained by the Department of Highways. There
is no evidence tnat this structure is unsafe at all but
it is only logical to assume, ~r. Speaker, that its re
placement would become a necessity within the matter of
another ten years.
Apart from the age of the structure, by reason
of its narrow width, it is completely inadequate to
handle the large volume of traffic which resulted from
the reconstruction and paving of Route No. lA from the
Town of Bridgetown to Annapolis Royal.
Now as I understand it, the proposal concerning
the Annapolis River dam •nd roadway involves the con
struction of a rock-filled causeway just east of the ex
isting bridge. This structure would, of course com
pletely shut off the flow of tidal water from the Anna
polis Basin into the Annapolis River.
The structure, of course, will have to be one
of some magnitude because the tides in that location
riee to a height of more than 20 feet. The dam will
have to be equipped with a large sluice or gateway in
order to let out at low tide into the Annapolis Basdn
the natural build-up of fresh water from the River. I
understand plans also call for the construction of a
permanent roadway across tne top of this dam.
Having given a brief outline of tho situation
as it is today, and of the type of new structure re
quired, I should like to say~ few.words about the ad
vantages which we would hope-will be derived from this
undertaking when completed. As I have already said, one
of the main advantages will be the replacement of .an
inadequate bridge with a permanent structure. /,
- 25g - March 7th, 1957 ..
hfi• NIQHOLSON - cont'd:
Ferry and the Town of Annapolis Royal I believe in the
year 1921 and I am told ls.the longest bridge in Nova
Scotia maintained by the Department of Highways. There
is no evidence that this structure is unsafe at all but
it is only logical to assume, ~,.r. Speaker, that its re
placement would become a necessity within the matter of ~
another ten years.
Apart from the age of the structure, by reason
of its narrow width, it is completely inadequate to
handle the large volume of traffic which resulted from
the reconstruction and paving of Route No. lA from the
Town of Bridgetown to Annapolis Royal.
Now as I understand it, the proposal concerning
the Annapolis River dam and roadway involves the con
struction of a rock-filled qauseway just east of the ex
isting bridge. This structure would, of course com
pletely shut off the flow of tidal water from the Anna
polis Basin into the Annapolis River.
The structure, of course, will have to be one
of some magnitude because the tides in that location
rise to a height of more than 20 feet. The dam will
have to be equipped with a large sluice or gateway in
order to let out at low tide into the Annapolis Basin
the natural build-up of fresh water from the River. I
understand plans also call for the construction of a
permanent roadway across tne top of this dam.
Having given a brief outlin~ of tho situation
" as it is today, and of the type of new"$tructure re-
quired, I should like to say a few words about the ad
vantages which we would hope will be derived from this ...
undertaking when completed. As I have already said, one
of the main advantages will be· the replacement of an
inadequate bridge with a permanent structure. I
- 259 -
March 7th, 1957.
ti~-: NICHOLSQN - cont'd;
Further than that, however, the completion of
this project will rehabilitate and salvage approximately
51000 acres of fertile and lush marshlands lying on both
sides of the Annapolis River from Annapolis Royal to
Bridgetown. This .will enable the farmers in that dis
trict to diversify the.ir activitie.d to undertake tho
raising of beef cattle on a large scale.
It is generally recognized that such diversi
fication in agriculture is sorely needed in Nova Scotia
and particularly in t.i.e f.nnapolis Valley region.
Finally, the completion of this dam and road
way will have a third ef'f'e ct perhaps just as important /
as those already mentioned. Lying to the east of the
proposed site of the dam is a large body of water,
popularly known as the "French Basin". This body of
water measures approximately three miles by one and one
half miles and at present the level of the water in this
basin rises and falls with the tide to the extent of
about 15 feet.
With a dam constructed across tho River the
level of water in this Basin will be maintained at a
constant heignt, and in my view the area around this
basin will become a mecca for tourists, summer dwellers,
and will be an excellent body of water for aquatic sports.
You realize, Mr. Speaker, that at the moment ... such aquatic sports and swimming in the western county
are limited to favourable tide conditions - I'm speak
ing now with,the exception of the lakes.-
All along western Nova Scotia, the swimmer or
the man who is interested in boating is the servant of
the Gods when it comes to enjoying his sport. And the
result of this, the tourist industry certainly in my
own constituency, has suffere1d.. lie have no substantial '
colony of summer dwellers along that beautiful stretch
260
March 7th, 1957. , • •.. . ,. .
"" ..... '"'_ .. MR. NICHOLS(ll -· , cont! d;
of water, we have no shore-side resort in my county where I
one can take advantage of this large body of water.
Let us hope, ther~fore, that this government will
with all dispatch do what is necessary to conclude this
agreement with the Federal Governmant at an early dato
and proceed with this worthwhile project.
It was very disappointing to note that in the
Throne Speech the ~:overnment did not even commit itself
to enter this agreement at an early_date. Press reports
in the newspapers last fall indicated that an informal
agreement had already been made between the provincial
and Federal governments whereby the Federal government
would contribute tl,750,000. to the project, the Pro-
4 vincial government would contribute .,,il,000,000., and the
balance would be shared by the Federal ~overnment and the
Progincial government on the ratio of 1. 75 to one. As I
understand it, the estimated cost of the structure will
· be something in the nature of vJ,000,000. I cannot
leave this subject·without acknowledging the fact that
tnese advantageous financial arrangements were the re
sult of planning and negotiations conducted by the
Honourable reader of the Opposition, who was then Premier.
(Applause) • .. I should like to think, ~r. Speaker, that my
constituency will enjoy a fair share of the vigorous
highway program to which this governmant has commi t ted
its~lf.
HON • ~&lB~R :
.. f
When were the plans or arrangements made be
tween the provincial and federal governments for the
work on the canal?
l\lR. NICHOLSON: I I believe it waJ3 the 10th of September - I
nave the hews paper clippin€:_ here, which I will read to· ·you A (laughter).
, •• 1, ••••.• -
: --....... . .. ' "
f
- 261 -
l\Iaroh 7th, 1957.
' ' t.B' rn:cHQLSQN . .... 09nt' ~: I '
' THE PREMIER:
- What else does it have on that date?
l~.;R. NICHOLSON: ·
No, it was the 13th of September - the date of
the newspaper clipping I have.
Going on with the h~·ghway problem, it is my
hope that the government will proceed with its policy
ot hardsurfacing without delay all roads all ready or
nearly ready for paving, proceed with the completion of
the paving of the h*ghway running between Bear River and
the Village of Clementsport, of which approximately five
miles remains unpaved.
This work was commenced last year and the recon-
1truction was completed and the paving plant was, I be
lieve, set up in the village of Bear River as the paving
proceeded until weather conditions made it impossible to
continue with it. But the remainder of this road is now
ready for paving and I hope the government will live up
to its commitments and proceed with this paving in the
spring.
I would also urge that t'he paving the road
runni?l(; south to the head of the tide in the village of
Bear River be completed - a portion of this road was also
paved last year. A very short section remains unpaved
and ._'"'. .. the completion of this work would be of great
benefit in this densely populated section. I wish to
make it very clear, however, that the road to which I
refer is on the Annapolis County side of the Bear Rive~,
the Village of Bear River being a part in Annapolis
County and a part in Digby, the line of division being
the Bear River. There are two roads to the head of the
tide,' one on each side of the riv~r. The road to which
,, ,, :• -..,.....~ .
........ .•.•. , .. ,u, .....
,,.,, Ii•
............
..
' \
- 262 -
March 7th, 1957.
MB• NICHOLSON - cont'd:
I refer is the road in Annapolis' County.
i!ay I also urge the Government to continue with
the reconstruction of Route #8 from Greywood to Maitland Bridge, (Hearl Hearl) a seven mile section of this road
has been under construction for the past two years from
Annapolis Royal to Greywood. I would advise that this
reconstruction has been completed and we have every
right to hope that the government will, in line with its
vigorous highway program, complete this work.
I know that it has been the source of great
embarnassment and discontent to the p~ople in Annapolis
County to know that on Route 8 we had a highway that was
unimproved from the town of Annapolis Royal to the Queens
County line, and from Queens County line to Liverpool
there was a beautiful paved highway. And I am quite
sure, Y1I'. Speaker, you sympathize with my remarks in
that connection.
If this road is going to be a main part of the
system, surely the completion of this reconstruction has
to be proceeded with. I am riot quite familiar with the
date on which the other sections were completed from
Kemp into Liverpool but it was somG years ago, and I
think we in Annapolis ~/est have every right to expect
that tne government will go ahead with this necessary
work,
Now may I also urge the government to devote
attention to some other work which was in hand last year
in Annapolis West. I refer particularly to the improve- 1 '
I ments or the highway from the "Habitation" at Port Royal
to the fishing community at Victoria Beach.
~e have there at Victoria. Beach,a prosperous,
growing, small fish plant and there is a 1-_~ood deal of
trucking ove~ this road and certainly if this fine
- 263 -
March 7th, 1957.
MR. NICH\)l;§ON - . cont'd;
industry is to be encouraged, the government wants to
continue on with the worth-while work which has already
been done to improving this highway.
There is also, of course, the important,,cross
road from Route lA at Granville Ferry to the Parker's
Cove on the Bay of Fundy, - it is known as the Parker
Mountain Road. Work again had been started on that road
and proceeded last year up until weather conditions made
it impossible to continue.
The honourable minister will, I am sure,
appreciate the thin{;s which I have mentioned - tho ex
tension of work already undertaken. I haven't asked at
this session the government to undertake anything of
absolutely new nature. I would just ask for now that
the good work which was started in the past be carried
on in the future. (Applause and desk pounding).
If I may be permitted to have a word about the
Provincial Electoral Franchise Act - now this is a
statute which I think is in need~of further amendment,
and I believe that now is the time to amend an Act - such
as the Franchise Act - rather than at a later stage when,
perhaps, some ulterior motive might be assigned to the
person who was proposing the amendment of it.
Honourable members will recall that last year
th~ Provincial Electoral Rranchise Act was substantially
amended in so far as the right of service men to vote
was concerned, and as I understand it, there was a '
r general section in the Provincial Electoral Franchise Act
which practically disfranchised service men and that the
~action provided that service people were deemed to re
side in the plade in which they resided at the time they
join~d the services, unless they otherwise acquired a
new residence in Nova Scotia. ,/
- 264 -
March 7th, 1957.
?-;ft. NICHOL;;;ON - cont'd:
Now the harsh effect of that section was re
lieved some what by the amendment in 1956.in Chapter. 36, and it was amended substantially to this extent that, a
person who was serving in the province on full time sor
vice, in the Navy, Army or Air Force of Canada, and who
was living in a dwelling house, apartments, flats or
other self-contained housing units, shall be deemed to
reside at the place in the province where he is so liv
ing.
Now, that was certainly of a great benefit to
service personnel who were living, for example, in
Federal housine places like Shannon Park here in
Halifax County, and the Cornwallis Camp in my constit
uency, and all the peop l.e in Greenwood and in my vie~,
'this legislation has not gone far enough yet.
Hardships can still be worked. let us take,
for example, now, a service man who is over twenty-one
ye~rs of age , who was born and br-ought, up in, say, the
town of North Sydney, and he joined the naval service at
Sydney or North Sydney. By the statute he is deemed to
continue to reside at the place he was when he joined
.. I
the service. Now, let us say, he is unmarried and he
goes to Cornwallis, the Naval establishment in Anna
polis 11/est, to under-go this~1hitla1"'·t!"Aihtrig·"wh1ch· ·
takes a period of five months.
And let us say after he has been there two and
one-half months, an election is called. That man pn
election day, as I understand the Act as it is now, that
man in order to vote - if he is living in barracks which
he would be - would have to L;o all the way back to North
Sydney to poll a vote and there is a native Nova Scotian
who loses his franchise simply because he couldn't get the I
leave to go, in the first plape, and in the second place, . he probably couldntt afford to provide himself with the
- 265 -
J.iarch 7th, 1957.
~:R1, NICHOLSON cont'd: ,,, I
' transportation.
I think that feature is unfair, and in the
election there were several cases like that where
people just could not get the leave to go·to their
homes in Nova Scotia. I would urge that this Act be
amended to remedy the situation as it now stands.
Now before closing, Sir, I should like to say
a word about prison farms. In the Conservative.Manifesto
issued in October of 1956 the Government committed it
self to establish a model prison farm, and it ·was Bis
appointing to discover that no reference whatsoever was
made thereto in the Throne Speech. At the present
moment the affilia.ted Boards of Trade of the Annapolis
Valley are making a study of existing prison and jail
facilities and will make a report in three or four
months time concerning the need for a model prison farm.
A copy of this report will no doubt be submitted to the
government, and I shall not belabour the subject at this
stage oth~r than to observe that the need for improvement
in our jail facilities is a most pressing one. Prisoners·
in our local jail find themselve~ in an appalling envir-
onment •••
MR. DONAHOE:
Will the honourable gentleman permit a question?
Do you refer to local jails generally or to local )ails
in your constituency?
t&• NICHOLSON:
I . . I
I refer to local jails generally. Now, these I
prisoners are also subjected to the .greatest of all
degenerative influences, namely, enforced idleness. If
we are to live up to our reputation of having a civilized
community in this Province, rto time should be lost in re
moving this blot from our society as it is today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your kind indulgence,
and through you I wish to thank the Honourable Members for their kind an? patient attention~ (Applause).
J:
. -· .. '~·--·-···~. ~ ...
... '-·".: .. ~ ' .
..
\
... 266 -
March 7th, 1957.
·MR. HIRAM THOMAS - (PC) -KINGS WBST: ' _.;
{
Mr. ~peaker, I rise with much pleasure to
give this, my first address in this historic Chamber,
and I join with the previous speakers who have taken
part in this debate in congratulating you upon
your election to the high office which you now hold.
It is gratifying to me to see the way in
which you carry on your duties ~nd I beg to say
that I feel that you are not only a credit to the
constituency that you represent, but a credit to the
province of Nova Scotia as well. (Applause).
If I may digress for a moment, Mr. Speaker,
I would like to say that we have with us at this
moment in the gallery of this Chamber an honourable
gentleman who in the past has been a member of this
House of Assembly, has held a portfolio in the govern
ment of this province, is now the representative
in another place from Nova Scotia, and one whom I
consider to be one of our illustrious sons from Kings
County. (Applause).
I refer, Sir, to the Honourable Senator,
·John A. MacDonald, f'rom Canning. (Applause) •
I would also like, Sir, to convey my re
spects and, if agreeable, those of all members of
this House, to his very gracious wife who is seated I
beside him at thjs moment. (Applause).
To the Mover of the Address, Mr. Speaker,
I would like to say that he has, through his ancestors,
a background that would be the envy of all, of any mem
ber of this Chamber. (Applause).
I I
i! -.267 -
March 7th, 1957.
MR, THOMAS - cont'd:
The older members among us, may recall that
a former Prime Minister of this Dominion of Canada,
who is a direct ancestor of his, was one of the powers
of the then Conservative Party in this Dominion. And
were it not for the fact of his untimely passing,
the history of this Dominion of Canada, may have
been different from what it is today.
I say that with regret, Sir, but I'm not
unmindful of the fact that were it not for his un
t1m$ly passing we may not have had the benefit of a
great leader of the Liberal party who succeeded, or
who in three years time succeeded him, as the Prime ./
Minister of this country. And that would, I mean
to say without reservation, have been a great loss
to us.
. Now, Mr. Speaker·, while I listened to the hon
ourable member from Antigonish, I could not help but
be impressed by the fact that those illustrious an
cestors of his, were they alive .t o day , would feel that
".~.,~ .. ··'"· '"they are well represented in this Assembly. ( Hearl Hearl )
Now, .Sir, I come for a moment to the Seconder
of the Address, and I may say that I was very much im
pressed with the words that he expressed, the manner
in which he carried on his Speech, and the clarity
which he evidenced.
I have not had the pleasure of knowing the
honourable gentleman very long, but I predict for
him as well a very pleasant future in the affairs of
, this province.
268
March 7th,, 1957.
- MR. ~HOMAS - cont'd;
1··· . " )
The Clerk of this Assembly appears to be
the prime favori-te with all honourable members on
both sides of this House. Mr. Speaker, I would like
to say right now, that I wish him long life, good
health and a long period in the position which he
now holds. Long may he servet (Applause).
To the Assistant Clerk and the Sergeant
at-Arms, I extend my greetings and my good wishes.
Now, Sir, I would like to say to the hon
ourable members of the Opposition who have extended
the hand of fellowship to me, without reservation,
and I appreciate that fact ve1y much. I well real
ize that sometimes, in the heat of debate, relations
are somewhat strained, but it is my sincere hope
that friendships shall not be marred at any time in
our discussions. (Applause).
I thank the honourable members on this side
of the House for accepting me as their colleague and
I hope that our: associations here shall be cemented
into friendship that will be of much benefit, es
pecially to me,' and I hope to them, in a lesser ex-
tent.
Now, Mr. Speaker, I would like to refer to
the Honourable the Leader of the Canadian Co-operative
Federation. Group in this House. The other day, when
he was taking part in this debate, I was greatly im
pr~ssed with his sincerity and his apparent honesty, I
and I also had the feeling that here was a man that
could meet his f'ellow men and his electors Qn a
I I
269 ..
. J MaFch 7th, 1957.
Mn, THOMAS - cont'd:
common footing. And I can well understand, Mr.
Speaker, why it is that he has been returned from
time to time as their representative in this House.
(Prolonged Applause).
Now, Mr. Speaker, I come to the Honourable,
the Leader of the Opposition. I never had the pleas
ure of his acquaintance before I came to Halifax to
attend these sessions. But since my arrival here,
he has very generously greeted me and extended his
friendship to me - th~ hand of fellowship to me. I
full well know, Sir, that as Leader of the Govern
ment of Nova Scotia, as Leader of Her Majesty's
Official Opposition, in this Chamber, as Leader of
the Liberal party of Nova Scotia, that that in it
self is an illustration of the great responsibility
which rests upon his shoulders.
Needless to say, Sir, he has risen to posi
tions in this province, positions to which almost
every citizen may a spire, but to which very few at
tain. I would like to congratulate the honourable
gentleman, Sir, and I wish him every success, not
only today, but in the future years to come in the
public life of this province and this Dominion. "
(Prolonged Applause). I
Now, Mr. Speaker, just a word with regard '
to the honourable members who sit with the Premier of
this province in the front benches of this Chamber ,"
It was my good fortune to attend the function of the
I I
., . March 7th, 19 57,
MR, THOMAS - cont'd~
swearing-in of these honourable gentlemen, and I
was impressed at that time with the wise choice
thct the honourable Premier has made in his selec
tion of assistants and fellow members of his Cabinet
Council.
(Applause).
Then, again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to
say a few words to pay my sincere respects to the
Honourable the Premier of this province. It may
be recalled that a few short years ago, when he
was chosen to be the leader of the Progressive
Conservative party in this province, there was very
little notice taken of that at that time.
There was no great spread of publicity
in the newspapers, and notoriety was noticeable by
its absence. Now, Mr. Speaker, may I say, that at
a time when he was chosen to be leader of the Pro
gressive Conservative Party, in Nova Scotia, the
fortunes of the Progressive Conservative Party were
perhaps at the lowest ebb in history, and if I may.
use the phrase, Sir, they were actually feeding out
of the bottom of the trough.
HON. MR. FIELDING:
They're in· the trough nowt (Laughter).
- 271 -
March 7th, 1957. ·
MR. THOMAS cont'd:
His feat is one that almost stands alone,
not only in the history of the public life of this
province of Nova Scotia, but of Canada as well.
I wish him, Sir, every success, I know he
has a tre~endous burden to bear. I have every idea
that he will be able to carry out those duties and
//bear those burdens. in a very capable manner, and I
may say that we, the present Conservatives, as well
as the many other political breeds in this province
of Nova Scotia are very proud of his prestige and
success. (Prolonged Applause).
Mr. Speaker, it being close to five o'clock,
I would like to move the adjournment of this Debate.
Carried.
PR!t,MIER STANFIELD:
I move that the House do now ri·se to meet
to-morrow afternoon at three o'clock.
Carried.