Mc-LEAX. It is necessary L should offer a word of explanation. When this item came up for discussion my colleague Mr. Lefurgey was not present. There was some kind of misunderstanding, as L was of the opinion that this item was to be discussed to-night but that seems to have been a mistake. However, I did not bring this question up for my own glorification ; it is a very important matter and I do not see why the member for King's should take exception.

Mr. J. J. HUGHES.

It is your colleague who takes exception.

Mr. A. A. McLEAX.

There is nothing to prevent this matter being dealt with on Monday or any other day, and the grievance is so great that it should be brought to the

attention of the government day afterday and every day, until the gov:ernmeut see fit to do justice in thematter. On every occasion on which

the representatives from Prince Edward Island have the opportunity, this is a question which should be pressed on the attention of the government and the parliament of Canada. The hon. member for Pictou (Mr. Macdonald) said that he thought the manner in which I brought up this question would not receive the sympathy of some gentlemen on the other side of the House. I am not asking for the sympathy of the hon. member for Pictou nor any other man in this House; I am asking for clean, pure justice for the people of Prince Edward Island, and I hope the gentlemen who run the government of this country will see that justice will be done.

Mr. INGRAM.

As I will not be present next Monday to hear this important discussion, I want to thank the hon. member for Queen's (Mr. A. A. McLean) for the able and moderate way in which he presented the case for Prince Edward Island'. My hon. friend stated to-night that he did not endorse the policy of the Conservative government with regard to Prince Edward Island ; a statement which proves conclusively that he was not discussing the question from a partisan standpoint. Nothwithstanding the remarks of my hon. friend from Pictou, I think the House will believe that the hon. gentleman from Queen's in treating this matter as he did, only discharged his duty to his constituents.

Mr. LALOR.

I heard the hon. member for Autigonish (Mr. Mclsaac) tell the Minister of Marine and Fisheries to-night that there never was forty-eight hours when there could not be communication between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. If such be the case, and the statement is made by a supporter of the government, I am surprised that the Minister of Marine has not

long ago found out that there is the port of St. George from which communication can be constantly maintained. That statement coming from a supporter of the minister will I have no doubt he accepted as true, and I hope it will induce the minister to look about him for a solution of this winter navigation problem.

Meteorological service, $100,000.

Mr. R. L. BORDEN.

Will the hon. gentleman explain the increase of $3,197 ?

Mr. PREFONTAINE.

Mr. PREFONTAINE.

This year hydrographic survey which used to be done by the British government passes under the control of the Department of Marine and Fisheries. This amount will not cover the whole expenditure, and we expect a further vote in the supplementary estimates. Every one understands that it is one of the most important services for those interested in shipping.

Mr. R. L. BORDEN.

Is it inland or sea-coast or both ?

Mr. PREFONTAINE.

It takes in everything.

Mr. R. L. BORDEN.

What works are you carrying on in the inland waters ?

Mr. PREFONTAINE.

We have completed lake Manitoba and lake Winnipeg, and we hope to complete lake Superior this season. The department has to take in hand the surveys made by the British government on the Pacific coast as well as those on the Atlantic coast. We did not know at the time the main estimates were prepared what the work would cost, and we are in communication with the British government with a view to getting some of their boats in order to lessen the cost.

Mr. R. L. BORDEN.

The work will consist of surveys and the preparation of charts as well ?

Mr. PREFONTAINE.

Yes.

Is the department creating a new staff for the purpose ?

Mr. PREFONTAINE.

We took over from the department of Railways and Canals last year and from the Department of Public Works a few employees, and have been carrying on the work on the St. Lawrence between Montreal and Quebec. Then, some work will have to be done between Quebec and the gulf.

Mr. R. L. BORDEN.

It is work of the very highest importance, there is no doubt about that.

Mr. LALOR.

Mr. PREFONTAINE.

And I may say that we have one of the most competent men at the head of the department. Mr. Stewart, who is a graduate of Kingston, a gold medallist, and who has been engaged in this work a considerable length of time.

Mr. R. L. BORDEN.

As the minister states there will be a supplementary estimate for this service, I will not detain the House very much in regard to it to-night ; but I think it is a matter that is deserving of somewhat extended explanation by the minister, and discussion when it comes up. and I hope the supplementary estimate will be brought down long enough before the close of the session to have it discussed, because I realize very much the importance of it, not only on the Pacific coast, but on the Atlantic coast as well.