George Henry Barnard
Conservative (1867-1942)
Mr. BARNARD.
The work will be done in the cominp season?
Mr. BARNARD.
The work will be done in the cominp season?
Mr. PUGSLEY.
I hope so.
Telegraph lines, Saskatchewan and Alberta,
Mr. J. D. REID.
Are you going into the telegraph business in the other provinces?
Mr. PUGSLEY.
The government owns a telegraph line in British Columbia, in Alberta and Saskatchewan, in Quebec, and
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in the lower provinces in portions of the country where a commercial system would not be established.
To pay for the services of administrator of the Yukon Territory for five months, $2,500.
Mr. J. D. REID.
Who is getting that?
Mr. OLIVER.
I think Arthur Wilson is the name. The governor was called out on business here, and this gentlemen administered while he was away.
Mr. J. D. REID.
Who i^ Arthur Wilson?
Mr. OLIVER.
He was in the employ of the local Yukon government for some time, but is not in that employ now.
Mr. J. D. REID.
We were paying two salaries while the governor was here?
Mr. OLIVER.
Yes.
Mr. J. D. REID.
Was there not any other government official employed by the year who could have acted in that capacity while he was out?
Mr. OLIVER.
There was no other person in the government employ whose position and responsibilities were such as to *warrant h is appointment as acting administrator.
Mr. PRICE.
Why was the administrator called out?
Mr. OLIVER.
For the purpose of consultation with the government. There are many intricate matters coming up that cannot be handled satisfactorily by letter or telegraph, and it is thought desirable that the commissioner should come to headquarters for consultation.
Mr. PRICE.
Does it generally take five months for consultation?
Mr. OLIVER.
No, but owing to climatic conditions, when the commissioner came out, it was not unreasonable that he should make a considerable stay.
Mr. PRICE.
As a matter of fact, was he not after another job?
Mr. OLIVER.
Not to my knowledge.
Mr. PRICE.
Is he not likely to receive a position as collector of customs or something else at Vancouver?
Mr. OLIVER.
Not to my knowledge. In fact, to my knowledge, it is quite the contrary.