Mr. Speaker:

When I spoke earlier this evening and thanked hon. members for the cooperation they have given me I thought that was the last word. I have been taken entirely by surprise by the kind expressions which have been made this evening by the Acting Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Green), by the leader of the C.C.F. party (Mr. Cold-well), by the leader of the Social Credit party (Mr. Low), by the Minister of Labour (Mr. Gregg) et par le depute de Dorchester (Mr. Tremblay).

The position of Speaker, I know you all realize, is not an easy one. At times it is very trying; at times it is a very difficult position. But it has its compensations; many other times it is a very desirable position to hold, which I hope many of you may hold in the days to come.

Whether or not it is difficult depends entirely on the attitude of the members of the House of Commons. They can make the

position a pleasant and enjoyable one. On the other hand they can make it a very difficult and a very unpleasant one. In this parliament I have been blessed by having members on both sides whose aim has been to abide by the rules of the house, and not to break the rules and do those things which they know they should not do, but which they might possibly get away with. That has not been the spirit of the members of this parliament; and for that reason you have made my task a comparatively easy one.

As I said before, I shall look back on these years with considerable satisfaction and with great joy. Probably more than all, I shall recall the many happy associations which we have had with one another not only in the chamber but on certain occasions outside this chamber. It has been a very happy four years for me, and for that happiness I thank you; and for the kind words you have said this evening I also thank you.

Mr. Speaker:

Order. I do not like to

interrupt the hon. members, but I am afraid we are getting into a debate on this subject, which is not in accordance with the rules of the house.

Mr. Speaker:

May I say that it will be necessary for us to wait a few minutes at least until we have a report from the Senate with respect to the supply bill. May I take this opportunity of thanking all hon. members for the splendid co-operation which they have given me during my term as Speaker of the House of Commons. I can say with the deepest sincerity that the co-operation and kindness which I have received at all times from members from both sides of the house have made my term of office extremely pleasant, and an experience which I shall remember and prize for the rest of my life.

When we return from the Senate I shall be happy indeed to greet the members of the House of Commons and the members of the press gallery so that I can wish them all many happy returns.

Mr. Speaker:

When shall this bill be read the third time?

Mr. Speaker:

Shall this bill be read a second time now?