Mr. WIGMORE:

Irregularities in connection with entries. A case occurred not long ago in Toronto where a customs brokerage house made default, a person in their employ having committed the theft of some $4,000 intended for the payment of different brokerage fees. We have had complaints from several quarters.

Mr. WIGMORE:

Since this matter was called to the attention of the department, a man has been sent down there. He returned a couple of days ago and reported to the dep|rtment. The department is now considering the advisability of appointing a man permanently rather than sending one from time to time. An officer would have been sent before now but for the impassable state of the roads and the adverse weather conditions. We realize that this illicit traffic is increasing, and a closer watch will have to be kept.

Mr. WIGMORE:

It is quite true that we had a lengthy discussion on this matter when the resolution was introduced; but further discussion will, perhaps, throw a little more light on the subject. I realize quite well that the working out of this will probably be quite a difficult matter; but, as I stated before-and I repeat it now- we have at the present time certain machinery whereby this can be worked out. We have our own officers in certain parts of the United States to-day, and if it were not possible for them to put this machinery into operation, we could send some of our expert officers from Canada. There is no question, of course, that some delay would be caused. But during the last year large quantities of goods have been shipped into Canada at a cost to the merchant in this

country very much below the cost of manufacture in the United States and very much below what the goods could be manufactured for in Canada. I think this is a Bill that should be passed. We have been working under this Act for some time.

Mr. WIGMORE:

I do not think there

should be any limit. Any respectable citizen able to carry on should not be denied a license.

Mr. WIGMORE:

We are not limiting

the number.