November 26, 1867

RESOLUTIONS OF THE NEW BRUNSWICK PRESS MEETING

Representatives of the New Brunswick newspapers met in St. John on November 22. The meeting agreed on the importance of the press as a “prominent means of enlightening and educating the people” and that the imposition of taxes and postage rates on their business would be injurious and unwise.

GALT GRANTED LEAVE

On a motion of Hon. George-Étienne Cartier (Militia), Hon. Alexander Galt (Conservative, Sherbrooke) has been granted 15 days leave of absence from the Commons. No reason for the absence of the former finance minister was given.

GRAND TRUNK RAILROAD BILL

The Act to Amend the Grand Trunk Arrangments Act of 1862 received second reading yesterday. The Bill, introduced by Walter Shanly (Conservative, South Grenville) will, if adopted, allow, among other things, the Grand Trunk Railway to raise £500,000 sterling in mortgage bonds, and extend for five more years, the period during which the Grand Trunk may purchase the Montreal and Champlain railways.

The legislation is opposed, or at least questioned, by several leading members of the House, including Hon. Joseph Howe (Anti-Confederate, Hants) and Alexander Mackenzie (Liberal, Sarnia) and appeared headed for defeat before Hon. Mr. Cartier argued that the Bill deserved at least to be referred to the Railroad Committee for examination there.

The Bill was passed on division.

IMMIGRATION QUESTION

Thomas McConkey (Liberal, North Simcoe) asked whether the government has contemplated any "extraordinary means...to encourage immigration from Great Britain and elsewhere."

Hon. Mr. Cartier plied that the Government favoured immigration but would is looking to the provincial governments for their cooperation on the matter.