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FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1981. Ontario’s Legislature has passed through its first session since being “orphaned” by the departure of Mr. Ferguson to London, and the result is not as appalling as was ex- | pected. Queen’s Park’s condition = | en | THE LEGISLATURE'S SESSION. | | “Dictator” Ferguson was too serious to con- template, in the opinion of some of the politi- cians. But the fears were largely unwar- ranted. The worst that happened, probably, was the return of a measure of freedom of |, speech among the rank and file on the Gov- ernment side. Some of the Tory members “spoke out in meeting” quite freely and criti- cized Government bills. The new Prime Min- ister, Mr. Henry, apparently was not worried thereby, and, though overwhelmed by De- partmental duties, he passed through the session with enhanced prestige in piloting bills, if not adding to his reputation as a Parliamentary speaker. He is largely a silent Leader, but knows what is going on. He also showed firmness and a capacity to say “No” beyond the expectation of House members. It was, in fact, an important session for all three Leaders. Mr. W. E. N. Sinclair, House Leader of the Liberals, gained in in- fluence. and was especially effective in getiing the Agriculture Committee busy as a real working body which gathered informa- tion and reported conclusions in a non-par- , lisan manner. Mr. Sinclair was also the) first to suggest the creation of a special com- mittee to study taxation problems during the | recess. Here, indeed, is a worthy field, with i various phases of overlapping and confusion to be adjusted. Hon. H. C. Nixon, Leader of the Progressives, and a former member of the Drury Cabinet, blossomed out as a/‘ man of courage and initiative, taking part in many debates and influencing important |" legisiation. The larger part played by the two Oppcsition Leaders is a new phase of Provincial politics which must be advantage- ous to the Province at large. Financial matters segused general con- cern, with a deficit for" thie past year and a larger one in sight for the current year. Anew small tax.on the capital stock of corporations operating in the Province and an increase in liquor prices are two means taken to meet the recurring deficits, but the outlook for Provincia] finance is not bright. If the Do- minion Government implements the promise of Mr. Bennett before the last election, that Ottawa will pay nearly the whole of the old- age pensions for all Provinces, Ontario will } be saved nearly $8,000,000 outlay for this purpose, following the fiscal year ending Oct. 31 next.