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Detailing the extent of "the aston-' ishing and amazing success ot this great public-ownership eoncern," and] citing facts and tlgures which would,} he said. "urstity to the almost im-; pregnable position occupied by thel Ontario Hydro System." Mr. Martin! said: "The vast majority of ?.ere.t?.ti and enterprises in this country were. very proud indeed ot their efforts if. they could equal in 1931 the results ot I 1930. The Hydro Commission hasl 3 done much better. and has actually 3 shown staggering increases. Nothing could better exemplify the foresight . and ability of those who guide the destinies of Hydro, and the strength and essential soundness ot Hydro it- self. than these records of its actual achievements. and I say that this House and this Province have faith . in Hydro and in those who direct it, s and believe that its future will be as brilliant as its past." Voicing his unshakcn faith in the future ot Hydro, and declaring that it is "unwise and prejudicial to the public interest for criticism to be Hevelled against. this enterprise it such criticism be levelled upon hearsay, rumors and misinformation." Argue Martin. Conservative M.P.P. for Ham- ilton West, stated that he believed the Jappointment of a Royal Commission 'to "investigate certain payments of money" would be approved by "the public generally," when he moved the adoption ot the Address in reply to the Speech from the Throne at Queen's Park yesterday afternoon. "This Government feels that it is a matter ot paramount importance that public confidence in the Mtairs of Hydro should be maintained, and has adopted this method of probing all relevant facts," he said. "I am confident that the public generally will approve ot this course of con- duct. although for various reasons it is not to be expected that this ap- proval will be unanimous." Records Exemplify Success. GENERAL APPROVAL OF HYDRO INQUIRY IS SEEN IN ADDRESS Argue Martin Expresses Un- shaken Faith in Sys- tem's Future GOVERNMENT IS LAUDED Laudatory reference was also made by Mr. Martin to the work now being carried on in this Province on the trans-Canada highway, and to the activities of the Department of Labor, particularly in "bringing together the manless job and the Jobless man." His belief that the outcome of the forthcoming Imperial Conference at Ottawa would be " new future tor the British Empire " was conveyed by James A. Sanderson (Conservative. Grenville). who seconded the Address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. "We all feel, I am sure," he said, "that no greater contribution can be made to the welfare of the Empire than by securing reciprocal trade among all its members." Economy is timely, Mr. Sanderson considered. remarking that "it has not been popular for a long time for a municipal candidate to make a de- termined stand against public ex- penditure. He would likely be told that he was blocking progress and that more enterprising men were needed." He stressed the thought that. "in applying the principles of economy, a clear distinction must be drawn between luxuries and necessi- ties," and remarked that the em- ciency of public services must be maintained: that the farmer is anxious that the assistance of agriculture be continued, but that some curtailment of highway expenditure might be ex-' Pointed interrogation of the On- tario Hydro-Electric Power Commis- Mott's contracts for Gatineau River power was launched yesterday by the Progressive group of the Legislature. under the leadership ct Hon. Harry C. :Nixon. with the filing with the Clerk iot the House of a series of questions :dealing with these contracts from the {point of whetheruthe Power Pet, Ill ,,.,.... -- ..-_-___-_ ---_ _, be paid let in United States funds, down to the matter ot whether any commissions were paid or promised in connection with the negotiation of the agreements." . ' " "" The questions, which will appear on the House order paper in the name of Thomas K. Slack. member tor Duf- terin, are as: (allows: L (I) On what dates were contracts made tor Gatlneau River power by the Hydro-Electric Commission of Ontario? (2) What was the amount ot power, price and duration of con- tract in each instance? co Does each r -..s--._. - lll()lljl'fi)lllljhll BILL GIVES WIDE POWERS T0 ONTARIO JUDGES Permission of Judge Re., quired Before Recovery Under Foreclosure Giving wide discretionary powers to Judges, who would be enabled to refuse or grant permission for pro- ceedings tor the recovery of principal, and also to postpone mortgage fore- closures, Attorney-General Price's bill providing for a moratorium ot mortgages was introduced to the Provincial Legislature yesterday. INTRODUCED YESTERDAY Originally scheduled to be brought down today, the bill was introduced ahead of time, since Colonel Price had secured the special consent of the House in order to get the bill in motion as soon as possible. Act ls Retroactive. Without the permission of a Judge, no proceedings of foreclosure or sale for the recovery of principal secured on mortgage, and no proceedings in court, whether or not commenced be- tore the passing of this act, which is entitled "The Mortgagors and Pur- chasers' Relief Act, 1932," may be taken. Without such leave, no for- feitures under contracts for sale or purchase may be declared or taken advantage of, and no proceedings may be taken on covenants. The section of the act, giving dis- cretionary powers to the Judge, reads as follows: "On any application, the Judge may grant the leave applied for, or if he is of opinion that the time should be given to the person liable to make any payment, the Judge may, in his absolute discretion. after con- sidering all the circumstances of the case and the position ot all the parties, by order refuse to permit the exercise ot any right or remedy, or may stay execution or postpone any forfeiture as the case may be, for such time and subject to such condi- tions as he thinks fit." Security Conditions. 36.12. Provision is also made for additional security as a condition of the Judge's refusing leave, and for his discretion in fixing the costs of the application, which, however, are limited to $15, where the amount involved is less than $3,000. In cases where later circumstances render it desirable, the Judge would be empowered to suspend, discharge or vary the order. That it would not be essential for the opera- tion of the act for the lands involved to be in the Province of Ontario is made clear. Questfons About Hydro s..----"-"'"""" \'I'ID'J'4 contract provide ior payment in United States funds? If so, what has been the total extra cost to date because ot adverse exchange rates? (4) Were these contracts approved by Order-in-Council or validated by the Legislature? (5) How much power is being delivered on Gatineau con- tracts? (6) Has all power delivered been sold to Ontario consumers? If not. what disposition has been made of it, and at what price? (7) What commissions were paid or promised in connection with this contract by the Government. Hydro Commission or Gatineau company?" Further questions, with respect to the Hydro Commission personnel, their remuneration and services, are asked by William J. Medd, member for South Huron. "Do the Commis- sion duties require full-time or part- time attention cf the Commissioners?" one query reads. "It part time. what other public offices do the Commis- sianers hold?"