It is not often that I am in a position to do that after hearing a deputation, but in this particular instance I am able to give an answer at once. I am acquainted with the views of the legislature in this particular matter, and I am able to say that we have arrived at the decision that the time has come when the change for which you ask in your appeal should be made. At this point, the delegation broke into enthusiastic applause which lasted for some few seconds. There has been an agitation for a considerable time past. It is not a simple matter, or a thing to be lightly undertaken, the thing to which I commit the legislature in this province this morning.
Government is a serious business.
Some lights have been thrown on government since the opening of the war. I have no doubt in the world that today or tomorrow there will be many women who will throw up their hands and think the fight is won. The time for sacrifice in this fight is now come. If you keep in mind the supreme importance of the step you ask and the responsibility you are now undertaking, I am inclined to think instead of any light-heartedness you will feel it is the time for serious consideration of these responsibilities. I happened to be in Saskatoon the night war was declared.