TITLES IN CANADA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20644, 16 February 1929, Page 13

TITLES IN CANADA

QUESTION OF RESTORATION. A COMMITTEE TO REPORT. (United Press Association.) .(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) OTTAWA,-February 34. , The House of Commons on Thursday defeated by 114 votes to 60 a motion by Mr C, H. Caban (Conservative), referring to a committee the question of the sovereign granting titles or other distinctions to civilians. The Prime Minister (Mr Mackenzie King), during the debate, said he saw no objection to the motion in the form in which it was moved. • The Minister” of Railways (Mr Dunning) said not one member of the Government favoured the restoration of titles. It was unthinkable that any committee of the House would recommend resroration, but the main idea was to inquire Into removing the anomalies existing. However, since it was apparent that it would be interpreted as a move to restore titles, probably it would be better not to pass the motion. One, anomaly, Mr Dunning said, was that universities could give honorary degrees of distinction, but the King could not. Mr Cahan said he had no personal desire to return the titles, but thought that the message sent to the King in 1919 was embarrassing to his Majesty. Canada was the only civilised country where the Government was not able to grant a dls,tinction for meritorious service. He Urged that some order of merit or other distinction be created.—Australian Press Association—United Service. In 1919 the House, by a motion, requested the King not to grant titles to Canadians except tor military distinction.