Federal Ministers invited to confer on city problems.

Crerar and Dr. King may join meeting of Senators, M.P.'s and M.P.P.'s in Mayor's office on Saturday morning.

Grade separation and island topics

Toronto's attitude on northwest grade separation and protection to the shores of the Island, which are endangered through high water, and also its attitude on measures before the Provincial Legislature, which will thrust unfair burdens on the city, are to be presented to a meeting of Toronto members of the Senate, the House of Commons and the Legislature to be held on Saturday morning in the Mayor's office.

On the motion of Controller Claude Pearce, Hon. T. A. Crerar, Minister of Railways [and Canals], and Hon. Dr. King, Minister of Public Works, will be invited to the city as guests of the Mayor to study these conditions. The Controller believed progress might be made in this manner, instead of adopting an attitude of antagonism.

The decision to ask Toronto's Senators and its elected representatives in the House of Commons and the Legislature to attend a meeting to discuss civic problems came from Mayor Wemp after the Board of Control had dealt with the allegedly unfair measures before the Legislature, and heard from Hon. Mr. Crerar that no progress had been made on northwest grade separation.

The city's failure to impress the Federal and Provincial Governments with its arguments on matters of interest provoked a keen discussion on the services being rendered to the city by its elected representatives. Controller Simpson declared he had to be shown that members of the House and the Legislature were trying to help the city.

I am sorry to learn of the attitude of the Government on northwest grade separation. It should not be allowed to stand still, remarked the Mayor after Hon. Mr. Crerar's letter had been read to the board.

Does it not strike you as funny that members are inactive at Ottawa? asked Controller Simpson.

Opinions differ.

The Mayor replied Toronto had worthy members in the House and the Legislature, while Controller Simpson believed they had wonderful opportunities to raise their voices in protest for the city.

They help us, interrupted Controller Robbins.

They do not, answered his Labor colleague.

I have nothing to complain of as far as the members are concerned, said the Mayor.

Our members in Ottawa could help us to some extent, persisted Controller Simpson.

Expressing the opinion that progress might be made by acting in a concilliatory manner instead of in a spirit of antagonism, Controller Pearce suggested that Mr. Crerar and Mr. King be invited to the city as its guests to study the problems complained of.

Wants diplomacy.

The action of our representatives must be different than ours. Of course, we must act in a conciliatory manner and with diplomacy to make progress. If it happens they are not on the Government side, our members can raise a protest, continued Controller Simpson.

They do, interrupted Controller Robbins.

Do they? You will have to show me, was the answer.

Controller Summerville expressed the opinion that Joe Harris and other members were able.

You never hear from them, declared Controller Simpson.

Controller Simpson declared the city would face serious financial problems if the House and the Legislature did not consider its cases sympathetically and grant relief, and if the city could not conduct a successful fight, its elected representatives would have to do it for them.

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