1954 Fredericton Encaenia
Winters, Robert Henry
Doctor of Science (D.Sc.)
Orator: Cattley, Robert E.D.
Image
Image Caption
L to R: Colin B. Mackay, Robert Henry Winters
Second Image Caption
Source: UA PC-4 no.5p
Citation:
ENCAENIA, MAY, 1954
ROBERT HENRY WINTERS
to be Doctor of Science
Let the plain recital that follows show what excellence may be attained by an able nature humanized by the Arts, trained in the Sciences, and polished in the school of national affairs.
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science and Lieutenant Colonel in the Canadian Engineers overseas, the Hon. Robert H. Winters is Cabinet Minister for Nova Scotia and Minister of Public Works. In a political career of nine astounding years he has identified himself with the expansion of Canada's vast natural wealth, having been successively Minister of Reconstruction and Supply and Minister of Resources and Development. In the latter portfolio he has had a long and responsible finger in a whole shelfful of Federal pies. There were, so runs the record, forest and water resources, Canadian Wildlife Service, Northwest and Yukon Territories, National Parks and Historic Sites, the Canadian Government Travel Bureau, federal Crown lands, the National Museum of Canada, and the National Battlefields Commission, to say nothing of such bagatelles as Central Mortgage and Housing, the National Film Board, and the Trans-Canada Highway.
Where many another would wilt under the very titles, the Honourable Gentleman would seem to have waxed healthier with every responsibility his athletic shoulders were called upon to bear. For athlete he is, and, what is more endearing, a man like ourselves, with a most levelling weakness for sea food and Sullivan (seasoned à la mode with Gilbert), a hard forehand in tennis and, but yesteryear, a powerful swing 'at the plate'.
Those, however, who know him best would add to this many-sided character one supreme talent, embracing and enhancing all the rest. And this is his uncanny ability to work amicably yet firmly with his peers. He is, indeed, (and this is on unimpeachable authority) so persuasive that even as Minister of Public Works he can inform a fellow member that he cannot have a new Post Office in his constituency - and make him like it!
He has the reputation for marching in dulcet harmony with the Premier of Quebec, though Mr. Abbott has yet to ask him to visit the Citadel to arrange a cease-fire in the Hot War of the taxes.
When on September 17th, 1953, he was named Minister of Public Works there was transferred to his new portfolio, among other labours, the Federal Government's share in the $300 million Highway. Dare we hope, Mr. President, that during his present visit he may in this capacity pour out his charm upon his New Brunswick counterpart and that the two ministers may travel in smiling unison northwards over this provocative section of their common task, and be induced to lay joint and healing hands upon its tortured surface?
From:
Cattley, Robert E.D. Honoris causa: the effervescences of a university orator. Fredericton: UNB Associated Alumnae, 1968.
ROBERT HENRY WINTERS
to be Doctor of Science
Let the plain recital that follows show what excellence may be attained by an able nature humanized by the Arts, trained in the Sciences, and polished in the school of national affairs.
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science and Lieutenant Colonel in the Canadian Engineers overseas, the Hon. Robert H. Winters is Cabinet Minister for Nova Scotia and Minister of Public Works. In a political career of nine astounding years he has identified himself with the expansion of Canada's vast natural wealth, having been successively Minister of Reconstruction and Supply and Minister of Resources and Development. In the latter portfolio he has had a long and responsible finger in a whole shelfful of Federal pies. There were, so runs the record, forest and water resources, Canadian Wildlife Service, Northwest and Yukon Territories, National Parks and Historic Sites, the Canadian Government Travel Bureau, federal Crown lands, the National Museum of Canada, and the National Battlefields Commission, to say nothing of such bagatelles as Central Mortgage and Housing, the National Film Board, and the Trans-Canada Highway.
Where many another would wilt under the very titles, the Honourable Gentleman would seem to have waxed healthier with every responsibility his athletic shoulders were called upon to bear. For athlete he is, and, what is more endearing, a man like ourselves, with a most levelling weakness for sea food and Sullivan (seasoned à la mode with Gilbert), a hard forehand in tennis and, but yesteryear, a powerful swing 'at the plate'.
Those, however, who know him best would add to this many-sided character one supreme talent, embracing and enhancing all the rest. And this is his uncanny ability to work amicably yet firmly with his peers. He is, indeed, (and this is on unimpeachable authority) so persuasive that even as Minister of Public Works he can inform a fellow member that he cannot have a new Post Office in his constituency - and make him like it!
He has the reputation for marching in dulcet harmony with the Premier of Quebec, though Mr. Abbott has yet to ask him to visit the Citadel to arrange a cease-fire in the Hot War of the taxes.
When on September 17th, 1953, he was named Minister of Public Works there was transferred to his new portfolio, among other labours, the Federal Government's share in the $300 million Highway. Dare we hope, Mr. President, that during his present visit he may in this capacity pour out his charm upon his New Brunswick counterpart and that the two ministers may travel in smiling unison northwards over this provocative section of their common task, and be induced to lay joint and healing hands upon its tortured surface?
From:
Cattley, Robert E.D. Honoris causa: the effervescences of a university orator. Fredericton: UNB Associated Alumnae, 1968.
Citations may be reproduced for research purposes only. Publication in whole or in part requires written permission from the author.