18 



For several years past there has been in contemplation 

 the formation of a naval reserve. The present fishery protec- 

 tion service and some other branches of the Marine steamer 

 service will afford a nucleus upon which can be formed this 

 naval reserve. 



Hudson Bay Expedition. 



The Hudson Bay Expedition undertaken this year, is fol- 

 lowing up the course pursued by the Department in previous 

 years to secure information respecting the length of time the 

 Hudson Straits are navigable and also for surveying purposes 

 in Hudson Bay. This Expedition has been thoroughly equip- 

 ped for a period of two and a half years in case the vessel may 

 become ice-bound, but she is expected to return next October. 

 The men are supplied with a complete supply of artic cloth- 

 ing. 



The expedition will include geographical surveys, securing 

 information respecting the kinds of fish that frequent the wa- 

 ters, and preventing any illegalities with regard to the landing 

 of goods in Canadian territory, and the supplying of the natives 

 with liquor. A police station, under the Mounted Police, will 

 be established for policing and controlling the country. Offi- 

 cers, under the departments of Marine and Fisheries, Mounted 

 Police and the Interior, have been sent with instructions from 

 the heads of the different departments. The management of 

 the vessel, the purchase of the outfit and the movements of the 

 ship "Neptune," have been directed by the Minister of 

 Marine and Fisheries, and he will make all necessary arrange- 

 ments for the return of the vessel to St. John, Nfld., or 

 Halifax. 



The expedition was sent with the expectation of securing 

 information not now in the possession of the Dominion Gov- 

 ernment, relating to the northern waters and certain sections 

 of the coast around Hudson Bay, Welcome Sound, Baffin 

 Bay and Cumberland Bay. 



