CALL NUMBER: T1881:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Charles H. Grant : logging and milling in the Cumberland area, 1889-1902 PERIOD COVERED: 1889-1902 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1961 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Grant born in 1889 [actually 1881]. Father a Conservative associate of Robert Dunsmuir and Richard McBride. Father started a mill for Union Colleries. The story of the beginning of Union Mines (Cumberland). Father built mining camp at site of Union Mines. Operation of handloggers described. The introduction of saws as a tool for falling. Old-time falling methods. Building skid roads described. Logging and milling for his father. Methods of hauling with horses and oxen on skid roads. TRACK 2: More on hauling methods. Horses and oxen compared for hauling logs. Old bull punchers described. Humane and inhumane treatment of oxen and horses in the woods. More on skid road hauling methods. Sawmilling methods. A special order for long timber from England. CALL NUMBER: T1881:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Charles H. Grant : the Courtenay area, 1900-1943 PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1943 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1961 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Continuation of the story of the special long timber order. Logging camp conditions. Food in the camp. Early Comox settlers. Speculation as to the origin of Garry Oak. Story of the Riverside Hotel, Courtenay. Grant ran the hotel for a year, ca. 1902. Worked on coastal boats for a time. Was a government agent and tax collector for provincial government. Anecdotes about tax collecting. (End of interview)

RECORDED: Nanaimo (B.C.), 1979-06-27 SUMMARY: One in a series of interviews about the history of Vancouver Island's coal mining industry and mining communities. Goes into mine; washer; protection.;

RECORDED: Nanaimo (B.C.), 1979-06-13 SUMMARY: One in a series of interviews about the history of Vancouver Island's coal mining industry and mining communities. Picking tables; slopes; Southfield flood; Granby; loading coal in harbour; rope riding; mine temperature; school; weather; drinking; Chinese; rope in mine.

News item. An environmental spokesman expresses his doubts about the proposed coal field development near the Quinsam River, which is being diverted into the Campbell River. Mining could pollute the river completely and stop the salmon run. A regional district spokesman from Campbell River speaks out against both the coal mine and the coal port because it will spoil the neighbouring environment (coal dust) and will generate a lot of traffic, as well as harming the salmon run. A spokesman for Campbell River area residents near the proposed coal port discusses a planned waterfront study to ensure orderly development of the port. He says the B.C. government has been asked to a longer look at the economic feasibility of transporting coal to this site. Still, most area residents want the mine development to proceed if the environmental factors can be resolved.

The item is an audio recording of unidentified Ladysmith "old timers" discussing the Vancouver Island coal mines, labour strife, and socialism.