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CALL NUMBER: T1675:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The early years and family background of W.A.C. Bennett, 1900-1930 PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1930 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-05-12 SUMMARY: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his early years, the background of his family in New Brunswick, family relationships and early education. First interest in politics. Recollections of political figures. Apprenticeship in the hardware business. Moving to Edmonton after the First World War. Religious and business activities in Edmonton. Attitudes towards tobacco and alcohol. Meeting his future wife, Annie Elizabeth May Richards. Moving to British Columbia, 1930. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0014 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): British Columbia politics from the 1930s to the Second World War PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1939 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-08 SUMMARY: W.A.C. Bennett discusses British Columbia politics during the 1930s and comments on the personalities and political styles of Premiers Simon Fraser Tolmie and T.D. Pattullo. W.A.C. Bennett recounts his first involvement in provincial politics as a Conservative. Elected in 1941 in South Okanagan. Pattullo and the Rowell-Sirois Commission. Reasons why Pattullo was "turned out" by his own party. Formation of the coalition. Social Credit and economics during the Depression in the 1930s. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0015 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and Coalition politics in B.C., 1941-1951 PERIOD COVERED: 1941-1951 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-08 SUMMARY: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his service as an MLA on the Post-War Rehabilitation Council. The effect of Pat Maitland's death on the Coalition government. Bennett comments on his increasing disillusionment with the Coalition government which precipitated his crossing of the floor of the House in 1951. The 1948 Yale by-election. Bennett recollects his first attempt to enter politics in 1937. The origins of the single transferable ballot. Socialism and Social Credit. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0016 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett recalls the political battles of 1952 and 1975 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-12-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett recalls his response to the criticisms which were levelled at him after joining the Social Credit party. Attitudes towards the press. Comments on Tilly Rolston and the importance of her defection from the ranks of the Coalition government and decision to join Social Credit. The relationship between the Alberta Social Credit party and the fledgling Socred movement in B.C. Events surrounding Bennett's decision to join Social Credit. TRACK 2: Comments on the Social Credit convention of December 1951 and Bennett's decision not to run for the campaign leadership of the party. The meeting after the 1952 election at the Hotel Vancouver at which W.A.C. Bennett was chosen as leader of the Social Credit party. The 1952 election campaign. The importance of hospital insurance as an issue in the campaign. Anecdote about a campaign meeting at Golden where Bennett was confronted by Liberal hecklers led by Tom King. Religion and its importance in Social Credit election victories. Grace McCarthy, Dan Campbell and the rebuilding of the Social Credit party after the 1972 election defeat. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0017 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and Social Credit's rise to power in B.C., 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-12-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett recalls further aspects of the 1952 election campaign. Albertan Socreds in the election campaign. Political organization in the 1952 campaign. Waiting to be called upon to form a government. The role of leadership in politics. Lieutenant-Governor Clarence Wallace and the constitutional problem posed by the outcome of the election. Bennett assembles his prospective ministers in Victoria and prepares to assume office. Meeting with Clarence Wallace. Swearing in the new government. Tom Uphill's mistake. TRACK 2: Comments on the problem within Socred ranks after forming government. Social Credit was one coalition replacing another. Government and patronage. The importance of Bennett in the Socred victory. The role of the single transferable ballot. The Socreds were a "people's government". Economic development in British Columbia since 1952: the Columbia River Treaty, the two-rivers policy, the genesis of the homeowners' grant and parity bonds. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0018 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and the consolidation of power, 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-01-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the decline of the Coalition government in B.C. Reform elements within the Coalition. The Esquimalt by-election of 1951. Commander A.C. Wurtele and his reluctance to ;run as an independent candidate. The Esquimalt by-election campaign. The importance of the by-election. TRACK 2: W.A.C. Bennett discusses joining the Social Credit party. The influence of Eric Martin. The financial state of British Columbia's government at the time he assumed office, August 1952. Advice given to cabinet colleagues. Problems associated with acquiring legislative seats for Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson. Relations with the provincial civil service after forming the government. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0019 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and the Socreds' first session in the B.C. Legislature, 1953 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-01-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses problems he encountered after forming B.C.'s first Social Credit government, August, 1952. Problems within the Social Credit party. Relations with opposition parties in the House. The appeal of Social Credit. Einar Gunderson and his role in government. Robert Sommers and the Doukhobor issue. Meeting with Premier Manning in Edmonton, December 1952. Comments on the first session of the B.C. legislature presided over by a Socred administration, 1953. TRACK 2: Choosing a Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Coordination of House strategy with the Socred caucus. Initiation of pay-as-you-go policies for government expenditures. Harold Winch as Leader of the Opposition. The defeat of the Socred government in the House on the Rolston Formula. Preparation for defeat. Events following the defeat of the government in the House. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0020 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and the 1953 provincial election PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-01-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the effect of not being called upon to form a government on Harold Winch. The provincial election campaign, 1953. The effect of the transferable ballot. Relations with the federal Social Credit party. Support of Real Caouette for the leadership of the federal party. Reasons for success in the 1953 election. Preference for use of the title "Prime Minister". Effects of becoming Premier on personal life. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Department of Public Works, fiscal policy and comments on unions PERIOD COVERED: 1955-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Plans for the development of the parliamentary precinct. Comments on the construction of the Museum and Archives complex. Comments on tight fiscal control exercised by Treasury Board. Fires in 1957: the Birdcages and Government House. Chant's interest in the University of Victoria. TRACK 2: Comments on the confidentiality of Treasury Board and cabinet. The Sommers case and comments on political integrity. The 1956 election. Chant's negative comments about organized labour and reaction to them. Discussion of some labour issues: closed shops, compulsory arbitration, public service collective bargaining, and the right to strike in the public sector.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Labour relations and economic development in British Columbia : 1953-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Pressure groups. Civil Service strike, 1959, and Chant's negative reaction to it. The Carruthers report. Comments on union power and the "closed shop". Problems of commercial monopolies such as the banks. Monetary theory. Economic development in northern B.C. TRACK 2: The plans of Wenner-Gren. More on economic development. Comments on the proper role of governments. The economic system in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T1378:0012 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Comments and opinions of a Social Credit cabinet minister PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The takeover of the B.C. Electric Co. Social Credit a "free enterprise" party. More on the takeover of B.C. Electric Co. Dominion-provincial relations. Language problems in Canada. Chant's negative opinions of P.E. Trudeau. TRACK 2: The morality of P.E. Trudeau. The duties of an elected representative. Chant's strengths and weaknesses as a minister. Press relations. The use of telephones; within the public service. Chant a member of Canadian Club and rotary.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social life, Phil Gaglardi, the B.C. Building and the 1972 election PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The social side of cabinet duties: state balls, royal visits. Chant's views in favour of the monarchy. Chant's personal support of the Red Ensign as the official flag of Canada. Phil Gaglardi: Chant's lack of personal confidence in him; Chant declines to attend Gaglardi's reinstatement to cabinet; Bennett and Gaglardi. Chant had no "special" friends within the cabinet. Relations between W;.A.C. Bennett and Chant. The planning for the large government building in Vancouver. TRACK 2: More on the 55-story building in Vancouver. Bennett's personal interest in this project. Discussion of the conduct of cabinet meetings. Violent incident in New Westminster during the 1972 election campaign.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0014 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The federal Social Credit Party and early B.C. Social Crediters PERIOD COVERED: 1948-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Relations between the federal and provincial wings of the Social Credit Party. Influence of the Alberta Socreds in B.C. Alberta influences directed against Chant. Discussion of the 1951 by-election in Esquimalt. The federal Social Credit Party. TRACK 2: The B.C. Socred ministers took part in varying degrees in federal elections. Chant's comments on the federal Socred leaders: Solon Low, Robert Thompson, Real Caouette. Federal organizing and finances. The split between the federal and provincial wings of the party and Chant's reaction to it. 1962 federal leadership convention. Comments on the roles of Major A.H. Jukes, Peer Paynter and Lyle Wicks in the Social Credit League in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0015 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Chant as the Minister of Public Works PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Design and execution of the fountains at the Vancouver Courthouse and the Parliament buildings. Projects of which Chant was particularly proud. More on the B.C. Building, Vancouver. Bennett's interest in the B.C. Building. Problems with the B.C. Building. The Bank of British Columbia. TRACK 2: Bennett's attitudes towards confederation. Bennett's notion of a guaranteed annual income. Chant accepted no gifts from contractors. Comments on the Legislature. Comments on Robert Bonner's departure from the cabinet, 1968. Considerations in the calling of elections.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0016 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A cabinet minister's life PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Chant discusses cabinet procedures and elections. The period between the 1972 defeat and the NDP takeover of the administration. The 1966 electoral redistribution. Practical and political considerations in redrawing electoral boundaries. TRACK 2: The defections of Don Marshall and Scott Wallace to the Conservatives. Chant's assessment of W.A.C. Bennett as a leader. Comments of Waldo Skillings, Don Smith and Lydia Arsens. Security in the vicinity of the Legislature. General security for the public buildings. Chant's secretary. Chant's decision to retire. Chant's negative feelings towards socialism. Chant describes a typical working day.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0017 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Personal reflections PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The work of administering a department. Chant's personal scheduling. Travel. The Social Credit organization in Victoria. Chant's relations with various Victoria city councils. Assessment of the new government of W.R. Bennett. Personal reflections on a life in public office. Main interests and influences: motive power, economic theory, Christianity. The influence of Christianity on Chant's thinking. [TRACK 2: blank? End of interview.)

CALL NUMBER: T1375:0021 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Environmental issues, federal-provincial relations and government finance PERIOD COVERED: 1954-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Williston discusses: the formation and operation of the Environment and Land Use Committee (ELUC); unusual power of ELUC; pollution control problems, specifically pulp mill effluent; greenbelts; lakeshore development policies; dominion-provincial relations; restrictions and sanctions against travel and conferences; Resources for the Future Conference and the Canadian Council of Resource Ministers. Cabinet and Bennett never discussed separation from Canada. TRACK 2: Williston talks about: offshore mineral rights; government's interest in the Bank of B.C. Treasury Board and procedures for control of government spending; details on the operation of Treasury Board; W.A.C. Bennett as Finance Minister; budget preparation. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0022 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Resource issues in the 1950s and 1960s PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1970 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses government policy to encourage Japanese investment in B.C., and gives details about Japanese investment. Williston and Bennett meet Japanese Crown Prince and Princess. Development of the quota system in the allocation of timber rights. Quota system provides stability in the forest industry. Williston never unduly pressured by forest companies. Disparaging comments about North American Water and Power Alliance (NAWAPA). TRACK 2: More on NAWAPA. 1960 truck loggers' convention and flare-up with Gordon Gibson Sr. Williston discusses issue of bribes and gifts to ministers. Personal assessment of Gordon Gibson Sr. Williston then discusses Pollution Control Board: 1965 legislation; impetus for change from various sources, air pollution not included; weakness of a system that imposes fines; the need for political involvement in pollution control; differences of opinion over control standards with Health Minister Ralph Loffmark. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0023 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Resource and environment issues, 1956-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Pollution control: differences of opinion between Williston and Ralph Loffmark; air quality standards difficult to set; onus of responsibility for pollution on the polluter; local, regional and provincial pollution standards; Williston, Loffmark and Campbell on Pollution Control Board (PCB) as of 1969; restrictions on those who could appear before the PCB. Economic growth versus conservation and environmental control. Role of public opinion in altering Williston's thinking on environmental issues. Williston not very concerned about foreign and non-resident ownership of land. Use of land and resources the important thing. Preservation of waterfront for public recreation. [TRACK 2: blank.]; CALL NUMBER: T1375:0024 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Resource issues in the 1960s and 1970s PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Williston's perspectives on: Buttle Lake controversy; mining in a provincial park; logging within Strathcona Park; the establishment of Rathtrevor Park and the exchange of timber within Strathcona Park. Discusses Skagit River controversy; involvement of Liberal Party. Williston assesses the recreational potential as modest. Discusses provincial obligations related to this issue. Cypress Bowl. TRACK 2: More on Cypress Bowl. Nitinat Triangle issue: the extension of Pacific Rim National Park. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0025 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit Cabinet Minister, 1954-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Question of the extension of the boundaries of Pacific Rim National Park, 1970-71. Nuclear power in B.C. Gordon Shrum interested in nuclear power. Williston cool to the social side of politics, such as state balls and legislative openings. Williston opposes the right to strike in the public sector. Changes in the public service, 1953-1972. Elections and election strategy. The central role of W.A.C. Bennett in elections. Decision to end the preferential ballot in 1955. TRACK 2: More on the preferential ballot. Provincial election, 1956. Provincial election, 1960. Williston's thoughts on campaigning in general. Political and economic philosophy. Comments on the NDP government. Fiscal conservatism of W.A.C. Bennett. The religious appeal of Social Credit. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0026 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Elections and conventions, the 1972 defeat and aftermath PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Further discusses the religious appeal of Social Credit. Redistribution 1966. Relations between B.C. Social Credit government and federal party. Provincial election, 1972: issues in election; factors leading to defeat; Bennett in the election; negative role of P.A. Gaglardi; Williston's personal defeat in Fort George; Williston willing to oppose Gaglardi for Socred leadership; New Westminster incident. Talks about winding up the affairs of government after the election. Comments on Robert Williams. TRACK 2: More on government changeover. Job offers after 1972 election. United Nations; (FAO) jobs in Indonesia, Peru and Bangladesh. Other job offers. Personal assessment of P.A. Gaglardi. Social Credit League. Members and supporters in Fort George constituency. Role of Social Credit League and conventions in policy formation. Typical Socred convention described. Place of socialism in B.C. society. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0027 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Legislative Assembly, 1953-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Williston's political philosophy. Negative aspects of centralized control in a socialist bureaucracy. Williston's assessment of the key role of Bob Williams in the NDP government. Role of pressure groups. The Legislative Assembly: all-night sessions; Ernest Winch; Arnold Webster; Thomas Berger; Dave Barrett; contact between parties outside the House; anecdote about Tom Uphill. TRACK 2: Anecdotes about the Legislature. Williston discusses prominent Liberals: Arthur Laing; Ray Perrault; Pat McGeer. Williston feels Hansard to be of limited value. Opposition and press become more negative in later years to the way in which Williston handled his portfolios. Bob Williams becomes Williston's strongest critic. Defection of G. Scott Wallace, 1971. Williston's opinion of the Vancouver press. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0028 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): British Columbia politics, 1953-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C Bennett and the press. Incident regarding secret loan from the Bank of Nova Scotia. More on the press. Comments on Stuart Keate, newspaper publisher. Opposition to Williston in the Prince George press. Robert Bonner's move to MacMillan Bloedel. Relations with Vancouver press. W.A.C. Bennett and his style of leadership. TRACK 2: More details on Bennett and personal relationship between Bennett and Williston. Debt reduction schemes in the 1950s. The Kelowna "bondfire". Anecdotes about Williston's friend and industrialist, Ben Ginter: the construction industry; starting in the brewing business. Constituency relations. Williston's role in establishing a flag for B.C. Mobil cabinet meetings. The "George E.P. Jones case". CALL NUMBER: T1375:0029 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Personal Reflections PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: No lack of new ideas in the later years. Williston maintained good health throughout his period as minister. Involved with the YMCA in Victoria. Williston planning to retire within a few years of 1972 election. Regrets having little time for his family. Williston describes typical working day. Did not socialize with Bennett. Few social relations between ministers in the Socred government. Williston moved permanently to Victoria in 1954. Williston's close personal friends with Harold Moffat and family. Hobby of photography. Williston's attitudes on alcohol. Heavy demands for personal appearance. TRACK 2: Comments about changes as a result of 20 years in public life. Lack of concern about personal safety. Summation.

CALL NUMBER: T1375:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Childhood and Youth, 1914-1933 PERIOD COVERED: 1914-1933 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-01-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in Victoria, 1914. United Empire Loyalist stock in New Brunswick, 1786. Family moves to B.C. in 1912 (?). Father in feed business. Moved to Ladner. Father in debt. Moved to Salmon Arm. Father killed in 1927, putting the family into even greater debt. TRACK 2: Works for "The SAFE" in Salmon Arm. Mother ran a boarding house. Played in dance band through the Depression. Ambition to become a pilot. Normal School in Victoria. Member of Older Boys' Parliament. Worked as warehouseman and clerk. Depression years in Salmon Arm. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Student and teacher, 1934-1939 PERIOD COVERED: 1934-1939 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-01-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Williston discusses his first teaching job in Hendon, B.C. in 1934. He then took a B.A. at UBC summer school, starting in 1935. Taught in Surrey, B.C. Talks about Surrey social life at the time, and his marriage in 1939. Moves to Princeton, B.C. Graduates from UBC in 1940. Discusses the social life in Princeton in the late 1930s. TRACK 2: Discusses teaching at the Princeton High School. UBC summer session discussed. Walks over Hope-Princeton trail in 1939. Gordon Shrum and Professor Sedgewick at UBC. Williston has attack of "nervous exhaustion". He develops an "abhorrence" of socialism during the 1930s. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Airman and School Administrator, 1940-1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-01-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Rejects BCTF militancy in the 1930s. Rejection of socialism. RCAF (1940-1945) in Alberta. Returns to teaching in 1945. Supervising principal in Prince George. Joins the Department of Education as school inspector. TRACK 2: Reprimand by W.T. Straith, Minister of Education. Declines to run as a Socred in 1952. Runs in 1953 and elected (Fort George constituency). Unschooled in Socred monetary theory. Thought W.A.C. Bennett too conservative in financial matters. Socialism versus "adapted free enterprise". Voted for various parties in 1930s and 1940s. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit politician, 1952-1954 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1954 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-01-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Attracted to the Social Credit Party in 1952 by the people in it. Nominating meeting in 1953. Had job as a lecturer at the University of Washington, 1954. Became Minister of Education, April 1954. Aquatic events in the Gorge, Victoria. [TRACK 2: blank.]; CALL NUMBER: T1375:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): MLA and Minister of Education, 1953-1956 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-06 SUMMARY: Williston reprimanded by William T. Straith, Minister of Education, for making public statements about education. Asked to resign as school inspector when he was nominated in 1953. 1953 election. W.A.C. Bennett speaks on behalf of Williston, 1953. Williston's first speech in Legislative Assembly. Williston gets favourable reaction from all sides. Responsibilities of "the press". Williston becomes Minister of Education, April 1954. Appointment kept secret until last minute. Initial problems and issues in education -- financing, teacher training, curriculum. Role of deputy ministers. Some senior public servants try to embarrass the new government, especially with regard to finances. School finances. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Education, 1954-1956 PERIOD COVERED: 1954-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Problems of school construction and finance, 1954-56. Establishment of teacher training in universities. British Columbia College of Education. Reinstatement of World Review in the schools. Education problems with Doukhobors. Doukhobor school at New Denver, B.C. The socializing role of the school system. TRACK 2: More on B.C. College of Education. Personalities in B.C. education. Salaries of education officials. School openings. CALL NUMBER: T1375:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The "Sommers" Case PERIOD COVERED: 1955-1957 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975-10-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: "Sommers scandal" in which Robert Sommers is accused and convicted of accepting bribes in relation to the granting of forest land tenures. Williston's personal assessment of Sommers. Williston appointed Minister of Lands and Forests, 1956. Reaction within government to the scandal. Mel Bryan crosses the floor to protest Attorney-General Bonner's handling of the affair. TRACK 2: More on Mel Bryan and "Sommers scandal". Assessment of Ron Worley. Sloan Commission on Forestry, 1957.