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The item is a composite print of an industrial film made around 1964. It shows the construction of the Mica, Duncan and Arrow Dams in the Columbia River basin. Some of the communities in the project area are shown and the problems and benefits are discussed. There is footage of Revelstoke and Trail-Kaslo area, flooding of the Columbia near Trail and aerial views of area communities. There is also footage of the 1964 ratification of the Columbia River Treaty at the International Peace Arch, with US President Johnson, Canadian Prime Minister Pearson and BC Premier Bennett.

The item is an audio recording of an interview with Alexander Douglas Turnbull, recorded in Victoria in 1974.

T0270:0001: Background, education and work for Cominco at Trail, B.C. Discussion of work for Cominco. Political discussion group, Liberal Party. Development of Coalition Government. Running for election in 1948, defeat. Election of 1949 and becoming an MLA. Work to improve conditions in riding. Throne speech, Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, 1949. Discussion of British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service, problems of initiating it and administration. Role of George Pearson, Minister of Labour and Minister of Health and Welfare. Discussion of legislation.

T0270:0002: Discussion of the problem of financing hospital insurance. Reaction of the voters in Trail, B.C. to the Coalition. Affect of road construction in political campaigning. Relationship with C.C.F. Appointment as Minister of Health and Welfare, 1950 and initial approach to the problem of hospital insurance. Role of Herbert Anscomb as Minister of Finance. Problems with: payment of premiums for hospital insurance, setting up program, housing of program's operations, and overall criticisms of program. Expansion of Vancouver General Hospital and the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine at U.B.C. Attempt to put hospital insurance on sound financial basis. Hospital insurance as a political issue.

T0270:0003: The British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service, and the reaction of the medical profession to its establishment. Budgetary control of hospitals under BCHIS. Payment of premiums to BCHIS. Involvement of Byron Johnson and Herbert Anscomb with hospital insurance. Budget Speech, Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Byron Johnson and his automobile accident. W.A.C. Bennett crossing the floor and leaving the Conservative Party. Operation of government in the Coalition period. Description of Health and Welfare Department. Increasing costs of BCHIS.

T0270:0004: Creation of Hospital Insurance Inquiry Board to investigate British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service by Legislative Assembly. Attempt to use it as a political issue. Minister's relationship with inquiry board. Directing of inquiry by Sidney Smith, MLA. Problem of morale at BCHIS during inquiry. Mannix Report, Hamilton Report. Preliminary recommendations of inquiry board. Favourable response of hospital administrators to BCHIS. Criticism of inquiry board. Political pressures against Coalition and problems between Herbert Anscomb and Byron Johnson.

T0270:0005 track 1: Mr. Turnbull discusses in detail the last year of the Coalition government of Boss Johnson in 1951-52. He focuses on the details of the British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service, which he was responsible for. He discusses the impact of the BCHIS on the electorate. He mentions why Premier Johnson called the election.
T0270:0005 track 2: In the last half of the tape Mr. Turnbull provides even greater detail on the concept and funding of the BCHIS at the time of the 1952 provincial election.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Esquimalt by-election of 1951 PERIOD COVERED: 1913-1965 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-02-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: A.C. Wurtele was born in Kingston, Ontario, 1897. He describes his family background and gives a brief outline of his naval career from 1913 until his retirement in 1945. A brief account of his career as an alderman in Esquimalt up until the time of the 1951 provincial by-election. The 1951 by-election: dealing with W.A.C. Bennett. TRACK 2: More on the 1951 by-election. Discussion of the bitterness and in-fighting between the Liberals and Conservatives within the Coalition. The by-election campaign and the roles of Wurtele, Bennett, Waldo Skillings and Ron Worley. Public meetings described. The opponents: Percy George and Frank Mitchell. Wurtele defeated by Mitchell and the Coalition candidate badly defeated. General assessment of the by-election and its effects on Wurtele's career as Reeve of Esquimalt, 1951-65. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T2706:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Memories of growing up as the daughter of W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1928-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Anita Tozer discusses her family background: the Bennett family's move to Kelowna, 1930; early memories of life in Kelowna; growing up in the Okanagan Valley during the Depression; relations with her brothers; anecdotes about W.A.C. Bennett as a father; family backgrounds of mother and father; education of the Bennett family; W.A.C. Bennett's years in Edmonton. TRACK 2: Anita Tozer discusses the background to her mother and father's marriage in Edmonton, 1927. Her parent's involvement in a religious youth group in Edmonton. Anecdote about her father teaching Chinese immigrants in Edmonton. Religion and the Bennett family. The nature of the Bennett household. Discipline and the Bennett family. Attending the University of Alberta. The education of her brothers. CALL NUMBER: T2706:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Politics and the Bennett family, 1950 - 1975 PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Anita Tozer discusses her education and teaching career. Marriage to Geoffrey Tozer, 1952. Growth of family. Relationship between the Bennetts and Tozers. The Capozzis and the Bennetts. Family involvement in election campaigns. Comments on her father's political career: reactions to W.A.C. Bennett joining Social Credit and becoming Premier. TRACK 2: Anita Tozer discusses aspects of her own life as the daughter of the Premier of British Columbia. Further comments on her teaching career. Attitudes towards teaching, teachers, the B.C.T.F. and compulsory union membership. Women in politics. Her mother's role in her father's political career. The effect of the 1972 election defeat. Reaction to her brother Bill's entry into politics and attainment of the Premiership. Comments on the book she intends to write on her father's career.

CALL NUMBER: T4207:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Political life of Arthur Ash (part 1) RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1985-06-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Arthur Ash, a life-long Liberal, outlines his early political career in Ottawa, serving on City Council, joining the Twentieth Century Young Liberals Association, and assisting in campaign to elect Mitchell Hepburn government. Discussion of recent Ontario election. Reasons for moving to B.C. Saanich by-election 1948. 1949 general election results. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T4207:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Political life of Arthur Ash (part 2) RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1985-06-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Arthur Ash discusses the disintegration of Coalition government and success of W.A.C. Bennett. He saw W.A.C. Bennett as an opportunist. Ash and many Liberals favour governing without the Conservatives but Boss Johnson refuses. Gordon Wismer. Regrets about destruction of B.C. Liberal Party. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview]

SUMMARY: CBC interview with Andrew Petter concerning his satirical take-off on the BC government sponsored "Ask Your Provincial Government" series. The spoof included parodies of Premier W.A.C. Bennett and his; major cabinet ministers.

The item consists of reel of film footage from 1958-1959. It contains a spliced-together footage compilation showing various Power Commission operations: mobile 500KW diesel generating unit arrives in Revelstoke, cable-laying barge, boats and shore crew lay underwater line to Thetis & Kuper Islands, island residents celebrate at a picnic, where First Nations dancers perform, power plant construction & tunnel work at Ash River project on Great Central Lake [similar tunnelling shots in Men at Work], continuing through winter, completed Ash River Generating Station and penstock, shots of Chemainus sawmill and new power station.

B&W footage: official opening of Georgia Gas Turbine Generating Station at Chemainus -- people touring station, Premier W.A.C. Bennett and Commission chairman Hugh Keenleyside addressing crowd and on-site CHEK-TV interview [b&w, sound] with Premier Bennett re Power Commission development.

News item. The Premier says he cannot have allegations made against his party such as those on Mr. Kelly's tapes. He tries to evade questions from the media.

The items consists of film footage and outs from 1966. It shows Premier W.A.C. Bennett campaigning in August 1966 in Cranbrook, Fernie, Campbell River, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and the "instant town" of Mackenzie. There is also footage of Premier Bennett being interviewed about the bond issue to finance the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in 1966.

The item consists of film footage from 1965. It shows Premier W.A.C. Bennett announcing new bond issue to audience and being interviewed on the bond issue.

The item consists of film footage. It shows Premier W.A.C. Bennett campaigning in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Prince George, and the "instant town" of Mackenzie, August 1966. One item shows him arriving in Prince George, boarding a train, aboard the train, and touring the Mackenzie mill and town.

The item consists of film footage from 1970. In it Premier W.A.C. Bennett is interviewed about a parity bond issue.

The item consists of film footage of W.A.C. Bennett around 1969. Standing at a podium, Premier W.A.C. Bennett speaks on various issues: Quebec loan from BC of $100 million; inflation; anniversary of BC's entry into Confederation (1971), etc.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): From the father unto the son: the political education of Bill Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Premier Bill Bennett discusses growing up in Kelowna during the 1930s. Relationship with his brother and sister. Social life and education. The Bennett household. W.A.C. Bennett as a father. The role of his mother. Religion and the Bennett family. The effect of politics on the Bennett family. Relations within the family. Recollections of the Bennett home and surrounding grounds. Education. Attending private school. The decision to enter the family business on a full-time basis. TRACK 2: Premier Bill Bennett discusses the question of when he personally attained adulthood. Visiting the Penthouse cabaret in Vancouver in the early 1950s. Young adulthood as the son of the Premier. The reasons why he did not drink alcoholic beverages as a young man. Reading habits as a boy. Reaction to his father joining the Social Credit Party, 1951. Reaction to his father becoming Premier, 1952. Working for his father during election campaigns. Taking over the family hardware business with his brother. The argumentative nature of the relationships between members of the Bennett family. Politics and public service. (End of interview)

The item consists of a documentary film on four reels. It depicts Centennial celebrations throughout 1971, including the visit by Queen Elizabeth.

Locations include: 100 Mile House, Barkerville, Burnaby, Empire Stadium, Long Beach, New Westminster, Pacific Rim National Park, BC Parliament Buildings, Prince George, Squamish, Vancouver International Airport, Victoria and California.

People include: Princess Anne, Premier W.A.C. Bennett, Minister of Indian Affairs Jean Chretien, Chief August Jack, Governor-General Roland Michener, Lieutenant-Governor J.R. Nicholson, Prince Philip, Chief James Sewid, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Centennial Committee Chair L.J. Wallace.

Events featured include: bathtub race, canoe race, First Nations ceremonies, Grey Cup game, logger sports, pageants and parades, RCMP musical ride, rodeo, Swiftsure, and Tournament of Roses.

Also shown: Beaver paddle steamer replica, royal yacht Britannia, Netherlands Carillon, Nippon Maru sailing ship, time capsule.

The item is a documentary film on two reels. It shows centennial celebrations throughout 1971, including the visit by Queen Elizabeth.
Locations include: 100 Mile House, Barkerville, Burnaby, Empire Stadium, Long Beach, New Westminster, Pacific Rim National Park, BC Parliament Buildings, Prince George, Squamish, Vancouver International Airport, Victoria and California.

People include: Princess Anne, Premier W.A.C. Bennett, Minister of Indian Affairs Jean Chretien, Chief August Jack, Governor-General Roland Michener, Lieutenant-Governor J.R. Nicholson, Prince Philip, Chief James Sewid, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Centennial Committee Chair L.J. Wallace.

Events featured include: bathtub race, canoe race, First Nations ceremonies, Grey Cup game, logger sports, pageants and parades, RCMP musical ride, rodeo, Swiftsure, and Tournament of Roses.

Also shown: Beaver paddle steamer replica, royal yacht Britannia, Netherlands Carillon, Nippon Maru sailing ship, time capsule.

The item is a reel of unedited film footage of Premier W.A.C. Bennett making a speech. Vancouver Mayor Tom Campbell and the Hon. L.J. Wallace are also shown, as well as a choir and the Beefeater Band.

The item is a composite print of a documentary film from 1968. It shows the potential health hazards posed by environmental pollution in B.C., and the work of the Public Health Service and Pollution Control Board. Includes scenes documenting various sources of air and water pollution; sewage treatment; field testing of air, water, shellfish to determine health dangers, etc. Begins with a speech by Premier W.A.C. Bennett on the importance of keeping B.C. beautiful, despite the demands of progress.

Documentary. The potential health hazards posed by environmental pollution in B.C., and the work of the Public Health Service and Pollution Control Board. Includes scenes documenting various sources of air and water pollution; sewage treatment; field testing of air, water, shellfish to determine health dangers, etc. Begins with a speech by Premier W.A.C. Bennett on the importance of keeping B.C. beautiful, despite the demands of progress.

Interview. The television program Capital Comment marks its twentieth anniversary. Guest is former Premier W.A.C. Bennett.

The item is a print of a documentary film. The Lord Mayor of London, Sir Robert Bellinger, visits British Columbia to celebrate the centenary of the union of the colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia. Film shows ceremonial events at New Westminster, Fort Langley, Government House in Victoria, and elsewhere. People shown include Centennial officials, Premier W.A.C. Bennett, actor Raymond Burr, etc.

CALL NUMBER: T3332:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial administration of the Social Credit government, 1952-1972 (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1906-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-18 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: C.J. Ferber discusses his background, training, and work as a chartered accountant, and his entrance into the civil service as deputy comptroller-general during the Coalition years. The 1952 election, the beginning of the Social Credit era of government, and Ferber's promotion to the position of Comptroller-General. Impressions of W.A.C. Bennett, Einar Gunderson and J.V. Fisher. Duties and functions as Comptroller-General. Responsibilities and relationship within the government. Control of government expenditure. TRACK 2: Mr. Ferber discusses the issuing of special warrants for government expenditure. W.A.C. Bennett as a financial policy-maker. The comptroller-general as financial administrator. The role, function and operation of Treasury Board. Explanation of the budgetary process during the time of W.A.C. Bennett's administration. Attitudes toward deficit-financing.;

CALL NUMBER: T3332:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial administration of the Social Credit government, 1952-1972 (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-18 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: C.J. Ferber discusses the subject of deficit financing in government, debt reduction and Crown Corporations. The method which the government of W.A.C. Bennett employed to eliminate the public debt of B.C. The possible dangers for governments building up large amounts of contingent liabilities. The Social Credit policy of "Pay as you go". During Ferber's years as Comptroller-General, British Columbia's public accounts were the clearest in Canada. The difference between budgetary and non-budgetary items in public accounts. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview.];

CALL NUMBER: T3333:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Education, training and military experience of Clarence Wallace PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1918 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Clarence Wallace remembers his personal and family background, growing up in the West End of Vancouver, and his education. Working in his father's shipyards. History of his father's shipyards, Burrard Dry Dock. Wallace's efforts to secure the federal government approval to build a drydock in North Vancouver. TRACK 2: Further aspects of the history of Burrard Drydocks. Life in Vancouver prior to World War I. Joining the cavalry in Vancouver, military training and service overseas. Anecdote about experience on a freighter as a youngster. Military experience overseas. CALL NUMBER: T3333:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Clarence Wallace : family and business PERIOD COVERED: 1918-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Clarence Wallace discusses further aspects of his military experience overseas. Return to Vancouver and work for the family business. The effect of the war on the family shipbuilding business. The Burrard Dry Dock Company through the 1920s and 1930s. The Second World War and its effect on the shipbuilding industry. Anecdote about receiving federal government shipbuilding contracts through H.R. MacMillan. TRACK 2: Shipbuilding during the Second World War. Changes in working conditions during the period of expansion of the family business. Attitudes towards organized labour. Comments on Clarence Wallace's family. Anecdote about growing up with his sons. Military experience of his sons in the Second World War. Comments on travels abroad. Personal reminiscence of Queen Elizabeth II. Wallace describes himself as a royalist. The role of the Lieutenant-Governor. CALL NUMBER: T3333:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The election of 1952 : a constitutional controversy in British Columbia PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-28 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Clarence Wallace discusses the circumstances leading up to his appointment as Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, 1950. Comments on his predecessor, Charles Banks. Attitudes towards the monarchy. Anecdotes about life as Lieutenant-Governor. Impressions of politics and political figures in B.C. The 1952 election. TRACK 2: Clarence Wallace discusses the constitutional controversy which was the result of the 1952 provincial election. Explanation of why he called on W.A.C. Bennett to form the government, and the problems involved in making that decision. Swearing in British Columbia's first Social Credit government. Renovating Government House. The 1953 dissolution of the Legislature. Comments on Harold Winch. Social aspects of life as Lieutenant-Governor.

The item is a release print of an industrial film. Dr. Hugh Keenleyside introduces this film showing progress on the construction of the Mica, Arrow and Duncan dams to the end of 1965. Includes footage of construction, area communities, and the dedication of Duncan Dam by W.A.C. Bennett.

The item is a reel of unedited film footage. Shows opening ceremonies at Creston Sawmills, attended by Premier W.A.C. Bennett and other dignitaries. Scenes of construction in progress on the Salmo-Creston highway. Highways Minister Phil Gaglardi visits the work site.

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: [No content documentation is available for this interview.];

CALL NUMBER: T3683:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years, military service and introduction to politics PERIOD COVERED: 1921-1951 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses his family background. Reasons why his father, Jack, and uncle Arthur came out to British Columbia. Description of their experiences in the Ootsa Lake region. Born 1921 at Ootsa Lake. Education was by correspondence. Recollection of former schoolteacher. Early interest in politics. His uncle's political career as a Conservative. Anecdote about joining the army in the Second World War. Being wounded in a military training accident. Recollections of service overseas. Comments on military experiences in Britain. Landing at Sicily. Travelling through Italy. Comments on wartime conditions in Italy. Christmas of 1944 in Italy and relationship with German soldiers. Travelling throughout the rest of Europe and fighting conditions as the war came to a close. TRACK 2: Comments on the conclusion of wartime hostilities. Returned home 1945. Served in occupation in Holland. General reflections on his military experiences. Anecdotes about wartime experiences shared with friend from Alberta. Comments on return to British Columbia and readjustment to civilian life. Logging at Wistaria. Family politics. Anecdotes about politics in the riding of Omineca during the post-war period. Non-partisanship in the north country. Stories about the friendly nature of politics in the early years of his public career. Attitude towards socialism. Problems related to the construction of the Alcan Lake area in opposition to building of an Alcan reservoir. Heading a delegation to Victoria to see the government about the problem. Meeting W.A.C. Bennett. Description of a meeting with Premier Johnson and the Minister of Lands, E.T. Kenney. Going to see Harold Winch. Lack of newspaper support for their cause. Meeting with Alcan officials in Vancouver. W.A.C. Bennett made an issue of the problem in the Legislature. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit and the 1952 election PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford describes attending his first Social Credit meeting in Victoria at the prompting of W.A.C. Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett as a public speaker. Joining Social Credit. Selling Socred memberships in Omineca. Recollection of the Social Credit nominating convention in Omineca. Anecdote about why he received the nomination. Reasons why he decided to enter politics. Recollections of the 1952 election campaign in Omineca. Anecdote about campaigning in Fort St. James. Wooing the Indian vote at Stony Creek. Reasons for Shelford's victory in the election. Voting strategy. Lack of understanding of Social Credit theory. The effect of the single transferable ballot in Omineca. Lack of contact throughout the campaign with other Social Credit candidates. Meeting at the Hotel Vancouver to choose a party leader. Shelford supported Bennett. First experience with political tactics. First Social Credit cabinet was appointed in the washroom at the Hotel Vancouver. Influence of Alberta Socreds. Shelford did not lobby for a cabinet post. Comments on the Socred team of elected MLAs. Religion and politics. Shelford heard about the cabinet being sworn in on a radio news report. Paying the price of being outspoken. [TRACK 2: blank.]; CALL NUMBER: T3683:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of government during the early years of Social Credit PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford recalls being the first Canadian casualty in the Second World War. Comments on the conclusion of the problem at Ootsa Lake with the Aluminum Company of Canada. Events after the 1952 election. Comments on problems of communication between MLA and cabinet ministers. Secrecy and Cabinet appointments. Lack of instruction or orientation for new MLAs. Comments on the character of the first Social Credit government. Reaction to W.A.C. Bennett bringing Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson into the government. General comments on government. Discussion of goals during the early years of government service. Shelford as environmentalist. W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. TRACK 2: Cyril Shelford discusses the Social Credit caucus system. The possibility of a caucus revolt. The influence of caucus on legislation. Story about Phil Gaglardi coming up to Shelford's riding to look into possible construction of a new highway. Recollection of Phil Gaglardi. Shelford's fight for equalization of gas prices in the province. The appointment of a Royal Commission to look into the question. Shelford as critic of the government's agriculture policy during the early years. Service on the agriculture committee of the Legislature. Advocating the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company. The agriculture committee never sat again until Shelford became Minister of Agriculture in 1968. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Sommers affair and other aspects of B.C. politics PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses reaction to Bonner and Gunderson becoming cabinet ministers in the Social Credit government, 1952. W.A.C. Bennett's reputation as a financial genius. The possibility of the Premier entering federal politics. Recollection of Tom Uphill. Comments on "pairing" in the Legislative Assembly with opposition members. Recollection of the Sommers affair. Shelford was concerned that the Sommers case be cleared up at an early date. Disappointed with the performance of Sommers legal counsel, Angelo Branca. Meeting with Mel Bryan before he crossed the floor of the House. Criticism of the forest management licence system. Gordon Gibson Sr.'s role. Comments on the possibility of Robert Sommers' guilt. Sommers as cabinet minister. Campaign funds had been confused with Sommers personal affairs. The death of Hec Munro. Comments on letters Shelford wrote to the Premier on the subject of the Sommers Affair. Reasons why the Premier seemed to delay in appointing an inquiry into the matter. Effect of the case on the Sommers family. TRACK 2: Comments on Bonner's handling of the Sommers affair as Attorney-General. Reaction to Shelford's support of an Opposition vote of non-confidence in Bonner. Further comments on the Sommers affair. Comments on discipline among government members during the Sommers case. Attitude towards Gaglardi when he was accused of wrongdoing as Minister of the Crown. Gaglardi as a potential successor to lead the Social Credit Party. Gaglardi's popularity among party members. Shelford conducted an informal survey of public opinion in B.C. for the Premier prior to the 1969 election. W.A.C. Bennett indicated that he intended to resign after the 1969 election but stayed on in order to prevent the possibility of Gaglardi succeeding him as leader. Shelford's comments at the 1959 Socred convention and warning of undesirable changes in the party. Criticism of how election campaign funds were handled. Social Credit as a "party" or "movement". CALL NUMBER: T3683:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Agriculture, 1968-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses his personal political philosophy. Polarization in B.C. politics. Comments on varying philosophical viewpoints within the Social Credit Party. Reasons for the lack of a party revolt over the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company, 1961. Ken Kiernan and Ray Williston were called "the twins". Reactions to Shelford's outspokenness on aspects of government policy. Attempts to find another candidate in Shelford's riding. W.A.C. Bennett was not a one-man-government. Decision-making in government. Examples of effective and ineffective decision-makers in Bennett's cabinet. The Premier was good at delegating authority. Means of subsidization for the meagre salary of an MLA. "A politician without a cause is a lost cause." Criticism of Bennett's stringency with MLAs' salaries and expenses. Representing a rural riding as opposed to an urban one. Comments on Shelford' various threats to quit the Socred Party or cross the floor of the House. Comments on his coverage in the press. Anecdote about comments made by Walter Owen before sessions of the Morrow Commission. TRACK 2: Overtures were often made to Shelford to join other political parties. Shelford did not consciously cultivate the role of maverick. B.C.'s population too centralized in Vancouver. Shelford as the conscience of the Socreds. The Premier always kept open a vacancy in the cabinet to keep backbench MLAs in line. Access to Bennett was quite easy. Shelford feels that Bennett secretly liked the criticism he offered of government policy. Reaction to his appointment as Minister of Agriculture, 1968. Shelford was very well-known throughout the province. The process and effect of becoming a cabinet minister. Relationship with his staff and duties as Minister of Agriculture. Formulation of policy. The value of a good secretary (Lydia Clark). Policy initiatives as Min. of Agriculture. Relations with the federal government. The importance of encouraging a strong agricultural industry in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Injuries suffered at labour protest, New Westminster, 1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1968-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford explains why agriculture was not a high priority in the government of W.A.C. Bennett. The process of Treasury Board and the experience of appearing before it as a Minister of the Crown. Comparison between Treasury Board under the governments of W.A.C. Bennett and Bill Bennett. Comments on ways that Shelford made up for the detachment from reality that a cabinet minister suffers from. Recollection of the 1972 cabinet tour which culminated in a violent encounter with angry demonstrators in New Westminster. Demonstration was organized by the B.C. Federation of Labour. Several cabinet ministers received bruises. Shelford was hit with a 2 X 4 and received an injury to his arm and a broken collarbone. The concept of a travelling cabinet tour. The B.C. Federation of Labour as a political group. Suggestions that W.A.C. Bennett call an election after the incident at New Westminster. The charged political climate in B.C. that preceded the provincial election in 1972. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1972 provincial election and its aftermath PERIOD COVERED: 1972-1979 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses the reasons for the defeat of the Social Credit government, 1972. W.A.C. Bennett wanted to step down after the 1969 election. The ban on tobacco and alcohol advertising. Development and industrialization brought about increased unionism which ultimately defeated the government. Comments on the differences between the 1972 election and previous campaigns. The role of Dave Barrett. Evaluation of different Leaders of the Opposition: Harold Winch, Arnold Webster, Robert Strachan, Tom Berger and Dave Barrett. The effect of Gaglardi's mistakes during the 1972 election. Differences between campaigning as a cabinet minister and a private member. The Conservatives as a factor in the 1972 election. Reasons for Shelford's personal defeat in Omineca. The NDP MLAs as "glorified ombudsmen" dealing with only small issues of a local nature. W.A.C. Bennett had an ability to make his ministers look ahead. Recollection of election night in 1972. Reaction to the defeat of the government. Account of events following the election. Problems for Socreds in obtaining employment after the election. Serving as village clerk at Fort St. James. TRACK 2: Comments on efforts to establish a "unity" party after the 1972 election. W.A.C. Bennett's role in B.C. politics after 1972. Reasons why the "Majority Movement" was not successful. Attitudes to Bill Bennett prior to his election as Premier. Reasons why Shelford decided to run again. Efforts by Grace McCarthy to nominate an alternate candidate in Skeena in 1975. Recollection of the nomination struggle in Skeena. Criticism of the NDP administration, 1972-75. Shelford disappointed he was not appointed to cabinet after the 1975 election. Comments on the government of Bill Bennett. Brought into the cabinet prior to the election of 1979. Reasons why politics in B.C. has degenerated. General reflections on politics. (End of interview)