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Bennett, W.A.C. (William Andrew Cecil), 1900-1979
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Slides

Series consists of 3123 black and white and colour photographs taken by Jim Ryan between ca. 1952 and 1991 using slide film. The photographs are mostly of the Victoria area but also include travel photographs and images of W.A.C. Bennett and his family.

Bank history records

The series consists of files on the history of the bank, predominantly relating to its initial formation in 1960s. The series includes records relating to the proceedings of incorporation, opening day activities, and student school reports on the history of the Bank. The series also includes the Bank’s correspondence with the public relating to the first Bank of British Columbia; these letters contain such items as cheques, an account book, and photographs of currency from the first Bank of British Columbia. In addition, there is an audio recording, an interview with W.A.C. Bennett

Arthur Ash interview

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]

Webster! : 1983-10-17

Public affairs. Jack Webster's popular weekday morning talk show. Guests and topics for this episode are: Note: No sound recorded on this video. Jack Gerow, Hospital Employees' Union; David J. Mitchell, Author, "W.A.C. Bennett and the rise of British Columbia"; Jack Kay, Canadian Drug Manufacturers' Association.

Stereotypes of ten Canadian premiers: a study of their newspaper images during election campaigns in the seventies / Karen Jean Layng

The item is a microfiche copy of a thesis by Karen Jean Layng titled "Stereotypes of ten Canadian premiers: a study of their newspaper images during election campaigns in the seventies." x, 166 p: illus., tables. Theses (M.A.), Queen's University, 1982. Vita. Bibliography: p 158-166. Canadian theses on microfiche, 61714.

Lawrie Wallace interview

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Family life and early manhood PERIOD COVERED: 1913-1938 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-04-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. L.J. Wallace recalls his early life at the William Head Quarantine Station, B.C. Born April 24, 1913. Siblings: Robert, Mary and Jack. Father was Chief Steward at Quarantine Station. Discussion of Wallace's forebears, mainly in the Metchosin area. Family to Victoria in 1916. Father's occupations. Father on Victoria School Board prior to death in 1938. Anecdote about great-great-grandmother, Granny Vine, of Metchosin. Genealogy of wife's (Lois Inata Leeming) family. Married 1942. Discussion of Wallace's siblings. All trained as educators. Active in First Presbyterian (later First United) Church. Church basketball in Victoria in 1920s. Victoria Normal School, 1931-32. Taught at Alberni Indian Residential School, 1933-36. Schooling: Bank Street School, George Jay School, Victoria; High School. TRACK 2: More on Victoria High School in 1920s: Ira Dilworth, Harry Smith, Bill Roper and other teachers. Wallace not a "recreational" reader. Admirer of Rev. Bruce Gray, Rev. W.G. Wilson, Prof. Walter Gage, William T. Straith, Ira Dilworth and Harry Smith. Part-time and summer jobs. Post-secondary education at Victoria College, Victoria Normal School and University of British Columbia. Graduated B.A., 1938 in history and mathematics. Master of Education from University of Washington 1946-47. Victoria College in the early 1930s. UBC, 1936-38. Member of Psi Upsilon fraternity. More on Alberni Indian Residential School.;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early teaching career and the Royal Canadian Navy PERIOD COVERED: ca. 1920-1946 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-04-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. L.J. Wallace tells of his parents' education. Father a member of Victoria School Board. Father prominent member of Masons and Orange Lodge. Wallace graduated UBC 1938. Taught at Duncan High School, 1938-41. Involvement with co-curricular activities while at DHS. Joined Navy in 1941. Part-time training at Naden, late 1941. Officer training at Royal Roads, 1942. Active Naval Service, beginning April 1942. Married Lois Leeming, April 1942. More on Royal Roads training. Service on RCN corvette, "Ville de Quebec". TRACK 2: More about the new RCN corvette, "Ville De Quebec". Convoy duty out of Halifax, 1942. Transferred to Fairmiles submarine chasers. Caribbean duty based in Miami, 1943. On staff of King's College, Officer training school, Halifax, 1943-45. Taught navigation and "c;ommand" techniques. Commander of training ship "Charney". V-E Day in Halifax, 1945. Wallace has command of the new training ship, "New Liskeard". VJ Day in Lunenburg, N.S. Discharged from RCN in December 1945 with rank of Lieutenant Commander. University of Washington for M.Ed., starting spring 1946. Began teaching at Victoria High School, September 1946. Daughter Marilyn born 1944.;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): World War II and teaching career PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1953 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-04-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lawrence J. Wallace comments on the cooperative spirit displayed in Canada during World War II. Comments on Wallace's family life during the war (short track, about 5 minutes). TRACK 2: Effects of the Depression on the Wallace family. Wallace's father out of work. Comments on the C.C.F. and Social Credit during the 1930s. Wallace briefly a member of the Liberal Party during the late 1940;s. Father was president of Victoria Liberal Association. Taught at Victoria High School, 1946-53. Basketball at VHS. Founding of the Vancouver Island High School Basketball Championship (short track, about 15 minutes).;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Teaching career and British Columbia public service PERIOD COVERED: 1946-1967 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-04-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lawrence J. Wallace discusses his career as a teacher at Victoria High School, 1946-53. Wallace the chairman of the project to build Memorial Stadium at VHS. Assistant Director of the summer school for teachers. Unwilling to leave Victoria to become a school administrator. Joins Department of Education as Director of Community Programs Branch, October 1, 1953. Also Director of Adult Education. Wallace's appointment to the Centennial Celebrations Committee in 1955. Ray Williston and Ken Kiernan recommend a Centennial celebration for 1958. No models to follow for the 1958 Centennial. The structure of the Centennial Committee. TRACK 2: More on the structure of the 1958 Centennial Committee. The "matching grants" scheme for community projects. The scheme adopted for the Canadian Centennial in 1967 (short track, about 15 minutes).;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): "Mr. Centennial" PERIOD COVERED: 1958-1971 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-05-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: L.J. Wallace discusses his work on the B.C. Centennial Committees for the Centennials of 1958, 1966-67 and 1971. Visit of HRH Princess Margaret in 1958. Century Sam. More on the 1958 Centenni;al celebrations. Fort Steele Historic Park. TRACK 2: Wallace's assessment of the lasting significance of the Centennial celebrations. Wallace becomes Deputy Provincial Secretary, 1959. Centennial time capsules. Comments on Hon. W.D. Black. The Royal Tours of 1959, 1966, 1967 and 1971. Story of the British Columbia flag.;
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ALL NUMBER: T3835:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Deputy Provincial Secretary and Deputy to the Premier PERIOD COVERED: 1959-1977 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-05-21 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: L.J. Wallace describes major changes during his tenure as Deputy Provincial Secretary, 1959-1977. The British Columbia Civil Defence Program. The B.C. Civil Service Commission and the demise ;of "patronage". Wallace's various government appointments. Replaces George E.P. Jones on the Purchasing Commission, 1965. W.A.C. Bennett invites Wallace to become Deputy Premier. Wallace declines but agrees to become "Deputy to the Premier". TRACK 2: Discusses the change of government, 1972. Receives many job offers after defeat of Social Credit government, 1972. More on the 1972 change of government. Wallace asked by "every major party" to run for office. The working relationship between Wallace and W.D. Black. Wallace took cabinet oath, 1972. Wallace's relationship with cabinet. The NDP as ;a new government, 1972.;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Deputy Provincial Secretary and Deputy to W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1959-1975 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-07-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: L.J. Wallace discusses his working relations with various ministers. After hours and emergency work including tsunami at Port Alberni. Wallace appointed to Purchasing Commission, 1965. Operation of Purchasing Commission. The construction of Heritage Court as a Centennial project in 1967. Delegate to meeting of Colombo Plan, 1969. Peace Arch meeting between Prime Minister Pearson, President Johnson and Premier Bennett. Named to Order of Canada, 1971. More about the provincial elections, 1972 and 1975. TRACK 2: Speculation about W.A.C. Bennett's intentions regarding resignation. Relations between Phil Gaglardi and W.A.C. Bennett. Bennett expected to be succeeded by Leslie Peterson. Succession scenarios. Wallace encouraged to run for public office but declines. Violence incident in ;New Westminster during 1972 cabinet tour. Election night, 1972. W.A.C. Bennett as Leader of the Opposition. W.A.C. Bennett's ideas about his sons in politics. The redistribution commission of 1975.;

CALL NUMBER: T3835:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Agent-General and Deputy Minister to the Premier PERIOD COVERED: 1959-1981 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-07-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: L.J. Wallace discusses his role on the Capital Improvement District Commission, 1959-77. Electoral Redistribution Commission, 1975. Change in government, December 22, 1975. Appointed Agent-General in London, 1977. Mandate as Agent-General. Made freeman of the City of London, 1978. Pays tribute to wife and family. Comments on growth of bureaucracy. Victoria High School Centennial, 1976. Becomes Deputy Minister to the Premier, 1980. As Deputy, established "Premier's Ministry". TRACK 2: Comments on his terms as deputy to W.A.C. Bennett and W.R. Bennett. The pressures on a premier. Role ;as an administrator versus policy maker. Role of "advisor". Scheduling for the Premier. Comparisons between W.A.C. Bennett and W.R. Bennett. Wallace's views of public service. Comments on attitudes in; the public service. Feels he and his brothers would have been successful in private life as well as public life. Wallace offered position in federal public service. Summary remarks. (End of interview)

BC Radio News collection

  • PR-2247
  • Collection
  • 1972 ; 1975-1981

The collection comprises audio recordings of interviews, news conferences, press events, election campaigns, speeches, and other activities related to provincial politics in British Columbia, recorded and compiled by BC Radio News, mainly between 1975 and 1981. Many of these recordings feature New Democratic Party leader David Barrett or Social Credit Party leader (and Premier) Bill Bennett. In addition, there are recordings of Bennett's key cabinet colleagues, as well as MLAs from both sides of the legislature.

Waldo McTavish Skillings interview

CALL NUMBER: T2705:0001 - 0005 RECORDED: [location unknown], [1980?] SUMMARY: [No content summaries or documentation available for these first five tapes.]; CALL NUMBER: T2705:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Reminiscences of W.A.C. Bennett, 1941-1979 PERIOD COVERED: 1941-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Waldo Skillings recalls his first impressions of W.A.C. Bennett. Comments on B.C. politics during the Coalition era. Speculation about W.A.C. Bennett. Bennett being offered a Coalition cabinet post. Pattullo and W.A.C. Bennett. Bennett's public image versus his true character. Bennett was a shy and emotional man. Bennett's weaknesses. The role of Bob Bonner in the first Social Credit government. Bonner's resignation as Attorney-General, 1968 and its effect on the government. The question of succession to the leadership of the Social Credit party after W.A.C. Bennett. Bennett wanted his son to succeed him as leader. TRACK 2: Patronage and the first Social Credit government. Public relations men and the W.A.C. Bennett government. Comments on Cam Kenmuir and Dan Ekman. Anecdote about Ekman, Kenmuir and Clancey drinking in W.A.C. Bennett's presence. Discussion of the 1972 election. Reasons for the defeat of the Social Credit government. Recollection of events during the election campaign. Comments on Phil Gaglardi. Comments about Skillings' personal fate in the 1972 election. Reaction to the defeat of the government. The effect of the defeat on W.A.C. Bennett. Comments on B.C. politics since 1972. Personal assessment of Bill Bennett as Premier. W.A.C. Bennett's last days. Anecdote about Skillings travelling to Japan as Minister of Industrial Development, Trade and Commerce and taking his bank manager with him at the bank's expense.

Dan Campbell interview

CALL NUMBER: T3717:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years in politics, 1956-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1926-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses his personal and family background. Education and military experience. Pursuit of a teaching career. Supported the C.C.F. as a young man. Moved to Courtenay in 1950 and taught school. Served as president of the local teachers' association. First impressions of Social Credit. Meeting W.A.C. Bennett, 1953. Decision to run as a Social Credit candidate in the 1956 election. Recollection of the 1956 election campaign. Memories of election night. Comments on the Comox constituency. Orientation as a new MLA and maiden speech in the Legislature. Anecdote about W.A.C. Bennett being too hard on Bob Strachan. Recollection of Strachan as Leader of Opposition. First impressions of caucus. Voted against the government on one occasion. The role of caucus. TRACK 2: Reflections on the Sommers affair. Attitude of the Socred caucus toward the Sommers case. Sommers' weaknesses. Campbell complemented his income as an MLA by part-time teaching. Attitude towards labour and organized labour in B.C. Right-to-work proposals. Labour and politics. Ambitions as an MLA. The role of an MLA. The 1960 provincial election and the issue of the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company. The reasons for the take-over. W.A.C. Bennett's methods of discipline over party ranks. Interests and service on committees as an MLA. CALL NUMBER: T3717:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Cabinet minister in the government of W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1966 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses the Columbia River Treaty and the Two River Policy, and how they were understood by members of caucus. Appointment to cabinet as Minister of Municipal Affairs, 1964. Reasons for his appointment. Effect of becoming a cabinet minister. Relationship with ministerial staff. Policy-making and government. Daily duties as Minister of Municipal Affairs. Conditions in the ministry at the time he took it over. Re-organization and expansion of the ministry. The image of the government as an anti-metropolitan administration. The creation of instant towns on Vancouver Island. The genesis of regional districts. The organization of regional districts. Arguments against regional districts. Appointment as Minister of Social Welfare, 1966. Reasons for the appointment. Comments on dual-portfolio ministers. Comments on bringing the three female members of the Socred caucus into cabinet as ministers without portfolio. TRACK 2: The role of a minister without portfolio. Ways decisions in government were made. W.A.C. Bennett was not a one-man government. The experience of guiding estimates through the House as minister. Campbell enjoyed getting the Opposition excited. The process of Treasury Board. Appearing before the Treasury Board. W.A.C. Bennett as Minister of Finance. Special committees of cabinet. Legislative reform. Attitude towards instituting a daily question ;period and Hansard in the House. The misuse of legislative committees. Comparison between W.A.C. Bennett's style of government and "modern" government. W.A.C. Bennett as environmentalist. W.A.C. Bennett's influence on Campbell's political style. CALL NUMBER: T3717:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of politics and government, 1960-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1966-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses the organization of the Social Credit Party and its relationship with the government during the years when W.A.C. Bennett was Premier. The role of an annual party convention. Relationship between the provincial and federal wings of the Social Credit Party. Campbell opposed a convention resolution that would have separated coterminous membership in the provincial and federal branches of the Socred Party. Comments on the dream of Socred success at the federal level in the early '60s. Recollection of the contest for the leadership of the federal Social Credit Party between Real Caouette and Robert Thompson. Reasons for the federal party's failure. Religion and politics. Bennett as a man of the cloth. Anecdote about lawyers. Social Credit and populism and anti-intellectualism. Relations with the press. Federal-provincial relations when he was a Minister of the Crown. Attending federal-provincial conferences with Bennett. Attitude towards such conferences. Main issues as Minister of Social Welfare. Comments on Phil Gaglardi being brought back into the cabinet in 1969 as Minister of Social Welfare. Loyalty as a weakness of Bennett's. Campbell threatened to resign over the Gaglardi affair. TRACK 2: Dan Campbell as a champion of native rights in B.C. and service as Chairman of the First Citizens' Fund. The effect of Robert Bonner's resignation from the ;cabinet, 1968. Bonner's role in Bennett's government. Administering the Job Opportunities Program and friction with Gaglardi. Reasons why Campbell received responsibility for the program. Further comments on Gaglardi and reasons for tension between him and Campbell. Gaglardi would not have won a leadership contest in the party. The question of succession to the leadership of the Social Credit Party after Bennett. Attitude toward the Opposition and the Opposition leaders he served against. Objections to socialism. Polarization and coalition politics in B.C. The 1972 travelling cabinet tour. CALL NUMBER: T3717:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): B.C. politics, 1972-1975 PERIOD COVERED: 1972-1979 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses the 1972 provincial election campaign. Differences between the campaign and previous elections. The ban on advertising of liquor and tobacco as a factor in the election. Comments on Comox constituency. Gaglardi's indiscretions and their effect on the outcome of the election. Election night in Comox. Reaction to the election and personal plans immediately afterwards. Serving with W.A.C. Bennett as an administrative assistant after the election. W.A.C. Bennett's strengths and weaknesses. Reasons why W.A.C. Bennett asked him and Grace McCarthy to help rebuild and party after the 1972 election. Comments on the plan to rebuild the party. Different roles played in the rebuilding process. The legislative arm of the Social Credit Party after the 1972 election. Asking the MLAs to sign statements of allegiance to Social Credit. Comments on the efforts to form an alternative free enterprise coalition to Social Credit: the majority movement or unity party. The goals; of the majority movement. Comments on W.A.C. Bennett dissuading backers of the majority movement from their efforts. Travelling with W.A.C. Bennett and Grace McCarthy throughout the province, reorganizing and revitalizing the Social Credit Party. Factors in the great interest which was shown in the party after the 1972 election. Recollection of "Uncle Bill" Dale. TRACK 2: Continuation of recollection of "Uncle Bill" Dale. Criticisms of NDP government 1972-1975. Comments on Bill Bennett and how he got elected in 1975. Robert Bonner and the majority movement. Social Credit as the only possible vehicle for uniting the free enterprise forces in British Columbia. W.A.C. Bennett and Bill Bennett. General comments and comparison between the government under W.A.C. Bennett and Bill Bennett. (End of interview)

H.H.C. "Torchy" Anderson interviews

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: Oral history interviews with "Torchy" Anderson about his childhood in Victoria and Calgary, early work experience at the Calgary Herald, Bob "Eye Opener" Edwards, WW1 service, life as journalist for the Vancouver Daily Province, Social Credit governments in Alberta and B.C., Fernie, W.A.C. Bennett, and federal politics.

Robert Strachan personal and political papers

Series consists of personal and political material. His personal effects include correspondence with his family in Scotland and memorabilia of Strachan's boyhood (such as badges and certificates earned as a corporal in the 211st Glasgow Company of the Boys' Brigade), and family photographs. Most of Strachan's papers concern his political career, as member of the legislative assembly, and as Leader of the Opposition, and government minister.

These papers were originally arranged by topic and subject, and, as far as possible such arrangement has been maintained. Thus notes and correspondence pertaining to Strachan's constituency have been separated from papers dealing with provincial topics, such as the Columbia River power project. Similarly, papers dealing with the CCF/NDP caucus are distinct from the extensive correspondence that resulted from unrest within the New Democratic Party during the various leadership challenges of the 1960s.

Robert Bonner interview : [Mitchell, 1980]

T0244:0005: Robert Bonner: early years, education, military school, legal training and interest in politics. 1920-1950
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses his personal and family background. Recollections of growing up and going to school in Vancouver during the 1920s and 1930s. Important influences during his early years. The effect of growing up during the Depression. Early interest in politics. Criticism of socialists. Recollection of political action during his days at UBC. Work experience during his student days. Comments on his ambition to be a lawyer from an early age. Undergraduate experience at UBC. TRACK 2: Robert Bonner recounts his reaction to the outbreak of WWII. Training as an officer with the Seaforth Highlanders. Discussion of his service overseas. Being wounded during the invasion of Italy and convalescence in England. Return to Canada and assumption of the duties of Training Officer with the Canadian Officers' Training Corps at UBC. The importance of his military training and experiences. Entry into law school at UBC. Comments on legal training. Memories of UBC law school. Graduation from law school in 1948 and work for a legal firm in Vancouver. Interest in Conservative politics. More interested in federal than provincial politics. Along with other young Tories, advocated the break-up of Coalition in B.C. General comments on the Coalition government and its decline.

T0244:0006: Robert Bonner: Social Credit, the 1952 election and becoming Attorney General. 1950-1952
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner recalls nominating W.A.C. Bennett for provincial leadership of the Conservative Party, 1950. Reasons for supporting W.A.C. Bennett in his challenge to Herbert Anscomb's leadership of the party. Further recollections of W.A.C. Bennett: crossing the floor of the House; joining Social Credit. Recollections of the 1952 election in B.C. and reactions to its outcome. The effect of the single transferable ballot. Meeting with W.A.C. Bennett after he assumed the leadership of the Social Credit Party and being offered the position of Attorney General in his prospective administration. Considerations taken into account when making his decision to accept Bennett's offer. The possibility of Gordon Wismer becoming Attorney General. Reaction to the outcome of the 1952 election in legal circles. TRACK 2: Robert Bonner comments on W.A.C. Bennett's self-confidence. Events surrounding the Social Credit Party being called upon by the Lieutenant Governor to form a government in 1952. W.A.C. Bennett's influence on Bonner's way of approaching problems. Comments on becoming Attorney General. Anecdote about John Diefenbaker's remarks shortly after Bonner became Attorney General. Recollection of his early Socred colleagues. Relations with the civil service. The 1952 election as an experiment in democracy. Comments on Social Credit. Election to the Legislature in the Columbia by-election, 1952. Comments on the by-election campaign. The importance of the by-election to the survival of the government. General comments on the first Social Credit administration.

T0244:0007: Robert Bonner: the 1953 provincial election and early days of Social Credit government in B.C. 1952-1953
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses aspects of the early years of the first Social Credit government in B.C. Relations between the Alberta Social Credit government and Social Credit in B.C. Meeting between members of the Alberta Social Credit government and the new B.C. government in Edmonton, 1952. Political philosophy and political action. Comments on the philosophy of the first Social Credit government. Reflections on B.C. during the 1950s. Reasons for the development of B.C. by the Social Credit government. Comments on planning. Policy development. Recollections of the legislative session of 1953 and the planned self-defeat of the government. Bonner's reply to the Speech from the Throne. The defeat of the government over the Rolston Formula. Recollections of the provincial election of 1953. Bonner's campaign in the multiple-member of Point Grey. TRACK 2: Further comments on the Point Grey constituency and the provincial election campaign of 1953. Comments on campaigning. The role of a parliamentary opposition. Evaluation of Harold Winch as Leader of the Opposition. The defeat of Einar Gunderson in the 1953 election and its effect upon the government. Bonner, Gunderson and W.A.C. Bennett served as a kind of inner-cabinet during the early years of the Social Credit administration. General comments on the members of the first Social Credit government as a group. Personal relationship with the Premier. Comments of the interaction between Bonner and Bennett on decision-making. Example of the genesis of the Two River Policy. Travelling with the Premier. Bonner's avoidance of playing bridge with the Premier. Bonner would refer to W.A.C. Bennett as "Mr. Premier". The Social Credit caucus. The operation of the Social Credit cabinet The lack of a complicated committee system helped the government run smoothly. The operation of Treasury Board and the experience of appearing before it as a Minister.

T0244:0008: Robert Bonner: aspects of the administration of the portfolio of Attorney General. 1952-1968
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses his duties and responsibilities as Attorney General of British Columbia. Anecdote about meeting with a deputy of a new department. Aspects of administration of the various departments within his ministry. Distinction between the formulation and execution of government policy. Relations with his administrative staff. Politics and the public service. The special characteristics of the Attorney General portfolio. Relationship between the Attorney General and his Deputy Minister. Lawyers as poor administrators. Firing of Dave Barrett, a social worker, for conducting political activity while on the public payroll, 1960. The Attorney General as chief law officer. Abolishing patronage after becoming Attorney General. Comments on the labour movement in British Columbia. Differentiation between labour leaders and the labour force. [TRACK 2: blank?]

T0244:0009: Robert Bonner: aspects of government administration and the Doukhobors in B.C. 1952-1968
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses the mechanics of holding more than a single cabinet portfolio at a time. Comments on the Social Credit cabinet. Attitudes towards business and subsequent involvement in the world of business as opposed to pursuit of a legal career. A day in the life of the Attorney General. Comments on the style of government practiced by the Social Credit government. The legislative process. The role of House Leader. Comments on the tone of the legislature during the years he served in government. The role of Legislative Counsel. The relationship between senior civil servants and cabinet ministers and the distinction between policy formulation and execution. Filling the basic task of governmental reform. TRACK 2: Discussion of the government's problems in dealing with the Doukhobor community. The problems were simple and related to obeying the laws of the province. The problem of school truancy among Doukhobor children. Bombings and arson. The claim of religious persecution by Freedomite Doukhobors. Coordination between the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Education on the New Denver school project. The role of magistrate William Evans. The formation of a special police force, the D Squad, to handle Doukhobor problems. Comments on the effect of criticism and press reports on the government's handling of the Doukhobor situation.

T0244:0010: Robert Bonner: the Sommers affair. 1955-1960
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses the background to the Sommers Affair. Personal evaluation of Robert Sommers. Reaction to Gordon Gibson's allegations of irregularities in the issuing of forest management licenses. Appointment of the Lord Commission. Charges by C.W. Eversfield and David Sturdy concerning Robert Sommers. Bonner's investigations to determine whether or not Sommers was guilty of any wrongdoing. Eversfield's subsequent disappearance and Sturdy's previous request for an appointment to the Bench. Reasons for Sommers' civil suit against Sturdy. Sommers' resignation from the cabinet; if Sommers had not resigned, Bonner would have. Comments on the Butler Report. Bonner never saw the Butler Report as recalls that it was not conclusive in its findings. Bonner's advice to Sommers and his attorney about the purpose of criminal prosecutions. Comments on police reports. The issue of delays during the course of the Sommers case. Comments on the prosecution of Robert Sommers. The 1956 provincial election and discussion of the charges against Sommers. TRACK 2: Robert Sommers' re-election in the 1956 provincial election. The issue of proceeding with the civil suit against Sturdy or, alternately, pursuing a criminal prosecution. Sommers' self-exile in Seattle and being visited by Waldo Skillings. Sommers later meets with Skillings in Victoria and attempts to secure an agreement whereby he would be charged alone. Reasons why Sommers was not charged alone. Sommers received permission to be absent from the pre-trial hearing to take his seat in the House for the legislative session of 1958; this permission was appealed. Dissatisfaction among backbench government members with the handling of the Sommers case. Reaction to the outcome of the case. Bonner was surprised at convictions. The issue of appealing the court sentence for a harsher verdict. The question of bribery with no visible benefits of preferential treatment. Final comments and reflections on the Sommers Affair.

T0244:0011: Robert Bonner: background to the Columbia River Treaty. 1956-1964
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses government interventionism. The genesis of the B.C. Ferry system. The takeover of the B.C. Electric Company. The Social Credit government's policy of no concessions to prospective business ventures in British Columbia. The background to the Columbia River Treaty. The American demand for electrical power. The B.C. government's attitude toward the development of the Canadian portion of the Columbia River. Criticism of the Treaty. Discussion of his role in the Treaty. Coining the term "Two River Policy". Reasons for the Canadian bias against exporting power to the; United States. Features of the original treaty and the issue of power being returned to Canada. The relationship between the plans to develop the Peace River and the Columbia negotiations. Modifications and protocol to the treaty, 1964, and the issue of downstream benefits. Points of contention with the federal government. Comments on the Diefenbaker government's stance on the Columbia agreement. TRACK 2: Bonner discusses the reasons why British Columbia was able to force both the Canadian and American governments to accept its position on the Columbia River Treaty. The contribution of technical personnel. Comments on committees and the decision-making machinery that contributed to the Columbia agreement. Comments on the relationship between the provincial and federal governments in Canada during the negotiations over the Columbia. Anti-Americanism in the Diefenbaker administration. Reasons why B.C. did not proceed unilaterally on the Columbia agreement. General McNaughton and his plan for the development of the Canadian portion of the Columbia River watershed. Comments on the Kaiser Dam proposal. The appeal and problems of private development of this proposal. Objection to the federal government's Water Rights Bill. The genesis of the Wenner-Gren plan to develop the Peace River. Reasons for the failure of the Wenner-Gren proposal and its effects on later developments.

T0244:0012 Robert Bonner : the development of hydro-electric power in British Columbia 1960-[?]
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses aspects of the Two River Policy. Reasons for the development of the Peace and Columbia Rivers simultaneously. Advantages in developing the hydro-electric power potential of the rivers publicly, rather than by privately-owned means. The Briggs affair. Reflections on the 1960 provincial election. The issue of the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company. Background to the government's decision to take over the company. The special session of 1961 which was called to pass the legislation nationalizing the B.C. Electric Company. Drafting the legislation for the special session. Reaction to the takeover. Criticism of the government action in the business community. Difference between the boardroom reaction and the public response to the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company. TRACK 2: Robert Bonner discusses the maintenance of party discipline during the course of the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company. The formation of B.C. Hydro and Power Authority, 1962. The role and purpose of a public authority, or Crown Corporation. Aspects of financing B.C. Hydro. The question of pension fund socialism. The return of a Liberal administration in Ottawa in 1963 and its effect on the Columbia River Treaty negotiations. Davie Fulton and the 1963 provincial election. Comments on the 1963 election. Evaluation of the roles played by Bonner, Williston and the Premier in the Columbia River Treaty negotiations. Final comments on the Columbia River Treaty and responses to criticisms of it. The future of the Treaty.

T0244:0013 Robert Bonner : federal-provincial relations. 1952-1968
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses federal-provincial relations during the years he served in government. Competitive versus cooperative federalism. Problems related to the port of Vancouver. Comments on federal-provincial conferences. B.C. delegations to federal-provincial conferences were invariably smaller than other provinces. The genesis of the Roberts Bank superport. The development of Roberts Bank. The issues of equalization payments. The B.C. government's objections to federally-administered equalization payments. The question of a guaranteed annual income. The issue of B.C. separatism. Arguments in favour of B.C. remaining a partner in Canadian Confederation. TRACK 2: The genesis of the B.C. government's proposal for a Bank of British Columbia. Recollection of the Senate Bank Committee hearings which reviewed the B.C. government's bank proposal, 1964. Objections to the B.C. government proposal. The process of constitutional review and the search for an amending formula for the Canadian Constitution. Constitutional reform was not a high priority for the B.C. government. The issues of bilingualism and biculturalism. Incident when W.A.C. Bennett brought Mayor Peter Wing to a federal-provincial conference. Reasons why British Columbians were reluctant to admit voting for Social Credit. Involvement in party politics. The mechanics of running an election campaign. Annual Social Credit conventions. T0244:0014 Robert Bonner : aspects of Social Credit politics in British Columbia 1952-1968 TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses the funding of election campaigns. Comments on Social Credit national politics in Canada. Description of the 1957 federal election campaign which Bonner helped organize for the Social Credit Party. Relations between the British Columbia and Alberta wings of the Social Credit Party. British Columbia's support of Real Caouette. Comments on the possibility of W.A.C. Bennett running federally. Reasons for the failure of the Social Credit Party on a federal level in Canada. The role of an MLA. Problems in being a Vancouver-area MLA. Rural versus urban conflicts in British Columbia politics. Comments on multiple-member ridings. [TRACK 2: blank?]

T0244:0015: Robert Bonner: reflections on politics, British Columbia and resigning from public life. 1952-1969
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses the effect of politics on his private life. Reasons why legislative reform was not a high priority during the years he served in government. Attitude toward legislative debate.. Orders-in-council and the provincial government. Government by regulation. Anecdote about Motor Vehicle Branch regulations. Comments about the changes which took place in British Columbia during the years he served in government. The lack of secondary industry in British Columbia. The comparative advantages of British Columbia's economy. General comments on the financial policies of the first Social Credit government. The distinction between financing government operations and those of crown corporations. Direct versus contingent liabilities. TRACK 2: Comments on the investment of pension funds in Hydro bonds and other provincial government accounts. W.A.C. Bennett as Minister of Finance. Parity bonds. Reduction and elimination of the public debt of the province. The Kelowna bond-fire, 1959. Comments on public relations and government. Public relations men who worked for the government. Relationship between the press and government. Reasons why Bonner was considered to be the heir-apparent to the leadership of W.A.C. Bennett's character: "the Anthony Eden complex". The 1966 provincial election. Bonner's defeat in Point Grey. Re-election in Cariboo by-election. The formation of the NDP. Comments on electioneering. Reflection on his resignation from the cabinet, 1968, and retirement from politics, 1969.

T0244:0016: Robert Bonner: 1972 election and a recollection of W.A.C. Bennett. 1969-1975
TRACK 1: Robert Bonner discusses the reasons why he resigned from politics. Reaction to general criticisms which were levelled at the first Social Credit government in British Columbia. Comments on the polarization of British Columbia politics. The representative nature of the parliamentary system. Serving as MLA for Cariboo and vice president with MacMillan Bloedel simultaneously. Comments on events leading up to the defeat of the Social Credit government, 1972. Reasons for the defeat of the government. General comments on the leadership abilities of W.A.C. Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett as an original thinker. [TRACK 2: blank?]

Gerald S. Bryson interview

CALL NUMBER: T3724:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1957 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-08-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses his early years, education and military experience during the Second World War. Ambitions after the war. Attaining position as B.C. representative of the Dominion Bureau of Statistics. Duties with the DBS. In 1948 became Assistant Commissioner for the B.C. Social Security and Municipal Aid Tax. Problems associated with implementing the new tax. A unique introduction to the provincial civil service. In 1950 he became Commissioner of the Social Security and Municipal Aid Tax, succeeding Lloyd Detwiller. The disparity between salaries in the civil service and in the private sector at the time. Reasons for continuing in the public service. Problems dealt with as Commissioner of the sales tax. Herbert Anscomb as Minister of Finance. (pause) The effect of the break-up of the Coalition government. Byron Johnson as Minister of Finance. TRACK 2: Main goals as Commissioner of the sales tax. Comments on the unique aspects of British Columbia's implementation of the sales tax. Reaction to the election of British Columbia's first Social Credit government, 1952. Reaction in the civil service to the change in government. Einar Gunderson as Minister of Finance. J.V. Fisher as Deputy Minister of Finance. In 1954 was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance. Further comments on J.V. Fisher. As Assistant Deputy, Bryson helped establish a daily report for W.A.C. Bennett on government finances. Appointed as economic advisor to the government; his main task was the elimination of the public debt of the province. Comments on becoming Deputy Minister of Finance. Advice given by W.A.C. Bennett after becoming Deputy Minister of Finance. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-09-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses Herbert Anscomb as Minister of Finance. Byron Johnson as Minister of Finance. Einar Gunderson's impact on the Finance department. W.A.C. Bennett's practice of serving simultaneously as Premier and Minister of Finance. Relationship with W.A.C. Bennett as his deputy minister. Bryson's responsibilities were greater than would have been usual for a deputy minister. Travelling with the Premier. Comments on becoming deputy minister and advice given to him by W.A.C. Bennett. Impressions of Social Credit and the new government during its early years in power. First impressions of W.A.C. Bennett. Bryson's method of administration was one of delegation as opposed to his predecessor as deputy, J.V. Fisher, who tended to centralize authority in the Finance Department. The structure of the Finance department at the time he became deputy. TRACK 2: The role of the comptroller-general in the Finance Department. C.J. Ferber as comptroller-general. Method of preparing the daily financial statement for W.A.C. Bennett. Policy formulation and policy execution. Government administration not different than running a business. Relationship with other members of cabinet. Preparing daily financial statements for W.A.C. Bennett. Working within a system of balanced budgets. W.A.C. Bennett often could point out errors in monthly financial statements which were delivered to him by Bryson and Ferber. The advantages of daily and monthly financial statements. W.A.C. Bennett's financial acumen. W.A.C. Bennett enjoyed meeting financial people. Methods of keeping the Premier informed of developments in the financial world. The effect of Social Credit slogans. Further comments on working on a balanced budget system. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 3) PERIOD COVERED: 1952-[no date] RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-09-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses his relationship with Premier W.A.C. Bennett. Attending Premiers' conferences as representative of British Columbia. Relationship with other deputy ministers in the provincial government. Special status as deputy minister of Finance. Financial information available to other ministers. W.A.C. Bennett's plans to develop the northern part of the province. Bryson's involvement in discussions on policy related to the development of the province. Introduction of data processing to the Department of Finance. Problems related to borrowing money for crown corporations. Changes in the Department of Finance during the years he served as deputy minister. Comments on the daily duties of deputy minister of Finance. Decision-making in government. Compatibility with Premier W.A.C. Bennett. The lack of unnecessary paper-work in government in those years. Extra duties during legislative sessions. Sitting next to the Premier during his estimates. During legislative sessions Bryson was always on call. TRACK 2: The importance of debt reduction in W.A.C. Bennett's vision of British Columbia's development. Method of debt-reduction used by the government. The debate about direct versus indirect liabilities. Crown corporations and their financial responsibilities. Further comments on the distinction between direct and indirect liabilities. Factors involved in attaining a no-debt status for British Columbia. The unique qualities of crown corporations. Charges that the government was using two sets of books. Surpluses are necessary in order to achieve a balanced budget. Characterization of the government's financial policy as "conservative". The use of accumulated surpluses. Recollection of the "bond-fire" at Kelowna, 1959. Bryson removed himself from political issues or events. The use of surpluses and the issuing of special warrants for expenditure. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 4) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-09-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses the activities related to the preparation of the provincial budget during the years of British Columbia's first Social Credit government. Little Treasury Board. Big Treasury Board. The operation of Treasury Board. Distinction between various roles Bryson served in. Friendly nature of Treasury Board negotiations. Duties as secretary of Treasury Board. Not all ministers submitted estimates which were intentionally higher than they knew would be approved. The operation of Treasury Board. Appointments to Treasury Board. Some ministers lobbied with Bryson during the Treasury Board process for extra expenditure. The flexibility of this system of Treasury Board. How decisions regarding additional expenditures were made. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 5) PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-10-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses the provincial budget as a statement of government policy. Preparation of the budget speech. Comments on Treasury Board. Ministers' estimates were not given final approval in Treasury Board; when the provincial budget was introduced in the House, some ministers may have been as surprised as the general public. Some estimates were increased rather than decreased in Treasury Board. Methods of financial restraint used by the government of W.A.C. Bennett. Problems of economic growth and recession. The genesis of parity bonds. The unique qualities of British Columbia's parity bonds. Further comments on the introduction of parity bonds by W.A.C. Bennett. TRACK 2: Problems associated with issuing parity bonds. The provincial government experienced problems as a result of having millions of dollars of parity bonds out "on demand". Organized run on parity bonds occurred after the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company, 1961. Bryson spent many sleepless nights over the parity bond crisis. Consequences of the crisis: W.A.C. Bennett resolved to become independent of external financial markets. Financing through provincial pension funds. Investing government pension funds. Aspects of personal relationship with W.A.C. Bennett. Travelling with W.A.C. Bennett. Communicating with the Premier when he was out of Victoria. Comments on Ron Worley. The role of Lawrie Wallace in the later years of W.A.C. Bennett's tenure as Premier. The genesis of homeowners' grants in B.C. Reaction to homeowners' grants. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 6) PERIOD COVERED: [no date]-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-10-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses the B.C. government's proposal for a Bank of British Columbia which was vetoed by the Senate Banking Committee, 1964. Bryson's role in preparing the proposal. The reason for the failure of the government's plan for a Bank of British Columbia. The government's role in the eventual formation and success of the Bank of British Columbia. Attendance with the Premier at federal-provincial conferences. Effect of W.A.C. Bennett's style of participation at federal-provincial conferences. The Premier's advocacy of a five-region Canada. Reaction to the five-region concept. Background to the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company. Genesis of the two river policy. Bryson's role in preparation for negotiations for the Columbia River Treaty. Lending Quebec one hundred million dollars after B.C. received payment for the Columbia River Treaty. TRACK 2: Preparation for the special session of the B.C. Legislature in 1961 in which legislation was introduced taking over the B.C. Electric Company. Comments on the methods by which the B.C. Electric Company was taken over. Reaction to the take-over. Explanation of W.A.C. Bennett's claim that the take-over did not cost the taxpayer a cent. Adverse effects of the take-over. Comment on parity bonds. Differences between parity bonds and Canada Savings Bonds. Feelings of apprehension during election campaigns. Election campaigns and their effect on Bryson's duties. Comment on the changing nature of his function and duties during the years he served with W.A.C. Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett prior to the 1972 election. Reaction to the defeat of the Social Credit government, 1972. Recollection of last meeting with W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. Reflection on W.A.C. Bennett in his last years in office. (End of interview)

Cyril Shelford interview : [Mitchell, 1980]

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)

Grace McCarthy interview : [Mitchell, 1980]

CALL NUMBER: T0995:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister without Portfolio, 1966-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Grace McCarthy recalls the first time she met W.A.C. Bennett. Relations with the Premier as a member of the Vancouver Parks Board. General impressions of W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. W.A.C. Ben;nett and Vancouver. Reasons for W.A.C. Bennett's image in the press. Early views of Social Credit. Comments on her husband's involvement in Social Credit politics. Civic politics in Vancouver. Backgro;und to decision to run as a Social Credit candidate in the provincial election of 1966. Recollections of the 1966 election. First impressions as an MLA. Reaction to being appointed a Minister without Portfolio. Frustration of serving in cabinet without a portfolio after the first few years. During the period she served under W.A.C. Bennett he was becoming increasingly shielded from reality. Reasons for the lack of intra-governmental communication during the last years of W.A.C. Bennett's government. TRACK 2: Government and teamwork. Comments on cabinet under W.A.C. Bennett. Comparison between; government during W.A.C. Bennett's tenure as Premier and the government of Bill Bennett. Different attitudes towards development in B.C. W.A.C. Bennett's attitude toward government. Representing British Columbia on behalf of the Premier at the 1968 Premiers' Conference in Saskatchewan. Intuition that she would attend the conference. Comments on the conference. Discussion of remarks made in correspondence found in W.A.C. Bennett's papers concerning the conference. W.A.C. Bennett's attitude toward conferences. Preparation for the conference. Reasons why she was asked to represent the province at the conference. Comments on electioneering. Running a campaign in a dual-member constituency. Recollection of her seat-mate in Vancouver-Little Mountain, Les Peterson. CALL NUMBER: T0995:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Recollections of W.A.C. Bennett and B.C. politics RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Grace McCarthy discusses the changing nature of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1952-72. Social Credit as the party of business. Political parties as coalitions. Comments on the character of the NDP in British Columbia. Objections to socialism. Socialism and communism. Individual freedom versus state control. Government intervention in the economy. Evaluation of different leaders of the NDP in B.C.: Robert Strachan, Thomas Berger, David Barrett. The NDP in opposition. The role of a parliamentary opposition. Polarization in British Columbia politics. The inevitability of the opposition becoming government. TRACK 2: The possibility of W.A.C. Bennett entering federal politics in Canada. The possibility that W.A.C. Bennett intended to retire prior to 1972. W.A.C. Bennett and premonitions. W.A.C. Bennett and the power of positive thinking. W.A.C. Bennett's loyalty to colleagues. Comments on theories of predestination. W.A.C. Bennett's government was not a "one-man-government". Reasons why voters in B.C. would not admit to supporting Social Credit. Loyalty as a political weakness of W.A.C. Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett's strengths and weaknesses as a leader. W.A.C. Bennett as a shy man. His attitude toward women. Reaction to and the effect of Robert Bonner's resignation as Attorney-General, 1968. Recollection of Bonner's victory in the Cariboo by-election in 1966. CALL NUMBER: T0995:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1972 provincial election RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Grace McCarthy discusses the Social Credit cabinet's tour of British Columbia in the spring of 1972. Press coverage of the tour. The climax of the tour at a meeting at New Westminster which resulted in a violent demonstration by organized labour. Reasons for the angry demonstration. Press commentary on the event. Reaction to the demonstration. The changing nature of the political climate in B.C. in the early 1970s. Reasons for the decline of Social Credit in the period leading up to the 1972 election. The calling of elections under the leadership of W.A.C. Bennett. As Minister without Portfolio, she assumed responsibility for the provincial Job Opportunities Program. Work in the area of social policy. Personal feelings going into the 1972 election campaign. Recollection of election night, 1972. The fickle loyalties of some Socred supporters. Speaking with Premier Bennett on election night. Reaction to the defeat of the government. General reflections on the election. [TRACK 2:; blank?] (End of interview)

W.A.C. Bennett photographs

Series consists of 5908 black and white and colour photographs, including prints, negatives and transparencies, of William Andrew Cecil Bennett (W.A.C. Bennett) taken between ca. 1912 and 1979.

Jim Ryan was Bennett's official photographer from 1955 and remained a friend up until Bennett's death in 1979. Many of these photographs were used in Ryan's book “My Friend, W.A.C. Bennett” which he published in 1980.

The earliest photographs of Bennett were probably acquired by Ryan from Bennett's family. Ryan arranged the photographs by subject although many of the subjects overlap and many copies of the same photograph appear in various subject files.

The subject categories include portraits of Bennett, by himself and with family, visitors and dignitaries; official functions; official visits and cabinet and legislative activities. The negatives and transparencies were kept in envelopes and slide boxes, often arranged by roll. Many are unidentified; BC Archives staff have added occasional identifying notes.

Howard C. Green interview : [Mitchell, 1979]

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Recollections of Conservative politics in British Columbia, 1941-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1979-11-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Howard Green discusses: his family background; first interest in politics; World War I military service; education and legal training at Osgoode Hall; beginning law practice in Vancouver, 1920s; interest in Conservative politics; decision to run as a federal Conservative candidate, 1935; comments on the history of the provincial Conservative Party; relationship between the federal and provincial Conservative parties during the Coalition years; reasons for formation of the Coalition government, which Green was in favour of; differences between Pat Maitland and Herbert Anscomb as leaders of the provincial Conservative Party; why Green did not stand for the leadership of the provincial party; federal Tories supported W.A.C. Bennett when he challenged Anscomb for the provincial leadership; general recollection of Bennett; comments on provincial Conservative politics. TRACK 2: Background to the 1946 federal by-election in the riding of Yale, why Bennett was asked to run, and recollections of the campaign; possibility that the Conservatives and Liberals agreed not to oppose each other in various by-elections that year; reasons for Bennett's defeat in the by-election; factors in the break-up of the Coalition government; the effect of Bennett's defection from the government ranks; personal reaction to Bennett joining Social Credit and becoming Premier in 1952; comments on later relations with the Bennett government while Green served in the federal Diefenbaker administration; the Columbia River Treaty and the issue of downstream benefits; general comments on Bennett's stewardship of the B.C. government.

[Bennett -- the Kelly affair]

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.

Robert Browne-Clayton interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Robert Browne-Clayton's brief career in politics, 1948-49 PERIOD COVERED: 1917-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1979-11-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Robert Browne-Clayton discusses his personal and family background. Life and upbringing in the Okanagan Valley during the 1930s. Military service overseas in World War II. Return from the war; and marriage to his wife, Pat. Response to reports that he was missing in action in a battle in Italy. Recollection of his father-in-law, Paddy Acland. Attempt to establish a fruit farm at Okanagan Mission after the war. Comments on floods and inclement weather in the Okanagan region, spring 1949. Background to his decision to run as the Conservative candidate in the 1948 by-election in the provincial riding of South Okanagan. Impressions of the Coalition government. Recollection of W.A.C. Bennett. Bennett did not assist in the by-election campaign. Recollections of the campaign. Reaction to the election victory. TRACK 2: No formal orientation procedures existed for new MLAs at the time. The Coalition caucus system. First impressions of legislative proceedings. Uneasiness in the ranks of the Coalition government. Discipline within the ranks of government members. Evaluation of the personalities of Premier Johnson, Herbert Anscomb and Gordon Wismer. Being an MLA was not a full-time job. Service in the constituency. Comments on the different factions within the Conservative Party in B.C. Conflict between party members from the interior regions of the province and the metropolitan centres of Vancouver and Victoria. The break-up of the Coalition. Reasons why Browne-Clayton decided not to run again in the 1949 general election. Reaction to his decision not to run. General comments on W.A.C. Bennett and his later political career. Summary of Browne-Clayton's service as an MLA.

Dan Campbell's reminiscences

The item is a copy of Dan Campbell's reminiscences, 1954-1979, of his experiences as a Social Credit party member, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and campaign worker. The untitled volume is "Dedicated to my friends in the car: W.A.C. Bennett, Uncle Bill Dale, Grace McCarthy". The dedication refers to Campbell's travels throughout the province from 1972-1975 on behalf of the Social Credit party. He states in the preface "I have based this review of history on my good friends' recollections of history as we toured the Province in the sackcloth and ashes period of 1972-1975. Most of the conversations recorded are quotes from W.A.C. or others in the cars".

Campbell, Daniel Robert John, 1926-

Webster! : 1979-02-26

Public affairs. Jack Webster’s popular weekday morning talk show. Guests and topics for this episode are: Webster comments on the passing of former BC Premier W.A.C. Bennett and his career. Brian Coxford visits the Bennett home in Kelowna. Bennett's daughter Anita Tozer and son R.J. Bennett show Bennett memorabilia and Bennett's favourite poem "It Couldn't Be Done" by Edgar Albert Guest. Jack interviews Judy LaMarsh, discusses Bennett and her book "A Very Political Lady", and why she left BC talk radio. Interview with Muriel James about her book "Marriage is for Loving", and Gestalt therapy. Solar eclipse from Kelowna. Associate Producer Linda Dutka talks about the next day’s guests.

Ernest Hall interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1979-01-30 SUMMARY: An interview with Ernest Hall, former Provincial Secretary and Minister of Travel Industry and NDP MLA for Surrey.;

Bill Bennett interview : [Mitchell, 1978]

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)

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