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CALL NUMBER: T2601:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Commissioner of Sales Tax and the Hospital Insurance Service in B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1917-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lloyd Detwiller discusses his personal and family background, education and entry into the civil service in B.C. Early experiences in the Department of Finance. Appointment as commissioner of sales tax in 1948. The problems of implementing the sales tax in B.C. TRACK 2: Detwiller explains the problems of bringing in electronic equipment into the Department of Finance. Appointment as Commissioner of the British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service, 1949. Problems of implementing British Columbia's hospital insurance system. The centralization of the accounts of the hospital insurance system.

CALL NUMBER: T2601:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Hospital insurance and the decline of the Coalition in B.C. RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lloyd Detwiller discusses the development of the British Columbia Hospital Insurance Service (BCHIS). Coalition politics and the establishment of hospital insurance in B.C. Hospital insurance and the 1952 provincial election. TRACK 2: Lloyd Detwiller discusses the effect of the government change in 1952 on his career and on BCHIS. General philosophy of government-administrated health-care systems. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T2887:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Leslie Eyres : Coalition cabinet minister, 1946-1952 (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1892-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in 1892 in Manitoba. Family background. Homesteaded in Manitoba in 1911. Joined cavalry at the outset of WW I. Transferred to Royal Flying Corps, 1917. Was an observer photographer. Story of being shot down and crash landing in Germany, 1918. Captured after crash. Story of prison camps and Eyres' escape and recapture. A prisoner of war at the end of WW I. TRACK 2: The end of WW I. Eyres established in tire business in Chilliwack, ca. 1920. Had business until 1952. Was an alderman in Chilliwack during 1930s Depression. Municipal relief during 1930s. How Eyres was nominated as Conservative candidate in 1937 provincial election. Financial setbacks due to being an MLA. 1937 election campaign. Anecdote about Frank Calder, MLA. Comments on Premier T.D. Pattullo. The 1941 election. Eyres' goals in politics. Eyres particularly proud of "The Regional Industrial Index". CALL NUMBER: T2887:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Leslie Eyres : Coalition cabinet minister, 1946-1952 (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1941-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The 1941 election. Few recollections of the formation of the Coalition, 1941. The breakup of the Coalition, 1952. The disagreement between Herbert Anscomb and Byron Johnson. Anscomb fired. Eyres and other Conservatives resign from government, January 1952. Eyres speculates that Johnson's serious auto accident contributed to the Coalition breakup. The 1952 election. Eyres defeated in Chilliwack constituency by Socred Ken Kiernan. Eyres gives glowing account of Herbert Anscomb, Conservative leader. Eyres supported Anscomb, rather than W.A.C. Bennett, in leadership contests, 1946, 1950. Eyres joins cabinet, 1946. Few memories of 1945 or 1949 elections. Eyres offered but turns down various bribes. Brief anecdote about Gordon Wismer, Attorney-General. Story about Tom Uphill, Independent MLA from Fernie, drinking in the Legislature. TRACK 2: Most cabinet ministers took ministerial papers with them. Press relations with local Chilliwack press always good. Favourable comments on Ernest and Harold Winch.

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.

CALL NUMBER: T3288:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Family background and early political recollections, 1914-1940 PERIOD COVERED: 1914-1940 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Harding discusses his family background and his childhood in Silverton. Discussion of transportation systems in the Slocan area. Description of community life in Silverton: prostitution, religion, entertainment. Early political interests: first contact with socialism during the 1930s Depression. TRACK 2: Effects of the Depression on the Harding family and on Silverton. Discussion of Harding's move to Vancouver, 1931, and conditions in Vancouver. Discusses reasons for becoming a teacher. Attends normal school in Vancouver; gets post at Burton; conditions at Burton. C.C.F. influences on Harding: George Doughty, George Walton (1933 C.C.F. provincial candidate in Kaslo-Slocan), Joe Grey (and his role in converting Bert Herridge to the C.C.F.). Early recollections of Bert Herridge. Harding becomes actively involved in Kaslo-Slocan C.C.F. despite approaches from the Liberals and Conservatives. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early political involvement and World War II, 1935-1945 PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Recollections of early political meetings: Gerry McGeer, Grant MacNeil, Colin Cameron, Grace MacInnis. Harding becomes increasingly involved in Kaslo-Slocan C.C.F. Effect of Coalition government on the C.C.F. in Kaslo-Slocan (particularly in relation to the 1945 provincial election). Recollections of 1935 federal election: Herridge runs for C.C.F. Comments regarding the nature of the C.C.F. in the West Kootenay area: factionalism, etc (effects of Connell split). The 1937 provincial election: Herridge runs again. Comments on the emergence of the Social Credit movement in the region. Economic conditions in Kaslo-Slocan during the late thirties. Problems relating to being a teacher while being politically active in C.C.F. Involvement in B.C. Teachers' Federation. World War II: enlists (1944) TRACK 2: More on WW II: C.C.F. position on the war; conscription; politics within the army; Harding's wife dies; returns to Kootenays. Background on Herridge's split from the C.C.F. and Harding's involvement in the controversy: 1940 federal election, 1941 provincial election (Herridge runs in Rossland-Trail). Aside on Japanese internment during the war: C.C.F. position, political backlash, Japanese camps in the Slocan Valley, discrimination against Japanese. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1945 provincial election campaign PERIOD COVERED: 1945-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The 1945 provincial election (and more on Harding's involvement in the Herridge controversy): Harding decides to run, nominating convention, campaign, effect of Herridge controversy on campaign, nature of the campaign (style, tactics). TRACK 2: More on the 1945 campaign in Kaslo-Slocan. Recollections of election victory and election eve. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1945 campaign aftermath and first legislating experiences PERIOD COVERED: 1945-1949 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More comments on the 1945 campaign and aftermath. Harding elected president of West Kootenay C.C.F. Association (November 1945). Harding helps resolve financial difficulties between C.C.F. and People's C.C.F. Helps gets Herridge reinstated in C.C.F. Comments on charges linking Herridge with communists. Harding describes his first impressions of the Legislature, first session and maiden speech. TRACK 2: First legislative speeches (cont'd): speech-making (Harold Winch, Bert Gargrave, Gordon Wismer, Ernest Carson, Joe Corsbie); description of Premier John Hart; accessibility of Coalition cabinet ministers; description of C.C.F. caucus; discussion regarding the role of the Legislature and of legislators. Recollections of first term as MLA: sales tax issue; public power issue (rural electrification); resignation of W.A.C. Bennett to run in Yale by-election, 1948 (Harding works in by-election against Bennett); public insurance issue. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): First Term as an MLA and 1949 provincial election, 1946-1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1946-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: First term as an MLA (cont'd): advocates liberalizing Canadian divorce laws; caucus revolt against Harold Winch; recollections of Ernie Winch; changes in personal life, life as an MLA, marries Frances. Comments on rightward drift of C.C.F. TRACK 2: Mr. Harding discusses 1949 provincial election: the provincial and Kaslo-Slocan campaigns, issues of campaign, Communist scare tactics, the Japanese vote. 1950-52 legislative sessions: rifts in Coalition and Premier Byron Johnson. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Legislative work and the 1952 provincial election, 1952-1953 PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: 1950-1952 legislative sessions (cont'd): more on rifts in the Coalition ranks; preferential ballot; manoeuvres of W.A.C. Bennett -- crossing the floor; hospital insurance issue; sales tax issue; break-up of Coalition. Local issues: Celgar pulp project (background on forest management situation in B.C.); Dr. Stephen Norwell controversy. TRACK 2: Local issues (cont'd): highway work (Kaslo-Lardeau Road); patronage. 1952 provincial election: rise of Social Credit League; effect of preferential ballot; Harding attends nomination meeting in Rossland-Trail; hospital insurance and sales tax; Kaslo-Slocan campaign; reaction to Social Credit victory (abortive attempt to get recount in Vancouver Burrard). 1952 by-elections. 1953 session: Rolston Formula, J. Allan Reid speech. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1953 provincial election and 1953-56 sessions PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: 1953 session (cont'd): more on J. Allan Reid speech; impressions of Social Credit government; W.A.C. Bennett; more on the Rolston Formula. Controversy regarding Winch's leadership and his wishes to be named Premier (following Social Credit defeat in the Legislature). Winch resigns. Webster becomes leader (Harding declines). Reflects on the role of a leader in British Columbia. Comments on Arnold Webster. TRACK 2: 1953 provincial election: W.A.C. Bennett; Kaslo-Slocan campaign; Webster; preferential ballot. 1953-56 legislative sessions: hospital insurance changes; legislation by exhaustion; Kaiser Dam proposal (and Mica Dam and Columbia River Treaty); Social Credit fiscal policy; Gordon Gibson Sr. resigns over allegations regarding forestry practices; the Sommers case. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Sommers case, W.A.C. Bennett, and C.C.F. leadership, 1953-1956 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-[07-11] SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The Sommers case (cont'd). W.A.C. Bennett and his government (general comments). Harding advocates pay increases for civil service and politicians. Webster resigns as leader -- Strachan runs for and wins leadership. Caucus's role in influencing the party regarding the question of leadership. [TRACK 2: blank.]

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)

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)

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.