Showing 421 results

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Dorothy Gow : twenty years service in government PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-22 SUMMARY: In an interview with David Mitchell, Mrs. Dorothy Gow discusses her career in the public service: filing and indexing orders-in-council for twenty years.;

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Walter Young : Party politics and the NDP in British Columbia, 1963-1969 PERIOD COVERED: 1963-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-04-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Walter Young discusses his personal background and initial involvement with the New Democratic Party. Efforts to help the B.C. party and create a new image for Robert Strachan in the 1963 election campaign. Comments on the different factions within the NDP. The 1966 provincial election campaign. Assessment of Robert Strachan's leadership of the party. The role of the "socialist caucus". The labour wing of the NDP. Leadership review. TRACK 2: Walter Young discusses his role in the efforts to replace Robert Strachan as leader of the NDP with Tom Berger. NDP leadership convention, 1967. Leadership convention of 1969 held at the Hotel Vancouver. Background and style of Tom Berger. Socialism and the NDP. Labour and the NDP. Berger's attainment of the leadership of the NDP in British Columbia and his failure in the 1969 provincial election.

CALL NUMBER: T3330:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Background, education and military service of Les Peterson PERIOD COVERED: 1923-1946 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-09-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses his personal and family background: growing up in rural Alberta; religious influences and early political interests. Recollections of political figures prominent in Alberta in the 1930s. Peterson's education: Alice Hill School, Viking, Alberta -- the proverbial single-room schoolhouse; high school in Viking; Camrose Lutheran College, Camrose Alberta. Extracurricular activities and first working experience. TRACK 2: Leslie Peterson recounts his experience working for the CN Express in Edmonton as a young man. Working for the railroad in Terrace, B.C., and enlisting in the army at Prince Rupert. Recollections of service in the army: training and service in the Coast Artillery at Prince Rupert; attendance at McGill University in the Army Service course and memories of Montreal and friendships made there; service overseas in England and travels on the continent. Peterson was in Europe on Armistice Day. Before returning to Canada in 1946 he attended the University of London for a year. Return to Canada, discharge from army and decision to enroll in law school at the University of British Columbia. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Legal and political training PERIOD COVERED: 1946-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-09-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses his first impressions of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia. Comments on the experience of a war veteran attending university after World War Two. Recollections of three years at U.B.C. law school. Peterson was called to the bar in 1949 and begun his own practice in Vancouver. Discussion of the nature of his law practice. Marriage to Agnes Rose Hine in 1950 and comments on Peterson's family. Comments on politics in B.C. during the Coalition era. TRACK 2: Peterson explains how he became interested in and involved with the Social Credit movement. Reaction to the 1952 provincial election. During the 1953 provincial election, Peterson served as campaign manager for North Vancouver Socred candidate George Tomlinson. Peterson was the unsuccessful; Social Credit candidate in the 1953 federal election in the Vancouver-Centre constituency. Impressions and recollections of W.A.C. Bennett. Peterson became involved in politics more by accident than by design. Discussion of how he came to be elected in the 1956 by-election in Vancouver-Centre. First impressions as a Social Credit MLA. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): From MLA to Minister of Education PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-10-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses his first impressions as an MLA and his recollections of the Social Credit caucus. Comments on the leadership style of W.A.C. Bennett. The problems of representing an urban constituency in B.C. and Peterson's theory of democratic representation. Comments on the 1956 provincial election campaign. The problems of co-ordinating an election campaign in a dual-member constituency. The efficacy of the Socred campaign slogan: "Progress not Politics". Free enterprise versus socialism as a recurring fundamental issue in B.C. elections. TRACK 2: Leslie Peterson remarks upon the possibility of supporting the Conservatives or Liberals as free enterprise alternatives. The polarization of politics in B.C. The results of the 1956 provincial election and Peterson's success in Vancouver-Centre. Reaction to appointment as Minister of Education, 1956. Description of duties and functions of Minister of Education. Peterson served as Minister of Education during a period of great growth. Comments on the administration of the Education portfolio, 1956-68. The Department of Education was administered by a small group of able men in a very personal style. The problem of delegation of authority. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of the administration of the Department of Education, 1956-68 PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-10-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses further aspects of the administration of the Education portfolio. The relationship between the formulation and execution of government policy in the Department of Education. The problem of teacher shortages in British Columbia in the '50s and '60s. Relations with the B.C. Teachers Federation. Discussion of the increasing cost of education in British Columbia, 195;6-68. The financial policies of the Social Credit government and the goal of debt reduction. Financing of school construction under the Social Credit government. Comments on the issues of centralization and decentralization of British Columbia's educational system. TRACK 2: Further comments on the policy of debt-reduction. Recollections of coming before the Treasury Board as Minister of Education. The process of producing a departmental budget. Peterson describes the experience of coming before Treasury Board as a fairly informal affair. Discussion of the operation of cabinet under the leadership of W.A.C. Bennett. The Premier was intolerant on questions of morality, otherwise he was quite flexible on matters of policy. Attitude toward cabinet committees. Important consultation on policy matters often took place outside of cabinet. The Social Credit government was operated by a relatively small group of elected and non-elected officials. Changing impressions of W.A.C. Bennett. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Further aspects of education in British Columbia PERIOD COVERED: 1958-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-11-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses the Chant Report of 1958 which called for less frills in education. The Doukhobor problem in British Columbia and the Department of Education. Discussion of trip to Europe in 1959 to examine various European school systems. Medical problems during Peterson's career. Assumption of the responsibilities for the education of the mentally retarded in British Columbia, 1960. The issue of federal assistance for education in British Columbia. Education and federal-provincial relations. Problems serving in a dual cabinet portfolio, Education and Labour. TRACK 2: Coordination of Labour and Education departments. Political oratory and attitudes towards parliamentary institutions. Relations with the University of British Columbia and explanation of the system of grants to universities. Comments on charges of anti-intellectualism which were levelled against the Social Credit government. The Macdonald plan for the growth of higher education in B.C. and the subsequent development of universities and regional colleges in the province. The building of Simon Fraser University. The role of W.A.C. Bennett in the expansion of educational opportunities in B.C. All-night sittings and the issue of "legislation by exhaustion". CALL NUMBER: T3330:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of government in B.C. and appointment as Minister of Labour, 1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-11-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses the issue of all-night sittings in the B.C. legislature. The absence of question period and Hansard in the House during the years of the first Social Credit government. Recollections of the Sommers affair and its effect on the government. The timing of the 1960 provincial election. Recollections of the 1960 election campaign. The take-over of B.C. Electric Co. and reaction in government circles. TRACK 2: The background to Peterson's appointment as Minister of Labour, 1960. Reasons for serving in a dual portfolio. Administration of the Department of Labour. Duties and functions of the Minister of Labour. Comments on the distinctiveness of the labour movement in B.C. Views on labour-management relations. The effect of being branded an "anti-labour government". The relationship between organized labour and the NDP in B.C. and its effects on Peterson as Minister of Labour. The role and function of labour unions. Speculation as to why British Columbians have been reluctant to admit voting for Social Credit. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Labour law disputes and labour relations in B.C., 1960-1971 PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1971 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-11-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses the effects of labour legislation which he passed through the B.C. Legislature as Minister of Labour. Bill 42, 1961, and the relationship between organized labour and the NDP. The issue of union payroll deductions being used for political purposes. The Mediation Commission Act, 1968 (Bill 33) and the issue of compulsory arbitration. Use of the power of binding arbitration. Relationship with leaders of organized labour in British Columbia. Comments on the growth and development of the labour movement in B.C. during the years Peterson served as Minister of Labour. Premier W.A.C. Bennett's role in labour matters. TRACK 2: The Premier's attitude towards labour-management relations may have been harsher and more direct than Peterson's. The importance of timing in government interventions in labour-management relations. The occasion when Peterson and Bennett visited the home of J.V. Clyne in an effort to assist in the settling of a labour dispute which was crippling the coast forest industry. The 1971 BCFL-sponsored demonstration at the opening of the legislative session. The amount of labour legislation increased significantly in B.C. during Peterson's tenure as Minister of Labour. Peterson's legacy to labour-management relations in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Conventions, elections and Social Credit policies PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-11-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses his role and involvement within the Social Credit party. The relationship between the party executive and the government. Comments on the differences between using the phrases "movement", "league" or "party" in describing Social Credit in B.C. The roles of the Women's Auxiliary and the Young Socreds. The relationship between the B.C. and Alberta Social Credit parties. The relationship between the B.C. Social Credit Party and the national party. The 1962 national Social Credit leadership convention at which Robert Thompson was made leader. Reasons for supporting Real Caouette over Robert Thompson. TRACK 2: W.A.C. Bennett and national Social Credit politics. The question of possible irregularities at the 1962 national Socred convention. Reasons for the lack of success of the national Social Credit Party in Canada. Recollections of the 1963 election campaign. Evaluation of the challenge by the Conservatives under the leadership of Davie Fulton. Reasons for the failure of third party challenges in British Columbia. The 1966 provincial election and Peterson's switch to the riding of Vancouver-Little Mountain. Comments on dual-member riding. Election funding and the B.C. Free Enterprise Educational Fund. Peterson's interest and involvement in promoting the Bank of British Columbia. Relations with Vancouver municipal politicians. CALL NUMBER: T3330:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Life as Attorney-General and the defeat of the Socreds, 1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1968-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-11-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Leslie Peterson discusses the effect of the resignation of Robert Bonner in 1968. The following cabinet shuffle and Peterson's assumption of the portfolio of Attorney-General. The duties and functions of the Attorney-General. Administration of the department of the Attorney-General. Relationship with Deputy Attorney-General. Federal-provincial relations, the process of constitutional review and the failure of the Victoria Charter, 1971. The development and advocacy of the five-regions idea. The 1969 constitutional conference in Ottawa. The 1969 provincial election. Evaluation of the leadership of the NDP under Strachan and Berger. The liquor ad ban, 1971, and its effect on the demise of the government. Moral issues in politics. TRACK 2: Peterson's defence of W.A.C. Bennett after he was referred to as a bigot by Prime Minister Trudeau. Contributing factors to the defeat of the Social Credit government in 1972. Anecdote about meeting the Premier at the PNE during the election campaign and warning him that things were not going well. The effect of losing in his own riding, Vancouver-Little Mountain. Comments on the question of succeeding W.A.C. Bennett as leader of the Soci;al Credit Party. Comments on Bill Bennett and his entry into B.C. politics. The threat of the Majority Movement to the revival of the Social Credit Party in B.C.. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Experience as a Social Credit backbench MLA, 1966-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1966-1972 RECORDED: Ottawa (Ont.), 1978-03-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Robert Wenman discusses his background, education and experience as a teacher. Comments on his decision to get involved in politics, and why he was attracted to Social Credit. First impressions and influence of W.A.C. Bennett. Comments on W.A.C. Bennett's vision of B.C. Election as an MLA in 1966 and comments on the operation of the government caucus. Comments on the 1969 and 1972 provincial election campaigns. TRACK 2: Robert Wenman explains why the Socreds were defeated in 1972. The establishment of the B.C. Cultural Fund. W.A.C. Bennett's attitude toward culture. General comments on the nature and style of W.A.C. Bennett's administration. The role of Robert Bonner and the effect of his resignation in 1968. The effect of Scott Wallace's defection in 1972. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A recollection of W.A.C. Bennett in Edmonton in the 1920s PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-05-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: John Tames discusses his personal background, meeting W.A.C. Bennett in Edmonton in the 1920s, their involvement in a church youth group, and conditions in Edmonton. TRACK 2: John Tames comments on the effect of his involvement with the church youth group in Edmonton. Meeting W.A.C. Bennett in later years in British Columbia. Reaction to W.A.C. Bennett becoming Premier of B.C.. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Keeping house for the Bennett family, 1930-1978 PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Winnifred Earl discusses her personal and family background. Starting work for the Bennett family in Kelowna, 1930. First impressions of the Bennett family. Recollections of the Bennett household. The effect of W.A.C. Bennett's entry into politics, 1941. Characteristics and personalities of the Bennett children as they were growing up. Social activities. W.A.C. Bennett as a father. TRACK; 2: Politics and the Bennett family. W.A.C. Bennett as a disciplinarian. Religion and the Bennett family. Relations between the Capozzis and the Bennetts. The effect of W.A.C. Bennett becoming Premier, 1952. Annual tea parties at the Bennett home. Recollections of the night of the 1972 election. The effect of the 1972 election defeat. Reaction to Bill Bennett's election as Premier, 1975. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Tony Tozer : friend and associate of the Bennett family PERIOD COVERED: 1931-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Tony Tozer discusses his personal and family background. Growing up in Kelowna as a friend of the Bennett family. Impressions of W.A.C. Bennett as head of the Bennett household. Relations with the Bennett children. The role of Mrs. Bennett. Anecdotes about W.A.C. Bennett and social and business activities in Kelowna. TRACK 2: Tony Tozer discusses the relationship between the Bennetts and the Capozzis. Religion and the Bennett family. Impressions of the Bennett hardware store. Working for the hardware store as a young man. The effect of W.A.C. Bennett's involvement in politics. Participating in election campaigns. Reaction to W.A.C. Bennett joining the Social Credit Party. No lack of certainty or confidence in the political destinies of W.A.C. or Bill Bennett. Loyalty and the Bennett family. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T3288:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1956 election, the Hoxsey Cancer Clinic, and Doukhobors PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Reasons for Strachan being chosen leader. 1956 provincial election: Sommers affair; Kaslo-Slocan campaign; homeowner grant; highway construction. Reaction to the Winnipeg Declaration. Legislative sessions 1957-60: Hoxsey Cancer Clinic controversy. TRACK 2: 1957-60 sessions (cont'd): more on Hoxsey Cancer Clinic; preservation of sternwheeler "Moyie" (loss of the "Minto"); Wenner-Gren development scheme. Overview of Doukhobor situation and Harding's involvement with the Doukhobors. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1960 election, B.C. Electric take-over and Columbia River Treaty PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1963 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on Doukhobor situation. More on 1957-60 sessions: homeowner grant issue; Robert Strachan (Webster, Winch); government enters ferry business (Vancouver-Victoria run); Kettle Valley Railway service curtailed. 1960 provincial election: C.C.F. expectations of victory; business support for Social Credit. TRACK 2: Aside on 1958 Rossland-Trail by-election. 1960 provincial election (cont'd): Kaslo-Slocan campaign. C.C.F. merger with CLC, and the birth of the NDP: choosing a name for the new party; the need for a labour tie-in. 1961-1963 legislative sessions: B.C. Electric take-over; Columbia River Treaty (two-rivers policy). CALL NUMBER: T3288:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Columbia River Treaty, 1957-1967 PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1967 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Columbia River Treaty (cont'd): High Arrow Dam; reservoir clearing and environmental issues; Duncan Dam; the McNaughton plan; legislative input; negotiations with the United States; financial; settlements; NDP's inability to get information on treaty from government. TRACK 2: Columbia River Treaty (cont'd): Harding's work on behalf of residents of Arrow Lakes basin -- clearing of Arrow Lakes basin, effects on fish and game, expropriation of land (compensation issue); Harding attends Duncan Dam opening uninvited; Harding claims Hydro should be assessed for school taxes; Gerald Mead suicide. Harding discusses Social Credit labour legislation (general comments). CALL NUMBER: T3288:0012 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1963 and 1966 elections, and the 1967 Berger leadership challenge PERIOD COVERED: 1963-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on Social Credit legislation: Bill 42; political implications of Social Credit labour policies. Social Credit members urge Harding to cross the floor. Controversy surrounding Cedric Cox's trip to Cuba: repercussions in the C.C.F. caucus; repercussions in the Legislature. 1963 provincial election: Columbia River Treaty issue; Kaslo-Slocan campaign; Strachan's image. 1963-66 legislative sessions: Harding proposes government take over West Kootenay Power and Light Company (rural electrification, additional benefits from the construction of the Duncan Dam); Harding considers running federally (1965); redistribution (Angus report). TRACK 2: Redistribution (cont'd): problems surrounding the creation of the new riding of Revelstoke-Slocan. 1966 provincial election: nomination meetings (NDP, Social Credit; redistribution (cont'd); Revelstoke-Slocan campaign. Berger challenges Strachan for the NDP leadership: reasons for the challenge; reasons for Harding's support of Berger; Harding campaigns for Berger; 1967 convention; factionalism and acrimony resulting from the leadership contest. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): From provincial to federal politics, 1966-1974 PERIOD COVERED: 1966-1974 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on Thomas Berger: comparison of Berger and Barrett. Comments on Phil Gaglardi. Harding's involvement in the C.C.F./NDP executive: general comments; Rod Young; left-right split in the party. Involvement in Silverton municipal politics. Harding decides to run federally in Kootenay West: Herridge nominates Harding. 1968 federal election. TRACK 2: 1968 federal election (cont'd). 1968 Revelstoke-Slocan by-election: Harding campaigns for Bill King. Impressions of Parliament (comparison with Legislature). Recollections of parliamentary sessions, 1968-74: pension increases, changes to Canada Water Act, environmental issues, energy control. Change in NDP leader: Douglas to Lewis (comments on Ed Broadbent). 1972 federal election: Harding fails to get Herridge's endorsement. CALL NUMBER: T3288:0014 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minority government, defeat and humorous anecdotes, 1972-1978 PERIOD COVERED: 1972-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on differences between Harding and Herridge (1972): union issue in Trail. Minority government, 1972-74: Harding opposes decision to defeat government in 1974; attitude towards alliance between Liberals and NDP. David Lewis (general comments). 1974 federal election: Harding loses; extent of backlash due to provincial policies; reaction to loss. Future plans. Participation in 1972 provincial election and reaction to NDP win. Banquet honouring Harding's service to the C.C.F./NDP (1974). Involvement on Universities Council of B.C. Humorous anecdotes: Thomas Uphill. TRACK 2: Humorous anecdotes (cont'd): Thomas Uphill; Leo Nimsick and the steelworkers; incident while campaigning. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T2641:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years and personal background of Arthur Helps PERIOD COVERED: 1912-1940 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in Toronto in 1912. Early memories and family background. Family moved to Prairies, father was a missionary for the Presbyterian Church. Father went to work for Columbia Records and sold some of the first musical disc recordings in the Canadian West. Moved to B.C. in the 1920s. Early education in Regina and Vancouver. M.J. Coldwell was principal of school in Regina. Work and the Depression in Vancouver. TRACK 2: Arthur Helps' adventures at sea. Joining the militia. Harsh discipline at sea with the merchant marine. Camaraderie among crew with the British merchant marine. Adventure in the Mediterranean. Return to B.C. Efforts to secure employment in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early career of Arthur Helps PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1943 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Seeks career in the military. Early political interests -- was on the executive of the B.C. Young Liberals. Life in the militia. Ian Mackenzie as federal Minister of National Defence. Conditions in the Army. Vancouver and work in the post office. Harsh conditions of working postal routes in Vancouver. Marriage. Attempts to go into business in Vancouver. TRACK 2: Entry into Armed Forces. Life in Point Grey Armed Forces Camp. Helps' conflicts in the Armed Forces. Agitation for pay for soldiers. Helps leaves the Army, attempts to enter the R.C.A.F. but joins the Irish Fusiliers. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Genesis of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Army life with the Irish Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion. Helps attained rank of Staff Sergeant. Was denied service outside of B.C. because of physical impairment. Discharge from Army. History of the idea of Town Meeting of the Air. Vancouver's radio audience in the 1940s. Top stations were CJOR and CKWX. CBC represents a system of thought control. TRACK 2: Broadcasting in Canada was behind the times. Helps favours American institution of freedom of speech. CJOR in Vancouver. The founding of the CBC in the 1930s. Ira Dilworth as regional director of CBC. Helps meets George Denny, moderator of Town Meeting of the Air in America. Description of the administration and operation of America's Town Meeting of the Air. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Arthur Helps' political background PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: While working in the Attorney-General's department in 1945, Helps assists in forming the B.C. Government Employees Association. Idea behind the Association. Helps claims that the government was quite cooperative with the efforts to form an employee association. Helps' involvement with the Credit Union movement in B.C. Some of the early successes and failures of the Credit Union movement in B.C. TRACK 2: Arthur Helps' politics. Helps ran as a Liberal in the 1953 federal election in Vancouver-Kingsway against Angus MacInnis. He was not successful. He also ran in the provincial election of 1960 as a Liberal in Delta. Was again defeated, this time by the C.C.F. candidate. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Origins of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Origins of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada. George Denny persuades Helps to start his own show in Vancouver. The problems in getting the show on the air. Opposition of CBC; negotiations with CKWX; skeptical cooperation of CJOR. First program of its kind in Canada. Discussion of early broadcast regulations. Leon Ladner assisted in raising funds for the program. Support for the program in its early stages was widespread despite opposition from established radio interests. Helps' views on the CBC and opposition to state-controlled broadcasting. TRACK 2: Show had surprisingly high ratings right from the start. How ratings were calculated. Program was broadcast throughout the country. George Chandler, owner of CJOR, and his attitude toward the program. Early history of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada : 1943 - 1947 PERIOD COVERED: 1943-1947 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Town Meeting of the Air in Canada commenced broadcasting from CJOR in 1943. The show grew in popularity greatly during the early period, 1943-1947. It was broadcast on stations across Canada in every province except Quebec. Cooperation between the show and its American counterpart. It was the first Canadian radio program to carry western opinion eastward. At the peak of its popularity the program was broadcast by thirty radio stations in Canada. Administration and operation of the program. July 31, 1947, America's Town Meeting of the Air comes to Vancouver for a special International Broadcast. TRACK 2: The International Broadcast was aired around the world. It was broadcast from Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. Furor over fact that Dorothy Steeves was one of the Canadian speakers on the program. The federal government failed to provide a speaker for the show. Pressure was applied by Ottawa to prevent Steeves from participating in the program because it was felt that she was not representative of Canadian opinion. Despite all the difficulties, the show was a huge success. The CBC never cooperated. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Achievements of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1947-1958 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lack of CBC cooperation and its effect on the International Broadcast of Town Meeting of the Air in Vancouver. Reasons why Helps does not look with favour on the CBC. Estimated listening audience for the special program was 50 million. Process of obtaining speakers for the regular weekly Canadian programs. Recollection of special banquet for Town Meeting of the Air which was attended by a variety of public celebrities. How topics for the show were decided upon. TRACK 2: Topics purposefully avoided. Religious topics. Anecdote about Harold Winch appearing on the program. Anecdote about Colin Cameron and Harold Pritchett almost coming to blows on the show. One of the most sensational shows involved Tim Buck. Problems with the airing of that program. Opposition of the Vancouver business community. Tim Buck was disappointed and upset over how the show was run (he debated on the program with Alex MacDonald) and he subsequently "disappeared". Buck did not appear on the radio again for several months. Topics which were illegal to discuss on radio because of broadcast regulations. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): History of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1943-1955 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Town Meeting of the Air in Canada was banned by Communist Party of Canada. Helps believes that this was because the CPC did not believe in free speech. Some of the controversial local issues which were discussed on the program. Free speech is the essence of democracy. Helps' presentation to the Massey Royal Commission on broadcasting, 1955. TRACK 2: Helps' criticism of the CBC. CBC's attitude toward Town Meeting of the Air. The CBC is anathema to freedom of broadcasting. Helps discusses the two Town Meeting of the Air programs which were censored. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Town Meeting of the Air in Canada and Social Credit in B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1943-1955 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Helps claims that his own involvement in politics did not affect his impartiality as moderator of Town Meeting of the Air. Political allegiances and personalities. Helps claims that his program greatly facilitated the election of B.C.'s first Social Credit government in 1952. Helps discusses many of the Socred personalities who became involved with Town Meeting of the Air: William Rose, Ralph Chetwynd, Eric Martin, Peer Paynter, etc. TRACK 2: Anecdote regarding W.A.C. Bennett's attainment of the leadership of the Social Credit Party. Anecdote regarding Robert Bonner's appearance on Town Meeting of the Air as a Conservative and subsequent entry into the Socred administration. After 1952, the Socreds rarely appeared on the program. Some other memorable programs. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Travelling with Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1943-1965 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Story about broadcasting a program from Powell River. Town Meeting of the Air had a tremendous audience in Powell River. The show won an international award for the program recorded there. Helps discusses his travels throughout B.C. and Canada with Town Meeting of the Air. TRACK 2: Helps continues discussion of the history of Town Meeting of the Air as it travelled from coast to coast. Anecdotes about particular shows in St. John's, Newfoundland. CALL NUMBER: T2641:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The decline of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1969-1971 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Helps explains why Town Meeting of the Air left the air in 1971. Lack of sponsorship and money matters were important factors. Helps believes that Town Meeting of the Air was going against the trends in radio broadcasting. Censorship of the program made it a difficult show to sponsor. TRACK 2: Television had superceded radio and it helped to eclipse a program like Town Meeting of the Air. CJOR, and the internal politics of the station, did not hinder the program. The achievement of Town Meeting of the Air in Canada.

CALL NUMBER: T2664:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Growth of socialist politics in British Columbia (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1974 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-07-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Daisy Webster recalls the early history of labour and socialist politics in BC, 1900-1925. Early labour/left-wing MLAs. Summary of labour/left-wing political involvement across Canada. The role of J.S. Woodsworth. The formation of the CCF in 1932. The Regina Manifesto. The principles of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation. Change in the CCF policy after 1932. The situation in BC in the 1930s. Rev. Robert Connell as the first BC leader. The 1936 split of the BC CCF. The CCF does poorly in 1937 provincial election. Harold Winch as leader of the CCF. CCF as the Official Opposition 1933-37, 1941-72. CCF women MLAs: Dorothy Steeves, Laura Jamieson, Grace MacInnis. TRACK 2: Description of E.E. Winch, Harold Winch. More details about Dorothy Steeves, Laura Jamieson and Grace MacInnis. Summary of the career of Mrs. Webster's husband Arnold. Description of Dr. Lyle Telford. CALL NUMBER: T2664:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Growth of socialist politics in British Columbia (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1933-1972 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-07-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Continuation of the discussion of the career of Arnold Webster. Arnold Webster as Parks Commissioner in Vancouver. Arnold Webster becomes provincial leader of the CCF, 1953. More on Arnold Webster's political career. Webster as Leader of the Opposition, 1953-56. Robert Strachan becomes political leader in 1956. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview.];

CALL NUMBER: T2665:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Personal background and the Great Depression PERIOD COVERED: 1916-1937 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in 1916 in the Peace River country of Alberta. Details about Kiernan's family and homesteading. Father killed in WW I; mother remarries and they continue to farm. Left Peace River country in 1927. After several stops, settled on a farm at Sumas Prairie. More details about Kiernan's family. Tough economic conditions in the Peace River district. Kiernan's education and work history to 1935. Ends formal education after grade 8. Reading habits as a young man. TRACK 2: Took correspondence courses from the Canadian Legion. Leisure activities as a youth: Trail Rangers and basketball. Delivered newspapers in Chilliwack area. "Rode the rods" to the Prairies in 1935. Economic struggles of Alberta and Saskatchewan, 1935-37. Returned to B.C. on the rods in October 1937. Anecdotes about riding the rods. CALL NUMBER: T2665:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Life during the 1930s Depression and World War II PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1948 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Continuation of anecdote about riding the rods, 1935-37. Marginal economic circumstances of the Kiernan family during the Depression. Worked in Fraser Valley mills. Contracted pneumonia. Worked for Eddy's Nurseries, 1937-40. Joined the New Westminster Regiment, 1940. Interested in Social Credit in Alberta, 1935-37, but not a member. Read works of Marx but rejected them in the 1930s. Critique of Marx and of Canadian economic system in the 1930s. TRACK 2: Kiernan in motorized corps in Canada, 1940-46. Eventually became a Warrant Officer II. Not able to go overseas because of previous pneumonia. Comments on military discipline. Kiernan into business as a garage operator near Chilliwack, 1946. Flooded out in 1948. CALL NUMBER: T2665:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Fraser River flood of 1948 and the 1952 provincial election PERIOD COVERED: 1948-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Kiernan describes his experiences in being flooded out during the 1948 flood of Fraser River. Description of his return to the flooded home and service station. Becomes president of local PTA in 1950. Joined Social Credit in 1951. Comments on the Coalition government. Comments on Coalition/Liberal Premier Boss Johnson and Conservative leader Herbert Anscomb. TRACK 2: Kiernan becomes very active as a Social Credit organizer, 1951-52. Kiernan takes 1952 Social Credit nomination. Organizational details about Social Credit in Chilliwack. Early meetings emphasized monetary reform. The "Christian image" of Social Credit. The importance of individualism in Social Credit. General discussion of political philosophy. Liberals and Conservatives unaware of the upsurge of Social Credit in Chilliwack. Circumstances under which Kiernan took 1952 nomination. Defeated sitting Conservative Leslie Eyres. Key roles of Alberta Socreds in 1952 election. CALL NUMBER: T2665:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit comes to power : 1952 election PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The importance of W.A.C. Bennett in the 1952 election. Kiernan says Alberta influence was minimal ca. 1952. 1952 Social Credit convention. Ernest Hansell as 1952 campaign leader. Bennett disillusioned with Conservatives. Kiernan sometimes "scared" by the vision of W.A.C. Bennett in things such as the two-river policy. Kiernan gives a sample of his 1952 election style. TRACK 2: Kiernan's experiences as a public speaker. The hard work of political campaigning. Description of Social Credit cabinet meetings. Kiernan's recollections of election night in 1952. Kiernan went to visit Bennett in Kelowna shortly after 1952 election. The decision is made to have W.A.C. Bennett as political leader, July 1952. CALL NUMBER: T2665:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): British Columbia's first Social Credit government, 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-06 & 1977-09-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Kiernan is selected to be Agriculture Minister in the first Social Credit government. Anecdotes about becoming government. Comments on the Bennett style of leadership. The formation of the first cabinet. Kiernan speculates on the reasons for his selection as Minister of Agriculture. Comments on communist scare tactics used against the C.C.F. Socialist economic planning inappropriate for B.C. Problems with the dairy industry were the first big problems faced by Kiernan in the Agriculture portfolio. TRACK 2: The transition to power: early cabinet meetings, help from senior civil servants. Cabinet procedures. The selection of Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson. Rev. H.D. Francis and Orr Newton resign in order to provide seats. Kiernan downplays the notion that the senior civil service opposed the new government. The firing of Percy Richards. Hospital insurance reforms after the 1952 election. Alternatives to hospital insurance proposed. CALL NUMBER: T2665:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Agriculture PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Facing the problem of hospital insurance after the 1952 election. Building the cabinet team, 1952-53. Discussion of the 1953 session of the Legislature. Socreds maneuvering for defeat? Bennett sure of dissolution? The legislative defeat of Social Credit and the unusual passage of bills prior to dissolution. The "atmosphere" in the House at the time of the 1953 defeat. The resignation of Harold Winch as C.C.F. leader. The 1953 election. TRACK 2: Discussion of the 1953 election continued. The defeat of Tilly Rolston and Einar Gunderson. Their importance as cabinet ministers. Gunderson as a member of the Treasury Board. The election of John Perdue as president of the Social Credit League. Issues within the Department of Agriculture: brucellosis control, irrigation, hay shortages. Comments on W.H. Robertson and William McGillivray as Kiernan's deputy ministers. CALL NUMBER: T2665:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Sommers affair PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1958 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Kiernan gives background to the Sommers affair. Comments on Gordon Gibson Sr. The "money talks" speech, February 1955. Gibson's charges not substantiated by the Lord Commission. Gibson's charges treated with great skepticism. Kiernan did not see the RCMP report to the Attorney-General's Department. The government has private investigator investigate the charges against Sommers. Sommers a known gambler to Kiernan. TRACK 2: More on Sommers' gambling. No pressure from ministers on Bennett to fire Sommers. Sommers called on to account for the allegations by cabinet and caucus. Sommers consistent in his denials. Circumstances surrounding the resignation of Bonner. Kiernan becomes Minister of Mines. CALL NUMBER: T2665:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Sommers case and Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources, 1956-1964 PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1964 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Death of Tilly Rolston, 1953. Discussion of Sommers case, continued. Opposition to Forest Management Licences. Sommers' resignation and Kiernan takes over the Mines portfolio, 1956. Robert Bonner and delays in the case. Comments on Mel Bryan who crossed the floor on the Sommers case. More on the delays. Sommers case harms Social Credit government. Kiernan expresses doubts about the guilt and illegal intentions of Sommers. Case did not affect timing of 1956 election. Not aware of Sommers' cabinet contact. TRACK 2: No suggestion of impropriety by Sommers in the Mines portfolio. Gifts to cabinet ministers. Sommers investigated by private detective. Kiernan's general observations on the Sommers case. "Politics is war". Kiernan Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources, 1956-64. The challenge of taking over a new portfolio. Comments on Deputy Ministers of Mines: John Walker, P.J. Mulcahy. The framing of new petroleum legislation. Comments on the B.C. petroleum and gas industry.; CALL NUMBER: T2665:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources, 1956-1964 PERIOD COVERED: 1945-1964 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The development of oil and natural gas leasing systems. Development of the Peace River region. The building of Westcoast Transmission pipeline. Description of Frank McMahon. Comments on foreign ownership of petroleum and natural gas resources. Description of the auction of oil and natural gas leases. TRACK 2: The auction system continued. Frank McMahon in the 1960 election. Anecdotes about some B.C. mining executives: Ozzie McDonald, Spud Huestis, Mel O'Brien. The opening of Bethlehem Copper Corporation mine in the Highland Valley. Changes in mining taxation and land tenure systems, c. 1957. Problems of establishing an iron and steel industry in B.C. Vehement industry opposition to changes in mining legislation. CALL NUMBER: T2665:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Mines and Petroleum Resources, and Recreation and Conservation, 1956-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Major problems faced as mines minister: taxation legislation, departmental expansion, mine safety. Dispute with federal government over offshore mineral rights. "Political" decision by the Supreme Court of Canada on this issue. The reclamation of mining sites. Kiernan expresses his opposition to the idea of company towns. Taxation on profits vs. royalties in the mining industry. Kiernan concerned about "penny mines" on the Vancouver Stock Exchange. TRACK 2: The formation of the Department of Recreation and Conservation, 1957. Kiernan becomes Minister of Recreation and Conservation, 1963. Anomalies in the classification of provincial parks. Mineral claims and timber leases in provincial parks. The case of Western Mines in Strathcona Park. The role of pressure groups in the Buttle Lake controversy. Preparation for his new portfolio of Recreation and Conservation. General comments on park development in B.C.; CALL NUMBER: T2665:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Recreation and Conservation PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-27 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Skepticism about the idea of wilderness preservation. The illogic of some park boundaries. The changing of the boundary of Manning Park to facilitate mining. Kiernan's ideas on the multiple use concept. Kiernan's impressions of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, SPEC, Sierra Club. The role of the Sierra Club in the boundary determinations for Pacific Rim National Park. TRACK 2: More on the Sierra Club of B.C. W.A.C. Bennett's attitudes on park matters. Public access on forestry roads. The formation of the Environment and Land Use Committee (ELUC) in 1969. Comments on the operation of ELUC and the Secretariat. ELUC originally a problem-solver rather than policy-maker. Comments on a few specific issues dealt with by ELUC. Kiernan not convinced of the concept of a single Minister of the Environment. Williston as chairman of ELUC. Land use questions more practical than moral or ethical. "Nature the adversary". The evolution of environmental attitudes in B.C. The minister as an arbitrator of attitudes.; CALL NUMBER: T2665:0012 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Environmental and economic issues PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-27 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Kiernan's efforts to curb the excesses of the "throw-away" society. The Anti-Litter Act. The recycling of derelict automobiles. Deputy Ministers of Recreation and Conservation: Dave Turner, H.G. McWilliams, Lloyd Brooks. Comments on the proposed flooding of the Skagit River Valley. Opposition by the fishing lobby. Benefits of flood control on the Fraser River. TRACK 2: Flood control on the Fraser River continued. More comments on the fishing lobby. The benefits of fish versus the benefits of hydro power and flood control. Short term as Minister of Commercial Transport, 1963-64. Minister of Travel Industry, 1967-1972. The formation of the department, 1967. Ron Worley as Deputy Minister of the Travel Industry department. British Columbia tourist promotions. Comments on "The Wonderful World of W.A.C. Bennett". Kiernan's comments on our political society. Comments on the role of socialism in B.C. B.C. still in the frontier stage. General comments on the NDP caucus prior to 1972. Analysis of the B.C. economy. The need for new hydro electric power developments in B.C.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Harold Wrinch recalls Dr. Horace C. Wrinch, medical pioneer and missionary, 1899-1939 PERIOD COVERED: 1866-1939 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: Harold Wrinch talks about his medical missionary father, Dr. Horace Wrinch. In 1899, Dr. Wrinch came to the Hazelton area of B.C., where he established a large medical practice. Much of the tape is devoted to the story of how Dr. Wrinch came to build the hospital at Hazelton, and details about the operation of the hospital. (End of interview);

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Dennis Williams: life of a court reporter in the Canadian Arctic PERIOD COVERED: 1970-1977 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-08-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Marjorie Nicol born January 25, 1923 in Dayton, Ohio. Came to Canada with children after her husband's death. Settled in Vancouver where she teaches English as a second language. Met Dennis Williams through a mutual friend in 1969. At the time, Williams was the editor of the Ladner 'Optimist'. He had previously edited local newspapers in Trail and Nanaimo. Williams was born in England about 1921. He came to Canada following WW II in which he served as a bomber pilot. When he came to Canada, before he entered the world of journalism, he had placed his name on a government list to become a court reporter. While in Ladner his name came up for a job as court reporter in Yellowknife. He accepted it. Williams had some difficulty in adjusting to life in the North but became quite involved in his work and life in the Canadian Arctic. As a court reporter, he travelled extensively throughout the Northwest Territories. He corresponded regularly with Marjorie Nicol (whom he wanted to marry) and he decided that he wanted to write a book about the life of a court reporter in the Canadian North which would illustrate much about the conditions of the Native peoples in this area. As a result, he mailed a variety of materials to Marjorie Nicol which he asked her to hold for him so that he could use them to write his book. These materials included tapes which he recorded and which consisted largely of his personal experiences. Dennis Williams died, however, and the book remains unwritten. His book would have been very critical of the Canadian government's role in the North. Alcohol contributed to his early death. (End of interview);

CALL NUMBER: T2704:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The political education of Robert N. Thompson PERIOD COVERED: 1914-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Robert Thompson discusses his early years, education and first interest in politics. Introduction to the teachings of Social Credit under William Aberhart in Alberta in the 1930s. Discussion of Social Credit economic theory. Social Credit and political action. TRACK 2: Discussion of Social Credit and religion. Military service overseas during World War II, international travels and experience in Ethiopia as advisor to Haile Selassie. Marriage and the problems of raising a family abroad. Return to Canada and entry into federal politics in 1960. The role and influence of Premier Manning of Alberta. CALL NUMBER: T2704:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The problems of leading the federal Social Credit party in Canada PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Robert Thompson discusses his goals as leader of the federal Social Credit party in Canada. Relations with provincial Socred Premiers: Ernest Manning and W.A.C. Bennett. Attitudes towards socialism. Impressions of the Social Credit party in British Columbia. Relations between the Alberta and British Columbia provincial parties. Anecdote about meeting in Toronto in the King Edward Hotel with Premiers Manning and Bennett. TRACK 2: Thompson explains some of the problems he had in obtaining funding for the federal Social Credit party. Events and personalities surrounding the 1961 federal Socred convention at which Thompson was made party leader. Discussion of the split which developed between the Quebec and Western Canadian portions of the federal Social Credit party in 1963. The reasons for the lack of success of the Social Credit party in Canadian federal politics.

CALL NUMBER: T2711:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Winnifred David on potlatches RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-24 SUMMARY: Winnifred David discusses the ceremonies and customs connected with potlatches.

CALL NUMBER: T2711:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Winnifred David interview RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-24 SUMMARY: Winnifred David tells the story of the first encounter between Captain James Cook and the Nootka Indians. (End of interview);

CALL NUMBER: T2719:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Gordon and Jack Gibson : the Gibson family (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1886-1939 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mother's and father's personal background. Mother to Vancouver in 1886, father in 1896. Family's economic situation. Father (William F. Gibson) involved in Bridge River gold rush. Family in Yukon, 1903-05. G. Gibson born in Yukon, 1904. Family to Vancouver in 1906. Father's work history. Father a timber staker and cruiser. TRACK 2: Comments on the Vancouver real estate boom, 1912. Father; joined Forestry Corps, 1914. Odd jobs for young brothers. Father rejected for overseas service, 1915. G. Gibson goes logging with his father, 1917. Logging aircraft spruce during WW I. Building their first mill after WW I. Gibson family moves to Ahousat in early 1920s. The Gibson's on the West Coast of Vancouver Island: boats, the pilchard industry, 1925-32. Ahousat during the Depression.; CALL NUMBER: T2719:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Gordon and Jack Gibson : the Gibson family (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Description of Ahousat and the Native people. The purchase of the SS "Malahat". Anecdotes about the "Malahat". Hauling logs on the Queen Charlottes. TRACK 2: More anecdotes about the "Malahat". The end of the "Malahat". Logging airplane spruce during WW II. Dividing the work between the four brothers. Built sawmill at Tahsis after WW II. Building Tahsis. The Gibsons amalgamate with the East Asiatic Co. The Gibsons in the whaling business at Coal Harbour. CALL NUMBER: T2719:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Gordon and Jack Gibson : the Sommers case (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1945-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Continuation of the story of the Gibsons' involvement in the whaling industry. Gibsons sell out completely to the East Asiatic Company, 1952. Relations between the Gibsons and East Asiatic, 1948-52. Jack Gibson's political career: Gibson's predecessor A.W. Neill; 1945 nominating convention; Gibson MP, 1945-53; Gibson sat as an independent; comments on his communist seat-mate Fred Rose. How Gordon Gibson came to run in 1953 provincial election. G. Gibson's position before the Sloan Commission. Anecdotes about the 1953 election campaign. TRACK 2: Improper granting of FMLs under the Coalition government, 1947-52. The role of campaign funds. Discussion of the Sommers case. Gibson's resignation over the Sommers case. Gibson's defeat in 1955 by-election. Gibson feels Social Credit party involved in FML scandal. Discussion of the "money talks" speech, 1955. Sammy Craig and BCFP incident. Story of G. Gibson's address to UBC forestry class. CALL NUMBER: T2719:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Gordon and Jack Gibson : the Sommers case (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1948-1958 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Comments on the Sloan Commission hearings. Bob Filberg of Canadian Western Forest Industries was the campaign funds "collector" for the Coalition from the forest industries. Circumstances surrounding the granting of FML #2. Why the Gibson brothers did not apply for an FML. Comments on R. Sommers' gambling. Gambling with people in the forest industry. Gordon Gibson recalls discussing FMLs with W.A.C. Bennett. H.R. MacMillan opposed to FMLs at one time. Anecdote about Gordon Gibson being ejected from the B.C. Legislature, 1955. The Lord Commission, 1955, discussed. The people involved in the hearings: Arthur Lord, Alfred Bull, T.W. Brown. TRACK 2: Ron Howard, Gibson's lawyer. G. Gibson's reaction to the findings of the Lord Commission. Comments on Bonner's role. Positive assessment; of Judge Arthur Lord. The Lillooet by-election, 1955. Anecdotes about the by-election campaign. The Gibsons' connection with David Sturdy. Discussion of Sturdy and Charles Eversfield. Meetings to discuss the Eversfield evidence with the Gibson brothers, Ron Howard, Tommy Gold, Stuart Keate and Donald Cromie. Payments to Sturdy. Comments on Sturdy's judgement. Comments on Eversfield. RCMP Inspector W.J. Butler. CALL NUMBER: T2719:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Gordon and Jack Gibson : the Sommers case (part 3) PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1958 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Comments on the "money talks" speech. Discussion of the presentation of the Eversfield evidence to the Sloan Commission, Dec. 1955. The role of Charles Locke, the Sloan Commission counsel. The Gibsons have never seen the Butler Report. J. Gibson asked federal Justice Minister Stuart Garson to see the Butler Report but was refused. Discussion of the Tahsis Company in the Butler Report. The role of C.D. Orchard and the Forest Service. Davie Fulton, federal Justice Minister, put pressure on the Sommers case. Implications of Sommers case for Jack Gibson's role as a Liberal party fund-raiser. TRACK 2: Payments from Gibson to Sturdy. Peripheral involvement of James Sinclair, Johnny Fairburn and Sid Smith. Gibson has no specific knowledge of the alleged payoffs to keep Sommers out of the country. Gibson did not attend trial. Comments on the role of C.D. Scultz. Gibson did not know the Gray brothers. No ministers other than Sommers benefited personally from the bribery scheme. The Gibson brothers considered applying for an FML. Gibson cannot recall details of meeting with Sommers prior to famous speech. Miscellaneous comments. (End of interview);

CALL NUMBER: T3126:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Native Indian artist (part 1) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-23 SUMMARY: TRACKS 1 & 2: Tim Paul discusses his personal background and his experiences as a Native Indian artist, including his involvement with the carving program at the British Columbia Provincial Museum; types of masks, including portrait masks; other Indian artists and their work; the differences between Nootkan art and the art of the Haida, Kwakiutl, and other groups; Nootkan basketry; and the use of colour.

CALL NUMBER: T3126:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Native Indian artist (part 2) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Tim Paul continues discussing the use of colour in Nootkan art; its use of angular forms; the figure of the sea serpent; changes in form and style in modern Nootkan art; the stories behind some artworks; print-making; other artists of the west coast of Vancouver Island; the survival of West Coast culture and language; the role of art in the culture; the return of the potlatch. TRACK 2: The suppression of the potlatch, and the confiscation of masks and other artworks by the RCMP; the difficulty of making a living as an Indian artist.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Interview with Leslie John RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-12-21 SUMMARY: Nootka artist Leslie John discusses his family background; his work as a wood carver and silversmith; aspects of design in Nootkan art; the Nootkan whale hunt; maintaining family legends and traditions through carvings; different types of masks; Chief Maquinna; the tradition of the potlatch; languages; talking sticks; stories about first contact with Europeans (at Departure Bay and at Nootka); and other subjects. (Ed Tatoosh was also present at the interview, and makes several comments on the tape.);

CALL NUMBER: T1203:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): B.C. Premiers : Brewster, Oliver, MacLean, Tolmie, Pattullo and Hart PERIOD COVERED: 1912-1960 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1977-03-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Percival Charles Richards discusses background: born 1904 in England; moved to Victoria, 1912; early career as a journalist in Victoria and California. Richards' experiences in Ethiopia ca. 1955-59 as the editor of that country's first free press newspaper. Richards' recollections of Premiers H.C. Brewster, John Oliver, John D. MacLean. TRACK 2: Richards' reminiscences of Premier Dr. S.F. Tolmie. Political consequences of the Depression of the 1930s. John Hart's problems as Minister of Finance in the Pattullo government. Anecdotes about John Hart and Duff Pattullo. The firing of Hart by Pattullo and the formation of the Coalition in 1941. Details about the formation of the Coalition government. Discussion of Richards' position on Hart's staff as a secretary cum executive assistant. More about the formation of the Coalition. Details about Richards' dismissal by the Bennett government. CALL NUMBER: T1203:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Personal reminiscence of Premier John Hart PERIOD COVERED: 1936-1952 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1977-03-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Richards discusses: his dismissal by the Bennett government; more on the formation of the Coalition, 1941; negotiations between Hart of the Liberals and Maitland of the Conservatives; the deluge of work for the new provincial government, 1941-42. Hart goes through a depressed period shortly after becoming Premier. Hart's dealings with the Eastern financial community. How Richards' came to; work for Hart in 1936. Personal reminiscences and anecdotes about John Hart. Hart's appearance. Hart's athletic abilities. TRACK 2: Hart was a perfectionist. Hart's generosity toward people around him. Hart's regular poker games at the Union Club. Hart was a voracious reader, especially about economics. Richards arranged many private dinners for Hart. Hart's personal background. CALL NUMBER: T1203:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A political reminiscence, 1936-1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1936-1952 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1977-04-21 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The generosity of Premier John Hart as revealed in anecdotes. The civil service role of political secretaries. Anecdotes about protocol. Royal visits, 1951 and 1939. More on protocol. Pattullo government and the Rowell-Sirois Commission. Role of G. Neil Perry as a financial advisor. TRACK 2: Story about political relations between John Hart and W.L.M. King. Antagonism of the federal Liberals to the Coalition government. Duff Pattullo, John Hart and the 1940 federal-provincial conference. Hart cautious in his dealings with the press. Contrasts between Pattullo and Hart. The 1941 provincial election and the formation of the Coalition. CALL NUMBER: T1203:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Coalition government, 1941-1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1941-1952 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1977-04-21 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Continuation of the discussion of the formation of the Coalition government, November and December 1941. Problems of Coalition government. Details about compromise within the Coalition. More about the formation of the Coalition, 1941. Pattullo in the period, 1941-45. Incident in which Anscomb criticizes Doug Turnbull, Minister of Health, in the 1951 budget speech. Richards contends that this should have been the end of the Coalition. The break-up of the Coalition, January 1952. Hospital Insurance problems for the Coalition. Hart offers Anscomb the opportunity of making W.A.C. Bennett a cabinet minister, ca. 1945. TRACK 2: More on the 1951 budget speech incident. Comments on Boss Johnson as a political leader. Highways and public works used as a political tool. Ernest Carson as Minister of Public Works. The Coalition against the "patronage" system. CALL NUMBER: T1203:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Anecdotes about British Columbia politics in the 1920s and 1930s PERIOD COVERED: 1933-1947 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1977-05-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Description of Premier T.D. Pattullo. Comments on Pattullo's secretary/assistant, Ben Hethey. Richards becomes John Hart's personal secretary, 1936. The press and press gallery reporters in the 1920s and 1930s. Bruce Hutchison. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview]

CALL NUMBER: T1360:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Childhood and Youth in Alberta and British Columbia : 1909-1928 PERIOD COVERED: 1909-1928 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in 1909 in Red Deer, Alberta. Family background. The Barnett family in Alberta. Barnett family move to Vancouver, 1918. Barnett's education. TRACK 2: Eyewitnesses description of the return of Canadian troops to Vancouver. Growing up in Genoa Bay, Vancouver Island. Politics in the Barnett family. Barnett's uncle Alfred Speakman an MP. Barnett completed high school in 1925. Mother sick in the Provincial Hospital at Marpole/Oakridge. Worked in sawmills, 1925-26. Barnett spent one year in California, 1926-27. Entered UBC, 1927. CALL NUMBER: T1360:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A young man's experiences in B.C. : 1925-1942 PERIOD COVERED: 1925-1942 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Barnett as a student at UBC after 1927. The strong influence of Barnett's mother. Also influenced by his high school teacher, Arnold Webster. Met J.S. Woodsworth in 1929 and favourably impressed. Barnett considers entering the ministry, c. 1931. Barnett to the Cariboo as a lay minister, 1933. Effects of the Depression on the Cariboo. Barnett decides against the ministry. Activities of the Student Christian Movement at UBC. TRACK 2: The intellectual climate of Vancouver and UBC in the 1930s. Barnett not a member of any party in the 1930s. Barnett in the Central Interior, 1933-42. Barnett attracted to the Social Credit movement in the 1930s. Barnett a supporter but not a member of the C.C.F. in the 1930s. Friend of C.C.F. MLA John McInnis. Editor of the Wells Chronicle during the 1930s. Barnett moves to Port Alberni in 1942. CALL NUMBER: T1360:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The I.W.A. in the 1940s PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Barnett's observations on B.C. politics in the 1930s. Personal impressions of T. "Duff" Pattullo. Barnett a school trustee in Wells, c. 1937-1940. The educational system in Wells in the late 1930s. More about the Liberal government of Pattullo. Moved to Port Alberni in 1942. Joined C.C.F., 1943. Joined I.W.A. and became active in the union. Also on the executive of Credit Union and consumer co-op. TRACK 2: Barnett's work history, 1942-53. Barnett's opposition to the communist control of the Port Alberni local and the B.C. region of the I.W.A. The "cell" operation of the Communist Party. Barnett instrumental in the formation of an anti-communist "counter-caucus" within the Port Alberni local. Barnett tried and acquitted within the union as a union disrupter, 1945. Barnett a candidate in the 1945 federal and provincial elections. More on the communist / non-communist struggle within the Port Alberni local. Barnett's fundamental opposition to "monolithic" communism. Critique of the Communist Party of Canada by Malcolm Bruce. The defeat of the communists in the I.W.A., 1948. CALL NUMBER: T1360:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Federal politics in the 1940s and 1950s PERIOD COVERED: 1942-1957 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Communist leaders in Port Alberni: Alfred Dewhurst, Mark Mosher, Nigel Morgan. Communists not successful in infiltrating the C.C.F. in Port Alberni. Relations between the C.C.F. and the Communist Party. Most Scandinavians were social democrats. The 1945 federal election. A.W. Neill, the former member for Comox-Alberni. More on the 1945 federal election. Did not run in 1949. The Japanese-Canadians as an issue in the 1945 election. TRACK 2: More on Japanese-Canadians. The federal election of 1953: Barnett elected for the first time. Election night, 1953. Took leave of absence from his job at Tahsis Company immediately after election. Barnett's personal financial situation, 1953. Salaries of MPs. Barnett's first trip to Ottawa, 1953. Initial impressions of Ottawa. Getting used to Ottawa. CALL NUMBER: T1360:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): (untitled) PERIOD COVERED: 1953-[no date] RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Living arrangements in Ottawa: The Coburg Street Caucus. Introduction to the House of Commons. Parliamentary openings described. Throne Speech debate described. Barnett's maiden address. Parliamentary decorum in the 1950s. The issue of the recognition of the People's Republic of China. The Quebec "Independents". Barnett's seat in the House of Commons. The "lobbies" of the House of Commons. Informal co-operation between the parties. The development of "question period". TRACK 2: [blank?] (End of interview.)

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

CALL NUMBER: T1175:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Paynter's early life and the origins of Social Credit in B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1898-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in 1898 in Saskatchewan. Paynter's early life in Saskatchewan: association with the cooperative movement, farm life, public school education to the end of grade ten, religion in the Paynter family, worked for 9 years as a grain buyer. Moved to Vancouver, 1931. Work history in Vancouver in 1930s and 1940s, including Palm Ice Cream Co., carpentry work, Boeing Aircraft Co., CP Airlines.; President of union local at CP Airlines during part of World War II. Labour relations. TRACK 2: Paynter's first contact with the ideas of Social Credit, 1932. The first Socred study group in B.C. Bill Tutte was the leader of the study group. The operation of the study group. Social Credit League of British Columbia formed in 1934 (?). Description of the first office. Anti-Semitism within the Socred movement. The possibility of communists within the early Socred movement. The Social Credit theory: Major Douglas' analysis of the monetary system, the 'A plus B theorem', 'national dividend', 'just price discount'. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Origins of Social Credit in British Columbia : 1932-1945 PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Paynter discusses the danger of dogmatically applying the Douglas theory of Social Credit. The philosophy of Social Credit: the oppression of monetary control. The differences between Social Credit and Technocracy. Members of the original Social Credit study group. Links between Social Credit and the British-Israel Association. Social Credit as the philosophy of "free enterprise". Differences between Social Credit and socialism. TRACK 2: Social Credit organizations: Social Credit League of B.C. and Union of Electors. Techniques of organizing Social Credit study groups. The Perfect Circle, a clandestine Social Credit organization during World War II. Perfect Circle kept Social Credit ideas alive during the war. Relations between B.C. Socreds and the Social Credit Secretariat in Li;verpool {London?]. The first Social Credit government in Alberta. Types of people in the Social Credit organization in the 1930s. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in British Columbia in the 1930s PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1936 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-03-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Characteristics of early Socreds. Incident when Harold Winch and others tried to convince Paynter to run for the C.C.F. in Vancouver East, 1933. Social Credit never contested municipal elections. Paynter's opinion that politicians should be "individuals" rather than members of a political party. Leading figures in Social Credit in the 1930s. The visit to B.C. in 1934 of Major C.H. Douglas, 1934. The visit of Rev. Hewlett Johnson, Dean of Canterbury, to Vancouver to speak on Social Credit, ca. 1934. Premier William Aberhart's role in B.C. Social Credit in the mid 1930s. Paynter describes Aberhart, and Aberhart's many visits to Vancouver. [TRACK 2: blank.]; CALL NUMBER: T1175:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in British Columbia, 1932-1951 PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1951 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The formation of the first Social Credit study group in Vancouver, 1932. Discussions of the monetary theory of Social Credit and the "Douglas Social Credit for Canada" piece by William Tutte. Talks about Social Credit literature and the "Perfect Circle", a Socred secret society during WWII. Formation and dissolution of Social Credit groups in 1930s and 1940s. Other monetary theories discussed. Paynter asked to be Harold Winch's running mate in 1933 provincial election. Talks about other members of the Perfect Circle: description of William Tutte and Bill Rose. Social Credit League of B.C., from 1934. The provincial election of 1937 and Social Credit involvement of it. TRACK 2: More on the 1937 election. Social Credit did not run in the provincial election of 1941. Internal problems within Social Credit, 1937-1944. The Union of Electors. Organizational details about the 1930s. The formation of the Social Credit Association of Canada (B.C. Section), 1944. The founding convention, 1944. Eric Martin and Peer Paynter on the new executive. Activities of the new association. The 1945 provincial election. Paynter a candidate in Burrard. Paynter runs in the 1945 federal election. Paynter accused of being a communist, c. 1946.; CALL NUMBER: T1175:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in British Columbia, 1945-1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1945-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Paynter continues discussing how he was accused by some other Socreds of being a communist, 1946. Formation of the Vancouver Area Council of Social Credit. Major Jukes as a divisive force in Social Credit, late 1940s. The split in Social Credit, 1948-49. The 1949 provincial election. Character of Major A.H. Jukes. More on the split. Name changes of the Social Credit organization. Dal Grauer of B.C. Electric makes large contributions to the Socreds in 1949 election. More on the 1948-49 split. TRACK 2: More on Major Jukes. Paynter runs in Chilliwack in 1949. Organizational work between 1949 and 1952 elections. Work of Lyle Wicks, Eric Martin and Peer Paynter. Social Credit League headquarters in Lyle Wicks' house. Paynter becomes the first paid Social Credit organizer in B.C., 1951. Organizing techniques. Organizing Social Credit groups around the province. Hospital insurance as an issue in the 1952 election. Internal organizational details. "Christian image" of Social Credit. More about organizing. Development of electoral platform for 1952 election. The weakness of the Coalition. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Preparing for power : the Social Credit in British Columbia, 1949-1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1949-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The development of policy prior to the 1952 election. Individualism as part of the Social Credit philosophy. More on the Social Credit platform and Paynter's political philosophy. Comments on C.C.F. leader, Harold Winch. More on political philosophy. The role of government regulation in the economy. Comments on the takeover of B.C. Electric, 1961. The 1950 and 1951 Social Credit conventions. TRACK 2: More on the conventions. Less emphasis on monetary reform and the effects of many new members. Lack of basic Social Credit knowledge among many Socred MLAs. The 1951 Social Credit Convention in Chilliwack. Emotional plea at the convention by Lyle Wicks. Strong support for Social Credit from the Mennonites. The strong influence of Aberhart and Manning on fundamentalists in B.C. Pro-Christian and anti-socialist ideas within Social Credit. The connections between socialism and dictatorship. Paynter's assessment of the weakness of the Coalition government. The by-election in Esquimalt in 1951. Assistance to B.C. Socreds from Alberta Socreds. Advice on political strategy coming from Ernest Manning. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and Social Credit come to power in B.C.: 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1951-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Albertans who assisted with organizational work in B.C.: Orvis Kennedy, David Ure, John Blackmore, Jack Landeryou. Paynter's salary as an organizer paid for by the Alberta Socreds. Critical executive meeting regarding the assistance of the Alberta Socreds in the 1952 election. The 1951 Social Credit convention. W.A.C. Bennett at the 1951 convention. Paynter leery of Bennett as a Socred leader. First contacts between Bennett and the Socreds. Personal animosity towards Paynter by Bennett. The role of Eric Martin in bringing Bennett into the Social Credit League. TRACK 2: More on the entry of Bennett into the Social Credit League. The attitude of the Socreds to Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett as a new Socred member. The 1952 leadership convention. Hansell selected as interim leader. The Social Credit assessment of the 1952 election. Paynter an unsuccessful candidate in Revelstoke, 1952. Social Credit preparations for the 1952 election. Paynter has no regrets about never being elected. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Provincial election of 1952 and Paynter as national organizer, 1952-57 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1958 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Paynter philosophical about never being elected despite several attempts. Paynter narrowly defeated in Burrard federal riding in 1953 and 1957. Significance of the transferable ballot in the 1952 election. Paynter refutes accusations that he was not doing all he could in the 1952 election. The role of Hansell in the election. Paynter's assessment of the strength of the C.C.F. in the 1952 election, namely Harold Winch. Social Credit critique of the C.C.F. Paynter's critique of socialism. Help from Alberta Premier Manning. Trouble finding candidates in the 1952 election. The quality of Social Credit candidates. The nomination of P.A. Gaglardi in Kamloops, 1952. Election night in 1952 and the period of uncertainty. TRACK 2: Bennett elected as leader by Social Credit caucus, July 1952. Paynter, Gaglardi and Irwin oppose Bennett. More on the election of Bennett. Paynter opposed to the appointment of Bonner and Gunderson to the cabinet. Paynter becomes Assistant National Organizer for Social Credit after 1952 election, until 1957. Financial situation of the federal organization. Aspects of Social Credit adopted by other parties. Paynter on federal executive until 1958. Laments the lack of knowledge of Social Credit principles by current MLAs. Brief comments on Free Enterprise Educational Fund. CALL NUMBER: T1175:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Leading Figures in Social Credit, 1935-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Relations between a government and a party. W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. John Perdue defeats Paynter at 1952 Socred convention. Paynter as a candidate in the 1953 federal election. Social Credit badly defeated in 1958 in federal election. Effects of the "Sommers scandal" on Social Credit. Comments on Social Credit pioneers: J. Alan Reid, Orvis Kennedy, John Blackmore, Tilly Rolston, William Aberhart, Ernest Manning. TRACK 2: Comments on more Social Credit pioneers: Ernest Manning continued, Robert Thompson, Real Caouette, Ernest Hansell, Solon Low, Thomas Irwin, W.N. Chant, Eric Martin, Lyle Wicks, Robert Bonner. Summation of 45 years of active involvement in Social Credit. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T1293:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The origins of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1930-1952 (part one) PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The formation of the first Social Credit study group in British Columbia, c. 1930. The central roles of Henry Torey and William Tutte in the early history of Social Credit. Differences between the stories of Torey and Peer Paynter. The issue of direct political action. Attempt by William Aberhart to establish a separate organization in B.C. Anti-Semitism as a problem in the Social Credit ;organization. Competing Social Credit groups in the 1930s and 1940s. Torey has no knowledge of the "Perfect Circle". Torey a frequent financial contributor. Close friend of William Rose. Torey born in 1907 in Vancouver. Discusses personal background. TRACK 2: More information about Torey's personal background. Strong influence of his brother Henry. Torey disputes Martin Robin's version of the founding of Social Credit. Description of Henry Torey, William Rose, William Tutte. The Social Credit monetary theory of Major C.H. Douglas. Antithesis of Social Credit and socialism. The political and social philosophy of Social Credit. Rejection of socialism in the 1930s. CALL NUMBER: T1293:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The origins of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1930-1952 (part two) PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1970 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-04-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Comments on Major C.H. Douglas' political philosophy. Some British Israelites in Social Credit movement. Attempts by Social Credit to influence established parties. Private enterprises a fundamental principle of Social Credit. Social Credit against monopolies. Internal organization. Small "bull sessions" of Social Credit inner circles. Social Credit technical advisors. Examples of how the patronage system worked in B.C. The study and teaching of Social Credit. TRACK 2: Make up of the early Social Credit group. The "lunatic fringe" of Social Credit: Socialists and anti-Semites. Social Credit critique of traditional economics. Henry Torey and William Rose as leaders in Social Credit thought in B.C. Discussion of the Social Credit dividend. Social Credit and the "no growth" economy.; CALL NUMBER: T1293:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The origins of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1930-1952 (part three) PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-07-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The visit to British Columbia by Major C.H. Douglas. Many of the early Socreds in the newspaper business and related activities. Peer Paynter and the Social Credit organization. More on Henry Torey. The "Christian" image of the Social Credit League. Torey attended no conventions. Alberta connections. Torey took a low profile because he was in the liquor business. Did not know W.A.C. Bennett personally. Assesses Bennett as the best Premier that the province ever had. Comments on earlier B.C. governments. Recollection of 1952 election night. Comments on the bringing into cabinet of Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson. Knows nothing about Free Enterprise Education Fund. TRACK 2: Comments on the relationship between the government and the party. Comments on the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company, 1961. Torey a friend of Eric Martin. The split in the federal Social Credit party in the 1960s. Ambivalent comments on Real Caouette. Expresses discouragement at the chances of Social Credit in the federal field. The Social Credit Research Team Bulletin of Bill Rose. Expresses belief in the inevitability of Social Credit ideas. Social Credit seen as a remedy to socialism. Critique of socialism. (End of interview)

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: T2639:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial policies of the Social Credit government, 1952-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Einar Gunderson discusses his background, education and training; his work as a chartered accountant in Edmonton; his experience working for the Alberta government as head of the income tax department in the 1930s. Gunderson came to British Columbia in 1945 and became established with one of the largest chartered accountancy firms in the province. Gunderson discusses his relationship with W.A.C. Bennett and the background to his involvement in British Columbia politics which led to his appointment as Minister of Finance in 1952. TRACK 2: Gunderson discusses the 1952 by-election in Similkameen after which he took his seat in the Legislature. Ideas regarding fiscal and economic policy which were adopted by the Social Credit government. Comments about the 1953 provincial election in which Gunderson was defeated and the subsequent by-election in Victoria which he also lost. Gunderson discusses his on-going relationship with Premier W.A.C. Bennett as financial and economic advisor; his role as vice-president of the P.G.E. and Director of B.C. Hydro. Gunderson also comments on his general influence on government policies, especially debt-reduction. CALL NUMBER: T2639:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial policies of the government of W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Einar Gunderson discusses his family background, attitude toward the Social Credit government in Alberta in the 1930s, relationship between Socreds in B.C. and Alberta, the Kelowna "bond-fire;", financial policies of W.A.C. Bennett, debt reduction, the issue of contingent liabilities, budget-making, economic development under Social Credit, the Toll Bridges and Highway Authority, B.C. Ferries, homeowners grant, parity bonds. TRACK 2: Reaction to the issue of parity bonds, the B.C. Free Enterprise Educational Fund, election fund raising, free enterprise vs. public ownership, the role of government in the economy, socialism, inter-relationships in the Socred cabinet, the Sommers Affair, W.A.C. Bennett and loyalty, personal relationship with W.A.C. Bennett, comments on Bennett's character and personality, travelling with W.A.C. Bennett, federal-provincial relations, equalization payments. CALL NUMBER: T2639:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of government during the tenure of W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Einar Gunderson discusses the differences between equalization payments and W.A.C. Bennett's proposed negative income tax; relations with different federal administrations; federal-provincial conferences; the Briggs affair; the Wenner-Gren plan for the development of the interior of B.C.; Axel Wenner-Gren; the genesis of the two-river policy; the takeover of the B.C. Electric Co., the Stonehill affair, the genesis of the Bank of British Columbia. TRACK 2: Continuation of discussion of the proposal for a Bank of British Columbia, concluding remarks on Bennett and 20 years of power. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T2701:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Development of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1950-52 PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discussion of how Orvis Kennedy became involved in Social Credit politics and his relationship with the Alberta party and the federal Socred party. The relationship between the Alberta Socreds and the B.C. party. The Alberta party never interfered directly with the internal politics of the British Columbia Social Credit League. Kennedy had known W.A.C. Bennett in Alberta in the 1920s. Organizing in B.C. The Alberta Social Credit party paid Peer Paynter a salary to assist in organizing the B.C. party. Description of the types of activities Kennedy involved himself in while on an organizational tour in B.C. Kennedy's theory of how to win polls in constituencies. Relationship between the national Social Credit party and the Alberta party. Discussion of the incident of Lyle Wicks coming to Edmonton for consultation. Recollection of the 1951 convention when Ernest Hansell assumed the campaign leadership of the B.C. Social Credit party for the following election. Hansell was asked by the B.C. party to take on the campaign leadership. TRACK 2: The Alberta party did not issue an ultimatum to the B.C. Socreds at the 1951 convention. Impressions of W.A.C. Bennett. Some of the difficulties in bringing W.A.C. Bennett into the Social Credit party. Reaction to W.A.C. Bennett's political conversion was more adverse in B.C. than in Alberta. One reason a campaign leader was appointed in the period leading up to the 1952 election was because the permanent leader appointed would not have been Bennett. Very few Albertan representatives attended B.C. Social Credit conventions. Comments on W.N. Chant. Comments on the 1952 election campaign. Socred election strategies and the 1952 election party platform. Confusion between "Social Credit" and "socialism". Kennedy denies that the Alberta Socreds ever gave the B.C. party large sums of money. CALL NUMBER: T2701:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in British Columbia after the 1952 provincial election PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Orvis Kennedy discusses aspects of political organization and the reaction to the 1952 provincial election in B.C. Anecdote about speaking to the Mennonites in Chilliwack. Method of rating the chances of various constituencies during elections. Comments on W.A.C. Bennett's assumption of the leadership of the Social Credit party. Recollection of W.A.C. Bennett's visit to Edmonton, December; 1952. [TRACK 2; blank.] (End of interview)

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

CALL NUMBER: T2741:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The early years and political background of Herb Capozzi PERIOD COVERED: 1925-1966 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Herb Capozzi discusses his early years, education and family background. Comments on the roles of his mother and father in the family. Relationship with the Bennetts. Recollections of the growth of the Capozzi's family business interests. First interest in politics. The role and influence of W.A.C. Bennett. TRACK 2: Capozzi discusses the 1963 provincial election when he first ran for public office. The 1966 provincial election in which he was elected as Socred MLA for Vancouver-Centre. Experience as a government backbencher. Comments on his family and their attitudes towards his involvement in politics. Relationship with W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. Attitude toward the NDP and socialism. Some recollections of memorable incidents in the House. CALL NUMBER: T2741:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The final years of the Social Credit government and the 1972 election PERIOD COVERED: 1969-1977 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Herb Capozzi discusses the controversy over the use of government aircraft by former Socred minister Phil Gaglardi. Impressions of Phil Gaglardi. Relations with the Opposition in the B.C. Legislature. Recollections of W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. The Socred caucus system. All-night sittings. Comments on the provincial election, 1969. Differences of opinion between Capozzi and Bennett. The reasons why Capozzi was never appointed a Minister of the Crown. The genesis of the Alliance of Businessmen in B.C. The question of succession to the leadership of the Social Credit party. Comments on liquor and tobacco advertising ban, 1971. TRACK 2: Capozzi discusses the factors leading up to the defeat of the Social Credit government in 1972. Comments on his personal defeat in Vancouver-Centre. Evaluation of Capozzi's career since 1972. Comments on politics and politicians in general. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bernice Touchie interview on culture and language RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Bernice Touchie discusses: her background, residential schooling, sports days (Makah days), cultural events, Native handicrafts, potlatching, dancing. TRACK 2: Bernice Touchie discusses: Native languages, her years at the University of Victoria in the Diploma Program, her plans for the future, keeping Native languages alive. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T2392:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Peter Webster on sports days and his work as a fisherman PERIOD COVERED: 1907-1977 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Webster discusses the importance of sports days on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Special mention is made of Makah Days in the state of Washington. He describes the range of activities at these sports days. TRACK 2: More on sports days. Discussion of his childhood and his becoming a fisherman. He relates his beginnings as a seal hunter and the traditional ritual involved in seal hunting. CALL NUMBER: T2392:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Stories of the contact period and discussion of Native Indian music PERIOD COVERED: 1700-1977 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Webster continues his discussion of the ritual of seal hunting and his career as a fisherman. He talks of the different types of canoes. Mr. Webster discusses the Native tradition relating to the origin of the word Nootka and a story about the enslavement of Jewitt and Thompson by Chief Maquinna. Also a story on the Spanish contact with the Natives. TRACK 2: Discussion of contact period and another story about it. Mr. Webster describes his involvement in Indian music, types of songs, and their importance in Native culture. CALL NUMBER: T2392:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Mr. Webster discusses Native Indian music PERIOD COVERED: 1907-1977 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Webster discusses the importance of music in the past and today. He discusses composing Native Indian songs. The use of dancing and music in Indian culture. Costumes used. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview.]