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The series consists of files created by the Dept. of Highways (and its predecessor body, the Dept. of Public Works, Highways Branch) in 1907 and between 1933 and 1957. Most of the files refer to the First Narrows Bridge Company and seem to have been transferred to government when the British Columbia Toll Highways and Bridge Authority acquired the shares in the company and took over the First Narrows Bridge (also known as the Lions Gate Bridge) in 1955. The files concern trust deeds, articles of association, correspondence and various other documents about the company and include two technical drawings of the bridge and its approach through Stanley Park (box 2, folder 4).

The series also includes two files of invitations, received and declined, of the opening of the King George VI Highway in October 1940, a single file with a partial transcript of a 1954 hearing before the Committee of Forestry and Fisheries and a single file from 1907 regarding a proposed bridge at Second Narrows, Burrard Inlet.

Series consists of copies of letters sent to the Treasury Board by the Minister and Deputy Minister of the Department of Public Works from 1972 to 1976. The letters were kept in binders by fiscal year and arranged alphabetically by subject. These copies were kept by the Deputy minister George Giles and consist of requests to Treasury Board for the approval of funds to complete various projects.

Unsigned copies of contracts, specifications, and other agreements concerning the offices of the Government of British Columbia at Nos. 1 and 3, Regent Street, London, England (BC House). Part of file number 1363.

Correspondence, memoranda, reports and diverse material connected with Mr. Hartley's activities as M.L.A. (Yale-Lillooet) and Minister of Public Works.

William L. Hartley was born in 1916. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly and held the position of Minister of Public Works.

Records include correspondence, memoranda, reports and diverse material connected with Mr. Hartley's activities as MLA (Yale-Lillooet) and Minister of Public Works.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A farmer in Ontario and Alberta, 1895-1920 PERIOD COVERED: 1895-1920 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Born in Brampton, Ontario, 1895. Discusses family background: family were quite prosperous farmers, personal and family religious beliefs. Personal background: Chant's education to first year; high school, matters of personal philosophy, early interest in firearms and engines. Family moved to Alberta in 1913. More on engines. TRACK 2: Conscripted in 1918 but did not fight due to influenza. Description of "power farming" around Camrose, Alberta. Climate change as a result of farming. Changes in Alberta agriculture. Techniques of land breaking after 1913. Steam versus internal combustion engine for farm work.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): An Alberta farmer : 1918-1927 PERIOD COVERED: 1918-1927 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Description of the Chant family farm, Camrose, Alberta. Churches in Camrose. Met wife in Baptist church. Marries in 1931. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Political activity and Social Credit monetary theory : 1927-1935 PERIOD COVERED: 1927-1935 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Continued farming after WW I. Ran for School Trustee in 1927. Lloyd George municipal councillor, 1932-1935. Welfare and relief during the Depression. Depression conditions around Camrose, Alberta. Member of United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) prior to 1935. "Moral" problems of UFA government. Supported "Progressives" in federal elections. Becomes interested in Social Credit about 1933. Heard Major Douglas being questioned by Alberta Legislature. William Aberhart's Prophetic Bible Institute radio broadcasts. Chant studies Social Credit theory. "Just price". Chant as President of Camrose Social Credit Group, 1933. TRACK 2: Camrose Social Credit study group. Aberhart visits Camrose in 1935. Social Credit monetary theory. "$25 dividend". Aberhart's Social Credit proposals. Chant, Douglas; and Aberhart in general agreement. "New Age Club" and controversy over Aberhart's interpretation of Social Credit. "The National Dividend". "Poverty in the midst of plenty". "A Plus B Theorem". The question of anti-Semitism within the Social Credit movement. The appeal of Social Credit in Alberta during the 1930s.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in Alberta in the 1930s PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1940 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Founding convention of the Social Credit party, Edmonton, Alberta, 1935. Monetary theory and resentment toward banks in the 1930s. Comparison between William Aberhart and Ernest Manning. 1935 nominating meeting for Camrose constituency. Meeting of Social Credit nominees with Aberhart. Campaign for the 1935 provincial election. TRACK 2: Monetary theory in Alberta in the 1930s. The $25 dividend. Other issues in 1935 election: conditions of employment, debt adjustment, government debt. Debt Adjustment Boards. Social Credit sweeps 1935 election. Chant selected as Minister of Agriculture. Caucus meets for first time. Swearing in of the new cabinet, Sept. 3, 1935. Problems of an inexperienced cabinet. Problems and disagreements between Aberhart and Chant. Chant's resignation from the cabinet, 1937.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The first Social Credit government : 1935-1940 PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1940 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Chant resigns as Minister of Agriculture, 1937. Personal assessment of Aberhart. Problems within the government. Relations between Aberhart's government and Major C.H. Douglas. The Social Credit "experts" and problems of implementing Social Credit policies. The "Bankers' Toadies" incident. "Insurgents" within Social Credit caucus. Government priorities after the 1935 election. The opposition. TRACK 2: G.L. MacLachlan as a leader of the opposition to Aberhart. Attempts at instituting Social Credit monetary policies. Prosperity certificates. Bad relations between Aberhart and the Alberta press. Attempts to purchase the Calgary Albertan. More on Chant's resignation as a cabinet minister. Chant does not contest the 1940 election.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in Alberta : 1933-1948 PERIOD COVERED: 1933-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Chant's affiliation with the United Farmers of Alberta. Monetary reformers in Alberta. Chant's early rejection of socialism. Runs as an Independent in 1944 election. Chant was politically inactive 1944-48. Chant's farming operations, 1940-48. Chant's hobbies: economics, hunting. TRACK 2: Critique of socialism. Chant's personal religious beliefs. Popular association of Christianity and Social Credit. Chant present in Alberta legislature when Major C.H. Douglas questioned, 1934. Nominating procedures prior to the 1935 election. More details about the Social Credit "experts". More on "prosperity certificates". More details about Chant's resignation, 1937. Chant moves to Victoria, 1948. Began organizing for Social Credit, 1950.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit in B.C. : The critical years, 1950-1953 PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Organizing Social Credit groups on Vancouver Island, 1950. Worked with Elmer McEwan and Herb Bruch organizing Social Credit study groups. Chant disliked the Coalition government because of patronage system. Social Credit conventions in early 1950s. The Wicks-Jukes conflict. Other Socred organizer in B.C. Social Credit fiscal policy in B.C. Finances of the Social Credit League. TRACK 2: Discussion of the 1951 by-election in Esquimalt. Influence of Albertans in the B.C. Social Credit League. The 1952 election: Chant unsuccessful in Esquimalt. Albertans leery of W.A.C. Bennett's leadership. The 1953 election: Chant elected in Victoria.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A Social Credit MLA and Minister of Public Works PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: The 1953 election: Chant elected in Victoria. Einar Gunderson defeated in 1954 by-election. Reaction to the appointments of Gunderson and Bonner. The legislature and the Social Credit caucus. Chant becomes Minister of Public Works, 1955. Some Alberta Socreds displeased when Chant appointed minister. Chant's assessment of Ernest Manning. TRACK 2: Chant sworn in, 1955. The conduct of W.A.C. Bennett's cabinet meetings. Budgetary procedures and controls: Treasury Board, role of W.A.C. Bennett on the Treasury Board. First priorities as Minister of Public Works.

CALL NUMBER: T1378:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Public Works : 1955-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1955-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Administrative problems in the Public Works department: firing a deputy minister, departmental administration. Chant discusses the Legislative opposition. The Victoria and Duncan courthouses. More on the Legislature. TRACK 2: All-night sittings of the Legislature. Fiscal policies of the Bennett government. Net debt and "contingent liabilities". Bennett's fiscal conservatism. Gerald Bryson, Deputy Minister of Finance. Bennett as a wise manager of public funds. Comments on the Columbia River Treaty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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