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The item consists of audio recordings of an interview with Robert Strachan in 1978.
T0528:0003 track 1: Robert Strachan, interviewed on videotape at his home in Cedar B.C., by Derek Reimer and David Mitchell, April 26, 1978. Mr. Strachan discusses how B.C. would have been different if he had been Premier: economic changes, industry, inflation, unemployment, education, social services, societal values, pollution. Discusses possible past impact of socialism in B.C.: forestry, mining. Points out reasons for government participation in economy. Born in Glasgow, 1913. Relates early recollections, family background, aspects of his education. Immigrates to Canada in 1931. Describes early experiences in Canada.
T0528:0003 track 2: Impressions of Alberta and B.C. Little interest in participating in politics in early 1930's. Discusses communist political activity. Interest in reading. Joins trade union, 1937, and holds first elected office: Shop steward. Self-education and interest in credit unions. Becomes interested in politics. Joins C.C.F., 1945. Discusses outstanding personalities in the C.C.F. at that time. Becomes more active in politics and trade union movement in late 1940's. Employed in construction trade. Laid off because of his politics and union involvement. Is defeated in 1949 federal election. Wins Cowichan-Newcastle for C.C.F. in 1952 provincial election. Comments on rise of Social Credit and single transferable ballot. Harold Winch's reaction to election results. Strachan's activity in carpenters' union.

T0528:0004: Mr. Strachan discusses reactions to the 1952 election; why Harold Winch resigned as C.C.F. leader; comments on Harold Winch and Arnold Webster as party leaders; impressions of the Legislature under the Socreds, and of the Socreds in power; 1953 election; Strachan becomes C.C.F. leader, 1956; C.C.F. principles; state of the C.C.F. in 1956; campaigning; 1960 election; public ownership of B.C. Electric a major issue; Vancouver Province and anti-C.C.F. articles; public corporations; the Socreds and the Wenner-Gren scheme; C.C.F. approach to economic development; the Socreds' two rivers policy; northern development in B.C.; the role and responsibility of the Leader of the Opposition; the Socreds' debt reduction policy.

T0528:0005: Mr. Strachan discusses Socred debt reduction policies; Socred labour policies and attitudes; the trade union movement in general; the Socred attempts to unseat Strachan; anecdote about W.A.C. Bennett; and the roads in Strachan's riding; impressions of Wesley Black; attempts to change Strachan's image for the 1963 campaign; control of C.C.F. party policy; Strachan's leadership and Tom Berger's 1967 challenge; changes in the leadership convention; impressions of Berger; Strachan's achievements in 13 years as Leader of the Opposition; development of the NDP, 1957-1961; difference between C.C.F. and NDP; evolution and decline of Social Credit; Bennett as leader; "flying fish act" of Bennett; relationship between Bennett and Strachan. CALL NUMBER: T0528:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Twenty-three years in the B.C. Legislature - the Opposition years PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1966 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1978-04-28 SUMMARY: From his old seat in the B.C. Legislature, Mr. Strachan discusses: the parliamentary system; the role of the Opposition, and the leader of the Opposition; comparison of B.C. Legislature to other Houses; debates; anecdote about Phil Gaglardi and Arnold Webster in debate; first impressions of the House, 1952; early speeches in the House; in debate against J. Allen Reid; Bennett as leader; Bert Price; votes against his party, 1953; Sommers case, revealed by Gordon Gibson in "money has talked" speech; Strachan's early days as opposition leader; relationship with Bennett: Bennett called Strachan "wild man".

T0528:0007: From his old seat in the B.C. Legislature, Mr. Strachan discusses legislative reforms; his attempts to institute a Hansard and an oral question period in the Legislature; the operation of committees; opinions about W.A.C. Bennett; the special session in 1961 to take over B.C. Electric; Bennett and "crow feathers"; the 1972 election; NDP come to power; sworn in as Minister of Highways; first days ;as a Minister of the Crown; genesis of I.C.B.C.; problems with I.C.B.C.; economic considerations; handling of I.C.B.C. by the government; reflections on being a Minister; his resignation from the cabinet and his seat; offered position of Agent-General in London by Barrett; decision to go; reflections on London experience; life in retirement; anecdote about W.A.C. Bennett; anecdotes about Tom Uphill and other figures in the House.

The item is an audio recording of an interview with Howard Green.
T0525:0005 track 1: Howard Green discusses his family background; first interest in politics; World War I military service; education and legal training at Osgoode Hall; beginning law practice in Vancouver, 1920s; interest in Conservative politics; decision to run as a federal Conservative candidate, 1935; comments on the history of the provincial Conservative Party; relationship between the federal and provincial Conservative parties during the Coalition years; reasons for formation of the Coalition government, which Green was in favour of; differences between Pat Maitland and Herbert Anscomb as leaders of the provincial Conservative Party; why Green did not stand for the leadership of the provincial party; federal Tories supported W.A.C. Bennett when he challenged Anscomb for the provincial leadership; general recollection of Bennett; comments on provincial Conservative politics.
T0525:0005 track 2: Background to the 1946 federal by-election in the riding of Yale, why Bennett was asked to run, and recollections of the campaign; possibility that the Conservatives and Liberals agreed not to oppose each other in various by-elections that year; reasons for Bennett's defeat in the by-election; factors in the break-up of the Coalition government; the effect of Bennett's defection from the government ranks; personal reaction to Bennett joining Social Credit and becoming Premier in 1952; comments on later relations with the Bennett government while Green served in the federal Diefenbaker administration; the Columbia River Treaty and the issue of downstream benefits; general comments on Bennett's stewardship of the B.C. government.

The item is an audio recording of an interview with Mabel Haggen made in 1974.
T0288:0001 tracks 1 & 2: Lois Haggen : C.C.F. MLA in the 1950s. Personal background and life in the interior of British Columbia in the 1920s and 1930s. Discussion of the work of her husband Rupert Haggen and involvement with the C.C.F. Rupert's election as an MLA in 1949. Discussion of Coalition government and problems. The growth of Social Credit and its election victory. Description of the life of an MLA's wife and the social life in Victoria. The disappointment of the C.C.F. at not forming the government in 1952, and its impact on the party. Party leaders in the 1950s. Running for election in 1956 and early role as an MLA. Her reaction to Social Credit and W.A.C. Bennett.
T0288:0002 tracks 1 & 2: Interview with Lois Haggen, C.C.F. and NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly during the fifties and sixties. Discussion and description of campaigning in elections. Her role as a woman in politics. The role of her party as the opposition party. Her interests and goals in various legislation. Work to repeal taxes on children's clothing; efforts on the part of rural electrification; interest in rights of women. Discussion of committee work in the Legislature. Changing attitudes of government. Reaction to the takeover of B.C. Electric. Accomplishments as an MLA. Defeat and leaving government.

The item consists of 12 audio recordings of interviews with Robert Bonner in 1980.
T0244:0005 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses his personal and family background. Recollections of growing up and going to school in Vancouver during the 1920s and 1930s. Important influences during his early years. The effect of growing up during the Depression. Early interest in politics. Criticism of socialists. Recollection of political action during his days at UBC. Work experience during his student days. Comments on his ambition to be a lawyer from an early age. Undergraduate experience at UBC.
T0244:0005 track 2: Robert Bonner recounts his reaction to the outbreak of WWII. Training as an officer with the Seaforth Highlanders. Discussion of his service overseas. Being wounded during the invasion of Italy and convalescence in England. Return to Canada and assumption of the duties of Training Officer with the Canadian Officers' Training Corps at UBC. The importance of his military training and experiences. Entry into law school at UBC. Comments on legal training. Memories of UBC law school. Graduation from law school in 1948 and work for a legal firm in Vancouver. Interest in Conservative politics. More interested in federal than provincial politics. Along with other young Tories, advocated the break-up of Coalition in B.C. General comments on the Coalition government and its decline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

T0244:0013 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses federal-provincial relations during the years he served in government. Competitive versus cooperative federalism. Problems related to the port of Vancouver. Comments on federal-provincial conferences. B.C. delegations to federal-provincial conferences were invariably smaller than other provinces. The genesis of the Roberts Bank superport. The development of Roberts Bank. The issues of equalization payments. The B.C. government's objections to federally-administered equalization payments. The question of a guaranteed annual income. The issue of B.C. separatism. Arguments in favour of B.C. remaining a partner in Canadian Confederation. T0244:0013 track 2: The genesis of the B.C. government's proposal for a Bank of British Columbia. Recollection of the Senate Bank Committee hearings which reviewed the B.C. government's bank proposal, 1964. Objections to the B.C. government proposal. The process of constitutional review and the search for an amending formula for the Canadian Constitution. Constitutional reform was not a high priority for the B.C. government. The issues of bilingualism and biculturalism. Incident when W.A.C. Bennett brought Mayor Peter Wing to a federal-provincial conference. Reasons why British Columbians were reluctant to admit voting for Social Credit. Involvement in party politics. The mechanics of running an election campaign. Annual Social Credit conventions.

T0244:0014 track 1: Robert Bonner discusses the funding of election campaigns. Comments on Social Credit national politics in Canada. Description of the 1957 federal election campaign which Bonner helped organize for the Social Credit Party. Relations between the British Columbia and Alberta wings of the Social Credit Party. British Columbia's support of Real Caouette. Comments on the possibility of W.A.C. Bennett running federally. Reasons for the failure of the Social Credit Party on a federal level in Canada. The role of an MLA. Problems in being a Vancouver-area MLA. Rural versus urban conflicts in British Columbia politics. Comments on multiple-member ridings.

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

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

Radio speech made a week after the opening of the 1st session of the 23rd B.C. Legislature [03-Feb-1953], Education Minister Tilly Rolston (Social Credit MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey) discusses t;he recent political history of B.C., the results of the June 1952 election, W.A.C. Bennett, and Social Credit policies with regard to school financing, taxes, automobile license fees, hospital insuran;ce, the economy, natural resources, parks, highways, tourism, freight rates, inequalities faced by women, etc.;

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.

CALL NUMBER: T3863:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Eric Martin and the occupation of the Hotel Vancouver by veterans, 1945 PERIOD COVERED: 1945-1945 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1970-12-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Eric Martin recalls his activities as chairman of a committee of veterans after the Second World War. Story of occupation of the Hotel Vancouver by veterans. Anecdotes related to the occupation. TRACK 2: Prelude to the occupation of the Hotel Vancouver. Details of the occupation. Its effect on Martin's subsequent career. Running as a Social Credit candidate in federal and provincial elect;ions in the 1940s.;

CALL NUMBER: T3863:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Eric Martin and Social Credit in B.C. in the 1940s PERIOD COVERED: 1945-1949 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1970-12-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Eric Martin recalls an early Social Credit public meeting. Working as an accountant in Vancouver and organizing for Social Credit prior to the 1949 provincial election. Major Jukes and the de;bate over political action. The 1949 provincial election. Social Credit activities after the election. [TRACK 2: blank.];

CALL NUMBER: T3863:0012 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Eric Martin recalls Social Credit in B.C. prior to the 1952 election PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1952 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1970-12-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Eric Martin discusses his activities related to organizing Social Credit in B.C. prior to the 1952 provincial election. Conflicting attitudes to W.A.C. Bennett's conversion to Social Credit. ;The Albertan influence on the Social Credit movement in B.C. TRACK 2: The Social Credit convention of April 1952 at New Westminster. Conflicts and problems at the convention. Electing a leader for th;e Social Credit movement. W.A.C. Bennett's "hook, line and sinker" speech.;

CALL NUMBER: T3863:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Eric Martin, Social Credit and the 1952 election in B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1952 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1971-01-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Eric Martin discusses the prelude to the 1952 provincial election. Relationship with W.A.C. Bennett. Memories of Tilly Rolston. Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson. Organizing Social Credit in ;B.C. prior to the 1952 election. Reaction to the outcome of the election. TRACK 2: The strength of Social Credit was more pronounced in rural parts of B.C. Ernest Hansell as campaign leader of the Social Credit Party in 1952. Organization during the 1952 campaign. The appeal of Social Credit. Anti-Semitism in the Social Credit movement.;

CALL NUMBER: T3863:0014 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Eric Martin discusses the single transferable ballot PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1952 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1971-01-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Eric Martin discusses the implementation and effect of the single transferable ballot in the 1952 provincial election. [TRACK 2: blank.];

CALL NUMBER: T3863:0015 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Eric Martin discusses the aftermath of the 1952 provincial election RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1971-01-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Eric Martin discusses how he met and married his wife. Anecdote about military training. Recollection of the 1952 election. Election night 1952. Election of a Social Credit leader by elected ;Socred MLAs. TRACK 2: Recollection of the meeting at which W.A.C. Bennett was chosen Social Credit leader by elected MLAs after the 1952 election. Anecdotes about the meeting.;

CALL NUMBER: T3863:0016 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Eric Martin becomes a Minister of the Crown, 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1952 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1971-01-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Eric Martin discusses events which followed the 1952 election and the formation of B.C.'s first Social Credit government. Controversy over how many votes Gaglardi received in the Socred leadership contest. Meeting in Victoria with other Socred MLAs and the formation of the cabinet. TRACK 2: Eric Martin discusses events that followed becoming a Minister in the government of W.A.C. Bennett.;

CALL NUMBER: T3863:0017 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Eric Martin as Minister of Health and Welfare PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1960 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1971-03-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Eric Martin discusses the first Social Credit cabinet. Recollection of fellow cabinet ministers. Anecdote about Tilly Rolston and the reason for her defeat in the 1953 (?) provincial election;. The by-elections that were held after the 1952 election in order to attain legislative seats for Bonner and Gunderson. Anecdote about Rev.H.D. Francis. TRACK 2: Eric Martin discusses aspects of his ;service as Minister of Health and Welfare. (Poor sound quality).;

CALL NUMBER: T3863:0018 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Eric Martin recalls the first year of Social Credit government in B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1953 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1971-10-27 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Eric Martin discusses the early accomplishments of British Columbia's first Social Credit government. Problems experienced during the first year in power. W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. Advice given by the Premier to his cabinet members. Recollection of the first session of the B.C. Legislature presided over by the new Socred government. TRACK 2: Defeat of the government in the House on the Rolston Formula.;

CALL NUMBER: T1644:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Phil Gaglardi on his early life and church activities PERIOD COVERED: 1913-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Phil Gaglardi discusses: his family background; early influences upon his character; early life in the Silverdale area; his interests as a youth; his perception of himself as a "loner"; religion; his conversion to the Pentecostal Church; his entry into the church ministry. TRACK 2: Gaglardi discusses: some ideas on Christianity and democracy; his marriage to Jennie Sandin; his move to Kamloops, B.C.; his formal education; his work as a mechanic; his family relationships; his travels in Europe in 1949; and his singing ability. CALL NUMBER: T1644:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Work experience and interest in politics PERIOD COVERED: [no date]-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi discusses: his work as a diesel mechanic in the forest industry; his work as a catskinner; his church and children's work in Kamloops; his bible studies in the United States; his work with the young; his radio broadcasts; and his influence on the people of Kamloops. TRACK 2: Gaglardi discusses: his first interest in politics, his opinion of the Coalition government; other political parties; socialism; government intervention in the economy; his first association with Social Credit; his first election; his first meeting with the embryo cabinet of 1952; receiving his appointment as Minister of Public Works; and the place of religion in politics.; CALL NUMBER: T1644:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The election of 1952 and appointment as minister, 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi discusses: his first meeting with W.A.C. Bennett; the provincial election of 1952; the appeal of Social Credit in 1952; the effects of the single transferable ballot; being appointed Minister of Public Works; the choosing of the Social Credit leader in 1952. TRACK 2: Gaglardi discusses: the appointment of the cabinet in 1952; his appointment as Minister of Public Works; assuming office; intradepartmental conflict; priorities as Minister of Public Works; patronage; the "Sommers case"; his involvement in both church and politics. CALL NUMBER: T1644:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Public Works : 1952-1955 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi discusses: bridge and highway openings; his first session in government; communications within his department; his impression of Harold Winch as Leader of the Opposition; the defeat of the government in 1953; party and government strategy; the provincial election of 1953; the connection between politics and highways; charges of political patronage in the Kamloops area; his large custom-built desk. TRACK 2: Gaglardi discusses: his driving record; police harassment; press coverage of his activities; his impression of Arthur Laing; his attitude toward the opposition in the House. CALL NUMBER: T1644:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Highways, 1955 - 1968 PERIOD COVERED: 1954-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi discusses: his use of government aircraft; political patronage in the Department of Highways; civil service appointments in his department; the nature of federal-provincial relations; in the area of highways construction; his views on Quebec separatism; B.C. as a "have" province; B.C. separatism; the division of the Department of Public Works into the Department of Public Works and the Department of Highways; his priorities as Minister of Highways. TRACK 2: Gaglardi discusses: relationship between government departments; the nature of the administrative staff in the Department of Highways; the decentralization of the Highways department; federal-provincial cost-sharing in highway construction; his world-wide travels on behalf of the Highways department; the B.C. Ferries system; policy making in his department. CALL NUMBER: T1644:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit cabinet minister in the 1960s PERIOD COVERED: 1955-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi discusses: his views on labour organizations; government-union relations; his contempt-of-court conviction in 1960; accusations of his political patronage from 1960 to 1963; his evaluation of Robert Strachan as Opposition leader. TRACK 2: Gaglardi discusses: the timing of the 1960 provincial election; the timing of elections generally; his ideas on power development in B.C. in the 1960s; the takeover of B.C. Electric in 1961; the nature and extent of government intervention in the economy; the proposed Wenner-Gren project. CALL NUMBER: T1644:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Public Works and the Sommers case PERIOD COVERED: 1958-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi discusses: the building of the B.C. Ferries fleet; his proposed causeway to Vancouver Island; the nature of Social Credit membership in Kamloops; his activities in federal elections; the collapse of the Second Narrows bridge, 1958; the 1958 by-election in Trail. TRACK 2: Gaglardi discusses: the Sommers affair; repercussions of the Sommers affair; harassment and investigations of his private life. CALL NUMBER: T1644:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Federal and provincial politics in the 1960s PERIOD COVERED: 1961-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi discusses: the effects political life has had on his family life; the provincial election of 1963; his campaign against Davie Fulton in that election; the reasons why some people did not admit to voting for Social Credit; the relations between provincial and federal Social Credit parties; his impressions of Real Caouette and Robert Thompson; his resignation as Minister of Highways. TRACK 2: Gaglardi discusses: the redistribution of seats prior to the 1966 provincial election; Bonner's defeat in the 1966 provincial election; the events leading up to his resignation as Minister of Highways and the charges laid against him by the press and the Opposition. CALL NUMBER: T1644:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Resignation from the Department of Highways PERIOD COVERED: 1968-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi discusses: his resignation as Minister of Highways, 1968; the efforts made to keep him in government; the results of his resignation; his activities as Minister Without Portfolio; the Provincial Alliance of Businessmen; the effect of Bonner's resignation from government; the leading candidate for the succession to the premiership; the means of choosing a new party leader; his aspirations in the private sector. [TRACK 2: blank.]; CALL NUMBER: T1644:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Treasury Board and construction projects as Minister of Highways PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-21 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi discusses the reasons he does not drink or smoke. Gaglardi describes the experience of coming before the Treasury Board as a Minister in the government of W.A.C. Bennett. Anecdote about procuring funds for paving of Trans-Canada highway through the Fraser Valley. Gaglardi explains why the Trans-Canada Highway was renamed B.C. #1. Gaglardi discusses the variety of achievements in the realm of highway construction he directed as Minister of Highways. TRACK 2: Gaglardi discusses the construction of the Port Mann Bridge; Hudson Hope Bridge; Castlegar Bridge; construction of "the first jet-driven snow plough in the world"; Rogers Pass; events surrounding the construction and maintenance of the Rogers Pass. Construction of the Cascade Highway. The use of expertise from all over the world in B.C. construction projects. The role of the B.C. Highways and Bridges Toll Authority. Anecdote about instructions given to toll collectors on the Lion's Gate Bridge. Gaglardi's role in ;the development of the B.C. Ferries system. CALL NUMBER: T1644:0012 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Rehabilitation and Social Improvement, 1969 - 1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-21 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi explains the reasons for the fact that the B.C. Ferry system does not run on an operating profit today; Gaglardi comments on the "lack of vision in British Columbia" today. Gaglardi discusses the relationship between the cost of maintenance and construction of highways. The genesis of the Provincial Alliance of Businessmen. The operations of the Provincial Alliance of Businessmen while he was Minister Without Portfolio. The events leading up to his appointment as Minister of Rehabilitation and Social Improvement. TRACK 2: Gaglardi discusses his theory of labour relations which is opposed to the "closed shop" principle; the origin of Beautiful British Columbia Magazine. The 1969 election. More on his re-instatement as Minister of Rehabilitation and Social Improvement; administration philosophy and priorities of the new department; the role and importance of a cabinet minister's personal secretary; criticisms which were levelled at Gaglardi by Herb Capozzi; relations with the federal government as Minister of Rehabilitation and Social Improvement. CALL NUMBER: T1644:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Defeat of the Social Credit Government, 1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1970-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-08-21 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gaglardi continues to discuss his relations with the federal government as Minister of Rehabilitation and Social Improvement; internal problems within the department; conflict over government; policy with Dan Campbell; press criticism; reasons for resignation as Pastor of Calvary Temple, 1972; the calling and timing of the 1972 election; the lack of a successor to W.A.C. Bennett; the 1972 election campaign; W.A.C. Bennett's weaknesses. The role of David Barrett. TRACK 2: Gaglardi comments on dissent within the Social Credit party as a factor leading towards the government's defeat in 1972. The interview with a "Toronto Star" reporter in the 1972 election campaign around which much controversy exists. General comments on the Socreds 1972 defeat. Gaglardi not interested in party leadership after 1972 election. [End of interview]

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

The item is a microfiche copy of a thesis by Stephen Gordon Tomblin titled "In defense of territory: province building under W.A.C. Bennett." viii, 265 p: maps, tables. Thesis (Ph.D.), University of British Columbia. Bibliography: pages 250-265.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CALL NUMBER: T1675:0039 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit and the 1972 election in British Columbia PERIOD COVERED: 1969-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-03-18 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses government use of special warrants for special expenditure of public funds. The use of orders-in-council. Response to criticisms that his was a "government by order-in-council". The 1969 provincial election. The possibility of resigning as Premier prior to 1972. The influence of public opinion polls on Bennett's decision to remain in office. Succession to the Social Credit party leadership. John de Wolf and the 1969 election. The Conservative party under the stewardship of Derril Warren. The defection of Scott Wallace from the Social Credit party and its effect upon Socred fortunes. Factors contributing to the defeat of the Social Credit government, 1972. TRACK 2: Further discussion of factors contributing to Social Credit's defeat: the ban on liquor and tobacco advertising, limitation of public employee pay increases to 6.5 %. Bennett has no personal regrets, but is sorry about the defeat of several of his cabinet ministers and members. Response to the idea that 1972 was simply "time for change". Events following the defeat of his government. Personal feelings about the election loss. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0040 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years, Conservative battles, political opponents and the Socred cabinet PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-03-28 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses aspects of his childhood and early years in New Brunswick. Recollections of school days. Memories of mother and father. Religious training. Recollections of Bennett's; attempts to gain the leadership of the Conservative party of B.C. Problems of the Conservative party in coalition with the Liberals. Pat Maitland and the stewardship of the Conservatives during the early Coalition era. TRACK 2: Anscomb's ascension to the leadership of the Conservative party after Maitland's death. Attempt to draft Howard Green from the federal party to replace Maitland. Evaluation of the various Leaders of the Opposition Bennett faced in the B.C. legislature: Winch, Webster, Strachan, Berger and Barrett. Reasons for Bennett's great admiration for Winch. Travelling cabinets. The operation of Social Credit cabinet under the leadership of W.A.C. Bennett. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0041 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Electoral reform in British Columbia, 1952-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-03-28 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the operation of the cabinet during the years he served as Premier. The reasons why a full Hansard service was never instituted while Bennett was Premier. The Press Gallery and Hansard. Hansard and parliamentary tradition. Electoral reform in British Columbia during the years Bennett served as Premier. Bennett's theories of democratic representation: the example of the Peace River constituencies. The issue of over-representation of rural areas in the B.C. legislature. The redistribution of 1955. The issue of dual-member ridings. The Angus Commission on electoral reform, 1965. Reasons for appointing Dr. Angus. TRACK 2: Comments on the recommendations of the Angus Commission. Dissatisfaction with the commission's report by Socred backbenchers. The operation of the Socred caucus. Redistribution of 1966 and the increase in seats in the legislature from 52 to 55. Reasons why Bennett believes in special representation for rural areas of the province. All provincial ridings should be dual-member constituencies and tied to the same boundaries as the federal ridings. Bennett intended a further redistribution after the 1972 election. Comments on the Eckhardt Commission on electoral reform, 1978. Comments on an incident during the early years of the Socred government when Bennett attempted to persuade Charles Parker, MLA from Peace River, to resign in favour of Einar Gunderson. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0042 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The attainment of power, 1952, and a day in the life of the Premier PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses Conservative politics in B.C. in the 1930s and 1940s and his attempt to get elected as a federal representative in the 1948 Yale by-election. The story of Cyril Shelford and how he was persuaded to join Social Credit, 1951. Events following Bennett's assumption of the office of the Premier. Finding living accommodations in Victoria with Mrs. Bennett. For the first six months as Premier, Bennett had a perpetual headache. TRACK 2: The problem of securing legislative seats for Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson. Recollection of the first legislative session presided over by Bennett as Premier. The appointment of Tom Irwin as Speaker of the House. Recollection of a demonstration by unemployed workers at the opening of the legislature in 1971. Bennett recounts a day in his life as Premier of B.C. Relations with the press. The role and function of his office staff. Relaxation in the evenings. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0043 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Reaction to the defeat of Social Credit, 1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1972-1973 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the defeat of his government in 1972. His personal reaction to the defeat and the decision to go on a world cruise with his wife. Receiving a cablegram from his son while on his trip and returning home to help rebuild the party. Soliciting the help of Dan Campbell and Grace McCarthy to rebuild the Social Credit party. Appealing to British Columbians to reject socialism and defeat the NDP government. TRACK 2: Helping elect Grace McCarthy as the president of the Social Credit party. The timing of W.A.C. Bennett's retirement from public life, 1973. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0044 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Life in Edmonton, 1918-1930 PERIOD COVERED: 1918-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses leaving New Brunswick after the First World War and travelling to Peace River country. Moving to Edmonton and working in the hardware business with Marshall Wells' stores. Anecdote about MacKenzie King and politics in Edmonton. Playing and scheduling hockey games in Edmonton. Bennett's penchant for blue serge suits. Recollection of his girlfriend, Ellen Mulholland. The story of Clarence Budd, who served as best man at Bennett's wedding and later served as executive assistant to Bennett as Premier of B.C. [TRACK 2: blank.] CALL NUMBER: T1675:0045 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of government in British Columbia, 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses addressing a Social Credit meeting in Winnipeg in the late 1950s. The value of Aberhart's prosperity certificates. Comments on the severance between the federal and provincial wings of the Social Credit party. Social Credit monetary theory. Definition of a genuine Social Crediter. The origin of the "B.C. Government News". Bennett's attitude towards the youth of British Columbia. TRACK 2: Organization of the Young Socreds. Bennett was opposed to the idea of a Minister of Youth in the government. Reform of legislative proceedings. Hansard and question periods in the Legislative Assembly. Attitude towards parliamentary institutions. All-night sittings of the legislature. The role of the parliamentary Opposition. The role and duties of an MLA. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0046 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years, origin of the B.C. Ferries and the Columbia River Treaty RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the possibility of his United Empire Loyalist origins. Recollections of his mother and early years in New Brunswick. Comments on the creation of the B.C. Ferry system. The role of Captain Peabody of the Black Ball line. The CPR's reluctance to expand ferry transportation on British Columbia's coast. The effect of labour problems on the creation of the B.C. Ferries. The Columbia River Treaty and hydro-electric power development in British Columbia. TRACK 2: Recollection of meeting U.S. President Kennedy at a banquet in Seattle in 1961 and the topics they discussed. The legal battles which followed the British Columbia government's takeover of the B.C. Electric Company. Compensation for shareholders in the B.C. Electric Company. Further comments on the Columbia River Treaty. The issue of downstream benefits to the Americans. (End of interview)

Promotional film. A review of industrial development and economic growth in the province under the Social Credit government of W.A.C. Bennett, 1952-72, and an outline of the measures planned in its 1972 budget. A shortened version of the original release.

Promotional film. A review of industrial development and economic growth in the province under the Social Credit government of W.A.C. Bennett, 1952-72, and an outline of the measures planned in its 1972 budget. Beginning with a review of BC's economic situation in 1951-52, the film shows how Social Credit policies encouraged development through improved highways, the BC Ferry system, the encouragement of tourism, the extension of the PGE Railway and the construction of power projects on the Peace and Columbia Rivers. The planned expenditures and priorities of the 1972 budget are illustrated.

The item is a video copy of a promotional film. The first part contains "The Good Life" about the economic and other benefits enjoyed by BC residents as a result of political leadership and industrial development in the province. Includes sequences on primary and secondary industries; the damming of the Columbia and Peace Rivers for hydro-electric power and flood control; expansion of highways; BC Ferries; tourism; assistance to homeowners; medical services; educational facilities; etc. Premier W.A.C. Bennett makes some brief prepared remarks at the film's beginning and end.

The second item on the tape is "Twenty great years in British Columbia" which is a review of industrial development and economic growth in the province under the Social Credit government of W.A.C. Bennett, 1952-72, and an outline of the measures planned in its 1972 budget. Beginning with a review of BC's economic situation in 1951-52, the film shows how Social Credit policies encouraged development through improved highways, the BC Ferry system, the encouragement of tourism, the extension of the PGE Railway and the construction of power projects on the Peace and Columbia Rivers. The planned expenditures and priorities of the 1972 budget are illustrated.

Out-takes. The economic and other benefits enjoyed by BC residents as a result of political leadership and industrial development in the province. Includes sequences on primary and secondary industries; the damming of the Columbia and Peace Rivers for hydro-electric power and flood control; expansion of highways; BC Ferries; tourism; assistance to homeowners; medical services; educational facilities; etc. Premier W.A.C. Bennett makes some brief prepared remarks at the beginning and end of the film.

Promotional film. The economic and other benefits enjoyed by BC residents as a result of political leadership and industrial development in the province. Includes sequences on primary and secondary industries; the damming of the Columbia and Peace Rivers for hydro-electric power and flood control; expansion of highways; BC Ferries; tourism; assistance to homeowners; medical services; educational facilities; etc. Premier W.A.C. Bennett makes some brief prepared remarks at the film's beginning and end.

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

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

RECORDED: [location unknown], [ca. 1965] SUMMARY: Comparison of political systems; Smith was involved in Victoria municipal politics; joining Social Credit in early 1950s; obsolescence of Socred monetary theory; role of the Social Credit League; discussion of W.A.C. Bennett; more on the Social Credit League; Social Credit conventions discussed; the role of government backbenchers; more about W.A.C. Bennett; discussion of the problems and priorities of the Social Credit government.;

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

SUMMARY: Two radio programs about former B.C. Premier W.A.C. Bennett, produced by CFOX-FM Vancouver: 1. Bill Bennett and Walter Young on "Daily Planet", 1979-02-27. 2. David Mitchell interviewed by Jerry McIntosh on "Sunday Morning, Coming Down", 1979-03-11.

CALL NUMBER: T1675:0030 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 'Five-Regions' idea and Canada's future RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-11-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the origin and background of the five-regions concept. Recollection of the federal-provincial conference on the constitution, 1969, when Bennett first publicly advocated the idea. Reaction to the five-regions idea. Comments on how each region of Canada would benefit if Canada was restructured according to Bennett's plan. The Canadian north and the five-regions plan. The five-regions idea and the decentralization of the Canadian federal system. TRACK 2: Comments on Brian Brown's book, "The New Confederation". Bennett's views on British Columbia's place within Canadian confederation and the trend towards North American continentalism. Political alliances versus economic common markets. Bennett values Canadian independence and British political institutions. Anecdote about Rene Levesque asking Bennett to lead British Columbia out of Canadian confederation. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0031 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): British Columbia politics and the BCR (part 1) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-11-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his involvement with service clubs. His fierce patriotism for British Columbia. Cooperation with the federal government on several projects. Medicare. Construction of; the Trans-Canada Highway in B.C. The genesis of Roberts Bank. Cost-sharing with the federal government. Bennett's submission to the Royal Commission investigating the British Columbia Railway (BCR). Criticism of the post-1972 administration of BCR. TRACK 2: The BCR as a political railway. Reasons for changing its name from PGE to BCR. The intention to sell the PGE by some early B.C. Socreds. The railway should be operated as a public enterprise for the benefit of private businesses in the province. The railway should be run like a business. The role of Joe Broadbent, the manager of the BCR. The role of the president and board of directors of the railway. The issue of under-estimating construction costs on the Dease Lake extension of the BCR. Reasons for the extension of the BCR into the Canadian north and through to Alaska. Bennett's attitude towards environmentalism. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0032 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): British Columbia politics and the BCR (part 2) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-11-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the future of the BCR. The current plight of the railway is due to mismanagement by the NDP during the years it formed the provincial government. Bennett describes how, in his view, it would be possible to rejuvenate the BCR and prepare it for great future development. [TRACK 2: blank.] CALL NUMBER: T1675:0033 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Government pension funds and labour policies, 1952-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-11-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his government's use of public service pension funds. The issue of pension fund shortfalls. Bennett's method of securing the future value of pension funds. The indexing of pensions. The problem of inflation and its effect on pension funds. The issue of pension fund socialism. TRACK 2: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the labour policies of his government, 1952-1972. The role of organized labour in the B.C. economy. Theory of labour-management relations. The character of the labour movement in B.C. The effect of government policies in labour-management relations. The NDP and organized labour. The issue of strikes in essential services. Evaluation of Bennett's Ministers of Labour: Lyle Wicks, Leslie Peterson, James Chabot. The government as referee in labour-manage;ment relations. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0034 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Personal nicknames and Saltspring Island hideaway RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-11-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his relationship with close personal friends. Commencement of the use of the initials W.A.C. after moving to Kelowna, 1930. Origin of the nickname "Wacky". Bennett's hideaway on Saltspring Island. Spending weekends on Saltspring Island while Premier. Description of Saltspring cottage. [TRACK 2: blank.] CALL NUMBER: T1675:0035 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The budgetary process, treasury board and cabinet PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses playing cards with friends and the importance of relaxation. Anecdote about a story told at a Christmas family occasion by Bennett's son R.J. Description of the budgetary processes of Bennett's government. TRACK 2: The role and function of little treasury board. The process of treasury board. Bennett's role as Chairman of the treasury board. The effect of Bennett's style of budgeting on his government's policies. The budget as an instrument of government policy. Serving simultaneously as Premier and Minister of Finance. The operation of Bennett's cabinet. The; virtual absence of cabinet committees. Travelling cabinet meetings. Plebiscites. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0036 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Wenner-Gren and plans for the development of British Columbia PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses maintenance of the legislative precinct during the period he was Premier. British Columbia's development and the growing world economy during the years of his government. The background to the Wenner-Gren plan to develop the interior of the province. Bennett's meeting in London, England, with Sir Andrew McTaggart and Dal Grauer which presaged the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company. TRACK 2: The genesis of the two rivers policy. The development of hydro-electric power on the Peace River and its effect on negotiations for the Columbia River Treaty. The effect of the Wenner-Gren plan. The memorandum of intent which was signed between the government and the Wenner-Gren B.C. Development Corporation. The aborted plans for the Pacific Northern Railway. The role of Einar Gunderson in the Wenner-Gren plan. Bennett responds to charges that BCR losses were hidden during the years of his government. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0037 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Education policies of the Social Credit government, 1952-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his attitudes towards higher education. Anecdote about persuading his son, Bill, to consider going to university. Construction of Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria. Relations with UBC. Relations with the academic community in general. Government funding for education. TRACK 2: Bennett recalls addressing a large student audience at UBC at which the university president, Norman McKenzie, was heckled. Evaluation of Bennett's successive Ministers of Education: Tilly Rolston, Robert Bonner, Ray Williston, Leslie Peterson, Donald Brothers. Dual cabinet portfolios. The role of the teachers in the defeat of the Social Credit government, 1972. Anecdote about Bert Price voting against the Socred minority government, 1953. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0038 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Relationship with John Diefenbaker and the federal Conservative Party PERIOD COVERED: 1948-1963 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-03-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett recalls the days when he was a Conservative in British Columbia and memories of John Diefenbaker. The 1948 Yale by-election. Reasons for lack of success in the by-election. Efforts by the federal Conservatives to have Social Credit join their party. Relationship with the Diefenbaker government. The Columbia River Treaty. Meeting President Kennedy at a banquet in Seattle. The 1963 provincial election campaign and Davie Fulton's challenge in British Columbia. TRACK 2: Reasons for Fulton's challenge to Social Credit in British Columbia. Factors contributing to Fulton's failure in the 1963 election. Diefenbaker and the opening of the Trans-Canada highway in British Columbia. W.A.C. Bennett as a British Columbia nationalist.

CALL NUMBER: T1675:0021 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit and economic development in British Columbia, 1952-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the administration of public finances in British Columbia during the years he served as Premier. Economic conditions in B.C. when Social Credit came to power, 1952. Anecdote about meeting an old trapper in the Peace River country. Bennett's plan for developing British Columbia. John de Wolf and reaction to the takeover of B.C. Electric. Bennett's belief in making the capitalist system work for the people. Politics as the only real science. TRACK 2: Comments on the nature of the British Columbia economy. The roles of resource industries and tourism in the economy. The lack of secondary industry in B.C. British Columbia's place in the world economy. Story about a trip to the Iron Curtain. Attitude toward the United States and the issue of continentalism in North America. Cooperation with the federal government on various projects. The Columbia River Treaty. Economic development in B.C. as a consequence of post-war prosperity. Populism. Problems associated with maintaining Social Credit's hegemony in B.C. under W.A.C. Bennett's leadership. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0022 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial policies of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1952-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses Einar Gunderson's loss of a legislative seat, 1953, and his subsequent role in the government. Assuming the Finance portfolio. Comments on close friends and confidants during his early years as Premier. Comments on literature written on the subject of his years in power: Ron Worley's "The Wonderful World of W.A.C. Bennett", Paddy Sherman's "Bennett", Martin Robin's "Pillars of Profit", Pat McGeer's "Politics in Paradise". Political philosophy. Reduction of the public debt as the keystone of Social Credit policy during the early years of power. TRACK 2: Explanation of the process of eliminating the public debt of British Columbia. Debt reduction and its relationship to Socred development policies. Reasons for concentrating on the policy of debt reduction. Direct liabilities vs. contingent liabilities. The bond-burning ceremony at Kelowna, August 1, 1959. The development of parity bonds. The genesis of the B.C. homeowner's grant. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0023 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Government finance and transportation policies of the Socreds PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-18 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the budgetary processes of his Social Credit government. Treasury Board and "Little Treasury Board". The budget as an instrument of government policy. Balanced budget vs. deficit financing. Elimination of nuisance taxes. Political popularity vs. high principles as factors in the formulation of government policy. Budgetary growth and economic development. The advocacy of unpopular policies and the defeat of the government in 1972. TRACK 2: Plans for the expansion of the PGE Railway. The role of the railway in Bennett's plan for the development of British Columbia's north. Bennett's "Northern Vision". Oil and gas discoveries in B.C.'s Peace River District. Frank McMahon, Westcoast Transmission Company, and Bennett's efforts to build a pipeline in British Columbia. Meeting with presidents of oil companies in Victoria. Establishment of the Toll Bridges and Highway Authority, 1953. The construction and financing of highways in B.C. The background to the establishment of the B.C. Ferries Corporation. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0024 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Provincial and Federal Social Credit policies in Canada, 1952-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses relations among the B.C. and Alberta Social Credit parties and the federal Social Credit party. Social Credit's ambitions in the federal field in Canada. The contest for the leadership of the federal Socreds between Robert Thompson and Real Caouette, 1961. Motivations for Manning's support of Thompson and Bennett's support for Caouette. British Columbia Socreds and their support for the federal wing of the party. The Albertan influence on the federal Socreds. Anecdote about the possibility of Ross Thatcher joining Social Credit. TRACK 2: The role of Orvis Kennedy within the Alberta Social Credit movement. Evaluation of the leadership of Solon Low. Bennett's lack of interest in becoming directly involved in federal politics after he became Premier. Anecdote about a federal Socred meeting at "The Market" in Montreal. Evaluation of Robert Thompson's leadership of the federal Social Credit party. Reasons for Thompson's failure. The effect of the Diefenbaker 'sweep' on the federal Socreds' fortunes. Reasons why Bennett supported Caouette. Anecdote about addressing a large audience in Caouette's home town of Rouyn, Quebec. Reasons for the lack of success of the Social Credit party in federal politics in Canada. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0025 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Relations with federal governments in Ottawa, 1952-1968 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1964 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses further aspects of his relationship with the federal Social Credit party in Canada. The role of the Social Credit League. The Social Credit party's influence on government policy. Federal Liberal and Conservative governments were jealous of Social Credit's achievements in British Columbia. Reasons why B.C. did not receive substantial financial aid from Ottawa during Bennett's years as Premier. Criticism of federal government's "tight money" policies. TRACK 2: Bennett's government cooperated with Ottawa on major projects. No difference in dealing with a Liberal or Conservative federal administration. Lester Pearson and the Columbia River Treaty. The B.C. government's proposal for a Bank of British Columbia. The Senate Bank Committee Hearings. Anecdote about a meeting with Paul Martin. Reasons why the original proposal for a Bank of B.C. were not successful. The present Bank of British Columbia's indebtedness to Bennett's government. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0026 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Background to the Sommers Affair PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett explains how he acquired his home in Kelowna. The purchase of his hardware store from David Leckie, 1930. Reasons why he did not seek nomination as campaign leader of the Social Credit party for the 1952 election. The background to the Sommers Affair. Bennett hired a private detective to investigate Sommers when he first heard rumours of irregularities. Reasons why Sommers had been chosen as a cabinet minister. Sommers one of the Socreds' best debaters. TRACK 2: Bennett comments on Liberal "friends" who leaked information to him. He reads from a public opinion poll commissioned by the Liberals in 1968 which rates the chances of success of several possible Liberal leaders in B.C., including John Turner. Robert Sommers' personal weaknesses. Gordon Gibson Sr.'s charges against Sommers in the legislature and the later by-election in Lillooet. Anecdote about a lively by-election campaign meeting. Bennett does not regret appointing Sommers to the cabinet. Further comments on Gordon Gibson Sr. Comments on persuading Chief Justice Sloan to become forestry advisor to the Bennett government. Evaluation of Attorney-General Bonner's handling of the Sommers case. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0027 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Sommers Affair PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses further aspects of the Sommers Affair. Asking for Sommers' resignation from the cabinet and the appointment of new ministers. All-night sittings of the legislature. The calling of elections. The election of 1956. The effect of the Sommers Affair on the outcome of the election. Bennett's battle with the newspapers. Views on the press. Reasons for the Social Credit victory in the 1956 election. Further comments on Sommers, the court case and the Attorney-General's handling of it. TRACK 2: Reaction to the Sommers case. The impact of the Sommers Affair on the Social Credit government. Comments on possible dissension within Socred ranks. The handling of forest management licences by the Bennett government. Comments on the outcome of the Sommers case. Further comments on Robert Bonner's handling of the Sommers Affair. Loyalty as a possible weakness of W.A.C. Bennett. History will vindicate Sommers. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0028 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Federal-Provincial relations, 1952-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses aspects of federal-provincial relations during the years he served as Premier, 1952-1972. Relations between the provinces and the federal government improved during the period. Loyalty to a united Canada. Enjoyed dealing with C.D. Howe in Ottawa. Comparison of the four Prime Ministers Bennett served in conjunction with: St. Laurent, Diefenbaker, Pearson and Trudeau. TRACK 2: Anecdote about an experience at an official dinner in Paris regarding France's relationship with Canada and Quebec. Discussion of further aspects of federal-provincial relations while serving as Premier of B.C. Response to references in the memoirs of former Prime Ministers Diefenbaker and Pearson. W.A.C. Bennett's style of politics. Comments about Pierre Trudeau's stewardship of the federal government. The incident of Trudeau referring to Bennett as "a bigot". CALL NUMBER: T1675:0029 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The failure of the Victoria Charter, 1971 PERIOD COVERED: 1965-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his attitude towards bilingualism in Canada. Review of the Canadian constitution. The background to the meeting in Victoria in June, 1971, at which the Victoria Charter was issued. Reasons for the failure to accept the charter. Quebec's lack of trust in the rest of Canada. Explanation of the formula for amending the Canadian constitution under the Victoria Charter. Individual rights versus national or regional interests as an issue in federal-provincial relations. Criticisms of a centralized federal system. [TRACK 2: blank.]

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-16 & 24 SUMMARY: In an interview by Scott Dixon of CFAX Radio, former BC cabinet minister Robert E. Sommers (1911-2000) discusses "the Sommers Affair" of the 1950s. While serving as BC's Minister of Lands and Forests (1952-1956), Sommers was accused of accepting bribes in connection with the issuance of forestry management licences by his department. A number of forestry company officials were charged with giving bribes, and Sommers was charged with receiving them. Sommers was eventually tried, and in 1958 he was convicted on five of the seven counts. As a result, he was the first elected politician in the British Commonwealth to be jailed for corruption. Sommers discusses some details of the episode and its impact on the Social Credit government of W.A.C. Bennett; his own actions in response to the allegations; and his arrest and conviction. He also discusses the role of Attorney-General Robert Bonner.

RECORDED: [location unknown], [ca. 1965] SUMMARY: Cummings became involved with Social Credit in 1952; importance of efficient, business-like government; discussion of the Social Credit League; characteristics of Bennett government described; negative comments about organised labour; general comments about the Social Credit government.

RECORDED: [location unknown], [ca. 1965] SUMMARY: Charles Ennals first became involved with Social Credit in 1952; elected to Social Credit executive while at UBC; little study of Social Credit doctrine; differences between Social Credit and other parties; different kinds of people within the Social Credit movement; Ennals was a Socred candidate in Oak Bay, 1963; "Doctrinaire" Socreds within the Social Credit League; role of the league in political organisation; the role of governments in economic development.

RECORDED: [location unknown], [ca. 1965] SUMMARY: Disenchanted with Liberals and Conservatives, John Tisdale became active in Social Credit, ca. 1951. Social Credit monetary theory; criticisms of government policy with respect to small businesses; Social Credit is innovative while NDP represents only one segment of society; alliance of Christian and governmental principles; comments on liquor administration; discussion of current state of morality in our society; praises W.A.C. Bennett.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): R.G. Williston : Social Credit cabinet minister PERIOD COVERED: 1953-1965 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1965 SUMMARY: Runs for Social Credit in 1953. Did not study Social Credit monetary theory. Reasons for success of Social Credit. Social Credit League. Role of government in economic planning and control. Criticism of the Social Credit government.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Social Credit MLA for Esquimalt, 1953-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], [ca. 1965] SUMMARY: Relations between the federal and provincial Social Credit Leagues. Major C.H. Douglas' monetary theories updated. Social Credit financial policy. Role of government in economic planning. Bruch first involved with Social Credit in 1949. Studied Socred monetary theory. The four principles of Social Credit. Bruch first elected in 1953. Activities of the Social Credit League.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Philip Gaglardi : A Social Credit cabinet minister, 1952-1966 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1966 RECORDED: [location unknown], [ca. 1966] SUMMARY: Gaglardi had no interest in Social Credit theories prior to running for election. Use of government revenue. "Pay-as-you-go" financing. Gaglardi's background in construction. Social Credit success in B.C. Press relations. Discussion of the economy of B.C. The B.C. Legislature and legislative reform. Gaglardi's personal electoral success. Social Credit and religion. Discussion of Christianity, socialism and individualism. Gaglardi's desire to serve people.