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British Columbia. Legislative Assembly British Columbia--Politics and government--1941-1952
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William N. Chant interview : [Reimer, 1975 & 1976 : part 1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Randolf Harding interview : [Petter 1978 : part 1]

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.]

Eric Martin interview : [Roy, 1970 & 1971 : part 2]

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.;