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The series consists of oral history interviews recorded by staff members and research associates of the Provincial Archives of B.C. Major subject areas include: political history (especially the Coalition era, the W.A.C. Bennett years, and David Barrett's NDP government); ethnic groups (including Chinese- and Japanese-Canadans); frontier and pioneer life; the forest industry; B.C. art and artists; the history of photography, filmmaking and radio broadcasting in the province; and the history of Victoria High School.

The interviewers include: Kathryn Bridge, Janet Cauthers, David Day, Patrick Dunae, Terry Eastwood, Merna Forster, Eric Gee, Frances Gundry, Maya Koizumi, W.J. Langlois, Charles Lillard, Theresa Low, Indiana Matters, David Mattison, Patriick May, David Mitchell, Constantine Nikitiuk, Andrew Petter, Derek Reimer, Allen W. Specht, Loree Stewart, and Reuben Ware.

CALL NUMBER: T4207:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Political life of Arthur Ash (part 1) RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1985-06-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Arthur Ash, a life-long Liberal, outlines his early political career in Ottawa, serving on City Council, joining the Twentieth Century Young Liberals Association, and assisting in campaign to elect Mitchell Hepburn government. Discussion of recent Ontario election. Reasons for moving to B.C. Saanich by-election 1948. 1949 general election results. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T4207:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Political life of Arthur Ash (part 2) RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1985-06-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Arthur Ash discusses the disintegration of Coalition government and success of W.A.C. Bennett. He saw W.A.C. Bennett as an opportunist. Ash and many Liberals favour governing without the Conservatives but Boss Johnson refuses. Gordon Wismer. Regrets about destruction of B.C. Liberal Party. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview]

CALL NUMBER: T3881:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Background and early interest in Social Credit RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-09-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Murray describes Prince Rupert in the 1920s and '30s: boardwalks for streets, no improvements due to Depressions; then WW II influx of 22,000 U.S. military, so highway built. Social life in 1930s: indoor sports prominent; Chinese restaurants; Native Indians numerous during fishing season; Japanese residents. Discusses federal government policy to establish schools on reserves. Mr. Murray describes his own education and work in fish plants during summer. Fishing industry in 1930s. Local Liberal Association and patronage. Mr. Murray outlines RCN career in WW II. Coalition government as a response to rise of C.C.F., but not appropriate due to internal quarrels. TRACK 2: W.A.C. Bennett crosses floor due to Coalition problems and Health Insurance mess. 1952 election upset due to dissatisfaction with Coalition government. Murray impressed with energy of Social Credit minority government. Art Murray was builder of local Social Credit Party- he was an attractive personality. Social Credit had no bloc vote. Prince Rupert not easy to win because of strong unions which support C.C.F. Long discussion about why new parties form. Social Credit organization approaches Mr. Murray because he was well-known through work in Legion, hotel business and sports- he had broad appeal. Veteran's associations were a focus of social life in community. Former C.C.F. MLA, Bill Brett, a well-known Legion member. CALL NUMBER: T3881:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early days as the MLA for Prince Rupert in Socred government RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-10-21 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Murray discusses: importance of political candidates being well-known; appeal of C.C.F.; geographic description of Prince Rupert constituency. Transportation was major requirement and highway construction was highest priority of W.A.C. Bennett's government. Efforts of "Hallelujah Chorus for Highway 16". Roads built on Queen Charlotte Islands and cannery road. Growth of coastal surface traffic. Pressure from U.S. Kelsey Bay ferry link. Prince Rupert incorporated into Alaska run. Digby Island airport and ferry service. Restoration of winter services on B.C. Ferry. "Gateway to Alaska;" success. TRACK 2: Little freight on ferries. Murray works to promote Rupert as second Pacific port. Provincial government provides infrastructure. Thoughts about B.C. government taking over CN trackage from Prince George. Port development spurred by pressure from Prairie grain growers and Japanese coal interests. Lessens impact on Lower Mainland. Prince Rupert lacks flat land for industry. Chamber of Commerce attitude towards politics. Social Credit achievements on transportation, education. Disappointed at loss of regional college to Terrace. Regional hospital built in Prince Rupert. CALL NUMBER: T3881:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): MLA for Prince Rupert: dealing with Natives, canneries, health care RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-10-29 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Description of problems due to discriminatory liquor laws regarding Native Indians. Riot in summer 1958. Liquor laws eventually change but time is required for people to develop a respect for alcohol. Federal Indian Act applied unevenly: Skidegate an example of an advanced Native community. Murray disapproves of different status for Natives: he encouraged integrating Natives into provincial school system. Health service extended to communities along with better transportation. TRACK 2: Regional hospital provides higher levels of care. Closing of small canneries inevitable. Murray smoothes way for start of Port Simpson cannery. Discussion of Indian participation in politics: influence of band councils, bloc voting, distrust. Effect of First Citizens Fund. Discussion of MLA salary and expenses, often paid out of own pocket. Importance of knowing senior government officials in order to serve constituents. MLA position was a part-time job "in name only", rather year round responsibility. Today more attractive job due to better support. Improvements under Socreds and NDP. Howard Harding an "excellent government agent". CALL NUMBER: T3881:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): MLA for Prince Rupert: discussion of job of MLA and defeat in 1972 PERIOD COVERED: [no date]-1972 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1981-12-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Murray recalls "hairy" flying trip to Klemtu. Observations on changing expectations of constituents. Opinion of whether or not MLA should be a full time job. Constituency Association helps with campaign expenses. Art Murray provided effective leadership. Description of campaign style, main stops, use of media. Socred Association was broadly based, many union members supported Murray's candidacy. Leaders of unions most strong supporters of C.C.F. TRACK 2: Governments must be prepared to act for what it perceives to be the public good. Some labour legislation fought by organized labour. Discussion of circumstances of resignation of Art Murray in 1969. Socred Association has many new members. NDP Association very dedicated. Liberal machine wanes. NDP today appeals to white collar employees. Mr. Murray foresees two-party system in Canada. 1972 defeat part of province-wide trend. No personal animosities. NDP has strong organization. Organization is increasingly important to electoral success. CALL NUMBER: T3881:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): MLA for Prince Rupert: Speaker of the House, 1964-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1963-1972 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1982-01-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Murray about to leave public life when 1963 election called. Subsequently asked by W.A.C. Bennett to be Speaker. Murray only MLA with experience as helped Shantz, and on good terms with Opposition. Main role of Speaker to keep order. Clerks-of-House are backbone but preparation necessary. Able to foresee procedural issues. Impartiality cannot be over-stressed. B.C. an adversary system. Difficult to demonstrate impartiality because Speaker belongs to a party. Agreed with Strachan on need for Hansard. 1970 Hansard step in right direction but could have had more latitude. Question period; keeps government on toes. Not Speaker's role to initiate changes. W.A.C. Bennett not favourable to Hansard, but Opposition successful in tactics- New Westminster session. Best debaters: Ken Kiernan, Bob Bonner, Ran Harding, Bob Strachan, Cyril Shelford. Frustrated as Speaker, not being able to speak out. Sessions not longer though budget grows. Administration not difficult, comptroller assists money needs. Commonwealth conventions and Speakers conferences worthwhile. (End of interview)

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)

PERIOD COVERED: ;1913;-;1981 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1981-11-17 SUMMARY: Proceedings of a testimonial dinner given in honour of retired senior civil servant Lawrie Wallace at the Vancouver Club, Vancouver, B.C., 17 November 1981. Speakers include: Hon. Nathan T. Nemetz, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia; Robert Bonner, Chairman of B.C. Hydro; Denny Boyd, journalist; Jim Pattison, businessman; Herb Capozzi, businessman; Peter Webster, B.C. Sports Hall of Fame; former cabinet ministers Wesley D. Black, Alex MacDonald and Ernie Hall; David Barrett, Leader of the Opposition; James G. Matkin, Deputy Minister of Labour; Hon. William R. Bennett, Premier of British Columbia; and Lawrence J. Wallace.

CALL NUMBER: T3717:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years in politics, 1956-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1926-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses his personal and family background. Education and military experience. Pursuit of a teaching career. Supported the C.C.F. as a young man. Moved to Courtenay in 1950 and taught school. Served as president of the local teachers' association. First impressions of Social Credit. Meeting W.A.C. Bennett, 1953. Decision to run as a Social Credit candidate in the 1956 election. Recollection of the 1956 election campaign. Memories of election night. Comments on the Comox constituency. Orientation as a new MLA and maiden speech in the Legislature. Anecdote about W.A.C. Bennett being too hard on Bob Strachan. Recollection of Strachan as Leader of Opposition. First impressions of caucus. Voted against the government on one occasion. The role of caucus. TRACK 2: Reflections on the Sommers affair. Attitude of the Socred caucus toward the Sommers case. Sommers' weaknesses. Campbell complemented his income as an MLA by part-time teaching. Attitude towards labour and organized labour in B.C. Right-to-work proposals. Labour and politics. Ambitions as an MLA. The role of an MLA. The 1960 provincial election and the issue of the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company. The reasons for the take-over. W.A.C. Bennett's methods of discipline over party ranks. Interests and service on committees as an MLA. CALL NUMBER: T3717:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Cabinet minister in the government of W.A.C. Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1966 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses the Columbia River Treaty and the Two River Policy, and how they were understood by members of caucus. Appointment to cabinet as Minister of Municipal Affairs, 1964. Reasons for his appointment. Effect of becoming a cabinet minister. Relationship with ministerial staff. Policy-making and government. Daily duties as Minister of Municipal Affairs. Conditions in the ministry at the time he took it over. Re-organization and expansion of the ministry. The image of the government as an anti-metropolitan administration. The creation of instant towns on Vancouver Island. The genesis of regional districts. The organization of regional districts. Arguments against regional districts. Appointment as Minister of Social Welfare, 1966. Reasons for the appointment. Comments on dual-portfolio ministers. Comments on bringing the three female members of the Socred caucus into cabinet as ministers without portfolio. TRACK 2: The role of a minister without portfolio. Ways decisions in government were made. W.A.C. Bennett was not a one-man government. The experience of guiding estimates through the House as minister. Campbell enjoyed getting the Opposition excited. The process of Treasury Board. Appearing before the Treasury Board. W.A.C. Bennett as Minister of Finance. Special committees of cabinet. Legislative reform. Attitude towards instituting a daily question ;period and Hansard in the House. The misuse of legislative committees. Comparison between W.A.C. Bennett's style of government and "modern" government. W.A.C. Bennett as environmentalist. W.A.C. Bennett's influence on Campbell's political style. CALL NUMBER: T3717:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of politics and government, 1960-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1966-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses the organization of the Social Credit Party and its relationship with the government during the years when W.A.C. Bennett was Premier. The role of an annual party convention. Relationship between the provincial and federal wings of the Social Credit Party. Campbell opposed a convention resolution that would have separated coterminous membership in the provincial and federal branches of the Socred Party. Comments on the dream of Socred success at the federal level in the early '60s. Recollection of the contest for the leadership of the federal Social Credit Party between Real Caouette and Robert Thompson. Reasons for the federal party's failure. Religion and politics. Bennett as a man of the cloth. Anecdote about lawyers. Social Credit and populism and anti-intellectualism. Relations with the press. Federal-provincial relations when he was a Minister of the Crown. Attending federal-provincial conferences with Bennett. Attitude towards such conferences. Main issues as Minister of Social Welfare. Comments on Phil Gaglardi being brought back into the cabinet in 1969 as Minister of Social Welfare. Loyalty as a weakness of Bennett's. Campbell threatened to resign over the Gaglardi affair. TRACK 2: Dan Campbell as a champion of native rights in B.C. and service as Chairman of the First Citizens' Fund. The effect of Robert Bonner's resignation from the ;cabinet, 1968. Bonner's role in Bennett's government. Administering the Job Opportunities Program and friction with Gaglardi. Reasons why Campbell received responsibility for the program. Further comments on Gaglardi and reasons for tension between him and Campbell. Gaglardi would not have won a leadership contest in the party. The question of succession to the leadership of the Social Credit Party after Bennett. Attitude toward the Opposition and the Opposition leaders he served against. Objections to socialism. Polarization and coalition politics in B.C. The 1972 travelling cabinet tour. CALL NUMBER: T3717:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): B.C. politics, 1972-1975 PERIOD COVERED: 1972-1979 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dan Campbell discusses the 1972 provincial election campaign. Differences between the campaign and previous elections. The ban on advertising of liquor and tobacco as a factor in the election. Comments on Comox constituency. Gaglardi's indiscretions and their effect on the outcome of the election. Election night in Comox. Reaction to the election and personal plans immediately afterwards. Serving with W.A.C. Bennett as an administrative assistant after the election. W.A.C. Bennett's strengths and weaknesses. Reasons why W.A.C. Bennett asked him and Grace McCarthy to help rebuild and party after the 1972 election. Comments on the plan to rebuild the party. Different roles played in the rebuilding process. The legislative arm of the Social Credit Party after the 1972 election. Asking the MLAs to sign statements of allegiance to Social Credit. Comments on the efforts to form an alternative free enterprise coalition to Social Credit: the majority movement or unity party. The goals; of the majority movement. Comments on W.A.C. Bennett dissuading backers of the majority movement from their efforts. Travelling with W.A.C. Bennett and Grace McCarthy throughout the province, reorganizing and revitalizing the Social Credit Party. Factors in the great interest which was shown in the party after the 1972 election. Recollection of "Uncle Bill" Dale. TRACK 2: Continuation of recollection of "Uncle Bill" Dale. Criticisms of NDP government 1972-1975. Comments on Bill Bennett and how he got elected in 1975. Robert Bonner and the majority movement. Social Credit as the only possible vehicle for uniting the free enterprise forces in British Columbia. W.A.C. Bennett and Bill Bennett. General comments and comparison between the government under W.A.C. Bennett and Bill Bennett. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T2705:0001 - 0005 RECORDED: [location unknown], [1980?] SUMMARY: [No content summaries or documentation available for these first five tapes.]; CALL NUMBER: T2705:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Reminiscences of W.A.C. Bennett, 1941-1979 PERIOD COVERED: 1941-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Waldo Skillings recalls his first impressions of W.A.C. Bennett. Comments on B.C. politics during the Coalition era. Speculation about W.A.C. Bennett. Bennett being offered a Coalition cabinet post. Pattullo and W.A.C. Bennett. Bennett's public image versus his true character. Bennett was a shy and emotional man. Bennett's weaknesses. The role of Bob Bonner in the first Social Credit government. Bonner's resignation as Attorney-General, 1968 and its effect on the government. The question of succession to the leadership of the Social Credit party after W.A.C. Bennett. Bennett wanted his son to succeed him as leader. TRACK 2: Patronage and the first Social Credit government. Public relations men and the W.A.C. Bennett government. Comments on Cam Kenmuir and Dan Ekman. Anecdote about Ekman, Kenmuir and Clancey drinking in W.A.C. Bennett's presence. Discussion of the 1972 election. Reasons for the defeat of the Social Credit government. Recollection of events during the election campaign. Comments on Phil Gaglardi. Comments about Skillings' personal fate in the 1972 election. Reaction to the defeat of the government. The effect of the defeat on W.A.C. Bennett. Comments on B.C. politics since 1972. Personal assessment of Bill Bennett as Premier. W.A.C. Bennett's last days. Anecdote about Skillings travelling to Japan as Minister of Industrial Development, Trade and Commerce and taking his bank manager with him at the bank's expense.

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.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Dave Barrett : 1980 interview RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: David Mitchell interview former BC Premier and NDP Leader David Barrett. [No content summary or documentation available.];

CALL NUMBER: T3724:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1957 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-08-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses his early years, education and military experience during the Second World War. Ambitions after the war. Attaining position as B.C. representative of the Dominion Bureau of Statistics. Duties with the DBS. In 1948 became Assistant Commissioner for the B.C. Social Security and Municipal Aid Tax. Problems associated with implementing the new tax. A unique introduction to the provincial civil service. In 1950 he became Commissioner of the Social Security and Municipal Aid Tax, succeeding Lloyd Detwiller. The disparity between salaries in the civil service and in the private sector at the time. Reasons for continuing in the public service. Problems dealt with as Commissioner of the sales tax. Herbert Anscomb as Minister of Finance. (pause) The effect of the break-up of the Coalition government. Byron Johnson as Minister of Finance. TRACK 2: Main goals as Commissioner of the sales tax. Comments on the unique aspects of British Columbia's implementation of the sales tax. Reaction to the election of British Columbia's first Social Credit government, 1952. Reaction in the civil service to the change in government. Einar Gunderson as Minister of Finance. J.V. Fisher as Deputy Minister of Finance. In 1954 was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance. Further comments on J.V. Fisher. As Assistant Deputy, Bryson helped establish a daily report for W.A.C. Bennett on government finances. Appointed as economic advisor to the government; his main task was the elimination of the public debt of the province. Comments on becoming Deputy Minister of Finance. Advice given by W.A.C. Bennett after becoming Deputy Minister of Finance. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-09-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses Herbert Anscomb as Minister of Finance. Byron Johnson as Minister of Finance. Einar Gunderson's impact on the Finance department. W.A.C. Bennett's practice of serving simultaneously as Premier and Minister of Finance. Relationship with W.A.C. Bennett as his deputy minister. Bryson's responsibilities were greater than would have been usual for a deputy minister. Travelling with the Premier. Comments on becoming deputy minister and advice given to him by W.A.C. Bennett. Impressions of Social Credit and the new government during its early years in power. First impressions of W.A.C. Bennett. Bryson's method of administration was one of delegation as opposed to his predecessor as deputy, J.V. Fisher, who tended to centralize authority in the Finance Department. The structure of the Finance department at the time he became deputy. TRACK 2: The role of the comptroller-general in the Finance Department. C.J. Ferber as comptroller-general. Method of preparing the daily financial statement for W.A.C. Bennett. Policy formulation and policy execution. Government administration not different than running a business. Relationship with other members of cabinet. Preparing daily financial statements for W.A.C. Bennett. Working within a system of balanced budgets. W.A.C. Bennett often could point out errors in monthly financial statements which were delivered to him by Bryson and Ferber. The advantages of daily and monthly financial statements. W.A.C. Bennett's financial acumen. W.A.C. Bennett enjoyed meeting financial people. Methods of keeping the Premier informed of developments in the financial world. The effect of Social Credit slogans. Further comments on working on a balanced budget system. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 3) PERIOD COVERED: 1952-[no date] RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-09-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses his relationship with Premier W.A.C. Bennett. Attending Premiers' conferences as representative of British Columbia. Relationship with other deputy ministers in the provincial government. Special status as deputy minister of Finance. Financial information available to other ministers. W.A.C. Bennett's plans to develop the northern part of the province. Bryson's involvement in discussions on policy related to the development of the province. Introduction of data processing to the Department of Finance. Problems related to borrowing money for crown corporations. Changes in the Department of Finance during the years he served as deputy minister. Comments on the daily duties of deputy minister of Finance. Decision-making in government. Compatibility with Premier W.A.C. Bennett. The lack of unnecessary paper-work in government in those years. Extra duties during legislative sessions. Sitting next to the Premier during his estimates. During legislative sessions Bryson was always on call. TRACK 2: The importance of debt reduction in W.A.C. Bennett's vision of British Columbia's development. Method of debt-reduction used by the government. The debate about direct versus indirect liabilities. Crown corporations and their financial responsibilities. Further comments on the distinction between direct and indirect liabilities. Factors involved in attaining a no-debt status for British Columbia. The unique qualities of crown corporations. Charges that the government was using two sets of books. Surpluses are necessary in order to achieve a balanced budget. Characterization of the government's financial policy as "conservative". The use of accumulated surpluses. Recollection of the "bond-fire" at Kelowna, 1959. Bryson removed himself from political issues or events. The use of surpluses and the issuing of special warrants for expenditure. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 4) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-09-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses the activities related to the preparation of the provincial budget during the years of British Columbia's first Social Credit government. Little Treasury Board. Big Treasury Board. The operation of Treasury Board. Distinction between various roles Bryson served in. Friendly nature of Treasury Board negotiations. Duties as secretary of Treasury Board. Not all ministers submitted estimates which were intentionally higher than they knew would be approved. The operation of Treasury Board. Appointments to Treasury Board. Some ministers lobbied with Bryson during the Treasury Board process for extra expenditure. The flexibility of this system of Treasury Board. How decisions regarding additional expenditures were made. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 5) PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-10-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses the provincial budget as a statement of government policy. Preparation of the budget speech. Comments on Treasury Board. Ministers' estimates were not given final approval in Treasury Board; when the provincial budget was introduced in the House, some ministers may have been as surprised as the general public. Some estimates were increased rather than decreased in Treasury Board. Methods of financial restraint used by the government of W.A.C. Bennett. Problems of economic growth and recession. The genesis of parity bonds. The unique qualities of British Columbia's parity bonds. Further comments on the introduction of parity bonds by W.A.C. Bennett. TRACK 2: Problems associated with issuing parity bonds. The provincial government experienced problems as a result of having millions of dollars of parity bonds out "on demand". Organized run on parity bonds occurred after the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company, 1961. Bryson spent many sleepless nights over the parity bond crisis. Consequences of the crisis: W.A.C. Bennett resolved to become independent of external financial markets. Financing through provincial pension funds. Investing government pension funds. Aspects of personal relationship with W.A.C. Bennett. Travelling with W.A.C. Bennett. Communicating with the Premier when he was out of Victoria. Comments on Ron Worley. The role of Lawrie Wallace in the later years of W.A.C. Bennett's tenure as Premier. The genesis of homeowners' grants in B.C. Reaction to homeowners' grants. CALL NUMBER: T3724:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A career in the civil service (part 6) PERIOD COVERED: [no date]-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980-10-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gerald Bryson discusses the B.C. government's proposal for a Bank of British Columbia which was vetoed by the Senate Banking Committee, 1964. Bryson's role in preparing the proposal. The reason for the failure of the government's plan for a Bank of British Columbia. The government's role in the eventual formation and success of the Bank of British Columbia. Attendance with the Premier at federal-provincial conferences. Effect of W.A.C. Bennett's style of participation at federal-provincial conferences. The Premier's advocacy of a five-region Canada. Reaction to the five-region concept. Background to the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company. Genesis of the two river policy. Bryson's role in preparation for negotiations for the Columbia River Treaty. Lending Quebec one hundred million dollars after B.C. received payment for the Columbia River Treaty. TRACK 2: Preparation for the special session of the B.C. Legislature in 1961 in which legislation was introduced taking over the B.C. Electric Company. Comments on the methods by which the B.C. Electric Company was taken over. Reaction to the take-over. Explanation of W.A.C. Bennett's claim that the take-over did not cost the taxpayer a cent. Adverse effects of the take-over. Comment on parity bonds. Differences between parity bonds and Canada Savings Bonds. Feelings of apprehension during election campaigns. Election campaigns and their effect on Bryson's duties. Comment on the changing nature of his function and duties during the years he served with W.A.C. Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett prior to the 1972 election. Reaction to the defeat of the Social Credit government, 1972. Recollection of last meeting with W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. Reflection on W.A.C. Bennett in his last years in office. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T3683:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years, military service and introduction to politics PERIOD COVERED: 1921-1951 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses his family background. Reasons why his father, Jack, and uncle Arthur came out to British Columbia. Description of their experiences in the Ootsa Lake region. Born 1921 at Ootsa Lake. Education was by correspondence. Recollection of former schoolteacher. Early interest in politics. His uncle's political career as a Conservative. Anecdote about joining the army in the Second World War. Being wounded in a military training accident. Recollections of service overseas. Comments on military experiences in Britain. Landing at Sicily. Travelling through Italy. Comments on wartime conditions in Italy. Christmas of 1944 in Italy and relationship with German soldiers. Travelling throughout the rest of Europe and fighting conditions as the war came to a close. TRACK 2: Comments on the conclusion of wartime hostilities. Returned home 1945. Served in occupation in Holland. General reflections on his military experiences. Anecdotes about wartime experiences shared with friend from Alberta. Comments on return to British Columbia and readjustment to civilian life. Logging at Wistaria. Family politics. Anecdotes about politics in the riding of Omineca during the post-war period. Non-partisanship in the north country. Stories about the friendly nature of politics in the early years of his public career. Attitude towards socialism. Problems related to the construction of the Alcan Lake area in opposition to building of an Alcan reservoir. Heading a delegation to Victoria to see the government about the problem. Meeting W.A.C. Bennett. Description of a meeting with Premier Johnson and the Minister of Lands, E.T. Kenney. Going to see Harold Winch. Lack of newspaper support for their cause. Meeting with Alcan officials in Vancouver. W.A.C. Bennett made an issue of the problem in the Legislature. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit and the 1952 election PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford describes attending his first Social Credit meeting in Victoria at the prompting of W.A.C. Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett as a public speaker. Joining Social Credit. Selling Socred memberships in Omineca. Recollection of the Social Credit nominating convention in Omineca. Anecdote about why he received the nomination. Reasons why he decided to enter politics. Recollections of the 1952 election campaign in Omineca. Anecdote about campaigning in Fort St. James. Wooing the Indian vote at Stony Creek. Reasons for Shelford's victory in the election. Voting strategy. Lack of understanding of Social Credit theory. The effect of the single transferable ballot in Omineca. Lack of contact throughout the campaign with other Social Credit candidates. Meeting at the Hotel Vancouver to choose a party leader. Shelford supported Bennett. First experience with political tactics. First Social Credit cabinet was appointed in the washroom at the Hotel Vancouver. Influence of Alberta Socreds. Shelford did not lobby for a cabinet post. Comments on the Socred team of elected MLAs. Religion and politics. Shelford heard about the cabinet being sworn in on a radio news report. Paying the price of being outspoken. [TRACK 2: blank.]; CALL NUMBER: T3683:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Aspects of government during the early years of Social Credit PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford recalls being the first Canadian casualty in the Second World War. Comments on the conclusion of the problem at Ootsa Lake with the Aluminum Company of Canada. Events after the 1952 election. Comments on problems of communication between MLA and cabinet ministers. Secrecy and Cabinet appointments. Lack of instruction or orientation for new MLAs. Comments on the character of the first Social Credit government. Reaction to W.A.C. Bennett bringing Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson into the government. General comments on government. Discussion of goals during the early years of government service. Shelford as environmentalist. W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. TRACK 2: Cyril Shelford discusses the Social Credit caucus system. The possibility of a caucus revolt. The influence of caucus on legislation. Story about Phil Gaglardi coming up to Shelford's riding to look into possible construction of a new highway. Recollection of Phil Gaglardi. Shelford's fight for equalization of gas prices in the province. The appointment of a Royal Commission to look into the question. Shelford as critic of the government's agriculture policy during the early years. Service on the agriculture committee of the Legislature. Advocating the take-over of the B.C. Electric Company. The agriculture committee never sat again until Shelford became Minister of Agriculture in 1968. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Sommers affair and other aspects of B.C. politics PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses reaction to Bonner and Gunderson becoming cabinet ministers in the Social Credit government, 1952. W.A.C. Bennett's reputation as a financial genius. The possibility of the Premier entering federal politics. Recollection of Tom Uphill. Comments on "pairing" in the Legislative Assembly with opposition members. Recollection of the Sommers affair. Shelford was concerned that the Sommers case be cleared up at an early date. Disappointed with the performance of Sommers legal counsel, Angelo Branca. Meeting with Mel Bryan before he crossed the floor of the House. Criticism of the forest management licence system. Gordon Gibson Sr.'s role. Comments on the possibility of Robert Sommers' guilt. Sommers as cabinet minister. Campaign funds had been confused with Sommers personal affairs. The death of Hec Munro. Comments on letters Shelford wrote to the Premier on the subject of the Sommers Affair. Reasons why the Premier seemed to delay in appointing an inquiry into the matter. Effect of the case on the Sommers family. TRACK 2: Comments on Bonner's handling of the Sommers affair as Attorney-General. Reaction to Shelford's support of an Opposition vote of non-confidence in Bonner. Further comments on the Sommers affair. Comments on discipline among government members during the Sommers case. Attitude towards Gaglardi when he was accused of wrongdoing as Minister of the Crown. Gaglardi as a potential successor to lead the Social Credit Party. Gaglardi's popularity among party members. Shelford conducted an informal survey of public opinion in B.C. for the Premier prior to the 1969 election. W.A.C. Bennett indicated that he intended to resign after the 1969 election but stayed on in order to prevent the possibility of Gaglardi succeeding him as leader. Shelford's comments at the 1959 Socred convention and warning of undesirable changes in the party. Criticism of how election campaign funds were handled. Social Credit as a "party" or "movement". CALL NUMBER: T3683:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Agriculture, 1968-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses his personal political philosophy. Polarization in B.C. politics. Comments on varying philosophical viewpoints within the Social Credit Party. Reasons for the lack of a party revolt over the takeover of the B.C. Electric Company, 1961. Ken Kiernan and Ray Williston were called "the twins". Reactions to Shelford's outspokenness on aspects of government policy. Attempts to find another candidate in Shelford's riding. W.A.C. Bennett was not a one-man-government. Decision-making in government. Examples of effective and ineffective decision-makers in Bennett's cabinet. The Premier was good at delegating authority. Means of subsidization for the meagre salary of an MLA. "A politician without a cause is a lost cause." Criticism of Bennett's stringency with MLAs' salaries and expenses. Representing a rural riding as opposed to an urban one. Comments on Shelford' various threats to quit the Socred Party or cross the floor of the House. Comments on his coverage in the press. Anecdote about comments made by Walter Owen before sessions of the Morrow Commission. TRACK 2: Overtures were often made to Shelford to join other political parties. Shelford did not consciously cultivate the role of maverick. B.C.'s population too centralized in Vancouver. Shelford as the conscience of the Socreds. The Premier always kept open a vacancy in the cabinet to keep backbench MLAs in line. Access to Bennett was quite easy. Shelford feels that Bennett secretly liked the criticism he offered of government policy. Reaction to his appointment as Minister of Agriculture, 1968. Shelford was very well-known throughout the province. The process and effect of becoming a cabinet minister. Relationship with his staff and duties as Minister of Agriculture. Formulation of policy. The value of a good secretary (Lydia Clark). Policy initiatives as Min. of Agriculture. Relations with the federal government. The importance of encouraging a strong agricultural industry in B.C. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Injuries suffered at labour protest, New Westminster, 1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1968-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford explains why agriculture was not a high priority in the government of W.A.C. Bennett. The process of Treasury Board and the experience of appearing before it as a Minister of the Crown. Comparison between Treasury Board under the governments of W.A.C. Bennett and Bill Bennett. Comments on ways that Shelford made up for the detachment from reality that a cabinet minister suffers from. Recollection of the 1972 cabinet tour which culminated in a violent encounter with angry demonstrators in New Westminster. Demonstration was organized by the B.C. Federation of Labour. Several cabinet ministers received bruises. Shelford was hit with a 2 X 4 and received an injury to his arm and a broken collarbone. The concept of a travelling cabinet tour. The B.C. Federation of Labour as a political group. Suggestions that W.A.C. Bennett call an election after the incident at New Westminster. The charged political climate in B.C. that preceded the provincial election in 1972. CALL NUMBER: T3683:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1972 provincial election and its aftermath PERIOD COVERED: 1972-1979 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Cyril Shelford discusses the reasons for the defeat of the Social Credit government, 1972. W.A.C. Bennett wanted to step down after the 1969 election. The ban on tobacco and alcohol advertising. Development and industrialization brought about increased unionism which ultimately defeated the government. Comments on the differences between the 1972 election and previous campaigns. The role of Dave Barrett. Evaluation of different Leaders of the Opposition: Harold Winch, Arnold Webster, Robert Strachan, Tom Berger and Dave Barrett. The effect of Gaglardi's mistakes during the 1972 election. Differences between campaigning as a cabinet minister and a private member. The Conservatives as a factor in the 1972 election. Reasons for Shelford's personal defeat in Omineca. The NDP MLAs as "glorified ombudsmen" dealing with only small issues of a local nature. W.A.C. Bennett had an ability to make his ministers look ahead. Recollection of election night in 1972. Reaction to the defeat of the government. Account of events following the election. Problems for Socreds in obtaining employment after the election. Serving as village clerk at Fort St. James. TRACK 2: Comments on efforts to establish a "unity" party after the 1972 election. W.A.C. Bennett's role in B.C. politics after 1972. Reasons why the "Majority Movement" was not successful. Attitudes to Bill Bennett prior to his election as Premier. Reasons why Shelford decided to run again. Efforts by Grace McCarthy to nominate an alternate candidate in Skeena in 1975. Recollection of the nomination struggle in Skeena. Criticism of the NDP administration, 1972-75. Shelford disappointed he was not appointed to cabinet after the 1975 election. Comments on the government of Bill Bennett. Brought into the cabinet prior to the election of 1979. Reasons why politics in B.C. has degenerated. General reflections on politics. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T0995:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister without Portfolio, 1966-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Grace McCarthy recalls the first time she met W.A.C. Bennett. Relations with the Premier as a member of the Vancouver Parks Board. General impressions of W.A.C. Bennett as Premier. W.A.C. Ben;nett and Vancouver. Reasons for W.A.C. Bennett's image in the press. Early views of Social Credit. Comments on her husband's involvement in Social Credit politics. Civic politics in Vancouver. Backgro;und to decision to run as a Social Credit candidate in the provincial election of 1966. Recollections of the 1966 election. First impressions as an MLA. Reaction to being appointed a Minister without Portfolio. Frustration of serving in cabinet without a portfolio after the first few years. During the period she served under W.A.C. Bennett he was becoming increasingly shielded from reality. Reasons for the lack of intra-governmental communication during the last years of W.A.C. Bennett's government. TRACK 2: Government and teamwork. Comments on cabinet under W.A.C. Bennett. Comparison between; government during W.A.C. Bennett's tenure as Premier and the government of Bill Bennett. Different attitudes towards development in B.C. W.A.C. Bennett's attitude toward government. Representing British Columbia on behalf of the Premier at the 1968 Premiers' Conference in Saskatchewan. Intuition that she would attend the conference. Comments on the conference. Discussion of remarks made in correspondence found in W.A.C. Bennett's papers concerning the conference. W.A.C. Bennett's attitude toward conferences. Preparation for the conference. Reasons why she was asked to represent the province at the conference. Comments on electioneering. Running a campaign in a dual-member constituency. Recollection of her seat-mate in Vancouver-Little Mountain, Les Peterson. CALL NUMBER: T0995:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Recollections of W.A.C. Bennett and B.C. politics RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Grace McCarthy discusses the changing nature of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1952-72. Social Credit as the party of business. Political parties as coalitions. Comments on the character of the NDP in British Columbia. Objections to socialism. Socialism and communism. Individual freedom versus state control. Government intervention in the economy. Evaluation of different leaders of the NDP in B.C.: Robert Strachan, Thomas Berger, David Barrett. The NDP in opposition. The role of a parliamentary opposition. Polarization in British Columbia politics. The inevitability of the opposition becoming government. TRACK 2: The possibility of W.A.C. Bennett entering federal politics in Canada. The possibility that W.A.C. Bennett intended to retire prior to 1972. W.A.C. Bennett and premonitions. W.A.C. Bennett and the power of positive thinking. W.A.C. Bennett's loyalty to colleagues. Comments on theories of predestination. W.A.C. Bennett's government was not a "one-man-government". Reasons why voters in B.C. would not admit to supporting Social Credit. Loyalty as a political weakness of W.A.C. Bennett. W.A.C. Bennett's strengths and weaknesses as a leader. W.A.C. Bennett as a shy man. His attitude toward women. Reaction to and the effect of Robert Bonner's resignation as Attorney-General, 1968. Recollection of Bonner's victory in the Cariboo by-election in 1966. CALL NUMBER: T0995:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1972 provincial election RECORDED: [location unknown], 1980 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Grace McCarthy discusses the Social Credit cabinet's tour of British Columbia in the spring of 1972. Press coverage of the tour. The climax of the tour at a meeting at New Westminster which resulted in a violent demonstration by organized labour. Reasons for the angry demonstration. Press commentary on the event. Reaction to the demonstration. The changing nature of the political climate in B.C. in the early 1970s. Reasons for the decline of Social Credit in the period leading up to the 1972 election. The calling of elections under the leadership of W.A.C. Bennett. As Minister without Portfolio, she assumed responsibility for the provincial Job Opportunities Program. Work in the area of social policy. Personal feelings going into the 1972 election campaign. Recollection of election night, 1972. The fickle loyalties of some Socred supporters. Speaking with Premier Bennett on election night. Reaction to the defeat of the government. General reflections on the election. [TRACK 2:; blank?] (End of interview)

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.

SUMMARY: [No content documentation is available for this interview.];

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Memories of the personal secretary of Premier W.A.C. Bennett, 1958-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1933-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Kaye Mylrea discusses her personal background and how she began work as a secretary for the provincial government in 1933. Working for the Comptroller-General's Office and for the Office of the Speaker. Recollection of how she came to work in the Premier's office, 1955. First impressions of W.A.C. Bennett. Description of conditions working in the Premier's office. The function and duties of the personal secretary of the Premier. The role of the executive assistant. Anecdote regarding a visit to the Premier's office by federal Minister of Justice, Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Description of the filing system used by the Premier's office. TRACK 2: W.A.C. Bennett as a letter-writer. Recollections of memorable persons who passed through the Premier's office: Haile Selassie, Viscount Montgomery. Visits to the office by Mrs. Bennett. Description of working relationship with the Premier. Assessment of the Premier's executive assistants: Ron Worley, Dan Ekman, Clarence Budd, Lawrie Wallace. The role of Gerry Bryson as Deputy Minister of Finance. The effect of the 1972 election defeat. The Premier's instructions the morning after the election defeat; packing up his files and personal effects. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0008 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1950-52 sessions and 1952 election PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: hospital insurance issue; break up of Coalition; role of W.A.C. Bennett, who advocates alternate (preferential) ballot, crosses floor; Workman's Compensation issues; more on W.A.C. Bennett; other issues in 1950-52 Parliament; caucus discipline and unity; Winch's role as Opposition Leader; storm caused by Nimsick's involvement in signing peace petition, 1951; 1952 election campaign; Social Credit League. TRACK 2: Nimsick discusses: 1952 election (cont'd); Cranbrook campaign, the story of the "great challenge" in Kimberley; candidates in Cranbrook constituency; local issues; outcome of election; Social Credit forms government; role of Tom Uphill; reaction of Harold Winch; Winch's attempt to form government, 1953.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0009 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): 1953 election and 1952-56 sessions PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1956 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: 1952 by-elections, C.C.F. caucus, 1953, description of new members, 1953 session and Rolston Formula; comparison between Social Credit government and Coalition government; W.A.C. Bennett; hospital insurance changes under Social Credit; more on 1953 session; J. Allen Reid speech, night sittings. Impressions of: Einar Gunderson, Tilly Rolston. Discussion of events surrounding Winch's resignation as leader. TRACK 2: Nimsick discusses: more on Winch's resignation; Winch and Webster switch nominations; Webster becomes leader; 1953 election and the Rolston Formula; Nimsick speaks in Trail; Cranbrook campaign; relationship between C.C.F. and Tom Uphill; 1953-56 sessions; more on hospital insurance, liquor issue, "cow incident", Colquitz Mental Home, PGE Railway, Workman's Compensation, labour legislation, Phil Gaglardi.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0010 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1954-1956 sessions : Sommers, Doukhobors and Highways PERIOD COVERED: 1954-1970 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: Gaglardi (cont'd); Stewart-Cassiar Highway controversy (aside on Edgar Jamieson); general comments on the role of an MLA; more on Nimsick's relationship with Cominco; putting columns in newspaper; Sommers case; and 1955 redistribution. TRACK 2: Nimsick discusses: Walter Mulligan case; Bennett's financial policies; Social Credit highway program; some general comments about the Doukhobor issue and Sons of Freedom sect.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0011 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Provincial party politics, 1955-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1955-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: the Kaiser Dam proposal; relationship between Nimsick and Bennett; internal party politics; Webster resigns as leader; leadership contest in 1956 which Nimsick runs in; caucus role in selecting leader; Strachan wins leadership; the Winnipeg Declaration; 1956 provincial election; Strachan as a leader; Wenner-Gren proposal. TRACK 2: Nimsick discusses: Wenner-Gren (cont'd;); government's entry into ferry business; labour legislation (Bill 43); civil servants' strike; homeowners grant (Strachan reverses his position under caucus pressure); 1960 election; B.C. Electric issue; Cranbrook campaign; recollections of work as an MLA (general); first impressions of Dave Barrett and other new C.C.F. MLAs.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0012 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Formation of NDP and 1966 election PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1966 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on C.C.F. MLAs elected in 1960. Formation of NDP: Nimsick opposes merger with CLC. Nimsick discusses Columbia River Treaty: overview, McNaughton scheme, Libby Dam, Peace River (two river; policy). B.C. Electric take-over. Kaiser moves into East Kootenay area to mine coal: Natal-Michel relocation plan. TRACK 2: Nimsick advocates government take-over of power companies in the Kootenays, also transmission lines. Labour legislation: Bill 42. Nimsick advocates a special pension to be given to Tom Uphill. Nimsick discusses the 1963 provincial election: Fulton's role, Strachan's image, effect of Columbia River Treaty and B.C. Electric take-over, Cranbrook campaign, Bank of B.C. Also discusses: medicare (1964), Jones case, his visit to Brannon Lake juvenile detention centre, the Angus Commission redistribution. Discusses 1966 provincial election: Kootenay campaign (problem of running in an enlarged riding), style of provincial campaign.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1966 to 1969 provincial elections PERIOD COVERED: 1966-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More on style of provincial campaign (1966). Nimsick named caucus whip. He describes his role as whip. Impressions of new NDP caucus members. Controversy surrounding Gaglardi. Comments on Bonner's departure. Mediation Commission Act (Bill 33). Commonwealth Trust case. Robert's Bank superport. Cowichan Copper Company. Kootenay and Elk Railway. Incident between Nimsick and Waldo Skillings. Constituency issues. Nimsick's efforts to get a royal commission to examine the mining industry. Berger leadership challenge, 1967. TRACK 2: More on the Berger leadership challenge. Strachan resigns: 1969 leadership convention (Berger vs. Barrett vs. Williams). Nimsick attends showing of "The Good Life" with W.A.C. Bennett. 1969 provincial election: Nimsick wins on the recount. (End of interview)

CALL NUMBER: T3332:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial administration of the Social Credit government, 1952-1972 (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1906-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-18 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: C.J. Ferber discusses his background, training, and work as a chartered accountant, and his entrance into the civil service as deputy comptroller-general during the Coalition years. The 1952 election, the beginning of the Social Credit era of government, and Ferber's promotion to the position of Comptroller-General. Impressions of W.A.C. Bennett, Einar Gunderson and J.V. Fisher. Duties and functions as Comptroller-General. Responsibilities and relationship within the government. Control of government expenditure. TRACK 2: Mr. Ferber discusses the issuing of special warrants for government expenditure. W.A.C. Bennett as a financial policy-maker. The comptroller-general as financial administrator. The role, function and operation of Treasury Board. Explanation of the budgetary process during the time of W.A.C. Bennett's administration. Attitudes toward deficit-financing.;

CALL NUMBER: T3332:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial administration of the Social Credit government, 1952-1972 (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-18 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: C.J. Ferber discusses the subject of deficit financing in government, debt reduction and Crown Corporations. The method which the government of W.A.C. Bennett employed to eliminate the public debt of B.C. The possible dangers for governments building up large amounts of contingent liabilities. The Social Credit policy of "Pay as you go". During Ferber's years as Comptroller-General, British Columbia's public accounts were the clearest in Canada. The difference between budgetary and non-budgetary items in public accounts. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview.];

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Recollections of W.A.C. Bennett in Edmonton during the 1920s PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1930 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dermott McInnes recollects his involvement with a church youth group in Edmonton during the 1920s, through which he met W.A.C. Bennett. Comments on W.A.C. Bennett as a young man. Conditions in Edmonton in the 1920s. Impressions of R.J. Gillis, mentor of the youth group. TRACK 2: Further comments on the church youth group. Reaction to W.A.C. Bennett becoming Premier of British Columbia. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): From the father unto the son: the political education of Bill Bennett PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Premier Bill Bennett discusses growing up in Kelowna during the 1930s. Relationship with his brother and sister. Social life and education. The Bennett household. W.A.C. Bennett as a father. The role of his mother. Religion and the Bennett family. The effect of politics on the Bennett family. Relations within the family. Recollections of the Bennett home and surrounding grounds. Education. Attending private school. The decision to enter the family business on a full-time basis. TRACK 2: Premier Bill Bennett discusses the question of when he personally attained adulthood. Visiting the Penthouse cabaret in Vancouver in the early 1950s. Young adulthood as the son of the Premier. The reasons why he did not drink alcoholic beverages as a young man. Reading habits as a boy. Reaction to his father joining the Social Credit Party, 1951. Reaction to his father becoming Premier, 1952. Working for his father during election campaigns. Taking over the family hardware business with his brother. The argumentative nature of the relationships between members of the Bennett family. Politics and public service. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Captain Alexander Peabody RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-19 SUMMARY: NOTE: Captain Alexander Peabody was President and General Manager of Puget Sound Navigation Company (operating under the trade name the Black Ball Line). Part of this service was sold to Washington State's' Toll Bridge Authority in 1951 and became the Washington State Ferry Service. Peabody retained its Canadian subsidiary, Black Ball Ferries Ltd., which was later purchased by the British Columbia government and became part of the B.C. Ferry Authority. [No content summary or documentation is available for this interview.];

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: T2662:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood discusses his early life PERIOD COVERED: 1909-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood discusses his early life. He describes his family, their pioneering experiences in the Nanaimo area, his education, and his work as a bank clerk, longshoreman, and millwright assistant. Mentioned in context are Nanaimo, B.C.; Port Alice, B.C.; Britannia High School in Vancouver; Wesley Black. TRACK 2: Earle Westwood discusses the Depression, his return to Nanaimo, his funeral parlour businesses in Nanaimo and Duncan, and his involvement in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Nanaimo City Council, and his period as mayor of Nanaimo. He also relates his impressions of; the Coalition government, his early career ambitions, and his organizational membership. Westwood describes his first interests in Social Credit and his first meeting with W.A.C. Bennett. In addition, he discusses the provincial election of 1953. Mentioned in passing are Ernie Carson, George S. Pearson, Byron Johnson, Peter Maffeo, and Lorenzo Giovando. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood discusses his experiences as a cabinet minister PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood discusses the provincial elections of 1953 and 1956 as well as his own election in 1956 and his appointment as Minister of Trade and Industry. Mentioned also are his travels with Premier Bennett in 1954, party platforms in the 1953 and 1956 elections, and his perceptions of his political opponents. He describes his objectives as MLA and cabinet minister and the projects undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry while it was under his direction. TRACK 2: Earle Westwood discusses the origins and policies of the Department of Recreation and Conservation, the nature of the tourist industry in B.C. during the late 1950s, and the creation of Beautiful B.C. Magazine. He also discusses decision and policy making in his ministry as well as some activities of the B.C. Federation of Fish and Game Clubs. Westwood also relates how his estimates were approved by Treasury Board. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood on his later political life and his period as Agent-General PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood recalls his days as Minister of Recreation and Conservation, and Commercial Transport. He discusses the provincial election of 1960, the Pacific Northern Railway, and the B.C. government takeovers of the B.C. Electric Co. and the Black Ball ferry fleet. Westwood also discusses northern development and some speculation that B.C. would seek the Winter Olympics. TRACK 2: Earle C. Westwood evaluates the effectiveness of the C.C.F. opposition during his years in office, focusing on the roles of Robert Strachan, Dave Barrett and Leo Nimsick. He also comments on the nature of the Social Credit opposition during the Dave Barrett administration. Westwood recalls the provincial election of 1963 and his retirement from politics. Also discussed are his period as Agent-General, the effects of socialism in Britain and Westwood's travels with W.A.C. Bennett in Europe. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood on his time as Agent-General and his general perception of politics PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood recalls his travels in Europe with W.A.C. Bennett and his accomplishments as Agent-General. He discusses his activities upon returning to B.C. and comments on his perceptions of various political figures including: Dave Stupich, Leo Nimsick, Tom Uphill, Gordon Gibson, Deane Finlayson, Robert Bonner, Einar Gunderson, Phil Gaglardi, Robert Thompson, and Ronald Worley. Westwood also discusses how cabinet was run during the W.A.C. Bennett years, how policies were developed, and his own relationship with Bennett. TRACK 2: Westwood discusses the relationship between the Social Credit party in B.C. and Social Credit parties in other provinces (Alberta and Quebec) and the relationship with the federal Social Credit party. He also describes his activities before the caucus and his perceptions of W.A.C. Bennett as premier. Also discussed are Westwood's relationship with the press, government-organized group relations, and his perceptions of other political parties. Westwood also comments on the role of government. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood discusses various political and social issues PERIOD COVERED: 1939-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood discusses civil defence in Nanaimo during World War II; all night sessions in the Legislature; his first interests in Social Credit; the Coalition government in B.C.; dominion-provincial relations during his terms in office; the Robert Sommers case; his concept of free enterprise and socialism; his impressions of Lyle Wicks, Eric Martin, and William Chant; proselytizers of the original Social Credit theories; and the current administration of W.R. Bennett. He also discusses California's Proposition 13 and the appeal of Social Credit to British Columbians. TRACK 2: Westwood discusses public reluctance to admit their support for Social Credit; eastern perceptions of Social Credit in B.C.; his meeting with Joey Smallwood; the fishing industry in B.C.; and his former plans for Newcastle Island as Minister of Recreation and Conservation. Westwood completes the interview with a brief account of his present activities.

CALL NUMBER: T3093:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early life and education PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Ralph Loffmark discusses: his family background; his early life in the interior of B.C.; his education in Chase, B.C., Kamloops, B.C., at the University of B.C., and at the University of Toronto; his election to the student council at the University of Toronto as athletic director; and his enlistment in the Canadian army. TRACK 2: Ralph Loffmark discusses: his service in the armed forces, his close encounters with death; his first experience with a conscious political policy; his law and business education experiences as a veteran; his first employment as a lawyer; his interests in accountancy; teaching commerce at UBC; his experience writing in areas of the law and commerce; his first interests in politics. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Loffmark's first election and some of his political ideas PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1963 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Ralph Loffmark discusses: his first exposure to politics; his entry into politics as a Social Credit candidate in 1963; the 1963 election campaign; his perceptions of the Social Credit Party at that time; his concern over the state of roads in B.C. during that period. TRACK 2: Ralph Loffmark discusses the expropriation of B.C. Electric as a major issue in the1963 provincial election; the nature of the Social Credit membership in Point Grey; the nature of nomination and candidacy procedure; dams on the Peace and Columbia Rivers; the crippling effects of cost overruns in government projects; some of his perceptions about the political parties in B.C.; and his primary occupational objectives. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Being elected and joining the cabinet PERIOD COVERED: 1963-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Loffmark discusses: the role of the backbencher in the legislature; joining the cabinet as Minister of Industrial Development, Trade and Commerce in 1964; attempts at influencing cabinet ministers; his priorities as a cabinet minister; and transportation problems in Canada. TRACK 2: Loffmark discusses: Canadian freight rates; trade promotion activities; Japanese business connections; contrasts between doing business with Japan and India; his appointment to Treasury Board; the duties of Treasury Board; and inter-departmental relations. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Trade and Commerce PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Loffmark discusses: the development of the Bank of British Columbia; the run on B.C. bonds after the expropriation of B.C. Electric; the opportunities for tax reductions open to a business man; foreign investment in B.C.; secondary industries in B.C.; the poor state of dominion-provincial relations; B.C. separatism; the contention over the adequacy of Vancouver harbour; the possible over-production of pulp and paper. TRACK 2: Loffmark discusses: the redistribution of seats prior to the 1966 provincial election; the 1966 election campaign in Vancouver South; his travels on trade missions; joint American-Canadian development around the area of the Alaskan Panhandle. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Minister of Health PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Loffmark discusses: his move from the Ministry of Trade and Industry to Health; Phil Gaglardi's removal as Minister of Highways and its effect on the Social Credit Party; the problems he perceived in the field of health; his priorities as Health minister; the ban on liquor and tobacco advertising; the death penalty for persistent drug traffickers; the operation of government liquor stores; the debate over pollution control; the necessity to maintain some kind of control over doctors who were abusing medicare; Scott Wallace's position in the Social Credit Party; and pharmacare and dentacare. TRACK 2: Loffmark discusses: dentacare and pharmacare; the publishing of doctors' earnings; the resource development vs. social services debate; the Clearwater incident; B.C. government efforts to fight heroin addiction; the government's power to allow certain doctors to use hospital facilities; the effects of Scott Wallace's crossing the floor; and the 1972 provincial election. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Health care and some general political perceptions PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Loffmark discusses: the 1972 election; the Dease Lake railway extension; his major accomplishments as Minister of Health; his decision to retire from politics; his impressions of politics in general and of the party system; his relationship with W.A.C. Bennett; and cabinet meetings. TRACK 2: Ralph Loffmark discusses the timing of elections; the nature of the relationship between the civil service and the government; decision-making in his ministries; all-night sittings of the Legislature; his relationship with the press; government-organized group relations; opposition party unity; the effectiveness of opposition parties; and his perception of persons in the opposition parties. CALL NUMBER: T3093:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Some general political perceptions PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Loffmark discusses: his views on the Dease Lake railway extension; cost reductions in health care; the home medical care scheme; his present activities; religion in politics; the effectiveness of a good political leader; the role of an MLA; the reasons behind W.A.C. Bennett's success; the Social Credit party as a coalition; reforms in the procedure of the House; the nature of the makeup of the Social Credit government; the nature of Social Credit policy-making; the proper functions of government; the rise of administrative tribunals; the decline of the Legislature. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview]

CALL NUMBER: T3095:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1972 provincial election (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1970-1973 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Derrill Warren discusses his personal and family background. Education and legal training. Experience in Alberta with Peter Lougheed. Return to British Columbia and immersion in Conservative politics. Comments on politics in British Columbia prior to 1972. Assumption of the leadership of the Conservative Party in British Columbia. Strategy and planning in the 1972 provincial election. Anecdote about a confrontation with W.A.C. Bennett at the time of calling the 1972 election. TRACK 2: The 1973 by-election in South Okanagan. Anecdotes about the night of the by-election and Bill Bennett's victory. Reasons for lack of success as leader of the provincial Conservative Party. Styles of politics in British Columbia. The 'Majority Movement' in British Columbia and the reasons for its lack of success. Story about a meeting with W.A.C. Bennett after the defeat of his Social Credit government in 1972. CALL NUMBER: T3095:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Derril Warren and the Conservative Party in B.C. politics PERIOD COVERED: 1972-1973 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Derril Warren continues the story of his meeting with W.A.C. Bennett in Kelowna after the 1972 provincial election. Comments on the 1973 South Okanagan by-election campaign. Resigning the leadership of the Conservative Party after the by-election loss. Further comments on politics in British Columbia.

CALL NUMBER: T3235:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early life PERIOD COVERED: 1923-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses his family background and his early years; copper smelters in B.C.; his first interests and involvement in Social Credit; his religious upbringing and beliefs; religion in the Social Credit Party; early influences upon his character; the Depression of the 1930s; WW II; his education; his law career; his first jobs; and his military service. TRACK 2: Brothers discusses his interests in enlisting in the RCAF; his first interests in the public service; his membership in various service organizations; his first law practice; his increasing interest in Social Credit; his opinions of other political parties in B.C.; his perception of the differences between socialism and communism; his first meeting with W.A.C. Bennett in 1952; and his first political aspirations in 1952. CALL NUMBER: T3235:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early political life PERIOD COVERED: 1957-1962 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses the government take-over of the B.C. Electric Company; his first nomination in the 1957 federal election; the federal Social Credit Party; the nature of Social Credit Membership and support; the 1958 by-election in Rossland-Trail; and the Sommers case. TRACK 2: Donald Brothers discusses the 1958 by-election in Rossland-Trail; highway construction in B.C.; the press coverage of the 1958 by-election; the part he played in Robert Sommers' election campaign in 1956; the Sommers case; his maiden speech in the Legislature; and the Doukhobor issue. CALL NUMBER: T3235:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early political life and first cabinet post PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses the provincial election of 1960; some financial consequences of the take-over of B.C. Electric Co.; the provincial election of 1963; progress and the physical environment; his appointment to the cabinet as Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources in 1964; Robert Strachan as critic; his goals, priorities and accomplishments as minister; the relationships between provincial departments; and the offshore mineral rights issue. TRACK 2: Donald Brothers discusses the offshore mineral rights issue; private enterprise and crown corporations; the 1966 provincial election; the relative importance of mining in B.C.; efforts to promote the mining and forest industries; the creation of a new mining act; foreign investment in the mining industry; efforts to establish secondary industries in B.C.; and the Supreme Court decision on offshore mineral rights. CALL NUMBER: T3235:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Time as Minister of Education PERIOD COVERED: 1968-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses: mining policies in B.C.; assuming the Education portfolio; his priorities as Education minister; the creation of regional colleges; the nature of the Education portfolio and its main difficulties; interdepartmental and intradepartmental rivalry in the government; the nature of bureaucracy within the Department of Education; his accomplishments as Minister of Education; his department's relationship with the Department of Health and Labour; problems between teachers and government; the financing of education; the concept of core curriculum; and his perceptions of the nature of education. TRACK 2: Donald Brothers discusses: the problems of finance in the Department of Education; the development of post-secondary education; the Perry committee report; policy objectives as Education minister; outside criticism of the Department of Education; the nature of problems in policy implementation; Robert Sommers' attempt to regain the Social Credit nomination in 1969; the 1969 provincial election; the value of educational conferences; the purpose of a university education; legislation affecting the BCTF; and his perceptions of teachers. CALL NUMBER: T3235:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Education, government and B.C. politics PERIOD COVERED: 1968-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses: government-organized group relations; policy-making power in the Department of Education; press criticism by the Vancouver Sun and other newspapers; the provincial election of 1972; efforts by members of BCTF to dislodge him from his seat; the possible reasons for the Social Credit loss in 1972; his decision to retire from politics; the relationship between W.A.C. Bennett and Brothers; his travels with Bennett; his and Bennett's reaction to the defeat of Social Credit in 1972; his perception of W.A.C. Bennett as a leader; internal relations within the Social Credit government; the nature of cabinet meetings. TRACK 2: Donald Brothers discusses: the nature of cabinet meetings; his assessment of W.A.C. Bennett as premier; questionable policy decisions; power development and homeowner grants; the relationship between government and bureaucracies; decision making in his ministries; coming before Treasury Board; all night sittings of the Legislature; federal-provincial relations; offshore mineral rights; comparison between federal and provincial Social Credit parties; and his relationship with the press. CALL NUMBER: T3235:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Perceptions of Social Credit and politics in general PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Donald Brothers discusses: government-press relations; government-organized group relations; his perceptions of relations within other parties; his opinion of the NDP; his opinions of various; prominent Social Credit members; the Sommers affair; observations about the present Social Credit government; suggestions regarding education policy; his appointment as Queen's Council; his success as a politician; his present activities; the appeal of Social Credit to B.C. voters. TRACK 2: Donald Brothers discusses: the original appeal of Social Credit in B.C.; the nature of Social Credit and comparisons with other parties; reasons for the Social Credit loss in 1972; religion in the Social Credit Party; the role of the MLA; suggested amendments to legislative procedure; his general perceptions of government, government authority and government priorities; the government's role in society and in economic development. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Recollection of W.A.C. Bennett and the genesis of the Bank of B.C. PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1964 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-03-07 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Senator David Croll remembers W.A.C. Bennett as Premier of British Columbia. The 1964 Senate Bank Committee Hearings which looked into the B.C. government's proposal for a Bank of British Columbia. Premier Bennett's image from the perspective of Ottawa. The reasons for the failure of the Bank of British Columbia proposal. (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.]

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Mel Smith RECORDED: [location unknown], [1978?] SUMMARY: NOTE: Mel Smith was a member of B.C. public service for 31 years (1960-1991), and served as a Deputy Minister in various ministries from 1977 to 1991. From 1967 to 1987, he was B.C. government's leading advisor on constitutional reform and other issues involving federal-provincial relations. [No content summaries or documentation are available for this interview.]

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Ray Orchard interview PERIOD COVERED: 1931-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: An interview with Ray Orchard, Director of Provincial Information at the Ministry of the Provincial Secretary and Travel Industry. Orchard discusses: his childhood and education, the role of Lawrie Wallace on his life, going to Vic High, driving across Canada, working in radio and plays in England, getting married and moving back to Canada. Orchard then turns to his role in the 1971 centennial, and working for the Ministry of the Provincial Secretary. Discusses changes in the civil service when the NDP took over in 1972. Clare Copeland selling the provincial government time on the radio station CFAX. Ron Worley, an aide to W.A.C. Bennett, suggested Orchard be the voice of the government in the radio commercial. Commercial was called "Ask Your Provincial Government"; ran 5 times a day on Saturdays and Sundays. Difficulty in editing ministers responses; Orchard wanted the commercials to be informative, not just advertisements for the Social Credit Party. TRACK 2: Orchard continues discussing his role in the Ministry of the Provincial Secretary: Lawrie Wallace retained as deputy minister; Orchard's "Ask Your Provincial Government" was ended; duties he was responsible for as director of public information and personnel. Orchard says he has always been a generalist, so he liked the challenge of doing different things in the ministry. Discusses working with Mrs. McCarthy, Wayne Currie; satisfaction with the eventual split between the public information and the personnel roles; the new Socred government. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Leo Nimsick RECORDED: [location unknown], [1978?] SUMMARY: [No content documentation is available for this interview.];