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Provincial Archives of British Columbia audio interviews, 1974-1992 Labor unions--British Columbia--History
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Leo Nimsick interview : [Reimer & Petter, 1978 : part 1]

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early years: childhood, the Depression, and political interests PERIOD COVERED: 1908-1933 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses his family background: father, mother, move to B.C. from Ontario, birth and childhood in Rossland, brothers and sisters. Recollections of: WW I; post-war years; Russian Revolution; One Big Union; 1920s; Depression; high school and university (UBC). Service Clubs: Knights of Columbus, Eagles. Anecdote: rounding up steers near Rossland. Early work history: various mines, Cominco (Consolidated Mining and Smelting Co.). TRACK 2: Conditions in Rossland during the Depression. Early political interests and recollections. Joined Liberal Party, 1930. Quit Liberal Party. Formed first C.C.F. club in Canada, 1932. Influence of: Social Credit, Dr. Lyle Telford (visits Rossland, 1933), Harold Winch. 1933 election: Jack Gordon dumped as Rossland C.C.F. candidate in favour of Vancouverite George Weaver. Rossland C.C.F. affiliates with the provincial organization, April 1933.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Early political involvement, 1933-1945 PERIOD COVERED: 1933-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Nimsick discusses: influence of unions on Rossland C.C.F. (Western Federation of Miners); affiliation with provincial organization (cont'd); Regina Manifesto; influence of provincial party on Rossland C.C.F. Leo addresses his first meeting in Castlegar, 1933. Nature of the 1933 provincial campaign in Rossland-Trail. Reaction to: outcome of election, Connell, Winches. Discusses the Connell split. Telford prevented from becoming leader. Describes the 1935 federal election (Herridge vs. Esling in the West Kootenays). Leo's involvement in provincial party affairs. More on the Connell split: role of Ernie Winch. Communist influences in the C.C.F. TRACK 2: Communist influences in the C.C.F. (cont'd). Social Credit influence. 1937 provincial election: Leo runs against Burns in Rossland-Trail. Cominco's reaction to Leo's candidacy. Leo's reaction to the campaign. Controversy surrounding A.M. Stephen and other expulsions from the C.C.F. Wife's role in the 1937 election campaign. Living conditions during the Depression. Suspension of Nimsick from the C.C.F. (1938 or 1939). 1940 federal election campaign (Herridge vs. Esling again). Leo reinstated in C.C.F. (1944). 1941 provincial election (Herridge elected in Rossland-Trail). 1945 federal election. Herridge controversy and subsequent expulsion of Herridge and Leo from the C.C.F. Herridge elected as People's C.C.F. candidate. Charges of communism levelled against Herridge and Leo. Leo moves to Kimberly.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Municipal, provincial and federal politics, 1937-1941 PERIOD COVERED: 1937-1941 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: (aside: Leo reinstated 1948). Feud with Harold Winch, ca. 1938. C.C.F. position on WW II. J.S. Woodsworth in Rossland-Trail. Leo's position on World War II. Involvement in municipal politics. Rossland Co-operative Transportation Society. TRACK 2: Origins of Herridge-C.C.F. dispute. 1941 provincial election and splits in the C.C.F. National party vs. provincial C.C.F. Reaction to Pattullo and the Coalition government in B.C.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Union politics and the Herridge controversy, 1937-1941 PERIOD COVERED: 1937-1944 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Coalition (continued). The Japanese issue: Leo visits an internment camp. The organization of Cominco in Rossland-Trail by the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers. History of unionization in Rossland (Western Federation of Miners). TRACK 2: Nature of MMSW's first agreement. Recollection of: Blaylock, Diamond, and Harvey Murphy. Herridge-C.C.F. dispute: Herridge's involvement in provincial politics, the decision to run him federally in Kootenay West over the objections of the provincial caucus.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Herridge controversy and 1949 provincial election, 1944-1949 PERIOD COVERED: 1944-1949 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: Herridge dispute (cont'd), split with provincial party; Herridge's role in the dispute; accusations of communism levelled against Herridge and Nimsick; the federal party's role in the dispute; Herridge nominated federally; decision to form the People's C.C.F. Leo then transferred to Kimberley. Herridge, Leo and others expelled from C.C.F. Discusses 1945 federal election, 1945 provincial election, and the decision to run People's C.C.F. candidates. Relations between C.C.F. and Labour Progressive Party (LPP). B.C. Federation of Labour involvement in provincial politics (Leo attends first meeting). Coalition government: labour relations and the 1945 provincial election. TRACK 2: Leo Nimsick discusses: life in Kimberley, the effect of Douglas victory in Saskatchewan, Harding and Coldwell's roles in repairing rift between C.C.F. and People's C.C.F. Herridge reinstated. General recollections regarding Herridge's career. Nimsick's new job for company: relations with union. Nimsick runs for C.C.F. nomination in Cranbrook and wins. Problems getting provincial executive to accept nomination. Problems relating to expulsion of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers from CLC. Comments on 1949 campaign and Harold Winch.

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The 1949 provincial election and post-election period PERIOD COVERED: 1949-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: the 1949 provincial election (cont'd); his win and the subsequent recount; campaign tactics and style; Native voters; 1949 C.C.F. caucus; 1949 federal election; story regarding an appendicitis attack. Relations with Cominco (Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company). Relations between C.C.F. and Nimsick. TRACK 2: Reaction to drift of C.C.F. away from Regina Manifesto. Involvement with and reaction to battle between Steelworkers and Mine, Mill unions in Trail. The 1950 session, the 1950 C.C.F. provincial convention in Penticton, general observations and comments regarding dispute. Nimsick's role in party conflicts and party affairs (as an outsider).

CALL NUMBER: T3224:0007 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): First legislative experiences, 1950 PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Nimsick discusses: disputes and expulsions within C.C.F. (Socialist Fellowship); first session, 1950; recollections of first speeches (call for welfare reform); reaction to legislative traditions; relations with Winch and C.C.F. caucus; relations with Coalition. Description of individual C.C.F. and Coalition members, ca. 1950. TRACK 2: Description of individual C.C.F. and Coalition members (cont'd). Hospital insurance issue.

Nobuyoki Ichikawa interview

CALL NUMBER: T2395:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Mr. Ichikawa relates experience of coming to Canada and early jobs PERIOD COVERED: 1918-1935 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1974 SUMMARY: Mr. Ichikawa's experiences on the trip from Japan. Working in a sawmill in Richmond, B.C. Commentary on several jobs which he held in Vancouver: milk factory, railroad, grocery store. CALL NUMBER: T2395:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Japanese-Canadian labour unions and personal job experience PERIOD COVERED: 1925-1937 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1974 SUMMARY: Mr. Ichikawa's experiences working in a logging camp. Discusses working at a sawmill on Vancouver Island. Gossip about Japanese Labour Unions and Japanese 'semi' mafia. Visiting Japan. CALL NUMBER: T2395:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): A Japanese-Canadian visit to Japan : some impressions PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1937 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1974 SUMMARY: Visiting Japan. [Most of this tape is blank.] CALL NUMBER: T2395:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): World War II and changes in the Japanese community PERIOD COVERED: 1937-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1974 SUMMARY: Mr. Ichikawa's experiences working in a Nitric Acid Factory in Ontario. World War II and evacuation. Timber mill. Influence of World War II and changes in Japanese community. (End of interview)

John Kloss interview

The item is an audio recording of an interview with John Kloss in 1974.
T0540:0001 track 1: Mr. Kloss discusses his experiences on logging railroads. First worked in the woods, 1927; various woods jobs; working on steam locomotives for various coastal logging companies; work and wages; unionism and strikes in the 1930s, including the formation of the I.W.A.; 1934 strike at Alberni-Pacific Logging Co.
T0540:0001 track 2: Mr. Kloss discusses the 1934 forest industry strike (cont'd); logging camp life on the coast, 1927-1946; Canadian Forest Products' Englewood camp. Mr. Kloss provides details about logging locomotive operation, including: the end of steam locomotives and the advent of diesel electric locomotives.

T0540:0002 track 1: Mr. Kloss describes the differences between steam locomotives and diesel electric locomotives. Movement of rail operation from Englewood to Beaver Cove and Woss run, 1957. Life in various Nimpkish Valley camps: Nimpkish and Woss. Minor railroad accidents described. Problems of union organization at Salmon River and other logging camps. Summary remarks.

Tom McPherson interview

CALL NUMBER: T0543:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Tom McPherson: CanFor Railway, repair shop charge hand, woods life, 1938-74 PERIOD COVERED: 1938-1974 RECORDED: Beaver Cove (B.C.), 1974-07-30 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Tom McPherson discusses: the functioning of a railway repair shop; railway repair shop construction at Nimpkish camp, 1955; repair procedure before 1950; changes in the construction of railway rolling stock at Nimpkish, 1950-1974; end of wooden rolling stock, 1960; working life of a wooden flatcar; care and maintenance of equipment; early life in the logging industry; tugs and logging barges on the coast, 1938. Starting to work in Repair shops, 1938. Acts as a 'boomer' following the war, 1946-48. Limitations of the seniority system and unions. Arrival and work at Englewood, 1948. Supervisors at Englewood, 1948. Changes in working conditions at Nimpkish, 1948-74. Membership in the IWA and belief in unions. Management and union positions during a strike. TRACK 2: Greatest change in IWA since 1938. Company attitudes toward union membership, 1938-50. Basis of union recruitment. Description of early union men and organizers, 1940s. Place of Scandinavians in early union organizing, 1940s. Organizing of union locals, 1935-45. Importance of unions in improving safety conditions. Canfor's concern for safety conditions at Nimpkish. Living conditions at Englewood camp, 1938. Good and bad accommodation, 1938. Social relations at Nimpkish camp, 1938-1974. Mobility in and out of camps, 1938-1974. CALL NUMBER: T0543:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Tom McPherson: CanFor Railway, repair shop charge hand, woods life, 1938-74 PERIOD COVERED: 1938-1974 RECORDED: Beaver Cove (B.C.), 1974-07-30 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Changes in Englewood since construction of the highway. Organizations and social activities in the camps. Anecdotes about memorable people in the Nimpkish Valley. Thoughts on being a Canadian; and the importance of aural history. The Lumber Jack Club and Women's Institute. [TRACK 2: blank; End of interview]

Thomas S. Barnett interview

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

Sam Hardy interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Sam Hardy : woods work, 1940-1974 PERIOD COVERED: 1925-1974 RECORDED: Beaver Cove (B.C.), 1974-07-29 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Hardy describes: early life in logging camps, 1925-40; Malahat Logging Company; starting as a boom man, 1940; description of boom and raft operations; anecdote about a Davis raft that got away; moving from camp to camp and job to job; working sequence in boom work; accident rate frequency, 1940-1974. Discusses: sequence of jobs on rigging crew, 1940s; job descriptions of chokerman, rigging slinger, hook tender, steel spar engineer, and chaser. Arrival in Nimpkish Valley, 1945; duties of second loader; problems with "foot draggers"; competition between crews; getting a job on the railway; move to Nimpkish, 1948; description of Woss camp construction. Anecdotes about smuggling alcohol into camps; joining the IWA and union activity; early union activity and organizing; worker attitudes toward the union; negotiations and strikes. TRACK 2: Mr. Hardy discusses: mornings on the Nimpkish Railway, 1940s; functioning of the railway network at Nimpkish; railway safety; differences between steam and diesel railway engines; maintenance on steam locomotives; pride in work; Russell Mills; Canfor as an employer; labour relations at Nimpkish. (End of interview)

Art E. Newman interview

CALL NUMBER: T0542:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Production Superintendent for Canadian Forest Products PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1975 RECORDED: Beaver Cove (B.C.), 1974-07-29 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Art Newman discusses: techniques and skills in hand falling, 1930; predominance of Scandinavians in falling, 1930s; importance of Scandinavians in organizing the IWA; responsibility of the bull buckers in setting prices and contract rates, 1930-1964; the process of setting contract rates and production priorities; becomes a bull bucker, 1946. Talks about problems of the bull bucker: quality, accident prevention, costs and production. Dealing with men. Qualities of a good faller. Differences in falling small and large timber. The faller's "mistake book". Type and frequency of accidents. Coming to Nimpkish, 1946. Accepting responsibilities in the logging industry. The making of a supervisor. TRACK 2: Art Newman discusses: his move to Woss camp, 1946; logging sites surrounding Woss camp 1946-47; life in Nimpkish camp, 1946-60; getting assistance to the camps in emergencies; family life in Nimpkish; recreation and community activities; problems with alcohol; logging methods during late 1940s; sizes of settings, 1940-70s; transition from hand falling to power saw falling, 1935-50; changes in amounts of timber cut per man per day, 1930-75. Talks about his acquisition of logging knowledge. CALL NUMBER: T0542:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Production Superintendent for Canadian Forest Products PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1974 RECORDED: Beaver Cove (B.C.), 1974-07-29 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Reasons for changeover to railway/truck logging from strictly railway logging. Description of Russell Mills. Membership in the IWA, 1942-46. Changes in the IWA union, 1946-74. Communist influence of IWA, 1945-50. [TRACK 2: blank.; end of interview.]

Owen Hennigar interview

CALL NUMBER: T0546:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Manager for Canfor, Englewood Division - coastal logging PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1974 RECORDED: Beaver Cove (B.C.), 1974-07-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Hennigar discusses his first involvement in the forest industry: Gyppo logging near Powell River, 1935-37. Joins B.C. Forest Service, 1937-39. Work as a ranger-assistant: inspections, maintenance. Return to Gyppo logging, 1939. Cat logging, 1939-41. Move to Englewood, 1942. The sawmill at Englewood. History of company ownership in the Nimpkish Valley. Rebuilding the railway from Englewood to camp L. Description of the area logged by Wood and English. Canfor operations in the Nimpkish Valley, 1942. Evaluation of cat logging and environmental impact. TRACK 2: Attitudes toward environmental factors in logging, 1940-60. Description of various supervisory jobs held, 1944-74. Woods foreman, 1947-53. Camp superintendent's duties 1953-64. Resident manager, 1964-74. Description of an average camp in the Nimpkish, 1940s. Loggers' attitudes toward their jobs, 1940s. Changes in safety practices, 1940-74. Introduction of compulsory safety equipment, 1948-74. Concerns for worker safety. Safety rallies, 1950s. CALL NUMBER: T0546:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Manager for Canfor, Englewood Division - coastal logging PERIOD COVERED: 1935-1974 RECORDED: Beaver Cove (B.C.), 1974-07-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dealing with industrial accidents and safety. Description of Russell Mills. Description of Bill McMahan. Duties of production superintendents, 1954-64. Membership in the IWA, 1942-47. Changes in the IWA, 1940-47. Expiration of logging contracts. Changes in worker attitudes, hiring, suspensions, firings. Problems of wildcat strikes and negotiating contracts. Problems of railway logging. Ecological concerns in log industry and government policy. TRACK 2: Attitudes of management toward environmental concerns. Sustained yield logging. Multiple land use in the forests. Major changes at Englewood division, 1964-74. Dry-land sorting procedure. Change in types of individuals employed as loggers, 1940-74. Changes in forest industry methods and equipment, 1940-74. (End of interview)

Thomas B. Scott interview

CALL NUMBER: T0548:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The career of a timber cruiser and logging layout man PERIOD COVERED: 1919-1941 RECORDED: Nanaimo (B.C.), 1974-08-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses first involvement in the forest industry. Description of ground lead and high lead logging. Job of the 'tallyman'. The Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau. Cruising with Hibberson and Ryan, 1921-26. Working on government sponsored taxation cruise. Number of employees on Hibberson and Ryan Crew. Logistical problems in early timber cruising. Camp life and woods work while timber cruising, 1920s. TRACK 2: Anecdotes about storing food and problems with animals in the woods. Problems with insects. Waste in milling operations. Duties of the Compass man. Bullbucking and learning logging layouts, 1925-1935. Anecdote about M.A. Grainger. Working for Alberni Pacific Logging Company and later MacMillan & Bloedel. CALL NUMBER: T0548:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The career of a timber cruiser and logging layout man, 1919-74 RECORDED: Nanaimo (B.C.), 1974-08-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Greater emphasis on timber cruising, 1940s. Purchasing and operational cruising responsibilities, 1938-67. Chief Cruiser for MacMillan & Bloedel. Confidential nature of timber cruising. Efficiency of logging industry, 1936-74. Feasibility studies for Prince Rupert pulp mill. Work since retirement, 1967-74. Description of timber cruising methods, 1936-74. TRACK 2: Training of timber cruiser. Comments on the E and N Railway land grants and the effect on coast logging. Eustace Smith, Hal Gardiner, and Harry Baxter. The making of a good timber cruiser. Comments on labour unions, 1934-74. General comments on life as a timber cruiser. (End of interview)

William N. Chant interview : [Reimer, 1975 & 1976 : part 1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dora Kloss interview

The item is an audio recording of an interview with Dora Kloss in 1974.
T0539:0001 track 1: Dora Kloss describes Vancouver Island logging camp life and conditions, 1934-1974. She discusses: Nahmint Bay logging camp, ca. 1934; strike at Nahmint Bay, 1934; union activity of loggers, and the company's reaction, 1930s; life in the Salmon River logging camp; unemployed loggers, 1930s; logger transience and its effect on family life; the problem of schooling.
T0539:0001 track 2: Mrs. Kloss discusses B.C. coastal transportation and travel (Union Steamships), 1930s and 1940s; medical problems and illness in isolated logging camps, 1934-1945; loggers' vacations and recreation; moving to Englewood, 1946-1947; housing facilities in Englewood, 1947. Englewood camp life (continued): installation of electrical power, 1948; ordering groceries and mail order shopping, 1940s; steamship arrivals and freight rates; health care in Alert Bay, 1946. Social life for women: the Women's Institute.

T0539:0002 track 1: Mrs. Kloss discusses women's lives in logging camps, 1940s; homemaking and gardening in Sayward and Englewood, 1939-1948; move to Nimpkish, 1957; activities of the Women's Institute at Nimpkish, 1940s. Life in the Englewood area, 1946-1974.

Hachiro Miyazawa interview

CALL NUMBER: T2401:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Japanese-Canadian labour unions PERIOD COVERED: 1907-1920 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: Mr. Miyazawa discusses: the labour union and the Japanese; his many job experiences; his campaign as chairman of the Japanese Labour Union.;

CALL NUMBER: T2401:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Labour unions PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: Mr. Miyazawa discusses: his family; his health; visiting Japan; and the Japanese-Canadian Labour Union.;

CALL NUMBER: T2401:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Japanese-Canadian labour unions and human rights PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1976 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: Mr. Miyazawa talks about: the Japanese labour union; a Japanese newspaper; and the human rights of Japanese-Canadians.;

CALL NUMBER: T2401:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The impact of World War II PERIOD COVERED: 1941-1941 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976 SUMMARY: Discussion of World War II. [Most of this tape is blank.] (End of interview);

Stanley Isaacson interview

CALL NUMBER: T3183:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Stanley Isaacson: Canadian Colleries (Dunsmuir) Ltd., 1920-1964 (part 1) PERIOD COVERED: 1905-1964 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Isaacson discusses: the sale, by James Dunsmuir, of his Vancouver Island collieries to Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir) Ltd., 1910. The role of Sir William Mackenzie and Sir Donald Mann. Comments on Robert and James Dunsmuir. The economic forces operating on the Vancouver Island coal fields, ca. 1910. Mackenzie and Mann's finances. Isaacson came to Canada in 1920. The 1921 reorganization of Canadian Collieries. Labour difficulties and the 1912-13 strike. Discussion of the 1913 strike. Labour practises of the Dunsmuirs. TRACK 2: Isaacson tells the story of the 1913 strike. Effects of the strike. Labour relations of Canadian Collieries after 1913. "Company union" prevails until 1937. Canadian Collieries not a money-maker. Difficult mining conditions. Sports as a diversion from labour grievances. Increase in coal production during Depression. United Mine Workers organize Canadian Collieries, 1937. Description of the organization of Canadian Collieries. Underground jobs in a coal mine.; CALL NUMBER: T3183:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Stanley Isaacson: Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir) Ltd., 1920-1964 (part 2) PERIOD COVERED: 1905-1964 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Isaacson's association with Canadian Collieries starting in 1921. Continuation of description of underground jobs. Rates of pay. Managerial organization of Canadian Collieries. Sales staff. Isaacson becomes treasurer of Canadian Collieries in 1942 and Vice-President (Finance) in 1953. Isaacson born 1897 in England. Educated at English public schools. Isaacson's WW I experience. Wounded in the Battle of the Somme. Isaacson to Prince Rupert in 1920. Anecdote about Isaacson's arrival in Prince Rupert. The history of Lazard Freres, bankers. TRACK 2: Isaacson's father general manager for Lazard's. Lazard's described. Isaacson worked in Montreal, 1921-42. Work on "The Town of Mount Royal". Isaacson's positions with Canadian Collieries: assistant secretary, legal advisor, registrar, treasurer, Vice-President (Finance). Canadian Collieries sold to Weldwood of Canada, 1965. Isaacson describes going underground in a coal mine. Explosions blamed on Chinese. Mine safety. Company's attitude towards safety coal mine fires. (End of interview)