Public affairs. Obituary for former BC Premier W.A.C. Bennett.

CALL NUMBER: T1675:0013 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The early years and family background of W.A.C. Bennett, 1900-1930 PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1930 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-05-12 SUMMARY: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his early years, the background of his family in New Brunswick, family relationships and early education. First interest in politics. Recollections of political figures. Apprenticeship in the hardware business. Moving to Edmonton after the First World War. Religious and business activities in Edmonton. Attitudes towards tobacco and alcohol. Meeting his future wife, Annie Elizabeth May Richards. Moving to British Columbia, 1930. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0014 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): British Columbia politics from the 1930s to the Second World War PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1939 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-08 SUMMARY: W.A.C. Bennett discusses British Columbia politics during the 1930s and comments on the personalities and political styles of Premiers Simon Fraser Tolmie and T.D. Pattullo. W.A.C. Bennett recounts his first involvement in provincial politics as a Conservative. Elected in 1941 in South Okanagan. Pattullo and the Rowell-Sirois Commission. Reasons why Pattullo was "turned out" by his own party. Formation of the coalition. Social Credit and economics during the Depression in the 1930s. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0015 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and Coalition politics in B.C., 1941-1951 PERIOD COVERED: 1941-1951 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-10-08 SUMMARY: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his service as an MLA on the Post-War Rehabilitation Council. The effect of Pat Maitland's death on the Coalition government. Bennett comments on his increasing disillusionment with the Coalition government which precipitated his crossing of the floor of the House in 1951. The 1948 Yale by-election. Bennett recollects his first attempt to enter politics in 1937. The origins of the single transferable ballot. Socialism and Social Credit. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0016 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett recalls the political battles of 1952 and 1975 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1975 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-12-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett recalls his response to the criticisms which were levelled at him after joining the Social Credit party. Attitudes towards the press. Comments on Tilly Rolston and the importance of her defection from the ranks of the Coalition government and decision to join Social Credit. The relationship between the Alberta Social Credit party and the fledgling Socred movement in B.C. Events surrounding Bennett's decision to join Social Credit. TRACK 2: Comments on the Social Credit convention of December 1951 and Bennett's decision not to run for the campaign leadership of the party. The meeting after the 1952 election at the Hotel Vancouver at which W.A.C. Bennett was chosen as leader of the Social Credit party. The 1952 election campaign. The importance of hospital insurance as an issue in the campaign. Anecdote about a campaign meeting at Golden where Bennett was confronted by Liberal hecklers led by Tom King. Religion and its importance in Social Credit election victories. Grace McCarthy, Dan Campbell and the rebuilding of the Social Credit party after the 1972 election defeat. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0017 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and Social Credit's rise to power in B.C., 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-12-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett recalls further aspects of the 1952 election campaign. Albertan Socreds in the election campaign. Political organization in the 1952 campaign. Waiting to be called upon to form a government. The role of leadership in politics. Lieutenant-Governor Clarence Wallace and the constitutional problem posed by the outcome of the election. Bennett assembles his prospective ministers in Victoria and prepares to assume office. Meeting with Clarence Wallace. Swearing in the new government. Tom Uphill's mistake. TRACK 2: Comments on the problem within Socred ranks after forming government. Social Credit was one coalition replacing another. Government and patronage. The importance of Bennett in the Socred victory. The role of the single transferable ballot. The Socreds were a "people's government". Economic development in British Columbia since 1952: the Columbia River Treaty, the two-rivers policy, the genesis of the homeowners' grant and parity bonds. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0018 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and the consolidation of power, 1952 PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1952 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-01-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the decline of the Coalition government in B.C. Reform elements within the Coalition. The Esquimalt by-election of 1951. Commander A.C. Wurtele and his reluctance to ;run as an independent candidate. The Esquimalt by-election campaign. The importance of the by-election. TRACK 2: W.A.C. Bennett discusses joining the Social Credit party. The influence of Eric Martin. The financial state of British Columbia's government at the time he assumed office, August 1952. Advice given to cabinet colleagues. Problems associated with acquiring legislative seats for Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson. Relations with the provincial civil service after forming the government. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0019 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and the Socreds' first session in the B.C. Legislature, 1953 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-01-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses problems he encountered after forming B.C.'s first Social Credit government, August, 1952. Problems within the Social Credit party. Relations with opposition parties in the House. The appeal of Social Credit. Einar Gunderson and his role in government. Robert Sommers and the Doukhobor issue. Meeting with Premier Manning in Edmonton, December 1952. Comments on the first session of the B.C. legislature presided over by a Socred administration, 1953. TRACK 2: Choosing a Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Coordination of House strategy with the Socred caucus. Initiation of pay-as-you-go policies for government expenditures. Harold Winch as Leader of the Opposition. The defeat of the Socred government in the House on the Rolston Formula. Preparation for defeat. Events following the defeat of the government in the House. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0020 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): W.A.C. Bennett and the 1953 provincial election PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-01-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the effect of not being called upon to form a government on Harold Winch. The provincial election campaign, 1953. The effect of the transferable ballot. Relations with the federal Social Credit party. Support of Real Caouette for the leadership of the federal party. Reasons for success in the 1953 election. Preference for use of the title "Prime Minister". Effects of becoming Premier on personal life. [TRACK 2: blank.]

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

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

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