SUMMARY: [No content information or documentation available for this recording.] NOTE: The last spike on the E&N was driven on August 13, 1886 by Prime Minister John A. Macdonald, at a location called "Cliffside".

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1979-11-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: A.L. Robinson discusses his experiences railroading: running from Prince Rupert to Prince George and then back to Prince Rupert (22.5 hours on shift alone) -- bad track, sore feet, once was off track for 1000 yards before anyone noticed, very frequent trips between these two towns; describes what he would do on a shift; places on the Grand Trunk; picking up and sorting the mail; never received overtime pay; incident when he was stuck in the woods for three days with no food due to a washout or a slide; the Island line is considered the best run in Canada; employed by the post office department, not the railway; 8 to 10 cars on a train on the Grand Trunk line; working on the Island meant shorter days than working in northern B.C.; postal service was much better in those days; salary of about $50 a month plus mileage; describes routes he traveled; mail service changed when it began to use trucks; letters with cancellations; incident at South Wellington where the track had been washed out. TRACK 2: Mr. Robinson discusses: incident in Chemainus when engineer lost a piston; celebrating the 93rd anniversary of the first train arrival in Nanaimo- only 3 people went; helping a young kid who was 'riding the rails' in the Depression. (End of interview)

Amor De Cosmos, British Columbia newspaperman and politician, was born in Nova Scotia as William Alexander Smith in 1825 and migrated to Victoria, via the California gold fields, in 1858. As editor of The Colonist, and elected representative in Vancouver Island's colonial government, De Cosmos was active in public affairs. Upon Confederation De Cosmos represented British Columbia (Victoria District) in the House of Commons at Ottawa from 1871 to 1882. During that time he was appointed a Special Agent on 14 October 1880 by George Anthony Walkem's provincial government to present the views of the provincial government to Sir John A. Macdonald's federal administration on the subject of the Vancouver Island section of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Unable to achieve positive results in Ottawa, De Cosmos proceeded to London in May 1881 to present the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Kimberley, with a petition to the Queen on the subject of Canada's railway obligations to British Columbia. He returned to Ottawa in November 1881 to pursue discussions with the various officials concerned. The provincial government relieved De Cosmos of his special duties in May 1882 whereupon De Cosmos returned to Victoria to contest unsuccessfully the June 1882 general election.

The papers consist chiefly of manuscript copies of telegrams, notes and letters between De Cosmos and others while he was acting as Special Agent of the government of British Columbia at Ottawa and London from 1880 to 1882. Some of the correspondence has been published in the 1881 B.C. Sessional Papers, pp. 490-494; see also "Papers relating to the mission of the Hon. Amor De Cosmos to London in 1881 . . . (NW 971B/B862pa); and 'Island railway papers compiled by Amor De Cosmos' (NW971B/D296).

One plan transferred to the map collection [also filmed with correspondence on microfilm reel A00792(1)]. One plan showing a proposed railway ferry between Nanaimo Harbour and English Bay, Burrard Inlet also between Gabriola Pass and Pont Grey has been transferred to the map collection as CM/A984. For related records, see GR-1306, Lieutenant Governor's correspondence.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Deep Cove and West Saanich Road, 1911-1930 RECORDED: Saanich (B.C.), 1981-09-01 SUMMARY: Arthur Thornton discusses the Deep Cove and West Saanich Road area, 1911-1930. In 1902, his parents came to Victoria, where they were shopkeepers until 1911, when they moved to the 9700 block (present designation) on West Saanich Road, and soon after to Deep Cove. Apart from the period 1916-1921, Mr. Thornton has remained in the Deep Cove area. As a young man, he helped run his parents' farm, and from time to time was employed by other farmers, and by the Sidney Trading Company as a delivery man. He recalls the people he knew and the life style of the period.

CALL NUMBER: T3355:0001 RECORDED: Ladysmith (B.C.), 1979-01-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Spike Carson discusses his background and how he got into railroading: born in Port Alberni in 1913; quit school at 14; worked as a carpenter's helper, then at a sawmill, learned to drive a truck; 1930 he began working for E&N Railway; worked all over the Island for E&N; at first, he was just a 'wiper'; first fast ride on a locomotive; went to APL to do braking in 1938- then 'firing', then running; stories about his running days (running engines); biggest train he ever handled; working on spurs; describes the locomotives; story about Hap Murray; anecdote about meeting someone who had never seen a locomotive before; oil vs. coal in the running of locomotives; log dump for the APL line. TRACK 2: Spike Carson: night shift and day shift tasks; further description of engines; Pacific Coast shay; after Port Alberni was finished he decided to drive trucks; driving trucks down by Franklin River; hurting his leg and having to stop work; helping with a steam engine up in Nanaimo; more on grades of lines; anecdotes about running a train in the mid-twentieth century.

CALL NUMBER: T3355:0002 RECORDED: Ladysmith (B.C.), 1979-01-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Spike Carson discusses: bridging loads of lumber out of the mill; machinery used in railroading at this time; many scares when he was firing; handling trains on slippery grades; used to hills because of his work in coastal B.C. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview.]

News item. Premier Bennett at a press conference. He says the CPR made a contract, years ago, with provincial government to run the E&N line "in perpetuty," even though the CPR has sold most of the land through which it runs. Traffic on the northern part of the line is increasing, Bennett says, as are the gross revenues. If service was discontinued, there would be a big increase in highway traffic, so its necessary to hold the CPR to its obligation.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: conducts a news conference RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-12-20 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In a news conference, Premier Bill Bennett discusses the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway, the BC Tel strike, his constituency work, the Prime Minister's suggestion (in his Christmas message) that we need faith, the Electoral Reform Commission, the Oak Bay by-election, and overseas opinion of BC. 20 December 1977. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T1707:0080 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: In a news conference and an interview RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-12-20 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In a press conference, Premier Bill Bennett makes observations upon his constituency work, the Prime Minister's Christmas message, electoral reform, the upcoming Oak Bay by-election of 1978, and the opinions held about BC overseas. He also discusses dominion/provincial relations and the E & N Railway. 20 December 1977. TRACK 2: In an interview with Jim Hume, Bennett discusses the upcoming Oak Bay by-election of 1978, dominion/provincial relations, and BC proposals made at a premiers' conference on economic planning. He also comments upon the retirement of the Lieutenant Governor, Walter Owen. 20 December 1977.

CALL NUMBER: T1707:0081 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Press conference RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In a news conference, Premier Bill Bennett sets the date for the 1978 Oak Bay by-election, as well as dates for the prorogation and the reconvening of the House. He comments on Prime Minister Trudeau's threatened use of force to keep Québec in confederation; he also discusses the BC Tel strike and the Royal Commission Special Report, and the Fort Nelson extension of the BCR. Among other issues mentioned are a federal dry dock in Vancouver, the BCRIC, and the E & N Railway appeal. 5 January 1978. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T1707:0094 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Interviewed by Hal Leiren RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-12-20 SUMMARY: In an interview with Hal Leiren, Premier Bill Bennett reviews his administration's accomplishments and talks about future prospects for BC. Among the issues discussed are the economy, education, unemployment, industry, transportation, national unity, French language education, Bennett's political aspirations, and labour relations. 20 December 1977. NOTE: TRANSCRIPT ONLY. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0095 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Speech to Roadbuilders Association RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1978-04-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Premier Bill Bennett's speech to the BC Roadbuilders Association, Vancouver 25 April 1978. [TRACK 2: blank.] CALL NUMBER: T1707:0096 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: News conference on E&N Railway RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-05-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Premier Bill Bennett at a news conference on the proposed cancellation of E & N Railway passenger service, 17 May 1978. [TRACK 2: blank.] CALL NUMBER: T1707:0097 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: News conference on trip to Alaska RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Premier Bill Bennett news conference following his two-day trip to Anchorage, Alaska, during which he met with Alaska Governor Hammond. Their talks dealt particularly with rail transportation. 31 May 1978. [TRACK 2: blank.] CALL NUMBER: T1707:0098 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Reaction to constitutional proposals RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-12 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In a news conference, Premier Bill Bennett discusses his government's reaction to the federal government's constitutional amendment proposals, 12 June 1978. [TRACK 2: blank.] CALL NUMBER: T1707:0099 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Speech to social credit convention RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1 & 2: Premier Bill Bennett's speech to the Social Credit Party's north shore "mini-convention", 17 June 1978. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0100 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Reaction to report on electoral redistribution RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-21 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Premier Bill Bennett reacts to the interim report on electoral redistribution by Judge Lawrence Eckardt. Bennett indicates that the recommendations for new political boundaries will be accepted without amendment and that legislation will be introduced shortly. [TRACK 2: blank?] CALL NUMBER: T1707:0101 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Interviewed by Sun reporter Neale Adams RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1 & 2: Premier Bill Bennett is interviewed by Vancouver Sun reporter Neale Adams, 23 June 1978. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0102 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: BC's response to federal constitutional proposals RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-27 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: At a news conference, Premier Bill Bennett discusses BC's response to the federal proposals for constitutional reform, 27 June 1978. [TRACK 2: blank?] CALL NUMBER: T1707:0103 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: News conference with Idaho Governor Evans RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-07-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Premier Bill Bennett and Idaho Governor John Evans at a news conference, following their meeting to discuss the possibility of energy exchanges, 6 July 1978. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T1707:0083 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Interviewed by Ed Ogle of Time Magazine RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In an interview with Ed Ogle of Time Magazine, Premier Bill Bennett discusses confederation, the western provinces' position on federalism and certain economic issues, and Rene Levesque and separatism. Bennett proposes limiting government growth, comments on the self-centered attitudes of politicians, French language rights, and Canadian multiculturalism. TRACK 2: Bennett claims Canadian federalism holds more flexibility than the American system, and claims his government will do everything possible to maintain national unity. He also speculates about the possible consequences of the break-up of confederation. 11 January 1978. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0084 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Announces electoral reform commission and E&N Railway decision RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-12 & 19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In a news conference, Premier Bill Bennett announces the appointment of Judge Lawrence Smith Eckardt as a commissioner under the Public Enquiries Act to make an enquiry into electoral reform. Bennett also answers questions on international fishing boundaries and gives the BC position on fishing limits. He discusses Claude Ryan's five region concept and various aspects of Canadian federalism. 12 January 1978. TRACK 2: In a press conference, Bennett announces the CTC decision to grant BC's request for a stay in the CPR order to suspend passenger services on the E & N Railway. The stay is valid for five months, during which the CPR will continue to provide passenger service. In the meantime, BC is to appeal the CPR decision in the courts. Bennett also discusses the importance of this service, and answers questions concerning the BCR and BC Tel. 19 January 1978. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0085 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: State of the province address message and Saanich Chambers of Commerce address RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-25 & 1978-02-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In a news conference, Premier Bill Bennett presents his economic and financial quarterly report (termed the "state of the province address"). Things are looking up in BC, Bennett states, and he relates how labour relations, industrial growth and the general economy have improved over the past year. He comments on legislation which has been passed and on the state of dominion/provincial relations, alluding to BC strategies and proposals to be adopted at an upcoming federal/provincial conference. He also calls for freer trade to bolster the economy. 25 January 1978. TRACK 2: In an address to the combined Chambers of Commerce in Saanich, Bennett speaks about the effort necessary to improve public access to government, and about the role of legislators. He relates how the province's economy has grown over the past two years, and suggests it is time for (realistic) optimism. Bennett also comments on provincial job creation efforts and federal/provincial resource development plans, 2 February 1978. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0086 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Remarks at First Ministers' Conference RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In his opening remarks to the First Ministers' Conference, Premier Bill Bennett discusses inflation, the economy, unemployment, finance, industry, natural resources and strategies to deal with problems in these areas, 13 February 1978. TRACK 2: During the afternoon sitting of the First Ministers' Conference, Bennett comments on the growth of the public sector in Canada, urging all governments to adopt a policy a policy of spending restraint, and proposes several methods of cutting government costs, 13 February 1978. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0087 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Press conference on throne speech, and sworn in as minister RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-03-30 & 1978-04-04 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In a press conference, Premier Bill Bennett discusses the throne speech. He announces that Harvey Wilfred Schroeder will be the new Speaker of the House, and Steven Rogers will be the deputy speaker. The throne speech deals with job creation, with an emphasis on small business and individual enterprise. Jobs are to be created in the private sector, aided by government efforts and deregulation. 30 March 1978. TRACK 2: Bennett is sworn in as Minister of Energy, Transport and Communications the day after Jack Davis's resignation, and conducts a press conference afterwards. Bennett asks his colleagues to endorse Evan Wolfe as the new director of BC Hydro and Sam Bawlf as the director of the BC Harbour Board. Bennett refuses to comment further on Davis's resignation. 4 April 1978. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0088 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Discusses Jack Davis's resignation and economic plans RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-04-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In a press conference, Premier Bill Bennett states that the investigation into the Jack Davis affair was instigated by a private individual, and claims that any minister must resign under similar circumstances. Davis would be restored to the premier's confidence if he is cleared. 6 April 1978. TRACK 2: In a news conference, Bennett discusses his economic plans for BC. He comments on the federal budget and sales tax reductions, and answers questions concerning unemployment and job creation efforts. 11 April 1978. NOTE: Unedited transcript is available for this track only. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0089 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Premier's post-Yorkton news conference RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-04-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In a news conference, Premier Bill Bennett comments on the viability of the Fort Nelson extension of the BCR, Cyril Shelford's proposed resignation, the upcoming federal election, and federal;/provincial financial arrangements. 17 April 1978. TRACK 2: Bennett announces that regular economic meetings between the provinces and Ottawa will commence. 17 April 1978. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0090 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Meets northern mayors about BCR extension RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-04-20 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mayors from northeastern BC meet with Premier Bill Bennett to persuade his government to extend the BC Railway to Fort Nelson. They present various economic and political arguments to further their case. 20 April 1978. TRACK 2: Bennett responds by stating that the matter will have to be studied further before any decision is made. 20 April 1978. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0091 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Post-Trudeau visit press conference RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-11-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: In a press conference, Premier Bill Bennett discusses the results of his meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau. The discussion touched on aspects of the national economy, the teaching of the French language, national unity, the constitution, and the five regions concept of Canadian federalism. 1 November 1977. [TRACK 2: blank.] CALL NUMBER: T1707:0092 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Interview with Gary Bannerman (part 1) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1 and 2: In a radio hot line program interview with Gary Bannerman on CKNW Vancouver, Premier Bill Bennett discusses northern development through the extension of the BC Railway, government plans to stimulate the economy, and the employment situation in BC. 25 January 1978. CALL NUMBER: T1707:0093 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Bennett: Interview with Gary Bannerman (part 2) RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1 & 2: In a radio hot line program interview with Gary Bannerman on CKNW Vancouver, Premier Bill Bennett answers questions from listeners across the province. He discusses liquor legislation, the distribution of government information, the role of government, and various government services. 25 January 1978.

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1973-08-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Billy Thomas recalls growing up in the Chemainus area around the 1870's. His father came into the Cowichan district about 1862. Mr. Thomas describes early Chemainus; the mill; schooling; rail;way; water transportation; roads; clearing land; and cattle farming. [TRACK 2: blank.]

Amateur film. B&W: Parade. MacMillan Bloedel lumber yard. COLOUR: Beach. People, bagpiper, rocks, etc. Boat trip; passes fishing town, some sort of plant. Train trip (by CPR to Qualicum from Parksville?); scenery; a fair with races, games, eating, etc. Royal visit: Victoria (Douglas and Yates); Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip [?]; good shots of street and buildings; the Empress Hotel in full decoration. 1958 May Day, dancers, parade.

CALL NUMBER: T1289:0001 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1962-03 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mrs. Bullen talks about early Victoria; her mother's family, the Mouats; her father's family, the Helmckens; recollections about her grandfather John Sebastian Helmcken; social life at Helmcken House; family connections; family evenings; the family Christmas dinner; her father; memories of Victoria; building the Parliament Buildings; local characters; James Bay residents. TRACK 2: Mrs.; Bullen continues with her recollections of early Victoria; the Langford family; W.J. Macdonald's family; Bishop Cridge; musical life in Victoria; amateur theatricals; effect of the Klondike gold rush; downtown Victoria. Captain Douglas Bullen talks about performances by Colonel Peters; army songs; Christmas dinners with Mr. Justice Drake; and the history of the Esquimalt Marine Railway; the BC M;arine Railway; and Yarrows shipyards.

CALL NUMBER: T1289:0002 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1962-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mrs. Bullen, interviewed in Helmcken House, discusses New Year's parties; she talks about the significance and location of various pieces of furniture; Rogers Chocolates; various rooms; the ;garden; Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken; Christmas celebrations; additions to the house; Dr. Helmcken's room; recollections of the Douglas property and Mrs. Dennis Harris, one of the Douglas daughters. T;RACK 2: Mrs. Bullen continues with her interview in Helmcken House; she discusses various items of furniture; memories of Dr. Helmcken; James D. Helmcken; Harry Helmcken; the garden; the orchard; the; mud flats; Dr. Helmcken's children; James Douglas Helmcken; the children's education; Dr. Helmcken's office and his appearance.;

Stock shots. 1. Synagogue; church steeple; church exteriors. 2. Beaconville Apartments. 3. Congregation Emanuel Temple (Canada's oldest synagogue) being restored. 4. Unidentified interview [Rabbi or architect?]. 5. Metropolitan Store; street scenes. 6. Oak Bay Village. 7. Johnson Street Bridge. 8. Chinese hospital. 9. Coastal scenes. 10. E&N Railway 90th anniversary (1888-1978); train, station, engineer, conductor, etc. 11. Airport -- Air Canada counter. 12. Old Carnegie Library building. 13. Church interior -- Stations of the Cross. 14. St. Anne's Academy -- development plans. 15. Chinatown scenes. 16. Artist's drawing of gate; chart on wall, ending at June 28, 1981. 17. Undeveloped city land [ at St. Anne's?]. 18. Construction site. 19. Sewage outfall; protest banner; Clover Point. 20. Wrecking ball on the waterfront. 21. Office building and mall nearing completion. 22. Refinishing plaster work and gilt finish. Crystal Garden renovation. 23. Construction site. 24. Old building being renovated -- construction scenes.

The fonds consists of records documenting the professional and personal life of Donald MacLachlan. The predominant theme of the records is MacLachlan's involvement in the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway, its history, operations, and advocacy when threatened with closure. The records contain textual material, photographs and plans, maps and drawings both created and collected by MacLachlan.

News item. A spokesman points out that all costs of public transportation must be met by the users. Until people realize this, there isn't much hope for the E&N or any other public transporter in North America. He makes the point that railways are the only form of public transportation where all costs can be accumulated. Some very good shots of the dayliner.

Television stock shots

Television stock shots

Television stock shots. News insert material about the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway on Vancouver Island.

News item. The CPR wants to abandon the E&N railway line because two trestles need extensive repair. Unidentified spokesman says BC government is willing to buy the line if the CPR will return all the free land it received when the line was first put in.

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1965-08-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Cox recounts his family coming to Alberni; his grandfather worked at the Cape Beale Lighthouse in 1879; his father was the first Provincial Policeman in Alberni; his mother's father [Kirkpatrick] was the first blacksmith and came to Alberni in 1886. He describes Indian ceremonial dances he witnessed performed at Alberni in the longhouses; he discusses Indian culture and language. He recalls Alberni mills and logging the town; and schooling. TRACK 2: Mr. Cox continues his recollections about Alberni; transportation; the stage; railway; water transportation; doctors; miners; policing; automobiles; roads; Port Alberni; early settlers; and farming. He recalls his work on the CPR ships that went from Alberni to Victoria, stopping at Port Renfrew and Clo-oose. He talks about the telegraph trail and station at Bamfield; the wreck of the "Carelmapu"; stopping at Ucluelet and Clayoquot; the whaling stations.

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1965-08-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mrs. King, nee McKay, recounts the arrival of her family at Union Bay; she and her brother were the first white children born in Union Bay; her mother was the district nurse. She recalls early life in Union Bay; Cumberland; bank and store robberies; construction of the railway; Hindu workers; her family's farm; schooling; coal mining; "One-Eye Anderson", Adolph Anderson; Denman Island residents; Hornby Island residents; reminiscences of Union Bay past and present. [TRACK 2: blank.]

RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1989-10-28 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Childhood in Victoria from 1908; railways; horse transportation; fire service; BC Electric Railway construction; railway competition; advent of the motor car/bus, 1919-1920; apprenticeship to; coach-builders; John Meston [?]; whaling equipment; building commercial vehicles; streetcars; winter of 1916; street lighting; World War I; shipping in Victoria harbour; Empress Hotel; BC Electric st;ation and freight yards; the ice man. TRACK 2: Victoria's water supply; rail trips via BC Electric and CN; trip to Deerholme; wagon teams; coal and wood deliveries; career at Metsons and bus building; the Depression, ca. 1930; enters teaching profession; his own school days; WWII -- war effort, shipyard work and civil defence; the E&N railway; Victoria's brickyards; industries of the Inner Harbou;r and their decline; the Gorge amusement park.;

Amateur film. Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway passenger train carrying up-island children; bedecked street car (May Street); 3- funnel ship [the "Princess Kathleen"?]; passenger train arrives; boy scouts; passenger train; King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in car; ship "Prince Robert" leaves harbour; Thomas Lowe on house porch, Linden Street.

Amateur film. Waves; E&N passenger train around bend (probably branch line to Port Alberni); 1946 May Day parade; Indian canoe races in the Gorge; swan, flowers; Little Qualicum Falls; coastline; E&N passenger train departs from Victoria station; Governor General and officer cadets [?]; backyard leisure.

The item is an audio recording of an interview with George Lutz and Jack Vetleson in 1974.
T0538:0001 track 1: Lutz and Vetleson came to Nimpkish Valley, 1943-44. Story of Lutz's arrival, 1943. Description of Englewood B.C. ca. 1943. Bunkhouse conditions, 1940s. Description of Immigrant labourers. Hiring practices and anecdotes about hiring practices. Holiday shut downs. Anecdotes about loggers and alcohol. Attitudes toward loggers. "Spending sprees". Loggers' salaries. Falling techniques and early chain saws. "Eight Day Wilson" and other legendary loggers. "Mancatchers" and other anecdotes.
T0538:0001 track 2: Anecdotes about drinking. "Mancatcher" story (cont'd). Vancouver "hangouts" of loggers. Black's (a loggers' agency). Working conditions in tough camps. Loggers' financial problems. Problems with coastal travel and transportation. Ship schedules to Englewood. Anecdotes about loggers' games and competitions. Description of railway logging. Bringing in a locomotive to the Englewood area and re-building the railway line, ca. 1946. More on railway logging (methods and techniques).

T0538:0002 track 1: Learning how to run different types of equipment (grapples, cat-sides). Duties of the Equalizer (foreman). Uses of the steam locomotives and laying track. Moving a skyline, by hand. Lack of concern for minor injuries. Anecdotes about card playing, movies and recreation. Laying track, runaways, accidents while working on the railway. Anecdotes about working on the railway. Replacing the steam locomotives. Anecdotes about the camp sanitation facilities. Rough-housing in the camp.
T0538:0002 track 2: Community life in Woss. Laying in and cutting wood supplies for the winter. Superintendent McEachern, C. Hunter and railway anecdotes. The process of building the railway. The track laying machine built at Englewood. The many uses of powder and blasting. The innovative nature of loggers. Sam Madill equipment manufacturer. Using old logging equipment. Superintendent Russell Mills. Making logger's punch. Safety concerns in the 1940s. Introduction of hardhats, 1952-53.

T0538:0003 track 1: Work safety, 1940s through 1970s. Establishment of first safety committee in the Nimpkish Valley, 1948-50. Problems enforcing safety regulations, 1970s. Safety rallies in 1950s-60s. Working in the winter, 1940s. Camp pets, anecdotes. First aid men, 1940s and 1970s. Single men and married men in camp. Choosing supervisory personnel, 1970s.
T0538:0003 track 2: Supervisors in 1949. Worker advancement in the 1940s. Management of loggers in 1940s and 1970s.

Also included are two photographs.

Correspondence, 1905, Robert (Robin) W. Dunsmuir to James J. Hill soliciting financial aid to purchase the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway from James Dunsmuir thereby preventing the purchase of the railway by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.

Photocopy presented by David Wilkie, Victoria, 1976. Original in the possession of the Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, Minnesota.