'|_HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE’: Bryan breaks with Socre By BERT WHYTE VICTORIA, B.C. — For the first time since W. A. C. Bennett deserted the Tories in 1951, an MLA quit government ranks this week when J. Melvin Bryan, Socred member for North Vancouver, crossed the floor of the House to sit on the opposition side as an independent Bryan took this drastic action because the government ignored his demand made in the House last week that Attorney-General Robert Bonner resi Sommers case. It was a grim-faced prem- ier that listened to the young backbencher declare his “com- pletel lack ef confidence in the government which sup- ports the present attorney-gen- eral.” And no sooner had Bryan crossed the floor, while CCF ‘and Liberal members pounded their desks, than Premier Ben- nett was on his feet, waving one arm as he launched into a bitter personal attack on his former follower. Declaring that Bryan had never been a real supporter ‘of Social Credit, the premier charged that the North Van- couver MLA had “gone out and recruited a lot of mem- bers and packed the nominat- ing convention in order to win nomination prior to the 1956 election.” There were interruptions and cries of “Shame!” from the Opposition, and CCF lead- er Robert Strachan demanded the right to speak “because the premier has engaged in debate... :” “You may make a_ short statement ruled the Speaker. “The premier should cast his mind back to the time when he did the same thing, and was right at the time . 2 began Strachan. OVALTINE CAFE 251 EAST HASTINGS Vancouver, B.C. QUALITY SERVICE PATRONIZE CEDAR FUEL & TRANSFER Phone: 566-R-3 Cedar, B.C. Ges Installations FURNACES — STOVES WATER HEATERS Harry C. Weinstein GAS CONTRACTOR 692 East Hastings MUtual 3-5044 Res.: AL. 2991-L FREE ESTIMATES “Tm right today,” snapped Bennett. “T say history will prove that the first member, from North Vancouver was right today, when he followed a course of action on principle in relation to a government for whom. the sands of time are running out,” said Strach- an. When you prick the prem- ier, he bleeds easily. Bryan pricked him deeply with his closing remark: ’ “I have no illusions about Jeading a revolt of Socred members. But I know that my feelings on this issue are shared by others on this side of the House. It was on their urging last Wednesday that I didn’t cross the floor. They said publicly that the timing was wrong. “J hope now that they will let their consciences de- termine whether they can honestly remain in their seat in support of a government which has so blatantly defied al! semblance of honest re- sponsibility.” Bryan scoffs at reports that he is a “Liberal in disguise” whose action was taken mere- ly to embarrass the govern- ment. He also categorically denies Premier Bennett's ’ charge that he “packed” a nomination convention to win his seat. Sole reason for his crossing the floor, says Bryan, is At- torney-General Robert Bon- ner’s disgraceful handling of the Sommers case, and the TED HARRIS. Painters’ and Paperhangers’ Supplies ; Sunworthy Wallpaper Reg. 45c, Now 19c a roll 157 E. Hastings, TA. 1105 gs a SS | ROOFING i REPAIRS Duroid, Tar and Gravel Gutters and Downpipes Reasonable NICK BITZ PA. 6031 gn over his handling of the A-G’s post. : Bryan’s father, who died in 1940, was a Liberal MLA, but Bryan said he took no active part in politics until he join-. ed Social Credit in March, 1953. That same year he was elected president of North Vancouver Social Credit con- stituency association. Subsequently he was elected to North Vanconuver City Council and) was nominated as Socred candidate by a ma- jority of the 255 delegates at- tending the nominating con- vention prior to the 1956 elections. He topped the polls in the two-member riding. refusal to resign his ‘T will continue to sit as an independent and have no thought of joining any other political party,’ said Bryan. “In the House I will play it by ear—support what I think is good and oppose what I think is bad.” Bryan’s new seat is almost directly behind that of Tom Uphill, and to the right of Liberal MLA George Gregory. Since Bryan crossed the floor, every Socred speaker in .debate on the Throne Speech has carefully gone on record as being a loyal and faithful follower of the prem- ier. But privately several Socred MLAs have lauded Bryan’s courage, and it is not inconceivable that one or two will clash with the Bennett- Bonner “iron rule” before the session ends. Premier Bennett’s attack on Bryan disgusted many mem- bers on both sides of the. House, and CCF speakers have denounced it in debate. “I think this personal attack on a member by the premier 1s a: dirty shame, in low, poor taste,” said Tony Gargrave, (CCF-Mackenzie). “The’ time has come for prominent citizens to speak up about the attorney - gen- eral’s mishandling of the bribery charges against a former minister of this gov- ernment,’ continued Ga r- grave “I too, would like to formally ask for the attorney- general’s resignation.” Bryan produced for the press scores of complimentary let- ters and telegrams he had re- and invited readers ) 7 ra, North so ceived from his couver constituents. typical remarks: = “Both Bonner and som should be expelled from” liament.” “Heartily endors mand Bonner’s Hope you will persist. ‘ef such as yours shows ae and honesty, both of (f sadly lacking in prese? ernment.” wh “Undoubtedly thet a be others of your col who feel as you do; am hope that they will als? @ the nerve to speak uP 4 : have done.” if “Your action shows ni degree of conscience W so evidently lacking yy if tain members of your ie Stuart Kedte, publistt the Victoria Daily Ti’ fered this bob-tailed }™ e yout ! ‘ond resié ee plete it: fel There was a youns — named Bryan Who said, “There - tryin’, Yll tell them the Ig po What comes next be revealed before th® of this Se nn CLASSIFI ED ADVERTISIN¢ POSTAGE STAMPS wanted. 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