Related Records

1. P14412 - "Leaving this week for Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, are Henry and Frieda Friesen, daughter, Pandy and son Ray. Couple will teach at Hunter's Trees Training College in Eldoret, Kenya, sponsored by TAP, a new branch of Mennonite Central Committee." "Couple embarks for East African college." "Leaving for Kenya, East Africa, to teach at new teachers training college at Eldoret are Mr and Mrs Henry Friesen and two children, Ray and Pandy. They are going out under the new branch of the MCC called teachers' aid program. Plan is in its first year experimental stage. Mr and Mrs Friesen will both teach at Hunter's Trees Training College. Most schools in Kenya are mission schools originally and are now run by the government. Friesens are leaving August 2 from New York via plane and expect to arrive at Nairobi, the capital of Kenya around August 20. Mr Friesen received his high school training at Mennonite Educational Institute, graduated from Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute at Clearbrook and attended Moody Bible Institute. He received his bachelor of Education degree from University of British Columbia where he also completed three years of arts. Friesens have accepted a three year assignment under TAP. Mr Friesen expects to make good use of his pilots license in missionary aviation."

   Record Type: Photo

   
2. P18820 - South Poplar school track team which won the Branch 15 Royal Canadian Legion aggregate trophy at the Junior Olympic Training Plan track meet includes, front row, Henry Friesen, Heidi Kroeker, Marie McMinn, Margo Syme and Rudy Reimer. Second row, Bruce Ward, Karen Penner, Sharon Krahn, Eleanor DeFehr, Joanne Nickel and Bruce Masse. Back row, Ray Masse, Larry Veer, Emmerick Laszlo, Dennis Loewen, Frank Weber, Ronald Janzen, Dow Wall and Peter Willms, coach.

   Record Type: Photo

   
3. P19239 - Mr and Mrs Henry Friesen with their family Pandora, Raymond and Robin (born in Kenya) prior to returning to Kenya, Africa. Mr Friesen is the son of Mr and Mrs John J Friesen of Kelowna and formerly of King Road. Mrs Friesen is the daughter of Mr and Mrs J P Nickel of Clearbrook Road. Kenya spends 50 percent of its national income on education. the need therefore is a need for dedicated Christian vocational men to spend themselves, according to Mr Friesen. On his return, Mr Friesen will be inspector of science subjects for 34 colleges and 5,000 schools. During the past three years Mrs Friesen has lectured on home economics and mathematics and served as college librarian. Mr Friesen has lectured on science and agriculture and was the maintenance man at the college. They have again contracted for a long term stay with the Kenya government and flew from Vancouver on Tuesday.

   Record Type: Photo

   
4. P24995 - Abbotsford Senior Secondary School scholastic award winners. Names are not in order. Grade 12 recipients are: George Tabert and Steve Nickel, both receiving the German Book Award for Fine Arts, Sylvia Holdcroft received the Band Award, Ingrid Martens received the Music Bowl Award, Karen Aitken and Shelly Lundeberg both received Textile Awards, Marilyn Issacs received the Cafeteria Award, Lori MacNeill received the Childcare Award, John Hambley received the Accounting Award, Simon Neuman received the Metal Mechanics Award, Henry Friesen received the Construction Award, Mark Parsey received the Industrial Technology Award, Debbie Macleod received the English Award, Denise Saxbee received the Social Studies Award, Karen Saenger also received a Social Studies Award, Kim Chan received the Mathematics Award and the Science Award, Allan Blaskovitch received the Tom Lindsay Mathematics Award and Baldeep Wirk received the Science Award. Service awards recipients: Linda Brown, Jay Fredericks, Debbie Anderson, Bill Overend, Pat Whitely, Randy Stewart, Linda Lambert, Val Wick, Carolyn VanRyk, Linda Gibb, Ron Morwick, Ann Britton, Lea Dobie, Lynne Smith and Jill Kirkoff. Grade 11 Program Cups recipients include: Janice Parberry for Visual and Performing Arts, Susan McKinney for Community Services, Mary Jane Braun for Commerce, Randy Matthews for Industrial Arts, Trudy Froese for Arts, and Edith Hoon for Science. Laura Carza also made a presentation for school. Additional Grade 11 award recipients are: Kim Friesen, Steve Nicol, Kelly Johnson, Len Penner, Jim Toy, Susan McKinney, Don Garvey, Allana Wiebe and Karen Aitken.

   Record Type: Photo

   
5. P24996 - Abbotsford Senior Secondary School scholastic award winners. Names are not in order. Grade 12 recipients are: George Tabert and Steve Nickel, both receiving the German Book Award for Fine Arts, Sylvia Holdcroft received the Band Award, Ingrid Martens received the Music Bowl Award, Karen Aitken and Shelly Lundeberg both received Textile Awards, Marilyn Issacs received the Cafeteria Award, Lori MacNeill received the Childcare Award, John Hambley received the Accounting Award, Simon Neuman received the Metal Mechanics Award, Henry Friesen received the Construction Award, Mark Parsey received the Industrial Technology Award, Debbie Macleod received the English Award, Denise Saxbee received the Social Studies Award, Karen Saenger also received a Social Studies Award, Kim Chan received the Mathematics Award and the Science Award, Allan Blaskovitch received the Tom Lindsay Mathematics Award and Baldeep Wirk received the Science Award. Service awards recipients: Linda Brown, Jay Fredericks, Debbie Anderson, Bill Overend, Pat Whitely, Randy Stewart, Linda Lambert, Val Wick, Carolyn VanRyk, Linda Gibb, Ron Morwick, Ann Britton, Lea Dobie, Lynne Smith and Jill Kirkoff. Grade 11 Program Cups recipients include: Janice Parberry for Visual and Performing Arts, Susan McKinney for Community Services, Mary Jane Braun for Commerce, Randy Matthews for Industrial Arts, Trudy Froese for Arts, and Edith Hoon for Science. Laura Carza also made a presentation for school. Additional Grade 11 award recipients are: Kim Friesen, Steve Nicol, Kelly Johnson, Len Penner, Jim Toy, Susan McKinney, Don Garvey, Allana Wiebe and Karen Aitken.

   Record Type: Photo

   
6. P29284 - Mayor Harry DeJong of Matsqui (head of table) conducts a council meeting with other members in June 1978. From left to right: Alderman James McDonald, Alderman Doug Taylor, Alderwoman Chris Lamb, Alderman Ray Kirkwood, Alderman Henry Friesen and Alderman Harry Wiebe.

   Record Type: Photo

   
7. P36776 - A handshake at The News between Henry Friesen (left) and Bill Ritchie at 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, ends the dispute between the pair over an "influence peddling" allegation. At midnight, Henry Friesen and Bill Ritchie were locked in a bitter battle that threated to split Social Credit support in Clearbrook and Abbotsford. At 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, the Clearbrook chapter president and Central Fraser Valley MLA emerged as friends from the Abbotsford News conference room. News reporter Frank Klassen acted as mediator while the men (and wives) met face-to-face to discuss the "influence peddling" allegation against Ritchie, made by Friesen in an affidavit Friday, October 12, 1979. Old and new differences were finally resolved, in order to "strengthen and unify the Social Credit Party in the Central Fraser Valley constituency," said Friesen and Ritchie in joint statements afterwards. Friesen made an "unconditional withdrawal" of his allegation, which meant the RCMP Commercial Crime squad had nothing upon which to base further investigation. It had been alleged that freeing some land from the Agricultural Reserve was offered in return for political support. Ritchie, in turn, would stop all legal actions against a group of 12 to 14 people, who made him the target of four years of political persecution that would "shock the whole community." A hastily drafted agreement to that effect was signed by both men, ending the province-wide controversy. Just as important, old wounds and misunderstandings also were confronted, opening the way for improved co-operation and better communication in the still-young constituency association, noted Ritchie and Friesen. Conflicts between them, unresolved since as far back as 1975, were finally discussed openly during the two hours. Events leading up to the midnight meeting moved swiftly B.C. Social Credit president Les Keen’s impassioned plea to the Clearbrook SC chapter at MEI. "Please, please cast your difference aside and move ahead in this constituency," urged Keen. "Stand up and support your party! Support your elected MLA Bill Ritchie!" he exclaimed to applause from the 50 gathered Socreds. Ritchie gave an emotional appeal as well, concluding with a challenge: "People are going around the community attacking and hurting others. If I can’t have you as my friend tell me to my face why!" Friesen was less than open to the idea of getting together, though, particularly if Ritchie did not initiate the contact. Subsequently, however, he left a message at Ritchie’s home to call. When contacted by The News at 10 p.m., Friesen said he was willing to withdraw from the fight if it was mutual. Ritchie was then phoned by this newspaper and also left a message. At 10:30 p.m. Ritchie returned the call and was informed about Friesen’s offer. Ritchie called his lawyer for advice, then tried unsuccessfully due to a phone tie-up (both men were receiving many calls at home) to reach Friesen. Ritchie was called back at 11:15 p.m. for an update and was informed a meeting could be held that night if The News was willing to make arrangements and acts a mediator. He agreed and so did Friesen. During the session that followed, the men described their recollections of the controversial afternoon (September 27, 1978) when Land Commission support was allegedly promised in return for "The Clearbrook Vote" in the CFV nomination meeting. The alleged incident was widely publicized after a fierce Ritchie opponent, Al Gates, gave CJOR hotliner John Reynolds the story and Friesen’s name. Friesen was contacted by Reynolds and asked to swear out an affidavit, which did, causing quite a stir as a result. Both Friesen and Ritchie expected their agreement to end the matter. Image not published.

   Record Type: Photo

   
8. P36777 - A handshake at The News between Henry Friesen (left) and Bill Ritchie at 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, ends the dispute between the pair over an "influence peddling" allegation. At midnight, Henry Friesen and Bill Ritchie were locked in a bitter battle that threated to split Social Credit support in Clearbrook and Abbotsford. At 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, the Clearbrook chapter president and Central Fraser Valley MLA emerged as friends from the Abbotsford News conference room. News reporter Frank Klassen acted as mediator while the men (and wives) met face-to-face to discuss the "influence peddling" allegation against Ritchie, made by Friesen in an affidavit Friday, October 12, 1979. Old and new differences were finally resolved, in order to "strengthen and unify the Social Credit Party in the Central Fraser Valley constituency," said Friesen and Ritchie in joint statements afterwards. Friesen made an "unconditional withdrawal" of his allegation, which meant the RCMP Commercial Crime squad had nothing upon which to base further investigation. It had been alleged that freeing some land from the Agricultural Reserve was offered in return for political support. Ritchie, in turn, would stop all legal actions against a group of 12 to 14 people, who made him the target of four years of political persecution that would "shock the whole community." A hastily drafted agreement to that effect was signed by both men, ending the province-wide controversy. Just as important, old wounds and misunderstandings also were confronted, opening the way for improved co-operation and better communication in the still-young constituency association, noted Ritchie and Friesen. Conflicts between them, unresolved since as far back as 1975, were finally discussed openly during the two hours. Events leading up to the midnight meeting moved swiftly B.C. Social Credit president Les Keen’s impassioned plea to the Clearbrook SC chapter at MEI. "Please, please cast your difference aside and move ahead in this constituency," urged Keen. "Stand up and support your party! Support your elected MLA Bill Ritchie!" he exclaimed to applause from the 50 gathered Socreds. Ritchie gave an emotional appeal as well, concluding with a challenge: "People are going around the community attacking and hurting others. If I can’t have you as my friend tell me to my face why!" Friesen was less than open to the idea of getting together, though, particularly if Ritchie did not initiate the contact. Subsequently, however, he left a message at Ritchie’s home to call. When contacted by The News at 10 p.m., Friesen said he was willing to withdraw from the fight if it was mutual. Ritchie was then phoned by this newspaper and also left a message. At 10:30 p.m. Ritchie returned the call and was informed about Friesen’s offer. Ritchie called his lawyer for advice, then tried unsuccessfully due to a phone tie-up (both men were receiving many calls at home) to reach Friesen. Ritchie was called back at 11:15 p.m. for an update and was informed a meeting could be held that night if The News was willing to make arrangements and acts a mediator. He agreed and so did Friesen. During the session that followed, the men described their recollections of the controversial afternoon (September 27, 1978) when Land Commission support was allegedly promised in return for "The Clearbrook Vote" in the CFV nomination meeting. The alleged incident was widely publicized after a fierce Ritchie opponent, Al Gates, gave CJOR hotliner John Reynolds the story and Friesen’s name. Friesen was contacted by Reynolds and asked to swear out an affidavit, which did, causing quite a stir as a result. Both Friesen and Ritchie expected their agreement to end the matter. Image not published.

   Record Type: Photo

   
9. P36778 - A handshake at The News between Henry Friesen (left) and Bill Ritchie at 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, ends the dispute between the pair over an "influence peddling" allegation. At midnight, Henry Friesen and Bill Ritchie were locked in a bitter battle that threated to split Social Credit support in Clearbrook and Abbotsford. At 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, the Clearbrook chapter president and Central Fraser Valley MLA emerged as friends from the Abbotsford News conference room. News reporter Frank Klassen acted as mediator while the men (and wives) met face-to-face to discuss the "influence peddling" allegation against Ritchie, made by Friesen in an affidavit Friday, October 12, 1979. Old and new differences were finally resolved, in order to "strengthen and unify the Social Credit Party in the Central Fraser Valley constituency," said Friesen and Ritchie in joint statements afterwards. Friesen made an "unconditional withdrawal" of his allegation, which meant the RCMP Commercial Crime squad had nothing upon which to base further investigation. It had been alleged that freeing some land from the Agricultural Reserve was offered in return for political support. Ritchie, in turn, would stop all legal actions against a group of 12 to 14 people, who made him the target of four years of political persecution that would "shock the whole community." A hastily drafted agreement to that effect was signed by both men, ending the province-wide controversy. Just as important, old wounds and misunderstandings also were confronted, opening the way for improved co-operation and better communication in the still-young constituency association, noted Ritchie and Friesen. Conflicts between them, unresolved since as far back as 1975, were finally discussed openly during the two hours. Events leading up to the midnight meeting moved swiftly B.C. Social Credit president Les Keen’s impassioned plea to the Clearbrook SC chapter at MEI. "Please, please cast your difference aside and move ahead in this constituency," urged Keen. "Stand up and support your party! Support your elected MLA Bill Ritchie!" he exclaimed to applause from the 50 gathered Socreds. Ritchie gave an emotional appeal as well, concluding with a challenge: "People are going around the community attacking and hurting others. If I can’t have you as my friend tell me to my face why!" Friesen was less than open to the idea of getting together, though, particularly if Ritchie did not initiate the contact. Subsequently, however, he left a message at Ritchie’s home to call. When contacted by The News at 10 p.m., Friesen said he was willing to withdraw from the fight if it was mutual. Ritchie was then phoned by this newspaper and also left a message. At 10:30 p.m. Ritchie returned the call and was informed about Friesen’s offer. Ritchie called his lawyer for advice, then tried unsuccessfully due to a phone tie-up (both men were receiving many calls at home) to reach Friesen. Ritchie was called back at 11:15 p.m. for an update and was informed a meeting could be held that night if The News was willing to make arrangements and acts a mediator. He agreed and so did Friesen. During the session that followed, the men described their recollections of the controversial afternoon (September 27, 1978) when Land Commission support was allegedly promised in return for "The Clearbrook Vote" in the CFV nomination meeting. The alleged incident was widely publicized after a fierce Ritchie opponent, Al Gates, gave CJOR hotliner John Reynolds the story and Friesen’s name. Friesen was contacted by Reynolds and asked to swear out an affidavit, which did, causing quite a stir as a result. Both Friesen and Ritchie expected their agreement to end the matter. Image not published.

   Record Type: Photo

   
10. P36779 - A handshake at The News between Henry Friesen (left) and Bill Ritchie at 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, ends the dispute between the pair over an "influence peddling" allegation. At midnight, Henry Friesen and Bill Ritchie were locked in a bitter battle that threated to split Social Credit support in Clearbrook and Abbotsford. At 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, the Clearbrook chapter president and Central Fraser Valley MLA emerged as friends from the Abbotsford News conference room. News reporter Frank Klassen acted as mediator while the men (and wives) met face-to-face to discuss the "influence peddling" allegation against Ritchie, made by Friesen in an affidavit Friday, October 12, 1979. Old and new differences were finally resolved, in order to "strengthen and unify the Social Credit Party in the Central Fraser Valley constituency," said Friesen and Ritchie in joint statements afterwards. Friesen made an "unconditional withdrawal" of his allegation, which meant the RCMP Commercial Crime squad had nothing upon which to base further investigation. It had been alleged that freeing some land from the Agricultural Reserve was offered in return for political support. Ritchie, in turn, would stop all legal actions against a group of 12 to 14 people, who made him the target of four years of political persecution that would "shock the whole community." A hastily drafted agreement to that effect was signed by both men, ending the province-wide controversy. Just as important, old wounds and misunderstandings also were confronted, opening the way for improved co-operation and better communication in the still-young constituency association, noted Ritchie and Friesen. Conflicts between them, unresolved since as far back as 1975, were finally discussed openly during the two hours. Events leading up to the midnight meeting moved swiftly B.C. Social Credit president Les Keen’s impassioned plea to the Clearbrook SC chapter at MEI. "Please, please cast your difference aside and move ahead in this constituency," urged Keen. "Stand up and support your party! Support your elected MLA Bill Ritchie!" he exclaimed to applause from the 50 gathered Socreds. Ritchie gave an emotional appeal as well, concluding with a challenge: "People are going around the community attacking and hurting others. If I can’t have you as my friend tell me to my face why!" Friesen was less than open to the idea of getting together, though, particularly if Ritchie did not initiate the contact. Subsequently, however, he left a message at Ritchie’s home to call. When contacted by The News at 10 p.m., Friesen said he was willing to withdraw from the fight if it was mutual. Ritchie was then phoned by this newspaper and also left a message. At 10:30 p.m. Ritchie returned the call and was informed about Friesen’s offer. Ritchie called his lawyer for advice, then tried unsuccessfully due to a phone tie-up (both men were receiving many calls at home) to reach Friesen. Ritchie was called back at 11:15 p.m. for an update and was informed a meeting could be held that night if The News was willing to make arrangements and acts a mediator. He agreed and so did Friesen. During the session that followed, the men described their recollections of the controversial afternoon (September 27, 1978) when Land Commission support was allegedly promised in return for "The Clearbrook Vote" in the CFV nomination meeting. The alleged incident was widely publicized after a fierce Ritchie opponent, Al Gates, gave CJOR hotliner John Reynolds the story and Friesen’s name. Friesen was contacted by Reynolds and asked to swear out an affidavit, which did, causing quite a stir as a result. Both Friesen and Ritchie expected their agreement to end the matter. Image not published.

    Record Type: Photo

    
11. P36780 - A handshake at The News between Henry Friesen (left) and Bill Ritchie at 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, ends the dispute between the pair over an "influence peddling" allegation. At midnight, Henry Friesen and Bill Ritchie were locked in a bitter battle that threated to split Social Credit support in Clearbrook and Abbotsford. At 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, the Clearbrook chapter president and Central Fraser Valley MLA emerged as friends from the Abbotsford News conference room. News reporter Frank Klassen acted as mediator while the men (and wives) met face-to-face to discuss the "influence peddling" allegation against Ritchie, made by Friesen in an affidavit Friday, October 12, 1979. Old and new differences were finally resolved, in order to "strengthen and unify the Social Credit Party in the Central Fraser Valley constituency," said Friesen and Ritchie in joint statements afterwards. Friesen made an "unconditional withdrawal" of his allegation, which meant the RCMP Commercial Crime squad had nothing upon which to base further investigation. It had been alleged that freeing some land from the Agricultural Reserve was offered in return for political support. Ritchie, in turn, would stop all legal actions against a group of 12 to 14 people, who made him the target of four years of political persecution that would "shock the whole community." A hastily drafted agreement to that effect was signed by both men, ending the province-wide controversy. Just as important, old wounds and misunderstandings also were confronted, opening the way for improved co-operation and better communication in the still-young constituency association, noted Ritchie and Friesen. Conflicts between them, unresolved since as far back as 1975, were finally discussed openly during the two hours. Events leading up to the midnight meeting moved swiftly B.C. Social Credit president Les Keen’s impassioned plea to the Clearbrook SC chapter at MEI. "Please, please cast your difference aside and move ahead in this constituency," urged Keen. "Stand up and support your party! Support your elected MLA Bill Ritchie!" he exclaimed to applause from the 50 gathered Socreds. Ritchie gave an emotional appeal as well, concluding with a challenge: "People are going around the community attacking and hurting others. If I can’t have you as my friend tell me to my face why!" Friesen was less than open to the idea of getting together, though, particularly if Ritchie did not initiate the contact. Subsequently, however, he left a message at Ritchie’s home to call. When contacted by The News at 10 p.m., Friesen said he was willing to withdraw from the fight if it was mutual. Ritchie was then phoned by this newspaper and also left a message. At 10:30 p.m. Ritchie returned the call and was informed about Friesen’s offer. Ritchie called his lawyer for advice, then tried unsuccessfully due to a phone tie-up (both men were receiving many calls at home) to reach Friesen. Ritchie was called back at 11:15 p.m. for an update and was informed a meeting could be held that night if The News was willing to make arrangements and acts a mediator. He agreed and so did Friesen. During the session that followed, the men described their recollections of the controversial afternoon (September 27, 1978) when Land Commission support was allegedly promised in return for "The Clearbrook Vote" in the CFV nomination meeting. The alleged incident was widely publicized after a fierce Ritchie opponent, Al Gates, gave CJOR hotliner John Reynolds the story and Friesen’s name. Friesen was contacted by Reynolds and asked to swear out an affidavit, which did, causing quite a stir as a result. Both Friesen and Ritchie expected their agreement to end the matter. Image not published.

    Record Type: Photo

    
12. P36781 - A handshake at The News between Henry Friesen (left) and Bill Ritchie at 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, ends the dispute between the pair over an "influence peddling" allegation. At midnight, Henry Friesen and Bill Ritchie were locked in a bitter battle that threated to split Social Credit support in Clearbrook and Abbotsford. At 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, the Clearbrook chapter president and Central Fraser Valley MLA emerged as friends from the Abbotsford News conference room. News reporter Frank Klassen acted as mediator while the men (and wives) met face-to-face to discuss the "influence peddling" allegation against Ritchie, made by Friesen in an affidavit Friday, October 12, 1979. Old and new differences were finally resolved, in order to "strengthen and unify the Social Credit Party in the Central Fraser Valley constituency," said Friesen and Ritchie in joint statements afterwards. Friesen made an "unconditional withdrawal" of his allegation, which meant the RCMP Commercial Crime squad had nothing upon which to base further investigation. It had been alleged that freeing some land from the Agricultural Reserve was offered in return for political support. Ritchie, in turn, would stop all legal actions against a group of 12 to 14 people, who made him the target of four years of political persecution that would "shock the whole community." A hastily drafted agreement to that effect was signed by both men, ending the province-wide controversy. Just as important, old wounds and misunderstandings also were confronted, opening the way for improved co-operation and better communication in the still-young constituency association, noted Ritchie and Friesen. Conflicts between them, unresolved since as far back as 1975, were finally discussed openly during the two hours. Events leading up to the midnight meeting moved swiftly B.C. Social Credit president Les Keen’s impassioned plea to the Clearbrook SC chapter at MEI. "Please, please cast your difference aside and move ahead in this constituency," urged Keen. "Stand up and support your party! Support your elected MLA Bill Ritchie!" he exclaimed to applause from the 50 gathered Socreds. Ritchie gave an emotional appeal as well, concluding with a challenge: "People are going around the community attacking and hurting others. If I can’t have you as my friend tell me to my face why!" Friesen was less than open to the idea of getting together, though, particularly if Ritchie did not initiate the contact. Subsequently, however, he left a message at Ritchie’s home to call. When contacted by The News at 10 p.m., Friesen said he was willing to withdraw from the fight if it was mutual. Ritchie was then phoned by this newspaper and also left a message. At 10:30 p.m. Ritchie returned the call and was informed about Friesen’s offer. Ritchie called his lawyer for advice, then tried unsuccessfully due to a phone tie-up (both men were receiving many calls at home) to reach Friesen. Ritchie was called back at 11:15 p.m. for an update and was informed a meeting could be held that night if The News was willing to make arrangements and acts a mediator. He agreed and so did Friesen. During the session that followed, the men described their recollections of the controversial afternoon (September 27, 1978) when Land Commission support was allegedly promised in return for "The Clearbrook Vote" in the CFV nomination meeting. The alleged incident was widely publicized after a fierce Ritchie opponent, Al Gates, gave CJOR hotliner John Reynolds the story and Friesen’s name. Friesen was contacted by Reynolds and asked to swear out an affidavit, which did, causing quite a stir as a result. Both Friesen and Ritchie expected their agreement to end the matter. Image not published.

    Record Type: Photo

    
13. P36782 - A handshake at The News between Henry Friesen (left) and Bill Ritchie at 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, ends the dispute between the pair over an "influence peddling" allegation. At midnight, Henry Friesen and Bill Ritchie were locked in a bitter battle that threated to split Social Credit support in Clearbrook and Abbotsford. At 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, the Clearbrook chapter president and Central Fraser Valley MLA emerged as friends from the Abbotsford News conference room. News reporter Frank Klassen acted as mediator while the men (and wives) met face-to-face to discuss the "influence peddling" allegation against Ritchie, made by Friesen in an affidavit Friday, October 12, 1979. Old and new differences were finally resolved, in order to "strengthen and unify the Social Credit Party in the Central Fraser Valley constituency," said Friesen and Ritchie in joint statements afterwards. Friesen made an "unconditional withdrawal" of his allegation, which meant the RCMP Commercial Crime squad had nothing upon which to base further investigation. It had been alleged that freeing some land from the Agricultural Reserve was offered in return for political support. Ritchie, in turn, would stop all legal actions against a group of 12 to 14 people, who made him the target of four years of political persecution that would "shock the whole community." A hastily drafted agreement to that effect was signed by both men, ending the province-wide controversy. Just as important, old wounds and misunderstandings also were confronted, opening the way for improved co-operation and better communication in the still-young constituency association, noted Ritchie and Friesen. Conflicts between them, unresolved since as far back as 1975, were finally discussed openly during the two hours. Events leading up to the midnight meeting moved swiftly B.C. Social Credit president Les Keen’s impassioned plea to the Clearbrook SC chapter at MEI. "Please, please cast your difference aside and move ahead in this constituency," urged Keen. "Stand up and support your party! Support your elected MLA Bill Ritchie!" he exclaimed to applause from the 50 gathered Socreds. Ritchie gave an emotional appeal as well, concluding with a challenge: "People are going around the community attacking and hurting others. If I can’t have you as my friend tell me to my face why!" Friesen was less than open to the idea of getting together, though, particularly if Ritchie did not initiate the contact. Subsequently, however, he left a message at Ritchie’s home to call. When contacted by The News at 10 p.m., Friesen said he was willing to withdraw from the fight if it was mutual. Ritchie was then phoned by this newspaper and also left a message. At 10:30 p.m. Ritchie returned the call and was informed about Friesen’s offer. Ritchie called his lawyer for advice, then tried unsuccessfully due to a phone tie-up (both men were receiving many calls at home) to reach Friesen. Ritchie was called back at 11:15 p.m. for an update and was informed a meeting could be held that night if The News was willing to make arrangements and acts a mediator. He agreed and so did Friesen. During the session that followed, the men described their recollections of the controversial afternoon (September 27, 1978) when Land Commission support was allegedly promised in return for "The Clearbrook Vote" in the CFV nomination meeting. The alleged incident was widely publicized after a fierce Ritchie opponent, Al Gates, gave CJOR hotliner John Reynolds the story and Friesen’s name. Friesen was contacted by Reynolds and asked to swear out an affidavit, which did, causing quite a stir as a result. Both Friesen and Ritchie expected their agreement to end the matter. Image not published.

    Record Type: Photo

    
14. P36783 - A handshake at The News between Henry Friesen (left) and Bill Ritchie at 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, ends the dispute between the pair over an "influence peddling" allegation. At midnight, Henry Friesen and Bill Ritchie were locked in a bitter battle that threated to split Social Credit support in Clearbrook and Abbotsford. At 2 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, the Clearbrook chapter president and Central Fraser Valley MLA emerged as friends from the Abbotsford News conference room. News reporter Frank Klassen acted as mediator while the men (and wives) met face-to-face to discuss the "influence peddling" allegation against Ritchie, made by Friesen in an affidavit Friday, October 12, 1979. Old and new differences were finally resolved, in order to "strengthen and unify the Social Credit Party in the Central Fraser Valley constituency," said Friesen and Ritchie in joint statements afterwards. Friesen made an "unconditional withdrawal" of his allegation, which meant the RCMP Commercial Crime squad had nothing upon which to base further investigation. It had been alleged that freeing some land from the Agricultural Reserve was offered in return for political support. Ritchie, in turn, would stop all legal actions against a group of 12 to 14 people, who made him the target of four years of political persecution that would "shock the whole community." A hastily drafted agreement to that effect was signed by both men, ending the province-wide controversy. Just as important, old wounds and misunderstandings also were confronted, opening the way for improved co-operation and better communication in the still-young constituency association, noted Ritchie and Friesen. Conflicts between them, unresolved since as far back as 1975, were finally discussed openly during the two hours. Events leading up to the midnight meeting moved swiftly B.C. Social Credit president Les Keen’s impassioned plea to the Clearbrook SC chapter at MEI. "Please, please cast your difference aside and move ahead in this constituency," urged Keen. "Stand up and support your party! Support your elected MLA Bill Ritchie!" he exclaimed to applause from the 50 gathered Socreds. Ritchie gave an emotional appeal as well, concluding with a challenge: "People are going around the community attacking and hurting others. If I can’t have you as my friend tell me to my face why!" Friesen was less than open to the idea of getting together, though, particularly if Ritchie did not initiate the contact. Subsequently, however, he left a message at Ritchie’s home to call. When contacted by The News at 10 p.m., Friesen said he was willing to withdraw from the fight if it was mutual. Ritchie was then phoned by this newspaper and also left a message. At 10:30 p.m. Ritchie returned the call and was informed about Friesen’s offer. Ritchie called his lawyer for advice, then tried unsuccessfully due to a phone tie-up (both men were receiving many calls at home) to reach Friesen. Ritchie was called back at 11:15 p.m. for an update and was informed a meeting could be held that night if The News was willing to make arrangements and acts a mediator. He agreed and so did Friesen. During the session that followed, the men described their recollections of the controversial afternoon (September 27, 1978) when Land Commission support was allegedly promised in return for "The Clearbrook Vote" in the CFV nomination meeting. The alleged incident was widely publicized after a fierce Ritchie opponent, Al Gates, gave CJOR hotliner John Reynolds the story and Friesen’s name. Friesen was contacted by Reynolds and asked to swear out an affidavit, which did, causing quite a stir as a result. Both Friesen and Ritchie expected their agreement to end the matter. Image not published.

    Record Type: Photo