Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
P36782 |
Description |
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. |
Date |
10/17/1979 |
Object Name |
Negative |
Collection |
ASM/Abbotsford News Collection |
Source |
Abbotsford News |
People |
Ritchie, Bill Friesen, Henry |