° open lines © ONE NIGHT, over 15 years ago, the phone interrupted my scholarly session before the television set. Turning down the volume, but keeping one eye on All in the Family, 1 grumbled my way toward the phone. An exuberant voice proclaimed: “It’s the premier!’’ (My wife once inadvisably responded to this caller by asking, ““Which One?”’). It was long-time friend Richard Hatfield, Premier of New Brunswick, in perhaps the fourth year of his record-setting 19 years in the esteemed office. This night he was audibly chuckling over the phone as he inquired about then B.C. Premier Dave Barrett’s announcement that Citation jets were to be purchas- “tAnd what did he say to justify the planes?” Hatfield asked. 1 replied that the premier saic they would be used as air ambulances, but when idle, they would be used to make government transport more efficient. The New Brunswick premier laughed again. ‘‘Surely not the old air ambulance bit?”’ And he went on to explain that the real motive was to inflate the self-importance of the cabinet ministers and the premiez. (This was an off-the-record chat, of course, as Hatfield had previously employed ‘“‘the old air ambulance bit”? to get himself an aircraft). To be blunt: The purpose of government jets is as a perk for the custodians of the pork barrel. When the jets are not used as a political taxi, lives are sometimes saved in ambulance missions. agree When it comes to favishing ex- travagance upon themselves, Brit- ish Columbia politicians are really such wearisome pikers. Federal cabinet ministers have flown dogs, children, their wife’s favorite dress and other vital objects from coast to coast in private jets. When salmon fishing amid the Queen Charlottes, or skiing at Whistler appeals to a cabinet minister, an urgent ‘‘business’’ meeting in Vancouver is hastily arranged. A Challenger jet is ordered up to transport the minister, his wife, and the usual array of flunkies to the West Coast. - After a wearying day of preten- ding to have an urgent meeting — and ideally a guest appearance on an open line show — the weekend of pleasure beckons. The jet ar- rives on Sunday night for the return trip. We should remember the time that two federal cabinet ministers had to attend the same meeting in Winnipeg. Each of them demand- ed — and received — their own private jet. Prime Minister Mulroney, Mila and family have had private air- craft transport them al! over the country and even to Florida for vacation. This too could have been an air ambulance, but only if a member of the family became gravely ill while still in flight. When the former Governor- General, the self-serving and over- rated Madame Jeanne Sauve, managed to transport two limos to Paris, along with a complete staff, who were we to question these necessities for any lady to go shopping? There was no other purpose for the trip. eet His Worship, the Mayor of Kamloops has every right to call “author, author!’ The Rev. P.A. “‘Flying Phil’’ Gaglardi earned his nickname honestly and it’s not fair that the Johnny-come-latelies take it for granted. He’s not told many people his version of the historic airplane follies. It should first be understood that Phil moved at hurricane speed. His boss, the inimitable W.A.C., had a lightning misid and concrete feet. He liked to walk, stopping to chat with passers-by. He spent a great deal of time in cars and on ships, but Bennett didn’t like to fly (son Bill says he was afraid of flying, but he would never admit it). Gaglardi became desperate for a private plane, but for weeks he failed to generate an approach that he thought might win ap- proval from the boss. One day W.A.C. said he was going to be making an important announcement in Prince Rupert the next week, and he would like the highways minister to be there. Gaglardi was horrified. He knew ‘“‘Cec ’’ would drive to Kelsey Bay, and take the Queen of Prince Rupert to the northern ci- ty. After a night’s sleep, the speech would be delivered and the same process would then take them back to Victoria. “*Four days for just one darn speech,’’ Gaglardi told me. As he puzzled about this, a mischievous grin came over his face. At last, he sensed a plan that might work. Phil first told the boss he coufdn’t make it to Rupert because of other commitments. Then he said he could have done it if it were possible to fly up. The premier was first to suggest that on this occasion, a plane charter would be appropriate. Just as the northern ferry was approaching the berth in Prince Rupert, Gaglardi’s smal! seaplane swooped in from the sky and floated alongside. At the political event, the high- ways minister introduced the “great Prime Minister of British Columbia,”’ heaping platitudes on the chief. Bennett’s speech was a big success. In the afterglow, back aboard ship, Gaglardi and Bennett leaned over the rail and Phil made his pitch for a plane so that he couid be in half a dozen places during each day away from the office. He told Bennett a plane could be leased. The premier told the minister to get the lease written up and to bring it to his office. A week later, Gaglardi thrust a document in front of W.A.C, Bennett, advising only that it was the plane lease. Thinking of the little seaplane in Prince Rupert, the premier signed the document. Not long after, a Lear Jet ar- rived a Victoria’s airport. Although clearly shocked by the subterfuge, Bennett couldn’t do much about it. ‘“How could he complain without admitting that he had signed a document without reading it?’ Gaglardi asked. = Worth Yancouver 687-7223 9 - Sunday, June 24, 1990 - North Shore News ist Narrows Realty A Place To Go When Youre Pregnant And Need Support: GIRTHRIGHT Call 967-7313 * Free Pregnancy Test « & 225 Lonstiale in Vancouver Call Pe aE 4 cycles of Histinction ak ANTHON x * Y CHIARELLA The Directors and Sales Associates of RE/MAX ist Narrows Realty are pleas- § ed to welcome Anthony Chiarella to their sales team. Anthony, a long time resi- dent of North Vancouver § and a successful businessman invites his friends and business ac- quaintances to call him at ist Narrows Realty 983-2518 or home 980-4612. & When You Expect Results all: : Anthony 983-2518 /980-4612 VINYL DECKING 10-50% OFF — Alt work guaranteed! ¢ weatherproof * same day use * no peeling, cracking or bubbling © textured skid-resistant surface Fo Sea Vi | Deck Free Estimates ct] ESOS OY 275-6237 AT A Is 926-6242 1852 MARINE DR. WEST VAN ke your move. PARNEIPAL: 4 | . Ma, UP TO 60% OFF DEPT. STORE PRICES e Patio door fabric verticals from $99 « Venetians from 4¢/sq.inch * Delivery as fast as 3 days 4e Free in home estimate ? YALETOWN BLIND & DRAPERY INC. Visit our Showroom BEAT ANY PRICE BY 5% @=====-9 ' SHARE THE MAGIC, the pride and the history of our first 100 years at the Centennial parade this June 26 stafting at 12 noon. @ 11:40 Plaque unveiling ceremony - Main Street Station Hon. Rita M. Johnston and Mayor Gordon Campbell presiding. @ 12:00 Parade leaves Main Street Station - Honorary Parade Marshal Mayor Donaid Lanskail presiding. TOGG & PYG? ON OT boar Bo W852 Comedkon Car bats iB oO blectag S BO @ 12:30 Parade arrives at The Station - 601 Cordova Street. @ 12:45 Centennial celebration contin- ues with a band, balloons and birthday cake for all. Premier Bill Vander Zaim joins the festivities. @ 3:00 Centennial Centre - Stadium Station. Author Brian Kelly will sign copies of the newly published book, Transit in British Columbia - The First Hundred Years. Hydro) feystane: bobs DOOD OST Ness book nendyOARE Van TOR Byer Trolley: P2920 MCE Classic, Antique Cas WATERFRONT auRasRD Starion Dowell STATION £ : Hastings: 2 re GRANVILE s STATON STADIA * STAniON RC PLACE Sala Vancouver Regional BC Transit pa Transit System