The Sommers Scandal: The Felling of Trees and Tree Lords

Patrick Colgan is the former executive director of the Canadian Museum
of Nature.

On June 13, 1952, Robert E. Sommers was elected as Socred MLA from
Rossland/Trail; on November 1, 1958, he was found guilty of accepting
bribes while forestry minister. In this book, O’Keefe and Macdonald,
B.C. reporters, provide an informative lively account of the scandal.

The chronicle spans the rise of Socred, the financial “help” given
by mill-owner Wick Gray and others from BC Forest Products (owned by
E.P. Taylor’s Argus Corporation), the accusations of Gordon Gibson,
the investigative and legal machinations, and the eventual trial. The
tale is well set against the political and social turmoil of the times.
The stonewalling by Premier Wacky Bennett and Attorney General Robert
Bonner are glaringly exposed.

The analysis of the protagonists is probing and the style of writing is
direct and vigorous. The parallel messes of B.C. forestry and politics
are well brought home. It is unfortunate that Sommers’s name is
erroneously repeated as that of the attorney general on the back cover.
Nevertheless, this book is recommended for those who delight in the
misadventures of what the dedication correctly identifies as Canada’s
Land of Oz.