Party News Briefs (1953)

Party News from the November 1953 issue of the Socialist Standard

Provincial Propaganda Tour. During the first two weeks in August two Comrades, D’Arcy and May visited Nottingham and held very successful meetings, the weather was good and the utmost benefit was taken of this. It has greatly stimulated the work of this new Branch who are doing first class propaganda in the district. Fourteen meetings in all were held—Literature  sales £4 and collection £7.  

Indoor meetings are arranged to take place at the Co-op. Halls, Nottingham, on Sundays, 1st and 22nd  November, at 7 p.m.

 

Comrade Coster visited Manchester during the last two weeks in August, the weather was not very good, but excellent lunch-hour meetings were held in addition to evening indoor and outdoor meetings.

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Annual Delegate Meeting. This was quite uneventful this year and the numbers of visitors was rather less than usual. It is hoped to make arrangements for the Delegate meeting to be held later in the year in future, as it does appear that early in September many members are still taking annual holidays.

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St. Pancras Town Hall Meeting, held on Sunday evening, October 4th, was quite successful, literature sales were good and collection of £15 taken; the meeting generally was interesting and well attended.

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Bloomsbury Branch held a propaganda meeting at Conway Hall on Friday, 16th October. A further meeting at the same hall will be held on Friday, November 13th, at 7.30 p.m.

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Swansea Branch are having good results from the work done by its members. Comrade D’Arcy debated with a representative of the local Welsh Nationalists in October.

The Branch is trying to arrange a series of meetings at local Miners' Institutes in South Wales.

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North Paddington. The Party will contest this constituency at the forthcoming by-election. Help from Party members will be needed in addition to donations, however large or small. Offers of assistance should be made to the Parliamentary Committee and cash sent to the Treasurer at Head Office, 52, Clapham High Street. S.W.4.

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Ealing Branch. The drive to increase Socialist Standard sales continues to make good progress. The number disposed of during September was 27 dozen. On the first Sunday in October, five members of the Branch, breaking new ground on a big housing estate in North Ealing, sold 53 copies, the highest so far in one “outing.” Only four roads were covered. Sales through newsagents are being maintained, and two of them now display the poster advertising the Socialist Standard.

The Branch has two debates actually on the stocks and another one (with a Labour M.P.) in the offing. The first with the Finance Editor of the Sunday Chronicle will take place in the Fulham Town Hall on Wednesday, 11th November, and the second will be in the Ealing Town Hall on Thursday, 10th December. Our opponent on this occasion will be a representative of the Crusade for World Government.

The Branch’s own Education Class has begun and will continue every Wednesday evening through November (11th excepted, see above) in the usual Branch meeting room. All these sessions will deal with aspects of capitalist economics. Every Branch member should have received a special circular about these classes and should make every effort to attend them. If this series proves successful, a further series—on history—will be arranged for the early part of the New Year.

The Branch is at present getting through a vast amount of work, and all members are asked to rally round and help spread the burden on to more shoulders.

Phyllis Howard

Blogger's Note:

Details about the St. Pancras Town Hall Meeting at the following link.

SPGB Meetings (1961)

Party News from the November 1961 issue of the Socialist Standard

Blogger's Notes:

• Socialist Current were a small orthodox Trotskyist group based mainly in East London. Members included Sam Levy and Ted Crawford. (The latter spoke at the Westminster Branch of the SPGB in 1968, when he was a member of the International Socialists.) There is an extensive archive of Socialist Current material over at the excellent Splits and Fusions blog.
• The German Story was a 1956 East German documentary film by Andrew and Annelie Thorndike.
• R. Donnelly' of Glasgow Branch was Dick Donnelly. His obituary appeared in  the April 2015 issue of the Socialist Standard.
• 'R. Reid' of Glasgow Branch was Robin Reid. His obituary appeared in  the January 2013 issue of the Socialist Standard.
• R. Russell' of Glasgow Branch was Robert Russell. His obituary appeared in  the June 2008 issue of the Socialist Standard.
• H. Weaver was Harold Weaver. His obituary appeared in the February 1974 issue of the Socialist Standard.

SPGB Meetings (1949)

Party News from the September 1949 issue of the Socialist Standard

Branch News (1962)

Party News from the October 1962 issue of the Socialist Standard

Dates to Remember. Saturday and Sunday, October 6th and 7th, venue Head Office, 52 Clapham High Street, SW4—occasion—the 1962 Autumn Delegate Meeting. Fuller details on meetings page. The Propaganda Committee are arranging an evening indoor meeting after the Sunday’s proceedings. Thursday, October 18th at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London, W.C.1 at 7,30. Public meeting—support of Comrades and sympathisers will ensure that this meeting will he a successful one. Subject — “Labour Government or Socialism”. Speakers— Comrades E. Grant and E. Hardy. This is the first date that a meeting could be arranged after the Labour Party Conference and the speakers will be referring to this. As with all Party activity, the support of members is essential and is also most encouraging to those organising and speaking at the meetings—So Comrades, if you are not speaking or organising on this evening, please bring along as many friends and be available to help with literature sales, etc.

There will be a contingent of Socialist Party members in Brighton during the Labour Party Conference week which commences on October 1st. Our comrades will be around throughout the week to sell literature. Any Comrade living, or holidaying in the vicinity would be a welcome assistant. The Propaganda Committee are hoping to arrange some outdoor meetings at the week-end. The Comrades at Brighton will know about the meetings and will be able to give details to other Comrades who wish to support such meetings.

It is encouraging to see the list of lectures and meetings being held to start off the Autumn/Winter Propaganda session. Glasgow and Paddington Branches have arranged lectures right through to next Spring. Islington, Hackney and Lewisham, Ealing and Wembley Branches are also very energetic and have several meetings arranged. Hackney Branch for instance will hold regular meetings every second Wednesday in each month from October to March. All readers are cordially invited fas they are to all and every meeting of the Socialist Party of Great Britain—Executive Committee meetings included.

Lewisham Branch activity is increasing with the lectures arranged, correspondence with the Press, canvassing locally and work for the Bromley Group. The Branch members would be pleased if Comrades in near by branches could assist in billposting, printing and canvassing. A number of Branch members attended a public meeting of the local Committee of 100 and extended a challenge to debate. They hope the challenge will be accepted in the near future.

Ealing Branch commences its most ambitious programme of lectures, discussions and films. All members are asked to give the venture their fullest support and sympathisers are cordially invited. Two film shows are in the programme for October.

Wembley Branch Comrades were very gratified when comrade Michael’s recent talk on “The Socialist Revolution” attracted about twenty members of the local Labour Party Youth section (“Young Socialists”) There was good and lively discussion. September 10th was the date of the first indoor public meeting this Autumn, Comrade Hardy spoke on the “Common Market”. Among the other events planned the Branch hope to show a film on Cuba.

Two successful meetings have been held at Southsea this season. It is a pity that this station cannot be given greater attention. It was noted that audiences seemed more attentive than previously and literature sales were greater. Other outdoor meetings at Earls Court, in conjunction with Ealing Branch have been most encouraging, with large audiences and good literature sales.

Canvassing efforts continue month-by-month, and August 26th saw a small team visiting Stevenage in support of the new Mid-Herts Group. The Comrades hope that on the next more people will be at home to greet the canvassers. The result of the first canvass was rather disappointing but there will be another time!

The “New Zealand Building Worker” is reprinting the whole of our January Common Market articles in serial form. The first section appeared in their July issue and we have received their July and August numbers. Each section has a heading. The July issue contained the following:— “For the benefit of our members we intend to reprint from the Socialist Standard (England) a survey and analysis of the Common Market (E.E.C.). The complicated situation the United Kingdom finds herself in today is revealed in these articles which will be reprinted in succeeding issues of our journal”,

Phyllis Howard

Obituary: Florence Dale (1961)

Obituary from the October 1961 issue of the Socialist Standard

With deep sadness, we have to announce the death of Comrade Florence Dale of Wembley Branch, who was better known to many party members by the friendlier name of Queenie.

She joined the party in 1950, becoming first a member of Ealing Branch and later helping to found the new branch at Wembley. Queenie was not a speaker or a writer, but she played her full part in the backroom jobs without which the more “glamorous” work in the party could not carry on.

Much of her work was on the party’s Library Committee, looking after our collection of books, and —most essential—seeing that each month the SOCIALIST STANDARD went out to the long list of postal subscribers. She also served on the Head Office Social Committee and on many working committees in her branch.

Queenie was an active, warm, humane person who has left many friends in the party to grieve that she will no more listen to the music, and hike over the Downs, which she loved so well. She worked hard for Socialism and we shall carry on that work, because we know that that is what she would have wished.

To Queenie’s husband, Comrade Leslie Dale, also of Wembley-Branch, we offer our sincere, comradely sympathy. We share with him the loss of a loyal friend and a staunch comrade. We shall remember her for a very long time.

SPGB Meetings (1961)

Party News from the October 1961 issue of the Socialist Standard

Blogger's Notes:

As advertised above, Jack Law spoke at the Hackney Branch of the SPGB this month on the subject of Jehovah's Witnesses. Earlier in the year, Jack Law had written an article on the same subject for the Socialist Standard.

Cyril May was the listed party speaker for the Wembley Branch meeting on the subject of "Introducing the Socialist Party of Great Britain".

As mentioned in a previous post, it's always worthwhile, where one can, to provide some background on the Socialist Party speakers from back in the day that populated the back pages of the Socialist Standard. And, again, it's a bit grim, but sometimes the best source of information for those members is their Socialist Standard obituaries. Linked to below are the obituaries for some of the speakers listed above in the October 1961 issue of the Standard.

• Richard Donnelly
• Robert Russell
• John Higgins
• Joe Richmond
• Alex Shaw
• Robin Reid
• Jack Law
• Cyril May

SPGB Meetings (1962)

Party News from the September 1962 issue of the Socialist Standard

Party News Briefs (1957)

Party News from the February 1957 issue of the Socialist Standard

Lewisham Branch has had to alter the date of their propaganda meeting from 10th January. It is now being held at the same place (Davenport Co-op Hall, Davenport Road. Rushey Green), on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7th, at 7.30 p.m. This alteration is due to the later date of the Parliamentary election which is taking place in Lewisham.

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Head Office Film Lectures. These are being well attended and audiences are taking part in interesting discussions after the film. A list of films for February are given in this issue.

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Glasgow (City) Branch is holding propaganda meetings every Sunday evening at 7.30 p.m. at the Central Halls, Bath Street. The meetings will be of topical interest and will be held weekly (with the exception of 21st April) until the end of April.

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Glasgow (Kelvingrove) Branch is holding a propaganda meeting at St. Andrews Halls (Berkley St. entrance) on Sunday, 17th February. Further details in this issue.

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Bristol Group are planning a debate with the local branch of the Communist Party. Members are also very active in getting letters in the local Press, thus bringing the Party to the notice of readers.

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Ealing Branch. The second series of Branch discussions will start on February 1st and continue fortnightly thereafter. All members are being individually notified and are asked to give their support. In addition there will be a visit to the Geological Museum one Sunday in February, full details of which will be sent to the members later. In line with the E.C.’s request, all the local branches of the Communist Party have been circulated with the Party’s open letter. At the same time, the first letters are bring sent out asking local Trade Union branches to receive one of our speakers.

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Comrade G. R. Jacobs, who died in October last, has been associated with the Party for many years. His work caused him to travel considerably but when he returned to London he was active at meetings, particularly at Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Solicitors acting for his Niece have forwarded the sum of £200 which Comrade Jacobs willed to the Party “ for its General Purposes Fund.”

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News from America. Comrades Evans and Henderson, of Los Angeles Local, upon receiving a supply of S.P.G.B. Suez Crisis leaflets, held a good propaganda meeting in Pershing Square and distributed the leaflets to the audience. Leaflets have also been posted to sympathisers.

Phyllis Howard

Blogger's Note:

According to Party records that I have to hand, G, R. Jacobs joined the Ilford Branch of the SPGB in September 1934. He had a previous association with the IWW before party membership. He resigned from the SPGB in January 1943, as he was going abroad. He presumably was going to New Zealand, as he's next recorded as a member of the New Zealand companion party. He rejoined the SPGB in the 1940s after returning to the UK, and remained a member of the Party until his death.

Party News (1961)

Party News from the January 1961 issue of the Socialist Standard

Islington Branch and CND

In September last the Islington Branch Organiser received a letter from the Islington Campaign Committee for Nuclear Disarmament, giving details of their local activities. The latter stated they were prepared to send a speaker to give an address on Nuclear Disarmament, or, if it was preferred, they could show a film which they considered would be of interest. Or, if the Branch preferred, they would be prepared to debate with the Party.

The Branch decided that a debate would be a good proposition and immediately the local CND Secretary was contacted by telephone. He was advised that we accepted their proposition to debate and that the Branch could and would make all the necessary arrangements. The CND Secretary stated that he would have to put the matter before his committee. Islington Branch wrote confirming the telephone conversation, giving suggested dates and asked if the CND wished to hold the debate in Islington or elsewhere, also the motion suggested for debate.

The letter was acknowledged and it was stated that the Committee had agreed to the debate and that definite arrangements were awaited. All details were supplied. The proposed date was Thursday, December 22nd, and the venue, the Main Hall at the Holloway Co-operative building. The subject. “Nuclear Disarmament or Socialism?” Our representative’s name was given. All the arrangements were confirmed by the CND.

Three weeks later a letter was received stating that they had appointed a new secretary and a new committee who had reconsidered the matter and had decided against taking part in the debate. The reason given by them was that the policy of the new committee is not to argue for or against any particular philosophy. They offered to send a speaker as an alternative and ended their letter by remarking that they regretted the change of plan, “but as CND embraces all religions, creeds and philosophies,” they hoped “we would understand and try to bear with them.”

Ealing

Last month’s film show “Can We Be Rich?” given by Comrade Hardy, was very successful and has encouraged the Branch to try to arrange for three more shows to be held in January, February and March. These will alternate with lectures and discussions—altogether a fairly heavy programme which we hope members will make every attempt to support. Further details will be sent to all members and will, of course, appear in the Socialist Standard.

Woolwich

During the past year Woolwich Branch has maintained its activity and has had many discussions on current topics and the Party case.

The Branch has recently ended a satisfactory outdoor Propaganda season at Beresford Square. The number of meetings held and interest shown indicate that this is worthwhile and essential Party activity.

It is intended to pursue this method of propaganda next year and to continue to obtain the services of speakers and the sup-port of members.

A welcome is extended to all who would like to attend the branch. Time is always set aside for discussion after branch business.

Coventry Group

It may interest readers to know that a Socialist Discussion Group has recently been formed in Coventry. The first meeting of this Group was held on Monday, November 21st, in the Coffee Room (upstairs) “Craven Arms,” High Street, near Broadgate. Meetings will be held Monday fortnightly thereafter, all proceedings commencing at approximately 7.30 p.m.

Coventry members of the Socialist Party of Great Britain have been instrumental in organising this Group, the general aim and purpose of which will be to work towards the formation of a Coventry Branch of the Socialist Party of Great Britain. Generally. discussions will be held on Socialism and anything pertaining to it, and it is hoped to organise some lectures also. No one will be precluded from attending by virtue solely of views divergent from the S.P.G.B.s—obviously. And all—within the inevitable and necessary limits of an organísed discussion Group—will have complete freedom of expression.

You are cordially invited to attend any of the meetings—and the Group members will be pleased indeed to welcome you.

Meetings : Mondays, January 2nd, 16lh and 30th.

Head Office

Comrade Gilmac is regularly at Head Office from 2 to 7 p.m. (later on Tuesday) from Monday to Friday. He is happy to supply information about literature or any other Head Office matters. Telephone : MACauley 3811.

Please note when writing to Head Office, always write the name of the Party in full. It so happens that a local firm uses initials for its title and they are similar to ‘SPGB.’ No doubt we might get some of their correspondence and it is more than likely they receive some of ours, so in order to avoid confusion write SOCIALIST PARTY OF GREAT BRITAIN on all Head Office correspondence.

Phyllis Howard

Party News Briefs (1947)

Party News from the November 1947 issue of the Socialist Standard

The Autumn Delegate Meeting was held at the Trade Union Club, London, and not at the Conway Hall as originally arranged. The change was caused by factors beyond the control of the party. The question of increasing the number of pamphlets published by the party was discussed at length by delegates, and the whole of the party’s literature came under review. Methods of increasing sales were also discussed. The other organised activities of the party were dealt with under their various headings. These items included propaganda, publicity, internal education, finances, contact with companion parties, abroad, etc. There was a good attendance of delegates from London and the provinces who gave an excellent illustration of socialist democracy in action.

Edinburgh Group (Secretary—D. Lamond) have been running outdoor meetings at the Mound throughout the summer, and have planned to recommence indoor study and discussion meetings in the Melbourne Hall, Edinburgh every Sunday from the beginning of October, at 6.30 p.m. They are looking forward to some Glasgow speakers coming over, and there appear to be good prospects of an Edinburgh branch being formed soon. The Melbourne Hall is at George IV Bridge.

Kingston-on-Thames Branch have arranged a debate with the Trotskyists at the Co-operative Hall, Hampton Wick, for November 19th (Wednesday) at 8 p.m. The General Secretary is representing the party, but we have not yet been given the name of our opponents’ speaker. A number of Kingston members went to Brighton on Sunday, 21st, and arranged with the comrades living there to hold a meeting on the front. The beach authorities called in the police to stop the meeting after a very successful start had been made and a large, and rapidly increasing audience, gathered together. Another meeting was held later in the day at “The Level” with moderate success. The Kingston members, had an enjoyable day and the Brighton comrades were enthused by the effort. Friends and members living in the Brighton district who are interested in the formation of a group in or near Brighton can communicate with W. Craske, Green Road, Wivelsfield Green, Sussex.

Islington Branch held two very encouraging indoor meetings during the recent by-election in their area. The Central Library was filled on Sunday, September 21st, and the West Library provided a very interested audience on September 23rd. There were good collections and literature sales at both meetings.

Paddington Branch are firing away consistently with propaganda in their area. There were two indoor meetings in September, one at the Paddington Town Hall, and the other at Harvist Road School, Kensal Rise, N.W. Both were excellently attended and the speakers had to deal with keen questions and discussion. The branch mean to continue with meetings in the Willesden area with a view to laying the foundations for a branch there. Paddington now have their own amplifier which they use on a car for publicity purposes. They are convinced that this method is more effective than posters. There have been weekly outdoor meetings at the “Prince of Wales,” Harrow Road, but the police are shutting our meetings down early because of the rowdy meetings run by other organisations at the same place. The branch also report small, but good, outdoor propaganda meetings at Pennard Road, Shepherd’s Bush, which they describe as a political wilderness. These meetings have been run in conjunction with Ealing branch.

Croydon Branch has now been formed with the sanction of the Executive Committee. Many months of activity as a discussion group has thus borne fruit.

The Metropolitan Theatre, Edgware Road, London, is being booked for a concerted propaganda effort by Paddington branch and the central Propaganda Committee on Sunday, December 7th. Confirmation of the booking has not been received at the time of writing, but no difficulties are anticipated. Paddington branch are putting everything they have into the preparations for the meeting, and intend to engage in wide loud-speaker advertising, posters, handbills, etc. Will members and sympathisers please leave this day free so that this Sunday evening meeting will have the success it deserves.

Hackney Branch’s first meeting in the winter indoor campaign at the Bethnal Green Central Library justified the branch’s initiative in arranging the series. An attentive audience listened to the party’s views on “The Jewish Question”—a particularly appropriate subject as a large meeting of an anti-semitic political organisation was being held at the same time on a street corner a few yards away.

Ealing Branch have two big items in their programme for November. On Monday, November 10th, they are responsible for a debate at the Kensington Town Hall where our A. Turner will oppose Mr. A. Raven Thompson of an organisation called the Union of British Freedom. This party has views which are very much the same as those put forward by a number of other organisations which have been attempting to get in to the political limelight lately by holding large (and generally noisy) outdoor meetings in various parts of London. However much we disagree with the policies of our opponents we are always prepared to subject them to socialist analysis in public, and in doing this we do the only thing that can prevent the spread of false and dangerous ideas in the ranks of the working-class. The second Ealing branch effort is at Baling Town Hall, Ealing Broadway, on Wednesday, November 26th, where C. May and the General Secretary will be speaking. The branch are putting a considerable amount of work into both of these meetings, and expect success.

Clifford Groves, 

General Secretary.

SPGB Meetings (1960)

Party News from the November 1960 issue of the Socialist Standard

Party News Briefs (1953)

Party News from the August 1953 issue of the Socialist Standard

Delegate Meeting. The Annual Delegate Meeting will be held at Conway Hall. Red Lion Square, London, on Saturday and Sunday, 5th and 6th September. Commencing each day at 11 a.m. A Social and Dance will be held in the Large Conway Hall on the Saturday evening from 7.30 until 11 p.m. Tickets for the dance can be obtained from the Social Committee at Head Office or from Branch Secretaries.

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Provincial Tour. A London speaker, Com. Coster, is going to Manchester during the third and fourth weeks in August to assist the Branch in its Summer propaganda. It is hoped that Ashton under Lyme and other Lancashire towns will be visited during this fortnight.

Comrades D’Arcy and May will be visiting the Nottingham area for two weeks during August.

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Canada. Comrade Luff of Victoria B.C. has collected £5 10s. and sent it to Head Office to help Party Funds. This is greatly appreciated especially as our Canadian Comrades have their local propaganda to finance.

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Correction. In the July issue of the Socialist Standard a reference was made to the Mitcham Discussion Group. The impression given was that this was a Party Group. This is not so, but it is a debating Society which Comrade Turner addressed on behalf of the Party.

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Internal Party Journal. With next month’s issue of Forum one year of publication will have been completed. During the summer months there has been a slight reduction in sales, probably because some members are not in regular contact with their branches.

If you have missed some of the earlier issues, you are invited to place a regular order, either with your branch literature secretary or by postal subscription through Head Office (6 months 3s. 9d., 12 months 7s. 6d.). Forum needs to be read regularly if the significance of references to past articles is not to be lost.

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Ealing Branch

Ealing Branch is at present engaged in a further drive to increase the sales of the Socialist Standard. A special Branch committee has been formed and good progress is already reported. New areas are being tried for door-to-door canvassing, and extra efforts are being made to extend the number of shops selling the Standard. Apart from the shops already supplied, the Branch Committee has succeeded in getting a further twelve to give the paper a trial run. Total Branch sales of the Standard are now up to 24 dozen per month.

The Branch has now approved a report from its Propaganda Committee suggesting that it run its own education classes during the next winter season. Starting in October, it is proposed to run weekly classes on economics, and a further series on history is planned for the period after Christmas. Further details will be announced later.

Phyllis Howard

SPGB Meetings (1949)

Party News from the August 1949 issue of the Socialist Standard

Obituary: Bert Mayes (2003)

Obituary from the July 2003 issue of the Socialist Standard

We regret to have to report the death in June of our comrade Bert Mayes at the age of 86. He was not in fact our oldest member but he was the one who had been a member the longest, having joined the old Battersea branch in 1934 while a teenager. He came from a told pro-working clan background with two of his uncles being members. As a socialist he refused to be conscripted to fight fellow workers in the Second World War. After the War he transferred to Ealing branch and took part in that branch's intense canvassing for the Socialist Standard in the 1950s and spoke from time to time on the outdoor platform as well as being a Conference delegate. He was an active member of the TGWU and in fact tended to think that socialists should take more interest in the short-term problems confronting workers under capitalism. For instance, he took the view, when the Tories brought in the notorious 1957 Rent Act that drastically reduced rent control that it was not enough to argue that in the long run this would not make much difference since if rents went up wages would follow. Right up to the end he used to call into Head Office in Clapham to pay his subscription to the Socialist Standard.

The Party was represented at his funeral in Morden and our condolences go out to his wife and family.

Party News Briefs (1953)

Party News from the June 1953 issue of the Socialist Standard

Another May Day has passed and it is pleasing to note that very successful outdoor rallies were held by the Party in Hyde Park and on Clapham Common. Glasgow (City and Kelvingrove Branches) ran a rally in the Cosmo Cinema and this, too, proved a great success.

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Just a reminder to members. During the summer months considerable time and effort is spent on outdoor propaganda meetings. These provide, in the majority of cases, excellent opportunities for selling the “Socialist Standard” and pamphlets of the Party. Whilst it is interesting to listen to the speaker, and at times stimulate questions from the audience, it is certainly gratifying if members make greater efforts to sell our literature—the best form of propaganda—the written word. An overall attempt to increase the sales of the “Socialist Standard” and pamphlets will not only assist the Party financially, but help on the work of establishing Socialism. Why not have a go ?

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The Central Organiser would like members interested in the Summer School, being held on Saturday and Sunday, June 20th and 21st, at “Treetops,” Farley Green, to get in touch with him without delay in order to reserve accommodation.

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For members who prefer a day at the sea the first of the Ealing Branch summer social and outdoor propaganda trips is on Sunday, June 21st This one is to Southsea. Will any members wanting seats reserved contact E. Warnecke at Head Office or c/o of the Ealing Branch Secretary, as quickly as possible.

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Paddington Branch reports that their Social on May 9th was successful socially and financially. A very happy evening was enjoyed by all and the Branch were able to make a donation to Head Office from the

proceeds.

Phyllis Howard

Party News Briefs (1949)

Party News from the November 1949 issue of the Socialist Standard

Our Week-end Summer School, held at Tree-Tops Holiday Camp, Farley Green, near Guildford, Surrey, on September 17th and 18th, was generally claimed a great success. Many of the members who attended arrived early on the Saturday afternoon and spent that afternoon and evening indulging in various recreations and social activity. A swimming pool, tennis court and a selection of indoor games were available and a dance was organised. On Sunday morning at 10 a.m. Comrade Hardy gave a lecture on “ The Lessons of Four Years of Labour Government.” Those who attended this lecture were enthusiastic in their commendation and a call was made, and unanimously supported, for steps to be taken to put the subject matter of the lecture into print so that it could be made available for party propagandists. At 2 p.m. on the Sunday an open discussion, “Socialism, What Will it be Like? ” was commenced, and continued up to tea. time, 4.30 p.m. The discussion was opened by Comrade Cash and started mildly, the early contributors only sparring with the subject. Arguments warmed up as the discussion proceeded and many of the ideas propounded were still being hotly debated when the local bus came to collect members for Guildford Station and their homes. The food, sleeping arrangements and general facilities were considered to be very good and the charge of 18/- per visitor for the week-end was extremely moderate. A number of members present expressed a wish to see the camp used again for similar purposes.

The Half-yearly Delegate Meeting was held at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London, on Saturday and Sunday, September 24th and 25th. Consequent upon a resolution passed at our last Annual Conference this Delegate Meeting was a two day assembly instead of a one day meeting as heretofore. The maximum attendance was 42 delegates representing 23 branches. The more distant of our provincial branches were not represented. The attendance of visitors on the afternoon of the second day brought the total gathering up to approximately 150 members and friends. It was apparent that the hall in which the meeting was held was overcrowded and that we shall need more spacious accommodation for future Delegate Meetings.

Discussion on the first day centred around the proposal to afford an opportunity for Central Branch members to vote at Conferences. The plan submitted by the Executive Committee received the support of the meeting. A recommendation to adopt a system of proportional voting at Conferences was considered. It was pointed out as an example, that a branch with a membership of 40 might decide in favour of a resolution by 21 votes for, and 19 votes against, and send its four delegates to the Conference to vote for the resolution. Another branch of only 20 members, and. in consequence, only sending two delegates, might vote unanimously against the same resolution. This would make the voting of Party members 21 for the resolution and 39 against it, but the voting at the Conference would be 4 votes for, and 2 against. It was hoped that a scheme of proportional voting would eliminate this anomaly.

The Executive Committee was urged to hasten the publication of a pamphlet stating our attitude to war. It was pointed out that we have no literature to-day that specifically deals with this aspect. A brief leaflet or manifesto on the subject was considered to be inadequate, the nature of our case making it advisable to deal comprehensively with the subject in a pamphlet. Delegates also called for the publication of leaflets of a lively and interesting nature to attract the attention of workers to our case. The Editorial Committee, amplifying its report, stated that it was essential that writers should submit articles for publication in the Socialist Standard by the first week of the month prior to the one of publication. Notices of meetings were required by the 15th of the previous month or there could be no guarantee that they could be inserted.

The pièce de résistance of the meeting was the item in the report headed “Electoral Activity.” The Executive Committee was criticised by some branches for the method of appointing prospective Parliamentary candidates. After considerable discussion the following resolution was carried.

“That this Delegate Meeting recommends that the whole question of appointment of Parliamentary candidature be re-organised as follows: —

(a) That a panel of Parliamentary candidates be drawn up composed of members who have been examined by the E.C. and not through a sub-committee, and that the E.C. invite nominations from this panel.

(b) That the branch in the constituency concerned in the election have the right to freely ask members of the panel to be their candidate."

The Parliamentary Committee drew attention to the serious state of Party funds in view of the coming electoral campaigns. If we have an early election, as some seem to expect, we shall be in a disastrous position. The Parliamentary Fund contains only £219 and we need at least £900 to make a success of the election effort. There are tentative plans for the issue of a quantity of literature in connection with the campaign, but the rate of increase of funds will determine whether such plans can be operated.

There was a tussle between delegates over the relative merits of suburban as opposed to central London propaganda meetings. Some claimed that prominent Party speakers who are frequently to be found at Central London meetings should distribute their time around the suburban and provincial branches giving help and advice to new speakers.

The question of disciplining Party members, especially speakers, came up for discussion, but the difficulty of imposing any sort of discipline on members of an organisation that is run entirely by voluntary work, was appreciated.

The meeting was scheduled to finish at 5 p.m. on the second day, but delegates called for an extension to 7 p.m., and a number remained even later to discuss items on the agenda that could not be considered by the meeting because of pressure of time. Collections taken at the meeting totalled £9 11s. 3d.

Ealing Branch has had a much better outdoor season this year than in 1948 and it is intended to continue the meetings at Richmond and Ealing until the end of October. A prominent factor in the success at Ealing Green has been the introduction of a new and higher platform allowing the speaker's voice to carry further and enabling the branch to hold some excellent meetings in spite of the usual Tory opposition. In Richmond the efforts are bearing fruit. Enquiries have been received regarding the local Kingston Branch and the discussion group at Hounslow.

Ealing Branch trip to Southsea on September 18th exceeded the most optimistic expectations when an audience of over 200 listened to a three-hour peroration by our speakers, showed a great deal of interest, and contributed well to literature sales and collection. The Ealing members were impressed by the appreciation shown by the local sympathisers who wanted to know why our trips were so few and far between. It is certain that Southsea presents a ready soil for Socialist propaganda.

The Greenford and Hounslow discussion groups, sponsored by Ealing Branch, are both making satisfactory progress. A recent lecture given by Comrade Thorburn at Hounslow attracted an encouraging number of non-members.

Efforts to extend Ealing Branch’s literature sales are still doggedly and persistently being made. There has been an increase in pamphlet sales and, with the approach of winter, the monthly canvass should send literature sales to a higher level than on any previous year.

The Socialist Party of New Zealand has sent us a few sample copies of the recently issued pamphlet, “Introducing the Socialist Party of New Zealand.” It is a small eight-page pamphlet in a bold yellow cover and is for free issue. The chapter titles will give an idea of the scope of this small but very useful addition to socialist literature. The pamphlet opens with an introduction over the stamp of the Party's Executive Committee, pointing to the futility of Labour Government as a means of achieving Socialism and emphasising the importance of Parliament. The body of the pamphlet then deals with the founding of the S.P.N.Z., “Piecemeal reforms do not lead to Socialism,” “The fundamental problem of our age,” “"What Socialism Involves,” “Socialism is necessarily an international conception,” “The Road to Socialism,” “The Future belongs to the Socialist Movement.”, and “ The S.P.N.Z. and ‘Promises'.” We commend it to all readers of the Socialist Standard as a useful introductory pamphlet, but please do not send to our New Zealand comrades for a copy unless you enclose a donation. We know the cost of producing such a pamphlet, and. although it is for free issue, we ask you to remember that all our work is voluntary and our pockets, in New Zealand as well as in Britain, are like all workers' pockets, very, very shallow. Pay heed to a phrase from the end of the pamphlet, “ Our bugbear—lack of funds.”

The Socialist Party of Ireland is getting on with its task with determination and is collecting around itself a useful group of contacts from whom it is hoped to make new members. Indoor meetings in Dublin commenced at the Boilermakers' Hall in Lower Gardiner Street on September 11th with an address by the Party's General Secretary, Comrade Walsh. Further meetings have been held weekly since, each addressed by a different member of the Dublin Branch, and with satisfactory literature sales and collections. Catholic and Communist opponents have not attended or have not made their presence known. The Dublin Branch has sent out offers to various organisations to supply speakers and has issued challenges to debate, all without result to date. It is further hoped to be able to get a large hall in Dublin later in the season for a good large meeting. The Belfast Branch is also having success. Outdoor meetings in Belfast have been getting bigger and bigger. At two outdoor meetings during a recent strike, an audience of over 1,000 gathered around the platform. Belfast comrades have challenged the N. Ireland Labour Party to debate, but the challenge was not accepted. Indoor meetings began in Belfast on September 28th, and the initial meeting was a success that gave encouragement and promise for the future. The S.P.I.’s manifesto is now complete and we are told that we shall receive the draft as soon as the Belfast comrades have passed it. There is a friendly rivalry between the branches that speaks well for future activities.

W. Waters.

Party News Briefs (1950)

Party News from the June 1950 issue of the Socialist Standard

Provincial Propaganda was a matter of concern to the delegates at our Annual Conference last Easter. They recommended the Executive Committee to find two or more part-time propagandists who would be prepared to speak in the Provinces for a period of three months during the 1950 summer propaganda season. Acting upon this recommendation the Executive Committee has appointed Comrades D. Verity and D. Moss to make a propaganda tour of selected provincial centres. On May 8th these two speakers left London for Manchester where they will operate for approximately one month. Whilst they are in the Manchester area a programme of activity will be drawn up by the Executive Committee for these Comrades to follow during the remainder of their tour. Bradford and Sheffield are two of the towns that have been suggested as possible centres for their future activities.

Propaganda Research was another matter that received Conference consideration. The Executive Committee has now issued a report on this matter. Subject to the necessary office equipment being available, the material already in the hands of the Propaganda Research Bureau is to be made available. It will comprise 8 to 10 pages of duplicated notes arranged from the material supplied to the Bureau during the Autumn of 1949. The report points out that many speakers do considerable research in preparation for their lectures and the results of this research should be made available to all Party propagandists. Future issues of these research notes could, in addition to those covering general information, be devoted to special subjects. An instance is given of such a special issue dealing entirely with “China” and compiled largely from the material collected by a Party speaker who has specialised in this subject. The report concludes:

“What has to be remembered is that the best results can be achieved only with the full co-operation of those in the Party who read, write and speak. The Propaganda Research Bureau must come largely from outside the bureau itself.”

Members for Full-Time Posts are to receive special training. The Examination Committee has reported to the Executive Committee presenting a list of subjects on which they propose to examine the members whose names have been submitted for training. The list, which has been approved as a basis for the Examination Committee’s work is as follows:—Communistic Society, Slave Society (Greek, Roman and Egyptian) and Feudal Society; migrations of culture. The English Revolution, the French Revolution, the American Revolt for Independence, the Peasant Rebellions (English, French and German), the Industrial Revolution, the Corn Law Movement, the 1848 movements. History of Working Class Movements, the Utopians, the Materialist Conception of History, Trade Unionism (old and new). Development of Parliaments, the American Civil War, Reformism and Reform Movements, Geography—its effect upon History, Evolution, Progress, etc.. Trusts and Nationalisation, Party History (S.P.G.B.), Currency (Credit) Malthus, Henry George, Crises, and Economics (General).

The secretary of Ealing Branch informs us that seaside propaganda trips to Southsea are being organised for Sunday 2 July, Sunday 13 August and Sunday 24 September. Southsea is a good spot for propaganda. Seats are 12s. for each trip and can be booked by writing to W. Critchfield at 48, Balfour Road, West Ealing, W.13. Comrades who are interested and want further information are urged to make early application.

Members of the Swansea Discussion and Study Group report on their efforts to get the Party case stated in the local Press.

A correspondent to the South Wales Evening Post recently mentioned that he was mystified as to the meaning of Socialism. He drew attention to the fact that the Labour Party, I.L.P., Communist Party, S.P.G.B. and others, contested the Election as Socialists, yet were all in opposition to one another.

In reply to this, a Swansea member of the S.P.G.B. wrote to the South Wales Evening Post stating that the S.P.G.B. was, in fact, the only party that contested the Election with a mandate for Socialism. The Editor added a footnote to this quoting the Concise Oxford Dictionary meaning of Socialism: i.e.

“Principle that individual freedom should be completely subordinated to interests of community with any deductions that may be correctly or incorrectly drawn from it: e.g. substitution of co-operation for competitive production, national ownership of land and capital, state distribution of produce, free education and feeding of children and abolition of inheritance.”

Our member replied to this giving our full objective: i.e.

“The establishment of a system of society based upon the common ownership and democratic control of the means and instruments for producing and distributing wealth by and in the interest of the whole community."

This letter was published by the South Wales Evening Post. In reply, another reader wrote agreeing that the S.P.G.B. is the only Socialist Party, and challenged members of the other so called “Socialist” parties to state their case in opposition to the S.P.G.B.

If any reply was given, it was not published. Are these parties so confused that they do not feel qualified to reply?

The Socialist Party of New Zealand writes that, “Our pamphlet, (Introducing the S.P.N.Z.) did not bring a rush of inquirers into the Party and its activities. It did bring forth a statement per medium of the official organ of the Communists, the 'Peoples Voice.’ Needless to say the article contained the usual Communist distortions, stupid assertions and, if they are as well informed as they claim to be, deliberate lies. However, we wrote the manager of the ‘Peoples Voice’ pointing out the errors and distortions. At the same time we challenged them to debate. Which Party should the Workers support, the C.P. of N.Z. or the S.P. of N.Z. Our answer to this letter has not been received up to the time of writing.”

Our Belfast Comrades are anxious to receive visits from S.P.G.B. speakers. They extol the virtues of Northern Ireland as a holiday venue as an inducement to get some of our members across the dividing channel. Arrangements for accommodation in Belfast will be made for any intending visitor, particularly if he or she will speak on the S.P.I. platform. If there are any Party speakers who are intrigued by the idea, early contact with the Overseas Secretary, S.P.G.B. is urged.

Newport Branch has been in difficulties for some time. It has now been decided to dissolve the branch and transfer its members to Central Branch.

Lewisham Branch sought to renew permission to hold meetings in Greenwich Park but has been refused. It is, in consequence, intended to re-open the propaganda station at Romer Avenue on Saturday evenings.

W. Waters.

Coventry 

Members and sympathisers in Coventry and district who are interested in forming a Discussion and Study Group are asked to get in touch with F. Morton, 64, Gretna Road, Coventry.

Party News Briefs (1955)

Party News from the June 1955 issue of the Socialist Standard

Ealing Branch. The special May campaign to increase the sales of the S.S. has got off to an exceptionally fine start. At the time of writing (the middle of the month) over 35 dozen copies have been sold, and everybody is confident that the target of 50 dozen will be more than realised before the end of the month. The regular canvassers have been heartened by the support of members new to this form of activity, who in turn have been agreeably surprised by the results obtained. The Branch Literature Committee are confident that there is no reason why these figures should not be further increased; all that is required is a steadily increasing number of members prepared to canvass. It is as easy for the Committee to organise a canvass with a dozen members, as it is to organise a party of six—and even more stimulating!

Approval of the Branch’s scheme to distribute back copies of the S.S. has been given by the E.C., and several hundred have already been disposed of in this way. Members unable to canvass are asked to get in touch with the Branch Literature Secretary and offer their help in this form of literature activity.

The first of the Branch’s propaganda excursions takes place on Sunday, 5th June, when two cars will be taking members to Southsea. Other meetings will follow in the course of the season.

Finally, will all members note that outdoor meetings will be held, weather permitting, every Saturday afternoon, at Ealing Green. Please give your support, if you can.

* * *

Bradford Branch say that their canvassing drive at Dewsbury is still going strong. They report that they sell four to five dozen Standards each month (not three dozen as mentioned in April) and of the former, three dozen Standards are sold to regular readers.

* * *

May Day arrangements in London and the Provinces were hampered through the very bad weather. In London the Hyde Park meetings were cancelled but despite this, there was a good audience in the evening at Conway Hall, where Comrades May and Coster gave very interesting talks on May Day and aims and objects of die Party.

Reports are not in from Glasgow, but we understand that very good evening meetings were held there.

Nottingham Branch report that Comrades Keys and Warlow addressed about 250 workers on Market Square on the Saturday before May Day, the meeting lasted from 7 to 10 p.m. On the Sunday morning the “Nottingham Labour Day Demonstration” was held, although it was raining heavily. Our speakers attempted to hold a meeting but the rain forced them to abandon it. A good meeting, however, was held for about an hour, between heavy rain showers, in the afternoon. About 10s. worth of literature was sold during the two days. Branch members find that Market Square is a good station for propaganda meetings and they are aware of sympathetic interest from the audience.

* * *

Swansea Branch has not been in a position to hold any propaganda meetings during the last four months, but their activities have been directed in writing to the Press —letters stating the Party’s Object have appeared in the South Wales Evening Post, Llanelly Star, Neath Guardian, Western Mail and Swansea Voice. An attempt is also being made to advertise the Party’s literature in the Swansea Voice.

Phyllis Howard

Branch News (1961)

Party News from the April 1961 issue of the Socialist Standard

St. Pancras, April 19th

Most members will already know of the demonstration for Socialism meeting held at St. Pancras Town Hall on Wednesday, April 19th. This is a very special occasion and calls for the enthusiasm and practical assistance of all London comrades. From Monday, April 10th, until the meeting date, a programme has been arranged for advertising the event by distributing handbills. The urgency and necessity for the work cannot be too strongly stressed. So please take up the challenge and rally to the distribution centres at 7.45 p.m. on the following dates: —

Monday, April 10th—Camden Town Underground Station.

Tuesday and Wednesday, April 11th and 12th—Mornington Crescent Underground Station.

Thursday and Friday, April 13th and 14th—Century Cinema, Kings Cross.

Monday, April 17th—Angel Underground Station, Islington.

Tuesday, April 18th—Russell Square Underground Station.

Wednesday, April 19th, at 7.30 p.m. — DEMONSTRATION FOR SOCIALISM, St. Pancras Town Hall, Euston Road, N. W. 1.

Ealing

The attention of members is drawn to two film shows being held this month. The first, on Friday, April 7th, deals with post-war Germany, and the second, on Friday, April 28th, subject—the eventful year of 1848.

Events last month were a film show, the first of the monthly canvasses in the Acton area, and on the social side a visit to the Toulouse Lautrec Exhibition at the Tate Gallery, followed by the usual get-together at a member’s home in the evening.

The next canvass in the Acton area will be held on April 9th—time and meeting place to be announced. Attendance of members at Branch meetings has been remarkably high of late. Please do your utmost to keep this up.

Islington

Islington Branch continues to hold successful lunch hour meetings every Thursday at Tower Hill. Attentive audiences of two to three hundred are becoming a regular feature. Literature sales could be improved if comrades would attend regularly to assist Comrade McGuinness. This is useful and enjoyable work for the Party. Please join Comrades Ambridge and McGuinness on Thursdays, 12.30 p.m. at Tower Hill.

Wembley

Wembley Branch members were agreeably surprised when over a dozen Jehovah’s Witnesses turned up to Comrade Law’s talk on the J.W. Movement, held on February 13th. There was lively discussion which lasted until the end of the meeting. A report was published later in the local press. The branch view seems to have been justified that members need to brush up their knowledge of contemporary religious theories. So further lectures will be arranged later, covering Modern Non-conformism, Spiritualism. The Mormons, etc.

At the end of February, Comrade Bryant (S.P. of A.) talked to the branch about Automation. Other discussions have been fixed for April, and there will be a film show early in May. All welcome, and for those interested, full details from the branch secretary.

The branch is slowly but surely increasing its sales of the Socialist Standard—mainly by canvassing—and current figures arc reaching the twenty dozen mark. They may well have passed this by the time these notes appear. Parts of Wood Green Area were successfully canvassed on February 26th, and a member living locally will follow up. This part of London is due for another visit shortly. At the beginning of the outdoor season in May, we shall try a canvass in Portsmouth and follow this with a meeting on the sea front in the afternoon. All branches will be informed of precise arrangements.

During the winter, we have had the benefit of writers classes held in Wembley on alternate Friday evenings. Emphasis has been laid here on improving our style of writing by applying the general principles of journalism—forceful presentation and economy of words. We hope that the results will show themselves shortly in better articles for the Socialist Standard.

Canada

Two former members of Ealing Branch went abroad to Toronto at the beginning of 1957. They were Comrades G. and S. Catt. For some time, fairly regular letters have passed between them and London. Now comes the splendid news that they have both joined the Socialist Party of Canada and have managed to start a local discussion group, with nine or ten persons regularly attending. There have been some very lively meetings to all accounts, and these comrades are hopeful that a Toronto branch of the S.P. of C. can be formed in the not too distant future. Address for those interested is 184, Beach Avenue, Toronto.

But it is an uphill struggle against tremendous odds, particularly since the Socialist movement over there is small and scattered. At the same time, it is a challenge which the Comrades Catt have gladly accepted, and we send them our very best wishes.

A Donation

The Party acknowledges with sincere thanks a donation of £500 received on March 14th from Ethel Lee Haing, an Australian Party member. She had saved to buy a car, but felt that the sacrifice was worth making to help in our work for Socialism.

Phyllis Howard

Obituary: Ralph Critchfield (2024)

Obituary from the January 2024 issue of the Socialist Standard

Ralph Critchfield, who wrote for the Socialist Standard for nearly 70 years under the name of Ivan, died at the beginning of November. He joined the Socialist Party in 1947 at the age of 17 after listening to outdoor speakers on Ealing Green in West London. His two brothers were also Party members. He recounted how and why he joined in an article that appeared in the World Socialist in 1985.

He was born, lived and worked in West London all his life. As a conscientious objector to ‘national service’ he was required to work at Ealing film studio. Later he worked, as many from the area did, for Hoover in Western Avenue. Dissatisfied with a useless office job there, he changed career to become a probation officer.

His first article appeared in 1949, with the others following more frequently. In 1960 he became a member of the Editorial Committee, a position in which he served for a decade or so. From then until his last article in 2018 he wrote at least one every month, a remarkable achievement. An accomplished and skilful writer, his articles were not just straight expositions of the case for socialism — though he did draft a pamphlet of that title that was published in 1962. There were many exposing the horrors of war and what wars mean for ordinary people. He particularly specialised in analysis of politicians, parliament and the main political parties of capitalism, writing columns for the Standard on this theme for many years, including ‘Caught In the Act’ and ‘Greasy Pole’. There were also many pieces about daily life, sometimes based on his personal experience. In fact, if you were to go through them you would know that he must have worked for Hoover and later had a job in the criminal justice system. However, he never seemed to have mentioned playing rugby or being a rugby referee.

He stood as the Socialist Party candidate for parliament at two general elections — in Hampstead in 1974 and in Islington in 1979. He was also a candidate on a number of occasions in local elections in Ealing. In addition, he represented the Party in a number of public debates against opponents ranging from the Communist Party to a future Conservative MP.

Ralph Critchfield was a dedicated socialist who was engaged for over 70 years in the struggle for socialism and who made a massive contribution to the cause. A Party member spoke at his non-religious funeral. Our condolences go to his wife and family.

Blogger's Note:

Readers wishing to read more of Ralph's wonderful articles are invited to check out this page which is dedicated to his writings in the Standard and elsewhere.