Party News Briefs
The Social Committee in again faced with its annual problem of finding accommodation for the provincial branch delegates to our Conference., “With the growth of the provincial branches and the consequent increase in the number of delegates. The task of finding accommodation for them becomes proportionately greater. London members, particularly those who live within easy access of the conference venue, are urgently requested to assist. Please contact the social committee at Head Office at once, the time is short. Let the comittee know what you can do to help—whether you can provide a bed for one or more and whether you can provide any meals or not. There are few better ways of spending the Easter period than attending the conference and functions in the company of a comrade from the provinces.
Glasgow Branch reports that audiences in that city are getting bigger and better. Our speakers have, since the turn of the year, spoken to hundreds of Glasgow workers in the Central Halls, Bath Street. At one meeting in particular, addressed by Comrade Millen, the hall filled very quickly and many workers were turned away disappointed. Debates and another important activity with the branch. Following a debate with the I.W.W., challenges were received from the R.C.P. and the Y.C.L. Challenges to debate have also been sent to the majority of M.P.s in Scotland. The few who have had the courtesy to reply have declined to accept, but the branch members hope that somehow, some day, some Labourite hero will accept.
Socialist Party of New Zealand, sends us a letter with this interesting item : ” . . . . proof of the value of the bonus system to the masters. For instance, the loading of carcases of lamb and mutton. In 1948 the boss thought 400 per hour was good, the “Workers’ Government’s Commission ” thought that 550 would do, whilst last year the watersiders actually loaded an average of 801 per hour. The point of interest is that since 1938 the watersiders have been paid a bonus for loading and discharging cargoes speedily. On “freezer jobs” (lamb and mutton) the average bonus would work out at about 7d. an hour over and above, daily pay and it is for this amount that the boss gets an extra 400 carcases loaded per hour.”
Dublin Socialist Group are still going ahead. The series of lectures have concluded and classes on politics and economics have been started. It is hoped to be able to have an outdoor platform this year. A forma! membership list, with a weekly subscription and regular weekly group meeting, has been opened. The first issue of the Group’s paper, when it is ready, will be in the nature of a Manifesto, reviewing the events in Ireland since the Irish State was set up (1921), and showing that all the parties have been supporters of Irish capitalism in some form or another, and pointing out the only way for the Irish workers—Socialism.
We have also received a copy of a leaflet that has been distributed in Dublin by the “Catholics of Dublin and Soldiers of Christ,” enumerating “the local agents of that Satanical Force—Atheistic Communism.” With five other organisations appears “The Dublin Socialist Group.” Two of our comrades are named as men who “spit Marxism,” and the leaflet ends with the question, “Are YOU going to do nothing about it?”
Collected Socialist Pamphlets, This bound volume is now in the public libraries at Scarborough, Leeds, Stockport, Bournemouth, Luton, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Dundee,, Chester, Woking, Hampstead, Highgate, Purley, Chiswick, Sutton, Tottenham, Ilford, Hornsey and Grays (Esex) in addition to libraries previously supplied. There are still some volumes left from which to supply your public library. Write to the librarian now.
Our Annual Conference this year will be held at the Comvay Hall, Red Lion Square, London, W.C.I, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 15th, 16th and 17th of this month. Each daily session will commence precisely at 11 a.m. and terminate at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. as the evening arrangements may determine. On the Saturday evening, following the second day of conference, we shall hold a Social and Dance in the same hall. This, as on previous years, will afford an opportunity for older members to get together in a Party re-union and for younger ones to have a real boisterous evening. It will be an enjoyable time for all, dancers, reminiscences, players of games and those who just like to sit and watch. A number of prizes have been promised. There will be a good band in attendance, the doors will open at 7.30 p.m. and the tickets are 2s. 6d. each. On the Sunday evening, after the concluding day of Conference, there will be a Party Rally in the Conway Hall. The speakers for this have yet to be appointed, but it is customary, when possible, to give an opportunity to our provincial comrades to speak on this occasion.
Hackney Branch has booked the Dalston Secondary School in Shacklewell Lane, E.8, for a Social and Dance on Saturday, 14th of May. Tickets for this may be obtained from J. Robertson, 218, Seven Sisters Road, N.4, or from branch members. The price is the usual 2s. 6d. If this evening is as successful as the one held by Ealing Branch at Hanger Lane, Ealing, on March 5th, it will be an affair well worth attending.
May Day thin year is presenting our Propaganda Committee with some difficulties. The usual demonstration meeting will be held in Hyde Park. But for the evening meeting the Metropolitan Theatre is not available this year. Attempts were made to book Conway Hall, Seymour Hall, Porchester Hall and the Scala Theatre without success. The committee was finally successful in getting the, St. Pancras Town Hall in the Euston Road. Although this is not as central as was desired, it is nevertheless a good hall in an accessible position. It is close by King’s Cross and Euston main line railway stations.
A Comrade in Scarborough writes: “Away up here one feels very isolated from the party and its doings, but I keep plugging away on my lonesome trying to publicise the Party publications. Some newsagents in York have become interested in the STANDARD, and one here in Scarborough has promised to get a few copies from his wholesaler. “Collected Socialist Pamphlets” is in the, Scarborough Public Library, and the “S.S.” is under consideration for the Periodicals Room . . . the article on the London ‘bus strike is likely to prove interesting to busmen here, and I’m sending a copy of this to the local T. & G.W.U. branch.” This may give ideas to other ‘ isolated ‘ comrades.
W. WATERS