MARXISM

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21747, 1 April 1936, Page 18

MARXISM

COLLEGE RADICAL CLUB ADDRESSED

Three aspects of Marxism—dialectic materialism, the guide to action, and the economic doctrine of surplus value—were discussed by Mr S. J. Roscoe in an address to members of the Canterbury College Radical Club in the Students' Association building last evening. The title of the address was "Why Study Marx?" and was intended as a guide to socialistic study. Introduced as an ardent socialist and colleague of the Hon. R. Semple in organising the Wanpanui watersiders some years ago, Mr Roscoe said that a prominent politician—not Mr Semple —recently said that Marx could teach him nothing. That was the typical attitude of democratic leaders, he said. There had been no trial of Marxism in New Zealand, Mr H. E. Holland having been its only follower. Commenting on the economic theory of surplus value, Mr Roscoe said that New Zealand was on the way to a minor boom. In eight hours' labour spent in production, one hour covered the labourer's costs, the remainder being what capitalists were pleased to call surplus. Facilitated production and small labourers' profits, led to waste. Goods accumulated and prices went down. Depression followed. In Soviet Russia communcl ownership of production machinery had eliminated booms, social crises, and depressions. Mr Roscoe concluded with a survey of some phases of the teachings of Marx, Engels, and Lenin. Miss Evelyn Lawn, who presided, thanked Mr Roscoe. She reminded members that a meeting of the club would be held on Thursday, April 2. to discuss affiliation with similar clubs, and to consider practical suggestions in following the advice of Mr H. Winston Rhodes to make contacts with outside people.