MR. JAMES MAXTON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22142, 22 June 1935, Page 9 (Supplement)

MR. JAMES MAXTON

PORTRAIT OF A REBEL A biography written by a friend, who is also a native of Glasgow and an active Socialist —will such a book give a true portrait of the man, James Maxton? The odds are against it but the result belies expectation. Mr. McAHister admires his subject and loves him whole-heartedly, but docs not let heart rule head.

The faults of the Clydeside idol, which may be described as disorderliness, lack of discipline, failure in cooperation, in team-work and organisation, are set down, as well as Mr. Maxton's passionate sincerity, his integrity, his crusading spirit, his eloquence, his gift for humour and pathos, and his personality, which has made him beloved by all parties. Obviously Mr. McAllister" has a fascinating story to tell and he tells it well. There are painful passages, especially as the book goes on and show the impractical nature of Mr. Maxton chasing the shadow instead of the substance, preferring demagogy to statesmanship, and time and again causing embarrassment and confusion in the cause he had at heart

Strange that this great Socialist, the spear-head of the attack, should show himself in his political life an uncompromising individualist, yet so it is. He is impossible in practical politics, although that is no discredit if he would realise it and, as Mr. McAllister suggests, leave policy and administration to the competent and confine himself to his proj>er role, that of prophet.

" James 'Maxton, the Portrait of a Rebel, by Gilbert McAllistei. (John Murray.)