HISTORY OF SOCIALISM

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19013, 2 August 1933, Page 3

HISTORY OF SOCIALISM

WORKERS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSN. ADDRESS BY MR BLOODWORTH. Addressing the Waikato branoh of the Workers' Educational Association on “The History of Socialism," Mr T. Bloodworth, of Auckland, traoed the growth of socialist thought and Influence from the early nineteenth century to the present day, pointing out that it must be, recognised that capitalism had prepared the way for socialism. At the same time one had to be careful not to confuse social reform with socialism.

In its early days the movement was supported by many prominent clergymen, who saw in socialism a direct parallel to ’Christianity. . The early socialists believed that socialism represented truth, wisdom and justice. In the tenets of the Fabian Society, from which the speaker quoted, was developed the doctrine of permeation or the attainment of a socialist state by complete democracy, and not by the super-imposition of a socialist state by revolution. * “I am fully convinced," said 'Mr Bloodworth, “that the true socialist state cannot he attained through the violent imposition of socialism by dictators. In fact many socialists argue that leaders are not wholly necessary to the movement. The good socialist should endeavour to foster socialism by securing converts and not attempting political leadership." An Interesting Development. Guild socialism, which was one of the most interesting developments of socialism, was a combination of Utopian and scientific socialism and aimed at the control of the producing industries and services by separate guilds. Guild socialism aimed at selfgovernment in industry and visualised a time when the means and control or the machinery of production would bo in the hands of the people and not the Stale.

The communists claim that they have not yet achieved socialism in Russia, bill are still advancing in that direction, added the speaker. Mr Bloodworth' considered that other methods than force were possible for tho achievement of the socialist state.