History for Lunch: talk on anarchism in New Zealand (Wednesday 21 August)

This Wednesday (August 21) I will be talking about the colourful radicals of the early labour movement in Wellington – anarchists and the Industrial Workers of the World. As well as organising one of New Zealand’s first anarchist collectives, Philip Josephs and members of the IWW were active in Wellington's working-class counter culture and the Great Strike of 1913. This talks aims to highlight the role of literature, mass meetings and international influences on these events.


At the Wellington Public Library, 12.30pm.

A plea to release interned anarchist Carl Mumme...

 

On this day in 1916 Margaret Mumme, the wife of Somes Island internee and anarchist Carl Mumme, wrote to Minister of Defence James Allen saying two bondsmen were willing to vouch for Carl if he was released. Allen replied that nothing less than a 100 pound bond would do: Margaret replied that they couldn't afford the £100 without borrowing money; that the family was already on assistance from the Benevolent board; and then pleaded with Allen that her 5 children did not understanding why their father was interned. Allen was not moved - it would take another 3 years before Carl was released...