By a Special Correspondent SOME weeks ago details were given in the CATHOLIC HERALD of the varied activities of the Left Book Club. The activities of the Lewisham branch afford concrete evidence of careful and well-organised effort.
In a recent issue of the Lewisham Journal a full report appears regarding the bi-annual meeting of the Lewisham Left Book Club.
Those with any knowledge of the movement will realise that the organisers do not exaggerate when they describe their activities as being " crammed with move ment." The Lewisham Club make this boast.
Local branches certainly display plenty of enthusiasm.
Spain Again Most of us realise how deeply the Socialists in this country have interested themselves in the Spanish conflict, and are prepared to go to any length in their defence of the Spanish Communists.
Some have by this time realised that they are fighting a losing battle. But the Lewisham Left Book Club have not recognised this fact.
In the columns of the local Press the committee of the club affirm that " as long as the Spanish war lasted, the club would consider it as one of its chief duties to do all in its power to help the Spanish people in their tight against international Fascism."
At least one big public meeting is to be organised with this purpose in view, and a big sales drive of literature " Showing the true position in Spain " is to be made a feature of the autumn programme.
Interest in Communism Catholic members of the Socialist Party in south-cast London are constantly assured that the leaders will have nothing to do with the Communists. Yet to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the education department of the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society free scholarships are to take the form of tours in the Soviet Union.
The Lewisham Left Book Club is even more interested in Communism. While condemning international Fascism, the committee appear only too anxious to foster international, Communism.
The report in the Lewisham Journal contains details of the next meeting of the club in order to discuss the merits of "American Testament," described as the story of a writer's conversion to Communism.
Committee Organisation
From the report, one can gain a clear impression of the care with which local committees of the Left Book Club are organised.
There arc no less than five secretaries attached to the Lewisham Book Club, each devoting his efforts to a particular branch of the club's activities.
A Press secretary is included in the list. The Left Book Club Movement has always appreciated the value of adequate publicity in the local newspapers, and no opportunity is lost to assist local editors and reporters.
A literature secretary is another important post in the organisation, while it would appear that the social secretary is to be kept very busy this winter.
At the end of die report the name and address of the Convenor-Secretary are quoted, and readers of the newspaper invited to write for " full details of all activities."
A Busy Autumn Full details are not to be found in the Press report, but there is sufficient to prove that the coming autumn will be " crammed with movement."
Apart from the meeting and sales drive already referred to, the autumn is to witness the initiation of a campaign for new members. Here, as in other parts of the country, some progress will be made.
Organisers also promise a great deal of social activity. And these organisers often keep their promises.
Catholic Opportunities
Lewisham is regarded as one of the most active Catholic districts in south-east London, and has always maintained a healthy interest in the Catholic Press. Will local Catholics offer any opposition to the progress of the forces of the Left? It can be done. And these are the right people in Lewisham to do it.