John A. Lee
Encyclopedia
John Alfred Alexander Lee DCM
(31 October 1891 - 13 June 1982) was a New Zealand
politician and writer. He is one of the more prominent avowed socialists
in New Zealand's political history.
in 1891, the son of Alfred Lee and Mary Isabella Taylor. His parents were not married, and at the time of his birth, they had already separated due to his father's gambling and alcoholism. Lee's mother had little income, and the family experienced considerable financial hardship. Lee did not do well at school, and he was often truant
.
In 1905, he left school to work, and became involved in petty crime. In 1908, he was convicted of theft, and served time at a boarding school
for juvenile delinquents
. He attempted to escape several times, and was eventually successful. After wandering the country for a time, he found work in Raetihi
, but was then jailed for liquor smuggling and breaking and entering.
Three years after being released, Lee enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force
, and served in World War I
. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal
for action at Messines in June 1917, but was repatriated after being wounded in March 1918 and losing his left arm. He arrived back in New Zealand in July 1919, and established a small business.
. Lee had been a committed socialist
for some time, having read a large amount of Marxist literature over the years. He is said to have heard the speeches of Bob Semple
and Harry Scott Bennett
through the bars of his jail cell, and in the army, he had been known as "Bolshie
Lee" for his views. Lee's status as a veteran was considered valuable by the Labour Party, as the party's anti-conscription
stance had caused many to brand it unpatriotic — Lee, a decorated and wounded soldier, was able to counter this perception quite effectively. By 1920, Lee was on the Labour Party's national executive.
In 1921, Lee contested a by-election in the Auckland East seat, but was defeated by Clutha Mackenzie
. In the 1922 general elections
, however, he stood again and was elected. He soon became one of the better known members of Parliament, noted for his powerful oratory and strong views. He also played a considerable role in the Labour Party's internal policy formulation, where he had a strong interest in foreign affairs, defence and economics.
Lee was re-elected in the 1925 elections
with a majority of 750, but, because of boundary changes, was narrowly defeated (by 37 votes) in the 1928 elections
. Lee then took a job managing the Palace Hotel in Rotorua
(though he did not drink) for Ernest Davis
.
In the 1931 elections
, Lee won the seat of Grey Lynn
, having controversially defeated another former MP, Fred Bartram
, for the Labour nomination. The major political issue of the day was the Great Depression
, and Lee played a significant role in the formulation of Labour's economic policies. Lee also wrote his first novel, Children of the Poor — the book was largely autobiographical, and was a considerable success. The book argued that poverty generated crime and vice, and that only a socialist program could solve society's problems. In the early 1930's Lee served on the Auckland Rugby League
's board and later served as chairman.
with a large majority, and formed its first government, many expected Lee to enter New Zealand Cabinet
. However, Lee did not have the support of Michael Joseph Savage
, the new Prime Minister
. Savage appears to have considered Lee too radical and uncontrolled, while Lee considered Savage too cautious. The two had clashed on a number of policy issues, and in the end, Lee was not awarded ministerial rank — instead, he became an under-secretary
. This position did not, however, have any legal authority until the following year, when Lee threatened to resign. Given responsibility for housing, Lee quickly moved to implement a "socialist" plan for state housing
, with the construction of many new dwellings for the poor.
While Lee was highly enthusiastic about his housing program, he became increasingly unhappy with the new government's economic policies, which he saw as overly cautious. Lee gradually emerged as the leader of Labour's left-wing faction, opposed primarily by the more orthodox Minister of Finance
, Walter Nash
. Lee and his allies, as well as being strongly socialist, were influenced by social credit
theory, and believed that the government should take immediate control of the country's financial system. Nash opposed this, and was able to block proposals put forward by Lee to nationalise the Bank of New Zealand
. Gradually, Lee's criticism of the Labour Party's leadership became increasingly public.
As well as arguing for a more socialist policy platform, Lee also criticised the Labour Party's internal structure. In particular, he sought to abolish the tradition of having the Prime Minister appoint Cabinet — instead, he wished Cabinet to be elected by caucus
. This was rejected by Savage, and Lee began to portray himself not merely as a campaigner for socialism but as a campaigner for internal party democracy. This stance won Lee considerable support from those who otherwise disliked his views. Lee's attacks came at a time of considerable difficulty for the Labour Party — Michael Joseph Savage was now seriously ill, and World War II
was breaking out.
On 25 March 1940, Lee was finally expelled from the Labour Party. Savage died two days later, and was succeeded as Prime Minister by Peter Fraser, a member of the faction opposed to Lee's left-wingers. Lee quickly announced the establishment of the new Democratic Labour Party
, with himself as leader. He was joined by Bill Barnard
, the Speaker
and former Mid-Canterbury Labour MP Horace Herring . Others, e.g. John Payne
, Labour MP Rex Mason
and Independent MP Harry Atmore
were sympathetic.
However, Lee soon alienated many of his supporters (including Barnard) with what was seen as an "autocratic" leadership style, ironic considering his complaints against Savage. In the 1943 elections
, the Democratic Labour Party put forward 52 candidates, including Keith Hay
, Alfred E. Allen
and Colin Scrimgeour
(who stood against Peter Fraser in Wellington Central
. The DLP won only 4.3% of the vote, Lee lost his seat to Labour candidate Frederick Hackett
, and none were elected. Barnard stood as an Independent and also lost.
in the Vietnam War
. He was awarded an honorary LLD by the University of Otago
in 1969.
Lee died in Auckland in 1982. His wife, Marie (Mollie) Lee, had died in 1976. They had no children, although they raised Lee's three nephews after his sister's death.
Plus numerous pamphlets mainly published during his political days.
Lee also produced a political journal, “John A Lee’s Weekly” (which underwent several name changes) from 1940 to 1954.
In 1989, Mervyn Thompson
adapted Children of the Poor into a successful musical play.
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean...
(31 October 1891 - 13 June 1982) was a New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
politician and writer. He is one of the more prominent avowed socialists
Socialism
Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,...
in New Zealand's political history.
Early life
Lee was born in DunedinDunedin
Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. It is considered to be one of the four main urban centres of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city by territorial land area until...
in 1891, the son of Alfred Lee and Mary Isabella Taylor. His parents were not married, and at the time of his birth, they had already separated due to his father's gambling and alcoholism. Lee's mother had little income, and the family experienced considerable financial hardship. Lee did not do well at school, and he was often truant
Truancy
Truancy is any intentional unauthorized absence from compulsory schooling. The term typically describes absences caused by students of their own free will, and usually does not refer to legitimate "excused" absences, such as ones related to medical conditions...
.
In 1905, he left school to work, and became involved in petty crime. In 1908, he was convicted of theft, and served time at a boarding school
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
for juvenile delinquents
Juvenile delinquency
Juvenile delinquency is participation in illegal behavior by minors who fall under a statutory age limit. Most legal systems prescribe specific procedures for dealing with juveniles, such as juvenile detention centers. There are a multitude of different theories on the causes of crime, most if not...
. He attempted to escape several times, and was eventually successful. After wandering the country for a time, he found work in Raetihi
Raetihi
Raetihi is a town in the central North Island of New Zealand. It is located at the junction of State Highways 4 and 49, 11 kilometres west of Ohakune. The 2006 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings recorded its population as 1,035. This constitutes a decrease of 3.4% or 36 people since...
, but was then jailed for liquor smuggling and breaking and entering.
Three years after being released, Lee enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force
New Zealand Expeditionary Force
The New Zealand Expeditionary Force was the title of the military forces sent from New Zealand to fight for Britain during World War I and World War II. Ultimately, the NZEF of World War I was known as the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force...
, and served in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean...
for action at Messines in June 1917, but was repatriated after being wounded in March 1918 and losing his left arm. He arrived back in New Zealand in July 1919, and established a small business.
Early political career
Not long after returning home, Lee became active in the Labour PartyNew Zealand Labour Party
The New Zealand Labour Party is a New Zealand political party. It describes itself as centre-left and socially progressive and has been one of the two primary parties of New Zealand politics since 1935....
. Lee had been a committed socialist
Socialism
Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,...
for some time, having read a large amount of Marxist literature over the years. He is said to have heard the speeches of Bob Semple
Bob Semple
Robert "Bob" Semple was a union leader and later Minister of Public Works for the first Labour Government of New Zealand....
and Harry Scott Bennett
Harry Scott Bennett
Harry Scott Bennett , originally Henry Gilbert Bennett, was an Australian socialist speaker and organiser. He was born in Chilwell, Victoria and died in Sydney....
through the bars of his jail cell, and in the army, he had been known as "Bolshie
Bolshevik
The Bolsheviks, originally also Bolshevists , derived from bol'shinstvo, "majority") were a faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party which split apart from the Menshevik faction at the Second Party Congress in 1903....
Lee" for his views. Lee's status as a veteran was considered valuable by the Labour Party, as the party's anti-conscription
Conscription
Conscription is the compulsory enlistment of people in some sort of national service, most often military service. Conscription dates back to antiquity and continues in some countries to the present day under various names...
stance had caused many to brand it unpatriotic — Lee, a decorated and wounded soldier, was able to counter this perception quite effectively. By 1920, Lee was on the Labour Party's national executive.
In 1921, Lee contested a by-election in the Auckland East seat, but was defeated by Clutha Mackenzie
Clutha Mackenzie
Sir Clutha Nantes Mackenzie was a Reform Party Member of Parliament.He won the Auckland East electorate in a 1921 by-election after the resignation of Arthur Myers; but was defeated in the next election in 1922 by John A...
. In the 1922 general elections
New Zealand general election, 1922
The New Zealand general election of 1922 was held on Monday, 6 December in the Māori electorates, and on Tuesday, 7 December in the general electorates to elect a total of 80 MPs to the 21st session of the New Zealand Parliament...
, however, he stood again and was elected. He soon became one of the better known members of Parliament, noted for his powerful oratory and strong views. He also played a considerable role in the Labour Party's internal policy formulation, where he had a strong interest in foreign affairs, defence and economics.
Lee was re-elected in the 1925 elections
New Zealand general election, 1925
The New Zealand general election of 1925 was held 4 November to elect a total of 80 MPs to the 22nd session of the New Zealand Parliament...
with a majority of 750, but, because of boundary changes, was narrowly defeated (by 37 votes) in the 1928 elections
New Zealand general election, 1928
The New Zealand general election of 1928 was held on Tuesday, 13 November in the Māori electorates, and on Wednesday, 14 November in the general electorates to elect a total of 80 MPs to the 23rd session of the New Zealand Parliament...
. Lee then took a job managing the Palace Hotel in Rotorua
Rotorua
Rotorua is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. The city is the seat of the Rotorua District, a territorial authority encompassing the city and several other nearby towns...
(though he did not drink) for Ernest Davis
Ernest Hyam Davis
Sir Ernest Hyam Davies was a New Zealand businessman, and was Mayor of Auckland City, New Zealand from 1935 to 1941. He was also on other Auckland local bodies and on various philanthropic and sporting organisations...
.
In the 1931 elections
New Zealand general election, 1931
The 1931 New Zealand general election was a nationwide vote to determine the shape of the New Zealand Parliament's 24th term. It resulted in the newly formed coalition between the United Party and the Reform Party remaining in office as the Liberal-Reform Government, although the opposition Labour...
, Lee won the seat of Grey Lynn
Grey Lynn (New Zealand electorate)
Grey Lynn is a former New Zealand Parliamentary electorate, in the city of Auckland.-Population centres:The electorate is urban, and comprises a suburb in the central part of Auckland.-Election results:...
, having controversially defeated another former MP, Fred Bartram
Fred Bartram
Frederick Notley Bartram was a New Zealand Member of Parliament for Grey Lynn in Auckland.-Member of Parliament:Fred Bartram held the seat of Grey Lynn from 1919 until 1928 when he was defeated....
, for the Labour nomination. The major political issue of the day was the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
, and Lee played a significant role in the formulation of Labour's economic policies. Lee also wrote his first novel, Children of the Poor — the book was largely autobiographical, and was a considerable success. The book argued that poverty generated crime and vice, and that only a socialist program could solve society's problems. In the early 1930's Lee served on the Auckland Rugby League
Auckland Rugby League
The Auckland Rugby League is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. It is responsible for rugby league in the region and was the owner of Carlaw Park, once the "spiritual home of rugby league in New Zealand".-History:The Auckland Rugby League was...
's board and later served as chairman.
Rebel
When Labour won the 1935 electionsNew Zealand general election, 1935
The 1935 New Zealand general election was a nationwide vote to determine the shape of the New Zealand Parliament's 25th term. It resulted in the Labour Party's first electoral victory, with Michael Joseph Savage becoming the first Labour Prime Minister...
with a large majority, and formed its first government, many expected Lee to enter New Zealand Cabinet
New Zealand Cabinet
The Cabinet of New Zealand functions as the policy and decision-making body of the executive branch within the New Zealand government system...
. However, Lee did not have the support of Michael Joseph Savage
Michael Joseph Savage
Michael Joseph Savage was the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand.- Early life :Born in Tatong, Victoria, Australia, Savage first became involved in politics while working in that state. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1907. There he worked in a variety of jobs, as a miner, flax-cutter and...
, the new Prime Minister
Prime Minister of New Zealand
The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the Parliament of New Zealand...
. Savage appears to have considered Lee too radical and uncontrolled, while Lee considered Savage too cautious. The two had clashed on a number of policy issues, and in the end, Lee was not awarded ministerial rank — instead, he became an under-secretary
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
A Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is the lowest of three tiers of government minister in the government of the United Kingdom, junior to both a Minister of State and a Secretary of State....
. This position did not, however, have any legal authority until the following year, when Lee threatened to resign. Given responsibility for housing, Lee quickly moved to implement a "socialist" plan for state housing
State housing
State housing is the system of public housing offered to New Zealand residents on low to moderate incomes. Some 66,000 houses are managed by Housing New Zealand Corporation, most of which are owned by the government.-The Liberal Government:...
, with the construction of many new dwellings for the poor.
While Lee was highly enthusiastic about his housing program, he became increasingly unhappy with the new government's economic policies, which he saw as overly cautious. Lee gradually emerged as the leader of Labour's left-wing faction, opposed primarily by the more orthodox Minister of Finance
Minister of Finance (New Zealand)
The Minister of Finance is a senior figure within the government of New Zealand. The position is often considered to be the most important Cabinet role after that of the Prime Minister....
, Walter Nash
Walter Nash
Sir Walter Nash, GCMG, CH served as the 27th Prime Minister of New Zealand in the Second Labour Government from 1957 to 1960, and was also highly influential in his role as Minister of Finance...
. Lee and his allies, as well as being strongly socialist, were influenced by social credit
Social Credit
Social Credit is an economic philosophy developed by C. H. Douglas , a British engineer, who wrote a book by that name in 1924. Social Credit is described by Douglas as "the policy of a philosophy"; he called his philosophy "practical Christianity"...
theory, and believed that the government should take immediate control of the country's financial system. Nash opposed this, and was able to block proposals put forward by Lee to nationalise the Bank of New Zealand
Bank of New Zealand
Bank of New Zealand is one of New Zealand’s largest banks and has been operating continuously in the country since the first office was opened in Auckland in October 1861 followed shortly after by the first branch in Dunedin in December 1861...
. Gradually, Lee's criticism of the Labour Party's leadership became increasingly public.
As well as arguing for a more socialist policy platform, Lee also criticised the Labour Party's internal structure. In particular, he sought to abolish the tradition of having the Prime Minister appoint Cabinet — instead, he wished Cabinet to be elected by caucus
Caucus
A caucus is a meeting of supporters or members of a political party or movement, especially in the United States and Canada. As the use of the term has been expanded the exact definition has come to vary among political cultures.-Origin of the term:...
. This was rejected by Savage, and Lee began to portray himself not merely as a campaigner for socialism but as a campaigner for internal party democracy. This stance won Lee considerable support from those who otherwise disliked his views. Lee's attacks came at a time of considerable difficulty for the Labour Party — Michael Joseph Savage was now seriously ill, and World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
was breaking out.
Departure from the Labour Party
Lee was censured by the Labour Party conference of 1939, but continued to attack Labour's leaders. Later that year, Lee published an article entitled Psycho-pathology in politics, which attacked the mental capability of the seriously-ill Savage. This was seen as excessive even by many of Lee's allies — Savage was on the verge of death, and was seldom even conscious, let alone able to respond to the condemnation. Savage, in one of his more lucid states, described Lee as having made his life "a living hell", and much sympathy was generated.On 25 March 1940, Lee was finally expelled from the Labour Party. Savage died two days later, and was succeeded as Prime Minister by Peter Fraser, a member of the faction opposed to Lee's left-wingers. Lee quickly announced the establishment of the new Democratic Labour Party
Democratic Labour Party (New Zealand)
The Democratic Labour Party was a left-wing political party in New Zealand in the 1940s. It was a splinter from the larger Labour Party, and was led by the prominent socialist John A. Lee.-Party history:...
, with himself as leader. He was joined by Bill Barnard
Bill Barnard
William Edward Barnard CBE was a New Zealand politician. He was a member of Parliament from 1928 until 1943, and was its Speaker from 1936 till 1943. He was known for his association with John A. Lee, a prominent left-wing politician.-Early life:Barnard was born in Carterton, a town in the...
, the Speaker
Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives
In New Zealand the Speaker of the House of Representatives is the individual who chairs the country's legislative body, the New Zealand House of Representatives...
and former Mid-Canterbury Labour MP Horace Herring . Others, e.g. John Payne
John Payne (politician)
John Payne was a New Zealand politician.-Early years:Payne was born in Manchester, England. His father was clerk to a solicitor, and Payne himself initially took up office employment, but later migrated to New Zealand. There, he worked as a farmhand and a goldminer before turning to accountancy...
, Labour MP Rex Mason
Rex Mason
Henry Greathead Rex Mason was a New Zealand politician. He served as Attorney General, Minister of Justice, Minister of Education, and Minister of Native Affairs, and had a significant influence on the direction of the Labour Party...
and Independent MP Harry Atmore
Harry Atmore
Harry Atmore was a New Zealand Independent Member of Parliament for Nelson in the South Island.Harry Atmore held the Nelson seat as an Independent for a total of thirty years from 1911 to 1914 and then from 1919 to his death in 1946...
were sympathetic.
However, Lee soon alienated many of his supporters (including Barnard) with what was seen as an "autocratic" leadership style, ironic considering his complaints against Savage. In the 1943 elections
New Zealand general election, 1943
The 1943 New Zealand general election was a nationwide vote to determine the shape of the New Zealand Parliament's 27th term. With the onset of World War II, elections were initially postponed, but it was eventually decided to hold a general election in September 1943, around two years after it...
, the Democratic Labour Party put forward 52 candidates, including Keith Hay
Keith Hay
Keith Wilson Hay, CBE, was a New Zealand homebuilder, entrepreneur, local body politician and conservative Christian political activist....
, Alfred E. Allen
Alfred E. Allen
Alfred Ernest "Alf" Allen, CMG was a New Zealand politician of the National Party. He was the seventeenth Speaker of the House of Representatives, in 1972.He unsuccessfully stood as the Hamilton candidate for breakaway Labour MP John A...
and Colin Scrimgeour
Colin Scrimgeour
Rev. Colin Graham Scrimgeour, known as Uncle Scrim or Scrim was a New Zealand Methodist Minister and Broadcaster....
(who stood against Peter Fraser in Wellington Central
Wellington Central
rightWellington Central is a suburb of New Zealand's capital, Wellington, consisting of the flat, mostly reclaimed land, west of Lambton Harbour and the part of The Terrace immediately above it. It is bounded on the north by the suburb Pipitea and extends as far south as Civic Square...
. The DLP won only 4.3% of the vote, Lee lost his seat to Labour candidate Frederick Hackett
Frederick Hackett
The Hon. Frederick Hackett was a New Zealand politician of the Labour Party.-Member of Parliament:He was the Member of Parliament for Grey Lynn from 1943 to 1963, when he died. He replaced John A...
, and none were elected. Barnard stood as an Independent and also lost.
Later life
Although his parliamentary career was over, Lee continued to write. He remained strongly hostile to the Labour Party, and denounced its leaders as traitors to the working class. In 1963, he published his political memoirs, entitled Simple on a Soap-box. He continued to comment on political matters for some time, although he surprised many with his defence of the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. He was awarded an honorary LLD by the University of Otago
University of Otago
The University of Otago in Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest university with over 22,000 students enrolled during 2010.The university has New Zealand's highest average research quality and in New Zealand is second only to the University of Auckland in the number of A rated academic researchers it...
in 1969.
Lee died in Auckland in 1982. His wife, Marie (Mollie) Lee, had died in 1976. They had no children, although they raised Lee's three nephews after his sister's death.
Literary works
Books (first publication)- Children of the Poor, 1934.
- The Hunted, 1936.
- Civilian into Soldier, 1937.
- Socialism in New Zealand, 1938.
- The Yanks are ComingThe Yanks Are ComingThe Yanks Are Coming is a 1963 documentary film produced by Marshall Flaum. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Marshall Flaum wrote, produced and directed the documentary....
, 1943. - Shining with the Shiner, 1944.
- Simple on a Soapbox, 1963.
- Shiner Slattery, 1964
- Rhetoric at the Red Dawn, 1965.
- The Lee Way to Public Speaking, 1965
- Delinquent Days, 1967.
- Mussolini’s Millions, 1970
- Political Notebooks, 1973.
- For Mine is the Kingdom, 1975
- Soldier, 1976
- The Scrim-Lee Papers. 1976 (with CG Scrimgeour & Tony Simson)
- Roughnecks, Rolling Stones & Rouseabouts, 1977
- Early Days in New Zealand, 1977
- The John A. Lee Diaries 1936–1940, 1981
- The Politician, 1987 (but written in 1936.)
Plus numerous pamphlets mainly published during his political days.
Lee also produced a political journal, “John A Lee’s Weekly” (which underwent several name changes) from 1940 to 1954.
In 1989, Mervyn Thompson
Mervyn Thompson
Mervyn Garfield Thompson was a prominent New Zealand playwright and theatre director. He was one of the founders of Court Theatre in Christchurch, an artistic director of Downstage Theatre in Wellington and Writer in Residence at the University of Canterbury. His theatrical writing championed the...
adapted Children of the Poor into a successful musical play.