This issue begins with an unsolved mystery. In 1934, a bust of former NSW Premier Jack Lang appeared, unheralded, among a row of Grecian busts in the University of Sydney’s Nicholson Museum. The tale of how this item might have appeared, and why, is well told by Candace Richards.
The main article in this issue is an account of the 1951 anti-communist referendum by Drew Cottle. With the Soviet Union and its satellite states fading into distant memory and the transformation of China to a hybrid capitalist economy on the verge of surpassing the United States by some measures, it is worth recalling that the “red menace” was considered to be a real threat in the early Cold War period, not only by the conservative side of politics, but also by many within the labour movement. Although Dr Evatt and his supporters chose to fight this measure, present day initiatives show us that opposition to conservative initiatives purportedly introduced on the basis of “national security” always poses risks for the political wing of the labour movement.
The issue ends with two obituaries. The first, by Judy Mundey, recounts the life of feminist activist Joyce Stevens. The second reproduces, with permission, the introductory remarks and oration by Anthony Albanese at the funeral of Tom Uren. Both items are somewhat longer than one might expect as obituaries, but they contain many valuable insights and observations regarding progressive movements in the second half of the twentieth century.
Again, The Hummer welcomes contributions. If you have an article to submit, or ideas for articles, please contact the Editor or Secretary.
Jim Kitay
Editor, The Hummer