A CRITICAL BIOGRAPHY OF EDWIN JAMES BRADY - Mallacoota ...

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In view of the adverse position of the establishment, which is largely to the
lack of manpower, and lack of agricultural experience in remaining members,
I have decided, after consultation with Comrade Smyth, to recommend that the
Mallacoota Community Farm insofar as this location is concerned, be wound
forthwith. It is with regret that I hereby tender my resignation as \executive
Officer. I remain convinced that our ideal is capable of achievement, but
drastic revision of methods of selection and procedure will have to be made
before undertaking any further experiment, which I am determined to do and
which I hope for your continued support and co-operation. 1
At the same time Burch surrendered to Brady the leases which the group had taken
over from him at an annual rental.
Brady’s reaction was bitter, as perhaps could be foretold. This was an affront of
fortune both to his theories and his pride. In a reply to a letter from three men who
had resigned from the co-operative, Brady wrote:
The reports and statements which I have received from various sources
compel me to conclude that the scheme is a failure, but as to what or to whom
the blame, if any, is to be attributed, I confess, in view of the contradictory
nature of these reports and statements (and my absence from the seat of the
troubles) I am unable to determine. 2
These three men had earlier complained that Burch did not do his share of physical
labour and protested against Burch’s plea that “outside” earnings should be
contributed to the common purse. 3 However it was originally, planned that Burch
was merely to launch the venture and that another socialist, Harry Cameron, was to
take over its administration while Burch returned to Melbourne to assist in the
enrolment and organisation of more recruits. It was never intended that Butch was to
be an ordinary member; his enthusiasm led him to stay on to give the little settlement
the best chance of success, but to no avail. He no doubt strongly agreed with Brady in
his letter to the three ment when he said it was a matter of “profound regret” to him,
as to the other participants, that “some measure of success did not result from out
personal sacrifices and endeavours”.
Brady further grumbled that the areas leased by the co-operative had shown a rapid
growth of blackberries and rabbits which he was bound by law to eradicate, and that
his borrowed equipment and his fences had been left in a state of neglect. This
thought, whether true or not, exacerbated his own disappointment and disillusionment
that his ideal had not proved capable of practical achievement in this instance. He
blamed Burch” “Pity of it all was that like other intellectuals, he lacked the force and
determination without which leadership is not lasting”. 4 But Burch had never claimed
to be an intellectual; nor were his sincerity and enthusiasm ever in doubt. Perhaps he
did lack qualities of leadership, being rather too suspicious of his own men, but he did
his best; perhaps the deficiency was Brady’s for not ensuring that Burch returned to
Melbourne as planned and that Cameron replaced him.
1 Burch to Brady, 9.3.1933, in Mitchell Library.
2 Brady to Lee, Ross and Newby, 13.3.1933, in Mitchell Library.
3 Burch to Brady, 24.2.1933, in Mitchell Library
4 Brady’s comments in Utopias Ltd., Vol 2, p.23.