Philip Josephs
Philip Josephs | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Liepāja, Latvia (then part of Russia) |
| Died | April 26, 1946 (aged 69) Katoomba, Sydney, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Anarchist, anti-militarist, radical bookseller, tailor |
| Known for | Labour activism in New Zealand, founding the Freedom Group anarchist collective |
Philip Josephs (25 November 1876 – 26 April 1946) was a Jewish anarchist, anti-militarist, radical bookseller, and tailor who played a significant role in New Zealand's labour activism. As an active participant in the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Socialist Party, he led their economics study group and contributed writings to their publication, the Commonweal. In 1912, he revitalized the Anti-Militarist League in Wellington, serving as its secretary. On 9 July 1913, he was instrumental in founding New Zealand’s inaugural anarchist collective, the Freedom Group, which remained active for about a year. In 1915, Josephs was detained during a police operation due to possession of prohibited literature.
Early years
Born on 25 November 1876 in Liepāja, Latvia (then part of Russia), Josephs likely escaped Tsarist pogroms during the 1890s. By 1897, he had settled in Glasgow, where he married Sophia Hillman. Together they had four children before relocating to Wellington, New Zealand, in 1903.
Wellington, New Zealand
Upon his arrival in New Zealand in 1904, Josephs spoke out at rallies supporting the 1905 Russian Revolution and joined the New Zealand Socialist Party by 1906. He initiated and led their Economic classes and regularly presented lectures on anarchism during Sunday meetings.
Josephs was a prominent distributor of radical publications such as Mother Earth and Freedom, maintaining correspondence with anarchist Emma Goldman. Utilizing his tailoring business and a network of distributors across the country, he imported anarchist and communist pamphlets from Britain and the United States, turning his shop into a hub for radical literature distribution.
Although not formally affiliated with the New Zealand Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), established in Wellington in 1908, Josephs supported their cause. Tom Barker acknowledged Josephs’ assistance in organizing several propaganda events throughout 1913.
In 1912, Josephs resumed leadership of the Anti-Militarist League in Wellington as its secretary. On 9 July 1913, at his tailor shop, the Freedom Group—the nation’s first anarchist collective—was formed. The group convened weekly to discuss topics such as the economic effects of social democracy and actively participated in clashes during the Great Strike of 1913.
During the First World War, Josephs’ shop functioned as an IWW base; all IWW correspondence was directed to him. On 8 October 1915, law enforcement raided both his residence and Cuba Street shop, confiscating foreign-language newspapers along with IWW documents including membership records and pamphlets. Josephs was arrested but released later that day. Throughout the war, his mail was subject to censorship.
In 1921, Josephs obtained New Zealand citizenship before moving with his family to Sydney, Australia. He passed away in Katoomba, Sydney on 26 April 1946.