DAISY PARSONS  the first woman Mayor of West Ham

This article is based upon an exhibition that I researched in 1985. I took a folder of items that was in the possession of the Local Studies Library, headed Alderman Mrs Daisy Parsons. It contained cuttings, photographs, letters and certificates of various kinds. Using these items, and finding others, the exhibition opened in April 1985 at East Ham library.

The following is based upon that exhibition, plus other items which have come to light since the exhibition took place, in particular from Mrs Parsons children and grandchildren and additional research undertaken since then.

Born Marguerite Lena Millo on 25th May 1890. Her parents brought her to West Ham at the age of 8 months and they lived in Canning Town. The youngest girl, and having five brothers, she left Beckton Road School at the age of twelve in 1902. Her father was an invalid and her mother took in washing and did charring. (Her father died in 1918 and her mother lived to see her become mayor in 1936) Daisy cared for her five young brothers and did chores for the neighbours for which she was paid 6d a day. She passed a certificate of exemption in order to leave school early, and later in her life said that having to leave school upset her greatly and that if she had had the chance would have gone on to higher education.

When she was 14 she left home to work as a maid in the household of Mr McCall, the Chief Librarian at Limehouse Library. She earned 3/6d a week. Then she went to Milton Avenue as a maid where she earnt 4/- a week. Domestic servants were paid the lowest wages, so she moved to Carreras Tobacco Company in Aldgate, where she packed cigarettes on piecework. The women and girls were paid 3d a thousand cigarettes. In the morning they could pack 2000, but by lunchtime as they tired they could only pack 1000. The men who worked there were allowed a fixed lunch hour and had a place to eat their food, but the women had no lunch break and no place to eat - they ate in the lavatory! Daisy Parsons later remarked to PM Asquith in 1914 that it was 'not quite the thing'. The men had better conditions because they had an organised trade union and it was here that she had her first contact with the trade union movement.

It was also where she met her husband Tom (Robert Stanley) Parsons from Camden Town, a driver for Stepney Borough Council and an active member of the Electricians Trade Union. They married on 19^th December 1908, at the Congregational Chapel, Barking Road.

The suffragette movement was active in East London at this time and Daisy, encouraged by Minnie Baldock, joined the WSPU suffragettes in 1912 at their headquarters in Poplar. She also joined the ILP there. Here she met Mary Paterson, secretary of the Poplar Branch of the WSPU.

The WSPU had been founded in Manchester, the home of the Pankhursts, in 1903 and did not open branches in London until 1905. Sylvia Pankhurst made her first contact with the women of East London through Keir Hardie, (Member of Parliament for West Ham (1892-1895)) at this time, including Daisy’s mentor Minnie Baldock from Canning Town. Sylvia and other WSPU members organised marches, spoke in London parks and on street corners, and in October 1906 demonstrated at the opening of parliament. Eleven were arrested including Minnie Baldock. This event caused quite a stir because they were working and middle class women working together. In 1907 Christabel and Emmeline Pankhurst moved down from Manchester and took control of the London campaign. Their policy was to cultivate the wealthy middle and upper classes, who could provide them with funds for the Cause, and they had less interest in working class women. Then in November 1912 George Lansbury ILP MP for Bow and Bromley dramatically announced his intention to fight a by election on the mandate of women’s suffrage. Although Lansbury lost the by election, the WSPU became active in East London again, and Sylvia established a new branch at Bow. She used it to promote universal suffrage, which was in direct conflict with Christabel’s ‘no men, no political parties’ rule. From the headquarters at Bow a group of eight branches were established across East London. This was too much for the autocratic Christabel and the inevitable confrontation came in January 1914. Sylvia left the WSPU and continued her campaign with her East London Federation of the Suffragettes.

The East London Federation of the Suffragettes was founded on 12th January 1914, and when the ELFS branch was formed in West Ham, Daisy was its first member and secretary. Their newspaper was called the Woman’s Dreadnought.

The ELFS carried out a series of demonstrations and marches. Their first was a meeting at Trafalgar Square on 8th March 1914. Miss Paterson was arrested and the following describes her case:

From the Woman’s Dreadnought 21^st March 1914

On Monday March 9^th the ten persons arrested in Trafalgar Square the previous day appeared at Bow Street. Various weapons and life preservers of knotted rope weighted with lead, India rubber tyring and other instruments were shown by the police as having been used by the crowd. …

In the case of Miss Paterson the Poplar organiser of the East London Federation of the Suffragettes, it was stated that she was running down Northumberland Avenue waving a flag and followed by a large crowd, and that on being stopped by the policeman she took a knotted rope from her pocket and struck out right and left.

Miss Paterson asked leave to call Miss Mackay as witness but this the magistrate refused to allow saying in irate tones and pointing to the life preservers ‘what about those things in your possession do you think it is a trifle?’ At this point Mrs Parsons of Canning Town asked to be a witness to the fact that Miss Paterson had been ill-treated by the police, but the magistrate said ’she does not allege it and is none the worse for it’. Fine 40/-. Miss Paterson said ‘I did not allege anything about police treatment simply because it is not what I was here for. I could easily enough had said what they did, and could point out that it took ten men and eight horses to arrest me. But I was not here to make complaints against the police, that is for others. You incite to breach of the peace when you give seven years to Julia Decies and also drag people like Sylvia Pankhurst back again to prison. You have roused a fire in the East End and ten men and eight horses won’t be enough next time!’

Daisy was the ‘other woman’ mentioned here.

The day after this report appeared was Mothering Sunday (22^nd March 1914), and the ELFS chose this day to march from East London to Westminster Abbey to pray for Votes for Women and those on hunger strike. The procession formed up at 28 Ford Road, Bow, at 3.45 p.m. and set off at 4.15 p.m.

From the Times 23^rd March 1914

Miss S Pankhurst at the Abbey

Miss Sylvia Pankhurst, whose licence under the ‘Cat and Mouse’ Act expired at midnight on Saturday, was carried to Westminster Abbey on a spinal carriage yesterday evening accompanied by a large contingent of members of the East London Federation of Suffragettes. At the door of the Abbey the party was refused admission, the building being full. They therefore turned into St Margaret’s Street and outside the north door of the Abbey held a service, the Rev. C.A.Wills officiating.

Inside the Abbey the sermon, which was by the Rev. R T Talbot D.D. Canon of Bristol, was twice interrupted by women suffragists, three of whom were ejected.

Suffragists at the Abbey

Danish recruit ‘paid a little bit’

At Bow Street Police Court yesterday Margaret Paterson, 33, and Jenny Petersen, 21, were charged before Mr Hopkins with obstructing the police on Sunday night when a number of women marched from the East End to Westminster Abbey.

Chief Inspector Rolfe stated that after the service held near the House of Commons the two defendants and another woman walked through Downing Street, and when opposite the quadrangle made a rush, but were intercepted. Paterson was flourishing a loaded cane, and she also had in her possession three small pieces of iron and a knotted rope.

Petersen, who is a Danish subject, said in reply to the magistrate that she was sometimes paid ‘a little bit’ by the East end branch of the suffragist movement.

Paterson, who had been previously convicted was fined 40s, Petersen was discharged.

These extracts from the Woman’s Dreadnought illustrate some of their activities;

From the Woman’s Dreadnought 4^th April 1914

South West Ham

Hon Sec: Mrs Daisy Parsons

94 Ravencroft Road

Good meetings held at Freemason’s Road and Beckton Road, 21 and 23 Dreadnoughts sold at these meetings. Good attendance at Member’s meeting on Thursday evening. Thanks to members who sell and distribute Dreadnoughts – more still needed. 126 Dreadnoughts sold in the week ending Friday March 20^th.

Canning Town : District Leaders: Mrs Millo 1Ravenscroft Road, Miss Tate 17 Tyas Road, Miss Kates 8 Walter Street. Distributors: Mrs Sands, Mrs Roper, Mrs Pountney, Mrs Heacham

Custom House : District Leaders: Mrs Drake 49 Crediton Road, Miss Leggatt 74 Chauntler Road, Distributors: Mrs Ward, Mrs and Miss Laurence

Tidal Basin : District Leader: Miss Penn. Distributors: Miss Greenleaf, Misses A and L Kelsey

Silvertown: District Leader : Miss Grimes 27 Newland Street

From the Woman’s Dreadnought May 1914

South West Ham

Hon Sec: Mrs Daisy Parsons

94 Ravenscroft Road

At the members meeting on Thursday, Miss Grimes was elected as delegate for Committee of ELFS. She was also colour bearer for the procession. It was splendid the way members fought to have their meeting in Victoria Park. We hope all those who received hurts are now better. Thanks to banner bearers and to Miss King, Miss Cohen and Miss Lansbury for coming from Bow to march in procession.

84 Dreadnoughts sold week ending May 22.

Canning Town : District Leaders: Mrs Millo 1Ravenscroft Road, Miss Tate 37 Tyas Road. Distributors: Mrs Little, Mrs Parker

Plaistow : District Leaders: Miss Pett 67 Wigston Road, Mrs Hawkins 29 Beaufoy Road. Distributors: Mrs Ward, Mrs and Miss Laurence

Custom House : District Leader: Miss Daisy Leggatt 74 Chauntler Road. Distributors: Miss A Dunbar, Miss Cox

Tidal Basin : District Leader: Miss Penn 10 Brent Road. Distributors: Misses A and L Keiser, Miss Maud Greenleaf

Silvertown : District Leader: Miss Grace Grimes 27 Newland Street. Distributor: Miss F Nicholas

On 21^st May 1914 Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst appealed to all women suffragettes to attend a march to Buckingham Palace to petition the King. Many did but were met with force by the police. Daisy Parsons was there and described what she saw.

From the Woman’s Dreadnought 30^th May 1914

Deputation to the King

What Mrs Parsons of Canning Town saw

Mrs Parsons entered the park by Admiralty Arch, and made her way to the Victoria Memorial. There she saw a large crowd of people, a large proportion of whom were youths hardly out of their teens, standing with their backs to the memorial, watching the palace. There was a wide vacant space between the people and the palace, and the middle of this space was a line of police, not standing shoulder to shoulder but with a space of some yards between each one.

The palace windows were crowded with people and four of them were open. There were detectives on the palace roof. Everyone seemed to be looking for a procession of women that did not come. Every now and then a woman would dart out from amongst the dense throng of spectators into the space, and the police rushed at her, caught her, and threw her back into the crowd. Then the young men in the crowd would turn on the woman and beat her and tear her clothes and drag down her hair and shout that she out to be burnt. Then the woman would run out again towards the police only to be caught and thrown back again by the police and again beaten by the men. This would be repeated until at last she was hustled away out of sight or placed under arrest. In one case Mrs Parsons saw one woman face this eleven times before arrest. The police never attempted to protect any of the women who were assaulted, and one young woman they lifted right up and threw over the heads of the nearest people.

At last the mounted police came up at a gallop and drove everyone away. Mrs Parsons was driven off in the crowd down Birdcage Walk. She saw a young woman dressed in pink with a jeering crowd behind her. The young woman stopped and stood with her back against the wall. A sentry walked up to her and pushed her. She said ‘How dare you’ , and he struck her in the face with his fist.

Now there were mounted police coming in both directions and there was no way for the people to disperse. Two mounted men drew their horses across the path so that their horse’s heads touched each other. Mrs Parsons and some of the others managed to squeeze through behind the horses. Afterwards Mrs Parsons went to Cannon Row and saw a number of stretchers being carried in.

An East London man reported; What we have to fear is the toffs in silk hats not the poor people.

Marching in a suffragette procession or taking part in a demonstration was a risky business and in addition to her sash in the suffragette colours of purple white and green, she also carried, hidden in her sleeve a ‘Saturday Nights’ or life preserver. This was a length of hemp rope, knotted at one end, which could be used as a cosh if necessary. She told her son Stanley that she never had needed to use it.

Sylvia then requested that Prime Minister Asquith receive a deputation of working women, and threatened to fast to death at the Strangers’ Entrance to the House of Commons if he refused.

From the Woman’s Dreadnought 13^th June 1914

South West Ham

Members are asked to turn up at member’s meeting every Thursday. Splendid meeting was held at the Public Hall on Friday June 5^th. Mr and Mrs Drake and Mrs Parsons were chosen for deputation. All members grieved at Miss Paterson’s departure and are grateful for splendid work she has done here. More members needed for Dreadnought distribution.

From the Woman’s Dreadnought 20^th June 1914

South West Ham

Members are thanked for going poster parading and picketing outside Holloway prison. We urge men and women to write to their Member of Parliament, and to ask them to get Mr Asquith to receive deputation as Sylvia’s life is at stake. A good indoor meeting was held on Thursday when Miss Wright gave an interesting speech. A huge crowd was at Beckton corner on Friday, and many questions were put to Miss Paterson who very ably answered them. Miss Greenleaf thanked for helping secretary by taking papers to members

On June 12^th Asquith relented and on Saturday June 20^th , six East End women waited on Prime Minister Asquith to ask for the vote. They were: Mrs Hughes, a brushmaker, Mrs Bird, mother of six young children, Mrs Ford, a widow with three children, Mrs Payne, a shoemaker from Bow, Daisy Parsons represented West Ham, Julia Scurr led the deputation

Daisy Parsons is on the far right of this photograph.

Sylvia was unable to attend. From January to June 1914 she had been arrested and sentenced nine times and had undertaken several food, drink and sleep fasts in that time

From the Woman’s Dreadnought 27^th June 1914

Mrs Scurr:

Sir, - We are members of the East London Federation of the Suffragettes an organisation which has sprung up in East London during the last two years, but we represent more than this organisation. We represent the general popular movement for Votes for Women in East London, which is of tremendous numerical strength and enthusiasm, and consists of both men and women. We are part of a deputation which was elected at three great crowded demonstrations held in Poplar, Canning Town and Bow and Bromley. …

We ask you first to consider the position of women wage earners. …

We ask you next to consider especially the question of married women. … Parliament is constantly dealing with questions affecting the education and care of our children, with the houses in which we live and more and more with every item of our daily lives. … Our husbands die on the average at a much earlier age than do the men of other classes. Modern industrialism kills them off rapidly, both by accident and overwork. …

We can here speak with much feeling on these matters for we know by bitter experience the terrible struggle with absolute want that our widowed sisters have to face from no fault of their own. …

We feel most earnestly and emphatically that it is gravely unjust to pass legislation in matters of this kind without consulting the women of this country. …

We would further point out that whilst women are taxed on exactly the same basis as men, and like men are obliged to obey the laws, they are allowed no voice in these questions. …

Mrs Parsons Speech

Mrs Scurr; The next speaker will be Mrs Parsons of Canning Town, who went to work when she was twelve years of age.

Mrs Parsons; I left school at 12 years of age and had a delicate father, and a mother who had to work hard at washing and charring. I had very often to help the neighbours do their work for which I was paid sixpence a day and the little food they could give which was not very much, because people in the East End do not have much food to give away. On the other spare days I used to help at home with the younger brothers while mother was at work. Then after a little while I went to work in a factory in Aldgate and there I was a cigarette packer. We used to pack a thousand cigarettes for 3d and in the morning when we were quite fresh we could pack 2000 cigarettes, but as we got tired after dinner we could only pack a thousand and a half. There you see that the wages some days that we earned were less than a shilling a day. In that factory the men were allowed time for lunch simply because they were men, but the women and girls, if we were fortunate enough to have lunch and could take bread and butter with us, had not a place to eat our lunch and were forced to take it into the lavatory and we know that is not altogether the thing. The men could quite openly come along with cans and eat whatever they liked to send out for and sit and eat it at their leisure. We know that if the men were working under these conditions, through their trade unions, and through their votes they would say they would not tolerate that sort of thing.

The Prime Minister; Does that go on now?

Mrs Parsons; I believe so at the same factory, and yet although the factory is sweating their girls and women workers, they are able to pay dividends and bonuses, and present the buyers of their cigarettes with prizes for the coupons that are packed in with the cigarettes. There are two coupons with the cigarettes for which they pay the paltry price of 3d.

The Prime Minister; Will you let me know the name of the factory afterwards?

Mrs Parsons; Yes.

Now as a young mother I have three little girls to bring up, two of my own children and another a little niece who has neither father nor mother. I feel if we women are able to perform the high duty of motherhood – and after all there are mothers who have brought statesmen into the world, because they have all had mothers, and we bring sailors, policemen and everybody into the world – we should at least have a say as to how those children should be brought up.

When I had the first little girl, I had a conscientious objection to vaccination and I went to the local magistrates for an exemption order. I thought I would save time by filling the form in and I presented it to him. The magistrate laughed and said you cannot do anything with this, you are not the parent. But, I said, I am the mother, surely I know what is good for my own child. But he said that in the eyes of the law you are not the parent of your own child. We feel that it is an insult to us. When we bring children into the world we should at least be able to say what is good for them. We mothers are with the children more than the fathers are, and in the event of a Dock strike, or any other strike for that matter, it is the mother who has to do the ferreting and has the work to do and perform her household duties as well.

With regard to Miss Sylvia Pankhurst, we are not asking to have the men arrested, but we do ask for her unconditional release. We feel that Sir Edward Carson has not only made inciting speeches, but he has said that the Irish streets would be flowing with blood or some such statement. I am lost for the exact words. We feel that his incitement has been greater than hers and he should now be in prison. We feel that the vote must be won shortly. We must have the vote. We are here today to demand a vote for every woman over the age of 21 years and Miss Pankhurst is giving her life for the purpose of fighting for this vote.

We do protest when we go along in processions that suddenly without a word of warning we are pounced upon by detectives and bludgeoned and women are called names by cowardly detectives, when nobody is about. There was one old lady of 70 who was with us the other day, who was knocked to the ground and kicked. She is a shirtmaker and is forced to work on a machine and she has been in the most awful agony. These men are not fit to help rule the country while we have no say in the matter.

We also ask for the release of Mrs Walker, who is a docker’s wife and a woman of my class, and we feel that she should not be in Holloway at this time for what the journalists like to call an inciting speech

Asquith gave a conciliatory reply to the deputation and indicated to them that their delegation was more representative than others he had met. He declared ‘if the change [women’s suffrage] has got to come we must face it boldly and make it thoroughly democratic in its basis.’ It appeared that Asquith had finally recognised that he could not maintain his resistance to women’s suffrage much longer, and that his position now – equal suffrage for men and women - was closer to that of Sylvia and the ELFS than that of Christabel and Emmeline Pankhurst and the WSPU.

In the light of Asquith’s capitulation, the ELFS planned more processions and peaceful demonstrations in order to press their advantage.

From the Woman’s Dreadnought 4^th July 1914

South West Ham

Splendid meeting held outside ‘Peacock’ when Mr and Mrs Laski and Mr Smith of Oxford spoke. Audience also pleased at the result of deputation, through Miss Pankhurst’s determination. Good meetings on Thursday and members set to work giving in names for lobbying MPs, banner carrying and paper selling. Still more wanted for Dreadnought distribution. Many members turned up and walked to Trafalgar Square.

In August 1914 war came. Its effect was immediate on the East End. Soldiers and Sailors wives were left without money for food and rent. Sylvia, using her political connections, lobbied government agencies on behalf of East London. On 2^nd September 1914 she led a deputation to meet with Walter Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, about the cost of living, the erratic food supply and the sweated war work done by women. With her went Charlotte Drake, Melvina Walker, Mrs Farrell, Mrs Payne and Daisy Parsons whom she described in her book The Home Front as;

‘frail Mrs Parsons, flushed and consumptive looking, showing in every line of her the evidence of an ill nourished childhood.’

The deputation gave the president evidence and examples of the ‘panic prices’ that they were paying for food. Daisy is recorded thus:

Mrs Parsons [declared] that she and her children were short of food. Sugar, which used to cost her 1½d a pound was now 3½d, beans which had been 2½d were 4d. One of the big multiple shop companies was allowing women who bought margarine to get their sugar for 2½d per pound; but if they bought butter they must pay 3½d. Why should they force poor people to give margarine to their children: miserable stuff which would not nourish them? She asked indignant, protesting that her children were delicate children; they needed good feeding!

(E.S. Pankhurst The Home Front)

Runciman’s reply was noncommittal – it would do all it could, but would not take control of the food supply.

She was co-opted onto the Distress Committee of West Ham Borough Council, and visited those who were in distress:

From the Woman’s Dreadnought 3^rd October 1914

In Canning Town

Mrs Parsons the ELFS Hon. Sec. for West Ham who is appointed to visit soldiers and sailors wives for the west Ham Local Representation Committee under the Mayor, sends us the following typical cases;

Mrs G – two children with measles and one with pneumonia, no food in the house and no money since 15^th August. Reservists wife.

Mrs S – reservists wife, married 4 years and 3 months with four children gets one shilling per day

Mrs H – sailors wife, did not know which ship her husband was on, five children at school, cried when I gave her ten shillings.

Mrs C – son gone who was her sole support. Had to go for bread to the relieving officer, and says she does not want to be pauperised.

Mrs A – husband gone to the front and she gets 1/1d a day. Has a baby of three months which has to be bottle fed. Does not receive pay for it, husband forgot to register it.

 

The ELFS still campaigned for the vote and held frequent meetings, but much of their work was done relieving the distress caused by the war in East London. They decided to give 1 pint of milk to necessitous mothers and children each day. In order to raise money for the fund, Daisy took her daughter Marguerite to Oxford Street and begged in order to raise the £5 necessary.

From the Woman’s Dreadnought 17^th and 21^st October 1914

South West Ham

The campaign of meetings leading up to the Public Hall meeting has been very successful and enthusiastic. At the ‘Peacock’ the organiser [Miss Mary Phillips] was the speaker and also at Ordnance Road on Wednesday where an extra meeting was held especially to advertise the Public Hall. Large number of bills given at the Municipal concert on Saturday night.

An office has been taken at 14 Butchers Road and is open every afternoon from 3.30 to 5.30 and all who are in distress through the war will be welcomed there for advice. Members who can give a little time to canvassing the district are also welcome there and meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings beginning October 20^th. As cases of distress are found it is hoped to be able to help them a little by distributing milk for babies under 12 months, but the federation has at present no funds to spare for the purpose, so we must collect all we can before a start can be ready. Boxes are ready and can be had from the secretary or the organiser.

South West Ham

Public hall very successful and enthusiastic. The resolution was carried unanimously. Collection £2 1/9d was good considering the scarcity of money just now.

The new room is proving a useful centre. At first we could only make friends with and advise those in distress, but members have set to so energetically that by the end of the week we were able to make a start giving milk in a few of the most needy cases. Let us make up our minds to collect enough to pay for all the milk we give away in this district.

Miss Lawson and Miss Brown two quite new members have been among the keenest collectors and have gone on their own initiative to picture palaces and other places. Mrs Ewers has given valuable help in canvassing and investigating cases: also Mrs Hockham and Mrs Roper. Mrs M E Davies has kindly promised to come and advise mothers about babies on Wednesday (this week) and to give what help she can after. Mrs Drake, Mrs Lawson, Mrs Millo and others have kindly lent furniture etc. for the room.

This centre was so popular that by January 1915 it had moved to larger premises.

From the Woman’s Dreadnought 19^th January 1915

The South West Ham branch of the ELFS has just moved into larger premises which consist of a shop, three rooms and kitchen. Its new address will be 55 Fife Road, Tidal Basin, E. The Federation earnestly asks for gifts of furniture for these new premises, in order that the expenses of supplying it may not come out of the funds. We specially need tables, chairs, a clock, coal scuttles, fire irons, hearth rugs, and washstand and crockery.

At these larger premises they were able to offer doctor’s consultations, baby weighing and midwifery.

Another centre was opened at 124 Barking Road, Canning Town, which also offered doctor’s consultations and baby weighing every Tuesday at 4 pm.

As the war dragged on the ELFS began to campaign for peace, and changed its name to the Workers Suffrage Federation:

From the Stratford Express 8^th April 1916

The East London Federation of the Suffragettes will in future be known as the Workers’ Suffrage Federation, and men will be admitted to the membership.

The inaugural meeting of the newly named organisation was held on Saturday evening as Lees Hall Canning Town. Mrs Parsons presided and speeches were delivered by Mrs Despard, Miss Sylvia Pankhurst and Mrs Drake.

Mrs Despard said they met under the auspices not of a new suffrage society but of a suffrage society which had started on a wider course and a bigger venture. … She trusted that that meeting gathered at this terribly anxious time would result in great good. … They were reading with deep sorrow of the slaughter of young men and middle aged men, and yet, while this terrible slaughter was going on thousands of unnecessary deaths were taking place among little children….The big ship, the big gun and such things were given a more important place in this country. … The war was bringing a revelation. They were beginning to see things as they are. It was right that at such a time as this they should begin to think not only of war but of the days to follow the war. … they should be so prepared to build up a world in which such things as war would be impossible. … To bring wars to an end through the feeling of brotherhood and the recognition of all alike, they must have some weapon in their hands. She did not mean a destructive weapon. …The weapon that they wanted was not the sword, the gun or any of the terrible things with which men were killing one another, but the vote. …

Miss Pankhurst said it would be specially necessary after the war that the people should be well organised industrially and also that they should have their political enfranchisement. …

On the evening of January 17^th 1917 the TNT factory owned by Brunner Mond in Silvertown exploded. This factory worked around the clock manufacturing explosives and shells for the front. The area around the factories was especially busy at the time of the explosion as there was a change of shifts. Children, carrying flasks and food baskets were bringing meals to parents working overtime. Without warning one of the TNT manufacturing sheds exploded and took with it the factory, another nine factories and mills around it, and hundreds of houses in the surrounding streets. 74 People were killed, a thousand maimed or injured. Thousands were made homeless. The ELFS along with other agencies such as the Salvation Army rallied round

Worker’s Dreadnought 1917

The Scandal of Silvertown

Dear Editor

Though the dramatic name of ‘baby killers’ is appropriately enough given to the dramatic crime of enemy raiders, I am afraid it applies with equal truth to those who are authorizing the re building of Silvertown in its present unhealthy conditions. Damp unhealthy dwellings mean that it is the women and children who will suffer. Croup and rickets will take their yearly toll: mothers will watch their little ones waste and die, in spite of all the care the can give them. As this will go on from year to year and from generation to generation, I would ask whether the greater responsibility and the greater sin does not rest with the authorities who are permitting the present scandal at Silvertown? As this is probably a financial question at bottom, I would as a ratepayer make a further objection. It is on the ratepayer that the cost of this short sighted policy will fall. He will ultimately have to pay for the weakly incapacitated men and women who surviving the miseries of childhood under these conditions will later on drift to infirmaries and workhouses instead of becoming assets to the economic forces of the nation. I would further state that it is the proceedings of this sort which are the despair of the thoughtful part of the community. On the one side we have devotion and patriotism enforced on the battle field in practice, and exhorted on posters by precept. On the other we have the amazing exhibitions of weakness and stupidity which re shown in the weakening over the question of the drink traffic, and the deliberate flouting of the ordinary principles of health which are exhibited in the present instance. What is the good of child welfare exhibitions, of all the machinery now being set on foot by wise and far seeing men and women when our government tolerates and supports performances such as these? These are questions which will come home to roost.

The Workers’ Suffrage Federation held rallies and Peace marches with the Non Conscription Federation. Some of those involved with the WSF at this time were Mrs Bouvier, Clement Atlee and Mary Richardson (who had slashed the Rokeby Venus).

Sylvia adopted the position of pushing for a negotiated peace and showing tolerance towards those of German descent who lived in East London. After German air raids started their shops and homes became easy targets. But politicians and union leaders in East London took a patriotic stance:

Worker’s Dreadnought 15^th April 1917

The East London Peace Demonstration, Victoria Park

The sun shone joyously on the peace procession last Sunday. ‘Spring and Peace must come together’ said the first banner. And the others followed ‘In this War there is a nation without frontiers united in anguish : it is the nation of Mothers’ ‘The Children of All Nations want their Fathers home’ ‘Half the World is Drenched in Blood’. At the rear was a black banner with a skull which said ‘5,000,000 killed : How many more?’ ‘All are Comrades’ said the banner of the Forest Gate NCF. The red flag of the Walthamstow BSP, the red purple, green and white of the Worker’s Suffrage Federation, the children riding in decorated carts, made a brave show. Fully a thousand people marched in the procession and as we always do in East London, masses of us preferred to swarm along the gutter and on the pavements beside the procession proper so that two larger processions walked on either side of those who were marshalled beside the banners. Near the head of the procession marched a young officer, and close by a soldier discharged without a pension. Another ex-soldier who was going to hospital next day, wore his trade union regalia and was busy selling miniature red flags. On every step of the four miles from Beckton Road corner to the park sympathetic crowds greeted us, clapping and waving hands.

The mounted police rode ahead, and there were some four or five constables on foot: all was in order : there was nothing for them to do. Many members of the criminal Investigation Department of Scotland Yard began to appear as we reached our destination. We knew them well from our pre-war days. Why had they come? We never found them affording protection to pacifists or calling to account those who despitefully use them.

As we marched over the bridge at the end of Grove Road facing the Park hostility began to show itself for the first time.

The first flag was soon torn from its bamboo pole and the pole itself was twisted, but Councillor Ben Gardner bore it on and we followed it to the meeting ground. There in the press of people we saw that the carts brought there to serve as platforms were crowded with jingoes who had no intention of making way for the authorised speakers. The platforms had been captured by the rowdies, the speakers were lost in the skirmish, so with two or three friends beside us we set our back against the wall of the tea house and began to speak. In another part of the park Mrs Despard had mounted the railings to address the crowd. ‘We don’t want German terms: we want our terms’ the Jingoes yelled at her. The aged lady answered ‘You will have neither the German terms nor your own terms : you will have God’s terms’ They were nonplussed for a moment and then shouted at her to go before she was hurt .. ‘I am not afraid of Englishmen’ she answered ‘None of you will hurt me’ Nor did they: her courage overawed them. Mrs Bouvier also addressed the crowd for a time, but one cannot keep a meeting going for long when one is perched uncomfortably upon the railing.

There were estimates that there were 50,000 people in the park and that the entire disturbance was created by 500.

On Sunday it was sad to find gangs of men and women so cowardly as to set on one or two individuals, chivvying them from point to point and beating then with fists or sticks. Mrs Hasler and Miss Beamish who went out to look for absent friends came back with faces bruised and bleeding.

Ever since, telephone messages and letters of enquiry, encouragement and congratulation have poured upon us at Old Ford Road.

Everyone who saw the procession is agreed that it was a triumph and that its reception in Canning Town and Bow clearly indicates the growth of peace feeling.

The meeting is over but the agitation continues. We shall be in the Park next Sunday

E Sylvia Pankhurst

As the war wore on Sylvia’s support and membership faded away, despite her social welfare work. The following report from Daisy hints at this :

From the Worker’s Dreadnought May 1917

South West Ham

Now members, it is the time to increase our membership and get still more energetic members into our ranks, and we wish to welcome old members back again. It is especially essential to get votes for women now that so many are out in the labour market. A splendid lantern lecture, with music, on Russia by Jaakoff Prelooker will be held in Lee’s Hall May 14^th 7.30 pm. Who will have the next tea party?

This loss was exacerbated when Sylvia enthusiastically embraced the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917, and turned her back on the parliamentary system.

By the end of the war Daisy had made many friends and useful political contacts including Clement Atlee, Freda Laski and George Lansbury. In 1918 all women over 30 were given the vote. But Daisy could not vote or stand as a councillor because she was 29!

In 1922 Daisy stood as Labour (SDF) nominee for Beckton ward and was elected on 1st November 1922 as councillor.

Sister Edith Kerrison (the first woman councillor in West Ham) was already a councillor for this ward and Daisy was seen as one of her lieutenants.

Daisy was on the committee of the St Mary's Hospital. Her interest in health and welfare had grown from her days in ELFS.

In 1931 Alderman Scoulding, the Mayor, chose Daisy as his deputy. She was the first woman deputy Mayor and it was a troublesome time. Unemployment was at previously unknown heights and she became the first woman to take the chair at a council meeting at a very stormy meeting of the council. Appreciation of her success in the chair was shown in the mayoral summing up:

From the Stratford Express 12^th November 1932

Alderman Scoulding’s difficult year …

Councillor W Thorne; It was the unanimous decision of his colleagues on both sides of the council chamber that he should move a vote of thanks to Ald. Scoulding for the splendid work he had rendered to the citizens of West Ham during the past twelve months.

No man had ever sat in that chair who had such a difficult job as Ald. Scoulding

His troubles started three days after his election as mayor. The Town Clerk received a letter from the Minister in regard to Economy Bill No. 2 and there were other circulars and everyone knew what that meant. …

He has a very valuable assistant in the Deputy Mayor. I thought I was one of the best Deputy Mayors but I found to my surprise that a woman could do better. I shall never forget the night when the Mayor was absent. Councillor Parsons was called on to occupy the chair. She had a very difficult problem to deal with including a deputation from the unemployed, and she excelled herself in the conduct of the business. … I want the name of the Deputy Mayor to be associated with this vote of thanks.

Councillor Kerrison; in supporting the proposition, extolled the work of the Mayoress and of the Deputy Mayor. She felt very proud because she had always advocated women being allowed to fill the more prominent roles. She always thought they could do it as well as men – she would not say better. She had been pleased and very proud at the way in which Councillor Parsons had filled the chair and taken the Mayor’s place. …

Councillor Parsons; Added her testimonial to the work of Mr Davis and took the opportunity of saying how much she had enjoyed her year of office as Deputy Mayor. It would have been impossible to carry out the duties unless she had the confidence and support of members in all times of difficulty.

In 1933 she became a JP. Not long after her first case she was taken ill. In her earlier photographs she can be seen as a slim young woman - Sylvia Pankhurst called her 'bird-like, tiny' - but by the time she was Deputy Mayor she had noticeably gained weight. In 1934 she was taken into Whipps Cross Hospital and her family were allowed to see her at any time, so serious was her illness. She was diagnosed as a diabetic.

She continued as a councillor and in 1935 was elected Alderman on the death of Alderman Streimer. This was an uneasy time for West Ham Council and the rate for 1936 was set during a 'scene of violence'

From the Stratford Express 25^th February 1936

West Ham Council’s Uproarious Meeting

Mayor twice leaves the chair

Rate fixed during turmoil

Man and Woman Alderman in ugly scene

The making of the rate for the year to March 1937 by West Ham Town Council on Tuesday evening was accomplished during a scene of violence. Alderman Rumsey was the chief participant. He moved to reduce the rate from the proposed 9/8d in the pound for the half year by one penny. His proposition was accompanied by a tirade against the Education Committee, whom he accused of venting their spite against him upon his child, alleging that because he refused to discuss the amount of his war disability pension, the scholarship won by the child was not allowed to be a free one.

The Mayor was twice compelled to adjourn the meeting because of the uproar which occurred during the Alderman’s speech. After the second adjournment there was an ugly scene between Alderman Mrs Parsons and Alderman Rumsey, who were prevented from fighting only by the physical intervention of other members. …

From Words to Deeds

Alderman Mrs Parsons strode across the chamber and on reaching Alderman Rumsey, struck him with a copy of the Council reports which she had in her hands exclaiming ‘You called me a --------‘ Alderman Rumsey endeavoured to return the blow but several colleagues hastily interposed and prevented the Alderman from rising. Others pulled Alderman Parsons away and led her to her seat. It was with some difficulty that Alderman Rumsey was retrained and he reiterating ‘She struck me in the face and tried to claw me. She sent my missis up the pole’ For a considerable time the Alderman was surrounded by members who endeavoured to calm him and get him to leave the council chamber. After a time he smoked a cigarette and eventually left the chamber in company with Councillor Luscombe and Councillor Hearn who saw him on a train for home. The council meeting resumed after half an hour’s delay.

Then in November 1936 she was elected mayor. There were two candidates up for the position – Daisy and another woman, Alderman Mrs Bock. The choice was made by drawing the names from a hat. Her election was not unanimous – one member of the council objected strongly;

From the Stratford Express 9^th November 1936

Her Worship the Mayor of West Ham

Two new records established

First woman, youngest mayor

West Ham has a lady mayor. She is Alderman Daisy Parsons, the first of her sex and the youngest mayor to occupy the mayoral chair. She was elected at the annual meeting of the council on Monday and her eldest daughter Mrs M I Tompkin will fill the role of Mayoress.

There was only one dissenting vote, that of Alderman Rumsey who wished he had got out of the Borough before he saw a woman occupying the mayoral chair. He suggested giving the seat to a man outside the council. …

Councillor Mrs Gregory moved the election of Mrs Parsons as Mayor for the next year. She was very pleased when she was asked to do so. They were girls at school together, and had known one another many years.

Alderman Croot seconded: I don’t know where poor old Tom is going to, Tom and I have been friends for many years. He need not fear it will be any worse when she is mayor than when she was just an alderman. In my opinion it will be easier for her.

Alderman Hollins: declared that they had offered the Mayoralty to the late Alderman Kerrison but in view of her advancing years and increasing deafness she declined to take it. She would have been delighted to know that one of her lieutenants was going to be the first woman mayor.

Alderman Rumsey; He was sorry to see the day when a woman was to occupy the chair (Shame) When a town hands itself over to petticoat government it is always in trouble. If the man is not the master in his own house he is in for a bad time. The woman wears the trousers. You were told by the mover of the resolution what wonderful things the lady had done, but she did not mention any of them. I do not know of one thing in the borough which ever came from this lady’s brain. The Alderman said he had come up against two or three lady Mayors during his mayoralty and he had to say they were absolute failures. A woman mayor was out of place. She was alright for exhibition purposes but for business it was not in the best interests of the town to have a woman mayor. This council chamber is deteriorating, and I wish I had got out of it before ever I saw a woman occupying that chair.

The Mayor realised the responsibility. She thought the members would expect no more from her than her best. Her old friend Alderman Kerrison had scarcely been out of her thoughts during the past week, and if it were possible, she believed that she knew what was going on that night. She had invited and old friend of Alderman Kerrison’s to be present that night, Mrs Baldock. Referring to her husband, the Mayor said she did not think he was going to be any different a partner than he had been before. He is still going to be the boss in his own home, so don’t have any qualms. She had nothing to regret or apologise for with regard to her early life and she felt very proud that her mother could be present there that night. She thanked her for her earlier training and she also wanted to thank publicly her husband and children for the help they had given her through out her municipal career. To her colleagues on the council she tendered her thanks for their tuition when she was a raw recruit. Although Alderman Rumsey said this would be one of the failures of the borough, other people did not regard the selection as an unpopular one judging by all the messages of congratulation she had received.

As the first woman mayor, a special set of mayoral robes and tri-corn hat had to be made. After her mayoral year was over, she kept the hat, and in 1985 her son Stanley gave it to Newham Council.

During her mayoral year she undertook 500 engagements. The following are a selection:

On 12^th May 1937 she attended the coronation of King George VI as the representative of West Ham.

From the Stratford Express 29^th May 1937

Mayor’s Coronation impressions – how she saw the abbey ceremony

The Mayor of West Ham Ald. Mrs Daisy Parsons, was so thrilled by all she witnessed in Westminster Abbey at the Coronation ceremony that she forgot to eat the sandwich she had taken until she was on her way home at night. She said that there was no opportunity of getting anything to eat and she had taken the precaution of providing herself with a sandwich, but although she was there from twenty to seven in the morning until five past six at night she never thought about it.

My greatest anxiety after the ceremony was over said the Mayor was to get back to West Ham to participate in some of the tea parties, but it was impossible to get away from the Abbey until I did and consequently could only attend a few of the parties.

I was in a balcony just above the Unknown Warrior’s Tomb with other mayors, and although we could not see the actual crowning there was plenty else to see. The great impression to my mind was the splendour of the pageantry and the brilliance of the whole scene, the wonderful tapestries, and the richness of the carpets, the beautiful dresses gorgeous uniforms, and colourful national costumes of the visitors from other countries. The whole made a scene never to be forgotten.

I had never witnessed a state procession before, and I don’t suppose I shell ever be present at such a ceremony again, and I regard it as an outstanding event in my life.

I felt too that this was probably the only country in the world where a royal family could move with such perfect freedom among the populace without fear of any untoward happening, and I also felt that the wide representation of all classes and creeds within the Abbey was a wonderful demonstration of the close relationship between the Throne and the people.

The Mayor added that she thought the outstanding figure was Queen Mary. In spite of her recent worries she carried herself with queenly dignity.

The younger princesses were charming and I was interested to see the elder one whisper to the younger one in the procession as if informing her what to do. When they came into the Abbey I thought the younger Princess Margaret Rose seemed timid and walked closer to her aunt the Princess Royal. The Mayor went on to mention some of the people whom she recognised and said that the Aga Khan was a picturesque figure in pale blue satin. She added she recognised Canon guy Rogers formerly Vicar of West Ham who was one of the King’s Chaplains who formed a guard of honour in the Abbey.

The general impression left on her mind was that there was no class distinction in the Abbey where people representative of all sections had met as members of one big united family to witness a great historic event.

Coronation Reception at West Ham

Brilliant scene at the Town Hall

Coronation festivities in West Ham concluded on Friday night (the Mayor’s birthday) wit ah reception in the Town Hall by the Mayor and Mayoress. It was an extremely happy function in which representatives of all branches of the community participated the guests numbering over 400.

Never has the town hall presented a more charming appearance. Recently redecorated, the beauties of its interior adornments were enhanced by special lighting.

The corridors were gay with electric fairy lamps, and altogether the appearance of the hall must have greatly impressed visitors from other districts. The reception was followed by dancing until 9.30pm. Then came the refreshment interval, and afterwards a cabaret, a number of capable artistes contributing to an entertaining programme.

Afterwards the Mayor, who was the recipient of many birthday greetings, and the Mayoress went on the platform and the former briefly addressed the gathering. There were nine mayors present which proved that the public representation of other districts appreciated the little efforts that West Ham made. In conclusion the Mayor wished prosperity to every borough represented and above all peace. Then I do not think we need fear anything.

A bouquet was presented to the Mayor on behalf of her family by Miss Joan Parsons, as a birthday gift.

Dancing was resumed the first being the snowball waltz ‘It’s my mother’s birthday today’ which the Mayor danced with her son.

For the convenience of guests arriving by car two streets in the vicinity of West Ham Lane relief station were used as parking places, and the chauffeurs were entertained in the station premises.

On 3^rd June, Daisy, along with the City of London Corporation fathers opened a children's play centre in West Ham Park to commemorate the coronation.

On 6th June 1937 she drove the first trolley bus on its route.

From the Stratford Express 3^rd June 1937

Trolley ‘Buses start on Sunday

Lady Mayor as driver

85 buses for 78 Tramcars

In the wee small hours of Sunday morning – at 6.43 to be precise the Mayor of West Ham will inaugurate London Transport’s largest conversion from tramcars to trolleybuses. Afterwards the mayor will for a short distance a passenger and will be given the first ticket for West Ham and district.

More than 15 road miles are affected by the conversion and 78 tramcars will be withdrawn. The 85 trolleybuses which will take their place are of the latest type. It is claimed that they are the quietest passenger vehicles yet devised. Instead of wheels, carbon shoes that glide noiselessly along overhead wires are employed to collect current. The new routes are:

668 Stratford Broadway to Canning Town Fire Station

687 Chingford Mount to Victoria and Albert Docks via Wanstead Flats

697 Chingford Mount to Victoria and Albert Docks via Abbey Arms

699 Chingford Mount to Victoria and Albert Docks via Greengate

There will be some minor alterations in fares including workmen’s return fares of ½d. Whilst the latter change involves a slight increase in fares between certain points, it reduces other fares by ½d.

On the other hand certain additional 2d workmen’s fares have been introduced.

On 30th August 1937 she opened the Canning Town Lido;

From the Stratford Express 4^th September 1937

West Ham Lido opened in Thunder Storm

Mayor takes a plunge

£24,000 amenity for Canning Town

Sun bathing in Beckton Road

To the accompaniment of rolling thunder and vivid flashes of lightening, Canning Town Lido was opened on Monday afternoon by the Mayor of West Ham Alderman Mrs Parsons in the presence of a large audience.

It replaces the old swimming pool on the same site, and it is a fine modern open air bath, with up to date fittings and appurtenances. It is not yet fully completed, insomuchas some of the sunbathing terraces remain to be constructed, but apart from that it is finished. It presents an attractive appearance, with its cascade aerators, one at each end of the pool illuminated at night by electricity, when the water is also floodlit.

The old swimming pool which occupied the site of the new bath was built by the Corporation about 30 years ago out of funds privately subscribed and was open for free use. Lack of filtration and sterilization made it a potential menace to health, and the Council decided to replace it.

Before its completion many difficulties had to be overcome. The site is very low lying, and the comparatively close proximity of the docks and Thames meant that water would be encountered, but the vast quantities with which the contractors had to cope was far beyond expectations. For some time they had to pump away a million gallons of water a week. To make matters worse rain fell on 51 successive days.

Great interest was taken in the opening ceremony. Guests were received by the Mayor and Mayoress at the entrance to the Lido. Having been invited to open the entrance doors the Mayor was presented with a golden key as a souvenir. Having declared the West Ham Municipal Lido open, the Mayor proceeded to unveil a plaque commemorating the ceremony. The assembly inspected the bath and buildings and saw the fist swimmer take the plunge. This was little Pat Denahy, a sturdy girl aged 9. She was lifted by the Mayor and Town Clerk and at a given signal thrown into the water. A little more tilting would have made the throw more successful, but the youngster did not seem to mind being dropped flat and trudged her way swiftly across the bath.

Tea was served on the terrace and before this concluded the thunderstorm which had been threatening broke. Some heavy claps of thunder preceded by flashes of lightening were accompanied by copious rain, but inclemency did not deter the speakers.

The Mayor on behalf of the Mayoress and herself said she wished to thank the assembly whole heartedly for the way they had received the proposition and Alderman Husband and Councillor Mrs Cook for the way they had proposed it. She thought the Mayoress and she should thank those who had invited them to be present. It was an honour to be asked to perform such a duty, and that the day’s ceremony was something to look back on. They knew when Alderman Hollins started what he called his ‘folly’ he would turn it into something else … They were very pleased to see such a magnificent place. There were facilities for sun-bathing and she could visualise Alderman Thorne reclining on the terrace in his sun bathing costume.

Alderman Warner added: The council had a problem before them in educating the people for leisure. Public houses were introducing music and dancing. He believed in open air sports and as a past sportsman himself realised that to be successful in that one had to live cleanly. To do this one must have a clean mind, and that would take the next generation further than this one.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony the Mayor and several members of the council entered the water and in other ways tested the amenities of the lido.

In the evening an inaugural swimming gala took place and 1700 people paid for admission. An exceptionally interesting programme was presented, opening with a challenge race by members of the council. This was won by Councillor W Head in 47 secs with Councillor Gilman a good second. There were various exhibitions given of diving and swimming including Mr E H Temme who gave an exhibition of the strokes used by him on his channel swims. There were also races.

[Footnote: Daisy Parsons could not swim and disliked the water. There had been some concern that the rates could not stand the burden of the Lido, that it was a white elephant and that it had been built in the wrong place]

On 24^th September there was a Pageant of Sport at West Ham Speedway track, with proceeds to the project fund to rebuild the Out Patients Department of St Mary’s Hospital.

From the Stratford Express September 1937

Famous artiste sings at stadium

30,000 cheer Miss Gracie Fields

Pageant of Sport for Charity

Thirty thousand people cheered Miss Gracie Fields, the famous artiste and film star when in the company of the Mayor of West Ham, and the Mayoress, she walked out onto the greyhound track of the West Ham Stadium on Friday night. She had visited the stadium to give her support to the pageant of sport organised to inaugurate a fund for the rebuilding of the out patients department of St Mary’s Hospital.

‘Can you hear me mother?’ she asked as she picked up the portable microphone and then to the bandsmen of the 6^th Battalion the East Surrey Regiment T.A. who provided the music for the evening, ‘Come on lads play summat’. They played ‘Laugh your troubles away’ and Miss Fields sang it to the delight of the crowd. Then she gave them ‘Sally’ and afterwards at her invitation to ‘get a bit matey’ they sang it with her. When she walked round the speedway track with the Mayor and Mayoress there was a rush from the enclosures on to the greyhound track to get a ‘close-up’.

The famous star was certainly a great attraction and by her presence largely helped the venture of rebuilding, for which approximately £23,000 is required. Many others also gave their aid in staging what was a unique entertainment, including as it did speedway and cycle racing, boxing and a parade of famous greyhounds, including a firework display. Another celebrity in the world of entertainment also helped. She was Miss Pat Hyde of Plaistow the well known radio entertainer who played her accordion and sang into the microphone in the boxing ring, which was erected in the centre of the arena. Eric Chitty the West Ham Speedway rider also crooned a few choruses from this ring, where previously two famous local boxing champions of the past Teddy Baldock, the ex-bantam weight champion and Mike Honeyman ex-featherweight champion had given an exhibition bout, and a comedy bout had been provided by Billy Robins of Bethnal Green and Jack Maynard of Kent.

There was also cycle racing in which two teams of riders representing West Ham and Herne Hill contested a match of nine heats on the same lines as speedway racing.

The speedway challenge match was between a team of West Ham reserve riders and Norwich.

The celebrated Mick the Miller led the parade of famous greyhounds followed by other well known performers in Flying Wedge, Avion Balerino and Wattle Mark, and a string from the West Ham kennels. Altogether the event was highly successful as well as entertaining and all those associated with its organisation and carrying out duties are deserving of congratulation.

The Mayor of West Ham who was the chairman of the committee over the microphone voiced her thanks to all who had joined in helping the cause. She said they were particularly grateful to Miss Gracie Fields for her generosity in attending, to Miss Pat Hyde, and to all those who had given their services in providing their entertainment.

Her last task as mayor was to act as godmother to triplets who were born at Queen Mary's Hospital.

After her success as mayor, she was made life governor of several hospitals.

Letter from the Secretary of Queen Mary’s Hospital for the East End, making Daisy Parsons a life governor of the institution;

22^nd February 1938

Dear Mrs Alderman Parsons

You were the first woman to be Mayor of the important Borough of West Ham, which, is the seventh largest town in England. You adorned that office nobly and well and in doing so, you remembered with your very large heart, the demands and interests of this hospital.

You will remember that we elected you to be a governor of this institution for a period of ten years during 1937. I now have pleasure in telling you that the Board, at its last meeting, decided to make you a life-governor for services rendered to the Institution, and this is the highest honour that the Hospital Authorities can confer.

With best of wishes

Raphael Jackson

Secretary

 

She was also asked to stand as Member of Parliament for Upton, but although asked twice she refused.

Letter from Comrade Mrs Cant:

19^th May 1938

Dear Comrade Mrs Parsons,

In case I Don’t get a chance to speak to you at the ward meeting.

I am writing to tell you that I have asked for your name to be considered at the next divisional meeting of the Upton Constituency, as I was told by one of the E.C. members that Comrade Ben Gardner is resigning, and that Dr Boyde had already been asked and refused, so I said it was time we had a woman to represent West Ham, so she promised to bring it forward at the next meeting of the E.C.

Hoping I have not acted against your wishes, I am yours sincerely

E. Cant

Daisy’s reply:

Dear Comrade Mrs Cant,

Many thanks for your kind letter received and hope that you will let your sleeping partner know at Upton that I do not want my name to be submitted for Upton. The main reason is that all my municipal work has been done in the south of the borough. I want therefore to finish south if possible. I regret Ben Gardner is unable to carry on and hope it is not infectious but that the other three stalwarts will keep in for ever.

Love and all good wishes

Daisy Parsons

Mrs Cant did not give up and sent another letter:

4^th June 1938

Dear Comrade Mrs Parsons

I am writing to you for the second time, would you be willing to let your name go forward as our next parliamentary candidate in the event of a general election.

Firstly I was at the meeting when Comrade Thorne said this was the last time he would stand for parliament. Secondly we want more women in, and I feel sure that if we nominate you, we know you can, health permitting, do the job, also I don’t think Miss Roddick would run against you being a woman …

E. Cant

We do not have Daisy’s reply to this letter, but she did not run as a parliamentary candidate at any election during her political career.

Despite her hopes for peace, war had to be faced again. It was down to Daisy as chair of Education Committee to organise the evacuation of the children of the borough.

Stratford Express Autumn 1939

This meeting saw the conclusion of Alderman Mrs Parsons tenure of office as chairman of the [Education] committee. On vacating the mayoralty she took on the next busiest and most important job in the corporate life of the borough. For two years she had carried it out with the same zeal and energy as she displayed while Mayor, so that for three consecutive years she had devoted herself almost exclusively to the service of the town.

It fell to her lot unfortunately to usher the children out of the borough but when dawns the happy day of their return, whoever may be the chairman of the Education committee both they and their parents will value her welcome probably beyond any.

 

She remained behind to help organise the Women's Voluntary Service

Letter from M Anderson to Daisy Parsons relating the events in West Ham from September to October 1940:

95 The Grove, Stratford, London E15

21.10.40

My dear Mrs. Parsons,

Where shall I begin to tell you even half the tale of events since that night at Beckton Road and the very heavy day you had there on the Saturday?

It seems years ago – yet it is only just over six weeks.

On the Sunday we had every one of our 15 centres open and in addition there were about 1000 people at Plaistow secondary who had walked out of Silvertown.

Then we had to improvise other places for homeless people or those from delayed action bombs at all the following places;

Upton Lane 300 Russell Central 150

Upton Cross 150 Gainsborough Road 300

Knox Road 200 Prince Regents Lane 100

Mun Colleges 200 Custom House 100

Tennyson Road 150

Napier Road 350

I seemed to be rushing food about everywhere.

Then all the gas failed and it was another rush to install as many electric wash boilers as the electricity committee could let us have.

These were not anything like adequate but they did enable us to make hot tea and hot stews.

There was a general clamour for evacuation and we could not get the ministry to move quick enough with the result that we had the tragedy of South Hallsville.

I had been there only at 8 pm on the night it happened and was hoping our luck would hold until the morning as both Frederick Road and South Hallsville were being used. We persuaded many people to return to their own homes and shelters, but until then they felt safer in the school shelter. Do you remember that one? It was a corridor in the double decker building - the one Miss Wilkinson used to occupy.

The incident was grossly exaggerated in certain papers, but it was a frightful thing.

I went down again after it had happened – got there before 6 am and helped with tea and sandwiches both for the people – the rescue squads, wardens. Police etc. I have never seen so many men break down. It was heartrending.

By 10 A. M. most of the people had been taken away by bus but after that it was an unending stream of workers needing tea etc.

I shall never forget it.

West Silvertown kitchen was put Out of action on the Saturday night – also Storey Street. We have been unable to use West Silvertown since but we salvaged some of our stores. Storey Street is now running as a communal kitchen - though the food is not cooked there but carried down in heated containers.

We have also had damage - fairly serious - at our Hermit Road kitchen, at Tennyson Road, at the Municipal Colleges and at Beckton Road.

In the beginning the centre at the latter place was not very badly hurt but I heard today there has been a hit again and I have not had time to go and see the damage and find out whether we can redeem it again. In addition we had damage done at Odessa, at Upton Lane, and Upton Cross but at all these places we fortunate in that only the evening before in each case we had moved the people out.

For all the first ten days or fortnight I was snatching sleep when I could - a few minutes at a time at the ARP Headquarters - then I felt completely done in so I put a camp bed in the office.

My own nice flat was damaged on Monday September 10th. 21 received the blast from the Great Ormond Street bomb and was covered in glass and soot.

I had no time to see to it - doors were blown off and window frames wrenched out.

It has been boarded up and the doors put back and I had a woman sweep up the soot but last week it had another dose, and I have not been able to have it cleaned up yet.

This week - however- a friend whose flat has been damaged much more than mine came to West Ham to get my keys so that she could put some of her things in it as well. She literally took her life in her hands when she went into her own place to bring things out, and finally had to give up when she was threatened with a £300 fine for entering a dangerous structure.

You will be interested to hear that we have communal kitchens running at;

1. Water Lane 2. Three Mills 3. Holbrook 4. Balaam Street 5. New City Road 6. Shipman Road (This is being worked chiefly by helpers of Mrs. R of  Boyd Inst Mission) 7. Gainsborough Road  8. St Luke's   (at this place we cook the food at S Hallsville and take it round in heated containers) They serve about 300-350 dinners per day.

In addition we have been helping the Central Mission. They do the work but we supply them with about 100 hot dinners daily, and provisions for tea and breakfasts.

Some of these go to homeless people and some are sold at 6d like the communal centres.

In much of this work I have had lots of help from Miss Mitchell but I'm afraid I shall be having to do without her again soon as Miss Bolt is leaving at the end of this week and Mrs Jardine talks of using Miss Mitchell in her place.

We are trying to do a bit now for the people in shelters and for some days we have had a mobile canteen visit some of them between 8 and 10 pm, and again after 5 am - but sometimes it has been necessary to wait until the early morning all clear goes.

I have missed popping in to see you and having a chat.

I have passed the house several times and knocked to see if anyone was at home.

It looks so forlorn. The upper part of the street is not fit for human habitation at all. That district was very heavily hit and very few people seem to be left in it.

Many friends have asked after you and several want to know if we are going to be able to procure more wool for knitting this winter.

We have got a very good store of comforts but have not sent any out for about a month. I feel we must get some off soon but we ought to have more addresses revised and I'm wondering if we ought to mention something to this effect in the Stratford Express.

I will not do anything about it until I hear from you.

Please excuse the bad writing but when I want to do a long letter in a hurry my mind travels much more quickly than my hand and I know I leave some letters out of some words.

Thank you for your p. c. which took almost a week in transit and which I did not answer at the time thinking that you would be back. Then I destroyed it and could not get your address again for sometime.

I meant to write weeks ago but I've had such long days there all private letters have had to be put off.

I do hope you are feeling better.

You had not really recovered your strength after that nasty illness at the beginning of the year and then that awful night after having been subjected to blast from a bomb yourself – then all that Saturday’s hard work and worry and the news at night about the Abbey Depot would have been enough to completely finish off an ordinary person. I know how you must regret not being in the district at a time like this but there will be tons for you to do when you are well enough to return.

I sincerely hope that that time will not be far distant though I realize you could not come back and live in Ravenscroft Road at present. You would be asking for trouble – as the houses would not be safe and the shelter is not fit for you in cold weather.

I have been asked whether I can do anything about hostels for young girls left behind and for men who are on their own but I cannot think of suitable buildings and I feel I have enough to look after at present - though I know the need is great.

Since Sunday October 13th we are feeding military in addition to all the ARP and the Shelters. They are delighted with their meals.

They are at both the Central Schools and are threatening to take my cooks (abduct them) when they return to their own quarters.

Their meals are similar to those we have been serving to ARP all the year but the later are never satisfied;

With love to you and hoping to hear from you soon,

Very sincerely yours

M Anderson.

 

Daisy's family did not escape tragedy during this destructive period in West Ham's history.

Two newspaper cuttings from 1945

Mr Parsons commended

Mrs R S Parsons of 94 Ravenscroft Road, Canning Town, husband of Alderman Mrs Parsons JP has been commended by the King and gazetted for his gallant services at a London electricity generating station during an air raid in September. He had received letters of congratulation from the electricity commissioners and the electrical engineer of the Stepney Borough Council.

Woman Alderman bereaved

A number of houses were demolished and others suffered superficial blast damage when a V Bomb fell on a row of houses near a popular dance hall. Many people were buried beneath the debris and a number lost their lives.

Among those killed were Mr Millo and his 12 year old daughter Jean, the brother and niece respectively of a woman member of the local council.

But she, her husband and children all survived to see the new Britain that emerged after W.W.II. Her old colleague Clem Atlee was at 10 Downing Street and hopes were high. But West Ham had desperate problems and she returned to work

After the war she continued to work for West Ham, but she was recognised for her past achievements and honoured in several ways. She was given a clock by her local branch of the Labour Party for 40 years membership and service in February 1948. West Ham County Borough presented her with a smaller version of the mayoral chain, and in November 1949 they awarded her the highest accolade they could confer, the Freedom of the Borough:

Stratford Express November 1949

Great Voluntary service gets a great reward

Grandmother and bachelor are West Ham’s new Freemen

It was the first public ceremony in the freshly renovated and redecorated hall. The stage was adorned with gold curtains and in front were amassed a beautiful array of chrysanthemums and other flowers. …

On the stage in her robes sat the Mayor Alderman Mrs A A Barnes JP who performed the ceremony.

The Town Clerk read the resolutions of the Council authorized the conferment of the Freedom, and then the Mayor addressed the assembly, speaking of the historical side of the conferment of freedoms.

The Mayor went on to speak of the services of Alderman Parsons and Alderman Collins, saying that the former was well known for her hard work for women and children throughout her life. Indeed women had to thank her for her fight in the cause of women’s enfranchisement. Those who knew her knew that when she had a job to do she did it conscientiously and did not spare herself. We can say to her she added well done, you have served the people faithfully and well.

The Mayor in conferring the freedom asked the recipients to accept souvenir copies of the resolution illuminated on vellum. …

Having signified their acceptance by signing the Roll of Freemen each addressed the gathering:

Alderman Mrs Parsons first of all extended her congratulations to Alderman Collins and thanked her colleagues and the Labour Party. She could not claim to being born in West Ham, but she could claim to being brought there a few months afterwards. She referred to the work of the Labour movement saying it was second to none in the country and spoke of the work on the council from which they sometimes went home in the early hours of the morning. She thanked her husband for his tolerance and added amid laughter ‘Forty one years is a long time to be married and still be living together.’ She wanted to say how much she owed to Mr Parsons and to her family, and was proud to be able to say it publicly.

She urged young people to take a deeper interest in public affairs. Of the future she said they wanted to see real peace prevailed. They wanted conditions for the people to be better still and they wanted to rededicate themselves for the work lying before them, and see West Ham rebuilt on firmer ground than it was previously. …

In 1951 she was awarded the MBE.

Newspaper cutting from 1951

Public Service Awards in New Years Honours

MBE for First Woman Mayor of West Ham

Public and political work in West Ham, covering many years has once again received official recognition in the New Year’s Honours. … She is a former chairman of the old Public Assistance Committee. At present time amongst many other appointments she is one of West Ham’s representatives on the Essex Hospitals Joint Advisory Council and the West Ham National Health Service Executive Council.

One of her last official duties was in her capacity as Chairman of the Bench of JPs. She presented a bravery award.

She had been to Birchington to convalesce after a diabetes attack and was having a drive with her family one Sunday, when she had another attack and was found to be dead on arrival at Queen Mary's Hospital. She was widely mourned:

Stratford Express 4^th October 1957

Mother of the Council

Alderman Mrs Parsons dies suddenly

The public life of West Ham is much poorer by the death, which occurred with such dramatic suddenness in a car on Sunday night, of Alderman Mrs Daisy Parsons MBE JP, one of the outstanding personalities for nearly 40 years. She was 67.

Mrs Parsons who had been in ill health for a long time, had recently returned from a period of convalescence at Birchington. …

Mrs Parsons was probably the best known woman in West Ham’s public life with a remarkable record of 35 years unbroken service to the people of West Ham in a diversity of ways.

She could be described as the mother of the council for her period of service on it began in 1922 and she served as a councillor until elected alderman in 1935. …

She leaves a husband [Robert Stanley aka Tom] three daughters [Joan, [Marguerite] Ivy, Edna] and one son [Stanley] (all married) and five grandchildren. …

The funeral takes place today (Friday) the cortege leaving the house at 11 o’ clock for service at West Ham Parish church at 11.30 at which the Rev. Christopher Perowne, and Canon Stafford Morris will officiate and the internment will follow in the family grave in the City of London Cemetery.

She was commemorated by a memorial garden at St Mary’s Hospital Plaistow.

This page last updated 26th August 2003