Poverty, disease, overcrowding were widespread despite the fact that Britain was undergoing a period of unprecedented prosperity.
He started by writing articles encouraging like-minded readers to join him in the formation of groups who would provide food and entertainment for the children forced to live in industrial slums.
They quickly became known as Cinderella Clubs after the popular pantomime character who is transformed from a child drudge.
Julia Dawson was the first National Secretary and she made a significant role in managing the clubs, which provided food and entertainment to children in poverty.
Some members went further and helped the infant Independent Labour Party to become established, others tackled educational problems but all had the core belief in an end to the deprivation suffered by tens of thousands of working class children.