The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

The Latest Decision of the Colliers' Delegates. ALL ABANDONED EXCEPT 10 PER CENT. IMPORTANT MEETING AT CARDIFF. (By our Own Reporters.) The adjourned conference of delegates repre- senting the miners of South Wales and Monmouth- ahire was held in the Cory-Hall. Cardiff, on Mon- day, when there was a fairJT large attendance. Mr J. Williams (the new agent of the Western District of Miners) occupied the chair, and Mr D. Morgan. Aberdare. was in the vice-chair. There was a full attendance of members of the provisional committee. The question of admitting the public to listen to the discussion was raised, and reference was made to the fact that some of those who were ad- mitted to the gallery during the last meeting in- terfered with the business of the conference by applauding when anything was said or done that suited themselves. Mr D. Morgan, Aberdare, added that shipowners and coalowners were among those then present. On being put to the vote it was carried by a large majority that the public be excluded. A similar discussion arose as to the admission of the press, and a few speeches for and against were delivered, but the chairman and vice-chairman strongly advocated the admission of the press, pointing out that they would shortly be appealing to the public for aid, and they ought to let the public have all the information possible through the press, who acted very fairly towards them. (Applause.) The decision to admit the reporters was carried by an overwhelming majority. The Chairman said he was glad they had ad- mitted the press, they were not ashamed of what they were doing, their demands were equitable, and they had gained the sympathies of the public. Things were much more hopeful that morning than last week. The Clydach Vale men had gone back at a substantial advance, and about 40,000 men altogether were working at a good advance. And if small concerns and some large concerns such as Clydach could give advances why could not the associated masters do so. He urged them to be firm and united in their demands. Of course, they must be judicious and tactical. They did not want to fight one man or disparage anyone, but he believed the coalowners' association was in- corporated in one man—Sir W. T. Lewis. They made a very good bargain once with the associa- tion when Sir William was away. He hoped Providence would keep Sir William in Scotland for a long time. (A Voice "He has come back.") He was sorry, for if Sir William was away thev might have been able to expedite matters. (Hear, iear.) The chairman then detailed the work of the committee since the last meeting. AGAINST PLENARY POWERS. Mr Lewis Miles, the secretary, then proceeded to call the roll of the collieries, in order to test the votes on the question submitted to the work- men in the circular issued from the last conference. The Chairman ruled that "conditional powers" should be classed as against. The final result was:- For 20,538 Against 74,648 Majority 54,110 A Delegate expressed the hope that the result of the vote would satisfy, once for all, the men's leaders and Sir W. T. Lewis on the question of plenary powers. AGAINST A SLIDING SCALE. The Chairman said they had had the decision of the collieries as to the granting of authority, and, although the question as put upon the agenda practically included a reply to the other query- an to whether they should now have a scale or not—he thought they had better test the confer- ence distinctly by calling the roll over again upon "Scale or no Scale." j The Vice-Chairman rynarked that there might be a difference of opinion as to the wisdom of test- ing the meeting on this question. Strictly speak- ing. according to the agenda before them, they had disposed of it. Yet tffere would be some difference of opinion among people, he thought, unless they tested it once for all. His opinion was that the scale was in its grave, where it ought to be, but there was a difference of opinion, as he bad said, I Therefore, he believed it would be better to test the conference on the matter now. The roll was, therefore, once more called, when several delegates shouted "No instructions," but I the figures for and against an attempt to renew negotiations for a sliding scale were:- For a scale 29,094 Against a scaJe 62,714 Majority against 33,620 ADVANCE TO BE DEMANDED. TEN PER CENT. CONFIRMED. The Chairman said the next question to be con- sidered was what advance they were going to ask for. One Delegate proposed that 20 per cent. be de- manded. 4 was pointed out by another that to demand that amount they would have to call out the other miners whom they had allowed to resume work at an advance of 10 per cent. (Hear, hear.) After some further discussion and motions in I favour of 20, 15, 12i, and 10 per cent., the ques- tion was put to the vote, when there were: For Twenty per Cent 28 For Ten per Gent 92 For 15 per Cent. 10 For 12! per Cent. 5 This, it must be understood, was by show of hands, and the numbers represent the number of delegates present. The 10 per cent. was declared carried, and it was put and unanimously agreed to. This will represent 10 per cent. in addition to what the scale showed—12 £ above the standard of 1879—and will make 22! above that standard. QUESTION OF RESUMING WORK. There was some discussion afterwards as to what the decision of the previous conference as to the resumption of work should be. It was explained that the resolution was that those who could secure 10 per cent. or more should be allowed to resume work. A Delegate said this ought to be understood outside. (Hear, hear.) THE REPRESENTATION AT THE CONFER- ENCE. The credentiail commit'tee reported that the number of delegates present was 146, representing 95,186 workmen. It was moved that the decision of that meeting should be conveyed to the owners' secretary, with I' a request that the owners would state whether they would meet the committee without plenary powers, thus avoiding another fruitless meeting. An amendment was proposed to the effect that 10 per cent be demanded, with a stipulation that unless this was granted negotiations would be im- mediately broken off. At this stage the conference adjourned. After dinner the delegates resumed the discus- sion in the form in which the demand should be, put before the owners. The proposal was that it should be coupled with the request that the owners state whether they will resume negotiations with the committee without plenary powers. An amend- ment was that the demand be put forward with ) the intimation that unless it be granted negotia- I tions will not be resumed. A third resolution was j that the advance be for three months, during which negotiations be carried on for the construe- j tion of an instrument to regulate wages in the future. A fourth called for the presenting of the I demand with negotiations for the fixing of a minimum selling price as a standard of wages. The Vice-Chairman (Mr D. Morgan) said the demand for 10 per cent. assumed that that ad- vance could be supported by clear facts and ar- guments. He regarded the first amendment as too abrupt. The public looked to them to be open t oargument and negotiation. They must be pre- I pared to discuss the matter- I A Delegate You have discussed it for seven* months. It was for them to show that the facts still supported the demand. The amendment was too abrupt, and if he was an employer he would fight the mto the death. ("Oh.) He was frank j with them. That was what he would do if he were an employer if such a demand was thrown at him. The amendment would irritate the em- ployers, and would be an ingult to the public. Mr A. Onions said he did not wish to say any- thing to strain the position, but they should hesit- I ate before asking the employers to meet the com- mittee again. They had refused three times to meet the committee, and he thought they should I I draw the line at again asking,them. Let them respectfully tell them what their demand was, and intimate tha.t they were prepared to meet them when they were prepared. Mr P. D. Rees urged that they should not close the matter with the employers, but should tell the latter that they were prepared to meet them. He believed if they did so they would succeed in getting the 10 per cent. They knew that the ¡ owners who had granted the 10 or 20 per cent. advances had not done so because of their love for the colliers, but because they saw the chance, at the enhanced price of coal for pocketing 50 per cent. themselves. Mr Ashton (Mountain Ash) contended that the provisional committee was not fairly represent- ative, but was met with cries of 'Order,' "That has been settled." "Add Ashton to the committee," and the chairman finally ruled him out of order. A long and desultory conversation followed with a view of harmonising the various resolutions. The fighting amendment proposed by Mr J. Evans, Blaina, received 20 votes; for the resolution demanding that the immediate advance of 10 per cent., or 22t per cent. on the standard of 1879 should operate for three months, during which negotiations shall take place for the settlement of an arrangement for the future payment of wages, such agreement to be submitted to the men before being settled, there voted 105; for the other two resolutions there voted seven and six respectively. The resolution which received the majority of votes was then put as a substantive motion, and agreed 16 to unanimously. MINIMUM SELLING PRICE. The Merthyr Vale Delegate moved as an in- struction to the committee that every effort should be made to secure a minimum selling price of 10s. per ton, or the 21! irreducible minimum. This was seconded and carried. The conference agreed, by 92 to 42. that the three months stipulated should date as from April 1st. RECOMMENDATIONS OF PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE. The provisional committee recommended that men at work at an advance be asked to contribute 20 per cent. towards the men on strike, and that delegates be sent to the Continent and America, and to the miners' federation, which would meet in London on the 26th inst., to appeal for funds. After some discussion, the following resolution was passed: — I "That this conference is of opinion that it is advisable to have one central fund alone, under the control of the provisional committee, and that all moneys collected be sent thereto, and all dis- tributions made therefrom." THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THOSE AT WORK. Considerable discussion took place as to the amount which those at work upon the advance should be expected to contribute towards the sup- port of those on strike. When the votes were taken, the result was as follows:- For 10 per Cent 15 For 20 per cent. 8 j For contributing the whole of I whatever advance they may have had 78 The last recommendation was, therefore, de- clared carried. The question of sending delegates to various mining centres to collect funds was yb a very large majority referred to the provis:onal commit- tee, and on the question of expenses, the V ce. Chairman said the committee had agreed to work for their out-of-pocket expense. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thar.ks to the chairman and vice-chairman.

OOALOWNERS' MEETING. THE OFFICIAL REPORT. A BELLICOSE DOCUMENT. A general meeting of the members of the Mon- mouthshire and South Wales Coalowners' Associa- tion, Engineers' Institute, Cardiff. The following official report was furnished to the Press by Mr Gascoyne Dalziel, the secretary:- "Mr Henry Lewis presided over the meeting. Practically the whole of the colliery companies embraced in the association were represented by their principal directors and managers. Sir WiL liam Thomas Lewis. Bart.. the chairman of the Emergency Committee appointed by the associa- tion, presented a full report of the proceedings in connection with the present strike at the whole of the Associated Collieries, and especially in reference to the discussion which had taken place with the Provisional Committee appointed by the workmen at the meeting of the joint representatives held on Tuesday, the 12th inst. At the invitation of the chairman of the associa- tion, the representitives of the several colliery owners expressed their opinions upon the subject of the present crisis. These opinions showed that without a single dissentient the members of the association had, without exception, carried out the instructions issued by the association, and tlhe most perfect unanimity existed amongst the whole of the associated owners in approving the course which had been taken by the representatives of the association in their negotiations with the work- men. "The members especially endorsed the action of the Owners' Committee in stipulating that as a precedent to any discussion with the workmen for terms of settlement of the present discussion, the workmen's representatives must be fullv authoris- ed to discuss and settle all matters in difference. "It was reported to the meeting that as the re- sult of the negotiations which had taken place with several of the non-associated owners, the following companies had intimated their intention of en- tirely supporting the policy of the association, and they were admitted into membership with the as- sociation, namely, Messrs Insole's. Limited, Cym. mer Collieries, and Messrs the Ynyshir tttandard Colliery Company, in the Rhondda Valley; and also Messrs the Universal Colliery Company, in the Aber Valley. Great (satisfaction was ex- pressed by the association at the decision of these companies to join its ranks. It was also reported that Messrs the Troedyrhiw Coal Co., have de- clared their' adhesion to the policy laid down by the associated owners; and negotiations are also in progress with a view to securing the co-operation of other non-associated colliery companies. The collieries newly admitted into the association re- present an output of 1,000,000 tons per annum, so that the associated owners now embrace a total production of about 85 per cent. of the whole out- put of the South Wales and Monmouthshire coal- field, which is between 34,000,000 and 35,000,000 tons per annum. Confirming the absolute authority which the association had previously conferred upon its re- presentatives it was unanimously resolved by the association to leave the whole question of the pro- tection of the interests of the members in the hands of the committee appointed, under the dir- ection of Sir William Thomas Lewis, the commit- tee now having absolute authority to take any course they might deem expedient in the interests of the association. Opinions were unanimously expressed in a de- termination to offer the fullest resistance to the workmen's demands for an improvement of the late sliding scale agreement, it being felt, in view of the exceedingly high costs of working and the losses incurred by many owners from the various causes which have already been set forth in the official reports, the owners are entitled t ooffer more favourable terms than were existing for the work- ing of the collieries in 1897: Evidence appearing that-the workmen intend to prolong the present stoppage, which resluted en- tirely from their action in giving notice to end the sliding scale agreement, the association had neces- sarily to make financial arrangements for the pro- tection of all its members from loss of output in- curred through the strike, and with the large fund which is now available the association is placed in a. position to effectually resist the extortionate de- mands of the workmen." I I

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GLAMORGAN COUNTY COUNCIL. PENRHIWCEIBER BYE-ELECTION. The election for a county councillor to fill the seat vacant by the elevation of Councillor Dr R. W. Jones to the aldermanic bench took place on Thursday with the following result:- Mr T. Morris, Abercynon (L) 582 Mr S. Shipton, clerk to the Lalnwonno School Board (L) 484 Mr W- 'N. Matthews, colliery cashier (C) 322 Mr Morris was the sitting member during the last Council, but had not sought re-election ag- ainst Mr W. Jones, the retiring alderman.

I THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC. At the present time, everywhere, almost, is the Influenza. Thousands of patients are down with this terrible scourge, which has again visited our country, and is committing frightful havoc among all cwlasses of society. It is much more pre- valent than is generally known, and the cases are I more severe than on former occasions. Having observed its ravages and its baneful effects on the constitution on the occasion of its former I visits, we cannot but regard its recurrence with special dread, as a great many have not yet. if they ever will, regain their former health. The pre- sent form of the disorder attacks the organs of digestion, as well as the lungs. Nor are the symptoms precisely the same in each individual. Many, too, feel the after effects of influenza for months and months. To have the microbes or bacili in the blood even for three days seems thor- oughly to weaken and exhaust the constitution. Now, as a preventative, we know of nothing equal to Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters, The Vegetable Tonic. A few strong doses taken in time have often proved effectual in warding off attacks of this malady, and always succeed in mitigatfbg their severity when a patient is under their influence. Do you suffer from chills, alternating with sud- den Flushes, Severe Headache, accompanied by difficulty of breathing, and symptoms of Catarrh, p Pains in the Chest, under and between the Shoul- ders, and a stiffness and soreness of the muscles, Loss of Appetite and Nervousness, or are you oppressed with gloomy forebodings and depressed spirits? If you uffer from any of these symptoms, know that they are the forerunners of Influenza, and it behoves you to resort at once to an effective and suitable remedy, and that is Gwilym Evene Quinine Bitters, The Vegetable Tonic. Sold in Bottles 2s 9d and 4s 6d each. Avoid imitations.

SHEBEENS AT MARDY. RAID ON NAVVIES' HUTS. CLEVER RUSE BY A POLICEMAN. At the Porth Police Court on Thursday (before Messrs Ignatius Williams, stipendiary, and Thos. Jones, and Drs Parry and Ivor Lewis), Mrs Bees, landlady of three large huts situated near the Upper Mardy Pit, Mardy, was summoned for sell- ing beer without a licence on the 31st of March and the 1st inst. Mr James Phillips, Pontypridd, prosecuted on behalf of the police, and Mr W. P. Nicholas (of the firm of Messrs Walter H. Mor- gan, Bruce, and Nicholas, Pontypridd) defended. It appears that the huts consist of three old broad gauge carriages, which have been converted into- homes for workmen. They are lighted by elec- tricity supplied by the Mardy Colliery Company, who are owners of the property, the huts, it is; stated, affords accommodation for about 100 work- men, and on the occasion of the raid about 60 or 70 navvies were lodging there. From the open- ing remarks of. Mr Phillips it appeared that the de- fendant's husband had been ill, and had been away in Somersetshire for the benefit of his health, when the offences were committed. Superintendent Coles, Pontypridd had received numerous com- plaints from people in the locality with respect to the illegal sale of intoxicants at the huts; and as it was a most difficult thing to detect the offendem a policeman attired in a navvy's clothes was com- missioned to visit the place and to obtain lodgings there. P.C. Hann, of Trealaw, which is in the- Rhondda Fawr Valley, several miles away the other side of the mountain, presented himself at the defendant's premises, and having represented himself as a tramp, and out of work, and in want of a "doss" he was accommodated, and received every hospitality. P.O. Hann, in his evidence, stated that early on the first evening of his stay he went with a number of navvies to the Mardy Hotel and drank with them. He returned to his lodgings about six p.m. There were about 30 navvies then in the hut playing cards. Some navvies were bringing beer in pints from the kitchen. He saw about 21 pints, and money pas- sing on several occasions. He had a conversation with the navvy sitting next to him, but failed to get any beer that evening. About 2 o'clock he asked the defendant to let him have a. pint of beer. She replied that she had not got a drop in the place. She added that she did not care about supplying beer in the day time as the "coppers" came into the premises sometimes, and she di dnot want to let them see anything. She also remarked that she did not sell any beer to outsiders. She kept beer for the lodgers because the distance to, the nearest public house was so great. There was a nine gallon cask on tap, and another one out of which a little girl drew some beer. He had a. pint of beer, and paid 3d for it. He called for another pint ayd paid for it. Defendant then asked him how it was that he had money if he was on tramp. He told her that he had raised a couple of shillings on a pair of trousers. He then left the huts and went to' the police station at Mardy and gave information to Sergeant Jenkins and also to the sergeant of police at Ferndale- Sergeant Jenkins, Mardy, one of the officers" who had made the raid stated that he found on the premises a number of empty beer casks and several full ones and beer measures. There were- from fifty to sixty navvies in the huts at the tinnfr of the raid. Mr Nicholas at this stage of the proceedings observed that he would not proceed further with the case, as he thought it would be of no avail after hearing the evidence of the police. The wit- nesses for the prosecution and for the defence who had been ordered out of court then returned. The Bench decided to impose a fine of JB10 and costs, and remarked that they had dealt leniently witll: the defendant owing to its being the first offence."

EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT IN THRi RHONDDA. OUTRAGEOUS CONDUCT. Six Pentre sho passistants named W. Jones, T. Price, T. Coles, Leyshon Evans, and John Richards were charged at the Ystrad Police Court on Monday before the Stipendiary and other magistrates with doing wilful damage to the premises of Giles Mills, grocer, Ton. Mr J. Phil- lips, Pontypridd, prosecuted, and Mr W. P. Nich- olas, Pontypridd, defended. An association of shop assistants has recently been formed at Pentre. The members have inaugurated an early closing movement for the peighbourhood. Every em- ployer in the district had been canvassed and the signatures of all tradesmen were affixed to an agreement. However, the prosecutor Mills found' that. several tradesmen kept their premises open afted specified hours, and on the night of the 16th ult., he was in his shop at about 7.30 p.m. when someone outside commehced to smash the windows. Two window panes were broken, and some eggs and oranges were strewn over the goods. He es- timated the damage at 10s. Four of the defend- ants were discharged, but Jones and Coles were each fined Bl and also ordered to pay the costs and the damage.

THE PONTYPRIDD RAILWAY ACCIDENT. BOARD OF TRADE INQUIRY. On Saturday morning Colonel Yorke held an inquiry on behalf of the Board of Trade into the <0 cause of the accident to the down passenger train from Merthyr Sunday week, and accompanied by a number of Taff Vale Railway officials, Col. Yorke travelled in a special train to the spot where the aocident occurred near Pontypridd. He carefully inspected the spot and took the evidence of the driver, the stoker, and the guard in charge of the train, and a few others. The result of the inquiry will be made known in due course. J