Pioneer

Merthyr. I To SECRETARIES .—Secretaries of lod- ges, Trade Union branches, Friendly and other Societies are requested to send in reports of meetings, concerts, etc. also notices of meetings to be held, as early as possible. MERTHYR ELECTRIC THEATRE.-lr. John Edward Price, of the Mardy Ho- tel, Merthyr, was granted the transfer of the cinematograph licence of the above theatre by the Merthyr Borough Council on Monday. MARKET SQUARE CHURCH.—On Sun- day. July 26, at 11 a.m., the Rev. John T. Whitehead will preach, and in the evening, at 6 o'clock, a young. people'e service will be held. when the Rev. J. T. Whitehead will have as his subject Reading." CINEMATOGRAPH LICENCES. Appli- cations for the renewal of ocinematgroph licences for the Palace, Pontmorlais. and the Troedyrhiw Picture Palace were granted by the Borough Council oil Monday, the licences being for six days only. MCSCAL SUCCESS.—At the recent exa- mination held at Cardiff in connection with the London College of Music, Miss Muriel Davies. Upper Post Office, Penydarren, passed successfully in pianoforte playing. Miss Davies is a pupil of Irs. W. J. Edmunds, Peny- darren. MUSICAL EXAMINATION.—Miss Enid Rich, Highland View, has passed the Senior Examination, and Miss Gertie Taylor (Clare Street) and Miss Winnie Williams (Abercanaid) have passed the Seoond Examination held by the Trini- ty College of Music. London, this month. Miss Winnie Williams obtain- ed a very high percentage of marks, which entitles her to an Honours' Cer- tificate. The three are pupils of Miss Lalla Thomas, 4 The Avenue. TAFF FECHAN RESERVOIR.—At the meeting of the Merthyr Corporation on Monday, Coun. H. M. Lloyd (Mayor) presiding, a resolution was passed au- thorising the borrowing of a sum of £ 30,000 from the Plymouth Mutual Co-operative and Industrial Society, Ltd.. in respect of the construction of the Taf Fechan Reservoir, and to fix the Common Seal of the Council to the mortgage for securing the re-payment of such amount with interest. ART.—At an examination recently held at Cardiff, in connection with the Victoria College, Mr. J. Besley Wil- liams, F.I.B.D., of Glebeland Street, was successful in securing the Diploma of Associate Artist. Miss Eethel Brown, of Wellington Street, a pupil of Mr. Williams, was also succesful in obtain- ing the Intermediate Certificate, with honours, for a painting in water col- ours. These successes reflect great credit on Mr. Williams, as he was en- tirely self-prepared for the examina- tions. MERTHYR CENTRAL BROTHERHOOD.— The usual meeting was held in Wesley on Sunday, when Bro. Langford pre- sided. An excellent address was deliv- ered by the President (Rev. D. Pughe) on "The Good Samaritan," after which a presentation was made to Bro. Frank Morgan, who is leaving for Boston, of a Gladstone hag. with the following in- scription: Presented to Bro. F. W. Morgan, in recognition of his services 'W the M.C.B." Bro. Morgan, who has been a faithful and useful member, takes with him the good wishes of the Merthyr Central Brotherhood for his future success. The Brotherhood Male Voice Choir meets in Shiloh Hall, Church Street, on Mondays and Wed- nesdays. An invitation to all interest- ed in singing is extended to all who can attend. WATER CONSUMPTION. Mr. Fredk. Hughes, Deputy Waterworks Engineer. in 'his report on the consumption of water in the borough at the Water- works Committee on Wednesday, stated that" The rainfall during the month has been sufficient to increase the stor- age in the reservoirs. The quantity of water in store on the 16th inst. was 460 million galls., a decrease of 140 million gallons since you;- last meeting on the 24th ult. The present storage gives 75 days' supply. The consumption of water is still high, and I am taking every precaution to prevent waste. In reply to Aid. John, the Engineer said the increase since the last report amounted to 67 million gallons, and that the water in the reservoirs left the borough quite safe for six months.

CORRESPONDENCE. The Editor wishes it to be distinctly understood that he will not hold him- Self responsible for the opinions or statements of correspondents, nor un- dertake to return rejected manuscripts. Correspondents MUST write on one side of the paper only. Letters of a personal character will not be inserted.

Merthyr Guardians and Rating Bill. A CUT AND DRIED RESOLUTION. At the fortnight 1- meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians, held on Saturday last. Coun. Clias. Fenwick presiding. Mr. Henry Owen formally iiiovc-,I: Thit, the Chairman of the Board (Mr. Chas. Fenwick), the Chair- man of the Assessment Committee (the Rev. LI. M. Williams), and the Clerk be authorise! to attend the conference of representatives of Assessment Com- mittees in England and Wales, to be held on Thursday, the 23rd July. 1914, at 11 a.m.. at the Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street, Kingsway, Lon- don. W.C., and that their reasonable expenses be paid by the Board." Mr. T. T. Jenkins asked for the agen- da of the conference to be read. Mr. F. T. James (Clerk) read the agenda, one of t,he items of which was a resolution opposing the Government's proposed Rating Bill. Mr. T. T. Jenkins: This conference is quite different to others we have been represented at. But it is unfortu- nate that. we. a,<; a Board. have not di&- cussed the question of the Government's Rating Bill. Here we have a cut-and- dried resolution sent out to the Boards of the country, and the representatives will vote for or against. I think we should be most careful in this matter. Personally I am against the resolution on the conference agenda. I don't think the present system is the best sys- tem, and I am not going to vote that our representatives shall go there and vote. Don't say that I am trying to introduce a new principle that we should instruct our representatives how they should vote because this con- ference is unique. Here we are asked to vote for a certain resolution which the members have not considered. Per- sonally. I am prepared to support many of the principles of the Governments Bill, but we ought to know more about it. Rector of Dowlais thought that the representatives should be allowed to hear the discussion at the conference before voting. Mr. John Prowle said that he agreed that the Board's representatives should be given proper directions. Mr. Joseph Price: Is there any- thing which prevents us from sending four represeh tatives ? Mr..F. T. James (Clerk): The letter which I have here states that three representatives should be sent. Mr. John Prowle: The Rector has asked that they be allowed to hear the discussion at the conference before de- ciding how thev shall vote. We have a ratable value of about three-quarters- of-a-million in this Union, and I don't think we should leave it in the hands of our Chairman and the Clerk with- out the members having a voice in the matter. I agree that the Government should have a voice in the rating. Mr. Walter Long introduced a Bill, in which all the local authorities, including the county councils and parish councils, had a voice in the matter of rating. Why should they not have a voice in the mater? Personallv. I am some- what surprised at the present Govern- ment bringing in such a conservative measure. I don't think our represen- tatives should have power to vote with- out the opinion of the Board being ta- ken Rev. LI. M. Williams (Rector of Dowlais) We have no motion before us. But. surely, if the Board appoints three representatives to attend the conference, it should have conifdence in them. The two members who have spo- ken are not agreed on the question. .Ir.>rowh is a Longite," and Mr. Jenkins IS a "Lloyd Georgeite." (Laughter.) Mr. T. T. Jenkin: I don't know that L am. I call support the principle of the Bill without being a "Georgeite." Rector of Dowlais: Well; you &aid that you agreed with Mi\ Jenkins: I will let you know what I am now. (Laughter.) Mr. Morgan Thomas: I move tha.t wo leave the matter in the hands of our representatives. Mr. T. T. J eiikins: I hope that mem- bers understand that there is nothing personal in the action I am taking. But these gentlemen will be represent- ing a Baord of 55 members, and a Un- ion. as Mr. Prowle -nas said, with a ratable value of nearly £ 700,000. The conference resolutions goes definitely against the proposals of the Govern- ment. Clerk: It says that the rating shall be transferred from the local autho- rities to the Government department. Mi". Jenkins: There is no doubt ab- out this. that the resolution is opposed to the Government taking it over en- tirely. But, as a matter of fact, the De- partmental Committees does not sug- gest that that should be done. Take the history our own Asessmentt Com- mittee for the last seven or eight years. We have been bothering with the rat- ing of certain properties and the As- sessment Committee has to call in an expert valuer. Now the proposals of the Government contend that each dis- trict should have its own valuer attend- ing the Assessment Committees. The Boards of Guardians will have powet with other bodies to appoint members of the Assessment Committee. Of course there are various technicalities to be decided. One section wants to deal with the rating on the yearly rental basis, and the other party want to base it on the capital value. Personally, I think it will be to the benefit of the community to have a competent man coming in to sit with these committees. This is a very big question, and I, personally, object to our representa- tives voting against these proposals. I agree that they should go to the conference and listen to the discussion, but I think they should come back and report to the Board. I do ask mem- bers to consider seriously whether it is fair that our representatives should vote without our opinion having been expressed. I move an amendment that our representatives do not vote. Mr. Joseph Price seconded. Mr. Morgan Thomas's motion was carried. Dowlais. I DR. PETER PRICE.—Dr. Peter Price will preach at Bethania on Sunday. The rev. gentleman, from his long connection with Dowlais and his dis- tinguished career as a minister and public speaker, will be well worth lis- tening to, and should attract a large congregation. FOOTBALL.-The Rev. E. R. Davies, B.A.. Dowlais, was, on Saturday 1.ast' i elected on the Council of the South Wales and Mon. Football Association. The Dowlais Club was represented by Mr. Stanley Jones, who is this year again elected on the Management Committee of the Glamorgan League. INQUEST ON CHILD.—On Monday, an inquest was held at the Clarence Ho- tel on the body of Rhoda Tilbert, aged 28 days. The child, a daughter of Edward Tilbert, of Rees Row, was found dead in bed on Monday. A verdict of "Death from natural causes" was returned. Mr. R. J. Rhys, coroner, presided. ACCIDENT TO RAG AND BOE" MERCHANT. — The usually placid steed attached to the cart of a rag and bone merchant known as Joe." took fright on Wednesday afternoon, and bolted through Gellifaelog. The driver was thrown out, a wheel passing over his chest. He was taken to the Merthyr General Hospital, where his injuries were found to be slight. SCHOOL TREAT.—The Parish Church Sunday School hela its annual treat at Pontsarn on Tuesday. The party tra- velled by the London and North Wes- tern Railway from High Street Station, and a very enjoyable day was spent. Tea was provided at the Pavilion, and both before and after tea sports were organised for the younger members. Prior to leaving Dowlais, a service was held at the Parish Church, the Rector officiating. PROPOSED BROTHERHOOD FOR Dow- LAIS.-Fr.om various sources a sugges- tion is being made that a Bmther- hood should find a place in the life of the district. It is probable that in the autumn the churches will be asked to consider the question. Those inte- rested should attend the meeting to be held next Sunday. at Beu- !ah Church. at 3.30 p.m. The Rev, D. Adams, B.A.. B.D.. of Gwern- Uwyn. will preside, the principal speak- or being Mr. J. Williams-Hughes, B.A. B.D., Mansfield Colege, Oxford. Miss Gwladys Morgan will contribute a solo. DOWLAIS I.L.P. AND TRADES UNION- is-m.-After a long and interesting dis- cussion, the meeting of the I.L.P., held at Berni's Restaurant on Tuesday eve- ning, decided to instruct the Secre- tary to write to the Labour Party ask- ing for legislation rendering member- ship of a Trade Union compulsory for all workers. It was also agreed that the Public Works Committee of the iown Council should be asked to sub- stitute wicket gates for the stiles al- ready existing on the path from Caer- acca to the Garth Farm. One speaker declared stiles to be an abomination in this age of hobble skirts. VISIT TO RAGLAN.—On Thursday, the 16th inst.. the members of the Ivor Y.P.S.C.E. visited Raglan. The threats held forth by a cloudy sky in.the morn- ing were fortunately unfulfilled. beau- tiful weather prevailing for the greater part of the day. The brake drive from Abergavenny to Raglan was tho- roughly enjoyed, as was also the din- ner served at the Priory, Abergaven- ny. Tea was taken at the Public Hall. Raglan. It was a. satisfied and happy party which returned to Dow- lais. and all praised Mr. Richard Git- 1 tins, to whom the success of the out- ing was due. Mr. Holding's catering at Abergavenny was most satisfactory. .^UICIDE WITH REVOLVER. Henry Lee. shoemaker, of Caeharris, Dowlais, committed suicide on Friday last. His assistant. William Benton, marked his absence from the shop throughout the day. Benton and Daniel Edwards, of the Antelope, discovered Lee in the back yard in a crouching position. He held a revolver in his right hand, and blood trickling from a bullet wound in the head. P.S. Bevan was soon on the spot, in company with Dr. Hager- ty, who happened to be passing at the time. Medical skill, however, failed to save the man. who died at 2.30 a.m. on the following morning. At the in- quest, held before Coroner R. J. Rhys, a. verdict of ''Suicide whilst of unsound mind" was returned. CONCERT AND PRESENT \TION.—A most successful concert and presentation meeting were held at the Dowlais Schools, on the 16th instant, over which Corps Supt. Major D. T. Jenkins presided. The Chairman, in his open- ing remarks, referred to the objects of the brigade, and stated that its mem- bership to-day in the United Kingdom was 25,600, 500 of whom were women, and that its membership was being add- ed to at the rate of 2,800 per annum. Its members had, during 1913, render- ed first-aid in 129,000 cases, which re- presented a little over five case per member. He regretted that the mem- bers who were engaged in this valuable work were not supported as much as they had a right to expect. Letters apologising for inability to attend the meeting were read from the Mayor and others by the Secretary (Sergt. J. Collins), after which he gave a report on the result of the classes held last winter session under the Education Au- thority, stating that of a total of 51 joining, 25 passed the examination, 4 failed, and 22 gave up before the lec- tures concluded. He was also pleased to report that the whole of the success- ful candidates had joined the brigade so as to ^eep up their knowledge of, and gain more of, first-aid. Coun. J. Davies, J.P.. made the presentation of the certificates, and in doing so express- ed his pleasure in being present to take part in the meeting. He said he was proud to know that the men were tak- ing such a keen and practical interest in ambulance work, but regretted that the employers and the general public did not render more material support to those engaged in such a noble and self-sacrificing work. Further, he felt that the educational authority were not supporting the work as they should do by charging the pupils an .entrance fee of 2/6, and fhat they ought to withdraw it. The following received certificates:—Messrs. W. Thomas, J. G. Jones, M. Matthews, E. J. Jones, A. E. Treen, T. S. Rogers. D. T. Evans, J. Lewis, W. Watkins. W. Rook, E. J. Morgan. J. R. Davies. W. J. Fuller, D. 0. Fuller. L. Griffiths, T. W. Jones, D. T. Jones. J. 0. Pritchard, D. R. Griffiths. T. R. Tippett, A. J. Boucher, W. G. Amos, W. Griffiths, H. Williams and D. Jones. Councillor C. J. Griffiths then spoke, and in a few ap- propriate remarks made the following presentations to members of the divi- sion who passed their re-examination Voucher, S. Davies; medallian. T. Lew- is; labels, W. J. Me.Murray, S. Jones, R. H. Parker. E. Withers, J. Collins, J. Wooding. T. Davies, D. Morgan, J. T. Lewis, T. H. Shankland, L. Jones, E. J. Wavt, J. Jonathan, M. Jones, and J. J. Thomas. Several displays of first-aid work were given by members of the division, aad the following ar- tistes rendered solos during the inter- vals between the )resentati-ons, etc.: Miss E. Parker. Messrs. Ben Jenkins, E. Lewis and James Evans. The meet- ing closed with votes of thanks to the pianist (Mr. E. Jones), the singers for giving their services free; the Chair- man and Councillors J. Davies and C. J. Griffiths, for attending and render- ing assistance to make the meeting a success. Abercanaid and Pentre- bach. MUSICAL.—At an examination recent* ly held at Cardiff, Mr. W. J. Thomas, Handel House, Abercanaid, was suc- cessful in obtaining the Diploma of A.V.C.M. for Pianoforte Playing. OUTING.—The annual outing in con- nection with the Demi Baptist Sunday School was held at, Penarth on Mon- day. The weather when the party started was very wet, but when Pen- arth was reached, the sun was shining beautifully. A most enjoyable day was spent. MUSICAL SUCCESS.tt the examina- tion held by Trinity College of Music this month, we are pleased to note that Miss Winnie Williams. Oxford House, Gethin Street, passed the Second Stage, with honours. As these "examinations are regarded as the stiffest in the mu- sical world, this young lady must be deserving of our highest congratula- tions. She a,lso obtained honours in the First Stage last year, and now we all look forward to seeing her obtain honours in the Senior Stage next year. Her teacher is Miss Lalla Thomas. The Avenue, Merthyr. TEA AND CONCERT.—On Monday last, the annual tea and concert in connec- tion with Jerusalem Baptist Chapel, Pentrebach. was held at the chapel. Following the tea, a concert wis given of glees, part songs, duetts and solos by the Excelsior Glee Party, conducted by Mr. Tom Handley. precentor of the chapel. Songs were given by Madame Elsa Brown, Mr. T. Davies. Mr. G. Da- vies, Mr. A. Thomas W. George, and Miss Richards. The party ren- dered the following in a creditable manner: The Oars, "On the River," The Sea Hath Its Pearls," "In this Hour," and Good Night. Beloved." The accompanist was Mr. John Jones. and Mr. W.m. Morgan, Troedyrhiw, presided. Troedyrhiw. I SOCIAL.-—A well-attended social tea was held at Mount Zion on Monday evening. The tea was arranged by the ladies of the church, who are anx- ious to hold a. sale of work about,, the end of October in order to finally set- tle the cost of the recent renovation of the church. The tray holders were: Mrs. and Miss May Morgan Mrs. Mor- gan (Cwmbran). Mr. Roberts, Mrs. D. J. and W. J. W illiams. Mrs. England. Mrs. E. Morrell and liss Iav Daniel. SUCCESS.—Mr. Samuel Davies, M.E., Bronheulog Villas, under-manager of Castle. Pit. has been • successful in ob- taining the post of manager of Skewen Collieries out of 85 applications. LAWN TENNIS.—Mount Zion Lawn Tennis Club visited Pentrebach on Thursday, and played a match with Pentrebach on the Cricket -Field. The weather being fine, the players tho- roughly enjoyed the day's sport. The results were -I)oitbl -Watts and Brewer. Pentrebach. beat E. Jones and Morrell, 6—0. 6—4; D. Williams and E. Lewis, Pentrebach, beat A. and C. Tovey. 3-— 6. 6—3, &-2; J. Hopkins, and A. Lewis. Pentrebach, beat S. To- vey and B. Richards, 4-6, 8-6. 6—4; M. Day and F. Granville beat Dent and A. Evans, 6—4. 6—4. Singles.— Watts. Pentrebach, beat A. Tovey, ^—-• 6—2 B. Morrell, Troedvrhiw, beat D. Williams, 6—3. 6—2; C. To- vey. Troedyrhiw, beat Brewer, &-3, (>-1; J. Hopkins, Pentrebach, beat M. Day, 6—4, &-4; D. Dent, Pentre- bach. beat F. Granville. 6—4, 6—2; A. Lewis, Pentrebach. beat D. Richards, 6—3, 6--3; E. Lewis. Pentrebach, beat E. Tovey, 7-5 6-4; E. Jones, Troed- yrhiw, beat A. Evans, 6—3; second set xmfinished. Merthyr Vale & Aberfan. SELF-SATISFACTION. You will be brimming over with satisfaction if you buy your next Suit with us. Best value. Biggest choice.—EARNEST JONES AND Co., Aberfan. MUSICAL SUCCESS.-We are pleased to announce that Master Edmund E. Powell, the 9-year-old son of Mr. Dd. Powell, Aberfan Road, succeeded in passing the pianoforte examination, preparatory grade, which was held at Cardiff last week, under the auspices of the Incorporated Society of Musi- cians. Master Powell whose teacher is Miss H. Edwards, Merthyr Vale, gained 82 marks out of a possible 85. CONSERVATIVE MEETING.—On Friday evening, an open-air meeting in connec- tion with the East Glamorgan Conser- vative Association was held near the Library, Aberfan. The chief speaker was the Rev. R. McElney, Presbyter- ian minister, of Belfast. The reverend gentleman spoke at great length in op- position to the Home Rule Bill, his ob- jections being chiefly based upon the religious and educational arguments. The speaker was subjected to a great deal of heckling during his speech, and several questions were put to him at the close. Mr. J. Littlejohns also ad- dressed the meeting and urged his hear- ears to support the candidature of Captain Lindsay at the General Elec- tion. Mrs. Lindsay apologised for the absence of the Captain, and Dr. Tho- mas, of Cardiff, also made a short speech.

Cefn Property Re- Valuation. ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE ASKED I TO RE-CONSIDER INSTRUCTIONS. DISCUSSION AT GUARDIANS' I MEETING. Coun. Chas. Fenwick presided at the meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guar- dians on Saturday, when Mr. Morgan Thomas moved: That the Assess- ment Committee he asked to re-consider their instructions to the overseers of the parish of Vaynor to re-value the house property of Cefn Coed, with -a view to either withdrawing the same or issuing similar intruction to the overseers of other parishes in the un- ion. I consider, said Mr. Thomas, that this question of the re-valuation of property at Cefn is unfair to us. I find it difficult to believe that any rea- sons could have been given for the course being taken. The reason given is that there are anomalies existing in Vaynor. Chairman: I don't know that you are justified in criticising the action of the Assessment Committee. Mr. Thomas: Well. I was told that it was because of certain anomalies. Clerk I suggest that all this Board can do is to make a recommendation. Mr. Thomas: Well. I will merely ask that the Committee should re-con- sider this question, as I think it is un- fair to the Vaynor parish to call for a re-valuation there alone. To have an increased ratable value for Vaynor alone. Mr. Ilees Rees: That is a matter for the Assessment Committee. Mr. Thomas: I am simply telling you that it is unjust to Vaynor. Rev. LI. M. Williams (Rector of Dowlais) We only wanted, in the light of what came before the Committee to level up certain properties. It hap- pened that a certain house which had I)eeii rated at a low rate went up to a high figures. The Committee thought. after considering the matter, that they were, justified in taking this step. I was surprised to see the fuss that was made at Cefn. Mr. Thomas: If you bring our valua- tion up to date, you will be bringing increased rentals up to date. Rector of Dowlais: You are entirely on false ground. Mr. Thomas: I am told that a gene- ral re-valuation of the parishes has not taken place since 1908. If Vaynor property is to be re-valued, the other parishes should also be re-valued. Clerk: There is no quinquennial re- valuation. The practice for the last 25 years is that about every five years there has been a re-valuation of the properties. I think it is time that there was a re-valuation taken now. Mr. Thomas When you consider that Cf'fn has uffered more than any other parish through the clasing of Cyfarth- fa Works, a further hardship will be in- flicted on the people if this step is taken. Mr. T. T. Jenkins: I suggest that you ask the Clerk of the Parish Coun- cil to write the Committee. I am very glad that everybody now seems to think that we require a. re-valuation of the whole of the parishes of the Union. I thought so six months ago, but my motion was defeated. Mr. Joseph Price I beg to second the motion. When the Cyfarthfa Works stopped, we were hit harder in Cefn than anywhere else. We depended mainly upon the works. Then after that the Cwm Pit stopped. Then the Vaynor Quarry was closed down. A large number of our working people had to go down to Glynneath to work. and train fare means a reduction in their actual earnings. There were 38 houses built at Cefn by a building club, of which I was unfortunately the chair- man. They cost about £ 175 to £ 1<9 10s. to build, and were sold from £ 110 to £ 120 within live years. I hope that if the Assessment Committee in- sist on this, that they will re-assess the whole of the Union. Clerk: I don't think you can go in- to the details of the Assessment Com- mittee's work. Mr. Roger Vaughan: I think that what has been said justifies the action of the Assessment Committee. It is time that the matter should be looked into. It is a difficult matter, but it should be dealt with. All I ask is that everyone should pay his fair share of the burdens of the parish. I don't think the working classes should pay more than their share, as they have done. The. motion was carried.

p Cefn Tramway Extension. TO BE OPENED ON BANK HOLI- I DAY. Coun. H. M. Lloyd (Mayor) presid- ed at the meeting of the Merthyr Council on Monday, when Ooun. Marsh stated that he had been informed that the Merthyr Traction Company's exten- sion of the tramways at Oefn had been completed, and that the Company were waiting for the Board of Trade Inspec- tor to examine and pass the works. It was probable, he added, that the ex- tension would be opened on Bank Holi- day Monday. Coun. E. Morrell: What is the po- sition P Have the- the right to put poles on the public roads without the consent of this authority? Town Clerk: They must have our sanction. If it is not given, they have the right to appear before the magistrates for an order.

Mr. Daniel O'Driscoll Honoured. PRESENTATION AT ABERFAN SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC CLUB. There was a large. percentage of the members present jit a supper held at the Aberfan Social Democratic Club on Thursday evening, the 16th inst., when Mr. Daniel O'Driscoll, now of the White Swan Hotel. Dowlais, was pre- sented with an illuminated address and a gentleman's dressing ca-se. Mr. John Evans presided, and in his opening address pa.id a high tribute to Mr. Driscoll for his zeal and earnest- ness in the propagation of Socialist principles. In making the presentation on be- half of the members of the club Mr. Jerry Hannan. steward, dealt at length with the history of the club, and at- tributed. its success in a large measure to the energies of the founder of the club, Al)-. Driscoll. whom he had known for many years, and to whom he was pleased to make the presentation of the address and dressing-case. Mr. Hannan also expressed the regret which was felt by the members at Mr. Dris- coll's removal from the district to Dow- lais. THE ADDRESS. The illuminated address read as fol- lows To Mr. Daniel O'Driscoll. We, the members of the Merthyr Vale and Aberfan Social Democratic Club and Workmen's Institute, de- sire to express in this permanent form our deep sense of gratitude for the services you have so ungrudgingly uiveil in founding and establishing our club. During your presidency, you exhibited such rigid honesty and impartiality as to win the esteem of all. We also wish to recognise your earnestness and integrity in the So- cialist movement, which you and we recognise as the only means whereby the working-class can be emancipat- ed from the thraldom of capitalism. Signed, on behalf of the members, J. EVANS, President. ■' GEO. HURD, Treasurer. H. MORGAN. Secretary."

MR. DANIEL O'DRISCOLL A Socialist and Trade Union stalwart, was for several years a. member of the local Trades and Labour Council. He has taken an active part in the Trade Union a.nd Socialist movement at Mer- thyr Vale, and was secretary of the Merthyr Vale Branch of the United Irish League for many years. He has now removed to Dowlais.

In respond ing. Mr. Driscoll said that it, gave him very great pleasure to at- tend that night, and he thanked the members most lieartilv for the tribute they had paid him. He felt that he was not worthy of all the good things that had been said of him. but Tie could assure them that he would always che- rish within his memory the kind thoughts which had prompted them to make that presentation. He had al- ways taken a deep interest in the club, and he wa.s pleased to see that it was still improving. He hoped the cause would still go on, ami although he had left the locality, he was still with them at heart, and would be ready at any time to do all he could for the So- cialist cause. Mr. O'Driscoll also re- ferred in touching terms to the late Richard Evans, who was trustee. and also one of the founders of the club. a,nd suggested that a photograph of their late esteemed member should be hung in the club library. Mr. Hugh Morgan. Mr. John Har- rington. who followed Mr. Driscoll as president and Mr. A. Lewis, of Car- diff. also spoke, and Mr. Lewis pro- mised to supply the club with a photo- graph of the late Richard Evans. Musical items were rendered by the following artistes:—Messrs. Llew. Jones. Aberdare. tenor; David Grif- .T. Clydach Vale, baritone; and Ar- thur Evans, Caerphillv. comedian. The function terminated with the singing of the "Red Flag."

Non-Unionism at Cyfarthfa P its. The Merthyr District of Miners have decided that the tendered notices of the men working under the Cyfarthfa Co., which expired on Wednesday, be adjourned for a fortnight. During the last fortnight many of the non-Union- ists have "repented" and joined the Federation. There still remain. how- ever, about 75 men outside the Union, and stern measures will probably be adopted unless these defaulters fall In- to line during the coming fortnight.