Pioneer

Maesteg Notes. I I.L.P. Annual Meeting. I The annual meeting of the Maesteg Branch I.L.P. was held at the Co-op. Social Centre Hall on Monday last, April 16th, at 7 p.m., Comrades Harry Davies and Scott (Taibach) president and secretary of the Mid-Glamorgan I.L.P. Federa- tion, were in attendance. Comrade H. Davies (Taibach) presided. The two Federation officials had a chat with the members present on the best methods of organising the branch for active work; the branch having resolved to get serious- ly to work during the coming year. The audi- tors gave their report, stating that everything was in a satisfactory order and that the balance was on the right side with something like 25 to the good. Afterwards the election of officers for the ensuing year took place, the officers elected were as follows: President, Timothy Dineen; vice-president, T.J. Jones; secretary, J. H. Rees (re-elected); treasurer, Dd. Jones (re- elected); literature secretary, Jack Lewis; lec- ture secretary, Morgan Jones. Collectors were also appointed for the different districts. It was decided that the sale of the "Labour Leader be taken un by the branch again, and that every member be expected to take two copies per week, one for sale or to be given away, and, if any comrade could dispose of more, that the literature secretary be notified so as to obtain the required number. Things are looking brighter than they have been for a long while. There was a fairly good attendance, but we should like to see more of the old faces that have been absent for some time, also some new ones. Two new members were enrolled. Next meeting, Monday next, same place, time 6.30. Comrade H. Davies gave a very encouraging address, and three cheers for the International ooncluded the meeting. Maesteg Miners and the Red Cross. I Colonel Herbert Lewis, of the Red Cross So- ciety, who has done great service to the Society both at home and in France, visited some of the lodges of the Miners' .Federation in the Maesteg District last week in company with Mr. Vernon Hartshorn (Miners' Agent). They both visited Caerau and Coegnant Lodges (separately) on Thursday, and a joint meeting of the Cwmdu and Maesteg Deep Lodges on Fuday. The ob- ject of the visit was to obtain subscriptions for the Red Cross Society to help to maintain ihe hospitals of that society. Colonel Lewis ex- plained the scheme which he had outlined to the i Executive Council of the S.W.M.F. antl which they agreed to support and recommend, viz., That the S.W.M.F. members should contribute 3d. per week for 16 weeks or arrange for any other method of contributing to the extent of 4s. per ltead to this society. The Colonel made a great appeal in a very good address, and in all four lodges it was decided to fall in with the scheme. Mr. Hartshorn stated that whatever the decision of the lodges would be from these meetings no money would be called for until a mass meeting was called and the question dis- cussed at that meeting, so as to give the after- noon and night shift a chance of hearing the case and passing their opinion upon the matter. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Colonel for his able address and the manner he answered the questions that were asked of him. Mr. George John, Maesteg Deep, presided at the Joint Lodge meeting on Friday. Disowning the O'Grady-Thorne Deputation. 1 The Maesteg Branch of the N.U.R., a healthy one at all times, doesn't like Messrs. Thorne and O'Grady being sent to Russia as Democracy's representatives to the newly-freed people, and it said so clearly at its mass meeting last Sunday, when the following resolution was unanimously endorsed: This meeting of the Maesteg Branch of the N.U.R. sends joyful congratulations to the de- mocrats of Russia and calls upon the Govern- ment of Great Britain and of every country, neutral and belligerent alike, to follow the Rus- sian example by establishing Industrial Freedom-, Freedom of Speech and of the Press; the aboli- tion of Social, Religious and National distinc- tions; an immediate Amnesty for Political and Religious Offences and Universal Suffrage. Further we condemn the action of the Govern- ment in their appointed deputation as repre- senting the Democratic class in this country to go to Russia."

Bedlinog Notes. I Friendly Society Smoker. The annual smoker, under the auspices of the United Ancient Order of Druids and the Pride of Gelligaer Lodge, was held on Thursday, April 12th, at the New Inn, Mr. Thomas Thomas, vice- president of Bedlinog Friendly Societies' Coun- cil, presiding. I The chairman in his opening rema.rks spoke upon the work of friendly societies in general and the good work being done by the various societies, and complimented the Druids on their goods work in the district. During the evening Past-Arch.-Bro. W. J. Philips was presented with a P.A. jewel for ser- vices during 1915; and Past.-Arch.-Bro. Thomas Bennett with a silver-mounted walking stick for sorvices as A.D. during 1916. P.S. Bro. W. H. Stockham, secretary of the lodge, and also a member of the District Management Committee, made both presentations on behalf of the lodge, commenting suitably on the service rendered by the two members in their office during their period. The Brothers suitably replied. An excellent concert programme was sub- iVitted by Mr. T. Jenkins (Treforest) and Bros. W. J. Philips, James Jones, Sam Evans, Arthur Sellwood, and John Price. Praise is due to the accompanist, Mr. E. Prothero, who was at his best. Votes of thanks to the artists by P.A. Bros. T. Bennett and P.S. W. H. Stockham, and to the chairman by A.D. Bro. R.' J. Stock- ham and V,A. Bro. J. E. Arnold, brought to a close a most enjoyable evening.

Merthyr Notes. I Licensing Appeal Fails. I An appeal oy John Davies, steward or the Constitutional Club, Troedyrhiw, against a con- viction by the Merthyr stipendiary ior an al- leged breach of the Order of the Central Con- trol Board (Liquor Traffic) was dismissed at the Merthyr Quarter Sessions on Friday. Mr. Hugh Jones (instructed by Mr. Harold Lloyd, Cardiff) was for appellant, and Mr. St. John Francis-Williams (instructed by Messrs. Smythe and Daniels, Merthyr) was far' the police. Wholesale Perjury." Thomas Price, a Cefncoed collier, appealed at Merthyr Quarter Sessions on Friday against a maintenance order of 4s. a week made by the Merthyr stipendiary (Mr. R. A. Griffith) against him respecting the illegitimate child of a girl, Mary Jane Davies. The Recorder (Mr. A. Parsons, K.C.), in sum- ming up, said what impressed him in this case was the artless and wholesale perjury obviously committed by the witnesses for the girl, many of them contradicting one another. The appeal was allowed, with costs. A large crowd of sym- pathisers and friends of respondent expressed their displeasure at the result of the case by hooting outside the court, and had to be dis- persed by the police. The Ideal" School of Commerce. A branch of this school will be opened on Thursday evening 26th April, at 7.15, at the Rechabites' Hall, Merthyr Vale. This is a golden opportunity for students who reside in Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Vale, Quakers Yard and Treharris. We understand that the teachers are practical commercial men of long experience and holders of .teachers' diplomas for commercial subjects. Mining. A room in the Penydarren Schools is to be equipped by the Merthyr Education Authority for the conducting of firemen's certificate ex- aminations under the Coal Mines Act, 1912. Steelworkers' Wages. The quarterly audit of the Wages Board of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Iron and Steelworkers' Association at Abergavenny on Saturday showed that the selling price for steel rails and bars was £ 10 bis. 5.69d., which means an increase in wages to the men of 11 per cent., making the wages 87J- per cent, above the sliding scale standard. Teachers' Bonuses. lerthy. r Education Aiitliorit-v, on Monday re- ceived a recommendation from a sub-committee to increase war bonuses to teachers earning less than JE160 a year, thus: Married men, from £ 7 10s. to .£10 per annum; single men and women, from £ 2 to £ 5 per annum. The Merthyr Branch of the National Union of Teachers by letter expressed dissatisfaction with the suggested increases (equal to 4s. a week for married men and 2s. a week in the second instance), and requested advances to make the bonuses up to 6s. and 4s. per week re- spectively. Mr. LI. M. Francis moved an amendment that the teachers' request should be granted. Mr. L. M. Jones seconded. Mr. E. Morrell (chairman) said that the re- commendation would mean an expenditure of £ 3,000 a year and the amendment another £1,400 a year. The recommendation was carried by fourteen votes to eight.

Swansea Valley Notes. I Minnie Pallister at Ystradgynlais. At the I.L.P. Hall. Ystradgynlais, on Friday night last Miss M. Pallister, Bryninawr, gave an excellent address on The Fascination of War." There were many present and they were all delighted with the very able manner in which the speaker dealt with her subject. The chair- lilltn was Mr. Tom Evans, Ynismudw. After the lecture the question of the maintainance of the dependants of the C.O.'s was discussed, and an excellent collection was made towards the fund for this object. Clydach Conference. An important conference was held at the Trades and Labour Council Centre last Saturday evening of the various Trade Union and political bodies of Clydach and district. A good number of delegates attended, and the chairman was Mr. T. S. Davies, president of the Clydach Trades and Labour Council. Miss M. Pallister spoke on "Peace Negotiations," and Mr. J. L. Rees, Trebanos, spoke on "The .Federation of Trade Councils." A good discussion followed. Mr. Ivor H. Thomas attended on behalf of the Na- tional Council for Civil Liberties. He made a lengthy speech on the aims and objects of the above Council, which was greatly appreciated by the delegates. He dealt with the work the Coun- cil had already accomplished, the work it was at present doing, and laid emphasis on the task that lay before the workers of this country in restoring the Trade Union and political liberties we had lost during the war. He appealed in a very convincing manner to those present to sup- port the organisation in its fight on behalf of Democracy and Freedom, and offered his full support as organiser to their movement locally. Some questions were then put to the speaker, all of which lie answered very satisfactorily. It was then moved that a, conference, representing the whole of South Wales, be held at Swansea. This was carried unanimously. Miss Pallister then made an appeal on behalf of the dependents of the C.O.'s, tnd a splendid collection was made. It was* also decided to hold a huge May-Day demonstration at Clydach. The Horrors of Peace. At the I.L.P. Institute, Glais, on Sunday night, Miss Pallister gave an address on "War and Peace." The hall was packed to overflow- ing, which is ample testimony to the popularity of the speaker in Glais. The chair was occupied by Mr. Eli as Davies, Glais, who made an excel- lent opening speech in Welsh. Miss Pallister then spoke on the horrors of Peace; of the in- equitable and cruel system of competition and capitalism. People were asked, she said, to make sacrifices in this war, whose lives were one long {sacrifice. She dealt very clearly and lucidly on the fundamentals of Socialism, and her unas- sailable arguments against war were very much appreciated by the audience, and they also en- joyed the smart wit with which her remarks was blended. Many questions were then put to Miss Pallis- ter, and she answered them in a splendid man- ner. Mr. Edwin Thomas moved a vote of thanks to the officials and mem bers of Peniel Chapel for their kind offer of the use of their building for the meeting. Miss Pallister seconded, and the vote was heartily carried. A good collection «ras made towards the dependents of C.O.'s.

Tonyrefail Notes. I The Havod Seam Trouble. I Cilely Colliery workmen hare tendered 14 days notice to terminate their contract, so as to attempt to enforce the employers to concede the attempt to force the employers to concede the payment for the use of electric lamps instead of the old customary naked light. A meeting was held at Trebanog Hall on Monday evening to have the report of Mr. Cook the arbiter; Mr. Wm. John also being present. It seems that at this meeting it was finally decided to tender no- tices. In spite of this general meeting's decision a great number of the workers were entirely ig- norant'as to the cause of tendering notices, and it came somewhat as a surprise. It is very diffi- cult to predict in any way what will be the final outcome of such action at the present time. Also it is difficult for a large number of the workers effected, to satisfy their position because they do not know what are the exact grounds for taking such serious action. The success of any such course will depend upon the grounds of the de- mands and the prevailing conditions. It is said that it is customary to pay for the use of any kind of lamps other than naked light, on the grounds that such lamps impede the produc- tivity of the miner in his earning capacity. Un- doubtedly, the worker was effected by the in- troduction of the Davy lamp, which has been superseded by the modern electric lamp, which, undoubtedly, is a great improvement upon the old lamps. It is an open question whether the electric lamp does impede the productivity of the miner at present. Thus it is very uncertain speculating whether the course proposed to be taken Is a wise one. It is to oe hoped that some settlement will be arrived at before any futile struggle begins, re- sulting in unnecessary suffering to the workers. Coed Ely Matters. I Considerable discussion took place at the last general meeting held by the Coed Ely workers about the agreement, entered into by the check- weighmen on their appointment to their employ- ment, and which agreement in writing is lost. It is said that the C'heckweighmen concerned are readily prepare d to submit themselves any time for the re-oonsideration of their employment. Let all the facts be brought out so that we may decide wisely and in the common interest. All workers do not pay towards the check fund. It is surprising that some steps have not been taken long ago to initiate a scheme for a general contribution to such a fund and legislation pressed for to permit a free hand, without in- terference by the employer, over such agents at the collieries. Then only can we succeed in an effective leadership locally. Considerable disap- pointment was felt at the decision of the meet- ing in turning down the report and recommenda- tion of the sub-committee, on the coal haulage question. It is keenly felt by a large number of workers that trade union principles has not been applied with justice towards the haulage em- ployees of the workmen. It seems as though a large number of the workers decide their action on prejudice rather than on reasons applied to actual facts. Ivor Evans Back in Prison. I Ivor Evans, a local C.O., has been removed to Usk Prison because of his objection to the in- jurious conditions to his health at Llandduesant Camp. He has no objection to work of national importance. But it is of imperative importance that he should guard himself as far as possible against bad conditions owing to his long suffered complaint. It is surprising what the Home Office Committee (headed by Mr. Brace) can do in the way of humanitarian interest.

Pontypridd Notes. Henry Richard. n Last Sunday week oomrade JJ, Jti. jones, 01 Aberdare, paid the local I.L.P. his first visit and gave an able address on "Henry Richard: Apostle of Peace," Comrade J. A. Cox presiding. An interesting discussion followed Comrades Cameron, Hughes, and others taking part. Socialism and the Individual. Last Sunday evening with J. Baker in the chair Comrade Owen Hughes lectured on "Socialism and the Individual." There was a good attendance, "Pioneers" being sold out. At Last. After several futile attempts to secure a hall, owing to the I.L.P. "loving every nation but its own (?)," suitable premises have been leased at 36 High-street, Graig, and it is intended to commence an active propaganda without delay. The assistance of every local reader of the Pioneer will be welcomed.

Great Strike at Mond Nickel Works. I WORKERS' UNION SOLIDARITY ACHIEVESI QUICK RESULTS. Some three months' ago members of the Workers' Union employed by the above firm made an application for an advance in wages to meet the increased cost of living to the Board of Trade. However, no reply was received, con- sequently at a general meeting of the workers, held on March 31st, the following resolution was passed unanimously: — "That we the Clydach Branch of the Workers' Union, employees of the Mond Nickel Company, inform the Ministry of Mu- nitions that unless the name of the arbitrator and the date for arbitration be given before Tuesday, April 10th 1917, we cease work at 10 o'clock on that date." The Ministry of Munitions did not comply with his request, and, as per resolution, the men involved withdrew their labour in a body at 10 a.m. on that date, this policy again having been reconfirmed at great mass meetings on Satur- day, April 7th. The men who were on the morn- ing shift were met outside by the men on the other two shifts, afterwards all concerned, to the number of 1,000, marched in an orderly manner to the Clydach Public Hall, where the situation was thoroughly discussed. Within two hours of the" dedaration of the strike a representative of the Ministry of Muni- tions appeared on the scene who desired the men to return to work pending arbitration, which lie assured would take place immediately. This the workmen's committee could not agree to with- out the sanction of the men, which necessitated a further mass meeting at which the men re- affirmed their original resolution. Meanwhile complications were setting in three women were discharged for refusing to do the work of the men on strike; and a large number of the women had come out in sympathy with the men. By Thursday events had moved very rapidly. The representative of the Ministry of Munitions had conceded the following demands of the Union:- (1) Date of arbitration and name of arbitrator. (2) All persons to be returned to their former position without any fear of victimization. (3) Re-instatement of the three discharged women. Uonsequently on that day the strike was prac- tically settled. On Thursday afternoon a monstre demonstra- tion was held when all the members of the Workers Union joined by hundreds of other Trades Unionists paraded the streets of Clydach headed by the Calfaria Brass Band. Great in- terest was taken in the procession and thousands of people lined the roads. At the close of the demonstration the members of the Workers' Union, male and female, met at the Church Hall, where the concessions obtained from the Ministry of Munitions were endorsed. Unfortunately, the men cannot resume work in a body owing to the peculiar nature of this industry, but all will be fully employed in a week's time, meanwhile the onus of deciding the order in which the men shall resume work rests with the workmen's committee. On Saturday another great demonstration was held, in which members of other Unions co-operated with the Workers' Union. Speeches were delivered by re- presentatives of the A.S.E., Miners' Federation, and Operative Ironworkers, when it was pointed out that the interests of the workers of all branches are identical, and hearty congratula- tions were accorded to the members of the Workers 'Union on their fine achievement. Up to a few years ago organisation amongst the Mond Workmen left a great deal to be de- sired, Trade Unionism being mostly confined to the skilled craftsmen. But due to the ardent energy of a few trade unionists amongst the so- called unskilled workers this stain has been wiped out, and by to-day it is one of the best organised places in the Valley. It is also grati- fying to report that a new spirit prevails be- tween the various grades of workmen, and p?: posals have already been made to establish al joint works committee in order to secure com- mon action on all matters appertaining to the Mond workmea. One striking and noteworthy feature of this strike was the fact that it was conducted by the rank and file themselves. This is surely an healthy and inspiring sign, for the real test of the progress of the working class it its capacity for managing its own affairs. On Monday, April 16th, there was a rift in the lute, sounding a noteworthy chord on the menace of industrial conscription. A large num- ber of the men who had been on strike received notices calling them to the colours. This inci- dent, of course, proves that the more harmonious relations between capital and labour advocated in some quarters is being speedily brought about. However, in view of the Government arrange- ment for calling up munition workers these no- tices must remain in abeyance for some time. A word of credit must be given to the work- men's committee for the enthusiastic and effi- cient manner in which they conducted their business. The strike has also given a decided fillip to the Labour Movement in Clydach, and arrangements are now being made by the Trades Council to hold a May Day Demonstration, and an effort is being made to secure Mi": Tom Mann and Mr. Jas. Winstone as speakers.

Skilled in Law. CRACKSMEN PROMPTS MERTHYR RECORDER. Dennis Fitzgibbon (37), mason, and William Dalton (27), tinsmith, the two Birmingham men caught red-handed in the sensational £ 500 jewellery robbery at Merthyr were on trial at the Merthyr Quarter Sessions on .Friday, when remarkable disclosures regarding the former's career were made by the police. The charges against them were:- Breaking and entering the shop of John Wil- liams, jeweller, of the Arcade, Merthyr, and stealing t-300 worth of jewellery on March 17th last, and with breaking and entering the pre- mises of Messrs. Stewarts, Ltd., clothiers, High- street, and stealing three overcoats, vali-ied L4. Mr. St. John Francis-Williams (instructed by Messrs. Smith and Daniel, solicitors, Merthyr) prosecuted, and Mr. W. Howe defended. Mr. J. A. Wilson, chief constable, said that there were a number of outstanding charges against Fitzgibbon of shop breaking and stealing t25 in Treasury notes from Messrs. Bell and Sons in Barrow-in-Furness, and also with shop breaking and stealing gold watches, brooches, and chains, valued at t340, from Messrs. John- son and Court, Ltd., also in Barrow-in-Furness, both burglaries being perpetrated in March last. This. affair was traced through a watch which Fitzgibbon was wearing at the time of Ins ar- rest at Merthyr being identified its part of the stolen jewellery. When taxed with the crime, Fitzgibbon replied, "That was right. I did that job." An entrance to the jeweller s premises in Bar- row-in-Furness was effected by breaking a win- dow and obtaining access to the shop of Messrs. Bell where a safe was rifled and Treasury notes stolen, and the jeweller's shop was subsequently entered through a skylight. There was another case against Fitzgibbon of entering a dwelling-house in one of the suburbs of Cardiff on February 4th, and a necklace, four rings, and about L16 in cash were stolen from there during the temporary absence of the tenant. Fitzgibbon was at the t-ftne residing in Penarth, and the ring and necklace were dis- covered at his quarters by the Penarth police, and later identified as the stolen property. The Chief-constable, continuing, said Fitzgib- bon was released from prison after a five years' penal servitude sentence in 1916, and then joined the Connaught Hangers, serving with that regi- ment until December last year, his Army career being most exemplary. He fought in .France, and had been traced to Belfast, Barrow, Wol- verhampton, Cardiff, and Penarth. Dalton on being released from prison, having worked a sentence of penal servitude to which he was committed in 1914, was found employ- ment by Detective-Inspector Wright, of Bir- mingham, at a munition factory, at the wages of about £ 3 a week, but owing to his dilatory habits lie was discharged. Since then he had followed no honest vocation, and had been the associate of one of the smartest gangs of cracks- men in the country. Dalton and Fitzgibbon had only arrived in Merthyr twelve hours before they burgled Williams' and Stewart's premises. Mr. Howe said that Dalton and Fitzgibbon were not associates until they came down to Merthyr, Dalton meeting Fitzgibbon a week earlier coming out of a hospital at Chichester. Fitzgibbon's desire when he joined the Army seemed to have been to cut himself off from a career of crime. He had been aided by the Prisoners' Aid Society, and the last instance was just prior to enlistment. He, like others who had committed crime, was ready to go back to serve his country again. He did not for a moment, however, expect to be given that al- ternative to imprisonment. Mr. A. Parsons, K.C., recorder: I trust by the time he is at liberty again there will be no pressing need for men. Both prisoners pleaded guilty. Fitzgibbon intimated his desire for the Bor-, row and Cardiff "jobs' to be taken into oon-- sderation at that trial. 1 JPalton was sentenced to three years' Da! servitude and two years' preventive detention,, and Fitzgibbon was sentenced to four years penal servitude and three years' preventive at- tention. After sentence had been passed Fitzgibbon said he thought that, as there was already wo, years' unexpired preventive detention agaIDBt him, the recorder had not the power to sen- tence him to another five years. _d Mr. A. Parsons, K.C., the recorder (lahngl' ly): You seem to know more of the law than I do. Accordingly the preventive detention sentence- was reduced to police supervision. Fitzgibbon (cheerfully leaving the dock): J, am satisfied with the sentence you have passe;, upon me, sir. to

I CORRESPONDENCE- Correspondents are requested to condens0, their letters as much as possible. Letters of a personal character will not be' inserted. The, Editor wishes it to be distinctly UlIdOr- stood that he will not hold himself responsiwf for the opinions or statements of correspondent nor undertake to return rejected manuscript- Correspondents MUST write on one side of to" paper" only.

Limitation of Rents Acts. IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS. TO THE EDITOR. Sir.—Your readers may be interested to knovir that two very important amendments have introduced into the Rents Act, through t? Amending Bill that was recently before the House of Commons. The report of the discu-s- sion on same can be found in Vol. 92, No. 35 an 36 of the Parliamentary Debates, of April 21ld and 3rd, 1917. The first of these Amendments is to nullify the effect of the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Shary Brothers and Knight v* Chant, wherein it was held by the Court of Ap" peal that Excess Rent once paid, could not be deducted from the Current Rent. The Gov- ernment has now accepted the principle of the Amendment laid down by Mr. W. C. Anderson, M.P., and in the New Act the right of the tenant to deduct such Excess Rent is now very clearly established. But more important than the above is the' second clause added, viz., the Penalty Clause, and in order that your readers may fully grasP" its import I will quote it in full. Is is ,as. follows: If any person in any rent book or similar* document makes an entry showing or purport' ing to show any tenant as being in arrears J1'; respect of any sum which by virtue of the said Act is irrecoverable, or if, where any such en- try has before the passing of the Act been made by or on behalf of any landlord, the landlord, on being requested by or on behalf of the tenant so to do, refuses or neglects to delete the entry, he shall on summary con- viction be liable to a fine not exceeding ten pounds. The point I wish to emphasise is this, that tenants need not take the action themselves as the words of the clause are By or on behalf of the tenant. Should therefore any tenant have cause to take action under this clause, let him or her communicate at once with the local Trades Council or similar organisation, as I am convinced that there are in the South Wales. Area a large number of cases where the above penalty can be imposed. The workers are fur- ther indebted to the Workers' War Emergency Committee, who are largely responsible for press- ing this matter in the House of Coinrnons.- Yours faithfully, Pontllanfraith, Mon., April 17th, 1917. W. HAKRI§.

THE RATIONS AT DARTMOOR. I TO THE EDITOR. Sir, W ith reference to a paragraph in last week's "John Bull," concerning Dartmoor C.O.'s and their food rations, I take this oppor- tunity to offer a contradiction. I speak from first hand knowledge as I am a Dartmoor 0.0. myself. John Bull says we get rations that include lO- los. of bread, 5 £ lbs. of meat, and- 03 lbs. of potatoes a week. This is a. deliberate lie, and for the benefit of a "patriotic public" I supply them with a true estimate: For break- fast we get 1 pint of cocoa (inferior quality) and' 6 ozs. bread and £ OZ, margarine; dinner, 1 pint soup and, small plate rice, sometimes we get vegetables (?), never potatoes; supper, the same as breakfast, with the substitution of tea in- stead of cocoa. Occasionally we are confronted with jam, of questionable quality. When we get meat it is 2 ozs., every second day alternately. This is the maximum, which is not always pos- sible to get owing to the irregularity of sup- plies. In short, we get no more than one-third* of "John Bull's estimate. I therefore appear to your readers not to digest the cooked new.? of "John Bull," but make sure that you get raw news which you can cook to your own ours trulv, April 16th, 1917. H.W.

A Soldier and a Gentlema DEATH OF MAJOR HY. SOUTHEY. We sincerely regret that the pressure on' our space last week, due to the report of the Leeds Conference, prevented us from associating ourselves whole-heartedly with the condolences which have been extended to Messrs. H. W. Southey and Sons, of the Merthyr Express," on the death from wounds of Major Hy Sou they C.O., 5th Welsh (T.F.), a well known member of the firm. We had not the privelege of a per- sonal acquaintance with Major Southey, a fact which we do believe to be our loss, since every report speaks highly of his personal qualities, his real friendliness, his manifold abilities in many fields, and a bove all his personal magne- tism which drew men to him. His men, we are told, worshipped him, and mourn him deeply now that he has been removed to another sphere. Such men are not only a family loss, they are a national Ioss--n.o matter what their politics or convictions; but in times like this the family must feel its loss particularly acutely; and to the family we do extend our deepest sympathy in their bereavement. Printed and published by the National Labour Press, Ltd., at the Labour Pioneer Press; Williams Square, Merthyr Tydfil, SATURDAY, APRIL 21st, 1917.