Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

EDITORIAL NOTES. We are, very glad to find that Mabon t made a public protest against the Keir Hardie poison that Liberals and Tories were six of one and half-a-dozen of the other in respect to Labour legislation. It was about time that this unreasonable party prejudice should be combatted. We will agree that it is quite possible that individual Liberals may be found who are not very distinguishable privately from Tories, just in the same way that there are Tory working men who are not very much separated in public practice and actions from Labour politicians. This pre- judice is constantly disseminated by Mr. Keir Hardie, and even this week, despite the fact that he has the record of the 1906 to 1910 Parliament fresh before him. In November, 1908, lie was reported to have said of the legislation accomplished during the previous years that "during that time there stood to the credit of the Liberal Government a Trade Disputes Act, the most perfect of its kind in the world; a Workmen's Compensation Act which has no peer anywhere, not even in our Colonies; and an Act which enabled Educational Authorities to provide meals for hungry school children, an Act which needed to be sympathetically adminis- tered. Then there were Old Age Pen- sions, a grant of £ 300',000 towards assist- ing Local Authorities to deal with the unemployed; the Miners' Eight Hours Bill," which is now an accomplished work- ing fact. That, said Mr. Keir Hardie, was a record no party need be ashamed of." But the incongruous part of the tribute is, that while this splendid work was done there were 400 Liberal mem- bers in the House of Commons during the period, but only 32 Labour members. What we are anxious to know is this, why the impotency of Mr. Keir Hardie in 1905 when the Tories were then in power? If there is no difference in the parties' attitude towards the workers' cause, why was it that in 1905, if taken as a sample year with the Tories in command, the reduction of coal duty from Is. to Id. was defeated? Again, the defeat of Sir Charles Dilke's—a splendid Labour M.P. -aiiiei,idiylei.it of the Aliens Bill, and on July 17th, 1905, Mr. Keir Hardie's own amendment to the Blackleg Aliens which provided that aliens brought to this country under contract to take the place of British workmen during a strike or other trade dispute should be prevented from landing. These reasonable amend- -ments were 'destroyed by the Tory Government. Surely, Mr. Keir Hardie has not forgotten also the history of the Trades Union and Trades Dispute Bill in 1905 during the Tories' reign. And what about Chinese Labour, which was kept on by the Tories despite the hostile I opposition of Labour organisations in this country and the vigorously expressed opinion of the British Colonies? Really, it is about time that fair pi ay should come into the question of the compara- tive sympathies of the two great parties in the State towards the workers. The record of legislation which the I present Government can justly claim, and acknow- ledged, too, by Mr. Keir Hardie, could not be realised unless there was in the 400 Liberals a profound sense of appre- ciation and conviction for the eternal rights of the workers. In that noble band of Liberal members there were genuine sons of the soil. Men who had in life toiled and spun their way through the wilderness of difficulties and trials of a I struggling career. This was the great fact of that 1906 to 1910 period that the 32 stalwart Labour men were in an atmo- sphere where, the Government majority was saturated by the intensest democratic conviction and creed. As a contrast, it is refreshing to note the fairness of the observations of Mr. Henderson, the 1909 Chairman of the Labour Party in the House of Commons. He, at any rate, had no blind prejudice to prevent him from giving credit where credit was due. His is a "sporting" spirit which Mr. Keir Hardie might with advantage cultivate. This is what Mr. Henderson says for the self-same legis- lative period Whilst holding no brief for the Government, I protest against I the unfair and misleading statements as to the domestic policy of the Govern- ment. There is no period in the long history of the Conservative Governments which in the output of beneficent social legislation will compare with the last three years." We would emphasise again the fact that this quotation from Mr. Henderson can be generously backed by other leading Labour leaders like Mr. G. D. Kelly, who said that We have never had a Government who have attempted to do for the workers what the present Government has done," and Mr. Shackleton's opinion that the Trades Dispute Act of the Liberal Government was a "success passing all dreams at the beginning of the Session 1906." If Shoni Fair Play is not door nail dead, surely, these opinions of men equally devoted and representative of the workers' cause should drive for ever into the limbo of partisan fallacies the judgment that there is no difference between the Liberal and the Tory Party. These historical facts are, at any rate, beyond question, and proves that Old Mabon was abso- lutely on solid ground to disociatei him- self from the language of the unnamed delegates and the chairman, Mr. Noah Rees, when they said that Liberals are the same enemies of Labour as the Tories." We would like to revert for a little to another assertion made at the Porth meeting, that the last election in the Rhondda, when Mabon was so magnifi- cently supported by the whole of the Pro- gressive forces, was more of a Liberal campaign than a Labour. Why, we ask? Was it because Liberals were equally the enemies of Labour as the Tories? or rather was it not because Mabon embodied the national ideals of the democratic opinion of the Rhondda? The first meet- ing held to further the campaign was a composite one, and included the best ability of those who stood for the people. I The delegate complaining said that there was abundant evidence in Wales that Liberals were going to fight everywhere Labour. Wales will not fight against Labour when the Labour exponent is a true democrat and not a mere party jockey. Things are coming to such a pass that there is a fear that, unless a Labour M.P. is a Socialist, he will always be a disqualified candidate by. these un- named delegates." If the Progressive forces are to he driven by impatient measures, let us have it made plain at the opening of the campaign, and then we shall know where we are. In the opinion of this type. of class politician, Mabon, Brace and men of that tradition must stand aside because their progres- eivism is not headlong enough. Indeed, we are sometimes surprised that these people even allowed the Budget of Lloyd (George to pass, on the score that it lacked the label of their particular party. It is a good maxim to be fair to friend and foe. If success has been helped along, and even the campaigns initiated by those not of your immediate colour, you should be human enough to acknowledge it. If the cause is more than party in our con- viction, then we should be manly and sportsmanlike enough, to recognise such acts and deeds with noble generosity.

Pentre Colliery Dispute. Brighter Prospects of Settlement. The conference and discussion held on Wednesday between the men's represen- tatives and the agent of Messrs. Cory Bros. in reference to the stoppage, of work at the Pentre Colliery since April 1st, resulted in a step towards a settlement of the dispute. About 130 men were given notices on February 1st owing to the masters' price, Is. Oid. per ton, being considered too low for the new oft. seam, many of the men being unable to earn more than a few shillings a week. Notices were handed to the whole of the employees on March 1st, pei).diliz a settlement of prices, and thus there has been a lock-out since April 1st. Efforts to secure a higher price, have hitherto failed. Wednesday's conference, lasted nearly three hours, there being present Messrs. W. D. Wight (agent), E. Hall (sub-agent) and A. Davies (manager), on the one side Messrs. W. Abraham (Mabon), M.P. Enoch Morrel] (Merthyr), and Tom Harris Tylorstown, on the other side. It was finally agreed that prices for the above- named seam, as well as two other seams, be arranged by a joint committee of four members to be chosen by the earliest pos- sible meeting of the Conciliation Board, this committee to settle prices within a month. It was also arranged that the j men could commence work as soon as the i committee had been chosen by the Con- ciliation Board, and, if necessary, day to day contracts be made after the end of the month, in order to continue work as far as possible. The men's conference with their leaders was held in the afternoon, and these arrangements were agreed to with open expression of thanks for the efforts made to secure peace with honour. Local tradesmen rejoice to hear of one step made towards a'settleineiit, and sin- cerely hope that final agreement will be speedily obtained. During the present distress, charitable gifts are being made in various forms, to mention only a few —Pentre Band Insti- tute is handing over a substantial voucher for goods upon grocers, &c., and the form this gift takes is much appreciated. The Ton Co-operative Society has been very generous in assisting the Distress Com- mittee. The Workmen's Hall Committee has set aside benefit weeks and the St. David's Society is giving the proceeds of a performance of Aelwyd Angharad in aid of Pentre workmen.

Ambulance. A well-attended church parade of the Rhondda Fach Corps was held last Sun- dav at Gyfeilliou,, ne Taff Vale Railway authorities had kindly granted a special train, which enabled the upper divisions to meet at Porth at ten o'clock. Over IGO men turned up, and, preceded bv the Great Western Colliery Band, they made a brave show as they marched through Hannah Street on the way to the church at Gyfeillion, Chief Supt. j. W. Davison was in command, accompanied by District Supt. T. E. Richards, of Mardy, and nearly all the officers of the Corps; the Honorary Surgeons were not able to be present owing, to them, to the awkward time; of the meeting. Collections were, made en rou-oo in aid of the; new Ponty- pridd Cottage Hospital. At the- Gyfeillion Church, a, very interesting sermon was delivered by the Rev. Raymond from the text, u Am I my brother's keeper?" In his sermon, Mr. Raymond mentioned that the collections were in aid of the Pontypridd Hospital, which is to be opened this week, and laid great stress upon the way in which this humanitarian movement should be supported. The Mardy No. I Squad are going to London this week-end, and are deter- mined to leave nothing undone in order to bring the Sir John Dewar Shield to the Rhondda Fach to find a resting place alongside the Sir Charles- Warren Shield, which seems to be a fixture in Mardy. Good luck go with them.

Pontypridd and District Master Bootmakers & Repairers, Association. Mid-Rhondda Branch A representative meeting of the above branch was held on Wednesday evening at the Gwalia Restaurant, Tonypandy, when steps were taken to advance prices for repairs, in accordance with other branches of the Association formed throughout the Valleys. These steps have been rendered necessary on account of the abnormal and ever-increasing advance in all materials used by the craft, render- ing the present ruling prices for repairs no longer productive of a, possible living wage. This movement has spread through- out the whole of England, Associations being formetl in all large centres, where new prices have been very generally adopted. The Mid-Rhondda branch have appointed their officers and committee. Branches have also been formed at Tre- orchy, Ystrad, Porth, Pontypridd, Moun- tain Ash, etc. In the near future, window posters will be exhibited announcing the new prices and conditions, and it is earnestly hoped that the general public will give every assistance, in accordance with their own principle of Unionism and federations, to make this branch of this industry successful in producing a honest living wage.

A Welsh Play at Pehtre. 4 'I'nuince-i of the Welsh comedy, Aelwyd Angharad," by the Pentre St. David s company naturally aroused great interest and attracted an unusual amount of attention. In spite of local strike and stoppages, there were large attendances at both the Thursday and Saturday even- ing performances. "Aelwycl Angharad," or Hwyrnos Lawell Llwyngwern" (A Musical Evening at Liwyngwern), is a play showing the methods, customs and habits of Welsh country life in the. past; the authors, J. Lloyd "Williams and Llew Tegid, aimed to convey to us some idea of how many a happy evening was spent in country dis" tricts fifty years, ago. It was customary for groups of young and old people to gather at some particular farmhouse with a large kitchen, and amuse themselves with songs, choruses, competitions, reci- tations, and composing of poetical verses- "englynion." Some of these customs would not be out of date at the present time, and authors think that OUT country would be the better if it were to restore simplicity in home and social life. The characterf3 are dressed in simple- old-fashioned style, many of the men in black coats, white waistcoats. grey knickers, heavy boots, large- and loosely knotted ties, reminding us forcibly of county farmers; while the women, in real Welsh costumes, were true to nature. The whole plot centres around just a few prin- cipal characters. Angbarad, an elderly Weisli widow living at Liwyngwern Farm, is a firm believer in the Welsh language and coun- try. She objects rather strongly v to foreign customs and words. The pleasant evening is spent in her home. Gwen is her daughter. Gaenor Pugh is a patriotic Welsh girl who extends the invitation of a pleasant evening to Sioned Prys and May Prycldercb, two girls who have been reared in English-Welsh fashion, fond of parties, games, &c. David Owen is a. popular young farmer who is in love with Gaenor Pugh; mutual attraction exist.e. Howell is a well-known bard, who in the third act gives a lesson to the company on the composition of engiynion. Llelo Llawcliwith is. one of the humorists, his frequent interruption being amusing, and his tongue moving fast and frequent. There are several other characters. During the acts the women are con- tinually darning, stitching, sewing, and a few of the men enjoy themselves with plaiting of rushes, &c. The awarding of praise to the whole company for their splendid production of above play is only just. The principal characters do their work well; there is hardly enough literary work in the play except for the Poetry Lesson in the third act, which is performed in good style. The large number of solos and choruses taxes the capabilities of the choir and conductor, but both pass through the ordeal with success. The choruses, on the whole, were well ren- dered, except that intonation was occa- sionally at fault. Two of the best en- joyed items was the harp solo by Mr. Roger Price. Gelli, and the penillion singing by Mr. John Davies, accompanied by the harp. The accompanist. Miss Pugh, discharged her duty with credit, and the conductor, Mr. Tom Howells, L.T.S.C., deserves praise for his work also. It would be unfair to single out indi- viduals from the company, m which all take their parts so well, but we congratu- late them upon their efforts to revive Welsh plays and upon the measure of success attained. We trust that future performances by this St. David's Com- pany will he equally successful, at any rate. Principal characters:—"Angharad," Miss Mary Jane Edwards Gvven" (her daughter Miss Mary L. Griffiths; "Gaenor Puw," Miss "Ruth Williams; Sioned Prys, Mis.? Sadie Evans; "Mary Prydderch," Miss Ellen Adams; Eiiid ? and r' Irwen (farmers' daugh- ters), Blisses Gwen Rosser and Annie Powell; Bafydd Owen," Mr. Dan Gri- ffiths; "Hywel:" Mr. J. Miliwyn Howells; "Llelo Llawohwith," Mr. John Evans; Pencerdd Prydain (music adjudicator), Mr. Wm. Rosser; soprano. Miss Alice Evans; controltos, Misses Janet Rosser and H. Mordecai; tenor, Mr. Moses Jenkins: baritone, Mr. John Davies.

Rinking Notes. Several innovations are about to take place at the Pavilion Rink, Tonypandy- In the first, place, the new lounge bar is rapiciiy Hearing completion, as also is a rearrangement of the seating accommo- dation. Next week will see a new departure in the supply of mueic for the Pavilion. The directors are having installed a, magnifi- cent Galvoliphone, which will supply music as if rendered by 40 performers. This large instrument will measure in width 14ft. Gins" and in height reacher, over 10ft.. and it will be placed on a special structure, which will avoid any obstruction on the skating surface. Under the direction of Mr. F'. T. Studd, "The Funmakers will make their first appearance on the new open-air stage ill front of the Pavilion on Saturday, May 14th, at 3.30 o'clock. A large marquee will also erected, at which refreshments may be obtained at popular prices. Will ladies please note that a lady instructress—Miss Harrison—is now it) attendance at the Pavilion Rink. There are special attractions at the Olympia. Pentre, to stimulate eveO greater interest in the fascinating pasting of moving upon wheels. Last week, there was no lack of entrie^ and each competition involved a har" struggle for supremacy, the winners fully deserving their prizes. At the Olympia last Thursday evening another rink hockey match was witnessed' between Treorchy and Ynyshir teanis, The former team was successful by the score of 3 goals to nil. The latter team has been in existent for only a. few weeks, so that th0if defeat was by no means a disgrace. To the near future they will probably be equal to Treorchy. Unusual and original competitions being held this week at the Olympia Rio^ the ones on Monday, Tuesday and nesday being well worth witnessing. :M£!:t1' day, musical chairs competition for ladJe only: Tuesday, race-on one skate only > Wednesday, apple spearing competiti0^ This difficult competition was amusing watch, but perhaps "tantalising to taj* part in. The apple defied the attach of the forks for a considerable time. The reduced prices make it possible people of all classes to enjoy the exercl of roller skating.

Boxing at Tudor Hall, Ferncl&J On Friday last, Tom Thomas, the middleweight champion of the world, an exhibition of ball punching, at w Thomas is acknowledged by the world to be the finest exponent. « also boxed three, rounds at each ho with Tiger Smith, champion of who was ably introduced by Mr. Armstrong (Tonypandy). Lord L,Onscla ai, belt was also exhibited. Crowded. to ences were in evidence, many having be turned away.