Llais Llafur

BALLOT DEMANDED. I WELSH MINERS AND THE J HAN POWER SCHEME. I I Important resolutions were adopted by the delegates at the special confer- ence convened by the South Wales Miners' Federation at Cardiff. It was resolved (1) To press for a. five-day working week; (2) To advocate at the next meeting of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain that a general ballot be taken in all the coalfields on the issue as to whether the Federation should accept the Government recruiting scheme, and (3) That a. strict rationing scheme be immediately introduced. Mr. James, U ins tone presided, and he was supported by the Right Hon. T. Richards, M.P. (general secretary), and most of the members of the execu- tive council, including Mr. A. -Onions (treasurer), and Major D. Watts Mor- gan. There were present 299 delegates representing 159,721 workmen. PLEA FOR SHORTER WEEK. The general secretary read a letter ivhich had been received from the Coal Controller in reply to the application Inade by tlw Federation, in which Mr. Calthrop stated that he was unable to agree to the general application of the Proposal for a five-day working week. The Coal Controller added that he in- tended to convene a conference at Car- diff of representatives of the trade in O!'der to see what remedies could be applied. The council, after meeting separate- ly I decided to recoinmcnd the confer- ence to adhere to the five-(lays-a-w<x>k Proposal, but that they be empowered to discuss the matter on that basis Mth the Controller at the suggested Inference. The conference adopted the council's feoommondation, and added an expros- of opinion that the curtailment of pr<?~Trrrrtmn. week to five days would have no '"detrimental effect upon the 411pply of coa l for all purposes." BALLOT PROPOSAL ADOPTED. The conference then proceeded to discuss the man-power proposals of the government, in connection with which it was explained that it was proposed to withdraw 50,000 men from the mines for military service, with a further 50,000 in reserve. It was, therefore, Proposed to withdraw the exemption ^rtificates of all colliery workmen. xThese proposals, it was further ex- Plained, would be considered by the federation of Great Britain at the Conference on Thursday, when it would be decided whether the matter should be d(,lt with by that conference or flubmit,ted to a ballot vote of the whole f the members of the South Wales Miners' Federat ion. The executive council recommended that the South Wales delegation to tho National conference should support the Proposal for taking a ballot on the Point as to whether the Miners' Feder- ation of Great Britain should agree to tho scheme, and if so, whether the fVde ration machinery be used for the Purp-.ise of finding the required num- ber. A card vote was taken "for" end "rgainst" the council's recommenda- tion, with the following result:— For the recommendation 2,004 Against 982 Majority for 1,112 As each card represented 50 votes, the ballot proposal of the executive Was adopted bv a majority of 55,560.

_n_ QUEUES or "0 fLARS AGO. An aged correspondent writing to a daily contemporary reminds the pre- tent generation that the "queue" is certainly not a. now tiling with regard to food. The writer well remembers passina; tho old company shop more than 70 years ago on her way to school. The queue was a good long one at 9 o'clock in the morning, and in return- ing in the afternoon at oJ o'clock some of the women seen in the morning were still there, more, especially on what was called "Turn books week." The men were paid monthly, having what was called a draw fortnightly One week's pay wvns kept in hand at the works. When it came to the end of the month, that week was called "pinching week," tlie reason of the pinch being that some families drew too much on "turn books"—feasting then a.nd fasting liter. That was in the old days, when the company shop sup- plied everything. People paid the com- pany for their food, clothing, rent, and coal. Best tea was then -Is. per lb., sugar 9d. and 7-Jd. Flour was very' dear. Many of the older local people will he able to endorse the above. i

PONTARDAWE DISTRICT I TRIBUNAL. I I MEN COMBED FROM THE MINES. r The Pontardawe Tribunal sat on Tuesday, Mr. Morgan Davies (solicitor) presiding. Mr. Frank Charles was for the military autiiorities. There were 31 cases down for hear- ing, and of these a considerable num- ber were of men who hud appealed on domestic grounds, and who had been combed-out of the mines. It was men- tioned that the general impression in existence was that combed-out men who appe-aled on grounds of domestic hardship and who were allowed periods of exemption could return to their jobs at the collieries. Several members expressed the view that it would not be a comb-out if the men were allowed to return to tho mines. Mr. Charles (military representative) said if they sent men to work of national importance it was a case of taking them from under one umbrella and placing them under another. Tho principle in his opinion was entirely wrong. If the men were in Grade III. they were wanted in the army. A number of the applicants were re- fused, but others were ordered to find work of national importance other than at the collieries. It was also decided to review similar cases dealt with pre- viously. OTHER CASES. A Clydach grocer in Class A appealed for exemption on business grounds and on acoount of his wife's ill-health. He was allowed two months' final. A Godre'rgraag steam haulage con- tractor, win appealed said he was carrying cut oounty council contract- ing. Mr. John Morgan (surveyor) and Mr. J. D. Roes (contractor) referred to the difficulty of getting road stones, Jnd said they were not allowed to have :;JI}.9I bv rout. awl Lid to obtain them frutu local quarries.. He was allowed throe months. Mr. John Morgan fur- ther stated that if the man had to go it wuu!:1 mean that the engine would probably be scrapped. A Rhiwfawr ploughman and general farm hand, aged 18, certified to be es- sential, said he had been brought up î to farming. It was decided to refer the I case to the Agricultural Commitfee. Mr. Morgan Davies said if the com- mittee did not take the cases up thov would refuse exemption in future. A Pontardawe underground haulier who had a brother in Russia, appealed on domestic grounds, but his applica- tion was refused. A Cwmgorse colliery shunter said he could not be placed on the colliery court lists. The family had an excel- lent record. The man presented a let- ter from his employer and Mr. J. Ell- wards, in pointing out that the appe-il was a personal one, said employers should be told that they should not write letters. He was allowed 1-i (bys, A Gen-nndd publican and tinworkci who said lie had only worked four months in six years, appealed on do- mestic grounds. He sa.id he also kept a public-house. He had five children. Mr. Charles: Can you get beer?- Yes, sometimes, sir. Mr. Charles: You don't think that is work cf national importance? The case, was adjourned to ena ble applicant to bo examined. A Clydach coal discharger (38) Class C3, who had eight children, all under 16 years, appealed on medical grounds. He was allowed six months conditional to being employed in work of national import;; rice. A Trebanos ooalminer said lie was tho sole support of his father, aged 79. He had eight children. His only two brothers were with the colours, and he was only in Class C3. ell had been in the colliery sinoe he was 15 years of age, but had been out of the mine for three months. He was repre- sented by his father.—Three montiis. A Gwauncaegurwen butter merchant in Ciass 3 was given six months. Several members asked if he had any butter. Mr. Charts How much do you dis- tributp :-A bout 7 tons a month. Mr. Charles: Its enough to mika one's mouth water. (Laughter.) A young colliery haulier, whose father had been recently killed in a mine, was giren throe months condi- tional to his working on his mother's farm. An Ystrsulgynlais newspaper reporter on a valley weekly, who was the only remaining full member on the report- ing staff, was given three months. All exemptions were subject, except in exceptional cases, to the appellants attending the Volunteers.

AMERICA 8 ♦ VICTORY BREAD. "Victory brsad" made its first official appe-arar.ee on. the breakfast tables of America on Monday. It con- sisted of 5 percent" of otilor cereals tha,n wheat, gradually other cereals will be increased :n the mixture, unt,il Feb. 2nd, when ther will represent 20 per cent, of. the loaf.

SEVEN SISTERS; I We regret to recoad the death of j Mr Josiah Newton., Bryndulais Avenue, which took place on Satur- I day last in his 29th year. Great sym- pathy is felt with his parents, who have another son seriously ill. De- ceased is to be buried at Soar grave- yard on Friday. Seion C.M. Sunday School held their quarterly meetings on Sunday last, and were highly successful. The fol- lowing took part:—Recitations, Rhys Dd. Y.1). Price, WilHe Morris, Margaret A. Davies, Esther Price, E. Morgans, Maggie Morgans, Florence Davies, Hugh Hughes, Ronald Thomas, David Musk, Miriam Wil- liams. Maggie Williams and friends, Mrs. Jenkin Davies, Messrs. W. Price and J. George. Songs by liaohel M. M orris. Emilv Hands, Mary J. Evans, Sarah J. George, Katie Duett, M. J. Evans and Sarah J. 'George. Octette, Sarah G. Jones and friends. Solos by Misses L. Lewfe. R Davies, Lilian Thomas, Saroll G. Jones Mrs. D. Williams, Messrs. W. A. Hughes and D. Jones. Duett, Miss L. Lewis and friends. Quartettes by Mr W Hughes and friends, and Mr D. Jones and fi iends. Pianoforte solo by Hughie Hughes. A "smoker" was held on Saturday evening at the Seven Sisters Hotel in honour of Gunner P. Paddock, R.F.A., who was returning to the western front on Monday after leave. The chair was occupied by Mr. Mortimer Miles, and the concert was well attended and all wished the guest of the evening (who is well-known and respected in the district) good luck and a safe re- turn. The programme was of a mis- cellaneous character, and all those who took part are to be congratulated on their renderings. The fl/Ilowin have arrived on short have: S< rgt. Christie, Pte. Shake- speare, from the western front; Stoker D. Phillips, from Cherbourg, and Pte. L. J Jones from the convale?eeut home Eastbourne. C'roesawu gwroniaid maes y mor. set Stoker David Phillips (H.M.S Re- search), Driver D. Shakespeare (Army Service Corps), Pte. J. Walters (10th Welsh). Mae Stoker Phillips wedi dod, Ni fu erioed mor serchus, A gwelwyd ar ei wyneb clir Fod Dai yn wir gysurus, Awgryma'r enw ar y cap Fod hwn yn chip bach mentrus. Ceir nav; I news y Dardanelles Yn dweyd fod shells gan Bryden, Y Breslau greulon iwth i lawr, Ac nid oes gwawr i'r Goeben; Ond gwelir hithau ar y beach Within the reach of airmen. Rhown groesaw cynes i Dai bach, Ddaeth heno'n iach i'r llwyfan, A medal aur i'r morwr lion Fu dros y dou fel gwylan, Mae gofyn bod yn weddol striek I wylio trick y German. Mi hoffwn glywed Glvn a Dai Yn eanu y "Ddau Forwr, Dafydd yn ei ddillad glas Yn eanu bass i G'vndwr: A ehofio am hen dine eu tad Sydd yma, fel gwladgarwr. The little boys in Navy Blue Are always true on duty, Watching every day and nighty- They fight for dear old Blighty And every one a helping hand- -So grand with David Beattv. Wo love to see our cheerful Dave— So brave and patriotic, You all agree that he was bold To face the big Atlantic; In "Research" of submarines. Tlw queen of German antics. David Beaty, D. Lloyd George, And Dave, our little stoker, I'm a David very tam0- What's the christian name of Shake- speare? Another David! "That's "tres ben," We will go (Yil--ilot under. "The time is out of joint" I know, We are very slow, but supe To see through all the German game", Their war aims are not pure j But our Army Service Corps Will give encore to Shakespeare. Ceir yma- Gymro glan o'r Cop, Aeth dros y top yn Flanders, M ae hwn yn perthyn i'r J.P.— Ein Bili Daniel Walters, Arweinydd enwog A bercraf, A baehrtti braf i'r colicrs. I now conclude my little song. There's nothing wrong whatever, God-speed to Dulais Valley's pride- I've had a ride with Shakespeare; Give all the boys a hearty cla.p, Let's hope they'll trap the K r. I —"Dulais."

Grand Opera at Pontardawe. Excellent Performances of ;Viaritana. On Thursday and Saturday evenings last at the Public Hall, Pontardawe. two performances of \v aiiaec s popuiar opera Maritana'' were given by tho Pontardawe Operatic Society, under the conuuctorship of Air. D. J. Ree, F.R.C.O. Mr. Chas. G. Gilbertson, pre- sident of the local S. & S. Weltaiv Association, presided, and in his intro-, ductory remarks on Saturday evening, said that the choir had been formed to assist the Welfare Association that pre- sented all the local soldiers and sailoro when they came on leave. The associa- tion had also provided a roll of honour which was exhibited outside the Public Institute, containing the names of all. Pontardawe men who had made the supremo sacrifice, and he had reason for believing that the roll was much appreciated by the public generally. They had also arranged military funerals locally. About 100 men. had already been presented by the associa- tion, and it was expected to present about 400 more when they would even- tually come home. Large financial obli- gations had been entailed, but they were only trying to give the men what they fully deserved, and it was not by any means a charitable object, but one which was their duty to support. Mr. Gilbertson expressed the gratitude ci the inhabitants of Pontardawe to the Operatic Society for the excellent opora. they had presented he only hoped they would undertake r. similar work in the near future. On behalf of the society he desired to present the able conduc- tor (M. D. J. Rees) with a beautiful ebony silver-mounted baton, which he hoped he would wield with success and credit in future. (Applause.) v R thanked all officials who had organised the concert. Mr. Rees. after receiving the biiton. bowed his acknowledge- ment. THE PERFORMANCE. Miss Hannah Williams in the titic role, performed her part in an admi; able iiiaiiiier, and in a style that sug- gested the true artiste. Her rendering of "'Tis the harp in the air," and "Scenes that are brightest," wero exceptionally well received. Lazarillc. the apprentice, was ably personated by Miss Meudwen Lewis, who in the de- votion shown to Don Caesar was moti. pathetic. Miss Lewis' rendering ci "Alas! those chimes" was very expres- sive. The part of Marchioness de Men- tifiori was taken with credit by Miss H. May Jones. Mr. Dd. Daniel, the popular local tenor did ample justice to the part of Don Caesar do Bazar. Don Caesar was chivalrous to a fault, generous, and always in debt. aii(I generally happy-go-lucky. Mr. Danwl performed the part excellently and hi" bright disposition, even in the face oi death, was well done. His singing oi "Yes! let me like a soldier faIL" wa,v thunderously applauded. Mr Jack Evans did ample justice to^ tLe part c'i Don Jope de Santarem, the villain ol the piece. He sang "This Heart by Woe O'ertaken," and In" liappv moments day by day." in a ni4iiiif- worthy of the applause be received. Mr David Thomas as Captain of tho Guard. Mr W. J. Morgan as the King, and*.1 Mr W. J. Williams4 as the Alcade. deserve high phaise for thei;- able impersonation of their differer.. parts. The orchestra was well blended, and played in a masterly manner. Messre. Evan H. Davies and Ezeekiel Hoj- kins proved an able accompanists. The Chorus was well blended, and "Sing, Pretty Maiden. Sing, "Angelus," and other pieces were exe- cuted in a style that showed that Mr Rees, the musical director s eitorts had not been in vain. The scenes were well laid. and the acting, which was enhanced by the lime light effect, was such that it ft- fleeted great credit upon Mr J. W. I Thomas, B.A.. headmaster, of the I Higher Elementary School, who had the sole charge of the acting in his capacity as stage manager. Indeed, both Mr iHees and Mr Thomas did their work in such a manner that the result would have reflected credit upo" a professional company. Mention must al so be mado M<\ssrs. J. J. Emanuel, iiijd D. A. Lewis .the secretaries, to whose un- tiring efforts much of the success ei th!- concerts was due. They arranged all, flown tw the smallest details, in a•• admirable manner. Tht" whole performance was excel- lent, the costumes being fjuito in kror- ing with the plot, and in the words of Mr Gilbertson, it is to be hoped that a work of a similar nature will 1-e taken in hand very shortly by th v society.