Pioneer

Abercynon Notes. Workmen's Hall Re-opening. The A bercynon Workmen's Hall was re-opened last week. It was. fitting that the first concert held should be one in aid of Mr. Jack Savage, who lias been disabled for a considerable period as a result of -injuries sustained in helping to save the Hall. The programme was a good one, the artistes being: Madam Kate Ellis, Miss Lloyd. Miss Elsie Griffiths, Messrs. Evan Ltayd, Llew Evans. Dd. Morris and Master Beit Wil- liams. Mr. Francis Gibbon's party performed a sketch. Mixed Pickles." Mr. Geo. Livesey was the chairman. I.L.P. The Abercynon Branch of the I.L.P. has com- menced work again. At last Sunday's meeting the following officials were elected for the en- suing three months: Chairman, T. J. Hagest; treasurer. A. A. Davies secretary, J. R. Taylor. Abercynon may be a weak spot in the Aberdai-c Parliamentary Division, bit with a little energy on the pant of I.L.P.ers the town can be made safe for Socialism.

Tonyrefail Notes. I Women's Guild. I Tonyrefail co-operators are forming a women's guild. A iiiec-t-ing called for the purpose of es- tablishing the guild was addressed by M's, Andrews, Tonypandy. Food. A public meeting at Toftyrefail after hearing a report from the Trades and Labour Council delegates, passed a resolution demanding inves- tigation of the food shortage in the district, of the installation of a pooling centre, and 50 per cent, representation for I/abour on the Food Control Committee.

Merthyr Notes I Merthyr Minister Honoured. I To maJrk the completion of 20 years' service as pastor of Zion Welsh Baptist Church. Mer- thyr. the Rev. W. A. Jones was presented by his congregation and friends on Thursday even- ing with a roll-top desk, whilst Mrs. Jones was given a gold wristlet watch. Born at Llwyn- hendi. near Llanelly, the Rev. Mr. Jones was educated at Llangollen College, and came to Merthyr after serving for five years as pastor of Bethania Church, Neath. A member of the Mer- thyr Board of Guardians for the past seventeen years, he also for the past fifteen years has acted as a representative of the Merthyr Town Coun- cil on the Court of Governors of the University of Wales. He is also a musician of considerable repute, and one of his compositions. "Arglwydd Gwrando Fi." was rendered during the presenta- tion meeting. Troedyrhiw Woman's Death. "H.. I 1 -11 I,- I As she was leaving a sliop in the village, urs. Annie Mary Jones, Wyndham-«treet, Troedy- rhiw. slipped, and in endeavouring to protect her child, whom she was nursing, from hurt, struck her head against the door-way as she -fell. The woman died at the Merthyr Infirmary from cerebral hemorrhage. The verdict at the inquest held on Wednesday was Accidental death." Collieries to Be Re-Assessed. I Merthyr Assessment Committee on Saturday decided to obtain a revaluation of the colliery undertakings in the union with the exception of the Dowlais, Cyfarthfa and Plymouth Collieries. Agriculture. I Mr. H. V. Reeves, Goitre Farm. Merthyr, has been appointed by the Merthyr W ar Agricul- tural Committee to a seat on the Advisory Com- mittee of the Live-Stock Commissioner for South Wales. The Late Mr. Daniel Davies. 1 Mr. Daniel Davies, baker and confectioner, Wellington-street, who passed away a.t the be- ginning of last week, and was buried at Oefn Cemetery, was a native of the town and 77 years of age. He founded his business 303 years ago, and actively looked after it until about five years since, when lie was stricken with blindness. The conduct of affairs then more essentially de- volved upon his two sons. Mr. J. T. Davies and Mr. Alfred Davies, who continue the business. IVlr. Davies was pre-deceased by his wife, who died two years ago. Y.M.C.A. Rises to the Occasion. I At a general meeting of the Merthyr Y.M.C.A. on Tuesday night. Mr. T. E. Jones, who pre- sided, pointed out that the Association, well- housed and endowed with great advantages, had not only done good and enjoyable work, but was capable of developing a more comprehensive rota to which end the members were desired to co-operate with the Committee to the fullest possible extent, and to make suggestions. They had already been strengthened by the appoint- ment of Mr. Newman Husband and Mi*. Arthur Evans as joint secretaries, and he thought that more attention might be usefully given to the literary and debating side of the institution. After an excellent speech by Mr. John Howell. Cardiff, who incidentally congratulated the As- sociation upon their magnificent premises, Mr. Frank Higman, Cardiff, fresh from a miners meeting at Rhymney, exhorted them to bring in all the young people of the district, and to prepare now for the return of the boys from the Front. He sketched the leading features of Y.M.C.A. activity in various parts of the world, and said the Triangle was only second in popularity to the Red Cross. British soldiers had much reason to appreciate the beneficient operations of the Y.M.C.A., and in thousands of instances they would be disposed to kdep up the connection when they came home. The in- stitutions should accordingly draw up in readi- ness an interesting programme which would ap- peal to all legitimate tastes. Such a superb op- portunity had not been excelled in the history of the world, and God forgive them if they ne- glected to use it' Cpon the proposition of Dr. C. Biddle, se- conded by Mr. Isaac Edwards, who dilated with discernment and persuaveness upon the general objects in view, a hearty vote of thanks was eccord,ed to the visitors. In an ornate discus- sion, which was interspersed with songs and re- citations. many practical points of interest were enunciated by ML W. Edwards, Mr. Isaac Ed- wards and Mr. T. David and other speakers, and an important extension of the Association's use- I fulness was looked forward to. Merthyr Vale Lads in Trouble. I Summoned at Merthyr on luesday tor causmg damage amounting to 25/- to a seat and glass door at tiie Aberfan Pieturc Palace, two Mer- thyr Yale lads, Charles Warren and William Hughes, were fined £ 3 including damage and costs and 15/- respectively. A summons taken out by Warren against J. T. James, lessee of the cinema, for assault, was dismissed. Dowtais Co-operative Society. I The quarterly meeting of the Dowlais Co-oper- ative Societv was held on Monday, Ald. C. J. Griffiths presiding. The chairman congratulated the members on the splendid position of the Society generally. The sale. for the quarter amounted to £ 39,519 10s. SA-d., an increase of £ 3.142 2s. over the corresponding quarter of last year. The profits for the quarter after pro- viding t245 2s. 4d. for depreciation. £ 260 for interest on Share Capital, tl48 7s. lid. for col- lective Life Assurance, £ 20 3s. for War Allow- ances and all working expenses, amounted to £ 2273 17s. lid., which was disposed of as fol- lows: Dividend to members at Is in the £ £ 1995 Educational Fund, t5: Special De- preciation of Property. ;CIOO; Emei-,gency Fund, £ 153 19s.; and to the Reserve Fund. f:19 12s lid The Share Capital now stands at £ 23493 9s. 3d., an increase of £ 3619 14s.4d. over the correspond- ing: period. There were eight candidates for the three seats on the Committee, and after a close contest Messrs. E. H. Morgans. W. J. Davies and Joseph Jones were elected to serve for the ensuing twelve jnonths. The following donations were unanimously agreed to: Deaf and Dumb Institution. 10s. 6d. N.S.P.C.C., 21s. British Red Cross, £ 2 2s. Minnie Pit explosion. £ 5 5s. British Ambulance Committee, £ 2 2s., and the Royal National Lifeboat Institiition., t2 2s. I.L.P. Weekly Debates. I The Rev. J. -if. Jones kept his promise at the I.L.P. on Tuesday night by delivering a most interesting address on his conception of the policy of non-resistance. The paper ,vas a sequel to. and in some aspects a reply to Mr. John Barr's previous week's condemnation of the non- reslster's attitude. The consequence was a fairly lively discussion, but it is regretthle that the younger nieiiil)et-s--tliose whom it was hoped these weekly discussions would eneoitrage-t-o make themselves heard in the meetings—have so far adopted the attitude of interested listeners. Economic Classes Presentation. On Friday night the Merthyr I.L.P. social science classes will close their winter session by presentations to the teachers, Mr. Ted Williams (Economics) and Mr. Mark Starr (Industrial His- tory). It is hoped that the attendance will be full. The joint classes meet on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. (at Bentley's) for the purpose of de- ciding on a summer course of action. A Generous Gift. The Secretary of the Merthyr General Hospi-1 tal beg to asknowledge having received from the executors of the late Major H. H. Sou they the sum of £ 10 bequeathed by him to the funds of the hospital free of legacy duty. 1

Briton Ferry Notes. Peace Meeting. Organised in connection with Jerusalem Bap- tist Church a peace meeting at Briton .Ferry was addressed 011 Thursday by Mrs. Beatrice Brooke, who spoke on "Christian Revolution. Mrs. Powell presided.

Pontycymmer Notes. Leicester Conference Delegate. Mr. J. M organ Owen has been selected I.L.P. delegate for Pontycymmer to the Leicester Con- ference. I.L.P. The Garw Branch of the I.L.P. is making splendid progress in membership. A male voice choir has been formed and "practices" are fixed for Sunday afternoons at the Workmen's In- stitute.

Kenfig Hill Notes Miss Pallister at Kenfig Hill. Miss Pallister spoke to a large audience on Sunday, at the Workmefis' Institute. At the outset of her speech she thanked those present for their attendance, remarking that it being such beautiful weather, some of them had per- haps sacrificed a trip to Porthcawl in order to be at that meeting. Miss Pallister sta-rt-ed off by exposing some of the fallacies expounded by the ?I!p service brigade." If we did not nght the Germans we should lose .aU freedom, free- dom of speech, press, thought, and get police interference but we also got all this by fighting them. People like Carson, OUTzon and Rhondda? .oin in the cry "nght for freedom," but where were they when the working-class fought for freedom at home, certainly not on our side. We were glad to see a large number of ladies pre- sent, who seemed to thoroughly appreciate Miss Pallister's speech. Comrade T. Mitchell pre- sided. Comb-Out Ballot. All the local colliery workmen are evidently awakening to the fact that the war has already lasted too long. The lodges at Aber- baiden, Ton-Phillip and C'ribbwr all returned substantial majorities against the both questions on the ballot paper. What is most needed now is "a Man," not a lip-serving prater, but a man who will face ridicule if necessary, and discover what the men want, and discovering give a lead. Most of our leaders have become too dam" respectable since the war, possibly through rub- bing shoulders with many of the upper ten in their multitudinous attendances on commit- tees and what nots of National import- ance." One feels of late that the leaders and men seem to be drifting apart, and that it will take some upheaval to either bring them to- gether, or separate them. There is no doubt we are on the verge of that upheaval, and if it comes, then let us hope we face the consequence? together leaders and men alike.

Canteens for School Children FOOD CONTROL BURKES MERTHYR SCHEME. A WORKABLE ALTERNATIVE. The effect of food rationing restrictions upon canteens for school-children was discussed by the Merthyr Education Authority on Wednesday. There was a recommendation from a special sub-committee to establish at the Gellifaelogj Old Schools for the Dowlais and Penydarren dis- tricts a canteen and a similar institution for the Mount Pleasant district with a charge of 1/- per child per week for five mid-day meals. After a long communication had been read from the Boar d of Education as to a conference with the Ministry of Food in connection with the establishment of food kitchens, Mr. H. M. Lloyd pointed out that in this circular letter it was stated that poverty did not exist generally throughout the country, and for that reason the provision of meals should be confined to children improperly and inadequately fed or neglected, and the charge should come directly upon their pa rente. Accordingly he advocated, on the lines indicated in the Board of Education memoran- dum, that experiments should be made. But no loss should be entailed upon the ratepayers by having to bear the burden of the cost of the meals. If a lack of means were apparent or the time one of industrial depression, of course, he certainly would favour the expense being charge- able to the rates. He suggested an amendment that the weekly charge for meals per child should be "1/ or the cost thereof." Mr. -F. A. Phillips drew attention to the fact that the amount stipulated was only tentative and could be amended after the first few weeks' working of the scheme if the cost proved greater. Dr. Alexander Duncan (Medical Officer of Health) said that, the original proposal to pro- vide meals for school children generally could not be effected now. It was only permissable consequently to do what had already been done at the Brecon-road Canteen in the provision of meals under the Education Act. Mi. A. Wilson was of the opinion that there was no reason why in Merthyr and Dowlais pub- lic kitchens might not he created, and lie would be glad to move that steps for the institution of such kitchens should be taken. Director of Education If you are discussing the question of national kitchens, it should be referred to the Town Council and not to the Education Committee. Mr. W. T. G. Marsh: It is a matter for the Food Control Committee. The Director of Education said that if the authority proceeded on the lines followed during the past few years in feeding children of poor physique and ill-nourished to improve their ability to take advantage of educational facili- ties the committee would be perfectly within their right. But that mark they could not over- step. The question thus was whether they would open at the places suggested canteens like that in Brecon-road. Mr. L. M. Francis stated that the proposals of the Sub-Committee were a result of repre- sentations made by teachers in the various locali- ties. There would be no difficulty at all in open- ing another canteen and detailing a cookery mis- tress pro tern to obtain the necessary supplies of foodstuffs. Later someone to take charge of the kitchen could be appointed. Large numbers of children in Dowlais and Penydarren were not properly fed. The Direct u ucation The scheme we put forward 1,. I>J approved of before we can secure necessary priority certificates to obtain the food-stuffs. I suggest we should refer it back to the sub-committee. A point having an important bearing upon the whole matter, (con- tinued Mr. Elias) was that they were not going to feed these children without being compelled to make use of the weekly meat tickets granted the families affected, or a portion of them. That, to his mind, would be a very serious diffi- culty because parents then might object, there being less for distribution at home. Mr. Marsh asked if the recent returns as to lack of nourishment apparent amongst Dowlais children were made before the coming of ration- ing. Director Yes. Mr. Marsh: Is the same thing happening in Dowlais to-day ? Director: it has changed for the better. I should not like to say to what extent. Eveneually it was decided to refer the matter back to the sub-committee to consider the ad- visability of establishing the suggested canteens in accordance with the provisions of the Educa- tion Acts.

A NEW W.E.A. PAMPHLET. I ["The Choice Before the Nation." Price 2d., published by The Workers' Educational As- sociation, 14 Red Lion Square, Holborn, London, W.C.I.] The latest pamphlet of the W.E.A. should be read by Trade Unionists, Co-operators and all others who are interested in social and education questions. It is opportune: the next few months will decide the fate of the first great re- construction measure to come before Parliament, the Education Bill. The reception accorded to this measure will indicate the policy to be fol- lowed in all the great measures towards the making of the future. We are at the parting of the ways. This pamphlet does not claim to paint the ideal. It takes the views of Labour as declared by the\ Trade Union Congress, the Labour Party Conference and numerous representative confer- ences held all over England, measures the Edu- cation Bill against these and enumerates the amendments necessary to bring the Bill within reasonable distance of Labour's programme. The need for this programme is argued with great force. We confidently hope that every reader of "this paper will get a copy of the pamphlet and arm himself in defence of the rising generation.

MERTHYR'S ART TREASURES. At the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum, Merthyr. Mr. Dan Radeliffe, J.P., Cardiff, High Sheriff! for Glamorgan, unveiled, as donor. "Sunlight! and Sea," a seascape by -Julitis Olls,;on, I Alluding to the proposal to btilld a new wing to I the present, building, he promised to present a further picture to the Corporation and to assist in the financial aspect of the erection. Mr. F. T. James (Chairman of the Museum Committee) unveiled a study of country life, Afternoon in the Norfolk Meadows, by Algernon Ta-lmage, R.B.A., the gift of the Mayor (Alderman N. F. 1 Hankey, J.P.), and referred to the beque?t& of objects of art and curiosities bv the late Major H. H. W. Southey, Merthyr. Mr. W. T. G. Mat s'h, who proposed a vote of thanks to the donors, said that shortly a statue of Tre vet hick, presented by Lord Rhondda, and a fountain, the gift of Colonel J. J. Jones, J.P., Cefn 0000, would be added to the town's treasures.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + GREAT ——— + t I.L.P. DEMONSTRATION. t t: PAVILION, MOUNTAIN ASH t: Sunday, April 7th, 1918. + + — — + Speaker: MR. T ? J. R. Macdonald, M p | J R M ac do na Idm,ps ++ Cairman: JAMES WINSTONE, S.W.M.F. + ADMISSION BY SILVER COLLECTION + T DOORS OPEN AT 1.30 P.M.; COMMENCE AT 2.15. + +++++++++++ + +++++++++ Scotch Seed Potatoes IMMUNE VARIETIES. SECOND EARLY Sutton's Abundance. 20th Century. Great Scot. LATE OR MAIN CROP Golden Wonder. What's Wanted. Langworthy's. King George. SECURE   SECURE SS DOWLAIS CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY DOWLAIS. No. i Branch-STATION TERRACE. BEDLINOG. No. 2 Branch-HIGH. STREET, PENYDARREN. No- 3 Branch—PANTSCALLOG, DOWLAIS. n No. 4 Branch-HIGH STREET, CAE HARRIS. —

A CORRECTION. I TO THE EDITOR. I Sir,—In the Tonyrefail Notes of your issue of I the 9th inst., it is stated that a Local Manage- ment Committee for the Tonyrefail Branch of the Penygraig Oo-operative Society had been formed. We beg to point out that this statement is incerrect. What has been done is that a Vigil- ance Committee has been formed for the pur- pose of seeing that the Local Branch obtains equal supplies with the other private traders in the district. The sole management of the Society is vested in the General Management Committee, which is representative of all the branches. pp. The General Committee, M. L. THOMAS, Secretary.

IF IN DOUBT-WRITE. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The Regulations governing the adminis- tration of the various jtfilitary Service Acts have now been consolidated and revised. The Advice Department of the National Council for Civil Liljerties is in a position to inform by letter or interview men affected of the changes, if any, in their position. Those who are in any doubt should apply at once, as in some cases delay involves loss of privileges.—Yours faithfully. B. N. LANGDON-DAVIES, Secretary.

Twenty Shillings a Week I MERTHYR MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES WAGES AWARD. The •Committee on Production's award on the wages dispute between the Merthyr Corporation and their workmen belonging to the Municipal Employees Association was received on Monday. It will be recollected that the workers' de- mands were, after a few days' strike, referred to arbitration, and when the case was before the Committee on Production their claim was amended from 16. to P-I- a week above pre-war wages. The terms of the award are: Men, aged IS years and over, are granted as from the begin- ning of the first full pay following February 26, 1918, an advance of 20/- above pre-war rates, all previous war-wages or war bonuses granted since the outbreak of war being merged in this increase. The position of men not able-bodied must be considered by the Corporation having regard to the advance given able-bodied men. Female employees, over 18 years of age, who are  employed full time shall receive 2/- per full ordinary week as from the first full pay in January, 1918. The amounts awarded are to be taken into account in the calculation of pay- ment of overtime, and are to be regarded as war-advances intended to assist in meeting the increased cost of living. The committee makes no order in respect Qf women not in full time employment.

The Electric Theatre No better work has been done-in the romantic vein of picture plays than in the dramatisation, of those old sweet songs, that delight us as t-hev delighted our mothers. One recalls "Sally in our Ally." and others with warm feelings, and equally promising is the new release that will top the Electitic bill for the first half of next week, Love's Old Sweet Song." This picturi sation of one of the most charming of tin favourite ballads of the English tongue, has given us a plioto-play that is outstanding in its appeal to all classes. The caste has been strongly selected and the work has been staged with a grace that is refreshing. In addition there is a strong selection of comedies and topicals, whilst the chapter from "Gloria's Romance" is one of the most exciting that this super-serial has given, and Bairnsfather's Cartoons continue to prove a. most attractive feature. The Crimson Dove," is the big feature for the end of the week, and Gaumont, who issue it. claim that it. is the biggest thing they haw handled so far. The big character is taken by that cinema-star-Carlvle Black. "Her Darin- Caring Ways," is a Gunwnt comedy of super- lative laughter-provoking merit. The Grey Ghost" instalment contains particularly thrill- ing episodes with plenty of scope for the popula r Eddie Polo's physical "stunts." B ig houses have been the rule the latter end of this week. Molly Bawn," in which the most famous of the British Cinema stars. Alma Taylor, Stewart Rome and Violet Hopson are featured, getting the crowd every time. The comedy element is topped by Risks and Rough' Necks," a screamingly funny farce, whilst sup- porting these features is an excellent programmf of subsidiary drama, news, travel, and educa- tional films.

Result of M.F.G.B. Ballot. SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY AGAINST COMB-OUT. The result' of the haUor for the whol- M.F.G.B. area was: Question No. 1. For 219.311 Against 248,865 Majority Against 29,554 Question No. 2. For 189,997 Agamst 176.531 Majority for 13,466 Printed and published by the National Labour Press, Ltd., at the Labour Pioneer Press, Williams Square, Merthyr Tydfil, SATURDAY, MARCH 23rd, 191S.