Pioneer

Merthyr Notes Labour Day. I>oivJais {'o-operat-ive Society arc granting their employees a holiday on May 1. on occa- sion of the Labour demonstration at Merthyr. Found Dead. Isaac Kynon, aged 60, of Howell-xtrcet..Mer- thyr, was found dead under a journey of train-, at Graig Pit. Abercanaid, on Tuesday night. Headteachers' Transfers. On the motion of Alderman E. Williams. Mer- thyr Education Authority on Wednesday amend- ed the ruie probi biting headteachers being trans- ferred from one school to another within five years of the d1Íttt., pf their existing appointments to a Jim it of two years. Mining. Mr. I). R. Hill. Treli arris, was appointed on .1, 44 1 CPII Wednesday tull-time mining lecturer nnder the Merthyr Education .Authority. i Police and Tirphil Club. Merthyr Stipendiary (Mr. I?. A. Griffith) was asked on Friday to strike off the register the Tirphil Workirignien's Constitutional blub, the police allegations being that- the club was not conducted in good faith that illegal sales of in- toxicating liquor had ta ken ]>Jace on the pre- TiVfce*, 4Ji<] {but thv supply of intoxicants to the club was not under the control Vt the committee. Evidence was given by I'oliee-SuperinifMidenT Williams that of id. taken ar the flub for refreshments between August nth. 1917, and February 17LIt bust, the major portion was for intoxicants, as the bwks s howed that. £ 871 2s. tkl. had I»een paid to breWOrs. Lieut.- t'ol. Lindsay. Ystrad M.vnacli, one time l>monist candidate tor the East Glamorgan Par- liamentary division, giving evidence for the de- fence, said clitt the club was absolutely lw>na- fide. and during the time he was associawd with the district was properly conducted. The hear- ing, after a the hours' victing. was adjourned for two weeks. Miners' Sub-Agent. Mr. Evan Evans, Penydarren. was re-elected sub-agent tor the DowJnis miners when his name and that of Aid. Charles Griffiths were .submitted to a ballot. Treharris Doctor's Death. Dr. Edward Graeme Martin, of I'he Croft, Tl'ehan', was found dead in bed on Kunday morning. Although he had not been well f?' some time, lie had attended to hit; patients as usual on Saturday. Aged lie was a son -of Mr. H. W. Ma rtin, formerly general-manager of.the Dowla is Works, and a Dr. W. W. Leigh. Treharris, with whom he was associated professionally. I Socialism and Drink Traffic. State purchase of the drink trade was advo- cated at meetings held at Merthyr on Monday as the most pmtnosing policy for the temperance movement and a fair and "equitable basis for dealing with the brewing interests. Professor Joseph Jones. Brecon. :-aid that objections to state purcha.se as a measure of Socialism or com- promise were merely bugbears. Given the larger measure of state ppurcbase local option would become possible, and under iocal option some. Welsh counties like Merioneth. Anglesey and Pembroke would soon become dry." Mr. Peter Wright, Newport, sa.id that- brewers, represented in every coi-poration and in every town and city in the country, were the greatest of the "political forces, and ruled the roost. State purchase would make public-houses more cleanly and purer than to-day when they were incubators of crime. Representation of the People. Mr. T. 1. Mardy Jones, the political organiser to the S.W.M.b' has been secured to address the Trades and Lalxiur Party on Thursday, April 24th, on the subject of "The People" Franchise: An exftosition of the moaning and scope of the new Representation of the People Bill," upon which subject- Mr. Jones is one of the best informed iticii in South Wales. The meeting, which will be held in Rentley's, is of tremendous importance, especially to the women who will now be placed on the Register; and it is desired that all interested should make a point of being present. Theosophical Society. Mr. Loftus Hare (director of studies in reli- gion and philosophy to the Theosophical Society^ who is making a tour of South Wales in a series of interesting and instructive lecture*, will de- lirer a free public lecture at the Trevethick Hall, Merthyr, on Saturday next. at .7.30 p.m., on The Ethics of the Sermon on the Mount." Mr. Hare is one of the most authoritative and best informed lecturers of the Soeipih, and all who are interested are heartily invited to attend.

Blaina Notes I.L.P. MEETINGS. Two fine public meetings were held in the Gym on Sunday last, in the afternoon; Tho speaker was Ex.-Lieut. Gouhling, of Leicester, who spoke on Our British Prussians." In the evening Ex.-Gunner Mannion, of Warrington, spoke on A Soldier's View." Both spea kers were in fine form, and the audiences were de- lighted. Both men had seen active .service in France, and both had len wounded several times. At both meetings the following resolu- tion was unanimously passed "That this meet- ing of Blaina citizens emphatically protest against the imprisonment of Kx-Pte. C. J. Simmons, and calls upon His Majesty's Govern- ment to instantly release him unconditionally."

Abercynon Notes Ynysybwl Co-operative Society. The above society held their quarterly meet- ings last week. In every department progress was reported. Owing to the late President having resigned on accepting the Food Inspectorship tinder the Mountain Ash Food Control Commit- tee, an interesting contest took place for the position, Guardian W. C. Dyer. Abercynon, "being the successful candidate, the voting being as follows: Guardian W. C. Dyer, •507; Atr. G. Htarse, Coedpenmaen, 62; Mr. 1). Smith, Yny- sybwl, l; Mr. A. -Seymour, Cilfynydd, 32; Mr. E. Ambrose, Abercynon, 12. We fed sure that ere long Mr. Dyer will make his presence felt In his new position. I.L.P. Abercynon Branch. Last Sunday Afternoon the a bove branch held its branch meeting, and a goodly number nt- tended. Arrangements were made for some public- meetings during; the summer months, and we are looking forward to big things in the near future. We have now 38 on our books, and I hear that some more intend joining at our next meeting, which is to be held a week next Sun- day. Now, all rally together, attend every branch meeting for every little helps towards the making of a good, strong branch.

Pontypridd Notes. An Apostle of Peace. T. I. Mardy Jones proved a big draw at the Pontypridd 1. L.P. last- Sunday when he dealt with the life-work of that distinguished Welsh pacifist of a century ago—the Rev. Dr. Price, whose exposition of the idea of the League of Nation^ seemed quite modern as told by the lec- turer. The May Writ Withdrawn. At a mass meeting of miners held at Ponty- pridd over the week-end it was announced that through the good offices of the chairman. Alder- man E. H. Fleming, the action for slander and libel taken by County Councillor William Evansj J.P. (head oi the firm of Messrs. Thoma" and Evans. Porth and Pontvpridd). had been with- | dr awn. A writ had been issued at the instance of Councillor William Evans in respect of ('N- tan) n.)t??d sini?ment? tnadc at :) masM meeting by Mr. W. H. May, a w?I-kuown local SfM-mi- ist and miners' leader. As the result of Alder- man Fleming's initiative a .round-table confer- ence of the parties was held on Saturday night, and at yesterday's meeting Mr. W. H. May un- reservedly withdrew the statements complained of. and apologised to Councillor William Evans. Councillor Evans, who attended the meeting ami v. as loudly applauded, declared the incident as definitely closed.

Briton Ferry Notes Obituary. Death has been rather busy this past week and some notable ]>eisonage:s hate passed away, namely, the Rev. Samlet Williams (O.M.), Mr. WDI. Aubrey (newsagent), and Mrs. Vigors. Dunnico at the Ferry. Rev. Herbert Dunnico visited Jerusalem Bap- tist Church on Sunday and Monday, officiating at its half-yearly .services. On Sunday evening, to a crowd that occupied evwy available space, lie spoke on The man who was afraid." We were reminded that the mOll who earned the censure of Christ was not so much the man who did wrong, but the man who did nothing. He told us that the devils of old said, Let us alone." And to-day, we had men who were prei>arod to patronise the Church, build new organs and grace its pews with their presence as long as ive let them alone as far as tracing and ex [losing their > illgotten gains were con- cerned. The Rev. Thos..Morgan (Skewon) preached on Sunday afternoon on the "Golden Rule."

Ogmore Valley Notes I.L.P. Progress. When at Christmas-tide our late Comrade Fxl. Edwards passed into "the great beyond," our hearts were heavy as we realized the loss of his Iwmndless energy. But his work and spirit have fallen like a legacy on the remaining members of the I.L.P. During the last three months en- thusiastic meetings have lieen held at Nanty- moel and Ognnore Vale, with new members evory time. From ai, the membership has increased to 84. Wins torn1, Maxwell, and Miss Pallkrter have given TIK a splendid lift along the way. May they soon visit us again. Arrangements are. well in hand for the summer campaign, open- air and indoor meetings. We have a splendiii prospect before us, but have a difficulty in get- ting speakers. Any speaker in this district with vacant, dates ill he heartily welcomed by our sec rotary, Jiiii Davie*. So onr appeal to all is Lend a hand."

LITERARY. UNITARIAN PAMPHLETS on The Bible," "Heaven," and Hell," given post free. —Miss BARMBY, Mount Pleasant, Sidmouth.

I The Visit of Soermus. THE MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR. It is pleasa-nt to leant that the visit of Soennus to the on Tuesday next is exacting an in- terest such as it seemed improbable that any violinist could do in Merthyr. The tickets have sold like hot cakes," and the visit of the Russian revolutionary musician is the talk of circles that have not hitherto been re- garded as musical in the exclusive manner we have come to regard that circle here. Seermus will stimulate music in our midst as April showers and mellow sunshine stimulate plant germination, or he will have reversed an effect that- he has invariably produced in Germany, Frame/Italy, and in his own unhappy country. Scermtis' connection with Democracy seems to some people who are looking eagerly forward to his visit to be something unusual; whereas, as a matter of 1 istoric fact, he merely follows the line of most of our gi-eat artistes,—what was Shelly but a Democrat- of the Democrats; when has Whitman been eclipsed do our friends forget that Oscar Wilde was the author of" The Soul of Man Under Socialism"; that William .Morris and Walter Crane were not too proud to "soap-box" for Soeia lis, JI And so one could go on spinning out the list that would include the very cream of the world's Art. Scennus' temperament could but ma ke him a Socialist once he had understood Socialism. That. he does understand it will be apparent to all who secure the program me for the selections from Lassalles' beautiful period s tbilt he has chosen to bring the music of Bach into the medium of print, is not only good poetry, but sound ethics; comnion- wen.se: and solid economic truth. It has been salrT of Sn*rnui.s that his instrument is not the violin Inlt th, humftn heart and emotions. Well might the J.L.P. be proud of the good fortune in offering to the town such an artiste! The interlude numbers will also reach a high f scale of art, for the Penywern Choir lias kindly offered it.s ^rvu-es; and we know from its past performances amongst us as well as the praise that Bantook himself bestowed upon it, and the successes that have ljoen scored bv the Pnrtv tb rough-out the concerts and eisteddfodau at which they have appeared that the choir repre- sent. as high a mark in Welsh art. as does Sormtis himself in the universal art of his in- strument.

400 Colliery Workers under Notice. MERTHYR MEN DECIDE TO APPROACH COAL CONTROLLER. Alwiut -K.'O workmen, mostly wage-ipen at Messrs. Hills-Plymouth Collieries, this week re- ceived notices to terminate their employment. The workmen are naturally concerned in the course of events, and a district meeting of the representatives of the pits affected wa.s held on Wednesday night, and attended by the Miners' A?cnt (Mr. No? Abktt'). Lo- N?-alt A s.tron d?mt?ilion was <)p?iaM'<! to wa it upon the Executive of the South WaJes Miners' Federation at Cardiff with a view of the Coal Controller being approached in the matter.

The Fear of The Policeman WALTER LEWIS' ATTACK ON UNOFFICIAL REFORM COMMITTEE. It 1, apparently becoming the fashion in Exe- cutive circles of the S.W.M.F. to use the oppor- tunities that present themselves for the puiposc of tilting at the C-nofficial Ueform Committee, Last week we published the somewhat artistic rhetoric that must have amused the Maesteg District, and now we have Mr. Walter Lewis, J. P., agent to the Rhymney Valley District, riding the same hobby-horse at a mass meeting of his district. We can understand straight criticism and appreciate the fact that an Executive Com- mittee cannot regard with favour the activities of an unofficial counterpart to itself, hut we do not think that there is any s hadow of justifica- tion for Mr. Lewis' statement that he was some- what surprised to find that the supposed heroes of the I nofficial Brigade fou nd it necessary to make it known that they had no quarrel with the Government, but with the Executive Coun- 4 1 cil. In li Is opinion the reason they had no quar- re l with the Government was because the Gov- ernment had power to send a policeman after them, and the i-eason they had a quarrel with the Executive was because the Executive had nu such power. CHOOSE YE WHICH. I In my opinion," continued Mr. Lewis, it is full time for the lodges of the Federation to n'alw some of thl'+it.. unofficial officials -under- stand dearly that they must cho<o whether they wiH be Ofti(,iHls or unofficial* of lodges and districts, that they cannot lie both, and that it is absurd for them to maintain both." The agent reported that it was proposed to send (-all- ing-lip papers for medical examination to about 1,000 men in the district. Steps would be taken immediately to give pronation in eases of hard- ship arising out of domestic and other circum- stances. The medical examination for men working on the Monmouthshire side of the valley would take place at Tredegar on the 18th inst., -c, a. t on the IStJi ins?., and that of men working on the Glamorgan side of the vallep at Bargoed on the 17th inst. It was reported that a settlement had been ar- rived at w,ith regard to the price list of the Polka t-ipam at the Britannia Colliery, Pengam, a.nd that the workmen had authorised the agents to accept the terms which, as the seam is worked upon the conveyor system, is lxased uipon the yard aad not upon the tonnage. Reporting on non-I'monism, the agent (Mr. Walter Lewis, .J, P.) said he found there were certain men about the collieries who shirked payment to the M K<■deration on the pretence that they were members of other Trade Unions. His re- ply to that was that if they were members of other Unions those Unions wen1 poaching on their preserves, and the matter would have to hü dealt with effectivelv.

John McLean Arrested ALLEGED BOLSHEVIST PROPAGANDA IN GLASGOW. John McLean, Bolshevist Consul in Glasgow, was arrested on Monday under the Defence of the Realm Act. It is alleged that he carried on Bolshevist propaganda in Gla&gow, Lanarkshire, and Fi fcHhire, by declaring that the workers should take charge of food stores, banks, post- offices, newspaper offices, municipal buildings in •Gl««gmv, and ships on the Clyde, and that they should seize police offices and hold the Lord Pro- vost a.nd others as hostages for the safety of a Revolutionary Committee. He is also alleged to have said that unless the Government followed the example of the R.ussian Revolutionists work- men should down tools, and the farmers who failed to produce Vood for workers shoidd have their farms burned. He was committed for trial.

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Railwaymen & War-Wage Agreementi T. C. MORRIS (E.C. Member, N.U.R.). Th. war wage entered into 'between the repre- sentative's of the Railway Companies and the National Union of Railwaymen in November last contained a provision, that it shall remain in operation until March Hist, 1918. which shall then be subject to revision, only, if there shall have been a considerable alteration in the cost of living, a,s shown by the Board of Trade re- turns. The period of the agreement bas expired, and in accordance with the demands of the members of our Union, negotiations have been opened up with the Companies. COST OF LIVING. The truce agreement entered into Iretween tlfc representative's of the Union and the R-ailway Companies at the commencement of the war de- bars any alteration in conditions of service on either one .-ude or the other. The war bonus which was first conceded and subsequently, con- verted into war wage was only granted t.(t, meet the increased exist of living. This form of re- cognition of the claims of the men for altered wage conditions, whilst meeting somewhat the position, kept the agreement referred to intact. Therefore, all tlie negotiations in connection therewith has simply concerned itself with the changing conditions arising out of the cwt of living. The Railway Companies in this matter have only acted as negotiators on behalf or the Government. In October last. when comnmnifaiioiit- were open<>d up with the Companies for an increase at that time, the cost of livirig according to the Hoard of Trade figures showed '7 I-Vi- cent., which, when compared with the present figures, shows an increase of 10 per cent., the present figures being 107 per c?nt. It is tru<? to sayj that to argue upon those figures would often-j thnt?s—so far as raHwaymen are concerned— prove that we had no case, as the Com]>anies have £ oo often told us. Rather have we argued np«n the broa d ?'?"nds of the artificial increase caused by the higher rates of pa? ?njoyt'd in contemporary industries, which naturally reacts IIpon lower-paid industries. This is largely true so far as it effects raiwaymen. and was notice- ab]'p even prior to the war, and certainly very markedly since. On the other hand, it has had its effect indirectly in the direction of what one must regard as maintenance charge* The longer the war continues the more aggravated this aspect must- become, viz.: Whilst wo may have had at ordinary times two or three suits a year, we have now to do with one, a,ind probably without. This also effects the wives and chil- dren. Hence our case rests upon other consider- ations than that of merely official tigures. j j 12% DEMAND OR FLAT RATE. 112" DEMf'NO OR FLAT RATE, Tht- history of the 12 per cent. if. I think, weon to extend it to all the other employees. In tbLs connedion bi? has to be remem bered that whilst advocating the raising of the bottom dog, we s hould, by seeking to extend the policy of the 12 JK-T cent- oenefit the higher paid man, and would widen the chasm between the two. The Committee de- cided to refuse to adopt such a course, prefer- ring to secure a flat rate under which all would enjoy- the same rate of payment. Meetings have been held with the Companies, who. as I have already pointed out, are custodians on behalf of the Government. Whilst no promise hafi been given beyond an assurance from them that the position as laid before them would be reported to the Government, I am not without hope that beIwficial results will accrue, because the con- ceding of the 12 per cent. to one BeeÛon of the railway service will naturally create dissaffec- tion, and this. I believe, will not be lost sight- of by the Companies. GOVERNMENT CONTROL. H must be ohsen-?j that the Ruilwa*v4s at th? pr?<-nt moment arc s?ni?ontr?k'd bv\? (? .-rnm?t, whK.h w?-e-by 0??- in C?un?J in August, 1914 ?ued under S??u 16 of the R?u a.t.un of the F?rc.? Act, 1871-" nation- V ,o far as ??.ro! and .supreme admin is- ttiawt^ jon are c<m<?n<.d. The stimulus of pj-^t  .nd con?.tition which  tihf' way s  te coin|)etition which .animated the Pa hv^' v 'S'\ f prior to the war was eliminated ?? tli k ,m lat 5.'° ComPonies reived a guar antee ?.?, the Government tJ?t. based upon ?S?' ?'h-?" ?? m:t< dividends woX IK- iiiet. b the -Na;tio?al I?h<-qn?. It has been said IIIat if thp Contpan ? w?? caUpd   pay the amoun.t of war "ranted to the n?en, tha.t it. wipe out Hw whole of the ordinan .Shx-k invested Tn X railways. At the sa.m'ë time it is wdl t.o !'l'ln f'lIl Ix' r dp "ta tt.'llIellt of }lr. BOn¿H La\ wli?t?ii in the House of 001ll1110ns on December 14th. 1!)16. when he said TI)a,t. the arran?ment had b?n a ?rxxi ?r; ga.in for the State. Though eonditions had t-hauK? by the gmut of a war bonus to th i-itiliN?l? empl? oyees, I ha.? every reason ? be- lil:'H', in "pi tt' of '?- ??' will be no financial "??' \"??t ?pioh ba? bjy .?jne gain." h Tiu.s I think. d?uMi?-a?. ? far as the, oost of war is t,hiiit, through  a saving has Ik?en c .11 1-t,- liiitnii? xl as it is by the. !.?=.r -A) per cent increase in passenger fan's. which as Mr. H?.,r Law .stat? has b(,en? a good financial deal. TRIPLE ALLIANCE. At a recent meeung of the Triple Alliapet, questions relating- to income tax. food .supply food prices, children, and soldieiV and sailoi-s pensions Wt're discussed. The first item created a Keen discussion. Our friend Barker moved the resolution opposing income tax heing levied uimn incomes of £ 200 per year and under, this beinp m purchasing power sllostantially ÎJelow the £160 basis in op^-a.tion before the war, and sug- gesting that a more profitable field of revenue oould be found .ill toll. progressively increasitigi ineoml"S of ^u> r«.h. I{.ailwavm<.u like the- miner" and other workers feel the unfair inci- c Lnf f' p* taxation. So far as railway-men are e eeted, the unfairness ajxart from the general; principle is felt, that owing to the depletion of staff they are called upon to work a great deal, of overtime, which. as a. result, brings them un- der the income tax. They are being penalised for what must be regarded as rendering service* to the nation, ami therefore find that they are hit both ways. The Triple Allronoe are seeking, an interview with the Government to lav this, mattej before them, as well as the other oues- tions mentioned with a view of securing a re- adjustment.

The Electric Theatre The beautiful picturisation of Guy 13-oothkvljj, most famous novel, "DJ". Nikola," presented at the opening of this week at the Merthyr Elec- tric Theatre, drew crowded houses nightly, as well it should, for long though the list of big. releases of late marked to the credit of this, popular picture-house is, the "Nikola" film is without doubt at its h'ad. There is perhaps no o?h?r screen actress with the charm and dainti- ness of Marguerite Clark, and with her delight- ful interpretation of the Valentine Girl," tbc- star-feature from Thursday onwards, sh e un- questionably captivates the audiences and inci- dentally adds to her host*? 9f admirers. Next Monday "Gloria." a big-reel' film, tops. a record bill, and supporting it are a "Billy West" farce, Doughnuts," the usual serial* feature, Pathe's Gazette, and a galaxy of the latest star pictures. A splendid five-part drama with a Strip. F ather," will be screened on Thursday, when- also that popular serial, "The Grey Gliost, comes to an all too premature close. The comedy element will be presented bA. tlte inimitable Fatty and Mabel, the two players who from the earliest days of the Keystone comedies have done so much joyous fooling that, has to a very large extent been responsible for the success of that famous firm's farce-pictures. They are cast for a ootiple of "simple-lifers. Printed and Published by the National labotir- Press, Ltd., at t-lie Labotir Pioneer Press,. Williams' Square, Merthyr TydfiJ, SATURDAY, APHIL 20tb, 1918.