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m T Trades Union Congress. I t IF we are to look for the lesson of Trade Union Congress we should be inclined to conduct our search not upon the uplands of inspiration and aspiration, but in the commonplace valley of the average. It is not from Trades Congress that we look for the system-breaking. Cosmos-making policies and philosophies; but we do essentially look to Trades Congress and its constituency for the dynamic that is to give effective reality to those policies, and it is in its general psycholo- great effect here that the element of truth inher- ent in those philosophies is to be winnowed from .the chaff. The permeation of ideas and ideals of action is more accurately expressed in the Congress than in any other piece of the ma- chinery of Social Democracy. What ideas have expressed themselves this Jubilee year at Derby., Broadly Congress has given to -the world the verdict of the working class, of this country upon Peace by Negotiation; and that verdict is favourable—peace by negotiation is endorsed as the policy of the masses in Britain, and its corollary the meeting of t4ie International has been accepted as a desirable next step; even though that last is said somewhat haltingly and with reservations as to the limitation to ''con- versation and" unanimity" that might sound irksome to the more thoroughgoing politician. The applause that rang round the Co-operative Hall as an Amen to Mr. Ogdeivs "God Speed the International," must be heard in the silence that accompanied the tirade of Hughes on the same subject a couple of hours later to be un- derstood in its real expressiveness. In effect those two incidents mark off clearly -,Nqiere Bri- tish trades unionism stands. It has been taught that the Pacifists are anti-British, and while it may be perfectly prepaid to applaud the speaker who tells it so, still it plods steadily along the path the Pacifist has made. It may decry the I.L. P. and the Ramsay Macdonald of the moment because it has been told to; but underneath its passing expressions—in its ac- tions is the common sense that the I.L.P. has de- clared and that Macdonald has most expressed in word and policy. It sees the road through a mist, and though apparently brighter pictures, easier understood sophistries, and appeals that go straight to the national prejudice may be laid before it; it resolutely refuses to follow the will-o'-the-wisp, and plods steadily along the road it believes to be right. However much the plodding pace may annoy the fleeter-limbed, still the general sanity and purpose is not to be ignored, and here Trades Congress more than anywhere else is a monument of the essential level-headedness of the British democracy. So, too, in its determination to preserve its present machinery and associations. It* refuses not only to give up its International ideas, but it posi- tively rejects with determination the proposals of those who would spcciously convince it of its I almighty power and would tear down its ally the Labour Party, to exalt it in that ally's place. Again, its vision may be dim. but it does have a vision. It knows that there are not two work- ing classes, but one it knows that the Labour Party is but the reverse side of itself, and it re- cognises that whatever faults that Party may possess are its own faults and shortcomings; and it knows and says that whatever those faults may be they are not to be cured as the thau- rnaturgists would have them believe, by a change in name and a reshuffling of leaderships. It is in the knowledge of these things and in their implications that we arise refreshed and confident. The wheels of Democracy turn slowly, but ever the turning is towards the cky of hope; the pace may be slow. the way winding and wearisome, but we know that each year is marking a very definite advance towards the Co-oativc Commonwealth; therefore, though we may at times chafe and complain, yet fh the main we are pleased and proud with the Trades Union movement; pleased and proud because it is the movement that we represent and because that movement is Aver more and more proving itself a progressive movement in the real sense of that term. m

The Electric Theatre I The announcement of the appearance of the beautiful and accomplished Mae, Murray to the Electric Theatre next week in the big picture from Monday to Wednesday. The Plough Girl." will be a, welcome piece of information for the numerous patrons of the popular photo- play house. The Plough Girl is one of those charming plays that are so distinctly confined to cinema art., in which a splendid story is worked out to completion amidst settings of a splendour not to be met with outside- of the cinema. There are a number of extremely good comedies and short dramas, as well "as an impor- tant serial part of 44 The Lass of the Lumber- lands." From Thursday on Ruth Stonehouse and Jack Mulhall are appearing in the Blue Bird super- drama" The Saintly Sinner." This is a won- derful drama" of a young girl's damnation through circumstantial evidence." This does not mean that there is any morbidity about the scenes—there -is not a scrap, biit it does mean that there is power, and grip, and thrills galore, allied to a real stroy, and that last I think is the scarcest factor alike on the screen as an the legitimate and vaudeville stage. Ruth Stone- house has strength of character and tenderness wonderfully balanced in her great characterisa- tion. An equally popular number will be the fourth episode of Eddie Polo's great serial "The Bti l l' .s Eye It is ?i. Bull's Eye." It is a. stirring episo«ie, with a pathetic touch. Another important announce- ment in connection with this., programme is that which tells of the coming of the first Sunshine comedy, His Smashing Career;" These are the very latest things in the humour section of the screen world, and again the enterprise of the Electric management must be praised for its ac- tivity and venture. During the present week "The Honour Sys- tem from Monday to Wednesday stamped it- self indelibly on the attention of its large audi- ences as one of the finest. pieces of work ever done, and not alone for that, for in addition it brought together a body of ci nema stars seldom if ever equalled in a single feature play. But why did they slay off Walsh so early? The Storm," the.gi -eat Indian play that is heading the present sessions is a fine piece of work with some remarkable acting in its length; and "The Bull's Eye" is one of the greatest serial chapters ever projected.

ABERAVOH PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION AND THE SELECTION OF A LABOUR CANDIDATE. V WILL THERE BE A BALLOT? REVOLT OF MINERS' LODCES. The situation in the Aneravob Parliamentary Division wit,h regard to the selection of an offi- cial Labour candidate is becoming more and more interesting. It will be remembered that at the selection conference hekl some time ajjo Mr. Robert Williams, the general secretary of t,be National Transport Workers Federation was adopted by an overwhelming majority and his candidature subsequently confined by the Na- tional Labour Party Executive. The Afan Val- ley District of Miners refused to accept the de- cision and appointed a deputation to wait upon the South Wales Miners' Federation Executive with a view to inducing them to urge upon the Labour Party Executive to agree to a ballot being taken. During the time this controversy has been developing a new Executive of the Na- tional Party has been elected, and in response to overtures from the South Wales Miners' Federation they appointed Mr. Arthur Hender- son, M.P.j and Mr. Egerton Wake to hold an inquiry in the constituency as to the causes of the differences prevailing between a section of the Miners' Federation and the local Labour Party. As we intimated in these columns a fort- night ago Mr. Henderson favoured the taking of a ballot ns the only means of finally settling the difficulty. The Divisional Labour Party Executive de- cided to organise a further conference of affi- liated bodies and lay before the delegates the whole of the facts with regard to their negotia- tions with the National Executive and allow the conference to decide w hether a ballot should take place. From inquiries in the consti tuency evidence is not lacking which indicates tlt when the inference takes pi nee on Saturday ("September I-lth) an overwhelming majority of votes will be cast against the taking of a ballot. ALL ILL-ADVISED POLICY. From enquiries we are given to understond that the Afan Valley District meeting of miners decided to boycott the conference above referred to on the grounds that the Divisional Labour Party Executive should have agreed to takp n ballot without consulting the affiliated societies. Such a decision is, to say the least, irregular and contrary to the spirit of unity. This de- cision must inevitably create a certain amount of bitterness against other Trade Unions and kindred organisations which make up the poli- tical movement of Labour. AN INTERESTING CIRCULAR AND INTERVIEW. Confirmation of this may be gleaned from the following circular which has been handed to our local correspondent, and which indicates that within the ranks of the Miners' Federation there is a very strong feeling against a ballot :— South Wales 'Miners' Federation. Aberavon Parliamentary Division and the Selection of Labour Candidate. Balaclava How. Taibach. Dear Sir.—A movement has been set on foor for the purpose of convening a Conference of Miners' Ixxlges who are supporting the nomina- [tion of Mr. Robert Williams for the above divi- sion, with a view to ascertaining the opinion of the Lodges regarding the unconstitutional policy which is being pursued by the Afan District of Miners so far as the choice of Labour candidates is concerned. The rules and constitution-of the Labour Party provide: that the .choice of a La- bour candidate, shall be made by a conference of all .Trade Unions, and other affiliated organi- sations. Each affiliated organisation is entitled to nominate a candidate, but the final selection is to be made by the conference, the nominee receiving a majority of votes at such conference shaH become the official Labour candidate. The Aberavon Divisional Labour Party having adopted a set of rules and constitution strictly in keeping with the foregoing provisions, invited all affiliated Societies to nominate a candidate. Although several nominations were submitted the two names placed before t,he conference i ? ere those of MR Robert Williams, general secretary of the National Transport Workers' Federation, and Mr. William Jenkms. miners' lt)n, iii Jeitk 'I I agent of the Afan Valley ?aI *m to the  stl- 1(.t Pi-ioi- t-o tht, vote hein? taken, both candidates wer? invited 1 o state whether they would loyally abide by the Conference's decision. Mr. Robert Williams declared that he placed himself unreservedly in the hands of the delegates. They came to that conference charged with the responsibility of selecting their candidate, and whoever was the successful nominee he would have his unstinted support. Before Mr. William Jenkins rose to reply, one or two delegates supporting his candidature en- deavoured to raise the question of a ballot. The chairman rightly ruled the question out of or- der, thereupon Mr. Jenkins declared that no- thing short of a ballot would satisfy him and his_ supporters, and he advised the Miners' Lodges supporting his lIominat.im]" t,o ;¡hstain from voting, and abruptly walked out of the [conference. Mr. Arthur Peters who was present on behalf of the National Party, in a subsequent speech ridiculed the proposal of a ballot as ab- solutely unwarrantable. A vote of the confer- ence was afterwards taken which revealed an overwhelming majority for Mr. Robert Williams. So overwhelming was the majority, that the executive of the National Labour Party con- firmed the candidature. The Afan Valley District of Miners without consulting ihe opinion of other lodges in the constituency, viz. those in the Maesteg and Garw Valley Districts—are pledged to a wretched policy which strikes at the very foun- dation of Labour's political unity. The situation thus -created is a very serious one, especially when it is remembered that this policy is being carefully prepared and engineered by a small official section of Miners' Lodges officials in the. Afan Valley. A challenge has therefor been thrown "lit to the Miners' Lodges in the Maesteg and Garw Districts. Are the Miners' Lodges in the Aber- avon Division going to permit a few offir-ials in the Afan Valley to dominate them, and decide their political policy without consultation? For the purpose of considering the serious and un- enviable situation with which we are now faced, as members of the Miners' Federation you are urgently requested to appoint delegates to at- tend a special miners' conference, to be held at the Dockers' Hall, Port Talbot, on Saturday, September 7th, at 6.30 p.m. Representations have been made to a section of the Labour Party Executive, who are also members of the Miners' ilr,4odoi?ation to attend, and they have agreed to be ?re'-cnt and address the conference. I may c-ay a copy of this circular has also I addressed to your delegates who represented your lodge at the selection conference. On behalf of the conveners, We beg to remain. I Yours fraternally, Bryn Lodge ) -NO. TONES, Secretary. Ton Phillip Lodge—IVOR HARDING. 11 At-),-rb.-ilden MITCHELL. Cribbii-r F,-t,wi- Lodge—DD. ROBERTS. NO RANK-AND-FILE DIFFERENCES. 1 With the above circular in his possession onr representative sought information as to the causes of the present differences. "There are no differences among the rank and file," de- clared a prominent member of one of the lodges responsible for convening the special conference of miners. We are going to pursue constitu- I tional means inside our own Federation to ex- pose the tactics of certain local miners officials who are deliberately intriguing to smash the loca l Labour Party." That is rather a serious indictment," suggested our representative. 14 I am well aware of tltat." wa. the reply Is "but nevertheless one can eome^to no other conclu- sion." Do you know." continued the»speaker, "th:1t none of the miners' lodges who are sup- porting the nomination of Mr. Robert Williams have been consulted with regard to a ballot? A general conference of the miners' lodges in the constituency was convened during the early months of the present year where it Was decided to forward, the nomination of Air. William Jen- kins the Afan Valley miners' agent to the'selec- tion conference. Mr. Jenkins' nomination was decisively defeated by an overwhelming majority » and Mr. Jenkins should have accepted the de- cision. Apart from the kindred organisations affiiliated to the local Labour Party, declared the speaker, "theamliaied trade unions vote was overwhelmingly in favour of Mr. Robert I Williams. Why should the Afan Valley District miners' meetings dictate terms to thecarefully considered decisions of the general body of workers in the constituency? And this is the most interesting side of the whole business: The Alan District of Miners is composed of a big sec- tion of lodges in the Neath District and the de- legates representing these lodges participated in 1 decisions which is intended to govern the con- trol of the Labour policy of a constituency in which they have no interest! IREPUDIATING THE AFAN DISTRICT. ) How many lodges of the Federation are suppot'tin??tr. Rohert WiUiams?" squired our representative. Quite a number," was the i reply. "Approximately we represent 3,000 N miners, and we Iii?t? repudiating the Afan Val- V ]ev District as representing tJw- opinion of the miners' lodges in the constibwlIcy." Do your lodWs intend heing represented at the further conference which the Divisional Exe- cutive is convening?" was the next question. -Alo.t the i-(-ply. "And we hope to- go further than that. Personally I hope the special miners' conference will select speakers to a ddress, the general conference of Labour the following Saturday repudiating the Dist.rie.??,  Oil' quesfion I shoufd like to ask you, said our interviewer, i and it is this: Don't you really think that the recent decision of the National Lahour Partv Conference which stipulates wliere any friction prevails in any constituency a haHot of the or- I :1ni,,('(1 bodies nmiinted shaH he taken?" "Most decidedly, no. Yon must understand there must be some restriction on the interpretation of this new decision. The rules and constitution of the Labour Party indicate the course to be followed for tlio ()f a Labour candidate. When a dccis)on)s arrived i)t so overwhe?min?lr ir) favour of a candidate—as was ihe case in con- nection with Mr. R'?h?rt Williams—th?n such & (h?ision should he accepted as th? popular ex- pression of the general body of workers. If the majority was a narrow one then I concede the wisdom of a haHot as the only means of avoid- ing fricn'on. If the intention of this new clause is for ?pnpra l application, then the Labour Party j can scrap its recently drawn-up rules and con- jI stitution because any disgruntled" minority, however insignificant, can create -iifif(-ipnt ;trife to justify the existence of friction in a consti- tuency." The information is certainly ,ery interesting and our readers, we foci sun-, will now watch with more than passing interest what we hope will be a happy issue out of this regrettable situation in the Aberavon Di%"ision.

"— w 1 Theatre Royal I lie visit oi Henry Dallas' and Louis Casson's principal company to the Theatre Royal next week with the new musical comedy "The Maid of the Midnight Sun is welcome for two rea- sons—first because or the reputation which it it- self possesses in theatreland. and secondly be- cause it is all too long since musical comedy was amongst its before. Musical comedy is essentially an I'.nglish ark and 1 have))otK?w))ereve) 1 have been tha? its appeal is broader and more permanent than That of any other branch of the worn. Drama will fill pit and gallerv and spfinkle stalls and circle; opera- must be short in its visits if it has to have successful runs- but musical comedy can and does pack houses from floor to ceiling night after night for long runs; and continuously draws on subsequent visits no matter how short the time that elapses between visits. The only questions that one need ask in connection with musical comedy, is one of caste, make-up and one of IN-i-icil and musical ensemble. The Maid of the Midnight Sun "is certainly strong both in quantity and quality in its caste; in which occurs quite a number of names familiar to musical comedy de- votees in the provinces. In the other connec- tion I am told that the lyrics hy Louis Casson are extremely catchy and refined. and that Geof- frey Blackmore has given to the musical setting and ornamentation a charm as individualistic as Reubens or Monckton gave to their works. During the present week Comyns Carr's dra- matisation of Stevenson's groat story" Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has more than won a good name for itself. As-a piece of work it is flawless, and the terrible intensity of the drama of double individuality 1, caught and focussed with precise sharpness by Edar Bruce in the title role. It is a part that leaves very few moments of rest, and that makes tremendous oalls upon the placer both from the point of view of endurance and of artistry; and Mr. Bruce conies through the test magnificently. Nor are his colleagues any less meritorious in their several parts, and the whole is biulded up into a combination snell as seldrmi takes the boards in the provinces. PTATGOER.

EVERY PRINTING ORDER given to the Pioneer Press means more Ammunition for Party Propaganda. Get into the Line of our MUNITION WORKERS.