Pioneer

DOWLAIS. I I YOUTHFUL Two CHARGED AT MEKTHYK.—Three guis—one aged 9 years, and two aged lei — were c'targed at Merthyr on Tuesday with stealing a purse containing 13/ the property of Maggie Alice Pearce, Dowlais—Prosecutrix said she missed the uurse after coming out pf a shop. Later the money was found in the girls' possession.—Defendants admitted having the purse but said they picked it up. The youngest defendant was discharged, and the others were bound over. CAKRSALEM Y.P.S.-On Tuesday evening, Mr. Lewis Lewis, Penydarren Boys' School, read a most interesting paper on "Russia." Tliexe was an excellent attendance, presided over by''Mr. W. H. Evans, Pant, and the following took part in the subsequent discussion:—Messrs. D. Rees, D. B. Evans, Rees Williams, D. Jones, W J. Williams, J. James, T. Davies, H. Jenk- ins, A be! J. Lewis and Roderick Williams. Good wishes were also extended to the lecturer on his departure for Conway to join the University Section of the 21st Royal Welsh Fusiliers. DOWLAIS Busy.-The. first full week since the Christmas Holidays exhibited signs of great activity at the Dowlais Works. The blast furn- aces (lid well, and the Bessemer and Siemens were very busy in preparing for the require- ments of the mills. The Goat Mia was engaged in turning out heavy steel rails for a foign order, and also large spare blocks of various dimensions, cogging steel and billets. The Big Mill was very busy all the week running smaI orders for merchant bars, light rails for under- ground and sidings, and fish-plates and sole- pi ates. The fitting shops and locomotive sheds were fully employed. DOWLAIS ODDFELLOWS' ANNUAL MEETING. The annual district meeting of the Dowlais District of Oddfellows (Manchester Unity) was held at the Royal Arms Inn, Dowlais, on Thursday night last week, when Prov. G.M. Wm. Evans took the chair. Annual subscriptions of two guineas each to the Swansea General and Eye Hospital and King Edward VII. Hospital Car- diff, were voted. P.P.G.M. William Pri ce and P.P.G.M. Arthur Davies were nominated to attend the next South Wales and Monmouth- shire Conference, and the latter brother was the only one proposed to attend this year's of officers for the year 1916 resulted as follows: —Prov. G.M. William Evans to be I.P.P.G.M., Provincial Deputy GrandMaster W. H. Daviea to be Prov. G.M.; P.G. William Parry to be Prov DGM and the following were re-elected: P.P.G.M. Arthur Davies as corresponding secretary, P.G. D. W. Huggins as treasurer, and P.P.G.M R. P. Rees as examining and relieving officer. DOWLAIS I.L.P. AND COMPULSION.—At a well- attendett meeting of the Dowlais Independent Labour Party last Tuesday^ the subject of Con- scription was discussed. There is no shadow of a doubt that if the Bill now before Parliament becomes law, there are men in Merthyr Tydfil who would rather suffer any penalty than vio- late the Divine law of cinscienoe. The fact that if Conscription becomes law, only about' one hundred thousand men will be fit for ser- vice in the Army; any man who is xot hope- lessly biassed will see how futile is the argu- ment that if Conscription is not passed this week, our Allies and the Britisk Empire and all that stands, for civilisation will soon become as Bahylon and Troy, a few mounds of dust in an acrid. desert. That is the bogey that has been invented oy the erratic journalists of Fleet St. and thundered at a. half bewildered people by bishops who have nothing else to do since they have helped to choke their own religion anct crucified the Christ more surely than ever the Jews did. If the Compulsion Bill passes the Common* it will have been pasesd as a direct insult to the huge masses of the working class, and in the face of 105 members of the Com- mons. That is a very formidable minority ag- ainst it. It is not only a formidable minority, it is a dangerous cpe. If the Government per- sists in its policy, it will have committed one I of the gravest blunders since tfie war started. T have been asked to state that Mr. Albert Harris will address the branc h next Sundtay at 3 o'clock. A hearty invitation is extended to all.

MERTHYR VALE & ABERFAN K. A. U. B. SMOKIN G CONCERT-The annual smoking concert of the Mackintosh Lodge, No. 1054, G.L.E., took place on Thursday night week, the 6th instant, at the Mackintosh Hotel, Aberfan. under the able chairmanship of Bro- D. L. Davies, KOM, assisted by Brother Maynard, KOM, Primo Ninnis, OP, Primo Dock, CP, and Brothers Jackson, Boswell and Stone. The rendering of songs by the following talent was greatly enjoyed, encores being the order of the evening, viz.:—Messrs. Will Floyd, Blaenrhondda; Tom Jenkins, Treforest; Fred Turner, Gellygaer; Llew Evans, Troedy- rhiw; Lionel Thomas, Aberfan: Tom Jones, Gellygaer, and the Host, R,ees Price. Brother Jones. C.P., presided at the piano. Ten o'clock' came all too soon, and after a most enjoyable evening the proceedings closed by all joining in evening, the National Anthem singing

PENYDARREN. OBITUARY. Wo regret recording the death of Miss Ruth 3-ones, schoolmistress, fete of Gelli- faelog and Edwardsyille Infant Schools, which took place at her residence, Bronheulog, on Fri- day last. Deceased had been suffering from heart trouble for the last four years, but bore her illness with fortitude, buoyed up with the hope that she would eventually recover. Her educational career -,vas a brilliant one. As a scholar at Twynyrodyn School she won a Scholarship to the Merthyr County School, and from there entered the scholastic profession, passing the Preliminary Certificate Examina- tion with two distinctions. Proceeding with her studies, she was successful in the Board of Education Certificate Exam., gaining distinc- tions in English and HIstory- a rare feat out- side of college. Possessing a loveable disposition she will be much missed by the family, pupils, and a large circle of friends. She was a. faithful member of Caersalem Welsh Baptist Church, Dowlais, and a Sunday School teacher for many ye-ar. and her demise, at the early age of 26, will be soreiy felt by this church. The funeral took place on Tuesday at Pant Ceme- tery, and was largely attended. The coffin, which was of plain oak, was covered with floral tributes sent by the following: -Caersalem Sun- day School Class (floral harp); Merthyr N.U.T., of which deceased was a member; Headmistr ess- es and Staffs of Gellifaelog Infants, Queen's Road Infants and Ed wards ville Infants; Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Dunn, Barry (brother-in-law and sister); Miss Castie Jones, Merthyr; and Mioss Lily Davies, Dowlais.

ABERDARE. VILE ATTEMPT TO PRUSSIANISE.-The Aber- dare Valley Branch of he No-Conscription .Fellowship, at its last meeting, passed the fol- lowing resolution:—" That we, the members of the Aberdare Vaney Branch of the No- Conscription Fellowship, strongly protest ag- .y protest t g ainst the Compulsory Service Bill before Par- liament. We regard it as a vile and sinister attempt to Prussianise the institutions of our country, and re-affirm our opposition in spite of the Government's attempt to evade opposition by the insertion of the conscience clause."

ABERCYNON. OBITUARY.—We regret to announce the death of Mr. D. A. Thomas, of Elizabeth Street, Abercynon. The funeral took place at the local cemetery on Tuesday. ABERCYNON LODGE, S.W.M.F.—Mr W. Rey- nolds was elected delegate to the Cardiff Con- ference with a mandat-e to support the Govern- ment. it is to be lamented that only 20 men out of 2,000 can find time to vote on such an important question as Conscription. The vot- ing was: For Conscription 12, against 8. BILLIARDS.—Pontypridd met Abercynon a the former place on Thursday last, when Ponty- pridd won by 144 points. Scores —Pontypridd— A. Toomey 100; j1. Morgan 125; E. Toomey 150; H. Maj or 146; W. Davies 150; D. Chris- topher 150; W. Jones, 150; David Evans 150— 1,121. Abercynon-E. Davies 150; W. Rockey 150; James Williams 106; T. Roberts 150; W. Garbett 67; Richard Moses 100; A. Pellard 147; J. Parfitt 107-977.

BEDLINOG. MINERS' MEETING—A general meeting of the S.W.M.F. lodges was held at Gosen Hall on Friday, Mr Elias Jones presiding. Mr John Davies (agent) addressed the meeting. He dealt witk the scheme which is being promoted to supply two convoys of motor ambulances from the South Wales coalfield for service a the front. He also dealt with the present at- tempt to introduce Conscription as the military system of the country. This attempt (said Mr. Davies) has not been done squarely, but pushed forward by the Jingo press and certain politicians, with ulterior motives, namely, divid- ing the Trade Union movement, and depriving the British workers of their rights and liberties. Mr. Tom Thomas was selected to represent the lodge at the conference at Cardiff on Wednes- day) and Was instructed to oppose the Govern- dmaeyn? t Military Service Bill. The lodge deferred its decision in regard to the ambulance scheme until the same is issued completely in black and white. The report of the last meeting of the Merthyr Trades and Labour Cuoncil was given by Mr W. Stockliam. Mr J. M. Williams submitted his report of a. meeting of the execu- tive council of the East Glamorgan Labour Party. Messrs. W. Stockham and Dd. Richards were re-elected delegates to the Merthyr Trades and Labour Council. Councillor J. H. Charles drew tthe attention of the meeting to the fact that the Graig-y-.Fargoed Cemetery question has been finally settled at last.

BARGOED. BOUTS AT THE PAVILION.—A really enjoyable bout was witnessed at Bargoed Pavilion on Saturday between Steve Kavanagh (Bargoed, and formerly of Cardiff) and Dai Wilde (New Tredegar). The contest, which went the full eight rounds, had only one defect, and that was a pre-disposition en the part of the contestants to clinch too frequently, NELSON WOMAN BCUND OVER.—Mary Ann Wall (43), married woman, of Nelson, was at Bargoed on Friday summoned for being drunk and disorderly on January I.-Defendant plead- ed not guilty.—P.S. Kelland said defenelan called at the Police Station, Neon, and com- plained about her husband. She was so very drunk and abusive that he was obliged Ito de- tain her in the cell. When her husband was subsequently informed of her position, he rep- lied, "That is the place for her. Serve h«jr right."—In defence, Sarah Ann Green said that the defendant was quite sober when she left her half-an-hour before going to the Police Station .Defendant adhe(red to her plea of be- ing sober, but admitted previous convictions. She accused her husband of beating her. De- fendant was bound over to be of good behavi- our for 12 months, and ordered to pay cts. BARGOIFD COUPLE PART AFTER ONE MONTH. — John Vincent (40), a collier, of Brithdir, was summoned at JBargoed on Friday by his wife- Daisy, who sought a separation order on the! ground of persistent cruelty.—Complainant said she was 23 yews1 of age. She married defendant six weeks ago and left him on December 21-.a month after mrriage-heoause he, threatened her. When she bought food he took it away from her and declined to allow her anything to eat. Since she had been staying with her sister at Bargoed, he accused her of "doing wrong" by going out at night, but she could prove she was at her sister's house.—The Chairman (Mr. L. Edwards) suggested that the case should be adjourned for six weeks.-Comp,lainant: No, sir, I will never go back to him aga,in.-Defen- dant I don't wa4 her; I will pay first.-W. R. Y. Evans (the Magistrates' Clerk) pointed out that as the, offence arose at Brithdir, which was in the Caerphilly Higher Division, the Bargoed Court had no jurisdiction. The case should be heard at Merthyr.—The case was dismissed oecordinsdy.

Majority of Five Against. A NEW TREDEGAR OFFICIAL HECKLED. There was a lively discussion on Compulsion at a mass meeting of New Tredegar workmen, held under the presidency of Mr. Richard Wil- liams, the vice-president of the Rhymney Val- ley District. At the outset the adoption of a resolution in favour of the Government's pro- posals was advocated, and the meeting general- ly was in favour of this. Just as a vote was about to be taken, Coun. Albert Thomas, the sub-agent and secretary of the district, entered —and in the course of a vigorous speech, de- nounced-compulsory measures. If the voluntary system had broken down, he said it would be another matter. There were constant interruptions and cries of "We don't want I.L.P. views." On a vote the tellers reported that there was a majority of five against compulsory mea- sures. The vote was questioned, but the Chair- man, amidst uproar, declared the figures were correct, and declined a revisoin. Two wounded soldiers who were amongst the audience were elected to represent the lodges at the Cardiff Conference. DOWN TOOLS" THREAT. I A general meeting of the Bargoed Steam Coal workmen, Mr. J. Hawkins in the chair, adopted a resolution of protest, and urged that in the event of a Compulsory Military Service Bill being passed, a ballot of the Bar- goed workmen should be taken with a view t. adopting a "down tools" policy.

rlt It "-It It It_It It II' | WHEN REQUIRING | I SUITS, COSTUMES, or GENERAL DAPEY ) • SEND A POST CARD TO Thomas St., Z j JOHN BARR j J muA m H 'mr4a BARRMerthyr Tydfil, — CALL.  I Cash or !nsta<ment System. | I SUETS and COSTUMES to Measure a Speciality ) 3 SUtTS and COSTUMES to Measure a Spec!aHty t

Bargoed and District Trades Couucil. I EMPHATIC PROTEST AGAINST CONSCRIP- TION. A special meeting of the above council was held on Wednseday, January 5, Mr. W. T. Lloyd in the chair. The following bodies were represented ■—The Bargoed Steam Coal Lodge and House Coal Lodge, Operative Bricklayers' Union; the Bargoed Shop Assistants; Painters' Union the Gasworbers and the, I.L.P. There were also present Councillors John Jones and Morgan Jones and Miss Hettie Jones, of the M«*'thyr Board of' Guardians. The object of the meeting was discussion on the Conscription Bill now before Parliament. The delegates one and all were of opinion that the Bill, if passed, would be detrimental to the worker; that it was unnecessary for military purposes, and aimed chiefly at the crushing of Trades Unionism and the stopping of the progressive advance of the workers. The Secretary was instructed to forward the following telegram to Mr. Harry Gosling, chair- man of the Trades Union Conference to be held in London on the following day. and also to the member for East Glamorgan, Mr. Clem Ed- wards:—Bargoed and District Trades and Labour Council urge rejection of the Con- scription Bill and any ether measure doing away with civic rights." It was decided that a public protest meeting be held in Bargoed early, as soon as the Secre- tary was successful in obtaining a speaker for same: also that a conference of all the Trades Unionists in the Rhymney Valley be convened for the purpose of considering our position as workers in the event of the Bill becoming law. A report was given regarding the position of the musicians in Bargoed, showing that the Trades Union rate of wages as set down by the Musisians' Union was now being paid to these men. The Organioor (Mr. Lewis, of Peny- graig) still had difficulty in getting the ag- reement signed at two places of amusement. The question here arose of the raising of rents, and some very strong statements were made regarding iidie unjust metkods of the practice. Several cases are before this Council, and will be fully considered without delay. It was also decided to convene a public meeting for the purpose of explaining the outline of the Rents Bill, :w1d to receiving: any information which may be forthcoming. The following gen- tlemen have been selected for the committee to deal with this queftion:-Mc-ssrs John Jones, W. T. Lloyd. A. Morgan, and M. Price. Infor- mation of any cases should be forwarded to the Secretary—15 Usk Street, Bargoed. •

Penrhiwceiber W.E.A. Mr. John Thomas, B.A., Aberdare, opened the session at Penrhiwceiber with ski address on "Foreign Policy and Secret Diplomacy," in the course of which he declared that one thing to be lamented was the apathy of the people to foreign affairs during this last '30 years. We had been focussing our energy on home policy to the detriment of foreign policy. Now it was the reverse. We are now so engrossed with fo- reign affairs that we let our hard fought liber- ties at home be taken away with hardly a pro- test. The speaker also dealt with the way in which agreementts and treaties are made in se, cret, and emphasised the importance of educa- ting democracy so that. it could look into these evils and remedy them by demanding Democra- tic Control. In the disclIIssion that followed Mr. Phil Tho- mas said that there was no differenee between Liberal or Tory foreign policy. The chief factor was the desire for continuing of policy. Coun. George Hall thought that this desire was due to the influence of permanent offi- cials. "What," he said, "is the position in U.S.A. where foreign policy is democratically controlled?" Mr. Thomas replied that the offi- cials in U.S.A. go out each election. Mr. Taylor said too much was made of edu- cating democracy before we democratise foreign policy. He did not think that the most ignorant democracy could make a bigger mess of their jobs than the diplomatists of Europe. They could then read reports of Parliamentary de- hat-es in the pa-ess. In cencluding, Mr. Thomas said many read, but few think. The workers must buy papers which are owned by workers. (Hear, hear.)

Left Over Pressure on our space this .week compels us to hold over several important articles and items of news, including: "Does the Christ- ian Church Justify Its Existence?" a report of the debate at the Abercynon Literary and De- bating Society; "Why I Sell Pioneers," a reply to an attack upon the "Pioneer" Committees, by Comrade Maurice FitzGibbon. of Bargoed: an interesting article by Senor Torez, and a new series of original translations from the short stories from the Spanish of Francisco Pi Arsuaga, who was President of the Republic when Isabel II. of Bourbon was dethroned. These will appear next week.

"PROPAGANDA, NOT PROFIT," is the motto of the Pioneer Press." If you are alive to the tremendous social improve- mntf. that the Party the Pioneer represents stands for. then it is your duty to all that all your Trades Union. Co-operative, and General Printing comes to Williams' Square, Merthyr, the Home of the Pioneer." SMALL PREPAID ADVERTISEMENTS. One In- Three In- Six In- sertion. sertions. sertions. s. d. s. d. s. d. 20 words 0 6 1 0 1 9 30 words 0 9 1 6 2 9 40 words 1 0 2 0 3 6 50 words 1 3 2 6 4 6 60 words 1 6 3 0 5 6 In all cases the rtame and Address are counted as part of the Advertisement. These prices apply only to Advertisements ordered for consecutive insertions and which are prepaid. Trade Advertisements are inserted under I the Heading "Personal" at 9d. per line. All Advertiiementii should be posted to the Office on or before Monday. Medical.. — j?* fUi/<± i "PAGE BOOK ABOUT HERB AND U'± for one. HOW TO USE THEM, post free. eend for one. TRIMNELL, THB HEKBAJLIST, 144 RICHMOND ROAD, CARDIFF. Established 1879. Literary. I UNITARIAN PAM EILETS on "The Bible," ?J "Heaven," =d "HeU,? given post free.—Miss BABMBY. Mount Pleasant, Suimouw A N Educative Percentage Book for Miners Jrand Colliery Clerks, post free 5d.- E. EVANS, 38 Church Street, Penydarren, Merthyr. Miscellaneous. A STROLOGY.—Life events, changes, for- ??- tunate days, business success, matri- mony two years' future added; send birth date, 1/- P.O. Prof. GOULD, "The Nook." Heathfield Road, Cardiff. u_-

ABERCANAID & PENTREBACH OUT FOR A BRANCH STORE.-The Co-operative lady members of Abercanaid, at the Troedyrhiw meeting last Tuesday, were in a determined mood, and it was thought at one period of the meeting that a bodyguard would have to be provided for the president. In the end, how- ever, the suavity and winning manner of the President disarmed all opposition, and peace again reigns—but not at any price. The ladiee are after the. s hop. Just at this moment the most popular man amongst the Abercanaid ladies is L.M.

Temperance Hall. 1 don't pretend to know what Mr. Israel Price has paiR for the "bill" at the Temper- ance Hall, b1Ît from a knowledge of wh&t a few of the artistes usually get, and their ability to get bookings, I should imagine that many of my readers would look surprised and incredulous were they told the total sum. Anyhow, it is one of the best bills I have ever sat through, and I have been a pretty frequent visitor to the Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds houses in my time. Jack Thomas makes a more than welcome return. Jack Thomas, although he has a Welsh name. is an international mirth maker. Thomas is a name one connects with Pleasants and I.ashwood with big salaries, and bigger laughs; and personally I enjoyed his show as well as I ever did that other Jack or Charlie's either. I laughed hard and long and leud, and I have only to think of my visit to catch my face breaking into large cracks, smiles of hapnv recollection. The Flying Banvards, whose name looms large in the Vaudeville world, present their thrilling, clean, artistic, and more important enjoyable gymnastic act. Personally, I am luke-warm to these sort of acts, but I did really applaud their acr, because I enjoyed it. I do not know that I could say anything better than that of an act. Young and Simms, the two Hebrew boys, are giving "if the very best creme de menthe of distilled Yiddishew humour. Burlesque is not so common as 1 for one desire, and their Hebrew burlesque is so good that I hope for an early return visit. Gaby Revette I have seen so often that she begins to be an old friend, and every time I see her I wonder more at the beauty of her conceptions, and the excellence of the execu- tion. Her manager once told me that she had done all the scenic work for her magnificent human pictures with her own brushes, and any- one who has been to the Hall this week will appreciate the greatness of her art as painter, as much as they will enjoy her work as pos- euse. Grant and Gray have an attractive and' refined vocal comedy act, and Otto Viola, America's great clown, is adding greatly to the enjoyment of HaJlites with his wonderfully clever tumbles and antics..From to-dav on "The Exploits of Maine" are being added to the programme, a sort of bon-bon dessert, I sup- pose to round off a perfect feast. Next week the Panto season is to olJlên with [ Will Parkin's original conception, "The Man in the Moon." When Will Parkin writes a book we always expect something good, and I am told that the work he has done in The Man in the Moon" is that of which he himself is proudest. Sparrow Harris has written the lyrics and set them to lilting times. Wiu himself is playing and specialities are to be introduced by Daisy and her Dots, the Four Dorothees, Mavis and Mavis, and that smrking panto comedian, Arthur Bright. From that lisfe one expects great things. and one has but to add that the Brighton BeTJesare to adorn the chorus to be wertam of a great time coming next week. PLAYGOER. PLAYGOER.