Pioneer

I "Casey and Dolly." I I AN APPRECIATION. Known throughout the country by repute (or, a.s "Ca,sey" would say, by notoriety) these friends paid a visit to the I.L.P. Hall on Wed- nesday last, February 2nd, amd were received by a crowd, which filled the hall to over- flowing. Many had come undoubtedly out ot curiosity, while some of the supposedly deeper thinkers had come to see what possible connection there could be between politics and music. Looked upon, in our present day, flippant and surface- skimming, the possibility of the existence of such a link is a mere chimera, but I would ven- ture to say that to my nabid "Casey" has pre- sented and suggested more than a link. He has suggested a new common foundation for an international brotherhood. With his racy delivery of his anecdotes, he, perhaps, clouds the serious truth that lies in his remarks, but listening to him while he traced the old folk songs of these islands to their fountain hetad, and found that these old strains were but the expression of a folk under oppression, me- thought I listened to a historian of the new or oldest age, where father ,nfi hrl(Ol • their 41 uU ,,Lo.,e of their acquired know- ledge and experience. These thoughts came to me as I listened to his story, his introduction, and his quips and jests while he tuned his fiddle. But I wish to emphasise another side of this gaunt old hero who has fought his way through life with no ally save his inherent good humour. I wish to render him homage as a musician. Wales has been lauded by better pens than mine for its musical instinct, and it 18 with that knowledge that I say that the music lovers of the locality would have had an even- ing after their hearts' desire at the hands of Casey" and Dolly. Judged as a purely musical turn, it compared with the best and most refined product of our variety. Perhaps it could not be compared with some of oui operatic productions, because it was not dry and stody enough, and, forsooth, Casey" is not of the class which is obliged to "study" music; he lives it. and makes it live. Let me mention a few of the Items. We had first a selection of fine loose ends of the "birth period" of music, such as "An Irish Lament," "Emigrants' Song," "Plough Whistle," and an "Arran Island Song." Developing from them came ballad selec- tions and folk songs such as "Jacobite Song," "Erin the Teaa- and the Smile," some Welsh and Scottish Airs, Lillibullero and on Irish Rebel Song. I would like, as a Welshman, to thank Ca- sey" for his fine rendering of "Hunting the s e, Hare"—but, more than this, I would say that his conception of the spirit of AT hyd y Nos," and his rendering of it, has never been surpassed in my experience, and I know of no other air which ha.s been practised and ren- dered by so many of our foremost artistes. It was, to a Welsh music lover, a thing by itself, and had he but played that air and completed his programane with it, I for one would- have been quite satisfied wit-h it. Coupled with this was the old English cradle song-another rapturous rendering. IDs last three items would have satisfied even the most rigorous musical critic or pro- fessor. That much-overworked "Barcarolle from "Tales of Hoffman," came to our ears in a new spirit, and with a new meaning. The illustration of the development of the sonata from the "Horn Pipe," was a very clear j and concise demonstration, and made the fur- ther development of the Concerto from the Sonata extremely easy to follow; and let me say here that his last selection from Mendel- ssohn was extremely difficult, that he pilaye M,3 from memory—and that he had his audience with him all through. There is one other thing I should like to touch upon that is the excellent, understanding between violinist and pianist. What violin- ist has not found to his cost that his pianist is playing the music, but is not accompanying? "Dolly" accompanied, and accompanied beautifully; and her work, though perhaos not so much in the limelight, was a heavy contri- bution to the success of the entertainment. In a word, then the whole was in every way an excellent evening's entertainment; as a musical treat, as a political propaganda meet- ing, and as a pleasure-giving turn it was par excellence. While writing this, I am told that it is more than likely that "Casey" and "Dolly" will pay a return visit here very shortly. To all music. lovers I would sav this: I learnt while at school a piece which began something like this:—"Have you had a kindness shewn? Pas's it on," I think it was a kindness shewn to me to invite me to such a treat, and so T pass the wotd on. One. at least, will welcome them, and he is ORPHEUS.

Bob Smillie's View. TRADES UNIONS CAN REPEAL COMPUL- SION ACT. Speaking at Glasgow under I.L.P. auspices on Sunday, Bob Smillie held that orgamsed i Labour could have prevented the Military Service Bill being placed on the Statute Book, and he was convinced now that they could, if in earnest, succeed in getting the Act repealed. He regretted that through a misunderstanding at the Bristol Conference the miners were not in a position to cast their vote on the question whether an active propaganda should be car- ried on for its repeal. The miners were to hold a conference shortly to decide the question.

Has your name appeared In our 10,000 Shil-I lings' Fund list? If not, let it be there next week.

Lbaour Party Conference. I.L.P. ATTITUDE COMING TO THE FORE. From a hotch-potch of apparently inconsist- ent decisions arrived at during the 3-days' sittings of the Labour Party Conference at Bristol last week, one fact clearly emerges the fact of organised Labour's comparative ra- pid move in the direction of the I.L.P. war policy. This attitude was apparent from the very first resolution approving the act of Britain in enterillo, the war--a resolution which met with only a formal protest vote of 7 at the last Trades Union Congress and which at Bristol met with a solid opposition of 602,000 rotes; it was apparent in. the warmth of the welcome accorded to the I.L.P. leaders, appa- rent in every debate, and decision. Labour is growing doubtful of its leaders who sit on Coalition Cabinets, and Labour is beginning to articulate its doubts. Personally, we do not agree that this is altogether justified, but the question is too big to argue in a snapshot of Conference. As to the decisions. By a majority of 900,000 Conference declared its readiness to assist the Government so far as possible in the prosecution of the war; and approved, by a majority of 1,641,000, the co-operation of Labour M.P.'s in the joint recruiting cam- paign—both of which were expected, except as before stated that the vote against the first resolution had shown a great advance in rank and file opinion of the Trades Union Congress; for it was the rank and file mandate that was being expressed at Bristol last week. Then we come to Compulsion, which as an ib,t"at? principle was condemned bv a majority of L,077,000; and 1,350,000 opposed the Act em- bodying it. Conference was solidly united in demanding drastic revision of the Munitions Act. Then we came to the personal question of the Labour Members' right in accepting off- ice in a Government responsible for both these condemned measures; but Conference refused to censure, and by a majority of 1,127,000 re- fused to ask the Labour Ministers to withdraw from the Coalition. The advanced wing felt t ti.),t a mistake had been made in refusing to agitate for the repeal of the Military Service (No. 2) Bill, which had been so unitedly con- demned. but Conference apparently felt' differ- ent. The remarkable point about the v- was not the apparent niconsi 'nri_ of ?? .?j! /"?s, but the attentions fro*™™ '°r instance5 took n- 'm vot?m. S- 1]f mine is, or lIst¡n(:p, took n, part üt the vote because of tneir own Conference because ot ?? ? .? 'cueu- own Conference- had not met to 'x'ti. ae te aHitûüe they will adopt on the Bill. One feature of the Conference that was par- ticularly noteworthy was the determination of the delegates to maintain the unity of the Party. A tribute is due to Mr. W. C. Anderson's oc- cupancy of the chair. Although an I. L. Peer, and one responsible for a strong line of action in reference to the war, one would have ex- pected from what one had seen in the capitalist pres during the preceding few days, that his position would have been llltade difficult. As a matter of fact, his occupancy of the chair was entirely good humoured and impartial not one of his rulings was questioned.

Dirty Highways in Merthyr I PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE TO TAKE THE MATTER UP. The Public Works Committee on Tuesday had before them a report of elie surveyor's re- specting the conditions of the streets, and suggested scheme for improving them, but the Chairman said that it was not intended to go on with ai4T of these schemes for the time being, but rather to consider them so that they would be in a position to know how to act on the termination of the war. The Surveyor (Mr. A. J. Marshall) pointed out that the old roads were never intended to take the heavy mod- ern traffic, and referring to dirty roads pointed out that this question was affected by the non-removal of road sweepings, which when placed in a position for carting, were left on the sides of the road for etavs. aii.d conse- quently beoame again scattered over the sur- face. Aid. Hankey as-ked whether there was any reason why these sweepings and scrapings should not he taken away. The Chairman (Coun. Marsh) said it was the fault of the Health Committee, who were responsible far the scavenging. He understood hav there would be a notice of motion before the next meeting- of the Council that the work oiild be undertaken by the Public Works Committee. and,, personally, lie thought that Committee would be in a better position to deal with the work, because it had more men on the roadways. was decided to send a recommendation to the Health Committee that attention should be paid to these sweepings. Coun. Francis pointed out the dirty condi- tion of Plymouth Street, and asked if nothing could be done to improve the condition of things here.—The Chairman agreed that the roadway was in bad condition, and said that the Surveyor had promised that he would re- metal it directly he could obtain the material.

I  f  1 I i Casey for Merthyn WI LL. HE BE CANDIDATEP I The visit of "Casey" to Merthyr on Thursday has, we understand, had a very peculiar and unexpected result. Personally. business took me away from the meeting before "Casey" re- ailv got under weigh, but i have it on good authority that at the conclusion of the meeting an influential body of 1.L.Peers from all over the valleys met toge- ther, and whether under the in- fluence of his music or of his voice, agreed that Walter Hampson—to give "Casey" his Sunday patronymic—would make an ideal member for Merthyr. Whether "Casey" has been approached to stand, or whether it is the intention of his new supporters to push his. claims in the various branches with a view to consolidating his candidature against the time when he will be submitted to a joint conference of selection of the branches I do not know. The whole thing is somewhat wrapped in mystery, but we give the report for what it is worth.

ABERAMAN. THE EDUCATION OF THE MASSES.—There was another good attendance at the Aberaman Less- er Hall on Friday last, when Mr. John Tho- mas, B.A.. the Organising Secretary of the W E. A. addressed an interested audience on his own suoject of "Working Class Education." Mr. Thomas was in excellent vein and keen discussion followed the close of the address. The speaker did not have it all his own way, some of his points being criticised in a friendly spirit by Comrades W. J. Edwards, W. T. Williams, D. Henry Jones, Trevor Norman and others.

I Good for Bargoed. I 'PIONEER' COMMITTEE STILL FIGHTING THE WORKERS' BATTLE. A deputation of the above awaited on the lodges of the Pengam House Coal and Britan- nia Steam Coal on Friday evening, at the Institute, Pengam. The deputation consisted of Messrs. W. T. Lloyd, Tom Matthews, Billie Jones, Morris Fizgibbon and John Hawkins. The Pengam House Coal was the first- to fee visited. The deputation was introduced by Mr. W. Lloyd, who, in the course of his remarks, very clearly proved the great need I, for a workers'' paper. He dealt with the Bricklayers' Union; on the treatment meted out to them by therr employers; their strenuous fights of the last few years, and how they were compelled to fight, isolated from other Unions, because there was no provision in the form of a paper to place the true facts of their position before other Trades Unionists. Mr. Billie Jones, who was next called upon, explained the constitution of the "'Pioneer" Committee, their efforts for the past few months, and the large measure of success that had attended theti. He pointed out how the whole work of the Committee, deputations to various lodges and branches, was done voluntarily and ungrudgingly. The interest of the whole •ommittee was centred in the paper for theoenefit of the workers. He explained how the "Pioneer" lives for the worke-rs, fights for the workers, and has bled for the workers, and it is that wound from which it has been bleeding that it is so necessary to heal and establish in a sound physical condi- tion, so as to renew the ght with increased vigour and energy. Mr. Morris FitzGibbon was called upon to address the meeting. In an able speech he explained the position of the paper and also the fallacy of Trade Unions as at present con- stituted. In the course of his remarks, he emphasised the great need of a paper to give a true record and a clear idea of Socialism to the workers; the benefits that would even- tually accrue to them with an enlightened and educated Democracy. How imperative it was tuat the paper should be nlaced on a sound financial basis, and its future made secure. Mr Hawkins said ke was of the opinion that a sufhctency of reasons had been given for z "?1'8' lie made a few remarks from the standpoint of organisa- tion, the value- of the pttper as an organiser for the benefits of Trade Unionism, etc. The deputation met with a cordial and cheery reception, and steps were taken im- mediately with a view to assistance. The last three-named of the deputation, supported by Mr. Tom Matthews, attended the Britannia. Lodge, where a very whole-heart- ed support was given, and members selecte d as delegates for co-operation on. the Pioneer" Oommimttee. Each speaker on the deputation acquitted himself splendidly, and the ovation received was gTfnt. It is to be liopeol the "Pioneer" will benefit considerably as a result of the work of the emergetic "Pioneer" Committee.

South Waies & Monmouthshire Building Trades Federation. CONSTITUTION OF NEW ESSENTIAL BODY. There has been increasing acttving of late amongst the yariOlclS trades engaged in '¡;he building industry, and as the result of those activities has been the formation of a Build- ing Trades Federation for South Wales and Mon. This new Federation will be composed of two delegates from each of the 100111 Build- ing Trades Federations throughout South Wales and Mon. and in districts where no federation exists, individual branches will be permitted to affiliate, and send delegates for a specified length of time. The objects of this new Federation should be plain to everyone who is connected with the building industry. In the past there, has been no collective effort throughout South Wales to obtain an uniform code and one flat rate of wages for each trade throughout the whole area, but having es- tablished this new organisation, the building trade workers have opened up an avenue where- by it will be possible to bring this about. All the leading Building Trades Federations throughout South Wales and Mon. have al- ready affiliated, and ate this week sending in nominations for President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Delegates may be selected prior to the first annual meeting, which will be held in the Ruskin Institute, Roya! Arcade, Cardiff, on Saturday, March 4, at 5.30 p.m. It is of the utmost importance that every trade should be represented through its local Federation, and where no Federation exists, to be represented as a branch at this first annual meeting. Anyone wishing to know more particulars re affiliation to this new organisation is advised to write to Mr. j. W. Pope, 11 North Road, Barg oed, who is the Secretary pro. tem.

Llantrissunt and Llantwit Fardre 'Trades & Labour Council. A BRUSH WITH THE LOCAL COUNCIL. The animal meeting of the above Council was keld at the Railway Restaurant, j- Ponty- clun, on Thursday, January 27, Mr. J. Bowen presiding in the absence of the Chairman (Mr. J. Dioks. In reply to the Trades and Labour Council's deputation on behalf of the dismissed aged workmen, it was stated that the District Council had failed to reinstate the workmen for economic reasons. Also. in reply to a re- quest that, in the interest of public safety, the Llantrisant Common Gates should either be removed or illuminated," it was pointed out that the District Council had no power to act in the matter. Further, the Parish Council refused access to inspect their minute books. Any information required must be got through the medium of the Parish Clerk. The affiliation of Gilfach Goch Trades and La bour Council was agreed to. The election of officers resulted as fallows:- Chairman, Mr. A. Dicks; vice-chairman, Mr. A. Jones; secretary, Mr. Idwal Williams; trea- surer, Mr. W. H. Hawkins: auditors, Messrs. Bonner and Meeker. It was desided that the following should be included in the agenda for the next meeting*: "That a sub-committee be formed for the purpose of going into the question of candidates for the next District Council Election." The following resolution was passed: — That this meeting of the Llantrisant and Llantwit Fardre Trades and Labour Council hereby records its appreciation of the firm stand made by the Trades Union Congress and the M.F.G.B. Conference against Con- scription in any form, and especially against the Military Service No. 2 Bill, anel pledges itself to oppose it.