Pioneer

South Wales and Monmouthshire Building Trades Federation. INTERESTING FIRST ANNUAL MEETING. The first annual meeting of the South Wales and Mon. Building Trades Federation was held at the Ruskin Institute, Newport, on Saturday last. Brother Prichard, A.S.C. & J., Ebbw Vale was elected chairman for the meeting. Delegates were present from New- port and District Federa.tion j Gorseinon O.B.S. Ebbw Vale; Abert-illery Newbridge; Rhymney Valley; Aberdare, Pontypridd; Merthyr; Llan- ellv Swapsea and Blackwood Federations. Bro. Williams (the Cardiff delegate) sent a wire from Bnrry Port stating he was detained there ow- ing to a dispute. Election of Officers: President Brother W. Williams A.S.C. and J., Cardiff; vice-president. Brother W. T. Lloyd, O.B.S. Bargoed; Treasurer. Brother David John, O.B.S., Llanelly; Secretary, Mr R. H. Ley, Newport and District Federation. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Brother J. W. POW. who had acted as Secre- tary during the formation of the Federation. It was decided that all printing orders go to th? ?P?oneer Press. The Secretary wts inatruc- ted to end2avonr to get Abertiliery and New- bridge Master Builders together to discuss not- ice sent in for increase of wages, etc. Each federation to elect it- F,.C member. It was decked ta hold the next meeting at New. port on Saturday, Jnue 3.

Trade Union Notes. I By TRADE UNIONIST. I I hear that in the Dowiais District of Miners the campaign against non-Unionists has been so successful that a stoppage of work will not be necessary. Before the notices run out next Saturday—it is anticipated that the Dist- rict will be quite free of slackers. This is good news, and we rejoice to know that the organi- sation at Dowlais is once again in good form-, and further, we rejoice that the national in, terests shall not suffer by a restriction of output as far as Dowlais is concerned. In the Merthyr District of Miners the posi- tion is not so favourable. At the mass meet- ing on Sunday it was reported that the Ply- mouth Collieries could show a clear sheet, but the report for the Cyfarthfa Collieries dis- closed the fact that, despite a very consider- able reduction in the number of non-Unionists and men in arrears, a sufficient number of de- linquents still remained to make the situation serious. The decision arrived at was for a suspension of notices for two weeks, and during that time every effort is to be made to im- prove matters. If, at the termination of the suspended notices, all workmen are not in, and it was insisted upon at the meeting that all must be got in. then a stoppage is to be effected. It is. sincerely to be hoped that no stoppage will be necessary; although, to all appearance, at least, it is too sanguine an expectation to be realised The Cyfarthfa management will not co-operate with the men's organisations, despite, the danger of a stoppage and the imperative demand of national interests. The man must on this occasion also, as on all other occasions, do the job themselves, and leave the responsibility of & stoppage on the employers concerned. Lord Muir Mackenzie, the South Wales Con- ciliation Board Independent Chairman, has given his decision upon the points submitted to him—a decision that disappoints the reasonabla exlx-ciaf-ions of the workmen. He has decided against the 5 per cent. increase demanded by them. Of course, lie has also decided against the i-c-dtiction of 31 per cent. demanded by the owners, but no one supposes that the owners are thereby feeling aggrieved. The general feel- ing is that they did not expect to succeed in the. application, which was only put forward as a set-off against the increase demanded by the men. T.5 ades Unionists are aware that after the outbreak of war. and in anticipation of abnor- mal unemployment as a result thereof, which would prove too heavy a strain upon the unen.ployment funds of the Unions, the Board of Trade decided to re-pay a portion of the amount expended under this head. Now, Secre- taries of Trades Unions have received a com- munication from the 'Board stating that such re-payments by the Treasury in relief of their financial liabilities to their members under the National Insurance Act will cease at the end of May next. The letter refers to the fact that there is practically no unemployment at pre- sent among Trade Union members. There has been some talk in Trades Union circles for some time akout the advisability of Trades Unions investing their sums in the C. V .S. Bank. It is in every way desirable that closer co-operation should obtain between the Co-op. and Trades Union Movements, and no better means of bringing about such a consummation can be devised than this of ma- kin; use of the C.W.S. Bank. At the Liverpool Trades Council last week, a paper was read by the Deputy Manager of the Bank (Mr. T. G. Da vies), in whicii he stated that last year the turnover of the bank was £ 230,000.000, and that the accumulated funds of Tirades Unions amounted t» £ 10,000,000. Evidently there is a fine scope for business here. I think that the Unions all over the country are prepared to favourably consider the proposal to invest in the naturally sympathetic and democratic C. W.S. Bank rather than in the naturally hos- tile joint stock banks. It is for the C.W.S. to provide the "facilities which are now altosether lacking. Ail Trades Unionists know that the Muni- tions Act is anything but a perfect piece of legislative machinery. The provision which gives the right to employers to peremptory dis- charge workmen and to keep skilled labour out of work for six weeks seems specially designed to binder production. The A.S.E. Monthly Re- 'port for February informs us of a case where it took three weeks to prepare a charge and three weeks to wait for the trial, by which time of course, the man was free without a cer- tificate. but with a loss of six weeks' work. Here's another case from the same report. A chief engineer was ordered by his firm to leave his ship on arrival at home port. and await the arrival of another steamer in a month's time. FiNed. with a sense of patriotism, he was persuad a d to start work in a controlled estab- lishment on urgent work. Aft-er working three weeks, lie was telegraphed for to take his new ship but the maaager of the controlled es- tablishment refused to let him go, although he only worked to oblige him. To bring such a case before a Tribunal would mean, through delay in the court sitting, loss of his ship. Not (J c? l ay, in the court ,;I to work would mean the loss of skilled men's work, Truly, as the report says. It's a great Act for loss of time." The E.C. of the A.S.E, have decided to agai-li ask their members to vote in favour of a levy of 3d. per quarter to establish a political fund under the Txiade Union Act. 1913, and to rominate Parliamentary candidates. It is most essential that they should act upon the advice of E.C., because, as the report points out, in addition to the many social and indus- triai. questions relegated to a more peaceful period, there must necessaril-v arise, on the term ination of the war, problems of great na, tlOnal importance affecting vitally the war king classes. All sections of the communtiy will be heavily taxed to pay for the war. If the working class interests are to be safeguarded, and the burden of taxation placed on the pro- per shoulders, then Labour must 'be well re-! presented in Parliament. The Labour Party has realised the need for preparation to meet the situation which will confront Labour at the end of the war, by appointing a sub-committee to enquire into the matter and report. It is impossible to over- estimate the danger to working-class interests which the war has brought about: and how to avert these dangers and secure to Labour privi- leges enjoyed in pre-war days will tax their ability to the utmost. There will be the inevit- able dislocation of industry, unemployment, attempts to lower wages and depress the stand- ard of life. There are the Trade Union regu. lations and conditions which have been set a-,side, the introduction of female labour into spheres hitherto reserved for men: and many othef provisions all fraught with difficulties and clangers. Th j provisions of the 1915 Rents Act should I he thoroughly understood by all Trades Un- ionists, and it is incumbent upon them to see l that these provisions are not violated in their own cases or in the case of any of their fel- lows. The following are the most important: The landlord cannot charge a higher rent than was being charged on August 3, 1915. Even when the repairs and decorations have been carried out, no extra rent can be charged. Any increase in the rent since August 3 is illegal, and can be deducted from the future rer.t or recovered in the courts. A landlord cannot turn a tenant out of a hOUSl- as long as the rent is paid, and no nuisance committed. He may, however, do so if he requires the house for his personal use or for the use of members of his family. The Act applies to all houses of a rental not exceeding 101- a week, and will -remain in foroe during the war and six months after. In case of any of these provisions being vio- lated. it would be best to consult the Trade Union Secretary, who would brng the case to the notice of the local Trades Council, all of which have established a Rents Committee to deai with such cases.

Lecture Recital by Casey at Bargoed. AN APPRECIATION. I The cosy Co-operative Hall was nicely full on Monday, the 28th ult., to hear Casey in his fascinating lecture recital. It must be granted at the outset that the audience in addition to its numerical strength, was highly appreciative, which speaks volumes for the often depreciated Welsh audiences, as well as for the recitalist. A most interesting part of the lecture was the information given regarding Dance Forms," and how they formed the origin of 'Sonata Form," the most artistic musical architecture ever developed. All human accomplishments have originated insignificantly, and above all docs this factor apply in connection with mu- sic. When Phillip Emanuel Bach commenced writing Sonatas in the early part of the 18th Century, they were imperfect and formless com- pared with the highly developed Sonatas of Haydn; and still more so when compared with Beethoven Sonatas, who brought this form to its highest perfection. Do not, therefore, des- pise the day of small things. I feel very grateful to Casey for the highly interesting manner he adopts to brine this truth to light, for though I have been a student of these his- torical incidences there never was any force behind the reading of such compared with the actual music of the various periods, played so beautifully and finished, whilst preserving somewhat of the styles of the subsequent pe- riods represented. Oi the thirty or more "Dance .Forms" included in the modern re- pertoire. Casey played a number of the best Y' The forms. The Mazurka," The Minuet," &c. which formed a most beautiful painting, hav- ing for its background some ancient Irish, Scotch, and other aius. The only line that marred the beauty of such artistic picture was the absence of a Welsh dance, of which the folk airs of the Welsh people are abundantly rich. Im addition to the list of airs already referred to. the following modern classics were contri- buted —" The Bee" (Schubert-Wilheling); Waterfall" (Bohm); Logende and Mazur- ka" (Wieniawski); "Dreaming" (Schumann); Serenade" (Schubert-Blman); "Carnival of Venic-e" (Anon); "The Swan" (Saent Saens); Minuet" (Mozart). In all these classics Casey attained a very high artistic standard, but two or three will suffice for special elabora- tion. "The Bee" is a me;lody requiring clever and finished execution, being a series of rapid imitative figures with slurred staccato passages and pizzicato notes here and there. It was a magnificent triumph on his part. The little creature was hovering up and down as natural as if it was present in the room, humming soft crescendos. in a most delicious manner. By re- quest the Legende and Mazurka by the great Russian writer was rendered in a truly artistic manner. Its sustained phrases were dignified, with breadth of tone and feeling, and the phrasing at all times was above suspicion. The contrast was very striking when the Ma- zurka" followed, with its peculiar rhythmic effect, and the Polish vim was exhilarating throughout. Dreaming" (Schumann) is as easy to read as the diatonic scale, but few executants suc- ceed in colouring the tone in a manner neces- sary to convey its message of abstract truth. Here intonation, phrasing, and tone colour are absolutely necessary, and none were disap- pointed, for the rendering was exquisite. Permit me to further eulogise Casey's read- ing of Mozart's "Minuet. This item by the composer of Don Giovanni" is the finest speci- men of the form in existence. It is a slow movement, and, like one or two of the pieces already mentioned, requires extremely delicate touch, distinct phrasing, and above all, rhyth- mic consciousness, owing to its peculiar odd crotchet entry. In my humble opinion Casey's treatment was very fine, its phrases, its seo- tions. and periods were united by a complete mastery of tene building and rhythmic accen- tuations. Other contributions deserve more space for further appreciation than space allows but I must. desist on the present occasion. It must be a source of gratification to Casey to realise the appreciation shown him at Baa-goed for every item was vociferously encored. We felt a per- sonality in the background of the execution, a grear soul revealing its greater emotions, and a spiritual messages conveyed to the soul of ev- ery listener. To me. I felt acutely the tra- gedy of this. war, with men and brothers to whom we owe a debt of "ratitude acutaiy for the music that pacifies our baser inclinations, music that elevates us from the realm of com- mercialism and hatred to the realm of pean and spiritual existence. We thank Casey for his wel- comed visit, and assure him that when he comes again, he shall find a large musical audience awaiting him. ORPHEUS. j

I Stone Dusting in Mines. MER I HYR VALE EXPERIMENTS. At Southport last week the Miners' Federa- tion of Great Britain discussed questions of stone dusting in mines as o preventive of ex- plosions. A letter from Mr. W. Brace, M.P., stated he had received a communication from Nixon's Navigation Collieries, Merthyr Vale, inviting the Home Office to see what was being done there before deciding on regulations. Mr. Brace and Sir Richard Redmayne were going to the collieries, and they were anxious to have the men's T'öpresentatives present. It was decided to send a aeputation.

The Mountain Ash Tribunal LIVELY SCENES. During the last week the Mountain Ash Military Service Tribunal has been devoting its attention to the claims of conscientious objec- 'i t t?  I I tors. The Press were admitted. The first cases were heard on Friday evsilng, 3rd inst. Bethuel Morgan claimed absolute exemption on the ground that he believed in the sanctity of human life. Col. Morgan and ift r. John Powell catechised the applicant with the cur- rent newspaper questions about German atro- cities. Mr. Morgan, after lie had answered the questions, stated that he would go to prison or submit to any penalty rather than not follow his conscientious convictions. Col. Morgan; You are trying to save your skin."—" The Applicant: "I have a soul, if that man hasn't."—Mr. Millar (from the rear): "A very offensive remark." Mr. Millar's digni- fied rebuke was received with doe solemnity. Members of the Press shuddered. No exemption. No Questions. Mr. Emrys Hughes claimed absolute exemp- tion on the ground that he was a Socialist, and believed that war and militarism were in all circumstances detrimental to the welfare of the people and the future progress of the race. The applicant proceeded to say that he could see no point in unduly protracting the pro- ceedings.—A Member of the Tribunal objected to Mr. Hughes' reference to the theological views of Col. Morgan.—The Chairman Has anyone any question to put to Mr. Hii,gliese"- Members of the Tribunal: "No."— No exemp- tion A Colliery Case, Mr. John Taylor applied for an absolute ex- emption. Members of the Tribunal wished to adjourn the case until after the decision of the Colliery Tribunal. Mr. Taylor challenged this on his right to have his conscientious objec- tion decided there and then. The Tribunal gave way. but Mr. Taylor was re fused an exemp- tion on his conscientious grounds. Theological Students. Two ministerial students Messrs. E. R. Vaughan and W. Hopkins. Carmarthen Col- leI ,e- were exempted in accordance with recent Government regulations. A Disgusted Territorial. Mr. Walter Rees, a dentist, in reply to CoI. Grav. stated that he had been in the Ter?,?t.- rials and that had disgusted him with the wholeousiness of warfare.—No exemption. A failwayman's War Bonus. Mr. Percy Kendall, a railwayman, applied for absolute exemption on the grounds that he believed in the sanctity of human life. Major Gray Do you get any benefits from the war?—Mr. Kendall: No.—Major Gray: Do you get War Bonus?—Mr. Kendall: That's to counterbalance the increased cost of living. -Major Gray: Isn't it a benefit?—Mr. Kend- all: No, a sop to keep us quiet. Not exempted. Turing the jprooedings a petition from a number of persons outside the room, asking for perrr ission to be present, was refused. A Public Hearing. On Monday evening the Tribunal was ap- proached by members of the public to grant a public hearing. The Tribunal magnanimously agreed to admit three persons as representing the public. At this sitting Mr. John Powell was absent, but the role of chief inquisitor and public prosecutor for the British Empire was voluntarily assumed by the Labour representa- tive. Mr. Lamburn. Mi-. Gwilym Smith (an Abercynon school- teacher; claimed absolute exemption on moral grounds. He stated that he had always held views opposed to militarism and war, and during his term at College had refused to join the Territorials. He was not prepared to take up combatant and non-combatant service. Mr. Lamburn proceeded to interrogate Mr. Smith; while Mr. Smith was answering his in- tciri-ogator he was subjected to frequent in- terruptions. He appealed to the chair on the ground that when he tried to answer the ques- tions he was pulled up for making a speech. Mr. Millar (in tne rear) was requested by the Chairman to let Mr. Smith go on. In reference to his occupation as a teacher, the applicant stated emphatically that he did not believe in teaching hatred. Mr. Lamburn: Supposing you were a mem- ber of the Cabinet when war broke out, what would you have done?"—Mr. Smith: I would have done precisely the same as Lord Mor- ley and John Burns." —"Are you a Briton F" asked someone.—" I stand for the noblest e lements in Britain," was the retort.—A Mr. JOHCV. said: "Give this man a chance of sacri- ficing his life." Mi. Geo. Hall moved that Mr. Smith be gi- ven an absolute exemption.—N o exemption Mr. F. W. Starr appealed for absolute exemp- tion on the ground that he believed in the sanc- titv of human life.—The Chairman: "You are a coal miner at present?"—The Applicant: iN o at present I am a conscientious objec- tor. "—Mr. Starr said that whatever the deci- sion might be, he intended following the dic- tates of his conscience.—Not exempted. -N,ot exemp,te d Mr. Thomas Griffith appealed on conscientious grounds.—Not exempted. A Scene—The Court Cleared. Mr. Edward Minor appealed on conscientious grounds. He stated that Mr. Emrys Hughes was there to represent him. The Chairman: "We cannot allow Mr. Hug- hes to state your case for you."—The applic- ant said that he had appointed Mr. Hughes to state his case for him in accordance with the terms of the Military Service Act. Mr. Lamburn and Col. Morgan objected. Mr. Hughes appealed to the Chairman to be allowed to read passages from the Government Regulations.—This was. refused. Mr. Hughes rose time after time on points of order. Eventually the Press and the pub- lic were requested to' leave the court, and the Tribunal sat to consider the point in camera. When the public were re-admitted the Chair- malt announced that they had come to the conclusion that no applicant would be allowed to bring an adviser to state his case for him, provided that the applicant was also present. Mr. Minor's case was then considered. —Not exempted. Mr Hugh Powell, a dentist, claimed am ab- solute exemption en conscientious grounds. He produced evidence to show that he had held anti-militarist views for many years. He stated that while at Ystradgynlais a debate had been arranged between a speaker o.f the National Service League and himself. Col. Morgan: "How would you settle the present difficulties of England?"—Mr. Powell: I should suggest peace."—Col. Morgan: "N o- body fights because he likes it. "—Mr. Powell: I:rr. not here to answer for othens." Mr. I Lamburn: "Do you agree that you should enjoy the liberties which others a-re, fighting: for ?"—Mr. Powell: "The very fact that I am h«re to-night shows what my liberties are. Col. Morgan: "Supposing the Germans came here?"—Mr. Po-wall: I would fight them in the same way as I am fighting you." -— Col. Morgan: "Would you help the soldiers wound- ed on the battle field?"—Mr. Powell: "Not to send them back to the torture and the horror of the trenches."—Non-combatant service. Mr. Thos. David Williams, another oonscien- tious objector, in answer to a question, stated tha.t he was a member of the I.L.P.—Mr. Bruce Jones: The I.L..P are the biggest fighters in industrial matters.—In reply to a question the- applicant denied the right of the State to decide matters of life and death.—No exemption Mr. F. W. Jenner said he objected to waT.- Mr. Lamburn: "We all do."—Mr. Jenner: "No ^you don't, else you wouldn't participate | in ]t."—Mr. Lamburn: "How do you suggest that you are going to defend your ]il..ties 1"- Mr. Jenner: "I am defending them here to- mght.—No exemption. Trying to Stick to the Little Liberty r I Yet Have." I tt u iloses iviins asked the Chairman if Mr.. Hughes would be allowed to represent hii -n.- The request was refused. Mr. Mills asked if Vl r iljills asle d it the case could be adjourned pending a. question m the House of Commons.—The Chairman re- fused Mr. Lamburn: "How are you going to de- fend your liberties?"—jVJr. Mills: "I am try- ing to stick to the little liberty I yet have. Mr. Lamburn Supposing someone knocked you on the nose?"—-Mr. Mills: "I'd take him to the police court." — "Supposing the Ger- man.* came?" asked someone.—"Well replied lHr Mills, "they can kill me and thon have $ the little I've got.—Refused exemption Mr. James Davies told Mr. Lamburn that. he would take up German mines provided that lie would be allowed to take up English ones as well —Refused Exemption. Mr. Justin Evans was refused an adviser. He had been a Sunday School member but hè maintained that the Churches had changed ironi- the view every Christian ought to hold. —Ret used -exemption. Mi. Mills was not allowed to read a. further statement. He was a Primitive Methodist Mi* Lan burn affectionately addressed him as "My 4 denr boy." — He thought that militarism was the greatest curse in the world. He would not 'I take the military oath.Col. Morgan pointed out that this was unnecessary. oiar con- science does not come in," lie remarked. A Mr. Jones (colliery cashier) thought that they could not elicit any further information. Refused exemption. Cot, Morgan and Prince Kropotkin j Mr. PhiLlip Thomas, a prominent local mem— ■ ber oi' the W.E.A., was the next applicant. He J believed in the Brotherhood of Man. Mr. Wm"„. Lain b urn was temporarily elected to tll) chair He paternally told Mr. Thomas to keep cooil. Mr. Thomas: "I will that." In reply to questions, he stated that he had taken part in peace propaganda for many years. He maintained that we could not pre- serve life by destroying life, and that war had not saved Belgium. But, said Col. Morgan, "the Germans, laýe no respect for huma.n life."—" Militarism has not," was the reply.—" I don't like these big words," replied Col. Morgan.—The Colonel then went on to talk about the Survival of the fittest, "Have you read Darwin?" "No." was the reply, "but I have read Kro- potlnn's MntnaJ Aid, and be shows 'vaa.i>- j lit survive most by means of co-operative ef- 4 fort. "W^ ell, I haven't read Kropotkin," 3 said the Colonel. "We can't get on common ground."—"Do you believe in Christianity ?"' was the next question. "Not as the theolo- gian' do," replied Mr. Thomas.—"Is this a, just quarrel?" asked the Colonel.—Mr. Thomas: "No. "—Mr. Millar (from the rear): Have- you read what Mr. Brace said at M(>rthyr?"- Mr Thomas: "My views and those of N-T-. r Bract) are not alike. Not exempted. Mr. Millar the Authority on Parcia Mr. Ivor Hawkins stated that ho wa? an In-, ternational Socialist.-Mr. L?nbu?n followed up hjs ong?l series of questions on inwrna ttonal l.aw,-Mr. Miliar (from the rear) refer- red to the neutrality of Beigium.-Mr. Haw- ^\iv ?Minded him of the neutrality of Persia. .3,1111ar Bought it wasn't the same thin-' 7?? ? D. M? orel and H. N. Brailsford must Imm? uiaten apologise.—Not exempted Mr. Noah Tromans appeared for his nephew, who was unable to conduct his own case. He informed the Tribunal that the appliaant had; always been brought up in an anti-militarist home. Mr. Tromans said that he would very mucli like to answer any questions. This was. a direct challenge to Mr. Lamburn. Mr. Lam- burn thereupon asked a question upon the White Paper.—Mr. Tromans: I don't believe everything in the White Paper, nor everthvine* that appeai-s in the Press. Neither do YOU. Rev. Geo. Neighbour appeared with his son, but was not allowed to speak on his behalf. Mr Lamburn was not present. On attempting- to speak, the Chairman refused to hear him Mr. Millar wanted to know if the applicant. sheltered at the expense of the Navy. Mi. Neighbour interjected: "Y ou're always- living at the expense of somebody. Even coal. H Mr Millar wished to know if the applicant intended breaking the law. Mr Neighbour made a personal application. He protested against the procedure. The very people who taiked about breaking the law were defying Government regulations. Not exempted. Over 36 applicants wore refused total ex- emption. AH are appealing.

Tredegar Solicitor's Appeal. A Tredega,r solicitor who advanced conscien-* tious objections to taking life as being contrary to the teaching of Christ was asked by the Chairman if he would take up the prosecution of a murderer if a brief wore offered him. Applicant: Absolutely no. It might sound like sour grapes, but it is a fact. Are you prepared to do anything in the way of rescue?—Yes, without taking the military oath. But if I joined the R.A.M.C. I might be given a rifle and asked to shoot. If I refused: I would be shot for not doing what the Tribu- nal had exempted me from doing. Mr. W. S. Davies asked appellant if he would do anything to save women and children being massacred by bombs from Zeppelins, even if it involved the taking of the life of a Ger- man. to which he replied that he would not do so if it meant taking life. The application on this ground was refused, and the business hardship was then advanced, on which he was granted an extension of four months. Printed and Published by the Labour Pioneer Press, Limited, Williams1 Square, Street, Merthyr Tydfil, March 11, 1916.