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DOWLAIS.I-.
DOWLAIS. I- Deaijh aptbk A MPAL,-A. verdict in accord- ance with the medical evidence was returned at au inquest held at Dowlais last Friday by Mr. R. J. Rhys on William Morgan (61), for- merly a puddler, of Cwmoanol Street. Deceased was said to hare been unwell on Saturday night and after partaking of bread and butter and a aup of tea he passed away. Dr. Lewis attributed death to Cardiac failure."
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I Steel Workers and the Produc=…
Steel Workers and the Produc= tion Committee. NOTICES TO BE TENDERED IF UNSATlS. FACTORY. A Congress of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers and Mechanics of South Wales 'and Monmouthshire was held at the Globe Hotel, Merthyr, on Saturday last, when 56 delegates were present, representing nearly 6,000 workmen from the associated W'ol'ks--Ebbw Vaile, Dowlais, Oyfarthfa and Dowlais-Oardiff. It was unanimously agreed that another ap- peal be made to the Committee on Production to abolish the maximum of 45 in the present Sliding Scale agreement; the last Joint Audit- ors' Award for the three months ending Feb- ruary 24 showing the average prices up 84 above the standard in the Agreement. A strong feeling was exhibited throughout on the present position, and the Congress ad- journed until Saturday, May 13, pending the reply from the Committee on Production; pro- viding the reply not being satisfactory, a month's notice to terminate contracts wll follow.
Another Soldier's Wife's Neglect.…
Another Soldier's Wife's Neglect. MERTHYR BAIRN'S SORDID HOME. I The house and surrounding are kept in a disgusting manner, and it is nothing more or less than a brothel. The sights and" söenes going on axe such that it is absolutely im- perative, foT the children's safety, that they should be taken from her custody. So said Mr C. B. James, solicitor, who prosecuted on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C. at Merthyr on Friday last a soldier's wife named Isabella Caulcutt, of Baden Terrace, for neglecting hear, four children whose ages ranged from 11 years to 2 years. Mr James added that defendant was in receipt of £ 2 13s. separation allowance', etc Defendant burst into tears and exclaimed, I have only fallen this last few months. For God's sake give me one chance. I will never do wrong again. Give me one chance, for the sake of my little children." Defendant tramped backwards and forwards in the dock, sobbing bitterly, while the Bench were considering their decision. Defendant's mother-in-law offered to take the defendant and heir children to Liverpool, and on that understanding the Bench bound defendant over for 12 months.
The Electric Theatre.I
The Electric Theatre. I The magnificent programmes arranged by the manager have proved popular this week. On Thursday night "The Vultures of London," a 3-reel production teaming with sensation, was screened. There is another S-reol subject also shown, which is equally attractive. The prog- ramme is quite in keeping with the Electric's reputation, the subjects being varied and con- sist of a number of wp-tc>-cl.ate pictures. 019. Monday mext a powerful all-Scottish drama- is advertised; it is purely all-Scotch, pro- duoed in "Bonnie Scotland," and shoidd, prove very popula-r amongst picture goers next ifreek. On Thursday next M1 Ideal picture play; en- titled "His Worship the Mayor," is booked. The story of an honest man, who waa hoisted into the office ot mayor by a. gronp of self-seek- ing politicia-no. He refused to play their ame, bravely defying their threats and intrigues, which did not stop even at ftftackiii,, his dom- estic honour. In theend,1 tollgh after many struggles, the honest mayor wing through. Men- tion may b. made that this pict-Lii,e, is being s hown at the Olympia, Cardiff, thfe w'.ek, and has been viewed by large audiences. The Managemeat have placed the Theatre at the disposal of the Mea-thyr Commltte* in aid of the pUFchMe of t1 finil tor Y.M..C.A. purposes 'tlt the front. to meariicat, -ilmi-a is hardly a person wlto has not h«d or :r.I, a, fet- ter from our braT. boys at the frII". w. hope the tickets will be purchased fr«#ly for, the "Electric" Benefit; tiekei* will be ajrailabJe shortly, Mr. Bow,-in haa seme very ftDllt »ei"9ctions coming aJonat, and hit bookings ar« TOty far advanced, and ocmsigt of i&o T-wv W«t produc- tions upon tfee mwrket.
I fhe Editor's Appeal ii I…
fhe Editor's Appeal ii I Be ,altor s 'ppeaL lJ Comrades,—With tho" dilution" of our ranks, of readers that must follow upon the seizure of large numbers of our followers under the scheme of General Compulsion now so imminent, it is. more than ever necessary that the financial position of the paper should be consolidated so that the organ may live against the time when we return to straighten out the mess into. whioh the workers are economically being pre- cipitated. The flag must be kept flying. Yours, the task, as yours the pa-per. THE EDITOR. bnare Capital. s..d.  Bargoed Pioneer Committee 15 Qk ShiHingFund. Graig Federation Committee 60 0 Mountain Ash Miner 10 0 H?i?ri? .y T, e,?is 2 T. C. LNIol-i-is 2 C? 44 0 
BEDLINOG.
BEDLINOG. b.W.M.F.-—A general. meet ng of the local lodges was held at Gosen Hall on .Friday last. Tho district- agenda was discussed, and Mr. W. Stockham presented a report of the Annual Con- ference of the Federation recently held at Car- diff. A resolution calling upon the Executive- Council not to prolong conferences for more than the appointed days without the sanction of the lodges was also passed. Geaxb Co?cjfET.—At the Church HaJ1, Bed- Ijnog. on Thursday last, a grand concert was held in aid of the Church Bunding Fund. The li. nog.i_ n aid of the Church Buildinp' Fund. The chair was taken by the Rev D. Davies, B.A. t(,,ai,). L,he Sirhowv Male Voice Party was presont. and their renderings were a delight tc:, all music lovers. An admirable quartette of artistes was also secured: Soprano. Miss Marion- Kempton, L.R.A.M., Cardiff; tenor Mr Ben Gibbs, Blackwood, contralto. Miss Milly Gibbs, Blackwood; bass, Mr D. Price. Blackwood. Sev- eral local artisces assisted. The programme was- as follows:—Chorus, "Boys of the Old Brig- ade, Sirhowy Male Voice Paidy (under the- conductorship of Mr Ben Gibbs; solo, "Last vV ateh," Mr Ben. Gibbs solo, Tosti's "Good- bye," Miss Nellie Gfbbs; quartette, "Little- Tommy," Messrs Gibbs and Price and Misses Gibbs and Kenipton; solo, "Young Royalist," Mr W. Rogers; recitation, "Asleep at the Switch," Mr J. Edwards; solo, "Come, Sing," Mi-Davi,d ToTies; solo, "My Hero," Miss Kemp- ton; solo, "Little Fat Fellow," an encore; duett, In the Springtime," Miss Gibbs and:' Mr Ben Gibbs; solo, "Toreador," Mi" F. Evans choruses, "In Absence" and "By-and-Bve" j. solo. "Ebb Tide," and "Cartref" (encore)'; solo "Asleep in the Deep," Mr D. Price; solo, "Break of Day/' Miss Kempton," and "Some- one is fighting" (an encore). The rendering of selections by Sirhowy Party were-indoett cre- ditable, and were much appreciated by the au- dience. Miss Kempton was also a favourite and delighted everybody. Her fine rendering of Mv Hero was exceptionally good, and fully deserved the plaudits and encores given. During the interval a very interesting item took place. The church members availed themselves of the- opportunity of showing their appreciation of the services of Mr Herbert Morgan, who has beem the organist of St. Oadoc's for the past 16 years. Mr Richard Price (churchwarden), on behalf of the church members, presented Mr Morgan, with a handsome marble clock, and an excellent tribute was paid to his many golildJi qualities as a church worker. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the party and the ar- tistes. A word of praise is also due to Mr W. Rogers for the excellent way in which he nised the concert. Mr Rogers, who is a fajftli- ful member of the clioir, and an indefatigable" c,I-Lii,i-(!h Ivoiiieir, will. leave to join the colours on. the 24th inst.
The Palace.i
The Palace. Manager Hall-Jones still continues to provide* excellent fare for his numerous patrons. A very fine bit! is being presented this week-end, which; includes a delightful exclusive drama, entitledi "The Labyrinth. featuring the popular ar- tiste, Gail Kane, which should be a gre&t at- traction to those who appreciate a first-class- Cine-play. Another fine drama is Whan Fate was Kind," a Pathe play in two pdfrts. Cbarl-i#- Chaplin will also make his appearance in "His; Favoumte las-tune." The remainder of too pr& gramme contains many interesting items, such as the gazette of Latest News, afcid an interest- ing picture of "Typical National Dances, Also, the d-rama. Her Pre v." On Monday the special attraction will be, u (l9h^ e Golden Lotus," 111 very fine picture, fea- turmga popular and well-known artisto with. Palaeie audiences—MdMe. Regina Badet. We j need hardly remind our readers that this is ars. 1 adaptation of the novel bv Cora-lie Stanton and 1 Heath Hosken, the authors of Zoe." which was shown at the Palace gome time ago. "The Broken Coin," which is a great draw, jj be further continued in Episode 16. Another i Official War Picture is in this patograanme, also, War Map 11. The remainder of the prograii- I roe is britE: amusing and instructive. On Thursday one of greatest attraction* | ever shown at the Palace will be Sir Rider Haggard' world-reaownod novel "She," a pic- I ture that will need Ifttle recommendation every body will want to see this. Charlie .Chaplin ik 4 "Making a Living"—this is nothing to do with 1 the deceait little salary of £ 134,000 he i" | struggling a/t present—wijl be welcomed by j those who desire a good laugh. Two other dra- mas are "The Tew Dawn" and "The Lost Mes- 1 senger." Another of the British Sports Series. will also appear. We would reaind Oinema patrons that tko Government Entertainment Tax will come inim, force on Monday, May 15: full particulars ario given on ti-i-o sti, coii. The children's entertain- ment will he held on Saturday niorninzs. wbm ] the price of admission is Id, no tax being in- .] Printed aad Published by the Labour Pioneer Press, Limited, Williams' Square, GlebefaaJf j Sfeflet, Mtcthyr Tydfil, May 6, lfl8. .'J
- - - Navvy Pat's Views.
Navvy Pat's Views. Thfre was noise and chatter and raixed-up arguments in the Turbetrville previous to Pat's typpeaismoe, and the prevailing opinion seemed to be that the figures Pat had submitted to us last Saturday Vere impossible, exaggerated, wtterlv beyond all reason and Pat had scaroelj rfbowed his way half through the crowd when Sandv tackled him, Pat, we've been thinking over your fig- gers: they're awfully big; d'ye railly mean tae say they'll stand inquirin' into? Cood ye argue them out before the coalowneas: Ye've been thinkin, have ye NVell, .h, at,,s what I've been tryin' to make yo do since 1898, an' it's proud that I am that 18 years hard labour has at last started ye at the game. Some- V body said some time or another, Whm people think, tyrants tremble-, an' Navvy Pat says now Whin people act, tyrants fall. Keep ? thinkin'. translate yer thoughts into ackshuns, i an' I'll see ve winnin' yet afore I die. An r don't caM them my figgers; not wan of ?e. An? i mine I found '¡¿¡¡m among the piles upon piles i ov rubbish that the Capitalist Press pours over £ k ib an' the public, from the coalowners, "the miners' leaders, an' outsiders whose interests are affected; ivrv time there's trubble in the coal- field. I onlv picked 'em out ov the rubhish heap, dusted 'em, trated em by the vules ov elementary arithmetic, an' laid em before you an' the public. « Will they stand." Ov coarse they will, they don't go bevant vulgar frackshlins, an a sixth standard schoolboy wid his sla.te an' penoil cud carrv 'em through the Oonsillyashun Boaid J he onlv Md cheek ,muff to face his elders Ye've begun to think; may aU the saints urge I Ye -ve begun to think-, ye on to a<c k shun soon! Now here's the foundation ov a 1 th? claims l'e. made for bigger advances, an this part ov my argyments can't be akerea eitl bv coalownsr or miners' leader. Whatever percentage 1/- rise on the selling price ov coal shows in comparin- itwid the standard, that same percentage is the minimum advance per 1/- rise needed to give fairplay to the miners. Fix that in yer minds, bhoys, an' chew it over at yer leisure, a.n' whin fairly c-ompiehena it. swalow it an' act on it. Take yer standard 7/10; what percentage is 1/- rise on 7 /10 ? 4! 711 100 percentage sought for. Re- duce the two first terms to pence get 94 12: 100 answer multiply 100 by 12 an divide by 94 ye get 12 an' 36-47ths per cent that 1rise gives on the standard sei^ iin price. This is a little over 12? per cent, but 12 P? cent is much aisier to handle, being just 2jb< m. tke t, or one-eighth ov a honderd. Now the ,te cost all the pi-o fif?,- sellin' price covers all the cost &n the proht; the cost covers wages an' all other CDsts; 1 rise will brine to the coalowners 1-2,1 per cent on the wages hiM; 12t per sent on all other costs and 121 per cent avdance on his proiits an' he shovês us off with 5g per cent on our wages, pocketing 6g per cent on our wages, 121 per cent on all other costs, an' 12.V per cent on profits. Let us take figgers for it; call the standard 8/ an' let us suppose that wages cums to 4/- out ov the 8/ an' that the other costs cum to -3/4, leavin' 8d. for profit. There oums a rise of 11-. 9 J cums in for the ton ov coal, an' supposin' the owner was to give us 12 V per cent advance on our wages, we wud get 4/6, the owner wud pocket 4/6, 6d. ov that comin' out OT the rise, or 75 per cent advance on his pro- fits. Ye see, he gits 12 £ per cent on his 8d.— Id a.n' 12t per cent on the other costs 3/4 eq- uals 5d. •4 But he only gives us 5, 1 per cent, exactly If7} in the or nearly 4d. on the 4/ an' pockets 4/8, 8d. ov that comin' out ov the rise, or 100 per cent advance on his profits "Suppose 5j- rise, 13/- for the ton ov coal, our 4:! shud bring us 6/6, an' then 6/6 would go to the owner, 2/6 ov that out ov the rise, or 275 per cent on his 8d. profit, but he only gives us 28,1 per cent or 51 n for our for himself, =3/4t bein' out ov the rise an' making 406i per cent on his 8d. "Take the 14/- rise, 22/ for the ton ov coal; our 12,t per cent to the 1/- shud give us 17o per cent advance, or 11/- for our 4/ an' lavin' 11/- to the owner, 7/- ov that out ov the rise or 950 per cent advance on his 8d. But he only gives us 7S4,3 pet' cost, that is nearly 3/2, making our 4/- 7/2 an' lavin' him 14/10—-10/10 out of the rise, or 1,525 per cent qu his S d. Av coorse. I've not taken in the war bonus, iobat's extra, and doesn't cum into the wages dispute; an' ye may say I've not divided the 8/- properly wid mv 4/ 3/4 an' 8d. Well, divide it as yeloike, an' make veir oalkilations, ye'H find that the coalowner, while givin' us 12-1 per cent on wages, will always have 12i Ser cent on his profits, an' on the other costs; he will always be in the big end ov the horse. I'll have to give in that there's been some increase in the cost ov production. an' there we have no figgers to go on but what tlte ooalo-wners are willin' to give us. an' they won't suit; but there's ways ov dealtih," wid unknown quantities till ye find their value by the rules ov Algebra: there's ai&o wavs ov usin' guess- work figgers before a Oonsillyashun Board in a way to produce a good effect. :Je ¡ a ton is 2-j times the standard an' abod p4 us 2] times our wages, an' lave the coal owner 2, times his profit an' 2| times the other costs, less amy increase in these costs; ■fchat's a good start. The Ijorapensashun Act has addcu a little to the cost at all collieries, an' several Acts compellin' tetter precautions for safety may Iwive increased the wurkin' expenses, but these Jbts also reduce the butchersJ bill, and it may be found that they reduce cost of production. The Minimum Wage Act an' followin' negotia- tions have certainly benefitted some of the lower-paid workmen, but they form only a jynall minority, an' many thousands ov the higher-paid classes are beisg steadily screw- ed down to the minimuI1. so I don't think we need yield much increase or coat on this head. 641 the..re is orwe item to et a.gaimstall in- «r«a«& ov cost, a^i' that is small soal. Whea large coal is dow* near the standard, all is not woi'rfi handling; 1867 prices were: but a couple or -,Icars liter, large touched 16 MCI small over 11/ ft looks as if small rose the quicker. For the last four or five years I nave seen market prises for sm&ll from 6/6 for alaek (coai dust) to 22/9 for some ov the better qualities. Ic Tlie ooa.lowner gets- the ssoaJl Sr<s'e of cost in the track at the pit top; we get nothing for it- A colliery accountant tüld us a year or innl a > that the output ov small was 34.5 per eer r 'w ov the large; over wan-thir^ OT the <?tpuT. Tiothi;?-r in the truck at the ]8ft.lt".d, .ana seBin' at all prices from 6/6 to X '9 per ton ou?ht to p&y &?1 the aos? OT '?M''c<??ction; oc et Iaste mke ct ° T pr<xk?c- -?on what  Hllgln caB 2, U1'glbl ql-mn- whafc wo might call a aegngibl« qitftn- A ?'juder of applauae x-ee*d P?t ?t tMs p?mt, and before it wm quite over Sandy was .at lum agam. may is trxe, "Gxnd God! 'Pat! If what Te say Is true, '<? coalowners aire robbera an' '?ur iader feel Je.ou.; Lord's sa/man What can Winstone t!a.e soo tae get us! oot o' the hobble?" I caa't tell ye what lie can de; he's in the adult infancy class, ye know, an' I'd nivver try to chalk out a policy for another man; no man can do that, for the plan that wud suit the adviser might be conthrairy to the ideas ov the wan he was advisin' We el, then, tell us what wud ye dae yersel', Pat?" "Oh, that's almy I'd go red-headed for that 12 per cent, an' I'd fling, our figgers at, 'em as I've flung them at you; an' if they brought other figgers agin ours I'd point out that their figures wanted provin, ours wanted disprovin' an' in the heat ov the argymeat it's 100—1 sum ov them would slip out figgers here an' there that I cud ketch in an' use agin them. If 1 cud n't git the 12 A r d baMot the coalfield for the 10 per cent per 1/ an' if the coal- owners wudn't give that, a.n' the miners wan- ted me to axe something lower, I'd jack up mo job an' let 'em pick someone else, for I'd sooner fill a pauper's grave than live like a prince wid men afraid to demand their rights. An' even if we got the 10 per cent I'd only sign it on condition that there be a Guvvern- ment enquiry into the actual cost of produc- tion. and a re-adjustment ov the wage rate as soon as it was finished, for I believe 15 per cent per 1 to be nearer our mark than 10 per cent." I'm affeareci. Pat, we have nane o'r our leader could do all ye say, but they cud all resign; an' I think a lot o' resignin' wud mend matters mair than a bit but, bad luck to them! they stick to their jobs like limpets; when it Cqlllls, to ivry wan ov them is a conscientious objector." C'udn't ye encourage sum ov 'em tn re- sig:.f9" says Pat,
! Blackwood Educational Class.!
Blackwood Educational Class.! The above class held its usual weekly meet- ing at the Waverley Cafe, Hijh Street, Black- wood, on Tuesday evening; when Mr Sydney Jones gave as the subject of his lecture, "Eco- nomic Theories from the Middle Ages On- wards." During the course of his lecture, the lecturer enumerated the different theories that were expounded by the various schools of thought.' starting with the Mercantile School, the Classical School and others, until he finally brought us up to the Marxian School of thought, which is probably the most accepted of all economic theories existing at the present time. Aft?r the lecture, an interesting discus- I sion took place, which, as I have mentioned before, augurs well for the future success of the class. The class meets every, Tuesday at the above address, and applications for mem- bership and all communications should be ad- dressed to the Secietarv—Mr J. T. Oakley, 45 William Street. Blackwood, Mon.
,? -?, ?', *? - I mms&zzmm&L—1…
,? ?, ?', ? mms&zzmm&L—1 "??""? MERTHYR.  I.L.P. Debating CLAss-On Sunday evening next, the I.L.P. Literary and Debating Class will resume its sittings, wien Comrade Malpass will speak on "Luxuries and who gets them." It is expected that there will be a good audi- ence to heal- Comrade Malpass, who has just returned 1fo the movement locally, and has some on it with something of a reputation and after the holiday Jt is expected that the members will have come back like giants re- freshed to tackle the speaker when the discus- sion is thrown open. PROMOTED LIE-UTENANT.Seoond-Lieut. M. D. Fleming, son of Mr. George Fleming, M.A. (Headmaster of the Merthyr Secondary School) and Mrs. Fleming, has been promoted lieuten- ant for service in the field. Lieutenant Flem- ing joined the forces at the commencement of the war, and was attached to the flth Hussars, but he ha.s since been transferred to the Royal Engineers, and is now in France.
TROEDYRHIW. I
TROEDYRHIW. I .Festival—-The 8th Annual C.M. Sunday Schools' Festival, representing the following churches —Aberfan Abercanaid Troedyrhiw; and Merthyr Vale—was held on Easter Monday at Nazareth, Troedyrhiw. The sacred edifice was crowded. The adults were catechised at the morning service by the Rev. Richard M. Harris. Trsedyrliiw; and the chair was occu- pied by Mr. David Edwards in place of the late Mr Richard Williams. The afternoon and evening services were mainly devoted to the children. Their rendering of specially selec- ted songs and an anthem, "Fe elai Plant at Iesu Grist" (n; Poley, L.T.S-.C.) was all that could be clesired and they received all possible support from the adults present. The Rev J. M. Davies, Aberfan had prepared oat&- chiatas, and the children displayed promptness and thorougjmess is their answers to the ques- tions. This meeting was presided over by the Rev W. A. Jones, Disgwjdfa Merthyr- Vale, and the evening meeting bv Mr Thomas R. Thomas. Abercanaid. At the afternoon service a list of names of the successful candidates at the recent Scriptural examinations in connec- tion with the festival was read. The accompa- nists for the day were Mr Ben Williams, Troed- yrh-iv, and Miss Tsf. M. Jones, Disgwylfa, who accomplished their tasks very creditably. The musical conductor was Mr Evan Poley, of Tr»edyrhiw. vflio paid a vary higk compliment to the committee on the high standard which the festival had at^ainofl. Mr. Poley has been secretary of the festival for about 8 years, and it is only faii- ta simte that mtich of tb credit is due to him. He is now retiring from office, and his succemor is Mr Isaac Evans, Dis- gwylfa. These present were very pleased to wet- come Mr NV. J. Thomas, Abercanaid, who has just rocovaf-ed from a long illness and who ably conducted the children in the singing of a tune of his own oompositionat the afternoon service. The festival reflects great erecttt on the different ouiAiay school teachers, who must have worked very hard with the children during the winter mantlis. The members of Nazareth Cliurch, Tr-aedyiiih* deserve every praise for their kind assistance in the preparation of food, elJc.
ABERAMAN. I
ABERAMAN. P.D. OrfflCIAL StRANTB» SuffAliD MEDAL. For gallant- conduct in the mina on September 10 last, Mr. Pred Stephens, under-manager at the Alt or am an C-oWieiy of the Powell Duffryn Com- pany, lias been awarded the Edward Medal (second c). The date of the preeeniation has not yet been ceinsmunioefied, but official intima- tion. of the a«|ftrd has Been received by Mr Ste- phens from the Home effiee statimg that the King haa bee* pleased toaward him t«h@ Edward Medal (seccwad class), on account of his gallant action in connection with a fall of roof at the Abecramaa Colliery on the date na-mefl. RaCŒ\¡BfENDED FCIR D.G.M.— Private J. Baker, of 5 Wyndham Cresaeat, Absraman, haJs been recommended for the D.O.M. Major-General W. Lauchton also writ" 4S41 Private J. Baker, Lanenshire Fusiliers, You-r coimmaaiding officer and brigade comtnander have informad me that yow have disitniguished by your conduct in tlx? fieid. I Save rapd wim-r report with mttch pleasure," Private Baker, who had seen service previously, rejoined soon ajfter the declaration of war, and has been through severe fighting S with his reginaetii.
Bargoed Notes.
Bargoed Notes. The Local Conciliwtion Board of the Building Trade met last Friday at the Junction Hotel, Bargoed. Seven builders from the East Gla- morgan and Mon. Master Builders' Association and seven employees from the Fkist Glamorgan and Mon. Building Trades Federation were the representatives, with Mr Fred Lewis, Eniplovers Gnainuan; Mr W. T. Lloyd, Trades Chaixman. It was agreed that rates and working rules in- i the Rhymney Valley remain as at present, and that the Blackwood District, from Hollybush | down to Owmfelinfach, including Pentwynmawr, be raised up to the rate of the Rhymney Val- ley. and the same working rules adopted; brick- layers, plasterers, masons and carpenters lOd. pr painters, 9d. per houc labourers, 7?d. per hour: with the addition of the fol-? p»r hour hour; • That the tlia t the ru l e lowing rule: That the dema.nd that the rule for scaifolders be extended to scaffolders, engine drivers and plasterers' labourelis viz., a half- penny above the current rate be deleted; and. instead that Rule 2 of the local rules be am- ended to give scaffolders. drainers and men engaged on special work one halfpenny per hour over the ordinary labourers' rate.' It was also decided to form the Local Demarcation Committee. > Calfaria Congregational Church, I On Wednesday next, May 12, a grand per- formance of Mozart's Twelfth Mass" will be given by the choristers of the above church. We understand that a rare treat is in store for local musical spirits, and rejoice that attempts are made locally to extend musioail studies into the realms of the Masters. Music is international. M)-, Noah Ablett at the New Hail. I On Sunday last. an address was given oy the above-mentioned speaker at a meting held at the Hall ON. Materialism." The chair was ta- ken by Mr. John Hawkins, Chairman of the Steam Coal Lodge. The meeting was not a large one, but all thoroughly enjoyed the spea- ker's remarks. T'heChairman, in his opening observations, Olnphaslsled the neoessitv for edu- cation amongst Trades Unionists, as amongst other sections of the community, and pointed out that one of the greatest needs of the moment was to bring about the solidarity ot fhe workers in order to watch their various inter- eSki. [t was necessary to meet the inroads ca. pitalism was making, and to bring about eco- nomic andpolitioalL emancipation, Mr. Ablett admitted he was a materialist, and sa,id that those holding such views were often grievously and grossly abused and mis- represented. Changead growth, he said, was a sign of life, whether in industrial, social, re- ligious or moral spheres. New ideas are evolv- ed which leave behind them other ideas which marked the processefc of growth. In the Trade Union movement there were often, must be, grave aiiterences or opu-uun as witnin its ranks were found thinkers in all stages of deyelop- ment The speaker gave a highly interesting historical account of the introduction of the wage system. Those who produced the necessi- ties for life make up the mass of the commun- ity, and rarely know who are their masters, their producing power b ill g applied to meet their produc i ng power being applied' masters, bi-is-ine,s it seei?ingly, of the manager whose business it was to get from the workers ser- vices f.r persons whom perhaps thev have never seen or heard of. Referring to the European conflict, lie said the conflagration to-day raging would some day happily cease; but the workers' war against conditions would go on, and Claim daily its victims. It was for the workers to bestir themselves to fit them for the strug- gle which will still go on. They must band them- selves together in a great workers' movement that they may more effectively withstand the ravages of industrialism. FNationalist Society. I A branch of this society has recently been formed in the town, and its meetings are held at the I.L.P. Rooms on Sundays. We under- stand that the rooms have been secured by arrangement with the members of the local braneh of the Independent Labour Party. Some misconceptions may possibly be removed if we say that the society discusses various phases of current thought—social, political and religious. The Society seems to be making headway, and has already held several meetings. U.D.C. Branch. I Another interesting item of news to be re- corded is that a branch of the Union of Demo- cratic Control has already been formed at Bair- goed Stie branch held its first meeting on Friday evening last at the I.L.P. rooms. A very successful initial meetiag is to be succeed- ed by others, and in the near future the branch hopes to be able to secure the services of one of its chief founders. There are aJso quite a number of other prospective members anxious to join in these activities, we are told. Trades Councifs at Aberbarqoed We understand that the various Tradee Coun- cils of the Valley held a meeting at the Insti- tute, Aberbargoed, on Thursday last to meet Mr. Ivor Thomas (Briton Ferry) who ad- dressed them on the work ef the National Council Against Conscription. It was decided to hold meetings at various places in the valley and district wherever halls mould be secured. Mr. Thomas said he would oo pleased to supply informatien with respect to speakers and pro- pagandists. Trade Union Officials will please note this. I J.L.P. Branch. The Pengain I.L.P. Branch sprang into, exist- ence on Tuesday evening last; Its meetings will be held every alternate Saturday for the present, and Mr. Willie Jones would be pleased to supply intending members with any iafor- rtuafcion they may desire. Apollo Glee Singers. This excellent party, 'ever ready to place its talents at the disposal of the needy, has ar- ranged to give a concert on Thursday, May 4, at the Institute, Bargoed, in aid of Mr Tom John (G.ilfach), who has long been ailing and in indifferent health. The party deserves our com- mendation and support in their unfailing gen- erosity fa coining to the aid of those who are overtaken by misfortune. We wish the conduc- tor and his party well, and hope Mr. John may soon recover from his prolonged illness. ,-L- 1r"
Merthyr Rector.
Merthyr Rector. SPIRITED REPLY TO CRITICS. UPKEEP OF CLOSED BURIAL GROUNDS. The Rector of Mterthyr (the Rev, D. Lewis) presided at the- Easter Vestry for the Merthyr Parish Church held at the Town HalJ. fest Thursday. Referring to the question of burial fees, he said he had never levied the fees for burials in consecrated grounds when the cere- mony was pea-formed by a Nonconformist mini- ster, although he had the legal right to do so. If he had followed that practice, as-other cler- gymen did, he would have about £ 700 in poc- ket. At a, meeting of the Chainb-oi- of Trade, according to a report, it was stated that he had charged £ 10 for permission to erect a tomb- stone at Thomastown, Churchyard. He had never made any charge at all for erecting a tomb- stone or for a. grave in that burial ground. "It is absurd for people who are utterly ignorant and vulgar in their opinions to say I am respon- sible," continued the Rector, and having stated this once and for atll people must not be surprised if a drastic measure is taken." An- other statement had been made—this also by Councillor Henry Owen-which the Rector dec- lared to be untrue. "It was stated that I was in receipt of an income from this parish of £ 3,000 a year." He declared that when he came to that parish first he did not receive more than £ 250 to £ 300 a year. "I state," he conti- nued. "that I do not now receive half of £ 3,000 a year when I have paid my clerical staff and other expenses. The Rector also referred to the question of the upkeep of closed consecrated burial grounds. In that parish the expenses, according to law had been defrayed ou t of the poor rate ffw upwards of 70 years, but since the Incorpora- tion that system had been stopped. There were three such burial grounds in the parish the Parish Churchyard, Thoiinastown, and Twynyrodyn—and up till the time of the In- corporation the repairs were executed IJY the churchwardens and paid for out of the poor irate, but since then the churchwardens, finding that they could not recover the expenses, had not carried out the work. Statements had been made to the effect that the fact that the work was not done was due to him (the Rector), but lie bad no more locus standi in the matter than anyone else. Any parishioner could issue a mandamus to compel the churchwardens to carry out the work, and they in turn would have to issue a precept on the overseers. That was clone throughout England and Wales.
Advertising
— MERTHYR PEACE AND ANTI-CONSCRIP- TION COUNCIL. Mr. mmpoNsoNsr M.P., will address A MASS MEETING IX THE RINK. MERTHYR, ON MONDAY NEXT at 7.45 p .m. ———— ■ Chairman, FRED J°.l'4¡J8.