Pioneer

A Reply to Mr. D. W. Howells, I Mountain Ash. NOAH TROMANS ACCEPTS A CHALLENGE At a meeting held under the auspices of the Mountain Ash I.L.P. on May 16, you offered to give a sum of ti to the funds of the I.L.P. if I could prove that you had either tried or had risen the rents of any tenant during the period of the war. I take it that in your cal- mer moments your offer still holds good. You further suggested that an independent person should be appointed as arbitrator to decide the matter. The case referred to is a property situated in Aberpennar Street, Mountain Ash, and was let in September of last year at a rental of 301- per month. On December 12 the rent was risen to 3716 per month on the grounds that apartments had been taken in, The above pro- perty is rated on 30/- monthly or Lll 16s. This occupier saw me on several occasions, and in- formed me that you were increasing the rent of the dwelling. I advised her not to pay, and she refused. No notice in writing has been given to her of your intention to raise the rent, but you carried forward the arrears, until I find that on May 1 of this month the arrears carried forward were £2 2s. You will probably argue that you are entit- led to increase the rent owing to apartments being taken in. My reply is, there is nothing in the Act which permits you so to do. The point is this, the Rents Act provides that where rents have been paid in excess of that paid on Au- gust 4, 1914, the increased rent paid is recov- erable back to November 25. 1915. You will no doubt observe that it is the rent referred to, and no reference is made to the number of per- sons or families in the premises. You want an independent arbitrator? I will suggest one whom I think you will agree will at least not be partial to me. There are L2 2s. arrears on the book. This you claim is legally yours. Why not take the case before the County Court Judge, and sue for the same? If you are sues cassful you need not pay over your offer to the funds of the I.L.P. If you fail, we shall ask you to do so.—Yours faithfully. N. TROMANS. 33 Ceridwen Street, Mountain Ash.

ABERDARE I MR. D. EDWARDS' WILL.—Mr David Edwards (of 19 Bwllfa Road, Cwmdare, Aberdare, Gla- morgan, grocer) who died on the 20th March last left estate of the gross value of £ 5,715 14s 7d of which £ 4,740 Os lOd is net personalty. The testator left his premises, 48 Bwllfa Road, to his daughter Ann Edwards. P-100 to his ne- phew Thomas Edwards, payable within four years of his death, and the residue of his estate he left in trust for his wife for life, with remainder to his children. Jeremiah Islwyn and Ann Edwards, in equal shares.

Wr HELP THOSE WHO HELP .1 YOUR PAPER!

Keir Hardie Memorial. 1 I NATIONAL APPEAL THIS WEEK. The Keir Hardie Memorial Committee will issue its appeal this week-end. We know that there are hundreds, nay thousands, throughout these valleys where the Master was loved, and in which his spirit persists unconqueaed and unconquerable, who desire to show a mite of their love in a tagnible form, and we are pub- lishing the full text of the appeal; together with the subscription form, which will be ac- cepted by the Memorial Committee as an offi- cial form. Hardie's intimate connection with the "Pioneer" is too well known to need dwel- ling upon here, and it wiM give a personal, sympathetic touch to the response l? our rea- ders will take this matter to themselves, and give with a fraction of the generosity which Hardie exhibited an his life. MR. J. KEIR HARDIE MEMORIAL COM- MITTEE. St. Bride's House, Salisbury Square, London, E.C., June, lUlb. Among the cruel losses inflicted by this ter- rible war, none is mourned more sincerely by the Independent Labour Psurty than the loss of its great Leader and Inspirer, J. Keir Hardie. Personally known and beloved by every mem- ber of the Party, no effort will be spared by them to carry on the work to which he devoted his life in the spirit in which he strove, but their sorrowing affection demands the consola- tion of some memorial to their great Leader. The National Council, to meet the wishes of the Party, therefore undertakes tHe raising of a Memorial .Fund. Much will depend upon the amount of money subscribed, but the Council feels that it is fit- ting that a monument should be raised, which will be permanent and be a visible embodiment of the man, and, if possible, a symbol of his work. It is the wish of the Council to have a memorial erected in which his idealism will be blended with his sterling ruggedness. and which in its beauty and realism will be an embodim- ent of personality and of idea, to which our movement may look with pride and satisfaction, as well as with gratitude and affection. It is felt to be impossible to confine the Me- morial to the members of the I.L.P. alone. Keir Hardie was not merely a national, but an International Leader, a great Trade Unionist, a, ",Ti- cat r i-a d e a workman who never forgot or forsook the class from which lie sprang. He was, moreover, the spokesman of the great moral crusades of his time, sometimes as a leader, sometimes from the ranks, but always true to them. Ag- ain. the whole Women's Movement, in all its aspects, was greeted and helped by him with unstinted ardoUir allld ipaquestioning gladness. He was a simple man, with a great loving heart, pitiful of a suffering humanity. There are many thousands in this and in other coun- tries who did not share his social and political views, but who, recognising the great ideals for which he strove, would desire to honour his memory by contributing to this Memorial Fund. Contributions are therefore invited from all comrades, friends and sympathisers. One other desire moves the National Council. Keir Hardie never allowed money considera- tions to weigh with him against right conduct, and he possessed a sturdy independence which made him refuse great personal gifts—even un- conditional gifts, which would have secured a competency for himself and an adequate provi-I sion for his family after death. But he died a poor man. It must, therefore, be the privilege of the movement to see, that his faithfulness to his principles and his consistency in life do not mean unnecessary hardship for any of his family, and a. portion of the fund will be held in trust for that purpose. The death of Keir Hardie closes the first chapter of the more modern Labour Move- ment and whilst the materials are available the Council thinks that a worthy and authoritative biography should also be published to deal not only with his personal life, but with the move- ments with which his name will always be as- sociated. Arrangements for this have already been made, and if any small financial assistance is required to complete the work the Coune-il proposes to devote part of the Memorial Fund for this purpose. £ > Signed, on behalf of the J. Keir Hardie Me- morial Committee, F. W. JOWBTT, Chairman, FRANCIS JOHNSON, Secretary. I enclose. (postal order, cheque) as a contribution to the Keir Hardie Memorial Fund. Signed Address This form when filled in and detached should be sent. with remittance, to FRANCIS JOHNSON, ST. BRIDE'S HOUSE, SALISBURY SQUARE, LONDON, E.C. Cheques and postal orders should be made pay- able to the I.L.P, Trust Limited and crossed Co-operative Wholesale Society, Limited, Bankers, J. Keir Hardie Memorial Committee: I F. W. JOAVETX, M.P.. Chairman; W. C. ANDERSON, M.P.; T. D. BENSON; MARGARET BONDFIELD J. BRUCE GLASIER; J. RAMSAY MACBONALD, M.P,: ROBERT SMILLIB; FRANK SMITH; PHILIP SNOWDEN, M P.; FRANCIS JOHNSON Secretary.

Ex-Soldier's Allowance. MERTHYR WOMAN'S ALLEGED FRAUD ON WAR OFFICE. Upon a charge of obtaining from the war authorities £ 49 in separation allowances with intent to defraud, Mrs. Sarah Ann Jones, who pleaded not guilty, was committed for trial and allowed bail at Merthyr on Tuesday. Her husband, after being at Ormskirk one week in April last year, was discharged as be- ing unlikely to become an efficient soldier. In consequence of a clerk's omission to enter an index card. the payments were not stopped by the paymaster's department until January, when the authorities discovered the mistake. The accused alleged that she told the local sub-postmaster that her husband had been discharged, but the official referred to deified this. PONTYPRIDD I RATES AND ASSESSMENTS.—As a result of a meeting held in the Y.M.C.A., Pontypridd, on the 24th ulfc, and addressed by Mr Watkin Wil- liams, on "Rates and Assessments," under the auspices of the Chamber of Trade, Guardian Noah Tromans, Mountain Ash, who was pre- sent, is likely to be invited to early address this body.

The Electric Theatre. The Electric Theatre has- been great this week from the standpoint of a connoisseur of pictures. "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray," fea- turing Sir George Alexander in Sir Arthur Pi- ner 6s masterpiece, is a picture that will live long m the memory of all who had the pleasure of seeing it at the Electric during the first tiiree days of the week. I have seen it on the "legitimate stage," but the picturisatiom is in- finitely better. Sir George is more than bril- liant in this, his initial venture on the silver screen, and Miss Hilda Mooae ■ „ was great, too. Then there were the comicalities of Burns and Stoll, the latest American bioscope comedians—and the greatest, too. Their screa- ming adventures are in my opinion better than those of Charlie Chaplin. Then there was the second instalment of the "Diamond from the Sky," the enthralling serial that is just starting. The second week's story was more gripping than the opening instal- ment, and anyone who has seen the develop- ments this week will waith with impatience for the development of the thrilling story. From yesterday (Thursday) on another strong programme has been submitted; a programme that would be remarkable at any time, but which is made the more so by the opening chapters of that great Pathe serial, "The Girl of Lost Island," undoubtedly one of the most remarkable stories over filmed, and one which promises to develop into a memorably weekly feature. "A Fighting Chance," the "star" picture, is also^remarkable in its way. It is an extremely good story, told with a snap and go that grips one tight, and including some fight- ing incidents that are remarkable, both for their realism and its display of boxing skill. Next week promises to rival the present one in the merit of its pictures..From Moonday to Wednesday there is to be a picture version of Max Pemberton's remarkable drama, In Search of a Husband," a wonderful piece of filmography featuring Violet Cordrai as the young wife who loses her husband shortly af- ter the wedding. Then there is Episode 3 of the whirling serial. "The Diamond from the Sky," in which Blair loses the Diamond, and adventure is thick and fast; and Burns and Stoll play another of their inimitable funny sketches in "Love, Pepper and Sweets." From Thursday on Mary Fuller plays the "Queen of the Ring" in that great, newly- released film, "Mary of the Cliretis"a pic- ture that has attracted the eulogy of the entire trade. "The Girl from Lost Island" unfolds further; it is full of breathless excitement with- out ever getting away from the possible. PLAYGOER.

Ynysyhwl and District Notes. Empire Day. Empire Day was celebrated locally at the Trerobart Council Schools. In the playground had been erected specially for the occasion a flagstaff as high as a certain structure men- tioned in the Book of Esther. From this floated the symbol of Empire, whilst near by were congregated a small crowd of local notabilities. The Crown and the Imperial Forces were re- presented by the young ir of the Glog in his lieutenant's khaki, the randed gentry by Dr and Mrs. David from the Glog; whilst the foundation stone of British liberty-the Tri- bunals—were represented by Councillors Rogers and Evans. Democracy, of course, having no part or parcel in such an Imperialistic func- tion, had no place in the picture. Patriotic orations were delivered by several gentlemen, while in between the children, in their nice clean clothes, and their print frocks, lifted their t'wesh young voices in songs descrip- tive of military and naval glory. How different are the ideals which Empire Day and May Day connote. The one stands for race domination, as seen in the history of Poland and Persia, India and Ireland, and at home the enslavement of the workers. May Day, on the other hand, stands for a free and equaJ relationship between free and independ- ent nations, the emancipation of Labour, and a united striving for that time when Man to man the world o'er, Shall brothers he for a' that." Welcome HonTe. In the evening the Ynysybwi lown rsana turned out in honour of Sergeant-Major John Blackburn on short leave from the trenches. He is an old soldier of the regular army, hav- ing served most of his time in India, and pre- vious to the war was an active member of the Mynachdy Lodge and District Delegate. We noticed that he looked exceedingly war-worn. Lieutenant D. Oliver Jones, son of Mr E. Jones, M.E., Tynywern, is also, we understand, home from hospital recuperating from wounds received at the front. Beth Morgan's Parents' Thanks. I 1 1, We are requested oy xvir and Mis Morgan, 59 Robert Street, to tender their warmest thanks to all those friends and sympathisers who have sent letters of encouragement and sympathy with them in connection with their son, Beth Morgan, who, with others, is in custody at Cardiff Barracks for Conscience sake. The majority of the letters axe from college chums, expressing themselves as convinced of their old colleague's absolute sincerity, and who, despite the fact that the- themselves, many of them, are serving in the Army or the Navy, speak with unqualified approbation of the step he has taken in thus following the inward light. Others are from parents of young men who are taking the same course. Measured for Uniforms. We have just learned, as we go to press, that while they were out yesterday, a military tailor entered the cells where Emrys Hughes and his companions were kept in custody and from their great coats, which had been left behind, took measurements for uni- forms for them. Also, when they returned, Beth Morgan was sent for to ascertain what size boots he wore. This he declined to give, and w hen he informed his companions, they re- fused point blank to leave the cells for that purpose. They have also been authoritatively told that it is the intention to remove them to-morrow (Wednesday) to a military prison, probably Devizes. As these doings are in di- rect contradiction to the instructions which Mr Tennant, the Under-Secretary for War, in- formed the House of Commons, had been given, a, letter has been at once despatched to Mr Philip Snowden, asking him to call attention to the matter.

PRINTING SENT TO PRIVATE COMPANIES means Profit for Individual Owners. When WE do your work, the Profit comes in the PROPAGATION OF SOCIALISM AND TRADES UNIONISM. Think it Over I

A Reply to Councillor R. J. Jones. In the local press you are reported to have said at the Bedwelity Urban District Council that I aim a rabid anti-war man. If that is the only objection you have to my becoming a member of the Council, why is it You did not resign when you held similar views? What has the Council to do with the war? I do not i. deny being anti-war, nor do I intend to ask you what views I should hold on this great question. I elaim to have an opinion of my own as much as you or any other person. If 1 should have to suffer for my principles, I shall bear the punishment without coming to you for support. I am prepared to Extend the liberty of opinion to any man providing he is sincere and honest in his convictions. What I object to, is a man who condemns me for my views on the war when he himself held the same views not so velry long ago. You expressed your opinion at a concert for the Relief Fund, when the Reverend Roberts, Rector of Bed- wellty, was chairman. Some persons who were present thought that they had been to a de- bate on the war. This I will say: I can tole- rate a gentleman like the Rector; HE still re- mains consistent to his views. I can also re- member a few statements you have made to me and a few friends on mere than one occa- sion about the war. When you were Chairman of the Council, the Derby Scheme came into operation, and you then turned a complete som- ersault and- became a full-blown Jingo. Now, because all men do not follow you, you are prepared to move heaven and earth to obstruct them. It is not my views on. the war that you object to, but your inability to control the La- bour organisation. In reference to relief work. another point you raised at the Council. I, as a member of the Aberbargoed Male Voice Party, who organ- ised a. concert for the relief fund, which realis- ed t9,, claim that I had as good a record fer selling tickets for that concert as .you had. I also gave two nights a week for singing prac- tice for this and other concerts the party have given to charity. I was also co-opted oh the Distress Committee during the earlv days of the war, and you know, as well as I do, why the few Labour chaps resigned from it. We left because the Committee decided to pay re- lief in kind and not in cash. Ws, a." workers, protested that the Committee were taking away the liberties of the dependents by giving them "notes." Although the Committee refused to heed us then, I am pleased to hear that they have done go now. At the last election vou talk so much about, you did all you could to condemn Mr Ivor Jones on the question of steel or wooden standards for the electric light. Now you are doing your best to use him and others to divide Labour. What a change has taken .place! The P.D. officials. Chamber of Trade, etc., whom you in the past have denounced on every occasion, have become the New Labour Party. If I am .returned to the Council (with your permission) I shall'endeavour to stand, in sea- son and out, for Labour, and if I fail to give satisfaction to the organised workers, let THEM tell me to clear out, and put someone in who will stand solid for Labour. I EVAN THOMAS. I 111 Bedwellty Road, Aberbargoed.

I Esperanto. La cefa kauzo, pro kiu Kristanecs estis per- La. cefa. kauzo, pro lÓu Kl'istanecs estis jJ:- sekutata estis ti 11, ke Jesus havis sociajn ide- ojn; Jesuo predikis pri forigo de sklaveco. La tiama socio estis bazita sur la diferencog lega, socia kaj mora la kkij apartigis unu malpl^- multon da liberaj civitanoj de la granda ple- multo de sklavoj, kiuj produktis ciujn vicafofn, kaj tuyu ricajoju guis la preskau nenion faran- taj liberaj eivitatioj. ieiguo instruants. ke ciuj homoj estas infanoj de unu kaj Sam a patro, kaj do estas gfrat-oi-prediki- la forigon de la sklaveeo, kaj anOllCIS per tio ekonomiau, sociau revoluciou kui jam pretigis en la, liistoria evo- lnada, Kaj Jesuo aldonis: Tiuj, kiuj estas la unuaj estos la lastaj, kaj pli facile trairos kam- elo kuoi il-ti uon, ol riculo nienas Qn la resnon dl;) IMo. Pnt tio maakigis kont„u, J esuo tan- tiaupiopagando, Je.su? esta? morthkondam- suta, kaj Ja ordinara kutimo !i estis krucumata, mtcr du rab?toj. I -I EL KIO ESTAS SjOCIALISMO.

The Conscientious Objector. Army Orders published on Friday night state that in case:, of offences against discipline where the accused soldier represents that the offence was the result of a conscientious objection to military service imprisonment, and not deten- tion, should be awarded, and the soldier com- mitted to the nearest civil prison.

Our Appeal for Navvy Pat. s. è. Pioneer 2 6 Bargoed I.L.P. Committee 5 7 Deri I.L.P. Committee. g 0 Tonyrefail I.L.P. Committee 1 0 Mr H. Gale, Abertillery 1 0 15 1

I The Editor's Appeal. Share Capital. ir s. d. Mrs Jones, Pant 10 0 Mr E. Saunders. 2 6 12 6 bridling Fund Mr R. Perr yman, Brithdir 1 0 I MERTHYR VISIT OF THE CHIEF RABBI.—The Very Rev Dr J. Hertz, M.A, Chief Rabbi is paying his pasto- rail visit to the Merthyr Hebrew Congregation this week-end. The rev. gentleman will preach on Saturday morning at the Synagogue, and there is also to be a hospital service on Sun- day afternoon at 3.30. cl CHFN CORPORAL WOUNDED.—Corporal Henry Sylvanus, of Cefn, who served in the Dardan- elles Campaigns, has been wounded while serv- ing with General Lake, and is now in hospital in Mesopotamia. Two other brothers are with the Forces—Driver Hywel Sylvanus, who is now on active service somewhere in France," and Gunner Ben Sylvanus, who is stationed near the East Coast. I ABERFAN SOLDIER GASSED. Official information has been received by Mrs. J. Jones, Ynysgored St., Aberfan, that her husband, Lance-Corporal J. who has participated in most of the fighting on the Western front for the past 8 or 9 months, has been gassed.