Pioneer

Theatre Royal. I I slHmld advise every Labourite to visit the Theatre Royal this week and see the picture ""Britain Prepared," which has been issued by -official warrant, and sent off with the blessing -of the War Lords and the heads of State 5 Departments. Mind you there is a tendency towards monotony in many of the military pic- tures that is a trifle irksome; and the picture 1 fail somewhat in its object, in my opinion, j through the obvious intention of the Govern- 1 *ent not to allow the cinematogiapher to get Jurth- away from England than the three-mile- limIt. It is all right, and undoubtedly interes- H ting to watch an exceedingly efficient, well fed H and happy army on Salisbury Plains, but a few ■ pictures of the "real thing" from the fields of K France and Flanders would have got much K nearer the popular imagination and would have B shown a much stronger disposition on the part of the Government to trust the people than wo H have hitherto observed in their doings. Nor » fan I for one see that any assistance would 1 have been given to the enemy Or a few photo- ;v .graphs taken during the earlier stages of the war. 1 believe the official cinematographers Wore with the forces at the Alarne and Ypres, -and what happened there could be shown to the people without any valuable information •aving been given away to the ubiquitous Ger- man Spy. At least so it seems to me, but then I never shared the view of Le Queux and "Other nctionists that every other waiter is in tht, pay of the Kaiser; and 33k per cent of the j Aristocracy were in the habit of drinking "To the Day" before August 4, 1914. Still the pic- tures are wonderfully good, and contain a very strong lesson for us, especially those dealing with the munitions works and the shipyards- lessons that we need to learn badly, and which can perhaps be best taught through the media of the cinematographs. It is for this reason, -as well as from the more selfish one of indivi- dual enjoyment, that I strongly support a wholesale visit to the Theatre Royal this week, j Well over 7,000 school children of the town are i 3.visiting the Theatre this week. and whilst it give them a new view of modern history, t), • will miss the essential points to which a groivn-up worker's attention will immediately be called. After seeing the girls at worK in the Vickers' munitions shops, I am more con- I Vinc.ed than ever that a new era has dawned ih the engineering trade. The day of scienti- 1 Sic ma,nagement has arrived. The Organisation j. is too good, the girls too adept, to be withdrawn when the war drums cease to roll. Then there is the naval department, which to me always has a charm. The senior service is so entirely distinct from the army that I cannot think of them in correlative terms. I was intensely in- l' terested in "Big Lizzie," her men and doings, and I am certain that one and all of my headers will share my interest. A visit to the theatre is a duty as well as a pleasure. Next week we revert to Vaudeville at the cal, and the bill is one such as I never an- hOlpa.ted at Merthyr during the "off" season, when the sun shines and the fields caJi softly. I Heading i_ s the Lawrence Wright Company of high-class vocalists. Mr Evans has called them the "zenith of muical artistry," and for once the ad. writers' language has not been too extravagant. The Lawrence Wright "crowd" are quite distinctive, and the fact that they bear the honoured style of the well-known mu- sicial publishing house is sufficient to stamp them guinea gold. Next week they are drawing f their progranirae from the latest song crazes of HoratJO iNicholls, whose work has an individual- s istic turn that is charming. For the rest the ibill is an one, with Alice Craven, the London pet comedienne, in big letters, and W such well-known lines as Ridiculous Receo, the N burlesque acrobat; To- Reno. the popular pat- jt ter com???? Hewett" the Jester; and Harry M D. Adams, the eccentric juggler from Harry 'I' I cross the Lantio. U PLAYGOER. I

"PROPAGANDA, NOT PROFIT," m is the motto of the "Pionser Press." If vou m are alive to the tremendous social improve- m ments that the Party the 11 Pioneer represents stands for. then it is yonr duty to all that fjt all your Trades Union, Co-operative, and General Printing comes to Williams' Square, Merthyr the Home of the Pioneer." I

Bargoed Notes. I Bargoed Soldier Killed and Brother Badly I Wounded. News has been received in Bargoed that Private Herbert Edward Davies (18), son of Mr and Mrs Davies, 33 North Street, Bargoed, has been killed in action, and that his brother, Robert Davies, has been badly wounded. They are natives of Barry Dock. Our sympathy goes out" to the bereaved family. "Pioneer" Committee, I There was an interesting discussion this week in this Committee on the Proe and Cons of Socialism, and next week it is anticipated that another equally instructive and intelligent exchange of opinion will ensue as the result of Jack Allen's participation. He will lead off. His interest and study of these questions entitles him to a "lead." Bargoed friends must look to their laurels, far the Aberbargoed workers are running them very closely. Entist new and enthusiastic workers and distributors of the "Pionær." We understand that the I.L.P. friends and sympathisers met on Monday evening, and sums of LI, 10/ 5/ 3/ etc, were forthcom- ing as practical sympathy with the movement. Others paid 12 months' subscriptions in advance in aid of the fund which is being opened. Mem- bers could in this way do much to help the cause. Dr. C. A. Watkins at Aberbargoed. Dr Watkins (Liverpool) delivered an address at the Aberbargoed Institute on Conscrip- tion." The meeting was organised by the Anti- Conscription Council. Mr T. D. Matthews very ablv presided, and delivered a very neat intro- ductory speech. Friends of the workers' move- ment should never miss an opportunity of hear- ing the Doctor—for his manner is pleasant, his diction well chosen and his "spirit" is bé- yond question. His addresses are well reasoned and cultured. Aberbargoed was delighted with him. The meeting unanimously passed the fol- lowing resolution: — That this meeting takes a very serious view of the rapid growth of militarism in this country, and most emphatically protests ag- ainst any form of Conscription. It also calls upon the Government to at once transfer all Conscientious Objectors suffering punish- ment under the Military Authorities to the Civil Authorities. It also expresses its earnest desire far the best possible Peace at the earliest possible moment. Bargoed Conscripts. Two arrests have now been made at Bargoed under the Military Service Act. Mr Harry Phillips was arrested on Monday week, whilst this week, also on Monday, Conn. Morgan Jones was taken into custody. He left Bargoed at mid-day in charge of Superintendent Williams, and proceeded to Caerphilly to await trial on Tuesday. Several friends proceeded to the sta- tion to sele, him off and wish himi well. Mr Phillips' friends and those of Conn. Jones speak very highly of the courteous treatment which they received at the hands of the police authorities. I.L.P. Rooms Raided. On Monday morning fresh faces were seen Th these premises. They left with a good deal of convincing Socialist literature; in fact, a basketful. As the Secretary said to the Super- intendent of Police, After wading through that lot you will be eligible for membership of the I.L.P." The raid was carried through in the quietest manner possible, and the officials of the party, and the representatives of the law parted in the best of spirits. Peace Signatories Wanted. I A campaign to demand that the Govern- ment should seek the earliest possible oppor- tunity of promoting negotiations with the ob- ject of securing a just and lasting Peace is be- ing pursued vigorously in the district. Hund- dreds of names have already been secured, and those who hold the sheets are requested to report to the Secretary before Whit week. Any- one desirious of signing may do so by getting into touch with any of the "boys." C. P. Trevelyan, M.P., Coming I Things are looking up at Bargoed. Witnin the next few months several men of note are to visit the locality. The first to come is Mr Trevelyan. M.P. The name-and the high id- eals associated with it-is enough to create a desire to visit the New Hall, Bargoed. on Sun- day, June 18, at 3 p.m. The, Visit of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Snowaen. I Following immediatdy upon Mr Trevelyan s meeting comes the above-named, viz., Friday, the 23rd June. -1

ABERCYNON I C S.I.R.—The Circle for the Study of In- ternational Relations held a very successful class at the Committee Room of the Workmen's Hall on Sunday night. Mr F. P. Gibbon was the leader of the. class. The- subject was Norman Angelism." A good discussion ensued on the "fears" by Britain and Russia of Germany. This class afford s an excellent opportunity for imperialists, anti-warites and men of every shade of opinion to meet, discuss and propag- ate their different views. "Pioneer" readers would be well advised to attend these interes- ting meetings. ENGLISH WESLEY ANNIVERSARY.—The ann iv- ersary services were held at the English Wes- leyan Chapel last Sunday. The preacher was Mr F. H. Condie, of Dowlais. On Wednesday a service of song, entitled, "One of His Jewels," proved to be an interesting event. The conduc- tor was Mr J. Titley; Mr W. Davies presiding at the organ. Mr Condie acted as reader, and the \Ur was taken by Mr J. H. James. CO-OPERATIVE PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. Prizes and certificates were awarded to the children of the Co-operative Children's Class on Tues- day last. This class is the first of its kind that has been held in Abercynon, and was quite a success, about 40 children receiving cer- tificates. The teacher was Mr Thomas Hughes. The certificates were distributed by Councillor Charles Maddox and Guardian W. 0. Dyer. Co-operators must look out for these-classes in the autumn, and must not forget to send their children. If they want to take part in some- thing like that themselves, the education com- mittee gives them an opportunity. Last year classes for adults were held' in Cot-operation .and Book Keeping. The classes were well att- ended throughout. Is it true that an Econom- ics Class is desired next winter? Worry your education committee, men, about it, and it may come off. S.W.M.F.—A lodge meeting of the miners was held on Tuesday, Guardian Dyer in the chair. It was reported that a show cards was being arranged in conjunction with the man- agement. There is every reason to 'believe that the vexed question of non-unionism has at last found a satisfactory solution.

The Coal crisis. WELSH BOARD DISAGREE ON WAGE I RATE. DETERMINED ATTITUDE OF THE MEN. Owing to the failure of the owners' and workmen's representatives to arrive a.t an ag- reement at a special meeting of the Welsh Coal Board at Cardiff on Monday a rather embarras- sing situation has been created. The difficulty has arisen in connection with the general wage rate of the miners and the resignation of Lord Muir Mackenzie. Sir George Askwith, the Chief Industrial Commissioner, came to Cardiff so as to keep in touch with the negotiations. When these pro- ved abortive Sir George Askwith was informed of the fact. Mr .F. L Davis and Mr Finlay A. Gibson explained matters to Sir George prior to his departure for London, and it was arran- ged that Messrs James Winstone, Alfred On- ions, Vernon Hartshorn and Tom Richards, MP., should act as' a deputation to state the case on behalf of the workmen to Sir George Askwith at his offices at the Old Palace Yard, London, on Tuesday afternoon. Cause of Rupture. I The whole discussion on Monday had refer- ence to the question of carrying out the agree- ment. The owners made a strong stand that the two sides of the board should act strictly in accordance with the provisions laid down in the agreement. According to these provisions, it was pointed out that there was a specific clause in the agreement which provided for the appointment of an independent chairman whenever the position became vacant. The different standpoints are clearly indicated in the official reports. Mr T. Richards. M.P., in his report, stated that after several hours' discussion no ag- reement was arrived at. The owners contended that the claims should be submitted to another independent chairman to be selected, while the workmen contended that these claims could not now be considered under the machinery of the independent chairmanship, inasmuch as the time had now elapsed for putting the ma- chinery of the board into operation, and that, further, the situation had been prejudiced by what had transpired, and could not wtll be dealt with by any independent chairman." Official Report. Mr Finlay A. Gibson supplied the following official report: A special meeting of the Conciliation Board for the Coal Trade of Monmouthshire and South Wales was held at Cardiff to-day Mr F. L. Dav- ies presided over the owners' representatives, and Mr James Winstone presided over the workmen's representatives. The meeting was held to receive a. communi- cation from Lord Muir Mackenzie resigning the office of independent chairman of the, board, and in order to consider the position in view of the application of the owners and workmen's re- presentatives for a change in the general wage rate. Mr Fred Davis stated that Clause 4 of the Conciliation Board agreement provides that Ic when and so often as the office of chairman becomes vacant the board shall endeavour to elect a chairman, and should they fail to agree, will ask the Lord Chief Justice of England for the time being, or in case of his refusal, the Speaker of the House of Commons, to nominate one." Mr Davis, therefore, asked the workmen's re- presentatives whether they will now endeavour to agree with the owners on the selection of a chairman; and, if there is a failure, to agree that the Lord Chief Justice shall be asked to nominate one. Mr Davis said that if the work- men's representatives agreed to this course the applications can then at once be considered by the board in the usual way. The workmen's representatives intimated that the present application for an advance must be considered outside the appointment of the independent chairman, as any change in wages must take place from June 1, and they contended that there is not sufficient time to have an independent chairman appointed to deal with the application. Mr Davis, in reply, said that the owners are willing to agree that any change in wages shall be retrospective irom June 1, as the owners desire that the terms of the agreement shall be strictly carried out. The owners stated that the procedure laid down in the agreement must be followed, as, in the event of the board failing to agree on the question of the general wage rate, it would be necessary that an independent chairman should decide between the parties, as this is the only method laid down in the agreement for dealing with the question. The owners stated that they expected the workmen's representatives loyally to Garry out the terms of the agree- ment, which has only recently been entered into. The agreement r into. The agreement specifically provides for the procedure to be adopted in the event of there being no independent chairman, and the workmen can in no way be prejudiced by the terms of the agreement being carried out, as the owners have intimated that any change in the general wage rate shall date from June 1. Lord Strathclyde has been invited to act as neutral chairman at next week's meeting of the Scottish Coal Conciliation Board.

South Wales Miners' Wages. I NEGOTIATIONS IN LONDON. "'I:I:T 1 a The Soutn vvai.es miners representatives Messrs Tom Richards, M.P., James Winstone, Vernon Hartshorn and Alfred Onions-had a long interview on Tuesday with Sir George Ask- with (Chief Industrial Commissioner of the Board of Trade) at Old Palace Yard, London, relative to the dispute as to the wages agree- ment which was discussed at the Conciliation Board meeting at Cardiff on Monday. The miners explained their position to the Com- missioner, who said he would see them again 'on Wednesday morning. M- -Pi. L. Davis and Mr Finlay A. Gibson subsequently attended on behalf of the South Wales coaJowners. No offi- cial report was given.

At Welsh Court=Martial. OBJECTOR'S TRIBUTE TO GENERAL OWEN THOMAS. I- A University graduate and an honours man who is a conscientious objector, has given Bri- gadier-General Owen Thomas a most glowing testimonial (says a London correspondent). In a letter to Mr Philip Snowden he says he was present at a court-martial at which a Con- scientious Objector was tried, and if General Thomas had been counsel for the defence he could not have brought out everything more fully than he did. He also said he found it more difficult to resist the general's kindness than the bullying he got from non-commis- sioned officers. Mr Snowden quoted the letter in the House on Tuesday night.

rn II ,1 Is WHEN REQUIRING j j SUITS, COSTUMES, or GENERAL DAPEY I SEND A POST CARD TO S j SEND A POST CARD TO  St., S j JOHN BARR (  AND A REPRESENTATIVE WILL CALL. j I AND A REPRESENTATIVE WILL ,CALL, I Cash or Instalment System. I- f SUITS and COSTUMES to Measure a Speciality I L.. It .i

Tonyrefail Notes. I Honouring a B.S.M. I At a presentation meeting held at the Boys' School, Tonyrefail, last weekj Able Seaman Forsey was presented with a gold watch and chain in recognition of his services and in honour of his winning the D.S.M. Mr D. Ed- wards presided. Lecture. I On Sunday, the 21st instant, the anniversary services were held at the United Methodist Chapel, when the pulpit was occupied by Mr W. E. Olivers, Cardiff. The chapel choir ren- dered several tunes and an anthem for the occasion. The chief soloists were Messrs Richard Booth and Emanuel Wiggins. On Monday eve- ning the rev. gentleman delivered a very intere- sting lecture on "The Idylls of the King," the well-known poem by Lord Tennyson. He introduced his theme by a short narrative of the life of the poet. Then he analysed and explained the poem, showing that this compo- sition is a history of King Arthur. The lecture throughout was an intellectual treat. There was a fairly large audience. In the absence of Mr Wm, Evans, the chair was occupied by Mr George Middleton. The proceeds will go towards the church funds. Miners' Meeting. I The Ciieiy Colliery workmen held an open- air meeting on Sunday afternoon last. The wea- ther being favourable, matters of keen interest had drawn together a large audience. Frank Russell presided. The meeting, generally spea- king was a successful one. It was resolved to gi ve moral support to the, No. 1 District in their fight for the opening of the various halls for workmen's meetings on Sunday. If the workmen of the No. 1 District would only exercise their judgment in selecting District Councillors in the Rhondda, and put the right mn on the Council, their liberties would not be tampered with. The meeting decided to attempt to put an end to their former differ- ence with the haulage contractor by offering him 3d. per load extra for the haulage,. This makes an advance of 6d per load for him since the outbreak of the war. It is to be hoped that this grievance will now be ended. J. Dicks addressed the meeting on the position of the non-unionists under the new agreement made between the miners and employers. Afterwards oosiderable discussion took place on the chang- ing of the working hours. The resolution that was moved and carried for the change of the working hours was supported by the mover by an elaborate explanation on the various times, with calculations on daylight saving, was advanced in the interest of those persons who indulge in excessive slumber in the mornings. It is to be hoped that the workmen of the afternoon shift wfll tolerate and sympathise with this counter reform. The Tonyrefail Sedition Charge. I Last week the "Pioneer" went like wild fire, and the supply was far from being ade- quate. Great interest was taken in the report of Newman's case, which, we venture to as- sert, was more accurate than any yet that have come under our notice. The case seems to have somewhat disturbed some of the re- porters and some editors. "The Western Mail" resorted to abuse and headed their rep- ort maliciously with "Pro-German." In the "South Wales Daily News" a Major complained about the soldier being reprimanded. And in the "Rhondda Leader*" from the Editor's chair," we find impatience rife. He says:" It is difficult in these days to be patient with that class of persons who are like Newman." We would suggest that the Editor would take some more of the tonics of Maude and Bel- loc," and to take a larger "perspective view" and a broader comprehensive (reading of the both sides; then he may have material to sustain him in "the great patience which all must exercise." We propose to feed him, with what he endeavours to conjure from Maude and Belloc, for the public. We, too, "feel it rather difficult (under the Defence of the Realm) to have patience" with such a crime against humanity as this war is. -And as for "the elementary issues involved in this war," we find no fundamental difference to any other war ill history, and we are at a loss to see where does the right or "oen-afit of such come in. Further, we are in a "parlous state of mind" so far as the intellectual standard" of the "Rhondda Leader" goes. w Doctor's Poundage. R I I I A mass meeting of the uilracn uocn worK- men was held on Saturday, May 27, to consi- der the doctor's claim of an increase in the poundage. The doctor explained that the price of drugs had risen by more than 100 per cent, and that the expense of retaining an as- sistant doctor was double the amount of the pre-war estimate; and there was also the fact of ,150 men who had joined the army that had to be met. A variety of questions were asked, some of which created a scene of animation and excitement. The meeting ended abruptly with no arrangement being arrived at. An opportunity will be given again shortly to dis- cuss this delicate question. Aneurm Parker's Stand for Conscience. I Aneurin Parker, the Conscientious- Ubjector who was arrested recently and handed over to the military is still holding out at the Maindy Barracks. He has been consistent to his princi- ples in disobeying every military order. The ttTeatment meted out to him is fairly decent, and the diet is good, but rough. He makes the following statement:—"We are the Pioneers of a new and better England. Hurrah for Snow- den! Keep the Red Flag Flyingl" Coed Ely Coke Workers. we are given to understand that the note of last week under the heading of "Coed Ely Coke Workers" is somewhat misleading, and strikes rather wide of the mark. The passages complained of are: Are they having a living wage for seven days' labourh" "They have got three weeks to think the matter over." The truth, it seems, is that the three weeks time given is to the employers to form a wages board for the whole of South Wales, so as to settle an uniform living wage for all coke workers.

SMALL PREPAID ADVERTISEMENTS. One In- Three In- Six In- sertion. sections, sermons. s. d. s. d. B. d. 20 words. 0 6 I 0 1 9 c0 words 0 9 1 6 2 9 10 words 1 0 2 0 3 6 4U words 1 3 2 6 4 6 60 words 1 6 3 0 5 6 In all c ses the Name and Address are counted as part of the Advertisement. These prices apply only to Advertisements ordered for consecutive insertions and which are prepaid. Trade Advertisements are inserted under the Heading PersonaJ at 9d. per line. All Advertisements should be posted to the Office on or before Monday. Medical. fi/i -PAGE BOOK ABOUT HERBS AND U"i HOW TO USE THEM, post free. Send for ene. TRIMNELL, THE HERBALIST, 144 RICHMOND RokD, CARDIFF. Established 1879. Literary. tJNITARIAN PAMPHLETS on "The Bible," Lj Heaven," and Hell," given post free.—Miss BARMBY, Mount Pleasant, Sidmouth A N Educative Percentage Book for Miners JTJL and Colliery Clerks, post free 5d. E. EVANS, 38 Church Street, Penydarren, Merthyr. Miscellaneous A STROLOGY. Life events, changes, for- A. tunate days, business success, matri- mony; two years' future added; send birfih date, 1/- P.O. PROF. GOULD, "The Nook," Heathfield Road, Cardiff. ADAME EVERSLEY, M.B.P.S, well- .I, -NL- known Phychic and Phrenologist. Mar- vellous success satisfaction assured.—8 PARK PLACE, Merthyr. GRAMOPHONE EXCHANGE. Double- sided Records, best makes, lOd. and 1/ new selection.—8 PARK PLACE (Near The- atre) Merthyr.

DOWLAIS CONTINUED UO-UPEUATIVE SUCCESS. The quarterly meeting was held in the Library on Thursday, May 25, Alderman Charles Griffiths (president) in the chair. There was a good att- endance of members. The Chairman congratu- lated the members upon the continued success, of the society. The report and balance sheet as presented by the Secretary (Mr John Evans) showed the society to be-in a sound condition. The sales amounted to C26,488 7s Sid, an increase of £ 6,276 19s Hd on the corresponding quarter of last year. The profits for disposal after providing L268 10s for depreciation of buildings and fixtures, £ 210 for interest on share capital LV9 3s 4d for collective life assurance, and all working expenses, amounted to £ 2,115 7s Hid, which the Committee re- commended should be disposed of as follows: Dividend to members at 1/6 in the L, £ 1,980; to non-members, L5; educational fund, £ 15; purchase of horse, £ 45; and to the reserve fund L70 7s llid. The members' share capital now stands at L16,863 18s 81,an increase of L5,240 6s 5i over the corresponding quarter. Donations were granted as follows: -Glamorgan and Mon. Deaf and Dumb Missions, 10/6; Y.M.C.A., E2 2s; British Ambulance Committee -02 2s; Railwaymen's Orphan Fund, £1 Is; Anglo-Rtus&ian Hospital Fund, £1 Is; and Edward Owen Greening Testimonial, £ 2 2s. The- three retiring committee men for the Central —Coun. John Davies, Messrs R. J. Wilson and J. Collins—were re-elected; Mr A. E. Williams (the retiring member for Penydarren) was also re-elected, and Mr John Jenkins was elected to fill the vacancy caused by Mr A. H. Minchinton having joined the Army. Sev- eral questions re prices of goods, etc., were satisfactorily answered by the Manager (Mr. Jones). The Chairman asked the members to put with any little inconvenience considering the number of employees who had joined the Army and whose places had been filled by young hands. A vote of thanks to the chair- man and staff, proposed by Mr J. Jenkins. and seconded by Mr J. Davies, brought a very enjoyable and instructive evening to a close. BRYNMAWR I.L.P.—On Friday, May 26, Miss Sylvia Pankhurst lectured to a crowded audience at the Old Town Hall. She spoke eloquently of the relief work done by the Workers' Suffrage Federation in East London. At the close of the meeting the following resolution was pass- ed: That this meeting strongly objects to the passing of a Registration Bill, and calls upon the Government to pass a -Franchise Bill giving a vote to every man and woman who attains the age of 21." A branch of the Work- ers' Suffrage Federation was formed, about 12 giving in their names.