Pioneer

I Bargoed Notes. Rationalist Lecture. I The Bargoed Rationalist Society held their usual. Sunday evening meeting at the I.L.P. Rooms last Sunday, when Mr Syd Jones gave a good lecture entitled He that Believeth Not——?" Mr Jones is a budding orator, and once he acquires the staccato style of short crisp sentences. instead of the non-stop meth- od l his hearers will have much to tfake home with them. There was a good sprinkling of la- dies present, and some mysterious power, which made quite an impression on the whole audi- ence. Next Sunday evening, at 6-30, there will be a debate on Christianity" between Messrs T. W. Ward, Bargoed, affirmative, and S. G. Harris, Pengam (negative); all are wel- come. silver collection Offices in Scotland. I In the case of A. J. Withers, a Bargoed thea- trical manager, v the Moss Empires, Ltd, heard at the Merthyr County Court on Wed- nesday. Mr Dix, for the defendants, succeeded in a contention that the registered offices of the company being in Seotland, His Honour Judge Bryn Roberts had no jurisdiction over the ,se.-iiii, J. Evans, for plaintiff, submitted the company had officers in London and carried on business in this country. Mr Dix's applies tion for costs wa.s refusfed. Died of Wounds in France. I We regret to announce the death, in France, of Driver George Henry Jones, of the R.F.A He was very popular in Bargoed, oimg a mem- ber of the Balrgood Old Boys' Rugby Football Club. Driver Jones leaves a widow and two children. Before the war he worked as » collier at the Abertysswg Colliery. and resided at River Row, Bargoed. Stand Loyally by Our Labour1 Papers. I Only those engaged in the work know how difficult it is at the present time to conduct a newspaper, and for many reasons, and particu- larly because of the provisions of the Defence of the Realm Act. We must stand loyally by our Labour papers, as they will be needed more than ever in the future, and will be a powerful instrument in the coming fight. Tsheref ore buy the "Pioneer," and read it. Control Your Own Destiny. The sooner the workers cast afeide the hope of havin something done for them, and pro- ceed to ?o things for themselves, the be? ter they will be able to live the lives of free- men, and the surer they can be of leaving to their children a heritage of liberty and indep- endence such as gives to the individual a degree of control over his own destiny here on earth.

lw MENTION T.MIS PAPOR Ili=I WHEN YQU BUY!

i Was it an Attempt to Break a Union ? I SINGULAR FEATURES IN PONTYPRIDD I PROCEEDINGS. I I AGAINST COKEMEN VvHO ABSENTED I TH&MSELVES. What looked like a deliberate attempt ttt smash up the Maritime Cokemen and Bye- Product Workers' Union is recorded in the fol- lowing report of proceedings heard at the Po- lice Court of Pontypridd. Athough it has come to hand a week or so late, it is worthy of the attention of all Trades Unionists because of its exceptional character. Messrs The Great Western Colliery Company v A. Sr. Bateman, H, W, Edwards and C. As- kitt; Mr D. Rees prosecuted on behalf of the Company, and Mr A. Ivor Parry (Messrs Mor- gan, Bruce and Nicholas) appeared for the de- fendants. who were members of the National Union of Cokemen and Bye-Product Workers. Mr Rees, in opening, said it was a claim for £10 damages from each defendant, arising out of their absenting themselves from work on the evening of May 20. Mr Parry: Broadly it is a question of dam- ages the breach is agreed. Mr Thomas Guy Watts, the manager, was called. Mr Rees: The three defendants were em- ployed at the Coke Ovens?—Yes. Mr Rees: Why did they absent themselves from work on May 20?—I cannot say they all did. One man came up to say he could not work, the other two were absent. Mr Rees: The claim for damages is £10 eaa,b, the breach is admitted?—Yes. Mr Rees: What was the result of the three left not going to work that evening ?—Loss of coke. The Stipendiary What was the special work of these men?—Askitt was a wheeler, Bateman a cooler and Edwards a breezenian. Mr Rees Was the effect of their not being at work that the whole of the ovens were at rest?—Yes, it was impossible to carry the shift on. Mr Rees Can you say how much coke is pro- duced? -80 tons for the shift. Mr Rees: Is it sold at E-2 per ton?—That is the Government minimum price. Mr Rees: Do you supply coke for munitions work ?— Partly for munition works. Mr Rees Are your men badged P—Every man engaged on the ovens is badged under the Ministry of Munitions. Mr Rees: You say you lost 80 tons of coke at £2. What else did you lose- ?—Bye-produ&t sul- phate of ammonia, 88 tons value P-15 7s 7d. Mr Rees: What LIse,-Tar, about 2, no 3, well 4 and a. fraction of a ton. Mr Rees: That would be worth £ 4 2s 3d a ton ?—Yes. Mr Rees So that the whole products would amount to zCl79 igs: 10d ?-1 should say about that Mr Rees: How many tons of coal would you use to obtain that amount?—166 tons. Mr Rees: And the average price of coal was 30]-?-Yes. Mr Rees: And out of that you have a certain percentage of nuts and beans ? About 21 tons or more from roughly 45 tons. Mr Rees: So that the cost of coal would be kl.59 after taking everything in considera- tion?-Yas. I think that is figure I arrived at. Mr Rees: What would be the cost of the sulphuric acide-L2 14s 7d. Mr Rees: Was there some other serious loss? —Yes, the question of the temperature of the ovens. Mr Parry You corroborate the evidence gi- ven by Mr ReesP-Yes, sir. Stipendiary: It has been made evidence now. Mr Parry: You have given them all sorts of fancy names, but they are only laboilr-s--NO Mr Parry: Is theirs skilled work?—Undoub- tedly semi-skilled work, anyway. Mr Parry: Will you explain why you con- sider a wheeler more than a man who wheels a barrow; what is necessary?—Strength. for one thing. Pawy But all your men are strong"-No- Mr Parry This is manual labour ?—Not en- tirely it requires a certain amount of knatk. Mr Parry: We contend that you iould esily replace these men that night, but you were determined to stop the work?—You are en- clete,rinine,cl to stop the worliP- Y oLi are en- tii-ety wrong. You have had men absent them- selves before?—Yes. Mr Parry On many occasions. Have you stopped the work before?—No. Mr Parry: What has been the largest am- ount of men you have had out before ?—Two. Mr Parry: And the axtra man in this case has turned the scale ?—Yes, under the cir- cumstances. Mr Parry: What were they?-Men were not obtainable to replace those absent. Mr Parry: Did Jim Walters volunteer to re- place Askitt?—Yes. ) Mr Parry Did he commence?—Yes. Mr Parry: Did you stop him?—No, he stop- ped because the shift stopped. Mr Parry: Did Jenkins, an engine driver, volunteer to do oven work?—Not to me. Mr Parry: If the offer had been accepted, what would happen?—I should have to replace him. Mr Parry: Do you keep a certain number to replace those who do not oomiÇ to work?—Yes. Mr Parry: You do?—Yes.. Mr Parry: The men have formed a Union? —Yes. Mr Parry: How long has it been fulJ.med p- I daresay they can tell you better than I. Stipendiary: Come, Mr Watts; you surely have some idea?—Well, some time before Christmas. Mr Parry: You have not regarded the Un- ion with any favour?—N o. Mr Parry: And you have said you would smash the Union?—Yes—no. Mr Parry: What was in your mind when you said .Yes?—Watts (after hesitating): I might have thought it would be the means of ,smashing the Union. Mr Parry: I suggest that this feeling of yours is the cause of the stoppage?—No, it is not, Mr Parry: What wages do you pay Bate- man?-5/7i for a bunkerman. Mr Parry: You called him a cooler before, you know ?—My mistake, he is a bunkerman. Mr Parry: Do you consider he is lower paid than elsewhere for similar worko-No 'I do not Stipendiary: The allegation is that the stop- page was really a design to bring about a state of things as would result in smashing the Union. Mr Rees: The rate of wages is not a point of issue in this oáse, Mr Parry. At Ebbw Vale, do you know the bunkermen are paid ? Stipendiary: I rule out the question of rates elsewhere. Mr Parry: It is 5/3 this man Baterrmn is ,I ?ai d -A f r Watts: ?\ including every- thing. Mr Parry Suppose he works one day? What does he get?—4/9 plus 6d war bonus. Mr Parry So it really is 5/3 after all. Thank you. What does Edwards get? Mr Watts: 5/ 4L including everything. Mr 5 for one day?—Yes. M Parry Beaton and the two others; were they at work this night?—No, sir. Mr Parry: Could not they do the work oi the absentees ?—Not under the circumstances Beaton went home ill the previous day W il Beaten went home ill the prev i ous day, R ogers Wil- liams was replacing another man, and was too far away. Mr Parry It would have been a very small matter to have sent for these men?—Watts: How long would it have taken? Mr Parry Don't question me answer me civilly. Stipendiary: You must answer the question of cross-examination and civilly. Mr Parry: Don't you agree that it -would have been a simple thing to have sent for these men instead of taking the extreme step of stop- ping the whole work?—No. I do not. Stipendiary You do not suggest that these men stopped away to further the Union propa- ganda?-Oh, no.; not in the slightest.. Mr Parry, in addressing the Bench on behalf of the defendants, contended that the stoppage was unnecessary, and could easily have been avoided with oixlinary zeal on the part of Mr Watts. To his (Mr Parry's) mind the on)y reason was that by taking this action Mr Watts thought that he would bring the memb- ers and the Union into disrepute, and accor- dingly smash up their funds Dy drawing on them. The Stipendiary On this occasion three men were absent, and the evidence given is that it was impracticable for Mr Watts to replace them en the spur of the moment. With regard to the smashing of the Union, I am very anxi- ous that the members and their Union should not be prejudiced; and in consequence I am en- titled to reduce the damages. Each of the defendants will pay £ 4 damages, and I hope better feeling will prevail in the future between all parties.

Blackwood Educational Class. I The above class held t-hefr usual weekly meet- ing on Tuesday, .Tune 30, when an extremely educational lecture was delivered by Mr-Lewis Lewis, of Blackwood, a gentleman who has al- ready done great educational work in this 10- cality. Mr Lewis gave out as the subject of his lecture1 "The Functions of History." He explained at great length that the proper recording of history, in his own estimation, should be not so much the event itself, as the issues and effects wliicji arise from the event. There were many different classes of history, selected or specialised history, official history, etc. but that which mattered most was a per- usal of the history which affected the social conditions of peoples at any period during the evolution of the world. Mr Lewis also dilated largely upon the necessity of culture, that is, intellectually, among the labouring casses, and the great need for ideals for social and economic reforms which should, through the ap- plication of educational reniedier,, emarata from the working classes. After the lecture there followed the usual discission, and a short address by the teacher (Mr Sydney Jones) upon the "Methods for Ap- plication of Education among the Working Classes. All communications should be addressed to the Secretary—Mr J. T. Oakley, 45 William Street, Blackwood, Mon.

The Electric Theatre. I I consider "Idols of Clay, .the big attrac- tion at the Electric on Monday to Wedneslay of this week, as one of the few classics that the cinema art has so far given us. The story was one of the sweetest that I have ever sat through— essentially human and essentially true, it taught one that a stout heart can courageously win through human disappoint- ment. overcome man's inhumanity, and turn adversity into brightness and hope. It made a vivid impression on myself, and no doubt that was due to the superb acting of Miss Ella Hall and Mr Robert- Leonard in the leading parts, though it was so naturally taken that one fnr(yot for the moment that one was not livin,(y a'=' part in the playinp- out of this very human stoy. "The Diamond from the Sky" continues to exercise a curious attraction over me and although I know the erd-from the fact that I have devoured the synopsis—I am stiil hold enthraled, eagerly waiting the pass- age of each week to pursue the adventurous story a.long its amazing course. To-day the leading picture has been Man and His Mate," a title which labels the picture better than any other title I remember at. the moment. It is a story of affinities, and the troubled waters that must be sailed before the barque True Love finds the calm of harbour home. As a love drama of sttriking charm it has few equals, and the histrionic work of Sam de Grasse and Gladys Brackwell as the lovers is sufficient to give them a lasting place in the affections of all picture goers, and to attract all who see "Alan and His Mate" to any Cinema advertising their next appearance. "The Girl of Lost Island" is out-Diamonding the "Diamond." if I ma-y so put it, with its curious and exciting enfoldment, and Pathe Freres are to be complimented on producing a serial which is even better than the Exploits of Elaine." But for my own part there is nothing on the screen like Greed." I am thoroughly well acquainted theoretically with the system of graft that has undermined American social, life in the hands of the Trusts, but Greed is giving me more and more an appreciation of its widespread influence and awful effects. I say without any fear of contradiction that the Social Democrat who lives within reach of the Electric, and is failing to acquaint himself with the story of high politics that "Greed" spills out. is depriving himself of more than he can afford to miss. As a sociological play it has never had its equal. Intellectually Ibsen and Shaw may be higher, but Ibsen and Shaw preach social doctrines that fail in their mis- sion to the common folks like you and I, whereas "Greed" grips us2 and drives its message home red hot. I am anxious that as many people as I can persuade should follow this story of Labour's fight with the Trusts from the sociological point, and I am afraid that I am allowing that to override my appre- ciation of the great photoplay as an integral part of an amusement programme. The picture as a picture is one the finest serials ever screen- ed, and it has this great advantage—it does not necessarily mean that you have to attend every week to keep ahead of the plot. Bach instalment is complete in itself. At the same time once you will have come under its spell, the probability is all towards a weekly visit. PLAYGOER. I

MERTHYR KEEPING PICFONS-FL or keeping pigeons with- out a permit-—contrary to the Defence of the Realm Regulations—Morgan James. Edwarcls- vine, Vias fined 20/- at Merthyr on Tuesday. RIOTOUS WOMAN.—Margaret Barry, charged with riotous behaviour in Ynysgau Street, Mer- thyr, was committed by the local magistrates on Tuesday to the Quarter Sessions as an incor- rigible rogue. LATE MR W, R, THOMAS —Mr R. A, Griffith (Stipendiary) on behalf of the Merthyr magi- strates, on Tuesday expressed regret upon the death of Mr W. R. Thomas. J.P, Tre- harris—A similar expression was conveyed by Mr J. W. Lewis for the solicitors in court, "DICKY" FOR MERTHYR—At a recent meeting of the I.L.P, Divisional Council for the,Merthyr Parliamentary Constituency unanimously de- cided to adopt Mr Richard Wallhead. at present the Parliamentary Labour Candidate for Cov- entry, as the second candidate for Merthyr at the next election. TURF AGENT ASSAULTS COLLIER--A-t Merthyr on Tuesday Wm. James, described as a turf commission agent, was fined AIo and 40/- oosts for an alleged assault on a collier, Arthur Prosser, near the Belle Viio on Whit-Monday night.The Stipendiary characterised the af- fair as a very cowardly assault." Molts SOLDIERS' WIVES NEGLCT-A soldier's wife, Julia O'Brien. Penydarren. was sent to prison by the M(V-thyi, magistrates on Tuesday toi two months with- hard labour for neglecting her five cbfldren., Mr C. James (solicitor) pro- secuted for the National Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Children.— Inspector Starr said that at one time the woman re- ceived 44/- a week in wages. FRACAS IN MEKTRYU STREET—At the Menthya* Police Court last Friday, three women—Elizab- eth Donovan, Kate Fitzmaurice. and Elizabeth eth Donovan. Kate Fitzmaur)ce. and Elizabeth Mettie—were remanded for a week on a chargw of doing grievous bodily harm to John and Annie Mutfphy.—The Chief Constable sa,id that aboth complainants were suffering from serious njllries resulting from a drunken melee which in Quarry Row on Tuesday evening, and in which pokers were used.—Mr J. Lewis (solicitor) asked for bail, which was granted. ALIEN'S OFFENCE TO SEE sox-Simeon Rapport (;34) was charged at Cardiff Police Court (before Mr T. W. Lewis (Stipendiary) on Fridav with entering the city without, as an alien" having m his possession an identity book filled in and attested and without the permission of the. registration officer.—Mr Gordon Williams, who appeared for the defendant, explained that his client had come from Merthyr to Cardiff to see his son.—Defendant was remanded on his own recognisances for a month. BAND FORGING AHEAD—The Merthyr Munici- pal Band, under Mr A, V, R. Laverock, drew a big audience at Treharris on Monday, and no- thing but praise was heard from all hands at the conclusion of a programme rendered with musicianly finish of a military band. The inclu- sion of vocal items has proved a popular feature and a new departure will be made in this direction at Dowlais on Monday, when the solo- vocalist will be accompanied, by a double quar- tette of vocalists and instrumentalists. It is to be hoped that the weather will be favourable and that the attdienee at the Boys' School will be a crowded one. SOLDIER CHARGED WITH USING KNUCKLE DUS- TER.—An ex-soldier, John McGill, was charged at Merthyr on Tuesday with causing grievous bodily harm to F. Sutton (60). a deputy at a Merthyr lodging-house.—Chief Constable Wil- son said that the old man Sutton was now in the Workhouse Infirmary suffering from injuries alleged to have been inflicted with a knuckle- duster. He asked for prisoner to be remanded for a week, bail being strongly objected to in view 01 Sutton's serious condition P S Edward Jones said that he took McGill into custody on Wednesday night in Victoria St, In the left-hand pocket of his coat was found a knuckle-duster and "ring" paper, and the lin- mg of his (,O.-It accused was accordingly remanded for a week. AMUSING MEISTIITR EFISODE—An amusing co- medy was played at Merthyr Police Court on .Tuesday. A Dowlais workman brought up for -;emg drunk and disorderly, was said to be deaf and the question arose as to how to make him understand the charge against him. Chief Inspector Phillipsi (in a loud voice): Can you hear me?"—Defendant (haphazardly; I can't hear a word.—The Chief Inspector Listen a minute. (In a still louder voice)—Can you hear me ?—Defendant (emphatically): No! (Laugh- ter.)—Were you drank?—Me? No! (Renewed Laughter.)—The Stipendiary: Any previous re- cord?—Chief Constable Wilson: Oh, he's been drunk before, sir! (Loud laughter.)—A fine of 13/- or 14 days' imprisonment was imposed.— The Clerk (Mr T, Blias): Can he understand that?—Inspector Lamb (with confidence) Oh, I will make him understand, sir'! I,- -))so-RI)FIILY HOVSE-At Merthyr last Friday, a soldier's wife, Annie Mahoncy, was summoned for keeping an improper house at Tramroad- side. Merthyr.—Margaret Walker (also a sol- dier's wife), John Con oily (a soldier), and Wm. Evans were. summoned foir aiding and abetting. Detective-Sergeant Dove who, with Detective Danes kept the house under observation, said that on the night of June 9 he found Connolly in the back of the house, and when asked what he was doing there, replied. "Mrs Mabo- ney is an aunt of mine; I am staying here to- night. "—Inspector Starr (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) said that on visiting the house about mid-day on June 7 in' consequence of complaints he had received, he found Evans in one of the bed- rooms, and Mrs Mahoney said, "Maggie Wal- ker brought him here." The woman Walker was also on the premises.—The two women were fined £ 5 each and the two men 21 each. HEAVY- FINE FOR RUM SALE—The sale of a. bottle of jpi 111 resulted in the appearance of a Deri publican, David Williams. Darran Hotel. at Merthyr Police Court on Friday, summoned under the Defence of the Realm (Liquor Con- trol), for infringements of the Order of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), for the Welsh areaGwladys Hutchings barmaid at the Darran Hotel, and Mary Rowlands, Post Office, Deri, were summoned for aiding and abetting.—P olice-Corista.ble Joseph Edwards said that at 7.35 on Saturday evening, June 3, he saw the barmaid take a bottle of rum in a fish frail to the house of the defendant Row- lands. who admitted paying for it on the deliv- ery of the bottle, which did not bear the name and address of the vendor.—Mr Jacob Ray (chairman of the magistrates) said that Wil- liams was liable to be fined £ 500 and the other defendants £ 200 each. The Bench, however, had decided to fine Williams £10 and the tW8 I women £ 5 each. Should a repetition of the of- fences occur, the fun penalty would, be enforced