Pioneer

Gorseinon Notes. The Vicar of Gorseinon. Many a time have 1 said, that would to God we had more ministers of this type. This nation and other nations would be at Peace long ago in fact, there would be no wars. I had the pleasure of listening to his ukual extempore addresses last Sunday morning. Some of his re- marks I jotted down. The Vicar said: "If the countries or Government gave God first place, there would be no wars. There was a great need for a social reformation in this country. was pleased to say that the Church had great men who were doing a wonderful work. Labour leaders, such as Mr George Lansbury and others, were fighting hard for this reforma- tion." The Vicar is out for Peace, as he pointed out to the congregation, that pamphlets upon Peace, edited by George Lansbury and others, will be put upon the table in church. that each person can take one. "Too many parents, etc.. teach their children to be sold- iers. This is wrong; their dutv was to teach them to be Christians—Soldiers of Christ. War shall not be possible the problems which come about can be satisfactorily solved without the shedding of blood. During this war the weal- ths- were in comfortable circumstances, and did not feel its acuteness but some of these things they possessed must be given up." He said that during the mission which was about to take place in the Church, a Committee of 70 laymen and clerics would address meetings up and down the country. This committee had no cut-and-dried plans, but a real mission of Hope and Peace There were excellent men outside the Church and why ? Because there was such rubbish inside. Some of these men pay us a casual visit, and they don't come again. Why? Because they find you playing with Christianity; they see it is a mockery. We must throw this rubbish overboard to bring thtse men into the Church, that they shall re- main. He implored the people to pray sin- cerely for the mission, to work for it; and then success would follow. Readers, if you get the Vicar of Gorseinon at your town or village, go and hear him. a rebel of the finest type. Get a chat with him, and you will return to the Ci arch. God bless you. Vicar, and others in your Mission N.C..F. What a good time we had at the "Bunga- low" last Sunday afternoon to welcome Com- rades Rees and Maeginess. of Glasgow. Both comrades spoke in very high terms of the fine spirit which animated each member at Gor- seinon.. Maeginess said that it was superior to Girts gow. There were many hundreds of N.C.Fers at Glasgow, but. it would be fine if the N.C.F. there, as a whole, adopted the fearless spirit that was here. and in other parts of Wales. Very pathetic were the sto- ries they told us of the sufferings of some men, but the spirit of Maclean, Maxton and Mac- dcugall was always present: even the armies of the world could not quench it if they tried. Labour hymns were sung, which terminated an enjoyable meeting. Bv the way. we decided to invite the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, M.A., of Mtrthyr, tc\ address a public meeting. There are ten of us who should like to hear this vet-eran preach upon the "Judgment in the Wilderness" again. 122 Per Cent, to Tinplaters. The Conciliation Boa rd met at Swansea; one of the claims put forward by the workers was a 15 per cent advance upon the 10 per cent re- ceived at present. As usual, discussion took place. The masters retired, and offered 12j-, which the men accepted. I venture to state that the majority of tinplaters believe that everything is well. Oh, no! my toiler with a heavy-weight tongs before a blasting furnace! If Mr Lloyd George says it is too much. or there shall be no advance, you don't get it. although the masters are agreeable. What are you going to do then Annual Outing of the I.L.P. I .? 1. it had been ctocidecl that this yerurs outing should be to Port Eynon, Gower. and a large number of comrades and friends had taken tickets and made arrangements for it, on Sat- urday last. The weather, in the morning, was so wet and miserable that it became a very doubtful question as to whether the trip should be made. But the incorrigible optimism of the party prevailed against the unfavourable weather conditions, and the start was actually made in the rain! The party was somewhere a.bout 100 strong, and it needed six or seven 'brakes to convey them. Their optimism was justified, for before the journey's end was reached—I may say the day was spent at Ox- wich. and not at Port Eynon. as was intended- ,-vnoli l. its wis intended- the rain had almost ceased from troubling, and the sun came oat—brigt and warm and kind. After lunch a rather heaw shower pre- vented the carrying out of the day's prog- ramme as at first drawn out. It had been in- tended to hold an entertainment —combining song, recitation speech and chorus-on the sands, or under the grass under the trees. But with the very kind permission of the ca- terers, the entertainment was hed in the tea rooms instead, and was thoroughly enjoyed. I believe, by all. The programme was- as fol- lows:—The Chairman (Mr David Morris) de- ljtfBred a short, neat address, saying, among ?Kr things, that nothing can deter the I.L.P. from carrying on its work, and carrying aut its good, legitimate plans. We had overcome the morning's fear of the weather, and our faith had triumphed! Mrs Herbert Rees then sang the "Holy City" very beautifully, and Goun. William Evans followed with a humorous Welsh song well sung. Comrade W. J. Rob- erts recited "The Fireman's Wedding," and was. as he should be, much appreciated, for he is an elocutionist with a good reputation justi- fied and well maintained. After Comrade Rob- erts came Comrade Stanley Rees with a very fine speoh. Comrade Rees is home on holiday from Glasgow, where he has now been for some time engaged in organising work for the Brit- ish Steel Smelters. He said lie was glad to be among his home comrades again. On the occa- sion of last year', outing, at the same place, speaking down by thee sea-side, he had likened the growth of Socialist thought and the prog- ress of the movement, to the sea with its im- msnse power, and beating agtinst and beat- ing down the bulwarks of capitalism and privi- lege. Since then, he was sorry to say, he had sometimes lost that optimism. Thinking of how Democracy had been robbed of so many things which he used to think were safely established liberties and stages of progress. He said he was much concerned with Labour problems and with post-war Labour problems. One of these would be the woman in industry problem, and it w,-Ls time to see to it now. so that we should be prepared when the "boys returned, and to deal wisely with it. He thought the best way to deal with it would be to get an all-round re- duction in the hours of labour, and that it would not be possible or right to oust women out of jobs when the Peace comes. He said also that it would be well for women to claim full economic and politioaJ equality, and so help themselves in the solution of this problem, He ,dealt with the present-day problem of the" treat- I ment of Conscientioufi 0ioctors, and described some of the barbaric things some of these fine fellows were subjected to. His speech, as I have said, was a splendid and telling one. Miss Vaughan followed Rees with a very timely and educative address on "Education," which she addressed to the women particular- ly, but which all benefited by. After these two inspiring speeches the "Red Flag" was sung with great" hwvl," and then the remainder of the day was devoted to "sports" for the children—little and grown-ups !—on the sands. The day, I believe, will be a very pleasant one in the memories of each and every one pre- sent, and much credit is due to those respon- sible for the arrangements. Some of the com- rades were much missed there, though! CHUM.

Tonyrefail Notes. Soldiers. I Great consternation was created by the news last week of the death of Willy Davies, of High Street, who was fatally wounded at the front. Willy Davies was in the' Welsh Guards, and has been at the front about 8 months. He is quite young, and was very popular amongst the young lads of the village, who feel intensely the loss of one of their comrades. Also. immediately after the re- ceipt of this bad news, comes the news that one of his comrades in the Welsh Guards Dick Grother—has been wounded in three pla- ces in his back. We hope for his speedy re- covery. Public Sympathy. Pritchard Street was the scene of great en- thusiasm last week at the triumph of Mrs. Taos. Morgan, who was found not guilty by a jury for alleged shop lifting. The prosecu- tor was Mr Griffiths, chemist, Tonyrefail. Pub- lic sympathy and resentment was roused in fa- vour of the accused, and no doubt the large majority of the public were delighted with the result. The accused was indicted for the paltry sum value of 2/ Mrs. Morgan had a royal welcome on her return. Keep Off Allotments. In view of the fact that a great number of hard toiling workmen are making every effort to produce the sore and pressing demand for foodstuffs, parents should take every precau- tion in advising their children not to invade the allotments and gardens with the purpose of either taking or destroying crops which are so much needed in these trying times. We are fully aware that the children have hardly any space for recreation and sport, but in spite of this we see no reason even for children to be allowed to run about and find sport in destroying garden produce after the tedious toil of energetic workmen. Children should be taught clean and healthy sport and past- imes, and not to take delight in troublesome c I lesome mischief. This condition of things could very welt be remedied if this Council of ours would only have some sense of their duty in making provision for the children. We are inclined to think that they are too obsessed with their own welfare or a short-sighted economy, to pay much attention to needfifl public things. Tug-of-War. Last Saturday the Ooed Ely v. Tonyrefail teams resumed their strenuous efforts in the final for victory in a tug-of-war. Again, the laurels cannot be said to be with either of the teams in spite of the prize being given to Tonyrefail. They gained one pull each, and then the usual final took place, and there was a dispute which ended in giving the prize to Tonyrefail. All our actions are governed by our ideas--thits the adage, Actions speak louder than words," becomes apparent continu- ally in our midst. Some of the witnesses assert that the Tonyrefail team was the bet- ter. but we de not think it is the just thing without the actual final pull taking place. We cannot imagine that any difference has arisen which could not be overcome, so that the doubt of the public may be dispelled once for all as to the best team. Undoubtedly the weather conditions were not favourable for the event, and we shall be looking out for the next sports to a better understanding and better conditions, whereby the public may, without a doubt. be able to cheer the winning team. Thf Churches and Conscience. I We are pleased to hear and learn of the action of the majority of the churches in ex- their disapproval of the ill-treatment meted out to Conscientious Objectors through out the country, and in particular the five from this locality and the near vicinity, viz., Emrys Hughes, Idwal Williams, Beth Morgan, Gwilym Smith and Percy Kendall. Also resolu- tions have been passed bv several of the min- ers' lodges and other Labour organisations. House Coal Grievanoe. I There is a great deal of dissatisfaction in the locality of Tonyrefail and Coed Ely con- cerning the delay and inconvenience in supply- ing coal to the workmen. "It is bad en- ough that you've got to wait six weeks for it, without any further abasement," is a com- mon remark." It is high time that the work- men of the whole district should wake up and see that the whole matter is put right. It is no question of exploitation bv tÀoe masters, but derogatory action by our own class. Reception of New Curate at Gilfach Goch. I On Thursday, S'une 29, a reception was held at the Church Hall, when a hearty welcome was given to the new curate, the Rev. J. O. Williams, on the occasion of his taking over the office of curate, recently vacated by the Rev. G. M. Llewelyn. The gathering consisted exclusively of Churchgoers, who wer* provided with an entertainment comprised of a tea party, followed by a musical programme. It was very obvious to anyone there that all who participated made it an expedient that good humour and jollity should prevail. On the fol- lcw:ne: Sunday the Rev. J. O. Williams prea- ched. when the church was filled to over- crowding by worshippers. It is to be hoped that this innevation will prove to be perman- ent, and that the war feeling which existed be- tween the curate and church members at the reception will continue in the future, and thus encourage him to carry out his duties to the satisfaction of both himself and the church. Sports, Held at Caerysgol Grounds on Saturday, the proceeds being in aid of the local Soldiers' and Sailors' Fund, Results: — 120 yards' open handic,ap.-Hent winners— Stanley Middle. Tonypandy, 19yds.; Griffiths, Clydach Vale, 18l yds.; Mills, Barry. 15yds.; Bunny, Edmundstown, 40yds. Sims, Ferndale, 16yds. E. O. Parry, Gilfach Goch. 12xyds. J. Morris. Clydach Vale, 21-Jyds; W. J. Jones, 2,V d s; W. J. Jones Troedyrhiw. 16tyd, Semi-final: Heat 1—1, Bunny; 2, Griffiths; Heat 2-1. Parry; 2. D. J. Jones. Final: 1. Parry; 2, Jones; 3, Bunny. Tug-of-war Tonyrefail beat Welsh Navig- ati,on Coed My.

I Ynysykwl and District Notes. I Absenteeism. I The question of absenteeism and the ap- pointment of an income-tax collector for Ynys- ybw 1 occupied the attention of a general meet- ing of Lady Windsor workmen, held on Tues- day, the 27th ult, Mr Henry James, check- weigher, being in the chair. It was reported that the management were eager to get the proposed Absentee Committee to work as soon as possible. Not so the workmen. Even on the desirability of such a bodv there was a pronounced feeling. A minority in the meet- ing, it is true, considered that in the scheme there lay the possibility and the means to re- medy certain ever-recurring grievances, such as shortage of timber, unloading of rubbish by colliers, etc. Also, it could be utilised as a lever to get the morning shift started an hour later in the day, which would give workmen more rest and lessen the tendency to over- sleeping. All these were items which, if set right, would help in maintaining the output, which of course, was the ostensible object of the scheme. The feeling of most of those pre- sent, however, was that the proposed scheme was but a sample of the Munitions Act, and would, in practice, give the management ad- ditional power to tyrranise workmen, with the help of their own fellow-workmen on the com mittee. The result of the discussion was that a resolution was passed calling upon the Cen- tral Executive to convene a conference to re- view the scheme, and if approved thereat, to decide upon a uniform course of procedure for carrying out its provisions. Income Tax. The report of a special district meeting which had considered the collection of income tax from- workmen was given by Mr F. J. Priday, the district- delegate, who gave lucid and de- tailed information on this important matter. He further stated that the Central Executive advised that the workmen should endeavour to get the local collector appointed from among themselves. Such a person would be more accessible, and having a more intimate know- ledge of their working conditions and affairs, would be" more sympathetic in his dealings with them, than a colliery clerk or local tradesman. With this view the meeting unanimously con- curred, and Fred J. Priday was nominated for the post. We understand that, the Mynachdy and Darranddu workmen have also made a nomina- tion for this position. Their choice is Mr Ellis Lewis, their checkweigher and lodge secretary. Sunday Schools' Annual Treat. The loca,l Sunday bchools held their annual tea on Monday Owing to the exceptional need of coal by the Government, the pits were working; consequently the 1-wiial procession was dispensed with, which was a pity, seeing that the weather conditions were propitious. In or- der that those working might have tea, this was not laid on the tables till 4 o'clock. Af- terwards all wended their way to the various fields which had been kindly lent for the occa- sion. Arrived there, further supplies of eatables—such as buns oranges and sweets were served out, and sports were arranged for the children. The grown-up boys and girls, (of course, without the official cognisance of those in authority) enjoyed themselves in such perenially fresh and innocent diversions as "Bobby Bingo" and Twos and Threes." A Suggestion to Trade Unions. I By the way, why do not the Trade Union lodges arrange for an annual tea or social ? We gather think that the Continental Trade Un- ions and those in the North of England can show the S. W .M.F. lodges a lead in this res- pect, and we firmly believe that it would help to foster a social spirit that at present seems sadly lacking among our lodges. We hope to refer more fully to this matter on a future occasion. Labour Candidates. I We hear that the Mynachdy and Darrandu Lodges have nominated fheir candidates for the Guardians and the District Council. Lady Windsor have not; they should wake up. Lady Windsor Nursing Scheme. On Thursday, June 29, Lady Windsor workmen met to consider the putting into operation of their Nursing Scheme, the aim of which is to co-ordinate the various collections at levies made at the colliery, and to contrib- ute in a systematic manner towards institutions which cater for the needs of injured and dis- abled workmen. It is proposed to levy each workman a penny per week, which should in- cl.1de the present Jd. levy towards the Ponty- pridd Oottage Hospital, and do away with all collections. An essential part of the scheme is that. the allocation of the various donations shall be controlled entirely by the workmen, and not, as heretofore, by the management. Mr J. E. Morgan gave a report of the last inter- view at the colliery ofifce, and stated that the management desired to stipulate that the Cottage Hospital levy should be left undisturb- ed. and continue to be paid direct from the ofifce. The deputation, however, insisted that in any case this levy must also be paid into the Nursing Fund, even if it were ag- reed that the amount of the annual donation remain at present.—In the discussion which followed the report, the feeling was expressed that managerial interfe-rence with the fund would not be brooked. The fund was to be maintained by workmen, and it must be controlled on the democratic basis of the will of the majority.—It was decided to adjourn the meeting for a week, pending which it was hoped a satisfactory answer would be receiv- ed from the ofifce. Injured Internally. I William Olutterbuck, night haulier living at Olydach Terrace, met with an accident on Friday morning at the Lady Windsor Colliefcy, being badly injured internally. He was con- veyed to the Pontypridd Cottage Hospital for treatment, and, Ave are glad to say, is now progressing favourably Ubituary. H I We regret to record the death ot ivirs. J1.iV- ans wife of Mr Evan Evans 29 Robert St., who, passed away during confinement on Wed- nesday, the 28tjj inst. The interment took place at the local Cemetery on Tuesday, the Rev. Isaac Marris officiating. The very large gathering of friends and sympathisers showed the respect in which deceased was held.

ARE WE DOING YOUR PRINTING ? We have the most modern equipment, and good work is quickly turned out by Trade Unionists at reasonable rates. NOTE THE ADDRESS THE LABOUR PIONEER PRESS Williams, Square, Merthyr Tydfil.

I An Open Letter to the Editor of the I I 11 Piolieef. I Dear Mr Editor,—For a few years I have 1 read your paper with interest; for many rea- 1" sons, it is worthy of praise. I have also had 1 the pleasure of meeting you personally, and ft have found you a, kindly, brotherly man, anxi- ous to promote the well-being of the working men.. I am not without hope, therefore, that you will suffer patiently a few words of ex- hortation. My first suggestion is that, as your paper depends upon the working men for support, you make an effort to represent the working men. At the present moment you represent only a. small section of them. Your paper ad- vocates pretty consistently Socialism as an ab- stidiCt coctime and a future, kIgciI. You advo- cate the immediate application of Socialistic P principles as far as present circumstances will f allow. But under present conditions you can ;v accomplish little. Accordingly your purpose is to produce among the workers general dissat- isfaction with the present order of things, and so to educate the-m that they will be prepared to overturn modern civilisation and set. up a new order on a Communistic basis. Permit me to say that, in this advocacy, you do not rep- resent your constituency of working men. Most of them are only Socialists in the sense that they want an opportunity to enjoy such a share of this world's good's as will enable them t and their dependents to live peaceful lives in some measure of comfort. The,, want neither Nationalisation nor Communism. This great mass of steady industrious men, who form the back bone of the working men in tlil.-I district,. are not represented in .your paper. Then, again, during the war, your paper has. taken a non-patriotic attitude, sometimes ver- J ging on the anti-patriotic. In this you represent only a trifling minority of the working men. The great mass of the- men deplore the war, and stand by their coun- try with sorrowing heads, but —they stand by I their country. I need hardly say that the puerile and foolish; criticisms of the Bible, and the vilifying of the Churches, in which some of your weaker corres- pondents indulge, does not represent intelligent, working men. Mv second suggestion is that, as you are out to do the men good, you will try to avoid; doing them harm. Your ideas. even though. backed by good intentions, are leading to dep- lorable results. You a.re making men bitter haters of their kind by telling them that every- I body is exploiting them. You are making them unthrifty by talking of an illusory future. You are making them irreligious by assuming that civilisation is false, their fellow-men are false, the Churches are false, and the Bible is false. You are leading them in the direction of grave industrial disturbance, by teaching men to ask for more wages and yet more, until equality and Communism is reached. My third suggestion is that, as you are But to serve the working men, you set about doing; them practical and Immediate good. You must set aside uncertain speculations regarding the, future, and work with the assured facts of the present. You must ignore schemes about which a score of different sensible men would have a score of different opinions, and concentrate on those great matters upon which all good and," sensible men have but one opinion. Take, for example, the question of the Living Wage. No- sane man will deny that all who are prepared! ( to give their best work to the State should be. able to maintain a decent standard of livings Continue, then. to work and fight lor this — not as a step-ping-stone to equality with capita- Lists employers, dukes and lords and the rest of them, but as a thing satisfying in itself. Please put that in bigger print, Mr Printer, not because it is clever, but because it touches the heart of the matter. Working men don't get their rights because there is a dread that they will immediately ask for more than their-, rights. Then there are other questions, suck as the undue raising of prices and rents, to which you are alive. t see less reference in your columns to the terrible devastation of intemperance, in all its ghastly forms and the open neglect of thø., worship of Almighty God. Wishing your paper success and usefulness, Yours, in the Service of the Workers, W. DOCKERAY, (Weslevan Minister, Dowlais), Printed and Published by the Labour Pioneer Press. Limited, Wiffiams' Square, debefono Street. Merthyr Tydfil, July 8, 1916.