Pioneer

LLANELLY J I IN THE DAYS OF THE COMET."—All readers of H. G. Wells are familiar with his Great Coanges," which are brought about by means of the tail ends of comets, the sudden absorp- tion of all the nitrogen in the atmosphere, and ",110 an. Really. I had to pinch myself yesterday when I saw all the men in a local works drop tools at 11 a.m. and make a rush for a certain place, where I afterwards ascertained they had arranged (iJt a meeting held during the break- fast hour) to meet, to discuss—what think you, toil-worn reader ?——food prices? wages? short- er hours ? or the appointment of foremen? Nay, none of these things were responsible for this remakable development. I'll whisper it! The firm had decided to dispense with the manager— and an assistant had to dig up sufficient courage to walk into the meeting, and persuade them to go back to their work, which they did after de- manding the presence of the chief boss-s aw- yer at a future' meeting. Verily, it was a sight for the gods! One of the foremen met his men coming out of the big door of the shop. Where the blue daisies are you going toP I want that scintillating job finished to-day! Go back," he said go back to your work." They went back, and went out through the haok" door I "Hodge," the first hand, was standing on the landing, frantically waving his hands, blowing his whistle,; and when he got his breath, shouting, "Up ladle—up ladle." The "Y" was ready to tap. An onlooker would have thought that only the bosses were immune from the ti- iluence of this comet's tail. J

Rhymney and Abertysswg Trades Council. A meeting of the Rhymney and Abertysswg Trades Council was held on Wednesday week, July 19, at the Workmen's Institute, Rhym- ney with a good attendancd|j|f members. One of the chief items was the consideration of furthering the" Pioneer" before the public. A deal of discussion ensued, and the Council de- cided to take a "Pioneer" for each of the dele- gates for a month, and then to be further discussed' as to what will be done to increase the sales.—The Council discussed the high price of living, and it was to wait the con- ference on same before embarking on public meetings.—The rules of the Council were then discussed, and it was agreed to adopt the rules of the Bedwas Council with a few minor altera- tions tenders for printing the same to be in- vited from the Pioneer, and Messrs. Jacob and Shepherd, printers, Rhymney. the same to be dealt with bv the Rules Committee. The Council had before them information reg- arding the Recreation .Field, but the matter was left in abeyance until the next meeting. —The Rhymney District Council employees were discussed at length, and the wages paid by our Council, as was their eligibility to become members of their Trades Unions; these matters being left in the hands of our Labour Council- lors.—The matter raised in referencer to a coal contractor supplying coal to the District Coun- cil and employing non-Unionists was answered satisfactorily btr members of the Miners' Fede- ration and, ind,ed." this report carries a word of praise in the manner this contractor spoke of what he was prepared to do if there were non-Unionists working at his colliery. The Abertysswg delegates brought forward a complaint of the lack of a public convenience in their district, and it was decided to write the Rhymney Urban Council about the matter, and giving a suggestion so as to alleviate thia matter a little. Mr W. JJaTris, the miners' political organiser, was present, and answered several questions on the Re.nts Act—Mr W. J. Green giving notice of motion to bring before the Council at the next meeting the Rents Bill and Pensions Act, 1915. Now, Rhymney, keep on, and your success is assured.

Met in India. I From their soai. Gunner Ivor Astle, R.F.A., of Merthyr, and Mrs. Astle have just re- ceived an intimation of his arrival in India. The voyage out was interesting, and the tempe- rature in India had been 115 in the shade. Gunner Astle saN- The Y.M.C.A. gave a reception here the other night, and I asked a sergeant if I could help him dish owt the tea. No—a, thank you," he replied. "Which part of South Wales do you come from?" I asked. Brecon. Where are you from—Wales?" "Yes, Merthyr!" whereupon he caught me by the arm and led me hurriedly through the guests, and I thought at ifrstf that. I was to be chucked out for belonging to Mer- thyr. As a fact, however, Sergeant Jones was only taking me across to Sergt. Howells and Sergeant Cornish, of Merthyr and Dow- lais. An address was given at the same gath- ering by Dr. Burges, who had lived for 20 years in India, but who, in his younger days, found time to preach at Hope Church, Mer- thyr, and at Aberdare.

Theatre Royal. I I The.l'e is a great week at the Theatre Royal thi.3 week. though the tropical heat has minim- ised the attendance, and consequently the wide spread success which it ought to have en- joyed. There can be no two opinions that the ideal programme for mid-summer is a composite one, including one or two really first-class and new films, and one or two "Piok-o'-the- Basket" vaudeville turns. Unfortunately mana- gers in the past have nt)t been careful in their choice of turns, and the impression is general that a combined programme while excellent so far as the pictures go, is weak in the vaude- ville. Nothing could be further from the truth when applied to this week's Royal prog- ramme. Excellent as is Mary Pickford— and she was never better than in "The Foundling" Dillon Shallard and Madame Argentine are equally good, and the Musical Watsons are in their own particular way quite as nne. "The Foundling" is without question one of these few picture plays that fits the char- ming work of Mary Pickford, and most of my readers who remember the great "Tessibel" Mary Pickford success will agree with me that not even that picture which made the charming actress "The World's Sweetheart," can surpass this, her latest success, in the opportunities it offers for a full display of that genius that has made Mary the public idol she is. The story is a sweet one, with rare touches of pathos and na- tural humour, from the moment of the passage of the little child into the .Foundling Asylum to the last soene, where the spurious daughter s runaway confession brings Mary the "skivey" into her own. The four reels are not too much of it. ,ai is too often the case with long pic- tures, and anyone who loves a sweetly played cinema story cannot afford to miss the Royal this week. Dillon Shallard and Madame Argentine —the two great opera singers—would have sufficed in themselves in theatre-going weather to pack the Theatre every house. The two great singers are —with the possible exception of Charles Mott— the finest vocalists that have visited Merthyr this long time, and their varied selections from the gems of Opera music are rendered with a taste and technique that is an education in the range, sweetness, power and charm of the hu- man voice. On Monday night they had to "take the curtain" four times, and I understand that their reception has grown as the week has passed. The Musical Watsons have performed the dif- ficult task of wedding melody ;and comedy in their delightful sketch, "The Gardenert., and the Maid," It is laughable and yet musical. They are fit to top or bottom anywhere, and I trust that they, along with Mr Dillon Shallard and Madame Argentine, will have an opportun- ity to visit Merthyr when the weather will be- friend instead of handicap them, and then we shall have a, fuller opportunity of showing them how we enjoyed their act. There is also a good comedy, "A Leap Year Wooing." Next week is also to be a picture-vaudeville week, and Mr Evans has been luckv in following up the "Circus of Death" and "The Foundling" with "A Soldier and a Man," a new release that has been characterised as the best drama done for the pictures. Its four parts pass like light- ning, says one critic? so gripping is the interest, niiig, whilst it has a topical interest, this has been subordintaed to the dramatic interest with a skill that marks it as one of the few tri- umphs of the dramatic art. Bottoming is the great Teek Trio, featuring a really clever lady oornettist, and the great Welsh baritone, Tom Williams. Arthur Verno, character come- dian, and Yefcta, the artistic wire act, are well- known names in vaudeville. Y I

Correspondents are requested to condense their letters as much as possible. Letters of a personal character will not be inserted. The Editor wishes it to be distinctly under- stood that he will not hold himself responsible for the opinions or statements of correspond- ents nor undertake to return rejected manus- cripts. Correspondents write on one side of the paper only.

NATIONAL CHILDREN'S HOME AND I ORPHANAGE. To the Editor of the PIONEER.) I My Dear Sir,—Will you allow me, through the columns of your paper, to thank very sincerely the residents of Dowlais for their generous Res- ponse to the recent House-to-House collection in aid of our work. The sum of L14 10s. 6d. has been raised. and we are greatly indebted to the Rev. W. Deckeray and Mr F. H. Condie, who arranged the effort, and their efficient band of workers, as well as to those who have contributed. Such a. gift is ver*- acceptable to us in our ministry to needy little ones. The National Children's Home is one of the largest Child-Saving Institutions in the coun- try. and since it was founded in 1869 by Dr T. Bowman Stephenson, 11,000 children have ipassed through its doors. There are 16 branches of the Home to-day. in which 2,400 girls and boys are being cared for and trained. Children are received irrespective of Clreed or locality, and no votes are required for admission. A branch was opened a few weeks ago by the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor of London OCol. Sir Charles Cheers Wakefield) at Shernagham. This will be used as a convalescent branch for the children of soldi ere and sailors. Many children whose fathers have died in the service of the country have been admitted into the Home during the past two years, and the Com- mittee is anxious to help to the uttermost these little ones.—Yours sincerely. W. HODSON SMITH, Principal. 104—122 City Road, E.C., July 20, 1916.

THE TONYREFAIL SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL (To the Editor of the PIOUEER.) Sir,—May I crave a space in your splendid journal to refer to the question of the War Memorial mooted here for the Fallen Heroes of Tonyrefail. It appears a self-appointed com- mittee, comparatively small have moved in this important matter on their own accord, with- out consulting the inhabitants in any way. This is certainly a rather high-handed And autocratic model of procedure. This, being a matter so near and dear to the inhabitants generally, surely the,y ought to have had the opportunity of saying what form the Memorial should take, and where it should be placed. This, it appears, has all been arranged. and the first intimation the public get is by poster announcing a, con- cert in support of this movement. Anyone who has any pretensions of being a Democrat has certainly no right to proceed in this fashion, and the logical line to pursue even now,is to call a public meeting to decide the whole thing. It should very clearly be understood that the entire inhabitants of Tonyrefail are only too willing and glad of the opportunity of supporting this Memorial, but, as arranged, the public appear to have no voice in the matter at all. Given the opportunity of attending conoert ie certainly no answer to the ques- tion. The public have a greater right than this —namely, the right of opinion upon questions such as this Memorial.—Yours, etc., Tonyrefail. DEMOCRAT.

THE AFTERMATH OF WSLOYAiFTY. (To the Editor of the PIONEEIt.) Dear Sir,—Many miners in the Rhymney Val- ley district may desire to know the truth about the ecent strike in the, Pengam House Coal Pit.- To any miser who has worked in this seam the grievance which has caused the skort stoppage is well understood. It has been the custom to out down to the fireclay in heading roads so that the trouble of "pokings" would be avoided. This certainly saves considerable cost to the company during the life of the road but no great injustice is imposed on the heading men. It was hoped that the prioe list of Pengam Pit would have conceded this griev- ance; but, unfortunately, nothing has been improved on this point. Clause 3 stipulates that 1/6 per yard forward shall be paid for over-height, which leaves some men, 1)1 order to reach the fireclay bottom, the task of making 9ft and over of height. Anyone can see the enormous amount of unpaid labour some men have to perform, varying in accordance to the geological variations of the seam. Some time re- cently the miners' agent advised the men not to attempt to cut to the fireclay bottom, but carry their roads 6ft. high. The men agreed in the meeting to do this until the company properly remunerated this kind of labour. But, sad to say, only two men amongst the aggrieved had the courage and principle to abide by the meeting's decision. This is how sections are manufactured, and bad payment for work per- petuated. The grievance is stiH existing, and will continue as long as men act in this per- fidious way. Men should think of a few whole- some truths, and allow the same to be their guiding principle when they have a labour grievance. It is far more important to be a faithful ally to one another than the gain that never fails to attend such conduct. Will some of the Pengam men try to understand that, and never again advance proposals that need fighting for unless they are prepared to do their share?—Yours sincerely. FIDELITY. I

ABERCYNON CARNIVAL.—A successful Rustic Sports and Carnival were held at Goitre Coed on Thursday last. The following are the prize-winners:- Best decorated dray or lorry: Divided between "Allies" (P. Smith) and "Ambulance" (Charles Gregory). A consolation prize was awarded to "Sleeping Beauties" (Mrs. T. J. Williams). Best decorated trade turn-out: 1, T. Jones, Carne- town; 2, Mrs. Lloyd. Best costume (typical of British Empire or AlliBs) 1, Miss Richards (Japan); 2, Miss Ivy Williams (England). Best costume (typical of British Empire or Allies), girls under 12: 1, Lilian Jones (Wales); 2, May Flowers (Scotland). Best costume (typical of British Empire or Allies), under 16: 1, Lily Jones (Irish); 2, P. Williams (Gipsy). Best costume (typical of British Empire or Allies), boys: 1, Llew Evans (India); 2. Wilf Home (China). Best comic costume: 1 D. Llewellyn, Mountain Ash (P.O. Pint); 2. J. Richards (Pier- rot). Best decorated bicycle: 1, A. Sutherland; 2, Frank Bradley. prizes were also given to David James (Ancient Briton) and Fred Jones (Indian). Drink and Bun Race: Stan Rees ,and Frank Bradley. Egg and spoon race (la- dies) Mrs. Parker; Miss Morris. There were hoop-la, refreshment and other stalls, together with a coooanut shy. The Mountain Ash Vo- lunteer Band was in attendance, affording faci- lities for dancing on the green.

r II 11= WHEN REQUIRING | I SUITS, COSTUMES, or GENERAL DRAPERY | • SEND A POST CARD TO Thomas St., S (JOHN BARR I JOHN R D?A M0m 0 Methy Tyd? )  AND A REPRESENTATIVE WILL CALL. j I ■ Cash or Instalment System. 5 m ?_ .? ?.  SUITS and COSTUMES to Measure a Speciality!! t | SUITS and COSTUMES to Measure a Speciality | A HEAVILY-LADEN coal truck deliberately detached from a siding rushes headlong, with ever-increasing velocity, down a steep grade. Across the unused track, a.t the bottom, is built a workman's shanty. In that flimsy structure lies Tom Larnigan, bound amd senseless. Was he doomed to die like a rat in a trap ? Did help come to him before the shanty was dashed to atoms by the truck in its mad career? See the outcome of this breathless incident-of a brave woman's desperate race with the deadly truck—in the great serial photo-play— GREATEST OF ii 11,N TIC FiLm(-i: PHOTOPLAYS tNB? 20WEEF44ORESS GREED" tells the story nf a young attorney's struggle against a group of rogues whose greed for gold overrules all dictates of conscience and humanity. Presented in 20 pulse-throbbing episodes, ona a week, and each complete in itself. See "GREED" at Electric Theatre MERTHYR.

1- ABERBARGOED 1 B.W.T.A.-On Tuesday, the 25th iastant, a splendid concert was held at the Central Hall, tinder the auspices of the above branch, for the benefit of the dependents of our soldiers and sailors. The Chairman, after a short speech, otfered up a prayer for the success of the movement, and on behalf of an early Peace, and the Brotherhood of Man. The Handel Male Voice Party gave an excellent rendering of the chorus, Gome, Merry Comrades," which was greatly appreciated by the audience. Miss Evans. Gilfacb, rendered two excellent solos "The Song that the Angels Sing," and "Into Thy Hands." As a bass soloist, Mr S. Carter, th0 popular Gilfach Councillor, was in great form. Mr Meyrick Williams, the local tenor, eclipsed all previous performances, aptid was lowdlv cheered by the audience. This augurs wel for Mr Williams' future. Mr D. Davies" elo- cutionist, took the audience by st.orm" both humorously and sentimentally, and was received each time with acclamations. The party again distinguished themselves by the rendering of two more choruses—"Jolly Roger" and "Little ,Tommy." Mr Llewelyn, the conductor of the party, also rendered two excetlent solos, and proved himself an able soloist as well as a com- petent conductor. At the close, Oaptaih Crouch (Salvation Army) moved a hearty vote of thanks to the party, and all the artistes-, for their ,sei-vice's. This was.,ably seconded by Mr Dan Edwards, undertaker, Bargoed, a musician of no mean order, who also dwelt upon tlao high standard of the party, and was pleased to meet, some old Band of Hope boys in the party. Re- freshments being partaken of, an enjoyable eve- ning was brought to a close. "Inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of these my little ones, ye have done it iints Me."

DOWLAIS I OBITUARY.-—Mr John Morgans, Dowlais, who had been on the clerical staff of the Dowlais Works for many years, died on Saturday at 8 Morlais Street,' after a long illness. His eldest son-JVIr Tom Morgan-ir. mill manager at Blaenavon Works, and another son—Mr Willie Morgan—is assista-n-6 engineer- in the. blast furn- ace department at Dowlais. FnANCE HONOURS FORMER BOWLATS NURSE. — Miss E. Patrick, formerly of Dowlais, has been rewarded by the French Government for her good work amongst the wounded in France, wheirle she is popularly known as the Good Little Mother." When at Dowlais she was one of the Queen's Jubilee Nurses, and was very much in request. Her two brothers are also with the Army as non-combatants. One has had his hand shattered. and the other is an Army chaplain. MUSICAL SUCCESS—In the list of .passes of the Tonic Sol-fa College (London) examinations, held at Merthyr, in June, we find tie names of some Dowlais aspirants, namely: -Mr Mor- gan Davies A.T.S.C. (choirmaster of St. Mary's Welsh Church), harmony analysis, final stage; Mr Ben Jenkins, Penywern, harmony analysis; and Mr Rickard Henry Rogers, Penywern. The last-named qualified for the Associateship of the College, and as such is entitled to affix I the letters A.T.S.C. after his name.

HELD OVER. I An interesting report of the Abertillery I I Trades Council meeting arrived too late for in- sertion this week. It will appear next week without fail.

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MOUNTAIN ASH BROTHERHOOD CHURCH.—Anniversary serv- ices in connection with the Sunday School of the Mountain Ash Brotherhood Church were held on Sunday and Monday last. The musical arrangements, which were under the conductor- ship of Miss M. Wilkins, L.L.C.M.. were most ably carried out, and the items given by scholars representing the classes proved an in- novation which added enjoyment to the pro- ceedings. Solos were rendered by the following scholars: -Misi L. J. Rees, Miss E. Bolwell, Miss G. Evans and Master W. J. Jones. Miss F. Wines ably assisted at the organ. The fol- lowing scfiblars gave recitationst: -Jessie Wil- liams Irene Tromans; Maggie Roaeh Alice Roach; Lizzie Davies; Sarah Ann Roach Irene Brooks Eunice Brooks Elsie Watkins; Sam Brooks, Jack Brooks, Evan Watkins and Miss L. Tromans. Liberal collections were taken at each service. The Pastor presided at the after- noon service, and Coun. George Hall, J.P., at the evening meeting, and gave a most appropri- ate address. On Monday the scholars received their annual treat, and" a public tea was held, at which a large number wereipresent. Games, etc., were indulged in At the Mountain Ash Re- ecrteca., tion Ground, kindly lent for the occasion. The following assisted: -Mesdames J. Roaeh; E. Clade; A. Evans; A. Meredith'; J. Card; G. Neighbour J. Jones; Griff Jones; Williams; L. Bevan; Miss Neighbour; Mrs. R. Davies; Mrs. Paget; Miss L. J. Rees; Miss E. Euston; Mrs. Lodwick; and Mr John Card.