Pioneer

New Moves for for Miners. i \v By MARK STARR. SEE PAGE 4

Pontardawe Tribunal. C.O.'s TWO HEARINGS. On July 11 Mr Griff H. Davies, Pontardawe, PPeared before the Local Tribunal for exemp- IOn on Buiness and Conscientious Grounds. At e outset the applicant said he would state his p Conscientious reasons in public and his business B in private.—The Chairman (Mr Morgan dles) ruled that this could not be done, and U ed that it would have to be all private or all Public.-Griff Davies differed with the "airman (who is a local solicitor) as to the ruhng; but it was not worth quibbling about as far as his business reasons were concerned, he ad..nothing to hide, and would state the whole f hIS case in public. The applicant then stated- I conscientiously believe that militarism is an Unmitigated evil, and diametrically opposed in principle to the teachings inculcated into my raind through home teaching and attendance at Sunday school during my boyhood. My experi- ence of men and books, since I have used inde- pendent o bservation, has strengthened that conviction. As a Protestant I recognise the Fa- therhood of God, which implies the Brotherhood of Man irrespective of nationality and therefore I regard all human life as sacred. On Social and Political Ground^ My study of social and political phenomena has also convinced me that war is detrimental to all forms of human progress—in so far as it propa- gates hatred and suspicion and the worst pas- sion and will ultimately affect society in ge- ?eral for generations. As a Socialist I believe 111 International Brotherhood and Peace." th In reply to the Chairman, applicant declared that he objected to have anything to do with the Army or Ambulance work. He had held these views for 15 or 20 years. Chairman: Do you belong to any political par- ?--Applicant: Yes, I have been a member of the Independent Labour Party for about 15 years. Chairman fs that body opposed to Militar- 1. 8111"—Applicant: It has opposed Militarism flUoRt consistently bv resolutions at all its con- ferences. Member of Tribunal: Are all its members ag- ^nst the war? Are not some of them in the .AtllI:Y ?-Applicant: There is evidently a differ- ce of opinion existing, and I would not deny at there were members in the Army. Chairman Do you belong to any religious de- -i domination?—Applicant: Yes. I belong to the Baptist denomination. V CMwwrt-aiari: Is it one of the- tenets of thak body that you should noc take part in any military service?—Applicant replied that there was a conflict of ideas in regard to the matter as far as the Church was concerned. Personally his Conscience was wholly opposed to militarism. Chairman: Have you made any sacrifice in support of these views ?—Applicant: That de- pends on what you define as sacrifice. I have not had any real opportunity to make any sacrifice as far as this war is concerned. Member: Are you willing to do work of na- tional importance?—Applicant: I may possibly do work providing it is outside the military mac hine. Colonel Bearson Would you be prepared to work on a farm?—Applicant: Yes. on my own terms. Colonel Pearson At a soldier's pay ?—Applic- Qnt: [ would want more than a soldier's pay. I don't consider that soldiers are adequately paid, and believing in Trade Union principles. I would expect a Trade Union wage. n The Iribunal then dealt with the applicant's business reasons. He said he had been in busi- ness for five years. His stock was valued at £ 1,100 approximately. Also he was under a tenantry lease of seven years. As the general public were leaving, applicant V asked that Colonel Pearson would also retire whilst the Tribunal was considering its decision. Colonel Pearson With pleasure. After several minutes' deliberation it was decided to grant exemption until December 20, conditional that he joined the V.T.C. within 7 • days. Conscientious grounds, adjourned July 25 On receipt of the decision. Griff Davies wrote to the Clerk of the Tribunal asking for a rever- sion of his eelrtifieate., as he could not accept the conditions involved in the exemption, viz, fi joining the V.T.C.. as the same would conflict with his conscientious convictions and that he I was not prepared to subordinate these convic- ? tions. which were vital, even under apparent ? ?n'cumstances of expediency. The Tribunal decided to give him another hearing, and he was requested to appear on Tuesday ?in d 'lie was requeste d to appear on Tuesday last, July 25. Griff protested against the condition inserted In regard to the V.T.C.; also the time granted to him was of no use also against interrupting questions being put by members of the Tribun- 311 while making his statement. He also stated that he was now quite convinced that there V&s wholesale prejudice against Conscientious Objection on the part of the Tribunals, and that $: they were by no means judicial amd fair. The Chairman said they were the judges of ,y that, and as members of the Tribunal they were giving everyone a fair hearing. He thought they had extended kindness to him, and that certain questions put to him at the last sitting were regulation questions prepared by the Local Government Board. Applicant: That implies they are my adjudi- cators, and are by no means relevant. The Clerk said there was some doubt among them as to how long applicant had held those views. Applicant: I have held these views for a num- ber of vears, as stated previously. I hav.e also taken up this attitude in writings to the press before and since the commencement of the war and I have here testimony from the T Merthyr Branch of the I.L.P. testifying to my sincerity and fidelity to these principles long before I came to reside at Pontardawe. The I.L.P. I definitely state here. has continually pledged itself against? militarism for years, and I have attended conferences at which such reso- lutions have been passed. Military Representative: You belonged to the Morthvr Branch? H'm! A follower of Keir Bardie, eh? Applicant: Yes, and I am proud of it, too. II Military Representative: Did Mabon, Tom Richards, M.P., William Brace, M.P., ever belong to the I.L.P. ? Applicant: Idon't believe so. Military Representative: Do you know Mr Tom Merrels. Swansea; and is he a member of the I.L.P. 3 applicant: I know him by repute. and I think he was a member of the I.L.P. Military Representative: Would you believe that he has been of considerable assistance to recruiting, and do you think he was wrong? Applicant: I quitebeliev it; and I would not say he was wrong. Such actions should be judged by the motive; he is entitled to his opin- ions, on which I differ. Further questioned, applicant said he was prepared to assist farmers as far as the develop ment of land was concerned, but on his own terms, and providing that there was no military control. Military Representative: Has anyone sug- gested farmers are going to be put under milit- ary control? Applicant The possibility is that my services will be utilised to relieve men for the army, and that -1 am not prepared to undertake. Military Representative: Nothing of the sort; have you any evidence to prove that ? Applicant: Yos, I have here a copy of a statement made by Mr Tennant in the House of Commons on February 29 last. He said: It will shortly be possible. I hope. to employ Con- scientious Objectors, in setting free any men fit for combatant service who may at present be employed on non-combatant services. Military Representative: Are you ma,ri-ledp Applicant: Yes, I have a wife and one child. This concluded a long and very interesting hearing, and the Tribunal subsequently decided to adhere to the decision previously arrived at on business grounds, and dismissed the case on Conscientious grounds. Griff has submitted an appeal to the Appeal Tribunal, and local comrades are keenly anticipating an exciting time at the above court.

Abertillery Notes. I Educating the Workers. The Abertillery Branch of the South Wales Democratic Educational League held their usual weekly cMss on Monday last at the Tillery Institute Classroom. The chair was taken by Mr E. Griffiths, and a, very interesting and in- structive paper was given by Mr J. Hughes dealing with the Town and Guilds system, as explained in De Gibbon's "Industrial History" —the text-book of the class. A brisk and gen- eral discussion followed, of great value to all the students. ■ I The" Block" Dispute. In connection with the "block" question, previously reported, about which a dispute is pending affecting all the workmen at the Powell's Tillery Collieries, the summonses ag- ainst some of the men for taking wood hafve been adjourned for a fortnight. In conseq- uence, the notices given in by all the men, well over 2,000, to have the day idle on the date of the police court proceedings, have also been arranged to be held over eor a similar term. The case is now down for hearing, in the ordinary course of events, for Wednesday, August 16. I Cnris Smith. The case of Chris Smith, about four months ago sentenced at Abertillery to six months' im- prisonment under the Defence of the Realm Act, will be well remembered bv many Pio- neer" readers. A week last Monday his wife and other relatives and friends visited him at Usk Prison, where he is confined. They found him in good health and spirits, and also look- ing well and strong. He was by no means down-hearted, but rather his optimism was marked. Prison life has not modified his opin- ions. neither lessened his determination to con- tinue service in the people's cause. The cell does not suppress a man's spirit nor his mental- ity it onlv strengthens the revolutionary. I The Income Tax Again. On Monday the monthly meeting of the West- ern Valley Miners' Council was held at the Tillery Institute. Abertillery. Mr Henry Wood- land presided; supported by the Vice-chairman (Mr D. Pitts); Agent (Mr G. Barker); Sub- Agent and Secretary (Mr Opton Purnell) and the Treasurer (Mr T. Walters).—The Agent and Sub-Agerit reporte d various disputes in the district, all of which were being dealt with.- A matter of much interest to the workmen was the visit to the Council of Mr Coomoes, Sur- veyor of Taxes, Newport, for the purpose of giving explanations regarding the collecting of the workers' income tax..—It was agreed that a sub-committee of two, in regard to the lodges, should meet with the local sub-collector, to deal with any difficult cases arising. It was explained that the lower part of the district was being dealt withy and there would be an- other; meeting atterfded by a surveyor of taxes. I Lieut. Gill's Condition. During the last few weeks a number of local casualties have been reported, having happen- ed during the terribly severe fighting taking place. Much sympthy is expressed with the many relatives affected by the sad deaths, and also with all who are suffering from wounds. Lieutenant Edward Gill, who was seriously wounded while serving with his battalion of the S.W.B., is still lying at a London Hospital. At the Miners' Council held on Monday, Mr Backer mentioned that he had visited Lieut. Gill, and he was pleased to say an operation had proved s-ticeessful, and he was making satisfact- ory progress. I Important Conference. Under the auspices of the Pensions Commit-j tee elected at the Abertillery Conferenc re- cently held. assisted by Mr William Harris, a Monmouthshire Conference of Labour Bodies, Co-operative Societies,and Free Churches was held on Saturday at Newport. The conference proved an important event; over 184,000 persons being represented.

Twenty Pages of Useful Information—Now Ready. PATRIOTS & PROFITS IN WAR TIME FACTS FROM THE COALFIELDS. By ANDREW TEMPLE. One Penny. 12 for 9d. 100 for 5s. (carriage forward). From Miners' Secretary, Boldon Colliery, Co. Durham. Miners, I,L.P. & B.S.P. Branches Order Quickly.

Tonyrefail Notes. I Cilely Workmen's Meeting. I The Cilely Colliery workmen held a general meeting on Sunday last in the open air. The meeting was fairly well attended. Frank Rus- sell presided. The first question dealt with was the non-Unionists. The Chairman complained that the number of iron-Unionists was on the increase, and that the outlook was very serious in view of the fact that the management have been reluctant ,and slow up to the present in putting into operation the agreement entered upon by the workmen and employers. He stated that if the management would not agree to immediate action to get rid of these non- Unionists, drastic action would have to be taken to enforce the agreement. J. Dicks, the secretary, then read the list of names of those who were non-Unionists, in arrears, and not transferred. He stated that the manage- ment had promised during the last few days that they would take action, and that they would not employ any more men unless they could produce evidence that they were paying the .Federation dues. Therefore he did not see any need for drastic action as suggested by the Chairman. The meeting, after some discussion, decided that 1.4 days' time be given to the man- agement to effect the agreement, and failing this it was resolved to tender 14 days' notice to terminate contracts. T. Mauley then ex- pressed his thanks to the workmen for the confidence that they had expressed in ap- pointing him General Treasurer, and in view that no one was permitted to hold more than one office of the kind at a time, he ten- dered his resignation as branch secretary. Ivor Evans was appointed to-succeed Manley as, branch secretary. One of the members of the Tax Committee in- timated, on behalf of the committee, that they expected to be paid for their services in the capacity of their appointment. It was de- cided that the matter of payment be left in abeyance until they ascertained the amount of labour that would be involved in their du- ties. The payment of the Absentee Committee was also considered, and it was resolved that they be paid 1/6 per week each for their work. —J. Dicks put to the meeting the desire for printing in book form, all the new and revised price lists. It was resolved to get 500 copies printed, and that the colliers pay for them at the cost price. p The agenda of the Conference was then con- sidered. so as to give the delegate a mandate. The most important was the question of holi- days The Chairman stated that it was not I necessary that he should read the appeal, as the meeting was fully aware of the import- ance of the question, and the needs of produc- tion. He felt that he would like to have one day's holiday. After several speeches Dicks drew a very vivid picture of the needs of those at the front, and stated that whatever the failings of the employers and others to respond, sit did not alter in the least the needs and appeal of those in action in the great advance, and he was prepared to forego for the present his holidays. It was resolved to ask for one day's holiday with a rider that workers who wanted holidays he permitted to go in batches, like the munition workers. I Coed Ely Meeting. I A general meeting of the Coed Ely workmen was held during the latter end of the week for the purpose of re-considering the decision of the former meeting on the holidays question. It was decided to rescind the former resolution, which asked for three days' holiday, and it was decided that the mandate for the delegate be to vote for one day' holiday instead. A. Jones, who had been appointed Income-Tax Collector, stated to the meeting that some persons had been criticising him for taking on the work of collector, and that he was in for position seek- ing. Therefore, he felt that he had to resign the position. His resignation was accepted, and David Morns was appointed in his place. Un- doubtedly Jones has taken a wise course in re- signing in view of the fact that he has already got his hands full in other work of import- ance, such as Checkweigher, Compensation Sec- retary, Minimum Wage Secretary, Chairman fo the Lodge and the Secretary of the Trades and Labour Council. To do these efficiently it re- quires a great deal of labour. In view of this fact we think it sufficient reason disregarding any criticism. If we let such sentiment govern our actions we will do nothing. It is no fault of Jones' that the workers appoint him to all these duties. It speaks of the confidence they have in him. But confidence ought to be accompanied by sound reason and eommonsense as to any man's capacity. It is impossible for one man to do all. I No Charity. I The Committee have decided to support any action that may be necessary, on behalf of the soldiers returning from the Army, to prevent them being dependent upon charity. They have decided that their delegate shall attend any conference with the view to demanding justice for them from the public purse. I Death of Mk. Stan Hughes. I I We regret to announce the confirmation of the death of Private Stanley Hughes, of Collen- na Road, Tonyrefail. Mr. and Mrs. Dd. Williams have now received a wire from the War Office confirming the bad news they recently had from abroad. Stanley was young, and well- known in the locality, and will Be mourned by the village boys. It seems that he had a sun- stroke, which caused his death. We deeply sympathise with those of his relatives.

A Reply to Mr. J. Hawkins UNITY OR DISUNITY-WHICH? The Chairman of the Bargoed Steam Coal Lodge (John Hawkins) is undoubtedly endeavou- ring to obtain popularity through his recent lit- erary attempts, which are known as The Case for the Light Employment Men." Again permit me to assure him that the case he puts forward is not having the effect which he so eagerly desires. Having recently met men from all parts of the South Wales Coalfield who have read his articles, I find them all of the opinion that if these articles were taken seri- ously the one result which would obviously fol- low would bring about great disunity amongst the members of the Miners' Federation, inas- much as they are put forward by the chair- man of an important lodge. Furthermore, they say that he is constajjtlv and blatantly preaching Democracy, whilst at the same time he adopts an attitude which is only charac- teristic of a despot. This conclusion they ar- rive at because Hawkins has not attempted to deny my first article. Again, the- ask Does not Hawkins agree that the example that he adopts in refusing to pay the 2/- is likely to cause serious division amongst the ranks of our members, since we have always got a section w h o will not pay anything unless they are bound top" I quote the above for the purpose of informing Mr Hawkins of the opinions of the delegates whom I met at the National Conference at Buxton. Now the pointy tha,t Hawkins has beer. en- deavouring to make all along is that the Fed- eration has done nothing to mitigate the con- ditions of injured workmen. In refutation of that, I have previously stated that the largest amount of Federation moneys has, up to the present, been Spent on behalf of these, injured workmen. When we want justice done for our unfortunate comrades, we only get as much as we are prepared to pay for it. Again, I should like to call the attention of our friend to the fact that no less than 14 amendments to the Workmen's Compensation Act were discussed and carried unanimously at the National Conference at Buxton. In face of these facts, how can he assert that neither time nor money is devoted towards doing ev- erything possible under present conditions to better the conditions of our injured fellows. I am thankful that there are men within our organisation who b got the case for the injured workmen at heart, and are doing all in their power to use the Federation and its great force to bring about the better conditions so necessary for our comrades. This is the right attiude to adopt. Nothing will be ach- ieved on behalf of the injured by going outside, as a self-appointed champion, and acting the opposite of a Democrat. Another point that Hawkins told us about is the serious effect that the depreciation of the spending power of the sovereign has upon the injured workmen's income. (Don't forget that the, I/- paid into the Federation has depreciated in proportion also The miners are fully aware of the fact, as the following Clause 5 on the National Agenda testifies -"As the spending power of the sovereign has decreased to such an extent, between the period of 1906 and 1916, and we believe that the amount of compensation was fixed according to the status of wages and cost of living in 1906, when the. Act became operative, we move that this Federation carefully review, the first Workmen's Compensa- tion Act, 1906, for the purpose of drawing up amendmentisi, with a view to increasing the amount of compensation to meet the increased cost of living." Now, Friend Hawkins must admit that he is somewhat behind the times, and also in the wrong place, with his programme. The injured have got more than one champion, I am glad to sa J. We all, I think, agree that clean and healthy criticism is always useful, but when the organisation is deliberately misrepresented, it is high time to protest, because such criti- cism is intolerable and destructive. Incidentally I should like to remind my friend John that there are other workers besides miners, and when he refers to the Nottingham Resolution and applying percentages to the average earn- ings, tha/t there are a vast majority of workers who do not receive percentages; hence, as I have previously stated, that resolution is practi- cable, because it is intended to meet the re- quirements of all workers. I hope that all other organised bodies of workmen will give the support to their injured fellows that the miners do. Lastly, John, I, as a Democrat, prefer to accept the rule of a powerful organisa- tion rather than the dictates of a carping critic who wants the moon, but depends upon others to build the ladder to get to it.—I am, GEORGE WALTERS. I The Treasurer (Bargoed Steam Coal Lodge). I

lean" and the Rev. W, Deelsray A STORY WITH A MORAL. T don't suppose the "dreamy Editor, or the one-sided Mr. Grant," or the well-meaning "loan" are very much excited over the rejoin- der of Mr. Dockeray. He reminds me of the cosmopolitan crowd in a tram, all anti-Social- ists. They were comparing views about their different countries. "Ach 1" said the German (we were friends then), the Socialists are driv- ing all the money out of der Faderiand." "Di- able!" echoed the Frenchman, "and zay are driving all ye money out of .France." "And," said an Englishman with a beetroot complexion, "it is certainly being driven out of England." The Frenchman continued: "These mad Social- ists are driving ze money out of every country in ze world!" And .then they wept, which was perharps the best thing they could have done. Isn't the moral obvious? 10 AN.

PT* MENTION THIS PAPER "W WHEN YOU BUYJ 11 v

I The Foundrymen's Holiday. I said last week that Dai and I wdftkjl take a day off and go to the Mumbles so mat we could continue the chat. There being no imme- diate prospect of a holiday, we decided take a day on Sunday—although we were losing double time—and persuaded Dick to come along with us You see, it was necessary to have Dick, as Dai is not very talkative; but Dick manages to get it out of him by his habit of asking questions. Sometimes they are very awkward questions something like the one "Navvy Pat" found in the "Penny ;Blitherer," when he wanted to have a skit at Marxian Economics and the C.L.C. teacher. Dick's first question was fired at Dai soon after we had treated ourselves to a rail- way ticket. Dick: I saw in last night's paper that Ban Griffiths has got work of national importance. What do they mean by that, Dai? Dai: Well, Dick, you see those chaps are like a good many others, who think that as they are shifting things about and making a dust and a noise, that they are doing something. So, in some instances, they take a good teacher and make a bad farmer of him, so that the farmer can be spared for other purposes. ki. d, s ?: "^11, what's going to happen to the kids P Dai: Oh, they can go on the farm, too; they will at least be able to tell the teaclu. which side of the cow to sit for the milking. Dick: I see, you are getting what they call sarcastic now. Dai: It is enough to make a fellow vinegaxy. Dick: Speaking of vinegar, you don't know the yarn of who is its wife that turned into a pillar of saltp Dai: Aye! Vve You mean Lot's wife. Dick: Well, tlie last time I walked down High Street with Sam he turned into a "Shoulder of Mutton." Before Dai could fathom the depths of this joke, the train pulled up at High Street Sta- tion, and we walked down past that fine old hall of the dockers into the afore-mentioned hostelry. We stayed but little there, however, as Dal is very uneasy in such a pla,c2. and he says that many a fine chap has been lost to the Labour movement by stayinoj too long in such places. So we made tracks for the Mum- bles. After making ourselves fairly comfortable Dick filed another question at Dai. Diok: Well, Dai judging by the last talk we had on the subject, I reckon you ilav finished with Lrbaui m Paiiiamsrr fcrid A all that. Dai: Not exactly, Dick. I realise that we are controlled by Parliament to a much larger extent than is good for us. and since we have chosen this method of government we should get our share in the management. I have told you that we must make our trade Unions se- cure the monopoly of labour, that is to say, we must control the means of production and dis- tribution, but I will leave the ownership to the State. It seems to me that if we get the con- trol we get into the same position as the great financiers and bankers, or as I prefer to call them, credit merchants. Dick: How long do you think we shall be before making an attempt to secure this man- agement and control you tadk about? Dai: I am not a prophet. Dick; I gave it up after saying there wotld be a row in this country if they ever tried to introduce compul- sory service of any kind; but this much will I say-You heard the Labour Association Secret- ary reading out all those letters last night from the U.D.C., the I.L.P., the National Csuncil for Civil Liberties, the Peace Negotia- tion Council, the National Guilds League, the Plebs' League, and that bank of Temple's well, in my opinion these people will have to knock their heads together and bring out a poli- tical programme, which shall consist of a few items of outstanding importance, such as "De- mocratic Control of Home and Foreign Policy." R.,eiorg-anisation of Industrv on a Democratic Basis" (so that we can find the increased pro- duction for Sydney Webb) ,and the establish- ment of the "Commonwealth Bank of Britain." (Just here Dick chipped in with "Hold, that is enough, or else we lose our crawling train.")

BARGOED PLEBS' LEAGUE. > I A branch meeting was held last Sunday. Busi- ness was dealt with, and Mr J. B. Allen gave a lecture on "Commodities." A good number at- tended, who appeared interested from the questions. There is yet time to enrol as mem- bers of the classes for the study of Social 6ci- enees. Next Sunday Mr W. Owens (Junior) wiU c ■ give a lecture on The Industrial Revolution at 6-30 p.m. in the I.L.P. Rooms.

RHEUMATISM-KIDNEY TROUBLE. Rheumatism is due to uric acid crystals in the joints and muscles, the result of excessive uric acid in the system that the kidneys failed to re- move as nature intended, and this acid is to a great extent the cause of backache, lumbago, sciatica, gout, urinary trouble, stone, gravel. dropsy. The success of Estora Tablets for the treat- ment of rheumatism and other forms of kidney trouble is due to the fact that they restore the kidneys to healthy action and thereby remove the cause of the trouble, and have cured num- berless cases after the failure of other remedies, which accounts for them superseding out-of-date medicines that are sold at a price beyond all but the wealthy. Women frequently suffer from ills, aches and pains under the impression that they are victims of ailments common to their sex. but more of- ten than not it is due to the kidneys, and ia | such cases Estora Tablets wiH set them right! The test is at least worth making, as womaø's happiness and success in life depends on her health. Estora Tablets fully warrant their de=iptim j —an honest remedy at an hon"t price, 1/3 per a box of 40 tablets or 6 for 6?9. AU Chemists  or postage free from Estora Co.. 132 Charing Cross Road, London, W.C. Bargoed and Abe-rbargoed Agen W. Parry ] Wilmams, M.P.S. j I '?