Pioneer

MOUNTAIN ASH I COMPETITIVE CONCERT.—A competitive concert War, held at Rhos Chapel (Mountain Ash) on Thursday of last week. The adjudicators were -NTusic-the Rev. Arthur Davies, G. & L., Merthyr; recitations—the Rev. G. H. Jones, f.A., and Mr. Thomas Williams, Mountain Ash. "'rr,' J. Owen Jones, M.E., was the conductor. There were 150 entries. Mr. Thomas Hughes, ? secretary, had charge of the arrangements. ?'incipat awards: —Pianoforte solo (under 16): r ic) ) prided between Hilda Bassett Aberdare, and Robert John Evans, Treharrm. Contralto solo: t'iss Gwladys Arthur, Newbridge. Female cham- &n solo: Mada.me Morton Thomas, Aber- t earn. Soprano solo: Miss Amy Jenkins, Pen- rhiweeiber. lienor solo: Divided between W. D. Isaac Nash and Hector Roberts, Penrhiwcei- ber. Baritone solo: W. Davies, Treherbert. Open recitation J. Percy Thomas (Mountain Ash. Male champion solo: Divided between Todd Jones (Treherbert) and Mog Edwards (Mountain Ash).

Bargoed Notes. I The Raid "Prosecution. I Councillor Morgan Jones made an unexpected reappearance at Bargoed last .Friday, as a wit- ness in the case in which the "owner of docum- ents found and seized at 57 Hanbury Road, Bargoed, was summoned to show cause why they should not be destroyed." The case was a sequel to a police raid on the local I.L P. premises. Our Comrade Morgan Jones, who was accompa- nied by two warders from the Cardiff Gaol, where he is undergoing detention under the Military Service Act with a large number of ather Conscientious Objectors from the South Wales valleys, was in excellent spirits and did not show the rough wear that one might have expected. He had been secured as a witness for the defence—as author of one of the pamph- lets seized—by Mr Edward Roberts (Dowlais), who had made a personal application for his attendance to the Home Secretary. R. C. Wallhead and many of the prominent local Socialists, were prepared to give evidence. Supt. Williams, in his evidence, named the printed matter seized, which he charaeterised as 'Rubbish" and refused to give any opinion as to the contents of the leaflets and pamph- lets, beyond his own impression that they should be desstroyed. Dick Wallhead gave germane evidence as to the contents and purpose of the matter. and before Mr Roberts could call Councillor Morgan Jones the, magistrates intimated they had heard enough evidence, and after a retire- ment gave an order for the destruction of the literature with the exception of one copy of each publication seized to be retained by the clerk to the court. The destruction was sus- pended for 10 days in order to give an oppor- tunity for an appeal to be lodged.—Stan Jones (as Secretary of the I.L.P. Branch) was mulct in 13/6 costs. Improving. We are pleased to announce tha Miss Down- ing, who was the victim of the accident recorded in these Notes last week, is making satisfactory progress. We wish her a speedy recovery. Breaches of Shop Hours Act. Henry Owen (butcher), Albert Edward Gard- ner (grocer) and John Jones (boot dealer), all of Pontlottyn, were fined 20/- each at Merthyr for committing breaches of the Shops Act by failing to close their shops in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Theatre Royal. An adverse piece of fortune on Monday and Tuesday has, I am afraid, resulted in a critic- ism of the film that forms the main item in this week's Theatre Royal programme, on the part of the patrons at those foiir houses, which certainly does not apply to the houses from Wednesday on. By one of those pieces of ill- luck that even the best manufacturers strike occasionally the copy of A Soldier and a Man" that came down was defective, and the constant breakages in the pictures provoked annoyance to all, but particularly on the part of the operator and management. By another slice of bad luck Mr Evans was away on Mon- day, and it was not until late that he packed his criticism of the film into tabloid form, and telegraphed it to the studio., A new film came on on Tuesday, but too late for the show. Since Wednesday the programme has been a. strong one; the picture attractive and good, showing Ben Laudeck at his best as a dramatist. The acting is strong, and the closing scenes "Some- where in Belgium" include some of the most realistic artillery fighting ever photographed. The attack and seizure of the Red Gross Hospit- al is a fine scene. There is a strong supporting vaudeville show. The Teck Trio of Musicians is a real treat to music klovers. The playing is far above the ordinary and the vocalism of that well-known baritone—Torn Williams—is quite up to the concert platform standard. The staging, too, is fine. Yetta has stamped the wire act for which she is responsible with the hall mark .of her charming individuality. I am not, as a rule, enamoured of these acts; but I shall cer- tainly make a point of dropping in any hall at which Yetta appears. Arthur Verno, the character comedian, is another excellent nums ber. Verno is a well-known name in provincial vaudeville, and as one sees him more the good impression he invariably gives when first seen is strengthened. The war film, too, possessed more than usual interest. For some time now Mr Evans has been telling his friends of a good thing in store for them, and next week we are to have it in a Shakespearian week, by Miss Florence Glossop- Harris, well-known company, which includes many of Sir Frank Benson's well-known play- ers. Miss Glossop Harris, a daughter of the late Sir Augustus Harris, comers of a stock that has been for many years back now closely as- sociated with the best of English stage life; and she in herself has brought to bear in her pro- ductions a fine artistic taste in setting and lighting the pieces, as well as her well-known histrionic genius. Even with weather such as we have been favoured with this week, I shall be sur- prised if the Theatre Royal is not packed to capacity jiext week, though I think that a better piece to start off with than the "Taming of the Shrew" would have been "The Merchant of Venice" or "Romeo and Juliet," not because they are one whit better, but because they are better known; otherwise Merthyr people in general and students of Shakespeare in particu- lar will find much that is attractive in the programme, which is as follows: -Monday, "Ta- ming of the Shrew"; Tuesday "Merchant of Venice"; Wednesday "Romeo and Julietyl; Thursday "Taming of the Shrew" Friday "Merchant of Venice"; Saturday Othello." This programme is both attractive and ambitious and it will be found that the setting of the scenes, the lighting and the multitudinous de- tails of stage management exhibit a refreshing proof of artistic thoroughness. It is interesting to note that this is now the only company touring with Shakesperian plays, and that Miss Harris intends that all the profits accruing from this tour shall go to the providing of en- tertainments for our wounded soldiers. All the principal players are late of Sir Frank Ben- son's Company, with whom Miss Harris was lea- ding lady during the past three seasons.

PLEASE MENTION THE PIONEER I WHEN ANSWERING ADVERTS.

Gorseinon Notes. The death of Mr David Thomas Morris, clerk to Captain Harold Williams, solicitor. Gorseinin by falling out of a motor-car, was "investigated by a coroner's jury at'iswansea on Saturday.- The drivetr of the motor-car. Mr John James, Gorseinon, said that in returning from Swansea at night they passed a break, and in doing so touched the wall at the side of the road. Later on he spoke to a man who rode with him, and told him to see if there was anything the mat- ter with the back wheel. They then noticed that Morris was not in the car. They returned to the spot where the car passed the break and found Morris lying there. Witness then accused the break-driver of not having a tail light. Morris had his skull fractured, and died soon after- wards.—The Coroner sa,id the jury would have to say whether the driver of the car was sober or not.-The Jury. in returning a verdict of "Accidental death," warned both the break proprietor and the driver of the car to act more carefully in future. ADD GORSEINON NOETS Mpq —1— The Black Shadow of Mourning. I Still we receive sad news of the loss of some loved ones. Last week Mrs. Hooper, Lime Street, was informed that her son George had been killed at the front. Little Georgie Hoo- per, as we called him, was known throughout the locality as quite a genial character. He was a member of my Alliance of Honour Class, in which class we had many an enjoyable talk and ramble. Then there is Gomer Jones, the son of Mr. J oes, the schoolmaster, who was killed at the Jones, -Nb- Gomer Jones was engaged in a large drapery business in London when he joined the colours. This is the second son who has been killed at the front. Mr Emrys Jones, that noble spoirt of our Kingsbridge C.C., died from wounds last September. Accident at the Foundry. I A very sad accident occurred at the Foundry last Wednesday to Ivor Borthwick, a mould fall- ing on his foot. He was taken to the Swansea Hospital, sorry to state he was detained, and his foot had to be amputated. If there is any woman in Gorseinon that has borne the troubles of this world, it's poor Mrs. Borthwick. May joy and happiness dawn very quickly upon her. Mainwaring of the Maerdy Hotel. I Dear "lilliaiii,-When you gave me consent to sell Pioneers in your hotel, I never thought you would threaten to "kick me through the door," as you said to me last Saturday night, when you called me a pro-German. That has not surprised me in the least, as you are the third to call me that; maybe, others think it. Other folk call me Agnostic, Atheist, and ,,?,nos ic, Athe i st, an d other "ists." Now, as you would not permit me to reason with you, let us see where we are. You accuse me (1) that I am runinng your business down (2) that I am pro-Germaji. I told you that is wrong, and how can you say that ? You replied, because I was talking by the cornel- of the West End about Peace and against war. William, I would rather be called pro-German, when I know that I am fighting for the liberties tha-t we have lost to be re- gained; the liberties which our forefathers died for? Do you kliow that if I wanted a job doubling in Cwmbwrla that I could not leave Groesend. I should have to be idle six weeks, end. I s h o and then I shouM appeal, and ten to one I should not get it. That is an Act since the war. If you wanted the Metropole and the Di- rectors agreed, oould you leave the Maerdy tlotel r JJoes the Munition Act stop you ? Oh, no! And what about our Trade Union rules; the public trial in a court of law; and other sacred rights? Where are they gone, not to return for many a year. I have lost my brother Dick. Have you lost one in this was? Still I cannot hate the German worker for his death, because it is war; and in war both are led to shoot one another. I am out to stop those who make war. Is all this pro-German? Is it Agnostic? Well, I would rather be an Agnostic than a hypocrite. Do you pay 3d. in the £ of your profits to the dependents of those who have joined the colours? Have you assisted discharged soldiers who have been paid £ 8 out of £ 14 which is due to them from Government? Have you fought against the filcheirs who have made more millions since the war than ever they did? Is this pro-German? And you say I am running your business down when I talk against war- and in favour of peace. Let me refer you to a dear old comrade's letter, which is cherished by "Twm Saer." Read this letter, and after you digest it. perhaps you will see what I mean. Now when you ordered me out, I had 15 dozen copies of the "Pioneer." And what do you think? I sold the blessed lot before 10 o'clock. I shall conti- nue my walks, and shall await the whistle that time is up. and I shall leave it to the consta, ble to say, "Move on! Move on!" I shall obey. Next Sunday a public meeting will be held on the Kingsbridge Common. Dan Griffiths, Llan- elly, will speak. Look out for our Jack Johnson" of the I.L.P., Mr W. C. Anderson, M.P., Sunday August 12. CHUM. CHUM. KINGSBRIDGE C.C. v. MERTHYRITE." I (To the Editor of the PIONEER.) I Sir,-In answer to a letter which appeared in the "Pioneer" of July 15, and signed Mer- thyrite," I should like to make one or two comments.. The writer of that letter refers to a cricket match .supposed to have been arranged between the Kingsbridge C.C. and Twynyrodyn C.C.— .v be. I may mv that wherever that that may be. I may say that for the last two years in fact, since the war began-thme has been no Kingsbridge C.C., as we decided, when the war started that it would be advisable to abandon the game until peace was declared. I have made enquiries of my fellow-trustees, and find that no match whatever had been arranged for this summer, and that no one has asked permission to use our ground I wish to give prominence to this letter, as I am afraid the above club will suffer in time to come from the vituperation and spite conveyed in Merthyrite's" letter, otherwise we would have treated the matter with contempt, and fully ignored his letter. I am rather suspicious of the identity of the person who signs himself "Merthyrite," and, if he would disclose his name, I am sure the purpose of such an attack will become manifest I hope this explanation will not be taken as an apology from the Kingsbridge C.C. for hav- ing "funked it" (as "Meirthyrite" so grandly calls the action of some persons unknown), as we have nothing for which to apologise; but simply as a plain statement which I have been asked to make on behalf of some Kingsbridge "Old Boys."—Yours, etc., A KINGSBRIDGE C.C. TRUSTEE. I

or HELP THOSE WHO HELP lim YOUR PAPER I I  1- WHEN REQUIRING' 1-  IS SUITS, COSTUMES, or GENERAL DAPEY | | SEND A POST CARD TO Thomas St., S I JOHN BARR I Merthy Tydfi t 1- I AND A REPRESENTATIVE WILL CALL. ,I I Cash or Instalment System. j j SUITS and COSTUMES to Measure a SpeciaHty |  p I in v erE MI. -L | i; ^^fl^EnetiKsedinaii ? l!??ai?tMht?ult !07 !'IT II' r I i I 911 Ii I I U II I I I r 1/ I ?- ?!?!?    #= := L = L B? ? clever ruse Tom Larnigan ?? ????? \?? "'?f gains entrance to the vault ?Bi ? ???? V where the Insurance Trust keeps its ?** ??S? ?'? books. Fearing that he will dis- U ? j fiTrfifiiTm Hipfff cover the criminal nature of their j ]" business, the vault door is treacher- v ? j j ) !S???/,??? I ously swung to behind him. ill 1 lalMfflr/' if- The N,auLt is aii-tight. From inside 1i1ff Mr i' 'jSI is jmPossiDle to open the massive iron door. The air becomes unbear- )) Mt able. He is slowly suffocating. i> f J I 1 Was he left to die? Were the Trust lo » jj>fK" S jy, able to rid themselves of the man who ri" ^} T^Sflp so doggedly sought to expose and end | *» their career of crime and corruption? v ('a.Hol1 hru:aIH y of For the -t see 7 This s(i¡-ring sl'l"Îal phnt(, play i: the closure prodl1l,'d be- forT Uw C¡¡:ne':1. of the lawlessn<:ss and l1Jasterin r :j')l¡ is a greed for gHld. GI':EED" is in 20 weekly epi!>odes. SEE IT AT GREATEST OF Electric ALL: SRIAL Theatre PHOTOPLAYS 20WEEKS.40REEiš MERTHYR.

Merthyr Quarter Sessions. I "SATISFACTORY ABSENCE OF CRIME." RECORDER AND DRINKING IN HOUSES. There w.as a light calendar at the Merthyr Quarter Sessions on Wednesday. Mr Alfred Parsons, K.C. (Recorder), addressing the Grand Jury, said there was a satisfactory absence of crimp in the neighbourhood. He was told by the Chief Constable of Merthyr (Mr J. A. Wilson) that there seemed some tendency of an increase inoff-encef, ocnnected with drink, which was unfortunate. He was also told that in res- pect of prohibitions and restrictions there were a number of offences connected wltfh drinking which seemed to be attributable to the assump- tion of drink in private houses. It was to be hoped that such a state of things would improve. Margaret Barry (41) was sentenced to nine calendar months' imprisonment as an incorrigi- ble rogue.—Chief Constable Wilson gave evid- ence that the woman had fomr times been ad- judged at the Quarter Sessions as an. incorrigible rogue.—The Recorder, in passing sentence, said prisoner had as bad a record as could be found. "I warn you to be careful as to the course you take in the future," he added when the wom- an was led weeping from the clock. Mr W. 0. Howe prosecuted. William Edwards (75), a watchmaker and jeweller, living in Treharris, pleaded not guilty to a charge of receiving coal of the value of 1/ the property of the Ocean Coal Company, Ltd, knowing it to, have been stolen.—Mr D. Rowland Thomas (instructed by Messrs. Smyth and Dan- iel, solicitors, Merthyr) was for the prosecution; and Mr Lovat Fraser (instructed by Mr F. S. Simons, solicitor, -Merthyr), defended.-—The evi- dence for the prosecution was that on April 28 defendant asked four boys who were passing his shop to sel) him some coal thev had picked up on a tip and threatened to tell Shenkin" (a police constable) if they refused. He gave ninepence for the ,1 For the defence it was stated that the boys "pushed" the coaJ upon the old man, who eventually consented to buy it for a few cop- pers, not knowing it to be stolen.—The jury returned a verdict of Not guilty. Convicted for stealing coal valued at 2/- from Messrs Crawshay Brothers, Myrtle Lairatt, a. girl of 16, was ordered by the Recorder (Mr Alfred Parsons, K.C.) at the Merthyr Quarter Sessions on Wednesday to be detained for two years in a Borstal Institution. A married woman, Sarah Ann Jones (34), living in Hirwain Terrace, Gwaelodygarth, Mer- thyr. was charged at the Merthyr Midsummer Quarter Sessions on Wednesday with obtaining £ 49 15s by false pretences from the Secretary of State for War. Mr Hugh Jones (instructed by Messrs. Smyth and Daniel, solicitors, Merthyr) prosecuted; and Mr D. Rowland Thomas (instructed by Mr J. W. Lewis, solicitor, Merthyr) defended. Counsel for the prosecution stated that the woman's husband (William Jones) joined the Ar- my Service Corps at Merthyr on April 15, 1915. On April 8 notification of his being in the Army was sent to the Paymaster's Department at Woolwich, and upon that a "ring par" was forwarded to the woman. which entitled her to receive 25/- a week separation allowance as long as her husband remained with the col- ours. She drew the money first on April 13th from iheAwaelodygarth Post Office, and conti- ?\ ?. ? ? ;? ? ? ?'  nued doing so until January 16 last. But on April 13—12 days after enlistment—the wom- an's husband was discharged and came home to Merthyr. Accordingly defendant was entitled to no further payments. After his discharge the husband started working in the Gethin Pit, Abercanaid. The defence was that the woman was under the impression that her husband's discharge was not final and that he might again be called up. There was no finality about the discharge certi- ficate, which gave the reason of discharge mere- ly as not likely to become an efficient soldier," and this led to her being mistaken that she was entitled to the continuation of the allowance pending her husband's possible re-call to the colours. A verdict of "Not guilty" was returned by the jury, and the woman was consequently discharged. TREHARRIS LATE MR. W. R. THOMAS.—Mr. William Roger Thomas, of Tymhordy, John Street, Treharris, and of Bristol House, 47 Perrot Street, Tre- harris, boot merchant, who died on June 17, left estate of the gross value of R3,415, of which P,2,265 is net personalty, and probate of his will, dated June 25, 1912, has been granted to the Rev. Roger Glynn Thomas, of St. John's Road, Brecon, Baptist minister, and Mr. Frederick Targett, of 1 John Street, Treharris, colliery fireman. Testator left his estate in trust for his wife during widowhood, directing that his subscription to Brynhyfryd Baptist Church is to be continued for one year after his death; and he left the ultimate residue of his estate to his children Roger and Rebecca.

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