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A First Impression of snaw.
A First Impression of snaw. Pygmalion," a romance in five acts, has recently been played again in a London theatre. G.B.S. called it a romance, because, said he, "it is a story of a poor girl who meets a gen- tleman at a church door, and is transformed by him, like Cinderella, into a beautiful lady. That is what I call romance. It is also, what everybody else calls romance; so we are all agreed for once." The following impression of this romance may interest some PIONEER read- ers who have an interest in the works of Shaw: The first act opens in the portico of a London Church at Oovent Garden at 11.15 p.m. Out- side, the irain is pouring down and the light- ning flashes. Several loafers, and others a lady and her daughter among them—are taking shelter. The lady's son returns from a fruit- less hunt for a cab, and is reproached for his failure, and sent off to try again. As he turns to leave the shelter, he collides with a flower girl who is entering. This is Eliza Dolittle, a child of the kerbstone, dressed in showy finery, rather dirty and unkempt in appearance, and possessing a strident Cockney accent, With her "Do buy a flower, lidy! help a poor girl, lidy!" she solicits the custom of the stranded ladies. One of the shelterers, a man in a mac- kintosh. hitherto unnoticed, is here seen to be busy writing in a notebook, and is at first suspected to be a policeman's informer collecting evidence to make a charge against Eliza for accosting the gentleman. The scene consequent- ly becomes animated, and Eliza vehemently protests her innocence of evil intentions. "I'm a good girl; that's what I am. The mysteri- ous writer turns, and taking little notice of the matter of the conversation, tells each of the successive speakers their birthplace with amaz- ing accuracy. The Cockneys are inclined to resent this power, and denounce him as an inquisitive busybody. 'What's the odds to him where we come from?" Another gentleman becomes interested, and inquires into the secret of this power. The writer, whose name is Henry Higgins, explains that he is Professor of Phonetics. And has made the collection of ac- cents his chief hobby, with the result that. by listening to any person's speech, he can tell the place of their birth within a few miles, and often within two streets. The two men make themselves known to each other, and find that they have been on the search for each other. Colonel Pickering has come from India to meet Higgins, the learned Professor of Phonetics, and Higgins has long wanted to meet Pickering, who is an authority on' the Sanscrit language. Boasting of his power, Higgins says that, with- in six months, by changing Eliza's speech, he could pass her off for a duchess, or fit her for a place in a flowershop, which would require better English. The Colonel accepts the Profes- sor's invitation to his house, and as they leave the eccentric Higgins tosses Eliza a sovereign, in answer to his pressing invitations to buy. The "knut" returns with a taxi, but his mo- ther and sister, tired of waiting, and the rain having stopped, have gone home by motor-bus. Eliza, on the strength of her windfall, takes the taxi off his hands, and rides off in triumph. The next Act opens in Higgins' Phonetic La- boratory in Wimpole Street on the following day. The Professor, by gramophone, is giving his friend some examples of accent he has col- lected. The housekeeper announces that a girl at the door wishes to see Mr. Higgins; from her description, they recognise the flower girl of the night before, and they decide to have her up Eliza explains that she is willing to pay 1/6 an hour for lessons if the Professor will fit her to take a place in a flower shop. Higgins figures this out, and finds that, in proportion to her income, this fee is greater than 60 guineas from a millionaire pupil. In spite of the remonstrances of the housekeeper. the two friends make a bet that, if in six months Eliza passes for a duchess, Pickering must pay the cost of the transformation. The housekeeper is ordered to get Eliza clean—"Monkey brand, if it won't come off otherwise"—burn her old clothes, and procure new. Just after Eliza has left for the bathroom, Mr. Alfred Dolittle. the dustman, is announced. Mr. Doolittle is a "character"; he is not out for blackmail, but wishes to touch the gentlemen for R6 the price of a week-end spree—to satisfy his feelings as a father." He claims to be one of the undeservin' poor," and refuses £ 10 for fear of such a sum making him careful and spoiling his enjoyment. The moral consequences of Eliza's action do not worry Mr. Doolittle, for his partner and he have never received the blessing of Church or Law upon their union. Pickering inquires. "Haven't you any morals, man?" No, I ain't, gavner," replies the dust- man, can't afford 'em! Neither could you if you was as poor as me!" And he goes on to explain that he has to make himself agree- able to his missis since he has no legal claim upon her. Eliza comes in again before her parent leaves. She has tasked a new worrld-a world with baths, hot water, scented soap, and fluffy tow- els. and she can understand why rich folk are clean, because it is now a pleasure to wash. One thing in the bath room did not suit her. The modesty (?) of this flower-girl caused her to cover the looking-glass with a towel for fear of seeing herself. What a satire upon the ignorance which abounds, and is not confined to one class only. The third act is set in Mrs. Higgins' Chelsea flat, and occurs some months after. The erratic son Henry—the Professor of Act l-calls upon her, and announces that he has invited Miss Doolittle to visit his mother. It is a trial per- formance, and conversation must be confined to the weather and health. Col. Pickering, the mother, son and daughter of the church portico are the other visitors. Higgins detests the in- sipid chatter of the drawing-room, and the au- thor shows clearly the silliness of the stilted mannerisms which obtain in Society Miss Doolittle is announced; the, change is already great. She aspirates her h's with great care. and greatly amuses the company by telling about the death of an aunt whom she strongly suspects of having been done in." When she is leaving, Freddie (the "knut") opens the door and politely inquiries if she is going to walk across the park. She replies, with the quickness of a Welsh haulier, "Walking! not likely. The act closes with the startled folk wopdenng if this "sanguinary adjective" will take its place alongside similar terms, such aa retter 11 or "hlighter" in the vocabulary of society, and as they take their leave the young lady confides to Higgins that It is time we got away from this Victorian prudery," and Higgins agrees, and terms it damned non- sense." Mrs. Higgins questions the two men on the future of Miss Doolittle when their experi- ment is over, but they refuse to consider the problem. With Act .Four some months have again pass- ed. It is late at night, and the two friends are very tired. The experiment has fully suo- ceeded and Eliza, the wretched flower-girl, has successfully bridged all the differences between the kerb and the carriage. She is seated in the room unnoticed by the sleepy men. Higgins, thinking of his sier months' work, says, Thank God I. It is all over." The beautiful woman, once a despised drudge, is enraged to find herself but a pawn in an interesting game, and when the men leave, flings herself upon the ffoor, in a storm of insulted passion. Higgins returns for his slippers, and is surprised to find her thus. She flings the slippers at him in her rage, and rejects his attempts to calm her. Why didn't you leave me a flower-girl? What am I to do now?" He speaks of the possi- bility of a successful marriage, which will en- able her to retain her recent standard of living. "Ah I" she says, "I could sell flowers once, but now I can only sell myself." He rages at her ingratitude and, man-like, advises her to sleep it off; but she declares her intention to leave Wimpole Street, and hands him his jewellery, and he flings the ring toward s, the, grate, and goes to bed, whilst she recovers the trinket from the tire-place as the curtain falls. The Fifth Act opens on the morrow in Mrs. Higgins' flat. She is writing, and Eliza is up- stairs True to her declaration she left Wim- pole Street in the night. The two men come in in an excited state they have searched in vain, and have even asked help of the police. Mrs. Higgins draws from them their inconsiderate treatment of the girl. Mr. Doolittle is an- nounced below, and the men conclude that she has fled to her father. But Doolittle. dustman no longer, has no news of Eliza, and has fol- lowed on from Wimpole Street to tackle Hig- gins as being the cause of his ruin. It comes out that Higgins had made a slight reference to Doolittle, in a letter to an American Improve- ment Society, as an example of a dustman hol- ding modern and original views on morality. This chance mention had led to a millionaire leaving Doolittle C3,000, and now here he is ruined by money. He bewails his lot, and at- tacks middle-class morality with Shavian skill. The solicitor, doctor, a host of new-found rela- tions and the very dustman now touch him for money, instead of him having the pleasure of touching them. He is öven now clothed in wedding-attire, and on his way to St. George's Hanover Square, for Mrs. Doolittle is now become respectable, and desires permaneii- cy of contract. Having never 'been through the ceremony before, the purpose of his visit is to enlist Pickering as best man. Poor Mr. Doo- little He would abandon his wealth, but com- ing old age and the fear of the workhouse intimidate even him. Mrs. Higgins sends for Eliza, and the two men ask her to come back to Wimpole Street, but she will not con- sent. Higgins and she are left alone, and the dialogue which follows between them exposes the bondage and servitude contained in the conventional marriage. When Mrs. Higgins is ready, she goes with Eliza to the wedding ceremony, and we are left without the usual happy ending. The text of the play could alone furnish all the clever sallies it contains. Many folk dis- miss Shaw as an idle jester, but as J. F. Borra- bin has written in Plebs, It is sueh a 'witty' idea, to suggest that the only difference, bet- ween Eliza Doolittle, who sells flowers at the corner of Tottenham Court Road, and a real live duchess Is merely one of verbal accent f So you enjoy the joke; and don't pause to reflect that it is a, statement of fact— a statement which makes your multifarious social barriers and distinctions look particularly foolish." He lampons our most cherished conventions and recalls us to the fact that our customs and laws were created by us to serve our needs; they are not everlasting or absolute. By ridiculing our customs he challenges us to justify them or make others more suitable and better fitted to our age. He shakes up the store in the granary that the wind may blow the ehaff away. Pioneers need Shaws. M. S.
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I ABERBARGOED
ABERBARGOED COLLIER'S DEATH DUE TO OVER EXERTION —A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned at an inquest held at Aberbargoed on Monday to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the death of John Williams, collier aged 38 years, of Brithdir; who died on Wednesday. The evidence indicated that deceased was taken ill in the West Elliot Pit and conveyed to the Aberbargoed Hospital, where he died the same evening. A post mortem examination was held. and Dr. M..F. Daniel, who gave evidence, said they concluded that death was due to hemorrhage, caused by the rupture of a blood vessel.-M,r Albert Thomas (miners' agent) ask- ed a series of questions as to deceased's work, and witness agreed that undue exertion might have caused the rupture.— The jury concluded that the rupture was due to over-exertion, anS returned n, verditt as above.
Ystradgynlais Notes. I
Ystradgynlais Notes. I "I.L.P. Hall Burglary. iour boys, who had been arrested in connec- tion with the burglary at this hall, were pro- secuted by the police on Tuesday last. All .pleaded guilty to taking cigarettes, tobacco, biscuits and chocolates from the hall on Sunday, September 3. This was the seventh raid since August 15, and goods to the value of L2 11s. had disappeared. Messrs. W. Hughes, D. J Morgan and Miss May Morgan represented the branch and the first-named voiced the feelings of the members when he pleaded for leniency for the boys, who were bound over in sums of £ 5 to keep the peace for 6 months and to "'Oouue up for judgment if called upon. More Musical Successes. I Mr Lewis Thomas, an ardent member of the Ystradgynlais I.L.P., carried off the tenor solo •and champion solo prizes at Godre'rgraig Eis- teddfod last Saturday. These successes followed "his capture of the tenor solo prize at Neath the previous Saturday. We are glad to note that our comrade is now in the first rank as a "tenor soloist, and we wish him the best of luck. :fJJ. and Mrs. Philip Snowden's Visit. I The Cinema Hall has been booked for this "coming demonstration, through the kindness of Messrs. Edwards and Page. proprietors, after -the deacon ate of Sardis had refused their cha- The meeting will be a great success.
BEDLINOGI
BEDLINOG I BEDLIXOG TRIBUNE AND MEDICAL BOARD—The '^hairrnan of the Gelligaer Tribunal. (Councillor ■- B. Richards, J.P., in remarking on the case of I on the cas?e of farmer, delivered himself somewhat oracu- ,Ian'IS last Thursday, when he said he had come the conclusion, since Lord Kitchener's death, that no one was indispensable to the arttiy. In dealing with another case Mr Jenkin Awards (Bedlinog) referred to the manner in men had to present themselves before 'the medical board. He added: "Four or fiver ^en were sent in together before the board gripped as naked as they came into the-world. l was most demoralising the way the authori- ties allowed men to be dealt with. Coun. 2Ben Hughes added he was not desirous of ex- messing his opinion of the medical board, but It seemed to him, judging by the way they going on that they would soon fill the ItIsh army with crocks.—When a farmer ap- Dhed for permission to appeal in respect of his ¿on, Councillor B. Hughes remarked there d be plenty of wounded soldiers coming fack from the war who could do work on the far Farmers, he said, were too fond of Sheltering behind the suggestion that they Produced food—very little of which they did J^'oduee—as an excuse for keeping their sons from, the army. —The military representative P, Thomas) sa,id he had made enquiries and ,round there was a good deal of feeling in the 9°ality because applicant was able to keep two lllgIe sons of military age.—The application as refused.
Engineers' Secretary. I
Engineers' Secretary. I MR. R. YOUNG'S MAJORITY OVER MR. I TOM MANN. ? ?* Robert Young has been appointed general ??tary of the Amalgamated Society of En- 'fhnee'rs by a big majority. The Rgures of voting were — Mr. R. Young. 18,441 Mr. Tom Mann 14,245 Majority. 4,196 The ballot for assistant general secretary lllted. as follows:—Mr W. Glennie 19,090; Emersoti 9,685—majority 9,405. Mr W. Kelly secured the appointment of ,aeGond assistmit general secretary with 14,956 .Votes against Mr H. W. Champan's 14,429 votes The following have been elected as Parliam- ?t?ry candidates:—Messrs. George N. Barnes, I'?,,be;,t Yo llllg; J. T. Brownlie; R. E. Jones; W. T. Kelly; R. 0. Jones; T. Proctor; A. ?ylor; D. Adams; J. Binns; J. Butts; C. ?kin; J. Gorman and D. W. Hubbard.
Merthyr Boy's Deserts.I
Merthyr Boy's Deserts. You deserved the punching you had from the mother said the Stipendiary (Mi- R. A Griffith) at Merthyr on Tuesday when dis- missing a. summons brought by a boy against Ellen Phillips for assault. The defendant de- clared that the complaainant had punched her infant boy in the stomach, as a result of which he was ill. She had only shaken the complainant _I
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-Abertillerv Notes.
Abertillerv Notes. E. H. Wilson Handed Over Ernest Henry Wilson (29), ironmonger, sec- retary of the I.L.P., and a keen worker in the Abertiliery N.C.F., details of whose appearances before the Tribunals we have published in, full, was before the Abertillery magistrates last Wednesday charged with being an absentee under the Military Service Act. The usual evidence having been given, defendant told the Bench that the proceedings were futile to make him a member of the military machine. He refused to undertake any military service. He was willing to put up with an" punishment. When the Act was passed it was provided that exemption might be granted to such as he. Tribunals had persistently refused to carry out the law. They were greatly under the influence of the military, and he suggested that if any one ought to be in the dock for refusing to carry out the law it was members of the Tribunals. He would continue to refuse to do, anything in the way of military service. Sergeant Major Williams: He has been ap- pealing since March. Alderman Wm. Thomas: You are a con- scientious objeector, then? Wilson: Yes. The Chairman: You will be fined 40s and handed over to the military authorities. Wilson: That will have no effect upon my principles. O. J. Smith (from the body of the-court): Stick it, Wilson. Wilson: I will. The Superintendent: Remove that man J Smith, however, left the court quietly before the officers reached him.
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Licensing Offences.
Licensing Offences. I ATTEMPT TO BRIBE A MERTHYR POLICEMAN, Ann Kemp, licensee of the Royal Oak, Dowlais, was fined £ 0 at Merthyr on Tuesday for permitting her servant (Edith Mary Evans) to remove intoxicants from the hotel during prohibited hours on Saturday night, September 2; Mary Barrett was fined 40s for aiding and abetting. The case against the servant for taking the intoxicants off the premises was dismissed, the Stipendiary (Mr. R. A. Griffith) remarking that she was only acting under the direction of her mistress. The evidence was that Police-Sergeant Bevan was close to the Royal Oak when he saw the servant leave the house at 8.45 p.m. with something under her shawl which rattled. He stopped her and found six half pints of Bass and one bottle of stout in a frail. He returned to the house, where he cautioned the three defendants, the servant replying, "1 carried them as carefully as I could, but they did rattle." Mrs Barrett, to whose house the intoxicants were being taken, declared that she had paid for them at 7.30. The licensee admitted the offence. BRIBING A POLICEMAN. In a similar case, James Jarvis, licensee of the Joiners' Arms, Merthyrj was summoned for permitting intoxicants to be taken from the premises, and Mrs Edith Jarvis was sum- moned for removing it.—Police Constable Jones told how, at one o'clock on Sunday morning, the 3rd instant, he was outside the Joiners' Arms when he saw Mrs Jones leave the house with a jar. He followed her and stopped her, and found that the jar contained fresh beeI'. He asked her where she was taking it and she replied, "There is a wake down there." She offered the officer 10s to drop the case, but ho went along the road, and she increased the offer to t5, on which he threatened to arrest her Mrs Jarvis admitted the offence. The beer, she said, had been ordered and paid for at 2 p.m., but she had forgotten to deliver it. She admitted offering the 10s. but denied increas- it to c6. In imposing a fine of C5 on each of the defendants, the Stipendiary said that Mrs Jar- vis' offence had been very much aggravated by her attempt to bribe the police officer.