Pioneer

The Theatre Royal. I Nearly Through," this week's attraction a.t the Theatre Royal, is a sparkling, pleasing revue, with much of novelty in its make up, and a happy homogeneity that gives it a merry swing right through. Most of the people I have met have persisted in comparing it with last week's brilliant show, but sueh a comparison is really impossible, but if persistence is made in compari- sons then from the right point of view "Nearly Through" has nothing to fear, even from the brilliant "Don't Crush" that was the foil for the brilliant broad comedy work of Gallagher, and the peculiar genius of Fanny Wallace. "Nearly Through takes another and distinct line, and to many it will undoubtedly appeal more ev-en than "Dont Crush." The comedy work of Harry Dean and Harry Matto is extremely good duo work, whilst Matto s dancing is the most grace- ful and catching that 0 I have seen for a long time. Norman Granville, as "Jack Tubb," plays extremely well, whilst his singing is worthy of any concert platform. There is no voice more beautiful than the baritone when properly used, and Norman Granville has a beautiful, trained voice, that is as sweet as a reed pipe, and rings as true as a silver bell. Madge Furnival, as"Daisy Butterfield," is a principal girl in a thousand. Graceful, easy of carriage, charming in every act and action, she has been further favoured of the gods with a sweet, entrancing voice; whilst May Shepherd, as "Dolly Vardon," dances as few even amongst professional dancers can. May Shepherd is a decided acquisition to the show. Madge Merry fills a rather difficult part well as "-Nfi,s. Btitter- field," and excellent work is done by Evelyn Davies, Kem Black, Fred Dale and Bertie West. There is a strong chorus. The dressing and stag- ing is really fine. "Nearly Through" is a revue that is well worth seeing. Next week we are to have a pleasant break bv the visit of Will H. Glaze in Eva Elwe's master- piece "John Raymond's Daughter." I am in- clined to scoff at present-day touring drama, but this is different. It is a play after the style of the splendid work which Messrs. Armitage and Leigh did here just recently, and, as a matter of fact, the personal recommendatiom of Messrs. Armitage and Leigh is at the bottom of the visit. An old dramatic critic once gave it as an axiom that a, small dramatic caste, meant merit, a large one misery. Next week's caste is small, and one might almost say select, since it includes some of the best talent available in the provinces. All who were lucky enough to get in at the Armitage and Leigh performances will be deeply interested in the working out of the great social problem dealt with in John Raymond's Daughter." PLAYGOER.

Aid. Dan Thomas. AN APPRECIATION. Mertlivi- hm lost one of her best citizens this I week. Citizenship in these days is not a conspi- cuous characteristic of our communal lives—self- interests overshadow it; party politics overwhelm it; artificial barriers restrict it at one end of the social scale; stark, ugly misery makes it an im- possibility at the other. Citizenship in its pro- pes sense wa-s really an exclusive monopoly of the Greeks; and Grecian citizenship concepts are infrequent among Britons. Ald. Dan Thomas had those conceptions as few men I have met have had 4ieiii. Many men, able men, have been quite as willing to devote their time and talentis to the service of their town; but that devotion has fallen short of his because their conception of citizenship was inferior to his. Ald. Thomas had faults, many faults—he was hopelessly wrong in politics from the point of view of a Socialist; many times his broadsword attacks on indi- viduals made my teeth cringe, and set every nerve a-jingle in protest; oftentimes I have ac- counted him deplorable on a given question of municipal moment, but never have I doubted that what he did and said-hard hitter that he was—was justified to himself wholly and solely by the light of Merthyr's advancement, as he saw it. I have all of a journalist's cynical scepticism of local politics; but I cannot recall a solitary action of the Alderman's that he needed be ashamed pf; and never have I for an instant, ijuspicioned a. playing to the gallery for the votes of the future in any incident with which he has been connected. Rather, he was Quixotic in his outspokenness, and often seemed to de- liberately couch his criticisms in such noxious forms as to alienate the outside public, about whose feelings he seemed as little concerned as about those of individual Councillors who called upon their heads his scathing remarks. There was no backstairs to Aid. Thomas' politics; no secret diplomacy in his dealings with his fellows. I have known no man in public life so free from hypocricy as he. As straight as a rod of eteel; hypocricy and sham were apparently so detestable to him so alien to his character, that he seemed to be carried rather to the other extreme of out- spoken bluntncss. At times his philosophy of administration seemed to move towards a bene- voh ut autocracy, or at best a bureaucracy, but this is easily undcrstandaNe as a legacy from the strong individualism of journalism in the days when he followed the profession as well as of his own rugged personality that was so typi- cal of the Victorian era, when the actors in life's ccmedv were Spenceriaii. philosophers to a man, though they might never have read the sym- pathetic philosophy of the psychologist of evolu- tion. a,   To ?uch a man Socialism could not but appear as a mirage of the mass. On & philosophy builded on everyday life as he knew it and read it—a philosophy which debited or credited events with the hardness of an accountant making up a cash book—the abstract nature of Socialism must have appeared as an impractical ideal of Utopian dreamers. Lacking our faith in the potency of the dynamic of the crowd; nay, con- I vineed of our political paganism, it was natural I that he should be against us. I should have been surprised had it been otherwise. Against us he was. He did not like Socialism, and to the warrior that he was, not to like was synony- mous with active opposition. But just as he differed from so many of his fellows in his con- sistent straightness, so his opposition differed in its directness. But detestable as Socialism un- doubtedly was to him, caustic as he was in many of his references and comments on Socialists, he was not too prejudiced to observe the truth of a position even though that truth was expressed only from the Labour benches of the Council- and opposed by all the rest. And having seen the position there was no question of where he stood. Though the heavens fell he fought for the right as he saw it. I have, ere now, held up Ald. Thomas as a man worthy of the greatest respect from this very fact, that he was a man independent of the clique—the great uniseen hand in almost all our local affairs. He knew no allegiance to the clique cliquism wa.s the very antithesis to his nature, and he opposed it. Had he but had the backing that he deserved in this he would have stood out to-day as the greatest local administrator that Merthyr has Iwd since its incorporation. There are many facets- to kk character that I cannot touch on here; but that in all he said, in all he did; in all he was and thought Aid. Thomas was a No imitator lie, but a doer. All life attracted him, his interest were as wide as his nature; and he lived every moment of his life-and the town has been the better for his having lived. Though he has passed now, there is a memory of him left, Tirile, living and full of vitality, and to that salutation, I can say nothing greater of Aid. Thomas than to express the hope that my own sons may grow up in some measures a reflex of the sterling qualities that so exalted his character above these amidst whom he moved and had his being. A.P.Y. I

Merthyr Collier Boys' Escapade. I A WATCH THAT VANISHED. I Four collier boys found themselves in trouble on Tuesday at the Merthyr Police-court. They were James B. Evans, Edward John Davies, David Lewis and Richard Mullins, and were charged with stealing a metal watch from another collier boy, Glyn Evans. Evans said that on Monday morning he was going to work at the No. 1 Pit, Bedlinog, by the colliers' train, and the four defendants were tra- velling in the same compartment. They took hold of him, laid him across the seat( two hold- ing him down by the head and two at his feet) and when he got up he found his watch gone. Mr. R. A. Griffiths (stipendiary) considered that- the incident might have been merely a lark, and that the watch possibly was lost in horse-play, and although the circumstances were a little suspicious there was not enough evi- dence to convict. "Are you boys willing to pa.v for a new watch?" he asked. Their parents answered in the affirmative for them. Five-shillings and sixpence, the value of the watch, were paid over and the four boys dis- charged.

CARDIFF C.L.C. CLASS. I The Cardiff class of the Central Labour Col- I lege League met again on Sunday last, when A.G. Cook of Porth, delivered a lecture on the "Economics of Labour." The attendance was again good.

PROPAGANDA, NOT PROFIT," is the motto of the Pioneer Press." If you are alive to the tremendous social improve- ments that the Party the "Pioneer" represents stands far, then it is your duty to all that all your Trades Union, Co-operative, and General Printing comes to Williams' Square, Merthyr, the Home of the Pioneer." r" I. H I WHEN REQUIRING j j SUITS, COSTUMES, or GENERAL DRAPERY I | s SEND A POST CARD TO Thomas St.. JOHN BARR j :JOHN BARRMerthyr | A?ND A REPRESENTATIVE WILL CAL.L.  Cash or Instalment System. | I SUITS and COSTUMES to Measure a Speciality!! j and COSTUMES to Measure a SpeciaHty!! The "Ideal" School of Commerce, THE TEMPLE, TRAMROADSIDE, MERTHYR TYDFIL (Near the Palace). Principals-TOM PHILLIPS, F.C.T.S. (Inc.) (by exam.) & J. J. HUGHES, F.C.T.S. (Ine.) (by exam.). SHORTHAND, TYPEWRITING, BOOK-KEEPING, COMMERCIAL ARITHMETIC, and Other COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS On Thursdays and Fridays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays, 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Typewriting taught on Bar-Locks, Remingtons, Smith Premiers, &c. Each Pupil guaranteed a full hour on the Machine each week A Xew Term commenced WQiek ending 13th January. Pupil-s 1-11-V now enxol Interviews at The Temple on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Evenings.  I NATIONAL Amalgamated LABOURERS' UNION, jI 1 N¡!;t, 0 cc -lA8IT PLACE, lLDU STREET, :N.I ITue Live Fighting Union for South Wales. I We Don't Merely List Benefits on Paper—We PAY Them. 8  General Secretary: JOHN TWOMEY. I Organiser: "BOB" WILLIAMS, 220 Blackfriars Road, London, S.E. » S District Secretaries: A BARTON, 5 Stuart Street, Docks, Cardiff; JOHN O'LEARY, Century ft H tnstitute. Winmill Street, Newport, Mon.; Coun. J. POWLESLAND, 10 Picton Place, Swansea ■ L ALL CLASSES CATERED FOR-MALE AND FEMALE. 1 ? ? A?iinued to the National Transport Workers' Federation, Trade Union Congress, and R NatJOnal Labour Party. I Approved under the National Health Insurance Acts. 1

Gilfach Goch Notes. I Small Holdings. I A public meeting he-lit on Thursday, Janu- ary 11th, at the Church Hall, to discuss the Government scheme of small holdings. Tracts of land are offered for tillage equivalent to need. The Government is prepared to give 5 cwt. of seed potatoes and the tiller to provide fences for en- closure. There was a proposal respecting the ceding of bog land for tillage, but it was felt that a great deal of draining would be necessary and much valuable time wasted thereupon to make the land arable. Forms are being issued explaining the scheme, which leaves space for signature of applicant. It is undoubtedly ob- vious to many residing in this district that the land attached to numerous houses could be culti- vated if the owners, a number of whom are zealous in their attention to the scheme, would only see that their tenant's property was pro- perly fenced in. The land is given for the dura- tion of the war, or if the war finishes soon, for a. period of two years. The value of the land fertilised through the industry of the tiller will be considerably enhanced at the termination. of the short lease. This contingency should be a strong plea for land Nationalisation and will probably augment the number demanding this particular land reform. Social. I A social was held on Friday, January 12th, at the Schoolroom in connection with the nursing and mining classes. After the spread—with which everyone was immensely satisfied—-followed a miscellaneous entertainment. Mr. Charles Davies, schoolmaster, made an admirable chair- man. Songs were given by E. J. Bryant and Rev. Emlyn Macdonald. Recitations by Mrs. Hayes and Rev. Cammish, entitled respectively Stick it Welsh and The 11-09 Express." These items were thoroughly appreciated, the latter being a most mirth-provoking contribu- tion. A variety of games were provided in which all present participated. There was no evidence all pivsent participat-ed. 'rliei,-e NVas no evidence of Hypochoaria owing to so much hilarity exist- ing. In the game of musical arms Mr. 'Oharles Davies won a young lady, but only temporarily it is expected. This social is considered to be the most enjoyable ever held in the valley. There may or perhaps may not have been a slight de- parture from a strict sense of rectitude, some are glad to think there was, because even those who have not habituated themselves in convivial gatherings entered unreservedly into the mutual jollity. Miss Florrie Grant was tke accompanist for the evening. The teacher of the mining classes is Mr. F. Tanner, and of the nursing classes Mrs. Haye, It is expected that another social will be held at the end of the session. A vete of thanks was accorded to Mrs. Francis for the excellent manner in which she catered for the spread. Much inconvenience was caused by the stopping of the supply of water an hour before the termination of the supper, making it neces- sary to employ persons to carry water from the springs on the hillside.

The Chief Industrial Commissioner has written the National Amalgamated Union of Shop As- sistants, Warehousemen and Clerks informing them that Mr. W. H. Stoker, 11, King's Bench Walk, Temple, E.C., has been appointed to act as arbitrator in the wage dispute which recently resulted in the staff of Messrs. Albert Baker and Co. ceasing work. Arrangements are now pro- ceeding for fixing up the arbitration proceedings.

TO-MORROW MAY BE TOO LATE. Get a Box TO-DAY! Robert Edes, of Weybridge, writes:—"After I had taken the second two I felt better than I had done for over four years. The pain in my back had entirely gone." Mrs. King, Runwell Road, Wickford, states Your pills cured me after years of pain." Sufferers from Gravel, Lumbago, Pains in the Back, Dropsy, Bright's Disease of the Kidneys, etc., Sciatica, Rheumatism, and Gout, will find a positive cure in Holdroyd's Gravel PiUs. Is. 3d., an chemists; post free, 1? stamoe.— Gravel Pills. Medical Hall, Cleckheaton, HOLDROYD'S Medical HaU, Cleckheatcn. SMALL PREPAID ADVERTISEMENTS. One In- Three In- Six In- sertions. sertions. sertions. B. d. s. d. s. d. 20 words 0 6 1 0 1 9 30 words "0. c 9 1 6 2 9 40 words. 1 0 2 0 3 6 60 words 1 3 2 6 4 6 60 words 1 6 3 0 5 6 In all cases the Name and Address are counted as part of the Advertisement. These prices apply only to Advertisement* ordered for consecutive insertions and which are prepaid. Trade Advertisements are inserted under the heading Personal at 9d. per line. All Advertisements should be posted to the Office on or before Monday. Medical. (\/L~PA3E BOOK ABOUT HERBS AND U?- HOW TO USE THEM, Post Free. Send for One. TRIMNELL, THE HERBALIST, 144, RICHMOND ROAD, CARDIFF. Established 1879. Literary. UNITARIAN PAMPHLETS on The Bible," <U Heaven," and Hell," given post free.— Mies BARMBY, Mount Pleasant, Sidmouth. Miscellaneous. FOR SALE.—A quantity of Army Boots, ex- ceptional good value; also Bedding, etc.— S. Harris, 5, Castle-street, Merthyr. ASTROLOGY.—Life Events, Changes, For- tunate Days, Business Success, MatrImony j Two Years' Future added.—Send Birth-date, II- P.O., PROF. GOULD, The Nook," Heathfield Road, Cardiff. SAFETY Razor Blades sharpened, Id. each, k3 post paid; New Blades, 2 for 4-1d.-Wilson, and Son, ironmongers, Abertillery. SAFETY Razors, 6 Blades, in case, 2s. 9d., post 3d. Alarm clocks, double bell, 5s. lid., guaranteed, post 4d.—Wilson and Son. iron- mongers, Abertillery. INERS' "READY REeKONER/?ndud-  ing 55 5-6 per cent., 4d., post free.—Evans, 38, Church Street, Penydarren, Merthyr. READERS of the Pioneer are invited to come to 8 Queen-street, Cardiff (over Garews, dentist) to a Whist Drive every Tuesday and Friday at 8 o'clock. Good Prizes and en- joyable evening. Tickets 6d. each. CARDIFF C?nti? Labour Col1ege League ?' Class, every Sunday, 3 o'clock. Hearty welcome to Pioneer readers.—8 Queen-street (over Carew's).

A deputation of the staff and officials of tke National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerks have had a further interview with the Plymouth Co-operative Society regarding rates of pay for Boot Managers. Fgures were pre- sented to the Committee setting before them the rates of pay in operation outside the Co-opera- tive movement. It is expected that as a result of the interview considerable advances will be granted to the Managers. The National Amalgamated Union of Shop As.. sistants, Warehousemen and vierks has succeeded in recovering an amount of x < 0 for one of its members. The case was one of part purchase by instalments of a business which was afterwards closed down and it involved some difficult points as the agreement regarding purchase waa of very unsatisfactory nature.