Pioneer

Bargoed Notes. I Rhymney Miners Oppose Comb-Out. At a crowded meeting of workmen, held at Rhymney on Sunday night, Mr. W. Richards presiding, it was unanimously decided to protest against the combing-out scheme. Addresses were delivered by Councillors David James, D. T. Williams, and others. It was urged that all classes of colliery workers should be treated alike, and that those who have gone under- ground since the war began should be first taken. One speaker said the scheme aimed, not at the recruiting of soldiers but to deprive the work- men of their intelligent members. Councillor David James explained the peace resolution to be considered at Thursday's conference at Car- diff. the. idea being, he said, to get the workmen of each belligerent country to foree their respec- tive Governments to act upon their wishes. A Long Run. Private J. Regan, of the South Wales Bor- derers. is home on leave at Tirphil, after serving with the colours since September, 1914. He has been once wounded, but so slightly that he was onlv treated for one week in hospital. Bargoed Soldier Killed. Our sympathy goes out to Mrs. Norton, 72, I Gilfach-street, Bargoed, who has received notifi- cation that her son, Driver Edgar Norton, R.F.A., has been killed in action. Norton, who was a collier at the Powell Duffryn Pits, was a rorilliant football player, and one of the stalwarts of the Bargoed Male Voice Choir. Conclusion of Week's Mission. I Mrs. Boyce ooncluded her week's mission in the Rhymney Valley with a meeting in Trafal- gar Square on Sunday evening, with Comrade Matthews in the chair. She touched specially on the charge, against the I.L.P. and similar bodies, of being irreligious or anti-religious. Socialism, as such, can take no cognizance of people's religion; there is room in it for people of all religions and none. As Socialists, we be- lieved in one world at a. time (Thoreau's aanswer, on his deathbed, to someone who tried to draw him about his ideas of another life. And he was one of the most spiritually-minded id mankind, as well as one of the purest-living).

Maesteg Notes. Maesteg Trades Council. Mr. Marsh, Caerau, presided on Wednesday last at the general fortnightly meeting of the above Council, when it was decided to recom- mend to the affiliated lodges, That this Trades Council take the initiative in forming a local Workers' and Soldiers' Council." The secretary was instructed to write to the political organiser, Mr. Meth Jones, asking him to send on full par- ticulars re the fixing of the boundaries for the new Maesteg Division when such boundaries have been fixed, with a view to calling a conference of the different Trades Councils and L.R.C.'s in the new division for the purpose of selecting a can- didate and preparing for the election. The secretary (Mr. T. W. Rees, Caerau) read a short paper upon" Methods of dealing with sewage disposals." The next meeting should have fallen on the Wednesday following Bank Holiday, but it was decided that that meeting be not held, and that the next meeting be held on August 22nd. Misunderstanding re Health Insurance Act. I am informed that there has been a lot of money spent in the district in connection with the Health Insurance Act through insured per- sons not keeping themselves well enough versed in this Act. I am told that insured persons who have been ill for a few weeks and not able to attend their work when they receive their In- surance Cards from the offices (Colliery) find a white stamp on the space for the weeks they were ill, with the words not payable by em- ployer," or words to that effect; they think that they must have a full card, and that they must purchase the number of stamps at 7d. each for the number of spaces that have not got the 7d. stamp. Now, the Act does not require that, as when a person is ill lie does not require to pay his in- surance, and if he happens to be unemployed for other reasons lie has only to pay his own share, 4d. per week. A similar thing occurs, so I am told, in the case of boys who until they attain the age of 16 are exempt from the Act, and if they should attain their sixteenth birthday, say, in March or April, they are not within the scope of the Act until the day they are 16 years of age, but their parents seeing that there are no stamps on the card that is issued as from Jonu- ary 1st, go and purchase the number of stamps required to fill up the card (each at 7d.) until the time that the employer starts paying; this is not necessary, and is simply throwing money away. 1. L. P. I We held an indoor meeting on Monday, July 23rd, and had as speaker Comrade A. G. Jones, who spoke on The Russian Revolution." He was at Pontypridd the day previous speaking for the Pontypridd branch on the same subject. The branch decided to be represented at the Swansea conference on the 29th, and Comrade A G. Jones was appointed as delegate. Com- rade Tim J. Dineen (president) presided. S.W.M.F., Cwmdu Lodge. I On Friday last the above lodge had a visit paid them by Mr. Harris the blind inventor bf the Harris' patent safety shot-firing apparatus, who demonstrated upon his patent to the meet- ing. It was a very touching sight to see him, blind as he is, handling the patent and also ex- plaining how he lost his sight through shot- firing in the mine, and how he did not rest until he had done something to render this practice safe for his fellow-workers, and to present them, if possible, suffering what he had endured. The meeting decided to grant him the sum of £ 5 to- wards his patent. At the same meeting it was decided to support the Ton Hir Lodge's motion on the district agenda protesting against the combing-out of young men from the mines, and calling upon the Government to open negotiations for peace, and also instructed the delegate to the Cardiff con- ference on Thursday next to oppose the comb- out scheme of the M.F.G.B., and support the motion for a ballot of the coalfield on the ques- tion of the comb-out. I It was also decided to obtain a supply of Mr. [ T. J. Mardy Jones' pamphlet upon" Oolliery Rating." Any person desirous of obtaining them can obtain them at the lodge room at 4d. each.

Abertiliery Notes. I Sympathy Strike Decision. I A mass meeting, held in the Met. on Monday, July 30th, with Mr. W. T. Williams in the chair, of the Tillery, Graig and Arrail Griffin workmen decided to down tools in sympathy with the Ebbw Vale workmen, who have been on strike since a week last Monday. Blaina Dis- trict also decided on this policy as well as the Abercarn miners. The resolution would operate on Wednesday, so as to give the other workers un d er thc, Ebb", Vale coi. under the Ebbw Vale combine an opportunity of adopting this policy. Mr. Geo. Davies, of Ebbw Vale, attended the Abertiliery meeting, and ex- plained the position of the Ebbw Vale workers as follows That at.No. 5 Victoria Pit an elec- trical plant was installed about two years' ago, and that the winding engine was electrically driven. The workmen, not knowing anything about electrical engineering, were told that if the current was cut off while the cage was in the shaft, there would be sufficient revolution- ary power stored in the winder to bring the cage to the surface. This, of course, satisfied the men that there was no serious danger in existence, but at the same time, while the men were iJeing drawn to the surface "many funny and very un- pleasant sensations were felt, the cause of which they did not know. The week before last things reached a climax. Whilst the men were being drawn to the surface the electrical current was j cut off and the cage remained in the shaft for more than ten minutes. The Ebbw Vale work- men were dissatisfied with this kind of thing, so they applied to the management to allow an in- dependent engineer to examine the electrical plant, but the management refused. This, of course, made the Victoria workmen suspicious, and they refused to work until their request was complied with. The rest of Ebbw Vale workmen were out of work with them in three days, and if the management do not comply with this reason- able request, all the workers under the Ebbw Vale Combine will be on strike to-morrow (Wed- nesdty)." (LATER NEWS): — The management have decided to allow an en- gineer to examine the machinery on behalf of the workmen as a result of Government inter- vention. Cwmtillery Lodge. At their last meeting the Uwmtulery LOcI-lle decided to vote against the comb-out, and to adopt a down-tool policy to resist it if necessary. It was also decided to support that the S.W.M.F. executive ascertain the views of the workers on peace by negotiation." Question of Profiteering. The Western Valley Miners' Council held their monthly meeting at Abertiliery on Monday, Mr. Philip Pitts presiding. The agent (Mr. George Barker) reported that two mass meetings had been held at Abertiliery on the question of pro- fiteering, and it was decided to send the reso- lutions from these meetings to the Cardiff Con- ference to be considered as an urgent question. It was reported that the price fist for the Arrael Griffin Colliery had been almost completed, but at the last moment the management introduced a controversial matter, and the men objected. The agent was instructed to proceed with nego- tiations, and he expressed the hope that the pro- gress already made, would not prove abortive. It was reported that notices tendered at the Rhiw Oolbren Level expired on Saturday, and a letter was read from the owner—who had refused to meet the men concerned, and, failing an agree- ment, he would confer with two members from the miners' council. It was decided to let the letter lie on the table.

I Abercynon Notes. Obituary. We regret to announce the death of Mr. Joseph Nuttall, aged 24, on Saturday last, as a result of injuries received at the colliery on Fri- day (20th inst.). Deceased, who was employed as a, rider, leaves a wife and one child. The funeral takes place on Wednesday at the Aber- cynon Cemetery. We tender our sincere sym- pathy to the bereaved relatives. Miners' Lodge., A mass meeting of miners was held on Sunday last at the Lesser Hall, Abercynon, to discuss the agenda for Thursday's conference. Coun. Chas. Maddox was elected delegate. A keen discussion took place on the question of ascer- taining the views of British working-men on peace, it being subsequently resolved to demand a ballot of members on the issue. The meeting agreed to the proposed comb-out, with the exception of one clause, which exempts colliery officials. A colliery committee, whose duty it will be to co-operate with the manage- ment in combing-out the young men was agreed to

Pentrebach and Abercanaiti Notes. Personal. We are pleased to report that Guardian T. T. Jenkins is making favourable progress, and hopes soon to resume his former activities. Sports. At the Cricket Ground on Monday last the annual sports in aid of the N.S.P.C.C. and S.S. funds was held under favourable climatic con- ditions, and good crowds gathered. The Muni- cipal band was in attendance.

The Electric Theatre. Last week we warmly complimented the Elec- tric on securing that fine Zangwill feature of Children of the Ghetto," this week I feel that we were just a little too soon, and that the su- perlative adjectives we used then, have left us short of adequate emphasis with which to ex- press my own super-appreciation of another Zangwill story, "Merely Mary Ann." Great as was the Children its appeal to myself was not nearly so strong as this other beautiful story from the pen of the great Jew. Whether I was* in particularly susceptible humour I do not know, but the whole programme charmed me. The Triangle comedy, A Movie Star," brought tears of laughter to my eyes, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Pip-Cure—" A Counterfeit Vaca- tion." Personally, I am finding it hard to de- termine which of the serials, "The Shielding Shadow, of the early half of the week, or "The Purple Domino," of the latter moiety, I should give the palm to, but, anyhow, they have se- cured me well enough to make a visit to the Electric both halves a part of the routine of my life. From Thursday, the best Gaumont World- Brady made film so far sent out is starring in "The Perils of Divorce," a convincing piece of realistic work, that faces the real issues in a hard problem and works them out to a logical conclusion, and that without once yielding an iota of entertaining interest. There, is more well handled plot and substance gone to the making of this great ifve-reeler, than, goes to the production of a library of shilling shockers, the so days. There are also, two superb comedies, with another Pip-Cure laughter-raiser, Tired Busi- ness Man, .and Spike's Bizzy Bike," an ec- centric burlesque that is full of gurgles. I have already mentioned my opinion of the Purple Domino," and it is proving one of the most in- teresting sections of the programme. From Monday we are to have a. new feature of topical interest, with a very special programme for the holidays; and that is With the .Fight- ing Forces of Europe." The big-liner is another superb Fox, "Secrets of Society," a very special exclusive clone with all the resources of this great corporation. Another special item that runss all the week is Everybody's Busi- ness," a Government production of special im- port. There are bright comedies, and entrancing fill-tips, as well as the Shadow." Another Fox drama heads the ultimate half of the week in A Family Stain," and there is a Gaumont and Pip-Cure comedy, as well as "The Domino and the Gazette. PLAYGOER.

Stantonese. JUNIOR MEMBER'S LANGUAGE AT ABERDARE. A characteristic attack on the I.L.P. was made by Mr. C. B. Stanton, M.P., at a British Workers' League meeting at Aberdare on Mon- day. His ^descriptive effort anent I.L.Peers was "A dirty gang of. snivelling hypocritical swindlers, who engineer opposition to everything British and conduct their deliberations behind closed doors and capture the lodges and pass re- solutions in the name of the Miners' Federa- tion." C.O.'s he designated as a lot of lazy devils who refused to fight." Throughout the meeting there were lively in- terludes, and Mi-. Stanton was subjected to con- siderable interruption, the opposition of a few dozen of the local I.L.Peers being very pro- nounced. Other speakers were Mr. C. H. Bibbings (Shef- field), and Mr. W. W. Brownrigg (Bristol).

Five members of the 'National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerks have been reported killed in action during the past week. Claims for death benefit amount-, ing to £ 16 12s. have been paid to relatives of four of these members who had qualified for death benefit prior to joining fhe Army. The total amount paid in death benefit up to date, in respect of members killed in action is £ 1988.

I Mid-Rhondda Notes. I Labour Party Meeting. On Thursday, July 26th, the Rhondda Labour Party met at Porth to receive the organiser's re- port on the Parliamentary Seats Re-distribution, and other matters. A resolution was adopted in favour of better unity of the different sections of the Labour Party in South Wales. A deputa- tion of the discharged soldiers was received, which appealed for the Party's help to force the authorities to prepare a scheme which would en- able disabled soldiers to earn their living. A re- solution was passed pledging the party's support to the appeal. The Organiser was then called upon to sub- mit his report on what had transpired with the Boundary Commissioners in regard to the Rhondda, and as the Rhondda has not been un- der the Commission's consideration, there was hardly anything to report, and a very little in- terest was taken in the report. The next item on the agenda was that of the Swansea conference, and a new psychology made its appearance, all the drowsy looking faces, that seemed so disinterested in the Organiser's report woke up. One would think that someone had touched an electric button and all the seats were electrified, some were coughing, others moving uneasily on the seats, all showing signs of ner- vousness. The chairman asked the Organiser to read the circular, and the Organiser betrayed as much nervousness as anyone in the room, and the chairman experienced some difficulty in get- ting the Organiser to give anything like an in- telligent reading. After the reading of the cir- cular, the chairman asked for a motion, and a resolution was moved that the Party should be represented, and quite a keen discussion fol- lowed. And on the whole the discussion was car- ried on in good spirits. The chairman exercising a fine discretion in his ruling. When all who had anything to say on the sub- ject had spoken and all the bombs had been thrown, Mr. Mardy Jones rose and delivered a long and somewhat inconsistent speech, in which he made use of every excuse which the capital- Lists has made for continuing the war as an argu- ment for not sending representatives to Swan- sea. A motion was carried by one not to send any delegate to the conference. S.W.M.F. Agenda. The Rhondda No. 1 District of the S.W.M.F. has quite an interesting agenda for its monthly meeting. Nh. 7 resolution, which will be moved by the Stander Lodge, reads as follows: Con- sequent upon the frequent stoppages which oc- cur resulting, from stop waggons, depression of trade, etc., and the further depletion of our ranks through the present comb-out of our young men from the collieries (proving conclusively that the national need for coal cannot any longer exist), this district agrees to take the third Mon- day for its annual demonstration." No. 9 Mardy Lodge reads: That this district takes a day in August to hold a Demonstration, as there are many critical questions which it would be very timely to ventilate our opinion upon." Some of the comrades here are of the opinion that to take a holiday would prejudice our demand for an increase in wages, as it would show that we are not so much in need as we pretend we are. Arguments of this nature have always been used by the capitalists as an excuse for not paying the workers. They always claim that our conditions are a lot better than what we say they are, but such arguments never ought to be used by the workers themselves. If we follow this mode of reasoning it will lead to the taking away from us of every little luxury that we may have over and above the bare-means of subsistence. The time would soon come when we would have to surrender our trade-union, as the 2/r- a month which we are paying can only be regarded by the capitalists as one of those luxuries which we should do without. Preachers, labour leaders, pigeons, dogs, etc., are, after all, kept with the money which the workers receive over and above that which they have to spend on the means of subsistence, and to argue that a demonstration day dould prejudice our demand is equal to saying that if we want more wages to live, we ought to work not eight hours but ten or twelve. We. have always been told by the employers that the way to improve our condi- tions is to work more regularly and longer hours, and not be continually demanding an advance in wages. ¡¡¡¡'¡'O mO-

Tonyrefail Notes. I Cilely Mass Meeting. A general meeting or the Uiiely workmen was held last Sunday afternoon to consider several matters of importance. The chief item of in- terest being the new scheme to conib-out the miners. It was decided to vote against the scheme, with a view to reconstruct the scheme, so,as to include all classes and grades of workers in the mine. Before arriving at the decision, considerable discussion took place and the result was rather surprising. The feeling of the meeting on the issue of the war cannot be estimated because it was not tested. One person expressed his con- viction that we must draw the line somewhere, and that sooner or later peace by negotiation would be brought about, antl that it was time now to do so. The district agenda was considered and the de- legate received a mandate for the same. Another important item was the appointment of nominees for the prospective District Council candidates. J. Dicks and Tom Manley were nominated. Further, J. Dicks and Win. Jenkins were recommended for the position of Labour J.P. on the branch. An appeal for assistance, by the Reception Committee for soldiers home from the front, was responded to by a 6d. levy ?p,onditi<)naliv on the authorities opening the halls for further concerts. Another appeal for aid for the organisation of concerts at the front was rejected. The Tool Snatchers. 1 It was pleasing to find one at least to respond with interest to the letter and comment on Tool Snatching in the previous issue. I re- spectfully think that the Cilely Workman has somewhat mistaken the refer-ence made to Workman's Hypocrisy." The hypocrisy that he refers to is a religious hypocrisy, instead of Workmen's Hypocrisy." If I understand rightly the former letter, it had no reference to the religious profession of any workman. It meant that the workmen (in the Trade Union sense) professed to be I I Brothers- in Unity," and \call themselves Fellow-Workers," while they practised tool snatching. For this, I take it, the workmen are called hypocrites. Personally I do not like the word "hypocrite," either for religious persons or for workers..For who amongst us is always consistently sincere in all we do, and who is without blame. And surely the workmen should not be libelled in general for the actions of a few tool snatchers, who are probably indifferent to any Trade Union fellowship or unity. As for the religious remedy, suggested by the Coed Ely workman, for tool snatching, i.e., "open an institute to teach re- snatching, i.e., Cilely workman comes along ligious articles, and cancels the remedy by stating that '? til who visit the various places of worship twicf three times on a Sunday (and in many cases h-la certain onices) are the first to be heard using baJ language, and back-biting, etc." If that 18 t influence of the religious institutes ??,?" why open another? You would more of the same. Better try my suggested r. medy for tool snatching by compelling the CaPk talist to provide all the nëcessarv tools for W* Then the matter would be settled. An Explanation. TO THE EDITOR.. I Sir,-I wrote a letter to you on the 18th '? replying to your Tony ref ail correspondent re "n Co-operatIve meeting reported m your Isst, 0 of Co-operat  d in your JSSUB the 14th inst. Of course, I knew it would too late for you to put it in on the 21st, but? thought you would welcome it for Saturday (the 28th) issue, but I was disappointed in )lot seeing it, as we are held somewhat to  after what your correspondent wrote, and SD'in? no reply from either of the affected members W people would naturally conclude that it wae<?, rectly reported, which I respectfully submit was not. In the first instance the building I" not crowded out, but I will agree that it larger meeting than we have had for some tiff-r but I protest mose strongly against what reported, viz. (1) That someone canvassed y members with a view of bringing discredit the Management Committee; (2) it was said thatI the general meeting accepted our resign?' and that the alleged wire-pulling was an ilhtst?' tion on our part. The question of our resign tion Was never put to the meeting at all, all. la answer to my own question the secretary  fq?med the meeting that our resignations  accepted by the committee on May 22nd at the" meeting, and as there were only two n°mlDS tions for the vacant seats they were decl',Iea elected by the Committee in the usual w-q?Y- the only question for the meeting to decide which of the two members should serve fOl' tbe, twelve months. As for the alleged wire-pfl"? that was gomg on (as your correspondent P? it) we did not. The meeting did not decide 01"' way or the other on the matter in dispute tween us as a committee. Rightly or wiongly have a very strong opinion on the question  tween us, and I claim that all vacancies Blio-old be filled by the members' children in the bi'a? where the vacancies occur, providing at all tim that they are capable and have the expense required for the position. That in my cP?' would induce members to be more loyal to "? stores when they see that it is run for  mutual ueneht. I hope you will grant me a S,Il place for this letter or the first one I sent y?< in answer to your Tonyrefail correspondent-'? am, yours etc. (one of the two local members r ferred to in your issue of the 14th inst.), MR. TOM l\'LtNIÆY' P.S.—I think it only fair that vour eorresp; dent should affix his name to any article that 13 referring to someone else. "to, [We regret that the first letter referred above was held over last week through presfil1 on space.—Ed.] The Tool Snatchers. TO THE EDITOR. Dear bir,—kindly favour me with a slx .space in which to express an opinion con00^ ing the tool snatching, referred to in "To!'? fail Notes. I may say the practice is fail Notes." I may say the practice is  what carried out in this district, I am so&t say. To a great extent I agree with the pr??. writer. It is the system that is largely r^sP0-! sible for this. We are working under su?h • cut-throat" competitive system that ? If small wonder the more degenerate members our community resort to such actions. The Pi-ill, ciples of the system are ground into them. It is not a question of Workmen'* HyP0; crisy. Under a fair system no one would lie" nor desire to steal others' tools, excepting a tain class of degenerate who cannot help dOlVg;. so. All tools should be found by the owners" who reap the profits obtained by them. Then 8î' one who tried to annex them, or to sell, WOlid, everyone knowing be have an impossible task, everyone knowing' possessed none of his own to sell. And no oJle would need steal through not having any of hl£, own. I also agree that it is amusing to "talk ° "asking" for our daily bread when we holvel to slave so hard for it! For myself I belong o the school of thought which does not believe ? this sentiment. I fail to see how anyone is g?" that for which he gives his life-blood. T I 1" ',1 {)l'ld. 1 be Heve too great attention is p?id to a, ? that at the best is only a theoretical one us concentra,te all our efforts on the "substance. of this world, which we are sure of. Put th Jl one right, and if there is another, depend upo., it there will be enough to go round. There j enough in this one, only, it need, tributing. Thanking you, sir, in I remain yours faithfully, GRIFFIN S. HEWLETT. 16 Windsor Road, Abertillerv, Mon., 30th July, 1917.

The August Plebs.' The August Plebs contains contributíot1; of especially timely interest just now, when he C..W. and S.D. conferences are being held iv various parts of the country, and when t whole international situation is being so keeC y and anxiously discussed. John Bryan writes "The Struggle of Classes in Russia, and article is a valuable study, from the Mai'??p. standpoint, of the social forces operating in ? new home of Democracy. Walton Nawbold "WTi with his accustomed vigour on "President VI < son's 'New Freedom.' Eden and Cedar whose names are familiar to all I.L.Pers P" forward a strong plea for" Mere Sooialist Ecovi omics in reply to certain criticisms of the W%J" of the Plebs League. A McManns appeals renewed effort in organising and carrying 0 educational classes, pointedly heading his ap, peal-" Do It Yourself." Alex Sirnis i,epljeez, t(? the Turati article published last month, roe, Old War and the New P Some of the new rt? I' of the S.W.M.F. are printed—as an exa?F? and encouragement to other Trade Uniol? and there are the regular features: Corresp,O" ence,! News of the Movement, Reviews, and ille Plebs Bookshelf. The Plebs" is obm??, (2-?d. post paid) from Secretary, Plebs L?e-"glae,. 121 Hamlet Gardens, Ravensoourt Park, ^oJ}l don, W. (6); or from numerous agents in SO" tj?' Wales.

HAVE YOU PAIN? J. Swift, Attercliffe, Sheffield, says The Brst dose ^eSe me great relief. I can confidently say that one box Of tbnsevse? pills has done me more good than all the medicinJv.[e ?gf? taken." Mrs. A. Wilkinson, of Nelson, states: M? ? h?' who suffered from weak kidneys, took one box, an jt h*? done her more good than pounds spent on me ical nien- HOLDROYD'S GRAVEL PILLS, a positive eur f r r?avel, Pams in the Back, Dropsy, Bright's Disease of t c fie Gout, Sciatica; is. 3d., all chemists; post free 14 st PS. -? HOLDROYD'S MEDICAL HALL. Cleckheaton- Printed and published by the National L&bOut 9gi Press, Ltd., at the Labour Pioneer Williams Square, Merthyr Tydfil, 'SATURDAY, AUGUST 4th, 1917.