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I Living Wage. PROBLEM OF UNTRAINED TEACHERS. MERTHYR AUTHORITY STILL TALKING. A living wage to uncertificated and supple- mentary teachers was under further discussion at ?dnesday's meeting of the Merthyr Educa- tion Authority. The matter arose on a notice of motion tabulated by Mr. A. Wilson (Trehar- ris) to the effect that all teachers in the service of the committee w hose salaries were not revised under the Fisher Grant should be referred to the Special Salaries Sub-Committee for reconsidera- tion irrespective of length of service, that a re- turn of such teachers should be prepared by the Director of Education and that the salaries to uncertificated and supplementary teachers in other towns should be obtained. After reviewing at length the developments respecting the salary increases of the teachers, Mr. Wilson pointed out that the interpretation of the phrase ten years service "• in the resolution relegating the consideration of their position to the sub-com- mittee as ten years continuous service" -—a point upon which there was an acute difference of opinion amongst the members of the sub- committee—was unfair for there were many teachers who although they had 20 years' service would be penalised by this view of the phrase because a short break had occurred in that period. Mr. Wilson's motion was seconded by Mr. C. Fenwick (Dowlais). Mr. Gomer Thomas (Merthyr) thought it was not of educational advantage to perpetuate un- trained teachers, who, if possible, should be driven into going to college. Mr. L. M. Francis (Penydarren) agreed, but added that whilst they were being employed they be given enough to keep them alive. Aid F. T. James (Merthyr) was also of the opinion that it would be unjust to interpret the phrase quoted as being continuous service, which certainly was not meant in the original motion. He was agreed, however, it should be their object to get rid of untrained teachers, to appoint whom all authorities had been too prone. The whole of the .Fisher Grant for elementary education had been expended, so he questioned the wisdom of reopening the question of salaries. If the £ 65 a year granted uncertificated teachers could not keep body and soul together they should strike out to another vocation. • Mr. D. Parry raised objection to the policy of starving them out, whilst Mr. D. W. Jones said if their services were deemed necessary they should be paid a living wage even if the Fisher Grant had been expended wholly, and the jn- creases would fall as a burden on the rates.

Theatre Royal. For next week the clever little Repertory Company that has been doing such good work at the Royal this last few weeks has '=' decided to give a proper lead to the Christmas holidays. Their choice of "A Girl's Temptation" for the first half of the period, and Curate V.C." for the half Thursday to Saturday makes up an ideal programme that should give a joyous aspect to a Christmas that suffers in advance from the scarcity of almost everything that went to make the Chrsitmas of those few years ago that seem like centuries ago. "A Girl's Temptation" is a play that will follow easily and naturally upon the presentation of Mrs. Powell's great story The Girl Without a Home," which is being played so efficientiv to delighted audiences during the closing six houses of the present week. It is some time since I saw The' Girl without a Home before, and now now more than ever I have learned to appreciate the cleverness with which its authoress has tackled a subject that inclines to realism of the school of Crane's Maggie," and A Child of the Jago." These themes easily generate into nauseousness if care- lessly taken up, but as handled by Mrs. Powell, and by the clever company that it led by Miss Nina Blake-Adams, the story does not revolt the most sensitive person, it rather teaches, a lesson of great moral power while providing a most in- teresting evening's entertainment, and, as I have said, A Girl's Temptation should en- force that moral lesson, and prove a more power- ful factor for good than a year's sermons from the pulpit. That is one. aspect of the theatre that is too often forgotten by its detractors. Given a good company and a play with any matter at all in its make-up you have an appeal that is not only articulated but visualised too, and thus you have a weapon with which to strike at evil and ignorance more powerful than the heavy artillery of university degrees for theological subtleties. During the opening half of the week we had a charming drama of the Wild-West in "Cripple Creek," a play that smells of the sweet alfalfa of the rolling plains, with the twang of burnt powder in the air, and the atmosphere of adven- ture in the outposts of civilisation markedly present.. It was the sort of play that one sees too seldom—a play with grip and vigor and vim. I PliAYCOBE.

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I- I- Kenfig Hill Notes. Soldier-Postman Home. Lance-Corporal W. Brooks, who prior to the war, was the local postman at Kenfig Hill, has arrived here on a ten days' leave. He was wounded in the thigh some months ago, and since then has been in hospital in Manchester. Terrible indeed have some of his experiences been, and ones' heart goes out to these, gallant fellows who enlisted with such lofty ideals be- fore them, to fight for a. freedom in another country, when the freedom in their own country is but a. shadow of what they left behind. Bill ie is very popular here, and has the best wishes of us all for a speedy recovery. Kneeshaw's Visit. The attendance at Councillor Kneeshaw's meeting on Sunday at the Workmen's Institute, while being rather small in number, must have received such a stimulus from his speech that we are inclined to think his message will be talked about for some time to come. The mas- terly way in which he dealt with the incom- petency shown by those responsible for the cal'¡'Y- ing out of the campaign in Mesopotamia, caused an impression that will not soon be forgotten, yet it is surprising how many have not given this matter more than a passing thought. Read- ing extracts from the Report of the Commission he traced how forces had been sent from India, presumably to protect the oil-wells of the Anglo- Indian Oil Company, with instructions not to land forces except in cases of military necessity; but necessity knows, no law, so they landed their troops. Although this expedition was started in March it was not until May that the authorities at Whitehall had knowledge of the campaign. Mr. Kneeshaw dealt at length with the awful state of affairs that existed with regard to the facilities provided for the wounded, drawing from his audience exclamations of horror that such sufferings should have taken place because of the incompetency. He paid a high tribute to Surgeon-Major Carter, for the fearless manner in which lie gave his evidence before the Com- mission. We must quickly come to our senses, or else we should find that these people who were the war-makers, would also be the peace-makers. He could conceive of no greater tragedy to the pre- sent and future generations if Labour does not assert itself—and that quickly—and demand a right to take a hand in the drawing up of the peace terms. Consider for one moment the in- sult offered to your class by Lord H. Cecil, I would as soon trust a three-year-old child in an .N(-?a.r-o l d child, aeroplane as I would the working-class to draw up the terms of peace." No, you are good enough to fight, to work in the mines, munition works, or anything else that is heavy and dirtv, but not to discuss terms of peace! Certainly not! "Tlry to realise your power, your united weight, and cry with one voice, loud and clear, we have the right to take a hand in making peace, and we will demand The following resolution was moved by J. Woolley: "That this public meeting held under the auspices of the Kenfig Hill and District Trades and Labour Council protests against the action of the Government in ordering raids upon organisations and individuals, and the seizure of their papers and publications. It regards this action as an attack upon democratic freedom, made under cover of an attempt to suppress paci- fist propaganda, and it demands the immediate return of all decuments seized and the cessation of these attacks upon the libertv of the sub- ject." This was seconded by T. Mitchell and carried unanimously. Councillor T. Wood proved a capable chairman. I I.L.P. Branch Meeting. The above branch held its fortnightly meeting on Monday, when Comrade Elias Davies read a paper on The I.L.P. in the light of history." The paper was well received, and a lengthy dis- cussion ensued. Five new members have been enrolled during the week.

Maesteg Notes. I Important Notice. I Owing to the presecuition of our Comrade R. C. Wallhead, he could not fulfil his engagement ,at Maesteg on Monday last. This is very unfor- tunate, as aU the tickets printed are out and very few not sold. However, the I.L.P. branch has decided to obtain Wallhead for the first available date after the case has been heard, and the tickets will hold good for that meeting. Look out for further notice. Coun. J. W. Kneeshaw in Great Form. I On Wednesdiav last Comrade Kneeshaw, of Birmingham paid his long-expected visit to Maesteg I.L.P. and spoke at the Co-operative Lecture Hall to a fair crowd, which would have undoubtedly have been bigger but for the un- fortunate altering of the date after the bills had been posted on the hoardings from the top, to bottom of the district. Those who heard the "burly bricklayer of Brum," aire desirous of hearing him again shortly. His subject was "War and Diplomacy." He dealt very effec- tively with Secret Diplomacy and showed how wars were brought about without the knowledge of the people, who had to pay for the intriguing of their diplomatists in life, limbs and money. He took us through the diplomacy which led to the British occupation of Egypt, the intriguing of diplomats over Persia, showing how the Per- sians suffered at the hands of the Czar of Russia and his satellites, without a word of protest from the British overnment. which was pledged by a treaty to defend Persia from outside forces, but not to interfere in Persian domestic affairs, rather backed up Russia in her actions. He stated that what the Germans had done in Bel- gium was bad enough, but we had yet to learn that they had been as bad as Russia in Persia, or as France in Morroceo when we bombarded Casa Blanco- and sent the bill of costs to the Moors to pay. He refuted the excuse that we entered the war in defence of Belgium, and stated that the invasion of Belgium by Germany served as a bit of windowdressing which proved very useful for the cry Remember Belgium." and reminded us that this war was only saved by a bair's-breadth over the Coroccan a ffair, known as the Agadir incident, in 1911, when we were so near war that the Government had its instructions to the newspapers printed in Nov- ember, 1911 (about the last thing a government does before entering a war), but that the storm cloud passed over, and the instructions were put on the shelf and were sent to the newspaper editors in 1914. It was a fine meeting. Collection good also good sale of literature. Many questions were, asked and ans wered. Two new members were enrolled. Councillor T. J. Jones, branch .seere- i tary, presided.

wr HELP THOSE WHO HELP 14". YOUR PAPER 1 ?,

I Avan Valley Notes. (BY DEMOCRITUS). Miss Pailister's Appeal. Miss Pa-lli: ster's appeal for assistance for the dependants of C.O.s should meet with a generous response during Chrisitmastide. The multifarious appeals for funds for soldiers and their dependants are generously, and not too generously met; everybody, including the much traduced pacifist, contributing freely to afford a little Yuletide clieet- to the meuwho are fighting, but whilst the pacifists are always ready to aid the soldiers and their dependants, the vast majority who reject a negotiated peace scornfully refuse to help the dependants of con- scientious objectors; consequently the public to whom Mies jPallister can with any hope of suc- cess appeal, is a very small public, which ma.kes it incumbent on every member of that public to contribute his, or her mite in answer to the appeal. This is the season of goodwill, and to deny C.O.s and their dependants, especially the chil-! dren, the little cheer obtainable will certainly not be very creditable to those who believe in the sincerity of C.O.s. Who'll Take the Hat Round? In some parts of the Avon Valley the response for help for C.O.s has been met very heartily; men working only three and four days a week, and with home responsibilities, contributing ex- ceedingly generously, but other parts where lip sympathy is very prevalent have not shown an equal readiness to subscribe. The I.L.P. has, in some instances, shouldered some of the responsibilities of maintenance, but there are instances where this devotion has been lacking. It may be that this sin of omission is due to lack of organisation, and of volunteers to do the work of collecting so now, who'll take the hat round for a good cause ? Tom Richardson in Form. Mr. Tom Richardson, M.P., gave a very fine address at the Dockers' Hall on Friday evening last, and those privileged to hear him were amply rewarded for any sacrifice they may have made to attend the meeting. In the absence of Harry Davies (Cwmavon), Councillor Davies (Taibaoli) presided in his usual inimitable way. Kneeshaw Great, but Singing- I Mr. Kneeshaw, of Birmingham, finished up a most successful series of meetings in the district, at the Dockers' Hall, on Sunday evening. His visit to South Wales is under the auspices of the U.D.C., and right well did our robust and genial comrade, future Parliamentary representative for East Birmingham, wield the sword of truth and justice. He dealt trenchantlly and logically with the anomalies of British precept and prac- tice, and imbued his hearers with the conviction that Prussianism is not idigenous to German soil. The chairman of the meeting was a sturdy son of Ireland, who possesses all the potentialities of a successful orator. The singing at the meet- ing was—well, excruciating would be a mild term. The Men of Harrlech" was pulverized out of all semblance to its original mode, and with anguished groans the appeal went forth: w here, oh where, are those new hymn books, with words and music, which Mr. Ivor Thomas has promised to issue ? Hard Work Telling. The few stalwarts of the Aberavon branch ot the I.L.P. deserye a word of praise for the in- defatiga,ble manner in which they have, under great difficulties, kept the movement alive at their reactionary town. Their perseverance is gradually making itself felt in the shape of new members. Snobbish respectability, with a too great tendency towards subserviency have always characterised the inhabitants of Ye Ancient Bor- rough, with the result that the work of in- creasing I.L.P. membership has proved a diffi- cult task. However, as continual dropping of water will wear away a stone, so the faithful activity of our comrades is evidently infusing a spirit of manly independence into the hearts of those who are not absolutely hopeless. 27C. Protest. The meeting organised by the Aberavon L.R.C. at the Grand Theatre last Sunday afternoon to protest against the Government's new act of despotism regarding the censoring of leaflets, and against the sufferings entailed by the unequal distribution and scarcity of food-stuffs, was a distinct success. Two resolutions were submitted to, and car- ried bv the meeting without a dissentient voice.

Pontycymmer Notes. I Who Pays for War? -1 -1 n A branch meeting of the Uar-vv Valley I.L.P. was held at the Ffaldau Institute on Monday, December 3rd, Comrade Will Jones in the chair. The leaflet, Who pays for the War? was dis- cussed, Comrade W. Hengoed leading off. A good discussion resulted, all being of the opinion that the workers had to shoulder the debt as well as give their lives, so that the Capitalist may batten and pile up still more riches. The I only alternative was felt to be the conscription of wealth, as life had been conscripted. Kneeshaw's Meeting. On Thursday, December 6th, Councillor Knee- shaw, of Birmingham, addressed a meeting at the .Ffaldau Institute, the subject being The Makers of War and the Makers of Peace." Com- rade Will Jones was in the chair, Comrade Knee- shaw kept the crowd very interested by stating facts regarding the Mesopotamia blunders, and ended up by saying there was no greater cowards than those who governed us, and those respon- sible for the war, who sent eighteen-year-old youths out to fight their battles. Literature sold well, some, new members made, and a good col- lection. Where is the Food Control Committee? Tea, sugar, butter, margarine, bacon, and tinned milk are scarce, and only obtainable at prices above the maximum. Pork, for instance, is l sold at Is. 7d. for best joints, while bacon is 2s. 6d. and 2s. 8d. per lb. Why this difference ?j

Tonyrefail Notes. OQbate Quite a good audience attended the Picture Palace last Sunday afternoon to hear the debat-ci between Mr. T'. 1. Mardy Jonts and Mr. Noah Ablett. Both were in very good form and suc- ceeded in giving the audience a treat by their n, t l-ie aiidieli(-e a intellectual combat. It was quite an unique event locally, and it was very much appreciated so far as can be gathered from gossip. Mr. Sid Trevetban, cheekweigher, figured as the chair- man with all the success desired.

I The Spleen of Opposition MEAN QUESTIONS IN THE COMMONS. CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AS SCHOOL TEACHERS. in the House of Commons on Monday Mr. TV. Joynson-Hicks (U—Brentford asked the President of the Board of Education wlietner, now that the House had directed that conscientious objectors should be disfranchised, he would issue an order preventing them acting" as teachers in elementary and secondary schools, where they had far more opportunities for evil than in any other position. Mr. Fisher (Minister of Education): I have no authority to issue any such order. MI'. Joynson-Hicks asked whether Mr. Fisher would issue circular to the local authorities pointing out the danger of allowing these doc- trines to be taught in the schools. Mr. Fisher: It would be, a grave breach of trust for any teacher to seek. to promote pacifist or any other political doctrines in the schools. I can assure the hon. memoer that the com- plaints tha-t have reached me of teachers having so acted are few and far between. Answering a further question Mr. Fisher said he had no official knowledge of what action was taken in such cases. There was no-direct relation between the State and the teacher under our system, though there was under the Prussian, and the matter might safely be left to the local education authorities. (Hear, hear. ) Mi. J. G. Butcher (e--York) asked whether the example set by certain teachers was not very piejudacial; and whether the right hon. gentle- man would advise the local authorities to dis- pense with their services. Mr. P. Snowden (Lab.—Blackburn): Will the right hon. gentleman take into consideration the issuing of an instruction to the local authori- ties that it should be a condition of employment of a teacher that he should declare he is a Tory and a Jingo(Cheers.) Colonel C. E. Yate (U—Melton): Does the right hon. gentleman rank patriotism as a poli- tical doctrine ? The Speaker; Weare getting into de bate.

Mr. Snowden's Question MR. SNOWDEN'S QUESTION. Mr. Snowden asked in the House of Commons on Monday whether, in view of President Wil- son's statement to Congress that America did not wish to impair or rearrange the Austro- Hungarian empire and desired to secure for the people of the Turkish Empire the right and op- portunity to make their own fortunes secure against oppression and injustice and the dicta- tion of foreign Courts, it was intended to revise the war aims of the Allies. Mr. Balfour said the first part of the question dealt with President Wilson's Note, with which he did not think it was his business to deal. As to the last part of the question, the Government had consistently expressed its intention of con- ferring with the Allies on the subject of revising their war aims. » Mr. King: Why has not the Council met for ,the revision of war aims, as requested by Russia- again and again? There was no reply to the question.

Mid-Rhondda Notes. Food Trouble. The food trouble seems to be getting more- acute every day amongst the Mid-Rhondda people. The long queues, which are continually waiting at the different shops at Tonypandy, are undergoing a psychological change, the humour- ous remarks that were to be heard from the,, women in their conversations, have given place to. a kind of a distrust and suspicion; and every- one seems to think that lie or she is not treated fair. The other people are always getting more- than their share. A general impression seems tQr be prevelant amongst the rank and file of the people that the scarcity/ of food-stuff is entirely confined to the working-class, and the sacriifce is all on one side that the other people, being in a position to order the stuff in large quantities never experience any trouble with their supplies. How far these impressions are right it is very dIfficult to know, as, up to the present, there are no means by which the purchases of anyone can be ascertained; though undoubtedly the middle and upper classes have great advantages over the working class both in their social relation and financial position to get at those commodi- ties which are scarce. No Inconvenience at all Events. There is one thing that goes a, long way to, confirm the assertion that these people are well supplied. At no time are any of them to be. found in the long queues seeking anything. How these people are supplied we cannot say, but it is quite clear that they have found a way to be supplied without suffering the inconvenience which the working classes has to bear. These are certain anomalies which can be only removed when the Government begins the distribution on a proper rationing basis. The scarcity of food may account for a great deal of the trouble,, but by far the greater evil is the uneven distri- bution. There are also clear proofs that some of the shopkeepers have lamentably failed to realise the necessity to treat their customers all alike, and the Rhondda Food Control Committee will be well advised in giving some attention to, distribution as well as to prices. The uneven distribution is not between the classes only, there are some unscrupulous people amongst the working class, and it is not quite the thing to threaten shopkeepers who refuse certain commo- dities to people who have not given them their sugar cards, and who are not their regular cus- tomers. Some of these greedy and unscrupulous creatures are known to have obtained as many as five and six pounds of margarine by going from one shop to another, while the people who stick to one shop have to /go on half-a-pound. And it is rather hard for any shopkeeper who conscientiously trys to deal fair with his regu- lar customers, and give them equal shares of what he has, to be threatened with prosecution unless he serves these greedy and unscrupulous people who, might have been already served at three or four different shops. A power should be sought to compel everyone to purchase all his food stuff in the same shop. And if the Food Committee is desirous to avoid trouble for itself and also inconvenience to the public, it should give its earnest and immediate attention to dis- tribution. If one is to give any heed at all to the psychology of the people he must regard the phenomena as an indication of an abnormal state of mind, liable to act in unconventional ways and fail to pay the necessary respect to law and order. Printed and published by the National Labour Press, Ltd., at the Labour Pioneer Press, Williams Square, Merthvr Tvdnl, SATURDAY,, DECEMBER loth, 1917.

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