Monmouth Guardian and Bargoed and Caerphilly Observer

RIGHTS AND DEMANDS OF I LABOUR. I THE PROGRAMME REVIEWED I BY COUN. ALBERT THOMAS. The popular Sab-agent and Secre. tary of the Rhymney Valley District of Miners (Coun. Albert Thomas, J.P. is one of the best known and most convincing platform at-stors in + ho Principality. During the past week he has been moat active in the cause of labour, and espousing the candida- ture of Mr Alfred Onions J.P., in the Caerphilly Division, and Mr Charles Edwards in the Bedwellty Division. His views on the programme of the Labour Party are ably outlined in the following report of a stirring speech delivered by him at Pengani and in other parts of the con- stituencies. He prefaced his address by saying that the Labour Party had leb the Coalition, and they were now appeal- ing to the men and women of the oonutry with a programme. Victory has been achieved, and Labour claims no mean share in its achievement Not only have the workers supplied the vast majority of our soldiers and I sailors, and sustained the burden of war at home the democratic diplo- macy, which found expression in the War Aims of Labour, had been one of the most powerful factors in winning the war, and must be the most power- ful factor in the rebuilding of the world. The peace which Labour demand* is a peace of International Co-operation. It declares absolutely ,igf, nbt secret diplomacy and any form t of economic war, and demands aa an essentia! part of the Peace Treaty an International Laboar Charter, incor- porated in the very strnctare of a league of free peoples. labour welcomes the extension of liberty and democracy in Europe. It has warned thn Coalition that opposi- tion towards he young democrroies of the continents, and especially inter- vention on the side of European reaction, will be disastrous. In the midst of World Democracy it stands for the immediate restoration of the Workers' International programme, The principles which Labour claims as Allied War Aims it will apply to its own subject peoples, freedom for Ireland, and it ,will extend to all sub- ject peoples the right of self determin- ation within the British Common: wealth of free nations. Labour's appeal to the people is not a sectional appeal, unless an appeal which excludes only militarists, profiteers, and place hunters be regarded as sec- tional. It includes all who are deter- mined that the fruits of victory shall not be wasted in the interests of riches or reaction. Especially does Labour appeal to two sections of the oommunity-to the soldiers and Bail- ers who have fought the nation's battles abroad, and to the men and women workers at home. They should remember that the returning soldier and sailor Would find himself once more a worker. His cause will be one with the worker at home. Your civil and industrial liberties have been largely suspended during the period' of tne war, and soldiers and workers want those liberties back now. The Labour Party stands for the destruction of all war-time measures in restraint of civil or industrial liberty, the repeal of the Defence of the Realm Act, the complete abolition of conscription, and the release of all political prison- ers. It stands for a free citizenship, a free Parliament for speech, and against the domination of the Press by sinister political influences, The Party means to introduce large schemes of land la-organisation, and it is fully award that this can only be done in the teeth of the most power- ful rested interests. Land nationaliza- tion is a vital necessity. So close was the land of this country held by landlords, that they nearly allowed the German Submarine warfare to be successful. Let us not forget that the land is the people's and must be developed so as to afford a high stan- dard of life to a growing rural popu- lation not by subsidies nor tariffs, but by scientific methods and the freeing- of the soil from landlordism and re- action, Labour demands a substantial 01 U. and permanent improvement in the housing of the whole people. At least a million-new houses must be built at once at; the State's expense, and let at fair rents, and these houses must be tit for men and women to live in, unlike the majority of im- moral things we now call houses. Labour has. and will continue to press for a really comprehensive Pllb- lie Health Act, co-ordinating atil health authorities, based on prevention ratber'than CUff:, free all inqu;si. torial features. It will pi-ess for real public education, free at d open to all, with maintenance tcholarsbips with- out distinction of claw nod with jus- tice to teachers upon whom education dependii. In conclusion, Labour always stood for equai rights for both sexes when other parties were ignoring aud per- secuting women In po'i'iow the Labour Party stanps for cosnpleto adult suffrage, in industry for equal pay and the organisation of men aud women workers in one trade nuion movement Better pay and pensions to the soldier and worker m^ans better conditions for his wife and family. There must be no s-x p'l.rty the Labour Party is tlig woman's party. Woman is the ChanceHor of the Exchequer of the home. ————

I BEDWAS STRIKE. I GENERAL NOTICES WITHHELD The Executive Councii of the South Wales Miners' Federation met specially on Monday at Cardiff, to consider the question which had arisen with regard to the Bed was dispute and the resolution of the coalfield conference on Saturday -instructing the Executive Council to tender on Monday ten days' notice to terminate contracts throughout the coalfiel in support of the Bed was men. Mr James Winstone presided. The Right Hen. Thomas Richards, M.P., the general secretary, supplied the follow- ing official report of the proceedings: The Council, after a long dis- cussion, uuaoimously resolved (having regard to the fact that in the opinion of the Executive Council, the carrying out. of the decision arrived at by the conference on Saturday, 7th December, would work grave injustice in that it would iuvolve the discharge of certain1 officials from their employment with- out even any specific charge having been made against them and without I any consequent investigation) that they regretted they were unable to carry out the daoision of the con- ference, and determined to call another conference, and to recommend to that conference to withdraw the demand for the dismissal of the over- men and firemen at the Bed was Colliery, other than the two firemen against whom charges have been made and which charges the Executive Council agree have been well founded. "The policy of the South Wales Miners' Federation in reference to the appointment of firemen by the work. men and their payment by the State has already been accepted by the M.F.G.B. The Bxecutive Council are unanimous in their decision to bring pressure to bear on the M.F.G.B. to secure the speedy realisation of this policy. It was arranged that the con- ference referred to should be con- vened for Thursday, December 19th, next.

j RHYMNEY DMVMCT COUNCIL. I RHYMNEY COUNOIL. The ordinary meeting of the above council was held on Wednesday evening at the Council Chambers. There were present:-Councillors H. M. Thomas, J.P. (chairman), W. C. Williams (vice-chairman), R. Ruther- ford, J.P., John Evans, W. T. Hopkin, W. Griffiths, Rees Harris, J.P., with Messrs W. H. Trump, clerk: W. Lloyd Marks, surveyor; Benjamin Jones, J.P., collector, and Dr. R. V. Redwood, medical officer. Before proceeding with the business, the Chairm-iii expressed pleasure to find the Vice-chairman (Mr W. C. Williams) had HO far recovered from I his recent accident as to be able to be present. FINANCE.—The report of the Finance Committee was submitted, and cheqhes were signed on the General Account for £ 1,200 4i. (which in. cluded the precept of the ghynitiby Valley Sewerage Board for £ 424); Water Works Account, £ 62 14.; and Llechry i Account, £ 4 13s. 6d. The Committee recommended, on the motion of Mr Rees Harris, seconded by Mr W. T. Hopkin, that tha wages of the Surveyor's clerk (It. G. Short) be increased to 91 per week.—The report, was adopted on the motion of Mr Hopkin, seconded by Mr John Evans. PUBLIC -ff nAf,Ta.-The Medical Officer reported that the number of cases of influenza during the month had considerably decreased. Un- fortunately, he said, the percentage i f serious comptcations and deaths had been high during the month. Cases are still occurring each day. He hoped the epidemic \vould abate dur- ing next month, when a complete I report would be given. The general sickness was not heavy fer the time of the year. M.O.'s WISE STEP.-The Medioal Officer reported verbally that be had called the attention of the County Medical officer (Dr. Rocyn Jones) to the local Cinemas, more partioularly as to their ventilation anq disinfecting, especially having regard to the in- fluenza epidemic, but this week he fonnd that the Health Committee of the County Council are bringing out a scheme for all Cinemas in the county, which they would have to carry ont in order to obtain their licenses in future. The premises would be inapected before the licenses were granted, and detailed instructions as to how they are to keep the build. ings, would be issued to licensees. He (Dr. Redwood) regarded it as a rather important matter, as the cinemas were open every evening and invariably full.-The Chairman said they were very thankful, to the doctor for taking that step, whioh he (the chairman) considered was very necessary. ACCIDENT.—The Surveyor said he regretted having to report that on the 29th November, the council's chief haulier (Mr Chas. Veal) waft return- ing from Colliery row, when an unfortunate accident happened. He was leading the horse and Richard Taylor was in the cart, when the horse bolted, knocked Veal down, and the wheel passed over both his hands. He had reported the accident to the Insurance Company, who had agreed to pay Veal at the rate of J61 5s. per week compensation.

xOv ti S NICE N | HANDS | fj THE hands, even mere » ju < ■ w fy\ fyf yi thall the complexion, 11 Arrjaf r H 11 tu ? convey that atmosphere of Is /M???/W ?  ? refinement without which J? ??? //?M??) W fvj beauty is iacomplete. To ensure soft, white yf 3'' Iff ffl hands, use Ven- Y usa Cream jl j j ft j m ?? j ?'<at??tt\mW?//? regularly. Ven- Y usa wards P =! Ffi off the evil effects of cold M weather and rough work, and ■ "i" ■ sj ? Mothe< and renovates the skin in a remarkable Way. m ? Ven? Y usa is sa?er than soap and better than ord?ry |p§ ? todet creams because of its unique oxygen property. T? M ? daily use of Ven- Y usa, with its softening, stimulating ana |Sg ? protective action on the skin, is a real necessity to every ^-| ? lady who gives a thought to her personal appmance. |1U1 z., z ?,The oxVqeaFicc ere-a-w I nt all Chemists, Hairdressers, Sc., or from C. K. Pttlfoei. LM-. Letds. f 1 Aid A6 v At M. Samuel's you ge a b(- ',ter Xmas Gift at -WAY of clioc-si?i, fi-orn the ,reatest variety iii thE? all iext to that siiow a liti?-e sa,?,iyig. Call ard see the supeib di:?plav to- d ay. Fall Montll,s XMAt WEDO "-fz K e c p e r. 301- 1 Wf CHARMING GOLD BROOCH. Month's m" 1 Set with Aquamarine an d Pearls. 21/- Trial, ? MLB MAMt-tT wm" j p ?'?'?? j  t I■ PFaU? y j^eweSlleSd V lever »or«. tt » GOLD pm" -jewew lever move. PENDANT. =OIL Self ex-pan ? Pl 2 G"o?ltd i,g* New design. Set wM in& 9-cL Gold Pearls. 127/7/- C,.ZT YOA R WMtY WATCHi The li"o r Id s /-a rges i Je Weller. t Fully j'ewelled EtMWMEM?'??? tim?t 172, COMMERCIAL ?3?? ??B????B??  22, 23 ? ? "?* Nickel s4ver Ga". NEWPORT. J B iIr7//fi O HIWKCT SWEET.

BEDWELLTY DISTRICT COUNCIL. Mr Isaac Jones, J.P., presided at the ordinary meeting of the Bedwellty District Council on Tuesday, when Mr J. V. Lewis drew attention to the quality of the gas supplied from the Council's works at Blackwood. He laid. that the gas was so bad that it made people cough and spit. He had lit two burners in his bakehouse and then, had to light a candle.-(A Mem- ber To see the guP-Mr Lewis: Yes.) Mr Missenden, the gas manager, explained that this was due to labour troubles and the shortage of men.—It was decided to apply to the authorities for the release of "pivotal" men to carry on the work. A letter was read from the Abertillery District Council, asking the conncil to support them in their appeal to the L.G.B. ;for unity iu the matter of assessments in the county of Monmouth. The suggestion was adopted unanimously. ———— ese ————

WART DISEASE IN WALES. 1 IMPORTANT OFFICIAL I WARNING. With a view to preventing the spread of Wart disease, certain areas in various counties of South Wales and the English border have been certified or scheduled by the Board of Agriculture as Wart disease in. fected." In these areas only oertain varieties of potatoes may be planted for 1919 cropping. We are informed by the Food Production Department that the areas concerned include the administrative county of Glamorgan, the county boroughs of Cardiff, Swansea, and Merthyr Tydvil, the petty sessional divisions of Amman Valley and Llanelly, the adminis- trative county of Carmarthen, the petty sessional divisions of Brymnawr, Yst-adgynlais and Penderyn. the administrative county of Brecknock, the petty sessional divisions of Bed- wellty and Pontypool, and the parish of Risca in the administrative county of Monmooth. In these areas only these varieties of potatoes that have been approved I by the Board of Agrioulture as immune from Wart disease may be planted, with the exception of the following first early varieties, which have been specially licenced Duke of York, Midlothian Early, Sharp's Express, Ringleader. These first early varietyrs may be planted in clean land only'; uuder no circumstances must they be grown in soil where Wart disease has been known to exist. A list of varieties approved by the Board ef Agrioulture as immune from Wart disease, may be obtained, post Jree, on application to the Food Production Department, 72, Victoria Street, London, S.W.I. Any of the varieties named in the official list can be planted without a licence. PriaUt uui P"Usitai fey 0. J. Jacobs & Ce., at tkair 0. ViØoria JUittitea, akys. fi«y. M t?t C?Mty #f M?MMt?;- 12. <?ro« ?t. BMWt?, i* ?K C?tty Olmor. 1M; AW#ai. Decaaher lMi, I tit.

I", i.. I POLITICS FOR WtMEN. I BY WOMAN TOT SR. Fourteen women candidate* have been nominated aa4 two hundred aari fifty-six soidifcrs. It is efeurlj an historie election, not only is it the Ant ia wfeveh women have had a vote and been allowed t« siaad as candidates, but it is aadoubtedly a rerolu- tion in our political ayateai to ted fourteel women and two kwadred and fifty-six eoidierg in ptaee of the wwal mmopolv of colmo, if tke we. of Isug- > land have ciaiaMi the veto te which they are entitled, tfceee AwM be » g- majority for the saltier aad National Party caadidaiw; tat faaa the information I have collected I am afsaid that only a small proportiea of Che womm eakitled to vote are on tJae. ia net only a pity, but it ia wreajf, for I firmly telier* that it is the weill.. vote that ia foint to be a decisive Istftar in retumiaff the right men to ParliaaMat. The ealy fe2r is that this beinff the fink ekectioa ia which women have had a real practical iatereet, it is i'l:"t possible that through ignoraBee of the mt thods of pelitaeal job Vmbbon they may rcrord their veto ia At wrong direction. As this is the last article on this subject which can appear Were ..uør day, I want to imprem ea every w.aa who has el .limed hev veto tkia aU important fart, that the whele war will have fceea fought in vain if Genaaoy he aHewed to escape justice. I apeak in all siaeerity wiwa I ay that I believe it is the Mteatien of some of our politiciana to aHew her to do so. We women have fives our seas, husbands brothers, aad e«f paaey in a war that was not of our Widdar. a war that ,wae an in- justice to eivilisaam, and it is absolutely imperative that the criaiaal be mad. to pay. I have ne heeitatioa ia saying that I fear there are iaftteaees, backed by inter- national fiaaoce, workiag amenf eur poli- tical leaders to hamper them doing justice to Great Britain. The people of this ematry, both menBnd women, want and must have better koilgiljfl". improved health conditions, cheap electric lighting and heating ayetens, aaél many other thinya, &H of whieh come under the scheme of MCOUttuctioll. but in no cas^ must we lose sight of the fact that none of these things can he aeeuted aatiafactorilv unless they are founded o. a real peace and P just pesee, which leaves us with the- n hVu-withal to warrant legislation for the i-.n'jVroTement in our tot. We have beon seli-denyiag for several yearn, in fact have shown that any sacrifioetl would be mad e to win the war; there should be re- compense in better conditions of living, at 1 nil events, for the drab timtr from 1914 to 1918. Therefore, it is the first and most important of all issues of this election, whether the candidate fe* whom you give your vote will demand that the Government make Germany pay every penay it has cost, the Allies in defeating her. I can tell you that every National Party candidate has pledged himself to do this, and many candidates of the Coalition aad other urgaaiu-tiop as well, but od this, the [last chance that I shall have of eoinnouni- rnting with the many thousands ef women who read theee aotes, my last word it, be certain to vote, but aliso be certain to vote only for the man who pledges himself in .writiug to make Germany pay to the utter- (ito.se farthing for the misf^y she haa caused to humanity. Believe me, I am not imagiaing things whin I tell you that thore ia a definite effort being made, and backea no doubt by Germany's friends, to make the people of this country bear a fiaancial 1turiea that vvill create poverty and discontent through- out the pyeacat Maeratiea, and he haaned down to our children and children's aIail- dren. Per thie reaeen we should be thank- ful that am weaun hrfre it in our power to stop what I fcepe ia (%>maay'a last eAari to put the harden en us; they failed te ernah us. they t? weigh a< dew? in |*t- tWt pe y. G.uy)(U8I' PA.Y I ?c • .?.?<<