Barry Dock News

BARRY BOILERMAKERS AND SHIPBUILDERS' SOCIETY. ANNUAL DINNER AT THE BARRY HOTEL. PRESENTATION TO THE EX-PRESIDENT. INTERESTING ADDRESS BY DISTRICT DELEGATE FOX. The annual dinner and social evening in connec- tion with the Earl of Dunraven Branch (Barry) of the Boilermakers and Iron and Steel Ship- builders' Society was held on Thursday evening, the 12th instant, at the Barry Hotel Assembly Room, and proved a great success, the proceed- ings being most enjoyable throughout. The room had been tastefully decorated for the occasion, and the following mottoes graced the walls:- "Success to the Barry Branch of the Boiler- makers and Iron Shipbuilders' Society, Long live our General Secretary," Prosperity to our District Delegates &o. The chair was occupied by Mr John Williams, Barry Graving Dock, and amongst the large company present we noticed Dr Neale (surgeon of the lodge), Messrs G. H. Handcock, Knowles, H. L. Jones, D. Clarke, F. Griffin, W. J. Flowers, J. Arnold, D. W. Jenkins, F. Chappell, F. A. Fox (district delegate), J. Cann (South Wales District Secretary, Cardiff), M. Hopkins, R. Griffiths, W. Utting, H. Cottle, G. Angel, P. Skyrme (Barry Dock News), J. D. Polkinghorne, S. Jones, &c. The efficiency of the general arrangements was due to the following gentlemen who acted as committee:—Messrs J. H. Jose (secretary), M. Jones, E. Summers, W. Fowler, J. Dutton, M. Hopkins, W. Leay, J. Howarth, W. Howell, D. Thomas, and F. W. Chaddock. The dinner was an excellent and much enjoyed one, the following being the menu Boiled Mutton. Caper Sauce. Roast Pork. Apple Sauce. Roast Beef. Roast Goose. Apple Sauce. Roast Chicken. Bread Sauce. Roast Duck. Bute Pudding. Sherry Sauce. Apple Tart. Jam Tart. Jellies. Blancmange. Trifle. Stewed Pears and Custard. Having done justice to the good things pro- vided, letters of apology for absence were read from Dr Ensor, of Cardiff, who said he had missed the train, and Mr J. Lowdon, manager of the Barry Graving Dock, who was unable to be present, having caught a severe cold. The Chairman commenced the harmony by pro- posing the Royal toast, which was received with much applause. After an overture by the pianist, Mr R. Griffiths gave The song that reached my heart," and Mr W. J. Flowers, in place of Mr J. H. Hosgood (who was absent), proposed the toast, Boilermakers and Iron and Steel Shipbuilders' Society." Mr Flowers said he felt himself in a wrong place that night, speaking in another man's place, but he said there was at least one pleasant thing about the society, for he thought any society that provided for the equalization and protection of labour, and the pravision of an income to mem- bers and those they left behind, was worthy of the support of everyone. (Cheers.) Mr F. A. Fox, district delegate, said it afforded him great pleasure to respond to that toast, and attend at the anniversary dinner of the Barry branch, the members being always full of brotherly love, good feeling, and jolly good fellow- ship. (Hear, hear.) The toast they had just honoured was one which he had bad the privilege to respond to many times, and in that room on more than one occasion. It might appear to some that the speech was stale, but the labour question was a question of so much importance and magni- tude that no apology was needed in bringing it forward on every possible occasion. (Cheers.) Their own society supplied sufficient proof that if the workers of the country desired a better con- dition of life and labour they must first become organised. (Hear, hear.) Organisation was the first great essential element to the success of the labour movement. They had heard of the avaricious, capricious, unscrupulous employer being denounced, and in the vast majority of cases he believed they well deserved the censure cast upon them. Bringing the question nearer home he would speak of the workers and employers in general. If they looked back and saw what was the condition of the workers a quarter of a century ago, when they bad no legal status in the country, and then remember that at the present time that they had protection, security, and recognition, he thought that the workers themselves had much to be accountable for for the apathy and indifference they shewed but be would endeavour in a few words to prove they were not doing as much as they could considering the opportunities afforded them. In 1868 the first Trades' Union Congress met in Manchester, before the Trades' Union Act came into force. At that congress 34 delegates met, representing in round numbers 118,000 members. In that year the first security was afforded the funds of the workers' organisation. Prior to that year there was no security at alL Any unscrupulous fellow who had a few pounds belonging to a society could misappropriate them with impunity. At that time they had no working-men members of 'Parliament, and very few labour leaders, but the few trades' unionists and leaders of that day worked on against adversity for the bringing for- ward of measures calculated to improve the con- ditions of the working classes. (Cheer".) In 1871 the Trades' Union Act was passed, followed in 1876 by the Trades' Union Amendment Act. Their excuses for apathy ceased to exist over twenty years ago. The organisations increased until in 1890, when a congress was held, and there were something like 475 delegates, representing 150,000 members. They might not admit they had not done as much as they could. It was a substantial increase of the delegates and mem- bers represented in 1868, but let them remember that, according to some authorities, there were between six and seven millions adult toilers, and they were only able to represent in congress 16 or 18 per cent. of them. Whilst such apathy and in- difference were shown they could not expect Par- liament, the capitalists, lawyers, or bankers to come forward to do by legislation what they could do for themselves by organisation. They knew well that the social condition of the workers to-day was far from what it should be. They knew that the few who possessed and controlled the industries by which millions had to get their live- lihood had the power to bring want and destitu- tion to the homes of the workers. They could see that day this condition of things in the midland counties of England, and they bad almost done so in Wales the other day. Had it not been that the miners found they had not a powerful and good organisation to depend upon they would have found that the abortive strike in South Wales would have continued much longer. On the one side the efforts of the workers failed, but they found in the midlands that although the wolf was at the door they would not give in and the masters were about granting the required wages. They had a powerful organisation and the sympathies of the people against the enormous reduction of 25 per cent. in wages. (Applause.) He main- tained, therefore, that men were not alive to their own interests, and he questioned whether the leaders were alive to their own interests, for they went about preaching instead of bringing about better organisation. (Hear, hear.) If the six or seven million toilers he had referred to were mem- bers of organisations, not only for social purposes, benevolent purposes, or to obtain a high standard rate of wages, but to send some of their own mem- bers into Parliament, and then obtain legislation in the country. (Applause.) He considered that, notwithstanding the fact that the workers had done very much during the past quarter of a century, a crusade wanted to be preached to the workers from Land's End to John o' Groats, and thus put down the overbearing and grinding em- ployers, and give to the people a proper share of the profits of capital and labour. (Applause.) They knew very well this society had organised to a degree that had been excelled by none of the societies in Great Britain. (Cheers.) They bad employers in the shipbuilding trade that were surpassed by none in their fair dealing—(hear, hear)—and, therefore, he wished to bring this fact before the notice of the Press and members. (Applause.) He did not wish to make remarks upon the employers of this branch. During the past eleven years it had coat the boilermakers but a small percentage for the settlement of their dis- putes, and this was a proof that strikes bad not been a predominant feature of this society. (Applause.) Two or three years ago they were not so well organised, and had not such a large amount of capital. But times and circumstances were changed. A quarter of a century ago the Boilermakers' society reached its lowest ebb. The number of members was 7,000, and the funds amounted to R875. But what was the condition of things to-day ? The society had P,186,000 at their bankers, and over 36,000 members. (Cheers.) The employers, recognising their strength and capital, met the members when a dispute arose, and discussed the question in a friendly manner, and settlements were invariably the result of the conference. (Cheers.) If all workers in the country were organised, and also friendly societies, there would not be any starvation or un- happy homes. (Hear, hear.) There was a great social work to be performed. They had few representatives in Parliament compared with the enormous interests that. were at stake, and so all organisations should work to obtain direct labour representation. If the miners at Pontefract and elsewhere had working-men magistrates the Riot Act would never have been read and the lives of poor working-men would never have been taken away, and it was on this account that the workers are oppressed when they have in their hands the power of altering this condition of things. (Hear, hear.) He was pleased there was a tendency in this direction. They had working- men as county councillors and town councillors, and he congratulated the local Trades' Council for agitating to obtain a working-man magistrate, and also Mr Jose upon having been selected for appointment. (Cheers.) He was pleased to see that Barry, at, all events, was endeavouring to place working-men on the Bench, for working- men had a right to be represented thereon-(hear, hear)—and until such time had arrived the social condition of the workers would be little better than it was at present. He would say the Boilermakers' Society had suc- ceeded in keeping to the forefront of trades unionism, and when they heard some of the "latter-day saints" of the country running down trades unionism it naturally tried the men's tempers and feelings. (Hear, hear.) What had been done vp to 1890 had been done by the trades unionists, and it was the old trades unionists who had made the roads easy for their successors to travel upon. He hoped each member would en- deavour to make their society more respected than it was. They could claim that their wages were kept up to a reasonable standard, and that the society was also founded for benevolent purposes. During twenty-five yeats of the society's existence it had paid away £ 908,617 for benevolent pur- poses. Many homes had been made happy, many hearts cheered, and empty stomachs filled, and it was sterling proof to the wealthy man that the poor rates would be double what they were if trade and friendly societies had not kept men from applying for relief. (Hear, hear.) He hoped the members would not rest contented, but that they would keep the society to the forefront of trades unionism, and be prepared and full of energy if it was found necessary at any time to fight (Cheers.) The tendency of many employers and capitalists was to form a powerful federation to endeavour to crush the poor working classes. It was, therefore, their duty to strengthen the bond of friendship and unionism, and not allow any petty differences to weaken their ranks, so that in the future, if they were called upon to do anything, they would not be ashamed of the organisation to which they belonged. (Loud ap- plause. ) Mr H. Cottle favoured with the song, Say a kind word," after which the Chairman called upon Mr J. H. Jose to make a presentation. Mr J. H. Jose said his duty was a very pleasant one, that of presenting a handsome marble clock with ornaments to Mr Morris Jones, late president of the branch. He bad known Mr Jones for a number of years as a co-worker in trades unionist principles, and he was sure that during that time he had proved himself faithful in his work and as a man. (Applause.) When they started the branch they looked round for good officers, having a desire to make the branch the best in the Order, and they selected Bro. Morris Jones to fill the post of president of the Barry branch, and he had ful- filled the duties for two years in a very creditable manner, their expectations being more than fully realised. (Cheers.) He considered this branch was second to none in the Order for the manner in which the lodge was conducted, and much of its success was due 4o Bro. Morris Jones. (Hear, bear.) Having decided to give up office the mem bers had purchased the clock and figures, the former bearing the following inscription Pre- sented to Bro. Morris Jones by the members of the Barry Branch of the Boilermakers and Iron and Steel Shipbuilders' Society as a token of respect for past services, October 12th, 1893." (Applause.) They had not gone outside to collect, and considering the depression that was hanging around, the present was no mean gift. (Hear, hear.) He hoped Bro. Jones would accept it, not so much for its value, but for the spirit in which it was given. They all trusted God would give him strength to do such good services i.1 the future as he had in the past. (Applause.) Mr F. A. Fox then presented Mr Morris Jones with the emblem of the Order from the executive council, bearing the following inscription:— Presented to Bro. Morris Jones by the Executive Council, September 14th, 1893, as amark of esteem for services rendered to the society.—R. Knight, general secretary." Mr Fox said he did not regret being privileged in having the opportunity of pre- senting an emblem from the executive council to Bro. Jones. (Hear, hear.) He had known Bro. Jones for some years, and what he knew of him his record was good. Bro. Morris Jones had been a missionary, and they had sent him to the hills to preach the gospel of trades unionism to the white slaves. He had found it a difficult task, but he was not faint-hearted or frightened. (Cheers.) He was sure his speeches had been listened to with respect; and he was also sure that Bro. Morris Jones had done much to make the Barry branch what it was-one of the most prosperous in the Order. (Applause.) He richly deserved the small token of respect they offered to him that night. The intrinsic value of the emblem was not much, but it had been described as the Victoria Cross of the Boilermakers' Society. (Cheers.) He had great pleasure in presenting him with the emblem from the executive council, and hoped it would cause him to take even a greater interest in the society. (Applause.) Mr Morris Jones, replying, said he did not know how to express himself in recognition of the presentations made to him for his humble services to the society. It had always been a pleasure to do anything for the benefit of the society, and would do so in future as far as lay in his power. He again thanked the executive council and the members for the presents. (Applause.) Song, True to the core," Mr W. Leay duett, "Larboard watch," Messrs E. Richards and R. Griffiths. Mr J. Cann proposed the toast of The Earl of Dunraven Branch," and said it afforded him great pleasure to be there that night, and their expecta- tions had been fully realised. They ware deeply indebted to the Barry branch for the support afforded by them at the district meeting. No branch was in a more flourishing condition than the Earl of Dunraven branch. (Applause.) Mr W. Howell responded, and gave a few statistics with' reference to the branch. The balance in hand last quarter, he said, was 9215 12s lid. The income from October to December, 1892, was JB88 8s 7d, and the expen- diture, JB78 5s 8d. The income from January to March, 1893, amounted to JB79 16s 6!d, and the expenditure, J355 16s 2d; April to June, income, JB90 5s 5d, and expenditure, 266 4s lOd July to September, income, L72 12s 6d, and expenditure, L96 16s total income, E347 3s lid; total ex- penditure, 2297 4s 8d; balance in hand, £ 266 5s 0 £ d. (Cheers.) Mr G. Angel rendered in good style The warrior bold' j and Mr E. Richards gave The midshipmite." The Chairman submitted the toast of "The Medical Profession." The toast, he said, had one peculiar attraction, it was new to him. It was the first time he had had the honour of proposing the medical profession, and in doing so he should guard himself aerainst misapprehension. He hoped it would not be supposed that the health of that distinguished body of men was incompatible with the health of their patients. (Laughter and hear, hear.) He could not do more than allude to the achievements of the English profession io surgery, but, above all, what endeared the doctors to the hearts of the people was that kindly human sympathy, that unfailing good nature, which made them the best of comrades and the truest of friends. (Applause.) Dr Neale, surgeon of the branch, responded. He was greatty obliged for the flattering manner in which the chairman had proposed the toast. The whole of the civilised world was working for the benefit of every country, and strong progress was being made. (Cheers.) He was proud to belong to this branch for it seemed to be based upon sueh a solid foundation, and everything ap- peared to be unity. He wished the branch, therefore, continued success. (Cheers.) After Mr D. W. Jenkins had sung Mother Shipton," which was encored, Mr F. Chadwick proposed "The Visitors." The branch, he said, should be proud to have such distinguished visitors as were present that evening. (Hear, hear.) Mr J. Arnold, responding, said he was pleased to be present. He had listened with attention to the speech of Mr Fox, and if they would only bear the facts in mind .their position in life would be much better. (Cheers.) He hoped the working- men in the district would succeed in their endea- vouhave a working-man magistrate appointed, for there were too many on the magisterial bench who did not understand the working man, and it was time legislation stepped in to altfr the con- dition of things. (Applause.) He believed Mr. J. H. Jose, if appointed, would conduct himself in a fair, honest, and impartial manner. (Cheers.) Mr H. L. Jones also responded, and Mr J. Howarth gave The Press," stating it was abso- lutely necessary for the working-man to take in his newspaper. (Hear, hear.) Mr P. Skyrme (Barry Dock News) and Mr J. D. Polkinghorne responded. Song, "Providence," Mr W. Bowles, The toast of The Host and Hostess waa placed in the hands of Mr W. Fowler, who eulogised the manner in which the catering had been carried out. Mr George Best having given the song, Red, white, and blue," Mr Bothfield proposed the toast of The Com- mittee," and referred to the indefatigable manner in which the arrangements had been carried out by them. Mr J. Howarth and Mr J. H. Jose responded. Songs were sung by Mr E. Richards and Mr Warham, and Mr Morris Jones proposed The Chairman," which was enthusiastically accorded, and the proceedings closed with the singing of the national anthem. Mr A. Grey was an able accompanist.

BARRY DOCK POLICE COURT. THURSDAY, the 13th instant.—Before Colonel Guthrie and Dr Neale. STEALING ROPE FROM A SHIP AT BARRY DOCK. Michael O'Connell, David Watson, John Murray, and John Rooke were charged with stealing a quan- tity of rope, the property of Messrs Watts, Hern, and Company, from the steamship Hounslow, lying' aft Barry Dock. Mr F. P. Jones-Lloyd, solicitor, prose- cuted. Dock-constable W. Atkins said on the 11th instant he saw three of the defendants coming from the dock, carrying two bags and a bed. On question- ing them they said they did not know where they were going nor could they give a pass for the articles. They stated the boatswain (John Murray) handed it over the side of the vessdl for them to take the same up to the town. They were taken to the police-lodge, where Murray denied having handed over the rope, and the same was Identlffed as belonging to the VW°R AT Prisoners were then taken into custody. Murray was dismissed, and the other prisoners were sentenced, to sevealiww bard la.wur. POACHING AT PETERSTONE. John Davies, hawker, Grangetown, Cardiff, was charged with poaching at Peterstone-super-Ely, on the 14th ultimo. Defendant was seen in a trap, with three other men, by Constable W. Evans, who found the vehicle to contain nets, rabbits, and a gun. William Griffiths said he saw defendant poaching on a warren in the possession of Mr Matthews, Pendoy- lan. Defendant denied the offence. Fined 0 and costs. STOWAWAYS ON A BARRY-BOUND SHIP. James Miller, Edward Hughes, and John Dog- gherty, young men, were charged with being stowa- ways on board the steamship Glanelg. whilst on a voyage from Greenock to Baltimore. The captain of i oi8 a 8 defendants were discovered on the ldth August, and were given work to do. The vessel was short of two seamen. The Bench said as the boys had worked they would be dismissed, but ,cautioned them as to their future conduct. STEALING WHISKY AND BEER FROM A BARRY TEAMER. John Fake, a steward, was charged with stealing bottles of beer and whisky, the property of Ernest Edward Plummer, master of the steamship Eurydice (lying at Barry Dock), whilst engaged as steward on that steamer. Mr F. P. Jones-Lloyd, solicitor, prosecuted. Defendant admitted the offence, and was- fined jEl and costs, in default, fourteen days' hard labour. ROBBERY OF A WATCH AT LLANCARFAN. A man named Vile, a labourer, was charged with stealing a watch from Ephraim Oliborne, on the 6th instant. From the evidence given it appeared the men were in the Fox and Hounds Inn, Llancarfan, .when Osborne fell asleep, and defendant took the- watch. P.O. Solomon arrested Vile, who admitted taking the watch, but said he intended giving it back. Remanded till the following day at Cardiff. A COUPLE OF POACHERS AT WENVOE. William Scott and Edward Barnett, labourers, were brought up on a charge of poaching at Wen voe on the uth instant. George Doswell, gamekeeper, said he saw a wire laid near a wood at Wenvoe in the posses- sion of Mr S. Robinson. He watched and saw- defendants go to the wire, in which was a pheasant. bcott was fined 10s and costs, but Baruett was dis- missed. A CARDIFF PRINTER SENT TO PRISON. Thomas Jones, of respectable appearance, was sent for a month's hard labour for begging at Penarth on the 9th instant. On being searched a quantity of bread, cheese, and other food was found on him, and 2s 2d in his boots. Prisoner said he was a printer, from Cardiff, out of work. A CADOXTON BOARDING-MASTER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. John Dwyer, boarding-house keeper, Holmes- street, Cadox ton-Barry, was charged on remand with unlawfully wounding Le Vas Gene, a French sailor, on the 5th instant. Prosecutor said he lodged at the boarding-house of James Webb, Vere-street, Cadox- ton. He was to have joined a ship on the 5th, and left the house to do so, when he met prisoner, who took him into his house and would not let him go out. Defendant took a knife from him, and when he (wit- ness) endeavoured to go out Dwyer struck him and pushed the end of the knife into his face. He was also knocked down, and became insensible. -Dr Livingstone said he examined prosecu- tor, and found a cut on his face just under the left eye an inchandahalflong, extending down to tbebone. —Alfred Jones, for the defence, said prosecutor was very drunk in Dwyer's house. Defendant struck Gene with his fist, and he fell on the edge of the fender, because he flouished a knife.—This evidence was corroborated by several witnesses. Prisoner was committed for trial at the quarter sessions, to be holden at Swansea. Mr A. W. Morris, solicitor, Penarth, appeared for the defence.

BARRY. The coal shipments at Barry Dock, although certainly not so high as they should be at this time of the year, maintain a fair average total, thA official figures on Friday morning representing 84,163 tons 9 cwts for the past week, with 48 vessels in dock wait- ing for cargoes. Preparations for the erection of six newttips on the western side of the dock are proceed- ing,\nd their completion may shortly be expected.

PENARTH. There was a slight falling off at Penarth last week# the quantity of coal placed on board being 48,938 tons. The ships in dock on Friday afternoon numbered 16. The harbour trade is slack, but cargotS of general goods regularly arrive at the wharves.