The Merthyr Express

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Peace in the Coalfield. Agreement Signed and Sealed. Mutual Congratulations. The protracted negotiations (or a new agree- ment to govern the wage rate in the South Wales coalfield are over, and peace prevails. Last Friday this representatives of the Coal- owners' Association and the workmen's repre- sentatives met at Cardiff and signed a new Concillition Board agreement, which came into operation on Saturday, instead of the old agreement terminated by the workmen s notice on the 31st March. Peace is assured for a term of five years, for the new agreement is to continue in force until the 31st of March, 1915, and thenceforth until it is terminated by a three months' notice given by either side. The new agreement differs in many respects from its predecessor, and incorporates in its clauses the new terms proposed by the coal- owners and accepted by the miners by a ma- jority of 62,310. Briefly, these provide for the continuance of the present rate of wages of 50 per ccnt. nuovc the standard of 1879. until they arc ci i.dnccd or reduced in consequence of a change In the price of coal, the fixing of a minimum of 35 per oen t. with an equivalent value of 12s. 5d. per ton, and a maximum of 60 per cent. above the standard of 1879. In cases of advances above 50 per cent., 50 per cent. shall be the oriuivalent of 14s. 9d., but in cases of reduc- tions 50 per cent. shall be the equivalent of !*1- per ton. The agreement also provides that men shall not be under any obligation to «-ork the extra 60 hours mentioned in the Eight, Hours Act, and that the payment of six turns for five for night work shall continue, but payment for overtime shall oease. The owners do not press for double shifts in the face, but theso are to be provided for in headings, and for development purposes, and an effective afternoon shift will be required for clearanco purposes, the payment for the latter to be similar to payments made for working present night shifts. There is also a provision made for an overlapping shift, and for the amending of the Eight Hours Act in order to legalise this on Saturdays. The new agree- ment also deals with times allowed for meals and with the hours of surfacemen, as well as with the customs to be introduced when non- fatal accidents occur in collieries and pro- vides that there shall be no stoppage for fun- erals except by arrangement with the manage- ment. Altogether, nine clauses have been added to the new agreement, which also incor- porates many of the clauses of the old agree- The Coalowners' Association and the Miners' Fcrderation met in separate rooms in the En- $ineors' Institute, last Friday morning in or- der to prepare for the meeting of the Con- ciliation Board in the afternoon. Mr. W. J. ITeppell presided over the coalowners, and ex- plained to them in detail the meaning of the new terms proposed to be inserted in the new agreement. Some of the coalowners, though they had empowered their representatives on the Conciliation Board to carry out the nego- tiations, were displeased with the result, and considered the terms offered were to geneorous, but eventually, though they were of opinion that the terms fell short of what the coalowners were equitably entitled to, they approved of ,their adoption. The Executive Council of the Miners' Fed- eration, over which Mr W. Brace. M.P., pre- sided, received the official result of the ballot with much satisfaction, and though the min- ers' leaders felt very much in the same frame of mind as did the owners—that they were entitled to more-they accepted the decision of the ballot, and with the exception of Mr. C. B Stanton, who represented the only district that returned an adverse vote, th/5 men's re- presentatives decided to sign the agreement. pirl- Mr. Stanton explained that he could not do so in the face of the vote of his district until he had further consulted the workmen. Everything, therefore, was ready for the meeting of the Conciliation Board in the after- noon, for Mr. Charles Kenshole, the, owners' solicitor, and Mr. W. P. Nicholas, the work- men's solicitor; had drafted the clauses. The agreement was ready for signature, but in the course of discussion in the afternoon it wa; found necessary to make a few alterations in the wording. In order to do this separate meet- ings again became necessary, but that there was no hitch and no serious difference of opinion can be gathered from the fact that the agreement was finally signed in a little over an hour after the Joint Board met. THE MEETING OF THE BOARD. ABNORMAL PLACES QUESTION. The Joint Board meeting was presided over by Mr. W J Heppell, whilst Mr. W Brace, M.P., occupied the chair on the workmen's side. Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., and Mr. W. Abraham, M.P., who had been absent from several of the previous meetings owing to ill- ness, ako attended, and were warmly wel- comed by their colleagues. The proceedings were very formal A few points arose with re- gard to the wording of the draft agreement .which had been prepared. These required con- sideration, and the parties separated once or twice to consult their respective solicitors. The points referred to the Sunday night shifts, and the payment of six turns for five, but neither presented insuperable difficulties, and the terms were eventually agreed upon. When the time arrived for signing the agreement Mr. Ver- non Hartshorn drew attention to an undertak- ing with regard to the signing of the agree- ment without an abnormal clause. He wished to make his position clear, for he did not in- tend to sign any list which did not contain such a clause, and be made this statement in order that it might not be said that he had committed a breach of the agreement. He would rather not sign the agreement and would clear out of the Board rather than be considered a party to something which he did not afterwards observe. Mr. J. Boyd Harvey, managing director of North's Navigation, said that u that was the position taken up by Mr. Hartshorn, he had better not sign the agree- ment at all, but if he did not sign the price lists it might mean a local fight. Mr. Hart- shorn said he was prepared to sign the agree- ment, because the undertaking which had been given by his colleagues had not been given by him, and there was no mention of it in the agreement itself. He was not aware of the undertaking with regard to abnormal places until that day, and he did not consider him- self bound by it. He saw. however, no obsta- cle in the way of his signing the agreement it. self. and the matter of the price lists could be dealt with by him locally. Mr. Hartshorn then signed the agreement, as did all the other re- presentatives of the men with the exception of Mr. Stanton, who walked out of the room'. Mr. Stanton stated afterwards that the rea- son he abstained from voting was because his

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Mass Meeting of Aberdare Colliers 1 STRONG DEJTUNCIATION OF THE LEADERS. < NEW AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED. i On Monday evening a mass meeting of the miners in the Aberdare Valley was held at the Market Hall, Aberdare, to consider the position of Mr. C. B. Stahton, the miners' agent, who ? declined to sign the new Conciliation Board agreement without first obtaining the sanction 1 of the men to such a course. The chair was occupied by Mr. P. Davies, the chairman of the district, and he was supported by councillor Illtyd Hopkins (secretary) and the whole of the executive committee. There was a large attendance of colliers from all parts of the District. Mr. P. Davies, without any intro. ductory remarks, called upon Mr. Stanton to address the meeting. SECTIONAL STRIKE WOULD BE USELESS. Mr. Stanton, who was accorded an enthu- siastic reception, said the meeting had been called because he promised a previous mass meeting of the men that he would not sign the agreement without first consulting the men (hear, hear). They had all doubtless read that all the other miners' leaders had signed the agreement, so it was for that meeting to decide whether he was to do so. Although he could not tell them that the agreement was any better than it was when he last addressed them, it was for them to consider their position. If he did not sign the agreement he would not be able to sit on the Conciliation Board, and he did not think they would care to send any one else from that district to do so. (Cries of No.") Then there was the question whether they should sign /the agreement themselves, and, following that, whether he should. He was opposed to the agreement, and was in favour of a national stoppage, tut circumstances over which he, at least, had no control, prevented the realisation of that idea, and the new agree- men, had been accepted by the men. He was sure, however, that thousands had voted in favour of accepting the agreement who did no believe in it, but because they realised that there was no chance to get any support, finan- cially or otherwise, from other parts of the United Kingdom. Seeing that the agreement was acceptable to his colleagues, it was no usa for the Aberdare District to stand out alone. Indeed, he agreed with his colleagues that a sectional strike was useless, even for the whole of South Wales. The men of Aberdare had shown splendid loyalty, and he now aeked them to thow that they understood disciyiiqp ae j' well by signing themselves and allowing him to sign as well (hear, hear). He knew that many of them would be very discontented with the result, and he had already heard threats from many tliat^they would no Wger'pay to the Federation. He had been that as the result thousands in the Aberdare Valley would refuse to pay. If they wanted to play into the hands of employers let them make that known (applause). If they wanted to play into the of those who in the past had refused to pa.y except under great pressure, that was the ticket to play. He did not believe that, how- ever, of the Aberdare men (loud applause). They wanted to be united in that district, and to have funds in hand to fight for their rights. It would, indeed, be a nice thing for Ùe em- ployers to discover the one district which had set the pace in t),'1 coalfield was becoming demoralised. Let them be united, for by united action alone could they hope to succeed. He was sorry to learn that at several lodges, on Saturday last, the contributions received were only a quarter of the usual amount. He hoped that waJ dono merely as a protest against the terms of the new agreement, and that the men would pay up. Then, at future conferences, they would find out that they were going to get the sympathy of many of the men in every district. A TRUMPET BLOWER. Although some of the leaders had let them down, he co was satisfied that there was a large body of the men in sympathy with them. Let them pay their contributions and he was sure they would do better. He was out for what was fair to the men and long overdue (hear, hear). He. had been called a trumpet blower. If he had sounded a clarion cry that had reached the hearts of the men of South Wales he was satisfied (loud applause). He knew that he sacrificed popularity by his action the popular men were those who preached peace—yea, peace at any price. If he were a man of peace every tradesman would praise him, but now he was called an agitator and an irresponsible person who lived on the backs of the men (shame). They knew he was saying the truth. It was hard enough to be a miners' leader, a.nd he had only the men to rely on. Would they turn their backs on him. (Cries of No.") If he spoke out plainly he was called abusive, but the workmen in the South Wales coalfield looked out for a straight lead (loud applause). The grocer, the publican and the commercial travel. lers were all very anxious that the men should go back to work. He often wondered why the commercial traveller, who was paid by his employer for doing his best for him, did not sometimes think that Stanton ought to do the same for those who paid him (hear, hear). As they served their employers so did he, only that he did not receive their salary (laughter). If Stanton was seen coming out of an hotel smoking a cigar, there was a hue and cry by these men, who received £6 a week for expenses, in addition to £5 or £6 salary, and spent all their spare time in hotels (hear, hear). Oh,^ they cried, that fellow ought to be shot. He still remembered the time he was himself a. collier, and the difficulties a eollier had to contend with. He preferred that to the people being able to say, Stanton is now standing for East Glamorgan, and now stands for peace." He knew his advocacy of the men's cause had lost him .thousands of votes. If he never became a member of Parliament he would act as a miners' leader, and say what he believed to be the truth. The employers thought that they had now secured a five years' peace. Perhaps they had. (Cries of No.") If they were to have peace, and he hoped they would, the owners would have to part with more pieces than they had done (laughter). He was going to send forward a notice of of motion to the Federation re abnormal places, and Mr. Enoch Edwards, the president of the Federation, had promised it should be considered. The following was the notice :—" That the miners of Scotland, England and Wales meet the respective owners and demand a fair Jiving wage to be paid to all colliers working in abnor- mal places, failing to get which, that a national conference be called, with a view of Calling a national stoppage to enforce our just demands." (Loud applause). They would get opposition to that proposal, but he was going to persevere with it, and, if necessary, to send missionaries to those districts where the miners' leaders were weak. GUERILLA WARFARE. He heard that the hauliers were threatening to secede. He would strongly advise them to do nothing of the, kind. They had done a great deal for the hauliers, although he was prepared to admit that they bad not got all they would like to get for them. They had- secured them 4d. a day, in spite of the agree, ment, and some other concessions as well. Then, in regard to-those who were now under- paid at the csllieriee—labourere receiving 2s. 8d. and 2s. lOd. a day—he could not promise these men an advance under the agreement, but he did promise them that he would do his utmost to force-and coerce the employers to grant higher wages where practicable (loud applause). He would continue, too, to help the men in abnormal places. If they failed to get fair play there was such a thing as guerilla warfare still possible, at least, in that coalfield (loud applause). So long as the conduct of the employers was fair under the agreement, so long would there be a prospect of peace; but if the employers tried to use the whip they would find out that the men could snarl and bite as well (cheers). It was only for one district to start that kind of thing, and it would easily extend (hear, hear). Aberdare was not the worst paid district in the South Wales coalfield, and he did not see any use in their remaining out, without any prospect of strike pay. Let them remain for the present in the Federation, and prime their delegates to set the mark a bit higher (loud applause). If they could not get the Federation to move, then they would have to consider how to do so. The next time they had such a business on he would have to issue a manifesto in Welsh and English, to the wives, to try and convice them that they were fighting their battle and the battle of the children (hear, hear). He was fighting for fair remuneration for the husbands. It was better to suffer for a time than for all time. It was better to see the children starving when the father was idle than to see them starving when the father was at work. TALK OF SECESSION. At the close of Mr. Stanton's speech a collier, while asking a question, advocated secession from the M.F.G.B. Mr. Stanton, in reply, said he was not going to advocate secession at the moment, but he was quite prepared to tell them that if the Federation was not prepared to go quick enough he for one was prepared to join the quicker-going districts and to affiliate with them. Before, however, talking of that, he granted to give their friends at Cardiff and the M.F.G.B. another chance. They could not tiang him or Barker, and some of the others, and they were going still to peg at It, but he could tell them one thing, if there was tp be a split, Aberdare alone was not coming out. (Loud nd long-continued applause.) One of the men said that it was useless for the Aberdare district to go to the deep sea (laughter). He therefore moved that it was better for them to accept the terms like all the other districts. No doubt they would be told in the Press that their agent had climbed down or had learnt wisdom (laughter). He was one of those who helped to lessen the profits of the capitalists, Mid thus increase the earnings of the men. He criticised Mr. Walter Lewis's suggestion to boycott' abnormal places. It would lead bo victimisation, and the men beil1& thrown out of work. What they wanted was more of the spirit of agitation for the rights of the people. Let their agent, like De Wet, continue fighting, and, if necessary, run away to fight again. Mr. John Prowle seconded the resolution. He said they had fought a good fight, and although they had not won they were, he believed, on the way to victory. He was in favour of Mr. Stanton, as their agent, signing the agreement, so that he could attend on their behalf at the Conciliation Board. He well remembered the time when their late agent, Alderman David Morgan, refused to sign, and they had to elect another one to sit on the committee, and it proved very inconvenient. Some people might say, after Mr. Stanton had signed the agreement, that he had been subdued. That was not so. It was Mr. Stanton who had opened the eyes of the people and the leaders to the abnormal places question, and it was ho who had brought forward the question of the payment for small coal; but, unfortunately, their leaders had given that up without a fight. Mr. Brace used to tell them, years ago in his younger days, when he had a bit of fight in him, that if they joined the M.F.G.B. they would get great things. The men, however, were no better for having done so, aud after twelve experience, he [Mr. Prowle) saw no hopes of Rule 20 being put n force, with the clique that was now ruling. The South Wales leaders went to London pretending to demand that, but some of them, with' soft heads and absolutely boneless, had really given up everything in Cardiff. Some of the leaders were getting too respectable'; that was the truth about it. He then said that colliers working in abnormal places ought to come to the checkfceigher and others, and tell them how they were treated. Had they noticed that during the present uegotiaM.jnH there had bn no tables in the newspapers showing the earnings of colLers s That told 0 tale. 1 1'he iaot was that they h&d not only to fight

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MRS. JONES AT THE RINK, j Dear Mr. Editor,—Its delightfull to read Mrs Davies' experiences any time, but those of last Saturday night week eclipses oil other previous ones of hers, and I have no doubt whatever 1 that it was a treat to all, sightseers as well, as been somewhat of a curiosity. I am sorry I wasn't there; I'm sure my presence with that of Mrs. Davies's would have proved a double attraction. I have not attended the rink for some time, but will do so in the near future, with the hope of catching a glimps of Mrs. Davies gliding along. The last time I went tanking, I had a dreadfull experience, but in spite of all that I don't feel the least daunted. I had intended writting all about it before now, but had kept putting it asside until Mrs. j Davies preceded me. Well, a few weeks ago, I went all alone (wh:ch was very indiscreet of me), while Will was away on business. I en- tered the rink, and was enthusiasticalW greeted on all sides. Young men kept doffing their hats, and indeed eveTy one gave me every encoragement. I had the skates fastened. It wasn't the first time, as I had had them on many year; ago when I was a young woman; no, I mean when I was a young girl, of course —I'm only a young woman, strictly speaking. However I righted myeelf and pushed off right into the middle of the rink; but I found that it was with great difficulty I could balance myeelf upright. I did so for a while, but I got so far and stood still. I looked round, and, to my amazement I noticed that I was the object of everyone's attention. Of course, I then tried to look as little concerned as possible— same as the young women try to do when they meet an old sweetheart whom they'd like to speak to, but do, not want to show it. I took out my handkerchief, and pretended to wipe my perspiring, when lo and behold! it fell to the floor. I could distinctly see that many of the onlookers were trying to suppress I their laughter. Now, thought I, I am not- going to give in, not if I "kies the floor." I coughed and hiccuped a few times, and pro- ceeded to stoop. I felf the blood rushing to my head, and was as bashfull as a young girl having her first kiss. I reached forward, when all at once I skidded and fell forward to the floor. I felt the humiliation verv much, but I rolled right on my back and soon got up in a sitting position. Then what I call a heroic, slim, young man came and offered to assist me to my feet. I looked rather suspicious, because you see, I weigh nearly sixteen stone. However, I aooepted his kind offer; then he took hold of me by the arm-pits, and made a frantic attempt to raise me. When he had succeeded in lifting me up about six inches, my confounded skates commenced revolving, and down I went with a bang again to the floor, the young gentleman toppling over me nearly knocking me out of breath. He soon got on his feet, and whistled, when quite a number of young men came to my as- sistancej including the instructor, who gave orders, saying "that many could help one, when one couldn't help many." Then he offi- ciouslv placed the men in position, and I actu- ally heard one man saying in an undertone. "Hadn't we better have a deric and rope and blocks," which our Will explained afterwards were used for heavy weight lifting. They got ready, the instructor shouting, "Now then," and they heaved a terrible heave, but hadn't risen me to position, whereas I could have d's- puted the law of gravitation when something went "rap!" and down I went again, whollop, to the boards, to the accompaniment of a huge, cruel, giggling laughter. What do you think happened? \yhy, one of those clumbsy jackasses had actually—inadver- tently or otherwise (and I am inclined to think the latter)—stepped on the bottom of my skiit (the walking-out one). The compact made a large rip. Of course, I famted away, as is j quite natural for a young woman of my senti ments. I came to in a short time, and found the ekates had been removed bv several ladies in attendance; they formed a kind of screen, provided me with an overall to put over my skirt, and slipped me out bv a s'de entrance. But, as Will said, "it was only an accident," when he consoled me that night, but I shall soon make another appearance. SUSANNAH JONES.

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MERTHYR POLICE COURT. FRED AT.—Before Sir T. Marchant Williams (Stipendiary), Mr. J. Plews, Mr. Dd. Prosser, and Mr. John Evans (Iscoed). FOB TRIAL.—Michael Flynn was charged with wilfully breaking a plate-glass window at Longstaff'e Penny Bazaar, Graham-street, Merthyr, on the previous Monday night. P.C. Scott saw the prisoner go to the shop and de- liberately kick the window, doing damage to the extent of £ 7.—Defendant was committed for trial at the Merthyr Quarter Sessions- His CHILDREN. Michael Corkery was charged with running away and leaving his two children chaigeable to the poor rate.— Mr. Richards, warrant officer to the Board of Guardians, said the children had met the rates ten guineas.—Defendant was sent to gaol for a month. OLD OFFENDM.-Rachael Thomas and Jane Davies, prostitutes, were charged with stealing a purse containing a sovereign from the person of Wm. Prosser, a Glynneath collier, at Mer- thyr.—Davies dropped the sovereign whilst be- ing taken to the police station by P.C. Idris Davies. The officer having picked up the coin, she told him to keep 7s. 6d. for her until she came out of prison, and to retain the rest him- self.—There were 68 previous convictions against Davies and 48 against Thomas, and they were sent to prison for six months. ASSAULTED THE POLICE.—John Owen was fined J65 or a month, for a violent assault upon ) P.C. Carter, at Dowlais. The officer was kick- ed when he was taking the defendant to the police station for being drunk. "THE CIRCUS GIRL." Florence Davies, a circus girl, was charged with stealing a coat and skirt, value L2, the property of Elizabeth Sarah Atkins, married woman, at Troedyrhiw, on March 17th.-Prcae- cutrix said the defendant came to her bouse and asked for lodgings, saying she was a rider at Alexander's Circus. Witness saw the de- fendant in the procession. The next morning defendant left with the circus, and later on witness missed a black skirt, value L2, from the wardrobe.P .S. W. Lewis, Troedyrhiw, said the last witness gave information, and that morning he received defendant in custody from Carmarthenshire. Defendant said the skirt was taken by mistake: she did not know she carried it away until she found it in her possession after leaving Troedyrhiw. She thought the owner would have sent a postcard. The skirt must have been on the bed.-De- fendant was fined 20s., or 14 days. THE KING'S ARMS HOTEL, MERTHYR. At the police court, on the previous Tuesday Mr. Lincoln Reed, barrister, applied for a protection order in the case of the King's Arms Hotel, High-street, Merthyr. He explained that the present licensee was in arrear with his rent, and a High Court action was pending to recover possession under the terms of the lease. With a knowledge of that fact the li- censee closed the house on the day before Good Friday, and it had remained closed since. As soon as possible application was made to a judge in London for the appointment of a receiver of the licence and of the profits of the business, and Mr. Emanuel, an ex-police officer, was appointed. He now asked that the licence should be transferred to Mr. Emanuel. The application was adjourned. Mr. F S. Simons, representing Mr. Jones, the former tenant, now said he noticed from the newspaper reports that Mr. Reed stated that the tenant had given up carrying on the business and had closed the house and removed the goods to avoid the proceedings which Mr. Reed's cli- ents were taking. The facts, however, were that early this year the licensee commenced an action against Mr. George, the owner of the property, claiming damages for misrepresen- tation when the lease was entered into. That action would be heard later on at the Assizes. Pending the hearing Mr. George brought an action against the licensee to recover posses- sion of the premises. Ijtfat action had not been defended in any way,-because the licensee was only too pleased to get rid of the property, in- asmuch as it was an incubus to him. This was a different story from that told by Mr. Lincoln Reed. The lioensee was only too glad to give up possession and hand over the keys of the house in obedience to an order of the High Court appointing an interim receiver, and he did not resist any transfer of the licence. At the Police Court, on Tuesday, Mr. Lin- coln Reed renewed his application for the trans- fer of the licence to Mr. Emanuel, and the ap- Pl^tion was granted. Mr. Reed said he would like to refer to a statement made on rriday by Mr. Simons, and said it was a ques- tionable thing for him to have done as the matter was sub judice.—The Stipendiary- said he allowed Mr. Simons to make his statement. He did not think any harm was done; TUESDAY.—Before Sir T. Marchant Williams (Stipendiary), Mr. John Evans (Iscoed), Mr. Arthur Howfield, Mr. D. C. Evans. DEAB FIGHT.-Daniel Williams and William Williams, for fighting in CaTdiff-road, Quakers' Yard, were fined 40s. and costs each. BAD LANGUAGE.—William Casey, an old of. fender. was lined 5s. and costs for using bad language early in the morning at Ynysgau, on the previous Tuesday. He had come from the coke ovens. Michael Shean, for a similar offence in Sand-street, Dowlais, and Henry Morgan, for using bad language in Cross- street. Dowlais. were each fined 5s. and costs. A BLACIKLISTER. -Jeremiah Healey, a black- lister, -was summoned for obtaining drink at the Windsor Hotel, Merthyr Vale, and was fined 20s. and costs. CAUTTOK TO NEWSBOYS.—William Harris (17), of Penydarren. was summoned for shouting while selling newspapers in Bethesda-street at 9 o'clock on Sunday.—The Stipendiary said the lad did not disturb any congregation.—A fine of 5s. was imposed. PALTRY CASES.—Elizabeth Millward was sum- moned by Kate Giles for using bad language at Cwm, Dowlais, on-Saturday eight..—Complain- ant said the defendant "unlawfully abused her," using disgusting language. -Defend ant: I All wrong, sir (laughter).—Millward was bound over to keep the peace, and told to pay costs. -Thomas Clark was summoned by Elvira organ for using bad language at Penydarren, Dowlais.—Complainant said the defendant oal^ ed her an infernal liar in Welsh, but she ooul<( not repeat it. He. also used other, language* —The Stipendiry said there was nothing in th< case, and dismissed it.-Andrew McLough* lin was summoned for assaulting Thomas Jeot kins at. Lamb-lane, Merthyr. Stipendiary ( Dismissed. Go and have tea together. Ai)xi,.L .-Robert Williams admitted being the parent of the illegitimate child of Janet Williams, of Quakers' Yard, and it was said that he had paid her 5e. a week and all costs.- Stipendiary: 3s. 6d. a week until the mariit age. DEAB CoAL.- William Edwards was summoD" ed for stealing coal, value Is., the property ot the Hill's Plymouth Company, at Troedvrhiw. —It was stated that complaints had been- made that coal was taken from colliers' trams before they were weighed, but it was not proved in this case.—A fine of 20s. was imposed. PETrY THJCFT. Morgan Day,- collier, w8.li summoned for stealing timber, value 4d., the property of Hill's Plymouth Company. De- fendant was seen going from the oolliery withi three pieces of timber. When he saw a con* stable ne threw the longest piece away. When spoken to defendant said he could not burn the coal without sticks. -Defendant now said he had not a long stick, but only two short pieces. The men were allowed to take bits of wood. -He was told to pav 2s. 6d. "TRULY RURAL." L-Ibcbard Davies was sunn moned for being drunk at the Morlais Castlo Inn, Pontmorlais. Mertbyr. He denied the 80-, cusation, and called Miss Cook, but that lady, did not respond to her name.—Defendant said he was told to say "Truly rural." and he' twisted his tongue to it as well as he could.— A fine of 10s. and costs was imposed.

Chief Inspector of Mines MR. MARTIN'S RETmEMENT j At the termination of the colliery inquest Victoria on Tuesday, Mr. J. B. Walford, dis- trict coroner, made reference to the retirement of Mr. J. S. Martin, chief inspector of rainea., He said it was probably the last time they; would have the assistance of Mr. Martin so these inquiries. During the last twenty yeanf be had frequently met him in his official ca-4 pacity, and had had an opportunity of judging his excellent qualifications, and he had receive^ from him valuable assistance in carrying on the inquiries fairly. Mr. Martin carried out his duties fearlessly and consciously He was sure no person was better qualified for the po- sition than Mr. Martin. They all regretted that it was necessary for him to retire. Mr. W. Vyoe, miners' agent, said he wished to identify himself with the remarks made by the Coroner. He, too, had some experience of Mr. Martin's capabilities. At the inquiries the safety of the miners was one of his chief objects. He remembered on one occasion send- ing Mr. Martin a telegram respecting one oj the collieries. He promptly responded to the call, and conducted an investigation with care and judgment. lie was sure they would join with him in wishing Mr. Martin long life and enjoyment in his retirement. Mr. Martin, in responding, thanked the Coroner and Mr. Vyoe for the kind remarks. The clock bad to be kept going, and he bad to retire after 23 years in that district. In about another month be would terminate his official position.

The Anti-Veto campaign is being pursued in London more vigorously than ever.. A party of American mountaineers has succeeded in conquering Mount McKiniey. No trace of Dr. Cook's alleged ascent was found.

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men had voted against the agreement and that he had advised them to do so. He could not, therefore, consistently subscribe his name to the document.. J The remainder of the meeting was devoted to the making of congratulatory speeches and voteso™ thanKs *0 those who in their respec- tive capacities had helped to bring about a settlement. THE OFFICIAL REPORT. A meeting of the General Conciliation Board for the coal trade ofMonmouthshueand^outh F, n'lay, Wales was held to-day IFnday) for the pur nose of completing the negotiations for tho new wages agreement to take the place o ■ agreement which has terminated under the noticc given by the workmen s representatives. vSZi practically f lull -3 Sc sides with the exception on heownenjdc of Mr. F. L Davis, who is still on the Contin ent indisposed from his recent illness -Jr. Joseph Shaw, the chairman of the Coalowners Association, who is laid up wl;h, influenza; Sir Clifford Cory and Mr v*alter Maclaren both of whom were h portant business matters in London Mr Hu Witts and Mr. William Smith. Mr. v>. J HoDDell presided over the owners side of the boani Mr. W. Brace, M.P., occupying a like nosition for the workmen's representatives. Mr William Abraham, M.P. attfinded and was warmly welcomed by both sides of tne ESrdr there' being a general «pr««on of pleasure at his recovery, from .his V ness and satisfaction at his being able to be P1Some few.points in regard to the draft of the new agreement, .which had been in readiness for the meeting were found to re quire consideration, and separate meetings of the two sides of the board, involviiig wnsulta- tions with the two ^hcitms^Mr f shole for the owners, and Mr W i. INicno a. g? the workmen. Ultimately the agreement was signed by the jomt represetatives on the ^ft wa-> arranged that a joint, deputation con| 3istin" of the chairman and vice-chairman anc. the secretaries of each side should wait upon the Board of Trade and the Home Office with a view to endeavouring to secure their co-opera- tion for the legalising of the arrangement re- ferred to under Clause 15 as to the operation of the over-lapping shift as far as Saturday is °°At the conclusion of the proceedings, Mr. Heppell expressed the pleasure and satisfac- tion that he felt that negot-.wop- had culmrn ated in an amicable arrangement, and the satisfaction felt by the side of the Board that the proceeding throughout had been characterised by a inendly spirit on both sides. Mr. Brae? f-'lly indexed tl eee re- m a -ek-A. Mr. W. Abraham. » £ the o'der.v re- presentatiTe on the two skier, prop 3 vote of thanks not only to the two chapmen Messrs. Heppell and Brace, for tbc-ir conduct of the proceedings, but also ic-the Right don. Mr. Sydney Buxton, the 1* resident of the Board of Trade, for the friendly interventior of his Department which had assisted in the resumption of the negotiations Mr. Thomar Griffiths, the Tice-chnirooan of the Lcaiownore Association, heartily supported the vote, whic*- was carried unanimously. Upon the proposal of Mr. Henry Martin, sup- ported by Mr Onions, a vote of the apprecia- tion of the services rendered by Lord St. Aid wyn, as independent chairman under the re. cent agreement, was unanimously adopted. It was explained that the insertion of the name of Viscount St Alrlwvtl as ivieoendent, chairman under the new agrMnvn^ -as necessary pend- ing a formal appoint, h7 the new Joaint Board, to be elected, by th;, Coalowners' Assc- ciation and the Federation respec tively, for the carrying out of the new agre4- ment. under the to: m!; of which a period of three weeks has tapr. bllo-,ed for the making, of this appointmept. It was also stated that his Lordship had intimated his willingness to accept office under the new Board when form- ally invited to dt> so. A vote of tfiarks was also passed to .Mr Groyne Dalzie! and Mr. Richards for th'!i.. so "•vices as joint secretaries, and for the admirable manner in which they had discharged tbcii respective duties. COALOWNERS' ASSOC ATION. Pnor' to the meeting of the Joint Board a special 'general meeting of the Monmouthshire and South TV,->-r. Goafowners' Association wa¡. held, and in the inevitable absence of Mr. Joseph Shaw, the chairman of the association, Mr. Thos Griffiths presided. A lengthy dis- I cussion took p>ac.y> <ipon the negotiations which have taken piaoe between the owners and the workmen's representatives in the framing of the new agreement, the details of which were fully explained by Mr. W. J. Heppell, the act- ing chairman of the owners' representatives. The following resolution was unanimously passed. "That the terms of the draft for the new Conciliation Board agreement, as submitted by the owners' representatives on the Concilia- tion Board, although, in the opinion of this meeting, fall in? short of what the owners are equitably entitled to. be approved and adopt- 6 THE BALLOT RESULT. The official returns to hand at the. Miners' Federation Offices, Cardiff, on Friday, showed the ballot for and against the terms of the new agreement to have resulted as follows:— I For accepting the terms 97.273 Against accepting the terns 34,§63 Majority for acceptance 62,10 There were a few lodges that had not sent in their returns. The district results were returned officially as follows:— e. I Vow Majority Fo-. Ac'st. For Ag st Anthracite district 9262 3528 5734 Aberdare 4145 4453 306 Blaina district. 3052 919 2133 Dowlais 261A 689 925 Eastern Valleys 4722 1272 3450 —— Eastern Glamorgan 27S5 729 2066 —— Ebbw Vale district 3701 418 2283 —— Garw 3660 877 2883 —— Mon. Western Val. 5430 4173 257 Maesteg district 3302 2101 1201 Merthyr 2273 1019 1254 Ogmore and Gilfach 1774 802 972 Pontypridd and Rhondda 5824 1275 4549 —— Rhondda No. I 20043 5479 14564 —— Rhymney Valley 6824 1393 5431 —— Tredegar Valley 6423 1148 5375 —— Taff and Cynon 5124 818t 4306 —— Western district 6135 3749 2386 —— Saundersfoot 120 121 1 It will be seen that there are only two dis- tricts which show a majority unfavourable to settlement, viz., Aberdare (308) and Saunders- foot (1). ACTION OF MERTHYR MEN. At a mass meeting of the miners of the Merthyr district, on the 3rd inst., the follow- ing resolution was adopted :— That we do not return to work under any now agreement until the men who are now victimised be reinstated. On Sunday last a mass meeting was held at the Theatre Royal, Merthyr, Aid. T. J. Evans (chairman of the district) presiding, to receive the report of the deputation appointed to in. terview the management of the Cyfarthfa and Plymouth Collieries, and it was eventually re- solved to resume work on Monday and to re- fer the' matters in dispute to the Central exe- cutive of the Federation in Cardiff.