Pioneer

Neath Notes. I New Labour Party. I At a ocnferpnce of Neath trades unionists on Saturday it was decided to form a Labour Party for the Neath division. It was also resolved to contest the sfeat in the Labour interest at the next General Election.

Rhymney Valley Notes. I Antagonism ttf Labour. I An Aoerbargced Labour councillor is threat- ened with a public agitation for his removal. A compliment to his adherence to the true Labour principles, for the proposal l'omes from a sphere outside trades union circles. Stipendiary Question, I At a meeting of the Bedwellty District Coun- cil Mr. Crewe reported that the conference of the district councils "uncerned in the movement for the appointment of a stipendiary magistrate was of the opinion that the time was ripe for such it, course. After discussion the council pa.ssed a resolution instructing their delegates to the adjourned conference, to be held at New- port on March 18fcb, to rote in favour of the creation of a stipendiary-magistracy.

Mountain Ash Notes. Mr. Mark Starr's Lecture. An address was delivered at the Workmen's Institute, Mountain Ash, on Sunday by Mr. Mark Starr on "Modern War: its cause and cure." The unqualified interest created by the lecture was manifest in the great number of questions that were asked at its conclusion. Forest of Dean Agency. Mr. Xoah Tromans i" on the short list for an appointment of miners' agent for the Forest of Dean. Mr. Macdonald's Visit. Mr. J. Ramsay Macdonald, M.P., is to visit Mountain Ash on Sunday, April 7th, under the auspices of the I.L.P. Federation. A great de- monstration is being organised. Nicholas, Glais." A large number of the Mountain Ash comrades attended the conference at Aberaman on Satur- day to welcome Nicholas, Glais," the nominee of the I.L.P. as the prospective Labour candi- date for the new Parliamentary division of Abe rd a re.

Aberbargoed Notes. j Appointment. Mr. D. E. Howells (Labour) has been co-opted I to fill the vacancy in rhe Aberbargoed Ward in place of Councillor I!. J. Jones, who has been appointed secretary of the Military and Naval Pension Scheme.

The Electric Theatre., I There are few Merthyr playgoers who have not seen Potash and Perimutter." and who do not cherish a warm remembrance of that great hu- man play of Jewry. And, since all theatregoers are now, ipso facto, cinema lovers, the announce- ment that the initial programme at the Electric next week is to be headed with a play of the Potash and Perimutter type and featuring Augustus Yorke, who enhanced his fine reputa- tion in that great play" The Grit, of a Jew will be hailed with delight. The story has a delightful love theme for its- ininlot- motif, though it has touches of an inher- ent sadness that Potash and Perumutter de- 1 liberately evaded, in the racia! restriction of I mat.l'il1lo'nial union to the Hebrew races. Alto- gether The Grit of a Jew is as great a classic of the screen as is Potash of the legiti- mate," and Augustus Yorke is lucky to have the lead in both. There is a very strong supporting programme, including another new burlesque from the Triangle comedy studio. "The Late Lamented," the story of an artist who died for his insurance but continued t" paint to supply a market for a dead man's pictures. It is one of the funniest things yet done by these clever people. Then, of course, there are Raemaker's Cartoons, and a host of equally good subjects. This week has given us two powerful pro- grammes at the popular house, from Monday there was a noteworthy headliner A Woman's Calvary," whilst. the leading line from Thursday on is a- wonderful production whether regarded as a story, or as a masterpiece in producing, for it has more celebrities to the square toot than any drama that I remember. • It is "Molly Bawn," and a fine story is makes for the screen. "The Grey Ghost runs its marvellous course, and "Risks and Rough Necks is one of those come- dies that bring a chuckle when remembered a week afterwards, Playcoer.

Merthyr Notes. I War Bonds. The war bond totals for Business Men's Week at Merthvr were t69,905. Fochriw Colliery .Fatality. Accidental death was the verdict at an in- quest held at Merthyr on Saturday upon Regi- nald Horse, aged 19, who was fa-tally injured at the Fochriw Xo. 2 Colliery by being knocked down by a tram. Laundry Woman's Theft. A Dowlais woman. Sarah Hicks, charged at Merthyr on Friday with the theft of a ihawl and dress valued 30s. lid., stated that she had retained the former article as the owner, Mar- garet Danter, Georgetown, had not paid her for the washing of a bundle of clothing in which it was included. She denied knowledge of the dress. The woman was bound over. Lord Rhondda's Visit. Lord Hhondda is to visit Merthyr next month to (' a ?asliet t. ilol(I the 'pt of the free- dom of the Borough presented him in 1907. Boy Burglar. V\ hilst on remand for a series of burglaries a fourteen-year-old Merthyr youngster broke into a fruiterer's shop in Pontmorlais and com- mandeered t3 worth of dates and chocolates. He was ordered by the magistrates on Fridav to be bent to a reformatory. Police Promotions. I The following changes in .staff were recom- mended by Mr. J. A. Wilson (chief constable) to Monday's meeting of the Merthyr Watch Com- mittee: Inspector D. M. Da vies to a new office of superintendent: Inspector D. Roberts, Mer- thyr Vale, to a chief inspectorship Detective- Sergeant Dove to an inspectorship at Dowlais, and the transfer of Inspector J. G. Lamb. Dow- lais. to the Merthyr Central Station; Sergeant Lewis, Troedyrhiw, to detective-sergeant at Mer- thyr, and his successor at Troedyrhiw to be Sergeant Gwilym Davies, Merthyr: Detective- Constable Dd. Davies to police-sergeant, and Police-Constable • Gialliers to detecti ve-v-on- stable. During discussion on the advisability of creating the new position of superintendent Mr. "VN ilson stated that the only alternative to his recommendations would be to make Inspector Davies chief-inspector. He was convinced, how- ever, that a superintendent was absolutely neces- sary in the interests of the borough. Mr. C. Fenwick, seconded by W. Lewis (Treharris) moved the adjournment of the matter, so that the estimated cost of the new office might be ob- tained, for a month. Mr. H. M. Lloyd moved an amendment that the recommendation should he confirmed and the question of salary left de- ferred. Aid. John seconded. On a division the motion was carried by four votes to three. A London Deputation. I Mr. L. M. Francis inquired of the Borough -A li, L. '-N l. Fi,an(-' ingqurris ) at Tiiei d ay's Controller (Mr. W. R. Harris) at Tuesday's meeting of the Merthyr Finance Committee the total expenditure incurred by the deputation sent to London to meet the Committee on Pro- duction in connection with the municipal em- ployees' wages arbitration. Mr. W. Lewis (Tre- harris) It was an expensive business to thei ratepayers at any rate. They ought to have come to Cardiff to meet our officials. Mr. H. M. Lloyd: A matter for devolution. Let's have home rule for Wa les. (Laughter.) The control- ler stated that the cost of the two days' visit to London totalled £ -11, The Negation of Non-Resistance. I Following the termination of branch business at the Merthyr I.L.P. on Tuesday an interest- ing paper challenging the position of the non- resisters was given by Mr. John Barr, who traced the theory of non-resistance to the effete Eastern religious philosophers, and in particular to that of Buddha, which traced all sorrow to struggle, and- all struggle to desire a,nd the Nervana of which was a negation of all desire. Desire, con- tended Mr. Barr, was the spur that drove on man to progress, and resistance implying force and its active use was a condition of social evo- lution*. The keynote was resistance; a resist- ance of evils imposed by a dominant class. That class must be overcome in the fullness of time and then let come who wpuld to challenge our Social-Democracy we should defend it to the death. If resistance was a false philosophy then why did we sing the Red Flag with such gusto: why did we welcome the revolutionary activities of our Russian comrades, and why did we turn our eyes longingly towards the Revolu- tionary outbreaks of the German, and other de- mocracies. that would end the war and sweep the dominant militarism from the stage of modern affairs? There were many questions, but no real opposition to 1£I. Ban's contention, though the Rev. J. M. Jones has promised to give as good a lecture on Pacifism next Tuesday. Are You Going? I To-night (Friday) the Penydarren Minstrel Troupe. whose reputation for clean and clever entertainment is first-class, is giving a concert in Bentley's Hall for the benefit of the depen- dents of the Fund for the Maintenance of our local C.O.'s. It is to be hoped that the attend- ance will be worthy of the object, and that the late arrivals will be unable to obtain admittance into a crowded hall. A Distinguished Visitor. I We had a distinguished visitor at the I.L.P., Merthyr. on Tuesday night in the person of Mr. John Valentine, who for the past twenty-odd years has worked strenuously on behalf of the Irish National cause in England, and who has contested a Clare County (onstituency in the in- terests of his party. Pauper Lunatics. I The maintenance of pauper lunatics cost I Merthyr £ 1.375 last year. Black Maria." Merth yr' s prison-van( is so seldom used nowa- days because of the slump in crime that the Cor- poration have dff-ided f or the purposes of economy to terminate the agreement with then- posting contractor, and hire horses on the rare occasions when the van is required. Personal. I Mr. Howell R. Jones. general manager of tUe Dowlai> Works, is the new chairman of the Mon- mouthshire and South Wales Coalowners' Asso- ciation. Finance. I Merthvr Corporation's general accounts at the end of last month showed a balance of £ 23,453 I in favour of the council. Police Gratuity Grant. I Merthyr Watch Committee on Monday agreed to a grant of £ 818 from the Police Pension Fund to the widow of the late Chief-Inspector A. J. Phillips. Damage to Insulators. -1 For damaging te)e?:mpb immla tc)J, a Merthyr  Vale collier boy, Edward Thomas, Mount Plea- ?ant. was ordered to pay 10?- by the M?rthyr magistrates on Tuesday. Forging Ahead. I It is with pleasure that we are able to record a growing interest in the Municipal Band's pro- menade dances at the Rink, which are to be a weekly feature each Thursday throughout March. Last Thursday the attendance was al- most double what it was on the opening even- ing, and many took more delight in the excellent instrumental work that the band was doing un- der the baton of Mr. A. H. V. Loveroek. As on the first occasion, the attack and colouring was worthy of a military land; and the restraint splendidly modulated the volume to the hall. Police-Inspectors Complimented. The Home Office communicated their desire to the Merthyr Watch Committee on Monday that a note should be made on the records of In- spectors Davies and Lam h of their excellent work in respect to aliens and suspected persons. Stipendiary on Palmists. Said the Merthyr Stipendiary when it was mentioned in ("oart that a woman declined to occupy rooms in a house in which a palmist was stated to reside: "The premises are none the worse for tll,q t palmist is not a lope I- Bowls Club for Thomastown. The meeting held in Bentley's to inaugurate the bowling club in connection with the Thomas- town Park proved very successful. It was unani- mously decided to start the dub. and the trundlers present hit upon Mr. Ken Harris, Alexandra-terrace, Abercanaid, as the first secre- tary. Anyone desiring particulars should get in touch with him. The business meeting for the election of officers, etc., has been fixed for Wed- nesday, April 10th.

Pontypridd Notes. Call to Controller, At a mass meeting at Pontypridd on Sunday, organised by the local Trades and Labour Coun- cil and the Great Western Joint Committee, South Wales Miners' Federation, a resolution was adopted protecting against the small fines imposed at Hie loca l police-court upon traders convicted of overcharging, and calling upon the Food Controller to take steps to ensure more drastic action. A further resolution demanded the resignation of the chairman of the local Food Control Committee (Councillor William Phillips, J. P.).

Swansea Valley Notes. I Gower Candidature. I The monthly meeting of the Western Miners' Association, held at Swansea on Saturday, re- ceived nominations for the Parliamentary Divi- sion of Gower. The majority of the lodges had nominated Mr. J. Williams, M.P., whilst some lodges had chosen Mr. D. Grenfell, chief miners' agent of the Western Miners. Mr. Meth Jones (organiser, South Wales Miners' Federation) ex- plained that Mr. Williams' name would be sub- mitted to a further conference of all trades for final confirmation.

Pontycymmer Notes. I I.L.P. I Garw Valley I.L. P. held another successful meeting at Pontycymmer on Sunday the speakers being Messrs. W. Jones (Pengam) and Will Jones (Bargoed). Collections and literature sales were good and new members were enrolled.

Tonyrefail Notes. I Checkweighers' Ballot. I As a result of a vote of censure passed by the miners on Saturday at a meeting held at the Ely Hotel the checkweighers' ballot is annulled, and a new ballot will now be-necessary. Food Control. I A deputation which awaited on the local Food Control Committee reported to a public meet- ing at Tonyrefail on Sunday that an endeavour had been made to get the committee to instal a "pooling of supplies" centre at Tonyrefail to ensure equitable distribution, but that the tradesmen were in opposition. It was eventually decided tliat drastic action by the workers fail- ing some adequate steps be taken soon to remedy the evil locally.

Abercynon Notes I 1. L. P. I Another effort to revive the Abercvnon I.L.P. is he' ng made. and this time with every likeli- hood of success. Will all readers who wish to join attend at the Committee Room of the Workmen's Hall next Sunday afternoon at 3.30y TJallv and help in the work before os.

Briton Ferry Notes. I Presentation. Tiie Victoria steelsmelters at Cross Keys pre- I sented Mr. W. G. Brown, a disabled soldi or. with a cheque for £ 100. Wallhead's Visit. I Mr. Dick Wall head visited Briton Ferry and addressed a big meeting of the I.L.P., Mr. J. Branch presiding. Mr. Wallhead related some of his recent prison experiences. Fatality. { At the Briton Ferry Steelworks on Friday Mr. William Williams, an old inhabitant, was acci- dentally crushed and died within a few hours.

Rhondda Notes Miners and War Tours. Rhondda District of Miners at a mass meeting on Sunday expressed strong deprecation of the action of the Government in "encouraging, in- ducing and conducting members of Trade Unions to the Western Front." Federationists to Visit France. Messrs. Dan James, Ynyslii-r; Harry Loxton, Trehafod John Hughes, Cymmer; and Council- lor David Bowen, Penygraig, are included in a party of Trade Unionists leaving for a tour on the Western front this week at the invitation of the authorities.

Theatre Royal. The Enterprise Productions have earned the heartiest thanks of all theatregoers for the care with which they have filled the caste of their splendid little musical revue "Tiddly Winks," playing at the Royal this week, and for the de- tail and colouring with which they have backed up that caste. Tiddly Winks confessedly makes no pretensions at a plot, though it has quite as much sequence as many a more ambiti- ous piece of work, and, in general, weighs as many ounces to the pound as the best of revues. Like all these delightful melanges its chief charm lies in the lure of its lilting music and the frisky freshness of its comedy. Music and fun, are what we need most of all in these days when the Theatre is almost the only refuge from pessimistic aberration, and Tiddly Winks gives us both. The melodies are of the popular pop" brand, and include those unusual favour- ites Keep your eye on the girlie you love, In Dixieland," Hawaian Butterfly," "Texas Way and a hatful of others that one hears on every piano. And whether done as solos by the clever principals, or harmonised by the excellent chorus the effects are excellent and captivating. As to the artistes responsible for the heavier work of this frothy little liqueur of the theatre, one would have to go a long way before one found a better lead for the work that Tiddly Winks demands than Percy Johnson, to whom Edwin Day plays the part of a partner with an art that stamps him as a true histrion, ami Harry Riekard does splendid work in the three scenes. Ruby Rowe is a vivacious little lady, as versatile as they make them in musical comedy, and possessing in full that strange magnetism of the profession which enables a dainty little girl to fill the whole of a big stage without engen- dering a consciousness of empty space in the minds of her auditors. Doris Lane and Teddie Dave are a couple of artistes of the first water, and the Sisters Perry as the Simultaneous Girls are labelled exactly right. Altogether it is a little piece of work that I can strongly recom- mend. For next week we are to have the return of melo-drama, a not unwelcome change after a period of abstinence from the heavier fare that this branch of work is always held to represent. This time it is Miss Emma Litchfield who is bringing her principal company in a couple of plays that offer a wide scope for good dramatic presentation of the proper type. The first, due from Monday to Wednesday, is Always Wel- come." a soul-stirring piece of work full of the visualised sorrows and joys and tragedies of real life; while from Thursday on the change in pro- gramme will give us a rousing Romany piece Thinking of the Gipsies," a play of sensational parts and unexpected dramatic situations. Al- together next week offers a tempting change. By the way, Broadway Jones." another Seymour Hicks success is in the offing as Mr. Rea wou ld be expected to sav since he lias donned the navv blue. Playgokk.

THE ALLIED SOCIALISTS' PEACE TERMS. I Means have been taken on behalf of the Allied Socialist Conference to communicate with the German Socialists, and to indicate to them that the memorandum of peace terms agreed upon by the Allied Conference is not to be regarded as an ultimatum (said the "Mandwstpr Guar- dian" London Correspondent on Tuesday). It is intended as a basis of discussion, and to give an opportunity to the German Socialists to state their own idea of peace terms.

GLAMORGAN N.U.T, The Glamorgan Association of the X.l'.T. met at Cardiff on Saturday, Mr. J. Price, Merthyr, presiding. In reference to the establishment of middle secondary schools in the county it was Maintained that a wide scheme such as proposed would take years to develop, and children now between 10 and IG years of age would be de- prived of those benefits which were intended for them under the Bill now before Pa rliament. A resolution was passed calling upon the County Council to withhold its approval of the scheme.

UNIVERSITY OF WALES. Mr. R. G. Price, headmaster of the Dowlais; Boys' School, has been re-elected as a member of the Court of Governors of the .University of Wales as a representative of the Head Teachers of Wales. Mr. Price headed the poll in the re- cent election.

Aberdare Valley for Socialism. I A PROGRAMME EMBRACING & ALLURING. 1 The activity in the upper part of the valley augurs well for the future. On the Sunday be- tween the usual monster fortnightly meetings at the Aberaman Hall (almost the size of the Itinli meetings themselves) the Mountain Ash I.L.P. are running successful afternoon meetings in which not the least interesting part is question time..Following Mr. Syd Jones and Mr. Mark Starr, Miss Minnie Pallister is the announced speaker for the 24th of March, while all eyes are beginning to turn to Mountain Ash for the huge demonstration in the Pavilion arranged for April 7th, when Mr. Ramsay Macdonald will be present. Given line weather all roads will lead to Mountain Ash on that afternoon for the service by rail is most inadequate. GLAIS OPENS HIS CAMPAIGN. I On Saturday last an enthusaistic crowd packed the Lesser Hall at Aberaman at the awkward time of 5.30 p.m. to listen to an address from Nicholas (Glais) who has emerged from a ballot as the I.L.P. nominee to go forward to the local Labour Party, where it is hoped he will be unanimously adopted as the candidate for the new Aberdare Division. Trade Unionists were pleased to notice in our comrade's address an affirmation of his belief in the class-war, in the value of Industrial Unionism and details of his work in connection with the Agricultural La- bourers' Union in his own locality. A fluent ad- dress in English was followed by a speech in Welsh, both winning hearty applause. THE CLASS-ROOM. I The big meetings and the proposed political activity is not the only branch of forward effort. The class-room and educational-activfty is not being neglected. The miners' district classes have just concluded a most successful session, and the students are preparing for an examina7 tion in Industrial History and Economics to be hold on March 23 and 24 respectively Mr. W. H. Mainwaring is going to examine the essays ot our budding social scientists. The Aberdare District of the Unofficial Reform Committee. besides meeting for discussion weekly on Thurs- day nights to deal with immediate questions, proposes to study and possibly improve "The Miners Next Step." While the C.L.C. League Branch at Mountain Ash—specialising in educa- tion and open to all, irrespective of whether or not they are attached to any political sect or to which industrial union they belong—has begun to collectively peruse Will Paul's The State" at its weekly meeting. The other branches in- tend following this example when the examina- tion is over. A well-attended discussion class on Sunday mornings is also being held in the Aberdare I.L.P. Institute. Educate, Agitate, and Organize—it is the only way.

Maxwell Next WARRANT DECLINED AT ABERDARE. I O.O.R.A. PROCEEDINGS TO BE TAKEN BY I SUMMONSES. At Aberdare Police Conn on Wednesday ap- plication was made to the Stipendiary magistrate (Mr. R. A. Griffith) for a warrant for the arrest of Mr. J. H. Maxwell, Glasgow. Mr. Edward Powell, solicitor, Neath, making, the application on behalf of the Public Prosecu- tor. alleged that Mir. Maxwell, whom lie de- scribed as a young man of about 35 or 36 years of age, who posed as an :\1. had been carrying on a campaign of sedition and had preached i-ex-olution from the sea to the moun- tains and from Kenfig Hill to Mountain Ash. Stipendiary: I don't think it is necessarv to go into those details. Mr. Powell at this stage enumerated the town- in South W ales at which Mr. Maxwell addressed meetings and stated that it was proposed tn bring the charges against him under Section 27 and 42 of the Defence of the Realm Act. His speeches bore a likeness right through, and were in effect incitements to the woMcmen and Social- ists in this country to bring about a republic on a basis similar to Russia. In reply to the magistrates' clerk (Mr. Tom Elias) Mr. Powell added that he was informed that the court had power to deal with cases of this kind which were outside their area. M1. Maxwell had not only spoken of the Government and the Premier in d'si-esl)ectfiil tei-iii-- butt liacY made statements calculated to lead tcSffrave in- citement to rebellion. Stipendiary: Why not proceed by summons There is a great objection to warrants. Tlietlv, was no warrant in the case against Mr. Herbert Dunnieo. After your opening and when pan ot the evidence had been heard, you accepted an apology from defendant and asked leave to with- draw the case. Your views arc most disconcert- ing. One day you astonish us by your clemency and another diN- N-oti stagger us by your severity. Mi-. Powell 1 am given to understand that i what happened before is not likely to happen- again, (and handing a document to the Bench) jj The minute-, there will show you why. Stipendiary: When you withdrew the othei case a thought passed through my mind that you did it to encourage others. Mr. Powell intimated in reply that he observed the Glamorgan Standing Joint Committee were enquiring into the cause of the withdrawal of the Dunnieo case. His Worship, commenting on the application said he had no sympathy with this kind of thing. The same thing might be in this case as in the Dunnieo prosecution. If you put a man in pri- son for a week or two," he asked, what con- solation can you give him afterwards ? Finally it was stated that summonses woulc: be taken out.

Merthyr Boys and Rag & Bone Dealer A special sitting of the Penderyn Petty Ses- isions at the Court-house, Cefn, was held on Wednesday last week for the purpose of dealing IV,e d n,e.s d av last fo with charges relating to the robbing of quanti- ties of lead which had been stripped from the roofs o'f two old cottages near the Vaynor quar- ries. Three Merthyr dads. Morris Roach (16). Bertie G. Taylor (15). and Charles Lea (15), were charged with having stolen 50 Its. of lead. worth 25/ the property of John Jeremiah, of the Glen, Merthvr, and others, between January 28th and .February 6th Supt. Jones, Breconshire. detailed the pre- vious record of the defendants, and the bench decided to place Lea under probation for six months. "See if you cannot retrieve your character," said C'ol. Joiies. Roach and Taylor were ordered to a Reformatory for two years, and pending the necessary arrangements, were remanded to the workhouse for 14 days. CHARGE AGAINST MARINE STORE DEALER. W111. Brown. ma rine store dealer. Betliesda- street, Merthyr, was then charged with having received 92 lbs. of lead, he well knowing it to have been stolen. The prosecution was conducted by Supt. Jones, and Mr. J. W. Lewis, Merthyr. was for the defence. Charged, defendant said lie was not guilty, and he reserved his defence. He was then com- mitted for trial to the Breconshire Quarter Ses- sions, and upon the application of Mr. J. W. Lewis he was admitted to bail in his own re- cognisances of jE50, and one surety in a like amount.