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y- I Merthyr Painters' Demands. B^EDERATED MASTERS REFUSE INCREASE H; STRIKE IMMINENT. iIP As things look at the moment there seems ?o poMsibihty of avoiding a strike in the fluting Trade in Merthyi. It is three years lnee the last Painters' strike in the district, ';?J'd considering that the present wage of 8?d. i'is very Jittl belter than an un- 'kíllcd Jabourers' wage, and the enormous rise ? prices of all commodities, no one can by '? stretch of imagination argue that the Id. per hour i'or which the men are now askmg is ex- ?'bjtant;, especially remembering that trade is ■ ?ood, unemployment at its minimum, and wa- i. .? betier in other parts of the South Wales ?ea.. To understand the present situation, it is Necessary to brieny run over the history of the past three years m the trade locally. 4t that tune the wages were at the very low rate of7 -¡d. pe,r hour, and after a bitter struggle spread over six weeks, an extra halfpenny was Secured, and at this miserably inadequate rate of 8d. an hour, the men have worked loyally to their agreement. That agreement was sub- ject- to the six months' notice on either side, q,nd on November 1 last the men tendered, through Mr Frank Bateson, the Federation I Secretary, notice to terminate- the agreement on if May 1 (Monday next). At the same time it i Was made clear that a demand would be put forward for an increase of Hd per hour, and r On this point Mr. Bateson has, in the interval, I Communicated with the Employers' Society on I Several occasions. Mr. Bateson worked hard to I Secure a meeting between the employers and the toen, but it was not until a week last Saturday that a meeting was arranged at the Castle liot.el. At that meeting the men's represeata- r tiveg were treated with a lack of courtesy that either indicated on the part of the masters '(j'1' a contempt for the Union and Federation that is surprising in these days. Ultimately, however, the employers stated that they could tlnt grant an advance at the present time, and jjtated that it was as much, as they could do to keep their establishments open during the Resent crisis. The result of this meeting was communicated Jo the Painters' Society. idr. Ed. Shad'bolt, the delegate to the conference, told his fellow- I Vvol.kers that the decision of the masters seem- 4d definite, and it was up to the men to c | decide whether they were worth an increase or r 1:1.0. So far as an increase was concerned, -there was no need to quibble about it so far tts they were concerned since the enormous in- r grease in the cost of living was sufficient to justify their demand in the eyes of the public. Several members spoke in favour of a strike if the demand for an increase was not conceded, ) ^d a discussion arose as to the advisability 1 approaching the non-associated employers, ce it appears there are more master decora- I'M tors outside the Employers' Federation than in, d ultimately it was decided to instruct the K Secretary to endeavour to convene a meeting || \tith the non-associated employers; this to be [ M pranged for to-night (Thursday) at the Tiger S ijn, when Messrs. A. J. Watkins, CSem Waite, | m* Sheppard and George Jones together with Secretary (E. ShadVolt) will attend as a letion from the men. Failing a satisfact- m tory settlement, there seems no possibility of Voiding

= At Random. I A certain man drew a bow at a venture." I By W. H. EVANS. Should a man be a slave to his principles? In these days, when principles and accepted stand- ards are going by the board, and a number of people are discovering that they can get along without holding firmly to those ideas which seemed of such paramount importance not long since, our query is one that is worth finding an answer to. For. hitherto, we have held—and some of us still hold—that a principle must not be given tip under any circumstances. Prin- ciples are the guiding powers of life. And with- out some recognition of, and adherence to them, social life is impossible. But how far we should go, and whether principle should be su- preme, is a question which many are undecided about. As a matter of fact, many folk- hold principles very loosely. They seem to regard them as an intellectual asset, the assent to which gives them a certain moral standing in life. It is good to stand with the crowd; to be with the majority; to feel the self-satisfied, snuggy com placency which comes from such moral support. To be on the strongest side is always safe—pro- vided it is the strongest side. But we must not mistake surface for depth, nor numbers for strength. The strongest side is frequently the minority. But as the world counts strength, it is numbers; the big shout, the loud hurrah, which is important. Consequently the world is apt to be impatient with those who claxe to array themselves against popular opinion. You must not, in the world's mode of expression, be a slave to principle. Much, of course, depends upon the principle. There is a. great combat going on in the world of ideas. These ideas, which have their devo- tees arrayed against each oklier, are the dynam- ics of the whole situation. And when 'the ideas become incarnate in some formula, they command either assent or dissent. It is there- fore essential to have the right idea, the right principle. And having found it, hold to it, in all circumstances. And it will be found that the essence of all progress lies in the fact, that brave men have, all through human his- tory. been willing to sacrifice. for their princi- ples, or for conscience sake. To act according to right principles is to 'fo act acco'dinK o principle is to have your action rightly motived. And motive is more than action, though we generally judge each other by actions. And many have been condemned who, if we knew all the circum- stances that lead up to their actions, or the motives behind, would have won our commen- dation. It is unwise, therefore, to blame, when we do not actually know. As the French say: "If we knew all, we should forgive all." And in these days, when passions are stirred to their depths, and all are deeply moved, judg- ment is apt to be warped. We cannot there- fore condemn those who may differ from us, nor call them slaves to principle. Rather we should seek the true way, or, finding it. walk dilig- ently therein, without any regard for the opin- ion of the world. Should a man, then, be a slave to principle? If the principle be a true one—yes. For the truth makes free, and paradoxical as it may seem, to be a slave to Uruth means to gain freedom. There is a deep spiritual significance here For the truth demands our allegiance. A whole-hearted allegiance. Not a fair weather support; not a mere holding when it is popu- lar but a clinging to in all circumstances, so that it becomes a I guiding power in daily life. And if we, as Socialists, accept as a truth that human life is sacred, how can we consent to its destruction? It is inoompatable with our prin- ciple, and we have, therefore, to hold to it even though we have to suffer for it. But there is something deeper involved. It is not only the sacredness of human life, but the principle that this carries with it, of which the sacredness of human life is but an expression. For men are destroyed in many ways, and wherever we see anything that tends to belittle or to destroy human life. we must needs array ourselves ag- ainst it. More than that, we must seek the work causes of these things, and when found, work for their eradication. It is essential, thn, that we hold to our principles in all circum- stances. That this is felt by all men is seen in the fact that when they act contrary to any principles they hold, they are at great pains to try and harmonise their conduct with their principles. And all kinds of subterfuges and self-deceptions are Indulged In, when such circumstances arise. That is why you find men who are nominally Christian trying to square a religion of love with actions of hate. It is the greatest proof one can have of the authority of the higher and positive principle of love. Men are secretly ash- amed of the necessity for such attempted har- monisatioifi of the true and the false. They also feel the uselessness of such attempt, and this makes for harshness. Consequently, they are apt to speak ill of those who still hold to the finer essence of their teachings. If they had been —what the world contemptuously terms—slaves to their principles, such need for attempting to reconcile the irreconc-ilabile would never have arisen.

PROPAGANDA, NOT PROFIT," is the motto of the Pioneer Press." If you are alive to the. tremendous social improve- ments that the Party the Pioneer represents stancia for. then it is your duty to all that all your Trades Union, Oo-operative, and General Printing comes to -Wilfiams, Square, Merthyr the Home of the Pioneer." r" II  WHEN REQUIRING | I= SUITS, COSTUMES, or GENERAL DAPEl(Y j J I SEND A POST CARD TO Thomas St., S (JOHN BARR???i: I %j-Merthyr Tydfil, „ I i i Cash or Instalment System. | SUITS and COSTUMES to Measure a Speciality I L. -II It .i

National Council Against Conscription I HOW THE ORGANISATION WORKS. By IDWAL THOMAS. The widespread hostility which the introduc- tion of Conscription aroused in this country was prevented from becoming fully active by the suddenness with which the Military Service Act was passed. There had existed for some time previously such organisations as the Men's Ser- vice Committee of the Societ- of Friends, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, and more especial- ly. the No-Conseripiton -Fellowship, which were prepared to oppose Conscription with all their might. For the, most part, however, the inte- rest of these organisations was concentrated on those who were prepared to serve on conscienti- ous grounds. Now, string though the argument against Conscription from the point of Conscience are, there are also many persons who object to it for political reasons, because they regard Compuls- ory Military Service as utterly demoralising to tlie country into which it is introduced. When the question was first raised, there was no or- ganisation through which such people could make their opposition felt. It was to supply this need and to co-ordinate the activities of all bodies opposed to Conscription, on whatever grounds, that the National Council Against Conscription was first formed under the presid- ency of Mr. Robert Sliiitlie. It is in touch with the Members of Parliament who oppose Conscription, but it has itself no political theo- ries. It existed originally simply to concentrate opposition to the introduction of Conscription. Now that the Military Service Act has become law, the N.C.A.C. finds its hands full The way in which the Act is being administered is daily bringing the greatest hardships on scores of those who come under its operation. The total disregard which many of the Tribunals seem to show for the provisions of the Act, and their ruthlessness in the face of clearly just claims leaves a trail of despair behind nearly everv sitting. The first task with the National Council1 Against Conscription has set itself—acting, of course, in the closest co-ope- ration with the N.C.F. and the rest of the or- ganisations against Conscription-—is to bring as much relief as possible to those who are suffer- ing under the, Act. The country has been divided into six areas, each under a skilled organiser. Local commit- tees are formed in order to do whatever can be done to help conscripts all over the country. The following are the main ways in which this is "being done. The Military Service Act is complicated, and a great many of the men who oome under it do not understand it. The N.C.A.C. has been explaining it and giving advice to men who want to claim exemption but do not know how to do SQ. From one room at Headquarters (22 Bride Lane, London, E.C.) some 2,000 have been advised—verbally or by letter—and the same thing is being done by the local committees all over the country. A series of Notes for Claimants has also been issued for the guidance of applicants. Besides this, Watchers have been organised to attend the Tribunals and take notes of the trials. Flagrant cases of illegality or hardship are re- ported to headquarters. On information draWll from these noteis. very many questions have been asked 1b. Parliament (of which not one- tenth are reported in the press). On the same information representations are made to the Government; and, in cases where there has been illegality, the N.C.A.C. is pre- pared to take legal actien against the offending Tribunal. Two such cases, have already been heard, and more will be brought if the money ito do so is forthcoming. The expenses of the N.C.A.C. are heavy, in spite of the fact that much of the work is done voluntarily. Besides the salaries of organisers and the expenses of the general office work, there is a heavy charge for printing (the N.C.A.C. has issued some five million leaflets already); speakers are sent to address meetings and their expenses must be paid; there are also the shorthand accounts of trials before the Appeal Tribunals and solicit- ors' and counsels' fees in cases where legal action is taken. Last week three speakers—Messrs. Richard- son, R. Williams and Cannan—made a success- ful tour in South Wales. A big meeting was also held at Leicester, at which the speakeirwa» Mr. Langdon Davies. On May 13, a London Conference, under the auspices of the N.O.A.C., of delegates from La- bour. Socialist, Co-operative and religious orga- nsiations. will be held to discuss the situation arising out of the introduction of Conscription, at which the following points will be considered: I-The chaos of the present situation. 2-The position of igie prisoners. 9—Industrial Conscription. 4—Opposition to the extension of the Act. Not long ago the N.C.A.C. issued a broadsheet "The Chaos of Conscription," consisting of cases of hardships and maladministration un- der the Military Service Act. It proposes shortly to issue a new series of leaflets con- sisting of fresh oases; also a leaflet on Industrial Conscription. Meanwhile, all the business of organising, watching and recording must be kept up without slacking. In carrying out this work, the N.O.A.O. ask earnestly for the help of all those who do not wish to see Conscription set up permanently in England.

ARE WE DOING YOUR PRINTING ? We have the most modern equipment, and good work is quickly turned out by Trade Unionists at reasonable rates. NOTE THE ADDRESS THE LABOUR PIONEER PRESS Williams' Square, Merthyr Tydfil. SMALL PREPAID ADVERTISEMENTS. One In- Three In- Six In- sertion. sertions. sertions. s. d. s. d. s. d. 20 words 0 6 1 0 1 9 cO words 0 9 1 6 2 9 10 words 1 0 2 0 3 6 4U words 1 3 2 6 4 6 60 words 1 6 3 0 5 6 In all c ses the Name and Address are counted as part of the Advertisement. These prices apply only to Advertisements ordered for consecutive insertions and which are prepaid. Trade Advertisements are inserted under the Heading "Personal at 9d. per line. All Advertisements should be posted to the Office on or before Monday. Medical. f* 4 -PAGE BOOK ABOUT HERBS AND U?i HOW TO USE THEM, post free. Send for one. TRIMNELL, THE HERBALIST, 144 RICHMOND ROtiD, CARDIFF. Established 1879. Literary. T JNITARIAN PAMPHLETS on "The Bible," "Heaven," and "Hell," given post free.—Miss BABMBY, Mount Pleasant, Sidmouth N Educative Percentage Book for Miners ?TjL and Colliery Cierks, post free 5d. — E. EVANS, 38 Church Street, Penydarren, Merthyr. Prize Drawings. WINNING NUMBERS of Mr. HARRY ? V GATER'S Prize Drawing —1386 1310; 1004; 16; 31; 120; 104; 949; 1488; 196; 36; 166; 1497; 271; 18; 47. Prizes must be claim- ed within 14 days from L. MORGAN, Secretary, 42 Olare Street, Merthyr; and Mr. D. J- THOIIAS. 14 South View, Troedyrhiw. 7 INNING NUMBERS of "3.BRAM V HAMER'S (Junior) Prize Drawing: — 1882; 349; 591; 523; 248; 442; 60; 602; 586; 1620; 142; 402; 1435; 1152; 1149; 400; 250; 206; 212; 779; 228; 825; 77; 183; 417; 1876; 397; 207; 1595; 861; 614; 1591; 841; 1689; VI v', 396; 812.—WJI. Hy. POWLES, 22 Park Place, Troedyrhiw, Secretary. Mlgcenanenjis- A STROLOGY. Life events, changes, for- A.. tunate days, business success, matri- mony two years' future added; send birth date, 1/- P.O. PROF. GOULD, "The Nook," Heathneld Road, Cardiff. ? RAMAPHONE Exchange and Book Store. X Ba,rg;ains for the Reading and Musical; Records 10d., or exchange 2d.—8 PARK PLACE, Merthyr. I ^ENLARGEMENTS from Photos coloured and JL? framed, complete, 8/ or weekly pay- ments; in Oik, 15; -Permanent Address: 8 PARK PLACE, Merthyr. ADAME EN'-EIISLEY. the, well-known A Psychic and Phrenologist, 8 Park Place, Merthyr (near Theatre). A consultation is a revelation; marvellous success; excellent testi- monials. THE SPUR." Because the Workers need a Spur. Edited by GUY A. ALDRED. Kartooned by "KRITIKOS." The Enemy of every God, the Foe of every King, Flies only the Red Flag. Single copies—Post free, lid. annual subscrip- tion, Is. ()d. APRIL ISSUE NOW ON SALE. Special No-Conscription and Anti-Tribunalitis Number. Together with Miscellaneous Collection Aldred's Literature, worth 3s. Od. post free. Is. 6d. Published at 17 Richmond Gardens, Shepherd's Bush, London, W.

DOWLAIS. WELCOME TO NEW MINISTER.—A welcome tea and miscellaneous meeting were held at Beth- ania. Caeharris, to welcome the new minister. Rev. E. J. Rosser Evans and Mrs. Evans. A goodly number were present. The room had been beautifully decorated- by Mr. W. Jones, Muriel Terrace. The decorations were kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. J. Hughes Evaiis. The caterer (Mr. Tbm Lewis), as usual, provided the best of food to the entire satisfaction of all present. The following ladies presided at the ta)biles:-Mesdanies Phillips; Jones; Bateman; Thomas; and the Misses S. and M. A. Evans. In charge of the food were Mesdames Lewis, Williams and Evans. A number of young la- dies also assisted. Tea being over, the tables were cleared, and a well-prepared programme gone through under the presidency of Mr. Tom Lewis. Solos were rendered by Messrs. Eddie Jones and Idris Thomas and Bliss Megan Tho- mas duett by Messrs. W. Jones and J. Morgsfai recitations, Misses Tydfil Thomas and L. A. Williams; dialogue by Misses May Thomas and Gwladys Bateman. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Richard Hughes, G. Hicks and D. H. Edwards. The school choir sang "Brynteg," Pwtliyn ar y Bryn," and "Rhelidiol," under the conductorship of Mr. Tom Evans, who also gave a few lines of poetry, competed by him- self for the occasion. Mr. W. J. Rees was the accompamst, The Rev. E. J. Rosser Evans ad- dressed the assembly, thanking them for their welcome and good feeling accorded to himself and Mrs. Evans, and with a prayer closed a most enjoyable evening. » "D

four Conscientious Ubleators Handed > Over to the Military. GREAT SEND-OFF AT ABERCYNON. At the Abereynon Police Court last Thurs- -<rla Emrys Hughes, Gwilym Smith, Percy Ken- -d.al i, and Beth Morgan surrendered to their bail -and were tried on the charge of being absentees under the Military Service Act. Lord Aberdare Presided over the Bench. He was supported by Colonel Morgan (Military Representative on Local Tribunal), Messrs. W. Fenwick, W. Jones -&nd Griff Evans. Sergt.-Major John, recruiting offiecr, gave ev- idence that the notices had 'been served, and that they had not appeared. Emrys Hughes: Were you at the Local Trib- unal when my case was heard ? Sergt.-Major John: Yes. Emrys Hughes: Were the public allowed m. Sergt.-Major John Yes. Emrys Hughes: On the first ight? Sergt.-Major John: Yes. I think so. The Clerk stated that they could not go into that. Mr. Hughes went into the witness-box and Qiade the following statement:—"I am a So- cialist; a member of the I.L.P., and the N.C.F. I am anti-war and anti-conwription. I have thought the matter out carefully, and shall stand by what I think right I shall obey no military orders." Petrcy Kendall asked how he was called up, :• 'as he worked on the railway, which was a star- -red industry. z Sergt.-Major John The Railway Company have not exempted you. Beth Morgan stated that war was contrary to Christianity, and he would obey the dictates "of his conscience and refuse all military orders. Gwilym Smith asked the Recruiting Sergeant tlip result of the Local Tribunal on his case. Sergt .-Major John Not assented to. Gwilym Smith: And the Appeal Tribunal? Sergt.-Major John: Non-combatant service. Smith thereupon proceeded to show that whereas the Local Tribunal did not consider him Conscientious, the Appeal Tribunal did. The C'lerk interrupted, saying that that bed Nothing whatever to do with them. On the precedent of the Stipendiary at Aber- "dare all four were fined 40/- each, and hani- over to await the military escort. As they left the court Kendall shouted Keep the Red Flag Flying." and Emrys Hughes said: Good- bye. Comrades; remember the Tribunals." Somebody cheered, and was ordered to leave, [ and we all left. > Outside the Police Court someone at once got ^usy distributing pacifist literature and selling Pioneers." At one o'clock the prisoners were taken to the railway station. Here friends were allowed to converse and say Good-bye." Here, too, Mr. Emrys Hughes bought a copy of the "Pioneer" for the inspector who arrested him. .This is returning good for evil. Before the train steamed out, Emrys remarked: "We are o criminals; if we come back in khaki at all It will be on our corpse." Someone reminded them that thev would have no Hot Cross Buns. "No," said Smith, "but we, will remem- ber the One the Cross signifies." As the train left the station, om:' four comrades were  hearty cheers. With the cheers ringing | L ? their ears they left Abercynon to do their "hit. in the fight for Liberty, and Freedom of ? Conscience to nght against Militarism.