Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
8 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
Gorseinon -Notes.
Gorseinon Notes. 1.UP. When the name of Fred Ban-oweliff is an- nounced to read a paper at the local I.L.P., a host of instructive and educative facts is anti- cipated. There is not one member who causes such a warm debate as does Fred. The kernel of such interesttbeing taken in his addresses lies in the fact that where he mentions (a big word as the fellows said) he explains it so lucidly that the most unlearned can understand him. I must confess that speakers have such a vocabulary that poor Chum," who has read but very little, is left in the clouds. Carry on, Barrowcliff, Yours is the right way to educate the "bhoys," Shall the Jail-birds Dependents Suffer. No, not if he is there for 20 years. A young man accosted me the other day and said: "Well, chum, I don't believe in the C.O.s, still I admire their stand. What about the dependents ? I am prepared to send a large loaf of bread every week to each C.O's wife, but do not give my name to anybody." The war dogs would like to starve them, but do you know that there are comrades who pick coal and logs of wood from the tip and sell it, then hand the money into the maintenance fund; then again, there are com- rades who get into a wood, two miles away, out befan and pea sticks, and hand the profit over to the fund; and do you think the military machine will be successful. Never! never! Although there are four N.C.Fers gone, at the meeting last night, they were replaced.by six new mem- bers. Are we downheartedP Reader, will you do your part? cirum.
Railway Settlement. I
Railway Settlement. I BY T. C. MORRIS, I (E.C. Representative, N.U.R..) The recent settlement arrived at between the Railway Companies and the representatives of the Railway Trades Unions, whilst not giving general satisfaction to railwaymen, at the same time is one that under the present circum- stances will justify us in accepting it. The de- mand put forward to the railway companies was for ICte. 9d. per week increase in wages, a de- mand considered upon its merits, not by any means exorbitant. It must be borne in mind that any agitation for increased remuneration on behalf of railwaymen, must be considered in the light of the low pre-war standard which railwaymen were working under, which consti- tuted it as the cheapest paid labour on the mar- ket. Railwaymen, in common with other workers, have felt the effect of high prices on the cost of food stuffs, and taking into considera- tion the low pre-war standard, the cost of living has made itself more trying to them. National Programme, 1914. Just prior to the outbreak of war," the Na- tional Union of Railwaymen had launched forth a National Programme on behalf of its members, which included an immediate advance of 5s. per week in wages and an eight-hour day or 48-hour week. At the outbreak of war it was recog- nised that it was not possible to wage an in- dustrial war alongside an European war, of the nature which we have since witnessed, hence a truce was agreed upon with the Railway Com- panies, by which each side agreed, that for the duration of war neither side should forward any proposals that involved alterations of conditions of service. Whilst there was every desire to loyally abide by the terms of truce, it was long before the pressure of high cost of living com- pelled the Executive Committee of the National Union of Railwaymen, on behalf of the members, to open up negotiations with the Railway Com- panies, for a demand of an increased wage, to meet the depreciation in the purchasing value of our members' wages. War Bonus and Cost of Living. To maintain loyalty to the truce and to meet the then existing conditions, an agreement was arrived at which conceded an increase in re- muneration in form of a war bonus of 3s. to those in receipt of 30s. per week and under, and 2s. per week to those in receipt of above 30s. per week. The form in which this concession was granted has been the cause of much discon- tent, because bonus has not been counted as the basis for overtime and also did not apply to Sun- day duty. The Railway Companies contend, that whilst the railways are under the joint con- trol of the Companies and the Government, they have not ceased to function as Railway Com- panies seperately. Hence they are very much concerned about the future liabilities which an increased remuneration granted now will mean. Sir Herbert Walker, the Chairman of the Railway Executive Committee, in meeting our negotiating Sub-Committee, in connection with the recent demand put forward on behalf of our members for 10s. increase in wages, stated ¡qUite frankly that under no consideration could they as Railway Companies under their present constitution consider an application for wages. Conciliation Board Machinery and Wages I- Demand. In view of this statement we were either faced Wl^h the alternative of pressing our demand for waes or accept the position of accepting bonus. If the first course was adopted, then it would become necessary to give notice to' the Railway Companies to cancel the truce entered in so at the commencement of the war and thus open up negotiations through the medium of the Con- ciliation Boards set up on each railway ibr a wage demand. As the result of the adoption of this method, the whole of the bonus conceded ssince the war would also be in the melting-pot, and each railway would have to consider the position of its employees, with the result that we would be faced with a number of different agreements all over the country, with varied rates of pay, which would lack that uniformity which the present system gives us through national negotiations. As I have already pointed out, the Railway Companies have not ceased to exist as separate entities, hence any wage de- mand would have to be considered by each 'company separately, because it would mean a permanent charge to their exchequer, whereas bonus is simply temporary in its nature to meet circumstances artificially created by the war. It is true to say that the Government are meeting the bulk of this charge through the excellent terms they secured with the Railway Companies when they took under their control the railways fer transport purposes. Mr. Bonar Law, speak- ing recently, stated in the House of Commons— Up to now the bargain made with the rail ways had been a good financial transaction, and in spite of the recent war bonus to the men there would be no loss to the public, he believed, and probably some financial gain." Hence wage demands can only be made through the conciliation machinery which would involve a delay of six weeks, consequent of notice being sent on to the. Railway Companies to can- cel the truce, which would also further involve the withdrawal of the bonus already conceded since the war, and further lead to establishing different agreements all over the country, causing dissatisfaction and dis-unity, which un- der the present arrangements of bonus obviates, and to my mind makes for unity of action na- tionally amongst railwaymen throughout the country. Recent Settlement and Sectional Unions. The agreement just arrived at with the Rail- way Companies concedes an increase of 5s: war bonus per week to ad wits, 2s. 6d. to women, 2s. 6d. to boys under 18 years of age, together with certain considerations for Sunday duty. It is to be noted that the agreement was entered into for the first time with all the Unions except- ing the Clerks (jointly). Past agreements have proved a weakness in this respect, inasmuch as the Crafts Unions made a separate agreement w\th the Companies, or referred the case of ^ilway shopmen who were members of their 11lons to the Committee of Production. As the WiS1lt it tended to widen the gulf between the I'?"tioiiai Union and the Craft Unions and gave Keel°Ya' 'sm more breathing space, because it pro,vid the opportunity for the sectionalists to sav +li it was he got the bonus, and if it was not the other fellow we would have done far 1 e .er., Sectionalism thrives on discrediting the la?ro-? ??clustrial Union. Upon this occasion the Craft r ? 411stria l Union. Upon this occasion the '?ions who cater for railway shopmen ? ?e j. ointly with the N. U .R. in conference with Mie nau?ay Executive, negotiating for the men hnc?d. They were offered similar terms to 'T' ? and agreed to accept. After all it was the compelling power and force of the .U.. ,that really brought even the negotia- tions into being? 3? the smaller Unions involved came along and said, We must have a look in and have a say ? this business." How long this is to continue depends upon the commonsense and intelligence of the members of Unions con- t)ern,ed to realise that only in amalgamation can we hope to get those improvements long overdue in the conditions of the railwaymen of this coun- try. The continued existence of the sectional unions is only at the expense of the National Union. This is obvious to anyone knowing the position. "What we ask and what we get." What We Ask For and What We Get." In the last two movements, the N.U.R. have put forward a demand for an increase of 10s. per week. Upon both occasions we have closed with the Railway Companies upon half of the demand. Of course it must be borne in mind that by a decision at the, Bath A.G.M., 1916, the authority to settle now is vested in the A.G.M., which personally I have always favoured, hence the acceptance of 5s. was agreed to by the dele- gates. I have come around strongly to the view, that what we ask for and what we get is of such vital importance to the honour and pres- tige of our Union, that considering the relation of both positions leads me to ask seriously, whether the time, has not arrived for us to ask for a figure that we can realise, than ask for a figure and afterwards be compelled to accept 50 per cent. How often has it been said, that if we ask for an higher figure we shall secure one half. for an higher figure we shall secure one half. This to me is adopting a humiliating position for such an Union as the N.U.R., and tends to weaken our power and influence, showing to the Companies that we were not serious in our de- mand. On the contrary, were we to ask for something that we could realise, nothing would add greater to pur power, besides giving en- couragement to our members when getting what we ask for. Because I strongly contend that we have no right to ask for a figure unless we are prepared to back it up with the full power of our Union. Whilst it is true to say that negotiations imply compromise, yet I am one of those that would ask for a, realisable figure, backing it up, without adopting a compromising attitude. It is a fact that the failure to effect to secure, the figure asked for, has caused reaction in our raiiks, because the hopes of our men have been raised by the standard set out, and then we, fall back to a much lower figure. The justice of such demand no one disputes, but as practical men I think it would be agreed that it would be far more preferable to ask for something and get it than ask for a figure and accept half of it. Power of the N. U. R. and Its Possibilities. After all it must never be forgotten that it is the existence of the power behind the, 340,000 members of the National Union of Railwaymen that was the means of obtaining the 5s. Con- trasting the attitude of the Railway Companies upon this occasion to previous occasions has compelled them to recognise the force behind numbers. The time has past when they can treat our Union as of no consequence. Our membership during the past year has increased by 32,000, and is still going up. How much greater force could we wield, aye, even to the extent of securing an eight-hour day, if amalga- mation could be effected with the other Unions catering for Railwaymen. How much nearer would we be to the goal of bringing to railway- men much improved conditions, long overdue, adding greatly to their mental and physical benefit, could we eliminate the dividing element that is amongst us. No greater crime can be done to our cause, than spreading division. A heavy responsibility rests already upon those who have sought and continue to seek to divide instead of unifying our forces. The Railway Companies and other employers of labour know the benefit of amalgamation. The huge concen- tration of capital in combines and trusts, and in deed, the future bodes ill in this respect; this in itself should be a warning to us. The strug- gles ahead are great which will need all our energies to combat. Then why dissipate our strength in sectionism instead of conserving that strength. Let us gird our armour and prepare for the industrial struggle. In conjunction with the other bodies of the Triple Industrial Alliance, we should formulate our programme to secure a greater share of the good things of life, includ- ing an eight-hour day and at least a minimum wage of t2 per week. That railwaymen should have control of the railway industry must be in- sisted upon in any future arrangement decided upon by the Government in connection with Nationalization. Railway Companies have al- ways regarded, and still continue to regard, as sacred their right to manage the railways. So finely is this drawn, that oftentimes matters affecting our members and causing great irrita- tion is ruled out of the purview of the Concilia- tion Board, because the companies contend it is one of management, although at the same time, the matter concerned is one that vitally affects the interests of the men concerned. I hope to have something to say upon this question next week in connection with the comb-out of rail- waymen for the army. The power of our Union must assert itself more and more in the direction of control of railway industry and developing the idea that those who work the railways should determine the conditions of working, thus tending to eliminate the profiteering factor with the desire of cultivating security of life, safe- guards against accidents, and co-operation in working in the interests of the community.
HAVE YOU PAIN ?
HAVE YOU PAIN ? J. Swift, Attercliffe, Sheffield, says :-H The first dose 'gave me great relief. I can confidently say that one box of these pills has done me more good than all the medicine I have "taken." Mrs. A. Wilkinson, of Nelson, states: "My sister, who suffered from weak kidneys, took one box, and it has done her more good than pounds spent on medical men." HOLDROYD'S GRAVEL PILLS, a positive cure for Gravel, Pains in the Back, Dropsy, Bright's Disease of the Kidneys, Gout, Sciatica; is. 3d., all chemists; post free 14 stamps.— HOLDROYD'S MEDICAL HALL, Cleckheaton.
Presentation to a Mining Instructor.
Presentation to a Mining Instructor. I ABERMORlAIS INSTRUCTORS HONOUR I MR. DAVIES. The second monthly meeting under the aus- pices of the Abermorlais mining students' sum- mer classes was held at the Abermorlais School on Tuesday evening, when a paper was read by Mr. Thos. Brunton, Merthyr, upon The Duties of a Fireman," before a very good attendance of students. The writer treated his subject in an able manner, having had some years of prac- tical experience in this capacity. He treated of the wisdom and efficiency of the fireman, so much demanded by our modern collieries. An interesting discussion took place, each stu- dent taking advantage of the good things pro- vided. At the close of the paper and discussion occasion was taken to present the, teacher of the above class, 7vlr. William Davies, M.E., Muriel Terrace, Dowlais, with a beautiful set of volumes entitled Modern Mining Practice," the, works of Prof. R. S. Redmayne, M.Sc., M.I.M.E., M.F.G.S., His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Mines (late). Professor of Mining at the Univer- sity of Birmingham, as a token of respect and "appreciation for valuable services rendered to the above students during the winter session of 1916-1917. This was the third presentation during the course- of his career as Mining Science teacher. The following students expressed their appre- ciation—Messrs. Eben Morris, Ben Davies, Dd. Powell, and others, for their Dowlais colleagues, and stated that they were honeslty proud of their teacher, from whom they had derived real guidance, practical experiences, and most valu- able instruction in the science of mining. Messrs. Brunton, Tom Griffiths, T. D. Griffiths, Lionel Price, and others, of Merthyr, said that they could not but admire the close relationship that existed between them and their teacher, together with the practical knowledge, guidance and ex- perience imparted to them, which had brought them into close touch with the great principles of mining. They were indeed all proud of Mr. Davies having added to the list of their awards. The Dowlais and Merthyr students alike wished to point out that he (the teacher) was a real asset, to them, which was evidenced by the fact that he has successfully coached the following students during this session for the Firemen's Examination, C.M.R.A. The successful students are: Messrs. Eben Morris, James Moxham, E. T. Jones, Thos. Griffiths, T. D. Griffiths, Dd. Powell, George Carter, Isaac Pritchard, whilst he has at present 14 students under tuition pre- paring for the 2nd Class Colliery Manager's Cer- tificate a record, in the estimation of the, stu- dents, to be proud of. The OhairmauelYlphasised the great difference between "the teacher with and without cre- dentials." Mrs. Titos. Brunton, in making the presenta- tion, spoke of. the high character of the teacher from the intellectual, moral, and spiritual standpoint. Mr. Davies (with deep emotion) rose to thank the students for their high appreciation of him, and said that his chief aim and purpose as a mining lecturer and teacher was to successfully help the students to grasp the practical and theoretical knowledge with the proper applicar tion of the same, which is so much needed in the intricacies of mining science. He said that the Good Old Book stated "That a Prophet hath no honour in his own country," which he felt could certainly not be applied to him in the light of what had been said and done that evenings A hearty vote of thanks was then extended to the chairman, Mr. James Moxham, for the able- way in which he conducted the whole of the pro- ceedings, and for Messrs. Eben Morris and Ben Davies for their efficiency as secretary and trea- surer, thus closing a meeting long to be remem- bered by all in connection with the above classes. Three weeks ago we commenced the above class under the guidance of Mr. Wm. Davies, M.E., when the following papers were ably read and discussed: "Mine Gases," by Mr. T. D. Grif- fiths; "The Principles of Mine Ventilation," by Mr. James Moxham; "Explosions in Coal Mines," by Mr. Eben Moms.
IA Blunt Letter.I
I A Blunt Letter. MERTHYR AUCTIONEER AND CLIENT. The adjourned examination in bankruptcy of George Arthur Reeves, auctioneer and account- ant, High-street, Merthyr, was conducted at the Merthyr Bankruptey Court on Tuesday be- fore Mr. C. Kenshole (registrar). Debtor's statement of affairs revealed a de- ficiency of £ 1,336. Mr. Ellis Owen (official receiver) questioned debtor respecting rents collected by him for Mr. W. R. Harris on behalf of two property-owners. Debtor said he could not recollect receiving from Mr. Harris a letter pressing fou a cheque and statement of accounts, a quotation from which was You appear to overlook the duty which devolves upon you to account for monies collected by you for other people, even though you are reminded people don't own property and pay rates for the purpose of your retaining their rents and thereby swelling your private ac- count." Want of time was the reason why the required statements were not presented. Official Receiver There was no want of money in it ?-I don't think so, sir. That was 18 months ago. Debtor went on that later Mr. Harris, through his solicitor, informed him he would not wait longer than February 23rd for a settlement for £ 160 owing. Official Receiver: Could not you have paid from the monies you had at the Guardians' sale (sale of furniture, etc., for the Merthyr Board of Guardians) ?—No, because I intended to pay the Guardians. How much did the goods of the Guardians amount to ?—About £ 30. He did not pay this amount over because the whole sum was not realised, some of his credi- tors taking goods 'oy per contra payment. The examination was again adjourned until June 26th to enable debtor to. furnish further accounts. —a— „„„ ,„„ „„ »
Advertising
Maesteg Notes. I Concert. At the Co-operative Buildings, Maesteg, on Thursday the Caerau and Maesteg Co-operative Society's children's choir gave a successful con- cert, the conductor being Mr. Hopkin Hopkin. Mr. T. Millman presided. Individual items were contributed by Messrs. Jno. Evans, Pont- ardawa; E. Rogers, Cardiff; Prof. T. Jones, B,trry;,and Miss Davies, Barry. WINNING Numbers 01 George Foulkes Prize W Drawing:—78, 259, 781, 1636, 1612, 609, 162, 1254, 1450, 268, 572, 1074, 1064, 1218, 696, ?76, 1722, 527.—Thos. Meek, 2 Arthur Street, Pentrebach (Secretary). DOWLAIS GO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY, Limited. | i DOWLAIS COOPERATIVE SOCIETY, Limited..i i 1:6, 1:1, 1:8, and 1:9, Union Street, OWlaís.I. I II: We are now showing a Large Assortment for the .1 t coming Season:- I I Household Unen. Blankets. Quilts. Sheets. | I Carpets and Rugs. I ——Iff 'I III I ■ V  MILUNERY DEPT. | I Costumes. Jackets. Blouses. Ladies and I I Children's Millinery. I | VALUE AND QUALITY GUARANTEED IF YOU BUY AT J ? 16, 17, 18 & !9. Union Street, Dowlais. | I PantscaHog, Dow?ais. Caeharris, Dowlais. | I High Street, Penydarren. I I Station Terrace, Sedlinog- | 1. It II .I, r mm Amalgamated LABOURERS' MNMM. [| Registered Office-1 ST. DAVID'S PLACE, R!E:!s.N. I The Live Fighting Union for South Wales. We Don't Merely List Benefits on Paper-We PAY Them. i General Secretary: JOHN TWOMEY. Organiser: "BOB" WILLIAMS, 220 Blackfriars Road, London, S.E. District Secretaries: A. BARTON, 5 Stuart Street, Docks, Cardiff; JOHN O'LEARY, Century Institute. Winmill Street, Newport, Mon.; Coun. J. POWLESLAND, 10 Picton Place, Swansea ALL CLASSES CATERED FOR-MALE AND FEMALE. Affiliated to the National Transport Workers' Federation, Trade Union Congress, and National Labour Party. č Approved under the National Health Insurance Acts.
The Burning Question ofI Trade…
The Burning Question of I Trade Unionism. The Aberdare Valley District of the C.L.C. League held their monthly lecture' on Sunday with Mi. G. A. Goodall in the chair, who em- phasized the need of an intelligent rank and file with control over their executives to make such bodies as the Triple. Alliance elective for pro- gress. Mr. A. J. Oftlok whose subject was In- dustrial Unionism, is a well-known figure at the miners' Cardiff conferences, and he might be well described as one who is working hard for, and impatiently waiting, that revolution which will socialise the means of production. Let us hope we shall soon have the pleasure of seeing him the Rhondda No. 2 Sub-Agent, a post in which his revolutionary ardour will find full scope. Topical matters were used to back up his argu- ment, which was that the present form of trades unionism made for sectionalism; failed to make inroads upon the profits of the, employers tin- kered only with effects and was therefore played out. Trade Unions which had had a hard strug- gle for existence' in the past were Now to be protected by Government officials from the new spirit manifesting itself in shop organisation, and this proved the unions' harmlessness. With industry organisation, however, weakness was obviated and paralysis of the industry was pos- sible; the force necessary to melt the heart of the capitalist could be thus obtained. The ob- jective of the new unionism was- the abolition of the wages system. The removal of the profes- sional negotiator and the hobble skirt of con- ciliation, and the adoption of the irritation strike and other similar methods in order to make the capitalist toe the line were advocated. The lecture closed with an appeal to all present to take their part in the class war as the only one that mattered. In answer to questions re political action the speaker referred to a forth- coming debate upon the matter which will be advertised in the Pioneer."
Advertising
RHEUMATISM- KIDNEY TROUBLE. Rheumatism is due to uric acid crystals in the joints and muscles, the result of excessive uric acid in the system that the kidneys failed to remove as nature intended, and this acid is ,to a great extent the cause of backache, lum- bago, sciatica, gout, urinary trouble, stone, gravel, and dropsy. The success of Estora Tablets for the treat- ment of rheumatism and other forms of kidney trouble is due to the fact that they restore the kidneys to healthy action, and thereby remove the cause of the trouble, and h.,ve cured num- berless cases after the failure of other remedies, which accounts for them superseding out-of-date medicines that are sold at a price beyond all but the wealthy. Women frequently suffer from ilk, aches, and pains under the impression that they are victims of ailments common to their sex, but more often than not it is due to the kidneys, and in such cases Estora Tablets will set them rightl The test is at least worth making, as woman's happi- ness and success in life depends on her health. Estora Tablets fully warrant their description —an honest remedy at an honest price, 1/3 per box of 40 tablets, or six for 6/9. All Chemists or, postage free, from Estora Co., 132, Charing Cross Road, London, W.C. Bargoed and Aberbargoed Agent—W. PARBT WILLIAMS, M.P.S. Medical. 0 A -PAGE BOOK ABOUT HERBS AND UT HOW TO USE THEM, Post Free. Send for One. TRIMNELL, THB HERBALIST, 144, RICHMOND ROAD, CARD IF*. Established 1879. Literary. j UNITARIAN PAMPHLETS on The Bible," Heaven," and Hell," given post free.— Miss BARMBY, Mount Pleasant, Sidmouth. Miscellaneous. ASTROLOGY.—Life Events, Changes, F<c- A- tunate Days, Business Success, Matrimony ? Two Years' Future added.—Send Birth-date, 1/- P.O., PROF. GOULD, "The Nook," Heathfield Road, Cardiff. CARDIFF Central Labour College Leaguo (under the auspices of the Cardiff Trades Council). Permanent Teacher appointed.— 8 Queen Street, Cardiff. Note time of starting, 2.30 p.m. let ANNUAL MAY FESTIVAL AT MERTHYR OLYMPIA RINK, THURSDAY, MAY 31, 13*7, At &IX p.m: Great COMPETITIVE CONCERT ALL OPEN SOLOS. I tems. Prizes. Boy Soprano 10/6 and Medallion (Given by H. P. George, Esq.) Girl under 16 (Any Voice) 10/6 Soprano Solo One Guinea ,• Contralto Solo. One Guinea Tenor Solo One Guinea Bass Solo. One Guinea Best Recitation One Guinea Challenge Solo (Any Voice) Open to all Comers Two Guineas and Challenge Cup. (To be Won Three Times). (Given by John Lewis & Co., Motor Experts.) Adjudicators.—Music: Dr. D. C. Williams, Mer- thyr, and Tom Price, Esq., Merthyr. Elocution: Rev. J. M. Jones, M.A., Cam- bridge. Chairman and Conductor: E. Morrell, Rilq., J.P. Accompanists: Prof. Richard Howells, Aber- dare, and David Williams. Esq., Merthyr. ADMISSION 1/- Tax Extra at Door. Preliminary Competitions at 4 p.m. at Deatlev'* Hall. All Entries to be in the possession of the Secre- tary by May 24th. This Festival is held under the Auspices of the Merthyr Trades Council, who hope in future to hold same on Labour Day. For further information apply to the Secretary— WM. HARRIS, 6 King Edward Villas, Mertkyr.