June 26, 1914.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

1491

if retained in the measure, would stop a form of deduction
from wages which the workers had freely and intelligently-
requested employers to make, in order that they and theirs
might receive, when needed, in hospitals the benefit of that
up-to-date and expert medical and surgical skill which other-
wise they could not receive. In the course of an interesting
historical account of truck legislation, Mr. Straker recalled
that there are many ways of getting through an Act of
Parliament without violating the letter of it. The question,
among other things, led to a miners’ strike in Northumber-
land and Durham in the year 1831. As the Truck Act of
1831 was passed on October 15 of that year, the pitmen of
Northumberland and Durham might fairly claim to have
played an important part in the passing of the measure. Mr.
Straker went on to remark on the enquiries of the Depart-
mental Committee on the Truck Acts, and stated that
amongst the witness examined, Messrs. David Shackleton,
Ben Turner, Gavin and Robert Smillie all favoured the
system of making deductions from wages for hospitals, and
the majority report of the Departmental Committee on this
matter was as follows : “We think it may be inferred from
the evidence that cases of undue pressure are few, and it
does not appear to us that any interference with the system
is called for. We recommend that deductions from wages
for contributions to hospitals should be allowed.” Probably
nowhere in the world was there a larger subscription by
working men than that in connection with the Eoyal Victoria
Infirmary of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. For the year 1913 it
amounted to over .£20,000. Experience had shown them that
it would be impossible to get at the most more than 50 per
cent, of that by any other means than by deductions from
wages at the pay offices. Since the passing of the 1911 Coal
Mines Act, the workmen at a large number of the pits in
Northumberland had exercised the right given them by this
Act, and claimed to be paid weekly instead of fortnightly as
previously. In consequence of the greater amount of office
work entailed by this charge, a few colliery owners had
refused to make the deductions for the infirmary and other
charitable purposes. The workmen had sent a number of
deputations to the managers of those pits, begging them to
recommence making these deductions. In some cases the
managers still refused, and the consequence was that not
one fourth of the usual contributions had been sent to the
infirmary from these pits. At the present time their
infirmary waiting list had over 1,300 names on it owing to
the lack of accommodation. If the income was to be reduced
in the way it would be in case that Bill was passed into law
with that subsection intact, they would be driven, for lack
of money, to either close some of the already too few wards,
or to make a charge for admission to the hospital. New-
castle-upon-Tyne was the centre of a coal mining district,
and about one in every four beds in the infirmary was
occupied by a miner or a member of a miner’s family. Dur-
ing the year there were hundreds of such cases. To do
anything that would hinder them being admitted would be
even a greater calamity, though not so conspicuous, as any of
the great pit explosions during recent years. Before reading
his paper, Mr. Straker said he understood that the measure
had now been drooped, and the question had arisen whether
it would be worth while proceeding with the paper under
the circumstances. He concluded, however, that they should
not alter their attitude, and they should be as vigilant as if
the measure was still before them. While the Bill was
dropped they knew that the promoters had got an assurance
from the Government that they would shortly bring in a
similar measure, and, no doubt, those who brought in the
private Bill would seek to gain their objects by proposing
amendments to the Government measure. At the conclu-
sion of the paper, it was unanimously agreed, on the motion
of the chairman (Mr. W. J. Sanderson), seconded by Dr.
McIntosh, and supported by Earl Winterton, M.P., and Sir
Henry Burdett : “ That this meeting of the British
Hospitals’ Association, representing the voluntary hospitals
in general of the United Kingdom, is of opinion that any
legislation prohibiting deductions from wages by way of
subscriptions to hospitals will result in contributions from
employes in a great number of instances not being paid, and
will thus impair the efficiency of many institutions at present
conferring invaluable benefits on industrious and deserving
workpeople. They, therefore, hope that in any amendment
of the Truck Acts the interests of the voluntary hospitals a rd
kindred institutions will be safeguarded.”

The inquest on the body of Arthur Ternant, a hewer, who
was drowned by an inrush of water at the Felling Colliery
on April 28 lasted nearly nine hours, and the jury returned
a verdict to the effect that deceased was accidentally drovned
by an inrush of water, adding a rider that there had been a
gross breach of the Mines Act, but by whom it was impossible
from the evidence to say. The chief point at issue was :
“ Who sent the man to work in the ‘ mothergate ’ district
of the Bensham seam?” John Todd, a deputy overman, said
he had visited the place the day before the accident and found
everything “ as usual,” a certain amount of water about.
He knew that the distance prescribed by the Act from old
workings was 40 yds., but he thought they were well outside
the 40 yds. After considerable pressure, he stated that he
received instructions to work the place from his marrow,
George Moody. He said the only plan of the place was in
possession of the overman, and he denied all responsibility
for working the ‘ mothergate.’ George Moody, deputy
overman, said he started the place on the instructions of
the overman, Donkin. He had instructions not to cavil the
place as a regular working place. A chargeman and master-
shifter both said the place was considered “ done ” by
Donkin in February. The manager, Mr. Marshall Blackett
Bell, said that he had given orders to the overman to keep
50 yds. distance from the old workings. He denied ever
giving Donkin permission to work the “ mothergate ” on
April 17. In answer to Mr. Wilson, H.M. inspector of
mines, the manager admitted there had been a breach of
the Act, but added that if his instructions had been carried
out it would not have occurred. In summing up, the coroner
pointed out the re collation of section 68 of the Coal Mines
A.ct, and commented on the conflicting nature of the evidence.
The jury found as stated above.

Mr. P. Barkes, manager of the Elemore Colliery, presided
over a pleasant little gathering in the cofliery office, when
Mr. James Tighe, an official, was presented with a 400-day
timepiece by the officials of the colliery on the occasion of his
marriage. Mr. George Carrick, chief clerk, made the
presentation.

A movement has been started at Sacriston to establish a
local aged miners’ homes committee in the district. County
Councillor Brass presided at the meeting at which the move-
ment was started. He conveyed the sympathy of Col.
Blackett, agent of the Sacriston and Charlaw Colliery Com-
pany, and of Mr. Noble, the colliery manager, and hinted

that the company would not be behind in furthering any
scheme that might be promoted.

The proprietors of the Handon Hold Colliery, Messrs.
James Irving and Company, have built 36 new houses at
High Hold, near Pelton. The owners have placed these in
the hands of the officials of the local lodges of the Durham
Miners’ Association to let. At a meeting of the men it was
decided to cavil for the houses in turn, and get certain
condemned back-to-back houses vacated as soon as possible.

The members of the Institution of Naval Architects, the
Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland, and
the North-East Coast Institution of Engineers and Ship-
builders will hold a joint summer meeting at Newcastle-upon-
Tyne from July 7 to 10. Amongst the papers to be read are
the following :—“ A Review of the Progress in the Marine
Steam Engine on the North-East Coast during the last 15
years,” by A. C. Ross; “ Charging of Two-Cycle Engines,”
by Prof. B. Hopkinson; “A New Type of Internal Com-
bustion Engine,” by H. F. Fullagar; and “The Strength
of Welds by the Oxy-Acetylene Process,” by Prof. A.
Campion and W. C. Gray. Visits will be paid to works in
the neighbourhood, including those of Messrs. Armstrong,
Whitworth and Company; Messrs. Swan, Hunter and
Wigham Richardson and Company; the Fullager Engine
Company; the Consett Iron Company; Messrs. R. and W.
Hawthorn, Leslie and Company; Messrs. Palmer’s Ship-
building and Iron Company; Messrs. William Doxford and
Company, and the Darlington Forge Company.

On Tuesday, at the June Convocation of the University of
Durham, Col. William Cuthbert Blackett, of Sacriston, chief
mining engineer to the Charlaw and Sacriston Collieries,
and president of the North of England Institute of Mining
and Mechanical Engineers, was presented with the degree of
Master of Science, honoris causa. Mr. Blackett is so
well-known in the mining world that it is unnecessary to
record the long list of achievements which have placed him
in the front rank of mining experts. However, we cannot
do less than quote the speech of Principal Hadow, of Arm-
strong College, Newcastle, when presenting Mr. Blackett for
the degree. Principal Hadow said : “ There are no more
urgent industrial problems than those which relate to safety
of life in dangerous pursuits and among these the one which,
in the North-East of England, touches us most nearly is
that of preventing, so far as prevention is possible, the
accidents which imperil the lives of our coal miners. To the
solution of this problem, Col. Blackett has devoted over 30
years. Educated at Durham School and at Armstrong
College, he entered the coal trade at an early age, gained
rapid promotion and, at a time when most men are little
beyond the threshold of their career, was already holding the
important and responsible position which he now occupies.
The problems of life saving at once engaged his attention,
and he brought to bear upon them a keen power of investiga-
tion, a wide scientific equipment, and a boundless and
untiring energy. To say that he has finally encountered and
driven back the danger of bolliery explosions would be to put
in for him a claim which he would be the first to disown.
. . . In addition, he has been a prominent figure in
the exploring parties in every colliery explosion throughout
Northumberland and Durham for the last quarter of a
century. He has received the Royal Humane Society’s
medal for saving life. He is chairman of the committee in
charge of the Rescue Brigade, and is himself the inventor of
some most valuable rescue appliances. His knowledge and
experience have been fittingly recognised by his appointment
as a member of the Royal Commission on Explosions in
Mines.” Mr. Blackett is, of course, very well known in the
Territorial movement, being in command of the 8th
Durhams.

Cumberland.

The Harrington Coke Ovens.

There is very much comment in Workington and other
parts of West Cumberland on the fact transpiring that the
Workington Iron and Steel Company Limited have given
notice to the Harrington Coke Ovens Limited that it will
take over from July 1, 1915, the whole of the undertaking,
consisting mainly of 100 by-product coke ovens. This action,
it is generally understood, synchronises with the terms
agreed upon when the Coke Ovens Limited was formed.
The shareholders of the latter, it appears, have received a
circular letter to the effect stated. No doubt further light
will be thrown on the subject at the annual meeting of the
combine, at the end of August, when Sir J. S. Randles,
M.P., deals with the report and balance sheet. The
authorised capital of the Harrington Coke Ovens Limited is
£120,000, and the paid-up capital £115,500. The company
was registered on April 30 1910.

It is rumoured that the Rye Crag Landsale Colliery has
been taken by Mr. John McDonald, the ex-manager of
Thirlwall Colliery. Since the Byron Colliery was closed six
years ago, Greenhead has been suffering from industrial
depression, and the news of this new venture wi1! be very
welcome. There are acres of coal in the vicinity of this old
landsale colliery. Scores of people who were forced to leave
when the Byron Colliery closed would gladly come back if
work and accommodation could be obtained. There is a lack
of houses, as the principal landowner pulled down the
majority of the houses at Bankfoot, which were occupied by
the miners of the Byron Colliery.

At a Local Government Board enquiry at Broughton Moor
on Tuesday, into an application made by the Cockermouth
Rural District Council for sanction to borrow £3,000 for
purposes of sewerage and sewage disposal for the parish of
Broughton Moor, including the execution of works in the
parish of Flimby, Mr. Lloyd Wilson, in opposing the scheme,
said the conditions at Broughton Moor were very much
altered since the first scheme was proposed. Houses were
being closed, and they were pulling down houses. Robin
Hood Colliery, where 300 hands were employed, had since
closed, and so had the Seaton Moor Colliery, where over 100
men were employed. At Bertha Colliery six months ago
they had to turn off two-thirds of their men, and close part
of the workings owing to the excessive conditions of the
Coal Mines Act. Under the new regulation demanded by
the Government it was almost impossible to work the small
seams of coal in the district. It was almost possible that
the whole of the Broughton Moor Colliery would close down
at the end of the year. The assessable value of the house
property in the whole parish was £1,239 10s.; the assessable
value of the works in the parish £1,654, and the land £844.
When they deducted the ratable value of the public works
they would find themselves a very poor parish indeed.

Yorkshire.

Cottage Hospitals in the Coalfield—Mr. Robinson's Prefer-
ment — The Miners and the Doncaster Division — The
Oaks Relief Fund—Fire at a Lamp Station.

Mr. T. Lomas, the new manager of the Maltby Main
Colliery, has received presentations made in the Wath
Cricket Club pavilion. The gifts consisted of a marble
timepiece, bronze figures, and purse, containing £45. Mrs.
Lomas received a gold watch and chain. Before being
appointed to Maltby, Mr. Lomas was under manager at No.
3 pit of Manvers Main Colliery, where he was very popular.

A mass meeting of Maltby miners was held last week to
consider the proposal to establish a cottage hospital. It was
intimated that Lord and Lady Scarbrough, whose estate is
near the colliery, had offered to build and equip a hospital
on condition, that its upkeep and maintenance was defrayed
by the public of Maltby. It was estimated the annual cost
would be £750, and the colliery employes had offered to
contribute one third. Mr. A. M. Thompson wrote on behalf
of the directors of the Maltby Main Colliery, offering to
contribute one quarter of the annual cost. It was stated
that a movement was on foot to establish a central hospital
to serve the whole of the surrounding districts, as a cottage
hospital could only deal with minor accidents. It appeared
to be the general opinion that a contribution of one penny
per week per man at the pit would meet the situation, but
the miners’ representatives opposed that view, pointing out
that as the colliery developed almost the whole cost of main-
tenance would be defrayed from this source. The men
adhered to their first offer, and the letter from the colliery
directors was allowed to lie on the table. Meanwhile,
matters are apparently at a standstill.

The appointment of Mr. C. L. Robinson to be senior
inspector of mines for the Scotch division, in the place of
Mr. W. Walker, who has received the appointment of deputy
chief inspector of mines at the Home Office, means the
removal of a popular mines inspector from Yorkshire. Mr.
Robinson was right-hand man to the late Mr. William
Pickering, and subsequently to Mr. T. H. Mottram, being
senior inspector for the Yorkshire and North Midland dis-
trict. He was stationed at Leeds, but was well-known
through the district. He rendered valuable service in con-
nection with the Cadeby Colliery explosion, and has figured
as a witness in several important colliery law cases. His
impartiality and general fairness, coupled with his skill, has
made him a well-liked official, and his departure will be
regretted in Yorkshire colliery circles.

It is now pretty certain that the next Parliamentary
contest in the Doncaster division will be a three-cornered one,
and not four-cornered as at first believed. The miners are
determined to capture the constituency, if possible,
and have definitely decided to throw all their weight
in favour of Mr. S. Roebuck, the under secretary of the
Yorkshire Miners’ Association at Barnsley, who will have a
Conservative and a Liberal as his opponents. The miners,
with the railway men, believe they will be strong enough
to win the Doncaster division for Labour for all time, but
the Conservatives are hopeful that by splitting up the votes
the miners will just let their candidate in. Whatever
happens a most interesting contest is bound to be witnessed.

Messrs. ’Parker Rhodes and Company, on behalf of the
Brodsworth Main Colliery Company and the Bullcroft Main
Colliery Company, have written to the Doncaster Rural
Council asking whether the council were going to appeal to
the Local Government Board against the Order constituting
Adwick-le-Street and adjoining parishes an urban district.
The Sanitary Committee of the council instructed the clerk
to reply that the matter would have 'careful consideration
as soon as the Order was issued.

A fund is being opened for the bereaved families of the
12 men who lost their lives in the Wharncliffe Silkstone
Colliery disaster recently. A committee has been appointed
to administer the fund.

A meeting of the trustees of the Oaks Explosion Relief
Fund was held at Barnsley on the 18th inst. It was stjted
that the trustees had decided the proposal to apply the
surplus to the purposes of a national fund should not be
entertained at present, because the income is more than
absorbed by the present expenditure, although the trustees
were strongly in favour of a central fund being established.
The trustees also decided that for the ensuing six months no
application be entertained, except it be directly connected
with the Oaks. It was reported that there are now 54 depen-
dants on the funds, the amount payable per annum to them
being £876 4s.

An alarming cage accident took place at the Park Hill
Colliery, Wakefield, on Monday, but owing in a great
measure to the promptitude of a hanger-on named Jack Beech
the affair did not prove to be as serious as was at first
thought. Nineteen men were descending in a double-decked
cage to the Haigh Moor seam, 320 yds. below the surface,
and when the cage was within 15 or 20 yds. of its destination
something happened to the valves of the engine, which did
not shut properly. The result was that the cage went down
• with terrific force, and crashed into the “ fallers ” at the
entrance to the Haigh Moor seam. The men escaped with
but slight injuries.

An alarming fire occurred on the surface of the Houghton
Main Colliery, Darfield, near Barnsley, on Saturday night,
throwing the pit, which employs 3,000, idle and doing con-
siderable damage. The fire was confined to the lamp-house.
A piece of lighted paper had been dropped, and this ignited
some electric accumulators. Considerable damage was done,
but the men and the adjoining buildings escaped.

Lancashire and Cheshire.

Decision in Form IV. Case—Coal Trade Benevolent
Association : New Branch at Liverpool.

The decision has been given in the appeal of “ Executors
of W. H. Nicholson v. the Commissioners of Inland
Revenue,” which was heard by Mr. Thos. Jones, C.E., as
referee under the Finance Act, 1910, at his office in Little
George-street, Westminster, on May 13, and had reference
to an assessment to increment value on minerals underlying
property at Greenroads Farm, Wardle, near Rochdale, Lan-
cashire. The facts were stated in last week’s Colliery
Guardian.

The reference has decided as follows :—“ My view is that
the Finance Act, 1910, confers no power upon a referee to
sanction or grant any amendment in the sections of Form
IV., referring to mineral values, where no value has been
placed upon them by the owner or his agents; and my