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THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

August 21, 1914

Notes from the Coalfields.

[Local Correspondence ]

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

The “ Triple Bond ” Trouble—Sunday Working Abandoned
—Prospects Good—Transport Difficulties—Insurance of
Coal Cargoes—The Pitwood Position—Local Growers—
The Tin-plate Trade.

The question of the triple bond has been the great cause
of discussion during the week. It necessitated the holding
of another special meeting by Cardiff Chamber of Com-
merce, for, as Mr. Watson, the president, pointed out,
“ The drastic regulation now in force is very much like
cutting off a man’s head in order to cure toothache.” What
has happened is that trade has been stopped by the demand
that shippers should give a bond to three times the value
of the cargo, also providing a surety as well as giving their
own bond, that the. cargo shall reach the destination
assigned. Some modification was early made in the
original requirement of the Government, for whereas the
original forfeiture of the bond would have been entailed in
any circumstances if the cargo did not reach its assigned
destination, the shipper was released from liability if the
shipment was bona fide, should the cargo be captured by
the enemy, or lost by accident.

One other point of objection was as to the selection of the
shipper alone for bearing responsibility, it being argued
that surely the shipowner, whose servants the captain and
crew are, ought to be at least equally liable with the
shipper, for with the shipowner, through his agents aboard,
the proper carriage of the cargo to the assigned destination
lies.

At the Chamber of Commerce meeting on Friday last, •
Mr. Watson said he had had an interview with a repre-
sentative of the Government, who asked what the trade
wanted; and the answer given was that they wanted the
bond abolished altogether. First of all, the Government
had been altogether mistaken in thinking that the great
bulk of Cardiff coal is coal suitable for ships of war; and
Mr. Watson pointed out to the Government representative
that if existing conditions continued much longer the
unreasonable bond would be responsible for a large number
of colliers being set idle.

The Customs intimated that they would take the ship-
owner’s bond instead of the shipper’s, or they would take
the shipowner’s and the shipper’s together. But what the
trade wanted was that even if the bond were continued,
there should be no liability upon anybody other than to
produce evidence of bona fides in regard to despatch of
the cargo.

Those who are in the trade did not wish the Government
to run any risk in regard to the safety of the country, and
there was willingness to make sacrifices; but whilst there
is a general call for “ Business as usual,” it had to be
emphasised that the bond has the effect of stopping the
work of large bodies of men. As Mr. Watson asked in the
meeting, “ Who is going to give a bond for £3 a ton on a
cargo worth 20s. a ton, for the sake of making 6d. a ton
profit ? ’ ’

Finally the Chamber adopted a resolution, which, while
recognising that the modifications already announced would
meet objections to some small extent, they expressed their
opinion that the bond ” Will prove a vital obstacle to the
export of coal; and unless withdrawn or modified, and the
shipper not be required to do more than prove his bona
fides, it will inevitably lead to the wholesale stoppage of
collieries, and loss of employment to large numbers of men.”

The Chamber further decided to send a deputation to the
proper authorities, so that this resolution might be
presented, and explanations tendered in its support.

The Marquess of Bute, chief proprietor of Cardiff Docks,
has been in personal communication with the President of
the Board of Trade, and has urged the need for the bond
to be abolished altogether, in order that the collieries may
be kept working, and the men be fully employed. So strong
was the emphasis laid upon this necessity by everyone who
has knowledge of local conditions, that Mr. Runciman
(President of the Board of Trade) appointed a committee
to investigate the whole position; and advise him upon it.
The secretary of Cardiff Chamber of Commerce had a
favourable telegram from the Board of Trade on Monday,
wherein it was stated, “ The Board trusts that the matter
is about to be arranged so as to remove your objections,”
and it was in view of this telegram that an interview that
had been arranged for Tuesday—joint representatives
coming from South Wales, Newcastle, Scotland, etc.— was
abandoned.

Matters were eased somewhat when it was announced
that the Customs officials would allow exportation to neutral
ports of all coal except best Welsh steam large, subject, of
course, to the triple bond. Some amount of chartering took
place upon that announcement, but the requirement of the
bond stood insuperably in the way of any general resumption
of business.

Then came a further concession—that the bond would
not be enforced in reference to coal intended for the Italian
State Railways.

Finally, the welcome announcement was made that the
requirement would be withdrawn, though it is fully under-
stood that close oversight and even regulation as to exports
will be rigidly maintained.

The Secretary to the Admiralty (Sir W. Graham Green)
communicated with the secretary to the South Wales Coal
Owners’ Association and with the secretary to the Miners’
Federation, desiring that the collieries producing Admiralty
coal should be worked on Sunday last; and as the special
committee representing both sides was at the time in session,
prompt action was taken. The colliery owners gave assent,
and the workmen’s representatives also decided to recom-
mend the men to work, it being agreed that the pay should
be an eight-hour day at turn and a-half, the pieceworkers
to receive rate and a-half. In making reply to the Admir-
alty, emphasis was laid upon the need of adequate shipment
immediately, so that the wagons would be cleared and no
hindrance arise in colliery working on Monday. The rail-
way companies were desired to provide the usual workmen’s
and other trains on Sunday. On Friday, however, the
colliery owners were notified that Admiralty requirements
had been met for the time being, and the Sunday arrange-
ment was therefore cancelled. Nevertheless, the ready and
full response by the coal trade calls for record.

The Admiralty shipped very heavily, and made provision
for their immediate requirements, as is shown by the with-
drawal of the request to work on Sunday; and one result
of this is that the Admiralty is now taking only the very

highest quality, so that still further supply is on offer in
the general market. Thousands of men have been idle
through lack of wagons at the pits; and this, although
stocks of coal abroad are being rapidly depleted, and
merchants could sell if the financial conditions were not
so onerous It is said that some collieries have been
demanding cash against tipping order, with a consequence
that merchants quote for payment before shipment; and
as everything of this nature tends to restrict business
seriously, the difficulties of the coal market have been very
great.

The chief consideration to the district is, of course, that
it all results in men being kept idle just at a time when
it is urgently requisite that as many as possible should
be kept in full work. One of the questions raised by the
workmen when asked to put in an extra hour on Admiralty
coal is that they are called upon to work overtime, whilst,
through the demand of the triple bond, and owing to
market circumstances otherwise, their fellows in collieries
turning out lower grade coal were not able to earn anything
at all.

The action of the men in regard to working the extra
hour permitted by the Eight Hours Act is reported under
” Labour and Wages.”

If only the difficulties of transport can be arranged, there
should be good trade close ahead for coal shippers. Scarcity
prevails in foreign depots; reports from widely separated
areas show this to be the case. Therefore, inasmuch as the
competition of Germany and Belgium has been stopped,
British shippers should soon reap a material advantage.
Great satisfaction is reported from Italy on account of removal
of hindrances affecting the trade; Argentine reports received
at Cardiff are to the effect that the Government prohibit
bunkering there, and that Welsh coal is up to £4 a ton.
To give shippers due advantage of such a state of things,
further modification of the war regulations may be impera-
tive; and, with regard to coal cargoes destined for Atlantic
ports, it ought not to be difficult to permit greater freedom.
Otherwise the present hindrances are so many opportunities
for American sellers to step into a British market. As to
the Mediterranean ports, now that the German warships
are interned and the Austrians bottled up, larger facilities
might surely be allowed. Seeing that it means something
much more than traders’ profits—namely, employment for
tens of thousands of men in a time of peculiar stress and
difficulty—it is to be hoped that the authorities will quickly
realise more clearly the commercial position.

Official instruction as to withdrawal of the demand for
bond reached the Custom House local authorities on
Wednesday morning, and intimation was made that all
coal might be freely exported. Certain special require-
ments will be insisted on as proof of destination — the
original charter party to be produced, the bills of lading,
etc. ; no copies being accepted. Whether best Admiralty
qualities will be absolutely free is still questioned in some
quarters; and it is also pointed out that patent fuel seems
to have been overlooked in the removal of restriction—but
this is obviously nothing more than a temporary oversight.

Dealing with the matter of insurance upon coal cargoes,
Mr. Watson, president of Cardiff Chamber of Commerce,
stated at the meeting on Friday that the rates for short
distances were then simply ridiculous; but fortunately they
could get reasonable quotations from Lloyds. The authori-
ties had been requested to open a sub-office at Cardiff, and
offer had been made to provide a staff for assisting the
official who might be sent down from London, but they
had met with only a blank refusal.

July returns as to coal shipments from Bristol Channel
ports only add to the unfavourable figures of 1914. For
that month there was a decrease of 260,085 tons, as com-
pared with July of last year, the totals being 2,613,745
against 2,873,830. For the seven months of 1914, the total
was 17,083,512 against 17,696,849; a decrease of 613,337
toAs. The stoppage of this month occasioned by the war
must add considerably to the reduction.

Newport Harbour Board’s returns for the seven months
of this year show a material decrease both in imports and
exports, coal exports having been 2,619,912, as compared
with 2,752,128 in the corresponding period; while coke
declined from 9,904 tons to 7,085, but patent fuel rose from
78,893 to 101,297 tons.

The pitwood position is still difficult, for French exporters
are said to be asking 25s. per ton, making about 34s. on
this side when freight and other charges have been added.
Supplies from Spain or Portugal are not offered because,
workmen being engaged in the harvest, there are relatively
few available for cutting the wood.

It is not improbable that the temporary shortage in
foreign supplies of pitwood will have permanent effect in
promoting extensive afforestation, so that home plantations
will in due time furnish a larger proportion of the needful
timber. To a certain extent it may be, home supplies
will be at once available, the very high prices that now rule
making it worth while for owners to cut down and market
their larch and similar wood; but it is to systematic planting
that consumers will have to look for a steady service in
this respect, though it must be 12 or 14 years before the
growth would be sufficient to warrant cutting.

Tens of thousands of acres are available on the mountain
slopes of Wales, great areas being in the immediate neigh-
bourhood of the mines. For example, above the Rhymney
Iron Company’s pit to the north of Bargoed, a vast tract
has been planted and has for years been flourishing. Yet,
immediately adjacent, as well as on the opposite side of
the valley, the ground is bare, furnishing sustenance only
for a few sheep, while the winter rains, unhindered, wash
the soil into the stream at the bottom. Part of the Talbot
estate in Glamorgan has also five plantations, but here also
are great tracts, suitable for timber raising, which lie
unused. Lord Aberdare’s estate in the Aberdare Valley
shows what can be done, for even old colliery tips here
have become wooded elevations. The late Sir Joseph
Bailey, on his estate bordering Monmouthshire, experi-
mented largely in timber growing; and Mr. D. A. Thomas,
head of the Cambrian Combine, is said to have given the
matter special consideration. Farther afield—to mention
but one among many areas—visitors to the north will recall
the miles of plantations facing Snowdon on the road from
Nant-ddu to Beddgelert, and it is understood that Cardiff
Corporation contemplate extensive planting on their large
waterworks territory on the slopes of the Brecon Beacons,
this including many thousands of acres.

At the Cwmbran Works and Collieries, Messrs. Guest,
Keen, have posted notices that the wives of those called
away on active service will be paid 10s. per week and
Is. per child whilst the men are away from their work.

The Senghenydd colliery disaster was responsible for
no fewer than 40 cases, which came last week before the
Pontypridd County Court. His Honour Judge Roberts made

compensation apportionments in claims ranging from £50
for partial dependency to £300 total dependency.

If only for its effect upon the coal market, it is very
satisfactory to note the change which is taking place in
the tin-plate trade, now that the holiday stoppage has come
to an end, and an anticipated bad time seems to be averted.
Much anxiety was prevalent as to whether the men could
be kept employed, and it is, therefore, all the more
encouraging to note that on Monday nearly four-fifths of the
mills commenced active operations, whilst others were
started during the week. Orders are coming in wTell and
at fair prices; and it is stated that in some cases makers
are quite willing to manufacture into stock in order to
prevent unemployment. Out of a total of 580 mills, 436
were stated on Monday, although not all as yet for full
time. Swansea reports are also more favourable, the
anthracite trade appearing to promise movement, and fuel
manufacture being active.

Northumberland and Durham.

The Coke Industry—Colliery Owners' Generosity.

The owners of the Low Becchburn Colliery have decided
to relight 20 coke ovens as a means of finding employment
for their workmen laid idle owing to the slackness.

The collieries of the Consett Iron Company and the
Birtley Iron Company have been little affected by the war.
The former uses most of its production for the iron works,
which are working full time just now; and the latter is
fulfilling large contracts for English gas companies.

The many by-product ovens in the county of Durham are
likely to be partially idle through the war. The greater
part of the benzol is shipped to France, and the quantity
produced has already been reduced at some plants. Many
Germans are employed in this industry, and a large number
have been arrested under the Aliens Registration Order. At
Langley Lark, where the Consett Iron Company is erect-
ing a new range of ” Otto ” ovens, five German Army
Reservists engaged in the erection were handed over to the
military authorities.

The Mickley Coal Company has made a very generous
and concrete offer to the dependants of those men employed
at the Mickley, Prudhoe, and West Wylam collieries who
are Army Reservists or Territorials. The company is to
pay 10s. per week to the wives and 2s. per week to the
children of these men. In addition, free house and coal will
be allowed. As a great many men have left the district
the call upon the company will be a heavy one. The
Mickley miners’ lodge passed a hearty vote of thanks to
the company for the generous and patriotic spirit shown.

Last week Mr. J. H. Allison, superintendent of the Dean
and Chapter Colliery Ambulance Brigade, received a message
from the Chief Ambulance Commissioner asking what
strength could be forwarded to Aidershot from the Brigade.
Immediately about 50 members voluntered for service, and
several have already left. The Ferryhill Ambulance Brigade
has 50 beds ready should they be needed.

Mr. W. Hogg, Mr. W. Weir, and Mr. E. Edwards have
been appointed to represent the Northumberland Miners’
Association on the Lord Lieutenant’s County Committee for
relieving distress during the war.

Mr. S. Hare, agent of Messrs. Bolckow, Vaughan and
Company, has stated that the company’s pits would pro-
bably continue to work very much as usual. The only
thing likely to affect them would be the shortage of pit
timber.

The war is having a greater effect upon the collieries
than upon any other industry, but arrangements are being
made by the coal owners of Northumberland and Durham
which will largely mitigate the distress which will surely
follow the slackness in the coal trade. Mr. J. W. Tweddle,
manager of the Seaton Delaval group of collieries, has issued
a notice to the effect that the company will endeavour to
keep the mines open as long as possible, and, should any
colliery be laid in altogether, men will be transferred from
one colliery to another. Families dependent on workmen
who are on active service will remain in the company’s
houses and receive the usual free coal.

Mr. Slingsby D. Shafto, J.P., has received an important
official appointment in London in connection with war
administration. Mr. Shafto, who visited Beamish Park
last week, has presented two tons of coal to each of the
married employees on his estate.

Mr. James Elliott, who has retired from the position of
master joiner at Bebside Colliery, has been presented with
a silver-mounted walking-stick and a purse of gold by his
fellow workmen. Mr. Elliott is 83 years of age, and has
served the colliery company for over half a century.

At the Lanchester Rural District Council meeting, a letter
was read from Mr. T. Y. Greener, agent for Messrs. Hedley
and the South Moor Collieries Company, stating that he
was unable to enter into any agreement with the council to
guarantee the abatement of overcrowding in Craghead
village by the end of the year. He was willing, however,
to do his best to transfer large families into the largest
houses available until the housing accommodation was
sufficient to meet the requirements of that rapidly growing
district.

The Compensation Committee of the Durham Miners’
Association has issued a circular strongly urging its
members to pay more careful attention to the registering
of accidents, however slight, which occur down the mine.
The committee also warns the relatives of men killed at
work to be very careful in answering premature questions
by colliery officials. A complaint is made about a colliery
policeman visiting the house of relatives immediately after
a fatal accident and asking questions regarding the
monetary relations of the deceased and his family. *

A miner, who was fined Is. and costs for having descended
the Bearpark Pit with matches in his possession, stated
that he had previously worked at a pit where candles were
used, and that was the first shift he had worked in the
Bearpark Pit.

Mr. R. S. Doxford, the owner of Silksworth Hall, has
offered the hall and grounds to the Silksworth Colliery
Ambulance Brigade for use as a hospital during the war.
Mr. Doxford also enclosed a cheque for £5 for the brigade
funds. Needless to say, this offer has been gratefully
accepted.

Mr. Henry Richardson, a well known mining engineer
of Newcastle, left estate sworn at .£45,167 4s., with net
personalty £32,294 13s. 8d.

A serious accident occurred at Newburgh Colliery on
Sunday night, whereby one man was killed and two injured.