928 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.- October 30, 1914. and took from it a case of detonators with which he went down the pit. He had verbal instructions from the manager to enter the store. With regard to the second charge, it was stated that at the pit bottom Gray gave the case of deto- il ators to Samuel Wilson, a fireman, who had also written authority from the manager to have charge of detonators, and he distributed them to the miners as they were pro- ceeding to their work. These miners, who were each autho- rised in writing to fire shots, kept the detonators in a locked leather,case until they were required for use. Sheriff. Substitute.'Scott Moncrieff found both charges not proven, holding (1) that Mair and Wilson had written authority to have charge of detonators as provided by the Order, and that under such authority Mair was entitled to take the deto- nators from the store; and (2) that the detonators were kept by authorised persons in a suitable case or box until about to be used for the charging of shot-holes. The Court (Lord Ormidale differing) affirmed the decision of the Sheriff-Substitute, and found the respondent entitled to expenses, modified to 14 guineas. The Lord Justice General said that in the circumstances of the case no offence was committed against the Order. All that the Order required was, first, that the detonators should be kept under the control of the person holding the written authority for that purpose. That they were here; for the detonators, until they were handed to the miner, were never out of the control of George Mair and Samuel Wilson. Whether they were in the magazine or the store or in a lock-fast case in the hands of George Mair and Samuel Wilson signified nothing so long as it could be predicated of them that they never left the control of these two men, who held the written authority of the manager to keep con- trol of the detonators. The Order required, secondly, that the detonators should only pass out of the control of those who held the written authority to officials specially autho- rised for that purpose. In this case it passed straight into the hands of the men who were armed with written authority from the manager to receive the detonators and to fire the shots. It was no doubt unusual to describe a miner, how- ever .skilful and however reliable, as an official; but his lordship could see no reason why a miner entrusted with the charge of detonators should not be designated as an official. Third, the Order, required that the detonators be kept in lock-fast cases until they were about to be used for firing shots. In this case the Sheriff found that they were so retained by the miners, who held special authority in writ- ing from* the manager to retain them. Each miner was fur- nished with a lock-fast case, in which he kept the deto- nators until they were about to be used to charge the shot- holes. Lord Ormidale, who differed, said that Mair had not the right to issue the detonators, and that an “ official ” was not an ordinary working miner, but a person specially appointed. „ ■ Lord Anderson concurred with the Lord Justice General, remarking that no middleman was required to distribute the detonators. LETTERS TO THE EDITORS. The Editors are not responsible either for the statements < made, or the opinions expressed by correspondents. All communications niust be authenticated by the name and address of the sender,' whether for publication or not. ' "No notice can be taken of anonymous communications. As replies to questions are only given by way of published answers :to correspondents, and not by letter, stamped addressed envelopes are not required to be sent. COAL SHIPMENTS TO NEUTRALS. Sirs,—Many articles and letters have recently appeared in the Press of this country in regard to the possibility of supplies on a large scale reaching Germany through neutral countries. In this connection frequent references have been made to Sweden, and my council have con- sequently instructed me to place a few facts before you in the hope that you will publish the same as showing how entirely unfounded such accusations are in so far as Sweden is concerned. My council have not moved earlier in connection with this question because it did not appear to them possible that any serious doubt could arise, particularly in view of the repeated declara- tions made by the Swedish Government, and more than once referred, to in the Press of this country, but as these do not appear to have been accepted as quite conclusive, the following information may prove of interest to your readers. In regard to coal, the importation into Sweden from the beginning of the year up to the end of July 1914 shows a shortage of 315,000 tons compared with the corresponding, period of the previous year. The imports during August last were 125,800 tons less than in August 1913. Further, Sweden has in recent years imported considerable quantities of coal from Germany. These shipments weie largely prevented during; Aueust and September, and so great was the want of coal in Sweden that the city of Stockholm and some other towns were compelled to reduce street lighting at the outbreak of the war, and many industries were in danger of being entirely stopped. When, besides, it is borne in mind that numerous industrial establishments, usually dependent on water power, were to a very great extent deprived of this source of power by the excep- tionally dry weather during the spring and summer, and consequently had to fall back on coal, the absurdity of the alleged re-exportation of coal must be clear. As early as on August 2, on these grounds alone, the Swedish Government prohibited the exportation of coal, and have similarly forbidden the exportation of petrol. With regard to mineral oils generally, the imports from the beginning of the year up to the end of July 1914, and consequently before the outbreak of the war, were 14,400 tons in excess of the imports during the corresponding period of 1913. During last August 14,569 tons less were imported as compared with August 1913, These figures include all kinds of mineral oils, petrol not being detailed in the preliminary figures available. Thus, at the end of August Sweden’s import of mineral oils was about the same as during the first eight months of the previous year. Sweden has previously relied on large supplies of mineral oils from Russia, the receipt of which is now stopped, so that it is quite evident that the imports into Sweden of mineral oils from other countries will of necessity have to be increased in proportion. “ Charity begins at home,” and most neutral states have quite enough to do in these terrible times in order to prevent their own subjects from suffering great hardships from the disorganisation of the world’s commerce. The export prohibitions of the articles referred to, as well as of many others, are rigidly enforced, and, as a matter of fact, not a ton of coal, not a bushel of corn, not a gallon of petrol, nor a bale of cotton, has left Sweden for any belligerent country since the outbreak of hostilities. On behalf of the Council of the S wedish Chamber of Commerce in London, Incorporated. London, E.C. (Signed) Louis Zettersten, October 28,1914. Secretary. Sirs,—It is becoming clear that public opinion in this country is getting scared about the possibility of supplies on a large scale reaching this country’s enemies through the Scandinavian countries. It is naturally impossible for the Government of this or any other country to be certain that there are no individuals who may try to do business where they find an opening, but what we are concerned with is the general suspicion thrown upon Norway that there is a large transit busi- ness going on with the knowledge of the authorities and the general commercial community, and that the imports are abnormal. This is absolutely incorrect, and my council has instructed me to acquaint you with the following figures which prove this. The importation of coal into Norway during the first nine months of 1913 was 1,684,718 tons. This year it rose to 1,933,168 tons. The importation of coke during the first nine months of 1913 was 205,025 tons. This year there is a falling off to 170,438 tons. No coal or coke has been re-exported from Norway except a few hundred tons to the Norwegian fishing steamers at Iceland and the Faroe Islands. On the other hand, many cargoes shipped for the Baltic ports were diverted to Norway when it became dangerous to let the steamers proceed to their original destinations. Considerable fear has also been expressed about the importation of oil and petrol. The total import of petrol this year up to the present moment is about 2,300 tons, including a cargo of about 750 tons just arrived. When this latter arrived the total stock in the country amounted to the magnificent figure of 100 tons, so that it is natural that there was considerable fear about the shortage for the important fishing fleet. Of crude oil from which petrol can be distilled, about 10,000 tons had been imported up to August 1. Since then no further imports have been received owing to the exports from Roumania being stopped, the consequence being that Norway has to import petrol direct from America and about 800 tons have been ordered for delivery early December. It is worthy of note that the annual increase in the consumption of petrol has been about 15 per cent, each year. This year the increase is likely to amount to 15 per cent, to 20 per cent. About 30 tons of petrol have been re-exported to Sweden, but on the other hand, 670 tons have been imported from the same source. Apparently what has excited suspicion has been the rapid increase in freights for grain to Scandinavian countries, but this is only the natural outcome of the shortage of tonnage consequent upon the fact that British steamers cannot entertain such voyages. So great has been the shortage that among the steamers now carrying grain to Norway are several small fruit steamers, carrying about 1,000 tons of cargo, and which were never intended for work of this kind. We are all the more concerned that the British public should have correct information on this point, because owing to the present critical conditions it is important that Norway should lay in as large stocks as possible of grain, coal and oil, and it is intended to increase the imports as far as financial facilities will allow. The Norwegian Government are doing their best to protect the citizens against shortage by prohibiting the re-export of grain, foodstuffs and mineral oils. We have to-day received a telegram from the president of the Commercial Association at Christiania which embraces all commercial houses of any standing, reading as follows:— Norwegian people only trying to fulfil duty towards their own country working off deficit caused by reduced imports this year, and providing against eventual risk of isolation from ordinary sources of supply. The idea that any disloyal re-exportation takes place from Norway is completely precluded. On behalf of the Council of the Norwegian Chamber of Com- merce in London, Incorporated. G. Aargaard, Secretary. Kingsway Chambers, Kingsway, London, W.C. October 22, 1914. Partnerships Dissolved.—The London Gazette announces the dissolution of the following partnerships :—C. Nichlin and G. A. M. Lindop, carrying on business as saddlers, ironmongers, and manufacturers at Standard Works, 36, Station-street, Walsall, under style of Nichlin and Nichlin; T. H. Severn and 0. M. Bowker, carrying on business as coal merchants at Chesterfield under style of Bowker and Company; W. V. Keen and W. Simpson, motor engineers, at Ash-lane, Southport, under the style of the Car Main- tenance Company. THE WELSH COAL AND IRON TRADES, Thursday, October 29. North Wales. Wrexham. COAL. Trade generally has been fairly good during the past week, and the majority of the collieries have been able to' work fairly good time. It is regrettable, however, to have to announce that one of the Flintshire collieries is to close down at the end of the present month. This makes the second to close since the outbreak of war. House coal of good quality is in good dnmand, both for railborne trade and the landsales trade. The average tonnage of gas coal has been disposed of; while the steam coal trade is very little different from that of last week, the railway companies accounting for the bulk sold. Slack is still difficult to to dispose of, and buyers are able to purchase spot lots very cheaply. On the whole prices quoted last week may be taken to represent the current quotations. Prices at pit f.o.r.:— Best house coal ...... Secondary do.......... Steam coal............ Gas coal.............. Bunkers............... Nuts ................. Slack ................ Gas coke (at works)... Prices land sale.-— Best house coal ...... Seconds .............. Slack ................ Current prices. 14/9-15/9 13/9-14/9 12/3-13/ 12/ -12/6 12/ -12/3 11/ -11/9 5/6- 7/ 11/8-13/4 18/4-20/ 16/8-18/4 10/ -11/8 L'st quot'd I Last year's prices. 14/9-15/9 13/9—14/9 12/3-13/ 12/ -12/6 12/ -12/3 11/ -11/9 5/6- 7/ 11/8-13/4 prices. 15/ -16/ 14/ -15/ 12/6-13/ 13/ -13/9 12/ -12/6 11/ -11/9 6/ - 7/3 13/4-15/ 18/4-20/ j 17/6-18/4; 16/8-18/4 16/8-17/6 10/ -11/8 | 10/ -12/6 Monmouthshire, South Wales, Ac. Newport. COAL. The general tone of the steam coal trade has remained wholly unchanged for the week past, leaving business still of an irregular character according to how collieries are placed. Substantial concessions may yet be obtained from those whose output is being hampered by large and increasing stocks, which even the shortage of labour, which is restricting production on all hands, is unable to keep within managable limits. A lot of interest is taken in the results of tendering for the Egyptian State railways supplies, which have not yet been made known officially, but it is commonly understood that only about a third of the quantity usually contracted for, will at this time be purchased. Values of smalls continue rather weak, bunkering require- ments having fallen away. Throughs and nuts remain unchanged. House coals show little signs as yet of increasing to winter values. Coke rules easy. Pitwood/ of which large supplies have been dealt with, remains steady at 19s. 3d. to 19s. 6d. ex-ship for good French wood. In the outward freight market rates for distant Mediter- ranean ports show a marked increase, while for South American destinations they are easier. Southern French and Peninsula ports remain steady, but business for channel French ports is hampered by the large number of steamers now awaiting discharge. Prices f.o.b. cash 30 days, less 2| per cent. Current L’st week’s Last year's Steam coals:— prices. prices. prices. Best Black Vein large... 16/9-17/ 16/9-17/ 16/9-17/3 Western-valleys, ordin’y 16/ -16/6 16/ -16/6 15/6-16/ Best Eastern-valleys ... 15/6-16/ 15/6—16/ 15/3-15/6 Secondary do. 15/ —15/6 i 15/ -15/6 15/ -15/3 Best small coals 6/9- 7/ 1 6/9- 7/ 8/ - 8/3 Secondary do 6/ - 6/6. I 6/ -6/9 7/3- 7/9 Inferior do 5/6- 6/ i 5/6-6/ 6/9- 7/ Screenings 7/ i 7/ 8/3 Through coals 11/9-12/ 11/9-12/ 11/6-11/9 Best washed nuts 12/9-13/3 12/6-13/ 13/ -13/3 Other sorts:— Best house coal 18/ -19/ 18/ -19/ 18/ -19/ Secondary do 16/6—17/6 16/6-17/6 17/ -18/ Patent fuel 16/ -16/6 16/ -16/6 19/ -20/ Furnace coke 18/ -19/ 18/ -19/ 19/ -20/ Foundry coke 21/ -23/ ' 21/ -23/ 23/ -25/ IRON. The tendency of values in the local iron and steel trade is still weaker, and what business is passing is at easier rates. Mills at work are fully engaged, but considerable trouble has been caused by the continuous loss of men drafted away on military service. The official quota- tion for Welsh steel tin-plate bars has been reduced 5s. to <£4 15s. to <£5 for both Bessemer and Siemens bars. Business remain slow, and with f orward enquiry hardly up to expectations. Outputs are being well maintained. Very little is doing in the rail department, where values incline downwards. Heavy sections are now quoted at .£6 5s., with the usual extras for light ditto. There is no fresh feature at blastfurnaces, except talk that a furnace is to be damped down soon. Present enquiry is unsatisfactory; values trend downwards, with iron ore quotations moving in sympathy. Tin-plate stocks are increasing, and with new business very difficult to secure, slight concessions are; being offered.