June 11, 1915.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

1221

The possibility of closing old and nearly exhausted
mines has been considered, with the object of releasing
labour for transference to more modern and highly pro-
ductive mines, but the proposition has been
relinquished as impracticable.

The Committee have also considered the advisability
of establishing district joint committees of representa-
tives of the employers and workmen to carry into effect
suggestions emanating from the Committee, and though
they make no recommendation at present, the matter
is still receiving attention, and occasion may arise which
will render it desirable to put the suggestion into force.

Restriction of Export.

The Committee were requested to consider the
recommendation of the Departmental Committee
appointed to enquire into the retail price of coal—viz.,
that “exports to neutral countries should be restricted,’’
and, on March 31, reported to the following effect :—

“ The Committee on the Organisation of Work in
Coal Mines has given close attention at to-day’s sitting
to the consideration of the recommendation of the
Departmental Committee appointed to enquire into the
retail price of coal, viz., ‘ that exports to neutral'
countries should be restricted.’

“ The Committee is of opinion that if it can be shown
that home needs are not being met, owing to a shortage
of supply, the only relief apart from increase of output
or improved distribution would be the placing of some
restriction on the export of coal out of the United
Kingdom, but that such restriction should not affect—

(1)	The coal required for the British Mercantile
Marine.

(2)	The coal supplied to British Allies or to such
other countries as the Government may determine.

(3)	Coal which is sent abroad to the extent essential

to secure return cargoes necessary to this country :
e.p., grain from the Argentine, iron ore from Bilbao,
etc.	\

The amount of such surplus export would be a matter
for determination; the Committee is not, as yet, pro-
vided with figures as to its extent.

“ The Committee wish to add as an overriding proviso
that special consideration would have to be given to
those mining districts which, to a large extent, depend
on export, e.g., Fife, Northumberland and South Wales,
the coal from which, in normal times, does not compete
except possibly to a very small extent, for the internal
trade of Great Britain. The information at present
available to the Committee is so slight that it regrets
being unable at present to make any recommendations.
They are prepared, however, should it be the wish of the
Government that they should do so, to go fully into the
matter and report after having made detailed investi-
gations.”

The question as to how far export should be curtailed
to meet home supplies is a most difficult one to decide.
Since the memorandum on the export of coal was
forwarded, the Committee have heard the evidence of
several authorities on the subject. To determine
whether or not there is likely to be a shortage in the
supply of coal, we would require to know what is,
and is likely to be, the extent of the home
consumption, and as to this there are no recent statistics
available. We know what is the present rate of export,
and we< have ascertained what is the present rate of
production.

Short of statistics, the best guide to the extent of the
home demand for coal is the price at which it sells,
though it should be kept in view that a small shortage
in supply may affect prices out of proportion to the
actual shortage. The Committee have recently seen
- very high prices quoted for coal in some localities, but
this state of things has largely been due to conditions
other than, though probably additional to, restriction of
output. Among these may be mentioned shortage due
to lack of transport, the depletion of stocks attendant on
lack of transport, and the fact that depleted stocks have
now to be made up. As to whether there will be a
serious shortage in the near future, depends, it is
thought, on two factors, viz. : (1) the extent to which
the measures we have indicated for maintaining the
output are carried into effect; and (2) whether or not
there is an expansion in the export trade. It has else-
where been shown that up to the end of March there
has been a considerable diminution in the amount of
coal exported, but this diminution is, to a large extent,
met by the 'increased demands of the British Navy—
demands which, presumably, will continue during the
period of the war.

If the restriction of exports is found to be advisable,
it will be necessary to discriminate between districts
which are able to compete for a large part of the internal
or home trade, and those which depend, to a very large
extent, on export for the working of the mines. The
coal from Fife is very largely exported, and to a less
extent the coal from the Lothians and Lanarkshire.
Northumberland, like Fife, is a large producer of steam
coal, and about 80 per cent, of the coal is exported; with
the exception of the immediate district, it is not sent
inland. Durham exports all classes of coal and coke,
and is able to compete in the London market by sea.
Lancashire has hardly any export trade in coal, nearly
all the coal being sold in the locality. Yorkshire has
both a large export and inland trade. Nottingham,
Derby, Stafford, and Warwick have chiefly an inland
trade. 'South Wales, besides supplying the Navy, has a
very large export trade, and is in a favourable position
at the present time, owing to the large requirements of
the British and Allied navies. South Wales also sends
house coal and coal for electric power and light works to
, London, and the latter branch of her trade is capable
of further developments were a larger supply of coal
forthcoming. The industrial centres and large towns of
Cardiff, Swansea, Llanelly, etc., are, of course, also
. supplied from Welsh mines. The anthracite coal, in
the western portion of the field, is largely sent abroad,

the home demand for brewing, greenhouses, and pro-
ducer gas is not very large. It will be, seen, therefore,
that a curtailment of the export from some mining
centres would be more detrimental to the working of the
collieries than it would be in the case of other districts
not so dependent on an export trade.

The Committee have had before them the question
of the advisability of limitation of the selling prices of
coal or the imposition of an ad valorem tax on exported
coal, with a view to meeting the possible inequalities
arising from a great restriction of export in respect of
some districts as compared with others, and retaining as
large a quantity of coal for the home consumption as is
necessary. These questions are still receiving their
attention, but the Committee do not feel yet in a
position to report on them.

Summary of Conclusions.

(1)	The number of persons from coal mines who joined
H.M. Forces up to the end of February 1915 is 191,170.

(2)	We find from returns representing 89 per cent, of the
total labour employed in coal mines that the net decrease in
mine labour at the end of February amounted to 134,186
persons, or 13J per cent, of the persons employed in July
1914, and that there ha.s been, over the seven months,
August 1914 to (and inclusive of) February 1915, as com-
pared with the corresponding months 12 months earlier, an
average fall in output of 3,044,329 tons (or a total loss in
output of 13} per cent.), which loss will continue unless
means are taken to prevent it.

(3)	We find also that absence from work over all classes
of mine workers, on the days on which the mines were open
to work, was, for the seven months preceding the war, an
average of 10’7 per cent., and for the seven months suc-
ceeding the outbreak of war, an average of 9’8 per cent. ;
and we have arrived at the conclusion that fully 4’8 per
cent, of this is avoidable absence. The absenteeism, taking
the coal-getters only, is very much higher. And that were
there no avoidable absenteeism, the output would be
increased to the extent of between 13 and 14 million tons;
but perfection in this respect is not to be expected. We
believe, however, that the case has only to be put before the
miners in order to secure a great response on their part,
and we suggest that the body best fitted in all respects to
put forward the case is the executive of the Miners’ Federa-
tion of Great Britain.

We suggest, also, that the question of the curtailment of
holidays and “ stop-days ” during the war might receive
the attention of the same body.

(4)	It is not possible to determine the exact extent of the
home demand without very far-reaching enquiry; and
indeed it is very doubtful whether it is determinable, but
from the evidence before us and the enquiries we have
instituted, we incline to the belief that it is not far from
what it is in normal times.

(5)	The loss in production, for' the year commencing
from the outbreak of war, will, unless means are taken to
reduce the loss, probably amount to 36 million tons, against
which must be put a probable reduction in the quantity of
coal exported of 24 million tons, leaving a net shortage
of 12 million tons. But if the miners continue to be
recruited for the Forces, the deficiency will be increased.

The evidence before us is conclusive that if labour is
further withdrawn from the collieries (notwithstanding the
adoption of all possible ameliorative measures) the output
will be so reduced as to seriously affect the industrial posi-
tion of the country, and the time appears to the Committee
to have arrived when very full consideration should be given
to the question as to whether further recruiting among the
miners should be encouraged.

(6)	With reference to the Eight Hours Act, we suggest
that the owners and workmen should confer together ■ and
determine to what extent, if at all, the Act should be sus-
pended in individual districts, i.e., to what class of labour
the suspension should apply, and the amount in point of
time the suspension should cover.

(7)	We do not advise that women should be employed to a
greater extent than at present on the surface of mines.

(8)	We do not suggest that the age limit at which boys
can be employed below ground or on the surface should be
reduced.

(9)	We have indicated certain directions in which, pos-
sibly, internal re-organisation in the mines might be further
carried out.

(10)	If the restriction of the export of coal to neutral
countries is found to be advisable, we have pointed out that
special consideration should be given to those mining dis-
tricts which, to a large extent, depend on export for the
existence of the collieries.

(11)	We think that the importance of economy in the use
of coal should be brought before the public. Savings which
at once occur to the mind are economies in public and
private lighting, whether by gas or electricity, and the manu-
facture of luxuries which require coal. The rise in the
price of coal will no doubt create a tendency towards
economy, but we believe that a considerable further saving
could be effected if it were brought home to the public that
it is a patriotic duty to economise coal during the period of
the war.

(12)	The basis of all the proposals and suggestions made
by the Committee is harmonious co-operation between
employers and employed through the medium of the organi-
sations on both sides thoroughly representative of the parties.

Unless the organisations possess this power, and are able
-to act with authority for both owners and workmen, friction
may arise, and stoppages of work take place, which ought
to be avoided at the present time to the utmost extent
possible.

In the highest interests of the nation it is especially
desirable that during the period of the war the employers
should co-operate with the representatives of the workmen
on such questions as non-unionism, or other questions likely
to lead to any friction or stoppage during the present unpre-
cedented circumstances.

We desire, in concluding the Report, to put on record our
appreciation of the services of our late’ colleague, Lord
Crawford, who resigned his membership of the Committee
on enlisting in H.M. Forces. We desire also to express
our thanks to our secretary, Mr. Hartley, whose services
have been of much value to us.

Mr. Hugh Corsar Arbuthnott, of Brookside, Newton-le-
Willows, a director of the Vulcan Foundry Company, and
the Shelton Iron, Steel and Coal Company, left estate valued
at 4-47,886. ■	••	'	’

MANCHESTER GEOLOGICAL AND
MINING SOCIETY.

A meeting of the Manchester Geological and Mining
Society was held on Tuesday last at the rooms of the
society, John Dalton-street, Manchester.—Before pro-
ceeding with the ordinary business the President
(Mr. Leonard R. Fletcher) reported that two of the
members—Capt. Hargreaves Bolfon and Capt. Henry
Millward Rogers—had been killed in action in the
Dardanelles.—In moving a vote of condolence with
the relatives, Mr. J. Gerrard said these two fine
young men had given their lives for their country,
and they could not have done more. Capt. Bolton.
was well known to them all, and a more worthy young
man he had never met. From the beginning of
Capt. Bolton’s career he (the speaker) had watched with
pride his development and progress, and many times
they had discussed mining problems together. Capt.
Bolton was his father’s right hand ; he was acquainted
with all the details of the business, and was tactful,
trustworthy and reliable. Mention ought to be made
of the prominent part he took in connection with the
training of teams in the use of breathing apparatus.
He was a member of the first rescue brigade, and played
a noble part in the dreadful catastrophe at the Hulton
Colliery some years ago. He was down in the pit with
the other members of the rescue party with the breathing
apparatus for days and nights, anxious to do all that
was possible to save life and to make the rescue
operations safe. Capt. Rogers was a member of an
eminent firm. His father took a prominent part in
mining matters, and was an excellent mayor of Wigan.
All that he could do to advance the mining industry
William Rogers did, and now his son had given his life
for his country. Another Wigan gentleman, Capt.
Brown, had also lost his life in the same place at the
same time.

Mr. Pickup seconded.

Prof. Boyd Dawkins thought they ought also to
congratulate the relatives upon the services which the
two captains had rendered to their country.

The motion was carried in silence.

The following new members were elected :—Member5
Federated: Mr. George Taylor Ingham, Sandy Ridge,
Radcliffe; Mr. Tom Harris, “ Bron-Wann,” Cemetery-
road, Forth. Associate, Federated: Mr. Wm. Edwin
Oakey, 14, Sovereign-road, Wigan.

A paper on “ The Fauna and Stratigraphy of the
Kent coalfield” was afterwards read by Mr. Herbert
Bolton. A report will appear in our next issue.

Prices of Goal and Food.—The management committee of
the General Federation of Trade Unions have issued an
important manifesto on the general situation existing at
present, in the course of which they express regret at “ the
failure of the Government to deal effectively with food and
coal prices and with war profits. Particularly does it regret
the failure to deal with the coal question when the conspiracy
to increase prices seemed so obvious.’’ It has been stated
(says the manifesto) that the difference in food prices as
between 1915 and 1914 is over 25 per cent. But this does
not reveal the whole of the extra burden borne by the'
working classes, for since 1899 prices have gradually
advanced, and a very moderate estimate of the total rise,
would be 35 per cent. The three chief commodities, wheat,
meat, and coal, have gone up enormously, and this in spite
of the fact that, in the case of wheat, returns show that we
are importing more than the normal quantities. Substitute
foods (says the manifesto) are being recommended, but the
prices of such do not encourage experiments. Artificially
inflated coal prices (the committee consider), in addition to
endangering the comfort and health of the people, decreases
the possibilities of employment. Some manufacturers are
already feeling the pressure, and are talking of shutting
down the factories because the nature of their business does
not permit any further increase in the cost of production.
Already in Lancashire workpeople are demanding war
bonuses' in order that they may meet the increased cost of
living. Notices have been handed in by representative
sections of various unions, and a fortnight hence may see
the whole of Lancashire in the throes of a gigantic industrial
dispute. While it is true that 986,000 workpeople have
received war advances, 10,000,000 or 12,000,000 have
received no extra payments whatever, and these must still
press for advances or cheaper food. The committee antici-
pate with misgiving the economic situation which must
follow upon the- disappearance of competitive margins and
the readjustment of international commerce. Extra prices
and the extra profits must all be added to cost of production
and to selling prices, and, as these selling prices advance,
the difficulty of maintaining the volume of trade necessary
to provide for the industrial needs of Britain will be very
great, for commerce is still organised on a competitive basis.
The committee urges upon the Government the need for
immediate organisation and comprehensive effort. There is
amongst the people immense capacity for effort and
sacrifices. But they have been discouraged by signs of
vacillation and disagreement in high places. There is no
need for panic legislation or for industrial or military
conscription. But there is an immediate need for the sup-
pression of partisan and personal jealousies in each Govern-
ment department throughout the country.