July 9, 1915.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

85

CONTRACTS OPEN FOR ENGINEERING, IRON
AND STEEL WORK, &c.

Barking, July 16.—Electrical Plant.—For the Barking
Urban District Council: 1,000 kw. turbo-alternator, with
condensing plant; cooling tower and pipe work; chain grate
stoker, boiler pipe work, etc.; economiser; rotary converter;
high-tension switchgear; high-tension main. Form from
Mr. W. E. Kidner, A.M.I.E.E., acting engineer and
manager, Electricity Works, East-street, Barking, upon
payment of £2 2s.

Bedlington, July 12.—Pumping Engine.—For new or
good second-hand steam pumping engine for their pumping
station at Humford Mill, for'the Bedlingtonshire Urban
District Council. Further particulars from the surveyor and
waterworks manager, Mr. J. E. Johnston, Bedlington,
Northumberland.

Dundee, July 14. — Points and Crossings. — Cast steel
points and crossings for the Dundee Harbour Trustees.
Specifications from Mr. J. H. Thompson, M.Sc., M.I.C.E.,
general manager and engineer.

Ellesmere Port, July 14.— Gas Mains, etc.—For supply
of about 900 yds. of 12 in. gas mains for the Ellesmere Port
and Whitby Urban District Council. Forms from Mr.
T. W. Francis, clerk, Council Offices, Ellesmere Port.

Foston-on-the- Wolds, July 20.—Boreholes.—For the
sinking of two boreholes, 100 ft. and 130 ft. deep respec-
tively, and providing and fixing two borehole hand pumps
and other work in connection therewith, for the Driffield
Rural District Council. Specification may be seen at the
office of Mr. H. Botterill, clerk, 23, Exchange-street,
Driffield.

Hull, July 22.—Turbine, etc.—For the Corporation, viz. :
(Contract 77), one 5,000 kw. turbo-alternator, with exciter;
(78), one condenser outfit complete for above. Forms by
depositing £1 Is. with city treasurer, Mr. T. G. Milner,
Guildhall, Hull. Information from Mr. J. F. Magoris,
acting city electrical engineer, Electricity Works, Sculcoates-
lane, Hull.

London, S.W., July 12.—Boiler Tubes.—For supply of
19,000 locomotive boiler tubes, for the Jodhpur-Bikaner
Railway. Forms from Messrs. Rendel, Palmer and Tritton,
13, Dartmouth-street, Westminster, S.W. (fee 10s. 6d.).

London, S.W., July 14.—Pipes.—The Commissioners of
H.M. Works and Public Buildings invite tenders (from
manufacturers only) for the supply of about 150 tons of cast
iron spigot and socket pipes and flanged pipes. Forms
from Controller of Supplies, H.M. Office of Works, 18, Queen
Anne’s-gate, Westminster, S.W.

London, S.W., July 19. — Metals, etc. — Metals, com-
prising copper, lead, zinc, etc. ; steel material (plates and
bars), for the Jodhpur-Bikaner Railway. Forms from Messrs.
Rendel, Palmer and Tritton, 13, Dartmouth-street, West-
minster, S.W. (fee 10s. 6d.).

London, S.W., July 28.—Dogspikes.—Dogspikes for the
Baroda State Railway Company. Forms from Messrs.
Rendel, Palmer and Tritton, 13, Dartmouth-street, West-
minster, S.W. (fee 10s. 6d.).

Merthyr Tydfil, July 26.—Pipes.—About 330 tons of
welded steel pipes, of diameters ranging from 33 in. to 19 in.,
and steel joint rings, for the Corporation. Drawings, etc.,
at the office of Sir Alex. Binnie, Son and Deacon, St.
Stephen’s House, Victoria Embankment, Westminster,
S.W. (deposit £5).

Merthyr Tydfil, July 26.—Pipes, etc.—About 11,000
tons of cast iron pipes, of diameters ranging from 33 in. to
19 in., and certain other small pipes, together with high-
pressure sluice valves of corresponding diameters, automatic
valves, surface boxes, gratings, etc., for the Corporation.
Drawings, etc., at the office of Sir Alex. Binnie, Son and
Deacon, St. Stephen’s House, Victoria Embankment,
London, S.W. (deposit £5).

Salford, July 12.—Foundations.—For steel and concrete
foundations for 5,000 kw. turbo-alternator, for the Elec-
tricity Department. Particulars from Borough Electrical
Engineer, Electricity Works, Frederick-road, Pendleton.

Salford, July 12.—Pipes.—3 in. cast iron pipes under
river bridges at Hough Lane and Blackburn Place, Salford,
for the Corporation. Particulars from the Borough Elec-
trical Engineer, Frederick-road, Pendleton.

THE FREIGHT MARKET.

Consequent on the continued operation of the Coal Export
Restriction Order, the volume of chartering done at the
north-east coast ports during the week under review has not
been large. At one part of the week the shipowners’ out-
look appeared brighter, in that it was hoped that shipments
to Scandinavian and Spanish ports would soon be facilitated,
but, up to the present, there has been no modification in the
requirements of the War Trade Committee. Chartering has
been principally confined to London and North French ports.
News from Rouen is to the effect that there are about 70
steamers at present awaiting discharge, but this fact has not
had any appreciable effect on rates. The Bay ports are also
reported as suffering severely from tonnage congestion.
Coasting has been done frequently at 7s. 6d. to London from
the Tyne, with a few C.T. boats fixed at 7s. Rates to North
France have fallen from 6d. to Is. to Rouen, and 6d. to Caen.
The Bay has been done at fully Is. reduction to Bordeaux.
The Mediterranean has Naples done at 3s. 6d. lower than
the rate paid towards the end of last week, and Port Said
fixed for at up to 2s. less. Business at South Wales has
been rather more active, with rates showing little change.
The only alteration of note is that the River Plate has been
done at a reduction of about Is. 3d. on last week’s rates, but
is again showing a tendency to harden. Rates in most other
directions are fully firm, and, if anything, inclined to advance.
The supply of tonnage is, however, fully equal to the demand,
and there does not appear to be any prospect of prices showing
a marked advance.

In the homeward market the River Plate has compelled
most attention. During the week figures rose sensationally,
and, at one time, the ruling figure was 61s. 3d. for July-
August tonnage, an advance of fully 13s. 6d. on the top rate
of a week ago. A slump has again set in, however, and,
at the time of writing, the best rate obtainable for such
despatch is 53s. 9d., and prices are still falling. There is
little enquiry for forward tonnage, and grain markets in this
country will need to rally if Plate freights are to be stimu-
lated anew. The celebration of Independence Day has
materially interfered with the transaction of business in the
American market. Grain rates are represented by 7s. 9d. to

Rotterdam, and 8s. 6d. to French Atlantic ports from the
Northern States. There is little enquiry for coal tonnage at-
the moment, and vessels for the Spanish Mediterranean are
being booked at 35s. Timber is dull, at 210s. to west coast,
United Kingdom, and 230s. to east coast. Deal r,ates are
easy, with the Bay of Fundy indicating 135s. for full range.
The Pacific coast is very quiet, at about late figures from the
northern ports and from nitrate centres. Java is steadier,
with sugar cargoes at 75s. to Marseilles, and 77s. 6d. to
United Kingdom. The carriage of beans from Nicolaiefsk is
based on about 90s. There is little demand from India, and
Calcutta is quoted at 67s. 6d. to United Kingdom, Bombay
at 52s. 6d., and Kurrachee at 44s. on Government terms.
The Mediterranean and ore ports are quiet, at about 11s.
Bilbao to Middlesbrough.

Tyne to Bayonne, 1,800, 20s.; Barcelona, 1,700, 25s.;
Boulogne, 1,850, 14s. 6d.; Bordeaux, 1,600, 20s.; 4,500, 19s.;
Chantenay, 1,700, 19s. 3d.; Calais, 1,800, 14s. 6d.; Caen,

1.600,	14s.; Dieppe, 1,850, 14s. 6d.; Havre, 1,500, 14s. 3d.;

1.200,	14s. 6d.; 1,700, 14s.; 1,850, 14s. 6d.; Leghorn, 2,400,
27s. 6d.; London, 2,500, 7s., C.T.; 1,600, 7s. 6d.; Lisbon,
5,000, 19s. ; Las Palmas, 2,000, 21s.; Nantes, 1,700, 19s. 3d.;
Nice, 3,500, 25s.; Naples, 1,800 , 26s. 6d.; Oporto, 1,600,
21s. 6d.; Port Said, 5,000, 26s.; Rouen, 1,600, 16s.; 1,600,
15s. 6d. ; 2,500, 15s.; 1,000, 15s. 6d.; Rochefort, 1,300, 19s.;
St. Nazaire, 1,900, 19s.; 3,600, 18s. 6d.

Cardiff to Alexandria, 2,900, 25s., 400; 4,500, 23s. 6d.,
700; 3,600, 25s.; 4,600, 24s. 6d., 700, 3d.; Bagnoli, 5,000,
21s.; Barcelona, 3,000, 20s.; 1,350, 20s.; Buenos Ayres,
5,000, 27s. 6d.; Bordeaux, 4,300, 18 fr.; 1,900, 18J fr.;
1,000, 18 fr.; Cherbourg, 550, 12s. 6d.; Cape Verds, 3,700,
20s.; Caen, 750, 12s.; Calais, 2,000, 12s. 9d.; 1,050, 13s. 6d.;
Catania, 3,000, 24s.; Chantenay, 2,200, 15| fr.; Genoa,
5,400, 21s., 500; 3,600, 53s., July 15; 3,600, 21s. 6d., 800;
4,300, 22s. 6d.; Havre, 1,600, Ils.; Huelva, 3,000, 16s.;
Leghorn, 5,400, 21s., 500; 4,000, 21s. 6d., 800; Lisbon,
1,250, 15s., 350; Las Palmas, 3,400, 19s.; Messina, 2,800,
24s.; Marseilles, 3,700, 25 fr.; 4,200, 25 fr.; Monte Video,

4.600,	27s. 6d.; 5,000, 26s. 9d.; Madeira, 3,400, 18s.,
reported; Naples, 5,400, 21s. 6d., 800, lOd.; 3,600, 21s.,
800; Nantes, 1,350, 16 fr.; 3,800, 15 fr.; Oporto, 950,
16s. 6d.; 950, 16s. 3d.; Palermo, 2,800, 24s.; Porto Ferrajo,
5,000, 21s.; Plymouth, 500, 8s.; Port Said, 6,200, 24s. 6d.;
Rouen, 500, 23s., coke; 1,650, 13s. 3d.; 1,950, 13s. 6d.;
River Plate, 5,500, 29s.; 4,400, 27s. 6d.; 5,700, 27s. 9d.; Rio
Grande do Sul, sail, 32s. 6d., free despatch and lighterage;
Savona, 5,400, 21s., 500; 4,300, 22s. 6d.; Sicily, 3,000, 24s.;
St. Nazaire, 4,800, 15 fr.; 3,000, 15 fr.; Sables, 1,400,
16 fr.; St. Servan, 1,300, 10s. 9d.; St. Michael’s, 2,700, 18s.;
Syracuse, 2,800, 24s.; Tonnay Charente, 1,400, 16 fr.

Swansea to Dieppe, 1,080, Ils. 9d.; 900, 12s. 3d.; Rouen,

2.200,	13s. 6d.; 950, 14s.; 1,600, 13s. 6d.; 1,400, 13s. 3d.;
270, 13s. 6d.; 1,000, 13s. 6d.; 2,100, 13s. 7£d.; Caen, 900,
12s.; Brest, 2,200, 10s.; La Rochelle, 2,400, 15 fr.; Roche-
fort, 2,400, 15£ fr.; Taranto, 3,200, 26s. 6d.; Granville, 700,
Ils. 7|d.; Genoa, 2,800, 23s. 3d.; Leghorn, 2,800, 23s. 3d.;
Savona, 2,800, 23s. 3d.; Spezzia, 2,800, 23s. 3d.

Goole to Rouen, 1,200, 16s. 6d.

Newport to Gibraltar, 1,200, 16s.; Havre, 1,200, Ils.;
Rouen, 1,650, 13s.; 1,600, 13s. 6d.; 2,100, 13s. 7>d.; Mar-
seilles, 3,800, 25 fr.; Nantes, 1,550, 15| fr.; Huelva, 3,000,
16s.; Granville, 700, Ils. 7£d.; Seville, 2,700, 17s.; Genoa,
4,150, 22s. 6d.

Burntisland to Sound ports, 2,200, 15s.

Port Talbot to Marseilles, 4,200, 25 fr.; Rouen, 3,400,
13s. 4|d.; 1,400, 13s. 6d.; 3,400, 13s. 6d.; Caen, 1,000, 12s.;
Honfleur, 1,000, 12s.;. Porto Ferrajo, 5,000, 21s.; Genoa,
2,800, 22s. fid.; Spezzia, 2,800, 22s. 6d.; Savona, 2,800,
22s. 6d.; Bagnoli, 5,000, 21s.

Wear to Rochefort, 1,300, 19s.; Havre, 1,700, 14s.

Burryport to Guernsey, 450, 8s. 6d.

Hull to Nakskov, 1,200, 15s.; Kallundborg, 1,300, 15s.;
Rouen, 2,400, 16s., July 10; 4,000, 15s. 6d., July 14.

Immingham to London, 1,000, 7s. 6d.

Seaham Harbour to London, 1,500, 7s. 6d.

Blyth to London, 1,200, 7s. 6d.; Archangel, 2,000, 22s. 6d.;
3,000, 22s. 6d.

Hartlepool to Leghorn, 4,500, 25s.; London, 480, 7s. 6d.

Blyth to Caen, 800, 14s.

West Hartlepool to Rouen, 1,700, 16s.; Barcelona, 5,000,
24s., 500.

It is a fact worthy of notice that from the time war was
declared until the end of December, Japan, who sends Ceylon
very large quantities of coal, practically stopped supplies to
that country. This was doubtless due to the position which
arose at Kiauchau, and to the necessity for husbanding
supplies for the navy in case of emergencies. However, this
year the usual supplies of coal have been forthcoming from
Japan.

In the month of April Spain imported 88,854 tons of coal
and 26,551 tons of coke, as against 244,435 tons of coal and
34,976 tons of coke in April 1914. In the four months ended
with April there were imported 455,159 tons of coal (939,728
tons) and 63,802 tons of coke (126,501 tons). In April
386,488 tons of iron ore were exported, as against 693,624
tons, the total for the four months being 1,348,945 tons,
against 2,673,020 tons.

Replying to complaints made by the London County
Council as to smoky chimneys, the Vauxhall Brewery makes
the following statement :—“ We are at present working two
large vertical boilers and a smaller one of loco type. In
normal times we use as fuel the best hard Welsh smokeless
steam coal, but we understand that, during the last few
months, the Government has commandeered the entire supply
of this particular fuel, with the result that we are compelled
to use an inferior quality, which is unsuited to the type of
boiler we possess, and which gives rise to a certain amount
of smoke. We have made every possible effort to secure a
better article, but unfortunately without success. We notice
that the cost of fuel for brewing purposes, compared with the
figure for last year, has risen 80 per cent., as against an
actual rise in the price of coal itself of 35 per cent., which
demonstrates the fact that the smokeless type is far more
profitable and preferable than the inferior smoky article. The
question of fuel has occupied our serious attention for some
months past, and, in spite of the assistance of experts, it
has been found impossible to better the present conditions.”

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.
REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Albion Steam Coal Company Limited.—Dividend of 6 per
cent, declared on account of arrears of preference dividend
covering the year 1911.

Bristol Wagon and Carriage Works Company Limited.—
The report for the year ended March states that, after adding
£5,000 to the depreciation account, gifts to reservists £645,
a sum remains, including the amount brought forward, of
£12,855. Dividend of 3 per cent., making 5 per cent, for the
year, on the called up preference and ordinary share capital
for the half-year ended March last, and £7,355 carried
forward.

Davey Paxman and Company Limited.—The accounts for
the 15 months ended March 31 show a trading profit of
£17,745, making, with the £4,295 brought forward, a total of
£22,040. This amount will be applied as follows :—£3,453
to depreciation reserve, £2,375 for directors’ fees, £745 to
write off balance of South African expenses re gas engine
installation, £4,530 for one and a-quarter year’s interest on
debenture stock, and £650 written off patent licences,
leaving £10,287 to be carried forward.

Dominion Steel Corporation Limited.—The report for the
year ended March 31 states that the net earnings of the cor-
poration and its constituent companies, after making full
provision for bad and doubtful debts, and after adjustment
of the values of materials on hand, were 3,571,059 dols.
From this there has been reserved for depreciation, sinking
funds, and proportion of discount on bonds, the sum of
1,064,280 dols. The undivided profits carried forward have
been increased by 225,256 dols. The business of the Steel
Company was seriously disturbed during the year, and the
directors were obliged to postpone payment of the dividends
on its preferred stock. The operations of the Coal Company
were affected unfavourably by the closing down for some
months of the steel plant, but its business was on the whole
well maintained. The prospects for the coming year are
good, but the requisition of the colliers by the Admiralty is
seriously affecting the question of transportation. The only
material addition which the directors have made to the
properties since the last annual report is a plant for the
recovery of benzol and other hydrocarbons, the erection of
which was undertaken in February. This plant, although
not quite complete, is producing a considerable quantity of
these by-products, which are now greatly in demand. Even
under normal conditions the plant should yield a very good
return on its cost. On the whole, the directors are pleased
to be able to report a marked improvement in the outlook
for the constituent companies in the coming year, as the
result, mainly, of the special demands from abroad.

General Electric Company Limited. — The net trading
profits for the year ended March 31, including income from
investments, etc., amounted to £164,878 (against £157,894),
to which must be added the balance brought forward,
£36,739, making a total available of £201,617. Debenture
interest absorbed £8,000, and depreciation and provision for
removal expenses £18,855. The directors propose to appro-
priate £9,934 for managing director’s and employees’ bonus,
to write off £13,822, the balance of expenses of the new issue
of capital, to pay a dividend on the ordinary shares at the
rate of 10 per cent, for the year, to place £20,000 to reserve
account, £7,482 to ” war grants,” and to carry forward
£36,701. The war has interfered with the company’s plans
for extension, but so far has not affected the volume of
business. Extensions at the Witton works are now being
carried out for the purpose of giving more assistance in the
supply of munitions and other war materials. The Pirelli-
General Cable Works at Southampton have been completed
during the year, and have started manufacturing. The issue
of £400,000 additional capital during the last year was a
success, and the expenses are finally disposed of in the
accounts.

Hadfields Limited. — The directors have decided that an
interim dividend of Is. per share, free of income-tax, on the
ordinary shares be paid. Mr. J. T. Middleham, Steel Bank,
Sheffield, was appointed a director.

Lochgelly Iron and Coal Company Limited. — The
directors recommend a final dividend of 25s. per share on the
ordinary shares, subject to tax.

United National Collieries Limited.—The directors have
paid a quarterly interim dividend of Is. per share on the
ordinary shares, free of tax, and at the rate of 6 per cent,
on the preference shares, less tax.

NEW COMPANIES.

Ash (Thomas) and Company Limited.—Private company.
Registered office, 3, Berkley-street, Birmingham. Regis-
tered July 1. To enter into an agreement, and to carry on
business as ventilating engineers, tank manufacturers, copper,
zinc, and iron plate workers, and dealers in all kinds of metal,
etc. Nominal capital, £5,000 in 2,500 £1 preference shares,
2,500 £1 ordinary shares. Directors and subscribers :—T.
F. Ash, Mumzone Bungalow, Sandhills, Rhyl (Lieut.-Col.,
H.M.T.F.); E. R. Ludlow, Berkeley-street, Birmingham,
manufacturer.

Bachelet French Syndicate Limited. — Private company.
Registered office, 166, Piccadilly, W. Registered June 30.
To enter into an agreement, and to carry on business of iron
founders, mechanical engineers, metal workers, boiler
makers, tool makers, millwrights, machinists, electrical
engineers, etc. Nominal capital, £50,000 in 50,000 £1
shares.

Gas Developments Limited.—Private company. Regis-
tered office, 138, Lichfield-street, Walsall. Registered
June 30. To acquire a licence from O. H. N. Gases Limited
for the production, manufacture, and use of gases (under
certain Letters Patent in the United Kingdom granted to
Prof. R. P. Pictet for improvements in the manufacture of
oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and other gases for lighting,
heating, etc. Also to enter into an agreement. Nominal
capital £10,000 in £1 shares. Directors, also subscribers
(for one share each) :—E. B. Maxted, 55, Dacre-hill, Rock
Ferry, Cheshire, consulting chemist; G. R. Ridsdale, 138,
Lichfield-street, Walsall, chartered accountant.

Steetley Lime Company Limited. — Private company.
Registered July 1. To acquire and carry on the business of
the Steetley Lime Company, now carried on at Shireoaks,
Worksop, Nottinghamshire, at Steetley, in the counties of
Nottingham and Derby, and at Coxhoe, County Durham.
Also to carry on business of lime, stone, coal, coke, bricks,
and cement manufacturers. Nominal capital, £100,000 in
100,000 £1 shares. Directors and subscribers J. R.
Horton, Highlands, Spencers Wood, Berkshire, lime master;