September 10, 1915. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 537 pelled to keep up the price of gas accordingly, while the corporations and statutory companies could claim relief and thereby reduce their price. Frankly, he was not enamoured of the Act. Their position would have been amply secured by the Government keeping a tight hold of the shipment of coal, and leaving them to make their own bargains. He did not know how it was going to affect the English gas works, but he could see that those in Scotland would not gain much, if anything. At a meeting of Dundee Town Council lately objection was taken to a proposal to instruct the town clerk to take whatever action he considered necessary in securing the margins of coal still undelivered on contracts by four firms, involving 16,000 tons. It was stated that the firms were prepared to deliver the balances, but were unable to get the coal from the collieries on account of it having gone up in price 5s. per ton, but, in reply to this, an allegation was made that the gas department had for several months refused to take part delivery, and that the contract period had expired. This wTas denied, and on the ground that all contracts must be implemented, the necessary instructions were given to have the contracts fulfilled. Mr. P. J. Fletcher moved that, in view of the increasing price of coal, the Council take the necessary steps to municipalise the coal supply. He stated that coal was dearer in Dundee than in Edinburgh or Aberdeen. Bailie Barnes said a great part of the coal bought by Dundee working classes was obtained through the co-operative societies, and if these societies could not supply the people at a cheaper price than the ordinary rates ruling how could municipalisation effect such a reduction? Mr. A. B. Crichton said he had great sym- pathy with the people over the price of coal, but municipalisa- tion would not help. It would be better to endeavour to get Government to fix the price of coal. The motion was lost. OBITUARY. The death has occurred, at his residence at Lynton House, South Hetton, of Mr. Wilfrid Octavius Baumgartner, at the age of 56 years. For the past 15 years Mr. Baumgartner had held the position of mine surveyor to the South Het ton Goal Company at their South Hetton Colliery. His early days in the mining industry were spent in apprenticeship with Mr. W. 0. Wood, at Trimdon Grange Colliery. He leaves a widow and two sons. Mr. William Thompson, who retired five years ago from the position of under-manager to Messrs. Pease and Partners Limited, at their Esh Colliery, has died at his residence at Esh Winning, at the age of 83 years. A native of Barnsley, Mr. Thompson came to the Crook district 55 years ago, and took up the under-managership of Sunniside Colliery. Subsequently the firm transferred him to the Esh Winning Colliery. His wife predeceased him three years ago. He leaves two daughters and two sons, one of whom, Mr. John William Thompson, is mining engineer at the East Holywell Collieries. Mr. Joseph Hall, of Annfield Plain, who was one of the pioneers of the Durham Miners’ Association, and has been associated with that organisation for many years, has died at the age of 70 years, after a long illness. In the early days of the association the united efforts of Mr. Hall and the late Dr. John Wilson did much to strengthen the union and, when the scheme for providing homes for aged miners was commenced, he spared-no effort to stimulate local interest in that cause. The formation of the Annfield Plain Urban District Council was largely due to his work. Mr. Isaac Rigby, of Burnley-road, Accrington, who passed away last week at the age of 58 years, had been connected with the coal trade practically throughout his business life, and for the past 24 years had been in business on his own account as a coal merchant in Accrington. He leaves a widow, five daughters, and one son. Capt. G. Owen Green, 9th Welsh Regiment, who was killed in action on August 22, was a son of Mr. James G. Green, M.I.C.E., M.I.M.M., and Mrs. Green, of Aberystwith. He was given a commission in November last, and was battalion engineer, and in charge of a party digging reserve trenches when he was killed. Capt. Green was educated at Llandovery College, and had held mining appointments in Russia, the United States, and South America. It is announced that Lieut. E. A. Morgan, son of Mr. Alfred Morgan, director of education for Mountain Ash, has died from his wounds. Deceased was a surveyor at Nixon’s Colliery. Mr. Hugh S. Dunn, J.P., coal master, Kilmarnock, has died at his residence, Annanhill. He was factor on Caprington estate and managing director of the Caprington and Auchlochan Collieries Limited. Through his energy and enterprise the coal fields on Caprington estate were greatly developed. Capt. Charles Alverey Grazebrook, son of Aid. Francis Grazebrook, of Dudley, a leading colliery proprietor and public man in the Black Country, is reported to have been killed in action. Barely a month ago the death of another son, who was also killed in action, was reported in our columns. Intimation has been received at Dalkeith that Second- Lieut. Ronald Stuart Innes, of the 11th Batt. Manchester Regiment, has been killed in action at the Dardanelles. Lieut. Innes was a son of Mr. G. D. Innes, many years manager of Mushet’s Ironworks, Dalkeith and Granton. Capt. James Romanes, Border Regiment, 6th Batt., who has been killed, was formerly a member of the geological staff at Cambridge, and in July last year had returned from a two years’ survey in Bolivia and Peru. The death is announced of Second-Lieut. George Ramsay. The lieutenant was the only son of Mr. Robt. Ramsay, Ctaigmillar, general manager of Niddrie and Benhar Coal Company, Edinburgh. He was 21 years of age, an engineer- ing student in Edinburgh University, and an officers training corps cadet. When war broke out he joined the Lowland Field Engineers. Early in August he contracted typhoid, and was being invalided home from the Dardanelles, but died before reaching this country. The death is announced, at Ripley, near Harrogate, in his 76th year, of Mr. Alfred Hal], founder of the firm of Alfred Hall Limited, ironmongers and mill and colliery furnishers, Cleckheaton. Mr. Hall retired from business some seven or eight years ago. Mr. John Salt, aged 57 years, coal dealer, of 27, Hulmc- street, Salford, was found dead in bed on August 23. He had suffered from bronchitis, and at the inquest a verdict of “ Death from natural causes ” was returned. Mr. George Spencer, of Romiley, who has passed away at the age of 68 years, was at one time manager of the Lingard Lane Colliery, Bredbury. Mr. Thomas Holgate, coal merchant, of Chatburn (Lancs), died last week at the age of 58 years. He had not been well for three days, but he was out on the day before his death. In the death of Mr. Frederick W. Oakes, principal of the firm of Messrs. Alfred Oakes and Son, hot water engineers and iron workers, at Wakefield, recently, one of the oldest business men of the city has been removed. Mr. John Bell, of Rosemount, Murton Colliery, formerly assistant manager at that colliery, died on August 29 in hospital at Sunderland, where he had been undergoing an operation for an internal complaint. Mr. Bell, who was 77 years of age, was born at Carville. He commenced work at High Pittington at the age of nine years, and worked as a trapper from 4 a.m. till 5 p.m. for lOd. per day. He was the first horse driver at the Old Durham Pit. After a period in America he returned to this country, and became back- overman at Littleburn. After 4J years in that position, he went to Hutton Henry, where he was successively fore-over- man and under-manager for 10^ years. He subsequently removed to Murton, where he rose to be assistant manager. He retired in February 1913, after 66 years’ work in the pits. The death occurred on Monday last, at his residence, Lynwood, Barnsley, of Mr. Wm. Gittus, head of the well- known firm of Messrs. W. Gittus and Son, wagon builders, Penistone, near Barnsley. The deceased gentleman, who was 64 years of age, was widely known and well respected, especially in the South Yorkshire coal field. Mr. Gittus established the firm, now the largest in the Barnsley district, over 30 years ago. Though he recovered from a serious illness about a year ago, Mr. Gittus failed to make a complete recovery, and succumbed to a further attack after a few days’ confinement to bed. Mr. Gittus, who was a widower, is survived by a son, Mr. W. B. Gittus, who is a partner in the firm, and a married daughter. The inter- ment took place at the Barnsley Cemetery on Thursday noon. CONTRACTS OPEN FOR COAL AND COKE. For Contracts Advertised in this issue received too late for inclusion in this column, see Leader and Last White pages. Barnes, September 28.—The Barnes Council are prepared to receive tenders for the supply of between 2,000 to 2,500 tons of coal suitable for chain grate stokers for use at their Electricity Works, High-street, Mortlake, for six months, commencing from November 1, 1915. Forms of tender, with particulars, may be obtained at my office as under. Tenders must be sent so as to be received by me before 12 noon on Tuesday, September 28 next, marked “ Tender for Coal, Electricity Works.” The Council reserve to them- selves the right to decline all, or any, or any portion of the tenders received. By order, Wm. Thos. Goodale, clerk to the Council, the Council House, High-street, Mortlake, S.W. Dorset, September 18. — Tenders are invited for the supply of coal and coke to the Shire Hall, county offices, police stations, and public elementary schools maintained by the Council, up to August 31, 1916. The county has been divided into 12 distributing districts, and an approxi- mate quantity of 1,000 tons of coal and 400 tons of coke will be required during the period of the contract. Forms giving district, buildings therein, and approximate quantities of coal and coke required, may be obtaine on application to the undersigned, to whom tenders in envelopes marked “ Coal ” must be returned complete by Saturday, September 18, 1915. The County Council do not bind them- selves to accept the lowest or any tender. E. A. Ffooks, clerk of the County Council, County Offices, Dorchester. Abstracts of Contracts Open. Airdrie, September 14.—Fuel to the various schools in the burgh, for the Airdrie School Board. Forms from the joint clerks, 10, Bank-street, Airdrie. Bradford, September 13.—Coal for the Bradford Educa- tion Committee. Forms from the Education Office. Bradford, September 21.—About 800 tons and 300 tons respectively of engine coal and house coal, to the Bradford Royal Infirmary. Tenders to Mr. J. Barron, secretary- superintendent. Bristol, September 24. — Unwashed small coal to the Avonbank electricity works, for the Electrical Committee. Forms from Mr. H. Faraday Proctor, M.I.C.E., M.I.E.E., chief engineer and general manager, Electricity Department, Exchange, Corn-street, Bristol, on deposit of £2 2s. Cardiff, September 15.—Coal for the Glamorgan Educa- tion Committee. Forms from the clerks of the respective groups, viz., Bridgend group, Mr. E. Preece, 61, Park- street, Bridgend; Caerphilly group, Mr. A. H. Bullock, 5, Queen-street, Cardiff; Gelligaer group, Mr. F. T. James, Council Offices, Hengoed; Gowerton group, Mr. J. Jones Lewis, 7, Rutland-street, Swansea; Maesteg group, Mr. R. Scale, Maesteg; Neath group, Messrs. Cuthbertson and Powell, Water-street, Neath; Ogmore group, Rev. C. Williams, Ogmore Vale; Penarth group, Mr. J. E. Williams, Herbert Chambers, Cardiff; Pontardawe group, Mr. A. W. Samuel, Kings’ Chambers, Swansea; Pontyclun group, Mr. W. T. Gwyn, Town Clerk’s Office, Cowbridge; Port Talbot group, Mr. A. H. Deer, Port Talbot; Swansea group, Mr. A. H. Thomas, Llansamlet. Colchester.—Coal and coke for the Essex Education Com- mittee. Forms from Mr. G. C. Holland, Technical College, Colchester. Devonport, September 14.—Coke for Army camps, at south-western area. Forms from Officer Commanding, Army Service Corps, New Granby Barracks, Devonport. Dunmow, September 13.—Coal and coke to the Schools in the Dunmow district, for the Sub-Committee. Forms from Mr. G. E. Groot, clerk to the District Sub-Committee, Savings Bank, Great Dunmow. East Woodhay (Berks), September 21.—About 25 tons of Cannock “ One Way ” coal for the Trustees of the East Woodhay Allotment Coal Charity. Tenders to the Rector, the Rectory, East Woodhay. Edinburgh, September 15.—Coal and coke for H.M. Government, at the various stations in the Scottish Com-' mand. Forms from Headquarters, Scottish Command, 28, North Bridge, Edinburgh. Gateshead, September 25. — Coal for the Corporation. Forms from Mr. N. P. Pattinson, borough surveyor, Town Hall. ? Grimsby, September 21.—About 400 tons of house coal, 100 tons of steam coal, and 400 tons of the best gas house coke, for the Education Committee. Tenders to Mr. D. Chandler, clerk to the Education Committee, Education Offices, Grimsby. Halifax, September 13. — Coal for the Education Com- mittee. Particulars from the Education Offices, West House. Knutsford, September 16.—Coal and coke for the Knuts - ford and Wilmslow Administrative Sub-Committee for Educa- tion. Forms from Mr. G. Leigh, clerk, Bucklow Union Offices, Knutsford. Larne, September 15. — 200 tons Broughton Moor. St. Helens, North Wales house, Whitehaven bouse, or Wigan house coal, best quality (screened), for the Guardians. Tenders to Mr. T. Nelson, clerk, Union Office, Larne. Lewes, September 14.—House and steam coal and coke for the Guardians. Forms from Mr. C. Patrick, clerk, Union Offices, West-street, Lewes. Maldon, September 13.—Coal and coke to the Schools in the Maldon district, for the Sub-Committee. Forms from Mr. F. H. Bright, clerk to the District Sub-Committee, 53, High-street, Maldon. Manchester; September 17.—About 397 tons of house coal and 665 tons of burgie coal for the Sanitary Committee. Forms at the Public Health Offices, Civic Buildings, 1, Mount-street, Manchester. Newport (I.W.), September 16. — Fuel for the Isle of Wight County Council. Particulars from J. Dufton, clerk, Newport, I.W. Preston, September 14.—Slack for the Corporation. Forms for borough surveyor, Town Hall. Reigate, September 13.—Coal for the electricity works, for the Corporation. Forms from W. S. Ross, electrical engineer, Electricity Works. Swindon, September 18.—Steam coal for the Electricity Works and Waterworks of the Corporation. Forms from Mr. R. Hilton, town clerk, Town Hall, Swindon. Wakefield.—130 to 150 tons of slack for the Yorkshire (West Riding) Electric Tramways Company Limited. Tenders to H. England, general manager, Belle Isle, Wake- field. The date given is the latest upon which tenders can be received. CONTRACTS OPEN FOR ENGINEERING, IRON AND STEEL WORK, &c. Ballinasloe, September 14.—Gas Plant.—Erection at Waterworks of gas plant complete, capable of supplying gas for 40-horse power engine, for the Urban District Council. Particulars from J. L. Dunn, town surveyor, Ballinasloe. Bromsgrove, September 14.—Boiler.—No. 12 D Ideal domestic boiler, for the Guardians. Specification from Cottage Homes, Stourbridge-road. Drogheda, September 14.—Pump.—Sinking well and erecting pump thereon, for the Meath Rural District Council. Specification from T. Dowdall, clerk. Newport (Mon.).—Converter Plant.—Supply of converter plant and transformers, for the Corporation. Particulars from Mr. A. N. More, borough electrical engineer, Town Hall. Sheerness, September 20.—Pumps.—Set of three-throw deep well pumps, capable of raising not less than 2,000 gals, per hour, for the Guardians of the Sheppey Union. Tenders to Mr. H. T. Copland, clerk. COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES. REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS. Antrim Iron Ore Company Limited.—The directors have paid an interim dividend of 5f per cent., less income-tax, on the ‘‘ A ” and “ B ” shares. British Electric Transformer Company Limited. — The directors have paid an interim dividend at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum, less income-tax, on the ordinary shares for the half-year. Canadian General Electric Company Limited.—Dividend of 1| per cent, for the quarter to September 30. Clyde Valley Electrical Power Company Limited. — The accounts for the half-year ended June 30 show a profit, includ- ing TH,535 brought forward, of £54,096. After transferring £18,709 to the contingency fund for depreciation, etc., raising it to £125,000, the directors propose to transfer £4,276 to the special reserve fund, and pay the dividend on the pre- ference shares to October 31, 1915, setting aside £10,000 to write down costs of Acts, leaving £12,430 to be carried forward. Edinburgh Collieries Company Limited. — The directors have declared an interim dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum. Hawthorn (R. and W.) Leslie and Company Limited.—The report for the year ended June last states that the directors recommend the shareholders to confirm the payment of the additional dividend for the year ended June 1914, which was paid in March. After making an allowance of £45,215 for depreciation, and for leasehold redemption fund, and paying all interest and other charges, and the additional dividend mentioned above, there remains an available balance of £169,726, which the directors recommend should be disposed of as follows To meet the interim dividend of 5s. per share, less tax, paid in March last, £10,742; to pay a further divi- dend of 15s. per share, less tax, paid in March last, £10,742: to pay a further dividend of 15s. per share, loss tax (making 10 per cent, for the year), £30,985; to add to the reserve fund account (making the balance thereon £236,000, exclusive of leasehold sinking fund), £50,000; to set aside for future exten- sions and improvements of plant, etc. (making, with the balance brought forward, a total of £60,000), £48,066; to carry forward £29,932. Ibbotson Brothers and Company Limited.—The directors recommend a final dividend of 4s. per share, making 7| per cent., tax free, for the year ended June 30, carrying forward £30,762, including £25,769 brought forward. Lincoln Wagon and Engine Company Limited. — The directors announce an interim dividend of £6 10s. per cent., with deductions for income-tax. Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Company Limited. — The directors have declared interim dividends (payable forthwith) at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum, less tax, on the pre- ference shares, and 10 per cent, on the ordinary shares, free of tax.