October 29, 1915.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

893

quality, and, in cases of special selected coal, Is. 8d. per cwt.
—Eleven coal firms at Warrington are parties to an arrange-
ment, made at a conference on household coal prices, under
which maximum prices for the present for household coal, to
be supplied within a radius of miles of Market-gate, shall
be as follow :—Best house coal, in bags, 27s. 6d. per ton, or
Is. 4Jd. per cwt.; and loose, 26s. 8d. per ton; second quality
house coal, in bags, 25s. lOd. per ton, or Is. 3jd. per cwt.;
and loose, 25s. per ton. Arley Mine coal is excepted from the
arrangement.

At a social function at Worsley Mesnes recently, Mr. John
Armstrong, under-manager at the Worsley Mesnes Colliery,
who is leaving to take up a position at the firm’s new colliery
near Swansea, was presented with a gold hunter watch and
an albert from the officials and workpeople.

It is reported from the Ghorley district that for some time
past work has been proceeding at Pincock Village, Euxton,
in the construction of a tunnel in a hillside, where a good
seam of coal has been discovered.

Mr. Frank Richardson has been appointed general colliery
manager, and Mr. T. H. Wordsworth consulting engineer, to
the New Moss Colliery Limited, Audenshaw. Rumours have
been circulated in the district that the New Moss Colliery is to
be closed next June, and the directors of the newly-controlled
company have issued a public announcement intimating that
the rumours are absolutely erroneous. The colliery will
continue working, and important developments will take place
from time to time.

At a meeting of the Manchester Association of Engineers,
Mr. Sam Boswell, M.I.M.E., delivered an address on
“ Ancient and Modem Engineering : Comparisons, Reflec-
tions, and Tendencies.” In the early nineties, he said,
our workshops were, probably, at their lowest ebb. Many
good tools, although known, were seldom seen. Engineers
were attempting to live on their reputations, but soon found
their “ staying powers ” were not what they expected. The
United States and Germany were already singing Britain’s
final requiem as a workshop nation. Germany was
masquerading in the lion’s skin before Britain was buried,
and even kicked the carcase before it was dead, but, to-day,
Germany and others know that Britain was only dozing, and
that her workshops and her output are the finest ever
known. The Constantine Gold Medal was awarded to Mr.
Frank Foster for his paper on “ Essential Principles of
Engine Design.” The programme for the session includes
the following papers : — “ Notes on Some Recent
Researches” by Prof. Petavel, Manchester University;
“ Science and Practice in Engineering,” by Mr. C. E.
Stroymer, M.I.C.E., M.I.M.E.; ‘‘Design and Application
of Ball Bearings,” by Mr. H. J. Moysey, A.M.I.E.E.
(Gateshead-on-Tyne); ‘‘The Importance of Uniform Con-
ditions for Engineering Operations and Industrial Work,”
by Mr. Alfred Etchells; “ Cast Iron : the Strength and Pro-
perties of Castings,” by Mr. E. L; Rhead, Municipal School
of Technology, Manchester; “ Oil Engines,” by Mr. G. E.
Windeler; “ Oast Steel as a Material of Construction,” by
Mr. Ernest F. Lange, Assoc.M.I.C.E., M.I.M.E., F.C.S.;
“ India Rubber and Balata Belting as Conveyor and Power
Transmission Belts,” by Mr. James Tinto; and the pre-
sentation and discussion of the report of the Tool Steel
Research Committee.

New surface plant, including an engine house, is being
installed at Lord Ellesmere’s Wardley Lane Colliery,
Walkden, which was closed over a quarter of a century ago.

A correspondent says the Pilkington Colliery Company
(Clifton and Kersley Coal Company Limited) are now
opening out the Crombourke and Five and Six-feet mines at
their extensive new collieries at Astley Green, near
Manchester, where, despite heavy enlistments, there are
now close upon 1,000 men and youths employed. Additional
surface plant is being installed, and other improvements
effected.

The sub-committee of the Rochdale Corporation Gas Com-
mittee appointed to meet the representatives of the various
firms who have contracted to supply coal to the gas works
have been met in the majority of cases in an amicable
spirit, with the result that a saving of some hundreds of
pounds will be effected on the works coal bill. In the other
cases in which terms have not yet been arranged, a settle-
ment is likely to be made.

The chairman of the Manchester Corporation Gas Com-
mittee has, it is stated, been negotiating with coal
contractors for an abatement in prices under the provisions
of the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, 1915, with the result
that a considerable saving has been effected. Similar efforts
are being made by other municipal authorities in South-East
Lancashire.

North Wales.

With reference to the mines in the locality of Llanrwst,
which have been closed down for some time past, it is stated
that a responsible syndicate has taken over these properties,
with a view to their early re-opening and development. If
their efforts are successful, the undertaking will be a great
boon to the neighbourhood.

Mr. John Davies, who has been appointed manager of the
Bromfield Colliery, near Mold, on leaving the North wood
Colliery, Hanley, was presented by the proprietors and
officials with a gold watch and chain, in recognition of his
past services, and Mrs. Davies was presented with a gold
necklet and pendant.

Mr. T. H. Parry, M.P. (son of Mr. Thomas Parry, J.P.,
colliery proprietor, Mold), who is a captain in the l/5th
Batt, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, has now recovered from
the wounds he received in action in the Dardanelles, and has
returned into active service with his company.

The Eleanor Colliery (on the banks of the Dee, near
Queensferry), which consists of about 370 acres of coal, iron-
stone, clay, and other mineral properties, and is the property
of the Earl of Spencer, K.G., is offered for sale.

The Midlands.

Presentation to Brave Chesterton Miners—New Under-
Manager's Association—Inquest on Haulage Accident at
Norton Colliery.

At a meeting of colliery under-managers, at Dudley, on
Saturday, it was decided to form an association having for
its objects the educational, social, and general well-being of
its members. There was a good attendance at the inaugural
meeting, and many who were unable to attend sent letters of
apology, expressing sympathy with the proposed movement.
The society will embrace the whole of South Staffordshire
and East Worcestershire.

There was a large and representative gathering at
Chesterton last week, to witness the presentation of bronze
medals and .£20 each to Henry Bickerton and Thomas
Gleaves, in recognition of their conspicuous bravery at the
New Hem Heath Colliery disaster on February 25 last. It
will be recalled that at the time of the occurrence about 20
men and boys were in the pit, and of these seven or eight
were released by Gleaves and Bickerton, who were in
imminent peril of losing their own lives. As a matter of
fact, Bickerton, who had brought one party to a place of
safety, and was returning to the danger zone, was over-
come by the fumes and became unconscious, being saved in
the nick of time by one of the rescue brigades. The chair
was taken by Mr. W. J. Bates, agent and manager to the
Silverdale Colliery Company Limited. Those also present
included : Mr. W. J. Hassam and Mr. E. Brayford, manager
and under-manager, respectively, -at the Hem Heath
Colliery; and Mr. T. T. Mawson, manager at the Brymbo
New Sinkings.

An accident, causing the deaths of two men (Henry Barber
and Albert Nicklin), and more or less serious injuries to nine
others, occurred recently at the No. 1 pit of the Ford Green
Colliery, Staffordshire, owned by Messrs. Robert Heath and
Sons. The accident was due to the breaking of a haulage
rope attached to a train, made up of 13 wagons, which was
conveying some 40 men and boys of the first shift down the
Cockshead dip. This dip is 700 yds. long, and has a gradient
of 1 in 5. When the rope broke, the wagons ran down the
slope at terrific speed for .about 300 yds., when they were
overturned and wrecked. One of the men riding on the train
was killed instantaneously, another died on his way to the
North Staffordshire Infirmary, and nine others were seriously
injured. Separate inquests have been commenced for pur-
poses of formal identification of the bodies. The inquest on
Barber was resumed on the 27th inst., and that on Nicklin
will be resumed to-day (Friday).

The enquiry was resumed on Wednesday into the death of
Henry Barber, one of the men killed in an accident caused
by the breaking of an underground haulage rope at the
Norton Colliery, Ford Green, on October 13. Barber was
killed on the spot, and two other men have died since from
injuries.—Mr. N. R. H. McGowan, manager of the colliery,
said that the dip rope broke when the train on which ’the
men were riding was about half-way down the dip, which
was about 700 yds. long. The rope was new on April 18
last, and its breakage strength was equal to 32 tons. The
biggest load they could have as a dead weight was within
six tons, and it was usual to convey 48 men up and down
the dip on a train of 13 trolleys. There were 44 men on the
train at the time of the accident, making a weight of not
more than 2| tons. The breakage occurred owing to a defect
in the rope, which was latent, but not patent. The rope was
examined twice a day, although the section of the Act only
provided for once a day. Witness added that the rope had
corroded owing to wet, but the corrosion was not apparent.—
Mr. Henry Green, superintendent of Lloyd’s Proving Station,
Netherton, said the corrosion might be prevented by having a
“ stand-by ” rope, and taking off the haulage rope once a
month, and immersing it in a non-corrosive solution as a
preventative.—The jury returned a verdict that Barber was
accidentally killed owing to the breakage of a haulage rope,
and that the breakage was caused by internal corrosion set
up by the dampness of the dip.

Kent.

Report on the Chislet Colliery.

Snowdown Colliery deep sinking has now reached 1,983 ft.,
and is lined to 1,920 ft.

A very interesting report on the position at the Chislet
Colliery, near Canterbury, has been made by Mr. E. L.
Hann, the consulting engineer to the company. This fully
explains the work that has been in progress for the last
two years, iand anticipates that the shafts will reach the
coal 14 months from the date of the resumption of sinking.
The work already done includes the making of a railway
connection with the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway,
building workshops, erection of certain auxiliary plant,
building six houses for staff officials, etc. The system
adopted in sinking the shafts was a modification of the
dropshaft system, as the freezing of the quicksand and upper
water-bearing strata was considered too expensive. Under
the dropshaft system bores were made on the site of the
two shafts to a depth of about 225 ft., and liquid cement
was pumped under pressure into the top bed of chalk and
the ground underlying the quicksand. This had the effect
of consolidating the ground, and at the same time filled with
cement the fissures through which the water might percolate.
Actual sinking was commenced on October 1914, and the
present depth of the North pit is 183 ft. The top of the chalk
will be reached at 198 ft., and unless unexpected difficulties
occur, the shaft should reach that depth by the end of the
present month. The present depth of the South pit is
about 89 ft. Two steam cranes have so far been used for the
sinking work, but from the 200 ft. depth it is proposed to
carry on the sinking with permanent winding engines,
boilers, and headgear. Should this plant be delivered before
the end of this year, a sum of about £-30,000 will be required
for payments up to the end of January. In view of the
danger of surface subsidence, it was not considered advis-
able to erect engine houses until after the shafts had passed
through the quicksands. Work in connection with the
foundations was, however, commenced in August last. The
time required in order to make preparation for the resump-
tion of sinking is estimated at about four months, provided
a reasonable supply of labour remains available, and that
work is not unduly hindered by the war. Fourteen months
from the resumed sinking it is hoped to be in the coal.

Scotland.

A Railway Rates Case—Retail Prices at Edinburgh and
Leith.

Mr. Robert Stobbie, Leven Colliery, was presented with
a roll-top desk on the occasion of his departure to take up
a position at Motherwell.

Mr. David Baird, under-manager at Glencraig Colliery.
Fifeshire, has met with serious injuries by being caught
between a race of hutches and a bar. He was rendered
unconscious, and when medically attended to he was found
to be suffering from serious bruises to chest and back.

Mr. Wm. Colquhoun, underground oversman at Gateside
Colliery, Cambuslang, has been appointed manager at
Parkneuk Colliery, Motherwell, belonging to the Glasgow
Iron Company. In view of his promotion, the officials and

workmen at Gateside Colliery have presented him with a
purse of sovereigns and other gifts for himself and Mrs.
Colquhoun.

Mr. Alexander Murray, of Carnock Colliery, Stirlingshire,
has been appointed to the management of Bedlay Colliery,
Lanarkshire, belonging to Messrs. Wm. Baird and Company
Limited, Lanarkshire. He is to be succeeded at Carnock
Colliery by Mr. Neil Corbett, who was manager for a
number of years with Messrs. Wm. Baird and Company
Limited at St. Flannan’s Colliery, Dumbartonshire.

Proof was taken before Lord Hunter in the Outer House of
the Scottish Court of Session on the 19th inst., in an action
by the North British Railway Company against the Niddrie
and Benhar Coal Company Limited, Niddrie, Portobello, for
payment of £533 6s. 7d., which the pursuers allege is due in
respect of the carriage of coal from the defenders’ collieries
at Niddrie to South Leith, North Leith, and Granton for
shipment. The pursuers state that from 1913 the rate for
the coal in railway company’s wagons was 9fd. per ton, and
in traders’ wagons 7fd. per ton. The defenders resist pay-
ment on the ground that by arrangement between the parties
entered into in October 1912, it was agreed that the rates
for coal to Leith and Granton for shipment should be reduced
to 9|d. per ton for coal in railway wagons, and 7|d. per
ton for coal in traders’ wagons. The sum sued for repre-
sents the difference between the higher and lower rates. The
defenders state that the pursuers were anxious to enter into
an agreement with the defenders in order to induce them to
refrain from supporting the Bill promoted in the Parliamen-
tary session of 1911-12 to authorise the construction of rail-
ways in the Lothians with the object of securing cheaper
railway rates. Negotiations tovk place between the parties,
and ultimately an agreement whereby the coal was to be
carried at the cheaper rate was entered into for a period of
10 years. The pursuers stated that the reduction in 1912
was from ll|d. and 9d. to 9|d. and 7Jd. respectively, and
that in consequence of increased cost of working railway
traffic, the railway companies, both in Scotland and England,
put increased rates in operation, as from July 1, 1913, the
increase in the case of the defenders being |d. per ton. The
pursuers deny that they were anxious to enter into an agree-
ment with the defenders in 1912, as alleged, and maintain
that there was no stipulation in the agreement then entered
into between the parties that the rates then fixed were to
continue for 10 years. At the conclusion of the proof,
counsel were heard on the evidence, and the Lord-Ordinary
made avizandum.

In connection with the request of the Board of Trade to
municipalities to consider steps for limiting the coal prices
in the coming winter, the conference held a week ago between
representatives of the Corporation of Edinburgh and Leith
and the distributing agents in the coal trade was resumed on
the 21st inst. at Edinburgh, when information as to present
prices and conditions was available. The coal distributors’
representatives present included merchants who sell in the
larger quantities of a ton and over, and also the bagmen
who sell on the streets. The merchants propose that in the
case of merchants dealing in the larger supplies the maximum
increase which may be imposed shall be 8s. 6d. per ton, and
in the case of the distributors of smaller quantities, the
bagmen, that the maximum increase shall be 10s. 6d. per
ton. Each merchant is, of course, at liberty to fix his own
prices, so long as they come within the figures named. They
pointed out, however, that those maximum figures', which
were based upon present conditions, might be subject to
amendment in the event of additional charges, due to increases
in wages and other matters, which might arise later. The
highest price which could be charged for a bag of coal under
this proposed arrangement is Is. 8d. The representatives
of the corporations are now to bring the proposals before
their respective town councils in due course.

In the Outer House of the Scottish Court of Session on
the 15th inst., before Lord Hunter, the record was closed
in an action by David Williamson, commission agent,
Glasgow, against H. M. M’Neill Hamilton, of Raploch
Coal Company Limited, Edinburgh, for declarator, £300
damages, and interdict in connection with alleged subsidence
at Larkhall. The pursuer is proprietor of ground and
dwelling houses in Larkhall, under a building lease for 99
years from the Raploch estate, of which Mr. Hamilton is
heir of entail in possession. The other defenders are the
mineral tenants, holding a lease from Mr. Hamilton. The
pursuer says he has at common law and under the lease
a right of support for the surface of the ground. His
allegation in this action is that as the result of the mineral
workings, subsidence of the ground on which his houses
are built has taken place, and the houses have been damaged
to the extent, he says, of £300. The defenders state that the
subsidence and damage are not of a serious character, that
the working of the minerals has been conducted in the
regular systematic and usual manner, and that if interdict
were granted, the working of the minerals would be rendered
impossible. The case, was sent to the Procedure Roll.

At Dunfermline Sheriff Court a fatal accident at
Donibristle Colliery was made the subject of enquiry.
While putting a loaded hutch on -the cage at the pit
bottom, a workman was caught by the cage when it was
being raised. Another workman heard him shout, a signal
was given to the winding engineman, who immediately
stopped, but deceased fell from the cage to the bottom, a
distance of 30fms., and was instantly killed. Chas. C.
Reid, district agent for the Fife Coal Company, pointed out
that when the provision of visible indicators became neces-
sary, there was not such an instrument on the market.
Alter some difficulty, witness ordered a supply of what he
believed to be suitable instruments. Mr. Walker, H.M.
divisional inspector, however, informed him that the instru-
ments did not conform with the requirements. Witness
accordingly scrapped the instruments he had purchased, and
with difficulty cancelled the order for the others. The jury
returned a formal verdict, adding as a rider that the accident
might not have happened had a visible indicator been in use
in the engine house.

Mr. John Robertson, of the Lanarkshire Miners’ Union,
has received an interesting letter from a Lanarkshire miner
who is serving with the Royal Engineers at the front. In
the course of his communication the writer says :—‘‘ I am
glad the Lanarkshire miners have gone in solidly for the
policy of working a full week. I imagine I know the type of
delegate who is opposed to such an action. He fears that
some morning after having gone to the pit he may be obliged
to return owing to the lack of wagons. I guess he would
have other things to worry him if, some day. the Germans
got the length of Britain, all through our lack of material.
If he had spent one day similar to the one I have done to-day.
I guess he would be prepared to continue in the pit morning,
noon, and night, if by so doing he could bring things to
an end.”