January 7, 1916.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

39

THE FREIGHT MARKET.

The outward freight markets have again suffered greatly
from holiday influences, and business has been carried on
only in a very small way, chartering having been of an
intermittent and hand-to-mouth character. This fact alone
would have been sufficient to result in a short fixture list,,
but, at the Tyne, the absolute standstill to which the local
coal trade was brought a week or so ago has also brought
about a halt in chartering. Loading turns are hopelessly
congested at some points on ‘ ‘ The Coast ’ —notably at
Biyth—and that, also, has greatly discouraged shippers.
Tonnage has offered none too freely, and rates are favouring
owners. Quotations coastwise are based on >about 15s. 6d.
to London. At the time of writing a fair business is being
done for North France, and up to 22s. 6d. has been paid for
Rouen, an increase of Is. 6d. on the top figure for last week.
For the Bay, 30s. 6d. has had to be conceded for Nantes, and
doubtless Bordeaux could secure 31s. There is nothing
doing for Mediterranean destinations, but owners are offering-
no concessions and, indeed, quote from 67s. 6d. to 69s. for
Genoa, according to the size of the steamer. The general
tons, therefore, is strong. Owing to the shorter holiday
period, business at South Wales has been rather brisker than
at the Tyne. The enquiry is only moderate, but boats are
still very scarce, especially for the Mediterranean. The
shortage of tonnage has been aggravated somewhat by the
action of the Admiralty in requisitioning several steamers
which were already chartered. Rates have undergone little
change, and the tendency of figures is still to ease, whilst,
for the Mediterranean, rates continue to harden. North
France is represented by Rouen at the unchanged rate of
20s., and Bay rates are 1 fr. down to Nantes or St. Nazaire.
The Mediterranean is from 1 fr. to 2 fr. up to Marseilles,
but nothing has been done for Italian ports. The River
Plate trade is developing, and upper and lower ports have
been fixed for at from 39s. 6d. to 40s., whilst Rio has paid
up to 43s. In other directions, rates are well maintained.

In all the various sections of the homeward market,
tonnage is in demand, but few boats are offering and rates
are easily maintained at fully late levels. Rates from the
River Plate continue to advance rapidly, and up to 132s. 6d.
has been paid for United Kingdom, whilst 133s. 9d. has
had to be conceded for tonnage for France. It is also
reported that business has been done at so high a figure as
140s. from San Lorenzo. The tone of the States market is
stronger, and grain rates to United Kingdom are based on
14s. 3d. to Bristol Channel, an advance of Is. on last week’s
figures. For the French Atlantic, 18s. is the ruling price,
and for West Italy 23s. is offering. Cotton tonnage is
wanted, and would probably pay 280s. for fair measurement
for United Kingdom. There is a moderate enquiry for
steamers from India, and Bombay has been fixed for
January at 112s. 6d. on d.w., discharging at London, Hull,
or Liverpool. Kurrachee is represented by about 107s. 6d.
to United Kingdom on scale terms, and the Madras Coast
is worth 155s. for kernels for France. For rice from Saigon,
130s. could probably be secured for United Kingdom.

Tyne to Dieppe, 1,400, 19s.; 900, 29s., coke; Dunkirk,
2,000, 22s.; 1,800, 23s.; 500, 30s., coke; Havre, 2,000, 20s.;
Las Palmas, Madeira, or Teneriffe, 35s., Jan.; Morlaix, 300,
27s. 6d.; Naples, 2,600, 62s. 6d.; Nantes, 2,000, 30s. 6d.;
Rouen, 1,500, 20s.; 1,600, 21s.; 1,100, 22s.; 1,600, 20s.;
1,500, 22s. 6d.; St. Nazaire, 2,500, 30s.; Valencia, 1,400,
40s.

Cardiff to Algiers, 2,000, 63 fr. ; Barcelona, 2,700, 41s.;
Bordeaux, 2,000, 38 fr., Jan.; Chantenay, 1,700, 35 fr.;
Caen, 1,700, 20s.; Dunkirk, 1,600, 24s.; 1,500, 23s. 6d.;
Dieppe, 800, 20s.; 1,600, 20s.; Gibraltar, 1,100, 35s.; Hon-
fleur, 800, 20s.; Lisbon, 1,700, 31s., 400; 900, 30s., 300;
1,700, 31s., 500; 4,500, 29s., 500; Las Palmas, 2,200, 35s.;
Montevideo, 3,600, 39s.; 5,000 , 39s.; 3,500, 38s. 9d.;
Madeira, 2,200, 35s.; Marseilles, 1,600, 74 fr.; 4,000, 74 fr.;
2,000, 75 fr., Jan.; 3,000, 74 fr., mid-Jan.; Nantes, 1,700,
35 fr.; 1,500, 34 fr.; Port Said, 6,000, 68s. 9d., mid-Jan.;
River Plate, 5,500, 40s.; 6,000, 39s. 6d.; 4,000, 40s.; 3,300,
39s. 6d.; 3,600, 39s. 6d., 250; 4,000, 39s. 9d.; Rouen, 1,600,
20s.; 1,400, 20s. 6d.; 950, 20s.; Rio de Janeiro, 3,500, 43s.,
300; 5,000, 45s., fuel; 3,600, 42s. 9d., 300; St. Nazaire,
3,000, 34 fr.; 1,600, 35 fr.; 8,000, 34 fr.; 2,000, 34 fr.;
Trouville, 1,100, 20s.; 650, 21s. 6d.

Swansea to Rouen, 650, 20s. 6d.; 1,800, 21s.; 1,800, 22s.;
1,800, 20s. lOJd.; 1,300, 21s.; Granville, 650, 19s. 6d. ;
Genoa, Savona, Spezzia, or Leghorn, 3,400, 65s., option
Naples, 62s. 6d. ; Caen, 1,000, 20s.; La Rochelle or Roche-
fort, 2,000, 34 fr.; Havre, 1,000, 19s.; 1.800, 19s. 9d.;
Calais, 2,200, 22s.

Newport to Marseilles, 2,300, 74 fr.; 1,700, 74 fr. ; Seville,
1,500, 35s.; Rouen, 2,000, 20s. 6d.; 1,500, 20s. 6d.; Bor-
deaux, 1,600, 40 fr. ; 2,800, 394- fr. ; Huelva', 1,600, 32s. 6d.,
300; Cadiz, 1,500, 35s., 400; Havre Canal, 1,200, 20s. 6d.

Port Talbot to Rouen, 3,100, 20s.; Rio de Janeiro, 5,000,
45s., fuel; Trouville, 1,150, 20s.; Huelva, 3,000, 31s., Jan.

Glasgow to Genoa, Savona, Spezzia, or Leghorn, 1,200,
66s. 3d., guaranteed terms, Jan.; West Italy, 5,000, 61s.,
guaranteed terms, Jan.; Rouen, 21s. 6d.

Hull to Rouen, 1,600, 20s.

Wales to Bordeaux, 1,400, 43 fr., f.d.

Blyth to Rouen, 1,500, 21s.

Use of Birds in Testing Mine Air.—The resistiveness of a
canary bird to oxygen deficiency has been demonstrated
during two explorations of a mine fire area by the United
States Bureau of Mines, Pittsburg Station, apparatus crew.
Duplicate air samples that were collected during the first
exploration at a point 1,000 ft. from the fresh air base, showed
on analysis only 6 and 7 per cent, oxygen respectively; yet
the canary bird was apparently not affected. The safety
lamps were extinguished, however, before the apparatus crew
advanced to the point where these samples were collected. On
the second exploration to a point 2,000 ft. from the fresh air
base, one air sample showed only 2 per cent, oxygen, and the
canary was, of course, overcome long before this point was
reached. However, the bird was carried back at once to the
point where the analysis had shown 7 per cent, of oxygen, and
when the apparatus party returned in 20 minutes, they were
surprised to find that the canary had revived in that atmo-
sphere. All analyses were made with an Orsat apparatus
inside the mine at the fresh air base. The atmosphere con-
tained practically no carbon monoxide.

OBITUARY.

The death is announced of Mr. Holgate Marsden, coal
merchant, of Salterforth, Barnoldswick.

Mr. Charles Edward Hindley, an ex-Mayor of Eccles, and
formerly well known in the coal trade, having had interests
in collieries in the Wigan district, died last week.

Mr. Daniel Coe, of Howard Lodge, Hamilton-street,
Hoole, Chester, who died last week, was the district manager
for the Westminster Collieries Limited.

Mr. T. M. Barron, of Darlington, for many years solicitor
to the Cleveland Miners’ and Quarrymen’s Association, died
on Saturday last.

Lieut. Charles Neil Newcombe, 7th K.O.Y.L.I., who is
announced to have been killed in Flanders on December 27,
was articled to mining enginering under Mr. J. P. Houfton,
managing director of the Bolsover Colliery Company
Limited.

Lieut. Chas. Golden, Durham Light'Infantry, who was for
some years connected with the Kent Coal Concessions and
allied companies, and acted as private secretary to Mr. Arthur
Burr until the outbreak of the war, has been killed in action.

The death has taken place of Mr. James Waldie, formerly
of the firm of Messrs. James Waldie and Son, coal owners.
He was well known in coal trade circles, and widely respected.
He was appointed goods traffic agent at North Leith in 1854.
About three years later he left the railway service, and joined
his father’s business. He subsequently became senior partner
in the firm of James Waldie and Sons, Edinburgh, Leith,
and Glasgow, and retired last May, when the business was
converted into , a limited liability company. He was a J.P.
for Midlothian, and a director of-the Arniston Coal Company.

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.
REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Howard and Bullough Limited. — The directors have
declared a quarterly dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per
annum, less tax.

Man vers Main Collieries Limited.—The directors have
declared an interim dividend of Is. 6d. per share on the
ordinary shares, free of tax, and a dividend of 2s. 9d. per
share on the preferred shares, less tax.

Sandwich Freeholds Limited.—This company, formed in
connection with Kent coal—its powers including the dealing
in rights over coal, iron, or other mines—held its annual
meeting on Friday last. The company was incorporated in
1913, with a capital of £20,300. The balance-sheet showed
a loss of £431. The report stated : The directors, whilst
regretting the absence of a dividend, wish to assure the
shareholders that the small loss shown has been absolutely
unavoidable. The unfortunate events of the first week in
August 1914 cut short negotiations which were almost com-
pleted for the sale of a block of land which would not only
have yielded a satisfactory profit to the company, but would
have started the development of what may be regarded
as its most promising area. In addition to this, the dead
rents which should have been received from the various
Kent coal companies have been suspended for the period of
the war and until six months after peace is declared, which
means a loss of considerable revenue.

South Wales Electrical Power Distribution Company
Limited.—The directors, in forwarding warrants for current
half-year’s interest on original debenture stock, state that,
although at present there is ini hand sufficient to pay the now
current half-year’s interest, the whole of that sum was not
earned in the half-year, a part having been previously
accumulated.

Wood (Edward) and Company Limited.—Interim dividend
of 5 per cent, per annum on both the preference and the
ordinary shares for the half-year ended November.

NEW COMPANIES.

Clapham (Henry) and Company Limited.—Private com-
pany. Registered office, Moor Buildings, 54, Pilgrim-street,
Newcastle-on-Tyne. Registered December 28. To acquire
and take over business of ship brokers, ship manufacturers,
coal exporters, now carried on by Leonard Macarthy at
Newcastle-on-Tyne as Henry Clapham and Company, and
to carry on business of general traders, forwarding agents,
colliery proprietors, mine owners, financiers, etc. Nominal
capital, £25,000 in 25,000 £1 shares. First director : J.
Macarthy.

Levick (John) - Limited. — Private company. Registered
office, 149, Alma-street, Aston, Birmingham. Registered
December 22. To acquire and take over business of metallic
and railway fittings, electrical, mechanical, and general engi-
neers, brass and iron founders, and metals of all kinds, now
carried on by J. Levick at above address. Nominal capital,
£50,000 in 50,000 £1 shares. First directors and subscribers :
J. Levick and J. Levick, junr.

Ormerod (Peter) Limited.—Private company. Registered
December 29. To acquire business now carried on at Old
Foxes, Rochdale .and Beal-lane, Shaw, Lancashire, as Peter
Ormerod. To carry on business of colliery agents, coal
merchants, coal dealers, miners, smelters, engineers, etc.
Nominal capital, £4,000 in 4,000 £1 shares. Directors :
H. Ormerod, governing-director, Lomond Cottage, Rochdale,
coal factor. Qualification of directors, 100 ordinary shares.

Orwin (George) and Sons Limited. — Private company.
Registered December 29. To acquire and carry on business
of colliery and mine owners now carried on at the Wallsend
Colliery, Newbold, Derby, as Geo. Orwin and Sons. Nominal
capital, £10,000 in 10,000 £1 shares. First permanent
directors and subscribers (one share each) : H. Beard and
H. S. P. Beard.

Owners of Bentinck West Hartley Colliery Limited.—
Private company. Registered office, Milburn House, New-
castle-on-Tyne. Registered December 24. Nature of busi-
ness indicated by title. Nominal capital, £75,000 in 750
£100 shares. First directors : S. H. Fraser, 2, Kensington-
terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyne, colliery owner; Amy B. Fraser;
R. L. Fraser; J. D. Haggle, Lemington, Morpeth, North-
umberland, colliery manager; J. Scorer, 54, Norm an-terr ace,
Willington Quay, Northumberland, coal fitter.

Stockton-on-Tees Chemical Works Limited.—Private com-
pany. Registered office, Parkfield Works, Stockton-on-Tees.
Registered December 21. Nature of business indicated by
title. Nominal capital, £10,000 in 10,000 £1 shares. First
directors and subscribers (one share each) : E. L. Pease,
Hurworth Moor, Darlington, colliery owner; W. Beswick,
Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, manager; A. F. Pease,
Darlington, coal owner.

Sutton and Ash Limited.—Private company. Registered
December 31. To acquire and take over business of metal
merchants and brokers, and factors of iron and steel bars,
and other metal goods, and manufacturers of constructional
steel and iron work now carried on at Snow Hill, Birming-
ham, as Sutton and Ash, and to carry on business of
engineers, electricians, etc. Nominal capital, £25,000 in
25,000 £1 shares. Directors: H. W. Bainbridge (chair-
man), H. Cumberland, A. F. Hirst, and W. D. Lloyd.

Temple Brothers Limited.—Private company. Registered
December 24. To carry on business of electricians, electrical,
mechanical, motor, ventilating, and general engineers, fitters
and maintainers, and repairers of and dealers in electrical and
other fittings, mathematical instruments, and apparatus, etc.
Nominal capital, £1,000 in 1,000 £1 shares. First directors :
W. J. Stewart (first chairman), and J. Hamilton.

This list of new companies is taken from the Daily
Register specially compiled by Messrs. Jordan. and Sons
Limited, company registration agents, Chancery-lane, E.C.

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.

Birkenhead, January 17.—The Corporation .are prepared
to receive tenders for the supply of rough slack, washed and
unwashed, delivered at the Corporation’s electricity generat-
ing stations, situate in Bentinck-street, Craven-street, and
New Chester-road, respectively, .and/or delivered at
Hinderton Yard Railway Siding, Birkenhead, for a period
terminating June 30, 1916. Forms of tender and specifica-
tion, together with any further information, may be obtained
from Mr. G. P. Shallcross, borough electrical engineer,
Craven-street, Birkenhead. Tenders, stating the price per
ton delivered, sealed and endorsed “ Tender for fuel for
electricity works,” must be sent in so as to reach me not
later than 9 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 1916. All
deliveries must be made from time to time, according to
the requirements of the borough electrical engineer. By
order, James Fearnley, town clerk, Town Hall, Birkenhead".

Abstracts of Contracts Open.

Athy (Ireland), January 12.—100 tons of best White-
haven coal, for the Guardians. Particulars from Mr.
Martin E. Doyle, clerk of Union, Boardroom, Athy.

Ashton-under-Lyne, January 10.—House coal, for the
Corporation. Particulars from the Town Hall caretaker, or
the baths m.anager.

Leeds, January 15.—Steam coal (small slack, smudge,
or similar material) required for the electricity department,
for the Corporation. Forms from Mr. C. N. Hefford,
manager, Electricity Department, 1, Whitehall-road, Leeds.

London, E. January 11.—200 tons of house coal, for the
Managers of the Poplar and Stepney Sick Asylum District.
Forms from the Clerk’s Office, Bow, London, E.

London, N.E., January 12.—Coal, for the Guardians of
St. Leonard, Shoreditch. Forms from Mr. R. Clay, clerk,
213, Kingsland-road, N.E.

Plymouth, January 15.—Coal and coke, for the Corpora-
tion. Particulars from J. Paton, borough engineer and
surveyor, Municipal Offices, Plymouth.

The date given is the latest upon which tenders can be
received.

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

Johannesburg, February 15.—Boiler Tubes—250 18ft.
by 4 in. tubes, for water tube boilers, for the Municipal
Council.*

Llanbradach.—Headings.—Driving two pairs of hard
headings, each 300 yds. Particulars from A. G. Brown,
agent, Cardiff Collieries, Llanbradach.

Raltihi (New Zealand), March 14.—Hydro-electric
Generating Set.—Supply of a 40 kw. hydro-electric generat-
ing set, for the Town Council. Specifications from Messrs.
H. W. Climie and Sons, Raltihi, New Zealand.

* Specifications, particulars, etc., may be seen at the
Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade,
73, Basinghall-street, E.C.

At Bow-street on Saturday, Charles Frobisher (23), sapper
in the Royal Engineers, was charged with uttering a false
declaration for the purpose of obtaining the grant of certifi-
cate of qualifications as surveyor of mines under the Coal
Mines Act.—Mr. Rowe, for the Director of Public Prosecu-
tions, said, in addition to the charge mentioned, he should
ask for the accused’s committal for forging public documents
under the Coal Mines Act, 1911. In 1914 Frobisher was
assistant to an underground surveying staff at Baywater
Collieries, Castleford, Yorkshire; but as his work was found
unsatisfactory, he was given other duties. He enlisted as a
sapper on July 19 last, and obtained forms to sit for an
examination of the Board of Mining Examiners. He subse-
quently wrote to the manager of the collieries, asking him to
sign a form testifying to his surveying experience, but,
receiving no reply, he filled in the particulars himself, and
signed the manager’s name to them. About three weeks
before the examination the military authorities communicated
with the Board, and as a result the accused was arrested.
Later, the accused wrote to the Board asking for a return
of the forms, saying he'had filled in the employer’s name in
.ignorance. He said he should plead guilty.—Defendant was
committed for trial.

Manchester Geological and Mining Society.—The next ordi-
nary meeting of the members of this society will be held at
Queen’s Chambers, 5, John Dalton-street, Manchester, on
Tuesday next, at 4 p.m. The following paper will be read :
“ The Value of the Experimental Fan in the Mining Labora-
tory,” by D. E. Thomas, B.Sc.; and Mr. H. Green’s paper
on “ Visual Signalling,” will be open for discussion.