February 4, 1916.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

219

the University College, Cardiff, and the mining schools
at Treforest and Crumlin. Previous to the war, there
were more full-time mining students in the Bochum
Mining School, Germany, than were to be found in all
the university colleges and mining schools in Great
Britain.

The speaker proceeded to describe the foundation and
work of the Schools of Mines at Treforest and Crumlin,
where the same facilities, he said, were afforded to the
sons of workmen as to the sons of coal owners and
coll'ery managers; and went on to remark that, to
accomplish the work now expected of him, the mining
engineer must be a type of superman. It was essential
to have at least three distinct grades of higher officials
responsible to the mining engineer for the work of their
departments, namely, the colliery manager, the colliery
engineer, and the chemical engineer. The collier}-
manager’s duties should be solely confined to the
management of the mine, leaving the management of
all surface arrangements to the colliery engineer and
the chemist. If the colliery manager were relieved of
the control of all screening, washing, coking, by-product
recovery, power production, workshops, winding,
hauling and pumping plant on the surface, as
well as the signing of the various report books,
too numerous to particularise, he would be able
to devote the whole of his energies to what was
essentially the most important part of his duties—the
safety of the mine and the economic working and trans-
port of the coal to the surface. The gradually increasing
difficulties involved in the safe working of our deep
mines was quite sufficient to tax the energies of the
best colliery managers, particularly as they had to keep
in touch with the increasing output of legislation
governing the mining industry.

Turning to the subject of testing and research work,
the president said that, in comparison with other-
countries having large mining interests, the inadequacy
of the expenditure (T500,000 a year) by the State on
technical instruction in this country was now beginning
to be realised, and yet a vastly important adjunct of this
work, namely, research, was in a still more deplorable
position: The South Wales Goal Owners’ Association
liad already taken the initial step towards investigating
the coal dust question, by the proposal to establish an
experimental gallery, capable of 'reproducing, as far as
possible, actual underground conditions, whereby tests
might be made with a view to finding a solution of this
problem. There were, however, other subjects, such as
subsidence and crush, which had been investigated in
other mining countries, and remedies suggested as the
result. The chief arguments in this country against the
adoption of these proposed safeguards were usually the
initial cost and the doubtful success of the experiment.
To take one example, hydraulic stowing. This had
apparently been highly successful where tried, though
he had no practical knowledge of lit himself. In the
town of Essen, numerous seams had been worked out
under expensive buildings, coke ovens, and blast
furnaces, without causing the slightest damage to them.
If this could be done, did it not point to the probability
that shaft pillars in the bottom of our pits were not
only unnecessary, but a source of continual expense
by reason of narrow roads having to be cut through
them, and expensive arches put in, which were generally
crushed two or three times before the final squeeze was
passed. If hydraulic packing was a successful method,
its adoption from the pit bottom would make remunera-
tive from the outset collieries on which an immense
amount had been expended in sinking. Would it not be
possible in cases such as this for the coal owners in
South Wales to join together in conducting an experi-
ment to prove the applicability of this system at some
selected colliery for, say, 12 months, the associated
owners to bear the initial cost of installation, and be
responsible for its working for the stated period? If
the experiment proved satisfactory, the colliery com-
pany at whose works the experimental plant was
installed could take over the plant at a fixed valuation.
On the other hand, should the experiment prove that
this system of packing was inapplicable to Welsh colliery
conditions, the total cost of the experiment spread over
the whole coal field would be inappreciable. Unless
some such means existed for applying the principles
evolved from research work, and putting them to a
practical test, the rate of advancement was certain to
be retarded. If, some years ago, when by-product
recovery ovens were first installed in the 'South Wales
coal field, some such arrangement had been adopted
for joint research and testing on a large scale, under
the auspices of coal owners associated for the purpose,
we would not have been in such a deplorable state so
far as the supply of toluol, etc., was concerned as that
in which we had found ourselves at the outbreak of the
war. It was not too late to recover a good deal, of
lost ground, and we must see to it that our country in
the future was able to rely on its own resources in
critical times.

Proposed by Mr. Arthur J. Stevens, a past-presi-
dent, and seconded by Mr. W. D. Wight, another past-
president, Mr. Stewart was cordially thanked for his
inaugural address.

Regenerative Coke Oven Installation.

Consideration was resumed of Mr. P. N. Hambly’s
paper describing a modern regenerative coke oven plant
at Liege.

Mr. E. 0. Eorster Brown (London) asked the author
to furnish particulars of the cost of the arrangements
described, the maximum and minimum volatiles of the
coal used, and the size of the coal when brought from
the canal barges, and the size down to which it was
crushed.

Mr. John W. Hutchinson referred to the difficulty
arising from being obliged to blend coals containing

varying percentages of ash, and of getting the workmen
to know how to regulate the supply in the washery. He
mentioned that, even to-day, there were beehive ovens
working that were 70 years old, and producing first-class
coke, although he did not say' they were economical—
far from it.

The discussion was closed, subject to the publication
in the Proceedings of the author’s reply.

Testing Portland Cements.

Air. W. A. Brown, the author of a paper on the sub-
ject of testing Portland cement, referred to the non-
acceptance by Mr. B. J. Day of Prof. Meade’s opinion
that the specific gravity test was of little value alone,
as final and conclusive, and pointed out that Air. Day
cited an example that supported his (Air. Brown’s)
argument, when that gentleman showed that the Cardiff
Testing Association took the specific gravity test in con-
junction with the chemical test. He was surprised •that
Mr. Day considered the storing and ageing of cement
quite unnecessary if produced in modern rotary fur-
naces by first-class firms. His (Mr. Brown’s) experi-
ence with raw materials, varying greatly in composition,
both in America and the United Kingdom, using both
the wet and dry processes, burning in the rotary kiln,
and with modern, grinding machinery, was that the
storing of cement was necessary. Even in the case of
an argillaceous material (an impure clayey limestone),
with a mixture containing about 80 per cent, carbonate
of lime, and from 18 to 20 per cent, of clayey matter
(silica, iron oxide, and alumina), which gave the least
trouble in the manufacture, and produced one of the
best Portland cements, it should have a spacious
covered clinker storage and suitable cement storage bins,
whereby the setting time could be regulated.

The discussion was further adjourned.

Turbo-Blowers and Compressors.

With reference to this paper by Air. H. L. Guy and
Lieut. P. L. Jones, B.Sc.( which is given on p. 215),
the President asked the authors to give them a state-
ment as to the actual useful effects of these turbo-
blowers and compressors compared with reciprocating
installations. This, he said, was the information needed
by practical men.

Prof. Bacon and Air. W. O’Connor also sought further-
information on specific points in the paper, the dis-
cussion of which was adjourned to the next meeting.

THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN COAL
AND IRON TRADES.

We give below further extracts from German
periodicals that have reached us, showing the course of
the coal and iron trades in Germany and Austria :—

Coal Syndicate Report for November.

Total coal raised, 6,281,775 tons (5,753,293 tons in
November 1914), or 260,384 tons (239,721 tons) per work-
ing day. Calculated distribution, 4,412,399 tons
(4,600,119 tons), being 182,897 tons (191,672 tons) per-
working day, or 62-08 per cent. (65’29 per cent.) of the
participation. Total coal distribution of the syndicated
pits, 5,866,164 tons (5,936,390 tons), or 243,157 tons
(247,350 tons) per working day. Deliveries, including
local sales, miners’ house coal and supplies to pits’ own
iron works : Coal, 3,256,233 tons (3,827,765 tons), or
134,973 tons (159,490 tons) per working day; coke,
1,431,586 tons (1,023,294 tons), or 47,720 tons (34,110
tons) per working day ; briquettes, 288,409 tons (360,086
tons), or 11,955 tons (15,004 tons) per working day. The
collieries having a sales agreement with the Syndicate
produced 480,377 tons (375,522 tons) of coal, and dis-
tributed 414,061 tons (371,751 tons), of which 172,570
tons (130,109 tons) were for' account of the Syndicate.
Their total distribution of coke was 112,541 tons (120,518
tons), 58,942 tons (83,280 tons) being for Syndicate
account; and the briquette production amounted to
3,678 tons (nil), all of which was sold through the
Syndicate.

Fuel Traffic on the Rhine-Herne Canal in December.

Total shipments in the direction of Ruhrort, 218,608
tons (115,679 tons in December 1914), of which 26,993
tons (19,736 tons) were from Arenberg-Prosper; 50,988
tons (23,202 tons) from the State mines administration;
21,180 tons (19,238 tons) .from Bismarck; 18,308 tons
(nil) from Concordia; 7,670 tons (10,876 tons) from
Friedrich der Grosse; 3,242 tons (nil) from Hibernia;
8,390 tons (nil) from Koln-Neuessen; 3,005 tons
(11,254 tons) from Konig Ludwig; 4,271 tons (nil)
from Konig Wilhelm; 19,656 tons (14,712 tons) from
Alathias Stinnes; 3,535 tons (nil) from Minister
Achenbach; 8,135 tons (4,650 tons) from Nordstern;
2,135 tons (nil) from Victor; and 41,100 tons (12,011 tons)
from Wanne-West.

Iron Market in Rhenish Westphalia.

During the last few weeks the market has shown
little change, and will probably remain fairly constant
while the war lasts. The demand for war material
still constitutes the most important factor, and ensures
an extensive outlet at good prices, especially for high-
grade steel, basic steel being in less request. In articles
of ordinary consumption, buyers have been somewhat
holding back on account of the irregularity of prices, but
in general the demand is regarded as satisfactory, and
an improvement is confidently anticipated in the spring.
The products of the Steel Union, which have fallen into
the background on account of the war, seem to be
improving, and altogether the works are occupied to the
limits of their present capacity, which varies with the

amount of labour available. The introduction of
unskilled and less capable workers is necessarily
increasing, and is accompanied by an increase in the
cost of production. As regards prices, greater firmness
must be looked for in the immediate future. Export
orders have been exceedingly profitable; but the export
of bars and sections has been prohibited, except under
precautions which should prevent any getting into
enemy hands, vid neutrals, as previously occurred. The
export price has been fixed at 210 mk. per ton, so that
the contemplated association of manufacturers has
become unnecessary.

The supply of iron ore has been amply supplemented
by. imports, and is practically secure for the whole year.
The Siegerland mines complain of labour difficulties, and
cannot supply the furnaces properly, especially in view
of the continued shortage of wagons. Prices for the
first half-year remain as before, though unprofitable,
owing to the increased cost of production, particularly
in view of the fact that large quantities are being
delivered to Westphalia and Silesia on old contracts at
low rates. Nassau red iron stone remains unchanged at
210 mk. per 10 tons. The pig iron market continues
firm, manganiferous grades, low in phosphorus, being
in most demand, though the output of other kinds also
finds a ready sale. Prices are unchanged. The scrap
market still lacks firmness, and the over-production
renders the outlook unpromising. ' Among the products
of the Steel Union, the home demand for semis has
declined, though that for neutral countries remained
steady, and prices are unchanged for the present
quarter. The deliveries in December amounted to
75,089 tons, as compared with 69,099 tons in November,
and 49,893 tons in December, 1914. In sections, no
improvement can be expected while the depression in
the building trade continues, though there is a good
average demand from constructional engineers and
wagon builders. Here, too, prices are unchanged.
December deliveries totalled 54,061 tons, against 53,709
tons in November. In rails and railway superstruc-
tural material, there has been a slight improvement,
chiefly for military purposes. Tram rails are neglected,
but future prospects are more favourable, whilst the
army is taking increased quantities of pit rails.
Deliveries for December amounted to 135,820 tons, as
compared with 118,942 tons in November. Alakers of
bars are well occupied in general, though not uniformly
so; and prices have not receded, although the home
demand has not shown any appreciable activity. The
prohibition on exports cancels current foreign contracts,
and the quantities thus released will tend to depress
prices in the home market. In heavy plate, the demand
for war material is smaller, and the requirements of
the home market in general leave much to be desired.
The formation of the Union in December was followed
by an increase in price of 5 mk. per ton, but under-
selling by middlemen continues. Fine plate, on the
other hand, has remained firm, the demand continuing
active, especially for war material. The same applies
to medium plate as well. The output of hoop iron is
readily absorbed, mostly for army purposes, especially
open hearth material, which is still scarce. In other
markets the demand is smaller, and prices are difficult
to maintain; and the export trade is subjected to the
same restrictions as bars. Rolled and drawn wire are
in urgent request, and there is difficulty in fully supply-
ing the needs of the army, makers of barbed wire, in
particular, being fully occupied. Prices have been left
unchanged for the present quarter. The Pipe Conven-
tion has been prolonged until July 1 on the old terms.
Alakers are very busy with army orders, at very
remunerative prices.

The following quotations apply to the home market :—
Siegerland roasted spathic ore, 24-50 to 25-50 mk. per
ton; raw’, 19-50 to 20 mk.; foundry pig No. 1, 94 mk.;
No. III., 89 mk.; haematite pig, 115 mk.; spiegeleisen,
98-50 mk.; steel iron, 88-50 mk.; puddling pig,
85-50 mk.; basic ingots, 102-50 mk.; open hearth ingots,
122-50 mk.; blooms, 107-50 mk.; billets, 115 mk.; plate
bars, 117-50 mk.; mild steel bars, 130 mk.; basic hoop
iron, 170 mk.; open hearth hoop iron, 190 mk.; heavy
plate, 155 mk.; boiler plate, 165 mk.; medium plate,
160 mk.; fine plate, 185 to 195 mk.; rolled wire,
140 mk.; drawn wire, 180 mk.; wire nails, 190 mk.

Company Reports.

Eisenwerk Kraft A.G., Kratzwieck.—The Kratzwieck
works produced 116,000 tons (164,297 tons) of pig iron, ;
and 114,843 tons (178,512 tons) of coke, etc.; and the
Dui'sburg-Hochfeld works, 197,425 tons (283,358 tons)
of pig iron, 177,230 tons (193,987 tons) of steel, 18,941
tons (27,282 tons) of castings, and 82,752 tons (49,252
tons) of plate and wire. The gross profits amounted
to 4,655,458 mk. (6,410,740 mk.), and the net profits to
2,489,718 mk. (2,773,168 mik.), which are to be dis-
tributed as follows : — Special reserve, 800,000 mk.
(134,000 mk.); 6 per cent. (12 per' cent.) dividend,
1,350,000 mk. (2,100,000 mk.); share of profits, 107,533
mk. (225,168 mk.); coupon-tax reserve, 50,000 mk.
(26,000 mk.); directors, 25,000 mk. (25,000 mk.); carried
forward, 157,185 mk. (118,000 mk.).

Gewerkschaft des Steinkohlenbergwerks vereinigtc
Helene u. Amalie, Bergeborbeck.—In the first quar.er of
the present year 172,658 tons of coal were raised (230,427
tons in the same period of 1914), and 41,670 tons (54,755
tons) of coke produced. The profit obtained was
401,950 mk. (680,947 mk.), enabling 200 mk. (300 mk.)
per share to be paid out.

Bheinisch-Westfdlische Sprengstoff A.G., Cologne.—
The total profits for the year amount to 3,283,795 mk.
(1,844,155 mk.), and the net profits—after -writing off
1,753,361 mk. (761,981 mk.) — to 1,540,434 mk.
(1,092,174 mk.), enabling a 20 per cent. (15 per cent.)
dividend to-be paid; 90,435 mk. (62,174mk.) to be dis-
tributed as share of profits; 140,000 mk. (45,000 mk.) to
be placed to the staff fund; and 10,000mk. (10,000 mk.)
carried forward.