May 19, 1916.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

961

important to find whether this will bear out the results of
the borings at Goodnestone and neighbouring parts of the
area, where thick seams of coal were passed through at the
deeper levels.—Mr. Walter F. Moens, of the Kent Coal
Concessions and Allied Companies, has joined the board.

The following four nominations for seats on the new board
of the East Kent Colliery Company have been received by
the secretary of the company from the debenture stock
holders, who have power to appoint a majority of the seven
directors :—Mr. P. J. Agelasto, 12, Courthorpe-road,
Wimbledon Common, S.W. ; Mr. W. Egerton Martin, The
College, Maidstone; Mr. George Thomas, 3, King-street,
Dover; Mr. Arthur Wells, 53, St. Peters-street, Canterbury.
It was Messrs. Thomas and Wells who succeeded in raising
the £5,400 emergency fund that enabled the colliery to be
kept pumped while it was in the Deceiver’s hands during
reconstruction.

Scotland.

Women and Pit-head Work—Subsidences in Hamilton—
Seeking Dead, Men—Spark Causes Accident—Fireman
Fined—Miners and Rates—Coal-cutting Demonstration.

The Coal Supplies Committee has issued a recommenda-
tion in favour of more freely employing women for pit head
work during the war, and many owners are making changes
in connection with the health and comfort of female workers.

The latest building in Hamilton to be affected by mineral
workings is the substantial and finely-equipped bakery of the
Hamilton Co-operative Bakery Society. The mining
officials state that serious movements affecting the surface
need not be apprehended.

Efforts are still being made to recover the bodies of the
four men who were entombed in Neilsland Colliery,
Hamilton, as the result of the collapse of an old shaft. The
operations connected with the clearing away of the debris
will be unusually protracted.

Mr. A. Howitt, under-manager at Gilbertfield Colliery,
Cambuslang, has been appointed to a more responsible
position with the Lydney Deep Navigation Company. The
Gilbertfield Colliery officials and ^workmen presented him
with a handsome marble timepiece and a purse of gold.

At a meeting of the East of Scotland branch of the Associa-
tion of Mining Electrical Engineers an interesting paper
was read by Mr. Wm. Smith on “ Pumping and Shaft
Sinking by Turbine Pumps.” After the ordinary business
had been disposed of, the 'branch council entertained the
members to supper to mark the close of a successful session.
..Mr. N. A. Wilkie presided.

Thomas McCall, a miner, met with a serious accident while
at work in a coal mine in the Coalburn district last week.
He was carrying a box of detonators down the mine, when a
spark from his lamp fell among the detonators, and exploded
them. His eyes were injured. Robert Brannigan sustained
serious injuries as the result of an accident in Douglas
Colliery. He wras attaching hutches to a rope at the foot of
an incline, when, through some unexplained cause, the
apparatus at the top of the incline gave way. His legs were
broken above the knee.

In Hamilton Sheriff Court last week, a Larkhall colliery
fireman was charged with having contravened sections 37
and 64 of the Act in respect that he (1) failed to keep an
old working securely fenced across its entrance to prevent
workmen inadvertently entering, and (2) failed to inspect the
working and to ascertain the conditions of the place in regard
to the presence of gas, whereby a fellow workman had inad-
vertently entered and was burned as a result. The respon- .
dent, who pleaded not guilty, was defended by Mr. G. C.
Macintyre. After evidence had been led, the Fiscal inti-
mated that he departed from the second charge, which was
accordingly dropped. Sheriff Shennan convicted on the first
count, but in the special circumstances of the case did not
impose a penalty.

The Fife County Council have agreed to adopt the House
Letting Act in the Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy districts of
the county. Mr. R. Wallace, of Holbeath, said that this
step had been forced upon the Council by the decision of the
Law Courts holding -that it was illegal for a county council
to come to an understanding with colliery companies owning
their workers’ houses, and collecting the rates of these,
whereby the companies received a commission on the collec-
tions made. Under the House Letting Act, it was legal to
pay such a commission.

It is stated that a valuable seam of “ Splint coal ” of con-
siderable extent has been found near Slamannan, and will
be worked by the Jaw Craig Coal Company.

Dr. T. D. Newbigging has been appointed certifying
surgeon under the Factory and Workshop Act for the Lead-
hills and Wanlockhead district. A similar appointment at
Chirnside is vacant through the death of Dr. S. McVie.

Under the auspices of the West of Scotland branch of the
Association of Mining Electrical Engineers, a successful coal-
cutting demonstration w7as held at Bredisholm Colliery, near
Uddingston. Mr. A. B. Muirhead, president, explained that
the branch was anxious to continue the pioneer work which it
had already inaugurated amongst machine men and other
underground workers who were called upon to handle and
operate electrical plant.

THE FREIGHT MARKET.

The most important event of the week, so far as the freight
markets are concerned, is the agreement between the Board
of Trade, British ship owners, and the French Government
to limit rates of freight to French ports on the following
scale :—

Tyne to Rouen, 27s. 6d. per ton; Bordeaux or St. Nazaire,
40s.; Bayonne, 42s. 6d.; Marseilles, 67s.

Bristol Channel to Rouen, 26s. 6d.; Bordeaux, 34s. ; St.
Nazaire, 29s.; Bayonne, 36s. ; and Marseilles, 62s.

Proportionately from other shipping centres.

The scheme, which is to become operative on June 1, has
naturally evoked a great deal of discussion, and, despite its
numerous drawbacks, has generally been welcomed by mer-
chants, on the principle that half a loaf is better than no
bread. Nevertheless,! the new rates leave much to be
desired, and are considered to be still outrageously high.
“ Why,” it is asked, “ should the Tyne-Rouen rate be 27s. 6d.
when,' normally, ship owners are glad to get 4s.?” Work-
ing costs certainly have risen, but not by any means by so
much as is represented by a 700 per cent, increase in freights.
The question is also very pointedly asked as to why Italy
should be left out of such a scheme.

The effect of the agreement on business in the outward
markets has been, of course, to cause merchants to hold off

until June, wherever such a course is possible. The result is
that rates for French ports are markedly easier this week,
and it appears likely that reductions will continue to be
recorded until the end of the month. At the Tyne, prompt
loading turns are being kept well packed, and tlie bulk of the
demand for tonnage has been for forward positions. Rates
showed great firmness for all destinations until the last few
days of the period reviewed, when the falling-off in tonnage
prices for France occurred. Coastwise, London is steady at
16s. For North France, rates for Rouen wnre firmly main-
tained at about 47s. 6d. for several days, but the'present
quotation is about 42s. 6d., or even less. As yet, there is no
alteration in Bay figures, which are represented by 60s. to
Bordeaux. Mediterranean-wards, owners are not inclined to
alter their views as to the l'OOs. for Genoa basis, which is
firmly ’established. The South Mediterranean, how’ever, is
easier, at 75s to Algiers. Similar conditions prevail at
Cardiff. Rates continued strong until the beginning of the
present week, wdien an easier feeling set in for French ports.
On the week, however, Rouen is from 2s. to 2s. 3d. higher,
and Bordeaux 2 fr. up, but prices for cargo space are now
on the wane. For the Mediterranean, Genoa is from 2s. 6d.
to 5s. dearer, at 95s., and Port Said is 2s. fid. up. The
River Plate is practically idle.

Homewards, *the River Plate is very dull, few merchants
being willing to pay the record rates asked. Owners of
neutral tonnage are quoting 175s. to 177s. 6d. to United
Kingdom, with options of France, Spain, etc. The Wheat
Committee is prepared to operate at 152s. fid. to the French
Atlantic for forward loading. The States market is strong,
and 14s. 3d. has b een paid for the Bristol Channel for wheat,
and 30s. is bidding for the French Mediterranean. Timber
rates are advancing, and now stand at about 575s. per stan-
dard to United Kingdom, whilst collier tonnage is in demand
at 130s. for West Italy. The Eastern market is generally
easy. The North Pacific is worth about 195s. to France for
beans, and the rice ports are easy at 160 s. from Saigon-
Haiphong for a similar destination.' India attracts little
attention, and, after the payment of 139s. on d.w. from
Bombay to Hull, 132s. 6d. is the best now obtainable for the
same voyage. Kurrachee is also easy, at from 107s. 6d. to
110s. to United Kingdom on scale terms.

Tyne to Algiers, 5,000, 75s.; 2,500, 76s. 9d.; Boulogne,
800, 47s. fid.; Barcelona, 2,500, 82s. 6d.; Caen, 1,000, 46s.;
Calais, 650, 64s. fid., coke: 800, 47s. fid.; 700, 62s. fid.,
coke; Drammen, 1,200, 33 kr. ; 1,800, 32 kr.; Dunkirk,
1,500, 47s. 6d.j 250, 64s., coke; 1,400, 65s., coke; 650,
64s. fill., coke; 700, 62s. fid., coke; 1,700, 47s.; 800, 47s.;

2.800,	47s.; Dieppe, 2,700, 45s.; Genoa, 4,200, 100s.; 3,500,
100s.; Gibraltar, 5,000, 57s.. 6d. ; Gefle, 3,000, 381 kr.;
Havre, 1,800, 46s.; 600, 46s.; 2,500, 45s.; 600, 45s? fid.;
2,000, 45s.; 2,900, 40s. ; 1,200, 43s.; London, 1,400, 15s. 6d.;

1.800,	15s.; 1,800, 16s.; Las Palmas, 3,000, 55s.: Malaga,
2,200, 85s.; 2,500, 87s. fid.: 2,300, 87s. fid., from Dunston ;
Naples, 3,000, 100s.; Rochefort, 1,500, 60s.; Rouen, 2,000,
47s. fid. ; 3,000, 4fis. fid.; 4,000, 46s. fid.; 3,000, 45s.; 1,400,
47s. fid. ; 1,700, 45s.; 1,500, 42s. 6d.; 2,500, 42s. fid. ; 2,500,
41s. 3d. ; 1,300, 45s.; Stockholm, 2,500, 38 kr. ; 1,500, 38 kr. ;
Savona, 3,500, 100s.; Sundswall, fiOO, 35 kr.; Treport, 900,
48s.; 400, 48s.; 500, fifis., coke; Trouville, 1,100, 49s.

Cardiff to Alexandria, 2,000, 112s. fid., 400; Bizerta,

2.800,	110 fr. ; 4,600, 110 fr. ; Bordeaux, 1,700, 67 fr. ; 2,000,
65 fr. ; Calais, 2,400, 40s.; 900, 40s. 6d.; Chantenay, 1,500,
58J fr.; Cape Verdes, 52s. fid.; Dunkirk, 900, 40s. 6d.;
Genoa, 3,200, 95s.; 4,000, 95s.; 2,700, 95s.; 2,700, 95s.;

3.800,	95s.; Gibraltar, 1,700, 60s., 500; 1,500, 62s. 6d., 500;
2,100, 62s. fid., 500; Huelva, 3,000, 55s.; 5,000, 47s. fid.;
Havre, 2,000, 35s.; 2,400, 33s. 6d.; 1,200, 36s.; 1,700, 36s.;
Honfleur, 400, 35s., voyages; Las Palmas, 2,700, 45s.,
reported; La Rochelle, 1,700, 55 fr.; Lisbon, 2,100, 55s., 500;
1,500, 56s., 500; 2,900, 55s., 500; Leghorn, 3,200, 95s.;
4,000, 95s. ; Marseilles, 2,400, 125 fr. ; 3,500, 120 fr.; Nantes,

1.400,	60 fr., 350, 1,200, 58J fr.; Port Said, 110s., reported;
1,000, 112s. fid. ; Rochefort, 1,700, 55 fr. ; Rouen, 1,700,
39s.; 2,100, 38s.; 1,000, 40s.; 800, 40s. 3d.; 2,400, 40s.;
800, 41s. fid., fuel; 1,500, 40s.; 2,900, 40s.; 3,800, 38s. fid.;
St. Servan, 580, 27s.; St. Nazaire, 1,600, 61 fr., fuel:
Savona, 3,200, 95s.; 4,000, 95s.; Spezzia, 3,200, 95s.; 4,000,
95s.; St. Malo, 700, 28s. ; 800, 27s. fid.; 370, 28s.; Trouville,
700, 35s.; Vigo, 1,100, 55s.

Swansea to Rouen, 750, 40s.: 1,700, 40s. ; 600, 41s.; 1.050,
40s.; 2,000, 40s. 3d.; 750, 40s. 6d.; Brest, 1,500, 28s.:
Genoa, Savona, Spezzia, or Leghorn, 5,800, 95s. ; Naples,

5.800,	95s.: Caen, 1,000 , 3fis. coal, 37s. fuel; Genoa or
Savona, 5,600, 95s. coal, 95s. 9d. fuel: Nantes, 1,400, 60 fr.;
St. Servan, 520, 27s.; Valencia, 1,400, 70s., fuel; Genoa,
Savona, or Leghorn, 2,800, 95s.; Havre, 850, 36s.; Genoa,

3.800,	95s.; Bienne, 1,650, 36s. fid.

Newport to Alicante, 950, 70s.; Gibraltar, 1,500, 62s. 6d.,
500: 1,300, 62s. fid.; Genoa, Savona Spezzia, or Leghorn,

5.400,	92s. fid.; Rouen, 2,100, 40s.; Bordeaux, 1,700, 67 fr. ;
2,000. 65 fr.

Port Talbot to St. Malo, 900, 27s. 6d.: Naples, 4,600,
87s. fid., 1,000; Torre, 4,600, 87s. fid., 1,000; Nantes, 2,200,
60 fr.

Hull to Treport, 350, 43s. 6d. : 900, 45s. : Genoa, Savona,
Bagnoli. or Torre, 100s.: Gothenburg, 2,000, 32 kr.

Grimsby to Dunkirk, 950, 40s.

Wales to Brest or Dieppe, 900, 31s.. 10 vovages. June.

Hartlepool to Rouen, 1,900, 47s. 6d.; Barcelona, 5,000.
85s.; Valencia, 3,000, 85s.

Partington to Genoa, Savona, Bagnoli, or Torre, 100s.

Wear to Havre, 1,200, 45s.

Glasgow to Genoa, Savona, or Leghorn, 100s.: Leghorn,
95s.

The claim of the North British Railwav Company to cancel
the agreement made with the Broxburn Oil Company in 1886
is being considered by a Parliamentary Committee. The
Bill which the North British Railway Company has sub-
mitted to Parliament is due to the decision of the Railway and
Canal Commissioners to the effect that the agreement con-
stitutes an unfair preference to the Broxburn Company
against other oil producers. The railway company fear that
this decision may have far-reaching effects, and prove the
regulating factor in regard to other classes of rates.

Shipments of Bunker Coal.—The quantity of coal, etc.,
shipped for the use of steamers engaged in the foreign trade
during April was 962,814 tons, as against 1,175,764 tons in
April 1915, and 1,624,282 tons in April 1914. The aggregate
so shipped during the four months ended April 30 was
4,236,038 tons, as compared with 5,154,395 tons in April
1915, and 6,659,730 tons in April 1914.

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.

Edmonton, June 6.—Tenders are invited for the supply
and delivery of coal and coke at the various elementary
schools in Edmonton for the year ending June 30, 1917.
Forms of tender may be obtained from the architect, Town
Hall; Lowrnr Edmonton. Tenders, endorsed “ Tender for
coal and coke,” must be delivered to A. Heap, secretary,
Education Offices, Brettenham-road, Upper Edmonton, by
June 6.

Gloucester.—The Finance Committee of the Corporation
of Gloucester invite tenders for the supply of 5,500 tons of
rough small coal to the electricity department for the 12
months ending June 30, 1917. Specification and form of
tender may be obtained on application to the city electrical
engineer, Commercial-road, Gloucester, on and after May 20.
The Corporation does not bind itself to accept the lowest or
any tender.

Newhaven, June 1— The directors of the Newhaven Gas
and Coke Company Limited are prepared to receive tenders
for the supply of about 3,000 tons of gas coal for delivery
during the 12 months commencing July 1 next, at such time's
and in such quantities as may be required by the company.
Tenders, stating price per ton delivered at Newhaven Town
Station, and endorsed “ Tenders for gas coal,” to be addressed
to the secretary, Gas Offices, Sutton, Surrey, and sent in not
later than Thursday, June 1. The company do not bind
themselves to accept the lowest or any tender. Hy. W.
Carpenter, secretary.

Shrewsbury, May 26.—The directors of the Shrewsbury
Gas Light Company invite tenders for the supply of about
20,000 tons of screened gas coals, to be delivered free at
the Great Western or London and North-Western Goods
Yard, Shrewsbury, during the year ending June 30, 1917.
The directors reserve the right to divide the quantity into
two or more contracts, and do not bind themselves to accept
the lowest or any tender. Tenders must be made on forms
(containing further particulars) which may be obtained on
application at the company’s works, or by post, and must
be sent to Wm. Belton, A.M.I.C.E., engineer and secretary,
Gas Works, Shrewsbury, by May 26.

Sutton (Surrey), June 1.—The directors of the Sutton
(Surrey) Gas company are prepared to receive tenders for the
supply of about 20,000 tons of gas coal, or any proportion
thereof, to be delivered during the 12 months commencing
July 1 next, at such times and in such quantities as may be
required. Tenders to state the price per ton delivered at
Lancaster’s Wharf, Wandsworth, and/or Sutton Station
(L. B. & S. C. R.). Tenders, endorsed “ Tenders for gas
coal,” and addressed to the dirctors, Sutton Gas Company, to
be sent in not later than June 1. The company do not bind
themselves to accept the lowest or any ‘tender. Hy. W.
Carpenter, secretary. '

Abstracts of Contracts Open.

Belfast, May 22.—5,000 tons from specified collieries, for
the Guardians. Tenders to the Clerk’s Office, Belfast.

Birmingham, May 22.—Coal and slack for the Guardians.
Tenders to the clerk.

Bootle, May 30.—Coal for public buildings. Forms
from the borough engineer.

Colchester, May 24.—6,000 tons steam coal. Forms from
the borough electrical engineer.

Cootehill, May 26.—50 tons Whitehaven screened coal
for the Guardians. Forms from the clerk, Board Room.

Cork, June 6.—Steam coal for Waterworks Committee.
Forms from the secretary of committees, City Hall.

Croydon, May 22.—Coal and coke for Corporation depart-
ments. Tenders to the town clerk.

Ellesmere Bort, May 27.—Gas nuts and slack for the
Urban District Council. Forms from the clerk.

Gloucester, May 30.—44,000 tons gas coal for the Gas-
light Company. Forms from the secretary, Gas Offices.

Gorleston-on-Sea, May 24.—Coal and coke for Institution
for Blind and Deaf Children. Forms from Mr. D. O.
Holmes,' Castle-chambers, Norwich.

Great Driffield, June 2.—2,500 tons screened gas coal
for the Urban District Council. No forms. Tenders to the
clerk.

Hunstanton, May 30.—800 tons double screened gas nuts
for the Urban District Council; No forms. Tenders to the
clerk, Council Offices, New Hunstanton.

Leek, May 26.—11,000 tons of gas nuts or washed fuel and
90 tons of sulphuric acid, for the Lighting Committee. Forms
from the engineer, Gas Works, Leek.

London, May 30. — Coal for schools, fire stations, etc.
Forms from the Chief Officer of Stores, L.C.C. Stores, 30,
Clerken well-clcse.

Manchester, May 23.—Best steam cobbles’ for Tramways
Committee. Forms from the general manager, 55, Picca-
dilly, Manchester.

Mortlake, June 5.—2,000-4,000 tons of coal for chain
grate stokers at Electricity Works. Forms from the clerk,
Council Offices, Mortlake.

Omagh, May 31.—2,000 tons gas coal for the Urban Dis-
trict Council. Forms from P. J. O’Callaghan, manager.

Salisbury, May 29.—25 tons best house coal for alms-
houses. Tenders to Mr. H. Fulton, 12, Rollcstone-street,
Salisbury.

Skipton, May 24. — Gas fuel and sulphuric acid for the
Urban District Council. Forms from the manager, Gas
Works.

Wombwell. June 3.—6,500 tons gas coal or screened gas
nuts for the Urban District Council. Forms from the Gas
Works manager.

WrexhAm, June 1.—12,000 tons gas coal for the Wrexham
Gas Company. Forms from the engineer.

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

Mr. H. Steel, chairman of Steel, Beech and Tozer Limited,
has been elected to a seat on the board of the Bengal Iron
and Steel Company Limited. Mr. T. Jowett, a director of
the Bengal Iron and Steel Company Limited, has been elected
to the board of Steel, Beech and Tozer Limited..