June 2, 1916.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

1045

pared with 175 mk. for heavy kinds. Hoop iron makers
have sold their entire output for the current half-year,
and prices are 20 mk. higher, with another 25 mk. for
open-hearth steel. Wire is in active request, especially
barbed and drawn wire, and though wire nails are not in
such pressing demand, the whole output finds a ready
sale, partly for export. Latterly, rolled wire has been
unobtainable under 170 mk. The tube works are -all well
occupied, and the increased prices are readily paid.

The quotations for April were as follow : Siegerland
roasted spathic, 25’50 mk. (March, 25’50 mk.),raw
17 to 17-20 mk. (16-50 mk.); foundry pig I., 96 mk.
(96 mk.), III.,91mk. (91 mk.); spiegeleisen, with 10 to
12 per cent. Mn, 114’50 mk. (114’50 mk.); haematite,
122’50 mk. (122’50 mk.); Siegerland steel iron,' 93’50 mk.
(93-50mk.); puddling iron, 90’50 mk. (90’50mk.) basic
ingots, 107-50 mk; (107-50 mk.); open-hearth ingots,
122’50 to 127’50 mk. (122-50 to 127’50 mk.); blooms,
112-50 mk. (112’50 mk.); billets, 122’50 mk. (122’50
mk.); plate bars, 127’50 mk. (127’50 mk.); girders,
140 to 142 mk. (140 to 142 mk.); mild steel bar iron,
180 mk. (140 to 150 mk.); merchant welding iron,
178 mk. (168 mk.); hoop iron, 200 mk. (180 mk.); heavy
plate, 175 mk. (165 mk.); fine plate, 275 to 300 mk.
(230 .to 240 mk.); medium plate, 230 to 250 mk. (nil);
rolled wire, 170 mk. (150 mk.); drawn wire, 190 mk.
(190 mk.); wire nails, 205 mk. (205 mk.); galvanised
wire, 235 mk. (235 mk.).

Production of Rolling Mill Products in 1915.

According to the report of the German Iron and Steel
Makers’ Union, the total production of rolling-mill
products within the Customs Union in 1915 amounted
to 11,243,360 tons, as compared with 13,165,589 tons in
1914 and 16,698,950 tons in 1913, and was equivalent
to 71 per cent, of the normal peace output. Of this
total, 1,641,951 tons (59 per cent, of normal output)
were semi-manufactured products, 1,424,54$ tons (58
per cent.) railway super structural material, 766,653
tons (49 per cent.) girders, 3,328,685 tons (75 per cent.)
bars, 265,139 tons (67 per cent.) hoop iron, 750,934tons
(65 per cent.) rolled wire, 966,898 tons (69 per cent.)
heavy plate, 628,695 tons (71 per cent.) fine plate,
92,751 tons (112 per cent.) tinplate, 460,765 tons (61
per cent.) tubes, 192,080 tons (51 per cent.) rolling
stock, 236,680 tons (114 per cent.) forgings, and 487,581
tons (276 per cent.) other finished articles. The output
of the different producing districts was as follows (in
1,000 tons) : Rhenish Westphalia, 61,541; Silesia,

I,	022; Siegerland, Wetzlar, and Hesse-Nassau, 314;
North and Mid-Germany, 427; Saxony, 188; South
Germany, 136; Saar district and Bavarian Rhinepfalz,
825; Elsass-Lothringen, 990; Luxemburg, 800.

Fuel Traffic on the Rhine-Herne Canal in April.

The total shipments amounted to 295,526 tons
(184,395 tons in April 1915), of which 52,011 tons
(21,739 tons) were from Arenberg-Prosper, 43,700 tons
(30,792 tons) from the State collieries, 31,521 tons
(39,965 tons) from Bismarck, 12,893 tons (9,668 tons)
from Concordia, 700 tons (5,945 tons) from Dortmund,

II,	766 tons (21,228 tons) from Friedrich der Grosse,
8,310 tons (nil) from Hibernia,, 15,677 tons (nil) from
Kdln-Neuessen, 7,355 tons (6,667 tons) from Konig
Ludwig, 7,139 tons (nil) from Konig Wilhelm, 24,877
tons (21,192 tons) from Mathias Stinnes, 3,045 tons
(5,130 tons) from Minister Achenbach, 6,142 tons
(4,195 tons) from Nordstern, 6,573 tons (nil) from Unser
Fritz, 1,472 tons (2,314 tons) from Victor, and 62,345
tons (15,450 tons) from Wanne-West.

Austrian Coal Output for the First Quarter of 1916.

Coal Raw coal, 4,427,283 tons (4,021,354 tons in
1915); coke, 614,628 tons (441,335 tons); briquettes,'
51,674 tons (57,383 tons). Ostrau-Karwin district pro-'
duced 2,705,228 tons (2,302,759 tons) of raw coal,
595,017 tons (426,771 tons) of coke, and 9,161 tons
(8,964 tons) of briquettes; Kladno district, 653,984 tons
(734,278 tons) of raw coal; Pilsen district, 309,414 tons
(304,971 tons) of raw coal, and 17,313 tons (22,118tons)
of briquettes ; Galicia, 472,026 tons (399,321 tons) of raw.
coal, and other districts 286,631 tons (280,025 tons) of
raw coal, 19,611 tons (15,564 tons) of coke, and 25,200
tons (26,301 tons) of briquettes. Brown coal :—Raw
coal, 5,978,405 tons (5,724,905 tons); briquettes, 61,552
tons (66,405 tons), the production being distributed as
follows : Brux-Teplit-Komotau district, coal 3,841,598
tons (3,702,631 tons), briquettes 1,114 tons (768 tons);
Falkenau-Elbogen-Karlsbad, coal 1,014,082 tons (956,268
tons), briquettes 60,438 tons (65,635 tons); Trifail-Sagor
district, 315,301 tons (279,896 tons) of coal; Leoben-
Fohnsdorf district, 240,322 tons (234,437 tons) of coal;
Voitsberg-Koflach district, 160,901 tons (163,056 tons) of
coal, and other districts, 406,201 tons (388,617 tons) of
coal.

Austrian Iron Distribution in March.

The Austrian ironworks distributed 49,644 tons of bars
and sections (36,560 ■tons in March 1915), 10,576 tons
(8,343 tons) of girders, 6,769 tons (5,197 tons) of heavy
plate, and 7,777 tons (6,705 tons) of rails.

Egyptian Customs Duties.—The Egyptian Journal Officiel
contains revised tariff valuations (No. 2) for use in assessing
Customs duties on coal and coke imported into Egypt, with’
effect from May 1 to May 31. The valuation per ton of
1,000 kilos. (2,2041b.) is stated ip milliemes, 1,000 of which
are worth 20s. 6d. South Wales coal, 7-050. milli&nes;
Newcastle, Sunderland, and other north country coal, South
African,r and Indian, 6-900; Lancashire, Yorkshire, North
Wales, and Scotland, 6-900; gas coal (Newcastle) for use in
gas factories, 6-650briquettes (patent fuel), from Swansea
and Scotland, 7-000; dust slack coal, and small coal of any
origin, also rubbly culm and duff (excluding nuts), 6-400;
foundry coke and cannel coal, 7-900; gas coke of any origin,
including chemical coke, 7-400; American, Belgian, and
French coal, 6-000; anthracite coal of any origin, 7-100
milliemes.—-Board of Trade Journal.	-

MINERS’ WAGES.

Further negotiations took place on Friday last week
at the Board of Trade offices, between Mr. W. Runciman,
who was accompanied by Sir George Askwith, and the
executive committee of the South Wales Miners’
Federation regarding the wages deadlock in' the Welsh
coalfields. The miners’ leaders asked Mr. Runciman to
make arrangements for the granting of an advance of 15
per cent, in wages, to operate from June 1, the establish-
ment of a coal selling price equivalent to the miners’
minimum wage, and the appointment of a new indepen-
dent chairman of the Coal Conciliation Board in place
of Lord Muir Mackenzie, who has resigned, with powers
to base his awards only on the actual selling price of coal
without regard to any increases in the cost of production.

It was arranged that the matter should' be brought up
at a meeting of the Coal Conciliation Board in Cardiff
on Monday, but the board failed to agree, and at the
request of Sir George Askwith (who visited Cardiff at
Mr. Runciman’s request) the men’s leaders conferred
with Sir George in London on Tuesday. The discussion
lasted about five hours. It was resumed on Wednesday.
In addition, Sir George had long conversations with Mr.
F. L. Davis, of the Coal Owners’ Association, and Mr.
F. A. Gibson, tihe secretary.

The negotiations in London ended on Thursday. The
owners, at a meeting, passed a resolution emphatically
protesting against the adoption by the Government of
any course, in dealing with the general wage rate, that
was contrary to the provisions.of the agreement. Having
forwarded that resolution to Sir George Askwith, the
owners returned to Cardiff. It is stated that the resolu-
tion originated in consequence of efforts to induce the
owners to agree to a settlement outside the existing
wages agreement, but the precise character of the pro-
posals has not been made public. It is understood that
the matter will be discussed by the executive of the
South Wales Miners’ Federation to-morrow (Saturday).

BALL BEARINGS FOR MIKE MOTORS.*

By A. H. Maccaffray.

There are many reasons for the selection of ball bear-
ings for mine motors, both from the mechanical and‘the
electrical point of view, some of them being as follow

(1)	The bearing strength and durability of ball
bearings prevent the armature from sagging down on
the poles, thus precluding burn-outs.

(2)	Grease being substituted for oil, and bearings
being sealed on both sides, the commutator and wind-
ings are kept ‘clean, and the possibility of short-
circuits and grounds is greatly reduced.

(3)	Increased efficiency, especially in comparison
with plain bearings, not properly lubricated.

(4)	Bearings are built on the radial principle, with
double row of balls, and thus carry about three times
the number of balls as single-row bearings. This
means longer life, as the pressure per ball becomes
less owing ’ to greater number on which the load is
divided.

(5)	The bearings are also self-aligning, which is a
most excellent feature, as there is no binding to be
encountered in mounting or in operation.

In the latest type of locomotives, neither armature nor
axle bearings project outward, since each size of motor
must be designed for maximum power at a minimum
gauge.’ Ball bearings take up materially less room than
any other type of anti-friction bearings. Qn account of
the narrow-gauge conditions, each fraction of an inch
must be accounted for, and consequently all dimensions
must be kept to the minimum.

' Mining machinery receives less care and attention than
any other class of machinery. Where ordinary sleeve
bearings are used, the bushings are allowed to wear out,
and the armatures ultimately rub on the pole pieces
until they are burned out. This condition has been
practically overcome, as the ball bearings last a long
time, provided dirt is excluded and lubrication is applied
occasionally. Many of the first ball bearings used on
motors are still in operation.

Increased Use of Ball Bearings.

Concerns that have purchased machinery equipped
with ball bearings in late ye'ars appreciate the advantages
of them, and very often go to great expense changing
old machinery so as to use ball bearings. One manu-
facturer has adopted the ball bearing as standard because
it is self-aligning, and in case the bearing housings do
not fit accurately in the field frames, there would be
no undue strain on the ball bearings.. Another reason
is that there are many balls, and therefore the bearing
runs smoother.

Good commutation is directly dependent upon the
accuracy and fineness of setting of motor bearings,
regardless of their type. To secure the best results,
motor” armatures must revolve closely and concentrically
with the pole faces. Furthermore, particularly in coal
mining, the revolving parts must be kept free from oil,
which tends to .^accumulate dust, thus forming a car-
bonising compound, which endangers.commutation, and
is extremely liable to cause flash-overs.

In' this" respect"the" compact bearing heads employed
in ball-bearing units and the effectual sealing of the
lubricant chambers have proved of immense value. Pro-
tected from the lubricant, the. commutators retain their
finish, and the brushes are kept free from an accumu-
lation of dust-.	,

Another factor which strongly affects commutation is
the maintenance of the air gap. Plain bearings are sub-
ject to a continuous rubbing'action, which causes wear
on the bearing“surfaces/frequently allowing the shaft to
settle out of the true centre of the magnetic field, thus
necessitating frequent gauging of the air gap and irnspec-

-	'	- * Coal Ag'e.

ofrion and possible replacement or renewal of the bearing
linings.

On ball-bearing machines this wear is practically
eliminated, as hardened steel balls roll on hardened steel
races. Rolling action is substituted for rubbing, and
'practically.continuous accuracy is secured. Self-align-
ment in ball bearings provides for the sudden impulses
of load without binding, and ensures the best possible
load distribution with a minimum pressure per ball. -

Results Obtained with Ball Bearings.

An example of the results secured with ball bearings
is shown in one removed from the pinion end of a
mining locomotive after two years of continual service.
During this time the locomotive had travelled approxi-
.mately 60,000 miles. The bearing showed no appreciable
wear, and was immediately returned to service. >'

Instead of repeated attention to bearings, as is
required in plain bearing machines, a weekly filling of
the grease cup and an occasional inspection ensure long
life, and the elimination of bearing troubles where ball,
bearings are employed. It should be borne in mind,
however, that despite the extremely-small coefficient of
friction for ball bearings, it is absolutely essential that
they should be lubricated. .

The advantages of ball bearings " as applied to mine
locomotive motors may be summed up as follows :—•
Freedom from repairs; a material reduction in -the
amount of lubricant required; long intervals between,
inspection; good commutation; and decreased wear on’
the gearing;-. ■	■

What is probably more-important so far as coal mining
is concerned, the locomotives are more dependable, and
, are more nearly in constant commission, instead of being
in the repair shop. _______ .

MINING INDUSTRY AND MILITARY
SERVICE.

The Central Colliery Recruiting Appeal Court, at its'
meeting at the Home Office, decided that colliery examiners
who are appointed’ and ’ paid by the workmen . must be
■ exempted from the operation of the Military Service Act.
Representations are to be made by the Parliament ary Com-
mittee of the Trade Union Congress to the Board of Trade
Committee on Reservations, with a view to securing the
exemption from service of leading officials of trade unions.
, At the Worcestershire Appeal Court at Dudley application
was made for exemption for a surveyor of mines. Mr.
Edmund Howl (general manager to the South Staffordshire
Mines Drainage Commission) urged that this mail was doing
necessary and valuable work. The military representative
opposed the application on the ground that the man was ar
single man, and that men over military age could be secured
to do the work. The appeal was dismissed.

At the Tipton Military Tribunal on Monday, Mr. Edmund*
Howl applied for total exemption for his private secretary.
He said the man had charge of his trustee and private
accounts, etc. Three months’ exemption was granted.

; At Dunfermline local tribunal a claim was lodged by a
firm of mineral borers i-ffirespect of a foreman. The firm,
it was stated, were engaged putting down a bore with a view
of securing the upkeep of-the output of coal at the colliery.
An agent who appeared for claimants explained that this was
an exceptional case, as it took years of experience and
; training to evolve a foreman for mineral-boring. Conditional
exemption was granted.	...	. . ’ .

Mr. Dyer Lewis, chairman of the West Glamorgan
tribunal, gave special warning to colliery proprietors in view
of a statement that had been made to the effect that men
were taken on for work underground when they were not
exempted, but were really soldiers according to law. Mr.
Dyer Lewis stated that action of this sort constituted a
serious offence, rendering the colliery proprietor liable to a
fine of £100 for each man, as the employment amounted to
“ harbouring deserters.” One of the colliery representatives
stated that he always made enquiry, and received an assur-
ance that men had been exempted before engaging them;
but Col. Pearson, the military representative, advised that
each man should be asked to produce his certificate of
exemption.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.

SCOTTISH COURT OF SESSION.—May 22.

Before the Lord Justice Clerk, and Lords Dundas,
Salvesen, and Guthrie.

Coal Strike and Demurrage.	»

Lumsden and Company v. T. Scheie.—The Division gave
judgment in an appeal from Linlithgow Sheriff Court in an
action by Th. Scheie, ship broker, Halms tad, Sweden, and
others, the owners of the sailing vessel! “Atlantic,” of
Halms tad,’ against Lumsden and Company, pit wood mer-
chants and timber importers, Bo’ness and Edinburgh, for £85
demmurage in respect of the detention of the vessel at
Bo’ness Harbour, to which she had brought! a cargo of pit
props from-Sweden to the defenders. There were nine days
to discharge the cargo, but owing, it was said, to the want
of wagons into which the cargo should have been received,
in consequence of the national coal strike in 1912 the vessel
was detained 17 days beyond the stipulated time.- 'The
defenders’ case was that the charter party exempted them
from responsibility for delay owing-to the coal strike.

Sheriff-Substitute Macleodfound for the pursuers, and gave
decree for the agreed upon sum of £75, with expenses, on the
ground that the defenders had failed to fulfil their obligation -
to take delivery of the cargo within the stipulated time, and
that the ship was berthed as soon as the defenders were ready,'
to' receive the cargo. ...	.	...	’ '	1

- The Division affirmed the : judgment of the Sheriff-
Substitute.

.. Mr. Ralph Fletcher, chairman of Fletcher, Burrows, and
Co., of the Atherton Collieries, left £139,711.

Mr. Justice Astbury sanctioned a reorganisation of the
capital of the Celtic Collieries Limited, by which the preJer-
ehcS shares of £100,000 (not issued) and the ordinary share.sC
of £30'0,006 are consolidated......	'	*