1246 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. June 30, 1916. Bullcroft;, Bentley, Yorkshire Main, and Maltby. Already a good deal of mineral traffic has passed over the line, particularly from the Y7orks Main Colliery at Edlington, Doncaster. Lancashire and Cheshire. Extension at Bickershaw and Middle Hulton—Tunnelling at Rosehill Collieries—Match in Mine—Absentee Fined— Water in Collieries. Extensions are being effected by the Abram Colliery Com- pany at their pits at Bickershaw, near Wiigan. A correspondent understands that further extensions are to be carried out at Lord Ellesmere’s coke ovens, Brackley Collieries, Middle Hulton, near Bolton. Developments are proceeding at Messrs. T. Scowcroft and Son’s Rosehill Collieries, Bolton, including the opening out of the Five-quarters mine from the Doe mine by means of tunnelling. At Leigh last week, David Brobbin was ordered to pay 40s. fine, 21s. advocate’s fee, 'and 5s. witness’s fee on a summons brought against him for being in possession of >a lucifer match in the Cleworth mine of the Tlydesley Coal Company Limited. Defendant had been a pitman for 35 years. The Military Cross has been awarded to Capt. W. T. Woods, of the 5th Batt. Manchester Regiment, who was educated at Charterhouse, was subsequently apprenticed to the mining profession with the late Mr. John Smith, of Messrs. Ackers, Whitley and Company, and who, prior to the war, was an assistant mining engineer with that firm. At Wigan last week the Pemberton Colliery Company summoned Joseph Birchall, a collier, for 21s. 8d. for absent- ing himself from his employment. It was alleged that between May 13 and 27 defendant absented himself 35 per cent, of his time, and from January 1 he had absented him- self 88 out of 122 shifts. Mr. Bryan, who prosecuted, said that absenteeism caused great dislocation of work, and also loss, and other men would have to be proceeded against unless there was an improvement.—William Selby was also summoned by the firm for 31s. 4d., and it was stated that he had been away eight days out of twelve, and had pre- viously been irregular.—Defendants were ordered to pay the amounts claimed, together with costs. At a meeting of the Wigan Corporation, Conn. Alstead, chairman of the Industries Committee, was asked if the question of encouraging the local coal industry had ever been considered. Dr. Rees said he believed that some years ago an effort was made to get local colliery proprietors to co-operate with a view to arrangements being made for emptying the mines of water, so that more coal could be got. There was an enormous amount of coal in the mines of Wigan and the district. Coun. Alstead said his committee would be very pleased to receive any advice on the subject, but he did not know how they could approach the subject. The Mayor (Aid. A. S. Hilton) thought they might very well leave this matter to the colliery proprietors, and the members of the council agreed with this view. Notts and Derbyshire. The clerk announced to the Nottingham Guardians on Wednesday that only three replies to the advertisement for tenders for the supply of coal had been received. One com- pany wrote that they had no coals of any description to offer, and explained that owing to Government and public works requirements they were unable to quote. Messrs. Barber, Walker, and Company quoted for 1,900 tons of house coal at 18s. 6d., and 4,500 tons of boiler coal at 13s. 7d. (small) to 18s. 2d. The Guardians accepted the tender. The Midlands. Ernest Jackson, coal merchant, and Richard Robinson, carter, were fined £5 and £2 respectively at Worcester, on Saturday on a charge of delivering coal without a ticket. Jackson had been cautioned six times in regard to three of his men. A miner lost his life and three others were more or less affected by an outbreak of firedamp at Lord Dudley’s Baggeridge Colliery, Dudley. A fire occurred in the work- ings, but it was thought this had been cut off. Afterwards the four men were found lying on their faces, the discovery being made by a rescue party. Kent. Tilmanstone Output—Snowdown Debentures—North Kent Capital. Tilmanstone Colliery output of coal last week amounted to 2,053 tons, this being the first week it exceeded the 2,000 tons mark since the reopening of the colliery. Sergt. C. C. Griffin, 5th Siege Battery, R.G.A., who was a member of the clerical staff of Kent Coal Concessions at Dover, until he joined the Army in the early days of the war, has been awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry and devotion to duty in the field. The Snowdown Colliery debenture holders on Friday unanimously approved the postponement of any repayment of their principal until six months after the termination of the war.—Last week the deep sinking in No. 2 pit at Snowdown Colliery was taken from 2,377 ft. to 2,389 ft. The directors’ report presented at the fifth annual meeting of the North Kent coal field says :—In their last report it was stated further capital would be required to meet the current liabilities, and this matter continues to engage the directors’ attention. Owing to the financial and general conditions that still continue, it has been practically impos- sible to realise any of the company’s assets up till now. The directors, however, have the matter continually before them. With a view to conserving the company’s interests, they have taken such steps as were in their power for the extension of options over areas considered to be proved. Negotiations have been continued in regard to areas that are still required to complete or consolidate the area already acquired. The directors have entirely waived their fees for .the year 1915, and the chairman has, in addition, waived the arrears of fees due to him for 1914. In moving the adoption of the report and accounts, the chairman (Mr. A. Woolley Hart) said, with the exception of the calls, there were practically no liabilities outstanding, whereas the company had a very good asset in its Chislet Colliery holding. Mr. J. Shaw, K.C., seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously Scotland. For failing to report the presence of inflammable gas in a working place in Burnfoot Pit, James Wilson, pit fireman, was at Ayr Sheriff Court, before Sheriff Lyon Mackenzie, fined £5. From various causes, chiefly from the restricted supplies available for shipment, the shipping trade of Fife for last week showed a state of quietness which has seldom been equalled during the present year. Between Methil and Burntisland the combined shipment only totalled to 45,918 tons, as compared with 50,890 tons for the previous week, and 72,168 tons for the corresponding week last year. The shipment at Methil was 28,768 tons. ■ A serious outbreak of glanders has occurred amongst the horses underground at Lady Blanche Pit, Dysart, as the result of which four horses were destroyed. Other 18 animals are being kept under observation. The management are puzzled by the outbreak, as no new horses have been intro- duced into the pit for four months. COASTWISE SHIPMENTS IN MAY. According to the returns issued by the Commissioners of H.M. Customs and Excise, the following quantities of coal were shipped coastwise from the United Kingdom during May :— From Total cargo. Total bunker. Bristol Channel ports North-western ports North-eastern ports Humber ports Other ports on east coast Other English ports Total from England and Wales Ports on east coast of Scotland Ports on west coast of Scotland Total from Scotland Irish ports Total from United Kingdom 1915. 1916. 1915. 1916. Tons. 158,696 250,685 586,354 142,830 5,732 2,883 • Tons. 127,048 226,766 520,307 75,531 2,131 2,760 Tons. 10,776 56,813 42,685 10,481 8,901 2,013 Tons. 11,622 40,717 43,351 8,721 10,586 1,900 1,147,180 954,543 131,669 116,897 41,386 153,392 57,971 132,509 15,242 25,897 21,014 22,185 194,778 190,480 41,139 43,199 — — 2,420 3,727 1,341,958 1,145,023 175,228 163,823 The destination of cargo shipments was as follows :— To ports in England and Wales........ Scotland................. Ireland ................. May 1915. May 1916. Tons. Tons. 872,377 ... 712,807 65,990 ... 52,453 403,591 ... 379,763 COAL, IRON ANO ENGINEERING COMPANIES. REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS. Bradford Coal Merchants’ and Consumers’ Association.— The report for the year shows that the profits, after providing for depreciation, maintenance and repairs to wagons, plant, and real estate, etc., amount to £15,438, while £2,591 was brought forward. The directors propose to place to reserve fund £1,000, and to pay a dividend upon ordinary shares of 2 per cent, for six months ended March 31 (making 4 per cent, for the year), leaving to carry forward £3,542. Dominion Steel Corporation.—The accounts for year to March 31 show net earnings amounted to 7,004,316 dols., from which 1,192,823 dols. has been applied for sinking funds, depreciation, and renewals. The corporation pays the dividends on its own preferred stocks and on those of the Dominion Coal Company and Dominion Iron and Steel Company. Dundee Coal Company Limited.—Interim dividend of Is. per share, less tax. East Kent Colliery Company Limited.—The directors have issued a circular to the debenture and share holders asking them to subscribe for £25,000 of perpetual second mortgage participating debenture stock, in order to make good the deficiency in the original subscription, and also to provide the necessary working capital. Everitt (Allen) and Sons Limited.—The report states that, after payment of interest on the debenture stock and meeting general depreciation, the profits amount to £20,969, and £9,609 was brought forward. A sum of £6,000 has to be deducted on account of preference arrears paid in December last, and the balance is subject to excess profits tax not yet ascertained. The directors have decided that a further year’s preference share dividend (£6,000) may be paid imme- diately after the general meeting, and that the odd arrears of nine months’ preference share dividend to March 31, 1912, shall be paid so soon as the amount of the company’s liability for excess profits shall be agreed. Great Western Colliery Company Limited.—The directors announce an interim dividend of 5s. per share on the fully- paid and of 4s. per share on the partly-paid ordinary shares of class “ B ” for the half-year ending June 30. Guiseley and Yeadon Coal Company Limited.—At the half- yearly meeting of the shareholders at Yeadon, profits for the six months of £808 were reported. Messrs. C. H. Walsh, H. Chippendale, C. A. Ives, and A. Water worth were elected directors. Hall and Company (Croydon) Limited.—The report con- tains an item of £6,912 on plant account, due to the purchase of more coal wagons to increase the company’s railborne supply. The directors decided to transfer £12,000 of the reserve towards depreciation of securities, in addition to the £5,000 written off profits, leaving a credit balance of £61,245. The reserve fund will stand at £30,000. The dividend on the ordinary shares is at the rate of 5 per cent., plus 2J per cent, bonus, less income-tax. North’s Navigation Collieries (1889) Limited. — The directors have decided to pay an interim dividend of Is. per share on the ordinary shares on account of the current year, being at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum. Wagon Finance Corporation Limited.—The directors have declared an interim dividend at rate of 10 per cent, per annum, free of tax, for half-year ended June 30. NEW COMPANIES. Allied Coal Consumers Co-operative Union Limited.— Public company. Registered June 23. Nominal capital, £1,000 in 450 £2 co-operation shares and 50 £2 management shares. Minimum subscription, £14. Subscribers (one management share each) : C. F. Richardson, A. T. Bagnall, C. S. Baggs, G. E. Collette, A. Wright, L. Walensk, and A. Sundelioriteh. Bamfords Limited. — Private company. Registered June 23. To acquire and carry on business of iron founders, agricultural implement makers, and dealers now carried, on at Uttoxeter and elsewhere, general engineers, machine builders, brick and tile manufacturers, etc. Nominal capital, £120,000 in 120,000 £1 shares. First directors : S. B. Bamford, H. Bamford, J. Bamford, J. Bamford, and three others. Quali- fication of directors, £900. Bo water (W. H.) (France) Limited.—Private company. Registered office, Exchange-buildings, Stephenson-place, Birmingham. Registered June 17. To carry on in the United Kingdom, France, and elsewhere the business of coal and coke factors, colliery agents, ship owners, ship brokers, dealers in sand, lime, bricks, timber, etc. Nominal capital, £5,000 in 5,000 £1 shares. Directors : W. H. Bo water, J. Bowater, and W. H. Bowater. Elliott Brothers (London) Limited. — Private company. Registered June 21. To acquire business now carried on by William Oliver Smith and others at Century Works, Lewisham, and elsewhere as Elliott Brothers, mechanical and electrical engineers, etc. Nominal capital, £90,000 in 90,000 £1 shares. First directors : W. 0. Smith, G. K. B. Elphin- stone, and L. W. Smith. Qualification of directors, £500. Gwersyllt Silica Brick Company Limited. — Private com- pany. Registered June 17. To carry on the business of manufacturers of silica bricks, fireclay bricks, magnesite and chrome bricks, etc. Nominal capital, £6,000 in 6,000 £1 shares. Subscribers (one share each) : J. A. Harrop, H. P. Harris, P. Williams, and A. Williams. New Glynea Colliery Company Limited. — Private com- pany. Registered office, Bynea, near Llanelly, Carmarthen- shire. Registered June 17. To acquire the Glynea and Castle Coal and Brick Company Limited, and to carry on business of miners, smelters, engineers, colliery proprietors, brick, tiles, and pipe manufacturers, tin-plate manufacturers, etc. Nominal capital, £30,000 in 8,000 £1 preference shares and 2,200 £10 ordinary shares. Directors : W. I. Williams, H. W. Morgan, and E. W. Jones. Qualification of directors, £500. Troup, Curtis and Company Limited.—Private company. Registered June 23. To acquire and carry on business of electrical and general engineers carried on as Troup, Curtis and Company. Nominal capital, £7,000 in 7,000 £1 shares. First directors : C. L. Troup and A. Curtis. Ward (William) and Son (Sheffield) Limited. — Private company. Registered June 21. To acquire and carry on business of mechanical, electrical, constructional, motor, and general engineers, tool makers, fitters, machinists, etc., manu- facturers of and dealers in tools, machines, knives, etc. Nominal capital, £2,000 in 2,000 £1 shares. First directors and subscribers (one share each) : J. Ward, C. Ward, S. Ward, and C. Ward. Qualification of directors, 250 shares. 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. Grimsby Coal Exports.—The following is the official return of the quantities of coal exported from Grimsby during the week ended June 23 :—To Dieppe, 103 tons ; Esbjerg, 1,368; and Stockholm, 80’5 tons,—a total of 2,276 tons, as compared with 9,114 tons in the corresponding week of last year. State Regulation of Coal Contracts.—An Order in Council, published in a supplement to the London Gazette, provides for the addition of the following to the Defence of the Realm Regulations :—It shall be lawful for the Admiralty or Army Council, or the Minister of Munitions, or any person authorised by them to act in their behalf, after consultation with the Board of Trade, to give directions as to the priority to be given the execution of orders, or contracts for the supply of coal or coke with a view to securing precedence for orders, or contracts, in accordance with their national importance, and the owner, agent, or manager of any mine, or any other person affected by the directions, who fails to comply with any direction so given, and any person who in any certificate or document given, or issued, for the purpose of securing priority for any order or contract in pursuance of such direc- tions, makes any false statement or false representations, shall be guilty of an offence against these Regulations.