228

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

August 4, 1916.

Power Station Practice. “ Eng.,” July 14, p. 39.

The Losses in Cables at High Frequencies. E. F.
Northrup and R. G. Thompson. “JI. Frankl. Inst.,”
July, p. 1; 7 fig.

Xaj/III.—Surface Transport and Storage.

An Improved Aerial Gravity Ropeway. “ Ind. Eng.,”
June 24, p. 386; 2 fig. (The Donald system.)

Coal Shipping and Bunkering in Australia. F. J.
Warden-Stevens. “ Colliery Guard.,” July 21, p.
109; 7 fig.

Coal Shipping from South Africa. F. J. Warden-
Stevens. “ Colliery Guard.,” June 30, p. 1229; 7 fig.

New Aspects of Coal Storage. “Gas Wld.,” July 15,
p. 47.

New Portable Coke Loader. L. R. W. Allison. “ Coal
Age,” July 1, p. 20; 2 fig.

Now Tipple at Glouster, Ohio. M. Raymond. “ Coal
Age,” July 1, p. 30; 5 fig.

Quarry Storage of Coal. “ Coal Age,” June 17, p.
1045.

Retarder for Steep Chutes. “ Colliery Guard.,” June 30,
p. 1236; 1 fig. (From “ Coal Age.”)

Some Modern Coal Tipples. H. J. Edsall. “Coal
Age,” July' 1, p. 4; 5 fig.

The Storages of Coal. “Colliery Guard.,” July 21,
. P- l19-

Coal Traffic Facilities. “Times’ Engin. Suppit.,”
July 2'8, p. 123; 1 fig. (Widening Gt. Central Rly.
between Doncaster and Grimsby.)

Statics in Crane Construction (Die Statik im Kranbau).
—. Andree. “ Fordertechn.,” June 1, p. 85.

Travelling Cranes. R. Trautschold. “Eng. Mag.,”
July, p. 528; 6 fig.

XXIX.	—Sanitation, Diseases, etc.

Prevention of Disease Among Miners. A. J. Lanza
and J. H. White. “ Colliery Guard.,” July 7, p. 18.
(From U.S. Bureau of Mines Circular 20.)

Miners’ Nystagmus. F. L. Hoffman. “ U.S. Bureau
of Mines Bull. 93.”

XXX.	—Mining Laws, Royalties.

Abstracts of Current Decisions on Alines and Mining.

J. W. Thompson. “ Bull. 113,” U.S. Bureau of
• Mines.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS.

The Editors are not responsible either for the statements
made, or the opinions expressed by correspondents.

All communications must be authenticated by the name and
address of the sender, whether for publication or not.
No notice can be taken of anonymous communications.

As replies to questions are only given by way of published
answers to correspondents, and not by letter, stamped
addressed envelopes are not required to be sent.

ELECTRIC SIGNALLING IN MINES.

Sirs,—In your last issue you gave details of the Home
Office report on electric signalling in mines with bare
wires, in reference to the danger of ignition of inflam-
mable gaseous mixtures, by the break or flash at the
signal wires,, as investigated by Dr. W. V. Wheeler and
Prof. W. M. Thornton.

• The system they • propound must be considered the
result of very careful investigation, but it involves an
increased amount of apparatus in the pit, and it does not
appear to eliminate danger ; rather, it increases the
danger it seeks to remove, for the following reasons :—
Say an electrician at a colliery conforms precisely in
installing the right number of cells and other instruc-
tions, which include gastight relays, bells, and resist-
ances; the man in charge, however, finding the ring of
the bells unsatisfactory (when the cells run down) may,
unknown to the electrician, increase the power of the
battery, and so upset the balance originally arranged.

A system of electric signalling has been in successful
operation for some years, which, in detail, overcomes
the.danger above described, and is not open to a similar
abuse. I refer to the Davis-Fryar mechano electric
signal. This consists of a mechanical pull wire, which
runs along the engine plane, and is held, taut by a
counterweight at one end, being attached to a flameproof
contact maker at the other end. This flameproof con-
tact actuates the battery bell, which is also flameproof.
Thus the danger of sparking, due to breaking contact
between two bare wires, is entirely eliminated.

It is somewhat surprising that the Home Office should
not give this very simple and efficient system of signals,
for underground use prominence in their report a.s ail
alternative, particularly as it conforms with the Home.
Office rules.	"	Mine Signals.

August 2, 1916.

Mr. Jas. Kirkley, coal owner, of South Shields, who died
on May 26 last, left estate valued at .£51,946, with net
personalty £28,901. _

Scottish Miners and Output.—The executive of the National
Union of Scottish Mine . Workers at Glsagow considered the
urgent request from the Home Office, the Ministry of Muni-
tions, and the Coal Organisation Committee that there should
be a special effort by miners to increase the output of coal. For
this purpose it was suggested that the Eight Hours Act be
suspended; that an hour extra per day be worked for 60 days
of the year; that boys should be permitted to enter mines at
13 years of age; and that all stop days be abandoned, includ-
ing fortnightly holidays. The executive strongly disapproved
of the suspension of the Eight Hours Act, believing it would
in no. way accomplish the object in view, and also of the
proposal to interfere with the age limit of boys entering mines.
It was agreed, however, to recommend that pits throughout
Scotland should be open for work six days per week for the
period of the war.

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.
REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company
Limited.—The board announces an interim dividend of 7|
per cent, per annum on the ordinary capital for the half-
year, the same as a year ago.

Briggs (Henry), Son and Company Limited.—The report to
June 30 states that the improved result of ..the year’s work is
due to the enhanced prices obtained owing to the decreased
output of coal all over the country. The directors point out
that though this improved result is shown, a large expendi-
ture on account of dead work has had Lo be deferred owing to
the shortage of labour and the necessity of concentrating all
labour energies on the getting of coal. This expenditure will
have to be borne in the future, and the directors, in order to
provide for this, have considered it necessary to reserve a
sum to cope with the position ; also having regard to the
excess profits tax, a large sum will be needed to meet this
charge. The year’s profit is £178,289, and £38,289 was
brought in, making £216,578. The directors recommend a
dividend of £2 12s. 6d. per share on “A’’ shares, and £1 15s.
per share on “ B ” shares, free of tax, making, with the
interim dividend, a return for year of £3 15s. per “A” share
and £2 10s. per “ B ’’ share; to reserve, £20,000; to depre-
ciation of investments, £20,000; and to reserve for dead work
in suspense, £30,000; carrying forward £64,609.

East Indian Coal Company Limited.—The report for half-
year states that, after making the usual allowance for depre-
ciation of buildings, plant, and machinery, and writing £5,000
off- development account, the profit is £9,464, and £5,190 was
brought in, making £14,654. The directors recommend a
dividend of 8 per cent, for half-year, less tax, carrying for-
ward £5,054, subject to excess profits duty. The output was
£329,055 tons, as compared with 3'32,878 tons for the cor-
sponding half, of 1915.

France (William) Fenwick and Company Limited.—The
directors have declared an interim dividend on the ordinary
shares .at the rate at 5 per cent., together with a bonus of
5 per cent.

Gas Light and Coke Company Limited.—The report for the
half-year states that, after providing for fixed charges and
setting aside £5,000 towards the redemption fund, there
remains a profit balance of £376,484. The amount brought
forward being £446,615, there is a total available balance of
£823.099, out of which the director^ recommend a dividend
on the ordinary stock at the rate of £4 4s. per cent, per
annum, carrying forward £480,512. The sales of gas show
an increase of nearly 2 per cent., compared with the quantity
sold during the corresponding period of 1915. The market
for residuals continues good.

Insoles Collieries Limited.—The. directors have .decided to
recommend dividends for the past six months at the rate of

5	per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares, together with
a bonus of 10 per cent., making 20 per cent, for the year.
On the preference ■ shares the directors recommend for the
half-year a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. per. annum,
making 6 per cent, for the year.

International Coal Company Limited.—The report for the
year ended June 30 states, that the profit, after providing for
excess profits tax and income-tax, etc., amounts to £17,256,
w7hich with £3,987 brought forward, leaves an available
balance of £21,244. The directors recommend a dividend of
10 per cent., less tax, and bonus of 5 per cent., less tax, and
transfer to general reserve £3,500, leaving £4,994 to be’
carried forward.

National Boiler and General Insurance Company Limited.
—The directors announce an interim dividend of 12s. per
share, less .tax, payable . September 1.

New Sharlston Collieries Company Limited.—An interim
dividend of 1| per cent, has been declared.

North Central Wagon Company Limited.—The report for
the year ended June 30 shows an available total of £30,201.
The directors recommend a final dividend at the rate of 15
per cent, per annum,'less tax, making 14 per cent for the
year, less tax, and transfer to reserve fund £7,500, leaving to
be. carried forward £5,543. The directors have appointed
Mr. Frederick James Dundas a director in place of the late
Mr. George Wragg.

Scott (Walter) Limited. —The directors decided to recom-
mend a dividend upon the preference shares at the rate Of

6	per cent, per annum for the half-year ended June 30 last,
and a dividend of 10 per cent, upon the ordinary shares,
which,..with the interim dividend of 5 per cent, already paid,
is equal to 15 per cent, for the year.

Shelton Iron, Steal and Coal Company Limited.—The
directors announce an interim dividend of 6d. per share,
less tax, on account of the year 1916.

United States Steel Corporation.—The corporation declared
a regular dividend of | per cent., and an extra dividend of
1 per cent., for the second quarter on the common stock. On
preferred stock they have'declared a regular dividend of If
per cent. The net earnings for the quarter ended June last
were 81,126,048 dols’.

Vickers Limited.—The directors announce an interim divi-
dend for the half-year of Is. per share (free of tax) on the
ordinary shares.

Walker (C. and W.) Limited .—Interim dividend of Is. per
share, less tax, on ordinary, payable August 5.

Wankie Colliery Company Limited.—The directors have
declared a further interim dividend of 5 per cent., less tax,
on account of financial year to August 31, payable August 22
to shareholders registered August 5.

Western Wagoft and Property Company Limited. — The
directors have declared the usual interim dividend at rate of
10 per cent, per annum for half-year to June 30.

Yorkshire Railway Wagon Company Limited. — The
directors have declared ah interim dividend at the rate of
12j per cent., free of tax.

NEW COMPANIES.

Blakemore (D.) and Sons Limited.—Private company.
Registered July 25. To carry on business as metal workers,
metal rollers, braziers, smiths, tube makers, mechanical engi-
neers, etc. Nominal capital, £3,000 in 3,000 £1 shares.
Subscribers (one share each) ; J. D. Blakemore and D.
Blakemore.

Carter (James) (Stalybridge) Limited.—Registered office,
Atlas Works, Stalybridge, Chester. Registered July 25. To
carry on business of iron and brass founders, mechanical
engineers, tool makers, metal workers, etc., now carried on
by J. Carter and Sons at above address. Nominal capital,
£30,000 in 30,000 £1 shares. Directors : A. Carter, A. E.
Chadwick, and A. Denton. Qualification of directors, £500.

Gladstone Limited.—Registered July 27. To acquire the
business of rivet manufacturer now carried bn by T. H.
Gladstone at Vulcan Rivet Works, Stockton-on-Tees, and to
enter into an agreement. Nominal capital, £20,(XX) in 20,000
£1 shares. Directors : T. H. Gladstone and Isabella T.
Gladstone. Qualification of directors, £100. .

Mineral Extraction Company Limited.—Private company.
Registered July 27. To carry* * on business of copper masters,
coal masters,'.engineers, and" dealers in copper, coal, coke,
iron, etc., in all branches. Nominal capital, £1,000 in 8;000
2s. 6d. shares. Directors : A. E. FlewinAnd C. S. Varcoe.
Qualification of directors, £100.

Russell, Logan and Company (Newcastle-upcti-Tyne)
Limited.—Private company. Registered office, Mercantile-
chambers, Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Registered
July 29. To carry on business of coal and coke exporters,
importers, and merchants, shipping agents, brick manufac-
turers, etc. Nominal capital, £1,500 in 1,500 £1' shares
Directors : F. L. Lawson, J.’ W. Brown, J. S.* J. Russell
and J. E. Logan. Qualification of directors, 125 £1 shares.

Silica Firebrick Manufacturing Company Limited.—Regis-
tered July 28. To carry on business of manufacturers of
and dealers in refractory fire and other bricks, blocks, fur-
nace linings, tiles, and other moulded articles, silica, lime,
coal, ferro-cement, etc. Nominal capital, £20,625 in 20,000
£1 shares, and 12,500 Is. shares. Directors : The Hon.
Conyngham A. Denison, G. Nevin, and W. Roden. Qualifi-
cation of directors, £100. Remuneration of directors, £100
per annum.

Taylor (James) and Bates Limited. — Private company.
Registered office, Bridge Wharf, Chertsey, Surrey. Regis-
tered July 26. To carry on business of engineers, electricians,
founders, etc. Nominal capital, £10,000 in 2,00.0 ^5 shares.
Directors ; W. B. Bates and J. C. Taylor. q

Victory Engineering Company Limited.—Private-company.
Registered July 27. To carry on business as engineers, pro-
moters, and to undertake and carry on and execute all kinds
of financial, commercial, and other operations. Nominal
capital, £3,000 in 3,000 £T shares. Subscribers (one share
each) : A. Hey gate, T. D. C. Parker, and J. G. Watson.

Willetts, junr. (Charles) Limited. — Private company.
Registered July 28'. To acquire the business of engineer and
iron founder carried on by C. Willetts at Colonial Works,
Cradley Heath, Staffs, and to enter into an agreement.
Nominal capital, £30,000 in 30,000 £1 shares. Directors :
Chas. Willetts, H. Willetts, and Cyril C. Willetts. Qualifi-
cation of directors, £500.

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.

Blackburn, August 12. — The Electricity Committee is
prepared to receive tenders for the supply and delivery of
steam coal for the 12 months ending August 31, 1917. Speci-
fications and forms of tender may be obtained on application
at the Electricity Works, Jubilee-street. Sealed tenders,
endorsed “ Steam coal,’’ and addressed to the Chairman of
the Electricity Committee, will be received at the Town Hall
up to mid-day, August 12. The lowest or any tender will
not necessarily be accepted.	.	.....

Abstracts of Contracts Open.

Abergavenny, August 9. — Good house coal up to
October 15, 1917, for 25 schools in the Abergavenny group.
Tenders to F. B. Gabb, clerk.

Amersham, August 7.—250 tons of coal for the Guardians.
Forms from the master of the institution.

Chelmsford, August 10.—Coal (12 months) for schools.
Also 100 tons at once. Tenders to the town clerk.

Chepstow, August 8.—Coal and coke (12 months) for
schools. Tenders to G. C. Francis, acting clerk, Education
Committee, Chepstow.

Gosport, August 10.—Coal and coke for the Alverstoke
Urban District Councih Forms from the surveyor, Town
Hall, Gosport.

Inverness, August 10. — Aitken diamond ell dross,
Fordell rough dross, English rough .dross, Aitken chirls,
Lindsay chirls, English coal (screened), gas coke (screened),
at per ton for three, six, nine, and 12 months, for the Inver-
ness District Asylum. Forms from the house steward.

Newport (I.O.W.), September 14.—Fuel for schools,
offices, etc. Particulars from the County Council Offices,
Newport.

Poole, August 21.—Coal and coke for the Education Com-
mittee for 12 months. Tenders to the town clerk. .

Rochdale, August 9-.—Coal for the Electricity Com-
mittee. Forms from the engineer, Dane-street.

St. Margarets (East Anglia), August 8.—140 tons best
Silkstone. Tenders to secretary, St. Michael's Coal Club,
13, Westerfield-road, St. Margarets.

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

CONTRACTS OPEN FOR ENGINEERING, IRON
AND STEEL WORK, Ac.

. Capetown, August .15.—Cast Iron Pipes, etc.—Cast iron
pipes, valves, travelling distributors, etc., for the drainage
systems. Forms from Davis and Soper Limited, 54, St.
Mary Axe, E.C., w7ho will receive tenders.

Melbourne, September 27.—Tyres.—Locomotive engine,
tender, carriage, and wagon tyres for the Victorian railways.
Forms from Messrs. J. Coates and Company Limited, 115,
Victoria-street, Westminster.

Rochester, September 5.—Materials, etc.—For the
supply of materials for the 12 months ending September 30,
1917, for the corporation. Forms from the superintendent,
Gas Offices, Manchester.

Sydney (N.S.W.), September 20-October 11.—Crane,
etc.—Electric overhead travelling crane for the Zarra Sheet
Power House. Newcastle. Tenders to • the chief commis-
sioner for railways, Phillip-,street, Sydney, by September 20.
Also a motor-driven air compressor. Tenders by October 11.
Forms from the electrical engineer, 61, Hunter-street,
Sydney.