August 18, 1916. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN 323 Hounsell (John) (Engineers) Limited.—Private company. Registered office, Crosby Works, George-street, Birmingham. Registered August 4. Nominal capital, £6,000 in 6,000 £1 shares. The directors to be appointed 'by subscribers. Sub- scribers (one share each) : J. and W. Hounsell. Hudson (Herbert) Limited.—Private company. Regis- tered office, 54, Mayam-terrace, Port Talbot. Registered August 8. To carry on business of colliery and mine owners and coal contractors, and to act as brokers for sale and pur- chase of coal, coke, and patent fuels. Nominal capital, £5,000 in 1,000 £5 ordinary shares. First director, H. F. Hudson. Qualification of directors, £500. Railborne Coal Factors and Wholesale Merchants’ Associa- tion. — Registered August 11. Licensed by the Board of Trade to be registered with limited liability, without the addi- tion of the word “ limited ” to its name. To represent the general interests of coal factors and wholesale coal merchants, as far as may be allowed by the law. Every member under- takes to contribute to the assets of the association, in the event of same being wound up, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £5. The association governed 'by a committee of not more than 14 members, which shall be elected at first general meeting. Subscribers (one share each) : C. P. Knowles, P. Le Mare, J. H. Cleland, T\ Usher, and three others. Thompson Brothers (Engineers, London) Limited.—Private company. Registered office, 155, Fenchurch-street, E.C. Registered August 10. To acquire the business of engineers, founders, etc., carried on by Thompson Brothers, and to enter into an agreement. Nominal capital, £5,000 in 5,000 £1 shares. Director, R. Thompson. 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. OBITUARY. Mr. Mark Bailey, coal contractor, of Lower Broughton, Manchester, died last week in a nursing home, at the age of 63 years. He was well known on the Manchester Coal Exchange. Mr. William McNee, Lytham, who was for 20 years in business as a coal merchant at Tottington and Bury, died last week, aged 65. He has left a widow, one son, and one daughter. Lance-Corpl. S. Percy Spilsbury, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, son of Mr. William Spilsbury, coal merchant, Bowdon, near Manchester, has been killed in action, at the age of 35 years. Mr. Wm. Hewson Crow, who died at Darlington last week at the age of 75 years, was for many years works manager to Messrs. Robt. Stephenson and Company, in which capacity he supervised the construction of between 2,000 and 3,000 locomotive engines. His father, Mr. Geo. Orow, and he were patentees for coal-cutting machines, the Crow drilling machine table, the curvilinear slotting machine, and other inventions. Mr. John Thomas Burgoyne, of Belle Vue-terrace, Bury, who died on Thursday of last week, aged 60 years, was for 36 years a partner in the firm of Messrs. James Haworth, coal merchants, Bury. He became sole surviving partner eight years ago, and since then had carried on the concern along with his eldest son. The death has occurred at Penn, Wolverhampton, of Mr. Rowland Watkin Lewis, proprietor of the Patent Tube Works, Monmore Green, and the Britannia Works, Ettings- hall. The deceased, who was 69 years of age, had been in failing health for about two years. He was a county and borough magistrate, and vice-chairman of the board of management of the Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire General Hospital. Mr. McLellan, of the coal exporting firm of Burmess and Co., died ill Cardiff on Sunday, and his funeral on Wednes- day was attended by a number of friends and business con- nections, he having been for nearly forty years at “ The Docks.” Uruguay’s Duty on Coal.—The Uruguayan Minister in London has received the following telegram from the Minister of Finance, Monte Video :—“ The new Law, which modifies the Customs duty on mineral coal, has been sanc- tioned. In lieu of 1 peso (dollar gold) per ton, which was charged on same for import duty, there will be charged on the quantity stated in the bill of lading (5c.) five-hundredths of a dollar gold on coal discharged for any destination, and each collier will pay 15c. per ton as port dues. There will be absolute liberty for the coal business as soon as the duty is paid.” Coal Shipped from Ports in the United Kingdom during July.—The following figures, which have been extracted from the returns issued by the Commissioners of H.M. Customs and Excise, show the quantities of coal shipped from each group of ports in the United Kingdom during the month of July, as compared with the corresponding month last year Cargo. Bristol Channel ports July 1915. Tons. 1,280,725 July 1916. Tons. ... 1,554,973 North-western ports N orth-eastern ports Humber ports Other east coast ports Other English ports Ports on east coast of Scotland Ports on west coast of Scotland 49,638 1,265,954 387,241 672 5 358,736 196,146 59,747 ... 1,045,452 ... 159,546 25 339 ... 269,452 ... 214,583 Total 3,539,117 ... 3,304,117 Bunker. Bristol Channel ports North-western ports North-eastern ports Humber ports Other east coast ports Other English ports Ports on east coast of Scotland... Ports on west coast of Scotland .. Irish ports July 1915. Tons. 267,847 313,751 180,059 118,590 66,146 15,165 46,626 90,154 539 July 1916. Tons. ... 227,260 ... 219,956 191,822 84,327 ... 107,993 25,927 44,056 ... 107,752 2,600 Total 1,098,877 ... 1,011,693 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. Abstracts of Contracts Open. Blairgowrie, August 26.—Nellie 5 ft. coal and Lum- p'linnans 5 ft. coal for Strathmore Hospital, Rattray (12 months). Tenders to J. B. Miller, clerk, Blairgowrie. Cardigan, August 28.—Staffordshire Ryder cobbles, for the Cardigan Education Committee’s schools. Tenders to J. T. J. Williams, Napier-street, Cardigan. Chatham, August 22.—800 tons (or less) of household coal for the Guardians. Forms from the workhouse. Chelmsford, September 4.—House coal, steam coal, and coke for Territorials. Forms from Lieut.-Col. Colvin, Terri- torial Force, Market-road, Chelmsford. Devonport, August 24.—Coal and coke for Guardians. Forms from the clerk, Union Offices. Goole, August 22.—100 tons of steam coal for the Guar- dians. Tenders to the clerk, 4, Belgravia, Goole. Haywards Heath, August 22.—Annesley, Bolsover, and Wain all steam coal for the Rural District Council’s engines. Particulars from the surveyor, Council-buildings. Hull, August 21.—Steam and house coal (3, 6, or 12 months) for the Guardians. Particulars from the clerk, Union Offices. Ipswich, August 22.—Steam coal (12 months) for the Ipswich Hospital. Forms from the secretary. Keighley, August 26.—Coal for Education offices and schools. Forms from the secretary, Education Offices. Llangefni, August 24.—Coal for schools. Forms from the Education Offices, Llangefni. Mold, August 28.—Coal and coke for schools. Forms from the director of education, County Education Offices, Mold. Newport (I.O.W.), September 14.—Fuel for schools, offices, etc. Particulars from the County Council Offices, Newport. Norwich, August 29.—Coal for St. Faith’s Union. Forms from the clerk, 1, Redwell-street, Norwich. Parkside (Macclesfield), September 13.—Fuel for the Cheshire County Asylum. Forms from the clerk. Poole, August 21.—Coal and coke (12 months) for schools. Tenders to the town clerk. Portland, September 5.—300 tons bf anthracite nuts for waterworks. Forms from the surveyor, Council Offices. Preston, August 23.—Goal (7 months) for various depart- ments. Forms from the borough treasurer, Town Hall. Richmond (Yorks), August 24.—1,000 tons of gas coal for the Gas Committee. Tenders to the borough accountant. Stifford (Essex), August 24.—Steam coal for children’s homes. Forms from the Guardians’ Offices, Barnes-street, Stepney. Wakefield, August 22.—Coal for the Guardians. Forms from the clerk, 47, Kirkgate, Wakefield. Wigan, August 30.—Best house coal (about 150 tons) for the Corporation. Tenders to the town clerk. The date given is the latest upon which tenders can be received. CONTRACTS OPEN FOR ENGINEERING, IRON AND STEEL WORK, Ac. Aberdare, September 6.—Stores.—For the supply of the following stores for the Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Com- pany Limited, viz. : Bar and other iron and steel; bolts, nuts, and rivets ; colliers’ tools, nails, steel tubes and fittings, chains, wire ropes, French pitwood, etc. Forms from the stores manager, Aberaman offices, near Aberdare. Bradford, August 28.—Stores.—Gas meters, pipes, tubing iron and steel, etc., for the Gas Committee. Forms from the gas engineer, Town Hall. 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. 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. Miners and Insurance.—Mr. E. B. Nathan, one of the Commission enquiring into National Health Insurance, stated, in his evidence at the House of Commons on Wednesday, that the only ideal approved societies would, in his opinion, be those attached to the great industrial societies. There was a large number of approved societies whose membership consisted almost exclusively of coal miners. For such societies the flat rate of contribution was too low, but, in addition, the initial reserves credited, based on the standard rates, were quite inadequate. Such reserves and contributions assumed that less than 9 per cent, of the members were engaged in coal mining, whereas the whole membership were so engaged. They also assumed that 46 per cent, were in agriculture or light occupations, whereas none were so engaged. Such a society had a large potential deficiency, due to the inadequacy of the contributions charged to members, and also due to the fact that the initial reserves were too small. The structure of the Act provided the neces- sary reserves for coal miners, but, instead of the reserves being credited to societies where the coal miners were and where the risk existed, they were credited to all classes of societies where there were no coal miners, and where in many cases the rules would prohibit the admission of coal miners, even if the society was in touch with such risks. Witness said that a society of hazardous risks was practically dead before it was born. More than one-third of all the societies approved by the Welsh Insurance Commission appeared to reserve their membership to coal mining and similar hazardous occupations. All these societies must under present condi- tions be in a normal condition of deficiency at every valuation. THE FREIGHT MARKET. French Atlantic requirements have received most attention in the north-east coast coal freight market this week, and many fixtures have been arranged at the full restricted rates. Business in most directions has been neglected. Mediter- ranean business has been done at an advance of 2s. from ’ Tyne to Genoa or Savona, but rates for West Italian ports are now easier, and not more than 70s. is obtainable for Genoa. Coasting rates are based on about 12s. to London, with uncommonly little doing. At South Wales, chartering is still rather meagre, with French business claiming chiefest attention, and Mediterranean fixtures favouring shippers. Genoa, with options, has been done at Cardiff during the week at from 5s. to 5s. 6d. less than ruled a week ago, whilst Gibraltar is 6s. down. Lisbon has declined by from Is. to 2s. 6d. The Clyde and Humber are dull and feature- less. A good deal of speculation has been occasioned by the official intimation as to the Italian Conference, in which Mr. Runciman and the British Ambassador took part. Any official step that can be taken to lower the exorbitant rates of freight which have long been obtained for shipments to Italy will be heartily welcomed by coal shippers in this country, and it may be readily affirmed that any steps that may be taken to restrict coal prices in the interests of our Italian allies will be acquiesced in by British “ coal men ” and enforced as cheerfully as possible. At least, the exten- sion to Italy of the privilege at present accorded to France will enable shippers to know definitely where they are—a knowledge impossible in the present see-saw of freights. A question of discount over the payment of freight has arisen, by the way, over the enforcement of maximum freight rates for French Atlantic ports. Hitherto, merchants who have paid freight at this end have received per cent, dis- count, but now brokers are endeavouring to stipulate for net payment, on the plea that their profits have been reduced by the limitation of freights. The dispute is causing some little trouble at present, but an early composing of differences is looked for. Homewards, tonnage shortage, coupled with a keen demand, has forced East Indian rates upwards. Kurrachee is now quoted at from 105s. to 107s. 6d. to United Kingdom, and Bombay at 120s., an advance of 15s. in each instance on the week. The rice ports are rather firmer, at 150s., Burmah to United Kingdom, and 165s. to 170s., Saigon to France. Mediterranean ore ports are firm, with a good enquiry. The demand for American grain tonnage is falling off, but rates are well maintained as yet. For coals, busi- ness has been done for discharge at Monte Video or the lower Plate ports at 62s. 6d., whilst 15 to 15’50dols. would be paid for Rio de Janeiro with 750 discharge. Deal cargoes are offering at 300s. from Canada. The River Plate is quiet, but, with tonnage supplies very firm, rates are still advancing, as is evidenced by the fact that a boat for early loading from Buenos Ayres for Dunkirk has been chartered at 176s. 3d. Tyne to Alexandria, 3,500, 77s. 6d.; Boucan, 3,000, 42s. 6d. ; Boulogne, 1,200 and 1,700, 26s. 6d.; 400 and 900, 27s. 6d.; Bordeaux, 3,500 and 5,000, 39s.; 2,100 and 2,400, 40s.; Channel range, 450, 27s. 6d. ; Christiania, 400, 42 kr., coke, Aug. ; Caen, 900 and 450, 27s. 6d.; Calais, 600, 28s. 6d. ; 1,700 and 1,000, 27s. 6d.; Dunkirk, 900 and 300, 29s. 6d.; 300, 37s., coke; 1,000 and 1,600, 28s. 6d.; Duclair, 1,000, 27s. 6d.; Drammen, 2,000, 27 kr.; Dieppe, 1,800, 26s.; 300, 39s., coke; 600 , 38s. 6d., coke; Fecamp, 700 and 900, 27s. 6d. ; Fredrickstadt, 400, 32 kr.; Gothenburg, 550, 25 kr.; 1,600, 26 kr. ; 2,100, 26 kr.; Granville, 1,700, 26s. 6d.; 280, 39s., coke; 600. 38s. 6d., coke; Gravelines, 1,000, 27s. 6d. ; Genoa, 1,600, 72s. 6d. ; 2,000, 72». 6d.; 1,500, 71s. fid. ; Havre, 1,800, 25s. 6d. ; 800, 26s. 6d.; Halmstadt, 32 kr. ; London, 1,600, 12s.; La Pallice, 3,000, 35s.; Leg- horn, 5,300, 70s.; North French range, 1,200, 26s.; 700. 38s. 6d., coke; Piraeus, 4,500, 102s. ; Rouen, 2.600, 27s. 6d. ; 500, 38s., coke; 700, 38s., coke; 1.200, 38s., coke; 1,200, 2,o00, and 1.700, 27s. 6d. ; 900 and 150, 28s. 6d. : Savona, 1,600, 72s. 6d.; 2,000, 72s. 6d. ; 1,500, 71s. fid. ; Treport, 800, 27s. fid.; Tonnay Charcnte, 750, 36s., coke. Cardiff to Barcelona, 2,000, 55s.; Bordeaux, 1,000, 1.800, 34s. ; 4,000, 33<. ; Cape Verds, 4,000, 32s. fid. ; Civita Vecchia, 2,600, 05s.; Dakar, 4,100, 32s. fid.; Ferrol, 800, 32s. fid.; Genoa, 2,500, 62s. 6d.; 5,000, 60s.; 3,000, 62s. fid.; 3,100, 62s. 6d.; 3.600, 63s.: 2,600, 03s.; 5,800, 63s. 6d.; G.b/altar, 3,800, 30s., 500; Havre, 2,300, 22s. fid.; Lisbon, 2,300, 31s., 500; 1,700. 32s. 0d., 500; Leghorn, 2.500, 62s. fid. : 5,000, 00s. ; 3,000, 62s. 6d.; 3,100, 62s. fid.; 3.600, 63s.; 2,600, 03s.; 5,800, 63s. 6d.; Las Palmas, 2,000, 32s. fid., 250; La Rochelle, 1,500, 29s.; Marseilles, 4.000, o Is. od. ; 3,200, 58s. 6d. ; Porto A occmo, 2.(>00. 60s. ; Port Said, 5,500, 74s. fid.; Rouen, 2,000, 1,200, 24s. 6d.; Roche- fort, 1.500, 29s.: Savona, 2.500, 62s. 6d. : 5.000, 60s.. 3.000. 62s. 6d.; 3,100, 62s. 6d. ; 3,600, 63s.; 2,000, 63s.; 5,800, 63s. 6d. ; Spezzia, 5,000, 60s.; 3,000 , 62s. 6d.; 3,400, 62s. 6d.; 2,600, 63s.; 5,800, 63s. 6d.; St. Vincent, 4,000, 32s. 6d. Swansea to Dieppe, 800, 24s. fid.; Granville, 300, 24s.; Honfleur, 1,100, 23s.; La Pallice, 2,800. 29s.; Genoa, Savona, Spezzia, or Leghorn, 4,000, 62s. 6d. coal. 63s. 3d. fuel; 2,600, 63s.; Civita Vecchia, 2,600, 65s.; Naples or Torre Annunziata, 3,400, 62s. 6d., 800; Porto Vecchio, 2,600, 66s.; Dublin, 200, 13s.; La Rochelle, 1,700, 29s., Aug.; Rochefort, 1,700, 29s., Aug.; Valencia, 1,500, 55s. coal, 55s. 9d. fuel: Oran, 1,300, 45s. coal, 45s. 9d. fuel; Rouen, 700, 25s. 6d.; 2,000, 21s. 6d. Newport to Genoa, Savona, Spezzia, or Leghorn, 2.600, 63s.; Civita Vecchia, 2.600, 65s.: Porto Vecchio, 2,600, 66s.; Las Palmas, 2,000, 32s. 6d., 250; Gibraltar, 1,250. 35s., 500; 3,800. 30s.; Caen, 900, 24s.; Cherbourg, 900, 24s. 6d. Port Talbot to TrouviF.e, 6,500, 22s. ; Marseilles, 3.200, 58s. 6d. Hartlepool to Rouen, 4,800, 26s. 6d.; Bordeaux, 2.000, 40s.: Drobak, 500, 31 kr.; Marseilles, 2,500, 67s. Wear to Bayonne, 1.600. 42s. fid. : Rouen. 1,800. 27s. 6d.; Nice. 1,900, 66s.: 1,900, 65s.; Pira?us, 5.400, 95s. Blyth to Havre, 1,000, 25s. fid.: Calais, 1,800, 27s. 6d. Glasgow to Genoa, Savona, Spezzia, or Leghorn, 65s.; Bordeaux, 37s. Burry port to Belfast, 300, 13s. fid. Hull to Rouen, 1.200, 27s. 6d. Partnership Dissolved.—The London Gazette announces dissolution of the partnership of J. AV. Crosthwaite, G. D. Crosthwaite, J. AV. Bradley, and J. Clark, trading as the Leeds Tool and Manufacturing Company, small tool makers, 105, York-street, Leeds.