September 15, 1916.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

515

Notes from the Coal Fields.

[Local Correspondence.]

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

Absenteeism : Action Foreshadowed,—A Colliery Purchase—
Higher Assessment of Hill's Plymouth—Echo of Strike
—Litigation—Miners Resent income-tax — Important
Electrical Installation by Powell Duffryn Company.

A third report has been completed, and will shortly be
issued by the Departmental Committee on Coal Mining
Organisation. There is good reason to believe that the com-
mittee will make certain recommendations for dealing with
absenteeism, especially in the South Wales district. Some
improvement has been effected by the local committees of
employers and workmen, but there still remains a very
serious amount of absenteeism, with which, apparently, both
tne coal owners and the trade union leaders are powerless to
deal. The Government is certainly not getting as much coal
as it wants, and may be forced to take special measures to
secure the necessary supply. It has been reported for some
days in Cardiff that a suspension of the Eight Hours Act is
in contemplation. There is no confirmation of this state-
ment from official quarters, but it is recognised that the
present ratio of absenteeism is far too high, and must some-
how be reduced.

Messrs. Baldwins Limited have acquired the valuable
Cribbwr Eawr Colliery, situated between Pyle and Port
Talbot, in which latter town the firm has important and
rapidly developing steel interests. The colliery, which has
only been working for a few years, is in a virgin area, has
already a substantial output, and has steadily increased in
value. It is believed that the latest purchase is only the
prelude to further extensive colliery developments by Messrs.
Baldwins, having regard to the steelworks extensions now
being made or contemplated.

The Merthyr Assessment Committee have decided the ques-
tion of Hill’s Plymouth collieries, and it is understood that
the future rate will be 5d. per long ton of large coal, as
against 4jd., and 3d. per long ton of small as against 2d.
Tnis new assessment has the effect of raising the assessable
value of the borough by nearly £2,000.

The Standing Joint Committee of Glamorganshire had
before it on Monday a report by the police litigation sub-com-
mittee, which dealt with matters arising out of the action
between that committee with the County Council versus the
Cambrian and the Powell Duffryn companies. It will be
remembered that the Standing Joint Committee repudiated
liability in respect of expenses for importing police during
the time of strike, and one great point in issue was whether
the chief constable was authorised to commit the Joint Com-
mittee and the County Council in respect of these expenses.
Legal opinion has since been taken on the question of the
duties and position of the Standing Joint Committee as
affected by the judgment, and it was reported that Mr. Duke
and Mr. Willoughby Williams had given such an opinion as
enabled the committee to conclude that the position of the
justices, as custodians of the peace, remained unaffected by
the judgments. It was recommended that the Standing Joint
Committee should take steps to provide means of -assisting
the police force in the county in special emergencies, such as
that of the strike, by making agreements with other forces
enabling it to bring in such a number of outside police as may
be decided upon.

With regard to the tip slide at Pentre, a deputation of
local tradesmen waited upon the Rhondda council to ask
whether some preventive measures could not be taken. The
council’s engineer reported that the tip was then fairly
stationary, and he did not expect that it would advance during
dry weather, but there was every possibility that during the
winter months, owing to heavy rain, it might reach, and
perhaps cover, the highway. He suggested that steps should
be taken to drain the surface of the tip, and also the hill
higher up the mountain side. The council decided to com-
municate with the colliery proprietors and the land owners,
urging that they would take steps to obviate further damage.

The house coal arrangements for the coming winter are
directed in South Wales and Monmouthshire by a district
committee which was appointed by the Board of Trade, and
Mr. F. A. Gibson, who is secretary, has announced a decision
that all colliery companies in the district will be instructed
to supply the same merchants with the same quantity of
house coal each month from September to December, inclu-
sive, as was supplied in the corresponding months of last
year. This, of course, is regarded as most desirable, because
it enables each colliery company to know what quantity they
will have to supply monthly and the persons to whom the
supplies are to be made; whilst the retail merchants will
know which companies they have to apply to, and what
quantities they may expect to have delivered. The Board of
Trade has approved of this scheme.

The miners of the western valleys of Monmouthshire were
represented by delegates in a conference at Crumlin on Mon-
day, where the question of income-tax upon wages was con-
sidered. A resolution was submitted protesting against the
imposition of such a tax, and calling upon the Federation
executive to convene a conference on the subject. It was
reported that the Durham miners were taking strong action,
and in the course of the speeches made it was alleged that the
wage-earners, as1 a class, were already overtaxed, it being
further asserted that at an early date the tax would be
imposed on wages of 30s. per week. One speaker thought that
the best way to ensure the repeal of the tax would be the
making of its collection as difficult as possible. Other pro-
posals included a suggestion that there should be a wider
scheme of deductions, but in the end the resolution was
carried that the central executive should convene a confer-
ence of the whole coal field.

The Swansea Harbour Trustees met on Monday to receive
the annual financial statement, and in course of the proceed-
ings it was stated that there had been a gratifying increase
in coal and patent fuel exports during the month of August.
Arrangements have been made to form a transport workers’
battalion which will be utilised if any shortage of labour
occurred.

Certain new charges are now to be imposed upon vessels
in order to cover the cost in respect of expenses connected
with trimming disputes. These charges are quite trivial,
being only 2s. 6d. per vessel up to 1,000 tons, including
bunkers; 5s. per vessel over 1,000 tons; and 5s. per vessel for
bunkering only. The charges will be payable by exporters to
the local trimming board.

Three colliers were brought up at Ammanford police court
on Tuesday, having been arrested as absentees under the

Military Service Act, the allegation of the military represen-
tative being that the men had left their employment, and that
their card of exemption was therefore inoperative. They had
gone away rabbit-coursing, and one of them was said to
have won £100 at that meeting. It was contended as against
him that he had not been a collier since the previous week.—
In defence, the solicitor representing the colliers said that
the man had not left his occupation, it being necessary to
give 14 days^ notice terminating the engagement; that he
had worked on Thursday, and would have been at work on
Monday if he had not been arrested.—In response, the mili-
tary representative submitted that the man had left his
employment illegally, having been absent on Friday and
Saturday; but, in reply to this, the defendant’s solicitor con-
tended that this was a matter solely between the man and
his employer. Only one case was gone into, but the circum-
stances in all three were similar. Ultimately the Bench
referred to the fact that the man had a certificate of exemp-
tion, and that the proper course would be to make applica-
tion to the colliery tribunal for revocation of the certificate.
—They dismissed the case.

At the Elliot collieries of the Powell Duffryn Company, in
the Rhymney Valley, some important developments in the
mechanical provision have taken place. An old turbine has
been removed, and a new electric turbine has been installed
with four times the capacity of the old one. It will be worked
in conjunction with the Bargoed and Aberdare district, and
will have a generating power of 3,000 volts. The cost of the
new plant is said to have exceeded .£30,000; and local opinion
is that extensions are designed by new sinkings at Deri,
north of Bargoed.

The ship owners of the Bristol Channel met at Cardiff on
Tuesday, and received from the chairman of their associa-
tion (Mr. Sander-son) a report of the executive meeting of
the Chamber of Shipping in London, where the subject of
limiting freight rates to the Mediterranean was under con-
sideration. It is stated that the new rates proposed for the
South of France, Algeria, and Italy are on a basis of 60s. for
Marseilles, instead of 62s. 6d. ; and 62s. 6d. for Genoa, as
against 65s.; with 50s. for Algeria, as against 65s.; other
ports being in proportion. At present no arrangements have
been made with regard to Spain and Portugal or to the
eastern Mediterranean ports. It is stated that, with current
rates to these ports being below what would be proportionate
to the fixtures stated, ship owners will have the -advantage
of cheaper bunkers by any reduction in the rates that rule for
the British coaling depots. It was decided -also in the meet-
ing that the war bonus of Barry dock pilots should be
increased from 12| per cent, to 25 per cent., and that the
licensed boatmen in that dock should have a war bonus of
25 per cent.

A miner was summoned at Pontardawe for failing, at
Tirbach Colliery, to cover up a cable from the fuse, also fail-
ing to see that everyone in the vicinity had taken cover. As
a result of neglect, a man was injured. Defendant was the
man properly appointed as shot-firer. In consideration of
previous good character, a fine of only 20s. for each offence
was imposed.

Mr. Leonard Llewellyn, formerly general manager of the
Cambrian Combine, has become a deputy director-general of
munitions supply.

Northumberland and Durham.

Donation to Aged Miners' Homes—Blyth Exports and
Imports—A Smoke-lessening Invention—The Ashington
Explosion.

The Consett Iron Company Limited has given 100 gs.
as a donation towards the Ebchester group of aged mine
workers’ homes.

The report of the Blyth Harbour Commissioners for
August shows that, during the month, 303,540 tons of coal
and coke were exported and 1,150 loads of mining timber
imported.

With reference to complaints made concerning the
emission of smoke from Langley Park by-products plant, the
Consett Iron Company Limited has pointed out to the Lan-
chester Rural District Council that a certain amount of
smoke is inevitable in connection with such an installation.
The company has invented a new form of ascension pipe that
can be more easily cleaned from carbon deposits, and hopes
that its complete use will lessen the quantity of smoke
poured into the atmosphere, and, in facL reduce it to a
minimum.

Corpl. Hugh Liddell, of the Royal Engineers, who
worked as a miner at Benwell Colliery until he joined the
Colours in September two years ago, has been awarded the
D.C.M. for bravery in rescuing a “ gassed ” comrade. The
young soldier has been the recipient of presentations.

An inquest was held this week relative to the explosion
which killed 13 miners in the Woodhorn Colliery, Ashington,
on August 13.—Mr. J. J. Hall, acting-manager, said the seam
where the accident occurred was practically free from gas,
and a naked light seam. On the day of the explosion the
workmen had safety lamps. Another seam in which safety
lamps were used had a good supply of fresh air. This was
maintained at the working place, although, owing to steam
slackness, the revolutions of the ventilating fan were reduced
from 150 to 100 per minute. The slackness was due to the
shortage of firemen, several men having failed to turn out.—
In answer to the coroner, witness said that this might have
had something to do with the accident.—In reply to Mr.
Smillie, representing the Miners’ Federation, he stated that
it might be taken for granted that gas had been set afire by
a naked light of some kind. No regular search was made
among the men for matches before the explosion, but that
was being done now.—One of the firemen admitted that he
was absent through intoxication and exhaustion. Two others
said they were i'll, and a fourth declared that he overslept
himself.

Lord Joicey, who is one of the trustees of the Durham
Aged Mine Workers’ Homes Association, has forwarded a
cheque for £100, as from the Lambton and Hetton Collieries
Limited, and another cheque for the same amount, as a
donation from himself, to the funds of the association.

The Tyne Coal Exports Committee draws attention to the
fact that it is necessary for brokers to inform the committee
if a merchant to whom a boat has been allocated cannot
take it. A boat cannot be deviated without the consent of
the committee. Merchants should stipulate that boats are
chartered under the new terms of charter. It is also stated
that, in the case of Amble and Seaham, the freight of these
ports is 3d. per ton above the schedule rates for Tyne ports.
The maximum rate for steamers under 300 tons gross register
and for sailing ships is fixed at 3d. per ton above the schedule
rates for steamers over 1,000 tons. It is, moreover, now stipu-

lated that the charterer shall receive from the ship owner the
actual cost of war risk insurance, plus the usual 3 per cent.

Yorkshire.

Income-tax Question—Levies for War Funds—Sale of a
Colliery.

At the meeting of the council of the Yorkshire Miners’
Association (Mr. H. Smith presiding), it w-as reported that
354 more members had died on naval or military service. The
council considered the collection of income-.tax, arising out
of a letter from the Inland Revenue Office. The council felt
they had no right to interfere, and that collectors should
collect the tax from individuals in the ordinary way. Regard-
ing communications that had passed between the Minister
of Munitions and the Miners’ Office at Barnsley as to men
being sent- from the Army to work in certain ganister mines,
Mr. Smith said, from the reports they were getting, it
appeared that these men were not only required as workmen,
but to be soldiers as well, all the time they were working.
An attempt was being made to locate them in one particular
mine, and permission was refused them to go where they
could better their position. The council had instructed their
officials to ask for an interview with Sir Richard Redmayne
and the Minister of Munitions, if necessary, with the object
of protecting these men from unfair treatment.

The workmen at the three Manvers Main mines and the
new colliery at Baraburgh have during the two years ending
August 29 raised £7,098 by voluntary levies for war funds.
Of this over £4,000 was spent in relief of the dependants of
those serving with the Forces, and an equal sum was paid
by the Manvers Main Colliery Company. The contributions
of the workmen to the Yorkshire miners’ ambulance convoy
was £1,289, out of a total capital expenditure of £35,000.
Most of the other collieries in the district are steadily raising
funds for charitable purposes.

Arrangements have been completed for the sale of the
Wharncliffe Woodmoor Colliery. The interests of the late
owner have been acquired by Mr. J. Hewitt, Miss Fountain,
and Mr. D. J. Williams, all of Barnsley. The two first-
named are connected with Messrs. Fountain and Burnley
Limited, owners of the North Gawber and Woolley collieries,
arid Mr. Williams is of the firm of Messrs. Williams Brothers,
coal exporters, of Hull and other ports.

Lancashire and Cheshire.

Coal Owners and Critics—A Healthy Mining Township—
Ex-Collier as Mayor.

The Salford Electricity Committee has authorised a lease
to be entered into with Messrs. Andrew Knowles and Son
Limited for the tenancy of -a further area of 2,000 sq. yds. of
land at the Crescent Wharf, for coal storage purposes, for
a period of thre^ years, at an inclusive rent of 6d. per
square yard.

In the course of a discussion on a resolution expressing
alarm at the decision of the Board of Trade to allow the
South Wales coal owners to increase the maximum rate
under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, which took place
at the Salford Town Council meeting last week, Coun. P.
Hampson said they needed backbone in Salford, as well as
in London. The local gas committee were paying for coal
large sums of money more than they ought to pay, and
penalties should be imposed on the parties who were exploit-
ing them. A contractor offered the gas committee 2,000 tons
of coal in 1915, and attention was called to the fact that he
was charging more than the Act allowed him to charge, and
underpressure he came down to a fixed amount for this coal.
This year, however, he came forward with Is. 9d. per ton
higher than last year, and when asked why he charged this
price, and whether he would submit the price to the Board
of Trade, he replied that he would not do anything of the
kind, and if the gas committee did not accept the contract he
would withdraw it. The only thing to do with such men
was to take them to the police court or to the Board of
Trade. Coun. Rothwell said if Coun. Hampson’s policy had
been adopted by the gas committee the works would have
been closed in the middle of winter -and the town have been
in darkness. One lawyer interpreted the Act in one sense
and another lawyer in quite a different way. He believed
the gas committee had made the best bargain they could
with the coal owners, wdio could not be compelled to sell
their coal. The resolution was adopted after further dis-
cussion.

The coal mining township of Little Hulton, in south-east
Lancashire, according to the medical officer of health (Dr.
Marsh), is one of the healthiest places in Lancashire.
During the past month there were only three deaths, being
equal to an annual death rate of 4-41 per 1,000.

Coun. E. Russell, who has been invited by the Haslingden
Town Council to serve as mayor for a second year, began his
working life as a drawer in a Baxenden colliery.

Notts and Derbyshire.

Described as a shirker wdio -sheltered himself under an
Army rejection certificate, a Goldthorpe miner named Wm.
Hines, was ordered by the West Riding magistrates at- Don-
caster on Tuesday, to pay £11 damages to the Hickleton
Main Colliery Company for absenting himself. From
July 26 to September 1 he was absent 22 days; he had been
fined by the Absentee Board, but refused to allow the deduc-
tion from his wages, and his conduct was setting a bad
example. An order for the payment at IQs. per week was
made.

Before the Ripley Bench on Monday, three miners at the
Upper Hartshay Colliery were summoned by the Butterley
Company for absenteeism. One of the men said he had
asked to be taken off night work because he had four little
children to look after, as their father was a soldier and their
mother dead. The under-manager said no request had been
made to him. The company’s representative said the men's
names had been submitted to the colliery tribunal, without
effect. At 2s. a day damages, one man had to pay £2 5s., a
second £2 4s., and the third £1 17s.

No direct evidence as to the cause of death could be given
at the inquest on Saturday on the body of a pony driver
named Walker, who was found in the workings of Plea-sley
Colliery last week. The body was lying in the road under
the first of two loaded tubs of which he was in charge, one
of the wheels of the tub being on his chest.—“ Accidental
death ” was the verdict.