566

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

September 22, 1916.

ment in the quality of the coal, .and that the taking of the
ballot has therefore been postponed.

The Easington Miners' Lodge has passed a resolution
stating that “ in our opinion the minimum rate of wages
arranged by our agents and executive with the Coal Owners’
Association at 7s. 5jd. per day is not in accordance with
present conditions and, in view of the depreciated value of
the sovereign, is not commensurate to the needs of our
times.”

It should presently dawn upon those who desire to obtain
money for which they have not worked that the practice of
changing tokens, at all events, is not one of the get-rich-
quickly methods. The Northumberland magistrates at New-
castle, on Wednesday, penalised three men, working at the
Blucher pit, to the total extent of £15, for having endeavoured
to obtain 2s. IJd. by false pretences from the Throckley Coal
Company, by means of token-changing. On the same day the
Whitley Bay magistrates fined a putter 35s. for having
attempted to obtain by a similar trick 2^d. from the Seaton
Delaval Coal Company. Thus, for endeavouring to steal
2s. 3|d., these four men were fined .£16 15s., or about 145
times the amount of the money coveted !

Federated Area.

Speaking in the Co-operative Hall, Downing-street, Man-
chester, Mr. Walsh, M.P., put in a good word for Federated
coal owners. Mr. Walsh asserted that it was not always the
man in the fur coat who was the exploiter in the matter of
coal prices. So far as he knew, there was no intention on
the part of employers in the English Conciliation Board area
to apply for an increase of prices beyond the 4s. granted
under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act. If there were, he
might say, to put it mildly, there would be considerable oppo-
sition. It was very easy to blame the Government, but in
the whole of the English Conciliation Board area the actual,
selling price of coal at the pithead had only increased since
the beginning of this year by less than 6d. a ton. The
average in January last was 13s. 5d. per ton at the pithead,
and in May 13s. lid. This represented the previous price
of 9s. 4d., plus the 4s. allowed by the Price of Coal (Limi-
tation) Act, and 7d. which was accounted for by coal going
from the area for export. He asked them to compare these
prices with what the householder paid for coal delivered to
his door.

A correspondent says drastic steps are being taken by the
Lancashire and Cheshire Coal Owners’ Association and the
Lancashire and Cheshire Miners’ Federation with a view to
curtailing, as far as possible, absenteeism in the pits.
Registers are being kept by both employers and the men’s
union officials of absentees, and in cases where no valid excuse
is forthcoming for absence from work, penalties are inflicted.
It is stated by the men’s representatives that the greatest
amount of absenteeism is on the part of those who have gone
into the pits apparently to avoid military service. Many
seem to think that three days per week are sufficient.

A joint conference of representatives of the Engineering
Employers’ Federation and the Amalgamated Society of
Engineers was held in Manchester last Friday, to consider
the men’s claim for an advance of 9s. per week. A long dis-
cussion took place, but no settlement was arrived at, and the
question will be referred to the central conference.

Scotland.

The Scottish oil shale miners have been granted an increase
of 6d. per day in accordance with the award to the coal
miners. Surface workers will receive 4d. increase. At the
instance of the Chief Inspector of Mines, the firm of
McCracken and Company, Airdrie, agreed to withdraw the
dirt deduction scale which led to a strike at the colliery, but
the new terms insisted upon have been rejected by the men.
The strike is still going on.

Iron, Steel and Engineering Trades.

Employers and employed in the engineering industry met
in Manchester to consider an application for an advance of
wages of 9s. a week. No settlement was reached, and the
subject was adjourned to a conference to be held at York
on October 14.

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.

REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Armstrong (Sir W. G.), Whitworth and Company Limited.
—Interim dividend for the half-year ended June 30 last at
the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, free of income-tax, on
the ordinary shares of the company; 4 per cent, per annum
on the first preference shares, and 5 per cent, per annum on
the second preference shares, both less income-tax.

Arrol (Sir William) and Company Limited.—The directors
have declared dividends of 2J per cent, on 4£ per cent, cumu-
lative preference shares, and 2J per cent, on cumulative
“ B ” preference shares, less tax.

British Insulated and Helsby Cables Limited. — Interim
dividend of 5 per cent., less tax, for half-year ended June 30
last.

Brown (John) and Company Limited.—The report states
that the profit on the year’s operations is £553,072. The
directors recommend final dividends of 2s. on the fully-paid
and Is. on the partly-paid shares, making 12| per cent, for
the year, less tax; £150,000 is placed to reserve for contin-
gencies, and £147,795 carried forward.

Curtis’s and Harvey Limited.—The directors announce an
interim dividend of 5 per cent., less tax, on account of the
current year.

Davis (D.) and Sons Limited.—In pursuance of a special
resolution passed in general meeting, the £1 fully-paid ordi-
nary shares of this company will be sub-divided on
September 29 into four shares of 5s. each. On and after the
said date all transactions in the company’s ordinary shares
must be carried through on the new basis. Certificates for
ordinary shares of 5s. each will be exchangeable on and after
November 2 for old certificates of £1 each.

Dominion Iron and Steel Company Limited.—Dividend of
7 per cent. (7 dols. per share), less tax, on preferred, payable
October 2; 3J per cent, of this payment represents accumu-
lated dividends.

Hardy Patent Pick Company Limited.—The directors state
that owing to the time required for preparing the accounts
and statements necessary to comply with the provisions of
the Finance Acts, and the uncertainty of the demands that
may be made upon the company thereunder, it is not possible
for them to present the balance-sheet for the year ended
June 30 to the annual meeting. They are, however, satisfied
that sufficient profit has been made to justify them in pro-
posing a dividend of 5 per cent, on the ordinary shares for

the year, placing to depreciation of plant, etc., £5,000, to
depreciation of tools and patterns £1,000, and to deprecia-
tion of office furniture £526.

Kinnell Cannel and Coking Coal Company Limited.—The
directors have declared a final dividend of 7 J per cent., free
of tax, making 10 per cent, for the year.

MacLellan (P. and W.) Limited. — The directors have
declared dividends of 8s. per share on the ordinary and pre-
ference shares, less tax.

Metropolitan Coal Company of Sydney.—The report for the
year states that, after payment of debenture interest and
other charges, and deducting £3,000 for depreciation of
buildings and plant, a profit of £3,867 was shown, to which
was added the £21,574 brought forward, making £25,441; a
dividend of 8 per cent, was paid on the first preference shares
and 5 per cent, on the 10 per cent, second preference shares,
leaving a balance of £18,199, which it is proposed to carry
forward.

Partington Steel and Iron Company Limited.—For year to
June 30 a dividend of 10 per cent, is recommended, the same
as for the previous year.

Pearson and Knowles Limited.—The report states that, as
a consequence of several complicated adjustments of accounts,
the directors have decided to defer the publication of the
annual balance-sheet until such time as all matters are
settled. The accounts show a balance of profit for the year,
after making all necessary provisions, sufficient to warrant a
distribution of a dividend upon the ordinary shares of 6J per
cent., less tax, for the half-year, and, in addition, a bonus
of 5s. per share, free of tax, making a total distribution for
the year of £99,240. Business in all departments has been
carried on under exceptional difficulties.

Sheepbridge Coal and Iron Company Limited.—The report
for the year ended June 30 last states that the net profit
amounts to £205,891, and adding the balance brought for-
ward from last year of £44,069, there is a total of £249,960.
The directors recommend a final dividend of 10 per cent.,
making 15 per cent, for the year, free of tax, payable
October 2, on both classes of ordinary shares, placing to
development of new properties £70,000, and leaving to be
carried forward £42,633.

Staveley Coal and Iron Company Limited.—The report for
the 12 months shows a profit on the year’s working at Staveley
and elsewhere, after depreciation, of £329,422, while £12,329
was brought forward. The directors recommend a final divi-
dend of 2s. 6d. per share on the fully-paid shares, and
Is. 10-|d. per share on the partly-paid shares, making 20 per
cent., free of tax, for the year, and the appropriation of
£50,000 to reserve, carrying forward £5,018.

NEW COMPANIES.

Manchester Coal Tar Products Company Limited.—
Private company. Registered September 14. To carry on
business of dye makers, distillers, chemists, importers and
manufacturers of coal tar, dyes, paints, etc. Nominal
capital, £76,000 in 76,000 £1 shares. Directors : The Right
Hon. the Earl of Kintore, C. H. Burr, A. Oddenino, and
Dr. O. Siberrad. Qualification, £100.

Spittai Colliery Limited. — Private company. Registered
office, 49J, Grainger-street, Newcastle. Registered Sept. 12.
To acquire Spittal Colliery, and any other mines and mining
rights. Nominal capital, £1,000 in 1,000 £1 shares.
Directors and subscribers (one share each) : B. Morris and
Annie Morris. Qualification of directors, £500.

Wilby (James) (Dewsbury) Limited.—Private company.
Registered September 14. To carry on business of coal
dealers, factors and merchants, and colliery agents in all
branches. Nominal capital, £5,000 in 5,000 £1 shares.
Directors and subscribers (one share each) : W. J. Wilby
and J. H. Turner. Qualification, £300.

Wilby (James) (Halifax) Limited.—Private company.
Registered September 14. To carry on business of coal
dealers, factor and merchants, and colliery agents in all
branches. . Nominal capital, £5,000 in 5,000 £1 shares.
Directors and subscribers (one share each) : W. J. Wilby
and J. H. Turner. Qualification, £300.

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.

Marylebone, September 29.—The council of the Metro-
politan borough of St. Marylebone invite tenders for coal and
best gas coke for three and six months, commencing
October 1. Forms may be obtained at the Town Hall,
Marylebone-lane. Tenders must be delivered to the town
clerk not later than 4 p.m., September 29. The council will
not be bound to accept the lowest or any tender.

Abstracts of Contracts Open.

Abergavenny, September 25.—Coal for Monmouthshire
Asylum, Abergavenny. Forms from the clerk.

Abergavenny, September 29.—Coal for the Guardians.
Forms from the clerk, Poor Law Offices.

Barnstaple, September 25.—Coal for the North Devon
Infirmary. Forms from the Infirmary.

Barnstaple, September 27. — Coal for the Guardians.
Forms from the master, Workhouse.

Barry, September 25.—500 tons best house coal and 150
tons nuts for the Urban District Council. Forms from the
clerk, Council Offices.

Belper, October 12.—Coal for the Isolation Hospital.
Forms from J. Pym, clerk, Bridge-street, Belper.

Boroughbridge, September 27.—Coal for Great Ouseburn
Guardians. Forms from H. S. Thompson, clerk, Borough-
bridge.

Bournemouth, September 25.—Coal and coke for the
Corporation (six months). Forms from the borough sur-
veyor.

Brampton, September 26.—Coal for the Guardians. Forms
from the master, Workhouse.

Bulcamp, September 29.—Coal for the Guardians. Forms
from the Union Offices, Bulcamp, Halesworth.

Burslem.—Coal for the Guardians. Forms from the
Poor Law Offices.

Burslem, September 30.—Cockshead coal and gas coke
for schools. Particulars from E. Alcock, solicitor, Burslem.

Burton-on-Trent, October 2.—Coal for the Guardians.
Forms from the Union Offices.

Bury St. Edmunds, September 25.—Coal for the Guar-
dians. Forms from the master, Workhouse.

Chester, September 28.—Coal for the Guardians. Forms
from H. G. Bailey, Westminster-buildings, Newgate-
street, Chester.

Chester, September 29.—Coal for homes, etc. Forms
from Chester Union Offices, 161, Foregate-street

Clapham, September 27.—Coal for the South London
Hospital for Women, 103, South Side. Forms from the
secretary.

Croydon, September 25.—Coal and coke for the Guar-
dians. Forms from the Union Offices, Mayday-road, Thorn-
ton Heath.

Dumbarton, September 27.—Coal and coke for the Dum-
barton (Burgh) School Board. Particulars from A. Roberts,
clerk.

Hertford, September 27.—Coal for the Hertford County
Hospital. Forms from the hospital.

Hexham, September 25.—Coal for the Guardians. Forms
from J. H. Nicholson, Midland Bank-chambers, Hexham.

Hollingbourne (Kent), September 28.—Coal and coke,
for the Guardians. Forms from the master, Workhouse.

Hull, September 25.—Coal for the Victoria Hospital.
Forms from the secretary.

Langho, September 25.—Coal, coke, and slack (for six
months) for the Lancashire Inebriates’ Reformatory,
Langho. Particulars from the clerk to the board, Preston.

Leicester, September 26.—Coal and coke for the Joint
Hospital Committee. Forms from.B. A. Shires, 1, Friar-
lane, Leicester.

Newtown (Montgomery), September 27.—Coal for the
Guardians. Forms from C. T. M. Taylor, clerk.

Newtown (Montgomery), September 30.—Coal for
County Education Committee. Forms from the offices.

Maldon, September 27.—Coal for the Maldon Joint Hos-
pital Board. Forms from F. H. Bright, clerk, Maldon.

Oakham, September 25.—Coal for the Guardians. Forms
from W. Batts, clerk.

Pembroke, September 25.—Coal for Guardians. Forms
from A. G. O. Mathias, Main-street, Pembroke.

Powick, September 28.—Coal for Worcester County
Asylum, Powick. Forms from the storekeeper.

Purley, September 28.—Coal and coke (12 months) for
Urban District Council. Forms from the clerk, Council
Offices.

Plymouth, September 25.—Coal for the Asylum Visiting
Committee. Forms from C. Lintern, clerk, Blackadon,
Ivybridge.

Prescot, September 25.—Coal for the Guardians. Forms
from the Union Offices.

Rosslynlee, September 25.—Coal for Midlothian District
Asylum. Forms from the clerk, 19, Heriot-row, Edinburgh.

Sedgley (near Dudley), September 25.—Supply during
12 months of thick coal and coke for schools. Particulars
from T. J. Howitt, Council Schools, clerk, Sedgley, near
Dudley.

Solihull, September 25.—Coal and coke for Guardians.
Forms from the Union Office.

Storrington, October 3.—Coal for the Guardians. Forms
from the Union Offices, Storrington, Sussex.

Strood, September 26.—Coal for the Guardians. Forms
from the clerk, Workhouse.

Talgarth, September 25.—Coal for Brecon Asylum.
Forms from A. J. Astbury, clerk to the Visiting Committee.

Thrapston, September 25.—Coal and coke for Guardians.
Forms from G. Hunnybun, clerk.

Walsall, October 5.—Deep and shallow nuts and coke
for the three schools for year. Particulars from A. H. Lewis,
29, Leicester-street, Walsall.

Wandsworth, September 25.—Coal for the Guardians.
Forms from the Union Offices, St. John’s-hill, Wands-
worth.

West Malling, September 27.—Coal for the Guardians.
Forms from the Union Offices.

Wigan, September 25.—Coal and slack for Guardians.
Forms from the master, Poor Law Institution, Wigan.

Winterton (Ferryhill), September 25.—Coal for Dur-
ham County Asylum. Forms from the steward.

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

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

Buenos Ayres, October 13.—Pipes.—27,807 metric tons
of light pipes and 32,164 metric tons heavy pipes of cast
iron. Copies of specifications may be seen at the Commercial
Intelligence Branch of Board of Trade, 73, Basdnghall-
street, E.C.

Dublin, September 25.—Switches, etc.—Switches, chairs
etc., for the Great Northern Bailway. Particulars from the
secretary, Amiens-street Terminus, Dublin.

Manchester, September 27.—Bolts, Nuts, etc. — Bolts,
nuts, and rivets for Cleansing Committee. Particulars from
superintendent, Cleansing Department, Town Hall.

Manchester, September 28.—Stores— Bolts, nuts, iron
castings, steel, springs, tubes, oils, pitch, etc., for the Lan-
cashire and Yorkshire Bailway. Forms from Mr. Waring,
Stores Department, Osborne-street, Manchester.

St. Austell, September 28.—Pipes, etc.—For about
1,760yds. of 5 in. or 6 in. cast iron pipes, spigot and faucet
joints, 9 ft. lengths, for the St. Austell Bural District
Council. Particulars from the clerk.

Hull Coal Exports.—The official return of the exports of
coal from Hull to foreign countries for the week ended Sep-
tember 12 is as follows : Gothenburg, 353 tons; Gefle, 2,136;
Guernsey, 702; Honfleur, 308; Harlingen, 549; Botterdam’
789; Bouen, 4,070; Savona. 629; Treport. 795; total, 10,331
tons. Corresponding period September 1915 : total, 43,238
tons; corresponding period September 1914: total, 52.904
tons. These figures do not include bunker coal, shipments for
the British Admiralty, nor the Allies’ Governments.