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THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

October 13, 1916.

Notes from the Coal Fields.

[Local Correspondence.]
South Wales and Monmouthshire.

Absentees and Exemption—Mr. Smillie's Declaration—Mr.
Hartshorn's Exhortation—Cardiff's Complaint Against
Swansea Committee—Serious Delays in French Ports—
Right to Supply of House Coal.

The question of absenteeism has broadened seriously, for
it is felt that if colliers, protected from military service
because of being in a certified occupation, will not work satis-
factorily, there should be re-consideration of their exemption.
This feeling is growing in the colliery districts, and accounts
for stricter lines the tribunals arc taking, and is intensified
by the exigencies of married men in the non-collier class who
are being drafted into the Army under the compulsory law.
Feeling is deepened when it is noticed that hundreds of young
colliers fill the streets of the colliery towns, crowd the cinemas
at night, are at liberty to work when they plea-se, and stand
idle as often as they choose. What action the authorities may
take in this question is as yet a matter of speculation-; but
that some action ought to be taken, and probably will be
taken, is not doubted—unless their is steadier application to
production.

Mr. Smill'ie, president of the Miners’ Federation of Great
Britain, who attended a meeting at Brynmawr on Monday,
made very pertinent reference to the absentees. He said that
men of military ago in a colliery, who were exempted from
military service, should work as steadily as possible. He was
quite aware that in some districts the output of coal could be
increased by 20 per cent, if there were regular attendance at
the colliery. Some men would stay away two, three, or even
four days a week, in some cases without reasonable causes;
and there wore some who absolutely refused to come to the
pit more than two or three days a week, and were not
amenable to the local committee. In appealing to his hearers
to work regularly, he said they must not only do this in
order to prevent the suspension of the Eight Flours Act, but
also to prevent reduction of the age at which lads could be
taken underground.

This reference to the suspension of the Eight Hours Act
shows that Mr. Smillie has been made aware of the feeling
to which reference is made; for it is upon this point of the
law-restricted hours of work, as well as the irregularity, that
local opinion concentrates. Two objects are in view : first,
that men liable to, but exempted from, military service in
order to maintain the output of coal, should be compelled to
work regularly; and, secondly, that in the national emer-
gency. the Eight Hours Act, which was passed under peace
conditions, in altogether cliff erent circumstances, should be
suspended from operation so long as hostilities continue.
Much more is likely to be heard of this question, for the feel-
ing is general, and there is evident determination that exist-
ing unsatisfactory conditions should not continue.

In defence of the men, Mr. George Barker, pne of the
Monmouthshire miners’ leaders, asserts that some of the
returns as to “ absentees ” are not justified, and he instances
a case where 85 men were sent back from the colliery at
6 a.m. because they were not down the pit when the hooter
sounded, although they were at the top considerably before
6 o’clock, but were unable to descend through lack of facilities.
Similar incidents have been alleged as to other places.

The tables drawn up by Mr. Finlay Gibson, secretary of
the Coal Owners’ Association, have demonstrated that there
is a very large amount of “ avoidable ” absenteeism; and the
conviction now prevails that the joint scheme arranged with
the workmen as to local committees iat the collieries—a scheme
suggested by the men’s representatives—has not proved
successful, notwithstanding appeals repeatedly made to the
men by their leaders. Reports from these joint committees
make it clear that they are not satisfactorily in operation in
so many as even half of the collieries, although more returns
are expected to come in. But these returns, so far as they
have been received, go to confirm the conviction that the
percentage of “ avoidable,” as distinct from the “ unavoid-
able,” is very high.

Among those who are urging the men to work better is
Mr. Hartshorn, who has just issued a powerful appeal
describing the coal output as a great factor in the prosecu-
tion of the war, and pointing out that every colliery worker
lias a great moral and national responsibility cast upon him
in regard to this. He states that the main pillar of the
Allies’ cause is the coal industry of this country, “ because it
is the real foundation of all the other industries which are
necessary for the production of the enormous stores of war
material which we must have.” He shows that, as the
military authorities are gradually returning to the mines men
who have gone into the fighting forces, but can render
greater national service in maintaining the coal output* the
men who are in the mines should see in this fact how urgent
is the demand. Although the deficit of 30,000,000 tons in
the year ended July 1915 was reduced in the year ended
July 1916, this improvement is not nearly sufficient, for the
need for coal is much greater than it was in peace time.
He states that a great deal more can be done by reducing
absenteeism, for the output can be improved to the extent of
13,000,000 to 14,000,000 tons per annum if the “ avoidable ”
absenteeism were extinguished. He regards 'the returns from
some districts as not satisfactory; calls upon the men to
view the question from the standpoint of national welfare;
and takes the point <so generally commented upon, namely—
that the colliery workers occupy a position of privilege which
no other class of workers possess. Munition employees are
subject to disciplinary courts, which exact regular attendance
at work; but no such methods have been applied to miners,
their labour being still voluntary. The Government have
trusted entirely to their honour and patriotism, and “ in the
matter of regularity of work their honour has been pledged
and is at stake.” Moreover, he urges that the colliery workers
have an obligation towards the other industrial classes of
the country, and that therefore they should not neglect their
duties or shirk their share of the sustained effort which the
country must make.

The joint sub-committee of the Conciliation Board has dealt
again with the question of absentees, and has considered
returns supplied from the different pits where joint committees
have existed. As a result of discussion upon this, a resolu-
tion was unanimously passed strongly urging the great
importance and necessity of every effort to reduce absen-
teeism and ensure the largest possible output.

The Swansea Coal Committee repudiated the allegation
of exercising discrimination against Cardiff shippers. On
the contrary, they recognise that in regard to supply of coal
to France, the general procedure should be to conduct business
as far as possible on the lines which prevailed before tire

war commenced. There is, however, a suspicion in Swansea
that authorisations which have been issued have had a
tendency to divert trade that previously was in the hands of
Swansea men; and, naturally, enquiries have been made into
the circumstances of such cases when licences have been
applied for. This is held in Swansea to be the basis of the
complaints which have arisen; that is to say, enquiry only,
and not actual refusal of licences.

The Cardiff and Swansea committees had a joint meeting
on Tuesday, and made strict enquiry into the allegations at
the last meeting of Cardiff Chamber of Commerce as to unfair
treatment by the Swansea committee of Cardiff exporters.
Mr. T. E. Watson, chairman of the Cardiff Chamber, pre-
sided; and, after all the facts had been gone into, it was
decided that the Swansea committee had been justified in the
action they had taken.

There is evidently further development to take place in the
regulation of the coal trade, and much speculation is current
as to the shape in which it will appear. The latest Order in
Council, issued last week, empowers the War Departments,
through the Board of Trade, to establish priority in the execu-
tion of orders for the supply of coal—the idea being to “ secure
precedence for orders or contracts in accordance with their
national importance.” Precisely what this means need not be
discussed.

The shortage of tonnage which has had so serious an effect
upon freight rates is largely due to delays at the French ports;
and, seeing that rates have been advanced by 20 to 25 per
cent, in some cases, this congestion is a very serious matter.
Whereas in the early part of last month Genoa rates were
down to 60s., they have risen to 75s. since then; and other
ports show even greater increase. The position in the freight
market created by these delays has also raised the question,
in a critical form, of the payment of demurrage—merchants
having to risk paying demurrage both on this side and at the
port of discharge.

It was notified by the Cardiff local committee on Tuesday,
with respect to cargoes of coal for France, that the delays
at the French ports are as follow : Boulogne and Rouen, five
days ; Treport, six ; St. Nazaire and La Pallice, four ; Marans,
three; Bordeaux Basin, 10; and Bordeaux (Quegries), 16.

The question of limitation of freight rates to Italy has
again been under discussion, representatives of the coal owners
meeting with the President of the Board of Trade, and point-
ing out to him that they have made considerable sacrifices
in supplying Italy at 30s. per ton f.o.b. large, and 20s. small,
these prices being 33 to 50 per cent, below the market rates ;
and they sought to have the rates of freight limited beyond
what the ship owners hitherto had offered. It is understood
that a satisfactory arrangement has been come to, and details
of the new scheme will be issued. Among the South Wales
representatives of the coal trade who conferred with the
President on the subject were Mr. T. E. Watson (president of
the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce), Mr. Cleeves (Swansea),
Mr. Sails, Mr. Mcwton (chairman of the Coal Owners’ Asso-
ciation), Mr. T. Deakin (Newport), and Mr. T. J. Callaghan.

During the colliers’ strike the Merthyr Board of Guardians
made allowances to families of men who were not working;
and 26 cases came, on Tuesday, before the Merthyr Court,
where the Guardians sought for recovery of money which had
been thus advanced on loan. The court gave order’ for pay-
ment forthwith in a number of cases, and in certain others
granted time or adjournment.

Mountain Ash Council had on Monday a reply from Messrs.
Nixon’s Colliery to their request for abatement of the dust
nuisance. The' letter characterised the Council’s request as
utterly unfair to the local collieries, and stated that everything
possible had been done in the matter. It was resolved that
the clerk should report upon the Council’s position in relation
to the matter, prior to calling a town’s meeting, one member
remarking that there was no reason tor eating coal dust at
home as well as at the colliery.

The executive council of the South Wales Federation has
decided that it cannot undertake to become a committee for
war savings purposes. With regard to the unemployment
section of the Insurance Act, the general secretary (Mr. T.
Richards, M.P.), has been instructed to investigate the posi-
tion of craftsmen.

At Neath County Court, a peculiar case under the Work-
men’s Compensation Act was heard, an award being sought
in respect of the death of a collier found dead in the airway
at Bryngroes Colliery, Ystradgynlais. On January 15 shots
were fired in order to clear an obstruction in the airway
between the main heading and the return, deceased being
one of three men employed in the work. One shot was fired
with only partial success, and afterwards the other two men
went to another part, and a further shot was fired. When
the men returned, they found deceased lying dead, face down-
wards ; and the medical evidence was that he was a strong
man, with a sound heart. It was stated that carbon monoxide
could have been generated by the explosion from the firing of
the first shot; and the submission to the court was that the
deceased, after hearing the explosion of the second shot, went
back to his work, was overcome by the poisonous gas, and
died. Judgment was given for the applicants for £'300, with
costs.

In Cardiff City Hall on Monday, the Lord Mayo<r unveiled
a portrait of Sir W. J. Thomas, one of the directors of the
Bedwas Colliery, and formerly of Ynyshir. The portrait
had been provided by public subscription, in recognition of
Sir William’s many benefactions to the city and district, chief
among them being his gifts, totalling £100,000, to the
Medical School.

A presentation was made at the Savoy Hotel, London, last
week to Mr. Leonard Llewellyn, formerly general manager of
the Cambrian Combine, but since the war associated with the
Ministry of Munitions. Lord Rhondda presided, and there
were present the directors of the Cambrian, Glamorgan, Naval
and Britannic collieries in the Combine. The presentation
was a handsome service of plate given by the directors in
recognition of work as general manager, and it was made
by Lord Rhondda in very eulogistic terms.

A colliery repairer brought an action at the Neath County
Court against the Abercrave Colliery, seeking to recover £5
damages for wrongful dismissal, he contending that he was
entitled to 14 days’ notice. The defence was that he had
been irregular at work, but medical evidence was tendered
showing that this had been due to ill-health. Judgment was
given for the plaintiff, but only £2 damages were awarded. '

An estimate of the probable quantity of coal shipments from
Swansea to France during the remainder of this year puts the
total at a million and a quarter tons. Licences already issued
represent a total of considerably over a million tons.

The question of the supply to colliers of their monthlv load
of coal was the point at issue in a case before the Abera von
County Bench at Fort Talbot on Monday. The Ocean Coal

Company Limited charged 15 colliers with absenting them-
selves from work for a day from the Avon pit, and asked for
8s. each damages. A collier, named Jerriman, asked to be
supplied with a load of coal, but he was refused on the ground
that the load was not due, as he had with him in the house
his son-in-law, who was in apartments, and worked in
another colliery. The custom, said the solicitor for the com-
pany, had been, where there was a collier who had another
collier in apartments, to give each the load of coal every
alternate month. The men, at a pithead meeting, decided to
stop the pit, and were out one day. Mr. James Jones, the
manager, and Mr. Edward Edwards, general manager and
agent of the collieries, gave evidence, and correspondence with
Mr. Hartshorn, the miners’ agent, was produced. It
appeared that the matter had been in dispute for several
months. For the defence, it was contended that every tenant
should have his coal every month, and the management had
their remedy by seeing that the “ apartments man ” got no
coal at all. The Bench considered there had been a misunder-
standing, and gave judgment for the complainants, but
reduced the damages to 4s. each.

A miner was fined 26s. at Merthyr on Monday for removing
two danger signals ; and it was stated by the colliery manager
that if a light had been taken beyond the spot where one
signal had been placed, they might have had an explosion
owing to the presence of gas.

Northumberland and Durham.

Aged Miners' Homes.—Fall of Stone—Coal Tender Criticised
—Air Compressor at Woodhorn—Fatality Through
Fractured Chain.

At the half-yearly meeting of those interested in the Durham
County Aged Mine Workers’ Homes Association, held at
Durham on Saturday, Mr. J. J. Brest, treasurer, reported
that they had reduced the overdraft from £4,438 at the
beginning of the year to £3,490. Contributions from the
miners’ lodges for the past nine months had amounted to
£2,635, as against £5,221 for the whole of 1915, and those
from the enginemen, etc., and from district schemes
amounted to £71 and £312 respectively, making a total of
£3,019, as against £6,930 for the whole of last year. Private
contributions included £514 from colliery owners, and £315
from other subscribers, as against £2,362 last year—a sum
which, however, included £2,000 from the Harton Coal Com-
pany Limited, for the Boldorn and Harton scheme. The
*‘ Rose Day ” receipts amounted to £1,020 gross, an increase
of £385 on the previous year, and nearly three times as
much as in 1914. He saw no reason why they should not
seek to get £2,000 next year. Other receipts included £368
from rents of property, £42 interest on investments, and £212
from sundry collections. The expenditure included £919 on
buildings, £1,654 on coal leading, £517 on rents, rates, and
taxes, £126 on bank charges, and £405 cn salaries. One
means of increasing their income was that the miners should
advance their contributions to Id. per head per fortnight,
which would bring in about £13,000 per annum. He did not
notice any contribution from the royalty owners. These took
the first and the last bite from the colliery, and did not
contribute to the war-worn veterans.

A fall of stone, whereby Robt. Johnson, 16, a worker in
Hylton Colliery, was killed last week, was stated to have been
about 12 yds. in length, and to have weighed about 97 tons.
The casualty occurred whilst deceased and another youth were
training timber in. The other lad was caught by the legs
and back, and pinned down for 2£ hours, but escaped with
merely a bad bruising. The district was well timbered, and
the fall came without warning. A coroner's jury returned a
verdict of ‘‘Accidental death.”

When the Lord Mayor of Newcastle moved, at the October
meeting of the City Council, that the tender of Messrs. John
Scott and Sons, for the supply of coal for six months from
October 1, should be accepted, he explained that increases in
prices, ranging from Is. 6d. to 2s. per ton, as compared with
the prices for the previous six months, were due to the
increased cost of labour and haulage. Mr. William Locke, a
miner’s representative, expressed doubt on the point, and said
that the increases, if only for cartage and labour, were exces-
sive, and, although he admitted that the present time was not
opportune, he suggested that the time was not far distant
when they should consider the desirability of establishing a
municipal coal supply. Mr. John Chapman, who is check-
weighman for the Ben well miners, was also critical, and other
members of the Labour party manifested a certain amount of
hostility to the recommendation. The Lord Mayor pointed
out that Messrs. Scott were the only tenderers. They did
not press the Council to accept the tender, and. if it were
desired, the Council could reject the tender, and live from
hand to mouth, as it did before. The latter procedure, how-
ever, had proved rather expensive, and the Council adopted
the recommendation forthwith. At the same meeting, a con-
tract, tor the supply of gas coke to the Walker schools at
19s. 2d. per ton delivered, with the Wallsend Union Gas
Company, was adopted.

In his October circular to the Northumberland miners, Mr.
Wm. Straker deals with the Woodhorn disaster inquest, and
remarks :—“ The want of sufficient ventilation referred to in
the verdict was doubtless the result of the air compressor
having been stopped, which almost alone ventilated the two
main headings in this seam, which was being opened out.
Had this compressor not been stopped, the gas might never
have been seen, as probably only a small quantity was being
given off, and would have been carried away unnoticed had
the ventilation been maintained. As it was, the men went
in and commenced to work as usual with naked lights, with
the terrible result that not one in the seam at the rime was
left to tell the tale. The written reports required under the
Mines Act were never made out for these special shifts, when
deputies and others went in to do special work, such as setting
girders, as these men were doing, in what had to be a perma-
nent road. From what I have learned since, it seems to be
almost a general practice in the two northern counties not
to make written reports for such shifts.”

In the Third General Report of the Coal Mining Organisa-
tion Committee, reference is m<ade to the supply of pit timber.
Mr. Straker, in his circular to the Northumberland miners,
thus summarises and comments upon this portion of the
report :—“ The Report says that, in the early part of this
year, the price of pit timber was from 300 to 500 per cent,
greater than it.was before the war, and that, in view of this
situation, the Committee came to the conclusion that it was
advisable so to organise the home-grown timber industry, that
our mines might, to a large extent, be rendered independent of
imported timber. The Committee satisfied themselves that
there is plenty of wood in the country available to supply the
mines for probably three years. The main difficulty appears
to be that of getting the forest owners and timber merchants
together, so as to have these parties as a whole represented.”