December 1, 1916.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

1075

LABOUR AND WAGES.

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

There were a large number of disputes brought before the
Conciliation Board on Monday at Cardiff—minimum wage,
abnormal places, payments for special work, etc., being the
chief difficulties. In one instance, complaint was made as to
rejection of the check weigher as member of a workmen’s
deputation. The decision in each case was that it should be
referred to a joint committee of one member from each side
of the Board. More important was the protest entered by
the employers against the stoppages which had taken place
without notice, there having been several of these, all in
breach of contract.

Some demands made by the Swansea coal trimmers in
regard to working on Saturday have come before the Central
Board at Cardiff, and are said to have been entirely frivolous.
It is urgently necessary that the coal trimmers should adapt
themselves more readily to the needs of the vessels on
Saturdays, so as to release these, enabling them to get to
sea, and thus make a material addition to the tonnage
facilities.

North of England.

Northumberland miners’ lodges are voting this week on
the proposition of the Southport conference of the Miners’
Federation that local group committees should have power to
inflict fines for absenteeism. Votes are returnable to-morrow
(Saturday), so that they may be counted and the result
reported to a Federation conference in London on Dec. 6.
Durham miners are having a special delegate meeting
to-morrow to deal with the problem of absenteeism.

A council meeting of the Durham Miners’ Federation
received with regret a letter from the president (Aid. Wm.
House), intimating that, through illness, he was unable to
be present. Aid. House added that that was his first absence
during the many years of his presidency, and that he was
now rapidly on the way to recovery. A resolution of
sympathy with Mr. Jas. Bobson, executive committee
secretary, and his family in the death of his son at the front
was agreed to. On the motion of Shildon lodge, a resolu-
tion viewing with alarm the rising cost of food, and asking
the agents to organise protest meetings in the county, and to
take action through the Miners’ Federation, if necessary,
was carried. Bough Lea and Boddymoor moved that the
association officials should meet the owners with a view to
raising the county basis of wages, and this was agreed to.
On the motion of Marsden, it was decided that the Miners’
Federation be asked to establish printing works on the
co-operative principle, each district or union connected with
the Federation to capitalise the undertaking according to
membership, the profits to be shared by or losses to be
charged to the separate districts or unions, according to the
capital invested.

The adjourned half-yearly council meeting of the North-
umberland Miners’ Association made slow progress on
Saturday last, only two motions being disposed of. Linton’s
somewhat extraordinary proposal that the association should
send to the agenda of the annual conference of the Miners’
Federation a motion that, “ On any question of national
importance or on any proposal agreed to by a national con-
ference, the executive committee or a national conference may
call the members of the Federation out on strike without a
ballot vote of the members, should the committee or con-
ference desire to do so,” was “ carried off the board ” by 48
votes to 11. A protest against alleged misuse by colliery
managers of the Military Service Act for the purpose of
getting rid of obnoxious workmen, was carried unanimously.
West Wylam’s motion in favour of a national declaration of
peace terms was under discussion when the council adjourned
until to-morrow (Saturday). The only other item of business
was that the delegates to the Miners’ Federation Southport
conference on absenteeism recommended the members of the
council to report to their branches in favour of the joint
committees being empowered to inflict fines in cases of
chronic absenteeism.

As the result of a house-to-house inspection made by mem-
bers of the Boldon miners’ lodge, the South Shields Bural
District Council has had under discussion the whole ques-
tion of housing accommodation at Boldon Colliery, together
with the need for a housing scheme to provide dwellings
immediatelv on the conclusion of the war. The committee
has decided to see Mr. C. S. Carnes, agent for the Harton
Coal Company Limited, with the object of impressing upon
him the advisability of giving the matter his serious atten-
tion. Mr. J. Summerbell, a member of the Council, said
that, if something was not done, they would always have
overcrowding, because there were already 600 or 700
families working at the colliery and living away, and, if
they got the chance to go and “ live double ” with anybody
at the colliery during the winter months, instead of travel-
ling, they were going to take it. His idea was that Mr.
Carnes should be asked to remedy matters as far as possible
for the time being, and then the Council should go into the
whole question. He thought that when Mr. Carnes saw the
figures as to overcrowding, he would not dispute them. It
was decided that the officials should supply measurements of
one-, two, and three-roomed colliery houses, and of certain
other houses owned privately. Another question which the
Council, at the doctor’s suggestion, decided to bring before
Mr. Carnes was the very large number of houses at Boldon
Colliery which are insufficiently ventilated owing to the
sealing up of windows by paint, etc. In many houses, it
was stated, the windows were screwed and nailed up, so that
they could not be opened, and it was agreed to ask Mr.
Carnes to have this state of affairs remedied.

The executive committee of the Durham Miners’ Associa-
tion has circularised the members, setting forth the resolu-
tion adopted at the Southport conference of the Miners’
Federation as to the advisability of empowering local joint
committees to inflict fines for absenteeism. The executive
explains :—“ The local committees only have power to exer-
cise the right to fine after having previously warned the
absentee; and, in the event of the committee arriving at the
conclusion that the facts of the case are such as would war-
rant the fining of the individual, he must first be given the
option of accepting the fine of the local committee, or, as an
alternative, be dealt with by the magistrates; the accept-
ance of the local committee’s jurisdiction does not preclude
his right of appeal to a central tribunal, which will be set
up, if he considers the penalty imposed is out of proportion
to the offence. The committee are not only to have the
power to deal with the absenteeism of workmen, but also to
have power to deal with and fine managers, in the event of
being able to prove that the output has been decreased as the
result of negligence or other action for which the manage-
ment are responsible. The amount of fines is a matter to
be determined by the rules, but, at places where it is now

in operation, it ranges from 2s. 6d. to 20s., with the possi-
bility of a man redeeming his fine by regularly attending his
work for a month. In cases of persistent lying idle, despite
the imposition of fines, the central committee would have to
decide what course to adopt in relation to them. All fines
that were definitely forfeited would go to some charitable
object, such as the Aged Miners’ Homes, etc., this to be
decided by the committee themselves.” At to-morrow’s
council meeting, delegates must come with a definite man-
date from their lodges, and, recognising the importance of
the subject, a tabulated vote will be taken and issued to the
lodges. The executive committee asks the county to support
the Southpoirt resolution.

Federated Area.

At branch meetings of miners employed at the Clifton and
Kersley Coal Company’s, Messrs. A. Knowles and Sons,
Hulton Colliery Company’s, and Messrs. S. Scowcroft and
Sons’ pits, held in the Manchester and Bolton districts
last week-end, it was announced that the Federated miners
of England and North Wales were sending in an application
for increased wages—probably 5 per cent.

The question of the non-union miner at many pits in South
Yorkshire is again engaging the attention of the Miners’
Association officials in various parts of the county. A meet-
ing of the three committees of Wharncliffe Silkstone branches
of the Miners’ Association was held in the Miners’ Institute,
Hoyland Common, to deal with the question at local
collieries. It was decided to interview every non-union man
at Wharncliffe Silkstone, and to urge upon the latter to join
the Miners’ Association at once.

Becord rates of pay for fireclay miners have been reached
by an award of the Black Country Wages Board, which has
just been made. The award concedes an advance of 4d. a
day to pikemen or clay getters, and 3d. to loaders and all
other underground workers, with 7| per cent, increase on
the 1911 basis to all male surface workers. The advances
were paid last week. The wages for fireclay workers in the
Black Country have now been advanced 39| per cent, since
the establishment of the Board two years ago.

The workmen’s section of the Coal Conciliation Board
for England and Noith Wales met at Southport last Friday,
to consider the position as to wages and the rise in the cost of
living. Mr. Stephen Walsh, M.P., presided, and there were
present : Messrs. J. Butler and J. McGurk, Lancashire; H.
Smith, S. Boebuck, F. Hall, M.P., and J. Hoskin, York-
shire; Frank Hall and E. Lea, Derbyshire; J. G. Hancock,
M.P., Nottingham; S. Finney, M.P,, North Staffordshire;
W. E. Buckley, South Derbyshire; E. Hughes, North Wales;
and T. Ashton, secretary. It was decided to ask the coal
owners’ section of the Conciliation Board for a joint meet-
ing to consider the desirability of an advance in wages to
meet the serious rise in the cost of living. Wages are at
present at the maximum of 23| per cent, above the new
standard, with a war bonus of 15J per cent., and the applica-
tion is put forward not as a demand but as a concession
which may reasonably be made by the coal owners apart from
the signed agreement.

Scotland.

In connection with Milnwood strike, which lasted over one
week, the men have resumed work on the old terms.
The dispute had unfortunately reached a very qeute stage.
The miners held that the rate recently fixed, after a dispute
involving loss of time, should not be reduced through the
introduction of open lights. Because of complaints as to the
insufficiency of the number of safety lamps, and the lack
of proper cleaning, the men struck work.

A large number of disputes are reported arising out of a
claim by owenrs for reduction in ton rate, and the desire to
change from day wages to ton rate system of payment.

No settlement has yet been arrived at in connection with
the claim by the workers in No. 2 pit, Hopetoun Collieries,
Bathgate, for facilities to be conveyed to and from their
work in dooks which are long and steep.

At a meeting of the Fife miners’ executive, a report was
read on the dispute between the miners and coal owners as
to the deductions for medical fees for dependants of insured
persons. It has been agreed that the Fife coal owners
should continue to make deductions for medical attendance,
which would be handed to a central committee of the men.
From that fund the private fees charged by the doctors should
be met.

Iron, Steel and Engineering Trades.

Cleveland and Durham Blast Furnacemen and Cokemen’s
Association has to take a ballot »on the following resolution,
which was passed at the last quarterly delegate meeting :—
” That, if the holidays for munitions workers are arranged
by the Ministry of Munitions at Christmas, the blast furnace-
men and cokemen shall take those holidays, but not to exceed
three days, 14 days’ notice to be given to the Iron Masters’
Association of this intention.” .

Partnerships Dissolved.—The London Gazette announces
dissolution of the partnership of Messrs. S. B. Bowen, E. J.
Bowen, G. E. Bowen, and A. A. Lewis, trading as Thomas
Bowen, tin-plate manufacturers, Burry Port. Mr. G. Owen,
63, Wind-street, Swansea, will receive and pay accounts.
Also the partnership is dissolved of W. H. Jones and W. E.
Jones, trading as W. and C. T. Jones, steamship managers,
Cardiff. Mr. W. E. Jones will continue the business under
present title.

Welsh Tin-Plate Trade.—A meeting of workmen affiliated
to the trade unions connected with the tin-plate trade was
held at Llanelly on Saturday, to discuss the position in
regard to the future of the trade. Mr. T. B. James, presi-
dent of the local Labour Association, presided. The Dockers,
Smelters, Gas Workers, and Tin-sheet Unions were repre-
sented, and the following resolution was passed :—” That
this conference of tin-plate workers views w’ith the greatest
alarm the present policy of the Government regarding the
tin-plate industry. While recognising the urgent necessity
for men, we maintain that the trade's voluntary contribution
to the Forces will compare most favourably with that of
any trade in the country, over 50 per cent, having volunteered
their services to the nation; and we hereby protest most
emphatically against any more men being taken from the
trade, as such action will, in our opinion, cause immediate
and unnecessary hardship and distress, and will result in
irreparable loss and ruin to the trade in future by allowing
the United States manufacturers to capture our trade in
neutral markets, which markets have been solely supplied by
British manufacturers for nearly half a century.” The
resolution further called upon the executive council to
demand a joint meeting of all the interests concerned, to
confer with the Ministry of Munitions and Deserved Occupa-
tions Committee, with a view to safeguarding the trade.

THE FREIGHT MARKET.

Towards the end of last week some improvement in
collier tonnage supplies at the north-east coast was mani-
fested. This week, however, shipping facilities have again
become very scarce, and, as a consequence, chartering is
limited in volume, and owners are in a position to demand
higher rates for all unrestricted directions. Thus, coasting
rates are firmer, at fully 15s. from the Tyne to London; the
Baltic has advanced by 3 kr. for Gothenburg; North French
coke rates have increased by from Is. 6d. to 4s.; and the
Biver Plate is 5s. dearer. The “ unlimited ” Mediterranean
is unaltered, at from 65s. to 70s. to Barcelona. At South
Wales, tonnage is offering rather more freely for unscheduled
destinations, and the market has eased on the week. Medi-
terranean-wise, Gibraltar has receded by from 2s. 6d. to 5s.,
Huelva by 2s. 6d., and Barcelona by 5s. On the other hand,
there is no change in cargo space prices for Lisbon, Algiers,
and Seville. The Canary Islands are being done at 37s. 6d.
At the Humber, orders are plentiful, but tonnage is scarce,
almost unprecedentedly so, and business done is almost a
negligible quantity. It is a somewhat sinister fact that
shippers experience great difficulty in obtaining vessels for
scheduled ports, with the result that the French Atlantic,
French Mediterranean, and Italian ports are being very
badly served at present. This applies even to those parts of
this country where tonnage is offering for other directions to
a fairly satisfactory extent.

Homewards, the Biver Plate market has improved in
demand, and, with a shortage of steamers, rates are
advancing. For December-January shipment, 120s. is offer-
ing from up-river ports to United Kingdom, and advance of
10s. on the week, with 140s. quoted for West Italy with
neutrals. From 22s. to 22s. 6d. is being offered by mer-
chants at the United States for heavy grain tonnage to the
United Kingdom. Fixtures on Government account for
grain for Portugal have been arranged at 18s. 6d. for Jan.-
March shipment. For the Mediterranean, 18s. 6d. could
probable be secured, with 16s. 6d. for French ports. Net
charter business has advanced to from 112s. 6d. to 115s.
to French Atlantic from Northern Bange, whilst Gulf to
West Italy is listed at about 140s. Coal tonnage from
Virginia to Biver Plate is quoted at 60s., with from 102s. 6d.
to 105s. mentioned for West Italy discharge. Lumber
vessels for West Italy are quoted at 650s. Cotton tonnage
chartering is slow, but with berth rates stiffening. There is
a very strong general enquiry from Far Eastern ports.
Bombay to Mediterranean on d.w. has jumped in a few days
from 185s. to 250s., with United Kingdom discharge quoted
at the even 200s. Kurrachee is based on the unchanged rate
of 135s. to United Kingdom on scale (the Government brokers
have chartered at 130s.), and Saigon to Marseilles is offered
at 212s. 6d., a price which attracts no attention from owners.
The rate from Madras to France, with kernels, has advanced
to 260s. Mediterranean ore freights are distinctly firmer.

Tyne to Barcelona, 2,000, 70s., two steamers; 2,500, 70s.;

2.400,	65s., three steamers; 3,200, 67s. 6d.; 2,700, 67s. 6d.;
3,000, 70s.; Boulogne, 400, 42s. 6d., coke; Calais, 300, 44s.,
coke; 400, 42s. 6d., coke; Cadiz, 2,000, 60s.; Dunkirk, 400,
45s., coke; 400, 42s. 6d., coke; Dunkirk, Calais, Boulogne,
Treport, or Dieppe, 500, 43s., coke, voyages over four
months; Gibraltar, 2,000, 50s.; 3,000, 50s.; 3,400, 50s.;
Gothenburg, 2,000, 33 kr., Dec.; Horsens, 150, 42 kr., sail;
London, 1,500, 15s.; Las Palmas, 1,600, 42s. 6d.; 4,500,
42s. 6d.; North French Bange, 300, 45s., coke; 800, 45s.,
coke; 500, 45s., coke; 450, 46s. 6d., coke; Porto Ferrajo,
5,000, 62s. 6d.; Bouen, 600, 47s., coke; 500, 48s., coke;
450, 48s., coke; Biver Plate, 4,000, 45s.; 3,400, 45s., 250;
4,700, 50s.

Cardiff to Alicante, 3,200, 62s. 6d.; Algiers, 5,000,
48s. 6d.; Bilbao, 1,200, 41s.; Barcelona, 3,500, 60s.; 5,600
and 3,300, 57s. 6d.; 1,400, 55s.; Bordeaux, sail, 250, 37s.;
Cherbourg, 1,100, 23s. 6d.; Chantenay, 1,400 and 1,900, 29s.;
Corunna, 1,500, 45s.; Dakar, 7,000, 35s., 250; Gibraltar,
1,000, 52s. 6d., 500; 1,200, 47s. 6d., 500; 1,500, 47s. 6d.,
500; Huelva, 1,900, 50s.; 5,200, 51s. 3d.; Havre, 750,
23s. 6d.; Lisbon. 1,100, 52s. 6d., 350; 1,200, 52s. 6d.; 1,500,
52s. 6d.; 2,000, 52s. 6d.; 500, 52s. 6d.; 800, 52s. 6d.; 1,300,
50s., 400; 4,300, 50s., 500; Las Palmas, 2,000, 37s. 6d.,
early Dec., two vessels, 37s. 6d., Nov.-Jan.; Madeira, 3,500,
37s. 6d., 250; 37s. 6d., two boats, Nov.-Dec.-Jan.; Malta,

5.400,	71s. 3d.; Oporto, 1,400, 47s. 6d.; 1,500 , 50s.; Port
Said, 74s., reported; 3,600, 74s.; 4,600, 74s.; 8,000, 80s.;
Seville, 1,000, 55s.; Teneriffe, 2,100, 37s. 6d., early Dec.

Newport to Gibraltar, 1,000, 52s. 6d., 500; 1,400, 50s.,
500; Seville, 1,000, 55s.; 2,600 , 52s. 6d.; 1,400, 50s.;
Huelva, 1,900, 50s.; Valencia, 1,350, 65s.; Aguilas, 1,250,
60s., Nov. Dec.

Glasgow to Dieppe, 30s. 6d.; Gibraltar, 47s. 6d.; Bor-
deaux, 37s.; Chantenay, 300, 33s.: Cherbourg, sail, 31s.

Swansea to Dublin, 200, 14s.; St. Nazaire, 3,000, 29s.;
Chantenay, 1,700, 29s.; Seville, 1,000, 55s.; Valencia, 1,400,
57s. 6d. coal, option patent fuel 58s. 3d.; Bordeaux, 1,600,
34s.; Marin, 900, 46s. 3d.; Havre, 600, 23s. 6d.; 350, 25s.,
tin-plates, free in and out.

Hull to Bouen, 1,500, 27s. 6d.; Genoa, 5,500, 64s. 6d.

Mersey to Huelva, 2.500. 46s.

Wales to Huelva, 1,900, 50s.

Methil to Dieppe, 750, 29s.; Bouen, 1.750, 29s. 6d.

Fowey to New York, two vessels, 2,500 each, 15s., china
clay, Dec.

Scottish Wages Disputes.—A number of arbitration cases
were held in London on November 24, arising out of appli-
cations for advances of wages affecting several thousands
of workers in the East and West of Scotland. The first case
concerned the foundry and engineers’ labourers in the East
of Scotland, who asked for an increase of 2d. in the present
rate of 6Jd. an hour, to enable them to meet the increased
cost of living. Their request was declined locally, and a
deadlock occurring, the question was submitted for arbitra-
tion by the Committee on Production at the Chief Industrial
Commissioners’ Department, Old Palace-yard, Westminster.
Subsequently the Committee heard a similar application for
2d. an hour increase, put forward by the general labourers
employed in steel works in the West of Scotland. It was
stated that the Committee’s decision would be communicated
after they had given full consideration to the facts presented.
Later there appeared before the Committee a deputa.T.m of
pattern makers employed by the Steel Makers’ Wages Asso-
ciation and the Scottish Steel Founders’ Wages Association,
who applied for an assimilation of the Motherwell and Coat-
bridge rates with those paid throughout the Clyde area,
together with an advance of £d. an hour. The Committee’s
decisions, it was announced, will be promulgated in due
course.