1176

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

December 15, 1916.

for advance, the President of the Board of Trade might
have referred the question to compulsory arbitration under
the Munitions Act; and the same action could have been
taken legally in the recent trouble. The Government, how-
ever, had proceeded under the Defence of the Realm Act;
and under this they had a free hand as to what policy they
should adopt in dealing with wages and profits.

Dealing ’with another point, Mr. Hartshorn said that the
Federation had obtained counsel’s opinion, and it was to
the effect that the workmen were now in the .same legal posi-
tion as they occupied before the collieries were taken over by
the Government, and they enjoyed the same industrial rights
under the Government as they did under the coal owners
previously. The Order which had been issued, taking the con-
trol of the mines, did not mention workmen, but only owners
agents, managers, or other officials. He hoped the result
of the new development would be not only State control,
bm State ownership of the mines.

A feature in the trade of Swansea during November was
the increase in export of patent fuel, which totalled 43,762
tons, 5,000 more than in the corresponding period. This is
all the more striking because coal exports were “ down ”
100,000 tons, being only 210,467 tons. The decline in tin-
plate manifests in startling fashion the perilous position of
this industry, due to lack of steel and labour; only 4,775
tons were shipped—a decrease of over 22,000 tons. On the
11 months of 1916, patent fuel shows 106,000 tons increase,
whilst coal shipments are less by 287,000 tons.

It will be noticed that the shortage of tonnage, compelling
special effort to secure shipment and thus release wagons,
has made a material difference in coal prices. Best
Admiralty are fully taken by Government, but on the next
qualities and bunkers substantial reduction in price has been
quoted.

Mr. D. J. Thomas, of Brynamman, who died on Saturday,
at the age of 62, is regarded as one of the pioneers in the
anthracite trade. At one time proprietor and manager of the
Amman Collieries, he was also connected with the Gil wen
Colliery, Ciwmtwrch. Two of his sons have served in the
war.

The Cardiff local committee which deafls with questions
arising out of the supply of coal to France and Italy, met
on Tuesday, and there were present Mr. R. M. Steward (of
the Central Executive Committee) and Mr. E. P. Martyn
(Newcastle). Certain difficulties which are experienced in
conducting the business were discussed; and a decision was
made to allocate all tonnage, including vessels on time-
charter, except steamers on Government and Allied service.
A recommendation was agreed upon, for submission to the
Central Committee, that freights shall be increased to cover
cost of extra war risk insurance only.

Before the Aberavon magistrates, a number of miners
were summoned by the Ocean Coal Company for breach of
contract by absenting themselves from work; and on Monday
another batch were dealt with. It was stated, in evidence,
that the company had introduced a system of curling boxes
for filling coal, similar to what are in general use throughout
the coal field; but the men held a meeting, and passed a
resolution that they would not any longer use the curling
boxes — notification of this resolution being sent to the
manager and agent. Every man brought his curling box
out of the pit, and on the following morning they all pre-
sented themselves at work without the boxes. On being
told by the manager that they would have to use the curling
boxes, they returned home. Subsequently, the men con-
sulted with their agent, with the result that they agreed to
return to work and use the curling boxes—which they did.
The claim was now made for £3 against each defendant for
absenting himself from work from November 1 to 4 (inclu-
sive) ; and the men each counter-claimed for 18s. 8d.
damages for breach of contract, because they were prevented
from working. Judgment was given for the Ocean Com-
pany for the amounts claimed, with costs; and the men’s
counter-claim was dismissed. The Bench ordered that the
amount should be set off against the men’s wages, but as
to this a question was raised, seeing that the pits are now
under Government control, and the men’s solicitor gave
notice of appeal on that point.

The Tin-plate Trade Conciliation Board held a special
meeting on Monday, to deal with the very serious situation
which has arisen, and to consider the best means for con-
serving the industry. Mr. W. T. Gibbins presided, and
there were present the executive committee of the employers’
representatives, and also the representatives of the different
trade unions concerned in the industry. A resolution was
passed appointing a deputation to lay before the Govern-
ment department controlling steel supplies full particulars
of the position of trade in regard to steel. This was sub-
mitted by Mr. W. Thorne, M.P., who said the chief reason
why the trade unions had requested the meeting to be held
was that he understood the supply of steel was only 42 per ,
cent, of the requirements of the trade, and was likely to be
brought down to 30 per cent. A large number of the men
in the trade were not suited for employment in other occu-
pations, and everything should be done to preserve the work
for them. Mr. T. Griffiths, of the Smelters’ Union, said
they realised the trade Was in a critical position, and he
gave figures showing how it had been affected—emphasising
the need of maintaining .the industry so as to afford employ-
ment for those who had enlisted when they returned from
the war. Another speaker declared that no meeting of
greater importance had been held in the history of the trade.
The chairman expressed the sympathy of the employers,
stating till at they joined heartily with the men in regard to
the appointment of the deputation. The trade had received
a staggering blow, not due to prices or labour troubles, but
because of the difficulty of obtaining steel. The manufac-
turers had made repeated appeals to the Government, and
had allways been met with the reply that national needs came
first. They would appoint their representatives to accom-
pany those from the workmen’s side, in order that every
argument possible should be submitted for the consideration
of those in authority. The resolution had a second part as
to compensation for workmen thrown out of employment by
the present position of affairs, but the employers could not
join in this.

Representative coal owners from South Wales were in con-
sultation with the Board of Trade on Tuesday, as to the
position which has arisen through the collieries being taken
under Government control. It is expected that a scheme
for co-ordinating the work of production and supply will be
framed. No statement has been issued as to what took
place during the interview, but it is understood to have been
generally satisfactory.

Three men working in a lead mine at Rhandirmwyn, near
Llandovery, have been imprisoned for three days. Owing to

a fall, they were entombed from Saturday till Tuesday morn-
ing, but when rescued, although in an exhausted condition,
were not seriously hurt. There had been expectations of
serious consequences, because, after a second fall, the
tappings of the men ceased—leading to the conclusion that
they had been killed or seriously injured.

The intention of certain miners entering a test action
against the Federation is confirmed—the issue to be pre-
sented to the courts being whether an increased contribution
can be ordered by officials, instead of taking the decision of
the whole body of members by ballot.

At Tredegar County Court, the judge has rejected appli-
cation for compensation by a collier’s helper, who alleged
that bis wrist was sprained through a tram leaving the rails
at a crossing. His Honour pointed out that in the notice of
accident it was described as a crushed hand between two
trams, but that nothing of this had been stated in the
evidence. He was not satisfied that such an accident had
taken place, and therefore made an award for the respondent
company.

At the same court, the judge delivered his reserved judg-
ment in the compensation case which raised the question
whether an underground employee automatically entered a
higher grade with a higher wage (on which compensation
should be based) as he grew older up to 21. His Honour
held that boys of varying age did the same kind of work
under the same conditions, and that there existed no grade
of employment, as had been contended. Award was there-
fore in favour of the company.

The executive of the South Wales Federation has received
a letter from the Inter-Departmental Committee controlling
the collieries, stating that they are prepared to meet repre-
sentatives of the Federation, and to give the information
requested by the resolution of the delegate conference held
in Cardiff. The desired information is as to “ the full
detailed effect of the control Order.”

The executive hais decided to bring to the notice of the
Government the continual stoppages of the collieries, render-
ing large numbers of men idle, because of shortage of
wagons or ships, or both.

The directors of the Fernhill Colliery have let five acres
of land, free of rent for the first year and at a nominal rent
afterwards, to the local allotment society for cultivation by
their workmen. The directors have also undertaken to pro-
vide fencing and manure, and to give facilities for getiting
the manure to the site. The society has ordered 5| tons of
potatoes for planting in the spring.

Northumberland and Durham.

£100 for Workers’ Homes—Drilling into a Miss-Fired Shot
—Gas Price Increased.

Messrs. Bolckow, Vaughan and Company Limited have
contributed £100 towards the funds of the Durham Aged
Mine Workers’ Homes Association. The Hetton lodge of
the Durham Miners’ Association has decided to increase its
subscription in order to reduce the bank overdraft.

Mr. John Adair, secretary of the Durham Aged Mine
Workers’ Homes Association, states : ‘‘In response to the
appeal made to colliery owners in connection with the asso-
ciation, Lord Londonderry, who is at present serving with
his regiment, the Royal Horse Guards, has forwarded a
cheque for £52 10s. The Londonderry family have always
been splendid supporters of the Aged Miners’ Homes Asso-
ciation.”	x

At the inquest touching the death of Mitchell Ellison, 28,
stoneman, who was killed at the “ C ” pit, Hebburn, Thos.
Fenwick, master shifter, stated that he charged five holes
at the place where the accident happened. He fired the shots
by battery, and heard four reports, two being simultaneous.
He made sure, as fazr as possible, that the shots had fired.
The shot fired at the time of the accident had every appear-
ance of being one which witness had charged. There was
no doubt that deceased had drilled into the shot. If the shot
had miss-fired, it was probably due to faulty detonation.
The jury found that deceased was accidentally killed by drill-
ing into a shot which had previously miss-fired, and they
recommended that the practice of simultaneous firing should
be discontinued. The manager of the colliery stated that, as
a safeguard, he had arranged that ail shots in future must
be fired singly.

Foillowing the lead of the Newcastle and Gateshead Gas
Company—the inadequacy of whose reasons were severely
criticised at last week’s meeting of Newcastle City Council
—the South Shields Gas Company has decided to raise the
price of gas by 2d. per 1,000 cu. ft., stating, in justification,
that labour and materials have increased very much in cost.

Bly th Harbour Commissioners’ trade report for November
shows that during that month 140 vessels—88 of which were
foreign and 52 British—of 112,673 tons arrived in the port.
The imports included 338 loads of mining timber, 323 Loads
of other timber, and 178 tons of oil. The exports included
217,162 tons of coal and coke and 44 tons of oil.

The Handon Hold lodge of the Durham Miners’ Associa-
tion has contributed £100 to the Red Cross funds, and pro-
mises another similar contribution within the next half-year.

A verdict that “ Deceased fell from the boiler to the
ground and dislocated his neck, after having been severely
scalded by steam and hot water,” was returned after the
inquest touching the death of Thos. Noble, 48, fireman at
West Wylam Colliery, who immediately prior to the casualty
had gone to look at the water gauges of certain boilers. A
violent escape of steam from the boilers was heard, and
Noble was found lying between the boiler house and the
range of coke ovens, with his neck broken and his body
severely scalded. Owing to his lamp having been found in
the safety valve of one of the boilers, it is surmised that he
had removed the weight from the valve, which accounted for
the escape of steam.

Giving evidence at the inquest touching the death of Geo.
Albert Dixon, 62, boi’lerman, who was suffocated by coke
fumes at Walker, Dr. Gibson stated that, owing to fumes
from a coke fire which was burning in a pail in a capstan pit
in which deceased had been working, a candle "would only
remain alight about 3 in. from the roof of the chamber. The
inhaling of the fumes from the coke would cause a pleasant
sensation of drowsiness, and the man would turn faint, sit
down, and ultimately die.

Yorkshire.

A Barnsley firm of engineers have been granted an option
for boring for and leasing minerals on the Gateforth estate.
If the option is exercised, the lease is to be for a period of
50 years, and the acreage rent is to be £25 per ft. thick of

coal per acre, with the following minimum yearly rents :
First and second year, after proving the coal, nil; third
and fourth year,. £250 per seam ; fifth and sixth year, £500
per seam; thereafter, £1,000 per seam.

Owing to the shortage of labour, the Great Northern
Railway Company are applying to the Board of Trade for
an extension of time in regard to the widening of several
portions of their railway in the colliery district around
Doncaster. These proposed extensions and widenings are
associated with colliery development, and some of them
are in the heart of the coal field area.

Lancashire and Cheshire.

Last week the General Purposes Committee of the Bolton
Corporation had under consideration a letter from the Hull
City Council with reference to the establishment of local coal
yards for the purpose of distributing coal to the poor, at cost
price, during the war. The Bolton General Purposes Com-
mittee resolved that the Board of Trade be requested to con-
sider the advisability of taking necessary steps for empower-
ing local authorities to establish coal yards for the purpose.

After standing derelict for some years, the Tasker’s Lane
Colliery, Kersley, is now being worked and opened out by
the Cllifton and Kersley Cbal Company Limited.

A case under the Workmen’s Compensation Act came for
decision before Judge Spencer Hogg at the Wigan County
Court on Tuesday, when Messrs. Thomson and Company,
a well-known firm of iron merchants, of Wigan, applied for
the redemption of compensation payable to Harry Travena, a
boy of 13 years, who while in their employ as a learner
got both his hands trapped on May 22 last between the drum
and -the rope of a steam winch, the accident resulting in the
amputation of the fingers of both hands. The boy, who
resides with’ his widowed mother at 44, Bird-street, off
Manchester-road, Higher Ince, was paid wages at the rate
of 6s. a week, and there was a verbal agreement, it was
stated, to pay him compensation at the rate of 6s. a week.
For the respondents, it was stated that the agreement was
for the payment by the applicants of such weekly sum as
he was entitled to by way of compensation under the Work-
men’s Compensation Act. His Honour decided that the
applicants were entitled to reduce the payments on the basis
of 75 per cent, of the actuarial value, and gave judgment for
£248.

Notts and Derbyshire.

A lecture concerning the need of a national fuel and power
policy was delivered at the Nottingham University College
on Monday evening by Prof. H. E. Armstrong. He main-
tained that the utilisation of everything in or producible from
coal should be a first moral charge upon the nation, and he
advocated that all costs should be met by a direct tax upon
coal as raised from the pit. A motion in favour of legis-
lative action was passed.

Kent.

Last week the bricking in the deep sinking in No. 2 pit
at Snowdown Colliery was carried down 20 ft., from
2,713| ft. to 2,733| ft. Sinking was then resumed at
2,735| ft., and had been carried down to 2,740 ft. by
Saturday. It was at 2,750 ft. that the 6 ft. 9 in. seam of
coal was struck in tl^e boring, but owing to the rise of the
ground between the site where the boring was put down and
the Snowdown Colliery shaft, there is now an opinion in
some quarters that the shaft may have to go below that
depth before entering the seam.

An informal meeting of debenture holders and share-
holders of the East Kent Colliery Company resident in the
Dover and Canterbury districts, was hdld at Canterbury for
the purpose of considering the provision of further housing
accommodation for the miners employed at the company’s
Tilmans tone Colliery. It was pointed out that tihe company
are at a great disadvantage owing to the present condition
of affairs. Many miners have come from other districts to
work at the colliery, but owing to the difficulty of getting
housing accommodation, they have not been able to bring
their families to the district, and therefore a number of them
return to the parts of the country from which they came.
Mr. G. Thomas (Dover) and Mr. A. Wells (Canterbury)
addressed the meeting, and suggested that a start should be
made in a small way by purchasing sites near the colliery,
and erecting a few houses. They stated a syndicate had
agreed to take the houses on a repairing lease for a given
time, and would return the owners a minimum of 7 per
cent. The idea was well received by tihe meeting.

Scotland.

Coal Prices in Glasgow — Water from Old Workings—
Remarkable Escape.

A meeting of the Special Committee of Glasgow Corpora-
tion on Price of Coal to Small Consumers was held to con-
sider the Board of Trade proposal that maximum prices
should be fixed for the retailing of small quantities of coal.
The chajirman submitted a statement regarding the average
prices at the pithead, the cost of railway transit, distribu-
tion, depreciation, etc., and, after this had been discussed,
the committee resolved to recommend to the Corporation that
the following suggestions be made to the Board of Trade :—
(1) Tha t the Board of Trade should fix maximum prices for
tihe sale of coal. (2) That the Corporation should be
empowered to enforce whatever prices may be fixed by the
Board of Trade; otherwise it would be impossible for the
Corporation to protect consumers against merchants who
depart from any voluntary agreement. (3) That the Cor-
poration recommend that tihe maximum prices for Glasgow
should be : For second quality coal, Is. 7d. per cwt.; for
best quality, Is. 8d. per cwt. It was explained that these
prices might be subject to modification if circumstances
required a change. It was also stated that tihe Corporation
expected approval from the Board of Trade at an early date
for the regulation to compel merchants to exhibit their prices
on a notice board, and to sell their coal at the prices marked
thereon.

Ari inrush of water from old workings occurred in Living-
stone Colliery, belonging to the Ban knock Coal Company,
whereby James Steele, a miner, was drowned, while several
others had a miraculous escape. Steele and a companion,
named Stark, were working a coal cutter, when the water
unexpectedly burst in upon them. The rails were swept
away, and Steele was jammed against a tree. Other four
men were at work in the section When the burst took place,
and two of them, who were working in a lower level,
escaped only by surging through water which took them up
to the neck.

The leading feature in the present state of the Fife coal
trade consists in the steadiness of the demand for export, and
the comparatively light enquiry for home requirements. In