1278

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

December 29, 1916.

Notes from the Coal Fields.

[Local Correspondence.]

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

Congested Railway Sidings — Coal Prices and Rates of
Freight : The Wide Variations During 1916—Mr. L.
Llewellyn as Controller—Pitwood from Newfoundland
—A Question of Colliery Custom.

Although the official answer to Mr. Edgar Jones, M.P.,
as to the congestion of loaded wagons in railway sidings at
Cardiff and Newport does not indicate any attempt to remedy
the difficulty complained of, that gentleman intends to follow
up the matter, and he has some striking facts which he will
submit to the authorities — justifying prompt and effective
intervention. The subject is one of immense importance,
especially because of the risk of unwise interference with the
normal course of traffic.

The outstanding feature of the trade of 1916 as compared
with that of the preceding year is the wide range of prices
which prevailed. It is impracticable to give actual rates as
to the best coal, because almost the whole of it was taken
by the Admiralty and our Allies under limitation prices.
The market quotations, therefore, have applied to ordinary
second Admiralties, and these varied by as much as 25s. .to
55s. per ton, whilst, at the same time, bunker smalls of the
highest classes have been from 16s. to 32s. 6d. These prices
contrast strikingly with those of the preceding year, when
seconds did not go above 40s., and had been dealt in as low
as 18s.; and the bunker smalls did not rise above 20s., and
went back to about 7s. To a certain extent, of course, the
higher quotations were merely nominal, scarcely any trans-
actions taking place, because there was no coal at times
available; and as soon as supplies came forward and imme-
diate demand was satisfied, the rates altered materially.

Freights have been a most difficult market—soaring to a
height never before approached, or perhaps even imagined.
Talking Genoa as a. mark, it should be noted that, whereas
in normal times 7s. to 8s.—and certainly less than 10s. has
been the ordinary quotation—the cost of transport ran up to
no less than £5 per ton. The ship owners themselves took
action, and a scale of rates—first to France—was fixed on a
basis of 20 per cent, reduction of the quotations in the early
days of March; and this scheme being adopted by the Presi-
dent of the Board of Trade, a suggestion was made that it
should apply also to coal, but the coal owners objected.
Finally, however, after prolonged consideration, the maxi-
mum of 30s. for large coal and 20s. for small was decided
on by the Board of Trade, as applying to the average ship-
ments ; and this should have been in operation during seven
months, but in the earlier weeks did not prove altogether
practicable. During the past two months both coal prices
and rates of freight have been limited, not only to France,
but also to Italy and Algeria. Taking Genoa again as a
test figure, the rate to that port was fixed at 59s. 6d.—six-
to sevenfold the normal. During December the collieries,
so far as the output is concerned, have been nominally
under Government control; but as yet the precise nature of
that control has not been fully defined.

An (interesting point at the moment is that the name of Mr.
Leonard Llewellyn, who has for more than a year past been
in Government work—he having taken office in the Muni-
tions Department with Mr. Lloyd George—is suggested as
that of the controller who shall take charge. As Mr.
Llewellyn was at one time general manager of the Cambrian
Combine, for many years was associated with Lord Rhondda,
and possesses a thorough and intimate acquaintance with
colliery affairs, much interest attaches to the suggestion of
his appointment to so important and difficult a position.

A suggestion is made that not only should coal wagons
be pooled, but that, inasmuch as the Government are taking
control of the output of coal, this should be graded and
dealt with as a whole. The idea is that shipments, especi-
ally in regard to foreign supplies, could be very much more
promptly dealt with; and that even after allowance has‘been
made for special qualities—such as anthracite—the general
output could be so dealt with as to ensure closer approxima-
tion in prices, and improve the facilities of handling. The
idea of “ grading ” the many varieties of Welsh coal is
novel.

Notable in recent importations has been the supply of pit
props from Newfoundland; and Mr. J. Williams (of the
firm of Evans and Reid, coal exporters and pitwood mer-
chants) is at present paying a short visit to Cardiff after
sojourning in Newfoundland, where he has been opening up
this trade between South Wales and the oldest of our
colonies. When war broke out Mr. Williams was in Fin-
land ; but finding that exportation from that country would
be difficult, he crossed the Atlantic, and within two months
of the outbreak of war was arranging for shipments of cargoes
from the other side. He has been able of late to secure
rapid despatch in respect of loading, and the Newfoundland
journals describe very appreciatively the work he has under-
taken—especially seeing that the pit prop trade has pro-
vided work for men who otherwise would have been idle
during the winter months.

With regard to the importation of pitwood at Newport, it
is clear that the difficulties which have attended supplies
have operated very seriously in that area. The total fell
from 170,158 loads in the first month of 1915 to 153,398 in
the corresponding period of the present year, and this decrease
of over 16,500 loads is typical of experiences in other parts
of South Wales. To a certain extent, British timber has
taken the place of foreign imports, and over wide areas the
plantations have been cut down in order to furnish necessary
supplies.

The new agent of Glamorgan Colliery, Llwynypia, is Mr.
R. Lloyd, who previously was manager at Cilely.

The North Celynen Colliery Company appeared as defen-
dants in Newport County Court in a case where the collier
sued for £2 8s. It was stated on his behalf that he had
worked in the Black Vein seam for 20 years, and that on
October 17 he was stopped and told to work in another stall
where two men were already employed. He considered that
three men in a stall were a hindrance to each other, and
argued that it was not customary to have more than two;
therefore he declined to change his stall, and now claimed
for damages. The plaintiff admitted, in cross-examination,
that, owing to, a squeeze, his stall obstructed the ventila-
tion. For the defence, the colliery officials stated that plain-
tiff had been sent to the other stall so that they could
improve the ventilation ; and the judge said it was proved
that it had been the custom for two men to work in a stall,

except in the case of emergency — such as a fault in the
ventilation, as this was—and he must find for the defen-
dants. Responsibility for safety was laid upon the mine
manager, and he had acted only in that regard.

Attention has been previously drawn to the reduction of
12 per cent, in the amount of steel allowed for tin-plate
works, and the fear that this reduction would bring about
the discharge of elderly men who are now m employment.
A deputation from the Tin-Platers’ Conciliation Board has
waited upon the Minister of Munitions, in order to make him
acquainted with the circumstances; and that gentleman has
promised to give special attention to the representations
which have been submitted. One way out of the difficulty
will probably be an increase in the output of the steel
works of South Wales — efforts to this end being now
generally made.

Northumberland and Durham.

Absentee Fined £10—Utilising Waste Land—Relief Scheme
— Wagon Scarcity—Compensation Cases.

Before the Durham County magistrates, James Aynesley,
32, was summoned by the Bearpark Coal Company, who
claimed £10 in respect of his absenting himself from work
on various dates. Mr. H. E. Ferens, prosecuting, stated
that defendant was engaged in the production of sulphate of
ammonia and benzol, which were two very important things
at present for the country. During the last eight weeks he
had only worked one Sunday, and he was frequently absent
at week-ends. The colliery lost £20 every day the man was
off work, and altogether they had lost .£400 owing to loss
of time. He was a badged man, and of military age. Mr.
Jones, manager of the by-product ovens, gave evidence in
support of the charge, and said that only a nominal sum of
£10 was claimed. Defendant sought to excuse himself on
the ground of ill-health, but failed to produce a medical
certificate. An order for the payment of the amount was
made, with costs.

In connection with the movement for the agricultural
utilisation of waste land, the Annfield Plain Urban District
Council has decided to lease 2| acres, at £7 per annum, for
a period of 10 years, with an option to renew, the lease to
be let out as allotments. At the meeting, Mr. Aynsley
referred to the good results achieved by South Moor Colliery
Company’s concessions of land to workmen since the present
agent (Mr. T. Y. Greener) came. Hundreds of allotments
had been provided, and he was of opinion that Mr. Greener
would meet a deputation to consider a proposal to acquire
allotments for Annfield Plain workmen. The Kimbles-
worth Parish Council has taken from the Charlaw and
Sacriston Collieries Company a piece of land, acres in
extent, at an annual rental of £1, for the purpose of letting
it off as allotments. The company has ploughed and fenced
the land, which will be let to those workmen employed at
the colliery who do not already possess gardens. The allot-
ments will be 100 sq. yds. in area, and will be let for Is.
a year.

By 646 votes to 426, a special delegate meeting of the
Northumberland and Durham Miners’ Permanent Belief
Fund, in Newcastle, decided to adopt the following resolu-
tion :—“ To rule 27, add a new clause, as follows : ‘ That,
for the duration of the European War and six calendar
months thereafter, each member shall pay or cause to be
paid to the accident fund the sum of 31d. per week, and to
the superannuation fund 3|d. per week; half-members half
these amounts.’ ” It was then agreed : “To rule 49, add
a new clause (i), as follows : ‘ That, for the duration of the
European War and six calendar months thereafter, each
recipient of the benefit payable under this rule, except those
who are in receipt of State old-age pension, shall be paid an
additional 3s. per week.’ ’’ Introducing these motions, Mr.
Th os. Neville (president) stated that, whilst the flower of
our young manhood had gone forth to fight, there still existed
the men who had done the work of the past with sweat and
sinew, the old miners, whose 5s. per week was not now
worth 2s. 6d. The treasurer (Mr. John Errington) stated
that the management committee was convinced that some-
thing must be done for their aged miners. The committee
knew that many aged members were starving, and that, in
cases where the young men of the families had been taken
away by the Government,, many of the old men had had to
resort to the workhouses. The scheme was not as extensive
as they would have liked, but it was based on the demo-
cratic principle of doing the greatest good to the greatest
number.

At the annual delegate meeting of the Durham County
Colliery Enginemen, Boiler Minders, and Firemen’s Asso-
ciation, held last week, Mr. M. Westgarth, of Ry ton, was
re-elected president; Messrs. E. Nicholson, of Leadgate, and
R. Robinson, of Stanley, were elected auditors; Mr. R.
Ireland, of Birtley, was chosen to represent the winding
enginemen; and Mr. T. W. Snowdon, of Spennymoor, the
other sections of members on the executive committee. The
agent (Mr. W. B. Charlton), in his annual report, referred
to absenteeism in the mines, and stated that, in honour of
the agreement come to at the October conference in London,
avoidable absence from work had been dealt with with a
firm hand. But what had they from the owners of that
county? During the present quarter the claims for out-of-
work benefit showed that 12 of the largest collieries in the
county had been idle for periods reaching three consecutive
days for want of wagons. That pretext for laying the pits
idle was obviously too flimsy to be accepted, for the stocking
of coal (teeming by) in normal times was readily enough
resorted to during such shortage of wagons. If laying the
pits idle was consequent upon the new atmosphere which
had been created, then they were better without it. To say
the least about it, it w7as a violation of the compact entered
into between the parties represented at the conference. Such
a restriction of the output of coal made under the present
national strain ought to be a punishable offence, as in the
case of workmen absenting themselves from work through
avoidable reasons. The common sense of colliery workers
was shocked by that pretext for idleness when so much was
depending upon maintaining an adequate supply. With
that the Government ought immediately to deal. He went
on to regret the criticism the Conciliation Board had been
subjected to for accepting 5 per cent, on the wage basis
prevailing, rather than annealing to the umpire, but stated
that the present ascertainments came from costs so inflated
and artificial that it was not possible to apportion them to
their respective bases, and respect for the future interests of
the men had prompted their action. The report was adopted.

Aid. Wm. House, compensation agent to the Durham
Miners’ Association, reports that, at the last meeting of the
county arbitration committee on compensation cases, claims

in respect of 11 fatalities and 18 minor fatalities received
attention. The former were disposed of as follow :—In the
case of John Ward, 21, pony putter at Pelton, who died on
September 3 as the result of injuries received on May 19,
when he sustained severe sprain and bruising of the ankle
through lifting a tub, <£70 compensation was awarded. Jas.
Lauder, 32, shifter at Low Beechburn, was killed on
September 19, having been caught by an empty seit whilst
coming outbye; £100 was awarded. Ernest McCloud, 14,
driver, was fatally crushed between a tub and a prop at
Dawdon on September 26; £10 was awarded. Robt. Ridley,
19, putter at Easington, died on September 17 as the result
of injuries received on September 4 through lifting a tub;
£110 was awarded. In the case of Wm. Coonan, 18, assis-
tant banksman, North Biddick, who died on September 5
last as the result of injuries received on June 4, 1914, when
his ankle was crushed by a tub, £75 was agreed upon. In
that of Abram Wayman, 22, hewer, killed on October 2 by
a fall of slone at Easington, there wTere three other workers
at home bringing in a total income of £7 per week, and it
was difficult to prove any dependence, therefore only £15
wras awarded. There were particularly sad circumstances
attaching to the case of Thos. Bell, 24, hewer at Harraton,
who was drowned on September 27 by an inrush of water in
the pit. The young man gave the whole of his earnings to
his mother. The father, who had been an invalid for four
years, died from shock on hearing of his son’s death.
Deceased had three brothers in the Army and two sisters at
home. The committee had no hesitation in awarding £300.
In the case of Robt. L. Potts, 14, screen boy at Lumley New
Winning, who was run over on July 28 by some trucks on
the branches under the screens, there was very little depen-
dency, and £12 10s. was awarded. The dependants of Fred
Hathaway, 16, driver at West Auckland, who died on
October 15 as the result off injuries received on October 7
by a fall of stone, were awarded £55. Geo. Gordon, 65,
hewer at Leasingthorne, died on July 4 last from, it was
alleged, injuries to his back received on May 22, 1912, by a
fall of stone. No inquest or post-mortem examination was
held, and the registrar’s certificate stated that death was
due to (1) cardiac valvular disease, and (2) dropsy and
cardiac syncope. The men’s side was unable to produce any
medical evidence confirmatory of the allegation that death
was due to the accident, and the claim was disallowed. In
the case of John Nicholson, 35, hewer at Pelton, it was
alleged that his death on September 13 last was due to
injuries received on July 5, 1905, when his left eye was
destroyed by a fall of coal. The claim was adjourned.

Leadgate miners, at a largely-attended meeting have
resolved to see that every available piece of land in their
district shall be cultivated next season. It was stated that
the local Council was prepared to secure allotments if the
miners would take these up for-cultivation.

Yorkshire.

In view of the scarcity of tonnage, the Grimsby Chamber
of Commerce decided to speed-up coal shipments by recom-
mending all coal exporting firms to abandon the present prac-
tice of ceasing work for the week-end at 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
Work is to be continued until the trimming of ships is com-
pleted, so that they may sail on Sundays, and thus avoid
a day’s delay. This applies to British and foreign ships.

Kent.

At the Snowffiown Colliery last week 2,856 tons of coal
were raised, and at Til man stone Colliery the output was
2,741 tons.

Scotland.

New Medical Scheme—Wagon Scarcity and Colliery Stop-
pages—Status of Colliery Managers—Sir G. Askwith's
Award—Fife Exports.

A joint meeting of committees representing coal owners
and miners in Fifeshire was held at Dunfermline for the
purpose of trying to arrange the details of the medical
scheme which, it is hoped, will shortly be put into opera-
tion at all the collieries in the county.

Owing to the scarcity of w7agons, some of the colliery com-
panies are only able to keep the pits in the Lothians open
two and three days per week. At Dalkeith Colliery only
half-time is being obtained, and at Niddrie and Benhar
nearly 1,000 tons of output per week is being lost.

In a public enquiry, held at Stirling, before Sheriff Dean
Leslie, with reference to the death of James MTntyre Steel,
coal-cutting machineman in Livingstone Pit, Denny, on
December 7, it appeared that the accident in which he was
involved wras caused by a mistake in the survey of the pit.
Steel, along with others, wras working a coal cutter, which
cut into old workings, causing a rush of water. A formal
verdict was returned.

At a meeting of the Scottish branch of the National Asso-
ciation of Colliery Managers, held in Glasgow, Mr. W.
Gunnis (Giffnock Colliery) said that the force behind the
colliery managers’ movement had been rather conspicuous
by its absence. Mr. John George (Cambuslang), in reply-
ing to points raised in the discussion, said that trades
unionism would never raise the status of the colliery
manager.

Mr. J. W. Anderson, manager at Addiewell Works, has
been appointed general works manager of Young’s Oil Com-
pany Limited.

Sir Geo. Askwith’s award concerning Scottish colliery
surfacemen’s wages, gives 8d. per shift increase to workers
earning over 3s. 6d., and 4d. per shift to those getting 3s. 6d.
per day or under, these increases to be irrespective of general
increases or decreases given colliery workers. The agree-
ment is to remain in force till six months after peace is
declared.

Export trade returns for Fife for the better qualities of
coal are declining, the demand for the cheaper sorts being
relatively good. From Methil and Burntisland the com-
bined shipments only totalled 46,267 tons, as against 50,234
and 53,362 tons for the previous and corresponding weeks.
It is now certain that the decrease in the year’s shipments
will be over 450,000 tons.

Arrangements have been completed" for the amalgama-
tion of the interests of two widely-knowm West of Scotland
firms — Messrs. David Colville and Sons Limited, steel
makers, and Messrs. Archibald Russell Limited, coal
masters. The amalgamation takes effect as from January
next. Three directors of Messrs. Colville joint the board of
Messrs. Russell, and three of Messrs. Russell’s directors
join Messrs. Colville's board. The two companies collec-
tively employ about 18,000 men.