January 12, 1917. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 75 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN COAL AND IRON TRADES. We give below further Extracts from foreign periodicals that have reached us, showing the course of the coal and ' iron trades in Germany and Austria :— Report of the German Steelworks Union for 1915-16. The total deliveries, in weight of raw steel, amounted _________________________ to 3,281,852 tons, as compared with 3,393,537 tons in 1914-15, or ‘96’71 per cent/ of the latter figure. Of the total distribution, about 87 per cent, was for home con- sumption, against 81 per cent, the previous year, the increase being 95,000 tons, whilst exports declined by 200,000 tons; The total distribution of semi products was 875,701 tons (739,451 tons),; being 64T2 per cent. (5414 per cent.) of the participation, 90’34 per cent. (76’24 per cent,) being inland, and 9’66 per cent. (23’80 per cent.) exported. Railway superstructural material to the extent of 1,591,201 tons (1,759,115 tons) was distributed, or 61’88 per cent. (68’41 per cent.) of the participation, 88’72 per cent. (74’36 per cent.) being for the home market and 11’28 per cent. (15’64 per cent.) for export. Out of a total distribution of 814,950 tons (894,971 tons) of sections—32’31 per cent. (35’48 per cent, of the participation—79’19 per cent. 78’89 per cent.) was for the inland trade and 20’81 per cent. (21T1 per cent.) for abroad. Annual Report of the Rhenish Brown-Coal Briquette Syndicate for 1915-16. The total output of crude brown coal was 21,642,845 tons (18,898,088 tons in 1914-15), of which 2,594,086 tons (1,804,394 tons) were sold, and 19,053,302 tons (17,095,581 tons) used for making briquettes, the pro- duction of briquettes being 5,797,473 tons (5,208,569 tons). The two largest firms were: the Rheinische A.G., with an output of 1,997,436 tons, and the R/oddergrube A.G., producing 943,040 tons. The total distribution of briquettes by the Syndicate was 5,680,542 tons, an increase of 974,135 tons, or 20’70 per cent., above the figures of the Sales Association in the previous year. Landsale accounted for 230,194 tons; 4,574,890 tons were despatched by rail and 8“5,458 tons by water. For domestic purposes, 3,552,699 tons, or 62’54 per cent, of the total, were distributed, the industrial consumption being 2,127,843 tons, or 37’46 per cent. __________________________ German Output of Medium-Hard Steel in October. Out of a total production of 1,423,535 tons (1,393,186 tons in September). 664,933 tons (653,894 tons) were basic Bessemer, 19,070 tons (16,752 tons) acid Bessemer, 575,431 tons (570,757 tons) basic open-hearth, 22,104 tons (14,871 tons) acid open-hearth, 78,286 tons (71,337 tons) basic cast steel, 39,603 tons (38.308 tons) acid cast steel, 9,829 tons (9,947 tons) crucible steel, and 14,279 tons (17,326 tons) electro-steel. Of the various districts, Rhenish Westphalia produced 801,607 tons, Silesia 122,960 tons, Siegerland and Hesse Nassau 28,187 tons, North, East and Mid Germany 66,785 tons, Saxony 30,934 tons, South Germany 13,341 tons, the Saar district and Bavarian Rhine Pfalz 118,417 tons, Elsass-Lothringen 127,441 tons, and Luxemburg 113,893 tons. Austrian Ironworks Deliveries in October, r The deliveries for October included: Bars and sections 52,674 tons (44,737 tons in October 1915), girders 7,552 tons (7,428 tons), heavy plate 10,285 tons (5,341 __________________________ tons), and rails 8,308 tons (6,659 tons). ?.. Fuel Shipments on the Rhine-Herne Canal in November. The total shipments for the month amounted to 488,189 tons (166,210 tons in November 1915), of which 56,001 tons (19,688 tons) were from Arenberg-Prosper, 66,632 tons (52,683 tons) from the State collieries, 55,169 tons (16,021 tons) from Bismarck, 21,664 tons (13,723 tons) from Concordia, 16,798 tons (3,075 tons) from, Friedrich der Grosse, 15,859 tons (2,512 tons) from Hibernia, 24,285 tons (4,627 tons) from Koln- Neuessen, 11,871 tons (2,550 tons) from Konig Ludwig, 18,097 tons (3,020; tons) from Konig Wilhelm. 57.052 tons (9,514 tons) from Mathias Stinnes, 5,638 tons (1,130 tons) from Minister Achenbach, 22,804 tons (5,734 tons) from’ Nordstern, 21,724 tons (0) from Unser Fritz, 1,225 tons (1,517 tons) from Victor, and 93,372 tons (29,790 tons) from Wanne-West. ____________________________ OBITUARY, On Friday last Mr. J. R. Thomas, who, up to five years ago, was with the Rhymney Iron Company as sales agent, died at his residence at Dinas Powis, near Cardiff, at the age of 69. He had been engaged with the company, which despite its name is now a colliery undertaking only, for nearly 50 years. Mr. George Hardy (91), who died at Seaham Harbour last week, was an official under the Londonderry family for 47| years, for the greater part of which he was manager of the Londonderry railway between Seaham and Sunderland and of the Londonderry Engine Works. The railway was, probably, unique amongst -British railways in that it was a fully-equipped passenger and mineral line, owned by one man (the Marquess of Londonderry), running almost entirely over land owned by the Londonderry family, and possessing its own locomotives, rolling stock, repair shops, etc., being, in fact, quite self-contained and self-sufficient. It was opened for coal traffic in 1854, and for passenger traffic a year later. Mr. Henry Davis, governing director of Messrs. John Davis and Son (Derby) Limited, and chairman of the National Shell Factory, died on Sunday last. Apparently he overtaxed his strength in connection, particularly, with his work at the National Munition Factory, and his health began to fail in the autumn. He was the son of the la+» Mr. John Davis, who established himself in business in L*Lrby about 1830, and founded the now well-known firm of Messrs. John Davis and Sons Limited, All Saints' Works, Derby. The company developed greatly as manufacturers of mining requisites, many of which are well-known patents, and the progressive^ character of(theTate Mr. Davis was exemplified^ among other|things, by pioneering the local use of electric light, which he produced at his works, and supplied to establishments in the town until the corporation under- took the work. As a public man Mr. Davis gave ample proof of the ability which characterised him in his own business transactions. The funeral took place at Belper on Wednesday. r MINING AND OTHER MOTES. Vacancies for certifying surgeons under the Factory and Workshops Act at Foyers (Inverness), Wartie (Aberdeen), and Frodsham are announced. The Ministry of Munitions has prohibited the use of magnesite and magnesite products for or in connection with the construction or repair of any building (other than a furnace) or any flooring or deck, or the manufacture of any insulating or non-conducting material, except under and in accordance with the terms of a permit granted by the Minister of Munitions. The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries notifies publica- tion of a second edition of the 2nd volume of. the Special Reports on the Mineral Resources of Great Britain, which have been prepared by the Director of the Geological Survey. In the main, it is a reprint of the first edition wherein the uses, distribution, treatment,. and output of . barytes and witherite are dealt with. Copies, 2s. each, may be obtained through any bookseller. A scheme for the supervision of boy workers has been proposed in connection with welfare work. Under this scheme a supervisor would keep in touch with Juvenile Advisory Committees and After Care Committees, interview prospective workers as well as boys actually employed, and generally concern himself with their industrial and educational development. Copies of the scheme can be obtained from the Ministry of Munitions (Welfare Section), 6, Whitehall Gardens, S.W. By an Order dated January 2 no person or firm may make chemical or medical glass (including glass for miners' safety lamps) “ unless the purpose for which the glass is required has been approved,” and no person may deal in such glass made outside the United Kingdom without a certificate. Manufacturers must make returns to the Director of Optical and Glassware Munitions, 117 Piccadilly, London, and firms, when ordering, must specify their certificate or the number of an official contract for which the glass is required. TRADE AMD THE WAR. An investigation of South American markets for coal will be undertaken by the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Com- merce of the Department of Commerce, Washington. Chile, Peru, and Bolivia need coal, and have an abundance of minerals to ship in return. The investigation will be under- taken by Grosvenor M. Jones, special agent, who has written several important reports for the Bureau on shipping problems. , The Controller of the Foreign Trade Department, Lan- caster House, St. James’s, S.W., has issued a new consoli- dating list of over 2,000 firms or persons with whom trading by people in this country is forbidden by the Trading with the Enemy (Statutory List) Proclamation, 1916. The list is complete to December 22, and may be obtained, price 3d., through any bookseller. It is important that everyone engaged in foreign trade should realise that be is under an obligation to familiarise himself with the list, and comply with it. Anyone communicating with a black listed person is liable to. heavy penalties. THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products.—The scarcity of creosote has led to a. further increase in price, and- this product is strong, parti- cularly in the North. Naphthas generally are easier. Pitch and tar are unchanged, nearest values are : Rise (+) or fall ( —) on the week. 1/0} /10J—/llj 1/3—1/4 2/3 3/4 1/3 1/11 1/8—1/9 /6i-/6J /31-/4 .16/—17/ 17/—18/ 21/—23/ Benzols, 90’s __...................... ,, 90’s North ............. ,, 50’s North __................ Toluol ..................................................... Carbolic acid, crude (60 per cent.)... ,, crystals (40 per cent.) Solvent naphtha, south (90% at 160 degs.), as in quality and package... Solvent naphtha, north (90% at 160 degs.), as in quality and package... Crude paphtha, north (in bulk) ......... Creosote (for ordinary qualities) .... Pitch (f.o.b. east coast) ____.......... ,, (f.a.s. west coast) ___.•........ Tar (per ton ex works) __............. Sulphate of Ammonia.—The market is very firm, and in some cases prides are hardening. Closing prices variable . . . -/I -/0} +/Of 1 ence. London (ordinary makes) ... Beckton (25 per cent.) ......... . Liverpool- ............... Hull ...................__ - Middlesbrough ................... Scotch ports ................... Wales .......................... Nitrate of soda (ord), per cwt £18/10 £17/12/6 £18/16/3—£19 £18/5 £18/7/6 £18/12/6—£19 £18/12/6 20/ _________________________ are rather Rise ( + ) or fall (-) on the week. +2/6 +2/6 +2/6 + /3 Partnerships Dissolved.—The London Gazette announces . dissolution of the partnership of A. Tapp, T. Jones, and B. . . - „ ----- Everley Jones, trading as Tapp, Jones and Son, land and Britain for a special purpose. He went to the Transvaal mining agents and surveyors, 5, Little George-street, West- minster, where the partners have formed two separate busi- nesses. F. Woodward and A. F. Wood, trading as the Aylesbury Engineering Works, 3, Newcastle-row, Clerken- we.ll, have dissolved partnership. The trustees of E. Fyfield, of Witney, announce dissolution of the partnership with F. W. Payne, 105, Anerley-road, Anerley, with whom they _____________________________ carried on the business of W. Payne and Son, coal mer- chants, etc. H. P. Hird, E. V. Chambers, 'and T. C. Ham- mond, trading as Hird, Chambers and Hammond, tar distil-, lation plant makers, District Bank Chambers, Huddersfield, have dissolved partnership. MINING INDUSTRY AND MILITARY SERVICE. The cashier of a large colliery company within the juris- diction of the Spennymoor tribunal has been refused an extension of exemption, after having had six months’ grace. At the Durham County appeal tribunal, a batch of interest- ing, cases was dealt with last week. Application was made in respect of a Gateshead coal, merchant, who, volunteering originally, but rejected because he suffered from double hernia, had now been passed for general service. The case was referred to the Central Medical Board.—Another Gates- head coal merchant stated . that he was conditionally exempted last May, but this had been withdrawn, and he had been ordered to join up in a month. He sold from 35 to 40 tons of coal per day. This was his busiest time of year. Many Gateshead people had to go fireless at present owing to cartage shortage. He was willing to join if allowed until the end of March. His appeal was dismissed. —The manager of the Newcastle branch of a large firm of ■ coal exporters, with offices in London, Swansea, Cardiff, Liverpool, and other places, appealed. He stated that < exportation was at present almost entirely to munition works in France and Italy, and that he had the fulfilment of large ? contracts to superintend. The Newcastle staff had been • reduced to two men over military age and himself. The ■ proprietor of the business had seven sons serving with the . Colours and six daughters'engaged as nurses at Malta. The , appeal was not allowed.—Further application was made by 1 the Durham Miners’ Association'for two clerks, 25 and 20 years, of age respectively,, head clerks in the financial and treasury departments. Mr. Cann, general secretary, stated ■ that additional work was falling on the staff by reason of the Government’s intention to take control of the mines, and. these two clerks, who had been passed for garrison duty . abroad, were most essential. Aid. House, president and compensation agent, had broken down through extra;work, and he (Mr. Cann) had been ordered by his doctor to take three months’ rest. The appeal was dismissed, but calling- up was postponed for a month.—Application was made also for the exemption of a clerk in the compensation department. Aid. House wrote asking for three months’ grace, so that the arrears of work due to his own illness might' be made up. Two months, final. . At Newcastle local tribunal, the manager of a firm of coal exporters and colliery agents, aged 31 years, and‘passed for general service, whose salary, with commissions, was stated to amount to over £1,000 per annum, was granted two months’ postponement. Notice of appeal was given by the firm. — A munition worker, aged 29, who had been de-badged, applied for leave to return to the pits, his solicitor stating that miners were very badly wanted. Dismissed. At Chester-le-Street, Messrs'. John Bowes and Partners Limited sought exemption for their head pay clerk, aged 36, ’ married, with two children, passed for general service. It was stated that three clerks had gone to the Army, and that two girls, juniors, and a man over military age were now employed. The application failed,—Three coke drawers employed by Messrs. Jas. Joicey and Company Limited at Handon Hold, West Pelton, were granted conditional exemp- tion.—The Birtley Iron Company Limited appealed for the head wages clerk, who was responsible for the bills of 10 collieries, all surface wages bills, and the training of girl clerks; the costs, orders, and pay clerk, with special know- ledge of contracts for stores; three coke drawers, all engaged on Government work; a stores chargeman'and pay clerk, and a clerk in the fitting office and pay clerk. The three coke drawers were given conditional exemption, the stores chargeman and fitting office clerk final exemption until the end of January, and the head wages clerk and cost clerk exemption until March 30. — The Lambton and Hetton Collieries Limited secured exemption until the end of March for a colliery cashier and bill clerk, 35, married, and passed for sedentary wotk abroad. It was -stated that eight clerks had already joined the Army. The man applied for was the only male clerk left at the office, seven lady clerks being now employed.—The steward and caretaker of the Kimbles- worth and Plawkworth Workmen’s Club, a married man, aged 40, applied on domestic grounds, and was given exemp- tion on undertaking to secure full-time work as a miner at Kimbles worth Colliery. At the Cockermouth tribunal last week, the Cumberland Coal Owners’ Association appealed for Wm. G. Dockray, compensation clerk. Mr. T. P. Martin, secretary of the ■ association, said there was a younger man coming on, bub he would'not be fit to take Dockray’s place for some time. Their work had been considerably increased through making returns for the Government. Exemption till March 31. . When the Seaton Delaval Coal Company Limited appealed to the Tynemouth appeal tribunal for the exemption of Thos. : Laider, 36, general and costs and wages clerk, it was stated that he was the only trained clerk left in the general office, and was indispensable owing to his knowledge and experi- 1 . The local tribunal reported that he had already had six months’ exemption, and contended that the time had arrived When arrangements to replace him ’ should/be com- pleted. He was passed for general service. The company’s appeal was not opposed bv the military representative, how- ever, and conditional exemption was granted.’ At the Middlesbrough tribunal, Mr.- J. T. Atkinson applied on behalf of the Cleveland Mine Owners’ Association for their chief office clerk, a married man of 37 years of. age, who had been passed for general service. He stated that the work of clerk to the Cleveland iron masters and mine owners involved duties of very great ’ national importance in pre- serving the industrial peace of the nation, as well as in regulating wages. Exemption was extended until June 1. The Somerset Court of Quarter Sessions heard the appeal, under the Military Service Act, of Mr. Thomas Frederick Pittar, 39, of Bracken Hill, Wrington, North Somerset, son of Sir.Thos. Pitt ar, of Branksea Grange, Parkstone, Dorset. The case for the appellant—who had been fined for failing to report himself after notice to join up—was that he was ordinari.lv resident in the Transvaal, and was only in Great - - * - . ’ 1 \ " ........................... —1 when he was about 20, and" was the sole proprietor of a fire- clay business near Johannesburg. In 191.4 he came to England on account of his health, and also to raise working capital for a coal field syndicate. He was unable immediately to do so on account of the outbreak of war. .The court dis- missed the appeal with costs, but agreed to state a case for the High Court. Head, Wrights on and Company Limited.—The directors have declared an interim dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum, and the warrants have been posted to the shareholders.