348

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

February 16, 1917.

months) for the Council. Forms from the clerk, Council
Offices, S brood, Kent.

Woodford (Essex), February 27.—Coal and coke (12
months) for the Urban District Council. Forms from the
surveyor, Council Offices.

The date given is the latest upon which tenders can be
received.

CONTRACTS OPEN FOR ENGINEERING, IRON
AND STEEL WORK, &c.

Bedwas (Mon.), March 8.—Stores.—Iron and steel, cast-
ings, bolts, nuts, fittings, colliers’ tools, steel rails, etc., for
the Bedwas Navigation Colliery Limited. Forms from the
offices, Bedwas.

Clitheroe, March 3.—Various.—Steam tubes, wrought
iron, etc. (12 months) for the Corporation. Forms from Gas
Works manager.

Dublin, February 26.— Wheels, etc.—150 pairs wagon
wheels and axles for the Great Northern Bailway Company.
Forms from the secretary, Amiens-street Terminus.

Harrogate, March 5.—Plant.—By-product steam boiler,
overhead coal bunker, coal conveyor, and structural steel
work.. Specifications (£2 2s., returnable) from the Corpora-
tion Electricity Department, 33, Swan-road, Harrogate.

Ilford, February 24.—Various.—Tools, nails, screws,
pitch, creosote, etc. (12 months) for the Urban District
Council. Forms from the surveyor, Town Hall, Ilford.

London, February 16. — Copper Wire. — Hard drawn
copper wire. Forms from the Controller of Supplies, Office
of Works, King Charles-street, Westminster.

London, March 7.—Stores.—Iron, bolts, nuts, colliers’
tools, steel girders, brattice cloth, wire ropes, etc., for the
Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Company. Forms from stores
manager, Aberaman offices, near Aberdare. Tenders to 101,
Leadenhall-street, London.

Manchester, March 7. — Conveyors. — Coal conveying
plant and suction ash plant. Forms from F. E. Hughes,
Electricity Department, Town Hall.

Pontypridd, February 26.—Pipes.—Cast iron pipes, fire
hydrants, etc., for the Joint Water Board. Forms from the
superintendent, Waterworks Engineering Office, 27, Gelli-
wastad-road, Pontypridd.

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—February 12.
The Coal Difficulty in London.

Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke asked whether the difficulty and
delay experienced by the people of London in obtaining
delivery of coals were due, not so much to the shortage of
labour, as to the refusal on the part of porters and carters
to work unless it pleased them to do so.

Mr. G. Egberts replied that complaints had been made to
the Board of Trade regarding irregular working on the part
of carmen and loaders. At the request of the Department,
the London Coal Porters’ Union set up a number of local
committees to deal with absenteeism, and they were aware
that the regulations as to certified occupations expressly
provided for the refusal or discontinuance of exemption in
the case of men who have had a bad record for absenting
themselves from work.

In answer to other questions, Mr. Egberts said it was
clear that, if the porters and carters received exemption
from military service on condition that they did certain
work, and they failed to do it, they would be taken for the
Army. At the request of the London Coal Merchants’
Retail Prices Committee, arrangements had been made with
the War Office for the temporary loan of some military
motor wagons to assist in the distribution. Messrs. William
Cory and Son had been of great assistance in providing coal
for special distribution and making the necessary arrange-
ments with the merchants. He promised to take note of the
statement that Lambeth coal merchants were charging 2s.
to 2s. 2d. per cwt.

Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke asked whether Mr. Boberts was
aware that private individuals could not possibly get coal at
the present time owing to the fact that the Government
had commandeered all the coal for their own purpose.
Could not provision be made to enable private persons to
obtain supplies of coal?

Mr. Boberts replied that the Government was endeavour-
ing to make arrangements whereby private individuals could
obtain coal.

February 14.

Mr. D. MacMaster asked the President of the Board of
Trade whether he was aware that there were in London large
numbers of people who were unable to procure a supply of
coal to protect them against the inclemency of the weather;
and if he was aware that it was publicly reported that deaths
were taking place owing to cold and exposure.

Mr. G. H. Boberts replied that he was aware that there
had been great difficulty in the distribution of coal in London
and 'surrounding districts, but his attention had not been
directed to deaths attributable to exposure. Nevertheless,
he would cause enquiry to be made in that point.

Mr. W. M. B. Pringle pointed out that the fixed price
included the cost of cartage, and asked if the merchants
were to have the full price in cases where delivery was
made by Army lorries.

Mr. Boberts said that he would consider that point.

Air. J. H. Merivale, agent to the Broomhill Collieries
Limited, formerly Professor of Mining at the Durham
College of Science (now Armstrong College), and for many
years secretary of the North of England Institute of Mining
and Mechanical Engineers, who died on November 18 last,
left estate valued at £7,751, with net personalty £1,415.

The Iron and Steel Industries Committee, which was
appointed to consider the position of the iron and steel
industries after the war, wishes to close the taking of evidence
by the end of March. Communications relating to the matter
should be addressed to the secretary, Mr. C. Boland Woods,
Iron and Steel Industries Committee, Board of Trade, 6,
Whifehalhgardens, S.W.

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.

REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Astley and Tyldesley Collieries Company Limited. — The
directors recommend a final dividend of 20s. per share,
making 17^ per cent., free of income-tax, for the past year.

Bristol and South ^ales Railway Wagon Company
Limited.—The directors have resolved to recommend the pay-
ment of a. dividend for the past year a;t the usual rate of
10 per cent.

British Coalite Company Limited.—The company states
that in accordance with a resolution of the second mortgage
debenture stock holders, an additional £25,000 of stock has
been registered, making the total amount authorised
£100,000. A supplemental trust deed has also been regis-
tered, under which the above-mentioned £100,000 stock
becomes first mortgage debenture stock of the company. ,

Consolidated Cambrian Company Limited.—The directors
recommend dividends and bonus on the ordinary shares
amounting to 15 per cent, for the past y£ar.

Crossley Brothers Limited. — The directors recommend a,
final dividend of 3| per cent., making 6 per cent, for the
past year on the ordinary shares.

Dalmellington Iron Company Limited.—The directors have
declared an interim dividend of 5s. per share, free of tax, on
the ordinary shares, ^vable on March 1.

Davis (D.) and Sons Limited.—The directors recommend a.
final dividend of 10 per cent, and a bonus of 10 per cent,
on the ordinary shares, making 30 per cent, for the past year.

Edinburgh Collieries Company Limited. — The directors
recommend a final dividend of 12| per cent, on the ordinary
shares, making 17J per cent, for the past year.

France (William), Fenwick and Company Limited.—The
directors recommend a. final dividend on ordinary of 10 per
cent., and a bonus of 5 per cent., making 25 per cent, for
year 1916.

Hawthorn (R. and W.), Leslie and Company Limited.—
The directors have declared an interim dividend of 2| per
cent. (5s. per share) on the ordinary shares. For the full
year 1915-16, 12J per cent, was paid.

National Gas Engine Company Limited.—The report states
that the net profit, after providing for depreciation of build-
ings, plant, tools, etc., and allowing for management salaries
and income-tax, is £95,915. The directors recommend a
final dividend at the rate of 7| per cent, per annum on the
ordinary shares, less tax, for the six months ended Dec. 30
last, together with a bonus of 9d. per share in respect of the
ordinary shares. This will absorb £51,000, and leave
£46,334 to carry forward.

Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Company Limited. — The
directors recommend a final dividend of 11 per cent, on the
ordinary shares, free of tax, making 20 per cent, for the
past year. For each of the six preceding years the dividends
amounted to 20 par cent. on.the ordinary shares.

- Wigan Coal and Iron Company Limited.—The directors
recommend a dividend of 6 per cent., making 10 per cent.,
free of tax, far the year, as against 8 per cent, for 1915,
3 per cent, for 1914, and 7 per cent, for-1913. The directors
have issued a statement to the shareholders stating that,
in consequence of their taxation obligations not having been
determined, they are unable to present at the usual time a
complete balance-sheet for the year, but they will do this at
the meeting.

Yorkshire Electric Power Company Limited.—The report
for the year ended December 31 last states that the net profit,
after payment of mortgage and other interest, is £29,1.12,
against £21,209. The balance brought forward is £2,477,
making £31,590. The directors now recommend a. dividend
for the year, less tax, at the rate of 3 per cent, on the ordi-
nary, shares, and after transferring £12,000 to general reserve
there remains £3,866 to be carried forward.

NEW COMPANIES.

Baker (D.) and Company (Liverpool) Limited. — Private
company. Registered office, 91, Fore-street, E.C. Regis-
tered February 3. To carry on business of iron masters,
colliery proprietors, iron founders, mechanical engineers, tool
makers, brass founders, and metal workers. Nominal
capital, £2,000 in 500 £1 preference shares, and 1,500 £1
ordinary shares. ' Directors to be appointed by the sub-
scribers. Qualification, £10. Subscribers (one preference
share each) : G. A. and H. D. Double.

Becker (R.) and Company Limited. — Private company.
Begistered office, 53, City-road, E.C. Begistered February 9.
To carry on the busines of manufacturers of and dealers in
all kinds of machinery and appliances, special tools, and
plants. Nominal capital, £2,000 in 2,000 £1 shares.
Director, O. J. R. Becker.

Cook (George H.) and Company Limited.—Private com-
pany (Sheffield). Registered February 5. To carry on
business of steel manufacturers and merchants. Nominal
capital, £5,000 in 5,000 £1 shares. Directors : G. H. Cook,
H. Sagar, and C. J. Glanville. Qualification, £100.

Driver, Drennan and Cooper Limited.—Private company.
Registered February 9. To carry on the business of cable
manufacturers, wire drawers, and electrical engineers and
metallurgists. Nominal capital, £50,000 in 50,000 £1 shares.
Directors : J. K. Cooper, H. L. Driver (president of Driver,
Harnson Wire Company, U.S.A.), W. Bedell Driver, A.
Bensell, and J. Drennan. Qualification of directors, £25.

Fairfield Supplies Company Limited. — Private company.
Registered February 9. To purchase or otherwise acquire
and carry on Hie business of iron and steel merchants.
Nominal capital, £4,000 in 4,000 £1 shares. Directors : G.
Schonfield and P. S. Abrahams.

Helena Engineering Company Limited.—Private company.
Registered February 7. To carry on the business of engi-
neers, iron founders, brass founders, manufacturers of and
dealers in mains,- motor-cans, and vehicles of all kinds.
Nominal capital, £5,000 in 5,000 £1 shares. Directors shall
be- appointed bv the subscribers. Subscribers (one share
each) : G. A. Bettinson and M. Smith.,	-

Rhondda Engineering and Mining Company Limited.—
Private company. Begistered February 5. Nature of busi-
ness indicated by title. Nominal capital, £20,000 in 20,000
£1 shares. Directors : Lady Ma.ckworth, L. J. Davies, and
J. M. Draper.

This list of new companies is taken from the Daily
Register specially compiled by Messrs. Jordan and Sons
Limited, company registration agents, Chancery-lane, E.C.

THE FREIGHT MARKET.

What must be a record list of outward fixtures, in point
of fewness of number, for any one week in the history of
steam collier vessels, is to be reported this week. From the
north-east coast, only a few small vessels for the carriage of
coke to Northern French ports have been fixed, at 45s., plus
a couple of vessels (one British and one neutral) for coal
carriage to Marseilles at the restricted rates which have been
agreed upon. At South Wales, the position is, if anything,
rather worse, for there have been only three vessels taken up
at Cardiff—one from Belfast and two from other ports. The
rates paid call for no comment, save that Gibraltar has been
fixed for twice at considerable increases in figures. The
freight market at other coal shipping centres is moribund.
The check to business represented by this inactivity in the
freight market need not be expatiated upon.

If there were nothing better to look forward to for the
duration of the war, those interested in the coal trade might
well “ pack up ” and enlist forthwith. Happily, however,
there is reason to hope for a much better state of things at
an early date. It may be said that to the timorous (or crafty)
neutral ship owner, it has been found necessary greatly to
increase recent concessions as to rates of freight for neutral
ships. Thus, as from Monday last, neutral vessels carrying
coal between this country and French Atlantic and Channel
ports are to have the old maximum rates plus 50 per cent.—
as against the 20 per cent, advance which came into opera-
tion at the beginning of the month, and was said to be
insufficient to meet' the extra costs of war risks insurance
—whilst similar ships trading with coal to Italy are to have
an increment of 12s. per ton on top of the 50 per cent,
advance recently conceded on previous maximum prices.
There is no reason to descant on the handsome nature of the
concessions. Suffice it to say that they exalt rates of freight
far above even the highest figures paid in the old “ unre-
stricted ” days, Tyne to Genoa, for example, being fixed at
a maximum (which, it is safe to say, will also be the mini-
mum for some time to ’come) of 108s. 9d., as against the
previous record of about 101s. 6d. Other rates are, of
course, up in like proportion. It is curious to note, by the
way, that the rates to French Mediterranean ports do not
appear to be subject to the “ bonus ” of 12s. per ton. Why
this should be so, it is difficult to say; probably it is a
Departmental omission or a printer’s error. Such high
figures should certainly result in a big influx of tonnage,
for, in many instances, the cost of the boat—especially in
those cases where the vessel was purchased before the war—
will be refunded by the proceeds from a single voyage.

Homewards, River Plate are very steady, with a good
demand for tonnage. At the United States, Virginia coal
freights for Plate destinations are quoted at from 92s. 6d. to
97s. 6d., an advance of from 2s. 6d. to 5s. on the week—
figures at which there is considerable difficulty in securing
cargo space. For heavy grain, Northern Bange to United
Kingdom is indicated at 27s. 6d. Net charter business for
neutral tonnage is mentioned at the unaltered figure of 155s.
from Northern Bange to France. Bates in several instances
have smartly advanced from Eastern directions. Thus,
Kurrachee on scale is now indicated at from 175s. to 180s.
to the United Kingdom, an advance of from 42s. 6d. to 45s.
on the week, and Bombay seeks for tonnage for the same
destination at 210s. on d.w., an increase of 30s. Calcutta
on jute basis to French ->orts is quoted at from 280s. to 300s.,
a rise of about 20s. Madras with kernels to Marseilles is
mentioned at 360s., an advance of 20s. Mediterranean ore
business is in abeyance pending the effect of revised rates
for neutral vessels.

Tyne to Boulogne, 700 and 1,500, 45s., coke; Calais, 700,
45s., coke; Calais or Dunkirk, 300 'and 1,500, 45s., coke;
Dieppe, 400, 45s., coke; Honfleur, 400, 45s., coke; London,
1,700, 16s.; Marseilles, 3,000, 95s. 3d., neutral vessel;
3,000, 63s. 6d., British boat; North French Range, 400,
45s., coke; Treport, 600 and 700, 45s., coke.

Cardiff to Gibraltar, 2,000, 80s. ; Port Said, 6,000, 85s.;
Rouen, 750, 30s. 7d., neutral vessel.—Some business has
been arranged at Cardiff on recent time-charter terms, but
details are withheld.

Wales to Dakar, 2,500, 67s. 6d.; Gibraltar, 3,500, 80s.,
500.

Swansea to Belfast, 250, 15s. 9d.

OBITUARY.

The death is announced of Mr. G. F. Insole (70), of The
Court, near Cardiff, who died on Sunday, after about two
months’ illness. Mr. Insole was chairman of the company
bearing his name—the Cymmer Colliery, Rhondda, having
been in 1898 disposed of for £300,000 to a limited company
in which the family held controlling interest. It has been
a singularly successful undertaking, the distribution in 1913
including .a bonus of 50 per cent., making as much as 70
per cent, total; but later distributions have been at the rate
of 10 per cent. Beside his position in Insoles Limited, the
deceased had a large holding in the Windsor Steam Coal
Company, and he was a director of the Barry and Vale of
Glamorgan Railways. He leaves three sons, all of them
now in the Army.

The death is announced of Mr. Charles Balfour, New-
castle, who for 40 years was prominently connected with
the Owners of Pelton Colliery Limited. Mr. Balfour was
59 years of age.

Lieut. John Kenneth Stead (24), younger son of Dr. J. E.
Stead, F.R.S., the well-known metallurgist, Middlesbrough,
who has -died from wounds received in active service, was
being trained .as a mining engineer when he enlisted at the
outbreak of war.

The Danish Icelandic Coal Mining Company has been
organised in Copenhagen to develop newly-discovered coal
fields in Iceland. Work will be started at once, it is
announced.

The Men s Social Wbrk of the Salvation Army recently
opened temporary coal depots in some of the poorer districts
in London for the sale of coal in small quantities to the
poor during the present difficulty.

The Marquess of Crewe has been appointed a member of
the Committee of the Privy Council for the purpose of the
organisation and development of scientific and industrial
research.	,	■