THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. _________________________________________________________________________________ 588 March 23, 1917. SOUTH WALES MINING TIMBER TRADE. Owing to various circumstances, the imports of foreign mining timber, upon which South Wales depends to a very large extent, declined so materially some weeks ago that several collieries stopped for short periods, and the outlook was very unfavourable. We understand that efforts have been made whereby a largely increased quantity of French pitwood wfill be regularly sent to South Wales. For the week ending March 17, the imports of French pitwood into South Wales ports was heavier than for some weeks past. Furthermore, eight vessels have been chartered for the carriage of pitwood from the French Bay ports to South Wales, so that forthcoming arrivals are expected to be heavy. The increased imports have checked the rising tendency of prices.. Quotations for best French fir rule about 75s. per ton ex ship Cardiff. There is no “ free ’’ wood available, the imports going rapidly into consumption. The following table shows the actual quantity of mining timber imported into South Wales and Monmouthshire for the week ending March 17 :— Cardiff, Barry and Penarth; To Lysberg Limited ...... Grant Hayward........ Lysberg Limited ...... E. Marcesche.......... Morgan and Cadogan ... E. Marcesche.......... W. H. Williams........ Grant Hayward........ Lysberg Limited .............. Do. .......... Franklin Thomas...... Evans and Reid........ Budd and Company.... Harrison, Sons and Co. .. E. Marcesche.......... Newport:— Budd and Co......... Powell Duffryn Company From Loads. Bayonne ......... 2,280 Auray ........... 150 Bordeaux......... 8,940 Sables d’Olonne... 600 L’Orient ......... 1,020 Hennebont ....... 192 Leixoes............. 8,650 Redon ........... 126 Mortagne........ 144 La Rochelle....... 1,080 Pont l’Abbe....... 125 Morlaix........... 156 Treguier __......... 150 Oporto........... 648 L’Orient ......... 240 ______ Total...... 25,501 Pont l’Abbe........ 110 Bordeaux.......... 3,000 Swansea:— Wm. Davies and Co.... ... Do. Do. ... Vyvyan Kelly ....... Lysberg Limited ..... Do. ..... Grant Hayward....... Evans and Bogers..... Wm. Davies and Co.... Lysberg Limited __.... Total..... 3,100 Bordeaux . /........ 289 Mortagne......... 200 La Bochelle ____...... 187 Bordeaux.................... 150 L’Orient ......... 120 Mortagne......... 125 Auray .................. 180 La Bochelle... ..... 200 Quimper ................ 137 Mortagne......... 375 Total...... 1,963 Port Talbot:— Lysberg Limited .... La Bochelle........ 437 Vyvyan Kelly ........ Bordeaax.......... 660 Morgan and Cadogan ... Treguier.......... 110 E. W. Cook............ Sables d’Olonne.... 750 ______ Total...... 1,957 The Coal Owners’ Pitwood Association are endeavouring to push forward their project with all possible speed. Several sales have been made of home-grown timber by local pit- wood merchants, but much difficulty was experienced in obtaining hauliers. Prices varied very considerably, for whilst 49s. per ton was quoted delivered at colliery, in other cases values approached that of foreign timber on quay. ____________________________________________ THE IRISH COAL TRADE. Thursday, March 22. ___________________________________________ Dublin. Trade continues to be very active, prices being without any immediate prospect of change, although should any occur it will probably be on the downward line. Stocks in the port are low, owing to the difficulty in getting supplies. Quota- tions in the city are : Best Orrell, 44s. per ton net; York- shire brights, 43s.; best Wigan, 42s. ; best slack, 36s.; steam coal, from about 40s. per ton; best coke, 44s. per ton. The import trade shows a considerable falling-off during the week, the total quantity of coal discharged upon the quays being- only 15,755 tons, as against 22,535 tons in the previous week. The coal vessels arriving amounted to 40, as compared with 59 the week previously. It is stated that the development of the Arigna and Slieve-an-Eeirin coal fields is to be under- taken immediately by the Irish Exploration and Develop- ment Company Limited. It is proposed to construct as much railway as will connect the mineral area of Collooney and the Great Southern and Western Bailway and the Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Bailway. Portion of the scheme includes the construction of a railway from Sligo to Bandoran, and the taking over of the Cavan and Leitrim Bailway. The district is within easy access of a wide area of towns, which can be supplied by railway and canal. Negotiations are on foot for the taking over of mines at present worked by the Arigna Mining Company. It is expected that about 1,000 tons of coal a day can be produced when the scheme is completed. Belfast. Business locally continues to be very quiet, and there is no change in prices of house coal, viz. : Best Arley, 43s. 6d. per ton; Orrell nuts, 42s. 6d.; English house, 41s. 6d. ; Scotch, 39s. 6d.; Orrell slack, 39s. 6d. Prices of steam coals are somewhat easier. Supplies of English house coal are difficult to obtain, owing to the trouble in bringing forward to the port of shipment. The price of Irish coal raised at the Portrush Colliery, Craigahulliar, co. Antrim, is 14s. per ton at the pithead. This mine was originally opened for bauxite ore, wfliich afterwards led to the discovery of coal of very good quality. Up till the present, the output has been disposed of in the districts lying between Ballymena and Londonderry included, but the Midland Bailway is now test- ing the coal at Belfast, with a view to using it over their line. Some of the coal is also being sent to Derby and Bristol, but for what purpose it is being used in the two last-named places is not yet known. The mine has been worked for over two years. MINING INDUSTRY AND MILITARY SERVICE. The Monmouthshire appeals tribunal sat at Newport on Monday, and during the hearing of a coal trimmer’s case reference was made to a resolution of the Newport Labour Committee — that all certificates of single men under 31 would be withdrawn. It was stated by the military repre- sentative that it was not proposed to call up these men until substitutes had been found, but as to this no great difficulty was expected. On behalf of the men, it was contended that the certificate given by Mr. Bunciman could not be with- drawn, as no notice had been given. The further hearing was adjourned. The tribunal had also to deal with the case of a wages clerk at the Tirpentwys Colliery, the man being single, 26 years of age, and in Class A. It was stated on behalf of the employers that this man was considered so important that they were prepared to release two single Class A men instead —the clerk being more indispensable than a dozen men at the colliery. The tribunal, however, declined to sanction this bargain, and decided that the man must join the Army in two months. The work of voluntary enlistment amongst the South Wales miners is progressing satisfactorily, and there is every evidence that the 4,500 to 5,000 men required from this coal field are likely to be obtained. Opinion to this effect pre- vails amongst recruiting officers in certain areas—the class of man needed being those who are Al, and between the ages of 19 and 23; but men up to the age of 3'1 will be accepted. Meetings are being held in different parts of the coal field to impress upon the men the desirability of volun- teering. Mr. William Straker, corresponding secretary to the North- umberland Miners’ Association, has issued to the county lodges an “urgent message” on the subject of recruiting of miners for the Army. He calls attention to the scheme of General Geddes to raise 20,000 men, and asks? on behalf of Col. Dashwood, director of recruiting in Northumberland, for offers of assistance on the part of local lodge officials in the recruiting campaign, in order that further compulsion among miners may not be resorted to, and that those who do go will do so as free men, believing that it is their duty to do so. A batch of cases of considerable colliery interest was dealt with by the Newcastle panel of the Northumberland appeal tribunal last week. In the case of an assistant chartering clerk to a firm of coal exporters, shippers, etc., it was stated that the man, who was 32 years of age, and passed for general service, was doing a lot of work in connection with the Customs. Appeal dismissed, but the man not to be called up for a month.—The manager of a coal exporting and timber business, aged 30, and passed for general service, was given three months’ exemption, with leave to appeal again. It was stated that the man’s employer knew nothing about the export business, and was in very indifferent health. —A colliery salesman and assistant book-keeper, aged 29, was stated to have been rejected under the Derby scheme, later to have been passed C 1, and now to have been passed for general service. Mr. Goodger, solicitor, stated that the man had been badged, but that under the general de-badging scheme the badge had been withdrawn. The colliery was engaged almost entirely on Admiralty business. It was necessary to have two men in the colliery fitter’s office—one for outside work and one for inside. If the man was taken, the colliery would be stopped, and the Admiralty would have to go without the coal. The chairman (Dr. F. W. Dendy) remarked that the man was an “A” man, and under 30, and, according to the latest regulations, of more value in the Army than elsewhere. Mr. Goodger replied that the. man was engaged on work of national importance. Fie had been badged, and the fact that the Government had taken over the mines showed how important that industry was.—A man,. 26 years of age, and passed for general service, applying for exemption, stated that in January 1914 he and another man set up as coal exporters and agents. The business flourished. Then came the war, and his partner, who was in the Terri- torials, wept on active service, and had fought in France and Flanders for over 18 months. He had received a commission, and appeared in support of the appeal. In 1915 the firm dealt with over 120,000 tons of coal, principally for Scandi- navian ports. If that business connection were lost, there was a great risk that it -would not be regained after the war. The tribunal expressed regret, but said that, as applicant was only 26, and passed for active service, he must join up by the end of April. At Pfudhoe, exemption for two months was given to four colliery surface workers, whom the travelling medical board passed for service, and whom the colliery recruiting board had ordered to serve. The exemption was consequent upon the understanding that the calling-up notices issued to colliery workers had been suspended, pending the result of an appeal for voluntary enlistment. Thos. Dobson, 25, who appealed to the Berwick panel of the Northumberland appeal tribunal, stated that he was employed as an underground engineman at Stobswood Colliery, and had a small farm to look after also. At the farm he had 16 head of cattle and one horse. He was the sole support of his widowed mother. The military repre- sentative asked Dobson if he got any sleep at all. Dobson replied that he went into the mine at 6 p.m. He got home again at 3 a.m. He slept until 10, and attended to the farm for the rest of the time. The appeal was dismissed, but it is understood that further notice may be taken of Dobson’s position at Stobswood Colliery. __________________________ THE TIN-PLATE TRADE. . Liverpool. A quiet business has been done during the week in Class A orders at round 26s. to 28s. basis for coke finish, f.o.b. Wales. Many makers, however, either refuse to quote at all against enquiries, or ask prohibitive figures. Supplies of steel are inadequate, consequently most works are behind in deliveries. Quotations at present may be called :—Cokes : IC 14 x 20 (112 sh. 1081b.), 26s. to 28s. per box; I C 28 X 20 (112 sh. 216 lb.), 52s. 6d. to 55s. per box. I C squares and odd sizes, 26s. 6d. to 28s. 6d. basis. Charcoals run 30s. basis and upwards, according to finish, f.o.b. Wales. In regard to coke wasters, sizes which can be sold without restriction are realising full figures, viz., about 30s. basis, f.o.b. Wales. There is a good demand, holders being by no means anxious to sell. PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE. _________ _________________________ HOUSE OF COMMONS.—March 19. State Control of Mines. Mr. D. Millar asked whether arrangements would be made by the Controller of Mines for communicating infor- mation to the House of Commons before intimating it to the Press. Mr. Roberts, in reply, said that he was not in a position to make any further statement regarding arrangements for the State control of mines. The House would be informed before the Press was. ________ Peat Fuel. Mr. P. White asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the necessity of providing fuel, he would have a survey made of all the bogs capable of pro- ducing fuel in county Meath, with the view of distributing such fuel amongst the local poor people. Mr. Duke said that the bogs of county Meath had been surveyed, and the attention- of those concerned would be called to the facts. _________ Coal Distribution. Mr. H. P. Harris asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he had been able to take to facilitate the distribution of coal in the Metropolis. Mr. Boberts replied that, with a view to freeing larger quantities for consumers who can only purchase in small quantities, the Controller of Coal Mines had requested the London Merchants’ Committee to arrange that for the present no quantity exceeding one ton should be delivered at one time to any single householder. Mr. O’Dowd asked what encouragement would be given to opening up coal and iron mines in the Arigna district, West of Ireland. Mr. Duke replied that coal was being mined at Arigna, and he was informed that a company had recently been formed for the further development of the resources of the area. _________ March 21. Cleveland Miners. Mr. H. Samuel asked whether it was proposed to return to the Cleveland iron mines any of the men who had enlisted, and whether the Cleveland Miners’ Association would be given an opportunity of expressing an opinion. Mr. Kellaway replied that the Minister of Munitions was aware of the advantages of utilising the services of men skilled in ironstone mining. Enquiries were being made, and the association would have an opportunity of expressing its views. _________ March 22. State Control of Collieries. Mr. G. Boberts, replying to Mr. Millar, said the Board of Trade had now assumed control of all the collieries in Great Britain and Ireland, and a Department had been set up under the Controller of Coal Mines to exercise this con- trol. An Advisory Board, representative of the coal owners and the miners in the various districts, had-been attached to the Controller. It was not proposed generally to inter- fere in the actual management of the undertakings by their owners, who would be responsible to the Government for the safe and efficient working of the properties. It was also not proposed to interfere with the machinery already set up in the various districts for dealing with disputes. The Con- troller of Coal Mines was now dealing with the question of the distribution of supplies, with a view to securing economy of transport and of consumption of coal. The financial arrangements arising out of the control were receiving very careful consideration, but he was not at present in a position to make a statement on the subject. Miners’ wages were, as a general rule, based on the prices of coal. It had been agreed with the representatives of the miners that, in the event of prices falling in any district, no steps would be taken to effect a reduction of wages 'without the representa- tives of the men being first taken into consultation. Peat Industries. Mr. Ginnell asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he would make available immediately a copy of the statement regarding the absence of peat industries in Ireland which the Irish Department had prepared in the interest of the British coal trade for submission to the Industrial and Research Committee ; whether this Committee comprised any person with knowledge of Irish bogs and desire for the utili- sation of them; whether any such persons would be invited to give evidence or information before a decision was reached; and why had he not facilitated the testing of the heating power of peat-mixture bricks in a Government laboratory. Mr. Duke said that the statement referred to was pre- pared for the Advisory Council of the Department of Scien- tific and Industrial Besearch, and was at present under the consideration of their Irish Besearch Board. Under these circumstances, it would not be proper to publish the state- ment. There was no foundation for the allegation that it had been prepared in the interests of the British coal trade. The Board was fully informed as to the various schemes which had been tried or proposed for the utilisation of peat in Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom. He understood that arrangements were being made for a con- ference between the Fuel Besearch Board and representa- tives of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruc- tion for Ireland. In reply to a further question by Mr. Ginnell as to facili- tating experiments and the testing of the heating powers of peat, Mr. Duke said the whole matter was under immediate attention by the Irish Besearch Board. If the hon. member would present to him any product of peat which seemed to require examination it should be looked at, and properly examined. Coal Mines Regulation (Amendment) Bill. At the Committee stage, Mr. Herbert Samuel asked whether, before any steps were taken to apply this new pro- vision to ironstone mines, the interests affected would have the opportunity of making representation on the matter. Sir G. Cave, in reply, said that as regards stratified iron- stone, they did not propose to use the dispensing power in respect of those mines without giving those concerned, both employers and men, the fullest opportunity of being heard. The Bill was reported without amendment, read the third time, and passed.