774 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. April 20, 1917. LETTERS TO THE EDITORS. ___________________________________________________________ The Editors are not responsible either for the statement made, or the opinions expressed by correspondents. All communications must be authenticated by the name and address of the sender, whether for publication or not. No notice can be taken of anonymous communications. As replies to questions are only given by way of published answers to correspondents, and not by letter, stamped addressed envelopes are not required to be sent. ___________________________________________________________ VISUAL AMD AURAL SIGNALS. . Sirs,—Our attention has been called to a remark which was made by Mr. D. Mdwat, the president of the Mining Institute of Scotland, which is reported in Vol. liii., part 1, of the Transactions of the Institution of Mining Engineers. Mr. Mowat evidently refers to a letter signed “ Signals,” which appeared in your issue of January 5, pointing out that Mr. Mowat claimed that his indicator was the only one so arranged which cancelled the signal “ To Stop automatically, and stating that this practice had been in vogue for some time in the system of signalling introduced by John Davis and Son (Derby) Limited. Mr. Mowat stated that he had carefully perused the paper by Mr. Wilfrid H. Davis on winding engine signals, and did not think that our arrangements would work satisfactorily, as it depended on a certain amount of centrifugal force being developed, and it would not operate at all if they only required the cage to nu>ve a few inches. We do not wish to enter into any controversy in the matter, but merely to state a fact. Mr. Mowat has evidently not seen our system in operation, or he could not have made these remarks. We wish to definitely state that the “ Davis- Macdonald” ball race release is so arranged that it cancels the signal immediately the engine moves, and we shall be glad to prove this to Mr. Mowat any time he cares to take the trouble to make an inspection. With regard to Mr. Mowat’s concluding remarks that we have recognised the weakness and have put a further gear on the market, we should like to mention that we have placed a further gear on the market, viz., the “ Davis-Holmesdearle ” governor release gear, but this is not owing to the previous named gear being a failure, but simply that it is on a different principle, and that while some collieries prefer one type, others may prefer another. John Davis and Son (Derby) Ltd. (Wilfrid H. Davis, Managing Director). April 12, 1917. ______________________ COLLIERY MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION. Sirs,—I notice in a recent issue of your paper that you mention that " the executive council of the Colliery Managers’ Association met in Cardiff on Monday,” and discussed proposals to seek improvement in the wage rate. The name Colliery Managers’ Association is to my mind misleading, and on behalf of the council of this association — the National Association of Colliery Managers—I wish to disclaim any such meeting or discussion, as by its constitution this association does not adopt the principles of trade unionism. I should like it to be distinctly understood that there is no connection between this association and another body of colliery managers which has been recently constituted, and whose aims and objects differ very materially from those pursued by our members. G. Alfred Lewis (Secretary National Association of Derby, April 16. Colliery Managers). __________________________ TRADE AND THE WAR. The Army Council has commandeered the whole output of high boiling tar acids capable of being produced from such blast furnace creosote oil as may be supplied on behalf of the Director of Army Contracts to W. Baird and Com- pany Limited, Glasgow; British Phenoloids Company Limited, Irvine; Carnbroe Chemical Company Limited, Glasgow ; David Colville and Sons Limited, Glengarnock ; W. Cooper and Nephews, Glasgow; Killgerm Company Limited, Cleckheaton; Langloan Iron and Chemical Com- pany Limited, Coatbridge ; National Tar Products Limited, Barrhead; Newton, Chambers and Company Limited, Thorncliffe; Quibell Brothers Limited, Newark; Robert Young and Company Limited, Glasgow. The Order extends from April 18 to July 15, and it includes power to obtain particulars regarding profits of manufacturing the acids. According to the Politiken, the coal famine threatens to become acute in Copenhagen, present supplies being only sufficient for three weeks. A strike of iron workers is proceeding in Sweden, which threatens, according to the journal Social-demokraten, to spread to all the iron works in the country. ____________________________ Examination off Irish Coal Fields.—Government mining and geological experts, appointed to examine the mineral resources of the United Kingdom, recently arranged to examine the conditions in Ireland. The output of coal declined from 126,114 tons in 1883 to 82,000 tons in 1913. Trade Opening Abroad.—An agent in Christchurch (New Zealand) wishes to get into touch with United Kingdom manufacturers with a view to representing them through- out the Dominion after the war. The goods for which agencies are desired include pig iron, bolts and nuts, etc., steel shafting, and steel, including tool steel, mining steel, etc. Manufacturers and producers may obtain the name and address of the enquirer on application to the Depart- ment of Commercial Intelligence, 73, Basinghall-street, London, E.C.2. The reference number (142) should be quoted. PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE. ___________________________ HOUSE OF COMMONS—April 19. The Scarcity of Coal. Mr. Roberts, replying to Mr. Gilbert, said that the great shortage of coal stocks at London railway depots had received the attention of the Controller of Coal Mines, who issued telegraphic instructions on Saturday last to all collieries in the districts supplying London to forward daily until further orders the same quantities to London as on the corresponding day last year. The railway companies were, at the same time, asked to give special facilities for the transit of the traffic. Arrangements had also been made with the London merchants that priority would be given to sales in small quantities, and, in particular, that all the merchants would serve small purchasers at their depots at certain times each day at prices 2d. per cwt. below the trolley price for the district. ________ Wagon Shortage. Mr. Roberts, replying to Mr. D. Millar, said he was aware of difficulties experienced from time to time regard- ing coal wagons, but recent returns from Scotland did not show any general or serious loss of time due to that cause. No separate Controller of Coal Mines for Scotland had been appointed, but certain district officials had. ________ Safety Appliances in Mines. Mr. Stanton asked whether the regulations would be more stringently enforced to prevent fatal accidents arising out of the neglect of the use of safety appliances on the travelling roads in coal mines, and whether the Depart- ment would examine the safety inventions of men who could not afford to place them on the market. Mr. Brace replied that the regulations were strictly enforced, and any known instance of laxity would be enquired into at once. The Department was always ready to examine new inventions, but not to help in placing them on the market. Attention was being given to the question of mining rescue appliances. ______________________________________________________ INDIAN AND COLONIAL NOTES. _______________ ____________________________________ Africa. Transvaal Coal Companies. — The total dividends paid by the Transvaal coal companies in 1916 did not show much alteration when compared with the previous year, the total amounting to <£200,631. The Apex Colliery showed the most decline, but this company during the previous year underwent a kind of re-construction, dis- posed of its gold interests, and distributed its accumu- lated profits amongst the shareholders. The Anglo-French Navigation Collieries only paid last year 10 per cent, upon its preference shares, against 12^ per cent, in 1915. Then the Breyten Collieries only managed to pay 5 per cent, last year, as against 16| per cent, during the previous year, owing to a variety of troubles at the colliery. Owing to extensive subsidences at the colliery, the East Rand Gold and Coal Company nearly lost the mine altogether, and had perforce to pass the dividend. The Cassel Collieries were, on the other hand, able to increase the dividend from 5 to 65 per cent. This company has opened a new colliery in the Middelburg district, and ought to be able to main- tain its improved dividend. The Clydesdale Company has also opened a new colliery in the Middelburg district, now that its Springs Colliery has been worked out, and may be expected to do better in the future. This company paid last year its old dividend of 5 per cent. The Douglas Colliery also repeated its dividend of 5 per cent., but this concern is nearly worked out, and has only a few years’ life in front of it. The Transvaal Coal Trust, which was the pioneer of the Transvaal coal trade, has disappeared from the coal companies, though it still continues to work the Oogies Colliery. The Tweefontein Colliery increased its dividend declaration from <£11,462 to £15,000 ; whilst the Witbank Colliery also raised its dividend from 20 to 25 per cent. Taken altogether, the Transvaal coal com- panies did fairly well last year, and paid, on the average, a 10 per cent, dividend on the issued capital. The divi- dends were very irregular, however, and ranged from 5 to 25 per cent. If the collieries were free to takejull advan- tage of the improved condition of the Transvaal coal trade, probably higher dividends might be earned, but there are so many divergent interests to consider, that the scope for increasing the dividends is somewhat limited. ___________________________ Australia. Wages and Disputes in New South Wales.—In order to enable the proprietors to pay the recently advanced wages, the selling price of coal has been increased by 3s. per ton, to be reviewed by the Coal Tribunal in six months. This has been the case of the majority of trade disputes in New ,South Wales—the men gain their increase of wages and decrease of working hours, and the proprietors are indem- nified by being permitted to pass the extra cost on to the public. —- The men concerned in discharging coal from colliers into the Australian Gaslight Company’s bunkers at Mortlake, Sydney, have ceased work since the commence- ment of the year. These men have been working in gangs of five, and by an arrangement with the company the men -receive 20 hours’ pay for the discharge of 1,000 tons of coal. They can take their own time, but whatever the time is, the full 20 hours is paid for. They generally manage to get the wprk done in about eight hours, and under this system of payment these highly-favoured workers average about £7 per week per man for 30 hours actual work. Now they refuse to continue unless the number of men in each gang is increased to six, with same rate of pay. In 1908 the labour cost of handling the coal was lid. per ton; in 1915 it had increased to is. 4d. per ton; in October 1916 it was raised to Is. 5^d. per ton; and it now stands at Is. 8d. per ton. Still the men are not satisfied. They do not want arbitration or any award, save the granting of the exorbitant terms demanded by them. Wages of Maitland, Miners.—In the Maitland district, the colliery mechanics have definitely rejected the offer made by the proprietors, which provided for a 20 per cent, increase to men receiving 10s. or less per day, 17^- per cent, to men getting more than 10s. but less than 12s. per day, and 10 per cent, for those receiving 12s. or more a day. On the claim for eight hours a day to all mem- bers of the Colliery Mechanics’ Association, the proprietors declined to agree to any further extension other than to the mechanics working underground. No settlement has been made, but the men continue at work, and are demand- ing a compulsory conference, by which it is hoped that matters may be satisfactorily arranged. Bunker Coal. — Shipping companies have been notified that there is to be a further increase in the price of coal for bunkering. From all accounts, it would appear that the price will be raised by about 30 per cent., and in some instances by fully 50 per cent., over existing rates. ___________________________ MINING INDUSTRY AND MILITARY SERVICE. Mr. Alfred Hewlett, of Wigan, has been appointed a member of the Appeal Tribunal for the county of Lancaster. The Pembrokeshire County Recruiting Appeal Tribunal, sitting at Haverfordwest, on Saturday, declined to deal with an appeal brought forward by the military authorities until the Government combed out men from the collieries and the dockyards. Judge Greenwell, presiding over the Durham County appeals tribunal, over-ruled the military representative’s contention, advanced in the case of a colliery engineman, aged 31, passed for general service, that as the man had attested he had no right to claim exemption as a con- scientious objector. Applicant declared that he attested on the strength of what Mr. Asquith said in 1915, that there was no reason why conscientious objectors should not attest, as there was work for them in the Army apart from active service. The man had been released from his work and had been referred for non-combatant service. The appeal tribunal upheld that decision, but intimated willingness to grant the military leave to take the case to the central tribunal. The judge, in reply to the military representative’s contention, said they considered it very unfair that an attested man should not have the same privileges as a man who did not come forward until he was compelled. At the same court, Judge Greenwell, during the hearing of a military appeal concerning the chief clerk at Messrs. Joicey’s Tanfield Lea Colliery, commented upon the fact that another clerk in the employ of the company occupied a seat on the local tribunal while the case was being heard and spoke upon its merits. His Honour said he thought it was most improper that that man should have sat upon the tribunal during the hearing of the case, trying to influence the tribunal. The manager of the colliery informed the appeal tribunal that the local military representative (Canon Archdale) had agreed that the man should be allowed to remain at his employment until June 30, but Capt. Roberts, representing the military at the appeal tribunal, said he could not accept that suggestion. In the end, the military appeal was allowed. _______________________ SOUTH WALES MINING TIMBER TRADE. Foreign mining timber is being largely supplemented by home-grown wood, and colliery requirements have been met better than for some time past. It is the opinion of merchants that the maximum, prices at which home-grown wood will be purchased by the South Wales Coal Owners’ Pitwood Association are too low, and a rigid adherence to such levels is sure to lead to supplies being diverted to other districts where higher prices prevail. Best French fir ex ship Cardiff rules at from 74s. to 75s. per ton, but the maximum levels of the association are 55s. per ton f.o.r. for larch and 40s. f.o.r. for hard wood. A merchant who owns large tracts of woods in this country expresses the opinion that greater success would attend the Coal Owners’ Pitwood Association if rigid prices did not prevail. A merchant will place his stock where he can secure the highest price. It is reported that a consignment of Cornish timber was sold at 74s. f.o.r. for a Midland buyer. Supplies of foreign mining timber are coming to hand fairly well. The quantities of timber received at South Wales ports during the past week were as follow :— Cardiff (Barry and Penarth) :— To From Loads. Lysberg Limited Bayonne 6,240 F. R. Howe and Co Bordeaux 1,680 W. E. Williams Bordeaux 1,440 W. H. Williams Leixoes 2,040 Blane, Wright and Martinez Lisbon 1,980 Lysberg Limited Bordeaux 9,000 E. Marcesche L’Orient 787 ______ Newport: — T. P. Thomas and Co. ... Powell Duffryn Company Swansea: — Lysberg Limited ..... Evans and Rogers ... J. O. Sullivan......... E. Marcesche............ Morgan and Cadogan ... W. Davies and Co...... Budd and Co.......... Total......23,167 France ........._____ 1,320 France ............ 1,872 Total..... 3,192 France ........... 575 France ........... 210 France........... 120 France ........... 100 France..................... 50 Quimper ......... 143 France ........... 66 ______ Total ... 1,264 Port Talbot:— Lysberg Limited .... France 940 __________________________ THE TIN-PLATE TRADE. Liverpool. The further restriction in supplies of steel is having a hardening effect on the tin-plate market. Most makers are fully booked to middle of June, and are not anxious to sell beyond this; consequently, quotations are not easy to obtain. For class A work, however, the following figures are about those ruling to-day Coke tins : IC 14 x 20 (112 sh. 1081b.), 27s. to 27s. 6d. per box; IC 28x20 (112 sh. 2161b.), 54s. to 55s. per box. IC squares and odd sizes, 27s. 6d. to 28s. 6d. basis. For class B orders, pro- bably a shade more money would be asked. In regard to wasters, up to 32s. basis has been paid for “free” sizes, while restricted sizes (class A) can be obtained at about 26s. to 26s. 6d. basis. Charcoal plates rule firm, at 30s. 6d. basis and upwards, according to finish, f.o.b. Wales. All less 4 per cent.