May 4, 1917.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

865

LABOUR ARD WAGES.
South Wales and Monmouthshire.

The Conciliation Board met on Saturday, Mr B. Nicholas
in the chair and Mr. J. Winstone in the vice-chair. Several
disputes were brought up for consideration, and each was
referred for investigation by one representative from each
side of the board. The question of continuing to supply
house coal at workmen’s rates to the widows of soldiers and
sailors killed in the war was raised by the Federation secre-
tary, and after discussion the owners promised that the
matter should receive their careful consideration. The
men desired that the owners should issue instructions to
the separate collieries on this, but the opinion from the
employers’ side was that the matter ought to be dealt with
at each separate colliery, and therefore they expressed
themselves unwilling to issue any general instruction. The
workmen’s secretary also brought up the question of deJay
in supplying the workmen with house coal, and the employers
promised to deal promptly with the cases reported to them.

The annual conference of the South Wales Miners’
Federation took place in Cardiff on Monday, Mr. J.
Winstone being in the chair, supported by Mr. Abraham,
M.P. (“ Mabon ”) and the other officers. More than 300
delegates were present, representing nearly 142,000
members. The proceedings were private, and according
to the report which was issued to the Press a great part of
the time was occupied in discussing the demand for
combing out more men from the collieries for the Army.
Mr. Winstone and Mr. T. Richards, M.P. (the general
secretary) reported what had been done at the conference
of the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain in London,
when a decision was arrived at to assist the Government
and to advise that the first men to be taken from the
collieries should be those of military age who had entered
the works since war broke out. The South Wales executive
recommended that the decision of the Miners’ Federation
of Great Britain should be accepted by this conference;
but there was considerable opposition to that, and a long
discussion took place. It was ultimately agreed that the
question should be referred to the individual lodges for
consideration, and that another conference should be called
on Tuesday next in order that a decision might be arrived
at. The next question dealt with was the suggestion
that application be made for an advance in the general
wage-rate. Mr. F. Hodges brought up the recommendation
of the executive on this point—namely, that authority be
given to ask the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain to
make application for a general advance. In South Wales
the present rate is 55’83 above the standard of 1915, which
itself was 50 per cent, higher than the old standard of
1879; so that the present rate is equal to 133*75 above
that old standard. The chief argument was that a further
advance was needed because of the advance in the prices of
food and other necessaries. It was pointed out that
as the Government had now taken control of the
mines, no wage-rate changes could be made without
consulting the Board of Trade and the Coal Con-
troller. The conference passed a resolution accepting
the recommendation of the council, so that application will
now be made to the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain to
take steps necessary for making the application for an
increase. The report on the finances of the Federation was
submitted by the auditors, who stated that for the year
ended December they found all in good order and every-
thing correct. The total receipts for the year had been
(including balance brought forward) <£210,240, with an
expenditure of £30,425, leaving a balance in hand of
£179,815. The actual income for the year was £119,000 odd.
The auditors’ report was accepted, and thanks were voted
to the officials for their services. The conference agreed
that all questions of grants above £25 to charitable pur-
poses should be referred back to the district or ledges for
their consideration. Another matter dealt with by the
conference related to the waste of small coal. The Western
Valleys district submitted a proposal that the executive
should urge upon the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain
the taking of immediate steps to bring before the Coal
Controller and the board the enormous loss occasioned by
storing away small coal in the workings. The idea is that
all this should be brought to the bank, and it was stated
that, except in Ebbw Vale and a few other disticts, small
coal is stowed away in the mine which could be easily
brought up. The resolution was carried. The conference
re-elected its officials—Mr. Brace, M.P., as president; Mr.
J. Winstone, vice-president; Mr. A. Onions, treasurer.
Resolutions were passed advocating amendments in the
Coal Mines Act, the extinction of sub-contracting, and the
abolition of piece-work.

It was reported at a meeting at the Merthyr district of
miners on Saturday that the house coal question had been
settled so far as concerned the men at Hills Plymouth
Colliery.

A further meeting of Cardiff tippers took place on
Sunday, and it was decided to urge the executive committee
of the Railwaymen’s Union to re-open negotiations with
the railway executive in order to secure for the tippers the
payment of the war bonus of 5s. a week which had been
granted to the railwaymen, the tippers being members of
the union.

At a meeting of the Dockers’ Union held in Swansea on
Saturday it is stated that the question of an increase of
war bonus to 30 per cent, was discussed; and that provision
should be made for increasing wages on a sliding scale
which should follow increase in the cost of living.

North of England.

For eight vacancies on the committee of management of
the Northumberland Miners’ Association there are 80
nominees. The retiring members are Messrs. E. Edwards
(Ashington), W. Ogle (Algernon, Backworth), A. Kinghorn
(Barrington), R. Browell (Blucher), A. Walton (New
Delaval), W. Reavley (North Seaton), H. Dunn (West
Wylam), and G. Campbell (Woodhorn). For 11 places on
the wages committee there are 77 nominees. The retiring
members are Messrs. C. Fenwick, M.P., P. McKay (Alger-
non), R. J. Taylor (Blackett), J. Chapman (Benwell), J. S.
Dunigan (New Delaval), G. E. Middleton (Mickley), W.
Dent (North Seaton), G. W. Shield (South Tyne), J. Carr
(North Walbottle), J. Rigg (Wallsend), and G. H. Warne
(Woodhorn). For the eight trustees required there are
53 candidatures. The retiring trustees are Messrs. Chas.
Fenwick, M.P., P. McKay, E. Edwards, W. Bainbridge
(Bebside), J Chapman, J. S. Dunigan, G. E. Middleton and
G. Campbell. Mr. W. Straker is the only nominee for the
representation of the association on the executive of the
Miners’ Federation. In the case of the other positions,
branches are to return their votes by May 12. It should
be noted that the retiring members and trustees mentioned
are in every case eligible and nominated for re-election.

The Coal Controller having asked for coal miners to
work at ironstone mines and at timber cutting, owing to a

shortage of output in these industries, the executive
committee of the Northumberland Miners’ Association is
seeking an interview with the county coal owners in order
to arrange conditions.

Officials of the Wallsend G Pit Committee have written
to the newspapers disclaiming any responsibility for the
letter which, as stated in this column last week, Mr.
J. P. M. Nichol on wrote to the Premier regarding lost
time at local pits. The officials state that the writer had
not the authority of the three Wallsend miners’ branches.

There are 17 motions on the agenda of the annual council
meeting of the Northumberland Miners’Association, to be
held on Saturday, May 19. One of these is the peace-by-
negotiation motion of West Wylam, which last council
meeting six months ago threw out by 52 votes to 19, a
decision endorsed by the county by 316 proxy votes to 156
(equal to 15,800 members against 7,800). Other motions
of interest are, summarised, as follow: —(1) Newbiggin
seeks to have rent and fire-coal allowance for all married
surface workers. (2) Walker proposes that, owing to the
considerable rise in the cost of foodstuffs, the owners
should be asked for an increased war bonus. (3) North
Walbottle wants an advance in the basis wage of screeners
and surface workers at 11-hour collieries. (4) Ashington
suggests that an increase of minimum wage rates in pro-
portion to the increased cost of living should be sought.
(5) West Wylam moves to seek to effect an arrangement
whereby any hewer permanently not entitled to be made up
to minimum wages, should be paid extra tonnage equal to
the average cost per ton of the sum required at the colliery
to make hewers earning up to the minimum wag*-*. (6)
Algernon lodge proposes that an arrangement be sought
with the owners that the present rule of no local reductions
should be continued after the war. (7) Hartford desires
the owners to grant that part compensation men doing
light work should be allowed to work not less than five
days per week when the pits are working slack time. (8)
Rising Sun branch seeks to abolish absentee penalties in
cases where a pit loses time in any one week. (9) West
Cramlington suggests that it be sought through the
Miners’ Federation to establish a fortnight’s holiday
with pay each year. Motions 10, 11 and 12 deal with
the respective merits of the Central Labour College and
Ruskin College. (13) Sleekburn proposes that more
expenses be granted to members requested to journey
to Newcastle for medical examination when in receipt of
compensation, and that the owners be asked to grant a
larger sum for expenses when they request men to visit
Newcastle for that purpose. (15) Dudley proposes that
local secretaries should be paid extra for keeping records
of names, etc., of members engaged, on military and naval
service. (16) Cramlington Ann lodge proposes that the
executive committee of the Miners’ Federation should be
asked to arrange meetings throughout the coal fields to
protest against the pensions of £2,000 per annum being
paid to the Dukes of Albany and Cumberland. (17) West
Cramlington appeals against the Association executive’s
decision re the payment of contributions by members who
have not worked any of their shift.

The executive committee of the Northumberland Miners’
Association has decided that having learned the wages
and conditions obtaining at Walbottle Union Pit and the
same being generally satisfactory, the workmen’s application
to establish a branch of the Association there should be
acceded to on the clear understanding that, at the termina-
tion of the war, only 11 days per fortnight must be worked
by the pit, in keeping with the general custom of the county.
The Church Pit branch having complained that workmen
and lads at Holywell Colliery are violating the Eight Hours
Act, the East Holywell branch is being asked for an
explanation.

As the result of a conference between north-east coast
shipowners and representatives of the district trimmers
and teemers, it has been agreed that the Avar bonus
arrangement concluded on October 10, 1916, should be
cancelled, and that in lieu thereof a final war bonus of
421 per cent, should be granted to trimmers over and above
their total earnings under the respective tariffs at present
in force between Amble and the Hartlepools inclusive, the
same to be operative during the period of the war and for
three months after the declaration of peace, upon all vessels
commencing to load as from May 7; steamers more than
half loaded on Saturday, May 5, to be at present rates, and
those less than half loaded completing on May 7 or subse-
quently to come under the increased tariff rates. It is also
agreed—(1) That clause 5 of the Saturday agreement shall
be suspended during the period that the war bonus is in
force, and (2) that, if required by the ship owners, colliery
owners or shippers, the men are to work after 4 p.m. on
Saturdays until the boat is finished, even if it runs into
Sunday, the overtime after 4 p.m. being at the rate of
Is. 6d. per man per hour; if a steamer is required to com-
mence at or after 10 p.m. on Saturday or on Sunday, the
overtime rate to be 2s. per hour.

Federated Area.

The council of the Derbyshire Miners’ Association, at
Chesterfield, on Saturday, appointed a deputation to inter-
view the Coal Controller in London regarding the running
of workmen’s trains to fit in with the hours of work under
the Summer Time Act. It was reported that at several
collieries a considerable feeling had been displayed in
consequence of the failure of negotiations to induce the
railway companies to re-arrange the service so that the
time of commencing work under the new Act should not be
interfered with. It was decided to recommend that only
two days’ holiday should be taken at Whitsuntide. A
resolution was passed protesting against the increase, of
food prices. Strong protest was recorded against the action
of the military in calling up a prominent checkwe;gher in
the county who holds an exemption certificate.

Respecting men engaged on coke ovens in the county,
the council accepted the principle arrived at between the
Miners’ Federation executive and the Steel Smelters’
Association, by which men working on by-product plants
connected with collieries will become members of the
Miners’ Association, but men on coke ovens not directly
connected with collieries will remain members of the Steel
Smelters’ Association or any other society with which they
are connected.

Scotland.

Trouble has arisen at one of the Fife collieries regarding
the action of some contractors employed there, with the
result that a resolution has been passed asking that for the
future contracting will be abolished. This same question
has caused much discussion in mining circles of late, and
evidently this resolution will renew consideration of the
subject.

The arbiter in the dispute at Midton Colliery has now
issued his award. He has decided that the ton rate in the
disputed seam should be 6s. 3d. The miners claimed 6s. 6d.
per ton, whereas the owners’ offer was 5s. 9d.

With regard to the dispute at Gadder No. 17 pit, it is
proposed that the case should be decided by an arbiter.

Some friction was reported at a pit belonging to the
Callendar Coal Company over the dirt question, and as a
result work was practically stopped for two days. Work
was resumed on a promise being given that an effort would
be made to bring about an improvement.

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.
REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Armstrong (Sir W. G.), Whitworth and Company
Limited.—The directors state that owing to the extent and
complexity of the company’s operations, the completion of
the accounts for 1916 has been unavoidably delayed. The
accounts will not be ready for some time, but they propose
to declare the dividend on the ordinary shares at an early
date.

Brush Electrical Engineering Company Limited. — This
company had a better year than usual, the available
balance, after paying interest charges, being £30,956,
as against £24,365 last year, and £19,110 in 1915. There
is still, however, no dividend for the shareholders. The
appropriations proposed are: Depreciation, £8,000; £2,044
in payment of the further 4 per cent, interest to which the
holders of the 6 per cent, prior lien participating second
debenture stock are entitled out of the first net profits
available for dividend in any year; £7,055 to general
reserve; and the balance of £13,857 carried forward.

Horden Collieries Limited. — Interim dividend of 4 per
cent., same as a year ago, payable 25th inst.

Lancashire Wagon Company Limited. — The report for
the half-year ended March 31 last states that the revenue
account shows a profit of £3,294, to which must be added
the balance brought forward from last year, £995, making
a total of £4,289, which the directors recommend should be
appropriated as follows : In payment of dividends for the
half-year at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum, less income
tax, on the preference shares, and at the rate of 10 per
cant, per annum, free of income tax, on the ordinary shares;
to be added to the reserve fund, £2,000, leaving to be
carried forward to next account the sum of £938.

Nova Scotia Steel and Coal Company Limited. — The
report for the year ended December 31 states that the gross
profits for the year, after providing for special renewals of
plant and equipment, were 4,222,373 dols. The balance
carried to profit and loss account at January 1, 1916, was

I,	510,609 dols., which, with the net profits for the year,
make a total of 3,615,086 dols. From this amount were
paid four quarterly dividends on the 8 per cent, cumulative
preferred stock for the year, leaving to be carried forward
3,535,086 dols. The operations of the company during the
year .were carried on under many difficulties, such as
scarcity of labour and supplies and railway congestion. The
capital expenditure during the year has been necessarily
high, mainly in connection with munitions work. The
sinking of the new Jubilee shaft at Sydney mines, work
on which was discontinued in May 1914, was resumed in
April 1916. The shaft is now sunk to the depth of 740 ft.,
and by the use of a temporary hoisting plant this colliery
is now producing about 550 tons of coal daily. The orders
for steel products on the company’s books at the present
time are equal to 74 per cent, of last year’s shipments, and
are sufficient to keep the plant fully employed for the next
six months, and there is every prospect that this condition
will prevail during the entire year.

Parkgate Iron and Steel Company Limited. — The
directors recommend a final dividend of Is. 9d. per share,
free of income tax, making, with the interim dividend of
Is. 3d. per share paid on December 1, a total of 3s. per
share for the year ended March 31, and the allocation of
£40,'000 to reserve fund. They will propose that steps
shall be taken to increase the capital of the company by
£100,000, and the distribution of the reserve fund to the
shareholders in the proportion of one new share to every
four old.

NEW COMPANIES.

, Aabacas Engineering Supply Company Limited.—Private
company. Registered April 24. Nature, of business indi-
cated by title. Nominal capital, £2,000. Subscribers :
M. A. Clayton, Birkenhead, and W. W. Lea.

Caparn (J. W.) Limited. — Private company. Regis-
tered April 21. To carry on business of malleable and
general iron founders, steel founders, iron founders,
mechanical engineers, etc. Nominal capital, £10,000.
Directors: J. W. Caparn, Walsall, W. K. Caparn, and W.
Smart.

Capel (Arthur) and Company (South Wales) Limited.—
Private company. Registered office, 70 and 71, Exchange-
buildings, Bute Docks, Cardiff. Registered April 27. To
carry on business of ship owners, coal and, coke exporters,
importers, and merchants. Nominal capital, £125,000.
Directors: W. Griffiths, A. Capel, Count Odon de Lubersau,
and W. L. Scott.

Hemmings and Company Limited.—Private company.
Registered office, Valley Works, Grange-lane, near
Rotherham. Registered April 20. To carry on business
of iron masters, smelters, engineers, manufacturers of
chemicals, iron founders, steel manufacturers, merchants,
and factors, etc. Nominal capital, £15,000. Directors :

J.	W. and J. Hemmings.

Lingford, Gardiner and Company Limited.—Private com-
pany. Registered April 27. To carry on business of
general engineers. Nominal capital, £20,000 in 20,000 £1
shares. Directors: N. Kilburn, W. Clemitson, and E. T.
and T. Gardiner.

Lowther and Cameron Limited. — Private company.
Registered office, 41, Ship-street, Brighton. Registered
April 26. To carry on business of merchants, factors in
coal, coke, timber, oil, and other fuel. Nominal capital,
£10,000. Directors: A. M. Harding, B. M. Montague-
Smith, and A. Bridgeman.

Special Steel Company Limited. — Private company.
Registered April 23. To carry on business of iron masters,
steel makers, steel converters, colliery proprietors, coke
manufacturers, etc. Nominal capital, £50,000. Sub-
scribers : L. A. Belmont and H. S. Myath..

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.

American Coal Miners’ Wages. —The anthracite coal
operators have granted 73,000 miners wage increases,
ranging from 11 to 35 per cent., and aggregating 30,000,000
dols. (£6,000,000). The agreement comes to an end in
April 1918. A quarter of a million bituminous miners
received a similar increase of 35,000,000 dols. (£7,000,000)
last week.