THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

January 4, 1918.

22

With as compared with other trades under Government
control, and an influential committee was appointed to
watch the progress of the Bill through Parliament, and
to frame such amendments as might be deemed
desirable. The pacifist movement among certain sec-
tions of the miners became very prominent during the
month, and a ballot took place as to whether the men
were in favour of a “ down tools ” policy in the event
of the Government proceeding with their “ combing
out” scheme from the mines for military purposes.
Fortunately, good sense prevailed, and the pacifists
found themselves defeated by a majority of over
70,000 votes. No settlement having been made with
regard to the demands of the colliery examiners, a
strike was declared, and for several days there was a
partial stoppage of work throughout the coal field. Out
of 321 collieries, 210 were idle, and 111 continued work-
ing. More than half the Admiralty collieries were
idle, namely, 93 out of 183. The loss of output was
estimated at not less than 300,000 tons. After several
days’ idleness, ^ork was resumed by the examiners
without their having achieved anything but a promise
that their claims should be investigated. The strike,
however, had one beneficial result, for it cleared much
of the congestion on the railways, and when operations
were continued most of the collieries were fairly com-
fortably placed with regard to supplies of empties.
About the middle of the month the long expected classi-
fication list was published. In the original schedule
issued by the Coal Controller on June 28, there were
54 grades of coal included, and in the amended list,
which came into operation on Octobei- 12, the number
was increased to 72. The new classification list, which
was published by Mr. Finlay Gibson in book form, occu-
pied no fewer than 145 pages. In one section, the
colliery companies were arranged alphabetically, with
the description of coal produced at each pit, and the
minimum price at which it might be sold. In the
other section the grades of coal were given, and the
names of the collieries producing them—a sort of cross
reference, together with a copious index. Further com-
plaints were made as to the increasing number of
unauthorised stoppages, and it was reported that since
July there had been no fewer than 67 strikes of this
description. The number of stop days due to unavoid-
able causes also created considerable anxiety, and the
Coal Controller appealed to both employers and work-
men to suggest remedial measures. In the first
instance, the joint secretaries of the Conciliation Board
were asked to report, but, realising the gravity and
importance of the task, they replied that they had not
the necessary time at their disposal. They, however,
suggested the appointment of a special Commission,
but this was not acceded to, and Messrs. Finlay Gibson,
T. Richards, M.P., J. J. Anthony, and H. A. A.
Phillips were requested to institute an enquiry. In
their instructions it was even contemplated that it
might be desirable to close certain collieries, provided
a reasonable opportunity existed for the men thus dis-
placed to find employment at neighbouring pits. One
suggestion was that there should be a proportionate
allocation of orders, so that all collieries producing the
class of coal required might be put upon an equitable
basis. Another proposal was that there should be
recognised stop days until conditions improved. The
latter, however, was not looked upon favourably by
employers, as they knew from experience that the
output per head was always less after a holiday than
in a full normal week. A third suggestion was that
some of the older and more costly collieries should be
closed down and the owners compensated for their loss
of output. The committee at once got to work, and
their report has since been made to the Controller.
This has not been made public, but it is believed that
no strong measures were advocated, and that little
good, will result, beyond the collection of data, which
may prove of service at some future time. As an
instance of the difficulty of obtaining tonnage, it was
reported during the month that a Spanish steamer of
2,500 tons register had been chartered from the Channel
to Barcelona at the record freight of £17 10s. per ton,
which meant that the cost of the coal to the consumer
in Spain was over £20 a ton. The Government rate
to Gibraltar, only a few hours steaming from Barce-
lona, is only £5 per ton.

December.

There was no improvement in the tonnage position,
and it was stated that the first week of the month was
the worst that had been experienced since the com-
mencement of the war. The result was that stoppages
were frequent, and stocks again accumulated rapidly.
Banking was continued at many collieries, but it was
proved that there is an element of danger as well as
waste in this operation, for fires broke out in several
instances owing to spontaneous combustion. Fortu-
nately, these were discovered before they became
serious, and little damage was done. Although no
figures are available, it is computed that the coal field
is producing 25 per cent, more coal than can be dis-
posed of by the existing transport facilities. In other
words, in order to maintain a steady output for the
Admiralty and official Allied orders, the collieries need
not work more than four and a-half days a week. In
addition to the natural difficulties already referred to,
there was a strike of shopmen on the Taff Vale Rail-
way, which meant a cessation of operations at the
Penarth Docks on account of the tips being rendered
idle. The men claimed the same rate of advance in
war bonus as had been granted to the traffic men, and
it was only on the promise of Mr. E. A. Prosser to
bring the matter before the Railway Executive that
the men resumed work. The effect of the strike, slight
as it was, reacted on the collieries, and stoppages were
numerous owing to inability to clear wagons which had
been despatched to the docks. In Monmouthshire,
conditions were easier, owing to the steady demand
for inland consumption. Following the adoption of
the Italian pooling scheme, a similar proposal was
made with regard to French business. Several meet-
ings were held, but it became evident that there was
considerable opposition, and, on a tonnage vote being
taken, the scheme was rejected by a majority repre-

senting several million tons. In the latter days of the
month there was little business doing, and exporters
confined their attention mainly to the execution of
official orders. The market generally was stagnant,
with little enquiry. The miners took three days’ holi-
day at Christmas, but the whole week was practically
a holiday, so far as attendance on ’Change was
concerned

THE PIT PROP TRADE.

The outstanding features of the South Wales mining
timber trade during the year 1917 have been the
severe curtailment of foreign imports, the great exploit-
ation of the home-grown trade, and the increasing
control exercised by the authorities. Early in the year
it became necessary to procure special licences for the
importation of foreign wood, whilst the authorities
indicated that the time would arrive to curtail imports
and substitute home-grown timber. The war has
served a useful purpose in turning attention to the
•necessity of an afforestation plan for this country.
Supplies of foreign mining timber becoming scarce,
and with the need for further sharp curtailment in
order to conserve shipping tonnage space, a great
co-operative association sprang into being under the
title of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Colliery
Owners’ Pitwood Association Limited. This associa-
tion had for its object the purchasing of home-grown
timber or woodland area, cutting and transporting
supplies to the colliery companies comprised within the
Association. The colliery companies who were mem-
bers represented an annual aggregate output of coal
of over 40,000,000 tons. This association, born through
war difficulties, had a most difficult task at the outset.
Labour had to be procured, and transport difficulties
surmounted. After many troubles, however, regular
deliveries of home-grown wood were distributed to
members, and at the present time over 2,000 tons of
suitable wood for mining purposes are delivered
weekly. Mr. Finlay Gibson, secretary of the associa-
tion, deserves praise for the organisation he built up
in a few weeks to combat the ever-decreasing supplies
of foreign wood. Prior to this, importers and mer-
chants viewed with apprehension the tendency of the
trade, and purchased large tracts of woodland area in
Somersetshire, Cornwall, Devonshire, and also in South
Wales. Private enterprise was keen, but the increase
in the quantity of home-grown wood was very slow,
owing to the inelasticity of labour, and the great diffi-
culties in connection with transport. In early June,
the Controller of Import Restrictions gave notice to
importers that supplies of foreign mining timber would
be greatly restricted from June onwards. A total of
80,000 tons were allowed to be imported in June,
70,000 tons in July, and 10,000 tons less each month,
until only 40,000 tons was allowed in October and sub-
sequent months. Of these monthly quantities, the
Admiralty Pitwood Committee would receive five-
eighths to supply the. collieries on their list, whilst the
remainder was for those importers who imported
French pitwood in pre-war years. It became neces-
sary for the South Wales Pitwood Importers’ Associa-
tion to form an Allocation Committee to apportion the
monthly quantities to importers in accordance with
their pre-war percentages of import trade. No ship-
ments were received during the year from Newfound-
land or Canada, owing to the long sea voyage neces-
sary, while no wood was allowed from Spain owing to
a matter of high policy.

Home-Grown Trade Development.

It was freely predicted that in October the collieries
would be short of mining timber. The home-grown
trade was thus called upon to supply the deficiency from
abroad, and the exploitation of our woods and forests
was' such that deliveries were greatly increased. It
was as well this was so, for during September and
October the imports of foreign wood were actually
below the quantities allowed to be imported. This
was due to the inability of importers to secure the
necessary vessels to carry the wood across owing to
certain restrictions of the French and British Govern-
ments. Complaints were made at this period that
vessels plying between South Wales and France had
to come home in ballast, when they might have taken
wood back as a homeward cargo. Where, however, it
can be pointed out that supplies can be imported with-
out interfering with the efficiency of shipping, it is
understood the Controller will allow excess quantities
to be imported. So far no advantage has yet been
taken of this.

The Controller of Mines had the kingdom mapped out
into areas, from which each district could draw its
supplies. District pitwood associations were formed,
and supplies were drawn from particular areas, thus
conserving shipping tonnage and economising railway
traffic.

Market Prices.

The difficulty experienced in procuring supplies of
mining timber resulted in market prices being driven
up to the highest averages ever touched. During the
first quarter of the year, values of French fir ruled
from 60s. to 80s. per ton ex ship. In the second
quarter, values were between 58s. and 70s. ; and in
the last quarter of the year, prices were generally
strongly held at. round about 75s. The attempt to
institute maximum prices for home-grown timber was
only partially successful, for the movement had not the
support or the authority of the Government. Prices
for home-grown wood towards the end of the year were
actually as high in some cases as imported timber.

Allocation of Supplies.

Competition between collieries was to a large extent
responsible for the rise in the market prices of pit-
wood. To obviate this, the maximum selling prices
will shortly come into force. It is stated that from
January 1 onwards 65s. per ton will be the maximum
at which pitwood can be sold. In order to equally
distribute supplies, a South Wales Allocation Com-
mittee has been set up, representative of the various
committees and associations, together with a repre-

sentative of the Admiralty. This committee, whose
personnel we have already given, will receive returns
of all supplies of mining timber, and will allocate the
wood in proportion to collieries’ requirements and
stocks, thus ensuring equal distribution.

Sharp Decrease in Foreign Imports.

The imports of foreign mining timber into South
Wales during December did not exceed 40,000 tons.
Therefore, for the year 1917 the total quantity of
mining timber imported amounted to 795,217 loads, as
compared with 1,374,855 loads imported in 1916,
1,391,173 loads in 1915, and 1,759,658 loads in the
normal year of 1913. The production of coal in the
South Wales district for 1917 will probably show a
slight decline on that of the previous year. The extent
to which home-grown wood has been used is thus
revealed. Unfortunately, this cannot continue for
long if the present ratio of cutting is continued, whilst
there is no general system of transplanting taking
place. It is suggested that reafforestation will pro-
vide a vast amount of work for discharged soldiers.
The pitwood trade has, as a consequence of the war,
been thrust quite out of its normal channels, and it
would not be surprising if the colliery companies in
South Wales should, after the war, endeavour to secure
their supplies of foreign wood direct; for the tendency
towards the elimination of the middleman is striking.

SCOTLAND.

First Quarter.

The coal trade in Scotland went through a very dull
period in the closing weeks of 1916. but it was antici-
pated that the turn of the year would bring livelier
conditions. The tone improved and orders were
beginning to flow more freely, so that prospects for 1917
were considered to be comparatively good. For a time
it appeared expectations would be realised, but
numerous changes and restrictions completely altered
the course of business, and the record of trade during
the past year is more or less one of difficulties which
had an almost paralysing effect on trade in certain
districts.

At the beginning of January the general situation
was comparatively good. In the WTest of Scotland
industrial sorts were heavily booked and household
coals were selling well. The turnover in Fifeshire and
the Lothians, too, was fairly satisfactory. Holders at
this time were inclined to accommodate buyers with
regard to price, as supplies were abundant owing to a
scarcity of boats. Trade in Eifeshire received a set-back
by the prohibition of shipments to Norwegian ports,
but it was thought that the increased rates of fi eight to
French and Italian ports would induce more tonnage to
East of Scotland ports and so counteract the loss of the
Norwegian business. The Fifeshire collieries were
successful in securing some good orders for first-class
steams for the Swedish Railways, but the question of
licences had to be taken into account even if the
requisite tonnage could be procured. Towards the end
of February the Admiralty placed orders in the
Lothians district, which speeded up things in that
quarter. Quotations at this period were as follow :
Steam coals f.o.b. at Glasgow, 19s. to 25s.; ell, 19s. 6d.
to 24s.; splint, 23s. to 32s.; treble nuts, 24s.; double
nuts, 22s.; single nuts, 21s.; first-class steam coal f.o.b.
at Leith, 26s.; secondary qualities, 24s. 6d.; treble
nuts, 25s.; double nuts, 22s.; single nuts, 19s. 6d.;
first-class screened navigation coals f.o.b. at Methil
or Burntisland, 30s. to 34s.; unscreened navigations,
27s. to 29s.; first-class steams, 29s. to 30s.; third class
steams, 22s.; treble nuts, 23s. to 25s. 6d.; double nuts, 22s.;
single nuts, 21s. per ton. During this perioda shortage
of railway wagons caused a considerable amount of
idle time. Thousands of tons of coals were delayed in
all districts. The announcement that the Government
would control all coal mines was not altogether
welcomed by the Scotch coal trade. It was argued that
so far as Scotland was concerned the control already
exercised by the Board of Trade was as complete as it
could be. The cost of fuel for domestic purposes,
munition establishments, and other consumers was
regulated by the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, while
the .export trade was under the strict supervision of
the Government and the price of coal to Allied
countries also regulated. From the. owners’ point
of view, however, some advantages were conceivable,
namely, the elimination of absenteeism and wages
disputes. It was also contended that advantage might
accrue in the direction of removing the inequalities
existing in profits earned by different firms owing to
the particular trades in which they were engaged. A
good deal depends on the situation of a colliery whether
it is able tcf participate in the most remunerative trade
or not. The last sentence was forcibly demonstrated
by the relative position of collieries in the West and
East of Scotland at this time. The former were enjoy-
ing a fair measure of activity, owing to large local
industrial requirements, while the latter were hardly
able to keep going owing to the curtailment of the'
export trade. The end of the quarter found markets
dull and uninteresting and values declining. Quotations
in the West of Scotland were now Is. lower, and in the
Lothians and Fifeshire Is. 6d. to 3s. per ton lower than
at the beginning of the year. During the month of
March the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committee
for Scotland, acting on behalf of the Board of Trade,
made an arrangement with representatives of the
Scottish coal merchants prescribing maximum charges
Jor all dealings in coal for household consumption.
The scale of charges was fixed as follows: Glasgow,
Paisley, Renfrew, Greenock, Port-Glasgow, Barrhead
and district, Is. 7d. to Is. 9d.; Edinburgh, Leith, and,
district, Is. 7s. to Is. lOd.; Stirling, Perth, Dundee.
Arbroath, Montrose, Aberdeen, and district, Is. 8d.
to 2s.; Inverness and district, Is. lOd. to Is. 11 d.;
Dumfries, Hawick, Galashiels, and district, Is. Id.
to Is. 8d.; Kilmarnock, Ayr, and district, Is. 6d. ;
Dunfermline, Burntisland, Cowdenbeath, and district,
Is. 3d. to Is. 5d. per cwt. The maximum remuneration
or profit margin allowed to those engaged in what is
described as “landsale” coal business was also fixed.
Merchants selling and distributing to customers in lots