240

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

February 1, 1918.

LABOUR AND WAGES.

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

During the recent snowstorm, because surface traffic at
Oakdale was effected and had stopped, trams of rubbish
being sent up, an under-official ordered a tram to be taken
to a collier for unloading in the working place. The man
objected to do this work because the rubbish was in a box
tram, and also because it was inconvenient to him to unload
it in his working place. There is an agreement whereby
any man working in a stall shall, by mutual arrangement,
unload one tram a day in his place, and the official con-
sidered that the man had violated this agreement. The
tram was left in his place and the man did no mote work
that day. He reported the matter to the lodge secretary,
saw the under-manager and desired to have the tram
removed, and as this was not done the emergency committee
claimed on the man’s behalf two days* pay for him and the
boy. The men stopped, but the manager refused to discuss
the matter until they returned to work; but the men
would not return to work without an assurance that the
man and boy would receive two days’ pay. During the
dispute another question has arisen as to whether certain
men on the electrical staff are, or are not, non-unionists,
they being classed by the employers as officials. Meetings
have been held at Tredegar and Holybush supporting the
Oakdale men, and on Sunday it was decided that a general
mass meeting of the whole of the employees of the country
should be called. Over a thousand men have already been
idle on account of this incident.

The executive council of the Enginemen and Stokers’
Association met in Cardiff, and it was reported that a large
majority of the members had decided in favour of a
political fund. The executive was instructed to carry out
the necessary arrangements. It was agreed that five of
their representatives should accept the invitation of the
Government to visit the Western Front in France. The
general secretary reported that after the representations
made to the Coal Controller it had been agreed that in
future the men employed by Messrs. Guest Keen at Dowlais
should be paid the war wage of Is. 6d. for Sunday work.

A joint meeting took place on Wednesday between
representatives of the coal owners and the Enginemen and
Stokers’ Association, and several applications for an increase
of standard wage were considered, these having relation to
men in the more important positions. It was decided
that the application should be referred for investigation.

Upon the question of an eight-hour day for men in the
mechanical department, the executive of the Enginemen,
Stokers and Craftsmen’s Association have resolved to-
request their National Federation to approach the Coal
Controller.

Cardiff Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday dealt with
the question of co-operation between employers and
employed, and much was said during the discussion as to
labour unrest. The president (Sir T. Watson) referred to
the idea of conscription of wealth, pointing out that wealth
was not in money, but in ships, docks, collieries, &c., in the form
of investments. He remarked that it would be no use to
present the Government with shares in a colliery, for the
shares would have to be sold, and where would buyers be
found if all capital investments were being so treated ? ,

North of England.

A batch of 70 Silksworth miners this week commenced
full time employment in Sunderland shipyards; another
contingent of 53 is to start next week. This transference
will lessen the pressure of unemployment on the mining
community of the district.

We are informed that the decision to which the council
of the Northumberland Miners’Association came on Tuesday
was to instruct the delegates of the Miners’ Federation
conference in London, on Thursday, to vote in favour of
the following motion:—“That we do not support the
Government in their Man-Power Bill unless they are
prepared to convene an international conference, and allow
Labour to be represented.”

Payment of the new minimum wage on the revised scale
agreed to between the Durham coal owners and miners on
December 3, and sanctioned by the Coal Controller last
week, when a strike was threatened, commenced last week-
end, and was retrospective as from December 10.

The workers at Walker Ann Colliery have received 14
days’ notice to terminate their hiring, it being intended
to close down the pit for the time being. About 500 men
and boys will be affected, but it is not anticipated that they
will have much difficulty in finding employment, either at
neighbouring pits or in the shipyards, etc., of the district.

The agenda for the half-yearly council meeting of the
Northumberland Miners’ Association appeared on page 947
of our issue for November 16, and the decisions of the
meeting thereon were detailed on page 994 of the issue for
November 23. The decisions were then submitted to the
county for ratification or otherwise. The results of the
county voting have iust been issued. These, in the main,
confirm the findings of the council. There are, however, the
following variations:—Cowpen’s motion,“ That Sunday shifts
in the mines be abolished, and that Monday night shift shall
be counted as the first, and the Friday night shift as the last
in the week for all night shift workmen; and that all night
shift workmen be paid at the rate of six shifts for five
worked,” which was carried by 26 votes to 24 only, has been
ratified by the county by 363 proxy votes (each of which
counts 50 members) to 131, Dudley’s motion, “ That we
seek the assistance of the Miners’ Federation to raise our
minimum wage to county average for coal hewers and for
other classes in proportion,” which was defeated by the
council by 20 votes to 17, has been adopted by the county
by 294 votes to 144. Cowpen’s motion, “ That we protest
against the Order of the Coal Controller under which men
lose two days’ war wage for losing one day’s work in the
short week, i.e., losing the war wage for both the day on
which they lay idle and the pay Saturday,” which was
rejected by the council by 16 votes to 10, has been accepted
by the county by 250 votes to 234. Seghill’s motion,
“ That we endeavour, as early as possible, through the
Miners’ Federation, to have the Coal Mines Act amended
so as to prevent any working place being driven further
than 30 yards without an opening through which sufficient
air can travel for adequate ventilation,” only carried by the
council by 25 votes to 23, has secured 415 votes to 77 in
the county. Similarly, the executive committee’s motion,
“ That we accept the Armstrong College proposal to place
within the reach of sons of working miners mining exhibi-
tions tenable for three years at the mines of the Ebbw Vale
Company,” which was sanctioned by the council by 30 votes
to 27 only, has been adopted by the county by the
substantial majority of 307 votes to 186.

A recent strike at Mickley Colliery has had its sequel in
the hewers agreeing to pay 10s. per man to the coal com-
pany to save being sued for breach of contract.

The executive committee of the Northumberland Miners’
Association decided on Monday to call the Coal Controller’s
attention to the irregular employment of a group of pits in
the eastern part of the county, in the hope that he would
contrive a larger allocation of trade to these collieries.

A special council meeting of the Northumberland
Miners Association was held on Tuesday to decide how
the county representatives at the national conference of
miners in London on January 31 should vote on the man-
power question. It was stated that the Executive Com-
mittee of the Miners’ Federation met Sir Auckland Geddes
and his staff on January 8. Sir Auckland explained that
420,000 Class A men were wanted for the Army between
then and June next, 120,000 of this number to be youths
from 18 to 19 years of age, but no youth to be taken from
the mines until he had attained the age of 18 years and 8
months. The number asked for from the mines was 50,000.
The comb-out of those who have commenced working at
the mines since August 1914 had not produced many
Class A men. The number of Class A who had joined the
Army from the mines during 1917 was about 20,000. The
conference was to decide whether the Federation would
render the military authorities any assistance in getting
the 50,0u0 men referred to. The decision of the council
meeting was not divulged.

Scotland.

Work has not been resumed by the miners employed at
Bedlay Colliery, Lanarkshire. The arbiters have examined a
large number of witnesses in reference to the frequent dis-
putes that have occurred at the colliery during the past two
years. It is understood that the arbiters will shortly
formulate recommendations for the settlement of the dispute
and make suggestions for the prevention of future stoppages
so far as reasonably possible.

Information has been received that the dispute in refer-
ence to wages at the Baasay iron ore mines has been
referred to the Ministry of Arbitration. Arrangements are
being made for hearing the case on behalf of the men, and
the enquiry will take place at Raasay on 7th February.

Exception is being taken by the miners in the Hurtford
district of Ayrshire to the excessive price which is being
charged for explosives. Mr. James Hood, of the Ayrshire
Miners’ Union, is to deal with the situation on behalf of
the men.

A strike is threatened at the Glenburn Pits, Prestwich,
because the management decline or delay to reinstate a lad
who was dismissed and who has been idle for five weeks.

The Ayrshire Miners’ Union are dealing with a dispute
at Messrs. Wm. Baird and Company’s Dairy Pit. A
question of wages is involved here.

A serious sectional dispute has cropped up at Whistle-
berry Colliery, Blantyre, Lancashire. Thirty men who had
been working under a contractor asked to be employed
under the owners direct. As no arrangement could be
come to in reference to rates the manager intimated that
the section would be closed until a coal cutter could be
introduced. In the circumstances the union executive
has agreed to regard the men as “ locked out.”

The miners employed at Cadzow Colliery, Hamilton, have
asked the authority of the union to declare a strike, owing
to the alleged failure of the company to pay the recognised
wage where the men have been unable through no fault of
their own to earn it.

The management officials at Legbrannoch Mine,
Holy town, have intimated a reduction of ll|d. p6r ton in
one of the sections. On behalf of the union representa-
tives have been appointed to make an inspection of the
section.

Since the beginning of the year work has proceeded very
steadily at all the collieries in West Lothian.

The shortening of the hours of the women employed at
Kinneil Collieries, West Lothian, has been amicably
adjusted.

At Woodend Colliery, West Lothian, complaints were
reported recently by the men in regard to the length of
drawing roads and the non-payment of war wages under
special circumstances. As the outcome of negotiations the
manager has agreed to increase the tonnage rate in one
section by l|d. and also to shorten the drawing work
leading to the haulage at an early date.

A mass meeting of Lanarkshire colliery firemen was held
on Saturday last, when certain grievances were discussed.
It was agreed that these should be dealt with by the
Lanarkshire Miners’ Union at the earliest opportunity.

The coal shipment from Burntisland last week was 5,070
tons, a decrease of 8,750 tons on the corresponding week of
last year. From Methil the exports showed a substantial
increase, 27,859 tons being shipped as against 17,844 tons
in the previous week.

The first prosecution in Glasgow for retailing coal at
prices exceeding those fixed by the Corporation under the
Coal Prices Order came before Sheriff Craigie in Glasgow
Sheriff’s Court. Eight dealers admitted contravening the
regulations, and each was fined £2.

The Fife Coal Company have installed for the benefit of
their Low Vai ley field area a motor ambulance of the Ford
type.

At a meeting of the Gorebridge miners it was resolved
that an absolute refusal should be given to the invitation
of the Government to send miners’ delegates to the
Continent, as it is believed such delegations are a needless
waste of money, and alternately, if these delegations are
persisted in, that the delegates should be provided with
employment there and their visit prolonged until the
cessation of hostilities.

The men employed at Greenhill colliery have agreed
that powers for the contracting of coal should be entirely
abolished. Should the reply of the management not be
satisfactory, power has been obtained to strike work till the
company falls in with the usual practice of the county.

The workmen employed with Summerlea Coal Company
are asking for duplicate pay lines to enable them to keep a
record of their earnings. At several of the collieries the
request has been refused. The refusal was discussed by
the executive. It was decided to make a general demand
that this concession be made at all the pits, and that it
come into operation as soon as possible.

Iron, Steel and Engineering Trades.

The 49th half-yearly report of the Standing Committee
of the Board of Conciliation and Arbitration for the
Manufactured Iron and Steel Trade of the North of
England, presented to the annual meeting at Newcastle,
showed a membership of ten works owned by eight firms
and of 3,176 operatives. Wages have been advanced by 2|
per cent, during the half-year. The chairman (Mr. J.
Reay, of Stockton) mentioned that the total advance in
wages, under the sliding scale since war commenced, were
equal to 70 per cent. Sir William Stephenson was re-
elected referee; Mr. Reay, president; and Mr. T. B. Pugh,
vice-president. Messrs. B. W. Davies and J. Ellison were

re-chosen as treasurers and Messrs. J. R. Winpenny and
James Cox, secretaries.

The secretary of the West Cumberland Haematite Iron
Ore Association, who has been in communication with the
Ministry of Munitions respecting a recent enquiry a*t the
works, has received a letter, which states that Mr. Churchill
is satisfied that the management has not restricted output
of the iron ore mines, and that the allegations regarding
restrictions are devoid of foundations.

CONTRACTS OPEN FOR COAL AND COKE.

For Contracts Advertised in this issue received too late
tor inclusion in this column, see Leader and Last
White pages. .

Abstracts of Contracts Open.

Acton, February 4.—Steam coal, household coal, coke,
coke breeze (12 months) for the Urban District Council.
Forms from the surveyor, Council Offices, Acton.

Cheshunt, February 5.—Coke for the Urban District
Council. Forms from the engineer, Manor House,
Cheshunt.

Earby (Yorkshire), February 9.—Anthracite coal and
tar (12 months) for the Urban District Council. Forms
from the surveyor, Council Offices.

Leeds, February 11. — Coal (12 months). Forms from
the Waterworks engineer, Great George-street, Leeds.

Mitcham, February 11.— House, steam and gas coal
(12 months) for the Mitcham District Council. Forms
from the surveyor, Broadway House, Mitcham.

Southampton, February 9.—Coke (6 or 12 months) for
the hospital ship. Forms from the medical officer of
health, Municipal Offices, Southampton.

Southgate, February 12.—Coke, tar or tar slack (six
or 12 months) for the Urban District Council. Forms from
the surveyor, Council’s depot, Southgate.

Stafford, February 16.—Coal, ironstone, furnace slag,
etc. (12 months, or less), for the- Corporation. Forms
from the borough engineer, Borough Hall, Stafford.

Walsall, February 20.—Coal (12 months) for the
Rural District Council. Forms from the surveyor,
Council Offices, Daw End, near Walsall.

Wandsworth, February 7.—Coal, coke, and tar for the
Borough Council. Forms from the town clerk, Council
House, Wandsworth.

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

CONTRACTS OPEN FOR ENGINEERING, IRON
AND STEEL WORK, Ac.

Belfast, February 7.—Stores.—Bolts, spikes, nuts,
iron and steel castings, fireclay goods, wire, tubing, etc.
(6 or 12 months), for the Midland Railway Company.
Forms from the stores superintendent, York Road
Station, Belfast. • *

Belfast, February 13.—Stores.—Iron, castings, bolts,
springs, fireclay goods, petroleum oil, etc. (12 months),
for the Belfast and County Down Railway Company.
Forms from the secretary, Queen’s Quay Terminus,
Belfast.

Bexhill, February 8.—Tar.—Distilled tar, tarvia, or
other compounds for tar-spraying (about 40,000 gals.).
Tenders to the borough surveyor, Town Hall, Bexhill.

Buxton, February 16.—Various.—Pitch, creosote oil,
refined tar, lubricating oils, shovels, etc. (12 months), for
the Town Council. Forms from the borough engineer.

Leeds, February 11.—Stores.—Cast iron pipes, sluice
valves, oils, iron eastings, etc. (12 months), for the
Waterworks engineer. Forms from the Waterworks
engineer, Great George Street, Leeds.

Madrid, March 22.—Railway.—Secondary railway from
Villaodrid to Villafranca del Bierzo. Estimated cost,
51,165,079 pesetas. Tenders to Direccion-General de Obras
Publicas, Ministerio de Fomento, Madrid.

THE FREIGHT MARKET.

Apart from the business fixed up by the coal export com-
mittees at the various coal shipping centres of the country,
the amount of outward chartering appears to be becoming
“ smaller by degrees and beautifully less.” From all parts
of the country comes the cry for more tonnage in order to
cope with the business which is bountifully offered; in no
part of the country is that demand being satisfied to any
noteworthy extent. On the north-east coast, fixtures this
week have been confined to a couple for Gothenburg and
one for Stockholm. To the former port the rates varied
from 165 kr. to 170 kr., as compared with 185 kr. last week,
whilst the Stockholm vessel was arranged for at 190 kr., as
against 200 kr. a week ago. In all other directions, rates
are very firmly maintained. Coasting business is based on
21s., Tyne to London. Portuguese ports remain at 115s.
to Lisbon, and 125s. to Oporto. The Spanish Atlantic is
quoted at 180s. for Bilbao or Santander, and the Spanish
Mediterranean at up to 400s. for Barcelona. Port Said is
listed at 200s., and Gibraltar at 100s. In none of these
directions, save the last, has the market been tested for
quite a considerable time. At South Wales, most of the
business done has been for French Atlantic ports at
scheduled figures. Gibraltar, from Cardiff, has been
repeated at the even 100s. A part-cargo consignment to
the River Plate has found accommodation at 120s. Dakar
has been done at 90s., which is on a par with business done
early in January. The feature of the Cardiff market is the
strong enquiry for tonnage for Spanish ports.

Homewards, the River Plate is dull, with neutral tonnage
still holding off. At the United States, coal freights from
Virginia to the Plate continue workable at 125s. For heavy
grain on Committee account, Northern Range to the United
Kingdom is quoted at 50s., with 75s. for West Italian dis-
charge. Net form business is still quoted at 260s. from
Northern Range to French Atlantic, with 360s. for West
Italy. At the Far East, 500s. is still quoted for rice cargoes
from Haiphong-Saigon to France. Madras Coast to Mar-
seilles with kernels is quoted at 550s. Kurrachee to the
United Kingdom is steady, at 250s. on scale, and Bombay
to West Italy on d.w. at 440s. The Bay and Mediter-
ranean ore ports have a big demand for tonnage for Allied
destinations, and full rates are on offer.

Tyne to Gothenburg. 1,000, 170 kr.; 1,900, 165 kr.; and
Stockholm, 1,800, 190 kr.

Cardiff, to Caen, 500, 700, and 900, 48s., neutral; Cher-
bourg, 1,700, 47s. 3d., neutral; 500, 48s. 9d., neutral;
Dakar, 3,000, 90s., neutral; Gibraltar, 2,800, 100s.; River