594

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

March 22, 1918.

tation, where suitable planting ground almost always
intersects land better suited for farming purposes.
In such cases there should be some sort of tribunal
for the purpose of delimitating areas and securing
the necessary rights of access—problems which
at present could only be solved by cumbersome
machinery.

At the present time there are no less than 82 Acts
of Parliament relative to the compulsory acquisition
of land for public purposes in England and Wales,
while 19 Acts confer special powers of compulsory
purchase. The Scottish procedure is entirely
different, and in some respects resembles the proposals
now brought forward by Mr. Leslie Scott’s com-
mittee, inasmuch as Provisional Orders are treated as
private Bills, which are referred to commissioners,
including both Parliamentary and other members,
sitting in Scotland.

The Committee on Relations between
Works Employers and Employed, appointed
Committees, by the Ministry of Reconstruction,
has just issued a supplementary
report on works committees. These committees, as
has already been explained in previous reports
issued by the influential body sitting under the
chairmanship of Mr. J. H. Whitley, are an essential
feature of the scheme now before the country,
designed to remove outstanding difficulties between
masters and men, and to facilitate that smooth and
harmonious co-operation which alone can enable this
country to make good the ravages of war. It has
been laid down as a fixed principle, and no one has
ventured to criticise its truth, that the best and
shortest road to a better understanding between
these two main components of industry is to be
found in admitting the workmen to a more intimate
share in the practical conduct of the businesses in
which their common welfare is involved. But it is
equally necessary to define the exact scope of this
collaboration. There are certain questions which
are not suitable for discussion by works committees.
These include such matters as rates of wages and
hours of work, which are obviously not questions for
discussion at individual works but should be settled
by district or national agreement. These, in fact,
are larger questions which concern the separate
industries as a whole. It would never do to have
each factory or workshop arranging its own time-
table and rates of remuneration, because this would
at once introduce elements of internal competition
which would defeat the prime object in view. There
are, however, many other questions in which works
committees can render effective assistance. Thus,
the conditions of work vary greatly in different
establishments, and discontent may often arise
because the system in operation in one establish-
ment is not so congenial as that in another. It may
be that, for one reason or another, the men are
under disadvantages which do not exist in other
workshops. These differences are almost inevitable
in a country where businesses have been so long
managed upon purely individualistic lines. This
condition does not necessarily result from bad
management. More often it has grown up from
long-established custom, and is the result of different
ideas as to the attainment of efficiency.

These questions, which are peculiar to each factory
or workshop, may in themselves be good or bad, and
it is not for outsiders to judge of their respective
merits. But it seems reasonable to admit the right
of the workmen to examine how far such questions
of internal discipline are really advantageous, and
to what extent they can be modified, in the interests
of the men, without impairing the general efficiency
of the business.

What seems to be wanted is some method of unifi-
cation of business management. It has been one of
the results of the uncompromising individualism
of pre-war days that works managers have been not
only reticent but even secretive as to details of
management. This has arisen largely from the
widespread conviction that businesses have been
obliged to compete with one another, and that they
owe their success in each case to the particular
methods employed. It is believed, however, that the
time has come when the necessity for this kind of
competition should cease and give place to industrial
co-operation. The times that are immediately ahead
will demand this change of policy. It will no longer
be a question of competing for business with one
another, so much as mutually arranging to share out

the almost unlimited demand that will arise on the
conclusion of peace. There will not exist, therefore,
the same excuse for the adoption of a secretive
policy, and business managers can fearlessly meet
their employees and discuss with them the most
efficient conditions of work. But they will be quite
right in demanding that this discussion should be
with carefully selected representatives—that is to
say, with men who are out for genuine industrial
improvements, and not merely for selfish ends.

In the earlier days of this movement we called
attention to the fact that the trade unions were not
inclined to be enthusiastic about this method of
improving the relations between employers and
employed. There seems to have been a vague kind
of suspicion that a workmen’s committee, acting in
harmony with the management, would be surrepti-
tiously used to undermine the influence of the trade
unions. Mr. Whitley’s committee are particularly
emphatic upon the necessity for the co-operation of
the trade unions, and that nothing should be done to
engender the fear that works committees might be
used in opposition to trade organisations. Nor could
any distrust of this nature arise if the works com-
mittees keep steadfastly in view the fundamental
principle that the only object for which they are
called into existence is the discussion of suggestions
for the improvement of the industry to which they
belong. To smooth over existing grievances is only
a part of their function. An even more important
duty is assigned to them, which is to bring into
existence a partnership of knowledge, experience and
goodwill—a hitherto undeveloped asset of constructive
ability from which much may be expected.

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—March 18.

Petroleum.

Mr. Kellaway, replying to questions as to the control
of the arrangements for obtaining petroleum that might
be under the soil of the United Kingdom, said the Con-
troller of Mineral Oil Production is responsible to the
Minister of Munitions for the arrangements for developing
the supply of mineral oils from the deposits in the United
Kingdom. It was believed that it would not be necessary
to introduce legislation.

Russians in Colliery.

Mr. Wardle, replying to Mr Stanton, said he under-
stood that eight Russians were employed at the Bradford
Colliery, Manchester. One of them was employed there
before the war. Some protests had been made by other
men in the pit, but he understood that the matter was
settled.

March 20.
Select Committee for Coal.

Sir A. Stanley (President of the Board of Trade), speak-
ing with reference to 24 private gas bills on the paper,
asked for a Select Committee to enquire into the con-
sumption of coal for gas and electricity, and report at the
earliest moment. Gas and electricity will be restricted
to five-sixths of the amount consumed in the correspond-
ing quarter of last year, subject to a minimum allowance
below which the consumption need not be reduced. Sir
Albert proceeded to announce the new lighting regulations
for London, and he stated that fewer trains would be
run. The scheme of coal rationing in London had been
extremely well done. Not a single instance of a coal
queue anywhere in London, or a complaint of any kind
with regard to the supply, of coa] had been brought to his
notice.

Petroleum Boring.

Mr. Kellaway, replying to Mr. Wright, stated that at
the moment the Government had under consideration
applications for boring for petroleum from three different
firms. Negotiations were practically completed, but.
pending a definite agreement, it was not proposed to pub-
lish the names. The agreement would give exclusive
rights in certain areas.

The inventor of Cobaltcrom steel has worked out a heat
controlling device which is claimed to be superior to the
ordinary pyrometer system in that both the maximum
heat and the falling heat are accurately recorded in the
zone of the muffle in which the tool is heated. The device
consists of calibrated metallic salts named “ Pyreks
Heat Indicator Compound, which melt and solidify at
definite temperatures, and which are used in combination
with small spoon-shaped receptacles made from • a patent
non-scaling, acid-resisting and rapid heat conducting
alloy, called “ Reactal.” The tool to be hardened in the
muffle is first heated uniformly to a cherry red. The
“ Reactal ” spoon containing the “ Pyreks ” compound
is then inserted and placed on or alongside the tool. When
the “ Pyreks ” compound becomes quite liquid, the gas
or blast is turned off, or, as an alternative, the tool,
together with the “ Reactal ” spoon, is slightly withdrawn
towards the cooler zone at the muffle opening. The
“ Pyreks ” compound is then watched until it begins to
re-solidify, at which point the tool is taken from the
muffle and exposed to still air, thus completing the harden-
ing operation. These preparations are put on the market
by Messrs. Barwin and Milner Limited, and Messrs.
Sybry, Searls and Company Limited, both of Sheffield.

Paris Coal Prices.—Bright unscreened coal:—delivered,
110 fr. per ton and 5’50 fr. per cwt.; ex-wharf, 97’50 fr.
per ton and 4'90 fr. per cwt. Coke (No. 0):—delivered.
7'50 fr. per hectolitre sack (2J bushels); ex-wharf, 7 fr.
per sack. Ovoid briquettes:—delivered 130 fr. per ton
and 6-50 fr. per cwt.; ex-wharf, 117’50 fr. per ton and
5'90 fr. per cwt. Bright coal, per sack of 25 lb., ex
local depots, at the rate of 110 fr. per ton; ovoid briquettes
are sold at the rate of 130 fr. per ton.

PRESENTATION TO

SIR THOS. R. RATCLIFFE-ELLIS.

In celebration of the twenty-fifth year of his
connection, as Law Clerk and Secretary, with the
Mining Association of Great Britain, Sir Thos. R.
Ratcliffe-Ellis was presented yesterday with bis
portrait in oils by Sir Arthur S. Cope, R.A., and with a
pair of Georgian silver tea caddies contained in the old
shagreen original case.

The presentation took place at the Savoy Hotel,
under the chairmanship of Mr. Adam Nimmo (presi-
dent of the Mining Association), and in presence of a
large representative gathering of the colliery industry,
among those present being Messrs. W. O. Wood,
C. C. Leach, R. S. Gardiner, Arthur F. Pease, Ridley
Warham and Reginald Guthrie (North of England);
Sir W. E. Gar forth. LL.D.. Messrs. E. J. Jones, VV. Hay,
J. H. Cockburn, W. A. Durnford, T. W. H. Mitchell,
W. H. Chambers, J. H. W. Laverick, J. H. Ashton.
Walter Hargreaves, A. Blenkinsop, Arthur Westlake,
C. B. Craws haw, R. Addy, C. H. Merivale,R. Richardson,
Roslyn Holiday and J. Kershaw (Yorkshire) ; Messrs.
W. B. M. Jackson, Henry Stevenson, H. Eustace Mitton,
H. O. Bishop, Geo. J. Binns, H. Blundell, J. A. Taylor,
J. Mein, and T. G. Lees (Midlands); Mr. Ernest Douglas
Spencer (Leicester); Mr. W. G. Phillips (Warwickshire);
Sir J. S. Harmood Banner, M.P., Sir Henry Hall, I.S.O..
SirW. Scott Barrett. D.L., Lt.-Col. Lionel E. Pilkington,
Major H. Harmood Banner, Messrs. W. H. Hewlett,
Robert Knowles, J. T. Browne, Percy Lee Wood, Charles
Hardy, Jesse Wallwork, A. J, A. Orchard, Tom Stone.
Arthur M. Lamb, Henry Bouchier, Ernest Douglas,
Richard Landless and T. Gerard (Lancashire and
Cheshire); Dr. G. P. Bidder (Cannock Chase);
Sir James Heath and Mr. E. B. Wain (North
Staffordshire) ; Sir Francis Brain and Mr. G. E.
McMurtrie (Gloucester and Somerset) ; Messrs. Jas.
Darlington and W. D. Haswell (North Wales); Sir T. E.
Watson, Bart., Messrs. W. Forster Brown, B. Nicholas,
W. H. Mewton, J. W. Beynon, T. H. Deakin, Chas. E.
Cleeves, Wm. Stewart, W. Gascoyne Dalziel and Finlay
A. Gibson (South Wales and Monmouth); Messrs. W.
Russell, C.B., Jas. T. Forgie, Robert Baird, James
Borland, Charles Carlow and James Bain (Scotland);
Sir Tbos. R. Ratcliffe-Ellis, law clerk and secretary,
Major Arthur Ratcliffe-Ellis, assistant secretary.

Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from
Mr. H. Shaw Dunn (representing the Ayrshire Associa-
tion of vCoal Owners), Lord Gainford, Sir Hugh Bell,
Bart., Sir Thomas Wrigbtson, Bart., Mr. Thomas Taylor,
Sir Samuel Roberts, M.P., Mr. Ben Day, Mr. Alfred
Hewlett, Col. A. H. Heath and Mr. WTm. Perrott
(Shropshire). The President said that, in addition,
there were a number of other letters from members
expressing their regret at not being able to be present.

The President, in making the presentation, said:—
I regard it as a great honour, and it is a real pleasure to
me, to make this presentation to Sir Thomas to-day in
your name, in recognition of the services that he has
rendered to the Association and to the whole mining-
industry during the past 25 years. I recognise that I
incur a great responsibility in doing so lest I should
either inappropriately or inadequately speak for
so many, in conveying to him your feeling and
desires on this important occasion. While I do
not yield place to anyone to-day in my admira-
tion and esteem for Sir Thomas, I recognise that
there are many of you here who by a longer and more
intimate connection with him would be able better to
speak in a personal sense of his work for the Associa-
tion than I can possibly do. They can go back in
memory to the time when he assumed office. They
remember the place and position that was occupied by
the Association at that time. They have seen it grow
in strength and importance and usefulness, and in the
consciousness of a growing solidarity. They have seen
it take on an essentially representative character, they
have seen Sir Thomas as the presiding and unifying
genius, moulding it into shape, strengthening the
foundations here and completing the structure there
until it has emerged, as we find it to-day, in the
completest sense of the word, representing the mining
interests of Great Britain. And therefore, if these
friends were to speak to you to-day instead of me, they
would be bound to speak striking perhaps a
deeper personal note than I can hope to do, and
perhaps one that would be marked with some of
the enthusiasm and gladness which I am sure
fills Sir Thomas’s own heart this afternoon.
I think it must be a great satisfaction to us all,
gentlemen, that we have such an occasion as this. Our
wreaths are often reserved only for the tombs of our
heroes. In their life-time they have not received much
appreciation or encouragement, and it is only when
they have left us that we have been able to realise the
value of the place which they have occupied and the
importance of the work that they have done. It must,
therefore, be a very great satisfaction to us in that we
are otherwise placed this afternoon—that we have
Sir Thomas with us enjoying vigour of mind and body,
and that we are also all of one desire to tell him, while
he is with us, some of the things that are in our hearts,
and some of the things which, but for this opportunity,
we might not have had the pleasure and privilege of
saying to him. Now, one of the things that I think
must have struck us most in Sir Thomas's relations bip
to the Association ■ has been the high place that
he has always given it in his own thoughts. He
has always been jealous for its honour and for its
dignity. He has formed a high ideal for it, and he has
always striven to help it towards that ideal. It has been
sustained in his heart almost as an idol, he has always
believed that it should occupy a foremost place among
the commercial and industrial associations of the
country, and he has worked to keep it in the forefront
both as a thoroughly representative organisation and as
capable of exerting great influence and power. He has
refused at all times to have its prestige lowered by
bringing it under ths shade of any other kindred
association of employers, believing, as he does, that the
Mining Association is strong enough to stand by itself,