652

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

March 28, 1918.

the preceding one, and then formed into a long pile in
the following manner:

The sampler takes a shovelful of coal from the
conical pile and spreads it out in a straight line having
a width equal to the width of the shovel and a length
of 5 to 10 ft. His next shovelful is spread directly
over the top of the first shovelful, but in the opposite
direction, and so on back and forth, the pile being
occasionally flattened until all the coal has been
formed into one long pile.

Half of the pile thus formed must be discarded in
the following manner: Beginning on one side of the
pile, at either end, and shovelling from the bottom,
the sampler takes one shovelful and sets it aside;
advancing along the side of the pile a distance equal
to the width of the shovel, he takes a second shovelful
and discards it; again advancing in the same direction
one shovel width he takes'a third shovelful and adds
it to the first. Shovelful No. 4 is to be taken in a
like manner and discarded, the fifth shovelful
retained, and so on, the sampler advancing always in
the same direction around the pile, so that its size
will be reduced gradually and uniformly. When the
pile is removed about half the original quantity of
coal should be contained in the new pile formed by
the retained shovelfuls.

Quartering.—After the gross sample has been
reduced by the above method to approximately 250 lb.,
further reduction in quantity must be by the quarter-
ing method. Before each quartering the sample must
be crushed to the fineness prescribed in the table.

Quantities of 125 to 250 lb. must be thoroughly mixed
by coning and reconing; quantities less than 125 lb.
must be placed in a suitable cloth, measuring about 6
by 8 ft., thoroughly mixed by raising first one end of
the cloth and then the other, so as to roll the coal back
and forth, and then formed into a conical pile by
gathering together the four corners of the cloth. The
quartering of the conical pile must be done as follows:
The cone is flattened by pressing its apex vertically
down with a shovel or board, so that when the pile
is quartered each quarter will contain the material
originally in it. The flattened mass, which must be
of uniform thickness and diameter, is then marked
into quarters by two lines that intersect at right angles
directly under a point corresponding to the apex of
the original cone. The diagonally opposite quarters
must then be shovelled away and discarded and the
space that they occupied brushed clean. The coal
remaining must be successively crushed, mixed, coned
and quartered until two opposite quarters shall
equal approximately 10 lb. of 3-16ths in., or 4-mesh,
size. This 10-lb. quantity must be thoroughly mixed
and divided into two equal parts, and each part placed
in a container suitable for transportation. Mark one
of these samples “original” and the other
“duplicate,” and forward the “original” to the
laboratory, retaining the “duplicate” for forwarding
in case the “original” should be lost or damaged in
transit. If it is not convenient for the sampler to
retain the ‘1 duplicate ’ ’ sample, as when he is travel-
ling from place to place, then the “ duplicate ” sample
also should be forwarded to the laboratory.

In case a crusher that will break the coal to 3-16ths
in. or 4-mesh size and a riffle are available for
mechanically crushing and reducing the sample, they
should be used instead of the hand method, as their
use greatly facilitates the preparation of samples and
tends to eliminate possible error by the sampler.

CALORIFIC VALUES OF COALS.

In discussing this question at the meeting of the
Newcastle Section of the Society of Chemical Industry,
Dr. J. H. Paterson spoke on the differences recorded
by calorimeters. He stated that in a steam trial on
a ship, nothing like the quantity of steam was raised in
the boilers that was required during the trip. The
engineworks manager refused to blame his engines ; he
blamed the boilers. The maker of the boilers, a well-
known manufacturer of a water-tube boiler, immediately
blamed the coal or the method of stoking, it did not
matter which. A sample of coal was taken and deter-
mined by three parties—in the speaker’s own laboratory,
by the manufacturer of the boilers, and by the repre-
sentative of a well-known insurance company. The
boiler manufacturer, using a Rowland Wild calorimeter,
got 12,700 B.T.U.; the speaker, using a Mahler bomb
calorimeter, got 12,430; and the insurance company,
using a Lewis Thompson calorimeter, got 11,736. (The
conclusion ultimately come to was that the want of
efficiency was due to indifferent stoking). The speaker
hoped that the time would come when the calorific
value of the fuel would have a great deal to do with its
price. That episode only illustrated the necessity for
having accurate calorimetric work. The Rowland Wild
calorimeter was a modification of the Parr calorimeter,
in which one burnt the coal in oxygen provided by
sodium peroxide and, in that way, was very similar to
the Lewis Thompson calorimeter, in which one burnt the
coal with oxygen produced from a mixture of potassium
chlorate and nitrate. One read and had reported to
one calorific values that varied so very enormously that
it was quite time that the method of determining
calorific values was stated in each instance.

Mr. Henry Peile (the chairman) said he agreed that
the time would come when all coals would be sold, to a
great extent, on their calorific values.

Mr. Dunn expressed surprise that there were people
who nowadays used the Lewis Thompson calorimeter.
He thought it was only extant in museums, like the
apparatus of Cavendish. Whatever the manipulator
might be, that calorimeter would not give accurate
results. Differences of from 10 to 25 per cent, were
only to be tolerated if there were no known means of
getting any nearer. He commended the Mahler bomb
calorimeter, inasmuch as its manipulation was com-
paratively rapid and in every respect it was a desirable
instrument to use. He thought that all calorific values
of coal and coke should be determined by that instru-
ment and that that fact should be stated.

Notes from the Coal Fields.

[Local Correspondence.]

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

Brokers will take Counsel’s Opinion—Miners’ Nominees
for Parliament—Elaborate Organisation in Coal-
owners’ Association Offices—Young Colliers and Their
right to the Minimum Wage.

Mr. A. W. Wynne gave a report to Swansea Chamber
of Commerce upon the proceedings at the meeting of
coal exporters in London, and stated that that gathering-
held the same opinion as South Wales men in the trade—
that the Controller was going out of his way in taking
money from the exporters and handing it over to the
collieries. A decision had been arrived at to take coun-
sel’s opinion on the question of brokerage paid over in
respect of shipments made since June to British, French,
and neutral ports.

Among those connected with South Wales who attended
the meeting of coal exporters in London were Sir Clifford
J. Cory (who occupied the chair); and Mr. W. R.
Hawkins, secretary of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce,
was appointed secretary of the joint committee represent-
ing various districts whose duty it will be to take “ such
further proceedings as may be considered necessary to
protect the rights and interests of coal exporters.” This
deals with the question of the Order whereby the Con-
troller instructs exporters to hand over to colliery pro-
prietors the one-third of the 5 per cent, brokerage which
hitherto they have received. One of the resolutions
carried at the meeting, which was representative of
Scotland, Hull, and Liverpool, as well as the Bristol
Channel and London, was that no brokerage be paid over
except under protest and reserving the right of recovery.

The Bedwellty miners’ lodges have voted for their
Parliamentary candidate in the new division, and the
organiser, Mr. W. Harris, presented the report of the
committee to a meeting held in Newport on Thursday of
last week. This showed that Coun. Chas. Edwards,
J.P., agent at Blackwood, had secured 6,180 votes, as
against 3,409 for Mr. A. Thomas, the other nominee. The
meeting therefore decided that Coun. Edwards should
be the candidate, and also to organise a series of meetings
for women voters, these to be addressed by women
speakers. Coun. Edwards, previously resided at
Abercarn, and worked at Risca for 20 years.

For the new Caerphilly area, the result of the miners’
vote was announced on Saturday, it being :—Mr. Alfred
Onions, 6,262; Mr. Jenkins, 2,684. Mr. Onions is treasurer
of the South Wales Federation.

Mr. H. Griffin attended the inaugural meeting of the
Cardiff and District Maritime Board, held on Friday
of last week, and outlined the establishment of this new
organisation. Its special work is to speed up tonnage by
dealing promptly with labour questions, so that vessels
may be “turned round” more quickly, and trade be
expedited. Special attention will also be given to any
slackness on the part of the men in joining their ships.
Mr. W. R. Hawkins, secretary of the Chamber of
Commerce, with the secretary of the Sailors’ and Fire-
men’s Union, will be the joint secretaries of the new
Board. The chairman will be Mr. T. Lewis, stipendiary
magistrate of Cardiff, a brother of the late Lord Merthyr.

As a result of an interview of colliery salesmen with
the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committee, it has
been made clear that the duty does not lie with colliery
companies to furnish the committee by the 15th of each
month with a statement of the quantity of coal required
for the month ensuing. This information, it was
explained, would be otherwise forthcoming. A discussion
of obscure points in the detail of the scheme took place
at the meeting, with the result that a clearer idea of the
requirements of the scheme was arrived at.

The development of work in connection with the South
Wales Coalowners’ Association has been of an extra-
ordinary character during the war, so much administra-
tive duty having been entailed by the different new
arrangements which have become necessary. Fortunately
Mr. F. A. Gibson, the secretary, has been able to organise
his office in a most efficient manner, and intimation has
now been made to the different colliery companies, traders,
etc., as to the officials in the different departments who
have charge of different branches of the work. Mr.
F. W. Witzel deals with the coal and coke supplies;
Mr. T. G. Rowe is commercial manager of the Pitwood
Association; Mr. H. Grizelle, of work connected with
the Coke Ovens and By-product Works Association. All
questions relating to stoppages and disputes will come
before Mr. J. R. Williams. The Statistical Department
is in the hands of Mr. W. Wright and Mr. A. Hendry.
Miss Waite, under the Controller of Timber Supplies, deals
with the work of the Pitwood Allocation Committee, and
Mr. T. V. Richardson in charge of the general and sec-
retarial work.

Among the tinplaters there is a certain amount of
uneasiness as to the number of men taken for the Army,
especially as some hundreds more are being combed out
—Grade A men being selected. The complaint of the
tinplaters is, that whilst they are taken from industry,
there are thousands of colliers, particularly in the western
area, whose work is irregular, but yet the men remain
exempted. The new comb-out, however, of miners, will
have one effect in minimising this grievance.

A decision of interest was given by the Pontypridd
stipendiary on Saturday. It related to the right of young
colliers in respect of the minimum wage. A youth of
20 claimed that he was entitled to this wage, which should
be 10s. 8d. including percentage. He was 20 years of age,
and the amount of his claim was <£2 4s., balance alleged
to be due from the Lewis Merthyr Colliery Company.
On his behalf it was contended that youths who were
capable of taking colliers’ places should be paid equally
with the colliers, but Mr. Kenshole, who appeared for
the defendant company, argued that each must be 21
years of age before becoming entitled to the minimum
rate. This argument was upheld by the stipendiary,
who gave judgment for the employers.

The new seam of coal discovered at the Celtic Collieries
is 32 yards below what was previously considered to be
the bottom seam, and the chairman of the company states
he is hopeful that a further workable seam will also be
discovered at an early date, the remarkable fact being
that the discovery should have been made only now,
although the colliery had been managed from, time to
time by some of the best known colliery engineers in
South Wales. The seam now struck averages 3 ft. 8 in.
thick of clean coal with a good top, and turns out very
favourably upon analysis. It underlies the whole area
of the taking. Largely through the efforts of Lord

Rhondda, the company has secured a new taking of
about 1,200 acres, and upon this it is proposed that a
new pit shall be sunk after the war. The Celtic Colliery
is fortunate in that the small coal, which in some col-
lieries has to be stacked, has all been disposed of, and
it is only occasionally that Celtic smalls come into the
market, for most of it is used in their own coke ovens.
The Board will consider the desirability of establishing
by-product plant to deal more especially with the small
from the new seam.

Upon a report that the Coal Controller had decided
upon the stoppage of the Dyffryn Colliery, Llantwit
Vardre, the workmen issued a protest and have asked
the Federation to support them in their opposition. They
consider that if the stoppage of the colliery is a necessity
it should be carried out, but that they are entitled to
some practical sympathy in the war conditions.

With regard to ship brokers and their efforts, a new
scale of payment has been fixed, the Cardiff Shipbrokers’
Institute having taken up the question, particularly with
regard to vessels from the fiorth-east coast which are
directed to load in the Bristol Channel. The Ministry
of Shipping has decided that no brokerage will be paid
in cases where the manager of an ex-neutral is instructed
to fix with a named charterer or to apply to the local
committee and fix according to their direction. Instead
of brokerage, a higher agency fee will be paid, and this
will be 15 gns. where the steamer loads at a port other
than that at which the manager is resident. It is under-
stood that this new arrangement meets the wishes of
the brokers, the new fee fully making good the loss of
brokerage.

Mr. Alfred Onions, treasurer of the Federation, was
on Monday formally adopted by the Miners’ Executive
for the Caerphilly Parliamentary Division, and Mr. John
Williams, M.P., as their candidate for the Gower
Division.

The Right. Hon. T. Richards, M.P., .secretary of the
Federation, was unanimously chosen to be Labour candi-
date for the new Ebbw Vale Parliamentary Division by
a conference held at Tredegar representative of trade
unions, co-operative societies, and other organisations.

The House of Lords on Wednesday reserved judgment
in the case of a collier’s widow against Guest, Keen and
Company, where the point at issue was a novel and
important one :—Should compensation be computed over
a period which included a strike, or should the strike
time be eliminated?

Northumberland and Durham.

Sale of Colliery—Recruiting of Miners—Labour Candidate
for Seaham—Compensation Cases—Housing at Burn-
hope—Children of Blinded Soldiers.

Messrs. Johnasson, Gordon and Company, of Newcastle,
owners of the Usworth Colliery, are stated to have sold
that property to a new company at the head of which
is Mr. Jas. Westoil, shipowner, of Sunderland. Usworth
Colliery was sunk in the middle ’forties, and was for
many years owned by Messrs. John Bowes and Partners
Limited.

The executive committee of the Durham Miners’ Asso-
ciation issued a circular regarding the recruiting of miners.
The manager of each colliery has been instructed by the
Coal Controller to draw up two lists, one giving the
names of single men working in or about the mines, who
were in January last 18 yrs. and 8 mths. and up to 25
yrs., and another list from over 25 to 30 yrs. of age.
Two methods are open to the miners, either to be called
up in order of age, or a ballot to be made and the men
taken in the order in which they are drawn. The execu-
tive committee advise the taking of a ballot on the follow-
ing lines :—That all those 18 yrs. and 8 mths. up to 25
be drawn first and, if there be not sufficient men to supply
the required number for the colliery, plus 50 per cent.,
to allow for tribunal exemptions, medical rejection, etc.,
they proceed to ballot on the men over 25 yrs. and up
to 30 yrs. of age. All persons have a right of appeal
on personal or domestic grounds, whether attested or not,
but must make their appeal on or before Thursday, March
28, on forms to be obtained from the clerk, to the local
tribunal in their area. Mr. William Straker, secretary
of the Northumberland Miners’ Association, is circularising
the lodges, acquainting them of the recommendation of
the Miners’ Federation that the Government proposals
should not be opposed, but calls attention to a clause
in the regulations stating that “ The colliery committees
will be entitled to consider such matters as inequality of
sacrifice in making their selection.” The county quota
is about 2,000.

The Divisional Council of the Seaham and Easington
Labour Party met at Haswell on Saturday, and unani-
mously decided to nominate Mr. John Lawson, of Alma
Colliery, West Pelton, as prospective Labour candidate
for the newly formed Parliamentary division of Seaham
and Easington at next election. The Durham Miners’
Association will be asked to support the candidature.

The Durham Deputy Overmen’s Mutual Aid Association
resolved, on Saturday, to recommend the General Federa-
tion of Deputies, Examiners and Firemen’s Association of
Great Britain to approach the Miners’ Federation with
a view to affiliation.

Mr. T. H. Cann, secretary of the Durham Miners’ Asso-
ciation, hits out in his latest circular to the members, in
which he deals very largely with the question of the
miners’ attitude to military service. He criticises the
decision of the Miners’ Federation to take a ballot on
the question, and claims that the principle at issue had
already been decided at the conference at Blackpool.

Mr. James Robson’s report on compensation cases arising
out of accidents in the Durham coalfield includes a few
episodes of particular interest. Compensation was claimed
in respect of the death of R .E. Embleton, 59, rapper
attendant at Harraton, who died as a result, it is alleged,
of injuries sustained by falling whilst carrying the picks
in the pit. The jury’s verdict was that he died through
meningitis following a large axillary abscess which had been
set up by a fall on the right shoulder, but when, where,
or how such fall was caused there was no satisfactory
evidence. The claim was disallowed. Compensation was
granted in the case of M. T. Smith, 17, flatter at Shildon
Lodge, who was told to take a tram to the kist, and whilst
riding on it was thrown into the pack, through the tram
going amain, sustaining injuries from which he lost the
use of a foot. It was proved that Smith was carrying
out an order when injured. On the other hand, the claim
of William Powers, deputy at Philadelphia, who was
injured through being knocked off a set, was withdrawn,
the manager refusing to pay compensation, alleging that
Powers got on the set at the end of his shift and com-
mitted a breach of the Coal Mines Act. In a somewhat
similar case from Lumley New Winning, where Alfred