190

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

July 26, 1918.

ciation, and the Hartlepool Shipowners’ Association have
agreed that the present war bonus to trimmers shall be
increased by 20 per cent., making a total war bonus of
80 per cent. The advance will be operative from the
29th inst., steamers more than half loaded on Saturday,
the 27th inst., to be at the present rates, and those less
than half loaded completing on July 29 or subsequently
to come under the increased rates.

The putters at Bomarsund, West Sleekburn, Barrington,
Doctor and Sleekburn pits, all under the control of the
Bedlington Coal Company Limited, have threatened a
general stoppage unless conceded an advance in wages.
The matter is under negotiation.

In his quarterly circular to the members of the Cleve-
land Miners’ and Quarry men’s Association, Mr. Harry
Dack makes reference to Sir Hugh Bell’s allegations as to
absenteeism, and says it is a fact beyond question that
men have lost time during the past year for good reasons
apart from sickness and accident. Sir Hugh’s statement
would imply that the Cleveland miners as a whole have
been guilty of unnecessarily losing time, whereas, as a
matter of fact, the time lost is attributable to a certain
few—perhaps 15 per cent, of the whole number employed.
Again, Sir Hugh’s comparison of Cleveland with Durham
is scarcely fair. It is customary throughout Durham, with
but few exceptions, for the collieries to work what is
termed a 10-days or 11-days fortnight, so that the men
get at least one day off per fortnight; but the general
custom is to work a six-days week in Cleveland, and, con-
sequently, there is no margin, every day off work on the
part of a workman being counted lost time. Mr. Dack
regretfully admits, however, that there is more time lost
by a few men than need be, and he urges the members to
give the matter their favourable consideration and to help
to make the time lost as little as possible. On the sub-
ject of compensation, Mr. Dack argues that, having regard
to the spending value of money, the maximum amount of
<£300 payable in case of a fatal accident is altogether in-
adequate. If an increase of 25 per cent, was necessary
to meet the requirements ^of totally incapacitated work-
men, as it was, surely the same principle should apply to
the widow and the fatherless.

The first week in August has usually been set aside for
the general holiday of the Cumberland iron ore miners.
The executive decided upon the usual holiday, but the
local representative of the Ministry of Munitions has
addressed a letter to each member suggesting that all the
mines should not be stopped for one week, but that the
holidays be so regulated that every man in his turn shall
have a few days’ rest if he requires it. The general
feeling is to comply with the Minister’s wish, and it is
practically certain this will be done.

Scotland.

The dispute, which lasted for several weeks, at Street-
head Pit, Galston, has at last been settled. The original
claim was for an advance of 4|d. per ton, but an offer
of 2^d. per ton has been accepted.

A settlement has been effected of the dispute at Garallon
Colliery, Cumnock, Ayrshire. Tonnage rates were at first
demanded by the miners, but as the outcome of negotia-
tions between the masters and the men a shift wage has
been amicably agreed upon.

The Surveyor of Taxes has agreed with the represen-
tatives of the Mid and East Lothian miners to the follow-
ing deductions, in respect of the sum to be assessed for
income tax : Light, £1 15s. per quarter; upkeep of tools,
15s. ; sharpening of tools, 3s. 3d. ; checkweighers’ dues,
3s. 3d. ; union funeral dues, Is. 8d. ; pit boots and clothes,
£1 ; total per quarter, £3 13s. 2d. In cases where con-
tractors provide tools and pay for tool sharpening and
checkweighers’ dues for the men they employ, and claim
abatement for such, those so employed are only entitled
to deductions in respect of Nos. 1, 5, and 6.

Prior to the commencement of the holidays the miners
employed in the Ball Coal section of No. 2 Pit, Northrigg
Colliery, West Lothian, claimed that a tonnage rate
should be set up. Negotiations have taken place be-
tween the representatives of the men and the manage-
ment and an arrangement mutually satisfactory to both
sides has been effected.

Representatives from the Mid and East Lothian collieries
met on Saturday, under the chairmanship of Mr. J.
Ormiston (Tranent). The state of the coal trade was
reported as very brisk, and at practically all the pits full
work was obtained. Satisfaction was expressed at the
adjustment of the dispute at Polton Pit, where the work-
men had been conceded an increase.

The Scottish mineral oil companies have advanced the
wages of the oil workers by Is. 6d. per day in view of the
recent award to the coal miners.

THE FREIGHT MARKET.

On the north-east coast chartering for coasting and
Allied ports has been fairly brisk at scheduled figures,
and the supply of tonnage has been adequate. For other
directions exceedingly little has been done, the total sum
of fixtures being four—three for Swedish ports, and one
for Gibraltar. The Swedish rates have been 215 kr. to
Gefle, 210 kr. to Warberg, and 200 kr. to Gothenburg,
rates which indicate a little ease on the week. The coal-
ing station was done at the now customary rate of 100s.
Very little neutral tonnage is on offer for other destina-
tions, and there is still a marked divergence of opinion
as to what rates should be. In the absence of transactions,
late rates are nominally quoted; they are, however,
probably quite misleading by now, for it is long since
there were any fixtures for, e.^., Bilbao, Santander,
Lisbon, Oporto, Huelva or Barcelona. At South Wales
business done has been wholly confined to scheduled ports,
and the demand for cargo carriers for these ports exceeds
the supply. There is a considerable pressure for tonnage
for neutral destinations, but little is on offer, and, chiefly
because of the shortage of coal, business thereto is neg-
lected. Loading turns, both at the north-east coast and
aft Bristol Channel, are very full, being booked up for
weeks ahead on official account.

Homewards, the River Plate is steady, with 225s. quoted
for United Kingdom from Buenos Ayres and 250s. for
French Atlantic. The coal freight market at Virginia is
fairly active, with fixtures for Monte Video reported at
82s. 6d. From North American ports comes a keen re-
quest for steamers for all usual cargoes, and rates are
firmly upheld. At the Far East, tonnage available is
confined to controlled vessels, and rates are firm. The
Mediterranean and Bay ports are taking up a fairly large
amount of tonnage for minerals, etc., at from 18s. to 20s.
to South Wales from Bordeaux, etc. The demand for
pyrites carriers from Huelva to southern ports of the
United States of America continues.

Tyne to Gefle, 1,600, 215 kr.; Gibraltar, 2,500, 100s.;
and Warberg, 1,450, 210 kr.

Cardiff to Bordeaux, 2,000 and 2,800, 69s., neutral;
Caen, 700, 48s., neutral Cherbourg, 130, 73s. 9d., sail;

Granville, 750-800, 48s., neutral; Lannion, 140, 80s., sail;
Rouen, 1,300, 1,600 and 1,700, 48s. 9d., neutral; St.
Brieux, 140 and 210, 75s., sail; St. Malo, 1,000, 21s.,
Allied; and St. Nazaire, 1,600 and 2,300, 61s. 6d., neutral.

Swansea to Dublin, 220 and 300, 17s.; Caen, 1,100,
46s. 6d., neutral; Trouville, 130-160, 72s. 9d., sail; 600,
48s., neutral; Havre, 800, 47s. 3d., neutral; Dieppe, 700,
48s. 9d., neutral; Fecamp, 900, 48s., neutral; Granville,
200, 72s. 9d., sail; Cherbourg, 120, 73s. 9d., sail; and
Rouen, 1,100 and 1,600, 48s. 9d., neutral.

Barry to Bordeaux, 3,000-3,500, 69s., neutral.

Blyth to Gothernburg, 1,800, 200 kr.

Neath Abbey to Trouville, 700, 48s., neutral.

Later.—The following additional fixtures have been
arranged :—

Tyne to Gibraltar, 2,000, 100s.; and Stockholm, 2,900,
215 kr.

Cardiff to Dakar, 4,500, 90s.; and Rouen, 1,500, 48s. 9d.,
neutral.

Swansea to Rouen, 1,030, 1,200, 1,400, 1,850, and 1,900,
48s. 9d., neutral; St. Malo, 320 and 400-500, 45s., neutral;
and Sables d’Olonne, 1,100, 63s., neutral.

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.
REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Brightside Foundry and Engineering Company Limited.
—Dividend of 7g per cent., free of tax, for the year ended
June 30.

Cardiff Collieries Limited.—Usual interim dividend for
half-year ended June 30 at rate of 10 per cent, per annum,
less tax, has been declared

Celtic Collieries Limited.—The directors have declared an
interim dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum
on the ordinary. The interim last year was at the same
rate.

Gas Light and Coke Company Limited.—The directors
have declared a dividend for the past half-year at
£2 18s. 6d. per cent, per annum. The final dividend for
last year was at £3 14s. 3d. per cent, per annum, and at
the corresponding period last year £3 14s. 8d. per cent,
per annum was paid.

Gloucester Carriage and Wagon Company Limited.—
The report for the year ended May 31 last states that
profit, after making usual provision for depreciation, war
dependants, contingencies and internal reserves, was
£83,841, and the disposable balance, after deducting in-
terim dividend, £113,609. The directors transfer £10,000
to reserve (making it £200,000), and recommend a divi-
dend at 10 per cent, per annum, less tax, making 10 per
cent, for the year, and a bonus of 5 per cent., free of
tax, carrying £51,109 forward. The wagon repairing
branch has been transferred to Wagon Repairs Limited.
The assets, however, remain in the balance sheet in lieu
of shares in Wagon Repairs Limited, to be issued.

Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds Limited.—Following the
death of the late chairman, Mr. Arthur T. Keen, the
Earl of Bessborough, K.P., has been elected chairman of
this company, and Mr. F. W. Keen and Mr. Edward
Steer deputy chairmen. Lieut.-Col. the Hon. C. H. C.
Guest, M.P., and Mr. H. Probyn, who has held the posi-
tion of secretary of the company since its formation, have
been appointed to seats on the board. An executive com-
mittee of general managers has been formed. Mr. J. H.
Jolly, at present secretary of the Blaenavon Company
Limited, has been appointed to the post of secretary and
chief accountant.

Lancs, and Yorks Wagon Company Limited.—The report
for the year ended June 30 last states that, after deducting
amount required for replacement, depreciation and interim
dividend, there remains £10,840. The directors recom-
mend a dividend at the rate of 12s. per share, less tax, and
carry £6,490 forward. Total written off for depreciation
to date is £40,643, and reserve amounts to £10,000.

Mather and Platt Limited.—Interim of 5 per cent,
(actual), less tax, on the ordinary, the same as last year.

Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Limited.—The
report for 1917 states that, after providing for deprecia-
tion, income tax, excess profits duty, etc., net profit was
£331,784; £47,083 was brought in, giving £378,867. De-
benture interest requires £15,311, and instalment for sink-
ing fund £1,000, leaving £362,556. The directors recom-
mend a further dividend at 10 per cent, on ordinary shares,
paid March 1, 1918, free of tax, making 15 per cent, for
the year, transfer to reserve £100,000, reserve for equali-
sation of dividends £50,000, and appropriate £9,858 as a
bonus in National War Bonds and War Savings Certifi-
cates to employees, leaving £37,376 to be carried forward.

NEW COMPANIES.

Champion Engineering Company Limited.—Private com-
pany. Registered office: St. James Chambers, 38, Church-
street, Sheffield. Registered July 9. Objects -indicated
by title. Nominal capital, £2,000 in 2,000 £1 shares.
Directors : A. Fletcher and P. Thomson. Qualification of
directors, 500 shares.

Engine Specialists Limited.—Private company. Regis-
tered July 13. Objects indicated by title. Nominal
capital, £10,000 in 9,000 10 per cent, participating
preference shares of £1 and 10,000 deferred shares of 2s.
Directors: J. B. Taunton, M. Van Marcke de Lummen,
and F. Van Bree. Qualification of directors, £100.

James and Keith Limited.—Private company. Regis-
tered office : 42, Great Charles-street, Birmingham.
Registered July 18, to carry on- the business of founders,
machinists and engineers, etc. Nominal capital £2,000 in
2,000 shares of £1.

Matthews (Edward) Limited.—Private company. Regis-
tered office: Lion Foundry, Bradley, Bilston. Registered :
July 12, to carry on the business of ironfounders. Nominal
capital, £10,000 in 10,000 £1 shares. Directors : E.
Matthews, E. Vaughan, and G. Smith. Qualification of
directors, 1 share.

Oil Fieldf of England Limited. — Public company.
Registered office : Worcester House, Walbrook, E.C.
Registered July 18, to carry on the business of dealers in
and refiners of all kinds of mineral oils and products
thereof, mine owners, merchants, carriers, wharfingers, etc.
Nominal capital, £250,000 in 250,000 £1 shares. Qualifi-
cation of directors, £100. Remuneration of directors, £300.
Subscribers (1 share) : A. G. Parker, H. E. Best, R. J.
Ward Rothesay, J. W. Clark, and A. W. Gardiner.

Tuffnell and Taylor Limited.—Private company. Regis-
tered office: 128, High Holborn, W.C. Registered July 17,
to carry on the business of ironfounders, mechanical engi-
neers, etc. Nominal capital, £5,000 in 5,000 £1 shares.
Directors : M. H. Tuffnell and P. W. Taylor.

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.

ABSTRACTS OF PATENT SPECIFICATIONS
RECENTLY ACCEPTED.

116252. Compounds for Treating Fuel. J. W. Edmonds,
369, Cordova-street, Vancouver, British Columbia.—This
invention relates to a compound for treating fuel by
chemical agents applied thereto, and by means of which
the combustion thereof is facilitated, and the object of
the invention is to provide such a compound by the use
of which, while the burning of the coal is retarded in
the proper degree the heat therefrom is augmented, this
latter result being effected by the action of the compound
in preventing the action of sulphurous fumes on the coal
so that the heat-giving gases do not escape through the
medium of smoke, and thus a greater percentage of the
components of the coal is used up and the maximum
heating efficiency is obtained therefrom, in addition to
which there are fewer ashes, the smoke is cleaner, there
are no cinders or coke, ’ and the clinkers are practically
eliminated. The compound forming the subject of the
invention is composed of the following ingredients, which
for the best results should be in the proportions stated,
although the proportions may be varied, these ingredients
being as follows : Common salt, 100 lb. ; sal soda, 63 lb. ;
whiting, 27 lb. ; gum acacia, 19 oz. ; oxalic acid, 15 lb. ;
zinc sulphate, 2 lb. 2 oz. ; lampblack, sufficient to colour.
The above ingredients should be thoroughly combined in
the following manner, viz. : Take the salt and mix
thoroughly with the lampblack, and dry the resultant
product for 24 hours. Also take the sal soda, ground, and
mix well with the whiting, letting this product also dry
for 24 hours. Then mix these two products well together,
add the gum acacia and mix, then add the zinc sulphate
and mix, and finally add the oxalic acid, mixing all the
ingredients thoroughly together, after which the compound
is ready and may be put up in suitable cartons for ship-
ment and use. The compound is used by taking 12 oz.,
sufficient for one ton of coal, and putting it in a pail
of hot water which is then stirred, left for 15 minutes
and stirred again until the colour changes from black
to slate, after which the contents of the pail are sprinkled
over the coal, from which the results stated in the fore-
going part of the specification will then be obtained. The
use of sulphate of zinc is not absolutely necessary, nor
is the lampblack, although the zinc sulphate is advan-
tageous for keeping the smoke down, and the lampblack
fulfils the function of an indicator to show when the
compound is ready for use, that is, when the colour
changes, after mixing in the hot water, from black to
slate, due to the heating up of the lampblack by the
resultant chemical produced by the combination of the
other ingredients. (Eight claims.)

116128. Coal Mining Machines. R. J. Tugwood, 77,
Chancery-lane, London, W.C. (A communication from
the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, First Avenue and
Big Four Railroad, Columbus, Ohio).—This invention re-
lates especially to that class of machine which is adapted
to cut and dislodge the coal from its natural bed and
load it into conveniently placed receptacles for transporta-
tion from the mine. The especial object of the invention
is to provide a simple, durable and efficient machine
adapted to use in the thin veins of coal which are
commonly mined by the longwall system to dislodge the
coal from its natural bed, and gather it into a longwall
conveyor, by which it will be discharged into conveniently
placed cars upon the tracks of the haulage ways at the
ends of the coal face. According to this invention,
breaking down means are combined with kerf cutters
adapted to simultaneously produce parallel kerfs along
the face of a mine wall, the said means being ad-
vantageously fitted with control devices adapted for con-
trolling the breaking down pressure, as when such pressure
is produced by a hydraulic jack. Means are provided for
automatic removal of the coal broken down, such means
preferably comprising a conveyor adapted to enter the
lower kerf and to follow up the lower cutter. Means are
provided, as usual, for feeding the machine along the face,
and other means may be fitted for enabling the respective
cutters to be adjusted as regards their angularity relatively
to the main frame. The conveying mechanism is ad-
vantageously detachably connected to the cutting machine;
nevertheless the motor of the cutting machine may be
arranged to drive the conveyor. (Eleven claims.)

116229. Coal Mining Machines. R. J. Tugwood, 77,
Chancery-lane,. London, W.C. (A communication from
the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, Columbus, Ohio.)—
According to this invention, a mining machine is provided
with elongated undercutting and overcutting mechanisms
which project laterally from the main frame while the latter
is moved along the face, means being provided for inde-
pendently adjusting the angularity of the two mechanisms
in relation to the main frame. As the overcutting
mechanism is preferably fitted with breaking down means,
as described in Patent Application No. 116128 (vide
supra), from which this present application has been
divided, it is arranged for the undercutting mechanism
to be adapted for working at an angle in advance of the
angle of overcutting mechanism as hereinafter described.
The two mechanisms, which are adjustable independently
around a common vertical axis, are provided with locking
means for holding them in the desired positions of adjust-
ment. The said common axis is advantageously situated
in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine
at the end thereof, so that the mechanisms can be swung
to similar working positions on either side. (Eight
claims.)	4

116230. Coal Mining Machines. R. J. Tugwood, 77,
Chancery Lane, London, W.C. (A communication from
the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, Columbus, Ohio.)
—This invention relates to that class of machine which
is adapted to work upon the longwall system, the machine
being hauled along the face by a draught member con-
nected to an anchoring device or post in advance of the
machine and passed - around a winding drum on the
machine. The object of the invention is to provide im-
proved means for guiding the flexible draught member or
feed cable, and to enable the cable to be led off at different
elevations from the machine to the anchor in advance of
the machine. By this means any suitable elevation may
be adopted for the cable such as will produce a perfect
balance of the strains and enable the machine to feed
easily to its work. A further object is to enable a machine
in which an overcutting and an undercutting mechanism
project laterally from the main frame to have either of
these cutting mechanisms adjusted angularly by means of
a cable passed over the guiding arrangement to the winding
drum. The guide means on the machine are adapted for
enabling the cable to be led away to the anchor at different
elevations. For example, guide sheaves are mounted at
different levels, and one guide sheave may be vertically
adjustable. In the preferred arrangement the adjustable
sheave is carried by a pivoted lever mounted along one
side of the main frame. To enable the cable to be led