612 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN September 20, 1918. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEAN MAGNETIC DECLINATION at Kew Observatory, Richmond, in Degrees and Minutes, for each Two-hour Interval in the Week September 8 to 14, 1918. Magnetic character. Intervals—Hours G.M.T. 0h.-2h. 14° + 2h.-4h. 14° + 4h.-6h. 14° + 6h.-8h. 14° + 8h.-10h 14c + 10h.-12h 14° + 12h.-14h. 14° + 14h.-16h. 14° + 1 16h.-18h. 1 14° + 1 ! 18h.-20h. i 14° + 20h.-°2h. 14° + 22h.-24h. 14° + i i Mean for day. ! 14° + j Sun., Sept. 8 1 Min. 47’0 Min. 44'5 Min. 47’0 i Min. i 41’0 Min. 47’5 Min. 52’5 Min. 55’5 Min. 53’0 Min. 49’0 Min. 43’0 Min. 46’5 Min. 47’5 Min. ^8’0 Mon., „ 9 1 51*5 49*0 44’0 s 43’5 45’5 54’0 55’0 51’5 49’5 49’0 1 47’5 47’0 49’0 Tues., „ 10 1 48*0 47*0 45’5 44’0 46’0 53’5 56’0 52’5 48’0 47’5 ■ 46’5 45’5 48’5 Wed., 11 0 49*0 47*0 45’0 44’0 44’5 50’5 54’0 51’5 48’0 48’0 | 46’5 46’0 48’0 Thurs., ,, 12 0 47*0 47*0 45’5 44’0 46’0 51’0 52’5 51’5 49’5 49’5 ! 49’0 47’5 48’5 Friday, „ 13 0 48*5 47*0 44’5 46’5 49’0 53’5 57’0 53’5 49’0 48’5 49’0 48’5 49’5 Sat., ,, 14 0 47*5 46’5 45’0 44’0 47’5 55’0 57’0 55’0 50’5 i 46’5 48’0 48’5 i i 49’5 Diurnal ine- quality (i.e., Sep. 1917 Ih. 2h. -1*2 -1*5 3h. 4h. -1*8 -2*1 5h. 6h. -2’4 -3’4 7h. 8h. -5’0 -6’0 9h. 10b. -5’1 —2’2 llh. 12n. + 2’6 +5’5 13h. I4h. + 7’1 +6’5 15h. 16h. + 4’9 +3’2 17h. 18h. + 2’0 +1’1 19h. 20h. + 0’5 +0’1 21h. 22h. -0’2 -0’6 23h. 24h. -0’9 -1’2 Mean value for month. 14° 58'’4 Sep. ’17 departure from Aug.1918 -1*2 -1*3 -1*5 -2*5 -3’7 -4’6 -5’1 -4’9 -3’2 -0’4 + 3’1 +6’0 + 7’5 +7’1 + 5’6 +3’5 + 1’5 -0’1 -0’8 -0’5 -0’7 -1’4 -1’3 -1’1 14° 49'’0 Aug.’18 mean value for Aug.1917 -1*5 -1'8 -1*7 -2*2 -3’6 —4’8 -5’4 -5’3 -3’6 -1’0 + 3’0 +6’5 +8’4> +8’1 + 6’0 +3’4 + 0’8 -0’5 -0’7 -0’7 -0’8 -1’0 -1’0 -0’8 i4c58'’3Aug.’17 day) The day is counted from Oh. (midnight) to 2lh. (milnight) G.M.T. Character “ 0” means a day wholly free from any but small disturbances. Character 1 ” means a day part or all of which is moderately or considerably disturbed. Character “ 233 means a day pirt or all of which is highly disturbed. The normal value for an hour is the mean declination for that hour in the .month, derived from quiet days only, or from all days excluding those of character 2.” On a day of ^character “0” declination at any hour will usually be within about 3' of the normal. On a day of character 133 the departure from the normal will usually not exceed 5', but it may occasionally be as much as 10', or even more. On a day of character “ 233 the departure from the normal will seldom exceed 20', but departures of 30' or even on extreme occasions of 1° or more may occur. The above values were obtained from measurements made after “ smoothing33 the curves. Meteorological Office, September 18. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Christian Institute,. Glasgow. It was explained that a letter of strong protest had been sent to the Coal Con- troller regarding the fact that both the Scottish Mine Managers’ Association and the Scottish Colliery Under- Managers’ Association had been ignored at conferences which had been held to consider the proposed appointment of pit committees. It was further pointed out by the secre- tary that instances had arisen in which arrears due to under-managers under the June agreement had not been paid. Eventually it was decided to appoint a small com- mittee to assist the general secretary with the matters in question, and it was decided that the committee should be empowered to call in legal advice if necessary. _____________________________ LABOUR AND WAGES. South Wales and Monmouthshire. The Joint Disputes Committee of the South Wales Con- ciliation Board met on Tuesday. Settlement was arranged as to the substitution shift at the Rhymney Iron Company’s collieries, and also as to the payment of the war wage and the standard rate to hitchers for Sunday work at the Eastern pit of the Ocean Company. Reference was made to one representative from each side of the surfacemen’s claim at Llanover, they asking payment for one turn per week for working in bad weather; also the claim for one turn per week of underground riders on account of keep- ing turn. Some of the disputes were withdrawn from the list by the workmen’s representatives. Upon a few the committee failed to agree, and upon consideration of cer- tain others the owners promised a reply at th© next meeting. The Bristol Channel Shipowners’ Association had before them on Monday a letter from the Dock and General Workers’ Union withdrawing a claim for an extra 25 per cent, war bonus, and stating that they had agreed to co- operate with the men at other ports in the Channel in their demand for 50 per cent, increase, this making a total of 100 per cent, since war broke out. The decision of the matter was postponed. Addressing a meeting at Ammanford, Mr. J. Winstone ^acting president of the Federation) stated that notwith- standing percentage increases which the miners had received during the war, as well as 18s. per week war wage, they were still 12 per cent, worse off than before, because the purchasing power of money had decreased so much. Mr. Winstone referred to the surface workers’ demand for an eight-hour day, and he stated that the Federation executive were pledged to take up the case. It would be carried through to a successful issue. They were going to meet the employers, and he sincerely hoped the latter would be wise enough to agree amicably, and that the eight-hour day would begin on October 1. The recent ballot for a sub-agent of miners in the Ebbw Vale district did not give satisfaction, its fairness being called into question, one striking fact being that the final vote had reversed the figures of an earlier poll. As a result, there has been circulation of rumours as to unfair- ness, and the meeting on Sunday was called to confirm, or otherwise, the return which had been made as to the elec- tion of Mr. J. Griffiths, whose figures were 2,252, against 2,023 for Mr. George Davies. The meeting lasted three hours, and allegations were made as to improper distribu- tion of ballot papers and other points; but ultimately the ballot was confirmed, a motion for fresh ballot being defeated. The workmen employed at Messrs. Vipond’s colliery, Talywain, resumed work on Saturday after a day’s stop- page, due, it is alleged, to an official’s report that a work- man had hindered the output by not strictly carrying out instructions. The matter has been reported to the Dis- putes Committee* A meeting of Merthyr miners held on Sunday discussed the refusal of a local colliery company to allow its clerks to join the Miners’ Federation, and passed a resolution expressing determination to preserve the right of organisa- tion even to the point of drastic action. Miners in the Pontypool district, at a meeting-on Satur- day referred to the difficulty occasioned through lack Of a workman’s train to the Tirpentwys Colliery, and it was stated that through lack of a train about 300 men who had got wet through in heavy rain turned back one morn- ing last week, and there was a consequent loss of output to a considerable extent. Mr. Winstone, the acting presi- dent of the Federation, who lives in that district, states that this is no uncommon thing, and that a similar diffi- culty exists with regard to the Crumlin Valley Colliery. His intention is to bring the matter before the Coal Controller as one of urgency. The Conciliation Board of South Wales and Monmouth- shire met in Cardiff on Friday to consider the scheme which the Government and the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain had agreed upon for increasing the output. A draft of rules for regulation of pit committees was sub- mitted, and it was decided to appoint a joint committee to revise this and draft a further set, reporting to a later meeting of the Board. Other business dealt with was the question of the eight- hour day for surfacemen, which was raised by the work- men’s representatives, they having had special instructions to this end from a miners’ conference. Mr. Howell Jones, who presided at the meeting, pointed out that such an application was a clear departure from the Conciliation Board agreement. It was, however, decided that, in com- pliance with a request from the men, the owners would agree that a special meeting of the Conciliation Board should be held in order that the workmen’s proposals might be submitted and discussed. Mr. T. Richards, M.P., secretary of the Federation, having drawn attention to the number of collieries in the anthracite and also in the Avon Valley districts which have been worked on very short time, notwithstanding the outcry for increase of output, it was reported that this matter had been dealt with and that a meeting had taken place. The reason for the stoppages was shortage of shipping and the lack of wagons. It had not been due to any slackening in the demand for coal. The executive council of the South Wales Enginemen, Stokers’ and Craftsmen’s Association held a further meet- ing on the question of the eight-hour day for all men engaged in and about the mines. The general secretary had informed the Coal Controller that he could not sign any agreement which did not provide for an eight-hour day ; and it was stated in the meeting that great difficulty prevailed in restraining the men from stopping work until national negotiations were ended. The council passed a resolution to adhere to the original programme and to in- sist that the eight-hour day should be conceded by the Controller by September 30, and failing satisfactory settle- ment then the National Council shall advise the rank and file to down tools on October 1. The executive council of the South Wales Federation met to consider the question of increasing the output, and it was agreed to form committees for stimulating output, and to submit the rules to the employers for carrying through the proposal. A resolution was passed asking for an early meeting with the Controller upon the subject of employment of women in the mines. The Federation having recently purchased property in Cardiff to serve as central offices, it was decided that the two houses pur- chased should be vested in trustees, and that the building committee should be empowered to proceed with the neces- sary alterations. A number of matters as to disputes, etc.,, were brought up. It was decided in certain cases to com- municate with the Controller or with Sir George Ask with; and with regard to the dismissal of a clerk at Hills’ Ply- mouth colliery a deputation was appointed to see the Con- troller and put the facts before him. The dispute at Abercynon Colliery as to the rates of pay to riders was referred to the Joint Disputes Committee. A circular from the Controller to South Wales collieries deals with the question of war bonuses to clerical and official staffs, and it is understood that where the bonus has been refused those persons who are interested should now make fresh application.. The Colliery Examiners’ Association have held a con- ference in Cardiff and considered the memorandum of a wage agreement, which it is intended to place before the lodges. The executive committee recommend acceptance of the agreement. North of England. Putters at Ryhope Colliery laid the pit idle at the com- mencement of this week, demanding more money. The dispute at Seghill Colliery, relative to the starting times in the early morning, has been settled. The men threatened to strike rather than start at 1.30, and the time to start has now been fixed at an hour later. A “ recruiting meeting ” of the Northern Colliery Offi- cials’ Association was held at Newcastle last Saturday. Mr. Robt. Nuttall, general secretary, stated that, whilst the association had been established six years and had 50 branches and over 1,300 members, their efforts to obtain recognition from the coal owners had not yet achieved success. The position was becoming critical, for every other colliery organisation was fully recognised. A reso- lution demanding recognition was carried, and ordered to be sent to the Prime Minster, the Coal Controller, and the secretary of the local coal owners’ associations. At a number of mass meetings, convened by the Durham Miners’ Association, throughout the county of Durham on Saturday last, the following resolutions were unanimously carried : (1) “ That this meeting repeats its demand for an eight-hour day for all surface workers and also for those underground workers whose hours exceed eight, and urges our executive committee to press this claim before the owners; failing it being granted, we ask the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain to deal with the matter in such a way as will bring about its realisation in the shortest possible time.” (2) “ We further express our approval of the efforts put forth by our agents and executive commit- tee to secure the abolition of the unjust minimum wages rules now in operation, and pledge ourselves to support them in whatever steps they may deem it necessary to take to accomplish the desired result.” (3) “ We welcome the effort now being put forward by the County Federation Board to abolish the 1879 basis and amend the present Conciliation Board, and to substitute a more just and suit- able method which will ensure to the miner a fair and reasonable share of the wealth that accrues from his labour.” (4) “ That, while this meeting urges every man and boy employed in and about the mines to do their utmost to keep up or increase the output of coal, it is of opinion that a substantial increase can only be secured by the Government returning practical miners who are in the Army or Navy to the mines at once.” Federated Area. An award which came into effect this week following upon arbitration in regard to surface workers of work in Nottinghamshire, has caused dissatisfaction among many of the men, threatening to lead to further controversy. Scotland, In Mid and East Lothian several complaints of the men having violated the Eight Hours Act are being investi- gated. The agents of the union have pointed out to the offenders that the eight hours arrangement has not been suspended, and that defaulters are liable to prosecution. Tonnage rates have been the subject of negotiation at Coursington Colliery, Motherwell. In regard to one sec- tion an arbitration took place some time ago, when a rate of 6s. 9d. per ton was fixed. The manager now desires to alter that rate on the ground that there has been a change of circumstances. At the last award given to the coke oven and by- product workers in the Kilsyth district of Stirlingshire, the owners, Messrs. Wm. Baird and Company Limited, contended that it did not apply to the labourers and washermen, and they refused to include them in the agree- ment. The Committee of Production held that these workers are to be included in the award. The brushers in the Kilsyth district of Stirlingshire have put forward a demand for increased wages. The owners have replied that any such claim must in the first instance be dealt with by the Controller of Coal Mines, on the ground that a general advance for a particular class of workers is sought. A dispute has arisen over the wages in one of the sec- tions in the Hough Colliery, Kilsyth, Stirlingshire. The miners contend that the rate paid for this seam should be higher, while the company, on the other hand, represent that the rate paid is the current one in the district. At a special meeting of the Fife Miners’ Board it was reported that the colliery surface workers in the county had lodged notices terminating contracts. The executive refused to accept the notices which had been sent to the union offices, as these had not been collected in accord- ance with the rules of the association. At a joint meeting of representatives of the Scottish oil companies and the Scottish Shale Miners’ Association the long-standing complaint of the deduction at the offices of the checkweigher’s dues was discussed, and ultimately the companies agreed to accede to the men’s demands. The shipment of coal from Burntisland last week amounted to 8,750 tons, compared with 15,490 tons for the corresponding period of last year. The shipment from Methil last week totalled 27,599 tons, against 31,093 tons the previous week. The Committee on Production have decided that the claim of the Scottish colliery smithy workers for advance of 6s. 6d. per week has not been established. At a meeting of colliery electricians steps were taken for formulating a claim for a substantial advance of wages. ________________________________ Imports of Pit Props.:—The table below shows the quan- tity and value of pit props or pit wood imported in August :— August. Jan.-August. ^1917. 1918?' 1917. 1918. Loads.... 77,763... 44,169... 733,926... 535,990 Value.... <£351,609... <£216,132... <£2,789,599... <£2,442,978 Imports and Exports of Mining Machinery.—The value of imports and exports of mining machinery during August is given below :— August. Jan.-August. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. £«£<£<£ Imports ......... 21,884 ... 16,072 .. 132,609 ... 96,011 Exports ______ 46,144 ... 17,633 ...483,017 ...325,120 These figures are not inclusive of prime movers or elec- trical machinery. The following shows the value of ex- ports of prime movers other than electrical :— August. Jan.-August. ^917. 1918. 1917. 1918? All prime movers <£ <£ <£ £ (except electrical)... 291,944 ...386,818..2,60l,0f*3...2,572,779 Rail locomotives .... 135,281 ... 48,575... 1,093,854... 900,987 Pumping ___. 21,964 ... 21,114... 273,617... 167,571 Winding ............. 4,566 ... 764... 10,201... 13,963