818 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. October 18, 1918. LETTERS TO THE EDITORS. The Editors are not responsible either for the statements made, or the opinions expressed by correspondents. All communications must be authenticated by the name and address of the sender, whether for publication or not. No notice can be taken of anonymous communications. As replies to questions are only given by way of published answers to correspondents, and not by letter, stamped addressed envelopes are not required to be sent. EXAMINATION CANDIDATES’ PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE. Sirs,—Referring to the C.M.R.A. of 1911, requiring candidates for certificates as managers, under- managers, and surveyors to have had had five years’ practical experience in the mine, I should be very glad to be informed why a man who has been in an under-manager’s office all his working days, about ten years, can be entered as a candidate for second class, whilst I myself had my papers returned as not having had sufficient experience for a candidate, having been mainly engaged on the haulage in the mine and not actually a coal getter, etc. Is this man’s office work allowed to be entered as “ official work under this Act” in face of the regula- tion stating u in or about the face ” ? To my mind, I ought to be allowed to sit before this man, as I had been pony driver in the “ face ” before being haulage hand. If not, the C.M.R.A. is all a farce, because office work is not in the face, which I myself understand to be the “ practical experience ” required by the rules. I should be very much obliged if anyone will explain these points to me. October 16, 1918. Perplexed Candidate PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—October 15. Release of Coal Miners. Sir A. Stanley (President of the Board of Trade), re- plying to Mr. J. King, said that the progress of the release of coal miners from the Army had been substan- tially accelerated during the past two months. Up to October 12 the number was 25,899. The majority were men of B 2 and B 3 category, but the scope of the release scheme was extended at the beginning of September to include men of B 1 category (who may for coal mining purposes be regarded as equivalent to A men), and a substantial proportion of B 1 men were included amongst the numbers recently released. He was hopeful that as a result of appeals made to the coal owners and miners the output of coal would be improved, but the situa- tion was serious, and demanded the most rigorous economy in consumption. Mr. Field asked whether Ireland would get its proper share of the increased output. Sir A. Stanley said that if he remembered rightly Ireland would now receive more than its proper share. He made that statement on the figures which were obtain- able. SOUTH WALES MINING TIMBER TRADE. Collieries are being well supplied with mining timber, and very large quantities are stated to be available. In fact, most collieries are adding to their stocks, and are carrying out the order of the Controller of Mines to stock wood up to an eight weeks supply. Some collieries, however, lack sufficient stocking room, and have encountered diffi- culty in carrying out the Controller’s order. The alloca- tion committee have insisted upon the order being com- plied with, inasmuch as it is quite possible in the winter that deliveries would be poor and pit stoppages might ensue. The drawback to stocking wood is that unless same is stacked properly and under cover it will rapidly deteriorate. At the present time a large amount of wood in several districts has been awaiting transport for some months. In a number of cases fungus has already attacked this wood, which means that collieries are disinclined to purchase. In normal times collieries preferred to receive French wood ex ship into wagons, and if the wood was dumped on the quays buyers looked for a reduction of a shilling or so from the market price. Home grown timber is plentiful, and deliveries were upon a good scale notwithstanding the inclement weather, the difficulties of transport, and the dearth of hauliers. There were com- plaints of merchants sending pitwood of irregular sizes. These senders have been asked by the South Wales Pit- wood Allocation Committee to conform to the specifica- tions required by collieries. At the present time collieries are well supplied with home grown pitwood of the smaller lengths, and now prefer to receive the larger sizes, viz., from 6 ft. 6 in. upwards. The Pitwood Supply Depart- ment of the Government (home grown) have received com- plaints that the wood supplied is unsound. Probably supplies which have been lying a good time in the woods have been mixed with others, thereby giving rise to com- plaints. The handling of the pitwood trade by the Government can scarcely be called a success, and both merchants and collieries would prefer a freedom from Government control as soon as this is possible. Foreign Imports. The imports of foreign mining timber for the week ended October 11 were as follows : Date. Consignee. Loads. Oct. 7 Vyvyan Kelly ............ 1,680 „ 7 Lysberg Limited.......... 1,800 „ 7 Lysberg Limited............ 420 „ 7 Lysberg Limited.......... 1,920 „ 7 Lysberg Limited............. 30 „ 7 E. Marcesche and Co.......... 110 „ 11 Lysberg Limited............ 960 „ 11 Lysberg Limited.......... 2,880 „ 11 Morgan and Cadogan......... 480 „ 11 Bromage and Co ............ 2,280 Total .............12,560 Concrete Pitprops. It is understood that a limited liability company will shortly be registered at Cardiff for the manufacture of concrete pitprops. A manufactory is nearing completion, and it is hoped to turn large supplies out for the use of collieries in South Wales. The project has been long- delayed, and these props would undoubtedly have proved most welcome at the time when supplies of wood were scarce. The props have been tried at four well-known collieries, and have been subjected to heavy tests. It remains to be seen whether they will be introduced generally. BOOK NOTIGES. Methods of Measuring Temperature. By Ezer Griffiths, with an introduction by Principal E. H. Griffiths. 176 pp., 8f in by 6 in., with 81 illustrations. London: Charles Griffin and Company Limited. 1918. Price 8s. 6d. net. This volume has been written both for scientific and industrial uses, and appeals to all who are interested in the measurement of temperature. As Principal Griffiths says in his introductory remarks, accurate measurement of temperature is the basis of nearly all accurate measure- ments in physics. Inattention to this detail has been re- sponsible for most of the discrepancies in such physical constants as melting points. As a matter of fact, ordinary instruments, such as the mercury thermometers, are com- paratively crude and untrustworthy in the hands of those who are not familiar with its many imperfections. Dr. Ezer Griffiths, the author of this volume, is particularly well qualified to do justice to the subject of which it treats, and his connection with the heat department of the National Physical Laboratory lends the weight of authority to his statements. One of the essential conditions of scientific heat measurement is the selection of a fundamental scale of temperature, such as should be afforded by the expan- sion of a perfect gas. Hence mercury thermometers and other instruments for measuring temperature can be best tested and graduated by comparison with a constant volume hydrogen gas thermometer. The author shows how Callendar in 1887 ascertained that the platinum re- sistance thermometer will give a scale identical with that of the gas thermometer up to a temperature of 600 degs. Cent. The gas thermometer scale has now been carried up to a temperature of 1,680 degs. Cent. The author shows* also the important applications of the para- bolic formula for platinum resistance thermometers. Passing next to particular kinds of thermometers, successive chapters are given to the mercury thermometer, the resistance thermometer, the thermocouple and total radiation pyrometers. The last-named are of special interest in industrial work for temperatures exceeding 1,300 degs. Cent., owing to the practical difficulties sur- rounding the use of other methods of temperature measurement. The advantage of the radiation type of pyrometer is that the instrument need not be exposed to the temperature of the furnace, but only to its radia- tion. The Stefan-Boltzmann law has been submitted to experimental tests, and the conclusion is arrived at that the “ fourth power ” law is valid over the entire tempera- ture range covered by the gas thermometer. Descrip- tions are ’given of various pyrometers based upon this law, all of which are practically thermopiles with various arrangements for reading. The sources of error in in- struments of this type are carefully enumerated and their calibration described. Following this is a discussion of the total radiation from oxide and metallic surfaces, the distribution of energy in the spectrum of a “ full ” radiator, and the principles of optical pyrometry. Finally, chapters on the heat emission spectrum of the metals and high temperature melting and boiling points include a highly theoretical and experimental discussion of a somewhat abstruse subject. THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products.—Pitch has been quoted at about 65s. for weeks past in London, and the only question which appears to affect it concerns peace contingencies. Pitch exporters would benefit by freer shipping for a long time to come, and the general demand would strengthen their position materially. Even if one varied the possibilities the balance of argument would still favour the seller to an extent that suggests a strong market. This helps to explain the firm- ness of holders. The export trade is a nebulous sort of affair, for the Board of Trade returns lump “coal pro- ducts ” together, and it is only occasionally that one can ascertain exact consignments from London or provincial ports. The main point in this connection is that foreign buyers want pitch, and will certainly take much larger quantities when circumstances are more favourable. Tar is another product with a good future. Manufacturers and distillers are still divided regarding the scheme of prices, and the outcome is likely to be a compromise, affected more or less by local circumstances. The price of crude in London is quoted up to 40s. Crude carbolic is firm. Solvent naphtha has steadied in the market, after a good deal of irregularity. Crude naphthalene is going well. The other by-products are featureless. Sulphate of Ammonia.—Sulphate is going well at scheduled prices. The Board of Trade returns in this issue show how the restriction on exports has operated. Exports of Coal Products.—The exports of coal pro- ducts in September are tabulated below. In the case of dyestuffs all sources of production are included :— September. Jan.-Sept. 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. £ £ £ £ Coal products, not dyes 319,337. ..218,207. ..2,368,772. ..2,038,975 Dyestuffs ........... 176,207... 94,210...1,051,282... 958,636 Sulphate of ammonia... 93,074... 12,791... 966,576 311,262 The quantity of sulphate of ammonia exported (under licence) in September was 493 tons. A year ago it was 4,691 tons, and two years ago 21,308 tons. Manchester Association of Engineers.—The opening meeting of .the session (1918-1919) was held on Saturday last at the Grand Hotel, Manchester. The Constantine Medal given for the best paper contributed in the course of the previous session was presented to Dr. C. A. Edwards, of Manchester University, who had taken for his subject “ The Hardening and Tempering of Steel.” In his inaugural address, the president, Mr. J. Butter- worth, referred to the evident intention of the Govern- ment to set up some method of bringing employers and employees more closely together, such as that fore- shadowed in the Whitley Report. A consideration of pos- sible improvements in the methods of production was imperative. The Government must be persuaded to make standardisation compulsory if necessary. It would enor- mously diminish the task of rate fixing. Notes from the Coal Fields. [Local Correspondence.] South Wales and Monmouthshire. Welfare Scheme at Ebbw Vale—Colliery Manager Com- mitted for Trial—Claims by Colliers—Question of Exemption—Coal Rationing—Use of Anthracite—Fly Wheel Accident—Absenteeism—Swansea Trade. It is understood that Mr. F. Mills (managing director of the Ebbw Vale Company) has in contemplation a far- reaching scheme providing for the comfort of the men and women in the company’s employ. There will be baths provided, both at the pitheads and in other parts of the works, so that the men will be able to wear their ordinary clothes to and fro and, in properly-appointed dressing rooms, be able to change into their working apparel. Rest rooms, etc., will be provided for the women. Outside the works proper there will be a scheme for athletics and general recreation carried through both for male and female employees, and in these the residents of the town are expected to have a share. The manager of a colliery in the Neath Valley was summoned at Neath on Friday charged with having made a false statement in order to obtain a certificate of com- petency for a fireman; and the fireman was summoned for making use of the statements, and also for himself making a false declaration. The prosecution had been instituted by the Home Office, and the solicitor acting for the authorities stated that one of the rules was that an appli- cant for the post of under-manager should have five years’ practical experience in coal mining. The secretary of the Mines Examining Board at the Home Office pro- duced the application from the fireman and the certificate from the manager. In July last, it was pointed out that the fireman had performed* the duties stated for only a few days, and he had not acted as surveyor of the colliery as stated by him. The fireman had admitted that part of his statement was not correct, and that he had only signed the report book during the firemen’s strike. Both defendants were committed for trial. At Pontypool County Court a collier belonging to Llan- hilleth sued Messrs. Partridge, Jones and Company for 14s., on the ground that he had not been supplied with a sufficient number of trams. It was stated on his behalf that up to nine o’clock he had filled three trams ; but he was not supplied with any during the subsequent five hours, and his estimate was that as he had the coal ready he could have filled four more. The judge asked if this were not a question which should be remitted to the Con- ciliation Board; but the plaintiff pressed for the case to be heard, and therefore evidence was tendered. The defence was that the workmen- considered trams to be defective when the management did not regard them as being so. One such tram from which the door-pin was missing had been left for the plaintiff, causing obstruc- tion all the morning, and the man would have been able to use the tram if he had simply made a wooden pin. The judge held that a tram minus a door-pin was defective, and gave his decision for the plaintiff. Another case, also from Llanhilleth Colliery, was that of a collier who claimed 17s. 6d. for loss of work on June 20. He had reached his working place but found no empty tram, and after remaining there 2^ hours and seeing no prospect of getting a tram he went home. The defence was that owing to the breakage of a sheave work- ing the hauling rope it was impossible to send in any empty trams till ten o’clock. Judgment in this case was given for the employers. The same firm was sued under an agreement for com- pensation to an injured man who had been given light employment. The case for plaintiff was that after partial recovery from spinal injury he was employed as a lamp man at 9s. 9d. per day, and was allowed to work when there were general stop-days owing to lack of clearance. On March 28 there were no trucks, and the miners did not work, and as he was refused the lamp he lost a day’s wages. The defence was that the man worked only on those stop-days when a number of repairers were at work, and that the agreement was that his services would not be required on general stop-days. The judge decided in favour of the employers. Before the West Glamorgan Appeal Tribunal at Neath the case of a colliery cashier employed at Cymmer was brought up by the National Service representative, who stated that it involved an important principle. The man had been granted six months exemption by the Glyn- corrwg Tribunal. On his behalf it was submitted at the sitting of the West Glamorgan Tribunal that that body bad no jurisdiction, as the man was on the administrative staff of the colliery, and therefore came under the colliery tribunal. It was further stated that Col. Pearson had written to the effect that the man was called up in error, and that there was a communication from the Mines Department of the Home Office, which stated that preferen- tial treatment should be granted to colliery clerks be- cause of the action which would be taken in regard to miners. It was added that a discharged man was ready to take up the cashier’s position. The tribunal decided to grant the military appeal for review, but it was stated on behalf of the National Service representative that the man would not be called up pending communication with the Coal Controller. A fresh outbreak of influenza of the pneumonic type has claimed many victims in the mining districts of Monmouthshire. Mr. Augustus Jenkins, Pontnewydd, a member of Llanfrechfa Upper Urban District Council, and of the Eastern Valleys school managers, has been appointed secretary of the Monmouthshire Eastern Valleys Miners’ Association. Mr. F. Gibson, secretary of the Coal Owners’ Associa- tion, has issued a statement on the subject of coal rationing, setting forth reasons why South Wales should be excluded from the Order. He points out that working time is still being lost at some of the South Wales collieries, and that the loss of output arises partly from war conditions and partly from peculiar local cpnditions. Representations have been made to the Controller that these special and distinctive features of the South Wales coal trade should be taken into account, it being shown (1) that the coal trade of this district is largely dependent on the volume and regularity of the supply of shipping; (2) that the trade is subject to sudden fluctuations in the export trade; and (3) that practically all the coal is carried in colliery wagons, there being no railway wagons, and only a limited number belonging to factors. These peculiarities have been accentuated by the war, and they fall with special severity on the anthracite and western districts. After investigation, the Commission of Enquiry (appointed by the Controller to deal with the problem of short time) recommended that there should be a more equal distribution of tonnage between the exporting