1090 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. November 22, 1918. MEAN MAGNETIC DECLINATION at Kew Observatory^ Richmond, in Degrees and Minutes, for each Two-hour Interval in the Week November iO to 16, 1918. Magnetic character. Intervals—Hours G.M.T. 0h.-2h. 14° + 2h.-4h. 14° + 4h.-6h. 14° + I 6h.-8h. 14°+ ■ j 8h.-10h. 14° + 10h.-12h. 14° + 12h.-14h. 14° + 14h.-16h. 14° + 1 16h.-18h. 14°+ ' 18h.-20h. 14° + 20h.-22h. 14° + 22h.-24h. 14° + Mean for day. 14° + Sun., Nov. 10 1 Min. 45'5 Min. 46'0 Min. 46'0 1 Min. ! 45'5 Min. 45'0 Min. 48'5 Min. 52'0 Min. 51'0 Min. 51'0 Min. 48'0 Min. 42'5 Min. 41'5 Min. 47'0 Mon., ,, 11 2 43'0* 45'0* 49'0 47'5 47'5. 48'5 51'0 50'5 47'0 37'5* 38'5* 38'0* 45'0 Tues., „ 12 •2 44'0* 48'0* 52'0* 50'5 49'5 50'5 52'5 49'5 43'5* 38'0* 40'0* 45'5* 47'0 Wed., 13 1 48'0 48'0 48'5 ! 49'0 49'5 49'0 49'5 47'5 40'5 40'5 44'0 44'5 46'5 Thurs., „ 14 1 47'0 47'5 46'0 1 45'5 46'5 50'0 51'0 49'0 47'5 1 41'0 41'0 44'5 46'5 Friday, „ 15 2 46'0 47'0 50'5* ! 48'0* 46'0 49'0 50'0 48'5 40'0* • 43'5* ' 43'0* 41'0* 46'0 Sat., „ 16 1 44'5 47'0 47'0 46'5 46'5 50'0 51'5 48'0 44'5 1 • 44'5 1 41'5 43'5 46'0. Diurnal ine- quality (i.e., Nov.1917 Ih. 2h. -0'9 -1'0 3h. 4h. -0'6 -0'3 5h. 6h. -0'7 -1'2 7h. 8h. -1'9 -2'8 9h. lOh. -2'9 -1'5 llh. 12h. + 1'4 +3'1 13h. 14h. + 3'3 +3'2 15h. 16h. + 2’8 +2'0 17h. 18h. + 0’8 +0’3 1911. 20h. 0'0 -0'1 21h. 22h. -0’7 -0-9 23h. 24h. -0'8 -0'9 Mean value for month. 14° 56''6 Nov.’17 departure from Oct. 1918 -1'4 -1'5 -1'3 -0'9 -0'7 -1'1 -2'1 -3'1 -3'2 -1'3 + 2'0 +5'0 + 6'0 +5'8 + 4'6 +2'6 + 1'1 +0'4 -0'6 -1'6 -2’3 —2'3' -2'4 -1'9 14° 47" 7 Oct.’18 mean value for Oct. 1917 -1'5 —1'4 -1'1 -0'8 -0'8 -1'8 -3'5 -5'1 -4'7 -2'2 + 1'5 +4'4 + 5'5 1-5'5 + 4'5 +2'9 + 2'1 +1'3 + 0'5 -0'1 -0'7 -1’2 -1'5 -1'8 14° 57''5 Oct. ’17 day) The day is counted from Oh. (midnight) to 21 h. (mi inight) 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 “ 2” 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 8' of the normal. On a day of character “ 1 ” 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 “ 2” 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 “ smoothing” the curves. * Large disturbances during this interval. Meteorological Office, November 20. and 11,750 tons in the corresponding week of 1917. The out- put from Methil showed a considerable shrinkage, the total being 7,759 tons, against 16,867 tons the previous week. Mr. William Easton, manager with Pumpherston Oil Company at Seafield, was severely injured at Breich Pit. He was using an explosive charge to blow off a crank from an old shaft when a piece of metal was blown into his side. GANISTER MINE REGULATIONS. In pursuance of section 86 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, the following Regulations have been made in substitution for the General Regulations dated September 9, 1913. They apply to all mines under that Act in which ganister or other stone containing not less than 80 per cent, of silica (SiO2) is worked with a view to sale or manufacture. Provided that if the Chief Inspector of Mines is satisfied in respect of any mine that, owing to the special conditions of the mine or otherwise, any of the requirements of these Regulations can be suspended or relaxed without danger to the health of the persons employed, he may by certificate in writing authorise such suspen- sion or relaxation on such conditions and for such period as he may think fit. Any such certificate may be revoked at any time. In these Regulations, which come into force on January 1, 1919, “stone” means ganister or other stone containing not less than 80 per cent, of silica (SiO2). 1. (u) No person shall use or cause or allow to be used in the mine any rock drill worked by mechanical power unless a jet of water is directed on to the cutting edge of the drill during the whole time the drill is at work, or unless other means equally effi- cient, approved by the Chief Inspector of Mines, is provided and used so as to prevent the escape of dust into the air. (5) If drilling is done by manual labour a stream of water shall be continually directed on to the cutting edge of the drill during the whole time drilling is done by means of a hose or syphon, or other means equally efficient approved by the Chief Inspector of Mines, so as to prevent the escape of dust into the air. 2. Except where an efficient waterblast is used to the satisfaction of the Inspector of the Division for allaying the dust after blasting— (a) No blasting shall be done during any shift in which workmen are engaged in getting mineral or within the four hours preceding the com- mencement of any such shift; (b) No person shall work in any place in which a shot has been fired or in any place on the return side thereof during the shift in which the shot was fired, nor until at least four hours have elapsed from the firing of the shot. Where a waterblast is used, no person shall enter the place in which the shot has been fired until at least half an hour has elapsed from the firing of the shot. 3. No person shall take down any stone from the face by means of a wedge, lever, or similar appliance unless every part of the surface of the stone, including every break therein, has been effectively watered, naturally or otherwise, so as to prevent the escape of dust into the air. 4. Stone shall not be broken up below ground except so far as may be necessary to allow it to be loaded into the tub. During the process of breaking up any stone below ground, either the part of the stone where the hammer or other tool is to be applied shall be completely covered with wet brattice cloth so as to prevent the escape of dust into the air, or suitable respirators shall be-used by the workers. In the latter case each worker shall be supplied with a respirator for his sole use, and all respirators, when required for use, shall be washed or renewed at least once every day. 5. No person shall, in any part of the mine below ground, remove or cause or allow to be removed any stone, if dry and dusty, unless it has been effectively watered so as to prevent the escape of dust into the air during removal. 6. Efficient mechanical or other means shall be in- stalled to maintain a constant and adequate venti- lating current throughout the mine. 7. In every case where a working place has ad- vanced more than 15 ft. in front of the air, and in very other case where necessary, brattice or air pipes of non-inflammable material shall be carried up to within such distance, in no case more than 15 ft., from the face as may be necessary to ensure an adequate amount of air reaching the face. 8. Efficient means of exhaust ventilation or an efficient watering or other arrangement shall be pro- vided and kept provided in connection with every stone-breaking machine used at the mine to prevent the escape of dust into the air, and no person shall work, or cause or allow to be worked, any such machine unless such arrangement or means is pro- vided and effectively used. 9. Notices calling attention to the danger arising to the health of the workers from the practice of spit- ting shall be kept affixed in conspicuous positions at the mine where they may be easily read by persons employed. 10. It t shall be the duty of the owner, agent or manager to see that an emple supply of clean water under such pressure as may be necessary for the pur- pose of compliance with the foregoing Regulations is available in every working place, and that all appliances or other things necessary to enable the above Regulations to be carried out are provided and used in accordance with these Regulations and are maintained in working order. 11. It shall be the duty of all persons employed in the mine to comply with the requirements of the Regulations, and with such instructions as shall be given to them by the officials with a view to such requirements being carried out, and it shall be the duty of all persons employed in the mine, whether workmen or officials of the mine, to report any breach of these Regulations to the manager. LABOUR AND WAGES. South Wales and Monmouthshire. The question of the eight-hour day for South Wales workmen came on Saturday before a conference of miners held in Cardiff, about 200 delegates representing 137,000 members. After passing a resolution which expressed appreciation and heart-felt gratitude to brave comrades who had fought in the Great War, and sincere sympathy with the relatives of those who had been killed, a resolu- tion was also passed pledging the miners to do all they could to remove the cause of war and arrange a just and lasting peace. The conference then proceeded to deal with the special subject of their assembly. There had been a difference of date as between the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain and the South Wales Federation, the central body having fixed December 5 for taking action on the eight-hour question, whilst the local organisation had fixed November 18. After a discussion it was resolved by 144 to 48 to fall in with the general body and make December 5 the date. A joint deputation to the Controller on the subject of establishing pit committees to facilitate the output dis- cussed the matter in London last week, but failed to overcome the difficulty which hitherto has prevented the establishment of such committees at each colliery. Some progress was, however, made, and certain clauses in the agreement were approved by both sides. Suggestions were made, and these are to come before the Federation execu- tive as well as the coal owners’ representatives inde- pendently. Men at the Arael Griffin Colliery have been granted permission to tender notices in respect of the dooring question, which had been referred to the Controller, but as to which there was impatience of delay. The Mon- mouthshire Western Valleys Council, which dealt with this, had also before it, in the meeting at Abertillery on Monday, a request from the South Celynen workmen, who wish to tender notices in order to secure revision of the price list; this was granted. It was reported, as to the revised price list for Cwmtillery and Rose Heyworth, that the arbitrators had not yet given their award, although the case was completed a month ago. The agent was instructed to write to the Controller, and if there were not a satisfactory award from the arbitrators by Sunday, drastic action would be taken. Rhondda district of miners passed a resolution desiring the Federation executive to bring before the next South Wales conference the question of “ abolishing the payment of income tax ”—presumably within the limits that affect their own members. At a meeting of the Rhondda district, on Monday, dis- cussion took place upon unsatisfactory food supply, as to which complaint had been made to the Ministry of Food. The miners’ agent, Mr. Jenkins, reported that a letter had been sent from the Ministry offering to send a representative to investigate, and it was decided to invite his attendance at a special meeting of the miners on December 2. Meanwhile, particulars will be collected and other evidence prepared as to quality and quantity of the local food supply. North of England. The Castle Eden magistrates ordered Robt. Stokell, 25, of Blackhall, to pay £2 damages to the Horden Collieries Limited, and 6s. 6d. costs, for having wrong- fully absented himself from work for two days. The half-yearly council meeting of the Northumberland Miners’ Association opened at the Burt Hall, Newcastle, last Saturday, by unanimously thanking the soldiers and sailors of Northumberland and Durham for their part in bringing the nation successfully through the great struggle. The Rt. Hon. Thos. Burt, M.P., was congratu- lated on attaining his 81st birthday. A deputation from the Newcastle Orthopaedic Committee was heard on the need for increased subscription for the local orthopaedic centre. Turning to the agenda of motions from branches, No. 7 (quoted on p. 979 of the Colliery Guardian for November 8), dealing with minimum wages, was unani- mously carried, other motions on the same subject being withdrawn in its favour. Motions to take steps to estab- lish higher basis wages were defeated, the feeling being that this was a national and not a county question. Motions for an eight-hour day for surface workers were withdrawn in favour of the Miners’ Federation resolu- tion in London declaring it to be a national question, accepting the Coal Controller’s offer of an 8^-hour day for all surface workers, but demurring to his suggestion that it should be made a legal enactment within six months of the termination of war. On the other hand, notice was given to the Controller that on and after December 5 surface men would leave their work each day after having worked 8£ hours. Representatives of the Northumberland miners, at the conference to be held on November 26 were instructed by the council to support that line of action. Linton’s motion in favour of the abolition of Baff Saturday working was defeated by 35 votes to 7, it being felt that the change would mean decreased pro- duction of coal, whereas at present the greatest possible output was required. South Elswick’s motion that when a colliery works on a recognised holiday all workers over 16 should be paid 5s. extra, and all 16 or under 2s. 6d. extra, was lost by 23 votes to 13. South Tyne’s pro- - posal to press for the abolition of all piece-work in and about the mines was carried by 41 votes to 20. West Cramlington’s proposition to' seek to establish a fortnight’s holiday, with full pay, as soon as hostilities ceased, was agreed to with one dissentient. The following motions received unanimous assent : To be paid on Baff Fridays instead of Saturdays (Throckley); that single men, heaSs of households, should be granted rent and fire coal (Blucher and Maria); that all gear used by workmen should be supplied by the employers (South Tyne); that section 61 of the Coal Mines Act should be so amended that there should be no increase in the cost of explosives to the workmen on the cost prevailing when the hewing tonnage rates were fixed (Dudley); that the Government that should reduce food prices at once, failing which an advance in wages of 100 per cent, should be sought (Ellington and Woodhorn); and that, where the work- men of a group of collieries were federated, the agent or manager should be required to meet deputations from the Federation on all questions affecting the group (Throckley). Plenmeller’s motion for a larger food ration for miners was lost by 26 votes to 23. There was only one dissentient to Hartford’s proposal to have the Eight Hours Act agreement revised to make a two-shift system generally operative, but the proposal, from the same lodge, to seek to deprive non-unionists of the war wage failed, by 28 votes to 14, to find acceptance. Wallsend’s proposal to abolish Mr. Straker’s monthly circular was lost by 63 votes to 4. Other proposals were dealt with as follows : To grant £25 a year to the Central Labour College towards the cost of classes in mining villages (Pegswood)—defeated by 45 votes to 16; to protest against the Government closing the Socialist-Labour Press, and to give a donation of £25 to that Press (Blucher)— carried by 50 votes to 12; to empower the executive or conference of the Miners’ Federation to call a national strike without a ballot vote if need be (Linton),—carried by 59 votes to 5; that all local pit inspectors be paid from the general funds of the association (Rising Sun)— defeated by 40 votes to 9; to endeavour to secure a basis wage of 3s. 6d. per shift for shifters (West Wylam)— unanimously carried; that the basis rates for week-end or extra shifts of rolleywaymen be at least the basis wage applicable to ordinary shifts (New Delaval)—unanimously carried; that the coal owners to asked to agree that men in receipt of part compensation and engaged on light work should not work a longer shift than at the time of injury (Hazlerigg)—unanimously carried; and that coal- filling shifts be no longer than coal-hewing shifts (North Seaton)—unanimously carried. A scheme for the protec- tion of the interests of discharged and demobilised soldiers and sailors who are members of the association was agreed to, as were also demands for larger separation allowances and old age pensions. A colliery in the Birtley district has been laid idle for the past three weeks in consequence of a putters’ strike regarding wages.