1202 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. December 6, 1918. MEAN MAGNETIC DECLINATION at Kew Observatory, Richmond, in Degrees and Minutes, for each Two-hour Interval in the Week November 24 to 30, 1918. • o d> Intervals—Hours G.M.T. - fl fl ce CL 0h.-2h. 14° + 2h 14 -4h. ° + 4h.-6h. 14° + 6h.-8h. 14° + 8h.-10h 14c + 10h.-12h. 14° + 12h.-14h. 14° + 14h.-16h. 14° + 16h.-18h. 14° + 18h.-20h. 14° + 20h.-22h. 14° + 22h.-24h. 14° + Mean for day. 14° + Sun., Nov. 24 ■ 2 Min. 45'0 Min. 44'0 Min. 43'5 Min. 45'0 Min. 46'0 Min. 51'.0 Min. 51'5 Min. 50'5 Min. 47'5 Min. 37*0* Min. 43'5* Min. 45'0 Min. 46'0 Mon., ,, 25 0 46'0 46'0 44'5 44'5 45'0 47'5 48'5 48'0 47'0 46'5 45'0 45*5 46'0 Tues., ., 26 0 46'0 41 >*5 45'0 44'5 45'0 47'5 49'5 48'0 47'0 46 *5 45'5 43'5 46'0 Wed., 27 0 44'0 45'5 44'5 44'5 45'0 47’5 49'0 48'0 46'5 45'5 45*0 45'0 46'0 Thurs., ,, 28 1 45* 5 46'0 45'5 45'0 45'0 48'0 50'5 49'5 47'0 46'0 45'0 42'0 46'0 Friday, „ 29 I 2 45'5 4( >'0 46'0 45'5 45'5 48'5 49'5 48'0 49'0 54 •5* 48'5* 37'6* 47'0 Sat., „ 30 \ 2 39'5* 47'5* 45'5 45'5 46’0 49'0 49'5 50'0 50‘5 47'5* 41'5* 43'5 46'0 Diurnal ine- q uali ty (i.e., Dec. 1917 Ih. 2h. - .'7 -0-8 3h. -0'6 4h. -0'3 511. 6h. -0*5 -0-7 7h. i 8h. -1'1 —1'8 9h. lOh. -2'6 -1'3 Uh. 12h. + 0'5 +2'2 13h. I4h. + 3'6 +3'6 15h. 16h. + 3'0 +2T 17h. 18h. + 0*8 +0’3 19h. 0'0 20h. -0'5 21h. 22h. -1'3 -1'8 23h. 24h. -1'2 -0'8 Mean value for month. 14° 55''5 Dec.’17 departure from .Vo v. 1918 -0-S» -0'6 -0'3 -0'2 -0'9 -1'3 -1'4 1-1'6 -1'6 -0'1 + 2'4 +4'3 + 4'4 +3'8 + 2'9 +2'1 + 1'0 -0'1 -0'9 - 1'6 —2'4 -2'6 -2'6 -18 14° 46-9 Nov/18 mean value for Nov.1917 -0'9 -10 -0'6 -0'3 -0'7 -1'2 -1'9 —2'8 -2'9 -1'5 + 1'4 +3'1 + 3'3 4-3'2 + 2'8 +2'0 + 0'8 +0'3 0'0 0'1 -0'7 -0'9 -0'8 -0'9 14° 56''6 Nov.’17 day) The day is counted from Oh. (midnight) to 2lh. (midnight) 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 norma1. 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 “ 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, December 4. COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES. REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS. Arnistan Coal Company Limited.—The accounts for the past year show £27,793 tor appropriation, including L24.374 brought forward, after providing for the interim dividend on the ordinary shares and the dividends for the year on the preference shares, and adding £10,000 to the reserve. A final dividend of 24s. per share is pro- posed on the ordinary shares, making 40s. per share, free of income tax, for the twelve months, and carrying forward £19,993. Blaenavon Company Limited.—The directors announce that in consequence of adjustments which have to be made With the Government, and which are still pending and unsettled, it is not possible at present to close the accounts of the past year. The company have spent large sums and incurred heavy liabilities for important extensions and improvements at the steel works and collieries, from which it is believed adequate and remunerative returns will be received when the' work is completed. Owing to the difficulties of construction under war conditions, this completion has been delayed, aud the company has not yet derived any adequate benefit, with the result that "while the accounts will show substantial profits for the past year, they do not yet come up to the expectations of the board. The directors have decided that it would not be in the best interests of the company to distribute a dividend on the ordinary shares for the year ended September 30, and that in order to place the company in a stronger financial position, the further capital requisite to complete these extensions and improvements should be raised at once. For this purpose shareholders will be asked to sanction the increase of capital to £730,000 by the creation of an additional 150,000 ordinary shares of £1 each, to rank pari passu with the existing ordinary shares. Fuller Accumulator Company Limited.—Speaking at the fifth annual meeting of the company on Tuesday, the chairman (Mr. G. Fuller) stated that . the directors, although a detailed statement of accounts was not yet completed, felt justified in recommending a dividend of 10 per cent, on the preference shares and 15 per cent, on the ordinary, They considered that the finances were in a satisfactory state. Approximately the turnover was £50,000 in 1916, £150,000 in 1917, and about £280,000 in 1918. They had written off £34,000. Buildings and plant had been greatly extended, and a considerable area of adjoining land purchased with an eye to future develop- ment. The present value of buildings, machinery, plant, and cash in hand secured the preference capital many times over, apart from the valuable patents. The company’s customers included the War Office, Admiralty, Post Office, Indian and Colonial Governments, and most of the rail- ways and mines. Amongst accumulators, the company’s block type was undoubtedly taking the foremost place. This was one of their principal manufactures, and it had been finding increasing favour during the period of the war. A very important development in their business was the manufacture of electrical miners’ lamps, in which their block cell had proved itself to be superior to the ordinary conventional plate type accumulator formerly used in such, lamps. A great demand had already opened up, and orders were on the books for many thousands of these lamps, which were unique not only in respect of being fitted with the block cell, but also in respect of several valuable and important patents. Hill (Richard) and Company Limited (1899).—The report for the year ended September 30 states that profits on trading amount to £56,249, to which must be added interest received and accrued from investments (£1,366), transfer fees, and balance brought forward (£7,615), making £65,247. The directors propose to set aside for depreciation (£1,711), excess profits duty, etc. (£40,000), pay a dividend on the ordinary shares for the half-year to September 30 at the rate of 15 per cent, per annum, less income tax, making 10 per cent, for the year, and to carry forward for the equalisation of dividends and other purposes £8,769. North Wales Iron and Manganese Company Limited.— The directors announce a final dividend of 5 per cent., making 15 per cent., free of tax, for the year. Rhymney Iron Company Limited.—The directors an- nounce an interim dividend for the half-year ended Sep- tember 28 last at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum, less tax at 6s. in the £, on the ordinary shares. Shelton Iron and Coal Company Limited.—The report for the year 1916 shows a profit of £151,237, as.Compared with £109,554 in 1915; £42,337 was brought forward, making £493,575. After placing £30.000 to reserve and deducting the debenture service .of £40,000 and interim dividend, there remains £104,975. A further interim divi- dend of 5 per cent., making 7| per cent, for the year, has been paid. Provision has been made for excess profits duty and all liabilities under the Finance Acts. NEW COMPANIES. Bradbury and Jarvis Limited. — Private company. Registered November 26, to carry on the business of mechanical and general engineers, .tool makers, etc. Nominal capital, £2,000 in 2,000 shares of £1 each. Directors to be appointed by subscribers. Qualification of directors, one share. Remuneration of directors to be voted by company. Subscribers : H. W. Bradbury and E. H. Jarvis. Hamaide Limited. — Private company. Registered November 27, to acquire the business of engineers and metal worker^ at Goodmayes, Essex. Nominal capital, £5,000 in 2,500 preference shares of £1 each and 2,500 ordinary shares of £1 each. Directors : R. J. Coley. E. Le Maitre Mellows, M. L. Hamaide, F. Renders, and T. H. Wurr. Qualification of directors 160 ordinary shares. Remuneration of directors, £200 each. Logie, Ashmole and Company Limited.—Private com- pany. Registered office: 154, New-street, Burton-on- Trent. Registered November 26, to acquire the business of mechanical and electrical engineers. Nomina! capital, £3,000 in 3,000 shares of £1 each. Directors: R. W. Logie and J. W. Ashmole. Qualification of directors, £100. Remuneration of directors to be voted by company. 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. CONTRACTS OPEN FOR COAL AND COKE. For Contracts Advertised in this issue received too late for inclusion in this column, see Leadeb and Last White pages. Abstracts of Contracts Open. Beccles, December 9.—House coal and gas coke (three months) for Army use. Forms from the Supply Office, Beccles Station. London, December 9.—Coke for St. George-in-the- East Guardians. Forms from the Clerk, Raine-street, London, E. London, December 14.—Coal, coke and coke breeze for Lambeth Guardians. ■ Forms from the clerk, Guardians’ Offices, Brook-street,. Kennington. London, December 18. — Coal and coke for Holborn Guardians. Forms from .the clerk, 53, Clerkenwell-road, London, E.C. Strood, December 17.—Coal and coke for the guardians. Forms from the clerk, Union Offices, Strood. Towcester, December 10. — Coal for the Guardians. Forms from the clerk, Workhouse, Towcester. Woolwich, December 12. — Coal and coke for the Guardians. Forms from the clerk, Workhouse, Plum- stead. ' . The date given is the latest upon which tenders can be received. CONTRACTS OPEN FOR ENGINEERING, IRON AND STEEL WORK, 4c. Dublin, December 9.—Principals, Etc.—Steel roof principals, stanchions and joists for wagon repair shops. Forms from the engineer. Great Northern Railway, Dublin. Melbourne, January 8.—Spring Washers.—500,000 spring washers for fish bolts for Victorian Government rail- ways. Specifications may be seen at the Inquiry Office, Department of Overseas Trade, 73, Basinghall-street, London, E.C. Southampton, December 10. — Pumps. — Two 10 in. centrifugal pumps and motors, ivith piping. Particulars from the borough engineer, Market Chambers, South- ampton. . , . Coal Shortage in Birmingham. —-Complaints having been, made by coal-merchants , in Birmingham that they are unable to get supplies) and by householders that they are entirely without coal, a representative of the Coal Controller in London recently visited Birmingham, and a promise was given that additional supplies to meet emergencies should be granted. Household Fuel Prosecutions Order.—The Board of Trade has issued an Order, dated November 28, an- nouncing ' that a local fuel- overseer may institute and carry on proceedings for the prosecution of any offence committed within his district against the provisions of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918, and in England and Wales against the Fuel Wood Order, 1918, provided that consent to such prosecution has been given in writing («) by the local fuel and lighting committee, if any, for the district; (6) by or on behalf of the Con- troller of Coal Mines. This Order shall not apply to any offences committed within the metropolitan fuel area as defined in paragraph 124 of the. Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918. Paragraphs 117 and 118 of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918, are revoked. THE FREIGHT MARKET. Outward chartering-at north-east coast ports during the ..past week has bberf'wholly confined to fixtures for Gothen- burg at rates ranging from 52£ kr. to 60 kr. So far as all other destinations are concerned, the market is at an absolute deadlock, largely because of the differences of opinion between neutral shipowners and exporters as to what rates of freight should be. There can be little doubt that the shippers will win in the long run, for the rates for which thd~ owners are standing out are so absurdly inflated in view of present circumstances that they cannot hold good. At South Wales a considerable amount of business has been done for Allied ports at scheduled rates, but practically no outside chartering is reported. Rates for neutral destinations are still mentioned at about the figures we gave last week, but the market has not been tested. Homewards-,, River Plate rates are easier, 120s. being mentioned for "steamers from lower ports to United King- dom, and 100s. for sailing vessels. At the United States 55s. is quoted dn net form from Northern Range to United Kingdom, with 60s. to French Atlantic, -and 65s. to the Bay. Cotton cargo space is said to be more plentiful, though rates remain high. There is a good demand for coal tonnage for South American ports. Pacific Coast shippers are seeking vessels for Japan and China. Eastern markets are dull, and rates are quite nominal pending the revision which must take place at an early date. Mediterranean and Bay ore ports tend to weaken. There is an active demand for time charter tonnage, but only few transactions are possible at present. Tyne to Gothenburg, 700, 59 kr.; 500, 60 kr.; 2,600, 55 kr.; and 2,900, 521, kr. Cardiff to Brest, 750, 36s. 6d., neutral; 1,800 and 4,000, 35s., neutral; Caen, 600, 780 and 800, 38s., neutral; 700- 800, 21s. 6d., British; 1,100, 36s. 6d., neutral; 760, 18s., British; Cherbourg, 1,400, 37s. 3d., neutral; Granville, 250, 41s. 3d., neutral; Havre, 700, 37s. 3d., neutral; 1’Orient, 800-875, 46s. 6d.. neutral; La Rochelle, 3,500, 46s. 6d., neutral; Morlaix, 300, 43s., neutral; Rouen, 1,250, ■ 1,300, 1,500 and 2,300 38s. 9d., neutral; Rochefort, 3,500, 46s. 6d., neutral; St. Malo, 900 and 950-1,000, 17s., British; and Trouville, 750, 38s., neutral. Swansea to Caen, 1,200, 36s. 6d., neutral; 700, 38s., neutral; Dublin, 300-350, 17s.; Guernsey, 700, 28s.; and Rouen, 900-960, 40s. 3d., neutral; 1,050 and 1,200, 38s. 9d., neutral. Liverpool to Havre, 2,000, 37s. 3d., coal. West Coast Port to Lisbon, 2,700-2,750, 60s. Later.—The following additional fixtures have been reported:— Tyne to Gothenburg, 2,300, 60 kr.; London, 350, 17s.; and Stockholm, 1,000, 100 kr., coke. Cardiff to Honfleur, 1,000, 19s., Allied; Rouen, 2,350, 38s. 9d_, neutral; St. Malo, 1,100, 1,150 and 1,200, 16s., Allied; 900, 17s., British; and St. Brieux, 120, 47s., sail. Swansea to Rouen, 1,300, 38s. 9d., neutral. Mersey to Huelva, 2,600, 110s., Dec. Cardiff or Port Talbot to Dakar, 1,200, 71s., patent fuel, Allied. New Engineering Work.—The Ministry of Reconstruction has issued a leaflet showing what has been done to utilise workshops which -were set up for war purposes and to utilise the labour which was employed in them. A com- mittee, with Mr. H. D. McLaren, M.P., as chairman, has been appointed to compile a list of the articles suitable for manufacture. Explosives Combine. — A new company, Explosives Trades Limited, has been formed with ’ a capital of £18,000,000. Sir Harry McGowan, managing director of Nobel’s Explosives Company Limited is the chairman and managing director of the new concern. Resolutions in favour of absorption have been passed by the boards of the Alliance Explosives Company, Australian Explosives and Chemical Company, Bickford, Smith and Company, Bennett (Wm.), Sons and Company, St. Helens Electric Fuse Company, Unity Safety Fuse Company, Birmingham Metal and Munitions Company, British Explosives Syndi- cate, British South African Explosives Company, British Westfalite, Cotton Powder Company, Curtis’s and Harvey, E.C. Powder Company, Eley Bros., Ely Bros. (Canada), Abbey Improved Chilled Shot Company, Elter- water Gunpowder Company, King’s Norton Metal Com- pany, Kynoch, Kynoch-Arklow, National Explosives Company, New Explosives Company, Nobel’s Explosives Company, Electric Blasting Apparatus Company, Patent Electric Shot Firing Company, Roburite and Ammonal, Sedgwick Gunpowder Company, Schultze Gunpowder Company, and W. H. Wakefield and Company. The new company will issue fully paid shares in exchange for the shares of the existing companies on the basis of conver- sion values calculated on uniform lines by two firms of accountants.