A c gust 14, 1914.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

379

Notes from the Coalfields.

[Local Correspondence ]

South Wil* and Monmouthshire.

(Export Difficulties—The Triple Bond—Embargo on Large
Steam Coal—Protection of Collieries—Miners Work
Extra Time—Pitwood Shortage.

The Customs authorities require as a condition of clear-
ance to coal cargoes, that the exporters of large steam coal
■and patent fuel shall give a bond—for three times the value
*of each cargo—that the vessel will deliver its cargo at the
port for which it is cleared. Mr. Watson, president of the
'Cardiff Chamber of Commerce, therefore wrote to the
Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Lloyd George), pointing
out that this in effect means that for every shipment, the
shippers of a cargo of from 3,000 to 5,000 tons, shall give
bond of from £9,000 to £15,000, also provide two sureties;
and he points out that the shipper has no power to enforce
the captain of a ship to dock the vessel at the port named
in the charter party and bill of lading, nor has the shipper
any remedy other than that of the ordinary law for damages
In respect of breach of charter. Mr. Watson added : “ The
consequence of demanding a bond which the bondsmen have
no power to enforce, and which responsible persons will,
therefore, refuse to give, will be to stop the export of coal,
and so bring about a cessation of work at the collieries,
leaving large bodies of men at collieries, railways and docks
without wages, with the necessary result of great suffering
and discontent, and the serious risks following unemploy-
ment.”

On behalf of the Cardiff Chamber, Mr. WTatson suggested
that all the shippers should be required to do is to give
proof of the bona-fides of the destination of the cargo; also,
to give the Government full information of such shipments
—such as name and description of ship and cargo, date of
sailing, and destination—so that the vessel can, if necessary,
be watched by the British fleet. He added : “ The
Chamber feels that there is the greatest danger of disastrous
consequences to the South Wales district should the bond
be insisted on, and if you cannot see your way to take
immediate steps to remedy this, the Chamber urge that
you allow a deputation to wait upon you at the earliest
possible moment, in order to explain the position more
fully.” This letter was forwarded on the 6th inst., and was
followed by a telegram. It is stated that in a few instances
the bond has been given, but that in others difficulty has
arisen, especially in the case of vessels that are foreign
owned.

Newcastle shippers have also moved in this matter.

Sir Clifford Cory, M.P., saw the President of the Board
of Trade on Monday, put before him the case of the shippers,
and urged the point that the requirement of such a bond
would materially interfere with work in South Wales, even
to stopping shipments, owing to the difficulty of getting
sureties. Mr. Bunciman promised to go into the matter
carefully. The deputation of Scottish and Newcastle coal
exporters, which waited upon the Chancellor of the
Exchequer during Tuesday, received a similar assurance.
With the Chancellor were the Lord Chief Justice and the
Attorney-General; and it was stated that the matters would
be referred to a committee representing the various Govern-
ment departments.

Instructions were issued on Wednesday to the Customs
authorities removing the embargo upon coal exports to Italy,
this being included in the permission for “ shipment and
exportation to neutral countries of all coal except best
Welsh steam.” The triple bond, however, was to be still
required, and this proves the great barrier to resumption
of business. Obviously, the Admiralty reserve for their own
use all the best coal.

Special precautions are being taken in protection of the
collieries, railways and docks in South Wales; and the
colliery owners of the district have guaranteed £5,000
towards a local fund of £10,000, which will be raised to
aid in attaining that end. The Marquis of Bute subscribes
£500 and Sir W. J. Thomas £250.

The colliery powder magazines are under guard of
National Reservists, and close supervision is being exercised
over mines and bridges, as well as stores of explosives.
Vessels arriving in Bristol Channel are met and examined
before permission is given to enter the docks.

Steamers loading Admiralty coal are sailing under sealed
'orders, and as these orders are not to be opened until the
vessel is well out to sea, no hint of destination in each
case can leak out.

Careful guard by strong force is being maintained at the
docks, power stations, etc., so that no interruption of work
shall occur through hostile interference.

Notwithstanding the colliers’ refusal generally to work
during the holidays, there was, fortunately, no shortage of
coal for loading; but it is said that Admiralty shipments
ranged over certain qualities not usually included in the list.

Sir W. J. Thomas, upon severing his connection with
Ynyshir Collieries, entertained the whole of the workmen and
their families. Special trains conveyed the company—
between 4,000 and 5,000 in number—to Barry Island, where
full provision had been made for their reception.

Sir William has subscribed £2,500 towards the cost of a
Welsh hospital for use at the seat of war.

Criticism has been prevalent as to the action of the
miners in not working during the holiday in order to meet
the demand for Admiralty coal; but subsequently they
took prompt steps for ensuring an increase of the supply.
Their decision was that they would work the daily extra
hour allowed by the Eight Hours Act so as to meet
Admiralty requirements for coal; and on Saturday last the
matter came before the Conciliation Board in order that
arrangements might be made for payment of the men in
respect of this extra hour. Mr. F. L. Davis presided, and
Mr. James Winstone was chairman of the men’s representa-
tives. The meeting had been called by request of the
miners’ council, the original request that the extra hour
should be worked having come from the Admiralty. Both
sides of the Conciliation Board were willing to meet this
demand; and the only question was as to rate of payment.
It was agreed that day-wage men working an extra hour
per day should be paid at the rate of a turn and a sixth
for each shift worked, and those on the afternoon and night
shifts should be paid at the rate of a turn and a fifth—
this also to apply to colliers’ minimum wage rate.

It is also notable that an endeavour was made to settle all
outstanding differences throughout the coalfield, in order
that the output might be maintained as fully as possible,
and industrial peace be secured. The workmen appealed to

the owners to co-operate with them in arriving at a general
settlement, and the owners’ representatives responded
sympathetically. A joint committee was, therefore,
appointed to consider the existing stoppages with a view
to settlement, and it was decided that this committee should
meet on Monday morning. This it did, and again on
Tuesday, with the result that settlements affecting no fewer
than 3,500 men were arranged. The collieries are Arael
Griffin, Crumlin, and Cwm Vale.

Another incident of the general feeling was that the
coal trimmers and tippers decided to work without limitation
of hours, in order to secure the proper loading of all vessels
that are ready; and were at work throughout Saturday
evening and Sunday.

The Admiralty are calling for registration of trimmers
who are willing to be drafted to the coaling bases of the
fleet, so as to undertake bunkering work and thus relieve
navy men; and as many as a thousand is the suggested
number. Meetings of the men have been held in several
of the South Wales ports; the response has been general,
and the required number is already in sight. The pay, it
is said, will probably be 7s. 6d. per day and upwards, with
rations.

Owing to the stoppage of ordinary shipments, such a
large number of vessels have been laid up in the docks, that
it has been necessary in one instance at least to refuse
admission to any more steamers intended only for laying up.

The final stage in the marine engineers’ dispute has now
been reached, all classes having agreed to cease from the
strike in view of the war. Not only does this affect
steamers, but there are several hundreds of fitters and others
in the repairing yards; and in addition to these hundreds
more—labourers, etc.—who have been compulsorily, yet
unwillingly, idle. One hindrance to the despatch of coal
cargoes is therefore removed.

Mr. Metcalfe, of the Wigan Technical School, has been
appointed assistant lecturer at the School of Mines,
Treforest.

The increase in price of pitwood—this amounting to 65
or 70 per cent, since the war broke out—has moved those in
the trade at Cardiff to take steps for ensuring fresh supplies,
and Mr. E. Plisson was deputed to seek an interview with
responsible Government officials in France. A large
quantity of pitwood lies in French ports awaiting shipment,
and he asked that further facilities for loading this might
be furnished; also, that if practicable, an arrangement be
made so that additional pitwood can be cut in the French
forests and plantations—thus helping work in the Admiralty
coal mines on this side. In response to a communication
from Mr. Plisson, the French authorities state that
immediate steps shall be taken to ensure both the loading
of pitwood stocks at the ports, and also for cutting fresh
wood. It is stated that as much as 10,000 tons awaits ship-
ment, and that the French Government have detailed
soldiers to load stocks in port into the waiting vessels.

Dealing with another matter, the Cardiff committee con-
sidered a suggestion that they should approach the British
Government in order to prevent exploitation of stocks
already at the home ports, it being stated that wood in
hand which at 22s. would yield a profit, had been now
priced at 35s.—but this is almost nominal in face of the
limited stocks. There is some necessary increase in price
arising out of war risk insurance and heavier charges in
other directions. Mr. Plisson (Lysbergs Limited) declares
that there is no justification for 35s. to 40s. said to have
been quoted, and the proposal was made that Mr. North
Lewis, chairman of the Pitwood Importers’ Syndicate,
should take up the matter with the Admiralty, in order
that the collieries working for national service should not
be forced to pay exorbitant prices. One suggestion mooted
is that the wood in stock should be taken over by the
Government, and distributed according to requirements,
leaving price for later decision.

The committee appointed by pitwood importers to com-
municate with the British Government, consists of Messrs.
Plisson, Latch, Stephen Reid, Franklin Thomas, and W.
Harry.

As showing the effect of the war upon colliery operations,
it may be mentioned that no fewer than 700 men engaged
under the Cambrian Combine have been summoned to the
colours; and this is typical of the conditions all over the
coalfield.

No estimate can be formed of the number of colliery horses
that have been taken over, but it is very large.

The two influences—loss of both men and horses—must
make material difference in the total of output as soon as
clearance of the seas raises demand nearer to the normal;
and the prospect of future demand is not at all bad, once
the sea is again open to the “ tramp ” steamer. Both
German and Belgian sources of supply are closed, Northern
France cannot meet even the home demand, and only
Britain and America will remain as free markets—America
having no fleets of “tramps.” The pessimists are over-
borne by the circumstances that disclose themselves after
a moment’s consideration, one more point being the heavy
consumption of the navies and the need for coal in every
direction, due to other exceptional conditions.

Messrs. Vivian and Sons, Port Talbot, found it necessary
to appeal against the assessment of the Morfa Colliery and
their quarry at Taibach. It was explained at a previous
court that the rate over the period from November to April
placed the assessment at £1,424 for the colliery, whereas
in September 1913 the appellants had found that the
colliery oculd not be worked at a profit, and had, therefore,
closed it. The appeal was allowed, and the assessment of
both properties reduced to £75. Costs were allowed the
appellants.

Northumberland and Durham.

The Co-operation of Capital and Labour—Colliery Ambu-
lance Brigades and the War—Volunteers and Trade
Union Dues.

After being managing director of the South Hetton Coal
Company Limited for nearly 40 years, Mr. Thomas Jones
has relinquished the responsible position at the advanced
age of 89 years. His connection with the South
Hetton Coal Company dates back to 1861, and up
to 1872 he was a trustee and executor, when the trustees
disposed of their holding and a limited liability company
was formed. Two years later Mr. Jones was elected a
member of the board of directors, and in 1877 he became
supervising director. His fellow directors and officials hold
Mr. Jones in great esteem, and a presentation was made
to him in the board room of the company, when Mr. W.
O. Wood, chief agent of the company, presided. Though
it was originally intended to confine the presentation to
officials, it was found impossible to do so, as all classes of
people who had come in contact with Mr. Jones were

desirous of adding their quota of appreciation. The
presentation consisted of an excellent portrait in oils of Mr.
Jones, an address on vellum, enclosed in a rosewood and
silver casket, two trays and pieces of silver (Georgian), tea
and coffee pieces (William IV.), two old silver tankards, and
a canteen of modern silver, the whole costing £500. A
diamond ring was presented to Miss Jones. It was stated
at the gathering that out of 300 directors’ meetings, Mr.
Jones has only missed two, both times being unavoidably
absent. Mr. Jones remains a director of the firm.

At a meeting of the Easington Rural District Council, a
practical method of helping miners who are made idle
through the war was suggested by Col. R. Burdon, of
Castle Eden. He offered to contribute £500 towards the
cost of making the proposed coast road between Horden and
Blackhill, should the Council care to undertake the work.
Col. Burdon was thanked, and the matter referred to
the Highways Committee.

Mr. P. McCarrick, of Coronation, near Bishop Auckland,
who is employed as a deputy at the Eldon Colliery, has
invented a device for ventilating collieries in case of fire
or explosion, so as to leave a free passage of air from the
downcast shaft to the seat of the trouble. He claims that
his device will send air down entirely free from smoke or
fumes. If successful the device is claimed to obviate the
necessity for reversible fans. The inventor has had experi-
ence in mining work in Germany, and has been a deputy
for 28 years at Eldon Colliery.

The directors of the Mickley Coal Company have
announced their intention of paying 10s. a week to the
wives of all men on active service, and an allowance of
2s. for each child under a certain age.

Mr. Malcolm Dillon, agent to the Marquis of London-
derry, at Seaham Harbour, received a telegram from
Col. Doyle, commanding the 3rd Northumbrian Brigade,
Royal Field Artillery, then in camp at Conway, stating
that the men employed in the collieries at Seaham, Dawdon,
Silks worth, Murton, Horden, and the surrounding district,
had unanimously volunteered for active service. The tele-
gram asked that an assurance be given by Lord Londonderry
that the wives and families of the miners in colliery houses
would remain in their houses, and that the future employ-
ment of the men be guaranteed. On being informed his
* lordship at once replied he would gladly give them the
assurance, and was proud of the action of the men. It is
understood that Lord Joicey replied in similar terms
respecting the men employed at the Lambton and Hetton
collieries.

A very pleasing incident was the declaration made by the
Durham coal owners, that they would not discuss the
question of reducing the workmen’s wages, although entitled
to do so by the figures of the accountants. The announce-
ment was made at the meeting of the wages board, and
Dr. John Wilson thanked the owners on behalf of the
men. He also expressed appreciation of the fact that the
men now on active service have the assurance that their
dependants will remain in colliery houses, and those not
in colliery houses will receive the rent allowance. We are
glad to note that the Northumberland colliery owners have
followed the lead of the Durham owners, so far as the
deputies, en'ginemen and colliery mechanics are concerned,
and have deferred pressing their claim to reduce the wages
of these workmen.

On Saturday last the foundation stones of 12 aged miners’
homes were laid at New Seaham. The site of the homes
is on the Stockton road, near the recreation ground, and
has been given by Lord Londonderry, who, also, has
contributed £100 towards the cost of erection, and is
supplying the bricks at half-price, and providing help in other
ways. The local miners are contributing fortnightly sums
towards the scheme, and have thus far raised £1,040 in
this way. The erection of the houses will cost about £2,100.

There is a very fine spirit abroad amongst those who
co-operate, by providing capital and labour respectively, in
the production of coal. From all parts of Northumberland
and Durham comes the news of little incidents illustrative
of the mutual consideration and forbearance which is being
displayed. It is recognised that, at present, it is impos-
sible to expect any generally regular working of the
collieries in the two counties. In every instance of which
we have heard, however, the owners are allowing their
temporarily unemployed workpeople to retain the privileges
of free houses (or house rent) and free coals, on the simple
condition that the men will work as regularly as possible
when opportunity offers. It is pleasing, too, to know that,
in many instances, the colliery proprietors are making
generous provision for the wives and children of those of
their men who have been called up. The decision of the
Northumberland coal owners, announced at a meeting in
Newcastle last Saturday, not to insist at present on a
justified reduction of the wages of the deputies, enginemen
and colliery mechanics in the county, does not, perhaps,
represent much sacrifice of hard cash, but it betokens a real
concern for the welfare of their employees.

The widespread popularity of ambulance classes in
Northumberland and Durham, and the high state of
efficiency in ambulance work to which many of the miners
have attained, should stand them in good stead at the
present time, especially in the case of those men who have
been recalled to take their part in the active defence of this
country. Even those who remain at home can “ do their
bit,” however, as is instanced by the members of Mie
Silksworth Colliery Ambulance Brigade, who have converted
one of the council schools into a hospital, made a house
to-house visitation to collect funds for the necessary equip-
ment and have the co-operation of the Ladies* Ambulance
and Nursing Society in their efforts.

The executive committee of the Northumberland Miners’
Association has decided that all members of the association
who have volunteered for service in the army or navy shall
retain their membership of the association without payment
of their subscriptions. Death legacies will be paid on
production of the certificate from the War Office. The com-
mittee has also decided that a list of names of the branch
secretaries should be sent to the Farmers* Association with
a view to help in the harvesting being given by the miners
to the farmers. It is hoped that many men will find employ-
ment in this way.

The whole of the members of the Pelton Collieries
Ambulance Brigade have volunteered for service with any
expeditionary force that may be sent abroad. The company
has been inundated with applications for ambulance men
employed at the collieries to be allowed to join the brigade.
These will be called upon if necessary.

It is now stated that Lord Joicey and his family are
safe. They were travelling in Germany when war broke
out, and the absence news as to their whereabouts had