568

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

September 11, 1914.

INSTITUTION OF MINING ENGINEERS.

Annual Meeting at Stoke-on-Trent.

The 25th annual general meeting of the Institution
of Mining Engineers was held on Wednesday at the
Central School of Science and Technology, Stoke-on-
Trent, the chair being occupied at the outset by
Sir William E. Garforth, retiring president. Owing
to the war the meeting had been much curtailed, and
the visits to works, excursions, and dinner had been
abandoned, so that the proceedings were confined to one
day instead of three as originally arranged.

The Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent (Aid. Philip Elliott)
extended a cordial welcome to the members on behalf of
the federated borough. He regretted that the meeting
had been much curtailed in its programme, but they had
felt in the present circumstances that- the visits to
works, excursions, etc., should be abandoned. He
trusted that during their deliberations they would con-
sider the question of all their manufacturers being sup-
plied with a sufficient quantity of coal for all purposes
during the war, and also at as reasonable a price as
possible, so as to help the industries of the country. He
was sure they would look at the matter in a patriotic
spirit, and do their utmost to assist in the continuance
of industry.

Sir William Garforth thanked the Mayor on behalf
of the institution. With regard to the supply of coal
not only during the war but in the future, he might tell
them that for years past the members of the institution
had felt a responsibility resting upon them to give
manufacturers in this country a plentiful and cheap
supply of coal. He understood- from short conversa-
tions which he had had since he had been there that
there was a sufficient supply in that district for 50 or
100 years, and although he could quite understand that
some of the thicker and best seams had been exhausted,
still they knew that by mechanical contrivances and
better methods of working, seams which years ago were
thought to be unprofitable could now be worked at a
profit. He hoped manufacturers throughout the
country would always understand that they looked upon
it as a very sprious obligation resting upon them to
enable our industries to be placed in such a position
that they could compete successfully with the nations
of the world. There was no doubt that when the war
was over—and he would not enlarge on what we pro-
posed to do with Germany—England and the colonies,
acting together as one nation, would be able to show the
world that they had resources which were little dreamt
of. As regards the institution, it was in a very pros-
perous condition. They had raised a sum of money
which would place the institution in such a sound,
financial position that they would be able to carry out
much of the work that had been contemplated. In
addition, they had a membership of 3,300, so that
altogether they could say they were doing a very useful
work, especially with regard to saving life. During the
past few years they had done much work that had been
beneficial in that direction; their motto was “ Safety
first and profit afterwards.” He appreciated very
much the Mayor’s welcome.

The Mayor referred to the new mining school in
which they were meeting, and explained that members
of the North Staffs Institute had taken a very active
part in promoting its erection.

Sir William Garforth announced that at the council
meeting that morning his Grace the Duke of Northum-
berland had been elected president of the institution for
the ensuing year, and it had been arranged that Mr.
H. C. ?*eake, a past-president, should preside over the
meetings which it was impossible for his Grace to
attend. With regard to the charter of the institution,
Sir Frank Crisp, who had been acting as their
solicitor, informed them that owing to the Privy Council
being very much engaged with national affairs, nothing
had been done as yet, but they had information which
led them to hope that eventually the charter would
be obtained.

Mr. H. C. Peake, who then proceeded to occupy the
chair for the remainder of the meeting, first presented
the institution’s modal to Sir William Garforth. In
doing so he said the first institution medal had been
awarded by the unanimous vote of the council to Sir
William Edward Garforth, whose long association with
the coal mining industry of the kingdom, the eminent
services which he had rendered towards the profession,
and his efforts to increase the safety and comfort of all
engaged in mining, were so well known to all, that it
hardly seemed necessary to him to dwell unduly on
those points. He afterwards gave brief records of the
papers contributed by Sir William to mining literature,
and the valuable evidence he had given before Royal
Commissions, etc.

Sir William expressed his sincere thanks for the pre-
sentation. He had certainly tried, he said, to do what
he could, especially with regard to the safe working of
mines, but he had not done more than a great many of
the other members, who had been equally anxious to
safeguard the miners and colliery working generally.

Annual Report.

The Secretary read the annual report of the council,
which stated :—•

The decrease of 61 in the total membership for the year
just ended was largely due to the fact that the federated
institutes had been more conservative than in the past in

guaranteeing additions to the register. Sir Thomas H.
Holland, F.R.S., was appointed to represent the institution
at the annual conference of delegates of corresponding
societies of the British Association for the Advancement of
Science to be held at Havre from July 27 to August 2.
Prof. Henry Louis was appointed the institution represen-
tative at the conference on the standardisation of steel wire
ropes organised by the Engineering Standards Committee.
The president (Sir William Garforth) has consented to act
as the representative of the institution on the Sir Archibald
Geikie Bust Committee, organised by the Director of the
Geological Survey of Great Britain. The president of the
institution for the time being will represent the institution
on the Kelvin Memorial Fund Committee of Awards,
appointed to consider proposals relative to the application
of the balance of the fund in the establishment of a Kelvin
medal. Mr. Arthur Sopwith continues to represent the
institution on the governing body of-the Imperial College of
Science and Technology, South Kensington, London. Prof.
Henry Louis continues as the representative of the institu-
tion on the Advisory Board for the Royal School of Mines,
South Kensington, London. Mr. Hugh Johnstone, H.M.
inspector of mines, continues to represent the institution on
the Board of Governors of the Consolidation of Cornish
Societies and Art Foundations. Sir William Garforth and
Prof. L. T. O’Shea continue to serve as the representatives
of the institution on an advisory committee appointed by the
council of the Royal Society to administer the Tyndall
Bequest.

The question of the future finances of the institution has
received the consideration of the Finance and Publications
Committee and the council for some time past, and a com-
mittee was appointed by the council for the purpose of raising
a capital fund of £15,000, with the object of placing the
institution on a sound financial basis. The council are now
pleased to state that each of the federated institutes agreed
to raise a proportionate amount of this sum, according to
its federated membership, and that up to the present. £14,956
5s. lid. has actually been handed over and placed to the
credit of the institution capital fund, which up to July 31,
1914, had earned £26 9s. lld‘. as interest, and thus increased
the total amount to £14,982 15s. lOd. Of this sum, £14,128
19s. 3d. has been invested in the purchase of trustees’ stock,
to a nominal value of £15,000, in the names of the institu-
tion’s trustees (Sir Lindsay Wood, Bart., Sir William
Garforth, and Mr. H. C. Peake). The total nominal
amount of invested funds is now £17,045 6s. 6d., which
will bring in an income estimated at about £600 per annum,
after deducting income-tax.

A committee was appointed in June 1913 to consider the
question of applying for a charter of incorporation, and in
view of the inauguration of the capital fund and the pro-
gress of the institution, it was thought that the time had
come when it should do so. This involved re-drafting the
whole of the bye-laws, which were then referred to the
federated institutes for their consideration and suggestions.
The final draft was submitted to the institution solicitor (Sir
Frank Crisp, Bart.), and after being approved by him, a
petition was presented on March 12, 1914, to his Majesty the
King in Council for the grant of a Royal Charter of Incor-
poration. With the exception of the Institution of Civil
Engineers, no other scientific and learned society has offered
any opposition. Replies to the objections lodged by the
Institution of Civil Engineers have been sent in to the Privy
Council, and it is hoped that .in due time a charter will be
granted. The Institution of Mining and Metallurgy also
presented simultaneously with this institution an4 applica-
tion for a charter, and although each institution has acted
independently, and taken what steps they each considered
fit to promote their cause, they have at the same time sup-
ported each other’s claim as opportunity arose. The council
trust that the application of the Institution of Mining and
Metallurgy may also be favourably received by the Privy
Council.

Considerable additions have been made to the library
during the past year, the number of books therein now
being 2,333, as compared with 2,129 at July 31, 1913.

The statement of accounts shows the ordinary income fcr
the year ended July 31, 1914, to have been £4,468 0s. 4d.,
as compared with £4,590 12s. 9d. in the previous year. The
expenditure amounted to £4,587 18s. 9d., as compared with
£4,597 10s. for the year 1912-13. The balance of assets
over liabilities, exclusive of the capital fund and of the
value of the stock of Transactions, but inclusive of the value
of the furniture and fixtures, now amounts to £3,034 18s. 4d.,
als against £3,154 16s. 9d. at the end of the previous year.
The deficit of £119 18s. 5d. is not due to an increase in the
expenditure, but is caused chiefly by the decrease in sub-
scriptions, owing to the fall in membership, the lessened
sale of Transactions, and the decrease in the amount received
as interest on the deposit account. The financial position of
the institution may, however, be considered highly satis-
factory, especially in view of the increased income that will
accrue in future years from the capital fund.

* Proposed Battalion of Engineers.

Sir William Garforth stated that at the council
meeting that day representatives from the Engineers’
Club of Manchester had informed the council that it had
been decided to form an Engineers’ Battalion of 1,100
or 1,300 men. They wished it to be known that they
invited engineers, fitters, turners, and other men to
join them. A circular giving full information would
be issued shortly.

Election of Officers.

The Secretary announced that officers for the ensuing
year had been elected as follow :—

President.—His Grace the Duke of Northumberland,
K.G., P.C., Alnwick Castle, Northumberland.

Vice-Presidents.—Sir Thomas H. Holland (the pre-
sident to be elected), representing the Manchester
Geological and Mining Society; Messrs. G. S. Bragge
and W. H. Hepplewhite, representing the Midland
Counties Institution of Engineers; Prof. F. W.
Hardwick and Mr. Walter Hargreaves, representing
the Midland Institute of Mining, Civil, and Mechanical
Engineers; Messrs. James Barrowman, James Hamilton
and J. Balfour Sneddon, representing the Mining
Institute of Scotland; Messrs. W. C. Blackett, T. Y.
Greener, C. C. Leach, F. R. Simpson, and J. G. Weeks,
representing the North of England Institute of Mining
and Mechanical Engineers; Mr. Hugh Johnstone,
representing the North Staffordshire Institute of

Mining and Mechanical Engineers; Mr. Alexander
Smith, representing the South Staffordshire and War-
wickshire Institute of Mining Engineers.

A full report of the discussions on papers will be
given next week.

LETTERS TO THE EDIT0RS._

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.

APPROVED SAFETY LAMPS—MUESELER K
TYPE.

Sirs,—I notice in your edition of the 7th inst. a copy
of the new Order respecting “ Approved Safety Lamps
for Mines,” dated July 1, 1914, in regard to which I beg
to make the following observations, vith particular
reference to fig. 2, Mueseler K type. The addition of
the Patterson type of rings to the bases of the outer
gauze and the circumference of the disc gauze appear to
be the only alteration to what has been previously
approved. This arrangement and the bonnet are the
only differences in construction between it and the
Mueseler safety lamps which may, for the time, be
assumed to have quite recently caused the explosion at
the Wharncliffe Silkstone Colliery. We have, therefore,
another case where a type of lamp which has been
proved, both in practice and experimentally, to be unsafe
when exposed to conditions which are met with in many
coalmines, has been officially approved by the Home
Office. Supposing that a disaster occurred irom this
type of lamp, the colliery owners and their officials
would be held to be at fault. M. Marsaut proved that
this pattern of lamp was unsafe, and it is, therefore, a
fair question to ask why its continued use is permitted ?
By the use of the Ashworth-Mueseler gauzes, the
lighting power and the safety of the lamp may be
easily increased. Safety lamps with this construction
of gauzes have been in daily use and experimentally
tested without a failure ever since the writer submitted
safety lamps of this construction to the Mines Accidents
Commission, the Clifford experiments at Sheffield, and,
first of all, to the Smethurst-Ash worth experiments at
Brynn, Wigan.

It is a notable fact that although numerous patterns
of safety lamp construction are “ authorised” for use in
the mines of Great Britain, this authorisation does not
carry any guarantee that the lamp will safely withstand
the conditions to which it may be daily exposed in the
mine.

Is it not a case for the Coal Owners’ Association to
handle?	James Ashworth.

921, Drake-street, Vancouver, B.C.

August 24, 1914.

MINING AND OTHER NOTES.

An alteration has been made in the South African
imports tariff, whereby catalogues or price-lists of foreign
firms addressed to importers, merchants or manufacturers,
will be admitted duty free. This alteration in the law of
the Union of South Africa was initiated by the British
Electrical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association, and
effected through the instrumentality of Sir R. Sothern
Holland, H.M. Trade Commissioner, Cape Town.

It is understood that the Local Government Board have
given authority for the preparation of five further town
planning schemes under the Housing and Town Planning
Act, 1909. The schemes are authorised to be prepared by
thp corporations of Barrow-in-Furness, Nelson, and New-
port, Mon., and the urban district councils of Hendon and
Otley.

Mr. Herbert Lewis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Loca
Government Board, announced at Prestatyn on Saturday
night that, thanks to the action of the navy in keeping
open the high seas and the security of a Government
contract, the Shotton Iron Works, Flints, which employ
5,000 hands, would be able to reopen on full time, having
been closed owing to the war. He was proud to state also
that 1,000 young men at the works had enlisted in
Kitchener’s army, and he hoped their example would be
followed by others.

The Select Committee appointed to report in what
circumstances and on what conditions his Majesty’s military
forces should be employed to deal with disturbances or
threatened disturbances of the peace among the civil
population have agreed to the following report:—“ Your
committee have considered the matters referred to them,
but, as it will not be in their power to make a full report
in the present Session, they have agreed to recommend
that a committee on the same subject be appointed in the
next session of Parliament.”

Dundee Harbour Board have resolved to erect a 120 ton
crane on a river wharf at Dundee. The matter came up as
the result of negotiations by the Caledon Shipbuilding
Company Limited to have facilities provided to enable
them to place boilers and machinery on vessels of a larger
type than the company has hitherto built. The Trustess
agreed unanimously to the scheme, but in view of the
present crisis it was decided to defer the work until the
present financial situation is clear. The new river wharf
on which the crane will be built will cost .£11,600 and the
crane £9,000 to £10,000, and the company in addition to
paying crane dues will be responsible for an annual
payment of 3 per cent, on the capital cost.

The Council of Sheffield University have decided to
invite Dr. J. B. Leathes, F.R.S., Prof, of Pathological
Chemistry in the University of Toronto, to accept the
Chair of Physiology rendered vacant by the acceptance
of Prof. J. S. Macdonald of the Chair in Physiology in the
University of Liverpool.