September 11, 1914

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

575

nominal, and contract boats and neutral tonnages are easily
obtainable at very low rates. Strangely enough, the Humber
ports return a very satisfactory tonnage. The market,
however, is very quiet, largely on account of the uncertain
conditions of affairs in the North Sea. Yorkshire best
hards are quoting f.o.b. 14s. to 14s. 3d. in the Humber
ports. Nuts at 13s. 6d. to 13s. 9d. f.o.b., and smalls at
9s. 6d. f.o.b. The South Wales coal is still largely held
by Government, and only a comparatively small quantity is
available for ordinary sale on the open market.

From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Co.’s Report.

Friday, September 4.—There was no Durham seaborne
house coal on offer at to-day’s market, but a little business
was done in small parcels of Yorkshire in barge. Cargoes 16.

Monday, September 7.—Business in seaborne house coal
was quiet to-day, and no transactions reported in either
Durham or Yorkshire sorts. Cargoes 26.

Wednesday, September 9.—The seaborne house coal
market was quiet again to-day, with no Durham or Yorkshire
cargoes on offer. Cargoes 7.

Notes from the Coalfields.

[Local Correspondence.]

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

Pit Head Baths : Validity of a Ballot Questioned—The
Distribution of Colliery Profits : Why Dividends are
Withheld—Pollution of Rivers—The Alleged Entomb-
ment of Belgian Miners : a Stimulant to Enlistment—
Pitwood Scarcity Temporarily Relieved—Amman Valley
Progress.

It is expected that the question of validity in a ballot as
to pit head baths will shortly come into court for decision.
Mr. Winstone, miners' agent, informed a meeting at
Pontypcol that the owners of the Llanerch and Blaenserchan
Collieries did not consider the recent ballot to be fair, but
held that the result was against the provision of pit head
baths. He, however, had had legal opinion to the opposite
effect. The meeting approved of action being taken.

Renewed complaints have been forthcoming as to the with-
holding of dividends by directors of colliery companies, and
protest has been strong and persistent. Where there has
not been actual withholding of dividends, reductions of dis-
tribution occasion almost equal dissatisfaction. Indeed, the
favourable experiences of the past three or four years seem
to have brought upon the shareholders’ lists a number of
persons possessed with the idea that colliery investments
entitle them to regularity of dividend equal with the highest
class of home rails. It is impossible to account in any other
way for the nature of some of the complaints that are made.
“ I depend upon my coal shares for the whole of my income,”
states one critic, who seems to put the directors of the com-
pany upon a level with Mr. William Sikes, or gentlemen
of his profession, because they are not furnishing the
“ whole ” of his income as anticipated. This complainant is
apparently in utter unconsciousness that he writes himself
down an ass if he has put all his investments into colliery
shares, and he would be well advised to take a little heed of
his broker before venturing into such speculation, and then
rushing into print.

Colliery directors and those responsible for the financial
management of collieries, especially in South Wales, where
so very large a proportion of the business is on foreign
account, are experiencing a most anxious time, and the
utmost care is necessary if they are to meet their prospective
commitments during the next few months. Very large
sums are owing to them from abroad, and it is doubtful in
many cases when payment will be made, even though there
be no question of ultimately receiving what is due. The
upkeep of the pits, in those cases where temporary stoppage
may be occasioned, is costly; and where there is regularity
of output the wages bill week, by week is an item that has
to be kept constantly in view.

To blame directors for exercising a cautious policv in such
circumstances is clearly unwarrantable. It is no argument
to contend, as is done in some instances, that the accounts
show substantial profits already realised. This may be so,
and yet the wise course none the less be to hold in hand
ample funds to meet early requirements. Certainly the
criticism of persons so unwise in investment as to depend
upon colliery profits alone for their whole income is unworthy
of serious consideration, and it would not call for notice
were it not that unthinking readers of the criticism might
fail to recognise the inherent difficulty of the directors’ posi-
tions, and so fail to realise the soundness of the financial
policy they are pursuing.

The Ebbw Vale Company sent a thousand guineas to the
Prince of Wales’ Fund.

Whilst other parts of the country take steps to form a
Coal Trade Battalion, the “ Docks ” men around Cardiff
Coal Exchange have carried matters to actual enlistment.
A Cardiff “ Pals ” first contingent of 200 has been accepted
for service, and a second contingent of equal size is in
course of enlistment. The earlier drills are watched with
much interest, and there is general agreement the Pals are
” a smart lot.” They will be attached to the Welsh
Regiment.

From Swansea and Newport also large numbers of the
mercantile class are hurrying to the Colours. .

Among the matters dealt with by the Glamorgan Health
Committee at its recent meeting was a report that the
River Ely had been polluted by one of the local colliery
companies owing to the breaking down of a by-product tank,
and that fish to the value of £500 had been destroyed ; also
that riparian owners had sustained damage to a consider-
able extent. The pollution referred to was an inflow of coal
tar, which killed all the fish. It was stated that the colliery
owners had given an undertaking that they would guard
against a similar inflow in future; and the committee
ordered that the report should be sent to the Board of Con-
servators.

Mr. E. Evans Bevan, colliery proprietor, Neath, is allow-
ing free house rent and coal to the dependants of employees
who join the Army.

The allegation that Belgian miners had been shut in the
mine—entombed alive by the Germans—has aroused intense
feeling in the coalfield, and has served as a great stimulus
to recruiting. The miners are flocking to the Colours in
increasing numbers, outstripping the ability of the authori-

ties to cope immediately with the rush. Mr. T. Richards,
M.P., secretary of the Federation, described such an action
of the Germans as ” simple horrible,” and added that n
anything would induce the miners to enlist it was such
conduct as that which was reported. Mr. Winstone, one of
the Monmouthshire agents, said : ” The idea of men being
shut clown in the mines to wait for days for the death that
lurks in the darkness is horrible—unspeakably so. Let our
men recruit, and stop this barbarity.” Mr. Hartshorn,
distinguished as a Socialist leader, xputs opinion even more
strongly : “ The German officers who gave the order for the
burial alive of these miners are enemies of the human race.
. . . Their act will send a thrill of horror and indignation
through the working classes in every country. . . . This
war becomes more than ever a w*ar of liberation, not only
for the masses of Great Britain and France, but also of
Germany itself, from a callous despotism.”

Response by enlistment has been prompt and overwhelm-
ing, some of the miners’ leaders taking a very active part in
encouraging recruiting. Mr. Watts Morgan, of the
Rhondda, for example, brought up 200 men on Friday last,
and within three hours they had been medically examined
and allotted to their destinations. On Saturday he brought
down to Cardiff another batch numbering 160, and again
the contingent was got away in three hours.

The Rhondda, indeed, is a great recruiting ground, having
sent several thousands of men, as was stated in this column
last week. But it does not stand alone. Mr. Alfred Onions,
treasurer of the Federation, has advocated enlistment at
meetings in his district of Tredegar, and has done so with
good effect. From the Aber Valley, so well-known as the
scene of the terrible Senghenydd explosion, no fewer than
300 men have gone; 100 more from Treharris, making
nearly 400 from this little town alone; approximately 300
from the Garw, as well as the nucleus of a corps for home
defence; Ferndale has sent close upon 1,000; Forth over
300; and it is said that at Hereford Barracks alone no fewer
than 600 of the men are miners from South Wales. Mon-
mouthshire’s total, chiefly colliers, is 7,000.

A singular case is now before the Marlbcrough-street
Police Court, London, where an alien charged with travelling
without permission fcr more than five miles beyond his place
of registration was found to be in possession of plans of
the Welsh coalfield, with other plans, and a large number
of papers written in German. Remand was ordered, to
give full time for examination of the papers.

One satisfactory feature in present conditions is that
heavy arrivals of pitwood have come frcm France, causing
a marked reduction in prices; but it is still questioned
whether the relief is more than temporary, there being an
idea that the arrivals have been taken from large stocks
known to have accumulated at French ports. Are the
French authorities carrying out the requirement that fresh
wood shall be cut, or shall we see a return of scarcity as
soon as accumulated stocks have been shipped? If ample
quantities at moderate prices are to be ensured, immediate
and continuous wrork in the forests is a necessity; and it is
hoped that this necessity is realised across the Channel.

It is noteworthy, as bearing upon the steadily increasing
size of “ tramp ” steamers which has been manifest during
recent years, that the Admiralty in their present require-
ments have called for vessels of handier size; and this fact
sustains the opinion of many persons in shipping circles.
By these it is argued that whilst, in certain circumstances,
the larger vessels can be worked more economically, they are
limited in their use, only bulk cargoes like grain and coal
being available for them, the advantage disappearing alto-
gether if they had to take a mixed cargo; and that full
lading is not alwstys promptly obtainable. Then, again, the
smaller vessels can enter shallower ports, as well as deal
with lesser quantities; they do not require so much quay
space, and consequently can command quicker despatch
when the longer berths are not to be had. Where fixed
tips or cranes exist, the bigger boat is delayed in loading,
whereas delay in the case of the smaller craft does not
represent nearly so much idle capital. Admiralty enquiries
have included steamers from 3,000 to 5,000 tens, the old-
time size; and owners of this class of vessel are not slow
to proclaim their superiority in the1 resoects specified. Whilst
larger vessels have also been taken up, the moderate size
has been in demand.

The rapid development of the Amman Valley in the anthra-
cite district necessitates an enlarged sewerage system, and
also an extension of the water service. The Council will
therefore promote a Bill in the next session of Parliament,
enabling them to raise the money and carry out the works.

Northumberland and Durham.

Recruiting Brisk—The Miners and Financial Problems.

The Black Prince Colliery, owned by the Weardale Iron
and Steel Company, is to be laid idle, and it is very ques-
tionable whether the pit will again restart. All the officials
and workmen have received notice. Coming so soon after
the closing of Messrs. Samuelsons’ Hedley Hill Pit, there
is a bad look out in Tow Law district.

At one of the South Moor Colliery Company’s pits over
40 per cent, of the putters have enlisted. In the West
Stanley district 221 miners enlisted in a few days.

A verdict of “ Accidental death ” was returned at an
inquest on John George Weightman, 20, who was killed last
week at North Walbottle Colliery. Weightman, who was
assisting the onsetter at the bottom of the shaft, was knocked
on to the flat sheets by the cage slipping. The brakesman
said the brake slipped off the notch when he was lowering
some men in the cage. The brake had been examined,
and there was nothing unusual about the condition of the
brake.

Mr. Joseph Pease, eldest son of the Right Hon. J. A.
Pease, M.P., has left Crook, where he holds a position as
colliery manager, for London, to join one of the cavalry
regiments.

Whilst the miners are “ putting their hands down ” on
behalf of the dependants cf these on active service and of
civilian sufferers from the war, the colliery owners are—as
will be seen from previous issues of the Colliery Guardian,
and from the facts which follow—doing their part in pro-
viding for the dependants of those miners who join the
Colours. Mr. C. C. Leach, agent to the Seghill Coal Com-
pany, announces that the company will allow the wives and
families of such workmen to remain in their colliery houses
rent free, and, in addition, will allow the wife 4s. per week
and each young child Is. per week, with a free load of coals
monthly. Those living in rented houses will receive the full
rent allowance each fortnight. The children of widowers

enlisting will be provided for to the extent of Is. per child
per week. On returning from the army, the men will be
found work at the colliery. The owners of Montague
Colliery, Scotswood, have decided to make an allowance of
8s. per week, with free house, or 2s. per week rent in the
case of rented houses, and coals to the wives and families
of those men who have gone to the front. The dependants
of unmarried men volunteering will have their indvidual
cases considered by the owners. Mr. Clive Cookson, chair-
man of the Mickley Coal Company, addressing a crowded
and enthusiastic recruiting meeting of miners last week,
said they W’ere anxious to secure 150 recruits for the
Prudhce companies of the 4th Batt. Northumberland
Fusiliers for foreign service if necessary. The coal company
would guarantee to pay 16s. per week to each wife, 2s. per
week to each child, and would continue rent and coal allow-
ance. It seems a pity that some more uniform schemes of
allowances cannot be arranged by the local coal owners.

As the result of a meeting held at Wallsend last Saturday
under the auspices of the Joint Committee of the Wallsend
and Hebburn collieries, 473 of the employees of the coal
company have joined the Colours.

The Londonderry Collieries Limited have sent out the
following notice :—” Lord Londonderry desires to intimate
that, for the present, he will make the following allowances
to such of his workmen as may be on active service as
members of the Regular Army, the Reserve Forces, the
Territorial Force, or the Yeomanry, as an augmentation of
the allowance made by the Government and the Soldiers’
and Sailors’ Association, but his agents may, at their dis-
cretion, alter all or any of the proposed allowances, either
generally or in any particular case, to such extent as circum-
stances may in their judgment render necessary.” In addi-
tion to the provision of house or rent and coals, free of
charge, the following' weekly allowances will be made:—
Wife and five or more children, not earning wages, 8s.;
the allowance will be Is. less for each child less than five,
and for the wife only, 2s. Provision has been made for
exceptional cases, such as W’here parents are dependent on
unmarried sons.

The decision of the members of the advisory committee
of the Newcastle and Gateshead Chamber of Commerce to
invite representatives of the Northumberland Miners’ Asso-
ciation to confer with them concerning the vexed questions of
finance arising out of the war, cannot fail to be taken as a
compliment to the trade union concerned. It is, too, a very
wise course to take, for, almost needless to say, the miners
are as much concerned as is any other class in the com-
munity to secure an adjustment of the problem of foreign
exchange.

Cumberland.

Full Time at Whitehaven—Accident at Risehow—The Coal
and Iron Trades.

Out of 2,045 hands employed by the Whitehaven Colliery
Company, 241 were last week reported off through military
service on account of the war. There is sale for all the coal
• that can be raised, consequently there is no lack of work in
this, the principal industry of the towm. A short time ago
there was some apprehension about the supply of timber
for pit props, but it is stated that Lord Lonsdale has offered
to keep the pits going with prop wood by cutting down trees
on his estate, and supplying prop wood at ordinary prices,
though up to the present the Whitehaven Colliery has not
needed this assistance.

On Friday afternoon seven 20 ft. steam pipes, 7 in., a part
of the range being erected from the coke ovens to the new
colliery at Risehow, near Maryport, crashed to the ground
from a height of about 20 ft. The pipes were erected in
iron standards, and were held firm with a guy rope, when
the rope snapped, with the result stated. One of the pipes
was broken, while the other two were bent at the neck. Six
standards also came to the ground with the pipes, and these
were also considerably twisted.

The coal trade has not been so busy for some months. At
present the demand for shipment for the Irish market is
much in excess of the supply. There is also a quickened
demand for manufacturing fuel. All the pits are fully
employed, and have been for some weeks, but labour is not
too plentiful, as numbers of good coal miners have left
Maryport, Flimby, Workington, and Whitehaven for Lord
Kitchener’s Army. The shipments at Maryport last week
amounted to 6,940 tons. Prices are still unchanged, best
sorts of Cumberland coal being quoted at from £1 to £1 Is.
per ton at the pit.

The Cumberland iron trade is in a most satisfactory condi-
tion, in spite of the fact that the Continental outlet has
disappeared. Of course, the demand is mostly for immediate
requirements, but that demand may be expected to grow, as
the makers of armaments are so busy that there is no diffi-
culty in disposing of the whole of the production to home
users. There are at present 21 furnaces in blast, 13 in
Cumberland and eight in North Lancashire. The Working-
ten Iron and Steel Company have eight furnaces in blast
at Workington, three at Derwent, three at Moss Bay, and
two at Old Side. The Whitehaven Haematite Iron and
Steel Company have three blowing, one at Distington and
two at Cleator Moor; while at Millom there are two in
operation. In North Lancashire, Barrow has five in
draught, Carnforth one, and North Lonsdale two. At Old
Side, Workington, one furnace on spiegel, and another on
ferro-manganese; and the remaining eight furnaces
are employed in making special irons, the great part of
which is going to the Midlands for ammunition and arma-
ment makers. . A furnace has been lighted at Cleator Moor,
and it is expected that another may be put in draught at
Distington shortly. It is also stated that a furnace which
has been standing idle for some time at the Lowther Works
at Workington may be put into the manufacture of a metal
which has hitherto only been smelted in Germany.

Bessemer mixed numbers are still quoted at from 74s. 9d.
to 76s. per ton f.o.b. at the usual ports, or warrants at cash
66s. per ton. Ferro-manganese1 is quoted at from £12 to
£12 10s. per ton for the home trade. At Barrow, Bessemer
mixed numbers are quoted at 75s. net f.o.b. The stock of
metal on hand now only amounts to 3,053 tons. The steel
trade is also improving considerably,. and it is anticipated
that a large order which has been booked by the Workington
Iron and Steel Company will result in the resumption of
full operations at the company's rail mill at Moss Bav.

Things are also brisk in the iron ore trade, the whole of
the mines being regularly employed. There is not only a
brisk demand from East Coast and Scotch smelters, but the
local smelters' requirements are also on the increase. The
tonnage passing over the Border now amounts to about