December 24, 1915.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

1305

had joined the board of the Coalite Company because there
had been so many imitations put on the market in the last
10 years that there must be money in it.—The Chairman, in
reply to Mr. George Pratt, said he believed that a working
arrangement was in the making, under which the Coalite
Company would lease a portion of the land at Barking on
which to erect their plant in conjunction with the Electric
Supply Company.—Mr. W. H. Behrens asked whether the
board had considered the replacement of lost capital out of
profits before distributing any dividends, which was a very
important question for their consideration. He had wit-
nessed the commencement of coalite, which he thought was
likely to cause a revolution in one of the greatest economic
resources of the country. In Barnsley district alone there
were a number of large interests waiting to see the result of
the new experimental plant. If it proved a success, there was
an immense field for future development in that coal field
alone, to say nothing of the other coal fields of the country.
He hoped the war would wake up the English manufacturer,
because although the country for a hundred years had been
in front in the matter of coal production, Germany had been
allowed to surpass it in almost every industry connected with
the distillation of coal. They had to go to Germany even for
the ovens necessary to carbonise the coal. He would hail the
success of the Barnsley Smokeless Fuel Company and the
British Coalite Company as pioneers of that industry in this
country.—Mr. Lyde said that if the new coalite was equal
to the earliest—which he had used for three years—success
was assured. If, on the other hand, they got such rubbish
as they had had before Mr. Wellington joined the board,
nobody would touch it. The first coalite was an ideal fuel.—
The Chairman, in reply to Mr. Behrens, expressed the hope
that, apart from the Wednesfield land, they would be able to
pay dividends from their interest in the Barnsley plant alone.
There was a demand throughout the country for by-products,
and, assuming the success of their latest plant, wherever
an opening presented itself every advantage would be taken
of it. He agreed with Mr. Hyde that the coalite produced
at first was fairly satisfactory, except for a certain powderi-
ness, and that the later stuff was not satisfactory. But
the article they had been turning out recently had been
much better, and when they reached their full capacity, he
had every reason to believe that coalite would leave nothing
to be desired as a fuel.—The report and balance-sheet were
adopted nem. con.—On the motion of Mr. Percy Bristowe,
seconded by Mr. Sewell, the appointment as directors of
Messrs. W. J. Fisher, J.P., T. St. J. Belbin, E. J. Clamp,
C. E. Peczenik, and H. Willmott was confirmed, and Messrs.
J. Conchie and S. Wellington, the retiring directors, were
re-elected on the proposal of the chairman, seconded by Mr.
Peczenik.—Messrs. Deloitte, Plender, Griffiths and Company
were re-appointed auditors.—A vote of thanks to the Chairman
was proposed by Mr. Todd, and carried by acclamation.

Cassel Coal Company Limited.—The directors announce a
dividend of 5 per cent.

Davy Brothers Limited. — The directors announce an
interim dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum, less
income-tax, on the ordinary shares for the half-year.

Evans (Richard) and Company Limited.—Interim dividend
of 4 per cent., free of tax.

Leeds Fireclay Company Limited. — The war has very
seriously affected the sales during the past year, while costs
of production rose to an abnormal figure. Notwithstanding
adverse influences, the directors have been able, by the
development of new business, and the practice of rigid
economies, to limit the loss on the trading for the year ended
June 30 to £3,393, after charging £12,00# for debenture
interest. Deducting the £1,007 brought forward, there was
a deficit of £2,386, which has been charged to reserve fund.
Early next year a scheme for the reduction of the capital
will be placed before the shareholders.

Lochgelly Iron and Coal Company Limited.—The directors
have declared an interim dividend on the ordinary shares of
15s. per share, less income-tax.

Monks, Hall and Company Limited. — The directors
announce that the accounts for the half-year ended October
have now been completed, and show satisfactory results. In
view of the present uncertain state of affairs generally, the
directors think it better not to declare any interim preference
dividend, but wait for the results of the complete year’s
trading.

Union Steel Corporation (of South Africa) Limited.—The
report for the 12 months ended September 30 states that during
the financial year 43,319 cumulative 8 per cent, participating
preference shares of £1 each were issued. On September 30
last 2,974 of these shares had been fully paid, while on the
balance of 40,345 shares a sum of 17s. 6d. per share had been
called up. The final call of 2s. fid. per share was payable on
November 30 last. Certain units of the new plant are now
in operation, but as regards the greater, and unfortunately
the most productive, part thereof, the directors have to report
that, owing to the demands of the Government on manufac-
turers, its completion has been seriously delayed, while
further delays have been caused by the congestion of the
transport service both by land and sea.

Whitstable and Canterbury Coal Fields Limited. — The
annual report states that since* the last report very little has
happened, beyond the fact that the bulk of the agreements
for the requisite extensions of time have been granted. The
directors, however, regret that they must repeat the state-
ment which they made in their last report, viz., that certain
land owners have unpatriotically considered the present to be
a suitable opportunity to demand additional payment in the
shape of what they term “ option money,” and that all such
demands have been refused. It has been foqnd quite imprac-
ticable to make any arrangements for further boring during
the war, and the proving of the company’s area has there-
fore remained in abeyance. Directors have drawn no fees
since December 31, 1913. The liabilities side of the accounts
shows a total of £16,979, which includes issued capital
£11,282, creditors £5,697. The company has £1,500 cash in
hand. The cost of the Harmansole boring, £3,067, has been
written off, and the company have not admitted a contingent
claim against them in respect to this boring.

Witbank Colliery Limited.—The report for the year ended
August 31 last states that the appropriation account for the
12 months may be summarised as follows :—Balance brought
forward, £76,658; profit realised during the year, £67,396:
interest, rents, and sundry revenue, £1,428: together,
£145,482. Less : audit fees for previous year, £262; Govern-
ment tax on profits for previous year, £3,691; income-tax
to June 30, 1914, £1,842; capital expenditure for past year,
£1,682; dividends (Nos. 20 and 21) declared during the past
year, £42,000; directors’ extra remuneration, £1,500; tar con-
tract settlement, £10,000; sundry items, £806; leaving to be
carried forward £83,698. On February 28, 1915, the directors

declared an interim dividend (No. 20) of Is. 6d. per share
(7| per cent.) for the first half-year, and on August 31, 1915,
a dividend (No. 21) of 2s. 6d. per share (12| per cent.) for
the second half-year, making 20 per cent, for the year. A
special general meeting has been convened to follow imme-
diately after the annual meeting on January 28, 1916, for the
purpose of considering a resolution authorising the extension
of the objects of the company. The directors wish to enter
into an arrangement with the company’s township at Witbank
for the supply of electric light.

NEW COMPANIES.

Anglo-Russian Engineering Company Limited. — Private
company. Registered office, 78, Furnival-street, E.C. Regis-
tered December 11. Nature of business indicated by title.
Nominal capital, £5,000 in 4,000 £1 10 per cent, preference
and 20,000 Is. ordinary shares. Directors : J. T. Aplen,
T. J. Edwards, E. C. Hoegerstaldt, and J. B. Webb.

Davies (Mark) Limited.—Private company. Registered
office, Benbow House, Cotton Hill, Shrewsbury. Registered
December 13. To acquire, take over, and carry on business
of boiler makers, dealers in minerals, engineers, electricians.
Nominal capital, £5,000 in 5,000 £1 shares. Directors : W.
Everall, F. J. J. Cooke, E. Clothier, and J. H. Barker.

Drypool Engineering Company (Hull) Limited.—Private
company. Registered office, 180, High-street, Hull. Regis-
tered December 16. To purchase or otherwise acquire and
carry on business of engineers, boiler makers, copper and
general smiths, now carried on under style of the Cleveland
Engineering Works, at Wilson-street, Kingston-on-Hull.
Nominal capital, £3,000 in 300 £10 shares. Directors and
subscribers (one share each) : T. Tate (managing director),
R. Rix, and E. B. Rix.

Perivale Explosives Limited.—Private company. Regis-
tered December 16. To carry on business of manufacturers
of explosives, gunpowder of every description, nitroglycerine,
dynamite, guncotton, blasting powder, etc. Nominal
capital, £5,000 in 5,000 £1 ordinary shares. Directors and
subscribers (one share each) : D. Gestetner and G. H. Beaton
(managing director).

Productive Engineers Limited.—Private company. Regis-
tered December 14. Nature of business indicated by title.
Nominal capital, £1,000 in 1,000 £1 shares. First directors
and subscribers (one share each) : J. Lawson and C. E.
Booth.

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.

LABOUR AND WAGES.

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

The Conciliation Board has arranged that the workmen
Shall have two days’ holiday at Christmas, spread as between
the two shifts, over Friday, Saturday, and Monday.

The western district miners report that no fewer than 16
of the collieries in their district have been on stop, several
thousands of men being affected; and they appeal to the
anthracite men to support them in an approach to the
Federation executive in order to secure relief. This support
will be accorded.

The fact that checkweighers have not been “ starred ”
under the Derby recruiting scheme has been under dis-
cussion, strong feeling being existent that these men should
be “ starred,” especially as the employers’ weighers are
“ starred.” Approach will therefore be made to the
tribunals, the agents being instructed to make application to
this end.

The Anthracite Miners’ Association has had under con-
sideration once more the question of foreigners employed
at Abercrave, and it was reported to the monthly meeting on
Saturday that after reference to the Home Office a satis-
factory arrangement had been arrived at. The meeting on
Saturday endorsed the agreement as submitted.—As to the
engagement of Belgian refugees at the pit head, it was
stated that these men were not charged full Federation
entrance fees, but it was insisted that they should not be
allowed to work underground unless their knowledge of
English warranted it, or unless interpreters were provided. The
question of the employment of women also came up, and
it was decided that where women were employed, reports
should at once be made to the agent.—Some difficulties had
arisen as to the making-up of accounts under the new agree-
ment, and the Federation executive are said to have decided
that each district shall take action for compelling employers
to comply with the terms of the new agreement.

The executive of the South Wales Miners’ Federation met
at Cardiff on Saturday, Mr. James Winstone presiding. In
order that a number of matters might be discussed, it was
resolved that a conference of the coal field should be held
in January. The Miners’ Federation of Great Britain are
to be asked to urge the Government to increase the amount
of the old age pensions.

North of England.

At the annual meeting of the Durham Miners’ Association,
held at Durham last Saturday, it was decided to contribute
£1,000 from the general fund to the Red Cross Ambulance
Association. There was a motion on the agenda that, owing
to the increased cost of living, the agents should be instructed
to meet the owners with a view to obtaining a war bonus,
but this was withdrawn. The delegates adopted a resolu-
tion in favour of the agents and executive committee meeting
the owners on the question of rent allowances, and requesting
that the allowance be increased from 5d. and 6d. per day to
Is. per day, the higher rate to apply to all workmen to
whom the house rent agreement applied.

Federated Area.

Grievances between the employees of the Blackwell
Colliery Company and the management as to loose side-
heading, breaking in, etc., have, after reaching an acute
stage, finally been adjusted, as the result of an arbitration.
The proceedings took place in London last week-end, Sir
David Harrell, K.C.B., acting as arbitrator, assisted by Sir
Thomas Ratcliffe-Ellis, on behalf of the owners, and Mr.
Robert Smillie, for the workmen. Evidence was taken on
both sides. The arbitrator’s decision, which affects all the
collieries in Derbyshire of the Blackwell Company, is as
follows :—“ That clause 6 in the Alfreton deep hard,
clause 7 in the Blackwell A and B winnings, clause 6 in

the Shirland, and clause 11 in the Alfreton soft coal, shall
be applied as follows :—Where a loose side heading is
required, the measurement shall fix the width which is to
be driven. If the width so fixed exceeds the width mentioned
in the above-named clauses in the said price lists, then,
notwithstanding such excess, the total distances so fixed, if
preferred, shall be paid for at the yardage rates provided
for in such above-named clauses. It is further .agreed that
the distances fixed in accordance with the above arrange-
ment shall be a minimum of 8 ft. This agreement to come
into operation at once.” With regard to the Shirland
breaking-in dispute, it was agreed that a three months’
trial should be given of a system asked for by the men of
breaking-in by explosives, and if, at the end of that period,
it was found that the percentage of slack was increased
owing to the use of explosives, then the right to use explo-
sives should be relinquished. In the meantime, the men
are to have all facilities for ascertaining the percentage of
slack, both before and after the agreement comes into
operation.

At the annual meeting of the council of the Yorkshire
Miners’ Association, held at Barnsley on Monday, the presi-
dent (Mr. H. Smith), in the chair, consideration was given
to the question of providing a convoy, or part of a convoy, of
ambulances and equipment for the use of the Red Cross
Society. In a statement to the Press, Mr. Smith said that,
while the association felt that it was part of the Govern-
ment’s duty to provide these things, and that they could
not allow the members of the association to be put to more
discomfort than was necessary, they had decided to submit
the matter to the various branches with a request for sug-
gestion for discussion at the next council meeting. Fifty
ambulances and equipment would cost about £35,000, and
their upkeep, after the first three weeks, could be provid?d
at a cost of less than Id. per man per week. The deaths
on active service . of 58 further members were reported to
the council, making the total number of members of the
association killed in the war up to date, 580. With regard
to Christmas holidays for the miners, the council recom-
mended the men to take only Saturday and Monday. Mr.
Smith, referring to the recent conference in London, said
the council were surprised to see the statement made by
a Cabinet Minister, who advised the men not to ask for
any further advance of wages. “ When,” commented Mr.
Smith, “ we see the price of coal going up—and wages were,
largely ruled by the selling price of coal—we feel that the
men are due to a further advance, and that steps ought
to be taken as early as possible to achieve it. Miners are
glad to work loyally, but they cannot stand still while
coal owners are raising prices indiscriminately, without
asking, for an increase in wages, as provided for by the
Conciliation Board rules. It should be realised by the public
that wages only follow prices, and not prices the wages.”
The council received a letter from Sir Richard Redmayne
asking if the association could see its way clear to recom-
mend its members to take fortnightly pav. ‘‘ The officials,
members, .and delegates generally,” said Mr. Smith, “ are
up against any such proposal. In Yorkshire we have never
been used to fortnightly pay. The suggested change is, it
-is stated, proposed on account of the present shortage of
clerical help. But we see no necessity for the proposal.”
The council dealt with a large number of men thrown out of
work through the alleged refusal of managements to conform
to the price list. Victimisation pay was granted to a further
36 members of Rotherham Main, making a total of 56; and
Mr. J. Wadsworth, M.P. (general secretary), was instructed
to ask the joint board to arrange a meeting to enquire into
the matter, as, in the opinion of the council, every effort
ought, to be made to prevent any stoppage of this character
at this time of national crisis. With regard to a dispute
at Grimethorpe Colliery relative to the standard rate of
wages for datallers, the council instructed Mr. Wadsworth
to write to Mr. Gill, asking for a deputation, and, failing
that, to ask for a meeting of the joint board at an early
date.

Scotland.

A meeting of the executive committee of the Scottish Union
of Mine Workers was held at Glasgow, on Monday, Mr.
Robert Smillie, president, in the chair. Mr. Robert Brown,
secretary, submitted a circular which had been received from
Sir Richard Redmayne, Chief Inspector of Mines, and chair-
man of the Coal Organisation Committee, dealing with the
question of fortnightly pays at collieries. It pointed out
that the clerical staffs at collieries had been considerably
reduced through enlistments, and that employers had the
greatest possible difficulty in securing labour for this branch
of work. The suggestion was made that the miners might
consider the question of reverting from weekly to fortnightly
pays during the currency of the war, as this arrangement
would help to remove the pressure with which the coal
owners had to contend. It was agreed that copies of the
circular should be sent to the various county associations, in
order to give the men an opportunity of deciding the
question. Another circular from Sir Richard Redmayne was
submitted, referring to the subject of men absenting them-
selves from work at the collieries without sufficient reason.
It was stated by several agents that they had already
addressed meetings on this matter, and that the results had
been satisfactory. It was agreed to issue a circular to the
county associations calling attention to the subject.

Iron, Steel and Engineering Trades.

The British Steel Smelters, Mill, Iron, Tin-Plate, and
Kindred Trades Associations have drawn up a saving scheme
in connection with the War Loan. It has been decided to
recommend the following scale of contributions :—From
20s. to 30s., 21 per cent.; from 30s. to 40s., 5 per cent.;
from 40s. to 60s., 7| per cent.; and above 60s., 10 per cent.

We are informed that Mr. Alan Williams, M.I.E.E.,
has removed to larger offices at 5, Chancery-lane, W.C.
Mr. Williams represents the Anderston Foundry Company
Limited, of Glasgow, and also the British Electric Plant
Company Limited, of Glasgow and Alloa, Scotland.

The President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has
appointed a committee for the purpose of making such arrange-
ments as are likely to ensure the fullest use being made of
native resources in supplying existing demands for timber.
The committee are prepared to purchase standing timber, and
to make arrangements where necessary for felling, hauling,
and conversion. They will be glad to receive particulars of
timber which land owners and others would be willing to sell
for Government purposes. All communications for the com-
mittee should be addressed to the secretary, Home-Grown
Timber Committee, Craven House, Northumberland-avenue,
W.C.