138

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

January 21, 1916.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS.

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.

FAW TESTING.

Sirs,--It would appear from your issue of the
14th inst. that the paper read by Mr. Thomas to the
Manchester Geological and Mining Society on the
u Value of the Experimental Fan in the Mining Labora
tory,” elicited sufficient criticism to show the interest
taken by the industry in the application and testing of
mine fans.*

It goes without saying that the value of experiments
in laboratories will depend almost entirely on the
bearing they may have on everyday practice.

Mr. Thomas has evidently refrained from illustrating
his method of obtaining his depression readings, whilst
using the terms “ static ” and “ dynamic ” water gauge ;
and as, on a suction system, these terms are likely to be
entirely misleading so far as the effective external work
done,by a fan-is concerned, some further elucidation of
Mr. Thomas’s figures would be of service.

It is not sufficiently generally recognised that the
true total depression prochu ed by mine fans (comparable
with the depression at the top of the pit shaft) is,,
obtained with the end of the water gauge tube facing
against the air current in the fan drift, and the result is
that tests are constantly being made in such a manner
as to register high water gauge readings, which form a
false basis for ascertaining the efficiency of the fan
concerned.

In Table V. of Mr. Thomas’s paper, the results are
given of observations made at a colliery with a fan
running at constant speed, and in No. 4 test Mr.
Thomas records, without comment, an over-all efficiency
for the fan and motor of 81’5 per cent. Assuming that
the motor of this combination had an efficiency of
89 per cent., it would follow from Mr. Thomas’s figures
that the fan in question had an efficiency of no less than
911 per cent., which, as anyone conversant with fan
matters knows, is absurd.

From time to time suggestions are put forward for
arriving at a standard method of testing fans, but no
corporate action appears to have been taken, with the
result, as a rule, that published fan efficiencies are so
inflated as to forfeit the credence of anyone competent
to judge of such matters.

As this question only requires, a little publicity and
open discussion in order to remove the misapprehensions
that still exist in many minds, and to place mine fan
testing on a sound engineering basis, I hope you will
find space in your columns for the above comments.

27, Fairingdon avenue, E.O. P. Wyllie Kerr.
January 18, 1916.

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.
REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Alldays and Onions Pneumatic Engineering Company
Limited.—Applications for the purchase of 50,000 6 per cent.
“ B ” cumulative participating preference shares at par, and
50,000 .£1 ordinary shares at 22s. 6d., in the above company,
have been made. The company has an authorised share
capital of £275,000, divided into 50,000 6 per cent. “A”
cumulative preference shares of £1 each, all issued, 100,000
“ B ” preference, of which the 50,000 now offered form part,
and 125,000 £1 ordinary shares, the 50,000 now‘offered for
sale being the unissued balance. There are also £80,000 41
per cent, first mortgage debentures,'redeemable at any time
at the company’s option at 108 per cent. The dividends on
the ordinary capital for the past five years have been 10 per
cent, each year. The net profits during the'12 months' ended
August 5, 1915, were £25,058.

Apex Mines Limited.—The reduction of the capital of the
company from £300,0.00 to £150,000, resolved -upon at meet-
ings in Johannesburg on November 19 and December 11,
1915, has been confirmed by the Supreme Court of the
Union of South Africa, and the company is now enabled to
distribute its holding of £150,000 in the Now Kleinfontein
Company.	'	...

Canada Iron Corporation Limited.—Details of a new com-
pany formed in Canada, under the title of the Canada Iron
Foundries Limited, under the-scheme of re-organisation of the
Canada Iron Corporation Limited, have been issued to
holders of the 6’par cent, first mortgage bonds of the latter
undertaking. The scheme provides for the exchange of bonds
for an equal nominal amount of 6 per cent. “ B ’’-debenture
stock in the new company, plus 10 per cent, of that amount
in fully-paid ordinary shares, and bonds are to be deposited
for that purpose with the Montreal Trust Company. The new
company has an authorised capital of 4,500,000 dols., in
2,500,000 dols. 6 per cent. non-cumulative preference shares and
2,000,000 dols. ordinary shares. Debenture stocks have been
created, comprising 1,000,000 dols. 6 per cent. “A” deben-
tures, of which 600,000 dols. has been subscribed in cash at
95 per cent., and 6 per cent. “ B ” debentures'for £800,000,
of which £600,000 will be issued as ‘fully-paid under the
scheme in exchange for an equal nominal amount of 6 per
.cent, bonds of the Canada Iron Corporation. The stock is
repayable at par on July 1, 1945, unless earlier redeemed
under the operation of a sinking fund of 1 per cent, per
annum, which is to be established as soon as the “A” deben-
ture stock has been completely redeemed. The debenture
stocks will be secured by successive mortgages upon the free-
hold and leasehold properties, fixed plant and machinery, and
by floating charges so far as these can be given .under the
-laws of Canada on the other .property and undertaking of the
company. Of the authorised share capital of .the new com-
pany, 2,200,000 dols. preference and 1,800,000 dols. ordinary
shares will be issued as fully paid in satisfaction of the
claims cf the holders of the second. mortgage bonds and
ordinary creditors of the Canada Iron Corporation.

Canadian Explosives Limited.—The directors announce a
dividend of 1| per cent, on the 7 per cent, cumulative pre-
ferred shares for the quarter ended December 31 last.

Cynon Colliery Company Limited. — The report to
September 30, 1915, states that the trading profit for the
year is £33,618, which .with transfer fees, rents, and royalty
from freehold property, £27, makes £33,645. Of this amount,
bank charges, income-tax, debenture interest, etc., absorb
£6,052, leaving a net profit of £27,593, which, with the
■ balance brought forward of £6,784, leaves a total credit of
£34,3*77. No reserve has yet been- made for the war profits
•tax. The loan of £15,000 from the bank has been paid off.
■The directors propose to transfer £15,000 to the general reserve
account, to pay a.final dividend of 71 per cent., making 121
per cent., less tax, for the year, and to carry forward £9,939.

Dundee Coal Company Limited. — The directors have
declared a dividend of 5 per cent.

East Indian Coal Company Limited.—The directors recom-
mend a dividend at the rate of 14 per cent, per annum, less
income-tax, for the half-year ended October 31, 1915.

Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company Limited.
—Warrants, for the interest on the 4J per cent, and “A”
5 per cent, debenture stocks, and the dividend on the 6 per
cent, cumulative preference shares for the half-year ended
December 31, 1915, have been posted.

Furness Withy and Company Limited.—The directors
announce a quarterly dividend at the rate of 10 per cent,
per annum, free of income tax, on the ordinary shares. ,

Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company Limited.
—The directers have declared an interim dividend for the
half-year ended November 30 last at the rate of 10 per cent,
per annum, less income-tax.

Gulf States Steel Company Limited. — The directers
announce a distribution of 15^ per cent., less income-tax, on
the first preferred stock, being the dividends accumulated to.
January 1, 1916.

Hall and Company (Croydon) Limited.—Interim dividend
on the ordinary shares at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum
for six months to September 30, 1915, less tax.

Lancashire and Yorkshire Wagon Company Limited.—
The directors, announce, an interim dividend of 3 per cent,
actual.

Transvaal and Delagoa Bay Investment Company Limited.

The report of the directors for year to August 31, sub-
mitted at the annual meeting held in Johannesburg on
November 30, states that the net profit amounted to £41,487,
and £128,422 was brought in. Deducting dividend No. 12
of 3s. fid. per share, and bonus of £600 to directors, the total
credit of profit and loss account was £136,934. A dividend
of 3s. 6d. per share, equal to 17| per cent., was declared, and
£104,559 carried forward. Cash assets, less sundry creditors,
amount to £113,169. The Transvaal and Delagoa Bay
collieries, owned entirely by this company, produced 555,452
tons of coal, a decrease of 31,263 tons compared with the
previous year. This decrease is due to the rebellion and to
military operations in German South-West Africa, which at
times seriously interfered with the supply of railway trucks.
There is no change to record either in the width of the seam
or the superior quality of the coal. The sum of £9,020 has
been written off for depreciation. Capital expenditure
amounting to £3,071 was incurred, principally in the com-
pletion of the new permanent reservoir, the purchase of a
220 horse-power boiler, and the erection of sundry buildings.
By sales of second-hand machinery, etc., the net expenditure
was reduced to £2,321 5s. lOd.

Wagon Finance Corporation Limited. — The directors, in
their report for the year ended December 31, 1915, state that
the result of the company’s operations, after providing for
interest on debentures and loans, and the whole of the.
brokerage, and including the balance brought forward from
last year, shows a profit of £15,728 2s. 7d., which the
directors recommend should be appropriated as follows :—
In an interim dividend of 5 per cent, paid on June 30, 1915.
£5,000; a further dividend of 5 per cent., making a total
dividend of 10 per cent, for the year, free of income-tax,
£5,000; to reserve fund (making it £17,000), £3,000; pro-
vision for excess war profits, estimated at £1,100; balance
to be carried to next account, £1,628 2s. 7d. .

NEW COMPANIES.

Ashton (David) and Company Limited.—Private company.
Registered office, Aztec Works, Neepsend, Sheffield. Regis-
tered January 7. To carry on, develop, and turn to account
the business of David Ashton and Company, formerly carried
on by Carl Davenport and T. C. Goode as Messrs. David
Ashton and Company, at above address; and to carry on
business of iron founders, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic,,
, marine, and locomotive engineers, iron and steel converters,
the working and winning of minerals, etc. Nominal capital,
£20,000 in 5,000 £1 preference shares and 15,000 £1 ordinary
shares. First permanent directors and subscribers : C.
Davenport and T. C. Goode.

.Boultons Limited.—Private company. Registered office,
169, Fortress-road, N.W. Registered January 11. To carry
on in the United Kingdom or elsewhere business of coal mer-
chants, railway, steamships and transport agents. Nominal
capital, £1,000 in 1,000 £1 ordinary shares. First perma-
nent directors and subscribers (one share each) : A. W. and
C. H. Boulton.

Bullock (S.) and Company (London) Limited.—Private
company.- Registered office, 39, Victoria-street, S.W. Regis-
tered January 10. To carry on business of civil, mechanical,
electrical, gas, hydraulic, ventilating, and general engineers,'
manufacturers of and dealers in machinery and plant of all
kinds, brass founders, and smiths. Nominal capital, £12,000
in 4,000 £1 preference shares and 8,000 £1 deferred shares.
First directors : S. Bullock (managing director), C. H. Booth,.

' and F. H. Rogers.	- .	■

Dartois (J. M.) and Company Limited.—Private company.
Registered January 14. To carry on business of iron and
steel and general metal merchants, flat and plain steel, iron,
hollow-ware, steel constructions, agents for and dealers in all'
descriptions of goods made from iron or steel. Nominal
capital, £10,000 in 800 “A” shares of £10 each and 40,000
Is. “ B ” shares. Directors to be appointed in general meet-
ing. Subscribers (one “ B ” share each) : J. M. and
F. E. J. d’Artois.

Kearton, Bailey and Company Limited.—Private company.
Registered office, Deanes Inn House, 265, Strand, W.C.
Registered January 12. To carry on business of iron
founders, mechanical engineers, and manufacturers of .
machinery and tools, electrical, water supply, gas engineers.
Nominal capital, £1,000 in 1.000 £1 ordinary shares.
Directors : F. H. Bailey, S. Clark, and-C. Kearton.

Lord (J.) Limited.—Private company. Registered office,
40, St. Peter’s-gate, Stockport. Registered January 7. To
carry on business of furnace makers and dealers, makers of
materials.required in said business, iron founders, mechanical
engineers, tool makers, brass founders, etc. Nominal capital,
£2,000 in 2,000 £1 shares. First directors and subscribers
(one share each) : J. and E. Lord.

Napier (J. C.) and Company (London) Limited.—Private
company. Registered Jan. 12. To carry on in England and
elsewhere business of colliery agents, exporters and importers,
wholesale and retail merchants of coal, fuel pit wood, and
other colliery stores, supplies, and requisites, quarry pro-
prietors, miners, manufacturers of gas, tar, etc. Nominal
capital, £10,000 in 200 £50 ordinary shares. First director,
J. C. Napier (permanent director).

Valves Limited.—Private company. Registered January 13.
To carry on business of general engineers, machine makers,
tool, pattern, and steam pump makers, manufacturers of
pulleys, bearings, wire drawers, dealers in all kinds of metals,
engine builders and repairers, etc. Nominal capital, £1,000
in 1,000 £1 shares. Director, F. E. Bullock (managing
director).

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 Leader and Last
White pages.

Abstracts of Contracts Open.

Clydebank, January 24.—For the RenfrewT and Clydebank
Joint Hospital Board, best house coal and best washed single
nuts, Cadzow, Hartley, or other similar quality. Forms
from Mr. John Hepburn, Municipal Buildings, Clydebank.

Dorchester, January 27.—Steam coal and coke, for the
Town Council. Form from the borough surveyor, 21, North-
square.

Dublin, February 3.—House, furnace, and cannel coal,
for the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Forms from Mr.
H. G. Cook, secretary, Irish Lights Office, Dublin.

Exeter, January 24.—Steam coal, house coal and coke,
for the Exeter City Council. Forms from Mr. H. LI. Parry,
town clerk.

.London, S.W., February 2.—Best steam coal and best
gas coke, for the Middlesex County Council. Forms from
Mr. H. T. Wakelam, county engineer, Middlesex Guildhall,
Westminster, S.W.

Morecambe, January 29.-3,000 tons of unscreened gas
coal and 3,000 tons of gas slack, for the Gas Committee.
Particulars from Mr. H. Claphanr, engineer and manager.

Neston (Cheshire), February 2.—About 400 tons of slack
burgy or coal, for the waterworks of the Neston and Parkgate
Urban District Council. Forms from the surveyor, Town
Hall, Neston.

Todmorden, January 24.—1,000 tons of steam slack or
nuts, for the Electricity Department. Analysis or state-
ment of calorific value will be considered. Tenders to Mr.
H. Garratt, town clerk, Municipal Offices, Todmorden.

The date given is the latest upon which tenders can be
received.

CONTRACTS OPEN FOR ENGINEERING, IRON
AND STEEL WORK, Ac.

Brisbane, February 28.—Plant.—Oil or gas engine,
generator, accumulators, power board. Specifications from
High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Australia, 72,
Victoria-street, S.W.

Glyn-Neath, January 22.—Repairing Drift.—For repair-
ing and arching colliery drift. Specifications may be seen
by appointment. Sealed tenders to be sent in by January 22
to Aberpergwm Collieries.Company Limited, Glyn-Neath.

Llanbradach.—Headings.—Driving two pairs of hard
headings, each 300yds. Particulars from A. G. Brown,
agent, Cardiff Collieries, Llanbradach.

St. Annes-on-Sea (Lancs.).—Rails.—About 10 tons of
second-hand rails, for the Urban District Council.
Particulars from surveyor.

CATALOGUES AND PRICE LISTS RECEIVED.

Messrs. James Light and Son Limited (Liadgo Oil Works,
Liverpool) have issued a booklet relating to their various
grades, of lubricating oils .and greases, . including
“ Dynmotor ” dynamo oils, safety lamp oils, open lamp oil,
wire rope oil, “ Lightrun ” axle greases, floating grease and
dark greases for pit tubs, cog wheel and gearing grease, etc.
The booklet also contains wages table, statistics, and illus-
trations of Messrs. Light’s new and up-to-date works.

The British Steel Piling Company (Billiter-street, E.C.)
forward catalogue of their “ Zenith ” centrifugal dredge and
water pumps, driven by petrol motors. The No.,1 size can
lift 75 to 80gals, per minute at 1,000 revolutions, against a
head of 30 ft. It weighs >about 2701b., and can be carried on
a stretcher. By making certain parts of aluminium, the
weight can be reduced below 2501b. The largest size of
dredge pump can deal with 50 to 65 cu. yds. per hour (20 ft.
head), and weighs 3,400 lb. For transportation, these larger
sizes can be mounted on trucks. The same company also
make McKiernan-Terry patent hammers for. pile-driving,
operated either by steam or compressed air, and requiring no
pile-driving frames. The hammers weigh from ,145 to
7,5001b. For the largest sizes of ferro-concrete or timber
piles, the B.S.P. semi-automatic single • direct-acting ■ long
stroke steam hammer, falling by gravity, is recommended.

The Midland Institute of Mining, Civil, and Mechanical
Engineers.—A general meeting' of the members of the insti-
tute will be held at the Danum Hotel, Doncaster, to-morrow
(Saturday), at 3.30 p.m, A paper on “Notes on the Uses
and'Markets for Coke Oven By-products” will be-presented
to the meeting. .	■	•	• • • ,