May 12, 1916.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

901

THE NATION’S COAL SUPPLY.

Letter from Sir Richard Redmayne.

The conference of the Miners’ Federation of Great
Britain, called to consider the important letter from the
Home Office as to the best means of increasing the
output of coal to meet the requirements of this country
and our Allies, commenced at the Westminster
Palace Hotel on Tuesday. Mr. Robert Smillie,
Scotland, president, was in the chair.

The following is the full text of the important letter
from Sir Richard Redmayne, Chief Inspector of Mines :

The present position in respect of the demand for coal
and the outlook for the immediate future were considered
at a meeting of the Coal Mining Organisation Committee
held at the Home Office on Thursday last. The situation
is very serious, and the Committee are unanimous that
it is of vital importance that every effort should be made
to increase the output. They feel, therefore, that the
time has come when it is necessary to reconsider the
advisability of adopting schemes for increasing the output
of coal which they have had before them from time to
time, and have either adjourned or negatived. The Com-
mittee accordingly authorised me to write to you and ask
you to bring before the executive of the Miners’ Federation
of Great Britain, at the earliest possible moment, for their
consideration, the various methods by which an increase
in output might be obtained.

• As you are aware, the decrease in output for the first
12 months of the war was about 30 million tons, and the
monthly rate of decrease at the present moment shows
no improvement.

Largely owing to the demands of the works engaged in
the manufacture of munitions of war, the demand for coal
for home consumption is not only greater than it has been
since the outbreak of war, but is increasing, and before
the end of the present year will be very heavy.

The demands of the Admiralty are no less than they
have been throughout the war, while those of the Allies
are considerably greater than they have been, and are still
increasing. The demands from France alone are more
than doubled.

In order to meet the home demands, export has been
dangerously reduced, and not only must not suffer further
reduction, but means must be sought to increase .it. We
would remind you that, apart altogether from meeting the
requirements of the Allies, we must send coal to Norway
and Sweden in exchange for pit props and certain special
kinds of iron and steel necessary in the manufacture of
munitions of war; to Denmark and Holland in exchange
for agricultural and dairy produce; to Spain for sulphur,
copper, and iron ore; to South America for grain and
agricultural produce.

I have said nothing as to the importance of the export
of coal. Both as to helping to pay for the war and as a
means of keeping up the rate of exchange coal is our
largest and most important export.

, In these circumstances may I ask the most careful con-
sideration by your executive of the possibilities to which
I will now refer of increasing the output of coal. I
mention these, not in tfieir order of importance, but in that
m which they were dealt with in the first report of the
Coal Mining Organisation Committee.

The Further Employment of Women on the Surface of
Collieries.—In our first report we came to the conclusion
not to recommend that any action should be taken at the
present time with a view to the more extensive employ-
ment of women on the surface of coal mines. But after
reviewing the whole situation outlined above, the Com-
mittee on Thursday last unanimously agreed that “ owing
to the paramount necessity of meeting the irreducible
demands for home consumption and export of coal, it may
be necessary and practicable in some districts to further
employ women in the performance of suitable labour on
the surface of collieries, and that although in many
quarters there appears to be a strong feeling on the part
of the owners and workmen alike against the further
adoption of female labour, the Committee is of the opinion
that the representatives of both sides should meet and
discuss, as to what action, in their opinion, should be
taken in the district.” It was further agreed, “ if any
increase of such labour is adopted, it should continue only
for the period of the war, and that proper and adequate
arrangements be made on the premises for the health and
comfort of the women employed.”

Reduction of Age Limit for Boys (Section 92 of the Coal
Mines Act, 1911).—To allow of (a) boys being employed
below ground between the ages of 13 and 14 years; (b)
boys employed on the surface working between the hours
of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The Act allows of their doing so
below ground, but not on the surface. We are informed
that at some collieries this would afford some measure of
relief in that it would relieve some men for underground
work.

Both or either of these measures would necessitate altera-
tions in the Coal Mines Act during the period of the war.

On the information at present before us, no general
relaxation of this kind is necessary, but there are some
cases where shortage of labour is acute, and relief might
possibly be obtainable in this way.

Absenteeism.—The efforts which have been made by the
leaders of the miners to reduce absenteeism have met with
a considerable measure of success, but there is a wide
difference between the different districts in the amount of
absenteeism, and the evidence shows that there is a pro-
portion, though probably not a large one, of men who
are habitually' idle for two or three days a week.

The Committee have estimated that were there no avoid-
able absenteeism, the output would be increased to the
extent of between 13 and 14 million tons per annum.
Reduction of absenteeism is by far the best means of
increasing the output. Is it too much to hope that an
additional 10 million tons per annum may be secured by
this means? We feel sure that the miners have only to
realise that upon their efforts the success of the country
depends no less than upon the men who are serving with
the Forces to secure a considerable enhancement of output.
The difficulty is to bring this truth home to them.

At some collieries committees of the workmen have been
established to deal with absenteeism, and the extension of
this system seems very desirable. It certainly does not
seem right that a man should be exempted from the obliga-
tion of military service on the ground of his employment in
a coal mine, and yet be unwilling to give the full service
which the national need requires.

Further Utilisation of the One Hour Per Day for Sixty
Days Per Year (Section 3' (1) of the Eight Hours Act).—

In most districts advantage is taken of this provision to
commence work earlier on certain days, so as to come out

•	earlier, usually at week ends, or for changing shifts, etc.,
but there are doubtless some places where advantage might
be taken of the one hour on 60 days for the purposes of
getting coal.

Suspension of the Eight Hours Act.—At the joint con-
ference of representatives of the coal owners and workmen,
held at the Home Office on September 2 last, it was decided
not to advocate the suspension of the Eight Hours Act, but
it was realised that the time might come when the nation’s
needs became more acute, and some action would be neces-
sary. It is clear that the question should be reviewed, with
the object of determining whether, and, if so, to what
extent, the Act should be suspended in individual districts,

•	i.e., that is to what class of labour the suspension should
apply, and the additional time to be worked. Perhaps the
best way of meeting the matter would be by a joint con-
ference of the representatives of the owners and workmen.

Holidays.—I trust it may be found possible to curtail
the holidays in the same way as was done last year, and
so considerably augment the output.

The Goal Mining Organisation Committee stated in
their first report that the basis of all the proposals and
suggestions made by the Committee is harmonious co-oper-
. ation between the employers and employed through the
medium of the organisations on both sides thoroughly
representative of the parties, and it is in this spirit that
the Committee now approaches the Miners’ Federation of
Great Britain and asks their earnest consideration of the
points raised in this letter.

In conclusion, permit me to remind you of the resolu-
tion which was unanimously carried at the great and
historic national conference of representatives of the mining
industry in London on July 29 last, viz., “ that in the
opinion of this meeting, representative of the coal mining
industry of Great Britain, every effort should be made by
the owners and workmen alike to secure the greatest pos-
sible output of coal in tlie interest of the nation during the
period of the war.”

The letter wiais duly discussed. The suggestions for
meeting the shortage in the coal supply which the con-
ference had to consider were :—(I) The suspension of
the Eight Hours Act; (2) a reduction in the absenteeism
of workers; (3) a reduction in the age of beginning work
in the pits from 14 to 13 years; (4) the employment of
female labour on the pit banks.

Eight Hours Act : Decision.

The executive unanimously agreed to oppose the sus-
pension of the Eight Honrs Act, but to leave as an open
question for discussion the working of an additional
hour on 60 days in the year, for which provision is made
in the Act, and the setting up of machinery for the
reduction 'in “ wilful absenteeism” from work. The

•	reduction in the age of underground ‘workers from 14 to 13
iand the more general employment of women for surface
work are not regarded with favour, but the latter
development has already taken place in a number of
districts.

On ’Wednesday the conference discussed the Military
Service Bill.

It was officially stated that the delegates had decided
to allow the executive committee to place their views
on Sir Richard Redmayne’s suggestions for increasing
the national supplies of coal before the Coal Owners’
Association at their joint meeting next week.

A letter from Gen. Sir Henry Mackinnon regarding
the securing of men employed at or in the pits to go
to the front as tunnellers was considered. A report of
a conference'between owners and miners’ representatives
with the WTar Office was read, and also a reply from the
War Office, which was considered satisfactory. As the
matter was considered to be one of great urgency, it was
decided by the conference to recommend that efforts
should be made at once in various districts to enable the
Government to secure the required number of volun-
teers. It is understood that the negotiations with the
War Office related in part to the pay to be given to the
miners who might enlist as tunnellers, and that the
War Office have now indicated they are prepared to pay
the men at the rate of 6s. a day and the usual allow-
ances.

When the conference resumed on Thursday, tire
Military Service Bill was again under discussion. The
following resolution was carried on a card vote by
583,000 against 135,000 : “ That this conference
expresses its opposition to the spirit of conscription, and
determines to continue to exercise a vigilant scrutiny
of any proposed extension of the Military Service Acts.”

The following resolution was also carried unanimously :
“ That this conference protests against boys of 18 years
of age being automatically drafted into the Army as
proposed under the Military Service Bill, and also
against the proposed alteration of sub-section 3 of the
principal Act from two months to two weeks, and that
the committee be instructed to seek amendments to the
Bill on the lines suggested by our protest.”

It was left with the executive to take whatever action
they thought necessary with a view to securing amend-
ments to the Bill which will prevent the enlistment of
boys of 18, or the reduction of the two months to any
shorter period.

The conference decided that the Federation executive
at the joint conference with the employers on Tuesday
next should oppose any suspension of the Eight Hours
Act, but should have freedom of action as to the work-
ing of an additional hour on 60 days in the year. The
executive of the miners will also be prepared to
co-operate with the employers in the elimination of
wilful absenteeism.

The conference showed general opposition to the
further employment of women on pit banks, and the
reduction of the age for underground labour from 14
to 13.

Yorkshire Miners’ Association.

On Saturday the council of the Yorkshire Miners’
Association considered Sir Richard Redmayne’s letter.

The council unanimously opposed employment of. women
on the surface at collieries. The proposal to reduce the age

of boys employed below ground from 14 to 13 years, was
defeated on a card vote by 1,726 to 217 in favour. The pro-
posed suspension of the Eight Hours Act was rejected, only
one delegate voting in favour of the proposal. In regard to
the employment of boys on the surface between the period of
9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Mr. Smith said the council could not see
their way clear to accept the suggestion for the duration of
the war, but left the representatives of the association with a
free hand to discuss the matter when they met the owners
nationally. The question of absenteeism was also discussed,
and the council allowed Col.. Hewitt the opportunity of
addressing . the meeting. Col. Hewitt urged that every
endeavour should be made to increase the output of coal by
men working regularly. Miners were now exempted from
military service because the nation needed coal. It was up
to every man and boy working in the pits to do their best
by working continuously. The council agreed that the matter
should stand over until after the conference of the Miners’
Federation in London, and, if necessary, to ask for a meeting
of the coal owners in Yorkshire to discuss the matter. If an.
interview took place, said Mr. Smith, they would probably
be able to clear up some of the matters, and place the blame
on the proper shoulders. The council considered the new
Compulsory Military Service Bill, and decided to confirm, by
a delegate vote of 167 for and 16 against, the resolution
adopted on March 10 last, as follows : “ That this council
expresses its opposition, to the spirit of conscription, and its
determination to exercise a. vigorous scrutiny on any proposed
extension of military service.” The question of extending
the working hours to 60 per week as provided for by the Eight
Hours Act was also left an open question, to be dealt with at
the conference named. Several disputes were considered,
and permission to take ballots on the question of giving notice
was granted to the men at Dinnington Colliery in regard to
week-end working, the Woodend Coal and Ganister Pit,
Stannington, Sheffield, and at Batley No. 1 Pit.

Income-Tax for Wage-Earners. — Under the heading of
Statutory Rules and Orders, 1916, No. 212, the Commis-
sioners of Inland Revenue have issued regulations for the
assessment and collection of income-tax in the case of weekly-
wage earners, together with the procedure to be adopted for
the purpose. The regulations are dated March 29, 1916, and
are on sale, price l|-d., post free.

Prohibited Exports. — The revised list, dated May 10,
includes the following articles, the prohibition applying, as
regards (1) goods marked (a), to all destinations; (2) goods
marked (b), to all ports and destinations abroad other than
ports and destinations in British Possessions and Protec-
torates; (3) goods marked (c), to ah destinations in foreign
countries in Europe and on the Mediterranean and Black
Seas, other than France and French Possessions, Russia,
Italy and Italian Possessions, Spain and Portugal, and to all
ports in any such foreign countries, and to all Russian
Baltic ports:—(c) Anchors 'and chain cables; (c) armour
plates, armour quality castings, and similar protective
material; (c) belting, woven hair; (c) black plates
and black sheets under | in. thick; (c) carbon gas;
(a) carbons, suitable for searchlights; (b) casings;
(a) benzol and its compounds and preparations; (a)
carbolic acid, compounds and preparations; (a) coal
tar, .and all .its products (except creosote), derivatives and
mixtures, suitable for use in the. manufacture of dyes and
explosives, whether obtained from coal tar or other sources;
(c) creosote; (b) nickel, oxides and salts of (except nickel
nitrate), and mixtures containing same; (a) nitro-toluol;
(a) toluol and its compounds and preparations; (b) coal,
except coal allowed by the Commissioners- of Customs and
Excise to be shipped as bunker coal; (b) coke, except
petroleum coke; (a) coke, petroleum; (c) dynamo sheets;
(a) electrodes, carbon, for electric' furnaces; (b) ferro-
cerium ; (b) ferro-chrome; (b) ferro-manganese; (a) ferro-
molybdenum ; (b) ferro-nickel; (b) ferro-titanium; (a) ferro-
tungsten ; (b) ferro-vanadium; (b) spiegeleisen; (a) ferro-
silicon; (b) forges, portable; (b) fuel, manufactured; (a)
fuses ; (c) grindstones; (c) grubbers ; (c) handles and helves
for grubbers, pickaxes, spades and shovels; (b) implements
for cutting or fixing barbed or galvanised wire; (b) lubri-
cants and articles and mixtures containing lubricants;
(c) machinery for ditching iand trenching; (c) machinery,
metal working, and component parts and accessories
thereof; (a) magnesite, raw caustic or lightly calcined, and
dead burnt magnesite, and magnesite bricks; (b) chrome
ore; (c) copper ore; (b) copper, unwrought and part
wrought, all kinds, including alloys; (c) copper manu-
factures; (a) iron ore, pig iron, pyrites, scrap; (b) lead ore,
(a) pig lead; (b) lead, pipe, scrap, or sheet, and solder
containing lead; (b) manganese and manganese ore; (b)
molybdenum and molybdenite; (b) nickel, alloys of nickel,
and nickel ore; (a) spelter and spelter dross; (a) steel con-
taining tungsten or molybdenum, and any tools, etc., made
from such steel; (b)' steel and steel articles containing
chrome, cobalt, nickel, or vanadium; (a) steel angles,
channels, joists, tees and other steel sectional material,
billets, blooms, and slabs, bridge work, pier work, and
structural material, flats, rounds, and squares (except
carbon steel for tools and steel for mining purposes),
ingots, plates and sheets | in. thick and over, scrap, sheet
bars, tubes, wire, wire rods ; (b) tin, alloys of tin, and manu-
factures of tin (except hollow ware, tin-plates, and receptacles
made from tin plates); (b) tin ore; (c) tin plates and
receptacles made from tin-plates; (c) tungsten; (b) vana-
dium; (b) wolframite; (b) wolfenite; (b) yellow metal; (a) zinc
ashes; (b) zinc ore; (a) zinc, alloys of zinc, and manufac-
tures of zinc; (c) motor vehicles; (c) oil, blast furnace; (c)
oils, creosote, except wood tar oil; (b) oil fuel, except oil
fuel allowed by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to
be shipped for use on board the exporting ship; (b) oil fuel,
shale; (c) packings, engine and boiler; (c) railway material,
both fixed and rolling stock (except railway wagons, and
their component parts, steel rails, steel sleepers, steel springs,
and wheels, axles, and tyres); (a) railway material—steel
rails, sleepers, springs, wheels, axles, and tyres; (b) railway
wagons and their component parts (except steel springs and
wheels, axles, and tyres); (b) rope made of steel wire and
steel hawsers; (b) sacks, coal; shipbuilding materials—(a)
boiler tubes, (a) condenser tubes, (c) Diesel and other internal
combustion engines for marine propulsion, and component
parts of such engines, (c) iron and steel castings and forgings
for hulls and machinery of ships, (c) iron plates and sec-
tional materials for shipbuilding, (c) ships’ auxiliary
machinery; (c) shovels and spades; (a) silica bricks; (c)
terne-plates and receptacles made from terne-plates; (c) tin-
plates and receptacles from from tin-plates; (c) transformer
sheets; (a) tubes, brass or copper, solid drawn; (b) tubes,
brass, brazed; (b) wires and cables, insulated; (c) wire-
winding machines.