912

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

May 12, 1916.

appointed, so that they might be unpledged to the accept-
ance of Ills decision.

North of England.

Although the Northumberland miners declined, some time
ago, to vote in favour of a recommendation to pay a levy
of 6d. per week for 20 weeks, or 3d. per week for 40 weeks,
in aid of Lieut. Dennis Bayley’s scheme for the provision of
motor ambulances for the front, their second thoughts were
better than those which dictated opposition to the proposal,
and, thus far, they have contributed £1,197 to the fund
through the medium of Mr. Hogg, treasurer of their associa-
tion, besides paying large amounts direct into the general
fund.

The question of whether weekly or fortnightly pays arc
the more desirable has cropped up at Bebside, and a meeting
has been held by the officials and ^workmen to decide the
point. On a vote being taken, it has been decided by a
large majority to continue the weekly pays.

At a meeting of the members of the Durham Coal Trade
Conciliation Board at the Coal Trade Offices, Newcastle, on
Friday of last week, it was agreed that the county miners’
wages for the ensuing three months should be advanced by
10 per cent., making them 88-} per cent, above the basis of
1879. This constitutes a record. At the same meeting, the
colliery deputies received a like advance, making their wages
as follow: Face wage, 8s. 10-46d. ; and back bye shifts,
7s. 10-84d.; the increase to take effect as from the pays on
May 8 and May 15.

In his May circular to the members of the Northumber-
land Miners’ Association, Mr. Wm. Straker refers to the
position of those members who cannot earn minimum wages,
and says :—The minimum wages fixed by Lord Mersey
were for ordinary times, when the cost of living was normal,
therefore are absolutely inadequate at the present time. This
fact was recognised by the colliery owners in May last, when
the 15 per cent, war bonus was agreed to, as that bonus was,
and is, paid by adding 15 per cent, of basis cannings or
wages, in terms of money, to minimum wages. But, since
that time, the cost of living has increased enormously, and
percentage on wages lias advanced 27 per cent. Notwith-
standing the higher wages and the increase in the cost of
living, men who are not able to earn the .minimum wage have
received no further increase. This being so, the Wages Com-
mittee have asked a special meeting with the Coal Owners’
Association, with a view to securing a necessary advance for
these men. Another case in point is that of men doing light
work arid in receipt of part compensation. While the wages
of these men are increased by the advance in the county
percentage, yet, because of that, the amount of part compen-
sation they are entitled to under the law is reduced, so that
their real" wages arc not advanced by advances in county
percentage commensurate with the necessities of the present
exceptional times. The Wages Committee will lay before
the colliery owners a request that ‘ part ’ compensation shall
not be reduced by reason of any increase in the county per-
centage since the commencement of the war.”

Mr. Straker then turns to the question of boys’ wages and
employment, and says :—” One of the strongest reasons we
had for advocating the establishment of individual minimum
wages was the disgracefully low basis wages many of our
younger lads in the mine were paid; and one of the greatest
benefits, in normal times, of the Minimum Wage Act is the
fixing of wages for these lads considerably above their old
basis wages. But minimum wages are paid only when the
county percentage on the old basis rates does not make actual
wages up to the minimum fixed. The consequence of this is
that, at the present time, even with the high percentage,
many of these lads are receiving little more, if any, than the
wages they would receive if there were no county percentage
at all : so that the high rate of wages we hear so much about
scarcely applies at al] to this considerable class of workers.
From a return sent me by one of our local secretaries, there
are, among others, the following cases at his colliery :—A
‘ trot ’ lad, between 14 and 15 years of age, £1 4s. for two
full weeks; a driver, between 15 and 16, £1 7s. 9d.; a ‘ trot ’
lad, between 16 and 17, LI Ils.; a ‘ trot ’ lad, between 17
and 18, £1 14s. lOd.; an engine lad, 20, £2 2s. 8d. In face
of wages like these at the present time, we have a demand for
young boys to be liberated from school to work on the sur-
face in order that lads now on the surface may be sent
underground to work. Where have all the young boys gone
to? Owing to so many men having enlisted, the proportion
of such boys must be vastly greater than before the war. I
am afraid'many have gone to other work, where they are
better paid; and if the colliery owners want these boys, they
will have to pay them better. I am pleased there is a resolu-
tion on our council meeting agenda bearing on this matter.”
• The quarterly meeting of the Cumberland Miners’ Asso-
ciation was held at Workington on the 4th and 6th inst.,
Mr. J. Dickinson presiding. The quarterly balance-sheet
showed that the association had saved £1,817 during the
quarter, and that they had now a credit balance of £13,000,
of which £1,000 was invested in Exchequer bonds. The
question of the wages of women was considered, and, after
discussion, it was unanimously agreed that unless the coal
owners of Cumberland are prepared to pay men’s wages to
women who are asked to do men’s work, the association
object to women performing work other than that done by
them in normal times. It was unanimously agreed “ that
the council regrets that the Whitehaven lodge have made a
separate agreement in respect to absenteeism, and asks that
the Whitehaven representatives meet the employers to get
the local agreement revoked, and that the Whitehaven mem-
bers come under the absenteeism rules agreed to by the Joint
Committee of the Conciliation Board.” The action of the
Miners’ Federation in regard to the recruiting of men from
the Cumberland collieries for the tunnelling companies in
the Army was confirmed. Mr. Jos. Whitehead, the treasurer,
gave a financial statement with reference to contributions to
the motor ambulance scheme, which showed that the amount
already forwarded by the Cumberland miners is £3,200. A
letter was read from Lieut. D. Bayley, stating that some of
the cars would be sent down into the district for inspection.
The following were elected representatives on the Cumberland
Minimum Wage Board : Messrs. B. Bell, J. Temple, T. G.
McKeating, J. Barker, J. Bird, J. Wright, J. Hanlon, and
G. Todhunter.

Federated Area.

At a largely attended meeting of the executive council of
the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners’ Federation, held at
the Miners’ Flail, Bolton, last Saturday, it was decided
to -support the Government Compulsory Military Service ■
Bin.

The executive of the Triple Labour Alliance, comprising
the miners, railwaymen and transport workers’ trade unions,
have agreed upon a general policy in regard to questions
arising out of the demobilisation of troops after the war.
This policy stipulates that trade union practices shall be

resumed after the war, that all temporary substitutes dis-'
charged after the war shall be provided with other work or
be maintained by the State, and that demobilisation shall
be gradual.

Scotland.

A reduction in ton rates has brought about a sectional
strike among miners employed in No. 12 Rosehall Colliery,
belonging to Messrs. Addie and Sons, and a mass meeting
of the men was held to consider the action to be taken to
force the employers’ officials to recognise tlie union. Mr.
John Robertson, vice-president of the Scottish Miners’
Federation, said that if the employers refused the offer to be
made to them, the onus of causing a general stoppage
throughout Rosehall collieries would be upon the Govern-
ment and upon the officials of the company. Authority to
declare a strike had already been granted by the National
Union.

The Scottish miners generally are not much in favour of
reverting to the fortnightly pay -system. The question has
been before them lately at the request of the employers, who
state that their office staffs are so reduced that if payments
were made fortnightly they would be greatly assisted. The
miners -suggest that more female clerks be employed.

The colliery doctors of the Kirkintilloch and Twechar
district have sent in a notice for an increase in the remunera-
t::m for professional services to miners’ wives and families.
At present the workers contribute 2d. per week to the
medical fund.

The checkweigher recently appointed at Viewpark Colliery,
Fddingston, and whose duties are confined by the manager
to looking after deductions for dirt, was appointed along with
a deputation of workmen to interview the manager regarding
local grievances. The manager refused to discuss any
question in dispute with the checkweigher, contending that
he only proposes to discuss such matters with employees of
the company. The matter has been reported to the National
Union.

Notes from the Coal Fields.

["Local Correspondence.]

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

Law Case—-More About Freights—Colliery Companies'
Earnings—Swansea, Trade—Progress 'of New Pits—
Tramways ami Miners—Ambulances for Collieries—
Record Tin-plate Prices.

An -action is pending in the King’s Bench for the specific
performance of an alleged agreement to sell the mine owned
by the Ystradowen Colliery Company Limited to the Colliery
Investment Trust Limited. An aiqflication by defendant
company for postponement of the hearing was opposed last
week, and Mr. Justice Sargant directed that the matter
should come before him -again on motion. The. plaintiff
company asked that the colliery should not be offered for
sale pending a decision.

Shipping difficulties continue to hamper the coal trade
seriously. For the strongest of reasons, it is desirable that
no hindrance should be put, by special charges or costs,
upon neutral shipping, this being urgently required in
British ports in order to lessen present shortage. Lloyds’
return of ship building, issued this week, has been noted on
Cardiff Exchange, the position apparently being that, whilst
building replaces actual losses, there still remains the great
deficiency for ordinary trade wliich is caused by Government
and Allied requirements. Remedy is suggested in two
directions—increase of building and decrease of Admiralty
requisition. The former may require men to be sent back
from the Army, and the latter is hardly practicable. Yet
the need for prompt and great alteration is urgent, operating
not alone against the coal trade, but also in respect of return
cargoes of food. It was stated on Saturday by the chairman
of the gpeat undertaking of Spillers and Bakers, that out of
the price of wheat from the Argentine more than half went
to meet freight and insurance !

Another subject of ’Change talk is the earnings of the
different colliery companies. So many reports have now
been issued to the respective bodies of shareholders, that it
' is practicable to gain a general idea. Three local com-
panies paid 20 per cent, dividend; five paid 15 and over;
nearly a dozen paid 10 or 12£. But dividends distributed
do not alone represent the earnings, it having been necessary
to provide for the Excess Profits Tax, whilst there has been
in addition large allocations to reserves. The outlook is
considered good. It is not forgotten tliat coal, as a basis
commodity, is subject to the peculiar condition that a small
deficiency causes -an excessively disproportionate rise in
price, and that a small excess of supply will, on the other
!iand, cause disproportionate reduction of price. The depots
are depleted, and will have to be replenished; and by the
time this is done, after conclusion of peace, -the growth
of those industries that have to repair waste of war will
maintain the demand for coal. Not even the sudden release
of Admiralty stocks—as cargoes or local supplies—-can
materially affect the after-peace market, the urgent demand
of consumers now keeping close to bare requirement having
then to be met. This, in bare outline, is the current opinion.

It was reported to Swansea Harbour Trustees that during
the month of May the trade of the port showed a serious
falling off, coal and coke being no less than 13,000 tons
lower, and tin-plates 8,000 tons, as compared with the corre-
sponding month of last year. For the four months of this
year, the shipments of tin-plates were less by over a quarter
of a million of tons; but it does not follow that the produc-
tion is so much less, the fact being that the present output
is going more and more into home consumption on account
of Government orders, and that consequently there is not
much for export.

On the other hand, Swansea shipments of coal and patent
fuel last week shewed a continuance of the improvement in
trade which was noted the preceding week. The total last
week was nearly 100,000 tons, and among the imports was
as much as 2,398 tons of pit wood from France.

Swansea Corporation is in the fortunate position of having
an interest in colliery property, owning mineral rights in the
Ogmore area ; and at the meeting of the Education Committee
the Aber Estate Sub-Committee recommended the appoint-
ment of Mr. H. T. Wales to make periodical inspections in
connection with the Aber minerals, as also to undertake other
duties in connection with that ‘ property. Mr. Thomas is to
be retained as assistant surveyor. A temporary bridge over
Hie River Ogmore is approved. The full committee adopted
the recommendations.

After a service of nearly half a century, Mr. W. Lewis,
under-manager at Nixon’s Navigation Colliery, Merthyr Vale,
has retired; and his experience in the coal trade is among
the most interesting that can be recalled, for he recollects the
output at 30 tons a day, as contrasted with 2,400 tons at the
present time; and he has witnessed the transformation of a
barren area into a flourishing township, with a large popu-
lation.

The Great Western Colliery Company’s new pits at Llant-
wit Vardre, near Pontypridd, are well advanced, and some
clear idea is now given both by the colliery development itself
as well as by the building operations progress, as to what
the ultimate features of the enterprise will be. This area
will be one of the busiest and most important in the famous
Rhondda district. The work of sinking two pits has been
completed, and the arching of the main headings is well for-
ward; whilst electrical and steam winders are being installed
in the engine house, and other surface provisions, such as
the screens, have been completed.

A novel topic was discussed by Rhondda miners on Monday,
when a letter from the local tramway company was read,
asking for help in their effort to retain men. Their desire
was, so the letter ran, to keep so many men as would enable
them to carry the colliers to and from work. Maintenance of
these facilities is, of course, important; and Mr. W. Abraham,
M.P., will seek an interview with the Minister of Munitions
in order to further the desire of both tramway company and
miners in this respect.

At Bedlinog Collierv. near Merthyr, a motor ambulance has
been installed, and will prove of service to the workmen in
this area, which lies somewhat out- of the way as to hospital
access. Mr. J. Bevan, manager of Fochriw Colliery, was
presented with • a silver key, with which to “open” the
ambulance; and Mr. J. Davies, miners’ agent, presided at
the little ceremony on the occasion.

An ambulance for use underground is a most desirable addi-
tion to colliery equipment; and it is of special interest to
note that Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefolds (Dowlais and
Abcrcynon) are experimenting with a model prepared by Air.
S. Jones, of Penydarrcn.

A fresh record has been established in the tin-plate trade,
prices continuing to rise because of the insistent demand, over
35s. per box having been named. Partly, the price quota-
tions must be regarded as nominal, quotations made by those
who are not in a position to supply, and even where bond fide
sale is made, delivery cannot in all cases be guaranteed. The
future of the trade is a matter of grave disquiet, seeing that
so many men are being drafted to military service, hundreds
(J* whom make personal appeal—but ineffectively—for release.
I abou-r supply, which has been irregular as between different
works (some being very short of men, whilst others are well
placed) is being adjusted; and to this extent part of the diffi-
culty is removed. It is the after-war outlook that occasions
most anxiety, for not alone is the American Combine press-
ing into foreign markets hitherto supplied from Wales, but
there is fear that the alert Japanese will undertake manu-
facture for their own requirements, being driven to this course
bv inability to get supply from this country. With their
cheap labour, and works established with the latest and
most economical machinery, a new and formidable competitor
would arise. Manufacturers in the United States have
already taken Canadian trade, having last year sent 1'0 times
a.s much as Wales into the Dominion ; and to-day’s condi-
tions encourage still further competition.

Northumberland and Durham.

Aged Workers' Homes—Prosecutions for Dangerous Practice
— War and. Gas Works Plant—Gelignite Offence.

Mr. John Cairns presided over the 16th annual meeting
of those interested in the Northumberland Aged Mine
•Workers’ Homes Association. It was unanimously agreed
that the association should hold its hand with regard to the
building of any more homes during the war.

The officials of the Ryhope Coal Company are endeavour-
ing to stamp out the dangerous practice of hewing coal from
the wall side. The most recent of a series of prosecutions
was undertaken at Sunderland Betty Sessions on -Saturday
last, when Robert Moan, a putter, was charged with the
offence. In passing sentence of one month’s hard labour,
the chairman said that when the last case of a similar nature
was heard, the magistrates inflicted a fine of £5 and
intimated that the next offender would be sent to prison.
They considered that to be the only way to stop the practice.

At the annual meeting on Saturday of the Durham Aged
Mine Workers’ Association it was stated that 12 new homes
had been erected at Seaham, 12 at Ebchester, 48 at Harton,
and 16 at Boldon, a total of 88, and that the following new
homes -are either at present in course of construction or
projected Wheatley HUI, 12; East Hetton, 12; Horden,
16; Hebburn, 12; Wingate, 12; B.irtley, 12; Stanley, 9;
and Browney, 8; a total of 93. The year’s balance-sheet
-shows an increase in assets of about £18,300, and a net-
increase in capital account of about' £10,660. The work-
men’s contributions for the year amounted to nearly £7,000.
Of the total income of £100,000 since the foundation of the
association, more than half has been contributed by the
workmen.

In his paper on “ The Effect of the War on Gas Works
Plant,” read to the annual meeting of members of the North
of England Gas Managers’ Association, at Newcastle, Air.
Geoffrey Weyman stated that there would be no hardship
entailed in the enforced use of a cheaper fuel than coal for
household use. No coal had been burnt at his house for
years. Not only had the use of coke from vertical retorts
proved cheaper, but it was now considered pleasanter.
Trouble in lighting the fires could be easily overcome by the
use of fresh broken coke of about walnut size, and the
employment of briquettes would prove a useful transition
stage between coal and coke. They burnt with a small
flame at first, but later, gave the brilliant radiant heat of
coke.

At Bellingham last week, Robert Rolfe, coal owner, was
charged, with having kept 9 lb. of gelignite and 36 detonators
in his dwelling house, contrary to the Explosives Act of 1875.
Defendant -admitted keeping the explosives, but contended
that under section 5 of the Act, it was not necessary for him
to have a licence for keeping gunpowder under a certain
quantity. As his wa-s for private use and under that
quantity, he thought he was within the law. It was pointed
out that that clause in the Act applied to gunpowder and not
to gelignite, which w-a-s one of the higher explosives.
Defendant had at one time been manager at Falstone
Colliery, and had kept 5001b. of higher explosives and
1,000 lb. of gunpowder. He knew he required a licence then,
but understood that his present position was not -similar. As