May 12, 1916.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

915

Greenock, May 22.—Coal (12. months). Forms from the
engine: r, Corporation Gas Works.

Larne, May 17.—150-130 tons screened coal, for the
Guardians. Particulars from the clerk, Union Offices,
Larne.

London, May 15.—Nottingham hard steam coal (12
months). Tenders to secretary, University Hospital, Gowcr-
street.

London, May 18.—-Steam and house coal (12 months).
Forms from house steward, St. Thomas’s Hospital, West-
minster Bridge.

Matlock Bath, May 16.—2,200 tons gas coal or nuts for
the Council. Particulars from the manager, Gas Works.

Oxford, May 15. — 40,000 tons gas coal or nuts (12
months). Tenders to chairman, Gaslight and Coke Company.

Paddington, June 3.—Coal and coke (12 months). Forms
from the town clerk.

Richmond, May 30.—1,500 tons steam coal (12 months).
Forms from the borough water engineer.

Rothwell, May 15. — 2,000 tons gas coal or nuts (12
months). Tenders to the clerk, Council Offices, Rothwell.

Stoke-on-Trent.—Gas coal (12 months) for the Corpora-
tion. Forms from the chief engineer, Gas Works, Longport,
Stoke-on-Trent.

Strathavon, May 19.—1,400 tons of coal (12 months) for
the Gas Company. Tenders to the secretary.

Swindon, May 30.—Steam coal, for electricity works and
waterworks. Forms from the town clerk.

Wishaw, May 17.—9,000 tons, cannel, gas coal, coking
coal and coking nuts (12 months), for the Town Council.
Forms from the engineer, Gas Works.

Wolverhampton, May 19.—1,000 tons or more. Forms
from the chief engineer, Electricity Works.

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

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

Dundalk, May 15.—Stores.—Castings, files, hammers,
nails, bolts, nuts, round timber, etc., for the Harbour
Commissioners. Tenders to the harbour engineer, Dundalk.

Liverpool, May 31.—Stores.—Bolts, nuts, electrical
fittings, files, iron and steel, engine packing, etc., for the
Liverpool Overhead Railway. Particulars from 31, James-
street, Liverpool.

Coal in Egypt.—The Egyptian Government is reported to
be carrying out investigations with a view to ascertaining
whether there exist any workable deposits of coal in Upper
Egypt. Formations carrying considerable bituminous matter
do exist over a wide area in Egypt, but there is as yet no
proof of commercially valuable beds and seams. With a
view to the exploration of the Red Sea ranges, it has been
decided to carry out borings and tests.

The Coal Trade Benevolent Association. — At the 23rd
annual festival dinner of the Coal Trade Benevolent Associa-'
tion, held in the Hotel Cecil, on Monday evening, under
the presidency of Lord Airedale, donations were announced
to the amount of £1,795—a record in the history of the
association. There was a numerous attendance of repre-
sentatives of the trade from all parts of the kingdom, <and
among the visitors was Lord Southwark. The chairman, in
proposing “ The Continued Prosperity of the Association,’’
said he made no apology that at a time of great national
crisis they were holding their annual festival dinner, for
they had come there in the cause of charity and solely in the
belief that they were doing something to assist one of the
most useful organisations that the country contained.
(Hear, hear.) He recalled that his father took much
interest in the society, and occupied the chair at their
festival in 1909, and said he himself was eager to be of
what assistance he could. (Applause.) To carry out the
work of the association ample funds were necessary, and to
have abandoned the festival would have meant a heavy
loss, which the association could not afford, and which would
have caused suffering and hardship to many. Those who
read the annual report could not fail to be struck by the
low cost at which the association was run, and the broadness
of its aims. Assistance was given to the non-manual seer,ion
of the trade, to clerks who had no trade unions to fall back
upon ; and in bringing happiness to the unfortunate, and
in assisting widows and children left lin need, and giving
them a new start in life. The association was doing most
excellent work. (Ajiplause.) Air. E. Oliver (chairman of
the association), in responding, said they remembered with
gratitude the interest which the late Lord Airedale took in
the association, and were gratified that that interest wuis
continued by his present lordship. In entering a plea that
the association should be put on a self-supporting basis, he
said they were grateful to the wealthy members of the
trade in coming forward with subscriptions, but he would
like to see the number of ordinary guinea subscribers
increased indefinitely. Last year over £3,000 was dis-
tributed in relief, and this year, at the rate they were
going, the amount was likely to be £4,000. He did rot.
know of a single case that had come before the directors
that had not received adequate relief. (Applause.) Mr. J.
Shaw, K.C.,. submitting the toast of “ The Branches of the
Association,” remarked it was well known that coal owners
and coal factors were the most unpopular people in the
country. (Laughter.) Everybody thought a coal owner
was a millionaire who was trying to rob the country, and
that the coal factor was trying to “ do ” everybody he
could—(laughter)—but that was not the case. (Hear, hear.)
There were now 14 branches, but there were many places
yet untouched by the association, and he expressed the hope
that . Northumberland and Durham and Scotland would
establish branches. Yorkshire had set an excellent example,
and had contribuated £1,556—largely owing, he believed,
to the influence of Mr. T. K. Fox, a former chairman of
the association. (Hear, hear.) Mr. E. Spear (Bristol)
acknowledged the toast. The list of donations announced
by the secretary (Mr. Collins) included :—Lord Airedale,
100 gs.; Mr. Wallace Spiers, 100 gs. and a valuable book-
case, which is to be sold for the benefit of the fund; Col.
G. H. Peake (Staffs. Colliery), £100; Wm. Cory and Sons,
100 gs.; the Lambton and Hetton Collieries, £50; Sir
Robert Hadfield, £25; Furness, Withy and Company,
10 gs. ; Air. T K. Fox, 10 gs.; and Sir Hugh Bell, 5 gs.

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.
REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Anglo-French (Transvaal) Navigation Coal Company.—The
sales of marketable coal during the year amounted to 349,353
tons, being 32,932 tons more than in 1914. The net profit
was slightly less, at £23,101, out of which £3,000 has again
been allocated to extension of plant, depreciation, etc. Two
dividends, amounting together to 12J per cent., or the same
as for the previous year, have been paid on the preference
shares, leaving £9,562, in contrast with £6,559, carried
forward.

Anglo-Spanish Coaling Company Limited.—The report for
1915 states that the net income, after placing £3,000 to
reserve for income-tax, and writing off £500 from the forma-
tion expenses, amounts to £26,855, which, with £5,391
brought, forward, makes £32,247. A dividend at the rate of
20 per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares for the half-
year ended December 31 is recommended, free of tax, £13.000
to reserve for contingencies, and £12.560 carried forward.

Bell’s United Asbestos Company Limited.—The directors,
after providing for excess profits duty for 1914 and 1915,
recommend a balance dividend of Is. 6d. per share on ordi-
nary, with a bonus of 6d. per share, making 15 per cent, for
vear, placing £15,000 to reserve, and carrying forward
£7,942.

Broomhill Collieries Limited.—The. directors have decided
to pay an interim dividend on the ordinary shares at the
rate of 5 per cent., less income-tax.

Dorman, Long and Company Limited. — The directors
announce an interim dividend of 4 per cent., free of tax,
for the half-year ended March 31, payable June 14.

Glencoe (Natal) Collieries Limited.—The report for 1915
states that the output totalled 153,059 tons, a decrease of
11,430 tons as compared with the previous year, and 31,564
tons with 1913. The reduction in output has been mainly
due to shortage of railway trucks, and not to lack of orders.
Capital expenditure was £2,547, a decrease of nearly £900.
An amount of £5,235 (which includes £880 cost of pitch and
other manufacturing material on hand) has been spent on a
patent fuel (briquette) factory at Durban. The net profit
appears as £4,490, after making provision for general charges
and depreciation. After providing for special expenditure and
other writings off, and including the previous year’s balance,
the amount carried forward is £14,188. The financial posi-
tion shows a. balance of cash assets over liabilities of £8,513.

Hill (Richard) and Company (1899) Limited. — Interim
dividend of 5 per cent, per annum, less tax, on the ordinary
shares for the half-year.

Hyderabad Deccan Company Limited.—A final dividend of
Is. 6d. per share, less income-tax, making a total of 2s. fid.
for the year 1915, is declared, carrying forward £19,933.

John Lysaght Limited.—The accounts for the year 1915
show that, after providing for depreciation and bad debts, the
total profits amount to £414,763. After making provision
for interest on the debenture stock, and dividends on 6 per
cent, preference shares, there remains, including the amount
brought forward, a disposable balance of £833,004, which the
directors recommend shall be apportioned as follows :—To
pay a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum and a
bonus of 3s. per share, both free of income-tax, on the ordi-
nary shares; to carry to the reserve fund a sum of £50,000,
making it £750,000; to carry to steel works redemption
account £40,000,; to carry to workmen’s provident fund, to
be at the disposal of the directors, the sum of £10,000; to
carry forward the balance of £633,004 13s. 7d. to next year’s
account, subject to income-tax, excess profits tax, and
directors’ fees.

Nobel’s Explosives Company Limited. — The directors
recommend the distribution of ordinary dividend at the rate
of 10 per cent, and a bonus at the rate of 5 per cent., both
free of tax, for 1915.

Oakbank Oil Company Limited.—The report states that
the amount at the credit of profit and loss account, including
£12,302 brought forward, is £54,288, from which falls to be
deducted interest on loans, £1,831, and interim dividend on
the preference shares, leaving £49,456, which the directors
recommend should be disposed of as follows :—Balance of
dividend on the preference shares, dividend at the rate of 10
per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares,, writing off
depreciation on plant, leases, etc., £12,000; placing to retort
renewal fund £5,000; and carrying forward £12,456.

Shotts Iron Company Limited. — The directors have
declared an interim dividend of 10 per cent., less tax, on
the ordinary shares.

NEW COMPANIES.

Burton and Nelson Limited.—Private company. Regis-
tered Alay 2. To carry on business of engineers, founders,
smiths, etc. Nominal capital, £1,000 in 1,000 £1 shares.
First directors and subscribers (one share each) : J. H. Nelson
and R. S. Nelson. Qualification of directors, £10.

Easton Estates Limited.—Private company. Registered
May 3. To purchase and traffic in land (including minerals)
and buildings in Northumberland. Durham, and Yorkshire.
Nominal capital, £40,000 in 40,000 £1 shares. First perma-
nent directors and subscribers (one share each) : T. W.
Embleton, H. G. Embleton, Louisa G. Em'bleton, and Emily
M. Embleton. Qualification of directors, other than perma-
nent directors, 200 ordinary shares.

Lyndin Partners Limited.—Private company. Registered
May 4. To carry on business of iron founders, mechanical
engineers, etc. Nominal capital, £1,000 in 1,000 £1 shares.
First directors : D. L. Honeyman, A. B. Burbrodge, and
J. F. Wakelin.

Wicksteed (Arnold) and Company Limited.—Private com-
panv. Registered May 2. To acquire business of Arnold
Wicksteed And Company, Sheffield, hand tool and machine
manufacturers and merchants, and carry on business of manu-
facturers and merchants of all kinds of iron, steel, and other
metals, coal, coke, and lime merchants, contractors for public
works, etc. Nominal capital, £5,000 in 5,000 £1 shares.
First directors and subscribers (one share each) : A. Wick-
steed and Helen Wicksteed. Qualification of directors, 50
shares.

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

Air. C. B. Pugh, 1, Bescot-road, Walsall, has succeeded
Air. W. H. Carder (resigned) as secretary of the Stafford-
shire Iron and Steel Institute.

THE FREIGHT MARKET.

A very marked improvement in chartering has set in on
the outward freight markets, and the list of fixtures result-
ing from the past week’s work is quite lengthy when
compared with those for recent weeks. Operations are still
rendered extremely difficult by reason of the badly choked
state of loading turns, but merchants are showing a good
deal more inclination to secure tonnage. Throughout the
North-East Coast, loading turns are well filled for some
time ahead, and at the Tyne, in particular, prompt business
is practically at a standstill. Only on very rare occasions
are prompt coal cargoes to be had, and the demand for
tonnage, therefore, is almost wholly confined to positions
further forward. The enquiry for boats for the remaining
portion of the month is rapidly increasing, for it is generally
expected that the present “ chock and block ” conditions at
the berths will continue for some time. Rates for nearly
all destinations are very firm, and steadily advancing.
Coastwise, London is Is. advanced at 16s. The demand for
vessels for North France is heavier than ever, and a very
large number of boats have been fixed for Dunkirk and
Rouen during the week. The former port is fully Is.
dearer than a week ago, and the latter is distinctly stronger.
For coke, up to 62s. 6d. has been conceded for Dunkirk or
Caen. The Bay, also, is substantially advanced, and has
Bordeaux at 60s., an advance of 2s. 6d., and Bayonne at
63s. 6d. New records have been established in Mediter-
ranean rates, the long expected 100s. having been paid and
exceeded for Genoa range. Quotations are now firmly based
on that figure, with a further 6d. occasionally obtainable.
These figures represent an increase of from 2s. 6d. to 3s.
The Canary Islands are as much as 10s. higher. Business
at Cardiff, too, is very severely restricted by congestion of
turns, but boats for forward cancelling are scarce, and
owners have been able to secure full recent rates, with, in
some cases, additions. A good business has been done for
North French ports, and up to 40s. has been paid for
Dunkirk, whilst Rouen is worth the higher figure of 38s.
In the Bay section, Bordeaux is from 5 fr. to 10 fr. increased,
and is very strong at about 65 fr. Alediterranean-wards,
rates for Italian ports are showing a strong forward move-
ment, and Genoa is from 2s. 6d. to 5s. up, whilst Alarseilles
has repeated the previous record rate of 125 fr. Port Said
is worth 110s. 6d.,an advance of 6d. The River Plate is
weaker at about 57s. 6d. for this month.

In the homeward market, the River Plate is remarkably
strong, and has been fixed for to United Kingdom at 175s.
and 177s. 6d. for June-July cancelling. Charterers are
anxious to have the option of French Atlantic and Mediter-
ranean at 5s. and 10s. more respectively. The Wheat
Committee is not pressing matters, but would probably be
willing to operate at 152s. 6d. to United Kingdom for
forward loading. The States market is about steady, with
rates based on about 13s. 3d. to the Bristol Channel for
heavy grain, and about 30s. to the French Mediterranean.
Coal tonnage is worth 85s. from Virginia to the River Plate,
and the advanced figure of 125s. to West Italy. The
Eastern markets are fully steady. The rice ports are repre-
sented by from 160s. to 162s. 6d. from Saigon-Haiphong to
a full range of French ports. From India, Kurrachee would
be workable at 115s. on scale terms for United Kingdom,
and Bombay at 140s. on d.w. to two ports United Kingdom
or Mediterranean. The Madras Coast is based on 170s. to
Alarseilles with kernels.

Tyne to Algiers, 3,000, 79s. ; Buenos Ayres, 3,000, 60s. ;
Boulogne, 800, 47s. fid. ; Bayonne, 2,400, 63s. fid.; 600,
63s. 6d.; Bordeaux, 2,400, 60s.; Chantenay, 2,000, 60s. ;
Caen, 600, 62s. 6d., coke; Dunkirk, 600, 62s. 6d., coke;
3.000, 47s. 6d. ; 2,100, 46s.; 500, 60s., coke; 2,100, 45s.;
2,400, 47s. 6d. ; 400, 61s., coke; 2,000, 47s. 6d. ; 500,
62s. 6d., coke; 1,250, 47s. 6d.; 1,500, 48s.; Genoa, 1,800,
100s.; 2,600, 100s. 6d.; 2,500, 100s.; 3,500, 100s. 6d.;
4,000, 100s.; 5,500, 100s./Gibraltar, 3,500, 52s. 6d.; Havre,
1,500, 45s.; 800, 50s., pitch; 2,000, 45s.; 500, 45s.; 1,600,
46s.; London, 1,300, 16s.; Las Palmas, 2,000, 45s.; 2,500,
55s. ; 1,700, 55s. ; Lisbon, 1,800, 65s.; Oran, 5,000, 76s. 6d.;
2,900, 80s.; Oporto, 1,000, 70s.; River Plate, 2,000, 65s.;
3,000, 60s.; Rouen, 2,000, 46s. 6d.; 700, 47s.; 2,100,
47s. 6d.; 1,600, 47s. fid.; 2,300, 42s. 6d.; 2,800, 47s. 6d.;
2,300, 47s. 6d.; 2,000, 45s.; 1,200, 45s.; 2,000, 47s. 6d.;

1,800,	47s.; 1,200, 47s. fid.; 800, 47s. 6d.; 2,600, 45s.;
Rochefort, 2,000, 60s.; Savona, 1,800, 100s.; 4,000, 100s.;
Spezzia, 2,600, 100s. 6d.; Teneriffe, 2,000, 45s.; Trapani,
2,000, 102s. 6d. ; Treport, 900, 46s.; 800, 49s.; 700, 48s.

Cardiff to Algiers, 3,400, 100 fr.; 3,200, 105 fr., May 15;
Bayonne, 550, 62 fr., '250; Barcelona, 3,000, 70s.; 1,700,
75s.; 1,850, 75s. 9d., fuel; Bordeaux, 2,500, 60 fr.; 2,000,
65 fr.; Dunkirk, 38s.; 1,500, 38s.; 700, 40s.; Dakar, 3,000,
42s. 6d., 700; 3,000, 40s., 1,000; Genoa, 90s.; 1,500, 90s.;
4,000, 92s. 6d.; Havre, 1,250, 33s.; 2,150, 32s.; Lisbon,

1.800,	35s., 500; 2,800, 35s., 500; 1,450, 40s.; 2,000, 40s.;
Leghorn, 1,500, 90s.; 4,000, 92s. 6d.; Marseilles, 2,700,
120 fr. ; 2,100, 125 fr. ; Alarans, 650, 63 fr., May; Monte
Video, 60s., May; Pirseus, 110s., May; Port Said, 6,500,
110s. 6d.; River* Plate, 4,100, 57s. 6d., 400; 400, 57s. fid.,
400, May; Rouen, 36s.; 1,900, 36s. 6d. ; 1,600, 37s.; 2,500,
36s. 6d. ; 2,200, 36s. 6d., May 15; 1,200, 36s. 9d.; 2,100,
38s.; 2,700, 37s.; Savona, 1,500, 90s.; 4,000, 92s. 6d.; St.
Nazaire, 2,300, 53 fr. ; 3,000, 53 fr. ; 1,650, 55 fr.; Spezzia,
1,500, 90s.; 4,000, 92s. fid.; St. Vincent, 3,200, 47s. 6d.;
St. Malo, 900, 27s. 6d.; 350, 28s. ; Treport, 650, 38s.; 800,
37s. 6d.; 760, 40s.; 800, 37s.; 900, 39s.; Syra, 110s., May;
Trouville, 1,800, 33s.; 700, 33s.; AVest Italy, 3,800, 90s.,
•May.

Swansea to Dieppe, 2,800, 31s. 6d.; 600, 35s.; Honfleur,
950, 34s. 6d.: 900, 37s. 6d.; Rouen, 1,700, 37s.; 850, 40s.;
Havre, 800, 33s. ; Genoa, Savona, Spezzia, or Leghorn,

2.800,	95s.: Naples, 2,800 , 92s. 6d., 800; Calais, 900, 40s.;
Granville, 750, 35s.; Dieppe, 1,000, 35s.

Newport to Treport, 900, 39s.; Naples, 4,800, 85s., 1,000;
Syra, 110s., May; Pirasus, 110s., May; Alicante, 950, 75s.

Port Talbot to Bordeaux, 2,200, 67 fr.; Rouen, 1,150,
36s. 4id., May; 2,000, 36s. 6d.; Genoa, 3,100, 92s. fid.;
Nantes, 1,400, 551 fr.

Hartlepool to Marseilles, 2,500, 97s. 6d.

Firth of Forth to Rouen, 700, 48s.

Glasgow to Genoa, Savona, Spezzia, or Leghorn, 92s. 6d.;
West Italy, 3,000, 95s.

Fife port to Rouen, 3,100, 50s..

Troon to St. Nazaire, 2,100, 65 fr.

Blyth to Bordeaux, 2,400, 60s.

Wear to Bordeaux, 2,400, 60s.

Ayr to Rouen, 2,000, 45s.

Llanelly to Honfleur, 470, 33s.

Hull to Rouen, 1,500, 45s.; Malaga, 1,500, 81s. 3d.

Grimsby to Malaga, 1,500, 81s. 3d.; Dunkirk, 900, 40s.