April 20, 1917. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 779 tons. The Bench awarded the company <£1 against each of 34 boys who were away two days, and 10s. against the remainder, each defendant also being ordered to pay 3s. 6d. The Midlands. In Birmingham, the Lord Mayor has made an arrange- ment with the Corporation Gas Committee by which they have agreed to allow merchants to take from their stock 600 tons at cost price, to be delivered at coal yards and to be sold to small consumers at the market price. The experimental work on the Birmingham Canal, in adapting detachable electric motors to the existing type of colliery canal barge continues a matter of much interest. The opinion of the district colliery owners is that a valu- able step forward has been made. At the public trial referred to in our last issue, representatives were present from the canal, railway companies, and colliery and Black Country manufacturing concerns. Kent. Dover Corporation on Monday decided to place an order for 2,000 tons of Snowdown washed nuts, at 26s. 6d. per ton, for the municipal electricity undertaking. During last week the bricking of the No. 2 shaft at Snowdown Colliery was continued 69 ft., being lined during that period, from 2,951 ft. to 3,020 ft. The sinking had been stopped at 3,021-^ ft., a few feet below the new 4 ft. 5 in. seam of coal, and the shaft will not be taken any deeper for the present, in view of the necessity for concentrating on coal winning. The output from the Snow- down and Tilmanstone collieries remains at about 6,000 tons weekly. At the meeting of the South-Eastern Coal Field Exten- sion Limited, held on April 17, the balance-sheet for the period ended December 31, 1915, was presented. The report recorded that the directors have been devoting their energy to carrying out the programme unanimously agreed to by the shareholders—the principal feature of this being the proving of the deeper seams of the coal field by open- ing them out in the No. 2 shaft at Snowdown Colliery. The result of the investigation of the company’s affairs, and the action against Mr. Arthur Burr, with judgment of £16,681 for the company last month, was also dealt with at some length in the report, in which it was stated that, under the advice of counsel, the company have brought another action which will in the near future come on against Mr. Burr and Mr. Bryson, the claim being £4,062, in respect of the allotment of certain shares in the company. Scotland. Two Pits Closed — Science and Industry — Decision in Compensation Case—Checkweighman Case-Voluntary Enlistment. The coal trade in Fifeshire is not over brisk. Two more coal pits have been closed down. The Lassodie Colliery ambulance team has won the Mathewson Cup for the year. Quite recently this same team took a leading part in the competition for the Fife Miners’ Ambulance Shield. The Lanarkshire miners’ executive on Saturday decided to interview the Pensions Minister (Mr. G. N. Barnes) on the question of men being returned to the mines under Reserve W. Mr. Barnes has consented to an early meeting. Many serious mining accidents in Fifeshire have been reported recently. Last week two fatal accidents were added to the number. At the Nellie pit a miner, named Henry Hogarth, was killed by a fall from the roof ; while at Minto Colliery, Patrick O’Kane met his death through a fall from the face. Mr. Joseph Parker, principal of the Fife Mining School, Cowdenbeath, delivered an interesting address on “ Science and Industry ” at the first meeting of the Beath Scientific Society. The discussion which followed was taken part in by Messrs. II. Rowan and C. C. Reid (agents of the Fife Coal Company), George Eastwood, and others. In the Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday, A. Meikle, pony driver, was charged with having on March 23, in the return airway of the Ell coal seam, No. 1 pit, Earnock Colliery, ridden a horse contrary to the Mines Act. He pleaded guilty, and the Fiscal explained that this was a bad case of insubordination. When checked by the overs- man, accused gave expression to abusive language, and even threatened his superior with violence. Sheriff Shennan said he had a mind to send the accused to prison. If any more cases of this description came from 'this colliery, imprisonment without the option of a fine would be the punishment. Meantime, he was going to double the fine imposed in the last case, so the penalty would be £4, or 26 days’ imprisonment. Interim Sheriff Wark has issued his interlocutor in Kirk- caldy Sheriff Court in the action for compensation at the instance of John Watson, miner, 143, Park-road, Galla- town, against the Wemyss Coal Company. Claimant alleged that he was preparing a shot in Lochside Colliery which had been put into the brushing at about 30 yds. from the coal face, when the detonator which he had placed on a building on the road at a height of 2 ft. rolled off and fell to the ground. The result was that he was badly injured. On the other hand, respondents averred that Watson had been guilty of wilful misconduct, and that the detonator would not explode in the circumstances stated. His lordship finds for claimant, and awards compensation at the rate of 20s. per week from October 21 to March 30, and thereafter at the rate of 10s. per week, with expenses. After a proof in Haddington Sheriff Court in an action, under the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887, by the Udston Colliery Company Limited, St. Germains, for the removal of the checkweighman at the colliery, Sheriff Macleod has given his judgment. Complainants alleged that on March 5, which was a stormy day, the checkweighman per- suaded the pithead women and boys not to proceed with their work until a concession of pay-and-a-half was granted them. It was alleged that he interfered with other workers who came to replace the women and boys, and that he called them “blacklegs.” Sheriff Macleod has granted warrant for the removal of the checkweighman, finding it proved that he had deliberately attempted to thwart the efforts of the manager to carry on the work of the pit, and that the workmen were called “blacklegs.” His lordship did not find it proved that the checkweighman had incited the women and boys to demand extra pay, but that the women themselves were responsible. He found neither party entitled to expenses. Enquiries show that while the campaign for the volun- tary enlistment of miners is still being prosecuted with vigour throughout the mining districts of Lanarkshire, the response to date has only been “fairly satisfactory.” By the present campaign the advocates of voluntary enlist- ment hope to secure 20,000 young miners for the Army, and Lanarkshire’s contribution to that total would be 1,500. The enlistments to date are far short of the mili- tary demands, at all events so far as Lanarkshire is con- cerned. The present crusade is not being countenanced by all the agents of the Lanarkshire .Miners’ Union. There are those who are disposed to think that the “ combing- out ” process previously adopted was accomplishing good results, and that it ought to have been continued rather than that there should be the present reversion to volun- tary enlistment. On the other hand, other agents of the union, including Mr. David Gilmour, Hamilton, are doing what they can to support the recruiting officers at the mass meetings which are being held at the collieries. If the voluntary effort fails, a spirited agitation will be started for the “ roping in ” by the military authorities of all those men of military age who have found employment in the mines since the date of national registration in August 1915. COAL, moss AM EKGIKEERIHG COMPANIES. REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS. Curtis’s and Harvey Limited. — The report for 1916 expresses regret at the directors’ inability to submit to the shareholders the usual accounts for the year’s trading, for the reason that there are a number of outstanding ques- tions which require to be settled with the Ministry of Munitions. The directors are satisfied that the result of the year’s trading justifies them in recommending the pay- ment of a further dividend, and they propose that a final dividend of 5 per cent, and a bonus of 10 per cent, (both less income tax) be paid, making a total distribution for the year of 20 per cent., equivalent to 12^ per cent, (less income tax) on the original capital of the company. Dominion Steel Corporation Limited.—The directors have declared dividend No. 20 at rate of 1^ per cent, on pre- ference shares. Glover (W. T.) and Company Limited.—The directors have decided to recommend the payment of dividend for the year ended December 31, 1916, at the rate of 5 per cent, on the cumulative preference shares, and 6 per cent, on the ordinary shares. These dividends, less income tax, absorb about £9,215, and, after allocating £6,500 to deben- ture redemption funds, and transferring £15,000 to reserve funds, a balance of £22,025 remains to carry forward to next year, subject to excess profits duty. After the above provisions, the first mortgage debenture redemption fund will stand at £43,000, the second mortgage debenture fund at £40,501, and the reserve fund at £60,000, making a total of £143,501. Ocean Coal and Wilsons Company Limited. — The accounts for 1916 show a divisible balance of £303,464. A final dividend of 10 per cent, is proposed, making 16 per cent., free of income tax, for the 12 months, and carrying forward £7,248. Steel Developments Limited.—The report for 1916 states that the profit for the year amounts to £14,232, and £1,198 was brought in, making £15,430. After placing £1,000 to depreciation of investments, the directors pro- pose a further dividend, making 10 per cent, for the year, free of tax, put £4,000 to reserve, and carry forward £2,641. United States Steel Corporation.—The annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1916, shows combined gross sales and earnings of 1,231,473,779 dols. This is by far the best year the corporation ever experienced, and compares with 726,683,589 dols. in the preceding 12 months. The income account corresponds closely to the figures con- tained in the preliminary report published some time ago. The surplus net income for the year amounted to 201,835,585 dols., an increase of 157,575,210 dols. The total surplus, exclusive of profits earned by subsidiary companies on inter-company sales of products on hand in inventories December 31, 1916, amounted to 381,360,913 dols. Willans said Robinson Limited. — The accounts show, after payment of debenture interest, provision for depre- ciation of plant and machinery, re-valuation of stocks, and allowances to employees .on active service, a net profit of £20,090. An interim dividend on the “A” preference stock has already been paid, and warrants will be posted cover- ing the balance dividend on “A” stock, the annual divi- dend on “ B ” preference stock and annual interest on those funding certificates outstanding. A dividend of 10 per cent, on the ordinary shares is recommended, leaving £12,140, of which it is proposed to add £10,463 to reserve, and to distribute £1,677 among the holders of “B ” stock and ordinary shares. NEW COMPANIES. Bourne Valley Manufacturing Company Limited.— Private company. Registered March 27. Manufacturers, steel, iron, and brass founders, engineers, etc. Capital, £50,000 in £1 shares: Cameron (L.) and Son Limited. — Private company. Registered March 24. To take over business of steel manu- facturers carried on by W. S. Cameron and A. Popplewell at Boston Works, Marv-street, Sheffield, as L. Cameron and Son. Capital, £2,000. Longclose Foundry Company Limited. — Private com- pany. To acquire the business of iron founders, engineers, etc., carried on by E. W. Broadbent, C. Callebaut, and J. I). Blicquy, at Longclose Foundry, Dolly-lane, Leeds. Capital, £5,000 in £1 shares. Directors : E. W. Broad- bent and D. S. Mellish. Olsen (William) Limited. — Private company. Regis- tered March 26. To take over business of general mer- chant, importer, exporter, and manufacturer of iron works requisites, etc., carried on by W. Olsen. Capital, £2,000. This list of new companies is taken from the Daily Register specially compiled by Messrs. Jordan ana Sons Limited, company registration agents, Chancery-lane, E.C. The coasting steamer “ Rostriever,” 310 tons register, belonging to Messrs. Joseph Fisher and Sons, of Newry, which regularly traded with coals from Maryport to Ireland, was lost in the Irish Sea in a gale last week The crew were saved. , THE FREIGHT MARKET. There has been no improvement in the supply of collier tonnage in the freight market of the north-east coast, although arrivals of requisitioned steamers for the carriage of coal on official account have been rather more numerous. Very few vessels for engagement in the open chartering market have materialised, only seven or eight in all being reported. At South Wales, on the other hand, the relaxa- tion of rates in favour of neutrals appears to have had a very big effect, for the volume of fixtures is the largest that has been recorded in any one week for many weeks past. French Atlantic ports have been chiefly favoured in the chartering, and a very considerable volume of business for that direction is announced. Homewards, River Plate rates remain at 135s. from up- river, and 130s. from down-river ports to United Kingdom, with only a small enquiry, and very little being done. At the United States, the rate for coal from Virginia to the River Plate has again advanced by 2s. 6d., being now up to 105s. On net form of charter, neutral tonnage is in fair request, at up to 200s. from the Northern Range to United Kingdom, with 230s. quoted from the Gulf. On account of the Wheat Committee, the Northern Range is quoted at 37s. 6d. to the French Atlantic, with the Gulf at from 40s. to 42s. 6d. to the same destination, rates show- ing a smart advance on the week. At the Far East, Saigon-Haiphong to Marseilles or French Atlantic with rice has advanced by 25s., being now quoted at 350s. Madras Coast merchants are indicating as much as 440s.— an increase of 40s. on the week—for cargoes of kernels to French ports. Calcutta on jute basis to Genoa is steady, at 280s. Bombay to United Kingdom is up to 300s., an increment of 60s. Kurrachee to the same destination is 15s. up, being listed at 240s. Tyne to Gibraltar, 2,800, 82s.; 2,700, 90s.; Lisbon, 2,800, 82s.■; London, 1,500, 20s., reported; North French Range, 1,200, 45s., coke; Rouen, 800, 60s., pitch; Stavanger, 1,200, 150 kr. Cardiff to Azores, 3,000, 65s.; Bordeaux, 1,200 and 1.500, 34s.; Bilbao, 3,000, 80s., 400; Barcelona, 3,300, 162s. 6d.; Brest, 1,800, 22s.; Caen, 960, 24s.; 800, 36s., neutral; 2,100, 46s. 6d., neutral; Cherbourg, 1,200 and 1,800, 23s. 6d.; Chantenay, 3,700, 61s. 6d., neutral; Dakar, 2,700, 75s., 500; Gibraltar, 1,200 and 3,300, 82s. 6d., 500; 4,000 and 5,000, 80s., 500; Havre, 1,300, 22s. 6d.; 1,300, 45s. 9d., 500, neutral; 1,250 and 1,600, 45s. 9d., neutral; La Rochelle, 2,800, 61s. 6d., neutral; La Pallice, 2,800, 61s. 6d., neutral; Rouen, 500, 57s. 6d., coke, neutral; 1,800, 24s. 6d.; 700, 50s. 3d., neutral; 1,600, 2,100, and 2.500, 48s. 9d., neutral; St. Nazaire, 4,000, 61s. 6d., neutral. Wales to Rouen, two boats, 57s. 6d. coke, 24s. 6d. coal; Caen, 950, 24s.; Bordeaux, 1,500, 34s. Glasgow to Gibraltar, 80s., April. Swansea to Irvine, 450 and 200, 15s.; Chantenay, 2,400, 61s. 6d.; Tonnay Charente, 1,500, 61s. 6d., neutral; 1,300, 57s., neutral; 700, 31s. 9d., patent fuel; Nantes or Chante- nay, 2,100, 61s. 6d., neutral; Lisbon, 430, sail, 90s.; Dublin, 220, 15s.; Granville, 700, 48s., neutral; 700, 24s.; Rouen, 2,100, 24s. 6d. Hull to Gibraltar, 2,000, 90s. Mersey to Cape Verds, 75s. Coal Controller’s Recruiting Proposals.—A national con- ference of the coal mining industry, convened by the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain, was held at the Central Hall, Westminster, this week, for the purpose of considering the attitude of the workmen in the coal mining industry to the proposals made by the Coal Con- troller for the