822

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN'.

April 27, 1917.

MINING AND OTHER NOTES.

The late Mr. Samuel Cunnah, colliery manager,
Broughton, Wrexham, has left estate valued at <£5,042.

Mr. J. A. Dixon, manager of Shilbottle Colliery, who
died intestate on February 17 last, left estate valued at
£2,169.

Sir Francis Brain has been appointed by the President
of the Board of Trade a member of the Advisory Board
for the control of the coal mines of the kingdom.

The Sulphate of Ammonia Advisory Committee has
decided to withdraw the equalisation scheme, in conse-
quence of the meagre response from makers.

The estate of the late Mr. G. Alder, of Lambert and
Company Limited, coal exporters, Gracechurch-street,
London, has been sworn at £133,904.

The London police authorities have given permission,
after a test extending over nine months, for a number of
coke-fuel motor-’bus chassis to be put into service.

The use of peat as a substitute for coal has once more
come to the front, and many traders are turning their
attention to this as fuel. The cost of transport and the
cost of labour are, however, supreme items just now. The
low heat value makes it unattractive, except in districts
remote from the ordinary coal fields.

With the sanction of the Treasury, the National Steam
Car Company are about to issue at par 100,000 ordinary
shares of £1 each, the money being required for the exten-
sion of the company’s business, and more particularly for
the manufacture of coke-fuel chassis and the conversion of
the company’s fleet of steam ’buses so as to burn coke
fuel in place of paraffin.

Details of a scheme of amalgamation of the leading
Anglo-Scotch explosive companies are said to have been
completed. The amalgamation will embrace Nobel’s
.Explosives Company, Glasgow; Curtis’s and Harvey, New-
castle; and some of the Birmingham firms.

LABOUR AND WAGES.

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

The Trimming Board met in Cardiff on Tuesday, to deal
with a question as to overtime payment claimed by the
tippers of Cardiff, Penarth and Barry docks in respect of
work done on the first Monday in August last year. In
ordinary circumstances the day would have been a Bank
holiday, but the holiday was waived, and the tippers.claimed
that there was an understanding between them and the
shippers that they should be paid overtime. As the men
could not produce any documentary evidence the enquiry
was adjourned. Later in the day the Swansea representa-
tives brought up the terms of a new agreement that had
been made by the trimmers in that port. The approval of
the board was secured.

The executive council of the South Wales Miners’
Federation resolved, at a meeting on Wednesday, to seek
authorisation from Monday’s conference of delegates for
making application for a further advance in the wage rate
on account of the increasing cost of living.

North of England.

Mr. John P. M. Nicholson, a working miner, residing
at Gladstone House, Rosehill, near Wallsend, has
written to Mr. Lloyd George drawing attention to
the fact that the Wallsend miners are only working
from two to three days per week, and asking how the
Government expects these men and their wives and
children to live on £1 or 30s. per week. “ To my thinking,”
he says, “the Government is pining for coals to get to the
Allies. As a body of men, we are willing to do our bit for
our country and also our Allies, if you can give us any
grounds to stand upon or a reason we are kept idle from
our work. The money that we are receiving is not keeping
body and soul alive.” He concludes by stating that the
collieries to which he refers are Wallsend . G Pit, the
Rising Sun Pit and the Edward Pit, all of which are owned
by the same firm. In reply, Mr. H. F. Carlill, of the Board
of Trade, has written to the effect that the Controller of
Coal Mines directs him to state that the present difficulties
are mainly due to the lack of shipping facilities, as a result
of which the local collieries are rendered liable to loss of
time.

The executive committee of the Northumberland Miners’
Association has vetoed the suggestion of the Tynedale
branch to take legal proceedings against the owners of the
local colliery to secure 14 days’ wages in lieu of notice for
certain men dismissed, as, in the executive’s opinion, such
proceedings would fail, seeing that the men were offered
work which they refused to accept. The Rising Sun
branch has been informed that, if a certain man can secure
the rented house now occupied by a colliery deputy, the
executive does not think it can successfully oppose an
eviction order against him by the colliery company for the
recovery of the colliery house in which he now is, and the
executive committee therefore advises the man to remove
into. the, house referred to. At the same meeting, the
executive committee decided to point out to the Broomhill
branch that the hours fillers were now staying in the mine
constituted a violation of the Eight Hours Act, and
suggested to them that, in case the men left the face in
order to get out in time, the probability was that the
colliery management would provide means of conveying
the men from the face to the shaft so that the actual
working time, as distinct from travelling time, might not
be shortened.

Federated Area.

Lord Ellesmere’s colliers have decided to work on Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7 to 3
and on Saturday 6 to 1.

Scotland.

Mr. D. Gilmour, of the Scottish Mine Workers National
Union, has been appointed to act as a representative on
the Labour Advisory Committee with regard to National
Service.

The miners of Lochrigg are to be allowed to remain on
shift wages for another month, and in the interval a special
effort will be made by both sides to arrange a satisfactory
ton rate for working the coal.

Owing to so much idle time, many of the men who have
subscribed to the recent War Loan under the system by
which their contributions . are deducted from the wages,
have had the arrangement cancelled meantime.

The miners in some of the Fife districts have asked the
executive to put forward a claim on their behalf for a
substantial increase in wages.

Iron, Steel and Engineering Trades.

A meeting between the Cleveland Ironstone Mine Owners
and the miners’ representatives was held at Middlesbrough
this week, Mr. A. F. Pease presiding. At a previous con-
ference, as stated in our last issue, it was agreed to advance
wages by 0’75 (| of one) per cent, under the recent
ascertained average selling price of pig iron, a claim by the
men for a war bonus being adjourned. At this week’s
meeting a settlement was effected, the men being granted
a special advance of 10 per cent., the mine owners reserving
the right to take this into consideration in discussing, three
months hence, any advance that may be due to the men
under the ascertained price of pig iron for the second
quarter of the year.

Sir George Askwith has intimated that an increase of 5s.
weekly should be made to engineering workers on the Clyde,
this having been granted to meet the increased cost of
living, and that this increase should be given generally to
male persons of 18 years and upwards.

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.

Hemel Hempstead, May 26.—Tenders are invited for
the supply, by 12 monthly instalments, of about 400 tons
of double-screened nuts, free of slack, and about 400 tons
of J in. slack, delivered free on rail at Hemel Hempstead
Midland Station. Tenders, which must be on official
forms, should be delivered not later than Saturday,
May 26, marked “ Tender for coal.” The Council does
not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender.—Walter
R. Locke, borough surveyor and waterworks engineer,
Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead.

Tottenham, May 8.—The Tottenham District Council
invite tenders for the supply of coal and gas coke for three,
six, and 12 months. Forms of tender can be obtained on
application to the engineer of the Council. Sealed tenders
(endorsed “ Coal contract ” or “ Coke contract ”), as the
case may be, must be delivered by Tuesday, May 8, to the
clerk, Mr. R. C. Graves, Town Hall, Tottenham.

Wigan, May 5.—The Corporation of Wigan invite
tenders for the supply of best quick-firing slack and (or)
washed, peas, to be delivered at the Electricity Works,
Wigan, by boat or f.o.r. Wigan, in such quantities and at
such times as may be required during the 12 months com-
mencing on July 1. The quantity of fuel required is about
10,000 tons. Form of tender may be obtained on appli-
cation to the electrical engineer, Bradford-place, Wigan.
Sealed tenders, on Corporation’s printed form only, and
endorsed “ Tender for fuel,” must be delivered to the
town clerk not later than May 5. The Corporation do not
bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender.

Abstracts of Contracts Open.

Ballymena (Ireland).—2,400 tons best screened gas coal
(delivered Larne) for the Gas Committee. Forms from the
manager, Gas Works, Ballymena.

Blackadon (near Ivybridge), April 30.—700 tons large
steam coal, 200 tons gas coal, and 100 tons large house
coal, for Plymouth Borough Asylum, Blackadon. Forms
from the clerk.

Blackpool.—Gas coal or nuts (12 months). Forms from
the engineer, Gas Office, Princess-street, Blackpool.

Cork, May 2.—500-600 tons (one cargo) Lancashire best
double-screened coal for the Harbour Commissioners.
Forms from the engineer, Commissioners’ Offices, Custom
House-street.

Edinburgh, April 30.—Gas coal (12 months) yielding
satisfactory quality of coke, for the Gas Commissioners.
Forms from the engineer, 15, Calton-hill, Edinburgh.

Glasgow, May 1. — Splint and smithy coal (three
months) for the Electricity Department. Forms from the
engineer, 75, Waterloo-street, Glasgow. 'Also coal (six
months) for the Cleansing Department. Forms from the
superintendent, 20, Trongate.

Granard (Ireland), April 30.—Fifty tons best screened
Whitehaven coal for the Guardians. Tenders to the clerk.

Letterkenny, May 14.—1,200 tons (or less) of best steam
coal, and 260 tons best English house coal (both double-
screened), for Donegal District Asylum, Letterkenny.
Forms from H. E. Russell, Asylum.

Manchester, May 2.—Washed and dry coal (12 months)
for the Electricity Committee. Forms from the secretary,
Electricity Department, Town Hall.

Rathdrum, April 30. — 150 tons best Wigan coal
(screened) for the Guardians by October 1. Forms from
the master, Workhouse.

Richmond (Surrey), May 8.—Steam coal and house coal
for the Main Sewerage Board. Forms from the engineer
to the Board, West Hall-road, Kew Gardens.

Rothesay, April 30.—Gas coal and freight (12 months)
for the Gas Committee. Forms from the gas manager.

Tobermory, April 30.—Coal (six months) for the Mull
Poorhouse. Tenders to the secretary, Poorhouse.

Whitecroft (Isle of Wight), May 1.—Fifty tons house
coal in bags, for Isle of Wight County Asylum. Forms
from the clerk, Whitecroft.

Wolverhampton, May 6.—40,000 tons best screened gas
coal and washed nuts (during 12 months) for Wolver-
hampton Gas Company. Forms from the engineer, Gas
Offices.

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

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

Glasgow, May 2.—Materials.—Iron, bolts, nuts, cast-
ings, steel barrows, shovels, wagon mountings, belting, etc.
(six months), for the Cleansing Department. Forms.from
the superintendent, 20, Trongate.

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.
REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Consolidation Coal Company Limited.—The report states
that the aggregate outstanding bonded debt of the com-
pany is 34,253,500 dols., exclusive of 2,293,000 dols. 5 per
cent, first and refunding mortgage bonds held in Treasury,
and 1,000,000 dols. of bonds of the Cumberland and Penn-
sylvania Railroad, issued under its mortgage of April 1,
1891. The gross earnings amounted to 17,342,366 dols., the
net earnings to 6,205,435 dols. After paying charges and
dividends there is a surplus of 2,574,774 dols.

Dundee Coal Company Limited. — The report for 1916
states that the output from the company’s two mines for
the year 1916 shows the substantial increase of 91,693 tons.
After paying debenture interest, £4,984, and providing
£15,350 for dividends, and £23,072 for depreciation, a
balance of £25,193 is carried forward to next account. On
January 11 a further dividend of 5 per cent, was declared,
and paid out of the balance carried forward. The increase
in business predicted in the last report has been well main-
tained, and is reflected in the output figures. The tonnage
of Dundee coal shipped at the port during 1916 was
100,412 tons 8 cwt. in excess of the previous year; of this
business, bunkers were responsible for 90,726 tons 13 cwt.;
export, 9,685 tons 15 cwt.

Johnson and Phillips Limited. — Net profit for 1916,
£56,061, and £25,300 was brought in, making £81,361.
After providing for debenture interest and sinking fund,
the directors allocate £12,139 to depreciation, transfer
£10,000 to reserve, and £10,000 to special reserve, and
recommend a dividend of 5 per cent, for year, free of
tax, carrying forward £9,961.

NEW COMPANIES.

Armstrong (R.) and Company Limited. — Private com-
pany. Registered office, 3, Cloak-lane, London, E.C. To
carry on the business of merchants and suppliers of cable
and wire, etc. Capital, £5,000. Directors: H. C. Rose
(chairman) and II. D. Douglas.

Batty (G.) and Sons Limited.—Registered April 20. To
carry on the business of an engineer and machinist.
Capital, £3,500. Directors: G., L., J., and G. Batty.
Qualification, £100.

Columbia Steel and Engineering Company Limited.—
Private company. Registered office, Regent House, Kings-
way, W.C. Registered April 13. To carry on business of
merchants and dealers in steel, iron, and other metals of all
kinds, manufactured or unmanufactured. Capital, £20,000.
Directors: H. Clough, R. R. Bevis, S. T. Mell, E. M.
Bonus, and M. J. Abbott.

Darfield Main Coal Company Limited. — Private com-
pany. Registered office, 1, Pancras-road, King’s Cross,
London. Registered April 17. To carry -on business of
coal and coke factors and merchants, cartage contractors,
colliery agents, sand, gravel, and general builders’ mer-
chants, contractors, etc. Capital, £5,000. Directors :
J. H. Beattie, C. J. H. McRea, and W. Penman.

Durke (Henry) Limited.—Private company. Registered
April 19. To carry on business of founders, mechanical
and general engineers, aeronautical, automobile, and
general sheet metal workers and manufacturers, etc.
Capital, £1,000. Directors shall be appointed by the sub-
scribers: C. H. Durke and H. Vincent.

Excelsior Coal Supply Company Limited.—Private com
pany. Registered office, 63, Windsor-road, Penarth.
Registered April 11. To carry on all or any of the trades
or businesses of wholesale and retail coal and coke mer-
chants and exporters, colliery owners, patent fuel and coke
merchants and exporters. Capital, £3,500. Directors
shall be appointed by the' subscribers. ' Subscribers: E. H.
Jones, P. Holdaway, and J. Davies.

Farrington Propeller and Engineering Company Limited.
—Private company. Registered office, 39, Victoria-street,
S.W. To carry on the business of engineers, iron founders,
dealers in railway apparatus, etc. Directors : J. S.
Cotman (chairman), F. M. T. Lange, J. E. Temple, and
J. C. McClelland.

Jones, Ferguson and Company Limited.— Private com-
pany. Registered April 5. To carry on business of
colliery agents, coal exporters, coal merchants, timber
importers, colliery proprietors, patent fuel' manufacturers,
and contractors. Capital, £5,000. Qualification, 1,000
shares. Subscribers : D. W. Jones and G. J. Ferguson.

Kenneth (A.) and Sons Limited.—Private company. To
acquire and carry on the business of coal masters at Dreg-
horn, Ayrshire. Capital, £50,000 in £1 shares. Sub-
scribers : R. and J. Kenneth, coal masters, both of Irvine.

Midland Metals (Wolverhampton) Limited. — Private
company. Registered office, 12, Cherry-street, Birmingham.
Registered April 19. To carry on business of metal
smelters and refiners, etc. Capital, £2,500. Directors
shall be appointed by the subscribers. Subscribers: E.
Fisher and Nelly B. Eaton.

National Smelting Company Limited.—Private company.
Registered April 12. To carry on the business of roasters,
smelters, refiners, rollers, galvanisers, and manufacturers
of and dealers in metals and ores and mineral substances
of every description. Capital, £500,000. Subscribers:
L. M. Smith, W. W. Paines, and F. C. Heley (all of
London).

Wolstanton Limited. — Private company. Registered
office, 22, Billiter-street, London, E.C. Registered
April 17. To carry on the business of iron masters, steel
makers and converters, colliery owners, etc., and adopt
an agreement with the Lilleshhll Company and the
Partington Steel and Iron Company. Directors: W.
Perrott and J. F. Wright (“A” directors), and Sir John
Harmood-Banner and F. W. Cooper (“B” directors).

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.

University of Sheffield (Mining Department).—A course
of classes in gas testing and air measurement will be held
on Saturday afternoons, commencing May 5, at 2 p.m.
Minimum number of students, six. Applicants must be
miners, with a competent knowledge of elementary arith-
metic. For further particulars, apply to the secretary,
Applied Science Department, St. George’s-square, Shef-
field.