May 17, 1918

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

1007

MECHANICAL STOKERS FOR COKE.

In view of the Order recently issued by the Board
of Trade for Bristol electric lighting and tramway
authorities in the southern part of England to reduce
their coal consumption by 15 per cent., the Tramways
(Board of Trade) Committee has recommended, inter alia,
the partial substitution of locally produced gas coke
for coal.

Considerable stocks of surplus coke (and other com-
bustible residuals) have already accumulated; but
before it can be utilised to the best advantage at power
stations, existing coal-burning mechanical stokers must
necessarily be adapted to suit the peculiar characteristics
of coke.

The chain grate stoker is designed to deal with
bituminous coal on the two-stage principle—the coal
being carried forward under an incandescent coking or
ignition arch, where the primary stage of distillation
and combustion of the hydrocarbon gases is completed.
The second stage is the combustion of the solid residue,
or coked coal, before the rear end of the gate is reached.
Now, even with moderate admixtures of coke, the neces-
sary high temperature of the coking arch cannot be
maintained, and it is equally impossible to adjust the
time factor, so that both the free burning coal and the
relatively slow burning coke are completely consumed
on reaching the dumping bars.

Mr. E. W. L. Nicol, engineer and fuel expert to the
London Coke Committee, has developed an apparatus
for firing coke and coal on chain grate stokers in two
or more superposed layers. In its simplest form this
apparatus consists of a double fetd hopper, the front
compartment feeding the grate with suitably graded
coke to a depth proportioned to the available draught.
The second compartment feeds a layer of bituminous
coal slack, the joint thickness of the two layers being
regulated by means of a guillotine door. For use with
gas coke breeze, or similar fine fuel, a three-compart-
ment feed hopper has been designed.	1

This system has been adopted on a large scale at
various power stations, and it is found that, instead of a
loss in boiler capacity through the use of a two-thirds
admixture of coke, a substantial improvement in thermal
efficiency is effected, owing to the very low excess of air
and the consequent increase in furnace temperature and
the relatively high proportion of C02 in the flue gases—
the evaporation obtained with a given consumption of
coal and mixed fuel respectively being in the proportion
of 7:7’8.

THE FUTURE OF MINING EDUCATION.

Mr. S. C. Laws, M.A., B.Sc., in his presidential
address to the Past and Present Students’ Association
of the Wigan Mining and Technical College, said that
the new Education Bill, requiring universal attendance
at some form of day continuation school up to 18 years
of age, touched them both on the educational and the
industrial side, and represented the most sweeping
change since the Act of 1870 made attendance at
school compulsory. Assuming that the Bill became
law in its present form, it would be necessary for
industry to organise itself in such a way that young
persons under 18 years of age might be released from
their employment on two half-days per week in order
to attend a continuation school. This very con-
siderable extension of school life must result in
a higher standard of education all round to the
improvement physically, intellectually, and morally of
the whole population. The fact they had to recognise
was that coal is the basis of our prosperity, national
as well as local; moreover, it was important to realise
that the mining industry was developing, and that
it was only by its continued development that
we as a nation could hope to hold our own.
We must not overlook the fact that great as had
been the progress in connection with mining in Great
Britain, in some directions, at any rate, even greater
progress had been made in the other two leading indus-
trial countries of the world. In order that the develop-
ment of the mining industry might proceed successfully,
it would be necessary that the aims and methods and
resources -of all institutions associated with the educa-
tional aspect of the industry should move forward to
a corresponding degree. In their own case in the
Wigan district it was incumbent upon them to advance
with the times, so that they might be in a position
to make the fullest possible contribution to the
industry. This meant that whilst they should aim
at the best conditions for study and the highest
standard in connection with their classes, their sphere
should not be limited to class instruction. By means
of the Past and Present Mining Students’ Associa-
tion students should be enabled to maintain contact
with the institution and with one another in order
to exchange experiences and preserve their knowledge
of the mining world abreast of the times. Moreover,
the college, through its staff and advanced students,
should take an adequate part in investigating pro-
ducts, in this way contributing its quota to the
progress of the industry, whilst at the same time
preparing for this a supply of men imbued with the
spirit and trained in the method of scientific inquiry.
This was the type of mind required in connection with
the direction of each and all of our industries at the
present day, and in so far as it could be developed by
suitable educational experience and training it should
be the business of an institution such as that to afford
the means. His own view was that our technical
colleges generally should be brought into much closer
touch with industry than was the case at present.
Too commonly was the technical college regarded
merely as a place for the promotion of book learning.
This, however, was only part of its function, always
an important part of course, but never the whole.
In their own case this function should include also
provision for research and enquiry into problems
having more or less direct bearing upon industry;
and the scope should be wide enough to enable a
college such as that to become the centre to which the
industry would look for assistance in connection with
all matters requiring expert scientific advice or

laboratory investigation. In a few instances this
aspect of the functions of the technical college was
well understood—for example, at the Treforest School
of Mines, which under Prof. Knox was being developed
by the mining industry very largely as a laboratory
for the coalfield, whilst the account that Mr. Drakeley
had recently published of his investigations into the
operation of coal-washing showed that they also to
some extent were aware of their responsibilities.
Generally speaking, however, this idea of the wider
function of the technical college needed to be
developed, and the speaker hoped the policy of that
association would always be to encourage educational
development along sound lines, wherever found.

Notes from the Coal Fields. •

[Local Correspondence.]

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

Weighing and Tipping Rates—Prices and Profits—
Whitsun Holidays — Allocation Scheme — More
Steamers Available—Swansea Shipments.

It is understood that the rates for weighing and tipping
coal in Bristol Channel docks will be more than doubled—
increased from 2-^d. to 6cl. per ton—and that other charges
will be 50 per cent, higher.

As touching upon this increase of charges for shipments,
the general financial position of the coal trade comes
under consideration. Owing to the heavy charges, both
for labour and other necessaries, it is questionable whether
all the collieries are remunerative at present fixed prices,
which do not exceed 33s. per ton for the best steam. This
is a matter, however, for the Controller, who will have
to meet the deficit.

Sir H. Webb, Bart., M.P., one of the directors of the
Ocean Coal Company, has given <£3,000 towards the cost
of a hospital in the colliery district of Forest of Dean,
to be erected in memory of the late Sir Charles Dilke,
who represented the constituency in Parliament.

The Conciliation Board met on Tuesday, and among the
subjects dealt with was that of the Whitsun holidays—
the workmen’s representatives stating that it had been
decided to take two days. The employers’ representa-
tives urged that in view of the present shortage of coal
there should be only one day holiday, and they laid stress
upon the urgent requirements, not alone of the Govern-
ment, but also of the Allies and of general industry. The
men’s side, however, stated that their decision could
not be altered, and that all the collieries will be idle on
Monday and Tuesday. The night men are expected to
return to work on Tuesday night.

In connection with the matter of adequate supplies for
the market, it has to be noted that Mr. Gibson, secretary
of the South Wales Coal and Coke Supplies Committee,
reports a decision further suspending the allocation
scheme. All collieries in the district are permitted to
work to their fullest possible output until June 8.

There was a very foolish temporary strike at the Victoria
colliery of the Ebbw Vale Company on Monday, when,
because the early workmen’s train was run a quarter of
an hour earlier than usual, workmen living in Brynmawr
met on the platform, as did also those at Ebbw Vale, and
decided not to go to work. Wiser counsels prevailed
later on; and during Tuesday morning an expression of
regret was tendered to the management, with the result
that permission was given to the afternoon men to resume.

With regard to the provision of tonnage, particularly
of the tramp class, it is of special interest to note that
a number of steamers which have been built in north-
eastern ports upon foreign account are to be made avail-
able for British owners. There are more than 20 large
vessels under construction ranging from over 10,000 tons
dead weight to about 4,000 tons with approximate costs
ranging from <£27 to £34 per ton. Notification has been
received that these are on sale to British purchasers; and
this indication of a preference to British buyers, with
obvious transfer of the original orders, is regarded as of
considerable importance, for the action taken in this
respect must be of material service to British shipowners
in view of the high freights which will prevail for some
time to come.

At Swansea last week coal shipments exceeded 66,000
tons and patent fuel over 26,000. The general trade of
the port was not so high as in the preceding week. The
Harbour Trustees have decided to purchase a new locomo-
tive for use on the dock—its cost to, be approximately
<£3,000. The supply of shipping was still satisfactory.

Northumberland and Durham.

Colliery Enginemen’s and Firemen's Friendly Society—
Parliamentary Candidates—Mineral Agent Appointed
—Our Coal Supplies—Shipments in May.

At the annual meeting of the Northumberland Colliery
Enginemen’s and Firemen’s Friendly Society, held last
Saturday, it was reported that the total income, together
with the . previous year’s balance, was £503, and the
expenditure £306 9s. 7d. ; the latter was principally made
up of sickness and death benefits. The present total
worth of the society was £1,030. It was unanimously
agreed that certain branches which had not contributed
their quota to the levies for those fallen in the war should
be compelled to do so, their neglect being characterised
as very unpatriotic and unsympathetic. The election
of officers resulted as follows : President, W. H. Bird,
East Cramlington; general treasurer, Thos. Weatherly,
Bedlington; general secretary, John Humphrey, Gosforth;
committee of management, William Ricalton, Hazelrigg ;
Mark Dickenson, Gosforth; Robert Wallace, Westerhope ;
and M. W. Strong, Seaton Delaval; and auditors, Alfred
Johnson, Bedlington ; and George Luke, Blyth.

So far as the vacancy in the Parliamentary representa-
tion of the Wansbeck Division is concerned, the .Liberals
have chosen Mr. Robt. Mason, shipowner, as their candi-
date, and claim the seat under the terms, of. the. party
truce. The National Labour Party is acquiescing in that
claim, but the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain has
intimated its preparedness to support a direct nominee
of the miners. Mr. Wm. Hogg, treasurer of the associa-
tion, or Mr. Eb. Edwards, of Ashington, a member of the
executive committee, may be selected.

Dr. J. B. Simpson, of Bradley Hall, Wylam, has
resigned the position of mineral agent to the Duke of
Northumberland, and has been succeeded by Mr. Henry
Armstrong, of Collingwood-buildings, Newcastle.

Addressing the members of Newcastle Rotary Club last
week on “Our Coal Supplies,” Dr. J. T. Dunn, public
analyst for Newcastle, Northumberland, and elsewhere,
remarked that we heard a good deal just now about
reconstruction and recuperation after the wastage due to
the war. We were told that, to accomplish these things,
we must increase our productivity industrially. How

could we do this ? One way was by not depending upon
man’s muscular energy alone but by giving him outside
power greater than he himself could exert and using him
to direct the power by means of machinery. As to the
conservation of our coal resources, it was at least an
arguable question whether we should not prohibit the
exportation of coal altogether, having regard to the
measure of our supplies when compared with those of the
rest of the world.

In May the coal shipments, as cargo, amounted to
684,501 tons, a decrease of 158,704 tons when compared
with the despatches for Apri], 1917, and of 795,858 tons
when compared with those for April 1913; coal as
bunkers, 69,554 tons, a decrease of, respectively, 17,279
tons and 112,502 tons ; and coke, 37,901 tons, a decrease
of 19,887 tons and an increase of 13,844 tons respectively.
Thus far this year there has been shipped : Coal as cargo,
2,767,947 tons, as against 3,320,430 tons for the correspond-
ing period of 1917 and 5,661,720 tons for the corresponding-
period of 1913 ; coal as bunkers, 268,947 tons, as against
393,998 tons and 693,926 tons respectively; and coke,
172,045 tons, as against 236,933 tons and 92,639 tons
respectively.

Bishop Auckland magistrates fined the owner of Rumby
Hill Colliery, Crook, £25 for having appointed an uncer-
tificated man as deputy, failed to see that the workings
were inspected at least twice in one shift by a competent
person, failed to send in forthwith notice of an accident,
failed to provide a suitable place for storing explosives
and having paid wages other than by the weight of coal
hewed.

At the most recent meeting of the Darlington Town
Council, Mr. C. F. Dixon, moving the adoption of the
minutes of the Gasworks Committee, stated that he
understood that it was not at all likely that gas would
be rationed, at present at any rate, in the North of Eng-
land, or that the supply of coal at the gasworks would
be released.. Mr. Crooks asked why it should not be
released, seeing that it was stored for an emergency. Mr.
Best objected to the suggestion of the Gasworks Com-
mittee that, before people were supplied with emergency
coal, they should buy coke. The Town Clerk stated that
he had written to the Coal Controller, pointing out that
the position in Darlington was very acute, and that the
poor people, for whom that coal was stored, were suffering-
great hardship. Although he had written again for an
immediate answer, he had not heard from the Controller.
It was the Controller, therefore, who was holding up
the coal; the committee could do nothing till it heard
from him. Mr. Edington, local representative of the
Coal Supplies Committee for Northumberland and Dur-
ham, had promised to write supporting the speaker’s action.
They had power under the Government Order to buy the
coal, but they had to give an undertaking not to release
it without the sanction of the Controller. Mr. Dixon
pointed out that only 500 tons of coal were stored. There
were 16,000 householders, so that they would only get
a hundredweight each.

Sir Leonard Milburn, Bart., has been elected as a
member of the Blyth Harbour Commission, to fill the
vacancy in the representation of the coalowners on the
Board.

Yorkshire.

At Bradford, on May 9, the hearing was resumed of
the case in which Messrs. Wm. Woodhead and Sons
Limited, colliery proprietors, of Farnley, Leeds, were
summoned in respect of alleged nuisance caused by fumes
from a burning tip at Tong. People in the neighbourhood
were stated to be suffering various ill-effects. Mr. E. O.
Simpson, for the defence, said the firm had taken every
precaution to prevent the spread of the fire, and sub-
mitted that the Corporation had not properly intimated
what remedy ought to be effected. He suggested that
the summons should be allowed to stand over without
prejudice until a suitable period after the war, in order
to see if the precautions wTere of any advantage. The
stipendiary magistrate observed that nobody could state
when the war would end, and asked if the firm could
give a guarantee that something more would be done to
mitigate the nuisance. Mr. Simpson said his clients were
quite willing for the summons to stand over for twelve
months with liberty to apply for an extension of time,
and in the meantime they would undertake to use their
best endeavours to have the nuisance abated. No new
material would be placed on the tip. The magistrate
allowed six months’ suspension.

Lancashire and Cheshire.

Many municipal and urban authorities in South Lan-
cashire are now setting up special coal rationing com-
mittees.

Mr. Thomas Wallwork, manager of Lord Ellesmere’s
Ashton Field and Ellesmere collieries, Walkden, has been
appointed manager of his lordship’s extensive Mosley
Common pits, Boothstown, near Manchester, in succession
to Mr. Dobson Robinson, wTho has accepted an important
position in the Notts coalfield.

The annual meeting of the Past and Present Mining
Students’ Association of the Wigan and District Mining
and Technical College was held at the Wigan College on
Saturday night, when Mr. S. C. Law's, M.A., B.Sc., the
principal of the Wigan Mining and Technical College and
the president of the Past and Present Mining Students’
Association, presided, there being a large attendance of
representatives from various parts of the northern coal-
field. The election of officers for the ensuing year took
place as follow's : Honorary president, Mr. Alfred Hewlett;
honorary vice-presidents, the members of the College
governing body, with Mr. G. H. Winstanley (Sheffield),
Mr. Siddall (his Majesty’s inspector of mines, Bolton),
J. Corless (inspector of mines for Wigan district), and
Mr. J. Dean ; president, Mr. S. C. Laws ; vice-presidents,
Messrs. G. Hunter (head of the mining department at the
Wigan Mining College), E. B. Naylor, T. J. Drakeley,
W. T. Molyneux, G. Turner, A. M. Stone, A. E. Jones,
and G. Lancaster; treasurer, Mr. J. Grundy ; secretary,
Mr. P. Chadwick; members of the council, Messrs. J.
Hunter, H. Sharpies, A. Winstanley, and B. Whitaker. , A
proposal was received for linking up the association with
the Institution of Mining Engineers, by inviting members
of the association to apply for election to the Institution
af Mining Engineers, either as student members or as
associates, according to age and qualifications, and it
decided to give every possible support to the movement,
which has for its object the linking up of local mining
students’ associations throughout the country with the
parent Institution of Mining Engineers.

The Midlands.

The Coal Controller having made a request to the
Leicestershire miners to confine their Whitsuntide rest
to two days, the men have agreed to do so, and will have
only Monday and Tuesday next week as holidays.

At a meeting of the arbitrators for the Tipton district
at Dudley on Tuesday, Mr. E. Howl presented his yearly