August 16, 1918.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

347

SAFETY CATE AT FOOT OF SHAFT.*

By T. Thomas.

To prevent the recurrence of accidents due to men
falling into the sump, the head carpenter at Mineral
Spring Colliery devised the safety gate illustrated,
which has been put into practical operation at that
colliery.

The upper part of the sketch shows the plan of the
shaft; the lower part, the side elevation at the foot.
The whole idea is to operate the gate automatically so
that when the cage reaches a point approximately 9 ft.
from the landing, it \comes in contact with two hori-
zontal parallel rails shown by A. Each end of these
two rails is fastened to a J in. galvanised wire rope,
which is shown between E and D. The wire rope
passes over the pulley at E and D and the other
end of the rope is attached to the gate B. As the
cage approaches the landing, both rails are pressed

R.

B-

e ij

1...rf

down to the level of the road so that the gate B on
each side of the foot is raised, thus allowing men to get
off or on the cage. The gate moves vertically on the
guides attached to both ends.

The weight of the gate is considerably greater than
the weight of the rail, so that when the cage is hoisted
the gate descends and takes its guarding position at the
foot of the shaft. The gate is so heavy that it is impos-
sible for a man to raise it and walk into the sump,
unless the cage comes down to the foot and raises it.

* Lehigh Valley Employees Magazine.

THE AMERICAN COAL TRADE.

The demand for coal is strong, but the intensity is
different in different paits of the country (says Black
Diamond, July 20).

There has been a general complaint about labour.
The campaign which is being carried on by the Euel
Administration, the Department of Justice and the
National Coal Association is awakening the men to a
new spirit and they are beginning to respond wonder-
fully.

As to the car supply, the same old trouble seems to
exist in the east, namely, the congestion of lines and
difficulty in moving coal. With the labour situation
unsettled, the railroads are able to supply about 100
per cent, of cars, but of course, the mines are not under
these circumstances producing to anything like their
physical capacity.

It is apparent that the calls for coals at Hampton
Roads will continue to show large increases, for not
only must the increasing needs of American and Allied
shipping be met, but there is also a large export demand
that must be taken care of.

A great pressure is being brought to move coal to
New England from the Hampton Roads piers, and
tonnage has been taken from West Indian routes to
take care of these urgent fuel needs.

There is a heavy call for coals for bunkering purposes
at all the Atlantic ports.

The additional allowance for mechanical cleaning
would make the Pocahontas price 6'428 dols. and the
New River price 6'82 dols. at Hampton Roads.

Vessels for export coal are more than difficult to
obtain.

The President has issued a proclamation urging the
coal miners to work under maximum pressure. “ The
existing scarcity of coal,” he says, “ is creating a grave
danger—in fact, the most serious that confronts us—
and calls for prompt and vigorous action on the part of
both operators and miners.” It is not against strikes
that the President is appealing, but against the habit
of miners, of which it is difficult to break them, of leaving
off when they have made enough for the week's needs.

Profits Made by Coal Companies.—Information recently
published shows that of the 2,698 American corporations
engaged in mining coal during the year ended December
31, 1916, only 1,833 were conducted with a profit. This
fact was brought out when the Treasury Department made
public its Compilation of income tax returns for 1916. The
disclosures of this report are held to be the best indi-
cation. that the conclusions of the Federal State Trade
Commission with regard to profits of coal mining com-
panies are exaggerated.

Notes from the Coal Fields.

[Local Correspondence.]

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

New List of Certified Occupations—Joint Committees and
Absenteeism—Unsatisfactory Resumption of Work—
Edward Medal for Bravery—Mr. Lloyd George’s
Appeal for More Coal.

Interest has been aroused by the issue from the Ministry
of National Service of the new list of certified occupa-
tions, wherein miners, electrical engineers, etc., are restored
to the list of the certified. Speculation was rife as to how
far this will interfere with the actual enlistment of men
who have been called up as part of the recent quota of
25,000.

It has been ascertained that the new Order, which
abolishes decertification and again brings them within the
list of certified occupations, will not affect men liable to
enlistment under the comb-out. It is understood that of
the additional number required from the whole kingdom
about 7,000 have not yet been enlisted—1,000 of these
being from South Wales. These men are to be enrolled,
the new Order not altering their position. The quota from
each colliery, as originally fixed, will be adhered to. After-
wards recruiting of the men employed underground and on
the surface will be stopped.

The establishment of joint committees at the pits
charged with the duty of stimulating output will, it is
hoped, put an end to unnecessary absenteeism. The trade
unions should penalise men who do not properly discharge
their responsibilities. The opinion is that, whilst they
claim for Federation committee men a power to enquire
into all the shortcomings of the management, they should
set their own house in order, and make the Federation
authority really effective against defaulters.

The employers in South Wales are understood to have
a strong objection to workmen’s representatives being
granted power to investigate questions of management and
equipment; and they intend to appoint a deputation which
will wait upon the Coal Controller and submit their views
on this point. On the other hand, however, the officials of
the Federation maintain their position, and argue that if
they are to undertake the responsibility for output in any
degree, they must be at liberty (in association with the
employers’ representatives) to investigate all the circum-
stances.

Work at the collieries last week, although resumed in
the eastern part of the coalfield, was very unsatisfactory in
the western area because of the National Eisteddfod at
Neath, and the absence of many miners who went to the
festival on Friday in order to see the Prime Minister. Pro-
duction ranged from about 50 to 75 per cent, on the
average, and apart from the difference in the western region
the general position approximated to a normal holiday
week.

Thomas Jones, of Cwm Cynon, has been awarded the
Edward Medal for bravery in November of last year, when
he performed rescue work which saved the life of a lad
who had been pinned down by a fall of stone from the
roof. Although it was obvious that a fresh fall was
imminent, Jones held up another stone with his back,
preventing it from falling on the boy; but as he weakened
it fell, seriously injuring him, but missing the boy. He
did this at the risk of another fall, which occurred, for-
tunately without injuring him.

In the course of hearing cases wherein workmen were
summoned for non-payment of income tax, the Newport
magistrates were informed that some coal trimmers had
been earning as much as £75 in three months. A boiler-
maker’s holder-up had earned <£18 in a fortnight, and a
riveter had earned <£52 in four weeks. All the defendants
were ordered to pay the amount claimed.

Special interest attaches to the position of colliery con-
cerns with which Lord Rhondda was connected, although
on his taking office in the Ministry he resigned his numerous
directorships. It is announced this week that Mr. Peter
Thomas (nephew of the deceased peer) had resigned his
seat on the boards of the Consolidated Cambrian Limited,
the Cambrian Collieries, the Glamorgan Coal Company,
the Naval, and the Britannic Merthyr, and that Mr. T. J.
Callaghan has been elected to fill the vacancies on the boards
of the Cambrian Collieries and the Glamorgan Coal Com-
pany. Mr. Peter M. Thomas was managing director of
the four companies in the combine (the Consolidated Cam-
brian) ; he is chairman of D. Davis and Sons, and also
director of Norths Navigation. Mr. Callaghan is this
year’s president of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce, and
in addition to being chairman of the Naval Colliery Com-
pany, is the managing director of L. Gueret Limited, and
its associated undertakings.	_

Mr. Lloyd George, addressing a meeting in Newport on
Saturday, made a strong appeal to the miners, and he
did so after having acquainted himslf with local condi-
tions as well as with the general needs of the nation. He
said that he had a message for Newport, and through
Newport for the whole of South Wales. At the time the
speech was made the Prime Minister was accompanied by
Mr. William Brace (the miners’ leader), who is under-
secretary at the Home Offic. Mr. Lloyd George said :
“ I want coal, and more coal. France wants coal, and
Italy wants coal. We cannot get back those splendid men
who have been in the mines and are now in the Army
because they have their work to do. The only way to get
coal is that those engaged in the work of producing coal,
in every sphere and capacity, should work a little harder.
Don’t think I am criticising anybody, or casting any
reflection on anybody. Don’t think I am suggesting that
anyone is guilty of any remissness or delay. I am only
putting to you the emergency.” France had-lost prac-
tically all its best men, and (said he) “ I ask the miners
of this country, colliery managers, and colliery proprie-
tors, and everybody who has anything to do with the pro-
ducing of coal, to do their best to get more coal to France
and Italy. Coal means to them not merely comfort and
warmth; it means their railways, their munition works,
it means the power to defend themselves against a brutal
enemy, it means the emancipation of the world. I ask
the miners of this country—and this is my message to
them—to look across the seas and see there men armed
to trample down the liberties of the world, and what I
say to them is : Sling coal at them ! Hurl it in wagon-
loads ! Every extra wagon-load of coal means winning
victories which represent liberty, justice, and peace
throughout the world.”

A very unsatisfactory condition of things was announced
at the meeting of the Swansea Harbour Trust on Monday.
It was stated that the deficiency for the month of June
was <£2,783. An increase of 20 per cent, had been made
in consolidated rates for discharged pitwood; and the
report dealt with the application of a war bonus of 60 per
cent, to the harbour, dock, and crane rates; also in haulage

and railway tolls. A difficulty has arisen in regard to the
latter because other dock companies in the Channel do
not find it practicable to make the increase of rate which
has been sanctioned by the Board of Trade; and if Swan-
sea imposes this to the full it will operate adversely to the
amount of shipping frequenting the port, and will thus
continue the difficulties which have prevailed in regard
to shipment of the anthracite coal output.

The miners of the Maesteg district having imposed upon
themselves a levy in aid of the St. John Ambulance and
the Y.M.C.A., in recognition of the work which those
two organisations are doing for the soldiers, a cheque for
<£1,000 has been sent to the local secretary of each—this
total of <£2,000 being the firstfruits of the levy.

The Cardiff local committee for supply of coal to France
and Italy met on Tuesday, and Sir T. Watson was re-
elected chairman for the ensuing year, Mr. T. J. Callaghan
to be vice-chairman. The committee is composed of ship-
owners as well as colliery proprietors and coal exporters’
representatives. The executive committee were all re-
elected, two gentlemen from Newport being added, namely,
Messrs. P. Phillips and P. H. Mordey.

The president of the Swansea Chamber of Commerce (Mr.
Wynne) has drawn attention to the fact that vessels are
being delayed in South Wales ports for want of coal car-
goes, and he states that, not only with regard to shipping
facilities but also with regard to railway transit, at least
300,000 tons per month more could be disposed of, if only
the coal were put out from the collieries.

Reports upon Cardiff Exchange showed that on Monday
last only about three-fourths of the normal output was
available, and it is recognised that a large number of the
men are away from home on holiday at the present time.
The tonnage in dock at Cardiff was far more than could
be loaded during this week; and, not only in regard to
cargoes, but also in regard to supply of small coal for
patent fuel manufacturers, there is difficulty in obtaining
adequate quantities.

The District Coal and Coke Supplies Committee has sent
out a form desiring colliery companies to state what quan-
tities of small coal they had on bank in March last and on
Saturday last—asking also that they will state what quan-
tity-can be lifted daily and whether the coal is suitable
for making coke. The desire of the committee apparently
is that, because of the shortage of general supplies, the
quantity of small coal now on bank shall be brought into
use.

Northumberland and Durham.

Mr. W. Straker’s Circular—£500 for Prisoners of War
Society—Parliamentary Candidate—Consett Iron Com-
pany’s Prospects.

Mr. Wm. Straker, in his August circular to the members
of the Northumberland Miners’ Association, refers to the
Household Fuel and Lighting Order, and says he is afraid,
by reason of the small quantity of coal allowed under that
Order, the poor in our large cities will die by thousands
when winter comes, if the war is still going on. The Coal
Controller cannot help that, however; he can only divide
the coal that is produced. Mr. Straker agrees with those
who claim that the poorest, living in small houses, should
have a greater proportion, and the better-to-do people, in
larger houses, a less proportion of fuel.

Mr. Francis Priestman, colliery owner, has promised a
donation of £500 to the Durham Prisoners of War Society.

Mr. John Chapman, checkweighman, Benwell, a member
of the Newcastle City Council, and one of the Wages
Board of the Northumberland Miners’ Association, has
been selected as Parliamentary Labour candidate for the
Wallsend division.

Mr. John Swan, of Dipton, one of the Parliamentary can-
didates selected by the members of the Durham Miners’
Association, has been chosen as prospective Labour candi-
date for the Barnard Castle Division, which is at present
represented by Mr. Arthur Henderson.

The Household Fuel and Lighting Order continues to be
the subject of much discussion, largely adverse, at the
meetings of local authorities. The Stanhope Urban
Council has decided to ask the Coal Controller to abandon
the scheme as being unworkable. It was stated by Mr.
Monkhouse, a member, that in that district there were
many people who got in their coal in August and Septem
ber, when they had sold their wool. Such people were
unable to get coal in the winter, because of the state of
the roads. Something ought to be done to differentiate
between these people and those who lived in towns. He
advised that no fuel overseer should be appointed until it
was seen whether the Order was coming into force. The
Council acquiesced.

Addressing the shareholders of the Consett Iron Com-
pany Limited at the annual meeting in Newcastle last
Saturday, Mr. Mark Fenwick presiding, said that despite
the continuance of the war and the difficulties caused
thereby, difficulties greater in the past year than ever
before, the financial results had been satisfactory, and they
had been able, contrary to the expectation of anyone, to
maintain the dividend. He was afraid that their state
would be worse during the current year. Until a month
or two ago they were making a reasonable profit on coal,
but this was now much decreased and was still further
diminishing. He believed that few collieries in Durham
county were in any better position than were theirs. The
authorised prices for coal were insufficient to meet the
increased costs. The production of coal during the year
at their collieries showed a reduction of 7 per cent, as
compared with that for the previous year and of 28 per
cent, as compared with 1914. Coke-making had somewhat
increased, and their coke and by-product ovens continued
to justify the expenditure upon them. A 40 per cent,
dividend was declared.

By majorities pretty well proportionate in most instances
to those shown by the voting at the meeting itself, the
members of the Northumberland Miners’ Association have,
in all but one instance, endorsed the findings of the annual
council meeting held in Newcastle in May last. The
instance in which the county has gone contrary to the
council is that of Shankhouse’s motion to send to the
Miners’ Federation a resolution in favour of the amend-
ment of the Minimum Wage Act, by removing that clause
which debars aged and infirm workmen from receiving
minimum wages. This was voted down by the council by
31 votes to 24, but has been carried by the county by 315
proxy votes (each counting 50 members) to 142. The
majority in favour of the first working day in each May
being recognised as a general holiday by the miners of
Great Britain is much larger in the county than it was in
the council, for the proposal has been endorsed by 452
votes to 1, as against 41 votes to 4 earlier. Similarly, the
vote on the question of a “ down tools ” policy being
declared by the miners, railwaymen and transport workers,
unless the mines, railways and waterways are nationalised
within six months of the end of the war, is much more