September 13, 1918. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 559 SIMPLE FACE CONVEYOR. By H. G. Davis. The Delaware and Hudson Coal Company has success- fully introduced in some of its mines in the vicinity of Scranton a loading arrangement that appears to be giving satisfactory results. The scraper or conveyer used in bringing the coal from the face to the gangway, or loading road, is made of t in. steel, and is reinforced at the top and bottom with light angle iron. It is V-shaped, 10 in. wide at the rear end, 40in. wide at the front, 4ft. 5 in. long, and has no bottom. It is braced across the top by a piece of I in. by 2 in. iron, in a bow shape, so as not to interfeie with the releasing of the load at the car, or discharging point, as shown in the accompanying illustration. With this arrangement the Delaware and Hudson Company is loading out 25 to 30 cars per shift of eight hours from a panel of four to six chambers, in a bed SCRAPER GOBBED ' Hoist 10 HP DC Motor mounted'on Truck §- I 45 I Diagram of Scoop and its Operation. 38 in. thick. The system can be successfully used in the thicker beds of this region, and the man power employed thus made much more productive. Mr. Cadwallader Evans, jun., who was the first to introduce this system in the coal mines, is also applying it for loading salt in the mines of northern New York. There is no special reason why this invention could not be used more universally for loading anthracite coal, particularly in thin beds, so as to avoid the neces- sity for expending the large amount of energy now wasted on the top and bottom rock cut necessary to make height for mine cars, and in the thicker beds in which the pitch is not enough for the coal to run on sheet iron, and is too heavy for cars.—Coal Age. WEIGHTS OF VARIOUS COALS.* By S. B. Flagg. Many different kinds of coal have been tested and analysed by the Bureau of Mines in connection with the purchase and use of fuel by the Government, and with safety in coal mining. Advantage has been taken of the opportunity thus afforded to obtain information as to the differences in weight of the several varieties. Existing information on the range of variation in the weight of different coals is scanty. Marks gives the specific gravity of anthracite as 1-4 to 1*8, of bituminous coal as 1-2 to 1-5, and of lignite as 1*1 to 1-4. He also gives an average value of 97, 84 and 78 lb. for the weight of a solid cubic foot of each of these fuels. However, factors other than variations in specific gravity affect the weight of a cubic foot of delivered or stored coal. Among these are the quan- tity of surface moisture,-the proportions of coarse and fine coal, and the amount of shaking or settling. Changes Produced by Wetting and Shaking. Observations of the changes in weight and volume, from wetting and from shaking or settling, were made with a bituminous coal from the mine in Westmore- land County, Pa., which was working both the Upper and Lower Freeport seams. The results showed that the nut coal increased in weight per unit volume of coal, by wetting, to the extent of 3-64 per cent, in one case and 1-98 per cent, in another, and increased in volume (through the ab- sorbed moisture) by 0 and 0-27 per cent, respectively. In the case of slack, a sample wetted and exposed to the air increased in weight by 7-22 per cent, at first, falling to 1-03 per cent, in 24 hours, and to zero after- wards, there being even a slight decrease in the original weight on the fourth day. The increase in volume, at first 1-24 per cent, declined progressively to zero on the fifth day. Shaking the wetted slack caused the volume to shrink 4-2 per cent, on the first day, and 8-34 per cent, by the fourth day, though on the fifth day the percentage (6*25) was the same as on the second and third days. These results are considered to justify the following conclusions: — 1. Of two samples of any coal that are composed of the same proportions of pieces of different sizes, the sample having the higher moisture content will usually weigh the more per cubic foot. 2. The sample of higher moisture content will usually occupy more space for the same number of pounds of (dry) coal than will a sample of lower moisture content. However, the increase in volume for the wet coal is not as great proportionately as is the increase in weight per cubic foot. 3. Coal shovelled loosely into a container will settle appreciably if the container is shaken, and the weight per cubic foot will be correspondingly increased. 4. Slack coal composed of a mixture of the smaller pieces up to and including nut size weighs more than screened nut coal. This last statement coincides with the conclusions drawn from experiments with concrete mixtures, which * From United States Bureau of Mines Technical Paper 184. have shown that a much denser mixture can be made by using certain proportions of various sized pieces. Pieces of nearly uniform size, when piled, leave about 45 per cent, of voids. If these spaces are filled with finer coal of uniform size, the weight of the mass is increased, and the interstices in the finer coal can again be filled with still finer pieces, resulting finally in a dense mass. It is evident, therefore, that the relative proportions of fine and coarse material have a considerable influence on the weight per cubic foot of the mass. Weights of Various Coals. One hundred and seventy-seven samples of coal from various parts of the United States of America, and also from Australia, Canada, China and Japan, were weighed by shovelling the coal loosely into a box measuring 2 ft. by 2 ft. by 2 ft. and levelling off with a straight-edge. For some samples two weights were taken, one being the value for the coal as received, and the other for coal broken so as to have no lumps larger than a man’s fist, but there was no uniformity of difference between them, breaking slightly increasing the weight in some cases, and reducing it in others. The results indicate that heavier weights may be expected for coals of high fixed carbon content than for those of low. In- creased ash content seems to lower the unit weight. It is also true, in general, that the coals high in moisture are lighter than those low in moisture, and the younger coals are lighter than the older coals. These variables combine in so many ways, however, that it is difficult to determine from the data available anything more than a general trend, and consequently little use can be made of the knowledge of a change of one or more of the variables. The weights were obtained under certain definite conditions, and therefore the weights per cu. ft. for the same coal, when wet or when stored in a deep pile or bin or in a car that has been jarred and bumped in transit may be quite different; in fact, the results could not be expected to be accurate within, say, 10 or 15 per cent, if applied to coal in a storage pile or other place where the material is liable to be in a compact mass. LABOUR AND WAGES. South Wales and Monmouthshire. Because the management would not, as alleged, allow a certain number of men to cease work and leave the pit upon occasion of an accident, the whole of the miners at the Gethin Pit, Merthyr, refrained from work for one day. Settlement of terms has been reached in the Tirydail dispute, which had caused five weeks strike in that colliery and finally brought about sympathetic strikes which involved close upon two thousand men. The organising secretary of the South Wales Colliery Officials’ Union, to which complaints have come alleging irregular payments on account of the war wage, has been in communication with the Controller who replies that— “ Instructions are about to be issued to colliery companies regarding the war bonus which the Controller is prepared to authorise to the clerical and administrative staffs of collieries, and to officials above the rank of firemen.” The executive council of the Colliery Examiners’ Association had under consideration the employers’ pro- posals as to wages and conditions, and decided that these should be placed before the individual lodges, prior to the holding of the conference of delegates. A mass meeting of miners held at Chester-le-Street on Saturday passed a resolution in favour of the abolition of the 1879 wages basis and demanding that all mine-workers, whatever their status, should be paid a living wage of «£1 per day, irrespective of the selling price of coal, the wage to include equality of treatment as to houses and coals. Mr. H. James, of Stanley, moving this, said that, despite the fact that they, as miners, were receiving higher wages than they had received for 40 years, the difference between them and their employers was now greater than ever, because, whilst the owners made a profit of between 20 and 30 millions sterling in 1914, in 1916 the profits from coal and by-products amounted to 31 millions, which, divided amongst the workers in the industry, would have meant an income of <£6 per week. Colliery craftsmen and surface workers in the Amman Valley are co-operating to press their claims for improved conditions; and they have decided to call a joint confer- ence representing the Western district, the Anthracite district, and the Avon Valley, chiefly to deal with the demand for an eight-hour day. At that conference, a recommendation will be submitted in favour of “taking immediate action ’' if the executive of the South Wales Federation has not effected a settlement by September 22. The Joint Committee dealing with disputes met on Tuesday, Mr. Evan Williams in the chair. An agreement was reached as to payment of the war wage for Sunday and to men who work seven nights in the week. From the anthracite district, the men’s representatives submitted the question of increased cost of explosives, and it was decided that this should be put before the Conciliation Board. A claim from the Britannic Colliery for war wage in respect of overtime shifts was withdrawn. Other matters were referred to a representative from each side for investiga- tion, with power to settle: these included—price-list dispute at Brynna, price-lists at Mynydd Newydd, refusal of increased payments at Llanerch, and dispute at Berthlwyd as to notices given by men. The action at Abercarn and Cwmcarn, where notices were posted urging the men to refrain from overtime, was referred to the manager and miners’ agent. North of England. Putters in Northumberland and Durham are in rather a rebellious mood at present. At the time of writing, the dispute as to minimum wages and score prices at the three Delaval collieries is still unsettled, and a general stoppage is threatened unless an agreement is come to. Fifteen hundred men and youths were affected by a stoppage at the Dean and Chapter Colliery, Ferryhill, last week-end, arising from a disagreement as to the minimum wage. The “C” Pit and Harvey Drift at Messrs. Strakers and Love's Brancepeth Colliery, Willington, were idle last Saturday, nearly 1,000 men and boys being rendered unemployed. The manager had desired that the putters should start work at 5 a.m., instead of 4 a.m., which has been the usual starting time on Saturdays. The putters, however, put in an appearance at 4 and, being refused permission to descend the pit for another hour, came home, laying the pit in. The putters at New Delaval Colliery are claiming more money and have given 14 days notice to cease work if their request is not acceded to. They claim an advance in score prices and a minimum wage of 8s. 6d. per day, whilst the owners are willing to pay 6s. 5d. only. Notices were to have expired last week-end but have been extended for another fortnight, negotiations having been entered into between the owners and the workmen. A hitch has occurred in the settlement of putters' grievances as to wages at Bedlington, the men’s local representatives having declined to sign the agreement arrived at, although its acceptance was voted by a mass meeting. The representatives say that the colliery management has not paid the ordinary county percentage on the concession recently granted. The matter will be submitted to further meetings of the men. Cambois union miners have passed a resolution request- ing all non-union men to come into the Northumberland Miners' Association, failing which the management will be requested to take drastic action in accordance with the agreement between the owners and workmen. Federated Area. The executive council of the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Federation adopted a minimum scale of wages for female colliery workers, the majority of whom are now members of the miners' organisation. The list has been recommended by a sub-committee, and it has been decided to open negotiations with colliery owners for its recog- nition. Scotland. At many of the Fife collieries surface workers are lodging notices to terminate contracts. They are making numerous demands, including double time for Sunday work and time and half for overtime. It is learned that the Miners' Association has not sanctioned the movement, and will not give it support from the funds. It is stated that some time ago the executive board of the Association had invited the coal owners to meet them with a view to discussing the grievances of the surface workers. That meeting has not yet been held. The present coal shortage in Scotland was discussed at a meeting of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. The chairman said that some of the leaders had not been so strong as they might have been in their advice to the men against absenteeism, and they were also against the suspension of the Eight Hours Act. The recent increase in the cost of explosives has been the subject of resolutions of protest from various parts of Scotland. It is understood that the Coal Controller has undertaken to consult the Ministry of Munitions on the subject. The grievance of the miners appears to be that when an advance in wages is granted a considerable pro- portion of the increase is swallowed up in paying the enhanced prices for explosives. In connection with the demand by the Scottish Colliery Clerks’ Association for an advance in wages equal to 100 per cent, on pre-war rates, the arbiter appointed by the Ministry of Labour has made the following awardFirst pay after March 1—All males 18 years and over, an advance of 20s. per week; males, 16 years to 18 years, 10s.; females, 18 years and over, 10s.; females, 16 years to 18 years, 5s. First pay after August 26—Males, 21 years and over, 29s. a week; 18 years and under 21 years, 22s. 6d.; 16 years and under 18 years, 12s.; females, 18 years and over, 12s. 6d.; female clerks 16 years and under 18 years, 6s. 3d. All war bonuses are deducted from these advances, but in the case of female clerks only bonuses granted from January 1917 are to be deducted. A mass meeting of the members of the Scottish Colliery Clerks' Association was held in Glasgow on Saturday evening, when general dissatisfaction was expressed at the award. In the circum- stances it was agreed to accept it, but instructions were given the executive to formulate another claim.’ The decision of the Government that men are to be returned from .the Army to the mines has brought hundreds of enquiries by letter and personal calls to the officials of the Lanarkshire Miners’ Union at Hamilton. Mr. J. Robertson, one of the agents of the Union, states that a great deal of misunderstanding appears to exist as to the procedure. Soldiers on home service, he points out, ought to make application at their orderly rooms for the necessary forms. On the other hand soldiers serving over- seas, if they are to be released from the Army, will be sent to a depot in England or Scotland, and from there dealt with in much the same way as the men on home service. At a largely attended meeting of the Lanarkshire Branch of the Scottish Colliery Under Managers’ Association held in Hamilton on Saturday evening it was agreed to endorse the decision of the executive council that the advance of 9s. per week conceded by the Scottish coal owners should be accepted. Recently two members of the executive committee of the Lanarkshire Miners' Union inspected the Kil tongue and Humph seams in Bent Colliery, Hamilton, in connection with the claim by the men for an advance in wages. The inspectors reported that an advance of 9d. per ton would be necessary to enable the miners to earn fair wages. This amount the manager refused to concede, but he has submitted an offer of 3d. per ton, which is being considered by the miners. The majority of the miners who were thrown idle through the wrecking of the shaft at Gilbertfield Colliery, ' Cambuslang, have been accommodated with work else- where. It is satisfactory to learn that one of the pits at Gilbertfield has already been reopened. At Legbrannoch Colliery, Newarthill, the owners inti- mated an increase of 2s. 6d. per ton on the coal supplied to the workers. The miners threatened to remain idle as a protest, but happily the dispute has been amicably adjusted. The miners employed at Arniston and Niddrie Collieries in the Lothians claimed payment of the war wage in respect of an idle Saturday (July 13). The claim has been refused by the owners on the ground that they posted a notice to the effect that work would cease for the holidays on July 19. In the circumstances, the men have waived their claim In the New battle district of Mid Lothian the mines are claiming time and half for extra time worked. Miners employed by contractors and not directly by the colliery companies are also demanding that their wages shall be augmented.