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VOLUME XLV. NUMBER 1.

TWENTY-SEVENTH YEAR.

PRICE SIXPENCE, EVERY FRIDAY.

The past year has been one of great anxiety to British papermakers. Unfortunately, raw materials, particularly wood pulps, have been maintained at high values, but owing to strong competition the selling prices of the finished product have remained stationary. There is not that combination amongst British papermakers that exists in the principal continental countries. France, Germany, Austria and Holland took steps to effect an advance, in most instances of 10 per cent., whereas it is left to individual mills in the United Kingdom to take action. In the stationery trade, it may be mentioned, the Stationers' Proprietary Articles Trade Association has been formed to prevent ruinous under-selling. The foreigner, it is true, is protected in his own country, syndicates existing on the Continent and strong combinations in the States, with the result that any surplus production finds its way to

ASGOW. the United Kingdom, the home trade being

frequently seriously affected owing to the

lower standard of prices put into force. Sweden, Norway, and the United States and Canada have built up an enormous trade in Great Britain for "news," and there is every evidence that competition will continue to grow; for instance, the International Paper Co., of New York, are about to put down ten new machines, in some cases replacing antiquated ones, it being the intention to more actively cultivate an export trade, and the British market will undoubtedly have their close attention. Notwithstanding foreign competition-the imports of paper reaching an annual value of five million pounds sterling-British paper mills during the past year have, on the whole, experienced a good demand, and the official statistics relating to labour show that a full complement of hands has found employment in the principal mills. Home production last year was no doubt on a much larger scale than in previous years, but it is questionable, considering the turn of the raw

material markets, whether profits have been maintained. British "news" mills, and also some of the fine paper mills, have shown considerable enterprise in putting down new machines, and bringing their manufacturing plant generally thoroughly up-to-date. The brown mills, who suffer severely from competition, have in several instances shown a determination to check the invasion of the foreigner and have given attention to improved makes, particularly kraft papers. The hand-made trade has suffered from a period of depression, but the outlook is now more promising; the general excellence of hand-made papers has led to English watermarks being used in foreign manufactures, fraudulent methods which demand suppression. An important development, and one likely to affect the British paper industry, is the purchase of timber lands in Newfoundland by the Harmsworth and Pearson newspaper combinations, for the purpose of manufacturing pulp and paper for their own requirements. On the fiscal question, very little has been heard in the paper trade during the past year, although the report of the Tariff Commission, which is promised at an early date, will create a deal of interest. The following is a review of the principal features associated with the British paper trade during 1905:

Papermaking Materials,

It is satisfactory to find that during the past year there was an increased demand for papermaking materials, indicating a larger output of the finished product. The total quantity (wood_pulp, esparto and rags) imported during January-November of 1905 and the previous year stand as under :Quantities

esparto, 19 per cent.; rags, nearly 6 per cent. ; and the other articles 2 per cent. The re-exports during Jan. Nov. of last year of foreign rags were of the value of £54,191, and other articles (foreign) £86,308, as against £83,444, and £55,105 respectively for corresponding period of the previous year.

Market Prices.

The market for wood pulps was very firm throughout the whole of 1905. Chemical pulps were in good demand, and owing to a scarcity of supplies, there was an absence of any material fluctuation in prices, which were maintained at a comparatively high level. The quotations at the end of the year were:-Bleached sulphite, c.i.f. £12 to £14; unbleached, first quality, £9 10s. to £9 15s.; and soda pulps, first quality, £9 5s. to £910s.

Mechanical pulps, at the beginning of the year, owing to the heavy reduction in production on account of the scarcity of water, stood at £2 15s. to £3 for 50 per cent. moist and £5 5s. to £5 10s. for dry. Quotations were even higher during February and March, easing off somewhat in April. Moist pulp in May stood at £2 5s. to £2 7s. 6d., dropping about 2s. 6d. during the summer months, but advancing again with the autumn, the present prices being £2 4s. to £2 5s. for moist, and £4 10s. to £4 15s. for dry.

Esparto prices have eased off since the beginning of the year, when quotations for fair to good quality were: Spanish, £4 12s. 6d. to £5; Oran, £3 5s. to £3 7s. 6d. ; and Tripoli, £3 3s. 9d. to £3 6s. 3d. Prices remained fairly steady until June, when there was a drop of 2s. 6d. to 5s., Spanish and Tripoli showing a further weakness about August. The year closed with the following quotations:-Spanish, £4 to £4 5s.; Oran, £3 to £3 1s. 4d.; and Tripoli, £3 to £3 2s. 6d.

Rags-both home and foreign-were in good demand during 1905, and the disposition of prices was steadily upward. A great scarcity is reported at the present time, and owing to large orders from America quotations lately ruling mark an advance; in some grades prices show an increase of nearly 50 per cent. compared with a year ago. German rag pulps have been introduced on the market.

Chemicals.

No

The market for chemicals ruled steady during 1905, prices being well maintained without any noteworthy fluctuation. doubt the agreement with continental competitors in the matter of prices has given stability to the market, and the improvement in the Lancashire industries created an improved demand. The market value of the shares of the principal alkali concerns has greatly appreciated, in fact quite a boom has shown itself during the last few months of the year. An interim dividend at the rate of 33 per cent. per annum was recently paid on the ordinary shares of Messrs. Brunner, Mond and Co., Ltd., who propose to call up 10s. per share on the £1 ordinary shares upon which 10s. per share has been paid; it is also proposed to apply a portion of undivided

profits in the payment of a special dividend of 333 per cent. to the holders of the ordinary shares. The shareholders of the United Alkali Co., Ltd., no doubt will greatly benefit from the enterprise of the company in acquiring pyrite mines in Spain, in fact the increased resources of the company are very encouraging. In the electrolytic branch the Castner-Kellner Alkali Co., Ltd., show very favourable results, and the Electrolytic Alkali Co., Ltd., have also increased production. The affairs of the Anglo Sicilian Sulphur Co., Ltd., were prominently to the front during the year. Owing to the threatened competition from the Louisiana sulphur mines, an agreement was entered into with the Union Sulphur Co. The continuance of the Anglo-Sicilian Sulphur Co., Ltd., whose ordinary shares have received a regular annual dividend of 50 per cent., depend upon satisfactory arrangements being arrived at with the producers in Sicily. Current quotations for chemicals are practically the same as those ruling at the beginning of 1905: Ammonia alkali, 58 per cent., £110s. ; caustic soda, 76-77 per cent., £1010s. ; bleaching powder, soft wood £4 10s. to £4 15s. ; hard wood £ 15s. to £5; soda crystals, £3 2s. 6d., and recovered sulphur, £5 5s. to £510s. Exports of alkali during the eleven months ended November last show a considerable expansion, the total value being £1,321,056, as compared with £1,228,030 for the corresponding period of the previous year. Bleaching materials were exported to the value of £174,065 as against £147,578. The imports of alkali during Jan.-Nov. of last year were of the value of £104,738, and bleaching materials £55,200; the value of the imports of alkali for the corresponding period of the previous year was £82,709, and bleaching material £58,610.

Sweden and Norway increased the value of their shipments of unprinted paper to the United Kingdom during 1905 to the extent of £78,867, but there was a falling off in the value of the receipts from Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium to the amount of £82,038. In the official returns considerable quantities of paper credited as being shipped from the Netherlands are of German origin. American supplies of unprinted on reels show an additional value of £30,770, but in the receipts of "not on reels" there was a decline in value of £12,940. Of the other imports, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium monopolise the market in regard to hangings and other printed and coated paper, whilst the countries supplying boards are specified.

not

Foreign and Colonial Demand for British

Paper.

It is satisfactory to find that the exports of British paper increased during 1905. The figures for the eleven months (Jan.-Nov.) are as under :

Total quantities

The official classification of the exports of paper that comprise the above total values is as under:

Writings, Printings,

and Envelopes

Hangings

Bags

...

Other Descriptions 356,632

The

Of the shipments during January-November last of writings, printings and envelopes, £403,338 went to foreign countries and £783,475 to British Possessions; of other descriptions, £177,622 went to foreign countries and £201,596 to British Possessions. countries receiving hangings and bags are not mentioned in the monthly official returns, but the following percentages (of the respective total values) show the importance of the markets receiving British writings, printings, and envelopes and other descriptions during January-November last :—

A feature of the export trade during 1905 was the heavy decline in the Australian demand, amounting in writings, printings and envelopes to £9,778 and in other descriptions to £13,775 as compared with January-November of the previous year. Notwithstanding this reduction, the total figures show a comparative increase of £12,397 in the shipments of writings, printings and envelopes and £22,586 in other descriptions. Last year the purchases on the part of the British East Indies were on a much larger scale, the value of the shipments of writings, printings and envelopes alone showing an addition of over £12,000 compared with January-November of 1901.

Trade Associations.

The Papermakers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland (Incorporated) held its annual meeting and dinner on February 23rd, at De Keyser's Royal Hotel, London, E.C. The winter meeting and informal dinner took place on November 29th at the Hotel Cecil. Mr. George Chater presided at both the annual meeting and dinner, and Mr. Joseph Dixon took the chair on the occasion of the winter meeting and dinner. The services during the past year of Mr. George Chater (chairman of the southern committee) and Mr. C. R. Seddon (chairman of the northern committee) have proved highly beneficial to the organisation, which deserves the support of the whole trade. The Association has given considerable consideration to Trade Customs, working in conjunction with the Scottish Papermakers' Association and the Association of Wholesale Stationers. A revised code has now been agreed to which will come up for confirmation at the next annual meeting. Efforts have also been made to obtain accurate returns as to the production of British mills. An attempt on the part of the Association in this direction was not well supported, but the invitation of the Board of Trade to be furnished with particulars in order to provide monthly returns may prove more attractive, as there will be no question but that the particulars furnished will be treated with the utmost secrecy. Amongst other matters that have engaged attention may be mentioned that of sampling and testing wood pulp, the Association being represented at a conference held with the object of establishing an uniform system. Railway goods managers have been approached in regard to the classification of papermaking materials. At the winter meeting the question of the prices of paper was discussed, the

opinion being largely held that an advance was necessary, considering the increased cost of raw materials. No definite action, however, was taken. The Association is to be congratulated on establishing during the past year offices of its own, with the services of Mr. Edwards as secretary, and also upon the close attention given to all matters affecting the interests of the trade.

The British Wood Pulp Association held its annual meeting and dinner on November 30th. This vigorous Association has grappled with many important subjects during the past year, and as chairman of the Executive the services of Mr. L. P. Andrews proved invaluable, whilst considerable energy has been displayed by Mr. W. J. Mather in his capacity as hon. secretary. The experience of the Association in the matter of sampling and testing wood pulp was freely laid before the Joint Conference, and it is evident that members are anxious to do all in their power for the introduction of a satisfactory and uniform method, in order to minimise disputes. Various modifications have been introduced in the contract note, and attention has been given to such questions as warehousing pulp, railway carriage, packing, etc. The important statistical information now furnished by the Association to its members is of the most valuable nature. At the annual meeting there was a heated discussion on the alterations made in the ar rangements for the annual dinner, the view being expressed that it would lose in popularity by an extra charge being made for tickets to members of the allied trades. The dinner, which was held at the Stationers' Hall, proved a great success, although not so largely attended as in previous years. Mr. A. E. Reed presided, and amongst the principal speakers was Sir Albert Kaye Rollitt, D.C.L., M.P.

The Association of Wholesale Stationers was formed in the early part of 1904, with Mr. Frank Spicer as president, Mr. George Chater vice-president, Mr. Walter Howard treasurer, and Mr. Arthur V. Hunt secretary. During the past year the Association has worked in conjunction with the Papermakers' Association in the revision of Trade Customs.

The Stationers' Social Society, which has been in existence for 25 years, enjoys the support of a large number of the members of the London paper trade. As president during 1905, Sir Francis Haydn Green, Bart., proved very popular. The annual dinner was held at the Hotel Cecil, January 11th, when there was upward of 200 guests present. The summer dinner was held at the Crystal Palace on June 3rd, and a smoking concert took place at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, E.C., on December 8th. These social meetings afford excellent opportunities for promoting a spirit of good feeling, and also tend to remove any acerbity that may crop up amongst the members in business life.

The Stationers' and Papermakers' Provident Society, which has been established 67 years, commends itself to the paper trade. Mr. George Chater, who is one of the vice

presidents, presided at the annual meeting held on February 21st. He pointed out that the Society was not so well known as it deserved to be.

The interests of paper mill employees are watched over by the Amalgamated Society of Papermakers and the National Union of Paper Mill Workers, whilst the Original Society of Papermakers looks after the welfare of the hand-made trade. The question of the amalgamation of the Amalgamated Society of Papermakers and the National Union of Paper Mill Workers cropped up during the year, but the former Society does not appear to favour such a course. It is considered that there is plenty of scope for both organisations, as at present only one out of every ten workers in the paper trade is a member of a trade union. The Amalgamated Society of Papermakers have had a proposal before them for appointing a secretary to devote his whole time to the work of the Society, but the discussions at the quarterly meetings have not shown any substantial support. A definite decision will be arrived at by a vote of the members. regard to the Saturday half-holiday in the paper trade, the officials of the various unions think success impossible without legal enactment. The three unions in the paper trade are affiliated to the Labour Representation Committee, which body has taken opinion on the question of Unions subscribing funds for creating a genuine Labour Party. It having been contended that Parliamentary representation does not come within the scope of legal Trade Union activity, the chief Registrar's decision is of some importance, viz., that he will accept "properly drafted rules" providing for Parliamentary levies and payments to the Labour Representation Committee.

In

A society consisting of chemists engaged in the pulp and paper industries was recently formed under the title of the Verein der Zellstoff-und-Papier Chemiker, with headquarters in Germany. Chemists in all countries are invited to join.

Papermakers and Technology. Unfortunately no very great progress was made last year in technology. Only 30 candidates (with 18 passes) presenting themselves for examination against 50 in the previous year (with 21 passes). The examiners mentioned in their report exceptional weakness in the honours' grade. The Manchester School presents excellent facilities, but there seems lacking some stimulating influence so far as paper mill workers are concerned, and if the Papermakers' Association and other bodies could see their way to offer scholarships no doubt more interest would be created. The Bury Technical School must be congratulated on the advantages it offers to paper mill employees in the neighbourhood, as the instruction given is on practical lines and provides the necessary groundwork for successful technical education. The arrangements made last year included various lectures, one being delivered by Mr. J. H. Annandale, of Polton Paper Works, Mid

lothian. The lecture was illustrated by drawings, models of a patent shake motion, and also of a new form of turbine beater. Technical instruction in papermaking at the Heriot-Watt classes (Scotland) has proved highly successful, the students being responsible for 40 per cent. of the total passes at the examination held under the auspices of the City and Guilds of London Institute. In the south the Herts County Council arranged for technical lectures on papermaking at the Dickinson Institute, Croxley, whilst classes have been successfully established at Battersea Technical Institute and the Dartford Technical Institute. Mr. Julius Hubner has succeeded Mr. C. F. Cross (who retired) as one of the examiners in connection with the City and Guilds of London Institute, the other examiner being Mr. A. Clapperton. New Mills.

The number of paper mills in this country has been rather on the decrease than on the increase, owing to the extensions and improvements on the part of the principal concerns, combined with an increased competition, thus forcing the smaller works to suspend operations. The year 1905, however, marks several important developments, viz., arrangements for the building of two new mills, one by Mr. Joseph Dixon (Messrs. Peter Dixon and Son, of Oughtibridge) at Grimsby, and the other by the Wall Paper Manufacturers, Ltd., at Greenhithe, Kent. Mr. Dixon's new mill contains the two "news" machines built by a German firm for the Sebnitzer Papier Fabrik. The machines, made to run at a speed of 500 feet per minute, with a making width of trimmed paper of about 127 inches, were in operation only a short time owing to the financial difficulties of the mill mentioned. The machines were held for some time by a syndicate of German papermakers, and a condition of the sale was that they should not be set up in Germany. The drives of the machines have been remodelled by Messrs. James Milne and Son, Ltd., according to the Lumsden system, already in successful operation at Spring Grove Mill, Oughtibridge. Mr. Dixon's new mill will have the advantage of cheap water carriage, and the same may be said of the new works of the Wall Paper Manufacturers, Ltd., whose extensive estate is situated on the banks of the Thames, where one of the finest mills in the world is to be erected. Another important extension is that carried out by Messrs. A. M. Peebles and Son, Ltd., at Rishton, where a splendid new coated paper works has been erected, equipped with the latest plant for making art papers. Extensive structural

additions have been made at the works of the Star Paper Mill Co., Ltd., including a new boiler house, whilst a new mill (on the site of the present Darwen Mill) is about to be built by the Darwen Paper Mill Co., Ltd. A new wall-paper concern-Messrs. Page, Arnold and Co., Ltd.-has been started at Ovenden, Halifax, Mr. Joseph Arnold, late of the Eynsford Paper Mills, Kent, being chairman, and Mr. A. E. Reed, a director of the company.