Westwood Breichsdyke (lands)

There is to be set and........immediately or at Whitsunday....such number of years as parties can agree, the going coal at Breich belonging to Sir David Cunynghame of Livingstone, Baroner, lying twelve miles west of Edinburgh and within two of Bathgate, and Mid-Calder. The seam is betwixt an ell and forty inches thick, dipping one foot in six, and above 200 feet of streek from cropt to depth quite level-free. A shank upon the middle of the streek is about eight fathoms deep. For further particulars, enquire John Gray, Factor to the said Sir David Cunynghame, at his house at Livingstone-kirk.

The Caledonian Mercury 3rd March 1764

ADJOURNED SALE OF LANDS IN THE COUNTY OF EDINBURGH,

To be SOLD by public roup, within the Royal Exchange Coffcehouse, Edinburgh, on Wednesday the 8th day of July 1775, betwixt the hours of one and two afternoon, THE EASTER HALF of the LANDS of HANDOXWOOD EASTER, or RASHIEHILL, with the houses and pertinents thereof, in the parish of West Calder, and sheriffdom of Edinburgh, containing 552acres, 352 of which are croft, and the rest pasture land. The projected Canal to Edinburgh will most probably go through some part of these lands, or parts in their immediate neighbourhood whatever line may be ultimately adopted; and being full of coal, iron, and freestone, this circumstance must, add very considerably to their value. There is at present a free stone quarry, of a very superior quality, open in the grounds, of twenty feet in thickness, within four feet of the surface, which can be wrought at a small expense, and where the stones can be cut of any size. The lands themselves are highly improveable. They are under rack at present at a rent of 701. and for delivery of one fat wedder, two stones of butter, md eighteen hens. There are fourteen years from Martinmas next yet to run of the prefent lease, originally granted for thirty-eight years from Martinmas 1771, and the rental may be fairly expectd at least to double at the expiry thereof. The proprietor was offered from the present tenant, several years ago, a confiderable immediate rise of rent for an additional nineteen yeers lease, and 12 per cent, for any sum he might lay out on the erection of a Mill upon the water of Briech, which runs through the lands, and which is much wanted in the neighourhood. The croft land, containing. 352 acres, may he inclosed with drystone dykes at a trifling expence, from the command of the finest stone for that purpose.

The Caledonian Mercury, 6th June 1795

AN ESTATE AND FREEHOLD QUALIFICATION IN WEST LOTHIAN, FOR SALE BY PRIVATE BARGAIN

If not sold before Wednesday the 29th day of April curt. then to be exposed by public auction, in John's Coffeehouse, Edinburgh, upon that day, at 1 o'clock: THE LANDS of NORTH BRIECH, consisting of 392 Scotch acres, or thereby, all arable ground. and etwixt 8 and 9 acres of planting. This valuable property lies only about 2- hours ride to the west of Edinburgh, two miles south-west from Livingston, and about a quarter of a mile to the southward of the great turnpike road from Edinburgh to Glasgow, and a mile from the villages of Blackburn and West Calder. There is coal in the lands, and plenty of lime can be procured from different works at an easy rate, nor more than 11/2 miles distance. If it shall appear more agreeable to intending purchasers, the premisses will be disposed of so three Lots, each lying conmpactly wthin itself, and all having very desirable situations for mansion-house.

LOT 1, The Farm of EASTER BREICH preserrtly possessed by Thomas Grahame, but whose lease expires with the present crop, when possession will be given. There are about 140 Scotch acres in this farm, all excellent arablc ground, in high condition; it is divided by stone dykes, some of thein are backed well with hedges, into five inclosures, well watered and sheltered; the public road to Hamilton forms the southern boundary, and on the east and north it is partly bounded by the Waters of Almond and Breich, both of them fine trouting streams, and the country around abounds svith game. The Vote, if wished for, will go along with this lot.

LOT II.-The Farm of MIDDLE BREICH, immediately to the westward of the former: It contains about 119 arable acres, ornamented and sheltered with 7 acres of very-thriving planting, from 12 to 18 years old. The ground of this lot, excepting about 10 acres, is of an equal good quality with the first, and possesses the same local advantages, having the same boundary on the south, and the waters of Tailend and Almond on the north; it is divided with hedge and ditch into five fields, and is at present rented for no more than 50l. per annum, with some kain and carriages, but upon the expiry of the lease in six years, a very great rise will be got.

LOT 111.-The Farm of WESTER BREICH, adjoining to the last Lot, and containing about. 134 acres. This farm has been two years in the proprietor's own hands, who has been at a very great expence in improving them by hedging, ditching, draining, liming, and labouring them, according to the most approved modes. Eighteen years ago the lands were set for 5s. 9d. per acre on a lease, which was brought up, but as consequence of the late improvements, three fields of the farm were let by public roup, for the present year only, at irom 3l. 17s. 6d. to 5l. per acre. Possession will be given of this lot at Martinmas first. Intending purchasers will apply to Mr Wilkie, the proprietor, John's Street, Glasgow ; Mr Martin, No. 5 George Street, Edinburgh, or Mess. M'Nair. and Elder, writers in Giasgow, either of whom will show a plan of the grounds. Mr Martin has powers to sell hy private bargain. The premisses will be shewn by James Watson, at Wester Breich Farm.

The Caledonian Mercury, 13th April 1801

FARM IN WEST LOTHIAN, to be sold by private bargain at a very low price

REMAINING LOT OF NORTH BRIECH ESTATE, viz, the WES'I'ER FARM, two miles south-west of Livingstone. and one mile from the south turnpike road from Edinburgh to Glasgow containing 134 acres all arable, 40 of which were sown off with grass seeds last spring, the greater part being previously fallowed and limed. Twenty acres have been summer fallowed and limed during last summer, part dunged for pease and turnips, and now finished for a crop, together with other improvements executed in a superior style, and at a great expense. The public burdens are trifling. Two lime-kilns are within a mile of the property. A purchaser may have immediate possession; or a respectable tenant will give One Pound of rent per acre, for a lease of nineteen years. Apply to Mr Wilkie, the proprietor at Mrs Brown's lodgings, No.5, North side, George Street, Edinburgh who will furnish indubitable good rights and purge all encumbrances, to the satisfaction of a purchaser. James Watson, overseer at Breich, will show the premises

The Caledonian Mercury, 16th January 1802

TO BE SOLD BY PRIVATE BARGAIN,

THE ESTATE of WESTWOOD, consisting of the following Farms: Easter and Wester Breich, Dykes, Auchinhard, City, and Stepend , containing about 500 English acres, situated in the parish of Livingstone, West Lothian, only 2 ½ hours ride from Edinburgh. A great part of these farms are sheltered with valuable plantations,- 30 years old. there are a. COAL, 5 ½ feet thick, extending over more than a hundred acres; the lands also abound with IRON STONE and a FREE STONE; the Mansion house is new and well finished, containing dining and drawing-roomns, Also bed-chambers, kitchen &c.; the offices are at a convenient distance, consisting of a double coach-house, stable, barn, hay-loft, and servants house. During the last four years very extensive improvements have been going on a upon this estate; lime and coal. is to be had within a mile ofthe mansion-house. A purchaser may have immediate possession of the farms of City and Stepends, containing upwards of one hundred and seventy English acres, (all in grass and corn) with the manslon-house, offices, kitchen garden, and the plantations surrounding said farms. The title deeds are clear and distinct. For further particulars please apply to Mr Wilkie, the proprietor; or Mr James Elder, writer in Glasgow.

The Caledonian Mercury, 7th September 1804

MIDDLE BRIECH. - To be Let for such term of'years as shall be agreed upon, and entered to at Martinmas 1806,

THE LANDS of MIDDLE BRIECH, situated in the the parish of Livington, about 5 miles west of' Mid-Calder upon the road leading to Hamilton, which forms the southern boundary, and bounded upon the north by the Foulshiels Burn and water of the Almond. These lands consist of 126 acres or thereby, including about 7 acres of planting, and are divided with hedge and ditch into five fields. The ground, excepting a few acres next the road, is of as excellent quality, and plenty of lime can be procured from different works in the neighbourhood at an easy rate. Offers in writing may be made to the proprietor Mr. Moodie, No. 31. George Street and such as shall not be accepted of; will, if required, be concealed.

The Caledonian Mercury, 22nd April 1805

FARM OF BRIECHMILL TO BE LET.

To LET, on a lease for nineteen years, and entered to at Martinmas 1817, THE LANDS and FARM of BRIECH- MILL, with the CORN and BARLEY MILL there to belonging, lying in the parish, and about a mile from the village,of West Calder. The farm contains 100 Scotch acres, or thereby, mostly inclosed with stone dykes, and subdivided with thriving hedges. The soil is a good loam, and partly holm land. Offers may be given in, on or before the 29th March curt. to Mr Archibald Mackinlay, Treasurer to George Watson's HospItal South Bridge Street, or James Jollie, W. S. Duke Street, Edinburgh. Edinburgh, 11th March 1817.

The Caledonian Mercury 20th March 1817

TO BE SOLD BY PUBLIC ROUP,

Upon Monday the 8th day of May next, at one o'clock, upon the ground, if not previously disposed of by private bargain, THAT valuable FIELD of GROUND, known by the name of BRIECH DYKES, with the Steading of Houses thereon, part of the estate of WESTWOOD, West Lothian.

This field measures about 68 Scots acres, 9 or 10 of which are in crop, the remainder in valuable pasture, eight years old. It is bounded by a river on the south, by a public road on the north, and on the west by a park lately sold. On the opposite side of the river is a corn mill, on the lands of Briech Mill, the property of Watson's Hospital. There is a coal in the land 5 1/2 feet thick, the crop of which was worked for many years in the adjoining field; and for which in this district the demand would be considerable. The adjoining farm has produced excellent wheat. for years. The public burdens are trifling.. Immediate possession may be had, and the arrangements for payment will be liberal. A servant will show the ground. For further particulars application may be made to D. Bain; accountant, 27 Castle Street, Edinburgh; or to the proprietor.

The Caledonian Mercury, 22nd April 1820

LANDS IN WEST-LOTHIAN FOR SALE

Upset Price Reduced

To be SOLD by public roup, within the Old Signet Hall, Royal Excenge, Edinburgh, on Wednesday 6th April next, at two o'clock afternoon, either in one lot or in three lots conveniently divided

THE LANDS of WESTWOOD, in the parish of Livingstone, 16 miles from Edinburgh and 26 from Glasgow, containing about 354 Scots acres of arable land and about 16 of thriving plantation.

The land is capable of great improvement and is particularly adapted for line, of which the neighbourhood affords and ample supply. One side of the property, nearly a mile in extent, is bounded by the water of Briech, which has a gradual fall of about 55 feet.

Beside the mansion house which is a compact modern cottage with substantial farm steadings on the property. The lands abound in coal, which was wrought in a former period, and they also abound with ironstone and fireclay, which might be wrought to advantage.

The proposed railway betwixt Edinburgh and Glasgow is intended to be carried through, or to skirt the property. The upset price will be such as to afford and ample return to a purchaser.

For further particulars, application may be made to Mr. BAUCHOP, Brucefield, who will give directions to show the lands; Mr Roderick Mackenzie, writer, 13 John St, Glasgow; or to Robert Johnston jnr W.S, 2, Scotland Street, Edinburgh, who is in possession of the title-deeds and a plan of the estate.

The Scotsman, 23rd March 1836

Du Buisson's Patent

Download full document 215336, page 327

EXCERPTS from SPECIFICATION (1845, No. 10,726) of Michel Antoine Bertin Burin Du Buisson, for Furnace Apparatus, and Processes of the Distillation of Bituminous Substances, and Treating the Products thereof.

To ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, Michel Antoine Bertin Burin Du Buisson, of Lambs Conduit Street, in the County of Middlesex, Chemist, send greetings &c., &c.

My Invention of NEW AND IMPROVED METHODS FOR THE DISTILLATION OF BITUMINOUS SCHISTUS AND OTHER BITUMINOUS 'SUBSTANCES, AS WELL AS FOR THE PURIFICATION, RECTIFICATION, AND PREPARATION NECESSARY FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF 'THE PRODUCTIONS OBTAINED BY SUCH DISTILLATION FOR VARIOUS USEFUL PURPOSES.

Bituminous schistus and other bituminous substances, such as clay slate (which latter is, however, more scarce), are to be met with, like coal, in large quantities in veins and masses in various parts of Europe; France and England contain very large quantities. Many attempts have been made to render bituminous schistus useful, and various means have been proposed to effect this object; in England they have all failed; while in France, on the contrary, in the extensive works at Autun, Department of the Saone and Loire, (which are partly my property, and of which I have the management as chemist), the most important results have been obtained, which place the distillation and treatment of schistus amongst the most useful and productive of chemical manufactures.

Note.-The time necessary for distilling seven cubic yards of schistus, as above, is about ten consecutive hours, including the time necessary for charging the apparatus; it will, however, be understood that the process might be carried on without introducing steam at a high temperature into the retort, but in that case the schistus, which is a bad conductor of heat, would only receive heat from outside the conical retort; it would therefore be necessary to continue the operation for a much longer time, in order to distil the mass perfectly, that is to say, it would last sixteen hours instead of ten.

RAW OIL OF SCHISTUS, AND OF OTHER BITUMINOUS ROCKS, PETROLEUM, &c.

The raw oils of schistus and of other mineral bituminous substances, by being treated as hereafter described, and by fresh distillation and rectification, also hereafter described, form the following products, viz:-

First, a volatile oil, perfectly colourless and transparent, chemically pure, having a very slight and by no means disagreeable smell. This oil may be extracted either from raw oil of schistus or other bituminous rock, from petroleum, or from any other bituminous mineral substance. This oil may be employed in various ways as a solvent, and may be used for all the purposes for which the most highly rectified sprint of turpentine is employed. That which is obtained from schistus is of a .density of from 0·80 to .0.81, water being 100.

I have given .It the name of mineral spirit but this oil, by suitable distillation, may be divided into three oils two of which are of a density below. 0·80, and the third is of a density of from 0·82 to 0·83. The mineral spirit or oil of schistus No. 1, dissolves in alcohol in the proportion of from twenty-eight to forty per cent.; thus It is used In France for spirit lamps. It may also be used in lamps, where it is vaporized before burning, by constructing apparatus for burning the vapor, so that the burner may be heated to three hundred and two degrees of Fahrenheit · the density of these oils being from 0·80 to 0·81, their evaporating point is consequently below three hundred and two degrees Fahrenheit; but the use to which the mineral spirit or oil of schistus No. 1 can be put with the greatest advantage is its employment in lamps with a reservoir below, and with a double current of air, in which the oil rises a distance of about five inches by the capillary attraction of the wick. In this way it gives a light superior to that of gas, without any unpleasant smell or smoke; the said lamps have a glass or chimney with a diaphragm of the same diameter as the wick, and placed a little above the top of the burner (for instance, the camphine lamp, which is constructed on this principle, burns the mineral spirit very well). Moreover, the mineral spirit, on account of its purity, has this advantage over gas, that it will not tarnish the polish of metals nor spoil the color of fabrics, disadvantages which the purest gas always possesses, as it always contains some portion of sulphureous compound: Fourth, paraffine. This substance is obtained by crystallization from fat and thick oils; It is thus obtained very pure, and requires but little treatment to make excellent candles. The presence of this substance is scarcely perceptible in raw oil of petroleum, bituminous shale, asphalte, or other bituminous mineral substances · It is in schistus that It Is contained in the largest proportion. I always leave the paraffine in the fat oil No. 3, in order to render It of better quality.

A PURIFICATION, RECTIFICATION, AND DISINFECTION OF OIL No. 1.

This product- being intended more especially for lighting the interior of dwellings, it is indispensable on the one hand that it should be deprived of its bad smell, which would render its employment disagreeable, and, in fact, impossible .... Having now described my Invention, and the manner of carrying the same into effect, I would observe, that I claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent,-

• First, the peculiar arrangement and construction of furnace or apparatus for the distillation of schistus and other bituminous rocks, represented in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 1, and which consists principally of inverted cones placed one inside the other, whereby I am enabled to obtain a very extensive heating surface and a thin layer of schistus, which is thereby more effectually operated upon.
• Secondly, the application to the said furnace or retort of jets of steam, highly charged with caloric, by introducing which inside the said retort, so as to act upon the schistus, the distillation of the schistus, which is a bad conductor of heat, is materially assisted, so that the time required for distillation is much shortened and a great economy therein produced. I also claim the application of the same principle of introducing steam inside the retorts for the distillation of bituminous schistus, to the apparatus for which a Patent was obtained in England by Mr Mollerat, of Dijon, sealed Second May, One thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven, and which apparatus, with the steam pipes adapted thereto, is shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, of Sheet I, (the steam pipes being drawn in red).
• Thirdly, the process, above set forth and described, for the purification, disinfection, and rectification of the bituminous oils Nos. l, 2, 3, which process is composed of the various means and apparatus herein-before explained.

TO BE LET, For such a term of Years as may be agreed on, THE FARM and LANDS of WESTER BRIECH, in the Parish of Livingstone, as the same were lately possessed by Mr. Robert Shanks, situated about a mile south from Blackburn, and lying centrically between that village and West Calder, Whitburn and Livingstone. The Farm contains 151 Acres or thereby, Scotch Measure, all arable, and is of excellent soil, well sub-divided, and sheltered by tidying plantations. Entry may be had immediately to both Houses and Lands. Apply to Geo. Strang, writer, 20, Miller Street, Glasgow, with whom offers may be lodged.

The Glasgow Herald, 17th January 1845

IMPORTANT TO AGRICULTURALISTS

CARBONACEOUS and AMMONIACAL MANURE

£3 per Ton at the Works Weymouth, superior to guano and all other animalised earthy fossil saline or compost manures.

The manufactory at Weymouth for the conversion of Bituminous Schale or Schistus into variety of useful products is so far completed as to the Proprietors to offer for sale THE CARBONACEOUS and AMMONIACAL RESIDUUM of the Schale or Schistus duly prepared for the above purpose. It consists of a combination of organic and other remains which formerly belonged to numberless generations of animals shells and plants. The Residuum contains an excess of carbon, fixed salts from the animal and vegetable matters such as Earthy and Alkaline Phosphates, Sulphates of Potash, Soda, Silicates of Alumina, Potash ,Soda and Magnesia to which is added Ammonia establishing by its valuable properties one of the most economical and beneficial ever offered to the Agricultural Public The results of the various trials and experiments have been made in the vicinity of Weymouth comparing them with other manures such as guano pigeon's horse, and cow dung, night soil, bone dust, soot, charcoal, various ashes and other calcareous and alkaline materials in combination have been witnessed by many of the first agriculturalists of the county of Dorset and many others distant counties who pronounce it one of the most important discoveries of latter years and are of opinion this manure produced by the Residuum of the Bituminous Schale or Schistus possesses all the requisite properties of the best manures which are considered essential for purposes in the present state of chemical knowledge.

An application for the supply to be made either to Mr W.C. Homersham, Schiste Works, Weymouth Dorset, or to C.F. Cheffins, Southampton Buildings Chancery Lane, London.

IMPORTANT TO OIL AND RAILWAY GREASE MERCHANTS AND FACTORS

FOR SALE at the WORKS at WEYMOUTH or may be delivered to any part of the United Kingdom, the superior product of distillation of BITUMINOUS SCHALE or SCHISTUS .

LIQUID BITUMEN Contains

• 1st, a volatile oil, or mineral spirit;
• 2nd, an oil of greater density;
• 3rd, a fatty mineral oil;
• 4th, parafine;
• 5th, grease, slightly alkaline;
• 6th, tar.

The volatile oil, or mineral spirit, is admirably adapted as a solvent, and may be used for all purposes to which the most highly rectified spirit or turpentine is employed or may be used for spirit and camphine lamps. The second oil not so very volatile, will dissolve in any propotion with seed or fish oil, of which it considerably augments their illuminating power, and prevents their becoming rancid. The third is admirably adapted for lubricating machinery, and contains the fourth, paraffine, which is easily obtained by crystallisation, and requiring but little treatment to make excellent candles. The fifth, a grease, superior to animal oil or fat for the use of carriages. sixth, tar, perfectly black, vary siccative, and which may be used generally for all purposes of varnish, and where mineral tar is employed.

Any Further information may be obtained either of Mr. W.C. Homersham, Schiste Works, Weymouth; or of Mr. C. P. CEFFINS, 11, Southampton buildings, Chancery-lane, London.

The Railway Times, 6th April 1850

Bituminous Shale Co. Advertisements

Excellent Manure

MR. A. R. MARTIN, of the North Wales Chronicle Office Castle-street, Bangor, begs to announce to Land Owners, Gentlemen, and Tenant-farmers, that he has been appointed Agent, for the whole of North Wales, to the Bituminous Shale Company, for the sale of their Cheap and Excellent Manure, and will be happy to receive orders which will be promptly executed.

The Bituminous Shale, commonly called Kimmeridge Coal or Clay, is a combination of animal and vegetable remains, found on the coast of Dorsetshire in a tract of land near Wareham, of which the above Company are lessees, Having first undergone a process of distillation, by which are produced, in considerable quantities, a Mineral oil or spirit, and Asphaltum; the Carbonaceous residuum, in a pulverized state, is carefully manufactured, with other matters, into a MANURE which has been used by numerous persons on various crops with most satisfactory results.

It has found to be most successful where drilled in with the seed; having forcing properties which assist materially the early growth of the plant, it is strongly recommended by the company for pasture lands, clove, turnips, and all green and root crops. The very moderate price at which the Directors are enabled to offer offer to the Public this newly discovered compound (viz. £2 10s. per ton) can scarcely fail to insure its being almost universally applied, especially as it has been found in its effects to be superior to any other artificial Manure now in use. It may also be remarked, that as the Shale itself is inexhaustible, so the supply of the Manure will be uniform, and without any risk of deterioration or variation in the analysis.

TESTIMONIALS.

Cuthbert Johnson, Esq., one of the most recent authorities on manuring, especially notices the effect of raw unground Shale on a crop of hay, gives an analysis of the ground article, and recommands Carbonization, as adopted by the Company. William Bullock Webster, Esq., of Hounsdown, near Southampton, an eminent agricultural engineer, has spoken in favour of this Manure, as follows:

" There can be no doubt but that the Manure made from the Residuum is most valuable, particularly for strong clay soils. I have seen such good results from it in the production of grass and all kinds of root crops, that I feel quite certain of its value. It must also, I think, be a great sweetener to a sour soil."

Mr. James Cuthill, of Denmark Hill, Camberwell, an eminent Nurseryman and Florist, has given, unsolicited, the following testimony to the value of the Shale Manure:

" February 8th, 1850. I am quite convinced of the richness of your Manure. The roots of the various plants which I tried with it, ran through it and out through it in all directions, but I have been thinking of a plan that would make it still richer; I shall take an early day next week and call upon you; I shall be too proud of anything I can do or find out to promote the sale of this most valuable article,"

The following additional testimony has been published by the same gentleman in an interesting pamphlet on the culture of fruit and vegetables-

" This year, Mr. Braithwaite sent me a cask of Schiste, a Bituminous earth, and I tried it, and found the effect excellent upon young cucumbers, melons, strawberries, and indeed, upon plants in general."

The following letters have been received on the subject of the Manure from gentlemen who have used it to some extent; and, by their kind permission, the Directors are enabled to avail themselves of them. (COPY.)

"Wolverton Park, 27th May, 1850. " My dear Ricardo,- I must tell you I have taken great notice of the progress of your Shale Manure. On the 24th February, I laid down on fifteen acres of Grass land, the common dressing of farm yard manure; and about the 27th of March, I covered twenty-five acres adjoining, with 5 tons 4 cwt, of your Shale Manure ; from present appearances there is every prospect of the latter being an enormous crop, and infinitely superior to that treated with the farm manure, notwithstanding the former was a month earlier on the ground. Very truly yours, PAGET."

* Note it may be here stated, that the result of this crop fully bore out the above testimonial.

"The Auberies," Sudbury, Suffolk, July 29th, 1850. ' Sir,-I have tried the Shale Manure on Turnips, with and without Farmyard Manure, in a field with several other experiments of different artificial Manures, and am happy to say I can report most favourably of it; those manured with the Shale having bearded from two to four days sooner than any of the others." I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, CALEDON ALEXANDER"
"Winfrith, Dorset, July 29th, 1850. "Sir,-The Shale Manure I purchased of you has given the greatest satisfaction. I consider it a cheap and powerful manure for Turnips. I am, Sir, Yours, &c. THOMAS RANDALL." "N.B.-The quantity used was 3 cwt. per acre, with about 30 bushels of Ashes.
" Philliols, Dorset, October let, 1850. " Sir,-I had 10 cwt. of your Shale Manure, which I drilled with ashes on 2 acres of light soil, and it produced a very good crop of Turnips. I remain, Yours truly, THOMAS INGRAM."

The price of the Shale Manure is £2. 10s. per Ton- including bags, at the Wharf used by the Company in London. The quantity to be used is from three to five cwt. per acre, according to the nature of the soil and crops

VARNISH PAINT.

Mr. Martin also has to offer, from the works of the same Company, a Capital Varnish Paint, which is well adapted for private use and may be applied to Iron, Wood and Plaster, and has one great advantage-that it dries in the course of a few minutes.

The North Wales Chronicle, 30th November 1850

THE NEW SHALE MANURE.

(From the North Wales Chronicle)

We a few weeks ago drew the attention of our agriculturists to this manure, which, it realises what is presented of it by the company engaged producing it, is decidedly the best, as it is the cheapest, yet discovered. We take the following note of its preparation from the City article of the London Times, published on of November last:—

" Sir.—The statement that appeared The Times on the 1st inst., with respect to Irish peat and Owen's experiments thereon appears to have excited great interest in the public mind, and has been observed upon a great portion of the press. The world are very apt to take cognizance of what is going on at a distance, apparently heedless or ignorant of what is taking place nearer home."

"The object of this communication, you should think it deserving of a place, is to inform your readers that experiments, very similar character, and with a view of producing very nearly the same result's, have been for some time in operation at Wareham, in Dorsetshire, and that the company under whose auspices they are undertaken are now actually erecting in that locality 100 retorts, with a view of immediately bringing their products into the London and other markets."

"The only difference appears to be the substance upon which they work, which in this case is what has been usually called Kimmeridge coal. Its more proper appellation should be ' bituminous shale or schist,' being according to the opinions of geologists, a combination of animal and vegetable remains It is found in great quantities on a continuous tract of about four miles of land on the coast of Dorsetshire, of which the Bituminous Shale Company,' as it is called, are now the sole lessees."

"The following are the products of the shale after it has undergone what technically termed a highly destructive distillation—mineral oil or spirits, asphaltum, grease, paraffine, the residuum, after being crushed, forming the basis of what is fully expected will prove an extremely valuable manure. As the peat, sulphate of ammonia is, found to exist considerable quantities, and also phosphate of lime. It is not intended, however, to offer these substances to the public by themselves, but to mix them with the residuum or manure, the chymical virtues of which will thereby be considerably enhanced."

" It is not my purpose to draw any comparison, still less an invidious one, between the intrinsic merits of bituminous shale and Irish peat, or the prices at which it is possible to bring their respective productions into the markets. I firmly believe that there is full scope for both; but I think it is only fair that the fact should equally be made known that a company such as the 'Bituminous Shale Company' is actually in existence, with works abutting on a railway station, and in direct and easy communication with the metropolis, and which will be prepared before the close of the year to supply the London markets with a large quantity of mineral oil or spirit, besides other highly valuable products, at a lower price than they have ever yet been offered to the public. It should also be remembered, that as the material upon which they work is unlimited in its extent, so the supply to be drawn therefrom will be regulated and restrained solely by the demand that may. be made upon it."

"I cannot forbear calling your particular attention to the low price of the manure, 10s per ton, which I honestly believe will prove a real boon to the agriculturist. The quantity to be used is from three to five cwt. per acre. It has been tried on various crops with the most satisfactory results, and has been pronounced by more than one eminent agriculturist to be equal in its effects to guano, phosphate of lime, or any other artificial manure now in use. "

I have the honour to be, &c,

"Well-wisher to both Shale and Peat."

The Sussex Advertiser 31st December 1850

To Agriculturists

BITUMINOUS SHALE COMPANY, Office, 145 Upper Thames St. London

WORKS: WAREHAM, DORSET, Manager Wm. Baldwin.

The Bituminous Shale is a combination of animal and vegetable remains, found on the Coast of Dorsetshire; which, having undergone a process of distillation, is carefully manufactured, with other matters, into a MANURE

Price:

• At Nine Elms, and at any Station on the South Western Railway, including bags - £2 10s od per ton
• At The Factory £2 0s 0d
• At Ditto, without bags £1 15s 0d

* Note. this deduction may vary according to the price paid by the Company for the sacks. Reference the fertilising properties of the Manure can made to the following Gentlemen, whose Testimonials appeared tins paper on the 19th inst. Viz:

• Lord Padget, Woolverton, Hants
• Capt. Alexander, The Auberies, Sudbury, Suffolk.
• Rev. G. J. Fisher, Winfrith.
• Mr. Thomas Randall, ditto.
• Mr. Thomas Ingram. Bere.
• Mr. J. Reader, Winfrith.
• Mr. H. U. Coulthurst. New Inn, London.
• Mr. J. A. Damen, Winfrith.
• Mr. James Hart, Ash, Surrey.
• Mr. Edwin Randall, Wareham.

ALSO. FOR SALE. RAW GROUND UNBURNT SHALE—a manure containing all the valuable properties, derivable from Fossil Organic Matter, Coproloties &c. &c.

Price at the Factory £2 2s.per Ton. Shale Ashes, per Horse Load £0, 5s per ton per 2 Horse ditto £0 10s.

AMMONIA WATER 1d. per Gallon.

For further Particulars apply Mr. William Baldwin. Shale Works. Wareham.

The Dorset County Chronicle, 28th August 1851

TO AGRICULTURISTS.

The BITUMINOUS SHALE COMPANY, for the Production of MINERAL SPIRIT, ASPHALTUM, and MANURE.

Registered pursuant to 7 and 8 Vict. c. 110. Office- 145, Upper Thames Street, London. Works—Wareham, Dorset.

DIRECTORS:

• H. B. Raymond Barker, Esq. 4, Garden Court, Temple.
• Horace Green, Esq. Clapton Square.
• J Edwin Pettit, Esq. 5, Ufton Grove, Kingsland.
• G. S. Pickering, Esq. Clapham, Surrey.
• W. P. Pickering, Esq.. Lincoln's Inn Fields
• A. B. Pollock, Esq. 1, Elm Court, Temple.
• A. Ricardo, Esq. 3. Charles Street, Lowndes Square.

ALGERNON POLLOCK, Secretary.

The Bituminous Shale is a combination of Fossil Bones, Shells, and Vegetable Remains, found on the Coast of Dorsetshire; which, having first undergone a Process of Distillation, is carefully Manufactured, with other Matters, into a MANURE. It has been used by numerous Scientific Men and Practical Farmers on various Crops with the most satisfactory Results. It is at once Cheap, Durable, and Fertilizing, and the Shale being itself inexhaustible, the supply of the Manure will be uniform and without risk of Deterioration. Price £2. 10s. per Ton. Freight and Carriage extra, but moderate.

Testimonials and full Particulars may be had by Application to JOSEPH HINDHAUGH, 4B,WestmorelandTerrace, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Agent for the North of England and for Scotland.

The Newcastle Journal, 20th September 1851

Discovery of Valuable Minerals —

We have just learned that the Shotts Iron Company, who are lessees of the minerals on the estate of Polkemmet in the neighbourhood of Bathgate, belonging to Sir William Baillie, have, after searching for upwards of twelve months, discovered very valuable seam of Black band Ironstone, and also a seam of the Boghead Cannel Coal which has attracted so much attention of late. The ironstone has been found on the northern portion of the estate of Polkemmet, near the village of Armadale and about two miles west of Bathgate. We understand the field has been tested in all directions by boring, previous to a shaft having been put down, and it has been found to be very extensive. The same seam has been also found in the lands of Barbauchlaw adjoining, belonging to Alex. Dennistoun, Esq., late M.P. for Dumbarton, and in some other lands in the vicinity belonging to C. H. C. Inglis, Esq. of Cramond. Both the last mentioned lands are leased by the Monklands Iron and Steel Company. The effect of these discoveries cannot fail to be very beneficial to Bathgate and its neighbourhood. The services of large number of workmen will immediately called into operation, and believe it understood that a branch from one of the railways near Bathgate will be very soon carried into this valuable field, thus connecting it with the great consuming and manufacturing districts.

Falkirk Herald 19th August 1852

These works have lately been erected Boghead, near Bathgate. They belong to Messrs J. Young &Co of Manchester ; but being conducted strictly as a secret work," little known in the district regarding the articles produced at them, and less of the means by which they are produced. Indeed, all that is known on the subject is, that in them there is used large quantities of the Boghead cannel coal, from which it is understood that oil and various other valuable substances are, by some chemical process, extracted. The following extracts from the recent publication by the Commissioners of the Reports the Jurors on the Works of Industry of all Nations, which were shown the late exhibition, will not be uninteresting to our readers, particularly those resident the district, as what is therein stated tends still farther to establish the great commercial value of the Boghead parrot coal for other purposes besides the manufacture of gas, for which it unrivalled and that it may consequently be expected that it will continue, for many years yet to come, to be a source of profit and advantage not only to the district of Bathgate, but to all those more immediately connected with it.

In the reports as to the Stearic Manufactures," exhibited under Class 29, it is stated at page 625 of the publication alluded to—" Paraffin would much too costly to be converted into candles, made from wax, as its preparation entails a considerable loss of material; it is nevertheless desirable that it should be obtained cheaply from some source, as it is better adapted than any other substance for illuminating purposes, from its containing element besides carbon and hydrogen, which are united equal equivalents ; it is, therefore, exactly of the same composition hundred parts of olefiant gas, which gives to the ordinary coal and oil gases their illuminating power. Examples of paraffin candles are exhibited Masse and Tribouillet, in the French section; but far more interesting specimens are sent by James Young, which seem to realise the great problem which the rare sagacity of pointed out so far back ten years ago. ' It would certainly be esteemed one of the greatest discoveries of the age,' says he. 'if any one could succeed condensing coal gas into a white, dry, solid, colourless substance, portable, and capable of being placed upon candlestick, or burned in a lamp.' Now. this very problem Young appears to have accomplished, by distilling coal a comparatively low temperature, whereby he obtains instead of gas —which the product of intense heat —a mixture of liquid and solid substances, —the former capable of being burned in lamps, like sperm oil, of being used for lubricating machinery ; the latter yielding a beautiful mould candle, as solid and white any prepared from paraffin from other sources.

The reporters have not, as yet, been able to obtain a fuller account of the economical bearings Mr Young's process; although, according to a statement furnished to them, 100 parts of cannel coal from Bathgate yielded parts of oil, and 10 parts of paraffin. The reporters, however, confidently hope, that this truly beautiful discovery will not meet with similar difficulties as the plan proposed some years ago for making paraffin candles out of Irish peat. If coal paraffin can actually obtained in sufficient quantity and at moderate cost, may witness another revolution in the process of illumination; and the brilliant discoveries of Chevreul, but lately threatened by the splendour of the electric light, may be eclipsed by the general adoption of solidified coal-gas candles." Besides this very favourable statement the reporters, awarding prize medal to Young for the paraffin and oils exhibited him (and which he extracts from the Boghead gas-coal), state their report, at page 43—" The process adopted by Young is one of great importance, which has only been fully developed since the jury made its awards. By distilling the cannel coal of Boghead, near Bathgate, in Scotland, at the lowest red heat, Young obtains a quantity of oil amounting to about per cent, of the weight of the coal. This oil, after rectifying off a small portion of its more volatile part, is exceedingly well adapted for lubricating machinery. It does not oxidate in air, and is equal to the best sperm oil for the purpose stated, being a rich solution of paraffin more volatile oils. It is difficult to estimate the advantage, in a variety of points of view, of so valuable a discovery." We may add that Mr Young's manufactory is carried on under a patent, dated 17th October, 1850, wherein the mode in which he treats the gas-coal and its products to accomplish the extraction and purification of the oil, paraffin, &c, are very particularly specified.

Winding up of the Bituminous Shale Co.

Tuesday March 7

The Bituminous Shale Company v Cassell re the Joint Stock Companies Winding up Acts 1848 and 1849 and The Bituminous Shale Company ex parte Green

Practice - Winding up order - Matter adjourned for reference to chief clerk in chambers

The above claim and petition came on for hearing together under the following circumstances. In the year 1848 a company was formed for digging working and obtaining a certain mineral or substance called schistus or bituminous shale black stone Kimmeridge coal or any earth clay mineral or other like substance whatsoever or to extract distil manufacture and produce therefrom certain oils pitch gaseous unctuous carbonaceous and other products and to sell and dispose of the same By an indenture of partnership dated the 29th Aug 1848 it was provided amongst other things that the several persons parties thereto being or becoming shareholders in the capital of the company should constitute or be a joint stock company within the meaning of the Acts of the 7th and 8th and the 10th and 11th of her present Majesty under the name of the Bituminous Shale Company and that the capital of the company should consist 20,000l to be divided into 500 shares of 50l each but which capital might, by two extraordinary general meetings of not less than two thirds in number and value of the shareholders, be increased by the issue of new or the augmentation of the present shares to a sum not exceeding 40,000l or be decreased to a sum not less than 20,000l That two successive extraordinary general meetings might by resolution to be passed at the first meeting and confirmed at the second by the like majority of shareholders increase or decrease the capital of the said company within the limits above mentioned and might authorise the directors to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares in the capital of the company which might have become forfeited in any other manner than by non-payment of calls or to borrow any sum or sums of money on bond or mortgage for the purposes of the company not exceeding in the whole 5000 and likewise might determine upon the dissolution of the company subject to the clauses therein contained.

The Board of directors had power from time to time to rent take lease or purchase any lands buildings and premises for carrying on the business and works and also to apply for and take on behalf of the company on such terms as the board of directors should approve any lease of land or ground containing bituminous shale or schist or other like substance and any licence or other power or authority to dig work or remove bituminous shale or schist and all materials and substances applicable to the purposes of the said company The board directors were also empowered from time to time at their discretion at such prices and upon such terms as they should think reasonable to cause all or any of the hereditaments and premises goods and chattels for the time being belonging to the company to be sold parted with or otherwise disposed of for the benefit of the company and the board of directors were directed to cause the works buildings and premises and all the funds and property of the company to be assigned and vested in the names of not less than two trustees The deed was executed by forty five persons representing as stated by the petitioner 404 shares. The company received the certificate of complete registration on the 26th Sept 1848. Calls to the extent of 45l a share were made and the sums received on account of such calls amounting to 19,220l were expended in various works towards prosecuting the said scheme.

By an indenture dated the 10th Feb 1849 a piece of land situate in the parish of St Martin, Wareham the county of Dorset together with full power for said company their successors and assigns to cut or root up any trees which then were or during the lease thereby granted might be on the said thereby demised premises and to all or any of the then existing houses, hedges &c. and to make and construct such houses and buildings fences &c as the said company their successors or assigns should think fit was demised Henry Charles Sturt to certain trustees their executors administrators and assigns from the 25th then last for the term of ninety nine years trust for the said company, their successors and assigns, and to be dealt with as they should determinable nevertheless as therein mentioned the rent of 45l 18s. 9d. payable as therein. And in the said indenture was contained a that the said company should pay to the said Charles Sturt a further sum of 91l 17s 6d clear all deductions upon their giving notice of the said demise. The said company also purchased at the same time, for 700l the buildings then standing on the said piece of land. Various buildings and machinery were erected the above mentioned plot of land by the at a cost of 10,000l.

In the year 1852 the affairs the company becoming embarrassed they applied William Henry Smith for a loan of 2000l for purpose of paying off certain debts and liabilities then due from them and by a deed dated the April 1852 in consideration of 2000l advanced by the said William Henry Smith the above premises were, by the direction of the said company, granted to the said William Henry Smith his executors administrators and assigns for the residue of the term of ninety nine years except ten days with proviso for redemption on repayment of 2000l and interest at five per cent.

On the 14th Dec 1852 an extraordinary general meeting of the company was held whereat it was resolved that as it appeared on investigation that the liabilities exceeded assets of the company by more than 500l, the Bituminous Shale Company should be forthwith dissolved and that immediate steps should be for the winding up of the company and the directors were authorised with all convenient speed to wind the affairs either by calling up contributions privately or by petitioning the court under the Act. By another extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held on the 13th Jan 1853, it resolved that the minutes of the proceedings at meeting of the 14th Dec should be adopted and confirmed. A list of the then debts and liabilities of the company together to the sum of 9164 7s 11d was laid before the meeting. In the month of July 1853 by certain articles agreement under the common seal of the dated the 13th July 1853 and made between company of the one part and Edwin Edward of the other part the company agreed to sell the said Edwin Edward Cassell agreed to purchase for 3000l the said piece of ground comprised in the lease together with the buildings plant and machinery subject to certain printed conditions of sale thereto annexed as far as the might be applicable to a sale by private contract were not varied by the agreement the 3rd 8th & 9th conditions being struck out the purchase to completed on or before the 20th Sept 1853 up which time all outgoings were to be discharged the vendor and if the purchase should be not completed the purchaser to pay interest at 5 cent from that time until it should be completed.

The abstract of title was to be delivered to the purchaser on or before the 10th Aug 1853. The agreement was executed by Cassell. By the 5th condition of sale thereto annexed it was amongst other provided that the purchaser should not be entitled to call for the production of the lessor's title nor he require any other evidence of the covenants conditions in the lease having been performed up the completion of the purchase than the of the receipt for rent up to the 25th Dec then Upon payment of the purchase money and the observance and performance of those conditions sale on the purchaser's part the purchaser have a proper assurance executed to him at his expense but the trustees of the company should be required to enter into any other covenant than covenant that they had not incumbered In pursuance of the agreement an abstract of title was to the purchaser's solicitor on the 10th who on 12th compared it with the original deeds and on 18th Aug requisitions were delivered which company s solicitor answered on the 29th. On 9th Sept 1853 the purchaser's solicitor further requisitions which were answered on following day. On the 16th Sept the solicitor wrote to say that the answer to the requisitions was not satisfactory. A correspondence followed and on the 15th Nov 1853 a claim was riled by company against Edwin Edward Cassell to specific performance of the agreement. The claim was set down before the MR but was transferred by leave to VC Stuart's Court on the 20th Feb last.

The Law Times, vol.22 no. 571. 1854., 11th March 1854

FARMS TO BE LET.

FARM of CITY, in the Parish of Livingstone, near West Calder, containing about 100 Imperial acres, the greater portion of which is tile-drained; and The FARM of BRIECH DYKES, part of the same Estate, containing about 220 Imperial acres, two-thirds of which have been recently tile-drained, and the remainder will be also done if required; are both to be Let for Nineteen Years, with immediate entry, and the ploughing done for this crop. The gardener at Westwood, will show the Lands, and all further particulars may be obtained from the Proprietor, there, or at 32, Royal Terrace, Edinburgh.

North British Agriculturalist, 4th April 1855

VISIT TO TORBANEHILL.—ITS MINERALS.

FIRST ARTICLE.

We lately paid a visit to Torbanehill. Unknown to yourself, reader, you have an interest in the place, for that brilliant jet of gas, as well as the Parraffin oil in the moderator lamp, are manufactured from product of its mines, besides, some years ago there was, in connection with this said Torbanehill, or rather its mineral, one of the most remarkable law-suits which ever came into court; and though decided at the time, yet, it seems, the lawyers have been again applied to, and will soon have their hands full of it.

On the Edinburgh and Glasgow line of Railway, and at the Ratho Station, a branch with a single line of rails may observed to strike off to Bathgate. This town lies twenty miles south-west of Edinburgh, and again to the south of this busy inland place lies the small estate of Torbanehill; but are to embrace, in our visit, a wider district, stretching away farther west and south. We set ourselves down the centre of this district for some fourteen days to examine the mineral and the moral, the material and spiritual, features of it.

The district of which we here particularly speak, apart from its minerals or its men, is certainly not an inviting one. There are at least many more desirable and lovely spots in our “north countrie”. The soil is cold and unkindly immense tracts are covered by moss; the water tastes unpleasant and bitter; and the crops were late for the season, and not abundant. In short, should think, it is one of the poorest corners, agriculturally viewed, of all the Lothians.

But its mineral treasures are vast and, not to speak of the peculiar Torbanehill mineral, of which more anon, there are immense stores, in its subordinate strata, of various and valuable kinds of coal, ironstone, cement, fireclay, and sandstone. Indeed, when you once get beneath the soil, every layer to a profound depth is of intrinsic and commercial value. It is only, however, within the lifetime of the present generation that these mineral resources have commenced to be earnestly and successfully wrought. But now the whole district is being covered with a complete network of railways for mineral traffic; and far and near there meets the eye the chimney stalk of the engine, with the other presentiments of the mine - the dense smoke, and the large heaps of matter raised from beneath, most of it of immediate and marketable use, and all of it of some.

The first step in the search for these precious things of the earth is the process of boring. With an augur the borer pierces the solid strata, and registers in his notes the materials below - their order, their depth, and their seeming amount and worth. If the borer’s report be favourable, a deep pit is dug in the earth, which is called shaft. At the mouth of this shaft a steam-engine is erected, with pumps and other machinery attached, for raising the water, allowing the miners to descend and ascend, and for bringing to the surface and the light of day the products of the mine; coal, iron, or clay. From this shaft there proceed off, and, of course, you understand, down below, cuttings into the rocky strata, which we may be allowed to describe as lanes, if we are allowed to call the shaft a street. These lanes, or horizontal excavations, are just the vacant spaces left whence the minerals, now conveyed to the top, were dug.

In the bowels of mother earth, neither you nor I, gentle reader, would have the peace of mind or the power of vision to examine the different minerals, but as laid down at the mouth of the mine previous to their transit to other regions, we may have both. We are all familiar with coals, being all more or less judges and consumers. These at our feet, we do not even require to remember our location, are Scotch. There are several kinds, parrot, cannel, common, but coals they are, and that without mistake. See here in some of the blocks you can observe with the naked eye the vegetable structure; and there, on the faces of the larger pieces, arethe marks of sigittaria and stigmaria. Laid down in the same heap, side by side, and associated in the strata below with the coals, are the shales, and, clearing them, vegetable impressions of reeds and ferns are observed to abound, If in the north you had some doubt about the vegetable origin of coal, so far at least as all the common kinds are concerned, you can have none here. The ironstone - you do not at once pronounce upon it. There it is, however, in great quantity, and, for an ore, we are told, in good quality. It is not unlike some of the coals, but heavier, more massive in its structure, and more varied in its colour—now streaked with lines of deepest black, and again with stripes of light brown. What may be the percentage of metallic iron, it is difficult to say. It must vary much in specimens, not only from the district, but from the same mine. The ironstone, however, is largely charged with vegetable matter, for where the heaps are kindled in the open air, they are burning without fuel. The ore is thus reduced to half its bulk, and then sent off in this calcined state to the smelting furnaces in other parts. The cement is just a layer found in some of the pits, which is or can be ground down into valuable or useful mortar. The fireclay is just another, and is first of all dealt with in the same way as the cement, and then converted, as may be seen in the process of making ordinary bricks, into the fire-bricks used in furnaces and stoves.

But to the geologist the most perplexing, and, in the meantime, to the trader the most valuable, although by no means the most abundant, mineral is peculiar stratum found on the estate of Torbanehill, but not confined to it. It would be a long history, and, unless to parties directly concerned, a wearisome, to relate all heard of this mineral above and below ground. Once on a time, the borer, when he found it in his tool, not only expressed his dislike of the brown dust into which it had crumbled, but also augured poverty of anything else. Yet, in spite of his prejudices, it began to be looked at, and all of a sudden it appeared in the market as coal from Boghead, and as an excellent fuel for the gas retort. Then it was accidentally discovered on the Torbanehill; and now began the grave plea - was it coal? or, was it not? We shall give you some of the particulars, and leave you to judge. As have stated, it was first of all sold in the market as the Boghead coal; it was known among miners as the gas coal scientific men - though doctors differed, as we shall see - pronounced it under oath to be coal ; and judge and jury unanimously found in their verdict that it was coal. But much remains to be said on the other side. Other scientific men, in as solemn a way, declared it to be coal; it has some, but it wants some, of the properties of coal; it is light as wood, and cuts like wood, and burns with an intense smoke and odour, and leaves in the grate not a cinder, but a stone. And they manufacture from paraffin, and benzoin, and tar, and something else - a secret. If the coal, so excellent for our fireplaces, be mineralised vegetable matter, this product of the mine, so admirable for our gas retorts, is mineralised oily matter. At this present time, the naphtha springs of volcanic districts are depositing material not unlike. Despite the decision of judge and jury, we much doubt if the term coal should be applied to it. But leaving the quarrel to others, may just mention in a sentence the value of the mineral. Not only is sent to many cities and towns in our own land, but it is largely exported to the Continent; and, strange to tell, the capitals of Europe are lighted with the refuse of a Scotch moss.

The ironstone found in the district in that peculiar variety of it called the blackband, but in this form it is curious that it does not appear along with the Torbanehill mineral; at least, if both are found in the same pit, they are thinning out, and are of inferior quality. But in the same mine, along with the purest and best Torbanehill mineral, is found the ball iron. Varying from the weight of a few ounces upwards to that of cwt., these balls are found, and appear to have once been in a visced or molten state. Every traveller on the old coach-road between Edinburgh and Glasgow will remember the inn at Armadale Toll. Cold and bleak the district now is; but ill the times of geological antiquity it must have presented very different appearance. Then it was a tropical clime, in which flourished those gigantic tree ferns which are abundant as fossils in the coal measures. Thermal and naphtha springs distilled their oily streams into the valley. And these balls of ironstone were discharged the play of its grand artillery from yon neighbouring volcano, now the Knock Hill behind Bathgate, and whose towering eminence is such a striking feature the modern landscape.

Montrose Review, 30th October 1857

.......

VISIT TO TORBANEHILL. - ITS MEN.

SECOND ARTICLE.

We arrived in Bathgate by the afternoon train from Edinburgh. As we emerged from the Railway Station, we immediately met with the men of Torbanehill. Such of them as lived in the town of Bathgate were returning to their homes, and at a glance you could pronounce on their calling and their trade. Though you had never seen a miner before, you would have at once exclaimed, these are “the men." They had such a peculiar development of the bodily frame, powerful muscular arms- as if accustomed to toil, but weak and attenuated lower extremities, as if often in a confined position, and accustomed to crawl. They were dressed in clothes not certainly old, but of the fashion of the day, as if often renewed, but very much torn and dirty wherewithal. Their persons were freely bespattered- face, hands, and clothes - with a blackish sort of mud, and over the face, attached to the cap or dilapidated wide-awake, there hung dangling a small lamp. There could not be chosen a more appropriate emblem of their occupation - away underground from the light and sun of day - than this same lamp; and it at once impressed me with their great and immediate need, as moral and spiritual beings, of enlightenment. It would be wrong to judge any man, or any class of men, from first appearances ; but though for that evening we had to find our way to our lodgings, which lay for the time some miles off, yet we had farther opportunities in due course of entering many of their homes, and of having intercourse with their minds, and of forming for ourselves some opinion of their mental and moral condition.

We must premise that in this district, away to the west and south of Bathgate, in which the ironstone and other minerals are being so extensively wrought, have not a fair specimen of the Scotch miner. As we mentioned in our previous article, the peculiar and valuable minerals in this field have begun only to be raised extensively within the last few years, and we have, as a consequence, importations of labourers from England and Ireland - good and bad from many a mining district; and along with those who have been born and bred to the trade, we have immigrants from the Green Isle, who have just emerged from the phase of the “railway navvie.” Amongst a population thus collected from all lands, we found that every heresy had its adherents, and every delusion its dupes. The older creeds were there, of course, represented by the Irish brogue, and, if need were, might have battle done for them by a strong arm and with stout cudgel. Clubs also of a political cast, which in our ignorance we had supposed to be extinct, have, if not their organisation, at least their watchwords and their faction fights, feuds, often steeped in blood, as was proved a recent execution for murder at Linlithgow; and among the nominally Protestant population, though never among the Papist, Mormonism has its apostles, and has made and is making converts. Throughout the district, as the mineral wealth and operations are being developed, the mining companies are erecting for their workmen house accommodation, outwardly least, a very respectable, if not superior style. Would that over all the country the dwelling-places of our working classes were of the same type! These new erections are set down in convenient spots, clustered together in rows, which are indeed so many villages. Sweetly sounding are the names of several of these villages -Armadale, Bathvale, Woodend, and Mount Pleasant. To a great extent, alas! they are, however, moral wastes ; and great endeavours must be made for the population, and a great change wrought on it, before such pleasant words as these and their moral condition do at all correspond. Not, however, but what in every row or village there are families and individuals superior to the mass. The newspaper seemed to be thoughtfully read by all who could read. They were familiar with the startling events of the time in India and other lands. We never so much felt before the power of the newspaper press among certain classes of our community, and henceforth we shall be more alive to the advantages of its purity and the dangers of its licentiousness. As yet, the Churches hare built for this rapidly increasing population no chapels, and the State no schools; but matters surely will not be suffered to continue thus? It is sad to think that, all owing to the jealousies and rivalries of parties in Church and State, our country should be fast losing its prestige and position as regards the education of her people. Once Scotland stood in the van of educated nations; but if efforts are not put forth commensurate with the wants and numbers of our population, and especially in such districts those to which in this article particularly refer, we shall soon have our position in the rear. In the delay, and perhaps in the final defeat a national scheme, our mining districts present wide and unoccupied fields for Christian benevolence and philanthropy. May they soon be occupied. With these sons of arduous toil, we should have the deepest sympathy. Long regarded as mere serfs, bought and sold with the lands on which they lived, or with the minerals which they dug from the ground, must expect to find amongst them the results of past oppressions and neglect. And still, to provide for for wants and to minister to our comforts, they are engaged in a hazardous and trying occupation. Have you ever remembered, when the gas light burns brightly on our Christian assemblies on the evening of a Sabbath, or on the happy family circle and hearth on the evening of other days, that for you, in the damp and dark mine, has the miner toiled, shut out from every material and human influence that ameliorates the evils of our condition, or refines and ennobles the faculties of our natures.

We are not qualified, perhaps, and it is not our province to speak of the truck system, as it is called. In the massive blue books of our Legislature, we believe there is to be found extensive evidence on the subject, and we should like to examine these more carefully ere we condemned the system out-and-out. mus:, confess, however, that, whilst we do allow there are advantages to the masters or the proprietors, we could not see any that accrued to the workmen. If we were to believe the statements of some who groaned under the yoke, although free trade be the theory, it is not always the practice. We shall not enter into details; but, caught in the meshes of the system, many of the miners were of opinion that they had not the same liberty as their master - to sell in the dearest market and buy in the cheapest. It must be confessed, however, that the monstrous evil among the miners is intemperance. Among some classes of our population, intemperance may safely be said to be the parent of every vice, and amongst this population it was strikingly so. Outwardly, as we have said, their new dwellings looked respectable and comfortable, if not elegant; one way or other they earn a large wage ; many of the mining companies have nothing to do with the truck or barter system and yet, alas! all through drunkenness, or chiefly so, many of the houses internally were pictures of wretchedness and want. We once asked a miner what could be the reason of so much drinking His reply - just as you view it was either a very simple or a very shrewd one; and it amounted to this;—“ You have seen,” he said, the secret Chemical Works, and you know the Torbanehill mineral. Well, I am persuaded,” he continued, they manufacture alcohol from it, —and there’s the secret of our drink.” to the chemical probability or possibility of the thing we have no information; but certainly when on a Monday forenoon, at twelve on the clock, we met women with their children clinging to their arms, and reeling on the public highway, did begin think that our friend might not be far wrong. We may differ as to the remedy for this gigantic evil and sin of our times, but, for our individual part, we are prepared to welcome every means which poses in any way to counteract the drinking habits of society. Let efforts by all means be made to reform our criminals; but if intemperance be the parent of so much crime, is inot prevention better than cure?

Montrose Review, 13th November 1857

The Bankruptcy of William Brown & Co.

Bankruptcy Proceedings, Sheriff Court – Tuesday 5th January

EXAMINATION OF WILLIAM BROWN & CO.

The bankrupt was examined today before Sheriff Sir Archibald Alison, Bart. Present- Mr. James M'Clelland, trustee ; Mr. Stevenson, of M'Grigors & Stevenson, law agents in the sequestration.

Mr. William Brown, oil and colour merchant, Stockwell Street, interrogated by Mr. STEVENSON - I have been a merchant since 1813. On1st January, 1840, my eldest son James was admitted a partner, and my second son, Charles , on 1st January 1841. I have carried on business in connection with my sons since these dates My capital was £12,800 of my own in the business when my Son James was admitted a partner, independent of my private fortune. My business was then profitable. It might be worth from £2,500 to £3,000 a year. Generally speaking, my business has continued to be profitable down to this date.

Apart from my general business I had a good deal of speculation in connection with railway stock, oil, tallow, cotton, and corn. My loss on oil was £5,000; on tallow £9,000; on cotton and other produce, £3,800; on corn £2,200. Between 1845 and 1852 there was a loss by speculating in railway stock of £19,900. These transactions were all on account of the firm. Produces a state of affairs in 1856, the result being, after deducting the securities held by the banks as against their own claim it showed the liabilities at that time to have been £43,134. Valuing the bank stock and other property we hold at the price of the day it amounted to £46,266, showing a balance in our favour of £3142. The state of affairs now made up in 1857 by Mr. M'Clelland prior to the date of sequestration, as at 12th November showed my liabilities to be £71,909. The assets at the same date were £31,282 showing the deficiency as between 1856 and 1857 to be £ 40,547. The chief part of it arises from the position of the Western Bank. There was a loss of £2,300 on the Sperm Oil Company; and the shares held by me in the Western Bank were valued at £18,675, beside 103 shares held by me in connection with the transaction with J&J Wright, which were valued at £8,600; but are no valueless. The deponent thinks that if the Western Bank had not stopped their insolvency would not have taken place. Has a house belonging individually to him in Athol Place, Glasgow and another in Wemyss Bay. Both of the houses are vested in trustee by marriage settlement. The Athol Place house was burdened with a heritable bond for £1,800. That £1,800 was expended by me in building the house at Wemyss Bay

Interrogated by Mr.WRIGHT, for Mr. Robert M 'Cowan - I was a partner of the Sperm Oil Company. The company was formed in June, 1856. It was to endure, according to the contract, for seven or ten years. James M'Kenzie, presently residing at Largs, John Bain of Morriston, and ourselves, were the partners, Our share was one third. The capital was £9000. The works were at Cambuslang. They were leased by the company. They adjoined the Clydesdale Chemical Works. I was a partner of the Clydesdale Chemical Company. The operative part of the Sperm Oil Company was managed by Mr Carlyle. I was frequently there myself and superintended the works. -,My firm were the managers along with other parties. Wm Brown & Co. took charge of the counting house department. I signed bills for the Sperm Oil Company Wm.Brown & Co, were the parties. The capital contributed by the partners for carrying on the works of the concern was either £7500 or £7000. Wm. Brown & Sons contributed none of that sum. The company made an article for fine machinery called hyper-sperm oil. I cannot state how much was made per annum. The Clydesdale Chemical Company came into existence in July, 1855. The partners were John Bain of Morriston and my own firm holding two-thirds. I agreed to advance £2,000, one-half in cash and the other in apparatus. I did so.

• Mr. Brown here declined to answer certain questions as to the value of the patents of the Clydesdale Chemical Co., alleging that Mr. Wright had no right to question him as to the property of other people, and that he had ceased on his insolvency to have any connection with that company.
• Interrogated - where the Clydesdale Chemical Co. erected works for carrying on their business?
• Deponed - They were erected at Cambuslang, contiguous to those of the Hyper-Sperm Oil Co.
• Interrogated: - What they made in those works?
• Deponed; - Railway grease and paraffin and other oils. Wm Brown &Co. superintended the manufacture.
• Interrogated - Who took charge of the counting house and sales department of the company's chemical business?
• Deponed. - My firm did, so up to the time I ceased to be a partner.

Mr. WRIGHT (so far as we could gather, for the proceedings again resolved into a whisper, as if only a private confab had been going on, in which we, as representing the public, had no concern) here desired to go into a line of examination as to the conduct of the affairs of the Clydesdale Chemical Co. after Mr. Brown had ceased to be a partner. Mr. STEVENSON. objected to this course as irregular, and tended to compromise third parties who were not here present He contended that Mr.Wright was entitled to get information as to the affairs Wm. Brown &Co but not to go into the affairs of other and solvent parties. His (Mr. Wright's) object seemed to be to get, in an indirect form, the information not bearing on the affairs of Wm. Brown & Co., and therefore irrelevant to the present examination. Interrogatory and objection recorded to await the decision of the Sheriff at next diet.

The Glasgow Herald 6th January 1858

MINERAL FIELD TO BE LET.

SEAMS of SMITHY and other COALS, FIRECLAY, IRONSTONE, and LIMESTONE, in the Estate of Westwood, extending to upwards of 230 acres, lying in the Parish of Livingstone, and about a mile distant from the Bathgate and Morningside Railway, are to be Let. A good Seam of Smithy Coal, upwards of 5 feet in thickness, with several smaller Seams of good quality, and well adapted for the manufacture of Coke, have been opened up in different parts of the property. Two of these rest upon Seams of good Fireclay, suitable for making Ovens, or any other purposes. There are also several Seams of Ironstone, amounting altogether to some feet in thickness, and which may be seen at the outcrop, with Lime, and dense stratum of Pitchy Bituminous Shale. For farther particulars and terms, application may be made to the Proprietor, Robert Steuart, Esq. of Carfin, Moray Place, Edinburgh; or Thomas Sprot, Esq., W.S., there.

The Falkirk Herald, 17th March 1859

Paraffin lamp manufacturers in Scotland

"Paraffin Light Manufacturers", as listed in Glasgow Post Office Directories

1860 and 1861

• none

1862

• Rowatt Thomas & Sons, 253 Argyll St., D Anderson & Co. Agents
  

1863 and 1864

• Robinson, Donald & Co. Bothwell Lane, West Campbell St.
  

1865

• Binning, Robert & Sons, 108 St Vincent St.
• Paraffin Light Company, 7 South Fredrick St.
• Robinson Donald & Co. Canal Bank Port Dundas.
• Young, John, 14 East Nile St.
  

1866

• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 South Fredrick St.
• Robinson Donald & Co. Canal Bank Port Dundas.
• Young, John, 14 East Nile St.

1867

• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 South Fredrick St.
• Robinson Brothers. Canal Bank Port Dundas.
• Young, John, 14 East Nile St.

1868

• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 South Fredrick St.
• Robinson J & E, Canal Bank Port Dundas.
• Young, John, 222 Gallowgate, and 11 East Nile St.

1869

• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 South Fredrick St.
• Robinson J & E, Vulcan Oil Works Young,
• John, 222 Gallowgate, and 11 East Nile St.

1870

• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 69 St Georges Place
• Robinson J & E, Vulcan Oil Works, Port Dundas
• Young, John, 222 Gallowgate, and Forth St, Port Dundas

1871

• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 69 St Georges Place
• Robinson J & E, Vulcan Oil Works, Port Dundas
• Young, John, 222 Gallowgate, and Forth St, Port Dundas

1872

• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 69 St Georges Place
• Robinson J & E, Canal Bank, Port Dundas
• Young, John, 222 Gallowgate, and Forth St, Port Dundas

1873

• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 69 St Georges Place
• Robinson J & E, Canal Bank, Port Dundas
• Young, John, 222 Gallowgate, and Forth St, Port Dundas
• Wright and Butler, Birmingham, agents J.C. Black, 57 Oswald St.

1874

• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 69 St Georges Place
• Robinson J & E, Canal Bank, Port Dundas
• Young, John, 222 Gallowgate, and Forth St, Port Dundas
• Wright and Butler, Birmingham, agents J.C. Black, 57 Oswald St.

1875

• J.C. Black, 57 Oswald St. agent for Wright and Butler, Birmingham
• Lang Jn & Co. 106, 108 London Rd
• Robinson J & E, Canal Bank, Port Dundas
• Wright and Butler, Birmingham, showroom 57 Oswald St
• Young Henry, 21 Biship St.
• Anderson Young, John, 222 Gallowgate, and Forth St, Port Dundas
• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 69 St Georges Place

1876

• Lang Jn & Co. 106, 108 London Rd
• Taylor, James Jnr. 124, 126, 128, Trongate
• Wright and Butler, Birmingham, showroom 57 Oswald St
• Young Henry, 21 Bishop St. Anderson
• Young, John, 222 Gallowgate, and Forth St, Port Dundas
• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 13 Dundas St.

1877

• Lang Jn & Co. 106, 108 London Rd
• Taylor, James Jnr. 61, 63, 65 Mitchell St.
• Young, John, 222 Gallowgate, and Forth St, Port Dundas
• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 13 Dundas St.

1878

• Taylor, James Jnr. 61, 63, 65 Mitchell St.
• Sherwood, Issac Jnr. 163, West Nile St.
• Watt, Chas. & Co. 30 West George St.
• Young, John, 222 Gallowgate, and Forth St, Port Dundas
• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 West George St.

1879

• Lyon & Co. 40, St. Enoch Sq.
• Taylor, James Jnr. 61, 63, 65 Mitchell St.
• Watt, Chas. & Co. 30 West George St.
• Young, John, Forth St, Port Dundas
• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 West George St.

1880

• Crossan Thomas, 84 Parliamentary Rd
• Potts, Wm & Henry, 25 Renfield St.
• Taylor, James Jnr. 61, 63, 65 Mitchell St.
• Watt, Chas. & Co. 30 West George St.
• Young, John, Forth St, Port Dundas
• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 West George St.

1881

• Crossan Thomas, 84 Parliamentary Rd
• Potts, Wm & Henry, 25 Renfield St.
• Taylor, James Jnr. 61, 63, 65 Mitchell St.
• Young, John, Forth St, Port Dundas
• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 West George St.

1882

• Potts, Wm & Henry, 25 Renfield St.
• Taylor, James Jnr. 61, 63, 65 Mitchell St.
• Young, John, Forth St, Port Dundas
• Young John jnr., 105 Bothwell St.
• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 West George St.

1883

• Bow Wm, 91 High St
• Geo Murray, 261 Buchanan St.
• Philips, Rich, 45 Robertson St.
• Potts, Wm & Henry, 25 Renfield St.
• Richmond, Thomas, 225 High St & 86 Gallowgate
• Taylor, James Jnr. 61, 63, 65 Mitchell St.
• The Birmingham Lamp Co. agents Richard McKay, 266 Argyll St.
• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 West George St.

1884

• Bow Wm, 91 High St
• Geo Murray, 261 Buchanan St.
• Philips, Rich, 45 Robertson St.
• Potts, Wm & Henry, 25 Renfield St.
• Richmond, Thomas, 225 High St & 86 Gallowgate Taylor,
• James Jnr. 61, 63, 65 Mitchell St.
• The Birmingham Lamp Co. agents Richard McKay, 266 Argyll St.
• Young's Paraffin Light & Mineral Oil Co Ltd, 7 West George St.

The opening of George Bennie & Co.'s foundry

Perhaps there is no city in the kingdom the commercial enterprise of which has been so rapidly developed as that of Glasgow. We do not require to go back a century for the purpose of inviting the manes of our tobacco lords and rum princes to survey in astonishment the city of their posterity. Even the "oldest inhabitant," although he may be able to spin many strange yarns to our wondering youngsters, is not required as a witness in this case. The man whom you meet at every corner can tell you of the almost miraculous changes which coal, water, iron, and energy have wrought upon Glasgow, and even young men can point with the gravity of patriarchs to districts, which they remember to have been composed of flowery fields and meadows, sacred to the worship of Ceres and Flora, but which are now covered with ship-building yards and iron foundries, with clouds of smoky incense arising to the smithy god Vulcan,

One of these foundries, on an extensive scale, has just been opened in Great Wellington Street, Paisley Road. We do not intend it to be understood that this establishment possesses features of a character so remarkable that it may be set down as one of the lion of the city. The district in which it is situated is filled with works of considerable magnitude, which could scarcely find room in any other quarter. But the foundry of Messrs. George Bennie & Co. is an important addition to their number, and possesses facilities, especially for turning out large and heavy castings, which are very rarely to be found. Mr. Bennie expects to turn out castings weighing from one to 50 tons. The premises occupy fully an acre of ground; and the shop for heavy castings measures 150 feet by 50, giving an almost unexampled working area. The works are driven by a 20 horse-power engine, an exceedingly neat piece of mechanism, from the Eglinton Engine Works. In the heavy castings shop one furnace has already been erected, and is now in operation; it is built to contain 10 tons of metal, and another is in process which is expected to contain 15 tons. In this shop there are also four very large stoves for drying the moulds previous to casting.

We had the pleasure of witnessing the filling of a few moulds, on a recent visit to the premises. The blast was communicated by Russel's improved fans, the speed of which comes up to 1500 revolutions per minute; and these fans possess this very great advantage, that they make little more noise than the humming of a hive of bees, pleasantly com- paring with the very great din which is created by the usual appliances. The method by which the blast is supplied was also on an improved principle, the air being admitted by a single pipe casing of plates, which proceeds like a band round the furnace and plays upon the fire at three points with great force. In a comparatively brief period, surprising to a stranger, the molten iron began to run from the furnace at a glowing white heat, and with a stream so continuous that the workmen were scarcely able to carry it away cleverly enough. At one end of this room or shop, there has been erected a very powerful crane, the beams of which are constructed of solid oak and which will raise 25 tons, and a second is to be erected at the other end of the shop expected to lift 30 tons. This shop communicates with the yard by two massive gates, and in the yard there is to be placed a third crane, sufficient to lift 15 tons, to assist in clearing the heavy casts from the shop, and getting them upon the waggons.

Every improvement, indeed, which the long practical experience of Mr. George Bennie could have suggested has been applied to the new work George is the son of Mr. James Bennie of the Caledonian Foundry, and is commencing business in the establishment which we have been describing. We trust that his experience and assiduity will give success to his new undertaking.

The Glasgow Herald, 8th March 1860

Binney & Co. v. Clydesdale Chemical Co.

Selected extracts relating to oil operations in Dorset.

Report of Jury Trial

Tried before the Lord President and Jury, Edinburgh, November 1860.

Evidence for the Prosecution

17. MR ROBERT MARSHALL,

Clerk to Messrs Russel & Son, Falkirk.

Mr Shand.-

Have you been sending coal to Wareham in Dorsetshire within the last year or two ?

We have sent considerable quantities to Wareham lately.

To Messrs Humphreys and Co. there ?

Yes.

18. MR SAMUEL CLIFT,

Manager of Tar Distillery, Manchester

Mr. Gordon:

You know that there are some works at Wareham in Dorsetshire?

Yes.

They were called the Bituminous Shale Company?

Yes.

I suppose they advertised their products?

I don't know whether they advertised them or not.

How did you hear of their products?

I cannot tell exactly; but someone told me that they had naphtha to sell

Did you make a purchase?

Yes. When was this?

I think it would be in August 1851.

What did you purchase?

About 2000 gallons of rectified and crude oil.

Was naphtha much in demand at that time?

Yes.

And was the oil sold to you as a tar-distiller for the purpose of procuring naphtha ?

I bought it for that purpose.

Did you make use of it?

Yes.

How?

I rectified it, and put the naphtha from it amongst my naphtha from gas-tar.

Did you find that the naphtha so mixed had any peculiarity?

It had a terrible stink.

The Lord President:

The mixed naphtha had?

Yes.

Neither separately had?

Oh! yes.

Which one?

That from the bituminous shale had a very bad smell

Mr Gordon:

Then it contaminated your own naphtha?

Yes. I have some here if you would like to smell it.

Were there complaints from your customers?

Yes. It spoiled your naphtha, did it?

It did not spoil it, but it made it smell bad, so that our customers complained.

After that, had you occasion to go to Wareham?

Yes.

Why did you go there ?

Mr Bethell had an offer of the works, and he requested me to go and see the place, and make a report.

What year was this in?

In 1853.

Who did you see at the works?

Mr Baldwin. Is he alive or dead ?

I have heard within a few days that he is dead. What was he?

He was the manager; at least so he represented himself to me.

He was in charge of the works?

Yes.

Did he show you the shale from which they worked?

Yes; he showed me the whole. I have brought samples of the shale with me.

Did you take specimens with you?

Yes.

How much did you take With you?-

I had somethmg over one cwt.

Did he give you that?

Yes.

As the material from which they worked ?

Yes.

Did he say they were driving a flourishing trade?

No, he said he was very glad to see me, as I had been the only customer they had.

Did you subject the shale to distillation?

Some of it.

Would you describe how you treated it?

I had a small retort, on the same principle as a gas retort, and I charged the retort, and put into it the shale, and hghted my fire under it, and distllled all the products off, beginning at a low red heat - as low as it would begin, and finishing off at a high temperature.

Did you find that the low red-heat produced any results?

It did not begin to work until the retort was getting very sensibly red hot.

This was in the day-time?

Yes.

How high did you bring it up?

It gave off products till it got up to a considerable heat-somewhat like the heat they use in gasworks.

It gave off liquid products?

Yes.

Did you bring the heat up gradually?

Yes, of necessity so.

What kind of liquid was produced?

I produced crude tar, something like the tar obtained from gas-works, only the dreadful smell.

Did the smell suggest to you the presence of any kind of matters in it?

Yes.

What?

Evidently animal matter. I had worked upon bone tar, and it had something similar, but not so bad.

Did Mr Bethell resolve to have nothing to do with the works?

I advised him not.

Do you know whether the works are in operation now?

I don't.

Cross examined by Mr.Young.

Would you try to remember when you first saw paraffine oil - I mean oil containing paraffine?

I never saw oil containing paraffine, to my knowledge, till after the date of Mr Young's patent.

Have you a recollection that you did not see it till after that?

I have a recollection that I did not know it before that.

Is it the name you did not know ? Did you not know the same thing which is now called paraffine oil ?

I cannot tell whether I had ever seen anything like it or not, but I did not know anything of the name of paraffine oil.

Had you seen some Boghead coal distilled when it first came to be known, and when specimens were sent about the country?

I distilled some myself.

When was that ?

I cannot tell now.

It was before the date of Mr Young's patent was it not?

I could not say if it was or was not. I don't recollect.

Was there anybody present when you distilled it?

I don't know, I am sure; I distilled it in my own laboratory. I have distilled it a good many times. I cannot recollect the date

At what heat did you distil it?

I always conducted my expenments In the same way. I commenced with charging my retort cold.

And heated it gradually up?

I brought it up as quick as I could.

The heating was of course gradual?

It must of course have been so.

And you notice in conducting an experiment, I suppose, when the products first begin to come off?

Yes. What did you get from the Boghead when you distilled it?

I got an oil.

And what did you do with the oil?

I only obtained it in small quantities. I daresay it may be in my laboratory yet.

What kind of oil was it?

A light-brown oil.

Just like what is got now by Mr Young?

Just the same, but my object was different.

You say you applied the heat as you always did in your experiments?

Yes.

And you distilled the Boghead several times?

Yes.

But whether before or after the patent you cannot say?

I cannot recollect that. Have you seen other people do it?

No, not Boghead, nor any other that I know. I have since.

Who have you seen do it?

I saw a friend of mine do it in Shropshire.

Who is that?

Mr Fisher.

The Lord President.

But you had not seen it at the time you made the experiments?

No.

Mr Young.

Was it Mr Jesse Fisher?

Yes

What is he?

He is a manufacturing chemist. He has small chemical works at Madeley, in Shropshire.

Did he distil it in the same way?

Question objected to.

Was it by way of experiment, or in his trade as a manufacturer, that Mr Fisher was trying this coal?-

By way of experiment.

How did he distil it?

In a retort. Just as you had done yourself?

Yes.

The Lord President.

Was it in a glass retort?

In an Iron retort.

Mr. Young.

Putting it in cold?

I forget how it was.

Was it with the same result?

Well, I never examined it, to my knowledge. I have no recollection of examining the products from it.

Did what you saw appear to be the same?

Well, I would not say so now.

Your memory don't serve you?

No; I could not say so.

But you cannot recollect the date?

No. It was after the Great Exhibition, I think,- in fact, I am sure.

It would be some time during or after 1851. Just think a little further. Did you not see it before?

I cannot recollect that I did. I mean, see Mr Fisher before experiment on this coal?

I cannot recollect that I did see him, and I feel a great certainty that I did not see him.

The naphtha which you make is used for burning in ]amps?

Yes.

These (showing J) are the specimens of Kimmeridge shale which you have brought with you?

Yes.

Are these fair specimens?

They were given me by the manager. I suppose he would not take the worst.

Mr Gordon.

Have you seen naphtha which was produced from Mr Young's process?

No, I never did.

19. MR WILLIAM C. HOMERSHAM, Engineer, London.

Mr Clark.

You are an engineer in London?

I am.

Do you remember of going down to Weymouth, in Dorsetshire, in the autumn of 1849 ?

I do.

How long did you remain there?

Till the summer of 1850- till the end of July.

What was your object in going there?

To finish the works begun by Mr Braithwaite for the distillation of bituminous shale.

Were they completed?

They were not when I went.

Were they completed after you went ?

As far as the distillation of the shale went.

You completed them so far as to enable you to distil some shale ?

Yes.

What sort of shale was it that you distilled?

The bituminous shale from Kimmeridge.

How much did you distil altogether?

About 100 tons.

How much shale had you in the works when you went there?

I found 2000.

Which was intended for distillation?

Yes.

And all you distilled was about 100 ton

We did.

What was the amount of crude oil that you got per ton?

About six gallons per ton of shale.

Did you manage to sell it ?

We never sold any.

Did you ever try it ?

We advertised it.

And could not sell it ?

We did not sell it.

Had it a bad smell?

It had.

How did you distil the shale?

From the size of the retorts I had, it was necessary to get the retort up to a very high heat; it was a very considerable heat.

And you distilled it at a very high heat ?

I did.

And did the works continue in operation?

They did not. When did you begin to distil ?

About the latter end of January, or the beginning of February 1850.

When did you shut shop?

In bout July of the same year.

And the works were not reopened?

They have not been reopened.

Cross examined by Mr.Young.

By distilling this shale as you distilled it, you got what you have described to us as a crude oil?

Yes.

You are not a chemist ?

I am not.

Did you ascertain whether it floated in water or sank ?

The major part tloated in water; some small parts sank to the bottom.

What kind of thing sank to the bottom ?

Some small portion sank to the bottom.

But the bulk of the oil floated ?

Yes.

What was made from that oil?

Nothing, so far as I can say.

You never purified it?

No.

Nor extracted paraffine from it ?

No.

When did you begin?

We started the works in January 1850.

When did you stop?

About June or July 1850.

(Showing No. 83). That advertisement was inserted while you were manager?

It was. . . . (Reads advertisement).

That advertisement was inserted in reference to the product of your distillation?

It was.

You had never treated the crude oil which you obtained, so as to get from it those other products?

I had not.

How Iong had these works been in existence before you went ?

Not at all.

They were not finished.

They had not begun?

No.

The gentleman you went to was Mr Braithwaite?

Yes.

The Lord President

Did the works belong to him?

To his trustees.

Mr Young.

He was bankrupt?

Yes.

He had become bankrupt?

Yes.

Was that from erecting these works?

No.

At the time he was erecting these works?

Yes.

I believe he had obtained an interest in Du Buisson's patent ?

He had.

As a patentee?

Yes. And the works had been only so far advanced in January 1850, as to enable you to begin them ?

Exactly.

Had you a chemist engaged to assist you?

We had not.

Did you insert the advertisement which I have read?

I did.

From what was it prepared?

From Du Buisson's specification, and a report by Mr Cooper. (Showing No. 74).

That is Mr Cooper's report ?

Yes.

You yourself are an engineer, and not a chemist ; but your intention was to distil this Kimmeridge shale, which was the shale you operated on, so as to obtain these products?

So as to obtain the liquid bitumen contained in it. And you did obtain the liquid bitumen which is the thing you call the crude oil?

Yes.

But that crude oil was not chemically dealt with afterwards?

Not by me.

Did you send a further portion of that crude oil which you obtained, to anybody?

To several parties.

For analysis?

Not exactly for analysis, but to see whether they would buy.

Did you send it to anybody for analysis?

Not to several people. It was sent to one gentleman. I did not send it direct but I believe it was sent.

To whom?

To Mr Dugald Campbell.

He is a chemist in London?

He is.

When was this?

I should say in 1852, but I cannot remember the time exactly.

It was a portion of the oil which was made by you in 1850 which was sent, you think, in 1852?

Yes, by my directions. I think it was 1852.

There was no oil made there at all after June 1850?

No.

The advertisement was sent to various publications, and repeated?

In two or three.

Mr Clark.

And they brought no result?

No result.

You said that the bulk floated in water. Did a considerable portion of it sink when the liquid cooled?

It mixed with the water when it was cold. There was a considerable difficulty in separating it when it was cold.

Can you tell me the specific gravity of the crude oil ?

I cannot.

Did it just float?

It was according to the temperature it was at. If it was 90° it would float; but when it got down to about 50° or 60°, there was a great deal of difficulty,-in fact there was a great deal of difficulty in separating them.

Amongst other products which you advertised as the result of your distillation, there was one which my friend Mr Young did not mention - tar ?

Tar is included in the advertisement.

Did you know of yourself that it contained all these excellent things?

I did not.

And though a good many samples of the oil were sent out, none of its excellences were discovered?

I presume not.

What Mr Cooper reported on was the Kimmeridge bituminous schist?

It was so represented to me.

In fact, the report says so. . . . . I think he recommended a distillation as for gas, did he not. He says, "I am decidedly of opinion that the method'- (Reads to)-' at a great loss.' Was the oil you sent to Mr Campbell for analysis part of the oil made out of the 100 tons?

lt was.

You are sure of that?

Decidedly.

Was there no other shale distilled except that 100 tons?

Yes, there would be in the proportion of 10 tons to the 100 of a shale obtained near Weymouth.

Two different shales were obtained?

Yes.

And there were only 90 tons of that shale which you found 2000 tons of at the works?

Yes, and 10 tons of a shale obtained about two miles from Weymouth.

Were they separately distilled?

They were separately distilled, but the products were mixed. They went into the same reciever.

The Lord President.

When you said 100 tons did you mean 100 in all ?

Yes, about 100 tons.

And about 10 tons of that was from Weymouth shale?

Yes; rather under, but about 10 tons.

Mr Young.

Mr Cooper is dead?

I believe so.

The Lord President.

Did you abandon the work because it did not succeed?

Because we could not find a sale for the articles.

It failed of success and was abandoned?

The works are not sold at the present time.

But the manufacture was abandoned by you?

The manufacture is in abeyance up to the present time. The works still remain the property of Mr Braithwaite's trustees.

Mr.Young

What was the stoppage of the work owing to?

Because we could not sell the articles was the primary cause.

Was there not some bankruptcy in the matter?

We only had the trustees to find the money, and they would not find the money because they did not sell the article.

Evidence for the Defender

1. MR DUGALD CAMPBELL.

Mr Young.

You are a Consulting and Analytical chemist to the Hospital of Consumption in London?

I am.

You were formerly demonstrator and lecturer on chemistry in University College, London?

I was.

And you are in busines generally as an analytical chemist?

I am.

Have you given much attention to the subject of the distillation of coal?

I have

And had much experience therein?

I consider I have.

When did it become known to chemists in general that paraftine was a product of the distillation of coal - I mean, generally, about how long ago?

My knowledge of paraffine extends for a period of, I should say, about sixteen years .

Was it well known so long ago as that, that it was a product of the distillation of coal?

It was .

When did you yourself obtain it by distilling coal?

In 1847, I was shown by Mr. John Thomas Cooper, paraffine oil, lubricating oil from paraffine, and paraffine itself. Toward the end of 1847, Mr Cooper showed me the burning oil of paraffine, as it is called, the lubricating oil containing paraftine, and a thick oil in which there were crystals of parafline apparent to the eye, which he called the thick oil of paraftine.

Who was Mr Cooper?

Mr Cooper wa a very well-known consulting chemi t in London.

Is he now dead?

He is dead about four year ago.

The question which I put to you was , when you yourself had obtained paraffine by distilling coal?

I really do not know when I did. It was certainly not before 1850. I obtained it by following Du Buisson's patent before that. . .

Obtained it from what ?

From what is known as the Kimmerige shale.

The Lord President

You did not obtain from distillation of coal until 1850?

Till 1850.

You had it from distillation of shale when?

About the year 1847.

Mr Cooper showed me Du Buisson's patent when he showed me the materials that he had obtained from it, and I experimented upon it all according to Du Buisson's patent?

Yes.

Mr Young.

Were Mr Cooper anl you very much together?

Very much together.

We were encouraged by one of the branches of the Government in a series of experiment for them, that lasted for many months.

At about that time?

About that time, and he was sometime a week or two in my laboratory, and I was sometime a week or two in his laboratory, just as the work suited us best.

Would you tell us what these substances were which he showed you in 1847?

First of all he showed me a light oil of a paleish lemon colour, with a slight odour,which all these oils, whether obtained from coals or shales, possess. This oil we afterwards burned; in fact, he put the oil into one of his lamps, which he, in fact, he put the oil into one of his lamps, which he used for burning - a camphine lamp, such as is now called a paraffine lamp,, and we dined by that light.

That was in 1847?

Yes.

The secretary of the company was asked to meet me.

Of what company?

The company at Wareham - a Mr Murdoch.

The lamp was then called a camphine lamp?

Yes.

And that it just the same thing as is called a paraffine lamp?

What else did he show you?

The thick oil, which he said contained paraffine, and which I have no doubt it did and he said it waxy oil they were using for lubricating purpose : or to use for lubncatma purposes. He also showed me a substance much more viscid and thick, and in which I could observe flakes of paraffine.

And he told you that these had been produced from the Kimmeridge shale?

He told me that they had been produced from theKimmeridge shale, and he gave me specimens of that shale at the time. He showed me his report to the company

Was it printed?

No; it was a written report, signed by himelf.

And did you experiment upon the specimens which he gave you?

I did.

When?

About that time. There was some difliculty in purifying these oils, and he asked me if I could assist him in the mode of purification.

Did you give him some suggestions about it?

I did. I ascertained from him how he had distilled the shale.

You distilled some yourself ?

I did.

How did you distil it ?

I ascertained from Mr Cooper that they had not used steam in their retort , as described by Du Buisson, and l distilled it both with steam and without steam. I had an iron vessel made, and a pipe down into the bottom of the vessel, which was perforated with holes and through which I blew the steam

Was this upon a small scale?

My apparatus is about the size of the smallest cake of paraftine - perhaps a little larger.

You mean the retort into which you put your mineral?

Yes; into which I put my shale, and into which I drove my steam.

The Lord President.

This was in your laboratory?

Yes and I got the very same products as were shown to me by Mr Cooper, but I think of a better nature.

Mr Young

Do you mean of a superior quality?

Yes.

Superior in what respect?

They were less odorous and more easily purified.

You got an oil which contained paraffine?

I did.

In notable quantity?

Yes.

Did you purify that oil?

I did.

And extracted paraffine from it ?

Yes; by sulphuric acid and soda, and distillation.

\Vas a specimen of the oil which was made at Braithwaite's· works sent to you for analysis?

It was.

Do you remember when?

In December 1853.

You did analyse it ?

Yes.

What did you find ?

I found paraffine and paraffine oil. I made a report in the beginning of 1854, of which report I have got a copy.you know the oil which is obtained both by Binney and Co., and by the Clydesdale Chemical Company?

I do.

I mean the crude product of the first distillation of Boghead coal ?

Yes.

Was the oil which was sent to you from Braithwaite's works the same as that?

It was as near as possible the same. I have got samples of the crude oil with me which I got at that time.

I believe you have made a chemical analysis of both, and will be able to give us the particulars?

Yes. But at present you say the one was as near as possible the same as the other ?

Yes; only the Kimmeridge shale had rather more smell - that 1853 sample.

The Lord President.

Braithwaite's oil?-Yes

Mr. Young

But that was an oil containing paraftine just as much as Mr Young's is?

It was an oil containing paraffine and what is called paraffine oil.

Did you purify it ?

I did.

And what was the result of your purification

I separated the oils and the paraffine itself as well,as Du Buisson describes three oils. I took the crude oil, and I obtained a burning oil, a light oil, and also a second oil, which would likewise do for burning - a medium oil, as described by Du Buisson. Then I obtained a third oil - a lubricating oil; and I obtained paraffine itself.

............................

You know Du Buisson's patent?

I do.

Does it occur to you that there is anything new in it?

There appeared to me at the time to be something new in the apparatus.

Did it teach you anything you never knew before?

I never had applied steam into the retorts before. I believe Dn Buisson's is for the apparatus.

Is there nothing else new in it ?

I think not.

He has a definition of bituminous shale, I believe, in that patent?

He has

Do you agree with it ?

I think it Is generally correct.

Does it describe accurately the Kimmendge shale, Bituminous schistus consists of - ( Reads to) - ' mass of schistus.' Do you think that is a correct definition of it?

The specimens of Kimmeridge schitus that I have examined have not exactly corresponded with this, but still they approximate

Did you not find in the specimens evident trace of ammal matter?

No smell?

They don't smell per se. Of course, if you distil them they smell the same as a coal.

Am I to understand that there was no peculiar smell in the Kimmeridge oil?

There is a smell in the oil when it is distilled.

A very strong smell?

A strong smell.

But you don't think that is caused by animal matter?

I don't think it is.

You never investigated the subject for the purpose of ascertaining it?

Yes.

And your opinion is that there was none ?

It may have originally been there, but it is converted ; it is no longrer existing there.

Have you any doubt that that smell arises from the prescence of animal matter?

I have all the doubt in the world about it. It does not arise from any animal matter. There is no animal matter in the thing. It may have been originally formed from the decomposition of animal matter, as coal is formed from the decomposition of plants.

You think it is formed from the decomposition of plants, and not from the decompo ition of animal matter ?

I think there is a mixture of the two, but there is no animal matter in the schist.

Then it is not your opinion that shale of that description and in that formation is generally the result of the decomposition of animal matter?

It is a mixture of the two.

Then there is a mixture of animal matter in it'?

There is no animal matter existing per se in it. The sulphur in the schist may arise from the albumen of plant , as it does in the same way from the albumen of plant in coal .

I have read the description which Du Buisson moves of the formatlon of schist . Is it your opinion that the Kimmeridge schist has been, or has not been formed in that way?

I think Kimmeridge schist has been formed in that way, although the description that he gives of it does not answer exactly to the Kimmeridge.

You began these researches of yours about 1847. Were you connected with the Wareham or Weymouth affair?

I was not. Were you the consulting chemist employed by them?

I was not.

By neither of them?

By neither of them.

I don't think you gave me the results of your analysis of the Kimmeridge shale in 1847?

The results were, that I obtained crude oil, and that I rectified it and purified it by distillation with sulphuric acid and soda, and I produced from it the burning oils described by Du Buisson.

Can you give me anything like the amounts?

No; I have not got the amounts. My object was to obtain an oil with as little smell as possible.

And you succeeded in doing so?

I succeeded tolerably well in doing so.

You cannot tell me just now the proportional amount of the crude oil that that analysis disclosed?

I cannot tell you the quantities.

You were very intimate with Mr Cooper?

I was.

(Shown No. 74.) That is a report made in 1847 by Mr Cooper to the Chemical Oil and Spirit Company?

To Thomas .Murdoch, the secretary of the Chemical Oil and Spirit Company.

Were you aware of the researches that were going on by:Mr Cooper into this Kimmeridge shale?

He showed me a report. The report bears, that on the morning of the 3d inst., the apparatus was charged with 80 lb. weight of schist, and there was another charge of 80 lb. weight, making in all 160 lb, and the result obtained from that was 17 lb. of oil?

It weighed about 17 lb.

That was something under 10 per cent?

I think so.

And the residuum was how much?

120.

You will see on page 66 what the residuum consisted of. There was carbon 20, imbibed water 1.30, silica 46.07, alumina 15.08, lime 2.93, phosphate of lime 5.21, peroxide of iron 6.84, perphosphate of iron 1.91, a trace of sulphate of lime, and loss .66 ?

Yes.

Be kind enough to tell me again tho result of your last analysis of the Kimmeridge shale, which you got from Mr Carlile. First, how much was there that you made the experiment with?

40 or 50 lbs. weight I should think. That was sent to me, and I have experimented on it all with the exception of this little bit (Showing).

Instead of 10 per cent, how much did you get as your result in oil ?

We got 23.4 per cent - that was of rectified oil.

But I want to know the crude oil?

The tar, as we call it, 38.7.

So that while Mr Cooper only got 10 per cent of crude oil, you got 38 per cent?

We got 38.7 per cent. of tar. I do not call it oil.

But Mr Cooper called it oil ?

Yes. It means the same as he had.

So that the difference between your experiment and Mr Cooper's is the difference between 10 per cent and 38 per cent?

It is.

And your result is very nearly four times as great as his?

Yes.

Mr Cooper was reporting to the company, for their information in the intended trade which they meant to begin?

Yes.

The Lord President.

What proportion did yours bear to the 17 lbs. ?

Nearly four times as much.

The Lord Advocate.

You were taken into consultation in 1847. Did you think the thing was likely to be profitable?

My object in making these experiments was for the purpose of seeing if I could produce a less smelling oil than was done; and I got really a practical quantity of oil from what I distilled then. The schist varies very much in its nature. The residuum in Mr Cooper's case was 120 lb. out of 160, which is very great, and in ours it was only 14 in 100, which shows that it was very variable.

The Lord President.

That is, the quality of the shale varies?

Very much. The shale only contained 24 per cent of ash, whereas that would contain about 60 per cent, or, at least 50.

The Lord Advocate.

ln your opinion at that time, from examination of the coal, did you think that it was a project worth pursuing?

I did.

You thought it would be profitable?

I thought so

At that time you were aware that it would take 160 lb. of shale to give 17 lb. of crude oil?

I cannot say that exactly.

But you knew of the report ?

Yes; but I could not speak precisely to figures. I knew it produced small quantities.

And yet you thought it would be profitable?

I did.

The Lord President.

You thought the manufacture was worth pursuing, notwithstanding Mr Cooper's results?

I did.

The Lord Advocate.

And, of course, if instead of Cooper's results you had got your own results- I mean 38 per cent, you would be quite clear about that ?

I certainly think I should.

The Lord President.

If 38 per cent was the general result, you would be clear as to the profit?

Much clearer.

The Lord Advocate.

And you still hold the same opinion?

I do.

The Company did not succeed then. To what do you ascribe their failure?

I understand the gentleman became bankrupt ; his affairs became embarrassed; he was connected with several railway speculations.

It found a ready market, I presume, for the oil it produced?

I cannot say as to that.

MINERALS TO BE LET.

GAS COAL, BITUMINOUS shale, HOUSEHOLD; and SMITHY COAL, and OTHER MINERALS, in part of the Estate of Houston, the Parish of Uphall and County of Linlithgow, adjoining the Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway, extending to about 280 acres. The Mineral Field has not been fully explored, but, only at a short distance from the Torbanehill Mineral District, there are good prospects of Gas Coal and Bituminous Shale being found in the Lands. For further particulars, apply to William Waddell, W. S., Royal Circus, Edinburgh ; or, to the Proprietor, Houston House, who will show the Mineral Field. 16th October, 1861.

The Falkirk Herald, 4th October 1861

DESIRABLE FARM LINLITHGOWSHIRE TO BE LET.

THE FARM of WESTER BRIECH, in the Parish of Livingstone, County of Linlithgow, distant about a mile from the villages of Blackburn and West Calder, and three miles from Bathgate, presently possessed by Mr Hugh Wood. Is TO LET for such number of Years may be agreed on, with Immediate Entry to part the lands, including the Fields that were in Tillage this year, and Entry the remainder of the Lands and to the Houses at Whitsunday next. The Farm contains 151 Acres, or thereby, Scotch Measure, and is good soil and well watered, sub-divided, and Fenced. With the exception of from Seven to Nine Acres in Plantation, &c., it all Arable, and to the extent of fully one-third has been thoroughly Drained. The Dwelling House, which consists of Two Storeys, whole other houses are Substantial and chiefly New, and afford ample accommodation.

The Lands are little more than three miles distant from the Harburn Station, on the Edinburgh Branch of the Caledonian and from the Bathgate Livingstone Stations, on the Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway, and there are two Goods Railway Stations within about two miles of the Farm. Offers to lodged, on or before the 30th day of December next, with the Proprietor, Mr George Strang, 13 Carlton Place, Glasgow. A person employed the Farm will point out the Boundaries. The Proprietor does not bind himself to accept the highest or any offer.

The Glasgow Saturday Post, 23rd November 1861

St. Saviour's Board of Works

Application to the Metropolitan Board for a licence to store petroleum.

Notice of the application to the Metropolitan Board for a licence to store petroleum, made by Messrs. Humfrey and Youll, of Suffolk-grove, (Southwark) was read by the clerk, and it was understood that the licence had already been twice refused.

The board thought fit to hear a report upon the subject before coming to any decision, and the following able report by Mr. Bianchi, the medical officer, was read:—

3rd December, 1862.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen.
At each meeting of your board for a considerable period I have directed your attention to a manufactory in Suffolk-grove, where the distillation of petroleum was carried on to a great extent, and where a large quantity of that so-called oil was stored. You are aware that deputations of the inhabitants of that portion of your district have attended here several times to complain of the very serious effects produced both upon their health and property, the gases given of into the surrounding atmosphere during the operations of this manufactory, and further, we had medical testimony of cases of serious illness undeniably attributable to these causes.
I was induced to make a more special report to you this evening on this matter, because I have been informed that other premises in this Grove have been made ready for manufacturing and storing petroleum. You are aware that petroleum is brought this country from certain parts of the United States and Canada, where it rises spontaneously in the earth, and is distilled for the purpose of obtaining paraffin candles, paraffin oil, and other products of less value. You know also, that it has only recently been imported here as an article of commerce, and that the Metropolitan Board of Works having been acquainted with its noxious and dangerous properties, have wisely made it incumbent upon any person wishing to store more than 40 gallons of petroleum within fifty yards of a dwelling-house or of a building in which goods are stored, to apply to the board for license to do so.
Now, in a thickly populated district like ours, it is of vital importance to the health of the inhabitants that no licence should be granted for storing petroleum at all. The hydrocarbons of which it is composed are so volatile that they penetrate into the innermost recesses of every adjacent dwelling, and the food of the occupiers is frequently tainted thereby. The effects which are produced upon persons residing in the immediate vicinity are uniform in character, they are irritation of the throat, nausea, a violent retching, cough and a peculiar prostration of strength. These were the symptoms complained of by all those whom have considered it my duty to make enquiry of, and they number more than 300 persons, whose names and addresses are in your possession. In the case of the manufactory alluded to in this report, the Metropolitan Board have refused two separate applications made to them for license to store, and I trust they will persist in that course in reference to any further application.
Should a nuisance be caused in this district by the distillation of any kind of petroleum, immediate measures will be taken under the authority of this board for its suppression, and I hope that any persons who have contemplated either storing or manufacturing from these oils will pause before incurring any expense in fitting up or erecting premises for that purpose, as they may rest assured any such proceeding will continue to be opposed.
I remain, gentlemen, Your faithful servant,
Robert Bianchi.

Messrs. Humfrey and Yool attended the meeting, as did other parties who were opposed to a licence being granted, and after hearing the statements on both sides, the board directed their clerk to address a letter to the Metropolitan Board strongly urging the refusal, and enclosing a copy of the report just read.

The South London Chronicle. 6th December 1862

NOTE - The first crude petroleum from the USA began to be shipped in quantity to Britain in 1859. Soon afterwards, supplies of crude oil also began to be imported from British Canada, mostly from the Enniskillen area of Ontario. This Canadian crude oil was rich in sulphur, making it difficult to refine and particularly foul-smelling. As most early refineries were in port areas close to centres of population, there was usually public outcry at the obnoxious smells and concern about health wherever Canadian crude oil was processed, including the oil works in Stirling and Saltney.

New Hydro Carbon Oil from Petroleum

Correspondence

To the Editor of the Sanitary Reporter

Sir

I have read your first number and from the character it appears to assume I think it may become a very convenient vehicle such matters as you profess to lay before your renders. Under that impression I shall feel obliged by your inserting the enclosed certificate respecting a new hydro carbon oil from petroleum and an improved moderator lamp for burning it

I am your's obediently

ER Southby MRCS

Wareham, Dorset

I hereby certify that I have carefully examined a new form of hydro carbon oil as well as a new moderator lamp for burning it. The oil is obtained from petroleum at the Wareham Oil and Candle Company's works by a process introduced by the manager Mr E.R Southby and the lamp is made with a burner of a peculiar though simple construction by Messrs JL Thomas and Co of Exeter.

The oil in question is inodorous of a very pale yellow colour and is more easily wiped off anything upon which it may be accidentally spilled than the ordinary fixed oils. It will not corrode metal and does not become gummy or foul by absorbing oxygen from the air so as to render lamps troublesome to clean all that is required being a renewal of the wick once in ten days.

I have made several trials with this oil in a full sized moderator lamp furnished by Messrs Thomas and find that the light at the fullest extent of flame without smoking carefully tested with a photometer and compared with the usual sperm test candle burning at the rate of 120 grains per hour is equal to the light of 16 such candles When the flame was reduced to the height ordinarily used and compared with the flame of an excellent full sized and well trimmed moderator lamp burning colza oil taking as before the test candle as a standard the results per hour proved as follows

Illuminating power

• Consumption per hour of the hydro carbon oil was 7762 grains or 1 3/4 ounces 2 grains avoirdupois
• Consumption of colza oil per hour was 2 ounces avoirdupois 12 Candles 10 Candles

When this hydro carbon oil is gradually heated it does not take fire by throwing a lighted match into it until it reaches a temperature of 320 degrees of Fahrenheit Its specific gravity and the specific gravity of other oils used as fuel for lamps stand in relation to each other in the following manner

• Hydro carbon oil .8400
• Sperm oil .8750
• Colza .9150
• Southern Whale .9225

I consider this a very valuable and very safe oil for lamps and have no doubt of its becoming extensively used

Wm Maugham Consulting Chemist Formerly Professor of Chemistry Charing Cross Hospital &c &c

15 Prospect Place Wandsworth Road Clapham

The Sanitary Reporter, 10th July 1863

PROSPECTUS

THE LIVERPOOL AND RAMSEY OIL REFINING AND CHEMICAL WORKS COMPANY. (LIMITED.)

Capital £40,000. Shares of £5 each. Deposit £1 per Share application, and £1 on allotment.

DIRECTORS.

• T. C. Gibson, Esq. Ramsay, Isle of Man, Chairman.
• John Baker Edwards, Esq. F.C S. Liverpool.
• W. T. Dixon. Esq. (Dixon ami Wynne.) Merchant, Liverpool.
• J. S. Thomson, Esq. (Thomson, and Co.) Broker, Liverpool
• Thomas J. Fennell. (Wakefield, Nash and Co.) Merchant, Liverpool.
• James P. Mawdsley, Esq. (Mawdsley and Son) Liverpool.

SECRETARY: Mr. J. Wood.

MANAGER: Mr. A. Norman Tate.

BANKERS:. The Merchant Exchange Bank, (Limited.) I.iverpool The Bank of Mona, Ramsey, Isle Man.

AUDITOR: Mr. John S. Blease.

SOLICITORS: Messrs. Anderson and Collins, 16, Cook Street, Liverpool

SHAREBROKERS: Theakstone and Hargreaves India Buildings, Liverpool

WORKS: Ramsey. Isle Man. Temporary Offices, l6, Cook-street, Liverpool

THIS Company has been formed for the purpose of carrying on, upon an extended scale OIL REFINING and CHEMICAL WORKS of Mr. T. G. Gibson of Ramsey in the Isle of Man. The Directors have purchased from Mr. Gibson the whole of the Freehold land, Manufactories. and Properties where the business has heretofore been carried on, together with the entire plant. including Vitriol Chambers, Manure Works, Petroleum and other Stills, and large Floating and other Tanks, and the new Barque Jane, of 300 tons, and fitted with a new tank, for the sum of £20,000. In payment of which amount he has agreed to take Shares in the Company.

In the PETROLEUM DEPARTMENT the operations of the Company will embrace the purchase in America of the Crude Oil to be shipped to this country in iron tank vessels specially built for the purpose, the refining of the oil at the Company a works, and the sale of the refined oil and spirits in Liverpool and other markets. The Company will therefore make the profit not only of the importer but of the refinery: and from calculations which have been made it is confidently expected that returns to the shareholders will average from 15 to 20 per cent, on the paid up capital. With regard to the works, particular attention is directed to the accompanying report of Dr. Edwards, from which will be seen that no expense has been made to make them the most complete and perfect of their kind in kingdom.

From the carrying on of the CHEMICAL WORKS, which are to embrace the manufacture of Artificial Manure, Vitriol, and Ammonia, and the distillation of tar, the Directors also confidently expect a very large return. The Directors have much pleasure in announcing that the vessel “Jane" has now arrived in this country, from Philadelphia. after a passage of 24 days, with 220 tons of Crude Pennsylvanian Oil, will enable the Company to commence operations at once, under very favourable circumstances.

To T. C. Gibson. Ramsey, Isle of Man.

Royal Institution Laboratory. Liverpool,

July 1st 1863

Sir.-—I have, at your request, made a close inspection of your Chemical Work at North Ramsey, and beg you now to hand you a report on the condition of the works. THE MANURE WORKS include a Vitriol Chamber, capable of producing an ample supply of Sulphuric Acid for all the purposes of the Works and also an overview, which will always command ready sale; the process is simple and profitable and requires no great chemical skill for its satisfactory work. The Bone Mills are large and powerful, and upon the best principle and most modern construction; and the Sifting and Disintegrating Machinery are of the best and most costly kind. The General Arrangement and Warehouse in this department is such as to economise labour to the utmost.

The AMMONIA, COAL-TAR, PITCH and NAPTHA MANUFACTORY is undergoing some change by removal of stills &c. with a view to relinquishing some of the processes. I should not however, recommend the destruction or removal of such apparatus as now standing because, although the demand for these products may limited, still the processes may be made to pay very well with the small supply from the local gas works: the ammonia especially valuable in the Manure Department, and the processes may work economically with the other branches of manufacture, I therefore see no sufficient cause for their abandonment.

The PETROLEUM REFINERY is the most costly and important department the works, and will absorb most of the capital and labour —at the same time need not at all interfere with either of the branches previously named. Your arrangements for the Importation of Petroleum, which has been brought home in Tank Vessels and Pumped direct from them in few hours into the Large Iron Floating Tanks alongside the Works, are, I consider, in every respect wise and economical, all must effect great saving over the present system of importation in casks. The apparatus for refining is well arranged, capable of working off an enormous quantity, and if the refining process is any where, at market prices, you will certainly command extra profit for cheapness of the Crude Material and Economy in Refining of it. I have had occasion to inspect a number of Petroleum Works but I have not seen any capable of doing so much work, or economical in its arrangements as these. You have, in fact, two chemical factories, which may be profitably conducted either separately or conjointly and upon each of which £10,000 of capital may be judiciously invested with a fair expectation of from fifteen to twenty per cent. Profit— 1st, the Manure, Tar. and Ammonia; 2nd, the Petroleum Refinery. The importation oil and ship ownership would also be a good investment for a similar amount The whole undertaking may advantageously conducted as one business, but would large responsibility for a small firm to undertake, and considering the advantages of your position, as Shipowner, Merchant, and Manufacturer, and the cheapness of labour, freight and rent, and other charges the Free Port of Ramsey, I consider the circumstances peculiarly those in which a profitable investment, with dividend responsibility. May bee secured by the formation of a Public Company, with limited liability. I am sir, your faithful servant.

JOHN BAKER EDWARDS, PhD, F.R.S.

Consulting and Manufacturing Chemist, and Lecturer on Chemistry,

Liverpool

Young & others v. Fernie & others

Selected extracts relating to oil operations in Dorset.

Young v. Fernie was the last, the longest, and the most renowned of a series of court actions pursued by James Young in defence of his patent. Action was taken against Ebenezer Waugh Fernie and partners, who operated a substantial coal oil business in Flintshire. Following almost two months of evidence, "The Great Paraffine Case" of 1864 found in favour of Young and awarded him substantial damages.

As in earlier cases, the defence sought to challenge the validity of Young's patent by proving that his process was already established practice prior to the granting of his patent in 1851. It was accepted that Young's patent might cover the production of oil from coal, but did not apply to other minerals such as shale. The evidence given in court established that oil production in Dorset pre-dated Young's patent, and legal argument focussed on whether the minerals used for this oil production could be classed a coal, or as a shale.

VICE-CHANCELLOR'S COURT

(Before Vice-Chancellor STUART.)

MONDAY 29th February 1864

The VICE CHANCELLOR:

I understand that in Scotland it was found that Young was the inventor, that the invention was new, and that the specification was sufficient,

Mr. GROVE:

Yes. In 1861 it was found that a firm of the name of Miller and Co., who carried on business at Aberdeen and Glasgow, were infringing the patent. Proceedings were taken against them; they paid £5,000, and took a licence from Mr. Young. Some other proceedings were taken about the same time against a company at Wareham, known as Messrs. Humphrey and Co. After these proceedings were commenced, it was found that the defendants had mortgaged their plant and their works; the mortgagees fore closed; they became bankrupt, and their works closed altogether. The plaintiff therefore, did not proceed any further.

FRIDAY 4th March 1864

Evidence of JAMES YOUNG:

…… I never heard of the Wareham Company before June 1850. I have some idea of an offensive oil being sent us to purify. I can not say whether it was Dr. Angus Smith who sent us that. I do not recollect what was done with it. I got no paraffin out of it; nor did my partner, that I am aware of. A person of the name of Clift gave evidence in the Clydesdale suit about dealings with the Wareham people. Undoubtedly my commercial success has been attributable to the quantity of paraffin-oil and paraffin produced from the coal. Boghead coal gives large quantities of those. Other coals would give results nearly equal.

JAMES YOUNG, cross-examined by the ATTORNEY-GENERAL:

….. Before the patent was taken out, I did not communicate with a company called the Shale Oil Company at Wareham. I know Dr. Angus Smith very well. I do not remember receiving from Dr. Smith a sample of the Wareham Company's product. The first thing that I recollect about the Wareham Company is Mr. Binney sending me from Manchester a printed bill of sale of the works. I cannot tell the date of that.

WEDNESDAY 9th March 1864

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL:

….. But he submitted that, whether his honour looked to the point of novelty or to the point of infringement, the case of the defendants would be clearly established. He had forgotten to state that, in addition to the working on coal in Wales, there was an extensive and profitable working at Wareham, both from shale and coal, established in 1849, and in operation for manufacturing purposes before the date of Mr. Young's patent.

Mr. GROVE:

Do you say coal was ever worked?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL:

So I am informed.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR:

That is, for the production of crude oil?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL:

Yes, and paraffin. The plaintiff said that in 1861 he received information of the proceedings of the Wareham Oil Company, and threatened them with a bill for an injunction; but immediately afterwards the company became bankrupt, and it was not therefore worth while to proceed.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR:

Was it the Bituminous Shale Company?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL:

It was originally.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR:

That company was wound up in this court.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL:

But they have successors. The announcement in the original prospectus covers the whole ground of the commercial results aimed at by Mr. Young, and a considerable business has been continually done at Wareham.

MONDAY, 18th April 1864

Mr. Richard Spyer, examined by Mr. D. BRUCE:

I am a clerk in the office of the registrar of Joint-stock companies. I have here all the papers connected with the Bituminous Shale company, and I produce the deed of association.

The Vice CHANCELLOR:

I have an abstract of it. I find these words- "To extract, distil, manufacture, and produce therefrom certain oils, pitch, and gaseous, unctuous, carbonaceous and other products, and to sell and dispose of the same."

Cross-examined by Mr. BOVILL:

The company was dissolved by an order of his honour.

Mr William Eames Heathfield, examined by Mr. CHANCE:

I was consulting chemist to the Bituminous Shale Company. I became so about May, 1850. The works were carried on at Wareham, in Dorset shire. I went down to the works previous to my engagement as consulting chemist. I had the products sent up to my laboratory in London in 1850, and I made experiments upon them. I had a dense product sent up to me which was called crude oil. The process carried on at Wareham was that of distilling Kimmeridge coal in iron retorts in the nature of gas-retorts, and obtaining the product. We also made use of Kimmeridge shale. I produce a specimen which I obtained a the pit about 3 weeks ago; it is an average specimen.

There were two descriptions of retorts when I went to Wareham. One was vertical, capable of holding nearly a ton of coal and shale mixed. The other was in the nature of gas-retorts; 2 benches of 5 retorts each for burning the coal and producing the results. When I went to the works the process was going on with those 10 retorts. They were heated by means of a naked fire, the retorts being shielded at the bottom by brickwork so as to cause as little heat as possible to come into contact with the retorts themselves. The horizontal bench was altered immediately upon my arrival, at my suggestion. Others were substituted, capable of giving a more equable and moderate heat. I do not know at what temperature they were being worked when I went there; it was what I should call a visible red heat. The object was to get as low a red heat as possible, consistently with the reduction of the oil. The 10 retorts ware replaced by 120 imbedded in brickwork. When I went to Wareham there were about a dozen men at work there. The new retorts were horizontal, and had a condensing apparatus at the extreme end. They were 9 feet in length, capable of holding l cwt. of coal each. The time of this distillation varied from 6 to 8 hours. Our first product was the crude oil, or rough oil as we then called it. It was put into a retort and distilled.

We then got a lighter oil. That was subjected to another process by means of sulphuric acid, which produced an oil fit for burning. The thicker oil was applied to burning in out-door lamps and to lubricating purposes. We also got a grease which was used for lubrication. The specific-gravity of the crude oil varied from '920 to '930. I have read Mr. Young's specification, and the process of purification which he describes. Our process and his are almost identical. I did not analyze the crude oil, but I ascertained that it contained paraffin, from the fact that paraffin was visibly deposited from it repeatedly, and constantly in cold weather. Our crude oil having been produced in the form of vapour, passed into a vertical pipe at the end of the retort, which was carried through a wall where there were tanks filled with water, containing the usual refrigerator apparatus; pipes folded or bent, in order to cool the various products. We habitually burned the light oil in the room in which I either sat, or was in the habit of dining. It gave a beautiful light. We sold considerable quantity of the burning oil. It was sold as fast as it was produced.

Cross-examined by Mr. GROVE:

The date at which the oils were made was May, 1850, and previously when I went to Wareham, the oils which had accumulated were immediately purified. I have studied geology a little; but could scarcely call myself a geologist. I have seen a great many specimens of coals and shale. (The witness was shown the specimens of what was represented to be Kimmeridge, and gave his opinion that they both came from the same vein.) The fracture led me to think they came from the same vein. The colour is not very different, and I am not able to speak to the weight; one is harder than the other. I was examined upon the trial, in Scotland, against the Clydesdale Company. I drew no distinction between Kimmeridge shale and coal, not being asked the question. What the company produced was used for varnish and for other purposes, for which asphalte was commonly used. I never heard of the Bituminous Manure Company as part of the undertaking called the Bituminous Shale Company. The crude oil produced at Wareham had an offensive smell. I do not think there is a great deal of nitrogenous matter in Kimmeridge shale. There is nitrogenous matter in all coal.

Mr. Edmund Richard Southby, examined by Sir F. KELLY:

I am a chemist and manager of the Wareham works. I brought up several specimens both of Kimmeridge and Boghead. Two of those specimens were handed to Mr. Valpy, and I was shown this morning the specimen marked K, which I supposed, at first sight, was a specimen of Kimmeridge, but I found I was mistaken, and that it was a specimen of Boghead.

Cross-examined by Mr. GROVE:

I discovered my error in court this morning, before you began asking questions; when it was handed down from Mr. Heathfield. I have seen specimens of Kimmeridge very much like it. We use Boghead at the Wareham works, because it comes cheaper than Kimmeridge.

Re-examined by Sir F. KELLY:

I found the Boghead in use when I went to Wareham, the 1st of March, 1862.

Mr. Heathfield:

I am desirous of saying that that specimen of Boghead is so identical in some of its appearances and characteristics with some of the best specimens of Kimmeridge coal which I have seen, that I can understand myself having been led into an error regarding it. I have seen specimens of Kimmeridge coal, which are so identical with Boghead in appearance, that I may have been deceived in a moment.

Mr. William Percival Pickering, examined by Mr. D. BRUCE:

I am a stock and share broker. In 1849 I was a director of the Bituminous Shale Company. (A copy of the prospectus of the company was put in, and marked by the Registrar.) Oil was sold by that company to the wool trade, at from 1s. to 2s. a gallon. We tried experiments with various retorts, and we found that retorts similar to those used in gas-works were best adapted for that - horizontal retorts. We obtained an oil containing paraffin, I believe, but it is so long ago that my memory is rather weak. The non success of the company I attribute to the heavy rent we paid, and the expense of our experiments, and the cost of getting the shale. The carriage of the coal was as expensive from Kimmeridge to Wareham as it is from Scotland to Wareham, I believe, in consequence of the roads from Kimmeridge being so bad; but we always got ours from Wareham.

Cross-examined by Mr. GROVE:

It is called indiscriminately coal or shale; it varies in quality. I am not a shareholder in the new company. We called the oil we obtained indiscriminately paraffin oil. I smelt the oil; it was not very nice, certainly. There was another prospectus, which contained the term paraffin oil, and which gave an estimate of the receipts and expenditure. (another prospectus was handed to the witness.) This is not the one. I do no not know when this was published; it was done after I left. The Manure company did very well; but just as we were getting into notoriety, it failed for want of funds. We got the shale from the cliffs at Wareham off Colonel Mansell's property ; it was called Gwanage Bay.

Re-examined by Mr. Chance:

I have burnt the oil we produced in a lamp myself, and it gave a very good light. It was a French moderator lamp. The purified oil did not smell; it was like water. We separated the pitch and varnish by a different process; and then we sold it in a different market altogether.

Mr. Edwin Pettitt, examined by Mr. D. BRUCE:

I am a civil engineer and a chemist. I am acquainted with the geological formation of Dorsetshire. Along the coast, commencing at Encombe, at intervals, as for as Weymouth, there are croppings out of the Kimmeridge shale, clay, and coal.

By the COURT:

I went to the works of the Bituminous Shale Company about July or August in 1850. There was a series of retorts consisting of 120 of what I should call the common gas-retorts at that time, in which the shale, after being broken up into pieces about the size of a walnut, was put and distilled in the usual way, and the product was crude oil. I have read Mr. Young's specification. As far as I could judge, the process at Wareham was the same. The crude oil produced paraffin. Some of the oil was sold to Mr. Clift in 1851. I saw the refrigerator used. It was cooled by water. That was connected with the retort. I should say the specimen marked M. was the same as what I saw used there in 1850.

Cross-examined by Mr. BOVILL:

I never saw any paraffin before 1851. The smell of the oil at Wareham I could not well forget—it was so nasty; you might smell it five miles off. The same objection would not apply to it when it was used as coal. I saw the specimen marked M along with others this morning for the first time.

Re-examined by Sir F. KELLY:

What I saw in 1851 was simply some deposited stuff in the bottom of the receiver called paraffin. We obtained the heavy oil, which we called "greasy oil" by redistilling the crude oil. The paraffin was simply a deposit standing in the distillery-house in cold water; you could see it plain enough. That was after the heavy oil had been distilled. We did not obtain the paraffin—we did not care about it; but the crude oil contained paraffin. I have gone through the whole of Mr. Young's specification, and say that the crude oil obtained at the Kimmeridge works was the same as the crude oil obtained by that specification, save in the difference of material.

Mr. Edmund Richard Southby recalled, and examined by Mr. CHANCE.

This (specimen M) is a specimen of the Kimmeridge coal which I took myself from the beds which were then in situ. I also produce two specimens of the coke reduced from this coal. (Handed in.) I bought coal at Kimmeridge. I put one piece of coal into one of the ordinary retorts, and subject it to the low red heat process. The other piece was subjected to the black heat process, and the specimens I produce were the results, and were waste products after all the oil was extracted. Generally we work with Boghead, but we tried the Kimmeridge for the purposes of this case. Boghead contains from 90 to 110 gallons of bitumen per ton, and the Kimmeridge, only contains about 40 at the outside. Kimmeridge coal is more like ordinary coal, because it fuses on distilling, whereas the Boghead comes out of the retort as it went in.

By the COURT:

The Kimmeridge shale did not fuse.

Mr. GROVE:

The scientific witnesses told us that no coal fused. Witness: The coke from the Kimmeridge coal burns well. I have heated the retorts with it.

By the COURT:

The Kimmeridge coal is between Boghead and cannel. The shale is a very poor variety of the coal, just as you have shales with other coals. The Boghead does not fuse, but comes out very nearly in the same shape it went in, like shale. The Kimmeridge coal is more like an ordinary coal than the Boghead. I mean there are only two substances at Kimmeridge—there is the shale, and the coal; because in its unburnt state it resembles Boghead, but in its burnt state it is more like the coal. It resembles bituminous coal—Newcastle gas coal.

By Mr. CHANCE:

The Kimmeridge coal does produce gas in large quantities, but I have not investigated it myself. In March last I received from a man named Brett some crude oil, which I purified. I first of all distilled it in a common iron still, and I then treated it with sulphuric acid and caustic soda. I collected the various products as they came over apart. I collected them at three times—first a light oil, then a heavier oil, and then a very heavy oil, each of which I purified separately. I have specimens of the products which I obtained. (Exhibits A and B were handed to the witness, and identified by him.) Exhibit A is a specimen of the crude oil, as I received it. B is a burning oil, which I produced in this way. I distilled the crude oil, and took the first portion that came over; about one-third of the whole quantity I put into the still. This portion I then treated with sulphuric acid - about 10 per cent; and then pouring it off from the impurities which the acid caused to subside, I washed it with a small quantity of caustic soda.

By the COURT:

Caustic soda is not carbonate of soda. It is pure soda free from carbonic acid. I did not put the soda in a solid state into it. I put it in a liquid state; I should have said a solution of caustic soda.

By Mr. CHANCE:

I did not get any spirit, the oil had been kept 14 years; the spirit had evaporated; but when I distilled Kimmeridge coal there was spirit. The next product that came over I purified in the some way, and obtained the oil C.

By the COURT:

I purified B as it was running from the still. I took the first third that came over, and after that purification is B. The second third which came over after purification by the same process that I mentioned is C. C is treated in the same manner as B; but it is a second third of the distillation, and, therefore, a heavier oil. The first oil that runs is a light oil, and that I purified by itself, and notwithstanding the sulphuric acid and the alkali I could get nothing better than this. I consider the burning oil the more valuable of the two. The other third, D, I purified by the same process, and on cooling it solidified into a mass, and a quantity of paraffin was contained in it.

By Mr. CHANCE:

The temperature of the court is too high; but in a low temperature the paraffin in D is perfectly solid. The process I followed to obtain these various products was similar to the process which is described by Mr. Young in his specification.

Cross-examined by Mr. HINDMARSH:

Before I was employed by this company I was a chemist employed chiefly in breweries. I was in Allsopp's for some time. I had no furnace experience of the treatment of coal than that which every chemist gets in the laboratory. I knew nothing of the Kimmeridge coal before I went into the employment of these parties.

By the COURT:

Kimmeridge shale was found in the some pit where I found the Kimmeridge coal, the beds lie one above another; at the very ton of all there is a thin bed of coal; then there are various beds of shale with rock between them and schistus matter; then you come down to the bar coal, of which there are 2 strata altogether - about 18 inches.

By Mr. HINDMARCH:

There are about 10 feet of shale.

By the COURT:

I bought the coal I put into the retort at Kimmeridge. l did not see it raised from the pit myself.

By Mr. HINDMARSH:

The whole height of the shales is about 60 or 70 feet. The mine has been worked ever since the first company was working in 1850. I first went to Kimmeridge to see the practicability of bringing the Kimmeridge coal into operation again. I broke the coal I operated upon into pieces, and put about 3 cwt. into the retort. I operated three times in that way. Exhibit P is the result of the second experiment, at low red heat, and exhibit O is the result of the third experiment, at black heat. The first was also at black heat. We do not set our retort in brickwork; we spring our arch under the retort, which lies upon that arch, and leaves two flues at the side, through which we look. The fire plays on almost every part of the retort except the top. I have not the product of the first charge. I did not see any of the retorts charged. I examined the retort before it was charged. In the third instance I kept my eye upon it from beginning to end. I cannot recollect whether I examined the interior of the retort in the second instance. I saw it when the charge was withdrawn. The second charge was about 12 hours distilling, but I have no memorandum. I should say exhibit P was near the top of the retort. It exhibits symptoms of having been fused in the ordinary way; the lower part has not been fused because it is more shaly. You would have a fused mass below that portion and a shaly mass above that. This part clearly shows that it was melting and effervescing. I think there was about an even portion of the fused and the unfused in the retorts. I saw the retort before the third charge was put in; it had no redness, it was hot but not red. The process continued about 24 hours. We call it black heat when it is sufficient to get off the oil and you cannot see any redness when I you look in. I had no means of seeing the interior during the process. The specimen of coke which I have produced shows that peculiar appearance which you get if you heat bituminous coal slowly, and get the development of the gas. If crude oil is put into the retort there is a coke left something similar. There is a more perfect fusion.

Re-examined by Mr. CHANCE:

While the operations were going on I was about the works. I looked into the retort-house occasionally. and saw how the men were going on. I weighed the coal myself. I saw the retorts discharged in both instances. I took no note of the coke in the first experiment. I took what I considered to be a fair specimen of the coke from the barrow, immediately after the retorts were discharged. You do not get true columns of coke except at a very high temperature.

Mr. Andrew Graham Yool, examined by the ATTORNEY-GENERAL;

I have for a good many years been accustomed to chemistry, so far as connected with oils and fats. I have been in the service of the defendant, Mr. Fernie, at Broxburn, 10 miles from Edinburgh. since August last. Coal is not at all fused in those works. I have visited the pits where the mineral which we work is produced. There is one pit close to our works. The shale is furnished to us in pretty large blocks, varying in colour slightly; some darker and others a paler brown. They are laminated to a considerable extent; they all have sub-conchoidal fractures in breaking across the grain. I am acquainted with the Calder Hall shale. We do not work it; we work Broxburn shale only. Calder Hall is within 4 miles. (The witness identified the specimens produced by Professor Ansted, and which are marked in the table handed in by him 46 L, 45, and 47.

Cross-examined by Mr. GROVE:

I got those specimens myself, about five weeks ago, I should think.

Mr. John Brett, examined by Mr. D. BRUCE:

I am a brazier and tin-plate worker. About March 1st, 1850, I had a can of oil from the Bituminous Shale Company [produced]. I also obtained refined oil, to try experiments with. The crude oil was called rough oil.

By the COURT:

I ordered it from the company. I have no memorandum of what I called it when I ordered it. I do not know that anybody called it rough oil; it was as it came out from the retort. I live at Wareham.

By Mr. D. BRUCE:

I was engaged in the Clydesdale case. That was about three years ago. On that occasion I took some of the oil to Edinburgh, and gave it to a young man named Woodfries. (Two bottles produced). These appear to be the same, for what I know. I have some of the same sort (produced.) I have had this in my possession ever since. I gave some out of this can to the last witness, Southby. I produce the lamp in which the oil was burnt.

Cross-examined by Mr. BOVILL:

I can speak to the can in my possession; but I cannot say that the samples produce are the same, because they have not been in my possession. That is the lamp. When the oil was first made it was a thick stuff, and that is all I know about it. It has a very disagreeable smell.

Re-examined by Mr. D. BRUCE;

The smell I described was before the oil was purified.

Mr. George Woolfries, examined by Mr. CHANCE:

I am managing foreman of the Wareham Oil and Candle Company's works at Drumgray. In the latter end of 1849 or the beginning of 1850, I was in the employ of the Bituminous Shale Company at Wareham. I was in the retort-room. There were about 10 or 12 men employed besides myself. I could not say exactly. There were 10 retorts—gas-retorts, shape D. We were distilling Kimmeridge coal and shale. The fire was underneath the retorts. The temperature was low red, just visible at the finish. The distillation generally took about 8 hours. The product was a crude oil, which was put into iron stills and distilled afterwards; it was then tried with sulphuric acid, allowed to settle, and then washed with caustic soda. The purified oil was a burning oil. I frequently saw it burning. and it was sold as a burning oil. There was also a lubricating oil made and sold; and grease was also made and sold. We sold some of the oil to the circus people in 1850 for the purpose of lighting their circus. I am sure it was before the autumn of 1850. A man named Welstead was working at that time. The Kimmeridge coal is used by the people there for fuel. I have examined the rock and mineral at Kimmeridge, and I know the appearance of it if I see it. I remained in the employ of the company until they gave over and shut up the place in 1853; but the operations were not going on all the time. I was there a twelvemonth after they finished working, just to keep thing straight. The works are being carried on at Wareham still by another company. They carried on the operation of distilling Kimmeridge coal, and it has been going on ever since.

By the COURT:

The new company began in April, 1854, and I remained there till October in the same year, when they closed their works.

By Mr. CHANCE:

When the second company closed, Mr. Wanostrocht took the works and carried on similar operations. He carried on the Kimmeridge coal distillation about two years. The Wareham Oil and Candle Company then took them up, and the manufacture has been carried on ever since. It is the same company which have their works at Drumgray. They work shale. Drumgray is between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The company have also worked Boghead some years. Mr. Wanostrocht first commenced to work Boghead; I think it was June, 1853, and they have worked it ever since.

TUESDAY April 19th 1864.

Mr. George Woolfries recalled, and examined by Mr. CHANCE.

I recollect a Mr. Binney calling upon me in 1860 somewhere in October. He said he came from Scotland, and I declined answering him.

By the COURT:

I declined to answer him because I was subpoenaed to go to Edinburgh and was told to answer no questions.

By Mr. CHANCE:

At that time, the Boghead had been used about 2 years; it was used quite openly. The oils that we get from the Drumgray shales do not smell.

Cross-examined by Mr. GROVE:

I do not know whether Colonel Mansell, the owner of the land there, prohibited the Wareham coal from being distilled on account of the smell.

Cross-examined by Sir F. KELLY:

I am perfectly familiar with the article of which M is a specimen, and it is the kind of substance which the first, second, and third company used. It was with the same kind of material that we operated upon and continued the distillation till the oil came off, and then we stopped. The heat never exceeded a dull red heat - it just turned from black. We found that the oil we produced would burn pretty well in a lamp similar to that produced; we used to burn the oil in the works. It was redistilled before we got the burning oil.

By the COURT:

It did not smoke in those lamps. It also burnt in a long lamp, but then it smoked, but not such a great deal.

By Sir F. KELLY:

There is a shale which does not produce coke. The Kimmeridge shale does not produce a coke, neither does the Boghead. The Kimmeridge coal and the slab cannel do produce a coke.

Cross-examined by Mr. GROVE:

The substance we used, and of which M is a specimen, came from Kimmeridge Bay in Dorsetshire, at the bottom vein; it was to the south-east, close to the sea; it would stand quite south. There were several labourers houses near. It is about two miles from Smedborough. It was worked in Wareham in 1850. Colonel Mansell's is the nearest house to the spot where this was obtained; it is not above a mile. There is a road by which they used to bring it with carts, but that applies to the shale generally. It lies south of Colonel Mansell's. A man named Marsh got it from Kimmeridge; he sent for us to find carts to fetch it. I cannot specify the spot further than by the name of Kimmeridge Bay.

Re-examined by Sir. F. KELLY:

These materials lie in strata with an upper and a lower strata. That specimen came from the lower strata, and the other, which I call the shale, comes from the upper.

John Vine, examined by Mr. CHANCE:

I helped to build the oil-works at Wareham in 1849. I was employed there at the retorts after the works were completed. I continued there about a twelvemonth. The temperature was at a pale red heat. There was a sight-plug, which pulled out of the wall, so that we could see all round the retorts, and that was sufficient to ascertain that it was at the pale red heat. The crude products were taken from us, and distilled and purified to a burning oil, in very much the same way as described in Mr. Young's specification. I know the rock from which the Kimmeridge coal and Kimmeridge shale are taken. I have been there, and got a quantity of it in 1850. I remember we worked a material similar to that (referring to the specimen N). It answers well for domestic purposes.

Cross-examined by Mr. BOVILL:

I should say the place where we got it from was about a mile and a half south-west of Colonel Mansell's house. They have to take off the earth at the top. They begin on the slate and work down to it, and take it out by batches. There are 5 or 6 feet of slaty stuff like that marked No. 42; then we come to the Kimmeridge coal, which is about 8 or 10 inches. Then you come to cement stone, as they call it. Great quantities of it go away to the Isle of Wight for cement at the present time. We used small coal for heating the retorts generally. It came to us by rail. It was like common Newcastle coal, but small. I read Mr. Young's specification about three months ago with a man named Wilstead, who used to work with me. I know nothing of Du Buisson nor his specification. The Kimmeridge coal produced a disagreeable smell—I do not say very disagreeable; it never injured me at all. I did not mind it; but there were a great many people who did not like the gas escaping in the air. It was afterwards brought round in pipes under the retorts, and burned. That was on account of the smell.

Re-examined by Sir F. KELLY:

The shale and coal used to be taken out and got on the top, and we fetched it away to the works. We took it out in batches, and worked right down to the bottom.

By the COURT:

The men ran it up in barrows on planks. The substance that made the cement was under our general coal, and ran away in a vein right out into the sea.

John Barnett, examined by Mr. D. BRUCE.

I was master of the Wareham railway-station from 1848 to 1859, and am now an hotel-keeper. On leaving the railway-station towards Dorchester, the works of the Bituminous Shale Company come up to the boundary-line of the station within 100 or 150 yards. There was no secrecy in the works there carried on. They manufactured a white coloured oil, which they called shale oil. I remember Evans and Walstead working there. In the spring of 1850 a sample of paraffin made at the works was shown me by Mr. Pickering.

Cross-examined by Mr. GROVE:

I say it was not in the spring of 1851. It was as long as the half of your hand. The coals the warehouse people used they got by boat from Newcastle. I am not a geologist.

Re-examined by Mr. CHANCE:

I never saw Kimmeridge coal used at the works. They might have used it for burning. I have seen it burned in Kimmeridge.

John Clavell Mansell Esq., examined by Mr. D. BRUCE.

I am the proprietor of the Kimmeridge coal-pits. The Kimmeridge coal, was burned in my father's hall. It was called South Boghead by the company. I forget the company's name now which so called it. It is used by the villagers in the neighbourhood. I first saw it being burned by the villagers about 1835.

Cross-examined by Mr. BOVILL:

This was always classified as a shale, full of animal remains. I like the odour from it very much, although it is not very agreeable to some people. There are pyrites in the deposits.

Re-examined by Mr. CHANCE:

I have not smelt Mr. Young's oil. The, common term for these beds in our district is Kimmeridge coal or blackstone; in fact, there is a very extraordinary manufacture from it; little round discs are made of this stuff which go by the name, and have for years and hundreds of years, of Kimmeridge coaI money. Sir Richard Hoare wrote a work on the Kimmeridge coal money.

Henry Hibbs, examined by Mr. CHANCE:

I am an innkeeper at Kimmeridge, where I have lived all my life. I know the mineral on the coast there. I can remember it being used for fuel for 40 years. It has had the same name of Kimmeridge coal during all that time.

VICE-CHANCELLOR'S COURT (Before Vice-Chancellor STUART.)

Selected extracts including statements for the defence.

Friday 22nd April 1864

Mr. Ebenezer Waugh Fernie, examined by the ATTORNEY-GENERAL.

I am one of the defendants in this action. I have for a long time been connected with the business of the manganese mines in this country and abroad. I am not a chemist or a scientific man. The retorts that we have are horizontal, flat on the bottom, D-shaped, whereas those which are used in Scotland are vertical as to tube, charged at the top and discharged at the bottom. They beat only the underside of the retort, but these are heated all round, I understand.

The original intention of the Mineral Oil Company was to make crude oil, the same as the make in South Wales. We had no intention of refining. Mr. Jones took a licence from Mr. Young in February, 1862, but it was done without my knowledge. It was through him we first heard of the vertical retorts. Before I commenced this manufacture I made experiments in a rough way; but they satisfied my mind. After the third or fourth experiment it was evident that the particular sandstone we were working upon was very much injured by the least sign of red. Subsequent experiments at Berkhampstead induced me to use the tubes. I came to the conclusion as to the proper time at which decomposition took place, by taking some curly cannel, binding it with wire, and hanging it before the fire in a Dutch oven and roasting it. In 3 or 4 hours decomposition took place. The gas was eliminated so strongly and drawn into the fire, that it invariably took fire after 4 or 5 hours, so that I could never complete the experiment. That was probably 500° or 600°. No elaborate instructions have been given to my workmen. The rule is, that no sign of redness is to be allowed to be visible anywhere.

We had for a time 24 vertical retorts similar to those used by Mr. Young. They were erected in 1861, and worked the same as the horizontal retorts, but the oil mostly condensed inside and ran away, and then we tried a higher heat, and that would not do, and then one of the workmen there offered to take charge of them and work them a few days as he said they were worked in Scotland, and that made us a material which was utterly valueless. They have now gone to Scotland to be used in my works there. When the experiments were made with those retorts in the earlier stages, we began with 4 cwt., and the whole 24 were at work by the end of November; and we consumed, if I recollect right, 10 cwt. a day in each, but the results were unsatisfactory. If I got one or two retorts at the right heat there was sure to be one or the other at a wrong best; we could not get a uniform temperature. Upon comparison of the products and upon the trials of those retorts with the products of the horizontal retorts at black heat, the result was manifestly in favour of the horizontal retorts.

We sold a considerable quantity of oil made by the vertical retorts before we discontinued them. We used as much as 1813 tons of mineral from first to last, but I cannot recollect now what the exact yield of that was. We have refined our oils according to Mr. Young's specification so far as using acids and alkalis—everybody does it; but I could not sell any oil that was made simply by that process

My process is different in many respects to what he describes. Paraffin is produced with our help. From the distillation of the coal it must be there. We have extracted our own except from petroleum and shale. We have extracted perhaps 8 or 9 tons from coal. I do not think it comes to 25 tons even from petroleum. The paraffin has been usually allowed to go away with the grease without extracting it, and in all probability in a large manufactory it is very difficult to prevent mixture sometimes. It never was our object, to produce paraffin until now, when the demand for grease has gone or rather very much reduced. We were obliged to refine because we could not sell the crude oil. Our refining establishment is at Saltney.

I have tried many kinds of mineral for the production of this oil. We have found some shales which are very good, but I have found no coal which yields a profitable result but the Leeswood in that small circle of miles. Whatever we are to call Boghead, that yields a profitable result. I have tried Wigan coal and a good many other kinds; I can scarcely tell you the names of them. I have never found any that yield a profitable result except those which I have mentioned. I am not a geologist, but I should certainly not call the Boghead a coal. What I am now calling coal—that is, curly and these cannels- as far as in experience goes requires a great deal more care in the manufacture than Boghad. You can take liberties with Boghead which you cannot take with coal, in the way of temperature; but the process is the same in all cases. There seem to be great varieties of the Boghead ; we have had two sorts of it—one yields rather less and the other considerably more than Leeswood curly. The rule of low temperature is applicable to all the minerals that I have ever tried and all I have ever heard of, I never heard of Mr. Cox until he was examined here.

Cross-examined by Mr. BOVILL:

I have been a manganese miner all my life. I was winding up two railways in America immediately before entering upon this oil-making business. I first became acquainted with Mr. Jones at the time the Clydesdale case was going on. I think he told me in February or March, 1861, that he had a licence from Mr. Young. Mr. Jones was very anxious that we should agree with Mr.Young, and so were we, and we unde took to see Mr. Young or his partner I think to ascertain if some agreement could not be made; but he did not succeed.

We first used curly at Leeswood, and we tried shales when we had not curly enough. I do not know that we ever ceased working curly more or less. There was a contract with the two Joneses, the owners of Leeswood, on the 3rd of January, 1862, for 5000 or 8000 tons of shale. The 8000 tons of shale were never delivered; I think we had 2500 tons of it. We did not exercise the option given us by the agreement of requiring cannel instead of shale. It appears from the recital which you have read from the subsequent agreement of March 25, 1862, that I exercised the option of requiring cannel in place of shale after only 508 tons 19 cwt. had been delivered; but I do not recollect anything about it.

The shale answered perfectly. It is in the contract 5s. per ton, and the quality that was at first delivered was cheaper than the cannel. The quality fell off extremely. Jones declared that the miners had substituted ironstone for shale; and I dare say we may have exercised our discretion then to recover the money advanced, and to claim cannel instead of it. The option was given in case the shale should turn out to be worthless. There was an agreement made with Mr. Gillespie at the commencement of this suit to exchange evidence. (The agreement was handed in, and marked as an exhibit)

The first experiment that I tried was at the request of the Ebbw Vale Company in 1860. While Jones was in negotiation for his licence, I made two agreements with him, both dated Feb. 25, 1861. (The agreements were put in, and marked) I do not know what day he got his licence, but I think our agreement was concluded long before we heard that he had applied for a licence. The date of the licence was Feb. 23, and the agreement was Feb. 25, 1861. I have no doubt, if the rough drafts were seen, it would be found that they were a month or six weeks earlier. I did not know until some time in March that he had applied for a licence, or got one.

We applied for a licence upon our own terms, through our solicitor. We afterwards put up the retorts we had bought of Jones, and they are working now. Those are horizontal retorts, which were cast in Northamptonshire, I believe, by a gas engineer, although I do not know what his name was. His name is on the retorts. I know that Mr. Scott was the engineer who put up Mr. Young's retorts. I knew he did a great deal of work for Mr. Young when I ordered retorts of him. There were some of Mr. Scott's labourers who were acquainted with the mode of putting up Mr. Young's furnaces. You must ask Mr. Scott whether they were sent to put up the retorts because they had been employed at Mr. Young's.

When Vary returned from Scotland from seeing Mr. Meldrum, he said that when he mentioned that he was in communication with me, Mr. Meldrum told him that if he knew he had come from me, he would not have let him set foot in the works. That he was the first, and he should be the last. That closed the matter as far as Mr. Meldrum was concerned, for, of course, we could have no communication with him. We were very anxious to be on friendly terms with him. I did not state that I had no intention of evading Mr. Young's licence; the solicitor was still in negotiation with Mr. Johnson. We had still hopes of coming to some amicable conclusion, and taking the licence. Finding it was useless, the whole negotiation went off. Jones sent a telegram to Mr. Meldrum: "Have you seen Vary. There is not the slightest intention on my part or my friends to evade your patent." I have heard of it since this case came on for the first time; it is dated the 25th of March, 1861. I know nothing about it. I was so resolute on the subject, that had there been a licence taken, I should have left the concern if there had been a royalty to pay.

The 24 vertical retorts which I had from Scott were all got to work about Christmas Day, or just before, in 1861. They were all torn down in the autumn following; they were thrown out of work certainly in October, 1862. They were first of all thrown out of work in February, 1862. Then they were altered, and some set to work again. They were never at work regularly after February, 1862. They were at work irregularly till October; then they stopped entirely, and were thrown down; they were removed some time last year, and thrown into the iron-yard. I dare say the outside was 40 gallons of oil from a ton of coal distilled by them. I used a small quantity of Torbaneill. We have had the Broxbourne shale, and some from Airdrie, but they were only small casks full.

The Torbanehill was treated the same as coal; but the object was to see whether, with vertical retorts, we could work the Torbanehill better than the coal. The lower the temperature, decidedly the better for the process; but you can work at a higher temperature without injuring your product, as you do with the coal. Certainly for the distillation of Boghead a high temperature is not required; if you chose to economize your plant, and dry the stuff quicker, you can work at a higher temperature without so much injury, as you can coal. When the charge of the Leeswood curly comes out, the door is eased, and a shovel of lighted coals put in, in order to light the gas. There is always some gas condensed on the door, which is the mouth of the retort, which blazes away. Of course, the coal passing through that generally takes up some drops of tar as it passes down and blazes away. If you do not do that the coal is perfectly black. The retorts vary in size; we sometimes work flown, some times 7 cwt., and sometimes 5 cwt.

With regard to the references to books that you see in my affidavit, the bill was filed against me, and I was compelled to file an answer to the best of my information; but those answers were got up for me by my professional man. When my answer was prepared the things were laid before me to refer to; and when I say that I have not read any of them, I mean that I did not study them. I suppose I looked at them. I swore my affidavit in which I quoted Dr. Antisell's book without reading the book through. The quotations were made for me. We can give the workmen no thermometer, but practically they are to keep at black best. If it got up to a red heat, then they were to reduce it to black heat by opening the door, or having dampers put on. I discard the vertical retorts altogether. I have heard of oil being put upon a fire when it is getting too hot, but it does not general damp it. I never heard of its being too hot. It must be done wilfully. I have a thermometer which registers up to 612°. I have gone as high as 500' or 600°. In my answer I say, I believe I have no means of knowing what the exact temperature is; all I know is, it is not red. That was the fact. I have no means now. I am not a scientific man. Dr. Taylor and Dr. Miller say the heat at which we worked was from 700' to 760°; but I believe that cool can all be decomposed.

We have sold a little paraffin. We have not been in the habit of selling it ever since our works were established. I think that last year some few tons were sent away. I do not know whether that was the first time; there may have been a small quantity in the year before. I had not sold any paraffin made from coal before my answer was put in. We made a good deal from petroleum.

Re-examined by Sir F. KELLY:

Our works were put up originally for Oil and grease. We never contemplated extracting paraffin but for the reason I have before given. We shall have to extract the paraffin hereafter. It is impossible for me to obtain any other oil than that which contains paraffin. In making either burning oil or lubricating oil, the paraffin must be extracted as nearly as possible. I have not gone into the subject sufficiently to say whether, it we could make our oil without obtaining any paraffin, it would be more to our interest to do so; but I have hitherto thought so.

The extracts referred to in my answer and affidavit in support of it were sent down to me in the country by my solicitor. It was after I had prepared my answer that I looked more fully into Dr. Antisell's book. I do not know who wrote that book. I have found throughout our operations that at the lowest temperature that will produce the oil at a black heat, something short of even low red heat is the most profitable heat for producing these oils. I was willing to receive a licence from Mr. Young under his patent, at nominal royalties, in January, 1861. My associates, who are Quakers, would even have given a royalty or a trifle.

By the COURT: When Mr. Young heard I considered his patent bad, he would not have anything more to do with me.

By Sir F. KELLY: If they had paid anything considerable in the way of royalty I should not have stopped in the firm. We offered to give all the information we had, and the reason why we thought the patent bad. The specific gravity of our oil varies according to the material we use from "865 to '900. From Boghead it ought to be much lower than that. The agreement with Mr. Gillespie was not made until after this suit had been commenced. I understand it has not been acted on at all. Mr. Perry was recalled, and identified the specimens and samples which he had produced on a former occasion.

Saturday 23rd April 1864

Sir F. KELLY stated that he did not intend to trouble the court with any further evidence on behalf of the defendants.

Mr. GROVE: There are some matters which, although it strikes me they will not much have impressed your honour's mind. still, as they are on record. and as they are entirely denied by the plaintiffs, they must be contradicted; and it is only for that purpose that I will call a few witnesses.

W. Williams, Esq, examined by Mr. GROVE.

About 26 years ago, I was the managing partner of the Pentwyn and Golynos Iron- Works. I am a magistrate for the county of Monmouthshire. The late Mr. Samuel Rogers was employed by me and my partner to erect coke and tar ovens; and during the time they were erecting I was constantly there, every other day at all events. There were twelve ovens altogether. We got the heat as high as we could, because we wanted the coke good. It was always red. Our object was to make coal tar and coke; and the instruction to the workmen were that the coke was to be made as good as we could make it. High heat produces the best cake. The tar was similar to that which has generally been used in Wales for trams. The Pentwyn works, the Vartey works, the Nantyglo works, and the Brynmawr works, all made tar similar to ours. When the coke was not so good as I wished it to be, I instructed them to heat it higher. It was important to get good coke for the blast furnaces. The ovens at Abersychau were on the same principle as those at Golynos, and the product was the same. At the Blama works and the Clydock works the ovens and the product were the same when I knew them from '24 years ago up to 18 years ago. I know Mr. Rogers for about 35 years up to7 years ago. I am not aware that he ever produced anything else than coal tar.

Cross-examined by Mr. MACKESON: The lower part of the oven was always red. There has only been one kind of tar-oven used in our works during the 26 years I was manager. It is about 6 or 8 feet long and 5 feet wide; it was heated by a grate at first, but it was afterwards altered to an oven. Tar was a second consideration with us—coke was our main object. We were so ignorant in Wales that we always thought a high heat was best for the tar; but since I have heard from scientific men that it is not, I must take it for granted that I was wrong. Gas tar could also be used for lubricating wheels. We had 120 ovens for making coke in which no tar was made at all. The double ovens were made expressly for making tar as well as coke. The receiver was as close to the oven as that gentleman is to me.

Mr. Frederick Charles Sage, examined by Mr. HINDMARCH.

I am at present an analytical chemist, residing at Wolverhampton. I was formerly at the Abersychan works in Monmouthshire; they were the property of the Ebbw Vale Company. I was there from May, 1853, to ay, 1860. For the first two years I was employed as an analytical chemist, and after that furnace manager also. Their ovens were used for the production of coal tar and coke. We always used a very high heat. The tar sank in water. It was used for grossing trams and for greasing some of the cog— wheels of the rolling-mills, and also can varnish to cover the roofs of build ings. They used the Rock vein and other coal. I never saw any cannel there. I am now acquainted with Young's paraflin oil, and what we pro duced was altogether a different substance and sank in water.

Cross-examined by Sir F. KELLY : The operations carried on were for the purpose of making coal tar, which was used as a substitute for grease.

From The Journal of Gas Lighting, Water Supply and Sanitary Improvement, 22nd March 1864

VICE-CHANCELLOR'S COURT (Before Vice-Chancellor STUART.)

Selected extracts from the famous court case that provide descriptions of oil production from adapted coke ovens at various sites in South Wales.

Monday, March 7 1864

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said he was arguing that shale and coal were analogous substances, and not the same. He would now call attention to a patent taken out in 1860, some months before Mr. Young's, by a person of the name of Stones, for improvements in treating peat and other carbonaceous and ligneous substances, so as to obtain products therefrom, by means of superheated steam, which prevented the temperature rising above a low red heat. Then Michel took a patent a few months before Mr. Young, for improvements in treating coal and in the manufacture of gas; and in describing the heat which he used for the first 50 hour, he said it should "not exceed nascent red heat, or 964' Fahr.," being a little below what Daniel and Poullet gave as the point of incipient red heat. Then, speaking of what they now called shale, Michel described them as "coal of the tertiary formation." Then, with reference to the earlier use and production of the article now claimed, it would be found from the evidence that, in a great many places in the east and, south-east parts of the South Wales coal-field, the manufacture of this species of oil had been going on from the beginning of the present century upon a large and commercial scale.

From the year 1808 to 1815, a witness of the name of Rogers, since dead, whose evidence had been taken de bane case, was engaged at the Pontypool works, in Monmouthshire; that, although gas was then burnt in the works, there was a very large production, in retorts and ovens properly constructed for the purpose of coal oil distilled from the coal, and distilled always at a heat not exceeding a low red heat; and that there was a large sale of that for lubricating purposes. It would also be proved that there were in the region he had referred to two distinct veins—one of what was called the Horn coal, which produced the oil in a limpid and pure state, floating on water, and having all the characteristics attributed by Young to his oil; and another, called the Rock vein—a sort of house coal—which by the same process and the same temperature would never produce any oil but one that would sink in water. That manufacture at Pontypool was still carried on by the Ebbw Vale Company.

The same process was introduced with the same results at Risca in 1815, and at Golynos, Nantyglo, and Blaina in 1831.The fact that Mr. Young knew that his own product was produced at his own temperature at Pontypool was clear from his not treating it as an infringement of his patent, although it had been going on since the beginning of the century. There were other works at Brynmaur in 1833 and 1834, and at Clydach, in Breconshire, from 1849 to 1862. At Abersychan there were similar working before 1850. A gentleman named Leigh obtained paraffin from coal at a low red heat in 1840 and 1847. and Messrs. Parkes and Fisher would prove that they did so from 1810 to 1849. Then what the defendants did was this: they tried one or two vertical retorts, but the greater number were horizontal, and they were most carefully prepared, so as never to raise the temperature so high as a low red heat; and that produced a much better result than if a low red host were used, as would be proved most conclusively. It was said that a man of the name of Vary was sent by the defendants to Mr. Young, in order to obtain information as to Mr. Young's mode of carrying on his works; and that Mr. Young gave him some information upon the faith of a representation made by him, that the defendants were going to take out a licence. It was quite true that, at. one time, it was under consideration whether the defendants would not, instead of engaging in litigation, take out a licence, if they could do so on reasonable terms. That was a consideration never favourably entertained by Mr. Fernie, but Mr. Jones recommended it, and the partners of Mr. Fernie wished, if possible, to avoid litigation. But there was not the least pretence for saying that Vary was sent us a ruse to get information of Mr. Young's mode of proceeding. Indeed, it would be proved that the information which Vary got was never communicated, much, less used. That, no doubt, was introduced in order, if possible, to prejudice the defendants. But he submitted that, whether his honour looked to the point of novelty or to the point of infringement, the case of the defendants would be clearly established. He had forgotten to state that, in addition to the working on coal in Wales, there was an extensive and profitable working at Wareham, both from shale and coal, established in 1849, and in operation for manufacturing puposes before the date of Mr. Young's patent.

Mr. GROVE: Did you say coal was ever worked?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL: So I am informed.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR: That is, for the production of crude oil?

The ATTOURNEY GENERAL: Yes, and paraffin. The plaintiff said that in 1861 he received information of the proceedings of the Wareham Oil Company, and threatened them will a bill of injunction; but immediately afterwards the company became bankrupt, and it was not therefore worthwhile to proceed.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR: Was it a Bituminous Shale Company?

The ATTOURNEY GENERAL: It was originally.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR: That company was wound up in this court.

The ATTOURNEY GENERAL: But they have successors. The announcement in the original prospectus covers the whole ground of the commercial results aimed at Mr. Young, and a considerable business has been continually done at Wareham.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR: Am I right in supposing that, by your process, the melting-point of zinc, which is about 770 degrees, is the best that you use?

The ATTOURNEY GENERAL: I think that the results of our evidence will be that

Mr. George Parry, examined by Mr. CHANCE

I am operating chemist to the Ebbw Vale Iron Company, and have been engaged for the last 3 years in attending to distillation from bituminous coal. I have been living all my life amongst distillation from coal. I do not agree with Mr. Young that the term " bituminous mineral substances" covers coal. I do not consider there is a novelty in Mr. Young's process, as described by him. The breaking of coals into small pieces it not necessary, is not new, and is very unimportant. The mode of condensation pointed out is the worst that could be pointed out. A common gas-retort for the purpose of distilling oil is very best. It is a common iron pipe closed at one end, with a door at the other, so arranged that the fire goes all round it. Supposing a common gas-retort to be heated to a low red heat, it would be much too high for distillation from bituminous coal. I consider the description states that the whole retort should be heated to a low red heat, and that would be wholly ineffectual for oil distillation. The operations are generally performed by day, and there would be a difference of 50° or 70° according to whether the retort was looked at in day time or at night. There is no benefit to be attained by gradual heating until you have arrived at the point at which volatile products are given off. Supposing it is practicable to take off the oil at 800°, it would be prejudicial to go to 1000'.

The Vice-Chancellor: What are the Ebbw Vale works?

Mr. CHANCE : We say they have been making our oil.

Examination continued : The processes of purification and rectification described by Mr. Young are not new, and have been much better described before. I have had knowledge of coal-oil-works since 1826, at Brynmawr, in South Wales. The oil was reduced by the coal put into an oven. The bottom of the oven was heated, and the oil was condensed in zigzag pipes and received into a receiver; and the oil was used for lubricating the wheels of the trams. The temperature was the same that I have noticed since. I know what gas tar is; and the oil produced was very different from that. The coal distilled was a common house coal, not highly bituminous. In 1833 I recollect oil being produced for sale.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR; At Brynmawr the oil produced was not for sale but was continuously produced.

By Mr. CHANCE : I recollect oil being produced at Colebroke Vale 30 years ago. It was similar to Mr. Young's, and different from gas tar. At the Beaufort Iron-Works oil has been produced for 30 years; and at Pontypool. The heat was applied to the bottom of the oven only, and the result would be a low temperature. I have heard that extensive sales have been made at Pontypool for many years. I have seen their books, and seen entries of sales. The oil was not the same, because the material was different; but if you put Boghead coal into any of those ovens, you would get Young's oil.

At Pontypool they have been making oil from coal for two years from my own personal knowledge, but I have heard of it from my youth. I made some experiments at Pontypool in December, 1862. They were made in the old ovens, which were similar to those I have described, and heated by coke ovens underneath, though originally they were heated by fire. I charged the oven hot with 22 cwt. of the Rock vein coal, and the time of distillation was 48 hours. The temperature at which It distilled was a low red heat, on the evening of the day; and after the vapours had been driven off, it was a little hotter. Rock vein coal is an ordinary bituminous coal; it is poor in bitumen. The specific gravity of the oil produced was 1060. I put that into a 2-gallon can. I charged oven No.2, with Pontypool horn coal, which is much richer in oil. I put in 24 cwt. That proved a failure; and on the 9th of January, 1863, I repeated the experiment. I charged the oven with 18 cwt. of the same coal, and the mode and time of distillation were practically the same. The temperature of the bottom of the oven was a low red heat; the sides were black. The specific gravity of the oil produced was '940 on the first day, but the bulk was '977. When I took that which had a gravity of '940, the process had been going on 24 hours only. Oven No.3, I charged with 19 cwt. of Leeswood curly cannel. The specific gravity of the oil produced was '980. Oven No. 4, I charged with 19 cwt. of Torbane Boghead, and the oil reduced was '940 specific gravity. I did not take the quantity, because the condenser was not calculated to do so with a highly bituminous coal. There is a reservoir at Pontypool which contained the oil produced by 22 ovens; that is from the Rock vein coal.

By the VICE-CHANCELLOR: The 4 ovens of which I last spoke were part of the .

What was left I subjected to the heat of melted lead—a bath of melted lead. I think that is about 620'. According to my experiment the oil began to pass over at 600°; a very light oil. It was more like naphtha than oil. had no means or measuring the temperature higher than that.

That looks like the pipe I made used of for the purpose of testing the temperature at Mr. Fernie's Works [referring to an iron pipe which Mr. Chance produced]. That would be called an inch gas-pipe. On the 29th of February, I went down to the Pontypool Iron-Works, in south Wales. I noted the kilns there which was used for the purpose of distilling coal. They are made of brick. At Pontypool there were ovens made of brick 14 feet long and 6 feet wide.

By the Court: "Were they ovens or retorts. They call them ovens down there. They were charged with 2 tons of coal, and the charge was worked off in 48 hours.

By Mr. Cilascc; The coals are heated by a fire placed in the neighbourhood. [The Witness handed two piece of paper to his honour.] The grates extending not quite the length of the ovens themselves, and the products of combustion from the fire escape at the end of the fire place by a side flue. At Pontypool, they are coking-ovens. These coking ovens are for the purpose of heating coals. It is economical to do the two operations at once—to make coke and oil at the same time. There is no heat carried along the sides of the ovens, nor along the upper part. The heat simply runs the length of the bottom oven. The heat is prevented from coming in contact with the bottom of the kiln by brick arches. Only the bottom of the retort is exposed to the host. The temperature must be comparatively a low one for these ovens. The heat would first be applied to the coal lying at the bottom of the retort, and would gradually spread through the mass. I do not think it could rise to a red heat until the bituminous matter had passed over, or it must be a very low red heat. I saw the say they were being worked. I did not see them charged at Pontypool. I examined the oil. The coal that was being distilled seemed to be like ordinary gas coal. The oil was very fluid. It was a little heavier than water. The specific gravity was about 1020. I attribute the fact of the specific gravity being heavier than water to the nature of the coal; it was heavier than water. If Leeswood were distilled in the same way, it would produce an oil lighter than water.

On the 1st of March of this year, I went down to Blaine, in South Wales. I found some brick retorts there in which they were distilling; brick retorts with brick ovens—very much the same as those at Pontypool. I had a plate made of the brick ovens. [The plate was handed to his honour.] When its structure is continuous they are called retorts, and when they are built up with bricks they are called ovens. The fireplace is marked beneath the oven. The fireplace is not a coking oven at Blaina; it is simply fire used for the distillation of oil. The oven is separated from the fireplace by a considerable layer of brickwork, and also by some brick arches. Then the fire runs the length of the bottom of the retort, or, fine, or chimney. The oil which is distilled from the coal passes along a wooden tube or condenser—in fact, crosses the yard where the operation is conducted—and then is connected with a series of vertical condensers. The condensers appear to me to be very good ones. At the bottom of the condenser, there is a sort of trough which is in communication with them, and into this trough the condensed oil runs, and flows into the receiving-vessel. Gas is always produced by the decomposition of coal, no matter what the. temperature may be. Whenever you have coal decomposed, there is always gas given off. In this case, the gas escapes by a pipe in connexion with the condenser, and passes off as it does in Mr. Fernie's works. This is very much Mr. Fernie's plan of distilling the coal. The principle is the same. It is a brick oven, and they have an opening in the top to introduce the charge. The oven is only heated at the bottom. The temperature I should say was not exceeding a low red heat at an ' time, unless it was at the last hour of distillation, when they wanted to give off any sulphur from the coke. Of course, it is very desirable when coke is used for smelting purposes to expel as much sulphur from it as possible. Before that is done, all the volatile' products would have been driven off. About 15 cwt. of coal is put into the oven. The operation lasts about 24 hours at Blaine. It was from" 10 to 1'2 cwt. at Blaina ; 15 cwt. was at another lace. I made an experiment upon the temperature of the ovens. the process was what was called three-quarters coal, and it seemed the ordinary gas cool. I am informed it is used for making gas; not a very rich gas coal. The result of my operation was that 1 got, at a temperature , less than a low red heat, an oil the specific gravit of which was greater than that of water. I attribute that to the nature of t e coal. This is some oil. which I brought from Blaina [referring to some oil in a bottle produced]. It is very different to gas tar; it is much thinner. This is some paper stained, with that. It contains a little tar, as is evident from this paper, but the gas tar leaves no stain at all. It is made from the Welsh coal.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL: Mr. Parry will be called. Witness continued : I also went to the works at Nantyglo. I there found eight brisk ovens in which coal was being distilled. They were constructed similar to those at Pontypool, which I have described. They made coke there also. The general construction was the same in all the works. I was informed by the manager that they kept down the temperature as much as possible because they got a better article. I saw the manager. His name is Mr. Habakkuk. As I had not got time to complete the observations on the temperature, I left instructions with a Mr. Cox to carry out the experiment at the end of the distillation, and observe at-what time the fusion of the zinc took place, and then to introduce antimony and make a similar observation.

Cross-examined - The oil, however, is extremely fine; quite equal to the Boghead. I produce a specimen of the Blaina shale, taken from the mine.

The Vice-Chancellor: I think any man would say that was a piece of cannel coal.

By Mr. CHANCE: There are about 8.5 lbs. in a gallon of crude oil. The poorest shale I have met with yielded 1 gallon to the ton.

Cross-examined by Mr. Hmnsrancn: The Ebbw Vale Company is an extensive iron company. I have been in their service as chemist for 50 years, advising them as to the manufacture of iron. The oil they made was not for sale, but was used for greasing the tramways on which heavy weights are carried. This has been done since 1808 in Wales. We did not commence to do it till 1861, but I proposed to do so in 1848. I understand that Mr. Robinson, a defendant, is one of the proprietors of the Ebbw Vale works. I went to Leeswood and had a few lessons before I commenced work.

I was at Leeswood two days about the end of 1860, and I paid a second visit in 1861. I bought some retorts, which hold 6 or 7 cwt. they are placed horizontally, and are of cast iron; they are protected by brickwork, as Reichenbach recommends. The tar-ovens are virtually retorts. Pontypool is about 10 miles from Ebbw Vale. I first saw the retorts made of brick in 1826, when I was a schoolboy. The product was called coal tar, and is so called a still. It is commonly used in Wales for lubricating machinery, and has been so for along time. If you do not see it, you can smell it.

About 1833 I became acquainted with Mr. Rogers, and saw his ovens at Nantyglo. The ovens held from 15 cwt. to 2 tons of coal. The fire was beneath the ovens, and there were no flues at the sides. I saw some of the coke produced, and was sold. It was a very good sort of coke. It was not at all hard. We use the coke daily. It is too soft for blast-furnaces, but we have used it. The price of the coke depends upon the coal. The coke from the rock vein is better than that from the Boghead. I did not know of Young's specification when I began to work. I must have heard of paraffin oil. I have a distinct recollection of reading a medical work in 1836, and I was told that if I used a bright heat I should get gas, and with a low heat I should get tar or oil. In my opinion, that tells the whole world how to make Young's oil.

Ure's books I rely upon, and I am corroborated by the extracts. Dr. Ure is quite enough for me. At page 38 he states that which convinces me Young's invention is not new. A worm is the worst possible condenser for an oil containing paraffin; I should use a pipe. If you use a worm, you must keep the temperature up to 55". I say that a common gas-retort would fail commercially at a low red heat, because the vapours would decompose against the sides of the retort. Gas-retorts are partiality protected, but not like ovens. I cannot fix the temperature of low red heat. My impression, years ago, was that it was 900" or 1000 per day. I say that low red heat would be fatal, and would spoil our oil. After the charge is drawn from the retort, you see a glimmer or light. In my experiments at Leeswood the low red heat was clearly visible in the day time. The retort was under a roof. I looked through the sight-tube. This was in the beginning of September last. I distinctly saw the point of the tube red hot. Each retort is heated by its own fire. I saw redness in the flues. There was redness in the side tube, and the redness in the fires was on all sides of the retorts

The Brynmaur tar works have been abandoned, because the coal has been worked out.

Friday Evidence of John Cox, Gas engineer Ebbw Vale works.

I was present with Mr. Parry when some experiments were carried on at the Pontypool Iron-Works. We experimented on 5 retorts. Directly the charge was put in, we put in a tube reaching into the middle of the retort and resting on the bottom, blocked up at the one end through a hole which we made in the door. We worked it for 48 hours. We looked at the tube 21 hours afterwards. At that time the tube which was put into the charge of Leeswood coal and Torbanehill mineral showed a dark, dull red. That was at the bottom of the tube only. I looked through the tube two or three times after that; the temperature did not appear to have risen, but it had increased in altitude, showing that it had got higher up in the coal. I saw the ovens discharged; and from their appearance I was the same opinion as to the temperature at which the distillation had been going on. We tried another experiment with the Pontypool Rock coal; that Worked off in 24 hours, because there is so small a quantity of oil in it. Those experiments were carried on with great care, and the oil was put into cans and delivered to Mr. Parry. A man named Richards, who formerly managed the tar-ovens at Argoed, and all the labourers, were present, besides Mr. Parry, when these experiments were conducted. I have been to Blania two or three times lately, and have made experiments on distillation in brick ovens, similar to those at Pontypool in 1845. I measured the depth of the coke which came out of the retort, and found it to be about 10 inches. …......

Tuesday 19th April 1864

Daniel Lewis, examined by Mr. MACKESON.

I am a coker at Colebrook Vale, at Blaina. I recollect those works about 35 or 40 years. We have worked in the same way all along. I am not in charge of the works: my brother was. He is in America. We used the soap-vein coal, and the product was tar, at a low heat. It was nothing but gas tar; it was high coloured brown. It was used for the trams underground. (A bottle was handed to witness). It was like that, only not quite so thin. I got from 10 to 12 gallons a ton.

Cross-examined by Mr. Bovill: I have been a coker for about 15 years. We were paid for our work by the quantity of coke, and the better the coke, the better we got paid. The coke was used for blast furnaces.

Cross examined by Mr. MACKESON: The retorts were protected at the top. The fire was underneath, and the fires in the bottom. which go up to the top. The were bricked in at the sides. The fire went all round the retort, and tone ed the top.

William Bowen, examined by Mr. MACKESON.

I am a worker in coal tar—nothing but coal tar, and coke of course—at Nantyglo, in Monmouthshire, South Vales. I have known those works rather more than 16 years, but I have not been working there for more than about 14 years. We used brick ovens, at a low best. We used many kinds of coal; yard coal for coking the lower oven, and black pin coal for the tar ovens. We got about 250 gallons of tar a week about 12 months ago.

John Richards, examined by Mr. MACKESON.

I am a master coker from Tredegar. I used brick ovens with the grates underneath. We applied a very slow beat. The product was tar, but sometimes I called it mineral oil. I made about 400 gallons weekly. The works were at Argoed. Mr. Moses was proprietor. We got about 10 gallons of oil from a ton of coal, and we sold it for l.25d. per pound; there were about 10 pounds to the gallon. The gas tar was sold for about 2d. per gallon. In 1834 I knew of tar-works at Pontypool and Blaernarvon. The oil I made was used for lubricating purposes.

John James, examined by Mr. MACKESON.

I have been at Blaine about l5 years. When I first went there the products which they got from the iron-works were pig iron and malleable iron. We made the pig iron in blast furnaces heated with coke and ironstone. We made our own coke on open fires; we had ordinary coke-ovens. Then we had two different methods of coking, in one the object being to obtain tar and coke, and in the other the object being to make a sort of oily tar, the object being tar; we then used that coke with the others for smelting iron.

The old original oven, and the one best adapted for making tar, has a small grate underneath the bottom of the oven only. The other oven is a double oven, the coke underneath and above; and in coking underneath you drive off the volatile products, and leave inferior tar. There is a small fire kept underneath the ovens I first mentioned, burning on a grate, and we charge the oven in the ordinary way. We break up the lumps of coal small, and keep the fire underneath the ovens on the grate, and drive off the volatile products, taking care that it shall not rise to a high heat, or it spoils the oily substances of the tar. There is a zigzag pipe placed in the upper oven, and the tar escapes through this pipe; it is condensed, and runs off into a receiver. As a rule, there is an exit to ever bend of this zigzag pipe. At the far end of the pipe there is an opening where the gas escapes. The heat was applied to the double oven by charging a certain quantity of coal in the lower oven, and then We did not burn the coal away, but coked it; consequently we had a higher heat in those ovens.

By obtaining the coke and the tar, you sacrifice the quality of the tar. The tar made in those ovens with the grates underneath, where coal tar was the object, was of a dark brown oily colour. The other ovens produced a dark coloured tar—a rather glutinous substance—and we were obliged to use other oils to mix with it. We did not care about selling the tar, because we could not make a sufficient supply for our own use. We used the Soak vein coal, and we also used three-quarter coal. We got about 12 gallons per ton from the Soak vein coal. When we commenced charging the ovens in the ordinary process, they were quite dark. By the time the coke was taken out, the ovens were cooled down. The heat was applied gradually under the ovens, so as to keep the temperature as low as possible; otherwise the oily substances would be destroyed.

From evidence presented for the defence

Saturday 23rd April 1864

W. Williams, Esq, examined by Mr. GROVE.

About 26 years ago, I was the managing partner of the Pentwyn and Golynos Iron- Works. I am a magistrate for the county of Monmouthshire. The late Mr. Samuel Rogers was employed by me and my partner to erect coke and tar ovens; and during the time they were erecting I was constantly there, every other day at all events. There were twelve ovens altogether. We got the heat as high as we could, because we wanted the coke good. It was always red. Our object was to make coal tar and coke; and the instruction to the workmen were that the coke was to be made as good as we could make it. High heat produces the best cake. The tar was similar to that which has generally been used in Wales for trams. The Pentwyn works, the Vartey works, the Nantyglo works, and the Brynmawr works, all made tar similar to ours. When the coke was not so good as I wished it to be, I instructed them to heat it higher. It was important to get good coke for the blast furnaces. The ovens at Abersychau were on the same principle as those at Golynos, and the product was the same. At the Blama works and the Clydock works the ovens and the product were the same when I knew them from '24 years ago up to 18 years ago. I know Mr. Rogers for about 35 years up to7 years ago. I am not aware that he ever produced anything else than coal tar.

Cross-examined by Mr. MACKESON: The lower part of the oven was always red. There has only been one kind of tar-oven used in our works during the 26 years I was manager. It is about 6 or 8 feet long and 5 feet wide; it was heated by a grate at first, but it was afterwards altered to an oven. Tar was a second consideration with us—coke was our main object. We were so ignorant in Wales that we always thought a high heat was best for the tar; but since I have heard from scientific men that it is not, I must take it for granted that I was wrong. Gas tar could also be used for lubricating wheels. We had 120 ovens for making coke in which no tar was made at all. The double ovens were made expressly for making tar as well as coke. The receiver was as close to the oven as that gentleman is to me. Mr. Frederick Charles Sage, examined by Mr. HINDMARCH. I am at present an analytical chemist, residing at Wolverhampton. I was formerly at the Abersychan works in Monmouthshire; they were the property of the Ebbw Vale Company. I was there from May, 1853, to ay, 1860. For the first two years I was employed as an analytical chemist, and after that furnace manager also. Their ovens were used for the production of coal tar and coke. We always used a very high heat. The tar sank in water. It was used for grossing trams and for greasing some of the cog— wheels of the rolling-mills, and also can varnish to cover the roofs of build ings. They used the Rock vein and other coal. I never saw any cannel there. I am now acquainted with Young's paraflin oil, and what we produced was altogether a different substance and sank in water.

Cross-examined by Sir F. KELLY : The operations carried on were for the purpose of making coal tar, which was used as a substitute for grease.

From The Journal of Gas Lighting, Water Supply and Sanitary Improvement, 22nd March 1864

VICE-CHANCELLOR'S COURT (Before Vice-Chancellor STUART.)

Selected extracts from the famous court case that provide descriptions of oil production from adapted coke ovens at various sites in South Wales.

Monday, March 7 1864

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said he was arguing that shale and coal were analogous substances, and not the same. He would now call attention to a patent taken out in 1860, some months before Mr. Young's, by a person of the name of Stones, for improvements in treating peat and other carbonaceous and ligneous substances, so as to obtain products therefrom, by means of superheated steam, which prevented the temperature rising above a low red heat. Then Michel took a patent a few months before Mr. Young, for improvements in treating coal and in the manufacture of gas; and in describing the heat which he used for the first 50 hour, he said it should "not exceed nascent red heat, or 964' Fahr.," being a little below what Daniel and Poullet gave as the point of incipient red heat. Then, speaking of what they now called shale, Michel described them as "coal of the tertiary formation." Then, with reference to the earlier use and production of the article now claimed, it would be found from the evidence that, in a great many places in the east and, south-east parts of the South Wales coal-field, the manufacture of this species of oil had been going on from the beginning of the present century upon a large and commercial scale.

From the year 1808 to 1815, a witness of the name of Rogers, since dead, whose evidence had been taken de bane case, was engaged at the Pontypool works, in Monmouthshire; that, although gas was then burnt in the works, there was a very large production, in retorts and ovens properly constructed for the purpose of coal oil distilled from the coal, and distilled always at a heat not exceeding a low red heat; and that there was a large sale of that for lubricating purposes. It would also be proved that there were in the region he had referred to two distinct veins—one of what was called the Horn coal, which produced the oil in a limpid and pure state, floating on water, and having all the characteristics attributed by Young to his oil; and another, called the Rock vein—a sort of house coal—which by the same process and the same temperature would never produce any oil but one that would sink in water. That manufacture at Pontypool was still carried on by the Ebbw Vale Company.

The same process was introduced with the same results at Risca in 1815, and at Golynos, Nantyglo, and Blaina in 1831.The fact that Mr. Young knew that his own product was produced at his own temperature at Pontypool was clear from his not treating it as an infringement of his patent, although it had been going on since the beginning of the century. There were other works at Brynmaur in 1833 and 1834, and at Clydach, in Breconshire, from 1849 to 1862. At Abersychan there were similar working before 1850. A gentleman named Leigh obtained paraffin from coal at a low red heat in 1840 and 1847. and Messrs. Parkes and Fisher would prove that they did so from 1810 to 1849. Then what the defendants did was this: they tried one or two vertical retorts, but the greater number were horizontal, and they were most carefully prepared, so as never to raise the temperature so high as a low red heat; and that produced a much better result than if a low red host were used, as would be proved most conclusively. It was said that a man of the name of Vary was sent by the defendants to Mr. Young, in order to obtain information as to Mr. Young's mode of carrying on his works; and that Mr. Young gave him some information upon the faith of a representation made by him, that the defendants were going to take out a licence. It was quite true that, at. one time, it was under consideration whether the defendants would not, instead of engaging in litigation, take out a licence, if they could do so on reasonable terms. That was a consideration never favourably entertained by Mr. Fernie, but Mr. Jones recommended it, and the partners of Mr. Fernie wished, if possible, to avoid litigation. But there was not the least pretence for saying that Vary was sent us a ruse to get information of Mr. Young's mode of proceeding. Indeed, it would be proved that the information which Vary got was never communicated, much, less used. That, no doubt, was introduced in order, if possible, to prejudice the defendants. But he submitted that, whether his honour looked to the point of novelty or to the point of infringement, the case of the defendants would be clearly established. He had forgotten to state that, in addition to the working on coal in Wales, there was an extensive and profitable working at Wareham, both from shale and coal, established in 1849, and in operation for manufacturing puposes before the date of Mr. Young's patent.

Mr. GROVE: Did you say coal was ever worked?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL: So I am informed.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR: That is, for the production of crude oil?

The ATTOURNEY GENERAL: Yes, and paraffin. The plaintiff said that in 1861 he received information of the proceedings of the Wareham Oil Company, and threatened them will a bill of injunction; but immediately afterwards the company became bankrupt, and it was not therefore worthwhile to proceed.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR: Was it a Bituminous Shale Company?

The ATTOURNEY GENERAL: It was originally.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR: That company was wound up in this court.

The ATTOURNEY GENERAL: But they have successors. The announcement in the original prospectus covers the whole ground of the commercial results aimed at Mr. Young, and a considerable business has been continually done at Wareham.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR: Am I right in supposing that, by your process, the melting-point of zinc, which is about 770 degrees, is the best that you use?

The ATTOURNEY GENERAL: I think that the results of our evidence will be that

Mr. George Parry, examined by Mr. CHANCE

I am operating chemist to the Ebbw Vale Iron Company, and have been engaged for the last 3 years in attending to distillation from bituminous coal. I have been living all my life amongst distillation from coal. I do not agree with Mr. Young that the term " bituminous mineral substances" covers coal. I do not consider there is a novelty in Mr. Young's process, as described by him. The breaking of coals into small pieces it not necessary, is not new, and is very unimportant. The mode of condensation pointed out is the worst that could be pointed out. A common gas-retort for the purpose of distilling oil is very best. It is a common iron pipe closed at one end, with a door at the other, so arranged that the fire goes all round it. Supposing a common gas-retort to be heated to a low red heat, it would be much too high for distillation from bituminous coal. I consider the description states that the whole retort should be heated to a low red heat, and that would be wholly ineffectual for oil distillation. The operations are generally performed by day, and there would be a difference of 50° or 70° according to whether the retort was looked at in day time or at night. There is no benefit to be attained by gradual heating until you have arrived at the point at which volatile products are given off. Supposing it is practicable to take off the oil at 800°, it would be prejudicial to go to 1000'.

The Vice-Chancellor: What are the Ebbw Vale works?

Mr. CHANCE : We say they have been making our oil.

Examination continued : The processes of purification and rectification described by Mr. Young are not new, and have been much better described before. I have had knowledge of coal-oil-works since 1826, at Brynmawr, in South Wales. The oil was reduced by the coal put into an oven. The bottom of the oven was heated, and the oil was condensed in zigzag pipes and received into a receiver; and the oil was used for lubricating the wheels of the trams. The temperature was the same that I have noticed since. I know what gas tar is; and the oil produced was very different from that. The coal distilled was a common house coal, not highly bituminous. In 1833 I recollect oil being produced for sale.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR; At Brynmawr the oil produced was not for sale but was continuously produced.

By Mr. CHANCE : I recollect oil being produced at Colebroke Vale 30 years ago. It was similar to Mr. Young's, and different from gas tar. At the Beaufort Iron-Works oil has been produced for 30 years; and at Pontypool. The heat was applied to the bottom of the oven only, and the result would be a low temperature. I have heard that extensive sales have been made at Pontypool for many years. I have seen their books, and seen entries of sales. The oil was not the same, because the material was different; but if you put Boghead coal into any of those ovens, you would get Young's oil.

At Pontypool they have been making oil from coal for two years from my own personal knowledge, but I have heard of it from my youth. I made some experiments at Pontypool in December, 1862. They were made in the old ovens, which were similar to those I have described, and heated by coke ovens underneath, though originally they were heated by fire. I charged the oven hot with 22 cwt. of the Rock vein coal, and the time of distillation was 48 hours. The temperature at which It distilled was a low red heat, on the evening of the day; and after the vapours had been driven off, it was a little hotter. Rock vein coal is an ordinary bituminous coal; it is poor in bitumen. The specific gravity of the oil produced was 1060. I put that into a 2-gallon can. I charged oven No.2, with Pontypool horn coal, which is much richer in oil. I put in 24 cwt. That proved a failure; and on the 9th of January, 1863, I repeated the experiment. I charged the oven with 18 cwt. of the same coal, and the mode and time of distillation were practically the same. The temperature of the bottom of the oven was a low red heat; the sides were black. The specific gravity of the oil produced was '940 on the first day, but the bulk was '977. When I took that which had a gravity of '940, the process had been going on 24 hours only. Oven No.3, I charged with 19 cwt. of Leeswood curly cannel. The specific gravity of the oil produced was '980. Oven No. 4, I charged with 19 cwt. of Torbane Boghead, and the oil reduced was '940 specific gravity. I did not take the quantity, because the condenser was not calculated to do so with a highly bituminous coal. There is a reservoir at Pontypool which contained the oil produced by 22 ovens; that is from the Rock vein coal.

By the VICE-CHANCELLOR: The 4 ovens of which I last spoke were part of the .

What was left I subjected to the heat of melted lead—a bath of melted lead. I think that is about 620'. According to my experiment the oil began to pass over at 600°; a very light oil. It was more like naphtha than oil. had no means or measuring the temperature higher than that.

That looks like the pipe I made used of for the purpose of testing the temperature at Mr. Fernie's Works [referring to an iron pipe which Mr. Chance produced]. That would be called an inch gas-pipe. On the 29th of February, I went down to the Pontypool Iron-Works, in south Wales. I noted the kilns there which was used for the purpose of distilling coal. They are made of brick. At Pontypool there were ovens made of brick 14 feet long and 6 feet wide.

By the Court: "Were they ovens or retorts. They call them ovens down there. They were charged with 2 tons of coal, and the charge was worked off in 48 hours.

By Mr. Cilascc; The coals are heated by a fire placed in the neighbourhood. [The Witness handed two piece of paper to his honour.] The grates extending not quite the length of the ovens themselves, and the products of combustion from the fire escape at the end of the fire place by a side flue. At Pontypool, they are coking-ovens. These coking ovens are for the purpose of heating coals. It is economical to do the two operations at once—to make coke and oil at the same time. There is no heat carried along the sides of the ovens, nor along the upper part. The heat simply runs the length of the bottom oven. The heat is prevented from coming in contact with the bottom of the kiln by brick arches. Only the bottom of the retort is exposed to the host. The temperature must be comparatively a low one for these ovens. The heat would first be applied to the coal lying at the bottom of the retort, and would gradually spread through the mass. I do not think it could rise to a red heat until the bituminous matter had passed over, or it must be a very low red heat. I saw the say they were being worked. I did not see them charged at Pontypool. I examined the oil. The coal that was being distilled seemed to be like ordinary gas coal. The oil was very fluid. It was a little heavier than water. The specific gravity was about 1020. I attribute the fact of the specific gravity being heavier than water to the nature of the coal; it was heavier than water. If Leeswood were distilled in the same way, it would produce an oil lighter than water.

On the 1st of March of this year, I went down to Blaine, in South Wales. I found some brick retorts there in which they were distilling; brick retorts with brick ovens—very much the same as those at Pontypool. I had a plate made of the brick ovens. [The plate was handed to his honour.] When its structure is continuous they are called retorts, and when they are built up with bricks they are called ovens. The fireplace is marked beneath the oven. The fireplace is not a coking oven at Blaina; it is simply fire used for the distillation of oil. The oven is separated from the fireplace by a considerable layer of brickwork, and also by some brick arches. Then the fire runs the length of the bottom of the retort, or, fine, or chimney. The oil which is distilled from the coal passes along a wooden tube or condenser—in fact, crosses the yard where the operation is conducted—and then is connected with a series of vertical condensers. The condensers appear to me to be very good ones. At the bottom of the condenser, there is a sort of trough which is in communication with them, and into this trough the condensed oil runs, and flows into the receiving-vessel. Gas is always produced by the decomposition of coal, no matter what the. temperature may be. Whenever you have coal decomposed, there is always gas given off. In this case, the gas escapes by a pipe in connexion with the condenser, and passes off as it does in Mr. Fernie's works. This is very much Mr. Fernie's plan of distilling the coal. The principle is the same. It is a brick oven, and they have an opening in the top to introduce the charge. The oven is only heated at the bottom. The temperature I should say was not exceeding a low red heat at an ' time, unless it was at the last hour of distillation, when they wanted to give off any sulphur from the coke. Of course, it is very desirable when coke is used for smelting purposes to expel as much sulphur from it as possible. Before that is done, all the volatile' products would have been driven off. About 15 cwt. of coal is put into the oven. The operation lasts about 24 hours at Blaine. It was from" 10 to 1'2 cwt. at Blaina ; 15 cwt. was at another lace. I made an experiment upon the temperature of the ovens. the process was what was called three-quarters coal, and it seemed the ordinary gas cool. I am informed it is used for making gas; not a very rich gas coal. The result of my operation was that 1 got, at a temperature , less than a low red heat, an oil the specific gravit of which was greater than that of water. I attribute that to the nature of t e coal. This is some oil. which I brought from Blaina [referring to some oil in a bottle produced]. It is very different to gas tar; it is much thinner. This is some paper stained, with that. It contains a little tar, as is evident from this paper, but the gas tar leaves no stain at all. It is made from the Welsh coal.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL: Mr. Parry will be called. Witness continued : I also went to the works at Nantyglo. I there found eight brisk ovens in which coal was being distilled. They were constructed similar to those at Pontypool, which I have described. They made coke there also. The general construction was the same in all the works. I was informed by the manager that they kept down the temperature as much as possible because they got a better article. I saw the manager. His name is Mr. Habakkuk. As I had not got time to complete the observations on the temperature, I left instructions with a Mr. Cox to carry out the experiment at the end of the distillation, and observe at-what time the fusion of the zinc took place, and then to introduce antimony and make a similar observation.

Cross-examined - The oil, however, is extremely fine; quite equal to the Boghead. I produce a specimen of the Blaina shale, taken from the mine.

The Vice-Chancellor: I think any man would say that was a piece of cannel coal.

By Mr. CHANCE: There are about 8.5 lbs. in a gallon of crude oil. The poorest shale I have met with yielded 1 gallon to the ton.

Cross-examined by Mr. Hmnsrancn: The Ebbw Vale Company is an extensive iron company. I have been in their service as chemist for 50 years, advising them as to the manufacture of iron. The oil they made was not for sale, but was used for greasing the tramways on which heavy weights are carried. This has been done since 1808 in Wales. We did not commence to do it till 1861, but I proposed to do so in 1848. I understand that Mr. Robinson, a defendant, is one of the proprietors of the Ebbw Vale works. I went to Leeswood and had a few lessons before I commenced work.

I was at Leeswood two days about the end of 1860, and I paid a second visit in 1861. I bought some retorts, which hold 6 or 7 cwt. they are placed horizontally, and are of cast iron; they are protected by brickwork, as Reichenbach recommends. The tar-ovens are virtually retorts. Pontypool is about 10 miles from Ebbw Vale. I first saw the retorts made of brick in 1826, when I was a schoolboy. The product was called coal tar, and is so called a still. It is commonly used in Wales for lubricating machinery, and has been so for along time. If you do not see it, you can smell it.

About 1833 I became acquainted with Mr. Rogers, and saw his ovens at Nantyglo. The ovens held from 15 cwt. to 2 tons of coal. The fire was beneath the ovens, and there were no flues at the sides. I saw some of the coke produced, and was sold. It was a very good sort of coke. It was not at all hard. We use the coke daily. It is too soft for blast-furnaces, but we have used it. The price of the coke depends upon the coal. The coke from the rock vein is better than that from the Boghead. I did not know of Young's specification when I began to work. I must have heard of paraffin oil. I have a distinct recollection of reading a medical work in 1836, and I was told that if I used a bright heat I should get gas, and with a low heat I should get tar or oil. In my opinion, that tells the whole world how to make Young's oil.

Ure's books I rely upon, and I am corroborated by the extracts. Dr. Ure is quite enough for me. At page 38 he states that which convinces me Young's invention is not new. A worm is the worst possible condenser for an oil containing paraffin; I should use a pipe. If you use a worm, you must keep the temperature up to 55". I say that a common gas-retort would fail commercially at a low red heat, because the vapours would decompose against the sides of the retort. Gas-retorts are partiality protected, but not like ovens. I cannot fix the temperature of low red heat. My impression, years ago, was that it was 900" or 1000 per day. I say that low red heat would be fatal, and would spoil our oil. After the charge is drawn from the retort, you see a glimmer or light. In my experiments at Leeswood the low red heat was clearly visible in the day time. The retort was under a roof. I looked through the sight-tube. This was in the beginning of September last. I distinctly saw the point of the tube red hot. Each retort is heated by its own fire. I saw redness in the flues. There was redness in the side tube, and the redness in the fires was on all sides of the retorts

The Brynmaur tar works have been abandoned, because the coal has been worked out.

Friday Evidence of John Cox, Gas engineer Ebbw Vale works.

I was present with Mr. Parry when some experiments were carried on at the Pontypool Iron-Works. We experimented on 5 retorts. Directly the charge was put in, we put in a tube reaching into the middle of the retort and resting on the bottom, blocked up at the one end through a hole which we made in the door. We worked it for 48 hours. We looked at the tube 21 hours afterwards. At that time the tube which was put into the charge of Leeswood coal and Torbanehill mineral showed a dark, dull red. That was at the bottom of the tube only. I looked through the tube two or three times after that; the temperature did not appear to have risen, but it had increased in altitude, showing that it had got higher up in the coal. I saw the ovens discharged; and from their appearance I was the same opinion as to the temperature at which the distillation had been going on. We tried another experiment with the Pontypool Rock coal; that Worked off in 24 hours, because there is so small a quantity of oil in it. Those experiments were carried on with great care, and the oil was put into cans and delivered to Mr. Parry. A man named Richards, who formerly managed the tar-ovens at Argoed, and all the labourers, were present, besides Mr. Parry, when these experiments were conducted. I have been to Blania two or three times lately, and have made experiments on distillation in brick ovens, similar to those at Pontypool in 1845. I measured the depth of the coke which came out of the retort, and found it to be about 10 inches. …......

Tuesday 19th April 1864

Daniel Lewis, examined by Mr. MACKESON.

I am a coker at Colebrook Vale, at Blaina. I recollect those works about 35 or 40 years. We have worked in the same way all along. I am not in charge of the works: my brother was. He is in America. We used the soap-vein coal, and the product was tar, at a low heat. It was nothing but gas tar; it was high coloured brown. It was used for the trams underground. (A bottle was handed to witness). It was like that, only not quite so thin. I got from 10 to 12 gallons a ton.

Cross-examined by Mr. Bovill: I have been a coker for about 15 years. We were paid for our work by the quantity of coke, and the better the coke, the better we got paid. The coke was used for blast furnaces.

Cross examined by Mr. MACKESON: The retorts were protected at the top. The fire was underneath, and the fires in the bottom. which go up to the top. The were bricked in at the sides. The fire went all round the retort, and tone ed the top.

William Bowen, examined by Mr. MACKESON.

I am a worker in coal tar—nothing but coal tar, and coke of course—at Nantyglo, in Monmouthshire, South Vales. I have known those works rather more than 16 years, but I have not been working there for more than about 14 years. We used brick ovens, at a low best. We used many kinds of coal; yard coal for coking the lower oven, and black pin coal for the tar ovens. We got about 250 gallons of tar a week about 12 months ago.

John Richards, examined by Mr. MACKESON.

I am a master coker from Tredegar. I used brick ovens with the grates underneath. We applied a very slow beat. The product was tar, but sometimes I called it mineral oil. I made about 400 gallons weekly. The works were at Argoed. Mr. Moses was proprietor. We got about 10 gallons of oil from a ton of coal, and we sold it for l.25d. per pound; there were about 10 pounds to the gallon. The gas tar was sold for about 2d. per gallon. In 1834 I knew of tar-works at Pontypool and Blaernarvon. The oil I made was used for lubricating purposes.

John James, examined by Mr. MACKESON.

I have been at Blaine about l5 years. When I first went there the products which they got from the iron-works were pig iron and malleable iron. We made the pig iron in blast furnaces heated with coke and ironstone. We made our own coke on open fires; we had ordinary coke-ovens. Then we had two different methods of coking, in one the object being to obtain tar and coke, and in the other the object being to make a sort of oily tar, the object being tar; we then used that coke with the others for smelting iron.

The old original oven, and the one best adapted for making tar, has a small grate underneath the bottom of the oven only. The other oven is a double oven, the coke underneath and above; and in coking underneath you drive off the volatile products, and leave inferior tar. There is a small fire kept underneath the ovens I first mentioned, burning on a grate, and we charge the oven in the ordinary way. We break up the lumps of coal small, and keep the fire underneath the ovens on the grate, and drive off the volatile products, taking care that it shall not rise to a high heat, or it spoils the oily substances of the tar. There is a zigzag pipe placed in the upper oven, and the tar escapes through this pipe; it is condensed, and runs off into a receiver. As a rule, there is an exit to ever bend of this zigzag pipe. At the far end of the pipe there is an opening where the gas escapes. The heat was applied to the double oven by charging a certain quantity of coal in the lower oven, and then We did not burn the coal away, but coked it; consequently we had a higher heat in those ovens.

By obtaining the coke and the tar, you sacrifice the quality of the tar. The tar made in those ovens with the grates underneath, where coal tar was the object, was of a dark brown oily colour. The other ovens produced a dark coloured tar—a rather glutinous substance—and we were obliged to use other oils to mix with it. We did not care about selling the tar, because we could not make a sufficient supply for our own use. We used the Soak vein coal, and we also used three-quarter coal. We got about 12 gallons per ton from the Soak vein coal. When we commenced charging the ovens in the ordinary process, they were quite dark. By the time the coke was taken out, the ovens were cooled down. The heat was applied gradually under the ovens, so as to keep the temperature as low as possible; otherwise the oily substances would be destroyed.

From evidence presented for the defence

Saturday 23rd April 1864

W. Williams, Esq, examined by Mr. GROVE.

About 26 years ago, I was the managing partner of the Pentwyn and Golynos Iron- Works. I am a magistrate for the county of Monmouthshire. The late Mr. Samuel Rogers was employed by me and my partner to erect coke and tar ovens; and during the time they were erecting I was constantly there, every other day at all events. There were twelve ovens altogether. We got the heat as high as we could, because we wanted the coke good. It was always red. Our object was to make coal tar and coke; and the instruction to the workmen were that the coke was to be made as good as we could make it. High heat produces the best cake. The tar was similar to that which has generally been used in Wales for trams. The Pentwyn works, the Vartey works, the Nantyglo works, and the Brynmawr works, all made tar similar to ours. When the coke was not so good as I wished it to be, I instructed them to heat it higher. It was important to get good coke for the blast furnaces. The ovens at Abersychau were on the same principle as those at Golynos, and the product was the same. At the Blama works and the Clydock works the ovens and the product were the same when I knew them from '24 years ago up to 18 years ago. I know Mr. Rogers for about 35 years up to7 years ago. I am not aware that he ever produced anything else than coal tar.

Cross-examined by Mr. MACKESON: The lower part of the oven was always red. There has only been one kind of tar-oven used in our works during the 26 years I was manager. It is about 6 or 8 feet long and 5 feet wide; it was heated by a grate at first, but it was afterwards altered to an oven. Tar was a second consideration with us—coke was our main object. We were so ignorant in Wales that we always thought a high heat was best for the tar; but since I have heard from scientific men that it is not, I must take it for granted that I was wrong. Gas tar could also be used for lubricating wheels. We had 120 ovens for making coke in which no tar was made at all. The double ovens were made expressly for making tar as well as coke. The receiver was as close to the oven as that gentleman is to me. Mr. Frederick Charles Sage, examined by Mr. HINDMARCH. I am at present an analytical chemist, residing at Wolverhampton. I was formerly at the Abersychan works in Monmouthshire; they were the property of the Ebbw Vale Company. I was there from May, 1853, to ay, 1860. For the first two years I was employed as an analytical chemist, and after that furnace manager also. Their ovens were used for the production of coal tar and coke. We always used a very high heat. The tar sank in water. It was used for grossing trams and for greasing some of the cog— wheels of the rolling-mills, and also can varnish to cover the roofs of build ings. They used the Rock vein and other coal. I never saw any cannel there. I am now acquainted with Young's paraflin oil, and what we produced was altogether a different substance and sank in water.

Cross-examined by Sir F. KELLY : The operations carried on were for the purpose of making coal tar, which was used as a substitute for grease.

From The Journal of Gas Lighting, Water Supply and Sanitary Improvement, 22nd March 1864

VICE-CHANCELLOR'S COURT (Before Vice-Chancellor STUART.)

Selected extracts including the opening summary of charges.

Monday 29th February 1864

Mr Grove (for Young, the plainiff)

In 1861 it was found that a firm of the name of Miller &Co., who carried on business at Aberdeen and Glasgow, were infringing the patent. Proceedings were taken against them; they paid £5000, and took a licence from Mr. Young. Some other proceedings were taken about the same time against a company at Wareham, known as Messrs. Humphrey and Co. After these proceedings were commenced, it was found that the defendants had mortgaged their plant and their works; the mortgagees fore closed; they became bankrupt, and their works closed altogether. The plaintiff therefore, did not proceed any further.

Then there came the alleged infringement in the present case; and this was attended with circumstances which he thought the learned counsel for the defendants must regret. The plaintiffs had been going on manufacturing oil, and selling it at a reasonable price; and they had very largely increased their manufactures. The trade had become one of great importance, and, as to the products, of great notoriety. The plaintiffs had introduced into their manufactory certain practical improvements, but still adhering to the substantial mode of treatment indicated in the specification.

In February, 1861, a person of the name of Charles Hussey Jones, who was the owner or lessee of a colliery at Leeswood, in Flintshire, applied to the plaintiff for a licence. He was, as it subsequently appeared, interested with Fernie, more or less; and a person of the name of Varley, who was employed and paid by Fernie, one of the defendants in the present case, inspected the plaintiff's works, and was shown there all their processes, and certain retorts for the manufacture of their paraffin-oil were furnished to him of the best character. About the same time Jones applied to the plaintiff for a licence. He was offered one at the ordinary royalty at which the plaintiffs granted them to other persons; but, after some negotiation, Jones said the terms were too high, and declined to take a licence.

In 1861, in addition to the works which were at Leeswood, works were erected at Saltney, about 10 miles from Leeswood, and having a railway communication between them. Application was made to Jones, who had taken a licence from the defendants, for returns of any manufactures under the licence but none were ever offered; and, after some inquiry, the plaintiffs were inclined to suspect that Fernie, and whoever else was associated with him, were manufacturing their oil without any licence or per mission. In addition to the information which Jones had got as a licences, and which Varley had got by having inspected the plaintiff's works, it appeared that certain apparatus was procured by Fernie from persons who had formerly been employed by the plaintiffs in putting up their works; so that the defendants in this way got possession of everything which Mr. Young was doing.

The gentlemen who, on the present occasion, would tell his honour that the invention of Mr. Young was two centuries old seemed to have taken very elaborate pains to find out what he was doing; and, having done so, they put it in practice in a manner which, for some time, defied the efforts of Mr. Young to discover. But in the months of February and July, 1862, a person of the name of Rennie went to Saltney and Leeswood, to find out what the defendants were doing. He found that the works at Saltney were practically at a standstill; and so, also, the works at Leeswood. However, he persevered, and on the 2nd of August, in that year, Mr. Rennie, accompanied by a Mr. Smith, went to the works at Leeswood, and on getting near the works, they saw several retorts at work, with fires underneath them. They saw the materials with which the retorts were charged, which was with Leeswood cannel coal, that being one of the kinds of coal specially referred to by Mr. Young in his specification. Rennie saw a man charging the retorts with cannel coal. Smith went into the works, and asked the engineer to give him a bottle of the crude oil which was running from the retorts or stills. This request was complied with; the contents were analyzed, and were found to be the crude paraffin-oil of Mr. Young.

An examination of the works at Saltney was made by Rennie the next day. There he saw large quantities of cannel coal, and also retorts similar to those of the plaintiffs. On the 29th of August, a chemist of the name of Turner applied to the defendants for a 30-gallon cask of paraffin-oil. This was supplied; it had also been examined by chemists, and the result was that it was found to be the some as the product of the plaintiffs. The retorts were also being worked at the "low red heat" pointed out by Mr. Young. The contest on the part of the defendants was that they employed a lower temperature than "low red heat," and therefore did not infringe. He (Mr. Grove) contended that this was no defence at all, because the specification of Mr. Young, though be indicated a "low red heat" as the temperature, only said that that should not be exceeded. The defendants said that they produced their result at a temperature of 600°; but that was an entire fallacy, as the scientific evidence would prove. There were some very simple but very satisfactory tests. Mercury boiled at 660°; lead melted at about 620°. If a piece of bituminous coal were placed in melted lead or boiling mercury, it would be necessarily exposed to a temperature above 600°; and you might leave a piece of coal in it for an indefinite period and it would come out as it went in.

Saturday 5th March 1864

Mr. Charles Wilson, examined by Mr. BOVILL

In 1824 and 1825 I had the management of a portion of the Leeswood works for Messrs. William and Thomas Jones. I was there upwards of thirty years. We raised four kinds of coals; Main's coal, Brassey coal, Two-yard coal, and cannel coal. We raised the cannel coal in 1824-25. I know the Leeswood collieries, which are worked by Mr. Hussey Jones. He produces cannel and other bituminous coals. In August, 1862, I went to Messrs. Fernie's works, and saw the retorts they were using. I presumed they were used for distilling oil; there was no gas that I saw, The coal used was cannel coal. The heat was a dark heavy red. It was not approaching melting heat. It was the early stage of redness.

Cross-examined by Mr. MACHISON:

The lower part of the retort was of a dark red. It was a horizontal retort. There was said which was off; it was at the end of it. It was a mouthpiece, if you like to call it so. It was at the side. I do not know how long the lid had been taken off, except from the state of the embers. The retort was cased in brickwork. I saw the embers that had been taken out of the retort, and also the state of the fire. The embers I speak of were taken out of the retort. They were of a deep red, and so was the retort. I went to Leeswood on private business; there was a man there who owed me some money, who was employed there. I lived at Chester in August, 1862. I went to see my son-in-law, who lives in the neighbourhood, and once I got admission to the premises, because I went to inquire whether they wanted any retorts, I being a dealer in iron on commission. I think I gave information to the plaintiffs about a fortnight ago of what I saw, perhaps I was at Leeswood half an hour. I did not go as a spy to see what was being done.

MINERAL OIL FIELD TO BE LET.

A MINERAL FIELD, of about 230 Acres, containing Several Seams of Superior Bituminous Shale, with Smithy and other Coals, Fireclay, Ironstone, aud Limestone, in the Estate of Westwood, lying in the parish of Livingstone, about a mile distant from the Edinburgh, Bathgate, and Morningside Railway, and well suited for an extenstive Mineral Oil Work, is to be Let. For further particulars and terms, application may be made to the Proprietor, Robert Steuart, Esq. of Westwood, West Calder; Thomas Sprot, Esq., W.S., Edinburgh or Messrs. Mackenzie & Moore, ME, Glasgow.

The Glasgow Herald, 27th July 1864

The trade in mineral oil is the hope of North Wales. The discovery of cannel coal near Chester has already given a wonderful impulse to mining enterprise, and the success of the American oil works at Saltney has been so great, that, now that the patent has expired, huge petroleum works are in course of erection in various parts of the Welsh coal mining districts. We have had an eloquent Chancellor of the Exchequer dilating upon the inestimable benefits which may result to Chester and North Wales from the anticipated discovery of cannel coal in regions heretofore unexplored by the miner's pick or boring-rod. We have had a scientific lecturer expressing; the confident expectation that, in a few years more, coal and cannel will be raised from the waste land now scoured every day by the tidal waters of the Dee. We have heard it said that cannel is to coal what gold is to iron, and we find that a substance which a few years ago was put aside as useless, is now looked upon as the most valuable product of Flintshire.

The manufacture of oil from cannel has proved a great success, but Flintshire has an immense competitor in America. By the discovery of the oil-springs of Pennsylvania, a new trade has been suddenly created, and a new source of enterprise opened to capitalists. In two or three years the mineral-oil trade in America has reached enormous proportions, fairly putting into the shade the humble but increasing manufacture of oil in the neighbourhood of Chester. A sketch of the discovery and history of mineral oil cannot fail to be interesting to us who are so intimately connected with the prosperity of the oil manufacture. Hitherto patent rights have trammelled private enterprise, but now that the manufacture is open to all, we are likely to see a great start made. In America vast undertakings have resulted from the discovery of petroleum, and it is not unreasonable to expect that the discovery of cannel coal will benefit the district surrounding Chester in a corresponding degree. We have before us two remarkable pamphlets, reprints of articles which have attracted great attention on the other side of the Atlantic.

The first describes the most wonderful natural phenomenon that has been brought to light in modern times, and its present bearing on an important commercial enterprise. The second of endeavours to foreshadow the probable future of that enterprise, and its development into the largest and most important engineering undertaking the age is likely to produce, Both pamphlets are of a nature to demand notice, and we scarcely know which to consider the more interesting of the two— that which relates to what are now accomplished facts, bringing forth rich fruit, or that which suggests further results to which those facts naturally give birth. The surprise which we are first excited by the discovery in America of the existence of vast quantities of oil in the bosom of the earth, and the manner in which this oil might be procured and turned to the most useful purposes, has now subsided. The world had long been acquainted with mineral oil— so long that history does not go back to a period when its existence was unknown.

Herodotus, the " father of history," mentions that this oil was extensively used in the construction of the walls and towers of Babylon. Traces of it are said to have been found among the ruins of Nineyeh. The oil springs of Is, situated on a tributary of the Euphrates, attracted the attention of Alexander, and are still in existence. On one of the lonian Islands there is an oil spring, which has been flowing for 2,000 years. And the oil springs of Rangoon, in the Burman Empire, have been worked for ages, and now yield annually 400,000 hogsheads. In America, the Indians had long been aware of the existence of mineral oil The Seneca tribe are said to have used it for medicinal purposes, and the remains of the Indian pits or wells are still found in some parts of the country. The white people soon learnt that it was to be found in the soil, but they appear to have considered its existence rather a nuisance than otherwise. We believe that the discovery of the vast quantities in which it might be obtained, and its great utility as an illuminating agent, was entirely due, in the first instance, to what is termed accident— that favourite mode which Heaven adopts to point out to man the resources stored up for him in the world which he inhabits.

Boring for water, a Pennsylvanian struck upon a huge subterranean reservoir of oil, which welled up and flowed so freely that it speedily covered the ground for a considerable distance. A light thoughtlessly applied to the liquid caused a conflagration, which it required the utmost exertions of the people of the neighbourhood to subdue. But when this was extinguished, the oil still flowed, and it continued to bubble forth at the rate of 1000 gallons per day. This discovery was the precursor of many others of a similar nature- A large extent of country was found to be completely saturated with oil, and the earth, when tapped, yielded it in abundance. Speculators and capitalists were drawn in numbers to this wonderful region, and soon began to reap a rich harvest. Such was the origin of the American oil trade, which has now assumed gigantic proportions.

The Cheshire Observer, 28th January 1865

The following memorial has been presented to Sir George Grey by Lord Richard Grosvenor, MP. for Flintshire :—

To; The Right Hon. Sir George Grey, Bart., Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department.

The humble memorial of the undersigned owners and lessees of Collieries and other Mineral works and establish roents in the district of Leeswood, Tryddyn, Nerquis, and Pontblyddyn, and also of the mineral district of Mold and Hawarden, in the county of Flint,

Sheweth,— That on the 16th of December last, an accident, whereby the lives of several persons were lost, occurred at the Leeswood Green Main Coal Colliery, near Mold, such accident being occasioned by the sudden eruption of an unexpected body of water. That without taking upon themselves the right in any way to call in question the local circumstances under which such accident arose, your Memorialists feel it incumbent upon themselves, alike in justice to the general interests of the public as of their own in particular, to lay before you, sir, some of the facts connected with the Coroner's inquest, which they cannot but regard as a most serious departure from justice, and of the greatest possible importance to the welfare of the public, if such inquest and its surrounding circumstances be not the subject of a further and rigid scrutiny.

That the inquest in the first instance was held by and before Mr. Peter Parry, the County Coroner of Flintshire, on Tuesday, the 10th day of January last, and was then adjourned to Tuesday, the 17th January, when the same was concluded, and a verdict of manslaughter recorded against the Lessees of the Colliery in question— namely, William Craig, Henry Taylor, and William Wright Craig. That such verdict has occasioned the utmost surprise and consternation in ttie minds of your memorialists, and of the inhabitants of the district generally; and your memorialists most respectfully but earnestly submit to you, sir, that the interests of justice imperatively demand a rehearing of the case, and a full and searching inquiry into all the circumstances thereof. That your memoriansts earnestly entreat that such steps may be taken by the Home Department as may lead to an immediate and searching inquiry into, and re-hearing of the case to which be ventured herein to call your attention.

• Thomas B Sharp, for the Coed Talon Colliery Company, Limited.
• Henry Jones, for the Leeswood Cannel and Gas Coal Company. Limited.
• Griffiths Brothers, Coppa Colliery near Mold.
• For the Bromfield Hall Colliery Company, Frederick Bromley.
• John Hokroft, Nant Colliery.
• Thos. F. Cottingham, mining engineer, Mold.
• A. and A. Craig, Leeswood Hill Colliery.
• William Brentnall, Mold. - P. P the proprietor of the Aston Hall Colliery,
• S. Edward Peace; Mancott Banks Colliery,
• David McCuttock. Great Mancott Main Colliery,
• E. Mainwaring. Little Mountain Coal Company, Buckley,
• Joseph Turner. Northop Hall and Dublin Coal Company, Limited,
• Joseph Rowley. Upper Nant Colliery, Edward Thompson. ditto,
• Thomas Ollis,. Henry Wright and Company, Padeswood Colliery.
• Flint Marsh Colliery, Limited, William Jones.
• George Haworth, for the Flintshire Oil and Cannel Co., Limited
• Roberts and Hopwood, Tryddyn Colliery.
• Brencoed Colliery Co , Limited, Mold, per Chas. Hales.
• John Catherall. Nant Coal Company.
• Hope Mineral Oil Company, per W Dyson.
• Thomas Green, for Mineral Oil Works, Coppa Colliery, near Mold.
• George H. Birchbeck, Mineral Oil Works, Coppa Colliery. Mold
• E. S. Battery, Hope Mineral Oil Works, Mold
• Page and Co.. Mineral Oil Works, per F Marshall.
• Pentrobin Colliery, Wm. Tudor.
• Plas-y Mwys Colliery, W. McCullock, viewer.
• Leeswood Iron Co., Limited, per Gerard Gandy, secretary.
• Robt. Williams, Mineral Agent, Mold.
• The Padeswood Oil Works, per F. F. Winter. Major.
• Leeswood BrickWorks, per J. B. Butt.
• C. H. Earp and Co., Oil Merchants, Mold.
• Thomas Taylor, Hartsheath, one of the jury of the inquest.
• Geo. Griffith, Ty Newydd, one of the jury of the inquest.
• Cadwalader Griffiths, Leeswood, one of the jury of the inquest
• Geo. Ingram, Leeswood, one of the jury of the inquest.
• Edward Ingram, Leeswood, one of the jury of the inquest.
• John Williams. Leeswood, one of the jury of the inquest
• Richard Lewis Williams, Tryddyn, one of the jury.
• Hugh Jones, one of the jury.
• A. C. King, Argoed Colliery, Buckley.
• Robert Piatt, Tryddyn Lodge, near Mold.
• Joseph Dougan, manager, Coed Talon Colliery.
• Walter Ness, manager of Coppa Colliery.

The Cheshire Observer, 11th February 1865

The Shale Districts

The history of manufactures contains few more striking examples of the successful prosecution of commercial enterprise than those presented to us in the rise and progress of the extensive industries which the discovery of the peculiar properties of the Torbanehill mineral was the means of introducing into Linlithgowshire. Prior to the experiments resulting in the recognition of the fact that a new and valuable commodity could be obtained from coal, which had hitherto only been regarded as fuel, the manufactures of West-Lothian were comparatively unimportant, and its trade with the great marts of commerce inconsiderable. The discovery, however, some fifteen years ago, of the famous Boghead mineral about a mile from Bathgate, gave to West-Lothian a better position in the markets beyond its own borders, changed to some extent the physical aspect of many parts of the country, called into existence fresh fields of industrial labour, and introduced to daily life several most useful and valuable articles of consumption. Since the period of this discovery, quiet meadows have been invaded by the hum of the workshop; towns and villages have sprung up suddenly; a labouring population has inundated the shire; shafts have been lowered, stalks erected, railways constructed, and the face of the country blackened with smoke and the huge piles of refuse cast out from the pits and paraffine works.

The chief seat and centre of the new activity is Bathgate. This town, which is built upon the slope of a hill, may be said to lie in the very heart of that great bed of coal which stretches in a belt across Scotland, from the eastern to the western coast. Within the period since the great coal discovery, Bathgate has sprung into a place of considerable wealth and importance, and has quite changed its ancient appearance. In years anterior to the erection of the huge chimneys which now darken the air with their smoke, when the people were few, and the paraffine coal had not yet yielded up the secret of the rich qualities it possessed, the principal occupation followed by the population of the town was cotton handloom weaving in connection with the Glasgow factories.

With the opening of the coal-seams in the neighbourhood came the symptoms of a new and as yet undreamed of prosperity to the needy proprietors of the looms. An entirely different direction was given to the energies of the population, and a new era commenced in the history of the town. Fields of minerals were suddenly opened up in various parts of the district, the produce of which soon gave to the place a European celebrity, and converted the little country-town, that had so long lain peacefully on its sloping hill-side, into a busy and bustling hive. Small hamlets such as Armadale gradually swelled to the dimensions of bulky towns, and places which a few years previous were covered with waving crops were changed into thriving and populous villages. Although a large district was thus suddenly aroused to the prosecution of a remunerative industry, no place benefited more by the tide of unexpected fortune than Bathgate itself. The large quantities of coal and bituminous shale in the immediate neighbourhood of course decided its selection as the principal seat of the oil and paraffine manufactures. Large chemical works were established without delay, and were the means of opening up new sources of employment that proved highly beneficial to the inhabitants. The weavers of the place, too much accustomed to the pinching narrowness of poverty and whose average earnings had generally amounted to not much more than six shillings a-week, regarded the erection of the works with lively satisfaction. Little persuasion was requisite to make the greater number of them embark as workmen in the new enterprise, which promised them many and substantial benefits. The weaving was naturally thrown aside; and as the employment in the chemical-works required no apprenticeship to master its mysteries, the weavers, after a little practice and experience, became dexterous in their new labour, and were in a short time enabled to treble their former scanty earnings. The deep hold which the new industry took upon the district, and the practical success which it ultimately realised, are clearly shown by the fact that the population of the town and district of Bathgate, which was but 3,300 in 1851, is at present 10,000, being fully a threefold increase in less than a single decade.

The application of the Boghead mineral to the production of articles alike valuable and useful, and this too by a series of processes that were somewhat novel to science, naturally aroused considerable attention among the learned, and carried the reputation of the Bathgate minerals far beyond the limits of the county. The commodities extracted from the coal opened up a rich and quite undeveloped branch of commerce, and in various quarters of the world markets were found ready to receive at remunerative prices the manufactured articles which were turned out of the chemical works. In 1851 the works, which were destined to add threefold to the population and prosperity of Bathgate, were begun.

The Bathgate paraffine works thus so suddenly brought into existence are situated about a mile south-west of the town on the road leading to the iron-working village of Shotts. From the hill on which Bathgate is clustered, the distant confusion of roof-tops topped with belching chimneys forms a feature in the surrounding landscape of undulating fields which at once arrests the eye. The works, mapped out into various sections and departments, are spread over an area of twenty-five acres, and form what seems a huge, bustling, dusky village. Main streets of stills and retorts lead into branch thoroughfares of boilers and tanks. Clusters of sheds, stores and workshops, connected with different departments of the manufactory, and varying in shape and capacity according to the purposes they are devoted to, are met with in every direction. Branches of railway from the main lines in the vicinity cross and intersect each other in the grounds within the enclosure, converge at those points most favourable for the lading and unlading of goods, and bear along continuously loads of mineral from the pits, and great puncheons of oil from the stores. Immediately on the boundaries of the works, the visitor comes upon huge black mounds of waste formed by collecting the refuse of the coal cast out from the retorts and stills. Incessant accumulation of this waste has swelled the mounds into the dimensions of small hills, from the tops of which a far stretching view of surrounding country can be got with Bathgate in the distance. These waste-hills rise from the level of the ground in a gradual but steep incline, which increases in height as it recedes. Up the middle of this incline and iron tramway is led, along the lines of which small trucks, laden with refuse, are constantly dragged by horses, thus daily swelling the already overgrown heaps. Ceaselessly, day and night, the various stages of the manufacture are carried on, and the huge furnaces kept roaring by their attendants. Nor are the exertions of the gangs of workmen confined to the operations for producing the oil for which the place is so famous. Several subsidiary branches of manufacture are regularly carried on in addition to the staple one of the works. In one shed, a battalion of coopers shape hoops and staves, and bind together casks for the conveyance of the oil to be exported. In another, redolent of the blast of furnaces and the invigorating din of anvils, a large number of blacksmiths devote their skill to the fashioning of sundry articles of iron-work used on the premises. Sulphuric acid and soda, both of which articles are largely employed in the manufacture of paraffine, are made in other parts of the works.

The process by which the remarkable virtues are extracted from the Boghead mineral, and made in so material a degree to minister to the wants of domestic life, is, as may readily be imagined, complicated and laborious. The strange art of chemistry, which gives to science the power to change and transmute substances, and to reveal their hidden properties, so that they may be made useful to mankind, has seldom perhaps been employed in a more interesting, and in many respects wonderful, manufacture than that which is carried on at Bathgate. Delicately tinted wax candles and oil, almost as transparent as water, would seem to be the last things in the world which one would expect to see derived from coal; and yet this is not only done, but it is achieved in a way that raises our admiration by its perfection and ingenuity.

There are four different articles manufactured by Mr Young – viz., paraffine oil for burning, paraffine oil for lubricating machinery, a light volatile fluid called naphtha, and solid paraffine or wax. We shall endeavour to give a brief description of the various operations by which these are produced. The Boghead coal used in the manufacture is a hard, lustreless, rusty-black coloured mineral. By means of branch lines of railway, it is brought direct from the mouths of the pits on the Torbanehill estate into the heart of the works. When taken from the waggons, it is in masses of considerable size; and the preliminary step required in the process of manufacture is to break it into small pieces, to allow it to be shovelled conveniently into the retorts, and acted upon equally and uniformly by the heat. Entering a lofty shed, we see the huge crushing-machine in motion. This machine is formed of two large iron-toothed cylinders which revolve in opposite directions, and exert a force capable of breaking almost anything that comes within the influence of their formidable-looking teeth. The blocks of coal are fed into the machine in barrow-loads at one end, and the rollers, with their resistless, inevitable motion, gradually draw them in and crush them like twigs between their tusks. The broken coal falls into a pit below in pieces about the size of road metal, and is then ready for the introduction into the retorts. As it escapes from the machine, it is filled into trucks placed upon a "lift," and hoisted to the floor above. Ascending aloft with the trucks, we land with them upon an iron platform, and find ourselves in a a large iron-roofed shed up among the tops of the retorts, and under the guidance of another set of workmen. These retorts are vertical cast-iron tubes, 12 feet in length and some 14 inches in diameter. The retorts are divided into sets of four each, arranged in the form of a square, and each set is built into one furnace, and has a man specially appointed to superintend it. There are in all about fifty sets of retorts all constructed upon the same principle, and worked after the same method. The retorts rise about 3 feet above the platform to which the broken coal is hoisted, and their tops are shaped like common funnels, to facilitate the feeding of the coal into the tubes. The openings in the tops of these funnels are closed by spherical valves or lids, which are worked by counterpoised levers. The body of the retort or tube passes below the platform on which we are standing right down through the furnaces to the ground below; and the lower end is made air-tight by being led into a small pool of water. The charging of the retorts is a simple operation, and requires but little practice to enable it to be done with safety and dexterity. The truckloads of broken coals raised aloft from the pit of the crushing-machine are received by the man in attendance, and hurled along the platform to the particular set of retorts to be charged. Arrived here, the funnels of the retorts are filled with coal, and the spherical lid closing the orifice is depressed, which causes the coal to fall suddenly into the retort. When the retorts are thus filled, the lid is again raised, by using the counterpoised lever, and the opening is made air-tight by having fine sand sprinkled over the joint. Having seen the retorts thus fully charged with coal from the top, we descend from the elevated platform to the grounds below, to take a glance at the management of the furnaces. The workmen in charge of these are careful and attentive in the discharge of their simple duties; for on the proper discharge of them depends much of the success of the future operations. A low red heat is constantly kept up, just sufficient to promote the distillation of the coal in the retorts, care being observed to keep the temperature precisely at the requisite height. The coal which we saw filled in at the top of the retort falls down the tube as it is acted upon by the heat till it reaches that part of the tube which passes through the furnace. Here the decomposition of the coal is effected, and oil produced in the shape of vapour, which passes of by a pipe. The refuse material left behind falls further down the tube till it passes out at the bottom into the pool of water, and is there raked away. The vapours as they are generated by the furnace pass into a large main iron pipe, to undergo the process of condensing. This pipe runs along the entire length of the sheds where the retorts are situated, and leads into the condensers placed outside in the open air. These condensers are constructed upon the self-same principle as those employed in gas works, and consist of a series of pipe on the syphon principle, standing in vertical rows. The vapours, in passing through these pipes, are acted upon by the coldness of the atmosphere, and became condensed into a liquid. A small portion of the vapours is always incondensable. This is collected into a gas-holder, and is used for lighting the workshops. The condensed liquid portion is run off from the pipes into an immense reservoir or brick stock-tank sunk into the ground, and which, when full, is capable of holding 100,000 gallons. The crude oily liquor thus collected is a thick, black, greasy fluid, not unlike tar, that moves with a sluggish motion when stirred, and gives off inflammable vapours at the usual atmospheric temperature. The collection of this artificial petroleum into the great brick reservoir completes the first part of the process which the Boghead coal goes through in its wonderful transformation into pure oil and paraffine. The crude oil is only drawn off when required, and as there is often an immense quantity in the tank, precautions against fire are necessary; and such a calamity is avoided by the exercise of every possible care and precaution. The vapours given off by the oil when in its crude state are highly inflammable; the primary object to be secured, therefore, is to prevent as much as possible their contact with the atmosphere. The tank is accordingly covered with a sheet-iron roof, and the doors, formed of the same material, are so constructed as to make the tank perfectly air-tight. To obviate still further the risk of a disastrous conflagration, an iron pipe is led through the roof of the tank, by means of which, in the event of the oil becoming ignited, a strong jet of steam could be injected into the reservoir, and the flames thus quenched.

We pass on now to the second step in the elaborate operations. Having witnessed the part which the retorts have to perform, the stills come next under our observation. The crude oil, when taken from the stock-tank to undergo its first purification, is pumped up into large receptacles at a considerable height from the ground. These receptacles, connected with the stills by means of pipes, are raised aloft for the purpose of filling the stills easily, as the oil then flows down the pipes from the superior height into the stills by the mere force of gravitation. The stills are cylindrical in shape, and are of great strength and dimensions. They are fixed in a horizontal position above the furnaces, and are built in rows forming small streets. When the stills are filled with the crude oil, the doors are closed, and the joints made air-tight with clay. This satisfactorily accomplished, the fire is applied from below, and a regular heat is carefully maintained. This is kept up till the oil is distilled over, and passes once more into vapour. The vapour, as in the preliminary process, is made to pass through iron pipes, which are sunk in small ponds of water for the purpose of attaining the proper degree of coldness to act upon the product of the distillation. In its passage through these pipes, the vapour is re-condensed into liquid, and flows into tanks prepared to receive it. The collection of the oil in this state completes the process of the first purification of the crude liquor. Thus collected, the fluid shows marked signs of the improvement it has undergone by the vigorous measures to which it has been subjected. When filled into the stills, it was dirty black in colour, and of a thick sluggish consistency; now it is dark-green in colour, and greatly thinner. The impurities which have been extracted from it are left behind in the still in the shape of a black, lustrous, compact residue, resembling the coked burned in locomotives. This coke makes excellent fuel, and as such is employed in the works.

The second process of purification to which the oil is subjected after passing the ordeal of the stills, is of an entirely different nature from the first, and to witness this we must pass to another part of the works. We enter a long narrow building filled with circular cast-iron tanks, ranged like a row of boilers down its entire length. The dark-green oil in the condition in which it left the stills is run into these tanks till they are nearly filled, after which a certain quantity of strong sulphuric acid is added. The acid is employed to separate the impure substances from the oil; but in order to accomplish this, it is essential that both fluids should be thoroughly mixed up and assimilated as nearly as possible. This is a work of some difficulty, because of the difference in the specific gravity of the two liquid, the oil being greatly the lighter, and having the tendency to float on the top. To overcome this disadvantage, each tank is fitted up with a revolving stirrer. This is moved rapidly by machinery, and puts into commotion a series of blades that agitate the liquor violently, and give to it something of the motion of boiling water. For four hours the dissimilar fluids are fiercely and rapidly beaten about, and their peculiar properties brought to act on each other, until, under the biting influence of the acid, the dark-green oil changes to pale green, and gives token of having parted with much of the grosser substances that had rendered it dull and opaque. The prescribed time having expired, the stirrers are stopped, and the liquor is allowed to settle, which causes the organic impurities separated from the oil by the action of the vitriol to collect in the bottom of the tanks. The lees are in the shape of a kind of black coarse acrid tar, which is drawn off from the tanks, and subsequently used as fuel.

The oil, thus far cleansed of its foulness, is now transferred to clean tanks, mixed with a strong solution of caustic soda, and again undergoes violent agitation with the stirrers. This operation, which constitutes the third stage of purification, has the effect of neutralising any sulphuric acid that may remain in the oil, and separating from it another lot of impurities. The cleansing satisfactorily accomplished, the liquor in the tanks is allowed to settle as in the former case, and the refuse is drawn off. The oil is then pumped back into the stills, distilled a second time, and re-transferred to the tanks, and again subjected to the action of the acid and soda.

The effective system of distillation and purification which the oil has by this time gone through has had the effect of bringing it to a comparative state of purity. The blackness has been gradually extracted from it, it has been made less opaque, and has now assumed a clear pale yellow colour, contrasting wonderfully with the foul slimy appearance which it presented on being pumped from the great brick reservoir. When in this state, the oil contains the elements of no less than four different products, each of which is possessed of its own commercial value. To separate these, so as to make each available as an article of commerce, is the next care of the oil makers. This result is achieved by again distilling the oil at various temperatures.

At the lowest temperature the lightest and most volatile parts of the oil pass off in the form of vapour. These vapours, on being cooled by passing through the pipes, yield a liquid which, on being distilled by itself, gives a light, transparent, inflammable fluid known by the name of naphtha. The specific gravity of this naphtha is considerably less than that of the naphtha derived from coal-tar. It constitutes a valuable article of commerce, and is largely employed for various useful and economic purposes. The proprietors of itinerant booths and caravans use it as their chief illuminating agent, as it is easily carried about, and gives forth a strong glaring flame not easily extinguished by the wind. Street huxters who have to display their wares sub Joʈe employ it for the same purpose, as likewise do workmen engaged in tunnelling and works of excavation. The paraffine naphtha is also an admirable substitute for turpentine, and is used to a great extent in india-rubber works for dissolving the substances that are employed in that important branch of modern manufactures.

The naphtha being thus carefully separated from the oil in the manner explained, the next step is to take off the second product in point of volatility. To effect this, the temperature in the stills is considerably elevated, and the vapours which come over are collected and distilled, and yield paraffine or illuminating oil. This oil is separately put through the process of distillation and purification till it obtains the requisite degree of clearness. When ready for the market, it is a transparent liquid, almost colourless, and nearly free from smell. It is the most valuable and important of all the articles manufactured at Bathgate, and is known far and wide for its beautiful illuminating qualities. In country districts, where no gas is manufactured, the paraffine has almost entirely superseded all other kinds of oil; and is universally admired for the clearness and brilliancy of the light which it affords. When lighted, it gives forth a fine, transparent, lambent white light, peculiarly free from glare, and mild and pleasant to the eye. Markets for the sale of the oil have been opened up in all quarters of the globe; and the demand for it has increased to such an extent as to raise the district around Bathgate to wealth and position, and keep in active operation the largest chemical work in Great Britain. The greatest demand for the refined oil is of course during the winter months; and as the drain upon the works at this period of the year is very great, it is found necessary to keep large quantities in stock. For this purpose, a number of iron tanks, similar in outward appearance to gasometers, each capable of holding 100,000 gallons, have been erected within the works. During the summer months, when the demand for the oil has slackened, these huge reservoirs are filled with oil, which is kept carefully stored against the winter. The superior excellence of the paraffine oil over all other descriptions of burning oils is a point that has been decided by the testimony, founded on experiment, of distinguished men of science. A gallon of this oil weighs about 8½ lb.; in point of illuminating power is nearly equal to one gallon and a quarter of American native petroleum oil; and it can be purchased at a price which gives a light cheaper than English coal-gas. Another, and not the least important virtue which this paraffine oil possesses, is the safety with which it can be used for domestic purposes. So ample are the precautions employed to separate the last particle of naphtha from it that there is no risk of explosion, and it may be used under any circumstances with the greatest safety.

A yet higher temperature than what was necessary for the production of the burning oil produces a thick heavy lubricating oil. This oil, when it comes over from the still, is in reality a mixture of oil and solid paraffine, and on being allowed to cool, acquired the consistency of grease. When warm, the thick oil, containing crude particles of paraffine floating in it, is collected in open tanks and allowed to cool. The cold causes the paraffine to crystallise, and the step next taken is to separate the oil from the paraffine. This important operation is performed in another department of the works. The heavy oleaginous liquid, when thoroughly cooled, is poured into strong canvas bags, and these, when filled, are placed in hydraulic presses. The pressure is then applied with such force that the oil is squeezed out of the bags, leaving the solid paraffine inside. The oil which the strong pressure filters through the bags, flows into receptacles prepared for it beneath the presses, and the fluid thus obtained is known as the lubricating oil. This oil is admirably adapted for the purposes which have given it its name. Large quantities of it are used in the Lancashire cotton factories for oiling the more delicate machinery, and it is held in much esteem by watch and clock makers, philosophical instrument makers, and other tradesmen, the fineness of whose work requires oil of a superior quality. The lubricating oil has the advantage over whale oil, inasmuch as, with lapse of time, it shows no tendency to rancidity, and is free from the qualities which in all other vegetable and animal oils cause spontaneous combustion.

We come now to consider the fourth and last product of Boghead coal – solid paraffine. This remarkable substance derives its name from two words, which indicate its want of affinity with almost all the other chemical bodies. As finally purified, paraffine is a fine milk-white substance, much more transparent than wax, and of a beautiful lustrous structure. It lacks both taste and smell, burns with a luminous white flame without giving out smoke, and, when thoroughly consumed, leaves nothing behind in the shape of refuse or waste. Before reaching this degree of purity, however, it has to undergo a regular series of cleansing operations. In its crudest state we saw it first when separated from the lubricating oil by means of hydraulic pressure. On being emptied from the bags, it is seen in its coarsest state, and is then of a dirty yellow colour. This hue is derived from the large quantity of oily matter it contains; and to extract this successfully, the care of the workman is next directed. This result is effected by the repetition of a single process. The paraffine is placed in cast-iron vessels, dissolved in heated naphtha, and kept in solution for a considerable time in order to allow the naphtha to act upon the impurities contained in it. The liquid is then allowed to cool, and the paraffine to crystallise again. The cold liquor is once more strained through canvas bags, and the oil squeezed out as in the former operation. When shaken from the bags a second time, the crystals of paraffine are found to have changed colour from yellow to dirty white, and are consequently so much the purer. The operation of dissolving the paraffine in naphtha, cooling it, and filtering it through the bags, is repeated till it has acquired the requisite whiteness and purity. This finally achieved, the paraffine is transferred to another department of the works, the odour of naphtha with which it is impregnated is driven off by steam, and the paraffine in a liquid state is run into circular cast-iron moulds to cool. When thoroughly crystallised, the paraffine is lifted out of the mould in thick round cakes, and is carried to the packing department, where it is stowed into casks, and sent off to the markets.

A description of Addiewell Oil Works under construction

In our previous article on the shale district, we showed that Bathgate owes its prosperity to the discovery of the Boghead mineral. Fifteen years' steady and uninterrupted progress followed the establishment of the paraffine works in that district. Once fairly begun, they waxed gradually in size and importance until they became the centre of one of the recognised industrial occupations of the country. Great, however, as has been the success of this new branch of manufactures suddenly opened up in the heart of the Scotch coalfield, there are not wanting signs to prove that the paraffine oil trade is yet in its infancy. At present it may be said to be in a transition state, and on the eve of extensive and still more rapid development. The perfection attained in its manufacture, and the moderate price at which it is sold, have had the effect of introducing it into the markets of distant countries, and the consumption has consequently been yearly increasing.

To meet the large demand that has arisen, Mr James Young is at present engaged erecting new chemical works at West-Calder. These, when completed, will be the largest in the kingdom, being designed to cover several acres of ground more than the establishment at Bathgate. The works are at present only in the preliminary stage of construction, but they are being pushed forward with vigour, and it is expected that by the autumn they will be well advanced.

The new manufactory is being built on the estate of Addiewell. This estate, as well as a large portion of the surrounding district, abounds in bituminous shales, which will afford an abundant and constant supply of raw material to the stills. The new buildings are in course of erection in a series of fields about a mile from the village, to which convenient access is gained from the turnpike road. Viewed even in its present condition, with heaps of building material scattered in every direction, the site of the paraffine establishment gives sufficient token of the nature and extent of the works in process of construction. The evidences of labour everywhere surrounding the visitor bear abundant testimony of the progress of some considerable undertaking. The fields, in many parts still bearing traces of recent harvests in the shape of stubble, are cut up in all directions with newly formed rough metal roads. Huge "parks" of shale and coal suggest ample supply for the capacious retorts about to be placed in position. Wooden huts, whence proceed mingled sounds of labour, denote that the artificers are already industriously intent in executing the many preliminary operations necessary to the commencement of an extensive enterprise. Here and there piled upon the ground, gigantic cast-metal cauldrons and stills give a visionary notion of the size and capacity of the apparatus to be employed in the new works. Some half-dozen chimney-stalks mark the mouths of the coal-pits that are in full operation. Gangs of labourers scattered in different directions impart life and animation to the scene as they busily prosecute their various callings. A general view of the ground, coupled with the prevailing activity and the heaps of building materials that cumber the fields, are suggestive of the foundation of a new town.

A more narrow inspection shows that the ground has been elaborately planned and laid out, and that the new establishment will not only be upon a larger scale than any in the country, but will be constructed on principles admitting of the introduction of the latest improvements in practical chemistry. The leading ideas are, to economise labour by the extensive employment of machinery, and to facilitate production by the convenient arrangement of the different departments. The stills and retorts will be of gigantic dimensions compared with those at Bathgate, and will be fitted up on an improved and more convenient principle. The furnaces are at present in course of construction, and considerable progress has been made towards the erection of the principal buildings. The works are to be divided into two almost equal parts by a broad open way running like a street down the centre. Down this street a branch line of railway will be led, upon which a small steam locomotive will be placed. This line, laid down so as to form direct communication with the coal-pits, will afford the means of conveying the shale to the retorts with little trouble, and can be used generally for the conveyance of goods to and fro within the works. Connected, again, with this railway is another double line, now in process of formation, intended to strike across the country and join the Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway. This will prove of great importance in the development of the new establishment. Whilst providing an easy and ready outlet for the goods produced, it will also bring the works at Bathgate and West-Calder into communication. One great advantage of this will be to enable Mr Young to transport shale direct from his own coal-pits at the latter to the former place when occasion requires.

About 200 men are employed at West-Calder pushing forward the works. A larger number would be engaged to hasten their completion were it not for the limited house accommodation in the neighborhood. The village itself is very small, and every available lodging has been taken possession of. The opening of four or five coal-pits, which was the first step taken by Mr Young in the prosecution of his new enterprise, brought an unexpected influx of pitmen into the district. Subsequent arrivals of masons, brick-makers, joiners, blacksmiths, and labourers taxed to the utmost the accommodation which the cottages of the hamlet provided, and it was consequently found to be somewhat difficult to induce men to come to a locality where they could not get themselves properly housed. To remove this obstacle Mr Young addressed himself at the outset. A long row of neat brick cottages was erected without delay upon his own estate, and these have been given over to the skilled mechanics employed at the works. In addition to these, two rows of commodious wooden huts, capable of accommodating about 130 men, have just been completed and taken possession of by the navvies. A good many cottages and houses have also been recently built at the village to meet the want that existed, and which promises to be soon renewed.

Much time and expense will be saved in the erection of the new chemical works by the means that have been taken to procure a sufficient and constant supply of bricks. One of the fields in the immediate vicinity yields clay in large quantities; and on this being discovered, Mr Young immediately built a brick-work, which is at present in active operation. Steam machinery is used in one of the departments of this trade, and an apparatus is about to be fitted up to supersede the system of making bricks by hand. This machine is estimated to turn out thirty-five thousand bricks a-day, and will give facilities for keeping up a constant supply. The whole of the buildings will thus be constructed from bricks manufactured on the spot – an arrangement which, besides being cheaper, will save endless carriage and carting. The brick-work will form a permanent part of the new establishment. In a huge chemical work like the one in process of formation, bricks are constantly in demand. The intense heat applied to the stills soon consumes the brickwork of the furnaces, and necessitates their constant repair. The clay, accordingly, which is so abundant on the estate, will be put to a very useful purpose.

The first care of Mr Young, after having satisfied himself of the presence of shale in the district, was to sink shafts and get the coal-pits in operation. This was accomplished with as little delay as possible, and there are now six pits being worked night and day. These pits are quite close to where the new buildings will stand, and are within a short distance of each other. The deepest of these pits is sixty fathoms, and it contains two seams that are being simultaneously wrought. The topmost consists of shale and the lower one of ordinary fuel. The pits have been in full operation for some time, and a very large quantity of shale and coal has been collected to be ready against the completion of the retorts. As the mineral is brought up from the subterranean galleries, it is piled in vast fields at the mouths of the shafts, small lines of rails being laid down, along which the coal is hurled in trucks, and heaped into squares. There is a considerable difference between the appearance the shale of West-Calder and the Boghead mineral. The latter is taken from the pits in huge pieces resembling coal, is compact in texture, and of a dull lustreless colour. The former is procured in thin unequal slabs; its pervading hue being also a dull black, varied by frequent patches of ironstone colour, which give it somewhat the appearance of rusty metal. It is scaly in its formation, and when broken frequently presents a black shining appearance like congealed tar. By the time the works are ready and immense quantity of shale and coal will be collected to commence operations with; and the pits being within a stone's-throw of the stills, the supply can be easily and continuously kept up.

The importance of such a gigantic establishment as the one being erected, to the district of West-Calder will undoubtedly prove very considerable. It will give an impetus to the prosperity of the place such as was altogether undreamed of some years ago. The character of the locality must in a year or two be greatly altered. The village, at present but little visited, and of no account whatever in the manufactures of the country, promises at no distant date to be the seat of an extensive trade, and the centre of a bustling population. That such will be the case no one can doubt who has noted the sudden growth of the parish of Bathgate, and the wealth which it has developed. West-Calder will start with the advantage of a manufactory several times larger than was the Bathgate one at its commencement. It will have the further advantage of turning out commodities for markets that are now fully established, and the demand for which articles is increasing. To carry on the huge works now being hurried forward seven or eight hundred will be requisite; and these, with the floating population which gathers to the scene of all new enterprises, will throw a life and activity into the district that will make it a place of some consequence. Should the event turn out according to promise, the capital of the oil district must in course of time be transferred from Bathgate to West-Calder.

Regarding the duration of the supply of the coal and shale, no fears need at present be entertained. The shale district proper may be said to extend some twenty miles in length, and five in breadth. So far as investigations have yet been made, the mineral seems to be plentiful, and can be procured in sufficient quantities to keep the largest works going. When the present seams at Torbanehill are exhausted, there are still thirty acres of the valuable mineral that have been kept in reserve. Should the Bathgate field, however, become quite worked out, the shales in the West-Calder district are plentiful enough to remove all fear of the supply suddenly falling short.

According to present appearances, there is a prosperous future for the oil trade of those regions. Great as is the production even now, the increase promises to be very large. As long as the shales hold out the supply of oil is unlimited; and as we are yearly discovering new purposes to which to apply it, and it is becoming cheaper owing to the larger quantities manufactured lessening the cost of production, it must come more and more into use as an article of consumption. Should the shale fields yield the necessary quantity of the raw material, we may have here many years not a few changes effected by the paraffine manufactures. Oil will be produced at such a moderate rate and so superior to the quality formerly in use that the whale fisheries may suffer. Whether this result follow or not, it is quite apparent that new uses must soon be discovered for an article that can be produced in such large quantities.

Mr Young has set himself to the consideration of this problem, and intends to increase as far as possible the number of products derived from shale, and thus greatly the sphere of his operations. He proposes to distil coal at a low temperature, and apply the manufactured articles to new purposes. His design is to collect the gaseous portion, and sell it at a cheap rate as a heating and lighting agent. If he carry out his project, a new gas will be introduced and sold for illuminating and other purposes, at a considerably lower rate than at present. The coke, which is the residue of the oil after it passes through the stills, forms excellent smokeless fuel, and a trade in this may be largely developed. The paraffine oil, he thinks, may also come to be advantageously used for the fuel of steamships. Being liquid, it could be stored in out-of-the-way places, thereby economising space. Its use would also save staff of firemen and their accommodation on board ship, and the increased space thus gained could be made available for other purposes. He estimates that a steamship in crossing the Atlantic consumes 1600 tons of coal in ten days' voyage. The Admiralty allowance for a ton of coal is 48 cubic feet. A ton of paraffine oil would go as far as a ton and a-half of coal. Nor does this idea of substituting oil for coal as the fuel of ships seem chimerical or impracticable. The Duke of Somerset recently expressed a confident hope that the time was approaching when the ships of the navy would carry petroleum ass fuel in place of coal. This result realised, the development of the oil trade in Scotland would receive an impetus that would make it rank among the most important of our manufactures. As it is, its production will ever take rank as one of the most wonderful of modern inventions, and the good qualities of the oil will always be valued by all who do not love darkness rather than light.

The Shale District of West Calder

In our previous article on the shale district, we showed that Bathgate owes its prosperity to the discovery of the Boghead mineral. Fifteen years' steady and uninterrupted progress followed the establishment of the paraffine works in that district. Once fairly begun, they waxed gradually in size and importance until they became the centre of one of the recognised industrial occupations of the country. Great, however, as has been the success of this new branch of manufactures suddenly opened up in the heart of the Scotch coalfield, there are not wanting signs to prove that the paraffine oil trade is yet in its infancy. At present it may be said to be in a transition state, and on the eve of extensive and still more rapid development. The perfection attained in its manufacture, and the moderate price at which it is sold, have had the effect of introducing it into the markets of distant countries, and the consumption has consequently been yearly increasing.

To meet the large demand that has arisen, Mr James Young is at present engaged erecting new chemical works at West-Calder. These, when completed, will be the largest in the kingdom, being designed to cover several acres of ground more than the establishment at Bathgate. The works are at present only in the preliminary stage of construction, but they are being pushed forward with vigour, and it is expected that by the autumn they will be well advanced.

The new manufactory is being built on the estate of Addiewell. This estate, as well as a large portion of the surrounding district, abounds in bituminous shales, which will afford an abundant and constant supply of raw material to the stills. The new buildings are in course of erection in a series of fields about a mile from the village, to which convenient access is gained from the turnpike road. Viewed even in its present condition, with heaps of building material scattered in every direction, the site of the paraffine establishment gives sufficient token of the nature and extent of the works in process of construction. The evidences of labour everywhere surrounding the visitor bear abundant testimony of the progress of some considerable undertaking. The fields, in many parts still bearing traces of recent harvests in the shape of stubble, are cut up in all directions with newly formed rough metal roads. Huge "parks" of shale and coal suggest ample supply for the capacious retorts about to be placed in position. Wooden huts, whence proceed mingled sounds of labour, denote that the artificers are already industriously intent in executing the many preliminary operations necessary to the commencement of an extensive enterprise. Here and there piled upon the ground, gigantic cast-metal cauldrons and stills give a visionary notion of the size and capacity of the apparatus to be employed in the new works. Some half-dozen chimney-stalks mark the mouths of the coal-pits that are in full operation. Gangs of labourers scattered in different directions impart life and animation to the scene as they busily prosecute their various callings. A general view of the ground, coupled with the prevailing activity and the heaps of building materials that cumber the fields, are suggestive of the foundation of a new town.

A more narrow inspection shows that the ground has been elaborately planned and laid out, and that the new establishment will not only be upon a larger scale than any in the country, but will be constructed on principles admitting of the introduction of the latest improvements in practical chemistry. The leading ideas are, to economise labour by the extensive employment of machinery, and to facilitate production by the convenient arrangement of the different departments. The stills and retorts will be of gigantic dimensions compared with those at Bathgate, and will be fitted up on an improved and more convenient principle. The furnaces are at present in course of construction, and considerable progress has been made towards the erection of the principal buildings. The works are to be divided into two almost equal parts by a broad open way running like a street down the centre. Down this street a branch line of railway will be led, upon which a small steam locomotive will be placed. This line, laid down so as to form direct communication with the coal-pits, will afford the means of conveying the shale to the retorts with little trouble, and can be used generally for the conveyance of goods to and from within the works. Connected, again, with this railway is another double line, now in process of formation, intended to strike across the country and join the Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway. This will prove of great importance in the development of the new establishment. Whilst providing an easy and ready outlet for the goods produced, it will also bring the works at Bathgate and West-Calder into communication. One great advantage of this will be to enable Mr Young to transport shale direct from his own coal-pits at the latter to the former place when occasion requires.

About 200 men are employed at West-Calder pushing forward the works. A larger number would be engaged to hasten their completion were it not for the limited house accommodation in the neighbourhood. The village itself is very small, and every available lodging has been taken possession of. The opening of four or five coal-pits, which was the first step taken by Mr Young in the prosecution of his new enterprise, brought an unexpected influx of pitmen into the district. Subsequent arrivals of masons, brick-makers, joiners, blacksmiths, and labourers taxed to the utmost the accommodation which the cottages of the hamlet provided, and it was consequently found to be somewhat difficult to induce men to come to a locality where they could not get themselves properly housed. To remove this obstacle Mr Young addressed himself at the outset. A long row of neat brick cottages was erected without delay upon his own estate, and these have been given over to the skilled mechanics employed at the works. In addition to these, two rows of commodious wooden huts, capable of accommodating about 130 men, have just been completed and taken possession of by the navvies. A good many cottages and houses have also been recently built at the village to meet the want that existed, and which promises to be soon renewed.

Much time and expense will be saved in the erection of the new chemical works by the means that have been taken to procure a sufficient and constant supply of bricks. One of the fields in the immediate vicinity yields clay in large quantities; and on this being discovered, Mr Young immediately built a brick-work, which is at present in active operation. Steam machinery is used in one of the departments of this trade, and an apparatus is about to be fitted up to supersede the system of making bricks by hand. This machine is estimated to turn out thirty-five thousand bricks a-day, and will give facilities for keeping up a constant supply. The whole of the buildings will thus be constructed from bricks manufactured on the spot – an arrangement which, besides being cheaper, will save endless carriage and carting. The brick-work will form a permanent part of the new establishment. In a huge chemical work like the one in process of formation, bricks are constantly in demand. The intense heat applied to the stills soon consumes the brickwork of the furnaces, and necessitates their constant repair. The clay, accordingly, which is so abundant on the estate, will be put to a very useful purpose.

The first care of Mr Young, after having satisfied himself of the presence of shale in the district, was to sink shafts and get the coal-pits in operation. This was accomplished with as little delay as possible, and there are now six pits being worked night and day. These pits are quite close to where the new buildings will stand, and are within a short distance of each other. The deepest of these pits is sixty fathoms, and it contains two seams that are being simultaneously wrought. The topmost consists of shale and the lower one of ordinary fuel. The pits have been in full operation for some time, and a very large quantity of shale and coal has been collected to be ready against the completion of the retorts. As the mineral is brought up from the subterranean galleries, it is piled in vast fields at the mouths of the shafts, small lines of rails being laid down, along which the coal is hurled in trucks, and heaped into squares. There is a considerable difference between the appearance the shale of West-Calder and the Boghead mineral. The latter is taken from the pits in huge pieces resembling coal, is compact in texture, and of a dull lustreless colour. The former is procured in thin unequal slabs; its pervading hue being also a dull black, varied by frequent patches of ironstone colour, which give it somewhat the appearance of rusty metal. It is scaly in its formation, and when broken frequently presents a black shining appearance like congealed tar. By the time the works are ready and immense quantity of shale and coal will be collected to commence operations with; and the pits being within a stone's-throw of the stills, the supply can be easily and continuously kept up.

The importance of such a gigantic establishment as the one being erected, to the district of West-Calder will undoubtedly prove very considerable. It will give an impetus to the prosperity of the place such as was altogether undreamed of some years ago. The character of the locality must in a year or two be greatly altered. The village, at present but little visited, and of no account whatever in the manufactures of the country, promises at no distant date to be the seat of an extensive trade, and the centre of a bustling population. That such will be the case no one can doubt who has noted the sudden growth of the parish of Bathgate, and the wealth which it has developed. West-Calder will start with the advantage of a manufactory several times larger than was the Bathgate one at its commencement. It will have the further advantage of turning out commodities for markets that are now fully established, and the demand for which articles is increasing. To carry on the huge works now being hurried forward seven or eight hundred will be requisite; and these, with the floating population which gathers to the scene of all new enterprises, will throw a life and activity into the district that will make it a place of some consequence. Should the event turn out according to promise, the capital of the oil district must in course of time be transferred from Bathgate to West-Calder.

Regarding the duration of the supply of the coal and shale, no fears need at present be entertained. The shale district proper may be said to extend some twenty miles in length, and five in breadth. So far as investigations have yet been made, the mineral seems to be plentiful, and can be procured in sufficient quantities to keep the largest works going. When the present seams at Torbanehill are exhausted, there are still thirty acres of the valuable mineral that have been kept in reserve. Should the Bathgate field, however, become quite worked out, the shales in the West-Calder district are plentiful enough to remove all fear of the supply suddenly falling short.

According to present appearances, there is a prosperous future for the oil trade of those regions. Great as is the production even now, the increase promises to be very large. As long as the shales hold out the supply of oil is unlimited; and as we are yearly discovering new purposes to which to apply it, and it is becoming cheaper owing to the larger quantities manufactured lessening the cost of production, it must come more and more into use as an article of consumption. Should the shale fields yield the necessary quantity of the raw material, we may have here many years not a few changes effected by the paraffine manufactures. Oil will be produced at such a moderate rate and so superior to the quality formerly in use that the whale fisheries may suffer. Whether this result follow or not, it is quite apparent that new uses must soon be discovered for an article that can be produced in such large quantities.

Mr Young has set himself to the consideration of this problem, and intends to increase as far as possible the number of products derived from shale, and thus greatly the sphere of his operations. He proposes to distil coal at a low temperature, and apply the manufactured articles to new purposes. His design is to collect the gaseous portion, and sell it at a cheap rate as a heating and lighting agent. If he carry out his project, a new gas will be introduced and sold for illuminating and other purposes, at a considerably lower rate than at present. The coke, which is the residue of the oil after it passes through the stills, forms excellent smokeless fuel, and a trade in this may be largely developed. The paraffine oil, he thinks, may also come to be advantageously used for the fuel of steamships. Being liquid, it could be stored in out-of-the-way places, thereby economising space. Its use would also save staff of firemen and their accommodation on board ship, and the increased space thus gained could be made available for other purposes. He estimates that a steamship in crossing the Atlantic consumes 1600 tons of coal in ten days' voyage. The Admiralty allowance for a ton of coal is 48 cubic feet. A ton of paraffine oil would go as far as a ton and a-half of coal. Nor does this idea of substituting oil for coal as the fuel of ships seem chimerical or impracticable. The Duke of Somerset recently expressed a confident hope that the time was approaching when the ships of the navy would carry petroleum ass fuel in place of coal. This result realised, the development of the oil trade in Scotland would receive an impetus that would make it rank among the most important of our manufactures. As it is, its production will ever take rank as one of the most wonderful of modern inventions, and the good qualities of the oil will always be valued by all who do not love darkness rather than light.

The Scotsman, 16th May 1865

"Looker-on," in " Rylands' Iron Trade Circular,"' November 11, 1865, states that " having some personal experience of petroleum, its discovery, its raising, and its refining," he gladly accepted instructions to proceed to Flintshire on Monday last, for the purpose of examining certain statements respecting the production of oil in Flintshire.

Passing Cefn, he says, without stopping, although strongly tempted to halt - not by the beauties of the vale of Llangollen, but by a remarkable pit of Cannel coal at Plas Kynaston, just the railway side - l pushed for Padeswood, a small station about two miles from Mold, in Flintshire, and landed at once in the very heart of the mineral oil region. T'was as if I had fallen asleep in the train at Chester, and woke up amongst the "Oil Wells" at Enniskillen (Canada West) or Pennsylvania.

There was the identical mud, about the same quantity of smell (slightly diminished in strength), the same run of land, the same rough people, the same sort of fires and furnaces, cauldrons, retorts, kettles, stew-pans for oil and distilleries – the same heaps of lime, the same carboys of sulphuric acid, everything the same but the primeavel forest, for the trees are fast disappearing. Here were the "oil wells", will all their wealth of production, minus their uncertainty in production, and the never-failing crop of open, cheating and miscellaneous roguary that spings up from the fattening soil around them. The stuff they make here is actually petroleum. It has the green colour, the smells and gives out to the same treatment, the same products, saving that it less rich in turpentine, or that the turpentine it contains has less volatile spirit. The taste is the same, and - well I know it - the effect of tasting it exactly similar; again reserving the medicinal effect of extr. terebinth, which my medical readers will comprehend.

Curiously enough, at the door of the very first refinery I visited there stood a young girl who had been sent by her mother to beg a small phial of coal-oil for her chest. Now, I remember seeing the Mayor of London (Canada West) sell a bottle of it for a shilling to a girl at the door of his refinery for similar purpose; and I have over and over again known it to be taken for chest and lung diseases, and heard it almost sworn to as having curative effects equal to cod-liver oil. The Indians, indeed, use it for their spavined horses, and those rheumatisms to which the uncomfortable dwelling savage (a weedy lot are those Red Indians, in spite of all that novelists and travellers tell you) is always liable. It was known a century ago in our Pharmacopaeia as " Seneca Oil," and if you sleep in a shirt saturated with it, as they do in the Toronto Hospital, your aches and pains will surely disappear. There it was in Flintshire, running out of the receiver from the retort, unmistakeably crude petroleum; and this, in my opinion, settles the question for geologist as to its character, and the method of its original production in nature.

The Coppa Company's works, which lie close to the Leeswood Colliery, from whence, believe, they draw a portion of their great supply, are neighbouring to the station, and cover seven acres of ground. They are like gas works on a small scale, only the tanks are underground. They have 198 retorts, each of 15 cwt. capacity, and 16 stills, so that they possess a capacity of producing 1,500 gallons, equal to 120 tons of oil weekly. The shares of this company are chiefly held, I think, in Birmingham, and they have been doing a comfortable 10 per cent, business for the last three years, through all the difficulties attendant on the first experiments.

The Western Daily Press, 17th November 1865

Alarming Fire near Port Dundas

Man Burned to death

Yesterday afternoon, about half-past one o'clock, an alarming fire broke out in the premises of the British Asphalte Company, asphalte manufacturers, and distillers of tar and mineral oil, &c., situate at 88 Stirling Street, Port-Dundas. The fire was occasioned by the bursting of a still containing shale oil, situated to the North of the works; and immediately caught after the oil, which flowed into the furnace, lofted and blazed with great fury.

To the south of the works is situated the extensive soap manufactory of Messrs. James Parker & Co., and when the Northern and Central Fire Brigades arrived the soap works were in imminent danger. By the exertions of the firemen, however, the flames were prevented from spreading to the factory; and the large stock of oils in the yard, forming part of the premises of the Asphalte Company, was similarly preserved. Although a plentiful supply of water was at hand it was of no use, previous experiences having proved that water thrown upon burning oil only causes the flames to spread; and on this occasion, had the hose been brought to play upon the fire, the flames would, in all probability, have extended to the soap works, and caused a greater destruction of property.

When the bursting took place, a worker named John M'Gown, 60 years of age, residing in Rumford Street, Bridgeton, was knocked down in front of one of the furnaces, and rendered insensible by the gases which escaped from the still. Although the workmen knew where the poor man was lying – against a quantity of coal – it was impossible to render any assistance, as any attempt to remove him might have been attended with fatal consequences. As soon as the brigades arrived, a branchman was stationed on the wall on the west side of Port-Dundas Road, and when the floating oil ignited the coals where M'Gown lay the branch was brought to play upon them, and by this means the body of the unfortunate man was saved from being quite consumed.

As it was, however, his head and part of one of his legs were fearfully charred. The body was recovered about five o'clock, by which time the fire was considerably spent. Deceased has left a widow and three of a family. As we have already stated, the fire raged with terrific fury, shortly after its outbreak, and continued till nearly four o'clock. About half-past three the flames ascended to a height of fully fifty feet, and at this time fears were entertained for the safety of the chimney stalk, situated in the centre of the works. Dense volumes of black smoke ascended from the burning oil, and at times no parts of the works or stalk were visible. There are five or six stills in the premises, but those situated to the west of the one which gave way were saved; the oil, however, which the stills and tanks at the east side of the factory contained, was all consumed. We have not learned the cause of the accident; but it is supposed that too much gas has generated within the still, and the bursting was the result.

The value of oil destroyed has not as yet been ascertained, but we are informed that the damage will amount to upwards of £600. The stock destroyed, it is said, is not insured. At five o'clock last night all danger was at an end, although the oil contained in the still which burst continued to burn. Firemen were left in charge of the premises. The dense volumes of smoke, which were blown over the city in a south-westerly direction, attracted such large crowds to the scene of the conflagration that Superintendent M'Farlane, of the Northern District, deemed it necessary to call out a number of night constables to assist the day officers in keeping the spectators out of danger

The Glasgow Daily Herald, 30th November 1865

"Struck Ile"; or the Scotch Petrolia No.II

Two weeks ago we pointed out, in a very cursory manner, the extent, the importance, and prospects of the Paraffin Oil Trade in Scotland; and we now resume the subject, in order to enter into more ample details regarding the manufacture of this comparatively new article of commerce. The oil producing shale, as we have stated, is found in some form or other in all the coal and ironstone fields in Scotland; but so far as explorations have yet been made, it seems to be most productive in the district lying between Coatbridge and the Firth of Forth.

This is our Pennsylvania, and the little village of Broxburn, on the Bathgate and Edinburgh railway, is destined in a short time to become our Oil city and capital of Paraffin. Let the reader, then, accompany us while we make a short excursion into this land, rich with treasures which a few years ago nobody conceived or dreamed of. We start from Glasgow and rush out to Coatbridge in the early morning, where we catch the train for Bathgate on the Monklands line, and during a slow ride of more than an hour's duration watch the gleams of burning ironstone and the numerous coalpits seen dimly on every side in the dusk of the morning. At Bathgate we pass onto the Edinburgh line, and have scarcely glanced at the morning papers, when the railway porter shouts "Bro-ax-burn," and we get out at a miserable looking station, though the number of greasy barrels about it indicate that fortune has looked in on the dilapidated box.

On inquiring at the ticket-lifter the nearest way to the Oil Works, he points out to us an old country road at the back of the station loading to the village; and into this we go plunge half to the knees in mud. The road is quite innocent of Macadam, and has in consequence been fearfully cut up by the recent traffic which it has had to bear since the shale fields were opened. A quarter of an hour's walk through a stagnant river of "glaur," on which are occasionally to be seen in the less muddy pools streaks of oil exhibiting the exquisite colours of the Aniline dyes, brings us to Broxburn, which lies on each side of the great turnpike between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The village before the shale era must have been a quiet, sleepy place – too far removed from any large town to feel its influence, and totally unacquainted with those brisk energies which are now operating in great force round about it. But Broxburn has awakened from its dull repose, and finds itself famous. The little place is beginning to stretch its limbs in every direction, the new roads are breaking into it from all points of the compass. It has already got some brand new buildings, and we believe the Roman Catholics, with that wise foresight for the benefit of their brethren which everywhere characterises them, are looking out for a site on which to build a handsome chapel.

But the village with all its hurry is unable to accommodate itself to the increasing trade of the locality. Workmen are pouring into it in increasing numbers every week, and there is therefore little wonder that Broxburn should be sadly put about to lodge and house the flood of new incomers. We are told that in some very small houses – we hardly like to state how small – forty persons are hurdled together, and eat, sleep, and enjoy themselves in some unaccountable manner. An old farm steading at the west end of the village has been hurriedly extemporised into a miners square, and byres, barns, and other outhouses are now filled with an overflowing population. On looking round through the dull rainy atmosphere we find the landscape pleasant though somewhat flat, and the level fields apparently in an excellent state of cultivation.

The aesthetic character of the village and surrounding country is, however, sadly broken in upon by the unsightly heaps of rubbish that dot it here and there around the pits, and by the flaring brick buildings where the paraffine oil is distilled. Here and there you observe a slander from tube projecting like a diminutive steamboat funnel above these red buildings, and at the top there streams upon the breeze a long rugged pennant of flames which has a singular appearance during the day and must have rather a striking effect at night. This beautiful burning flag, which surmounts the retorts, is the simple method in which the gas from the shale is disposed or – a process which we shall explain in a little.

We search out the house of Mr Bell, the lessee of the shale lying around about Broxburn to the extent of some five thousand square acres, and are fortunate in finding him at home. He is willing to become our clearone for the day, and so, in company with him and his intelligent manager, we start on the work of exploration.

On our way to the shale pits we pass a row of half–brick and half-wooden houses which are in course of erection for Mr Bell's workmen. They are built upon an entirely novel plan and merit a passing observation. The front is run up with overlapping wooden deals fixed to wooden standards, but so arranged that when more time is obtained the boards can be taken down and brick substituted. The row consists of a house of two apartments and a large room, or both alternately. In the home the married man with his family will reside – the wife taking upon herself the task of supplying the culinary wants of the inhabitants of the contiguous bothy, which will afford sleeping accommodation for sixteen grown up persons. The row is constructed in this fashion to meet the great demands which exist for lodgings, but it has been so planned by the pushing proprietor that, when houses have become more plentiful the bothy can easily be transformed into a comfortable dwelling of two apartments.

Passing on through new made roads, or rather ruts cut out of green fields by cart-wheels, we arrive at one of these brick buildings to which we have already referred. Here there are above a hundred retorts where the crude oil is extracted from the shale just as its taken from the mine. Mr Bell has erected a portion of his retorts on the top of a little eminence, where the shale crops out nearly to the surface. He has not, consequently, been put to the expense of sinking a pit in this locality, but having turned off the soil to the depth of a few feet he quarries the bituminous substance with the greatest ease. A considerable number of workmen are engaged with large quarrier's picks and crowbars in turning over the shale, which comes away in large thin flakes like huge slates. Men are busy filling the loose mineral into tubs capable of containing about half a ton, and these are drawn up a steep incline from the bottom of the "open cast" by a stationary engine at the top, after which there contents are either emptied into the retorts or sent off to other works.

At the low side of the shale quarry, where the metals "dip" too much to allow of their being worked in this easy fashion. Mr. Bell has driven a mine; and having supplied ourselves with large oil lamps , we venture into the dark subterraneous passage. In a few minutes we catch the last glimmer of daylight from the mouth of the mine, and can only faintly discover its jagged sides by the aid of our blazing lamps, which, to our unaccustomed eyes, serve only to make "darkness visible." At the end of the level – on which the wooden hutches are pulled to the mouth by horses – we come to the workings, where several colliers, or shalers, as they should probably be designated, are busy undermining the seam with there picks preparatory to its being brought down by gun powder. The workings are fully three feet high, although the depth of the shale seam is between five and six feet, the remainder, which is of inferior quality, being left for a roof.

The shale is worked on what is technically called the "long wall" system – that is, it is all extracted – no pillars being left for the support of the roof. Of course a great deal of wood has to be put up in order to prop the super incumbent strats, and the miners, as a still greater aid, build up the old workings with the refuse as they proceed with their excavations. This building is so closely and neatly executed that when the weight from above presses upon it, it looks almost like a solid mase which had never been touched by the pick. Though easily turned up in the "open cast" workings, the shale is not very readily extracted in the pits and the mines. The "cracks" run all in horizontal and seldom in perpendicular lines and as it is of a splintery character neither the picks or the wedge can bring it away in any great quantities. Gunpowder is not even very effective in loosening it, for the force of the explosion is lost to some extent by the character of the shale which lies, not like coal or sandstone rock in solid mass, but in laminun. Each workman, we understand, sends out as his "darg" about a ton and a half per day, in the production of which he will expend a pound of gunpowder.

In the mine which we are examining the shale is not more than four or five fathoms from the surface; but the average depth in the Broxburn fields runs from sixteen to twenty fathoms. Is is found in beds that dip all round to a centre as if it had been deposited in ancient lakes of no very great extent; for we understand that in the grounds of Mr. Bell a great number of these beds exist. The workmen make excellent wages. The process of working the shale in the pits is identically the same as that which we have described in the mine.

We have thus seen how the "ile" is struck first of all, and we will now emerge into daylight and examine the second process by which the black rock is made to yield up the fat with which it is saturated . The retorts into which the tubs of shale are emptied are, as we formerly explained, of iron supported by a brick building; and thirty or forty of them are placed side by side, having a little furnace about the size of a child's cradle beneath and at the front of them. Each retort is provided with a lid, which you see on the roof of the building, and the top or roof is made perfectly flat so as to allow the shale waggons to be run along on rails in order to supply the retorts when needed. An iron pipe, sloping at an angle of about 45 degrees, communicated between each retort and horizontal cylinder, which runs along the whole length of the back of the building, and receives the discharge from the contents of the retorts.

Another pipe, or rather a coil of pipes, having a gentle slope backwards to the cylinder and ending in a miniature funnel to which we have already referred, carries off the gas, which blazes in banner form at the top. Let us suppose the retorts to be filled with shale; the fires are then lighted and a flue carries the flames round about the sides and bottom of the retorts, each being placed so closely together that one furnace contributed to the heat of the other, thus having fuel. The discharge from the shale soon begins to run down the iron pipes into the large cylinder, where it is subjected to a process of refrigeration, and is then emptied into a large barrel sunk into earth. The contents of this barrel are oil and ammoniacal water; and the oil being the lightest comes to the top, while the water is precipitated to the bottom.

The water is then run off into another barrel by means of a syphon, and the uncondensable gas, which is the third ingredient in the shale, flames in the air. The crude oil is taken away to the refining works to go through a variety of other processes, and the ammoniacal water is emptied into a cistern in a house contiguous, where, under the influence of acid, it forms beautiful sulphates of ammonia, which are sold at from twelve to thirteen pounds sterling per ton for manure and other purposes. The shale, however, has not all passed of in gas, crude oil, and water. A workman opens a little door above the furnace and rakes out the shale from the retort, which looks at first sight little the worse for the heat to which it has been subjected, and the materials which it has lost.

On examining it, however, we find that the roasting process had made it so "frush" - to use a Scotch word – and so soft that it can be crushed up in the hand without any great exertion. But it is not therefore lost. Indeed, the singular peculiarity of the paraffin manufacture seems to be that nothing is lost. The shale, after having been stewed in the retorts is laid down in large heaps and burned, when it assumes an appearance not unlike calcined ironstone. It is taken away to a brick manufactory, where it is ground into a red putty by large stones, then mixed with a little clay, put into kilns, and comes out as s excellent red bricks as can be seen anywhere. It is with these bricks that Mr. Bell is building the workmens houses which we have already described. The refuse of the shale heaps, like ironstone dust, makes a capital top-dressing for garden walks or carriage drives.

The gas is the only article in the manufacture which had not yet been formed by which it will be carried round from the large refrigerating cylinder to the flues beneath the retort, and made to serve the purpose of fuel. We believe that Mr. Bell has offered to supply the village of Broxburn with this gas from his works, and there can be no doubt that it could be easily used for this purpose. We have thus traced the shale from its excavation in the "open cast" and the mine, through its various transformations of gas, crude oil, sulphates of ammonia and bricks. The process, it will be obscured, is much the same as that employed in a rude way by Mr. Douglas, the miner who first practically demonstrated the oil producing capabilities of shale. The head of his tobacco pipe represents the retort into which the bituminous mineral is placed, the kitchen fire is the furnace, and the shaft of the pipe is the iron tube which in the oil works communicated with the back end of the retort and the receiver underneath. Mr. Bell has added this receiver, and the coil of tubes through which the gas passes into the air, placing them at a gentle slope, so that any residue of oil might run back and be caught in the earth sunk barrel. This completes the first stage of manufacture; and here we may rest in our description, till next week, when we will follow the crude oil through the purifying process.

The Scotsman, 6th December 1865

"Struck Ile"; or the Scotch Petrolia No.II

Two weeks ago we pointed out, in a very cursory manner, the extent, the importance, and prospects of the Paraffin Oil Trade in Scotland; and we now resume the subject, in order to enter into more ample details regarding the manufacture of this comparatively new article of commerce. The oil producing shale, as we have stated, is found in some form or other in all the coal and ironstone fields in Scotland; but so far as explorations have yet been made, it seems to be most productive in the district lying between Coatbridge and the Firth of Forth.

This is our Pennsylvania, and the little village of Broxburn, on the Bathgate and Edinburgh railway, is destined in a short time to become our Oil city and capital of Paraffin. Let the reader, then, accompany us while we make a short excursion into this land, rich with treasures which a few years ago nobody conceived or dreamed of. We start from Glasgow and rush out to Coatbridge in the early morning, where we catch the train for Bathgate on the Monklands line, and during a slow ride of more than an hour's duration watch the gleams of burning ironstone and the numerous coalpits seen dimly on every side in the dusk of the morning. At Bathgate we pass onto the Edinburgh line, and have scarcely glanced at the morning papers, when the railway porter shouts "Bro-ax-burn," and we get out at a miserable looking station, though the number of greasy barrels about it indicate that fortune has looked in on the dilapidated box.

On inquiring at the ticket-lifter the nearest way to the Oil Works, he points out to us an old country road at the back of the station loading to the village; and into this we go plunge half to the knees in mud. The road is quite innocent of Macadam, and has in consequence been fearfully cut up by the recent traffic which it has had to bear since the shale fields were opened. A quarter of an hour's walk through a stagnant river of "glaur," on which are occasionally to be seen in the less muddy pools streaks of oil exhibiting the exquisite colours of the Aniline dyes, brings us to Broxburn, which lies on each side of the great turnpike between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The village before the shale era must have been a quiet, sleepy place – too far removed from any large town to feel its influence, and totally unacquainted with those brisk energies which are now operating in great force round about it. But Broxburn has awakened from its dull repose, and finds itself famous. The little place is beginning to stretch its limbs in every direction, the new roads are breaking into it from all points of the compass. It has already got some brand new buildings, and we believe the Roman Catholics, with that wise foresight for the benefit of their brethren which everywhere characterises them, are looking out for a site on which to build a handsome chapel.

But the village with all its hurry is unable to accommodate itself to the increasing trade of the locality. Workmen are pouring into it in increasing numbers every week, and there is therefore little wonder that Broxburn should be sadly put about to lodge and house the flood of new incomers. We are told that in some very small houses – we hardly like to state how small – forty persons are hurdled together, and eat, sleep, and enjoy themselves in some unaccountable manner. An old farm steading at the west end of the village has been hurriedly extemporised into a miners square, and byres, barns, and other outhouses are now filled with an overflowing population. On looking round through the dull rainy atmosphere we find the landscape pleasant though somewhat flat, and the level fields apparently in an excellent state of cultivation.

The aesthetic character of the village and surrounding country is, however, sadly broken in upon by the unsightly heaps of rubbish that dot it here and there around the pits, and by the flaring brick buildings where the paraffine oil is distilled. Here and there you observe a slander from tube projecting like a diminutive steamboat funnel above these red buildings, and at the top there streams upon the breeze a long rugged pennant of flames which has a singular appearance during the day and must have rather a striking effect at night. This beautiful burning flag, which surmounts the retorts, is the simple method in which the gas from the shale is disposed or – a process which we shall explain in a little.

We search out the house of Mr Bell, the lessee of the shale lying around about Broxburn to the extent of some five thousand square acres, and are fortunate in finding him at home. He is willing to become our clearone for the day, and so, in company with him and his intelligent manager, we start on the work of exploration.

On our way to the shale pits we pass a row of half–brick and half-wooden houses which are in course of erection for Mr Bell's workmen. They are built upon an entirely novel plan and merit a passing observation. The front is run up with overlapping wooden deals fixed to wooden standards, but so arranged that when more time is obtained the boards can be taken down and brick substituted. The row consists of a house of two apartments and a large room, or both alternately. In the home the married man with his family will reside – the wife taking upon herself the task of supplying the culinary wants of the inhabitants of the contiguous bothy, which will afford sleeping accommodation for sixteen grown up persons. The row is constructed in this fashion to meet the great demands which exist for lodgings, but it has been so planned by the pushing proprietor that, when houses have become more plentiful the bothy can easily be transformed into a comfortable dwelling of two apartments.

Passing on through new made roads, or rather ruts cut out of green fields by cart-wheels, we arrive at one of these brick buildings to which we have already referred. Here there are above a hundred retorts where the crude oil is extracted from the shale just as its taken from the mine. Mr Bell has erected a portion of his retorts on the top of a little eminence, where the shale crops out nearly to the surface. He has not, consequently, been put to the expense of sinking a pit in this locality, but having turned off the soil to the depth of a few feet he quarries the bituminous substance with the greatest ease. A considerable number of workmen are engaged with large quarrier's picks and crowbars in turning over the shale, which comes away in large thin flakes like huge slates. Men are busy filling the loose mineral into tubs capable of containing about half a ton, and these are drawn up a steep incline from the bottom of the "open cast" by a stationary engine at the top, after which there contents are either emptied into the retorts or sent off to other works.

At the low side of the shale quarry, where the metals "dip" too much to allow of their being worked in this easy fashion. Mr. Bell has driven a mine; and having supplied ourselves with large oil lamps , we venture into the dark subterraneous passage. In a few minutes we catch the last glimmer of daylight from the mouth of the mine, and can only faintly discover its jagged sides by the aid of our blazing lamps, which, to our unaccustomed eyes, serve only to make "darkness visible." At the end of the level – on which the wooden hutches are pulled to the mouth by horses – we come to the workings, where several colliers, or shalers, as they should probably be designated, are busy undermining the seam with there picks preparatory to its being brought down by gun powder. The workings are fully three feet high, although the depth of the shale seam is between five and six feet, the remainder, which is of inferior quality, being left for a roof.

The shale is worked on what is technically called the "long wall" system – that is, it is all extracted – no pillars being left for the support of the roof. Of course a great deal of wood has to be put up in order to prop the super incumbent strats, and the miners, as a still greater aid, build up the old workings with the refuse as they proceed with their excavations. This building is so closely and neatly executed that when the weight from above presses upon it, it looks almost like a solid mase which had never been touched by the pick. Though easily turned up in the "open cast" workings, the shale is not very readily extracted in the pits and the mines. The "cracks" run all in horizontal and seldom in perpendicular lines and as it is of a splintery character neither the picks or the wedge can bring it away in any great quantities. Gunpowder is not even very effective in loosening it, for the force of the explosion is lost to some extent by the character of the shale which lies, not like coal or sandstone rock in solid mass, but in laminun. Each workman, we understand, sends out as his "darg" about a ton and a half per day, in the production of which he will expend a pound of gunpowder.

In the mine which we are examining the shale is not more than four or five fathoms from the surface; but the average depth in the Broxburn fields runs from sixteen to twenty fathoms. Is is found in beds that dip all round to a centre as if it had been deposited in ancient lakes of no very great extent; for we understand that in the grounds of Mr. Bell a great number of these beds exist. The workmen make excellent wages. The process of working the shale in the pits is identically the same as that which we have described in the mine.

We have thus seen how the "ile" is struck first of all, and we will now emerge into daylight and examine the second process by which the black rock is made to yield up the fat with which it is saturated . The retorts into which the tubs of shale are emptied are, as we formerly explained, of iron supported by a brick building; and thirty or forty of them are placed side by side, having a little furnace about the size of a child's cradle beneath and at the front of them. Each retort is provided with a lid, which you see on the roof of the building, and the top or roof is made perfectly flat so as to allow the shale waggons to be run along on rails in order to supply the retorts when needed. An iron pipe, sloping at an angle of about 45 degrees, communicated between each retort and horizontal cylinder, which runs along the whole length of the back of the building, and receives the discharge from the contents of the retorts.

Another pipe, or rather a coil of pipes, having a gentle slope backwards to the cylinder and ending in a miniature funnel to which we have already referred, carries off the gas, which blazes in banner form at the top. Let us suppose the retorts to be filled with shale; the fires are then lighted and a flue carries the flames round about the sides and bottom of the retorts, each being placed so closely together that one furnace contributed to the heat of the other, thus having fuel. The discharge from the shale soon begins to run down the iron pipes into the large cylinder, where it is subjected to a process of refrigeration, and is then emptied into a large barrel sunk into earth. The contents of this barrel are oil and ammoniacal water; and the oil being the lightest comes to the top, while the water is precipitated to the bottom.

The water is then run off into another barrel by means of a syphon, and the uncondensable gas, which is the third ingredient in the shale, flames in the air. The crude oil is taken away to the refining works to go through a variety of other processes, and the ammoniacal water is emptied into a cistern in a house contiguous, where, under the influence of acid, it forms beautiful sulphates of ammonia, which are sold at from twelve to thirteen pounds sterling per ton for manure and other purposes. The shale, however, has not all passed of in gas, crude oil, and water. A workman opens a little door above the furnace and rakes out the shale from the retort, which looks at first sight little the worse for the heat to which it has been subjected, and the materials which it has lost.

On examining it, however, we find that the roasting process had made it so "frush" - to use a Scotch word – and so soft that it can be crushed up in the hand without any great exertion. But it is not therefore lost. Indeed, the singular peculiarity of the paraffin manufacture seems to be that nothing is lost. The shale, after having been stewed in the retorts is laid down in large heaps and burned, when it assumes an appearance not unlike calcined ironstone. It is taken away to a brick manufactory, where it is ground into a red putty by large stones, then mixed with a little clay, put into kilns, and comes out as s excellent red bricks as can be seen anywhere. It is with these bricks that Mr. Bell is building the workmens houses which we have already described. The refuse of the shale heaps, like ironstone dust, makes a capital top-dressing for garden walks or carriage drives.

The gas is the only article in the manufacture which had not yet been formed by which it will be carried round from the large refrigerating cylinder to the flues beneath the retort, and made to serve the purpose of fuel. We believe that Mr. Bell has offered to supply the village of Broxburn with this gas from his works, and there can be no doubt that it could be easily used for this purpose. We have thus traced the shale from its excavation in the "open cast" and the mine, through its various transformations of gas, crude oil, sulphates of ammonia and bricks. The process, it will be obscured, is much the same as that employed in a rude way by Mr. Douglas, the miner who first practically demonstrated the oil producing capabilities of shale. The head of his tobacco pipe represents the retort into which the bituminous mineral is placed, the kitchen fire is the furnace, and the shaft of the pipe is the iron tube which in the oil works communicated with the back end of the retort and the receiver underneath. Mr. Bell has added this receiver, and the coil of tubes through which the gas passes into the air, placing them at a gentle slope, so that any residue of oil might run back and be caught in the earth sunk barrel. This completes the first stage of manufacture; and here we may rest in our description, till next week, when we will follow the crude oil through the purifying process.

A fellow passenger in the train from Birmingham to Chester tells me of his father mentioning the old Lord Dundonald (father of the Lord Cochrane) as making experiments on coal at Tipton, and his lively remembrance of the great iron rooms, rather than ovens or retorts, which the grim old Scotch Earl put up to bake pitch out of coal. People knew nothing of gas in these times (1781), and a sore trouble did its highly explosive qualities, coupled with the evaporation into steam of the water contained in the coal, prove to Lord Dundonald by blowing up his great fire rooms once a month, more or less, to the infinite terror, not to say also malicious satisfaction of the neighbourhood ; for your North Staffordshire men— at that time— hated strangers, detested innovations, and rejoiced greatly in the fall of inventors.

When the Chinese first invented gunpowder they used it only to make a noise with, for the purpose of frightening their enemies and concealing the manoeuvres of their forces in the smoke which it created. So, when the old Lord Dundonald distilled coal, he did so only for the purpose of procuring pitch, and although in the course of subsequent experiments he produced a burning oil, it was so thick and dirty that he only used it for purposes of scientific demonstration and the occasional astonishment of his friends. Thus the concentrated sun-light of millions of ages past — as George Stephenson described it to be to Sir Robert Peel—remained hidden for another generation, when it beamed forth in gas, and for another still, until it woke up as burning fluid somewhere about the year 1810, in a place so out of the way as Prince Edward's Island, although its first brilliant flame was not shown until in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where Dr. Gesner lighted the lecture room with it, and soon after sold the first " Kerosine" patent.

And now I see it sputtering forth everywhere on the mountainside, as, coming down from Buckley to the Padeswood Station. I descend into the Mold Valley — a bright, white, brilliant flame, much like the limelight in its vivid clearness — but quite unlike it in its pleasant effect to the sight ; for while the one blinds with an almost fierce intensity and concentration, the other is as actinically diffused, as mellow, and as soft as daylight. The country all round is dotted with works, large and small — which seem by night to be spouting forth gas — real flaring fixtures of the " Jack-o'-Lanterns," that once might have led the traveller astray, but now light him to nests of industry and profit.

Just on the other side of the rail at Padeswood, is a small venture — " The Padeswood Company" — such companies here being formed by three or four well-to- do and intelligent individuals (intelligence, by-the-bye, is the characteristic of the ordinary people of this district), who combine their practical knowledge and their little nest eggs of capital to operate on these new " diggings." Rightly so called, for Ballarat, Cariboo, or Taranki must now all hide their diminished heads. Something richer is to be found in our British Isles. Yes, sir, I declare — not fearless of contradiction— for there are always plenty of " doubting Thomases" ready in their ignorance, or from their interests to contradict what surprises them— l affirm, I say, that coal here is more profitable to work than gold quartz in Australia — for if they get half an ounce of gold out of a couple of tons of quartz after crushing (and that is hard work, as many a poor fellow knows), they reckon to have made a good " strike," and there is a " rush" upon the ground. Now half an ounce of gold represents in value, say, £2. But here, from five tons of coal yon make tolerably sure, at present prices, after paying for easy working — no harder or more skilful than ordinary cooking — not to say coking — of securing a profit of £4 on your oil — and that is equal to an ounce of gold — at one-20th of the labour, one-50th of the cost, and without going away from home and friends.

At another small works in the immediate vicinity, Messrs Ness and Griffiths are carrying on a coal oil distillation. Mr Ness is good enough to dispute the £4 per ton profit, and advices that he will supply the ten tons a week which these works produce at £2 per ton profit. I mention this that he may not be without a customer — and even then he will make a cent, per cent, profit.

There is only one other gentleman in the district who disputes the profit upon the lubricating oil simply — and that is Mr John Gibbon, the manager of the Canneline Company's Works, who proved to me by calculation (he did not know I should quite understand it, or was too hurried, possibly, as he put down the barrels as chargeable to the seller and not to the customer — a nice little item of 36s on the wrong side) — and so, as I have said, he proved to me by calculation that the Canneline Company made their oil for 10s per ton margin — a fact which produced no other impression on my mind than the conviction that the sooner the Canneline Company left off making oil the better — or left off Mr John Gibbon. It is hardly just to say this; for better conducted, and, I believe, better managed works than those of this Company I have never seen. They are high up the valley — close to the Coed-y-Talon whence are taken their supplies of cannel — and they have forty retorts, and produce 10,000 gallons of oil weekly, baying a 6,000 gallon refinery in full work. They are about to put up some upright retorts, and are likely to come to grief upon that experiment. These oil retorts should be after models taken from the old gas retort — as near a D, or rather as near a half egg shape, as is compatible with capacity the better. Too much coal in the retort is like too large a pudding in a pot ; you can't get the heat evenly through it. After all how nearly is practical chemistry allied to mere cooking. This company had some difficulty at first from making experiments with retorts, and it is only since Mr John Gibbon succeeded to their management that they have got quite through it. Their oil stands well in the market, and, as I hear, they are sale for the next two months at least.

The Mold Company, which lies just off the station, is one which is likely to achieve some distinction in petroleum manufacture. It starts with the latest and best improvements in retorts — the flattened ellipse, or half egg shape — holding a large quantity (15 cwt.), but not in too large a mass — more widely spread, and so more evenly exposed to the surface action of the fire. These are known as " Strange's Registered Improved Retorts," of which there are twelve, with twenty-four furnaces and only one chimney — a curiosity hereabout, where in many places we find two chimneys to each retort, causing a singular agglomeration — a crowd of brick columns all over the neighbourhood. These twelve retorts, it is asserted, can " work" more coals than any similar number In any other works, each "charge" swallowing in from 11 cwt. to lo cwt. The vapours issue from the top of the retort and come down through a swan neck pipe, with two valves, to the con- denser, a long vat of sheet iron, the top of which is kept at an adequate coolness for condensation, by a stream of water running over it. Each of these pipes has a double valve — the action of which prevents the water from passing from the con- denser to the retort in charging, as well as relieves the condenser from any over-pressure of steam. Twelve of these retorts require two men, who are called firemen, to charge them once in twenty-four hours, the time occupied in distilling the coal. These men work at day or night, being relieved alternately. Besides these, one man is employed to " back up" the fires and break the coal, which must not be put in too large, say, not much larger than a man's fist. See ! They open the door by " unluting" it, and un-screwing the cross bar that drives it close up to the furnace mouth. The fire is raging within, but we can soon perceive that the coal is all dry bones — coke in fact, with a reddish appearance and a metallic tinkle. This would be good coke for engine purposes, and would add some value to the saleable products, were it not that we want it here to burn the next charge — and so produce more oil and make more coke, and go on ad infinitum, producing, and re-producing. By infinitum, of course, I mean that unfathomable period known only to philosophers, who calculate that in 600,000 years we are all to sit shivering under a hedge-row, while the New Zealander steams away with our last scuttle of coals. The coke is drawn out and the men throw in the charge — another 15 cwt. — with shovels, taking care to spread it well. The coke is then placed in the furnace under the retort, and the work begins again. At the back of the furnace we see the green thick fluid running down from the condenser to the tank.

Of the Coppa Works I have spoken before, but shall have more to say on another opportunity.

Close by the large works of the Coppa Company, I came upon a compact works of twenty-five retorts, belonging to a gentleman, the son of one whose name and fame, in regard to the advancement of educational progress, is only second — if second — to that of Lord Brougham. Inheriting the genius of his father, it was strange to see one so accomplished, and capable of so much, shut up in these mountains, and the companion of uncouth money- makers. But the sons of bishops may be met with in the Californian diggings, and we have heard a ripe Oxford scholar say that he never was so happy as when stock-driving in Australia. This crude oil making was an experiment in science when he first took to it, and courageously worked out the problem ; it is now a profitable manufacture, and pays well for vigilant personal superintendence. Noblesse oblige — how true the proverb! Here, in Welsh mountains, amidst much trade jealousy and very small-mindedness, where every question on was replied to it as if its answer involved the betrayal of a trade secret — when the trade-secret in reality lay in the conceit and ignorance of the person replying, and relying upon his own small chemistry — this gentleman at once volunteered every information, and gave every datum distinctly. Each of his retorts, he said, were charged with from 12 to 13 cwt. — in the proportion, generally, of one-third curly cannel, one-third smooth, and one-third shale. From these proportions he produced 47 gallons of crude oil — worth about 8d a gallon he not " running it over," but selling it to refiners " naked" as is called when merely produced from the coal. The three kinds of coal cost together for the forty-eight gallons about £1, the wages 5s, which therefore made ……..I parted from the hospitable sheds in which we had sat down for half an hour's chat, with considerable reluctauce, and slowly wended my way across the broken tracks and along the railway that spreads out here, up to the colliery in the distant hills like an arterial system.

That one spark of gentlemanly feeling and kindness to strangers had shone out like a diamond on a dunghill. I say there may be many such about, but it has not been my good fortune to meet with them, at least in Flintshire — and yet I am one who have seen men and things — have mixed much among the wise, the witty, the learned, the poor, the rich, the proud and humble — and am by no means hard to please. They only make the lubricating oil, or " once run" here at present. The second distillation requires more expensive apparatus, and the profit of £1 per ton — as it is — is sufficient to content them. I don't think they have any to sell here, for I did not see any barrels about. In fact, all through the district the story runs, "All sold." I cannot well see how it can be otherwise.

The petroleum of Pennsylvania made an immense demand for itself. The light from it is so beautiful — so unlike the muddy yellow of the common oils — with a flame bright, clear, beautiful, and white — all the ugly black blue that you see in the middle of a gas light, having being burnt out in the manufacture — or changed into pitch — or worked off into grease. Hence a preference demand for mineral oil. But this demand the petroleum springs could not supply. They soon ceased "flowing" — neither have the petroleum wells as yet made up the deficiency. Besides which they are uncertain in production — and any uncertainty prejudices the regular going transactions of commerce. Moreover, if a barrel of petroleum that was thrown up by nature for nothing, cost only two dollars in Pennsylvania, (they have now got three or four)— to the wholesale dealer it costs a dollar and a half (now -two dollars), for the barrel, and two dollars more at least to bring it to England. So that, all things considered, it is cheaper to make petroleum from coal on the spot here than to get it for nothing iv Pennsylvania. And so the matter, as it stands, is much in our favour. We have the market, and can make sure of the coal to make the oil from, and therefore can be certain of a Steady supply. At one time the trade seemed altogether in the hands of the Americans, but time, circumstances, experience, and taxation, have brought about a knowledge of the fact — that we can manufacture oil in our own country at a cheaper rate from own coals, provided a supply of the right quality can be procured.

This was the problem to be solved, and the solution of that problem has been worked out at the great works at Saltney belonging to the Flintshire Oil and Cannel Company, where, as I learn, they are making a million and half weekly. This is a commercial enterprise of the highest quality, and deserves the special and separate notice which I propose to direct to in my next. It is a curious fact that the quantity thus made is exactly one-250th part of the petroleum oil produced in the United States. This will show the enormous proportions of the trade with which I am dealing. Meanwhile, while observing the growth of this new industry — the coal oil manufacture — it is impossible not to note the singular corroboration which it has given to the almost prophetic words of Mr Gladstone, who, on " turning the first sod" of a new railway in this district (the Wrexham, Mold, and Connah's Quay), said : —

" There is a district singularly rich it has these two great advantages : in the first place the coal, speaking generally, lies at depths comparatively moderate, at depths which in the .North-east of England they would consider almost nothing ; and in the second place there is an immense quantity of it. I do not speak now of a single seam. I put together the whole number of feet belonging to the various workable seams, beginning with what they call in Flintshire the Rough Coal and Hollin Coal, which you have here under different names, but winch substantially arc familiar to you all. and going down to the cannel recently discovered, and which promises to make a greater addition to the mineral wealth and power of this district than any discovery heretofore made. I believe you may reckon, that there are fifty feet of coal under a' particular spot of ground. That is a very remarkable richness of the mineral and such as I don't believe is to be found in many other districts of the country."

Speaking of the Quality of the coal, Mr Gladstone observed—

"We have a splendid Steam Coal, with an immense demand for it— a demand greater than we can at present supply. This extraordinary treasure of the Cannel Coal, which is, as you know. far better had for the manufacture of gas than any other coal whatever— and with regard to which, I am highly pleased to see in from reviews of the Mineral Specimens at the Exhibition in London that the cannel Coal from Leeswood, near Mold, is considered to be the very finest ever brought before the public— this treasure is really the material on which the Wrexham, Mold, and Connahs Quay Railway has to work. "

The whole of the country about here has, in fact, become an Eldorado, and everyone is on the look-out for cannel. The Flintshire Oil and Cannel Company, although they possess a contract (the envy of all the district), which gives them a certainty of more than 500 tons per week at half-price for the next ten years from the Leeswood Cannel Company, have become proprietors at a cost of £75,000, of tbe Tryddyn Colliery-, and are rapidly pushing down upon cannel to make themselves rich and independent for ever, and extend their business to a greater profit, inasmuch as they will then get their coal at cost prices, which is in profit almost equal to that of the man who " stole the brooms ready made."

Leeswood Main Company have already touched it, and are forming a company to manufacture oil everywhere ; they are sinking pits and going down for cannel everywhere ; and the talk is everywhere of cannel, just as we bear of " diggings " in California. As I walked up the hill towards Buckley from the station, this morning, with the 52nd (or thereabouts) cousin of Henry Vlll.,— (he was Tudor, and evidently of the good old breed— as bluff as King Hal himself) we marked many (I know not how many) cannel pits on the way. Before me lay the famous potteries and brick manufactories that from their proximity to the Dee, and its facilities for shipping to all parts of the world have made Buckley a famous name in every port. Behind us lay the long Clwydian range, the Hope Mountains, and the Mold valley between. To the right, Moel Fammai, on which stands a jubilee tower, 150 feet of which was scattered like feathers in a high wind some ten years since. To the left lay the valley of Wrexham, across which, backed by a bright sunlight that brought it out in strong relief, stood the castled height of Caer- y-Galle, the last resting place of Queen Eleanor, " on her way, Sir," observed a Welsh gentleman, "to play us that trick of having a Prince of Wales born at Carnarvon Castle." That trick! He thought his nation cheated out of their loyalty, and could grumble at it after four centuries ! Verily these Welsh are a strange people. It was only yesterday that I discovered they have a colony in some out-of-the way part of the Argentine Republic, speaking Welsh, and all for the sake of having a place where no other language than Welsh is used, and SO preserving the language of the Principality !

The district of Buckley, always a thriving locality, is about to assume a still greater importance. Its collieries are contiguous to the most valuable of the coal seams of Flintshire; and its fine clay, cheaply and readily got, affords abundant material for a highly profitable manufacture of fire-bricks, pottery, and tiles. In former days there was a large exporting trade along the Dee, and the Main coal about here, as well as the " Hollin " and " Brassey," were extensively worked. There was a large firm of coal owners — Messrs. Rigby and Hancock — who had constructed their tramways from the collieries in this vicinity, and monopolized the supply of Chester, Liverpool, and the neighbouring towns and ports — until the establishment of railways — which took away the traffic, brought in other supplies, and inflicted almost mortal injury on the industry of Buckley.

Recently, however, the proposed Wrexham and Connah's Quay Railway has given new spirit to this part of the country, while the utilisation of cannel has greatly invigorated the speculative spirit, and awakened the energies of the inhabitants to the mineral riches under their feet. It was reading what bad appeared in a local paper that had brought me up the hill from Padeswood Station on this fine December morning, and I looked with some interest for Nant- y Maur, which I found on my left about a mile before reaching Buckley — situate on the side of the little valley or cleft between two gentle hills, which constituted what is supposed, and therefore said to be — for such is mining doctrine according to my experience — the fault — thrown down, or thrown up, as the case may be, of the ordinary coal measures of the district. Here they had got upon the cannel, and were only not working it at the moment, because the water had got upon them ; but that being now-a-days a matter of mere pumping and steam engines, they had sent off for them, and on their arrival would speedily begin to realise their " digging."

This, you must remember, is " great news," for while other coal at the pit's mouth ranges from 5s to 7s at the utmost ; that cannel sells at the pit's month for 28s to 29s 6d. He who finds cannel " strikes oil "or gold. In a coal country your neighbour's good fortune is always a matter of rejoicing to yourself — for it is not easy to believe that a few feet, one way or the other, between you can make the difference of dislocating Nature. A man must have very bad luck, indeed, to live at Wallsend and be without coal. So, on hearing this news, we went on our way, much pleased, to where the old road from Chester to Mold forms the main long straggling street of Buckley. What he saw, and how we fared, and what part we thought might be taken in a new working of these South Buckley collieries, on a take of 200 acres from the windmill down to the church, where the pit open already down to the Brassey coal, will Mr. Editor, with your permission, form the subject of another letter.

From Ryland's Iron Trade Circular, reprinted in The Wrexham Advertiser, 6th January 1866

Fire at the West Calder Oil Works

A fire broke out on Wednesday morning in the West Calder Oil Works, managed by Mr. A. M. Fell. The fire was first observed about seven o'clock on Wednesday morning. It appears that the men, in order that a pressing demand for oil should be supplied, went to work at an earlier hour than usual. After operations had proceeded for some time, it was observed that a certain pump was not working properly, and one of the persons engaged in this department, noticing the defect, and fearing that the "well" might overflow, went into the refined oil store with a policeman's lamp to see that all was right. Almost immediately after this, and while this workman was standing on the premises, the oil in the tanks began to blaze, and the man was singed about the face by the flame. It is supposed that the vapour, or gas, arising from the oil at a certain temperature, had been ignited by the lantern, and hence the fire. It should be stated that, in the ordinary course of matters, no lamps are aloud near the vicinity of the oil, whatever light required being supplied – through the medium of reflectors – from lamps fixed at a considerable distance, out of the reach of any possibility of their causing danger or disaster.

At first the fire wore so alarming an aspect that it was feared the whole premises, covering nearly ten acres, would be destroyed. To have poured water upon the building would simply have added "fuel to the flame," and it was found that the French patent extinguisher upon the place took too long a time to "charge" to be of much use in such an extreme emergency. Fortunately, there was a large number of the workpeople at hand, and through their strenuous, and in some cases daring, exertions in throwing sand and pouring sulphuric acid upon the burning liquid, they managed to confine the fire to the house in which it first broke out, and the flames were completely subdued by eleven o'clock in the afternoon.

Underneath one of the store tanks was chained a fine watch dog belonging to Mr. Fell, who happened to be at Glasgow on Wednesday, and in endeavouring to save the animal, one of the principal workmen, noticing that the tap allow the flow of oil from a large tubular tank was shut, immediately turned it so as to admit of the oil running off. Had he not done so, in all probability the boiler or tank would have exploded and carried the flames into the other parts of the work. He was not, however, successful in saving the poor dog (the fire being too hot), which was burned to death. This, however, was, we are happy to say, the only casualty. Had it not been that every precaution has been taken by the proprietors first to guard against fire, and, in the event of its breaking out, to prevent its spread beyond the locality in which it first appeared – all communication being shut off by fire-proof walls and doors between one department and another – the chances are that the loss would have been very serious. As it is, about 7000 gallons of oil were consumed, the store house, roof and walls, were reduced to a shapeless mass, and the iron tanks have suffered much from the calamity. The damage cannot yet be accurately ascertained, but it is estimated at about from £1500 to £2000. We understand it is covered by insurance.

Glasgow Herald, 3rd February 1866, reprinted from the Scotsman

Action against the North British Oil & Candle Co.

At the Northumberland Assizes, the Court was occupied the greater part of the last two days in trying the case of Murray and Another v The North British Oil and Candle Company. This was an action for breach of contract, in which the plaintiffs, Messrs, Murray & McFadyan, oil merchants, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, sued the North British Oil and Candle Company for non-fulfilment of a contract in which they undertook to supply the plaintiffs with six hundred casks of burning oil, at a price agreed upon. The action was tried by Mr Justice Mellor and a special jury, the counsel in the case being the Hon A Liddell QC and Mr Udall for the plaintiffs – Mr Manisty QC and Mr Qusin appearing for the defendants.

In the course of the evidence adduced it appeared that the company in question was formed in May last at Lanark. In the month of August they agreed to supply the plaintiffs with oil of certain samples and stated prices, subject to references. On the 30th August the plaintiffs sent a letter accepting the offer for second and third qualities at the stipulated prices, and requested that 150 casks per month should be sent - the first delivery to be in November. They gave certain references, which the plaintiffs alleged were quite satisfactory, but the defendants afterwards repudiated the contract, and assigned as a reason that those references were not satisfactory. It appeared, however, that the price of oil rose in the market 2d per gallon between the date of the offer being made and the 6th Sept. The plaintiff considered he was entitled to recover, and brought his action accordingly. Evidence having been heard on both sides, and the learned counsel having addressed the Court each for their respective clients, his Lordship summed up the case to the jury. They would have to consider, he said, whether the references were accepted; whether the contract was concluded; and what damages would have to be given. Under any circumstances, they must say what the amount of damages must be, and he would leave it to the plaintiffs to move for them in a superior Court. The jury, after carefully considering all the facts of the case, returned a verdict to the effect that the references given by the plaintiffs were not satisfactory, that the contract was opened, and that in effect the verdict must be for the defendants, with leave for the plaintiffs to move the Court above to grant £320 damages.

The Glasgow Herald 1st March 1866

A Visit to the Forth Bank Chemical Works

The Forth Bank Works are situated in the lower part or outskirts of the ancient royal burgh of Stirling, on one of the tongues of land formed by the many links or windings of the river Forth, as it courses along through the beautiful carse of Stirling. The hills all around the carse were, at the time of our visit, covered with their winter mantle of virgin purity. As seen from the top of Cambuskeneth Tower, close by, the surrounding scenery has a beauty which contrasts most forcibly with the sludgy condition of the ground within the Forth Bank Works.

Regardless, however, of the footing underneath, we depart on our tour of inspection, Mr Shand, the while, apologising for it stating that the anxiety of the firm to meet the enormous demands of the departing winter left them no time to pay much attention to anything else. We begin at the beginning, and naturally inquire how the works are situated with respect to the means of transit for the crude material arriving at the works, and the finished products sent from them. We very soon find that the river Forth is the highway whose powers Messrs Shand & Company call into requisition. The river forms one of the boundaries of the seven acres of ground on which the works are located, and is deep enough, at the company's wharf, for lighters and coasting vessels to load or discharge their cargoes with the utmost facility. One vessel is constantly employed by the firm in taking a cargo of oil to London, at least once every month, besides large quantities which are sent steamers. In the busy season the amount shipped at Leith and Grangemouth varies from 400 to 800 barrels weekly. The proximity of the works to the railway station is likewise in favour of the firm, as there is thus ample facility for railway communication with the whole of Scotland.

Crude oil is brought from the works of Mr Bell, Dr Steele, and Mr Fernie, at Broxburn, by means of lighters to "lock 16" on the Forth & Clyde Canal, and afterwards to Grangemouth. Then, again, cargoes of American petroleum may either be discharged at Bowling or Grangemouth, and afterwards he lightered on to Stirling. Indeed, Messrs Shand & Company are the only persons who are practically engaged in the importation from America of the crude petroleum as it run from the oil wells. They likewise consume large quantities of the valuable Rangoon earth oil. The petroleum is shipped for them on an extensive scale at New York and Philadelphia.

At the time of our visit there were two cargoes of oil process of being run ashore at the wharf. The crude oil is kept in the barrels till it is wanted for the first distillation, when the requisite quantity is run into tanks covered with wire gratings to entrap any contained foreign solid matter, such as old bungs and pieces of sticks, and from the tanks it is pumped up into the stills. In the case of the shale oil of this country more labour is required the refining processes than is required by the American petroleum.

We start with the former. It is introduced into the stills to the amount of 1200 or 1300 gallons at a time. The stills used in this process are made of cast-iron, and are heated directly by fires underneath, while in other cases naked steam and super-heated steam are employed. There are ten of them so employed, each of them having a capacity of from 1500 to 2580 gals.; and altogether there are some three dozen in the works, and more ordered. The distillation is conducted to dryness, when the only residue is a quantity of black shining material, which almost pure carbon, and is in great request, as an excellent quality of smokeless fuel, brassfounders and metal-refiners, and even the Bank of England. Twelve to sixteen hours are usually sufficient for completing the distillation; and as these stills are worked off three times weekly, the enormous amount of 1200 or 1500 barrels of crude oil may be turned over within the six days. The quantity of "once-run" oil obtained from the crude material is 92 to 95 per cent, and has the specific gravity varying from -840 to '870. From the stills the condensed oil runs into immense underground receiving tanks, from which it is pumped up into treating boxes, each of which is capable of holding 80 barrels, or about 2500 gallons. Six of these treating boxes are engaged working " once-run" oil at the rate of about 500 barrels daily. In them the oil is subjected to the action of strong sulphuric acid or oil of vitrol, which varies in amount with the quality of the oil treated.

If we remember rightly, Mr James Young's original patent mentioned 10 per cent, of acid. The mixture of oil and acid is agitated by means of an Archimedean screw, working great velocity, till the impurities which are affected by the acid are removed by it. Strangely enough, although it is itself so remarkably powerful as a chemical agent, sulphuric acid has no effect whatever on any of the four individual compounds which collectively make up the "once-run" oil. They remain fixed, unchanged, and undecomposable by it, it only has affinity for the impurities which it is desirable to get rid of. A sufficient length of time being allowed for the subsidence of the heavy acid waste, it is drawn off a low level, and has, as we can vouch, a filthy offensive appearance; but it is not necessarily permitted to go to waste, as we shall show by and by.

The oil which remains in the treating boxes is then subjected, in the same vessels, and by the same means, to the action of equally strong chemical agent, caustic soda, solution, which is employed for the purpose of neutralising and removing any sulphuric acid that may remain amongst the oil, and possibly to remove any other impurities that are not removeable by means of the acid. The agitation is carried on for several hours, and when the mixture has become well settled the oil is drawn off, taken to stills, and distilled to dryness.

The distilled product is again treated and agitated alternately with sulphuric acid and caustic soda, but in smaller quantity than at first. It is then re-distilled with great care, — nay it undergoes what is termed in chemical phraseology " fractional distillation." For some time after the heat is first applied the vapour of a very volatile compound passes over and condenses : this we have previously spoken of as naptha or turpentine substitute. The specific gravity of this substance is about .740, It is eminently a light body, and very inflammable, and when its vapour is mixed with a certain quantity of atmospheric air an explosive mixture is formed. It is very abundant in the American petroleum, and hence an explanation of the numerous explosions which occurred this country when that substance was first brought into use. When properly rectified and in its most purified state, this naptha, or spirit, it is also called, may be used as benzole removing oily or greasy stains, and stains of tar, resin, wax, and paint, from cotton, woollen, silk, and other fabrics, or from hair, furs, feathers, and wools, and for cleaning gloves and other articles made of leather. We may quietly inform our lady house-keeping readers, likewise, that the naptha in question may be used for making excellent furniture paste, by dissolving one par. of resin and one of wax in two parts of the volatile liquid, with the aid of a gentle heat.

The second substance which comes over from the still, following the naptha, is the colourless paraffine oil for burning in lamps, having a specific gravity varying from .805 to .820. Lastly, the process of fractional distillation yields a heavy oil whose specific gravity is about .880. It consists, however, of two products, one of them solid held in suspension, or more correctly, in solution, by the liquid. To effect their separation, the liquid mass is allowed to cool, and is then made to give up its solid ingredient draining in flannel bags, so suspended that the liquid exudation may freely escape and run into tanks having a united capacity of many thousand gallons, where it collects as machinery or lubricating oil. The semi-solid substance which remains the bags is afterwards subjected to great pressure to remove all the liquid material. This effected by expressing it in canvas bags between layers of strong wicker work. The expressed liquid runs away to the common reservoir. The solid which remains a golden-yellow body consisting of aggregated crystalline scales ; it is the parafflne we have previously spoken of.

At the time of our visit to Messrs Shand & Company's Works, the whole of their first year's gathering of paraffine was in stock, but all was contracted for by an eminent, London firm, in whose hands it is thoroughly refined, and then sold to the makers of paraffine candles. The stock which we saw was still in rough state, not properly pressed, as the hydraulic presses were only in course of erection. Including what was stored away at about 200 tons, having a money value, when thoroughly refined, of something like £20,000. What an illumination it would make. We now proceed to speak of the methods employed in the refining of the American petroleum, the processes just now detailed being those which are employed by Messrs Shand & Company alike for shale oil, and that obtained from Boghead and other coals.

The business of this eminent firm began a goodly number years ago, operating upon the refuse of the neigbouring gas-works, with the object making or extracting from that offensive compound the marketable materials known as sulphate of ammonia, coal-tar naphtha, coal-tar oils, and lamp-black. This branch of the business is still continued by Mr Shand s firm ; but with such beginning there was unnatural matrimonial alliance made when the petroleum refining item was added to it. This branch of the business almost exclusively conducted Messrs Shand & Company. The barrels of petroleum being run ashore, the contained liquid is either retained in the barrels, or it emptied into underground tanks, from which it can conveniently be pumped into the stills. It differs very much from shale oil as regards the amount of each of its proximate ingredients. It is purer, and contains more spirit and light or burning oil than does the crude artificial mineral oil, and less lubricating oil and solid paraffine. A mode of treatment somehow different from that given above is therefore adopted. It is first distilled without any acid or alkaline treatment, not to dryness, but leaving instead a residue called " still bottoms," which is run off and used for greasing purposes. This material is well adopted for the machinery of underground works, such as colliery waggons; as it has no smell it has not the usual offensiveness possessed grease preparations where there is a limited circulation of air. The condensed distillate from the stills is collected in casks and puncheons, and them is removed to the treating house.

By a process peculiar to Messrs George Shand & Company, the crude petroleum, as it runs from the wells, is rendered fit for the finishing processes by one distillation. They have six refining stills in operation which are capable of working off 300 barrels three times a week. By carefully conducting the process of distillation, the several distillates are obtained separately in the order of their specific gravities:- lst, the volatile spirit or naphtha- 2nd, the illuminating oil for use lamps; and 3rd the heavy lubricating oil. The solid paraffine is so small in amount in the American petroleum— being only about five pounds in a ton, or 265 gallons— that it is not deemed desirable to make any effort to separate it. All the three products just named are separately treated with acid and caustic soda in succession, in the same way shale oil is treated, but with a much smaller quantity of those chemical agents There is this difference, however, that the agitation along with the acid is not effected in ordinary steam agitators, as it is considered that the oils are injured by the great heat which is generated, if there be not in addition even waste of the volatile products. The treatment with acid and alkali is conducted by manual labour a large one-storey building, in about fifty cast-iron pans, each of them containing 250 gallons. these the liquids are finished. These treating vessels have to stand good deal of tear and wear, the oil of vitriol acting as a powerful corrosive and eating holes in them, which are stopped by plugs of metallic lead, an operation which we saw two men performing when we passed through the building. The refining operations are not wholly finished until the liquids have been thoroughly washed with water. Then the oil is exposed to the bleaching influence of the air and sunlight for a period of time varying from twelve to twenty-four hours, in large shallow iron vessels.

Mr Shand informed us that he considers that the oil is sometimes improved to the extent of two pence per gallon by a day's bleaching. It is ultimately brought to a condition in which it is as clear, colourless, and limpid water, and having odour almost ethereal— indeed it might almost be used instead of eau de Cologne It rises the wick of a lamp with the greatest possible amount of facility. Its temperature of ignition is 105° Fah., while the standard fixed by the Petroleum Act is 100°, so that the Stirling illuminating oil is perfectly safe. When the oil properly bleached, it is either barrelled and sent to St Petersburg, Dantzic, Stettin. Pillau, Konigsberg, Dunkirk, Rotterdam, Christiana, Rouen (for Paris), and many other places, or it is stored in large lead-lined wooden tanks, enclosed within stone walls, and old steam boilers—having a collective capacity of hundreds of thousands of gallons. The arrangements of this enterprising firm are such that, in the busiest season, from 6000 to 7000 barrels of burning oil can be sent out monthly.

Having thus gone into some details regarding the refining operations of Messrs George Shand & Company at their gigantic establishment at Stirling, we may refer our readers to few generalities connected with the business of that firm. First, then, be it known that some time ago the oil refinery at Stirling was the cause of much public dissatisfaction to the lieges of that ancient and royal burgh, being regarded many of them as a nuisance. A cargo of Canadian petroleum had been purchased at an unlucky moment, and true to say, its distillation was not attended with the escape into the atmosphere of the most delicate and sweet-scented perfumes. The murmuring became so loud and prolonged that Mr Shand determined to remove the cause of complaint, and sought out and secured ground to the extent of five acres at Balfron, near the Forth and Clyde Railway. The required buildings were duly erected, and operations commenced. The Balfron works are still continued, and are going through some 800 barrels of crude oil per week. Possession of the ground at Balfron was not peaceably taken either. Several interdicts were threatened, but we believe that none of them have ever yet taken effect.

Instead of Messrs Shand & Company being driven from Stirling they have been confirmed in their possessions and beholdings, and have had additional ground recently secured to them for their business by the municipal authorities of the town. How came the change o'er the spirit of their dream?" The farmers in the vicinity cheerfully admit, nay, affirm voluntarily, that the oil refinery on the banks o' the Forth has been the means of securing their oxen against the ravages of the dreadful cattle plague, as it is reported that not a single case of the disease has occurred within four miles of Sliding, or nearer than Blair Drummond, and even there it was only owing the introduction of an infected beast that had been purchased at the Falkirk Tryst. That nut for the Cattle Plague Commissioners crack If that be not enough we now inform them, and all others whom it may concern, that, of the employees in the Forth Bank Works, not a single case of a contagious disease is on record. There are other facts indicative of the extent of the operations of the firm of Messrs Shand & Company besides those we have had occasion to mention already. They probably turn out more refined oil than any other firm Britain, not even excepting the celebrated Bathgate Works noticed the other day in these columns.

So important to crude oil makers is an enterprising refining firm that oil is carried from all parts of Britain to be refined at Stirling,—one Welsh firm alone, the Coppa Oil Company,—sending 1000 barrels monthly. One naturally led to conclude that the operations of the firm must be extensive, judging even alone by the barrels which he sees. There are probably £10.000 worth these, exclusive of the contents of those which are filled. Each new cask is generally worth about ten shillings, while the American casks are worth from five to eight each. Some of them, as the sperm oil butts, will hold 202 gallons each, and the price is estimated at l.2d .to 1.5d per gallon of contents. The American barrels are depended on chiefly for the foreign trade, and then the price of the cask is included the gross charge, for there is little likelihood of empty barrels being returned from such distant places as St Petersburg. Before they are refilled, however, for exportation, they are thoroughly cleaned and rendered possible. For this purpose one of the ends are taken out, and the inside well steamed for some minutes, and then briskly scoured out with dry sawdust. This material is likewise used plentifully throughout the works for removing the oil from the hand of the workers; it easily obtained, there is a large sawmill adjoining the works. When the barrels are cleaned, and the ends replaced, they are dried and skilfully and expeditiously coated internally with liquid glue - From the barrels, the step to the cooperage is not great. This feature of an oil factory is always a prominent one.

At the Stirling works the cooperage room is equal to seventy men, and fifty out of that number were actually employed during the past season. They are the principal skilled workmen about the establishment; the others are chiefly discharged soldiers. The last-mentioned fact shows that the works are of great use in drafting men into work as they are drafted out of their respective regiments, when occupying the garrison of Stirling Castle. Being situated so near the river Forth, and using such powerful chemical agents as oil of vitriol, it might naturally be expected that the surface drainage of the works would contaminate, the water of the river. But such is not the case. There is undoubtedly a great amount of surface drainage, and it is largely charged with oil. Self-interest alone is sufficient here, for, in the desire to save the oil, numerous wells are provided along the lower levels. These are lined with Roman cement to prevent leakage, divided by partitions, and provided with siphons, so as to collect the oil and water in separate compartments. The former is ladled or pumped out, and the latter is filtered and fitted for use in some of the processes carried on in the work.

Economy is practised in other directions likewise. The sulphuric acid sludge is not discharged into the river, but, instead, is subjected to the action of steam, and thus there is obtained a quantity of inferior pitch, or tar, while the solid portion burned and the smoke made into lamp-black. Messrs Shand & Company have been almost the only makers this substance in Scotland for the last ten years. It is used by the makers of india-rubber goods both in this country and on the Continent, Mannheim Hamburg, St Petersburg, and Paris. It also used for making American cloth, for blackening coffins, for printer's ink, for black paint, and by curriers dressing leather. When Messrs Shand & Company began to make this substance, its price was £4 or £5 per ton, then it was gradually brought up to £ 20 per ton, and now it sells, according to quality, at from £7 to £20, or even £30 per ton, while currier's black commands the enormous price of £50 per ton. The acid of the sludge also economised, being employed in making, with the ammonia water the gas-work sulphate of ammonia for the farmer to manure his crops with. Neither is the soda waste allowed go to loss, it is dried and roasted a reverberatory furnace, and then reduced to the caustic state by the action of quicklime.

As large quantities of fresh and pure water are required the operations of this establishment we were curious enough to inquire of Mr Shand if he depended on the water of the Forth. He informed us that he would have none of it. notwithstanding its proximity to the works. First, because it is not pure enough; and secondly, because it would require pumping to get it, even the Commissioners of the Forth would permit it to be used. A large supply of excellent water is obtained from the reservoir that supplies the town of Stirling. That is up among the Touch Hills. The great elevation of the source of the supply renders pumping quite unnecessary, as it is obtained by the force of gravitation.—

Morning Journal. Reprinted in the Stirling Observer, 1st March 1866

A Visit to the Forth Bank Chemical Works

The Forth Bank Works are situated in the lower part or outskirts of the ancient royal burgh of Stirling, on one of the tongues of land formed by the many links or windings of the river Forth, as it courses along through the beautiful carse of Stirling. The hills all around the carse were, at the time of our visit, covered with their winter mantle of virgin purity. As seen from the top of Cambuskeneth Tower, close by, the surrounding scenery has a beauty which contrasts most forcibly with the sludgy condition of the ground within the Forth Bank Works.

Regardless, however, of the footing underneath, we depart on our tour of inspection, Mr Shand, the while, apologising for it stating that the anxiety of the firm to meet the enormous demands of the departing winter left them no time to pay much attention to anything else. We begin at the beginning, and naturally inquire how the works are situated with respect to the means of transit for the crude material arriving at the works, and the finished products sent from them. We very soon find that the river Forth is the highway whose powers Messrs Shand & Company call into requisition. The river forms one of the boundaries of the seven acres of ground on which the works are located, and is deep enough, at the company's wharf, for lighters and coasting vessels to load or discharge their cargoes with the utmost facility. One vessel is constantly employed by the firm in taking a cargo of oil to London, at least once every month, besides large quantities which are sent steamers. In the busy season the amount shipped at Leith and Grangemouth varies from 400 to 800 barrels weekly. The proximity of the works to the railway station is likewise in favour of the firm, as there is thus ample facility for railway communication with the whole of Scotland.

Crude oil is brought from the works of Mr Bell, Dr Steele, and Mr Fernie, at Broxburn, by means of lighters to "lock 16" on the Forth & Clyde Canal, and afterwards to Grangemouth. Then, again, cargoes of American petroleum may either be discharged at Bowling or Grangemouth, and afterwards he lightered on to Stirling. Indeed, Messrs Shand & Company are the only persons who are practically engaged in the importation from America of the crude petroleum as it run from the oil wells. They likewise consume large quantities of the valuable Rangoon earth oil. The petroleum is shipped for them on an extensive scale at New York and Philadelphia.

At the time of our visit there were two cargoes of oil process of being run ashore at the wharf. The crude oil is kept in the barrels till it is wanted for the first distillation, when the requisite quantity is run into tanks covered with wire gratings to entrap any contained foreign solid matter, such as old bungs and pieces of sticks, and from the tanks it is pumped up into the stills. In the case of the shale oil of this country more labour is required the refining processes than is required by the American petroleum.

We start with the former. It is introduced into the stills to the amount of 1200 or 1300 gallons at a time. The stills used in this process are made of cast-iron, and are heated directly by fires underneath, while in other cases naked steam and super-heated steam are employed. There are ten of them so employed, each of them having a capacity of from 1500 to 2580 gals.; and altogether there are some three dozen in the works, and more ordered. The distillation is conducted to dryness, when the only residue is a quantity of black shining material, which almost pure carbon, and is in great request, as an excellent quality of smokeless fuel, brassfounders and metal-refiners, and even the Bank of England. Twelve to sixteen hours are usually sufficient for completing the distillation; and as these stills are worked off three times weekly, the enormous amount of 1200 or 1500 barrels of crude oil may be turned over within the six days. The quantity of "once-run" oil obtained from the crude material is 92 to 95 per cent, and has the specific gravity varying from -840 to '870. From the stills the condensed oil runs into immense underground receiving tanks, from which it is pumped up into treating boxes, each of which is capable of holding 80 barrels, or about 2500 gallons. Six of these treating boxes are engaged working " once-run" oil at the rate of about 500 barrels daily. In them the oil is subjected to the action of strong sulphuric acid or oil of vitrol, which varies in amount with the quality of the oil treated.

If we remember rightly, Mr James Young's original patent mentioned 10 per cent, of acid. The mixture of oil and acid is agitated by means of an Archimedean screw, working great velocity, till the impurities which are affected by the acid are removed by it. Strangely enough, although it is itself so remarkably powerful as a chemical agent, sulphuric acid has no effect whatever on any of the four individual compounds which collectively make up the "once-run" oil. They remain fixed, unchanged, and undecomposable by it, it only has affinity for the impurities which it is desirable to get rid of. A sufficient length of time being allowed for the subsidence of the heavy acid waste, it is drawn off a low level, and has, as we can vouch, a filthy offensive appearance; but it is not necessarily permitted to go to waste, as we shall show by and by.

The oil which remains in the treating boxes is then subjected, in the same vessels, and by the same means, to the action of equally strong chemical agent, caustic soda, solution, which is employed for the purpose of neutralising and removing any sulphuric acid that may remain amongst the oil, and possibly to remove any other impurities that are not removeable by means of the acid. The agitation is carried on for several hours, and when the mixture has become well settled the oil is drawn off, taken to stills, and distilled to dryness.

The distilled product is again treated and agitated alternately with sulphuric acid and caustic soda, but in smaller quantity than at first. It is then re-distilled with great care, — nay it undergoes what is termed in chemical phraseology " fractional distillation." For some time after the heat is first applied the vapour of a very volatile compound passes over and condenses : this we have previously spoken of as naptha or turpentine substitute. The specific gravity of this substance is about .740, It is eminently a light body, and very inflammable, and when its vapour is mixed with a certain quantity of atmospheric air an explosive mixture is formed. It is very abundant in the American petroleum, and hence an explanation of the numerous explosions which occurred this country when that substance was first brought into use. When properly rectified and in its most purified state, this naptha, or spirit, it is also called, may be used as benzole removing oily or greasy stains, and stains of tar, resin, wax, and paint, from cotton, woollen, silk, and other fabrics, or from hair, furs, feathers, and wools, and for cleaning gloves and other articles made of leather. We may quietly inform our lady house-keeping readers, likewise, that the naptha in question may be used for making excellent furniture paste, by dissolving one par. of resin and one of wax in two parts of the volatile liquid, with the aid of a gentle heat.

The second substance which comes over from the still, following the naptha, is the colourless paraffine oil for burning in lamps, having a specific gravity varying from .805 to .820. Lastly, the process of fractional distillation yields a heavy oil whose specific gravity is about .880. It consists, however, of two products, one of them solid held in suspension, or more correctly, in solution, by the liquid. To effect their separation, the liquid mass is allowed to cool, and is then made to give up its solid ingredient draining in flannel bags, so suspended that the liquid exudation may freely escape and run into tanks having a united capacity of many thousand gallons, where it collects as machinery or lubricating oil. The semi-solid substance which remains the bags is afterwards subjected to great pressure to remove all the liquid material. This effected by expressing it in canvas bags between layers of strong wicker work. The expressed liquid runs away to the common reservoir. The solid which remains a golden-yellow body consisting of aggregated crystalline scales ; it is the parafflne we have previously spoken of.

At the time of our visit to Messrs Shand & Company's Works, the whole of their first year's gathering of paraffine was in stock, but all was contracted for by an eminent, London firm, in whose hands it is thoroughly refined, and then sold to the makers of paraffine candles. The stock which we saw was still in rough state, not properly pressed, as the hydraulic presses were only in course of erection. Including what was stored away at about 200 tons, having a money value, when thoroughly refined, of something like £20,000. What an illumination it would make. We now proceed to speak of the methods employed in the refining of the American petroleum, the processes just now detailed being those which are employed by Messrs Shand & Company alike for shale oil, and that obtained from Boghead and other coals.

The business of this eminent firm began a goodly number years ago, operating upon the refuse of the neigbouring gas-works, with the object making or extracting from that offensive compound the marketable materials known as sulphate of ammonia, coal-tar naphtha, coal-tar oils, and lamp-black. This branch of the business is still continued by Mr Shand s firm ; but with such beginning there was unnatural matrimonial alliance made when the petroleum refining item was added to it. This branch of the business almost exclusively conducted Messrs Shand & Company. The barrels of petroleum being run ashore, the contained liquid is either retained in the barrels, or it emptied into underground tanks, from which it can conveniently be pumped into the stills. It differs very much from shale oil as regards the amount of each of its proximate ingredients. It is purer, and contains more spirit and light or burning oil than does the crude artificial mineral oil, and less lubricating oil and solid paraffine. A mode of treatment somehow different from that given above is therefore adopted. It is first distilled without any acid or alkaline treatment, not to dryness, but leaving instead a residue called " still bottoms," which is run off and used for greasing purposes. This material is well adopted for the machinery of underground works, such as colliery waggons; as it has no smell it has not the usual offensiveness possessed grease preparations where there is a limited circulatation of air. The condensed distillate from the stills is collected in casks and puncheons, and them is removed to the treating house.

By a process peculiar to Messrs George Shand & Company, the crude petroleum, as it runs from the wells, is rendered fit for the finishing processes by one distillation. They have six refining stills in operation which are capable of working off 300 barrels three times a week. By carefully conducting the process of distillation, the several distillates are obtained separately in the order of their specific gravities:- lst, the volatile spirit or naphtha- 2nd, the illuminating oil for use lamps; and 3rd the heavy lubricating oil. The solid paraffine is so small in amount in the American petroleum— being only about five pounds in a ton, or 265 gallons— that it is not deemed desirable to make any effort to separate it. All the three products just named are separately treated with acid and caustic soda in succession, in the same way shale oil is treated, but with a much smaller quantity of those chemical agents There is this difference, however, that the agitation along with the acid is not effected in ordinary steam agitators, as it is considered that the oils are injured by the great heat which is generated, if there be not in addition even waste of the volatile products. The treatment with acid and alkali is conducted by manual labour a large one-storey building, in about fifty cast-iron pans, each of them containing 250 gallons. these the liquids are finished. These treating vessels have to stand good deal of tear and wear, the oil of vitriol acting as a powerful corrosive and eating holes in them, which are stopped by plugs of metallic lead, an operation which we saw two men performing when we passed through the building. The refining operations are not wholly finished until the liquids have been thoroughly washed with water. Then the oil is exposed to the bleaching influence of the air and sunlight for a period of time varying from twelve to twenty-four hours, in large shallow iron vessels.

Mr Shand informed us that he considers that the oil is sometimes improved to the extent of twopence per gallon by a day's bleaching. It is ultimately brought to a condition in which it is as clear, colourless, and limpid water, and having odour almost ethereal— indeed it might almost be used instead of eau de Cologne It rises the wick of a lamp with the greatest possible amount of facility. Its temperature of ignition is 105° Fah., while the standard fixed by the Petroleum Act is 100°, so that the Stirling illuminating oil is perfectly safe. When the oil properly bleached, it is either barrelled and sent to St Petersburg, Dantzic, Stettin. Pillau, Konigsberg, Dunkirk, Rotterdam, Christiana, Rouen (for Paris), and many other places, or it is stored in large lead-lined wooden tanks, enclosed within stone walls, and old steam boilers—having a collective capacity of hundreds of thousands of gallons. The arrangements of this enterprising firm are such that, in the busiest season, from 6000 to 7000 barrels of burning oil can be sent out monthly.

Having thus gone into some details regarding the refining operations of Messrs George Shand & Company at their gigantic establishment at Stirling, we may refer our readers to few generalities connected with the business of that firm. First, then, be it known that some time ago the oil refinery at Stirling was the cause of much public dissatisfaction to the lieges of that ancient and royal burgh, being regarded many of them as a nuisance. A cargo of Canadian petroleum had been purchased at an unlucky moment, and true to say, its distillation was not attended with the escape into the atmosphere of the most delicate and sweet-scented perfumes. The murmuring became so loud and prolonged that Mr Shand determined to remove the cause of complaint, and sought out and secured ground to the extent of five acres at Balfron, near the Forth and Clyde Railway. The required buildings were duly erected, and operations commenced. The Balfron works are still continued, and are going through some 800 barrels of crude oil per week. Possession of the ground at Balfron was not peaceably taken either. Several interdicts were threatened, but we believe that none of them have ever yet taken effect.

Instead of Messrs Shand & Company being driven from Stirling they have been confirmed in their possessions and beholdings, and have had additional ground recently secured to them for their business by the municipal authorities of the town. How came the change o'er the spirit of their dream?" The farmers in the vicinity cheerfully admit, nay, affirm voluntarily, that the oil refinery on the banks o' the Forth has been the means of securing their oxen against the ravages of the dreadful cattle plague, as it is reported that not a single case of the disease has occurred within four miles of Sliding, or nearer than Blair Drummond, and even there it was only owing the introduction of an infected beast that had been purchased at the Falkirk Tryst. That nut for the Cattle Plague Commissioners crack If that be not enough we now inform them, and all others whom it may concern, that, of the employees in the Forth Bank Works, not a single case of a contagious disease is on record. There are other facts indicative of the extent of the operations of the firm of Messrs Shand & Company besides those we have had occasion to mention already. They probably turn out more refined oil than any other firm Britain, not even excepting the celebrated Bathgate Works noticed the other day in these columns.

So important to crude oil makers is an enterprising refining firm that oil is carried from all parts of Britain to be refined at Stirling,—one Welsh firm alone, the Coppa Oil Company,—sending 1000 barrels monthly. One naturally led to conclude that the operations of the firm must be extensive, judging even alone by the barrels which he sees. There are probably £10.000 worth these, exclusive of the contents of those which are filled. Each new cask is generally worth about ten shillings, while the American casks are worth from five to eight each. Some of them, as the sperm oil butts, will hold 202 gallons each, and the price is estimated at l.2d .to 1.5d per gallon of contents. The American barrels are depended on chiefly for the foreign trade, and then the price of the cask is included the gross charge, for there is little likelihood of empty barrels being returned from such distant places as St Petersburg. Before they are refilled, however, for exportation, they are thoroughly cleaned and rendered possible. For this purpose one of the ends are taken out, and the inside well steamed for some minutes, and then briskly scoured out with dry sawdust. This material is likewise used plentifully throughout the works for removing the oil from the hand of the workers; it easily obtained, there is a large sawmill adjoining the works. When the barrels are cleaned, and the ends replaced, they are dried and skilfully and expeditiously coated internally with liquid glue - From the barrels, the step to the cooperage is not great. This feature of an oil factory is always a prominent one.

At the Stirling works the cooperage room is equal to seventy men, and fifty out of that number were actually employed during the past season. They are the principal skilled workmen about the establishment; the others are chiefly discharged soldiers. The last-mentioned fact shows that the works are of great use in drafting men into work as they are drafted out of their respective regiments, when occupying the garrison of Stirling Castle. Being situated so near the river Forth, and using such powerful chemical agents as oil of vitriol, it might naturally be expected that the surface drainage of the works would contaminate, the water of the river. But such is not the case. There is undoubtedly a great amount of surface drainage, and it is largely charged with oil. Self-interest alone is sufficient here, for, in the desire to save the oil, numerous wells are provided along the lower levels. These are lined with Roman cement to prevent leakage, divided by partitions, and provided with siphons, so as to collect the oil and water in separate compartments. The former is ladled or pumped out, and the latter is filtered and fitted for use in some of the processes carried on in the work.

Economy is practised in other directions likewise. The sulphuric acid sludge is not discharged into the river, but, instead, is subjected to the action of steam, and thus there is obtained a quantity of inferior pitch, or tar, while the solid portion burned and the smoke made into lamp-black. Messrs Shand & Company have been almost the only makers this substance in Scotland for the last ten years. It is used by the makers of india-rubber goods both in this country and on the Continent, Mannheim Hamburg, St Petersburg, and Paris. It also used for making American cloth, for blackening coffins, for printer's ink, for black paint, and by curriers dressing leather. When Messrs Shand & Company began to make this substance, its price was £4 or £5 per ton, then it was gradually brought up to £ 20 per ton, and now it sells, according to quality, at from £7 to £20, or even £30 per ton, while currier's black commands the enormous price of £50 per ton. The acid of the sludge also economised, being employed in making, with the ammonia water the gas-work sulphate of ammonia for the farmer to manure his crops with. Neither is the soda waste allowed go to loss, it is dried and roasted a reverberatory furnace, and then reduced to the caustic state by the action of quicklime.

As large quantities of fresh and pure water are required the operations of this establishment we were curious enough to inquire of Mr Shand if he depended on the water of the Forth. He informed us that he would have none of it. notwithstanding its proximity to the works. First, because it is not pure enough; and secondly, because it would require pumping to get it, even the Commissioners of the Forth would permit it to be used. A large supply of excellent water is obtained from the reservoir that supplies the town of Stirling. That is up among the Touch Hills. The great elevation of the source of the supply renders pumping quite unnecessary, as it is obtained by the force of gravitation.—

Morning Journal. Reprinted in the Stirling Observer, 1st March 1866

HOUSE OF LORDS - Monday, 12th March 1866.

(Before the Marquis of BATH (Chairman), Earl CAWDOR, Viscount LIPFORD, Earl PORTARLINGTON and Lord OVERSTONE)

Selected extracts of an unsuccessful appeal to the House of Lords by the Flintshire Oil and Cannel Co. Ltd seeking powers to re-construct the company and supply gas to the city of Chester. These provide a detailed description of the company's activities at that time.

FLINTSHIRE OIL AND CANNEL COMPANY

Mr DENISON Q.C., Mr MEREWETHER Q.C., and Mr DAVISON Q.C., appeared for the promoters,and Mr. BURKE Q.C. And Mr HORACE LLOYD Q.C. appeared for Chester United Gas Company petitioners against the bill.

The object of the bill was to incorporate the Flintshire Oil and Canmel Company to make maintain and use paraffin light works and to supply with paraffin light the city of Chester and places near thereto. The company was formed under the Limited Liability Act on the 8th of August 1861 with a capital of £550,000 to acquire and carry on some extensive oil distilling works which were in operation at Saltney and having in the course of their trade found that a valuable residuum called paraffin light which is now wasted, could be used with profit to the company and to the advantage of the public they now sought for the requisite parliamentary powers to incorporate the company, an supply the same for public and private lighting in the city of Chester.

Mr. George Haworth, examined by Mr MEREWETHER

I am a coal proprietor and have been a director of the Flintshire Oil and Cannel Company since its commencement in 1864 The capital of that company is £550,000 divided into 1000 shares of 50 each. Of that capital 4619 shares have been issued upon which £33 each have been paid. We have very extensive works at Saltney for the purpose of distilling the oil from the curly cannel Between £60,000 and £70,000 have been laid out upon those works The oil is partly distilled at Leeswood and partly at Saltney and is refined at Saltney. Shale is a component part of the material from which the oil is distilled. The shale is a geological formation which is common both to North and South Wales. There is a coal and cannel company at Leeswood. We have a contract with them under which they are bound to supply us with 100 tons of coal per day during the full term of the company's leases which is for 22 years Their leases comprise about 250 acres of coal of which about 200 acres are cannel. Our own freehold is 90 acres which at our present rate of consumption would last us from 27 to 30 years so that we see our way to having plenty of material for making our paraffin oil. There are also great quantities of cannel adjacent to us.

Cross examined by Mr HORACE LLOYD: Our original capital was 500,000 We raised the 50,000 additional within the last three months by resolution of the last annual meeting. That is preference capital. I believe we have power under our Articles of Association to increase the capital from time to time to any amount we please and by resolution of an extraordinary meeting to extend our operations to many other matters to sell our business or to dissolve and wind up the concern. I cannot say to what extent we may borrow not having the Articles before me, but I think the borrowing power is limited to £250,000. The meeting that was held last Saturday was a directors' meeting convened by notice. The shareholders gave us full power at their meeting in December to make an application to Parliament for the bill which now lies on their Lordship's table. It is now proposed to dissolve the company and reconstitute it in a new form. The shareholders gave us authority at a special general meeting held in January to act as we thought proper in the matter.

The works had been carried on for two or three years by private proprietors before the company acquired them who sold them to the company The purchase money was about £160,000 in cash; there were no shares given whatever. We have carried on operations of the same nature and have extended the works. In making the oil, we necessarily make what we call the paraffin light which is a particular kind of gas. The same thing happened to the previous proprietors and the fact that this gas was inflammable and illuminating was known by them. There is nothing said about it in the Articles of Association but the Works were on a smaller scale when we first took them. I have seen the operations of the company and taken an interest in them I have not paid much attention to the experiments on the gas The resolution which was passed at the general meeting was that which is referred to in the preamble of the bill vim That on the recommendation of the directors it shall henceforth be part of the business of the company to make the light called paraffin light as well as oil and paraffin and to make maintain and use works for the purpose and to supply paraffin light for public and private lighting. That special Act of Parliament for authorizing the company to supply the city of Chester and places in the neighbourhood thereof with paraffin light and for conferring on the company all proper powers and authorities for the purpose shall be applied for. I reside in Chester, a little outside the city, this is the bill which was submitted to and approved at the meeting of the 11th of January. Part of the £50,000 preference stock is paid up the whole of it is not taken up. We have not raised the whole of the original 500,000. We did not propose to raise the preference stock because we could not get the original capital out. We have as much subscribed for as we want - £250,000. We want to raise £50,000 in preference stock instead of calling up more of the original shares.

Mr. Robert Rumney, examined by Mr MEREWETHER

I am a manufacturing chemist residing at Manchester. I am a member of the Manchester Corporation and chairman of one of the committees for managing the supply of gas to that city. The gas works there are on a very large scale. As a chemist and a member of the corporation I have gone into the question of the plant, supply of machinery and so on, Since the commencement of this company I have been a director and have applied my attention to the proceedings of the company. The main business for which we originally subscribed our capital was that of extracting illuminating and lubricating oils from cannel. The manager will tell you exactly the amount of oil we are at present distilling. After the oil is extracted from the materials used it is distilled and a portion of it the lighter portion is refined and sold for illuminating purposes and the heavier portions for lubricating purposes. The process of distillation is to subject the cannel to a very low temperature the shale or cannel is broken up and put into retorts open at one end which when the retort is filled, is closed up excluding all air. The products are carried out at the other end into pipes called condensers The liquid products fall into tanks and the incondensable gases which we contemplate by this appeal to Parliament to utilize, are now wasted. We have 200 or burners on the works but they consume but a very small quantity with the total amount of gas produced. It illuminates the country for a dozen miles but hitherto it has not been available commercially. We do not attempt to purify the gas consumed at the works at all; we turn it into a gasholder and take it from there without any purification; we have so much of it that it is not worth our while to deal with it. It is very easily purified; more so than ordinary gas. Its impurity being almost exclusively carbonic acid, it requires only to be passed through dry lime to make very pure indeed. It has been done. I have seen the results. Before it is purified its illuminating power is about 10 or 11 candles and after it is from 20 to 28 candles illuminating power.

Soon after I became a my attention was attracted to the propriety of utilizing this supply of gas I thought it was very wasteful to allow it to pass away as it was doing my first inquiry was whether it could not be distilled. I was very much surprised that it was not possible to condense more than was being then done. We have had some 800 feet of pipes laid down for the purpose of trying whether it could be done and we found that when subjected to a temperature below freezing point, no condensation whatever took place. Condensation is a question of temperature and of distance but more of the former than of the latter. We have burnt the gas on our own premises ever since they were erected and have had no difficulty or danger in dealing with it There are no drawbacks at all to its use as compared with any other gas, there is no gas purer. The illuminating power of it without purification is not quite to that of the ordinary gas supplied in London but certainly when it is purified it it superior to anything I know. It is superior to Manchester gas both in its illuminating power and purity, though the Manchester gas is supplied to the consumers at the high standard of 23 candles. I have gone carefully into the amount of capital that will be required and from my experience in Manchester of what is actually the case there I am prepared to say that within the sum mentioned in the bill, Chester could be supplied from these works.

Mr. Charles Humfrey, examined by Mr DAVISON

I am the manager of the Flintshire Oil and Cannel Company's Works and have been connected with them ever since they were first commenced by Mr Fernie in 1861. The undertaking consists of three works purchased from different parties at Saltney, Leeswood, and Trithling, near Mold. The Trithling, which were the first works, there are two pits for cannel. About £83,000 have been expended upon that property and the amount of coal there not worked is estimated at £300,000. At the Leeswood works, which are also near Mold, there are 117 retorts, and the oil which we distil from shale at those works is sent to Saltney in tanks fixed on the railway trucks. We work shale almost exclusively there, seldom anything else. I believe the curly cannel yields about 16,000 feet of gas; we get nearly 4000 by making oil.

By the COMMITTEE, - This cannel is sold in the market. It is worth 30s per ton at the pit's mouth. There are three qualities of coal in the district. The specimen produced is the first. then comes the curly cannel. and below that there is a foot of shale. I should not call the shale a coal but it is a moot point as to the difference between coal and shale. It been disputed very often.

By Mr DAVISON, -. I do not know what quantity of gas we get out of shale. We get about 33 gallons per ton of crude oil and about 80 out of the cannel. At Leeswood we consume full 350 tons of shale per week producing about 12.000 gallons of crude oil. This was the first company established in North Wales for the supply of this peculiar kind of oil. At Leeswood we do not work the curly cannel unless we are very busy. The expenditure on the Leeswood work was £10,000, and on the Saltney works about £60,000. We have a contract with the Leeswood Cannel and Gas Company to supply us with all the curly cannel and all the shale they raise. The works at Saltney are on the banks of the river Dee where vessels of 200 tons can come up easily every spring tide, but I have seen vessels of 400 tons there. We have something like 26 acres of available space there. The works cover about 5 acres and we have railway communication with North Western and Great Western Railways by sidings running the property. At present we have 115 retorts and consume about 230 tons of curly cannel every week from which we get on the average 80 gallons crude oil per ton. The distance from the Saltney to the Leeswood works about 9 miles. For the purpose of refining we have at Saltney 45 stills. They range from 350 up to 2600 gallons. We have 15 of 2600 capacity. We have 26 agitators, 7 steam boilers and 18 steam engines the works. Mr Dawson Now let us go through the process of manufacture

The CHAIRMAN - Is this examination necessary ?

Mr DAVISON - The cross examination by Mr Burke points to an allegation that the gas is not such as can be safely or properly used; (To witness) Will you begin at the point where the gas is thrown off

Witness - The cannel is broken up and placed in retorts. At the end of the retort there is a wide pipe which terminates in a condenser. It is a pipe 12 inches in diameter and 20 feet long. The cannel is weighed before it is put in the retorts so as to get the charges even. The retorts are kept heated just below visible redness in the dark and the heat draws off the volatile matters from the coal which pass into the condenser. The liquid portions run out and the gaseous portions run away through pipes and are burnt and lost; that is the paraffin light which is given off by the first operation. Our object since I have been connected with the works has been to get as much oil as possible; we have never been able to utilize the gas that is produced it has all been entirely wasted. The greater the heat the more gas is made therefore we have worked at the lowest temperature. The burning of the gas can be seen by persons at a great distance especially at night. I measured the quantity of paraffin light produced per ton of cannel very carefully and ascertained that it was exactly 3970 cubic feet which at 2s per 1000 gives something like £4800 which is being wasted every year. It is impossible to produce the oil without making some gas at whatever heat we work we make as little as we can.

In Mr Fernie's time the possibility of utilizing this gas was considered several times and I called on the Chester Gas Company to ascertain whether they would take our waste gas but nothing came of it. About two years ago I met Mr Salisbury the present chairman of this company on other business and spoke to him about it He was not then connected with the Chester Company He became chairman of this company in June 1865 and since then we have very frequently discussed the subject. He furnished me with written instructions to give the Chester Company all the information I could relating to the paraffin light and to be prepared to test the quantity and quality of it. I tested it frequently between the 15th and 29th of November last and can give the results accurately. Mr Leigh the chemist of Manchester came over several times to assist; he was there twice in November and twice in December. On the 16th of January last year I was informed that some gentlemen were coming from the Chester Gas Company to test it and I had orders to give them all the assistance I could. On the following day Dr Letheby Mr. Barlow Mr Campbell and Mr Jones came with Mr Rumnay and were shown the whole of the processes of production. Every facility was given to them and they took a great deal of pains in testing the light. They took away samples both of the pure and unpurified gas. As soon as the works were in operation we began lighting them with this gas. We work always all the night through and have had as many as 300 burners on the premises at Saltney during the last eighteen months. We have been supplied with no other kind of gas. We have not purified the gas. It has given us a good light to work by and there has been no difficulty in the use of it. There is nothing objectionable about it for lighting work. Scotland some of which have been established 15 years have the syphons pumped I do not present things

Cross examined by Mr HORACE LLOYD - We have not raised any cannel at Trithling at present. At Leeswood there is a waste of gas as distillation goes on as we only use a portion of it. We have not employed it for heating purposes at Saltney except in the offices. The curly cannel yields a kind of coke after the oil is extracted which serves for fuel and we have plenty of it so that we do not require gas as fuel. There are no burners at Leeswood because the works are mere sheds and the gas which is burning in the air gives light enough. I think it was Mr Roberts the present chairman of the gas company whom I saw on the subject at some time but nothing was done towards utilizing the gas until Mr Salisbury joined our company. I have always thought it a valuable product. There are now about thirty works on the cannel coal field of Mold and there are a great number of paraffin works in Scotland, some of which have been established 15 year. The oil varies a little but the coal is entirely different. I have visited other works to see if they utilized the gas but I have never seen anything done with it except to heat the furnaces with it and to light their own works with it. We have oil works near us which are not so large as ours The copper works are large oil works. They manufacture paraffin and distil it as well as refine it. I do not think they do anything with their gas. It is difficult to estimate temperatures. A great number of results have been stated; the last in the case of Young v Fernie. I believe I think the temperature just below a red heat is about 760 Fahr. If the temperature is increased we get more gas. I do not know that it is better - and less oil. On the day when the four gentlemen came in January to test the gas they found the gasholder nearly full. That gas was not purified. There was only a small purifier for experiments. My first instructions were to let them examine only the gas purified but they said that would not do and Mr Romney then told me to let them do as they liked. The gasholder was then emptied two or three times and fresh gas put in. Mr Barlow and Mr Jones were present to see it. They never told me that they wanted to see whether any condensation took place. I should not have prevented them if they had asked to do so. They made a great number of applications as to having plugs and so forth They applied to now whether they wished to examine them I do not know the actual result of their experiments I have tried experiments but not very carefully with the curly cannel. The illuminating power was not always the same. I have never tested it before going through the purifier to ascertain the quantity of carbonic acid it contains. I cannot any whether it is as much as one fifth. The diameter of the long pipe employed to test the condensation of the gas was 12 inches. The retorts are charged once in 24 hours. The coal charge going in somewhat cools them down and they do not get up their regular working heat much before night and most gas comes off during the night merely from the way of working it. Towards the middle of the charge the most gas is given off .What we do not use is burned at several stand pipes. The light varies during the day because the quantity varies.

MARCH 13

As soon as counsel were admitted this morning The Chairman said; The committee have come to the following resolution. Although the committee are of opinion judging from the evidence they have heard which is that of the promoters only, that the application paraffin light to the purposes of public lighting would be advantageous, they think it inexpedient to give to a company formed to carry out the various objects mentioned in the Articles of Association the powers of the Clauses Act for that purpose. They consider that the provisions of that Act as to the limitation of dividend could not be satisfactorily carried out; they are, therefore, of opinion that the preamble is not proved

From The Journal of Gas Lighting, Water Supply and Sanitary Improvement, 3rd April 1866

A preliminary and influential meeting of the oil manufacturers of North Wales, was held yesterday week, at the Black Lion Hotel, Mold, for the purpose of considering the practicability of establishing an Oil Manufacturers' Association for the protection of the interests of the trade. Amongst those present were —

• Messrs. G. A. Birkheck,
• Captain Matthews,
• W. B. Marston,
• E. G. Buttery,
• W. M. Williams,
• A. N. Tate,
• H. Darling,
• Slater (Burslem),
• W. Ness,
• E. G. Griffiths,
• T. Green,
• E. Middleton,
• Jeff, W. Glover,
• Taylor, Wilcock (Hope),
• Wilcock (Plas-yn Mhowys),
• A. G. Hunter,
• T. Strange (sec. pro. tern.)

G. H. Birkbeck, Esq., presided, and in opening the proceedings threw out a series of well-digested propositions, which were generally approved of, and were referred to a committee for drawing up the rules of association which it was agreed to form.

In stating the objects of the meeting, he said an association, such as it was proposed to form, would, if properly carried out, alter the existing state of things, and regulate the prices; and this, by frequent discussion, would enable the masters to see their own interests. The following subjects were suggested as matters which the association should consider : —

• 1. Wages : a uniform rate of wages and charges to furnacemen, labourers, and still-men, and it should especially be recommended that no man be taken on from another works without a recommendation. That was done in all established trades, and, if adopted, it would produce very beneficial effects both for men and masters.
• 2. Oil to be delivered, in all cases, free on rails only ; makers to obtain rates for buyers, but prices never to include any charge for carriage.
• 3. Buyers to be dealt as always supplying casks, such casks to be delivered free to works. If casks be supplied by sellers those to be charged at net cost delivered, and such cost to be added to invoice.
• 4. Weights of oil to be taken as leaving the works ; no allowance for short weight or leakages.
• 5. With regard to discounts and commissions, all prices to be quoted net ; and whatever charge is made such to be added to invoice.
• 6. In case of dispute as to weights, water in oil, Sec, to appoint some officer to attend on behalf of the association as arbitrator in such dispute.

lt was agreed to form the association, and a committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Birkheck, Williams, Green, Tate, Marston), and Matthews, which were to report upon the suggestions at the next meeting, to be held on Thursday, the 19th of April, at Mold. Mr Strange was appointed, secretary to the committee.

The Wrexham Advertiser, 14th April 1866

SALE BY MR. PICKERING. LEASEHOLD PROPERTY AT COED-TALON TRYDDYN, NEAR MOLD, AND GROUND TO BE SOLD by AUCTION by Mr PICKERING at Mr Parry's, the Feather's Inn, Coed Talon, on Wednesday, the 27th June, 1866, at three o'clock in the afternoon, in the following or such other lots, as may be determined upon at the time of sale, and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be then produced, the undermentioned valuable leasehold property.

• LOT I. — All that Plot of Land, containing by admeasurement 539 square yards, or thereabouts, with the Four Cottages and Out-offices thereon, being Nos. 7, 8, 9, and 10, in George's Row, Coed Talon, and in the occupation of (blank) and others.
• LOT 2.— All that Plot of Land at the back of Lot 1, containing by admeasurement 457 square yards, or thereabouts. The above Lots are held under a Lease for Fifty years from 25th March, 1854, and will be sold for the residue of such term, and subject to a yearly Ground Rent of £1 on each Lot.
• LOT 3.— All that Plot of Land adjoining Lot 2, and at the back of the Victoria Arms Inn, containing by admeasurement 60 square yards or thereabouts, with the Six Cottages and Out-offices thereon in the occupation of (blank) and others. This Lot will be sold for the residue of a term of 42 years, commencing 25th March, 1861, and subject to a yearly ground rent of £2 16s.
• LOT 4. — The term and interest of the original lessee of and in the two pieces of Land, containing by admeasurement 0a. 1r.: 17p. or thereabouts, with Oil Manufactory thereon, now in the occupation of Messrs Haworth and Thompson, and situate between the brook running at the back of the above-mentioned Lots, and the Railway of Messrs Haworth and Co. This Lot is held by the original lessee, under a lease for 50 years, commencing 25th March, 1854, and is sublet by him to Messrs Haworth & Co., for 21 years, commencing from 1 January, 1855, at the yearly ground rent of .£1 15s. It will be sold for residue of the original term, commencing from the expiration of the lease to Messrs Haworth and Co.
• LOT 5. — The term and interest of the original lessee of and in all that Piece of Land, containing by admeasurement la. 3r. 8p., or thereabouts, with Factory and Furnaces thereon, now in the occupation of The Canneline Oil Company, Limited, and adjoining the said Railway of Messrs Haworth and Thompson. This Lot is held by the original lessee, under a lease for 60 years, commencing 25th March, 1854, and is sublet by him to the said Company for 21 years, commencing from 25th December, 1862, at the yearly ground rent of £20. It will be sold for the residue of the original term commencing from the expiration of the lease to the said Company.
• LOT 6. — The right or power of the original lessee to take possession of any part of the Plots of Land, contain- ing together 265 square yards, or thereabouts, at the back of Lot 3, and the adjoining properties of Mr Henry Saville, and Mrs Williams ; on paying 2s per rood for part, and 3s per rood for other part, according to the quantity taken.
• LOT 7. — The following ground rents, amounting together to £43 12s 10d per annum, amply secured on the above and other properties adjoining, viz. : — £ s. d. On Lots 1 and 2 payable for 38 years from 25 March last 2 0 0 " 3 " 37 " 2 16 0 " 4 " 9.J Ist July nest 1 15 0 " 5 " 17.| 24 th June inst. 20 0 0 On premises in Lease to " Mr W. Parry 38 25th March last 2 0 0 Mr G. Davies 38 " l 10 0 Mr Williams 37 " 1 H 0 Mrs 11. Seville " " 216 0 " Mr R. "Williams " 18th March last 116 0 " Mr Jn. "Williams " " 0 12 6 " Mr G. Lloyd " " 0 5 1 " MrR. Davies " " 0 5 1 " Mr Edwd. Jones " " 13 2 " Mr Robt. Evans " " 2 4 0 " Mr T. Rowland " 25th March last 210 0 £13 12 10 The above rents will be sold subject to the payment thereout of £20 per annum to the original lessors.

The tenants will allow an inspection of the property, and further particulars (with plan) may be obtained on application at the offices of Mr G. Tibbits, Solicitor, 24, St. Werburgh Street, Chester ; Mr Thos. Wood, Accountant, 24, St. Werburgh Street ; or from the Auctioneer.

The Wrexham Advertiser 9th June 1866

The Kinning Park foundry, Glasgow

In our impression of the 22nd of June we published an illustration of the apparatus for the manufacture of coal oil erected for Lord Dudley, at Fence Houses, near Durham, by Messrs. James Bennie and Company, of Kinning Park Foundry, near Glasgow. The apparatus consists solely of retorts, the purifying stills not being yet erected. The purification of coal oil, however, forms an important branch of the trade, usually carried out on the spot by the manufacturers, although in certain cases the refining of the oil constitutes a totally distinct department of business. The process is very simple, and consists simply in mixing the crude oil with acids, alkalis, sulphate of iron, &c., placing it in a still, and condensing the products as they come over.

We are now enabled, by the courtesy of Messrs. Bennie, to place before our readers illustrations of retorts and stills erected at an establishment near Leeds for a gentleman well known in the railway world. When complete this concern will be of considerable magnitude; but in order to suit the space at our disposal we have omitted many of the retorts. As these are duplicates of each other, the omission is of no consequence. The stills are shown in front elevation in Fig. 1, and in side elevation, with the condensing worm and oil receivers, in Fig. 2. They are cast iron pot-shaped vessels, into which is passed a current of superheated steam, through the pipes by the dotted lines in Fig. 1. The stills are mounted above a very small furnace, the heat from which only suffices to equalise the temperature in the bottom of the still.

The furnace shown between each pair of stills is employed to superheat the steam. We have before alluded to the superheater invented by Mr. J. Bennie, which is efficient and ingenious. It consists of a cast iron block, cast over a serpentine wrought iron pipe. The block is maintained at a red heat, and effectually protects the wrought iron within from external corrosion or risk of fracture, besides adding strength, which at the very high temperature to which it is exposed it would otherwise lack. The arrangement of the superheating apparatus will be easily understood from the engraving. In Figs. 3 and 4 are shown the stills and receivers in plan, and the mixing tanks and engine employed in driving the stirrers.

Kinning Park Foundry is the largest establishment in the kingdom devoted exclusively to the manufacture of oil apparatus, and as such it possesses considerable interest. It is situated immediately to the west of the mineral branch railway that runs down to the harbour near Mavisbank, and is very near to Paisley-road. It was originally erected for, and almost exclusively occupied for some years with, the manufacture of large and heavy castings for marine engines and iron ships built on the Clyde by Robert Napier and Sons, Tod and Macgregor, and other eminent shipbuilding firms; but it has been for the last few years exclusively devoted to the production of the apparatus used in what is strictly a new industry, at least in this country.

The premises cover about two acres, and, considerable as this area is, it appears probable that in a short time it will prove insufficient for the requirements of the firm. The principal founding-shops are two in number, built at a right angle to each other, like the two arms of the letter L, and opening into each other. One of them is 150ft. long by 50 in breadth, and the other is 100ft. by 45ft.; and besides these there are, opening into them, two smaller ones for the light work. Leading off from the large workshops there are, in all, nine drying stoves, which vary from 24ft. to 30ft. in length, and from 8ft. to 20ft. in width. They are provided with rails and the requisite carriage frames for running the moulds and cores in and out, many of which weigh from 15 to 20 tons. In order to move the castings, six large timber foundry cranes up to 25 tons are employed. These were made on the premises by Mr. Bennie, at a cost somewhat less than the lowest tender he received for their construction—£350 each. The iron is melted in four large cupolas, the blast being supplied by a seven-foot Lloyd's fan, driven at over 1,000 revolutions by a 15-horse engine. In addition there is a large air furnace, capable of containing 50 tons of metal. The draught is provided by a handsome stack 100ft. high. This furnace is seldom used.

All the castings are made from a peculiar mixture known only to the firm. Mr. Bennie experienced much difficulty with stills at first from the cracking of the iron. Wrought iron has been tried, but will not answer, as even with the utmost attention and the best workmanship it is found impossible to prevent leakage. Thanks to the care employed in mixing and melting the iron, and to the system adopted of casting the stills bottom downward, all trouble has been overcome, and the Kinning Park stills possess a reputation which may be thus expressed, " They may be melted but they cannot be cracked." About twenty-five tons of castings are made per day, so that a very efficient staff and excellent plant is absolutely necessary.

Upright retorts are still made by Messrs. Bennie, but there is a growing preference for the horizontal retort, which now represents the principal manufacture of the firm. Those we illustrate are of the ordinary dimensions. They are of uniform section throughout, and are true ovals, the length being 114ft., and the transverse and vertical diameters being respectively 3ft. and 2ft. The weight of the iron is from 50 cwt. to 55 cwt., the core 30 cwt., the box about 6 tons, and the whole mass, including the sand, weighing upwards of 12 tons. At present from two to four of these retorts are made daily.

Over 600 of these retorts are now in use, while about 1,200 of the upright variety have been erected in Flintshire, Scotland, and England. Some of the earliest used at the celebrated Bathgate Works by Mr. J. Young were manufactured at Kinning Park. The stills are all of the same dimensions, the greatest of which can be transported by rail - very few, indeed, being transmitted by sea. They each contain about 1,500 gallons. Their form will be understood by a glance at the engraving.

Besides the retorts and stills, which together form the staple commodities manufactured at the Kinning Park Foundry, the firm is largely engaged in the manufacture of other forms of cast iron apparatus required by oil makers, including furnace doors and other fittings, condensing worms and tanks, steam superheaters, and treating vessels in which the oil is subjected to the purifying influence of sulphuric acid and caustic soda. Mr. Bennie has produced a form of treating vessel which is worth the attention of oil engineers. It consists of a tank 10ft. or 12ft. high, formed by cast iron plates bolted and jointed together. About midway up there is a false floor with numerous small openings in it. In the lower half the oil and acid, or soda, as the case may be, are mixed in the proper quantities by paddle action, and by means of a steam-power pump with which the vessel is fitted; the mixture can be raised to the upper part and allowed to strain through the perforated floor in fine currents, so that there is thorough incorporation of the oil with the chemicals. We are not aware whether the apparatus has as, yet been adopted in practice or not.

The business transacted by this firm gives a tolerably good idea of the growth and increase of the oil industry in Great Britain, an industry which had absolutely no existence but a few short years since. One of the earliest contracts entered into by Messrs. Bennie and Co., in the second phase of the oil trade, was made in 1861 or 1862, for the supply of retorts and stills for completely refining the oil made. Shale then came into notice as an oil-yielding material, and was run upon regardless of Mr. Young's patent. This contract was for works at Crofthead, first commenced by some members of the West Calder Company, but now in the possession of an eminent firm of East and West India merchants. Very soon afterwards the company was provided with complete distilling and refining plant at its new works at West Calder. Professor Sir James Simpson, Bart, and his partners of the Oakbank Chemical Works, Mid-Calder, followed suit some three years ago, and had stills and other refining plant supplied from Kinning Park Foundry. The Wareham Oil Company by and by settled down at Drumgray, near Airdrie, and had twenty upright and fifty horizontal retorts set up for the manufacture of crude oil, but as yet they have had no refining machinery erected. Messrs. Lester, Wyllie, and Com­pany had also works at Kirkintilloch and Drumcross. Refinery plant for works at Crownpoint, and retorts for crude oil works at Drumgray, were made for Messrs. James Palmer and Company, and during the incoming season one hundred retorts additional are to be erected. The Drumgray Coal Oil Company entered the field here, too, with some eighty retorts of both kinds. More recently still, retorts and stills for "once-run " oil have been erected at Kilwinning, Ayrshire, for the iron firm of Messrs. Baird, of Gartsherrie, and the Eglinton Iron Company. In Wales the services of Messrs. Bennie and Co. have likewise been in request during the last few years, notwithstanding its great distance from Glasgow.

Besides retorts of both kinds and superheaters, nine 1,500-gallon stills have been supplied to the North Wales Coal Oil Company (Limited). For the Padeswood Oil Company, in Flintshire, a complete refinery has been erected by Mr. Bennie's firm. Another large Welsh company, the British Oil and Cannel Company, thought it desirable to come to Glasgow likewise with a large order for all the necessary machinery appliances for the Meadowvale Crude Oil Works at Leeswood and a large refinery at Saltney, to which the crude oil is conveyed in tank wagons. Uddingston, again, has now an oil factory of a very complete character planned, one is in course of erection for the Bredisholm Oil Company, which has secured an unlimited supply of oil-yielding mineral. This establishment bids fair to become one of the largest in Scotland.

In the North of England we have Lord Durham's works, which we have already illustrated, and near Leeds, the works we illustrate on another page. If we go still further south we find retorts and stills in course of erection at Hucknall, near Nottingham, and within sight of the classic grounds of Byron's Newstead Abbey, for another English railway magnate, with whom is associated an eminent and noble member of the late Government. In Scotland, at Bathgate, New Cumnock, Gorebridge, and in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, for instance, are places which naturally excite much attention from Bennie and his partners, on account of contracts which have been concluded to supply large amounts of oil plant within a short period.

We may add that Russia contemplates the erection of two enormous establishments, one about twenty miles from St. Petersburg, the other on the shores of the Caspian, for which Messrs. Bennie have been invited to tender. The latter establishment will, if completed, be the largest of the kind in the world, and is intended to refine the natural petroleum found there in abundance. If Russia really embarks in the enterprise our own export trade will be materially affected. If, in addition to the catalogue we have laid before our readers, it is borne in mind that several other firms produce coal oil apparatus as well as Messrs. Bennie, it will be understood that we have had silently growing up around us a mighty industry the existence of which has hardly yet been known; indeed, the engineer has been the first scientific journal to bring it prominently before the public. Our readers may rest assured that we shall leave no improvements in the apparatus unnoticed.

The Engineer, 17th August 1866

TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION WITH WREXHAM, CHESTER, &c. —

On Monday afternoon a meeting was held at the Pontblyddyn Inn to consider the conditions upon which the Electric and International Telegraph Company had offered to make an extension of their wires to Mold, Padeswood, and Coed Talon.

The chair was taken by Mr W. Mattieu Williams, local manager for the London, Leeswood, and Erith Mineral Oil Company, and the meeting was attended by the representatives of some of the most influential firms in the neighbourhood, among whom were;

Messrs. G. A. Birbeck, Robert Griffiths, Richard Griffiths, John Jeffs, Rev. D. Evans, W. Gibbon, Ness, Norman Tate, Hugh Fenton, W. Brice, &c.

The proposition to co-operate in the guarantee proposed at Mold was unanimously rejected, the majority being unwilling to take upon themselves a responsibility of ten years' duration, all considering such a demand on the part of the Telegraph Company as most unreasonable. The meeting proposed, if it were necessary to run all the risks of loss, to combine such risk with the chance of profit, and therefore went into the subject of making an independent line along the high road. Mr H. Fenton supplied practical data as to cost, &c, of carrying such a line through Hawarden, Buckley, &c, to Chester, with branch to Mold. At Chester there are two companies established, with one of which terms could be made for carrying messages forward. The Chairman suggested the Wrexham Mold and Connah's Quay line as a medium of communication with Wrexham, Brymbo, &c. ; and promised to confer with the traffic manager of that line on the subject, having reason to believe they would at once co-operate. Mr Birbeck suggested that Pontblyddyn should be made the head station for the Padeswood and Leeswood district, being central to both ; and that radiating lines should be extended to Mold, Buckley, and all the local centres of business.

Messrs. Tate, Griffiths, and Glover were of opinion that such a centre might become the nucleus of an extended system that should ultimately supply the busy districts of North Wales with the telegraphic communication they so much need, and which is so inadequately supplied by the existing companies. The necessity of such communication is the stronger in such localities as they for the most part consist of mineral and other works having their head-quarters in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, &c. All present expressed their willingness to take shares in a company for carrying out these objects ; and the following resolutions were passed unanimously:

l. That this meeting considers the demand made by the Electric and International Telegraph Company "for a personal guarantee to be unreasonable and unnecessary ; the obvious commercial activity of the district being a sufficient guarantee for the commercial success of the required telegraphic extensions."
2. That, if the Electric and International Telegraph Company refuse the extension to Padeswood and Coed Talon, the present meeting is prepared to make an independent line to Wrexham or Chester, with such radiations as may be found desirable.

The Wrexham Advertiser, 6th October 1866

On the Manufacturing of Coal Oil as conducted in North Wales

CHEMISTS' ASSOCIATION

(A. Norman Tate was a member of the Liverpool Geological Society, and worked for the Coppa Oil Co. Ltd.. In 1863 he published "Petroleum and its products")

Mr. A. Norman Tate read a paper "On the Manufacture of Coal Oil as conducted in North Wales," remarking that oils were not recent production. Mr. Tate proceeded to say that mineral oils were known and used by the ancients for illumination and other purposes, that these were probably the oils which exist ready formed In the earth and which we know petroleum. Patents for manufacturing oil from coal and bituminous minerals were granted as early as 1694, bat the oil was not manufactured on an extensive scale until Mr. James Young of Manchester, secured his patent for manufacturing paraffin oils; but the production did not increase to any great extent until the expiration of this patent, Mr. Young instituted legal proceedings against those persons who infringed his rights. The patent expired in October, 1864, and this was the signal for the commencement of numerous works in Scotland, North Wales, and North Staffordshire.

The pioneer of the oil trade in Flintshire was Mr. Hussey Jones, who had the cannel on his property at Fryddyn carefully investigated, and, finding it suitable for oil making, started a company, and made contract with Mr. Fernie, who erected the works now the property of the Flintshire Oil and Cannel Company Limited. The example of Mr. Jones was soon followed by other coal proprietors in Wales and oil works sprung in all directions in the quiet, beautiful vale of Mold, transforming it into a busy manufacturing district

During the latter part of 1864, and all through 1865, there was fever of anxiety to embark in the oil trade, and the greatest activity was observable in the district; but the general stagnation of trade, and also the large import of petroleum during the present year have for a time cooled the ardour of intending oil makers, and instead of rushing into the trade with the full expectation of making a fortune in " lees than no time," persons not in the business are cautious how they embark in it, and of those who are in it many wish themselves out it. Mr. Tate remarked "to the former I would say, don't abandon the idea of going into the business; and to the latter, be direful not to relinquish a good thing. The oil trade of North Wales will prove sound and profitable business yet, and no long time will elapse before this takes place. Like most new businesses, its early days have been characterised by seasons of extreme buoyancy, and seasons of great depression. It is now passing through the latter, but unless I am very much mistaken, a bright day will soon begin to dawn, and the trade will find itself upon a safe and certain basis.

There is, however, one point of considerable importance, which should not be overlooked, and that is the price the raw material—the cannel. At the time the colliery proprietor appear to to be getting the greatest share of the profits, more than their fair share. The price paid for cannel in North Wales is higher in comparison than prices paid for oil minerals in other places, for instance, in Scotland and Staffordshire, and it strikes me forcibly that unless the colliery proprietors the Wales oil district reduce their tariff, they will compel oil manufacturers to select other places they will find themselves in more favourable position. It should be understood that only one or two oil makers raise their own cannel. These, of course secure both the profits of the coal proprietor and the oil manufacturer, and stand in very favourable position; but the majority of the oil makers in Wales have to purchase their own cannel. After these introductory remarks, the various forms of apparatus employed in the manufacture were described. and the processes of manufacturing the crude oil and refining it were also spoken of, and the properties of the products described.

Mr. Tate illustrated his subject with a number of drawings, and exhibited various specimens of coal oils.—A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the talented lecturer, after which the proceedings terminated.

The Liverpool Daily Post, 9th November 1866

Holywell County Court - Tuesday, before R. Vaughan Williams, Esq., judge.

Claim for Court Fees. — Mr William Pierce, brewer, Bagillt, sued Mr Alfred Wood, late manager of the Bagillt Oil Company, Limited, for 17s, an amount which the plaintiff had paid for a summons for £16 14a against defendant. During plaintiffs absence defendant had paid the amount, minus the 17s, to his clerk at the office, who was not aware plaintiff had entered an action in the court. A gentleman from Liverpool appeared for defendant, and denied defendant's liability, as he had ceased to belong to the company. — Non-suited, his Honour refusing the application for defendant's costs.

Damages by Fire. — Davies v. the Bagillt Oil Company was an action brought by Ishmael Davies, Blossoms Inn, Bagillt, against the above company for £40 14s 6d, damages alleged to be done to plaintiff's property, consisting of timber, saw-bench, fence, garden produce, and other articles, which had been destroyed by fire, which was caused by tar at the oil works boiling over, becoming ignited and running down to plaintiff's premises, burning a fence on its way.

Mr P. Ellis Eyton appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Tidswell, of Liverpool, was counsel for defendants. Mr Eyton having briefly stated the facts of the case, he called the following witnesses : — Benjamin Lloyd, said he resided at the Moss, near Wrexham. He had had some experience as distillman at oil works. He had been engaged at Ferney and Co.'s, of Saltney, amongst the distilleries for 2 years. The stills at the Bagillt oil company's oil works were old boilers, oval shaped ; those at Saltney were larger and flatter. On Saturday, the 4th of August, he asked Mr Hunter, manager of the Bagillt works, how much the boiler would hold, but he could not tell him. Witness charged it properly as near as he could guess. He had not left Saltney then, and he went there that day and returned on Monday, the 6th, when he told Mr Hunter there was too much fire under the still, and witness said he must have half of it I out. He cautioned Mr Hunter against filling the boiler too full or he would have a fire before long. Witness had never had a fire during his experience at these oil works, for he took care not to overfire or overcharge.

Cross-examined by Mr Tidswell : Mr Hunter might have charged witness with being drunk, but he denied it. He had left Messrs. Ferney's because they gave other men more wages than he had though engaged at the same kind of work. He knew the boilers at Bagillt works well as he had tipped and cleaned them. They were thin. If the boilers were flat they would not be so liable to boil over. The fire did not get into a lump on a flat bottom. The boilers were set on bricks. He did tell the manager there was too much fire.

By Mr Eyton : It was after I told them there was too much fire they charged me with drunkenness. — John Roberts said he was a collier, and he was engaged as a labourer at the Bagillt Oil Works on the 10th of August, when the fire took place. He saw the boiler boiling over. They used it for melting the tar. It boiled over through the manhole and broke out into a flame of fire. The fire ran down the hill to the boiler marked No. 2, on the plan produced. There were casks of oil between the place were the fire broke out and the other boiler. The tar went into the premises of plaintiff and everything was on fire there.

lshmael Davies said he was the tenant of the Blossoms Inn, Bagillt. He remembered the fire and saw the tar boiling over all in flames, and running down to his garden. It commenced at the No. 1 boiler, and he saw it running to the bottom boiler, destroying the hedge on its way and set the oil on fire at the other boiler. It then went to his timber and burnt it. He had split and sawn timber there, and a saw bench with a circular saw. It was worth £15. It was worked by a steam engine. He had also a wooden press worth £5, a grinding stone and frame, and the garden produce. He was afraid of the fire entering the house and he had the furniture conveyed to another place. The timber consisted of 25 feet of ash, 20 feet of oak, 30 feet of yellow deal, five pairs wheelarms, three dozen pick-handles, and other things, which were much damaged. He had also three pulleys, red lead, shovel handles, &c. He suffered too by loss of business through not having material and tools to work. His claim for that was £18. —

Cross-examined by Mr Tidswell : He saw the fire breaking out all at once. There was no cover over the saw bench. He could not replace it without paying £15 or £20. (A rotten piece of wood scared was handed to witness.) He did not know whether that piece was in the earth or not. He was not sure whether the piece produced came from his premises at all. He had been working for the company, but they didn't give him work after he applied to them for damages. — Charles Jones, millwright, said he had seen the articles that were burnt, and said the charges claimed by defendant were reasonable. —

Mr Tidswell then addressed his Honour for the defence, stating that the claims made by plaintiff were unreasonable, supposing his clients' liability were proved, which he denied. One of the vats was struck by lightning on the day of the fire, which the company could not prevent, and consequently this damage was not done through any negligence on their part. — He called Edward George Hunter, who in the course of a long examination said he saw a flash of lightning striking the grease boiler and it immediately began to boil over through the man-hole door. There had not any fire under the stills for 36 hours previous to the accident.—

ln cross-examination he had been warned previous to the 10th of August by Mr Bate, the owner of the Blossoms property that the oil works were not fenced, so as to prevent an accident. He was closely questioned by his Honour as to the probability of such an accident taking place from a flash of lightning. In reply to some of the questions witness said that the crude grease was moderately inflammable, and when struck by lightning it boiled over. The boiler was about half full at the time, the grease slightly warm, and when in that state gas of an inflammable kind arose from it. When this was struck by lightning it caused a commotion, and the froth and smoke would arise, causing it to boil over. —

Theophilus Howe, a fitter, also said he saw lightning on that day. — Enoch Jones, joiner, Bagillt, valued the timber destroyed in the plaintiff's yard at £8 16s, and William Hays of Chester, valuation was £8 19s 8d.— Mr Eyton then called Mr Isaac Taylor, land surveyor, who passed the place at the time of the accident —

Robert Taylor, blacksmith, J. Roberts, and Ishmael Davies, stated that there was neither lightning nor thunder on that day. Davies said he saw fire under the retorts on the morning of the accident, and witnessed William Kenrick throwing coal on it. The thunder he heard was that in the boiler. (Laughter.) — Mr Eyton then characterised the defence as most extraordinary. He had not a breath of suspicion that such a defence could be set up. — His Honour then summed up and gave judgement for plaintiff for £21. There was also a claim against the same company by Mr Bate, of Kelsterton, for damages done to the building. The parties agreed to a verdict for £17 with costs on the higher scale.

The Wrexham Advertiser, 8th December 1866

P.C. Lawley and the River Alyn Report

To the Editor of the Wrexham Advertiser.

Sir, — My attention has just been directed to a report by Edward Lawley, inspector of nuisances. Gresford, published in your paper of last Saturday. It includes some statements about " Paraffin Oil Works at Tryddyn,'' of which " Richard Williams, the Celyn, Caergwrle, is the owner."

As my name is Williams and I live at the place named, and am manager of oil works located about a mile from Tryddyn, I suspect that Pontybodkin works are referred to. If so, it is my duty to contradict most directly the statements made respecting these works. Mr Lawley's statement that " the clerks appear to have been cautioned against stating the owner's name" is a most impertinent and baseless insinuation. Mr Lawley knows very well that on the occasion of his visit (Friday, : Dec. 7th), he did not take the trouble to come to my office, that he made no enquiry of our "clerks," that he saw no clerks whatever: that his visit was so hasty and his inspection so superficial that he could not possibly obtain any reliable information.

The "clerks" he refers to are creatures of his own imagination, as our whole clerical staff consists of one office boy; our commercial transactions being conducted in London. Our foreman offered him every information, but Mr Lawley refused to receive it, or to waits while the foreman came to tell me of his presence.

Before I could reach the I corner of our works that Mr Lawley had inspected, he I had gone off in hot haste by the coal train. I was much annoyed by this at the time, and by the unfair manner; in which he had taken a sample of oil from a place far away from the works, and which had no connection whatever with the pollution of the river, This was proved by the fact that when Mr Lawley took the sample (from the accidental leakage of a single cask) the brook below our works was quite free from oil, and everybody knows that an ounce of oil will spread over many square yards of water. Mr Lawley's attention was directed to this, but he would not attend to it.

Mr Lawley's report leads us to the inference that his sample was taken from the brook where oil was coming into it. This was not the case. He could easily have taken it from the brook had it gone there. The shameful destruction of fish which occurred a fortnight before Mr Lawley's visit, was due to an eruption of some tons of oil, or rather acid tar, enough to have filled our little brook entirely. I am surprised that Mr Lawley's inspection should not have enabled him to point at once to the real origin of this wholesale and unprecedented devastation. I should not have troubled you with this letter had Mr Lawley confined his report to its proper business.

Even his statement about a "pipe for conveying waste or gas into the brook, which pipe, like "the clerks," does not and never did exist, would not have been a matter for ' newspaper contradiction ; but the publication of a statement that I have been guilty of instructing our "clerks" to suppress my name, thereby insinuating a guilty motive, is an impertinence cannot allow to pass without notice. Such an insinuation is the more vexatious as I have been at considerable expense and trouble to make arrangements for destroying all that can possibly pollute the river, and our works are so unusually open to everybody's gaze that the idea of concealment is absurd.

As an oil maker I can safely assert that the damage which has j been done to the fish in the Alyn is the result of culpable carelessness, and that if proper precautions were used not a fish need be destroyed. I sincerely hope that the proper authorities will follow up their investigations, and do it thoroughly and fairly, so that the fault may be brought home to those who have done the mischief, and not be left as it now is, a floating accusation against every oil maker in the district. To do this a proper inspection of the works must be made — the filching of an ounce or two of accidental leakage, and then rushing off without further enquiry, will do no good. No oil maker who is working properly can object to a proper inspection, but, on the contrary, would, like myself, wish it to be made, and afford every facility and information for the purpose.

Yours truly, W. MATTIEU WILLIAMS.

From the Wrexham Advertiser, 29th December 1866

To the Editor of the Wrexham Advertiser.

Sir, — My attention has just been directed to a report by Edward Lawley, inspector of nuisances. Gresford, published in your paper of last Saturday. It includes some statements about " Paraffin Oil Works at Tryddyn,'' of which " Richard Williams, the Celyn, Caergwrle, is the owner."

As my name is Williams and I live at the place named, and am manager of oil works located about a mile from Tryddyn, I suspect that Pontybodkin works are referred to. If so, it is my duty to contradict most directly the statements made respecting these works. Mr Lawley's statement that " the clerks appear to have been cautioned against stating the owner's name" is a most impertinent and baseless insinuation. Mr Lawley knows very well that on the occasion of his visit (Friday, : Dec. 7th), he did not take the trouble to come to my office, that he made no enquiry of our "clerks," that he saw no clerks whatever: that his visit was so hasty and his inspection so superficial that he could not possibly obtain any reliable information.

The "clerks" he refers to are creatures of his own imagination, as our whole clerical staff consists of one office boy; our commercial transactions being conducted in London. Our foreman offered him every information, but Mr Lawley refused to receive it, or to waits while the foreman came to tell me of his presence.

Before I could reach the I corner of our works that Mr Lawley had inspected, he I had gone off in hot haste by the coal train. I was much annoyed by this at the time, and by the unfair manner; in which he had taken a sample of oil from a place far away from the works, and which had no connection whatever with the pollution of the river, This was proved by the fact that when Mr Lawley took the sample (from the accidental leakage of a single cask) the brook below our works was quite free from oil, and everybody knows that an ounce of oil will spread over many square yards of water. Mr Lawley's attention was directed to this, but he would not attend to it.

Mr Lawley's report leads us to the inference that his sample was taken from the brook where oil was coming into it. This was not the case. He could easily have taken it from the brook had it gone there. The shameful destruction of fish which occurred a fortnight before Mr Lawley's visit, was due to an eruption of some tons of oil, or rather acid tar, enough to have filled our little brook entirely. I am surprised that Mr Lawley's inspection should not have enabled him to point at once to the real origin of this wholesale and unprecedented devastation. I should not have troubled you with this letter had Mr Lawley confined his report to its proper business.

Even his statement about a "pipe for conveying waste or gas into the brook, which pipe, like "the clerks," does not and never did exist, would not have been a matter for ' newspaper contradiction ; but the publication of a statement that I have been guilty of instructing our "clerks" to suppress my name, thereby insinuating a guilty motive, is an impertinence cannot allow to pass without notice. Such an insinuation is the more vexatious as I have been at considerable expense and trouble to make arrangements for destroying all that can possibly pollute the river, and our works are so unusually open to everybody's gaze that the idea of concealment is absurd.

As an oil maker I can safely assert that the damage which has j been done to the fish in the Alyn is the result of culpable carelessness, and that if proper precautions were used not a fish need be destroyed. I sincerely hope that the proper authorities will follow up their investigations, and do it thoroughly and fairly, so that the fault may be brought home to those who have done the mischief, and not be left as it now is, a floating accusation against every oil maker in the district. To do this a proper inspection of the works must be made — the filching of an ounce or two of accidental leakage, and then rushing off without further enquiry, will do no good. No oil maker who is working properly can object to a proper inspection, but, on the contrary, would, like myself, wish it to be made, and afford every facility and information for the purpose.

Yours truly, W. MATTIEU WILLIAMS.

From the Wrexham Advertiser, 29th December 1866

Extract from: Report of the Coal Commission to enquire as to the quantity of coal at present consumed in various branches of manufacture..." - appointed 7th July 1866.

List of Cannel and Shale Oil Works, distilling crude petroleum from cannel coal, or bituminous shales of sandstones, so far as these have been ascertained, were in 1865 as follows; Many of these are now idle:"

• Flintshire Oil and Cannel Coal Company, Limited - Saltney.
• British Oil and Cannel Company - Leeswood
• Canneline Oil Company - Coed Talon
• Coppa Oil Company - Padeswood
• William's Patent Mineral Charcoal and Oil Company - Ponty Bodkin
• W. B. Marston's Oil Works - Coed Talon
• Leeswood Main Cannel Oil Company - Hope and Leeswood
• North Wales Oil Company - Lower Leeswood
• Padeswood Oil Company - Padeswood
• Roger Jones and Company - Hope
• E. G. Buttery and Company - Hope
• Thomas Green - Padeswood
• G. H. Birkbeck and Company - Padeswood
• Ness and Griffiths - Padeswood
• Barlow and Jeff's - Coed Talon
• F. Page and Company - Padeswood
• Mold Mineral Oil Company - Mold
• G. F. Milthorp - Padeswood
• Glover and Company - Leeswood
• Hardman and Sharett - Tryddu
• Plasy Mhowys Oil Company - Nerquis
• The Cambrian Oil Company – Hope.

From Ure's Dictionary of Arts. Manufactures and Mines, Vol III, Sixth Edition, 1867

This article from Ure's Dictionary is signed "WMW". The Birmingham Journal of 11th May 1867, in reviewing the dictionary, list many of its expert contributors, which included William Mattieu Williams. There is therefore little doubt that the article was authored by William Mattieu Williams, Chairman of Williams' Patent Mineral Charcoal and Oil Co. Ltd. and General Manager of the Pont-y-Bodkin works of the London, Leeswood and Erith Mineral Oil Co. Ltd

The manufacture of paraffine and paraffine oils from cannel and shales has now become one of the important branches of national industry The rapidity of its development is almost unexampled The few years that have elapsed between the publication of the last and the present edition of this work comprise nearly the whole period of its history during which it has extended from the single enterprise of Messrs. Young & Co to a long list of wealthy and influential companies the great majority of which have been established during the last three years and their numbers are still rapidly increasing. The most important centres are the Bathgate district which has now extended throughout nearly the whole of Linlithgow and encroaches upon Edinburghshire and the Leeswood oil district in Flintshire The Scotch oil works are almost exclusively supplied with shales of which the most important is the Boghead or Torbane Hill mineral the technical definition of which whether coal or shale was once the subject of so warm a controversy. It is found a little to the south of Bathgate It takes precedence of all the raw materials for the distillation of paraffine and paraffine oils both historically and in point of richness. It was the material originally worked by Mr. Young as above described. The other shales of the district vary considerably in richness both as regards the quantity and quality of the distilled products

In Flintshire three varieties of material are used and although they lie in juxtaposition in the same seam they are very distinct in appearance and in the quantity and quality of their products They are the curly cannel the smooth cannel and the bottom shale or "bastard cannel" .

These have been well known to exist for at least a century have been used for making blacking and as a fuel to mix with ordinary coal for giving life and flame to the cottagers fires The demonstration of their value as sources of paraffine &c is due entirely to the persevering efforts of Mr. W.C. Hussey Jones during the years of 1861 and 1862 which finally resulted in the formation of the Leeswood Green Cannel and Gas Coal Company and the oil works of Messrs. Fernie & Co at Leeswood in Flintshire and at Saltney in Cheshire. Since 1863 the extension of the branch of industry thus inaugurated has effected a change in the once quiet and picturesque valley of Leeswood, Coed Talon and the surrounding districts that can only be exceeded by the results of the gold discovery in California and Australia. The Leeswood cannel seam is from five to six feet thick in the best portions of the basin which is but of very limited area and thins out at its boundaries The upper portion of the seam consists of the smooth cannel having a thickness of about 25 to 30 inches next below is the curly cannel about 18 inches in thickness and below this the shale or bastard cannel which varies considerably both in thickness and richness It ranges from about 14 inches to 2 feet in thickness In some places especially to the westward of Leeswood this shale is replaced by a common bituminous coal which adhering firmly to the smooth cannels seriously interferes with its value as a source of burning oil the distillate from this coal containing oils of the benzole and naphthaline series giving red smoky flames. Northward beyond the river Alyn and towards Mold the whole seam thins out to 18 or 24 inches and contains only smooth cannel.

Besides these there is a bituminous ironstone similar to the black band ironstone of Scotland which comes in irregularly with the bottom shale and a black shale forming the roof above the smooth. Both of these contain oil but have not hitherto been regularly worked.

Curly cannel yields upon distillation about 30 per cent of crude oil of specific gravity varying from 875 to 890 Smooth cannel about 10 per cent of crude oil of specific gravity from 925 to 940 and the shale which is very variable yields from 12 to 15 percent of oil specific gravity about 900.

Crude oils being sold by gravity the value rising as the density diminishes the value of the curly cannel is far in excess of either of the others both on account of the quantity and quality of its yield. At the present time, 1866, it is worth from 28s to 30 per ton at the pit's mouth the prices of smooth cannel and shale being respectively about 12 and 9 per ton at the pit's month Though differing so materially both as regards quantity and specific gravity of oil produced these three minerals lie in direct contact with each other without any visible intermediate deposit nevertheless the line of separation is clear and definite and they show no tendency to run into each other Their external characteristics render them easily distinguishable They separate with moderate facility when struck with a coal hatchet and are usually worked by holeing in the smooth cannel next the roof and then wedging upwards.

Considerable modifications have been made in the mode of distillation of cannel and shales since the early operations of Messrs. Young but the amount of progress and improvement has scarcely been commensurate with the ingenuity which has been brought to bear upon the subject Some of the most promising projects have failed entirely at great cost to the projectors.

Before describing any of these projects in detail it is necessary that the nature of the process and the conditions requiring to be fulfilled should be clearly understood The cannel or shale has to be enclosed in a suitable vessel subjected to the degree of heat necessary to drive off its condensable vapours which vapours must pass through an outlet communicating with a suitable condensing apparatus

This is simple enough and for the mere production of paraffine oils from cannel or shale any kind of pot with an outlet pipe heated sufficiently by any kind of fire will suffice but to produce the maximum quantity of condensable vapours and the minimum quantity of incondensible gas with the greatest degree of rapidity and with the smallest amount of outlay in plant labour and fuel is a problem of some practical difficulty.

At first sight the distillation of crude oil from cannels and shales appears almost identical with gas making and accordingly the early retorts were simply copies of those found by experience to be most suitable for gas making.

It soon became understood however that some of the most important conditions to be observed are exactly the opposite of those upon which success in gas making depends In gas making the desideratum is to obtain the maximum amount of permanently elastic gas and the minimum of condensible vapours in oil making we require to reduce the permanent gases to the minimum or if possible to make none and to obtain in their place the greatest possible quantity of condensible vapours It is now well known that if these condensible vapours are exposed to a high temperature they are decomposed and to a considerable extent converted into permanent gas and that the proportion of permanent gas bears some relation to the excess of temperature the greater the heat the more incondensible gas and the less condensible vapours are formed In gas making therefore a very high temperature is desirable in oil making the great object is to subject the coal to no excess of temperature beyond that which is absolutely necessary for its distillation into condensible vapours.

The mischief done by excessive heat is by no means limited to the mere loss of the percentage of vapour converted into permanent gas for in addition to this the oil produced suffers a serious deterioration In the manufacture of paraffine oils the C2 H6 series of oils are required a high temperature converts these into a different series the precise nature of which has not yet been by any means satisfactorily determined It is commonly stated that the benzole and naphthaline series are thus produced from cannels and shales This however is but a loose assertion for though it may be possible to produce these at certain high temperatures no one has yet determined what those temperatures are and there is little doubt that at the intermediate temperatures an intermediate series of uninvestigated products are formed.

Without dwelling further on obscure theoretical considerations we may state generally that the practical result of excessive heat is besides a wasteful production of permanent gas the production of a crude oil of darker colour higher specific gravity and possessing a characteristic odour well known to practical oil makers as that of burnt oil This burnt crude oil contains less solid paraffine and is much more difficult to refine than crude oil made at a lower temperature from like material It requires much more acid treatment and even then produces burning oil which still retains the burnt odour and blackens the lamp glasses

The difficulties standing in the way of distillation at the proper temperature are:

• 1st, the necessity of decomposing before distillation
• 2nd, the varying boiling points of the different products
• 3rd, the law of radiation which demand a higher temperature in the retort than that of the coal and
• 4th the commercial necessity of rapid working

We will consider these seriatim and in describing the improvements and attempted improvements in retorts refer each to the difficulty that it aims to overcome

• 1 st - Although these hydrocarbons known as paraffine oils and paraffine are obtained from the cannel by distillation it is quite clear that they do not exist there as such We may saturate a mass of the porous cannel coke with these hydrocarbons or with crude solid paraffine and produce a flaming coal thereby which upon careful distillation will give back the volatile hydrocarbons but this artificially saturated coke is essentially different from the original cannel as shown by the fact that we may remove the hydrocarbon from the saturated coke by pounding it and washing with a solvent of paraffine &c while the cannel itself resists the action of all such solvents The same is the case with boghead and paraffine shales generally though they are not infrequently described as porous minerals merely saturated with bituminous matter by infiltration The distillation of cannels and shales is thus a more complex process than the distillation of a volatile oil a resin or bitumen In the latter case the substance is merely raised to its boiling point and this beat being maintained its vapour is driven off In the distillation of coal the first function of the heat is to overcome the chemical affinities which hold the hydrocarbon elements in the peculiar form in which they exist in the coal and then after this separation to drive their vapours over It is a compound process of decomposition and distillation and the heat has to overcome the combined forces of chemical and cohesive attraction Hence a considerably higher temperature than that of the mere boiling point of the resultant hydrocarbons is necessary Here then at the outset we encounter an insuperable necessity for heating the vapours considerably above their boiling points to a temperature in fact at which some degree of further decomposition must take place and some amount of permanent gas must be formed
• 2nd - The boiling points of the different volatile hydrocarbons obtainable from the cannel or shale range from about 200 to above 500 Fahr. In order to drive off the latter we are compelled to raise the temperature to about 300 above the boiling point of the former exclusive of the excess of heat required for the primary decomposition described under No 1
• 3rd - When any kind of closed retort or oven is used which is charged internally and the coal receives its heat from the outside it is not merely necessary to raise the temperature of the sides of such retort to the decomposing and distillation heat but to something above this heat as no body can give off any heat by radiation or convection to another body unless it be hotter than the body which is to receive the beat As the quantity of heat communicated by radiation to a given surface varies inversely with the square of the distance from it this difference of temperature requires to be increased very considerably as we enlarge the retort in any manner that increases the distance of portions of the coal from its heated surface
• 4th - The commercial necessity of rapid working in order to economise original outlay upon plant drives us to enlarged retorts acting disadvantageous under No. 3 and to exaggerate the excess of temperature of the retort surface in order to effect rapid communication of heat It will be at once understood that the combined action of these four necessities is to expose the vapour that is formed to the action of the greatly superheated retort walls and thereby decompose it. The primary object of all improvements beyond those directed to economising labour and plant is to overcome or diminish these sources of loss and deterioration and in describing the different forms of retort we shall refer to their intent accordingly.

It will be readily seen that the first of these difficulties is insuperable that the others for themost part can only be partially overcome and thus that the process is necessarily wasteful to some extent All crude oil works present a painful manifestation of this in the flaring jets of gas that illuminated so vividly the surrounding country

These works being for the most part situated in rural districts no use is made of the gas for illuminating purposes and as a source of heat it does not in ordinary cases pay for the cost of conveying it under the retorts inasmuch as the waste coke at hand for fuel The project to supply Chester with the waste gas from the Flintshire Oil Works has been defeated by parliamentary interference in behalf of vested interests

Many oil makers still hope that ultimately the production of this waste gas may be altogether avoided A consideration of the above will probably lead the reader to share the scepticism which the writer has long maintained on this point.

The first step made beyond using the common gas retort was to increase greatly the width and diminish the height of the D retort and forming thereby the flat D now very extensively used and by most manufacturers still regarded as practically the most useful form of retort. As almost every firm has its particular pattern we can only state dimensions generally from 8 to 10 feet is the usual length width from 30 inches to 5 feet 6 inches commonly 3 to 4 feet and height from 12 to 24 inches The verdict of experience runs in favour of further flattening down to the 12 inches.

Fig 1450a represents the general arrangement of Mr. Birkbeck's flat D's in plan and section where ab is the body of the retort c the outlet pipe de the flat condenser fg transverse section of body of retort at f1g1 the retort door and screw clamp i i i furnace and flue. These retorts are 5 feet 6 inches wide. They are in operation at Mr. G.A. Birkbeck's oil works near Padeswood, Flintshire. The advantage of such retorts over the D gas retort is obvious upon consideration of difficulty No .3 The coal is spread over a large surface in a thinner layer and yet a large quantity is included in one charge. All experience goes in favour of spreading out the coal in thin layers rather than packing it a thick mass. The thinner the layer the smaller will be the difference of temperature between the retort itself and the last heated portion of its contents.

Fig. 1450b represents another form of flat D.; ab, body of the retort, cd, main condensor end outlets; eee, zigzag supplementary condenser, made of cast spouting pipe. It is made by Bryan Johnson of Chester.

This retort differs but little from the previous one, excepting in having a large outlet with more direct communication with the condenser, and the modified form of the condenser itself. A large outlet is always advantageous, as by its means the vapours more readily escape from the decomposing action of the heated retort and its contents

In order to get rid of these vapours in the most rapid manner possible, Mr.. W. Mattieu Williams, of Ponty Bodkin Works, Flintshire, applies the heat to the top of the retort, which is charged by placing the coal in trays with a bottom of perforated iron. The vapours, which are of high specific gravity, thus escape into a preliminary condensing chamber formed by the lower part of the retort. The objection to this arrangement is the necessity of a larger proportion of fuel, as the charge is only heated on one side.

These retorts have been further modified, in order to obtain a perfect coke from the Flintshire smooth cannel, which when distilled at a high temperature yields nearly a pure carbon. The laboratory process of "fractional distillation" is carried out on a large scale by means of retorts 22 feet long, 3 feet wide, of rectangular section. These are charged with a series of trays 6 inches deep. The fire is placed at one end of the long retort with a flue of its full width extending along the top and terminating in a chimney at the other end; thus one end is much hotter than the other. The retort is open at both ends, and the trays are inserted successively at the cooler end, and pass on to the hottest end, one tray being withdrawn, and the remaining trays pushed forward and another inserted every two hours; the doors being rapidly opened and closed by a simple mechanism. The distillation is thus conducted in a series of two-hour stages. In the first water is driven off, next, some water and the lightest oil ; then a heavier oil ; and finally solid paraffine and pitchy matter, at a gas-making heat, leaving a flameless coke of nearly pure carbon.

This method of working is more costly in labour than that of the common retorts - a difference the inventor hoped to cover by the value of the coke or mineral charcoal, as he terms it. Hitherto, however, the expected applications of this coke to metallurgical operations have not been carried out, which is much to be regretted, as millions of tons of nearly pure carbon might thus be made available from the Flintshire and other cannels.

Another device for affording free escape of the oil vapours from the heated surface of the retort is that of placing a shelf along the middle or upper part of the ordinary D retort. The charge is thrown upon this, and falling over on each side leaves an open space below the shelf, care being taken to spread the layer at the bottom, so as not in any part to reach the shelf. A portion of the vapours travels along this space to the outlet, and thus escapes all contact with the sides of the retort. There are many modifications of the shelf retort in use. Griffith's retorts are cylindrical, the shelf is substituted by a grating of nearly semicircular section, and there are two charging doors, one above and one below the grating. These shelf retorts act very well when the above conditions of charging are fulfilled; but, as very rude labourers are employed for such work, this is seldom the case, and the work being done in the dark through a small door, strict supervision is very difficult to carry out practically.

This difficulty is overcome in W. M. Williams' smaller retorts, shown in fig. 1450c, where a a is the body of the retort, a, the furnace, ccc the flue and chimney, d d the condenser, with three beaters or diaphragms eee. f f is a charging tray upon a wagon running upon rails along the front of the bench of retorts, h h,is a strong wood platform which receives the coal from the railway trucks, and from which it is thrown down into the trays, gg shows the position of the tray when tilted for discharging, the end next to the platform being open and the bottom of the wagon moving on a pivot.

The tray f f is divided into an upper and lower compartment by means of hinged flaps, which in the first place are folded back, when about 8 inches depth of cannel is thrown upon the bottom. This part of the charge is spread out in such a manner that its thickness shall vary with the temperature of the different parts of the retort. Then the flaps are folded down, forming an upper shelf. The remainder of the charge is thrown upon this, and the tray thus charged with two layers, and a regulated space between them is pushed into the retort. It is withdrawn by means of a winch and chain attached to the wagon, and tipped, as shown at gg.

The regulation of the layers of the charge to the varying temperature of the retort is effected by a very simple device. The tray itself is in the first place converted into a practical pyrometer by scrubbing the sides with sand till moderately bright, then leaving it for a short time in a fairly heated retort. The tray becomes oxidised with films showing the well-known gradations of straw colour, nut-brown, purple, blue, &c, and by taking the line of one of these colours a curve of equal temperature is marked on the side of the tray. Corresponding with this a strap of strong angle iron is riveted along the insides of the tray, which forms a ledge as well as a strengthening edge bar to the tray. This ledge fixes the height of the bottom layer of coal, which is streaked down to its proper level by means of a heavy rake of the whole width of the tray, and which therefore rests upon this ledge at each end when drawn backwards and forwards over the coal.

These retorts are found to work the cannel slack most advantageously, a thick layer of slack being altogether unmanageable, as it cakes together and resists the passage of the heat to the interior of the mass. The beaters or diaphragms eee are circular plates of sheet iron fixed inside the condenser, and concentric with it. Their diameter is two or three inches less than that of the interior of the cylindrical condenser, and thus there is a space of about an inch all round them. The heated vapours are thereby dashed outwards against the cooling sides of the condenser, instead of ascending as a heated current through the middle and escaping uncondensed by the gas-pipe above. This simple device has overcome the practical objection to upright condensers of large diameter and moderate height, and since their introduction in connection with these retorts they have been adapted to many other forms of retort, and in Flintshire are now generally preferred to either the horizontal condenser, fig. 1450 a, or the pipe condensers, 1450 A. They are cheap and compact, and not liable to derangement from clogging. Very complex forms of condensers were used in the first stages of coal oil-making, worm tubes, with water tanks and hydraulic mains of various patterns. It is now found that simple radiation is a sufficient cooling agent

Fig. 1450d represents in section the upright retort of Mr. Holmes of Ruabon, where a a a is the body of the retort, b the discharging outlet for the coke, c the charging mouth, d the vapour outlet, ee and ff the condensers. In this retort the internal cage shown in the figure serves the purpose of the shelves, &c. already described, as by its means the charge forms a layer occupying the space a a a in contact with the retort walls, while the vapours pass into the cage and thence to the condenser. It is easily charged where the coal is brought from an upper level.

Fig. 1450e represents Bryan Johnson's modification of the Scotch upright retorts, which work a continuously descending charge. Supposing the retort to be filled, the valve at a is opened, and a portion of the coke let down into the receiving water tank, c c. The hopper d being filled with a corresponding quantity of fresh cannel or shale, the valve b is raised by means of the lever e e, and the retort is filled. This is repeated at short intervals, and thus the charge is gradually worked downwards. Theoretically, these retorts should be hottest at the bottom, and the heat gradually diminish upwards, but practically there is great difficulty in arranging the flues to obtain a regular gradation of heat on account of the rapidity with which the heated gases of the flues ascend when the draught is at all free.

The revolving retort is an American invention. It is shown in elevation and section in fig. 1450f, the lettering being the same in the sections and the elevation. a a is the body of the retort, a cast-iron cylinder (wrought-iron have also been used) usually about 7 feet diameter, and 7 feet long. The cylinder turns on the axles c and d d, the latter, d d, is hollow and serves also as the vapour outlet to the condenser g, which has a second or supplementary condenser shown in section at a, connected with the first by the swan neck i i. The cylinder or body of the retort is turned very slowly by means of an endless screw, e, working in a toothed wheel, f . The charging door, k, is on the opposite face of the cylinder. The heat is communicated from the furnace by means of arched flue which embraces the whole of the cylinder. To charge the retort the door,k, is turned upwards as shown in the figure; to discharge it is by a half revolution from this position brought to the lower side.

The action of these retorts will be easily understood. The charge is continually rolled over, and thus fresh portions are brought in direct contact with the heated surface. By this means a very rapid distillation is effected. In this respect they are most efficient. The objections to them are their costliness in the first place, and their liability to crack, from the unequal expansion of so large a surface of metal. They cannot be protected all round, as ordinary retorts are, by a casing of fire bricks, and being thus exposed to the direct action of the fire are rapidly destroyed, especially if great care is not taken to remove the lining of carbon deposit which forms on the inside. When ordinary cannel is used, they have to be cleaned out weekly, which involves a serious loss of time in cooling down and reheating all the surrounding brickwork. This difficulty is to a great extent overcome by working lumps of hard shale with the cannel, which is especially necessary when cannel slack, for which these retorts are best adapted, is used. Where the material to be used is liable to soften and become at all adhesive when treated, these retorts are utterly useless. When it forms a hard clinker coke, they may with careful management be advantageously used, as the quantity of work done by them is very great.

Another difficulty is presented by a very friable material which readily crumbles into dust, as such dust flies over with the vapour and makes a very dirty oil.

Among the earlier efforts to improve the process of distillation of coal, &c., was a the application of superheated steam. Several patents hate been secured for this, the general object being to drive the heated vapour through a mass of coal broken into small pieces, and thereby apply the heat directly to each fragment, thus completely avoiding the third source of excessive temperature, besides affording an effectual means of regulating the temperature while diffusing it equally throughout the whole mass.

This method, though so admirable in theory, has failed in practice, after being well tried by Messrs.. Young, by Messrs.. Lavender and Co. at the Canneline Oil Works, Flintshire, and by others. It is now, as far as we are aware, altogether abandoned. The difficulties that have led to its abandonment were mainly the costliness of the superheating process, and the great amount of steam required to be formed in the first place, and then to be condensed. It must be remembered that while the latent heat of steam is equal to about 1000° Fahr., that of the hydrocarbons primarily to be distilled is not above one-tenth of this; thus every pound of steam requires for its condensation about ten times the amount of cooling surface, which is necessary for the condensation of a pound of oil vapour ; and the complete condensation of the steam is necessary, as it obstinately retains an important quantity of oil vapour diffused through it .

The use of heated gases, such as nitrogen, carbonic acid, &c, in the place of steam, overcomes this difficulty, but the cost of preparing the gases renders their application equally impracticable on the primary score of economy.

The meerschaum retort is a modification of the principle of distilling the coal by internal application of heat. This is effected by means of a large chamber or kiln, rather than retort, constructed of fire-brick and shaped like a huge tobacco pipe- bowl, with which an exhaust-pipe like the stem of a tobacco-pipe communicates with the bottom. This exhaust-pipe communicates with suitable condensing chambers. The bowl or kiln is charged with the cannel or shale, on the top of which is laid a stratum of burning coke or a mixture of coke and slack. As soon as this upper stratum is in a state of full combustion, the exhaustion is commenced by means of a steam jet, and the heated products of combustion are drawn down through the charge. That portion immediately below the fire is of course the first acted upon, the action commencing with a distillation of the most volatile products. As the heat increases, the more stubborn and denser vapours are driven downwards through the lower mass, and by their heat commence the distillation there. Subsequently, the upper layer of cannel having all its volatile constituents driven off, becomes a coke, and at this stage is so highly heated as to burn and give off combustion products, viz. carbonic oxide, &c., instead of distillation products, thus serving as fuel for the cannel below, and so on till the mass is coked to the bottom. When this is completed, the steam jet is turned off, the exhaustion ceases, and the charge is drawn from below, a portion of it being used in its burning state for starting a neighbouring kiln, which should always be charged ready to commence working when its predecessor has reached this stage.

The meerschaum is an American invention, was first tried on Long Island with Boghead imported from Scotland, but shortly afterwards abandoned. Its projectors maintain that the abandonment was purely the result of the competition of petroleum springs, and not due to any defect in the principle of the meerschaum itself.

Mr. Holmes is now erecting some of these retorts in the neighbourhood of Ruabon, and is very sanguine of their success. The first trials already made have not been quite satisfactory, the condensing arrangements being insufficient, and an extension of these is now in course of construction. The size of Mr. Holmes' meerschaums is 12 feet high, and 8 feet diameter internal measurement. They are to be charged to a depth of 10 feet, and to contain 12 tons of cannel.

The refining of the liquid portion of the crude oils is still conducted in the manner already described as Messrs.. Young's method. A great many patents have been secured, a large proportion of them evidently based upon the theory that the refining of these oils is simply a process of oxidation analogous to that of the bleaching of vegetable colours. Some degree of oxidation undoubtedly does take place in the course of the refining process, but this is far from being the whole action. The sulphuric acid appears to act chiefly as a carbonising agent, and by heterogeneous adhesion to the carbonaceous or pitchy colouring matters which it carries down with it in the form of "acid tar." The theory of the action is, however, by no means fully understood. It still offers a most interesting field for a thorough investigation.

Among the many processes patented may be named the use of hypochlorite of lime, the application of chlorine gas to the vapours of the oils, of nascent chlorine to the liquid oil by the decomposition of hydrochloric acid or chloride of sodium with black oxide of manganese, the use of bichromate of potass and other chromates, and of free chromic acid, of the permanganates, and almost every known oxidising agent.

The sulphuric acid treatment is the only method which has been found commercially successful. The proportion of acid required depends upon the oil, and must be determined by experiment. Generally speaking, the heavier oils require more acid than the lighter; but even this rule is subject to special exceptions.

Many forms of agitators have been adopted, from simple tubs with a paddle to very complex devices worked by steam power; the problem, however, is merely to keep a heavy liquid, sulphuric acid, stirred up amidst a lighter one, the crude or "once run" oil. A cast-iron vessel fitted with paddles, working on an axle similar to a common churn, is the apparatus generally used. Upright cylindrical vessels, with an Archimedean screw working vertically to raise the acid from the bottom, have been used, but not extensively.

In some refineries the crude oil is treated with the acid and alkali, but more commonly it is "once run" as already described. In all the stages of distillation for the refinery, the use of superheated or dry steam is found very advantageous, not as the primary source of heat, but as an auxiliary. In accordance with the well-established law of diffusion of gases, the vapour from the boiling oil will diffuse much more readily into an atmosphere of steam than into one of its own vapour, and thus the superheated, or simply the dry steam, enables the distillation to be conducted at a lower temperature than -would be necessary without it, which is a matter of considerable importance, not merely as regards the quantity of work done with given fuel, but also as affecting the quality of the oil produced.

The form of still most commonly used is shown in fig. 1450g, usually of a capacity of 1,000 to 2,000 gallons. Much difference of opinion prevails among refiners as regards the merits of cast or wrought iron. Many serious conflagrations have lately occurred from the sudden cracking of cast-iron stills, which have led to a much more extensive use of wrought-iron than formerly.

It is a common practice in the first running of crude oil to use a wrought-iron still, or still of cast-iron with bottom outlet pipe, like that in fig. 1450g, for the first part of the process, until the heavier products begin to run over, then to run out the residue from this still into a small round bottom still, without bottom outlet, and then " coke down," that is, carry on the distillation to dryness. By this means the most dangerous stage is carried on in the smaller still, which is far less liable to rupture. Wrought-iron stills cannot well be used for coking down, the great heat required destroying the rivets.

In the refining of the solid paraffine considerable progress has been made, the method now most commonly adopted being totally different from the sulphuric acid treatment above described as Young's process.

In the first place, the crude oil is distilled over to dryness, "coked down", as already described. The heavy oil obtained from the latter stages of distillation is found to contain large quantities of bright crystalline scales of solid paraffine in suspension. It is a curious fact, that although this solid paraffine exists in the crude oil, it does not crystallise out in this manner until subject to a second distillation. In the crude oil, the pitchy constituents seem to cling to the paraffine particles and hold them back from crystallisation, bo that they form an amorphous greasy mass when the light oil only is distilled off from the crude. This grease, however, when distilled gives over a rich lubricating oil of pale brown colour, with the paraffine crystals in such a state of free suspension that they are readily separated at a low temperature. This separation of " brown paraffine scale" is effected by " bagging " and pressing. The bagging is simply a filtration in canvas bags, which are usually filled and tied up, then heaped together or thrown into perforated boxes till the greater portion of the oil filters out. The contents of the bags are then submitted to a gradually increasing hydraulic pressure till the utmost possible degree of dryness is obtained in the cake of crystalline scales.

The quantity of solid paraffine thus obtained depends in a great measure upon the temperature at which these operations are conducted, as the oil is a solvent to the paraffine, and the quantity it is capable of dissolving rapidly increases as the temperature rises. In small works this separation of paraffine is only conducted in cool weather. In larger works refrigerating machines are used. The purification of the brown paraffine scale thus obtained is now effected by the simple process of dissolving it in a hot solution of the mo6t volatile "paraffine spirit" obtainable. American petroleum spirit is the best adapted for this purpose, it is cheap and more volatile than coal oil spirit.

The scale having been dissolved in about an equal weight of spirit, the solution is set to cool in suitable vessels. As it cools, the solid paraffine recrystallises, in the course of which action it rejects the impurities associated with it, giving up its brown colour and the liquid solvent. The cooled mixture of crystal and spirit is again submitted to pressure, whereby the spirit is separated, and the crystals, now of a cream colour, are again dissolved in colourless spirit and the same treatment repeated. A third treatment is usually necessary to obtain perfect purification, when beautiful crystals of exquisite snowy whiteness are obtained, presenting the most perfect contrast imaginable to the coal from which they are derived.

The chief drawback to this process is the waste of spirit by evaporation during the cooling and pressing processes. By careful and intelligent management this waste may be materially reduced. The refuse spirit, which has received the colouring matter and other impurities from the brown scale, is easily refined by simple distillation, and may be used again and again. The brown refuse left in the still may be treated afresh as crude paraffine scale, as there always remains a portion of paraffine in it which continued in solution when the rest crystallised out. This, however, is of inferior quality, having a lower melting point, and is usually sold in a semi-refined state for making common candles, burning in miners' lamps, &c, &c.

This mode of refining paraffine is not only cheaper than the acid treatment, but when skillfully conducted produces a superior article with a higher melting point than the paraffine which has been subject to the acid treatment and redistillation. Whiteness, freedom from smell, and a high melting point, are the commercial tests upon which the value of paraffine depends.

The importance of the latter may easily be understood when we consider that the melting point of the best paraffine is but 125° F., while inferior qualities are much lower. Paraffine, like wax, resin, and such substances, softens at many degrees below its melting point ; hence candles made of an inferior paraffine are liable to bend over into strange shapes in a heated ball-room, or in a hot climate. This was very vexatiously and absurdly exemplified at the coronation of the Emperor Maximilian in Mexico, when at one of the festivals all the beautiful "spermaceti" candles, ordered expressly from England, and numbering several thousands, though brilliantly successful at first, gradually softened as the throng increased, and finally bowed over altogether, flaring hideously and guttering in streams upon the dresses of the visitors.

In order to remove the last traces of the spirit, which if left behind lowers the fusing point, besides giving its odour to the paraffine, the scales are fused and heated to about 240° F., care being taken to go no higher than this, as at 260° the paraffine acquires a yellow colour similar to that of bees'-wax. It is, therefore, necessary that the spirit should be freely and fully volatile at or below 240°, and that all the heavy oil should be separated in the earlier stages of the process. This fused paraffine is run into molds and sold in cakes as " paraffine wax," which is now becoming the great staple material for the manufacture of the better class of candles. Every year the price of these candles has come down lower and lower, in consequence of the increased production by improved methods The recent improvement will doubtless bring this beautiful material within the reach of all classes, by reducing it to a price but little, if at all, exceeding that of common tallow. W.M.W

The London, Leeswood, and Erith Oil and Mineral Company treated their workmen at the Pontblyddyn Oil and Coal Works to a substantial dinner on Saturday last, when between 60 and 70 workmen assembled in the brick-shed, near the Miners' Arms, which was well warmed and neatly decorated for the occasion. The providing of the repast was entrusted to Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, landlady of the Miners' Arms, and all spoke well of her catering capabilities.

Mr W. Mattieu Williams, the general manager, presided, and was supported his right by Mr Young, and on his left Mr W. Davies, foremen of the company's two branches of works. The Rev. D. Evans, Pontblyddyn, was vice-president. The cloth having been removed, the Chairman, in proposing "The Queen and Royal Family," observed that workmen would soon take part in the political affairs the country. As a body the working classes were those who respected the laws of the country, and they were loyal as any of Her Majesty's subjects, and her Majesty was certainly the Queen of the people.

He had once witnessed a number of working men being presented to her Majesty, when she thanked them for preparing a park which was opened on that day. Her sons were taught useful arts. The Prince of Wales had once acted as bricklayer, and his brother carried bricks and mortar for him whilst Swiss cottage was being erected by them, the furniture of which the princes made with their own hands. This was a good plan of engaging the sympathy of the future king of England with the working classes. (Cheers.) Song by Mr North - "Men be steady." The President then gave the health of "The Chairman and Directors of the Company" When the workmen enjoyed their treat twelve months ago, there were two companies, one of which gave a treat to the men; but now they were under one board of directors, and he (the chairman) felt anxious that the men under him should be met by him according to the old custom, to exchange a little friendly feeling; and so he wrote to the board of directors, who lived at a distance, but who still had the welfare of the workmen at heart, and the secretary replied that they were to have their treat at the expense of the company.

The oil trade being bad just now (though bad as it was he expected that the company would get a dividend), they might have excused themselves and said they could not give the men the treat this year, but such was not the case, and he was happy to tell them they were gentlemen in every sense of the word. (Cheers.) Song by the Chairman "A Norrible Tale." The Vice-Chairman then proposed "Success to the London, Leeswood, and Erith Oil and Mineral Company," coupled with the name of Mr W. Mattieu Wilams, the manager. He had no doubt all present would wish them large dividend. Let them hope there were better times in store for the oil trade. He knew Williams lived in "'Hope." (Laughter.)— The toast was drunk with musical honours.

The Chairman thanked them very cordially for the manner the toast had been received, and said believed that the men would not only drink the health of the masters, but that they would work it. They were mutually dependent. The capitalists found the plant and advanced the wages ; the men worked and made the capital productive. If the men attempted to sink pits and raise minerals, they would fail; and on the other band if the capitalists tried to without the men, they would also fail. He would be very happy to see the day when these matters were better understood by all parties. It was time that they should be taught in the schools. The better understanding of them would prevent strikes and disputes between masters and men. He knew of a better plan than strikes; he would never strike if he were a miner. Let them save their own capital, and open works of their own. There was no reason whatever why young man should not save his money, and buy share in the Pontblyddyn or any other work. He (the chairman) was but steward, and the company looked to him for the success of the oil trade, and to Mr Young the working of the colliery, and they must render an account of their stewardship. Before this could be done it depended in a great measure on the workmen, that they should not waste the goods of their employers, or spend their time in idleness. There was as much danger from that course the workmen to the master. Suppose all men were wasteful and idle, they would have to be discharged and a stop put to the work. But if works are successful, they will enlarged, thus contribute in a large degree to the general good. That being so, better feeling between employers and employed should be cultivated. He had an earnest respect for the workman ; no one deserved more respect than the man who earned his bread by the sweat of his brow. was sure that if meetings such as they were at were more common, it would engender a better feeling between the masters and the men. He always liked a man better after had dined with him, and Englishmen were all alike in this respect.

The warm feeling the company had shown that night to him in drinking the toast, he most heartily reciprocated, in conclusion he hoped the men would always find good work, liberal wages, and regular employment. (Cheers.) Song by Mr Richard Bates— Teddy the Tiler." The Vice-Chairman then gave the " Health of the working classes," coupling with the toast the name of Mr Young, who briefly returned thanks. Other toasts were proposed, and duly honoured, in eluding the Hostess, Aaron Jones, the owner of brickshed, &c.,; and a very pleasant evening was spent.

The Wrexham Advertiser - 5th January 1867

The Bankruptcy of Lester, Wyllie & Co.

Bankruptcy Court – Yesterday, (Before Sheriff Bell)

Examination of Lester, Wyllie & Co. The partners of the bankrupt firm, viz., Wm. Lester, residing at Campsie Junction, and Robert Wyllie, tertius, residing in Glasgow, were crude and paraffin oil manufacturers at Kirkintilloch and Bathgate, and carried on business at Glasgow. Sederant- Mr William M'Kinnon, accountant, trustee; Mr Arthur Alison, writer, agent in the sequestration; and several creditors..

William Lester, one of the bankrupts, deponed- I commenced business about the end of October or beginning of November, 1865, as a crude oil manufacturer at Kirkintilloch. I had commenced to erect works at Kirkintilloch about May, 1865; it was not till the November following I began the manufacture of oil. In the interim – I think about August, 1865 – I acquired right to trial leases of some shale and coal works under the lands of Drumcross and Drumcross Hall, near Bathgate. I contemplated using the produce of these mineral leases in connection with the manufacturing and refining works at Kirkintilloch. I continued to carry on without any partner until February, 1866. Not having been in business to any extent before the time I have mentioned – November, 1865 – I did not keep books or statements enabling me to say what I was worth at any particular time. My money was principally invested in company shares. After I began business I realised these shares just as I required capital to put into the business. My books show what sums were so realised and put in. The amount of these, down at the time Mr Wyllie joined me, is between £9000 and £10,000.

The business proved profitable while I carried it on individually. According to a statement prepared when Mr Wyllie joined there had been a profit made of about £100; and this notwithstanding the business had been carried on at the disadvantage of the works being in an incomplete state. The oil market was during that period in a flourishing condition. It was beginning to droop when Mr Wyllie joined. The terms of my copartnership with Mr Wyllie are expressed in a minute of copartnery. The partnership was for a period of fifteen years, with certain breaks at the option of either party. The capital stock was £22,000 and was to be equally contributed by the partners. My share of the capital consisted of the leases, works, plant, and assets of the business. Mr Wyllie was to contribute his share in cash by certain instalments. I believe he paid in very nearly the whole of his share; the books will show the exact sum. I took nothing to do with the books or financial affairs of the concern from the time Mr Wyllie joined me. He attended to that department, and I to the manufacturing.

About the end of 1866 I became satisfied the business was very unprofitable. In the beginning of 1867, a statement of our affairs was prepared, which showed we were then unable to meet our liabilities. It did not, however, show us to be insolvent, if we could get additional time to pay. It turned out afterwards that the quantity of stock on hand included in that state of affairs had not been overstated. We could not make an exact estimate of the quantity, but merely an approximation. The heavy portion of the oil on hand being covered under ground, we could only roughly estimate the quantity of it by taking into account the crude oil which had come to the works considerably mistaken, and had over estimated the quantity and value. The oil market declined gradually and rapidly from the beginning of the partnership; and, as already stated, in the beginning of 1867 we found ourselves unable to go on unless allowed further time to pay. We submitted our position to our creditors, and on 5th February made an arrangement with them under which they were to be paid in full at six, twelve, and eighteen months. We expected we would be able to meet these instalments. We thought our state of affairs looked well, and that the state of the market would improve. The market instead of improving got gradually much worse, until we saw we had no hope of being able to meet our first instalment. We intimated this to our creditors, and sequestration was resolved on.

In the statement of affairs given up in the sequestration, the works are entered at their prime cost, but I do not think they would now realise anything like the sum set down. The stock on hand would not realise nearly so much as the sum entered in the statement. As showing the great decline in the price of oil, I may mention that when I began business refined oil was sold at 3s per gallon, now it is sold at 9d. Crude oil, for which I got 1s 2d per gallon in the end of 1865, is now sold at 3d or 4d. The immediate cause of our being satisfied we could not meet the first instalment was that we had no money on hand or coming in, and we had discovered the stock on hand had been over estimated to the value of about £6000 or £7000. By our contract of copartnery we were each entitled to draw at the rate of £700 a year. For the year and a half during which the partnership subsisted I drew little more than £300 in all. There is owing to me by the sequestrated firm of James Palmer & Co. a sum of £700, lent to them under the Limited Partnership Act, but which fills to be ranked after the ordinary creditors have been paid. This claim is therefore of no value. The sum was lent to Palmer & Co. within the last 18 months or two years.

Robert Wyllie, tertius, the other bankrupt, concurred in the deposition of Mr Lester. I contributed, he said, upwards of £10,000 towards my share of capital. Besides the firm of Lesters Wyllie & Co., I am interested in two other businesses, one a bread and biscuit manufactory in Glasgow, under the firm of Robert Wyllie, tertius; and the other a similar designation. The partner of the Glasgow business are my brother James and myself. I am interested in it to the extent of four-fifths, and my brother to the extent of one-fifth. The partners in the Lennoxtown business are my brother John and myself; my interest is three-fourths, his one-fourth. There are regular contracts of copartnery applicable to each business. In each provision is made that on the bankruptcy of either partner the solvent partner shall have power to take over the business, and pay out the insolvent's interest in the concern, as that shall be ascertained as at the date of bankruptcy. The bankrupt partner's interest is to be paid by equal instalments at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months from the bankruptcy. Further examination in the sequestration was adjourned till Tuesday, 30th instant, at 12 o'clock.

The Glasgow Herald, 17th July, 1867

The Bankruptcy of James Palmer & Co.

Bankruptcy Court – Yesterday, (Before Sheriff Strathearn)

Examination in the sequestration of James Palmer & Co. Paraffin Oil Distillers, Crown Point Oil Works, Glasgow, and at Bathgate. The partners of the bankrupt firm were James Page, and Mrs Sophia Austin Morgan or Palmer, sederunt – Mr Alexander Moore, Accountant, trustee; Mr John Naismith, writer, agent in the sequestration; and Mr Arthur Alison, writer for creditors. James Page, one of the bankrupts, deponed – I and Mrs Palmer are the sole partners of the bankrupt firm of James Palmer & Co.

In June or July, 1865, we entered into the Paraffin Oil trade. At that time we commenced to erect our present refining works. The management of the business has through out been in my hands. When we commenced the Paraffin Oil trade we had a capital of £3000. It consisted of £700 of a loan, under the recent Partnership Act, received from Mr William Lester; £300 borrowed by Mrs Palmer from private friends, and which is still unpaid; and £2000, which the firm had at that date. The firm had not at the date mentioned that amount of cash, but the assets exceeded the liabilities to the extent stated.

We had previously been in business as general oil merchants and soap manufacturers, in which business had been successful. Towards the end of 1865 we erected 30 retorts, for the manufacture of crude oil, at Drumgray near Airdrie, which we shortly afterwards disposed of to the lessee of the minerals, accepting as part of payment 100,000 gallons of crude oil to be delivered in monthly quantities. If the crude oil had maintained the price at which it stood when this arrangement was made, we would have made a profit of £2000 by the transaction. The whole of the oil in payment of the works has been delivered. After we had got about half the quantity the market fell; still we made some profit.

In June or July last year we erected 20 retorts at Drumcross, near Bathgate, upon ground near the pits of Messrs Lester, Wylie & Co. with whom we had an arrangement for shale of a given quality at a fixed lordship per gallon of crude oil produced. Our intention was to have erected 80 retorts there, but by the time the first 20 were put up the market gave way, and has since continued in a very depressing state, and prevented out ever working these retorts to a profit. We also entered into contracts with several crude oil makers to supply us with crude oil at prices varying from 8d to 9d per gallon, in the expectation that the market, would remain firm for refined oil, instead of which it gradually fell in price, so that upon several sales of the refined oil we did not realise more than crude oil costs.

In January last we found difficult in meeting out current payments, and a state of our affairs was then prepared, which showed a surprise of a large amount. The works, which were still new, and in full working order, were put in at cost price, and our stock at prices corresponding to the cost of the crude material and the expense of manufacture. It was then hoped an improvement would take place in the market, that we would be enabled to pay our creditors in full, and continue business. With this view an arrangement was effected by which our creditors agreed to allow six, twelve, and eighteen months to pay our debts. This arrangement applied only to debts exceeding £50. Smaller debts had to be paid as the fell due. But the continued depression of the market having rendered this hopeless, we called a meeting of our creditors.

A state of our affairs was laid before them, which showed a deficiency, in place of the apparent surplus in January. The state of our affairs given in by us at the first meeting of our creditors under the sequestration is, I believe, substantially correct. The stock of oil on hand is therein valued at present price. To account for our present position and the differences between the two states of affairs, I have made up and handed a statement to the trustees.

Mrs Palmer, the other partner of the bankrupt firm, deponed – I took no part in the management of the affairs of James Palmer & Co. I know nothing about the business except through Mr Page. This closed the examination, and the statutory oath was emitted by the bankrupts.

The Scotsman, Monday 20th July 1867

North Staffordshire Railway v. Ward

ln this cause Mr. E. Tennant appeared tor the North Staffordshire Railway Company, who were the plaintiffs, and Mr. Sutton appeared for the defendant, Mr. Henry Ward, of Cobridge.

The company claimed the sum of £2 12s. under the following circumstances. The defendant, Mr. Ward, carries business at Cobridge under the name of the Cobridge Oil Company. Some time since a number of empty oil casks were consigned from Stirling by Earp and Co., who were customers of Mr. Ward. Mr. Ward had contracted with the North Staffordshire Railway Company for the conveyance his goods, so that when the casks were delivered in May, 1866, the company's carrier, at Mr. Ward's premises at Cobridge, no charge was made. the monthly statement, however, a charge was made for them, and defendant denied his liability.

His Honour remarked that the defendant's liability rested upon whether the person who had consigned the casks had paid for their conveyance.

Mr. Bold, the goods manager at the Hanley Station, I have evidence of having forwarded the goods the defendant by the carriers, Messrs. Chaplain and Home. He also explained that it was usual for the consignor to pay for the conveyance of empties, and in case they were not paid for, the carrier was instructed to bring them back, if the consignee refused pay.—Francis Smith, the carrier who delivered the empty casks, was called to prove the delivery.

Mr. Sutton, for the defence, contended that the contract was really between the consignors and the Caledonian Railway Company. any damage had been done to the casks the Caledonian Railway Company would have been sued by the consignors. There was contract whatsoever between the defendant and the plaintiffs.

His Honour said that when the goods passed over the plaintiffs' line there was, to speak, a new contract between them and the defendant. Mr. Sutton held that if the casks had been damaged the defendant or the consignors would have had no remedy against the North Staffordshire Railway Company.

His Honour said that if the goods had been damaged the consignors would have had the right of action against the Caledonian Railway Company, and not the North Staffordshire Railway Company, so that he thought Mr, Ward was not responsible for the cost of freight, as he would have had no remedy against either Company.

Mr. Tennant said that the North Staffordshire Railway Company had paid a portion of the money through the clearing-house to the Caledonian Railway Company. The firm who had consigned the casks had not prepaid the carriage, and had since become bankrupts.

Mr. Ward, in his evidence, stated that he was not present when the casks were delivered by the carrier, or should have declined to receive them on being told that the carriage had not been prepaid. After some further argument, Mr. Tennant suggested that his Honour should take time to consider the verdict, but his Honour said that had doubt, and he nonsuited the plaintiffs.

The Staffordshire Sentinel and Commercial & General Advertiser, 17th August 1867

1868 - Slater's Royal National Commercial Directory

HAWARDEN - under "Oil Manufacturers"

• Turner, Joseph & Co. (and railway greases and lubricating compound) Chemical Works Queens Ferry, Flint

HOLYWELL - under "Oil Manufacturers"

• Bagillt Oil Co. oil manufacturers. Bagillt – George Hunter, manager

MOLD - under "Mineral Oil Manufacturers"

• Barlow & Jeff (crude) Coed Talon
• Birkbeck G.H. (crude, refined & lubricating), Padeswood
• British Oil & Cannel Co. Ltd. (crude and refined), Leeswood – John Brookes, manager
• Buttery, E. (crude) Hope station
• Canneline Oil Co. Ltd (crude, burning and lubricating) Coed Talon, John Gibbon, manager
• Coppa Oil Co. Ltd (paraffin and lubricating), Padeswood, J.R. Batty, secretary
• Flintshire Oil and Cannel Co. Ltd., Tryddyn – Thomas Ollis, manager
• Glover, W.W. & Co. (crude), Hope Station
• Lavender, Edward & Co. (refined and lubricating), Mold
• Leeswood Main Coal, Cannel & Oil Co. (crude), Leeswood, S. Byrd, secretary London,
• Leeswood & Erith Mineral Oil Co. Ltd. (crude and refined), Pont y Bodkin; W.M. Williams, manager
• Marston W.B., (burning and lubricating), Leeswood
• Melthorp G.& F., (paraffin &c.), Padeswood
• Middleton, Edwin & Co. (crude), Hope Station
• Myers, James (crude), Coed Talon
• Ness, Griffiths & Jones (crude) Padeswood
• North Wales Coal Oil Co. Ltd. (solid paraffin, crude and lubricating oils), Padeswood; Jos. J. Coleman F.R.S. Manager; office in Chester, 98 Eastgate rd.
• Padeswood Oil Co. Ltd (crude), Padeswood – Wm. Semple secretary
• Page & Co. (crude), Padeswood
• Plas Yn Mhowys coal, cannel & Ironstone Co. Ltd (crude & refeined oils, greases & C.) near Mold; A. Norman Tate, secretary
• Welsh Coal & Mineral Oil Co. Ltd., Oak Pits Colliery, Mold – Charles Hales, manager

RUABON – under "Paraffin Oil Works"

• Crowther & Co. Cefn
• Holmes, Joseph, Cefn
• Lamb F., Cefn

CHESTER – under "Oil Manufacturers"

• British Oil and Cannel Co. Saltney
• The Flintshire Oil and Cannel Co. (shale), St. David's Works, Saltney, near Chester, & 9, Castle street. Liverpool – Charles A. Fisher, secretary

1880 - Slater's Royal National Commercial Directory

MOLD – under "Mineral Oil Manufacturers"

• Birkbeck, George Henry, Coppa Oil Works, Padeswood
• Canneline (The) Oil Co. Limited, (crude burning and lubricating), Coed Talon; John Gibbon, manager; London office, 62 Bishopgate St, within, E.C.
• Marston, W.B., Leeswood Vale Oil Works, Coed Talon
• Wilcocks & Piercy, Royal Cambrian Oil and Grease Works, Hope Station

1885 - Wilson's Trade Directory for Wales

FLINT – under "Mineral Oil Manufacturers"

• Canneline Oil Co. (L) Coed Talon
• Marston, W.B. Oil Works, Coed Talon
• Wilcocks & Piercy, Hope Station

The plaintiffs in this action sought to recover £17 10s. 3d. balance of account due by defendants for grease. —Mr C. Parry appeared for plaintiffs; Mr Roper represented the defendant Lavender.

Mr Parry, in opening the case, said that when the goods were supplied to defendants they were in partnership, but since then the partnership had been dissolved; and he called Bacon, who said that the goods were bought by him of Thomas Strange, manager of the Mold Mineral Oil Company's works at Padeswood. The purchase was made in August, 1865, and the partnership then existing between Mr Lavender and him was dissolved on the 10th of May, last year. — ln cross-examination by Mr Roper, witness said he purchased the goods of Strange Brothers, and the invoices were headed with their names. They were oil brokers.

Mr John Jones (Beehive) was then called, and said he unfortunately was a shareholder in the Mold Mineral Company. Thomas Strange was their manager, as paid servant. He had no right to sell oil belonging to the company in his own name. — Bacon was then recalled, and, in reply to his Honour, he said that he saw some of the goods, for which the debt now sued for was contracted, on the premises of the Mold Mineral Oil Company. — Mr Roper then said that his client had no wish to evade any just claim brought against him, but in May, 1867, when the partnership existing between him and Bacon was dissolved, it was arranged that the latter should dispose of all the stock they had on hand, collect all debts due, and pay off all claims against them. Besides, he submitted the debt was contracted with Strange Brothers, who were oil brokers.

His Honour said that one of the partners had stated in evidence that Strange had no power to sell goods belonging to this company in his own name; and, moreover, Bacon had stated he saw some of the goods on the plaintiffs' premises; therefore there must be judgement for the amount. — Mr Roper then applied for time, that his client might get the amount from Bacon, who had had the effects of the firm of Lavender and Bacon to dispose of, and whose duty it was to have paid the present claim. — Mr Parry objected, on the ground that Bacon would probably come before his Honour in another form shortly. — His Honour; Then he hasn't saved it ? (Laughter.) Ultimately a week was allowed to pay the claim.

The Wrexham Advertiser, 25th January 1868

Edward Henry Taylor was brought before the Rev. Jenkin Davies, on Wednesday, charged with stealing a quantity of gas piping at Coed Talon.

Richard Claney said he was the landlord of the Coach and Horses Inn, Boughton, Chester. He purchased the oil works and machinery of Messrs. Barlow and Jeffs, at Coed Talon. Amongst the property purchased was a quantity of gas piping. That produced was a portion of it.

ln cross-examination by the prisoner, witness said prisoner came to him about eight weeks ago, and he arranged to give prisoner commission if he found him customers. He sold £21 worth of tanks to Messrs. Milthrope, and he afterwards engaged prisoner as a workman at £1 per week and his dinner. He was not to have 2.5 per cent, on things he sold in addition to his wages. He worked for prosecutor for a fortnight, and he gave him some things — a retort worth £1 and a drum.

Prisoner told him he wanted 50 yards of gas piping, which prosecutor said he could have on the same terms as other people, but they were not to be removed till cash was paid. There was an arrangement for a commission after the prisoner was discharged.

Prisoner asked prosecutor why he loaded 50 yards of piping, when the latter replied he would load what he liked. He told prisoner there were 50 yards of piping on the ground which he might have by paying for it. — By the Bench: I did not sell any gas piping to prisoner at all. — Robert Williams said: I am a publican living at Pontblyddyn. On Friday morning last purchased the gas piping produced from the prisoner, and gave him 10s. 1d. for it. He said he had had it instead of some wages that were due to him. He also told me he had had a small retort in the same way. —

P.C. W. Parry said he apprehended the prisoner on a warrant on Tuesday, and he stated that the piping had been given him by Messrs. Claney and Jackson instead of wages, and that he had a letter in his pocket to prove it. — Prisoner desired the case to be postponed, as he could call witnesses to prove that the piping was given to him. — He called James Jackson, broker, Flooker's Brook, near Chester, who said he had agreed to give the prisoner commission on bricks. He also spoke to him about a tank, and witness said he could have it by paying for it. Witness was present when Mr. Claney gave prisoner a retort and a drum. Witness never sold or gave him any piping at all. — Prisoner was then committed for trial at the quarter sessions.

The Wrexham Advertiser; 16th May 1868

In 1865 we supplied our readers with a series of articles describing in full detail, and with illustrative engravings, the various mineral oil works of Flintshire. In the number for November 4, 1865, we published an historical summary of the rise and progress of the mineral oil enterprise of the district, accompanied with a carefully compiled map, in which all the than existing works were represented, together with their means of communication and their relations to the collieries from which their supplies of cannel and shale were derivable. This map was reissued, January 6, 1866, with some works added that had been erected in the meantime, We also published a series of articles on the geology of the district, illustrated with plans and sections.

While these were in the course of publication, the district referred to presented a scene of newly created commercial activity, such as is rarely to be witnessed in a sober middle-aged country like Great Britain, and which could only be paralleled by the gold regions of California and Australia in their early days. Capitalists were rushing not only from all parts of the United Kingdom, but even from America itself, for quite a colony of Americans were there, with Judge Winter at their head, bent upon " licking the Britishers" on their own, soil in the beneficent struggle of manufacturing enterprise. Swarms of labourers poured from all parts. Distressed Lancashire operatives, starved out of home by the cotton famine, came here and found immediate employment. Bricklayers were so scarce that they came especially from London and from Scotland, after the surrounding districts had been drained. The little town of Mold became suddenly so important that the inhabitants of the neighbouring city began to consider whether it might not soon become desirable to describe themselves as living in " a place called Chester, near Mold." The rents of all the habitable and several non-inhabitable houses for miles around where raised exorbitantly, and workmen's lodgings were so frightfully scarce that the ingenious arrangements of the enterprising landlady of Messrs.Box and Cox was systematically carried out, night workers and day workers sleeping alternately in the same bed, and the numbers crowded thus both day and night into each room being so great that we are really afraid to repeat the figures which were confidently stated at the first meeting of a sanitary committee, held in the Leeswood schoolroom, when cholera threatened the district. There was a mad rush for cannel. Leases of property known to contain cannel were transferred at enormous premiums, and every other holding of land not known to contain cannel was bored in all directions in the hope of finding it. The "curly cannel," which in old times had only been used to give a cheerful blaze to the cottagers' fires, and was now considered worth special working, rose to the extraordinary price of 30s. and even 32s. per ton at the pit mouth. Seeing that five or six shillings would cover the ordinary costs of raising arid royalties, this enormous profit made cannel mines more desirable than gold mines. Our subscribers will find, by reference to their bound copies, that in the map we published January 6th, 1866, there were twenty-one oil works then in operation.

We had scarcely completed our detailed account of this suddenly developed industry when a change commenced. Prices had fluctuated very threateningly in the latter part of 1865, and in 1866 they came down headlong, till in the summer of that year Welsh refined oil, which, during the flash of its prosperity, had been selling at 3s. to 3s 4d. per gallon, was now offered at ten pence, and was nevertheless acceptable. As this continued with but little improvement when the winter a season came in, the end of 1866 presented a strange contrast with its commencement. Most of the works had ceased operations, and the stream of labourers from Ireland and Lancashire now changed its course, and all returned homewards, and there remained an insufficient demand to employ the native labour. The depression - or, more properly speaking, the suppression of the trade - continued throughout the whole of 1867, and at the commencement of 1868 the rain had about reached its climax. Many of the works which had struggled throwing the first season and held on hoping for a better one to follow, now collapsed entirely, and bankruptcy, forced sales, windings up, &c., were the ordinary course of things The small American colony was; dispersed, and their substantially built works transferred at a great sacrifice to another company ; their projector and original proprietor, Judge Winter, returned to America, and the large capital he, brought to England was all wasted. he died very shortly after, and it is generally supposed in Flintshire that the troubles, disappointment, labour and anxiety he passed through in Wales hastened, if it did not produce, his death. We take this opportunity of assuring his friends in America that they were not alone in lamenting his unexpected death, and that his memory is kindly and respectfully cherished among his old business rivals in North Wales. Judge Winter's was not the only life that was sacrificed by the local troubles of this period. But we will not go further into personal details.

During the whole of 1868 the general aspect of the oil district has been most melancholy. Dilapidated brickwork, representing rows of retorts with their stunted smokeless chimneys, and fragments of condensers projecting here and there, surmounted by headless barrels and other ruins of manufacturing operations, are now the subject of melancholy comment by visitors to the district who formerly were lost in wonderment at the sudden development of its commercial, prosperity. There is one group of unhappy retorts near the Padeswood station whose aspect and history are especially deplorable. They were built with reckless disregard to foundation, either physically or pecuniary. Their projector has bolted, and left all who had any commercial relations with him supplied with substantial reasons for mourning his departure, and the retorts, which were a built with one end resting upon a rock and the rest upon a bog, have been gradually subsiding head foremost in search of some subterranean solid resting place. Several works which were commenced during the short period of prosperity in 1865 were barely completed when the crash came, and the unfortunate investors simply sank their capital, and never even commenced any operations beyond those of buying and building. Eventhe older works suffered it the same manner, especially when the proprietors were of Northern temperament and determined to be perfectly safe by only erecting in the first place a very few retorts by way of trial. The trials were made, the harvest time lost, and the main outlay for large extensions was commenced during the prosperous period, and finished when it ended; and thus, like their junior neighbours, they had their plant completed just in time to be useless, or worse than useless, for it had to be guarded and kept in repair at some outlay. Many had made contracts with cannel proprietors, and thus were compelled to take and pay for cannel when it was useless to them. This drove some of them to make oil at a loss; others sold their cannel for less than it cost, to gas companies; others were so hard pressed that they broke down altogether, and their works are sold by auction for the price of old iron aid waste bricks, In the midst of all this came the failure of Messrs. George Shand and Co., of Stirling. Most of the small manufacturers of crude oil who had no refineries of their own had contracts with Messrs Shand, and were supplying them until neatly the period of the bankruptcy, and thus were heavy losers just at the moment when they could least afford to lose. In like manner some of those who were refining their own produce were placed in it similar position by the failure of the largest buyers of the refined oil of the district, Messrs. Shaw and Co. The result of all these troubles is that of the twenty onee works represented on our maps published in January, 1866, less than half are now remain in anything like working condition. The position of several of the works is so ambiguous and peculiar, that it would not be safe to particularise individually which are surviving, which are defunct, and which are in a condition of suspended animation. The latter condition is that of the majority. Not very long ago, just during the most stagnant period of the stagnation, we strolled round the district, and roughly estimated the amount of capital originally sunk in the oil works and their appliances. Our figures exceeded a million sterling, of which at least nine tenths has been lying quite idle and useless during the greater part of the last two years, and a considerable portion has been broken up and dispersed. The net result of the work that has been done by the few retorts and stills that have been desperately kept going is, we suspect, rather loss than profit.

In the place of overcrowded lodging-houses, the past year has shown rows of empty cottages, others new and unfinished, and the houses of the "Oil Makers'-row" and other newly created settlements offered at about half the rentals originally obtained. The losses incurred have not been limited to those only who were actually engaged in oil making, but building speculators and many others have similarly suffered. The amount of loss in this direction has, however, been considerably. moderated by the development of colliery enterprise, partly brought about by the oil works. The new cannel pits, opened mainly on account of the demand created by the oil works, have not been opened in vain, for the same cannel which was used by the oil makers produces the most brilliant quality of gas, and thus a demand remains at a price which is still highly remuneration, though lower than that which the oil fever produced. Thus the gross population of the Leeswood district is at the present time greater than it was before the oil enterprise commenced. Were it not for this, the collapse would have been still more deplorable than it is. Our space will not allow us to go into further details. As we have stated in another column, we believe that the mineral oil trade has already reached the lowest ebb of its depression and the tide has turned, and it will rise again and flow on with steady prosperity so far as the firms that have survived are concerned. The supplies of cannel, however, do not justify the starting of any new ventures; too many barren pits have been already sunk to render the old delusion of unbounded supplies at all likely to be revived. We sincerely hope that those who have earned their experience, and have paid so dearly for it, will soon commence the satisfactory process of reaping a return that shall cover their losses, and recompense them for past anxieties.

Oil Trade Review, reproduced in the North Wales Chronicle, 16th January 1869

To the Editor of the Wrexham Advertiser.

Sir, — Three years ago those engaged in the coal oil trade in Flintshire had the opportunity of making very large profits - profits which were false in every sense, because the result of speculation and gambling in oil. The apparent prosperity, however, tempted great numbers to embark in a trade which appeared in their eyes at the time nothing less than a gold mine. Bankers and country gentlemen, tradesmen and workmen, high and low, rich and poor, were alike drawn into the vortex in the hope of growing speedily rich. It was the fashion then to call these people enterprising and fortunate. They were told on all sides that not only would they make their own fortunes, but at the same time they were benefactors to the country. Ere long come the crisis which brought down other trades in all parts of the country. But, perhaps, none were so completely and irretrievably crushed as the oil trade of Flintshire. Men came here full of life and hope, many of them with the savings of a life of industry, and had to leave us penniless and heart- broken. The grave has closed over some of them, and others have had to accept such positions as just enable them to give food and shelter to their families.

More than a million of hard cash has been lost, hundreds of poor men thrown out of employ, and what do we see? Why, the very people who had. been so loud in praise of oil manufacturers, and had lauded them as public benefactors turn round and scoff and jeer over all this dreadful misery. We hear nothing now but wretched attempts at wit and fun over the fallen oil manufacturer. He is said to poison our rivers, and to disfigure our beautiful country.

Do the people who talk thus know the facts ? Surely not, or they would lament over the empty cupboards of our striving poor, and the ruined prospects which I have set forth, rather than over the loss of a few paltry fish — fish which might as surely have been lost had there never been an oil works in the country. And as for river poisoning by refuse from oil works, all the refuse which could by any possibility find its way into the rivers Alyn and Dee from well-conducted oil works could no more poison these rivers and kill all the fish in them, than a cargo of petroleum wrecked on its way here from America could poison the Atlantic and kill all the fish it contains. The parties who have published the statements I refer to have been grossly misled as to the facts.

Yours truly, Paraffin

Wrexham Advertiser, 30th January 1869

The Bankruptcy of Methil Paraffin Oil Co.

Bankruptcy Court - Yesterday

Sheriff Hamilton and John Arnot, of the Methil Paraffin Oil Company, appeared for examination. There were present Mr. F.H. Carter CA, trustee of the estate, Mr John Innes, solicitor, Edinburgh, for Rev John Carrick, M.A. Maybole, for the bankrupt.

Robert Carrick, one of the bankrupts, having been sworn deponed – Previous to the formation of the Paraffin Oil Company, I was manager of the collieries belonging to Messers Meldrum & Binnie, and afterwards with Mr. Binnie. Besides a fixed salary I was to at 5 percent on the profits of the business. I only got £25 when Mr Medrum left the business. There was never any division of profits awarded. In 1864, I along with Mr Arnot, gas engineer, Newcastle, entered into agreement with Mr Binnie to take from 4,000 to 10,000 tons of coal per annum for thirteen years for the manufacture of oil. I did not read the agreement. I afterwards discovered that it contained a clause that the arrangement was terminable every three years on twelve months notice being given. I took no objection to the agreement until my attention was called to the clause referred to by Mr Binnie giving me the notice to cancel the contract. As manager of the Pirnie Colliery Company, I sent the coal for the use of the oil company. Under the agreement, the tons were to be 20cwt. My practice was to sent 21cwt per ton, I did so for other customers. This was the practice in the district. I received notice from Mr Binnie of the termination of the agreement on the 22nd September 1866. Since the termination of the agreement, Mr. Binnie has raised an action against me in the Court of Session for £1884, 19s, 1d. due to him on the account of coal supplied, and the rent of the Methil Oil Works. I tendered £1,650 to Mr. Binnie. My reason for doing so was that I had no money to contest the action.

The works closed in 1867. I did so because I found it impossible to make any profit in consequence of the introduction of American oil. My partner put £800 into the business, and some old materials of little value. When I began business, my capital consisted of abour £900 in the bank and the value of two ships which I realised shortly afterwards, and which amounted to about £1800. I put all of this into the business, as also £50 a year of my savings from Pirnie Colliery Company. I also consider that my partner is a creditor to the estate to the extent of £400 a year – that being the amount that I contributed by my services as the sole manager of the oil works. Although there was a provision in the contract of copartnery that there should be a balance at least every twelve months, no such balance was ever made.

On 28th May last, whils the case was pending with Mr. Binnie, I handed to messrs Welch, writers, Cupar, a sum of £430 to pay certain creditors – namely, my brother, the Rev. John Carrick, the Royal Leven, Messrs Welch, and Mr Gelletly – as far as the money would go. Neither Mr Binnie nor any other creditor was to participate. The creditors mentioned had been pressing me for payment, and threatening diligence against me on the protested bills. My brother gor no part of the money; it wad divided between the bank and the agents. I have since given my brother £40. The £430 was part of a sum of £450 which I got from Messrs Colville and Gray, Coatbridge, for a part of the plant that I sold them. I do not know whether any of these things have been removed. The plant referred to was sold on 25th May. I cannot remember at the date of the sale the tender had been made to Mr. Binnie. My friends promised to assist me if Mr. Binnie would carry out the contract originally entered into. At the time I effected the sale of the plant, I had no funds, and knew of none out of which I could have paid Mr. Binnie and my other creditors, with the exception of anything I might have got from my partner. In January last, I assigned my furniture to my brother James, in repayment of two sums of £30 and £45 which he had advanced to enable me to live.

Robert Arnot, having been sworn, deponed – I was a partner of the Methil Paraffin Oil Company, along with Mr. Carrick. I put £800 of cash into the business, and also material to the value of £214. I have only been two ot three times to the works. No balance sheet was every shown to me by my partner. Mr. Carrick told me that he had put between £2000 and £3000 into the concern.

By Mr INNES – I did not show Mr Carrick an account of the price of the materials purchased by me. I did not undertake to devote my time to the management of the business. When the works were started in 1864, I was employed in Newcastle as a gas engineer at a salary of £400. In 1866 I went to Leeds, where I have a salary of £500. I continued there till within a few months since, when I left on account of £500. I have £100 of my salary unspent. My annual household expenditure was between £300 and £400. The statutory oath was then administered to the bankrupts

The Glasgow Herald, 27th July 1869

BROXBURN BRUTAL OUTRAGE—MAN KILLED.

On Saturday night, about ten o'clock, a most dastardly outrage was committed in the village of Broxburn upon man named Docherty. It seems that about the time specified several Irishmen paid a visit to Steel's Row, where in threatening language they called upon the Fenians to come out. James Docherty, residing the row, attracted by the noise, went the outside the door of his dwelling, and had no sooner done so than he was seized, knocked down, and kicked most unmerciful manner, and left insensible the ground.

The police having been apprised of the outrage were promptly the spot, and had Docherty taken inside his residence. Drs Lindsay, and Thomson were immediately called in, and on examination found that the injured man had been severely injured over the body, and that five or six ribs had been broken.

On Sunday the police apprehended seven men, and Monday conveyed them to Linlithgow Prison. The prisoners are all Orangemen. Docherty is Roman Catholic, and bears a good character as a quiet, inoffensive man.

[From particulars since come hand, we learn that the injured man, after much suffering, expired great agony early yesterday morning. A deposition was taken from him by Sheriff-Substitute Home and the county Procurator Fiscal the day before his death, and the police have apprehended other three persons, so that men in all are now in custody charged with participating in the outrage. The disturbance and its fatal consequences apjtear have been the result of party feeling, as a large number Orangemen came direct to Docherty's door, which they would have forced open had he not opened it himself, when, an instant, he was seized, dragged out to the road, knocked down, and kicked most brutally. Another man uaeied M'Colla, who was also in Docherty's house, was likewise pulled out, and had three or four of his ribs firactured, and was otherwise injured, but he not thought to be dangerously so.]

Falkirk Herald, 23rd September 1869

Fearful Accident at a Shale Pit near Bathgate

Eight Men Burned to Death

One of the most disastrous accidents that has occurred for many years in connection with any mine in Scotland took place at the Boghall shale pits, near Bathgate, on Saturday last. For the following description of the catastophe we are indebted to the Scotsman:

The pit in question forms part of the Boghall Shale and Coal Works, belonging to Messrs E. Meldrum & Co.  The Starlaw pit has been in operation for about three years, and has been worked to the extent of several acres. It has only one shaft, about forty fathoms in depth, and this being sunk upon the slope of the seam, the workings extend both upwards and downwards, reaching about 200 fathoms in one direction and 100 fathoms in the other. In accordance with the usual practice in single-shaft pits, ventilation is provided for by dividing the shaft into two sections, an upcast and a downcast, and placing a furnace near the foot of the former, so as to create a current of air. The partition between the upcast and downcast consisted of thick planks, and the sides of the shaft were lined with timber, with the exception of some 20 feet at the bottom, where the stratum was so firm as to render such support unnecessary. The ventilating furnace was placed about 30 feet from the foot of the upcast with which it communicated by a flue of 3.5 feet in height. Both sections of the shaft were used for the delivery of shale; but whereas the down-cast was open to the workings, the bottom of the up-cast had to be closed in, with the exception of a door which was opened for a minute at a time when there were trucks to be wheeled to the cage. The ventilating furnace was in the charge of John Pate, the roadsman, who, under Robert Watt, the manager, seems to have exercised a general supervision of the underground workings. It was fired in the morning before the workmen went down, and again about half-past eleven in the forenoon, the firing being regulated so that the dense smoke thereby produced should pass up the shaft at meal hours, when it would not incommode the men employed on the pit bank.

On Saturday the pit was at work as usual, there being employed in the various workings fifty-six men and boys. The furnace is said to have been fired about half-past eleven, and it must have been very shortly afterwards that Robert Moffat, who was employed as fireman in the pit, observed that the soot covering the wooden lining of the upcast had caught fire. It is supposed that the cause of ignition, was a spark from the furnace. A similar mishap, it seems, took place about three months ago, on which occasion the fire was put out without difficulty. On observing the accident Moffat and another man named Archibald M'Nicol ascended the shaft, and obtaining some water, succeeded, as they thought, in extinguishing the fire. About ten minutes later, however, Moffat had his attention arrested by the noise of something falling in the shaft, and on opening the up-cast door discovered that the fire had broken out again. Thereupon he lost no time in summoning Pate, who was engaged at the time in the lower part of the dip workings. Pate hurried to the shaft, and on looking into the upcast found a considerable portion of the wooden lining in a blaze. Foreseeing the danger to which all in the pit would be exposed he despatched messengers through the workings to warn the miners to repair to the shaft, he himself ascending at once to the pit-head, with the intention of getting water poured down upon the fire. The alarm having been spread through the pit, the workmen hurried from all quarters towards the shaft, and as fast as they arrived the cage working in the downcast conveyed them to the bank. The engineman, James Steel, apprised of what had happened below, had set to work with a will to render all the assistance in his power. In the excitement of the moment the usual signalling apparatus was dispensed with, and Steel kept lowering the cage, allowing it rest at the bottom for a sufficient time to let men get in, and then heaving up with all possible despatch.

When Pate reached the top, he forthwith set to work to get water poured upon the fire. At first he bethought him of the pumps, which are constantly kept in operation in the downcast shaft, but he presently found it would be impossible to conduct the water from these into the upcast without interfering with the movements of the cage in which the miners were getting drawn up. In this emergency he broke a pipe used for conducting water to the condenser of the pit-engine, and directed its contents upon the flames, which by this time were bursting out from the top of the shaft. The attempt to quench the fire proved utterly futile. In spite of all the water that could be poured down, the flames kept gathering strength with frightful rapidity, till they blazed out with such violence as to render it almost impossible to approach the pit-mouth. Meanwhile the brave Steel, though exposed to scorching heat, stuck manfully to his engine, lowering and raising with the utmost precision the cage which formed the only hope of the poor miners below. Of course only the cage in the down-cast was available. The other being attached to the same drum, had made two or three descents into the roaring furnace of the upcast, when the rope yielded to the fire, and it dropped to the bottom. Fortunately the rope in the downcast held out for a few minutes longer, though it too caught fire shortly after the other. Thanks to Steel's nerve and presence of mind, no time was lost, the cage, we are told, being lowered and raised in little more than a minute. For five or six trips it came up crowded with miners, 8 or 9 men having in each case packed themselves into a space intended for four. So deftly was the operation managed, that as fast as the poor fellows, running from various distances in the workings, arrived at the pit bottom, the cage was there to receive them and whirl them aloft to safety. It may readily be supposed, however, that the passage to the open air, swift as it was, seemed all too long to the occupants of the cage. The wood-work of the apparatus caught fire; the iron-work was nearly red hot; in the up-cast shaft, separated from them only by a thin partition, a raging furnace threatened destruction; while the burning rope by which they were suspended seemed likely every instant to give way and leave them to their fate. So far the actual progress of the fire had been confined to the upcast, but the down-draught carried the smoke and flame over the top of the partition into the downcast and so into the pit, rendering the air quite stifling. All the men suffered more or less from this, but, strange to say, most of those who came up in large parties escaped without even having their whiskers singed. At length after several batches of eight or nine each had been safely brought to bank, the cage on its next descent came up empty. By this time the fire had burst through the top of the partition and was blazing in full volume from both sections of the shafts cutting off all possibility of ventilation, and giving rise to the most serious apprehensions as to the safety of those still in the pit. The cage was forthwith sent down again, and presently returned with two men named Patrick Grant and William Forrester. So blinding were the flames and smoke :that the men were not seen by those on the pit bank, and some one having called out that the cage was empty, it was straightaway lowered again before its occupants had the chance of getting out. The feelings of the poor miners on being thus sent back to the frightful prison from which they had all but escaped may be more easily imagined than described. On reaching the bottom, Grant in desperation was on the point of throwing himself out of the cage, but fortunately the apparatus was whirled up again before he could accomplish his purpose, and this time he and his companion lost no time in scrambling out. Notwithstanding that they had passed three times through the burning shaft, both men escaped with comparatively little injury. Their hair and whiskers were singed, and Grant, besides being a good deal bruised and shaken, had his left hand badly burned by grasping an iron bar of the cage. At the time when Grant and Forrester left the pit bottom, there were no other miners there, and though they called for any of their comrades who might be within earshot, they received no answer. After they had been rescued, the cage made three fruitless descents ; but at the fourth, it came up with other two men, named Thomas M'Lean and William Rankin, who had in the interim managed to crawl to the shaft. On getting into the cage, they had endeavoured to bring along with them a third man, named William Wands, but he was too much overcome by the heat and smoke to keep his position, and slipped off as the cage began to ascend. M'Lean and Rankin were unfortunately without their coats, and as they were drawn up through the burning shaft the flames told with terrible effect on their naked arms and shoulders. When they reached the top the exposed portions of their bodies were so badly scorched that the skin peeled off at the touch. M'Lean was able to stagger from the cage, but Rankin, in getting out, entangled his foot with some portion of the apparatus, and falling heavily, broke his leg. After the cage had made one or two more descents, each time coming up empty, the burning rope gave way, thus cutting off all hope of escape from the seven miners still remaining below.

During the ten minutes or so that this terrible scene had been going on at the pit-head, the alarm had spread to the various rows of cottages connected with the colliery. The wives and children of the miners, in a state of wild consternation, hurried to the pit, and very affecting were the greetings that were interchanged as one after another of the survivors emerged in safety from the smoke and flames. As time wore on, the crowd rapidly increased, old and young trooping to the colliery from all parts of the surrounding country, and Bathgate in particular sending forth a large proportion of its population. Among the earlier arrivals was Mr Birnie, manager of the Uphall Chemical Works, who took charge of the arrangements until Mr Simpson, one of the partners of the Boghall firm reached the spot. Dr Kirk, surgeon to the colliery, was speedily at hand to lend professional aid, and by his directions the seriously injured men were conveyed -Rankin to his own house, and M'Lean to that of his father in the colliery village. In the course of the afternoon, Drs Longmuir and Doig, of Bathgate, came out to give what relief might be in their power. A detachment of police, under Mr Inspector Anderson, was also promptly in attendance, and rendered efficient assistance in preserving order. Later in the day came Provost Waddel and several of the Magistrates of Bathgate, and in the evening Mr Little, assistant Fiscal for the county, with Mr Colquhoun, Chief Constable, and Mr Gardner, Superintendent of Police, arrived from Linlithgow.

Even before the cage-rope gave way, and while the chief interest was concentrated on the shaft, those on the pit bank had their attention, diverted to the wooden framework supporting the winding pulleys, which, with the scaffolding of the bank, had caught fire, This framework overhanging the shaft, it was feared that if it were burned through the iron wheels would fall down and block up the pit. Accordingly no time was lost in endeavouring to pull it down, and, after much labour, rendered doubly difficult by the heat and stifling smoke, this was at length effected. The beams of the scaffolding were also cut through, so as to prevent the flames from spreading to the adjacent shale heaps; and after, some hours of severe toil, during which all the water obtainable was exhausted, the flames above ground, which at one time had blazed up to the height of thirty or forty feet, were completely subdued. The fire in the pit still smouldered, and it was not till half-past-six in the evening that it had so far abated as to admit of a descent being attempted. A temporary winding apparatus having been adjusted, and a service-funnel erected with a view to restore ventilation, James Miller and John Pate got into the tub, and proceeded to repair with canvas the breaches which had been made in the mid-wall of the shaft. It was only after repeated attempts that they contrived to reach the bottom; and there, making their way with great difficulty, on account of the stifling state of the air they found, about eight fathoms from the shaft, on the dip-side of the workings, the bodies of two brothers, named James and John M'Neill. Both of these men had been working near the top of the rise, and in order to reach the place where their bodies were found they must have passed the shaft. They had come up, it is supposed, after the breaking of the rope, and finding their chance of escape cut off, had moved into the dip-workings in the hope of finding better air. Their strength, however, had been nearly spent in the effort to reach the shaft, and after stumbling along for about fifty feet they sank down together and expired. The bodies were found lying on their faces. There were no marks of injury observable, and the faces wore a calm and peaceful expression. Pate and Miller removed one of the bodies - that of James M'Neill - to the shaft, and along with it were drawn to the surface. They were so exhausted by the descent that it was necessary for them to rest awhile before going down again, and their places were promptly taken by James Robertson and Thomas Snodgrass, who presently returned with the body of John M'Neill. The work of exploration was then undertaken by Archd. M'Nicol and Robert Moffat, who discovered the body of Wm. Rushford, also in the dip workings, about 10 fathoms from the shaft. He too had been working in. the rise, and the position in which he was found is to be accounted for in the same way as in the case of the M'Neill's. The body was lying between two rows of hutches, being, like those of the M'Neils, without any external marks of injury. The next to go down were James Miller and Alexander Black, who in two successive descents recovered the bodies of Peter Comiskie and David Muir, the latter at the head of the dip and the former in the rise workings. The body of Muir showed a slight abrasion on the face, and the poor fellow's cap was firmly clenched between his teeth, as if in the agonies of death he had tried to keep out the smoke which was stifling him. By the time these bodies were taken to the bank the shaft had got so much clearer that four men, named James Hately, Bernard Ferrans, Archibald M'Nicol, and James Robertson, went down to continue the work of exploration. Penetrating some eighty fathoms into the dip, they found the body of Patrick Comiskie, brother of Peter above, mentioned, who had, like the other sufferers, been, working at the rise at the time when the accident occurred. Owing to the difficulty which had been experienced in penetrating the workings, the recovery of the bodies above specified had occupied the whole evening, and it was not till eleven o'clock that John Wallace and Thomas Snodgrass discovered the remains of William Wands. This unfortunate man, as we have stated, had actually been got into the cage by two friendly comrades, but, being unable to support himself there, had staggered off and dropped down to die at no great distance from the shaft.

The various bodies on being brought to bank were examined by the medical gentlemen present, who gave it as their opinion that the deceased had succumbed very rapidly after the complete stoppage of ventilation, which must have occurred when the mid wall of the shaft was burnt through. As may be supposed, the scene at the pit-head during the evening, as one ghastly object after another was brought up, was one of painful excitement.The crowd was kept back to some distance from the shaft, but it was only with the utmost difficulty that the wives and other relations of the deceased could be restrained, and the lamentations of the poor creatures were heart rending to hear. The bodies were in the first instance conveyed to the carpenter's shop, and having there been coffined, were removed as soon as possible to the homes which the accident had rendered desolate.

The following is a list of the deceased, with such particulars as have been ascertained with respect to their families:-

• James M'Neill, (45), leaves a widow and 4 children
• William Rushford, (35), widow and 5 children
• John M'Neill, (35), widow and 5 children
• William Wands, (22), three months married
• Peter Comiskie, 27, widow and 1 child
• Patrick Comiskie, (24), widow and 1 child
• Wm. Muir, (17), unmarried; mother residing in Fife

All of the above, with the exception of Patrick Comiskie, who lived in Bathgate, resided at Starlaw Rows.

With regard to the injured men, the only serious cases are those of Wm. Rankin, who, besides being severely burned, had his leg broken; and Thomas M'Lean who was very shockingly burned about the face and upper part of the body. Both of these patients were assiduously attended yesterday by Dr Kirk. Patrick Grant, whose left hand was burnt and twisted, was able to move about on Sunday; and the same may be said of a fourth man, named James Neil, who was slightly hurt at the pit bank by a beam of wood falling on his head.

In the course of Sunday, the colliery was visited by crowds of people, attracted by the news of the accident, from all parts of the surrounding country. A shifting crowd surrounded the pithead throughout the day, discussing with eager interest every scrap of information that could be gleaned respecting the accident; and here and there among the groups zealous persons might be seen assiduously distributing tracts. The sad occurrence was alluded to in the course of divine service in all the churches for miles around. We understand that the funeral of the deceased miners is to take place to-morrow. It is expected that the damage to the shaft will be repaired, so as to admit of the colliery-resuming work in about ten days.

INTERNMENT OF THE BODIES

The remains fo the unfortunate men who were killed by the accident in the Starlaw Pit, on Saturday were interred in the presence of a large number of morners Tuesday last. Peter and Patrick Comiskie and William Rushford, Willian Rankin, and David Muir, being buried in Bathgate Cemetery; James and John M'Neill, in Polmont Church-yard, and William Wands in Airdrie.

From the Falkirk Herald, Saturday 16th April 1870

.......

ACCIDENT - Between seven and eight o'clock on the morning of Monday last, Henry Comiskie, a brother of Peter and Patrick Comiskie, who lost their lives in the Starlaw Pit accident, got himself severely burned at the Bathgate Chemical Oil Works. Comiskie, who is a retort-man, was employed discharging one of the retorts, when a gas-pipe in connection with the retort burst, and the flames leapt up, burning him severely about the hands, arms and face. He was conveyed to his own house in Bathgate, where he was attended to by Dr Longmuir, Bathgate. The hope is entertained that he will recover.

The Falkirk Herald, 21st April 1870

Uphall Fire

The large works at Uphall, belonging to the Uphall Mineral Oil Company, to Messrs P. M'Lagan, Esq., M.P.; Edward Meldrum, Esq. of Dechmont ; and George Simpson, Esq. of Benhar, have had a narrow escape of being totally consumed by fire. On Sunday morning, at 1 o'clock, while one of the workmen was on his way home from a neighbour's house, he observed flames rising from the direction of No. 4 boiler, and at once roused Capt. Birnie, the manager of the works, who lives in Uphall village, and who was early at the scene of the fire, and by the almost superhuman exertions of himself and a number of willing workmen, who happened to have a strong supply of steam at their command, the fire was entirely mastered at 3 o'clock.

The men deserve great praise for the manner they acted under the able commands of Captain Birnie, as in some instances the heat was so oppressive as to blister the men's necks. From an inspection made after the flames were got under, it was supposed the fire was originally caused by the door of No.4 boiler not being properly fastened and screwed up, thus allowing the oil to seep through the crevices and gradually gaining bulk ignited.

The Falkirk Herald, 26th May 1870

Poisoning of the River Alyn

......The summons was then withdrawn, and the charge against Mr. William Beale Marston, of the Oil Works, Coed Talon, was then taken. Mr. Marston, at the outset of the case, said be might remark that it was unnecessary for any one I to set an example so far as he was concerned, fer in reality it was he who had set the example in the first instance, for he had done everything in his power to abate the nuisance before Mr. Thomson's attention had been called to the matter. He had been at the expense of £100 in stopping the use of a condensing engine, and setting up another engine; and he was perfectly willing to do every- thing reasonable which Mr. Davies, their chemist, might suggest, so as to prevent even the appearance of injuring the water.

Mr. Marston then complained of the short notice he had had that these proceedings were to be taken; that he was only summoned the previous day; that Mr. Swetenham was at the bottom and top of the whole proceedings; and that they were only the result of a little ill-feeling on the part of Mr. Bridgman towards him.

Mr. Bridgman: That cannot be. I never saw the gentleman before to-day. (Laughter.)

Mr. Smith said Mr. Marston had asked him to take the case for him, but he felt himself unable to do so without he had time allowed him to get up some information. However, the prosecution bad present in court a very eminent chemist from the Royal Institution, and he would suggest that that gentleman should go to the works and see what was requisite to abate the nuisance, and Mr. Marston would act upon his recommendation.

Mr. Ayrton: I cannot agree to that.

Mr. Marston : It was only yesterday that I had the summons, and I have had no opportunity of engaging a solicitor.

Mr. Bridgman said they ought to know the grounds upon which the application for adjournment was made. He had evidence to prove what Mr. Marston turned into the river, and the effects of it upon the fish.

Mr. Marston: It would be impossible for me to rebut that evidence at a few hours notice ; but I don't see why, if the case is withdrawn against Mr. Thomson, it should not also be withdrawn against me.

After further attempts had been made for an adjournment, Mr. Marston said: Then I would sooner let the prosecutors state their case, and if you do fine me I will pay it. Mr. Bridgman then stated the case against the defendant. He denied that there existed any personal feeling against Mr. Marston, and said the informers took these proceedings simply as a matter of public duty.

On the 19th of May last, in consequence of the state of the River Alyn, and the numerous complaints which bad been made with respect to it, the Sheriff of Chester (Mr. Gregg), Mr. Mostyn Owen, and others went to inspect the river, and when they got to Rossett mill they detected a strong smell arising from some foal staff, which they afterwards found was put in the river some fourteen miles higher up. They proceeded along the river to a small branch of it which ran to Pontybodkin, where Mr. Marston's works were situated, and when near the works they found the water very much discoloured, and the smell arising from it was very bad ; and the banks exuded, and came out to a very great degree. The noxious matter of which the prosecutors complained was at that time flowing in gallons from defendant's works into the stream.

Samples of the water were taken by Mr. Ayrton and Dr. Watson, which were analysed ; and the water would be proved to contain such a quantity of poisonous matter that no fish would live in it — that, in fact, neither animal life nor any life whatever existed in it. An experiment had been made with it by keeping it for some time in a greenhouse, and the result was that it contained neither animal or vegetable life ; whereas in a similar experiment, carried on under the same circumstances with pure water, the result was that it swarmed with both. It was of very great importance indeed to all people that the river should not be polluted, not only for the sake of the fish, but of the cattle which came down there to drink, and which had now ceased to water there. Such being the case, he thought their worships would see the necessity of putting a stop to the nuisance.

Mr. Ayrton, examined by Mr Bridgman, said : I am one of the conservators of the River Dee Salmon Fisheries Association. In consequence of my attention being drawn to the River Alyn, I visited it on the 19th of May last. I was accompanied by other gentlemen, and we went to the Rossett first. At the Rossett mill we detected a strong offensive smell, and the appearance on the water of tar let into the stream. We afterwards went up the Alyn to Ferm bridge, Pontblyddyn, twelve or thirteen miles above the Rossett, in the county of Flint, where the river was a great deal worse. The smell was offensive to a degree, arising evidently from the matter floating on the water, and which was much greater in quantity than it was at the point below.

The nearest works to Ferm that we saw in operation were those of Mr. Marston. We proceeded up the stream to Mr. Marston's works, and we saw the stuff in its concentrated form pouring into a brook below Mr. Marston's works. We followed the stream, the banks of which on Mr. Marston's property were saturated with this noxious stuff. Wherever we put our foot on the turf near the stream this stuff issued from it ; and we traced it to the outflow pipe at Mr. Marston's works, where we could have collected any number of gallons. Some of the stuff was pouring out of the pipe at the time, and it floated into a stream which runs into the Alyn.

Mr. Marston : Do yon mean to say it is a tributary of the Alyn?

Witness : Yes. Mr. Marston: It is a tributary to the Nant brook.

Mr. Ayrton : But it empties itself into the Alyn at Ferm bridge.

Mr. Bridgman : Is it a salmon river ?

Witness : Yes.

Mr. Marston : No, it is not. There never was a live salmon seen in it — there might have been dead ones. (Laughter.)

Mr. Ayrton, in continuation, said : The same stuff which I saw running from Mr. Marston's works was identical with the stuff we saw running in the Alyn. Some portions of be stream we saw running below Mr. Marston's works was a mass of dirty fluid. I know well the nature and habits of fish; and the stream I speak of was in such a state as to be utterly impossible for fish to live in it. In a portion of the Alyn there are salmon in abundance, that is near Rossett mill. I took a sample of the water from the Nant stream, about a quarter of a mile below Mr. Marston's works. It is marked " Sample No. 4." I also took a sample of the stuff that was flowing from the outflow pipe by Mr. Marston's works, that was No. 8 sample. I afterwards delivered them to Dr. Watson. They were sealed up. Cross-examined by Mr. Marston : The association to which I belong is established under an act of Parliament, and is not a private company. Mr. Swetenham met us at Rossett, Mr. Swetenham is not the learned informer in this case, nor am I his deputy. I did see what appeared to be a dam at the outflow into the stream.

Mr. Marston : Did you see any turf near the stream? — No.

Mr Marston : You said this moment you did.

Witness : I don't think I did.

Mr. Kelly (after referring to his notes) : You certainly did say so.

A Magistrate : But what does it matter whether there was or not.

Mr. Marston : I want to show your worships that the water cannot be so poisonous if turf is growing on the banks. But the fact is there is no grass near my stream. There have been ashes on the banks for years.

The witness was further cross-examined relative to a pipe which was in the pond understood as the " outflow," and was used for carrying off the oil from the surface of the water ; and admitted that he had seen the pipe, but where he took the sample from was a point immediately below it. He saw liquid water flowing out of the pipe, and it was from that flow they took the sample. Mr. Marston here again suggested that Mr. Davies, or any other gentlemen which the court might appoint, should be authorised to take samples of the liquid for a further analysis; but Mr. Bridgman objected, and said that inasmuch as Mr. Marston seemed to doubt the evidence of Mr. Ayrton, who was a gentleman of veracity, he would ask Mr. Swetenham to give evidence.

Mr. Marston : This is better fun than ever, to have the great man before us. (Laughter.)

Mr. Swetenham was then sworn and examined by Mr. Bridgman. He said: On the 19th of May, I met Mr. Ayrton, Mr. Quellyn Roberts, Dr. Watson, and others below the Rossett. We went there to trace where the impurity of the Alyn arose from. We first visited the mill, near the Rossett. I detected a particular smell, which I recognised because I knew it so well before — (laughter) — but it was not so strong as it generally is. It was very dry weather. I know the smell perfectly, and it was the same smell as we smelt at the Ferm. We went from Ferm to Mr. Marston's works, smelling as we went along until we got to the top of the stream, and it was the same smell all the way up. (Laughter.) Mr. Marston's works would be from fourteen to fifteen miles along the stream from the Rossett. As at Ferm bridge we noticed in the stream ochreous matter, and by the side of the stream oily matter lying in the hollow. We then came up to the point where the stream comes from the South Level Pit, and joins the Nant stream. (Here Mr. Swetenham pointed out the various places upon a tracing of the locality.)

He then described the points from which they took the samples, and said wherever we stamped our feet on the side of the stream the oil came out in beautiful colours. Mr. Marston's works are immediately upon this stream. We then crossed the railway and went on to a meadow, having the stream on our right, and both in the stream and meadow there was a great deal of oil. The water was low, and in receding had left a considerable quantity of this oily and black matter on the sides. Leaving this place, we came to a kind of round dam on Mr. Marston's private property. The whole of the water, so far as I could see, which formed the brook here came through the pipe, which appeared to be slanting upwards from the oily pool, but I cannot say that a sample was taken out of it. What came out of the pipe appeared to be water. - If there was any oil in it, he could have detected it. The sample I saw taken was from a distance two yards from the pipe.

There were no works in operation between Mr. Marston's works and the place where the sample was taken. However, there have been many old works there, which have been allowed in time past to turn their refuse into the stream ; and l am satisfied that all the injury to it is not attributable to Mr. Marston's works, but is as much attributable to those works as to his. Mr. Swetenham here explained that be was of opinion the stuff which they noticed on the side of the stream had come from the old works, which were situated on the slope with the stream ; and, in support of his opinion : said that when they stirred the stuff, they noticed that the effect produced was to make it cling to the banks— if there was a straw sticking out, or a piece of wood across it, it seemed to come back, its natural tendency being to adhere.

He then referred to a previous outflow of stuff from Mr. Marston's works, but added that that gentleman had immediately put up filter beds, and expressed himself sorry that anyone should suffer from any- thing issuing out of his works ; but that the tank had burst, and the liquid had got out accidentally, as he (Mr. Swetenham) discovered was the fact.

Mr. Marston : I am very much obliged to Mr. Swetenham for, the way in which he has given his evidence. It has rendered it unnecessary for me to ask him a single question.

Mr. George Churchill Watson gave corroborative evidence as to the points from which the samples were taken ; whereupon Mr. Marston contended that there bad been no evidence adduced to prove the poisoning of the Dee. Mr. Edward Davies, of the Royal Institution, Liverpool, then gave the result of is examination of the samples which had been submitted to him by Dr. Watson for analysis, which was very complicated. Mr. Quellyn Roberts, an alderman of Chester, then gave evidence as to the points from which the samples were taken ; and Mr. Swetenham (recalled) said that unquestionably there were many boggy places in the stream, and there were many clear marks of tarry staff. The sample of which he spoke was taken from the boggy land on the side of the stream, and be must say it came from Mr. Marston's works. A thimbleful of oil on the water would show itself for miles.

Mr. Marston again suggested the appointment of a person to inspect the works, but the prosecutors objecting,

John Hughes, the chief watcher of the River Dee conservators, said he knew the nature of fish, and that the Alyn was a salmon river. Salmon came up to Gresford and Rossett to spawn. He bad seen salmon in the Alyn in January last. Salmon spawned at Rossett and Gresford. The witness then went on to explain that the nuisance was in the Nant brook and not in the Alyn ; whereupon Mr. Marston contended it had not been proved that he had turned the deleterious stuff into the river.

After considerable discussion and a speech from Mr. Marston the bench retired, and the Chairman said : We have given this case our serious consideration, and we have come to the conclusion that the water is very deleterious to animal and vegetable life. We believe it flowed from Mr. Marston's works, but it has not been proved to us that when it reached the Alyn it was not so diluted as to cease being injurious. It has not been proved that any fish died in the Alyn on the 19th of May, which is one point in the case for the prosecution upon which the prosecutors have entirely failed. They ought to have produced water from the Alyn, and proved that fish had died there since. However, we are convinced that the matter came from Mr. Marston's premises, and we hope he will carry out his promise by doing all in his power to prevent a recurrence of the nuisance.

Mr. Marston thanked the court for the kind consideration they bad given to the case, and said that he would be most happy to do anything that Capt. Owen might suggest, so as to prevent even the appearance of a nuisance.

The Wrexham Advertiser 23th July 1870

Cowie's Trustee's v. The Airdrie Mineral Oil Co. Ltd.

JURY TRIALS – FIRST DIVISION (Before the Lord President)

This case was commence yesterday.

George Cowie, coalmaster, Airdrie, deceased, was the original pursuer; and the cause is now insisted in by Archibald Cowie and Richard Cowie, coalmasters, Airdrie, as his trustees. The defenders are the Airdrie Mineral Company (Limited), registered under the Companies Act, 1862. The issue sent to trial was as to whether, is or about September 1866, and between that time and 31st October 1868, the defenders, in breach of an agreement which had been entered into between them and the original pursuer, failed and refused to accept delivery of, and to pay in terms thereof, for quantities of coal and shale which were specified in the agreement. Damages were laid at £4000.

The condescendence for the pursuers bore that, by an agreement dated the 17th, 18th, and 26th April 1866, the original pursuer agreed to sell to the defenders the whole produce and output of the seams of fine gas-coal and shale contained in the seam known as the Musselband seam, and which was in connection with the Musselband ironstone at Rochsolloch, declaring that the seam of fine gas coal and shal consisted of the gas coal lying immediately above the ironstone and the seam of shale, which lay immediately above the said gas coal, and was then being used in the district for the purpose of oil manufacure, but did not include blaize, at the price of 8s, 3d. per ton, and that as the same was put out from the pursuer's mineral workings, without reference to the respective proportions of each; as also the produce and output of the seams of parrot coal in connection with the Kiltongue seam, at the price of 3s per ton, and that for the whole period of eleven years from and after Whitsunday 1866.

It was further provided by the minute of agreement, that the said seams of coal and shale should be wrought out by the original pursuer, and supplied to the defenders in their own waggons at the pit mouth, and that the defenders should be bound so to accept delivery, and to pay the price of the same, in the following quantities, namely – the pursuer, at or prior to 31st March 1866, should work out and deliver at the put mouth, 300 tons, during April, 400 tons; May, 600 tons; June, 900 tons; July, 1200 tons; August, 2000 tons, and each month thereafter such quantities exceeding 2000 tins, but not exceeding 3000 tons, as the defenders might require; declaring that, in the event of the price or value of each monthly delivery not being paid to the pursuer as stipulated in the minute of agreement, he should not be bound to continue his delivery of coal or shale until the price or value of such monthly delivery should have been adjusted and paid. It was also provided by the agreement, that the prices stipulated were and should be independent of the thickness of the aforesaid seams, and of the respective proportions of the gas coal and shale, as wrought out and delivered by the original pursuer from his mineral workings; and that the defenders should pay the amount of the prices stipulated, as they might be ascertained from the books kept at the weighingmachine or steelyard, upon the last day of each month, for the quantities delivered during the preceding month. Upon the agreement being completed, the original pursuer proceeded to deliver to the defenders, and they took delivery monthly, of the quantities of coal and shale specified, or at least a portion of them; but the pursuer received payment of only £300 to account on 6th June 1866.

The defenders, about the time of this payment, and subsequently, evinced a desire to get a rid of their contract. In their correspondence with the pursuer in July and August 1866 they took up the position that only output from part of the seams of coal and shale specified in the agreement should be sent to them, and refused to hold as delivered or to accept delivery in future of output from the whole of the seams, and refused at the end of August and beginning of September 1866 to pay in terms of the agreement for deliveries made up to 31st July 1866.

The pursuer was ready, and offered to continue his deliveries of the coal and shale contracted for upon performance for the defenders' obligations which had been undertaken by them. The original pursuer, at great expense, executed very extensive mining operations to enable him to dlive to the defenders the quantities of coal and shale for which they had stipulated. This expenditure had been rendered entirely unproductive; the original pursuer was deprived of the returns which he was entitled to expect on the faith of the agreement; and his arrangement for colliery operations had been injuriously disturbed. An award by an arbiter who had been agreed upon between the parties – Mr John Geddes, mining engineer, Edinburgh – had been disregarded by the defenders.

Mr Geddes found that there was no limitation in the contract to any specific thickness or portion of shale, and no reference whatever to the blue ball referred to in a proof which had been led, and that the contract included the entire seam of shale from the gas coal up to, but exclusive of, the bleas of blaize, or, as it was otherwise termed, the bonnets, at which seam he found the natural parting between the shale and blaize to be. He also found, as in his opinion the sound construction of the contract, that the pursuer was not entitled to sell any part of the shale between the gas coal and the said blaize where the parting existed until he had fully supplied the quantity of shale which the defenders had bargained for; and that the works "presently used in the district for the purpose of oil manufacture" were merely a further specification of the seam of shale bargained for, lying between the gas coal and the blaize, and to distinguish it from all other seams of shale which might be found or known to be in connection with any other coal or ironstone, and more clearly to restrict the shale with which the parties were dealing to the seam of shale lying immediately between the Musselband ironstone and the blaize in the pursuer's mineral field and workings.

The statement of facts for the defenders set forth that, in disregard of the agreement, the late pursuer furnished to the defenders, along with the gas coal and shale contracted for, blaize or shale of bad quality from a seam lying above a seam of bastard ironstone, called the blue ball. This blaize or inferior shale had never been used in the district for the purpose of oil manufacture, and it could not be so used with profit. Further, the late pursuer furnished to the defenders, along with the gas coal and shale contracted for, not only the said blaize or inferior shale, which was expressly excluded by the agreement between the parties, but also quantities of a worthless material called 'bonnets', and sometimes called blaize, which was utterly unfit for the purpose of oil manufacture. This material called 'bonnets', was found in the district, in a seam lying above the inferior shale called blaize. According to the common language of the district, all shales above the blue ball were called blaize, and none of these are or were used for the purpose of oil manufacture. The late pursuer furnished to the said defenders the blaize or inferior shale and 'bonnets', knowing that they were worthless, and that to furnish them was a breach of the agreement. The defenders, in consequence of this twofold breach of contract on the late pursuer's part, refused to pay for the blaize or inferior shale and 'bonnets' so furnished by him. After they had done so, on or about September 1866, he refused to deliver to them any more shale or coal, and on or about the 15th of that month, he sent away from his pit or pits their waggons, which had been sent for shale and coal, without any load whatever. He never, after they refused payment, tendered to them any shale or coal, but, on the contrary, refused to deliver to them any coal or shale, brought the defenders' works to a complete stand.

The opinion of Mr Geddes, in so far as adverse to the defenders, was grossly at variance with law and fact, and was arrived at in total disregard of the declaration in the agreement that the shale to be furnished should be of the kind then being used in the district for the purpose of oil manufacture, the shale objected to by the defenders never having been so used. The seams of blaize in the late pursuer's pits were quite distinguishable from the seams of "fine gas coal and shale" contracted for, and the mixing of the fine gas coal and shale with inferior shale or blaize was a breach of the agreement on his part, for which the present pursuers, as his trustees, were liable to the defenders in damages.

The late pursuer had never, since September 1866, tendered to the defenders any of the material specified in the agreement. On or about September 1866, he broke his agreement with the defenders, to their loss, injury, and damage; and they reserved their right of action against his estate therefor. The late pursuer lost no profit, whereas the defenders had lost nearly their whole capital, and had no funds left wherewith to pay damages. A number of witnesses were examined; and the case was adjourned till this morning.

Counsel for the Pursuers – Mr Watson and MR Vary Campbell. Agents – Messrs Maitland & Lyon, W.S.

Counsel for the Defenders – Mr Shand and Mr Campbell Smith. Agent – Mr James Bruce, W. S

The Scotsman, 29th July 1870

DESCENT INTO A SHALE PIT.

By far the largest shale work in the United Kingdom is that of James Young & Co., whose manufacturing premises at Addiewell have been planted in the very heart of the shale district owned by them, on the confines of East and Mid-Lothian. We were privileged with the permission to descend one of the pits of this company in order to see the minerals in their native bed, and to note the method pursued in their retraction. The pit selected of descent is classed as No.2 of a series of 13 pits worked by this company. No 1 adjoining in communication with No.2 below, and the water which accumulated in both pits is extracted by a powerful pump, which. operating by three lifts in the shaft of No 1, pours out perpetually a cascade of water into a pond near at hand. From this pond the steam power of the huge chemical works hard by is supplied with an abundance of water – a most convenient circumstance during the recent very dry season. Coal is reached in beds in both pits—in No. 1 at 34 fathoms and in No.2 at 81 fathoms and deeper.

In company of a gentleman connected with the chemical works, and a young man in charge of operations below, we set about descending. The belching of the pump close by led us to expect at wet reception at the bottom of the the shaft, and some provision was made in our integuments for the probable occurrences Being provided with lamps, which we held in the left band, to keep our “sicker” we seized with the right the iron bar which crossed the cage from side to side and our descent began.

Being a little inexperienced in these matters, we do not confess to feeling the qualms said to afflict above-ground people when they first find themselves suspended in a min gage, held by a string suspended over a yarning gulf probably 100 fathoms deep. The string, of course, might break, and then what? The thought, in a silent answer to the question, is indeed awful. For the moment we live by our faith on that string, and have the lively wish that the period should prove as brief and safe as possible. We may well suppose that the most veteran miner would experience sensations of an unpleasant kind were he hung within his cage in free air an equal height over a cliff with the roaring ocean beneath him. The danger might, in fact, be equal in both cases. The narrowness of the mine shaft assists to mask the peril to the eye in the descent. The motion of the engine was made intentionally very slow, giving us the more opportunity of inspecting the shale of nearly 100 fathoms on our downwards journey. It was strongly lined with vertical beams in the angles, crossed by thick horizontal planking leaving spots here and there bare for the inspection of the minerals, and there free escape of water, which about half way down began to ooze copiously from the rocks. This flow increased in the descent until the bottom it had the character of a heavy shower of rain down the shaft and streaming down the sides. This water accumulates in a sump or receptacle at a lower level from whence it is extracted by pumping, leaving the pit dry.

This pit is new, the operation of mining in it having commenced within the present year, and several workings were accordingly at no great distance from the bottom of the shaft, and these it was our business to explore. We were , before coming down, shown on paper the plan of the workings and what was seen below was rendered more intelligible by that means. The method of working shale or coal partakes sometimes of the nature of panel work.

Galleries are first cut in the line of strike, at the bottom of each of the two principal shafts, and one of them, in this case is used for drainage, the other for a principal path. At right angles to these , and on the rise of the shale or coal, a number of parallel galleries are driven at certain intervals being much more considerable than in pillar and stall working. The whole area of the shale is thus divided into a number of rectangular portions, each one of which is a kind of panel, and a sufficient wall of separation being left, the interior area of such portion is removed.

Following this plan there are three runs or galleries at different elevations., with panelling or cross workings intermediate. The lowest down of the three is of short length, and only a receptacle for the superfluous water. The central or principal one is brick built, and arched for some part of the way, and the roof is at intervals supported on pillars and beams of round timber, on to the later advance in the workings. The main road affords in its roof and sides abundant room for the workmen to move to and fro in their operations. The necessity of spragging or propping the roof is generally very great in shale pits where not compact and cohesive rock but soft beds form it. The vast pressure of the super-incumbent strata squeezes these soft beds, and any inequality in the resistance caused by the operations of the miner reads tends to cause the roof to sink gradually or to fall in masses, and the floor to rise until these parts world approach and ultimately fill up the space occupied by the shale that has worked out. Apart, then, from the consideration of possible accidents to miners from roof falls, there exists the necessity of propping the roof well to keep the ways open, more especially in a mine that it may come to be worked for many years. The requirement is well provided for is this case We come at length to the end of our journey, or to the face of the workings. Where the depth and character of seam could be well seen and estimated. Here we came upon a miner at work. He was busy lengthening that principal path of which we had come. Hearing voices in the distance, and seeing apparent strangers approach, he ceased from he labour, leaned on a hatch beside him, and folded his arms for a little, while we examined and talked about the quality and position of the mineral deposit before and around us. The miner in his rough attire, with his blackened hands and face, is at once interpreted by his peculiar occupation, and to know correctly what occupation means we must go beneath the ground for the purpose.

Here, about 24 inches of the shale deposit were regarded as excellent—a chip of it, on trial, we found, burned like a taper, and about 35 inches more esteemed of a greatly inferior kind. It require a practised eye to distinguish this difference, but it is pretty obvious even to the uninitiated when it is pointed out. The bituminous deposits appear to shade by degrees into the rock formations that overlie and underlie them – differing thus from coal, which most commonly is abruptly diverse from the other minerals with which it is associated in nature, these frequently being either sandstone or limestone.

Leaving this lower gallery, our next business was to inspect the one higher up, and for this purpose we had to scramble our way through one of the transverse cuts above referred to, made between the mineral pillars left support the roof. The undisturbed shale has a glassy surface, and proves slippery door to tread upon, More especially if that floor is a slope, as in this case. By a little assistance we attained the desired elevation, and proceed here again to the innermost recess of the workings. Another miner was here at similar work to that of his fellow lower down. The particular operation of this man was that of "undercutting" the shale facing, with a view to blasting at a point higher up, so as to dislodge a greater quality of the mineral. The work was lengthy and laborious, involving the use of the of the pick for eight or nine hours in a reclining posture. The difficulty of effective ventilation at such points adds to the discomfort of a constrained attitude in the worker. He toils hard and breathes heavily contaminated atmosphere. The air, doubtless, from the miner's own respiration, the combustion of his lamp assisting, feels oppressive in narrow nooks, and the long hours such spots and at such a task are not favourable to health or longevity. This person was a young man in his prime ; but much labour most be detrimental to the miner who is up in years.

Shale in situ has a singular appearance. Lamp in hand, the light from it it flashed back from a thousand polished surfaces of minute extent, caused by the fossiliferous character of the substance. It does not possess the compactness of coal, nor certainly the usual solidity of sandstone or limestone, but appears in mass an edifice of fossil vitreous material easily broken into fragments. It possesses a considerable cohesive force however, and the miner has to work his way through it by the aid of gunpowder. The blast bores follows undercutting below the shale front. The blast bores are worked by means of screw augers of great diameter approaching 3 inches, in length from 2 to 3 feet, worked into the mineral. The reaction in support of the operation of the borer is obtained from a beam made to cross the roof of the gallery, and supported at the ends by vertical timber bearers. The hazards attending the use of gunpowder in foul mines we have already spoken of, and referral to method of igniting the charge which should get over that peril. Nothing more on that subject need he said here, and we conclude with the remark that, in the went of any experimental means to testing the air currents in this shale, we cannot speak with confidence on that point, but the sensational evidence of the condition of the ventilators seemed assuring and satisfactory.

The North Briton, 29th October 1870

On Thursday evening week about thirty of the employees of the Coppa and Plasymhowys oil works assembled at the Crown Inn, Pontblyddyn, to pay a tribute of respect to a fellow workman.

An excellent supper was provided by the worthy host and hostess (Mr and Mrs J. Hughes), and after ample justice had been done to the fare, Mr S. H. Platt was called to the chair, and Mr Wm. Wilson being vice. The usual loyal toasts having next been disposed of, Mr John M. Jones sang a song, and Mr James Bolton gave the "Farmer's Boy," which was encored. Mr Wilson favoured the company with a little Scotch dialect. W. Cameron sung the "Irish Schoolmaster," which was well received. Messrs Gordon, McNeal, Hopwood, Wilson, George Keen, and Muddiman, also contributed their share to the general harmony of the evening.

The Chairman then rose and said : The main feature in the evening's programme, and chiefly that which originated the party, had to be recorded. The workmen of the Coppa and Plas-ymhowys Oil Works becoming aware of the fact that they were about to sever their connection with their friend and fellow workman, Mr Kenny, had determined to show their appreciation of him by giving him a farewell supper, he (the chairman) referred to the fact that Mr Kenny had been employed several years, one part of the time at Coppa, and the other at Plasymhowys, and his career bad been marked by a steadiness and uniformity in the discharge of his duties that must have given satisfaction to his employers and fellow workmen.

The health of Mr John Kenny was then drunk with three cheers. Mr Kenny, in response, thanked the company for the kind manner they had drunk his health. He could not, he said, see what he had done to deserve such honour; his connection with the oil trade would never be erased from his mind.

Though he was going amongst strangers, he hoped in a short time he could say he had formed acquaintance with as jovial lot in Liverpool as he had left at Pontblyddyn. The Vice-Chairman gave an elaborate speech, and referred to the future welfare of his fellow-workman, Mr Kenny. Numerous toasts were also given, and at the close votes of thanks were passed to the chairman, vice-chairman host, and hostess, and indeed all who had contributed to the evening's entertainment.

The Wrexham Advertiser 5th November 1870

Barony Parochial Board v. R. Binning & Sons

Decision in the Nuisance Case near Alexandra Park

The case of the Barony Parochial Board v. R. Binning & Sons, paraffin oil and coal-tar distillers, Blochairn Chemical Works, with reference to the nuisance alleged to be caused by the operations at the works, was continued, before Sheriff Bell, yesterday. Mr J. G. Wright (of Messrs Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, writers, Glasgow), appeared for the petitioners; and Mr France appeared for the respondents.

Robert Binning was recalled, and, on being examined by Mr FRANCE, stated that his works were constructed on the best and most modern principles. He did not know how the works could be improved. Cross-examined by Mr WRIGHT - When last examined as a witness, you stated that after distillation the oil was washed with sulphuric acid and soda? - Witness- Yes. On the completion of the process a sludge remains which you call acidulated tar?-Yes. What do you do with that tar - It is redistilled. The oil is separated from the acid; there is no residuum, and the process of distilling this tar is not offensive. Some people burn the tar, others bury it, but we distil it.

This closed the proof, and the debate was then commenced by Mr WRIGHT (for the petitioners), who said the complaint, which had been brought by the Barony Board as Local Authority, was founded upon the Public Health Act, 1862. The specific complaint was that the respondent carried on works injurious to the health of the neighbourhood, or so conducted them as to be offensive or injurious to health. The dates specifically libelled were the 28th of August,1st and 21st days of September, and the other dates of September preceding the date of the complaint, which was presented on the 23d of the month. '

The defence stated by the respondents was a denial that the work carried on by them was offensive or injurious to the health of the neighbourhood, or that it was so conducted as to be offensive or injurious to health, He submitted that they had evidence to prove that the work was both offensive and injurious to health. After referring to the evidence of Dr Cowan and that of some other witnesses, arguing that their testimony proved his case, Mr Wright observed that the evidence given by Dr Cowan was corroborated by a great many witnesses, who spoke to the injurious effect which was produced on their health by this smell, which had been traced to the Blochairn Chemical Works, and that they all concurred in saying that it produced a choking sensation, and they felt nauses.

They had heard very important information from workers in the neighbouring bleachfleld, who said that when the effluvium was sent out they had to close the apertures or openings which were required for ventilation, preferring rather the want of ventilation than the effluvium which came from the respondents works. There l had been no fewer than twenty-one witnesses who had given evidence directly for the pursuer, but, turning to the evidence given for the defence, they had several of the witnesses admitting, in cross- examination, that they did not like the smell which came from the respondents' works. Having alluded at length to the evidence, and contended that it was amply sufficient to show that the effluvium sent out of the respondents' works was offensive and injurious to health Mr Wright went on to speak of the remedy which he considered should be applied.

The petitioners did not ask his Lordship to ordain the removal of the respondents' works, because, as he had pointed out at the outset, it was very distinctly proved that the nuisance occurred only at intervals, and seemed not to be a necessary part of the work carried on in the place that this effluvium should be emitted. It was therefore enough for the purpose of the Local Authority that his Lordship should ordain the discontinuance of that particular state of things; and if that should be done, and the respondent shall fail to comply with the decree pronounced, then they would incur certain penalties which were prescribed by the Act. Regarding the nuisance, it was enough for the petitioners that they should prove its existence. The respondent had examined a number of gentlemen who inspected the works on days and weeks subsequent to the dates specified in the complaint, and these gentlemen had given it as their opinion that the works were conducted as well as they could be and on the most improved principles, and that the work produced no nuisance he pointed out, however, that that evidence had name reference to the evidence given as to the nuisance on those particular days stated in the petition. It i served, however, to point out the fact that the i ,works could be carried on without creating a nuisance. The nuisance of which the petitioners complained only existed at intervals of time, and the evidence of the medical gentlemen examined on behalf of the respondent established the fact that he would have no difficulty whatever in corn- plying with a remedy or decree from his Lordship to discontinue the nuisance. He asked his Lordship to find the complaint proved, and to give a decree ordaining a remedy or discontinuance of the nuisance complained of.

Mr FRANCE (for the respondents) said the case was one which very seriously affected the interest of his clients. If the Public Health Act, which gave so great powers to Judges, were strictly enforced, the whole of the chemical works in the city of Glasgow could be put down, and if the word "offensive" received the very limited interpretation which his friend give it. With regard to the respondents' works, so far as situation was concerned, they could not be in a better position, and they were situated in a part of the city which seemed to have been set aside for public works. In very densely populated districts there were many persons who were carrying on work of a similar description to the respondents, and in addition were also carrying on the work of distilling tar and ammonia, as well as shale oil. The respondents had also distilled tar and ammonia at one time, but not for the last two years. These works to which he had referred were not considered offensive or injurious to health, and therefore the respondents works has less chance of being so.

Sheriff BELL-If no nauseous smell comes from these works it infers that they are conducted in a less offensive manner than the defenders' works ?

Mr FRANCE - Yes, my Lord; but there is another inference which could be drawn, that Mr. Binning has been selected when he ought not to have been. He then went on to say that no objection had been, or could, be taken to the way in which the respondents' work had been carried on. The machinery and the utensils were of the beat description, and had been erected at great expense. With regard to the coke which was used, it had been proved that it contained no sulphuric hydrogen, and it was was proved that it had antiseptic properties; was not by any means dangerous, but was one of the safest articles that could possibly be a exposed. There was nothing disagreeable or dangerous in the process of consumption of the coke ; in the furnaces, and there could be no sound objection to the articles being used. Mr Wright had said a nuisance existed, but had not told them how it arose. He did not believe there was a nuisance, and they had evidence to show that it was impossible there could be a numinous at all, Nobody could deny that from paraffin works a strong, smell of paraffin must come. The smell of paraffin would not be the most pleasant. but it was not an offensive smell in the sense of the Act. He considered that the fact that the ground at Dennistoun had been feued so rapidly, and that the feuing operations had risen so much in value, was the best test that there really was no good cause for objection to the works. If the smell was injurious to health, it was a curious thing it did not interfere with feuing in the neighbourhood. The result of the whole investigation in this case proved that the respondents' works were lawfully carried on. Neither scientific nor medical men could find any fault with the way in which the business was conducted, and practical men could not find out how it was possible for any nuisance to arise. He submitted, therefore, that it was proved that the respondents' works, as conducted, were not injurious to health. - The preponderance of the evidence was clearly in favour of this, that the smell which came from the works, while it might not be a pleasant smell, was certainly not offensive in the sense of the Act. When taking everything into account, he thought his Lordship would have no difficulty in finding that the defenders had done all they could, and that it would he a very great hardship if they were ordered to discontinue a nuisance when nobody could tell that there was anything in connection with the works that in way could possibly be objectionable

Mr WRIGHT, in reply, said he was happy to able to say that what he had asked his Lordship to a ordain would be no hardship to the respondents, because it had been proved that the works could be conducted at times as to cause no nuisance at all

The SHERIFF said he was not asked to ordain n the discontinuance of the Works, but to give a decree to prevent the injurious effects complained of. He thought it was proved by the evidence which had a been led that, as described by some of the witnesses, "a disgusting, nasty, loathsome, and nauseous smell' came from the respondents' works at times. He rather suspected that it must also be held to be proved that that smell was of such a character as on certain constitutions,at all events, to be offensive to health. They were told that at the work, in the process of distillation, there was a residuum, which was a residuum from the oil distilled, and was called coke, and that coke contained certain proportions of oil and gas. Now, that coke was made use of for heating the furnaces along with coal. It was made use of in different proportions, and, for anything he knew, there was no coal at all. He would like very well to know whether the giving up the use of coke altogether and the using of nothing but ordinary coal would prevent the nauseous smell. They knew very well that there had been nauseous and disgusting smells, and it did not appear to him to be an improbable theory that, when coke was used in a much greater proportion than ordinary coal, the smell was most disagreeable. It would impose a hardship on the defenders if he was simply to ordain the prevent the injurious effects, because the defenders might be brought up for any penalty in the course of a month if somebody found the same nauseous and disgusting smells as formerly. If the defenders would agree to his pronouncing an order upon them not to use coke, he thought that would probably prevent the injurious effects, and would be a specific order and they could not be brought up for any penalty unless it was proved that they had used coke, notwithstanding that they had been forbidden to use it. He knew that it did not appear distinctly from the evidence that coke created the smell, but he had a suspicion that it was the cause,

Mr WRIGHT stated that the petitioners had made the offer to the respondent two months ago to make the experiment his Lordship proposed, But the offer was refused.

After a long conversation Mr France stated that he thought is would be much better for the respondents to undertake to do what his Lordship had proposed than to have an order of this kind given.

The SHERIFF asked whether the pursuers would accept of an obligation

Mr WRIGHT said they could not do that Mr. Binning had been asked to give that obligation before the case was brought to court by had refused, and they could not take it now

The SHERIFF said he had a suspicion he did not say it was proved, that the doing away with the use of coke would materially affect the violence of the smell,

Mr WRIGHT said the difficulty in agreeing to the proposal of the respondent to enter into obligation was that, if the nuisance reoccurred and was found that he had used no fuel except coal, they would require to present a new petition. After some conversation:

The SHERIFF- I think I will ordain him to prevent injurious effects. It appears to me that the experiment ought to be tried of giving up the heating of furnaces with anything but coal. If the respond ant does that and notwithstanding at that, he is brought up for penalty, I will empower that the penalty will be slight. It might however result in this, that he might have to adopt some other experiment. As I look upon this case as a sort of experimental one, I am not disposed to give expenses. The proceedings then terminated.

The Glasgow Herald, 3rd December 1870

Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the several matters relating to coal in the United Kingdom. H.M. Stationery Office 1871

CANNEL COAL AND BITUMINOUS SHALES.

It is important to give, as a section of this chapter, some general notice of the cannel coal and bituminous shales. The following returns must not be regarded as quite complete. They may, however, be received as perfectly correct, as far as it has been possible to carry the inquiry. It should be explained that the quantities of cannel coal raised and used have been included in the general statement of our coal produce already given.

DETAILED STATEMENT of the PRODUCTION of Cannel Coal in GREAT BRITAIN.

ENGLAND.

STAFFORDSHIRE, North - A cannel coal of uncertain quality occurs in this district, especially between Hanley and Harecastle. It is usually termed in the locality " pill " or " peal," and is sold at the pit's mouth at 10s. the ton. The quantity of this cannel which is raised annually is about 10,000 tons

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.-The chief if not the only place in this county at which cannel is worked is at Hucknall Torkard near Nottingham. All that is raised is appropriated for oil making, the quantity produced being 46,950 tons

DERBYSHIRE.-The places producing this variety of coal are the following: Renshaw, near Chesterfield.-This is not strictly a cannel. Swanwick Colliery.-This is a cannel of fair average quality. Clay Cross - But little is worked on this estate at present. The total production of Derbyshire – 42,225 tons

YORKSHIRE -The Mines in Yorkshire producing cannel are-

• 1. Silkstone Fall, Barnsley.
• 2. Adwalton Moor, Leeds.
• 3. Bruntcliffe, Leeds.
• 4. Gildersome, Leeds.
• 5. College, Birstal.
• 6. Oakwell, Leeds.
• 7. Ardsley Main, Ardsley.

Some of this is an inferior cannel, known, locally, as " drub" or "stub” and a considerable quantity of the true cannel of the West Riding will not coke. The quantity raised annually from the Yorkshire district is about 185,000 tons

LANCASHIRE.

The collieries in the East Lancashire (Manchester) district producing cannel coal are the following:-

• 1. Bank, Little Hulton.
• 2. Blackrod, Chorley.
• 3. Blackrod, Blackrod.
• 4. Bridgewater, Worsley.
• 5. Hulton, Bolton.
• 6. Scot Lane, Blaokrod.
• 7. Stonehill, Farnworth.
• 8. Rigby Pit, Anderton Hall

The total estimated production being 120,000 tons
The collieries in the West Lancashire (Wigan) district producing Cannel are-

• 1. Haigh, Haigh and Aspull.
• 2. Aspull, Haigh and Aspull.
• 3. Kirkless Hall, Kirkless.
• 4. Standish, Standish. (These belong to the Wigan Co. and Iron Company)
• 5. Rose Bridge, Ince.
• 6. Douglas Bank, Wigan.
• 7. Norley Hall, Pemberton.
• 8. Ince Hall, Wigan.
• 9. Walthew House, Pemberton.
• 10 Gidlow Lane, Wigan.
• 11.Rowenhead, St. Helen's.

The total production of these collieries was 530,000 tons

CHESHIRE.- Duckinfield, Stockport, is the only colliery in this county producing cannel coal. The present yield being: 12,000 tons

The AVERAGE PRODUCTION of CANNEL COAL in ENGLAND from the Year 1865 to 1869

• North Staffordshire – 10,000 tons
• Nottingham – 46,950 tons
• Derbyshire – 42,225 tons
• Yorkshire – 185,000 tons
• Lancashire – 650,000 tons
• Cheshire – 12,000 tons

The total present production in England – 946,175 tons
At least 50,000 tons of this, possibly much more, was at one time reserved for the manufacture of the coal and shale oils; but the low price of the coal oils sent from America has destroyed a considerable section of this trade. Nearly all the cannel coal now raised is used in the manufacture of gas.

WALES

NORTH WALES.-This is the only district at present producing cannel. The collieries yielding it are -

• Leeswood Green, Mold.
• Leeswood Hill, Mold.
• Coed Talon, Mold.
• Coppa, Mold.
• Nerquis, Mold
• Wem, Bagillt.

From these works the quantity of cannel coal raised was as nearly as can be ascertained 150,000 tons in 1865, almost the whole of which was then consumed in the extensive oil works of Flintshire, which are now suspended. As in other places, the cannel which is now worked is used at the gas works.

SCOTLAND

It is fortunate that we have reliable information as to the output of cannel coal from this im­portant field. At a meeting of coal owners, recently held in Glasgow, the estimated average quantity raised annually from 1865 to 1869 was given as follows :-

• Lanarkshire – 172,000 tons
• Linlithgowshire – 28,000 tons
• East and Mid-Lothian -55,000 tons
• Fifeshire – 29,000 tons
• Ayrshire – 38,000 tons

Given as the total quantity 322,000 tons The stock of cannel coal on hand was then stated to be 61,500 tons, making the total quantity raised as 383,500 tons. Mr. Binney informs us that nearly 100,000 tons of this is used in making oil and paraffin in the works between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The total Quantity of CANNEL COAL produced in the UNITED KINGDOM may be thus estimated : England - 946,175 tons Wales – 150,000 tons Scotland – 322,000 tons Total 1,418,176 tons At a low estimate 250,000 tons of this has been submitted to distillation for coal-oil; therefore, for gas-making and other purposes, the total quantity obtained will be 1,168,176 tons

LISTS OF CANNEL, AND SHALE OIL WORKS IN GREAT BRITAIN,

Distilling crude Petroleum from Cannel coal or Bituminous Shales or Sandstones, so far as these have been ascertained, were in 1865 as follows. Many of these are now idle:-

• Flintshire: Flintshire Oil and Cannel Coal Company, Limited - Saltney
• British Oil and Cannel Company - Leeswood
• Canneline Oil Company – Coed Talon
• Coppa Oil Company - Padeswood
• William's Patent Mineral Charcoal and Oil Company – Ponty Bodkin
• W. B. Marston's Oil Works – Coed Talon Leeswood Main Cannel Oil Company – Hope and Leeswood
• North Wales Oil Company – Lower Leeswood
• Padeswood Oil Company - Padeswood
• Roger Jones and Company - Hope
• E. G. Buttery and Company - Hope
• Thomas Green - Padeswood
• G. H. Birkbeck and Company - Padeswood
• Ness and Griffiths - Padeswood
• Barlow and Jeff's – Coed Talon
• F. Page and Company - Padeswood
• Mold Mineral Oil Company - Mold
• G. F. Milthorp - Padeswood
• Glover and Company - Leeswood
• Hardman and Sharett - Tryddu
• Plasy Mhowys Oil Company - Nerquis
• The Cambrian Oil Company – Hope

The Plaakynaston Colliery Company had just then completed a large contract for cannel coal, with a London Gas Company, at 12s. the ton. At Trydyn, where there are about 50 or 60 acres of cannel, it has been proved to be from 6 to 9 inches only in thickness and it is all of the "smooth" cannel, not "curly." It will be understood that the latter variety is greatly superior to the former. Leeswood has about 120 acres four feet thick on the average. At the Mold Cannel Works, the Broncoed Colliery, and Bromfield Colliery, the section is The ·North Wales Oil Works have And here the cannel coal seam has doubled upon itself, by a succession of movements, attaining in some places a considerable thickness. At Coed Talon they have also about four feet of cannel At a depth of 224 yds. 1 ft. 10 in. They probably have about from 200 to 250 acres remaining. A little cannel has been worked at Mostyn, on the banks of the Dee, and at W em Colliery near Bagillt they are now producing a small quantity. A thin bed of cannel, about six inches thick, can be traced from Bagillt to Mostyn

NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE

• Messrs Adams, Tunstall- 20 retorts
• H. Meir Esq, Tunstall – 20 retorts
• Messrs May and Co., Burslem – 40 retorts
• Messrs Glover – Longton – 10 retorts
• Messrs Slater & Co – Burslem – 36 retorts
• Messrs Wards & Co. - Hanley – 18 retorts
• Messrs Hardman & Co, Milton – 8 retorts
• North Staffordshire Coal and Iron Company – Tunstall – 2 retorts

Total 154 retorts
Each retort yields on an average 30 gallons of crude oil per day of 24 hours, working 6 days per week, say 100 tons or crude oil per week for the district. Of the BITUMINOUS SHALES they are now raising nearly 10,000 tons per annum, selling at the pit's mouth for 12s. the ton.

YORKSHIRE.-

West Ardsley Coal Company. These retorts are but just going into work for the distillation of shale.

SHROPSHIRE.- Bituminous shales are being worked, but the rate of production is not high.
The AVERAGE PRODUCTION of CANNEL COAL in ENGLAND from the Year 1865 to 1869

SCOTLAND
LANARKSHIRE.- In the western division of this county there are five collieries working ''gas coal," as cannel is called in Scotland, of the "splint seam," and two others are working cannel coal with the ironstone. In the eastern division twenty collieries are working the cannel of the "splint seam," four the Kiltongue "mussel band," six the Kiltongue, and 11 the Lesmahago coal.
FIFESHIRE.-There are six or seven collieries working the "Lesmahago," and four or five the
" Boghead coal."

HADDINGTONSHIRE.-There are four collieries yielding "gas coal".

KlNROSSHIRE - Yields "gas coal” from one

EDINBURGHSHIRE.- Has four collieries producing "Lesmahago” and five the cannel of the "splint coal." LINLITHGOWSHIRE. - Has four collieries yielding" Boghead," and two or three" Lesmahago.".

STIRLINGSHIRE - Has one colliery producing the Kiltongue mussel"

PERTHSHIRE.- Has two collieries giving ''Lesmahago" cannel. The present rate of production from these collieries has been already given.

It may be useful to state the oil-producing power of some of these coals. Boghead produces 128 gallons of oil per ton Methel produces 90 gallons of oil per ton Capeldrae produces 81 gallons of oil per ton Lesmahago produces 78 gallons of oil per ton Rochsoles produces 72 gallons of oil per ton

The "Boghead " variety of coal, with its present price, 74s. the ton, is placed beyond. the reach of the gas manufacturers. Of it Mr. Binney, our highest authority, writes- " The Boghead coal occurs in the higher part of the Scotch coalfield in about the position of the "slaty band" of ironstone ; its range is not more than three or four miles, in the lands of Torbane, Inchcross, Boghead, Sappers, and Bathvale, near Bathgate, in the county of Linlithgow. In thickness it varies from 1 to 30 inches, and at the present consumption, say from 80,000 to 100,000 tons per annum, it cannot last many years." Bituminous shales are also worked in many localities, and the works for the distillation of cannel coal and shales are extending.

Alleged Pollution of the River Alyn

Mold Petty Sessions, before J. Scott-Bankes, Major Roper & T.W. Eyton

Bush v. Plas y Mhowys Oil Company.

Mr. Bridgman, of Chester, appeared on behalf of the " Society for the Prevention of the Pollution of the River Dee and its Tributaries," in support of the following information : — Wm. Kempton Bush, of the city of Chester, said that on the 14th day of November, 1871, the defendant, of Plas y Mhowys Oil Works, in the county of Flint, did at or near such works in the said county, knowingly permit to flow into and down a rivulet, being a tributary of the river Alyn, in the said county, which is a water containing salmon, and also a tributary of the river Dee, which is also water containing salmon, certain liquid matter to such an extent as to cause the waters of the said rivulet, being also a tributary of the river Dee, contrary to the form of the statute in that case made and provided Mr. Spencer Walpole, one of H.M.'s Commissioners of Inspectors of Salmon Fisheries, went on the 14th November with Mr. Mostyn Owen up the Alyn to the Rosset, when the river tasted of tar. He did not think salmon would turn back from the river if in the state it was then. He would not say salmon would be killed, but it would be prejudical to them. The water was in a moderate state. He went to defendant's works and saw matter running into the river similar to what he had seen at the Rosset, both in taste and smell. He had some minnows and vace with him, and below Mr. Marston's works he took water out of the stream, and also at the defendant's. He put in a minnow in the water at 15 minutes past one below Mr. Marston's, and at 43 minutes the fish were on their sides, and minnows are not so easily killed as salmon and trout. At 2.10 he put a minnow in water at the defendant's, at 2.35 it was on its side, at 2.45 he put fresh water, and it was dead at 3.15. Above the works the water was perfectly pure. He saw a small drain with tarry substances floating in it coming from the defendant's works into the brook. He tasted the water at the junction of the river with the Alyn, and was satisfied no young salmon could live in it there.

Cross-examined: That he stated as a matter of opinion. He put minnows into water and they showed signs of uneasiness, but did not stay long enough to see whether they were killed. He went around the works to see the precautions the defendant had taken to prevent the pollution of the river, and he thought the noxious matter came from the stills and not from a heap of ashes. The defendant said he was preparing an evaporating furnace and settling pond for that purpose, and witness could not suggest any improvement, and defendant gave him every facility. As a matter of fact the minnow placed n the water at defendant's works died in a shorter time than those put in below Mr. Marston's works, which was below. He did not see the point of junction of the Nant rivulet with that which passed the works of defendant and Mr. Marston. He had no doubt that the noxious element in the water was tar; he thought it was the oil and not any chemicals used in refining.

Re-examined: The water above the junction with the Alyn was purer than that below the works. The water in the Nant brook was of a red ochreous nature which came from the collieries. By the Chairman : He thought defendant might have done more to prevent the flow of tar into the river. Capt. Mostyn Owen, Secretary of the River Dee Conservators, corroborated the statement of Mr. Walpole. He added that personally he had never taken fish in the Alyn.

Cross-examined— lt was possible to prove whether fish would live at the junction of the Nant with the Alyn ; but he had never tried it. He was sure young fish would not stay there, and if a salmon stopped long enough at the Rossett it would kill it. He knew that a large volume of water joined the stream passing defendant's, a little below Mr. Marston's ; but he made no experiments of the water below the junction. Mr Hatton confirmed the statements made by Messrs. Walpole and Owen.

Cross-examined — He attended a meeting in Chester in the early part of October last, when a special complaint was made of the River Alyn to the effect that it was as bad if not worse than ever. No one from the society had suggested to defendant what should be done to rectify the matter. John Hughes, water bailiff, had known the river Alyn for ten years; it used to be a good salmon and trout river, but neither would go into it now only after a freshet. He then confirmed the statement of the other witnesses. He took the water out of the rivulet above defendant's, and it was quite pure. The minnows which were put into water got out below the junction with the Alyn and turned sick immediately.

This being the case for the complainant, Mr. Smith asked the Bench if they a case had been made out. The Chairman said he thought there had not, but as perhaps the other magistrates did not agree with him they would retire.— ln a few minutes the magistrates returned, and the Chairman said that the other magistrates thought there was a case, and so Mr. Smith had better proceed with his answer.

On the conclusion of the case for the prosecution Mr. Smith contended that they must prove that at the junction of the Alyn with the tributary passing the works the water was poisonous to fish, and that they had not done, merely alleging it as a matter of opinion. Besides, he should prove that defendant had done all in his power to prevent the pollution, and so conformed to the Act. Mr. A. Liston, manager of the defendants works, said that all that could be done had been done to prevent the pollution of the river. In the first place a separator had been erected, which was effectual in separating the oil from the water, but not in extracting the acid from the water. They then passed the water through ashes, but they were choked, and the water was then thrown on hot ashes and was evaporated, but in wet weather a little water still escaped; and then it was decided to put up a reverbatory furnace, a well was made, and the water was pumped up and evaporated in the furnace.

They had been instructed to attend daily by Mr. Thompson to keep the water clean, and no costs were ever an object, but he was encouraged to do everything he could to prevent pollution. This being the case fer the defence, Mr. Bridgman contended that it had entirely failed, and said his case had been proved. The complaint was not brought forward in a vindictive spirit, but they would be satisfied with damages of one farthing. What they wanted to show was that a law existed which prevented people from polluting the rivers, and if manufacturers could not carrry on their business without doing so they had no business to be there. The prosecution had proved that on the 14th November deleterious matter had been poured into the river, and it was no answer to that to say that since then something had been done to prevent it.

The bench then retired, an in a few minutes returned and said that the majority were of opinion that the case should be dismissed; the defendant had done all in his power to prevent pollution, The Chairman was also of opinion that the prosecution had not made a case at all, inasmuch as between defendants works and the Alyn, Mr Marston's works intervened, from which deleterious matter was stated to flow into the rivulet. He must say that the prosecution whished to enforce the lay, they ought to have commenced with the manufacturer whose works were nearest the Alyn which was alleged to be polluted.

The Cheshire Observer, 27th January 1871

The Dalmeny Oil Company (Limited)

Capital £27,000 in 2700 shares of £10 each.

Payable £2 per Share on application: £4 on Allotment: and the remainder in future call: not sooner

than three months after the formation of the Company/

Directors

• George Gray, Esq., Coal and Lime Merchant, Leavenseat
• George Roberts, Esq., Builder, Edinburgh
• John Kerr, Esq., Farmer, Bloom, Mid-Calder
• George Gardiner, Esq., Carrington Deans, Lasswade

Bankers

• The British Lines Company, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Branches

Solicitors

• Messrs Hill, Reid & Drummond, W. S., Edinburgh

Sharebrokers

• Messrs Mitchell, Watson & Wine, National Bank Buildings, Glasgow

This company is being formed for the purposed of acquiring the Dalmeny Shale and Oil Works near Queensferry, with the lease of the shale and other minerals in part of the Dalmeny Estate of the Earl of Rosebery. The mineral field is intersected by the Queensferry Branch of the North British Railway Company, and the works are connected with that branch by a short line of private railway.

The extent and contents of the mineral field have been amply proved by mineral workings and by boring. The mining machinery has been completed so as to admit of an output of 300 tons of shale per day, and, by a little further expenditure, this can be easily increased. The Oil Works were erected within the last eighteen months having been gradually extended during that time as the commercial value of the undertaking was proved. They contain 33 upright and 44 horizontal retorts, with relative machinery and plant. The works use 53[?] tons of shale per day, producing 32½ gallons per ton in vertical retorts, and 27 ½ gallons per ton in horizontal retorts. A relatively small proportion of additional expense will increase the Oil Works so as to use the output available from the mining plant. The seams of shale are of much greater thickness than usual in the other shale fields in Scotland, and the oil is noted in the market for its excellent quality.

The report by Mr John R. Williamson, M. E., Edinburgh (?? to the prospectus), contains a description of the field and works.

The lease of the mineral field is for thirty-one years from Martinmas 1871, with breaks in favour of the tenants every third year. The rent is £1000 of fixed rent, or, in the Landlord's option, a royalty of 1s per 22 ½ cwt. of shale, and moderate lordships[?] on other minerals if these be worked. The conditions of the lease may be seen in the hands of the Solicitors.

The capital proposed is £27,000. Of this, there is required for the purchase of the works £16,000, part of which is to be paid by Shares of the Company. The plant to be conveyed to the Company includes the whole plant on the ground, including what formerly belonged to the Landlord as well as to the recent tenants, the present owners having taken over the whole of the Landlord's plant as well as the interest of their former copartners in the undertaking. There is also a number of excellent workmen's houses, and a manager's house, belonging to the works. Of the remaining capital , part is intended for an immediate extension of the Oil Work, and for future extension and floating capital.

An expenditure of £7000 to £8000 on retorts would increase the manufacture to 200 tons of shale per day, making an annual production of over 1,650,000 gallons of oil. A profit of 1d per gallon on this would give £6875 a year. The profits from the sulphate of ammonia manugactured from this quantity of shale may be estimated at £1500. This would give a very remunerative return to the Shareholder, ever after providing an ample reserve fund for commercial contingencies.

The estimated cost of production of the oil is 3 ½d. per gallon for horizontal or light oil, and 3 ½d. per gallon for vertical or heavy oil, including repairs, but not depreciation on plant. The actual cost in the fourteen weeks ending 6th September 1871 (during which the present works were in full operational) averaged 3.257 pence per gallon for both classes of oil, conform to a report by Messrs Lindsay, Jamieson, and Haldane, C. A., Edinburgh. The actual cost of working the shale during that time was 3s 4.037d. per ton.

From inquiries made of large dealers in crude oils, it appears that the price of light oil (860” gravity) averaged over the last three years fully 5d. per gallon (5 ½d. to 5 ¾d.), delivered at the place of manufacture. Even though this average be not maintained to future and making full allowance for general expenses and contingencies, it is believed that the present undertaking must prove a success.

It is intended to provide that not dividend in excess of 15 percent, per annum be declared till a Reserve Fund be accumulated. This fund may be applied as the Company resolve.

The incorporation of the Company will admit of their extending their operations to other fields if the Company so resolve. A copy of the Memorandum of Association is annexed to the Prospectus.

The only agreement entered into on behalf of the Company is an agreement dated 27th September 1871, between Alexander Archibald Glendinning and George Peter Glendinning, Leuchold, Dalmeny Park, Edinburgh, of the first part, and George Gray, Coal and Lime Master, Leavenseat, as on behalf of the intended Company, on the other part. This deed in in the hands of the Solicitors.

Applications for Shares may be addressed to Messrs Hill, Reid, & Drummond, W. S., Edinburgh: Messrs Mitchell, Watson & Wine, C. A., Glasgow: or to Mr George P. Glendinning, Dalmeny Oil Works, Dalmeny.

Except from the Report on the Dalmeny Shale Field by John R. Williamson, Esq., M. E. (Annexed to the Prospectus)

In conclusion, I am of opinion that the field is a very valuable one, and I see no reason why, with a fair [??] state of the oil trade, the concern should not turn out a very remunerative one.

John R. Williamson, M. E.

The Scotsman, 4th October 1871

Prospectus of the Mid-Lothian Mineral Oil Co. Ltd.

Incorporated under the Companies' Acts 1852 and 1867. Capital £75,000. First issue £50,000, in 10,000 Shares of £6 each, payable as under:— 10s. per Share on Application. 20s. ditto on Allotment 20s. ditto on lst January 1872; 20s. ditto on 1st June, 1872; and 30s. ditto on 1st October, 1872. The additional capital when issued will be offered pro rata to existing share holders.

DIRECTORS

• Henry Inglis, Esq., of Torsonce, county of Edinburgh (Director, City of Glasgow Bank).
• W. P. Andrew, Esq.. Bryanston square, W. (Chairman Scinde, Punjab, and Delhi Railway Company, and Director General Credit and Discount Company).
• Robert Salmond Esq. F.R.G.S of Rankinston, Ayrshire, and Reform Club, London, S.W. (Director British India Steam Navigation Company).
• John Peter Raeburn, Esq., of Charlesfield. Mid Calder.

BANKERS

• The London Joint Stock Bank (London and branches).
• The City of Glasgow Bank, (Glasgow, Edinburgh, and branches).

BROKERS

• London— Messrs Scott & Francis, 5 Warnfordcourt, Throgmorton-street, E.C.;
• Liverpool- Messrs. G. and T. lrvine, India-buildings;
• Edinburgh— William Bell, Esq., 8. North St. David street;
• Glasgow— Messrs. Kerr, Anderson, and Co., 132, St. Vincent- St.

SOLICITORS

• Messrs. H. & E. Inglis, Writers to the Signet, 16, Queen St. Edinburgh.

SECRETARY

• (pro-temp) David Lockhart, Esq., Office, 190, West George Street, Glasgow.

PROSPECTUS

This Company is formed for the purpose of working on an extensive scale a valuable Mineral Oil Property at Charlesfield, near West Calder, in the county of Edinburgh. This property comprises 150 acres of first class shale, with an upper and lower seam, capable of producing 14,000 tons of shale per acre, which will yield 25 gallons or upwards of crude oil of the finest quality to each ton of shale.

The rate and progress of the manufacture of Mineral Oil in Scotland is unparalleled by that of any other branch of trade, and there is at present an enormous and increasing demand for what has become one of the leading industries of the country. At the present time, the average weekly production of crude oil in Scotland exceeds 400,000 gallons being regularly at work, producing 21,800,000 gallons annually. About 10,000,000 gallons are annually refined for burning, besides which an enormous quantity of paraffin wax and other valuable products ate obtained from treatment of the shale.

As to the quality of the Oil, its superiority to all other oils is apparent from a report issued by the Lighthouse authorities in France, in which they state that the Scottish oil presented a marked superiority over all others experimented upon for quality and luminous intensity, and has been adopted in all the lighthouses in France adapted for Mineral Oils. Captain H. H. Doty, in a paper read before the Royal Scottish Society Of Arts In March last, unhesitatingly pronounced Scotch oils superior to all others, and predicted their adoption at no distant date in all the lighthouses of the world. He stated that these oil possess nearly double the illuminating power of an equal quantity of vegetable or animal oils, at the same time the price being less than half. It will immediately be seen that a marked economy is effected in their use, and this circumstance has tended much to their rapid adoption

This Company will be favourably circumstanced for producing oil, having acquired the right to work property of high repute in the West Calder district, which is particularly rich in bituminous shale of superior quality. The Caledonian Railway passes in close proximity to the property, and will be connected with the works by means of a siding, by which the cheap and easy transit of material and produce will lie greatly facilitated.

It is estimated that the shale which exists on the property is capable of yielding 50,000,000 gallons of oil. The estimate of income and expenditure annexed to prospectus will show the highly remunerative character of this undertaking. The capital will be expended in erecting retorts and refineries, sinking pits, laying down tramways, building workmen's houses &c. the whole of the plant and machinery will, be of the most approved description. In estimating the dividends which will accrue, It is difficult to avoid an appearance of exaggeration; but after allowing fully for all expenses of manufacture, and in view of the very moderate selling prices which have been taken, and which are confirmed by competent and experienced authorities, dividends of at least 30 per cent may be reasonably expected. The business in one that is carried on without risk of bad debts, its transactions being almost entirely in cash payments.

The Company propose to work at first about 120 tons daily, but by the issue of the remaining capital of £25,000 they would he enabled to work 240 tons a day, by which it is at once apparent the dividend would be largely increased. It is expected that the works will be in active operation in about six months from their commencement.

The Board includes the names of gentlemen having a good knowledge of the business of the Company, and the directors have secured the services of a manager who has had great practical experience in the manufacture of mineral oils, and is thoroughly acquainted with every detail of the business. The only contract entered into is a Minute of Agreement dated 14th November 1871 between John Peter Raeburn of the one part, and William Bell, on behalf of the company, of the other part, under which a lease of shale, subject to a stipulated fixed rent or royalty, is to be granted to the Company. The price to be paid for this lease is £8,000, of which the proprietor has agreed to accept £7,000 in shares. The contract may be inspected at the office of the solicitors, and a copy may be seen at the office of the company.

Share warrants to bearer, or share certificates, as may be desired, will he issued, when shares are fully paid. In exchange for bankers' receipts. Shares may be paid up in full on allotment if desired. Prospectuses and forms of application for shares may be obtained at the office of the Company, or of the Company's bankers or brokers where also copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association may be had.

London Standard, 23rd November 1871

Mineral oil works in Russia

Extensive contract for apparatus

It is but a very short period since the process of distilling oil from coal and other bituminous minerals had an air of novelty and an attractiveness, which have already worn, off. Like all other new industries, it excited the cupidity of thousands of persona in the circles of Commerce; the speculative multitude buzzed around it, and it was in consequence overdone. But this was only temporary. The reaction which, set in brought the, trade to a steady and healthy condition; and while the general public may have ceased to take as much interest in it, the trade of manufacturing mineral oils has been quietly but gradually extending, till it has now settled down in almost every corner of Europe.

The production of mineral oils (in many instances from apparently worthless raw materials) is fraught with much interest, both to the chemist sad to the mechanical engineer; and it affords wide scope alike for chemical research and inventive skill. Illuminating and lubricating oils are now manufactured of a much purer quality than was possible a few years ago, and at a considerable saving in the cost of production; and the trade has, in consequence, become highly profitable, and has grown to an extent which but few people unconnected with it have any conception of Linlithgowshire, Lanarkshire, and North Wales, were the chief places for the development of the mineral oil industry in its early days, but now it may be said to have sprung up, not only in every coal-mining district of Great Britain, but likewise in nearly every country of Continental Europe and Western Asia. Italy, Bohemia, Turkey, Spain, and even Palestine, have all given proofs of the wide distribution of oil-yielding minerals, and to a greater or less extent these countries have actually commenced the manufacture of burning oils.

Several years ago it was found that Russia abounded with the raw material necessary for carrying on this manufacture. There are immense quantities of it on the shores of the Caspian Sea, in a sort of pitchy state, somewhat resembling crude petroleum or rock oil. In this region it is found to extend over hundreds of miles; and in the form of shale the raw material is said to be very plentiful in almost all parts of European Russia. Indeed, the quantity of suitable oil- yielding mineral in Russia is most surprising. Some two or three years ago a company was organized to carry on the oil manufacture in Russia, but owing to the malconstruction of the works and the faulty character of the appliances the project entirely failed. A new company has recently been formed, called the Mouraevna Coal and Oil Company, starting with a capital of half a million sterling, and a new manufactory is in progress which promises to be in every way successful.

The new works are being erected in the vicinity of Moscow, and the contract for the same has been secured by a Glasgow firm, Messrs George Bennie & Co., whose reputation in connection with mineral oil engineering is well known. A few months ago the Mouraevna Coal and Oil Company sent some samples of their minerals to Messrs Bennie & Co., in order that their oil-yielding power might be thoroughly tested in the experimental retorts and apparatus which are kept by the firm. The shale turned out to be of excellent quality, yielding from 60 to 120 gallons of oil per ton. One of the seams is almost as rich in oil as the once famous Boghead coal. From an elaborate series of analyses made by Dr Wallace, of this city, we have learned that an average sample of the Moursevua shales yielded nearly 15,000 cubic feet of gas of great illuminating power of 30.15 standard sperm candles, The equivalent of a ton of this coal in pounds of sperm is 1538, that of Lesmahagow gas coal being 1350 pounds. It is very interesting to know that when this Russian mineral distilled experimentally for oil, the latter yields solid paraffin, which has an unusually high melting point, 130' Fahrenheit. Reassured by the excellent results which the shales yielded one being properly treated, the Mouraevna Company have become possessed of mineral fields of very great extent, and have placed an order in the hands of Messrs George Bennie & Co. for the first division of their works. This embraces a large quantity of the requisite retorts, stills, washers, and other machinery appertaining to the manufacture and refining of oil. Although this contract is for the first division only, it is on such a scale of magnitude as to indicate that the Mouraevna Coal and Oil Company contemplate a very large business.

At the request of the company Mr George Bennie went to Moscow in the past autumn and personally arranged the details of the works. Mr Bennie returned from Russia in October last, when an order was immediately put in hands, amounting in the aggregate to upwards of 600 tons of castings and machinery, the whole of which 'is now ready or nearly ready for shipment. Russia has hitherto been a large consumer of British shale oil and Gas coal, and of American petroleum; it is natural to expect, therefore, that if this new industry should take firm root in that country, it will exert an immense influence upon the trade both in Great Britain and the United States.

The Glasgow Herald 9th December 1871

The Padeswood Retort Case

Humphreys v . Milthrope —Mr Roper for the plaintiff and Mr Cartwright, of Chester, for the defendant.

Mr. Roper in his opening statement said the case had been before His Honour many times, and was adjourned one time alter another. The action was to recover the sum of £7 0s 6d, balance of an account for building twelve retorts at Padeswood, at a rate the plaintiff alleged of £7 10s each; 27s for excavating the foundations for them,; £5 15s for cleaning 70.000 bricks; £1 16s for riddling cinders, &c. Defendant denied several of these items and disputed the correctness of others. He then called the plaintiff,

James Humphreys, who said that he was a bricklayer, living at Buckley, In June, 1870, Mr. Goodison, the manager employed by Mr. Milthorpe at Padeswood, asked him what he could build twelve retorts for. He answered, £4 each, but if the defendants would put up the iron he would build them for £3 10s..

Mr. Goodison said that he would consult his employers, and in a day or two he (witness) received a letter from Mr. Goodison, asking him to commence at once. Witness answered the note at once, and went to work on the following Monday. When he got there he found that the foundation had not been excavated, and told Mr. Goodison he would go away. He replied that he would put a man on at once, and put a man named Ankers to begin the work, but when Ankers had been employed a quarter of an hour, he came and took him away, telling plaintiff to do it himself and charge the defendant with it. Plaintiff did so, and excavated a place 27 yards long, by 11 feet 4 inches wide, and from a foot to 18 inches deep, for which he charged 27s.

His Honour said that was too much. There was little more than thirty cubic yards had been removed, for which 16s would be sufficient.

Plaintiff continuing, said that Goodison told him on the Monday that he would give him £.3 10s a retort, and if plaintiff turned out a good job, Mr. Milthrope would not be within a pound or two. Defendant came and said that all was right, and no complaint was made up to the finish he being paid a sum on account each week, and always brought the retorts to £42, but wanted 5s back. On the 10th December the defendant came down, and plaintiff pointed out to him that he had screened ashes twice over for mortar, and that he expected to be paid for it, Mr. Milthrope turned to Goodison and asked if that was with the plaintiff's agreement. He answered no and then defendant said the plaintiff must be paid for it. There were forty -eight loads that he had screened, for which he charged 9d per load — £1 16s. — Cross-examined by Mr. Cartwright: The agreement was arrived at in the office of Mr. Goodison at the works. Mr. Goodison never said to him the price was to be £3 5s per retort, and witness to the defendant in Goodison's presence on the 10th December, 1870, that the price agreed upon was £3 5s. He dressed 70,000 bricks, and he counted them after putting them in. There were 6,500 in each retort, and 74,000 had been received from Messrs. Wilcox and Co., of the Hope Oil Works, and there was a chimney which had been pulled down as well. Defendant's men had cleaned a few bricks which he put down at 4,000, and he had used a few hundreds without cleaning.

The defendant's son— James Humphrey corroborated his father's evidence in some particulars, saying it was agreed that 2s 6d per thousand should be paid for cleaning the bricks, and that £3 10s each should be paid for building the retorts.

Mr. Cartwright in opening the case for the defence briefly stated that plaintiff had considerably overdrawn his bill, and had been paid quite sufficient for the work be had done. He had received £54 19s, which the other side did not delay and these items were brought forward in order to cover it. He would call Mr. J. Goodison, who said he was Mr. Milthrope's manager at the Padeswood Oil Works. In June, 1870, he negotiated with the plaintiff for the build of the retorts in question, for which he was to receive £3 5s each, at the same time saying that he would get sand if possible, if not, the cinders would be used, which would be better than sand. Plaintiff never asked for £3 10s, and in his daily report to the defendant which he sent at that time, witness stated that £3 5s was the price agreed upon. He did not remember that plaintiff ever had an interview with the defendant, and he never spoke to him in his presence on the 10th of December, or at any other time. About a fortnight ago he had gone over the work with a respectable builder.

Mr. Millington of Hope, and they counted 5,000 bricks in each retort, and in the whole work there were 12,000 undressed brick:, 5,000 in arenas and 7,000 in the foundations. He arrived at that calculation by measurement, and he had ordered that they should be put in undressed. The plaintiff had only dressed about 8000 bricks, and the others were done by defendant's men, — Ankers, Davies, Griffiths and Wright, who were at their for two or three hours, as they had time every day. Plaintiff made no effort to complete the work and was at it for two months longer than he need have been. — Cross-examined by Mr. Roper: There was no fixed time agreed upon for the completion of the work, and plaintiff had never asked for £4 per retort, £3 5s being the highest amount asked for. He offered £3 2s 6d in the first instance, but afterwards agreed to the plaintiff's terms.

Mr. Millington said he had gone over the work with Mr. Goodison, and considered £3 5s a fair price, but he never had any experience in building them himself. He considered Is 1s 6d a thousand a fair pries for cleaning the bricks.

Ankers and Griffiths, two of the men mentioned by Mr. Goodison, spoke to cleaning some of the bricks in their leisure hours. The latter said he had seen the plaintiff, defendant and Goodison standing together on the 10th December, after which plaintiff came to him and said that it was all right.

His Honour said there was a distinct oath as to the price of the retorts on each side, that on the side of the plaintiff was confirmed by his son, while that on the defendant's was not. Under these circumstances he was bound to believe the plaintiff, especially as Mr. Goodison gave his evidence in a very hasty manner, that would lead him to make mistakes in business as well as in his evidence. He would therefore allow £3 10s each for the retorts. With regard to the bricks he thought 70,000 to be an excessive number, 50,000 would be nearer the mark, and 1s 6d per thousand would be a fair price for cleaning them. The plaintiff's item of £8 15s, would therefore be reduced to £3 15s. There was an item of 3ds for riddling cinders, 9d a load would be a fairer price, and the item would be reduced to 24s. He would give judgement for the plaintiff for 10s 6d, with the costs of the court and witnesses.

The Wrexham Advertiser, 23rd December 1871

The development of the mineral oil manufacture forms one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of modern industry. Only a quarter of a century has elapsed since attention was directed to the subject through the discovery of an oil spring in Derbyshire; and now we have a great trade giving employment to many thousands of persons, and producing, from a substance formerly reckoned valueless a most important addition to the material comforts of the country. The pioneers in the enterprise were Mr James Young and Mr Edward Meldrum. In their hands the little Derbyshire spring, which had been discovered by Dr Lyon Playfair, became so valuable that, when its supply gradually ceased, they found it worth while to manufacture oil of a similar character from cannel coal. By-and-by it was discovered that the product in question could be obtained from shale, and forthwith the trade, which by this time had been established at Bathgate, assumed an extent commensurate with the abundance and cheapness of the raw material. After the first flush of prosperity, a check was experienced through the introduction of American petroleum, a substance resembling the shale oil in many important particulars. In course of time, however, matters found their level; and now, in spite of foreign competition, our home manufacture of mineral oil and its products presets all the appearance of a thriving branch of industry.

In August last, in connection with the visit of the British Association, we had occasion to describe the extensive works at Addiewell, where the trade was carried on in all its branches under the supervision of Mr Young, one of its original founders. At a distance of a few miles, Mr Meldrum, another partner in the old Bathgate venture, presides over a similar manufactory, which is rapidly extending its operations under the auspices of a recently formed joint stock company. The Uphall Mineral Oil Works, which, till within the last few months, belonged to Messrs Peter M'Lagan, M.P., Edward Meldrum of Dechmont, and George Simpson, Benhar Colliery, were established in 1866. Situated in close proximity to the Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway, they cover 38½ acres of ground, and comprise, besides a prolific shale pit, all the necessary appliances for manufacturing crude oil, and obtaining the various products resulting from the refining of that article. The shale and other mineral fields connected with the works extend to about 2000 acres, and the quantity of crude oil produced exceeds a million gallons per annum. The undertaking of the firm referred to also embraced the Boghall works, with mineral fields extending to 3000 acres, and apparatus capable of producing 900,000 gallons of crude oil per annum. In the spring of the present year, the original copartnery was merged in a limited liability company, having for its object the extension of the undertaking by the acquisition of the Hopetoun shale field, and the combination of the various works, so as to carry on the manufacture to the greatest possible advantage.

The arrangement adopted is to work the shale in all the fields simultaneously, and to manufacture the crude oil in each case in the immediate vicinity of the pits. The process of refining is confined to the Uphall works, to which the crude oil from Boghall and Hopetoun is conveyed by railway. It is therefore only at Uphall that one can witness the complete series of operations by which a dull rusty-looking stone is converted into the finest burning and lubricating oils, not to speak of various other products about as unlike the original substance as it is possible to imagine.

A visitor to the Uphall works – more especially if he should fall into the courteous hands of Mr Meldrum, who delights in explaining everything aborigine – would probably find himself conducted in the first instance to the shale pit, where a steam-engine is constantly employed in hauling up from a depth of 27 fathoms supplies of the raw material, the quantity brought to bank varying from 120 to 130 tons per day. Shale is no doubt familiar to most readers as a stone of slaty texture and dusky-brown colour. The best kind is that which does not weigh too heavy, and which, when cut with a knife, does not splinter, but gives off a continuous shaving, such as would be got from a piece of wax. On reaching the pit bank, the shale is tumbled into a hopper, and falls between two cylinders armed with strong iron teeth, by whose revolution it is broken into small pieces suitable for the first stage of the manufacture. The crushed shale drops into wagons placed underneath the cylinders, and is conveyed along a tramway to the retorts, where it undergoes a process of distillation. Of these retorts there are two kinds in use at Uphall – One closely resembling that used in gas works, and the other of a somewhat more complex character, calculated to do its work with greater thoroughness. The latter being the form of apparatus most extensively adopted, it may suffice to describe the distillation with reference to its mode of action. The retort is a flattened cylinder of cast-iron, about twelve feet long, contracting itself towards the ends, both of which, however, are open. It is placed in an upright position in a framework of brick, so that nearly the whole of its length may be exposed to the flames of a furnace playing through a wide flue. The upper end is fitted with a hopper, the orifice of which can be tightly closed at pleasure by an ingenious contrivance, and the lower end dips to the depth of two or three inches into a shallow pan filled with water. So adjusted, the retorts are ranged in long rows, a platform communicating with the shale pit tramway giving access to their hoppers. The retort having been filled with broken shale, the furnace is brought into operation so as to raise its middle zone to a low red heat, and then the process of distillation goes on continuously. At the temperature referred to, which has to be carefully maintained throughout, the hydrocarbons contained in the shale are driven off in the shape of gas, which is to a large extent condensable. Under a greater heat they would take the form of permanent gas, and so the production of oil would be frustrated. The shale in the retort is kept moving by the addition at intervals of fresh material through the hopper at the top, and the regular raking away of that which falls out into the water pan below. As it slides gradually down into the heated zone, it parts with its hydrocarbons, and by the time it reaches the bottom of the retort is reduced to the state of worthless refuse. The evolution of the gaseous matter is promoted by the introduction of a jet of steam, and the product of the distillation, which is prevented by the water from escaping at the bottom of the retort, passes off through a pipe near the top, and flows into the condensers. These are of two kinds, one consisting of a congeries of winding pipes, in passing through which the gas is exposed to the cooling influence of the atmosphere, and the other of a long wrought-iron cylinder, with a stream of cold water constantly flowing along its upper surface. The efficiency of the condensers varies with the season of the year; but in no case do they suffice to condense the whole of the vapour passed into them. A considerable portion has to be blown off as permanent gas, which, however, is turned to account for lighting up the works at night, as also in helping to heat the furnaces, and so economise fuel. The product of the condensation runs off in a continuous stream of dark-greenish fluid, which is first conveyed to an apparatus called a "separator," in order that its two components of oil and water may be parted one from the other. In the separator, which is simply a small tank with outlets at different levels, the oil rises to the top, and is carried away by one pipe, while the water, of which there is about the same quantity, escapes by another. This water contains a considerable quantity of ammonia, which, being treated with sulphuric acid, forms the valuable agricultural product known as sulphate of ammonia. The sulphate is produced at Uphall to the extent of about seven tons per week, and, finding a ready sale among the neighbouring farmers at something like £22 per ton, forms no inconsiderable item in the revenue of the company.

The crude oil, on leaving the separator, is conveyed to a reservoir containing about 50,000 gallons, where is stored not only the product of the Uphall retorts, but also the oil produced at the company's other works, which is brought by rail in tanks specially constructed for the purpose. In the process of purification to which the oil is now subjected, the first step is a second distillation. The dark green fluid is pumped from the reservoir into large iron pans, in which it is boiled to dryness. The hydro-carbons are thus once more driven off in the form of gas, which, being condensed, yields an oil still greenish in colour, but thinner, lighter and altogether considerably purer than the crude material. In the pans there is left a deposit of charcoal capable of being used as fuel in the furnaces. In its next stage the oil passes to a department of the works where it undergoes a sort of scouring process. The first step is to introduce it to a set of closed vessels, where it is stirred up with sulphuricacid. On being run off into a settler, the oil, considerably improved in appearance, rises to the top, while ablack tar, formed by the combination of the sulphuric acid with various impurities, subsides to the bottom. A similar treatment with caustic soda results in as second deposit of black tar and a further purification of the oil, which is then passed on by pumps to undergo a third distillation. Of the tar produced in the process just described, a portion in used in heating the furnaces, but the greater part is subjected to analysis with the view of recovering its more valuable components. Thus the soda tar is boiled down to dryness, giving off a certain quantity of gas, which is condensed into oil. A black deposit which remains in the still is burned in a furnace, so as to get rid of its carbonaceous matter; and the residue, being dissolved in water and boiled down, yields back a considerable portion of the soda which had been used in the scouring of the oil. To render it caustic, the soda is treated with lime, the latter substance being itself converted by the process into carbonate of lime, which again assists in the fusion of the waste soda recovered from the soda tar. The whole process is a remarkable illustration of the indestructibility of matter, and shows how, in the hands of a chemist, even the so-called waste products resulting from manufacturing processes can be turned to profitable account.

Following the progress of the oil, we find that on the third distillation it once more leaves a black deposit, and comes out in a state of considerable purity. Vitriol and soda are again applied as before; then further distillation; and so on until the oil, from a muddy, greenish substance, of the consistency of soup, is converted into a thin, light, and perfectly transparent fluid. The appearance of the finished oil depends, of course, on the extent to which the process of purification is carried. At Uphall, two qualities are produced. One of these, of a light amber colour, possesses all the properties of a first-rate burning oil; and it is in this state that the great bulk of the produce of the works is sent to market. From this oil, however, by additional distillation and bleaching, there is produced one, all but perfectly colourless and indorous, and which, though no way superior, nay, in some respects, inferior, to the other for burning purposes, is preferred by those who can afford to give a higher price for a finer-looking article.

To pass to another branch of the manufacture, it is necessary to explain that, in course of the various distillations to which reference has been made, a certain proportion of the oil has been regularly set aside as unsuitable for burning. This is the thicker and heavier oil which comes towards the close of the distillation, after the lighter and more volatile portion has been given off, and which the attendant workman takes care to direct into a separate reservoir. Thus, starting with 100 gallons of crude oil, something like 80 gallons would be passed as suitable for burning; while the remaining 20 would be relegated to a different destination – that is to say, to the production of solid paraffin and of lubricating oil. The former of these objects is effected by a process of freezing, carried out by a very ingenious mechanical contrivance. A piston worked by a steam-engine is moved to and fro in a large cylinder, causing alternate compression and expansion of the air at one end or the other. The air when under pressure is deprived of its heat by the application of a stream of cold water, and, on its being again allowed to expand, the effect of intense cold is instantaneously produced. This refrigerated air is brought to bear on a stream of brine, which it converts into a freezing mixture, and in this way is obtained a means by which paraffin may be readily produced in the warmest days of summer. The substance in question remains in solution at a temperature of 60, but when the temperature is reduced to 32 it, so to speak, coagulates into the solid form. In order to bring about the requisite conditions, the thick heavy oil of which we have spoken is conveyed into cylindrical vessels, which can at pleasure be enclosed in a jacket of freezing brine. After due exposure to the cold, the fluid, now of the consistency of treacle, is run off into bags of coarse canvas. These are flung down and allowed to lie for some time, during which the oily matter percolates through the interstices, while the solid paraffin remains behind. The bags are then taken up and put under pressure, which forces out more oil, and leaves the paraffin in the shape of a mass of flakes or scales of a dull greenish-yellow colour. A powerful hydraulic press is next brought into requisition, and the scale paraffin, after being subjected to its action between layers of wicker work, comes out in dry cakes ready to be sent to market as crude paraffin. Hitherto the output of crude paraffin at the Uphall Works, amounting to eight or ten tons per week, has been disposed of in that state, realising somewhere about £30 per ton. The company are now, however, erecting works for the manufacture of paraffin candles, in which the material will be still more profitably disposed of. In the manipulation of paraffin, the first process is that of purification. The crude material is dissolved in heated naphtha and then allowed to crystallise; and this process having been repeated two or three times, and the smell of the naphtha driven off by steam, the paraffin comes out a pure, white, odourless substance, ready for the manufacture of those beautiful candles which, with the additional advantage of cheapness, rival the excellencies of sperm.

The oil left over from the manufacture of solid paraffin in carefully collected, and subjected to processes of scouring and distillation similar to those above described. The product is a pure, yellow, odourless oil, of considerably thicker consistency than that appropriated for burning, and of a greasy nature, which renders it suitable for lubricating machinery. As compared with animal oils, this substance has the advantage of not being liable to become rancid. It may be exposed to atmospheric influences for any length of time without getting oxidised, and consequently, through rather thin for very heavy bearings, it is peculiarly well adapted for oiling light spindles, such as are so extensively used in cotton and flax mills.

Having threaded our way through the various manufacturing departments, we come now to those portions of the works in which the produce is tested, stored, and made ready for sending out to the consumer. The first of these operations is conducted in a detached laboratory, where a chemist is constantly employed in making the necessary experiments. According to the Act of Parliament regulating the trade, no oil that has a firing point under 100 can be sold without a cautionary label, or by any person not holding a licence authorising such sale. By the "firing point" is meant the temperature to which the oil must be raised before it begins to give off a gas which will ignite on the application of a flame. In speaking of paraffin oil, it should be distinctly borne in mind that that substance is not, properly speaking, explosive. Throw a lighted match into a cupful of it, and the flame is at once extinguished, just as if it had been immersed in water. At an ordinary temperature, the oil only burns when diffused through a wick, or spread over a surface, or otherwise distributed so that, its particles being freely exposed to the atmosphere, it may evaporate or resolve itself into inflammable gas with considerable rapidity. By raising the temperature, this conversion into gas is accelerated, and after a time a point is reached at which, even in bulk, the oil gives off so much gas as will produce a series of flashes when a flame is applied near its surface. Let the heating process be carried still further, and at length the evolution of gas, say from a cupful of oil, becomes sufficiently rapid to maintain a permanent flame. The degree of heat at which the flashing takes place is, as we have said, technically known as the "firing point;" that at which the gas from a body of oil burns continuously is called the "point of permanent ignition." While, therefore, the oil itself cannot be exploded, it will readily be seen that the gas given off from it has only to be combined, as in the case of common coal gas, with a certain proportion of air, to produce an explosive mixture. Oil at a high temperature will give rise to these conditions more rapidly than the same oil at a lower temperature; and the safest oil is obviously that whose "firing" or flashing point is highest – that is to say, which can be raised to the greatest degree of heat without giving off enough gas to produce an explosion. The Legislature, as has been stated, prescribes a firing point of 100 as the lowest at which oil can be freely sold. The oil produced at Uphall runs so high above this standard that testing seems almost a work of supererogation. Nevertheless, a sample of each day's make is regularly set aside for the laboratory, and its firing point duly ascertained; so that, in case of any complaint from purchasers, there may be an authoritative record to fall back upon to prove that, under proper conditions, the oil is of a perfectly innocuous character. The process of testing is carried out by means of a simple apparatus, of a size and form accurately prescribed by statute. A tin vessel, four inches in diameter, and as many deep, is nearly filled with water, into which is inserted a cup, 2in. in diameter, and 2in. deep, containing the oil to be tested. At the outset of the experiment, the water must show a temperature of 80, which, of course is communicated to the oil in the cup. By the application of a spirit lamp underneath, the temperature is gradually raised, as indicated by a thermometer inserted in the oil, and the operator from time to time applies a small flame at the distance of a quarter of an inch above the surface of the fluid, to ascertain if sufficient gas is rising to produce ignition. By-and-by, the approach of the flame produces a flash over the surface of the oil, and the degree of the thermometer at which this takes place is read off and recorded as the firing point of the sample in question. In the case of the Uphall oil, the firing point generally ranges from 110 to 120. When we saw the experiment made, it ran up as high as 132, the point at which the gas formed a permanent blaze being 10 higher, or 142. Such oil, it is clear, affords all the conditions of perfect safety, and may be sold without any licence or guarantee. Besides the oil destined for burning, the chemist also takes cognisance of that intended for lubricating purposes. In regard to the latter, there is no question of explosion, but it must pass a test showing that it has a specific gravity of 890, being nearly 9 lb. to the gallon.

Having passed the ordeal of the laboratory, the oil is ready to be sent out for consumption. Pending orders, it is stored in huge tanks, holding 100,000 gallons a piece, situated in a remote corner of the works. For delivery to the trader, it has to be run into barrels, and this brings us to the cooperage, which presents some features of special interest. In this department a number of men are constantly employed in overhauling the empty barrels which have been sent in to be refilled. The oil being of a very searching nature, these require to be made thoroughly tight in all their seams. Nor is this all, for the penetrating fluid would make its way into the substance of the wood unless the inside of the barrel were covered with a protective coating. The necessary material is found in common glue, on which it seems the oil has no action. A quantity of liquid glue is run into each cask, and rolled about inside until it has coated the whole interior, when the remainder is poured out. The glue serves the double purpose of giving an impermeable lining to the cask, and showing by its leaking through, while yet in a liquid state, any weak point requiring to be made good by the cooper. When ready for filling, the barrel is put on the scales, and a note taken of its weight. A second weighing when full gives, of course, the weight of oil run in, from which the contents in gallons can be readily ascertained. – Scotsman.

The Falkirk Herald and Linlithgow Journal, December 28th 1871 - Reprinted from the Scotsman

AMONG THE OIL WORKS OF SCOTLAND—NO. II. Young's paraffin oil company's works, Addiewell.

AFTER a run from Glasgow of about thirty miles, and an easy walk, let our reader imagine himself perched about half-way up on one of the numerous chimney-stacks in the vicinity of the candle warehouses at Addiewell, and he has around him a bird's-eye view of probably the largest oil works in the world. On either side—behind and before—there are objects connected with these works which, both as to extent and importance, might furnish material for half a dozen interesting pictures. But as it is impossible to compress about seventy acres of buildings, retorts, condensers, store-tanks, pits, railways and workmen's cottages into a single sketch, our readers must be content with the selection of what we consider the most interesting points that can be compassed in one view. By the courtesy of Mr. Hill, the highly esteemed general manager of the company, we were introduced to the various departments, both at Addiewell and Bathgate, and were privileged to witness the manufacture of paraffin oil and the various products connected with it, upon a scale of extent and regularity of which none but those who have seen for themselves can form any adequate conception. As, however, we are at present giving a series of articles upon oil-making, which will convey a tolerably good general idea of the various processes of manufacture, it would be little else than superfluous repetition to describe in detail the perfected arrangements which these works presented; but it would be an act of singular injustice to say that both Addiewell and Bathgate works do not possess novelties peculiar to themselves. At the same time it would be equally unfair to make patent to the world any special results of labor and skill, which in these days of keen competition it is desirable to keep back as long as they contain any elements of commercial advantage. Anyhow, the limited space at our disposal for this notice will not allow us to enter upon the description of elaborate details which constitute either the mechanical or chemical points of difference. We may, however, mention one novelty without having the least fear that we are committing a breach of confidence—the enormous extent and producing power of the works of this company. In this respect Young's Paraffin Light Company out-distance all their rivals, and it is not too much to say that the extent of their operations, their command of capital, and their excellent management have greatly contributed to give to the various products of their manufacture a fame for quality and regularity which appears to be well deserved. The burning oil especially—which has, perhaps, more than any other product contributed to the reputation of this company—has for many years past been held in high esteem, on account of its reliable uniformity and safety; and the company are always anxious to impress upon dealers that it requires no license.

At Addiewell (which is under the able superintendence of Mr. R. Scott) we have followed the shale from the railway wagons and seen the huge blocks crumble into pieces between the ponderous wheels of the crusher, performing its task with the regularity of clockwork to the tune of 3,000 tons per week; we have watched the retorts charged and emptied, and examined the multifarious processes of distillation and treatment till the ugly irony shale blocks were converted into beautiful, limpid burning oil, into lubricating oil or into delicate, wax-like candles—some as white as alabaster, others tinted in the most beautiful colors—all ready for the various markets; and yet, amidst the complicated system of pipes and conductors (some underground, some over)—amid tanks innumerable—smoke that almost could be felt—flaring gas and hissing steam — apparatus for heating, cooling and freezing—amidst all this apparently bewildering complexity there was no confusion. Every man appeared to know his work thoroughly; could tell where every pipe led to, and what every cistern contained, and (as directly as it was possible to obtain an instant reply from a Scotchman) was able to give the why and the wherefore to every question. To any one of our readers who may be fortunate enough to obtain the opportunity of a ramble through the works at Addiewell, we say, do not miss so rare a treat. It will perhaps be remembered that the present Limited Company came into possession of these works—and also those of Bathgate—in January, 1866, having purchased them from Mr. James Young, the original patentee of paraffin oil. The capital of the company is £2,600,000 The directorate presents a rare combination of shrewd mercantile experience and scientific knowledge; and doubtless the energy and tact with which the management in chief has been thus supplied have brought this company to its present prosperous condition, notwithstanding that since its formation many depressing circumstances have assailed the trade generally. The mineral fields of this company are said to extend over a large tract of country, and to give evidence of an abundant supply of shale for many years to come. At present there are some fourteen or fifteen pits open, and the proceeds of these are conveyed, by a system of branch lines, into the very center of the works, and from one works to the other, as required. At Addiewell there are 354 retorts, with the capacity to extract the products from over 3,000 tons per week. This is equal to a weekly yield in crude oil of 120,000 gallons. The capacity of the refining department is of corresponding extent, and is capable of turning out in burning oil alone about 70,000 gallons per week. To this we may add some 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of lubricating oil, about thirty tons of re- fined paraffin, and some twelve tons of sulphate of ammonia. These figures present a tolerable sum total for one refinery to produce in a single week, and convey some idea of the importance of this mineral industry to Scotland. The total number of workpeople employed at Addiewell is 1,600, of whom 850 are shale miners—men and boys—and the aggregate of persons dependent on the company is about 3,500. The wages paid by this company in one year are said to reach very nearly £100,000.

The works at Bathgate being near to the village, at least partial accommodation for the workmen was at hand, though, since the manufacture of paraffin oil began in earnest, it is interesting to note the rapid increase in population. At Addiewell some 500 houses—a whole village—had to be erected by Young's Company for the convenience of workmen and their families. And it is to their credit that while the fathers are toiling away down in the dark vaults of the earth, where Nature has so long hid her shale, the company have not left the rising miners and refiners to wander wild and uncared for on the cheerless heath. They have erected an excellent school, superintended by a master and mistress, two assistants, and four pupil teachers, and attended by about 250 children. There is also a capital store which it is our pleasure to note is not conducted upon the truck system—so common in Scotland— and over it a large hall capable of holding some 600 people. With all these facilities for comfort and improvement, it is not surprising that Young's Company should gather around them a class of skilled workmen, so conducive to the success of any establishment.

The works at Bathgate are under the management of Mr. Robert Lavender, lately of the Belvedere Works, Kent. They have 240 retorts, and refining power considerably beyond what these produce in crude oil, so that while they can distil into crude oil somewhat over 1,500 tons of shale per week, they can turn out of refined products about 50 per cent, more than this quantity of shale would yield. At these works is produced the popular burning oil known as the "White Horse" brand, in addition to the company's usual qualities. In every other respect the products are the same as at Addiewell, excepting that no candles or mixed lubricating oils are made at Bathgate Works. The number of employees is 550, and, as no mining is done here, these are all engaged in the manufacture of oils and paraffin. The works being older, and constructed as the various departments of the manufacture were developed, are scarcely so well arranged as at Addiewell. They are, nevertheless, interesting as marking off the most important epochs of this wonderful trade from its infancy; yet, while retaining these characteristics, they give evidence of having been brought to a high state of efficiency under the present management. Altogether, our visit to these works afforded us a rare pleasure, viewing them either as objects of scientific interest or as large producers of commercial products of the class in which we are specially interested. It is almost needless to remark that this company is well represented in our most important commercial centers, having no less than nine branch establishments — viz., London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Hull, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dublin—besides resident agents in France, Denmark, and Scandinavia; the whole being under the control of the Registered Office, St. George's Place, Glasgow.

AMONG THE OIL WORKS OF SCOTLAND—NO. II. Young's paraffin oil company's works, Addiewell.

AFTER a run from Glasgow of about thirty miles, and an easy walk, let our reader imagine himself perched about half-way up on one of the numerous chimney-stacks in the vicinity of the candle warehouses at Addiewell, and he has around him a bird's-eye view of probably the largest oil works in the world. On either side—behind and before—there are objects connected with these works which, both as to extent and importance, might furnish material for half a dozen interesting pictures.
But as it is impossible to compress about seventy acres of buildings, retorts, condensers, store-tanks, pits, railways and workmen's cottages into a single sketch, our readers must be content with the selection of what we consider the most interesting points that can be compassed in one view. By the courtesy of Mr. Hill, the highly esteemed general manager of the company, we were introduced to the various departments, both at Addiewell and Bathgate, and were privileged to witness the manufacture of paraffin oil and the various products connected with it, upon a scale of extent and regularity of which none but those who have seen for themselves can form any adequate conception. As, however, we are at present giving a series of articles upon oil-making, which will convey a tol- erably good general idea of the various processes of manufacture, it would be little else than superfluous repetition to describe in detail the perfected arrangements which these works presented ; but it would be an act of singular injustice to say that both Addiewell and Bathgate works do not possess novelties peculiar to themselves. At the same time it would be equally unfair to make patent to the world any special results of labor and skill, which in these days of keen competition it is desirable to keep back as long as they contain any elements of commercial advantage. Anyhow, the limited space at our disposal for this notice will not allow us to enter upon the description of elaborate details which constitute either the mechanical or chemical points of difference.
We may, however, mention one novelty without having the least fear that we are committing a breach of confidence—the enormous extent and producing power of the works of this company. In this respect Young's Paraffin Light Company out-distance all their rivals, and it is not too much to say that the extent of their operations, their command of capital, and their excellent management have greatly contributed to give to the various products of their manufacture a fame for quality and regularity which appears to be well deserved. The burning oil especially—which has, perhaps, more than any other product contributed to the reputation of this company—has for many years past been held in high esteem, on account of its reliable uniformity and safety; and the company are always anxious to impress upon dealers that it requires no license.
At Addiewell (which is under the able superintendence of Mr. R. Scott) we have followed the shale from the railway wagons and seen the huge blocks crumble into pieces between the ponderous wheels of the crusher, performing its task with the regularity of clockwork to the tune of 3,000 tons per week ; we have watched the retorts charged and emptied, and examined the multifarious processes of distillation and treatment till the ugly irony shale blocks were converted into beautiful, limpid burning oil, into lubricating oil or into delicate, wax-like candles—some as white as alabaster, others tinted in the most beautiful colors—all ready for the various markets ; and yet, amidst the complicated system of pipes and conductors (some underground, some over)—amid tanks innumerable—smoke that almost could be felt—flaring gas and hissing steam — apparatus for heating, cooling and freezing—amidst all this apparently bewildering complexity there was no confusion. Every man appeared to know his work thoroughly; could tell where every pipe led to, and what every cistern contained, and (as directly as it was possible to obtain an instant reply from a Scotchman) was able to give the why and the wherefore to every question. To any one of our readers who may be fortunate enough to obtain the opportunity of a ramble through the works at Addiewell, we say, do not miss so rare a treat.
It will perhaps be remembered that the present Limited Company came into possession of these works—and also those of Bathgate—in January, 1866, having purchased them from Mr. James Young, the original patentee of paraffin oil. The capital of the company is £600,000. The directorate presents a rare combination of shrewd mercantile experience and scientific knowledge ; and doubtless the energy and tact with which the management in chief has been thus supplied have brought this company to its present prosperous condition, notwithstanding that since its formation many depressing circumstances have assailed the trade generally.
The mineral fields of this company are said to extend over a large tract of country, and to give evidence of an abundant supply of shale for many years to come. At present there are some fourteen or fifteen pits open, and the proceeds of these are conveyed, by a system of branch lines, into the very center of the works, and from one works to the other, as required. At Addiewell there are 354 retorts, with the capacity to extract the products from over 3,000 tons per week. This is equal to a weekly yield in crude oil of 120,000 gallons. The capacity of the refining department is of corresponding extent, and is capable of turning out in burning oil alone about 70,000 gallons per week. To this we may add some 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of lubricating oil, about thirty tons of re- fined parrafin, and some twelve tons of sulphate of ammonia.
These figures present a tolerable sum total for one refinery to produce in a single week, and convey some idea of the importance of this mineral industry to Scotland. The total number of workpeople employed at Addiewell is 1,600, of whom 850 are shale miners—men and boys—and the aggregate of persons dependent on the company is about 3,500. The wages paid by this company in one year are said to reach very nearly £100,000. The works at Bathgate being near to the village, at least partial accommodation for the workmen was at hand, though, since the manufacture of paraffin oil began in earnest, it is interesting to note the rapid increase in population. At Addiewell some 500 houses—a whole village—had to be erected by Young's Company for the convenience of workmen and their families. And it is to their credit that while the fathers are toiling away down in the dark vaults of the earth, where Nature has so long hid her shale, the company have not left the rising miners and refiners to wander wild and uncared for on the cheerless heath. They have erected an excellent school, superintended by a master and mistress, two assistants, and four pupil teachers, and attended by about 250 children. There is also a capital store which it is our pleasure to note is not conducted upon the truck system—so common in Scotland; and over it a large hall capable of holding some 600 people. With all these facilities for comfort and improvement, it is not surprising that Young's Company should gather around them a class of skilled workmen, so conducive to the success of any establishment. The works at Bathgate are under the management of Mr. Robert Lavender, lately of the Belvidere Works, Kent. They have 240 retorts, and refining power considerably beyond what these produce in crude oil, so that while they can distil into crude oil somewhat over 1,500 tons of shale per week, they can turn out of refined products about 50 per cent, more than this quantity of shale would yield. At these works is produced the popular burning oil known as the "White Horse" brand, in addition to the company's usual qualities. In every other respect the products are the same as at Addiewell, excepting that no candles or mixed lubricating oils are made at Bathgate Works. The number of employees is 550, and, as no mining is done here, these are all engaged in the manufacture of oils and paraffin. The works being older, and constructed as the various departments of the manufacture were developed, are scarcely so well arranged as at Addiewell. They are, nevertheless, interesting as marking off the most important epochs of this wonderful trade from its infancy ; yet, while retaining these characteristics, they give evidence of having been brought to a high state of efficiency under the present management. Altogether, our visit to these works afforded us a rare pleasure, viewing them either as objects of scientific interest or as large producers of commercial products of the class in which we are specially interested. It is almost needless to remark that this company is well represented in our most important commercial centers, having no less than nine branch establishments — viz., London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Hull, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dublin—besides resident agents in France, Denmark, and Scandinavia; the whole being under the control of the Registered Office, St. George's place, Glasgow.

The Petroleum Monthly, published oil city PA, February 1872

THE WEST CALDER OIL COMPANY (LIMITED.)

Incorporated under the Companies’ Acts, 1862 and 1867. CAPITAL, £160,000, IN 16,000 SHARES OF £10 EACH, PAYABLE AS UNDER:-

• £1 per Share on Application.
• £2 per Share on Allotment.
• £2 per Share Three Months after Allotment.
• £2 per Share Six Months after Allotment. The remaining £3 As may be required.

DIRECTORS

• CHARLES BANNATYNE FINDLAY, Esq., of Messrs Richardson, Findlay, & Co., Merchants, London and Glasgow.
• THOMAS REID, Esq., Ibroxhill, Provost of Govan.
• GEORGE WILSON CLARK, Esq., of Dumbreck, Merchant, Glasgow.
• THOMAS DUNLOP FINDLAY, Esq., Easterhill, of Messrs T. D. Findlay & Co., Merchants, Glasgow.
• LEWIS THORPE MERROW, Esq., of Kennebec House, Merchant, Glasgow.
• STEWART SOUTER ROBERTSON, Esq. Yr., of Lawhead.
• RICHARD S. CUNLIFFE, Esq., of the late Firm of Randolph, Elder, & Co., Engineers and Shipbuilders, Glasgow.

Bankers.

• CITY OF GLASGOW BANK and Branches.
• COMMERCIAL BANK OF SCOTLAND and Branches,

Solicitors.

• Messrs M’CLURE, NAISMITH, & BRODIE, 87 St Vincent Street, Glasgow.

Interim Secretary

• WM. MACKINNON, Esq., of Messrs M’Clelland, Mackinnon, & Blyth, Chartered Accountants, 140 St Vincent Street, Glasgow.

From the applications already made, the Directors have now at their disposal only from 3000 to 4000 Shares.

PROSPECTUS

This Company has been formed for the purpose of acquiring from the present proprietors the valuable leases of Shale and other Minerals of Gavieside and the north-east division of South Cobbinshaw; together with

1. the extensive Oil Works erected at Gavieside for the manufacture of Paraffin and Lubricating Oils and other products from Shale;
2. the whole Working Plant and the entire Interest and Goodwill of thebusiness hitherto carried on in connection therewith, and all rights incident thereto ;
3. the Profits accruing to the proprietors from a sub-lease of an adjoining Mineral Field ; and
4. the Right, as after-mentioned, to Coal and other Minerals in the Lands of Woolfords.

The Oil Works are situated in the centre of the famous West-Calder Shale District, and by means of a Branch of the Caledonian Railway carried into the Works the produce can be conveyed to all parts of the kingdom; moreover, they command an ample supply of Shale of the finest and most productive quality, which is wrought and laid down at the Retorts at a very modest cost.

These Works embrace 150 Retorts for the manufacture of Crude Oil, with Buildings and Machinery of the most modern and approved construction for the manufacture and refining of Burning and Lubricating Oils, and the requisite Plant for the freezing and pressing of solid Paraffin, the manufacture of Sulphate of Ammonia, and other products; with Workshops, Workmen’s Houses and all other necessary apparatus and appliances. The Works, as at present constructed, are capable of making and refining 1,596,000 gallons of Crude Oil per annum. being the produce of 42,000 tons of Shale; but to carry out and finish the original plan of the work, and to overtake the increased production of Crude Oils from Retorts proposed to be erected at Cobbinshaw, it will be necessary to extend the Refinery : and according to a report made by Mr George Bennie, Mineral Oil Engineer, this can be done at a cost of £7500, and when completed, the Work would be capable of refining 3,304,000 gallons of Crude Oil per annum. It is proposed to erect 104 large Vertical Retorts on Cobbinshaw, capable of treating annually 1,710,000 gallons of Crude Oil per annum. Mr Bennie, in his report, states that the sum of £20,000 will amply provide for the erection of these Retorts, the sinking of the new Pits after-mentioned, and the erection of the necessary Workmen’s Houses; and he strongly recommends these operations, as they will be attended with an increase in the production much greater in proportion than the corresponding outlay ; and his opinion is that when the whole alterations and additions are made, a business can be done at the combined Works of a more lucrative character than at any other Work of the kind in Scotland.

The Mineral leaseholds and rights to be acquired by the Company are:-

I. GAVIESIDE MINERAL FIELD

This field is situated in the Parish of West-Calder. It extends to about 150 acres, and contains all the Shale measures from “Raeburn’s” downwards, as also the “Two Feet” and Houston’s” seams of Coal, all of which are the subjects of lease. Two of the seams of shale – viz., “Raeburns” and “Fell’s”, have been worked, and have proved of the finest quality, the yield of Crude Oil per ton of Shale during the past three years being as high as 38 gallons. The lease extends for a period of 20 years, and is held on very favourable terms, the fixed rent being only £200 per annum, and the royalties in lieu of it being exceedingly moderate. The field is fitted by two Pits, commanding an output of 160 tons per day ; and a third has just been put down, which will be handed over to the Company complete and free of expense, and when opened up will give additional output of 160 tons per day. The quantity of Shale of the “Raeburn’s” and “Fell” seams, workable by these fittings, is estimated at 675,000 tons; and in addition to these there are other two seams, each of 120 acres in extent, which are being wrought in the adjoining properties, and which, in Gavieside, can be worked crosscutting from one of the present Pits. One of these seams is estimated to contain 600,000 tons of Shale.

II. SOUTH COBBINSHAW MINERAL FIELD

The entire Property of South Cobbinshaw extends to about 1000 acres. It contains all the seams of Shale in the Gavieside Mineral Field, and of equal quality. The Works will be connected by a branch from the Caledonian Railway, which passes through the property. The south-west division of the field, which extends to about 500 acres, has been sub-let, and has proved by pits and bores to contain 3,450,000 tons of “Raeburn’s” and “Fell’s” Shale The sub-leases are working vigorously, and the profit accruing to the proposed Company upon the sub-lease is threepence per ton on all Shale raised, which would amount to £43,125 on the above-named quantity. The north-east division, containing about 500 acres, which this Company proposes to work, is also rich in the finest Shale, a number of bores having been put down, proving the “Fell” seam, which is found to extend to at least 300 acres, and to be of a thickness of 26 inches.

This seam alone contains 1,200,000 tons, a large quantity of which can be got at comparatively little cost. Of the other seams, “Raeburn’s” has been partially proved, showing it to be of a considerable extent and of fine quality. It is proposed to put down at once two Pits to the “Fell” seam, which, from the proximity of the Shale to the surface, and the moderate angle at which the strata lie, will not involve any outlay of more than £2000, including all fittings and connections with the Railway. The two divisions of the field are held under a lease, of which 17 years have yet to run, at a moderate fixed rent, or, in the landlord’s option, certain royalties, which are also very moderate. The combined resources of the Mineral Fields, so far as proved, exclusive of the portion sub-let, are equal to 2,475,000 Tons of Shale of the very finest quality, giving an annual supply of 90,000 Tons for the next 27 years, and this quantity may be largely increased by the development of those Seams which have yet been untouched.

III. THE RIGHTS OF THE PRINCIPAL TENANTS UNDER THE SUB-LEASE BEFOREMENTIONED

A thorough and complete examination of the Books of the Company has been made by Mr William Mackinnon of the Firm of Messrs M’Clelland, Mackinnon, & Blyth, Chartered Accountants in Glasgow, extending over a period of three years, and brought down to the end of October last. His report made thereon shows the cost of raising Shale, and of the various manufactures therefrom; and on the data therein given an account of Income and Expenditure has been made, upon the assumption of the Works being extended, so as to produce and refine 3,306,000 Gallons of Crude Oil annually. From the examination of this account, it will be found that, taking the actual cost of the whole period, there is, after making the most ample and liberal allowances, a profit of £33,776 per annum; but adopting the costs of the last six months, during which time the working has been carried on more economically, and the Plant has been considerably improved, a profit of £44,440 per annum is shown, being a return on the proposed Capital of 21 and 27 per cent. respectively.

Since Mr Mackinnon’s report was prepared, an acquisition has been made, on favourable terms, of the Coal, besides other valuable Minerals, in a portion, extending to about 150 acres, of the Estate of Woolfords, adjoining the lands of South Cobbinshaw. This field has been bored in several places, and has been found to contain throughout the “Hurlet” seam of coal, of a thickness of 4 feet 2 inches, which can be worked from a Pit of 28 fathoms in depth. This acquisition, which also possesses peculiar Railway advantages, will tend materially to add to the profits of the Company.

The Purchase Money for the transfer of the entire Business, Works, Plant, Leases, and Goodwill, is £80,000, of which £50,000 is to be paid in Cash, and the remaining £30,000 in fully paid up Shares of the Company, to be called B Shares; but by Agreement the holders of these Shares shall not be entitled to any Dividend out of any year’s profits till after the holders of the other Shares, to be called A Shares, shall have received a Dividend of Ten per Cent. – the surplus, after providing for this Dividend, being applied as follows:- First, in making payment of a like Dividend on an amount of each B Share equal to that called up and paid on the A Shares, and of Interest at the rate of Five per Cent. per annum on the amount of each B Share equivalent to that not called up and paid on the A Shares, but that only in so far as there shall be profits available for these purposes; and Second, in making such a division of the profits that remain that all Shares of both classes shall participate equally, without reference to the amount of calls paid on the A Shares; and this mode of disposing of the profits for each year shall be continued till the Shareholders, other than the holders of B Shares, shall have received 100 per Cent. of the Dividends, after which all Shareholders, without distinction, shall participate ratably. It is further agreed that the Vendors and their Nominees, and their respective heirs and successors, shall not be entitled or have power to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the B Shares during the space of five years from and after the formation of the Company, and that during that period the Company shall not be bound to register any Transfer of any such Shares.

The only contract is a Provisional Agreement, dated 18th April 1872, entered into between Thomas Dunlop Findlay, Merchant, in Glasgow, as Factor and Commissioner for John Findlay, of Boturich Castle Dumbartonshire, conform to Factory and Commission therein mentioned and Louis Thorpe Merrow, Merchant in Glasgow, of the first part, and William Mackinnon, Accountant in Glasgow, of the second part; and this, together with Report by Mr John R. Williamson, Mining Engineer, Edinburgh, and the Reports by Mr Mackinnon and Mr Bennie, and the Memorandum and Articles of Association can be seen at the Offices of the Solicitors and the Interim Secretary of the Company. Prospectuses and Forms of Application for Shares can be obtained from the BANKERS, SOLICITORS, and SECRETARY of the COMPANY.

The Scotsman, Friday 19th April 1872

SERIOUS ASSAULT IN A SHALE PIT.

At the Sheriff Summary Court, Edinburgh, on Saturday, before Sheriff Hallard, Donald McKay and Alexander McKenna were charged with assaulting John Demsie, signalman in No. 2 shale pit, Addiewell. From the evidence it appeared that Demsie was responsible for the working of the cages sent up from the pit bottom. The prisoners who are "drawers", and bound to obey Demsie, came to the pit bottom with some hutches filled with shale, and, after having been forbidden to do so, shoved the hutches on to the cage, notwithstanding that Demsie had signalled to the engineer at the top that the cage was coming up with men. Demsie, after a struggle, got the hutches out of the cage, when the prisoners attacked him with great ferocity, knocking him down and unmercifully beating him. The Sheriff said this was not an ordinary case of assault; it was also a breach of discipline, where human life was endangered by the conduct of the accused; and as it was essential that an example should be made to prevent the recurrence of a similar offence, he sentenced each of the prisoners to thirty days' imprisonment.

The Falkirk Herald, 27th June 1872.

The Scottish Mineral Oil & Coal Company (Limited)

NORTH COBINSHAW and BAADS ESTATES, Edinburghshire and Lanarkshire

Incorporated under the Companies Acts, 1862 and 1867.

CAPITAL £150,000 in 15,000 shares of £10 each. First issue £100,000 in 10,000 shares of £10 each, £1payable on application, and £2 on allotment,; £2 on 1st October; £2 on 1st November; £3 on 1st December.

With the Option of paying up the whole on Allotment, in which case Discount at the rate of 5 per Cent, per Annum will be deducted.

DIRECTORS

In Scotland

• James Watt, Esq., Provost of Leith
• John Munro MacNab Esq. J.P., Trinity, Leith
• John James Muirhead Esq., Messrs MacKay, Cunningham & Co., Edinburgh
• Thomas Thornton, Esq. Coal Master, Crofthead, Lanarkshire
• (with power to add Two to their number)

In England

• Major-General C.A. Bartwell, Sommerville, Harrow
• Thomas Forsyth Gray Esq. Oriental Club and 25 Devonshire Street, Portland Place, London

BANKERS

• In Scotland - The Commercial Bank of Scotland and its Branches.
• In London - The London and South-Western Bank (Limited), 7 Fenchurch St..

SOLICITORS

• Messrs. J & A Peddie, W.S., 5 Queen St. Edinburgh

AUDITORS

• Messrs. Barnard, Clarke, M'Lean & Co. 3, Lothbury, London

BROKERS

• In Edinburgh - James White Esq. 51 Prince's St
• In Glasgow - Messrs Mackenzie, Aitken & Barclay, 56 St. Vincent St. Glasgow

INTERIM SECRETARY

• Mr. William Cleere

TEMPORARY OFFICES

• In Edinburgh - Head Office, 60 Prince's St
• In Glasgow - 180 Buchanan St.
• In London - 33 Palmerson Buildings, Old Broad Street

PROSPECTUS

This Company will commence business with a source of supply of minerals as abundant and cheap as any in the Kingdom, and this is an advantage which the Directors feel themselves to have been fortunate in securing, lnamuch as Shale fields are limited, and have been In much demand by those who are engaged in the manufacture of Mineral Oils. The calculations submitted show a gross profit of £30,000. per annum, nearly 30 per cent, on the Capital of this Company.

The Engineer's Report show in Cobinshaw and in Baads a quantity of above 5,000,000 Tons of Shale which may be got at a moderate depth In the seams known as "Raeburn's" and "Fells", without including the Shales which lie deeper. This quantity is sufficient to produce upwards of 150,000,000 Gallons of Oil, to manufacture which It would require a period of sixty yearn at the rate of 50,000 gallons a week.

An arrangement has been made for the purchase of the leases of these Lands, containing 200 Acres of Minerals with a going Work already thereon, including Retorts Mining Appliances, and Workmen's Houses, &c., and the privilege of a a Railway Siding completed from the Caledonian Railway Into .the Works. and also benefit of the above-mentioned Invention, for the sum of £25,000, the whole of which the Vendor agrees to take in shares, with the exception of the sum to cover the risk of the preliminary expenditure.

.

The Glasgow Herald, 17th September 1872

West Calder Oil Co. v. Fell

conjoined with Fell v. West Calder Oil Company

In the first of these conjoined actions, which is at the instance of the West Calder Oil Company, and Mr. Lewis Thorpe Merrow and John Findlay as its only partners, against Alex. Morrison Fell, who was formerly a partner of the company, the pursuers seek to have the defender ordained to execute an assignation inn their favour of his interest in the leases of the mineral fields worked by the company. In the other action, which is a reduction at Mr Fell's instance against the company, and Lewis Thorpe Merrow, John Findlay, John Wilson Fell, and Thos. Dunlop Findlay, as the partners, he seeks to set aside an agreement dated 1st and 4th July,1870, whereby in consideration of a sum of £400, he agreed to retire from the West Calder Oil Company as at 15th June, 1870, and to relinquish his managership of the company's works.

It is stated for Mr Fell that the company was originally formed in July, 1862, for the purpose of taking over a lease of the oil shale field at West Calder, which had been acquired by him, and that there was a regular contract of copartnery between him and Mr Merrow, Mr. T.D. Findlay, and Mr J.W, Fell for 31 years, which provided that in respect of the lease contributed by Mr A.M. Fell, he should be interested in the partnership to the extent of a one-fourth share,each of the other partuers having also one-fourth, and that he should take the management of the company's works during the term of the copartnery, and should receive therefor a salary of £800 per annum; and that the cash books, ledgers, and other principal books of the company were to be kept an Glasgow, under the charge of Messrs Merrow & Fell, and that the books were to be brought to balance half-yearly.

That in 1863 an agreement was entered into whereby Mr Morrow and Mr J. W, Fell transferred to Mr John Findlay one-third of the interest held by them respectively, and that by another agreement executed in May, 1866, Mr T. D. Findlay, in consideration of a sum of £6000, said to have been paid to him by Mr John Findlay, agreed to retire from the company as at 22nd May, 1866, and transfer his interest to John Findlay, but that this agreement was never carried out, and that T. D. Findlay continued to be a partner as formerly. That this agreement had been entered into by T. D. Findlay in the apprehension of serious losses by his East India house.The pursuer's statement regarding that agreement are denied by the defenders.

The pursuer, Mr Fell, further states that a very extensive business was carried on by the West Calder Oil Company, and that large works were erected a at West Calder. That he had the management of the operative department of the works from the commencement of the company till the 15th June, 1870, and that for some time prior to the latter date the amount of the company's sales of their manufactures was about £50,000 per annum. That the principal books of the company, as provided by the contract of copartnery were kept in Glasgow under the charge of Mr Merrow, who took the entire charge of the financial affairs of the company. That Mr Fell never at any time saw the books in Glasgow, and that they were not brought to any balance during the whole period he was a partner June, 1870, and that he received no part of the profits earned during those years, or any accounting therefor, That Mr Merrow received all sums of money paid to the company, and that he kept no separate bank account for the company, but paid all the moneys either into the bank account of his firm of Merrow and Fell, or into his own private bank account.

That in May and June, 1870, Mr Merrow and Mr T. D. Findlay represented to Mr Fell that the company were in difficulties, that during the year then just ended, the company, instead of realising any profit, had made a loss of £6000 or thereby, and that during the previous year there had been a loss of £3000 or thereby. That the result of the company's operations, from its commencement had been to produce,a large amount of loss without leaving any profit, and that in these circumstances, Messrs Smith Fleming & Co., who were large creditors of the West Calder Oil Company, to the extent of £10,000 or thereby had intimated that Mr Fell must retire from the concern, and give up his managership, otherwise they would proceed to enforce their claims against the company, and would wind it up. That Mr. Merrow and Mr T. D Findlay represented to Mr Fell that, if he would agree to do that, the change would be satisfactory to Smith, Fleming & Co. and they would then allow the concern to go on; that he had to choose between the alternative of agreeing to that proposal, or of having the company wound up, with the certainty of its being found to be bankrupt.

That these representations were false, to the knowledge of the defenders, Mr Merrow and Mr T. D. Findlay and were fraudulent on their part, and that. they concealed and misrepresented the state of the company's affairs to Mr Fell, and the value of his interest therein, in order to induce him to retire from the concern, and throw up his managership for a very inadequate consideration. That the compensation offered to him at first was a year's salary, being a sum of £300, which he refused to accept, and that thereupon Mr T. D. Findlay undertook to consult Smith, Fleming & Co. as to the compensation being increased, and thereafter on 10th June, 1870 wrote to Mr Fell that he had indicated what had passed to the proper quarter, but had not been successful in obtaining more favourable terms than a year's salary.

That Mr Fell had asked that the books should be audited and balanced, but that this was refused by Mr Merrow and Mr T. D . Findlay, on the ground that it would never do to disclose the wretched state of the company's affairs, and that the expenses of an audit would be thrown away. That the offer to allow Mr Fell a year's salary was afterwards increased to £400, which sum Mr Fell accepted in the circumstances, and entered into the agreement now sought to be set aside. That after Mr Fell had executed this agreement, his brother, John Wilson Fell, was also induced by Mr Merrow and Mr T. D. Findlay to retire from the company, and also from his firm of Merrow & Fell, for a sum of £900 for his interest in both concerns.

That in February, 1872, the remaining partners of the company issued a prospectus for the formation of a limited liability company to take over the works, leases, plant, and goodwill of the West Calder Oil Company, and that with, that prospectus were published reports by Mr Williamson, mining engineer, as to the mineral fields held by the company - Mr Binnie upon the-works, and by Mr Mackinnon, C.A. to the profits, calculated on an examination of the books of the company for thirty-eight months, from August, 1868 to October, 1871. That this report by Mr Mackinnon on the books gave rise to suspicions in Mr Fell's mind that the statements made to him of heavy losses, and no profits could not have been true, and that Mr Merrow had withheld from him the information which the books contained for the purpose of mis-representing the true state of the company's affairs, and of defrauding him of the true value of his interest in the concern. That the business, works, plant, leases, and goodwill of the company had been sold by the defenders to the limited liability company fox a sum of £80,000. The defenders deny the pursuer's statements as to fraud, misrepresentation, and concealment, and state that, in addition to the sum of £400, the pursuer was discharged of a debt of £500 due by him to the company, and they plead that the pursuer's statements was not relevant.

The Lord Ordinary (Ormidale) heard a debate on the relevancy, and has now issued interlocutors allowing a proof to the parties. (There are similar actions in dependence between the West Calder Oil Company and Mr John W. Fell, in which similar interlocutors were pronounced.).

Counsel for Messrs Fell - Mr A. B. Shand and Mr James.Keir.; Agent- T. F. Weir, S.S.C. Counsel for the West Calder Oil Company - Mr McLean. Agents--J. & R. D. Ross.

The Glasgow Herald, 16th December 1872

THEFT or METAL . — Before Sheriff Hamilton, at the Sheriff Summary Court yesterday, Thomas Coupar, blacksmith , pleaded guilty of theft . Yesterday morning Constable Whitson observing the prisoner entering the train for Edinburgh at West Calder carrying a bag of suspicious appearance, also entered a carriage in the train . As the accused could not give a satisfactory account of the bag, the constable took him into custody when the train arrived in Edinburgh. It was then found that the bag contained 56 Ib. weight of brass and copper , that had been carried off from the works of the East Hermand Oil Company , West Calder. Sentenced to 30 days imprisonment .

The Scotsman - Saturday 22 February 1873

.......

Theft.—At the Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court, on Friday—before Sheriff Hamilton—Thomas Cooper pleaded guilty to having on the 20th or 21st inst. stolen 67 lbs. weight of brass and copper from the works of the Hermand Oil Company at West Calder. It appears that Cooper was at one time employed as an engineman at the works, but owing to the estate of the company being sequestrated he was thrown out employment. A large quantity of brass and copper is lying about the works, and lately pieces have been going amissing. Early on Thursday morning, while Constable Whitson was West Calder Station, the prisoner passed him carrying a bag over his shoulder. Cooper got into a train proceeding to Edinburgh, and the constable, being suspicious as to the contents of the bag, jumped into another carriage. When the train arrived at West Princes Street Station, Whitson seized the bag, and on opening found large quantity of the missing material. He immediately took Cooper in charge, and brought him to the headquarters of the County Police, and there he was summarily handed over to the Sheriff for trial. Sheriff Hamilton sentenced Cooper to thirty days' imprisonment.

Falkirk Herald - Thursday 27 February 1873

GLASGOW SHERIFF COURT.

Baird v. Glasgow & South Western Railway

Important Decision to Carriers.

This was an action for the recovery of £38, being the value of 2000 gallons of oil belonging to the pursuer and delivered by him to the defenders for carriage from Doura to West Calder. The oil was contained in a tank, mounted upon a waggon, both of which were the property of the pursuer. In course of the proof it was established that the flange of the discharge cock had become loose in course of transit between Doura and Shields Junction; that at Shields Junction the defect was discovered, and the oil leaking in large quantities, but no attempt was made by the servants of the railway company to stop the leak, for the reason, as they explained, that they considered it impossible.

The tank, which had left Doura on 25th October, was not delivered until the 31st, when it was almost empty, it never having been sent past Shields Junction, the Caledonian Railway Company having refused to take it in consequence of its condition. In defence it was pleaded that under the contract, which was one of "haulage," the defenders were not common carriers, and that the loss was entirely attributable to the defect in the tank, for which they were not responsible.

The Sheriff-Substitute (Gebbie) sustained this plea, and assoilzied the defenders. On appeal, Sheriff Bell recalled his Substitute's interlocutor, and decerned for £19 damages and half costs.

In a note to his interlocutor, Sheriff Bell remarked that if there had been nobody to do anything at Shields Junction, the station at Glasgow was only half-a-mile farther on, where assistance could have been immediately obtained and the evil remedied; and upon the law of the case the Sheriff stated that it was quite settled that a carrier who was carrying another person's goods was not entitled to sit with his hands across and see them perish, if a little exertion on his part could save them. See Notara, 5, Queen's Bench; also the case of Beck, referred to by the Sheriff-Substitute, in which Chief-Justice Ellenborough said it appeared that the waggoner was informed more than once of the leakage, after which notice it was a duty he owed to his employers to have the leakage examined and stopped at one of the stages where he halted. That being so, the carrier became clearly liable on this ground.

The Glasgow Herald, 8th April 1873

Substitutes for Coal.

In the present dearth of coal, it is satisfactory to know that efforts are being made in various directions to meet the public wants in the way of fuel. We have heard good deal lately of processes for the utilisation of peat —a substance which commends itself once in respect of its abundance, and of its richness in burning material. It has been generally felt that if the substance forming our vast moors could be converted into a fuel equal or nearly equal to coal, the question which has been causing so much anxiety to householders and manufacturers would be practically solved, while a new source of wealth would be opened up in districts hitherto comparatively unproductive. The difficulty to be overcome in the first instance was to devise a method of preparation which should give the peat the necessary solidity and heating power.

Among those who have turned attention to the subject is the Duke of Sutherland, a nobleman whose intelligent interest in all schemes of improvement adds additional lustre to his rank, and who, of course, is fully alive to the importance of any enterprise which promises indefinitely to enhance the value of moorland property. For some time past the Duke has been experimenting, with more or less success, in the preparation of peat by compression.

Latterly, however, his Grace has become connected with an undertaking which, by means of a more elaborate process, aims at the conversion of peat and coal waste into a fuel capable of meeting all requirements. We refer to a patent recently taken out by Mr Pender, M.P., for set of machinery contrived, we believe, by his factor, Mr Rae, with reference to system of fuel manufacture which presents some features novelty. For the working of this patent, a company is in course of formation, with the Duke of Sutherland at its head, and operations are about to be commenced at Seafield, near Bathgate, where, as well as in the adjacent property of Blackburn, leases of coal, shale, and peat have been obtained from Mr Pender.

The process in question is adapted for the production of two, it may be three or four varieties of fuel, the materials employed being coal dust, peat, crude shale oil and shale tar, or other similar substance. One compound proposed to be made is that of coal dust and tar; another will consist of peat and tar, with a certain admixture of oil. Or the coal dust fuel may be mixed with oil with a view to the production of gas-making material, or, again, it may be found desirable to mix coal-dust and peat in certain proportions. important feature of the process is the mode of preparation the tar, for which a portion of the machinery designed Mr Rae is specially appropriated. The tar is first steamed and washed with lime water, so as to extract any acid it may contain, after which, by the removal of a certain portion of oil, it is reduced to the condition of a mastic, or something of a consistency between tar and pitch. In this state it can be used in smaller quantity, and gives to the fuel made with it a toughness and solidity not to be attained by the use of pitchy substance.

Other portions of the machinery provide for the crushing of coal and the maceration of peat, the thorough drying those substances after having been so dealt with, and the subsequent mixing of them with tar or oil. The compound thus formed is next subjected to pressure, and having been cut into blocks, is delivered in that state upon a creeper or endless web, by which it is carried away from the machine, and by which, if thought necessary, it may be carried through a furnace and subjected to a process of roasting, with the view of rendering the surface impervious to atmospheric influences.

The fuel produced in this way has, we are told, been subjected to variety of tests, and with such results as seem to augur well for its general adoption. In regard to its capability for standing exposure to the weather, it appears that a quantity made at Dunrobin lay uncovered during the whole of last winter without deterioration. The question whether it is equally adapted to resist disintegration by heat is now being put to the test of experiment. The coal dust fuel, which consists of coal and tar in the proportion of 93 to 7, is found to be so compact that something like 90 tons can be stowed in the space occupied by about 50 tons of coal. In regard to other qualities, it has been tested the Admiralty at Portsmouth Dockyard, with satisfactory results ; and trial has also been made of it in railways and steamboats. Among other recommendations, it turns out to be particularly well adapted for the rapid raising of steam. Then again the amount of ash produced is so trifling that very little stocking is required ; and as for heating power, practical men will understand the value of a fuel which claims to have evaporated 9| lb. of water for each pound consumed. The peat fuel, which, in addition to tar, contains from 5 to per cent, of oil, has come out equally well in experimental trials. Whereas the condensed peat prepared at Dunrobin could only be got to evaporate lb. of water per pound consumed, the peat fuel produced by the process just described was found, when tested the Duke's railway, to have an evaporating power of lb.

One point which remains to be proved regard to this material whether it can be made of sufficient density to stand the heavy draught of locomotive engines. this respect the machinery now in course of erection is expected to realise all that can be required. In addition to the other advantages above specified, the new fuel claims the important merit of cheapness. With the present price of coal dust, it is expected that the fuel made from it may be offered to the public at something like 9s a ton. In the case of peat a cheaper raw material will render it possible to sell the manufactured article about 7s a ton. Such least are the prices spoken of as probable, and it seems clear enough that even higher rates a material offering anything like the advantages speeitied must command ready market. Besides the works in Linlithgowshire to which reference has been made, it is, believe, intended to prosecute the manufacture on the

Duke Sutherland's property at Brora. In that quarter there is peat ad libitum, together with plenty of shale and coal. The shale, of which two thick seams have been proved, is found to yield a very high percentage of oil, and that of a density which renders it peculiarly suitable for the production of tar. The coal was worked as early as Queen Elizabeth's time, but has been entirely neglected for the last fifty or sixty years. Now, however, there seems every probability of that, well as the other mineral wealth of the district, being turned to profitable account.— Scotsman.

The Falkirk Herald, 24th April 1873

Pollution of Scotch Rivers - Basin of the Forth

The Rivers Pollution Commissioners have just issued the second volume of their evidence, which included that taken in the basin of the Forth.  The following extracts will be perused with interest by our readers:-

Evidence of James Ross, Paraffin Oil Manufacturer, Falkirk, Stirlingshire.
My works are situated on a small stream, a tributary of the River Carron, an affluent of the Forth.  Employ 90 hands.  Rateable value of works, £162 8s.  The bed of the stream is not silted up.  My works are not affected by floods.  The condition of the stream has not changed during the last 30 years within my knowledge.  I am not aware that it is polluted by works above, but it is to a certain extent by mines.  Obtain supply of water jointly from the stream and from the Forth and Clyde Canal, and consume 10,000,000 gallons yearly.  I use yearly the following materials:- Bituminous shale 6708 tons; sulphuric or other acid, 430 tons; caustic soda or other alkali, 80 tons.  Produce yearly, naphtha, 120,000 gallons; crude paraffin, 450,000 gallons; lubricating oil, 58,000 gallons; illuminating oil, 180,000 gallons; coal tar pitch, 1700 tons; sulphate of ammonia, 230 tons; scale paraffin, 100 tons; creosote oil, 170,000 gallons; gas tar and ammoniacal liquor, 1,380,000 gallons.  Produce yearly liquid refuse from the following processes: - Condensed water separated from tar after removal of naphtha, 550,000 gallons; spent sulphuric acid after first purifying process, 150,000 gallons; spent caustic soda and tarry matter after second purifying process, 60,000 gallons.  The condensed water is run direct into the stream; the acid and alkali with the waste products are utilised.  We produce yearly 5000 tons of spent shale, which is stored in heaps to be made into bricks as soon as practicable.  Use steam, 54 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 5500 tons of coal, and make about 550 tons of ashes, part of which are ground and mixed with lime for building purposes.  The excrements of my workpeople are removed from dry earth closets, and are used for manure.  We have no suggestions to offer as to the best means of avoiding pollution in future, but should not object to rivers and streams being placed under Government inspection, by practical men, but are decidedly averse to unnecessary restrictions on manufactures, considering that there is far too much of such already.

Evidence of the Uphall Mineral Oil Company (Limited) Paraffin Oil Manufacturers, Crofthead, Whitburn, Linlithgowshire.
Our works are situated near the Breich Water.  Employ 20 hands.  Our works are not affected by floods.  The Breich Water is very much polluted by works above and by mines.  Obtain water from reservoir supplied from pits and drains, and consume 50,000,000 gallons yearly.  Use yearly, sulphuric acid or other acid, 100 tons; caustic soda or other alkali, 40 tons.  Produce yearly, crude paraffin, 45 tons; lubricating oil, 5000 gallons; illuminating oil, 45,000 gallons.  Produce yearly 12,000 gallons of spent sulphuric acid after first purifying process and 3000 gallons of spent caustic soda and tarry matter after second purifying process.  Part of this refuse is burnt, and the remainder turned into the stream.  The other waste liquid refuse produced flows into the stream.  Use stream, 18 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 700 tons of coal, and make about 75 tons of ashes, which are used for repairing roads.  The excrements of our workpeople are used for manure.   Have no suggestions to offer.

Evidence of the Uphall Mineral Oil Company
Paraffin Oil Manufacturers, Uphall, near Edinburgh
Our works are situated on the Breich Water.  Employ 269 hands.  Rateable value of works, £500.  The bed of the stream is not silted up.  Our works are not affected by floods.  It is polluted by works above, not to our knowledge by mines.  Obtain supply of water jointly from reservoir and from bore holes, and consume 16,000,000 yearly.  Use yearly 38,500 tons of bituminous shale, 500 tons of sulphuric acid, and 125 tons of caustic soda or other alkali.  Produce yearly, naphtha, 40,00 gallons; crude paraffin, 500 tons; lubricating oil, 120,000 gallons; illuminating oil, 1,000,000 gallons; sulphate of ammonia, 250 tons; and ammonia water, 500,000 gallons.  The spent sulphuric acid after the first purifying process, and the spent caustic soda and the tarry matter after the second purifying process, are all recovered and used again as far as possible.  The other liquid refuse flows into the stream.  Produce yearly 32,000 tons of spent shale, which is deposited in heaps on our premises.  Use steam, 110 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 24,000 tons of coal, and make about 4000 tons of ashes, which are used chiefly for making and repairing roads.  The excrements of our workpeople are used for manure.  Have no suggestions to offer as to the best case of avoiding pollution in future, or as to the conservancy of rivers and streams.

Evidence of the Uphall Mineral Oil Company
Paraffin Oil Manufacturers, Boghall Works, Linlithgowshire
Our works are situated on a small burn, a tributary of the Almond.  Employ 220 hands.  Rateable value of the works, £277.  The bed of the stream has not silted up.  Our works are not affected by floods.  The condition of the stream has not changed within out knowledge.  It is not polluted by works above or by mines.  Obtain supply of water from our own pits, and consume about 4,000,000 gallons yearly.  Use yearly 27,500 tons of bituminous shale, 120 tons of sulphuric acid, and produce 960,000 gallons of crude paraffin, and 150 tons of sulphate of ammonia.  Do not produce any liquid refuse.  Consume yearly about 27,000 tons of solid refuse which is stored in heaps our premises.  Use steam, 120 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 13,000 tons of coal, the ashes from which are used to repair roads.  The excrements of our workpeople are used for manure.  We have no suggestions to offer as to the best means of avoiding pollution in future, or as to the conservancy of rivers and streams.

Evidence of John Watson & Sons
Paraffin Oil manufacturers, Bathville, near Bathgate
Our works are situated on a small stream, a tributary of the Almond.  Employ 50 hands.  Rateable value of works, £681.  The bed of the stream has not silted up.  Our works are not affected by floods.  The condition of the stream has not changed within our knowledge.  It is not polluted by works above, nor by mines.  Obtain supply of water from our pits; consume yearly 1,410,000 gallons.  Use yearly, cannel coal 3400 tons; sulphuric and other acid, 300 tons; caustic soda or other alkali, 80 tons.  Produce naphtha, 200 gallons; crude paraffin, 20,000 gallons; lubricating oil, 150,000 gallons; and illuminating oil, 50,000 gallons.  Also use 1,680,000 lbs. of resin, from which about 96,000 gallons of lubricating oil are made.  Produce yearly 50,000 gallons of spent sulphuric acid after the first purifying process, and 20,000 gallons of spent caustic soda and tarry matter after the second purifying process.   We burn the acid tar to consume it thoroughly, and recover the caustic soda from the soda tar.  Use steam, 40 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 5500 tons of coal, the ashes from which are put into a rubbish heap.  The excrements of our workpeople are sold to farmers for manure.  We have no special suggestions to offer but if the streams can be kept pure by a reasonable amount of care and expense on the part of the manufacturers, this should be done; but if manufacturers are hindered for the sake of the streams, it is a mistaken policy.

Evidence of Robert Bell
Paraffin Oil Manufacturer, Broxburn, Linlithgowshire
My works are situated on an affluent of the Almond.  Employ 340 hands.  Rateable value of works £510; and of minerals, £1644 13s 11d.  The bed of the stream is not silted up.  My works are not affected by floods.  Obtain supply of water jointly from mines and canal, but am not able to state the annual consumption at my works.  Use yearly, bituminous shale, 70,000 tons; sulphuric acid, 260 tons; caustic soda or other alkali, 20 tons. Produce crude paraffin, 460,000 gallons; illuminating oil, 250,000 gallons; sulphate of ammonia, 60 tons; paraffin scale, 80 tons; blue oil, 130 tons.  I am not able to give the volume of the condensed water separated from tar after removal of naphtha, or spent sulphuric acid after first purifying process, or spent caustic soda and tarry matter after second purifying process.  These waste liquids are put on to a burning spent shale heap and consumed there.  The whole of the premises use steam, 117 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 10,000 tons of coal, the ashes from which are used to repair roads, and the remainder put on to the spent shale heap.  The excrements of my workpeople are used as manure on our farm.  Have no suggestions to offer.

Evidence of George Gray
Paraffin Oil Manufacturer, Leavenseat, by Greenburn, Edinburghshire
My works are situated on the Briech, a tributary of the Almond. Employ 8 hands.  Rateable value of works, £265 15s.  The bed of the stream is not silted up.  My works are affected by floods.  The stream is of a yellow dirty colour, and quite unfit for use.  It is polluted seriously by works above and by mines.  Obtain supply of water from limestone mines, but am not able to state the annual consumption at my works.  Use yearly, bituminous shale, 7000 tons; sulphuric acid, 200 tons; and caustic soda or other alkali, 30 tons.  Produce crude paraffin oil, 240,000 gallons; lubricating oil, 30,000 gallons; illuminating oil, 180,000 gallons; and solid paraffin, 50 tons.  I am not able to state the volume of condensed water separated from tar after removal of naphtha.  Produce 18,000 gallons of spend sulphuric acid after first purifying process, and 18,000 gallons of spent caustic soda and tarry matter after second purifying process.  We recover the sulphuric acid and caustic soda and re-use them.  Produce yearly 4000 tons of spent shale, which is deposited in a heap on our premises.  Use steam, 30 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 6000 tons of coal, the ashes from which are used for ballast on railways.  The excrements of my workpeople are carried to the spent shale heap.  Have no suggestions to offer.

Evidence of the Oakbank Oil Company (Limited)
Paraffin Oil Manufacturers, Oakbank, near Mid Calder, Edinburghshire
Our works are situated on the Linnhouse Burn.  Employ 350 hands.  Rateable value of works, £895.  The bed of the stream is not silted up to any appreciable extent.  Our works are not affected by floods.  There has been no alteration in the condition of the river within our knowledge since the present company took possession of the works in 1869.  The stream is not polluted by works above nor by mines.  Obtain supply of water solely from the stream.  Consume from 25,000,000 to 30,000,000 gallon yearly.  Use yearly, bituminous shale, 45,000 tons; sulphuric and other acids, 800 tons; caustic soda or other alkali, 65 tons; carbonate of soda, 20 tons.  Produce yearly, illuminating oil naphtha, 635,000 gallons; crude paraffin, 102,800 gallons; lubricating oil, 305,000 gallons; and sulphate of ammonia, 350 tons.  Produce 2,000,000 gallons of condensed water separated from tar after removal of naphtha, 187,000 gallons spent sulphuric acid after first purifying process, and 37,000 gallons of spent caustic soda and tarry matter after second purifying process.  Sulphate of ammonia is extracted from condensed water from crude oil.  After the ammonia is taken out we burn all the sulphuric acid tar under our stills, and use the acid for making sulphate of ammonia.  We recover our caustic soda from the tarry matter, and use the residue as fuel.  Produce 38,000 tons of spent shale which is carried to the waste heap.  Use steam, 400 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 30,000 tons of coal, and make from 300 to 400 tons of ashes, which are carried to the spent shale heap.  The excrements of our workpeople are removed by farmers and used for manure.

Evidence of the Glasgow Oil Company (Limited)
Broxburn
Our works are situated on a tributary of the Broxburn.  Employ 110 hands.  Rateable value of works, £628.  The bed of the stream has not silted up.  Our works are not affected by floods.  Obtain supply of water partly from springs and from surface drainage, but do not know the annual consumption at our works.  Use yearly 42,000 tons of bituminous shale, and 150 tons of sulphuric acid.  Produce 1,050,000 gallons of crude shale oil, and 200 tons of sulphate of ammonia.  Have no liquid refuse except water from which the ammonia has been extracted, and which is used for raising steam.  The whole of the solid refuse produced is conveyed to a rubbish heap.  Use steam as power.  Consume yearly 13,000 tons of coal, the ashes from which are removed to a rubbish heap.  The excrements of our workpeople are removed by farmers and used for manure.  Have no suggestions to offer as to the best means of avoiding pollution in future, or as to the conservancy of rivers and streams.

Evidence of Young’s Paraffin Light and Mineral Oil Company (Limited)
Bathgate, County Linlithgow
Our works are situated on the Bogend Burn.  Employ 500 hands.  The bed of the stream has not silted up.  Our works are not affected by floods.  The stream is not polluted by works above, but it is by mines.  Obtain supply of water from our pits, and consume yearly about 300,000,000 gallons.  Use yearly bituminous shale, 236,379 tons; sulphuric acid, 4790 tons; and caustic soda, 766 tons.  Produce sulphuric acid, 2000 tons; caustic soda, 150 tons; naphtha, 150,000 gallons; crude paraffin, 1000 tons; lubricating oil, 250,000 gallons; illuminating oil, 1,500,000 gallons; and sulphate of ammonia, 130 tons.  The whole of the waste liquid produced at our works is burned in our furnaces.  Produce yearly 40,000 tons of shale refuse, which are deposited on our premises.  Use steam, 120 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 40,000 tons of coal, the ashes from which are put on to a waste heap or used for repairing roads.  The excrements of our workpeople are carted away by farmers and used as manure.  Have no suggestions to offer as to the best means of avoiding pollution in future, or as to the conservancy of rivers and streams.

Evidence of Young’s Paraffin Light and Mineral Oil Company (Limited)
Addiewell, near West Calder, Edinburghshire
Our works are situated on the Breich River.  Employ 700 hands.  The bed of the river has not silted up.  Our works are not affected by floods.  The stream is very seriously polluted by mines above, and rendered quite useless.  Obtain supply of water by pumping from pits of our own; consume yearly 526,000,000 gallons.  Use yearly, bituminous shale, 134,000 tons; sulphuric acid, 2940 tons, and caustic soda, 628 tons.  Produce naphtha, 120,000 gallons; crude paraffin, 1300 tons; lubricating oil, 172,000 gallons; illuminating oil, 2,285,400 gallons; and sulphate of ammonia, 585 tons.  The whole of the waste liquid produced at our work is burned under our furnaces.  Produce 11,000 tons of shale refuse, which are deposited in heaps on our premises.  Use steam, 280 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 73,210 tons of coal, the ashes from which are used to repair roads.  The excrements of our workpeople are used on our own farm.  Have no suggestions to offer as to the best means of avoiding pollution in future, or as to the conservancy of rivers and streams.

Evidence of John Nimmo
Paraffin Oil Manufacturer, Limerigg Coal and Oil Works, Slamanan
My works are situated on a stream, a tributary of the Avon.  Employ 70 hands.  Rateable value of works, £800.  The bed of the stream has not silted up.  My works are not affected by floods.  The stream is no polluted by works above, nor by mines.  Obtain supply of water from gathering ground, but cannot give the annual consumption at my works.  Use yearly, bituminous shale, 2000 tons; sulphuric acid, 80 tons; and caustic soda, 10 tons.  Produce yearly, crude paraffin, 65,000 gallons; lubricating oil, 10,000; illuminating oil, 30,000 gallons; and sal-ammoniac, 3 tons.  We do not purify the liquid refuse produced at our works, but we burn it under the furnaces.  Use steam, 10 nominal horse-power.  Consume yearly 1000 tons of coal, the ashes from which are used to fill up hollow places and repair walks.  The excrements of my workpeople are used for manure.  Have no suggestions to offer as to the best means of avoiding pollution in future, or as to the conservancy of rivers and streams.

Falkirk Herald, 28th August 1873

Glasgow Oil Company v. Bell

Court of Session, First Division, Friday July 25th, (before the Lord President and Jury)

To-day, the Lord President and jury were engaged trying action the instance of the Glasgow Oil Company, Broxburn (Limited), against Robert Bell, shalemaster and oil manufacturer, Broxburn, in which the damages are laid at £50,000.

It was stated for the pursuers that agreement, dated and December, 1870, was entered into between the pursuers and the defender, whereby the defender agreed to supply them with shale their works at Broxburn, Linlithgowshire, from the date the agreement until 11th November, 1879. By this agreement it was stipulated that the price of the shale should be fixed upon varying scale dependent upon the price of the crude oil, but the minimum price was to be 4s 3d per ton. It was also stipulated that the defender should be bound to supply to the pursuers 150 tons of shale per working day, when required, as a maximum, and that the pursuers should be bound to take 100 tons of shale per working day. In the event of strike among the miners or workmen, or failure of machinery which should interfere with the regular supply of shale, reasonable time was to be allowed to the defender to make up shorts, and to the pursuers to receive short deliveries.

It was further stipulated that the pursuers should receive and store throughout the contract any quantity of shale exceeding 10,000 tons, and provision was thereby made for the defender providing accommodation for storing the shale. The agreement also declared that in the event of circumstances so changing that the defender could not mine the shale with profit, or that the pursuers could not manufacture oil with a profit at the prices thereby fixed, the defender and the pursuers should be at liberty to terminate the arrangement on giving twelve months' notice.

The agreement was acted upon by both parties for some time after it was entered into, and the pursuers state that they were willing to fulfil, and had required the defender to fulfil his part thereof, down to its stipulated termination. In the beginning of September, 1872, however, the defender ceased to deliver shale to the pursuers, and he has since continued to persist in refusing to deliver shale to them. And the defender has done this, although the pursuers paid by cash and bills for shale invoiced by him in store for them to the extent of £1200, representing about 6000 tons of shale.

On 7th February, 1872, the defender addressed letter to the pursuers, setting forth that, consequence of certain demands for lordship, he was under the necessity of intimating that the agreement of 7th December, 1870, would come to an end in 12 months. It is alleged that since the defender ceased to supply the pursuers with shale he has continued to work and sell shale to other companies and persons at prices higher than those payable to him by the pursuers under the contract. consequence of this failure on the part of the defender, the pursuers have been obliged to stop their works, these being so situated that they could not and cannot obtain a supply of shale at remunerative prices from any other source.

In defence it is stated that, in addition to the provisions of the agreement quoted by the pursuers, there was a provision that the pursuers should build twenty houses for the defender's miners within twelve months from its date, and this provision the pursuers had failed to carry out. He says that he has fulfilled his part of the agreement; but that at the time when he wrote to the pursuers in February, 1872, it was, and it has since continued, impossible to mine the shale to profit at the prices stipulated in the agreement.

He avers that the pursuers acquiesced in this intimation, and raised no question thereanent until the occurrence of some difference between them. The pursuers were supplied with shale till the beginning of October, 1872. In consequence of a strike among the miners and the flooding of the mine about that time, the defender was unable to supply either the pursuers or himself with shale from the stipulated area, and this state of matters continued till the middle of November, when, the machinery and workings of the pit having been partially repaired, and the miners having partially returned to work, the defender made repeated offers to the pursuers to resume the supply under the agreement.

The pursuers had, however, by this time closed their works. They declined all proposals made by the defender, as they had for some been carrying their works a loss, and had made up their minds to close them for that reason. The issues sent to the jury were the following terms:—"lt being admitted that tbe agreement dated 7th and 21st December, 1870, was entered into between the pursuers and defender —

• (1), whether, during the period between1st September, 1872, and 14th February, 1873, the defender, in breach this agreement, failed to supply shale to the pursuers terms thereof, to the loss, injury, and damage of the pursuers? —damages, £12,000 ;
• (2), whether the defender, in breach of the agreement, has refused to supply shale the pursuers, in terms thereof, from and after February, 1873, to the loss, injury, and damage the pursuers ?—damages, £38,000."

Evidence was led to-day. Monday, July 28. The action was compromised to-day.

The defender agrees to purchase the works of the pursuers at £11,000, and to cancel his own shares in the concern —the payment to be spread over a period of five years. The present action is to be dismissed, and each party to pay his own expenses. Counsel for the Pursuers —Mr Watson and Balfour. Agent —Hill, Reid & Drummoud, W.S. Counsel for the Defender —The Solicitor-General and Asher. Agents—Tods, Murray & Jamieson,

The Falkirk Herald - 31st July 1873

The Bankruptcy of Alexander Morrison Fell

Glasgow Bankruptcy Court

On Tuesday, at the Glasgow Bankruptcy Court— Sheriff Dickson—Alex. Morrison Fell, oil manufacturer, residing at 86 Buccleuch Street, appeared for examination bankruptcy. Sederunt— Mr J.A. Wink, C.A., trustee on the estate; Mr John Gill, writer, law agent, in the sequestration; and Mr T. G. Wright, who appeared for creditors..

The Bankrupt, examined by Mr Gill, deposed; The statement my affairs which is now produced is a correct one. It represents my liabilities to be £1,975 12s, and my assets £57. I have against the West Calder Oil Company, which value £5,000, and which is the subject of litigation in the Court of. Session. The judgment of the Lord Ordinary was against me, but I have reclaimed the Inner House. I was formerly a partner the West Calder Oil Company. I remained a partner until June, 1870, when I retired from, the concern, on receiving £400 from the other partners. This sum was expended by me in removing to Glasgow, maintaining myself and family for nine months, and paying off debts amounting to about £250. After leaving West Calder I had no employment for nine or ten months. During that time entered intopartnership with Donald Munro, by which lost £440. I supplied him means to go to India for the purpose purchasing in certain parts the interior, where railways had been newly opened, up, horns, buffaloes' horns, and seeds, to be sent into the home markets. Mr Munro represented that business to be very profitable, but found it to be quite the reverse. He returned from India in bad health. His estate was sequestrated, and I obtained no dividend. I got clear discharge from him so far as the partnership was concerned, and he gave me a bill for £250 which was not honoured.

I did nothing until about May, 1871, when I started as an oil commission agent and grease manufacturer in Saracen Lane: I continued in that business until April 1872, I found that business be the reverse of profitable. I had very little capital, except what was borrowed.. Since April, 1872 have acted as manager Joseph Townsend's Oilworks in Glasgow. My salary has been £300 per year. I require the whole of that sum for household expenses, having a wife and a family of eight to maintain.

It was in January or February, 1872, that I began to think that I had claim, against the West Calder Oil Company. I thought so in consequence of statements contained in prospectus issued by the company, and brought an action against the former partners in the company. I incurred very heavy expenses by that action. I account for my insolvency by the loss sustained by partnership with Munro, which amounted to £440, the expense incurred maintaining my family for nearly two years without earning anything; and the expenses of the litigation with the West Calder Oil Company. Mr Joseph Townsend became security, for the payment of these expenses, but, in the event Mr Townsend paying these expenses, has a claim against me.

By Mr Wright—At the time I retired from the West Calder Oil Company, the books of the company showed that I was indebted to them. I cannot give particulars, I never received a final statement. The books showed that I had drawn, out all capital. I got discharge from the company of the debt I was owing them, besides receiving £400 for retiring. My late partners brought, action against me to assign certain leases, in implement of an agreement entered into with them. These actions were conjoined, and the Lord Ordinary, afterwards decided against me, with costs. The expenses of this action amounted to £908, 17s. 9d" which is included in the statement of my liabilities.

After these cases were decided against me, I applied for sequestration of my estate. The immediate cause of my taking this step was that Wm. Roger, grocer, Crosshill, took proceedings against me on a bill for £18 which I had granted to him for groceries. Mr Roger gave me charge on that bill early in August. There was also a small account Messrs Ross, of Edinburgh, in connection with Munro's bankruptcy. They got a decree against me for £4 6s.

(Q.) Did you intimate to the agent the West Calder Oil Company before applying sequestration that unless you were paid in full your claim against the company, you would apply for sequestration, of your estate?—

(A.) I authorised no one to make such statement my behalf. It depends upon circumstances whether the action against the West Calder Oil Company will be carried further. I have no power present in the matter; it rests with the creditors. I have made offer to my creditors of 3d in the £1, payable six months.

(Q.) If your offer is accepted, do you intend to carry on the action against the West Calder Oil Company.—

(A.) I cannot say, but I do not think there is much liklihood of it. The expenses the case included in my statement are only those incurred by my law-agent. The amount of business debts included in my liabilities is, I think, about £40. The remainder of my liabilities represent household expenses and borrowed money.

The statutory oath was then administered to the bankrupt.

The Falkirk Herald 20th September 1873

THE SHALE-MINING TRADE

LINLITHGOWSHIRE AND MID-LOTHIAN

Throughout the whole history of our manufacturing industry it would be exceedingly difficult, if not quite impossible, to find record of a branch of trade that has opened with such brilliant prospects, when once established, and suffered such a complete collapse as the manufacture of mineral oil. Both in its origin and its development it may be said to be peculiarly a Scottish manufacture, although latterly it has been exclusively so. Practically created and developed in all its magnitude within the short period of twenty yea.s, it has a history that is quite unique, as it soon drew to its aid a capital of probably not less than one and a half million pounds sterling, together with all the resources and refinements of chemical and mechanical science. The first phase of its history terminated with the expiry of Mr Young’s patent rights in the year 1864; but since then more fortunes have been lost than have been gained in it, the desire to “strike ile” having taken possession of a large number of our countrymen who had observed with amazement that the New Industry had proved to be a sort of mine of almost untold wealth to the proprietors of the original patent. However, as indicated above, a collapse was in store for this new scientific industry. It had been rapid in its growth, and it was destined to be rapid in its fall, which, let us hope, will not be permanent. It was no sooner well established itself than it stimulated into active existence a closely-allied but still more gigantic industry, the great Petroleum trade of the United States of America and Canada.

Our purpose, on the present occasion, is not to descant upon either the native or the American industry, but rather to place before our readers a few facts of interest which we have collected regarding the present state of the mining branch of the Scotch oil trade, so far as concerns the principal seat of its activity – namely, that portion of the counties of Linlithgow and Midlothian which embraces Bathgate, Uphall, West Calder, and Mid-Calder, and which may collectively be spoken of as the “Scotch Petrolia.”

The production of mineral oil in this country involves conditions which are totally dissimilar to those which prevail in the United States and Canada. There it seems to be almost quite sufficient that the earth’s crust should simply be tickled or punctured in order that the oleaginous liquid may flow forth in abundance; with us, on the contrary, it is necessary that we should dig into the bowels of the earth, and bring forth the crude and most unattractive mineral substance known as oil-shale, and then, by most refined scientific means and processes, extract the useful material from it. In short, we must resort to the use of retorts, condensers, artificial heat, &c., for the production of our oily distillates; whereas the American petroleum, which is practically the same substance as our shale oil, has been distilled in Nature’s great laboratory by the internal heat of the earth, and condensed in the cool strata forming its outer crust. For the production of every thirty gallons of crude mineral oil in Scotland it is necessary that, on the average, at least one ton of shale be excavated and brought to the surface of the earth. Now, as shale-mining has naturally participated in the good fortune with which coal-mining has been attended during the last two years or so, the raw material forming the source of the oil has of necessity been a very costly commodity – so costly, indeed, as to render it very difficult for those capitalists who had embarked their means in the mineral oil manufacture to make ends meet, or, at all events, to obtain a fair return upon the capital invested. In fact, the cost of mining alone has latterly been, as a general rule, not less than 4s 9d per ton of shale, without any regard for the mineral lordship, cost and tear and wear of plant and machinery, cost of timber and other materials, the labour of oncost men, cost of management, &c.; and it is certainly very difficult to see how the making of mineral oil could possibly be an “ile striking” business under such circumstances.

Accordingly, some radical change in the mode of working, or some kind of reform or retrenchment, became absolutely necessary. The West Calder Oil Company were the first “to take the bull by the horns.” Having a stock of about 11,000 or 12,000 tons of shale in hands, or as much as would keep their retorts going for a period of four months, on the reduced scale of working that has prevailed of late, they resolved on shutting down their shale pits until the rate of wages should be brought more into conformity with the price of the oil as finished and ready for market. The ordinary “darg” was 1 ½ tons, and the length of the day’s work, “from bank to bank,” was eight hours; but, owing to special cases of difficulty, allowances, &c., or doing more than the recognised “darg,” the West Calder Oil Company’s miners, we are informed, were making, in a number of instances, from 10s to 15s per day – the working week being five days. Even assuming that the majority were making 10s, rather than 15s, per day, it is easy to see that, with the low ebb to which the price of oil had reached, the “lion’s share of the spoil” would be going into the miners’ pockets, and not into those of the capitalists. While the price of finished oil has fallen from 1s 6d or 1s 8d to 1s, or even 11d, per gallon, the wages for shale-mining have been about doubled; engine-keepers’ wages have advanced from about 3s 8d per day to about 5s 8d; the wages of oncost pitmen and others have advanced to 7s 6d or 8s per day, as against 5s or thereby; and the cost of timber and certain other materials has practically doubled. With these facts all staring them in the face, the Company recently proceeded to the very ulterior measure of shutting down their shale pits, and thus they were compelled to turn about 250 workmen adrift. A large proportion of them directed their steps to the colliery districts of Lanarkshire and other places in search of work, but they found that the downward tendency in the price of coal, and the slackening demand for that commodity, were making it difficult to secure work at the high rate of wages that had been prevailing in the coal-mining trade. Very shortly many of them returned to the scene of their labours and offered their services at somewhat lower wages than they had formerly been receiving. But we have not yet learned that the Company have acceded to the men’s terms. Indeed, we believe it has been resolved not to reopen the shale pits until those services can be obtained on much more favourable terms. It must not be supposed the West Calder Oil Company’s works are at a complete standstill. Their coal pit is at work, and a large proportion of the retorts are in operation, together with the stills and most of the plant and machinery embraced in the refinery.

Young’s Paraffin Light and Mineral Oil Company have also been compelled to take action. They were paying their retort men, both at the Bathgate and Addiewell works, 2s per week higher than were being paid throughout the adjoining oil districts – a condition of things that was rectified several weeks ago, and the attempt to avert the reduction by means of a strike proved to be quite unavailing. They have also increased the rents of their houses, whether occupied by their own employés or by other persons; and eventually they have come to the wages of the shale-miners, a reduction of 6d per day having been quietly effected towards the end of the past year. Such a reduction seems to have been less required among the Addiewell shale-miners than at the West Calder Company’s shale pits if, as we have been assured was the case, they were only in rare instances making 10s per day. No strike took place, nor was there any need to resort to a lock-out, although either measure might have been borne by the Company with comparative composure for some weeks – their stock of shale being between 40,000 and 50,000 tons, or a supply sufficient to last for about four months, with all the retorts (nearly 700) at work, due allowance being made for a certain percentage constantly under repair. The Company in question is the only one, we believe, whose works are all going at full strength.

A somewhat similar course of procedure has been forced upon the Uphall Mineral Oil Company. At Boghall they have two pits with both shale and coal workings in each of them; they have likewise one shale pit and one shale “mine” at Uphall. The foregoing have all been shut down within the last two or three weeks, and the men thrown idle; and at Hopetoun, where the Company have one shale pit, the men have been on strike for a fortnight because they would not submit to a proposed reduction of 1s per day on the rate of wages. In some instances the Uphall men were earning up to 12s per day; latterly their wages were about 9s per day, and the proposed reduction at Hopetoun would have brought them down to 8s. The price for getting shale at the different works has been varying from 3s to 3s 4d per ton at Hopetoun, to 5s 10d and even as high as 6s 10d, per ton at Boghall. The retorts are all standing at Uphall and Boghall, and only those at Hopetoun are in operation. There are in all about 680 retorts, and there is a stock of shale in hands amounting to 8,000 or 10,000 tons, or three months’ supply for the Hopetoun works alone. From 250 to 300 of the Uphall Company’s men are either locked out or on strike. Possibly, when the holidaying is thoroughly concluded, the strike hands may turn in at the Company’s terms.

The Oakbank Oil Company, whose works are situated at Mid-Calder, are carrying on their manufacturing operations. They have no stock of shale, nor are they mining any, as they can purchase it on more favourable terms than they can work it themselves. Their consumption is about 160 tons per day. The experience of this Company is, that during the last two years the cost of producing the requisite mineral has advanced 50 per cent., while the cost of manufacturing the oil has been increased fully 25 per cent.

And here it may be worth while to give in a tabular form the rates of wages paid to the different classes of workmen whose services are in great request about a large mineral oil works where refining operations are carried on with any degree of completeness. It may be premised that the length of the week for skilled workmen is not more than 54 hours, or an average of 9 hours per day.

The Falkirk Herald, 29th January 1874

THE POLLUTION OF THE RIVER ALMOND

In July, 1872, Thomas Alexander Hay, Newliston, raised an action against the Uphall Mineral Oil Company (Limited) for the purpose of having it found that he had a good and undoubted right to have the water of Beughburn and Broxburn, till its junction with the Beughburn, so far as the streams flowed through or past his lands lying in the parishes of Uphall and Kirkliston, transmitted through or past his property in a pure state, fit for domestic purposes and fit for the enjoyment and use of man and beast; and that the defenders had no right to pollute or adulterate the waters of the streams, or to discharge into it, or either of them, any noxious or impure matter from or near or connected with their works on the lands of Stankards, in the parish of Uphall. Defences were lodged to the action, in which defenders denied that they polluted the water of the streams. After the record had been closed, the defenders lodged a minute admitting that they had caused impurities to be discharged from their works into the Beughburn, and from thence into the Broxburn, to such an extent as to pollute the waters of the stream. The Lord Ordinary on 18th January remitted to Mr Pattinson, engineer and consulting chemist in Newcastle, to inspect and examine the defenders works, and to report whether they could be so arranged and conducted in future as to prevent the pollution of the water in the Beughburn, and, if so, in what manner. Mr Pattinson made three reports giving his views on the subject, and thereafter the Lord Ordinary pronounced the following interlocutor :— “The Lord Ordinary, having considered the cause, with Mr Pattinson's third report, ordains the defenders to execute such works of a permanent character by strengthening of the existing drains and the formation of additional drains, as might be necessary, to prevent the pollution of the Beughburn in times of floods and rainy weather ; and remits back to Mr Pattinson to see such works as he may deem necessary for these purposed executed and repaired.”

With the view of stopping the pollution of the Almond, similar actions were lately raised against the West Calder Oil Company and Young's Paraffin Light Mineral Oil Company by Sir Alex. Gibson Maitland and another, and against the Oakbank Oil Company at the instance of Mr Wilson, Alderston, and others. For the West Calder Company defences were lodged, in which the defenders pleaded, inter alia, that the pursuers' averments were irrelevant; that all parties interested were not called; that the pursuers were barred from complaining of the alleged pollution. The Lord Ordinary, however, issued an interlocutor repelling the first, second, third, and fifth pleas in law stated for the defenders, and allowed the pursuers a proof of their averments on record, and to the defenders a conjunct probation.

In the case against Young's Paraffin Light and the Oakbank Oil Companies, a minute was lodged admitting that at and prior to the date of the actions they wrongfully, and to the injury of the pursuers, permitted impurities to be discharged from their works into the waters complained of ex adverso of the pursuers' properties, and undertook to take all practical means to put a stop to the pollution complained of, so far as occasioned by them, in all time coming.

Glasgow Herald, 21st March 1874

FARM TO LET

The FARM of BREICHDYKES, on the estate of Westwood and parish of Livingstone, extending to 210 Imperial Acres or thereby, to be let for nineteen years from Whitsunday, 1875. The farm is all thoroughly tile drained. Dwelling house and steading were re-roofed an thoroughly put in order in 1872. It is specially adapted for a dairy farm, the populous village of West Calder being within a mile, and there is a private railway siding (Caledonian) on the ground. The outgoing tenant (who is relinquishing farming) will show the boundaries. For other particulars, or with offers, address the proprietor, Westwood, West Calder, or Messrs Sprot & Wordie, W.S. 10 Drummond Place, Edinburgh

The Scotsman, 22nd July, 1874

West Calder Oil Co. v. Glasgow Oil Co.

Court of Session, Jury Trial - First Division

Friday, July 24. (Before the Lord President and a Jury.)

WEST CALDER OIL COMPANY v. GLASGOW OIL COMPANY. This was a case in which the pursuers claimed damages from the defenders for failure of the fulfilment a contract for delivery of crude oil. The pursuers stated that in July, 1872, they entered into a contract with the defenders, whereby the latter sold 175,000 gallons of their Broxburn horizontal oil at the price of 5 1/4d per gallon less 2 ½ per cent discount, put into the pursuers' tanks at the Broxburn works The contract was embodied in two letters of the pursuers and three of the defenders which were produced in the present action. In terms of the contract, the delivery of the oil should have commenced 20th August 1872 and have been given as follows:- 50,000 gallons during August and September 1872, and 25,000 gallons per months October, November, and December, and January and February 1873, but up to June 1873, when this action was raised, the only quantity delivered amounted to 1787 gallons, received on 18th September 1872. The price of crude oil having greatly risen since the contact was entered into, and the defenders having failed to procure a sufficient quantity elsewhere, they had been greatly inconvenienced in their arrangements the defenders' failure to supply them as contracted for.

The defenders averred that by the articles of association, which the suers' were bound to know, they were permitted to make oil only from shale supplied by Robert Bell, Broxburn, from the pits leased by him from the Earl of Buchan. By the correspondence founded on, the defenders made the contract referred to on condition that the pursuers supplied the tanks, and that in the event of a strike the miners who worked the shale for the defenders the contract should remain in abeyance that difficulty was overcome. The pursuers sent no tanks for oil till 16th September, and allowed delivery to be postponed. On 16th September a strike occurred of the miners, and at about the same time or shortly afterwards, a flood occurred, due to excessive rainfall, by which the pit was flooded. From both and each of these causes the defenders had not get shale, and were not able to overcome the difficulty till the date of the contract was cancelled. The pursuers' intimation of their claim for damages for alleged breach of contract put an end to further deliveries under it, and proceeded on the footing that such were not to made.

The pursuers averred, in answer to the latter statement, though this was denied by the defenders that there never was a strike in the pit, but that Mr Bell conducted the workings in the pit an unusual and improper manner, kept the roads there in very bad order and otherwise rendered the position the men in it unsatisfactory, while held inducements to them to go to his other pits beyond the area referred the agreement between him and the defenders the working in which pits was never stopped. The alleged " floods" could have been removed in two or three days, and the defenders refused repeated offers of a reasonable kind by Bell to supply them with shale in terms of the agreement. The issue laid before the jury was, whether the defenders, in terms of the letters referred to, sold pursuers 175,000 gallons of the defender's horizontal crude oil ; and whether the defenders, in breach the said contract, failed to deliver the said oil to the extent of 173,213 gallons, or any and what part thereof - to the loss, injury, and damage of the pursuers. The damages were laid at £2127, 1s, with interest thereon at 5 percent, per annum from 1st March 1873

Mr. Balfour was opening the case for the pursuers, and had not proceeded any length with his speech, when the Dean of Faculty intimated that the jury the Court might be saved any more trouble in the case. Council then retired from the Court, and after and interval of a few minutes they returned when intimation was made that the defenders had consented to a verdict favour of the pursuers – damages £1,500.

The Falkirk Herald, 30th July 1874

ANTI-POLLUTION OPERATIONS ON THE ALMOND

AMONG current problems of social economics there is none perhaps which more urgently calls for solution than that of the purification of our streams. Apart from considerations of amenity, sufficiently weighty in their way, the practical evils arising from river pollution are acknowledged, even by those to whom they do not immediately come home while the feasibility, no less than the desirableness, of something being done to cure them is also of matter of general agreement.

On the other hand , there are few questions more hampered with complicated difficulties in the shape of vested rights and' public interests which none would like to compromise. In these circumstances, and with a Government so chary as the present of giving offence to anybody , we may yet have some 'time to wait for effective legislation on the subject but pending that much-wished-for consummation, it is satisfactory to know that, in Scotland at any rate, the existing law is by no means destitute of remedial efficacy. Of late years the matter has been fairly put to the proof in reference to more than one important river and, though it can hardly be said that anywhere complete success has yet been achieved, it does appear that, at least in one instance, something very like that result ia now almost within reach. The case referred to is that of the Almond, which, after having run for many years in a state of deplorable pollution, has now been so far improved as to raise hopes of its ultimate restoration to comparative purity. As showing what may lie done, without legislative assistance, by persistent and well-directed effort, it may not be uninteresting to describe the course of action which has here been pursued.

Rising in the Lanarkshire hills, and forming along the greater part of its course to the Firth of Forth the boundary between Mid-Lothian and Linlithgowshire, the Almond is fairly entitled in respect of the scenery fringing its banks, to rank with the most attractive of our lowland rivers . From the east side it receives three tributaries—the Breich Water from the Gladsmuir Hills, and the Brox Burn from the moorlands about Cobbinshaw, both of which pass near West Calder and fall in, the former about two miles above, and the latter immediately below, the village of Livingstone and the Linhouse Burn, which drains the hills in the neighbourhood of Crosswood and debouches at Mid Calder. On the west tlie only considerable affluent is the Brox Burn, which issues from the high ground to the east of Bathgate, and, flowing past the village which has taken its name, enters the Almond not far from Kirkliston.

At one time the Almond and its tributaries especially the Breich and Linhouse—were well known to anglers as abounding in excellent trout, and affording rare facilities for the exercise of the gentle craft. A good many years have, however, elapsed since the fishing was observed to fall off; and we believe that some thirteen or fourteen years ago it may he said to have virtually ceased, except in the extreme upper reaches. Simultaneously with this deterioration, people resident on the banks became ? that the streams had acquired an offensive smell and taste, rendering them unfit not only for domestic use, hut even for the washing of sheep or the watering of cattle. The causes wore not far to seek. In addition to extensive ironstone pits, which had long been in operation on the upper Breich, and whole drainage, charged with red oxide, must have been surely, if slowly, exercising a dulefceriovia influence, there had more recently been established a number of shale-oil works, whose refuse, discharged more or less copiously into all the tributary streams, had brought the evil to a well-nigh intolerable climax.

Alike to sight and to smell it was patent that in the new paraffin industry lay the chief source of pollution; but in order to put the matter beyond doubt, the proprietors of the district sought the assistance of a scientific expert. Accordingly, in 18?5 a report was obtained from Professor ?, in which it was stated, as the result of careful Investigation that, notwithstanding the existence of a cotton mill at the village of Blackburn, the Almond as far down as Stephen's Bridge was in a satisfactory state, and still fairly stocked with fish; but that from the Breich, Linhouse Burn, and Brox Burn trout had disappeared about three years before, while their waters had contaminated the main river as to render it utterly repulsive and useless to man or beast.

As to the character of the polluting matter, 'it was shown that in the distillation of shaleoil there was evolved, in the first instance, a large quantity of water strongly charged with ammonia, and, at a later stage of the process, two varieties of tar, than which nothing more calculated to poison a running stream could well be imagined . These waste products were known to be capable of utilisation. The ammoniacal water , for example, could be converted, into sulphate of ammonia at a profit of something like £ 10- a ton, while the tar had also in certain cases, been advantageously disposed of. Nevertheless, a sufficient quantity of such matters, combined with leakage from oil pipes, and other miscellaneous waste, was allowed to find its way into the rivers to produce the pernicious consequences above described.

Under these circumstances, the landowners whose property, was deteriorated, would seem to have acted with considerable forbearance. When, however, after the lapse of several years, it was seen that precautionary measures were either neglected altogether or but tardily and partially adopted , they resolved to try the effects of legal compulsion. The first case taken in hand, under the professional conduct ot Messrs Waddell & M'lntosh , W.S., with that of the Uphall Mineral Oil Company, who were held responsible for polluting the Brox Burn. Towards the close of 1872, an action of declarator and interdict was raised by Mr Hog ot Newliston, with the view of stimulating the company to still greater care in the disposal of waste than they had already shown of their own accord. The case could not be considered a bad one. Everything had been done that science and skill could suggest to use up such products as could be turned to profitable account. Ammoniacal water was converted into sulphat ; tar partly manufactured into lubricating grease, partly rendered available as fuel in the furnaces of the works . Still there came from the works a heavy discharge of water contaminated with oil and other matters and, notwithstanding well-meant attempts to separate these impurities, enough remained to occasion serious ? burn.

When the case came into Court, the defenders virtually admitted that their precautions were not perfect and a remit was made to Mr John Pattinson , engineer and consulting chemist, to report 'whether, and if so how, the operations at Uphall could be inoffensively conducted. The question resolved itself into one of preventing polluted water from entering the stream, for it had been found that even after every trace of oil had apparently been separated the drainage remained strongly charged with deleterious matter. Evaporation seemed the only effectual resource and while this method had already been partially resorted to in running waste water upon the spent shale heaps, trhe reporter recommended its more extended application in the numerous hues and ashpits of the works. On the part of the company, the makeshift expedient was at first suggested of turning a portion of the drainage into an old shale pit but this was seen to be of only temporary avail and accordingly their efforts were directed, on the one hand, to diminish the quantity of polluted water produced and on the other, to completely dispose of the same within the works themselves. In both directions they seem to have been completely successful.

From a final report by Mr Pattinson, dated October of last year, it appears that there had been provided an elaborate series of appliances in the shape of drains and tanks for intercepting and storing the waste water, with pumps and distributing pipes for sending it back to the works to be fed into steam boilers or evaporated in ash-pits or furnace flues, or squirted over trucks of red-hot shale. Even flood water drainage seemed to be adequately provided for, the intercepting works being capable of coping with anything short of such an extraordinary flood as would ? any possible escape of polluting matter into utter insignifigance. On the whole, the reporter had satisfied himself from actual examination that the bum below Uphall was perfectly free from all taste or smell of paraffin prodiicts, and had received assurances from persons resident on its banks that the water was once more freely drunk, and that without injurious effects, by horses and cattle. Meanwhile proceedings had been taken against the proprietors of the oilworks which were understood to be polluting the upper tributaries of the Almond.

In March 1874 Sir ? Gibson Maitland of Cliftonhall and Mr Archibald Ogilvie of Old Liston raised an action against the Oakbank Oil Company (Limited), craving that they be interdicted from discharging offensive matter into the Linhouse Burn. The defenders, while urging that from time immemorial the Almond had been dedicated to the reception of manufacturing impurities, submitted that they used the most approved appliances to render their own drainage as inoffensive as possible. A remit was, however, made to Mr George Robertson, C .B ., and Professor Crum Brown, to look into the matter, and from their report it appeared that, as in the case of Uphall, the ammonia water and both kinds of tar were duly utilised, but that a considerable quantity of water contaminated through use in the works was allowed to escape into the burn. It was found that the company were in course of constructing a large pond in which all drainage should be caught , and from which it should be pumped for redistribution through the works; and this arrangement, with the subsequent addition of a second pond, to be used when the first required cleaning, the erection of a well-puddled retaining wall between the works and the burn, and the stopping up of a certain suspicious drain, was pronounced by the reporters, so recently as last summer, to be thoroughly effectual for securing the object in view.

The stream, on the occasion of their last visit, was running very low, and while the stones were freely covered with the green vegetation to be expected in such circumstances, the water was found to be free from pollution. So far as wo have been able to learn, this satisfactory state of matters still continues. Passing along by the margin of the works and waste shale heaps, one cannot observe any escape of objectionable drainage; nor is there anything in the taste, smell, or appearance of the burn to forbid the hope that better days, for the angler are here in store.

A more difficult problem than either of those above mentioned presented itself in the case of Young's Paraffin Company, whose extensive works at AddieweII were known to be polluting the Breich Water on the one hand, and tha Killin Burn on the other. Owing to the great extent of the operations here carried on, the quantity of waste products to be disposed of was very large, and in particular, the volume of polluted water was such as it seemed well nigh hopeless to get rid of by evaporation. Indeed, it was evident from the first that this was a case for strenuous effort on the one side, aud the utmost possible forbearance on the other.

A proposal of declarator and interdict, commenced in March of last year at the instance; of Mr John Wilson of Alderstone and others, led, as in the other cases, to a remit to men of skill to report on the actual condition of the works. It appeared, that at this time, while the ammonia produced in the works was properly recovered, and steps had just been completed for turning all the tar to account, the defenders were in course of making arrangements to purity, if possible, their immense discharge of polluted water. The system of separators and filters proposed for this purpose was admitted by Professor Brown to be capable of removing most of the oil held in suspension, but was pronounced inadequate to deal with dissolved impurities.

On the whole the opinion was indicated that the precautions taken, while greatly diminishing, would not entirely prevent the contamination of the burns while, on the other hand, the question was suggested whether the daily discharge into the Breich of half a million gallons of Cobbinshaw water might not he held to benefit the stream more than any pollution that escaped the filters could damage it. Neither the pursuers nor the Court were, however, disposed to answer this question in the affirmitive and accordingly a further examination of works was ordered in the beginning of the present year, as the result of which considerable improvement was reported. It now appeared that the tar had entirely ceased to be a nuisance but that the mode of dealing with certain soda washings was unsatisfactory, and that theprocess of filtration still failed to secure perfect purity in the outflow.

Evaporation was pointed to as the only really effective remedy, and to this the defenders, notwithstanding the heavy expense they had incurred for filter beds, had now begun to turn attention. On a third inspection in ? it was found that further progress had been made in the right direction. The soda washings were now evaporated and the soda recovered, while the waste heat of furnaces had been brought to bear in evaporating polluted water, and ? ? furnaces had been specially constructed, for dealing at once with water and tar. At the same time a pond had been formed into which all the drainage of the works was led, and from which the water was pumped to be again used or evaporated, a constant circulation being maintained by the inflow of a fresh supply from Cobbinshaw. As matters now stand, the only water allowed to escape into the Breich is said to be that used for cooling the candle machines and the drums in which paraffin is crystallised, together with a certain amount of external drainage, ? lately the point of outflow, we found this water, of which there is a considerable volume, quite free to all appearance from any trace of parallin, but smelling slightly, and tasting unmistakably, of ordinary smoke or soot.

The only other discharge from the works is that carried from the opposite side into the ?onghill or Killin Burn, ? tainted with paraffin impurity, but ' owing to tin changes recently made within the works, this seems to have entirely disappeared. The water now running in it, stated ? that pumped from a shale pit, looks harmless enough, and only on tasting it does one discover that it still contains some tiave of metallic impurity. As the general result of the proceedings in this case, the pursuers admit that very great improvement has been affected in the discharge at both outlets. They still, however, contend that the quality of the water sent into the burns is not quite satisfactory and we understand that a minute to ? has been lodged for the consideration of the Court.

A short distance, below Addiewell, the Killin Burn passes the works of the West Calder Oil Company, for ? drainage it formed the moat ? convenient outlet. Here, again, proceed in a commence March 18th have led to the most material improvements. When the case came to be investigated, it was found that the main cause of pollution was, as usual, the discharge of contaminated water, steps being taken, as in other works, to utilise the tar aixl antinoma. The remedial measures resorted to are substantially similar to those already described—the interception of all water that has been used in the establishment, and the disposal of it by evaporation or otherwise, so that no portion shall enter the ?. At tho point where the works abut upon the stream, a substantial puddled wall has been built along the bank to preveut leakage. Some distance lower down there is still an outflow ot strongly-tainted water, but this is to be impounded in a large reservoir now in course of construction, and from which the most satisfactory results are anticipated.

Another manufactory against which it was thought necessary to take action was that of the Seafield Peat Fuel Company, who, dealing as they did with the acid tar obtained from the neighbouring oil works, were alleged to have sent polluting matter into a small burn debouching nearly opposite the Breich In this case interim interdict was granted, and a proof had been ordered with reference to the question of fact, when the suspension of operations at the defenders' works rendered further proceedings unnecessary.

The Scotsman, 29th October 1875

SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS OF YOUNG'S PARAFFIN LIGHT AND MINERAL OIL CO. LTD.

| 1870 | 1871 | 1872 | 1873 | 1874 | 1875 | 1876 | 1877 | 1878 | 1879 |
| 1880 | 1881 | 1882 | 1883 | 1884 | 1885 | 1886 | 1887 | 1888 | 1889 |
| 1890 | 1891 | 1892 | 1893 | 1894 | 1895 | 1896 | 1897 | 1898 | 1899 |
| 1900 | 1901 | 1902 | 1903 | 1904 | 1905 | 1906 | 1907 | 1908 | 1909 |

1876 Annual General Meeting

YOUNG'S PARAFFIN LIGHT & MINERAL OIL COMPANY (LIMITED). The report prepared by the directors to be submitted to the twelfth general meeting of the company, to be held on Friday the 16th June, states: - The balance at credit of the profit and loss account is £43,814 3s, out of which it is proposed to declare a dividend at the rate of 9 per cent. Per annum, payable in equal proportions on 23nd June and 22nd December, 1876, less income-tax. This dividend would absorb £43,706 5s, leaving £2,017 18s to be carried forward to the current year. The works and plant of the company have been kept in a most efficient state, and the sum of £13,285 13s 8d has been expended on their maintenance and charged to revenue. The amount written off for capital depreciation during the year has been £20,362 18s 6d. The market prices for the chief products of the company having been lower during the past reason than in any year since its formation, your directors consider that the financial results are gratifying. The stocks of materials on hand are larger than those of the previous year, but they have all been valued at very moderate prices. The increase is chiefly in shale, which it was considered desirable to store in quantity at the pits.

The capital expenditure during the year amounts to £15,389 11s 11d, and consists of the following items, viz:- Cost of and laying 6-inch water pipes from Addiewell to Bathgate, £3216 10s 11d; boilers, foundations, and buildings for naphtha and gasoline machinery, £1027 16s 1d; works for purification of streams at Addiewell and Bathgate, £4530 0s 8d; rolling stock, new tanks, works, &c., £2794 13s; sinking to lower or Broxburn shales, &c., £3820 11s 3d – total, £15,389 11s 11d. The amount expended has been larger than was anticipated at the commencement of the year, but, excepting the streams purification measures, the new works will be productive of very great benefit to the company, either by further increasing the percentage of products, or by diminishing the cost of working.

The capital expenditure during the current year is estimated as follows :- Rolling stock, tanks, cranes, new works, &co., £6500; naphtha and gasoline machinery, £1300; streams purification, £1700; machinery for working Broxburn shales, £1200 – total, £10,700. In September last an agreement was entered into with the riparian proprietors in the neighbourhood of the river Avon and its tributaries, whereby the company, to avoid the expense of an action of declarator and interdict in the Court of Session, undertook to construct at Bathgate remedial works, similar to those which are in operation at Addiewell, for averting the pollution of streams. The cost at both works has been considerable, already amounting to £6346 15s 11d, with a probable further expenditure of £1700; but the pollution from shale products is so difficult to be dealt with, and the area of ground occupied by the works so extensive – viz., 125 acres – that the outlay was, in the circumstances, unavoidable.

The west field of Westwood, near West Calder, consisting of about 100 acres of workable shale, has been leased, for 21 years, from Captain Steuart. The lower or Broxburn shales have been proved during the past year, and are now being worked at two places. Your directors are glad to be able to announce that the yield per ton from these shales is fair, and the cost of working is expected to be reasonable. At the present rate of consumption, the quantity of shale now possessed or leased by the company is equivalent to about forty years' supply. It was considered prudent to insure, to a much larger extent than heretofore, the works, stocks, &c., against fire, and this has been effected. The amount now insured with public offices is £134,253, and the company's own fund amounts to £7233 6s 1d. As the buildings, stocks, and plant are distributed over a very wide area, the provision now made will render still more improbable any serious loss from fire being sustained by the company. The directors retiring at this time are Mr James Arthur, Mr William M'Ewen, and Mr John Pender, M.P. They are eligible for re-election, and are willing to act again if re-appointed.

The Glasgow Herald, 6th June 1876

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1879 Annual General Meeting

YOUNG'S PARAFFIN LIGHT & MINERAL OIL COMPANY (LIMITED). The annual report by the directors of this Company to the fifteen general meeting , to be held on the 16th inst In Glasgow states that the balance at the credit of profit and loss account is £63,553, 63. 8d., out of which it is proposed to declare a dividend at the rate of 124 cent. per annum, payable in equal proportions on 20th June and l9th December l879, less Income-tax. This dividend will absorb £60,828, 2 s. 6 d., and leave £2725, 4s. 2d. to be carried forward to the current year. The works, pits ^ and plant of the Company have not only been efficiently maintained, but numerous improvements have been carried out, the cost being debited to revenue. The amount thus expended for repairs, renewals, and improved stills, condensers, and machinery generally, has been £20,817, 2s. l0 d., while the amount written off the capital account for depreciation has been £20,877, 11s. 6d. The daily production of crude petroleum in America during the year ending 30th April 1879 has averaged 43,809 barrels as compared with 39,240 barrels and 26,535 barrels for the two previous years respectively. One result of this increased yield is that the prices of mineral oils in this country have been lowered beyond those of any former period. Depression of trade has caused other products of the Company to be reduced in value. The operations of the works were much retarded by an inadequate supply of water during the drought of last summer, and again during the severe and protracted winter in consequence of which the maximum production and profit were not obtained. To prevent the recurrence of this, pipes have now been laid from the Addiewell works to one of the Company's pits, whereby an abundant auxiliary supply of water can be had, when necessary, in future. The capital expenditure for the past year, which was estimated at £14,500, has amounted to £14,630, 18s. 3d. For the current year the following is the estimate, viz.: —Additional tanks, presses, and machinery, £3600; sulphuric acid apparatus, £1000; houses for crystal oil, &c, £1000, loading bank, hutch roads, &c., £1000, streams purification, £ 2000, redemption of superiority casualties, £900, sundries, £1000; pits and machinery, £350; new lamp work, Birmingham, £10,600. The lamp work at Birmingham mentioned is being erected in place of the premises now rented In Edinburgh.

The Scotsman, 3rd June 1879

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1882 Annual General Meeting

The eighteenth annual report by the directors of YOUNG'S PARAFFIN LIGHT AND MINERAL OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) was issued on Saturday. It is as follows :- The balance at the credit of profit and loss account is £34,034 4s 10d, from which there has been deducted £11,020 6s 3d for capital depreciation, also £3000 for the Henderson retorts, and £7779 10s 6d for reductions in values of products, leaving the sum of £30,234 2s 1d, out of which it is proposed to declare a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent per annum, payable in equal proportions on 23d June and 22d December, 1832, less income-tax. This dividend will absorb £29,197 10s, leaving £1036 12s 1d to be carried forward. The benefits arising from improved percentages of products, diminished costs, and other causes, as compared with the previous year, have announced to £25,070, and these, it is believed, will be materially increased during the present year. Unfortunately, the gain has been counteracted by lower prices for solid paraffin and candles, from which a lesser profit of £27,110 has been realised, although larger quantities were sold and delivered. There is now, however, an improvement in candles; sulphate of ammonia remains firm; lubricating oils have latterly been advancing; so that if burning oils were to recover, even slightly, from their present extreme depression, better results might safely be relied upon in future.

Effect has been given to the wishes of the shareholders, as expressed at last annual meeting, by diminishing, to a moderate extent, the capital depreciation. The increase in dividend which would have been derived from this has, however, been prevented by the necessity there was of reducing the values of products, owing to their fail in prices. So much has now been done in this direction, that no further appreciable diminution is likely to be required.

The vital question of improved retorts has been engaging earnest attention during the past year, and although it cannot be affirmed that the best retort has yet been devised, still, it has been clearly demonstrated that, in the interests of the company, the whole of their vertical retorts must be abolished. It has accordingly been arranged that during the present summer 193 additional Henderson retorts be erected, in lieu of 150 vertical retorts. The experience which the company have had of these now in use justifies the immediate erection of this additional number; and it is contemplated to supersede the remainder of the vertical retorts in the following year, as so to secure without delay the improved results on the company's entire consumpt of shale. There have been broken up at Bathgate 128 vertical retorts, capable of distilling 22 cwt. of shale daily, equal to 140 tons; and at Addiewell 150 vertical retorts, of 27 cwt., equal to 200 tons – being a total of 340 tons. In 1880 there were erected at Addiewell 288 Henderson retorts, of 25 cwt., equal to 360 tons; and there are under contract at present 192 retorts of the same description, equal to 240 tons – together, 600 tons; showing a surplus daily distilling power of 260 tons. It is recommended that an amount equivalent to what has been broken up be charged to revenue, spread over five years, and that the surplus, estimated at £15,400, be debited to capital. The mode mentioned in last report would have tended to prevent the speedy adoption of improved retorts, which are an absolute necessity in the present condition of the mineral oil trade.

The plan now submitted is perfectly fair to revenue, particularly as from the improved retorts increased per centages and values of products are obtained. The charge for the past year has been in conformity with the mode. The estimated capital outlay was £19,000, while the actual expenditure has been £19,012 1s 4d. For the current year the following is the estimate :- Pits and machinery, £7000; refrigerators and stock tanks, £6500; proportion to capital of new retorts, £19,466; total, £32,966. The amount at the credit of the company's fire insurance fund is £7215 16s 1d. In future it is proposed to designate it the "Fire and Accident Insurance Fund," and to credit the sum of £1000 annually thereto. A recent fire at Addiewell, whereby a direct loss was sustained and the operations of the works restricted for a time, and the result of an action under the Employers' Liability Act, make the course now recommended an advisable one. The directors returning at this time are Mr James Arthur, Mr William M'Ewan, and Mr John Pender, M.P. They are re-eligible, and, if again appointed, are willing to act. It is recommended that Mr John Young Buchanan, Edinburgh, be elected by the shareholders to a seat at the board, his scientific attainments rendering him well fitted for the position. In consideration of the valuable services of Mr Fyfe, their general manager for the last nine years, the directors recommend that he should be elected to a seat at the board, with the view of him being appointed by their managing director.

The Glasgow Herald, 5th June 1882

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1885 Annual General Meeting

YOUNG'S PARAFFIN OIL COMPANY. The annual meeting of the shareholders of Young's Paraffin Oil Company was held yesterday afternoon in the Merchants' Hall – Mr William M'Ewan presiding. The notice calling the meeting having been read, the report by the directors, which has already been published, was held as read. The Chairman afterwards said a copy of the report having been sent to each shareholder, I presume it may be held as read. The gross credit balance is £72,952, against £51,792 last year, and the amount proposed for distribution is £48,450, against £31,577 in the previous year. With lower aggregate prices than have ever before prevailed in the mineral oil trade, and with many improvements not completed until late in the financial year, the result is, I think, satisfactory. Had the prices with which the year opened been maintained throughout the dividend would have been higher; but, unfortunately, heavy oil, scale, candles, and sulphate of ammonia fell away during its currency. The fact that the increased dividend arises wholly from improvements at the works and mines adds value to the announcement, because once these are effected, they remain a permanent benefit.

I have had the curiosity to have a statement prepared, which shows that by applying last year's quantities and costs to the prices obtained for our products twelve years ago there would have been a gross profit of £548,990. I wish so erroneous inference to be drawn from this, as the prices of that period may not occur again, although they were then considered low; but it indicates in a striking manner the progress which has taken place in the interval. I am happy to be able to add that progress promises to continue, as I have before me an abstract of further benefits for the current year, the amount of which I refrain from mentioning, but it is in excess of any former year. I think it my duty to tell the shareholders this, to show that the company is not standing still, and that if lower prices for some of the products prevail, we are doing our very best to meet them, and when the higher prices come which we hope for we will then reap the greater advantage. Meanwhile our aim is so to improve the company's business and position that even in dull times fair profits may be realised.

The directors recently visited the various works of the company, and were happy to observe at all of them numerous evidences of activity and advancement. At Addiewell we found the work in thorough order, all its plant effective, and turning out its maximum quantity. It was satisfactory to notice that the vertical retorts were entirely cleared away, and that we had seen the last of that drag. At Bathgate we were pleased to witness many improvements in operation and the production increased. At Hopetoun the vertical retorts were stopped last month; and now the company's retorts plant is all of the most modern and approved description, consisting entirely of the Pentland and Henderson retorts, the two best which have been yet devised. At Uphall the work has been, as the report states, practically reconstructed. The outlay therefore has been considerable, but that work has been converted from one which, when we acquired it, was yielding little or no profit into one now contributing its full share to our improved position. Its efficiency has been completed by the erection of a paraffin refinery for supplying ourselves and others with candle material instead of selling scale, as was formerly done. At Newliston Mine the machinery and relative equipment are unusually strong and serviceable; and the electric light has been adopted to admit of the proper examination of the shale at the surface during the darkness of winter. The output at present is about 300 tons per day, but will in a week or two be 400 tons. When the working faces are fully opened up it can easily be further increased, as the mining plant is capable of dealing with 600 tons per day. Such a large accession of valuable shale, taking the place of a similar quantity of the comparatively unremunerative shales from the districts around Addiewell and West Calder, will have an important bearing upon the future of the company. (Applause.)

In one respect it is a drawback having these scattered and isolated works. If they were all concentrated, there would be a saving in salaries and wages from having fewer managers, chemists, and foremen, and a smaller staff generally. On the other hand, we have counteracting advantages. There is a competition in regard to qualities and costs of products which is healthy, and which, I am happy to say, is carried on with harmony and good feeling. There are more minds for devising improvements; and when a discovery is found to be a benefit at one work it is immediately adopted at the others. The risk of loss from fire, too, is much less from there being three refining works than if all were combined in one. I may mention that we originated at Uphall, as we have long had in operation at Addiewell and Bathgate, a fire brigade who practice for an hour once a week, to make certain that all extinguishing appliances are in perfect order. We have during the past year accomplished much of our own accord in the way of further lessening danger from fire, and have also carried out suggestions made by skilled insurance managers, who express themselves satisfied with what has been done. Our insurance specification, now revised so as to include Uphall, amounts to £338,909, and has been accepted by six influential companies.

While we receive periodical returns from our mining managers as to the shale territory owned or leased by the company, we thought, after acquiring Uphall and Newliston, it would be prudent to have a report from an independent miner engineer. We accordingly employed Mr David Rankine, of Glasgow, and after a considerable time spent in visiting the pits, mines, and mineral fields, and examining the plans of the entire workings, he has sent in a most satisfactory statement, confirming our estimate of the mineral resources of the company. Mr Rankine is well qualified for such a task by professional experience and knowledge of the district, and being an exceedingly cautious mining engineer, he has been at great pains to allow for all possible contingencies. In framing his estimate he has struck out what he thinks has not been sufficiently proved, and also all seams not at present considered profitable to work, although if better times arise they might be reinstated as valuable assets. After these full deductions his figures show that the company has sufficient shale to last for thirty years at the present rate of output, nearly two-thirds of which is either commanded by present fittings, or only requires inexpensive additions thereto. There are also large portions of territory owned or leased by the company not yet proved, nor is it necessary to incur the expense of doing so in the meantime.

With respect to petroleum, it is satisfactory to find that its position has at last been altered. For the first time in seven years the stock in America is being reduced, and there is one important fact connected with it which I will explain. In the early days of the petroleum industry, what were then considered large deposits were discovered, but which, with the present consumption, would have lasted a very short period. Again, within the last two or three years there have been districts which threatened to yield considerable supplies, and did so temporarily, but they ultimately proved to be mere pools, draining away in a few months. During the whole history of petroleum, extending over twenty years, there has been only one field combining great magnitude and duration, and that is the territory known as the Bradford. It was this which caused the collapse of prices in 1877, created the enormous stocks in America, and rendered so many improvements and economies necessary on our part. It is gratifying to us as shareholders to know that its daily contribution, which at one time swelled to 80,000 barrels, has been dwindling rapidly of late, and is now down to 27,000 barrels. As there has been only one Bradford field discovered in twenty years, let us hope that the production in future will be from less prolific and less sustained sources; in which case not only would the price of burning oil improve in this country, but, what would be almost as important, the supplies of scale and heavy oil from America would ultimately be lessened. When I add that each penny per gallon of advance on the price of our burning oil is equivalent to £25,000 per annum, the shareholders will more readily understand the benefits to be derived from a diminution in the yield of petroleum which has been exciting some attention of late, and that is its use as liquid fuel. On land it is too expensive to compete successfully with coal, but at sea, where so many other circumstances come into play, there may be a future for its use. It is compressed into much smaller compass, leaving greater stowage space for cargo; the boilers can be fed so easily and with so little refuse, that stokers, of whom large vessels employ an immense number, could be dispensed with, and the expense of taking coal on board and feeding the furnace would be entirely saved. For my own part, I think the day may not be distant when there will be oil reservoirs at all the Eastern coaling stations to supply liquid fuel. Admiral Selwyn in a recent lecture mentioned the important fact that while a Russian man-of-war could with oil run for 24 days before requiring to replenish its fuel a British man-of-war could only steam six days without resorting to a coaling station. Russia is setting an example in this respect, as nearly all the steam vessels which sail on the Caspian, the Volga, and the Black Sea are supplied with oil. If America and Great Britain were following this example, the outlay for crude petroleum, and its effect upon our industry, would be remarkable.

With these observations, I beg to propose the first resolution, viz :- "That the report of the directors and statement of accounts for the year ending 30th April, 1885, be approved of, and that a dividend of 8 per cent be declared, payable in equal proportions, on 24th June and 23d December, 1885, less income-tax." Mr James King of Levernholm seconded the resolution, which was unanimously adopted. On the motion of the chairman, the retiring directors, Messrs Hugh Brown, James King, and John Fyfe, were re-elected directors of the company. On the motion of Mr M'Clure, the remuneration of the directors was increased from £1300 to £2000, in recognition of the increased labour and responsibility resulting from the acquisition of Uphall; and on the motion of Mr Guthrie, Mr Alex Moore was re-elected auditor of the company, his fee being increased from £150 to £200. A vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding brought the meeting to a close.

The Glasgow Herald, 18th June 1885

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1888 Annual General Meeting

The directors of YOUNG'S PARAFFIN LIGHT AND MINERAL OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) issued the report for the past year last night. It states:- The directors submit herewith a statement of the company's accounts, made up to 30th April, 1888, in terms of the articles of association. The Court of Session on the 18th October last sanctioned the scheme of reduction of capital by which the sum of £427,500 was to be applied in reducing the valuations of the company's assets, and in meeting the balance at debit of profit and loss account. The present statement is made up after giving effect to the alterations in the accounts authorised by that scheme. In applying the £427,500, the directors not only made a most material reduction on the valuations of the fixed property of the company, but they availed themselves of the opportunity afforded of diminishing certain accounts, and of extinguishing others which had hitherto entailed an annual charge upon profits. They also largely reduced in value the stock-in-trade held at last balance, and the stock in the balance-sheet now submitted is entered on so low a basis that, so far as can be seen, no reduction thereon is likely to be necessary in future. The same principles have been applied to oils and paraffin in process. The prices now current are considerably higher than the new valuations. Giving effect to the reduction authorised by the court, the result of the company's operations has been that, after paying and providing for interest both on the mortgages and on the convertible debenture stock, there is a balance of £670 18s 6d to be carried forward. Since the completion of the scheme of reduction of capital the progress of the company has been very encouraging. The causes of the improvement are various, such as stoppage of the Bathgate Works; reduced salaries, wages, and costs generally; improved processes; abatements in freights, rates, and taxes; landlords' concessions.

Addiewell and Uphall have, by transference of plant from Bathgate, been rendered capable of refining the same quantity of crude oil as was formerly refined at the three works, whereby a very large saving is being effected. The new financial year opens with good prospects. The principle products are higher in price, and as contracts at unremunerative figures are now nearly all implemented, the company will reap the full benefit from the advances. Further, there are at the works, either in actual operation or in rapid progress towards completion, such additional improvements and economies as, in combination with what has already been accomplished, make your directors very hopeful regarding the future. It is not anticipated that there will be any capital expenditure this year in the mining department, while at the works the exceptional outlay is estimated at only £2500. The works and plant are being efficiently maintained out of revenue. The shale miners, failing to appreciate the necessities of the trade, and that it was incumbent upon all classes of the staff to assist in its restoration, declined to accept the scale of wages which the exigencies of the industry required, although this was much higher than the rates paid to any other description of miners in Scotland. The result was a prolonged strike, which, while causing a serious loss to the company, entailed great hardships upon the men. The policy which the shale miners have pursued has not only been fraught with injury and even danger to an important home trade, but was more detrimental to their own interests, and the directors trust that wiser counsels will guide them in future.

As the mineral oil trade continued to suffer severely from over-production and excessive competition, particularly as regards solid paraffin, an agreement was entered into between the American and Scotch scale producers for regulating and, if need be, restricting the importations from America and the home production. An agreement has also been made with the large majority of paraffin candlemakers, fixing the prices of scale, wax, and candles. While these agreements are calculated to prove of great advantage to the trade, it was stipulated that moderate prices should be arranged, so that the public interests might not be injured.

The old debentures are being converted into Mortgage Debenture bonds, bearing interest at the rate of 4½ per cent per annum, and secured as arranged by a first charge upon the heritable properties of the company, the whole of which have been assigned to three trustees, viz:- Dr W. G. Gourlay, for behalf of the debenture holders. The six per cent convertible debenture stock issued by the company has been taken up, and £1905 thereof converted into ordinary shares. During the year debentures have been reduced to the extent of £52,925; the money upon deposit, which was £263,962 2s 10d, has been entirely paid off; and, as shown in the abstract balance sheet, the cash at bankers and bills on hand amount to £50,437 16s 2d.

To add to the local strength and influence of the board, Mr Matthew Pettigrew and Mr J. Heywood Collins, both of whom are large shareholders, have been invited to become directors of the company, and they have agreed to do so, subject to approval at the annual meeting. Mr John Young had previously resigned his seat at the board. The directors retiring at this time are Mr William M'Ewen, Mr Hugh Brown, and Sir James King, and, being eligible, they are willing to act if again appointed. Mr Alex Moore, C. A., the auditor, retires, but is eligible for re-election.

The Glasgow Herald, 9th June 1888

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1890 Annual General Meeting

YOUNG'S PARAFFIN LIGHT AND MINERAL OIL COMPANY (LIMITED). The twenty-sixth general meeting of this company was held in the Merchants' Hall, Glasgow, yesterday – Mr William M'Ewen, chairman of the company, presiding. The report, which has been already published, having been held as read, The Chairman said – Gentlemen, I shall now proceed to give such details as will, I trust, prove interesting to the shareholders. The balance for the year at credit of profit and loss account is £60,984, against £53,036 in the previous year, showing an increase of £7948. But I may mention that the balance of the preceding year included several exceptional items, such as shale acquired by railway companies and a repayment of income tax, amounting in all to £6278, as to which there are no corresponding items this year, so that, on the strict merits of the business, the increased profit amounts in reality to £14,226. And if you will be good enough to remember the considerable advances which have taken place is wages, fuel, iron, and materials generally, I hope you will agree with me that the result of the year is satisfactory to the shareholders. The progress of the company, which has been going on for years past, and particularly since the shutting up of the Bathgate work, is thus being maintained, and I am very hopeful that in the year on which we have now entered this rate of progress will not diminished. I will give you reasons for the expression of this hope and belief.

A few months ago an agreement was concluded between the Americans and Scotch scale producers whereby, for the year ending 31st March next, solid paraffin of all descriptions has been advanced about one half-penny per lb. The benefit to the company, inclusive of candles, accruing from this advance will amount to net less than £25,000 in the year. Though the supply from America has not shown any falling off, the demand in this country has greatly increased; so much so, that whilst our own make is larger, we are disposing of it as rapidly as it is produced. The stocks of solid paraffin in this country are now so low that it appears as if within a short time a further advance is highly probable. I may add that naphtha has also been advanced substantially in price, and that heavy oils are somewhat higher than they were in the past year. In support of the view expressed of increased benefits in the current year, you will be glad to know that the sales we have made up to this time are on a very large scale, and ensure a ready outlet for all out products.

In addition to the improvement which will accrue to the company from better prices, the works are now obtaining higher yields of the more valuable products than they have ever done before. Last year, of the 320 Pentland retorts erected, one-half were set at work till the end of July, nor the other half till the end of October; these during the whole twelve months. As stated in the report, we ordered 224 more Pentland retorts, of which we shall have the benefit of 160 for eleven months, and of the whole 224 for nine months of the current financial year. Further, since the report was prepared, we have had our attention very specially directed to the beneficial results from such retorts, and, though most unwilling to incur any further outlay, we have thought it imperative, in the interests of the company, to arrange for 160 additional Pentland retorts to be erected at Addiewell, it having been found that they are much better adapted for the shales of that district than those it is proposed to replace. These 160 retorts will be in operation by the beginning of October, and, with six or seven months' working, will help the balance-sheet of the current year. Their estimated cost is £13,200, which it is our intention to pay as soon as possible out of revenue. The benefits arising from this replacement will be so great that we felt ourselves constrained to incur this expenditure, although reluctant to do so. When these are completed we shall have 960 Pentland retorts of the most modern and improved description, and we do not contemplate for years to come any additional exceptional outlay.

Were it in your interest that I should detail the results, we are satisfied that you would be quite at one with us in the propriety of the course we are adopting. We are also deriving much benefit from the capital outlay of last year. We have materially strengthened both Addiewell and Uphall, in respect of additional refrigerating power, condensing plant, and steam-raising appliances, and these three elements of cold, heat, and steam, in a mineral oil work, are most conductive to increased efficiency and higher yields of products. We watch most jealously the outlay on capital account, and are hopeful that within a comparatively brief period we shall be in a position to close the same, so far as the works are concerned; but when we are satisfied that a proposed expenditure will be recouped in two years, or three years at the most, we consider we would not be acting in the interests of the shareholders, or be keeping our works abreast of the times, if we did not carry out such remunerative improvements. As against the hopeful view of the current year's business, which up till this point I have been placing before you, it is proper to look at the probabilities on the other side.

Well, I may say that we have contracted for all the miscellaneous materials which we shall require for the whole year, and these overhead will cost us about £500 more than these of the previous year. We have also closed our coal contracts for the entire year; and while the prices show an advance of a few thousand pounds over these of last year, we have a sliding scale according to the rate of wages paid to the miner, which may operate in our favour. The only item not contracted for is caustic soda; but the quantity of this material required is not such as would greatly affect our balance-sheet, and in any case caustic soda is now showing a falling tendency. Then, finally, comes the question of wages, which, of course, cannot be contracted for over twelve months. But judging from present indications, and the increasing plentifulness of labour, it is not likely that this will prove a serious item, and we are of opinion that the advances already granted will amply suffice in the present prospect of trade.

Another matter for comment is the report of Mr Rankine upon the mineral resources of the company. According to him we have ample supplies of valuable shales to last us for thirty years to come, irrespective of what is under lease but not yet fully proved. There is no doubt that the fundamental basis of the success or failure of an oil company is that of shale, and in this respect we are fortunate in possessing a number of fields of the best shale in the country. Our mortgage debentures are at the present time of exactly the same amount as they were last year. Of these we may be open for about £20,000 is the course of the current financial year, and, as I have already stated to you, we look upon them as thoroughly safe for those seeking an investment.

In conclusion, I cannot say how pleased I am to present such a favourable report, and I think I am not overstating our position when I mention that our works have never been in such an efficient condition as they are now; and the thanks of the shareholders are due to our staff, who have worked as laboriously and faithfully as any company could possibly desire. With these remarks, I beg to propose – "That the report of the directors and statement of accounts for the year ending 30th April, 1890, be approved of, and that a dividend of 7½ per cent be declared, payable in equal proportions on 20th June and 19th December, 1890, less income tax." Sir James King ascended the motion, which was carried unanimously. On the motion of the chairman, Mr Matthew Arthur, Sir John Pender, and Mr Matthew Pettigrew were re-elected directors. Mr Alex Moore, C. A., was re-elected auditor. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated.

The Glasgow Herald, 19th June 1890

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1900 Annual General Meeting

YOUNGS OIL COMPANY

The 36th general meeting of shareholders of Young's Paraffin Light and Mineral Oil Company (Limited) was held in the Merchant's Hall, Glasgow–Sir James King, Bart., presiding.

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that when he had the honour of addressing them a year ago he had to speak of unsatisfactory business and disappointing results. There had been a slight improvement over the former year in prices of products, but the gain resulting had been greatly exceeded by the increased cost of production, so that after paying interest charges, a debit balance of £21,157 was carried forward against the business of the year recently finished. But happily this year's operation showed very different results. The balance-sheet exhibited an improvement to the balance of £51,404, and after paying all interest charges and wiping out the heavy debit balance they were in a position to write £10,000 of the cost of new patent retorts, and to carry forward a balance of £1826 to the current year. These comparative results would, he trusted, prove satisfactory to the meeting, and be regarded as placing the company again in a position free from anxiety, and giving the prospect of an early return to prosperous times. With regard to prices of products, while the gains had been considerable, greater benefits from them would be derived in the current year because prices had still further advanced, and contracts at lower prices were gradually being completed. While the market price of all their products had improved, there had been less increase in that of burning oil, which might be regarded as the main product of the company, than in any other article of manufacture; but there was reason to hope that by the time contracts for next season fell to be entered into a further improvement in the price of this oil might be established. Should this take place the result would be very favourable owing to its large production. The company suffered last year from the system of candle contracting over a period of twelve months which had long prevailed in the trade. Soon after the contracts had been entered into solid paraffin improved and continued to steadily advance for several months. Charging this material to the candle manufactory at the price obtainable for it in the open market, the candle account showed a deficit on the year of £4500, in addition to the lack of manufacturing product. It might thus be said that they paid dearly for their candle collection, but, with a view to the future, it was absolutely necessary to maintain it. An effort was made at a conference of the trade in London in February last to divide the year into two contracting periods. But such a change was considered open to objection, and a motion to adopt it was defeated. The prices of candles, however, were then advanced to correspond with the enhanced value of paraffin, so that the drawback now referred to would not recur in the present year. With regard to the new retorts–the other item which had contributed to the improvement of the year–the devising of these began in 1896. Owing to the large expenditure involved, the directors proceeded cautiously at first by erecting a set of four retorts and carrying of experiments therewith, and then by constructing a full bench of 80 retorts in order to test their capabilities on the large scale. During the past year the retorting position had been greatly strengthened, and the company were in possession of retorts in all respects satisfactory. When they met last year two benches of 80 retorts each were at work. Other three benches each capable of putting through 280 tons of shale daily, had been erected since and had been for some time in full operation. In October next they hoped to have another similar bench at work. There would then be six new benches fully equipped and yielding good and cheap crude oil. Meanwhile, with the exception of one bench, still in fair condition, the Pentland retorts were out of existence. Last year the refineries obtained only one-half of their requirements of crude oil from new retorts, whereas in the current year it would probably amount to 95 per cent. This would greatly diminish their cost of production. Next in importance to retorts was the question of shale. Their best efforts were given towards increasing the output of those shales which were poor in yields and expensive to work. In pursuance of this policy care would be taken from time to time, as breaks in leases occur, to abandon the less profitable shales. Two or three years ago the price for fuel delivered at their works was about 4s 9d per ton, but the prices asked in April for the same quality of coal were more than double the rates formerly regarded as normal. When these tenders were received the board at once instructed arrangements to be made to work their own coal as far as practicable, and three openings had been in operation since that time. The company had also concluded a new lease comprising a considerable area of coal and shale, and, in order to obtain with the least possible delay a large daily output, especially of coal, the sinking and development of this field would vigorously be proceeded with. Th[is], while expected to prove an important economy in itself, might also have a favourable influence on future quotations of coalmasters for any coal which the company might require to purchase. In conclusion, the directors, while gratified at the marked progress which had been made during the year, regretted their inability to make any distribution to the Ordinary shareholders, which, of course, they could have done had it not been for writing off the debit balance. But as regarded the current year, he thought he was justified in saying that, notwithstanding increased costs in fuel and wages, so far as present indications formed a trustworthy guide, they undoubtedly pointed to the result of the previous year's business being such as might admit of the resumption of dividends. (Applause.) Before sitting down the Chairman said he wished to refer to the loss which the board and the shareholders had sustained by the death of their respected colleague, Mr Pettigrew. He had been for more than twelve years a director of the company, and for a much longer time one of its largest shareholders. He was no fine-weather friend. He stood by the company in good report and bad report. He was a man of few words and of amiable character, but of great courage and of very sound judgement.

Ex-Baillie Watson seconded the motion that the report be adopted.

Mr Brown asked why the Uphall works were valued at £3,000 and the Addiewell works at £11,000 more than in 1892. He presumed the works were now of much less value.

The Chairman explained that £7,000 had been spent on the retorts. These retorts were quite new. The directors had taken off £10,000 this year, and they would no doubt continue to take at least a similar sum off in succeeding years, so that in a very short time the increase referred to would disappear. As regarded the minerals, to a very large extent there were only leasehold. The mineral property held by the company amounted to £18,000, and they had not worked a single ton of that since the year 1892, so that there was no depreciation to take off. But it might be that, in a year or more, they would be working that coal, and the lordship would duly come off.

The report was unanimously adopted.

The Chairman proposed the election of Mr Henry Shaw Macpherson as a director for reason of Mr Pettigrew, and the re-elections as directors of Mr Robert McEwen and Mr Thomas Mason. These motions were unanimously agreed to, as was also the re-elections as auditors of Messrs Moores, Carson & Watson.

This was all the business.

The Glasgow Herald, 14th June 1900

A sad occurrence took place at the village of Addiewell, near West Calder, late on Saturday night. The scene of the murder-for there seems no doubt that the affair is of this melancholy nature-is a cluster of cottages that has been called into existence in immediate proximity to Young's chemical works-a concern so extensive as to give employment to about a thousand persons.

From West Calder, though little more than a mile distant, Addiewell differs very much in character. Its houses are all of the well known mining type, ranged in some ten or eleven streets, every street containing on each side between twenty and thirty houses, and enclosing an area of unpaved ground about forty yards in breadth. At one place the uniformity of the buildings has been broken in upon by the erection of an iron structure for the use of a Free Church congregation; in another quarter there is a sufficiently commodious Roman Catholic chapel; and the village also possesses a Working Men's Institute, which has meantime been pressed into the service of the Established Church. When, in connection with the presence of these buildings, there is considered the fact that the police authority of the county is represented by a solitary constable, there would at first sight appear to be good ground for supposing that the place bore a peaceable reputation. It is said, however, that its reputation is a very different one-that it is no uncommon thing for workmen to spend Saturday afternoons in drinking together, and then issue forth, ready for any brawl, and dangerously forward, when any disturbance does take place, to arm themselves with ugly pieces of the sharp-edged shale which is scattered plentifully about the village.

On a recent occasion several men, under the excitement referred to, are alleged to have amused themselves by throwing bricks and shale at random into a crowd that had chanced to gather; in another case, four or five weeks ago, a workman was seriously assaulted; and of similar character would seem to have been the circumstances which led to the murder of Saturday night. James Pattison, the person killed, has, according to the statement of those intimate with him, been resident in the village for eleven years. Prior to his settling in this quarter, he had, it is stated, occupied a respectable position in Glasgow, where he carried on the business of a druggist. On removing to Addiewell, he obtained employment at the chemical works in connection with the gas refining department, and in this position he has since continued.

Before he had resided long in the village, he apparently became a favourite with many of his neighbours. So agreeable a person did he prove to be, that in the lodgings he occupied, as an unmarried man, in the "row" known as Graham Street, the people speak regretfully of the nine pleasant years he spent under their roof, and say that only once or twice in that period did he give way to a tendency to excess in liquor, which had previously proved detrimental to his worldly interests. Content to go quietly about the neighbourhood, giving anyone such help as he was often asked for – prescribing simple remedies for a child in one house, explaining the "hard bits of books" in another, translating, it is said, in one case, some Latin phrase which had completely puzzled a divinity student – he never indicated that he hoped for anything better, but replied to any suggestions as to the desirability of exertion with the remark that he was too old to begin life a second time, and showed an active interest only in furthering work connected with the Free Church. Of the local congregation he had for some time been a prominent member, and in its service he may be said to have spent the last hours of his life. On Saturday he passed the afternoon in his usual regular way, taking no drink, and at an early hour in the evening he started on a round of calls for the purpose of collecting the monthly subscriptions due to the Sustentation Fund. This business he finished shortly after eight o'clock, after which he repaired to a house in Campbell Street to visit an intimate acquaintance. Here he spent nearly three hours, occupying the time with singing and music, of which he was extremely fond.

At eleven o'clock he left his friend's cottage perfectly sober, but here all certainty regarding his movements ends. Whether or not he had been led by the pleasantness of the night to stroll a short distance along the road, or whether he had spent the time in company with some other friend, is not yet known; all that has been ascertained – and even about this there is an apparent want of reliableness – is that about midnight, while passing up Campbell Street, he stopped at the door next the house where he had passed the evening and asked for a drink of water from a woman, with whom he is said to have been pretty well acquainted. Within a short time after this occurrence – if such a thing really happened – a man named Kitchen, who lives in the middle of the street in question, on going to his door to "have a look at the night" before retiring to bed, had his attention attracted by the sight of a couple of men behaving in what seems rather an odd way at the north end of the row – the opposite end to that at which the houses previously alluded to are situated. At first, Kitchen thought the men were throwing stones at the door of a house occupied by his daughter, as he heard the sound as if of a blow falling upon some hard substance; but almost immediately afterwards, he noticed that the men were struggling, and that the struggle was brought to a close by one of them being thrown to the ground. No sooner was the tussle over, than the supposed assailant made off with all possible speed; and, induced by this circumstance to satisfy himself as to the real nature of the occurrence, Kitchen cautiously made his way to the spot where the fallen man lay, still a little suspicious, it would seem, as to the whole affair, and taking care to guard against being himself led into any trap. On getting to the end of the street, however, he discovered that the man lay quite unconscious in the gutter, with his face to the ground, his head and clothes being saturated with blood, of which a pool had already gathered. Running back to his cottage, with his own hands besmeared with blood, Kitchen called his son; and, with the assistance thus gained, he lifted the unfortunate sufferer from the ground, and placing him in a reclining posture against the wall of the house, left him in charge of his son while he himself carried the alarm to the local policeman, whose house was not far off. In the interval that elapsed before the arrival of this officer, the wounded man remained almost motionless, never giving any indication of consciousness except once, when he feebly raised his hand towards his head.

When examined by the light of the policeman's lamp, the face was seen to be that of Pattison; and accordingly the unfortunate man was removed to his lodgings in Graham Street, into which, however, only a lifeless body was carried. While this was being done, the quiet of Campbell Street was, it is alleged, disturbed, in the hearing of at least one woman, by repeated knocks at a certain door, accompanied by cries of, "Let me in, Mark; let me in." Any clue that this circumstance might have afforded was not, however, followed up, and the night passed without any apprehension being made. With as little delay as possible, medical advice was procured from West Calder – too late, of course, to be of any avail, while the neighbouring police stations were also communicated with.

On an examination of Pattison's body, it was found that his face was a good deal bruised about the right eye – the effect, it is thought, of a blow; while the fatal wound was discovered to be an ugly gash immediately above the right ear, evidently inflicted with a sharp piece of shale picked up close to the body in a tell-tale, bloody state. In the course of Sunday afternoon, Mr Stuart, Procurator-Fiscal for the county of Edinburgh, visited the village, in company with Dr Littlejohn, and a post-mortem examination of the body was made, disclosing, we believe, the fact that death had been brought about as stated. Previous to this, the police, following up certain suspicious, had apprehended a man named, we believe, Hugh O'Neill, it is stated, was, like Pattison, employed at the chemical works; but though they had thus some knowledge of one another, the men, so far as can be gathered, have had no quarrel. In the course of the evening they had, it is asserted, been speaking to one another, but no high words or any indications of misunderstanding were then noticed. At the same time it should be mentioned that the woman in Campbell Street from whom the deceased is said to have got a drink of water is alleged to have been on intimate terms with O'Neill. It is further asserted that the latter was seen in the neighbourhood of the house in question shortly before twelve o'clock, and in these circumstances it has been suggested that some wild feeling of jealousy might have let to the fatal affair. The deceased, it may be added, is supposed to have been about thirty-six years of age. Whether he has any relations resident in Glasgow is not known, the only persons whom he was in the habit of speaking about as friends being the Rev. Dr Bonar and Dr M'Ewan, both resident in the west.

The Falkirk Herald, 22nd November 1877

trial EXT

REPORT BY J.B. WILLIAMSON, M.E.

By request of Henry Aitken, Esq ., on behalf of the directors of the Benhar Coal Company ( Limited ) , I have made an examination of the workings and working plans of this colliery with the view especially of enabling me to estimate the quantity of Virtuewell or Benhar No. 1 coal remaining to be got from the present going pits, as well as in the rest of the coalfield, for which purpose I had interviews with borers, and others who were conversant with various trials to prove the Virtuewell coal , more especially in the more northerly or undeveloped portions of the coalfields under lease . I also examined the Ball coal in No. 15 Pit , East Benhar besides a seam of coal hitherto undeveloped in No.13 Pit, East Benhar, 8 fathoms below the Virtuewell seam.

I found four pits going at Benhar on the Virtuewell seam viz; Nos. 1 Starryshaw, and No.6, 10, and 17 West Benhar, producing an output of from 400 to 500 tons a day of coal and dross. The price realised during the last ten months has been 6s 2d. per ton overhead on a total quantity of £105,977 tons . The present average price is 5s. 8d . per ton. The cost of raising the Virtuewell coal since the last reduction of wages was made a few weeks ago, has been 3s.9d, per ton overhead, including lordship and general charges but exclusive of depreciation, interest , and redemption of capital.

The whole of the going pits are situated on the south side of a 23-fathom upthrow slip to northrunning east and west a little to north of Brownhill and Langrack which slip throws out the VirtueweII coal to the surface , All the coal to the south of that slip, with the exception of some small patches near the outcrop, may be described as in its best state for household purposes. The average thickness of the Virtuewell seam of coal, according to the measurements taken by me, is as nearly as possible four feet, the top eight inches or head coal being inferior in quality, and put out and sold separately. I have made careful calculations of the quantity of Virtuewell or Benhar No. 1 coal; to work after the present date from the pits south of the 22-fathom slip; and without entering into details of the various areas, I may state generally that I estimate there are six hundred and seventy thousand tons (670,000), of which 480,000 tons are proved beyond a doubt by mines or workings surrounding them or in their immediate vicinity, and the remaining 190,000 tons, if not more, may be looked for with every reasonable expectation. This will produce 100,000 tons a year for nearly seven years to come. There is besides a good deal of crop coal, proved by bores which I have not taken into account; and it is probable enough that workable coal may be found to the south of the upthrow slip to south, which has hitherto formed the limit of the workings in that direction. The Virtuewell coal has been found in bores south of this, but no mines have been put into it.

To the north of the 22-fathom slip, the Company owns the property of Easter Hassockrigg, and holds leases and pays rent for minerals under Wester Hassockrigg, South Hirst, Dewshill and various farms belonging to the Duke of Hamilton. The holdings of the leases of South Hirst and Wester Hassockrigg any longer is I consider, unnecessary and they should be given up. Regarding the quantity of Virtuewell or No.1 Benhar coal, lying to the north of the 22-fathom slip; I find that the seam has been proved over a large area. This I estimate at 600 acres, capable of producing 2,400,000 tons of coal and dross. These borings extend over . Brownhill, Hassockridge, Muirhead, Fauldheads and Dewshill; but without further provings I am unable to estimate at all satisfactorily what are the relative proportions of household, steam, and blind coal contained in these 600 acres. I do think that such further, provings should be made at once, especially in Dewshill not only is a fixed rent running on there without any equivalent for it , but it is the likeliest spot for the coal being got in good household state over part at least of that property, as indicated by former borings in it and adjoining lands. The sale of blind coal in the district is, in the meantime, small but by conjoining the working of it with the ball coal in the same pit may be made available as a profitable working.

Of Ball or Shotts furnace coal called also the Benhar jewel coal, there is an immense area held on lease; indeed , there is no chance of its being exhausted during the existence of the present leases. Even as far north as Dewshlll the borer reports it as in excellent order for steam coal and of full average thickness. The Ball coal is a seam of about two feet thick, with three inches of clay balls and band ironstone above it, the whole forming an excellent working. It is considered one of the best furnace coals in Scotland , and is a valuable seam . The ironstone averages fully 20 per cent of the output of the seam and, even taking the low price which calcined ironstone has been lately realising, the returns furnished me from the colliery show that the coal , dross and ironstone overhead have, during the last ten months, fetched within one penny per ton of the Virtuewell Seam. Notwithstanding the state of the coal and iron trade the output at present is 160 tons a-day of coal and dross, and 40 tons of raw ironstone from two pits, Nos. 13 and 15 East Benhar which I believe can be increased in quantity if the sale demands it. No. 15 pit West Benhar, and 14 East Benhar are both sunk to this seam, and the coal opened out and can within a few months be ready for the market when the trade improves. It may be described generally as a seam which yields a fair profit, even when the coal and iron trade is pretty low, and an ample profit when it is good, and is a valuable adjunct to the coalfield. Its present cost of raising , taking coal , dross , and ironstone overhead, since the last reduction, is 4s. 3d . per ton, exclusive of depreciation , interest and redemption of capital, or 6d . per ton more than the Virtuewell seam, nearly halt of which difference is caused by the lordship on ironstone being included in the cost of the Ball coal . The average price for the Ball coal seam , including ironstone , is 5s.7d . per ton overhead . The output from the Ball coal during the ten months ending 30th October last was 35,430 tons of Jewel Coal, 5710 tons of dross, and 10,714 tons of raw ironstone . Round coal has averaged 69 per cent of the outputs, dross 11 per cent, and ironstone 20 per cent .

Engine coal has equalled 5¼ per cent of the whole outputs of both seams at the various pits, which is very moderate . I measured the seam of coal lying 8 fathoms under the Virtuewell coal in three places in No . 13 pit , East Benhar where alone I had an opportunity of seeing it and found its average thickness to be 22 inches. I learn that it has since been opened in No. 15 pit East Benhar , very similar in condition to what it is in No.13 pit; and it was opened up formerly in No. 8 pit East Benhar. It has a very favourable soft holing 6” inches thick, and a “following" of 9 inches of bale underlying a fakey brushing 15” inches thick with 4 inches of fire-clay above it. A thin ply of rock covers the whole . Altogether, so far as a working goes, it seems as well adapted for being raised at a low rate as almost any coal of its thickness I have ever seen and as cheaply as many coals a foot thicker . I have seen several fires of it burned, and am of opinion that while it cannot be considered a first-class house coal, it should prove, a useful auxiliary to the colliery. It requires no expense for sinking, and little for opening it up in No.s 10, 13, and 15 Pits, East Benhar, which are all through it already, and I should recommend that it be put in working order for an output in one of the going pits and its value in the market more definitely ascertained . I believe the area to work of it to be extensive . I have made no estimate of the value of this colliery, having received no instructions to do so, but may state generally that while most collieries in the country are making little or no profit in the meantime, this colliery is clearing , as I have before shown , a profit of 1s. 11d , per ton on the Virtuewell coal seam, and of 1s.4d. on the Ball coal and ironstone associated with it, without allowing tor depreciation, interest , and redemption of capital , demonstrating the subject to be an exceptionally valuable one.

Reported by JOHN R.WILLIAMSON. Edinburgh, 24th December 1878

The Scotsman, 27th December 1878

TERRIFIC COLLIERY BOILER EXPLOSION AT HARTHILL

SEVERAL MEN INJURED
A boiler explosion which occurred at the Balbakie Pit of the Coltness Iron Company on Wednesday evening has, though happily unattended with loss life, caused great destruction to property, besides entailing hardship on a large number of workpeople

With a view to proper understanding of accident it is necessary explain that the buildings at Balbakie pit-head formed, roughly speaking of square. On the north were the usual over-head winding gear partly enclosed with wooden framework, and the pumping-engine house brick building fifty feet in height enclosing a beam-engine with 84-inch cylinder. The east side of square was formed by a scaffolding on which the hutches containing the ironstone were conveyed to hearths where the ore was calcined. Parallel with the scaffolding there ran an embankment on which a line of rails for loading of railway trucks. One side were west side were the winding engine house 33 feet long and 22 wide built of brick also a smithy office 40 feet by 30. At the north end of this hollow square were placed the furnaces with boilers ten in number for raising steam to drive the pumping and winding engines. These boilers were in brick and lay east and west, with a shed or bothy at north-east corner where the firemen found shelter

When the works in full operation the workmen engaged at the pithead were Andrew Ballantyne who attended to the pumping engine; Alexander Finlay the winding engine keeper, John Mathieson aged 18; and Peter Mathieson aged 15 ½ firemen; and a numerous staff of calciners, overheadsmen &c. Ironstone miners generally knock off between three and half-past four and on Wednesday afternoon nearly all the had come up the shaft and gone home. About half-past five, Ballantyne, Finlay, and the Mathiesons walked over the boilers to fireman’s bothy, and then, it is said, there was every indication from of the ‘floats’ that the boilers were charged with a full supply of water. The pressure indicated the gauges was about 43 lb - the ordinary when both pumping and winding engines at were work being between 45 lb and 46 lb. At twenty minutes to six Ballantyne a roadsman named John Walker left the bothy pumping engine-room, re-crossing in their way the boilers which still appeared be perfect order. On their leaving the fireman’s shed Finlay and Mathieson sat down to play a game of draughts. They heard Peter Mathieson say that pressure the gauge had fallen to 43lb. he would fire the boilers, to which Finlay answered that there was plenty of steam as some was escaping from the safety valves. On reaching the pumping engine-house door, Walker started homewards to Harthill and Ballantyne remained standing in the doorway of house. A few minutes afterwards the explosion occurred; Ballantyne describing it as something like earthquake, which to make the earth heave.

The first explosion was immediately followed by two minor ones and simultaneously there came the crash of falling buildings and shattered timbers, Walker rejoined Ballantyne and the two ran round to the fireman’s bothy look after their three companions. Everything was as yet obscured by clouds of but in the course of a few minutes these began to clear off Ballantyne and Walker commenced the search for Finlay the two Mathiesons. John Mathieson was found lying on the railway embankment below the scaffolding with his legs broken; and Peter was discovered immediately afterwards embedded among fallen bricks and lime with only his legs sticking out. By the time a large number of men from the neighbouring pits had their in hot haste to Balbakie and assisted the search for Finlay and in digging young Mathieson. The later was rescued in a few minutes and faint cries of Finlay presently led workmen to point where the bothy had stood but which now partially overshadowed by north most boiler moved out of its bed by the explosion. In a quarter of an hour Findlay was rescued, and was attended to by Dr.Clark and Dr.MacGill been attracted to Balbakie by the noise of the explosion.

Anxiety about the men having been so far set at rest, the attention of the workmen were directed to the effects of the explosion. A more complete wreck it would be impossible to imagine. Of the ten boilers six had exploded, tearing up their brick bedding, destroying the furnaces demolishing the winding engine-house, the smithy and office on the west side, as well as the fireman’s bothy and a large part of the scaffolding above the railway embankment on the east four. The four boilers which had not exploded, being those nearest the north end of the row were lifted from their beds and driven several feet towards the shaft of the pit. A coating of dust and ashes covered everything for a distance of 400 yards on each side; and the snow which still lay on the ground ploughed up by innumerable bricks many which had been hurled up to 500 yards. Although the boilers measured each 35 ft long and a diameter of 5 ½ feet, and weighed about five tons, some search was necessary to find the fragments in the mist which prevailed at the time. Judging from the ruins it would seem that in the first explosion four boilers had burst simultaneously, the other two subsequently giving way at intervals to be measured by seconds. Fortunately the boilers in bursting appeared to have yielded in each in direction in which the ends had pointed namely east and west. On the east side, a fragment about eight foot long had struck four wagons standing on the embankment, smashed these to matchwood, and then sunk into embankment. Other portions crashed through about forty feet of the scaffolding which carried the hutch tramway. Two hundred fifty yards from the pit, a mass 12 feet long weighing 35cwt struck the face of hill and then bounded 25 yards before burying the open-jagged end in the mossy ground. Another piece evidently from the centre of a boiler was driven like a wedge into the ground leaving only knife-like edge in air. About 150 yards north of this spot half a boiler weighing over two tons had fallen on the open end, producing circular hole and then tipped over on its broadside.

Plates were strewn about, only observable above the ground by their sharp edges. Twenty yards off another piece of boiler struck the ground at an angle and after digging a hole six feet deep had split, the greater portion rolling several yards further. Nearer the pit, on the brow of knoll, was another half 18 feet long and it was evident that it had travelled 30 yards after first touching the ground. On the west side one fragment and had crushed the smithy and rested on the anvils. A second had only travelled few yards but was flattened like pasteboard. Sixty yards off were the remains of a boiler which to been rolled out flat - the lower end embedded in ground and a jagged end of 17 feet projecting. At 230 yards from the pit there were two halves with the open ends pressed together each having ploughed a track through the moor for 30 yards Still another, 18 feet long, had entered the face of a bank to the depth of 10 feet. Broken plates and ‘domes” were scattered in all directions The large smoke stack about 80 feet high was also demolished but owing to the direction taken by the fragments, the pit-head frame and pumping engine-house escaped - the only damage to the frame being the breaking of one the stays and to engine house the smashing in of the windows. The winding engine with double 24-inch cylinders was dismantled but not greatly injured, though the house completely wrecked. The engine seat consisting of wood caught fire but was extinguished with help of workmen. The winding-gear also escaped material injury.

With the supply of steam gone, communication with the workings below was cut off but those who still remained in the galleries found their way up the dip to Polkemmet pit through a passage only two and-a-half feet high and reached the surface in safety The explosion naturally caused consternation in the mining villages of Harthill and East Benhar – the house of which though a mile off were shaken. The people rushed out of doors and made their way to Balbakie where they assisted in clearing away the wreckage.

On Thursday the scene of the explosion was visited by many hundreds of miners from neighbouring collieries, and the men, numbering nearly 200, who have been thrown out out work by the untoward event, also hung about the locality. In course of the forenoon some of the Balbakie men were set to work to restore order to the chaotic mass of tumbled bricks, twisted iron and broken pipes; but about noon they were ordered to stop until an official investigation had been made into the cause of the explosion. Mr. Ralph Moore inspector of mines visited the scene of the accident yesterday Mr Lawrence Hill inspector for boilers for Scotland made an inspection of the boilers and the fragments scattered around with view of reporting on the cause of the accident The brothers Mathieson were conveyed on Wednesday to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and are favourably progressing. John had one of his legs broken and both are much burned by red-hot bricks and steam Finlay was also burned and much cut about the head and was carried to his mother’s cottage in Harthill and attended by Drs. Clark and Macgill.

The only other causality reported happened to a miner named Peter Woods who was returning from his work at No.6 West Benhar pit to Benhar village. Being on the road about 130 yards from Balbakie when the explosion happened, he was struck by a brick which broke his bone and caused a very deep and severe wound between shoulders He able to walk home but was very low on Thursday evening. The cause of the explosion has even been guessed at. as it is stated that the pressure of steam indicated by the gauges immediately before accident was from two to three pounds below the usual working pressure. It is said that none of boilers which exploded were over four years old. Two were made in Kilmarnock two in Glasgow, and two in Motherwell.

West Lothian Courier, 22nd March 1879

Broxburn Oil Works

Each retort is capable of containing 17½ cwt. of shale. By way of showing the saving of coal effected by using the spent shale, it may be said that, while the Henderson patent retort takes 2¼ cwt. of coal to every ton of shale distilled – that amount of coal being added to the spent shale to keep combustion lively, and to raise steam – the old retorts, which are heated mainly by coal, require 6 cwts. per ton of shale. As about 320 tons of shale are daily treated at the Broxburn Works, the saving which will ultimately be effected in the one article of coal alone will be seen at a glance to be very considerable. The estimated saving is, we believe, about 1s. 0d. per ton of shale; but in addition to that, the quality of the oil produced is worth fully ½d. per gallon more from its superior quality. The difference in colour of the crude oil as it leaves the condensers is very perceptible – the new retort sending out a product of an olive green colour, while the oil from the old retort is of a much blacker hue. It has also been found that a larger yield of the sulphate of ammonia is obtained by the new retort, which was all the more surprising considering the low heats used. It may be put briefly that, while under the old system 61 per cent. of products are obtained, under the new there is a yield of 68 per cent. of better quality and at a much less cost.

A notable feature at the Broxburn Works is the way in which the natural situation of the ground on which they stand has been taken advantage of to do away as much as possible with manual labour. Built on the rising ground to the north of the village, the various departments of the extensive works are so arranged that both minerals and oil are made to travel from one to the other to a great extent by gravitation. A railway with numerous sidings also encircles the works, and goods can thus be put upon the waggons at any point. At the refinery, which has been designed to put through 4,000,000 gallons of crude oil per annum, simplicity in the arrangements has been secured by the introduction of agitators in the shape of horizontal cylinders of a very large size. Five hundred gallons was about the quantity that used to be treated at one time, first with vitriol and then with caustic soda; the agitators, however, in use at Broxburn are capable of dealing with 9000 gallons at once; and as the oil, after being treated with vitriol, passes by gravitation to the caustic soda agitators, the multiplicity of stirrers and pumps not unfrequently seen in such refineries have been abolished, and less labour in consequence required to look after the machinery. At the beginning of the distillation the burning oil comes over, and at the end the heavy oils saturated with paraffin. These last are sent off by themselves to the paraffin house, where they are cooled down by a large ether freezing machine, and the paraffin scale extracted by pressure. In this department are introduced a number of improved machines, including some powerful filter presses for separating the paraffin from the oil, which is afterwards refined for lubricating purposes.

The arrangements connected with the Broxburn Works for the utilisation of all by-products are of a complete description, and are deserving of a word of notice. Oil-makers found out some time ago that the ammoniacal liquid which comes off with the crude oil from the condensers was too valuable to be allowed to run to waste. The free gas which the water gives off after it is pumped into the steam boilers and boiled, combines with sulphuric acid, and forms sulphate of ammonia – a valuable product to the agriculturalist. At Broxburn, however, the sulphuric acid is now recovered from the vitriol tar which is given of by the green oil at the refinery, when treated in the agitators with oil of vitriol. Then again, by neutralising the two tars given of by the vitriol and caustic soda agitators, sulphate of soda is obtained, which though a much less valuable is still a useful product. The residue of the tar is pumped to a tank, where it is run by gravitation into the furnaces connected with the refining stills, and makes an excellent liquid fuel. Or this tar can be distilled and gas oil extracted from it, which also realises a considerable price in the market. Then, again, from some of the stills which are distilled to dryness, a coke is obtained which is of great value to iron smelters.

Not an ounce of water is allowed to escape from the works to pollute any stream; and that no pollution is caused in that way is shown by the fact that very good trout are caught in the Broxburn, which flows past the works. In order to ensure that no water should escape, it was found necessary to prevent the drainage from the lands above entering the works; and for this purpose an open cutting was made which carries the water gathered there past them altogether. This left only the water which fell upon the area of 40 acres on which the works stand to be dealt with, and that was found to be a comparatively simple matter. This, along with all water from the boilers and otherwise, is made to pass, as it flows to the low grounds, through a series of catch-pits, the water in which is regularly skimmed so as to remove any oil which may be floating on the top. Ultimately the water travels on into two large storage ponds, where it is cooled and pumped up again to the boilers. It should have been mentioned before that in connection with the oilworks is a brickwork, at which the shale, after it had been burned in the furnace and practically reduced to clay, was mixed with a seam of clay found in the field, so as to make bricks. The quality of the article turned out by this combination was not very high, and with low prices prevailing for a first-rate brick, this branch of the company's operations for the present has been abandoned.

Employed at the Broxburn works and pits are 700 men; and to accommodate these and their families about 100 new double houses – 2 storeys in height – have been built, which, as may be supposed, form an important addition to the size of the village. The managing director of the Broxburn works is Mr William Kennedy, and the manager Mr Norman M. F. Henderson, the patentee of the retort which bears his name.

Hood v. Coatbridge Oil Co.

Second Division

To-day counsel were heard on a reclaiming note by Archibald Hood, coalmaster, Rosewell Street, Edinburgh, from a decision of Lord-Ordinary Clark. Some time ago the Coatbridge Oil Company raised an action against the appellant and defender in which the pursuers sought to have the defender ordained to implement a contract of sale.

For the Oil Company was alleged that on September 1877 they offered to sell to the defender the plant of their works at Coatbridge for the sum of £7,000, twelve months being allowed for the removal of the plant. By telegram dated 11th October 1877 the defender accepted the offer, and of the same date confirmed the telegram by letter. On 15th October the pursuers wrote confirming the acceptance their offer.

For the defender it was contended that throughout the negotiations he acted as a Director of the Capeldrae Oil Company (Limited), Fife. It was proposed by certain gentlemen interested that Company that oil refining should carried on as well as manufacturing crude oil, and for that purpose it was agreed to reconstruct the Capeldrae Oil Company, and to get the shareholders to advance the amount for acquiring the necessary additional plant. It was further maintained that the terms of sale were never completed and adjusted, and there was no final or concluded contract between the parties. Further, the pursuers were throughout aware that the defender had no interest in the matter other than Director or shareholder of the Oil Company. The negotiations between the parties interested having been dependent the successful reconstruction the Company by whom the plant was to acquired and used, was contended that the defender was entitled to break off the negotiations, on the reconstruction having failed, without incurring any personal liability in the matter. In December last the Lord-Ordinary decerned against Mr Hood, with expenses. A reclaiming note for the defender was presented to the First Division, and afterwards transferred to the Second Division, and to day, after hearing counsel, their Lordships affirmed the judgment of the Lord-Ordinary, and found the defender liable in additional expenses.

The Dundee Advertiser, 29th October 1879

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1884 General Meeting

THE WEST LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY. The first general meeting of the West Lothian Oil Company (Limited) was held in Dowell's Rooms, George Street, this afternoon. Provost Sutherland, Bathgate, presided and there was a good attendance.

The chairman said that thin the first general meeting was not held for the purpose of declaring a dividend but for the election directors and office-bearers. The directors, he said, were convinced that they had got possession of valuable property. They had put in a railway siding, had begun the erection of workshops, and had also put in new machinery at Benhar. At Deans they had erected two benches of Young's retorts, which had got the most recent finishing touches. They expected, if the weather was favourable, soon to be in a position to commence the manufacture of crude oil. The refinery was in excellent order, and they had added eight now crude oil stills and a new 10-ton freezing machine They expected these would all fitted in a month, and they would be able to put out about 10,000 gallons per day. The refinery gave them immense advantage, and it enabled them to take advantage of the present prosperous return in the oil trade. They expected to have refined oil in the market next week. Their shale and coal fields were splendid condition. They intend sinking a pit 35 fathoms, which would command a large area of their coal and shale.

Mr Walker, stockbroker, asked the chairman how much interest Mr Simpson, the vendor of the property, had in the company ? The result of Mr Simpson's financing in other public stock companies was, he said, well known. He thought Mr Simpson should not be allowed a paramount influence in directing the affairs of the company. (Hear, hear.) He also wanted to know about the commercial manager.—

The chairman said that Mr Simpson had a certain number of shares, but as they were five times applied for he gave them up at their request. As regarded the appointments, Mr M'Callum had been appointed mining manager, but, as yet, they had no commercial manager. The business, said, was not in the hands Mr Simpson.—Mr Simpson said all he had done was to give the company the benefit of any little experience he had. He took nothing to do with the management of the concern.

Ex-Bailie Ferguson, seconded by Mr Philip, Dundee, moved that the retiring electors be reelected.—This was agreed to unanimously, and, the auditors having also been re-elected, the proceedings terminated.

The Edinburgh Evening News, 1st February 1884

1885 Annual General Meeting

WEST LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY. This afternoon the annual meeting of the above company was held in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh. A large number of shareholders were present.

Provost Sutherland presided, and moved the adoption of the report—already published— recommending dividend of 15 per cent, per annum on the working period of five and a half months. In doing so the chairman made few remarks upon the past work and future prospects of the company. He believed, he said, that they had one of the best shale fields in the country. (Applause). Arrangements had been made erect another of 80 retorts, and if they had done so well with 128 retorts, it must be evident to every one that with 80 additional retorts, with cheaper shale and reduced working expenses, they must do much better, as the permanent charges would the same. The refinery he considered to be second to none in country of the same capacity, and their manufactured products had taken first place in the market. He believed that the West Lothian Oil Company had a bright future before it. (Applause.)

The report was unanimously adopted. Mr Walker, coalmaster, Bathgate, moved that the remaining 2500 shares offered at premium of £1 per share to the shareholders in proportion to their present holdings, and that any unclaimed new shares be distributed among those who might apply for a number of shares in excess to their proportion. This motion was also adopted; two vacancies the directorate were filled up, and the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

The Edinburgh Evening News, 6th February 1885

1886 Annual General Meeting

WEST LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY. The second annual general meeting of the shareholders the West Lothian Oil Company was held this afternoon Dowell's Rooms, George Street -Provost Sutherland, Bathgate, in the chair.

There was large attendance. Before proceeding to business, some discussion took place on the representation of shareholders at the meeting. On the motion of shareholder, who said that the remarks the chairman made at the last meeting were the cause of his being there, the chairman was obliged to read what he said at that meeting.

In moving the adoption of the report, which had already been published, and which showed loss the year of £10,373. the chairman said that nobody could be more disappointed with it than he was. He expected a different state of matters. The last monthly statements they received were not correct, were, in fact, based on erroneous figures, but sufficient precaution had been taken to prevent the possibility of its occurring again.

Their retorts wrought splendidly up to the end of 1884, but they were very sensitive, and for several months after they were damped the New Year holidays of 1885, they wrought badly. At the same time the price of shale went down, and these causes were responsible for the financial loss which had resulted. In the committee's report, issued yesterday, there were many loose statements. He took exception to the figures given in it. The company had surplus of over £3000, instead of over £2000, stated in the report. It was not true that the secretary was often absent from meetings. The statement that last year's dividend was not earned was most unfair, being an uncalled-for reflection the auditors. Had they received the same prices as they did the previous year, the income would have been £9,486.

Many of the shareholders had written to him about the company, and he had replied expressing confidence in the company, and he was still of that opinion. It was with the greatest satisfaction that he stated that the company was now working small profit, and that the slightest spurt in prices would enable them to pay small dividend, (Hisses and cheers.)

A shareholder asked the directors who retired to explain their reason for taking that step, but amid laughter it was stated that neither Mr Archibald Simpson, Mr Alexander Brownlee, nor Mr J. K. Milne were present, and the chairman, when appealed to, said he did not know why they were not there.

Mr Peter Glendinning, Dalmeny, who recently became a director, seconded. He said he was not yet quite satisfied with the management, but they were all liable to make mistakes.

Replying to question, the chairman said that they had not plant sufficient to enable them to increase their output when prices fell, and that was the only why they had not a profit.

Mr Cooper, shareholder, referring to a circular which was sent out, and which was the cause of his buying 60 shares, said that if action were taken, the directors would be found personally liable in the loss to the shareholders. (Hear, hear.)

Mr Brown, another shareholder, said that probably no more incapable board of directors never sat round a table. He thought that, in the interests of the company, the sooner there was a change in the management the better.

The chairman said it would apparent that when gentlemen visited the works and put questions to him he often had to hold his tongue.

Replying to a question about the holdings of the directors, the chairman said that he himself took of the premium shares, and the other directors also took a large number.

Mr Hoey, C.A., Glasgow, one of the committee shareholders, said that a Mr Campbell had lent his shares to bears to smash them up.

Mr Campbell denied the statement in toto, and a lively altercation ensued, in which Mr Campbell admitted that he sold 150 shares.

Mr Hoey, proceeding, said that down to 31st March last there never was a balance-sheet showing profit and loss. There were cost sheets, and there were jottings on the back of other sheets, and that he characterised trifling with the interests large concern.

After some discussion, a shareholder said a great deal time had been wasted. They were all satisfied that the management of the company was simply disgraceful. The directors might mean well to them, but as sensible men he hoped they would place their resignation in the hands of the shareholders.

Mr W. Holms, director, explained the position of the company, and said he was perfectly willing to retire, but as a business man he wished to justify himself in the eyes of those present.

Mr Hoey thought the last call, following on the previous one, was most foolish. It was quite enough to authorise the shareholders to ask the directors to resign office

A shareholder, who stated that he was connected with nearly 50 companies, said he had never read a more beggarly report, and he drew attention to the salaries of the officials, which he objected to.

Mr J. L. Walker, overlooker, was of opinion that the affairs of the company were too well known to persons not connected with the company before shareholders knew anything.

The affairs of company should not be made the kickball of the Stock Exchange. He thought the oil sales of the company had been conducted in unbusinesslike manner. He gave instances, verified from the books the Company, showing that since the middle of April one director transferred 13, another 14, and third 67 shares to the commercial clerk of the Company, who in turn, transferred them to a third person, a stockbroker's clerk, through whom they reached the market.

The Chairman said he was not ashamed of that transaction. He had not trafficked in shares, and he never sold any, with the exception of the new shares created last year. A number of persons applied for these shares, but repudiated them. Then the directors said they would take these shares themselves. He took these shares until he held 117, including the which he originally took, and these he had not parted with. The shares were passed through several hands order that it might not be known that the directors were selling shares. (Hear, hear.)

The loss which he had sustained was more than he would like, to say in that meeting.

The Edinburgh Evening News, 4th June 1886

1887 Special General Meeting

WEST LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY(LIMITED). A special general meeting of the shareholders of the West Lothian Oil Company (Limited) was held in the Faculty Hall, St George's Place, Glasgow, yesterday, Mr. R.T. Pattison, the chairman, presiding.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said that he thought it right that the shareholders should have further information as to the value of their property. He therefore submitted a statement showing that they had on the ground first Houston coal, then the Fells seam of shale, the Broxburn and the Dunnet, and the new seam of shale supposed by some parties to be the Straiton or Burntisland seam. Of these shales the new seam was the best. It was equal to Broxburn in two ways, because it yielded as great a quantity of oil and the oil was of as good quality, and contained as much paraffin. It was superior to Broxburn because it yielded a much greater quantity of ammonia, and it was much more cheaply mined. The other seams were all good.

The Broxburn had been found in good form, equal to an average. The Fells was of excellent quality. The quantity as estimated by their mining manager that could be gained by their present mine was from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 tons or 30,000 tons per acre. The Dunnet seam improved in quality. All that was independent of the great field of Houston coal and shale proved by an exhaustive bore to lie to the north, their total acreage being ten times that already referred to. They had also bored the commencement of an open cast with a face of 70 yards and a thickness of 15 feet, and that of better Dunnet shale than that found in the mine, and could be delivered at 1s 2d per ton. That would be useful in case of a strike or any other emergency. They had about 50 day's supply of shale ready broken at the retorts in case of accidents. The question now naturally arose how could they make use of this shale so as to convert it to money for the benefit of the shareholders. The directors proposed to accept the recommendations contained in the reports of Mr Thomson, and also of Messrs Norman & Sutherland, to put the refinery into perfect order, and also to erect additional retorts- the refinery to put through from 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 gallons of crude oil, and the retorts, besides supplying the refinery, to produce in addition from 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 of gallons crude oil, which they could easily sell.

To enable the directors to do that, and, to provide working capital, debentures to the amount of £20,000 were proposed to be issued, and he was willing himself to take a large share-say £2500. In view of the unduly heavy charge made by the patentees of Young & Beilby's retort they had been considering the question of the most approved retort for the addition they proposed to make at the works, and that subject would continue to have their earnest attention.

Mr HOEY, the secretary, in further elucidation of the report, said that the results anticipated from the more systematic working of the shale-field had been more than realised. As respected the various seams, he would begin first with the Dunnet seam. It was expected that an improvement in the working of that seam, which was strongly recommended, would result in an extra cost of 2d per ton of shale, and it must be satisfactory to the shareholders to learn that by means of various economies the directors had succeeded in effecting this improvement without a farthing of extra cost. The recommendation with regard to the Fell shale had also been carried out with equally good results, and equally inexpensively. But the chief improvement has been the working of the new seam which had been successfully opened. It had been vigorously developed, and since the report was issued had been shown to be much more valuable than at that date. In all the places it was lying from 5ft. to 6tft. in height. The cost of winning this very valuable shale would compare favourably even with the low cost of the greatly improved Dunnet shale, and that, he might say, was 9d or 1s per ton less than any other shale now in Scotland. No additional expense was entailed for winning this seam, as the appliances for working the Dunnet seam were equally available for working it.

The mining manager reported that he fully expected within three months to turn out at least 100 tons of this new shale per day. - The new quarry or open cast of Dunnet shale mentioned is the directors' report was being rapidly proceeded with, and the works manager reported that in a month it would be capable of turning out 100 tons a day at less than half the cost of the same shale in the mine, whilst the quality in open cast was still better than in this greatly improved mine working. It took time to obtain the full benefit of so great improvements, but it might be sufficient to say that although they were only at the end of four month's working of the new management, they had succeeded in reducing the cost of crude oil by twenty per cent. The practical manager looked for a further reduction of twenty per cent. by the month of January-making in all forty per cent. This new shale was equal to the Broxburn in some respects, and superior to it in others. It was twice the thickness, and vastly superior in quality. At first it was supposed to be the Barrack seam, but it was not so.

The credit of the success attained had in a marked degree been due to the Chairman, who had devoted himself to the interests of the shareholders as if the were his own. The present directors held over one-fourth of the entire concern, their friends and connections nearly as much. The chairman individually held one-ninth. The directors, he added, had never sold a single share of the company. On the contrary, they had added to their holdings, the chairman's last purchase being at the rate of £4 13s. The directors were satisfied that the £7 10s stated in the report was a very moderate present intrinsic value, whilst the future must be looked forward to with the hope of much better things.

Mr JOHN HOGG, Glasgow, seconded the motion of the chairman.

A SHAREHOLDER asked how this capital of £57,314 was made up.

Mr ROBY explained that in the last balance-sheet the capital was stated at £82,314, but from that was deducted the £25,000 written off, which left £57,314. To that sum fell to be added the arrears on calls and the amount of the fifth and last call, and these together brought up the total to £75,000, which was now the shareholders capital. In answer to further inquiries,

The CHAIRMAN stated that, as it was better to take the shareholders into their confidence, he would state that the new shale yielded 30 gallons of oil per ton, and 45lbs. of ammonia, and the cost of working was about 3s 3d per ton. It was quite true that the Dunnet shale yielded 21 gallons of oil, but it also yielded 40lbs. of ammonia, and that at the very low cost of about 3s 3d per ton.

Provost SUTHERLAND said it was with reluctance that he appeared that day, but after the perusal of the report, and the position he formerly held in the company, he would be wanting in public spirit and self-respect if he allowed the document to go forth without comment. He had neither been a bull nor a bear of the West Lothian stock, and he had all along had a deep interest in the prosperity if the company. The report led the public to understand that radical improvements and prodigious changes had been introduced into the management of the works. But Mr Fraser recommended that the thickness of the shale worked should be reduced, and that was being carried out by the old board when they were put out of office. Mr Fraser had also suggested that the Fells seam should be reduced to two feet, and that was put in force by the present board when they entered office, But within a few days that was found to be unprofitable, and at present the directors were working about four feet. Mr Fraser did not recommend any alterations in the system of working; it was simply a reduction of the thickness of the working, which recommendation had not been carried out in the Fells seam. He, therefore, most emphatically asserted that there had been no change in the system adopted by the present Board.

Provost Sutherland was proceeding to quote from the report as to the "unprofitable and useless expenditure which prevailed to so great an extent in the past," and to deny the statement, when .

The CHAIRMAN said he did not think it was needful to go into all this. It was only by small economies and careful management that the present directors had been able to do so much, but if the concern had been so well managed by the old board as Mr Sutherland assumed to think, how I did they come to lose £10,000 in fifteen months?

Provost SUTHERLAND appealed to their common-sense and justice to be allowed to proceed. The present board took credit for what they did not deserve.

A SHAREHOLDER asked how that could be reconciled with the price of the stock.

Another SHAREHOLDER declared it had risen from 60s to nearly £5 since the new board came into office.

Mr BROWN, one of the directors, asked the meeting to allow Mr Sutherland to go on, for he was just putting a string round his neck.

Provost SUTHERLAND said he was much obliged to Mr Brown, and would allow him to draw a string as tight as he liked.

Mr J. D. WALKER said the directors courted inquiry, and almost denied criticism. Everything had been done above board.

Provost SUTHERLAND said he had no wish to read the report- he only wished to make it clear-

Mr OGILVIE - Make your charges direct, and prove them.

Provost SUTHERLAND went on to contend that the practical experiments which had led to such valuable information before obtained were all set going under the old board, and besides, he affirmed that there had been no improvement in the quality That was mere pretence, and he only hoped the standard would be maintained. As to the reference to the Barrack shale he stated that its existence was known to the old board, but that it was not wrought because it was unprofitable.

The CHAIRMAN -This is quite a different shale,

Provost SUTHERLAND -That may be.

The CHAIRMAN -It is not the Barrack shale.

Provost SUTHERLAND said that it was stated to be the Barrack shale in the report, and that had not been the thought workable. But if it was not the Barrack shale, it was neither the Burntisland shale nor the Stratton shale, for that was the shale they were already working

Mr HOEY – You seem very anxious about the prosperity of the company?

Provost SUTHERLAND – I am

Mr HOEY-Very.

Provost SUTHERLAND said the previous board could not claim any merit over the old board for this so-called discovery of the outcrop. (A laugh.) It was known to the old board, and the question of working it had been discussed with the late manager, Mr McCallum, but it was thought that the surface water might get into the mine, and the expense of pumping the water out would he greater than the saving effected-. by working it. The opinion then was that it would be a very valuable reserve in the case of a strike. As to the statement that the troubles that affected the Broxburn shale had been got over, he did not believe it. It was a strong statement to make, and he challenged inquiry. He agreed that there had been a drop in the prices from last year, I but to some extent that part of the report was misleading.

Mr WALKER asked Mr Sutherland why, if the old board knew about the quality of the shale beyond the troubles, they did not use it, and whether it was kept in reserve for a purpose.

Provost SUTHERLAND declared that it was kept in reserve for no purpose, and that the present board only came upon it by accident.

Mr BROWN remarked that Mr Sutherland was going into things he had no right to meddle with at all. He found no fault with honest and fair criticism of the report, but he did not consider this was of that nature.

Provost SUTHERLAND then went on to maintain that no improvements had been made in the working of the concern by the new board, I that they were merely reaping the benefit of changes initiated by the former directors in the character of the retorts. The statements in the report were calculated to make the public believe that enormous changes had been made, and immense improvements effected by the new board. He denied this, and declared that there never was greater necessity for a committee of investigation than at the present time. He was glad to hear what Mr Hoey said about the shale, he believed they had a very valuable shale, but he thought the statement in the report that they were through their troubles with the Broxburn shale was not correct.

Mr HOEY - It is correct.

Provost SUTHERLAND, said it was of great importance if they were through their troubles. As to the new seam it might be very valuable, but it had not been tested.

Mr HOEY- That is quite untrue.

Provost SUTHERLAND-Has there been a section taken?

Mr HOEY- You must give us your authority if you say that that is not the case. You have been about our place.

The CHAIRMAN. Mr Sutherland seems to have a lot of spies about our works, and I am decidedly against such a thing. We are trying all we can to do justice to the company.

Mr WALKER, said he had always been friendly with Mr Sutherland, although he differed from him with regard to the management of the company, but when he charged the directors with making untrue statements he should give some authority.

Provost SUTHERLAND – The statement in reference to the Broxburn shale is not true.

A SHAREHOLDER. Give us your authority.

Provost SUTHERLAND - I am going to ask for an inquiry. .

Mr HOEY- And you are not going to get it.

Provost SUTHERLAND- You give no proof; it is mere assertion, Provost Sutherland held that when a statement was made and nobody denied it there was only one way of establishing the fact, and that was by inquiry, and he moved that before the report be adopted a committee of the shareholders be appointed to investigate into the truth of the statements contained in the report.

Mr JAMES ORR thought this amendment should not be seconded. He knew that Provost Sutherland had an interest in the company, but he could not approve of his proposal. He (Mr Orr) thought the report showed that they were on the road to success if they did not move too quickly. It would be unwise to increase their production with present prices, and any addition to their plant should be made out of revenue.

Mr BROWN, referring to the remarks of Provost Sutherland, said that until be joined the directorate, he had not been connected with the oil trade, but he had been connected for many years with a large commercial business, and a more loosely, a more slovenly, a more disgracefully managed concern than the West Lothian Oil Company when the present directors took it up he never came across in his life.

A SHAREHOLDER said that from the want of judgement, discretion, and other qualities which a business man should possess, which had been displayed by Provost Sutherland and his fellow directors, he was surprised that he should have had the audacity to tell them that the gentlemen who were now looking after their affairs were muddling them.

Mr HOEY said he took the full responsibility of the re-evaluation of the company's affairs. Provost Sutherland at the last meeting complained that the report of the shareholders' committee was not complete. The present report of the directors was not complete either, and it was, he thought, bad taste on the part of Mr Sutherland to come forward and make the statements he had done. Was one of the men who had meddled and muddled the concern till it was worth nothing and like to fall into the dark abyss to be compared to the persevering, active, hard work of the present board, by which the concern had been raised to its present position It was too bad to rob them of the honest fruits of their toil by casting these reflections on them. It was disgraceful. He could remind Provost Sutherland of some things, and among others of putting his name to a hill which he (Mr. Hoey) compelled him to retire. Provost Sutherland would have shown more taste and better judgement if he had simply kept his seat. He should not pretend to speak in favour of the company and at the same time doing all he could to damage it. He could assure the shareholders that when the directors took up the business it was absolute chaos. He had had a number of bad jobs through his hand, but never had such a job as that in his life.

Provost SUTHERLAND said he was prepared to leave all his actions in the hands of a committee to investigate. He was not ashamed of any transaction with which he had been connected in the company, and as to the bill to which Mr Hoey referred, he thought he did a very generous action for the company.

Mr. J. D. WALKER sympathised with Provost Sutherland coming to the meeting then finding himself so thoroughly out of harmony with it. It was natural for him to approach the discussion of this question with some prejudice, but what reflected upon the previous management was the stern logic of facts. After the ejection of the old board the shares were at 40s, and within a few months they were nearly half their value. Mr Walker went on to remark that as the new shale had not been named, it would be a graceful thing on the part of the shareholders, in recognition of the work the chairman had bestowed on the interests of the company, to call it the " Pattison shale." (Applause.)

The CHAIRMAN thanked the meeting for this honour, but he thought it right to say that in all his work he had been heartily aided by Mr. Cooper, the mining manager. The report was then approved of.

Mr. C. WRIGHT, Aberdeen, moved that in terms of the report of the directors the nominal capital of the company should be reduced from £100,000 in 10,000 shares of £10 each, fully paid up, to £75,000 in 10,000 shares of £7 10s fully paid up. Mr JOHN OGILVIE seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

The CHAIRMAN then moved that the directors have power to issue £20,000 of debenture bonds bearing interest at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum. The Chairman explained that this sum would not be all required, but it was thought better to take the powers now than be coming back to the shareholders. They would use every discretion in laying out the money. There were several alterations urgently needed in order to enable them to secure the advantage of a great reduction in the royalties, and besides some little money was needed to enable the concern to be carried on.

Provost SUTHERLAND said he would be inclined to second the motion if they limited the use of the money to the extension of plant.

Mr BROWN pointed out that the old board left their successors no money to carry on the business, and that was the reason it was now asked.

Mr J. D. WALKER seconded the chairman's proposal, which was agreed to. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

The Glasgow Herald, 6th October 1886

1887 Annual General Meeting

WEST LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY – A DISORDERLY MEETING.

The third annual meeting of the shareholders of the West Lothian Oil Company Limited was held yesterday in the Faculty Hall, Glasgow. Mr Robert T. Pattison, chairman of the company, presided, and there was a large attendance. The report which has already been published, was held as read. The directors were unable to declare a dividend.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, read a report regarding the seams of shale belonging to the company and their different capabilities. He said that matters were in a hopeful position and that everything was being done that could possibly be thought of to improve the position of the company. At present a spirit and low oil recovery apparatus was being fitted up. This was being done at small cost as there was almost the entire plant, pipes, stills, &c., on the ground. It was expected that about two gallons of spirits, as well as addition sulphate of ammonia, would thereby be recovered. Beside the shale seams the company had the Houston coal, it extended over a large area, and in thickness was about 3 feet 9 inches. A trial shaft had been sunk, and several tons taken out. It was good material and there were also 2 feet of smithy coal.

Mr FLEMING seconded.

Provost SUTHERLAND, Bathgate, formerly chairman if the company rose and said that before the report was adopted he wished to put several questions to the directors through the chairman. First of all, he wished to know how the debenture and loan account stood; what amount there was of the one, and what amount of the other.

Mr J. T. WALKER, Edinburgh, rose to a point of order, and asked if Mr Sutherland had the control of any of the shares of the company, and if so of how many.

Provost SUTHERLAND did not answer the question, but said he was quite well aware that there was to be opposition to his putting the questions which he desired to ask. He was present in his capacity as a shareholder, and an original shareholder into the bargain. If the chairman did not wish to answer the questions let him say so. He wanted to have the answer from the chairman and not from Mr. Walker

Mr. WALKER admitted that Mr Sutherland's question was one which any shareholder had a right to ask. Mr Sutherland did not seem to think fit to answer the question he had asked about his shares, so he would state a few facts about his holding. At the last meeting he was understood to hold 125 shares. These were declared forfeited, but were restored to him as an act of pure kindness on the part of the directors, and on this account he considered that Provost Sutherland was under a special obligation to the shareholders that they did not annex the price of the shares, as they were entitled to do. But how did Provost Sutherland pay the debt of gratitude which he owed them? Instead of endeavouring to do something for the company, he sold the major portion of his shares. He believed that only fifteen of them were remaining, and that these had actually been sold, although not delivered: therefore he had practically had no interest in the company, - though technically his name stood on the register. In these circumstances Mr Sutherland took upon himself to come there and talk about the management, to whom he had said be was going to give a good "dressing". It seemed to him strange indeed that they should have criticism of the kind intended. The directors courted criticism when it was or a fair character and was gone about those with a real right to criticise. He maintained that Provost Sutherland was not interested in the prosperity of the company as the other shareholders were, and yet he came there and posed, as he had been doing outside, as a man who was interested in the company. In the past he had done a great deal to damage its position. The sole grievance he had was the difference that characterised the management during his regime when compared with the current management. (Applause)

At this time, when there was such a crisis in the oil trade as prevailed, they required specifically to attend to their business without being obstructed by Mr. Sutherland. After the egoistical flood to which they had been subjected on the occasion of the last meeting; it was necessary that they should do something to ensure that they would not be interrupted in a similar manner on that occasion.

Provost SUTHERLAND was proceeding to address the meeting, when Mr Walker said he thought the case was a fair one for the application of the closure.

Provost SUTHERLAND questioned the accuracy of Mr Walker's statement of his position as a shareholder. He denied that he appeared there in virtue of certain shares which had been sold but not delivered.

Mr WALKER said he had been applied to by a stockbroker representing Mr Sutherland, asking the meeting of the company would be held and other information. Mr Sutherland's name was not mentioned at the time, it was true, but on pursuing his inquiries he found that there was no reason to doubt that the seller was Mr Sutherland - He certainly came there under false colours.

Mr SIEVWRIGHT, Aberdeen, as a businessman and a shareholder in the company, objected to time being wasted, as Mr. Sutherland was doing. His contradiction of Mr Walker's statement was not a contradiction which accorded with the knowledge of other shareholders. If he had any common sense, the weight of the words which had been used by Mr. Walker would have caused him to keep silent. He was sorry to have to speak to Mr Sutherland - a man older than he was himself - in that way, but it was warranted by the circumstances of the case. Every word Mr Sutherland had spoke only proved further how great a source of loss to the shareholders his connections with the company had been. He had owed the company £400 in respect of his shares. As soon as they were given to him he sold them, and then came there and said he appeared in the interests of the company.

Mr WALKER said that to prevent a continuance of the unseemly squabble he would move that Mr Sutherland should not be heard.

Mr. SIEVWRIGHT - seconded.

Provost SUTHERLAND - It is in the interest of the company -

Mr SIEVWEIGHT – How can it be in the interest of the company when you have sold all your shares? In the interest of the company he would second the motion.

Provost SUTHERLAND - I claim the right of reply to Mr.Walker (cries of "No" and hisses). You are acting just now to please the public.

Mr WALKER insisted that his motion be put to the meeting, and said that the egotistical vapouring with which he deluded people at the last meeting. Mr Sutherland said that they were afraid criticism. Criticism, forsooth, from such a quarter !

Provost SUTHERLAND - You are afraid.

Mr WALKER- If the newspapers will have the patience to publish letters from him I will undertake to answer then.

At this point, Mr. Mackay, writer (of Messrs Mackay & Macintosh), entered the hall, and shortly afterwards a policemen put in an appearance. Mr Mackay took a seat near the door. He was noticed by the secretary of the company (Mr. D. G. Hoey.) That gentleman at once loudly said-" You can't be here, sir." Mr. Sutherland continued speaking, but his remarks were not heard. Amid loud cries from him that the motion was not a legal one, it was put to the meeting and declared carried. Mr. Sutherland then appealed to the legal adviser of the company (Mr. Lockhart Thomson) to say whether it was competent to adopt such a motion.

Mr THOMSON said it was undoubtedly the case that a shareholder appearing on the register was entitled to make such comment, but it was quite competent for the meeting to decide not to hear such comments. (Applause.)

Provost SUTHERLAND, declared that the vote was illegal, and asked if he might be allowed to make a motion. The Chairman and Mr Thomson however, in view of the vote which had been take, ruled him out of order.

Mr WALKER -This man really ought to be turned out.

Baillie WALKER – Bathgate- I would say at once, if you do not sit down, sir that the policeman who has come into the hall should be asked to put you out. (Hear, hear) Meantime a conversation, which was audible over a considerable portion of the hall, had been going on between the secretary and Mr. Mackay, the writer, who had entered the meeting. The secretary endeavoured to get him to withdraw, the policeman putting in a word. Mr. MacKay, however, refused to leave, and after consultation between Mr Thomson, the secretary, and Mr. Walker, the last mentioned stood and said - "There is a trespasser here who has no right to be present at all. Surely if he has any common sense he will see that he is intruding and will withdraw. This is a meeting of the shareholders of the company and is private.

The SECRETARY – He holds no proxy to be present. He is the lawyer of our dismissed clerk.

Mr MACKAY - If the legal advisor of the company says I cannot remain, I do not wish to do so. I do not want to disturb your meeting.

Mr. THOMSON – If you have no proxy you have no right to remain.

Mr SIEVWRIGHT – I think any gentleman worthy of the name of a writer would have gone out.

Mr. MacKAY – You are quite mistaken. He then left the hall amid the groans of a few shareholders

Provost SUTHERLAND – I don't intend to occupy your time much longer

Mr. WALKER – Is this sort of thing to be allowed to go on?

Provost SUTHERLAND – I merely claim the same courtesy that you showed the gentleman who has just gone out

Mr. THOMSON – At this stage sir, you are not entitled to speak.

Mr. JAMES L. STEWART, who was stated to have been a bookkeeper in the employment of this company, said he had a question to ask

Mr. WALKER – What interest have you in the company. I move that you be not heard (Hear, hear)

The SECRETARY – This is just an attempt to disrupt the meeting.

Mr. WALKER (to Mr. Stewart) - Your position is this, while you were in our employment 15 shares were given to you to help you do well in the interests of the company

Mr. GIDEON BROWN – Perhaps some of the shareholders here are not aware of the organised attempt to disturb our meeting, may think that we are dealing harshly with our old chairman and our old clerk. It is not very often that I bring private letters before a public meeting, but I can hardly resist giving a specimen of the kind of chairman the gentleman was whom we formerly had.

Provost SUTHERLAND – Will I be allowed to answer (cries of "No, no") There is a mean-ness about this which hitherto has not been known in Scotland.

Mr. BROWN – I don't want to copy the tactics of my friend Provost Sutherland, and will put the letters in my pocket.

Provost SUTHERLAND – Court inquiry

Mr BROWN – Will you allow me to read the letter then

Provost SUTHERLAND – If I am allowed to answer it

A SHAREHOLDER suggested that the matter had lasted long enough and that the business should be allowed to proceed.

Mr BROWN remarked that it had certainly lasted long enough. The directors courted bona fide criticism. He thought it right however and second the motion that Mr. Stewart be not heard. He was reluctantly driven to follow other courses The motion was then put to the meeting and nearly everyone in the hall declared in favour of it.

The CHAIRMAN – If any other shareholder wishes to ask questions now is the time to do it.

Provost SUTHERLAND – You should say questions favourable of the company.

Mr WALKER (vigorously) – Surely that man should be turned out !

Provost SUTHERLAND – Beg your pardon, Mr Walker.

Mr THOMSON – Is it the feeling of the meeting that the report be adopted. (Cries of "Agreed")

The CHAIRMAN, replying to Mr Gray, Mid Calder, said it was the wish of the directors that some arrangements be made with the Scotch oil companies for the purposed of regulating the trade. Negotiations had been far advanced but they had fallen through on account of the refusal of one company to agree to them. As far as their own company was concerned, he had no hesitation in saying that it was at the top of the tree.

On the motion of Mr Bailie WALKER, Mr. Pattison was re-elected a director

Mr WALKER, speaking of the prospects of the company, said its position was in marked contrast in every possible way with that in which it was when the previous directors were in power.

THE SECRETARY, in answer to a question, said that the matter of the recent legal action regarding the alleged damage to a farmer's crop by the gases emitted from the works was before the Scottish Mineral Oil Trade Association. The decision which had been given by the County was not thought to be well-founded, and a small committee had been appointed to consider what action should be taken in the interest of all the companies.

Mr. SWORD said that the chairman had stated that the company was at the top of the tree. He wished to know the profit at which they were working.

The SECRETARY confessed he did not quite understand the question. On his part, he inquired what company was working at a profit just nor. (A Voice - " Young's." Laughter.)

The CHAIRMAN We are giving you fair information when we tell you that we can make crude oil at 1d per gallon.

THE SECRETARY said he had no hesitation in saying that, after writing off a sum, as they had been accustomed to do, for maintenance of retorts and a large sum more working expenses, they were at least making 71/2 percent, and he did not know any company which was doing the same thing.

Mr SWORD declared that the answer was very satisfactory indeed, and inquired if there was any likelihood of an interim dividend being paid if they continued to make 7.5 per cent. During the summer

The SECRETARY – None whatsoever. That is a question which the directors consider an unreasonable one. Don't go and lay the flattering unction to your soul that we will make 7.5 per cent during the summer. I don't know what we will do. All we can say is that the chairman has discovered a large field of shale which is very productive of ammonia and scale, two very remunerative products. The capacity for dividend if a fourth bench of retorts were erected would be increased to to 10 per cent.

The CHAIRMAN said that he was so satisfied that the company would prosper that he had taken £3500 worth of debenture stock, The auditors were afterwards re-elected. As the meeting was separating,

Provost SUTHERLAND asked if his dissent had been recorded.

Mr WALKER- Pay no attention to him.

Provost SUTHERLAND- Well I will take steps elsewhere

The proceedings then terminated.

The Glasgow Herald, 28th May 1887

1888 Annual General Meeting

WEST LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY.- The report of the directors of the West Lothian Oil Company for the year ending 31st March last states that the balance at credit of profit and loss account is £319, after charging £655 on interest on loans and debentures, £2997 for repairs and maintenance,and £557 for capital depreciation.

The works are now completely furnished with appliances for giving refined products of the best quality. During the past four months all expenditure has been charged against revenue, and the directors hope to require little or no further capital outlay. The erection of a new bench of retorts enables the work to be carried out on a smaller percentage of cost, and the refinery now receives a full supply of oil and can be worked to its full capacity instead of partially as hitherto.

The prices of shale products during the year under review have been lower on and average than in any former year. There was however much irregularity in prices and the directors regret that large contracts were entered into when rates were lowest, and that the company in consequence, derived little benefit from the better prices which were current during the latter part of the year. This improvement in prices has been in part maintained and, at current prices, the business of the company can be conducted with a prospect of a fair return to the shareholders in the future. The directors regret that for the past year there can be no dividend.

The Edinburgh Evening News, 6th June 1888

1889 Annual General Meeting

WEST LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY. -The annual meeting of the West Lothian Oil Company was held in Glasgow yesterday afternoon – Mr. R.T. Pattison, Edinburgh, chairman, presiding. The report stated that the directors regarded that for the past year there could be no dividend.

The chairman pointed out that, retorting at the beginning of the having been unsatisfactory, reconstruction had been necessary and the improved position of the company was largely due to work done since the alteration had been effectual. Having acquired large shale territory adjoining the present fields, they now possessed sufficient shale for any possible number of years. The report was unanimously adopted

The Edinburgh Evening News, 12th June 1889

1890 Annual General Meeting

WEST LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY - The report of the directors of the West Lothian Oil Company for the year to 31st March last states that after deducting for maintenance and repairs the sum of £4429, the balance at the credit of the profit and loss account, including £1143 brought forward from last year, is £4784, from which have been deducted: interest on debentures and loans £1132: depreciation, £3000 - £4132, leaving a balance of £631 to be carried forward.

The directors were sorry that for the past year there can be no dividend. For some years the supply of shale has been taken from the Dunnet and the Pattison seams, but a fortunate discovery was made of the existence of good Broxburn shale extending over a wide area, and a mine has been opened which is already yielding nearly 100 tons of it daily. The quantity will be steadily increased. A new mine has also been opened into a large field of Dunnet and Pattison shales. Part of the cost of these mines and their machinery has been charged to capital expenditure, which amounted in all to £4848

The Edinburgh Evening News, 7th June 1890

1891 Annual General Meeting

WEST LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY. The annual meeting of shareholders of the West Lothian Oil Company was held yesterday in the office of company, St. Vincent Place – Mr. R.T. Pattison presiding. The report by the directors, which has already been published, was held as read

The CHAIRMAN in moving the adoption of the report said – At our meeting a year ago I spoke of our expectation of getting a supply of shales of a superior class to those we had been using, but, as the report will inform you, serious troubles were met with in the Broxburn mine which interfered with the quality of the sale, and ultimately made it prudent for us to delay the development of the mine in the meantime. The importance of using the best shale obtainable on our ground had led us to venture upon the opening up of the Fells Pit after the fullest inquiry and consideration. The amount of work has been considerable, but it has been carried on with determined energy and you will sea that we state the daily output already at 130 tons. Our desire is to keep entirely on the safe side in such statements, but the workings are giving us a daily quantity already in excess of 130 tons. The output of the Fells shale yesterday was 165 tons, and we expect to keep up this average, and to increase the quantity every three weeks till we reach our full requirements, which are about 450 tons daily.

The following is our mining manager's report: " A year ago we were opening up a new mine in the Broxburn seam at at that time it showed a good prospect of giving a good supply of shale, but as work went on we found troubles on both sides of the mine which stopped the supply of this shale. We cut through the trouble on the west side and found the shale again, but as we were by this time pushing on with the reopening of the Fells pit. I consider it was better to let Broxburn mine stand alone and devote ourselves to getting out Fells shale alone. It is the best shale to work at present. We have got into position to take out over 200 tons of Fells per day. We have machinery for taking out 400 daily and I have no doubt in stating that we will be able to have out daily supply from Fells Pit alone in three months time. I may say that the engine-power at Fells pit is ample for 500 or 600 tons per day when we have arrangements completed for pumping water and these are in prospect. There is old machinery on the ground at present in good condition which will be erected for pumping forthwith.

The shale in the Fells seam is proved by workings to be good form over a large extent of ground and the quantity of this shale in our ground is estimated to be 2.5 million tons, equal to about 30 years supply at our present rate of consumption. I may also say that we have the quantity of Broxburn shale, and that there is machinery placed suitable for taking out 300 tons Broxburn daily, and this machinery could easily be increased. We have made careful test on the Fells shale and have found the yield to be not less that 10 gallons per ton more that the average yield of shales used during the year just closed.

The shale is the same as the Pumpherston Company are opening up at their new property at Seafield, which adjoining our ground, and they estimate the yield at a higher figure that I have ventured to state. As to the the cost, it will be similar to the cost of the past year's running, and we hope that the retorting of this shale will require less fuel that our present shales. We may safely say that the extra gallons will be got without extra cost and the value of this to the company may be seen when it is remembered that our throughput of shale is over 120,000 tons per annum.

The larger quantity of oil too, will have to reduce the cost per gallon for refining. In our report reference is made of water supply to the refinery. The pit from which our supply had been got for some years suddenly stopped working, and we had to form reservoirs to gather a supply of drainage. The quantity likely to be got in this way can be understood when it is stated that a few heavy showers which fell three weeks ago between 2pm of a day and six o'clock the next morning gave us a fortnight's supply. In any weather such as we have had since the company started till this year there would have been no difficulty, but this season has been quite exceptional in the lightness of the rainfall. We may have sufficient water yet this season from drainage to fill the reservoirs,but with the summer at hand, it was considered prudent to arrange also to reset a supply by pumping. The pumping has to be done from a distance of a mile abut the cost for machine &c. has been kept at the lowest possible figure but using old plant where possible, and we have now a supply of water to fall back upon which will keep the refinery from all danger in this direction, This year's working had been disappointing as is the oil trade generally, and most that has been accomplished by the companies has been to keep their ground. We are in no worse position that this, but the yields of the shale were so poor that they affected our balance adversely. In this there is consolation that if we had better shales we will have better results. As already stated, we are getting better shales from the Fells seams, it is safe to say that the outlook for the current year is hopeful. I beg to move adoption of the report.

Mr CAMERON seconded the motion which was unanimously agreed to.

Mr WILSON, of Restalrig moved that Mr. Patison, the chairman of the company, be re-elected a director. In doing so he remarked that there seemed to be no doubt at all that this new shale was one which yielded well. Not only did it promise something like 30 gallons a ton of oil, but also a fair proportion of sulphate of ammonia. He had heard from sources outside the company that no concern in the country had shale at such a low price as the West Lothian could produce it. With this cheap shale and with a product such as was now spoken of there could be no question that with proper management they would hear next year a very different tale for that to which they had just listened.

Mr. ROBERTSON seconded the motion, which was at once agreed to.

The meeting then separated

The Glasgow Herald, 19th June 1891

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Glasgow Herald - Tuesday 28 May 1872

JOHNSTON.-Serious Accident.—Two labourers, named James M'Allan and Edward M'Glynn, both residing in Johnstone, were severely injured it yesterday afternoon at the Clippens Shale Works, near Linwood. They were employed carrying to bricklayers who were building a receiving house for holding gas, in connection with the works. The bricks were deposited on a scaffold about sixteen feet from the ground, on which there were some half-dozen workmen Le standing at the time, including bricklayers and labourers, when one of the planks supporting one of the sides gave way, precipitating M'Allan and M'Glynn to the ground. The others who were on the scaffold managed to hold on by the wall till assistance arrived, when they were rescued from their perilous position. M'Allan is much cut on the back of the head. He has also received severe cuts on the face from the falling bricks, and M'Glynn has received injuries on the lower part of the body and legs. Dr Henderson, from Johnstone, was promptly on the spot, and dressed their wounds.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 03 June 1872

JOHNSTONE.-Accident at a Shale Work. - On Saturday forenoon, an accident occurred at the Clippens Shale Works, which, though fortunately unattended by injury to any of the workmen, resulted in a considerable loss of property. The proprietors are erecting a large number of retorts for the manufacture of oil, and two rows of twenty each had been placed, when a retort, which was in the act of being hoisted into its position by a crane, swung round, and knocking against one of the retorts caused the entire row of twenty to fall with a crash. A number of the retorts were broken, and the damage is estimated at £700.

North British Daily Mail - Thursday 07 November 1872

(Extract from report of Great Storm)

It is reported that the Clippens Shale Company works, which are situated near Linwood, have suffered from the gale, and that a large chimney stalk in the vicinity has fallen.

North British Daily Mail - Friday 08 November 1872

PUBLIC WORKS BLOWN DOWN AT JOHNSTON – DAMAGE £2000. Yesterday morning the gale moderated, but it has left sad evidence behind it of its violence. The Clippens Shale-Oil Works, two refineries of considerable dimensions, were totally wrecked. The strong iron-arched roofs of other two buildings were likewise torn off, carried to a distance, and broken to pieces. These buildings were considerably damaged. Viewing the ruins a spectator might suppose that the district had been visited by a volcano. A contractor believes the aggregate damage cannot be less than £2000.

Paisley Herald and Renfrewshire Advertiser - Saturday 09 November 1872

LINWOOD. In this village and neighbourhood the damage caused by the storm has been very extensive. At the Linwood Spinning Mill, where extensive improvements and additions are in progress, Messrs Grant & M'Farlane, of Johnstone, the contracting joiners, have suffered considerable loss. But by far the greatest amount of damage has been sustained by the Clippens Shale Company, at their works at Clippens. The roof of the presshouse was blown away 50 yards, and the refinery and the ammonia house were completely demolished. A chimney-stalk, just erected at Balaclava, the property of Messrs Merry & Cunninghame, 100 feet high, came to the ground. A pile of wood 8 feet high, and 21 feet long, was lifted and carried away with terrific violence, many of the boards being broken.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 28 June 1873

Serious Accident -Yesterday morning, while a number of men in the employment of the Clippens Shale Oil Company were taking shelter from the rain under the arch of a brick kiln which had not been finished: and the props of which had been removed the previous evening, the arch gave way, the bricks and debris falling on the men, two of whom, named James Grant and John Gillespie, labourers, both residing in Johnstone, were so seriously injured that Dr Henderson, of Johnstone, who attended them, ordered their removal to the Paisley Infirmary. Other three of the men were injured, but not dangerously.

The Scotsman - Saturday 28 June 1873

JOHNSTONE —FALL OF A BUILDING. —Five men were somewhat seriously injured yesterday at the Clippens Shale Oil Works (Mr Bunning's), near Johnstone, by the falling of a large archway of brick built over a kiln. The building was scarcely completed. The men were seated at their meal inside when the catastrophe occurred . John Gillespie, Canal Street, Johnstone; and James Grant, High Street, Johnstone, are the most dangerously injured, and were removed by Dr Cunninghame to the Paisley Infirmary. It is feared Gillespie will not rally, being severely cut about the head, and seriously injured internally. The others were removed to their homes in a cab. The walls stand intact. The accident is attributed to the state of the weather and the softness of the lime.

Paisley Herald and Renfrewshire Advertiser - Saturday 07 February 1874

ACCIDENT. – On Tuesday night, Michael Boyle, labourer, employed at the Clippens Oil Works, Linwood, had his collar bone broken. He fell in front of a waggon which was being moved along the rails, and before he could be extricated the wheels came into contact with his body.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 05 June 1875

LINWOOD. Fire.— On Saturday fire broke out in the extensive shale-oil manufactory at Clippens, owned by Messrs. John Binning & Co. The damage was trifling.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 25 September 1875

Pit Accidents.— On Wednesday, a man named Daniel Collins, employed at the Clippens Shale Works as a pitheadman, was injured by falling with a hutch over the gangway-face, having lost control the hutch. He was attended by Dr. Taylor, Johnstone.

Glasgow Herald - Friday 17 August 1877

FATAL ACCIDENT.-A lad named Neil Lynch was fatally injured at the Clippens Shale Oil Works yesterday afternoon. Deceased had been working at the brickwork when he was struck on the chest by a piece of coal. He was at once removed on a stretcher, but died on the way home to Linwood a couple of hours after the occurrence.

Greenock Advertiser - Wednesday 03 April 1878

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE NEAR PAISLEY

Yesterday afternoon, shortly after three o’clock, a fire of an alarming nature broke out the works of the Clippens Shale Oil Company (Limited), situated between Paisley and Johnstone. The works are of a very extensive character, covering altogether about 10 or 12 acres of ground, and embrace the manufacture of paraffin for candles, vitriol, saltpetre, &c. The portion of the works burned yesterday was the “scale-house,” where the oil was stored, and prepared, by pressing and freezing, for the candle-makers. When the fire broke out it was at once seen that any attempt to save the building attacked would fail, and the attention of the Johnstone fire-brigade—who were on the spot about 40 minutes after the fire was discovered—was directed to save the refining-house. The conflagration in the scale-house continued on unchecked till late in the evening; but ere that time all apprehensions had been removed by the isolation of the refining-houses. The Johnstone firemen deserve great credit for the alacrity with which they turned out. The loss in machinery and stock is estimated at about £6,000 and is altogether uninsured. One correspondent gives the total estimated loss at between £8,000 and £10,000.

Dundee Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 03 April 1878

DISASTROUS FIRE NEAR PAISLEY. A disastrous fire broke out the Clippens Oilworks, Linwood, near Paisley, yesterday afternoon. The fire originated in the “scaling" department, and for some time there was great dread lest it should extend to adjoining section of the works where the tanks and pipes were filled with paraffin in a highly explosive condition. At the outset measures were taken against such a possibility, and the pumps were incessantly worked for some hours to drain off the oil. In about half an hour's time the roof of the “scaling" building fell in. Fortunately the wind was blowing in a favourable direction, and for an hour and a half more the fire-engine worked to good effect, when the water supply failed, and a messenger galloped to Paisley and obtained increased pressure on the mains. Between six and seven o'clock the enginemen gave playing on the burning building, which continued to blaze for several hours. The Clippens Oil Works cover about 15 acres, and, with the exception of those of Young's Paraffin Company at Bathgate, are the largest in the kingdom. The limited company was only formed week or two ago, its previous designation being the Clippens Shale Company. The works were partially insured, and the damage is estimated at from £8,000 to £10,000.

The Scotsman - Wednesday 03 April 1878

PAISLEY — DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT CLIPPENS SHALE OIL WORKS. - Yesterday afternoon a serious fire occurred at the Clippens Shale Oil Works, near Linwood; about four miles from Paisley. The works have been in existence for about ten years, and during that period have been largely extended. About a month since they were transferred to a limited liability company. They occupy about fifteen acres of ground, and the manufacture carried on is that of paraffin oil. Each department of the works is detached from the others. The fire yesterday afternoon occurred in one of the main buildings of the works, known as the crude scale-house, the most south-easterly of four similar buildings, and detached by a roadway of about twenty feet from the adjoining building, the refining-house. The fire originated in the north-west comer of the crude scale-house, and, as may be supposed from the inflammable nature of the material, it rapidly spread. In the course of about half-an-hour the whole building was enveloped, the flames rising to a height of upwards of 100 feet in the air. The Johnstone fire brigade worked assiduously in protecting the adjoining buildings. About ten o'clock last night the fire had only partially burned out. It is estimated that machinery to the value of about £3000 has been destroyed, and the other damage done will not be under £7000. A portion of the property destroyed only is covered by insurance. The origin of the fire is unknown.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 13 April 1878

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS SHALE OIL WORKS. – On Saturday, one of the gauge glasses of a locomotive at this work burst, and injured a man named Charles Caldwell so severely about the eyes that he had to be removed to the Infirmary.

Greenock Advertiser - Tuesday 30 July 1878

SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

Yesterday, about one o’clock, two men were seriously injured at these works through neglecting to warn the engineman of their intention to go down an incline up which trucks of blaze are drawn. On going down the engineman puts on a brake to regulate the speed of their descent. No brake being on, the trucks rushed at a tremendous speed down the hill into two railway waggons, and the men were thrown out with great violence. John M'Gorlic was picked up insensible, and much cut about the face and head, but through the judicious treatment of Dr Taylor, who was soon the spot, he has recovered a little; while his neighbour, Joseph Blair, has also received internal injuries of a serious nature.

Daily Review (Edinburgh) - Saturday 19 April 1879

SUPPOSED GAS POISONING. - While a man named Robert Cassells was engaged on Thursday in the refining stills of Clippens Oilworks he dropped to the ground in an insensible condition, having inhaled some of the gases amongst which he was working. He was at once removed to his residence in Macdowall Street , Johnstone, and was attended by Dr Taylor.

The Scotsman - Monday 25 August 1879

On Saturday one of the stills in the Clippens Oil Company’s Works exploded, very seriously injuring two men.

North British Daily Mail - Monday 25 August 1879

SHOCKING ACCIDENT NEAR JOHNSTONE.

ONE MAN KILLED AND ANOTHER SEVERELY INJURED.

A distressing fatality occurred near Johnstone on Saturday, at Clippens Oilworks, at half past two o'clock, by which a man named James Hodge, residing at Crosslee, was instantly killed, and one named John Gilchrist, living at Balaclava, was so seriously injured that it is feared he cannot survive. Both of the unfortunate men were foremen—one during the day and the other at night—and were engaged inspecting an oil still which was not working satisfactorily. The stills are about 12 feet high, and are made of strong cast-iron. While they were conducting the examination the still exploded with terrific force. James Hodge was thrown to the front of the still, and was found with his face downwards, his body being partly covered with the oil and fragments of bricks, &c. His head was laid open at the back by a deep gash, which seemingly caused his death. Mr Hodge was about 35 years of age, was married, and belonged to Ireland. John Gilchrist was found near his companion, with his head badly hurt and his body also injured. Mr Andrew Scott, of the firm, mounted a swift horse and rode to Johnstone, and immediately returned to Clippens with Dr Taylor's assistant. He attended Gilchrist at Balaclava, whither he had been removed, but on instructions he was immediately removed to the Infirmary. Gilchrist is also married. A messenger was despatched to Crosslee to break the news to the wife of Hodge, and immediately thereafter the body was taken home. This is the first accident of the kind that has taken place at this large work.

Greenock Advertiser - Monday 25 August 1879

FATAL EXPLOSION AT CLIPPENS OIL WORK.

Shortly after three o’clock on Saturday afternoon an explosion of a somewhat alarming nature occurred at the Clippens Shale Oil Works, near Paisley. The men duty, it seems, had “turned on” a stream of oil in its raw state into the still-house, when they discovered that the safety valve and dipping cock had got choked up with tar, and while trying to clear them, a fearful explosion took place, which lifted the still, containing about 1000 gallons of tar, right on to the hutchway, where it was smashed pieces. The two men were thrown a distance of about 12 feet, and when the confusion had subsided, it was discovered that James Hodge, residing at Crosslee, had been killed on the spot, and John Gilchrist was severely scalded and scorched all over the body. He was at once removed to the Paisley Infirmary, where he lies in critical state, Dr Frew, the house surgeon, however, considering him last night out of danger. Hodge leaves a widow and five children.

Glasgow Evening Post - Monday 25 August 1879

THE ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OILWORKS

PAISLEY, Monday, 1 P.M.

Our Paisley correspondent telegraphs: - Gilchrist, who was injured at the accident at Clippens Oilworks, expired at the Paisley Infirmary today.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 06 October 1879

Explosion at Oil Work.—An explosion, which fortunately was not of a very serious nature, occurred at Clippens Oil Works, Paisley, on Saturday morning by the bursting of one of the oil stills. One of the stillmen, named Hugh Fox, went on to the top of the still and was in the act of closing the dipping cock, when it blew up. He was thrown to the ground. His leg was found to be broken at the knee, and one of his shoulders much injured.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 16 October 1879

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS. - Another accident- fortunately on this occasion unattended by any serious result—occurred yesterday at the Clippens Oil Works. While three men, named James Fergus, George Fleming, and John Sweeney, were working at the line stills, one of the stills exploded. Fergus was cut about the hands and arms, and slightly burned. Fleming and Sweeney escaped with slight burns about the face and arms. Dr Taylor was in prompt attendance from Johnstone, and after dressing the wounds of Fergus and Fleming, had them removed home; while Sweeney, after having his injuries attended to, was able to resume work. The cause of the explosion is quite unknown.

Renfrewshire Independent - Saturday 07 February 1880

JOHNSTONE.

SINGULAR ACCIDENT.—On Wednesday morning when a workman, named David Harrison, entered one of the departments in the Clippens Oil Works, he was overpowered with a strong gas off some of the ingredients used in the manufacture of oil. When removed he was quite unconscious. He was taken home to Johnstone in a perfectly insensible condition.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 15 January 1881

Accident at Clippens Shale Oil Works.— On Tuesday, while a man named William Edgar was at work at one of the machines, his hand was caught by a revolving roller, and before he could extricate it, two of his fingers were severely crushed. He was taken immediately to Paisley Infirmary, where Dr. Crawford, the house surgeon, found it necessary to amputate them.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 12 February 1881

LAD FALLING INTO A VAT OF OIL. - Yesterday, a lad was received into the Infirmary suffering from injuries received by falling into a vat of oil in Clippens Oil Works, near Johnstone. His sufferings are most excruciating, and it is not expected that he will recover. The poor lad is named Hugh M‘Kay, 19 years of age, and resides with his parents in Johnstone. He missed his foot somehow, and fell into the vat, which was at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 18 July 1881

FATAL ACCIDENT AT LOANHEAD.

On Saturday, whilst two young men, named Thomas Connelly and Patrick Gordon, were at work in one of the pits belonging to the Clippens Oil Company, a large quantity of shale fell from the roof. Gordon escaped with his foot somewhat bruised but Connelly sustained such severe injuries that he died in the course of Saturday afternoon. The unfortunate young man was 24 years of age, and the sole support of his widowed mother.

North British Daily Mail - Tuesday 11 October 1881

EXPLOSION AT CLIPPENS OILWORKS.

At Clippens Oilworks, near Johnstone, on Sunday night, owing to the carelessness of one of the workmen, an explosion took place at one of the stills, blowing the cover of the still to a considerable distance. The foreman of the stills, named Wm. Stewart, together with his brother John Stewart, and two workmen, Dugald Campbell and Thomas Mooney, got another cover which they proceeded to place on the still, without first taking the precaution of blowing a jet of steam through it to rid it of air. The result was a second explosion, in which all the four men were burned more or less seriously, besides being bruised. William Stewart fared worst, as he was blown several feet into the air, and got severely cut about the head and face. The others escaped without any serious injury unless the scorching. Dr Taylor, of Johnstone, was in immediate attendance, and had all the men dressed and sent to their homes.

North British Daily Mail - Monday 09 January 1882

CLIPPENS OILWORKS PARTIALLY DESERTED

The violent gale of Friday has made considerable havoc on these works, which stand in a very exposed position. About twelve o’clock the gable was blown out of the building known as the cooperage. Several other of the buildings , which are of brick, had parts of them seriously damaged, and ultimately it was deemed advisable for the safety of the workmen to suspend work for the remainder of the day in those parts of the buildings which were most exposed. No serious accident, however, happened to any of the men.

North British Daily Mail - Friday 05 May 1882

At Clippens Oil Works yesterday a locomotive was passing over a siding under which were some oil tanks. The door of one of the tanks had been left open, and a hot cinder from the engine falling into the tank caused an explosion which threw the engine off the line, blew one of the iron doors to a distance of a hundred yards, and seriously injured the engineer.

North British Daily Mail - Friday 05 May 1882

ALARMING EXPLOSION AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

Yesterday, at Clippens Oil Works, between twelve and one o'clock, an engine with several large tanks of oil was being brought into the works on the company's branch, underneath which are large tanks or holds for storing the oil brought from the Pentland Collieries. These large underground tanks are covered by iron doors, which are only supposed to opened when oil is being run in. Yesterday, however, when the engine was passing along, one of these doors seems by some carelessness on the part of somebody to have been left open, thus allowing the cinders from the engine to fall in among the oil, which caused a terrific explosion, the force of which blew the engine off the line. The driver was lifted into the air. One of the iron doors was blown about 100 yards, and falling on another building went crashing through the roof. Charles Caldwell, the driver, who was blown into the air, was very seriously injured about the head and face, and after being examined by Dr Taylor was at once despatched to Paisley Infirmary. Several others were slightly injured, and the damage done to the plant is very considerable. This is the second time, we understand, that Caldwell has had the misfortune to meet with an accident in a similar way.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 14 August 1882

ACCIDENTS AT STRAITON. – John Paton and Walter Niven, residing at Loanhead, while examining an engine at Clippen’s Works, Straiton, yesterday, were scalded by a quantity of steam which escaped at a manhole. Paton was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. – By a slight explosion of firedamp which occurred in a shale pit at Straiton on Saturday, two miners, named Andrew M’Nicol and Henry Clark, residing at Loanhead, were scorched on the face and hands.

North British Daily Mail - Wednesday 30 August 1882

ALARMING FIRE AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

Yesterday afternoon, a fire which at one time threatened most serious consequences broke out in the white scale shed of the Clippens Oil Works. This shed is in close proximity to the spirit tanks, and had those taken fire it is probable that a large portion of the works would have been destroyed. The manager, with great presence of mind, turned on a full force of steam from the boiler into the shed, and by this means the fire was got under control before any serious damage was sustained.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 18 November 1882

FIRE AT CLIPPENS. – On Thursday, fire broke out in one of the oil-stills at Clippens Oil Works. Fortunately, the outbreak was got under before any great damage was done.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 18 November 1882

CLIPPENS, - FIRE. – Yesterday morning fire broke out in one of the oil stills at the Clippens Oil Works, near Paisley, but fortunately, through the exertions of the workmen and the efficiency of the fire apparatus, the flames were extinguished before any extensive damage had been inflicted.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 02 December 1882

CLIPPENS. – FIRE AT THE OIL WORKS. - Yesterday afternoon one of the sheds at the Clippens Oil Works, known as the scaling department, was discovered to be in flames. Immediately on the alarm being given the door and windows were promptly closed, and the building was filled with steam, which quickly smothered the flames, and in this way the building, as well as very valuable stock, was saved from destruction.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 07 June 1883

LOANHEAD.

PIT ACCIDENT. – Between twelve and one o'clock on Monday morning, James Affleck, a miner residing at New Pentland, was severely burned on the head, face and arms, by an explosion of fire-damp. Affleck was in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company, and on going to the coal face in one of the shale pits, the damp had accumulated to such an extent that, coming in contact with his lamp, an alarming explosion took place. Fortunately no other workmen were in that part of the pit at the time.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 02 February 1884

JOHNSTONE DISTRICT.

The burgh of Johnstone and district have also suffered severely from the ravages of the storm. The gale raged with extreme violence on Saturday and during the early hours of Sunday morning, and much damage was done to public and private property. Shopkeepers and others who entered their places of business on Monday morning in many cases found that the storm had done great havoc to their back premises, especially if these were in any way exposed to the fury of the gale. Mr. James Hunter, draper, Houstoun-square, had the glass roof of his dress and millinery saloon entirely destroyed by the fall from the adjoining house-tops of several chimney cans, which crashed through the roof of this portion of his establishment, and destroyed a quantity of his goods. Considerable damage was also done to the new engineering works of Messrs. Shanks, presently in course of erection at Leigh Cartside. At various works throughout the town, the storm effected no little damage. In the Skiff Wood, situated high above Howwood, thousands of trees have been laid level with the ground. Clippens Oil Works, which stand in a somewhat exposed position near the village of Linwood, have likewise suffered severely by the storm. The side of one of the petroleum houses was blown in by the violence of the gale, and much valuable materiel destroyed, while other portions of the works also suffered severely. ln the same district, a one-storey thatched house was completely demolished, the inmates having to take refuge in the houses of neighbours. The estates of Milliken and Castlesemple have also suffered considerable damage by the uprooting of trees. Altogether, the storm has been the fiercest and most destructive that has occurred within the memory of the "oldest inhabitant."

Peeblesshire Advertiser - Saturday 23 February 1884

(Extract from article entitled “THE GALE OF THURSDAY MORNING”)

At Loanhead the damage has been more extensive than was occasioned by the last storm. The road to Lasswade from Loanhead was completely blocked in four different places, the telegraph posts and wires being broken in several places. A building which a contractor had just finished at the Clippens Oilworks succumbed to the fury of the storm. The neighbouring woods are strewed with fallen trees, and the damage to house property is very heavy.

The Scotsman - Tuesday 11 March 1884

LOANHEAD – EXPLOSION. – An explosion occurred at Clippens Oil Works yesterday, by which three men were injured. The damage otherwise was unimportant.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 13 March 1884

EXPLOSION IN A MINE – On Friday an explosion of fire-damp occurred in the shale pit of the Clippens Oil Company. It appears one of the miners went to the face before it had been reported clear of damp, and in consequence a slight explosion occurred, and the man was burned on the hands and face.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 04 April 1884

CONTRAVENTION OF THE MINES REGULATION ACT. – At the Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court this afternoon, Henry Wilson, a young man, was charged with a contravention of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1872, by having, on the 17th March, gone into a working place in the Pentland Shale Pit, in the parish of Lasswade, occupied by the Clippens Oil Company, before to it was reported to him by the foreman, or other person in charge, that the working might safely be entered. Wilson pleaded guilty, and said he did not know much about the regulations, though he admitted there was a board up in the pit warning the men against the offence charged. There was an explosion of firedamp, by which he got severely burned, and had been off work since. The Sheriff remarked on the very serious nature the offence, and said these regulations were made, not for the safety of one individual alone, but for that of large bodies of men. An explosion might have occurred whereby a large number of men might have lost their lives. At the same time, taking into consideration that he had already been severely punished by being burned through the explosion, the fine imposed would be 5s, with the option of three days in jail.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 10 April 1884

MINE ACCIDENT. - On Friday afternoon, while a lad named John Bell, employed as a miners' drawer, was pushing a hutch of shale along No. 4 level in Clippens shale pit, he fell, and another hutch which was being pushed by a lad in his rear, struck him, crushing his head between his legs. The lad was taken to his home at Gilmerton, where he received medical attention. It is suspected that his spine has been injured, but hopes are entertained of his recovery.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 19 August 1884

FIRE AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS. – Yesterday morning fire broke out in the paraffin department of the above work, and for a time occasioned considerable alarm, but the flames were mastered before any extensive damage was done to either plant or stock.

Renfrewshire Independent - Saturday 23 August 1884

LINWOOD.

FIRE AT CLIPPENS OILWORKS. --On Monday morning, a fire broke out at Clippens Oilworks. It originated in what is known as the white scale paraffin department, a building which is about 100 feet long and 40 broad, but which is so constructed that on fire being discovered the shutters and doors are quickly closed, which makes the building airtight, when, from a number of jets specially fitted up for the purpose, steam is turned on, which in a short time completely stifles the flames, and so saturates both plant and stock that little damage is effected by the flames before being extinguished.

Renfrewshire Independent - Saturday 27 September 1884

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OIL - WORKS. —On Thursday morning, an accident of a painful nature occurred at these works to a young lad named Jamieson, residing at Balaclava. Jamieson, it seems, in the course of his duties in what is known as the freezing department, had mounted to the top of an oil tank, when somehow or other he missed his footing and fell into the tank of hot oil, and before he was extricated he was severely scalded about the lower parts of the body. Those at the works assisted to alleviate the agony of the unfortunate lad as much as possible until the arrival of Dr. Taylor, who, after dressing the burns, had him ordered to the Paisley Infirmary.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Saturday 15 November 1884

A labourer named Charles M’Glaghan thirty-five years of age, got his arm severely lacerated on Wednesday in consequence of a pulley in connection with one of the Clippens Oil Pits, with which he was working becoming disarranged. He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. A boy named Robert Prattes was also received at the Infirmary on Wednesday, suffering from the effects of a similar accident. He was assisting to put up a pit rope on a pulley at one of the Broxburn mines, when the rope slipped off and struck him so heavily on the right leg as to cause a compound fracture of the limb.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 09 January 1885

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT AN OIL WORKS.

A fire occurred last night in the Clippens Oil Works, near Paisley, which resulted in the destruction of a department of the works known the White Shale House. The fire originated in the drum through which the oil is passed in process of refining to the freezing machine. The building was burned down in the course of a very short time, and several alarming explosions took place, which, however, were unattended by injury to life. The destruction of the department, which was one of the most important in the works, will have the effect of throwing idle a considerable number of the employés. A quantity of machinery was destroyed, and the damage is believed to amount to over £5000. The fire continued to burn till a late hour this morning.

Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 10 January 1885

DESTRUCTION ON AN OIL WORK.

An alarming and destructive fire broke out on Thursday afternoon in the Clippens Oil Works, situated near Johnstone. The fire blazed with terrific fury, and at midnight it was not extinguished, and the liveliest concern was manifested for the security of the large oil tanks clustering around in close proximity to the burning mass. The fire originated by ignition from knife in one of the hydraulic freezing machines, situated in the white scale shed, which is about 80 feet long by 30 feet high and some 50 feet wide. The moment the mill became ignited the roof was blown off, and in a few seconds the place was beyond salvation, although it was provided with the latest and most effective appliances for the extinguishing of fire. The building, which is composed of brick, was filled with very expensive machinery, and along the end of the building there was a large tank filled with oil; and there were, besides, other gigantic tanks near, all of which were filled. As the conflagration gathered strength tank after tank exploded, and as they collapsed the great tongues of fire shot upwards, illuminating the sky for miles round. The works are interwoven with pipes, and there being such a network of tanks containing pure spirit, paraffin, lubricating, green, and other oils, that the greatest excitement prevailed as the fire spread. The extent of the destruction is enormous, and cannot yet well be calculated. Fortunately no one was hurt, and the working of the concern will not be interfered with. The works are insured.

The Scotsman - Monday 19 January 1885

MINING ACCIDENT AT LOANHEAD. – Yesterday evening a miner named John Martin, employed in the Clippens Oil Company’s Works, Loanhead, was severely injured about the face, body, and arms, by the premature explosion of a charge which he was engaged in preparing. He was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Glasgow Evening Post - Monday 02 February 1885

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES ON SATURDAY.

EXPLOSION AT CLIPPENS OILWORKS.

MAN BURNED TO DEATH.

On Saturday at 7.25 p.m. fire broke out in the refinery shed at the Clippens Oilworks near Linwood. The shed is known as No. 4, and is used for the storage of wax and other oils. The fire was caused by the friction of the drums used in the refinery process, and, as usual when the drums get overheated, there was a loud explosion. Such fires caused by the friction of the drums, are a frequent occurrence but in this instance the flames took such quick hold of the oil that they could not be got under. At the time the explosion took place there were four men in the department, and seeing that they could not get the flames under, they immediately rushed for the door. One of the men, either from the force of the explosion or coming into contact with something, was seen to fall heavily to the ground. His companions thought he had only stumbled, and they did not stop in making their way to the open air. On finding that the man did not return, an attempt was made to enter the shed, but this could not be done, as the place was one mass of flame, and the poor fellow was burned to death. Yesterday morning one of the shoes that the man had worn was all that could be found. The deceased was named Thomas Stranachan, and resided at Quarry Street, Johnstone, and he was only married at New Year last. The fire burned all day yesterday, but did not extend to the other departments. Another report states:—On Saturday night, at 7.30, a fire broke out in the paraffin refinery of the Clippens Oilworks, near Johnstone, whereby man named Stranachan was fatally burned, and damage done to the extent of between £2,000 and £3,000. The fire, which was due to the same cause as the last, was entirely confined to the building to which it occurred, and will not interfere any way with the progress of the work. The apparatus tor extinguishing fire in this department is of the best and most effective kind, and has only recently been much increased and so arranged that in the event of fire breaking out it might be confined to one particular division of the building. Ln this case, fortunately, the precaution has proved effectual. But these fires are always preceded by an explosion caused by electric sparks produced in the process of manufacture, they spread with such instantaneous rapidity on account of the inflammable nature of the material used that even the best-devised appliances are sometimes unable to cope with them. This is now the only department of the works where such operations were being carried on, and when this fire occurred it was being rapidly supplanted by another process, which was almost completed, entailing no such risks.

Glasgow Evening Post - Tuesday 03 February 1885

THE FATAL FIRE AT CLIPPENS.

Yesterday afternoon, the remains of the young man Thomas Strannachmor, who lost his life at the Clippens fire on Saturday, were interred in the Johnstone Graveyard. The funeral was largely attended, conspicuous in the procession being a large number of workmen attired in their ordinary garb. Just a short time before the hour fixed for interment a further portion of the remains of the deceased, which had been found yesterday at the scene of the fire, were sent over from Clippens, and deposited in the coffin. Much sympathy is being expressed for the young widow.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 07 May 1885

TERRIBLE EXPLOSION AT CLIPPERS OIL WORKS. —On Friday morning, the 1st of May, about six o'clock, a terrible explosion occurred at the above mentioned place. At No. 136 of the cottages (lower fiat) attached to the Clippens Oil Works lived a miner named Patrick Clark, who, together with his three sons, worked in the Clippens Pit, and a daughter named Catherine, who worked in Springfield Paper Mill. It appears that on the morning of the explosion the family had overslept. The father, who was the first to get up, proceeded to an adjoining room where his sons and the young woman's lover were sleeping, to waken them. While he was thus engaged the daughter had awakened and risen. Seeing the fire was very low she seized a flask containing as she thought, sweet oil, but in reality blasting powder, which is used extensively by miners, and poured some of the contents on the fire. A loud explosion immediately followed, injuring the girl so severely that she died in a few minutes afterwards. The father hearing the explosion rushed from the room where the males slept to see the cause of it, but was met by the explosive material which inflicted an injury, somewhat severe, on his eyes. He is, however, progressing favourably, and the medical gentleman in attendance (Dr Dickie) is confident he will not lose his eyesight. Fortunately, no other persons of the family were hurt. Some idea may be obtained of the terrific force of the explosion when it is stated that the brick partition between that house and the adjoining one was utterly demolished, the lower half of the kitchen window was blown many yards away, and the surrounding houses were considerably shaken. What makes the sad and untimely fate of the young woman (who was only a little above 20 years old) more deplorable, is that she was engaged to be married in about three weeks. It appears that the flask of powder had been brought into the house and put beside the oil can unknown to the girl, who it is supposed took it for the oil.

Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Friday 29 May 1885

At Clippens Oil Works, near Johnstone, yesterday, a large iron tank which is being erected was damaged by one of its sides being blown down. It is said to be the largest tank in Scotland.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 08 February 1886

PIT ACCIDENT AT LOANHEAD. – A middle-aged miner named John Lumsden sustained severe internal injuries through being crushed between two wagons, in one of the Clippens Oil Company’s pits at Loanhead, on Saturday. He was taken to Edinburgh Infirmary.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 06 April 1886

EXPLOSION AT CLIPPENS OILWORKS. – A boy named John Cameron (15) was conveyed to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary to-day suffering from the effects of an explosion in one of the mines in the Clippens Oilworks last night. It appears that the boy was going through the mine with a light, which exploded some gas. He was severely burned on the face, body, and arms.

Glasgow Evening Post - Saturday 17 April 1886

FATAL RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. – John Cameron aged 15, has died in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary from injuries he received a fortnight ago through an explosion of fire-damp in the Pentland Shale Pit of the Clippens Oil Company.

The Scotsman - Wednesday 23 February 1887

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS. – Yesterday afternoon a lad, named John Cherry, fifteen years of age, employed as a pony driver in the mines at Clippens, was knocked down and run over by a wagon, the wheel passing over his right leg, which sustained a compound fracture. His head and shoulder were also badly injured. He was conveyed to Edinburgh Infirmary.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 31 March 1887

LOANHEAD.

FATAL ACCIDENT. – On Monday afternoon Peter Anderson, employed as a roadsman at Clippens Shale Mine, while engaged at his duty was caught by some hutches and so severely injured that he died almost immediately. Anderson must have heard the hutches coming, but apparently thought they were on the opposite line of rails from those where he was walking, as he could easily have stepped out of the way. Deceased was 33 years of age, and resided at Gilmerton.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 26 April 1887

CLIPPENS OIL WORKS FLOODED.

Yesterday another section the underground workings belonging the Clippens Oil Company was flooded with water, compelling the men to leave their work. This is the third section which is flooded thereby causing about 300 men to be idle.

Dundee Advertiser - Tuesday 03 May 1887

THE FLOODING OF THE CLIPPENS MINE. – It is stated that the flooding of the Clippens Mine is not serious, that there is only one level of the pit flooded, and that the water is now easily under control, as pumping arrangements are provided capable of throwing out 70 per cent. more water than is coming in.

Aberdeen Evening Express - Thursday 22 September 1887

Yesterday, one of the sections of the Pentlands pits at Loanhead, belonging to the Clippens Oil Company, was flooded. The company will give other places to the men, so that they will not suffer by the flooding.

Dundee Courier - Monday 08 October 1888

FIRE IN GLASGOW. – Fire occurred last night in the valuable block of buildings at the south-west corner of Exchange Square, Glasgow. It originated in the lumber room of the office of the Clippens Oil Company. The damage to stock and building is about £800.

Glasgow Evening Post - Wednesday 25 June 1890

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS. – A miner named John Whelan, residing at Old Pentland, was killed at Clippens Pit yesterday, by being jammed with a hutch.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 08 September 1890

FATAL ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

At the Clippens Oilworks yesterday two men were injured, one fatally. James Mulholland, miner, Lees Place, Loanhead, is the name of the latter, who was so severely injured by the fall of a heavy stone that on admission to the Royal Infirmary this morning he died. By the same accident James M. Monagle, miner, residing at 67 Pentland Place, Loanhead, had his right leg fractured. He was also taken to the Royal Infirmary.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 24 April 1891

LOANHEAD.

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS. - A miner named Thomas Cherry, residing in Clerk Street, Loanhead, and employed by the Clippens Oil Company, was admitted to the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, last Friday, suffering from a fractured leg, fractured ribs, and severe flesh wound. He was knocked down by a hutch which left the rails at the company's works.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 07 May 1891

ACCIDENT TO A CLIPPENS MINER. – On Monday morning, James M’Hainey, a miner employed by the Clippens Oil Company, fell off a hutch at the works of the Company at Loanhead, and the hutch, passing over him, inflicted severe bruises about the body and right leg. He was removed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 07 May 1891

PIT EXPLOSION AT LOANHEAD.

TWO MEN INJURED.

John Moran, miner, residing at Pentland Mains, Loanhead, and Thomas Kerr, miner, Pentland Row, Loanhead, both in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company, were brought to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary this forenoon suffering from burns about the face and other parts of the body, caused by an explosion of gas in a mine. It is surmised that the explosion was caused in some way by lamps which the men carried.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 21 August 1891

ACCIDENT AT THE CLIPPENS. - on Wednesday a miner named Thomas Thomson, residing in Loanhead, was going up the pipe tracks at the clippings, sitting on one of the “boggies,” but he unfortunately slipped and was thrown in front of a hutch coming down the incline at the time. The hutch passed over his right leg above the knee and broke it, and also caused him serious internal injuries.Dr Dickie's assistant attended him in the first instance, but the miner was removed to the Royal Edinburgh Infirmary afterwards.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 04 September 1891

PIT ACCIDENT. - An accident of rather a serious nature occurred on Tuesday morning at the Clippens Oil Works, Loanhead. A drawer named Charles Stewart (19 was working in No. 2 mine, about 40 feet from the “face,” when an explosion occurred. He was precipitated to the bottom, and had his left arm severely burned, the right one also being burned about the shoulder. His face, too, was much disfigured. He was conveyed home, but on Wednesday it was found necessary to take him to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. The police are investigating the cause of the explosion.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 28 March 1892

SERIOUS FIRE AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

Fire broke out shortly after ten o'clock this morning in the wax refinery at the works of the Clippens Oil Company, Loanhead. The amount of the damage cannot definitely stated, but il is believed to amount to several thousand pounds. The damage is, however, fully covered by insurance, and the fire will in no way interfere with the carrying on of the business. The fire occurred in what is variously known as the paraffin sheds, the sweating houses and the oil refining shops, where the work carried on is the extracting of the wax from the oil. There are night and day shifts, but only about two dozen men will be thrown out of work. The oil to be refined is run into iron trays, and the wax settles to the bottom. The wax is then placed in ovens with wooden doors, and it was at the back of one of these ovens that the fire originated. The ovens are heated with steam, and it is not known what caused combustion. The wood was very dry, and formed with the wax, with which the shelves were loaded, the very best material for flames. Soon, sheds Nos. 1 and 2 were in a blaze, but the brick partition separating Nos. 3 and 4 kept the fire from spreading to these. A quantity of the wax was saved, but several tons in various stages was destroyed. The iron roofs soon fell in, but the structural damage was comparatively small. At nine o'clock, before leaving for breakfast, the foreman saw that everything was right, and it was when the men were about to start work at a quarter to ten, that the alarm was raised. Eventually when it was seen that Nos. 3 and 4 sheds were not immediate danger, the fire was allowed to burn itself out; but so saturated was the floor with wax and oil that at two o'clock the flames were still burning.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 29 March 1892

ACCIDENT TO A SHALE MINER. – A shale miner, named Francis Sharkie, in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company, was admitted to Edinburgh Royal lnfirmary last night suffering from a burned face caused by an explosion of gas at the company's mine.

The Scotsman - Monday 11 April 1892

WHILE Martin Butler was on Friday, at the Pentland Shale Mine, belonging to the Clippens Oil Company, engaged taking out old props supporting the roof and putting in new ones, a prop broke and a quantity of rubbish fell on him from the roof, killing him instantly.

The Scotsman - Monday 11 April 1892

ACCIDENT TO A PITHEADMAN. – At the Clippens Oil Works on Saturday afternoon, Henry Taylor, a pitheadman, was accidentally crushed against some timber while sitting on a hutch which was in motion. He was removed to the Edinburgh Infirmary.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 21 May 1892

ACCIDENT TO CLIPPENS PIT SINKERS. - Two pit sinkers named Archibald Wilson and James Reilly, in the employment the Clippens Oil Company, were admitted to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary last evening, suffering from burns on the face, neck, and arms caused through an explosion in the above company's No. 8 mine. A naked light had been used.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 10 June 1892

MINER SEVERELY BURNT. – On Monday an explosion, caused by the exposure of a naked light in a dangerous part of the Clippens Oil Company’s mine, resulted in the severe burning of Richard Cornwall. The man was removed to the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.

Glasgow Evening Post - Friday 12 August 1892

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS. – A young man named Edward Manning, a labourer employed by the Clippens Oil Company, was yesterday admitted to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary suffering from wounds on the head and bruises on the body, the result of an explosion of gas which occurred at the works the previous evening.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 24 September 1892

MAN KILLED AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

About one o’clock this afternoon, a man named John Dolan, aged 55 years, was crossing the railway at Clippens Oil Works when the heel of one of his boots caught in the points. Before he could get free a pug engine came upon, knocked him down and severed his legs. Dolan died shortly after sustaining the injuries.

Glasgow Herald - Tuesday 20 December 1892

ACCIDENTS BY EXPLOSIONS -Two shale miners named James Gilhooly and Thomas Gilhooly, residing at Clippens Rows, Loanhead, were admitted to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary yesterday suffering from severe burns on the face, neck, arms, and hands, caused by an explosion which occurred while they were ready to start work in a mine of the Clippens Oil Company about seven o’clock yesterday morning.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 17 January 1893

PIT ACCIDENT. - Thomas Murphy and Stephen M'Patrlin, labourers, were this forenoon admitted to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, suffering from injuries to head and arms, caused by an explosion which occurred through their having entered one of the pits of the Clippens Oil Company at Loanhead with naked lights. The injuries are not serious.

Glasgow Evening Post - Saturday 15 July 1893

FATAL ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS. – An accident occurred at the Clippens Oil Company’s pits yesterday afternoon, whereby a young man named Alexander Kent lost his life. A fall of shale came down and buried him, and when he was got out it was found out that he was dead.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 20 July 1893

ACCIDENT TO A MINER. – On Thursday last Patrick Coyne, miner, residing at Pentland Rows, was burnt about the arms by an explosion of gas in the Clippens mine.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS.- On Friday afternoon last, an accident occurred in the Clippens shale mine whereby a young man named Alexander Kent lost his life. A heavy fall from the roof took place in that part of the mine where he was working, which took some hours to clear away before he could be extracted. At that time he was still alive, but a second fall took place, causing further injuries, from which he never recovered. The funeral took place on Monday.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 06 January 1894

A LAD named David Simpson, residing at Meadow Bank, Loanhead, and in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company, was brought to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary this morning, suffering from injuries to his left leg, caused being crushed while oiling an engine. The limb had to be amputated.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 18 January 1894

LOANHEAD.

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS. - Early on Tuesday morning a young man named Myles, employed as a retortman in Clippens Oil Works, and residing at Pentland Rows, Loanhead, sustained rather serious injuries about the head and face by falling over gangway at the retorts into the “gully" beneath. His fall was said to have been broken by projecting pipes, otherwise his injuries would have been more serious.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 19 April 1894

FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT. – James M’Culloch, boilermaker, was run over by some trucks at Clippens Oil Works, Loanhead, yesterday. He was conveyed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where his legs were amputated. He died shortly after the operation.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 25 May 1894

ACCIDENT. – A miner, residing at Meadowbank, named John Reid, and employed at No 8 Pit of the Clippens Oil Company, was seriously injured on Tuesday last. He was riding on what is known as a water hutch, and on being brought to the surface was crushed between the top of the vehicle and the crown bar. He was seriously hurt about the chest and back, and had to be conveyed home. Dr Dickie attended him.

Musselburgh News - Friday 29 June 1894

LOANHEAD.

ACCIDENT TO A MINER. — Gilbert Wilson, a miner employed by the Clippens Oil Company, residing at Burdiehouse, was removed to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on Wednesday forenoon, suffering from a compound fracture of the legs which he sustained while working in the Clippens Shale Pit. It appears that he was engaged firing a shot when the accident occurred. He is progressing favourably.

Glasgow Herald - Tuesday 16 April 1895

FATAL ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OILWORKS. – Yesterday afternoon a labourer named Thomas Rae, in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company, was admitted to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary suffering from a compound fracture of the leg, caused by a loaded waggon running over the limb. Amputation was resorted to, but the unfortunate man succumbed to his injuries last night.

Dundee Advertiser - Thursday 01 August 1895

MINER KILLED. – On Tuesday night James Pennycook, miner, was killed at No. 8 incline of the Clippens Oil Company’s pit at Loanhead. It appears that on leaving work he came to the pit bottom and jump into a half-full hutch which was about to be drawn to the surface. While on the way up the incline his shoulder caught one of the beams, and he was crushed between the hutch and the beam. He only lived ten minutes afterwards.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 08 August 1895

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS. – On Tuesday morning a lad named Stewart was slightly cut on the head by a piece of shale falling upon him in one of the Pentland mines.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 23 August 1895

FATAL RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. —Robert Stenhouse, miner, Gouklymoss, died in the Royal Infirmary last Friday morning, from injuries received on Wednesday week by an explosion which occurred in No. 4 shale mine of the Clippens Oil Company at Straiton, and as a result of which he was severely burnt about the head, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 06 March 1896

ACCIDENTS. – James Allan, a lad, in charge of a pump in No. 4 Mine, Clippens, met with a serious accident on Friday. A string of hutches broke loose through a link of the hauling chain snapping, and these running back knocked him down and broke his leg. He was removed in an ambulance waggon to Edinburgh Infirmary. -On the same day a miner, named John Donoghue received slight injuries through an explosion in his place in No 8 Mine.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 20 March 1896

ACCIDENT. – On Saturday last a lad named James Hughes, residing at Oakbank, was injured while standing at the pithead of No. 8 mine, Clippens Oil Work. The wire rope used for haulage broke and twisting over the pithead struck Hughes with considerable force. Dr Dickie attended the lad, who is now recovering. When examined in the morning no flaw was detected in the rope. The breakage occurred near to the hook attached to the hutches.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 30 March 1896

GAS EXPLOSION AT STRAITON PIT.

John Bell, fireman, employed the Clippens Oil Company Pit at Straiton, was severely burned about the head and arms this morning by an explosion of gas in the pit. He was taken to Edinburgh Royal infirmary. It appears that while Bell was going his rounds an escape of gas came in contact with his lamp and an explosion resulted.

The Scotsman - Thursday 16 April 1896

EXPLOSION IN A LOANHEAD PIT. - A miner named William Benson, residing at Meadowbank Rows, Loanhead, was somewhat burned about the face and arms by an explosion which occurred yesterday morning in one of the pits of the Clippens Oil Company in the neighbourhood. He was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 10 September 1896

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS. – On Friday night a brusher named James Dailly met with a serious accident in No. 4 mine, Straiton, belonging to the Clippens Oil Company, Limited. It appears that he was in the act of taking down a set of wood, when a large piece of stone fell from the rook and struck him on the leg. He was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary in the ambulance waggon, where it was found that the leg was broken in two places above the knee, besides being badly cut. Dailly is progressing very favourably.

The Scotsman - Friday 20 November 1896

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS. – James Christie, a labourer, was yesterday afternoon accidentally run over by a waggon on a siding at the Clippens Oil Works, Lasswade, and sustained a compound fracture of the leg. He was removed to Edinburgh Infirmary.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 28 November 1896

ACCIDENT TO QUARRYMAN. – Jas. Hannah, quarryman, Straiton, in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company, Loanhead, early this morning sustained a fracture to his right leg in consequence of a large stone falling upon him.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 15 March 1897

EXPLOSION AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

A fireman named James Brown, employed by the Clippens Oil Company, was admitted to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary about half-past two o'clock this afternoon suffering from severe burns about the face and arms, and also a cut head, caused by an explosion of fire damp in the pit where he was working about 11 o'clock this morning. It appears that Brown was the only person in the part where the explosion occurred, or the result might have been more serious.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 10 June 1897

ACCIDENT AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS. - Yesterday afternoon, while Peter Liddell, residing at Gilmerton, was working in the limestone pit belonging to Clippens Oil Company, a shot exploded prematurely. Liddell was severely injured about the face and arms, and was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary in the Loanhead ambulance waggon.

Advertisements

Glasgow Herald - Monday 04 March 1872

RETORTS (25 Horizontal) for Sale, Charging about 8 cwt., in very good condition, - Apply to Clippens Shale Oil Co., 123 Hope Street.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 10 October 1872

MAN (steady) WANTED, in the Country, to take Charge of a Horse, and to Work in the Garden. Must understand Horses. – Apply at the Clippens Shale Oil Co.’s Office, 16 Bothwell Street, Glasgow; or Clippens House by Linwood.

The Scotsman - Friday 26 September 1873

MANAGER (Retort) Wanted to Take Charge of a Large Number of Retorts and Men. As good encouragement will be given, only competent parties need apply to Clippens Shale Oil Company, 16 Bothwell Street, Glasgow.

Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Monday 27 October 1873

BRICKS for Sale; first-class quality. Apply to the Clippens Shale Oil Co., 16 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, or at their works, near Crosslee Station.

The Scotsman - Monday 22 December 1873

TABLE (Full-sized Railway Wagon Turning), with Mountings complete, Wanted. Apply to Clippens Shale Oil Company, 16 Bothwell Street.

Glasgow Herald - Friday 03 April 1874

WAGGONETTE for Sale; Large, and in excellent condition, having been only about a year in use. – Apply to Clippens Shale Oil Co., 16 Bothwell Street.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 10 May 1875

WANTED, Two Old Boilers or Tanks, each 3000 to 4000 gallons capacity. – Apply to Clippens Shale Oil Co., 16 Bothwell Street.

Glasgow Herald - Friday 05 November 1875

Clerk Wanted for the Clippens Shale Oil Works. Salary, £50 per annum. – Apply at 16 Bothwell Street, Glasgow.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 16 June 1877

BRICKLAYERS. – Wanted, a few Bricklayers at Clippens Oil Works, Johnstone. – Apply at the works.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 30 December 1878

HYDRAULIC PRESSES (4) for Sale with drums, &c., complete, for pressing paraffin. – Can be seen. Clippens works, Johnstone.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 10 July 1882

TURNER Wanted, accustomed to General Engineer Work. One just out of his apprenticeship preferred. – Apply Clippens Oil Works, by Johnstone.

Shields Daily Gazette - Thursday 03 August 1882

WANTED, BRICKLAYERS for Retort and Cottage Building at Clippen’s Oilworks, Limited, Edinburgh. – Apply at Works or address JOHN DENNIS, Dalkeith.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 08 January 1883

Wanted, Labourers for Drainage and Assisting Bricklayers. – Apply Downie Brown, Foreman Bricklayer, Clippens Pentland Oil Works, near Loanhead.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 15 June 1883

BRASS Band Wanted to accompany the Clippens Employees from Pentland Oil Works to Perth on Saturday 21st July. – Apply P. Goldie, Loanhead.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 26 November 1883

WANTED, Two or Three Masons at Clippens Oil Works, Loanhead, for a short Job.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 31 May 1884

WANTED, Storekeeper for the Pentland Works of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), Loanhead. – Apply personally at the Works.

Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser - Saturday 31 October 1885

MINERS WANTED for CLIPPENS SHALE WORKS, Loanhead, near Edinburgh. Constant Employment and Good Wages; also, Contractors who can take charge of Ten or Twelve Men.

Glasgow Herald - Friday 18 February 1887

The Clippens Oil Company, Limited, invite applications at par for the above £17,000 Debentures.

In virtue of arrangements recently approved by the Share-holders, and for the completion of which the present issue is made. the Debentures will be secured by the conveyance to the Trustees for the Debenture holders, for the special security of the Debenture debt of the Company, of

1. The Estate of Straiton, held by the Company Free of all Burdens, with the Whole Works, Houses, Railways, Pit thereon and Minerals therein, and valued at £110,000.
   
2. The Freehold Property of Mayshade House and Land, valued at £1650.
   
3. The refining Work, Railways, Workmen’s Houses, and other Heritable Property of the Company situate at Clippens. and held on a Lease of 31 Years from Whitsunday, 1886, and valued at £95,000.
   
4. The Works, Pits, Workmen’s Houses, and Railway situate at Pentland, Mid-Lothian, held Leasehold, and valued at £97,000.
   

In addition to the special security of the property above described, and valued at upwards of £300,000. these Debentures have the further security of the Stock, outstanding Book Debts and other Assets of the Company, which are at present valued at upwards of £50,000 in excess of all liabilities of the Company, other than the Debenture debt.

The amount required to cover Debenture interest on the completion of the present issue will be £5000 per annum. The profits of the Company for the last three years, during the greater part of which a large portion of the property now held was not owned, amounted to £74,325 (after writing off depreciation for that period to the extent of £36,998, or upwards of £24,000 per annum, nearly five times the sum required to meet the Debenture interest.

Further particulars and Forms of Application can be obtained from Messrs GRAHAMES, CRUM & SPENS, 101 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, or at the Office of the Company, 16 Bothweil Street, where also the Draft Deed of Conveyance to the Debenture Trustees ran be seen.

The Scotsman - Monday 21 February 1887

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED.)

CONTRACTS FOR STORES.

The DIRECTORS of above COMPANY are prepared to receive TENDERS for STORES required during Year ending 31st March 1888. Forms of Tender can be had on application to the undersigned.

Bo Order of the Board.

JAMES ARMOUR, Secretary.

16 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, 21st February 1887.

The Scotsman - Monday 09 May 1887

FIVE PER CENT. MORTGAGE DEBENTURES.

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED.)

CAPITAL SUBSCRIBED………………….£258,900
DEBENTURES AUTHORISED…………..110,000

Trustees for Debenture Holders.
WILLIAM HOULDSWORTH, Esq. of Mount Charles, Ayr.
ARCHIBALD GALBRAITH, Esq., of Messrs A.& A. Galbraith, Glasgow.
THOMAS MARR, Esq., Manager Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society, Glasgow.

To replace DEBENTURES falling due at Whitsunday, a limited number of £100 and upwards will be issued for 3, 4, or 5 Years at the rate of 5 per Cent. per Annum. These Debentures, limited to £110,000, are specially secured by the conveyance to the above Trustees of the Freehold and Leasehold Property. Works, Railways, and Workmen’s Houses belonging to the Company, valued at upwards of £300,000.

Full particulars may be obtained at the Office of the Company, 16 BOTHWELL STREET, GLASGOW.

JAMES ARMOUR, Secretary.

The Scotsman - Saturday 02 February 1889

LOANHEAD – MAYSHADE HOUSE to LET, nine apartments; stables and coach house; large garden; immediate entry. Apply Clippens Oil Coy., Ld., Pentland Works Office, Loanhead.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 06 February 1890

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED

TENDER FOR STORES FOR YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH,1891.ompany invite TENDERS for the STORES required by them for the Year from 1st April, 1890, to 31st March, 1891. – Forms of Tender can be had on application to the undersigned.

By Order.

JAMES ARMOUR, Secretary.

27 Royal Exchange Square,

Glasgow, 4th February, 1890.

Dundee Advertiser - Friday 21 March 1890

MONEY, SHARES, INVESTMENTS.

The Subscription List will Open on WEDNESDAY, 26th, and Close on FRIDAY, 26th instant.

5 PER CENT. CONVERTIBLE MORTGAGE STOCK OF
THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED).

DIRECTORS
WILLIAM MACKINNON, Esq., Glasgow.
A. C. SCOTT, Esq. Hillhouse, Dundonald.
A. CRUM MACLAE, Esq., Writer, Glasgow.
T. I. SCOTT, Esq., Torr Hall. Bridge-of-Weir.
J. E. StODDART, Esq., Glasgow.

TRUSTEES FOR DEBENTURE-HOLDERS.
WILLIAM HOULDSWORTH, Esq., of Mount Charles, Ayr.
THOMAS MARR, Esq., Manager, Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society, Glasgow.
Bankers – NATIONAL BANK OF SCOTLAND, Scotland, Limited, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and branches.

BROKERS.
Messrs BELL, COWAN, & CO., Edinburgh.
Messrs GRAHAMES, CRUM & SPENS, Glasgow.

CAPITAL SUBSCRIBED. £258,900.
Issue of £140,000 Five per cent. Convertible Mortgage Debenture Stock at par for the purpose of the Conversion of the whole existing Terminable Debenture Bonds and other Debt of the Company, of which £53,650 has been already privately subscribed, and the balance of £86,350 is now offered for public subscription, payable as follows:- £5 on application, £95 on 15th May 1890

The Stock will be redeemable at 5 per cent. premium by annual drawings, beginning May 15, 1891, and is convertible into Shares of the Company both as hereinafter described.

PROSPECTUS.

THE Directors of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, have determined follow the plan now generally adopted by Companies of freeing themselves from all terminable debt by the issue of a Debenture Stock. This Stock will form practically the sole debt of the Company, and under the proposed arrangements will, if not converted into Ordinary Stock, be redeemed by the operation of the Sinking Fund, hereafter referred to, within a period of 19 years.

Recognising that the debt of Companies of this description should be gradually liquidated, the Company, for the service of the interest on and gradual redemption of the proposed Debenture Debt, has specially charged its property with the payment of £12,000 a year. This sum will in 19 years provide for the extinction of the whole debt. In terms of the Deed of Trust this annual payment is applied (1) in meeting interest on the Debenture Stock outstanding and (2) in redeeming and cancelling Debenture Stock by Drawings, the Debenture-holder receiving £105 for each £100 of Stock held. The interest and principal of the Debenture Stock are secured by the conveyance to the Trustees for the Debenture-holders for the special security of the Debenture Debt of the Company of—
1. The lands and estate of Straiton and Mayshade, in the County of Midlothian, with all the minerals therein owned by the Company, free of all burdens, with the whole works, houses, railways and pits thereon, valued at £139,664.
2. The works, pits, workmen's houses, and railway situate at Pentland, Midlothian, held leasehold for 31 years from Martinmas 1886, and valued at £103,623.
3. The refining work, railways, workmen's houses, and other heritable property of the Company situate Clippens, in the County of Renfrew, and held on a lease of 31 years from Whitsunday 1886, and valued at £100,075.

In addition to the special security of the property above described, and valued at upwards of £343.000, this Stock will have the further security of the Stock-in-Trade, Outstanding Book Debts, and other Assets of the Company, amounting at present to about £50,000.

The annual amount required to meet the Debenture Stock Interest and Sinking Fund Charge is £12,000. The profits of the Company for the last seven years, during the greater part of which a large portion of the property now held was not owned, available for meeting interest and depreciation, amounted to £194,906, or £27,844 per annum.

In order to make the Debenture Stock, thus so well secured, still more attractive an investment, the Company has agreed to confer upon its holders the right of conversion into Ordinary Stock at any time during its currency at the rate of one Ordinary share for each £13 of Debenture Stock held. The rate fixed for conversion is £1 per Share below that at which the Company last made an issue of Shares, and whilst the present price is considerably below this price the improved outlook of the Oil Trade renders this right one of prospective value. In 1883 the Shares of the Clippens Oil Company commanded £19 per £10 Share, and were this price again realised the Debenture Stock Subscribers would by conversion make a gain in capital of upwards of 46 per cent.

The Stock will be registered in the Books of the Company, and interest warrants will be posted to the registered holders half-yearly, on 15th May and 11th November.

Arrangements have been made with the Brokers for the issue, whereby they, on their own behalf and that of others, have undertaken that the whole Stock now offered will be subscribed, and on the completion of the issue immediate application will made for the quotation of the Stock upon the Edinburgh and Glasgow Stock Exchanges.

A copy of the Trust Deed can be seen at the Office of the Company’s Solicitor-, Messrs MONCREIFF, BARR, PATERSON & CO., Glasgow.

Applications for Stock must be made on the accompanying form, and be sent, with the deposit of 5 per cent., to the Bankers for the issue. Forms of application can be obtained at the Office of the Company, or from its Bankers or Brokers.

In cases where no allotment is made the deposit will be returned in full.

27 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow.

20th March 1890.

Widnes Examiner - Saturday 18 October 1890

" SAPINE."

The principal feature of this simple preparation is that, by its use, Clothes can now be thoroughly washed and cleansed in about half-an-hour without any rubbing. Being absolutely free from smell, and guaranteed free from any chemicals, its use can in no way damage the most delicate fabrics, while they are washed beautifully white without the wear and tear of hard rubbing.

To be had of all Respectable Grocers and Oilmen.

Directions for Use will be found attached to Each Tablet.

SOLE MAKERS:- CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED. 27, ROYAL EXCHANGE SQUARE, GLASGOW.

E. MILLs, Sole Agent for Warrington, Glasgow House, Orford St.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 15 June 1892

TO LET.

CLIPPENS OIL WORKS, JOHNSTONE, NEAR GLASGOW.

Those Central, Commodious, and Well-Equipped WORKS (which have hitherto been used as an Oil Refinery), extending to about 43 Acres, which Area may be curtailed to suit Offerers.

The Buildings, which are of Brick, consist of Oil Refinery and Adjuncts, Mechanic’s, Blacksmith’s, and Cooperage Shops; and the Plant comprises Steam Boilers, Pipes throughout the Works, Hydraulic Presses and Pumps, Filter Presses, Tanks, Engines, &c. There is an excellent supply of Gravitation Water and a thorough system of Drainage.

The Manager’s House is large and substantial, and there are also Foremen’s and Workmen’s Houses capable of accommodating a large staff of men.

The Ground and Works are admirably adapted for an extensive Iron and Steel or Engineering Business, being within a few miles by road or rail of the Clyde shipbuilding yards and shipping ports, while both the Caledonian and Glasgow and South-Western Railway Companies have sidings into the Works.

For particulars and Orders to view the Works, apply to HOLMES, MACTAVISH & FULLERTON, Writers, Johnstone, and 128 St Vincent Street, Glasgow.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 28 December 1892

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED, IN LIQUIDATION.

NOTICE.

In a petition at the instance of THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED, having its Registered Office at No. 27 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, and JOHN SCOTT TAIT, Chartered Accountant, Edinburgh, and JAMES ARMOUR, No. 27 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, Li that the voluntaryquidators in the voluntary winding up of the said Company under the Companies Acts, presented to the Court of Session iin Scotland (First Division – Mr Couper, Clerk) praying for an Order directing that the voluntary winding up of the said Company be continued, but subject to the supervision of the Court, and further praying the Court to direct all subsequent proceedings in the winding up of the said Company to be taken before one of the permanent Lords-Ordinary, and to remit the winding up to him according to make such orders as may be necessary therein, accordingly the following Interlocutor has been pronounced by the Lord-Ordinary (Lord Rutherfurd Clark) officiating on the Bills in the Court of Session:-

“Edinburgh, 27th December, 1892. – The Lord-Ordinary officiating on the Bills appoints the Petition to be intimated on the walls and in the minute book in common form, and to be advertised once in the Edinburgh Gazette, Glasgow Herald, and Scotsman Newspapers, and allows all persons having interest to lodge answers within Six Days after such intimations and advertisement.
(Signed) “AND. R. CLARK.”
-Of all which Institution is hereby given.

WALLACE & GUTHRIE, W.S.., Agents.
1 North Charlotte Street, Edinburgh
27th December, 1892.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 01 January 1894

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED, IN LIQUIDATION.

NOTICE. - A NOTE has been presented in the above Liquidation to the LORDS of COUNCIL and SESSION (First Division - Lord STORMONTH-DARLING, Ordinary; Ordinary: Mr M’CAUL, Clerk). for JOHN SCOTT TAIT, Chartered Accountant, Edinburgh, and JAMES ARMOUR, Number Twenty-seven Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, Liquidators of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, in Liquidation, praying their Lordships to pronounce an Order requiring the CREDITORS of the CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED, in Liquidation, to send their NAMES and ADDRESSES and the PARTICULARS of their DEBTS or CLAIMS, duly supported by their oath of verity, to the LIQUIDATORS at their Office. Number Sixty-seven George Street, Edinburgh, on or before the Twenty-second Day of January, Eighteen Hundred and Ninety-four, with certification that if they fail to do so they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution that may be made before such Debts are proved.

Upon which Note Lord STORMONTH-DARLING has been pleased to pronounce the following Interlocutor, viz.:- "23d December 1893.- Lord Stormonth-Darling, Act. Wilson.-The Lord Ordinary having considered the Note for the Liquidators. No. 294 of Process, grants the prayer of the said Note as amended, and decerms - MOTR T. STORMONTH-DARLING.”

Of all which intimation is hereby given.

WALLACE & GUTHRIE, W.S.,

Agents for the Liquidators
1 North Charlotte Street,
Edinburgh, 28th December, 1893.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 30 September 1896

SALE OF SURPLUS PLANT
AT CLIPPENS OILWORKS, LOANHEAD,
BY EDINBURGH,
ON THURSDAY, 15TH OCTOBER, AT ONE O’CLOCK.
SHIRLAW, ALLAN & CO. have been favoured with instructions from the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, to Sell, by Auction, as above. Particulars afterwards.
Hamilton, 29th September, 1896.

Glasgow Herald - Friday 09 October 1896

SALE OF SURPLUS PLANT AND MACHINERY at CLIPPENS OIL WORKS, LOANHEAD, MID-LOTHIAN, on THURSDAY, 15TH OCTOBER, 1896, at One o’clock.

SHIRLAW, ALLAN & CO. have been favoured with instructions from Messrs the Clippens Oil Coy., Ltd., to Sell, by Auction, as follows:--Coupled, Compound Condensing, Pumping, Overhead, and Beam Engines; Steam Westinghouse, Three Throw and Donkey Pumps, Pit Pump Pipes and Connections, Atmospheric Condensers, Set Baker’s Exhausters No. 17, Continuous Distillation Still, W.I.Gas-holder, M and C.I. Tanks, 2 Travelling Tank Waggons, 20-Ton Waggon Weighing Machine, 10-Ton Double Power Winch, Vertical Drilling Machine, Hydraulic Presses, M. and C.I. Scrap, &c, &c.

Brakes will await the arrival of the 11 o’clock train from Glasgow (Queen Street), at Waterloo Place, near G.P.O., Edinburgh, for the Sale.

Catalogues from Auctioneers.

Hamilton, 6th October, 1896.

The Scotsman - Saturday 17 April 1909

THE PENTLAND AND STRAITON OILWORKS and OTHER PROPERTIES belonging to THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED, in Liquidation, FOR SALE by PRIVATE TREATY.

OFFERS will be received for the following:--

(1) ALL and WHOLE the LANDS of STRAITON, situated in the Parish of Liberton and County of Mid-Lothian and consisting of 283 Acres or thereby, with the Shale and Minerals situated thereunder, and the Extensive Works, Houses, &c, known as The Straiton Oilworks, formerly worked in conjunction with the Pentland Oilworks of the above Company erected on adjoining leasehold subjects. The Rental of Straiton Estate, including £14, 7s. 2d . of Feu-duties and Ground Rent, is £1510, 6s 6d. The annual burdens in 1908 amounted to £171, 16s. 11d.

(2) The Small Property of MAYSHADE, lying to the South of Straiton Estate , purchased by the Company for £ 1850, with Dwellinghouse thereon, and containing 10 Acres or thereby. Rental, £66, 16s. Annual burdens in 1908, £7, 5s. 3d. Feu-duty, £10.

The subjects include various Works, Railways, &c.

The Estate contains valuable Seams of Shale formerly worked along with Shale leased in adjoining properties. Arrangements can be made by a purchaser for taking over the leases, and the whole would form a very valuable field for the establishment of a new Scottish Oil Company.

Tenders must be lodged not later than the sixth day of May 1909 with the Liquidators of the Company at No. 3 Albyn Place, Edinburgh, from whom Prints of the Conditions of Sale may be obtained.

Company Information

Glasgow Herald - Tuesday 23 April 1872

JOHNSTONE. – Water Supply to Clippens. – The Paisley Water Commissioners have agreed with the Clippens Shale Oil Company to continue their pipes from Linwood to their shale works, and to a village for the accommodation of the workers which is to be erected on adjacent ground. The Clippens Shale Works are situated to the north-west of Linwood, on the estate of Clippens, which belonged to the late Dr Cochrane, a native of Kilbarchan. Dr Cochrane amassed an immense fortune in India, and the succession to it has formed an important Chancery suit still unsettled. The Clippens Shale Works have been in operation only for a short time, but their present produce is very large. When completed they will be reckoned among the largest and the most productive in Scotland.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 26 October 1872

JOHNSTONE. – Bricks without Mortar. – The Clippens Shale Oil Company have erected machinery at their oil works at Clippens, for the manufacture of bricks out of the shale after the oil is extracted from it. The shale is placed in a hopper, where it is ground down into a fine powder, after which it is mixed with water, and moulded into bricks. All this is done by machinery. The bricks are of a superior quality.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 17 May 1875

The extensive shale oil works at Clippens, belonging to Messrs Binning Co., Johnstone, have ceased operations, and a considerable number of workpeople have been thrown out of employment in consequence. The principal cause the stoppage is the want shale and coals.

Globe - Wednesday 05 January 1876

The Glasgow Herald understands that Mr. Scott, Glasgow, one the partners of the Clippens Shale Oil Company, has purchased the whole of the ironstone and coal mines at Clippens, from Messrs. Merry and Cuninghame. Mr. Scott has also become sole proprietor of the Clippens Shale Oil Company.

London Daily News - Saturday 17 June 1876

(Extract from list of Partnerships Dissolved)

Clippens Shale Oil Company, Glasgow, and Clippens, Renfrewshire, so far as regards R. Binning and J. Binning.

North British Daily Mail - Friday 23 June 1876

The Clippens Shale Oil Company has appointed Messrs Watt Bros. & Co., Glasgow, to represent the company for the sale of its products.

North British Daily Mail - Friday 04 August 1876

LINWOOD. – THE SHALE TRADE. – It is stated that Mr Scott, proprietor of Clippens Shale Oil Works, has purchased another mine in the vicinity of his present works, with a view to the extension of his business.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 15 June 1878

LINWOOD.

RESTORATION OF CLIPPEN’S OIL WORKS. – The building which was completely destroyed by the late destructive fire at Clippen’s works has again been restored, and the machinery which was lost has been re-introduced by Messrs. James Donald & Son, engineers, Johnstone, to whom the work was intrusted. It is expected that the new additions will be started immediately.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 10 June 1880

LOANHEAD.

ACTIVITY IN THE BUILDING TRADE. — At the present time, when the coal trade is so exceptionally dull, it is refreshing to mark the activity of the building trade in this village. Within the last ten years, the old thatched houses have been replaced by comfortable new ones, and several large tenements have lately been added. The building of the greatest importance at present in the course of election is an oil refinery in connection with the Straiton Oil Company Works, which with have a chimney-stack fully 200 feet in height. ln the Mayburn district two single villas and one double villa are being erected by A. Ketchen & Sons. ln the Penicuik Road a splendid house is being built, besides which there are three villas just finished and one in the course of erection, as well as a tenement of working men's houses. A large block of houses three storeys in height, is being built in the middle of the village by Mr James Glover, who has greatly added to the amenity of the locality by the substantial buildings he has reared. It may also be mentioned that the Clippens Co., Paisley, are boring in the Pentland estate for shale with the view of starting an oil work in the neighbourhood.

Glasgow Evening Citizen - Friday 24 March 1882

Prospectuses

CLPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED).

INCORPORATED UNDER THE COMPANIES ACTS, 1862-80.

CAPITAL, £250,000, in 25,000 SHARES of £0 Each.

CONSISTING OF

7,500 NEW SHARES, upon which only £8 is intended to be called up, and for which subscriptions is now invited.

13,500 FULLY PAID SHARES, of which Mr. Scott will hold 7000, and the remainder, 6500, are now offered to the public at par.

4,000 SHARES RESERVED for future issues.

25,000

DIRECTORS.

JAMES SCOTT, Esq., 1 Woodside Place, Glasgow.

WILLIAM MACKINNON, Esq, C.A., Glasgow.

A.CRUM MACLAE, Esq. of Cathkin, Writer, Glasgow

A.C.SCOTT, Esq., Clippens House, Johnstone.

J. ROBERTSON REID, Esq., Gallowflat

Solicitors

Messrs MONCRIEFF, BARR, PATERSON &CO., 45 West George Street, Glasgow.

Bankers

THE NATIONAL BANK OF SCOTLAND

Brokers

Messrs GRAHAMES, CRUM & SPENS, 12 St. Vincent Place, Glasgow

H.D. DICKIE, Esq., 63 Hanover Street, Edinburgh.

Auditors.

Messrs. CARSON & WATSON, C.A., Glasgow.

Secretary.

T.I.SCOTT, Esquire, 16 Bothwell Street, Glasgow.

PROSPECTUS

This Directors of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) offer for subscription 7500 Shares of the Company of £10 each, being part of the unissued Balance of 11,500 Shares held by the Company; and, for the reasons hereinafter given, 6500 of the fully paid Shares already Issued are, by arrangements with the present holders thereof, also offered to Public at par.

The Company was incorporated on 9th February, 1878, and then took over the Works, Pits, Railways, Houses, Leases, &c, together with the Stock-in-Trade of the unincorporated Company, called the Clippens Shale Oil Company, of which Mr. James Scott was the then sole partner, at the price of £150000, as per agreement hereinafter referred to.

The Company has, since its incorporation, expended upwards of £25,000 in additions and improvements to the works at Clippens, and the result is that it has already refined and now can refine upwards of 450,000 gallons of crude oil per month into Scale, Wax, Burning Oil, Lubricating Oil, &c, &c.

The Company has at present two Pit Leases at Clippens (copies of which can be seen at the Company's Office), for Shale, Ironstone, and Coal, which is at present working, but which, when the Pentland Property, hereafter referred to, is further developed, it is intended to discontinue working.

In 1879, the Company acquired under lease, and on favourable terms, the extensive field of minerals at Pentland, about 6 miles from Edinburgh. In this property are five seams of shale, the thickest being 7 feel, and the thinnest 18 inches. It is estimated by Mr. Wm. Robertson, M.E., to contain 5,900,000 tons of shale, after deduction of an ample allowance for loss in working &c., or sufficient to yield an output of 200,000 tons per annum for about 30 years. Then also in this property “The Burdiehouse” seam of Limestone, upwards of 20 feet thick. The Company has opened up the 7-feet Shale, and erected 192 retorts at Pentland (with recovery for Spirit and Ammonia House), capable of distilling 6000 tons of Shale per month. These works are connected with the North British Railway by a Wayleaved Siding. The outlay at Pentland has amounted to £32,544 13s.

The Pentland Works have been for the last four months in full operation with most satisfactory results: but in order to derive the full benefit of the acquisition this property, it is proposed to erect extra Retorts and appurtenances to enable the Company to distil 180,000 to 200,000 tons of Shale per annum.

The Company further desires to utilise valuable patents of Messrs. Young and Beilby, in which it has a share, and by arrangement it is entitled to use free of royalty, and which it is anticipated will enable it to obtain from 100 to 150 per cent more sulphate of ammonia from its products than is obtained under the best system now In use. For these purposes Directors find it necessary to make the further issue of capital now proposed; but they anticipate that they will only require to call up £8 per Share thereon. The Books of the Company are balanced annually at 31st March, and Mr. James Scott guarantees that, on these arrangements being completed, the assets of the Company, other than those hereafter specified, mainly consisting of Book Debts due to the Company, shall be sufficient to discharge all the Trade Debts and other liabilities, except those specified hereafter, and except the usual obligations under existing leases and contracts. The position of the Company will than stand as follows:-

LIABILITIES.

Capital

13,500

Shares of £10 each, fully paid

£135,000

7,500

Shares of £10 each, £8 paid

60,000

£195,000

Debenture Bonds (5 per cent)

40,000

£235,000

ASSETS

Works and other Assets as follows:-

1. Clippens Works, Tank Waggons, Storage Tanks, &c, all taken at cost price, less 15 per cent. depreciation, and exclusive of upwards of £30,000 expended in keeping the works in thorough repair and good working order
   

£104,619 7 0

1. Clippens Pits, Railways, Houses, &c. valued by Mr. Robertson, M.E., on 28th February, 1882, the Pits being at Removal value
   

11,136 0 0

1. Pentland Works, Pits, Railways, &c., taken at cost price
   

32,554 13 0

1. Patent rights, Shale Fields, Goodwill, &c.
   

15,000 0 0

Note. – This includes Beilby and Young’d New Ammonia Patent, which the Company have the rights of using free of royalty, and on which they also receive a share of the royalties.

1. Stock – in – Trade, subject to valuation, as at 31st March, 1882, say
   

30,000 0 0

Available for additional outlay and working Capital

41,700 0 0

£235,000

It is intended that the works at Pentland shall be devoted to raising the Shale and manufacturing it into Crude Oil, Ammonia, &c, and the works at Clippens to refining the Crude Oil into Wax, Burning Oil. Lubricating Oil, &c. The result of the last few months working of the Pentland Shale shows (according to the Company’s books, as audited and certified Messrs. Carson & Watson, C.A.), a profit of 4s per ton after providing for 7 ½ per cent. for depreciation of works on a basis of the proposed Capital and Output.

This on the 180,000 tons of Shale per annum would yield a profit of £36,000, or upwards of 17 per cent. on the proposed Capital of the Company. This is exclusive of further anticipated profit from working Messrs. Young & Beilby’s Patent, which, by returns on experimental retorts lately erected at Pentland, shows an increased yield of from 15 to 18 Ibs. of Ammonia per ton of Shale, equal, after deducting expenses, to about 1s 5d. per ton of Shale based present market price of Ammonia. This would yield 8 per cent. more on Capital.

The Company possesses in its Pentland lease Shale of the same description as that belonging to the Broxburn Oil Company (Limited), whose Shares, on which £8 10s have been paid, are selling for £28.

The Directors propose that the calls on the new 7500 Shares shall be -

£1 per share on Application

£1 10s per share on Allotment

and the balance in calls not exceeding £2 10s, and at intervals of not less than three months, but not more than £8 in all is expected to the at present required.

The Directors find that, in order to conform with the rules the Stock Exchange for obtaining an official quotation, two-thirds of the whole capital issued by any Company must offered for public subscription. It has consequently been arranged that of the shares already issued 6500 shall be offered to the public at par, but, as indicating his confidence in the stability of the Company, it may be stated that Mr. James Scott has agreed to hold, for period of two years, from 1st April next, 7000 Shares, being the greatest proportion of capital allowed by the Stock Exchange to be held by any one shareholder of Company applying for a quotation. Mr. Scott, however, reserves the right to transfer some of these shares to members of his own family, to be held under a like restriction. The payment for the 6500 Shares is to be as follows:-

£1 on application.

£9 on transfer being made, the expenses of which will be defrayed by the sellers.

The Company has secured as Consulting Chemist and Engineer the services of Mr. William Young, who has been in the Company's service tor eight years, and is the co-patentee with Mr. Beilby of the patents before referred to.

The Company has entered into the following agreements:- (1) Agreement between Mr. James Scott, sole partner of a then unincorporated Company as Vendor, and Thomas Inglis Scott, as on behalf of the present Limited Company, dated 25th January, 1878; (2) Agreement between Mr. William Young and the Company, dated 10th January, 1882; and (3) Agreement between Mr James Scott and the Company, dated 23d March, 1882. Copies of these Agreements can be seen at the Office of the Company.

The Companies Act. 1887. requires that every prospectus and notice Inviting persons to subscribe for Shares in Joint Stock Company shall specify the dates and names of the parties to any contracts entered into by the Company, or by the promoters, Directors, or Trustees thereof, before the issue of such prospectus or notice.

The Company and Directors have, of course, entered into many contracts in connection with the Company's property and business; but as it would be impracticable to specify them all, and the Directors are advised that the Act was not intended to apply to such contracts, they do not attempt to give any such particulars except as regards the agreements referred to above, which they believe are the only agreements requiring to be specified. To prevent any question on the subject a clause is inserted In the form of Application for Shares dispensing with the above-mentioned requirements of the Act.

Applications for Shares must be made on the accompanying form, and forwarded to the Company's Bankers, along with the necessary deposit. Forms of application may obtained from the Bankers, Brokers, or at the Office the Company.

If no allotment Is made, the deposit will be returned In full.

24th March,1882.

Daily Review (Edinburgh) - Thursday 06 April 1882

We understand the shares recently offered by the Clippens Oil Company for public subscription have been fully applied for, and that the letters of allotment were issued to-night.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 31 May 1882

A general ordinary meeting of the shareholders of the CLIPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) was held yesterday in the Accountants’ Hall, West Nile Street, Glasgow. There was a good attendance. Mr James Scott, chairman of the company, presided, and among the other gentlemen present were Mr Wm. Mackinnon, C.A.; Mr A. Crum Maclae of Cathkin; Mr A. C. Scott, Clippens House; and Mr J. Robertson Reid of Gallowflat – the directors. Mr Geo. B. Young, the secretary of the company, read the directors' report, which was as follows: - The directors have convened this meeting in terms of the articles of association, which require a general ordinary meeting to be held annually within two calendar months from 31st March, for the purpose of laying before the shareholders the financial position of the company. The directors accordingly beg to lay before the shareholders an abstract account of the liabilities and assets taken over from by the old body of shareholders, and which is appended to this report, and certified by Messrs Carson & Watson, CA., the auditors of the company, and the new books will start from 1st April, 1882, with these figures. Referring to the abstract account, the directors have to explain (1) that the share capital issued has been all subscribed for, and is quoted on the Stock Exchange; (2) that the capital unissued, represented by 4,000 shares of £10 each, will not be issued without the consent of the shareholders being obtained at a general meeting, as per minute of directors held on 4th April, 1882; (3) that the bonds were all taken up, and are to be redeemable in 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, l888; (4) that all the works, pits, railways, &c., at Clippens at Pentland are in good working order; (5) that the stocks are all taken at cost prices, and where such exceeded the market prices they have been written down. The estimates for new works to be erected this year are as follows:- 192 "Young & Beilby's” retorts, with ammonia and spirit recovery plant, with all appurtenances thereto, £15,000; new pit shaft at Pentland, £2000; 100 workmen's houses at Pentland, £9000 ; outlay on ,wax plant at Clippens, £2000; total, £28,000. Of the above estimates the directors have accepted a contract to supply and erect complete 192 "Young & Beilby’s" retorts. These are contracted to be completed by 16th September of this year, and are expected to distil about 300 tons of shale per day. The results from experimental retorts, similar to those about to be erected, have given every satisfaction, and show that a large saving will be made on the cost of crude oil as made from the present retorts, which turn out crude oil at a cost of 2.10d per gallon, exclusive of ammonia. The plant and machinery at Clippens are on the best principles for attaining economical results. They refine the crude oil for a cost of 1.22d per gallon, yielding close upon 70 per cent. of burning and lubricating oils and solid paraffin of high quality, besides 15 per cent. of bye-products. It is intended to carry on the Clippens Pits till the new retorts are ready at Pentland, when they will be abandoned. The whole crude oil will then be exclusively manufactured at Pentland and sent to Clippens Works to be refined. The Pentland Works will be able to distil yearly about 150,000 to 180,000 tons, which the Clippens Works can easily refine. The directors have to report that a considerable proportion of the company's products for the ensuing year have been sold at fair market values. The paraffin oil market continues low, but this is more than compensated by the rise and firm tone of the scale and wax and ammonia markets. The first call was promptly paid in full, and the directors propose to make their second call in September of this year, and their third call in February, 1883, each of £2 10s a share. But for the convenience of any shareholder, the directors are prepared to receive any payment in anticipation of calls, and allow 5 per cent. per annum, till the call is due. Mr T. Inglis Scott resigned his office as director on March 23. Upon the issue of the shares of the company to the public, the directors considered it advisable to increase their number to five, and appointed Mr Crum Maclae and Mr J. R. Reid, who now offer themselves for election by the shareholders. The Chairman moved the adoption of the report. The directors, he said, thought it very satisfactory. The company’s accounts for the last two months stood thus. At 1st April the company was due the National Bank £7758. It had now at its credit in the National Bank £1547, showing a difference of £9300. At 1st April the bills payable amounted to £17,208. Now the sum was only £6865, making a difference of £10,343. The sum due outstanding Creditors on 1st April was £13,200, while now it was only £9200 - a difference of £4000. These sums represented a total of £23,000, which accounted for the money received from the new shareholders. He might state that everything connected with the company had been going on most satisfactorily. New works had been contracted for at about £3000 less than was anticipated, and the 192 new retorts, mentioned in the report were to be ready by the 16th September. This would do very well for next year's trade. Then the directors were determined upon going on with a number of workmen’s houses at Pentland, and these and the other new works would require about £28,000. The directors anticipated a considerable increase in the output of wax from the new retorts when they were set agoing, which the directors anticipated would be about 1st October. The production at the company's works at present, the Chairman went on to say, was better than was supposed would be the case at the time the prospectus of the company was issued. By the end of the year he thought the directors would be able to give a very satisfactory report, and, in fact, by the month of October they anticipated that they might be in a position to pay a small interim dividend (Applause.) Mr Mackinnon seconded the adoption of the report. That was not quite the time, he said, to make a statement about the results, but so far as he bad been able to judge, the statements made in the prospectus of the company were being fully borne out, and by the meeting to be held about this time next year he trusted the chairman would be able to give the shareholders a very satisfactory report, with a fair return for their money. Mr Henry Cowan said he was one of those people who liked to get a good return for his money, but at the same time he would advise the directors not to be in too great a hurry with a dividend. Sometimes directors were too anxious to pay a dividend, and he hoped their directors would err on the safe side. The Chairman said they would take good care of that. Mr Mackinnon sympathised with Mr Cowan's remarks, and said it was possible the directors would reconsider their decision. Mr Henry W. Johnstone wished to know something about the cost of manufacturing crude oil. The estimated cost was down in the report at 2.10d. Did that include depreciation? The Chairman - No. It is the bare cost, including repair charges, but exclusive of depreciation. The depreciation is, however, covered by ¼d a gallon - that is the result of six months' working. The report was then unanimously adopted. Mr Archd. Galbraith proposed the election of Mr Crum Maclae and Mr J. Robertson Reid as directors of the company. Mr Towers-Clark seconded, and the motion was also unanimously agreed to. Mr Henry Cowan proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, and this having been accorded, the meeting terminated.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 06 July 1882

We understand that the Clippens Oil Work Company contemplate enlarging the already extensive works at Loanhead to a very considerable extent. The erection of additional retorts is ready in progress, and when the additions are made, the work will probably be the best arranged place of the kind in Scotland. Nearly 300 men are at present employed in connection with the various departments, and this great influx of labour has created a demand for house accommodation which cannot be supplied. A sum is included, however, in the £20,000 to be expended on extension of the work, for the erection of workmen's houses. Some idea may be formed of the extent of the work, when we state that with the retorts already in use, the oil is extracted from 200 tons of shale daily. Wherever mechanical appliances can be utilised are brought into requisition, and great economy in labour is thereby effected. On visiting the place the stranger is at one struck with the great amount of motive power in use, engines of every conceivable shape and power, for pumping, driving, hoisting and hauling, being seen at work all over the place. It is calculated that a larger quantity of gas is produced here daily than consumed in Edinburgh and Leith combined, and the whole of this gas is utilised in smelting the shale in the retorts. At some future date we hope to lay before our readers a detailed description of this scene of great industrial activity, which scarcely three years ago was as one of the surrounding green fields.

The Scotsman - Thursday 03 May 1883

The Clippens Oil Company’s report for the twelve months ending 31st March was issued to-day, and it shows a balance at the credit of profit and loss account, after debiting revenue with £9675, 14s. 5d. for repairs and maintenance, of £17,574, 5s. 2d. From this there has to be deducted interest on debenture bonds, £1980, 4s. 1d., and depreciation on works, &c., equalt to 5 per cent., £7,000, leaving £8594, 1s. 1d., out of which a dividend of 5 per cent., less Income-tax, is recommended, carrying forward £667, 9s. 10d.

Dundee Advertiser - Friday 04 May 1883

The Clippens Oil Company’s report for the twelve months ending 31st March has just been issued. It shows a balance at the credit of profit and loss account, after debiting revenue with £9675 14s 5d for repairs and maintenance, of £17,574 5s 2d. From this there falls to be deducted interest on debenture bonds, £1980 4s 1d, and depreciation on works, &c., equal to 5 per cent., £7000, leaving £8594 1s 1d, out of which a dividend of 5 per cent., less Income Tax, is recommended, carrying forward £567 9s 10d. The anticipations which the Directors had formed at the commencement of last year of more favourable results have been disappointed owing to the delay the erection of the “Young & Beilby” retorts, which were not completed till the end of February last, instead of 1st October 1882, whereby five months’ benefit of working these retorts was lost, besides having to buy crude oil to supply the requirements of the refinery at greatly enhanced prices on the cost of producing at Pentland. The Directors report that the prices for paraffin products during the past year have been exceptionally low; but they consider that the outlook for the coming season is considerably better. They have also to report that a large quantity of the Company’s products have been sold for the ensuing year at advanced prices on the year that is past. The Directors think that it would be desirable to carry out the intention expressed in the prospectus of calling up £8 on the new shares. At present £7 10s is paid, and the Directors propose to call up 10s a share in the course of the current year. Referring to the decision against the Company in the House of Lords relative to the patent right of Norman Henderson, it is explained that the action was brought against the Company before the increase of capital and its reconstruction. It has been treated as a case in which the partners or shareholders prior to 31st March 1882 were alone involved, and, being now a liability of theirs, the shareholders who have joined the new or reconstructed Company since that date will not be called upon to bear any of the costs of the action.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 05 May 1883

LINWOOD.

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. — The report of the directors of this company, for the year ending 31st March last, has just been issued. The directors recommend that a dividend of 5 per cent. be paid in equal proportions on 4th June and on 4th December, 1883, less income-tax, absorbing £8026 11s. 3d., and leaving to be carried forward to next year £567 9s, 10d. The estimated capital outlay in last report was stated at £28,000, and there has been expended £30,215 13s. Sd. The estimated outlay for the current year is £19,800, which includes £1500 for the new vitriol house at Clippens, and other expenses for a new house at Pentland. When these extensions have been completed, the company will be in a position to distil 600 tons of shale daily at Pentland, through retorts of the newest construction, or about 180,000 tons a year, producing about 5,400,000 gallons of crude oil, which can easily be refined at Clippens, where one-fourth more can be refined if it is found advantageous to buy crude oil.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 12 May 1883

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – At the annual general meeting of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), held yesterday in Glasgow, the secretary submitted the directors’ report for the year ending 31st March, recommending a dividend of 5 per cent., payable in equal proportions on 4th June and 4th December.

North British Daily Mail - Saturday 12 May 1883

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – The annual general meeting of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held In the Accountants' Hall, West Nile Street, Glasgow, yesterday — Mr William MacKinnon presiding. The report, which has already been published, was submitted by Mr T. Inglis Scott, the secretary. The Chairman said the report contained all the information that the directors could give in reference to the company's affairs. In some measure it was disappointing. They expected better results, but they had to contend with difficulties. When they met in May last they made contracts for 192 retorts, which it was expected would be completed early in the month of October, but which were delayed for several months. Now, however, the retorts were in working order, and the results obtained exceeded the expectation of the directors. The recovery of ammonia was equal to 3lbs for every 1lb got by means of the old retorts. In the manipulation of shale the saving was considerable, and the result of the experiments of two months showed 73 per cent of products in place of 69. In order to fulfil all their contracts with their customers the directors had been obliged to go into the market for crude oil, which they had bought at the best terms obtainable. But the price they had paid was just twice the cost at which the company could manufacture it for themselves at Clippens. With these explanations the report must he regarded as fairly satisfactory. He moved that the report by adopted, and that a dividend of 5 per cent. be paid to the shareholders. Mr A. Crum Maclae seconded, and the report was adopted. On the motion of Mr Pirrie, the sum of £500 was granted to the directors for their services during the past year. Mr James Scott was re-appointed a director of the company, and Messrs. Carson and Watson were re-elected auditors. A vote of thanks was then awarded to the chairman, and the meeting closed.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 12 May 1883

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED).

The annual general meeting of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday in the Accountants' Hall, Glasgow. There was a good attendance of shareholders. Mr Wm. Mackinnon, in the absence of the chairman of the company (Mr James Scott) presided.

Mr T. Inglis Scott, the secretary, submitted the report for the year ending 31st March, which was as follows: - The balance at the credit of profit and loss account, after debiting revenue with £9875 14s 5d for repairs and maintenance, is £17,574 3s 2d, from which there falls to deducted interest on debenture bonds, £1980 4s 1d; depreciation on works, plant, houses, &c. (equal to about 5 per cent.), £7000, leaving £8594 1s 1d. And your directors recommend that a dividend of 5 per cent. be paid in equal proportions on 4th June and on 4th December, 1883,less Income-tax, absorbing £8026 11s 3d, and leaving to be carried forward to next year £567 9s 10d. The anticipations which the directors had formed at the commencement of last year of more favourable results have been disappointed, owing to the delay in the erection of the “Young and Beilby” retorts, which were not completed till the end of February last, instead of 1st October, 1882, whereby five months’ benefit of working these retorts was lost, beside having to buy crude oil to supply the requirements of the refinery at greatly enhanced prices on the cost of producing at Pentland. The company now have ½ of the “Young and Beilby” retorts in full working order, capable of distilling 300 tons of shale a day. The experience of the last two months’ workings has fully borne out the results obtained from the experimental retorts as regards the increased yield of ammonia and crude oil, and the latter is also of a richer quality than was obtained from the old retorts. These results have proved so important that the directors have entered into contracts for the erection of other 192 of “Young and Beilby's” retorts, consisting of three benches, which they expect will be completed in July, August, and September of this year. There new retorts will distil 300 tons daily, and supersede old retorts, which distilled 200 tons of shale daily. The directors recommend, therefore, that the cost of replacing what is broken up, which will be about £5000, be charged to revenue, spread over the three following years. Nothing has been written off "patent rights, &c. account” for the past year, as the company only began to derive benefits from these patents at the close of last year. It is proposed in future to write this account down at the rate of £1500 per annum, but it is anticipated that the profits derived from royalties alone will cover that amount, and that the company will have the use of the patents free of royalty. There have been already seven licenses granted under the "Young and Beilby" patent. The estimated capital outlay in last report was stated at £28,000, and there has been expended £30,225 13s 8d. The estimated outlay for the current year is – New mine at Pentland, £4000; workmen’s houses at Pentland, £2300; erection of 192 Y. & B. retorts, with condensers, &c, at Pentland, £550; vitriol house, &c. at Clippens, £1500 – total, £19,800. When the above extensions have been completed the company will be in a position to distil 600 tons of shale daily at Pentland, through retorts of the newest construction, or about 180,000 tons a year, producing about 5,400,000 gallons of crude oil, which can easily be refined at Clippens, where one-fourth more can be refined if it is found advantageous to buy crude oil. The directors have to report that the prices for paraffin products during the past year have been exceptionally low, but they consider that the outlook for the coming season is considerably better. They have also to report that a large quantity of the company's products have been sold for the ensuing year, at advanced prices on the year that is past. The directors think that it would be desirable to carry out the intention expressed in the prospectus of calling up £8 on the new shares. At present £7 10s is paid, and the directors propose to call up 10s a share in the course of the current year. As the shareholders have no doubt observed in the newspapers the report of a decision against the company in the House of Lords, relative to the patent right of Norman Henderson, it is right to explain that the action was brought against the company before the increase of capital and its reconstruction. It has been treated as a case in which the partners or shareholders prior to 31st March, 1882, were alone involved, and being now a liability of theirs, the shareholders who have joined the new or reconstructed company since that date will not be called upon to bear any of the costs of the action. The director who retires at this time is Mr James Scott. He is eligible for re-election, and if again appointed is willing to act. Messrs Carson & Watson, the company's auditors, retire, but offer themselves for re-election.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, admitted that in some measure it was disappointing. The directors had anticipated better results, but unfortunately they had to contend with two difficulties. At the meeting in May last year it was stared that contracts had been made for the erection of 192 retorts, and these, it was then expected, would be completed early in October. The directors were in the hands of the contractors - all good tradesmen. Unfortunately the work was considerably delayed, and towards the end of October the inclement weather kept the work further back, and the result was that the retorts were not in operation till the 1st of March this year. They were now in working order, and the results the directors had got from them quite exceeded the expectations and representations made to the shareholders in the prospectus of the company. The recovery of ammonia was equal to 3lb. for every 1lb got by means of the old retorts. In the manufacture of shale the saving was considerable, and the result of the experiments of two mouths showed 73 per cent. of refined products in place of 69. In order to fulfil all their contracts with the customers, the directors had been obliged to go into the market for crude oil, which they had bought at the best terms available. But the price they had paid was just twice the cost at which the company could manufacture for themselves at Clippens. With these explanations the report must be regarded as fairly satisfactory.

Mr A. CRUM MACLAE of Cathkin seconded the adoption of the report.

The CHAIRMAN, in reply to a shareholder, said the directors would not require to buy any more crude oil, s they were now turning out as much at their works as would meet their requirements. In reply to another question, he stated that the directors had contracted a month ago for new retorts, and they expected to have them finished and set to work in August, September, and October of this year.

The report was then unanimously adopted.

Mr PIRRIE proposed that the sum of £500 be granted to the directors for their services during the past year.

After some discussion, this was also agreed to.

The CHAIRMAN then proposed that Mr James Scott, the retiring director, be re-elected.

This was also agreed to.

Mr HENRY COWAN proposed that Messrs Carson and Watson, the auditors, he also re-elected.

This was likewise agreed to.

The CHAIRMAN afterwards explained, in supplement of his remarksin moving the adoption of the report, that the contracts the company had entered into for the current year were satisfactory. A very important item of their products was wax, and they had sold two-thirds of it at something like 10 to 15 per cent. better than last year’s prices. In ammonia they had made considerable sales, and at prices considerably over the market price. In burning oil they had also made sales for the summer months, and at an increase on the prices of the previous year. The only product for which they were not getting a better price was lubricating oil.

Mr HENRY COWAN moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, and this having been accorded the proceedings terminated.

Glasgow Evening Post - Wednesday 30 April 1884

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – The directors of the Clippens Oil Company recommend a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. for the year ending 31st March.

North British Daily Mail - Friday 02 May 1884

CLPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED).

The directors report the balance at the credit of profit and loss account, after debiting revenue with £8395 1s 10d for repairs and maintenance, is £32,890 15s 9d; and balance brought forward from last year (less directors’ fees paid, £500), £67 9s 10d - £32,958 5s 7d: from which there falls to be deducted interest on £40,000 debenture bonds, £2000; depreciation, £8000; depreciation, extra on old retorts at Pentland, one-third of £5000, £1666; written off patent rights account, £1500 - £13,166; leaving £19,792 5s 7d. The directors recommend that a dividend of 10 per cent be paid in equal proportions on 4th June and on 4th December 1884 (less income tax), absorbing £18,726 11s 3d; and to be carried forward, £1063 14s 4d. The directors regret that considerable delay took place in getting into working order the three new benches of 192 “Young & Beilby” retorts. They anticipated these would be in full operation by the 1st of November,1883, but it was not till February, 1884, that full results were obtained from them. This necessitated the purchase of crude oil at a considerably enhanced cost, compared with the cost of production at Pentland, in order to supply the refinery. The company now have in working order at Pentland 384 “Young & Beilby” retorts, capable of distilling 3600 tons of shale weekly. The directors have to report that all pit workings at Clippens have been stopped since 31st August, 1883, as they proved unremunerative for the time they were worked during the past year. The expenditure on capital account during the year amounting to £39,386 12s, and consists of the following:- Mining department –Part expenditure at Pentland of driving present mine, opening up new mine pumping gear, and large additional winding engine, new boilers, &c., £5009 19s; workmen’s houses at Pentland, £6073 8s 9d; erection of 192 Y. & B. retorts, condensers, &c., at Pentland, £13,097 13s 10d; new ammonia plant at Pentland, £1000; coal retorts and condensers, extra exhauster, water ponds and pipes, spirit plant, tankage, &c., at Pentland, £7524; vitriol house at Clippens, £1500; additions to scale refinery at Clippens, new stills, boilers, tank, waggons, &c., £4281 10s 5d - £39,386 12s. The foregoing expenditure is in excess of that estimated in last year’s report, but the directors considered it advisable to proceed with the additions without delay, so that the benefit would be obtained from the extensions during the coming year. The capital expenditure for the current year is estimated at £8,000, consisting of:- Mining department (Pentland), £3000; Pentland oil works, new exhauster and engine, &c., £2000; Clippens works, refrigerating and refining plant, £3500; Pentland houses, £500 - £8000. The directors have to report since last meeting that they have acquired by lease the shale lying in the adjoining property of Penicuik, from the trustees of Sir George Clerk, and this forms a valuable addition to the existing shale field. The directors called up £1 per share on 31st March, instead of 10s as suggested in last year’s report. This was necessitated by the additional outlay, as before explained. The directors consider the prospects of the company for the coming year are favourable. A large quantity of the company’s products have been sold for the ensuing year at remunerative prices, and several important savings have been effected in the working expenses.

Glasgow Evening Post - Tuesday 13 May 1884

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY – To-Day

The annual meeting of the Clippens Oil Company was held to-day at noon in the Accountants' Hall, West Nile Street - Mr. William M’Kinnon presiding.

The Chairman said his colleagues had asked him to take the chair at the present meeting, and he had some hesitation in complying with that request, for this reason that on the 24th of April he had a special appointment with the late Mr. Scott to go over and adjust with him the report which had gone forth to the shareholders with Mr. Scott's signature. He spent an hour with Mr. Scott, found him in perfect health and excellent spirits, and the shock he experienced on hearing within an hour or so of Mr. Scott's death was a very trying one to him. Mr. Scott took a great interest in the affairs of the company, and devoted a great deal of his time to it, and his colleagues on the directorate derived great assistance from him in the management of its affairs. He was a man of very extensive commercial experience, and they had great pleasure in meeting with him in the directorate of the company. The profits for the year were £32,890, against £17,547 in the year before. They carried forward a small balance of £67: and from those sums there fell to be provided interest on debentures of the company £2,000, depreciation £8000. At the last meeting the directors announced that they were going to replace the retorts at Pentland with Young & Beilby's retorts, and that they proposed to write off the cost of £5,500 over three years; therefore they had this year provided £1666, being one-third of the price. They had also written off for three patent-right accounts, which stood in the balance-sheet at £15,438, a sum of £1500. Royalties were now coming in from that source, and as they increased—which no doubt they would do—the directors would very likely make more ample profits from that asset of the company. The directors recommended that from a balance of £19,192 a dividend of 10 per cent. should be paid. He felt satisfied that that had been fairly and honestly earned, and he approved of its being recommended to be paid to the shareholders. They had been somewhat disappointed at not getting into operation 192 Young & Beilby's retorts which they expected to be in working order on the 1st of November, but were not in that state until some time in February. The result was disappointing, but that was common to all enterprises of the kind where the shareholders had to spend a large sum in capital to make a good return. The company had stopped working the pits at Clippens. The lease expired in a year, and as the shale was somewhat expensive in working, the directors thought they would be consulting the best interests of the shareholders by stopping the work. They anticipated an expenditure last year of £20,000. They had estimated £4,000 for the development of the Pentland field. At that time they had not begun negotiations for the acquisition of an adjoining field belonging to Sir George Clerk's trustees. They carried on negotiations for the acquisition of that field by lease, and were fortunate in getting it. They had continued to develop that field, and consequently their expenditure had been increased. The expenditure upon Pentland and Penicuik had been £5,999, against the estimate of £4,000. They estimated an outlay of £2,500 on houses. That had been largely increased, and for this reason, in order fully to man the pit at Pentland they required to draw a large body of men to the place, and, in order to keep the men there, the company had to house them well. They had also to erect new offices for the proper conduct of business, and the expenditure had been increased on that account. There had also been an increase on the estimate for the erection of retorts. There had been new ammonia plant put down at Pentland costing £1,000, against £550 of estimate. Then they had spent £7,524 in connection with coal retorts for the recovery of ammonia, on tankage in connection therewith, on exhaust tanks, water ponds, pipes, and spirit plant. They had spent at Clippens £1,500 in connection with three vitriol-houses, and they had had additional expenses at Clippens in consequence of the large quantity of shale being got from the increased quantity of crude oil used from the Pentland works. That expenditure, with new stills, boilers, tanks, &c., had cost £4,281. The total expenditure had been £39,386, and the directors were of opinion that the money had been well spent, and was likely to produce satisfactory results. For the coming year they contemplated spending £8,000, £2,000 of which was for the further development of the Pentland and Penicuik field. They proposed to spend £2,000 upon new exhausters and engines at Pentland. They thought it would be a mistake to allow such a large crude oilwork as that at Pentland to be dependent on one exhauster, and further considered that by increasing the exhausting power they would very likely obtain more satisfactory results. At Clippens works, for refrigerating and refining plant, they proposed to expend £3,500, and on Pentland houses £500. The Penicuik field lay abutting on the Pentland field. The shale proved to be of a uniformally regular quality — quite equal to the shale they were at present working in the Pentland field. In the Pentland works 3,318,134 gallons had been manufactured at very much the same cost as the estimate—namely, 1½ d. They had to buy, in order to keep their refining plant in full operation at Clippens, 1,393647 gallons of crude oil, and they also made at the Clippers works 256,000 gallons — together, 1,650,000 - just about half the quantity they made at Pentland; and it, was right to say that that crude oil for the Clippens manufactory cost them two prices. With that explanation the shareholders should be satisfied that they had made a full and satisfactory result on the years trading, looking to the considerable drawback they had had to contend with. The stock-in-trade stood at £45,941. They had always valued their stock-in-trade at nett cost price, and that was 15 per cent. under the market value. In conclusion, he moved the approval of the report and the declaration of a dividend as recommended therein.

Mr. A. Crum Maclae seconded the motion, and it was agreed to unanimously.

Mr. J D. Hedderwick moved—"That the remuneration of the directors be fixed at £500 for the past year, and that they be authorised to take credit for remuneration at that rate in the years to come."

The motion having been duly seconded, was agreed to.

Mr. A. C. Scott moved the re-election of Mr. Wm. Mackinnon as a director of the company, and the motion was also agreed to.

On the motion of Mr. Cooper, seconded by Mr. Robertson, Messrs. Carson & \Watson, C.A., were re-elected auditors of the company, and thereafter the meeting adjourned.

Morning Post - Monday 17 November 1884

The Clippens Oil Company announce the payment of a dividend of 10s. per share, being the second moiety of the dividend of 10 per cent. declared in may last.

The Scotsman - Thursday 16 April 1885

The directors of Clippens Oil Company recommend a dividend at the rate of 12 per cent, less Income-tax, on the transactions for the year.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 18 April 1885

We understand that the basis of an arrangement has been arrived at between the directors of the Clippens and the Mid-Lothian Oil Companies for the amalgamation of these two undertakings. Negotiations with this object have been on hand for the past month or so, but it was only yesterday afternoon that a reconciliation of interests was attained. The terms of agreement, we believe, are that the Clippens Company take over all the responsibilities of the Mid- Lothian Company, and that the shareholders of the latter get one share of the Clippens for every five shares of the Mid-Lothian, besides the prospect of an additional contingent payment in cash, should the stocks in hand when valued show a reversion after meeting certain stated liabilities. Apart from the contingent gain, the pecuniary result to the shareholders of the Mid-Lothian Company is that for their shares, which were selling yesterday at 50s, they get close upon 60s, an immediate profit of about 10s, with, of course, a proportionate advance in any enhancement in Clippens that may take place beyond the present market price. In all quarters qualified to express an opinion on such a subject the arrangement is regarded as a good one for both companies. On the one hand, the Mid-Lothian shareholders will be at once relieved of the financial oppression which has hampered their whole operations for a considerable time, and they will be incorporated with one of the best managed and most successful oil companies in the kingdom; and on the other hand, the Clippens Company will obtain at a reasonable figure possession of a refining work in the East (the want of which has long been felt), as well as a considerable accession to its shale territory. The properties of the two companies lie well in to each other at Straiton, near Edinburgh. The ordinary highway only separates the works, and in order to set railway connection the Clippens has to pay some £1500 or so annually of wayleave to the Mid-Lothian. The shale wrought is of the sauce rich quality in each, the Mid-Lothian lying to the dip of the Clippens field, and therefore easily workable from the same shafts. Besides the saving of way-leave charges there will be an annual saving, it is calculated, of several thousand pounds in the doing away with one management, the management to be retained being, of course, the Clippens, which, by means of the well-known Pentland retorts, has done so much to advance the position of the Scotch oil trade. That trade generally, it may be said, view the amalgamation with satisfaction, for a weak element of competition - weak in the sense that its impecuniosity was often used as an influence to depress values - will be removed by the absorption of the Mid-Lothian. The details of the agreement will be submitted in due course to the shareholders.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 29 April 1885

The report of the CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) states :-Balance at the credit of profit and loss account, after debiting revenue with £12,259 13s Id for repairs and maintenance, is £41,352 10s 2d; and balance brought forward from last year (less directors' fees paid, £500), £565 14s 4d - total, £41,918 4s 6d. From which there falls to be deducted – Interest on £40,000 debenture bonds, £2000; depreciation, £12,000; do. extra on old retorts at Pentland, one-third of £5000, £1666; written off patent rights account, £1500 - leaving £24,752 4s 6d. The directors recommend that a dividend of 12 per cent. be paid in equal proportions on 4th June and on 4th December, 1885 (less income-tax), absorbing £23,253 15s, and to be carried forward, £1498 9s 6d. The directors consider the results of the year satisfactory, and they would have been more so but for two serious fires which occurred in January at the Clippens works, completely destroying the wax refineries, causing interruption to the manufacture, and stopping for three months, at the busiest season of the year, one of the most important departments in the works. The buildings, machinery, and stock were fully insured, but the indirect loss in consequence of the stoppage of the wax refining was serious, and materially affected the results of the year. The fires also account for the larger stocks held. These fires occurred in a particular process of the wax refining, which has now been discontinued, and is being replaced by another, which is considered safe. The directors have to report since last meeting that they have acquired by lease the shale lying in the neighbouring property of Macbiehill, presently being proved by boring, and if the shale is found in the property it will form a valuable addition to the shale fields at present held by the company. Negotiations are pending with the Mid-Lothian Oil Company (Limited) for the acquisition of their property by this company, and when these negotiations are completed a meeting of the shareholders will be convened and their approval asked.

Glasgow Evening Post - Thursday 14 May 1885

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY – TO-DAY

The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held in the Accountants’ Hall, West Nile Street, this afternoon – Mr A. C. Scott, Clippens House, Johnstone, in the absence of the chairman, presiding.

The report, which has already been published, was held as read.

The Chairman, in moving its adoption, said that the nett profit of the company was £24,752, against £19,792 the previous year. There had been written off £4,000 more for depreciation; and the stocks, taken in the usual way, had been reduced in valuation £3,000, so that the year’s trading profit showed a marked improvement on that of last year. That had been obtained in the face of greatly reduced prices. There had been fall in paraffin of £4,500, in sulphate of ammonia of £5,200, in lubricating oils of £1,600 – in all a fall of £11,300; whereas the only gain had been £4,500 in burning oil, leaving a nett fall of £6,800 as compared with last year. The fall of prices, however, had been more than met by the increased quantity of crude oil used from Pentland, and the smaller quantity purchased, well as economies effected generally. The patent rights account had been written down to £13,009. The nett profit on that account for the two past years had been £1,900, being the company’s part of the profit, besides the right of using the retorts free of royalty, which saved over £l,000 a year to the company. The new waxhouses replacing those which were burned down, had been erected, and were giving complete satisfaction, besides being considered perfectly safe. They would effect considerable saving during the current year. The capital expenditure had been in excess of the estimate of last year, but he thought the results had justified that excess. During the year ended March, 1884, the company refined 5,192,000 gallons of crude material, while for the year just ended they refined 6,120,000 gallons, and the retorts at Clippens were capable of refining between seven and eight million gallons. In the earlier part of this year they had difficulty getting full supply of shale at Pentland, owing to the scarcity of mining labour. That difficulty had now been removed, and they were getting an ample supply of 4,000 tons a week — a supply which might be increased whenever desirable to so. To take advantage of this, and to avoid as far as possible the buying of crude oil, the director had ordered another bench of retorts to be ordered, and it was anticipated these would be started early in June. The expenditure for the past year had been in mining department, £4,200, which was principally represented in developing the Penicuik field of minerals. On the Pentland works the outlay had been £3,800, which consisted principally of the retorts previously referred to. At Clippens works £3,000 had been expended scale and wax refineries and storage tanks; and on the workmen’s houses at Pentlands, £2,500 — in all, a total expenditure of £13,500. These additions would add much to the efficiency of the works, and although prices during the current year would probably be lower for some of the important products, still the directors anticipated the reductions in price would be more than compensated for by the increased production at Pentlands and shale at Clippens. They looked at the prospects for the current year as favourable. The negotiations with the Mid-Lothian Oil Company were all but completed, and the agreement between the directors was expected to be signed that day. So soon as that was done a meeting of the shareholders would be called, and the matter would be laid before them for their approval. Considering the heavy losses caused by the fires and the short production at Pentlands during the earlier part of the year, he thought the report was a satisfactory one, and he had pleasure in moving its adoption, and that a dividend of 12 per cent. be declared.

Mr. A. Crum Maclae seconded.

The report was unanimously adopted.

Mr. A. C. Scott was reappointed director of the company, and the auditors were also reappointed.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 27 May 1885

JOHNSTONE. - STOPPAGE OF PITS. – The last of the pits of this district which belonged to the Clippens Oil Company have now been brought to a standstill on account of the lease having expired. This week workmen are employed making arrangements for removing all the gearing, pumps, &c., connected with all the pits. At one time as many as 500 men were employed in this district at this industry.

Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Saturday 30 May 1885

CLIPPENS AND MID-LOTHIAN OIL COMPANIES. – General meetings of the Clippens and Mid-Lothian Oil Companies were held yesterday, and at both the agreement between the directors of the two companies for the purchase by the former of the latter’s property was unanimously ratified.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 30 May 1885

THE CLIPPENS AND MID-LOTHIAN OIL COMPANIES. CONTRACT OF SALE BETWEEN THE COMPANIES. An extraordinary general meeting of the members of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held in Glasgow yesterday, for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, passing certain resolutions dealing with the purchase of the Mid-Lothian Company's property on terms which have already been made public. Mr Wm. Mackinnon, the chairman of the company, presided, and there were only two or three shareholders present.

The CHAIRMAN said the object of the resolutions was to enable the directors to acquire the property of the Mid-Lothian Oil Company. The directors had given the matter anxious and careful thought, .and it was only after having looked at it very deliberately that they resolved to enter into the negotiations. They approved of the arrangement as one likely to be beneficial to the Clippens Company, and the meeting had been called for the purpose of giving effect to it. He might mention that out of 20,000 shares they had got proxies unsolicited from 13,900 approving of the arrangement. It was unnecessary that he should enter into any detailed statement of the advantages that were likely to accrue to them from the purchase of the Mid-Lothian works. In the first place they got a railway giving them access to their works, and without it they would have required to make one for themselves. In the second place, they got a large shale field adjoining their own, and considerable economies would be effected by the joint working of the two. Then, in the third place, they would be able to supply their east coast customers direct from the works of the Mid-Lothian, whereas hitherto they had been paying carriage on the crude oil for getting it transported to the Clippens works, and carried back again to the east coast. He concluded by moving the following resolutions:-

" 1. That the minute of sale between the Mid-Lothian Oil Company (Limited) of the first part, and this company of the second part, dated 14th May, 1885, whereby this company has purchased the lands and estate of Straiton, in the county of Edinburgh, with the buildings, works, erections, railways, and machinery and minerals therein; also tenants' interest in certain leases be, and the same is, hereby approved of, adopted, and confirmed; and the directors of this company are authorised forthwith to carry out and Implement the same. 2. That the company is authorised to borrow on the security of the said estate and minerals, and the property of Mayshade adjoining, a sum not exceeding £30,000. 3. That the memorandum of association be altered as follows:- The capital of the company shall be increased from £250,000 to £260,000 by the creation of 1000 shares of £10 each. 4. That the directors be authorised to issue and dispose of the said 1000 new shares, along with the 800 (?) shares, being balance of unissued capital remaining after implement of the arrangement with the Mid-Lothian Oil Company (Limited), to the present shareholders or other persons, and upon such terms and conditions as the directors shall consider most conducive to the interests of the company. S. That article 41 of the company's articles of association be repealed end rescinded, and the following article shall be and is hereby added to or substituted in the articles of association of the company- that is to say, 'The number of directors shall not be more than seven or less than three.”

Mr GALBRAITH seconded, and the resolutions were unanimously adopted.

This was all the business, and the meeting then separated.

An extraordinary general meeting of the Mid-Lothian Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh. There was a small attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr J. Hope Finlay, W.S., chairman of the company.

The SECRETARY (Mr John M. Cook) said the, meeting had been called for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, passing the following special resolution:-

“That the provisional minute of sale between the Mid-Lothian Oil Company (Limited), of the first part, and the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), of the second part, dated 14th and 15th May, 1885, whereby the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) has purchased from the Mid-Lothian Oil Company (Limited) the lands and estate of Straiton, in the county of Edinburgh, with the buildings, works, erections, railways, and machinery thereon; and minerals therein; also, tenants' interest in certain leases: Be, and the same is hereby approved of, adopted, and confirmed; and the directors are authorised to carry out the same."

The CHAIRMAN said that as the sale had been already approved of unanimously by the board of directors it was his duty on their behalf to explain the reasons which had weighed with them in reaching that position. He did not need to say to them how sincerely he regretted that he had now to acknowledge the failure in the operations of the Company. He felt that all the more deeply because other companies had been successful whose properties did not possess the same intrinsic value as the Mid-Lothian. The failure was due to three causes. First, the Beilby retorts; second, the straitened finances; and third, the difficulties in the management of the works. He had no hesitation in saying that the ruin of the company had been the Beilby retorts. When the company was started these retorts were held in high public favour. They were known to be expensive, but it was expected that the increased production would more than meet the extra expense, and leave a large additional profit. But the results had turned out very differently. The retorts had cost much, but they had also increased the cost of working. Both the fuel and other expenses had increased, while their yield had at the same time decreased. The gases which ought to have formed marketable products were being burned by fire, or blown off and wasted. They did not substitute other retorts because their straitened finances prevented them doing so. In June, 1884, the directors had stated that to do that they would require additional capital, estimated at £50,000. The shareholders had desired an investigation into the state of the company's affairs, and the committee's report was most adverse. One of the results of that report was that three practical men from the west had joined the board, and during the past year the company had benefited very much by the services of these gentlemen. If anxiety, if spending any amount of time, or if giving them the benefit of their skill and experience could have saved the company it would have been saved by the untiring exertions of these three Glasgow gentlemen who joined the board. But, instead of progress, they had positively gone back. In the interim report circulated in December they got a little sunshine, and it was quite correct that they were working at a profit. But subsequent to that there was an enormous increase in both the cost and the production, and a decrease in the prices realised which not only ate up the profit they were making, but made a very substantial loss to the company, as disclosed in the accounts. He felt that the directors were to blame somewhat for the failure, but it was impossible for any board of directors to conduct successfully any manufacturing business unless they were supported sufficiently by the manager at the works. The result of the management at Straiton had been most disappointing, and was by no means free from blame in his opinion. He could not help remarking that the unsatisfactory state of affairs at the works induced them to release Mr Baxter from the position of manager. They appointed Mr Laing, the chemist, and Mr Smith, the engineer at the works, as joint managers, and they had exhibited much ability in the performance of their duties. The directors in addition to exhausting all the borrowing powers of the company had obtained £30,000 on their own personal security to try and carry on the business. In such a state of matters they could not ask the shareholders to subscribe £50,000 additional capital. They were positively driven to seek some other mode of treating the company, and they had entered into negotiations with the Clippens Company to amalgamate with them. They considered the terms agreed to were the best that could be expected. The universal opinion was that the amalgamation of the two companies would exceedingly strengthen the Clippens Company, and that the shares of that company would rise in value. If the meeting adopted the resolution the company would require to be wound up voluntarily under the 161st section of the Companies Act, He begged to move the above resolution.

Mr JOHN K. MILNE, Lasswade, seconded the motion. It did not require that company to condemn the Beilby retort, because the balance-sheet of the Oakbank Company, with which Mr Beilby was connected, showed what the retort was.

In reply to a question by Mr James Tait, Portobello,

The CHAIRMAN said that the Clippens shares which the Mid-Lothian Company would get for their own shares would be the old £10 fully paid-up shares.

A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 23 April 1886

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

The report of the Clippens Oil Company is issued today. The balance of profit is £19,512. The directors recommend a dividend of 7 ½ per cent., leaving £1577 to be carried forward. The prices of products, except burning oil, were extremely low last year. Had they been the same as in the previous year, the profits would have been increased by £30,000.

North British Daily Mail - Friday 23 April 1886

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (Limited).

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the TRANSFER BOOKS of this Company will be CLOSED from the 27th April to the 10th May, both days inclusive.

By Order of the Directors.

JAMES ARMOUR, Secy.

Glasgow, 22d April, 1886

North British Daily Mail - Saturday 24 April 1886

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. - The abstract of profit and loss and dividend has already been published. The directors in their extended report say:- Immediately after the company obtained possession of the works at Straiton, they were steeped in order to be put into working oorder, and were only re-started in January. The company have, therefore, practically only received the benefit fora little more than two months of the additional capital on which they are paying dividend for the whole year. The capital expenditure contemplated during the past year was necessarily very much altered by the purchase of the Straiton property and works. The amount spent in remodelling and altering the Straiton works and in developing the pits and mines from a daily output of 650 tons to 1000 tons was £42,138 6s 5d, and there was spent at Clippens Works £5407 10s 7d – total capital expenditure £47,635 17s. The company have erected at Straiton 216 Young and Beilby retorts of the same description as those erected at the Pentland Works. The company now have 654 retorts of the newest type, capable of putting through 300,000 tons of shale per annum which will produce upwards of 10,000,000 gallons of crude oil and spirit. The expenditure in connection with the Straiton Work has been heavy, but your directors anticipated that this would be so, and now that the work is complete they consider it satisfactory to note that the producing powers of the company have been increased 50 per cent, with an addition of 25 per cent to the share capital. The directors regret to state that in November last a creep took place on the west side of their Pentland Pit. The creep has now ceased, but for a time it seriously interfered with their increasing the output of shale. After acquiring the Straiton property, the development of the other pits and mines were rapidly pushed forward, and by this means the company were able to maintain their previous output when the creep took place. They have now commenced to reopen the levels which were closed. In addition to the seams already known to exist in the company’s lands, a new seam of shale has been found 4 feet 10 inches thick below the present main seam, and your directors are sinking a trial shaft to it. If the shale proves satisfactory it is anticipated that it will prove a valuable addition to the minerals of the company, as it lies through the whole of their heritable property of Straiton, as well as their leaseholds of Pentland and Loanhead. Prices of products, with the exception of burning oil, have been extremely low, and had the same prices been obtained as in the previous year the profits would have been increased by upwards of £30,000. This difference was, to a great extent, met by improvements and economies. While the directors do not look forward to any improvement in the average value pf the products during the coming year, the company will derive the benefit of 12 months working from the Straiton works against two months in the past year, and the directors hope also to reduce the cost of products by improvements made in the works, and by some further economies in working expenses.

Glasgow Evening Post - Monday 10 May 1886

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED)

TO-DAY.

The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held to-day in the Accountants’ Hall—Mr. William Mackinnon, C.A., presiding.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, which proposed a dividend of 7 ½ per cent., referred to the acquisition of the Mid-Lothian Company’s business at Straiton for £80,000, and £22,000 had been expended on the works to put them on a paying footing. To make preparation for tile increase in the retorting and refining power it was necessary to make arrangements for increasing the output of shale from 650 to 1,000 tons a day, which entailed an outlay of £8,000 in addition to the estimated capital expenditure of £13,000. The expenditure for the current year was estimated £14,000 for the erection of suitable machinery Straiton and for a new mine at Straiton and Pentland mineral fields. When these operations were completed the directors considered that the capital accounts regards retorting and refining plant, now raised to a consumpt of 300,000 tons of shale a year, should be closed unless some new discovery came into play for the treatment of crude oil and its products. As to the revenue earned, the products all round had realised 15 per cent. less than last year, but that had been almost met by saving in the cost of manufacturing of 12 per cent. The explanation of the revenue having been less than in previous years was the fall in values, and the fact that only two months’ full work had been obtained from the expenditure on Straiton works. The prospects for the current year were somewhat improved in respect that the production was increased by a third, while fixed charges would remain the same. Satisfactory results had been got from the Straiton refinery. At the start a different method of refining was adopted from that followed at Clippens, showing the cost of the process to be less, with a higher return of products, the yield at Straiton since it started being 73 per cent., against 69 ½ per cent, at Clippens; scale, 14.85, against 13.22. When the way was clear as regarded one of the products in some slight detail the new method would be introduced at Clippens without any alteration in plant and at a trifling cost.

The report was adopted, and Mr. J. E. Stoddart, Glasgow, was appointed director in room of Mr. J. Robertson Reid, retired.

The meeting then adjourned.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 03 June 1886

MID-LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY. – The liquidators having disposed of all the Clippens Oil Co. shares which they received in payment of the Mid-Lothian Co.’s properties, are now in a position to liquidate the company’s affairs without making any call upon the shareholders. The successful placing of the large number of Clippens Co. shares above referred to – some 3885 shares – is already affecting favourably the market price of the shares.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 13 November 1886

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

An extraordinary general meeting of this Company was held on Tuesday within the Accountants' Hall, Glasgow, for the purpose of increasing their borrowing powers. Mr. Andrew Scott presided. The Chairman, in submitting the resolutions, explained that when the Company acquired the property of Straiton there existed upon it a heritable bond for £28,000, and the directors always had in view the desirability of paying off this bond and consolidating the debt of the Company. In making the change, the directors considered it advisable to increase the borrowing powers of the Company from £90,000 to £110,000, though they did not expect making use of these powers in the meantime to their full extent, and at present it was intended only to offer for subscription £40,000, in addition to the existing £60,000, and with this amount to pay off the bond of £28,000, the balance of the £12,000 being required to work the increased business of the Company. The Chairman concluded by moving a series of resolutions increasing the borrowing powers to £110,000. Mr. A. C. M’Lay seconded the resolution, which was adopted.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 25 November 1886

An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders Of the CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) was held in the Accountants' Hall, West Nile Street, Glasgow, yesterday – Mr Wm. M’Kinnon C.A.., in the chair. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Houldsworth, the special resolutions passed at the meeting on 8th November were agreed to. These rescind the 50th article of the articles of association, and the second of the special resolutions confirmed on 15th June, 1885; and empower the directors to borrow on debenture bonds, including the amount already borrowed on debenture bonds, a sum not exceeding £110,000; and, to give security to the lenders, the directors were further empowered to convey to trustees, to be held by them as security to the debenture bond-holders, the property of the company. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

The Scotsman - Saturday 30 April 1887

THE CLIPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED.) -The report by the directors of this Company for the year ending 31st March last states that the balance at the credit of profit and loss account after debiting revenue with £9951 for repairs and maintenance, is £ 11,129, 2s. 1d, from which there falls to be deducted for fall in value of stocks £8898, and for interest on bonds £4507, 18s. 2d . ; total, £13,405, 15s. 2d. ; leaving a balance to be carried forward to debit of profit and loss £2276, 13s. 1d. The directors regret that the report they have to submit is not so satisfactory as in former years. The results are largely due to a very serious strike of the miners, which closed the pits entirely during half of July, the whole of August and September, and half of October, and stopped the refineries both at Clippens and Straiton. Even after work was resumed the business of the Company was much interfered with for other three months owing to irregular supplies of raw material. The position of the Company in reference to the strike may be shown as follows: — The first quarter opened with a good profit: the second and third quarters, ending 31st December, during which the strike existed resulted in a very heavy loss. This has been reduced by the profit of the fourth and last quarter, amounting to a working profit of about £7000, alter providing for interest and other charges, but excluding depreciation. The directors look upon the results of the last quarter as satisfactory. They have been obtained while the prices of products were lower than has ever been known, and when Clippens refinery was partially stopped for alterations, which have now been completed. The products obtained at Straiton refinery, where the Company refine their own crude oil alone, prove the value of the shale, and show it to be exceptionally rich in refined products, yielding an average during the whole year of 70.38 per cent., including 15.05 per cent. of scale, and on the last three months’ working 73 per cent. of refined products, including 15.60 per cent. of scale, while the average yield of ammonia during the year was 22.90 lb per ton. The capital outlay during the year has been :- Mines – New pits, pumps, boilers, hutches, &c., £7737; crude works – condensers, water reservoir, retort hoppers, £1920; Straiton refinery - large washers, wax refineries, stock tanks, £6533; Clippens – stills and connections, railway siding, £1312; workmen's house, £249 - £17,751. This expenditure has considerably reduced manufacturing costs, and has added greatly to the efficiency of the works, the two refineries of Clippens and Straiton being able to put through 11,000 gallons of crude oil and spirit per annum.

Perthshire Advertiser - Wednesday 11 May 1887

AT the annual general meeting of the Clippens Oil Company yesterday in Glasgow, the report by the directors was unanimously adopted.

Aberdeen Press and Journal - Wednesday 11 May 1887

The ordinary general meeting of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, was held in the Accountants Ball, Glasgow, yesterday - Mr Wm. Mackinnon, C.A. presiding. The report recommended no dividend, there being a balance of £2O,000 debit of profit and loss. The directors regretted that their report was not so satisfactory as in former years. The results were largely due to a very serious strike of the miners which closed the pits entirely during half of July, the whole of August and September, and half of October, and stopped the refineries at Clippens and Straiton. The report was unanimously adopted.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 11 May 1887

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY MEETING.

At the Clippens Oil Company annual meeting yesterday in Glasgow, the chairman said though the company paid 7½ per cent. last year, the company was unable to pay a dividend this year. They had been hampered by their miners striking. To ascertain the capability of the company they had to look only to the last three months’ results. The profits during that period were £8000, after providing for the interest on debentures. That was equal to a profit at the rate of £30,000 per annum. The alterations at Clippens were now completed, and there was no reason why equally good results should not be obtained there during the current year. Had such results been obtained, and the full quantity of oil put through, the profit for the three months would have been materially increased. Prices to-day were slightly lower than they were during the period under review; but against this there were savings in cost which in the year they had now entered upon should equalise this fall. The price of wax, which was their most valuable product, had fallen to a much lower point than had ever been known the history of the trade. The increase of production had now ceased, and it was hoped that this, together with an increase of consumption, would bring before long a return to better prices. The other products showed an important alteration, except in lubricating oil. For a long time it was almost unsaleable, but of late there had been a decided improvement. The stocks of it were all reduced to a low point, and the demand still continued, the present price being about 25 per cent. higher than it was six months ago. The price of ammonia should average during the current year about the same as last year, and though it was premature yet to estimate accurately what the price of burning oil would be in the coming season, they did not anticipate any very material change.

The Scotsman - Saturday 21 April 1888

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. —The report of the Clippens Oil Company ( Limited ) was issued yesterday. The balance at credit of profit and loss account, after deducting £8365, 3s. for repairs and maintenance, is £11,713, 10s. 9d., from which there falls to be deducted—on account of loss brought from last year, loss on realisation of old retorts, and interest on bonds — £9615. 4s. 10d., leaving a balance of £2098, 6s. 11d., which the directors recommend be carried forward to next year, the directors regretting that they are still unable to declare a dividend.

North British Daily Mail - Saturday 21 April 1888

THE CLIPPENS OIL CO. (LIMITED).

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the TRANSFER BOOKS of the Company will be CLOSED from the 20th INST. to the 3d PROX., both days inclusive.

By Order of the Board.

JAMES ARMOUR, Secy.

Glasgow, 20th April 1888.

Pall Mall Gazette - Wednesday 25 April 1888

THE SCOTCH OIL TRADE.

In the report of the Clippens Oil Company, just published, some insight is gained into the working of the agreement entered into between the American and Scotch scale producers relative to the prices of scale and wax. "The arrangement," says the report, "is based on a moderate foundation, and will not act unreasonably against the consumer, but tends to remove the excessive competition of the past two years, and has the approval of the candlemakers in the United Kingdom, who are the largest consumers of wax. This arrangement is one of considerable importance to the company, whose shale is specially rich in scale (yielding about 15 per cent.), and as they are probably the second largest producers in the United Kingdom, the benefit that should accrue will be considerable. This is not the only improvement which there is to report after several years of steady depression. In July last the price of lubricating oils commenced to advance, and since then it has steadily improved. Burning and gas oils are also dearer, and all round an advance of about 15 per cent. has taken place on the prices of the company's products, which would, if sustained, amount to an increase of about £30,000 on the present throughout for the coming year. The prices, though better, are still low, and are much under those of. former years. To show the improvement in the position of the company which has been gradually taking place, with a return to a normal throughput of shale, and under the influence of slightly improved prices, it may be stated that the profits made during the last three months, after providing for all charges except depreciation, were respectively, in January, £1,706; in February, £2,267; and in March, £2,799. These results, which were obtained before much benefit was derived from improved prices, lead your directors to believe that a profit can reasonably be looked for in the coming year."

Glasgow Evening Post - Thursday 03 May 1888

MEETING OF CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY- To-DAY.

The annual meeting of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held in Glasgow to-day—Mr. William Mackinnon, C.A., in the chair.

The secretary submitted the report, which has already been published.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving its adoption, said that when the directors submitted their report last year they had come through a long and protracted strike, and they had then an inflow of water into the pits which had a very adverse influence on the year's operations. The output in March amounted to 25,000 tons, and had since been fully maintained, and when the water lying in the lower levels of the pit was removed, the capacity of the output could be raised much beyond requirements. A second adverse cause was the fall in prices. The difference in the value of paraffin wax alone amounted to £22,064, but against this there was a gain of £4,724 in lubricating oil, &c. There had been a considerable rise in prices from the lowest, and a decided improvement expected in the results at the end of the present year.

Mr. A. SCOTT seconded, and the report was adopted.

Mr. T. J. SCOTT, the retiring director, having been re-elected, the meeting separated.

The Scotsman - Friday 04 May 1888

THE CLIPPEN OIL COMPANY. – The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held in the Company's office, 25 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, yesterday afternoon—Mr William Mackinnon, C.A., Glasgow, presiding. TheCHAIRMAN, in moving adoption of the report (already published), said that the works were now in full operation, with a fair outlook for the future. The output of shale in March, which amounted to 25,000 tons, had since been fully maintained; and when the water lying in the lower levels of the pit was removed, the capacity of output could be raised much beyond requirements. It was difficult to estimate accurately the loss arising from the water during the year, but it had been serious. A second adverse cause had been the fall in prices. The difference in the value of paraffin wax alone amounted to £22,064, but against this there was a gain of £4724 in lubricating oil, &c., leaving a net decrease, as compared with the previous year, of £17,340 in prices. Notwithstanding the difficulty arising from the water, it was satisfactory, he thought, that even with the drop of about £18,000 in the prices obtained for their products, the year's trading operations showed somewhat better results. The total cost of retorting at Pentland during the past year amounted to 19.364 pence per ton, while the cost during the past month had been reduced to 16.9d. per ton. At Clippens refinery the cost, owing to irregular supplies of crude oil, amounted to 1.398 pence per gallon; it was now reduced to a trifle over one penny, which included all refining charges, wax refining, and tar fuel used. The pit costs for shale had been high, and the anticipated savings during the current year should be considerable. The Straiton refinery continued to show a low rate and not much could be looked for in further economy - the cost being under one penny per gallon. Though the prices of products had fallen during the past four years about 31 per cent., the rate of wages remained about the same, and the economies to meet the fall had been almost entirely from other sources. The improvement still left the prices considerably below those of four years ago. The yield of crude oil and spirit at Pentland for the year was 30.50, against 30.30 gallons for the previous year. The yield of sulphate of ammonia was 23.14, against 22.90 the previous year. At Straiton refinery, where the Company refine only their own crude, the total refined products obtained was 71.28 per cent, scale including about 14.98 per cent., against a total for the previous year of 70.38 per cent., scale being seals being 15.05 per cent. The results at Clippens, where bought oil is mixed with the Company’s own crude, showed an improvement of 1.15 per cent. as compared with the previous year; and better results might still be obtained. Referring to the accounts, he observed that the directors regretted the large outlay it had been necessary to make during the year, owing to the water; but now that this had been amply provider for, very little capital outlay was anticipated, and it was their wish, by an ample depreciation in the future, to gradually reduce their heritable debenture bonds. He might mention that by all the oil companies consulting together during the year as to the general interests of the oil trade in Scotland, much good work had been and was still being done to improve the general condition of the trade. In closing, he said that the results for the first four weeks of the present financial year were satisfactory. (Applause.) Mr SCOTT seconded, and the report was unanimously adopted. The retiring director, Mr T. Inglis Scott, was re-elected, as were also the auditors, Messrs Carson & Watson, C.A.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 13 April 1889

CLIPPENS.

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.—The books of the Clippens Oil Company, after deducting £10,420 for repairs and maintenance, show a profit of £37,374. The directors recommend a dividend of 5 per cent., absorbing £12,072, the balance being carried forward to next year.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 26 April 1889

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

The report by the directors of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) states that the balance at the credit of profit and loss account, after deducting £10,420 for maintenance and repairs, is £37,347 leaving, after various deductions, a net sum of £13,978, from which the directors recommend a dividend of 5 per cent,. carrying forward £1905. The directors consider the results fairly satisfactory, considering the difficulties they had to contend with in removing the water from the pits which had been previously flooded, the cost of which was considerable, and had been charged against revenue. The works have been maintained during the year in a thorough state of efficiency, and a large addition has been made to the freezing power by the purchase of a 25 ton Pontiflex & Wood refrigerator. This more than doubles the freezing power at Straiton Refinery, and since it was started in January considerably better results have been obtained in the scale department. The agreement entered into a year ago between the American and Scottish scale producers, to conjunction with the candlemakers of the United Kingdom, has worked satisfactorily, and the low prices fixed have led to an increased consumption of scale and wax. The agreement has been renewed for another year on practically the same terms. The indication of a general improvement in the position of the oil trade, referred to in last port, is confirmed by the increased consumption of all the principal products made in Scotland, and prices of products have shown an upward tendency for the first time for several years. The company’s products are well sold forward, and, with an increasing consumption of both oils and wax, a steady trade may be looked for in the coming year.

Glasgow Evening Post - Thursday 09 May 1889

THE SCOTCH OIL TRADE.

CLIPPEN COMPANY LOOKS FORWARD HOPEFULLY.

There was a subdued air of jubilance about the proceedings of the annual general meeting of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), in Glasgow, to-day. A dividend of 5 per cent. has been declared, and the prospects for the coming year are more hopeful than they have been for some time. Mr. Andrew C. Scott, who presided in the absence of the president, Mr. William Mackinnon, briefly described the operations of the company during the past twelvemonth. The inflow of water at the workings has been greatly reduced; £4,970 have been saved at Clippens by improvements effected, and at Straiten 9,000 more gallons of oil have been refined for £1,300 less. At both works the cost for the first month of the current year has been still lower than formerly, and certain improvements made lead the company to anticipate still further economy. There has been a great increase in the demand for gas oil and wax, and the consumption of products generally increased from 7 per cent. to 10 per cent., indicating

A MORE HEALTHY TRADE.

For the first time in several years an improvement in price has been experienced. This has been common all the products except naphtha. A steady trade may be looked for in the coming year. The directors of the company have considered the wish expressed the holders of the £8 10s. paid shares, and they intend to call up the £1 10s. shares during the course of the current year, so that after the present year there will only be one class of shares. Mr. Mackinnon was re-elected chairman of the company.

Glasgow Herald - Friday 10 May 1889

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED)

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held in the office of the company, 27 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, yesterday, Mr A. C. Scott in the chair.

THE CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, which has been already published, said it might be of interest to the shareholders if a few points were referred to a little more in detail than in the report, both with regard to the conduct of the company's works and the general aspect of the oil trade. In the first place, as to the operations of the company. When they met there a year ago the company was emerging from the difficulties caused by the sudden inflow of water, and the directors were then able to state that with the means adopted the water was easily under control. Since then it had (?????) considerably, being little more than one-third of what it was; and less than might be reasonably expected in workings of the same extent. The taking out of the water from the lower sections of the pit, which had been flooded, had been a much more tedious and expensive operation than was anticipated; but was being steadily proceeded with. The first disappointment was in the delay in starting the large pumps, which were ready in July; but certain alterations had to be made which kept them from starting till the end of last year. Since then they had been giving complete satisfaction; and would prove in the future a most economical form of pump. The arrangements made for the output of shale were considerably interfered with owing to the delay referred to, which militated against the results of the year. Last year the directors referred to certain savings which they expected to see carried out at Clippens Refinery. These savings were estimated at £5000, and actually amounted to £4974. When referring to Straiton Refinery, the directors anticipated no saving, as the costs there were extremely low; but he was glad to say that 9000 gallons more had been refined for £1300 less than last year. At both works the costs for the first month of the current year were still lower, which, with improvements they hoped to introduce, led them to anticipate still further economy in refining. The percentages of refined products obtained at both refineries were also satisfactory. At Straiton the high yields of the previous year were fully maintained - the percentages being 71.61, including 14.84 per cent. of scale: and at Clippens the percentages showed an improvement over the previous year of 1.85 per cent. The report referred to the apparent improvement in the general position of the oil trade, as indicated by increased consumption of all the principal products. One of the largest of these increases had been in gas oil, which was largely used in the lighting of railway carriages. Another product, the most important of all to the Scottish oil trade, viz.:- wax, had also shown an increased consumption. And he might mention that all the products showed increases of from 7 per cent. to 16 per cent., and this, the directors consider, indicated a more healthy trade. Following on this improved demand they have experienced for the first time for several years an improvement in prices, which had been common to all the products except spirit. This was a change from the experience for many years past, when constantly falling prices had to be met by inventions and improvements, which helped to counter-balance the fall. It was still possible to carry improvements even further, and as the company’s products were very fully sold forward, and the demand for some of the more important manufactured good, which pointed to the improvement continuing, they were lead reasonably to hope for what was stated at the end of the report, namely, that a steady trade might be looked for in the coming year. With these remarks he begged to move formally the adoption of the report, and the payment of a dividend of 5 per cent. At last annual meeting reference was made to the uncalled portion of the £8 10s shares, and the directors then promised to consider the advisability of calling it up. Since then several holders of these shares had asked the board to call up the balance, and in deference to this generally expressed wish the directors had made up their minds to call up the balance during the current year, so that after 1st April, 1890, all the shares would be of one class.

The motion was unanimously agreed to.

Mr Wm. M'Kinnon was re-elected a director of the company, and the auditors were re-appointed.

Mr ARCHIBALD, in moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, expressed satisfaction, as a large holder, that the directors had called up the 30s due on the new shares.

After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated.

Dundee Advertiser - Wednesday 26 February 1890

An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, Limited, was held in the offices of the Company, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, yesterday—Mr William Mackinnon presiding. The meeting was called to authorise the Directors to alter the constitution of the debenture and other debt of the Company, by substituting for the present terminable debts a 5 per cent. convertible mortgage debenture stock quotable on the Stock Exchange. The liabilities of the Company amount to £131,520, and it was proposed to liquidate that amount by the issue of £140,000 convertible stock, bearing 5 per cent. interest, and redeemable by fixed annual payments. The Chairman moved the adoption of resolutions to this effect. At a meeting of debenture holders held earlier in the day, he said, they had the approval of the holders of 90 per cent. of the whole £110,000 of the debentures to the scheme. The Directors had fully considered the scheme and thought it a very advantageous one for the shareholders, and one that would place the Company in a very much stronger position financially than it had been. Mr Macrae seconded. After some discussion on the proposal a shareholder asked— Have you overcome the difficulty of keeping the mines clear of water? The Chairman—We expect at the annual meeting to say that our mines are entirely free of water. The result will be that in place of having an output of between 4000 and 4500 tons a week we expect to get the average output to 6000 tons a week. We will then be in full working order. The resolutions were then agreed to, and the meeting separated.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 26 February 1890

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED.

EXTRAORDINARY MEETING.

An extraordinary general meeting of the share-holders of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, was held yesterday in the offices of the company, Royal Exchange Square - Mr William Mackinnon presiding. The meeting was called to authorise the directors to alter the constitution of the debenture and other debt of the company, by substituting for the present terminable debts a 5 five per cent. convertible mortgage debenture stock quotable on the Stock Exchange. The liabilities of the company amount to £131,520, and it was proposed to liquidate that amount by the issue of £140,000 convertible stock, bearing 5 per cent. interest and redeemable by fixed annual payments. The Chairman moved the adoption of resolutions to this effect. At a meeting of debenture-holders held earlier in the day, he said, they had the approval of the holders of 90 per cent. of the whole £110,000 of the debentures to the scheme. The directors had fully considered the scheme and thought it a very advantageous one for the shareholders, and one that would place the company in a very much stronger position financially than it had been.

Mr MACRAE seconded.

Mr MURRAY (a shareholder) – How many debenture-holders were at the meeting?

The CHAIRMAN – We had proxies amounting to 90 per cent. of the debentures approving of the scheme.

Mr MURRAY proceeded to say that it appeared to him that the whole matter had been sprung upon the shareholders. inasmuch as the circular was posted on the 18th and the meeting held on the 25th. In connection with such a great change they would expect a fuller explanation from the directors. He did not see how the shareholders were likely to be benefited, especially those who had invested their money with a view to receiving dividends from year to year. The profits last year were about £14,000. It tock £12,000 to pay a dividend of 5 per cent., and if they had to lay aside £12,000 to meet the percentage of the new scheme, he could not see that there was likely to be very much left to the shar-holders.

A SHAREHOLDER - You are receiving £9000 more than you require to pay off liabilities.

The CHAIRMAN said the directors thought it was necessary to have command of money to hold stocks. They were always very large stockholders. In carrying out that scheme they wanted to get a sufficient sum to make them comfortable. One of the chief reasons that had made them bring out the scheme was the fact that when they had debentures in a limited company, they fell due on an average of three years, and they had to be replaced often at considerable expense. They had adopted that scheme in order to prevent claims being mode upon them for £20,000 or £30,000 at a time The scheme had received very anxious and deliberate consideration for the last four or five months, and he was quite sure it was entirely in the interests of the shareholders.

A SHAREHOLDER – Is the 30s on the new shares to be called up.

The CHAIRMAN – It is. We promised to make the shares uniform, and we will call it up at the end of the financial year.

A SHAREHOLDER – Have you overcome the difficulty of keeping the mines clear of water?

The CHAIRMAN – We expect at the annual meeting to say than our mines are entirely free of water. The result will be that in place of having an output of between 4000 and 4500 tons a week, we expect to get up the average output to 6000 tons a week. We will then be in full working order.

The resolutions were then agreed to, and the meeting separated.

Dundee Advertiser - Friday 21 March 1890

The Directors of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, having determined to free the Company from all terminable debt by the issue of a debenture stock, announce an issue of £140,000 5 per cent. convertible mortgage debenture stock at par. Of this issue £53,650 has been already privately subscribed, and the balance of £86,350 is offered for public subscription, payable £5 on application and £95 on 15th May next. The Company has agreed to confer upon the holders of the debenture stock the right of conversion into ordinary stock at any time during its currency at the rate of one ordinary share for each £13 of debenture stock held. The subscription list will close on Friday, 28th inst.

Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Wednesday 16 April 1890

The Clippens Oil Company, for the year to 31st March, have a balance to credit of profit and loss, after deliting revenue with £10,258 for repairs and maintenance, of £16,436.

Kirkcaldy Times - Wednesday 16 April 1890

The Clippens Oil Company declares no dividend this year.

Dundee Courier - Wednesday 16 April 1890

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. - The ordinary shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company can receive no dividend this year, although last year they got 5 per cent. The report states that the balance at the credit of the profit and loss account after debiting the revenue with £10,258 for repairs and maintenance is £16,436, which the Directors recommend should be applied as follows: - Interest on debentures £5492, written off £9845, leaving to be carried forward £1098.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 03 May 1890

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

At the half yearly meeting of the Clippens Oil Company, held yesterday in Glasgow, the chairman, Mr M'Kinnon, said that to give a steady output they had sank two new mines, and they had now four mines in working order in the main seam of shale and a fifth was being opened. Owing to pit difficulties, the output of shale was 70,000 tons, or about 30 per cent. less than the requirements of the Company. At Straiton refinery the results were most satisfactory. The sudden rise, however, in the price of coal, barrels, chemicals, &c., which amounted to £15,000 militated against the year's results. The report was adopted.

North British Daily Mail - Saturday 03 May 1890

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

The half-yearly meeting of this company was held yesterday in Glasgow. Mr Mackinnon, who presided, in moving the adoption of the report, said that owing to pit difficulties the output of shale was 70,000 tons, or about 30 per cent less than the requirements of the company. This added materially to the cost of production at the crude oil works and at Clippens refinery, which for a large portion of the year was putting through little more than half of what it was capable of doing. At Straiton refinery, where the company refined only its own make of crude oil and a full supply was given, the results were most satisfactory, the percentages for the year were 71.96, which included 14.61 per cent of scale, and notwithstanding the increased cost of fuel and wages, the costs were only 0.29d per gallon, or about 2½ per cent higher than last year. The sudden rise in the prices of coal, barrels, chemicals, &c., which amounted to £15,000, militated against the year’s results. An important financial change had been effected in the position of the company’s debenture bonds. Previously it had consisted of debenture bonds that fell due at short dates, and the directors had substituted a debenture stock scheme gradually liquidating the debt, which would be completed on the 15th of this month. The general outlook of the trade appeared better than it had been for some years, and the directors were hopeful of getting at an early date an ample supply of shale so as to reap the full benefit from the increased prices.

Mr MACLAE seconded the motion, and it was adopted.

Mr A. C. Scott was re-elected a director, and the auditors were re-elected.

Glasgow Herald - Tuesday 28 April 1891

The report of the CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) for last year is as follows:- The balance at credit of profit and loss account, after deducting £10,294 17s 4d for maintenance and repairs, is £8331 11s 9d, from which there falls to be deducted £6795 l7s 2d interest on debenture stock, leaving to be carried forward £1535 14s 7d. The directors regret that they are not in a position to declare a dividend or write off the usual depreciation, and recommend that the balance of £1535 14s 7d be carried forward to next year. The works have been maintained in thorough order. The result of the year's operations has been very disappointing. At the beginning of the year mining difficulties, with which the company had been contending for four years, appeared to have been practically overcome, and the directors hoped that in the course of the year the mineral field would again have been worked under normal conditions. During the earlier part of the year some difficulty was experienced in restoring the mines to the lowest level of the workings, but this was accomplished in August, and the third or lowest lift of the large pumps laid and started by the beginning of December. The pumps worked well until the end of the month, when a serious accident took place. All the bolts in one of the top couplings of the steel rods of the pumps appear to have given way together, and the engine, on being thus suddenly relieved of the weight of the pumps, broke down, the damage done being so extensive as to render the engine useless for three months, though the directors lost no time in having the necessary repairs proceeded with. The engine was repaired and the pumps again started on 2d April, and they have since been working most satisfactorily. The directors have had the couplings of the pumps strengthened to prevent the recurrence of such an accident, and, by way of precaution, are also erecting for use in an emergency, a set of hydraulic pumps capable of dealing with the usual flow of water. In addition to the expense of repairing the engine, the accident caused still heavier loss to the company by again closing for the time the access to the lower workings, and in consequence restricting the output, and forcing the company to continue mining from the old crushed working where the cost of mining the shale was necessarily high and the yield of oil low. In consequence of the accident to the pumps, and of the exceptional difficulty of dealing with the water, the water expenses suspense account has been considerably increased, and the profits have not allowed of anything being written of it this year. The directors propose that the sum at the debit of this account should lee spread over the next five years, and that the expense of constituting and issuing the 5 per Cent. Convertible Mortgage Debenture stock should be dealt with in the same manner. The railway strike which occurred in December and January, the two busiest months of the company’s business, caused a considerable amount of loss by interference with the manufacture, and also with the despatch of the products. The capital outlay during the year has been:- Nos. 2 £546 11s 7d; No. 9 Mine:- £2287 16s 11d; No. 10 Mine:- £1056 12s 8d; No. 7 Mine, engine and hydraulic pumps &c., £2384 8s 9d; cross-cut mines, £993 3s; total, £7268 12 11d; crude works and refineries, £1529 4s 4d; grand total, £8797 17s 3d. There are now five mines in the main seam of shale, from three of which fresh ground is about to be opened up to the dip of the present workings. The cross-cut mines from the main seam to the Broxburn and Fell seams have been pushed on. The former shale was opened up in October, and is now yielding an output. The Fell seam has not yet been reached, but this should be accomplished in the course of a few weeks. Under the arrangements for the Debenture stock of the company £5000 falls to be paid off in May. The drawing took place on the 7th of this month, and intimation has been sent to the holders who are to be paid off. The working results at Straiton and Clippens refineries have been satisfactory, though the inadequate supply of crude oil added materially to the cost at Clippens. At both refineries the high quality of the company’s products has been maintained, and they are capable of dealing with the increased quantity of crude oil that will be obtained from a larger output. The directors have to report that the general position of the trade is satisfactory, and the outlook for the coming year, as regards prices of the company’s products, is good. Though burning oil is low, lubricating oils and naphtha are practically the same as last year, and in wax a further advance of £4 8s per ton has been established, and the demand for this important product continues strong, the company having sold upwards of 3000 tons for delivery during the current year. Wages, cost of fuel, and other materials for consumpt, which had risen during the past two years, have now a lower tendency, and your directors hope that the increased prices of products in the coming year will be net gain. The most important point in the future will he to secure a full output of shale from fresh ground. A full output would have been attained before this had it not been for accident to the pumps which delayed mining operations for some months. Three of the mines in the main seam will in the coming year open up fresh ground, and this will also be done by the mines in the Broxburn and Fell seams, already referred to. With a full output of shale giving yields of crude oil approximately equal to those formerly obtained, your directors have no doubt that the company's business will again become remunerative. During the past year Mr T. I. Scott retired from the board, and the directors temporarily filled the vacancy by the appointment of Mr John Macpherson of Blantyreforme, who has a considerable interest in the company, and, if elected, is willing to act. The retiring director is Mr A. Crum Maclae, who, if re-elected, is also willing to act. Messrs Carson & Watson (now Messrs Moores, Carson & Watson), the company’s auditors retire, but offer themselves for re-election.

Glasgow Evening Post - Tuesday 12 May 1891

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

Mr A. C. Scott presided at the general meeting of the Clippens Oil Company, held to-day. In moving the adoption of the report, the Chairman alluded to the accident to the pumps last December, and went on to point out that the unsatisfactory results had been entirely due to the difficulty in lowering the small remaining quantity of water in the mine, and the situation was much aggravated by the accident which occurred after all the difficulties were over. The company was forced to obtain its supplies of shale from old workings, where the cost was abnormally high and the yield low. The loss in respect of the yield he would estimate £30,000, and the same causes acted prejudicially against the output. The remedy lay in a full output in fresh ground. The mining troubles of the past four years were practically over, and the output now should steadily increase to its full requirements. During the past five years the sales amounted to £1,198,820, and the bad debts during the period to £933 16s 3d — equal to .08. Last year the sales amounted to £285,951, and the bad debts to £222—also .08. In last year’s report the directors anticipated that the gains for increased prices of products would be upwards of £20,000. The actual gain was £20,083.

Glasgow Herald - Tuesday 12 May 1891

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED)

The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday within the company's office Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow. Mr A. C. Scott presided. The report by the directors, which had already been published, was held as read.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said:- Before moving the adoption of the report, it may be of interest if I entered a little more fully into the details of the past year's working, and at the same time gave a short summary of the opening up of the Pentland mines and the difficulties that have been encountered since the mines were first flooded, which have been the sole cause of the disappointing results during the past few years. The main seam of Pentland shale, which, I believe, yields the richest value in products of any shale in Scotland, has peculiarities in roof and pavement that only experience could teach the best method of working. When the field was first opened up in 1882, in addition to the views expressed by the practical manager of the company and the mining engineers connected with the property, your directors called in a gentleman of very extensive and varied experience in practical mining, and a report was drawn out giving the lines on which the seam should be developed. The plan then adopted worked satisfactorily till 1886, when a crush took place. The experience thus gained led your directors to take further advice and the system was changed to long wall and stoop and room inn small sections. Prior to the long wall workings being opened up the mine was particularly free from water, and before long wall was started an hydraulic pump was erected capable of throwing 150 gallons per minute, which was three times the quantity of water in the mines at this date. The provision, however, proved inadequate to cope with the water that came when the first break in the strata took place, and the result was that the mines were flooded to a depth of 350 feet vertical. After the water had been controlled by means of temporary pumps, your directors had to consider the best form of pump suitable to the mins, capable of dealing with any quantity of water that might be got in the future. After considering carefully the various proposals put before them, on the advice of the company’s mining engineer and manager, they adopted a form of pumps proposed by Messrs Barclay & Son, of Kilmarnock, who have perhaps the largest and most successful experience of pumping machinery in the world. Owing to the mines having closed solid when flooded, it was a slow and expensive process opening them up and lowering the water; this however, was successfully accomplished to the lowest level towards the end of last year, and the bottom lift of pumps started early in December. These worked steadily till the 31st of that month, when the accident referred to in the report took place. The cause of the accident was the giving way of four bolts which formed the couplings of the steel rods. The effect on the engine when suddenly relieved of 100 tons of dead weight was to cause most severe damage. This damage has now been repaired; and before the engines were allowed to start the couplings were more than doubled in strength, and to avoid the possibility of losing ground in the event of any such accident in the future, it was deemed advisable to order a set of hydraulic pumps which would be capable of dealing with the present flow of water. This was an expense we would have liked to avoid, but, with the recent experience, it was considered best to make everything safe. Barclay’s engine and pumps have been working satisfactorily since they were re-started on the 2d of April. This brings us down to the present date, and I will now refer shortly to the working of the present year. The unsatisfactory results have been entirely due to the difficulty in lowering the small remaining quantity of water which was in the mines at the beginning of the financial year, and the situation was much aggravated by the accident, which occurred after all difficulties seemed overcome. The interference with development in the mines resulting from these causes forced the company to obtain its supplies of shale largely from old and crushed workings, where the cost of working was abnormally high and the yield of oil excessively low. The loss from these two sources I would estimate roughly at upwards of £30,000, and, in addition, the same causes acted prejudiciously against output, which was a source of further loss. The unsatisfactory yields of crude oil that were obtained from the shale while working under these circumstances is a point that has been most closely watched, and your directors have had a full and careful analysis made of the shale at various points, which proves that, if obtained in fresh ground and clean, it maintains its rich quality and has in no way deteriorated. The remedy therefore lies in a full output in fresh ground. This would have now been obtained but for the accident which has thrown back operations some months, but with the pumps going steadily and the preventative steps that have been taken against recurrence of accident, your directors consider that the mining troubles of the past four years are practically over, and the output should now steadily increase to the full requirements of the company. The manufacturing results at the refineries during the past year have been satisfactory. At Straiton 71.67 per cent. of refined products, including 15.23 per cent. of scale, was obtained, and the costs, including wax refining, notwithstanding the higher level of wages and the largely increased price of fuel, were 1.07d per gallon, or only fractionally higher than the previous year. At Clippens refinery the results in refined products are practically the same as obtained in the two previous years. The costs were, however, slightly lower, though they remain unavoidably high owing to the short supply of crude oil. The cost of fuel forms an important feature in the cost of production, and recent high prices have told heavily against manufacturing costs. Steps have already been taken to lessen the consumpt, and further improvements which should effect considerable saving are under consideration. Statistics have never been given to show volume of the company’s business, and I may mention that during the past five years the sales amounted to £1,198,820, and the bad debts during that period to £933 16s 3d, equal to .08 per cent. on the sales. Last year the sales amounted to £285,951, and the bad debts were £222, being .08 per cent. on the sales, the same as for the period of five years. In last year’s report your directors anticipated that the gain from increased prices of products would amount to upwards of £20,000. The actual gain was £20,033. Of this amount £17,500 was obtained from wax and the remainder from oil and naphtha. Against this gain there was an increased cost of purchase amounting to £12,985. Of this amount upwards of £6000 was due to the higher rice of coal. In the year we have just commenced there should be a further gain in prices of products. The recent advance in the price of wax should yield £16,000 to £17,000 more. Oils will probably be slightly lower, but it is difficult to gauge their position with any certainty. With regard to the cost of fuel and other consumpts, your directors do not expect they will be higher, but rather anticipate that their purchases on the whole will show a saving on last year. The general position of the trade is satisfactory, and with the mining difficulties, which have been the sole cause of trouble, on the eve of being overcome, your directors have every confidence in the future of the company, which possesses a valuable property. Before closing I would like to refer to the sad event that occurred a few days ago of the death of Mr William Mackinnon. For over 13 years he was a member of the board, and since the death of the late Mr Scott in 1884 he acted as chairman. Mr Mackinnon took a keen interest in the welfare of the company, and his advice always carried weight in the councils of the board. The members of the board who were associated with him for years in the management of the company will miss much from their midst one whose opinion they valued and for whom they had both liking and respect. In filling up the vacancy caused by Mr Mackinnon’s death your directors propose, with your approval, to consult with some of their leading shareholders with the view of filling up the vacancy in such a way as best to promote the interests of the company. I beg now to move the adoption of the report.

In reply to a shareholder,

The CHAIRMAN said that the management expenses remained practically about the same as in the previous two years, but he thought that the management expenses of the company would compare most favourably with those of any company in a similar line of business – in fact they were considerably less.

Councillor DICKSON asked that some more definite information should be given than was contained in the statement of the chairman with reference to filling the vacancy caused by the death of MrMackinnon. It seemed to him that the better course to adopt would be to appoint a committee of the principal shareholders for this year to consult with the directors. This might tend more to consolidate the company and raise it from its present position. It seemed to him that the first thing that was wanted was to give confidence to the public, and nothing would tend so much to that as a committee of shareholders associated with the directors.

The CHAIRMAN thought it would be very desirable if they could get the vacancy filled up. The way he had put it was that they should consult with the leading shareholders with the view of filling the vacancy so as to promote the interests of the company in the best way. If it was in that way it might be perfectly satisfactory.

Mr CRUM MACLAE seconded the adoption of the report.

The report was adopted.

Messrs Crum Maclae and John Macpherson were re-appointed directors of the company.

The auditors of the company, Messrs MOrres, Carson & Watson, were re-appointed.

The meeting then terminated.

Dundee Courier - Tuesday 26 January 1892

THE SCOTTISH OIL TRADE.

AGREEMENT BY THE COMPANIES.

Every effort was made yesterday to effect an amicable adjustment of the Scottish oil trade difficulty. The Oakbank Company's Directors were in consultation during the forenoon. Later it was announced that the representatives of all the oil companies in Scotland have concurred in the agreement which their delegates arranged in London, and are quite satisfied therewith. The Secretary of the Clippens Oil Company informs us that it is not true that the Company are going to call a meeting their creditors. The Directors resolved yesterday to reconstruct the Company and reduce the capital, and, further, to concentrate all their works at Pentland, and therefore close their refinery at Clippens, Johnstone. We also learn that the Oakbank Oil Company resolved yesterday to join the Scottish oil combination.

Glasgow Evening Post - Thursday 28 January 1892

The directors of the Clippens Oil Company have issued a circular to the shareholders expressing their regret that in consequence of the expenditure involved by the breakdown the company’s pumping engines at Pentland, and the subsequent mining losses incurred thereby, the company had to contract a considerable amount of floating debt, which has been increased by losses arising from further mining difficulties during the past nine months, but which are how thoroughly overcome. In order to restore the financial stability of the company the directors propose to reduce the share capital of the company by writing down the present ordinary shares from their nominal value of £10 per share to £3 per share, thus involving a reduction of capital to the extent of £181,230. Out of this sum so written off, to set aside a to a special reserve account for the purposes explained in connection with the second Debentures proposed to be issued, £30,000, and apply the balance of £151,230 in writing off the Suspense, Patent Rights, and balance at debit of profit and loss accounts, and writing down the works and properly the company. To authorise the issue of £60,000 Debentures by 30,000 Debentures of £2 each, bearing interest at the rate of 7½ per cent, and redeemable, with bonus of 50 per cent. in the event of the holders electing to exchange their Debentures for shares of the company. The directors propose to cease the refining of products at Clippens, and to concentrate the whole of the works at Straiton. This will render the company capable of dealing entirely and solely with its own products, without having to purchase, as it hitherto has had to do, crude oil for the full employment of the refinery at Clippens. The directors go into minute details of the working and the probable profit, and are satisfied that sufficient would be earned to pay upwards of 14 per cent. on the proposed reduced ordinary capital. With this result they say there can be little doubt that the shares of the company would be well worth the proposed reduced par value of £3. If the debentures, as may be anticipated, secured their 50 per cent. bonus and were converted into shares the total share capital will then amount to £167,670, and the company thus placed in an exceptionally strong financial position would be capable of earning dividends at the rate of upwards of 9 per cent. The debenture-holders will require to be consulted. The general meeting of the shareholders takes place on February 5th.

The Scotsman - Thursday 28 January 1892

THE directors of the Clippens Oil Company have called a special meeting of their shareholders with the view of submitting to them a scheme for the rearrangement of the Company’s capital, so as to favour more efficient and more economical working.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 28 January 1892

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.—The directors of the Clippens Oil Company, at a meeting held on Monday, resolved to reconstruct the Company, and reduce their capital. They have also decided to close their refinery at Johnstone, Linwood, so as to have all their works at Pentland. An official denial has been given to the statement that they are going to call a meeting of their creditors.

Glasgow Evening Post - Thursday 28 January 1892

The directors of the Clippens Oil Company have issued a circular to the shareholders expressing their regret that in consequence of the expenditure involved by the breakdown of the company’s pumping engines at Pentland, and the subsequent mining losses incurred thereby, the company had to contract a considerable amount of floating debt, which has been increased by losses arising from further mining difficulties during the past nine months, but which are now thoroughly overcome. In order to restore the financial stability of the company the directors propose to reduce the share capital of the company by writing down the present ordinary shares from their nominal value of £10 per share to £3 per share, thus involving a reduction of capital to the extent of £181,230. Out of this sum so written off, to set aside to a special reserve account for the purposes explained in connection with the second Debentures proposed to be issued, £30,000, and to apply the balance of £151,230 in writing off the Suspense, Patent Rights, and balance at debit of profit and loss accounts, and writing down the works and properly of the company. To authorise the issue of £60,000 Debentures by 30,000 Debentures of £2 each, bearing interest the rate of 7½ per cent. and redeemable, with a bonus of 50 per cent. in the event of the holders electing to exchange their Debentures for shares of the company. The directors propose to cease the refining of products at Clippens, and to concentrate the whole of the works at Straiton. This will render the company capable of dealing entirely and solely with its own products, without having to purchase, as it hitherto has had to do, crude oil for the full employment of the refinery at Clippens. The directors go into minute details of the working and the probable profit, and are satisfied that sufficient would be earned to pay upwards of 14 per cent. on the proposed reduced ordinary capital. With this result they say there can be little doubt that the shares of the company would be well worth the proposed reduced par value of £3. If the debentures, as may be anticipated, secured their 50 per cent. bonus and were converted into shares the total share capital will then amount to £167,670, and the company thus placed in an exceptionally strong financial position would be capable of earning dividends at the rate of upwards of 9 per cent. The debenture-holders will require to he consulted. The general meeting of the shareholders takes place on February 5th.

Dundee Advertiser - Friday 29 January 1892

As already intimated, the Directors of the CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY have resolved to call an extraordinary general meeting of their shareholders, and a report as to the affairs of the Company has been prepared for submission to that meeting. In this report the Directors say they “regret to have to inform you that, in consequence of the expenditure involved by the breakdown of the Company’s pumping engines at Pentland, and the subsequent mining losses incurred thereby, the Company had to contract a considerable amount of floating debt, which has been increased by losses arising from further mining difficulties during the past nine months, but which are now thoroughly overcome. It is necessary, therefore, to consider what steps should be taken to restore the financial stability of the Company. Under the agreement made two years ago with the holders of the Company’s Debenture stock, the Company is relieved of anxiety as to the replacement of these debentures so long as it can duly meet the interest and sinking fund charge therefor, amounting to £12,000 per annum. The floating liabilities are therefore all that now require to be dealt with. To meet them, to provide for certain alterations in the works, hereafter referred to, and a sufficient working margin, the Directors consider that a sum of from £50,000 to £60,000 should be raised. After carefully reviewing the whole position the Company, and taking professional advice, both as to the resources of its shale fields and the prospects of working these with satisfactory profit, and also as to the best mode of raising the requisite funds for the Company, they have decided to recommend the shareholders to agree to a scheme of rearrangement of the Company’s capital. In considering this scheme the shareholders must keep in view that the only mode by which the Company can increase its share capital is by the issue of ordinary shares, and that none of these shares can be issued at a discount. In the present position of the Company, and having regard to the market value of the shares, it is clearly impossible that any money could be raised as capital in the only form directly available to the Company. It is for this reason that the form of the scheme which the Directors now submit has been adopted. The Directors propose :— (1) To reduce the share capital of the Company by writing down the present ordinary shares from their nominal value of £10 per share to £3 per share, thus involving a reduction of capital to the extent of £181,230; (2) out of this sum so written off, to set aside to a special reserve account for the purposes hereafter explained in connection with the second debentures proposed to be issued, £30,000, and to apply the balance of £151,230 in writing off the suspense, patent rights, and balance at debit of profit and loss accounts, and writing down the works and property of the Company; (3) to authorise the issue of £60,000 debentures by 30,000 debentures of £2 each, bearing interest at the rate of 7½ per cent. and redeemable with bonus of 50 per cent. in the event of the holders electing to exchange their Debentures for shares of the Company. The directors propose to cease the refining of products at Clippens, and to concentrate the whole of the works at Straiton. This will render the Company capable of dealing entirely and solely with its own products, without having to purchase, as it hitherto has had to do, crude oil for the full employment of the refinery at Clippens. If this be carried out, the cost of management will be reduced considerably by the concentration of the works. With the new capital the Directors propose to enlarge the refining capacity of Straiton works, and to alter the construction of the crude oil retorts at Pentland, so as to secure, as they are advised they will, much more satisfactory results. The result of this change will otherwise be to the financial advantage of the Company. The position of the Company with this alteration in its working arrangements and in its reconstructed form will be practically as follows:-

CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES

1. Capital – 25,890 shares of £3 each £77,670 0 0
   
2. 5 per Cent. Mortgage Debenture stock at
   present outstanding 136,200 0 0
   
3. 30,000 Convertible Debentures of £2 each
   bearing interest at 7½ per cent. and
   ranking with other creditors on the
   general assets of the Company 60,000 0 0
   
4. Reserve account for the redemption of
   Convertible Debentures as previously
   explained 30,000 0 0
   
5. Monthly accounts, say 10,000 0 0
   

• £321,875 0 0

ASSETS

1. Works, pits, houses, railways, and patent
   rights presently standing in the books
   at the value of £362,935 9s 5d, reduced
   by £115,975 19s 2d, now written off £246,959 10 3
   
2. Stock-in-trade and sundry debtors 40,000 0 0
   
3. Cash in hand, of which about £12,000
   will be required for concentration of
   works and alteration of retorts 26,910 9 3
   

• £312,870 0 6

The report goes on discuss the prospects of the Company under the proposed financial rearrangement, and concludes:- it will be necessary to seek the approval of the present Debenture stockholders to the reduction proposed in the capital, as they at present have the right of conversion into shares at a premium of 30 per cent. The Directors propose that this right should be altered, so to permit of the Debenture stock being converted into shares at a premium of 30 per cent. on the reduced par value. By so doing, in place of taking payment for their Debentures in the shares taken at the value £13 per share, the holders of the Debenture stock will have the right to take payment in ad to

Glasgow Evening Post - Friday 05 February 1892

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED

MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS – TODAY.

The shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, met with the directors to-day, in the company's offices, Exchange Square,—Mr A. C. Scott, presiding.

The report by the directors states that in consequence of the breaking down of the company's pumping engine and the subsequent mining losses, the company had to contract a considerably amount of floating debt and it was necessary to consider what steps should be taken to restore the financial position of the Company. The Directors propose as follows: - I. To reduce the share capital of the Company by writing down the present ordinary shares from their nominal value of £10 per share to £3 per share, thus involving a reduction of capital to the extent of £181,230. II. Out of this sum so written off, to set aside to a special reserve account for the purposes hereafter explained in connection with the second Debentures proposed to be issued, £30,000, and apply the balance of £151,230 in writing off the Suspense, Patent Rights, and balance at debit of profit and loss accounts, and writing down the works and property of the Company. III. To authorise the issue of £60,000 debentures 30,000 debentures of £2 each, bearing interest at the rate of 7½ per cent., and redeemable with a bonus of 50 per cent, in the event of the holders electing to exchange their debentures for shares of the Company.

The directors propose to cease the refining of products at Clippens, and concentrate the whole of the works at Straiton. This will render the company capable of dealing entirely and solely with its own products, without having to purchase, as it hitherto has had do, crude oil for the full employment of the refinery at Clippens. If this is carried out, the cost of management will be reduced considerably by the concentration of the works. With the new capital the directors propose to enlarge the refining capacity of Straiton Works, and to alter the construction of the crude oil retorts at Pentland, so as to secure, as they are advised they will, much more satisfactory results. The result of this change will otherwise be to the financial advantage of the Company.

The position of the company with this alteration in its working arrangements and in its reconstructed form will be as follows .—Capital—26,890 shares at £3, £77,670; 5 per cent. mortgage debenture stock at present outstanding, £135,200; 30,000 convertible debentures of £2 bearing interest at 7½ per cent., £60,000; reserve fund, £30,000; monthly account, say £10,000. with assets amounting to £312,870, composed of plant and £12,000 cash in hand. The directors calculate that with the concentration of work the company's accounts would show a profit of £35,000.

The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that, along with the other directors, he regretted the recent disasters which had happened in the mines, and the consequent loss sustained by the shareholders. The sole cause of all the heavy losses was the flooding of the mines which took place five years ago, and it was only in August last that the difficulty had been surmounted. Sinking was now being proceeded with in the three mines of solid shale. Looking back on the progress of the company since entering on the Pentland fields he would point out to them that in 1884 a dividend of 10 per cent. was declared, in 1885 a dividend of 12 per cent., and in 1886 of 7½ per cent. Previous to the six months ending September, 1887, with an extra output of 5,600 tons per week a gross profit of £26,000 was made, with during that period the lowest prices for oil produced. These facts showed the rich quality of the shale possessed by the company at Pentland. The company had also valuable assets upon which it was difficult to put a fixed value on the goodwill of the business. During the past five years the total sales of the company amounted to £1,198,280. and for the year ended 31st March last the sales were £285,000. For the current year the sales would amount to about a similar figure. He had brought before them two points of the profits made in the Pentland fields and the present commercial position of business, and he left it to the shareholders to judge whether they should not make a strong effort to preserve their interests in the company. During the past two years a complete change had come over the position of crude-oil supplies from outside sources, which had weighed heavily with the directors in the decision concentrate the refineries at Straiton, with a consequent abandonment of the works at Clippens. They felt that in reconstructing and asking fresh capital they must have scheme which they could depend on and carry out for years to come. This could only be done by concentrating the refineries at one spot and getting the whole supply from their own shale fields. The refinery at Straiton was capable of dealing with 100,000 gallons of oil weekly, and very little expense would bring it up to the required capacity. The company had now three mines sinking in solid shale and soon they hoped to have a quality the shale similar to that attained in former years. Regarding the new scheme the directors felt it imperative that money should be obtained and that the new bonds should be issued on terms which would insure their being taken by the existing shareholders or looked upon as a good speculative investment. Taking the lowest estimate of the yield it brought out a profit of £28,000, which was sufficient to pay a dividend of 9 per cent. in the event of all the bonds being converted, which would be equal to 13 per cent. on the investment. Should the profits be similar to the five years’ average quoted, the profit would be £47,000, or 2? per cent. on the reduced shares of £3. In conclusion, he said — Since the issue of the circular, proxies to the extent of 7,356 shares had been lodged, and the directors, along with several parties interested, were prepared to take 30,000 of the new issue of bonds. He hoped the bulk of the shareholders would give the new scheme their support.

The report along with the following resolution was adopted : —1. That the authorised and subscribed capital the company reduced from 25,890 shares of £10 each to 25,890 shares of £3 each, representing a reduced subscribed capital £77,670. 2. That the borrowing powers of the company be increased, and the directors are authorised to issue 30,000 convertible debentures of £2 each, bearing interest at 7½ per cent. per annum, such convertible debentures to be redeemable by the company at 50 per cent. premium, in the event of the holders of such convertible debentures at time of their electing to redeem, subscribing for shares in the company at the rate of one share of £3 for one debenture of £2 so redeemed. 3. That the Increased capital authorised under resolutions passed on 25th February be cancelled, and in lien thereof the capital the company, as reduced under the first special resolution, be further increased by the creation of reserve capital of £194,001 in 64,667 shares of £3 each fully paid, and that to enable the directors to hereafter issue such reserve shares to holders of mortgage debenture stock, and of convertible debentures. That the holders of convertible mortgage debenture stock shall have right at any time to convert or exchange the amount of their stock into paid-up shares of the company, at the rate of one £3 share for each £3 18s of debenture stock. 5. That the reserve capital be hereafter issued from time to time against (1) the amount of £135,200 existing of convertible mortgage debenture stock in exchange for such stock to be hereafter converted, and (2) the convertible debentures now authorised as when said debentures are redeemed and application made for shares. 6. That out the £181,230 to be written off the capital account there shall be set apart a sum of £30,000 to a reserve account for the purpose of meeting the premium on redemption to the holders of the 30,000 Convertible Debentures of £2 each, and that such reserve shall be used exclusively for this purpose.

Dundee Courier - Saturday 06 February 1892

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. - A special meeting of the Clippens Oil Company was held yesterday in Glasgow— Mr A. C. Scott presiding— when resolutions were adopted with a view to restoring the financial stability of the Company. The Chairman afterwards asked that a Committee of shareholders might be appointed to assist the Board in filling up the vacancy caused by the death of Mr Mackinnon. Mr Watson suggested that the entire Board should be reconstructed. There was no doubt, he said, they had lost 90 per cent. of their money, and a very little would take away the other 10 per cent. Mr Murray, another shareholder, said he had great fear of the success of that or any other Scottish oil company. The Chairman pointed out that under normal conditions the business of the Company was worked at a good profit. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

Dundee Courier - Monday 22 February 1892

CLIPPEN OIL COMPANY. - An extraordinary general meeting of this Company was held on Saturday in Glasgow. Mr A. C. Scott presided. The meeting confirmed the resolutions which were passed on 5th February. The Chairman stated that since the last meeting inquiries had been made as to the precise nature of the new bonds, and he might mention briefly that they carried interest of 7½ per cent. per annum, might be held the investor as long as he chose, and he had the right of converting them at any time into ordinary shares of £3. Messrs J. H. Dickson, H. W Johnston, and Arthur Hart were appointed a Shareholders' Committee to act with the Directors in carrying through the reconstruction scheme.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 24 February 1892

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY'S CAPITAL.

In the Second Division of the Court of Session to-day, their lordships ordered intimation of a petition by the Clippens Oil Company, asking authority to reduce the capital of the company from £10 to £3 shares. Of 26,000 shares all have been issued except 110, and the shares issued have been fully paid. The reduction will reduce the capital, which was £258,900, to £77,670. The company is about to abandon the refinery works at Clippens, and to concentrate the whole of the mining and working at Pentland and Straiton, where they have hitherto had large losses.

The Scotsman - Monday 23 May 1892

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED). - The report by the directors of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) for the twelve months ending 31st March last was issued to the shareholders on Saturday. It bears that In the balance sheet effect has been given to the special resolutions passed and approved of at the extraordinary general meetings held on the 5th and 20th of February last. The patent rights and suspense accounts and the balance at the debit of the profit and loss account have been written off, and the sum at which the works, pits, houses, lands, minerals, and railways stand in the Company's books has been written down to £262,489, 6s. 7d. The directors regret that the results of the past year's working showed, after allowing £9845, 2s. 6d. for maintenance and repairs, a balance at the debit of profit and loss account of £6971, 6s, 4d., to which there falls to be added the interest on debenture stock, £6803, 8s. 9d.; leaving a balance at the debit of profit and loss of £13,834, 14s. 1d., which as above mentioned has been written off. The reconstruction scheme authorised by the shareholders is (the report continues) being carried through, and £57,022 of the new debentures have been allotted. The full effect of the scheme on the financial position of the Company does not appear in the present balance-sheet in consequence of the short period which elapsed between the dates of the resolutions and the balance. The balance-sheet includes about £17,000 of stock at Clippens, which will be completely realised within the next few months. The additions and alterations at Straiton, consequent on the concentration of the refining works there, are being rapidly proceeded with, and will be finished before the 15th of July. They are being carried out without interfering with the regular working of the refinery. The rebuilding of the defective retorts has been commenced. Two benches are in the hands of the contractors; one will he ready by the end of June and the other a month later. The supply of shale is now more than equal to the Company's requirements, and there will be no difficulty in maintaining it. With the mines working under normal conditions, with increased crude oil yields from cleaner shale and improved retorts, and with the savings which will be effected by the concentration of the refineries at Straiton, together with cheaper costs in wages and fuel, which have already been partially obtained, the directors expect to be able to meet successfully the lower prices now ruling.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 30 May 1892

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

The ordinary meeting of the shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company was held in Glasgow today. Mr A. C. Scott, who presided, stated that it was expected that during the next few months the whole of the stock held at Clippens would be realised. He gave particulars of the concentration of the works, and said that, though prices were still low, the prospects were not unfavourable. The report, which declared no dividend, was adopted.

Glasgow Evening Post - Monday 30 May 1892

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED).

ANNUAL MEETING – TO-DAY

The annual general meeting of tba shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held within the office, 27 Exchange Square, at noon to-day—Mr A. C. Scott in the chair. The report, which has already been published, was held as read. In moving its adoption, the Chairman made a few remarks on the scheme of reconstruction and works concentration, which had been formerly approved of by the shareholders. Of the £60,000 debenture bonds that they created, application had been received for £57,022, and these were lodged. Another part the scheme that was calculated to benefit the financial position of the company was the stoppage of Clippens Works, and the realising of the stocks held there had amounted at the 31st March to about £17,000. It was obviously impossible to carry that out at once, as some time was required to work out the oils in process into definite products. This had now been done, and the works, excepting two departments, had been started, and it was expected that during the next few months the whole of the stocks held at Clippens should be realised. The concentration of the refineries at Straiton was being rapidly proceeded with, and would be practically completed before the 15th July. This work was being carried out without in any way interfering with the regular working of the refinery, and since the sending of crude oil to Clippens had ceased, the quantity put through Straiton was increased, and the result of this had been that for the past two months the refining costs had been the lowest ever achieved at Straiton— amounting to 8.5d per gallon. These costs could be still further reduced when the full benefits were got from the concentration. A moderate improvement had been effected in the yields of crude oil, which had been increased during the past three months by two gallons per ton. However, they were still unsatisfactory, and far below the average of former years. As more shale was obtained from the main seam, however, these yields should be further improved. The retort benches had now been started. In the mining departments, the output was considerably above the requirements of the company. The mining costs with a normal condition of working had been reduced, but were still higher than was warranted by the position of the oil industry and the extremely low prices ruling. In the general business of the company the reconstruction scheme made a radical change. The works, instead of being divided, would now be conducted at one centre, and the refinery would be supplied entirely with crude oil obtained from the company’s shale, whereas in recent years they had to obtain from 30 to 40 per cent. of bought crude oil to keep the refineries going. The effect of that would be to make the results from the works more steady and more easily controlled, besides cheaper costs from having the charge throughput through the one refinery. At the present time the general outlook of the trade was not very bright, but with the gains to be obtained, added to the economies arising from concentration of the refineries, the directors hoped to meet successfully the low prices that were now ruling.

Mr A. Crum Maclae seconded, and the report was adopted.

Mr Stoddart was re-elected a director, and auditor were also reappointed.

A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings.

Dundee Courier - Wednesday 05 October 1892

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY – MEETING OF CREDITORS CALLED. – At a meeting of the larger creditors and £2 debenture holders of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, held yesterday, it was resolved to summon a general meeting on Friday first to consider the position of the Company, and the advisability of avoiding liquidation if possible. Pending the result of this meeting, the Directors have delayed calling the shareholders together.

Dundee Advertiser - Wednesday 05 October 1892

At a meeting of the larger creditors and £2 debenture holders of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, held yesterday, the opinion was expressed that, considering the reconstruction scheme had only recently been completed, and that the work can now be carried on without loss at the present low prices, it was inadvisable to throw the concern into liquidation at the present crisis, but that some arrangement should be come whereby the business could be carried on by the Directors in the meantime, with the assistance of a Committee of creditors, so as to allow time for the present position of the oil trade to develop itself. It was resolved to summon a general meeting on Friday to consider the position of the Company, and the advisability of avoiding liquidation if possible. Pending the result of this meeting the Directors have delayed calling the shareholders together.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 08 October 1892

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY'S POSITION. The shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company met in Glasgow yesterday privately to consider the financial position of the company owing to the serious fall in prices. After discussion, it was agreed that the business of the Clippens Oil Company be continued meantime in the interest of all concerned. The interests of creditors and debenture holders would, it was considered, be seriously imperilled by the appointment of a liquidator.

Dundee Courier - Saturday 08 October 1892

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.—At a meeting of the creditors of this Company, held yesterday, a statement of the position and prospects was submitted, and, after deliberation, it was unanimously agreed that liquidation should not be thought of, but that the Company should be carried on usual. A Committee of five creditors was appointed to co-operate with the Directors in carrying on the works.

The Scotsman - Monday 10 October 1892

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY

A MEETING of the creditors and £2 debenture-holders of the Clippens Oil Company was held in the Waterloo Rooms, Glasgow, on Friday. The directors of the Company and seventy-six creditors and debenture-holders were present. An official statement of what took place at the meeting has been furnished, and from it the following is taken: —Mr A., C . SCOTT occupied the chair and expressed his regret at having to meet under such unfortunate circumstances. The immediate cause of suspension of payment, he said, was the withdrawal of credit, certain firms demanding cash before the delivery of coal, vitriol, or caustic soda, and others threatening to raise actions for past due accounts. The exact financial position of the Company on the 30th ult. was: — Assets (exclusive of the Company's works and heritable propertys which were mortgaged to the first bondholders), £51,500. This included £15,600 of book debt and £21,500, the value of the stocks of oils. The Company owed £40,400, of which £18,000 was on open account and £11,800 on bills payable. Of the total, about one-half was now due, and the other half at the end of this month and in November and December. The assets were as low as they could be got. They must give credit to their customers. They could see how, with creditors for £20,000 urging for payment of overdue accounts and with their refusal to grant further credit, it became impossible to carry on. He was sorry that the Company was totally unable to pay them off now. Certain creditors threatened to proceed or were proceeding with actions which could only result in liquidation. He was strongly of opinion that liquidation would be a most unwise step in the interests of the creditors and £2 debenture-holders. That would at once wipe out £7000 of the Company's assets, as the margins on advances would vanish on forced realisation, and the royalties prepaid would be lost. Possibly, also, the stocks and stores would suffer shrinkage, although the directors believed these were on a very low basis. The most serious effect of liquidation would, however, appear on the liability side of the account. At present, so long as the interest was paid on the 5 per cent mortgage debenture bonds, and liquidation avoided, the lenders could not demand repayment of their principal, which amounted to £135,200. If liquidation was gone on with, these bondholders might take possession of the works and other heritable property, which, in the present depressed state of the trade, might not realise the full amount lent. In this case the mortgage-holders would rank for any deficiency along with the £53,592 of £2 debenture holders and the ordinary creditors on the free assets of the Company. It would, the directors considered, be most regrettable if the Company had to be thrown into liquidation on the very eve of the completion of the concentration of the works, and when the mines, after a struggle of many years, have been got into perfect order. They asked the creditors to consider whether they should not allow their claims to lie over for a time till it be seen how the business works. In the event of the creditors being of the opinion that the business should be carried on without liquidation, the directors would suggest that a committee of creditors should be appointed to advise with the directors.

Mr F.J. TINGLE, F.C.A, London (of Arthur Lowcook (Limited), Shrewsbury), thought some arrangement should be made to carry on the concern for say six months, unsecured creditors refraining from pressing their claims during that period

Mr JOHNS DENNIS, Dalkeith, said he thoroughly concurred with Mr Tingle that the £2 debenture-holders and ordinary creditors ought to agree, in their own interests, to some arrangement whereby the Company’s business could be carried on.

Mr JOHN DURIE, coalmaster, Tranent, said he had yesterday visited the Company’s works at Pentland, and had examined the mines. He was acquainted with these works and mines for some years back, and he could assure the meeting that he had never seen them in better condition. He thought the manager, Mr Gordon, deserved great credit for their efficient condition, and he had long held the opinion that if any oil company could prosper, the Clippens ought to do so with good management. The figures he had seen for costings seemed to him, as a practical man, moderately stated. He concurred with previous speakers in their opinion that the two classes of creditors present should postpone their claims and allow the Company to go on under the present management, assisted by a committee of the larger creditors and bondholders.

Mr WILLIAM SCOTT, Vogrie Colliery Company, expressed the same views.

Mr JOHN Y. KING (of Borland, King, & Shaw, writers, Glasgow) said he could assure unsecured creditors that their position would be most hurtfully affected it any steps were taken which would enable the secured mortgage debenture holders to enter into possession. He begged to move the undernoted resolution. If any one present held different views, he hoped they would express them now so that they might be thrashed out:-

"That in the opinion of this meeting it is expedient that the business of the Clippens Oil Company be continued meantime in the interest of all concerned; that the interests of the whole creditors and especially those of the general creditors and postponed debenture holders would be seriously imperilled by the appointment of a liquidator, and that the directors should continue to manage the business in co-operation with a committee representing the different classes of creditors, the said committee being directed to convene the creditors at any time they consider this necessary to the interests of the latter, and on this footing the creditors agree to allow their claims, prior to the 3d inst., to stand over for a period of six months or such shorter period as the committee may recommend; and this meeting recommends absent cfeditors to concur in the above arrangement.”

Mr JOHN DURIE seconded the resolution. Before putting the motion to the meeting, Mr Scott invited any creditors who had other views to express them. No one responded, and on the the resolution being put to the meeting it was unanimously passed.

The following gentlemen were appointed to act as the committee to co-operate with the directors in managing the business:- Mr W. S. Brown, Glasgow; Mr John Durie, Tranent; Mr Arthur Hart, Glasgow; Mr F. J. Tingle, London; Mr A. W. Turnbull, of Shotts Iron Company, Leith.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 16 December 1892

TO WIND UP THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY

An extraordinary meeting of the share holders of the Clippens Oil Company has been called for Saturday week for the purpose of considering resolutions to the effect that the company be wound up, as it has been proved that by reason of its liabilities it cannot continue business. It is proposed that Mr John Scott Tait, C.A.., Edinburgh, and Mr James Armour, secretary of the company, be appointed liquidators.

Dundee Courier - Saturday 17 December 1892

PROPOSED LIQUIDATION OF THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – A meeting of the shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company has been called for the 24th inst., to consider a proposal to place the concern in liquidation. In a circular it is said that the position of the Company, having been carefully considered by the Directors, in conference with the Committees representing the creditors and the mortgage debenture-holders, and in view of the want of working capital to carry on its operations it has been found necessary to take the step already mentioned.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 22 December 1892

PROPOSED WINDING-UP OF THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

A meeting of the Clippens Oil Company has been called for the 24th inst., to adopt the following resolution:- “That it has been proved to the satisfaction of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) that the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its business, and that it advisable to wind up the same.” Accompanying the notice calling the meeting is a circular from the secretary in which it is explained— “Following upon the intimation contained in the circular issued to the shareholders on 4th October last, a meeting of the creditors was held on 7th October, at which a large number of the creditors of the Company and £2 debenture holders were present. A committee of creditors was there appointed with the view of co-operating with the directors, touching the management of the company's business, with power to deal with the trustees for the debenture stock holders and assume them as members of the committee if thought fit. At a meeting of the directors and committee, held immediately thereafter, I was instructed by the directors to issue circulars to the creditors and £2 debenture holders, asking them to postpone their respective claims. As a result the directors received a considerable amount of support from both classes of creditors. Following thereon the directors and the committee communicated with a committee representing debenture stock holders, and both committees have met in consultation with the directors, and have received the fullest information, not only with reference to the results of the company's working, but also as to the position of its affairs. The members of both committees considered very carefully the general lines upon which the business of the company was to be continued, keeping in view the relative interests of the debenture stock holders, the £2 debenture holders, and the ordinary creditors. A meeting of parties was held on Wednesday, 14th inst., with the object of adjusting the resolutions to be adopted by the debenture stock holders and the creditors. Before proceeding with the final adjustment of the resolutions, it was considered necessary to reconsider the position of matters, in the light of the results disclosed from a statement of the company's affairs, prepared as at 30th November, as contrasted with the position on 30th September last. The results of carrying the on the works since the meeting of 7th October have been unsatisfactory on account of successive falls in the prices of oil products. The position of the company having been carefully considered by the directors, in conference with the committees representing the creditors and the Mortgage debenture holders, and in view of the want of working capital to carry on its operations, it has been found necessary to propose the liquidation of the company. Under the procedure proposed the rights of the creditors and the whole parties interested will be preserved."

Dundee Courier - Monday 26 December 1892

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – An extraordinary general meeting of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, was held on Saturday – Mr E. D. Scott presiding – at which the resolutions passed at a recent meeting to go into liquidation were adopted. Mr J. S. Tait, C.A., Edinburgh, and Mr James Armour, Glasgow, were appointed liquidators. A petition will be at once presented to the Court of Session for authority to liquidate under the supervision of the Court.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 23 January 1893

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY LIQUIDATION.

The report of the liquidators of Clippens Oil Company just issued shows a balance of £24,604 to be identified as a direct loss on the operations of the company. They suggest that nothing should be done which would lead up to an immediate stoppage of the works, and desire the creditors to authorise them to carry on the works till the end of March for getting the benefit of improvements.

Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Tuesday 24 January 1893

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

LIQUIDATORS’ REPORT.

The shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company have been convened to attend a meeting of the company on Thursday to consider the report of the liquidators. The report states:— “It would seem desirable, in the interests of the creditors, that a committee of their number should be appointed to consult with the liquidators with the view of determining the procedure for the future. The liquidators feel it to be of the utmost importance that the present position of the company should be looked at carefully from every point of view before any final decision as future action is arrived at. They respectfully submit for the consideration of the creditors that nothing should done which would lead up to an immediate stoppage the works. A statement contrasting the position of the company as at 31st March, 1892, and the date of liquidation shows that the deficiency in the free available assets has been increased between the two points from £19,619 6s 7d to £60,406 19s 3d, a net increase of £40,787 12s 8d. Of this sum, however, £16,183 3s 4d was expended on capital outlay, leaving a balance of £24,604 9s 4d to be identified as direct loss on the operations of the company.”

Glasgow Herald - Tuesday 24 January 1893

The liquidators of the CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY have circulated a statement amongst the creditors, which will be considered at a meeting this week. The liquidators state that-
They have carefully revalued the stocks of shale products at present market prices, with the view of ascertaining the free assets available in the future for the carrying on of the works of the company in accordance with instructions to be given by the creditors. A statement contrasting the position of the company as at 31st March, 1892, and the date of liquidation, shows that the deficiency in the free available assets has been increased between the two points from £19,619 6s 7d to £60,406 19s 3d, a net increase of £40,787 12s 8d. Of this sum, however, £16,183 3s 4d was expended on capital outlay, leaving a balance of £24,604 9s 4d to be identified as direct loss on the operations of the company. In the opinion of the liquidators, this loss is not one which is likely to recur, unless in a very modified form; and from the examination they have made of the company’s books, they have satisfied themselves that the greater portion of it has arisen from the necessity of keeping the refinery works at Clippens going until the stocks of oil held there had been worked off. The works have now practically been abandoned, and although certain claims by the landlord have not yet been settled, there is sufficient value in the shape of buildings, plant, railways, &c., to meet any demand that can be put forward under this head. In October last the directors and committee of creditors instructed Mr John Durie, Elphinstone Colliery, Tranent, to make a careful and thorough examination of the mines at Straiton and Pentland. The result of Mr Durie's examination of all the mines, which was very minute, was on the whole very satisfactory, and completely confirmed the general opinion that the shale-field belonging to the company was a very valuable one, and capable of being worked to a profit under judicious management, even in the present depressed state of the market for oil products. Since the disasters at the mines, first by the crush and afterwards by floodings, great improvements have been made, and, considering what has happened, Mr Durie was of opinion that the mines were in a marvellously efficient state. In the circumstances it would seem desirable, in the interests of the creditors, that a committee of their number should be appointed to consult with the liquidators, with the view of determining the procedure for the future. The liquidators feel it to be of the utmost importance) that the present position of the company should be looked at carefully from every point of view before any final decision as to future action is arrived at. They would respectfully submit for the consideration of the creditors that nothing should be done which would lead up to an immediate stoppage of the works. The position is a difficult one, but the liquidators are satisfied that nothing is to be gained by hasty action at the instance of Clippens creditors, and conservation of the rights of parties can, in their opinion, only be attained by close and careful review of the whole facts leading up to the stoppage of the company, and by getting rid for the future of the causes which have brought about that result. Assuming that the works were brought to a stop, there can be no doubt that the Debenture stock-holders, after exhausting their security, would have to rank on the unpledged assets of the company for a very large sum, thus reducing the dividend to the whole unsecured creditors to a minimum. In putting the position before the creditors, the liquidators desire that the creditors should authorise them to carry on the works to the end of March, for the purpose of getting the benefit of certain improvements which have been suggested in various departments of the company's business. If the results of the working for the period are satisfactory, and defects at present apparent are successfully got rid of, the liquidators propose to submit forthwith a scheme of reconstruction, under which the rights of all parties would be preserved.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 26 January 1893

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

A meeting of the creditors of the Clippens Oil Company was held the Accountants' Hall, Glasgow, to-day, consider the liquidator's report that the works should be carried on. The report was adopted. Messrs R. A. Murray and Bennet Clarke, for the debenture holders and R. Durie Tranent and W. T. Brown, foe the creditors, were appointed to consult with the liquidators.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 26 January 1893

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

Glasgow, January 23, 1893.

SIR,-The report of the Clippens Oil Company, which appears in your issue of to-day, shows that the present administration promises to be guided by the policy of the past, and that the liquidators are affected by the "sanguine fever." Year after year, for many years past, the directors' report has shown a glimpse into a land of promise, in which splendid dividends were conspicuous. But it has always been accompanied by the explanation that the destination has not been reached on account of breakdowns on the road, and by a request for money for repairs. Result-
25,850 shares at £10 (all lost)……………………£258,900
£132,000 debentures (say 50% lost)…………..£67,600
£326,500 loss.
Irrespective of this, 30,000 £2 preference which have no lien and simply rank as creditors, and the value of which depends entirely on how the unpledged assets are realised. The liquidators state that the position is a difficult one, and that nothing is to be attained by hasty action on the part of the creditors, as the debenture-holders' claim would be augmented by their so doing, and they suggest that the works should be carried on till the end of March. On the contrary, the debenture-holders' and the creditors' interests are identical, namely, to preserve as large an amount of the unpledged assets as possible. The liquidators will surely acknowledge that there is nothing to justify them in supposing that the works will be of more value on the 31st of March than they are to-day, and that they are working at a heavy loss. This simply means a reduction of the unpledged assets and a loss to both. The whole property, bar unpledged assets, is really now that of the bondholders, and any scheme of reconstruction lies with them. It is well known there is not a finer shalefield in Scotland, and, well handled, it would have made lots of money when prices were remunerative, and when others not nearly so well placed were doing so. The position is acute and should be treated accordingly. Let the business be closed as soon as possible, and the creditors' and debenture-holders' interests adjusted, and as any scheme of reconstruction lies with the debenture-holders, they will consult their best interests if they simply keep the works and mines in efficient order till better times come. This will cost them about £5000 to £7000 a year, instead of a loss at present prices of at least £20,000 to £25,000. If in a year or so the position of the trade justifies reconstruction, let it be under new auspices.-I am, &c.,

DEBENTURE_HOLDER AND CREDITOR.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 15 February 1893

PROPOSED SALE OF CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. In the Court of Session to-day, Lord Stormonth Darling ordered intimation, advertisement, and service of a petition John Scott Tait, C.A., Edinburgh, and Jas. Armour, 27 Royal Exchange, Square, Glasgow, the liquidators of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, which the sanction the Court asked sell, or to concur with the mortgage debenture holders in selling the undertaking of the company as a going concern, and to sanction the carrying on of the work until the end of March. It is proposed to expose the undertaking for sale by private tender.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 25 February 1893

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY LIQUIDATION. - Lord Stormonth Darling, in the Court of Session to-day, approved of the appointment of a committee to watch the interests of certain creditors in the Clippens Oil Company liquidation, and granted leave to carry on the works till 31st March, in order that they might be exposed for sale as a going concern. It was stated that the committee of shareholders and creditors approved of this course.

Glasgow Evening Post - Wednesday 01 March 1893

The Pentland and Straiton Oil Works, &c., of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, Exchange Square, are for sale by private treaty.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 22 March 1893

RE-CONSTRUCTION OF THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

The report of the liquidators of Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was issued to-day. A new company is proposed, with a capital of £125,800 in ordinary and deferred shares. Each ordinary creditor of the old company, including holders of £2 convertible debentures, will receive one fully paid up ordinary share of the new company for each full sum of £1.

North British Daily Mail - Thursday 23 March 1893

The Clippens Oil Co.’s business, it is reported, is to be transferred to a new company, to be termed Clippens (Limited). £126,800 will be the capital of the new concern.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 31 March 1893

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

Three meetings in connection with the Clippens Oil Company, now in liquidation, were held in the Religious Institution Rooms, Glasgow, to-day. At all the meetings the proceedings were private, but it was announced afterwards that resolutions were passed approving of the arrangements to make over the whole assets of the company to the new company.

Glasgow Evening Post - Thursday 20 April 1893

The respective managers at Clippens Oil Company’s mines and refinery have received formal intimation to dismiss officials, work up the mining stock, shut down the benches of retorts, and close the works. This intimation is, of course, only to be carried into effect If the men come out on strike today.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 03 May 1893

RECONSTRUCTION OF CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

Lord Stormonth Darling today, in the Bill Chamber of the Court of Session, granted the scheme proposed by creditors of the Clippens Oil Company for the reconstruction of the Company. His lordship suggested that in the scheme there should be a clause stating that the shares were to be fully paid up.

Dundee Advertiser - Thursday 04 May 1893

In the Bill Chamber of the Court of Session yesterday Lord Stormonth Darling had before him a note by creditors of the Clippens Oil Company, in which they stated that they were of opinion that it would be best for the interests of the creditors of the Company, both secured and unsecured, that the whole assets and liabilities of the Company should be sold or transferred to a new Company to be formed with the object of acquiring and carrying on the business, and so securing to the present creditors and shareholders the most favourable realisation of the assets of the Company now in liquidation. A proposed scheme of arrangements was submitted, and the petitioners desired the authority of the Court to summon and hold separate meetings of the creditors and shareholders of the Company for the purpose of ascertaining their wishes with regard to the scheme. This was granted.

Dundee Courier - Saturday 01 July 1893

THE CLIPPENS OIL CO. – This Company is to take over the undertaking the Clippens Oil Co. in liquidation. The capital is £126,800, in 500 A. shares, and 125,000 ordinary shares of £1 each, and 26,000 deferred shares of 1s each. The A shares are to have the same rights as 50,000 ordinary shares.

Musselburgh News - Friday 22 September 1893

THE CLIPPENS COMPANY show signs of awakening life. Several retorts are just now being taken down to make room for new ones to be built shortly.

Dundee Courier - Saturday 07 October 1893

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – The first ordinary general meeting of the Clippens Oil Company was held yesterday in Glasgow. Mr W. S. Brown, who presided, stated that the meeting was called in compliance with the statute, and they had simply to report that the Company was duly registered on 28th June. Everything was going on satisfactorily.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 15 October 1894

WORKS AT STRAITON TO BE RE-OPENED.

It stated that the shale miners and other employees of the Clippens Oil Company's at Straiton and Pentland have been notified that it intended re-open the works on Wednesday. The works have been closed for the want of coal during the past 14 weeks, and all the men, with the exception of a few engineers and oncost men, who were employed keeping the machinery and workings in order, were thrown idle. The company are said to be getting coal from the west in sufficient quantity as to allow all the different departments of the works to be re-started.

Dundee Courier - Friday 21 December 1894

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. - The report by the Directors of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, for the 15 months ending 30th September last, states the balance at the debit of profit and loss account, after deducting £5512 4s 2d for repairs and maintenance, is £5082 10s 5d, to which there falls to added debenture interest, £5589 10s, making £10,672 0s 5d.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 29 December 1894

CLIPPEN'S OIL COMPANY.

The ordinary meeting of the Clippens Oil Company was held yesterday in Glasgow. Mr W. S. Brown, who presided, in moving the adoption of the report, said that better results were beginning to be shown. As compared with this time last year, the costs were down 15 per cent., and they were lower now than at any time since 1886. They were in hopes that prices had now reached the bottom, and a very small improvement now would put the company on a paying basis. The report was adopted.

Dundee Courier - Saturday 29 December 1894

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – The second ordinary meeting of the Clippens Oil Company was held yesterday in the offices of the Company, Glasgow. Mr W. S. Brown presided. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that unfortunately it was not very pleasant reading for the shareholders. The results were not quite what they had expected, although, when the Company was reconstructed, they were not very sanguine of being able to make very large profits owing to the difficulties which they foresaw. The works had now been got into a very creditable state of efficiency, and better results were beginning to be shown. They were in hopes that prices had now reached the bottom, and a very small improvement now would put the Company on a paying basis. Mr A. C. Scott seconded, and the motion was adopted.

Dundee Evening Telegraph - Friday 20 December 1895

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY ANNUAL REPORT.

The report of the Clippen's Oil Company for the year ending 30th September states that the result of the year's trading is a balance at the credit of the profit and loss account after charging £5612 for repairs and maintenance, of £2549 against which there falls to be charged interest on debentures and loans £5433 showing a net loss for the year of £2883, to which falls to added the loss brought forward from last year, £10,672, or a total of £13,555. Although increased prices for oils have ruled during the past few months, no substantial benefit therefore accrued on year's working.

Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 28 December 1895

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.- The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company was held at Glasgow yesterday. Mr W. S. Brown, who presided, regretted that the report – which showed a net loss on the year of £2883, and a total sum at debit of £13,555 – was not a more satisfactory one. The loss was due to the coal strike. The report was adopted.

Dundee Courier - Saturday 28 December 1895

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. - The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Clippens Oil Company was held yesterday afternoon – Mr W. S. Brown presiding. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said the result of the year's working was not at all satisfactory. As an indication of the effect of the stoppage of the works during the coal strike, he mentioned that the sales for the months of October, November, and December, 1894, were only £18,449, whereas for the same three months this year the amount was £47,000. The report was adopted, and the remuneration of the Directors for the past year was fixed at £400.

Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Monday 30 March 1896

The Clippens Oil Company, limited, Glasgow, have, through their general manager, given notice to the shale miners employed at their pits at Clippens and Straiton, Mid-Lothian, that in future a nine-hours’ day will be observed at the works in the Loanhead district.

Dundee Courier - Monday 06 April 1896

MIDLOTHIAN SHALE MINERS' HOURS.

In compliance with a notice issued by Mr Armour, the general manager of the Clippens Oil Company, Loanhead. the miners at the Straiton and Pentland pits have extended their working day to nine hours. A number of the miners are expressing their dissatisfaction at the change from eight hours, but on account of the want of proper organisation no objection will be raised.

Musselburgh News - Friday 05 June 1896

It is not frequently that a public body shows great consideration for a trading company, yet instances do occur where the governing body yields a little to the exigiences of the circumstances. Such appears to have been the case with the Suburban District Committee of the County Council. They have in their dealings with the Clippens Oil Company shown a very great spirit of forbearance. Frequent complaints have been raised by the farmers in the neighbourhood of the Niddrie Burn, regarding the pollution of the stream by the Oil Company. Analyses have shown that the complaints have been well founded, but the Committee have noted the present state of the oil industry, and have been loath to interfere with the company's operations. Now Mr Mackay, brewer, has taken up the cudgels; and he will most likely be a tougher customer to deal with than the farmers, whose complaints have been set aside, and, as it affects his trade, he may be left to look after his own interests. For ourselves, if it were a mere question of which industry should be retained, we would have no hesitation in making a choice, but the fact that pollution does exist, and that there had been complaints, certainly justifies the Committee in taking some action to get the matter remedied.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 19 November 1896

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

The annual report of the Clippens Oil Company for the year ended September 30 states that the year's trading shows, after debiting £5510 for repairs and maintenance of works above ground, a balance at credit of £12,334. The sum of £5438 has been expended in extending and developing the mines, &c., the whole of which has been charged to revenue. There are falls in the mines to be charged to profit and loss account; and the usual interest on debentures and loans amounting to £5453, leaving a credit balance for the year of £1443. The balance at debit last year was £13,555, and this has been reduced to £12,112. The directors consider the result of the year's working is not altogether unsatisfactory. Stocks have been retained at the low prices fixed three years ago, and are considerably below present values.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 29 January 1897

IT is stated that No. 8 Shale Mine at Clippens' Works will shortly be closed, and No. 2 re-opened. It is conjectured that fewer men will find employment through this arrangement.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 04 March 1897

CLOSE OF A MINE. – No. 8 mine, Straiton, belonging to the Clippens Oil Coy. Ltd., was closed yesterday. Most of the men will be put up at No. 2 mine, Pentland, which is being re-opened in the course of a few days.

Dundee Advertiser - Thursday 15 July 1897

CLIPPENS OIL WORKS TO BE CLOSED

700 MEN THROWN IDLE.

Clippens Oil Company yesterday posted notices at their works at Straiton intimating that they would be closed pending the decision of the Court of Session regarding the questions in dispute between them and the Edinburgh Water Trustees - The pits will close on Saturday, and the works so soon as the oil in process of treatment has been finished. Seven hundred men will be thrown idle.

Dundee Advertiser - Friday 16 July 1897

PENTLAND OIL WORKS TO BE CLOSED.

A notice has been posted by the Clippens Oil Company at their Pentland Works, Loanhead. It states that “the Directors regret that, owing to the action of the Edinburgh and District Water Trust, they find it necessary to close the works pending the decision of the Court. The pits will be closed on Saturday first, 17th inst. The crude works and refinery will be closed immediately the oils, &c., in process are worked up. Tradesmen will be paid off on Saturday first. The Directors very greatly regret that so many workmen should be thrown idle, but the responsibility rests with the Water Trust. Workmen will be allowed to sit rent free for a reasonable time to allow them to seek work elsewhere, 5s being retained till house quitted and left in good order.” This order is said to affect about 600 men, in addition to the 500 already thrown out of work.

Dundee Advertiser - Tuesday 20 July 1897

THE DISPUTE WITH THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

In consequence of the position of affairs which matters have assumed in the dispute between the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, Straiton, Midlothian, and the Edinburgh and District Water Trust, the former Company on Saturday carried out the resolution come to by their Directors to close the shale mines and oil works pending the decision of the Court as to the right of the Clippens Company to work the minerals in certain portions of the district at and near to the water track of the Trust. Until lately employment has been found for about 1000 or 1200 men altogether, who were housed in the Company’s property at Straiton and at Loanhead, Burdiehouse, and district. For the most part these workmen must forthwith quit the district, though, so far as the Clippens Company are concerned, they have, through their general manager, Mr James Armour, expressed a willingness to do all within their power to facilitate the convenience of the families. A considerable number of the men are being engaged by several of the Coal Companies in Edinburghshire and East Lothian, and many others are quitting the district to search for employment in Stirlingshire and the West of Scotland. The retort men are naturally going where there are similar works. The shopkeepers in Loanhead district are greatly disappointed at the course the Water Trust have adopted. Lately at public meeting of the inhabitants the Trust were called upon to modify their demands in the interest of the Company, but to no purpose.

Musselburgh News - Friday 23 July 1897

Loanhead folks have a very direct interest in a proof which has been going on for some days before Lord Pearson, and which, although the Court rose on Tuesday, his Lordship continued to work at on Wednesday. The Water Trust has been blamed, I notice, for the dismissal of the workmen at the Shale Works in the district. That is one of the points which hie Lordship will probably decide. Some of the evidence was very interesting. I heard one civil engineer aver that the Clippens Oil Company had gone to work in an unusual way, and he thought their object was to frighten the Water Trust into buying some of the minerals. Such allegations are denied by the company. Lord Pearson's opinion will be worth having.

Musselburgh News - Friday 30 July 1897

THERE is not a single shale miner at Clippens’ pits. This week the ponies were brought to the surface and it is stated that they will be sold shortly. Such a state of matters is convincing enough to the miners of the locality that there is little hope of a start at Straiton and hundreds of families have left the district. The effect of the stoppage of the work will be to withdraw £1000 weekly from circulation in Loanhead. The seriousness of the loss is already being felt by Loanhead shopkeepers, who are anxious with regard to the payments of debts contracted by Straiton customers.

Musselburgh News - Friday 06 August 1897

THE CLIPPENS. – Several retorts are being pulled down at Clippens, and as it is the company’s intention to re-erect them this would indicate clearly that the work is not yet played out – under whatever management or arrangement it may afterward be conducted.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 26 August 1897

I hear that the employees engaged at the Clippens have all terminated their engagement so far as the Pentland side of the workings is concerned; and only those on the Straiton portion are at work. These, as soon as the refining is completed, will also be paid off, and only a dozen or so men will be retained for the purpose of keeping the plant in order. It is not known definitely how long the workings will be shut down, but it is expected it will be for a year at any rate.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 03 September 1897

THE CLIPPENS. – At Clippens Works a few men are working at the refineries. There work will be over in a fortnight. The pumps are kept going, and four men are engaged below looking out for falls, etc. When the refineries are closed the pump men and the four inspectors will be the only persons employed by the company. The effect on trade locally is marked, and Loanhead shopkeepers are beginning to feel the effects of the change.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 24 December 1897

Clippens Oil Company Report.— The report by the Directors of the Clippens Oil Company states that the year's trading shows, after debiting £6036 for repairs and maintenance of works above ground, a balance at debit of profit and loss account of £8540. There also falls to be charged to profit and loss account, as usual— Interest on debentures, £4056; interest on loans, £1436; leaving a balance at the debit of profit and loss for the year of £14,032. The Directors regret this disastrous result, which is entirely due to the action of the Edinburgh and District Water Trust but as the questions in dispute are still sub judice, the directors regret that they cannot submit the full particulars until the Courts finally dispose of the matter. The gross profit for the previous year was £12,334, from which fell to be deducted £5438 capital expenditure charged against revenue, and £5453 debenture and other interest, leaving a net profit of £1443. Although the prices of certain products have been lower during the year under review, the directors had no hesitation in anticipating that any such shortage would have been more than met by lower costs, better yields, and the cessation of special expenditure on steel girders—an outlay which had represented many thousands of pounds, but which represented also a large saving in future costs. Any likelihood of obtaining the results so anticipated ceased to exist early in March, when the proceedings above referred to were commenced. Stocks have been retained at the low prices fixed three years ago.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 28 December 1897

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY AND THE WATER TRUST.

The annua! meeting of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) was held in Glasgow this afternoon. Mr W. S. Brown, chairman of the company, in moving the adoption of the report, said that when the company was formed in 1893 the directors were severely handicapped for want of capital. During those four years £30,000 had been spent out of the revenue in alterations and additions and new plant. The results of that extraordinary capital expenditure were most gratifying. The first six months of the present financial year showed a credit balance after providing for all charges, but all this was changed by the interdict at the instance of the Edinburgh Water Trust, which stopped some of the mines and so restricted the working as to cause the loss of £14,000, and eventually the entire stoppage of the works and the discharge of over 100 men. Mr Brown related at length the circumstances leading to the present unfortunate position. The directors had several meetings with the Water Trust Committee, and at the early stages an amicable settlement looked hopeful. However, that had been found impossible. The case was appealed by the Water Trust to the House of Lords. The works were stopped, and the retort benches and other portions of the works were going to ruin. The workmen and foremen were all scattered, and the company's splendid business connection was entirely gone. Nothing would be done till the interdict was removed, but the interests of the company were being carefully watched and safeguarded by the directors. The report was adopted.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 10 January 1898

THE WATER TRUST AND CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. A friendly conference took place in the Lord Provost's room, Edinburgh Council Chambers, today, between the directors of the Clippens Oil Company and the committee appointed the Edinburgh and District Water Trust, with the view of endeavouring to arrange a settlement of all questions outstanding between the Trustees and the company. There was a full attendance of members. The Lord Provost put the questions before the directors and the meeting, and after a free interchange of views the meeting was adjourned meet again on receiving a report from their respective engineers on the question.

Dundee Courier - Tuesday 15 February 1898

HEAVY CLAIM AGAINST EDINBURGH CORPORATION.

It is stated that the Clippens Oil Company, Glasgow and Edinburgh, will lodge a claim of £150,000 to £200,000 against Edinburgh Water Trust for damage done to the Company through the Water Trust having sought and obtained interdict preventing the Clippens Company from working their shale fields near Edinburgh. The Water Trust alleged that Edinburgh water main, which passed through the workings, would thereby be endangered, and the was carried to the Lords. The Clippens Company claim damage for enforced closing of works.

Aberdeen Press and Journal - Friday 08 April 1898

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.
A NEW DEPARTURE.

We learn from a fairly authentic source that the Clippens Oil Company have adopted a new source for deriving income. As is well known, this company’s shale pits have been shut down for months past on account of the action of the Edinburgh and District Water Trust having refused to come to terms by private agreement with regard to a strip of shale or limestone which covers the trust's water supply pipes into Edinburgh. The Clippens Company have gained their case in the Court of Session, and have secured the right to continue the mining and working of the portion of limestone and shale which underlies the trust's pipes, but, so far, the trust have not come forward with an offer to buy the shale and minerals which meets the ideas of the Clippens Company. The new departure we refer to is that it is stated that the Clippens Company have discovered that their Straiton estate contains valuable seams of free-stone, and that as there is a considerable demand in Edinburgh and district for this class of building material at present, they are meditating, or perhaps have begun, the quarrying of stone for building requirements.

Dundee Advertiser - Saturday 09 April 1898

REOPENING OF STRAITON QUARRIES. - The Clippens Oil Company, Limited, are reopening the Straiton Quarries, which were carried on so successfully for 40 years previous to 1885. The stone is freestone of excellent quality, the greater part of Newington, Edinburgh, and the whole of the Loanhead district having been built with it. The reopening will afford employment to a number of men, and will doubtless help to lessen the distress caused through the stoppage of the oilworks.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 23 April 1898

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY AND THE WATER TRUST.

The directors of the company have issued an interim report to the shareholders in which they state that by request they attended a meeting of a special committee of the Water Trust to see if an amicable settlement of the questions in dispute could not be effected. The Lord Provost at the meeting suggested that it should remitted to Mr Gemmell, M.E., on behalf of the Water Trustees, and Mr Rankine, M.E., on behalf of the Company, to ascertain the value and report, after which the Lord Provost thought, if there was any difference in their figures, it would be possible to adjust that difference. Trusting to the good faith of the committee, the directors agreed to this proposal. The Lord Provost then produced a plan of another area of the mineral field, and said that when the engineers were discussing the value for the area for which they were giving notice, they could make an estimate of the value of the mineral shown on this second plan, and if the price was suitable the Water Trustees might purchase it also. The Trustees came under no binding obligation to acquire this area of minerals, but pending negotiations they requested that no mining operations be carried on within it. The directors agreed to this proposal also. Mr Gemmell’s estimate was £9000 and Mr Rankine’s £10,560. At that meeting the engineers had not time to go further into the matter, the discussion of which was adjourned. Subsequently Mr Gemmell declined to attend a further meeting, apparently having had his instructions regarding it countermanded, although no advice had been sent to the Company. On 2d March the secretary of the Company wrote the clerk of the Water Trust referring to the findings of the two engineers, and stated that the directors proposed to halve the difference between the two estimates and accept £9780, and so close the matter in the amicable spirit in which it was entered into. After waiting three weeks the secretary of the Company wrote asking when Mr Gemmell was to meet Mr Rankine, and received a reply that the Trustees were of opinion that further negotiations should cease till the passing of the Trustees' bill. The directors considered the Water Trust were not acting in bona fides, so the Company withdrew their obligation net to work in the second area, and have taken steps to have the value of the first determined by arbitration. The directors regret that negotiations, opened in an apparently friendly manner, had ended as they have done. The result of the arbitration would be duly communicated to the shareholders, and meantime the directors were proceeding with the claim for loss occasioned by the illegal interdict and consequent stoppage of the works. The only part of the Company's extensive works presently in operation were the limestone workings, which were being vigorously extended, but the directors were reopening the valuable seam of sandstone, which had been successfully and profitably worked for many years prior to 1885.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 10 November 1898

EDINBURGH WATER TRUST AND THE CLIPPENS COMPANY.

The directors of the Clippens Oil Company have issued to the shareholders and bondholders of the company a report giving the history of the dispute with the Edinburgh Water Trust. The company state that notices of the company's intention to work the minerals were given from time to time to the Water Trust between 1877 and April, 1892, but the Trustees in each case elected not to compensate, but to take the risk of the pipe sinking. During all these years minerals which (but for the pipes) could have been easily and cheaply worked were left unworked, and the company was compelled to expend large sums in developing other parts of the mineral field which were more expensive to work. Falling to get the Trustees to recognise their responsibilities under the 1847 Act, an attempt was made to come to terms on another basis, the main feature being that the company would guarantee to upkeep the pipes without any money payment, the Trustees being required to provide valves and spare pipes, all at the company's expense, so that when pipes broke the company would immediately shut off the water. The Trustees, by minutes in 1890 and 1894, agreed to accept the company's offer, and instructed their law agent accordingly, but that gentlemen did not carry out his instructions. The Trust law agent did nothing till 3d December, 1895 (a delay of 20 months), when he spoke to the company's law agent, and attempted, without foundation, to make out that the delay lay with the company. So far from blackmailing the Trust, as was alleged by the Lord Provost, the directors of the old company and the directors of the present were then willing to make a considerable sacrifice of the company's interests in order to arrive at a settlement, and the responsibility of refusing an arrangement extremely favourable to the city of Edinburgh, or, at all events, of making its completion impossible, rested with the Water Trustees and their law agent.

COSTLY LITIGATION.

Referring to the recent law proceedings, the directors gave an approximate statement of the outlay of the ratepayers' funds made by the Trustees in their attempt to avoid acquiring minerals necessary for the support of the pipes. The Trustees have conducted two expensive litigations— interdict case, legal costs (both sides), about £5000; illegal pipe case, legal costs (both sides), about £2000; cost of illegal pipe, about £8000; promoted a bill, Parliamentary expenses of the Trust, and the cost of aqueduct No. 1, about £50,000; Crawley pipe cases will probably cost, if taken to the House of Lords, about £2000; reference, lasting eight days, at legal cost of about £3000; amount of arbiters' award in reference, payable to company, £10,329—£80,329. In addition, Trustees have yet to meet the cost of their unscrupulous and reckless conduct in shutting up the works by an illegal interdict, for which your directors, under skilled advice, are pursuing an action in the Court of Session for £137,000. And all to avoid what could have been settled for £15,000 at the first meeting of 12th February, 1897 (it might have been settled any time between 1890 and 1896 for nothing.) Again, in July 1897, three months after the interdict had been in force, from which, at that time, there had been considerable loss, your directors, in their anxiety to avoid closing the works, were willing to take £10,000 in full of all damages arising from interdict, and including the area of shale and lime, for which the Trustees must now pay £8079 (for mineral alone) under arbitration, the arbitration costing them about £3000 additional. Your directors have all along been willing to settle the matter by arbitration, provided under the Water Works Clauses Act, and have even gone beyond this in their desire to settle, but the overbearing and unreasonable tactics adopted by the Trustees left your directors option but to defend your interests to the best of their ability; and they will continue to do so. The completion of the Crawley pipe action, and the damages' action, should see matters pretty well decided by the end of this year, although, with opponents like the Water Trustees, employing public funds, there is no saying what fresh and vexatious litigation may be sprung on the company.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 17 November 1898

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY AND THE WATER TRUST.

The directors have issues a report to the shareholders and bondholders of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), narrating fully the history of the dispute with the Edinburgh and District Water Trust and explaining the proceedings of that body, and the position in which they have left the Company. The charge of "blackmailing" made by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh renders it necessary, the report says, that the history of the Trust's actions should be narrated at length. Your directors have waited five months for the statement his Lordship promised to issue in a "short time" proving or justifying the serious aspersion he then cast upon your directors, but it has not yet been published. The Water Works Clauses Act of 1847 regulates the relations of water trustees and of mine owners possessing minerals under or adjacent to any pipe lines. Notices of intention to work the minerals were sent to the Edinburgh Water Trust at various dates from February 1877, to April 1892, but the Trustees in each case elected not to compensate, but, to quote their own words, "preferred to take the risk of the pipe sinking rather than buy such a large area of shale as would be necessary to secure perfect safety." The Crawley pipe was laid about the year 1821 over Straiton estate (of which the Company are now owners) for no payment whatever, and the Moorfoot pipe was laid in 1876, for a trifling payment of £34, and subsequently the Trustees have used the power of doing injury which these pipes gave them, practically to appropriate mineral., representing value for a very large sum indeed. The Board of the old Clippens Company in September 1886 (at which time the profits exceeded £40,000 per annum) tried to force the Trustees to recognise their responsibilities by raising an action of declarator to have it declared that (a) the Trustees should be forced to acquire support for their pipes, or (b) if not, and if drowning followed working, the Trustees should be declared to be liable. The Court of Session decided that the Trustees were within their rights in refusing to acquire support, and that the responsibility as to drowning could not be decided till it had happened. During all these years minerals which (but for the pipes) could have been easily and cheaply worked were left unworked, sad the Company was compelled to expend large sums in developing other parts of the mineral field which were more expensive to work. Failing to get the Trustees to recognise their responsibilities under the 1847 Act, an attempt was made to come to terms on another basis, the main feature being that the Company would guarantee to upkeep the pipes without any money payment, the Trustees being required to provide valves and spare pipes, all at the Company's expense, so that when pipes broke the Company would immediately shut off the water. That proposal was made on 11th February 1890, repeated on 4th November, 1890, and on 12th February, 1891, and the two latter proposals increased the obligation of the Company as to the length of pipe to be maintained as compared with the first offer. It is only fair to the Trustees to say that they decided by their minutes of 21st October 1890, and 27th July 1894, to accept the Company's offer, and instructed their law-agent accordingly. That gentleman did not carry out his instructions, for reasons which, no doubt, he has explained to his constituents. The original offer to give support without payment was made, as above stated, on 11th February 1890, and the negotiations thereanent were dragged on till 5th March 1894, when your present directors, accepting the policy of their predecessors, decided 'that the only thing to be done with the Edinburgh Water Trust was to accept their draft minute"—the new Company thus repeating the very favourable offer made to the Trustees by the old Company. Accordingly, the Company's law-agent sent back to the law-agent of the Trust on 9th April 1894 the draft minute of agreement for extension. He owned receipt on 10th, and said he would "submit our letter to the first meeting of the Works' Committee of the Water Trust." It was submitted to a meeting held on 10th May 1894 and referred to the mining adviser of the Trust, who wrote a letter on 17th May 1894 "approving generally of the revisals upon the draft minute sent him." That letter was submitted to a meeting of Trustees on 27th July 1894, and, "after careful consideration of the terms of the agreement, and receiving explanations from the law-agent, who expressed his satisfaction with the adjusted draft, the Committee approved of the terms thereof, and instructed the law-agent to have the deed executed without further delay." After returning the draft agreement, on 9th April 1894, the Company's law-agent wrote on 24th April and 28th May 1894, pushing for completion, but without avail. The Trust law-agent did nothing till 3rd December 1895 (a delay of twenty months), when he spoke to the Company's law-agent, and attempted, without foundation, to make out that the delay lay with the Company. On the 17th December 1895, the Trust law-agent writes "I have at last got the engineers to take up and dispose of the matter," and he encloses agreement "as adjusted between us extended in duplicate." It will be seen that (so far from blackmailing the Trust) the Directors were then willing to make a considerable sacrifice of the Company's interests in order to arrive at a settlement, and the responsibility of refusing an arrangement extremely favourable to the city of Edinburgh, or, at all events, of making its completion impossible, rests with the Water Trustees and their law-agent.

The report proceeds to give a history of the recent litigation, and the result to the Company. In their concluding paragraphs the directors say: —lt may be interesting to record an approximate statement of the outlay of the ratepayers' funds made by the Trustees in their attempt to avoid acquiring minerals necessary for the support of the pipes. The Trustees have :—Conducted two expensive litigations - interdict case, legal costs (both sides), about £5000; illegal pipe case, legal costs (both sides) about £2000; cost of illegal pipe, about £8000; promoted a bill, Parliamentary expenses of the Trust, and the cost of aqueduct No. 1, about £50,000; Crawley pipe cease will probably cost, if taken to House of Lords, about £2,000; references, lasting eight days, at a legal cost of about £3,000; amount of arbiters’ award in references, payable to Company, £10,320 - £80,320. In addition, the Trustees have yet to meet the cost of their unscrupulous and reckless conduct in shutting up the works by an illegal interdict for which your directors, under skilled advice, are pursuing an action in the Court of Session for £137,000. And all to avoid what could have been settled for £15,000 at the first meeting of 12th February 1897 (it might have been settled any time between 1890 and 1896 for nothing.) Again in July 1897, three months after the interdict had been in force, from which, at that time there had been considerable loss, your directors, in their anxiety to avoid closing the works, were willing to take £10,000 in full of all damages arising from interdict, and, including the area of shale and lime, for which the Trustees must now pay £8079 (for mineral alone) under arbitration, the arbitration costing them about £3000 additional. Your directors have all along been willing to settle the affair by arbitration, provided under the Water Works Clauses Act, and have even gone beyond this in their desire to settle, but the overbearing and unreasonable tactics adopted by the Trustees left your directors no option but to defend your interests to the best of their ability; and they will continue to do so. The completion of the Crawley pipe action, and the damages action, should see matters pretty well decided by the end of this year, although, with opponents like the Water Trustees, employing public funds, there is no saying what fresh and vexations litigation may be sprung on the Company.

Dundee Courier - Wednesday 28 December 1898

The Clippens and Water Litigation.—The annual meeting of Clippens Oil Company was held in the Company’s office yesterday—Mr W. S. Brown, chairman, presiding. The report stated that on the year's trading there was balance at debit of profit and loss account of £2883, and that, after paying interest on loans, debentures, and Water Trust litigation, there was a debit for the year of £10,955. The prices of oil products, the report stated, had considerably advanced, and the Company would now have been making good profits if the business had not been illegally stopped. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, referred to the position of the Company in the dispute with the Edinburgh Water Trust, and said they considered the special report they had issued on the matter was called for owing to the charge of blackmailing made by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, who had not yet substantiated his charge, and who, they presumed, had spoken without actual knowledge of the facts. They had all along felt that it was not the Trust as a body, but only two or three members of it who had created the present position. Although the result of the arbitration between parties had gone in favour of the Company, the Trust had not made payment yet, and the result was that the Company had to raise another action for the payment of the sum of £10,329. They were not satisfied with the award, but they were thankful it was not less. The expenses, amounting to fully £3000, were payable by the Trust. As they had been successful in all their actions, they had little doubt they would again be successful in proceeding against the Trust. The report was adopted.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 13 January 1899

Although the Clippens oil industry has not yet been resumed the Company are developing another side of their business – namely, extracting lime-stone and general quarry work. This at the present affords employment for 60 men, and is practically a new industry.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 10 February 1899

Sometime ago the Lord Provost of Edinburgh characterised certain proceedings of the Clippens Oil Company against the Edinburgh Water Trust as blackmailing. The imputation was denied at the time by the Chairman of the Oil Company. It is a curious commentary on his Lordship's observation that the Oil Company have, to a very considerable extent, succeeded in the action in which they were engaged with the Trustees as well as in two extra judicial arbitrations. On Saturday Lord Pearson delivered judgment in an action at the instance the Trustees against the Company, in which the former sought to have it declared that the latter were bound not to interfere with the strata supporting certain of their pipes. Lord Pearson's opinion, of which, as it was delivered, it was difficult to make head or tail, was of considerable length, and was substantially in favour of the Company.

Dundee Courier - Saturday 06 May 1899

(New Joint Stock Companies)

CLIPPENS LIME COMPANY.—To lease limestone, freestone, and other minerals from the Clippens Oil Company and to dispose of the same. Capital, £5000, in 5000 shares of £1 each.

Glasgow Herald - Tuesday 19 December 1899

The report of the directors of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) is as follows: --The directors beg to submit balance-sheet showing the position of the company at 30th September last. The balance at debit of profit and loss account for the year is £777 10s 8d. There also falls to be charged :- Interest on Debentures, £4055; interest on loans, £2163 5s 5d: law expenses incurred owing to Water Trust litigation, part of which will be recovered, £1391 16s 3d -- £7611 1s 8d -- leaving a balance at the debit of profit and loss for the year of £8388 12s 4d. The pumps have been kept going to keep the mines clear of water, and mineral leases have been maintained by paying fixed rents. These, along with the taxes and other fixed charges, form a very heavy burden on the company while the works remain closed. No progress has been made in the damages action raised by the company to recover damages arising out of the interdict case. That interdict case was decided in the company's favour so long ago as 4th February, 1898. The damages action was raised on 6th May, 1898, and has not yet been heard. Compared with the prices ruling when the company’s operations were illegally interdicted in 1 March, 1897, the present prices of oil products would give an annual increase to the company of £86,975. The company are powerless to benefit by this very marked improvement till the litigation is disposed of. Of course, this improvement, together with the delay in connection with the various litigations, will add very largely to the claim for damages. Your directors have disposed of the lime business, and have leased the works and plant to the purchasers at a fixed rent and the seam of lime-stone at a fair royalty. The freestone quarry has yielded a satisfactory profit during the year. The bondholders have consented to postpone meantime the payment of their interest.

Dundee Courier - Wednesday 27 December 1899

Clippens Oil Company and the Water Trust. —At the annual general meeting of Clippens Oil Company, Limited, in Glasgow yesterday, Mr W. S. Brown, who presided, moved the adoption of the report. Mr George Blair asked if it was worth while carrying on the business of the Company. Replying, the Chairman said there was really no business to carry on, except the freestone quarry. expected this had yielded a profit, but it seemed to have been swamped by the fixed rent charges and pumping operations. Various litigation cases were proceeding very slowly. They expected to have had a payment from the arbitration case with the Edinburgh and District Water Trust, amounting to £12,000 with interest and charges, but that was suspended pending the hearing of declarator action in February. The arbitration case was practically two years old, the Water Trust pursuing a policy of delaying the decision long as possible. In the end the Company were bound to win. The Trust were spending thousands for the Company's hundreds of pounds. The report was adopted.

Aberdeen Press and Journal - Tuesday 24 December 1901

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY LITIGATION EXPENSES.

The directors of the Clippens Oil Co., Limited, have issued their report for the year ended 30th September. It states that the balance at debit of profit and loss account for the year is £1825 1s 6d. There also falls to the charged:—lnterest on Debentures. £4056: interest on loans. £2726 0s 9d; law expenses in Water Trust litigation. £1631 17s 2d - £8413 17s 1d – making a total debit balance of £10,238 19s 5d. The position of the company, as shown in the accounts, is entirely due the action of the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees. The result of the course adopted by the trustees has been to involve the ratepayers in enormous and unnecessary costs and expenditure, which cannot now amount to less than £100,000. The bondholders have consented meantime to postpone the payment of their interest.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 22 December 1902

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY AND THE WATER TRUST.

The report of the directors of the Clippens Oil Company states that the balance at the credit of profit and loss for the year is £196, and law expenses in Water Trust litigation recovered from the Water Trustees £1047. Interest on debentures was £4056 and on loans £2576, leaving a debit balance of £5389. As the result of the judgment of the House Lords, the Edinburgh Water Trustees were ordered to implement the award of the oversman in the arbitration as to the value of the minerals scheduled under the Water Works Clauses Act, and the sum paid to the company by the Water Trust has been —arbitration award, 10,389; legal expenses, £1218; interest on sum awarded, £1396 – total, £12,943. It is believed that the action of the Water Trustees has already cost the ratepayers of Edinburgh and Leith about £150,000 and they have now to face the claim for loss and damage caused by the illegal interdict, which involved the shutting down of the works and the destruction of a business of 30 years' standing, in the development of which over £400,000 had been spent. On the 27th May, 1898, the then Lord Provost, Mr Mitchell Thomson (now Sir Mitchell Thomson, Bart.), is reported to have stated : '"The Company had, without doubt, endeavoured lo blackmail the Water Trust," and . . . "that in a short time a statement would made." He has never made his promised statement, nor has he had the courtesy to apologise for his unwarrantable language. Had he and the Water Trustees carried out the honourable understanding come to at a meeting with your directors specially held at his request, and not attempted avoid liability by permanently ruining the company, the four years' litigation expenses would have been obviated, and the citizens Edinburgh would not now have to meet such enormous claim for damages, the proceedings in regard to which will be pushed on with as little delay possible.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 30 December 1902

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY MEETING

The tenth annual meeting of the Clippens Oil Company was held in the offices of Messrs Brown, Fleming, & Murray, Glasgow, this afternoon—Mr Brown presiding. The proceedings were in private. The chairman explained the position regarding the litigation with Edinburgh Corporation, and the report and accounts were adopted. Mr R. A. J. Murray was re-elected a director. Messrs Chiene & Tait were re-appointed directors.

Dundee Courier - Wednesday 23 December 1903

Clippens Oil Company.—The report by the Directors for the twelve months ending 30th September, 1903, states that the balance at debit of profit and loss account for the year is £1337 16s 9d. There also falls to be charged—Interest on debentures, £4056; interest on loans, £2234 2s 2d; and law expenses, £1462 16s 6d; leaving at debit of profit and loss account for the year £9190 15s 5d. The Directors desire to record their thanks to the shareholders, debenture-holders, and others for the consideration granted to the Company in the unfortunate circumstances. The bondholders have consented meantime to postpone the payment of their interest.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 30 December 1903

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY MEETING.

The eleventh annual meeting of Clippens Oil Company was held in Glasgow to-day, Mr Brown, Glasgow, presiding. The chairman, referring to the dispute with the Edinburgh Water Trust, said House of Lords judgment was very disappointing, but final. They had, however, the right which was denied them under the interdict of watering the roads and levels under the Crawley pipe. The first interdict stopped their working in any way, thereby causing a huge loss by closing the works for which the Water Trust became bound to recompense. Had interdict been applied for and granted fixing the rights of both parties as now determined the works would never have been stopped. The company's claim for the amount of damage was almost ready, and they hoped to serve it at an early date. Mr Scott seconded, and the report was adopted. Mr Scott was re-elected a director and the auditors Messrs Chiene and Tait, C.A., Edinburgh, were appointed.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 28 April 1908

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

A circular has been issued to the shareholders by the secretary of the Company. It states that the shareholders will recollect that in the last annual report, issued in the beginning of January, the directors stated that they had been endeavouring to negotiate privately a sale of the property, works, and plant. They regret now to inform the shareholders that they have been unable to induce a purchaser to come forward. The period of delay granted to the Company by the Debenture stockholders will expire on 15th proximo, and it cannot be expected that the consideration which has been so generously afforded to the Company In the past will be further extended. In these circumstances the directors regret that there is no alternative but to call the shareholders together for the purpose of considering a resolution for the voluntary winding-up of the affairs of the Company. At the meeting, to be held in Edinburgh on May 15, the following. resolution will be submitted, viz.: That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this meeting that the Company cannot by reason of its liabilities, continue its business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and accordingly that the Company be wound up voluntarily. At the same meeting it will also be moved: (i) That John Scott Tait, C.A., Edinburgh, and Thomas Bennett Clark, C.A., Edinburgh, hereby are appointed joint liquidators for the purposes of the winding-up; (2), that the liquidators be instructed to take the necessary steps for having the liquidation placed under the supervision of the Court of Session.

The Scotsman - Tuesday 12 May 1908

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED ( IN LIQUIDATION . )

A PETITION having been presented to the Lords of Council and Session (First Division, Mr Adam, Clerk), at the instance of THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED , incorporated under the Companies Acts, 1862 to 1890 and JOHN SCOTT TAIT, Chartered Accountant, Edinburgh, and THOMAS BENNET CLARK, Chartered Accountant, Edinburgh, joint Liquidators thereof, praying their Lordships inter alia to order that the voluntary winding up of The Clippens Oil Company, Limited, resolved on at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held on the fifth day of May 1908, be continued, but subject to the supervision of the Court in terms of and with the powers conferred by the Companies Acts, 1862 to 1900, and to direct all subsequent proceedings in the winding up to be taken before one of the permanent Lords Ordinary, and to remit the winding up to him accordingly, the following Interlocutor has been pronounced:- "Edinburgh, 8th May, 1908. The Lord Ordinary officiating on the Bills appoints the Petition to be intimated on the Walls and in the Minute Book in common form and to be advertised once in the Edinburgh Gazette and once in each on the Scotsman and Glasgow Herald newspapers; and allows all having interest to lodge answers within eight days after such intimation and advertisement ." (Signed) "C. KINCAID MACKENZIE."

Of all which Intimation is hereby given.

(Signed) WALLACE & GUTHRIE W.S.,
Petitioners' Agents.
1 North Charlotte Street,
Edinburgh. 11th May 1908.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 23 May 1908

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY'S AFFAIRS.

The First Division of the Court of Session today granted the petition of the Clippens Oil Company and the liquidators for an order, placing the voluntary liquidation of the Company under the supervision of the Court, resolved upon by a meeting of the Company on 5th May. The Company was incorporated in 1893, with a capital of £126,800, of which £91,000 was issued. In 1897 the Company was interdicted by the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees from working certain of their minerals. In consequence the mines had to be closed, and they have not been re-opened. The litigation in connection with the interdict has now been finished, but although the Company recovered substantial damages their capital is insufficient to enable their business to be carried on. No dividend on any of the shares has ever been paid, and the net balance at debit of profit and loss account for the year ending September, 1907, was £134,129. The accounts also show that debts amounting to £214,994 are due, including £135,200 of debentures.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 23 June 1910

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY: ASSETS NOT SOLD.

The undertaking of the Clippens Oil Company, including the lands and minerals of Straiton, Mid-Lothian, were put up for sale by auction at Edinburgh yesterday. The upset price was £30,000, but no bids were received, and the sale was adjourned.

Midlothian Advertiser - Friday 01 July 1910

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY'S LANDS.

The lands and minerals of Straiton, Midlothian, with the oilworks, buildings, railways, and fixed machinery, on these lands, belonging to the Clippens Oil Company (in liquidation), were exposed on Wednesday of last week in Dowell's Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh for sale for the upset price of £30,000. The properties consist of:—(1) The lands of Straiton, Liberton, consisting of 283 acres or thereby, with the shale and minerals situated thereunder (rent about £1500); and (2) the property of Mayshale, lying to the south of Straiton estate, with house, and containing 10 acres or thereby (rent, £86 16s). The subjects include the Straiton Oil Works, which comprise pits. buildings connected with works, workmen's houses, railways, tramways, and fixed machinery and plant. There were no offers made, and the sale was adjourned.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 21 October 1910

THE END OF THE CLIPPENS OILWORKS.

For some time past a considerable number of workmen have been engaged in dismantling these works and assorting the materials, for the sale of the company's effects, which takes place tomorrow. The works, it may be remembered, were shut down about a dozen years ago, after a litigation with the Edinburgh and District Water Trust. The verdict of the judges was appealed against several times, and the case was finally taken to the House of Lords. The total law costs of both sides amounted to more than £100,000, and when the works were offered for sale recently they found no buyers even at the small price of £15,000. The huge piles of spent shale from the retorts form a landmark visible for miles around. It is reported that Messrs. Brown & Polson, of "Paisley Flour" fame, are negotiating for part of the ground as a site for a factory for their specialities.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 20 January 1911

The Sabbath quiet was broken on January 15th by an explosion at the Clippens Oil Works, which felled one of the chimney stalks at the now desolate and deserted works. Other clearances and proceeding.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 02 February 1911

THE PASSING OF STRAITON OIL WORKS. – The portion of the Clippens Oil Works, lying to the Straiton side, were put to the hammer on Thursday last. Buyers were present in considerable numbers from Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the engines, sheds, old iron, and other accessories of the unfortunate works were disposed of at satisfactory prices.

Industrial Action

Greenock Advertiser - Tuesday 23 September 1873

STRIKE OF MINERS AT JOHNSTONE. —Yesterday morning the miners employed by Messrs Merry & Cunninghame in the coal and shale mine at Clippens, in which the explosion took place on Saturday, struck work in consequence of a refusal to concede an advance of fourpence per ton on their output. They have hitherto been paid three shillings and ninepence a ton, which from the state of the workings, they consider insufficient.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 24 September 1879

THE MINERS IN THE JOHNSTONE DISTRICT. - For three or four weeks the miners employed in the Clippens pits, numbering about 300, have been out on strike, and at present there not the slightest signs of the dispute being settled, and, as a consequence, about one-half of the Clippens oil workers have been thrown out of employment for want of shale, only the refining portion of these extensive works being now in operation; while the adjoining pits belonging Craig, Liddell & Dunlop are also stopped—in all about 15, some on strike, and others, such as Dunlop's, being suspended on account of the Clyde Iron-works being stopped.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 03 July 1882

(Late Advertisements)

STRIKE at CLIPPENS OIL WORKS, LOANHEAD, - against working on Sundays, and a rise of wages to the extent of 6d more per day.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 06 July 1882

ANTICIPATED DISTURBANCE BY LABOURERES ON STRIKE - The retort men at Clippens Oil Works having recently been granted an advance of wages, a similar claim was made on behalf of the labourers employed at the same work. This claim the manager did not accede to, and in consequence the labourers refused to resume work on Monday. Arrangements were made with other men to take the places of those on strike on Tuesday morning, and fearing the possibility of a disturbance between the two parties, precautious were taken to have a body of policemen at hand. A draft of about forty men was made from different parts of the county, but fortunately there was no occasion for their services. A large crowd of men assembled, principally Irishmen, but they quietly dipersed. Only a few of the men engaged started to work.

Carlisle Patriot - Friday 23 July 1886

The seven days’ notice given to the Clippens miners of a reduction on their wagesof from 12 to 20 per cent. having expired on Saturday, the men did not go to work on Monday, and gave their employers to understand that they did not intend to start again under the reduction.

Nottingham Evening Post - Wednesday 28 July 1886

STRIKE IN THE OIL TRADE.

Eight hundred men employed at Clippen’s oil company’s works, Loanhead, near Glasgow, struck work against a ten per cent. reduction in wages. A similar reduction had been accepted by the men in the Midlothian works.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 29 July 1886

THE STRIKE OF CLIPPENS MINERS.

A mass meeting of Clippens miners was held today in the Volunteer Hall, Loanhead, Mr William Bullock in the chair, when the men discussed their grievances, and resolved to hold out and accept no reduction. Mr Gillon, checkweighman, stated that the Clippens was the only oil work in Scotland where wages had been reduced. A deputation had been sent round most of the oilworks in Scotland, and it was found that, although Clippens men had to work under exceptional grievances, they received lower wages than the others. While the others only gave 20cwt. to the ton they gave 22. The full reduction would therefore be from 12 to 20 per cent. instead of 10 per cent. In addition to this, the men objected to the "crow-picking" system, which largely reduced their wages and caused the loss of from 8 to 10 tons a day to a company of men. They thought that nothing should be deducted until they had one cwt. of dirt in the tubs. The rents for the company's cottages were paid one month advance, and that was the reason of the managers not ejecting them. - Mr Bulloch said the Clippens was the "victimised oilwork." The men, unanimously resolved not to hold any meetings until the managers sent for them. This is understood to mean that they will hold out until their demands are granted.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 29 July 1886

LOANHEAD.

MINERS' STRIKE. – In consequence of the reduction of miners' wages the shale miners of the Clippens Oil Works have not been working since Monday. As the result from the stoppage of the supply of shale the retorts have had to be shut down and the workmen in this department have also been thrown idle. On Monday, 19th inst., a deputation waited on the Clippens Oil Company's manager, Mr Craig, and intimated that unless the notice of the reduction in the wages was withdrawn, the miners in the company's three shale pits would abstain from working. Mr Craig said he would consult the directors before giving a reply. The men, who had not been working during the interval, returned on Wednesday, and were informed by the manager that the directors were resolved to carry out the reductions. Since that time matters have been at a deadlock. No further communication has taken place between the parties, and the miners, of whom there were about 600 working in the company's pit, have continued on strike. The want of shale threw the men above ground out of work also, and in a few days retort men and labourers to the number of from 100 to 150 were idle. Altogether, close on 800 men—some estimates put it considerably higher—were thrown out of employment in connection with the strike. About 100 of the miners, and a considerable number of the retortmen and labourers, have already left for other places in search of work. The °oncost" men—that is, those employed in keeping roads, &c., in proper order in mines—are still employed, and so are a number of those about the works above ground. More than half of the retorts at the Oil Works, however, have been allowed to cool down, and unless some change in the situation occur very quickly, probably the same course will have to be followed with the other retorts. Should these be allowed to cool altogether, the loss to the company, already considerable, will be more serious. Meanwhile the loss to the men in wages is between £700 and £800 weekly. The miners hold that, considering the high dividends oil companies have been able to pay lately, there was no necessity for the present reduction of wages; while the position of the company is that the oil trade has been suffering from the general depression as other industries, and that the united action of the coalmasters in reducing the mens' wages left them no choice. The contest has so far been conducted with the greatest moderation on both sides. Since they struck work the men have been most quiet and orderly. About 300 of them occupy houses belonging to the company at rents varying from 1s 6d to 2s 6d per week. These men have no lease except the company’s pleasure, but there is no thought of ejecting them as has been done to men on strike in other parts of the country lately.

Lanarkshire Upper Ward Examiner - Saturday 04 September 1886

STRIKE AT CLIPPENS OILWORKS.

The strike, which has now lasted for six weeks, still continues without signs of either party giving way. As will be remembered, the masters wished to reduce the wages of the employès, and the men objected to it on the ground that the reduction was unjustifiable, as none of the other companies had reduced the wages of their men, and that in any case the reduction was so great (being from 12 ½ to 20 per cent.) that the men could not make a wage to support their families. The miners and their families are subsisting on subscriptions collected at the public works in the Lothians. It is calculated that the loss through circulation of money in the district has up till date been over £6000.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 11 September 1886

CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

A notice has been posted up at the Clippens Oil Works, in which the directors of the company state that they regret very much the position they have to take up with the employés at Clippens, and that "during the continuance of the strike they will be unable to give employment to many of the workers in the various departments. The wages paid to miners at Pentland are higher than in most of their shale pits, and the recent reduction that was made amongst the Lothian miners, our miners were the only men who refused to accept that reduction."

The Scotsman - Tuesday 14 September 1886

THE WAGES OF MINERS IN THE LOTHIANS.

September 13, 1886.

SIR, —In reference to the paragraph which appeared in your issue of Saturday respecting the present relation subsisting between the masters and men at the Clippens Oil Works, Loanhead , I have been requested by a few of the men on strike to point out the erroneous tendency of its concluding sentence.

It seems to be a sufficient reason to the directors that, since the wages of the coal miners in the Lothians were being reduced 10 per cent, the shale miners should be reduced not only 10 per cent., but from 12 to 20 per cent. The following figures as to the proposed reduction of prices will speak for themselves. They have been supplied to me by six representative men belonging to Clippens mines:—

Levels at a £1 per fathom are proposed to be reduced 4s. per fathom. These levels are also paid 1s. 8d. per ton, to be reduced 2d. (twopence) per ton. Common places worked at 2s. per ton, to be reduced 3d. per ton. The miners deny there is any ground for these sweeping reductions at the present time, and are strongly of opinion that the present state of the oil trade justifies the categorical "No" implied in their recent action.

Again, the coal and oil trades arc not one, as it seems to be implied in the directors' notice; they are really distinct, and they had better not be assimilated, at least for the purposes of unwarrantable reductions. The crucial question is — Does the present state of the oil trade warrant so great a reduction of the present wages of the shale miner? The question is not — What is the present state of the coal trade in the Lothians, or anywhere else? The miners, as one of the contracting parties, want to know the grounds of the proposed reductions. They are right: and the director cannot much complain if they decline to accept the state of the coal trade in the Lothians as sufficient grounds for reductions, on the average, of about 16 per cent. – I am, &c. R.B.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 14 September 1886

THE CLIPPENS MINERS' DISPUTE.

MEETING LOANHEAD.

A meeting of the miners employed at Clippens Oil Works was held to-day in the Volunteer Hall, Loanhead - Mr William Bulloch in the chair. The chairman stated that a number of the men had received notices to leave their houses, and if not, there would be legal proceedings taken. The situation was desperate, but he hoped that it would have nothing to do with their object—to do what was right and just. — Mr Gibb stated that the manager had intimated to him that he was willing to withdraw half of the reduction, and that when the other collieries received the whole they would get it also. He (Mr Gibb) thought they had better accept of the half than lose the whole. He therefore moved that they should take one half at present, on the understanding that they should get the other half when the other miners get it. ("Never, never," and hisses.) —Mr Thomson moved, as an amendment, that a stand should be made until the whole of the reduction be withdrawn. (Applause.) — Mr Bowie, who spoke in support of the motion, said that the question to be settled was whether it was better just now to meet the company half way, or to stand out until the whole of the reduction be withdrawn. — Mr Gillon thought that the manager had shown himself wrong so far by offering to withdraw half of the reduction. The manager had at first refused arbitration and every possible way of settling the dispute, but now he tried to make a compromise when he was on his last "kick." (Laughter.) — After some discussion, the amendment was carried by a large majority. This was all the business. — We understand that the men have been in communication with two of the leading football clubs in Edinburgh in reference to the playing of a match for the benefit of the men on strike. The matter is to come before the committees of the clubs in a few days. The men are very grateful for the subscriptions which they have hitherto received. Relief was given to about 260 men last week, but every day some of the men are leaving the village. In consequence of this, business in Loanhead has suffered greatly. Since the commencement of the strike, nine weeks ago, about 300 men have left the district.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 20 September 1886

THE CLIPPENS MINERS. —The dispute between the employers and workmen at Clippens Oil Works continues, and there is no sign of settlement being come to. Last week the men took all their tools away from the works, and seem to be determined to hold out. No further action has been taken with reference to the notices which were received, warning the men to leave the company's houses.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 29 September 1886

THE STRIKE AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

The strike of shale miners at Clippens Oil Works still continues, an attempt at negotiation between the miners and the company's officials having fallen through. Some time ago the company intimated that they would give the miners 2s per fathom and 1d per ton on the original reduction, but the men declined, and, through deputation the other day, they made the counter-proposal that they would resume work for another penny per ton. This compromise was in turn declined by the directors. The original reduction proposed was 10 per cent., but the men assert that it amounted to considerably more than this. The strike has lasted over ten weeks, and nearly half of the men on strike have left the locality for other work. It is reported that the men are getting aliment from a relief fund, and also that there is a probability of the married men in the company's houses being ejected.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 30 September 1886

THE STRIKE at CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

To-day, at 10 o'clock, the men strike at Clippens Oil Works met in the Volunteer Hall, Loanhead — Mr Thos. Bowie in the chair. Fully 300 men were present. After a good deal of discussion it was unanimously agreed, on the motion of Mr Gibb, that a written statement containing the following proposals be handed by a deputation to the managers to-day : "That the men will resume work if one half (viz. 1½d) of the reduction, be given back, and other grievance as to tonnage be settled, and that the men are willing to work five days per week instead of four, which is the number appointed by the miners’ board.”

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 01 October 1886

THE STRIKE AT CLIPPENS.

PROPOSED EJECTMENT.

The strike of miners at the Clippens Oil Works, which has lasted for more than ten week, still continues, neither employers nor employed showing any inclination to yield. It is understood, however, that the directors of the Oil Company have given orders for the ejectment of the miners from their houses. The strike as has already been stated, arose in consequence of an announcement that the Company had decided to make a reduction of 10 per cent. on the miner's wages. This course, the officials maintain, was rendered necessary, on account of the low prices which they were obtaining for products, and also because of the prevailing trade depression. They add that the rate of wages hitherto paid the Clippens miners has been higher than that of most of the other large oil companies in Scotland; and that the coalmasters of the surrounding district have made a similar reduction on wages, which had been accepted by the men. The reduction is resisted by the miners chiefly on the ground that their wages would be so small that they would be unable to maintain their wives and families, and that the reduction in reality amounts to more than 10 per cent. About three weeks ago the company offered the miners 2s per fathom and a penny per ton of the original reduction, but the men would not accept it. A few days ago a deputation of the miners waited on the officials of the company and represented to them that the men were willing to resume work for another penny per ton on the original reduction. This was laid before the directors, who refused to give any more than they had already offered. The proposed reduction will reduce the average wage, which was 24s weekly, by 2s per week. The number of men on strike is about 600 and of these 300 hare left the place, having secured employment in the harvest field or at other works. None of the men who came out on strike at first have returned to the works. The aliment given from the relief fund is 2s 6d for married men and 1s for single. There has as yet been no disturbance of any kind as the result of the strike.

PROPOSALS BY THE MEN.

A meeting of the miners was held at Loanhead yesterday. It was unanimously agreed that a written statement of the following proposals, be handed to the managers of the Company :—"That the men are willing to resume work if one half – three-halfpence — of the reduction be given back, and the grievances as to tonnage, &c.., remedied; also that they were willing to work five days per week." A deputation was appointed to wait on the managers later in the day. The effects of the strike are being pretty keenly felt in Loanhead and district and an amicable settlement is earnestly desired.

Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Monday 04 October 1886

The strike at Clippens Oil Works, which has lasted eleven weeks, has now come to an end, matters in dispute having been adjusted, and work is to be resumed to-day.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 07 October 1886

THE CLIPPENS MINERS DISPUTE. – A settlement between the managers and workmen at Clippens Oil Works has been come to, after a strike of 11 weeks. The men resumed work on Monday morning, and we understand that they get at present 1½d or one half of the reduction back, the other half to be forthcoming when the Lothian miners get it. A favourable settlement has also been come to with reference to the deductions for dirt. The men are to work five days a week and eight hours per day.

Fifeshire Advertiser - Friday 20 January 1888

MINERS’ MEETING AT LOANHEAD.

A meeting of the Clippens miners was held in the New Public Hall, Loanhead, on Friday night to send a deputation to the manager, asking back the 2d on the ton which was taken off them for taking a holiday on the occasion of the Jubilee in June last. A meeting is to be held next Thursday to hear the answer of the deputation.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 26 January 1888

THE CLIPPENS MINERS.

SUNDAY NIGHT WORKING.

A meeting of the Clippens miners was held in the New Public Hall, Loanhead, last Thursday night, to hear the answer of the deputation which was sent to Mr M’Gill, the manager, at the beginning of the week. The points submitted to the manager were two - the getting back of 2d a ton which was taken off them last summer; and, secondly, what he intended to take with regard to the Sunday night working whirl was lately begun at the Clippens, and which the majority of the men are said to be very much against. On the wage question, Mr M’Gill said for his own part he would be very glad to see the men get the rise, and if the other shale works in the country gave it the Clippens would certainly not be behind. The present time, however, was, he thought, rather premature for the men to ask it, but he would lay their request before the directors, and give their reply as soon as possible. Regarding Sunday night working he assured them it was a blank loss to the company, but he stated that a number of the men had come to him and asked leave to work on the Sunday night, so that if the men had their few against it he had his few for it. The deputation explained to him that the voice of the meeting held last Friday night was decidedly against the Sunday night work. In giving their answer to the meeting the deputation were of opinion that If the men combined together the rise of twopence on the ton would soon be forthcoming. On the question of Sunday night working it was carried that it be no longer continued.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 28 December 1889

JOHNSTONE COOPERS – The Clippens Oil Company, near Johnstone, has agreed to increase the wages of their coopers ½d per hour, commencing with the new year.

Dundee Courier - Monday 12 May 1890

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

A dispute which threatens to end in a strike is at present pending between the Clippens Oil Company and their men. It appears that within the last fortnight four men have been dismissed, and, as Mr Archibald, lately appointed general manager, has, it is said, been heard to express the intention that he would clear the place of every man connected with the Union, it is thought that these dismissals are an inauguration of the threat. The miners have agreed that unless the dismissed men are reinstated they will cease work on the 17th inst.

Dundee Courier - Thursday 15 May 1890

The Clippens Oil Works.—An amicable settlement has been made in connection with the dispute between the winding enginemen at Clippens Oil Works and Mr Archibald, the manager. As the result of a conference between Mr Archibald and the District Secretary of the Enginemen's Union, the three men who were dismissed and one who was on his warning have been reinstated, and the men are to receive as wages 5s per day.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 16 March 1891

STRIKE AT THE CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

About a fortnight ago it was rumoured that a man who had taken employment with one of the railway companies during the late strike in the Cambuslang district was to be brought to start an engine at Clippens Oil Works. He has been "imported," as the men term it, to the Clippens district, and the 18 engine-keepers employed by the company have given in notice of their intention to stop work consequence. During the railway strike the engine keepers assured the railway men they would assist them in any way they could, and they are carrying out their assurance, they say. The men are members of the Roslin Casle Engine-keepers’ Association, and will receive considerable allowances. They are determined to resist the action of the company in bringing in this man, and have therefore decided to strike.

Lanarkshire Upper Ward Examiner - Saturday 21 March 1891

ENGINE-KEEPERS RESIGN IN A BODY. - A “blackleg” engine-keeper having been engaged from the Cambuslang district by the Clippens Oil Company to take charge of the large compound pumping engine, a meeting of the winding-keepers belonging to the Roslin branch of the Lothians Association was held at Loanhead on Saturday, when the whole of the winding engine-keepers, eighteen in number, tendered their resignations, to take effect on Saturday next, unless the so-called blackleg is dismissed.

Glasgow Evening Post - Monday 23 March 1891

At the last moment the threatened strike at the Clippens Oil-Works was averted, the company and the engine-keepers agreeing to refer the dispute to arbitration.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 27 March 1891

The threatened strike at the Clippens has happily been averted by the wise decision on the part of the men and masters to submit the matter to arbitration. It is to be hoped that this manner of settling trade disputes may become more powerful than the last resort of a strike, and that the employers and the employés may see that their best interests are most fully served by recognising the fact that they are not mutually antagonistic but really helpful to one another.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 28 March 1891

CLIPPENS OIL WORKERS AND THE “BLACKLEG”.

The difficulty which has been experienced for some time over the appointment as an engineer at the Clippens Oilworks of a man who accepted employment with the railway companies during the recent strike, has this morning been removed. A week ago it was resolved to refer the question of whether the man should or should not be retained in the employment of the oil company to arbiters, and the men appointed Mr John Nisbet, of Buchanan's Hotel, Edinburgh. It is stated that the company did not show much alacrity in appointing their arbiter, and that when he was appointed he turned out to be the company’s law agent, with the result that Mr Nisbet refused to act along with him. There was thus danger of a deadlock between the parties, as the men declined to work any longer alongside a man who, they say, was a “blackleg” in the railway strike. Accordingly, they last night resolved that the notice which they gave to cease work this morning should take effect, and that they would come out on strike. This morning the men were prepared to carry this resolution into effect, and they refrained from working, but meanwhile, at six o’clock, Mr Walker, the secretary of the secretary of the Lothians’ Winding Engine-Keepers' Association, had an interview with Mr Gordon, the manager of the Oilworks, at which it was agreed that the man to whom objection was taken should be removed from the engine. This was done, and the engine-keepers at once resumed.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 12 February 1892

CLIPPENS MINERS AND THEIR WAGES. - A meeting of the shale miners in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company was held in Loanhead Public Hall on Wednesday evening. Mr A. Wilson was called to the chair, and there was a large attendance. Mr William Hyslop reported on behalf of himself and other six or seven men, that they had been called together by the manager, who laid before them that, in view of the present financial position of the company, the directors thought the men might consent to a reduction of 10 per cent., which would help the company to tide over its difficulties. He also mentioned that there was a possible 15 per cent. reduction looming in the distance, and he undertook that, if the men agreed to the present reduction, they would not suffer this 15 per cent. one. On the question being put to the meeting they decided by a large majority not to accept the reduction, and a deputation was instructed to carry this decision to the manager. A working committee of twelve was also appointed by the meeting to conduct whatever other negotiations may be found necessary between masters and men in the matter.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 25 February 1892

CLIPPENS MINERS AND THE PROPOSED REDUCTION. – Last Thursday evening a second meeting of the Clippens shale miners was held in the New Public Hall, Loanhead to further consider the proposed reduction of wages. The chairman said that the meeting was called to consider the reply of the manager to the deputation which conveyed the decision of the former meeting to him. When that decision was conveyed to him the manager said he thought the men might at least meet the Company half way, and agree to a five per cent. in place of a 10 per cent. reduction. One of the deputation confirmed this statement, adding that the manager said the Company had no desire to force the reduction, and that they left it to the goodwill of the men. A miner proposed that they submit to no reduction whatever, and this was seconded. The chairman asked if there was any amendment, and none being forthcoming, be put the motion to the meeting, and nearly every hand went held up in favour of it. He declared the motion unanimously carried.

The Scotsman - Monday 09 May 1892

CLIPPENS WINDING ENGINE-KEEPERS.

On Saturday a meeting of the night duty members of Roslin Castle branch of the United Engine-keepers' Mutual Protection Association was held at Bilston to consider the answer which had been given to a deputation appointed to inquire as to the extent of the proposed reduction of wages by the Clippens Oil Company at Straiton. The deputation had been informed that the engine-keepers would share in the reduction, as it was intended that all classes of the workmen should be included in it. At the meeting on Saturday, as also at a meeting of day duty men held the previous evening, it was agreed to support the Clippens engine-keepers in resisting the proposed reduction, it being considered that no sufficient reason had been shown for a deviation from the standard wages of 5s. per shift agreed to with the associated engine-keepers about two years ago.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 13 May 1892

LOANHEAD.

THE CLIPPENS MINERS AND THEIR WAGES. —

Yesterday afternoon a very largely attended meeting of the miners in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company was held in the Public Hall, Loanhead, for the purpose of considering the recent reduction of ten per cent. in the wages. Mr P. Welsh presided, and Mr Wilson, miners' agent, Broxburn, was present, and in the course of an interesting address gave some account of shale mining, and while he said the coal miners had had their wages advanced fifty per cent, one of the reasons given by the masters for refusing the last advance asked was that the raw material, because of the rises given to the coal miners, had so increased in value that they could not at the present time give the rise to their employees. If that was the reason for refusing the rise at that time it ought at the present time to furnish a reason for giving the shale miners a rise instead of a reduction. He concluded by making a motion to the effect that they go to work as usual and accept the reduction, meanwhile perfecting their organisation by joining the Mid and West Lothians Shale Miners Association. This was agreed to by the meeting, only some four hands being held up against it. It was further agreed to be idle on Saturday four weeks hence. Mr Wilson promised, if they were progressing favourably and held a meeting in a fortnight, he would attend.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 13 April 1893

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY AND THEIR WORKMEN.

The liquidators of the Clippens Oil Company Limited have to-day intimated a 10 per cent. reduction to their employees, and failing acceptance by the men, the works will be closed. This has been rendered necessary by the action of a certain section of the miners taking an idle day to compel the liquidators to dismiss a "crowpicker" who has recently been put on to check dirty shale. By their action the miners (says an official intimation) would seem to add to the great difficulties the liquidators have experienced in keeping the works going by taking idle days, and the possible result of such a policy on the part of the men will be that the Clippens Works will follow the West Lothian and Burntisland Works and become extinct.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 17 April 1893

THE CRISIS AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

At a meeting of the men engaged in the refinery at the Clippens Oil Works on Saturday, numbering upwards of 250, it was decided not to accept the reduction which has been given notice of by the liquidators, and if they maintain this position the works will close on Thursday, as it will be needless to work the mines if the refinery is not going. In Loanhead and district the opinion prevails that the men will not accept the reduction. These appear to consider that the alternative mentioned to accepting the reduction is merely a threat. A meeting of the men will be held this afternoon.

The Scotsman - Monday 17 April 1893

THE CLIPPENS SHALE MINES.

As mentioned on Saturday, the liquidators of the Clippens Oil Company have given notice to the manager at Straiton that if the miners go out on strike rather than accept the proposed reduction, be is immediately to close the mines. The reduction, if agreed to, will come into force on Thursday. On a rough estimate, the average wage all over at the mines is 5s, 6d per day , and the proposed reduction is 10 per cent. where the weekly wage is from 25s. upwards, and 5 per cent. where the wage is under 25s. a week. On Saturday the men engaged at the refinery, who number about 250, intimated that they would not accept the reduction, and if they do not give way their engagement will terminate on Thursday morning, when the night shift which goes on duty on Wednesday evening ceases work. Unless the refinery is kept going there will be no use in working the mines, so that as matters stand at present the outlook is not bright. Indeed, the prevailing opinion is that the men will not agree to the reduction, and they evidently regard the alternative of closing the mines as a mere threat. The notice by the liquidators of the reduction was forced, it is stated, by the action of certain of the men who took a holiday last Thursday to force the liquidators to dismiss a "crowpicker” who had been put on to check the output of dirty shale, and who, the men averred, was not fit for the work. The manager agreed to put away the “crowpicker”, and the section of the miners, numbering about 300, resumed work on Friday, but in compliance with the orders of the liquidators they drew their "graith" on Saturday, and will not be allowed to resume work till Thursday. As matters at present stand, there is therefore a reduction in the staff at Straiton, which usually numbers over 1100 men, of whom about 650 are underground workers, about 250 (mechanics and others) are employed on the surface, and about 250 are engaged in the refining process. A meeting of the men will be held this afternoon.

Glasgow Evening Post - Tuesday 18 April 1893

Clippens miners last night agreed to request the liquidators to withdraw the proposed 10 per cent. reduction, and to meet again on Thursday morning to hear the manager’s reply.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 18 April 1893

CLIPPENS OIL WORKERS AND THEIR WAGES.

A meeting of the men employed at Straiton, Mortonhall, Pentland, and No. 8 Mines, belonging to the Clippens Oil Company, now in liquidation, was held on Pentland Green last night for the purpose of considering what action should be taken in view of the threatened 10 per cent. reduction of wages. One of the workers from Straiton was elected chairman, and there was a large attendance. A strong feeling was manifested against the proposed reduction. One of the Straiton workers proposed that instead of having their wages reduced 10 per cent. the workers should ask to have them increased by that amount. Another motion was proposed to the effect that the liquidators should be requested to withdraw their proposals, and, in the event of a refusal, that all men should stop working that evening. In the course of the proceedings severe comment was made on the reductions which had been imposed during the past year. It was also maintained by some that the oil trade was in a better position than when the former reductions were made. One of the workers, referring to the statement that they were able to earn 5s 6d a day, denied this, and said that the utmost they could earn was 3s. In some cases, he said, after paying the drawer, the miner was out of pocket at the end of an eight hours shift. On a vote it was agreed, by 93 to 56, to request the liquidators to withdraw the proposed reduction. A deputation then waited on the manager at the works, communicating the resolution to him. The deputation, however, informed the meeting that the manager was unable to give them any answer till he had communicated with the liquidators to-day; but he offered put the men in communication with the liquidators. The Straiton men then discussed what course they should adopt, when, by a majority, they agreed to continue working till Thursday morning, so that the manager might have time to communicate with the liquidators, a motion to stop working this evening being lost by 47 votes. A deputation was appointed to wait on the liquidators. During the discussion it was unanimously agreed to carry through the struggle without any outside assistance, a suggestion that John Wilson, Broxburn, should called in, being met by adverse cries.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 18 April 1893

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE THREATENED STRIKE AT CLIPPENS OILWORKS.

"Commercial Traveller" writes: When at Loanhead the other day I learned that the liquidator of the Clippens Oil Company had given notice that 10 per cent. reduction all round (officials included) was about to enforced. I also learned that a majority the men intended to resent this by striking. Now, sir, let us look at the situation. The village of Loanhead and the surrounding districts are to a large extent dependent on this company continuing business. Owing to the deplorable state the oil trade for some time back, this company, like others, has been forced into liquidation, and in the natural course of events their works would be closed, unless the liquidator could show was possible to make the business pay. After three or four months' trial, the liquidator has evidently come to the conclusion that the rate of wages is too high, when compared with the prices he is getting for the products of the company. Surely, sir, it would not be to the best interests of the men to strike at such a critical time. If the men do not agree to the reduction (which may be only temporary), the liquidator, it would appear, has only one alternative left, namely, the final winding-up of the company. What then will be the position of the men? In the present depressed state of trade, I am afraid they will find it rather difficult to find work any sort elsewhere. Suppose the men accept the reduction. Undoubtedly they will earn a slightly smaller wage, but it will be vastly superior to strike pay, and will enable the liquidator to reconstruct and keep the company going. It is generally believed that the oil trade has touched its lowest point, and that an improvement is likely to set in soon. Now, would it not be better for the men in every way to accept the reduction, and thereby keep the company in existence, and when the improvement in prices comes, then will be the time for the men demand the 10 per cent. back. The men are not the only sufferers through the misfortunes of this company. The shareholders have received no dividend for years, and now they have lost the whole of their capital. I would advise the men to seriously consider those points before rushing into a strike, in which they cannot—in this case at present—gain their point; but which will only mean the permanent loss of their work in the district and the final closing of the works.

The Scotsman - Wednesday 19 April 1893

TRADE AFFAIRS.

THE DISPUTE AT THE CLIPPENS SHALE MINES

Another meeting of the men employed at the Straiton, Mortonhall, Pentland, and No. 8 mines of the Clippens Oil Company was held yesterday evening, for the purpose of considering their position in view of the dispute now pending between the liquidators of the Company and the miners owing to the threatened reduction of wages of 10 per cent. Pentland Green was the scene of the meeting, and, as on the previous evening, there was a large attendance of workers. One of the Straiton miners was called to the chair, and on his suggestion a member of the deputation appointed at the meeting the previous evening to wait upon the liquidators was asked to give a report. The report in question was to the effect that the deputation had that day had an interview with Mr Gordon, the manager, who had them of having received a communication from the liquidators, in which they said that no purpose could be served by an interview between them and the men’s representatives. Messrs Armour & Tait had, in effect, said that their attitude did not admit of any alteration. If the men did not accept the terms offered them, then the liquidators said, their decision to close the whole works on Thursday (to-morrow) would be carried out. The CHAIRMAN said, in regard to the average statement in question, he had a suggestion to make. It was that two miners should be appointed from each section of the pits to go over the books along with the “justice-men,” in order that they might take an average of the wages for the eight weeks ending with the last week in March. He did not hesitate to say that if this were done the average, instead of standing at the figure brought out in the statement in the manager’s hands, would be replaced by something like 1s. 6d. or 1s. 9d. a day. Another of the deputation supported the suggestion of the chairman on the ground that as the manager had confronted the representatives of the men with a wages statement, the men themselves should have something to say in the drawing up of an “average” which would express what they believed to be the real state of matters. The course suggested by the chairman was unanimously adopted, and a committee, consisting of two men from each section of the works, was appointed to draw up an average wages statement on behalf of the men. It was resolved that the committee appointed by the meeting should report to a general meeting to be held in Loanhead tomorrow (Thursday) forenoon. The men, before dispersing re-affirmed their resolution of the previous day, to the effect that if the proposed reduction of 10 per cent. was insisted upon, they should lift their “graith” and cease work at two o’clock this afternoon and at six o’clock tomorrow morning. Towards the close of the proceedings, Mr John Wilson, the Broxburn miners’ agent, came upon the ground. His presence was noticed by many of the men, but he was not asked by the chairman to take any part in the meeting. Inquiry at the manager’s office yesterday elicited the fact that the liquidators are resolved to close the works to-morrow if the reduction of 10 per cent. is not accepted by the miners, and in their communication advising Mr Gordon of this, Messrs Armour & Tait give instructions as to the course to be taken for having the works shut up in that contingency.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 20 April 1893

LOCK-OUT AT CLIPPENS OIL-WORKS.

The condition of affairs among the miners at the Clippens Oil-Works has now taken a serious turn. Last night the manager received instructions to dismiss the officials, work up the mining stock on hand, shut the benches of retorts, and close the works unless the men resumed work to - day. The men have not resumed work, and steps are being taken to practically close the works. Three benches of retorts are kept going to work out the stuff in hand. Gangs of men are hanging about the street corners discussing matters to-day. There are in all about 100 who will be locked out if work is not resumed.

Glasgow Evening Post - Friday 21 April 1893

Clippens Shale Miners Strike.

(From, Our Own Correspondent.)

DALKEITH, 12.30.— On inquiry at Clippens Oil Company to-day it was ascertained that it is possible the closing of Straiton, Pentland, Morton Hall, and Loanhead pits will be very temporary. The delegates appointed at a mass meeting yesterday have been allowed an interview this forenoon, in Edinburgh, with Mr Armour, of Glasgow, and Mr Tait. This is proceeding, the outcome being anxiously awaited. Few men are about the works, only one or two retorts being kept going. Nearly 1,200 men are idle.

How the Dispute Arose.

Concerning the Shale miners strike Fairplay describes the situation critically thus: - There seems to be no limit to the folly of working men nowadays when they fancy they can boss the show. The affairs of the Clippens Oil Company have been referred to here, and also the arrangement that the liquidators should carry on the works for a few months, to work up material and have a chance of realising as a going concern. The other day some of the shale-miners formulated a demand for the dismissal of a stranger, and the liquidators refusing to submit to the dictation of the employes, the men began a system of vexatious tactics and “idle days,” which has so complicated the estate and added to the difficulties of liquidation, that it has been decided to shut up the works altogether, after the example of the West Lothian and Burntisland Companies. An alternative course has been proposed of a reduction of 10 per cent. in wages all round.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 21 April 1893

There has, very unfortunately at this time, arisen a dispute at the Clippens Oil Works, which is terminating to-day in the shutting down of one of the important industries of the neighbourhood. Some time ago the manager, Mr Gordon, felt compelled in the interests of the Company to put on a crow picker to check the output of dirty shale. The man chosen was not a favourite with the miners and they took an idle day—the result of which was a large loss to the company. The liquidators at once imposed a reduction of 10 per cent., and at the same time the obnoxious crow picker was removed. On Saturday the men in the refinery department, numbering about 250, intimated that they would not accept the reduction. The alternative held out by the liquidators to the men accepting the reduction is the shutting down of the works and this would mean an immense loss to the district. The men have determined to adhere to their resolution to refuse the reduction and the liquidators have fulfilled their threat of stopping the concern altogether. This is a pity indeed, alike for both sides, and some means ought to have been found to prevent it.

The Scotsman - Friday 21 April 1893

TRADE AFFAIRS

STRIKE AT CLIPPENS SHALE MINES.

The men employed at Clippens Oilworks have refused to agree to the reduction of 10 per cent. proposed by the liquidators of the Company, and came out on strike yesterday. In accordance with the instructions issued by the liquidators to the manager, the works are, therefore, being closed . At noon yesterday a public meeting of the men was held in the new hall, Loanhead, and was largely attended. A Straiton miner presided, and in his opening statement expressed a hope that the men would adopt a policy that would become beneficial to the workmen and the Company . He defied the liquidators to say that the men were the parties who closed the works. One of the deputation to the manager as to the average wage of the miners narrated what occurred at the interviews with the manager on Monday and Tuesday, and stated that the manager brought out the average wage as something from 9s. 3d. to 4s. 6d. These were the highest and lowest figures. It was pointed out to the manager that there were some drawers who worked twelve hours every day, and that when the miners’ expenses were taken off the manager’s average the amount was brought down to a great deal less. Several reports were submitted regarding the average wage. These showed that taking an average of six days per week of eight hours per shift, the wage in some of the pits was during the last few weeks from 3s. 11d. to 5s. a day. A STRAITON MINER said that the matter as to the “crowpicker” had been put as a reason why 10 per cent. reduction should be imposed. It was now, however, alleged that the works could not be carried on if the reduction was not agreed to. Why, he asked, did the Company some short time ago go in for reconstruction if the works could not be carried on at a profit? The market was rising, sulphate of ammonia had gone up in price, so had oil, and the price of coal had not risen. Where, then, was the ground, in the face of a rising market, for imposing a 10 per cent. reduction? The Company averaged all the men at eleven shifts per fortnight, and did not take into account what the miner had to pay for powder, for justice men, and for other matters. If the liquidators intended to shut the works down if the men did not submit, why did they begin to boycott the men by preventing them from getting work elsewhere? Men had been refused work at another place because they belonged to Clippens. He was in favour of the appointment of an arbitration board for the purposes of considering the dispute. The men bad been driven to desperation and they were in favour of a reasonable method of settling the dispute. (Applause.) He suggested the names of several gentlemen who should be asked to approach the liquidators, and ask them to consent to the appointment of a board of arbitration, and made a motion to that effect. A PENTLAND MINER seconded the motion. Mr JOHN WILSON, Broxburn, said that to have a fair view of the case, two or three things must be considered. The first was that Clippens Company were like the miners, and had as little to gain by a strike as any person. Blood could not be taken out of a stone. There was not a shareholder of the Clippens Company twelve months ago who thought it would be in liquidation today. The scheme of probable reconstruction of the Company meant that the present assets were going practically into the hands of the creditors, and the poor shareholders were not even to have a vote unless by the special permission of those who held the nominal stock. That was to say, the old Clippens Company, which the miners were now trying to fight, was as dead for all practical purposes as Julius Caesar, and the present liquidator held the concern on behalf of the creditors. It did not matter to him (Mr Wilson) personally whether the men went on strike, but he did not wish the men to go upon the assumption that they could make a dead horse give them sovereigns. He pointed out the position of the Burntisland Oil Company, and stated that if the Clippens men would not agree to the reduction, the liquidator would have to bid good-bye to any scheme of reconstruction. The reduction in the price of scale was far and away too heavy to be put against the advance in sulphate of ammonia and oil. Besides, no benefit could be reaped from these advanced prices this season. This was the end of the mineral oil season, and if they intended to strike they write they could not have chosen a worse time. He moved as an amendment that the Clippens miners resume work, and observe that day fortnight as a general holiday to consider the present state of the oil trade, and devise means, if possible, to get back half the reduction, and adopt measures to prevent any further reduction in their wages, and secure an advance as soon as they considered the oil trade warranted it. A strike at the present moment was, he stated, the most foolish policy they could adopt. The amendment was seconded. Before a vote was taken, a considerable number of the men had left the meeting, and on a division, the motion was carried by 153 to 66. A deputation, consisting of four outsiders and a miner, were then appointed to wait on the liquidators

Glasgow Herald - Friday 21 April 1893

LABOUR AFFAIRS.

THE CRISIS AT THE CLIPPENS PITS _ 1100 MEN IDLE.

The dispute at the Clippens Oil Company’s works reached a crisis yesterday, when, in accordance with a resolution arrived at by the employers, a proposed reduction of 10 per cent. made by the liquidators – Mr Armour, Glasgow, and Mr Tait, Edinburgh, was rejected. The action of the men will be much felt in Loanhead and vicinity, as altogether there are over 1100 people employed by the company, and the weekly bill for wages amounts to about £2000. The liquidators in arriving at their determination to reduce the wages based their action of the ground that it would be impossible to continue the works except at a loss, and that a loss would othey do not get more than about 4s or 4s 6d. The men point out that the company in arriving at nly be obviated by the acceptance of the reduced wage scale. The men, on the other hand, contend that the acceptance of a reduction would almost amount to the receipt of a wage which could not maintain them. The officials of the mines state that on a general average the men earn 5s 6d a day, while the employes declare this is an overstatement, and that they do not get more than about 4s or 4s 6d. The men point out that the company in arriving at their statement of the average wage fail to take into account various items, including payments for drawers, &c. They also complain that during the past year they have been subjected to two reductions of wages. It was not expected that the miners would accept the company’s proposal, and indeed the men generally were believed to consider that the company’s intimation of closing the works was a mere threat.

Yesterday, however, the workmen and the trading community alike saw the carrying into effect of the orders of the manager. As the men still employed left their work this morning arrangements were at once set agoing to shut down the pits and bring the whole operations at the works to what, it is hoped, will be but a temporary standstill. Groups of idle workmen were assembled at various parts of Loanhead in the earlier parts of yesterday, the prospect before them being, of course, the one subject considered by the men.

A mass meeting of the men was held in the afternoon in the Public Hall, which was packed with some 600 men. A workman was called to the chair. The Chairman said the Clippens Oil Company did not seem to scruple to put a burden on their workmen which they were unable to bear. If they felt the company’s offer an unjust one, he said they should stand up together, and if they fell they would fall together (Cheers.) The eyes of the whole of the miners of Scotland were fixed upon them. They were not to blame for the shutting down of the pits. As a deputation had told the manager, the men could not accept of the 10 per cent. reduction, and were resolved to stoutly resist it. (Cheers.) Their manager had submitted some figures to show that the men were paid something like 9s 3d to 4s 6d on an average per day. But he (the chairman) had found that the average for the last six weeks was 3s 9d in one case; in another 3s 9d; in another 3s 11d; and in another 5s 11d. The average of the shale miners was 17s 4d per week. A miner near the front of the hall said there was a good deal of misunderstanding on the part of the public regarding the strike, because it was alleged that the part of the miners had taken was absolutely unjustifiable and would result in the destruction of the trade in the district. The manager himself said that the liquidator was responsible for the reduction, and went on to ask why the company went in for a scheme of reconstruction if they could not carry on the works at a profit. Had the directors,, he asked, deceived the debenture holders and creditors. (Cheers.) Since then the market had been rising – sulphate of ammonia and oil had increased in price. In closing the works the liquidators were absolutely destroying the assets of the company (Applause.) Mr John Wilson, Broxburn, who afterwards addressed the meeting, asked the men to consider seriously their position, and pointed out that there were absent in this case the essentials to success, inasmuch as they would be going on strike at the end of the shale season. He also instanced the case of the Burntisland Oil Company as one worthy of consideration, the men there, after reconstruction had been agreed upon, having accepted a 19 per cent. reduction, and yet with them matters had not progressed favourably. In the case of the Clippens the scheme of reconstruction had not yet been definitely settled, and the men were therefore going on strike at a disadvantage. But he was willing to give them all the support he could if they entered upon their struggle in a calm, deliberate manner. (Slight interruption.) A member of committee said he entirely and totally disagreed with what Mr Wilson had been saying. He seemed to desire them to submit; they were not inclined to that. (Cheers.) Another kiner declared that Mr Wilson had come on behalf of the masters. (Disorder.) After further discussion it was agreed by a large majority that the men should resolutely refuse to accept of the company’s proposed reduction of 10 per cent., but that a deputation be appointed to meet with the liquidators either in Edinburgh or Glasgow requesting that the whole matter of wages be referred to a board of arbitration. Meanwhile a committee was appointed to conduct affairs during the strike.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 22 April 1893

THE LOCK-OUT AT CLIPPENS.

A meeting of the men was held this forenoon in the New Hall, Loanhead, where a large company assembled to hear the report of the deputation appointed to wait upon the liquidators in Edinburgh to request arbitration, with view to the settlement of the present dispute. A miner presided, and, in introducing the proceedings, he argued that in the dispute the men had acted in a reasonable way, and not in a pig-headed manner. Imputations had been cast upon them. It was not unnatural that at the present time a kick should have been made by the men at the Clippens, for the present reduction was a reduction that meant 30 per cent. —they had been "broken" 20 per cent. before. Their wages had been reduced to an average of something like 4s 6d per day. They had been driven to desperation, yet they had appealed to reason.

The Rev. Mr Grant, the principal spokesman at yesterday's meeting with the liquidators, said they were met almost at once by the answer from the liquidators that it was impossible for them to agree to arbitration. The answer was final and the answer meant the closing of the Clippens if the men failed to go in. The deputation had not been sent to the directors of a powerful and prosperous company. If they had been he thought the deputation would have been put upon their mettle, and that answer would not have been accepted as final. But they went not to directors; as a matter of fact one company was dead and another was to come into being if the liquidators so decided. He had no doubt the Clippens would be closed if the men held out, and the deputation left with the impression that work ought to be resumed. One of the liquidators would be on the board of the new company, and the other would have an important relation to the company, and both gave their word of honour that it would be advantageous to them to advance the wages of the men as soon as results would enable them to do so. (Applause.) Mr Grant went on to show that the deputation had made it plain that certain matters of irritation were misunderstandings, especially in the case of the recent "holiday.” The deputation felt that something like a Conciliation Board should be in existence for the sake of both sides, and if this agitation resulted in the formation of such a board very considerable gain would accrue to the men at no distant date. It was their recommendation the men should go back. If there was a reduction of 10 per cent., there were some equivalents. While he had spoken of a Conciliation Board, he believed a strong union on the part of the men was a good thing for them. He did not know if they were fit to stand a siege for eleven weeks. He advised them to be temperate and thrifty, and those of them who were so should teach others in order that if the day of trial came they might have money, which means a great deal to-day.

Mr Wilson, Gowanlee, also reported at length. The liquidators said their position was—"Could they carry on the works at a loss simply for the sake of sympathy?" The deputation had elicited the information that if the reduction was given effect to it would probably clear the feet of the works. The reduction meant about £5000. If that was the case, there was hope of the men. (Applause.) The liquidator told them that they were determined to attack the "dirt escape." They said they could not have such a proportion of dirt as some men sent up, but the working men members of the deputation showed that provision was not made by the company to enable them to turn out clean stuff. The liquidators acknowledged the injustice of the matter - (applause) and had assured the deputation they would remedy the defect. (Applause.) If they did not go back there was no prospect of the Clippens opening again, because the action of the men would stop the negotiations going on for the reconstruction of the company. He cordially advised them to show sympathy with the liquidators, to work without an idle day, and to work only one shift each day till the reconstruction of the company took place. (Applause.) If a man was determined to work 14 shifts instead of, say, 11, he should remember he was taking three shifts from a fellow-workman.

Mr William Hislop expressed the opinion that had the deputation been composed of working-men entirely they would have left before being five minutes with the liquidators. On the motion of another speaker, the deputation were heartily thanked. A Pentland miner then moved a resolution to the effect that they agree to return to work, and that they appoint the deputation a conciliation board in case of future disputes. When the resolution was put to the meeting it was carried unanimously, and thereafter two men were delegated to acquaint the liquidators with the decision of the men, and to telegraph to the works to pay the men the wages due them. The proceedings then terminated.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 24 April 1893

CLIPPENS MEN RETURN TO WORK.

Inquiry at Clippens shews that most of the men returned this morning. It will be some days before the places are all ready to permit the whole of the workmen resuming. A number of the men, it appears, have left for other parts of the country. A deputation informed the manager after the Saturday afternoon meeting, of the acceptance of the 10 per cent. reduction. Thereupon it was agreed to re-open the works to-day. Notices have been posted intimating that the output of clean shale will be strictly enforced, and that the men must work regularly.

Dundee Courier - Monday 24 April 1893

The Shale Workers’ Strike

In resolving to resume work to-day the work-men employed at the Clippens shale mines have adopted the best possible course of action. When the deputation appointed by them waited on Thursday upon the liquidators of the Company to suggest arbitration it was plainly indicated that nothing could be done in that direction. The liquidators point blank refused to submit the question of the 10 per cent. reduction, on the ground that it was a matter of absolute necessity. On Saturday, therefore, the men were advised by their own deputationists to return to their employment, and to work only one shift in twenty-four hours until the reconstruction of the Company was completed. By this means, it was pointed out, over-production would be prevented, and, besides, the liquidators had definitely promised that wages would be advanced whenever the financial state of the Company had been improved. Sundry minor grievances, too, are to be removed. It is thus clear that the men have gained something by the dispute, though they cannot hope in the meantime to maintain their wages at their former level. One of their number stated on Saturday that the wages had now been reduced to the average of four shillings and sixpence per day, and that in one of the sections men were working for seventeen shillings and sixpence per week. Their condition is, indeed, one which calls for sympathy, but it has at the same time to be remembered that determined resistance would simply lead to the shutting down of the works. At a crisis such as the present in the oil trade sacrifices are required on the part of labour as well as capital; otherwise disaster will overtake both.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 05 August 1893

DEAD-LOCK AT CLIPPENS MINES.

A dead-lock has taken place the Clippens Oil Company's mines at Straiton, work yesterday at the pits being entirely suspended. The men believe that they have been locked out, while, on the other hand, their employers assert that the men have broken their engagement, and have brought dismissal upon themselves. It appears that last week the men observed a custom followed at the pits at this time of the year by taking a two-days’ holiday. Then they announced their intention of holding a general meeting at Loanhead on Thursday last. The men were remonstrated with by the manager of the works on this course of procedure, it being an alleged infringement of the conditions upon which the pits were opened in April. The men, however, persisted, and it was asked through the Union Committee that a meeting should be arranged between Mr Armour, the general manager, and their representatives. The manager could not see his way to grant this until after meeting of directors next week. Accordingly the manager had two notices posted at the works, one informing the men in the refining and other works that if any considerable number of miners took a holiday it would be necessary to wholly or partially shut down the works, and that all the workmen were put on a day’s notice. The other notice addressed the miners stated that the directors regretted that the committee had ordered the following day to be observed as a holiday soon after the annual holidays, which had been granted with great reluctance, as the company could not afford to have its costs increased by irregular working. The notice further ran: " All miners who intend to violate the arrangement made by the liquidators as to steady work by taking a holiday to-morrow (Thursday) will be dismissed from the company's service; and they can draw their 'graith' this (Wednesday) night, or tomorrow (Thursday) morning. If the miners consider they have a grievance, the directors can meet them if desired.” This intimation did not alter the purpose of the miners. They held their meeting on Thursday. On that day only some 10 out of 500 men employed were at work. The miners agreed, in consideration of the attitude taken up by the manager and directors, to draw up their “graith” forthwith. They say that whereas at other shale mines the men have for some time past been working only four and five days a week, they have since April been working full time.; that the question of wages is one now requiring consideration; and, further, that having matters to discuss, they had a perfect right to meet for the purpose, more particularly in view of the fact, as they maintain, that the general manager had not fallen in with the suggestion for a conference. Accordingly the men were engaged in removing their “graith” from the workings. Steps were taken for the closing down of the pits, the ponies being removed from underground. There is on hand at the present time enough shale to keep the works going partially for nine days. If before that time matters are not arranged the management state that it will necessitate the closing of all the departments, and work will be restricted to pumping operations to keep the mines from being flooded. To-day is pay-day, and the men have been informed that they will the get what money is due to them, this payment, so far as those occupying the company's houses are concerned, being contingent on their previously giving up the keys of their houses.

Dundee Courier - Monday 07 August 1893

THE STOPPAGE OF CLIPPENS PITS.

On inquiry at Clippens Oil Company's Works, Loanhead, on Saturday forenoon, it was ascertained that the miners living elsewhere than in the Company's houses are being paid their wages in full, the tenants having four weeks’ rent retained to guard against any risk. Besides 500 miners idle, some 300 surface workers have been thrown out of employment. Mr Armour, of Glasgow, who has now assumed management, is prepared to reopen the pits to-day if the men bind themselves to regular attendance.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 07 August 1893

THE CLIPPENS COMPLICATION- 800 MEN IDLE

There was an expectation that the dispute which has arisen at the Clippens 0il Company's works in Mid-Lothian county might have been arranged in such a way during Saturday that the men would be found prepared to return to their places this morning. The outcome of an interview on the part of a deputation of half a dozen of the workmen which took place on Saturday afternoon, however, seems only to have resulted in the embitterment of the situation. In answer to an intimation made to their acting secretary, the deputation met with Mr Armour, of Glasgow, at three o’clock. In regard to the men having taken a holiday on Thursday, some attempt was made to defend their action, but Mr Armour was resolute. Both parties were agreed that the contract had been broken, and that the men had, each of them, been dismissed. The management had nothing to suggest by way of a settlement, and the interview terminated without any understanding being come to.

A meeting of the men took place in the New Hall, Loanhead, at five o’clock. Members of the deputation presented their report of the brief interview with the manager. During a short discussion, the meeting considered they had acted properly, and that they had a perfect right to call meetings of their union either for the re-election of office bearers or to consider their position with a view to the general wages scale or otherwise. Since April, when the idea of a Board of Arbitration was mooted, they had laboured on regularly at the rate temporarily accepted at that time. There had indeed been as many as seven shifts a week, and during the last fortnight they had but followed the usual custom of observing a day or two as idle time by way of a holiday. Being agreed that they were entitled to the liberty of taking an occasional idle day, the men decided they should not return to their work to-day. The proceedings thereupon terminated without having in any way modified the prospect of a struggle.

During the day the tenants on the company's houses received part payment of their wages, amounts varying from 10s to £1 being retained for four weeks' rent, until the families, if so minded, had delivered up the keys of their dwellings.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 08 August 1893

THE CLIPPENS MINERS' DEADLOCK.to

The Clippens shale miners to-day maintain their previous attitude, declining resume work until sent for by Mr Armour, general manager. The company are found equally determined to maintain their position against insubordination. On inquiry today it was stated that the management are averse to forecasting their further intentions, but they report the situation to be unchanged. Some four or five hundred men, including firemen and labourers, are employed this forenoon.

Yesterday at the works 600 men were idle and 450 were employed.

Scottish Leader - Thursday 10 August 1893

THE CLIPPENS DISPUTE.

STATEMENT BY THE DIRECTORS.

Yesterday afternoon a meeting of the directors of the Clippens Oil Company was held at the offices at Pentland to consider the present deadlock. As a result, the following notice was posted up at the works:—"Nos. 4 and 8 mines will be re-opened to-morrow (Thursday) at 6 a.m. Nos. 1 and 2 mines have caused heavy loss to the company, and will not be re-opened. Meantime places will be given to the workmen in the order of application and on the following conditions:—Steady work; the mines to be kept going steadily for six days per week. This is imperative as long as the present unprofitable competition from America and Russia lasts, as was fully explained to the Miners' Committee in April last, and by the manager to the deputation last Saturday. Irregular work having a most hurtful effect on the costs, the directors feel that, if the workmen clearly understand that steady work is the only chance the company has, they will at once co-operate to that extent. Miners who wish to resume work can hand in their names to the mines’ manager. 9th August. 1893." In reference to the foregoing, the men intend holding a meeting today to consider what action they will take.

Dundee Advertiser - Friday 11 August 1893

Clippens workmen held a meeting yesterday afternoon at Loanhead, and resolved to remain out. They agreed that 6d per day of a rise must be granted before they resume. Not being members of the Lothians Federation, the usual strike aliment will not be shared in by the 500 Clippens men.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 11 August 1893

THE CLIPPENS DISPUTE.

On inquiry at the Clippens Oil Company’s offices at Straiton this afternoon our correspondent learned that it is thought likely the directors will to-morrow or Monday give orders to shut the whole works, owing to the refusal of the miners to return without additional wages. Five hundred men are idle. It is believed the company will concede nothing further. The immediate acceptance by the workmen of the conditions offered would save the dismissal of over 400 employees, comprising retortmen, refiners, and labourers.

Scottish Leader - Monday 14 August 1893

THE CLIPPENS DISPUTE.

On Saturday morning a meeting of the Clippens miners was held in Loanhead to I hear the report of a deputation which had another interview with Mr Armour, the general manager. The Chairman advised the men to act together. The Secretary said that in reply to the open letter which he was authorised to send to Mr Armour, he received an official communication enclosing a copy of the Company's reply to the effect that work can be resumed on the terms existing prior to the dispute. In reference to this reply the Secretary said he thought it necessary to call the Committee together and they waited upon Mr Armour. Mr Armour’s position seemed to this -- continuous regular work was absolutely necessary if the Company was to go on. If the men bound themselves down, the only way in which they could hold a meeting was by giving 24 hours' notice, and coming out on strike. Mr Armour asked the deputation how far the men would come to meet him on this point, and they replied that the men would agree not to hold a meeting oftener than once a month. After discussion upon the report of the deputation, a miner moved that the men agree to take no holiday for three months, on condition that Mr Armour acts honestly and just to the men during that time. This was seconded. The secretary moved an amendment that they cannot accept the conditions of the Company, as they involve the abolition of the men's right to meet to discuss their grievances. A miner seconded. On a show of hands being taken the whole meeting seemed to be unanimous for the amendment. The same deputation was appointed to convey the decision to Mr Armour.

An adjourned meeting was held at five o'clock on Saturday afternoon to hear Mr Armour's answer to the men’s decision. When the deputation left Mr Armour the situation was unaltered, but since then they learned that he was anxious for a settlement and that he was willing to allow the men to take one idle day in the three months. After discussion the following resolution was passed by the men :- “That the men shall have the power to take one idle day in the three months, and that the power of deciding when an idle day be taken be transferred from the committee to the men, who shall vote by ballot, and that all grievances be discussed meantime by the committee." The committee was empowered by the meeting to make a settlement on these lines. Yesterday forenoon our representative called upon Mr Armour at the Pentland office, and he stated that although he waited in the office till nearly ten o'clock on Saturday night, the deputation did not call upon him. On the resolution of the afternoon meeting being read over to him, he said he was quite agreeable that the men should start work on Monday morning on these terms. Further, that the impression some of the men seemed to have that they would be called upon to sign a written agreement was entirely erroneous. He also stated that there was only about 1000 tons of shale lying, and that as this would be used up in a day or two, the works would then require to be closed.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 14 August 1893

CLIPPENS DISPUTE SETTLED.

A conference took place on Saturday night between a deputation of the men and Mr Armour, the manager, but the situation remained unaltered. Mr Armour asked the deputation if they had made the men aware of what he intended to do if they did not submit. They said that they had said nothing about his future policy; that that was for himself to determine. He said he intended to shut down after all the shale was worked up. There was only a thousand tons of shale, which could be worked up, it was expected, by Monday night, and after that the works would be shut down. The men, too, the deputation added, were anxious for a settlement, and had been ready all along, but they were something like Lord Beaconsfield and wanted “peace with honour." The men are willing settle on that the men shall have power to take one “idle day" in three months; that the power of deciding when a holiday on any occasion between these three months be taken be transferred from the committee to the men, who shall decide the question by ballot; that all grievances be discussed meantime between Mr Armour and the committee.

It is now definitely decided that the Clippens men will go in to-morrow morning. The dispute is practically settled. The final settlement will be with Mr Armour at four o'clock to-day. The men have agreed to a resolution drawn up by Mr Armour himself.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 11 January 1894

STRIKE AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS. – On Sunday last nineteen of the retortmen at Clippens Oil Works struck work on account of a dispute with regard to Sunday labour. A charge has been preferred against them for leaving their work without notice, thereby endangering the property of the employers. Many of the men left the locality on n Monday to seek work elsewhere.

Musselburgh News - Friday 14 August 1896

STRAITON. - A SHORT STRIKE. – The miners in connection with Clippens had meeting on Thursday night of last week to consider the proposed reduction of 10 per cent., and resolved to go out on strike. This they did on Friday, but as the masters would not concede their demands, and stated that the had a good supply of coal and some tons of shale in bing they resumed work on Saturday.

Legal Action

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 11 November 1875

SCOTT v THE CLIPPENS SHALE OIL COMPANY.

The record was closed today in an action at the instance of Jas. Scott, merchant, Glasgow, against the Clippens Shale Oil Company, Glasgow, and Clippens, Renfrewshire, in which the pursuer concludes for recovery of £73,000, contained in various bills drawn by him upon and accepted by the defenders. IN defence, it is stated that no value was received for the bills; that Scott, who was really a partner of the company, though ostensibly acting for his son, got the bills to enable him to contribute their proceeds as his share of the capital, and to apply it in executing works in accordance with his own ideas, and solely to benefit the company. The defenders further say that a counter action has been brought to have it declared that Scott is a partner in the firm.

Counsel for the Pursuer – Mr Asher, Agents – Webster & Will, S.S.C

Counsel for the Defenders – Mr Mackintosh, Agents – Campbell & Smith, S.S.C.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 13 November 1875

COURT OF SESSION— Wednesday.

James Scott, merchant, Glasgow, sues the defenders, who carries on business in Glasgow and Clippens, Renfrewshire, for payment of a number of bills amounting in all to upwards of £73,000, chiefly drawn by the pursuer upon, and accepted the defenders. Robt. and John Binning, partners of the defenders’ company, lodged defences, and maintained that bills in question were granted by the defenders, and received by the pursuer for the sole purpose of enabling him contribute the proceeds thereof his share of capital in the company, and to apply the same in executing the works in accordance with his ideas; that said bills were drawn, accepted, and discounted solely for the financing purposes of the company in which the pursuer and defenders are co-partners, and that the pursuer is not entitled to enforce said bills against the defenders, they having received no value therefor, and separatim that he is barred from suing the defenders on said bills in respect the proceeds thereof were recklessly squandered in executing said works against the remonstrances of the defenders.

Thos. Inglis Scott, another partner of the defender’s company, lodged a minute stating that Messrs. Bining had lodged defences for themselves and in name of the company, without his authority, and he therefore protested against their using the name of the company, and disclaimed on behalf of the company and of himself as a partner and as an individual, the defence so lodged in the name of the company. The record in this case was closed today.

Glasgow Herald - Tuesday 16 November 1875

(Before Lord RUTHERFORD CLARK.)

PETITION-THOMAS INGLIS SMITH.

The petitioner here is an oil merchant in Glasgow, and on the ground that the Clippens Shale Oil Company are insolvent he seeks to have Mr M'Kinnon, C.A., Glasgow, appointed to judicially wind-up the affairs of the company. The principal debt is said to be £73,000 contained in certain bills granted by the company in favour of James Scott, the father of the petitioner. Defences have been Iodged by the Messrs Bennie (other of the Partners), in which it is alleged that this debt of £73,000 is not due, that James Scott is a real partner in the company, that the petitioner is merely a nominal partner, and that the company is not insolvent.

To-day the LORD ORDINARY sisted procedure in hoc statu, upon the ground that the matter was already sub judice in two other actions - one at the instance of James Scott against the company for payment of the £73,000, and the other by the company to have James Scott declared one of their partners.

Counsel for the Petitioner - Mr Balfour and Mr Lorimer. Agents - Hamilton, Kinnear & Beatson, W.S.

Counsel for the Company -Mr Asher and Mr Young. Agents -Campbell & Smith, S.S.C.

North British Daily Mail - Monday 31 January 1876

COURT OF SESSION – FIRST DIVISION.

SATURDAY, 29th JANUARY.

R.N. – THOMAS INGLIS SCOTT, IN PETITION, SCOTT V. BINNING, &c.

Mr Thomas Inglis Scott, oil merchant and manufacturer, Glasgow, a partner of the Clippens Shale Oil Company, presented a petition to the Court craving the appointment of a judicial factor upon the estates of the said company. He alleged that the balance of the company’s books at July, 1873, showed that a loss had been incurred of £6492, which was increased as at September, 1875, to £13,144. The first item of the liabilities of the company, as appearing in a balance-sheet framed as at 27th September, 1875, was £86,666 due to the petitioner’s father, James Scott, merchant in Glasgow, and for £73,300 of that sum, his father has raised an action in the Court of Session against the Clippens Shale Oil Company, which sum being truly due, no defence could be effectually stated to the action, and the company were altogether unable to pay any part of it. The second item in said balance is £16,764 being advances to Robert Binning, another of the partners of the company, for which the company accepted bills. The third item, £3435 being the amount of past due acceptances by the said company lying dishonoured in the hands of City of Glasgow Bank. The total amount brought out as owing by the said Robert Binning to the company is £28,898. The petitioner alleges that although items composing that sum are entered as assets in said balance sheet they are altogether worthless, the said Robert Binning having no capital and being hopelessly insolvent, that is addition to said sum of £28,898 the said Robert Binning owes £45,000 to other creditors, against which he has no assets whatever. The works and buildings of the company are stated to be of the value of £73,464, but they would not realise anything like that amount by a forced sale. Assuming the works to be of that value the company's liabilities exceed its assets by upwards of £30,000. The petitioner further alleges that not only has all mutual confidence ceased to exist between himself and his partners, the said Robert Binning and John Binning, and all possibility of their continuing to carry on business together come to an end, but it has further became manifest that the business cannot be carried on without incurring further great losses, and that the only way of saving any of the assets of the company for the purpose of paying its creditors is to have the company wound up, under the authority of the Court, by a judicial factor. The present application has, therefore, become necessary the petitioner suggests the said Wm. Mackinon, C.A.., Glasgow as a fit and proper person for that office. Answers were lodged to the petition for Alex. Stronach, lately manager of the City of Glasgow Bank, one of the trustees of the said Robert Binning, in which be alleged that the business of the company as a going concern, affords a valuable, if not a sufficient security, for payment of the creditors, and that the prospect of the business being successfully carried on has been, and still is, in the respondent’s opinion, favourable, and that if the business could be wound up and the works sold, the interests of the creditors would be seriously prejudiced, as in all probability the sale would not be effected except at a great sacrifice.

The Lord Ordinary (Rutherford Clark) sisted the procedure in hoc statu, in respect that the questions were now Sub judice in this action raised by Mr James Scott against the company, and in the counter action at the company’s instance against him. The petitioner reclaimed.

Councel were heard today, after which the Court refused the petition, and found the petitioner liable in expenses.

Counsel for Petitioner – Mr Balfour, Agents – Hamilton, Kinnear, & Beatson, W.S.

Counsel for Respondents – Mr Keir and Mr Macintosh. Agents – H. & A. Inglis, W.S.; Campbell & Smith, S.S.C.; Webster & Will, S.S.C.

North British Daily Mail - Tuesday 01 February 1876

PETITION – SCOTT RE CLIPPENS COMPANY.

In our yesterday’s report of the decision of the Court of Session, in the application by Mr T. L. Scott, for the appointment of a judicial factor upon the estate of the Clippens Oil Shale Company, ir was inadvertently stated that the petition had been refused, instead of that the reclaiming note against the Lord Ordinary’s interlocutor sisting consideration of the petition until the result of another action was seen had been refused.

North British Daily Mail - Saturday 05 February 1876

(Before Lord YOUNG.)

THE CLIPPENS SHALE OIL CO. V. SCOTTS.

The Clippens Shale Oil Co, carrying on business at Glasgow and at Clippens, in Renfrewshire, and Robert and John Binning, two of the partners thereof, sued James Scott, merchant, Glasgow, and also Thomas Inglis Scott, merchant there, for his interest, to have it declared that the defender, James Scott, is at present and has been since 22d July, 1871, a partner along with the pursuers in said company, and that he is bound to implement all the obligations of the company, along with the pursuers, and is entitled to participate in the profits, and is also liable in the losses of said company. The contract of copartnery was entered into on 22d July, 1871, between the said Robert Binning and John Binning and Thomas Inglis Scott, the latter of whom was then a minor and unacquainted with business, and the contract was entered into with the consent of his father the defender, James Scott, as his guardian. In April, 1874, the bankers of the company declined to advance any more money for further extension of the works; and it was ultimately arranged that the money required to pay for all the expenditure should be procured from the City of Glasgow Bank, under an arrangement with the defender whereby the acceptances of the company were granted to the defender, and were endorsed by him, and discounted by the bank. The pursuers allege that the original arrangement with the bank was that a sum of £15,000 should be expended, but the expenditure was increased to £73,300 by the defender without consulting the pursuers.

The defender James Scott pleaded inter alia that the pursuers’ averments were irrelevant and insufficient to support the conclusion of the action.

Today the Lord Ordinary gave effect to that plea and discussed the action, finding the pursuers liable in expenses to the defender, James Scott.

SCOTT V. THE CLIPPENS SHALE OIL CO.

In this action the said James Scott sued the defenders’ company for payment of the sum of £73,000 mentioned in the report of the foregoing case as being a debt to himself. The defence was that the said sum was not a company debt, but was incurred by the pursuer himself in his reckless extravagance in carrying on the business of the company, and for which he was liable as a partner.

Today the Lord Ordinary gave the pursuer decree as concluded for with expenses.

Counsel for the Company and Messrs Binning – Mr Asher and Mr Young. Agents – Campbell & Smith, S.S.C.

Counsel for Thomas J. Scott – Mr Lorimer. Agents – Hamilton, Kinnear, & Beatson, W.S.

The Scotsman - Saturday 05 February 1876

THE CLIPPENS SHALE OIL CO. v. JAMES SCOTT AND THOMAS INGLIS SCOTT; AND JAMES SCOTT v. THE CLIPPENS SHALE OIL CO.

These were actions previously reported. In the first action, the Clippens Shale Oil Company; Glasgow, asked the Court to declare that the defender James Scott, merchant, Glasgow, is, and since the 22d July 1871 has been, a partner of their company, under a contract of copartnery bearing that date. The contract, which was in the form of a probative deed, bore that the defender's son, Thomas Inglis Scott, then a minor, was a partner in the firm, and not his father; but the pursuers said that James Scott was really the party who became a partner of the undertaking, and implemented the obligations undertaken by the other—his son. This averment was accompanied with other averments, to the effect that the dealings and actings of James Scott as such partner had brought the affairs of the company into serious pecuniary difficulties. The defenders (Thos. Inglis Scott having also been called, and appeared as a defender for his interest), denied the alleged partnership of James Scott but maintained first, in answer to the pursuers' demand for a proof, the plea of irrelevancy to the effect that the deed of copartnery could not be contradicted by parole evidence as to the actings of the parties. In the second action, James Scott sued the Clippens Shale Oil Company for payment of bills to the amount of £73,000, which they said he had advanced in his capacity of partner in and manager of the concern.

His Lordship has to-day sustained the defenders’ plea of irrelevancy in the first action, and on that ground dismissed that action and found the defenders entitled to expenses; and in the second action, given decree in favour of the pursuer, and with expenses. His Lordship holds that, while the deed of copartnery may not be effectual as in a question with third parties relying on the alleged actings of James Scott, as partner and manager of the company in question, it is effectual, as in any question between the parties to the contract themselves, to the effect that the pursuers cannot be allowed to contradict its terms, on anything short of an averment that by a subsequent verbal agreement between the parties James Scott agreed that his son should go out of the copartnery, and that he should take his place.

Counsel for James Scott-The Dean of Faculty and Mr Mackintosh . Agents—Webster & Will, S.S.C

Counsel for Thomas Inglis Scott—Mr Balfour and Mr Lorimer. Agents—Hamilton, Kinnear, & Beatson, W.S.

Counsel for Clippens Shale Oil Company – Mr Asher Mr A. J. Young. Agents – Campbell & Smith, S.S.C.

North British Daily Mail - Wednesday 16 February 1876

(Before Lord RUTHERFURD CLARK.)

THE CLIPPENS SHALE OIL CO.

PETITION – SCOTT FOR JUDICIAL FACTOR.

After hearing Counsel today, the Lord Ordinary, in this case, refusefd to appoint a judicial factor on the company’s estate, and gave the petitioner leave to reclaim.

Paisley Herald and Renfrewshire Advertiser - Saturday 20 May 1876

FIRST DIVISION – MAY 17.

R.N. – CLIPPENS SHALE OIL COMPANY V. JAMES SCOTT AND THOMAS INGLIS SCOTT.

R. N. – CLIPPENS SHALE OIL COMPANY V. JAMES SCOTT

The first of these actions was raised at the instance of R. Binning and John Binning, oil manufacturers, Glasgow, and Clippens, Renfrewshire, two of the partners of the Clippens Shale Oil Company, against James Scott, merchant, Glasgow, and Thomas Inglis Scott, his son, for his interest.

The summons concluded for declarator to the effect that the defender James Scott is, and has been, since 22d July, 1871, a partner of the Clippens Shale Oil Company, under a contract of copartnery, bearing to be between the pursuers and the said Thomas Scott; that he should ordained to implement and fulfil all the obligations of company, along with the pursuers. The Clippens Shale Oil Company was formed in August, 1870, the partners being stated as the pursuers and the said Thomas Inglis Scott, who was at that time a minor. The pursuers alleged that although Thomas Inglis Scott was the ostensible partner the company, the defender James Scott was really the party who became the partner and implemented the obligations undertaken by his son, Thomas Inglis Scott. In support of this contention they averred that by the contract Thomas Inglis Scott was to contribute £10,000 as his share of the capital, and be nominally entitled to four-eighths of the profits, but the right to these profits really belonged to James Scott (who advanced the £10,000), and he was entitled to draw and receive them on their being realised. The defender, James Scott, denied that he was a partner in said company and explained that he advanced the £10,000 for the purpose of setting his son up in business. He averred that in terms of an agreement entered into between the Clippens Shale Oil Company and Robert Binning and Robert Binning & Son, and a relative trust assignation in favour of Mr Alex. Stronach, manager of the City of Glasgow Bank, and the defender, he took certain supervision of the company's business, and made advances amounting with interest upwards of £86,000, for £73,300 of which of which he has raised an action against the company.

The defence was irrelevancy and insufficiency; and that the averments of the pursuers being negatived by the contract of copartnery and other deeds to which the pursuers were parties, the said averments could only be proved by the defenders writ or oath.

After hearing counsel, the Lord Ordinary (Young) sustained the defence of irrelevancy and insufficiency, and therefore dismissed the action, and found the pursuers liable in expenses to the said defender, James Scott.

The second action was raised by the said James Scott against the Clippens Shale Oil Co. to recover payment of the £73,300 which he had advanced in carrying on the business.

The Lord Ordinary (Young) in that action repelled the defences, and decerned in terms of the conclusions of the summons with expenses.

The Oil Company reclaimed, and to-day the Court adhered with additional expenses.

Counsel for Reclaimers—Mr Asher and Mr Young. Agents—Campbell & Smith, S.S.C.

Counsel for Respondents—The Dean of Faculty, Mr Mackintosh, Mr Lorimer, and Mr Gibson. Agents— Webster & Will, W.S., and Hamilton, Kinnear, & Beatson, W.S.

The Scotsman - Wednesday 24 May 1876

THE CLIPPENS SHALE CO. v . MERRY & CUNINGHAME.

The record was to-day closed in this action, in which the Clippens Shale Co. sued for damages, estimated at upwards of £80,000, from the defenders' alleged failure to implement a contract for delivery, in certain specified quantities and at stated times, of Clippens or Clippens of Craigend shale. The defenders say that this action is concurred in by all the partners of the pursuers' company; that there was no completed contract such as is here founded on; and that, if there was, it depended on conditions which have not been fulfilled.

Counsel for the Pursuers—Mr A. J. Young. Agents — Campbell & Smith, S.S.C.

Counsel for the Defenders—Mr Mackintosh. Agents —Maclachlan & Rodger, W. S.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 27 May 1876

THE CLIPPERS SHALE COMPANY V. MERRY AND CUNNINGHAME.

ACTION FOR £80,000 DAMAGES.

The Clippens Shale Oil Coy., the pursuers in this case, conclude for £80,000 in name of damages because of the alleged failure of the defenders to supply them with 208 tons of shale per day according to contract, which was entered into in the month of May, 1871, by letters passing between the parties. Since then, although the pursuers have from time to time called upon the defenders to implement their obligations under the contract, they have failed to do so, and the deliveries of shale have fallen far short of the quantity contracted to be supplied. It is for these short deliveries the damages are claimed. On the other hand, the defenders say that all the partners of the company are not pursuers and do not concur in the action, that there was no concluded contract such as that libelled in the summons, and that if there was a contract it depended on conditions which have not been fulfilled. On Tuesday, the case came up, and it was sent to the procedure roll.

Counsel for the Pursuers—Mr. A. J. Young. Agents—Campbell A Smith, S.S.C.

Counsel for the Defenders —Mr. Mackintosh. Agents —M‘Lauchlan & Roger, W.S.

The Scotsman - Monday 03 July 1876

OUTER HOUSE

THE CLIPPENS SHALE OIL CO. v. MERRY & CUNINGHAME.

This action, as already stated, was brought at the instance of the Clippens Shale Co. for payment of damages, estimated at upwards of £80,000, from the defenders' alleged failure to implement a contract for delivery, in certain specified quantities and at stated times, of Clippens or Clippens of Craigend shale. The defenders said that this action was concurred in by all the partners of the pursuers' company; that there was no completed contract such as was here founded on and that, if there was, it depended on conditions which have not been fulfilled.

To-day, his Lordship gave decree of absolvitor in the case, and found neither party liable in or entitled to expenses, in terms of a joint-minute for the parties.

Counsel for the Pursuers—Mr A. J. Young. Agents—Campbell & Smith, S.S.C.

Counsel for the Defenders—Mr Mackintosh. Agents —Maclachlan & Rodger, W.S.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 12 March 1881

GLASGOW TRADE-MARK CASE.

In the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice, yesterday, Mr Lawson moved, before the Master of the Rolls, in the matter of Clippens Trade - Marks v. the Trade - Marks Acts, to compel the Registrar to register two devices, consisting of a triangle within two circles, together with the words “Sunlight Paraffin" on one and "Sun Bleached Paraffin" on the second, as the trade-marks of Messrs Clippens, Glasgow. The Registrar had declined to register them on the ground that the marks were calculated to deceive, as they closely resembled marks already registered.

The MASTER OF THE ROLLS said that the application was really one to register the words and not the device, and thus defeat the whole object of the Act of Parliament. The. Court, however, was quite powerless to prevent it, as the Act said that words might he registered in connection with a device He could not, )however, think that it was the intention of the Act to call a circle or three lines in the form of a triangle a device. Mr LAWSON said the device itself was different to those referred to by the Registrar of Trade-Marks.

The MASTER OF THE ROLLS said if the words "Clippens Oil Company, Glasgow," were added there could be no objection to the mark.

Mr LAWSON was quite ready to add those words.

Mr RIGBY, for the Registrar, said there would be no objection to register the marks if the words suggested by his Lordship were included.

The MASTER OF THE ROLLS accordingly made an order, directing the Registrar to register the marks, with the addition of the words “Clippens Oil Company, Glasgow." to be printed within the triangle.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 07 July 1881

OUTER HOUSE-WEDNESDAY, July 6.

(Before Lord RUTHERFURD CLARK.)

ALLEGED INFRINGEMENT OF PATENT.

HENDERSON & KENNEDY v THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY AND YOUNG.

Evidence was led to-day before the Lord Ordinary in an action brought by Norman M’Farlane Henderson, Broxburn, and William Kennedy, Pollokshields, Glasgow, against the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), 16 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, and William Young, manager of the company, who at present resides at Seafield House, Roslin. The complainers seek to interdict the respondents from infringing letters patent granted to the complainer Henderson for “improvements in the destructive distillation of shale or other oil-yielding minerals and in apparatus therefor,” dated April and October, 1873. Complainers say that the respondents have acquired certain rights in the minerals of the estate of Pentland, Mid-Lothian, and that they have erected works there for the distillation of the shale, consisting of three benches of 64 retorts each. Without the leave or license of the patentees they are said to be using the invention of the complainers, and as they refuse to desist from infringing, this action has been brought. On the other hand, the respondents maintain that Henderson is not the first and true inventor of the alleged invention, and they give a list of patents which had anticipated it, including two in which the respondent, Mr Young, had interest himself. It is averred by the respondents that the alleged invention does not constitute any manner of improvement in the distillation or production of shale oil, and that it is not useful or beneficial to the public.

The printed record does not specify in what respect the retorts in use at the Pentland Works are an infringement of Henderson's patent; but from the evidence it appears that the complainers found their invention, first, upon a casement between the combustion chamber and the bottom of the retort; second, upon the arrangement of the door immediately below the retort and the valve on the upper part of the combustion chamber; and third, the common fire chamber for the four retorts, for utilising the spent shale from the retort as fuel. By Mr Henderson's arrangement, at least so far as could be gathered from the witnesses, the valve in the combustion chamber is opened; then, by touching a lever, the door at the bottom of the retort opens, and the shale, which has been deprived of its oils and gases, is allowed to drop down into the combustion chamber, the incline of the valve giving direction to the falling mass. The shale falls by its specific gravity, but in the event of any impediment the man in charge, with an iron rod, can set the mass in motion. In this way the shale from which the oils have been distilled is used to maintain the necessary heats for distilling the oils for the subsequent charge of shale in the same set of retorts. It is maintained that by this process the heats are easier maintained, and that the result is a yield of oil in greater quantity and of better quality than was obtained by former modes of distillation. On the other hand, it was sought to be brought out in the cross-examination that in a former patent by Mr Young the purpose sought to be attained by the valve and the retort-door had been accomplished with a "gas lute." In the space between the fire-chamber and the grating of the retort Mr Young introduced gas, which had the effect of forming a gaseous line, described by Dr Stevenson Macadam, in cross-examination for the respondents, as a “mythical region,” which kept the vapours or fumes from the furnace below mingling with the valuable vapours in the retort above. An endeavour was also made to show that the idea of using the spent products of distillation as fuel was not new. In the retorts, which are alleged to be an infringement of Henderson's patent, the valve upon the combustion chamber and the door at the bottom of the retort are connected, and by one movement both are lifted from their positions in an outward direction. Then, in order to protect the workmen engaged in attending to the retorts, an iron screen is put up in front of the casement, and this screen the complainers maintain acts the part of the upturned valve in the Henderson patent, in directing the course of the spent shale from the retort to the combustion chamber.

Evidence was led at great length to-day for the complainers, but they had not finished their case when the Court adjourned.

Counsel for Complainers-The Solicitor-General, Q.C., Mr J. P. B. Robertson, and Mr C. J. Guthrie. Agents-Philip Laing & Co., S.S.C.., and Stewart & Philip, Glasgow.

Counsel for Respondents--The Dean of Faculty, Mr Trayner, and Mr Mackintosh. Agents- Webster, Will & Ritchie, S.S.C.

Glasgow Evening Post - Friday 15 July 1881

THE ACTION AGAINST THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

In the Court of Session this afternoon Lord Rutherfurd Clark gave judgement in the action by Norman Henderson, manager of Broxburn Oil Works, to have the Clippens Oil Company interdicted from infringing letters-patent granted to the complainer for improvements in destructive distillation of shale, &c. His Lordship assoilzied the respondents, with expenses.

Daily Review (Edinburgh) - Saturday 16 July 1881

OUTER HOUSE.

(Before Lord RUTHFURD CLARK.)

IN THE SHALE OIL PATENT CASE.

SUSPENSION AND INTERDICT - HENDERSON AND ANOTHER v. THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

As previously reported, this was an action of suspension and interdict, at the instance of Norman Macfarlane Henderson, manager of the Broxburn Oil works, against the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), whose offices are at 16 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, with works in Renfrewshire and Straiton, Mid-Lothian. The purpose of the action was to have the respondents interdicted from infringing letters patent granted to the complainer for improvements in the destructive distillation of shale or other oil-yielding minerals and an apparatus therefor, dated April and October 1873. The respondents averred that Henderson was not the first and true inventor of the patent, and gave a list of others who were said to have anticipated him, and maintained that the invention was publicly used within the United Kingdom prior to the letters patent.

Proof was recently led, and in the disposal of the case to-day,

Lord RUTHERFURD CLARK said the first question to be solved is this—What is the invention claimed by the patentee? The respondent contends that he claims the use of the hot residuum of the retorts as fuel. If this be so, it is not disputed that the patent is void. The title to the patent is for "improvements in the destructive distillation of shale or other oil-yielding minerals and in apparatus therefor." Here there are two separate matters—(1) improvements in the distillation; and (2), in the apparatus. To justify the title, it would follow that in both respects there is invention, for if there be not improvement in the distillation as well as in the apparatus, the patent would be granted for an invention which is not disclosed in the specification. When reference is made to the specification the distinction is preserved. To use the words of that document, the invention has for its object the recovering and satisfactory obtainment and application of the heat required for the destructive distillation of shale, and it comprises improved arrangements for the utilisation of the spent shale as fuel. Here there is a novelty announced in the obtainment of the heat, in the application of it, and in the arrangement for the utilisation of the spent shale. The important matter is that there is novelty in the obtainment of heat as distinguished from the mode of its application, and from the arrangement of apparatus. On referring to the claiming clauses, I find the first to be thus expressed—the conducting of the destructive distillation of shale, or other oil-yielding minerals substantially, "according to the system, and by means of arrangements of apparatus hereinbefore described." Here there is a claim for an improved system, as well as an improved arrangement of apparatus. They are to be distinct. There can be no question what is meant by apparatus. The arrangements consist in the combination of two or more retorts, and in the discharge of the spent shale in regular rotation or in alternation. But there is something more claimed in the claiming clause under the word "system," and in the introductory clause, under the words "obtainment of heat." I can see no improved system, and no improved source of heat other than that of using the heated residuum of the retorts as fuel. If this be a just construction of the specification, there is an end of the case. (2.) Assuming that a less comprehensive construction should be put on the specification, another question arose as to the meaning of the words "common fire chamber" in the second and third clauses. if they mean a fire chamber in which the fuel obtained from each of various retorts is received and consumed, then there is no infringement ; but the complainers contend that they must be construed as including separate places of combustion, in which the resulting heat or products of combustion became mingled, and are directed to common end. I cannot adopt the complainers' contention. It appears to me to be very clear that in this specification the word "fire chamber" signifies a place where fuel is burned. This is the natural meaning of the word, and the directions given make it plain to me that this is the meaning in which it is used in this specification. (3.) The patentee claims that his invention may be used with horizontal retorts. It is not specified, either in the letterpress, or in the drawings, the manner of so using it, but I see no other mode of using it in such retorts other than the mode of use which was publicly practised at Fulham Gasworks in I854—at least, that mode is, in my opinion, comprehended in the specification. Hence the patent is void through prior use. (4) Other questions were raised, but I do not think it necessary to go into them. I shall, therefore, repel the reasons of suspension, and find respondents entitled to expenses.

Counsel for Complainers—The Solicitor-General, Q.C., Mr J. P. B. Robertson, and Mr C. J. Guthrie. Agents—Philip, Laing, & Co., S.S.C.

Counsel for Respondents—The Dean of Faculty, Q.C., Mr Traynor, and Mr Mackintosh. Agents —Webster, Will, & Ritchie, S.S.C.

The Scotsman - Wednesday 30 November 1881

BILL CHAMBER.

(Before Lord M'Laren.)

S. AND I. – GEORGE WARD RICHARDSON v THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED)

The Lord Ordinary to-day passed the note refusing interdict in hoc statu in this process, of which the purpose is to prevent alleged pollution by the Clippens 0il Company of the water of the Black Cart. The complainer, who Is a cotton-spinner, Linwood, parish of Kilbarchan, says that the respondents' operations have made the water unfit for use in the boilers of his works. This is denied by the respondents, who, at the same time, maintain several pleas in bar of the complainer’s action.

Agents for the Complainer—H . B . & F. J. Dewar, W.S.

Agents for the Respondents—Webster, Will, Ritcbie , S.S.C.

Daily Review (Edinburgh) - Thursday 01 December 1881

BILL CHAMBER.

(Before Lord M’LAREN.)

RICHARDSON v. CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

In the Bill Chamber to-day parties were heard a note of suspension and interdict for Geo. White Richardson, cotton spinner, Linwood, parish of Kilbarchan, against the Clippens Oil Company (Limited). A mill lade, which is taken from the Black Cart, runs past the property of the respondents and then through the complainer's works, and he alleges that the respondents have been putting into this lade polluted matter such as tar, vitriol, and other noxious impurities, which have rendered the waters of the lade unfit for primary uses, and unfit to be used in steam boilers. The respondents deny that they pollute the stream, and say that the liquids are all treated in filtering ponds in their works, that any surplus water runs into a ditch first and then into the lade, and that the water thus running into the lade is purer than the water in the ditch. They also aver that polluting matter is thrown into the stream at a point higher up than their works, and that if any pollution has proceeded from Clippens it must have been the result of an accident which cannot recur.

The Lord Ordinary passed the note for the trial of the cause without caution, and refused interdict in hoc statu.

Agents for Complainer—H. B. & F. J. Dewar, W.S.

Agents for Respondents—Webster, Will, and Ritchie, S.S.C.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 05 December 1881

The Second Division of the Court of Session gave judgment on Saturday in the action brought by Norman M'Farlane Henderson, Broxburn, against the Clippens Oil Company. The purpose of the action originally was to have the defenders interdicted from infringing a patent said to have been granted to Henderson for improvements in the destructive distillation of shale and other oil-yielding minerals and apparatus. The defenders resisted the action, alleging that Henderson was not the first and true inventor, and further that it had been anticipated. Proof was led in July last, when Lord Rutherfurd Clark gave decision in favour of defenders on all points, with expenses. On Saturday the Court unanimously reversed this judgment, and held that the main feature of the invention consisted in the arrangement of the doors at the bottom of the chamber and the manner in which the exhausted shale was transferred from the retort to the combustion chamber to be used as fuel, and that the manner in which the defenders had erected their retorts, was a direct infringement of the patent. This judgment is to be appealed to the House of Lords.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 27 July 1882

COURT OF SESSION.

OUTER HOUSE – WEDNESDAY, JULY 26.

(Before Lord ADAM.)

BMUNRO v. THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

Alexander Munro, accountant, Edinburgh, as trustee on the sequestered estate of Woods & Hutchison, builders and bricklayers at Rosewell, near Edinburgh, sought in this action to recover from the Clippens Oil Company a sum of £172 16s 11d, said to be due to the bankrupts on the contract price for the erection of a brick chimney stalk, &c., in connection with the Pentland Oil Works. The defenders averred that the work done by the builders was untradesmanlike, that they had to take it out of their hands, incurring expenses which reduced the alleged balance to £44 6s 9d. Against this sum they had claims which they waived to avoid litigation, and offered to credit the bankrupt estate with the amount.

The LORD ORDINARY heard evidence, and today issued an interlocutor denpe, ard to- day issud au interlocutor decerning in favour of the pursuer for £44 6s 9d, quoad ultra, assoilzied defenders, and found them entitled to expenses. His Lordship said it appeared from the evidence that the chimney stalk which Messrs Woods & Hutchison contracted to build for the defenders was about three feet off the perpendicular. Whether or not it was absolutely unsafe was a matter of opinion; but at any rate it appeared to the Lord Ordinary that it could not be affirmed to be a tradesmanlike or satisfactory job, or such as defenders were bound to accept as such from the contractors.

Counsel for Pursuer-Mr Rhind and Mr Baxter. Agent-Arch. Menzies, S.S.C.

Counsel for Defenders-Mr Goudie. Agents- Webster, Will & Ritchie , S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 16 January 1883

AN UNSAFE CHIMNEY STALK IN MID-LOTHIAN.

Judgment was given by their lordships of the Second Division of the Court Session to-day in an action at the instance of Alexander Munro, accountant, Edinburgh, trustee on the sequestrated estate Messrs Woods & Hutchison, builders, Rosewell, against the Clippen's Oil Company. Decree was sought for £172 as balance said to be due for the construction of a chimney stalk at Pentland Oil Works, near Straiton. In defence, it was alleged that the construction of the chimney was defective, and that it would require £110 to put it right. The defenders offered £44, and decree was given by Lord Adam for that amount. — ln affirming his judgment to day, the Lord Justice-Clerk said that as decree proceeded upon the assumption that the chimney was not safe, it would be expected that the defenders would use the £110 for the purpose for which the court allowed it. Probably the authorities in the parish, looking to events which had recently happened elsewhere, would exercise vigilance and see that the chimney was not allowed to remain its present state after the allowance which they had made.

Glasgow Evening Citizen - Tuesday 20 February 1883

SCOTCH APPEALS.

An appeal (says our London reporter) by the Clippens Oil Company, against a decision of the Court of Session for granting interdict and missuspension against their using a patent for the distillation of shale, came before the judicial members of the House of Lords today. Sir Farrer Herschell opened the case for the appellents, and the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General appeared for the respondents, Messrs. Norman Henderson, of Broxburn, and William Kennedy, Braemar Villa, Pollokshields, the managing directors of the Broxburn Oil Company. The allegation is that the Clippens Company have appropriated a valuable invention of the respondents, by which the cost of distillation has been greatly reduced; but the appellants contended that the patent is not new, and that there has been no infringement. The Lord Ordinary and the Second Division of the Court of Session took a different view of the case. The hearing in London is expected to last three days.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 21 February 1883

THE CLIPPENS OIL OIL COMPANY'S APPEAL CASE.

HOUSE OF LORDS, Tuesday.

(Before the LORD CHANCELLOR, Lords O’HAGAN,WATSON, BRAMWELL, and FITZGERALD.)

The first meeting of the House of Lords sitting for judicial business was held to-day, when the appeal of the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) against Henderson & Kennedy, of Broxburn and Glasgow, was proceeded with.

The appeal was from the Second Division of the Court of Session, Edinburgh. The original action was at the instance of Messrs Henderson & Kennedy (now the respondents), and concluded for interdict against the Clippens Oil Company from infringing the patent rights of the pursuers. These letters patent were set forth as "granted to the complainer Norman M'Farlane Henderson for improvements in the distillation of shale or other oil-yielding minerals, and in apparatus therefor, dated April 10, 1873, and the petition craved that the oil company might be prohibited from “making, using, exercising, or vending, in whole or in part, the invention forming the subject of the said letters patent, and from making, vending, or using retorts or other apparatus for the distillation of shale or other oil-yielding minerals constructed in the manner described in the said specification or in manner substantially the same."

The defenders in the original action (the oil company) denied that the complainer Henderson was "the first and true inventor of the alleged invention," and averred that it was a process publicly known prior to the date of the said letters patent.

The Lord Ordinary, after hearing proof, refused the interdict craved, but the Second Division reversed the interlocutor of the Lord Ordinary and granted the interdict as craved.

Against that judgement the present appeal was taken.

For the appellants the counsel were the Solicitor-General for England (Sir Farrar Herschell), Mr Webster, Q.C., and Mr Macrony; and for the respondents there were the Lord-Advocate for Scotland (Mr Balfour) and Mr Aston, Q.C.

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for ENGLAND, in opening the case for the appellants, explained at length, with the aid of models, the leading features of the invention patented in 1872 by the respondent Henderson, and which comprised improved arrangements for the utilisation of the spent shale and for making it serve the purpose of combustion. If, he said, the invention claimed by Henderson extended to the utilisation of shale from the retort to the combustion chamber, then the invention really was not new; and if that was not so -- that is, if it did not so extend - the House would have to consider to what the invention was limited. The learned gentleman went on to maintain that there was in the use of the apparatus in question no infringement of the pursuers' patent, if the patent be so constructed as to make it good but his (the learned Solicitor-General's) contention was that in respect of the door at the bottom of the retort and the door at the fire chamber, the appellants used a different arrangement from that of the respondents. He disputed that the respondents' patent covered such an arrangement as that used by the appellants, but if their patent was held good, and if it was held to cover any arrangement for serving the same purpose which tile respondents' served, namely, the having a door on the bottom of the retort and a valve on the fire chamber, so that when the one closed the other was opened, then be would not dispute their case. The Solicitor-General then proceeded with the reading of the evidence led before the Lord Ordinary, and had not concluded when the House adjourned till Thursday.

Dundee Advertiser - Friday 23 February 1883

IMPORTANT LITIGATION AS TO PATENT RIGHTS. - A case from Scotland involving an important question as to patent rights came on for hearing in the House of Lords on Tuesday. It came up by way of an appeal from a decision of the Second Division of the Court of Session, and was at the instance of the Clippens Oil Company against Messrs Henderson & Kennedy, two gentlemen intimately connected with the management of that successful undertaking, the Broxburn Oil Company. Mr Henderson claims to having invented a retort by which shale can be reduced at much less cost than formerly, while the production is largely increased. The invention was patented by Messrs. Henderson and Kennedy, and a number very heavy royalties have been paid to them for the right to use it. The Clippens Company, however, have commenced using a retort very similar in construction, but they deny that it is an infringement of the patent in question. In this view were supported by the Lord-Ordinary, but the Second Division reversed his judgment and granted interdict. The question now awaits final decision at the hands of the judicial members of the Lords, but it will take at least two days for Sir Farrar Herschel and the Lord-Advocate to state their view on behalf of the appellants and respondents. The question is one exciting great interest in the oil trade.

Glasgow Evening Citizen - Friday 23 February 1883

SCOTCH APPEAL.

(From our own Reporter.)

LONDON, Friday, 2 p.m.

The Solicitor-General for England has this forenoon concluded his opening address on behalf of the Clippens Oil Co. against the decision of the Second Division, who held that they had infringed the patent retort, the property of Mr. Henderson, of Broxburn, and Mr. Kennedy, of Pollokshields. He maintained that the view of the Lord Ordinary ought to be upheld, that the patent was not good. Mr. Webster, Q.C., who also appeared for the appellants, has commenced dealing with the Lord Justice-Clerk's decision, arguing that in point of law it cannot be confirmed as it overlooked the important fact that the patent in question was old, and that the appellants have adopted structural details which even, if it were valid, would free them from any responsibility.

The Lord-Chancellor, without hearing the Lord-Advocate for the respondents, said their Lordships were satisfied that the judgement of the Lord Justice-Clerk in the Second Division was sound, that the Clippens Oil Company had infringed the patent retort of Mr. Henderson, and therefore, they dismissed the appeal with costs.

Lord Watson, Lord Bramwell, and Lord Fitzgerald concurred.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 08 January 1884

ACTION AGAINST THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

Lord Kinnear gave judgment, in the Court of Session to-day, in an action at the instance of Norman Macfarlane Henderson, Broxburn, and William Kennedy, Newark Drive, Glasgow, in which decree was sought against the Clippens Oil Company for payment of £23,000. The pursuers are the holders of a patent for distilling mineral oil, and they alleged that the defenders had illegally made use of the patent. The sum sued for was in respect of royalties at the rate of per ton for the quantity which they alleged the defenders distilled by means of the patent. Defenders offered to pay £2000 to avoid litigation. His lordship held that the remedy ought to have been by an action for damages instead accounting, and dismissed the case, without prejudice, however, to the pursuers to raise in another form.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 14 May 1884

SECOND DIVISION – TUESDAY, MAY 13.

R.N. – NORMAN M’FARLANE HENDERSON AND ANOTHER v THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

This was a re claiming note against the decision of Lord Kinnear, who rejected the claim of the pursuer for payment of a sum in name of royalties upon his patent oil distilling retort. The case was partly debated last session, and to-day when it was called it was stated that the matter in dispute had been compromised, but the terms of the settlement have not been divulged.

Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser - Saturday 17 May 1884

THE BROXBURN PATENT CASE—WITHDRAWAL OF THE RECLAIMING NOTE.—This was a reclaiming note for Norman M 'Farlane Henderson, Broxburn and Wm. Kennedy, Pollokshields Road, Glasgow, the holders of certain letters patent for an invention for improvements in the distinctive distillation of shale or oil-yielding minerals, and with apparatus therefore, against Lord Kinnear's interlocutor dismissing the action raised by them to have the Clippens Oil Company ordained to count and reckon for the profits derived by them from a large quantity of shale distilled through retorts erected in infringement of said patent. The sum of £23,000 was concluded for as the balance alleged to be due to the pursuers. On the case being called on Tuesday, a joint minute was lodged whereby the reclaiming note was withdrawn, neither party being found entitled to expenses.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Saturday 09 August 1884

THEFT OF AMMONIA AT LASSWADE.

A young man named James Gargan pleaded guilty before Sheriff Hamilton in Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court on Monday, to stealing 14lbs. of ammonia from Pentland Oil Works, Lasswade, the property of Clippens Oil Company. Sentence of three days' imprisonment was imposed.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Saturday 20 September 1884

ACTION AGAINST THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

Four workmen raised actions against this Company in the Mid-Lothian Justice of Peace Small-Debt Court on Monday seeking to recover 18s 6d, each for work done, and 24s 6d, in lieu of a week's wages. It was agreed to take one case as a test for the whole. The evidence showed that the pursuers refused to perform a certain piece of work, on the ground that it was dangerous to their lives, and as the result they were dismissed. The rules of the Company provide that if orders are disobeyed, dismissal follows; and as the Bench held that the men were not exposed to danger, decree was given only for the sums which had been worked for, with no expenses.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 05 November 1884

ACTION for the LOSS of a SON.

In the Court of Session to-day, Lord Fraser closed the record and ordered issues for trial by jury of an action brought by Michael Quinn, residing in Mayo, against the Clippens Oil Company. Pursuer sues for £500 as damages for the loss of his son Owen, a young man of 20 years of age, upon whose earnings he was dependent. Owen was in the employment of defenders a labourer. On 14th August last, in obedience to the orders of a blacksmith engineer, he entered an iron tank which had been charged with vitriol and ammonia, for the purpose of cleaning it out. Having entered by man hole near the top, which was so small that he could scarcely pass through it, he was at once overpowered the fumes. A fellow workman entered the tank to his assistance, and also was affected, and was taken out unconscious. Quinn was dead when taken out. Pursuer maintains that defenders ought to have known of the danger to which deceased was exposed and to have adopted means to secure the safety of their workmen. Defenders say that the cleaning out of this tank was one the ordinary occupations in their works, and that persons accepting employment in such places undertake any risk that may arise in the performance of their duties. All the usual precautions had been taken on this occasion, the blacksmith engineer having himself entered the tank before deceased, to see that it was safe. Such an occurrence had never happened in their works before, and they can only attribute it to some abnormal and accidental cause, of which they have no knowledge, and for which they maintain that they are not responsible. —Pursuer's counsel, Mr Nevay: agent, J. Watson Johns, L.A. Defenders' counsel, Mr Jameson; agents, Auld & Macdonald, W.S.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Saturday 17 January 1885

THE ACTION FOR THE LOSS OF A SON.

Lord Fraser and a jury in the Court of Session on Wednesday concluded the trial of the action of which they began on Tuesday at the instance of Michael Quinn, Mayo, against the Clippens Oil Company. Pursuer sued for £500 as damages for the loss of his son Owen, who was killed by deadly gases contained in a tank which he was cleaning out in defenders' works on 14th August last. For the defenders, it was maintained that they provided, as far as it was possible, for the safety of the workman who had to go into the tank, the foreman having himself entered it that morning to ascertain its condition. Lord Fraser, in summing up, said that pursuer might as well have scheduled the National Debt as ask £500 but it would rest with them to fix the amount of damages if they were satisfied there had been fault. The jury were absent from court 35 minutes, and on returning gave a unanimous verdict in favour of the company, holding that fault on their part had not been established.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 31 January 1885

THE ACTION FOR THE LOSS OF A SON.

In the Second Division of the Court Session to-day, counsel were heard in connection with new trial of the action recently tried by Lord Fraser and a jury, which Michael Quinn, Mayo, sued the Clippens Oil Company for £500 as damages for the loss of his son Owen. The son was killed by deadly gases contained in a tank which he was cleaning out in defenders' work on 14th August last. For the defenders, it was maintained that they provided, as far it was possible, for the safety of the workmen who had to go into the tank, the foreman having himself entered that morning to ascertain its condition. The jury gave unanimous verdict in favour of defenders, holding that fault bad not been established. Pursuer was dissatisfied with the verdict, and wished it set aside on the grounds that it was against the weight of evidence, and that was produced by evidence which came upon them as a surprise.—Lord Young said the evidence was that the machinery was all right. The tank was a suitable one, and the master sent in a suitable man to examine it at a suitable time before the unskilled workman was allowed to enter it. He had great sympathy with people who suffered without any fault of their own in the course of a trade the profit which went to another, but, it not having been proved that the master was responsible in law, the kindest thing they could do to pursuer was to refuse to grant a new trial.—The motion was accordingly refused, and on the motion of Mr Laing, for defenders, the verdict of the jury was applied. Defenders did not ask for expenses.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 02 February 1885

SECOND DIVISION-SATURDAY, January 31.

(Before Lords YOUNG, CRAIGHILL, RUTHERFURD CLARK, and FRASER.)

MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL. – MICHAEL QUINN v. THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

Counsel were heard to-day in at application for a new trial in the action for damages brought by Michael Quinn against the Clippens Oil Company on the ground that the verdict was not in accordance with the evidence. Quinn's son lost his life a by being suffocated in an acid tank belonging to the defenders, and the pursuer brought an action for damages against the oil company which was decided by a jury last week in favour of the defenders.

Their Lordships to-day refused the application. Lord Young remarked that it was quite settled law now that everyone who was employed along with others must take upon himself the risks that follow from negligence on the part of fellow-workmen. That law had recently been modified by statute, but this action was not brought under the Employers' Liability Act. It was upon the old law, and therefore the ground of action was necessarily some failure of duty on the part of the master, which had not been proved in this case. At the same time, he must express his sympathy with those who suffered without any -fault of their own in a trade the profit of which went to other people.

Counsel for Pursuer and Appellant-Mr Campbell Smith and Mr Nevay.

Counsel for Defenders and Respondents-Mr Lang and Mr W. C. Smith.

Dundee Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 11 March 1885

HOW COLLIERY EXPLOSIONS ARE CAUSED.

David Haddon, fireman employed by the Clippens Oil Company, was charged before Sheriff Rutherfurd, in the Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday, with having, on 9th inst., at Pentland shale pit, Lasswade, failed to inspect the different working-places in the pit and to mark the day of the month upon the face of each, so to indicate that they had been inspected, and to report to the workmen about to descend as to the ventilation in the different workings, in breach of his duty and the rules prescribed by the Act. Accused pleaded guilty. It appears that, in consequence of the neglect of the rules, an explosion had taken place in the pit on the day in question, whereby a man was injured. It was admitted by the Procurator-Fiscal that the workmen had no right to descend into the pit until the inspector had reported at the pithead that the workings were clear. The Sheriff, taking that circumstance into consideration, imposed a fine of £l, with the alternative of five days' imprisonment.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 15 October 1885

ACTION BY MINERS AGAINST THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – At the Edinburgh Small Debt Court on Wednesday last - Sheriff Hamilton presiding -Thomas Bourhill and James Docherty, miners, sued the Clippens Oil Company, Loanhead, for wages amounting, in Bourhill's case to £2, 14s 6d, and in Docherty's to £1, 19s 9d. The company's solicitor stated that payment was withheld because the pursuers had first refused to repair their schutes and thereafter on being told they could not be allowed to continue working till the schutes were repaired, leaving the mine without working out their seven days' warning. He explained also that the company were ready, and had offered to pay the men their full wages provided they returned to their work, repaired the schutes, and wrought out their warning; but that the men had not accepted this offer and the company felt it necessary, for the discipline of their works to ask the court to award them, by way of deduction from the wages sued for, a sum, the amount of which they would leave to his Lordship, in name of damages for breach of contract. After proof the Sheriff held the company's defence fully established, and gave decree for the sums sued for under deduction in Bourhill's case of £1 5s, and in Docherty's case of 15s.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 09 November 1885

THE STRIKE AT CLIPPENS OIL WORKS.

TRIAL OF THE WORKMEN TO-DAY.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court this afternoon—Sheriff Rutherfurd presiding—John Wheelan (21), Patrick Daily (26), Bernard Flynn (30) and Philip Boyle (26) were charged with contravening Section 5 of the Conspiracy and Protection Act, 1875, in so far as on Tuesday last, at the Pentland Oil Works, Loanhead, occupied by the Clippens Oil Company, they being with others under a contract of service to the company as retortmen, maliciously broke the same by failing to proceed to their work, knowing that the probable consequence of their doing so would be to expose to destruction or serious injury 500 retorts containing shale in process of distillation and in full heat. The court was crowded, many of the workmen on strike being present. Prisoners pleaded not guilty, and were defended by M A. Urquhart, S.S.C. – Alexander Bell, manager to the company, said all the accused were retortmen. The retorts required constant attention, and were worked by two shifts of men – night and day. The retorts required to be drawn every four hours or so, and if this was not attended to, much damage might be done. About a fortnight ago the company resolved to ask the men to look after nine ovens instead of eight, as before. Each oven contained eight retorts. This change was to come into operation on Monday last. On Monday the day men demurred to the change, though they worked that day, but on Monday evening the night shift refused. Some of the men said they had not been told by the foreman individually, and witness on hearing this told the men to go on in the old way for eight days, but that as the company required the new system to be adopted, any man who was not prepared to accept it then could give in his notice. The company’s regulations were that the men should give seven days’ notice. The men said that was fair, and work went on in the old way until Tuesday evening, when the men struck work because witness would not agree to continue on the old system. We warned them as to the danger of leaving the retorts in the condition in which they were, and told the men he would prosecute them. A voice from the crown replied, “What damages could ye get off retortmen?” There were 576 retorts full at the time, and it was with great difficulty, and by pressing every hand into the work that the shale in the retorts was prevented from “fluxing.” There was a great loss to the company in the contents of the retorts being spoiled. He thought the loss would be several hundreds of pounds, but had he not managed to get the help he did, the loss would have been at least £2000 or £3000. Cross-examined: No notice of the change was posted up in the works. The men objected that they would have too much work under the new system, but he did not think that. The company had men elsewhere doing the same amount of work as they were to be asked to o, and they wanted to make them all alike. – Thomas Ryder, a retort foreman, said he warned the night men on Monday of the change. Three of the accused were on the night shift, and when he told them they said they would not do it, and gave in their notice. When some of the men objected he told them “If a man would not work he was no use there.” Witness did not mean by that that the men were to leave immediately. By the Court: It was customary for the Clippens Oil Company to give the men notice before asking them to do extra work. In this case that notice was given on Monday. Other corroborative evidence was led, after which five witnesses were examined for the defence. The essence of their statement was that the men did not get proper notice, and on declining to accept the company’s new regulations were told to “go upstairs,” which they took to mean summary dismissal. It was admitted, however, that they went on working for a time after that. The Sheriff found the accused guilty, and, remarking on the great damage that might have happened and that actually did happen through their conduct, ordered each of them to pay a fine of £5, or suffer a month’s imprisonment.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 08 February 1886

A WORKMAN'S ACTION FOR WAGES.

In the Mid-Lothian Justice of Peace Small- Debt Court to-day, a workman named Thomas Tober sued the Clippens Oil Company for 15s, the amount of wages for work on the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th December. Pursuer said that on Saturday, 12th December, when he stopped work, he was told by defenders' assistant manager that if he did not turn out to work on Sunday, he did not need to come back on Monday. He over-slept himself on Sunday. He contended that he was still in the employment of the company, but had not been paid for the four days he sued for. In defence, it was contended by Mr P. Douglas, S.S.C., that Tober worked for the company only on the 10th, 11th, and 12th December, and that, not having given seven days' notice to leave, he forfeited his pay. In the cross-examination of Tober it transpired that now works along with his brother-in-law, who is a contractor for digging shale one of the company's pits. The assistant manager said Tober did not work for the company after the 12th. On that day he asked pursuer to turn out on the Sunday, because repairs were necessary for the safety of the pit. Tober did not turn out. The contractors for digging shale were not servants of the company. The bench held that Tober had not yet left the employment of the company, and they gave decree for three days' wages.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 06 April 1886

CONTRAVENTION OF THE COAL MINES REGULATION ACT.

In Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court this afternoon—Sheriff Hamilton presiding—a fireman named James M'Aulay was charged with contravening the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1872, in so far as on the 5th inst., being employed as a fireman at Pentland Shale Pit, Lasswade, occupied by the Clippens Oil Company, he failed to inspect the different working places in the pit, and mark with a piece of chalk the day of the month, so to indicate to any miner that the place had been duly inspected, and also failing to report truly at the pithead as to the ventilation of the different working places, and failing to cause one particular part of the pit to be fenced off. In consequence of the latter neglect, it appeared that a drawer named John Cameron inadvertently entered a "place," and an explosion of firedamp occurred, whereby Cameron was injured. Sheriff Hamilton imposed a fine of £1, or in default, ten days' imprisonment.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 30 June 1886

ACTION AGAINST THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Small-Debt Court today—Sheriff Hamilton on the bench —John Mulholland, residing at Lees Buildings, Loanhead, sued the Clippens Oil Company, Loanhead, for £1 16s as eight days' wages in lieu of notice, pursuer having been dismissed without notice on Thursday 17th June, whereas he held that in terms of the rules he could only be dismissed on a week's notice. Pursuer said he was dismissed on the date in question without notice. He went to the manager, who told him that it was in the hands of the contractor, and that he would have to look out elsewhere. Pursuer held the contractor had nothing to do with him. The manager said that between the 16th and 17th of June there was a change at the works, some parts being taken over by contractors. There were frequently changes of this kind. Altogether about 700 men were employed, and changes were also made by the men from the company's employment to the contractor's. In these cases no notice was insisted upon. Pursuer said nothing about notice to him, and if he had insisted on it he (the manager) would have given the contractor orders accordingly. Afterwards, when he heard from pursuer's agent, he wrote saying he would be allowed work his notice, but he did not come. When he told him to go elsewhere, he meant to some other part of the works. The Sheriff held there was no real claim. He did not think pursuer had made the thing clear to the manager, and he granted absolvitor.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 15 November 1886

(Before Lord KINNEAR.)

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY v. EDINBURGH AND DISTRICT WATER TRUST.

Lord Kinnear to-day closed the record in an action at the instance of the Clippens Oil Company against the Edinburgh and District Water Trust. Pursuers seek declarator that the minerals on the estates of Straiton and Pentland, leased or owned by the pursuers, lying under or within 40 yards of the main water pipe belonging to the defenders, cannot be wrought by reason of apprehended injury to the defenders' works, and that the Water Trust should be required to compensate them for any loss sustained by pursuers in respect that the minerals cannot be wrought. Pursuers have already worked out a portion of the shale below the pipe track, but they have left stoops, and no injury to the pipe has resulted. They now, however, intend to work out these stoops, but they are advised that that might have the effect of causing a subsidence of the ground, with the result that the water pipe would be injured and the pursuers' workings would be inundated. They are willing to refrain from working out the minerals on receiving compensation. Last year they offered to accept £2000 for sandstone below the pipe track, but their offer was not acknowledged by the Trust. Defenders say they are proprietors of the ground through which their pipe passes in virtue of a disposition granted to the Edinburgh Water Company in 1825, and that disposition, they aver, included all the minerals below the track. The working of shale below the track is, therefore, they say, illegal, and they reserve their claim against the pursuers for damages in respect of what they have done. They apprehend no injury from any lawful operations which the defenders may undertake, as these, in their opinion, could have no injurious effect upon their workings. So far as subsidence may be caused by workings they are prepared to take such measures as would prevent injury to them or their neighbours.

Counsel for Pursuers - Mr Ure. Agents - Webster, Will & Ritchie, S.S.C.

Counsel for Defenders - Mr Murray. Agents - Millar, Robson & Innes, S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 10 December 1886

ACTION AGAINST CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

Lord Trayner, in the Court of Session to day, closed the record in an action at the instance of John Ainslie, jun., Hillend, Mid-Lothian, against the Clippens Oil Company, in which pursuer sues for £120. He states that in April, 1885, he entered into agreement with defenders, who had taken a turnip field from him, that they were to pay £9 per acre compensation for unexhausted manures, and £8 per acre rent, beginning at Whitsunday, 1885. Defenders paid the compensation and one year's rent, but have not yet made any other payment, and are now a year's rent in arrear. The field extended to 15 acres. The defenders say that shortly after the agreement, Mr Ainslie retook from them 10 acres of the turnip field, and other two large fields extending to 30 acres, and small field of eight acres. The fields of 30 acres he took possession of. They allege he has not paid the agreed upon rent of 35s per acre, and he is now owing them £141 13s 8d, for which they have raised a counter action. They maintain that they are entitled to set off their own claim against pursuer's. — Pursuer's counsel, Mr A. S. Paterson; agents, Paterson, Cameron, & Company. Defenders' counsel, Mr Ure; agents, Webster, Will, & Ritchie, S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 23 December 1886

CONTRAVENTION OF THE MINES ACT IN MID-LOTHIAN.

To-day at the Edinburgh Summary Court, before Sheriff Rutherfurd, William Smith, a fireman in the employment of the Pentland Shale Company, Limited, was charged with having, on the 22d December, in the pit occupied by the Clippens Oil Company, failed, before the time for commencing work, to make an inspection of the different workings, and to report to the miners and others as to the ventilation of the pit, and prevent them from entering, in consequence which Robert Waldie, a miner, went down the pit, and an explosion of fire-damp took place. He pleaded guilty. — The Fiscal said the man was not seriously injured. —Mr M'Donald, for the accused, said that he had been three years in the employment of the company, and he was looked upon as a most cautious man. — Sheriff Rutherfurd said he was quite willing admit that the accused had been a very careful man hitherto, but at the same time it was obvious that a man in his position must be very careful. He imposed a fine of £1, or five days imprisonment.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 10 January 1887

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY v. EDINBURGH AND DISTRICT WATER TRUST.

This was an action at the instance of the Clippens Oil Company against the Edinburgh and District Water Trust. Pursuers sought declarator that the minerals on the estates of Straiton and Pentland, leased or owned by the pursuers, lying under or within 40 yards of the main water pipe belonging to the defenders, could not be wrought by reason of apprehended injury to the defenders' works, and that the Water Trust should be required to compensate them for any loss sustained by pursuers in respect that the minerals cannot be wrought. Pursuers had already worked out a portion of the shale below the pipe track, but they had left stoops, and no injury to the pipe had resulted. They now, however, intended to work out these stoops, but they were advised that that might have the effect of causing a subsidence of the ground, with the result that the water pipe would be injured, and the pursuers' workings would be inundated. They were willing to refrain from working out the minerals on receiving compensation. Last year they offered to accept £2000 for sandstone below the pipe track, but their offer was not acknowledged by the Trust. Defenders said they were proprietors of the ground through which their pipe passed in virtue of a disposition granted to the Edinburgh Water Company in 1825, I and that disposition, they averred, included all the minerals below the track. The working of shale below the track was, therefore, they said, illegal, and they reserved their claim against the pursuers for damages in respect of what they had done. They apprehended no injury from any lawful operations which the defenders might undertake, as these, in their opinion, could have no injurious effect upon their workings. So far as subsidence might be caused by workings they were prepared to take such measures as would prevent injury to them or their neighbours.

Lord KINNEAR, in giving judgment to-day, said it appeared to him that there was no relevant statement in support of the pursuers' claims for compensation under any of the clauses of the Act founded upon. The question remained whether the pursuers were entitled to decree under the alternative conclusion for damages; that was, that they should be entitled to compensation in respect of injury done to their property if the defenders should work out the minerals. It might be that such a claim for damage should arise. ft was very possible that in the course of the pursuers' working of these minerals their workings might be damaged by causes for which the defenders might be responsible, but he thought it quite impossible to give a general decree of declarator to that effect. It might be that the refusal on the part of the defenders to protect their pipes might under certain circumstances amount to fault, which would render them responsible for the consequences, but he gave no opinion on that subject. He therefore sustained the defenders’ plea to the effect that the statements of the pursuers were irrelevant and insufficient to support the conclusions of the action, which he dismissed with expenses. The decree, however, would not in any way foreclose any question which might arise in the event of the pursuers working out the minerals.

Counsel for Pursuers - Mr Ure. Agents – Webster, Will & Ritchie, S.S.C.

Counsel for Defenders - Mr Murray, Agents- Millar, Robson & Innes, S.S.C.

Dunfermline Saturday Press - Saturday 09 July 1887

NEGLECTING EXAMINE A COAL MINE.

James Kirkpatrick, a fireman employed at the Straiton shale mine of the Clippens Oil Company, was convicted on evidence on Monday, at the Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court, of having neglected to examine the workings of the mine before the workmen descended the 1st inst. It was stated in evidence that he "slept in" that morning, and made a false entry in the book to the effect that he had examined the workings, but blotted out the entry when spoken to on the subject by the oversman. Mr William M'Donald, speaking in mitigation of penalty, argued that the manager and oversman should not have allowed the workmen to descend, as they did, when the examination had not been made.

Sheriff Rutherfurd said he was not prepared to say that there might not have been some blame on the part of others as well the accused, but that was not a sufficient justification or exoneration of the accused for what he had done. He ought to have been down the pit in order to inspect and report as to the ventilation of all the working places. He was to blame, perhaps, for not confessing his fault at once to the oversman; and the worst feature was his making a false entry in the book. A penalty of £1, or five days' imprisonment, was inflicted.

South Wales Echo - Wednesday 13 July 1887

A MINERS' ACTION OF DAMAGES

In the Court of Session, Edinburgh, yesterday, their lordships ordered issues for trial by jury of an action at the instance of John Beck, miner, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Company, in which pursuer sues for £100. He states that he was hurt by an explosion of fire-damp in one of defendants' pits on the evening of the 21st of April last. He was thrown to the ground, his back was sprained, and his face and hands burnt. There was, he says, no ventilation in the mine, and no inspection. Defendants deny this, and say that the pit was regularly and duly inspected, and that the ventilation was good. Plaintiff, they say, was so slightly injured that he wished to resume work the same evening. They have already paid him £2, and offer him £3 10s as a balance of wages due for the time he was off work.

The Scotsman - Saturday 21 January 1888

OUTER HOUSE
(Before Lord Lee.)

JOHN BECK v. THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

The pursuer here, John Beck, miner, High Street, Loanhead, sued the Clippens Oil Company for £100 as compensation for personal injuries sustained by him on the 21st April last. The pursuer, who was in defenders' employment, had descended a shaft in order to resume work, and was proceeding along a level to the working when an explosion of fire-damp took place, by which he was thrown on his face and severely injured. He attributed the accident to imperfect ventilation, and maintained that the defenders were responsible for the consequences. The defenders resisted the action on the ground that the mine had been duly and regularly inspected in terms of the statute, and that the ventilation had been found to be good. Counsel appeared to-day, and lodged a joint minute in terms of which the action has been settled. The terms of settlement are that the defenders have agreed to pay the pursuer £38 and expenses.

Counsel for the Pursuer—Mr Gunn. Agent—C. B. Hogg. L.A.

Agent for the Defenders—Webster, Will, & Ritchie, S. S. C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 13 April 1888

THE PIT EXPLOSION AT LOANHEAD.

At the Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court today—before Sheriff Rutherfurd —the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), Glasgow, as owners, and Allan Craig, agent, and James M’Gill, manager of No. 2 Pit, Pentland shale mines, Lasswade, were charged with allowing, on 2d March, lamps or lights other than locked safety lamps in the working place No. 97, in section three of that mine, in which place there was likely to be such a quantity of gas as to render the use of naked lights dangerous. James Byrne said he went down the pit, and went to his own working, after parting with the brothers Clark, when he heard an explosion. He ran to the Clarks’ working, and got Patrick lying. He helped him and his brother to get away. Sneddon, fireman, stated that he “carried a lamp" for 28 years. He visited working place 97 on Thursday night, about eight o'clock, when he examined the place minutely and found no gas.—William Binnie, fireman, deponed that on two occasions in February he found a quantity of gas accumulated in the workings. The men were accordingly kept out the pit on both occasions for the whole day. The following days he reported “all clear”. Mr Moore, Government Inspector of Mines, said that he visited the pit the day after the explosion, which occurred on 2d March. From what he knew of the character of the mine and from the evidence adduced, he thought it quite likely that the accumulation of gas, spoken of as gathering between four o'clock when Sneddon found the place clear and the time when the accident happened, would take place. Gas issued out of the seam. The system of ventilation in the workings was liable to be interfered with in many cases. According to the new Act, he thought it was a place where safety lamps should be used. He considered the use of naked lamps in such a place as dangerous, and had informed the company, some time before the explosion occurred, that they should use safety lamps. One of the witnesses for the defence stated that several hundreds of the men had signed a petition against the use of the safety lamp because of the greater light afforded by the open lamps. This was of especial benefit in their pit, because of the nature of the workings. Several miners also gave evidence to the effect that they considered it most unlikely that there should have been an explosion in the place, and they had no hesitation in working. Mr Dickson, advocate, for the company said it was one of the unforeseen accidents that could not be prevented, as the place was properly examined four times daily. The Sheriff held that on the day of the explosion the place was examined, and found all right, and therefore it could not be predicted that the place was one in which gas was likely to accumulate to a dangerous extent, and in such quantity as to make the use of naked lamps dangerous. In the event of any future explosion the case would be different, as the parties would have before them this experience. It might be the duty of the company in future to safety lights, but that was not a matter for them to dispose of. With reference to the petition, the Sheriff said that one of the reasons of the Coal Mines Regulation Acts was to save the men from their own carelessness and rashness. It was notorious that in some mines the men preferred to use naked lights because it gave a better light, and left them with their hands free. – The charge was accordingly abandoned.

Glasgow Herald - Tuesday 12 March 1889

PAISLEY.-THEFT OF LEAD.-At the Sheriff Court yesterday – Sheriff Cowan on the bench - Thomas Robertson, alias Murphy, was convicted of having stolen on Saturday 1cwt. of lead from the Clippens Oil Works, Linwood. He was sent to prison for 30 days.

Dundee Advertiser - Wednesday 06 November 1889

COURT OF SESSION.

ACTION BY EDINBURGH WATER TRUST.

Yesterday Lord Kinnear closed the record in an action at the instance of the Edinburgh and District Water Trust against the Clippens Oil Company. Declarator is asked that the pursuers are proprietors of a piece of ground on the estate of Pentland, through which the aqueduct pipe for conveying the water of Crawley springs to Edinburgh is laid. There also claim for £500 damages on the ground that the defenders have worked the shale from below the land in an improper manner. The defenders resist the action, and state that they are lessees of the Pentland shale in virtue of a lease granted by General Gibson of Pentland, which does not except the minerals claimed by the pursuers. They also maintain that their works have been carried out with care and skill.

Counsel for the pursuers—Mr Boyd. Agent— Mr White Miller, S.S.C.

Counsel for the defenders—Mr Ure. Agents— Smith & Mason, S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 13 March 1890

A LOANHEAD MINER'S ACTION. In the Court of Session, Lord Kincairney today closed the record in an action at the instance of Charles Sherry, 115 Clippens Row, against the Clippens Oil Company, 27 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow. Decree is asked for £600 as damages for injuries. Defenders are lessees of the Pentland Mines and Crude Oil Works at Straiton, and pursuer was employed as under-roadman in their mines. On the morning of 7th August last he was working with the head-roadsman in getting out a fall of stone which had taken place in the air course in No. 1 pit. The air course is very irregular in width, and it is averred is not protected by timbers on its roof and sides. A quantity of shale fell from the roof and nearly buried the pursuer, severely injuring him, and rendering him unconscious. The fault attributed is want of protection for the roof and sides. Defenders state that the air course had been abandoned for some time and the props bad been removed, which was well known to the pursuer. They therefore maintain that he was working in the face of known and seen danger, and that in any view the damages are excessive. - Counsel for pursuer, Mr M'Lennan; agent, Wm. Donaldson, S.S.C. Defenders' counsel, Mr Ure; agents. Smith & Mason, S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 02 April 1890

A LOANHEAD MINERS ACTION.

Lord Kincairney having issued an interlocutor allowing an issue for trial of an action at the instance of Charles Sherry, 115 Clippens Row, against the Clippens Oil Company, 27 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, the company have reclaimed against his lordship's judgment. The action is brought to recover damages for injuries sustained by a fall from the roof of a passage in a pit in which pursuer was working. Pursuer avers that the passage having been discontinued a working, defenders removed the timbering from it, and left it in an unsafe condition.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 17 November 1890

ACTION OVER A LOST FINGER.

In the Edinburgh Sheriff Court to-day, Sheriff Rutherfurd heard proof in an action raised by Michael Nugent, 89 Giles Street, Leith, against the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, Straiton, for £250 damages, or alternately £148 under the Employers' Liability Act. Pursuer stated he was employed by defenders as a labourer, and on 29th February while working in a sawmill his hand was severely lacerated, and one of his fingers cut off by a circular saw. He maintained that he should not have been sent there, and that it was skilled work. Defenders stated that pursuer's duties did not necessitate his touching the saw with his hands, and the accident was due to his own carelessness.

The Scotsman - Thursday 05 February 1891

SECOND DIVISION

(Before the Lord Justice-Clerk, and Lords Young and Rutherfurd Clark.)

APPEAL – WM. MULHOLLAND v. THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED.)

Issues were ordered to-day for the trial of an action by William Mulholland, 27 Lees Buildings, Station Road, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Company for £500 at common law, or £286 under the statute, damages for the loss of his son James, who, while in the employment of the defenders as a miner at the Clippens mine, was killed by a fall of stone from the roof. The pursuer avers that the roof was insecure; but the defenders allege that it was the duty of the deceased to put up props for the support of the roof and sides where necessary.

Counsel for the Pursuer—Mr William Campbell. Agent—William Considine. S. S. C.

Agents for the Defenders—Reid & Guild, W. S.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 20 March 1891

In the Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court today - before Sheriff Rutherfurd – Hugh Landels was charged that on 28th February at Pentland Oil Works, while under a contract of service or hiring with the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, as a retortman, he wilfully and maliciously broke said contract by refusing or failing to proceed to his work, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the probably consequence of doing so would be to endanger human life, or to expose to destruction or serious injury valuable property of the company contrary to the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1875. Two other retortmen were to have been charged in the same complaint, but as they did not appear, Landels’ plea of not guilty was taken, and the trial of all three men was arranged for Wednesday next.

The Scotsman - Friday 05 June 1891

(Before Lord Kyllachy and a jury.)

WM. MULHOLLAND V. THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED.)

The hearing of evidence was begun to-day in an action by William Mulholland, 27 Lees Buildings, Station Road, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Company for £500 at common law, or £286 under the statute, damages for the loss of his son James, who, while in the employment of the defenders as a miner at the Clippens mine, was killed by a fall of stone from the roof. The pursuer avers that the roof was insecure; but the defenders allege that it was the duty of the deceased to put up props for the support of the roof and sides where necessary. The case was continued until to-morrow.

Counsel for the Pursuer – Mr William Campbell and Mr W. E. Fraser. Agent – William Considine, S.S.C.

Counsel for the Defenders – Mr Jameson and Mr Ure. Agents – Reid & Guild, W.S.

Coatbridge Express - Wednesday 10 June 1891

INTERESTING DECISION TO COALMASTERS AND MINERS. – On Friday, before Lord Kyllachy and a jury, a verdict was returned for the defenders in the action raised by William Mulholland, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, concluding for payment of £500 at common law, or otherwise £280 16s under the Employers’ Liability Act, as compensation for the death of his som, who on 9th September, 1890, while in the employment of the defenders as a miner at the Clippens Mine, near Loanhead, was killed by the fall of stone from the roof.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 11 June 1891

RECKLESS MINERS. — Two miners named Thomas Kerr and John Mowat pleaded not guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court yesterday of having, in contravention of the Mines Regulation Act, gone into a portion of the workings of the Clippens Oil Company’s pits at Loanhead which they were told was not in a safe condition. The evidence showed that the accused were told they might go into No. 9 pit with a safety lamp light, but not to go into No. 8, as there was gas in the workings. They seemed to have done so, however, as an explosion occurred, and both men were injured, and obtained compensation from the Company to the extent of £15 and £10 respectively. Sheriff Rutherfurd remarked that while that might be taken as an admission of liability on the part of the Company, he thought the charge was proved, but, looking to the punishment the men had already undergone, he would merely order them to come up for judgement when called upon.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 11 June 1891

ACION AGAINST THE CLIPPEN OIL COMPANY. - In the Outer House of the Court of Session on Thursday before Lord Kylachy and a jury the hearing of evidence was begun in an action by William Mulholland, 27 Lees Buildings, Station Road, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Company for £500 at common law or £286 under the statute, damages for the loss of his son James, who, while in the employment of the defenders as a miner at the Clippens Mine, was killed by a fall of stone from the roof. The pursuer avers that the roof was insecure; but the defenders allege that it was the duty of the deceased to put up props for the support of the roof and sides where necessary. The case was continued until Friday, when the jury, after half an hour's absence, returned a unanimous verdict for the defenders.

The Scotsman - Saturday 24 October 1891

SEQUEL TO AN EXPLOSION IN A MINE. - William Smith was charged yesterday in the Edinburgh Sheriff Court with having, on the 1st inst., while employed as a fireman by the Clippens Oil Company at No. 2 Pentland Shale Mine, failed to inspect the working places, falsely recorded in the report- book that he had examined and found them clear of gas, and allowed men to enter the workings without reporting to them that these were safe. He pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr D. Howard Smith, solicitor. After hearing the evidence - from which it appeared that a slight explosion occurred on the morning in question - Sheriff Rutherfurd found the first and second charges not proven. In doing so he remarked that apparently the General Regulation No. 4, in terms of which the entry in the book by the fireman was made, only required an entry to be made when gas or something else dangerous was found. If a report had to be made at all, his Lordship did not think the practice at the mine, by which it might be made long after the men had descended into the pit, was a good one. If there was not any warning conveyed in the report it would be altogether useless. It had been stated, he added, that that was the practice not only there, but in other places. As to the third charge, his Lordship quoted the 38th Special Regulation, and stated that it did not say the firemen had to make written report to the men. It might be that all he was bound to make was a verbal report. It was his duty certainly, according to the law of that rule, to make a verbal report, and not allow men to go to their working places until he had communicated with them and told them what state the mind was in, and they might proceed with safety. According to the evidence the accused neglected that part of his duty. It might have been that, finding the mine safe, he did not think it necessary to say anything to the men on the subject. At the same time his Lordship was not disposed to think the offence in this case was a very serious one, because the accused said - and there was no evidence to the contrary, except a slight explosion occurring shortly afterwards - that when he examined the mine it was safe. Although it would have been according to the letter of that special rule for him not to have allowed the men to go to work until he had communicated with them, the case was not of so grave a character as to render it necessary for his Lordship to impose the statutory penalty, and it was enough for him to admonish the accused. Smith was therefore found guilty of the third charge only, and liberated.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 29 October 1891

MINERS’ALLEGED DEFAULTS. - At the Edinburgh Sheriff Court last Friday, Evans Powell, underground manager, No. 2 mine, was charged under the Mines Regulation Act with failing to attend to a report given to him by William Pringle, a miner in said mine, on the 31st day of August, that gas had been felt in the place, and requesting him to make provision at Fleming's End for sufficient ventilation to clear the gas. In consequence of this not being done, an explosion occurred there on the 1st September whereby Charles Stewart, a drawer to Pringle, was severely burned. After Pringle had been examined, other two witnesses were brought forward. One of these, named Wilson, stated that he heard Pringle give the order to Powell but added that he did not think Powell heard what was said, as there was a good deal of noise at the place when the order was given. In consequence of the contradictory statements of the witnesses the Fiscal deserted the charge against Powell. Afterwards, three men named Stewart, Fleming, and Wilson were charged at the instance of the Clippens Company with having passed a fire-station in contravention of special rules at the mine, but the Fiscal did not proceed with the case against them.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 25 February 1892

ACTION AGAINST THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – In the Outer House of the Court of Session on Saturday, Lord Stormonth Darling closed the record and ordered proof in an action by John Proctor, tenant of the farm of Burdiehouse Mains, against the Clippens Oil Company, 27 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, in which an order is asked upon defenders to restore dairy premises on the farm to their former condition, or to pay £65 as damages, and a separate sum of £20 as damages is sued for. Pursuer and defenders are tenants of Colonel Trotter of Mortonhall, and it is averred that in consequence of defenders' underground workings the dairy premises were so damaged that the sub-tenant who held from the pursuer, quitted the premised in October, 1890, and it has been found impossible to find a tenant for them. The damage to the building is estimated at £65. The £20 which is sued for made up of a half-year's rent of the dairy premises which pursuer lost, and £10 which he says he lost in being deprived of the manure made in connection with the dairy. Defenders say they obtained an estimate of the damage to the buildings, which showed that £7 would repair them, and that they have done the work. They plead that in these circumstances they are not liable.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 18 March 1892

SURFACE DAMAGE BY MINING.—In the Court of Session on Saturday, before Lord Stormonth- Darling, it was intimated that the action had been settled in which John Proctor, tenant of the farm of Burdiehouse Mains, asked that the Clippens Oil Company should be ordained to restore the dairy premises of Burdiehouse Mains to the condition in which they were prior to the autumn of 1890, when they were injured by the underground workings of the defenders. Damages to the extent of £85 were also claimed. A payment has been made by the defenders of £10 in full of loss in respect of rent and damages, and of £30 for expenses, quoad ultra in terms of the settlement, the defenders being assoilzied.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 13 June 1892

MINE VENTILATION AT THE CLIPPENS.

In the Edinburgh Sheriff Court to-day, before Sheriff Substitute Rutherfurd, Mr R. Armstrong, manager of the Clippens Oil Works at Straiton, was indicted for having contravened Rule 1 of the Mines Regulation Act, through failing to provide sufficient ventilation in some of the workings in No. 8 Mine at Clippens. George Baxter, a miner at Straiton, said there was sometimes a good deal of gas in the “heading" in which he was, and he was sometimes prevented from going down because of gas. On 29th March an accident occurred, one of the drawers named Sharkie being injured in a explosion. A hand-fan supplied the ventilation. It was worked by the drawers as they went out and in with their hutch. Sometimes half an hour and sometimes an hour elapsed between these ventilating operations, and he had sometimes go and turn the fan himself when the air became close. Cross-examined by Mr Ure, advocate, witness said he had been about 20 years a miner. He supposed that the passage he was driving was to improve the ventilation of the mine. At the time of the accident the main fan which ventilated the whole mine had been about a day under repair. It took them about two hours to get the place properly clear by working the hand fan after the accident. It took so long, because the main fan was under repair. On other occasions it took about five or ten minutes to make the air quite safe for working. Sharkie knew that he should not have gone down until the miners had preceded him, and they had wait until they got permission from the foreman to go. —Mr G. H. Geddes, mining engineer, Edinburgh, said it would have been unnecessary to have the hand-fan going continually.—Samuel Wood, fireman at the pit, said he had warned Sharkie the day before not to go into the mine before the miners.—Mr M'Laren, assistant Government inspector of mines, said that if the hand-fan bad been constantly going, it would not have been sufficient to ventilate the heading where it was placed.—Mr Johnston, assistant inspector of mines, and Mr Atkinson, Government Inspector of Mines for the East of Scotland gave similar testimony.—Evan Powell, underground manager at Straiton, said Baxter contracted with him to drive the upset at 8s per fathom, and bratticing was put up. This mode of ventilation was unsatisfactory, and the hand fan was put up, while Baxter received 2s more per fathom to work it. Mr Robt. Clark, manager of Arniston Coal Company, said had never seen the man who would grind a hand fan without stopping when the men were not at the face, unless the general manager sat down beside him. (Laughter).

The Scotsman - Tuesday 25 October 1892

CLAIM AGAINST CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – An action has been raised in the Edinburgh Sheriff Court by Patrick M'Donald, Lamb's Buildings, Clerk Street, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Co., Limited, for £500 damages for the loss of his son, John M'Donald, who died from the result of injuries received in one of the defenders’ shale mines at Pentland Oil Works on 29th October 1891. The deceased was a miner’s drawer, and twenty-two years of age, and the pursuer says that as he was passing the foot of an incline known as No. 1 Crane Brae, he was suddenly knocked down and fatally injured by a hutch loaded with shale running from No. 1 Crane Head. The defenders, who deny liability, say that M'Donald knew the place was dangerous, and that the accident could not have taken place if he had continued pushing his hutch after he had passed the foot of the incline, instead of carelessly and recklessly turning back in the way of the other hutch. Sheriff Rutherfurd heard proof in the case yesterday.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 07 November 1892

HOW MINE ACCIDENTS ARE CAUSED.

In Edinburgh Sheriff this forenoon, William Downie, Pentland Rows, was charged with having, on the 4th October, in No. 5 West Level, No. 1 Mine, Pentland, occupied by the Clippens Oil Company, when acting as fireman, falsely recorded in the report book that he had examined that place and found it clear of gas, and permitted workers to enter. Accused pleaded not guilty, but was convicted on evidence, and fined £2 with the option of 30 days in prison.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 28 November 1892

FATHER GETS DAMAGES FOR THE DEATH OF HIS SON.

In Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff Rutherfurd recently heard proof in an action by Patrick M'Donald, Lamb's Buildings, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Company for £500 damages for the death of John M’Donald, his son. Pursuer stated that the son was suddenly knocked down by a loaded hutch in one of defenders' mines, and received injuries from which he died in November 1891. Defenders denied liability for the accident, and considered that M'Donald materially contributed to it by his own negligence. The Sheriff, in his interlocutor, found for the pursuer, and assessed the damages at £25, defenders being held liable for the expenses. He held that the accident was caused through the negligence of the company's crane headman.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 17 December 1892

(Before Lord Low.)

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) v. HERMAND OIL COMPANY (LIMITED).

Judgment was given by Lord Low in an action by the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), 27 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, against the Hermand Oil Company (Limited), 43 West Regent Street, Glasgow, to interdict the defenders from protesting a promissory note, dated 5th January, 1892, and payable on 1st February, 1892, for the sum of £2405 9s 10d, granted by the complainers in favour of the respondents. The complainers stated that in January, 1891, they entered into a contract with the respondents, under which the respondents undertook to deliver to the complainers 175,000 gallons of crude oil per month, commencing upon the expiry of a then current contract between the parties, and to continue to the end of March, 1892, at which date deliveries were to terminate. The price was to be 3 1/8d per gallon delivered at the works, and payment to be made in net cash for each month's supply at the end of the month following the month of delivery, or, in the option of the respondents, in two payments during the month of delivery. Deliveries of oil under the contract were duly made by the respondents from time to time, and in the month of March, 1892, the complainers were due to the respondents the sum of £2405 9s 10d for deliveries in January and £2260 2s 8d for deliveries in February. These two sums amounted together to £4665 13s 6d, and in payment thereof the complainers granted to the respondents two promissory notes, the one for £2405 9s 10d, payable on 1st February, 1892, and the other for £2260 2s 8d, payable on 15th March, 1892. In February last the complainers found it necessary to enter into a scheme for the reconstruction of the company, and arranged on 16th March with the respondents that they should take debentures for £2332 for the £2405 9s 10d promissory note. It was agreed, with the view of inducing the respondents to agree to this settlement, that the complainers should take delivery of 30,000 to 40,000 gallons of crude oil after the completion of the contract on 31st March, 1892, at the contract price, which was from ½d to ¾d in excess of the current market price of the day. On 25th March the respondents wrote a letter to the complainers withdrawing their application for the debentures, to which the complainers replied that the arrangement was a definite one, and that it was not then possible for them to alter it. The respondents now refused to fulfil their part of the agreement. The respondents replied that their memorandum of association does not authorise their funds to be applied to such debentures, and that their application for them was withdrawn previous to any acceptance by the complainers. The letter of application was also not authorised by the board of directors. They pleaded that the agreement was not concluded.

Lord Low said he had arrived at the opinion that there was no agreement for the complainers to take delivery of from 30,000 to 40,000 gallons of crude oil after the completion of the old contract on 31st March, 1892. The complainers' averment to that effect was not proved. But the complainers contended that the deliveries of oil after 31st March constituted rei interventus to the effect of making binding upon the respondents the agreement from which they had resiled before anything had been done upon it. The complainers to succeed would require to prove that the deliveries after 31st March were referable to the agreement of 17th March, but he was of opinion that they had failed to do so. The old contract ended on 31st March, when there were arrears of deliveries under it. But if after that date the complainers were willing to take delivery of the arrears, the respondents, although they could not be forced to give delivery, were under no obligation not to give delivery. He was therefore of opinion that these deliveries after 31st March were not plainly and unquestionably referable to the agreement of 17th March, but were referable only to the agreement of 27th January, and that the complainers, not having established their case, could not prevail. He refused the note, with expenses.

Counsel for Complainers- Mr Ure and Mr Chisholm. Agents- Smith & Mason, S.S.C.

Counsel for Respondents- Mr Vary Campbell and Mr Clyde. Agents- Drummond & Reid, S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 09 January 1893

MINE CONTRAVENTION. - At the Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court to-day, Hugh Henry, foreman, was charged with having, at No. 8 Straiton shale mine, occupied by the Clippens Oil Company, failed to inspect the working place in the inside upset within two hours before the commencement of the day shift, and failed to mark with chalk the day of the month upon the face of the working place, and did afterwards falsely record in the report book that he examined the said working place and found it clear of gas. Accused said he had been in the employment of the company for 11 years. He was fined £1, with the option of 30 days in jail.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 12 January 1893

PETITION – THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) AND LIQUIDATOR.

Mr Wilson presented a petition asking the Court to direct the liquidation of the Clippens Oil Company. He stated that the Lord-Ordinary on the bills during the recess granted a supervision order, but under the Companies Act, 1886, he had not power to remit to one of the Lords-Ordinary to supervise the liquidation. Their Lordships remitted to Lord Stormonth-Darling to carry on the liquidation.

Counsel for Petitioners-Mr Wilson. Agents- Wallace & Guthrie, W.S.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 05 April 1893

FAILING TO INSPECT A MINE.

In the Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court - Sheriff Rutherfurd on the bench - a man named John Trian was charged with having, on 30th March, in No. 8 Straiton shale mine, belonging to the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), when acting as fireman of the mine, failed to inspect the working places in the inside upsets leading to No. 7 and 8 levels east of the mine within two hours immediately before the commencement of the night shift, and did afterwards falsely record in the report book that he had examined the working places and found them clear of gas. He pleaded not guilty, but was convicted and fined £2 with the option of 14 days' imprisonment.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 14 April 1893

THE ACTIONS AGAINST THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

In the Edinburgh Sheriff Court to-day, Sheriff Orphoot was informed of the settlement of three actions against the Clippens Oil Company and its liquidators. James Kerr, miner, 18 Clippens Cottages, Loanhead, sued for £150; John Gilhooly, miner, Pentland Rows, Loanhead, and Thomas Gilhooly, miner, Meadowbank Rows, Clippens, for £100; Thomas Murphy and Stephen M'Partlane for £100 – all for burns caused by explosions of gas at different in defenders' mines. The Sheriff, in accordance with the request of the agent, assoilzied the defenders and found neither of the parties entitled to expenses.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 17 October 1893

LOANHEAD ACTION FOR DAMAGES.

In the Second Division of the Court of Session to-day, issues were ordered in an action by James Moir, 52 Pentland Cottages, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Co. Pursuer sues for £150 for injuries at Old Pentland on the night of Sunday 12th March last through an explosion of gas. He avers that there was no proper ventilation, and that the place was not inspected in terms of the statute. Defenders state that they were not responsible for the accident.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 22 November 1893

LOANHEAD WOMAN'S CLAIM FOR DAMAGES.

In the Second Division of the Court of Session to-day, their lordships ordered issues for trial by jury of an action by Janet Steven or Kent, Foundry Lane, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Company, in which decree is asked for £500, or £234 as damages for the death of her son, Alexander, who was a miner in the employment of the defenders. On 14th July last Alexander and three of his brothers were working beside each other in one of defender's pits, when a fall from the roof inflicted injuries upon him, of which he died the same day. Defenders deny that they failed to take reasonable precautions for their workmen's safety, and say that the night fireman reported to Jas. Kent that a part of the roof was unsafe, and would require additional timbering. It was while the timber was being put up that the fall occurred which caused the death of pursuer's son. Defenders maintain that deceased was culpable in remaining at work in a place which was not safe.

Dundee Advertiser - Wednesday 10 January 1894

ACTIONS FOR PERSONAL INJURIES.

Lord Stormonth Darling was informed of a settlement in the action by James Moir, 52 Pentland Cottages, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Company. Pursuer sued for £l50 for injuries at Old Pentland on the night of Sunday, 12th March last, through an explosion of gas. He averred that there was no proper ventilation, and that the place was not inspected in terms of the statute. Defenders stated that they were not responsible for the accident. Pursuer has accepted £65 in full of all claims.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 01 June 1894

CONTRAVENTION OF THE MINES REGULATION ACT — ln Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court on Monday, Thomas Mash, a fireman, residing at Mid- Straiton, was convicted on evidence of having on the 8th May 1894, at No. 8 mine at Straiton, occupied by the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, made an inspection of an upset otherwise than with a locked safety lamp, and of having allowed workers to enter the upset without having examined and reported it as safe, contrary to the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887. Sheriff Rutherfurd imposed a fine of £2, with the alternative of fourteen days' imprisonment.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 10 August 1895

DANGEROUS PRACTICE IN A MINE. – Yesterday, in Edinburgh Sheriff Criminal Court, Patrick Reynolds, residing at New Pentland, was tried on a charge of having on 30th July ridden on a hutch in the old incline in No. 8 shale mine at Straiton, Mid-Lothian, occupied by the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), without the permission of the manager, and contrary to the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887. It came out in evidence that the accused was employed as a "drawer" in the mine, and that he and two others were riding on a train of hutches going up an incline. On coming to a low portion of the roof, one of the men was jammed and received such injuries that he died, and his death was shortly to form the subject of an inquiry. The charge was found proved, and a fine of 10s with the alternative of four days' imprisonment imposed.

Dundee Courier - Thursday 15 August 1895

A MINER'S RIDE TO DEATH. Acting-Sheriff-Substitute Sym on Tuesday held an inquiry in the Midlothian Sheriff Court into the circumstances attending the death of James Pennycook, miner, New Pentland, in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company, who was killed on 30th July while he was ascending the old incline in No. 8 shale mine at Straiton. Pennycook was coming up in a hutch partially filled with shale. He was crushed between the hutch and the woodwork supporting the roof of the incline, and death took place almost immediately. John Wilson, pumper, gave evidence to the effect that he had telegraphed to the engineman to send down the bogey. It was sent down No. 16 old incline. Just as it started on the way up, Pennycook and other two men jumped on. Pennycook was in one hutch, and the other two men in another. While going up the incline Pennycook's shoulder struck the crown of the incline and turned him over. At the next crown tree he was again struck and so severely crushed that he was thrown out of the hutch down the incline. In cross-examination witness said it was against the rules for any of them to travel on the hutches. J. Whitson, one of the men who came up with Pennycook, said he had meant to walk up the incline. He did not know it was against the rules. Carriages were usually sent to take up the men from their work by the new incline, but sometimes when the men had long to wait they walked up. The rules were hung up at the pithead, but he had never read them. Mr Mackenzie, mine manager, said it was the rule that miners should not travel on the hutches, and he had never seen them do it. After hearing further evidence the jury brought in a verdict to the effect that the cause of Pennycook's death was that he had been caught between the hutch and the woodwork supporting the roof of the incline.

Edinburgh Evening Dispatch - Thursday 29 August 1895

FATAL ACCIDENT INQUIRY IN EDINBURGH.

An inquiry was held yesterday by Acting Sheriff Substitute Sym and a jury, in Edinburgh Sheriff Court, into the death of Robert Stenhouse, a miner, which occurred at No. 4 shale mine of the Clippens Oil Company at Straiton on 14th August. Mr Atkinson, Inspector of Mines, also took part in the inquiry, and Mr Wilton, advocate (instructed by Gray & Handyside, S.S.C.) represented Stenhouse’s widow. The first witness examined was John Holt, miner. He said that on the morning of Wednesday, 14th August, a few minutes after Stenhouse had left him with an open light to begin work, he heard an explosion and consequently went along the road to the foot of a spout that led to spout where Stenhouse was employed. He saw Stenhouse lying there, severely burned and, with others helped to convey him to Edinburgh Infirmary. Stenhouse told him that when he was going to the “face” the gas kindled. There was no one working with Stenhouse and witness was the first to see him after thee xplosion occurred. Evidence was also given by William Lennie, oncostman; William M’Kenzie, manager at No. 4 mine; and others. Mary Grey, nurse, stated that Stenhouse died in Edinburgh Infirmary on the morning of the 16th inst. Mr Wilton, in making a few remarks to the jury, contended that there had been laxity in the inspection of the place where the explosion occurred: but the sheriff advised the jury not, in the present procedure and with the somewhat incomplete evidence as to the circumstances, to impute blame. The jury followed that advice, and returned a verdict to the effect that the cause of death was an explosion of inflammable gas. Mr L. A. Guthrie, W.S., represented the Clippens Oil Company during the inquiry.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 10 October 1895

THEFT FROM THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY. – At the Sheriff Summary Court on Monday, Donald Crookshanks, storekeeper in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company at Straiton, was charged with stealing a hand saw, a hatchet, seven pounds of glass, a whitewash brush, and a cooper’s scribber from Straiton Store. He pled guilty, and this being his first offence he was put under the First Offenders’ Act.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 05 December 1895

BURIED UNDER TWO TONS OF SHALE.

A public inquiry was held to-day in the Edinburgh Sheriff Court House respecting the death of a miner named George Bertram Forsyth, employed at Clippens Oil Works. Forsyth was working in Number 8 shale mine on 22d November. A fall of the roof took place, and he was buried under two tons of shale debris. He died three days afterwards. The jury returned a verdict according to the evidence. The jury asked if they were to pronounce any opinion whether the blame of the accident was referable to anyone. The Sheriff replied that they were required only to state the time and place of the accident and the cause of death.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 21 January 1896

WIDOW'S ACTION FOR DAMAGES. The record has been closed by Sheriff Rutherfurd in an action for £1000 damages, or otherwise £202 16s under the Employers' Liability Act, by Ann Hunter or Forsyth, Burdiehouse, against the Clippens Oil Company, Loanhead. Pursuer is the widow of a miner named George Bertram Forsyth, who was fatally injured by a fall of shale in No. 8 pit at Straiton. She avers that defenders disregarded the regulations of the Coal Mines Act, as there should have been special propping of the roof where deceased was working. Defenders say that the accident was the result a latent greasy joint in the shale, which was not discoverable on inspection. They also allege contributory negligence on the part of the deceased.

The Scotsman - Wednesday 11 November 1896

ACTION AGAINST THE CLIPPENS COMPANY. – In the Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday, Sheriff Maconachie closed the record and sent to the debate roll an action of damages for £75, raised by James Kissane, miner, 86 Beechwood Cottages, Uphall, against the Clippens Oil Company (Limited), Pentland Works, Straiton. The pursuer avers that on the night of 18th August last, while in the employment of the pursuers, he was ordered to commence work at what is known as No. 2 of the double heading at their pits at Old Pentland. In accordance with the custom adopted at that mine, the pursuer used a naked lamp, and had gone but a short distance into the heading when an explosion of inflammable gas took place. He was severely burned over the face and arms, and had to be medically attended for some weeks thereafter. The accident, he says, was caused by the fault of the defenders, or of those for whom they are responsible. Defenders do not admit that pursuer was ordered to commence work at the point stated. The pursuers injuries were very slight, and he had now completely recovered. They plead that the action is irrelevant, and not having occurred through their fault, or that of any person for whom they are responsible, they are entitled to absolvitor.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 24 November 1896

THE ACTION AGAINST THE CLIPPENS COMPANY.

In Edinburgh SHeriss Court to-day – before Sheriff-Substitute Maconochie – it was stated that the action raised by James Kissane, miner, 86 Beechwood Cottages, Uphall, against the Clippens Oil Company, Straiton, for £75 damages for injuries received by an explosion of gas in the company’s mine at Old Pentland was settled, and the case was taken out of court by a joint minute.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 29 December 1896

AN INTERESTING MINING DISPUTE.

Sheriff-Substitute Maconochie has issued his decision in an action raised by Thomas M’Kenting, Elm Grove, Loanhead, against the Clippens Oil Company, Pentland Oil Works, Loanhead, for £50 damages for the stopping of a contract entered into between the pursuer and the defenders to brush the portion of the Cran Brae in No. 8 Pentland Mine, and to drive the remainder of the heading. He brushed the driven portion when defenders refused to allow him to proceed with the rest of the contract. The Sheriff finds for the pursuer, and assesses the damages at £30 along with expenses. ln a note the Sheriff reviews the evidence, and says that the pursuer contracted to brush the "brae" and convert it from a "spout brae" into a strait road for hutches. The walls were not straight when pursuer commenced work, and three of the “props” were bulged owing to the weight of earth and shale. On pursuer refusing to set back these the defenders maintained that he broke his contract. The question was whether the pursuer was bound by his contract to alter the position of these pillars. The question seemed a narrow one and the contract was not so expressed as to entitle the defenders to say that unless the walls were straightened pursuer would not be allowed to continue work. He thought therefore that the defenders were wrong. The form of the action was curious, as the defenders did not break their contract but prevented pursuer from fulfilling his. He thought the damages were not excessive looking at the loss of part of the contract, wages paid to the men, and loss of time when he assessed them at £30.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 08 March 1897

IMPORTANT MINING TEST CASE.

In the Edinburgh Sheriff Court, James Keating, Loanhead, sued the Clippens Oil Company for damages for breach of contract, in respect that they ejected him from their work because he refused to make straight a part of a cran brae in their mine and which by his contract he was to brush. The question raised by the case, which is one of great importance, was whether the prisoner was bound under such contract (which the usual one Scotland) to do what the defenders asked him – viz., to make the cran brae straight. Sheriff-Substitute Maconochie held the pursuer was not bound to do so, and therefore decided in pursuer’s favour, and awarded him £30 damages and expenses. The defenders appealed to the Sheriff, who has issued his judgement, in which he adheres to the judgement appealed against, and now gives pursuer decree for £30 damages and expenses. Counsel for pursuer—Mr Trotter; agent—William Balfour, L.A. Counsel for defenders—Mr Cullen; agents—White & Nicolson, S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 16 March 1897

EDINBURGH WATER TRUST OPERATIONS.

Lord Pearson as Lord Ordinary on the Bills yesterday heard counsel on counter-applications for interdict by the Clippens Oil Company and the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees. In the first application the Clippens Company sought to interdict the Trustees from constructing or laying down any aqueduct, conduit, or line of pipes in or upon any part of the lands and estate of Pentland or Straiton, or interfering with certain works and pipes belonging to the complainers connecting their works of Straiton and Pentland. For the complainers, it was maintained that the respondents were illegally and unwarrantably commencing the formation of new aqueduct concurrently with the existing one. No notice was given to the complainers, and no pipe track or way leave had been acquired by the respondents. The respondents had no power to form the new aqueduct. The respondents said they had obtained the consent of the County Council for the work. In passing the note for the trial of the cause, his lordship said that while there might be a question to try, he did not think he would be entitled to interdict a public body carrying on what they said was a work of public necessity. On the second part of the interdict he thought it was absolutely necessary that the Trustees should submit to some regulation of their operations, and it lay upon the respondents to say how far they were willing to go in the way of submitting to interim regulation of their operations, with the view securing the continuance to the complainers of the use of the hutchway and other works at their oil works until the main question was decided. Mr Johnston, for respondents, said his clients were prepared to carry on the work at the sight of man of skill.

INTERDICT AGAIN CLIPPENS COMPANY.

The Water Trust asked interdict against the Clippens Oil Company working the minerals under the strip of ground acquired by them, and in which they had laid their pipes, and from working and winning of the seams of shale and other minerals in their lands of Straiton and in the lands of Pentland leased to them at any point within 40 yards of the complainers' pipe tracks. It was stated that the effect of interdict would be to throw 300 men in the employment of the company idle. Lord Pearson said he came to the conclusion that interdict ought to be granted, not because he threw doubt on the legality of the workings outside the strip of which the Trustees were proprietors, but because, upon a balance of disadvantages, he thought the greatest disadvantage would result from possible subsidence and bursting of pipes by the removal of the stoops.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 31 May 1897

WORKMEN'S BREACH OF CONTRACT.

In Edinburgh Sheriff Summary Court to-day, nine retort men in the employment of the Clippens Oilworks, Loanhead, named James Johnstone, Charles Hill, Adam Bell, Thomas M'Nulty, Patrick Cassidy, John Carr, James M'Hale, Terance Dolan, and James Joyce, were charged with having, on the 22d May last, while in the employment of the Clippens Oil Company, wilfully committed a breach of contract by failing to proceed with their work, knowing that the consequence of doing so would be to expose to destruction or serious injury three benches of retorts. Accused were charged under the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1879. They all pleaded guilty. The Procurator-Fiscal said the men took offence because the foreman considered it necessary to regulate their pace of working. The manager gave them five minutes to go back, but they refused to do so, apparently thinking they would be required to work late, and if men had not been found to take their places the results might have been serious. The accused apparently repented of their folly next morning, and went back to work again. The object of the prosecution was not so much to punish, but to vindicate the law, and to give them and others who might be tempted to do the same thing a warning. Mr David Murray, who appeared for the accused, said the manager did not wish them to be severely dealt with. They were thoroughly good workmen, and were still in the employment of the company. The Sheriff said that at the worst it only seemed a sudden idea that they were going to called upon to work more than usual that caused them to commit the offence, but with nothing of the nature of conspiracy. The element of any serious injury to property was also absent, and he thought it was a case for admonition. He put them under the First Offenders' Act.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 09 June 1897

THE ACTION AGAINST EDINBURGH WATER TRUSTEES.

Lord Pearson, in the Court of Session to-day, gave judgment in the action by the Clippens Oil Company to have the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees interdicted from constructing or laying down any aqueduct, conduit, or line of pipes on any part of the lands of Pentland or Straiton, or under or along any public road crossing the estates, excepting the portion of the estate of Pentland, now the property of the Trustees, either (1) in substitution for the whole or any part of the existing aqueduct or line of pipes belonging to the respondents which crosses the estates in a direction towards the Alnwick Hill Reservoir; or (2) for use as auxiliary or alternative means of carrying the water at present carried by the existing pipes. Interdict was also asked against the respondents interfering with certain works and pipes belonging to the complainers. His Lordship expressed the opinion that under the Waterworks Clauses Act, 1847, the trustees were entitled to carry out their operations, the speciality of which his Lordship thought consisted of the proposal to lay a loop line of pipes along the public road. That appeared to him to come in under the 28th Section of the Act. It followed that he refused the suspension so far as regarded the first part of the note. As regarded the complainers' special means of communication over and under the road which they alleged were being interfered with, there was a standing remit to Mr Charles Stevenson, C.E., to superintend the respondents' operations, and in respect of this part of the case his Lordship continued it until he had had a final report from Mr Stevenson. Mr Boyd, for the trustees, stated that the pipe had been completed.

The Scotsman - Friday 16 July 1897

(Before Lord Pearson .)

EDINBURGH AND DISTRICT WATER TRUSTEES v. CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED.)

Proof was begun to-day in the action by the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees to have the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) interdicted from encroaching upon and working the minerals under the strip of ground at Pentland belonging to them, and in which they had laid their pipes, and from working and winning the seams of shale and other minerals in their lands of Straiton and in the lands of Pentland, leased to them, at any point within forty yards of the complainers’ pipe tracks. The case for the complainers is that the Oil Company, or their predecessors, had already worked out the minerals under and within forty yards of the Trust's pipe track, leaving only small pillars or stoops for its support, and that the Company is not entitled to follow up a notice by removing these stoops, or to require the Trust to purchase them. In answer, the Clippens Oil Company state that unintentionally and to a slight extent they encroached on the minerals under the strip of ground, but they have no intention to work it, and undertake not to work any minerals under that strip. They further state -that the Trust having refused after notice, to purchase the minerals under and adjacent to the way-leave pipe track, or even to make an agreement with the Company for the support of the pipe track, and the removal of the stoops being the natural, proper, and usual course of working the mineral field, the complainers are not entitled to the interdict craved. It is expected that the, case will last several days.

Counsel for the Trustees - The Dean of Faculty, Q.C., and Mr Boyd. Agents — Millar, Robson, & M'Lean, W.S.

Counsel for the Oil Company – The Solicitor-General, Q.C., and Mr Clyde. Agent – J. Gordon Mason, S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 21 September 1897

THE WATER TRUST AND CLIPPENS MINING.

LORD PEARSON'S JUDGMENT.

Lord Pearson, in the Court of Session to-day, issued judgment in conjoined actions, the first the instance of the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees against the Clippens Oil Company. The complainers sought to interdict the Company from working the minerals under the strip of ground acquired the Trust, and in which they had laid their pipes, and from working and winning the seams of shale and other minerals in their lands of Straiton and in the lands of Pentland leased to them at any point within forty yards of the complainers' pipe tracks. The case for the Water Trust was that the Oil Company, or their predecessors, had already worked out the minerals under and within forty yards of the Trust's pipe track, leaving only small pillars or stoops for its support, and that the Company was not entitled to follow up a notice by removing these stoops, or to require the Trust to purchase them. In answer the Clippens Oil Company denied that they were working, or intended to work, the minerals underneath the area or strip of ground belonging to the Trust, but they said that the Trust having refused, after notice, to purchase the minerals under and adjacent to the way-leave pipe track, or even to make an agreement with the Company for the support of the pipe track, and the removal of the stoops being the material, proper, and usual course of working the mineral field, the complainers were not entitled to interdict. A long proof took place during the summer vacation, it being stated that the effect of the interdict would throw three hundred men out of the employment of the respondents. His lordship to-day issued an interlocutor interdicting the respondents (the Clippens Oil Company), and all others acting for them from interfering or encroaching upon the strip of ground and the minerals upon the land of the Water Trust, and from working, winning, and taking, or in any way interfering with the pillars or stoops or removing the lime store left in the workings on the estate of Straiton, so far as these pillars and stoops are in the line of the complainers' pipe track and line of pipes within forty yards therefrom, and to that effect his lordship sustained the reasons of suspension, but quoad ultra repelled the other reasons of suspension, and gave the complainers expenses down to 8th June, 1897.

Musselburgh News - Friday 24 September 1897

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY AND THE EDINBURGH WATER TRUST.

In the Outer House of the Court of Session cm Wednesday, Lord Pearson gave judgment in the action of suspension and interdict at the instance of the Edinburgh and District Water Trust against the Clippens Oil Company.

The case for the complainers was that the Oil Company, or their predecessors, had already worked out the minerals under and within forty yards of the Trust's pipe track, leaving only small pillars or stoops for its support, and that the Company was not entitled to follow up a notice by removing these stoops, or to require the Trust to purchase them. In answer, the Clippens Oil Company stated that unintentionally and to a slight extent they encroached on the minerals under the strip of ground, but they had no intention to work it, and undertook not to work any minerals under that strip. They further stated that the Trust, having refused, after notice, to purchase the minerals under and adjacent to the wayleave pipe track, or even to make an agreement with the Company for the support of the pipe track, and the removal of the stoops being the natural, proper, and usual course of working the mineral field, the complainers were not entitled to the interdict craved.

Lord Pearson has granted interdict against the Oil Company, and the following is an abstract of his opinion:—

Lord Pearson stated that the complainers’ main pipe track on its way to Edinburgh passed in a north-easterly direction through the estates of Pentland and Straiton. The track contained two pipes —(1) the Crawley pipe, laid in 1895; and (2) the Moorfoot pipe, laid in October 1876. In the south-west part of Pentland the pipe track ran in a narrow strip of ground, held in feu, inclusive of the minerals, under a disposition dated 3d March 1825 by Mrs Gibsone of Pentland in favour of the Edinburgh Water Company. Both Pentland and Straiton were valuable mineral estates. The respondent Company were owners of the estate of Straiton, including the minerals. They were also tenants of the minerals in Pentland, so far as these were not owned by the complainers as proprietors of the feu before-mentioned. The minerals consisted of three seams of shale and an important seam of limestone lying at a depth of about 23 fathoms below the main shale. The first part of the prayer of the note applied solely to the minerals which lay within the strip of ground held in feu by the complainers, and asked for interdict against the respondents encroaching upon that strip or working any of the minerals therein. The parties were not substantially at variance as to the facts in this part of the case, and the question ultimately came to be whether it was a case for interdict, or whether the complainers were to rest satisfied with the respondents undertaking "not to work further any of the minerals under said strip of ground." There had been three distinct periods of encroachment in the feu—the first prior to 1889; the second in 1893; the third in 1896. For the first of these encroachments the respondents had no responsibility. The next encroachment was recorded as having taken place in 1893, near the north-east of the strip. It was said that neither party knew of this encroachment until July 1897. It certainly appeared that the Trustees were ignorant of it until it was discovered by their engineers in the course of the present inquiry. But the Company either knew of it or had the means of knowledge long before. Again, in 1896, there was an undoubted and considerable encroachment at the other end of the strip. His Lordship did not hold with the complainers that their charge of bad faith against the Company was made out. But the previous encroachments ought to have put the Company specially on their guard at this point; and the Trustees were, in his opinion, entitled to have interdict on this part of the case. The next and more important part of the case was set forth in the second paragraph of the prayer. The Trustees sought to have the respondents interdicted (1) from working the shale and limestone on either estate at any point within forty yards of the pipe track; or, at least (2) from working or in any way interfering with the pillars or stoops of shale and limestone left in the workings, so far as within that area. It was explained that the interdict sought was intended to apply to the whole length of pipe in both estates, including the portion of land in the strip of ground held in feu. The complainers founded their contention on the Waterworks Clauses Act, 1847, and in particular on the group of clauses "with respect to mines," being sections (16?) to 27 of the Act, which were incorporated in the Edinburgh Water Trust Acts. The statute had in view two parties with conflicting interests, each engaged in underground operations, which, if not duly regulated, would become mutually destructive. It provided means by which each party could fully inform himself from time to time of the position of the other party's works. But it laid on the mine owner the duty of making the first move. The undertakers were entitled to assume that the minerals underneath the pipe, and within what had been called in this case " the protected area" of forty yards on each side of it, would remain as they were when the pipe was laid, unless and until notice was given under section 22. When this vote was presented the mineral workings had proceeded in and through the protected area and under the pipe track itself, both in the shale and also (though to a smaller extent) in the limestone. The respondents justified this by referring to a series of notices given by them and their predecessors from 1877 to 1897, which were considered by the Trustees in consultation with their skilled advisers, and to none of which did the Trustees ever reply by counter-notice expressing their willingness to compensate, and inhibiting the Company from working. The Trustees, admitting that they gave no counter-notices, maintained that the notices themselves were inept. In their view the statute itself inhibited all working within the protected area unless and until a valid notice of intention to work was served under section 22; and it was essential to the validity of any notice that the minerals within the area to which it applied should be intact, or at least that there should have been no working within that area since the pipe was laid. They contended that the statute practically offered that block of minerals to the Trustees on certain terms, as it stood when the pipe was laid, and that if part of those minerals had been worked in the meantime without notice, the mine owner was no longer in a position to make the statutory offer. By his own act he had disabled himself from giving an effectual notice under the statute; and he could never again bring himself within it as to any part of the protected area. The result was that the statutory inhibition became absolute, and the minerals must be left as they stood without compensation. An examination of these notices led his Lordship to the opinion that they were all sufficient to justify the statutory requirements. They were in every case so dealt with by the Trustees, except the last two, which were served when parties were at arm's-length. Further, the Trustees not only gave no counternotices, but reiterated their decision not to take any of the minerals; and the workings proceeded on that footing. Even assuming the facts, as to prior working, to be all in favour of the Trustees, he did not think their extreme position on the interpretation of the statute was tenable. The aim of the statute was to put the Trustees in a position to stop the mineral workings so as to secure the safety of the pipe. He could not hold that an encroachment on the protected area had of itself, irrespective of its locality and of the extent to which the pipe was endangered by it, the effect of excluding the mineral owner from availing himself of the statute in all time coming as regarded any part of the protected area, while it did not exclude the Trustees from founding on the statute as inhibiting all working within that area.

His Lordship next dealt with the Trustees' second ground for interdict. They urged that, assuming the notices to be good, the Company must still, under section 23, work the mines "so that no wilful damage be done to the said works, and so that the said mines be not worked in an unusual manner;" and it was said that they were disregarding both these conditions. As to the first objection, it was not said that any actual damage had been occasioned to the works; but it was said that when the note was presented there was reasonable apprehension of such damage, and that the circumstances pointed to its being wilful in the sense of the statute. It was suggested that in the Straiton limestone workings, in particular, the Company's recent operations bad been so arranged, both in point of time and place, as to lead to the conclusion that they were not in the course of bona-fide trade, but had a collateral purpose. On the Truetees' evidence the Company had a formidable case to meet on this head; but they had met it successfully, and, on the whole, his Lordship acquitted them of the intention to cause wilful damage to the Trustees' works within the meaning of section 23. It remained to consider, both as to the limestone and the shale, whether the Company were failing to observe the second statutory condition—namely, "so that the said mines be not worked in an unusual manner." So far as the workings consisted of the driving of levels, the working out of rooms and the leaving of stoops, no objection was taken by the Trustees on this head. It was the removal of the stoops that they objected to. With regard to the limestone, the objection was, in his opinion, well founded. He thought the removal of limestone stoops was not a usual operation. But with regard to the shale the practice was quite different. It was clearly proved that both in this mine and in others the removal of shale stoops was a usual operation. Here their removal had for long been contemplated, and it had been the subject of negotiations with the Trustees and of special investigation by them with a view to considering whether they should purchase the stoops. His Lordship was not aware that until the present proceedings were raised anyone connected with either of the parties ever suggested that it would be an unusual thing to work them out. Indeed, the real controversy between the parties on this head assumed the usualness of such an operation in the ordinary case, and turned upon the question whether it was not unusual to remove the shale stoops where so small a percentage had been left. The question thus came to be a question of degree, and that seemed an unsafe basis for an interdict against working in an unusual manner, The fact seemed to be that in the ports to the north-west, where the removal was threatened, about 73 per cent of the shale seam had been taken out, leaving about 23 per cent. in pillars. Even taking it as a question of the usualness of working out such small pillars, the respondents had succeeded in proving a sufficient number of instances in the district (at Broxburn, Uphall, Hopetoun, and Dalmeny) where shale pillars containing not more than 27 per cent. of the seam had been worked out over considerable areas. His Lordship, therefore, granted interdict as regards the minerals within the feu and the limestone pillars, but refused it as to the shale stoops. As to the limestone it might be here and there a pillar had been left so large that it might safely be cut into two or even four, or be diminished by enlarging the rooms. But there were not materials in the case to enable him to qualify the interdict by allowing the Company a free hand to that limited extent. He thought the limestone pillars would not, in the usual course of working, be further interfered with. With regard to the third head of the prayer, it was not proved that there had been any such removal of material in the limestone pillars as to necessitate a special order for strengthening or supporting the roof.

Counsel for the Trustees – The Dean of Faculty, Q.C.; Mr Johnston, Q.C.; and Mr Boyd. Agents – Millar, Robson, & M’Lean, W.S. Counsel for the Oil Company – The Solicitor-General, Q.C., and Mr Clyde. Agent – J. Gordon Mason, S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 18 November 1897

THE INTERDICT AGAINST EDINBURGH WATER TRUST

In the action at the instance of the Clippens Oil Company to interdict the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees from laying a pipe along the public road in Lasswade parish on the Straiton estate, counsel for the complainers in the First Division of the Court of Session to-day lodged a supplementary note. It states that some of the complainers' works, and particularly a tunnel, were cut through and interfered with by the conduit, and if the conduit were to remain permanently they would continue so to be interfered with. The completion of the conduit was carried out by the respondents at their own hands, in the face of the proceedings for interdict. Respondents, notwithstanding the interdict granted, now refused to remove the conduit which was the subject of the interdict, and which they constructed in face of the interdict proceedings. The parties should be ordained to remove the aqueduct, conduit, or line of pipes complained of, and to fill up all excavations and trenches made them, and to level and restore the surface and ground. The court oidered the respondents to lodge answers in seven days.

Musselburgh News - Friday 19 November 1897

THE WATER TRUST AND THE CLIPPENS COMPANY.

Yesterday, in the First Division of the Court of Session, a supplementary note was presented by the Clippens Oil Company against the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees for interdict with regard to the construction of the new Moorfoots water conduit, in which the Company pray the Court to ordain the Trustees to remove the conduit and to restore the ground. The complainers say that the respondents, notwithstanding the judgment of the Division, finding the laying down of the conduit illegal, now refuse to remove the conduit which, it is said, they constructed in face of the interdict proceedings. The respondents were ordered to lodge answers within seven days.

Dundee Advertiser - Saturday 18 December 1897

THE EDINBURGH WATER PIPE.

Yesterday the Judges of the First Division disposed of the supplementary note presented by the Clippens Oil Company, asking the Court to ordain the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees to lift the pipe which the Water Trust had laid down on roads running through the Straiton Estate as a substitute for part of the existing Moorfoot conduit, and which by a recent decision the Court declared to have been illegally laid. The Court unanimously granted the prayer of the note. This means that the Water Trustees will require to remove the pipe, which cost about £5000, and restore the ground to its former condition. Lord Adam, who gave the leading opinion, said that the cost of the works was, doubt, a large sum of money, but the respondents knew before that expenditure was incurred that the right to execute the works was challenged by the complainers. They took the risk with their eyes open, and his Lordship did not see how the decision of the complainers as regarded vindicating their right should be prejudiced by the respondents choosing to have incurred that expense. The respondents said further that they feared the existing pipes might at any time be broken, and that the water supply to the city might be prejudicially affected by the subsidence caused by the workings of the complainers under the pipe. That was a state of matters which the Water Trust had it in their power themselves to remedy, because if they desired to have their old pipe kept safety all they had was to acquire the minerals below in order give subjacent support.

The other Judges concurred, and judgment was given accordingly.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 20 December 1897

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY AND THE WATER TRUST. – At a meeting of the Works and Law Committee to-day, it was unanimously resolved to appeal the case of the Clippens Oil Company against the Trust to the House of Lords.

Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 21 February 1898

The Clippens Oil Company (Limited) have deposited a petition in the Private Bill Office of the House of Lords praying to be heard against the Edinburgh District Water Bill. The measure in question is down for second leading to-night, as are also the Edinburgh and Leith Corporations Gas Bill and the Mid-Lothian and Peebles District Board of Lunacy (Water) Bill.

Musselburgh News - Friday 25 February 1898

THE CLIPPENS COMPANY AND THE EDINBURGH AND DISTRICT WATER BILL.

The Clippens Oil Company have lodged a petition in the Private Bill Office of the House of Lords against the bill in which the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees crave authority to construct additional works, to make deviations of authorised works, and for other purposes. The bill proceeds on the preamble, inter alia, that the main pipes for bringing in the water supply from Gladhouse reservoir are insufficient, and that it is expedient that the Trustees should be authorised to make and maintain (1) a line of pipes commencing at Gillygubdean Well, in the parish of Temple, and terminating in the existing Alnwick reservoir; and (2) a line of pipes commencing by a junction with the pipe on the south side of the cross road leading from the Edinburgh and Penicuik public road at New Pentland to West End Cottages, Loanhead, and terminating by a junction with the same pipe a little north of Burdiehouse Burn. Clippens Oil Company (the petitioners) are owners of the estate of Straiton, in the parish of Liberton, and lessees of the mineral field of Pentland, in the parish of Lasswade. They are also lessees, under a trial lease, of minerals in the estate of Mortonhall, in the parishes of Liberton and Colinton.

Under the powers of the bill lands belonging to the petitioners are sought to be compulsorily taken from them, and their property, rights, and interests will be, it is said, otherwise injuriously affected by the bill. They state that in March 1897 the Trustees, without authority, began to lay an aqueduct in all respects identical with the aqueduct No. 2 proposed to be authorised by the bill. This aqueduct forms a loop on the Moorfoot aqueduct, and traverses along almost its whole length the petitioners’ mineral field. It was so arranged by means of valves as to enable the Trustees to use either it or the Moorfoot aqueduct at will, to carry the water across the petitioners’ field, and thus on the one hand to avoid the immediate risk of an interruption of the water supply from local subsidence, and on the other to constitute a further obstacle in the way of the petitioners' operations by doubling the area within which they were liable to interruption, and by exposing them to flooding at any point along two lines of pipes instead of only one. The construction of the aqueduct is said to have been an illegal device to defeat the petitioners' just rights in and to the minerals under and within forty yards of the Moorfoot aqueduct.

In these circumstances the petitioners applied to the Court of Session for interdict against the construction of this aqueduct, with the result that the First Division found that the Trustees had no right to lay the pipes, and ordered them to lift them. This judgment has been appealed to the House of Lords. Between the date of the hearing and the date of the judgment the Trustees are said to have proceeded at their own hands, and without any right or authority, statutory or otherwise, to lay portions of an aqueduct, similar in all respects as regards route and otherwise, with aqueduct No. 1, authority to construct which is asked in the present bill. This aqueduct carries water from and to precisely the same points as the Moorfoot aqueduct, and differs from it only in the circuitous course which it follows. That course is so contrived as to avoid the mineral fields of Pentland and Straiton, belonging to the petitioners. For a considerable part of its course, however, it traverses the minerals in the Mortonhall estate, held by the petitioners under a trial lease, and already partly worked and proved by them. The Trustees' attempt to construct this aqueduct was stopped by the interference of the County Council of Midlothian, who objected to the public roads, in part of which the Trustees' operations were going forward, being unlawfully opened and interfered with. These proceedings on the part of the Trustees constituted, petitioners say, an illegal attempt to defeat their just rights under the Water-works Clauses Act, 1847, either to be paid compensation for minerals under and within forty yards of the Moorfoot aqueduct requiring to be left unworked for its support, or to be allowed, without further interference, and without regard to the safety of the Moorfoot aqueduct, to work those minerals out in the usual course of mining operations. If the Trustees had succeeded in completing the aqueduct, and getting it sanctioned by Parliament ex post facto (as they now propose to do by the present bill), before the litigations referred to were finally concluded in the House of Lords, they would have been in a position to maintain the water supply independently of the Moorfoot aqueduct, and would thus have avoided their duty of maintaining it, and of compensating the petitioners for the minerals requiring to be left unworked for its support. But, while a much larger expenditure of public money would be incurred in making aqueduct No. 1 than need be incurred in enlarging or adding to the pipes of the Moorfoot aqueduct, the whole expenditure already made on aqueduct No. 2 would either be lost (in the event of the Trustees deciding to let it be broken by subsidence, consequent on the removal of the subjacent minerals by the petitioners), or would require to be supplemented by compensating the petitioners for the minerals requiring to be left unworked in order to support it, in which event the whole of the expenditure on aqueduct No. 1 would be rendered useless. As showing the purpose of the Trustees in promoting the parts of the present bill, which the petitioners oppose, it may be mentioned that, in their argument before the First Division of the Court of Session in the application by your petitioners for interdict against the Trustees offered and undertook, if the Court would in the meantime refuse to order the aqueduct to be lifted, to promote the present bill (the notices of which had appeared only a few days previously) authorising the aqueduct Nos. 1 and 2, and not to take an appeal in that action to the House of Lords.

In these circumstances, the petitioners submit that it would be highly prejudicial to their interests to authorise the construction of aqueducts Nos. 1 and 2, and thereby to sanction the actions of the Trustees which have been declared illegal, and thus enable them to obtain, under cover of statutory authority, an advantage in dealing with the petitioners and their mineral rights which they could not legally obtain. The petitioners further submit that in matters which are the subject of still pending litigation, and which, unless the judgments already pronounced by the Court of Session should be reversed, will result in heavy claims of damages against the Trustees, it would be most expedient that the portions of the bill to which they object should be allowed to pass. They therefore crave that the bill may not pass into law, and that they may be heard against its preamble and clauses.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 04 March 1898

EDINBURGH WATER TRUST AND THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

A meeting of the Law and Works Committee of Edinburgh and District Water Trust was held this afternoon to consider letters from the secretary of the Clippens Oil Company and Mr Gemmill, mining engineer, regarding the value of the minerals be left in their mines for the support of the trustees' main pipes. As it appeared there was slight difference between the valuation of Mr Rankine, the engineer of the Clippens Oil Company, and the engineer appointed by the Water Trust, it was remitted to the sub-committee on the settlement of the Clippens Oil Company to endeavour to arrange a settlement and avoid arbitration.

Musselburgh News - Friday 06 May 1898

THE WATER TRUST AND CLIPPENS.

Yesterday the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees’ Bill came before the Court of Referees of the House of Commons, on the petition presented by Major Gibson and the Clippens Company, against it passing into law. The "locus standi" of the pursuers was objected to, and upon that point Mr Coward was heard for them, and maintained that there was a substantial case. Mr Pember, for the Trustees, did not object to the Major appearing as a landlord, but the Company, he urged, had no right to be heard in respect of a trial lease, which would expire on the 15th inst. After private deliberation the Chairman announced that the Court had decided to give a general locus to Major Gibson but to disallow locus to the Clippens Oil Company, excepts, as regarded clause 19, and so much of the preamble as related thereto. This clause is the one which extends the limits of the water supply by the Edinburgh Water Trustees to the parishes of Lasswade and Cockpen.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 13 May 1898

THE WATER TRUST BILL AND CLIPPENS.

The preamble of the Edinburgh and District Water Trust Bill for Aqueduct No. 1. was found proved by the Select Committee of the House of Commons yesterday. Thereafter, application was made for the insertion of a new clause by Counsel for Major Gibsone of Pentland and for the Clippens Oil Company, but the insertion of such a clause was refused. The bill has thus passed through all its stages, except the formality of report and third reading, so that the Trust have been successful in their application.

Glasgow Herald - Friday 13 May 1898

EDINBURGH AND DISTRICT WATER.

The Select Committee of the House of Commons, presided over by Sir Henry Fletcher, to-day resumed the consideration of this bill, and heard further evidence in support of the opposition of Major Gibsone of Pentland and the Clippens Oil Company, his tenants. The promoters were represented by Mr Littler, Q.C., Mr Pember, QC., Mr Balfour Browne, Q.C., and Mr Frank T: Cooper.

The counsel for the petitioners were Mr Pope, Q.C., and Mr Lewis Coward, Q.C.

Mr H. A. Hill, C.E., president of the British Association of Water Engineers, said he had carefully considered the proposals in the bill, and he considered there would be no difficulty in laying another pipe alongside of the existing pipe. It was a perfectly safe route, but it would involve the purchase of the minerals underneath. Aqueduct No. 1 was in some physical respects a preferable route. There would be no difficulty in shifting the present Moorfoot and Crawley pipe to the route of aqueduct No. 1 in the bill, but it would cost about £27,000. That additional cost, however, would relieve the Water Trustees of the necessity of purchasing the minerals, and at the same time the mining operations would be un-hampered. He thought it was grossly unfair that the mining operations should be hampered as at present.

In cross-examination by Mr Balfour Browne, the witness said they could take aqueduct No. 1 of the bill to the Crawley and Moorfoot pipes if they made arrangements for the minerals. It would involve a cutting of a maximum depth of about 50ft. below the surface.

What benefit would that be to the Clippens Oil Company if we go to the expense of £27,000? - It would remove the present pipe from above their mineral workings, where it was causing them a great injury.

Mr Archibald H. Crichton, C.E., said that for the last 16 years he had been closely connected with the mines of West Lothian. He was well acquainted with the Clippens mines, and knew that the getting of minerals was impeded if a water-pipe was laid above them. The existence, therefore, of the Edin- burgh pipe hampered not only the mineral tenant, but the landowner who had a royalty on the minerals on his estate. If the new pipe was taken by the proposed new route and the old pipes left where they were at present the mining tenant would be left hampered as at present. The route of the existing pipe was perfectly safe, but the pipe being there was an absolute bar to the working of the minerals under it. No one, would work the minerals there with the risk of drowning the miners.

Cross-examined – The pipe was laid there 70 years ago, and was therefore there before the Clippens Oil Company: but the minerals were there before either the pipe or the company, and to work the minerals under the pipe would endanger both the pipe and the mine.

Mr David Rankine, civil and mining engineer, Glasgow, gave similar evidence.

In cross-examination by Mr Cooper, he said that the Clippens Oil Company took the lease with the knowledge that the pipes were there. He saw no objection to a new pipe being laid to the existing ones except that it would be an additional menace to the working of the minerals.

By the Chairman - Edinburgh could get all the water she needed by aqueduct No. 1. That aqueduct could be a substitute for the present Moorfoot and Crawley pipes.

This closed the evidence, and Mr Pope was heard for the petitioners and Mr Littler for the promoters.

The Committee found the preamble proved, and adjusted clauses.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 07 June 1898

CLIPPERS COMPANY AND THE WATER TRUST.

THE CLAIM FOR £137,000.

Lord Pearson closed the record in the Court of Session to-day in the action by the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, against the Edinburgh and District Water Trust for payment of £137,000 damages in respect of loss sustained in consequence of the interdict wrongously and illegally obtained at the defenders' instance against the pursuers. The latter state that the pipe track of the defenders ran through their estate at Pentland and Straiton, and the situation of the pipes has been a source of much embarrassment to the pursuers in the working of the minerals. In March, 1897, the defenders obtained interim interdict against the pursuers, and by obtaining it defenders caused loss and damage the pursuers. The whole available mining developments were closed. Defenders say that the loss which pursuers allege they have sustained has been caused through the pursuers' voluntary action, and not owing to the interdict, and they ask to be assoilzied, in respect that the pursuers were not entitled deprive the pipe of support, or to lower its level. The case was sent to the procedure roll for discussion.

Daily Record - Saturday 23 July 1898

CLIPPENS OIL CASE APPEAL.

The House of Lords yesterday afternoon began the hearing of an appeal by the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees against a decision of the Court of Session in the action raised against the appellants by the Clippens Oil Company, who are now the respondents. The question to be decided is, whether the respondents are entitled to prevent the appellants from laying a water-pipe in the public roads in the parishes of Lasswade and Liberton.

The First Division decided for the respondents, and hence the appeal.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 27 July 1898

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY AND EDINBURGH WATER TRUSTR. - The hearing of reference between the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) and the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees to assess the value of minerals which the Trustees seek to prevent the Clippens Company from working commenced yesterday in the S.S.C. Library. The Clippens Company claim £16,730 for shale and limestone to be left unworked, and £20,000 for freestone to be left unworked in the quarry. The arbiters are Messrs David Rankin, M.E., Glasgow, and John Gemmell, ME, Edinburgh, and Sheriff Jameson, Q.C., is acting as oversman.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 10 August 1898

EDINBURGH WATER TRUST AND CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

THE ARBITERS’ AWARD.

The arbitration to settle and determine certain claims by the Clippens Oil Company against the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees as to the value of the minerals ordered the Court to be left by the company to support Trustees' main pipes through the lands of Straiton has been concluded. A meeting of the arbiters was held on Thursday last, when matters were considered, but it appears that the arbiters failed to agree upon the sums which should paid, and it therefore devolved upon the oversman, Sheriff Jameson, to settle the questions. On Monday he issued a provisional award proposing to find that the value of the shale and limestone should be fixed at £9000, and that the freestone lock at the quarry recently opened at Straiten whereby the Trustees' main pipes — the Moorfoot and Crawley—were laid bare, and the quarry workings proceeded with. The Trustees applied to Lord Ordinary Pearson in the Bill Chamber after the quarry workings was started for interdict against the company working the freestone under the Crawley main, on the ground that such main had been laid under the Act of 1819 for the bringing in of Crawley water from Glencorse to the Castlehill Reservoir, Edinburgh, and that the Trustees claimed the right of servitude and aqueductus, under which the Clippens Oil Company were bound to support the Crawley main. The Lord Ordinary granted interim interdict, and the Trust were therefore not held to be bound to purchase any rock for the support of the Crawley main. The Moorfoot main, which lies alongside the Crawley, was in different position, having been laid under the Water Works Clauses Act, 1847. By virtue of a decision of the Court Session last year, the Trustees felt that they were bound in order to support the Moorfoot main to give notice to the Company to leave certain of the rock unworked. This they did, and the rock now left unworked is 100 feet in length, 15 feet breadth, and about 200 feet deep. For this the Clippens Company claimed the sum of £20,000. Of the claim of £18,000 for the shale and limestone, the oversman has now allowed £9000, and of that claim of £20,000 for the freestone he has allowed £2250; or, in other words, of the two claims, which amount altogether to £38,000, he finds that the Trustees should pay £11,250. This provisional award does not become final until after ten days, within which time any of the parties may lodge representation against the findings.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 05 November 1898

CLIPPENS COMPANY AND EDINBURGH WATER TRUST.

SHERIFF JAMESON’S DECISION.

Sheriff Jameson has issued his award in the references between the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees and the Clippens Oil Company (Limited). In the first reference he finds that the claimants are entitled to the sum of £8079 as compensation in respect of the minerals to be left unworked on the lands of Straiton in respect of loss and damage occasioned them by the non-working thereof, including all severance damage of whatever kind, future as well as past and present. In a note the Sheriff says the question was whether the compensation be allowed for limestone and other minerals fell to be arrived at by ascertaining the value of unworked minerals, and then deferring the value over such a period as it would have taken the claimants to work out the minerals and realise that value, or whether the claimants were entitled to the full value of the minerals as a present payment. He thought it would be out of the question to hold that in a case like the present the Trustees were bound to take the block piecemeal, and pay present value to the mine owner for each piece. As to how the limestone was to be valued, the 22d section of the Water Works Clauses Act, 1847, provided that the undertakers were "to make compensation for such mines," and section 71 of the Railway Clauses Act provided that "the company shall make compensation for the same for all loss and damage caused by the non-working thereof." He thought all that the claimants were entitled to was compensation for the loss and damage caused to them by the minerals being left unworked, and the measure of that was what they would have made out of the minerals if they had gone on working them in the usual way, plus severance and other damage caused to their mineral field a whole. He was of opinion that it was both competent and equitable that the value of the minerals in question should be held as deferred over such number of years as it might be held it would have taken to realise it had the claimants' workings been allowed to go in the ordinary course. The next question was over what period and at what rate ought the value of the limestone to be deferred. Perhaps the most important and trustworthy piece of evidence was to be found in the claimants' statement spoken to by Mr Armour, from which it appeared that for the last three years the claimants' output of limestone had been 8598 tons, 8716 tons, and 9246 tons respectively. On the evidence before him he had come to the conclusion that substantial justice would done by holding that the profits of the limestone would require eight years from the date of the claimants' notice of realisation. In the second reference the oversman, having considered the representations for the parties, has found that the claimants are entitled to the sum as compensation in respect of the freestone to be left unworked in their lands in Straiton in terms of notices served by the respondents, and in respect of all loss and damage occasioned to them by nonworking thereof, including all severance, damage of whatever kind, future as well past and present.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 11 November 1898

EDINBURGH WATER TRUST AND CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

AN AGREEMENT SANCTIONED.

In the House of Lords this afternoon the Lord Advocate asked their lordships to sanction an arrangement in this case, which the parties had agreed to by consent. The arrangement was of consent to recall the interlocutors complained of, except in so far as the respondents were found entitled to expenses in the Court below, and, further, find the respondents entitled to the costs of this appeal, and remit the cause to the Court of Session with a direction to find that in the circumstances it is unnecessary to proceed further. Their lordships assented the arrangement.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 26 January 1899

CLIPPENS COMPANY AND an EDINBURGH WATER TRUST. —The record was closed in action of implement and payment instituted by the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) against the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees. On November 11th last Mr Jameson, Q.C., overman in a reference between the parties, found the pursuers entitled to £8079 compensation for minerals to be left unworked in the lands of Stratton, under or adjacent to the defenders' pipe track, as well as a further sum of £2250, in respect of the unworked freestone. The pursuers now ask that the defenders should be ordained to obtemper Mr Jameson’s order by paying the sums mentioned and expenses. The defenders explain that the Crawley pipe was laid in 1821 under the authority of an act passed in 1819, which contained no provisions similar to those in the Water Works Clauses Act, 1847, by which the owners of minerals are entitled to work these after giving statutory notice of their intention to do so. On the contrary, it was held in an action between the defenders and Mrs Gibsone of Pentland that when the Water Company acquired ground in which to lay their pipe they did so under the common law rule that a disposition of land without reservation gave the disponee everything a caelo ad centrum. The Moorfoot pipe was laid in 1877, and it said that the notices preceding the reference were given under the Waterworks Clauses Act, and were applicable only to the case of the Moorfoot pipe. The defenders maintain that the pursuers not being entitled to work out the greater part of the minerals included to the references, they are not entitled to compensation for not working them, and are, therefore, not entitled to the sums awarded in the decreets arbitral. The case was sent to the Procedure Roll.

The Scotsman - Monday 06 February 1899

(Before Lord Pearson.)

THE EDINBURGH AND DISTRICT WATER TRUSTEES V. THE CLIPPENS OIL CO. (LIMITED) AND ANOTHER.

Lord Pearson to-day indicated his judgement in the action of declarator at the instance of the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees against the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) and Major Gibson, of Pentland. The declarator which was asked, he said, in the first instance with the statutory powers which had been transmitted under a series of statutes from the old Edinburgh Water Company to the Trustees, and then declarator was asked that the Trustees, as proprietors of Castlehill reservoir, have a right to a continuous and uninterrupted supply of water by means of a pipe or aqueduct. Then followed the clause that the pursuers have right to have the ground through which the pipe runs in the lands of Pentland and Straiton, supported so that it may serve continuously as a conduit for the water passing from the Crawley spring to Castlehill reservoir. The second conclusion was that the Clippens Company were not entitled to work the shale, limestone, and other minerals adjacent to or under the pipe in such a manner as to injure it or bring down the surface. There was also a conclusion for interdict. The pursuers were met by a plea of res judicata. That plea referred to proceedings which commenced in the Bill Chamber at the instance of the Trustees, and in which they asked interdict against the Company working the minerals in the strip of ground. Stated in its most general terms, the question submitted for decision in the first case was whether the Oil Company were entitled to work their minerals so as to bring down the Trustees’ pipes. It was quite true that in this action there were declaratory conclusions which preceded the conclusion for interdict, but he thought the test of the present action was to be found in the second conclusion for declarator and conclusion for the interdict, and these seemed to him to raise the very question which was previously determined. New arguments had been used, new clauses of statutes had been founded upon, and a new doctrine of the common law as applicable to the rights of parties had also been invoked and founded upon. But he did not consider, although he had found the question one of some difficulty, that in any one of these respects the pursuers had shown that there was in the present proceedings any new medium concludendi in the proper sense. That being so, he was prepared to sustain the plea of res judicata in so far as applicable, and would issue an interlocutor on Monday in which he would define the extent to which he held the plea to apply.

Counsel for the Pursuers- The Dean of Faculty, Q.C., and Mr F. T. Cooper. Agents – Millar, Robson, & M’Lean, W. S.

Counsel for the Defenders – The Solicitor General, Q.C., and Mr Clyde. Agent – J. Gordon Mason, S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 07 June 1899

THE WATER TRUST AND CLIPPENS COMPANY.

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT.

Judgment was given by their lordships in the First Division of the Court of Session to-day, in the reclaiming note by the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees against Lord Pearson's finding in their action against the Clippens Oil Company and Major Gibson of Pentland for declarator and interdict. The Water Trust sought to have it declared that they, as successors of the Water Company, were entitled to receive from Glencorse a continuous supply of water in Castlehill reservoir by means of a pipe laid through the lands of Pentland and Straiton, which lands belonged to the defenders; and that they, the first defenders, were not entitled to work the minerals in the strip of ground supported the pipe at Pentland. They also sought to interdict defenders' workings. Lord Pearson was of the opinion that so far as regarded the compearing defenders the action was res judicata, in respect of another note and suspension presented by the pursuers on 16th March, 1897. He appointed the case to be enrolled so that parties might be heard on further procedure, and granted leave to reclaim. The Division to-day recalled the Lord Ordinary's interlocutor, so far as it referred to res judicata, and remitted the case to the Lord Ordinary to proceed on the ground that this was a totally different case from the one previously considered.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 08 June 1899

R.N.--Edinburgh and District Water Trustees v. Clippens Oil Company.

Judgment was given in a reclaiming note by the pursuers in an action in which the Edinburgh and District Water Trust sues the Clippens Oil Company for declarator and interdict - for declarator that the Water Trust have the right to have the Crawley water pipe so far as laid in a strip of ground in the lands of Pentland and Straiton supported, and interdict prohibiting the defenders from working the shale limestone and other minerals adjacent to and under the pipes within limits to be fixed by the Court. It was said that the defenders proceeded to work, and have threatened to continue to work, the minerals adjacent to the strip of ground, and under and adjacent to the pipe or aqueduct in the lands of Pentland and Straiton, against the remonstrances of the pursuers, and the interdict should be granted as craved in respect that the working would remove the support of the strip of ground and pipe or aqueduct, and would interrupt the continuous supply of water from the Crawley Spring to the Castlehill Reservoir. The defenders say that they are entitled to work the minerals in question as proprietors and lessors thereof, and that the pursuers have no right of support either under the statute or at common law.

In the Outer House Lord Pearson held that the main point of the action, as contended by the Clippens Oil Company, was decided in a previous case, and he allowed the pursuers time to consider whether they wished to discuss the remaining pleas. He indicated the view that this decision settled the whole case.

The Lord-President said he was unable to agree with the Lord-Ordinary. If it were enough to support the plea of res judicata that the demand of the pursuer made in the previous action covered his demand in the present action, then the plea must be allowed, for an interdict against working within 40 yards necessarily prevented working within 45 yards and 145 yards. But then, plus identity of subject matter, there must be identity of medium concludendi. There might be difficulty in laying down a definition of this abstract expression which would satisfactorily draw the line between grounds of action and arguments so as to solve doubtful cases. No such subtlety arose on the present occasion. It was enough to consider whether the question submitted for decision and decided in the previous cause was the same as that now submitted. To his Lordship's thinking it was quite different. Fairly read the record in the last action submitted a perfectly definite question – Were the defenders precluded by the Water-Works Clauses Act from working within 40 vards as they were then doing? That question assumed that they were subject to no other limitation than those of the statute, and confined the question to the statute. The present action proceeded on a totally different theory - it represented the Pursuers as having what, for shortness, he would call a common law right to support. The wayleave, said the pursuers in the present action, implied an obligation on the part of the granter of that right and his successors in the minerals to support the track. Now, this was a right entirely different in substance and in quality from that given by the statute. The two things were not only different, but inconsistent. The defenders endeavoured to represent that the pursuers' new ground of attack was merely a legal inference deducible from the statements made in the previous action, although on that occasion not actually deduced in argument. Now, it was quite true that the word wayleave was used, but beyond this there was no vestige of the present theory. The present theory was founded upon rights existing prior to the date of the Water-Works Clauses Act, and arising from the acquisition of the wayleave by that water company which was formed by statute in 1819. There was in the previous record, he did not say no deduction, but no hint of any right to support arising from any other source than the Act of 1847. The view which he took of the plea under consideration was so materially different from that of the Lord-Ordinary that it hardly admitted of the alternative view Indicated in the Lord-Ordinary's opinion. He (the Lord-President) did not consider the pursuer's present theory of a common-law right of support to have been a plea omitted in the former action. He thought it was a different ground of action. And he had not been able to reconcile himself to the theory that by reason of the notices given under the Act of 1847 the Clippens Company was substantially the pursuer of the issue in the former action and the Water Trustees the defenders. The true view of the mines clauses in the Act of 1847 was not that they conferred a right on the mineowner to work his minerals, but that, they affirmed his original right of property, and merely limited and conditioned its exercise. Accordingly when the mineowner gave notice that he was going to work within the 40 yards he was not making a claim or demand, but was merely certifying a person having a conditional veto that he was going to exercise his right of property. The mineowner had not got to prove anything in support of his notice; his title was all that he required. In the former action, accordingly, the Water Trustees were the affirming and asserting litigants on every question raised - first, they asserted the fact of prior workings by the mineowner, and they maintained the legal proposition that those workings had for all time deprived the Clippens Company of their right to work the minerals: second, they asserted that the workings of the Clippens Company were such that wilful damage was being done to the undertaking; and third, they asserted that the mine was worked in an unusual manner. Throughout the litigation, therefore, it seemed to his Lordship that the Water Trustees were in no sense of the term defenders of the issues tried, any more than they were formerly defenders of the action sued. He was for recalling the Lord-Ordinary's interlocutor, repelling the plea of “res judicata,” and remitting to the Lord-Ordinary to proceed.

Lords Adam and M’Laren concurred.

Lord Kinnear said he agreed, and only desired to add that he was unable to assent to the views stated by the Lord-Ordinary, that the complainer in a process of interdict which was brought for any other purpose than for regulating possession was really defender and the respondent pursuer upon the question raised in such process, so as to deprive the complainer of the right which it was settled every pursuer of an action had to bring a new action for the same practical result as the former action which had failed to attain that result, provided he brought the new summons on different grounds of action. He saw no reason to doubt that the pursuers in this action were, to all intents and purposes, pursuers in process of interdict. There might, no doubt, be cases in which the complainer in a suspension was, to all intents and purposes, the defender in the action instituted by such suspension, and the best illustration of such cases was the old practice, which was now disused, of turning a charge which might be suspended into a libel, because that merely meant that the Court held the charge complained of to be equivalent to a citation in a summons, so that the complainer was required to proffer to his defences against the debt in the same manner as if he had been cited in an ordinary action. It was quite intelligible, it should be said, that in such a case the complainer was substantially the pursuer, but it was totally impossible to apply that doctrine or practice in the case of an interdict against a trespass or encroachment upon property. The complainer in such a case alleged that he had reason to apprehend his property would be interfered with either by the conduct or express intentions of his opponent, but they could not turn either the threats or conduct of an opponent into libel so as to make him pursuer of an action he had not raised. He had no doubt, therefore, that the complainers and pursuers in the present case really stood in the position of pursuers in the former case also, and were entitled to the benefit of the doctrine by which they might bring a new action upon different grounds. That the grounds were in fact different the Lord-President had conclusively shown. The question which was raised in the present action was not raised, and therefore could not be decided in the previous interdict. The validity of a plea of "res judicata" must necessarily depend upon the pleadings and decision in the previous action, and not upon any rights or equities which might have arisen antecedent to the pleadings, or upon any extra-judicial communications between the parties. The question always was what was litigated and what was decided. Now, he thought the defenders themselves had in this case stated perfectly distinctly and quite accurately the reason why the judgment in the previous case could not be pleaded as "res judicata" in this, because they said in the sixth statement of fact- "After setting out the questions that were raised in the previous interdict, the pursuers did not either aver or plead in said action that they had any right of support for either of their lines of pipes, such as now put forward for the Crawley pipe." That meant that they neither averred facts nor pleaded law which would enable the Court to entertain the question whether they were entitled to the support pleaded in the present action. That appeared to his Lordship quite a sufficient ground for holding, and he thought it was a quite accurate statement of the result of a comparison between the two cases.

Counsel for Complainers and Reclaimers - The Dean of Faculty, Q.C.. and Mr Cooper. Agents - Millar, Robson & M'Lean, W.S.

Counsel for Respondents - The Solicitor-General, Q.C., and Mr Clyde. Agent-Mr .J Gordon Mason, S.S.C.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 20 July 1899

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY, LIMITED, AND THE WATER TRUST.

Mr W. S. Brown, chairman of the Directors of the Clippers Oil Company, writes as follows: --

23 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, 12th July 1899.
Sir,— I send you copy of a correspondence which I have had with the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and which I shall feel obliged by your publishing in your next issue.

You will keep clearly in view that this correspondence does not deal with the merits of the case (at present sub judice), but with the methods adopted by the Edinburgh and District Water Trust in conducting their litigations with this Company.

I have felt unwilling to make any further statements in regard to the differences between this Company and the Water Trust until matters were finally settled, but what is set forth in the correspondence is so much at variance with the proper and straightforward way of conducting business that I consider it right that the ratepayers of Edinburgh should be made acquainted with the facts.—l am, your obedient servant,
W. S. BROWN, Chairman.
To the Editor of the Dalkeith Advertiser.

23 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, 22nd June 1899.
To the Honourable Lord Provost Mitchell Thomson, Edinburgh.

My Lord Provost,—At the hearing of the Arbitration Award case before Lord Pearson on the 16th inst., Mr Cooper, counsel for the Water Trust, stated that the notice served on my Company to acquire mineral for support of water pipes was not intended for a good notice, but was only used as a convenient mode of getting interim interdict against the Company working the minerals.

At the meeting of my Directors with your Committee on 17th February 1898, your Lordship intimated that it had been decided to purchase the area of minerals shown on the plan produced, and you verbally gave notice of such purchase, stating that formal statutory notice would be served next day, and you urged that our operations should be stopped at once.

Accepting your word in good faith as that of an honourable gentleman, binding as well on the other members of your Committee then present, I agreed to send a special messenger to the mines, and work was stopped within a couple of hours after your request was made.

Notice was duly served, and I need not remind you of the later negotiations to arrive at a price amicably, all tending, as I thought, to confirm your Lordship's statement.

The statement of Mr Cooper in open Court implies such conduct on the part of yourself and your Committee that I think it well to give you as opportunity of repudiating it. —Yours faithfully,
W. S. BROWN,
Chairman, Clippens Oil Coy., Ltd.

Edinburgh and District Water Trust,
11 Royal Exchange, Edinburgh,
27th June 1899.
Dear Sir,—l have yours of the 22nd inst. I have no doubt you are accurate when you may that, at a meeting between your Directors and my Committee of the Water Trust on 17th February 1898, I intimated that the Trust would serve a statutory notice on your Company with regard to the minerals under and adjacent to the pipe of the Water Trustees. This was carried into effect by the notice which was dated 17th February 1898 and served on your Company. In that notice the Water Trustees intimated that the Trust were willing to do what the Act provides for their doing, namely, compensating your Company for being prevented from working the minerals. The notice further states that the Trust were prepared to make compensation to your Company "so far as you are entitled thereto." and it concluded by declaring that it was given without prejudice to, and under reservation of, all our answers and objections to the said notices served on us by, or on behalf of, you or your predecessors, and of all objections to your working out the said minerals competent to us, and our right of support of the Crawley pipes passing through said mineral field. The other notices served on your Company were in similar terms. I have not heard from the 17th February 1898 till the 22nd June 1898 that your Company did not consider these good notices, nor in conformity with what you state I said at the meeting on 17th February.

Now when, on the strength of the terms of their notices, the Water Trustees are pleading that they are not liable to pay the awards in the arbitrations entered into by the Trust, under the reservations I have referred to, you seek to bring up against me a statement made by the Water Trust Counsel. I was not present at the debate when Mr Cooper is said by you to have made the statement you complain of. I do not know whether your report of what he said is correct. If it is, your Counsel had better ask Mr Cooper what he means. So far as I am concerned I would just ask you two questions. Surely you do not mean to ask the Trustees to pay for what they are not legally liable for; and if your Company did not consider the notices served on them as implement of what I stated at the meeting of 17th February 1989, why have they never raised any objection from that day to this?

As the matter is now being litigated it would be better if any further correspondence on this matter were directed by you to the Trustees Agent. Mr White Miller.- Yours truly,
MITCHELL THOMSON.

Wm. S. BROWN, Esq.,
Chairman, Clippens Oil Coy., Ltd., Glasgow.

23 Royal Exchange Square,
Glasgow, 30th June 1899.
To the Honourable Lord Provost Mitchell Thomson, Edinburgh.

My Lord Provost, I am in receipt of letter dated 27th inst., and much regret that your Lordship should put your signature to such a document. You entirely avoid the question which I raised.

On the 17th February 1989, on your personal and urgent request. my Directors met you in Committee, when your Lordship put plans before us and intimated that it had been decided to purchase the minerals under the area shown, you asked us there and then to accept and act on the notice which you gave verbally, pledging yourself that it would be followed by formal statutory notice, and that we should stop work in our mines at once.

Mr Auldjo Jamieson emphasised your Lordship's statement by saying. "it is understood that we acquire these minerals from now." I assented and at once sent a messenger to the mines, and work was stopped within two hours of time of meeting. There was no hint of any reservation or counter claim of any kind.

Two days after our workings were stopped, formal notice was received, with the clause which you quote added. We presumed the addition was made without your authority, and we objected to it, although we did not, and do not now, attach any importance to it, beyond the fact that it has served as an excuse to involve us in a new law suit.

I do not raise the question whether the notice was good or bad. It is statement made by your counsel in open court that It was not intended as a good notice, but was used a means of getting us to stop work, instead of applying for interdict, which might have led to serious consequences for the Trust.

In other words that you and your committee deliberately conspired to mislead us, and induced us to stop operations under false representations, that all the pretended friendly negotiations towards agreeing on a price, the appointment of a Committee to meet my directors and arrange the price, the sum claimed above £9000, named by your own engineer "being so small" (which Committee never approached us), and finally the statements under oath by prominent members of the Water Trust before the Parliamentary Committees that the Water Trust had bought the minerals referred to—all this was a continuance of the conspiracy. This is what it appears to me is imputed to you by your own Counsel.

I must decline your Lordship's invitation to correspond with the Trust'a agent. As you are aware we had declined to have any verbal negotiations with the Water Trust Committee, and it was your Lordship personally who induced us to attend the meeting referred to. - Yours faithfully,
W. S. BROWN,
Chairman, Clippens Oil Coy., Ltd.

Edinburgh and District Water Trust,
11 Royal Exchange, Edinburgh,
7th July 1899.

Dear Sir. - I have received your letter of 30th June, and am surprised that you should make a charge against my Committee and me of attempting to mislead you and your Directors. I can only repudiate the improper insinuation.—Yours truly,
MITCHELL THOMSON.

W.S.BROWN, Esq.,
Chairman, Clippens Oil Coy., Ltd., Glasgow.

23 Royal Exchange Square,
Glasgow, 10th July 1899.

To the Honourable
Lord Provost Mitchell Thomson,
Edinburgh

My Lord Provost, - I am in receipt of your letter of 7th inst., contents of which I read with regret.

The legal proceedings referred to fully confirm the statement made by your counsel, Mr Cooper, but I was hopeful that your Lordship would disclaim responsibility. Such tactics would not have been available had we not trusted to your honour and good faith.

In order that the circumstances should be fully known, I send the correspondence to the Press. – Yours failthfully,
W. S. BROWN,
Chairman, Clippens Oil Coy., Ltd.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 17 November 1899

THE CLIPPENS COMPANY AND THEIR MINERAL RIGHTS.

In First Division of the Court of Session today, their lordships gave judgment in a reclaiming note by the pursuers in the two actions raised by the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, against the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees. Sheriff Jameson, as arbiter in two arbitrations between the parties, issued an award to the Clippens Company for £8079 compensation for minerals to be left unworked in the lands of Straiton, under or adjacent to the defenders' pipe track, and the same arbiter awarded the pursuers £2250 in respect of unworked minerals. The company raised actions for the recovery of these sums, and the Trustees thereupon intimated an action for the reduction of the awards, which were made under the Acts of 1845. The defenders thereupon asked Lord Pearson in the Outer House to sist the company's actions till the one of reduction came on so that the actions could be heard together. This his lordship did, and the pursuers reclaimed. The Inner House to-day held that the Lord Ordinary did quite right. They adhered to his interlocutor sisting the actions, and gave the Trustees their expenses.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 27 June 1900

EDINBURGH WATER TRUST AND CLIPPENS COMPANY.

The Court of Session to-day, Lord Pearson gave judgment in an action by the Edinburgh Water Trustees against the Clippens Oil Company, Limited. The question at issue was whether the Water Trust were entitled have the Clippens Company restrained from working the minerals under and adjacent to a strip of ground supporting the pipe which conveys the water from Crawley spring to the Castlehill Reservoir. It was maintained that the Water Trustees were entitled to object to the operation of the company under the statutes in virtue of which the pipe was laid, and that at common law they were entitled to adequate support for the pipe where it passes through the lands of Pentland and Straiton. The case for the company was that they were entitled to work the minerals in question as lessees and proprietors, and also in terms of statute, and that their right to do so was established in an action raised by the present pursuers in March 1897. His lordship was of opinion that the pursuers were entitled to decree substantially as concluded for, found that the limits of safety were perpendicular to the rise of 1 in 5 to the dip, and granted interdict against the defenders’ working within these limits. The Solicitor-General for the company asked that his lordship should hear the action for implement of decree which had been sisted pending the above case, in order that they might take the two cases to the Inner House together. The pursuers were allowed expenses.

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 28 June 1900

EDINBURGH AND DISTRICT WATER TRUSTEES V. CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY.

Judgement was given in an action in which the Edinburgh and District Water Trust sues the Clippens Oil Company for declarator and interdict - for declarator that the Water Trust have the right to have the Crawley water pipe so far as laid in a strip of ground in the lands of Pentland and Straiton supported, and interdict prohibiting the defenders from working the shale, limestone, and minerals adjacent to and under the pipes within limits to be fixed by the Court. It was said that the defenders proceeded to work, and have threatened to continue to work, the minerals adjacent to the strip of ground, and under and adjacent to the pipe or aqueduct in the lands of Pentland and Straiton, against the remonstrances of the pursuers, and the interdict should be granted as craved in respect that the working would remove the support of the strip of ground and pipe or aqueduct, and would interrupt the continuous supply of water from the Crawley Spring to the Castlehill Reservoir. The defenders say that they are entitled to work the minerals in question as proprietors and lessors thereof, and that the pursuers have no right of support either under the statute or at common law. The pursuers of this action have two main water pipes which on their way to Edinburgh traverse the lands of Pentland and Straiton. In this part of their course these two pipes lie side by side a few feet apart in what was practically the same pipe track. One pipe which carries the Crawley springs was laid in or shortly after the year 1820. The other, which was laid in or about 1876, carries the Moorfoot water. The main purpose of the present action was to have the Crawley pipe protected from being brought down or injured by the defenders' mineral workings. The action did not relate to the Moorfoot pipe. The pursuers brought this action to have the right of support for the Crawley pipe declared, and to have the defenders interdicted from infringing it. So far as regarded that pipe they claimed an absolute and unqualified right of support; and if they insisted on the defenders leaving the subjacent and adjacent minerals unworked in order to secure it, the pursuers would be in a position to contend that the Moorfoot pipe, which lies beside it, would incidentally get the benefit of that support without payment. They also sought to have it declared that the defenders were not entitled to work the minerals adjacent to a strip of ground feued by them in such a manner as to injure the said strip or bring down the surface thereof. After examining the clauses of the Edinburgh Water Company’s act of 1819, his Lordship said he was of opinion that they clearly imported the right of anyone through whose lands the pipe passed to make a claim in respect thereof. It could not be suggested, his Lordship said, that the pipe was laid behind the backs of the proprietors. They must have been quite well aware of what was going on, and the inference his Lordship drew was that the payment or satisfaction in respect of the laying of the pipe was either adjusted or was deliberately waived. It was true that the Act of 1819 made no reference to minerals, and it might be that no one then had sufficient foresight to claim, or at all events to claim adequately, for the loss of valuable minerals which was involved in the right of absolute support to the pipe. But if such claim was open under the statute, and was either waived or assessed and paid, he did not see how the singular successors of the then owners could take the objection that the claim might have been for a larger amount. As his Lordship read the Act of 1843, its mineral clauses did not apply except to the new works thereby authorised, which, it was to be observed, were almost entirely situated in the parishes of Penicuik, Colinton. and Currie, and not at all in the parish of Lasswade, in which Straiton and Pentland lay. He could not hold that the expression "the works of the company," contained in the mineral clauses of that Act applied to the works then in existence the rights in which had been acquired more than 20 years before. The next question was whether, assuming the right of support to exist, the defenders' operations if continued would substantially interfere with that right. He thought it was clearly established that a continuance of the defenders' threatened operation would result in substantially lowering the pipe and imminent risk to the water supply, and the pursuers' criticism of the position taken up by the defenders as to substituted support seemed to his Lordship perfectly sound, namely that it contemplated not the prevention of subsidences but their cure. The result was that recourse must be had to the only possible alternative, namely, to leave a certain area of the minerals unworked for the support of the pipe. The question was how was that area to be defined. All the witnesses agreed that some of the mineral near the outcrop should remain as it was, the limit being variously stated at from 100 to 200 yards, and that the line of safety was to be found by dropping a perpendicular line from the surface point to be protected to the strata. His Lordship was prepared to apply the English rule that the slope or batter left to the dip should be one in five. His Lordship thought it was clearly proved that there was reasonable apprehension of subsidence in the surface of the pursuers' feu if the defenders worked out the adjacent minerals in their own ground, and he did not see how the remedy of interdict was not appropriate and competent to safeguard the pursuers' right. He did not see his way to sustain the defenders' plea that the pursuers were barred by their actings from insisting in the action. It was said that the defenders had in the knowledge of the pursuers spent upwards of £5000 over a period of about twenty years in developing and working the mineral field in such a way that a large part of the expenditure would be rendered useless if the pursuers succeeded. His Lordship saw nothing to suggest that the pursuers were aware of the defenders being in course of incurring expenditure for a specific purpose and wrongfully failed to let them know that the purpose was regarded by the trustees as contrary to their right. In the result, his Lordship's opinion was that the pursuers were entitled to decree substantially as concluded for. The defenders got expenses.

Counsel for Pursuers-The Dean of Faculty, QC.; Mr Guthrie, Q.C.; and Mr Cooper. Agents - Millar, Robson & M'Lean, W.S.

Counsel for Defenders-The Solicitor-General, Q.C., and Mr Clyde. Agent-Mr J. Gordon Mason, S.S.C.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 14 July 1900

CLIPPENS COMPANY AND THE WATER TRUST.

Lord Pearson in the Court Session gave judgment In the action by the Clippens Oil Company against the Edinburgh and District Water Trust for £10,329, found due by the Water Trust to the Oil Company, under a reference in regard to the value of minerals and free stone to be unworked under and adjacent to the defenders' Moorfoot pipe in the lands of Straiton. The Water Trust contended that the Company were not entitled to work out the greater part the minerals included in the references, and they were not entitled to compensation, nor to sums awarded in the decreets arbitral. His lordship was of the same opinion, and granted absolvitor, with expenses.

Dundee Evening Telegraph - Saturday 14 July 1900

The legal fight between the Clippens Oil Company and the Edinburgh Water Trust is to be continued. The Clippens have been fighting the Water Trust for over four years, and it was thought that the Court of Session interdict against the Company passed a week ago would have settled the matter, but such is not the case, as a reclaiming note has just been lodged. A little give and take on both sides long ere this might have settled the dispute.

Glasgow Herald - Monday 16 July 1900

(Before Lord Pearson.)

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) V. EDINBURGH AND DISTRICT WATER TRUSTEES.

This was an action of implement and payment instituted by the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) against the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees. On 11th November last Mr Jameson, Q.C., oversman, in a reference between the parties, found the pursuers entitled to £8079 compensation for minerals to be left unworked in the lands of Straiton under or adjacent to the defenders' pipe-track, as well as a further sum of £2250 in respect of the un-worked freestone. The pursuers now ask that the defenders should be ordained to obtemper Mr Jameson's order by paying the sums mentioned and expenses. The defenders explain that the Crawley pipe was laid in 1821 under the authority of an Act passed in 1819, which contained no provision similar to those in the Water-Works Clauses Act, 1847, by which the owners of minerals are entitled to work these after giving statutory notice of their intention to do so. On the contrary, it was held in an action between the defenders and Mrs Gibsone of Pentland that when the Water Company acquired ground in which to lay their pipe they did so under the common law rule that a disposition of land without reservation gave the disponee everything "cœlo ad centrum." The Moorfoot pipe was laid in 1877, and it is said that the notices preceding the reference were given under the Water-Works Clauses Act, and were applicable only to the case of the Moorfoot pipe. The defenders maintain that the pursuers not being entitled to work out the greater part of the minerals included in the references, they are not entitled to compensation for not working them, and are therefore not entitled to the sums awarded in the decreets arbitral.

Lord Pearson, in disposing of the case to-day, said the whole proceedings in the arbitration must be held to have taken place under the reservation of the question of law as to the Crawley pipe. In the action by the trustees against the company decided the other day it had been held that the company were not entitled to work the minerals under the pipe, which had to he left unworked without payment of compensation. He was therefore of opinion that the awards were not enforceable, and that the defenders were entitled to absolvitor, with expenses.

Counsel for Pursuers - The Solicitor-General, Q.C., and Mr Clyde. Agents – J. Gordon Mason, S.S.C.

Counsel for Defenders--The Dean of Faculty, Q.C., and Mr Cooper. Agents - Millar, Robson & M'Lean, W.S.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 06 August 1902

THE CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY LITIGATION.

The House of Lords gave judgment yesterday in the appeal by the Edinburgh Water Trust v. the Clippens Oil Company, the question being whether the respondents were entitled be paid compensation for the minerals left in to support the water pipes of the Trustees, which pass through the Clippens mineral field. The contention of the Water Trustees was that they were entitled to support for their pipes, and that no compensation for unworked minerals ought to be allowed. The question arose out of an attempt on the part of the appellants to stop the erection of certain buildings within the limits of the royalty until the plans had been duly passed by them under the bye-laws. It was contended for the appellants that the Lord Ordinary was right in treating the question as primarily depending on the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889, because that Act created the jurisdiction of the appellants, and defined its extent with reference to that the respondents. The function of a boundary was to include that which it bounds, and no more. If the royalty had been meant what would have been simpler than to say so? The appellants said their predecessors had all along exercised jurisdiction over the disputed area to the exclusion of the respondents. Lord Macnaghten, Lord Robertson, Lord Shand, Lord Brampton, and Lord Lindley were of opinion that the judgment of the Court of Session must be upheld, and the appeal of the Edinburgh Water Trust dismissed with costs, the respondents being entitled under decree arbitral to payment for the unworked minerals. The Lord Chancellor, although he did not dissent, was not quite sure of the decision, but he did not desire say anything to create a doubt as to the law of Scotland with regard a decree arbitral.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 08 August 1902

The Water Trust of Edinburgh have been worsted in their encounter with the Clippens Oil Company, and it will be a pleasurable surprise for some folks in the City if the latter are now prepared to remain content with the victory they have gained. All along the litigation that has been engaged in has been most unfortunate. It has worried the Edinburgh Trustees not a little, but above that it has led to the cessation of one of the county industries. It is even said that now the House of Lords has given its decision so pronouncedly and so unanimously in favour of the company’s claim for compensation there may be another action raised to settle the damages, that the stoppage of work may be said to have occasioned. It does seem strange that the Trustees should have refused the claim to compensation, and now that they are compelled as it were at the point of the bayonet of legal necessity to pay it, it is no comforting reflection for the citizens to think that in addition to their having to find the money for the compensation they will also have to pay the costs of the law suit. These are likely to amount to a good deal more money than the original claim, and it would be well if some of the Trustees or those sending the members to represent them on the Trust insisted on getting a note of how much has actually been spent upon the action from first to last.

It is of course a rather difficult matter to control the action of the Trust. Its composition renders it practically independent of the citizens, for men may be elected to it who have no direct mandate from the ratepayers, and who do not require to appeal to the constituencies in the same way as other Councillors do. It is a semi-independent body which may scoff for a time at public opinion. Members are elected to it for three years, and it sometimes happens that a Councillor on retiring from office as member of Town Council may retain office in the Trust for a period of other two years. In that way and for that period he is practically beyond the reach of influences that used to make him careful when as a direct representative of the people on a public Board he had to appeal to them for a renewal of their suffrages. Still, notwithstanding the difficulty which may surround the obtaining of an account of the money spent in this particular litigation, I trust some member of the Corporation will manage to get it, not alone in the interest of the citizens but in that of the Trustees themselves. There are absurd stories going about as to the amount spent, and in view of these it would be well to have some authoratitive announcement, regarding the cost.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 08 August 1902

THE WATER TRUSTEES AND THE CLIPPENS.

END OF A LONG STRUGGLE.

In the House of Lords on Tuesday judgment was given in the action between the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees and the Clippens Oil Company, by which it has been determined that the latter shall receive the compensation fixed upon by the overman on account of their being prevented from working the minerals under the Crawley and Moorfoot water mains passing through the estates of Straiton and Pentland. The sum awarded by the arbiter was £8079 for shale and limestone and £2250 for freestone. The litigator began in the Court of Session before Lord Pearson, the Clippens Oil Company asking for the payment of the sum. The Lord Ordinary on that occasion assoilzied the Trustees from the conclusion of the action with expenses. The Company took the case to the First Division, who recalled the interlocutor of the Lower Court, and gave decree in favour of the Oil Company with expenses. The Trustees then carried the case to the House of Lords, where their lordships, the Lord Chancellor expressing, doubts, but not entering his dissent, confirmed the first Division's decision, and decreed for the payment of the sum fixed by the arbiter, and gave the Company expenses. Lord Macnaughton, who was not present in Court, gave the leading opinion, which was read by Lord Davy. It was to the following effect:-

Two conduits or pipes belonging to the appellants—the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees—to bring water to Edinburgh from the Crawley springs and the Gladhouse reservoir. One is known as the Crawley pipe, the other as the Moorfoot pipe. They both cross the lands of Straiton and Pentland. Straiton and Pentland are mineral properties in which the respondents are interested as owners of Straiton and lessees of the minerals in Pentland. In crossing these lands the pipes are laid side by side and less than two feet apart, so that if the one were exposed to injury by subsidence, it could hardly be expected that the other would escape. The two pipes were laid at different times and under different conditions. The Moorfoot pipe was laid in 1874 by the Water Trustees under the powers of an Act, which incorporates the provisions of the Water Works Clauses Act, 1847. The Crawley pipe was laid by their predecessors in title so far back as 1821 under the authority of an Act that does not contain provisions similar to those by which the Moorfoot pipe is or may be safeguarded. The security of the Crawley pipe (as the First Division has declared in another action between the same parties) depends, and depends only, on the well established principle that where Parliament has authorised the construction and maintenance of works for purpose of a public nature in lands not acquired by the undertakers, subject to provisions for making satisfaction to the owners and occupiers of those lands there follows as a necessary consequence the right to subjacent and adjacent support for the authorised works. That was the case as regards the Crawley pipe. It is clear that when that pipe was laid satisfaction was made to the occupiers. It is not clear that the owners received satisfaction. But this is now immaterial. There can be no doubt that they were aware of what was going on. At this distance of time it must be taken either that they received satisfaction or that they knowingly waived their rights, which may well have been the case if the minerals were not considered valuable at that time. It seems that for some years past the oil company have been working their minerals in the lands of Straiton and Pentland. From time to time as they approached the line of the pipe track they gave the notices required by the Waterworks Clauses Act, but up to February 1898 the Water Trustees did not think it necessary to interfere. However, on the 17th of that month they served a counter notice as to certain mines of shale and limestone, stating that it appeared to them that the working of those mines was likely to damage their pipe track, and that they were willing to make compensation for the same in so far as the oil company were entitled thereto, and requiring the oil company to leave the said mines unworked. They concluded by declaring that the counter notice was given without prejudice to, and under reservation of, all their answers and objections to the notices served on them by the oil company and their predecessors, and of all objections to the oil company working out the said minerals competent to them, and of their 'right of support of the pipes passing through the said mineral fields.' A similar counter notice was afterwards given in respect of certain freestone which the oil company proposed to work. Ultimately the parties went to arbitration, with the result that the arbitrators differed, and the oversman made two decrees arbitral assessing the amounts payable in respect of the minerals required to be left unworked at £8079 for shale and limestone and £2250 for freestone: and this action has been brought to endorse payment of those sums. My Lords, I have much difficulty in understanding the grounds on which payment is resisted. Perhaps there is some little obscurity as to the precise scope and meaning of the declaration at the end of the appellants’ counter notice. Rightly understood that declaration seems to come to no more than this, that the appellants were not to be taken as abandoning, for the purpose of the arbitration or for any other purpose the right of support which they claimed for the Crawley pipe, or any other objections which it might seem competent for them to raise. It seems to me absurd to suppose that they meant to withdraw from the consideration of the arbitrator the rights claimed in respect of the Crawley pipe whatever these rights might turn out to be. If that was their meaning they have failed to express it. If they had expressed such a meaning and effect had been given to it the proposed proceedings would have been altogether idle and the arbitration entirely futile. The appellants might have relied on their rights in regard to the Crawley pipe for the protection of their pipe track, but they deliberately chose to serve a counter notice under the Water Works Clauses Act offering to pay compensation to the respondents. By taking this course they were enabled to stop the respondents working, and to obtain a larger and more definite measure of security. On the other hand, what was the position of the respondents? The minerals belonged to them. They could not, indeed, work so as to injure the Crawley pipe, but if they could avoid doing injury to it they were free to work out every particle of the minerals lying under the pipe track. There was a restriction on their working, but the minerals were theirs. There was no adverse claim. There was no question of title. It was for the arbitrators or the oversman to determine what amount of compensation was payable to the mineral owners for the loss to them occasioned by their being prevented from working the minerals specified in the appellants’ counter notices. It may be that the overman gave the respondents too much, as the appellants contend, or too little, as the respondents seem to think. It may be that he did not give due weight to the restriction which the presence of the Crawley pipe had the effect of imposing on the working of subjacent minerals. It may be that, though the matter was presented to him, he disregarded the restriction altogether. It may be that the appellants put their case far too high, as they did in the action before the Lord Ordinary, and suffered in consequence. But the award on the face of it is not open to objection. In it the overman declares that he had considered the matters submitted to him by the deeds of nomination, and in particular the claims lodged in the submission, and the answers thereto, and the whole proofs adduced by each party, and productions, and proofs, and heard both parties thereon, and thereafter issued notes of his proposed findings, and considered the representations lodged for the parties, and heard parties thereon. What more could any arbitrator do? If the appellants failed to place their whole case before him, and he came to a wrong conclusion, the result is exactly the same. It was for him to decide, and the parties were bound by his decision. Much reliance was placed by the appelants on the overman’s note of the 3rd of November 1898, in which he states that he was asked whether he had or had not, in giving his award, taken into consideration the rights claimed by the Water Trustees in an action then pending against the oil company, as to the right of support claimed in respect of the Crawley pipe, and the possibility or probability of their being successful therein. He declined, he said, to state anything on the subject, adding as a reason, 'I consider that the proceedings in the said action have nothing to do with my duties in this reference.' Speaking for myself, I think he was right; and I do not think that this statement goes to show that he rejected any claim put forward by the appellants without considering it. I am of opinion that the appeal must be dismissed with costs."

Lords Robertson, Brampton. and Lindley concurred in the judgment of Lord Macnaghton, which entered accordingly.

Counsel for the Appellants—The Dean of Faculty and Mr F. T. Cooper. Agents—Mr W. A. Robertson M’Lean, W.S.., Edinburgh, and Messrs A. and W. Beveridge, Westminster.

Counsel for the Respondents—The Solicitor General for Scotland and Mr J. A. Clyde. K.C. Agents—Mr I. Gordon Mason, S.S.C., Edinburgh, and Mr John Kennedy, W.S., Westminster.

Dundee Evening Telegraph - Saturday 16 August 1902

OIL v. WATER.

The decision of the House of Lords in the encounter between the Edinburgh and District Water Trust and the Clippens Oil Company has caused quite a sensation. The Water Trust have two pipes running beside each other, viz., the "Crawley" and the “Moorfoot." The former was laid in 1821, and for it the Trustees had a right of servitude which involved support of the pipe. The Moorfoot pipe was laid in 1874, and for it it was held the Trustees were liable to pay compensation for minerals underneath. The matter went to arbitration, and a sum of nearly £11,000 was given as compensation to the Clippens Oil Company, but this sum the Water Trust refused to pay, and thus the legal fight, which was continued, has now ended in the defeat of the Water Trustees. Not only will they have to pay the compensation amount named, but all the legal expenses from the beginning to the end of the fight, and no-one can tell what these will amount to. The difficulty, however, in dealing with the Trustees, so far as the citizens and ratepayers are concerned, is the constitution of the Trust. It is practically independent the ratepayers, as men may be elected who are not amenable to the ratepayers, who are not responsible to constituencies, and who may be indifferent to public opinion. Members are elected for three years, and it often happens that a Councillor in retiring from the Town Council remains for some time on the Trust, and during such period he is not under the influences that make a direct representative careful. Strong feeling prevails on the subject, and a lot of strange stories are afloat as to amount that has been spent on litigation. There is no doubt some difficulty reaching this, but it to be hoped some member will be bold enough to get an authoritative statement for the public. If not, I understand an effort will be made through the Town Council.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 04 September 1902

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY AND EDINBURGH WATER TRUST.

The Clippens Oil Company, Limited, have appealed to the House Lords against the interlocutor of the First Division of the Court of Session, dated 27th November, 1900, in the case in which the Edinburgh Water Trustees were pursuers. The Court of Session held that within certain limits the Clippens Oil Company were not entitled to work the minerals on the lands of Straiton, under or on each side of the strip of ground belonging to the Water Trustees, in such manner as to injure the pipe or aqueduct from the Crawley spring to the Castle Hill Reservoir, and interdicted them accordingly. The company also seek to have reduced an interlocutor in connection with same case, finding them bound to pay as expenses to the Water Trust £931 16s 4d.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 12 January 1904

CLIPPENS COMPANY AND EDINBURGH WATER TRUST.

£137,000 DAMAGES CLAIMED.

Another stage in the prolonged litigation between the Clippens Oil Company and the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees was reached to-day, when the action of damages raised by the Oil Company as far back June, 1898, was, to use the legal term, "awakened,' and will now proceed. The pursuers conclude for payment of £137,000 in respect of loss and damage alleged to have been sustained in consequence of the interdict obtained in March, 1897, by the Water Trustees against the pursuers encroaching upon the strip of ground bearing the water pipes and against working the minerals in the lands Straiton and Pentland at any point within 40 yards of the pipe tracks. The pursuers state that the Water Trustees were well aware how disastrously such interdict would affect the pursuers' undertaking at the point of development at which it was then, and they aver that the proceedings in question were instituted, and interim interdict was obtained by the defenders oppressively, recklessly, and without any regard to the sufficiency of the grounds on which the application was based in the belief that they would be enabled to force the pursuers to come to easy terms regarding their claims for mineral compensation. After a proof in September, 1897, Lord Pearson found the pursuers entitled to work all their minerals in Straiton and Pentland except certain limestone pillars, and on appeal the First Division found them entitled to work all their minerals without exception. By the obtaining of the interim interdict the pursuers state that the whole available mining developments were ceased, the pits and retorts were closed, and about 1000 workmen had to dismissed. Heavy expense had been incurred in keeping the pits free of water, and a large expenditure would be necessary to bring them into the working condition in which they were when the interdict was obtained. The damage sustained they estimate at the amount sued for. The Water Trustees, in their defences, deny the pursuers' averments, and state that there was no necessity whatever for the pursuers to stop their workings between the granting of the interdict on 16th March, 1897, and its recall on 3d February, 1898. The pursuers closed their works voluntarily, and not owing to the action of the defenders, and the interdicts caused them no loss whatever.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 18 March 1905

CLIPPENS COMPANY AND EDINBURGH WATER TRUST.

DAMAGES FOR WRONGFUL INTERDICT.

Judgment was delivered by Lord Pearson in the Court of Session to-day in the action by the Clippens Oil Company (Limited) against Edinburgh and District Water Trustees for payment of £137,000 for loss and damage alleged to have been sustained through the operation of interim interdict obtained in March, 1897, by the Water Trustees against the company encroaching on the strip of ground running through the mineral field bearing the Trust's water pipes with the water supply of Edinburgh, and against working the minerals in the lands of Straiton and Pentland at any point within 40 yards of the pipe tracks. After a proof in 1897, Lord Pearson found the pursuers entitled to work all their minerals in Straiton and Pentland, except certain limestone pillars, and on appeal the First Division found them entitled to work all their minerals without exception. The Clippens Company alleged that in consequence of the interdict, which, they maintained, was oppressively and recklessly obtained, the whole available mining developments were closed, about 1000 workmen had to be dismissed, and loss and damage were sustained to amount concluded for. The Water Trustees stated that there was no necessity whatever for the pursuers to stop their workings between the granting of the interdict on 16th March, 1897, and its recall on 3d February, 1898. company, they declared, closed their works voluntarily and not owing to the defenders' action, and the interdict caused no loss whatever. His lordship held that it was not a sound argument to say, as the Water Trustees said, that, because interdict was intended for the purpose of maintaining possession of a pipe, no damages were due, and thought that the Trustees had not substantiated their plea that the subsequent proceedings in court with reference to the Crawley pipe justified the interdict. Then it was said that the interdict was justified by a careful examination of the circumstances in which it was applied for and obtained, but he could not sustain the argument based upon that proposition. He could not accept the explanation offered by the trustees that the interdict was not intended to prevent the company from driving levals through the old waste, and attacking the shale on the other side. That would have involved a breach of interdict. His opinion, therefore, was that the Trustees were not well founded in their plea that they were entitled to absolvitor, or that alternatively the Company were only entitled to nominal damages. He thought it was an ordinary case of wrongful interdict obtained which led to the conclusion that damages were due.

DAMAGES ASSESSED AT £15,000.

His Lordship said a very large allowance must be made in respect of what the Clippens Company had failed to do, seeing that the interdict lasted only from 16th March, 1897, until 18th September, 1897. If certain things bad been done, if the company had been willing to look forward to the interdict coming to an end in September he thought they could easily have tided over the crisis. The conclusion at which he arrived was that he should award the pursuers £15,000. The pursuers were awarded expenses.

Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 12 May 1905

EDINBURGH WATER TRUST AND THE CLIPPENS COMPANY.

The Edinburgh Water Trust have appealed to the First Division of the Court of Session against Lord Pearson's decision awarding the Oil Company £15,000 damages the action by the latter against the Water Trust in respect of loss sustained in consequence of the interdict taken out against the Company in March, 1897.

Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 06 July 1905

CLIPPENS V. WATER TRUST LITIGATION.

The First Division of the Court of Session had again before it to-day the reclaiming note for the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees against Lord Pearson's decision awarding the Clippens Oil Company £15,000 damages in the action which they brought against the reclaimers for alleged wrongful interdict. The Water Trustees asked leave before the discussion on the reclaiming note to amend the record by adding a plea that the action by the Clippens Company was excluded by the Public Authorities Protection Act. Counsel for the Clippens Company objected to the proposal on the ground that it would have the effect practically making a new case, and maintained that the motion should be granted only on condition that the reclaimers paid full expenses to date. The Court to-day decided to allow the amendment as proposed by the Water Trustees and to reserve all questions of expenses. The Lord President observed that if Legislature had wished that such amendments should only made upon condition of all expenses being paid it would have said so. It seemed to his lordship that the circumstances in each case must be taken into account. If the result of the amendment being allowed was that the Water Trustees succeeded on the plea now introduced, he conceived that the Clippens Company would be entitled to the full expense of the proof that had been led. But, on the other hand, if the plea was not successful, the case must go on with the merits, and if in that event they came to a different conclusion from that of the Lord Ordinary position of circumstances would be altered. Lords Adam and Kinnear concurred.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 20 March 1906

CLIPPENS COMPANY V. WATER TRUST.

DECISION OF APPEAL COURT.

WATER TRUSTEES LOSE THEIR CASE.

Judgment was given by the First Division of the Court of Session to-day in the reclaiming note for the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees, against Lord Pearson's decision in the action brought against them by the Clippens Oil Company (Ltd.), which sued for £137,000 in name of damages said to have been sustained by the Company in consequence of the interim interdict obtained by the Trustees against the Company encroaching upon the strip of ground running through the mineral field bearing the Trust's water pipes, and also against working the minerals in the lands of Straiton and Pentland at any point within 40 yards of the pipe tracks. In 1897 Lord Pearson found that the Clippens Company were entitled to work all their minerals in Straiton and Pentland, except certain limestone pillars, and on appeal the First Division found that they were entitled to work all their minerals without exception. The interdict complained of was granted on 16th March, 1897, and recalled on 3rd February, 1898, and the Company stated that it had the effect of closing their pits and retorts, causing 1000 workmen to go idle, and otherwise entailing a heavy expenditure. They alleged that the Water Trustees were aware how such interdict would affect the Company, and that the proceedings were instituted without any regard for the sufficiency of the grounds on which the application was based, in the belief that the Company would be forced to come to easy terms regarding their claims for mineral compensation. The Water Trustees stated that the Clippens Company voluntarily closed their works, and denied that the interdict caused them any loss. In the Outer House Lord Pearson found the Clippens Company entitled to damages and awarded them £15,000.

INCREASED DAMAGES.

The Court adhered to the Lord Ordinary's interlocutor, and increased the damages to £27,000. The Lord President, after narrating the progress of the prolonged litigation between the Company and the Trustees, stated that when the reclaiming note was brought by the Trustees they asked and were allowed to add a new plea, based on the Public Authorities Protection Act, and insisted that inasmuch as the summons was not raised within six months of the Lord Ordinary's interlocutor dated September, 1897, the whole action was excluded. As in the case of the Crawley pipe, the defenders' wisdom came late in the day, as it was obvious that if the new plea was a good one no proof need have been taken, and all those costly proceedings might have been avoided. The question was one of the duration of the interdict, and as the judges who heard were of opinion that the interim interdict subsisted until February, 1898, it followed that in their view the action was timeously raised. That plea being disposed of, they now came to the pleas dealt with by the Lord Ordinary. He entirely agreed with the views of his lordship on that matter. The first was that the interdict having been granted to maintain the status quo was not wrongous, but his lordship did not think it could be said truly that the interdict was to maintain the status quo. The next point made by the defenders was that the pursuers could not get damages for being interdicted from doing what they had no right to do. But the defenders argued that the interdict was against only working the stoops, and not against going within the forty feet territory. His lordship was not satisfied that that was so.

WATER TRUST'S TACTICS CONDEMNED.

The pursuers had urged the Court to consider the conduct of the defenders for various reasons. Some of these reasons, he thought, were irrelevant. But he thought it was permissible to consider what the view of the defenders was when they framed the Interim interdict. He had no doubt whatever that the defenders wished to cripple and stop the pursuers. There was an account given by Mr Armour of a meeting with the representatives of the Water Trust, which was not attempted to be contradicted, and which showed quite clearly that the defenders, relying on their unlimited means, meant to force the pursuers into submission. It was not for his lordship to judge, even if he could, as to whose unreasonableness made former attempts at settlement collapse. If further confirmation were needed that what they meant was a war a I'outrance, it was to be found in the terms of the report produced in the Inner House which the defenders made, and which convinced his lordship that for the practical purposes of the safety of the pipe the interdict need not have been applied to Pentland; and (2) the tactics displayed regarding the dates on which the applications were made and the reclaiming notes taken. On the question of damages, his lordship pointed out that the case had been altered by the decision that the wrongous interdict continued until February 1898. A calculation was not easily made, and must be more or less a rough estimate, but he was of opinion that the damages be the sum of £27,000. Lords M’Laren and Kinnear concurred. The Clippens Company were awarded expenses.

Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 11 June 1907

CLIPPENS COMPANY V. WATER TRUST.

HOUSE OF LORDS' DECISION.

BOTH APPEALS DISMISSED.

The House of Lords gave judgment to-day in the Clippens Water Trust appeal. The appeal was against an interlocutor of Lord Pearson in the action in which the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, sued the Edinburgh and District Water Trustees for £137,000 damages for the loss sustained by the stoppage of their works, as they alleged, by interdict in 1897. In March, 1897, the Water Trust obtained interim interdict against the Clippens Company working the minerals in the lands of Straiton and Pentland at any point within forty yards of the Water Trustees' pipe tracks. When the case came into the Court of Session from the Bill Chamber. Lord Pearson found that the pursuers were entitled to work all their minerals in Straiton and Pentland, except certain limestone pillars, but on appeal the First Division found that they were entitled to work their minerals without exception, so long as they did not injure the pipes. The pursuers, averring that their works were closed compulsorily from March, 1897, when the interim interdict was granted, until February, 1898, when it was recalled by the Division, claimed in this action damages to the extent of £137,000. In defence, it was stated that the works were closed voluntarily and that the interdict caused no loss. Lord Pearson awarded the pursuers £15,000 and expenses, on the footing that the works were closed because of the interdict from March, 1897, to September following, when the interdict was recalled by the Lord Ordinary. On a previous reclaiming note, the Division allowed an amendment of the record to the effect that the action was barred by the Public Authorities Protection Act, the action not having been brought within six months of the injury.

Both parties reclaimed against Lord Pearson's judgement. The Court adhered to the interlocutor of the Lord Ordinary, but increased the damages to £27,000, and found the defenders liable in expenses.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S VIEW.

The Lord Chancellor, in giving judgment, said this interdict was granted in March, 1897. In September, 1897, the Lord Ordinary recalled it, so far as the points now in issue were concerned, but the defenders appealed against this recall, and here, unfortunately, another error arose. It was held by the Lord Ordinary, erroneously as was now admitted, that the interdict did not continue operative until the appeal was heard in the Inner House. In the Scottish Law, this interdict did in fact check the pursuers’ mining actions from March, 1897, till February, 1898, when it was finally recalled by the Inner House. When pursuers first brought their action, they thought that the interdict was wrong from beginning to end, and claimed that they had suffered damages to the extent of £137,000 by reason of being prevented from working the mines under the track of the pipes for a space of 80 yards in width. When they learned from the decision of this House in 1903 that the interdict was only in part wrong, they adapted their claim to the altered legal conditions, and said that the interdict wrongously prohibited them from driving levels through the 80 yards strip, so as to get at and work shale lying outside of that strip. The claim for damages remained as before, £137,000. It was not disputed that the interdict did prohibit driving such levels, and was to that extent wrongous, for such levels might have been driven without letting down the surface, and the real controversy in this case was narrowed down to the question—What damages had pursuers suffered by reason of the interdict stopping them from driving such levels and getting at the shale beyond during the 11 months from March, 1897, to February, 1898? He did not think any useful purpose would be served by a minute examination of the claim. It was based upon the theory that the pursuers had a prosperous future before them, and that they incurred ruin because of this interdict. He must say that the particulars of the claim seemed to him most unsatisfactory, and the foundation on which it rested was highly speculative. He found it very difficult to believe that this company had any but the most remote prospects of success and it seemed at least doubtful whether it was to any considerable extent affected by so much of the interdict of March, 1897 as was wrongous. There was a great deal to be said for the view that the company would in no case have succeeded, and that the grievance of not being able to drive levels was a mere afterthought, conjured up to sustain a claim of damages when the original claim had broken down. But he did not feel himself at liberty to depart on such points from the opinion of the learned judge, who saw and heard the witnesses, and though he did not in detail deal with the evidence which had awakened his misgivings, he did find that a wrong was done, and that substantial damage had ensued. Their lordships, as at seemed to him, were in this case practically bound to accept that conclusion. In assessing the damage, Lord Pearson arrived at the figure of £15,000 upon the footing, which was not now sustained, that the interdict was operative only till September of 1897. No materials were given that enabled him to discover how this figure was arrived at. The First Division found that the interdict was operative till February, 1898, and fixed the damages at £27,000. So far as could be surmised, for here again materials were wanting for a definite opinion, the First Division adopted Lord Pearson's basis, and merely gave an additional sum for the additional months during which the interdict continued in force. Where everything, or nearly everything, rested In conjecture, there was room for infinite diversity of view . This was like the common case where a jury was asked to assess damages with no fixed rule and few ascertained facts to guide them. In such cases very strong ground must be had for disturbing the verdict. He thought their lordships could only apply the same principle here. I have not been satisfied, his lordship continued, that the sum of £27,000 did not fully represent the damages. For these reasons he was of opinion that both the appeal and the cross appeal should be dismissed with costs.

Lords Macnaghten, Ashbourne, James, Robertson, Collins, and Atkinson concurred. The judgment of the First Division has accordingly been upheld.

Miscellaneous

Glasgow Herald - Friday 25 April 1873

PAISLEY. INFIRMARY. – The Treasurer has much pleasure in announcing receipt of £7 4s 9d contributed in aid of charity by workers in the employ of the Clippens Shale Oil Company, Clippens, by Johnstone.

Paisley Herald and Renfrewshire Advertiser - Saturday 03 May 1873

LINWOOD. TRADE PROSPECTS.— The trade prospects of this district are excellent.. The extensive Clippens Shale Oil Company promises to become one of the largest manufacturing and export concerns in Scotland. This mineral from which the oil is extracted forms a very extensive and rich substratum in the vicinity, and will afford ample employment for long series of years before its wealth is exhausted. A comfortable row of new houses has been built near the manufactory, but the trade is extending so rapidly that now workers have to seek houses for the present in Elderslie, Johnstone, and Crosslee. The nearest station is Crosslee, but it is believed a passenger station will, at an early date, erected at the village of Linwood.

North British Daily Mail - Wednesday 07 May 1873

LINWOOD. SOAP MADE FROM SHALE — We learn that the Clippens Shale Oil Company are about to commence the manufacture of soap, &c., from the refuse of the shale. Amongst other novelties, the company have been making bricks from a kind of sediment of this mineral.

North British Daily Mail - Saturday 11 April 1874

INFIRMARY. – The Treasurer has much pleasure in announcing receipt of the following sums in aid of the institution, viz.: Workers of the Clippens Shale Oil Co., per Mr John M’Donald, £5; workers of Messrs Peter Kerr & Son, New Street, £4.

Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 13 June 1874

(extract from longer article headed “Today’s Excursions”)

The employees of the Clippens Shale Oil Works, from Paisley, have come to Edinburgh to spend their annual holiday. They number about 500, and another excursion train has arrived from Muirkirk with about 600 passengers. In consequence of these excursions the streets are more thronged than usual, and have a lively aspect.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 10 April 1875

INFIRMARY. – The treasurer thankfully acknowledges receipt of the undernoted sums, viz.: -

Workers of the Clippens Shale Oil Company, per Mr Wm. Young, Manager… £7 3s 0d

Workers of Mr James Wood, coal merchant… £1 6s 0d

Glasgow Herald - Thursday 21 December 1876

KILBARCHAN. – The Unemployed. - A meeting of the committee appointed to organise relief for the unemployed was held on Tuesday evening in the Parochial Board-Room-the Rev. Dr Graham in the chair. The treasurer, Mr James Miller, intimated that the subscriptions now amounted to £220. Of this sum £50 was given by the Messrs Coats, and £40 by the Messrs Clark, of Paisley. It was reported that Mr James Scott, of Clippens Shale Oil Works, had given employment at good wage to a number of the idle weavers, and that Sir Robert Napier had agreed to employ some at light out-door work. The question of manufacturing a number of webs was again considered, and a sub-committee was appointed to bring up a report at next meeting. A considerable amount in money and food was distributed among the more needful cases. The reports from the various districts showed that a good deal of destitution existed.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald - Saturday 27 January 1877

CERTIFICATE.-Mr William Archibald, a native of this place, and who, for the last eighteen months or so, has been employed at Clippens work near Johnston, has successfully passed his examination, as a manager of mines, and obtained a Government certificate of competency for the same.

Paisley Herald and Renfrewshire Advertiser - Saturday 12 May 1877

The Treasurer of the Infirmary gratefully acknowledges receipt of the following sums, viz.:- From workers in Abercorn Shipbuilding Company’s Yard, £1 10s: from workers in the employment of the Clippens Shale Oil Company, £8.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 12 January 1878

Seasonable Liberality in Linwood.— Thanks to the liberality of R. T. N. Speir, Esq., Culdees Castle, Perthshire ; the Clippens Shale and Oil Co., Linwood ; and few gentlemen in the district —about fifty tons of coal have been distributed to the poor in the village of Linwood during the past week, thus giving an average of a couple of tons to each family. This seasonable gift has been duly appreciated by the poor people in this inclement weather.

Glasgow Herald - Saturday 21 December 1878

LINWOOD. – In consequence of the continued cold weather, Mr James Scott, of Clippens Oil Works, has placed at the disposal of the Rev. Mr Milne 200 tons of coals, to be distributed among the deserving poor of Linwood and surrounding district. Captain Speirs of Burnbrae has also given 40 tons for the same purpose.

North British Daily Mail - Monday 23 December 1878

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY (LIMITED).

Sir, I have just read your article on British mineral oils imported into France. You are quite right in stating the French Government have agreed to charge only 5 per cent ad valorem on all lubricating oils of 865 gravity, this is, as it should be by treaty, after deducting barrels, &c., about £5 per ton, so in fact it is a protection of 240 per cent. The writer has been a Free Trader all his life, but if this is carried out as free trade or reciprocity, he must abandon his old opinions. At present our lubricating oils sell about £12 per ton, which will pay 12s duty. Our schist oil cost £7 10s per ton, and pay a duty now of 3s 6d, and after March the French Government have placed a bill before the Chambers raising the duty to £12. I am, &c., James Scott, Chairman of the Clippens Oil Co.. Limited. 16 Bothwell Street, Dec. 21.

Glasgow Evening Post - Friday 04 June 1880

MARRIAGE OF MR. SCOTT OF CLIPPENS. - Yesterday the marriage of Mr. Thomas Inglis Scott, a partner of the Clippens Oil Company, to Miss Reid, daughter of Mr. Reid, coalmaster, Gallowflat, Rutherglen, was celebrated with great rejoicing at Clippens. The extensive works were stopped, amd after refreshments were served the employees danced in a field near the works, the Balaclava Band being in attendance. Mr. Scott is deservedly popular the district.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 20 November 1880

JOHNSTONE

COMPLIMENTARY SUPPER AND PRESENTATION

On Saturday night last, a number of gentlemen assembled in the Black Bull to celebrate the occasion of Mr. Neilson’s leaving the Clippens Oil Works to become manager to the Walkinshaw Oil Company. The chair was occupied Bailie Love, supported by Mr. M'Phie as croupier. Among those present were, Provost Donald, Mr. Liddell, secretary of the Walkinshaw Oil Company; Messrs. Allan and John Craig, of Allan Craig & Son; Mr. M'Bean, of Glasgow; &c, &c.

After an excellent supper had been partaken of, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed and duly honoured. In presenting to Ur. Neilson a testimonial, consisting of magnificent marble and bronze timepiece, with inscriptions, and a purse of sovereigns, together with a splendid gold watch and chain for Mrs. Neilson, -

The Chairman expressed the great pleasure it afforded him in having been selected to present these gifts to a gentleman whom he had known so long, and who was so eminently deserving of them. After passing high eulogium on the character of Mr. Neilson, the chairman said their guest was at present undergoing what might term a “transformation” in his life. In him the Clippens Oil Company were losing valuable servant, and the Walkinshaw Company was gaining an efficient and experienced manager. He (the speaker) was sure that all present hoped Mr. Neilson would have before him many long years of useful labour in connection with the company whose services he was about to enter. The chairman than presented Mr. Neilson with the gifts referred to and concluded by expressing the good wishes of the company for the health and prosperity of himself, his wife, and family.

Mr. Neilson, in acknowledging the gifts, said that he could not sufficiently express to them in words his deep sense of the honour they had done him that night. He could only thank them with a grateful heart for their kindness, which was only another instance of the great regard and consideration which had always met with at their hands while at Clippens. After referring to his work at Clippens and the relations existing between himself and the employed, he thanked them most heartily on behalf of Mrs. Neilson for the handsome gifts.

The Croupier (Mr. M’Phie) delivered an address during the course of the evening.

A number of toasts followed, and songs were sung at intervals during the meeting, which greatly enlivened the enjoyment of the proceedings. The singing of “Auld Langsyne” brought a most pleasant evening to a close.

Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Monday 06 February 1882

IMPROVEMENTS IN SHALE DISTILLATION.

An invention which promises to be of great importance to the mineral oil trade of Scotland is just being experimented on in an elaborate and careful scale at the works of the Oakbank Oil Company, near Mid-Calder. The patent is a new retort—known the Young and Beilby - and the object intended by the inventors is to secure the largest possible yield of oil and ammonia from the distillation of shale. Test experiments with the view determining the value the patent were lately made at the Oakbank works by Mr J. F. King, F.C.S., Edinburgh, and by Dr Stevenson Macadam. Edinburgh, and Dr Wallace, Glasgow, and the results are regarded as completely proving the great superiority of the new retort over these hitherto in use. The yield and quality of the oil is said to be exceptionally good, and as regards the product of ammonia it exceeds all expectations. It is not necessary here to enter into detailed reference to the results brought out by the experiments; suffice it to state that the commercial yield of sulphate of ammonia to the ton shale was from 36.43 lb. to 39.387 lb. Under the systems generally in use the yield has been about 18 lb. The vast importance of the invention is apparent at a glance; but it may be mentioned that an authority in the oil trade calculates that the annual gain to the Scotch oil companies alone—supposing the patent is generally adopted—will foot up close on £100,000. It should be added that Mr Beilby is manager and chemist at the Oakbank Company, and that Mr Young is of the Clippens Oil Company, and it so happened both gentlemen were engaged simultaneously working out the same problem—hence the joint patent.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 16 June 1883

LINWOOD.

CLIPPENS OIL COMPANY'S EMPLOYÉS' EXCURSION. – On Saturday, the employés at Clippens Oil Works had their annual excursion to Rothesay. The workers, to the number of about 500, marched to Linwood, where the Caledonian Company had made arrangements for running a special passenger train over their goods line for the accommodation of the excursionists. On arriving at Greenock, the steamer Athole was awaiting them to convey them to Rothesay, where a very pleasant day was spent. The firm, with their usual liberality, put the trip within the means of all.

Dundee Courier - Monday 23 July 1883

EXCURSIONISTS. - On Saturday the workers of Clippens Oil Works, Loanhead, to the number of about 400, visited Perth. The excursionist, arrived about ten o'clock, and marched through the principal streets, headed by the Gilmerton Reed Band, to the Exchange Hall. Rain fell in the forenoon, but the sun broke out during the day, and the party marched to the North Inch, where dancing was engaged in. The visitors left in the evening.

Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser - Saturday 19 January 1884

UPHALL.

PRESENTATION TO MR W. D. DUNLOP, - Mr Dunlop, who for a long period has had charge of the engineer department of the Clippens Oil Company at Pentland, having accepted a similar position at the Uphall Oil Works, was, on the 5th inst, presented by the men who had worked under him with a silver mounted walking cane, and at the same time a silver salver and tea service was presented to Mrs Dunlop. The inscription was —" Presented to Mr W. D. Dunlop by the workmen of the Clippens Oil Company on the occasion of his leaving the Pentland Works."

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 19 April 1884

PRESENTATION.— On Saturday evening, an interesting meeting took place in the Masonic Hall, Cross Keys Hotel, presided over by ex-Bailie Love, there being also present—Councillor Simpson, Mr. George Smith, Mr. Macphie, and others. The Chairman, on behalf of a numerous company of employees of Clippens Oil Works, presented to Mr. Alex. Young, on the occasion of his leaving the employment of the company, a marble timepiece and vase, and a purse of sovereigns. Mr. Young feelingly returned thanks for the gift. The evening was pleasantly spent in song and sentiment.

North British Daily Mail - Friday 25 April 1884

SUDDEN DEATH OF MR JAMES SCOTT.

We regret to have to announce the death of Mr James Scott, of the Clippens Oil Company, which took place yesterday afternoon. In the morning Mr Scott came to the office of the Clippens Oil Company, and during the forenoon be was engaged in transacting business as usual. Between one and two o'clock he was suddenly seized with illness, and died in the course of a few minutes. Medical aid was at once summoned, but it was of no avail. Apoplexy is supposed to have been the cause of death. Mr Scott was for a number of years a member of the Town Council and of the Clyde Trust, a magistrate of the city, and the occupant of many other positions of public confidence, in each and all of which he did excellent service to this community. It was, we believe, mainly through his exertions that the lands of Kelvingrove were acquired for the West-end Park; and along with other gentlemen who purchased the estate of Stobcross, which he afterwards disposed of to the Clyde Trustee., who subsequently utilised the ground in the formation of the Stobcross Docks. A gentleman of great energy and conspicuous public spirit, he exerted, himself for the public advantage in many directions. Mr Scott's business connections were also numerous and important. He was at time a prominent member of the firm of James Black & Co., calico printers, Dalmonach, Vale of Leven. Retiring from that business many years ago, be erected, in company with his brother William, a large spinning factory in Bridgeton. He erected the extensive block of buildings in Bothwell Street, extending on the north side from Hope Street to Wellington Street, and in which his own office was latterly situated. Mr Scott also acquired the estate of Kelly from the late Mr Wallace, M.P. for Greenock, and subsequently disposed of it to the late Dr James Young. He was, in consequence of this purchase, long known as Mr Scott of Kelly. Some time ago he acquired the Clippens Mineral Oil Works, the business of which he more recently converted into a limited liability company, he and two of his sons retaining the management of the concern, in which, of course, their interest was extensive. Mr Scott, who was of a most kindly and genial disposition, greatly and widely respected, was about 75 years of age. He married a daughter of ex-Lord Proyost Galbraith, and is survived by her and a grown-up family of sons and daughters.

The Scotsman - Friday 25 April 1884

MR JAMS SCOTT, the managing partner of the Clippens Oil Company, died suddenly in the office of the Company in Glasgow yesterday. Heart disease is stated as the cause of death.

Glasgow Herald - Friday 25 April 1884

DEATH OF MR JAMES SCOTT.

We regret to have to intimate the sudden death of Mr James Scott, formerly of Kelly, and one of the number of old Glasgow merchants who in their day have so largely contributed to the commercial prosperity of the city. The sad event took place in the office of the Clippens Oil Company, Bothwell Street. Mr Scott, who resided at No. 1 Woodside Place, attended at the office of the company as usual yesterday morning, but in the course of the forenoon he was suddenly seized with illness, and shortly afterwards expired. He had reached the age of 74 years, and his life had been one of unbroken activity.

James Scott was a native of Glasgow. He went into business at an early age, and his industry and intelligence were such that in his nineteenth year he became a partner in the firm of James Black & Co., calico printers. The senior partner of the firm, by the way, was the father of Lady Alison. It was an extremely successful business that of James Black & Co. Mr Scott went into it with characteristic energy, and in the opinion of experts did more at that time to develop calico printing than any one of his contemporaries. After a good many years devoted to this special industry, he went into another. In company with his brother, William Scott, he acquired a spinning and weaving mill in the eastern district of the city and here again commercial enterprise resulted in the concern becoming the largest of the kind in Scotland. But his career was not wholly without its shadows. During the troubles incident to the American War he became involved in the failure of Messrs Collie, and was obliged to compound with his creditors. Nothing daunted, he set to work again, and, on a Christmas morning some years afterwards, his creditors received from Mr Scott a cheque for the full amount due. About 10 years ago he originated the Clippens Shale Oil Company; and two years since, probably feeling that his life was nearing its close, he turned the business into a Limited Liability Company. Besides carrying through these various undertakings, Mr Scott was a large holder of heritable property. About 1850 he purchased the estate of Kelly, Wemyss Bay, and took a prominent part in promoting the Wemyss Bay Railway.

His public career was very much briefer, but not less notable, than his mercantile life. Many years ago he became a member of the Town Council of Glasgow, carrying into the conduct of public affairs the far-seeing shrewdness and decision which characterised his action in private matters. He was not long a member of Council, yet he achieved a great deal in a short time. Glasgow was then in a transition state - emerging from the modest commercial town into the colossal city which it has since become. There were members of Council who failed to see that this significant change was going on, and who still preserved, in respect to local legislation, the narrow spirit of the town. Their faltering timidity was, however, counterbalanced by the decision of Mr Scott, who in clearness and breadth of outlook was far in advance of his time. As deputy-chairman of the Clyde Trust, he helped forward several of the most important undertakings of that day. ln his capacity as a Town Councillor, he strongly advised the purchase of the ground since known as the West-End Park for the use of the citizens. The project was regarded as too daring even for the community. In these circumstances Mr Scott bought it himself and held it until the authorities came to see what was for the public advantage. Similarly, for the general good, he built at his own expense the bridge connecting Bothwell Street with the west end of St Vincent Street, and thus forming the easiest line of access between Gordon Street and the west. As we have said, Mr Scott did not long remain in public life. He was an influential man, and did important work in his day, but the Town Council, we can readily believe, had few attractions for him. Essentially a man who decided promptly and executed vigorously, and who was rather impatient of speechmaking, he probably felt himself out of his element in the Town Council of Glasgow, and so he left it, and again devoted himself to his private concerns. He was vice-chairman of the Vale of Clyde Tramways Company, but in strictly public matters he had taken no active part for many years. We have indicated, in what has been said, some of the distinguishing qualities of Mr Scott, to which it may only be added that he was a man of singularly generous disposition. His death is mourned by his widow and a grown-up family.

Renfrewshire Independent - Saturday 17 May 1884

PRESENTATION TO LATE CLIPPENS COLLIERY MANAGER.— On the evening of Friday week, at a social meeting, Mr. Archibald, colliery manager, late of Clippens and now of Haywood, was, in name of a few friends, presented by Mr. Crawford, who presided, with a beautiful mounted writing-desk and gold pencil for himself, and a silver tea-set for Mrs. Archibald. Mr. Archibald made a feeling reply.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 17 July 1884

SUPPER AND PRESENTATION. – On Wednesday last Mr John Young, under manager of the Clippens Oil Company's work at Pentland, was intertained to supper in Lasswade Hotel, on the occasion of his leaving to assume the managership of the Boson Company's works in the south of France. About thirty gentlemen were present. Mr Bell, manager at the Pentland Works, presided, and Mr Martin discharged the duties of croupier. The loyal toasts having been proposed the chairman, in the name of the officials and employés, presented Mr Young with a gold watch and chain, a pocket book, accompanied with a purse of sovereigns, and a gold watch and chain for Mrs Young. A sealed envelope, containing £20, from a gentleman who did not wish his name to be made known, was also presented to Mr Young. Mr Bell, in making the presentation, spoke in highly flattering terms of Mr Young as a faithful and energetic servant, and as one intimately acquainted with all the latest improvements in the various branches of the oil industry. Mr Young replied in suitable terms, thanking the donors for their unexpected and extreme kindness, and acknowledged the assistance he had received in his work from Mr Bell and the foremen over the different departments, as well as the hearty co-operation of the men. Among the toasts which followed were—" Success to the Clippens Oil Company," by Mr John Young, Bonnyrigg, responded to by Mr Bell; "The health of the guest and his wife and family," by Mr Robertson. The happiness of the evening was much enhanced by songs from Messrs Duthie, Gray, Goldie, Ruthven, and Lindsey, while the excellency of the supper and the arrangements for the comfort of the company reflected much credit on the purveyor, Mr Smith, and left nothing to be desired.

Glasgow Herald - Wednesday 03 June 1885

(Extract from “The Scotch Oil Trade” column):

The Clippens Oil Company has experienced the benefit of removing from a poor and costly shale district to one where the seam is thick and the quality good. It is generally understood that the working of the old Clippens shale was latterly unprofitable, notwithstanding the higher prices for products which then prevailed; and it is therefore satisfactory to learn from the report that the prudent transition to Pentland has resulted in a 12 per cent. dividend to the shareholders. In acquiring the Mid-Lothian Company, one of those concerns begotten of the foolish inflation of recent years, the Clippens benefits both itself and the trade generally by the absorption of a weak competitor.

Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 20 June 1885

PRESENTATION TO THE MANAGER OF CLIPPENS OIL WORKS. – The Clippens Oil Company, having acquired the Midlothian Oil Works, Mr. Nigel M’Phie, the esteemed manager at Clippens, has been promoted to the post of overseer of the newly acquired works. Before leaving the district in which he has for many years resided, Mr. M’Phie was presented with a solid silver tea-service, and his daughter, with a silver bracelet. The presentation took place in the Cross Keys Hotel, Johnstone, on Saturday evening. Mr.Allison, of the Clippens Company, occupied the chair, and made the presentation, which Mr. Mc’Phie suitably acknowledged. Mr. M’Phie’s health was cordially pledged.

Renfrewshire Independent - Saturday 25 September 1886

LINWOOD.

THE TELEPHONE. – The National Telephone Exchange Company had Linwood connected to their system on Saturday. Several of the public works in that district, including the Clippens Oil Company, have been connected by wire.

Fife Free Press, & Kirkcaldy Guardian - Saturday 16 February 1889

THE CLIPPENS SHALE MINERS.

The miners employed by the Clippens Oil Company at Pentland Mines, Loanhead, have received an advance of 10 per cent. to their wages.

Renfrewshire Independent - Friday 21 June 1889

CLIPPENS.

A VISIT BY GLASGOW STUDENTS - The members of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College Chemical and Metallurgical Society visited the works of the Clipper's Oil Company, last Saturday, where they were received by Mr. Craig, manager, and Mr. Gray, chemist. The members then divided into two parties, one going under the leadership of Mr. Craig, the other under that of Mr. Gray. After having seen the various stages of relining the crude oil, and received a most interesting description from their respective leaders, the members were served in a most handsome manner with refreshments. A vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Duff, brought a most interesting and enjoyable visit to a close.

Glasgow Herald - Friday 26 June 1891

BIRTHS, DEATHS, MARRIAGES and OBITUARIES.

NEILSON. - At 30 Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow, on the 24th inst., aged 50 years, Alexander Neilson, ironmonger, late manager of Clippens Oil Works, Edinburgh.

Musselburgh News - Friday 31 July 1891

MINING APPOINTMENT – Mr Robert Armstrong, Newbattle Collieries, has been appointed underground manager at the Clippens shale mine.

Mid-Lothian Journal - Friday 22 January 1892

LOANHEAD.

MR WM. JOHNSTON of the Clippens Oil Company has obtained a first-class mining certificate – the result of an examination held in November last.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 08 August 1895

BATHS FOR WORKMEN. – The Clippens Oil Company have erected three new baths at Straiton works for the convenience of their workmen. The baths are provided with both hot and cold water, and there is also a spray bath. There is also a comfortable dressing room. The workers seem highly to appreciate the boon, and to take advantage of it greatly.

Dalkeith Advertiser - Thursday 14 November 1895

PRESENTATION.—A number of the employees of the Clippens Oil Company, Limited, met at Bilston Inn on Saturday night for the purpose of presenting Mr John Wilson, late foreman engineer, with a tangible token of respect and esteem. Mr Turnbull occupied the chair, while Mr Christie acted as croupier. After the usual toasts had been drank, including "Success to the Clippens Oil Company," "The Queen and Royal Family," and to "The Guest of the Evening," &c., Mr Turnbull, in making the presentation, which consisted of a handsome gold pendant with suitable inscription, a briar pipe, and purse of sovereigns, also a gold brooch to Mrs Wilson, alluded in feeling terms to Mr Wilson's removal from amongst them, and said his heart's desire was that he and his spouse might long live to enjoy them as a memento of past friendship. Mr Wilson then replied, and said the presents which he now received would be long cherished both by himself and his better half as a reminder of past joys and associations. The vocalists were Messrs Watson, Garvie, Heggie, Faulds, Aitkinson, Paton, and Wilson; and Mr John Christie gave a splendid rendering of the recitation, titled "Bothwell." All praise is due to Mr Walker, Bilston Inn, for his tasteful decorations and purveying. The company broke up by singing "Auld Lang Syne," all seeming well satisfied with the night’s enjoyment.

Edinburgh Evening News - Wednesday 22 January 1896

To-day the Clippens Oil Company intimated to the Scottish Mineral Oil Trade Association their resignation as a member of the combination for the maintenance of the price of wax. Others are expected to resort to a free hand in selling their production.

1899

NEW HERMAND OIL COMPANY .

An extraordinary general meeting of the New Hermand Oil Company was held yesterday afternoon in Lyon & Turnbull’s Room, George Street, Edinburgh, for the purposes of making certain alterations to the articles of association so as to bring them into conformity with the requirements of the Stock Exchange. In the circular calling the meeting it was intimated by the directors that they had deemed it advisable to call up the 1s. 8d. per share on the shares now only partly paid.

In explaining the object of the meeting, Mr E Chalmers, chairman of directors, who presided, stated that their articles of association were practically those of the old Company, but that it seemed that they did not pass muster with the Stock Exchange nowadays. The changes now proposed were distinctly in favour of the shareholders.

A resolution giving effect to the proposed alterations was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Mr D. Stewart, and unanimously adopted. Afterwards, making a statement in regard to the position and prospects of the company, the Chairman mentioned that the full number of 120 retorts had been in operation for a few weeks, and that whilst up to the present they were not doing just all that the directors might wish, he looked forward very soon to their doing all that was anticipated. They had practically gone in for a new sulphate of ammonia.

They were busy putting in plant for the recovery of naphtha, and they expected a yield of two gallons per ton of shale, giving them some 360 gallons of naphtha per day. Just now they were making between 4000 and 5000 gallons of oil daily. Their oil was all sold. Two or three months ago the Company made a contract for their entire production of oil for a twelvemonth. Although he had been told they were too soon in fixing their contracts, he had not yet come across anybody who would pay the Company more than they were getting. In conclusion, he said he looked forward with hope and confidence to a fairly successful career for the Company, provided they had no startling or untoward events in the oil world; and so far as he could gather from conversations with people long connected with the trade, there was a general feeling that they were in for at least a few years of very considerably better times than the oil trade in Scotland had experienced for a long time past. They had still on their own property, apart from what they leased., something over three million tons of shale.test

The Scotsman, 27th October 1899

.......

1900

THE NEW HERMAND OIL COMPANY

The report by the directors of this Company with respect to the Company’s affairs as at 31st March last (a brief summary of which appears in our commercial news) is as follows : —

The accounts cover the period the taking over on 10 March 1899 of the undertakings of the Old Hermand Oil Company (Limited), but the works have not been in full operation since that date. Some time necessarily elapsed before the various departments were got into working order. A partial start was made with 40 retorts on 7th July, but it was three months later before the full 120 retorts were in operation. Since then various difficulties, resulting mainly from the works having stood idle for nearly eight years, have been met. Matters are now working smoothly. The directors regret that the accounts are not of a more favourable nature but it is to be remembered that the Company has been working at a considerable disadvantage in consequence of the antiquated nature and worn out condition of the retorts. The anticipated yields of oil and ammonia have not been realised. This is doubtless partly owing both to the condition of the retorts, and to the fact that a proportion of the shale put through had been lying exposed to the weather for some years. With reference to the balance at debit of profit and loss account (£1763, 6s, 7d.) , it may be stated that this includes a sum of £463, 10s. 3d,., which the directors are of the opinion might form a proper charge against capital, but it has been thought better to charge same against revenue. A trading account was opened on 7th July, and all the “oncost” charges were thereafter debited against it, though it will be observed that only one-third of the retorts were going for three months after that date.

The directors are giving attention to the Company’s shale fields. They were originally led to rely upon No. 4 pit, West Breich, for their supply of shale, but found this insufficient to keep the retorts fully charged. A new mine, which gives every promise of yielding a large and regular supply, has been opened on the Company’s own property of Mid Breich, and another mine on West Breich estate will shortly be opened. From these mines a large supply of shale of good quality will be available. Two tests of the Company’s shale in bulk, one from Mid Breich and the other from West Breich, have recently been made through modern retorts, and the results have been of a decidedly satisfactory nature, the yields being very considerably better than are at present being obtained through the Company’s own retorts. Since the advance in the price of coal the Company have worked the coal fields leased by them and obtained supplies at a cost very considerably under what would have had to be paid in the open market.

With reference to the position of matters at Walkinshaw, most of the shareholders are doubtless aware that the old Company carried on there two fairly large farms. The directors of the Company shortly after reconstruction, made overtures for the renunciation of the leases of these two farms. These overtures resulted successfully. The old Company also held a lease of the old refinery and brick work at Walkinshaw. The brick work has been sub-let at a satisfactory rental, and some little time ago the directors disposed of all the old plant in the refinery, taking advantage of the high prices ruling recently for such material. The plant was sold partly by private bargain and partly by public auction, and the directors were thoroughly pleased with the price realised. The annual liabilities at Walkinshaw are now reduced to something less than £200, and the proprietor has recently indicated that he will relieve the Company of the lease (which has still about 3½ years to run) if a satisfactory tenant for at least a considerable portion of the ground is found.

Prospects for the future are decidedly encouraging. According to mining engineers’ reports there is an abundance of shale sufficient to last many years. Coal – one of the heavy items of oncost – is being obtained at a reasonable cost in sufficient quantity to supply the wants of the Company. The market for products is good and prices seem likely to be maintained. The only drawback is that the retorts are old and worn out.

The directors have given much consideration to the question of new retorts, and have now no hesitation in recommending the Company to sanction their erection. With the view of providing the necessary capital, they propose that the capital of the Company should be increased by £30,000 in 7 per Cent Preference shares. Of this amount they consider that £25,000 should be offered forthwith for subscription. They are advised that this sum will provide ample funds for the erection of 64 retorts of an improved type, with all the necessary connections and plant capable of a daily throughput of 240 tons. At present there are 120 retorts in use, capable of a daily throughput of only 180 tons.

A large saving can be effected both in consumpt of coal and expense of working the new retorts as compared with the old ones, and the directors are quite satisfied that provided prices remain at anything near present values, a very respectable dividend can be earned on the Ordinary shares, after paying the Preference dividend. It will be observed that the advantages are twofold:- 1. A large saving in working costs. 2. Considerably increased yields of both oil and ammonia. These advantages together may be moderately estimated in figures at 2s. per ton, which on 240 tons of shale per day, is equal to an annual sum of between £3000 and £5,000.

The directors, the report adds, entertain no doubt that the proposed issue of preference shares will be readily subscribed.

The Scotsman, 14th July 1900

.......

1900

THE NEW HERMAND OIL COMPANY.

The first annual general meeting of the New Hermand Oil Company (Limited) was held in Lyon & Turnbull's Rooms, Edinburgh, yesterday - Ebenezer Chalmers, the chairman of the company, presiding. There was an attendance of about 30 or 40 shareholders.

The Chairman said with reference to the past proceedings of the directors, during the past year they had had a number of difficulties to surmount, but he thought they had gradually overcome them and that they were now in fairly smooth waters. It would be pretty well understood that when the works of any company had stood idle for about eight years it could not be started right away without hitches here and there.

They would observe that the anticipated yields of the oil and shale had not been realised. That was partly owing to the condition of the a retorts, partly owing to the fact that a considerable portion of shale was shale that had been exposed to the weather for six or eight years, and partly because they had a difficulty in keeping the retorts fully charged. - They were led to rely upon No. 4 Pit for a full supply of shale. They were disappointed, and within the past few months they had made it their endeavour to make sure of new supplies of shale. They were now pretty well off in that respect, and within the next week they would be opening up a new mine at West Breich, in addition to one on Mid Breich, on their own property; and he looked forward with every hope that within a very few weeks they would be on perfectly safe lines so far as supply of shale went.

The result of the past year's working showed a debit balance of £1763. That included £463 which could be directly traced to the fact that for three months they had only 40 retorts going in the place. They had been led to expect a yield of 240 tons of shale a day but their average was something under 200. The fact was that they were working with antiquated plant, with retorts that were old in point of type and also in construction. It was something like 15 years since they were built. When the company started they were quite aware that expenses were going to be greater than was calculated. Fuel had gone up, and workmen's wages.

They therefore considered it their duty when making a contract to get such a price as would recoup them for the extra expenditure. He could show that they not only got sufficient to recoup them, but something more. Had they got the anticipated yields upon which Mr Beveridge (who had reported on the works) based his calculations, with the extra price they got for the oil and the additional price for sulphate of ammonia, they would have exceeded the increased expenditure by £500 or £600.

They had now available at their mines 8,000,000 tons of shale, so that they need have no fear of running short for a long time to come. The proposition had been made that the capital of the company be increased. That would come up later, but if they got the money he would be no party to flogging a dead horse; and if it was suggested that they should do the best they could with the old retorts he would simply say that he would not be a party to that proposal. He did not think it would be worth their while to spend another penny on the present retorts, and if they were not prepared to get up-to-date plant they had better go into liquidation at once, because they not only had a chance with new retorts of getting a very considerably increased yield, more particularly of ammonia, but they had also the surety that they would be able to get that yield at a very much smaller expense than with the old retorts.

The Chairman then moved the adoption of the report. Replying to a number of questions put by Mr Stewart, the Chairman said at the present moment they were not earning any profit; but in the course of a fortnight he calculated they would be earning a profit of something like 6d. per ton, as a new contract came into force at a the beginning of next month at a considerable advance on the old contract. Mr Beveridge, who had reported on the works, was, he understood, general manager of the Linlithgow Oil Company. Mr Fraser, manager of Pumpherston Oil Works, who was asked to speak, said he had no hesitation in saying that if that company was prepared to spend a sufficient sum of money to replace the plant and put the works upon the most modern lines the company would succeed; but to attempt to work retorts that were 16 years old was simply folly. They had the shale, and they must spend money and put the works on modern lines. Unless they were prepared to do that, his advice would be not to spend a penny on the old retorts.

The report was adopted, and Mr William Lyon re-elected a director.

Mr Fraser was nominated and seconded as a member of the board, but declined the office, remarking, however, that he would do all he could for the company.

At an extraordinary meeting held afterwards it was agreed to increase the capital of the company by the creation of 30,000 Preference shares, of which 25,000 are to be forthwith offered for subscription.

Glasgow Herald, 24th July 1900

.......

1902

THE NEW HERMAND OIL COMPANY

In their annual report the directors regret that the results of the year's working have not been more satisfactory, but the works have been carried on under somewhat exceptional circumstances.

Costs have been abnormally high, and for the last four months of the financial year the building of the new retorts was in progress. It was considered advisable to build these in close proximity to the old ones, and this necessitated certain changes in the steam and other pipe connections of the latter, which interfered for a time with the usual yields. It has also to be kept in mind that the company derived no benefit from the new retorts for any part of the year under review, as they were not heated up until early in April, 1901.

It was shortly after the last annual meeting that the directors were authorised to issue 25,000 7 per cent. preference shares for the purpose of erecting new retorts. The amount applied for was £18,154, and as soon as this sum was assured the directors proceeded with the work, but owing to the full amount not being subscribed they had to curtail the number of retorts they originally intended to erect.

The yield of oil has been practically the same from the new as from the old retorts, but there has been a very fair increase in the yield of ammonia. A few months ago, when the estate of Wester Breich, from which the company derives its present supply of shale, was advertised for sale, the director were satisfied that it would be advantageous for the company to purchase, provided the necessary additional capital could be obtained.

As the result of their efforts in that direction it was arranged that a syndicate composed of shareholders of this company should acquire the property, it being first agreed that the syndicate should give two distinct advantages to the company, namely- (1) The right to purchase at an agreed price within a specified time; (2) a modification of a somewhat onerous condition in the lease with reference to payment of lordship on unworked shale. In addition to these advantages the company now enjoy further benefits which only an interested and friendly landlord could be expected to afford.

An adverse and unexpected change recently took place in the condition of the mineral oil trade of Scotland, owing in a large measure to the reduction in value of oil products originated by foreign producers. As this reduction in values necessitated cheaper working costs, the directors intimated a reduction in wages, which they were sorry to say resulted in a strike of about 10 weeks' duration. The settlement ultimately was based on a fairly satisfactory compromise. Working costs are now much lower, whilst fuel and stores are being procured on easier terms, and the directors are hopeful as to the future.

West Lothian Courier, 3rd January 1902

The New Hermand Oil Company (Limited).— The second annual general meeting of shareholders was held within Lyon and Turnbull's Rooms on Monday afternoon. The chairman (Mr E. Chalmers) submitted the directors report and balsam-sheet for the year to 31st March last, and in doing so explained the delay in holding the meeting, and referred to the miners' strike which took place in July, and also to the very heavy fall that had taken place in the value of oil, which meant a difference of £9000 to £10,000 per annum. He stated that they were now getting an ample supply of shale at a moderate cost. He also expressed his regret that the shareholders had not subscribed for the full amount of preference shares, only about £18,000 having been subscribed out of £25,000 offered. This necessitated a curtailment of the original programme. He concluded by moving the adoption of the report and accounts, and after some discussion, during which a number of questions were asked and replied to by the chairman, the motion was put to the meeting, and unanimously agreed to. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks to the chairman, moved by Mr John Wilson, who strongly recommended the shareholders to subscribe the balance of the preference issue, and enable the company to put up the full bench of retorts.

West Lothian Courier, 3rd January 1902

.......

THE NEW HERMAND OIL COMPANY. Ltd.

The following is a copy of the report by the Committee, appointed by the shareholders on 23rd April, 1902, to the extraordinary general meeting of the Company to be held within Messrs Lyon and Turnbull's Rooms, No. 51 George Street, Edinburgh, on Wednesday, the 21st day of May, 1902, at three o’clock afternoon:-

At the meeting of shareholders held in Messrs Lyon and Turnbull’s Rooms on Wednesday 23rd ulto., the Chairman (Mr Chalmers) made a detailed statement with regard to the affairs of the Company, explaining what had transpired since the last meeting of shareholders, the present position of the Company, and the directors' views with regard to future prospects, and he pointed out that the circumstances now required the shareholders to consider whether the Company should go into liquidation or be reconstructed.

He advised reconstruction, and stated the reasons which led him to recommend this course, but suggested that it might be more satisfactory to the shareholders generally if they were to appoint a Committee of their own number to meet the directors to receive fuller and more detailed information and to consult with them and advise as to whether the suggested reconstruction should proceed.

We, the undersigned, were at the meeting referred to, appointed a Committee, with powers, in the event of our being favourable to the scheme proposed, to adjust the same with the Directors with a view to its being brought formally before the Company. The scheme indicated by Mr Chalmers was to reconstruct the Company under the same name with the same amount of nominal capital, viz., 30,000 preference shares of £1 each, and 70,000 ordinary shares of £1 each, and to give each preference shareholder, in exchange for every preference share held by him in the present Company, one and one-third preference shares in the new Company of the same nominal value as the present shares, viz., £1, but with 15s paid up thereon, leaving 5s of call liability—these shares bearing a cumulative preferential dividend of 6 per cent. instead of 7 per cent. as in the present Company—and to each ordinary shareholders in the present Company one ordinary share in the new Company, credited with 15s paid up thereon, in exchange for every ordinary share held by him in the present Company, thus leaving the ordinary shareholders liable for 5s on each of their new shares.

For the purpose of fixing the number of shares in the new Company to which each preference shareholder will be entitled, and at the same time avoiding fractions of shares, it was proposed to take in each case the nearest whole number not exceeding the number of shares held in the present Company with the addition of one-third thereof. The sum of 5s unpaid on each class of shares, it was suggested, should be paid in sums of one shilling on application and one shilling at the end of every three months thereafter - shareholders paying calls in advance being allowed interest at five per cent. thereon till due. The number of preference shares issued in the present Company is 18,154, and in the new Company the total issue in exchange for these will amount to a number not exceeding 24,205, being one third more. The result will be, as regards the present preference shareholders, that they will hold in the new Company shares of a nominal value equal to the total amount paid on their present shares plus the call of 5s to be paid on the shares in the new Company issued to them, but instead of the 7 per rent. cumulative preferential dividend, they will be entitled to receive 6 per cent.— , the object being, while giving the preference shareholders shares for all the money, old and new, contributed by them, to keep down the annual charge by way of preference dividend to a figure somewhat nearly approaching the amount in the present Company.

Since our appointment we have had several meetings with the directors, and have also visited the works and mines at Breich, and met there the directors and general manager, from all whom we have received fuller and more detailed information than was possible to be given in the course of a general meeting. Since visiting the works we have also met privately and considered in the light of our fuller knowledge of the circumstances, the suggested reconstruction, and we now beg to report that, as the result of our inquiry, and investigation, we are unanimously agreed in recommending to the shareholders the scheme above explained as being, in the circumstances, the best course that the Company can pursue in the interests alike of the preference and ordinary shareholders. In our opinion the assessment of both classes of shares in the sums proposed is a fair and equitable arrangement, and we have not been able to suggest any alternative schemes or any modification upon that proposed.

The principal factors inducing us to form the opinion above expressed have been the increased and steady yields of oil from the new retorts as at present working, the large amount of available shale of superior quality, the tendency of the same to improve et depth, and the demonstration to us of the reduction in working costa to be brought about by an increased throughput, all likely to result, as we are assured and believe, in the business of the Company becoming, even at the low price of oil, a remunerative one. The shale owned and leased by the Company we consider to be a very valuable asset, likely in the future to appreciate, both because its present high quality shows improvement at depth, and because other known available fields of this mineral are constantly diminishing. We also give great weight to the saving which it is evident must result in standing and oncost charges from the increased output which the erection of additional retorts of the most modern and approved description will effect. We take this opportunity of expressing our thanks to the directors for their courtesy throughout our communications with them, and our appreciation of their unsparing services in managing the Company's affairs.

Robert Hamilton (chairman) J. E. Brock, Dav. Cairns, J. Cochrane, Wm. T. Wood.

West Lothian Courier - Friday 23 May 1902

The New Hermand Oil Coy.

An extraordinary general meeting of the New Hermand Oil Company Ltd was held on Wednesday afternoon an Lyon and Turnbulls Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh—Mr E. Chalmers, Bonnington, presiding. The meeting was called for the purpose of considering, and, if approved, of passing the following two special resolutions:-.

“1. The rights and privileges of the holders of the Preference shares shall be and are hereby modified in the manner following, that is to say – If the assets and business of the company shall be sold or transferred to any new company, with a capital of one hundred thousand shares of £1 each, divided into thirty thousand Preference shares of £1 each, carrying a cumulative preferential dividend of 6 per cent. per annum and preferable also as to capital, and seventy thousand Ordinary shares, all or some part whereof shall not be fully paid, each of the holders the Preference shares held by him in this company one and one-third of equal value, viz.: £1 per share in the new company credited with 15s, paid and with a call liability of 5s per share, but, in calculating the number of shares in the new company to which any Preference shareholder shall be entitled, the same shall be taken as the nearest whole number not exceeding his holding in this company with the addition of one-third thereto."

“2. In the event of the assets and business of this Company being sold or transferred as above-mentioned, the holders of Preference shares in this Company shall not be entitled to receive payment of any arrears of dividend due to them, and any provisions, inconsistent with this or the foregoing resolution, contained in the Articles of Association of this company, and particularly in the provisions introduced into the same by special resolutions passed 23rd July. 1900, and 10th August, 1900, shall not receive effect."

In moving the adoption of the resolutions, the Chairman said he had explained at a previous meeting their position. If the Company was to live, its salvation lay with them. They had great faith in the future, and by the erection of additional retorts at the works, and much improved plant, they would succeed in bringing the cost of oil to a penny per gallon under what they could produce at present. That was the position which they desired to attain. The amount of money wanted was £19,000. They based their expectations of profitable results on the greatly improved results now got from the shale, on the large supply of shale that they had, and the considerable saving that might be expected by the increased output from the new retorts.

Mr Cochrane (Leith) seconded the adoption. The only hope of the company, he said, was by these resolutions taking effect.

Mr Harley (Dunfermline) said he was in the unfortunate position of being one of the old shareholders. Year after year they received fair promises, but the results were exceedingly disappointing. If they were to judge by the promises that day by past experience, they would be very sceptical of the future. (Hear. hear.) He had always had good hopes of this company, and these were based on the good quality of the shale. The proposals before them seemed very crude and brutal one. (laughter.) He moved an amendment that they wait the auditor had completed his report, and then further consider the proposals of the directors.

Mr Wishart seconded.

The Chairman, in answer to queries, said that, there had been a loss on the year’s working of £3000, including the loss caused by the strike in the autumn. Considerable discussion followed, and on the proposition being made, Mr Harley agreed to withdraw his amendment on the understanding that the report be issued to the shareholders a week before the meeting at which the resolutions would come up for confirmation.

The meeting then agreed to the resolutions, as also to the proposals to voluntary wind up the company with a view to its reconstruction.

West Lothian Courier - Friday 23 May 1902

.......

The New Hermand Oil Company, Limited.

An extraordinary general meeting of the New Hermand Oil Company (Limited) was held on Friday afternoon in Lyon and Turnbull’s Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh—Mr E. Chalmers, Bonnington, chairman of the directors, presiding.

The meeting was called for the purpose of confirming the following two special resolutions: -

“1. The rights and privileges of the holders of the Preference shares shall be and are hereby modified in the manner following, that is to say —lf the assets and business of the company shall be sold or transferred to any new company with a capital of one hundred thousand shares of £1 each divided into thirty thousand Preference shares of £1 each, carrying a cumulative preferential dividend of 6 per cent. per annum, and preferable also as to capital, and seventy thousand Ordinary shares of each, in consideration of the issue of shares, all or some part whereof shall not be fully paid, each of the holders of the Preference share held by him in this Company shall be emitted to receive for every Preference share held by him in this company one and one third shares of equal nominal value, viz. —£1 per share in the new company credited with 15s paid and with a call liability of 5s per share; but is calculating the number of shares in the new company to which any Preference shareholder shall be entitled, the same shall be taken as the nearest whole number not exceeding his holding in this company with the addition of one-third thereto."

“2. In the event, of the assets and business of this company being sold or transferred as above-mentioned, the holders of Preference shares in this company shall not be entitled to receive payment of any arrears of dividend due to them, and any provisions, inconsistent with this or the foregoing resolution, contained in the articles of association of this company, and particularly in the provision introduced into the same by special resolutions passed 23rd July 1900, and confirmed 10 August, shall not receive effect."

The Chairman, in formally moving the confirmation of the resolution, explained that since last meeting on the 21st May a conference had been held between the larger shareholders and the directors, and the report and balance sheet had been issued. The total expenditure involved in reconstruction was £796 2s 9d. The debit balance for the year was undoubtedly a heavy one. The entire loss incurred during the strike, however, was included in that amount. Some might be inclined to ask why they should go on working at a loss.

The loss now was much less than when they were working all the retorts. At present they were working with the new retorts alone, and an arrangement with their miners had enabled them to get a considerably improved quality of shale. The improvement in the value of the shale per ton now was about 2s 6d per ton. He attributed that partly to improved shale and partly to the fact that they were now getting a better yield of ammonia from the new retorts. In consequence of that very great improvement in the value of their products they considered they were justified in going on until now.

It was now for the shareholders to confirm the resolutions: or liquidation and winding up must take place. They were retorting about 100 tons a day, and their idea was to retort a minimum quantity of 250 tons per day.

Mr John Cochrane, Leith, in seconding, said the more he considered the situation the more he was contented that any other course than that proposed would be a most unfortunate one. There was no doubt that the Scottish oil companies at present were going through very trying times, but things were looking more hopeful, and he thought the only course open to them was to give the New Hermand Oil Company another chance. (Applause)

Mr Hew Stewart, Musselburgh, said that before the resolutions were confirmed the meeting ought to take into consideration the present Board of Directors. They had a good enough shale field, if it were properly conducted. He moved that a thorough re-arrangement be come to, that a general manager be appointed as commercial and working manager, so that the whole thing could be taken up by one man, who alone would be responsible for the general management of the company.

Councillor Harley, Dunfermline, said that before any reconstruction would be satisfactory there must be some change amongst the directors. The sheet anchor of any company of that sort was, first of all, they must have a good subject to work. He was fairly satisfied that the shale they had to work was of an excellent kind. No manager, whatever his experience, could make the company a success with the old retorts or with the small number of new retorts, and to that extent he freed the manager from responsibility. He had no reason to doubt he had done his best. They had good shale, but they had been throwing it away with the old retorts, which should have been stopped long ago.

It was necessary that there should be some change in the Board of Directors, and it was necessary also that there should be sufficient money to carry on the company. To go on working with 100 tons of shale per day was simply throwing away money. It was not perhaps so deadly as when they were using the whole of the old retorts. The results of the new retorts taken by themselves were eminently satisfactory, but the number of these new retorts was not sufficient to carry the works on at a profit. Unless there was a hearty response to the appeal for more money to build those new there was no chance whatever for the company.

The Chairman said it was incompetent to deal with the directorate at that meeting, but he might tell them that the Board were not so much enamoured of the duty of conducting the affairs of the company as to desire to remain attached to it permanently, and at the statutory meeting, which would be held within a very short period, the shareholders would have the opportunity of putting forward any gentlemen they might desire as directors.

From the balance-sheet it would be seen that they were due the bankers £2963. Every director was an obligant at the present moment for that money, and not only for that money but for other sums, and he thought that ought to be kept in mind. He could assure them that several members of the Board were desirous of retiring, and it would be an opportunity for the shareholders to come forward with practical men.

With regard to the old retorts he regretted that he had been persuaded to agree their being continued so long in use, for to the old retorts he attributed a great deal of the loss they had sustained. He did not say that with favourable markets they could not have made a profit. With regard to Mr Stewart’s motion he pointed out that t was incompetent at that meeting. Their only course was either to vote in favour of the confirmation of the resolutions or against it.

Mr John Robertson, Edinburgh, asked if the cost of the new retorts and the new plant was to come to £19,000. He made it out in that case that the present debts of the company would be nearly £33,000, and in view of that, it behoved that meeting to consider very carefully whether the resolution should be confirmed.

The Chairman said the amount that they were aiming at in the reconstruction was £19,500. It was not proposed to spend all that on new retorts, because it was not practical to do so. They would see that the debts amounted to £9700, and that had got to be provided for. That was where part of the sum of £19,500 was to go. The sum of £10,000 at least would be spent on new retorts, and they were satisfied that with such a sum they could put up sufficient retorts to put through a quantity of at least 250 tons of shale per day.

Mr J, H, Robertson, stockbroker, Edinburgh, said he did not think it was the slightest use launching animadversions on the directors for anything they had done or had not done. The present chairman had done his very best (hear, hear) – in the very worst of times, and he thought the manager had also done his best. They had not had the tools to work with; they had not had sufficient retorts; they had not had sufficient money; and they had the worst of markets. They had the future to look to, and they ought surely to benefit by the mistakes of the past. In the first place, they should replace or have a pledge for replacing the present directors by another Board, who, some thought, might do better. He did not think they could do better. They had an opportunity of making arrangements for the future, and he suggested that if they could not get a real expert on the Board of the company who was not already interested in it, they should try if they could not induce their manager, who was leaving to fill another important post, to go on the Board of the company, and give it the benefit of his advice. The manager knew the thing from top to bottom, and with their present chairman along with him, and perhaps one or two more directors at the most of the same class. He thought the company would have a fair chance.

It was essential that they must have the money to work with, and he thought they should get a pledge from the directors that without that money in their hands, they would not proceed further with the reconstruction. On a vote, 27 voted for the confirmation of the resolutions and 8 against. The resolutions were declared passed and confirmed.

The Chairman thereafter formally moved confirmation of the following resolution: -

That this company be wound up voluntarily with a view to its reconstruction, and that John Oliver, 114 George Street, Edinburgh, be, and he is hereby appointed liquidator for the purposes of such winding up.

That the liquidator be and is hereby authorised to consent to the registration of a new company under the name of the New Hermand Oil Company (Limited), or any other name that may be agreed upon, with a capital of one hundred thousand pounds, divided into thirty thousand preference share, of one pound each, and seventy thousand ordinary shares of one pound each.

That the liquidator be, and he is hereby authorised to sell or transfer the assets and undertaking of this company to such new company, when registered, upon the terms contained in the draft agreement expressed to be made between this company, its liquidator, and the new company, and that with such modifications (if any) as may be assented to by the liquidator with the approval of the directors of this company.

Mr David Cairns. Leith, seconded.

The resolutions, on being put to the meeting, were confirmed by a similar vote, 27 for 8 against. Mr Cairns thought it was about time they had a little better feeling in the company than they had in the past. They should put their shoulders to the wheel and go forward.

Councillor Hamilton. Leith, hoped the directors would get a competent man to deal with the works, because the salvation of the company depended upon that. On the motion of the Rev. P. M. Hertford, Leith, a vote of thanks was given to the chairman.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

The directors, in their report for the year ending 31st March last, state that they regret the results are so disappointing. Briefly, they may be summed up as follows: -

(1) The enormous reduction in value of oil products last year, which on a normal throughput meant a sum approaching £10,000 to the Hermand Company.

(2) The strike that occurred in July, on the part of the miners, and which lasted for ten weeks, necessitating the closing down of the retorts.

(3) The impossibility of immediately reducing working costs to anything like the same extent as the fall in revenues.

The entire loss incurred during the strike, and which, of course, amounted to a very considerable sum, is included under the item “Loss in Manufacture, etc.” The directors, immediately after the suspension of the Linlithgow Oil Company in February last stopped all the old retorts, and at the same time came to a new arrangement with their miners in reference to the system of working the shale field, and they are very glad to be now in a position to state that the results which have since been obtained show a very decided improvement. They believe that this is due partly to the improved quality of the shale now being worked, and likewise to the fact that only the new retorts are in use.

The yields since February have been very steady and satisfactory, and the directors, along with the committee of shareholders which was appointed on 23rd April last, consider that they afford distinct encouragement to proceed with the erection of additional retorts. If this done there is a good prospect of a satisfactory profit being earned, even at the low prices presently ruling for oil. As for sulphate of ammonia, the present value is above the normal, and the directors base their calculations on a price considerably under the figure which is being realised at present.

ABSTRACT BALANCE SHEET as at 31 March, 1902.

ABSTRACT PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT for year ending 31st March, 1902

West Lothian Courier, 27th June 1902

1880

THE BROXBURN OIL COMPANY (LIMITED). A report has been issued by the directors of the Broxburn Mineral Oil Company in regard to the issue of new stock to meet the outlay arising in connection with the purchase of the Benhar Company's oil works.

After detailing the circumstances which led to the acquisition of the works, the report says;-The purchase price of the works, including cancellation of the shale contract with the Benhar Company, was £40,000; and for oil in stock and stores, £6000-together, £46,000. The company's previous works are capable of distilling and refining fully 400 tons of shale per day, while the above addition will increase their capability by 200 tons per day. This increase will, of course, require more capital. In order to put the works thus recently acquired on the same efficient footing as the works at Broxburn, and to enable the like profits to be derived, it will probably be necessary to erect new retorts similar to those now in use at Broxburn. New stock tanks and a new freezing machine will also have to be got. The total requirements in connection with the purchase are thus:-Purchase price, £40,000; new retorts (if necessary), £ 10,000; freezing machine, &c., £3000; for stock and book .debts, £7000-in all, £60,000.

Your directors have given their careful consideration to the best method of providing this sum. Two courses were open to them - viz., either to borrow the money, or increase the capital. Believing that all plant expenditure should be provided by capital, and as the company would thus obtain a direct gain, which would not be the case if debentures were issued, they have decided to recommend the latter course. The present capital of the company consists of 16,500 shares of £10 each. Of these, 4500 are fully paid up, £45,000; 2000 are deferred fully paid, £20,000; 10,000 are £8 10s paid, £85,000 - in all, £150,000.

Your directors would now recommend the shareholders to increase the capital to 20,000 shares of £10 each, by the issue of 3500 additional ordinary shares (£8 10s paid,, at the price of £15 per share, to be offered in the first instance to the holders of the existing ordinary shares, which gives them an advantage of a considerable premium on the present market value of the stock. This would only add £29,750 to the existing capital, but would yield £52,500, thus giving a direct gain to the company of £22,750. Should this scheme meet with the approval of the shareholders, and be adopted, the working capacity of the company will be increased by about one-half, while only one-fifth will have been added to the capital. Your directors will take up their full proportion of these shares, and an additional number should such be obtainable. In addition to the usual sum written off annually for depreciation, they recommend that the whole profit derived from the sale of the above shares, amounting to £22,750, should be placed to the credit of plant accounts, and thus reduce the capital expenditure on plant.

Glasgow Herald, 14th September 1880

1882 Annual General Meeting

BROXBURN OIL COMPANY. The fifth annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Broxburn Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday in the offices of the company, Exchange Square- Councillor James Steel, Edinburgh, presiding. Mr. John N. King (secretary) having read the notice calling the meeting, the report by the directors, which has already been published, was held as read.

The Chairman afterwards said - In moving the adoption of the report, I am happy to congratulate the shareholders upon, the continued prosperity of this company. The result of the year's working has been very satisfactory indeed, and leads us to hope that the future of the company will be equally prosperous. The history of the oil trade has been one of serious fluctuations, but I may mention that the fluctuations once we started at Broxburn have all been in the one direction, and that of a downward tendency. The prices realised this year for all our products, with the exception of sulphate of ammonia, which was 25s per ton higher, have been the lowest I believe ever known in the trade. The report, which has already been circulated, gives you so much information that, with your permission, I will only add few remarks thereto. Of course you are aware that we have to pay dividend upon an increased capital this year, but I am happy to say that the increase required has been met by the large quantity manufactured, and also by a decrease in the cost of production. Improvements are being adopted at our works that will further tend in this direction. The net profit for the year, as you will see from the report, has been £48,912, sufficient to pay a dividend of 25 per cent, and to carry forward to our reserve the handsome sum of £995 4s ld, thus making 84 per cent paid to the original holders. 'The depreciation written off this year is also the very handsome sum of £30,611 12s., got from the sale of the 750 deferred shares, and our usual depreciation of 7 per cent upon the whole capital expenditure of the company, making £75,579 since the formation of the company.

Our stock-in- trade is larger than on any former year. I may explain, however, that this is the natural result of a larger work. We require to keep a larger stock of shale in the byng (sic), there is a greater amount of oil in process of manufacture; and added to that is our increased stock of wax and candles, which the necessities of the trade require us to have always on hand. These stocks have been taken I upon the same principle as hitherto; and this year, having an unusually large stock of burning oil, which has always been sold at less than manufacturing cost, we consider it our duty to reduce it to the market price of the day, and we have t been very careful not to carry forward anything that could be a possible burden upon the succeeding year. The capital expenditure is greater than we anticipated twelve months ago, part of which could not be foreseen, but is during the summer the directors considered it, advisable to enlarge the Broxburn refinery we as to manufacture the whole of the crude oil made by the company, and also to increase their wax and candle factory, so as to manufacture all the scales into wax and candles. We foresaw that an increased profit could be made this source and, besides, we have now a large staff of agencies all over the country, and these extensions will enable us to take greater advantage of their services. By referring to the first paragraph of the statement showing the company's operations, you will observe the position of our capital expenditure, and I point to it with considerable satisfaction, as you will see that two years ago our expenditure was £156,000, and our working capacity about 4,000,000 per annum. Now our capital expenditure is £194,000, and our working capacity is over 8,000,00 gallons or, putting it another way, two years ago our total capital expenditure was equal to £939,000 per I million gallons of crude per annum and this year, after deducting £16,000 as the value of our wax and candle factory, it is £22,250 and, besides this, we have the refinery at Benhar doing nothing at the present moment, and which will be available should an increase in our operations be considered desirable.

These figures show the very satisfactory state of the company, and must be gratifying to you as they undoubtedly are to the board. Mr Kennedy has brought in a map showing the extent of the shalefield leased by this company, the property of Lord Cardross. It is rather a small scale, being six inches to the mile, but I may state that the extreme a distance from east to west is about three miles, and from north to south about the same, and the total area is something like five square miles. The portion marked red is what has already been worked, and only by the company, but what has been worked at Broxburn during the last twenty-two years, and is only about a twelfth part of our area. Last year we spent over £500 in boring to prove a portion of the field, and within a very limited area round our present workings it has been calculated by an engineer that there is sufficient to give a supply of 100 tons a day for the next ten or twelve years to come. It is known that, in addition to this, there is shale in nearly every portion or the field. Some of it, however, is very deep, and may not be so easily wrought; but we also know that in the south of our field and in the west we have a large and virgin field of moderate depth to start upon when necessity requires. It is only but fair that you should have a knowledge of the abundance of our shale supply. (Applause.) Mr Hurll seconded the motion for the adoption of the report, which was unanimously agreed to, the dividend declared being at the rate of 25 per cent, per annum. Mr Hoggan proposed that Mr Hurll and Mr Kennedy be re-elected directors of the company, and in doing so remarked that any shareholder who visited the works must be satisfied that they had the right men in the right place. (Applause.) Mr Robert Robertson seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. Mr Bell proposed that Mr. Wyllie Guild be reappointed auditor of the company, and that he should be paid the sum of £100 for his services.

The motion having been confirmed unanimously, Mr Guild thanked the shareholders, and went on to say - As this company has now had an existence of over four years, and has paid for three of them a steady dividend of 25 per cent, I have thought it might be interesting for the shareholders to learn in how far the expectations held out at the commencement of the company have been realised, and from what causes the results may hare fallen short of any estimates made at the origin of the company. The prospectus of the company, in the preparation of which I had the honour to act professionally, was issued in October, 1877, and held out the prospect that the works then proposed would be capable of manufacturing 4,000,000. gallons of oil per annum, and it states that "if the average price of oils for the past eight years be maintained, there is every reason to expect that a large dividend on the proposed capital of £163,000 to be realised." That statement was not made without the most careful consideration and examination of all the detailed calculations upon which it was based. The production of 4,000,000 gallons of crude oil was estimated to yield the following product:- Burning oil 45 per cent, Lubricating oil 12 per cent, Scale 8 per cent, Loss? 35 percent, the prices of these products being at that time respectively 7d per gallon, 10d per gallon, 28d per gall or 3.5d per pound. On the basis of that data the net profit was estimated crude oil, 3.25d and refining 2d per gallon. These were the estimates based upon the prices then prevailing. A similar statement was proposed as to what the results would be were the average prices of the eight previous years realised, and these had been burning oil, 11d per gallon; lubricating oil, 11d per gallon, scale, 30d per gallon- the estimated profit on that data applied to the same capital being £57,812 or equal to exactly 35 per cent. So far as my professional experience enables me to judge, I cannot conceive a more healthy or sound concern; and so long as the present intelligent and judicious management is continued, both in the practical details at the works and the energy and ability in the counting-house, I see no reason to fear any lessening of the prosperity of the Broxburn Oil Company. (Applause) The motion of Mr Howie, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the chairman, to Mr Kennedy, and to Mr Henderson, and a similar compliment having been paid to the chairman for presiding, the meeting separated.

The Glasgow Herald, 18th May 1882

1884 Annual General Meeting

THE BROXBURN OIL COMPANY. The annual meeting of the Broxburn Oil Company was held yesterday in the offices of the company, Royal Exchange Square. Councillor Stott, Edinburgh, the chairman of the company, presided. Mr KENNEDY, the managing director, submitted the report and balance sheet. He further explained that the working was conducted in departments, so that the profit and loss on each department was clearly shown every year. In. comparing the prices realised for products for the past and previous year, he found that lubricating oil showed a loss of £4384 is 9d, and ammonia a loss of £925 12s 7d, making a total of £10,309 14s 4d. On the other hand there was an increase on the price realised for burning oil amounting to £8110 19s 4d, and for paraffin scale, wax, and candles, £15,572 4s 6d - making together £23.683 3s 10d, showing a net gain for the year of £13,373 9s 6d, The charges in the trade, which included all office charges, salaries, agencies, directors' fees, &c. were equal to 3.48 percent; bad debts mounted as stated, to £471 9s 7s 10d, equal to 0.15 per cent, or 3s for every £100. Taking the average of their bad debts since they commenced business, the whole amount was equal to 6s 6d per £100 upon the value of the goods sold. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said- As you are aware the gross profit for the year amounts to £68,962 6s, by far the largest it profit that have been made in any year since the formation of the company.

The directors might have recommended a larger dividend, but they considered it more judicious and advisable to husband their resources, and, so far as in their power, keep the present satisfactory dividend a steady one. They therefore recommend that the same dividend be paid as formerly, at the rate of 25 per cent, absorbing of the gross profits £44,937 10s; that £17,402 14s 6d be written off for depreciation; that £3000 be added to the reserve fund; and that a the balance of £3622 is to be carried forward to the current year, thus disposing of the amount; £68,962 2 s. In addition to the above sum, the directors paid out of the profits of the past year the sum of £2500 as a bonus to the principal officials of the company. When this bonus was proposed at the last annual meeting the directors heartily concurred in the recommendation, as it was entirely in accordance with their own views. I am sure you will agree with me in thinking that the bonus was well earned. In Mr Kennedy we have all that we could desire as an administrator, and in Mr Henderson we have a works manager and engineer certainly not excelled in the trade, and we cannot too fully record our appreciation of the great care and ability which they have so sedulously devoted to the interests of the company. I have very great pleasure, indeed, in acknowledging, on behalf of the board, and I venture to think of the individual shareholders, the services of these gentlemen particularly, and also of all the other officials and agents, in assisting to bring the company into its present prosperous position.

As to the capital expenditure for the past year, I think the only matter calling for special remark is in the mining department. Two years ago we arranged to sink two pits to enable us to cope more advantageously with water found in the workings. One of these pits has been completed and started. In the other, however, we met with somewhat serious difficulties in the metals and water, and consequently the expenditure has been larger than we at first anticipated. In considering whether we should utilise the refinery at Benhar we found that in order to make these works anything like perfect, a considerable expenditure would have to be incurred. The plant on the ground was of a most inferior description. There was no shale in the immediate neighbourhood, and. further, there was no supply of good water, which is essential for profitable manufacture. We were therefore thoroughly satisfied that any extension could be more advantageously carried out at Broxburn, where we have abundance of shale, and we accordingly decided to sell the refinery on the first favourable opportunity. - The price realised is certainly not a large one, but to have dismantled the works would not have yielded us half the amount we received, and in selling them we have, in addition to the price, freed ourselves of a heavy liability for rent.

As I stated in my remarks last year, we have always had the idea of erecting vitriol works for our own supplies. When, therefore, we saw our way to make an alteration on the capital we did not hesitate to sanction the erection of these works, which are expected to be in operation in - the course of the next two months, and it from which a very large saving is anticipated. In regarding our future operations, the report refers to three different objects- viz, the increase of the the works, the increase of capital, and the conversion of the fully paid-up shares into shares of £10 each - £8 l0s paid. With regard to the first, in order to overtake an increased output of 200 tons of shale per day we will require to expend about £52,000, the greater portion of which will be spent during the present year, as the whole additions to the refinery will be made at once. We purpose erecting 102 Henderson retorts this year, leaving a number to be built in the following year. Besides completing the vitriol works we will add considerably to our house accommodation during the present and next year.

In order to accomplish this extension of the works, and also for the conversion of the fully paid - paid shares, to which I shall presently advert, it is necessary to increase the capital of the company, and we accordingly recommend that this should be increased by creating 3500 shares of £10 each (£8 l0s paid). Of these shares, 2350 will be offered to the present shareholders at the price of £22, which will yield about £52,000, the sum needed for the extension of the works, and the balance of 1160 shares will be required for the conversion of the fully paid-up shares. By this scheme we only add £20,000 to the present paid-up capital of the company; and you cannot fail to observe that, while we are adding a fourth to our working power, we are only adding a ninth to our paid-up capital. Should our profits happily continue on the same ratio in the future, this extension will be an immense advantage to the company. It may perhaps be said that it would have been better to have borrowed the money required for the extension than create new capital, as by offering the new shares at £22 we are giving the holders of s these shares interest at the rate of 10 per cent so long as we continue to pay 25 per cent. This is quite true, but, on the other hand, there will be a profit of nearly £32,000 upon the sale of these shares. This sum will be placed to the credit of plant accounts, and will thereby save us writing off depreciation at 7 per cent on that amount in all future years, so that in reality the scheme is equivalent to borrowing the money at about 5 per cent besides placing the company in a much stronger position. The proposal to convert the fully paid-up shares into shares of the same nominal value, £8 10s paid, was made by us at the request of several holders of these shares. Hitherto, with £1 l0s being uncalled on the Ordinary shares, the fully paid up shares never reached their proper market value, As I have already mentioned, 1150 of the new shares to be created will be absorbed in effecting this conversion, and by carrying it out there will be no t alteration made on the paid-up capital of the company, while the uncalled capital will be increased by £10,000. The directors have recommended that borrowing powers be conferred upon them for £50,000. At certain seasons of the year, the value of our stock-in-trade is no less than £100,000. With all our capital spent upon works, you cannot fail to observe that we required a working capital, and that money had to be found for this purpose. Hitherto the directors have come under personal obligation for this, but they now think that when they are proposing an alteration in the capital of the company they are justified in taking advantage of the opportunity of putting this matter upon a proper footing.

Before I sit down I would be failing in my duty were I not to congratulate the shareholders upon the very valuable property which they hold. Of course, we cannot shut our eyes to the fact that many new companies are being started, which will lead to considerable competition both in selling our products, and also in the labour market. But I have no fear for the future. Although we have to look forward to increased competition and decrease in value of some of our products, there are other articles we manufacture which are increasing in value, and with our additional production we are quite hopeful that the dividends of the past will be continued in the future. Bailie Richmond, in seconding the motion, ex pressed satisfaction that the directors had taken up the suggestion he had the temerity to make at last meeting, and had paid a bonus to the principal officials of the company. He thought it had been well-earned, and after receiving a dividend of 25 per cent for five years in succession the shareholders could afford it. He wished also to notice a special feature of this company, namely, that it did not seem to depend so much upon one particular product, as some companies did, so that if one was not doing well others might be doing extra well. The Broxburn Company was thus in a specially favourable position. He further expressed approval of the proposal to erect new vitriol works, and remarked that the creation of additional capital was perfectly good financing. The proposal was to add £20, 000 to the capital, for which they would actually receive £52,000; while with that £52,000 they would add to their outlay to an extent equal to that of many new companies were doing at a cost of £120,000 or £130,000 Then again, that the business could be carried on with trade charges amounting to only 3.25 per cent spoke volumes for the management; while the fact that the bad debts for the year reached only £470 showed that the greatest care and discrimination were exercised in that department.

The Chairman then moved that a dividend at the rate of 25 per cent per annum be declared on the stock of the company. Provost King, Hillhead, seconded the motion, which, like the other, was also carried. On the motion of Mr Hurll, seconded by Mr Bryce, the directors were authorised to borrow, for the purposes of the company to the extent of £50,000. Mr Fraser next moved that Mr Bell and Mr Weir be re-elected directors of the company. Mr Orr seconded, and this motion was also carried. -Mr Wyllie Guild was afterwards reappointed auditor of the company. An extraordinary meeting of the company was afterwards held for the purpose of authorising the issue of new shares, and the rearrangement of the stock of the company. Mr Stuart, the law agent of the company, read the resolutions carrying out the purposes in view. Their adoption was moved by the chairman, seconded by Mr Bell, and unanimously adopted. A vote of thanks was afterwards passed to the chairman, and the meeting separated.

Glasgow Herald, 22nd May 1884

1885 Annual General Meeting

BROXBURN OIL COMPANY. The annual meeting of shareholders of the Broxburn Oil Company was held yesterday afternoon in the company's offices, Exchange Square- Councillor Steel, of Edinburgh, presiding. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report- which has already been published - said the scheme for assimilating the different shares of the company was fully taken advantage of, and the additional 2350 new shares were all taken up. By the issue of the new shares the increase of capital upon which we have to pay dividend in the coming year is £20,000, but upon this issue the company received by way of a bonus the sum of £31,725. This sum the directors applied to the depreciation of the plant accounts, besides writing off £14505, the usual 7 per cent on the entire capital expenditure of the company, and £3079 for replacement of old vertical retorts, in all £50000. After disposing of the above sum there remains at the credit of profit and loss account, including the balance carried forward from the previous year, the sum of £52,998. We therefore recommend that the same dividend should be paid as formerly at the rate of 25 per cent, absorbing £44,945; that £5000 be placed to the credit of the reserve fund thereby increasing this fund to 22,000; and that the balance, £3052, be carried forward to the current year. The Chairman went on to refer to sums expended during the year in various departments, and to improvements introduced in the works, remarking that the saving in the cost of manufacture during the current year, from decreased cost and enhanced value of various products, is estimated at something like £30,000. I do not, however, wish you to go away with the notion that this sum of £30,000 will be all a direct gain to the company, because in the present year we have to face a very considerable decrease in the value of the products that have to be sold. No doubt you are aware there is a considerable fall in the value of ammonia, lubricating oil, and in paraffin scale and candles. These together will nearly absorb the benefits which we anticipate from the reduced cost of manufacture. It is, however, a pleasant thing to know that the company by these improvements are in a position to meet the fall in prices, and still maintain the position they have long occupied.

As stated in the last paragraph of the report, the company have secured the right to a lease or the Hopetoun shale field. At present it is being thoroughly bored and investigated, but from the abundance of shale seen at the different outcrops, it is quite evident that this field will be of great value and importance to the company in the future. Should the results of the boring prove to be satisfactory, and the directors resolve to take over the field, this will of course necessitate a very considerable extension of our present output, but with the improvements which can be introduced in the manufacture, and the low price at which works may now be erected, it is quite possible that the profit from this source will more than rival Broxburn itself. It has been my privilege in years past to congratulate the shareholders upon the valuable property which they hold. I can do so now- more than ever. With our capital expenditure written down from £372,032 to £215,413, we now have, when you take into account the expenditure upon the acid works and the wax and candle factory, a more nearly double the size of what we had four years ago; and although we only realised about one-half the profit per ton of shale distilled that we did in former years, we would still be able to maintain the dividend of the past.

Mr Hurll afterwards said- In seconding the adoption of the report, I may be permitted to make special reference to one paragraph in the report, namely, the one which deals with the acquisition of the Hopetoun shale field, because I know it will he interesting to the shareholders to learn how this field has been secured to the company. As stated in the report a trial lease of the field as secured by Mr Steel and Mr Kennedy, in their own name, and, on the completion of the missive, these gentlemen paid a large sum of money to Lord Hopetoun as a grassum. Their first anxiety was to get a lease of the field, and having secured this, a meeting of the board was thereupon held, at which there was produced a minute book detailing all the negotiations that bad taken place with Lord Hopeton's factor and themselves in connection with the completion of the missive, and also containing a copy of the missive itself. These having been read to the meeting, Mr Steel and Mr Kennedy offered to transfer their rights under the missive to the company, on the understanding that the company would relieve them of all the obligations undertaken by them to Lord Hopetoun, and, at the same time, adequately recognise their services in securing to the company a property likely to be of such value in the future. With regard to any remuneration to be given to them, it is but right that it should be known that they placed themselves unreservedly in the hands of the directors and shareholders; in offering the field, however, they frankly stated that while, in their opinion, it was desirable for the company to acquire it, they were themselves prepared to retain it provided the directors did not see their way to take over the missives. I should here mention that the proposal to lease this field was never under the consideration of the directors until the board meeting of which I am speaking, and that neither Mr Steel nor Mr Kennedy had any instructions to act on behalf of the company, so that in going into the matter they individually undertook rather heavy and important obligations to Lord Hopetoun. As explained by Mr Kennedy to the board meeting, the idea of looking out for a shale field originated with Mr Henderson and himself; and I should here mention that Mr Henderson is interested in this matter along with Mr Steel and Mr Kennedy, and that he will participate in whatever it may be the pleasure of the company to give. Being so long connected with the trade, Mr Kennedy and Mr Henderson thought that the time might come when, looking to their own interests in the future, it might he desirable to start business en their own account. On the other hand, having been associated with the Broxburn Company since its formation, and holding as they do a large interest in it, they were reluctant to sever a connection which had been the source of so much pleasure to themselves and satisfaction to the shareholders. All this was explained by Mr Kennedy to the directors, and we did not hesitate to accept the offer which had been so frankly put before us. We did so, in the first place, because we believed the field to be a good one, and likely to be of great value to the company, in the second place, if we did not do so it might lead to results unfavourable to the company, as the chances were that if we declined it a new company might be formed, which would bring with it considerable opposition. These are the reasons that induced us to accept the offer made to us, and I am confident they will recommend themselves to you as strongly as they did to us. With regard to the field itself, I have to state that, along with the company's engineer and Mr Kennedy, I went over it last week, and found no less than ten bores going on at the same time. It is yet, of course, too soon to get anything like a correct estimate of the quantity of shale which it contains, but from what we saw at the various outcrops, I have no doubt that it will turn out all that we anticipate, and prove a very valuable property. Samples of shale taken from different places have been tested in the laboratory with very satisfactory results, and at one place a sample taken from No. 7 bore showed a seam of' shale over 10 feet in thickness, which, when tested, gave exceedingly gratifying results.

Bailie Richmond thought the directors ought to have paid a bonus or a larger dividend at this time. He proposed as an amendment that the report be not adopted, but that the directors be asked to take it back and reconsider it, with instructions to pay to the shareholders a bonus for last, year of IG per cent., or at least of 5 per cent. Mr Hoggan seconded the amendment. After some conversation the amendment was withdrawn, and the report was adopted. Messrs John Hurll and Wm. Kennedy were afterwards re-elected directors of the company; and Mr J. Wyllie Guild was re-elected auditor. A vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding brought the proceedings to a close.

Glasgow Herald, 21st May 1885

1886 Annual General Meeting

BROXBURN OIL COMPANY. The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Broxburn Oil Company took place yesterday in the offices of the company, Royal Exchange Square -Councillor James Steel (Edinburgh), the chairman of the company, presiding. Mr Kennedy, the manager, submitted the report and balance-sheet, and stated that, in comparing the prices realised in the past year with those of the previous year, there was a reduction of values amounting to no lees than £35,644 12s 2d, made up as follows:- Paraffin scale and wax candles, £25,247 14s Ild; lubricating oil, £929 03s 6d ammonia, £2840 3s 7d -making a total of £37,385 2s 10d, but there had been a gain on burning oil of £3741 2s 10, leaving the net shrinkage at £33,644 16s 2d. The chairman in moving the adoption of the report, said they would observe from the first paragraph that in the past year they bad written off for depreciation and maintenance nearly £41,000. In the report submitted to, and approved of by. last general meeting the sum written off was £67,950, but of this sum £31,723 consisted of the premium received on the issue of new shares. Deducting this latter sum, as in a manner exceptional, they had a balance of £35,228 written off as depreciation, &c., for the year ending 1st April, 1885, as against £40,918 written off in the year that has just closed. Of this sum £51,078 was for depreciation on plant expenditure, and £4373 for the right to use Hodge's patent for the refining of paraffin, for the renewal of retorts, and for the expenditure in connection with the boring of the Hopetoun shale-field ; the remaining sum of £17,465 being applied for the maintenance of works. Some of the items might properly enough have been spread over a number of years, but the directors were of opinion that they should be wiped off at once. There remains at the credit of profit and loss account, including the balance of £3000 adds carried forward from the previous year, the sum of £37,040; the largest profit earned in any one year since the commencement of the company's operations. They proposed to dispose of this by paying a dividend, as formerly, at the rate of 25 per cent, thus absorbing £49,937; by adding to the reserve fund, which now amounts to £25000; and by carrying forward a balance of £4500 to next year.

It might be sufficient for him, -without going into details to say that this expenditure represented many additions and improvements on the works and other property, which were now in so perfect a condition that, with the exception of opening up some new mines in the ordinary course and the construction of the railway to Uphall, the directors did not anticipate that any great expenditure would be necessary during the current year. In his remarks last year he referred to the improvements that were introduce into the works and he mentioned that the directors estimated the savings from decreased cost of manufacture during the then current year at something like £30,000. He had great pleasure in saying that this sum had been more than realised, which was conclusive testimony that they had got the right men in the right place. The fact that the present fortunate position in which they found themselves was almost wholly due to these improvements must be exceedingly gratifying to the shareholders as it was to the directors, because these improvements were of the nature of permanent benefits. These to which he chiefly alluded were patented by Mr Henderson, and he was glad to be able to state that that, in addition to having the entire right to the use of these, had also acquired an interest in them, by which they would receive one-half of the royalties derivable there-from should they be adopted by other companies. The paragraph in the report as to the shale supply must be very assuring to the shareholders. Two estimates which they recently got - one from their consulting engineer, Mr James M'Creith, C.E., and the other from their resident engineer, Mr Angus fully bore out the statement in the report. Having, however, made an arrangement with Lord Cardross whereby the company might bring raw material from other fields to their works, the directors acquired from the Duke of Hamilton, a trial lease of the minerals in, the lands of Pardovan ; but, as I stated in the report, it was yet too early to say whether the results of the boring on that estate would justify them in concluding a formal lease. As to the Hopetoun shalefield, the ultimate results of the boring operations were disappointing in the extreme. At the date of last general meeting the indications were extremely favourable, and the directors were sanguine that the acquisition of the field would be highly advantageous to the company. The results, however, were eventually unsatisfactory, and the directors thereupon renounced the trial lease. All the outlays in connection with proving the field were written off last year's account. The construction of the railway to Uphall was a matter that had occupied the attention of the directors since the formation of the company but for various reasons it was one of other schemes that was from year to year left over. They thought, however, that the time had now come when the line ought to be made, and it would not only effect a saving in railway rates on material going to and coming from the works sufficient to justify the expense of making it, but it would also be of immense advantage when the shale-field on Drumshoreland Moor came to be opened up.

As to the future, there seems no doubt that they were entering on a year slightly marked by an universal depression in trade generally, with prices in their own particular industry lower at present than they have ever been known, and with a competition to contend against in America, in Russia, and in our own country, stronger than had ever before existed; but, notwithstanding all this, he ventured to express the hope that by the exercise of the most rigid economy, and by a further reduction o the i cost if manufacture, this company would maintain in the future the proud position which it had always occupied in the past. Mr John Hurll seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted, and a dividend of 25 per cent was declared on the shares of the company. On the motion of Mr Hugh Howie, seconded Mr Blair, Mr Steele was re-elected a director of the company. Mr Wyllie Guild was reappointed auditor. This was all the business, and the meeting separated.

Glasgow Herald, 20th May 1886

1887 Annual General Meeting

BROXBURN OIL COMPANY. The tenth annual general meeting of the Broxburn Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday afternoon in the offices of the company. Mr Robt. Bell, Cliftonhall, Ratho, the chairman, presided. Mr Kennedy submitted the report and balance- sheet, and stated that, in comparing the prices realised in the past year with those of the previous year, there was a considerable reduction in values, amounting to no less than £40,233 13s 7d, made up as follows - Scale, wax, and candles, £20,301 5s 5d; burning oil, £9848 S. 4d; lubricating oil, £7893 15s l0d and sulphate of ammonia, £2690 3s. Charges in trade, which include all office charges, salaries, directors' fees, agencies, expense of selling, and bad debts, amounted in the past year to a sum equal to 3.92 per cent on the gross sales. The amount of bad debts this year is under £460, equal to 0.l6 per cent of the gross sales, or about 5s 4d per £100. Mr Stirrat wished to know if there was any chance of the continual fall in prices coming to an end. Last year it amounted to £33,000. This year they had an additional loss of £40,000. If that was to go on he did not know where, they would land. It seemed to him that this company and one or two of the big companies had some idea of extinguishing the small companies. They went round about whenever they found anybody selling products at a less rate than another, and tried if they could go lower. It thus became a competition for the lowest price. Hitherto they had understood that the right way of competing was to compete for the highest price; but if they went bidding for the lowest price the result would be the extinction, not of the little companies, but of their own dividends. Perhaps Mr Kennedy would tell them if they had nearly reached the bottom.

The Chairman said be would be glad if he could assure them that they had reached the bottom. He thought they were at the bottom, but he could give no such assurance. Mr Stirrat was right in saying that the competition had been very great. They had endeavoured on a previous occasion to lay their heads together to keep up prices - he meant the eight companies in Scotland - but the arrangement fell through. They would have been glad if they could have done anything to keep up their prices, and if any means could be found they would he glad to do so still. Mr Stirrat asked how such a reasonable arrangement fell through; somebody must be to blame. The chairman said they had the Americans to compete with, as well as the other Scotch companies, for the scale, which was the principal product The Americans sent in about one-third of the consumption of this country. They had then to arrange with, as well as the oil companies in Scotland.

Mr Kennedy said Mr Stirrat's remarks were perfectly just. There was no doubt the pace at which they were going could not last. There had been a great effort made to come to an arrangement whereby prices would be maintained. At the beginning of the year be attended a meeting in London of the candlemakers. An agreement was then come to, but it was broken within a week, (Cries of "Name.") Name ! he might name the whole- they were all alike, not one better than another. There were over 60 candlemakers in the country, and in these circumstances it was almost impossible to get them to regulate prices. He then turned his attention to the fact that there were only eight producers of scale, and that if they could come to an agreement with them it would be impossible for candlemakers to cut down prices as they had done in the past. He accordingly made the attempt, but it also fell through. He did not wish to name any company or individual, but they were not unanimous, and the matter was allowed to drop. He had since been in correspondence with the Standard Oil Company of America to see if any arrangement could be made between them and the companies on this side. They said they would be happy to join with the Scotch companies, but they thought the time was not opportune - that they had better wait till the production was smaller than it was just now. They had not said that they would not join, and he had still hopes that they would do no.

Mr David Todd asked how the reserve fund was invested.

The Chairman said the reserve fund was used for the general purposes of the works. As was l stated in the balance-sheet, the plant account stood at £230,000, and the capital of the company was exactly £200,000.

Mr Todd - In fact the reserve fund is just part of the funds of the company. It is not a reserve fund properly speaking?

The Chairman - That is so.

Mr Todd - My impression is that that is not financially correct. 'You ought to be able to lay your hands on the reserve fund, and the money should be invested elsewhere.

The Chairman - I quite agree with you that the reserve fund should be invested outside the company, but if you did that you would just have to call up more money for working expenses, for you will see that we have more plant than the capital of the company, so that the money would have to be raised in some other way. We are of opinion that we can utilise it to profit in that way, but if times were turning prosperous again, and we had plenty of money, I think your way is the right way.

Mr R.D. Anderson said that there had been remarks outside that the directors had been parting with their shares. He did not wish the information for himself as he was quite satisfied on the matter, but he thought that for the information of the meeting the secretary might state the holding of directors now as compared with three years ago.

The Chairman said that some gentlemen had made enquiries regarding the matter. He did not know if Mr Anderson was one of these gentlemen.

Mr Anderston – No sir, I am not.

The Chairman said that the secretary would state the director's holdings.

The Secretary (Mr. J.M.King) said that this was information that any shareholder could find out at any time by coming to the office and looking at the register.

The Chairman - Do you want the information for two or three years back?

The Secretary said that the question had been asked of him, and he had prepared the figures for the last two or three years, and he would give them to the meeting for that period. A shareholder had called at the office and asked the question, and he had prepared the figures to be ready in the event of the question being asked that day. In June1885, the total holdings of the directors, amounted to, 4449 shares, in 1886 to 5127 shares land at the present tine 5252 shares. He could give the individual holdings if that was wished.

Mr Anderson - That is quite sufficient so far as I am concerned.

The Secretary – each director has increased his holding. Perhaps it might be more satisfactory if I give you the figures ("No, no").

The Chairman – You can get it from the register any day.

Mr. A.D. Strachan remarked that there had been a large reduction in the value of stocks last year, and asked if the amount could be stated.

Mr Kennedy said that the amount last year was £8800, the year before £4500, and this year, £2448 7s 5d.

The Chairman then moved the adoption of the report. He said - It is a matter of sincere regret to the directors, and to me personally, that, after a clean record of a return 25 per cent to the shareholders every year since the company commenced business, to have this year to come before you -and recommend a reduced dividend. I should have liked to be in the position of proposing for your acceptance a resolution commending the old dividend, but I am not here to offer any apology in the altered circumstances for the simple reason that I don't consider any apology is needed or necessary. Looking to the exceptionally depressed state of the trade, I incline to think that you are to be congratulated in having such favourable results presented to you at the close of a year so trying to the trade as the past year has been. You will observe from the report that we have written off for depreciation, capital expenditure £11,239, and that we have debited revenue with £17,962 for the maintenance of works and pits. After making these deductions there remains at the credit of profit and loss account the sum of £30,943, and we recommend that this sum be disposed of in paying a dividend at the rate of 15 per cent. This will absorb £29,962, and the balance of a £981 we propose to carry forward to next year, As you are aware, the reserve fund or undivided profits remains at £25,000. It would of course have been possible to pay a larger dividend than we recommend by taking the sum written off for depreciation out of the fund, but, looking to the best interests of the company, the directors thought it prudent to leave the fund untouched. As stated in the report, the overhead cost of manufacture has been practically the same as last year. No doubt it will be in your recollection that savings were effected last year to the extent of upwards of £3,000. This year, I am, glad to say, there were further savings to the extent of £10,000; but a considerable portion of this sum was swallowed up in meeting the increased cost of the shale!e through the action of the miners in working shorter hours at higher rates of wages. The output of shale is thereby restricted, and the general conduct of the men causes the relationship with them to be somewhat strained. It is not a happy state of matters, but we are of opinion that the bulk of the men will sooner or later come to see that their interests should be identical with those or their employers. With regard to insurance, we have presently fire policies for £140.000 over a portion of the company property, the annual premium on which amounts to about £900. The isolated and perfect character of our works, spread as they are over an area of fully 5O acres, reduces the risk very considerably and, looking to past experience and perfect immunity from fire, it is a question whether, unless the insurance companies reduce the premiums, we should not ourselves undertake a larger share of the risk, and insure only the stock of finished products, which could be done at lower rates. The report itself deals so fully with the general position of the company that I need not here detail you further by dwelling on details.

It may not, however, be out of place to me to make some remarks on the present state of the oil trade generally. We are all aware on the great increase within the last three or four years of oil companies in Scotland, and it occurred to me that it might be interesting to you to know how this affected the products of manufacture. From the Board of Trade returns I find that the output of shale in Scotland during the last four years was as follows: - In l883, l,230,729 tons; in l884, 1,489,649 tons, in 1885, 1,741,750 tons; in l886, 1,699144 tons. Carefully estimating the yield of this output for the last year, we get the following results:- Crude oil, 49,275,106 gallons; burning oil and naptha, 492,752 barrels; lubricating oil, 33,241 tons paraffin scale, 21,118 tons; sulphate of ammonia, 15,171 tons. This in itself is a large quantity of material to be disposed of, but in addition to it we have to take into consideration the imports from America and Russia. Dealing with these I find that there was, during the year 1886, imported from America into London alone, 700,000 barrels of burning oil and naphtha, and by a reasonable estimate the quantity imported into the United Kingdom would be over 1,500,000 barrels. Of lubricating oil the estimated quantity imported was 23,060 tons, and of paraffin scale and wax from 11,000 to 13,000 tons. The quantity of burning oil imported from Russia during 1886 was comparatively small, being only 33,000 barrels. A study of these figures will at once show you that the foreign imports, being so much in excess of the home production, have a decided influence be determining and regulating the market prices of the liquid products. Fortunately, however, the home industry has depended more on the yield of scale and sulphate of ammonia; and, if we take scale alone we find that while American petroleum contains less than one per cent of scale, Scotch crude oil gives an average yield of over 12 per cent, so that the American import of scale is about one-third of the consumption of that article in this country. You will therefore see the importance of keeping up the price of scale, and more especially when I tell you that an advance of one farthing per pound in the price of the scale manufactured by us is nearly equivalent to five per cent dividend on the capital of the company. Some time ago an attempt was made to regulate and maintain the price, and as there are only eight companies who produce this article in Scotland, it might, one would think, have been easily accomplished. All the companies, however, would not concur in the proposed arrangement, and it fell through, with a series loss to the trade generally. The depression, doubtless, still continues, but it is gratifying to me to be able to tell you that we believe we have now reached the maximum power of production of scale and candles, and that we have also seen the minimum prices of these a products. During the year 1886, as you will see from the figures I have given you, the output of shale in Scotland was less by 40,000 tons than it a was in 1885 while the consumption of American petroleum has also overtaken the production, the stock in America being less than it was twelve months ago, and less by five million barrels than it was three years ago. It is not for me to say any thing about the future, and I will, therefore, only add that I consider you fortunate in possessing a very valuable property, which was never in better order or more capable of doing its work than it is at present. (Applause.)

Mr James Steel seconded. He said that to meet present circumstances the directors and the managers of the work must look about to see what could be done in the way of meeting the severe competition. The great thing was to get up the price, but if that was not possible they must try to reduce the cost of manufacturing. Mr Henderson, the works manager, had contrived to do away almost entirely with the coal used in the firing of the retorts, and the saving in this way would amount to something like £4,000. A shareholder asked when this came into operation. Mr Steel said it had been gradually introduced but the saving was now in operation, and the full benefit of it would be got this year. He thought that an effort should be made to have some arrangement come to by which the price should give a fair profit on the production. That was the most reasonable thing. It was a very dangerous project to try to ruin a trade entirely because in that case every one must suffer very severely, and only the strongest would stand out to the end, The report was adopted.

The Chairman formally moved that a dividend be declared at the rate of 15 per cent per annum on the shares of the company. Mr Hurll seconded, and the motion was adopted. On the motion of Mr Morley, Waterford, seconded by ex-Provost King, Hillhead, the retiring directors, Messrs Robert Bell and William Weir, were re-elected. On the motion of James Kennedy, seconded by Mr Greenlees, Mr Wyllie Guild C.A,. was re-appointed auditor. This was all the business.

The Glasgow Herald, 19th May 1887

1888 Annual General Meeting

BROXBURN OIL COMPANY. The eleventh annual general meeting of the Broxburn Oil Company was held yesterday in the company's offices, Glasgow, Cllr. Robert Bell, of Clifton Hall, the chairman of the company, presiding. The secretary having submitted the directors' report and read the financial statement, which have already been published, The Chairman said- You have heard these statements. They are certainly not very rosy. However, there is still some satisfaction that we to have a possibility of having a little better trade in future. In moving the adoption of the report it is unnecessary for me to do morn than to refer to it generally; it has been in your hands for the last ten days. The directors, in submitting that report, regret that the result of the year's working is not so favourable as in previous year. It is a the matter of notoriety, however, that the whole trade has from various causes been passing it I through a severe crisis, and when looked at in the light of the continued depression, and the exceptional circumstances which it was our misfortune to have to combat during the at last twelve months, you have reason, I think, to be, on the whole, satisfied with the state of the company's affairs now submitted to you. You are aware that by the articles of association a sum of not less than 5 per cent. on the capital expenditure to must be written off for depreciation before a dividend is paid, and as the profits earned during to the past year were not much more than would meet the sum, I have heard it stated that we ought not to have proposed that a dividend should be paid. For the reasons, however, set forth in the report, and to which I shall afterwards allude, the directors felt that they were justified in recommending that the amount to be written off for as depreciation should be taken out of the reserve fund. That fund consists entirely of profits earned in previous years, and was created solely for the purpose of equalising dividends and providing against exceptional contingencies that might befall the company in any one year, In the opinion of the directors no circumstances could have occurred that would afford a better reason for applying this fund for the purpose for which it was created than what we have had encounter in the past year, and they accordingly I did not hesitate in making the recommendation contained in the report. If that recommendation is given effect to the sum standing at the credit of profit and loss account, after providing for the maintenance of works and the payment of interest on the preference shares and borrowed money, will be £12,467 12s; and the directors submit for your approval that this sum should be applied in paying a dividend of 5 per cent. to the shareholders, which will absorb £9987 10, and allow a balance le of £2480 2s to be carried forward to the current year.

The capital expenditure in the past year was principally incurred in opening up two new mines at Carledubs, which is at the extreme west of our mineral field, and in making a railway 1.5 miles in length to connect these mines with the works. This has opened up a new portion of our field, capable of supplying the works for a long time to come, and I am pleased to be able to tell you that the shale is of excellent quality. In my remarks in moving the adoption of the report at last general meeting, I alluded to the depressed condition of the trade, caused in a great measure by the keenness of competition, and as some of your number thought it desirable that the leading companies should co-operate as far as possible with the view of improving prices, your directors heartily endeavours to effect this, with the result stated in the report. The first outcome of the deliberations of the officials of the different companies was a resolution that all the workmen should be asked to accept a reduction of their wages. This request was acquiesced to by all except the miners, who had for some time enjoyed an exceptionally high wage, and who were on that account asked to submit to a larger reduction than their follow-workmen. They, however, resisted, and the result was a strike which lasted for no less a period than five months. A standing work, as you all know, is never a profitable one, and the strike doubtless caused a very great loss to the company. At the same time, it brought with it great suffering to the workmen themselves. Taking the trade all over, there must have been, from a reasonable estimate, a loss to the men of not less than £60,000 to £70,000 in wages alone. In the interest alike of the company and the men, I hope it will be a long time before we have a repetition of what has been such a misfortune to both.

As a further outcome of the deliberations I have referred to, an agreement has been entered into between the Scotch and American producers of scale for regulation the price, and, if necessary, restricting the production of that article. The price has been fixed in conjunction with the principle candlemakers of the United Kingdom, who have also entered into an agreement between themselves whereby the price of candles is increased in such a way as will not affect the consumption.

I am glad to say that the railway from the works to Drumshoreland has now been finished and opened for traffic. This railway will enable all the coals and goods coming from the west to be brought direct to the works from the Edinburgh and Bathgate line, instead of going around by Ratho, and will thus reduce the distance a about six miles and effect a considerable saving in railway rates to the company. The works, I am pleased to tell you, are in splendid order. Several improvements have been introduced and, without giving you the exact figures, it will be satisfactory to you to know that the cost of production has been considerably reduced. This has been brought about by improved plant, a smaller consumption of coal, less labour, and reduced cost for chemicals. With regard to the position of the oil trade in America, I find from the latest information that the stock of crude oil has been reduced from 33 million barrels to 25 million barrels within the last 12 months, and is at the present moment about 14 millions of barrels lower than it was at a the highest point, and the daily production has gone down from 64,000 barrels to 41,000 barrels, while the price of crude has advanced about 50 per cent. Of course we may look for competition from Russia, but after allowing for all the advantages of all abundant and cheap a supply of crude oil from the wells in that country, If as that crude contains no products except burning and lubricating oils it would require a larger price than can be got to enable it to be sent to this country at a profit. I am glad to say that prices with us have already improved, and are on a more satisfactory footing, and, if the agreements I have referred to are faithfully carried out, the trade, as a whole, will benefit therefrom, and we can I look forward with some degree of confidence to the results for the present year. With these remarks, I beg to move the adoption of the report. Mr James Steele seconded, and the report was unanimously adopted.

The chairman then moved the declaration of a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. Mr. John Hurll seconded, and the motion was adopted. The confirmation of the election of Mr James G. Leadbetter, Edinburgh, and the re-election Mr John Hurll and Mr William Kennedy as directors having been agreed to, Mr Wylie Guild was re-elected auditor, and the proceedings terminated with the customary votes of thanks.

The Glasgow Herald, 17th May 1888

1889 Annual General Meeting

The twelfth annual general meeting of the Broxburn Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday afternoon in the office of the company, 28 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow- Mr Robert Bell, chairman, presiding. The report, which has already been published, was held as read. Mr Kennedy, Managing director, submitted the profit and loss statement for the year, and stated that, in comparing the price realised with those of the previous year, there was an increase in values amounting to £30,182 10s 5d, Charges in trade- which included all office charges, Salaries, directors' fee, agencies, expenses of selling, and bad debts- amounted in the past year to a sum equal to 3.85 per cent on the gross sales, as against 4.46 per cent in the previous year. The amount of bad debts this year was £544, equal to 14 per cent of the gross sales, or about 3s 8d per £100.

The Chairman in moving the adoption of the report said; - you will I am sure, agree with me that the statement which Mr Kennedy has just read is very gratifying, and you will observe from the report, which has been in your hands for the last week, that after maintaining the works and writing off £11,379 for capital depreciation, the net profit for the year, including £2480 brought forward from last year, amounts to £46,755. The directors submit for your approval that this should be divided in payment of a 6 per cent dividend to the preference shareholders, which will amount to £6000, and in payment of a dividend at 15 per cent. to the ordinary share- holders, amounting to £29,962, and they propose to add to the reserve fund the sum of £10,000, and to carry forward the balance, £793, to the current year. With regard to the reserve fund, of course, as you are aware, it was provided to meet such contingencies as happened last year, when we had to draw upon it. At the same time, I think you will all agree that we were wise in, I may say, practically replacing the amount borrowed from the fund last year. The directors have no intention of running this fund up to an indefinite amount. They are rather inclined to think that it should have kept pretty much at the figure at which it stands now, or, say, about £25,000. As you will no doubt gather from the report, various circumstances have tended to produce last year's favourable results. There has been a considerable improvement in trade, which is immediately reflected on companies such as ours by an increased demand for the products which we manufacture.

There has been a decreased cost of production, and there has also, owing, of course, to a great extent to the agreements entered into through the Mineral Oil Association at the beginning of the year, to a considerable extent been an absence of the foolish and unprofitable competition which has existed for the last few years; and last, though not least. I am very pleased to say there has been an entire absence of disagreement between the workmen and the companies which I venture to say has been a source of great profit to both. The capital expenditure, you will observe, has amounted practically to what has been written off for depreciation. I can assure you that every care has been taken to keep this as low as possible, but such expenditure in a large work like sure is unavoidable. The directors do not anticipate a very large expenditure under this head for the current year. There is one thing, however, they have decided to do - namely, to erect a better class of houses for their works foremen, and to improve the other workmen's houses, so as to give them additional accommodation and comfort. You will observe that under the heading " Works, &c.," we state that the cost of production has been lower than at any time since the company started. This, I am sure, you will consider very satisfactory, particularly as this result has been achieved in the face of an increased cost of shale, and we attribute the low cost of production to the recent improvement in our plant end the continuous distillation process. In conclusion, although I do not wish to say anything which might be construed in too sanguine a manner, at the same time I think it right to say to the shareholders that in our opinion the prospects for the coming year are favourable.

The agreements between the Scotch oil companies and American scale producers, and again between them and the candlemakers, have all been renewed for another year, and it is just possible that in order to keep the supply equal to the demand it may be I necessary for the trade to shut down for a short time, but I am sure you will agree with us that it is better that we should put through a less quantity at a profit than do a large amount without any profit. All low-priced contracts have now been completed, and we start the year with contracts in our books at enhanced and remunerative prices, although I may say that we have to pay higher prices for coal and other materials than we were doing, but of course the loss in this respect will be very small compared with the gains on the other side. I have therefore the pleasure in moving the adoption of the report.

Mr John Hurll, in seconding, said they would all agree with the chairman in saying the report was satisfactory. A shareholder asked why no dividend was paid six months ago on the preference shares. There appeared to him to have been undue delay in this matter. Mr Kennedy said the preference shares were in precisely the same position as the ordinary shares. A motion would afterwards be submitted to the meeting that the dividend on both classes of shares be payable, one half on the 4th June next and the other half on 4th December. The Chairman said the directors were sorry there should be any misunderstanding about this, but when the preference shares were issued it was agreed that they were to get 6 per cent up to the 31st March of last year, and that after that both ordinary and preference shares should be placed on the same footing, the dividend being payable half- yearly.

Another Shareholder said there had been a good deal of misunderstanding in connection with this, whether dissatisfaction he would not say. Many parties thought they should have got their interest in October or November of last year. They were to have no dividend till June, and then they ware only to get n half-year's dividend. With all due deference to the directors, he thought they ought to have paid an interim dividend, and completed the year's dividend now.

Another Shareholder said it simply came to this, that the preference shareholders' only got 5 per cent for the last year instead if 6 per cent.; and another gentleman said the company were getting the use of £3000 for the next six months which ought to be in the pockets of the preference shareholders, Mr Kennedy explained that the directors were acting strictly according to the arrangement, and that any other course would be illegal. The report was then adopted.

On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr James G. Leadbetter, a dividend of 6 per cent on the preference shares and 15 per cent on the ordinary shares, payable on June 4 and December 4, was declared. Mr James Steel and Mr Wm. Weir, the retiring directors and Mr Wyllie Guild, auditor, were afterwards reappointed, and the meeting was brought to a close with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

The Glasgow Herald, 23rd May 1889

1890 Annual General Meeting

BROXBURN OIL COMPANY The annual meeting of the Broxburn Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday in the offices of the company, Exchange Square, Glasgow. Baillie Steel, of Edinburgh presided, in the absence of the chairmen of the company (Mr Bell). The report, which has already been published, was laid on the table. It recommended a dividend of 15 per cent for the year. Mr Kennedy (managing director) submitted the profit and loss statement, and mentioned that the charges in trade, which included all office charges, salaries, directors fees, agencies, expense of selling, and bad debts, amounted in the past year to a sum equal to 3.55 pr cent on the gross sales, as against 3.85 per cent in the previous year. The amount of bad debts was £488 16s 9d, equal to 14 per cent of the gross sales, or about 2s 1Od per £100.

The Chairman in moving the adoption of the report, said - From the report you will observe that, after writing off £11,662 for capital depreciation, the net profit for the year (including £793 brought from the previous year) amounts to £42,210, which the directors recommend should be disposed of as follows:- £6000 in payment of a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent to the preference shareholders; £49,672 in payment of a dividend at a the rate of 15 par cent to the Ordinary shareholders ; £4000 to be added to the reserve fund, and £2287 to be carried forward to the current year. There is no doubt that, but for the advance in wages and the increased coat of production caused by the rise in the price of coal and other material during the last months of the financial year, the profits for the year would have been considerably greater; but while this is so, I think we In have every reason to be satisfied with the result of at the twelvemonth's working. The directors have recommended that £4000 be added to the reserve fund, which will is that event amount to £27,467. In view of making this fund available to meet the expenses of alterations which are contemplated in the retorting department, the directors feel assured that their recommendation will commend itself to the shareholder.

With that regard to the alterations on the retorts, the directors have every confidence that great benefits will thereby accrue to the company. The company is greatly indebted to Mr Henderson in the past for the many improvements which he introduced from time to time, and which conduced so much to the low cost of manufacture. Among these I would specially mention the patent continuous distillation process which has now been in use at the works for several years. By that process there is not only a very great saving effected in labour, fuel, and maintenance, but there are also obtained an increased quantity and an improved quality of as products. From their experience of what Mr Henderson has done in the past, the directors anticipate very favourable results from him in his improved retort. The experimental set already erected has worked very satisfactorily and gives much larger yields of paraffin and ammonia than what have hitherto been got. The capital expenditure for the past year, you will notice, was a extremely moderate and considerably less than the sum written off for depreciation, and it must be satisfactory to you to that the directors do not expect large expenditure during the current year. It is also a matter of satisfaction that the agreement between the Scottish and American scale producers, and between the candlemakers, have again been renewed, and that there is a considerable advance in prices. Altogether, I think we are justified in believing that the company's prospects at for the coming year are favourable.

Before sitting down I cannot help referring to the loss which the company has sustained by the death of Mr. Wm. Weir, who acted as a director since the formation of the company and always took an active interest in its affairs. By his co-directors, with whom he at was so long associated is the management; his services will be greatly missed. As Mr Weir's death happened so lately, the directors preferred to leave the appointment of his successor to be made at this meeting, and a resolution will accordingly be afterwards submitted to you recommending the election of a gentleman whose name, I am sure, of will be acceptable to all. Treasurer Richmond, in seconding, referred to several satisfactory features of the company. In the first place, as regards the reserve fund, in no company that he was aware of was there such a liberal allowance in the way of reserve for the purpose of possibly equalising dividends or effecting improvements is the works.

In the next place, he spoke with warm approval of the efforts of Mr Henderson, their works manager, in improving the retorts. In the third place, it must be very satisfactory to the shareholders, he said, that the arrangement between the scale producers was working so satisfactorily, and was preserving a reasonable margin of profit in the trade. He hoped the existing state of things might long continue so that not only might their workman so participate as they were entitled to do in the good trade, but the shareholders who had risked their money might receive some benefit likewise - (Applause). The report was adopted. The Chairman next moved the declaration of the dividends - 6 per cent on the preference and 15 per cent on the Ordinary shares. Provost Murray, Pollockshields, in seconding, said the company was very much indebted for its success to Mr. Henderson. They were also very much indebted to the successful management of the commercial department. (Applause.) The motion was agreed to. On the motion of Mr Hurll, seconded by Mr Hoggan, Mr James Beckett was appointed director of the company in room of Mr Weir, deceased. Mr James Meichie moved that Mr Robert Bell and James G, Leadbetter be reappointed directors of the company. This was seconded by David Brown, Dalry and also agreed to. On the motion of Provost Stirrat Maryhill,- Mr Wyllie Guild was re-elected auditor of the company. This was all the business before the meeting.

The Glasgow Herald, 22nd May 1890

1895 Annual General Meeting

BROXBURN OIL COMPANY (LIMITED). The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Broxburn Oil Company (Limited) was held in the offices of the company, 28 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, yesterday - Bailie Steele in the chair. The Chairman, before proceeding with the business, alluded to the death of their late chairman, Mr Robert Bell, and stated that by his death the company had been deprived of the services of one who always took a deep interest in its affairs.

The report having been held as read, The Chairman moved its adoption. He said that at last annual meeting he indicated that the directors anticipated favourable results from the working of the year that had been entered on, and these, he was happy to say, had been attained. They might have been still more favourable but for the unfortunate coal strike, which entailed on the Company a greatly increased charge for fuel. The directors, however, thought it better to pay the enhanced prices for coal, and keep the works going, rather than stop manufacturing. After paying interest on borrowed money, and current charges, the balance left for disposal, including the sum of £1234 14s 2d, brought from the previous year, was £36,936 Os 9d, and the directors, after full consideration, recommended that it be disposed of as follows:-That £14,224 12s 6d be written off as depreciation; that £6000 be applied in paying the dividend on the Preference shares, and £9987 l0s in payment of a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. on the Ordinary shares; that £8000 be placed to the credit of retort renewal account; and that the balance of £7244s 3d be carried forward to the current year.

It would be noticed from the profit and loss statement that the greater part of the profit earned had been got from the crude oil and ammonia departments. In the current year that would be somewhat altered. Owing to the decreased value of ammonia, a reduced profit might be expected in this department, but, on the other hand, a considerable increase of profit might be looked for from liquid products. The reserve fund remained at the sum at which it stood last year- viz., £9257 10s 4d- and no addition was made to capital expenditure. There was, of course, a considerable sum spent in renewing retorts, but that, being a replacement of plant, fell to be paid out of revenue. In the month of July the fourth bench of new retorts was started, and the last two benches were completed in December. Since then the company had had the full benefit of the favourable results, which were anticipated from the substitution of the new for the old retorts, and on behalf of the directors he was pleased to he able to say that these results had exceeded their most sanguine expectations. The additional profit derived from them amounted to a very substantial sum. That had no doubt been obtained at a considerable expenditure, and there was still a sum of nearly £40,000 standing at the debit of the retort renewal account. The directors were very anxious not only to see this balance wiped out as soon as possible, but also to get all the borrowed money repaid, and this would be the more readily effected now that all the alterations and additions were completed. At their last visit to the works they could not help noticing the thoroughness with which these alterations had been carried out, and the completeness with which every department of the works was being conducted. It was satisfactory to be able to state that, notwithstanding the large increase in the price of coals, the general costs of manufacturing were not seriously altered. As regarded the clause in the report bearing on the Preference shares, the shareholders were aware that in the resolutions creating these shares in 1887 there was reserved to the company the option of redeeming them at the expiry of five years from the creation thereof, and within five years thereafter by paying to the holders a premium of 10s per share. The question had been asked by several shareholders whether the company meant to avail itself of this option, and in the opinion of the directors the time had now come when this should be determined. No doubt money might at present be borrowed at a cheaper rate, to come in place of the capital value of these shares; but, on the other hand, as the company, on redeeming them, would have to pay a premium of 35000 to the holders of these shares, most of whom were ordinary shareholders, and as it would be necessary to apply to the Court of Session for powers, the directors recommended that it he now declared that the company would not avail itself of the option reserved to it.

The prices realised last year for the various products were the lowest on record, with the one exception of sulphate of ammonia, the price of which was better than it had been for some years previously. There was no doubt that the prospects of the coming year were more encouraging. Looking to the enormous reduction of the stock of petroleum in America, and the fact that the production at the present day was less than the average consumption of the year, it was difficult to forecast what the results might be generally, but as regarded this company he thought it might fairly be anticipated that the expected fall in the price of sulphate of ammonia would be compensated by the increased prices likely to be obtained for other products, and by the reduction of costs, following on the completion of the recent improvements in the works. There was only one other matter in the report to which he wished to allude, and that was the re- commendation by the directors that the works manager, Mr Henderson, be elected a director of the company. (Applause.) The election of a director was purely a question for the shareholders, but looking to the untiring energy with which Mr Henderson had always applied his abilities in furthering the interests of the company, the directors were satisfied that in recommending his election as a director in room of Mr Bell they were only anticipating the wishes of the shareholders in recognising in this way Mr Henderson's valuable services. Mr James G. Leadbetter seconded the motion. He said they had passed through troublous times, and had borne the brunt of the battle. What with low prices, financing to such an extent to meet the new works at Roman Camp, and the retorts and extensions that were needed, he thought they had been well rewarded by even the small dividend of 5 per cent. No doubt if they had enhanced prices they might look forward to better times. They heard a good deal about the exhaustion of nature's oil supplies in America, and, though he did not wish any harm to those on the other side of the Atlantic, he hoped those on this side would have a turn of the good things. The report was approved.

On the motion of the Chairman, the dividends were then declared. The Chairman moved a resolution carrying out the recommendation of the directors that the option of redeeming the Preference shares created in 1887 was now at an end. Mr George Morton seconded the motion. He remarked that at first the recommendation of the directors was a little disappointing, in that the six per cent, on the Preference shares was to be made in perpetuity. He thought the dividend on these might have been reduced to five per cent, but he had no doubt the directors had taken all things into consideration before they made this recommendation. The motion was adopted. Bailie Steele and Mr James Beckett were re- elected directors, and on the motion of Mr Richmond, seconded by Bailie John Murray, Mr Henderson was elected a director in room of the late Mr Bell. Mr W. A. Guild was re-elected auditor.

The Glasgow Herald, 23rd May 1895

1896 Annual General Meeting

BROXBURN OIL COMPANY (LIMITED). The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Broxburn Oil Company (Limited) was held in the offices of the company, 23 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, yesterday - Bailie Steele, Edinburgh, in the chair. The report, which has been already published, having been held as read, the Chairman moved its adoption.

He said the report dealt fully with the position of the company's affairs. After paying interest on borrowed money and all current charges the balance left for disposal (including the sum of £724 4s 3d brought forward from the previous year) was £49,686, 8s. 5d, and the directors, after full consideration, recommended that this sum should be disposed of as follows:- That £13.510 14s 7d he written off as depreciation; that £6000 be applied in paying a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent on the Preference shares, and £14,981 in payment of a dividend at the rate of 7.5 per cent on the Ordinary shares; that £14,544 l0s be placed to the credit of retort renewal account; so that the balance of £649 18s 10d be carried forward to the current year. By the articles of association of the company, the directors were bound, before recommending a dividend, to write off for depreciation not less than 5 per cent. on the capital expenditure at the previous balance. That percentage amounted to £13,510 14s 7d, and the directors recommended that the further sum of £14,544 be placed to the credit of retort renewal account. These two sums amounted together to £28,055 4s 7d, while there had only been spent on capital account the sum of £4178, so that the difference of £24,000 represented the extent to which the financial position of the company had been improved during the year. It was the intention of the directors that the sum of £25,090 still standing at the debit of retort renewal account be written off as soon, as possible, and that the item of £49,910 which appeared in the balance sheet as money on loan, and which truly represented all the company's indebtedness, should be wiped out with all possible convenience.

The only capital expenditure in contemplation during the year would be in connection with the addition to the vitriol works. The estimated cost of that addition was £12,000, of which the sum of £4178 had been spent during the past year. The directors were satisfied that when completed, within the next few months, this extension, which would enable the company to manufacture all the acid required at the works. It would effect a considerable saving, besides ensuring regular supplies. Compared with the previous year, the results of the past year's working were in strong contrast. In the year ending 1895 the bulk of the profit was derived from the crude oil and ammonia departments. In the past year the profit of these departments was less, while the profit in the refinery department was considerably increased. In evidence of this he might mention that the prices realised for sulphate of ammonia showed a shrinkage of not less than £27,559, while, on the other hand, there was an increased profit in the refinery department of upwards of £39,000.

It was somewhat difficult to forecast the future. They began the year with reduced prices for wax and candles, while the price of ammonia was somewhat less than the average price of last year. On the other hand, they anticipated getting as good prices for liquid products as were got last year, and with cheaper coal, chemicals, and other material, aid the works now completed and in perfect order, the directors looked forward with confidence to the I results of the coming year. The Chairman further I referred to the resignation of two very greatly respected members of the board, Mr Hurll and Mr Leadbetter, and remarked that the shareholders would cordially participate with the remaining members of the board in their expression of deep regret at the loss which the company would sustain through their resignation. The election of their successors was, of course, a matter for the shareholders, but in making the recommendation which they had done in the report, the directors had been actuated only by the desire to further the best interests of the company.

Mr Drysdale seconded the motion, which was put to the meeting and carried. The Chairman moved the declaration of the dividends, and this was seconded by Mr Beckett, and agreed to. The Chairman moved and Mr Orr seconded the election of Mr David Richmond and Mr Jas. Watson Stuart as directors in room of those retiring. This also was agreed to. The auditor was reappointed, and on the motion of Mr Hutchison, a cordial vote of thanks was awarded to Messrs Hurll and Leadbetter, the retiring directors, for the services they had rendered to the Company. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.

The Glasgow Herald, 21st May 1896

New Oil Works in Linlithgow

The erection of the works of the Linlithgow Oil Company (Limited), which was commenced about a year ago , has been rapidly pushed forward and operations have now been commenced for the manufacture of the crude oil. The works are situated about 2.5 miles to the east of Linlithgow , and they occupy over 100 acres of land on the Champfleurie and Ochiltree estates .

On the Champfleurie side a mine has been sunk , and out of which there has already been taken about 6000 tons of shale , which is of excellent quality . The shale is brought from underneath the ground to the mine head by " hutches" and tipped over into a breaker which has been constructed under the level of the ground surface . It is then passed up an incline to the top of the retorts Four benches of Henderson's patent retort have been erected, each bench consisting of 53 retorts, steam being supplied to these by means of four large boilers. This steam is also superheated before entering the retorts . The gases after leaving the retorts are passed through condensers composed of several miles of piping , and by this method reduced to the form of oil . The permanent gas which still remains is thrown out by an exhauster, and returned to the retorts for heating and lighting purposes, We should also state that the gases having passed through the exhauster is forced through what is called " a coke tower , " and thoroughly scrubbed to take out any traces of ammonia that might still remain in it . Ample provision has been made as a preventive of fire by means of a " fire trap , " which will prevent any explosion which might be threatened by the retorts firing back .

The spent shale from the retort having been thrown out into iron "hutches , is then passed through the "dipping hole , " where it is thoroughly quenched, and drawn by an endless chain to the "spent shale bing." The ammonia water which has been given off in the process of distillation in the retorts, is next passed on to an ammonia " still ;" which absorbs the ammonia held in the water. It is then passed through a charge of sulphuric acid , and this produces sulphate of ammonia . After this charge has taken up all the ammonia is deposited in evaporators, then crystallised out, and taken to the drying-bins, where it is thoroughly dried. These bins are kept at a hight temperature by means of hot water pipes laid under them . The sulphate of ammonia, then can be loaded into " hutches" and run out to the loading bank .

A water-course runs through the works which divides the Champfleurie estate from that of Ochiltree . Every precaution has been taken to prevent the pollution of the burn the field drains having been "cross cut" and the water , instead of finding its way to the burn has been diverted to large separators which have been erected in the ground . The water then passes from these separators into collecting basins, then to the pumping station, from which it is forced to a large reservoir capable of holding over one million gallons of water. This water is again used for condensing purposes, and then ultimately, by evaporation, it is got rid of. The works on the Ochiltree estate embrace a large pumping station , and on this side a second mine has been sunk to a depth of 60 fathoms, from which a good supply of shale is being taken. The works have all railway connection with the North British Railway , and already about four miles of rails have been laid in and around the works .

The Scotsman 18th May 1885

The Bathgate Oil Company Limited.

To be incorporated under “The Companies Acts 1862 to 1880,” whereby the Liability of Shareholders is limited to the amount of their shares.

Capital £50,000, in 5000 shares of £10 each.

Subscriptions are invited for 3500 shares of this company, the number proposed to be at present issued. Deposit £1 payable on application, £2 on Allotment, and the balance as required, by calls not exceeding £2 per share, at intervals of not less than two months.

Directors

• Alexander Wood, Esq., M. D., F.R.O.P., F.R.S.E., Strathearn Place, Edinburgh,
• James Pender, Esq., Rushmere, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire,
• James H. Warden, Esq. (of Messrs W. Warden & Co.), Oil Merchant, Leith,
• W. Hamilton Beattie, Esq., Architect, 63 George Street, Edinburgh,
• E. Borne Craigie, Esq., Metal Merchant, Edinburgh.

Secretaries – Cotton & Valentine, C. A., Edinburgh.

Auditors – F. J. Moncreiff & Horseburgh, C. A., Edinburgh.

Bankers – The Union Bank of Scotland, Limited.

Temporary Offices of the Company – 9 North St. David Street, Edinburgh.

Prospectus

This Company is being formed for the purpose of purchasing the valuable Mineral Estate of Redhouse, and Leases of Shale and Coal in the lands of Blackburn and Seafield, near Bathgate, with the Mines and Pits, Mining Plant, Machinery, Buildings, and the Railways and Sidings thereon, and to develop the Shale-fields and to carry on the business of the Manufacture of Mineral Oils and the products thereof.

The Lands of Redhouse extend to about 234 acres, and according to the Reports obtained contain valuable seams of Shale, Coal, Limestone, &c. The Lands of Seafield and Blackburn together extend to about 483[?] acre, and exhibit sections of the principal shale seams already known and worked on by Oil Companies in Scotland.

The Shale and Coal on the three estates have been opened up by mines and pits, and the whole fields have been most thoroughly tested by borings, and the Journals of these may be seen at the office of the company.

It is believed that the purchase of the Estate of Redhouse has been arranged on exceedingly moderate terms. £7000 of the price remaining for five years at the usual rate of interest. The Leases of the other fields have also been acquired on favourable terms, the royalties payable being at the rate of 7d. per ton of shale till the Company pays 10 per cent, and afterwards rising by 1d. per ton for every additional 2 ½ per cent, and the price to be paid for these and for the Mines, Plant, Railway, Buildings, &c., is not large.

The mineral fields have been examined by Mr G. H. Geddes, Mining Engineer, Edinburgh, and his report is appended. His estimate of the quality of shale shows sufficient for a production, after making ample allowance for waste in working, &c., of over 500 tons per day for 30 years.

A large sample of shale from the Feel Seam was recently taken by Mr Thomas Wilson, Borer, who states, in a letter dated 11th October 1883 - “I superintended the greater part of the boring operation on the lands of Blackburn and Seafield. I was also present when the shale was taken recently from the small pit near the east boundary of the Seafield estate for testing purposes. The shale is found there at a depth of six fathoms, and I have not, in my opinion, come across the Fell Shale in better order. The seam lies in a most favourable position for easy and economical working.”

This sample has been practically tested by Dr Stevenson Macadam, Ph.D., &c., and by Mr Ivison Macadam, F. C. S., F. I. C., and their report, which is also appended, shows that this seam is one of the best seams of Fell Shale that has yet been found, containing 29.8[?] gallons of oil and 35lb. of sulphate of ammonia to the ton. The crude oil also shows exceptionally high results in paraffin scale and heavy oils.

In view of the diminishing production of the American Works, there is every prospect of a large increase in the value of the prolific upper shales. The quality of the lower shales – Broxburn, Dunnet, &c. - referred to in Mr Geddes' estimate, is well known, and the high prices now being got for the products of these, notably paraffin scale, has set most of the established companies to search for these seams.

It is proposed to confine the operations of the Company at first to the production of Crude Oil and Ammonia and meanwhile to develop the Works only to the extent of distilling 200 tons of shale per day, leaving thus to the first shareholders the benefit of the future extensions which the fields are capable of.

Crude paraffin works have hitherto proved eminently successful, as is shown by the present position of the Dalmeny Oil Company, whose shares are now at over 350 per cent premium. Crude oil of the quality shown in the appended report should command the highest prices in the market.

It is intended to erect the newest Patent Retorts, similar to those in use at the Pentland Works, which are giving such high results both as to quantity and quality of Oil and yield of ammonia combined with economy of working. By the use of these, also, a considerable quantity of ammonia is recovered from the coal used in firing the retorts, and if the Company's own coal is used, which, according to Mr Geddes, can be got at little expense, it is expected that the cost of retorting will be reduced by at least 1s per ton. This saving alone on the estimated output of 200 tons per day, represents a considerable dividend.

A branch railway from the North British system runs to the estate, and a short line on the Company's own property connects with the works.

The prospectus of this company seem altogether very favourable: the capital is small compared to the capacity of the works; the retorts and plant will be of the most approved pattern, and will be completed at the minimum of cost; the shale tested is of exceptional quality, and can be cheaply worked; and the shale-fields accrued are of such extent as will enable the Company in due time to largely increase its production.

The Capital will be utilised as follows:

• Purchase of the Works, Leases, Buildings, &c., including Balance of Price of Redhouse Estate and Minerals (£3500).... £12,000 0 0
• Oil and Coal Retorts to distil 200 tons per day, Condensers and Ammonia Plant...£10,000 0 0
• Mines and Houses...£4,000 0 0
• Sundries and Working Capital.... £4,000 0 0
• Reserve Fund..... £5,000 0 0

The only contract entered into on behalf of the Company is an Agreement, dated 18th day of October 1883, between Mr David Nicolson Colton, C. A., Edinburgh, on behalf of the Company, on the one part, and Mr William A. Davis, Accountant, Edinburgh, on the other part, which deed can be inspected at the Company's office, where every information can be obtained.

In all cases where no allotment is made, the deposit money will be returned in full.

Prospectuses and Forms of Application can be obtained at the Company's Offices, 9 North St. David Street, Edinburgh; The Union Bank of Scotland, Limited – Head Offices; and Branches; or from any of the brokers in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen.

Report by G. H. Geddes, Mining Engineer, Edinburgh

Having examined the grounds accompanied by Mr Wilson, borer, who pointed out the sites of the bores put down by him, and having considered the plans of the workings in Houston Coal Beam, and also the result of some additional boring, journals of which have been furnished me, I have to report that in the northern portion of Seafield the seams of shale will be most readily opened up and that the collowing is an estimate of the quantities likely to be found there, viz; Fell Shale, 836,000 tons; Mungall shale, 120,000 tons, Raeburn Shale, 107,000 tons – in all 1,063,000 tons.

From the lie of the mineral field an area of shale of these seams in the neighbouring lands of Redhouse will be won by the same means, and could be best worked along with Seafield shale. Of these three seams there will apparently be in Redhouse – Fell shale 760,000 tons; Mungall shale, 276,000; Raeburn shale, 387,000 tons – in all, 1,423,000 tons.

The position of the series of Shales which are known to lie below Fell Shale will be found over a large proportion of the area of Seafield, and I estimate that 3 ¼ million tons of Shale of these seams may be found in the northern position of the estate. The trials for minerals on the southern portions of Seafield, and also in Blackburn Estate, show that district to be cut off from the seams in the northern portion by a large dyke or series of dislocations of the strata. Those minerals will be therefore be best worked by separate winnings from the northern portion, but here too, again, the winning of Blackburn minerals will to a great extent render available portions of Redhouse, which apparently will be at least as extensive as those of Blackburn.

As to the quantity of shale it is likely will be found in this portion of the mineral field, I cannot from the information resulting from the bores and other trials estimate it at more than 1 ¼ million tons. The seam of coal known as the “Houston Coal” extends through the north-western portion of Seafield lands, and was worked to the extent shown on the plan some years ago to supply coal for the manufacture of [?] fuel. This coal would now be available for the purposes of an Oil Work, and an output of it could readily be got at comparatively little expense.

Another seam of coal, the “Limb or Hurlet Coal”, crops out, and a pit sunk to on Redhouse lands. This also could be readily worked if required.

17th October 1883, G.H. Geddes

The Scotsman, 24th October 1883

Annual Reviews of the Scottish Oil Trade

The promotion of public limited companies gave small investors the opportunity to play a part in the ownership of Scottish shale oil businesses. The successful launch of the Broxburn Oil Company (Limited) in 1877 was quickly followed by the establishment of many new shale oil concerns that were similarly constituted as limited companies.

Investors were able to follow the value of their shares in stock market reports published in daily newspapers such as The Scotsman and The Glasgow Herald. Such newspapers also published lengthy accounts of the annual shareholder's meetings held by the major oil companies, sometimes printing word-for-word the dialogue between directors and disgruntled shareholders. At the end of the reporting season for these companies, these newspapers often published an annual review, reflecting on the oil trade as a whole and on the performance of individual companies. These commentaries were intended to advise and inform investors, and offer an informed and independent insight into the oil trade at that time.

| 1870 | 1871 | 1872 | 1873 | 1873 | 1875 | 1876 | 1877 | 1878 | 1879 |
| 1880 | 1881 | 1882 | 1883 | 1884 | 1885 | 1886 | 1887 | 1888 | 1889 |
| 1890 | 1891 | 1892 | 1893 | 1894 | 1895 | 1896 | 1897 | 1898 | 1899 |
| 1900 | 1901 | 1902 | 1903 | 1905 | 1905 | 1906 | 1907 | 1908 | 1909 |

1885

The Scotch Oil Trade - the past year's results

The reports of all the Scotch Mineral Oil Companies having now been issued, it is fitting that some consideration should be given to the results they disclose, especially as they throw much light on the position of what is now undoubtedly one of our most important native industries. It is about thirty-five years since there was commenced, by the late Dr. Young and his partners, the nucleus of what has developed into a trade of gigantic proportions and which has conferred upon the world a light of unprecedented cheapness and brilliancy. Its economy and supremacy over the old moderator lamps have been so marked that no other light, where gas is not available, is now to be found in the houses of the poor; even on the tables of the rich its bright and pleasant radiance has become familiar, and no West-End dinner-table arrangement is now complete without its array of paraffin lamps and candles. The industry can lay claim to other special characteristics. Not only do its illuminating products make dwellings cheerful, its lubricating oils have lowered the cost of manufactures, and its sulphate of ammonia has approved itself the best fertiliser in producing food for man and beast. Originating in our midst, and developing so rapidly that the whole world now experiences its effects, it is therefore appropriate that its progress should be noted.

The parent and premier company, known by the sounding title of Young's Paraffin Light and Mineral Oil Company (Limited), has existed for twenty years, and is still vigorous and active. Being burdened with a large capital - the result, we understand, of an arrangement with the original proprietor on the basis of two shillings and sixpence per gallon for burning oil, and of heavy subsequent outlay in the frequent modernising of plant and works, so as to maintain the company's position - the rate of dividend at present proposed is only eight per cent; but the amount of money available for distribution amongst the shareholders is £48,500. And this in these dull times cannot but be considered a very satisfactory return on a safe investment. The report of the directors further shows that many improvements in the working have been devised; yet the most important of these not having taken effect until late in the past financial year, the full benefits which will accrue therefrom will fall for the first time into the year now entered on. The directors attach great importance to the lessening of their shale supplies from the West Calder district, and to superseding them with the products of the rich Newliston field, and this they have set about doing energetically.

The Broxburn Oil Company, starting seven years ago with the advantage of all the improvements inaugurated previously and also through introducing the Henderson retorts, which have revolutionised the trade, has been a great success. For several years it has paid to the shareholders the uniform and notable dividend of 25 per cent distributing £45,000 per annum. While the management has been careful and prudent, the company is indebted also for much of its success to the possession of a supply of good, thick, and cheap shale,: and to a capital small in proportion to the output.

The Clippens Oil Company has experienced the benefit of removing from a poor and costly shale district to one where the seam is thick and the quality good. It is generally understood that the working of the old Clippens shale was latterly unprofitable, notwithstanding the higher prices for products which then prevailed; and it is therefore satisfactory to learn, from the report that the prudent transition to Pentland has resulted in a 12 per cent. dividend to the shareholders. In acquiring the Mid-Lothian Oil Company, one of those concerns begotten of the foolish inflation of recent years, the Clippens benefits both itself and the trade generally by the absorption of a weak competitor.

The Burntisland Oil Company maintains its dividend of 20 per cent. The capital is moderate, and the shale is extraordinarily rich in paraffin scale so that with good management it has been enabled to produce highly satisfactory results. We believe part of the company's district abounds with what is known as floating whin, which imports a degree of precariousness and uncertainty into mining operations, but through the acquisition of other mineral estates the risk of inconvenience from this intrusive material has probably been diminished.

The Oakbank Oil Company has fallen from its high estate. Founded by the late Sir James Simpson and others at a cost, it is said, of £50,000, the works became unremunerative, and were ultimately acquired for a few thousand pounds by a Limited Company. With a capital much lower in proportion to the output than any other oil work, it appeared as if the Oakbank Company had a brilliant prospect before it. Today, however, the dividend is nil. From the report it is not quite clear to what this is attributable, or why, with such a small capital, the company should pay no dividend, while its neighbour the Broxburn Company might have declared thirty per cent.

The Walkinshaw Oil Company's absence of a dividend is more easily understood. Its shale is stated to be only about 16 inches thick, and to yield below the average in ammonia and scale. The only reflection on the concern as a company is the going into a district which, in these days of low prices, has not in it the elements of prosperity and profit. The Lanark Company is a paying no dividend, but is issuing 10 per cent debentures to its shareholders instead. The Mid-Lothian Company paid no dividend, but its individuality is now merged in that of the Clippens.

There are certain other companies, such as the Westfield and Bathgate, which, so far as we know, have as yet paid no dividend; and there are companies paying dividends for a few months of their existence. To the latter circumstance no great importance can be attached as a crucial test of their future, because a new oil company, on a few months' operations- so long as capital and revenue are opening out together, and before heavy repairs and replacements, resulting from high heats, &c., are incurred - may have, no difficulty whatever in declaring a dividend.

The outcome of the past year's proceedings, it will be seen, are of a somewhat diverse character. If there is one thing, however, more than another that the results recapitulated bring out strikingly and convincingly it is this, that whatever other requisites may be needful (such as scientific knowledge, commercial skill, and effective general management) it is certainly most essential to the success of an oil company that it should possess an abundant supply of a shale of good thickness and proper quality. The public have been for some years past misled in a flattering but fallacious prospectuses by the insertion of well-known names of shale, such as "Fell's," "Broxburn," and "Dunnet," and have only discovered, when their capital in the concern was irretrievably gone, how little there is in a name. So much money, however, has been sunk during a the past three years in the East and West of Scotland in companies which have brought ruin on their own shareholders, and by over-production have tended to injure an important and interesting industry, that we believe much greater caution will be exercised in future by the general investing community before going into new oil companies.

The Glasgow Herald, 3rd June 1885

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1892

The Oil Trade in West Lothian

As is well known, the Mineral Oil Trade is the principal industry in this county, and on it and shale mining the population largely depend for employment. At the beginning of the year there was little room for complaint, but the closing months have been gloomy indeed, and the outlook is the reverse of reassuring. By a general arrangement among the Scottish oil companies two reductions of wages have taken place during the year,in the months of May and October, and which were accepted in most cases without demur.

Most of the works had for a time been on restricted make of oil. In the case of the works of Messrs Ross & Company, at Philpstoun, the restriction extended from July to October; but during that time not a single workman was dismissed, all the spare retort men being sent to the fields to work at restoring land. At Broxburn a new crude work has been erected. and a new shale mine sunk at a part of the neighbourhood known as "The Roman Camp." This is intended to take in the Pumpherston shales, and is on the Drumshoreland section of the company's mineral field. The new works are expected to start early next year.

Otherwise, and notwithstanding the depression, matters have been proceeding smoothly. At Dalmeny things were a little upset for a time by one of the mines taking fire and having to be flooded in order to subdue the outbreak. In consequence of this mishap, many of the miners travelled night and morning to Philpstoun, where, by arrangement with Messrs. Ross & Co., they worked the shale, which was despatched to Dalmeny. In that way the supply of shale was fully maintained.

At the works of Messrs Young at Addiewell and Uphall things have been very quiet, particularly at the first-mentioned place. On the whole the Uphall works have been very fully employed, but in the Addiewell and West Calder district, trade matters have not been so depressed for very many years. Hermand works were shut down early in the year, but a part of the establishment has since been re-started.

The Pumpherston Company, which figured so prominently in connection with the affairs of the now defunct Scottish Mineral Oil Trade Association, has been able to hold its own with the other companies, although the output has not been what could be desired. Excepting in the shape of candles, there has been considerable difficulty in getting a market for wax, and, as is known, the Pumpherston Company have no candlemaking department. At the present time those works which manufacture candles are exceptionally busy in that department, some of them working night and day. The market for paraffin scale has been flat for months, but the growing agitation re the flash point of burning oils (home and foreign) is likely in due course to benefit the home trade. The Linlithgow Oilworks, which were established in 1884, have been on the whole fully employed.

The Glasgow Herald, 29th December 1892

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1894

The Scottish Mineral Oil Companies in 1894

The enterprise these are engaged in is one which looks back on a very eventful and uneven history . Probably a capital sum of but little short of three millions of money has been absorbed by it from first to last . Burning oil was originally the chief, almost the only, product cultivated by these shale distillers, and it was long a richly profitable article to put on the market; but that cannot at all be said now. Other products resulting from the distillation of the parent mineral shale are lubricating oil, naphtha, solid paraffin, and sulphate of ammonia -all formerly little thought of, but now, out of pressing necessity, carefully looked to, and pushed for every penny they are worth. This still extensive and once most flourishing industry has just passed through another year of constant trial and of ever present threat, and it enters into 1895 in a mood of no little anxiety and even dread .

With one or two exceptions, the values of its products are all seriously lower than they hare been over a period of two years, and this is a feature which is of the gravest possible sort when affecting a manufacture already reduced to about the lowest level of weakness consistent with living. Take sulphate of ammonia, called for in the market chiefly as an agricultural fertilising agent. This product during 1893, and over at least the first half of 1894 ruled comparatively high in value, mounting at one time to over £ 15 per ton, spot terms at Leith. Now for several months of late the article has been persistently neglected by buyers, and the inevitable consequence of an ever-increasing decline in the procurable price. As the year closes prompt value, Leith delivery terms, is found to have shoaled down to below £ 11 per ton , being a loss of over £ 4 per ton from the maximum of 1893, and be it remembered also that during the recent time of high values, a period which lasted well and seemed almost as if it had come to stay, the shale distillers of Scotland exerted the utmost of their effort and ingenuity to increase the proportionate output of sulphate of ammonia from each ton of shale . A good deal of fresh capital expenditure was entered into for the purchase of additional sulphate plant, and in some instances the success achieved was very strongly marked. By certain makers the output of this one remunerative product was about trebled , and indeed sulphate of ammonia was beginning to be relied on as a main prop of the industry .

The balancing of books in 1893 by the various companies gave dismal results truly; but these would have shown as still more disastrous had it not been for the then steadily improving market position of sulphate of ammonia. The balancing of the spring of 1894 (some particulars of which will be found below) showed an improvement on its predecessor , although in no case up to the mark of dividend paving. This improvement was due to continued good prices got for sulphate of ammonia, and that in the face, too, of falling values on the part of the other staple products of the industry. A month or two after the balancing spoken of, the article took a decided turn downwards, not precipitately, it is true , but at the same time hardly once with any thing in the shape of a rally . The fall has gone on practically without check till now , with the result of a total leakage of value to the serious extent above stated.

The dropping of sulphate would have mattered less and the other important products being gaining in value so as to compensate , but these (with perhaps one exception ) have also been losing. Burning oil, which at the beginning of the year was 5d per gallon, felt itself more and more pressed by the American and Russian oils lately pushed upon the home market in rivalry, and at prices purposely pitched a shade lower. These foreign oils are of about the lowest flash-point permissible by existing British import regulations , and on that account are held by many to be too inflammable for reasonable safety to consumers . The Scottish oil is of the comparatively high and safe flashpoint of 100 degs. and agitation has for some time been afoot for an emendation of the import regulations so as to prevent the entrance into this country of all foreign oils under 100 degs. flashpoint . A Government Commission has been appointed to hear evidence, and the matter is still in suspension . Change of law to the extent desired would probably aid the failing Scottish manufacture by stopping the importation of low-priced (and dangerous) foreign oils, but it has to be confessed that the matter does not as yet look hopeful. At the fixing of the contract prices of the native burning oil in July last , the Scottish makers saw that, in the face of the existing foreign competition, they had no choice but to drop another farthing a gallon , and this was accordingly done, forming the basis of the deliveries of the coming season, which deliveries are now at about their maximum, and really very large. A farthing a gallon, thus stated, seems a trifle, but in reality it is a very serious matter in an industry so placed as this is, signifying a shrinkage of many thousands of pounds at the next time of balancing . Burning oil is a vast output, and the difference of a farthing a gallon is a grave affair when prices have been already cut down more than is bearable. It was burning oil, in the bypast rich years, which furnished the 20, 25, and 30 per cent dividends, the other products counting for very little . Now burning oil is good for no dividend at all, and if positive loss is to he avoided, it is to these other products that directorates have to look for that limited measure of success.

The market, in short, is entirely revolutionised. We have seen how sulphate of ammonia has behaved as a reputed "staff " Solid paraffins—scale and wax—have continued all that year at the low value down to which there were some time ago pressed by the competition of American scale and wax imports , these lowered values raising from 1 and 7/8d to 2 and 1/2d per lb., according to quality. If there be no positive loss in making and selling at these rates there is certainly little or no profit in paraffin candles, into which the bulk of the solid paraffin are made, command a large market, it is true, but the highest price procurable is still far short of being sufficiently remunerative. The other important product is lubricating oil of varying gravity, and turned out in considerable bulk. Over the past two years the higher gravities ( 885-895 ° ) have been losing in value , with a recent slight rally. With the lower gravities ( 843-865 °) things have been looking up a little, consequent on the continued favour extended to them not as lubricants, but in their new use as gasmaking oils for lighting purposes.

Quite a large number of gas-making concerns (municipal and private) have adopted the oil-gas, wholly or in part, and it is certain that as time goes on, more will fall into line, the attractions being greater economy and clearer light . The improvement is most marked in 865 ° oil , which of late has been fetching £4 5s. per ton. This is the one section of the industry which , as a settled habit , seems to be mending , but it gives no promise of ever becoming a sufficient "staff" for a generally crippled trade , though no doubt it will help . Naphtha has risen to a good price of late , but is sure to fall with the lengthening day, and, being of only trifling output, it counts for out little either way.

The bulk of the mineral oil companies, as already hinted, balance in the spring of the year. In no case did these pay any dividend as the outcome of the 1894 function , but sulphate of ammonia had been high-priced all through the financial year , and the directorates found that they had mended somewhat on the previous year's bad failure. Interests on loans and debentures were as a rule paid out of revenue, and one company that had failed to pay any interest the year before managed to clear off the two years in one operation. One concern, the Dalmeny Oil Company , closed its books later in the year, as has been its custom- viz ., at October 31st , and its announcement of results was made so late as December 27th . The Dalmeny is but a small undertaking producing only crude oil and sulphate of ammonia . It has all along escaped the extreme vicissitudes of the larger firms, and, affecting this balance, it had the full stretch of the transient good time enjoyed by its best paying product; sulphate of ammonia— which was comparatively high priced from November 1893 to October 1894 , although falling at the latter date . Thus incidentally aided , its forthcoming dividend is quite a phenomenal one, being once more at the old opulent rate of 20 per cent, an achievement, of course due almost solely to the passing good services of sulphate of ammonia. Various influences other than those of generally low market prices have been making for a poor result at the next time of annual balancing by the general industry. Amongst the shale miners there has been no wages outbreak affecting the whole of the industry, but in individual cases the masters have been much hampered by localised agitations resulting - in one instance - in a temporary stoppage of production .

The greatest Scottish coal-mining strike of the year, though not affecting these shale oil companies directly, hit them sorely , nevertheless, in the advanced prices they had to pay for the coal fuel necessary to their distilling and refining operations. This adverse influence indeed threatened wholesale stoppage of the manufacture, and it would have come to that had the strike been prolonged much farther. As it happened, only one factory was forced to close up on this account , the others continuing production in the face of heavily increased oncosts arising from the compulsory employment of coal fuel at high prices , and often of indifferent burning quality.

The Company that thus had to close works was the Clippens. This concern was about two years ago forced into liquidation by pressure of liabilities; but finding no feasible market for its mines and works , the creditors and the shareholders combined in continuing operations as a make-shift . The liquidator-directors were expected to declare working results for the year ending 30th June did not close books till September 30th , thus balancing on a period of fifteen months instead of twelve. The result was not made public till December 22nd. Shareholders and the trade generally expected little of good under the circumstances but they were scarcely prepared for a working loss, virtually of over £10,000 over fifteen months' trading .There was a net loss of £5082, 10s on the Company's manufacture, and a meeting of shareholder took place in Glasgow so recently as December 28th when the Chairman frankly admitted that the report was moat unpleasant reading , at the same time stating his belief that if product values would only take up a very little they would then begin to produce at a profit. The Clippens, not very long ago paid good dividends regularly

Another of' the castaway companies is the Burntisland, at one time a coveted investment on change. In this case the creditors and shareholders also cojoined in the forming of a new Company , in the absence of any adequate market for mines and plant, but the closed works have never been restarted, and now even the pumping of the water out of the workings has been discontinued as but the throwing of good money after bad. Over two years ago the Hermand directors, calling halt until they had lost up to the mark of insolvency, decided to cease production till a time of better markets came around . Production has never been resumed and it is understood that during 1894 a portion of the plant was sold.

Under circumstance such as these thus briefly sketched above, it could not be expected that there would be much of life in the mineral oil section of Stock Exchange business in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Formerly this used to be an animated section, and certain stocks in the days of big profits were procurable only at from 150 to 200 per cent over par, Not a shadow remains now of this bygone activity and opulence. Setting aside the Dalmeny, which , owing to its smallness of scope as a non-refining concern , runs few risks , there is no company whose stock is not now below par; most stocks are hopelessly so. There are no buyers for investment now, and during 1894 day after day has passed without a single transaction in "Oils" The outlook in the industry as 1895 opens is sufficiently disquieting , bearing in mind recent steadily lowering market tendencies in the chief staples of production . There will, indeed , require to be increased frugality in working methods , and the further cheapening of manufacturing processes—the latter a pursuit on the part of the various managements which during past years of adversity has been pushed on to really marvellous economical results.

The Scotsman, 1st January 1895

| 1880 | 1881 | 1882 | 1883 | 1884 | 1885 | 1886 | 1887 | 1888 | 1889 |
| 1890 | 1891 | 1892 | 1893 | 1894 | 1895 | 1896 | 1897 | 1898 | 1899 |
| 1900 | 1901 | 1902 | 1903 | 1905 | 1905 | 1906 | 1907 | 1908 | 1909 |

Outline

• 1885 AGM - Two shale mines, a colliery, four benches of retorts, and the mineral railway were now in operation, 112 houses (at Kingscavil) had been built and the refinery was under construction.
• 1886 AGM - Sales agents had been appointed throughout Britain, consideration was being given towards establishing a candle works. A dividend of 10% announced
• 1887 AGM - Market conditions were difficult due mainly to overseas competition; a wax sweating plant was now complete and candles were being produced
• 1888 AGM - Conditions remained difficult throughout the industry and much production had been lost to strikes. Agreement over the market price of wax was a cause for optimism - a new mine had been sunk to the Dunnet shale
• 1889 AGM - It was recognised that the continued use of Henderson retorts was limiting the income from sale of Ammonium Sulphate. A shareholder's committee would investigate the situation.
• 1890 EGM - The shareholder's committee report that construction of new Young and Bielby retorts was the only sensible course of action. There were calls that Sir Charles Tennant become Chair
• 1890 AGM - Two benches of Young and Bielby retorts were to be constructed. Sir Charles Tennant joins the board and appoints as advisor, William Fraser of the Pumpherston Oil Company Ltd. Company offices had been moved from Edinburgh to Glasgow
• 1891 SGM - A meeting to call for additional capital
• 1891 AGM - The new retorts were increasing ammonium sulphate yields, market conditions were improving, but savings were needed in the cost of production and further working capital was required.
• 1892 AGM - The expectations of the previous year had been unfulfilled. The Works Manager was blamed for the shortcomings and had been replaced. A shareholder described the company as a disgrace.
• 1893 AGM - The market was depressed due to the collapse of the Mineral Oil Association, but conditions were improving and the works were in good order
• 1894 AGM - Market conditions continued to deteriorate
• 1895 AGM - A small surplus had been made, but no dividend declared. The coal-miner's strike had added considerably to costs
• 1896 AGM - There had been an improvement in prices, but the volume of materials sold had declined
• 1897 AGM - A loss was announced due to the low prices of ammonium sulphate and wax products, however savings were being made in wages and royalties paid.
• 1898 AGM - Market conditions remained depressed, but it hoped to operate without a loss that year. Improvements made possible by adoption of Bryson or improved Henderson retorts were being considered.
• 1899 AGM - Continuing market difficulties and the company had been unable to install new retorts, unlike many of its competitors
• 1900 AGM - A net profit had been achieved for the year, and an experimental set of retorts were to be built and, in response to rising coal prices, the company would re-open the Houston Coal.
• 1901 AGM - It was warned that the future of the company was bleak unless retorts were completely renewed.
• 1902 Circular - Calling an extraordinary general meeting to consider wind-up of the company.

1885 Annual General Meeting

The first annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Linlithgow Oil Company, Limited, was held yesterday in Dowell's Rooms. Edinburgh - Mr Thomas Spowart, chairman of the company, presiding. There was a good attendance. The report, which was held as read, stated that the directors had to congratulate the shareholders on the progress that had been made in the opening and fitting of the shale and coal mines, and also in the erection of the plant and machinery required for the works. Regarding the erection of the works and machinery, the directors had exercised considerable care, visiting the works frequently, and taking a personal supervision of the contracts and accounts. The retorts and refining works had been erected with all the most recent improvements, and meantime were capable of distilling 250 tons of shale, and of refining the products of 500 tons of shale daily. The two shale mines now completed were capable of yielding an output of over 500 tons per day. After mature deliberation, the directors resolved to have direct railway communication with the works, and a line had now been constructed which intersects the whole mineral fields belonging to the company. Acting on the principle which they were assured would be commended by the shareholders as judicious, the directors had not taken credit for the value of the stock of shale or coal which was on hand at 31st March, when the balance-sheet was made up, in a revenue account, but had credited capital with the value of these; due provision being thus made for any possible depreciation on the plant or on the minerals worked. The report then proceeded to refer to the proposed issue of the remaining 6000 shares of the company, which the directors recommended should be issued pro-rata to the existing shareholders at par.

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said he had to congratulate the shareholders on the progress the works had made since last year. They had had some few little difficulties to contend with, but none of them of a very serious character. The chief difficulty was the railway - opening up the works with the North British system at Linlithgow. The failure of the health of the contractor caused a delay of about three months, but now they had got their line completed by Messrs Stratton. It extends to nearly four miles, and was a very heavy part of the undertaking; but they could not avoid it, and they now had the advantage of having their fields opened up by a line belonging to themselves, thus securing a better outlet at more moderate rates than they otherwise could have been obtained. The railway had been open since May and was working most satisfactorily. The mineral field, which was the most important part of the whole business, had turned out entirely satisfactory. They had two, mines in full operation- one; on the estate of Champfleurie, and the other on the estate of Lord Rosebery at Ochiltree. These had been in operation for a long time. He then went on to quote from a report which the directors had obtained from Messrs Landale, Frew & Landale, mining engineers, during this mouth. It stated that one of the mines was capable of raising 350 tons of shale per day. The thickness of the shale in the two mines at present in working order is 6ft. 3in. and 6ft. They had now a colliery on the Ochiltree property, from which they expected to be able to supply the present necessities of the works in the way of fuel. That was a very exception thing regarding an oil work; but he was glad to be able to say that they were able to get coal, which meant a very considerable saving to them. (Applause.) They had four benches retorts going, and they had made arrange with Young's Company to take their crude oil. It a very good certificate as to the quality of their crude when Young's people said they wished a very much larger supply. (Applause.) They had also sold sulphate of ammonia. The refinery being erected would, he thought, be ready, with good weather, in October. The two shale mines were capable of yielding 500 tons per day; the crude shale retorts were capable of producing 250 tons per day; and their own refinery would be capable of refining 500 tons per day. (Applause.) He then adverted to the proposal by the directors to issue the remaining shares, remarking that, as they only intended to call up £8 as in the case of the existing shares, they would then have an uncalled capital of 240,000, while their borrowing powers would remain intact.

In conclusion, the Chairman said that they had 112 houses at their Champfleurie works, and they were about to erect others on the Ochiltree property. Mr Jamieson, Elie, seconded the motion, which was adopted. Mr Thomson, Edinburgh, seconded by Mr Russell, Cupar, moved that the directors' remuneration to 3lst March last be £500. Mr Alex. Murray, Edinburgh, said such a proposal would be all very well if they were getting a large dividend, but he though; they should feel something in their hands before they voted so large a sum. The Chairman said he had no wish at present to receive any money from the company, but it had been suggested that seeing that they had given a large amount of time to the interests of the company the shareholders might take up the matter, the directors had no wish to press the matter.- It was all the same to him whether they were voted anything for their services out of the prospective profits of the company or waited until the profits were realised. (Applause.) I might tell them, not by way of; boasting, that the directors had spent in the company's business two or three days a week during the past 15 or 16 months. Mr Murray thought the matter should be left over in the meantime. Mr Thomson said he adhered to his motion, The Chairman said the directors If I would not be warranted in accepting any kind of acknowledgement on the part of the shareholders unless they were perfectly,unanimous. Mr Murray said that if the chairman put it that way he would withdraw his motion. Mr Thomson said he thought it would be better, after what I had passed, that the matters should be allowed to stand in abeyance. (Applause.) On the motion of Mr Drysdale,Mr Robt. Prentice, Skedoway, Fifeshire, and Mr Win. Paterson, publisher, Edinburgh, were appointed directors. Messrs Lindsay, Jamieson & Haldane, C.A., were re-elected auditors at a fee of £40. A Shareholder asked if it was not time the directors were putting the shares on the Stock Exchange. The Chairman said the directors had had that question under consideration, and they had thought it more desirable not to do so, as the interests of the company might be made to suffer from hostile speculation. (Applause.) A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.

The Glasgow Herald 29th August 1885

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1886 Annual General Meeting

The second annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Linlithgow Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday afternoon in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh - Mr. Thomas Spowart, of Broomhead, presiding. There was a fair attendance. The Chairman moved the adoption of the report, recommending a dividend of 10 per cent. per annum, a summary of which has already been published. He said that since last meeting in August the directors had been going on with the completion of the works. The works had not been in full operation till January last, and he was happy to say that since that time everything had a been going on well and comfortably. Their products were giving every possible satisfaction. They had taken a place in the market equal to those of any other oil company. (Applause.) The accounts showed a credit balance of £6284 on the three months' working to 31st March last, and he thought that for an infant company that was not a discreditable state of matters. The costs continued to be moderate, and the work was going on steadily. The directors had set aside six per cent. for depreciation, and they thought that for a new work this was an ample allowance, when another company of very old standing only wrote off seven per cent. The proposed dividend was at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum, after carrying forward a sum equal I to £4568 per annum. The works to the extent of £45,000 had been insured, and the directors considered this amply sufficient.

Agents had been appointed in Ireland and England as well as in Scotland, and he believed they would have as good a chance in the market as their neighbours. Their lubricating and burning oils bad already taken a high standing. The capital expenditure up to 31st March had been £135,922, and he believed their works were very well worth the sum expended on them. They had £40,000 of uncalled capital to fall back upon, and they had their debenture borrowing powers untouched, so, he thought, financially they were in a safe and sound position. It was now a well-established fact that in regard to supply of shale they could compare favourably with any similar undertaking in the country. (Hear, hear.) - They had been developing the Broxburn seam for the last two years, and so successfully that they had a very large stock of shale lying on the ground. The two mines were now in a position to put out 800 tons a day whenever it was required. Just now they were putting out over 400 tons. During the two years they had not had a single trouble or difficulty in opening up these mines. (Hear, hear.) They had got to a depth of 50 fathoms. The shale was in a very good position for working, and it was of first rate quality. Then they had the Dunnet and other seams in the Champfleurie estate, close to the retorts and near the surface, ready to be opened up whenever required. The Ochiltree estate coal mine was putting out about 80 tons a day of coal of very fair quality. The refinery, which had been supplied with the most improved machinery, was capable of putting through 700 tons a day, which meant the production of 7,000,000 gallons of crude oil per annum when required.

The directors had carefully considered the subject of additional retorts, but they were not yet in a position to propose anything. As would be observed, they had leased the additional property of Kingsfield from the Earl of Hopetoun, which lay between the two detached portions of the Champfleurie estate. It had been of the utmost importance to secure this without waiting for a general meeting. The amount of obligation involved was very trifling, owing to the fair, reasonable, and honourable treatment of the Earl of Hopetoun's advisers. (Heat, hear.) Without this property the northern portion of the estate was quite locked up. They had negotiated for the very reasonable wayleave of one penny per ton. They hoped that the refinery would be entirely completed before the hot weather came. They had added three tanks capable of holding 100,000 gallons of oil each, and they were almost finished with another to hold 150.000 gallons. This would give ten tanks in all They were now producing 100,000 gallons of crude oil per week. In reference to the stocks in the balance-sheet, the directors had gone on the principle of putting them in at considerably under cost price. (Hear, hear.) They had been carrying on boring operations near the North British Railway for sometime past, and had discovered two of the most important Linlithgowshire seams of shale in the last bore,- close to the railway. (Hear, hear.) They were of unusually high and rich quality, and indicated that the other seams would all be found in the same portion of the estate. They had plenty of material already at present, but were none the worse of knowing what they still had. He would not enter at present on the general question of the present state of the oil trade and the depressed state of prices. They were a young company, and must look to the future. They must economise and make the best of their rich products. There was a great deal in their favour, and they must hope for better times. When those times came they would be in as good a position as any oil company in Scotland.

Mr William Paterson seconded the adoption of the report, and corroborated the statement of the chairman. When they came upon the market it was at the very worst season of the year, and unless their products had been exceptionally good they could not have shown the dividend they did. Up to the end of January their sales were a mere bagatelle, so that the dividend had really come during February and March. The subject of scale had largely engaged the attention of the directors. By far the greater portion of the company's sales was made up by the selling of scale. Scale was now selling at a price which he did not think had ever been so low, For the last 15 years the average price of scale had been three and a half pence. Now it was only two and a half pence and there were very few buyers. Therefore the directors were seriously considering whether they could not spend a little money in the refining or semi-refining of scale, in order that their margins might be increased. They would make a start certainly in a prudent way. (Applause.) Mr Gilmour, stockbroker, said that the candle companies were making very handsome profits, and that because they were getting their material at such low prices. (hear, hear.) He thought it would be a very good plan if their company could use their material themselves. The quantity was such that it would be a very great matter. If they could raise the price of their scale by refining it or making candles he found that a profit of 1d per lb. would bring something like an additional dividend of 10 per cent. The sum would be £15,000 or £18,000 if they could get a single penny per lb. more profits. He thought the directors should look into this matter of candle making.

The Chairman said the directors had been seriously considering this question. They were inquiring at the principal candle-works in the country, and they intended as speedily as possible to put their ideas into shape. They would not go into candle making on a large scale; they would creep before they walked. (Hear, hear.) The report was adopted on the motion of Mr Weir, the retiring directors, Messrs Andrew Landale and John Brownlie, were re-elected. The remuneration of the directors for the past two years was fixed at £750, and Messrs Lindsay, Jamieson & Haldane, C.A, Edinburgh, were re appointed auditors. A suggestion that a number of the shareholders who had never seen the works should pay them a visit was favourably considered. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.

The Glasgow Herald, 5th June 1886

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1887 Annual General Meeting

The third annual general meeting Of the Linlithgow Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday afternoon in Dowell's Rooms Edinburgh – Mr Thomas Spowart presiding over a good attendance of shareholders. The report of the directors showed that the balance at debit of profit and loss account, after deducing £11142 brought forward from last year, was £2434, and to this fell to be added £1470, amount of interest on debentures and bank overdraft.

The Chairman said – Gentlemen, we meet this year in altered circumstances for myself and my co-directors. I assure you that we regret these deeply. We have done what we could by painstaking attention to earn a fair dividend but the times have been against us. To enable you to thoroughly understand how this has come about, I would ask you to take a survey of the trade as it was three years ago when the company was formed, and compare it with what it is now. You will in this way be able to judge of the extraordinary changes, which have taken place, and how completely these have disappointed our expectations. From a trade journal for June, 1886, I have extracted the following:-" lubricating oil continues in good demand, but prices are unadvanced, and may he quoted as ranging from £7 10s to £9 10s f.o.b. for 885 specific gravity. The quotation (for burning oils) continues steady at 6d to 61/2d per gallon for finest No. 1 oils. Scales have been rather depressed during the month, and no large orders are reported. The general price is 3 ½ per lb." per lb." Taking the lowest of the figures, and proportionate prices for gas oils and scale, would give 15s 3d as the value of a ton of this company 's shale, after distillation and conversion into refined products; and if we add to this 2s 6d per ton for sulphate of ammonia, we would have in all 17s 9d per ton, Deducting from this the cost of manufacture, barrels, carriages, and other charges, which estimate at 13s per ton, there remains a profit of 4s. 9d per ton - sufficient for a dividend of 10 to 20 per cent, upon the paid- up capital of the company, after allowing for depreciation. I have quoted these figures to show that when this company was formed we had reasonable grounds for believing that it would yield good returns to its shareholders. Since that time, however, there has been a continuous reduction in values, and during the year now gone it has reached a point which places the whole trade in a very critical position.

The question here naturally arises admitting that prices are now very low, how was it that some other companies, having superior advantages, managed to pay dividends to shareholders? We have given a reply in paragraph IV of the report. Other companies have made con-tracts for scale at higher prices than were obtainable when we came into the market, and to this exclusively we attribute the differences revealed by the published balance-sheets. With regard to burning and lubricating oils and sulphate of ammonia, our prices will compare favourably with that obtained by our competitors. It is not desirable that the present state of affairs should continue -(applause) - as no company, however well situated, can hope to earn a fair return for the money and skill and energy which are involved, We find that when, by the discovery of more economical methods of distilling shale and refining oil, it is possible to produce marketable products at reduced costs, no advantage is reaped by the shareholders, each reduction being merely used to lower the general level of prices something should certainly be done to put an end to what every business man will admit is a foolish course. No doubt there is competition with America and Russia, and the refiners in Scotland must be prepared to face it. But not merely are we doing that which is an imperative thing, but we are fighting amongst ourselves in an altogether unnecessary way – (hear, hear)- and it is quite I possible for this to be modified, if it cannot altogether be removed. (Hear, hear.) Some months ago the directors of this company took part in an effort to bring about an understanding amongst the eight refining companies. It has been an open secret that a scheme formulated in November last would have been carried into operation with, I believe, very beneficial results, but for the failure to obtain complete unanimity. One of the objects of the scheme was the restrictions round of the output of scale if it were found that the supply was in excess of the demand, From statistics, which have been very carefully prepared, it is doubtful if any diminution of output is necessary. It is not a desirable thing to restrict production, as it is better for a work to produce as much as possible. Oncost and management charges remain practically stationary, whether the output is great or small, and these are proportionately less when spread over a larger quantity. Still it is better to keep production at or under the demand, and sell at paying prices, even although the costs are higher, than to sell under costs. It is to be hoped that ere long means will be found to bring about an arrangement to which all of the companies can agree. You may rest assured that your directors will do all in their power to establish a working agreement calculated to reinstate an important industry on a profitable basis. The expenditure during the past year has been considerably larger than would have been sanctioned if we had not thought that the depression was of a temporary character The demand for mineral oils and other shale products is rapidly growing, and will continue to grow, not merely in proportion to the increase of industrial and other communities, but because of the opening up of new markets, and the discovery of new purposes to which they can be applied. I do not rely much on what we hear frequently spoken of the exhaustion of the oil resources of America, these are practically inexhaustible, for fresh fields are being daily discovered, and there is little doubt that the supplies from that country could be greatly increased if profitable prices were obtainable. Still an examination of statistics from the wells shows that for some time there has been a diminution in the quantity of oil produced; while, in spite of a large quantity obtained from Russia, exports have increased and stocks have diminished. America just now is complaining quite as much as we do of the unprofitable nature of the business, and in this fact I see some hope for the future. I may refer to the fact that in March last a bill was introduced into the Pennsylvanian legislature for the purpose of preventing undue drilling, and consequent rapid exhaustion of oil districts. The bill was recently thrown out. Its existence, however, coupled with facts to which I need not now refer, is a proof of the severity of the struggle now going on, and which is not satisfactory to producers in America, Russia, or Scotland.

Along with my co-directors, I have carefully examined the position of this company. All that is wanted is a very slight advance in the value of our products, particularly of refined wax and candles; and we trust that advance will come. It so happened that when our works were completed the tide of prosperity was receding; but the flow will come again, and we are fully prepared to take advantage of it. With regard to the producing and refining of our oils, we are in a favourable position; and we have been able to introduce improvement in working which are giving beneficial results. The wax-sweating plant erected during the year is of a complete and satisfactory character. We are manufacturing candles on moderate scale, and shall increase it if we find it profitable to do so. This is probably the wisest course at the present time. We are converting all our crude scale into refined wax. It only remains for me to express a hope that the current year will show a decided improvement on the past. There are already signs of a better time, and I promise you that your directors will not fail to do whatever in them lies to secure the best possible results. (Applause.) I have now to move the adoption of the report and balance sheet.

Mr ANDREW LANDALE seconded the motion.

Mr SMITH, of Duloch, said he only held shares in this oil company, but he had rather been astonished in looking at the reports of the various meetings of other companies. He thought there had been a little want among the shareholders to strengthen the hands of their directors. The was no doubt, as the chairman had said, that it was an open secret as to the efforts that had been made to come to a better understanding among the companies. He was sorry that the majority of the companies had been frightened by the bugbear of one company refusing to join. He thought they should have gone on. He thought there was probability of a combination after the meetings of the companies had taken place. It might be said that they wished to create a monopoly but they did not want anything of the kind, They were entitled to get from the public a fair interest for supplying them with the products which they required.(Applause.) He did not think it was unreasonable that in companies such as this they should get 10 or 12 per cent (hear, hear) seeing the risk the company ran. The directors of the various companies should intimate to their managers that the latter were not fighting with their own money, but with the shareholders' money. If the managers could not get the thing to pay there should be other managers. (Laughter.) It would not be a bad thing for the managers of the various companies to meet occasionally and consult together. (Applause) The report was adopted.

On the motion of Mr ALEX THOMSON, Messrs Spowart and Prentice, the retiring directors, were re-elected. Mr PETER GLENDINNING moved that Messrs. Lindsay, Jamieson & Haldane, C.A be re-appointed auditors, and this was agreed to,

Mr HUGH GILMOUR said it would be well to hear what the company was doing at present, if they are able to meet the present price and if there was any profit. The CHAIRMAN said that for the last two months there was no loss. They had got a certain amount of increased products in various ways and by very strenuous application to economy and improvement he was happy to assure the meeting he would not say exactly that they had turned the corner, but he hoped they should soon do so, Mr GILMOUR said if they were exhausting the shale were they not working at a loss? The CHAIRMAN said that was inevitable- Mr FALCON KING asked if it would not be well to allow the works to stand a little. It seemed to be a pity to throw away 700 tons of shale a day. The CHAIRMAN said there were fixed charges royalties, rents, and so on to pay. Mr SMITH; That would be cutting off our nose to spite our face. The CHAIRMAN said he hoped the time would never come for any for any of the companies for considering the question of shutting up their works. The prospects of the trade might be gloomy, the temporary failure of negotiation might be unfortunate, but the directors had the strongest hopes that the negotiations would be revived ( Hear, hear.) Now that all the companies were learning a lesson in the school of adversity, they would be brought round to consider matters in a more businesslike way and they would apply themselves to keep up the prices, just as railway companies, insurance companies, and traders of every description had come to an arrangement of sort. There were only eight refining companies in Scotland, and why should they not meet like businessmen, and the public would never know it by a sixpence.

After some conversation, a suggestion by Mr. KING was our into the form of a motion and agreed to namely "That the shareholders of this company wish to impress on the directors the necessity of this board doing all in their power to come to a reasonable, business-like agreement with other companies as to prices, so that there be no undue and unnecessary competition betwixt ourselves, resulting in the throwing away of possible profit and the shareholder's money. A SHAREHOLDER asked, was it the case, as stated in the Herald, that negotiations had been going on again and that they had ceased again? Had the chairman any knowledge as to that? The CHAIRMAN said the directors had reason to believe that that was a somewhat premature statement. Hitches had occurred, but there was nothing very serious as to prevent, after all the meetings were over, the negotiations being resumed. On the motion of Mr ROBERT COX, the directors', remuneration for the past year was fixed at £500. The CHAIRMAN, said the board were very much gratified by such an expression of confidence in such very discouraging circumstances. The directors would not accept the money till profits were made – (applause) – and in the meantime it could be carried forward to their credit. A vote of thanks was awarded to the chairman, and the meeting ended.

The Glasgow Herald 4th June 1887

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1888 Annual General Meeting

The fourth annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Linlithgow Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday in Dowell's Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh. Mr T. Spowart, chairman of the company, presided. The directors' annual report, the substance of which has already been given in this column, was held as read.

The CHAIRMAN said that when he addressed the shareholders at their last annual meeting it was a time of great depression in the oil trade. There were symptoms of improvement, but these were so faint that it was impossible for anyone who wished to look facts fairly in the face to derive much comfort from them. It was probable that the disappointment at the result of the year's operations, which, in common with his co-directors, he could not but feel, found expression in the language he then used. He was glad to be in a position to state that the oil trade was in a much more satisfactory condition now than it was a year ago. Prices all round were higher and were likely to remain so; and in addition to this the whole of the oil companies in Scotland were acting together in a rational way for the general good. They might remember that at their last meeting he referred to a scheme which had been formulated by the Scotch companies, but which, from lack of unanimity regarding the method to be adopted, bad broken down. What they then considered to be a possible, but not very probable thing, had been accomplished, arid he could safely say that never since the oil trade began had there been anything like the helpful co-operation between rival companies which existed today (applause.) It had not been easy to reconcile what seemed conflicting interests, and to produce a feeling of mutual trust and confidence, but yet it had been done; and the directors believed that what was for the good of the trade generally would be also for the good of the shareholders generally. (Applause.) He then went on to refer to negotiations which had been conducted with the representative of the oil producers of the United Stales, which had resulted in an agreement regarding prices of scale and wax: and, perhaps, of even more importance, resolutions regarding restriction of production of these articles, if found to be necessary. To the American representative, Mr Bedford, was also due in large measure an agreement which had been signed by nearly all the candlemakers in the United Kingdom, by which they expected the trade would be placed in a more satisfactory position than formerly. So far as they had gone, results had been satisfactory, and he believed they were now strong enough and united enough to pursue the new policy against any opposition should it ever be brought against them. The leading feature of the agreements between the American and Scotch producers as to scale and wax, the Scotch producers or oil, and the candlemakers of the United Kingdom, - was that while fixing and regulating minimum prices, these were not to be put so high as to risk decrease in consumption -(hear, hear)- not only to ensure a fair margin of profit for the capital invested in the companies.

Speaking of the position of their own company, the Chairman said that perhaps some of them were disappointed with the result of the year's operations. It was quite normal that they should be. A good deal had been said in the newspapers about a revival of trade and particularly about higher prices for shale products. lt was not, however, possible all at once for any company to get much advantage from a rise in prices. To carry on a large work; such as theirs it was necessary to sell a good bit less. An advance therefore could only, as a rule, come into operation when existing contracts were worked off. Last year they acted on the principle of selling as little as they could for forward delivery but still it was really only during the last quarter, from January to March, that they obtained any advantage. They were probably aware that during July, August, and September the works were idle owing to a strike of the miners against a reduction of wages; and as it was during that period that the demand for all classes of oil set in, they were not in a position to meet the market for some time. They lost a good deal both directly and indirectly through the strike. They felt it necessary, however, to set with the Scottish Mineral Oil Association who had resolved to effect a reduction in wages, which, in the then position of affairs, none of the members could afford to pay. What the indirect loss was from such a prolonged struggle it was difficult to estimate, but they knew that it was considerable. He trusted they should not have any more disputes with their workmen. They wished to pay the men fair wages, and to be on good terms with them. In periods of depression, such as they had last year to pass through, it was necessary to practice the most rigid economy, and they felt it imperative to take off advances which had been granted in times of prosperity. Taking these circumstances into account, they had no reason to be unduly dissatisfied with the result of the year's operations. He was confident that should the prices they had been recently getting -low though they were compared with those obtained two or three years ago - continue, they should have a much more satisfactory report to submit to them at their next meeting. (Applause.)

One great improvement which had materially helped them was a large increase in the yield of sulphate of ammonia. While during 1887-88 the company distilled nearly the same quantity of shale as during 1886-87, the total output of sulphate of ammonia was 472 tons more. This gave an increased income of fully £5,000. They were in hopes that they should be able during the current year to obtain an additional yield, but he could not speak definitely as to this, The company had been engaged for some months in sinking a mine into the Dunnet seam of shale, and he was a glad to say it was of excellent quality and full thickness. They might have charged a portion of the expenses of so doing to capital, but it was considered better that the whole should be borne by revenue. The directors had been very unwilling to add to capital account, and nothing had been sanctioned which did not obviously appear to be necessary. He did not expect that during the current year any large expenditure would be required. The company should require to provide additional machines for the candle department, but these were not costly. The outlay incurred in connection with the refining of scale and candlemaking had been very moderate. They were in a position to refine the whole of their scale into wax, and with extra machines make the whole of the wax into candles. They hoped to do a large business in this department during the coming season. The general condition of the works was in every way satisfactory. He was satisfied that all that they required to make the company a great success was a period of good prices, such as were obtainable prior to le 1887. These could not be commanded at will, but, he was not without hope that ere long they should see a still further improvement. (Applause.) The Chairman concluded by moving the adoption of the report. Mr ANDREW LANDALE formally seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted.

Questions having bean invited, the CHAIRMAN, in reply to a Shareholder, said the average of prices was much the same since the improvement which took place in January, February and March, but he was happy to be able to tell them that the month of April was quite satisfactory. If the Scottish Mineral Association held firmly together, faithfully and loyally, if each company considered the general good of the whole trade and let to itself alone, those prices would be maintained, and he believed increased. (Hear, hear, and applause.) Another SHAREHOLDER – If these prices are maintained, what will be the result next year? (Laughter.) The CHAIRMAN said he could hardly answer that question. Did it mean what dividend would be be paid? The SHAREHOLDER - Would you pay any dividend? The CHAIRMAN - Oh, certainly. he hoped and the board hoped and believed that the result of this year's operations would result in something quite satisfactory to the shareholders. (Applause.) Mr COX moved, and Mr J. D. WALKER seconded, the re-election of the retiring directors- Messrs. Landale and Paterson - which was unanimously agreed to. Mr. SMITH moved a vote of thanks to the directors for their services. He was sure all the oil companies of Scotland had to thank their board for the initiation of the step that had been taken, and for the trouble which the board had taken in carrying it out. All the companies were deriving benefit from it, and he thought they had recognised this in choosing their chairman as chairman of the united companies. He considered that was a very great honour which had been conferred on the company. (Hear, hear.) The CHAIRMAN, in replying, said the agreement had brought about a remarkable improvement already to the trade and he hoped it would continue. Everyone seemed determined to preserve the association, and he hoped that good would come of it, and that all the companies would benefit in another year to a large extent from its operations. (Applause.) The proceedings then terminated

The Glasgow Herald, 26th May 1888

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1889 Annual General Meeting

The fifth annual general meeting of the shareholders of this company was held in Dowell's Room, Edinburgh, yesterday – Mr Andrew Landale, chairman of the company, presiding. In a report, a summary of which appeared in the Herald of the 11th May, was held as read. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, expressed regret that a dividend could not be declared. They had fallen short of the results requisite for this purpose, and so far had not done so well as some of their competitors. Why this should have been so was a question not easily answered. They had reduced the price of certain products, and had also obtained ?? during the preceding year, in every respect they had improved, and their financial position was healthier than when they ?? little more economising and a very small increase in market value of their products would make a substantial difference in the profit and loss account. An analysis of the accounts for last year showed that their ???? a quantity of shale. The quality of oil obtained from it did not bear ??? the experts who tested it . As ??? they had obtained a large yield of sulphate of ammonia and it was their opinion that the yield could be considerably increased. As the shareholders were aware, the ?? of the retorts used by the company were of the Henderson design and they were not the most suitable for ammonia recovery. They might perhaps produce a better quality of oil, but the net result was not favourable. In the present market it was more profitable to obtain increased sulphate of ammonia, even although this may sacrifice a small percentage of oil scale. It was calculated that the alteration of retorts would cost about £5,000. The work was to the done gradually, but expeditiously as possible. The directors had made representations to the proprietors of the shale that the royalties were excessive and not justified by its quality. They had been offered a reduction in royalty of 2d per ton for 2 years, but they were thankful? For the concession, they pointed output? A reduction of double this amount should be made, since if this was allowed the company would still be paying full value. Other companies were paying no more than they had asked to be reduced tom while others had assigned reductions in consequence of the depreciation in prices that had occurred . H assured the company that directors were doing all in their power to bring prosperity to the company. They had shown their ??? ??? by taking up unissued debentures amounting to £5000. Since the accounts were made up they had had to redeem £4300 debentures which fell due at Whitsunday. They urgently recommended these to be replaced by the shareholders. Mr J. BROWNLEE seconded. The CHAIRMAN replied to a number of questions. He said that at present the company was getting 33lb of sulphate of ammonia for a ton of shale but expected by the proposed alteration to get 50lb. Mr DAVID GILMOUR expressed disappointment with the report He said there was something wrong which it would be advisable to find out. He therefore move that a committee of shareholders be appointed to confer with the directors on the affairs of the company and report back to a future meeting. Mr JAMES LINDSAY seconded. The CHAIRMAN said that the directors would welcome such an enquiry. Mr Gilmour's motion was adopted and a committee of five gentlemen nominated. The appointment of Mr. Drysdale to the directorate was confirmed and Mr Shaw was elected to the remaining vacancy. The report was approved and the proceedings terminated.

The Glasgow Herald, 25th May 1889

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1890 Extraordinary General Meeting

An extraordinary general meeting of the Linlithgow Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday afternoon in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh- Mr Andrew Landale presiding. There was a fair attendance of shareholders The meeting was called for the purpose of receiving the report by the shareholders' committee appointed in May last and of considering special resolutions based thereon.

Mr EDWARD BRUCE, convener of the shareholders' committee, submitted the report, and said the committee had done their very utmost to give a true and accurate account of the present position of the company. The inquiry had been somewhat protracted, but it had been thorough and complete. It was pointed in the first place to the thorough nature of the investigations of Mr Wm. Fraser of the Pumpherston Oil Works, who had assisted the committee, and to the satisfaction expressed by that gentleman as to the extent of the shale field its freedom from faults, and the convenience with which it could be worked. As a shale field, apart from the quality of the shale, Mr Fraser said he had never seen its equal. The refinery was admirably adapted for the work, and the wax-refining departments were laid out with care and economically handled. The commercial department was conducted most efficiently, and had gives satisfaction to the committee. The erroneous estimate of the character of the shale had led to all the misfortunes of the company. Less ammonia been got from the shale than might have been swing to the Henderson retort having been used. This retort was adopted because at the first the shale was understood to be richer in oils and not so rich ammonia, whereas the reverse was now found to a be the case. The retort most suitable for the shales was the Young & Beilby. As to the future there was a very large area of shale to be worked which would meet all requirements for many years. The present difficulties with the miners and the high price of coal were, in the opinion of some, not likely to continue, and there was a prospect of improvement in the oil market. He was therefore of the opinion that the shareholders should be loyal to the company, and that they should take up a proposed debenture stock. (Applause.) By doing this they would protect their own interests, and put money in the lands of the directors to erect additional and improved retorts, which would keep the refinery and whole works in full operation. If this was done, he was convinced that the shares would soon become of the market value of £5 10s, which was the value it was proposed to reduce then to, for the company would become a very strong dividend-paying one. (Applause.) He also expressed the strong sense of the indebtedness felt by the committee to one of their number, Mr J. D. Walker, both for investigating the affairs of the company and in preparing the report. He further called attention to the good work done by Mr Fraser in the same direction. On behalf of the committee, be thanked the If directors for their cordial co-operation and assistance In conclusion, he called attention to the fact that there was one portion of the shale field yet unworked which was believed to be very rich in oil. It could not be opened until the shareholders provided the money, but it was the opinion of competent persons that that was the best part of the field. As it was rich in oil, the Henderson retorts already in possession of the company might be used for retorting that shale.

The CHAIRMAN expressed regret at the unavoidable delay in presenting the report of the committee. He spoke of the work of investigation, and of the proprietors of the lands having agreed to a reduction of the royalties on the shale won. The conclusions the committee had arrived at were identical with those stated in the report last year. It had been established beyond question that by using I the Young & Bielby retort there would be an increase of profit to the company of 1s a ton. The directors were unanimously of opinion that the committee's proposal to erect new retorts of the Young & Bielby pattern was not only the best course, but it was the only one open. There was probably no other company in Scotland that could put shale into the retorts at a lower price than the Linlithgow Company could. The candle factory promised to use up the whole scale manufactured in the works. The new benches of retorts would bring up the yield of crude oil to over 6,000,000 gallons which was the maximum quantity that could be dealt with by the refinery. The writing down of the capital would, he trusted, commend itself to every shareholder. The directors had so much confidence that though their aggregate holdings were large they had determined to take up the whole of their proportion of the new shares. Some of the larger shareholders had intimated their intention to do likewise, and to take any additional new shares that might be left unsubscribed for. The payments would probably be arranged to extend ever a year. In regard to suggestions that the directorate might be strengthened, the directors had already approached two of the largest and most influential shareholders with the view of getting their consent to join the board. (Applause.) He moved that the report be received, and that the committee be thanked for their labours.

Mr BRUCE said he would add to what he had previously said that the committee had not taken a sanguine view of the position, but had fixed their estimate as loss as possible. Mr HUNTER, who had been engaged in connection with the original testing of the shale, complained that the present report cast reflections upon him. The meeting, however, expressed itself unwilling that he should proceed, and he said that if that was so he would bring out the facts in a Court of justice. The general opinion of the meeting, however, was that no reflection had been cast upon him, and that the business now was to deal with the present state of matters, and not to resuscitate questions as to the original shale-testing, Mr HUGH GILMOUR, a member of the committee, said they had taken their estimates of the profits at the minimum ; everything had been cut down to the lowest, He believed there would be another saving, which the committee had not taken into account at all - namely, that considerably less coal would be needed when the Young & Beilby retort was used. Coal was a very large item, something like 50,000 tons, and if they could save a third, or something like that, it would be a great matter. He also spoke of the desire, which a large body of the shareholders had, that Sir Charles Tennant should accept the position of Chairman of the company

Sir CHARLES TENNANT said the request was one which he could hardly entertain. He thought the statements in the report and those made by Mr Bruce ought to inspire confidence in the shareholders. a. The statements looked extremely trustworthy and encouraging. Being a large shareholder, he would do his part and take up all the new stock adhering to his holding - (applause)- and he thought a good many of the large shareholders would follow his example. They had very good security - better than in a great number of companies. He saw nothing in the affairs of the company to make one despondent, and the present had a great number of a good features. He would be very glad to do all he it could in the interests of the company - (applause) - but he was afraid he had got too many things on hand already to allow him to join the board. He therefore could not see his way at present to accept the invitation. Mr SMITH of Duloch seconded the chairman's motion, and expressed the hope that Sir Charles Tennant would reconsider his decision.

The CHAIRMAN assured Sir Charles Tennant that. his acceptance of the chairmanship of the Board would be considered a very great favour, and every effort would be made to make his work as light as possible. He hoped Sir Charles would think over the matter before he was approached in s a more formal way. Mr SMITH said he understood the company ware intending to remove their offices to Glasgow, and that would be an additional inducement to Sir Charles Tennant. The motion was then adopted. The following special resolutions were then moved seriatim by the CHAIRMAN, seconded by Mr BROWNLIE, and unanimously agreed to: "that the capital of the company be reduced from 20,000 shares of £10 each, £8 paid, to 20,000 shares of £7 10s each, £5 10s paid." "That £50,000 mortgage debenture stock be created, bearing interest at 6 per cent. per annum convertible at any time, in the option of the holders, into ordinary shares of the company at par, and to be redeemed after 1892 to the amount of at least £2503 per annum by annual drawings at premium of 5 per cent" "That in order to carry out the foregoing proposal 9031 ordinary shares of £7 10s each will be created". . A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting. A deputation representing a large number of Shareholders afterwards waited upon Sir Charles Tennant to urge him to accept office, and after conference Sir Charles intimated that he would consider the matter.

The Glasgow Herald 9th April 1890

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1890 Annual General Meeting

The sixth Annual General Meeting of the Linlithgow Oil Company Limited, was held in Dowell's Rooms Edinburgh, yesterday - Mr John Brownlee, Dunfermline, presiding, in the absence, through ill-health, of Mr Lansdale, the chairman of the company. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, which has already been published, said - I am sorry that the result of operations during the year ending 31st March has not been satisfactory. These have been lightly touched upon in the report. I may mention, in supplement to what I there stated, that the case of the loss sustained was not so much the rise in wages or the increased cost of material, but the small throughput of a shale. During the preceding year we made from our own retorts about 4 1/4 million gallons of crude oil, and we refined in addition three-quarters of a million of gallons bought from another company. During the past year the total quantity dealt with was only 3 1/2 million gallons. The consequence of this diminished throughput was, as can be easily understood, increased costs all round. We have also certain fixed charges -outlays in connection with our private railway, anti-pollution taxes, interest, general management and commercial department - amounting to about £10,000 yearly, and these when divided by a small production compare unfavorably with a period when the refinery was more fully employed. The difficulty which faced us about September of last year, when the rise in coal took place, and when miners were able to obtain better wages in coal pits than we would have been justified in paying, was the small stock of shale on hand. We had been compelled to keep down the output at a time when it might y have been easily increased. For at least six months of the year we were unable to keep the whole of the retorts in operation, and even those which were nominally working were very imperfectly supplied with shale, I mention these circumstances to show that the outcome, as some may have supposed, was not due to any permanent and unalterable cause, but to temporary difficulties which we believe are now at an end. The response of the shareholders to the request of the directors for additional capital has entirely changed the aspect We are now able to stock shale against the recurrence of a period similar to what we have recently passed through, and we are also able to erect retorts better suited to the shale with which we have to deal, and to carry out other much needed improvements. By reason of the reduction of capital we are enabled to write of the whole of the balance against us, and to carry on the business with greater economy and on a more extensive scale. Contracts have been. made for the erection of two additional benches of Young end Beilby retorts, and operations are in progress for the alteration of one of the existing benches of the Henderson retort. These will be completed within four months from this date, and the additional sulphate of ammonia obtainable will prove an important source of revenue. Provision has been made for a supply of crude oil from the outside.

You are aware that Sir Charles Tennant, who has agreed to accept a seat at the board - and to whom we area greatly indebted for the success which has attended the somewhat difficult financial arrangements just concluded - expressed desire to have on the board a gentleman practically acquainted a with the oil trade. As a result of that expression of opinion Mr Fraser, managing director of the Pumpherston Oil Company, who is thoroughly conversant with the affairs of the company, and who is sanguine of future success, agreed to act as adviser to the board. We have stated in the report that the mineral proprietors have agreed to a reduction of the royalties. As soon as they clearly understood the character of the shale and that the lordship per ton was in excess of the market value they willingly agreed to make concessions which will materially help us in the future. There is one point yet which we have brought under their notice, and we have no doubt that a proper apprehension of the importance of the liberty asked for will bring about a satisfactory solution of the difficulty. For some time, as you are aware, the Scottish oil trade his been in a depressed condition. The competition with Russia and America has been very keen, and the prices obtainable for all products have been reduced almost to the vanishing point. But this year the downward movement has not only been arrested, but has, in at least one important produce, scale, very decidedly improved. The stock of this article both in America and in Scotland has been reduced so much that it is extremely doubtful if the supply, added to the production from all the works, will prove equal to the demand. By an agreement with the candle-makers of the United Kingdom, in conjunction with the refiners in America and in Scotland, the price has been raised nearly £5 per ton, and this means to our company an additional revenue of about £10,000. That in itself is a most important change. But it has had another effect. Hitherto we have had great difficulty in disposing of our candles, but up till now the sales for the coming season have greatly exceeded our expectations. With regard to lubricating and gas-making oils the outlook is also hopeful. Prices have advanced in both cases, and while the increased revenue from these articles is not so great as from scale, yet it is important. The only element of weakness at present is burning oil, which in the opinion of some may not realise quite so good a price as it did last year. You will find in the report that boring operations are in progress in Little Ochitree, where; it is hoped the Broxburn seam of shale may be found in better condition than it is on the rest of the property. I am not yet in a position to state the result, but we expect in a few days to have definite information. The directors are not depending upon the discovery of a better seam. The calculations that have been made are based exclusively on results already obtained. If the Broxburn shale is found in better form the company will be of course benefit, but if not we are not going to be greatly disappointed. It is our intention by and by to remove the offices of the company from Edinburgh to Glasgow. This will be more convenient in several respects, and will bring us closer contact with the principal buyers in the oil trade. (Applause.) Mr R. R. PRENTICE seconded, and the report was adopted.

The Chairman then moved, and Mr HUGH GILMOUR seconded, the election as a director of Sir Charles Tennant, which was unanimously agreed to. Sir CHARLES TENNANT, in thanking the meeting, expressed himself sanguine of the ultimate success of the company. He thought they had turned the corner, and saw nothing in the outlook to make them distrustful of the future. He entered upon the duties of director in a very hopeful spirit. Messrs Landale and Prentice were then unanimously re-elected directors of the company, and the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks passed to Brownlie for presiding.

The Glasgow Herald 24th June 1890

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1891 Special General Meeting

A special meeting of the Linlithgow Oil Company, Limited, was held in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh, yesterday - Mr John Brownlee, Lassodie, presiding - when the report of Mr W. Fraser, Glasgow (already published), suggesting a new issue of 50,000 10 per cent. preference shares of £l each was considered. Mr HUGH GILMOUR said he had never been more surprised at any report than this, as it was only a year ago that the financial affairs of the company wore rearranged. The outside valuation of the works was then obtained, and their nominal value written down in accordance with the report received. He suggested that the capital should remain as it was, as in his opinion it was a mistake to write down the capital of the company in such a drastic way. He also suggested that the preference shares be issued to bear interest at 6 per cent, and that the holder should have the right of contingent profits. To reduce the capital of the company would net produce a penny to carry on the business. The best thing the directors could do was to allow the affairs to go on for a year, end if their anticipations were realised as to the result of the present operations, it might be then time to consider whether there should be any further reduction in the nominal value of the plant. Mr HARSLEIGH, who supported Mr Gilmour, said he was not surprised at the loss that hard been sustained during the past year. As a member of the committee, it was quite well known to him that the Henderson retorts could not be carried on except at a loss. Sir CHARLES TENNANT said the new retorts were realising what was expected of them. The other deficiency had been want of capital ; £15,000 was totally inadequate, and now they wanted some £30,000 more. He was himself very much astonished that this scheme was proposed. He preferred the suggestion he made himself to create £50,060 of preference stock. It would be, he, thought, suicidal on their part to give up this property. It was a good property, and it only wanted to be carried on to realise the money invested He thought it would be better to fix the dividend on their preference stock at 7 per cent., and then the ordinary shareholders would got 5 per cent., the surplus to be divided equally between preference and ordinary shareholders. The scheme Mr Fraser had put before them was a very able one, but he thought many of them would rather have 5 per cent on £10 shares than 10 per cent. upon £5 shares. (dear, dear.) If they adopted Mr Fraser's scheme they would get into good dividends faster doubtless, and the company would be put on a sounds basis, and he would be happy to throw in his lot with them; but if they preferred to create preference shares, it would be a reasonable proposal, and one which he thought would give confidence to the shareholders.

Mr FRASER said that if the feeling of the shareholders was against the writing down of the capital he would not take up the time of the meeting by going into the question.

Mr SNODGRASS, the works manager, gave a statement as to the means he had adopted by diminish the expenditure, and increasing the revenue, tie result he said, having been much the same during the last fortnight as these stated in the reports. After further discussion,

Mr HUGH GILMOUR made a motion "That £50,000 preference shares of £1 each be created to bear interest at 7 per cent. per annum, the surplus revenue to be equally divided between the preference and ordinary shareholders, the shares to be allotted to the ordinary shareholders pro rata with the ordinary shares held by them, and that in the meantime only 35,000 shares be issued the preference shares to be preferable both as regards capital and interest." Mr SMITH of Duloch, seconded the resolution, which was agreed to, and the proceedings terminated.

The Glasgow Herald 25th April 1891

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1891 Annual General Meeting

The seventh annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Linlithgow Oil Company was held yesterday in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh. Mr Andrew Landale, chairman of the company, presiding. The report, which had already been published in these columns, was held as read.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said the report presented by the committee of shareholders made it clear that the shale was of poor quality as far as oil is concerned but comparatively rich in sulphate of ammonia. It had been demonstrated that the Henderson retorts are unsuited for shales such as those found on the property. By using them the whole of the oil is extracted?, but a lease one-half of the sulphate is lost. This fact account for the lack of success of the company hitherto. Having discovered the cause, it was resolved to erect retorts specially designed to deal with shale such as those we possess. This having now been done, and the result is satisfactory. The month of April was the only one from which they could as yet judge fully, but they could give an indication of what the return for May may show. During April the yield of crude oil was 17 ¼ gallons, and of sulphate of ammonia 36 ¾ lb per ton of shale. The gross profit for the month was £1180 2 s 4d. From this fell to be deducted interest on debentures and debenture stock, £376 13s 4d, and left a profit of £809 9s. This was not a large sum but it was on the right side, and the directors have the manager's assurances that several improvements are being effected which would go towards lessening costs and to the increase of production. The returns for May showed a yield of 17.57 gallons of crude and 89 lbs of sulphate of ammonia . The differences on costs and yields combined would be 6d per ton and this on a throughput of 19,000 tons was £400 of additional profit for the month. That there was room for further savings, particularly at the retorts, was admitted. They know that they were heavier with the company than at some other works, and their manager was convinced that in a short time it would be on a level with others. In order to show the difference between last year and this, he might share that ? the production of ammonia during the last year averaged 157 tons monthly, the production of sulphate of ammonia for April of this year was 248 tons and for May 295 tons at a greatly reduced cost.

For some years manufacturers in America and Scotland have worked under agreements as to minimum prices. The agreement for the current year has been arranged, and the price of scale has been advanced on halfpenny per pound. The demand for mineral wax has been steadily increasing, and for some time prior to the termination of the last agreement it realised a premium in the market. The advance in the price now established would yield a considerably greater revenue and would far more than compensate for a fall in the price of light oils, which at present were cheaper than the average last year. It is not unlikely that the competition now going on between America and Russia, by reason of which lamp oils are solid at very low prices, would moderate. One important result was that the use of oils was rapidly expanding; and even in large towns where gas is readily and cheaply obtained, there has been an increasing demand for paraffin oil. While there was no falling off in the production of petroleum, the difficulty was year by year becoming greater of maintaining it at the level of demand. The use of oil is the manufacturing of gas for lighting railway carriages and country houses was also extending and was likely to attain much larger dimensions in the future. While they were satisfied with the progress made at the works, the directors felt the necessity of impressing the importance of providing a sufficient amount of working capital.

The creation of preference shares would overcome the difficulty, and he had the pleasure in stating that 12,818 had already been subscribed. This number fell short of what was necessary to enable the directors to carry on the business on a sound basis, and would require to be increased to at least 25,000. it is well known that during the summer months a very large proportion of products had to be stored, and the working capital sufficient to enable directors to do this is required. The shares were preferential both as regards capital and interest, and in addition to the interest at 7 per cent were to participate in divisible profits after the ordinary shares receive 5 per cent. With the success of the company these shares would become valuable and there would be no difficulty in placing them. But the money required now, and the directors trusted that the shareholders who have not yet accepted the shares allotted to them will now do so. The directors have taken those adhering to them, and were prepared to do more if they were supported by the shareholders. That the shareholders had already done their duty to the company, the directors readily acknowledged. The experience of the last few years had not been encourage, and it could not be wondered at if many of the shareholder should now stand aloof, fearing that if more money was supplied it would only be increasing their loss. If the directors were of the opinion they would not urge this matter, nor would they add to their own interest in the company , as they had unhesitatingly done. He had no wish to be over sanguine, and to predict results which were not likely to take place. He had endeavoured to wait out the change in the position of affairs, and thereby encourage the shareholders who had invested their money in the company, and who stuck? to it through good report and through bad report, to wait patiently the outcome of the year's work. The directors were hopeful that a new departure had been made and that it would be within their power when another year had gone to record very different results from those contained in the report which he moved to be adopted (Applause). The directors were rather disappointed after the promises made at the last meeting. The preference shares had not been taken up to the extent expected, and the suggestion had had to make was that they should appoint a small committee which should wait upon the shareholders who had not taken up their shares.

The SECRETARY added that Sir Charles Tennant was able was not able to be present, but they had Mr Alexander's (Sir Charles' partner) assurance that Sir Charles's further action would be guided very much by what the shareholders did. A committee was appointed, and Messrs Brownlee and Prentice re-elected directors.

Mr. JAMES SNODGRASS, manager, stated that he expected the increase from the price of was would be sufficient to wipe off the loss last year. He thought they could congratulate themselves in being in a fairly satisfactory way. Replying to a question he stated that the cost of the production of sulphate of ammonia was almost one half of what it had been. If they took the average for the year, he though it was 20s a ton down. A vote of thanks having been given to the chairman for presiding, the proceedings were terminated.

The Glasgow Herald 2nd June 1891

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1892 Annual General Meeting

The (eighth) annual meeting of the shareholders of the Linlithgow Oil Company (Limited) was hold in the rooms 18 George Street, Edinburgh. yesterday -Mr Andrew Landale, chairman of the company, presiding.

The CHAIRMAN moved the adoption of the report, a summary of which has already been published. He said - It is not pleasant for the directors to come before you and tell once more of expectations unrealised. When we met last year we believed that our difficulties, if not at an end, were at least materially lessened. There was the prospect off assured revenue from scale, and we had the assurance from our manager - repeated in your hearing - that he was confident he could maintain the yields of crude oil and sulphate of ammonia then being obtained; and that alterations in progress would result in lowering costs and increasing production. The directors accepted those statements and based on some months of practical working and an experience of the material with which he had to deal. The yields of crude oil and sulphate of ammonia, which at that time were 17.57 gallons and 39.6 lbs. respectively, fell as low as 16.54 and 30.52 lbs Costs, instead of diminishing, increased; and added to this we had to face a reduced revenue, owing to a fall in. the value of liquid products, The directors were seriously alarmed, as they had invited the shareholders to add to their pecuniary interests in the company, and had also increased their own. They were told that the shale was at fault, and an exhaustive inquiry took place to put this important matter at rest. The result of the inquiry proved that it was riot the shale, but in the retorting where the inefficiency arose. This has been demonstrated in the clearest way to have been the case. Mr Beveridge, who had served the company as mines manager, was appointed works manager, and under his management there has been a steady improvement in yields. We are now getting regularly over 19 gallons of oil and 40lb. of ammonia, but to get these results a good deal of money had to he spent upon repairs; and the outlay on this head has prevented any reduction in costs. Mr Beveridge says that he cannot promise any reduction - except what will follow from lower wages and cheaper coal for two months to come. The position of the oil trade in Scotland is not satisfactory. Competition with petroleum-producing countries are keener than ever, and prices on the average are lower than they have been since 1887. The costs of production are also greater owing to the condition of the labour market, and the high price charged for coal and chemicals. But a change seems impending, and quite recently it was arranged to reduce wages. The price of coal has also boon reduced, and it is not improbable that further reductions will fellow. The market for scale, on which the prosperity of the Scottish oil trade depends so much, is not so good as it was a year ago, when consumption was ahead of production. This is not the case now. We believe that the best remedy is to curtail output to meet the demands of the trade, but unfortunately united action to bring about this result has not yet been obtained.

Turning to the financial aspects of the report, I have to point out that our liabilities to debenture holder and to trade creditor have been greatly reduced. The stock-is-trade has been added to, owing to the present want of demand for scale. To keep heavy stocks of products over the summer it is necessary to have a good command of working capital. It would aid the directors if the shareholders would increase this by giving temporary loans, repayable within a year. There is ample security in the assets of the company, which show a large surplus over liabilities. .I have stated our difficulties and our present position frankly. The directors have made a full statement of the position of the company, and further information can be obtained. We have done out best during a trying period to act fairly towards everyone connected with the company. I can assure you that our duties have neither been light nor agreeable, Mr JOHN BROWNLIE seconded.

A SHAREHOLDER asked if there was anyone over the manager was representing the directors at the oil-works and the mines, The CHAIRMAN said there was a general manager who took charge of the whole concern,

The SHAREHOLDER said the reason he asked the question was that he had noticed that there had been falling off of the yield of oil, and he would mention that he saw some of it going into the atmosphere. This escape he had observed from fully, a quarter of a mile away, and had, he was told, continued for several weeks at a time.

Another SHAREHOLDER submitted that the conduct of business of the company would be improved by the removal of the offices from Glasgow to Linlithgow.

A third SHAREHOLDER said they had nothing in the report submitted to guide them as to how their money was spent. There was a general impression that mismanagement had been not only at the works, hut, at the offices of the company. A profit and lose account, he thought, should be given along with the balance sheet.

A fourth SHAREHOLDER said the company had got into disgrace. The doors were almost closed upon them so far as credit was concerned. -They might. put their stock into the market, but they could not get it sold even at a sacrifice. He should also like to have a detailed account of income and expenditure, wages, &c. ln view of the unsatisfactory nature of the report in regard to these details he moved its disapproval. At the request of Mr Tait, the Secretary (Mr John Young) read the articles of the company, which contained no provision for the preparation of a profit and less account for the shareholders. In answer to the various criticisms passed by shareholders, the Secretary said he had observed and called the manager's attention frequently to the fact that oil as well as coal smoke was escaping. As a result of inquiry it came out that for a brief period, as far as they could judge, the retorts had been very badly used, one or two having to be put away and others practically rebuilt. It was this that practically led to a change in the management. The late manager was a trained chemist, who had come to them with a very good reputation, but the company had had no means of knowing very much about him. During the first three months of his reign the late manager had done remarkably well, bringing out a good yield of oil and ammonium at a cost tending to be low. After that, however, the cost of production began to rise, and he (the secretary) came to the conclusion that a change was necessary. The then mining manager (Mr Beveridge) was appointed manager and had made several important improvements. But those, he thought, had been neutralised by the expense he had had to put the company to in replacing and repairing retorts. As to the suggested transfer of the company's offices to Linlithgow, he reminded the shareholders that the company, in addition to being manufacturing, were a large selling companies . It had been the experience of all the oil companies in Scotland that the offices must be where the business was done, at Glasgow, otherwise they would suffer. In regard to the profit and less account, it had been made out annually, and submitted along with, the balance-sheet until the present year, when it was thought advisable to discontinue that practice. As to the charge of want of forethought in making payments to the landlords of the company and to traders, he would only say that if the receipts did not come up to the expenditure it was difficult to make payments at a later stage, and in connection with a lengthy statement dealing with the cost of production and prices obtained, as well as with the positions of the company, which the press representatives were asked not to report, the secretary stated that the company had been worked at a small profit during the year so for. The amendment was then withdrawn and the report unanimously agreed to. Sir Charles Tennant, Bart., and Mr Landale ware re-elected directors.

The CHAIRMAN said it was stated in the report that the directors made a request for additional capital of £35,000. and that £26,796 of this had been got. The difference between the sums made all the difference to the company, because by the want of this money they were in great straits to carry on the business, and it was new left to the directors to appeal to the shareholders to come forward and give temporary loans. A committee was accordingly appointed to act with the directors for the purpose of providing the additional working capital required for such purpose and a much interest as they might determine. It was moved that the preference stock be put upon the market, but the opinion being expressed that this was not judicious at present, the motion was not seconded.

The SECRETARY then made a statement with regard to the preference shares. He said that after the special resolution had been agreed to in regard to these shares he had now doubts as to whether the wording of the resolution was quite satisfactory and made the preference stock preferential. He took opinion on the subject and found that the resolution was not in regular form, and that it would no better for them to begin de novo and pass an amended resolution. It was further suggested that the stock already taken should be cancelled and the shares re-issued It was agreed to call an extraordinary general meeting of the company to consider the proposed amended resolution, The proceedings then terminated.

The Glasgow Herald 24th May 1892

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1893 Annual General Meeting

The ninth annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Linlithgow Oil Company (Limited), held in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh, to-day. Mr Andrew Landale presided. Tho report, which has been already published, stated that then was a balance at debit of profit and loss account of £1133 11s 1d.

In moving the adoption the report, the chairman said he hoped the shareholders would endorse the opinion of the directors, expressed in report, that the result of the year's working had not been unsatisfactory. The oil trade had been so bad that they were thankful they had been able steer clear of disaster, fate which had unfortunately overtaken some of their neighbours. The primary cause the depression was the collapse of the Mineral Oil Association. They were now making crude oil under more advantageous circumstances than ever before. As to their financial position, they were not in any apprehension to their ability to carry the company safely through the summer. They were better off now than at the same time last year, and their outlays were less. As to the reduction of shares the directors were of opinion that the course proposed was in the interests of all the shareholders. Mr Brown lee seconded the motion.

Mr Dayton, Bridge of Allan, amid laughter and interruption, made an attack on the management of the company, and appealed for the appointment of a committee of investigation. He would not, he said, be a director of any company to have the maledictions of weeping orphans and sorrowing widows. (Laughter.) Mr. Mitchell, Edinburgh, said he was sure a great many here must know perfectly well that things were being pushed as profitably as they could be. Mr Tait, of Messrs Chiene & Tait, explained that in the reduction of share capital the debenture-holders were considered first. Mr J. F. Inglis, Newmains, and Mr M'Lennan, Edinburgh, who said he was like Mr Dayton, a grumbler last year, also expressed admiration the way things had been managed. Mr Beveridge, works manager, reported the works to in very good order, and said had no fear for the future.

On the motion of Mr J. T. Smith, Duloch, seconded by Mr Fraser, it was agreed to give the directors £700 for their past services, and to leave the question of future remuneration to future meetings. At an extraordinary general meeting held later, it was agreed to reduce the capital from 20,000 shares at £7 10s each to 20,000 shares at £5 each. This was all the business.

Edinburgh Evening News, 23rd May 1893

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1894 Annual General Meeting

The annual report to be submitted to the tenth general meeting on the 23rd inst. was issued yesterday. It states that after providing for maintenance and repairs there a balance the credit of profit and loss account of £6001 15s 3d. From that sum falls to lie deducted £3818 16s 51 for interest on debentures, debenture stock, and temporary loans, and the Directors advise that the balance of £2182 18s 10d be carried forward to the current year's accounts. The mineral oil trade during 1893-94, the Directors say, has been even worse than during the preceding year, and prices have touched a point below which it unlikely they will go.

The Dundee Courier, 16th May 1894

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1895 Annual General Meeting

The eleventh annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Linlithgow Oil Company was held to-day in Dowell's Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh. In the report by the directors, which has already been published detail, it was stated that the sum at the credit the profit and loss account, including a balance from the previous year, and after providing for maintenance and repairs, was £5846. From this amount there had to be deducted £3584 for interest on debenture stock and temporary loans, while the directors advised that £1675 should be applied in writing off the whole of the expenditure capital account, and that the balance of £586 be carried forward to next year's account.

Mr Andrew Landale, chairman, presided, and in moving the adoption of the report, said he was sorry the directors had to meet the shareholders without being able declare a dividend. That was matter of extreme regret to the directors, still knowledge of the facts of the case was sufficient to show that under the conditions prevailing during the past year a large profit was not to expected. It was the coal miners' strike which interfered more than anything else with the business that year. The cost of coal during that period of four months was extremely high, and in addition to that the strike was indirectly the cause of exceptional expenditure. It was to be hoped that these periodical interferences with the industry of the country might cease, and that there would be more reasonable methods adopted for settling trade disputes. (Hear, hear.) Whatever fluctuations might occur between now and the contracting season two months hence he thought there would be decided improvement this winter over last year's prices. (Applause.) He had good reason for believing that if they had no disturbing influence work during the current year the result would gratifying to all connected with the company. It was not pleasant to have to continue the struggle for mere existence, and thought the struggle they had maintained would ultimately result in success. (Applause.) Mr Brownlie seconded, and the report was adopted unanimously,

Mr Smith of Duloch remarking that the company had been struggling on for a good many years, but he agreed with the chairman in saying that, failing unforeseen circumstances, he was satisfied that the directors would have the pleasure of giving the shareholders what they had waited long for—a dividend. (Applause.) Messrs John Brownlie, R. K. Prentice (re-elected), and Dr. Arthur Drysdale, Dunfermline, were appointed directors. It was agreed to vote £300 the directors for their services during the past year. The meeting terminated with votes of thanks.

Edinburgh Evening News 16th May 1895

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1896 Annual General Meeting

The 12th annual meeting of the Linlithgow Oil Company was held in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh, yesterday—Mr Andrew Landale, chairman, presiding. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said there had been an improvement in the price of oils, which was well maintained, and for some oils there is a good demand. Sulphate of ammonia fell greatly in price, but the contracts in hand gave the Company fair average price for the year, but the difference in the quantity sold was £12,000 below what was sold in 1894-95.

There had been an all-round reduction in the expenditure for the year, chiefly in tho cost of coal. The Directors proposed to make a tentative effort to substitute gas for coal as a the method of heating, by which it was said greater regularity would be obtained and a larger throughput would be assured. With regard to the proposed legislation as to the flash point of oil, he said the producers of Scotland were unanimously of opinion that to include them in such Bill would be unjust in principle and unnecessary in practice. The report was adopted, and the Directors voted £400 for their services.

The Dundee Courier, 13th May 1896

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1897 Annual General Meeting

The 13th annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Linlithgow Oil Company was held in Dowell's Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh, at noon to-day—Mr Andrew Landale, chairman, presiding. In moving the adoption the report and balance-sheet (which have been published), the Chairman said the results of the year's onerations were not satisfactory. Comparing them with the preceding year, when there, was a net profit of £8000, there had been reduction of revenue of £12,000.

That was a serious matter, but was easily explained. It was accounted for by a fall in sulphate of ammonia amounting to £6000 and a fall in wax and candles of £7300. The receipts for burning oils had been less, but those from lubricating and gas oils had been greater. The main difficulty lay in the low yield of crude oil obtainable from the shale. Unless there was a rise in the market for sulphate of ammonia and wax he could not hold out a hope of substantial improvement. Mr R. R. Prentice seconded.

Councillor Scott, Edinburgh, asked what the prospect for the incoming year was, and Mr Young, the secretary, in reply, said the reductions which they had effected on wages were calculated to yield £2500 in the year, and the reductions on royalties for the year would give £1250 (they paid at present £2500 to the proprietors), and the reduction on debenture interest was of the same amount, so that altogether a reduction of £5000 would effected. very strict economy they believed they could work within those lines. Until there was some improvement in the value of products they could not promise more than that they could go on during the current year without a loss. The report was thereafter adopted. On the motion of Mr J. T. Smith, Duloch, a resolution was passed unanimously thanking the proprietors, the debenture holders, and the workmen for their concessions to the company. Mr J. Brownlie and Mr R. R. Prentice were re-elected directors, and vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the business.

Edinburgh Evening News 18th May 1897

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1898 Annual General Meeting

The fourteenth annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Linlithgow Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday in Dowell's Rooms – Edinburgh –Mr. Andrew Landale, chairman of the company, presiding.

In moving the adoption of the report, which has been published, the Chairman said that when they met last year the oil trade was in a depressed condition. They had expected to conduct their business without loss during the year. Wages had been reduced. The mineral proprietors had agreed to charge a very moderate royalty, and the debenture stockholders had acquiesced in a proposal to accept interest at 3 per cent. The results of their operations during the past year had justified the anticipations of the directors. There was a small deficit, but this was due to alterations and additions to the retorts, the expenditure upon which had been charged to revenue, and to the falling off in supplies of crude oil owing to the shutting down for some months of the works of the Holmes Company. The results of the alterations were satisfactory. The costs were a slightly lower. The retorts worked with greater regularity and efficiency. and by the substitution of shale retorts for coal retorts the throw out of shale increased 20 per cent. The policy initiated two years ago would be continued as circumstances would permit. From the information they had been able to obtain of the working of the Bryson retort at Pumpherston and elsewhere and of the improved Henderson retort at Broxburn there seemed to be little doubt that better results were obtainable at lower costs than the company was able to achieve, but the initial outlay was so heavy that they were quite unable in the present position of the company to do more than he had indicated. In regard to royalties, the proprietors had intimated the withdrawal of the concession which they had granted last year, and stated that after the present year more onerous terms would be imposed. The directors had placed the position fully before the proprietors, and had explained that owing to continued depression, the royalties asked could not he paid, and they were hopeful that a satisfactory settlement would be arrived at.

With regard to the future, it was difficult to speak with any degree of certainty. Since the report was written a slight all-round improvement in prices had taken place, but whether the improvement in liquid products was due entirely to higher freights being charged upon American oils owing to the war could not with certainty be affirmed. It was however, rather a testimony to the vitality of the Scottish oil trade that in spite of a continuous decline in prices for several years the output of oil should show few, if any signs of falling off. The energies of the various works managers had been stimulated to renewed efforts to effect savings in all departments, and these had at least proved successful in keeping the trade alive. They believed a time was coming when the holders of oil shares would profit by all the economies which had been made. But whether that time was in the near of in the distant future was impossible to say. Mr John Brownlie seconded the adoption of the report.

In replying to Mr. Edward Burke, who asked if the raising of the flash point would improve the oil trade in Scotland, Mr. John Young, the secretary, said they believed that if it were raised, there might be a slight effect on the trade. What the ultimate issue would be it was impossible to say. Americans made a great deal of the fact that if the flash point were raised the cost of the oil to the consumer would be enormously increased. They in Scotland did not believe anything of the kind. The report was adopted. The auditors were reappointed, and the directors were voted £400 for their services during the past year.

Glasgow Herald 18th May 1898

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1899 Annual General Meeting

The fifteenth annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Linlithgow Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday in Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh- Mr R. R. Prentice presiding, in the absence of the chairman, Mr Andrew Landale.

The report submitted stated that after providing for maintenance and repairs there was a sum of £758 at debit of profit and loss account, and that there was a balance of £2463 to be added to the debit of £1739 brought forward from previous year. Mr Prentice, in moving the adoption of the report, said the past year had not been a prosperous one. He could not say they had been disappointed, for at no period were the circumstances favourable. Sulphate of ammonia certainly improved in price, and continued to do so until the close of the financial year, but the wave of prosperity which is passing over the coal and iron industries affected costs in a serious fashion. They required 50,000 tons of coal per annum, and any increase in price was at once felt. Their workmen were also anxious, not unnaturally, to participate in the increased wages earned by coal miners and others, and they felt it impossible to resist the demand made by them for increased pay. They were compelled either to accede to their request or to risk the closing of the works. The prices obtained for products during recent years had been barely sufficient to meet working expenses, and they could only look for improved results if there should be any general advance in market value.

They had not been able to erect new retorts, as some other companies had done, nor to introduce improved machinery. Still they had managed to hold their own. A decided change for the better had come over the mineral oil trade. For the first time since 1896 they saw the prospect of a reasonable margin of profit. Two main causes were contributing to that end. The first was the improvement in solid paraffin. At one time the great bulk of that article was produced in Scotland. But latterly it had been imported in ever-increasing quantities from America until the annual output had reached the large total of something like 60,000 tons, or fully three times that of the whole of the Scotch works. The pressure to sell so much candle-making material in a somewhat restricted market naturally reduced the price, and it reached a point which even a few years ago would have been considered impossible if the industry were to go on. But consumption appeared to have overtaken production, and as the supply was not unlimited, it was possible they might have before them a period of higher prices. At all events, they were assured of an advance amounting to about £4 per ton during the current year. The other cause was the somewhat unexpected demand for sulphate of ammonia. It was sold in competition with nitrate of soda but latterly farmers at home as well as abroad had bought it in preference to the latter, even at a price, which calculated by the nitrogen it contained, was relatively higher. For the present year it was reasonable to assume that it would yield them from £1 to £1 10s per ton more than it did during the period covered by the accounts, which again was about 20s per ton higher than during 1897-98. From these two articles they anticipated an increased revenue without counting upon any gain which they might have from other products. The directors intended to open up fresh shale, to make alterations upon the retorts, and to add to the refrigerating plant. Part of this outlay was due to an arrangement with the landlords in return for a new agreement regarding royalties. But apart from this, the alterations and additions were in the direction of economical working, and would prove of lasting benefit.

In concluding, Mr Prentice referred to the fire which occurred at the paraffin sheds on Saturday and the unfortunate accident to five men on. that occasion, and said the utmost expedition would be employed to restore the buildings and obtain new plant. Mr J. Brownlie seconded, and the motion was agreed to unanimously. Sir Charles Tennant and Mr Prentice were re-elected directors, and the board were voted £400 for their past services

Glasgow Herald 17th May 1899

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1900 Annual General Meeting

The report of the Linlithgow Oil Company {Limited) for the year to March 31, 1900, is as follows: - After providing for maintenance and repairs, there is £12,598 17s 1d at the credit of profit and loss account. The amount for interest on debenture stock and temporary loans is £2136 7s 3d, which leaves a net profit for the year of £10,462 9s 10d. From this sum falls to be deducted £4202 11s Id at debit at March 31, 1899, and the directors recommend that the balance of £5259 11s 9d should be disposed of by writing off for depreciation £5000, and that £1259 l1s 9d be carried forward.

The anticipations of the directors as to improved prices have been realised. But there has also been a marked increase in the cost of production. Further improvements in the prices of refined products have recently been established, and it is expected that these will be maintained for some time. The activity which prevails throughout the country, particularly in the coal and iron industries, is certain to lead to increased expenditure. But after making allowance for this, the directors are of opinion that the results for the current year will be satisfactory There has been an expenditure on capital account of £3777 6s, mainly for new and improved cooling plant and the opening up of fresh shale. The directors have frequently held under consideration the question of erecting modern and more cheaply worked retorts, but the heavy outlay required to effect so important a change has been a serious difficulty. An experimental set is being built, and if it proves satisfactory, it is intended to substitute similar retorts for those presently in use. In view of the high price of fuel it has been decided to reopen the Houston coal on the property. From this source a large part of the requirements of the work's can be obtained, and a considerable saving thereby effected. During the year debenture stock amounting to £2500 was redeemed. The directors retiring at this time are Mr Landale and Mr Brownlie, and they are eligible for re-election They also recommend that Mr Young, the general manager of the company, should be .added to the Board. Messrs Lindsay, Jamieson & Haldane, C.A., the auditors, are recommended for re-election.

The Glasgow Herald 3rd May 1900

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1901 Annual General Meeting

The 17th annual general meeting of the shareholders of tho Linlithgow Oil Company (Ltd.) was held on Wednesday within Dowell's Rooms, Edinburgh, Dr. Drysdale, Dunfermline, presiding. In moving the adoption of the report, the Chairman, in stating generally the position of the company, said that so far as the works went, they seemed to bo in a good enough condition, with the exception of the retorts. It was coming to be a question if this company had got to live, new retorts must be erected. There was no middle course. There was no use tinkering up the plant they had. They needed reconstruction of the retort plant from top to bottom, and if they had that, he saw no reason why they could not earn fair profits for many years to come. He indicated that there was a new scheme in preparation, and that part of the scheme was to introduce new directors. Mr Brownlie, Dunfermline, seconded. A shareholder asked the chairman to medicate on what lines the new scheme was to run, to which he replied that the scheme would be in their hands in a few days.

The Falkirk Herald, 1st June 1901

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1902 Circular to Shareholders

PROPOSED LIQUIDATION OF LINLITHGOW OIL COMPANY. A circular was yesterday issued by the directors of Linlithgow Oil Company to the shareholders intimating that, at a meeting held yesterday, a resolution was adopted to suspend payment, and to call an extraordinary meeting of the shareholders to consider the advisability of winding up the company.

The company was started in 1884 with a capital of £200,000, and its existence has for some time past been a precarious one. Up to yesterday morning no official intimation had been received at the Linlithgow works as to the resolution of the directors, whose meeting was held at Dunfermline.

The company was formed in 1884, the directors being A. Landale J. Brownlie, A. Drysdale, K. R. Prentice, Sir C. Tennant, Bart., and J. Young. Of the authorised capital of £200,000 in £10 shares, £160,000 was called up. In 1890 and 1893 £50,000 each time (£2 10s per share) was written off the then capital, and the authorised capital is now £150,000 - £100,000 in ordinary shares of £5 and £50,000 in preference, shares of £1 (which rank first for 7 per cent, dividends, and take half the surplus profits after the Ordinary have received 5 per cent, per annum). Of the Ordinary capital £99,861 and of the Preference £27,206 have been issued and paid up There is also Debenture stock to the amount of £39,990, carrying 6 per cent, interest, payable May 15 and November 11. For the nine years to 1900-01j. there was no dividend on the Ordinary shares. At the close of 1895-96, it was decided to pay in two installments a dividend of 7 per cent, on the Preference shares (this having been the first declared on the Preference capital), and the first of these installments was paid, but owing to the action of the trustees for tho Debenture stockholders tho second installment was not paid, and no distribution was made for 1897-8, 1898-9 1899-1900, or 1900-1.

In 1900-1 a credit balance of £1259 brought forward was converted into a debit, after providing for debenture and loan interest, of £3039. No allowance has been made in recent years for depreciation, except £5000 in respect of 1889-1900. In October, 1901, it was decided to increase the capital by £50,000, in 10 per cent. Preference shares of £1 each, for the purpose of installing new retorts, but the scheme fell through, and none of these were issued.

It is stated that when the company was formed tho prospectus showed the shale in the properties to be rich, yielding upwards of thirty gallons of crude oil per ton. For some reason, which has never been properly cleared up. it was found in practice that the shale yielded only twenty gallons, and, during recent years, considerably less. There can be no room for doubt that to this great discrepancy in actual yield as compared with the original tests, on which the company was floated, the want of success is due. At the commencement the company also was unfortunate in its selection of distilling apparatus. What was known as the Henderson patent retort was erected, but very soon it was seen that a mistake had been mode, as the Young & Beilby retort had then catered the field and had shown results greatly superior to the plant erected in the Linlithgow Company's works. Soon after the commencement the company found itself in financial difficulties. The amount of existing shareholders' capital is £39.851 ordinary shares and £27,206 preference shares, and it is feared that on realisation it will be found that the whole, or nearly the whole, of this has disappeared. Taking it for granted that the holders of debenture stock are fully secured, which is not altogether certain, this means that a total sum of over £200,000 will have been lost from first to last. Besides the financial disaster involved, the company has probably about 600 workmen who will be thrown out of employment.

The Edinburgh Evening News, 5th February 1902

Binend Oil Company v. Robert Kirk—it may be remembered that this appeal was taken by the Binend Oil Company and others against the judgment of the Sheriff of Fifeshire in action raised by Robert Kirk of Greenmount, Burntisland, to put stop to the pollution of burn running through his property by the discharge from the Oil Company's Works. Mr George Cunningham, C.E., Edinburgh, to whom the Court remitted on the 21st November last to examine the works, reported the other day that having, along with Professor Crum Brown, inspected the works on 29th November and 14th April last, he on both occasions found the stream greatly polluted. informed the parties that he could not report that their plan was at all likely to prove efficient, and that other means must be adopted. There could be no doubt that, situated as the works are, 200 feet above the level of the sea, and not far distant from it, the moat efficient remedy would to lay a cast iron pipe of sufficient capacity from the works out to low water mark, and to carry off the whole drainage by means of that pipe. If the necessary assents required for the laying of the pipe could be obtained, then the only other remedy was evaporation. On Tuesday counsel appeared for the appellants the bar of the First Division, and stated that the proposal to carry the refuse from the works into the sea had been so far frustrated by the nearest proprietor of land intervening, who had refused to allow a pipe to be laid through his property. They were in communication with adjoining proprietor for permission to take the pipe through his ground, and as they expected early reply they asked for delay. If they failed in obtaining permission the alternative suggested by the engineer—that of erecting purifying tanks—would require to be adopted. Their Lordships delayed consideration of the case for a week. Counsel for the pursuer and respondent—Mr Mackintosh. Agents—Gibson, Craig, Dalziel, Brodies, W.S. Counsel for the defenders and appellants —Mr Rutherford. Agents Drummond & Reid, W.S.

Fife Free Press, & Kirkcaldy Guardian, Saturday 12 June 1880

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THE INTERDICT AGAINST THE BINNEND OIL COMPANY. Saturday morning, the report of Mr Carter, C.E., ordered by the Court a fortnight ago, as to the route suggested by the Binnend Oil Company, by which they proposed to convey the noxious substance of the manufacture of shale oil to the sea, was presented. Mr Carter says . —" The only route on which I can report favourably—keeping the whole question of probable |pollution of the sea shore in view—is that described in the letter by the agents of the company. That route may be described as following the public road south westwards from the Binnend Works to the toll-house, thence to Burntisland by Cromwell Road, passing the west end of the Links, and finally, by means of a sewer conduit cut through the rock, discharging into the sea at or about the same point as the present sewer outfall, a short distance west of the Lammerlaws." The reporter suggests certain arrangements of clay and iron pipes, and concludes—" I am of opinion that a pipe so laid, taken in conjunction with efficient drainage of the works themselves, and such other arrangements as might be necessary to prevent leakage of surface and other water from the ground occupied by the works into the natural stream, would effectual in abating the nuisance complained of."

Tuesday, July 6. The Court to-day re-considered this case, with the report of Mr Carter. Mr Rutherfurd, for the Binnend Oil Company, stated that on the previous day the Company's agents had received from the clerk of the Burntisland Local Authority a letter intimating that the Board had resolved to refuse permission for laying down a pipe from the Binnend Works to the sea, alongside the public sewage pipe. The Clerk of the Board explained that they had had a report on the Company's proposal by Mr Sang, civil engineer, Burntisland, who said that the polluting matter from the works would in all probability be carried to the bathing place, and that if that were so it would be followed with most serious consequences to the place. The Company were thus shut up to the alternative plan proposed by Mr Cunningham s report, which was to dispose of the waste products of the works by evaporation within the works themselves. That was now the only way which the respondents in the complaint had of obviating the nuisance of. The Lord President observed that there was another way, and that was to stop the works. Lord Shand asked if Mr Cunningham had considered whether all the products of such a work would be evaporated without causing a great nuisance to the neighbourhood. Mr Rutherfurd answered that the evaporation had been successful in the Bathgate and Uphall Oil Works. The Lord President pointed out that the respondents' operations had been challenged more than a year ago. Mr Rutherfurd admitted that that was so, but explained that the delay was caused in the first place, by the desire of the Company to bring the case here, and not to have it dealt with in the local courts; and, in the second place, by the delay of sending Cunningham's report. The Lord President said that, supposing the Court to have been a year ago in the same position that they were now in, with an admission that evaporation was the only passible means of obviating this nuisance, he was not sure that the proper course for the Court to take would not have been to stop the works until the respondents should satisfy the Court and the complainer that they could go on without causing a nuisance. Mr Ruthufurd said that, of course, the difficulty in cases of this kind was that this was a large manufacturing industry in which a very great number people were employed—from 100 to 150, he was informed—and an interdict granted in the case would mean throwing all these people out of employment. Lord Shand—What do you say to this, that in putting down works this kind people never seem to think that the works must become the cause of nuisance to the neighbourhood, and that provision must be made to prevent that! The Lord President—They never do. They would seem to receive a good deal too much indulgence from the courts. Mr Rutherfurd submitted that Mr Cunningham't report showed that they had the means of obviating the nuisance by evaporation, and he asked that they should given time to carry it out. They could get the necessary tanks prepared in two months. He must say he thought that the Local Authority of Burntisland had been too apprehensive that danger would be done to the bathing place laying a waste-pipe to the coast. Lord Deas—It does not look like it.
Mr Rutherford—Mr Cunningham had said in his report it could be done. Lord Shand—l know for fact that the refuse from such works is carried for many hundreds of yards along a beach. Mr Rutherford confessed that the respondents were very much surprised at getting this refusal. Lord Shand—lt has not surprised me in the least. Mr Pearson*, for the complainer, said it was quite evident that the Local Authority of Burntisland were afraid of the extremely offensive nature of this discharge, and that pointed very much to the immediate interest of this pursuer to have the nuisance stopped. He was informed that, in the course of Mr Cunningham's investigations, his attention was specially directed to this question of evaporation, and that he expressed his opinion that its effect would simply be to create another nuisance, although it would be through the air and not through the water. That was not stated in his report, because that question was not contained within the remit, or, indeed, within the action. The delay that had occurred in the action lay entirely with the respondents, and not with the complainer ; for, until the minute of November 21st last, they had all along denied the existence of the nuisance. They had all that time to consider and adopt measures for doing away with this nuisance. Then as to this method of evaporation, it was entirely problematical whether it would have the desired effect; and he submitted he was entitled to interdict on that footing. Lord Mure observed that, as he read Mr Cunningham's report, he thought both Mr Cunningham and Professor Crum Brown threw doubt on whether the method of evaporation had been successful or not. Their Lordships reserved judgment.

Wednesday, 7th July. In this case to-day, the Lord President stated that the Court was inclined to grant further indulgence to the Binnend Company, but it must be on conditions. The Court would like to know, in the first place, whether the appellants were prepared to find caution for damages and expenses. The Dean of Faculty, Q.C., for the Binnend Companv, asked that the case should be continued till next day, in order that he might consult his clients. The Court allowed the continuation craved.

Thursday, July 8,1880. At the calling of this case to-day, the Dean of Faculty, Q.C.. for the Binnend Oil Co., stated that they were perfectly willing to find the necessary caution, so as to permit the Works to remain open during further proceedings. The Lord President said that, in these circumstances the Court were prepared to grant some time to the Company to execute the evaporation works suggested by Cunningham in his report for getting rid of this nuisance ; but the time must be limited, and if the operations were not executed within that time, the works would be interdicted. In that view, they proposed to remit the case to the Lord Ordinary on the Bills, and instruct Mr Carter to report to him by a certain date what had been done; and the Lord Ordinary would have power, if he were satisfied that the work was not being properly executed, to grant interdict. How long would the work take? The Dean of Faculty said he had been told that it could be executed in two months but he asked that the Court should extend the time to ten weeks, as the operations might be stopped owing to weather. Mr Asher submitted that this additional delay was not necessary, as if the Company should show to the Lord Ordinary that the works had been hindered by any such cause, his Lordship could use his discretion as to the delay. Their Lordships ultimately allowed the Binnend Co. two months to execute the works, leaving it in the power of the Lord Ordinary to grant further delay, if he should think proper.

Dunfermline Saturday Press, Saturday 10 July 1881

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THE BINNEND CASE. A special meeting of the Burntisland Town Council was held on Wednesday night, called by the Provost on a requisition, to reconsider the application of the Binnend Oil Company to lay a refuse pipe to the sea at the outlet of the public sewer. Provost Strachan presided. Bailie Fotheringham explained that the Company now proposed to filter the refuse sent out from the works, which would render the scheme in his view unobjectionable. The Clerk read a letter which he had received from Messrs Drummond Reid, the Company's solicitors, to the following effect: " It appears to us that Mr Sang reported under an erroneous impression as to what is contemplated. lie assumes that the impurity discharged will consist mainly of 'oily matter’ but this a mistake. No oily matter whatever will be allowed to escape, but will all be retained by catch pits, through which the water will flow before leaving the works. The judgment of the Town Council was necessarily influenced by this opinion of Mr Sang's, and having in view the explanation we have now given, we trust that you will bring the matter again before the Council, and that they will see their way to giving the consent have asked.
Various members of Council expressed opinions favourable to granting the application in its new shape, and Mr Graham Yool, chairman of the Binnend Oil Company, attended, and explained that the Company proposed to separate the oily matter by catch-pits and subsequent filtration, sending down water impregnated only by the salts peculiar to the manufacture, but absolutely deprived of oil. If admitted into the sewers, instead acting injuriously, it would have the effect of deodorising the sewage. Several suggestions were made, but eventually Treasurer Erskine's motion was adopted —to have in writing full details, and a guarantee against any claims for compensation, before coming to a decision.

Dunfermline Saturday Press, Saturday 17 July 1880

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INTERDICTING THE BINNEND OIL COMPANY, Yesterday forenoon an application was made to Lord Rutherfurd-Clark for Mr Kerr, a proprietor in the neighbourhood of the Binnend Oil Company’s Works at Burntisland, for interdict against the continuation of these works on the ground that they were polluting the water of a stream passing through his property. There has been a good deal of litigation connection with these alleged nuisances, and at the rising of the Court in the summer session the alternative schemes were laid before the Court; but their Lordships ultimately allowed the Company two months to erect evaporating ponds. The two months have now elapsed, and the works have not been executed, the Company alleging that better plan was now about to be carried out of taking the polluting matter to Burntisland by pipes, and then discharging into the sea. The revised draft of the arrangement between the Company and the Town Council was to be submitted to the Council last evening. The Lord-Ordinary the bills (Rutherfurd-Clark) has continued the case till to-day to allow the certified copy of the resolution to be produced.
At a special meeting of the Burntisland Council yesterday Bailie Patterson moved the adjournment for the purpose of obtaining personal security from the Binnend Company against damages claimable from the Council. This motion was lost, whereupon the Bailie left the meeting, and the Clerk intimated that there was not a quorum present the business could not proceed. Treasurer Erskine protested, and announced that he would call a public meeting in order to expose the obstructive policy of the minority. The meeting was largely attended by the public.

Dundee Advertiser, Friday 17 September 1880

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Petition to Inderdict - The Binnend Oil Co. Ltd.

During the summer sitting of the Court of Session, their Lordships of the First Division on various occasions heard counsel on the application of Mr Kerr, a proprietor of ground in the neighbourhood of Burntisland, Fifeshire, to interdict the Binnend Oil Company from polluting the waters of a stream which passes their works, and runs through his property. After a great deal of litigation, the company undertook to adept such measures as would obviate the nuisance complained of by Mr Kerr, and accordingly a remit was first made to Mr Cunningham CE, and latterly owing to Mr Cunningham's absence in London, to Mr Carter, CE to report upon the works necessary for this purpose. One of the schemes recommended by these gentlemen was the erection of evaporating tanks, but these the company were only willing to erect upon the failure of another scheme which they thought would more thoroughly remove the offensive matter than evaporation. This scheme was to convey the matter by pipes from the works along the public road to Burntisland, and there discharge it into the sea at the point where the sewage of the the town is got rid of. Negotiations were entered into between the company and the Local Authority of Burntisland in order to obtain the necessary permissions, but as this was said to have been refused, the First Division, during the expiring days of the last session granted the company two months in which to erect the evaporation tanks, and they remitted to Mr Carter to report upon the new works to the Lord Ordinary on the bills, who was empowered, if the work was not satisfactory, to grant interdict.

The period granted having now expired, Mr Pearson, who appeared for the Complainer (Mr Kerr), yesterday moved Lord Rutherford Clark, the judge presiding on the bills, to grant interdict in respect Mr Carter had now reported that the Binnend Coal Company had failed to carry out the necessary works. In his report Mr Carter said the respondents had informed him that the reason of this was that they had now got the consent of the Town Council of Burntisland to lay the proposed pipe through their lands to the sea, and also of the Road Trustees to lay the pipe along the public road from the works to the lands of the Town Council. He reported, however, that certain works which he believed to be necessary in the event of the pipe being laid to the sea had not been executed by the respondents, and that on two or three occasions since the rising of the Court, when he had visited the works, the stream had been considerably polluted.

Mr DRUMMOND of Drummond & Reid SSC who appeared for the company, stated that after the rising of the Court he had resumed negotiations with the Town Council, and that the latter body had resolved to agree to the laying of the pipes through the lands of the town to the sea, and that the company had fallen back on what was admittedly the getter of the two schemes for doing away with the pollution. They had at the same time taken measures by temporary evaporation to prevent new polluting matter reaching the stream. Mr Drummond further stated that Mr Wallace, Town Clerk of Burntisland, was the son-in-law of the complainer, and that therefore the necessary writings for giving effect to the agreement resolved upon by the Town Council had been going through the hands of the Council not in tone with the settlement of the question; but that latterly a draft agreement had been submitted by the company to Mr JPB Robertson, and the revised draft was to be considered by the Council that (Thursday) evening.

Lord RUTHERFORD CLARK said he was not inclined to do more than continue the case till next day to allow the company to get a certified copy of the resolution at which the Council might arrive, and although the production of the resolution of the Council agreeing to give the required power would not necessarily make him refuse interdict, the non-production of it would make him grant it.

Glasgow Herald, 17 September 1880

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THE BINNEND POLLUTION CASE. ln the Bill Chamber the Court of Session on Thursday, Lord Rutherford Clark, acting under the remit to him made by their Lordships of the First Division on 8th July last, heard parties in motion for interdict made by the complainer in the case of Kirke v. the Binnend Oil Company. Mr Kirke, it may be remembered, complains that the Binnend Oil Company have by the discharge from their works, polluted a burn which runs past the works and through his lands, and have rendered its water unfit for the primary uses, Mr Pearson, for the complainer, asked his Lordship to grant interdict, on the ground that the respondents had failed to execute the works for which the court had allowed them time. The respondents, he said, explained their failure to do so they had now got the requisite consents to enable them to go on with the admittedly better alternative scheme laying a pipe to the sea. But, over and above the Burntisland Town Council, the North British Railway Company bad appeared in Court, and intimated their purpose of opposing the discharge of this refuse matter into the sea at or near the present sewer outlet; and there was no evidence of a completed agreement even with the Town Council. It was this same malady of indefinite negotiations from which the complainer had suffered in the summer season. Further, Mr Carter had now reported that, on the occasions since the rising the court on which he visited the place, the burn was still seriously polluted, and that the respondents had failed to execute certain works for the removal of the pollution, which, in his opinion was necessary even in the event of a pipe being laid down to the sea. In the circumstances, he thought the complainer was entitled to the interdict asked. Mr Drummond, S.S.C., for the respondents, explained that since the rising of the Court the Burntisland Town Council had agreed to permit the proposed waste-pipe (which the Company already had authority from the Road Trustees to lay along the public road from the works to the municipal boundary,) to be laid through their lands to the sea; and the secretary of the North British Railway Company had written to intimate the withdrawal of opposition on the part of the Company. Mr Wallace, the Town Clerk of Burntisland, was the son-in-law of the complainer, and the papers embedding the proposed agreement with the Town Council had been passing through the hands of counsel not in tone with the adjustment of this case. Ultimately, the draft had been submitted by the Company to Mr J. P, B. Robertson for revisal; and the matter now stood in this position, that the revised draft would be submitted to the Town Council that (Thursday) night. As to Mr Carter's report, he submitted that, in point of fact, the Company had taken measures of temporary evaporation, which had effectually prevented the sending of new polluting matter into the burn, and suggested that the matter already in the bed of the stream had been stirred up with the view of convincing the reporter that the water was still being polluted. He was informed that the Company had done all that, in point of fact, would be required in the event of the pipe being laid to the sea ; and he submitted on whole matter, that the question his Lordship had to consider was, whether in appealing to the further indulgence of the Court, the Company had been acting reasonably, or trespassing on the indulgence of the Court. He contended that the Company had been acting reasonably, and to secure the carrying out of what was admittedly the best and most effectual the two alternative schemes. His Lordship ultimately said that the decision which the Town Council might come that night would be a very important consideration in the question at issue, as, if he should find that there was obviously something quite definitely settled between the Town Council and the respondents, which should enable the respondents to 'go on at once with the laying down of this pipe, he might not grant the interdict asked. Otherwise, he should think be was bound to grant it He would, accordingly, continue the case till next day (Friday) at ten clock, to enable the respondents to have certified copy of the resolution the Town Council before him. In the Bill Chamber of the Court of Session yesterday, before Lord Rutherford Clark, Mr Pearson, advocate appeared on behalf of Mr Kirke, the complainer for the interdict against the Binnend Oil Company. He held out that the counsel employed by the Burntisland Town Council had reported recommending the Council not to agree to the conditions stipulated by the Binnend Company until they had got an engineer’s report on the operations for diminishing the flow of waste, and security against any expense to which the town might be subjected by further complaints. Although the meeting last night bad broken up in confusion, still it seemed that the resolution approving of the report was favourably entertained by the majority of the Council, and in these circumstances he asked his Lordship to grant interdict. —Lord Rutherford Clark said be thought the First Division, who remitted the case to him, contemplated granting interdict of the operations for diminishing the flow of waste were not completed by the 13th September to the satisfaction of an engineer; and thought his position was such that he was bound to grant the interdict they would have granted. His Lordship then pronounced the following interlocutor:- The Lord Ordinary, having heard parties, interdicts, prohibits, and discharges, in terms of the prayer of the petition in the Sheriff Court, and continues the case. Counsel for the Complainer—Mr Pearson. Agents—Gibson-Craig, Dalziel, & Brodies, W.S. Agents for the Respondents—Drummond & Reid, W.S.

Fifeshire Advertiser, Saturday 18 September 1880

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BURNTISLAND AND THE BINNEND CASE. PUBLIC MEETING. On Wednesday night, the conduct of the Burntisland Town Council in connection with the interdict against the Oil Company was discussed at a crowded meeting of the inhabitants of Burntisland in the Music Hall. Provost Strachan, who had called the meeting in response to a requisition, declined to preside, and Lieutenant Mather was called to the chair, and briefly stated the business. Bailie Fotheringham, on the motion of Mr John Fraser, engineer, recounted the efforts of the Binnend Company to get rid of their refuse, and the negotiations between the Company and the Town Council. He blamed parties in the Council for "burking" the success of the application, and being instrumental in causing the Company to lose their case in the Court of Session. He urged the constituency, in view of the coming election, to remember the conduct of a section of the Council and choose men to represent them who would have the courage to show what side they were on. Ex-Bailie Dewar, amid considerable hubbub, called in question Bailie Fotheringham's conclusions, and said, though one of the requisitionists, he was of opinion that the meeting was a mistake, and that the Town Council had nothing whatever to do with the interdict. The Bailie’s remarks became inaudible through the noise that prevailed. Treasurer Erskine explained the nature of the guarantees and security which the Company had offered, and said he failed to see why there should be any pressure for such further security as has been the occasion of this crisis. He thought the demand was an impracticable one, and meant block the progress of these works. (Cheers.)
Ex-Bailie Dewar reasserted his opinion that the meeting was wholly a mistake. He wished an explanation of the connection of the Town Council with the interdict. The meeting, he said, was not, moreover, a meeting of ratepayers, but nothing else than a rabble. (Uproar and hisses.) The Chairman warned ex-Bailie Dewar that he would be put out if he thus obstructed the business. (Cheers.) The ex-Bailie expostulated with the Chairman, and reminded him that he was, perhaps, the oldest ratepayer present.
Mr Grant, quarry man, remarked upon the trivial character of the nuisance as it at present existed, and blamed the complainer for throwing many men out of employment.
Mr E. Coull, ship chandler, moved "That the meeting is of opinion that all public works, as they tend to the employment of labour and the circulation of money in the town and district, and thereby lead to the prosperity of the town, should be encouraged, especially by the Town Council, who are the representatives of the ratepayers."

Mr John Fraser, engineer, moved "That this meeting regrets that the Binnend Oil Company, in their endeavours to develop a new industry in the district, should not have received a more generous support from the Town Council in their application for way-leave to discharge their refuse water through the public conduit, as it would have proved the least offensive method to the community, and enabled the Company to carry on their works."

Mr Archibald Stocks moved "That this meeting, while regretting the absence of so many Councillors from the last meeting of Town Council called to consider and settle the conditions upon which the way-leave should be granted, strongly disapproves of the conduct of Bailie Paterson and Councillor M'intosh in leaving the meeting after it was duly constituted, not only on account of their so preventing a settlement of the question, but also on account of the want of respect shown towards their fellow-Councillors." Mr Stocks, in moving the resolution, criticised the conduct of the two Councillors, who, he thought, were much to be blamed. He called upon them, if present, to explain their behaviour. No one responding, Mr Stocks briefly reviewed what had taken place at the Council meeting, of which he was a witness.
Mr Jas. Wilson, grocer, proposed "That the clerk of this meeting should be instructed to transmit the foregoing resolutions to the Town Council, with the humble request that the Council in their future negotiations with the Binnend Company may see fit to keep in view the opinions of this meeting expressed in the resolutions." The Chairman called for a show of hands each resolution separately, and declared them carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Dunfermline Saturday Press, Saturday 25 September 1880

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COURT OF SESSION FIRST DIVISION.-SATURDAY, October 16, THE BINNEND OIL COMPANY CASE, An application was made to-day to their Lordships of the First Division for an order to make perpetual the interim interdict against the further working of the Binnend Shale Oil Works, near Burntisland, which was granted by Lord Rutherfurd Clark on the 17th September. For a long time past a litigation has been proceeding in the Inferior Court of Fifeshire and in the Supreme Court, on the complaint of Mr 'Robert Kirke, a riparian. proprietor on the Cot Burn, the waters of which, he alleged, were being polluted by refuse matter from the- oil works, and rendered unfit for primary purposes. On the 8th July last, shortly before the rising of the Court for the autumn holidays, their Lordships made a remit to Mr Carter, C.E., to report to the Lord Ordinary on the bills on or before 15th December whether certain evaporating works for the disposal of the sewage had been executed to his satisfaction, and in the event of the works not being satisfactorily completed the Lord Ordinary was authorised to grant interim interdict. On the 15th September Mr Carter reported to the Lord Ordinary on the bills (Lord Rutherfurd Clark) that the works had not been executed to his satisfaction, and on the 17th of the same month, after hearing parties, his Lordship granted interdict in terms of the prayer of the petition, and continued the cause on the question of expenses. This morning Mr PEARSON, for the complainer, moved the Court to make the interdict perpetual, and to find Mr Kirke entitled to expenses. Mr Rutherfurd for the oil company, said he would not oppose the motion so far as it referred to expenses ; but le would ask their Lordships to continue the cause. His reason for making this request was that when the report by Mr Carter had been submitted the works necessary to obviate the nuisance had not been been completed owing to the failure of certain negotiations with the Town Council of Burntisland to get way-leave through their property to the sea. On the 4th of the present month that leave had been obtained, and he hoped soon to be in a position to apply for the recall of interdict, and if the order were not made perpetual there would be a great saving of expense. The Lord President pointed out to Mr Pearson that he was perfectly safe in the meantime, and there could be no great harm in letting the cause stand over. The Court accordingly found Mr Kirke entitled to expenses but otherwise continued the cause.

Glasgow Herald, Monday 18 October 1880

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The Binnend pollution litigation, which arises out of the pollution of a stream by the refuse from the Binnend Oil Works, came before their Lordships of the First Division of the Court of Session on Saturday. It may be remembered that in September the Lord Ordinary on the Bills (Rutherford Clark), in virtue of a remit made to him by the First Division, granted interim interdict, prohibiting the Binnend Oil Company from carrying on their works. Mr Pearson now moved that this interdict should be made perpetual, and also asked that Mr Kirke, of Greenmount, near Burntisland, respondent in the action, should be found entitled to expenses. Mr Rutherford did not oppose the motion for expenses, but stated that the company had now got permission from the Burntisland magistrates to carry the refuse from the works through their property to the sea. In these circumstances their Lordships found the respondent entitled to expenses, and quoad ultra continued the cause.—This case came again before the Court on Tuesday morning in the form of a petition and complaint by Robert Kirke, of Greenmount, against the Company. The complainer avers in his present petition that notwithstanding this interdict, and in breach of it, the respondents have carried on their works, and discharged into the Cotburnvale burn, which passes through the complainer's property, water polluted with the refuse from the works. The complainer therefore asks that the Court should inflict such fine as they see fit. The Court appointed intimation and service of the petition to be made to the respondents.

St. Andrews Gazette and Fifeshire News, Saturday 23 October 1880

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The Binnend Oil Company Pollution Case. This case came up in the First Division of the Court of Session on Tuesday. In October last Robert Kirke, Esq. of Greenmount, Burntisland, presented a petition to the Court complaining that the Binnend Oil Company had failed to comply with an order pronounced by the Lord-Ordinary on the Bills interdicting them for carrying on their works or polluting the stream called the Cotburnvale which passes through Kirke’s property. The Binnend Oil Company lodged answers, in which they deny that polluting matter had been discharged from their works into the bum. Their Lordships allowed parties proof of their averments to be taken by Lord Shand, and the diet was fixed for to-day. On Tuesday, however, his Lordship, at the joint request of parties, discharged the order for proof, arrangement having been come to whereby the Binnend Company have undertaken to execute certain remedial works. Counsel for complainer Mr Trayner and Mr Pearson. Agents—Tods, Murray, and Jamieson, W.S. Counsel for respondenta—Mr Rutherford. Agents—Drummond & Reid, W.S.

Fife Free Press, & Kirkcaldy Guardian, Saturday 12 February 1881

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Court of Session, Fist Division, Wednesday June 1, Alleged breach of interdict by the Binnend Oil Company.
This morning a petition was presented for Mr Robert Kirke, of Grreenmount, Burntisland, com plaining that the Binnend Oil Company has infringed the interdict formerly granted by the Court against the pollution of the Cotburnvale Burn, which runs through his property. Petitioner says that since the petition and complaint had been presented the works of the cormpany had been in active operation, and that they had discharged into the burn in question water polluted with refuse from the oil works, which had rendered the waters of the burn unfit for primary purposes. The complainer specifies dates on which such discharges were made, and he craves to be allowed a proof of the pollution in breach of the interdict on the occasions specified. This morning Mr PEARSON said that certain alterations hall been made at the works to obviate the nuisance complained of, but under reservation of the standing interdict, and the complainer had now been constrained to bring this petition. Mr Rutherfurd, for the company, said he had been in hopes that the whole matter had been settled by agreement; but as there were a large number of dates mentioned in the petition, be would ask leave to answer the statements, The Court ordered answers in eight days.

Glasgow Herald, Thursday 02 June 1881

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Saturday (Before the First Division), KIRKE v. BINNEND OIL COMPANY.

The minute by Robert Kirke of Greenmount Burntisland, against the Binnend Oil Co., and Dundas Simpson and Archibals Simpson, oil manufacturers, with answers thereto, was before the court today. The minute sets forth that in October last Kirke presented a petition and complaint against the respondents for breach of an interdict granted during the previous month. Answers were ordered thereto, but the works of the respondents have been in active operation, and the respondents have continued to discharge into the Cotburnvale Burn from their works water mixed or polluted with the refuse of the manufacture of oil, acid, or other offensive substance, whereby the Burn is polluted and rendered unfit for primary purposes, obnoxious to the complainers and others, and injurious to his property. Complainer therefore craves a proof of pollution, with breach of interdict. Tha answers state that the works necessary to prevent pollution would have been completed by the date formerly fixed, 9th May, had it not been for an error in the levels of the pipes. Near the sea these were 16 inches higher than at the gates of the works. The pipes stood for some time the pressure thereby caused, but ultimately they burst, and the leakage flowed into the burn. The pipe has since been lifted and laid at a different level. The respondents regret that in consequence of this the required operations which were very laborious and expensive, have been delayed; But they state that the work is now progressing and will be completed within 8 days. They deny that since the completion of the relaying of the pipe any offensive matter has found its way from the works into the burn.
The court to-day ordered a proof of the averments on both sides.
Counsel for complainer – Mr Pearson. Agents – Tods, Murray & Jamieson, W.S.
Counsel for respondents – Mr Rutherfurd. Agents – Drummond & Reid, W.S.

Dundee Advertiser, Tuesday 14 June 1881

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COURT OF SESSION—FIRST DIVISION. Friday, 4th December. The Binnend Oil Company. The petition by Mr Kirke in reference to alleged pollutions near the works of this Company came before their Lordships this morning. The case came before the Court some months ago on a complaint of breach of interdict and pollution of water supply, and on answers being lodged a proof was ordered of both parties’ averments. The diet was discharged, however, and to-day the petition was of consent dismissed, the defenders having erected some works to prevent further pollution and paid complainer's expenses.

Dundee Evening Telegraph, Saturday 05 November 1881

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THE WALKINSHAW OIL COMPANY LIMITED.

Incorporated under the Companies Acts 1862, 1867, and 1877. Share Capital £120,00. In 12,000 Shares of £10 each, of which 1764 Shares are to be taken by the Vendors.

Directors.

• John Wilson, Esq., Gorbals Tube-Works, Glasgow, Chairman.
• James Becket, Esq., Calico Printer, Glasgow.
• James Hamilton, Esq., Iron Merchant, Glasgow.
• Archibald Russell, Esq., Coalmaster, Glasgow.
• James Scott Esq., Distiller, Wishaw.

"The Walkinshaw Oil Company, Limited, " is intended to be formed for the purpose of acquiring-

1. The existing Oil and Brick Works and Workmen's Houses, situated at Inkermann, near Paisley, and belonging to the Abercorn Oil Company, and also the Leases of the large and valuable Mineral-Fields on the Estates of the Duke of Abercorn, Lord Douglas, and on the Walkinshaw Estate, belonging to John Charles Cunninghame, Esq. of Craigends, situated near Paisley, in the County of Renfrew, held by that Company.
2. The East Fulton Oilworks, situated in the Parish of Kibarchan, near Johnstone, belonging to Messrs James Liddell & Company, with the Leases for working Shale Coal and Fire Clay held from the Trustees of the late Thomas Speir, Esq. of Blackstone.

The present Oil and Brick Works have been valued by Mr James Clinkshill, Consulting Engineer and Machinery Valuator in Glasgow as follows:- Abercorn OIl Company, £22,698 6 6; Fulton Oil Works, £9,787 0 0: £32,485 6 6.

To which falls to be added the Stocks of Shale, Bricks, Farm stock and Crop of East Candren, estimated at £3,000: £25,485 6 6.

The price fixed for the Vendor's Interest in the whole Subjects, including Goodwill and Leases, Stocks of Shale and Bricks, and Farm Stock and Crop of East Candren is £30,000, payable as follows:- 1. In Cash £15,006. 2. In 1764 Ordinary Shares, £8 10s paid up, £14994.

The capital has been fixed at £120,000, of which it is proposed to call up £8 10s per share within the next Eighteen Months, equal to £102,000 to meet- Purchase Price, in Cash and Shares £30,000; Refinery, Retorts, Pits and Plant, Brickwork, &c. £53,000: £83,000. Working Capital £19,000: £102,000.

Glasgow Herald, Monday 4th October 1880.

Outline

• 1881 AGM – East Fulton works were in full operation, the new works at Walkinshaw should be operation by next February. A dividend of 5% was declared
• 1882 AGM - The refinery was now complete and processing all crude oil produced, trade was still depressed due to American imports. Improvements were being made to the brickworks. A 5% dividend was declared
• 1883 AGM - A loss was made due to labour unrest and the falling price of lubricating oil. Abercorn and Douglas ironstone mines had been leased. It was agreed to issue preference shares to increase the capital to £180,000
• 1884 EGM - The meeting approved an increase in capital, workings NE of Walkinshaw would be extended and opportunities were being investigated for securing shale reserves in the east of the country.
• 1884 AGM - A profit was made but no dividend declared on ordinary shares . Shale working at Walkinshaw pit had been extended, and a site for mines and an oilworks in the east were discussed.
• 1885 AGM - A significant loss was reported due to the poor state of the market. Only shale from Walkinshaw was now being mined and this was of a low yield. Efforts to establish a base in the east of Scotland had been suspended.
• 1886 AGM - Great losses were being incurred as a consequence of low oil prices, There was only very limited production in the refinery and every effort was being taken to reduce costs
• 1887 AGM - The refinery was no longer in production, but awaiting an upturn in the market. There was debate about whether the company should be wound-up.
• 1888 AGM – The refinery continued to be maintained, the court case with Merry & Cunninghame continued.
• 1889 AGM - The Court case with Merry & Cunninghame had been resolved finding mainly in favour of the oil company. The only income was from brick production and farming.
• 1890 EGM – It was agreed to liquidate the company and amalgamate with the Hermand Oil Company

.......

1881 Annual General Meeting

The first annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Walkinshaw Oil Company was held in Glasgow yesterday afternoon—Mr J. Wilson, Hillhead House, in the chair. The report, read by Mr. Liddell, Secretary, stated that, after providing for certain charges, the balance at the credit profit and loss account was £3708 0s 3d, out of which the Directors recommend that a dividend of 4s per share should be paid 30th December next, free of Tax. This dividend will be equal to fully 5 per cent, per annum on the amounts paid in at the respective dates of call, and will absorb £2212 8s., leaving £1485 12s 3d carried forward.

The works at East Fulton have been in full operation since this Company entered into possession of them, and the Directors have arranged for an extended lease of the minerals there. Considerable progress has been made with the opening of the shale minerals at the new works at Walkinshaw, as well with the construction of the manufactories. After full consideration the Directors resolved to erect the manufactories upon the property of the Duke of Abercorn, with whom they have arranged a satisfactory lease of the ground for the works. Although much remains to done before the new works and the pits connected with them can be in full and efficient working order, the Directors are pleased to report that a beginning has been made the manufacture of oil, and they are in hopes that the whole works will be in full operation January first. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by ex-Treasurer Hamilton, the report was adopted.

The motion of Mr Low, seconded by Mr. Anderson, was unanimously agreed to vote a sum of £500 to the Directors. Mr Murdoch thought the profit set down as having been made was a large one considering that they had not started the real work of the Company yet, and asked how it was derived. Perhaps that was asking questions which the shareholders had better not know. The Chairman replied that particulars could be got any shareholdcr calling at the office. However, Mr Murdoch might take it for granted that whatever the Board stated profits had been earned bona fide. The Board was doing nothing but what was straight and fair. The works at Fulton had been in steady operation since they took them in and they had no difficulty in disposing of the products from month to month. There were other sources of income which it was not judicious to say anything about. Mr Murdoch expressed himself as thoroughly satisfied, and after a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting separated.

The Dundee Advertiser, 15th December 1881

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1882 Annual General Meeting

The second annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Walkinshaw Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday in the Religious Institution Rooms, Glasgow – Mr. John Wilson, Hillhead House, the chairman of the company, presiding. Mr LIDDELL, the secretary of the company, read the annual report, which has already been published.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said it contained really and practically the outcome of last year's operation in so far as the company was confirmed. It was necessary however, to call the attention of the shareholders to the fact that their works during the past twelve months had been practically of a constructing nature; at least during the first six months of the year the operations of the company, so far as producing for the market was concerned, were of very small amount, and it was only since the month of April that the refinery at the works had been in full operation. Ever since the refinery had been started, and the retorts fully utilised, the works had been going very satisfactorily indeed. There had been no hitch of any kind whatever. The production of shale and coal was equal to the requirements of the company, and the refinery plant, although not quite equal at first to the production of the retorts so far as the quantity of oil was concerned, was not, he was happy to say, in the position of being to overtake all their work and something more.

As the shareholders were aware, during the past season the price of the products from shale, such as oil and scale, was very low; indeed last summer might be termed the crucial period for the Scotch oil companies, who had however been able to hold their own against the influx of American petroleum. So far as appearances went at the present moment they were in favour of the oil trade. The price of burning oil was fairly good just now. They had seen a great deal better prices, and perhaps if they lived long they might anticipate to see much better prices still. The price of scale, which was a large element in the company's revenue, had been considerably increased, the increase since midsummer being equal to about 40 percent. He might state for satisfaction of the shareholders that the directors had contracted for part of this year's production at the advanced rate, and they saw no reason to be in a hurry to place the balance of the production, as the prospects of the American trade were looking better , and were likely to be even better after New Year. These contracts were generally made in the spring of the year, and extended over six or twelve months, and the bulk of the company's material was contracted up to the month of March next. Then as to the company's mineral field, everything had been satisfactory. There had been no accident, and the men had been working quietly and steadily.

The Chairman then detailed at some length the negotiations with the company and Messrs. Merry & Cunninghame for the working of certain pits. As to the company's brickwork, during last summer, and indeed up till the frost set in, it had been in full operation. The directors had found that the process of drying in operation when the work was taken over was of a very antiquated description, and the fuel consumed in heating was very considerable. The directors thought it wise, under the supervision of their manager, Mr. Neilson, to erect a large new stove in which they could utilize the waste steam, and he was glad to say it had been a very considerable success. The directors were considering the propriety of erecting kilns for burning brick with the waste gases from the oil retorts, and this would be a further saving. During the past year they had had a considerable amount of experimenting upon the coal measures which the company owned. The coal was generally suited for raising steam, but for that purpose dross was preferred, and it was cheaper. These experiments had been very satisfactory, inasmuch as the outcome commercially for the coal would nearly give them double of what they could get from it if used for the purposes of raising steam. They were not eat at the end of the experiment. He concluded by moving that the meeting receive and approve the report, and authorise these the directors to declare a dividend in terms of the report at the rate of fully 5 per cent per annum..

Mr JAMES SCOTT, Wishaw, seconded, and the motion was unanimously agreed to.

The CHAIRMAN afterwards proposed that Mr Walter Ness, Mining Engineer, be elected a director of the company in room of Mr. Russell, resigned. Mr JAMES BECKETT seconded, and this motion was also adopted.The CHAIRMAN further moved that Mr Maclellan be reappointed a director of the company. Mr JAMES LOW then proposed that the sum of 500 guineas be voted to the directors for their services during the past year, and that this sum be continued until otherwise changes. Mr. DAVID CRAIG seconded this motion, which like the others, was agreed unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

The Glasgow Herald, 14th December 1882

.......

1883 Annual General Meeting

The third annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Walkinshaw Oil Company were held yesterday in the Religious Institution Rooms, Mr. John Wilson, the chairman of the company presiding. The SECRETARY read the notice calling the meeting and the report by the directors was held as read.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said the directors were very sorry that their meeting with the shareholder took place in somewhat unsatisfactorily circumstance – the result of a balance which showed no profit. As they were aware, they had written off nothing for depreciation, because the sum at credit of profit and loss was not sufficient for the purpose. The losses on the year's business arose from causes over which the directors had no control. One of the principle of these was the increased cost of raising the minerals, Another was the fact that workmen during the year now under consideration were very difficult to tdeal with, and no class of workman more so than miners. The shareholders were doubtless aware of the difficulty in handling a large body of operatives engaged in mining operations. These two items – the difficulty in getting the men to work agreeably and that arising from the natural interruption in the minerals underground – raised the cost of their material very greatly.

At East Fulton (the works situated near Johnstone) the retorts were only two-thirds in operation during the last ten months of the financial year, this making a considerable reduction in the amount of crude oil made at these works, arising from the causes he had just referred to. At the Walkinshaw works, from the same causes, a third of the entire productive power was standing for some time, until arrangements wer made to buy some outside shale in order to put them in full operation. All this meant not only loss arising from the high cost of working their minerals, but loss in manufacturing through the works being only partially going. Another item which materially affected the company was that of clothing, in the form of barrels in which to send out the oil. The differences between last year and the previous year for barrels, on account of extra price, was no less than £3,409. For that outlay the company got practically nothing, as with every barrel of oil that went out the purchaser received the barrel without charge. Another item that went to swell the balance on the wrong side of the difference in the price of lubricating oils.

As the shareholders were aware, all heavy oils during the past year were very much reduced in price. The quantity of this and other intermediate oils manufactured by the company during the year was about 3000 tons, and it was not overstating the difference in price between that and this and the proceeding year to say that the reduction had been 20s per ton, which in round figures was about £3000. The difference in sulphate of ammonia was not a great matter, because this was only at the tail end of the year that the prices fell away from about £20 a ton down to about £13 a tone, and at the present moment this commodity was still very low in price. Against this, however, there was to be set the increase in the value of paraffin scale and burning oil, and this undoubtedly went a considerable way to reduce the loss on the products which had fallen in value.

The shareholders, however, must bear in mind that, whereas the effect produced by the fall in lubricating oil had been over the whole of the financial year, the effect of the increase in the value of burning oil had not been so. The financial year began on 1st October, and at that date the larges portion of the burning oil for season up to March had been sold. That was to say, the period they were considering at present was from October 1882, till the end of September 1883, while during the summer months of July, August, and September, the contracts for the winter were generally made, and at that time the prices of burning oil were ruling very low. The higher range of prices was in operation only during this season, and they were now sharing in the benefits. They had a number of oil contracts for scale which ran over the first six months of the financial year. When any comparison was made between the Walkinshaw Company and other Scotch oil companies it should be borne in mind that the financial year of other oil companies began on 1st April of 1st May, while their financial year began 31st October. While therefore, the other oil companies would have the benefit of the year's advance in price, the Walkinshaw Company were only now beginning to reap the benefit for the current year and when they came to the end of October next the results of their operations would be very different, and show a material improvement on the balance-sheet now before the shareholders.

The board had given the greatest consideration to the company's affairs. They had spared neither time nor trouble in fully acquainting themselves with its entire position and they were of the opinion that its prospects were much improved. The output of their mineral field had considerably increased, and instead of having to buy shale from outsiders they were now in a position to more than satisfy the requirements of the works, and were adding to the stock at the hill. Of course, he need not point out that the larger output of the company from their own pits tended to lessen the cost of production. During last year the gross output of coal, shale, and ironstone from pits was only £120,000. The gross output during the four weeks ending 28th November was £14,000, or equal to 182,000 tons per annum. This was being gradually increased and they expected the total production from the company's two works to reach 240,000 tons before the closure of the financial year, and this was exactly double the amount of output last year.

The Chairman further explained the nature of the arrangement made with Messrs Merry & Cunninghame for taking over the ironstone pits on the estate of Douglas and Abercorn. They did so, he said, in order to be able to control the labour element in the district, and because the houses in which their workmen resided belonged to Messrs Merry & Cunninghame. The price arranged with Messrs Merry & Cunninghame was £15,250; and as the payment was spread over a period of three years, interest had been added, bringing the total amount to £16,500. The company were also erecting additional houses for the accommodation of their workmen, which they believed would be more for the interest of the company than their workmen should require to travel three or four miles to Linwood or Paisley.

With regard to the question of raising additional capital, as set forth in the report, the directors were not desirous to call up more money than they could possibly avoid; but he was sure that the shareholders would agree with him that they ought as a board to be called upon to incur personal responsibility on behalf of the company. In these circumstances they had thought it prudent to raise additional money to cover the further expansion of the company's operation.

The original capital of the company was £120,000, but the scheme had been very much enlarged, and the benefit of the extension would ultimately come back to the shareholders. Some of the shareholder might think that the working of the ironstone would not be a profitable thing for the company, but the directors considered seeing they were going to get entire control of the labour market, and that Messrs Merry & Cunninghame undertook, so log as their furnaces were in operation at Carnbroe, to take the entire production of No.3 pit in the Douglas estate from which the largest supply of ironstone came, that they were justified in coming to the arrangement. The oncost and charge of management would be going on whether they had the ironstone of not. The ironstone surrounded their coal and shale, they had possession of the railways till they joined the Caledonian line, and the directors thought it was in the interest of the shareholders to come to the arrangement which had been made. He could only say that, so far as he could forecast in the future and speaking not only for himself, but for his colleagues at the board, they had now got over the difficulties of the past year; and that if they continued to go on as present they would be in a position to meet the shareholders with a better state of affairs. The Chairman concluded by moving adoption of the report. Mr. McLELLAN seconded.

Mr SUTHERLAND – Considering the serious fall in the shares of the company, I would like to ask if any of the directors have been disposing of their shares?

The CHAIRMAN – I can only answer for myself. I may say subject to correction b the secretary, that I am the largest shareholder in the company, and I have neither bought or sold a single share.

Mr SUTHERLAND – That is so far satisfactory, but I would like to put another question. Have any members of the firm of P & W. McLellan, who were vendors of the old Abercorn Oil Company, which was absorbed at the formation of this company?

The CHAIRMAN – I do not carry the register of the company, and I really cannot answer such a question. Mr SUTHERLAND – I am credibly informed such was the case.

Mr M'LELLAN – I can only say I have never sold a share in the company – that I still what I held at the beginning. If any of my partners bought shares, and when they say them down below £7 or £6 went and sold them I am not responsible.

Mr. SUTHERLAND – Was it the case that they did so?

Mr M'LELLAN – I believe that they did – that they went and sold some of their shares.

Mr SUTHERLAND – They were the vendors of the Abercorn Company?

Mr M'LELLAN – None of my partners except Mr. Blair

Mr. SUTHERLAND – Well one is sufficient Mr M'LELLAN – One is right, I tell you candidly what they did.

No other remarks being offered, the CHAIRMAN put the motion to the meeting, and it was unanimously adopted. On the motion of Councillor HAMILTON, seconded by Mr SIMPSON, Mr John Wilson (the chairman) and Mr Scott, Wishaw, were afterwards re-elected directors of the company; and on the motion of Mr JOHN MITCHELL, seconded by Mr SUTHERLAND, Mr Muir was reappointed auditor.

An extraordinary meeting was afterwards held for the purposes of considering the propriety of raising additional capital. The CHAIRMAN, without remark, submitted the following resolutions :

• 1. That the capital of the company be increased to £180,000 By the creation of 6000 new shares at £10 each
• 2. That the new shares be called Preference shares and that the holders thereof be entitled to be paid out the profit each year, a preferential dividend for such year at the rate of six per cent on the account for the time being paid up on such shares, with right to preference rateably with holders of Ordinary A shares in the profit of each year set aside for dividend, where the same exceeds six percent on the whole capital of the company
• 3. That the said new shares be offered at par to the now registered holders of the Ordinary A shares at the rate of one share for each two shares held, and in the evernt of any shares remaining unapplied for by members, the directors shall be entitled to allocate the same to other applicant on each terms as they may think fit
• 4. That the said new share shall not confer any right of… (illegible)

Mr LOW in seconding the motion for adoption of the resolutions, said the shareholders might think themselves fortunate in having men of such business capacity on the directorate. They all knew that there were times of reverse in business and it should not surprise that the Walkinshaw Company should have met with something of that sort. He was quite sure, however, that if the directors continued to callinto play their energy and activity, they would very soon bring round the Walkinshaw Company to a profitable position. The resolutions were unanimously adopted and the meeting separated.

The Glasgow Herald, 20th December 1883

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1884 Extraordinary General Meeting

WALKINSHAW OIL COMPANY (LIMITED); An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Walkinshaw Oil Company. (Limited) was held yesterday in the Religious Institution Rooms, Glasgow, for the purpose of confirming the special resolutions adopted at the meeting on the I9th ult. Mr. John Wilson, chairman of the comany presided, and there was a good attendance of Shareholders.

The CHAIRMAN read the resolutions to the meeting. They were as follows:

1. That the capital of the company be increased to £180,000 by the creation of 6000 new shares of £10 each.
2. That the new shares be called Preference Shares, and that the holders thereof be entitled to be paid out of the profit of each year a preferential dividend for such year at the rate of 6 per cent on the amount for the time being paid up on such shares, with right to participate rateably with holders of Ordinary A Shares in the profit of each year set aside for dividend, when the same exceeds 6 per cent on the whole capital of the company.
3. That the said new shares shall be offered at par to the now registered holders of the Ordinary A Shares at the rate of one share for each two -hares held; and in the event of any shares remaining un- applied for by members, the directors shall be entitled to allot the same to other applicants of such terms as they may think fit.
4. That the said new shares shall not confer any right of voting at any general meeting of the company nor shall they qualify any person to be a director of the company.
5. That, in the event of the company being wound up, the holders of the said Preference Shares shall be entitled to have the surplus assets of the company applied, in the first place in repaying to them the amount paid up on the Preference Shares held by them respectively, but that the residue of such surplus assets shall belong to and be divided among the other members of the company.

In moving the resolutions, the CHAIRMAN said - The board recommended this scheme, the resolutions now read, to the cordial support of the shareholders. The object to which the new capital is to be applied is set forth so fully in the report issued with the accounts for the last financial year that it is not needful to restate it now. The work of opening up the minerals in the estate of Walkinshaw is being proceeded with, and the directors hope to have an output from the shale minerals at the lower level in that estate in about six months hence. As soon as they can see it advisable, they will also begin to the work of sinking a pit to the shale at the higher level to the north- east of the estate, and when reached, open out a working- in this bed of shale, which is said to be the best field of shale in the district.

The shareholders may be aware that this is by far the most extensive field of shale which the company has, and is absolutely untouched as yet. It may be interesting to know that steady progress is being made in the increase of output from the pits presently in operation. During last financial year, ending 3d October, 1883, the average output of shale, coal, and ironstone (raw) was, per four weeks, 10,000 tons. The outputs for the first three periods of four weeks of the current financial year are as follow: -Four weeks ending 31st October, 13100 tons: four weeks ending 28th November, 13,560 tons; four weeks ending 26th December, 10,020 tons. No doubt the large increase during the last four weeks mentioned is in some measure due to the holidays being at hand; but apart from that there is a very large increase, which the directors hope and believe will continue.

The attention of the directors has been frequently called by some shareholders to the question of acquiring a field of shale in the east part of the country in some of the districts which are in favour among oil authorities, and they may mention that overtures have been made to them by parties interested in such fields, but as yet they have not seen it to be in the interest of the company to deal with any of then overtures. The shareholders may be sure, however, that the board will do their best to protect the property of the company, and if an opportunity of a favourable character is found to extend the company's operations in this direction, the company possesses at present refining plant at Walkinshaw works arranged in such a manner that an extension to deal with double the present quantity of crude oil can be made at a comparatively small cost. In addition to this, they possess at their present works an abundance of fuel, for which an extra consumption would thus be found; and, lastly, the position of the works in relation to the railways and shipping ports places the company in a favourable way both for receiving supplies of crude oil from a distance and sending the finished products to the market. The directors think that, in their own interests, the shareholders should take up this preference stock, and as an indication of their own opinion with regard to it they are prepared to take up a fourth of the entire issue, if that should be necessary. (Applause.) Mr JAMES HAMILTON seconded.

Mr DAVID CRAIG said there was a vague rumour in circulation that the increased production of shale simply meant increased cost. He should like to ask the chairman whether he could give the meeting a comparative statement of the cost this year and last.

The CHAIRMAN, in reply said he could not give the comparison, but he might state that the larger the production from the pits there was a corresponding decrease in the cost of production. (Applause) In one of the pits, according to the last return, the reduction was nearly equal to 10d a ton: from the highest cost of last year. (Applause.) They would therefore see that the larger the output from the pits the smaller was the cost to the company, and if things went on as they were he hoped the result from that source alone would have a very material effect in the next financial statement to the shareholders, (Applause.) The resolutions were then confirmed by the meeting, and a vote of thanks having been at: corded the chairman for presiding, the proceedings terminated.

The Glasgow Herald, 8th January 1884

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1884 Annual General Meeting

The report of the WALKINSHAW OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) is as follows:- The directors submit herewith a statement of the company's accounts for year ending for 1st October 1884 for the approval of the shareholders. The balance of the profit including the sum brought forward from last year, is £5075 15s. 3d., and the directors recommend that the sum should be disposed of in the following manner: To depreciation account £3500; to account of expenses of formation of company £300, to payment of dividend on preference shares on 6th January next at a rate of 6% less income tax £299 17s 2d - £4059 17s 2d; carrying forward to the next year £975 16s 1d - £5973 15s 3d (figures indistinct).

The directors regret that it is not in their power to recommend a dividend on the ordinary shares. They were hopeful when the report was issued that they would have been able to present a better report for the year just closed. The cost of mining, although less than last year has been higher that the directors counted upon, and in addition to this the company sustained severe losses in bad debts during the year, which have been provided out of revenue. Considerable progress has been made in opening out the Walkinshaw Mineral Field, and the directors hope to base a full output there from within, the next few months . The minerals at the lower level have not as yet been found in the quantity expected, but the directors are glad to state that it has been found possible to work shale at a higher level without at present sinking a new pit, as was originally proposed. So far as developed, the mineral at this higher level has been found fully equal to what was anticipated and superior to anything yet opened out by the company in the district. It will be in the recollection of shareholders that at the extraordinary general meeting held on 7th January last reference was made to the question of acquiring a field of shale in the east part of the country. The directors have taken action in this matter, and although they are not yet in a position to report to the shareholders upon it, they are hopeful they may be able to do so by the day of the meeting at which this report shall be considered.

The directors have decided that a field of east country shale should be taken and this will require more capital. In order to provide railways, pits, & C., for 200 tons per day, and to erect retorts and plant to distil that quantity and provide tanks to carry the oil to Walkinshaw, a sum of £15,000 would probably be required. The present authorised capital would be sufficient in the meantime for a new scheme such as has been indicated, and also to meet the existing engagements of the company, if the un-issued portion of the preference shares was taken up. The directors would urge those shareholders who have not yet taken up their quota of the Preference shares (viz; on preference share for every two ordinary shares held) in their own interest to come forward and do so. It is necessary that the company's obligations to the Bank of Scotland and Messrs. Merry & Cunninghame should be provided for, and the directors are persuaded that it is desirable that a large admixture of oil, distilled from east country shale, should be used in the refinery.

The directors who retire at this time are Mr. Beckett and Mr Hamilton. Both gentlemen are eligible for re-election and are will to act again if appointed. Mr Muir, the auditor, also retires. The directors recommend that he should be appointed.

The Glasgow Herald, 4th December 1884

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1885 Annual General Meeting

WALKINSHAW OIL COMPANY , (LIMITED). ANNUAL MEETING. The 6th annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Walkinshaw Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday in the Religious Institution Rooms, Glasgow. Mr John Wilson, chairman of the company, presided. The report, which has already been published, was held s read.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving its adoption, said:- The first thing calling for remark is the unfortunate circumstance that the balance is on the wrong side of the account to the extent of £2893 0s 6d, without anything being provided for depreciation. This balance comes out after absorbing £976 18s 1d carried forward from previous year, so that, in point of fact, the loss for the year is £3839 18st 7d. The explanation in the report with regard tot the lower average prices realised for the various n products accounts for a large sum, but to this needs to be added the reduction in values of stock of minerals, oils, &c., at 30th September, 1885, as compared with the values at lst October, 1884. This amounts to £1622 12s 4d, which, added to the sum mentioned in the report, makes the total difference between last year's values and those of this year £16,437 3s 11d.

With regard to the mineral leases at Walkinshaw, to which reference is made in the report, the directors are satisfied they have adopted the right course in giving them up. The shale in the north-east part of the mineral basin, from which nearly the whole of this year's supply has been taken, and which is indeed the only available source of supply now at Walkinshaw, has not yielded so much oil per ton, particularly the portion of it coming from the area in the Walkinshaw estate, to which reference was made at the meeting of last year. The average yield over all the year is fully six gallons per ton less than in the previous year. The directors had careful experiments made to satisfy themselves that it was in the shale where the fault lay and not in the retorts. If the quantity of oil represented by this reduced yield is valued at 3d per gallon it amounts to £1869 1s 10d. But, even if the shale had yielded equal to previous year it would be unprofitable to work it with markets as they now are. For some time yet the directors have no alternative but to continue the partial working of the shale at Walkinshaw, because there is a large fixed rent to cover for Walkinshaw estate up till Whitsunday next and the company has only the means at present of carrying a limited quantity of crude oil from a distance, and the directors do not consider it advisable to curtail the quantity in the refinery any further than they have done already.

At last annual meeting it was reported that the directors wore engaged in making the necessary trials of Whitehill shale. While occupied with these, approaches were made to them regarding the shale in an adjoining property on the south. The terms of the lease, however, were found so objectionable that they could not be entertained, Later on a proposal as made to them by another company in the same neighbourhood, and much correspondence- extending from March to August- took place without any result. In the meantime, markets becoming more and more depressed, the directors resolved to delay committing the company to any engagement in an east country field for the present, but should favourable circumstances arise to attain this end they will not fail to bring the matter before the shareholders. The directors are endeavouring to procure supplies from outside makers, where it is possible to do so, at a price that will enable the refining to be carried on with a slight margin of profit. In conclusion, I have to say that the directors have given a great deal of anxious thought and a great deal of time to the business of the company, and have been assisted by the various officers of the company with equal anxiety and care; and the shareholders may rest assured that everything possible is being done to economise and make the most of the resources presently at the disposal of the directors. I beg formally to move the meeting receive and approve the report and balance-sheet for the year to 30th September, 1885,"

Mr JAMES HAMILTON, in seconding, said that had they got the same prices during the year as they did during the previous year they would have had £16,437 to the good, as against a loss of £2,893. That would certainly have paid a handsome dividend. It was a very natural question to ask what was the cause of this backward turn of affairs. At last balance they had to complain of the low prices they were getting for their products, as compared with former years. They had to complain of the same thing during the past year, but to a far greater extent. They would notice from the re- port that the directors made application for a reduction in the terms on which they held their mineral leases. The parties concerned declined to make any reduction. They were getting the same as they did when the product were just double the price they were just now. Of course those parties would naturally say that a bargain was a bargain. So it was; but the parties might find they were killing the goose that laid the golden eggs if they did not give some relief.

A SHAREHOLDER asked the chairman how far the company had succeeded in their experiments with oil as a fuel.

The CHAIRMAN replied that, as they would see in ; the Herald of that day, the company had been supplying one of Messrs Laird's steamers, the Fern, with oil to be used for fuel. It was low-classed oil, but it answered very well for the purpose to which it was being applied, in so far as the experiment had gone, The company themselves had also adopted oil in raising steam in their own locomotives, which were driven with nothing but the residual products from lubricating oil. They thought oil would be a saving to the steamboats all round if it could be had in anything like the quantities to supply their wants. As for any profit in to the company there was none. They had a very large stock of that low-classed oil lying past, and they were very glad to get it away at a very reasonable rate. They would certainly endeavour to get as much for it as they possibly could, but at the same time they were very anxious to see it moved off. In reply to another question, as to whether they were able to buy crude oil and refine it at a profit, the Chairman said they were not buying any crude oil now unless they could refine it at if a profit. The report was then adopted.

The CHAIRMAN moved that Messrs MacLellan and Ness be reappointed directors of the company. Mr WADDELL seconded, and this was agreed to. The CHAIRMAN moved that Mr John Craig be appointed in room of Mr Scott, resigned, This was seconded by Mr M'GAVIN, and also agreed to Mr Muir having been re-elected auditor of the company. The meeting terminated.

The Glasgow Herald, 17th December 1885

.......

1886 Annual General Meeting

WALKINSHAW OIL COMPANY. The annual general meeting of the Walkinshaw Oil Company was held yesterday afternoon in the Religious Institution Rooms, Glasgow – Mr John Wilson, Hillhead, presiding. The report, already published, was taken as read

The CHAIRMAN, in moving its adoption, said that the report dealt only with the difficulty which had arisen between Merry & Cunninghame and the company with reference to the plant on the mineral subjects held on sub-lease from them. At this stage it was not advisable that the subject of controversy should be discussed in a public meeting, and any additional information which might be desired and could be given would be obtained by calling at the offices of the company.

It would be observed that a very large sum was now at the debit of the profit and loss, chiefly through closing the plant accounts connected with the mineral subjects referred to. It might be advisable late on to readjust the capital account of the company so as to dispose of this loss, but meantime the board did not submit any proposal of this kind until the adjustment of accounts with Messrs Merry & Cunninghame were completed. The manufacturing works were still in operation to a very limited extent, it being impossible to obtain crude without paying prices that involved a loss in refining. The board would endeavour to bring about a different state of matters at the earliest moment in their power, It might be stated that the staff had been had been reduced to the further possible point and the salaries and wages as well, and no expense was being incurred that could possibly be avoided. The feeling in relation to the prices to be obtained for oil products was more hopeful, and in regard to the lubricating and intermediate oils an advance on the lowest price had been established. The board hoped an improvement might take place soon in the other products and that the company might be able to secure supplies of raw material in one form or another by which the manufactory might be carried on to profit. Mr MACLELLAN seconded, and the report was adopted.

On the motion of Mr JAMES HAMILTON, seconded by Mr GEORGE YOUNG, Mr. Wilson and Mr James Beckett were reappointed directors. Mr James Muir C.A. was reappointed auditor.

The Glasgow Herald, 23rd December 1886

.......

1887 Annual General Meeting

WALKINSHAW OIL COMPANY. The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Walkinshaw Oil Company (Limited) was held yesterday in the Religious Institution Rooms – Mr. Wilson of Hillhead House in the chair

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said it was a matter of much regret to the directors that Messrs Merry & Cunninghame still continued in the policy towards the concern which they began over a year and a half ago. The hearing of the case before the First Division might probably take place in January. The refinery is quite at a standstill. If crude oil could be obtained at a price that would enable refining to be done at any margin of profit, the works were adapted for being used as economically as any in the trade. But crude oil could not now be head at a price that would be remunerative, and the existing circumstances of the company were such that a new crude scheme could not be entered upon even if such a thing were considered desirable. The prices of oil products had improved considerably within the past few weeks and if the shareholders put the directors in funds to enter upon a new crude oil work, they would immediately look about with a view to getting such a thing. But in the meantime, so far as the directors saw, there was nothing to be done but wait the result of proceeding with Messrs Merry & Cunninghame. So far as they had gone in there the company had been successful, and they hoped – the facts were so plain and intelligible to everyone – that the Inner House would sustain the decision of the Lord Ordinary.

Mr. FRAME seconded the motion for the adoption of the report. In reply to shareholders, the CHAIRMAN stated that they were just keeping their works in trim, so that if prices were to increase they could start work without difficulty. There was practically no expense in doing that. The shareholders might depend that the directors would leave nothing undone that would in any way turn the works to profit.

A SHAREHOLDER – Are the directors still of the opinion that it is advisable to wing up the company?

The CHAIRMAN- Not unless they were getting a purchaser for the works

A SHAREHOLDER – The best thing we could do would be to put the hammer to the works and have done with them. It would have been better had the company been wound up two or three years ago

The CHAIRMAN said it would not be better to wind up the company until they were clear of the action with Messrs Merry & Cunninghame. In the event of anything of that kind being done the directors would call the shareholders together and consult them.

Mr LIDDELL contended that it would be unwise to wind up the company at present. The proper course of action would be to wait a month of two. The litigation in which they were involved would have ended by that time, and they would have seen whether or not there was anything in the present move in the oil market.

The CHAIRMAN remarked that to go and break up the works just now would not put a penny in their pockets. The report was adopted, and Messrs Hamilton and M'Lellan were reappointed directors.

The Glasgow Herald 22nd December 1887

.......

1888 Annual General Meeting

THE WALKINSHAW OIL COMPANY. - The eighth annual general meeting of the members of the Walkinshaw Oil Company ( Limited) was held yesterday in the Religions Institution Rooms; 177 Buchanan Street , Glasgow—Mr John Wilson, Hillhead, presiding .

In moving the adoption of the annual report, which has already been published, the CHAIRMAN mentioned that the directors were keeping up the works intact, and Mr Neilson, the manager, had undertaken the supervision of everything that was going on until matters were arranged with the lessees of the minerals from whom they had a sub-lease, and they hoped this would shortly be carried through. In their present circumstances it would be undesirable, that he should say anything regarding the unsettled matters between Messrs Merry & Cunninghame and the Company. Mr M'GAVIN seconded, and the report was adopted. Mr Wilson and Mr Beckett, the retiring directors, and Mr Muir, the auditor, were re-elected.

The Scotsman, 20th December 1888

.......

1889 Annual General Meeting

WALKINGSHAW OIL COMPANY, LILITED. The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Walkinshaw Oil Company, Limited, was held in the Religious Institution Rooms, 177 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, yesterday- Mr John Wilson, M.P., in the chair. The report, which had already been published, having been held as read,

The CHAIRMAN moved its adoption. He said the company had been doing a little more in the way of brickmaking, in order to endeavour to meet current expenses and to keep the place as a sort of going concern. They were also maintaining surveillance over the works. The litigation which had been going on with Messrs. Merry & Cunninghame for the last two years in the Court of Session had now been happily and satisfactorily settled, the contention of the company having been in a great measure correct. The result of the settlement was that they received £7295 in full of all claims, and gave up all the plant connected with the mineral subjects. The company had made a slight alteration on their line in order to run the trucks right into the brickfield, and the Caledonian company had agreed to perform that work. The restoration of East Fulton had now been completed, and the whole affair taken off the company's hands. Of course it could hardly be expected that there would be any profit arising from the operations of the company, the only thing they had to depend on being the farms. On these they had obtained a slight reduction of rent, and they were now able to clear themselves. Mr BECKETT seconded the motion.

In answer to a shareholder, The CHAIRMAN explained that they were getting profit of 2s or 3s per thousand on the bricks, and that the output was about 12,000 per day. It was possible that a better price might yet be obtained. The report was then adopted. Messrs James Hamilton and Thomas M'L. Liddell were elected directors, and Mr Muir was re-elected auditor. This was all the public business.

The Glasgow Herald 12th December 1889

........

1890 Extraordinary General Meeting

At a meeting of the shareholders of Walkinshaw Oil Company, Limited, held yesterday in the Religious Institution Rooms, Glasgow - Mr James Hamilton presiding in the absence of Mr John Wilson, M.P., chairman of the company. The resolution passed at the meeting held on the 11th inst., agreeing to amalgamate the company with the Hermand Company, and that a liquidator be appointed and authorised to consent to the registration of a new company to be named "The Hermand Oil Company, Limited," were unanimously adopted.

The Aberdeen Journal 28th February 1890

THE KINGHORN LOCH CASE.

KINGHORN TOWN COUNCIL V. BURNTISLAND OIL COMPANY. {Specially Reported)
Proof was led on Thursday before Lord in the Court of Session in the action at the instance of the Kinghorn Town Council, seeking to have the Burntisland Oil Company interdicted from “diverting the water of burn or stream flowing through the farm of Binnend and the lands of Galla-Hill to their works at Whinnyhall, or connecting the said burn or stream with the pipe or drain formed, or to be formed, by them from the said stream to their said works.” In the condescendence the suspenders22jul1882 state that they are the proprietors of the Kinghorn Loch, which supplies the Kinghorn mill with water, but this the respondents deny. The Town Council further says that from “the twelfth to the seventeenth century various royal charters were granted in favour of the burgh. In particular, by crown precept of sasine, dated 12lh December 1611, King James VI. of new created and incorporated the town and burgh of Kinghorn into a free royal burgh, and of new gave, granted, assigned, disposed, and incorporated to the burgh, provost, bailees, council, and freemen, burgesses and their successors in property and heritage, ‘all and sundry houses, buildings, tenements, yards, acres, roods, wastes, tofts, crofts, and others lying within the said burgh roods and territory thereof, together with the mill lying within the said burgh called the Lower Mill, mill lands, multures, and sucken thereof, with the Loch Kinghorn and water gang thereof from the said loch to the said Nether Mill of Kinghorn and also all and sundry the lands called the Gallowhill, with the pertinents, &c., &c;’” to which the respondents reply that “the solum of the loch and the lands of Lochlauds and Gallahill do not now belong to the burgh.” The Council further says that in “former times the water from the loch was used to drive the two meal mills belonging to the burgh, and the Town Council in letting these mills on lease in the year 1790, granted to their tenants the liberty of drawing water from the Loch of Kinghorn all occasions and though the grinding of meal in the Kinghorn Mills has been discontinued for the greater part of the present century, there has been carried on in mills situated along the banks of the stream as it passes through the burgh the business of flax and tow spinning.” They further assert that when in 1824 they feued the Loch and loch lands, they reserved the water to the town and for the mills ; that “ the Nether Mill is the property of the burgh, together with the ‘ watergang" of the loch from the said loch to the said Nether Mill, and also of the loning and passage leading from the said burgh to the said loch,’ in terms of the royal charter already quoted. It is let under lease to Messrs Swan, Brothers. The lands of Lochflatt (otherwise called Little Dam), the mill dam adjoining the lauds of Little Dam, and property in the burgh along the course of the burn, belong to the suspenders. Under the reserved right contained in the feu contract above quoted, the suspenders are proprietors of the water in Kinghorn Loch, and they have since that feu contract was granted exercised the same unlimited control over the water, and the regulation of the sluice, which they did before feuiug the loch, and they now and from time immemorial have let these rights to tenants.” To this the respondents reply, that though the complainers have a reserved right to take water from the loch, they are not proprietors of any part of the lands surrounding it. These lands with the solum of the loch and the greater part of the catchment area from which the water supply is derived, belong to the respondents. The complainers do not own any land through which the streamlet in question runs.” The Council goes on to say that the Loch is a considerable extent supplied with water by a small stream which rises in the high ground Binn Hill, and after flowing along the back the Binn Hill for a mile, flows through the farm of Binnend by a covered course, until it reaches the turnpike road at the lands of Gallahill, through which it flows by an open course into the loch of Kinghorn.” The respondents explain that this streamlet, which is conveyed by a 3/4-inch pipe through a wall at Binnend steading, falls into a covered drain near the public road there. By the drain it is taken to Kethymire, about half mile to the west of Kinghorn Loch. At Kethymire it runs into a much larger stream, which has its source in the respondents’ lands, and flows through them into the loch.” The complainers further state “the respondents recently constructed a four-inch pipe drain from their works at Whinnyhall up to the high ground at the east of Binnend steading that on remonstrance from the Town Clerk they stopped it, but that they began it again in February last; that the water so diverted, after passing into the respondents’ oil-works, is not, and cannot lie, restored to the said stream or loch, but will be thrown either into a burn leading past the said works to Burntisland, or into a pipe-drain leading direct from the said works to the Firth of Forth that “ in consequence of the diversion of the water the said stream, the water supply of the loch will be considerably diminished, and the interests of the suspenders, who derive a large rent from the mill-owners at Kinghorn, in respect of the water supply from the loch, will seriously prejudiced.” To this the respondents reply that they only take a small quantity of water for drinking purposes for their three hundred workmen, but that even if the said streamlet were entirely cut off, it would not cause any material diminution of the ordinary water supply in the loch, and could not in any way be injurious to the rights of the complainers.” The respondents state that the Loch forms a natural reservoir which, when in its normal state and within its proper bounds, is capable of holding about 65 million gallons;” that “ the supply of water given by the said streamlet is but small. At the place where it finds its way into the drain aforesaid, from which point the respondents’ 4-inch pipe has been laid, the flow at best amounts to about 5 gallons a minute, or 7200 gallons in twenty-four hours, that being about l-64th of the outflow from the loch, or l-70th of the supply taken by the complainers from the loch and its feeders that “the loch present covers an area of about 29 acres. Its proper and legitimate area is 25 acres, 1 rood, and 27 poles or thereby. By operations which have raised the level of the loch, the complainers have caused the water to regorge so that the loch has gone beyond its natural limits, and has overflowed a large portion of ground belonging to the respondents. More than 3 acres have been thus encroached upon, and serious injury has been and being done to the respondents’ property that in its present condition, with the respondents’ lands flooded, the loch is capable of holding at least 80 million gallons, and there is therefore a surplus of 15 million gallons, if not more, beyond what it ought to hold within its ordinary limits that “ the water is thus now too high over 2 feet;” that “the respondents’ operations cannot result in any prejudice to the complainers, but the existing interim interdict is a hardship to the respondents, being thereby excluded from the use of water to supply even a locomotive engine.” The first witness was Mr Menzies, C.E., Edinburgh, who said be examined the whole gathering ground ; the natural drainage area into the loch was 317 acres, by the ordnance survey map. He saw the place where the defenders proposed to take the water from. It extended to 82 acres. That was in the highest part of the drainage area, and as rain fell most in the highest latitudes that would naturally be the most valuable part of the gathering area for the loch. There was a waste weir the loch four feet wide. He and Mr Boothby, C.K., Kirkcaldy, made a survey of the loch. On the 9th the surface of the water was level with the weir, and on the 22nd nine inches below but it covered part of trees and a paling at the west end of the loch. On the 22nd he went to Rodanbraes Cottages, between the loch and the defenders’ works, and found the flow of the burn there 3-1/2 cubic feet a minute. The Gallowhill stream, the main stream into the loch, and also the stream at Craigencalt, ran the former 14-1/2 cubic feet, and the latter 13-1/2 feet per minute. At the Binnend steading there was flow of nearly 1-1/2 cubic feet. He saw the storage pond to the east of Binncnd farm-steading. The manager of the Oil Company told him that they required nearly 3-1/2 cubic feet per minute day and night, and that the pond would contain two million gallons. There was a 4-inch pipe from the Binnend steading to a tank at the Oil Work. It would carry about 60 cubic feet a minute. That was carrying the water quite into another valley. In summer that pipe would abstract all the water from the 82 acres. Crossexamined by Mr Trayner—Witness said that there were two main feeders—the Craigencalt and Gallowhill streams. There might be some others, and probably were. The former would not have been a feeder of the loch had it not been artificially diverted into it. It is diverted at Glass-mount farm, otherwise it would have flowed east to the Banchory burn. The Gallowhill burn at Kethymire was joined by the Rodenbraes burn—if it could be said a large stream that it went to join a small one. lie could not say if the position of the trees and the paling showed that the loch had extended for the past ten years—lakes did work out sometimes in that way. There was an old stone wall on the north side of the loch submerged, being 20 feet into the loch, but he could not say what that indicated. A hedge at the south side of the loch also some trees —firs alders —were in the water. The storage tank at Binnend was also supplied by pumping from the mine and the overflow would naturally flow into the Binnend stream and so into the Kinghorn Loch.

Re-examined—The Roddanbraes stream ran 3-1/2 cub. feet minute, and the combined Roddanbraes and Binnend streams near the lake 14-1/2 feet, so that 11 feet was left for the Binnend stream. Alex. Cunningham Boothby. E., Kirkcaldy, authenticated the plans which he had made for the use of the Court. He was with Mr Menzies when he made his survey and concurred in the results. He could not say if the loch had extended in recent years, but in summer it was sometimes down to half its winter area. He had seen the trees at the west end left dry in summer. Re-examined—The 4 inch pipe to the Binnend tank from the burn would carry 58 cubic feet minute. There was not always so much water as that in the burn at that point. On the 6th of March he found 5.928 cubic feet per minute running in the burn. Robert Buist, engineer, Burntisland, examined by Mr Keir, worked in Kinghorn in 1825 with the predecessors of the Messrs Swan, Kinghorn, and in 1834 went to be the sluice-keeper and engineer for Messr Swan. The weir is always the same since it was put in in 1827. There bad been complaints by Mr Young, farmer, of the height of the loch, and he kept the sluice open night and day to let the water off. He had in 1827 seen the water on the turnpike road. He used to visit his father-in-law, Mr Robertson, in 1833 and 1834, and he married in 1835. Mr Robertson had a farm to the west of the loch, and complained of the water coming over the land. It came up 30 yards’ beyond the trees. Cross-examined by Mr Young—Witness remembered of tress being planted on the south west of the loch—outside the water. The engines at Swan Brothers’ upper mill were respectively 120, 40, and 30 horse-power, and that at the lower mill 30 horse-power. They were steam engines. Mr Fraser, mill manager to Messrs Swan Brothers, Kinghorn, and who was in their employment for 36 years, said they required about 400,000 gallons a day for the two flax mills, and of course if the supply ran short it would have a very serious result. Bailie Swan, Kinghorn, of the firm of Swan Brothers, also gave evidence as to the amount of water required for the mills. He also spoke the variations in the level of the loch, and stated the other uses in the town for which the water is required. Provost Swan, Kirkcaldy, senior partner of the firm of Swan Brothers, corroborated the other witnesses as to the water required for the mills. He also deponed that a sum of money had been obtained from the railway company as compensation for being allowed to take some of the water. Mrs Condie stated that she remembered of the water the loch being so high that it overflowed a good distance west of the trees at the west end of the loch. She had seen, in harvest, sheaves of corn stocked at that place, and the water was up to the bands. Peter Heigh, who had been in Kinghorn all his days, remembered of the water that ran into the loch. When the Kethymire was drained the burn was covered in. The loch, sluices, and banks were the same now he ever remembered them. had seen the loch frequently overflowing the road and land near it. Forty or fifty years ago carters passing on the road could water their horses in the loch. The height of the loch varies very much according to the state of the weather. Cross-examined —Is the loch not if anything larger now than it used to be ?—No ; I think it’s smaller. Mr Young—Does this burn take its rise at Craigkelly ?—No, not at Craigkelly. Where, then ? Isn’t Craigkelly at the top of the hill?—Yes, and that’s why the burn does not rise there? (Laughter.) Isn’t it at the top it rises ?—No, no; the water could not rise ; it Hows gently down. (Laughter.) Water won’t flow up a hill. (Laughter.) But the burn has its origin there ?—Oh, it’s not burn—just a tricklet that flows down a way of its own. (More laughter.) Robert Minorgan, carting contractor, Kinghorn, knew the loch well, and remembered that it used to overflow and fill a hollow beyond the road. Andrew Martin (86) was the next witness, and on account of deafness could scarcely be got to repeat the oath. He lived at Craigencalt, and remembered of the dyke being built to the north of the loch, and the height of the water was the same then as now. Provost Smith, Kinghorn, said the loch was at one time the principal source of the Kinghorn water supply, though latterly water was got from the burn that came down by Craigencalt. The water of the loch was good enough, and was used for cooking purposes. Since the interdict was granted in this case they had allowed the Oil Company take the water, and there had been no complaint of scarcity, but the loch fell foot below the overflow. Mrs Gourlay said her father was a ploughman in Craigencalt, and she remembered that when her father went to Craigencalt in 1807 the west side of the loch was just a bog. Mr Young drained the bog. The Court then rose for the day.

The case was resumed yesterday, when a considerable number of witnesses were examined. Mr Thomas Hepburn, examined, said that when he came Kinghorn first, Mr Fergus had the mills, as well as the meal mills. knew the bye-wash of the loch since remembered. Mr Charles Robertson had charge of the sluice, and drove his carts over the embankment without hindrance. At one time there was no other supply of water for the inhabitants, at least for washing purposes, except what came from the sluices. James Knox, Town Officer, Kinghorn, said-I am Town Officer of Kinghorn. I reported in January 1882 to the Town Council that there were operations in progress for taking water from the loch. On the Saturday went there and found the operations stopped. 1 did not know the reason. Mr John Sang. C.E., Kirkcaldy, stated that he had a plan of Kinghorn Loch (produced.) This a survey made the ground in 1825. He remembered of diversion Banchory Burn being made, but did not remember the date. This plan was made by his brother in 1825, and the black lines indicated the boundaries of the loch. The purpose of making the plan was that a gentleman named Barclay wished a plan of the whole district, and that plan only formed part of the others. It was done for the purpose of excambion between Mr Ferguson and Mr Stewart. This closed the evidence for the pursuers.

Robert Cairstairs Reid, C.E., Edinburgh—Had good deal of experience In water-works.* On the 17th of this month he visited the loch for the purpose of examining it. The Binnend Oil Company were making a compensation pond, capable of holding a million gallons. The inlet to it was drain, yielding a supply of 1300 gallons per day. There were cottages being put up for the workmen, and considered this would supply about 180 people at the rate of about 20 gallons per day per head He considered that the whole of the Binnend Barn, which is a tributary of the great feeder of this loch, ran through the pipes. The Banchory Bum was another feeder of the loch, but the larger is called the Roddan Braes Born. The catchment area of the loch was about 236 acres, and the proportion of Intercepted water about 1/17th of the whole supply. The loch was capable holding about 78,000,000 gallons and this was a sufficient supply for all purposes, including the mills of Kinghorn. It appeared that the loch had gone out considerably, and must have at one time many acres of ground less than at present. In June, the driest season of the year, the water was flowing over the respondents’ ground to the extent of a quarter of acre, there was no doubt that the area was considerably greater than was shown on the ordnance map. There was a stone wall there which was submerged about two feet on his visit. There were trees in the water, which were not, properly speaking, trees which require such a situation, and certainly no one would build a wall with the top two feet under water, or plant his firs in It. The water which flows from the loch to Swan Brothers’ mills at Kinghorn runs on from there to Tyrie bleach-field. When the Messrs Swan’s mill stopped at night, the water flowed to the sea at the rate of 320 gallons per minute, and counting this from Saturday two o'clock to Monday morning at six o’clock, the quantity of water run waste would lie 26,880,000 gallons. There was a pond in connection with the loch which was silted up, but if cleaned out would give a large additional supply to the town. The quantity of water run to waste from Saturday to Monday morning was equal to 212 days’ flow of the water intercepted, and he did not believe the supply was affected in the least by the quantity thus taken. The pipe laid down by the respondents was a 4-inch pipe, and would run about 80 gallons per minute. The quantity required, however, by the works was about 20,000 gallons per day. He was of the opinion that the supply for the new cottages would be taken from the same pipe. When the loch was quite full the dyke was covered, and the trees spoken of were under water. He did not think the wall was high enough to prevent the water flowing over the road. His opinion was that the wall was put up to prevent cattle wading into the water. It was not a stone and lime wall, but a dry-stone dyke. He did not think it had been built as a retaining wall to prevent the water overflowing.

James Spencer, manager of the Burntisland Oil Co., stated that there was a large supply of water from the mines for the purpose of purifying the oil, which was pumped up by the engine. Nearly 4,000 gallons per day was used tor domestic purposes, as there were nearly 400 men employed. The 4-inch pipe laid down was for the purpose of bringing down the water from the new tank, there was very little water coming from the Binnend Burn-about 3or 4 gallons per minute. Another pond or tank was being made capable of holding 2,000,000 gallons. The water coming from the Binnend Burn was at present nearly exhausted, and the engine had to supplemented by water from the mine. He never saw a flow of water from the Bum to the works sufficient to make any impression on the loch, and the 4-inch pipe was only put down temporarily ; to-day a connection has been with the mine, and it would not be required longer.

There was plenty of water in the loch for the supply of Kinghorn, and they could utilise the dam if required. But at present the water was flowing over the ground of the Oil Co. some 15 or 20 feet, and the ground at the public road had been overflowed well. The works at Binnend only required a certain amount of water, and care had to be taken not to allow too much to come. He could see the water flowing away to the sea at Kinghorn from the overflow, showing that the supply was not interfered with.
Cross-examined by the Dean of Faculty—There was no water coming from the mine at present, nor had been for a fortnight. It was an important matter to get a supply of clean water for the machines, and this could only be got from the loch. He thought the cottages then being built would requite at least 30 gallons per head, and the 4-inch pipe was intended to supply these. He considered there was too much water in the loch, and it should be lowered, on most the occasions the water was running over the bye-wash. He bad opened the drain running from Binnend and measured the flow by inches, but could not tell what number of gallons per hour this gave. He admitted having made a mistake in saying that he made the calculation, he only opened the drain, while the engineer made the calculation, which thought would be about 4 gallons per minute. All the water coming through the 4-inch pipe would be (required for the people, and not for the works, and any surplus over would fall back Into the drain.

The Court then rose for lunch. On the Court re assembling, Mr Davidson, farmer, Banchory, said the loch had been raised since he entered on the farm in 1876 to a considerable extent, and flowed nearly 12 yards further up the slope than it did at that time. There were a number of Scotch firs growing there, which were now surrounded by the water. The people living in Craigencalt Mill had to leave the house in consequence of the encroachment of the water. He had applied to the town to reduce the level of the loch, and had raised the bottom of the cattle shed to prevent its being overflowed. Since 1872 the seasons had been very wet.
David Aitken. farm-servant, Craigencalt. had lived all his life in the district, and had been 40 years in the farm. He used to feed the cattle in the reeds up till about 5 or 6 years ago. when the water rose till it came into the steading. Mr Davidson bad raised the bottom of the reeds about 18 inches, but the water came in still. There used to be a cart road leading the sheds, but it was now covered. There was a fence, and sauch trees growing to the west of the loch, and he used to sow and reap the crops grown on the land there. Cattle also grazed on the south side of the loch, where the bank was about 18 feet broad. He had never seen the loch so high as it had been during the last 4 years.
By Mr Kinnear—The water was never allowed to get above the bye-wash, as the sluices were opened, and the embankment was broken down to allow the water to get away.
His Lordship—What is the date of the diversion of the Banchory Burn ?
Mr Trayner - Is lost In antiquity, but Mr Sang has sworn it must have been been before 1830.

Robert Anderson (76). roads man, Kinghorn. has been 57 years on the roads, and the people grazed cattle at the side of the road, when the ground was about 30 feet broad. He remembered of the trees and hedge being planted by Mr Stewart about 45 years ago. These were all away now. having been washed down during the last 7 or 8 years. Both the footpath and the fences had been destroyed by the loch rising. He bad seen people working the bye-wash, but did not know what they were doing. Banchory Burn was diverted in its course, and made to run into the loch nearly 100 years ago. James Lochtie. blacksmith, Kinghorn—Had driven his carts between the hedge and the loch on the south side. In winter however, the rains raised the loch till it overflowed the banks. It was higher now than formerly.

This closed the proof, and after the case had been argued at considerable length by the Dean of Faculty and Mr Trayner, his Lordship took it to avizandum. Counsel for complainers—The Dean of Faculty and Mr Keir. Agents—Watt & Anderson, S.S.C. Counsel for respondents—Mr Trayner and Mr Young. Agent—J. Hill Bairnsfather,

Fifeshire Advertiser, Saturday 01 July 1882

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BURGH OF KINGHORN V. BURNTISLAND OIL COMPANY. On Tuesday in the Court of Session, judgment was given in this action, in which the Provost and Magistrates of Kinghorn, in the interest of the burgh, sought to interdict the respondents from taking a supply of water from a burn flowing through the farm of Binneud and the lands of Gallahill to their works Whinnyhall. It was maintained by the respondents that they are entitled to use the water taken from the streamlet, and they denied that was prejudicial or injurious to the complainers. Lord Kinnear said the question was whether the respondents were entitled to divert for other than primary purposes the water of this streamlet running through their lands without returning it to the stream. The result of the evidence was clearly this, that if the respondents’ operations were carried out, and they were allowed to use the water for the purpose of their works without returning it, a distinct and recognisable feeder of the loch, although of very inconsiderable magnitude, would be permanently cut off. A skilled witness had given the supply to the loch at 7200 gallons day in the average condition of the water. It was clear enough that the proportion that would be abstracted by the 2-inch pipe proposed by the respondents would be exceedingly small, and the question, therefore, was whether the complainers were entitled to object to the diversion of feeder of the loch? That depended upon their right to the loch and the streams issuing from it. So far the loch was concerned, the respondents had no higher right in it than a mere right of servitude, because they had conveyed it to the respondents, reserving only to themselves the dams and sluices in connection with it. But then they were in the position of riparian proprietors on the water issuing from the loch, and as lower heritors they had a right to the transmission the water by the upper heritors. No proprietor on the banks of any stream was entitled to divert any part of the water without returning it to the stream. The respondents were entitled to use the water for all primary purposes. The complainers sought to interdict the respondents from diverting the water of the burn to their works at Whinnyhall.” That would cover a restriction against taking the water to serve the domestic purposes of their workmen, and therefore the interdict, which he proposed to grant, must be made clear not to include that. An interlocutor was adjusted, interdicting the respondents abstracting water from the Binnend stream for other than primary purposes without returning it to the said stream. Expenses were given to the complainers. Counsel for the Complainers—The Dean of Faculty, Q.C., and Mr Keir. Agents—Watt & Anderson, B.S.C. Counsel for the Respondents—Mr Trayner and Mr Young. Agent —J. H. Bairnsfather.

Fifeshire Advertiser, Saturday 22 July 1882

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ACCIDENT TO A MINER

James Donnelly, 24 years of age, a miner, residing at 10 Murchison Buildings, West Caider, received severe bruises and injuries to the back and shoulders today by the falling of a quantity of rubbish in No.2 Pit, Addiewell, occupied Young's Paraffin Company. Donnelly was undermining the rubbish, when about ton fell upon and buried him. He was speedily extricated.

Edinburgh Evening News, 15th August 1882

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First Annual General Meeting 1883

The Mid-Lothian Oil Company.—The first annual meeting of this company was held Powell's Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh, today, Thomas Barr, chairman of the company, presided. In proposing the adoption the report, which stated that the profits for the year had been £602, he said that the works bad been nine months longer of being in operation than was anticipated, new condensers were required and this had put them to additional expense.

Since the New Year 144 retorts had been partially at work. As good shale had not been obtained, the work had not proceeded as satisfactorily had been expected. Money had been expended on the laying of new railways, in providing siding accommodation, and building houses. The value of the property of the company, exclusive of the land value was £46,500 —Mr Alexander Gibson seconded the motion and report was adopted.— Two practical man having been added to the directorate, and other directors re-elected with the auditors, the meeting terminated.

The Edinburgh Evening News 26th June 1883

Interim Meeting 1884

The directors of the MID-LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) have issued the following interim report:- The directors having now determined the lines, upon which the company's operations can, in their opinion, be conducted to a profitable issue, think it proper to communicate to the shareholders such information as may enable them to form a correct opinion of the position and prospects of the company.

Since the reconstruction of the Board in July last, the side of the directors has been mainly occupied in inquiring into the company's resources, and ascertaining in what they could best be utilised. The first subjects of considerations were the vital one of shale, both as regards quantity and quality, and the condition and fitness of the works plant. On all these points the directors are glad to be able to report favourably, and they have no hesitation in expressing the opinion that a satisfactory return should not be difficult to obtain with ordinarily good management at the works. This is receiving keen attention.

Shale Works – Mr James M'Creath. M. E., who has been appointed, consulting engineer, reports the mine workings satisfactory. They are now turning out the full daily supply required and the quantity can easily be increased if desired. The average cost for past half-year, after adding a royalty of 6d per ton, is 3s 11-92d per ton of 20 cwts.

Quality – A section of the seam was tested at Broxburn and a larger quantity at Annick Lodge. Other subsequent and independent tests fully confirm this result, showing a moderate yield of oil, but with a very high proportion of solid paraffin, the most valuable of all the products.

Retorting - Attention has been specially directed to this department which has a bad reputation. The Beilby retorts, of which the greater number consists, had been practically condemned as being unworkable at a profit, and their replacement by others at a considerable expenditure was supposed to be inevitable. Before, however, proposing such a drastic remedy, the directors appointed a committee of their number to fully investigate the whole subject, and it having been ascertained that the Beilby retorts were giving entire satisfaction at the works of the Annick Lodge Oil Company, the committee as once put themselves in communication with Mr Baird, to whom they are under great obligations for his courtesy and ready assistance. By arrangement, a quantity of Mid-Lothian shale (about 160 tons) was put through 32 retorts at Annick Lodge (being a week's work) and gave such satisfactory results, that if similar results were obtainable at Straiton, any replacing of retorts, or even any considerable expenditure on alterations, would be unnecessary. A set of retorts at Straiton was therefore adapted to work on the same plan. It is now abundantly clear that upon this system a minimum yield of 27 gallons crude oil against 25 gallons, and of 16 to 20 lbs per ton of sulphate of ammonia as against 8 to 10 lbs, with the full proportion of other lucrative products, may by depended upon, and at a less cost in fuel than in the system followed hitherto. This implies a profit even at the abnormally low market prices now current. A change of retorts is therefore unnecessary, all that is required being to adapt the Beilby retorts at Straiton to work on the system pursued at Annick Lodge. This is now in course of being done. The expenditure involved will not exceed £2000 the sum actually estimated as required being £1200.

Refinery – In this department the completion of new and more perfect cooling apparatus has insured the securing of all the paraffin scale, while the cost of refining has been considerably reduced. The total refined products for the past half year, as shown by the works books, is 64 to 66 per cent, the same as for the previous year, but owing to an irregularity in the returns, not yet trusted to its source, there is a doubt as to the correctness of these figures, which ought for obvious reasons to be higher. A double check on the stock returns has now been instituted with the view of avoiding the repetition of similar errors. About 70 per cent of refined products, including 14 to 15 per cent of paraffin scale, is evidently obtainable from the crude oil, and the works are perfectly efficient for all purposes.

The works' costs compare as follows, viz :-

Crude oil – last year to 31st March 1884, per gallon, 4.4d: to July, August, September, 1884, per gallon, 3.7d.

Refining - Last year to 31st March 1884, per gallon, 1.82d; to July, August, September, 1884, per gallon 1.39d.

Quantity of shale distilled – Last year, 36.971 tons; first six months this year, 32.54 tons. The retorts regret to state that some parcels of scale and other products have been recently sent out of inferior quality, due entirely to the carelessness of employees. Steps have been taken to prevent the recurrence of such mistakes, and there is no reason why this company's products should not continue to take a high rank in the market if only the usual attention is bestowed upon the manufacture. The manufacturing has been hampered from time to time by failure of the water supply, which has prejudicially affected the half-year's returns. This defect, however, is now being remedied and the company's operations are not likely to suffer from it in future.

Financial – The result of the half-year's work to 30th September last is a small profit after paying all charges conecrted with the half year including royalty written off and interest on all loans. As the necessity for a large expenditure of capital upon new retorts, at one time imminent, now no longer exists the present financial arrangements should suffice for current obligations until it is decided in what manner the temporary loans from the bank of £25,000, obtained on the security of the uncalled capital, and the personal obligations of the directors, can best be arranged to the interest of the company.

The Glasgow Herald, 16th December, 1884

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1883 Annual General Meeting

LANARK OIL COMPANY. The first general meeting the shareholders this company was held today in 56 George Street, Edinburgh- Mr W. Potts, chairman of the company, presiding. There was a large attendance. The chairman submitted a report of the operations of the company during the four months it had been in existence. The works acquired were, he said, the pits Tarbrax and Crosswoodhill and the refinery at Lanark.

The first step of the company was to replace the old retorts by Young & Beilby's patent. The first bench was now completed and the second bench was being closed in, while the whole of the works connected with the retorts were so far advanced that the directors anticipated their completion within three or four weeks, provided the weather was good, They expected to be making their own crude oil by the middle of January, and there were now 10,000 tons of shale at the pithead ready to operated upon. They had every reason to believe that the quality of the oil would be good that of Broxburn and Burntisland, while the other products were rather superior. From 19,000 to 20,000 gallons crude oil were being put through the refinery per week, expenditure had been kept down that they noted the amount set forth in the prospectus would not exceeded.

Mr Lauder, Edinburgh, said that the shares on the Stock Exchange had greater reason to be at a premium now than on the former occasion when they stood that figure.

Mr Dow, Lanark, said that everything augured well for the future of the company, and Mr G. Simpson considered the field was one the cleanest he knew of. It was quite free from whinstone. Directors were then re-elected, and the proceedings terminated.

The Edinburgh Evening News, 30th November 1883

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1885 Extraordinary General Meeting

THE LANARK OIL COMPANY. An extraordinary meeting of the shareholders of the Lanark Oil Company was held at No. George Street, Edinburgh, to-day, to consider the recommendations of the committee, which was appointed the ordinary annual meeting, George Lorimer, Edinburgh, presided. He said that Mr Potts, their chairman, had been obliged, owing failing health, aggravated not caused anxiety behalf of the company, to resign his office, but they hoped that he would still be able to give them the benefit of his assistance. The shareholders should know that if directors had erred, it had not been from any indifference the best interests of the Company, want of sacrifice either of their time or their convenience. When they took office they found prepared and adopted a scheme for constructing the works which they had reason to believe had been prepared with the utmost skill, and under the most competent direction.

Provost Sutherland, Bathgate, one of the. committee, moved that the nominal shares the company be reduced from to £10 to £6 each, and the paid-up from £5. The committee, he said, found that the management at the works and the refinery did not work satisfactorily, and that a sufficient price was not got for the products, which were of a superior description. They therefore looked out for a general manager, and Thomson, who had satisfied himself that the concern could worked profitably, had been appointed. They had made experiments with their retorts, which were very satisfactory. The past ten days were the first which the Lanark Oil Company had been worked without a loss. (Applause.)

Mr Jack, Causewayhead, who seconded, said that they had been able to reduce the cost of shale from 4s to per day, and with a larger output might be even less. —The resolution was adopted unanimously.—Mr Wilson, Restalrig, moved that £15,000 be raised by means of debentures to bear 10 per cent, interest. He stated that the money in their coffers was very low, notwithstanding that they had loan £20,000 from the bank. They had received intimations that more than the sum required would be taken up, but it would be better that debentures, seeing there; was to high rate of interest, should taken up by large number of the shareholders, and not by few wealthy ones.—Mr White, Glasgow, seconded, and the motion was also unanimously adopted.—The chairman intimated that, as the result of bores recently put down in Greenfield estate, they had found one seam three feet six inches thick at five fathoms from the surface, and another four feet five inches thick. He also intimated that it were proposed take up the debentures in sums of per £1, intervals of two months. This was all the business.

The Edinburgh Evening News, 16th April 1885

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1885 Annual General Meeting

LANARK OIL COMPANY. The second annual meeting of the shareholders a of the Lanark Oil Company was held yesterday afternoon, within Messrs Lyon & Turnbull's Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh. There was a limited attendance. Mr George Lorimer, one of the directors, was called to the chair.

The CHAIRMAN, having referred to the loss which the board of directors had sustained by the death of Mr Potts and Mr Thornton, explained that they had not filled up the vacancies because they had the very able assistance of the sub-committee of shareholders who attended their board meetings, and because within its number were certain gentlemen whom a variety of circumstance seemed to point out as exceptionally well fitted to occupy a ltie post of directors, enon who had a large stake in it the company, of acknowledged capacity, and of experience. They were resolved to have these gentlemen upon the board if at all possible, and it was no great breach of faith now to say that they actually approached them. All true Scotchmen were proverbially cautious, however, and these gentlemen wore very cautious. They would do nothing in the dark they wished to see first of all if Mr Thomson could carry out all his tremendous alterations at the figure estimated; and then, second, if his costs sheets, after the work was fairly started, were found to agree with his anticipations. It was after they had been satisfied on these points and found cautious as they were, that Mr Thomson had been even more cautions, and that if he had erred at all he had erred on the right side, that they had agreed to take office. Next to the direct announcement of a dividend already earned, he did not know that the shareholders could have anything more reassuring, and he felt sure that they would in consequence overlook any apparent irregularity in going oil as they did so few in number. (Applause.)

Referring to in the report, they would have noticed that it was proposed that the resolution, passed at the general meeting of shareholders on 16th April last, to reduce the capital account by the sum of £40,000 should he held to apply as at 31st October, so as to cover losses made up to that date. This resolution was passed at the suggestion of the committee which had been investigating the affairs of the company during the previous three months. They had satisfied themselves that owing to faulty constructions the works to were not worth within a large sum of the figure at which they stood in the books of the company, that owing to the same cause its operations were being conducted at a heavy loss, and that nothing but a large reduction of the capital account, in together with a complete rearrangement and reconstruction of the works, would avail if anything satisfactory in the shape of dividends was to be looked for, To effect this reconstruction, and for other purposes, it had been estimated at £15,000. But one and not the least of the difficulties which stood in the way of raising this large sum was the existence of a large sum at the debit of profit and loss. It had seemed futile to ask shareholders to qn put their bands in their pockets to assist the company with the fact staring them in the face that nothing in the shape of dividends was to be looked for until all previous losses incurred had a been made up.

To meet thie various difficulties of the case it had been agreed that the capital of the company should he reduced to such an extent at as not merely to bring it down to a figure fully represented by available assets, but also, so to speak, to annihilate the past, and enable the company, at when none the works were in perfect order, to begin a new career free from the liabilities. The committee had estimated that to do that the sum of £40,000 should be written off the capital account, but in tl arriving :at this conclusion they had fully counted the further loss which would necessarily occur before the reconstruction of the works could be carried out. It would have been most extraordinary had they not done so, because the reconstruction of the works involved their total closure for two months, during which the rates, interests, salaries, &c., had to be paid. The same cause regulated the date of the application of the resolution to reduce the capital was also the explanation of the unusual interval, sic,, eleven months, which occurred between the date of the cost and that of the present balance. As soon as the alterations on the works had been completed and these in full operation, it had become the company's duty to ascertain its position, and that had been done.

Turning to the balance-sheet they would have noticed that the company was a little short of cash at present, and it might have occurred to some why, if so, were the rest of the debentures not at issued ; but, in point of fact, those were taken up, or at least the great bulk of them, had been paid up within a day or two of the issue of the report. What other money was absolutely required those gentlemen whose names were submitted in the report for election had kindly arranged to provide it if necessary. But it was very much to be desired that some from the general body of shareholders should give proof of the interest they took in the welfare of the company by lending a helping hand. The secretary would be glad to hear from any such not later than the 25th prox. at of course, the Board were prepared to deal liberally in the matter of interest. In the ordinary course of things it would have been his (the Chairman s) disagreeable duty to have dealt very fully with the unfortunate result of the past eleven months' working, but the fact was that a very full explanation had been given by anticipation some months ago by the committee of shareholders.

Since the date of their report in March the loss had been comparatively trifling, the economies introduced by their newly appointed h manager Mr Thomson in labour, in fuel, and in chemicals having been simply enormous. The present was a more satisfactory subject to discuss than the past, for business operations both at Tarbrax and Lanark were now going on very nicely, and promised a very different result from what they had hitherto exist. But on this head Mr Wilson, who had devoted a very considerable amount of time and labour to mastering the details of the company's present position and prospects would address the meeting, and he might safely leave it in Mr Wilson's hands. For the future, lie would say, let them not be impatient. They had made an immense stride in the past six months in the right direction, and they hoped to do even better in the time it come. The board and committee had that day under their consideration a matter which might involve some alteration in the accounts. If this alteration was made, however, bite effect would he on the right side of the account, so that he would ask their indulgence so as to allow him not to say any more at present, as it was under careful consideration of the board and auditors of the company. He moved the adoption of the report,

Mr.LAUDER Edinburgh, seconded the motion.

Mr LUMSDEN, Edinburgh, asked how the £11 000 of loss which had occurred during the year had been spent, The CHAIRMAN replied that he did not think it necessary to go into a statement of their losses very fully, because it was gone into in March last year. He further did not know that it was very judicious to go fully into details.

Mr LUMSDEN stated that at the previous meeting he had put some very pertinent questions to the chairman and the directors, which they did not answer except in a very cavalier style, and what he said twelve months ago had come true now. He thought that to ask the shareholders to accept the statement that for eleven mouths the company had lost at the rate of £1000 a month without any explanation was asking too much of their indulgence.

The CHAIRMAN protested against matters being published, not for the benefit of the company, but merely in the interests of stockbrokers.

Mr PORTEOUS also suggested that it was desirable to know how the revenue had ben spent.

Mr SUTHERLAND, Bathgate, as one of the Committee of shareholders appointed at last meeting, said he would have quite sympathised with the questions if they had been put in ordinary circumstance, but at present, they would bear him out, the company was placed in extraordinary circumstances, he proceeded to explain the steps the committee had taken to ascertain the position of the company, and that was to the necessity that arose to write off £40,000 and the stoppage of the works for two months, it was difficult to make up properly a profit and loss account.

Mr LUMSDEN said the directors came to them same hopeful conclusion at last meeting at now, and yet they had gone on losing at the rate of £1000 per mouth. How they had spent this money they declined to tell.

The CHAIRMAN pointed out that the directors in their report had done exactly what the articles of the company required them to do.

Mr LUMSDEN replied that the directors did not show how their balance arose. The shareholders must know, he urged, how the company was going on or they would take no interest in it.

The CHAIRMAN said the only way to settle the matter was to take the sense of the meeting as to whether a profit or loss account was to be submitted. There was nothing in it, he might explain, that they needed to conceal. Neither he nor any of the other directors had touched one farthing of the company's money. He himself was out of pocket at the present for work done in the company's interests.

J. T. WILSON, Restalrig, said he had looked a e at nine or ten reports of different oil companies, and in none of them had he found the profit and less account, so that if the directors of the Lanark Company had erred in this respect they had at least erred in company with other similar undertakings. Owing to the state of the company's affairs during the year he, however, did n0tt ir how the directors could have fully stated the profit and loss account.

Mr LUMSDEN remarked that he did not want explanations, but merely figures.

The CHAIRMAN explained that Mr. LUMSDEN could obtain the figures if he called at the company's office.

Mr LUMSDEN having expressed himself willing to adopt that course, the report was put to the meeting and was unanimously adopted.

The Glasgow Herald 24th December 1885

Prospectus of the Holmes Oil Co. Ltd.

THE HOLMES OIL COMPANY (LIMITED). CAPITAL, £100,000, in 10,000 shares of £10 each SUBSCRIPTIONS are invited for 6750 SHARES of the Company. Deposit, £1 per Share on application, £1 On allotment and the remainder in future calls not exceeding £2 per Share at intervals not less than Two Months. It is expected that not more than £3 per Share will require to be called up.

DIRECTORS:

• JOHN CLARK FORREST, Esq. of Auchinraith, Carnbroe House, Bellshill, Chairman.
• RICHARD MACKIE, Esq., Shipowner, Leith. WILLIAM ANDERSON, Esq., Provost of Wishaw Coalmaster.
• JAMES SMITH, Esq. LLD., Fellow of Peter's House. Cambridge, H.M. Inspector of Schools for South Lanarkshire. St Peter's Lodge, Uddingston.
• JOHN MILLEN. Esq.. Coalmaster, 55 Great Clyde Street, Glasgow.
• JAMES MORTON, Esq., Manager, Langloan Iron-Works, Coatbridge, formerly Mining Manager to Young's Paraffin Oil Company.

Bankers-The BRITISH LINEN COMPANY. Edinburgh Glasgow. and Branches.

Solicitors: Messrs A. FERGUSON & J. T. T. BROWN, Glasgow, and JOHN LOGAN, Wishaw.

Interim Secretary - A. H. SMITH, C.A., Glasgow.

Temporary Office - At Messrs RATTRAY BROTHERS & SMITH. C.A.. Gresham House, 45 West Nile Street. Glasgow.

ABRIDGED PROSPECTUS

This Company is being formed to acquire and work the Shales in (1) The Estate of Holmes and Goshen, the property of Robert Bell. Esq., of Broxburn, as presently held under a 31 years' Lease by William Anderson Coalmaster, Wishaw, and (2) a portion of the Estate of Dalmahoy. the property of the Right Honourable the Earl of Morton as presently held under a 31 year Missive of Lease by the said William Anderson, and to carry on the business of Manufacturers of Mineral Oils and the products thereof. The Shalefields of the company extend for 1129 acres and have excellent railway facilities. On the estate of Holmes and Goshen , where there is an abundant supply of water, it is intended to erect Retorts, Refining. Plant, and all necessary Works of the most approved description, capable of distilling and refining at least 250 tons of Shale per day.

The Fields of the Company are situated in a district well known for its valuable shales, bring in the immediate vicinity of the Fields of the Broxburn, Pumpherston. and Oakbank Oil Companies. In the Dalmahoy Field the Houston Coal. which overlies all the West Calder, Broxburn, and Dunnet Shales, is seen cropping out at the burn which passes through the property. In the Holmes and Goshen field, John R. Williamson Esq. M.P. Edinburgh has carefully examined the shales and the results are highly satisfactory. His estimate as regards the Holmes and Goshen alone is 2.25 millions of tons of shale, equivalent to fully 250 tons a day for 31 years. The Holmes and Goshen Sha1es have born tested in a practical way at the Oakbank Oil Works with excellent results both as regards the quality and quality of the Oil, the large yield of Paraffin Scale and Sulphate of Ammonia being especially noticeable. It is expected that the Works will be so advanced as to admit of the manufacture of the various products in time for next winter's trade.

The Oil Industry is at present in a most healthy condition, as is sees from the price of the Shares of the different Oil Companies. This Company, it is believed, will be in a a good position f or doing a good position for doing a large and ruminative business having the following advantaged and elements of success:

• 1st - the Shalefield is of extra rich quality and easily worked
• 2nd - very moderate royalties payable under the leases viz – Holmes and Goshen 9d per ton of shale; Dalmahoy, 5d per ton of shale yielding not more than 24 gallons crude oil, and upon every ton yielding about 24 tons of oil, and additional lordship of one third of a penny per gallon
• 3rd - new works with all the most recent improvements to cheapen cost
• 4th - good railway facilities throughout the property
• 5th - the capital is small compared with the quantity of shale to be wrought and manufactured.

The price payable to the vendor is £10,000 which will be taken in 1250 shares of the Company at £3 paid. The capital requirements are estimated as follows:

• Payable to Vendor in shares £10,000
• Mines, Retorts and Workmen's Houses £45,000
• Working and uncalled capital £25,00
• Unissued shares £20,000

The Articles of Association admit of the operations being extended if the Company so resolve: The only Contract entered into on behalf of the Company is a Provisional Agreement between William Anderson. Coalmaster. Wishaw, on the one part and Alexander Hutcheson Smith, CA., Glasgow., for and On behalf of the Company, on the other part, dated 11th March 1884.

The Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, together with copies of the above-mentioned Lease and Missive of Lease, and the principle Provisional Agreement may he seen in the Office of the Company. If no allotment is made, the full amount of the Deposit will be returned.

The Glasgow Herald, 12th March 1884

To be INCORPORATED UNDER THE "COMPANIES ACTS, 1862 to 1880, WHEREBY THE LIABILITY TO SHAREHOLDERS is Limited the Amount their Shares.

CAPITAL £150,000 in 15,000 Shares of £10 Each. Subscriptions are invited for13,000 Shares of this Company: Deposit, £1 payable on Application, £2 on Allotment; not sooner than three months thereafter; and the balance in future calls as required.

DIRECTORS.

• George R. Glendinning Esq., Hatton Mains, Director of the Dalmeny Oil Company (Limited).
• William Holms, Esq., 40 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edin.
• John Hill, Esq, Carlowrie, Crammond
• James Jones, Esq., General Manager of the Dalmeny Oil Company (Limited).
• Kenneth Mathieson Esq., Dunfermline, Director of the Dalmeny Oil Company (Limited.)

(With power add their number.)

Solicitor—George Andrew S.S.C., 3 Hope Street, Edin.

Interim Secretary—Thomas C. Hanna, C.A., Frederick Street, Edinburgh.

Bankers—The Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh, London, and Branches

Auditors—Messrs Lindsay, Jamieson, & Haldane C.A. Edinburgh.

Temporary Office—45 Frederick Street, Edinburgh.

ABRIDGED PROSPECTUS.

This Company being formed to purchase and work the Shale-field of Boson, near Cannes, in the South of France, as held under perpetual Concessions granted by the Government of France, with the Paraffin Oil Works thereon, and also leases the Shale the Concessions at La Madeleine and Auriasque, adjoining the Boson Concession, with pits, mines, and buildings and to carry on the business of Manufacturing Mineral Oils and the products thereof, and trading therein. Under the the Company will acquire:

• First.—The works at Boson, consisting of Retorts, Stills, Washers, Tanks, Engines, Boilers, other subsiduary equipment for manufacturing crude oil and refining it into burning and lubricating oils; also Shale and Coal Pits, Mines, Machinery, Workmen's and Managers' Houses, &c., together with about 100 acres of land, part which the works are situated.
• Second. A perpetual Concession from the French Government to work Shale and Coal in Boson, known and described in the Government Survey Map "Boson Concession," extending all to 761 acres, or thereby; but subject to the charges payable to the Government, which consists of (1) rent or feu equal to about one Halfpenny per acre, and (2) a Royalty equal to one twentieth of the profits realised from mining the Coal and Shale (but not from the manufacture of Shale Oil). Royalty may be estimated at 3d per ton of Shale.
• Third.—A lease for years of the Shale, and of such Coal lies in connection with the Shale, in the Concessions of La Madeleine and Auriasque—extending to 2500 acres thereby—subject to annual rent of £500, and the above-mentioned charges payable to Government.

Shale was discovered in Boson a good many years ago, and the existing works were erected with the view of working on an extensive scale. Before these works were fully completed the principal proprietor died—about a year ago—after having expended a very large sum of money; and his representatives deemed necessary to sell.

The Works—which are of very substantial description were originally intended; were originally intended for an output 33,000 tons pet annum. It is now intended to remodel and extend these to capacity of 3,500,000 gallons Crude Oil per annum—using the most improved description of retorts, refrigerating and other apparatus for extracting Solid Paraffin, and plant for the of Sulphate of Ammonia—for all which ample provision has been made in estimating the capital required.

There is no other known Shale-field in the south, and only one other the whole of France (near Lyons), while the consumption of mineral oil in the country is large and the trade in it thoroughly established. The quantity annually imported about 600,000 barrels—more than double the whole production of burning oil in Scotland. The greater part this imported oil is crude petroleum, which is refined the country. The prices of manufactured products are much higher in France than in this country. Burning oil sells at 1s 4d per gallon, against 6d in Scotland, while lubricating oil and Sulphate of Ammonia bring £3per ton more.

The Shale-field has been examined by Mr John R. Williamson, Mining Engineer, Edinburgh. In his Report, a copy of which is annexed to the Prospectus, he estimates the cost producing the Shale at 7s per ton, and the quantity in the Boson field at 2,000,000 tons, and states that much of the Shale more nearly resembles the Boghead Coal in streak and quality than any other Mineral has met. Mr Williamson deals exclusively with the Boson Concession, at the date of his inspection no more had been acquired. But as it was ascertained that the Boson seam of Shale extends into the Madeleine and Auriasque Concessions, the lease of the Shale these Concessions was afterwards secured.

In the Boson Concession there are several Seams of Coal which will be available for the purposes of the Oil Works, and a pit has already been sunk and fitted to a depth of 47 fathoms. The Boson shale has been distilled on a large scale under the personal supervision of Mr Ivison Macadam, F. C. S,, FIG., Analytical Chemist in Edinburgh. Mr Macadam spent some tune at the Mines, and personally selected the Shale from the workings for his trials.

A copy the Report, made by him and Dr Stevenson Macadam, is also annexed to the Prospectus. They found that the Boson Shale yields on average fully 88 gallons per ton of a superior quality Crude Oil. and that the products obtained were equal to any they had hitherto refined. This yield of oil is much more than double the average yield of Scotch Shales, and shows the Boson Shale to be superior to any Oilmaking material worked in Scotland since the exhaustion the Boghead Coal. The Company's undertaking presents special advantages —(1) exceptionally rich quality of Shale; and (2) The high prices of the French Market for manufactured products—the price of bunting oil being more than double its price Scotland.

These advantages place this Company in a much more favourable position for earning dividends than the most successful of the Scotch Oil Companies, some of which pay high 25 per cent, in dividends. ~ The price payable to the vendor is £52,000, which is only equivalent to very moderate royalty on the Shale, irrespective of the value of buildings, plant, and freehold land of this sum the Directors have the option of £30,000, either cash or in 3750 Shares of the Company, or any smaller proportion thereof, credited with £8 per share, thus leaving £2 per share a liability. The Capital will, in the first instance, be utilised as follows : Payable to Vendor In Shares or cash- £52,000 Supplying new Retorts, Refrigerators, and otherwise fully equipping Oilworks 40,000 Mines and Houses 13,000 Working Capital, &c. 25,000 Total £130,000 The various Agreements entered into, copies thereof, can seen at the office of the Company's Solicitor. If no Allotment is made, the deposits will be returned in full.

FORMS of APPLICATION for SHARES can had from the bankers, solicitors, and interim secretary of the COMPANY, and from all the PRINCIPLE STOCKBROKERS. In allocating shares, priority of application will receive due consideration. Temporary office of the Company-45 FREDERICK STREET, Edinburgh, 19th April 1884

The follow agreements have been entered into, and these can be seen at the office of the company's solicitor:

• (a) An Agreement between George Simpson, on the one part, and Robert Livingstone and on behalf of the intended company on the other part, dated 10th April 1884.
• b) An agreement between Jean Roussellier, Charles de Possel, and Numa Robert, and George Simpson, dated 10th March, 1884;
• (c). An agreement of lease between Arnold Henriot, for Le Compagnie des Charbonnages du, Reyran and George Simpson dated 1st April, 1884.

Copies of the Decrees or Concessions granted by the.Emperor Napoleon on 16th March 1859 and 8th March 1865 and by the President of the French Republic on the 27th September 1876 can be seen on application.

REPORT ON BOSON SHALE AND COALFIELD, BY JOHN WILLIAMSON, ESQ., M.E.

I have visited and examined the Mineral-field of Boson, situated in the Department of the Var, France, five Miles north-east of the Frejus station on Marseilles to Nice Railway. A branch line which has been in the course of construction for sometime past will, it is expected; very shortly connect the works with the public railway.

The Concession of Boson covers 50 hectares (761 acres), and occupies the lower end of a coal basin belonging to the true coal formation, of about 15 square miles in extent The lower strata contains Shale Measures, while the upper contain part of the coal measures. The dip and rise over the field is on average, fully one foot in two. The seam of shale has been opened up on it by pits and inclines upon the outcrop, for a distance of 1200 yards along nearly the whole south boundary, and it extends into the adjoining concession of the Madeleine.

The streak avid quality of the shale more nearly resembles the Boghead gas-coal than any other mineral I remember to have met with. In specific gravity it is somewhat lighter than any of the well-known shale seams in this country.

From the result of my examinations, and of careful inquiries at a number of workmen formerly employed in the mines, I found the seam of Shale to vary a good deal in thickness, and have satisfied myself that an average thickness of four feet may be safely relied upon. The roof is somewhat soft. And requires a great deal of timbering, but supplies of timber for underground purposes is readily obtainable, at prices, I believe, very similar to what rule in this country. No expensive fittings are required, and a very short time and moderate outlay should enable an output to be got, There is little or no water requiring to be drawn from the mines, consequently thecost of pumping will, comparatively speaking, nil. Labour is abundant in the neighbourhood.

The yearly fixed rent is at the rate of 10 centimes per hectare, or about one halfpenny per acre, and the royalties at a rate of one-twentieth of the profit of the shale. The profit, I understand, depends on the value of the raw material, and net on time profits of manufacture, Including these charges, which I put at 3d per ton, and all working costs, pitwood, unkeep, &c., I estimate that shale call he produced for 7s. per ton.

I further estimate that the Concession of Boson will be found to contain 2,000,000 tons of shale, at a workable depth from the seam already opened out There are two seams of coal in the Boson concession, to which a pit has been sunk and fitted at a depth of 47 fathoms. The same and other seams of coal belonging to the same group, have been extensively worked close to the march in the adjoining concession of Auriasque. The quality of these coals seems good, and I am of the opinion they can be utilised for Boson for the distillation of the shale existing there.-

JOHN R. WILLIAMSON

REPORT OF Dr. STEVENSON MACADAM FRSE &c. and W. IVISON MACADAM Esq. FCS .

Lecturers in Chemistry,

SHALES FROM BOSON.

We beg to report that we have made a careful series of experiments with samples of Shale obtained from levels and pits its the Concession of Boson, near Frejus, Department of Var, France. The various samples were taken from points selected by Mr. Ivison Macadam, who saw the quantities cut from the seams and under whose charge they afterwards remained.

The results were obtained in a Retort of the Coupee & Rae principle, constructed at the Boson Works, and which was under the control and practical working of Ivison Macadam, who made the weighing of the Shale, measurements of the crude products and subsequent analysis of such. The samples included in this report were obtained from the levels in the "Aqueduct" pit - this being the pit in which actual work was proceeding in which the shale could be obtained in an unweathered state. No.1 sample was obtained from a downset off No.3 level. The face of the shale was at this point about three metres, about ten feet, and appeared uniform in quality. The colour of the Shale was dark brown, with at light brown non lustrous streak No 2 sample was taken from the intermediate gallery between No.3 and No.2 levels in the same pit was more dark in colour than in No.2 level. No, 3 sample was cut from three points in No.2 level of Aqueduct Pit, and was also darker in colour than No.1 Sample.

The following Crude Products were obtained from the distillation of the Shale-field

(table of chemical analysis)

This Crude Shale Oil, and the products obtained are equal to any we have hitherto refined. -

STEVENSON MACADAM, F.R.S.E., F.C.S., F. I. C, &c.. W. IVISON MACADAM, F.R.S.E. &c . Analytical Laboratory, Surgeons Hall, Edinburgh, 11th April, 1884

The Edinburgh Evening News, 23rd April 1884

South Cobbinshaw Fireclay & Brick Co. Ltd

File No. BT2 - 1355

Registration Date: 16th May 1884

Registered Office: Townhall Street, Inverkeithing.

Directors: Thomas Scott, 12 Broughton Place, Edinburgh. Robert Munro, Bathgate. Andrew A. Rose, 172 Leith Walk, Edinburgh. Hall Grigor, Inverkeithing. No list of first Directors, these listed at Meeting on 1.7.86.

Remarks:

1. Acquiring the brickworks at South Cobbinshaw in the County of Midlothian, and obtaining a lease of the fireclay and other clay in the lands of South Cobbinshaw before mentioned, and working the said clay.
2. Carrying on the trades or businesses of fireclay and brick manufacturers and any trades or business, aforesaid and working claymines.
3. Purchasing or taking in exchange, or on lease, renting occupying or otherwise acquiring any lands, freehold, or other tenure, hereditaments, premises, properties, estates, and effects, or any grants, concessions, leases, or other interests therein needful for the development of the said trades or businesses.
4. Purchasing or working any patent or patent rights, and taking out and obtaining, letters patent, for inventions, both in the U.K. and abroad, which may be conducive to the businesses aforesaid and may be considered desirable for the interests of the Company and granting licences for using, or selling and disposing of such patents or patents rights respectively.

Winding Up: 8th January 1889. Voluntarily.

Public meetings of the Mid-Lothian Oil Co. Ltd

First Annual General Meeting 1883

The Mid-Lothian Oil Company.—The first annual meeting of this company was held Powell's Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh, today, Thomas Barr, chairman of the company, presided. In proposing the adoption the report, which stated that the profits for the year had been £602, he said that the works bad been nine months longer of being in operation than was anticipated, new condensers were required and this had put them to additional expense.

Since the New Year 144 retorts had been partially at work. As good shale had not been obtained, the work had not proceeded as satisfactorily had been expected. Money had been expended on the laying of new railways, in providing siding accommodation, and building houses. The value of the property of the company, exclusive of the land value was £46,500 —Mr Alexander Gibson seconded the motion and report was adopted.— Two practical man having been added to the directorate, and other directors re-elected with the auditors, the meeting terminated.

The Edinburgh Evening News, 26th June 1883

Interim Meeting 1884

The directors of the MID-LOTHIAN OIL COMPANY (LIMITED) have issued the following interim report:- The directors having now determined the lines, upon which the company's operations can, in their opinion, be conducted to a profitable issue, think it proper to communicate to the shareholders such information as may enable them to form a correct opinion of the position and prospects of the company.

Since the reconstruction of the Board in July last, the side of the directors has been mainly occupied in inquiring into the company's resources, and ascertaining in what they could best be utilised. The first subjects of considerations were the vital one of shale, both as regards quantity and quality, and the condition and fitness of the works plant. On all these points the directors are glad to be able to report favourably, and they have no hesitation in expressing the opinion that a satisfactory return should not be difficult to obtain with ordinarily good management at the works. This is receiving keen attention.

Shale Works – Mr James M'Creath. M. E., who has been appointed, consulting engineer, reports the mine workings satisfactory. They are now turning out the full daily supply required and the quantity can easily be increased if desired. The average cost for past half-year, after adding a royalty of 6d per ton, is 3s 11-92d per ton of 20 cwts.

Quality – A section of the seam was tested at Broxburn and a larger quantity at Annick Lodge. Other subsequent and independent tests fully confirm this result, showing a moderate yield of oil, but with a very high proportion of solid paraffin, the most valuable of all the products.

Retorting - Attention has been specially directed to this department which has a bad reputation. The Beilby retorts, of which the greater number consists, had been practically condemned as being unworkable at a profit, and their replacement by others at a considerable expenditure was supposed to be inevitable. Before, however, proposing such a drastic remedy, the directors appointed a committee of their number to fully investigate the whole subject, and it having been ascertained that the Beilby retorts were giving entire satisfaction at the works of the Annick Lodge Oil Company, the committee as once put themselves in communication with Mr Baird, to whom they are under great obligations for his courtesy and ready assistance. By arrangement, a quantity of Mid-Lothian shale (about 160 tons) was put through 32 retorts at Annick Lodge (being a week's work) and gave such satisfactory results, that if similar results were obtainable at Straiton, any replacing of retorts, or even any considerable expenditure on alterations, would be unnecessary. A set of retorts at Straiton was therefore adapted to work on the same plan. It is now abundantly clear that upon this system a minimum yield of 27 gallons crude oil against 25 gallons, and of 16 to 20 lbs per ton of sulphate of ammonia as against 8 to 10 lbs, with the full proportion of other lucrative products, may by depended upon, and at a less cost in fuel than in the system followed hitherto. This implies a profit even at the abnormally low market prices now current. A change of retorts is therefore unnecessary, all that is required being to adapt the Beilby retorts at Straiton to work on the system pursued at Annick Lodge. This is now in course of being done. The expenditure involved will not exceed £2000 the sum actually estimated as required being £1200.

Refinery – In this department the completion of new and more perfect cooling apparatus has insured the securing of all the paraffin scale, while the cost of refining has been considerably reduced. The total refined products for the past half year, as shown by the works books, is 64 to 66 per cent, the same as for the previous year, but owing to an irregularity in the returns, not yet trusted to its source, there is a doubt as to the correctness of these figures, which ought for obvious reasons to be higher. A double check on the stock returns has now been instituted with the view of avoiding the repetition of similar errors. About 70 per cent of refined products, including 14 to 15 per cent of paraffin scale, is evidently obtainable from the crude oil, and the works are perfectly efficient for all purposes.

The works' costs compare as follows, viz :-

Crude oil – last year to 31st March 1884, per gallon, 4.4d: to July, August, September, 1884, per gallon, 3.7d.

Refining - Last year to 31st March 1884, per gallon, 1.82d; to July, August, September, 1884, per gallon 1.39d.

Quantity of shale distilled – Last year, 36.971 tons; first six months this year, 32.54 tons. The retorts regret to state that some parcels of scale and other products have been recently sent out of inferior quality, due entirely to the carelessness of employees. Steps have been taken to prevent the recurrence of such mistakes, and there is no reason why this company's products should not continue to take a high rank in the market if only the usual attention is bestowed upon the manufacture. The manufacturing has been hampered from time to time by failure of the water supply, which has prejudicially affected the half-year's returns. This defect, however, is now being remedied and the company's operations are not likely to suffer from it in future.

Financial – The result of the half-year's work to 30th September last is a small profit after paying all charges conecrted with the half year including royalty written off and interest on all loans. As the necessity for a large expenditure of capital upon new retorts, at one time imminent, now no longer exists the present financial arrangements should suffice for current obligations until it is decided in what manner the temporary loans from the bank of £25,000, obtained on the security of the uncalled capital, and the personal obligations of the directors, can best be arranged to the interest of the company.

The Glasgow Herald, 16th December, 1884

LIST OF APPLICATIONS CLOSE 25TH JANUARY.

ANNICK LODGE OIL COMPANY LIMITED.

CAPITAL £12,000 IN 2400 SHARES OF £5 EACH.

Payable 20s on Application. 20S on Allotment, and the Balance as required in Calls not exceeding £1 per Share, at intervals of not less than Two Months. It is not intended to call up more that £4 per Share.

Directors.

• ARCHIBALD C BROWN, Esq, Merchant, Gledstanes, Bishopton
• JOHN BAIRD Esq. , Coalmasster Lesmahagow
• JOHN BAIRD Esq. Jun.,Annick Lodge Oil Company Irvine
• JAMES EAGLESHAM, Esq., Coalmaster, Kilmarnock
• PETER WISHART HALL, Esq Caledonia Oil-Works, Glasgow.
• GRAHAM STEVENSON, Esq, Engineer, Airdrie will join the Board after Allotment of Shares.

Solicitors

• ANDERSON & PATTISON 137 St Vincent Street Glasgow

Interim Secretary

• JOHN WILSON, CA 59 St Vincent Street Glasgow

Auditor

• ALEXANDER FRAME, 175 St Vincent Street Glasgow

Bankers

• The BRITISH LINEN COMPANY BANK, Glasgow and Kilmarnock

PROSPECTUS

This Company has been formed for the purpose of acquiring the existing Oil-Works, Pits, Workmen's Houses and Other Buildings belonging to the Annick Lodge Oil Company, with the Goodwill of the Business, Mineral Leases, Stocks of Shale etc, in hand, and of carrying on the Manufacture of Crude Oil and Sulphate of Ammonia.

The yield per Ton of Shale in daily working is

• 37 Gallons Crude Oil
• 21lb Sulphate of Ammonia

Reports and Valuation of the Works by Mr James Jones. Dalmeny Oil Company. Mr James Liddell, Walkinshaw Oil Company and Mr John Reid MP, along with Memorandum and Articles of Association, can be seen at the Offices of the Solicitors.

Applications for Shares should be forwarded to the Company's Bankers , or the The Solicitors or Interim Secretary, from whom all further information may be obtained.

Glasgow Herald, 23rd January 1885

New Oil Works in Linlithgow

The erection of the works of the Linlithgow Oil Company (Limited), which was commenced about a year ago , has been rapidly pushed forward and operations have now been commenced for the manufacture of the crude oil. The works are situated about 2.5 miles to the east of Linlithgow , and they occupy over 100 acres of land on the Champfleurie and Ochiltree estates .

On the Champfleurie side a mine has been sunk , and out of which there has already been taken about 6000 tons of shale , which is of excellent quality . The shale is brought from underneath the ground to the mine head by " hutches" and tipped over into a breaker which has been constructed under the level of the ground surface . It is then passed up an incline to the top of the retorts Four benches of Henderson's patent retort have been erected, each bench consisting of 53 retorts, steam being supplied to these by means of four large boilers. This steam is also superheated before entering the retorts . The gases after leaving the retorts are passed through condensers composed of several miles of piping , and by this method reduced to the form of oil . The permanent gas which still remains is thrown out by an exhauster, and returned to the retorts for heating and lighting purposes, We should also state that the gases having passed through the exhauster is forced through what is called " a coke tower , " and thoroughly scrubbed to take out any traces of ammonia that might still remain in it . Ample provision has been made as a preventive of fire by means of a " fire trap , " which will prevent any explosion which might be threatened by the retorts firing back .

The spent shale from the retort having been thrown out into iron "hutches , is then passed through the "dipping hole , " where it is thoroughly quenched, and drawn by an endless chain to the "spent shale bing." The ammonia water which has been given off in the process of distillation in the retorts, is next passed on to an ammonia " still ;" which absorbs the ammonia held in the water. It is then passed through a charge of sulphuric acid , and this produces sulphate of ammonia . After this charge has taken up all the ammonia is deposited in evaporators, then crystallised out, and taken to the drying-bins, where it is thoroughly dried. These bins are kept at a hight temperature by means of hot water pipes laid under them . The sulphate of ammonia, then can be loaded into " hutches" and run out to the loading bank .

A water-course runs through the works which divides the Champfleurie estate from that of Ochiltree . Every precaution has been taken to prevent the pollution of the burn the field drains having been "cross cut" and the water , instead of finding its way to the burn has been diverted to large separators which have been erected in the ground . The water then passes from these separators into collecting basins, then to the pumping station, from which it is forced to a large reservoir capable of holding over one million gallons of water. This water is again used for condensing purposes, and then ultimately, by evaporation, it is got rid of. The works on the Ochiltree estate embrace a large pumping station , and on this side a second mine has been sunk to a depth of 60 fathoms, from which a good supply of shale is being taken. The works have all railway connection with the North British Railway , and already about four miles of rails have been laid in and around the works .

The Scotsman 18th May 1885

THE HERMAND OIL COMPANY LIMITED

To be Incorporated under the "The Companies Acts 1862 – 1883" whereby the Liability of Shareholders is Limited to the Amount of their Shares.

CAPITAL £140,000 IN 14,000 SHARES OF £10 EACH

SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE INVITED for the 14,000 Shares of this Company; Deposit, £1, payable on Application; £1, on Allotment; £1 not sooner than Three Months thereafter, and the Balance in future Calls as required. It is not intended to call up more than £8 per Share.

DIRECTORS

• ROBERT SLIMON of Whitburgh, Merchant and Shipowner, Leith.
• JOHN ARMOUR, Niddrymains, Winchburgh, formerly Coalmaster, Kilwinning, Ayrshire.
• ALEXANDER DOUGAL, Brick and Tile Manufacturer, Linlithgow.
• ROBERT THOMAS MOORE, C.E. and M.E., 134 St Vincent Street, Glasgow.
• ALEXANDER C. THOMSON, Manufacturing Chemist, 7 Ardmillan Terrace, Edinburgh.
• JAMES THORNTON of Hermand, Coalmaster.

Solicitors-

• Messrs DRUMMONS & REID, W.S., 21 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.

Bankers-

• The COMMERCIAL BANK OF SCOTLAND, LIMITED, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Branches and 123 Bishopsgate Street, London, E.C.

Auditors-

• Messrs SCOTT MONCRIEFF & THOMSON, C.A., Edinburgh.

Temporary Offices-

• 20 GEORGE STREET, EDINBURGH, 11 WEST REGENT STREET, GLASGOW.

Interim Secretary-

• JOHN MUIR, 11 West Regent Street, Glasgow.

PROSPECTUS

This Company is being formed to carry on the business of Manufacturers of Mineral Oils and the products thereof, and with that view to lease the Shale, &c., in the property of Hermand, including the lands of Birniehill, and to purchase certain leases of Shale, &c., in the properties of Wester Breich, Mid and Easter Breich, with the Pits, Plant, and Houses thereon, all situated in the Parishes of West Calder and Livingstone.

The Shale-fields of Hermand and Birniehill adjoin each other, and form a compact area belonging to one proprietor. They are connected with the Caledonian Railway near West Calder by a private branch line. The Breich properties are intersected by the Breich Branch of the Caledonian Railway, and the Shalefields of Mid and Easter Breich have been opened up and developed by three pits, two of them to the "Fell" Seam, and the other to the "Broxburn" Seam. All these pits have railway connections formed to them.

The Shale-fields and the Pits have been examined by Mr John R. Williamson, Mining Engineer, Edinburgh, and Mr John Reid, Mining Engineer, Glasgow, who state in their Report, a copy of which is annexed, that the fields contain the several Seams worked by the different Oil Companies in the East of Scotland, including those known as the "Broxburn" and "Dunnet" Seams; and that the Pits on the Mid and Easter Breich Fields already opened up are well fitted with pumping and winding machinery, and capable alone of furnishing an output of 200 to 250 tons of Shale per day.

They estimate the available quantity of Shale in the various fields at over 8,500,000, equal to a production of 1000 tons per day for thirty years.

In a Report made by Mr William Jack, Managing Partner of George Shand & Co. Oil Refiners, Stirling, in October 1883, he stated:-"I have examined the Shales presently being worked at Mid and Easter Breich. They are what are known as the the 'Broxburn' and 'Fells' Seams, and are of excellent quality. I also know the quality of the 'Broxburn' and 'Dunnet' Seams on Hermand Estate. The Broxburn Seam is similar in quality to that worked at Breich, and the Dunnet Seam, although giving a less quantity of Crude Oil, gives a large yield of Ammonia. The Oil made from these Shales is of superior quality."

It is intended to develop the Shale fields to an output for the present of 400 tons of Shale per day, and to erect Retorts sufficient to distil that quantity. It is also intended to erect Refining Works of the most improved description to refine the Crude Oil into its various products. These works it is proposed to place either at Hermand or Birniehill or at Levenseat, near Fauldhouse, where the Company have the option of acquiring a suitable site on lands belonging to Mr James Thornton.

This Company, it is believed, will hold an exceptionally favourable position, on account of its being in possession of the Shales of various Seams, which will enable the Company to increase at any time the working of those Shales, the products of which will yield the most profitable return. The experience derived from new Oil Works erected during the past few years will be a useful guide for selecting the most suitable plans and designs of Oil Manufacturing Works, while the present moderate rate for labour, coupled with iron and building materials at a cheap rate, enable the works to be erected on most favourable terms.

The price to be paid for the Leases of Wester Breich, Mid Breich and East Breich, and the Pits on Mid and East Breich, with the Plant and Houses pertaining thereto, together with the Railway formed at Hermand, is £11,000. The Leases of Mid and East Breich, and the Pits, Plant, and Houses thereon, belonged to Mr James Thornton and the representatives of his deceased brother and partner, Mr Thomas Thornton, and the half-share of the latter was acquired by Mr James Thornton at £1500, being equivalent to a price of £9000 for the whole. For the Railway, which is above one mile in length, constructed into Hermand and Birniehill, the Company are to pay £2000, which is within the amount of expenditure made in constructing the same. Besides this sum of £11,000, there is no further payment made to Vendor, and no promotion money beyond the actual outlay in forming the Company.

A sketch of the Properties of Hermand and the Breichs, prepared by Mr Robert Thomas Moore, C.E. and M.E., one of the Directors of the Company, and which also shows a general section of the Shale measures, accompanies the Prospectus.

The only contract entered into on behalf of the Company is an Agreement between JAMES THORNTON of Hermand, West Calder, on the one part, and JOHN ARMOUR, for and on behalf of the Company, on the other part, dated 23d July 1885, which, together with Copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, can be seen at the Office of the Solicitors.

COPIES of the PROSPECTUS and FORMS of APPLICATION for SHARES may be had at the TEMPORARY OFFICES of the COMPANY, and from the SOLICITORS and BANKERS of the COMPANY, or from the principal STOCKBROKERS in EDINBURGH, GLASGOW, DUNDEE and ABERDEEN.

In all cases where no allotment is made, the deposit money will be returned in full.

REPORT by JOHN R. WILLIAMSON and JOHN REID, MINING ENGINEERS.

We have examined the Mineral Fields of Hermand, including Birniehill, Wester Breich, Mid Breich, and Easter Breich, situated in the Parishes of West Calder and Livingstone, and beg to report as follows:- These fields, extending to upwards of 1150 acres, have been proved to contain the various Seams of Shale hitherto worked by the several Oil Companies in the East of Scotland, including those known as the "Broxburn" and the "Dunnet" Seams.

On Mid and Easter Breich three Pits, connected with the Caledonian Railway, have been opened up to furnish an output from 200 to 250 tons of Shale per day. The Pits are lightly watered, and are well fitted with machinery for pumping and winding.

After careful investigation, we estimate the total available quantity of Shale in the various fields at over 8,500,000 tons, equal to an output of 1000 tons per day for 30 years.

We are of opinion that a supply of Shale should be obtained from these fields at a cost not exceeding that of the other Oil Companies in the district, and this is confirmed by the actual cost of working. The Lease of Easter Breich has 23 years to run from Whitsunday, and Mid Breich, extending to 180 acres, 4 years from Martinmas 1885, but negotiations are in progress for its renewal to 31 years. Wester Breich Lease has 30 years to run from Martinmas last, while Hermand Lease has been arranged for 31 years from Martinmas 1885.

The lordships, taking the available quantity of Shale to which these apply, will average over the whole about 8d. per ton of Shale, which rates, looking to the position of the fields, we consider moderate.

JOHN R. WILLIAMSON, Edinburgh. JOHN REID, Glasgow.

EDINBURGH, 1st July 1885

*A new Lease of Mid Breich Minerals has now been granted for 31 years from Whitsunday 1885, in terms of the negotiations referred to above.

The Scotsman, Saturday 25th July 1885

Walkinshaw Oil Co.'s Experiments in Oil-Firing.

With an ever-increasing production of shale and products, the subject of using liquid oil for steam-producing purposes is being more and more into consideration. Mineral oil producers sometime back have experienced great difficulty finding a market for several of their residual products which in former times were easily disposed of at fairly remunerative prices, and some of Heavy oils sold as lubricants and batching oils to be considered very much in the light residuals owing to the prices that are current. In these circumstances it is felt to be desirable home outlets should be discovered to take up a surplus of oils,

As one means of utilising, that of gas-making may be mentioned. Heavy oils are admirably adapted for this, the plant being much more simple and restricted than that required for the usual coal gas manufacture, and the oil can be handled much more easily in every way. No doubt the rate at which gas can be supplied from coal does not leave at present a very the price for the oils; still the plan provides a way out for the surplus, and even at low rates leaves better prices for the portion required as lubricants and batching oils. Another means is to use these residual oils as a fuel.

Most oil works have a number of years past have, either in one form or other, been using their acid tars as fuel, and with more or less success The Walkinshaw Company have all along since its formation been doing so; it is only within the year that they have arrived at what is considered a most complete system for utilising liquid fuels. This is done by means of a patent injector burner, adapted to the different conditions, and by the aid of which it is possible to burn tars or oils for oil distilling or steam-raising under any form of still or boiler.

The success of the Walkinshaw Company in this line has just led them to adopt the plan on their works' locomotive, which they are now running under steam raised by what is known as creosote or torch oil. A small tank set on the top of the water tank holds the supply of oil which is conveyed by a pipe to the injector, and forced into the furnace, by steam. The result is a simple means of stoking; the driver, with a stop-valve at his hand, can regulate the supply exactly either by cutting off or turning on. The body of the furnace remain quite clean, and will, it is said, wear very much longer than is the usual experience, as there is no friction from ashes passing through them. Then there is little or no smoke and there are no red-hot ashes sent flying through the air, and which now prove a dangerous fire element, The quantity of oil used in a day of fully 12 hours' hard and constant work is 12cwt., as against about three times that quantity of good . sharp coal. The locomotive can so fired take a load of 50 tons up a gradient of 1 in 23, and maintain steam pressure all the way. The system is considered a great success, and is well worthy of consideration of all in any way interested in steam locomotion.

The Glasgow Herald, 12th August 1885

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Shipping World directs the attention of the shipping trade to the importance of using mineral oil instead of coal on board ship for steam raising purposes. The Walkinshaw Oil Company, it says, sell oil for fuel at 25as a ton at Glasgow and "this oil is found to possess an evaporative efficiency of about 3 to 1 as compared with coal, which costs at Glasgow from 6s to 8s a ton. Oil is therefore cheaper fuel than coal, for the obvious reason that by use of liquid fuel cargo space will be largely saved, and many charges incidental to coal will be saved. Steamship owners can well afford to pay more for oil weight for weight then for coal., Even were coal-owners to lower their charges, the result would simply be that oil for land furnaces would be ruled out of court, but for steamers it would continue to be a profitable and advantageous fuel." The World states that the Glasgow and Londonderry Steam Packet Company have fitted up the Fern with oil tanks and piping, and as a result of several trials are satisfied that the new fuel will prove advantageous in many ways.

The Glasgow Herald, 16th December 1885

1885 THE BOSON OIL COMPANY.

The first annual general meeting of shareholders of the Boson Oil Company, Edinburgh, formed work mineral field in the south France, was held in Mr Dowell's Rooms, George Street, this afternoon, Mr William Holmes, Edinburgh, in the chair.

In moving the adoption of the report the chairman said the time occupied in erecting the works at Boson had been very much greater than was anticipated, but some Scotch companies who had everything to prepare had taken as long before coming into the market. In considering the question of time, thought they would agree with him that some allowance must be made for the distance at which their works were situated, and to the fact that they were in a foreign country, where the laws were different from ours, and where the workpeople were not accustomed to our ways. They had now 12 retorts capable of putting through about 80 tons of shale per day. Six of these were running, and the others would be at work after the New Year holidays. The directors were considering whether, with refinery capable of turning out the products of 160 tons shale per day, they should not utilise the surplus power refining American crude oil. Their average yield was 55 gallons per ton, with nearly 80 per cent, of this as marketable products. Considering the high prices which were obtained France, they expected to be able to make a good profit.

In reply to questions, was stated that refined oil is now selling France at 1s 3d, and that crude oil cost them about 7d per gallon. They certainly looked forward, the chairman said, to having a dividend in the course the year. Their calculation would give return of about £12,000 a-year. which was about 15 per cent upon the paid-up capital, and that was irrespective of any profit from refining American crude, which, they were assured, would be very considerable. The shale was of very variable quality, yielding from 30 at the surface to 75 gallons as they went down. The crude oil yielded 45 per cent of burning oil, 25 per cent, of lubricating oil, 5 per cent, of scale, and 5 per cent, of spirit. The report was adopted, and directors were thereafter appointed.

The Edinburgh Evening News, 30th December 1885

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1887 The BOSON OIL COMPANY.

LIVELY MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Boson Oil Company (Limited) ,was held yesterday afternoon in Dowell's Booms, Edinburgh. Mr Henry Aitken, Falkirk, chairman of the, company, presided over a fair attendance.

THE CHAIRMAN moved the adoption of the directors' report, (the substance of which has already been published in the Herald), and which shows a loss since 1st March of £4397. He said that much had occurred since the report had been issued. The output of shale had increased now to 30 tons a day from the Aqueduct Pit alone, and they expected soon to be getting shale out of the Bridge Mine, so that before many weeks they expected an out- put of 50 or 60 tons. He need not enlarge on what he found on his visit to the works in January, as the report was so full, but he must say he found nothing to make him alter his opinion as to the cost that materials could be got for. The outputs from the coal-mine was now about 10 tons per day. They expected that that would very shortly be increased. The main difficulty was that they could not get the number of men they required, but he had just received a letter from the manager stating that they had now got plenty of men forward to fill all the places opened. The coal seam was opening up very well; the bottom seam was 20 inches thick, and the quality was quite as good as the Esperance Mine, which was superior to what the company had been buying, and less of it was required. Before very long they would got the new mine down sufficiently to start branches, and so get more coal. As soon as the output exceeded what was needed for the works they would save the round coal and use the small. They would sell the round coal in the country at about 33s. a ton. For some time nothing had been done in the construction of the railway, but the directors had information that it was to be proceeded with at once. He hoped to see the railway up to the works in a year or two, as it would be a great benefit to the company. He moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet.

Mr. ROBT. LOCKHART, junior, asked how, long the mine and retorts had been worked. He also wished to know whether the appointment of M. Teissier was an additional appointment, or whether a he superseded some one else.

Mr THOMAS SCOTT seconded the adoption of the report

Mr A. B FLEMING asked to what extent were the directors likely to sell the coal, and how much could they save, and how much money would they get for it? Was there any very satisfactory promise of the railway really being opened?

Mr P. G. HOEY, Glasgow, then made a long speech in condemnation of the past management of the company's business. He expressed his concurrence in the report of Messrs Aitken & Thornton of August last, and said that if the recommendations then made had been carried out the shareholders would now be meeting under much happier circumstances. But up to the end of last year there had been no attempt to promote the. True interests of the company. Both the old and new boards had carried out to the utmost a policy of masterly inactivity. The directors referred to the works as having been stopped. How long had they been stopped? He and Mr Walker on visiting Boson in December were so impressed with the utter folly of the stoppage that they addressed a strong recommendation to the chairman on 19th December. The effect of his visit to Boson was to raise the price of the shares by nearly 4s. Were the directors in the dark as to what was being done at Boson? Why did the new board waste so much precious time The masterly inactivity was a precious legacy bequeathed by the old board. The old leaven had worked its evil effects. Satisfactory results could only be obtained by at once throwing out the old leaves and introducing new life and vigour into the management. He went on to say that the shale in the Aqueduct Pit was over six feet thick, and gave 80 gallons of crude oil per ton. But it required more development than ordinary shale seams, but the development remained a dead letter from June to a December last. The directors chose to-open up the the old mines and to stop the Aqueduct and Boson Pit .These old mines were worthless. Mr Hoey then adversely criticised in detail the action of the old board in Previous years: Up to now their operations had been mere surface scratchings, no attempt being made to go into the solid shale. The directors should have called in an experienced mining engineer to guide them. At the date of his and Mr Walker's visit coal was actually being purchased at the mines. He proceeded to speak of the past management as being noted for stupendous errors, silliness, remissness, and hopeless incompetency.

Mr MILNE, Lasswade, interjected the mark that Mr Hoey was like the barber's brother that did not speak much. (Laughter.)

Mr HOEY proceeded for some little time further, and in conclusion said he had very great confidence in the future of the company, should it be worked to sound financial principles.

Mr WILLAM HOLMS said he must confess that in some respects he was disappointed. It was to be regretted that the directors had not pushed on the opening of the Bridge Mine, When were operations at the Bridge and Aqueduct mines resumed, and how many working faces were there? It was said that 80 tons a day were now being got. Last year 45 tons a day were turned out. The last Board had done the best they could, and had tried both the Scotch and French modes of working. He is doubted whether the chairman's estimate of 70 gallons of oil per ton could be realised. The old board had got only 50 gallons. Dealing with the rotatory retorts at Boson, he said they were sufficient to yield £15,000 a year of profit, so it would be time enough to add to them when they got more shale than these retort could put through. He asked what prospect there was of the arrears of calls being paid. Mr Holms then proceeded to remark on the statements of Mr Hoey. It was, he said, a singularly limping and uninteresting speech, and misleading from first to last. If Mr Hoey had taken the trouble to look at the reasons given by the late directors for not opening the Boson Pit he would have agreed they had no other course open. He asked who it was that sent Mr Hoey and Mr Walker out?

THE CHAIRMAN; The Chairman said he could not tell, but he had in received a request from a shareholder with over 300 shares requesting that Messrs Hoey and Walker should be allowed to inspect the works.

Mr HOLMS said he would ask the two gentlemen who were the shareholders who wished them to go to Boson

Mr HOEY said he had a letter from the chairman asking to be satisfied that he was commissioned by a sufficiently important section of shareholders. He referred the chairman to a solicitor who would satisfy him. The solicitor did satisfy him. His (Mr Hoey's) constituents did not choose to unveil themselves to Mr Holms. Mr Holms again put his question, but Mr Hoey declined to answer.

Mr HOLMS then said that he must presume that Mr HOEY went out on his own account.

Mr. J. D. WALKER said the important question is was whether his and Mr Hoey's statements were of value to the company. The question why they had gone out was an entirely subordinate one.

Mr HOLMS said he left the meeting to infer that these two gentlemen had reasons of their own not in the interests of the company. As to the Boson Pit, Mr Hoey knew nothing about it. He presumed it was only recently that Mr. Hoey became a shareholder.

THE SECRETARY (Mr George Andrew) said Mr Hoey was not registered as a shareholder.

Mr. HOLMS proceeded to explain how the board had been compelled to stop operations through calls not being paid, Machinery was not bought for making crude oil till they knew their prospects of turning out shale. After that they did keep it going till the fiscal difficulties came.

Mr HOEY evidently did not know that the directors did take the advice of eminent engineers. As to the old leaven, Mr Mathieson was an excellent director, and there was no action of the late board but was straightforward and above board. He contended that the coal was good. Messrs Hoey and Mr Walker's report read like a holiday essay of two tourists who had gone to France for the first time in their lives. (Laughter.) He referred to certain paragraphs which had appeared in the newspapers, and asked if Mr Hoey had put them in?

Mr HOEY- Yes, I did.

Mr HOLMS - then, I think it was a very cool, thing to do

Mr WALKER. We are quite delighted to accept the responsibility.

Mr HOLM - I think it is time that the shareholders should show these gentlemen that they are not. to play fast. and. loose with the property. Mr Holms proceeded to show that the railway, if made, would be of a great advantage to the company, as the present contract price of conveyance was low. In conclusion, he pointed out that the main object just now was to settle the question whether they had sufficient shale, and therefore he thought it was very desirable that they should have a meeting, say in June, for the directors to report whether they had got a sufficient supply. There was no question about the quality but about the quantity.

Mr J. D. WALKER, stockbroker, Edinburgh, after explaining that he held deferred warrants suggested that the 1391 shares in the hands of the id company might be made useful financially; and with regard to the arrears of calls, he expressed the opinion that the board had shown some remissness in the matter. These, arrears, he said, should be called up, and the shares forfeited and realised. In the report of the directors, sufficient prominence had not been given to the fact that the whole is future of the Company depended upon the proper development of the shale mines. There was talk about retorts and experiments being made with the view of increasing the plant of the company, but what was the use of increasing the plant until they had proved their shale.

Mr MILNE called Mr Walker to order. remarking that these two Glasgow bodies seem to think think are in the House of Commons.

Mr. WALKER said he could not understand the cause of Mr Milne's ill-temper. He (Mr Walker) . was not a Glasgow man. Proceeding with his remarks, Mr Walker maintained that the nature of the Boson shale mine had never been so satisfactory stated as by M. Teissiers, and said that much of the coal he saw at Boson was of indifferent quality and very inferior to that belong to the company.

THE CHAIRMAN replying first to Mr Lockhart's questions said the retorts were started in March and stopped in June. M . Teissier's appointment meant to a certain, extent more expenditure but s-that was not to be compared with the advantage of getting a thoroughly good man. The thickness of the coal in the Esperance mine varied from 18 is to 20 inches. As to the railway the information they had was not exact or official; but they had every very reason to believe that the work would soon he carried out, With regard to Mr Hoey, he seemed to take the old scriptural view of “thrash a child and it will come up well. He had given the directors a good deal of his mind, but when a man proceeded to find fault it was at all times desirable that he should be very sure of his date. Mr. Hoey was a very clever and able man, but he had forgotten the main factor in his abuse of the directors, because he spoke of having gone into office in June, while as matter of fact it was not until somewhere about the middle of September. He would like to remind Mr Holms that they had only been working six weeks, and they had to clear the roads and repair the timbers. In No. 5 place it would appear the work had been driven 9 or 10 feet above the true shale, and at present they were endeavouring to get the right spot. He (the Chairman) was confident that the return of Mr Teissier were perfectly accurate. It was quite true that they had made experiments with a plan of his (Mr Aitken), but these experiments were not properly conducted, and could not possibly have produced good results. As regards putting up retorts, they would not think of it until they saw plenty of shale., It was agreed by the meeting to adopt the suggestion of Mr Holms to hold a meeting in four months hence Mr. HOLMES explained that originally the board consisted of five members. For a time there had been six, but now there were only three, and he would suggest that another two be appointed; one a practical man and the other a man of business experience, He might propose the name of Mr Urquart. It was agreed that this matter should be left to the decision of the directors. On the motion or Provost SUTHERLAND, Bathgate, the meeting resolved to pay Messrs Aitken and Thornton the expense of their visit to Boson, as also the committee the expense they bad incurred.

Mr JAMES TAIT seconded by Mr HOLMS, moved that Mr Kenneth Mathieson, Dunfermline, the retiring director, be re-elected, and the motion waa adopted unanimously.

The CHAIRMAN, in reply to Mr Wilson, Restalrig, said that at present the directors were trying to make arrangements for getting more money.

Glasgow Herald, 26th February 1887

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1887 The BOSON OIL COMPANY.

The shareholders of the Boson Oil Company met in Dowell's Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh, this afternoon, Henry Aitken, Falkirk, in the chair. About 30 gentlemen were present. The chairman, in moving the report, stated that they were now about 30 tons a day from the Aqueduct pit alone, and they had now got the Bridge mine opened, so that they expected have output of between 50 and 60 tons a day, which would enable them to keep retorts nearly to their full extent. The new coal mine was opening up very well. At present they were working a seam 20 inches thick, and was giving every satisfaction in the retorts. They intended to sell the round coal the district, from which they expected from 33s to 35s per ton, and use the dross in the retorts. A railway to the neighbourhood of the works, upon which nothing had been done for some time, they were to be constructed forthwith. Mr Thomas Scott seconded.

D.G. Hoey, C.A, Glasgow, was not surprising that there a loss of £4397, when they considered the manner in which the operations were carried out by the old board, and when they considered the manner in which they had not been earned under the present management. Their directors he spoke of as fulfilling the characteristics of the servant, who never produce profitable results. He would show them, Mr Hoey said, that the masterly inactivity displayed the new board was a previous legacy bequeathed to them the old board, the change of management last summer the error was made, not of their putting new cloth in an old garment, but what much worse, old cloth in a new garment. The old leaven had worked its effect of leavening whole lot. That was the real and true cause of the inefficiency and loss, and advocated that they should at once throw out entirety the old leaven, sending with it everything that had leavened it. Several shareholders began to complain that Mr Hoey was taking up too time. One said he was like the barber's brother in the Arabian Nights who did not say much. (laughter.) Mr Hoey, with the remark that he had every confidence that the company if it were soundly and practically managed, sat down.

Mr William Holms said it was regretted that the directors had not pushed for the opening up the Bridge mine. He would like to know what progress had been made in the opening of the mines since the last board went out, and what portion of the 30 tons a day was taken front the Viaduct mine, because in March. April, and May of last year the output from it averaged 45 tons a day. He thought the proposal to expend £500 on experiments in distillation would not be objected to, but he thought it would be wrong if they extend the works, seeing that they had retorts were capable of yielding a yearly profit of £15,000 a year.

He asked Mr Hoey and Mr Walker on whose authority they visited the mine. Having declined to answer, Mr Holms said that he left it to the meeting that these gentleman, for reasons of their own, went out, and not in interest of the company. When he said did Mr Hoey become a shareholder? The Secretary replied that Hoey was not registered as a shareholder. Mr Holms said the report Mr. Hoey and Mr. Walker , issued was like the report was like a holiday essay of tourists who had gone to France for the first time. (laughter.)

In conclusion, he said the question which they had to consider was whether they a sufficient supply of shale. There was no question as to the quality of the shale they had, the only question being whether they had enough of it, when that was ascertained he thought they should have another meeting, say a few months hence. Mr J.D. Walker, stockbroker, Edinburgh, replied on behalf of Mr Hoey, after which a shareholder said that everything which Mr Hoey and Mr Walker recommended was advocated by them twelve months ago.

The chairman gave satisfactory replies to the questions asked. Among other things, he stated that the heading of No. 5 pit had not been driven into the true shale, but was nine or twelve feet above it. They were now driving a heading in the direction of the true shale. This circumstance shows that beside the true shale they had another which would yield about 30 gallons a ton. The report was then adopted. Mr Kenneth Matheson, Dunfermline, was re-elected a director. It was also agreed to defray the cost, amounting to about £50, of the visit by the chairman to the works in January, and of the cost of a committee's investigations, amounting to £16 10s 1d. This was all the business, the meeting lasted two hours.

The Edinburgh Evening News, 25th March 1887

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1888 - THE BOSON OIL COMPANY.

An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Boson Oil Company (Limited) was held in Dowell's Rooms, 15 George Street, Edinburgh, yesterday, to consider resoluticns for the the voluntary winding-up of the company, and disposing of the works and undertakings of the company. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said that in place of making the capital of the new company £30,000, it was proposed to make it £26,000. The opinion generally of the directors was that the present shareholders were better with that arrangement than with the other, as it would give them ample funds to prosecute at the works all that was requred. That being so, they asked the shareholders to approve of a resolution that thes company's new capital be restricted to £26,000. The conditions required to be implemented, so far, as regarded the paying into the bank of £1 per share, had been complied with, and the directors were satisfied with the bona-fides of the gentlemen who had subscribed.

In reply to a question by Lord Provost Clark, the Chairman said. the whole sum required to be paid up at present was just the £1 per share, or £5200.

The CHAIRMAN then moved the adoption of the following resolutions, which were agreed to without comment:-

(a) "That this company be wound up voluntarily, in terms of the Comapanies Acts, 1802 to 1887.

(b) "That the liquidator to be appointed for the said winding up be authorised to enter into and carry out arrangements for disposing of the works and undertakings of the company, in manner sanctioned by the Companies Act, 1802, and particularly by section 161 thereof.