546 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. Mabch 14, 1913. THE COAL AND IRQ! TRADES. Thursday, March 13. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. There has been a fair business in the coal trade since last report, but inland requirements have been of greater importance than exports, which show a considerable falling- off compared with those of the preceding week. Very stormy weather at sea has tended to curtail the shipments. The aggregate clearances at the Scotch ports amounted to 289,128 tons, being 15,926 less than in the preceding week, but an increase of 178,352 tons over the quantity despatched in the corresponding week of 1912, when business was greatly restricted owing to strikes. The shipments at Glasgow amounted to 70,863 tons, against 77,526 in the preceding week, and 29,594 in the corresponding week of last year. It is regarded as not unlikely that the award of 12| per cent, of an increase of wages to the colliers may call for a further increase in prices. The advance, which was conceded under the award of Lord Balfour of Burleigh, is equal to 6d. per day, and represents an increase from 6s. 9d. to 7s. 3d., which, it is believed, the miners can easily earn, if they are disposed to work, but they are now considering the proposal to reduce the working days to five a week. Almost all classes of coal continue in good demand. The call for house qualities has scarcely lessened to any appreciable extent, as the weather has continued cold and the home consumption has therefore been upon the usual scale. Steam coal has met with a fair sale and splint coal has been active, while a large business has been done in nuts. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Steam coal Current prices. 13/6 to 14/6 13/9 to 14/6 15/ to 15/6 14/ to 14/6 13/9 to 14/3 13/6 to 14/ Last week’s prices. 13/6 to 14/6 13/9 to 14/6 15/ to 15/6 14/ to 14/6 13/9 to 14/3 13/6 to 14/ Ell Splint Treble nuts Double do Single do Coals for manufacturing purposes are in strong request. The shipments at ports in the lower reaches of the Clyde show a considerable increase on those of the preceding week. At Bowling 101 tons were cleared, Irvine 1,690, Ardrossan 3,255, Greenock 3,336, Troon 5,536, Ayr 17,150—total 31,068 tons, compared with 22,878 in the preceding week and 11,727 in the corresponding week of 1912. IRON. A comparatively quiet business has been done in Glasgow pig iron warrant market, but the tone has been steadier, and there has been a rather more confident feeling as to the future in consequence of the more hopeful condition of affairs in the Near East. Since last report business has been done in Cleveland warrants from 63s. 2d. to 63s. 4d. cash, 63s. 51d. one month, and 63s. 6d. to 61s. lid. three months. The business in three months* iron has for several weeks now been comparatively neglected, and the prices have been relatively low compared with those for cash and one month's delivery, which is quite unusual. A fair number of transactions have taken place for fixed dates up to May 28, which has been done at 62s. 6d. per ton. There is a fair business in Scotch pig iron, which is steady in prices. Govan and Monkland are quoted f.a.s. at Glasgow, Nos. 1, 76s., Nos. 3, 74s. 6d ; Carnbroe, No. 1, 80s., No. 3, 76s.; Clyde and Calder, Nos. 1,81s., Nos. 3,76s.; Summerlee and Gartsherrie, Nos. 1, 81s. 6d., Nos. 3,76s. 6d.; Langloan, No. 1, 82s., No. 3, 77s.; Coltness, No. 1, 99s., No. 3, 81s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 75s. 6d., No. 3, 74s. 6d.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 83s., No. 3, 78s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 77s., No. 3, 75s.; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 81s., No. 3,76s.; Carron, at Grangemouth, No. 1, 83s., No. 3, 78s. per ton. Scotch haematite is quoted 87s. for delivery at west of Scotland steelworks. The ship- ments of Scotch pig iron have been small, amounting to 3,846 tons, compared with 6,608 in the corresponding week of last year. The arrivals at Grangemouth of pig iron from Middlesbrough and district were 9,010 tons, being 2,502 tons more than in the corresponding week of last year. The malleable ironworks have fair employment, and the steel- works are very busy, but fresh orders in both cases are on a moderate scale. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. The coal shipments at Firth of Forth ports are some 15,000 tons less than in the preceding week. At Bo’ness and Leith there have been reduced clearances, while Granton was very busy, and Grangemouth made some improvement. The clearances were, at Bo’ness 9,496 tons, Granton 12,030, Leith 26,953, Grangemouth 30,852—total 79,331 tons, against 94,488 in the preceding week, and 42,990 in the corresponding week of last year. The collieries have, in most instances, been well employed ; but the demand has not been quite so good as it was in recent weeks. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Best screened steam coal Secondary qualities Treble nuts Double do Single do Current prices. 13/3 to 13/6 12/3 to 12/9 13/6 to 14/ 12/9 to 13/ 12/3 to 12/6 Last week’s prices. 13/3 to 13/6 12/3 to 12/9 13/6 to 14/ 12/9 to 13/ 12/3 to 12/6 House coal has been in good demand for inland consump- tion, at steady prices. The coal shipments at Fife ports, although not quite so large as in the preceding week, yet make up a good average. At Methil 56,922 tons were shipped, Burntisland 46,500, Alloa 1,722, Wemyss 1,287, Tayport 624, Dysart 602, and Charleston 209—total 107,866 tons, compared with 110,162 in the preceding week, and 26,465 in the corre- sponding week of last year, during the national strike of colliers. The demand for shipment is larger than has been usual at this time of the year, and shipments to South America have been on the increase. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Best screened navigation coal Unscreened do First-class steam coal Third-class do. ...... Treble nuts Double do Single do Current prices. 16/3 to 17/ 14/ to 14/6 13/ . to 13/6 12/ 13/3 to 13/9 13/ to 13/3 12/6 to 13/ Last week’s prices. 16/3 to 17/ 14/ to 14/6 13/ to 13/6 12/ 13/3 to 13/9 13/ to 13/3 12/6 to 13/ There has been a good supply of loading tonnage. Inland business has been active in house coal. florthumberland. Durham and Cleveland. ffevcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week, 139,441 tons of coal, and 133 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, an increase of 136,457 tons of coal, and a decrease of 373 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances totalled 60,715 tons of coal, and 941 tons of coke, an increase of 60,715 tons of coal, and a decrease of 58 tons of coke. The Blyth shipments aggregated 94,198 tons of coal and coke, an increase of 91,603 tons. These colossal increases are, of course, mainly attributable to the fact that, in March last year, the national strike of miners was in full swing. The London Gaslight and Coke Company and the South Metropolitan Gas Company are now negotiating for their annual supplies of gas coal, totalling several millions of tons. The South Metropolitan Company has received tenders of over 2,000,000 tons of Durhams at prices stated to range from 13s. to 13s. 9d. per ton, f.o.b., according to brand. The company is stated to have contracted for substantial quantities of Yorkshire and Derbyshire coals at prices ranging from 12s. 6d. to 13s. 6d., and to have closed for a comparatively small quantity of Durham seconds at 13s. It is hardly expected that anything like a full settlement of these contracts will be arrived at before Easter, although large allotments on account may be anticipated earlier. The War Office is stated to have arranged for its annual requirements from 90,000 to 120,000 tons of steam coals for use at Woolwich Arsenal and Enfield. Details of the allotment are not to hand, but Tyne seconds (Hastings or West Hartleys) and Yorkshire hards appear to have been taken in about equal proportions at prices based on current selling values. The Spanish sugar works are stated to have arranged for about 10,000 tons of best Blyth steams for shipment over the next few months to stipulated ports. The contract price is stated to be round about 25s. per ton, c.i.f. Motril. The Russian State Railways* enquiry for 80,000 tons of steams for April-May delivery is once more declared to be urgent, and tenders are being sought from Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire. Offers are due in to-day. Owing to the substantial advance in the price of Welsh steam smalls, merchants who recently secured French railway business intending to supply these coals are now stated to be enquiring for Durham coking smalls, which are relatively cheaper. Cargoes for early shipment are wanted. The local coal market is increasingly firm. There is a very strong enquiry, and supplies for this month's loading are very scarce. Loading turns are now so seriously congested that lots for shipment before Easter are practically unobtainable. The long continued and heavy westerly gales, however, are tending to delay the arrival of arranged- for tonnage. There is much complaint from local coalowners as to the amount of time which is being lost by the miners in their present prosperity. It is averred that, since the weekly pays came in, “ days off ** have been doubled, and that, in fact, the shortage of labour thus caused amounts to about ten per cent, of the total. Under these circum- stances, it is very difficult for collieries to cope with contract requirements, and it is said that, in some instances, owners are having to ask for extensions of time in which to deliver quantities arranged for, and are having to decline fresh business unless they have overtaken, to some extent at all events, their present arrears. Most descriptions of fuel are dearer this week, the variations in f.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment being as follow :—Best steams, Blyths, 3d. dearer on the week; Tynes, 3d. to 6d. advanced; seconds, Blyths, similarly risen ; Tynes, 6d. up; unscreened, ditto; smalls, Blyths, 3d. higher; Tynes, ditto; specials, 6d. to Is. more; smithies, Is. to Is. 6d. advanced; gas bests, 6d. to 9d. increased; seconds, 9d. to Is. improved ; specials, 6d. up; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, 3d. enhanced; Northumbrians, stronger; coking coal, Is. 3d. to Is. 9d. more; smalls, Is, advanced; households, steady; coke, foundry, 6d. down; blastfurnace, 6d. to Is. 6d. down; and gas coke, 6d. reduced. It will be observed that coke, alone, is cheaper this week. Later.—The London Gaslight and Coke Company is stated to have arranged for 500,000 tons of Wear gas specials at 17s. 6d. per ton delivered, and for 300,000 tons of Durham bests at 16s. 6d. The South Metropolitan Gas Company is reported to have dosed for considerable quantities ,of Durham seconds at from 12s. 9d. to 13s. 6d. per ton f.o.b. Delivery is over 12 months in each instance. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Current Last week’s Steam coals:— prices. prices. Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) 15/ 14/9 Do. Tynes (Bowers, &c.) ,15/ , 14/6 to 14/9 Secondary, Blyths .'... 13/9 to 14/ 13/6 Do. Tynes (Hastings or West Hartleys) 14/ to 14/3 13/6 to 13/9 Unscreened 13/ to 13/6 12/6 to 13/ Small, Blyths 10/9 10/6 Do. Tynes 10/3 ,10/ Do. specials 12/ 11/ to 11/6 Other sorts:— Smithies 15/ to 15/6 14/ Best gas coals (New Pelton or Holmside) ... 15/3 14/6 to 14/9 Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) 14/6 to 14/9 13/9 Special gas coals 15/ to 15/6 15/ Unscreened bunkers, Durhams 14/6 to 15/3 14/3 to 15/ Do. do. Northumbrians 13/6 13/ to 13/6 Coking coals 15/6 to 16/ 14/6 14/3 Do. smalls !3/6 House coals 15/6 to 16/ 15/6 to 16/ Coke, foundry 27/ 27/6 Do. blast-furnace 23/ to 24/ 24/6 Do. gas 17/ 17/6 Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week were 93,940 tons of coal and 1,575 tons of coke, as compared with 120 tons and no coke for the corresponding period of 1912 (being first week of miners* strike), an increase of 93,820 tons of coal and 1,575 tons of coke. The coal market has developed strength during the last week on the all-round enquiry, and sellers generally have raised their prices. Prompt available coals are scarce and there is still great difficulty in arranging stems with the collieries. Gas coals are firmly held for this month’s shipment. Coking qualities are firm. Bunkers are scarce and dearer. Coke is a shade firmer, with a better enquiry for blastfurnace kinds. The South Metropolitan Gas Company is reported to have received tenders for 2,000,000 tons of gas coals at prices ranging from 13s. to 13s. 9d. per ton f.o.b. for delivery over 12 months, and it is also stated that they have been guaranteed tonnage for the conveyance of same over that period at 3s. 7|d. to 3s. 9d. per ton. A contract is also reported of 80,000 tons second Durham gas coals at 13s. delivery over 12 months, commencing June. Quotations may be called as follows:— Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current Last week’s Gas coals:— prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals ... 15/3 15/ to 15/3 Secondary do. 14/9 14/ to 14/3 House coals:— Best house coals 17/6 17/ Ordinary do 16/6 16/ Other sorts:— Lambton screened 15/6 15/3 South Hetton do 15/6 15/ 14/6 Lambton unscreened 15/ South Hetton do 15/ 14/6 Do. treble nuts 17/3 17/ Coking coals unscreened... 15/ 14/9 D >. smalls 14/9 14/3 Smithies 15/ 14/9 Peas and nuts 18/ 17/ to 17/6 Best bunkers 15/6 14/9 Ordinary bunkers 14/6 14/ to 14/3 Coke:— Foundry coke 28/ 26/6 Blast-furnace coke (dlvrd. Teesside furnaces) 25/ to 26/ 27/6 Gas coke 17/6 17/ Outward coal freights are lower all round, tonnage offering freely. Recent fixtures include coasting—London 3s. lid., Antwerp 4s. 4|d., Havre 4s. 6d. Bay—St. Nazaire 5s. 3d., Rochefort 5s. 3d. Baltic—Fredericia 5s. 3d., Rostock 5s. 6d. Mediterranean—Genoa 8s. 101d., Marseilles 8s. 9d., Malta 8s., Ancona Ils. 6d. Middlesbrough - on - Teea. COAL. The fuel market is strong, and values of several descrip- tions are advancing. There is now only a limited quantity of coal available this side of the Easter holidays, and beyond that time collieries do not care to sell, so that producers apparently take a very hopeful view of the outlook. Gas