1120 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. May 30, 1913. THE COAL AHO IROR TRADES. Thursday, May 29. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. The coal shipments at Scotch ports show a considerable decrease in the past week, and the falling away has occurred altogether at East coast ports and is largely a result of labour troubles at the harbours. The aggregate clearances were 347,502 tons, being 14,096 less than in the preceding week, but only 30 tons short of the quantity despatched in the corresponding week of last year. At Glasgow, the shipments foreign amounted to 48,848 tons, and the coastwise trade to 42,911, the total of 91,859 tons comparing with 83,665 in the preceding week and 82,337 in the corresponding week of 1912. The quantities of coal shipped at the lower Clyde ports were at Bowling 420 tons, Irvme 1,155, Greenock 2,800, Troon 4,154, Ardrossan 5,161, and Ayr 22,052—total 35,753 tons, against 41,193 in the preceding week and 34,768 in the corresponding week of last year. The supply of coal is, on the whole, rather more plentiful in the open market. Steam coal is slightly easier,'Owing to the larger supply. The better qualities of house coal meet with a good demand, both for home use and shipment. Splint coal is more readily obtainable at the moment, but, owing to the good demand in connection with contracts (many of these involving large quantities for future delivery), there has, so far, been little or no relaxation in prices. Sectional strikes from various causes have kept a large number of men unemployed at the collieries, and this has served to minimise supplies. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Steam coal ............. Ell..................... Splint.................. Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 13/3 to 13/9 13/6 to 14/ 14/9 to 15/3 12/9 to 13/3 12/9 to 13/3 12/6 to 13/ Last week's prices. 13/6 to 14/ 13/9 to 14/3 14/9 to 15/3 13/ to 13/6 13/ to 13/6 12/9 to 13/ There has been more difficulty in disposing of treble and double nuts, as a result of which prices of these are quoted somewhat lower. Small hard coal and dross for manufac- turing purposes are in good demand, although the pressure for supplies is not quite so great as it was a short time ago. IRON. The Glasgow pig iron market has been subject to the same speculative influences that have impeded free trans- actions for a number of weeks, although prices have shown some irregularity. Since last report business has been done in Cleveland iron for cash at 69s. 6d. to 70s. 6d. cash, and 60s. 9d. to 59s. 10|d. three months, some business being also noted for delivery on July 23 at 60s. 3d. per ton. It is stated that home consumers and shippers are being induced to pay more attention to the forward state of the market, owing to the apparent advantage of making purchases for future delivery at the cheaper rate at which iron can now be obtained than at the comparatively high rates charged for cash. Some reduction has been made in the output of Scotch pig iron, there being 87 furnaces in blast compared with 90 in the preceding week, and 71 at this time last year. Prices of Scotch pig iron are pretty generally about 6d. lower. Govan and Monkland are quoted f.a.s. at Glasgow, Nos. 1, 74s., Nos. 3, 72s. 6d.; Carnbroe, No. 1,77s., No. 3, 73s.; Clyde, No. 1, 79s., No. 3, 74s.; Calder, No. 1, 79s. 6d., No. 3, 74s. 6d.; Gartsherrie, Langloan and Summerlee, Nos. 1, 80s., Nos. 3, 75s.; Coltness, No. 1, 98s., No. 3, 80s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 74s. 6d., No. 3, 73s. 6d.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 80s., No. 3, 75s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 74s. 6d., No. 3, 72s. 6d.; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 79s. 6d., No. 3, 74s. 6d.; Carron, at Grangemouth, No. 1, 81s., No. 3, 76s. per ton. A steady consumption is taking place in Scotch haematite pig iron. In the malleable iron trade business has become more difficult to obtain, and the Combine has been obliged to shut down one of its works in Lanarkshire—discharging about 300 workmen without being able to indicate how long they may remain unemployed. This is the second works that has been closed, and rumours are current that further reductions of output may become necessary unless there should come an improvement in trade. The steelworks are for the most part still well supplied with employment under old contracts, but the fresh business coming to hand is of limited amount. z Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. Shipments have not been so good at Firth of Forth ports; but the pits are nevertheless reported to be well supplied with orders. The past week's clearances were at Granton 7,900 tons, Bo'ness 19,980, Grangemouth 30,860, and Leith 41,006—total 99,746 tons, compared with 103,653 in the preceding week, and 102,674 in the corresponding week of 1912. Owing to a strike of dock labourers at Grangemouth, shipments have been much impeded. The outlook in other respects is regarded as encouraging. There has been practically no change in shipping quotations. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Best screened steam coal Current prices. 14/ Last week's prices. 14/ Secondary qualities 12/6 to 12/9 12/6 to 12/9 Treble nuts 12/9 to 13/ 12/9 to 13/ Double do 12/6 to 12/9 12/6 to 12/9 Single do 12/3 to 12/6 12/3 to 12/6 There is a good demand for dross, which is quoted 9s. 6d. to 10s. at Leith. In the home branch of the trade the demand for house coal is fairly satisfactory, and prices do not show much alteration. Business has been active in coal shipments at Fife ports, but the shipments are about 13,000 tons behind those of the preceding week. At Methil 67,062 tons were despatched, Burntisland 46,640, Alloa 2,104, Wemyss 1,406, Dysart 2,129, Tayport 610, Charleston 245—total 120,204 tons, compared with 133,107 in the preceding week, and 129,161 in the corresponding week of last year. The collieries are well employed, and there has also been a fair supply of vessels for cargoes. A good business exists in round coal, and nuts are also passing away with comparative freedom. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current prices. Last week’s prices. Best screened navigation coal 17/ to 17/6 17/ to 17/6 Unscreened do 15/ to 15/6 15/ to 15/6 First-class steam coal 15/3 to 15/9 15/3 to 15/9 Third-class do 12/9 12/9 Treble nuts 12/6 to 12/9 12/6 to 12/9 Double do 13/ to 13/3 13/ to 13/3 Single do 12/3 to 12/9 12/3 to 12/9 The household demand has been well maintained for the season, and prices are without material change. ■orthumberland. Durham and Cleveland Newcastle-upon-Tyne. GOAL. During last week 131,246 tons of coal and 142 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease of 11,816 tons of coal and 1,074 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 66,881 tons of coal and 251 tons of coke, a decrease of 3,861 tons of coal and 123 tons of coke. The Blyth shipments totalled 96,441 tons of coal and coke, an increase of 4,025 tons. Best blastfurnace coke is stated to have been sold for delivery at Middlesbrough over the second half of the present year at 24s. per ton, with inferior sorts at 22s. These prices mark a reduction of 2s. 6d. per ton when compared with the rates for delivery during the current half year. Some 2,000 tons of best Blyth steams have been sold for delivery over June and July at 15s. 6d. per ton, f.o.b. An enquiry is in circulation for 100,000 tons of Durham coking coal for shipment over 12 months from July to coaling stations. Another enquiry is for 150,000 tons of similar coal for coaling station use, delivery from July this year to December next year. Buyers are said to be offering 15s. 6d. per ton, f.o.b., which is below producers' ideas of selling values. There is an enquiry for 50,000 tons of best Blyth steam smalls for delivery at stipulated Swedish ports over next year. It is said that about 8s. per ton, f.o.b., is being offered. Some 80,000 tons of best Blyth steams for similar delivery are being asked for also. The Norwegian State Railways are inviting tenders, due on June 7, of 70,000 tons of Northumbrian or Yorkshire steams for delivery over the remainder of the Baltic season. The Russian Government has at length ratified the proposal to allow foreign coal to enter Russia tax free for railways and manufacturing purposes. It is hoped that this concession may be followed by a considerable demand for steam coals for the Russian Government in July and August. The Kjoge Gasworks are inviting immediate offers of 8,000 tons Durham gas coal for delivery from July to December. Certain large Liverpool steamship contracts for bunker coals which expire next month will not, it is stated, be renewable at an advance of much less than 2s. per ton. The prompt coal market is deadly dull and prices have fallen considerably during the week. There seems little doubt that purchasers are holding off at present in order to force down selling figures. Collieries continue to report that they are sufficiently well stemmed to view the present situation with a large amount of equanimity. Tonnage troubles are the factor most feared. Already, backward tonnage is causing considerable trouble so far as Durham coals are concerned and indications are that rates of freight may advance materially at the expense of coal prices unless the shortage of vessels is rectified. By comparison with a week ago, f.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment are as follow:—Best steams, Blyths, 6d. to 7|d. reduced; Tynes, 3d. down; seconds, Blyths, similarly fallen; smalls, Blyths, 6d. lower: Tynes, 9d. cheaper ; smithies, Is. 6d. decreased; smithies, 6d. down; gas bests, 3d. reduced; seconds, ditto; specials, ditto ; blastfurnace coke, 6d. cheaper ; and gas coke, 6d. advanced. Descriptions of fuel not specifically mentioned are unaltered. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Current Last week's Steam coals:— prices. prices. Beat, Blyths (D.C.B.) 15/3 15/9 to 15/10$ Do. Tynes (Bowers, &c.) 15/3 to 15/6 15/6 to 15/9 Secondary, Blyths 13/9 14/ Do. Tynes (Hastings or West Hartleys) 14/ 14/ Unscreened 13/ 13/ Small, Blyths .. 10 10/6 Do. Tynes 9/6 10/3 Do. specials 10/ 11/6 Other sorts:— Smithies 15/ 15/ to 15/6 Best gas coals (New Pelton or Holmside) ... 15/6 15/6 to 15/9 Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) 14/9 16/ Special gas coals 15/6 15/9 Unscreened bunkers, Durhams 14/9 to 15/6 14/9 to 15/6 Do. do. Northumbrians 13/ to 13/6 13/ to 13/6 Coking coals 15/ to 15/6 15/ to 15/6 Do. smalls 15/ 15/ House coals 16/ to 17/ 16/ to 17/ Coke, foundry 27/ 27/ Do. blast-furnace 24/ 24/ Do. gas 18/ to 18/6 17/6 to 18/ Sunderland. GOAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 96,385 tons of coal and 300 tons of coke, as compared with 107,765 tons of coal and 100 tons of coke for the corres- ponding period of 1912, being a decrease of 11,380 tons of coal and an increase of 200 tons of coke. The coal trade is dull. Supplies of all descriptions are more freely offered for prompt shipment, sellers are disposed to accept slightly lower prices, there is a shortage of tonnage and this has had the effect of easing the prices of bunker coal. Steam smalls are more readily obtainable and easier in price. Household coals are also cheaper. Best gas sorts are steady and there is very little doing in forward business. The Norwegian State Railways are enquiring for the supply of 70,000 tons of steam coals for shipment from July to December. The coals required include Lambton and Hetton. The Kjoge Gasworks are inviting immediate offers of 8,000 tons best Durham for shipment July-December, and there are enquiries also for 100,000 best Durham coking unscreened, delivery over 12 months from July, and for 150,000 tons July to December next year, both lots being for shipment to coaling stations. The outward freight market is steady. Coasting is represented by London 3s., Hamburg 3s. 6d., Antwerp 4s. 3d. Bay: Bordeaux 5s. 9d., St. Nazaire 5s. 6d. Baltic: Cronstadt 5s. 6d., Riga 5s. 6d., Fairwater 5s., Stock- holm 4s. 10jd., Kotka 5s. 3d., Memel 4s. 6d. Mediterranean : Genoa 10s., Naples 9a. 9d., Marseilles 9s. 6d., Catania 10s. 3d., Port Said 10s. and Las Palmas 9s. 6d. The following are the market quotations: Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current Last week’s Gas coals:— prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals ... 15/9 16/3 Secondary do. House coals:— 14/9 15/3 Best house coals 18/ 18/ Ordinary do Other sorts:— 17/ 17/ Lambton screened 16/ 16/9 South Hetton do 15/9 16/6 15/6 Lambton unscreened 15/ South Hetton do 15/ 15/6 Do. treble nuts 16/9 17/ Coking coals unscreened... 15/3 15/3 D >. smalls 15/ 15/ Smithies 14/9 15/ Peas and nuts 18/ 17/6 Best bunkers 15/6 16/ Ordinary bunkers Coke:— 14/6 to 14/9 15/ Foundry coke Blast-furnace coke (dlvrd. 28/ 27/6 Teesside furnaces) 25/ 25/ Gas coke 17/6 18/ Middlesbrough-on-Tees. GOAL. The fuel market is quieter, but values generally are maintained. Many sellers are holding, and buyers do not show any great eagerness to do business, with the result that we are passing through a period of inactivity. As is usual at this season of the year, there is an easier feeling in household coal, but dealers have this week decided not to lower values for the present. Gas coal is in fair request, and best Durhams are 15s. 9d. to 16s., with second qualities 14s. 9d. to 15s. 3d. A good deal of bunker coal is being taken up, and ordinary Durhams are 14s. 9d. to 15s., f.o.b., bests 15s. 9d., and specials 16s. Coking coal is in fairly good demand, and both unscreened and smalls range from 14s. 9d. to 15s. 6d. Local consumption of coke continues heavy. Spot lots of average blast-furnace kinds realise 24s. 6d. delivered at Teesside works, but forward contracts have been made at 22s. 6d., and consumers anticipate a further down- ward movement. Foundry coke for shipment runs from 27s. to 28s., f.o.b. Gashouse coke is 17s. 6d. to 18s. IRON. The pig iron market is still most unsettled, but the ‘‘squeeze" in Middlesbrough warrants, which has been causing all the uneasiness, is believed to be about at an end, and with its disappearance, genuine traders look forward to renewed legitimate activity. On Wednesday night Middles- brough warrants closed 62s. 6d. cash buyers, and 69s. 3d. cash sellers. This is the widest difference between buyers and sellers known for many years past. No. 3 g.m.b. Cleveland pig is 65s. f.o.b., while No. 1 has settled to 66s. 6d., No. 4 foundry to 63s. 9d., ^No. 4 forge 63s., and mottled and white iron each 62s. 6d.—all for early delivery. East coast haematite pig is quiet, but steady. Nos. 1, 2 and 3 stand at 81s. for early delivery. Foreign ore shows no change in value, but business is on a very limited scale. Market rates are based on 20s. 6d., ex-ship Tees for best rubio. Freights Bilbao-Middlesbrough are round about 5s. 4|d. There are more enquiries for manufactured iron and steel, but orders are not easily secured. A contract for 7,000 tons of steel rails for West Australia has been placed with the North-Eastern Steel Company, Middlesbrough, and the same firm, together with Messrs. Bolckow, Vaughan and Co., Middlesbrough, have divided an order for 10,000 tons of rails for the London and South-Western Railway Company, to be used in connection with the electrification scheme. Prices of all descriptions of manufactured iron and steel are stationary. South-West Lancashire. COIL. The inland household trade is naturally easing off some- what with the advent of summer weather. Prices, however, remain firm for all grades. In screened coal for forge and manufacturing purposes full quantities continue to be taken. Shipping continues active—bunkering requirements, both on contract and open sale account, being well main- Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). Current Last week’s House coal:— prices. prices. Best 16/3 16/3 Do. (f.o.b. Gars ton, net) 16/9 to 17/ 16/9 to 17/ Medium 14/6 14/6 Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) 15/3 to 15/6 15/3 to 15/6 Kitchen 12/3 12/3 Common (f.o.b. Garston, net) 13/9 to 14/6 13/9 to 14/6 Screened forge coal Best screened steam coa) 12/6 to 13/ 12/6 to 13/ (f.o.b.) 14/ to 14/6 14/ to 14/6 Best slack 10/6 10/6 Secondary slack 9/9 9/9 Common do 9/3 9/3