1280 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. June 13, 1913. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, June 12. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. The coal trade has been somewhat irregular since last report. In some districts the shipments have been reduced owing to holidays, and in other places sailings have been interrupted by stormy weather. The aggregate clearances at the Scottish ports in the past week amounted to 307 379 tons, being 36,279 tons less than in the preceding week, and 11,259 tons behind the quantity despatched in the corre- sponding week of last year. At Glasgow the foreign shipments amounted to 42,585 tons, while the quantity sent coastwise was 37,311, the total of 79,896 comparing with 70,998 in the corresponding week of 1912. At the lower Clyde ports there was a marked increase in the shipments owing to the fact that the strike of dock labourers at Troon is now at an end. At Bowling 338 tons were cleared, Greenock 992, Irvine 3,096, Ardrossan 5,889, Troon 10 558, and Ayr 15,791 —total 36,664 tons compared with 21,865 in the preceding week, and 39,646 in the corresponding week of last year. On the Clyde altogether the shipments reached 116,560 tons against 93,863 in the preceding week, and 110,044 in the corresponding week of 1912. Supplies of coal have from various causes been more full, with the result that prices have been tending easier. Steam and ell coal for shipment have been selling at 3d. decline on recent figures, while splint coal is 3d. to 6d. lower. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current Last week's Steam coal prices. prices. 13/ to 13/6 13/3 to 13/9 Ell 13/3 to 13/9 13/6 to 14/3 Splint 14/3 to 14/9 14/9 to 15/3 Treble nuts 12/9 to 13/3 12/9 to 13/3 Double do 12/9 to 13/3 12/9 to 13/3 Single do 12/6 to 12/9 12/6 to 13/ House coal for home use is steadier than for shipment owing to the great demand caused by the remarkably cold weather. While splint coal has rather gone back in price at the moment, contracts over a period are dearer than they were twelve months ago. This is shown by the annual gas coal contracts that were arranged this week by the committee of the Corporation of Glasgow. Offers were received from about one hundred different tenderers, and about 700,000 tons were accepted for delivery over the next twelve months. It is thought that at least 800,000 tons may be wanted in the course of the year. The average price paid is stated to be Is. 8d. per ton more than twelve months ago, while at that time the rate was 2s. 2d. above the price paid in the preceding year. So far as can be ascertained at present, this increase in the price of coal is not likely to cause any corresponding advance in the price of gas, which at present is Is. lid. per 1,000 feet for the domestic supply. The increased profit on the very much larger consumption since the Corporation supplied gas cookers free of rent is expected to render dearer gas at this time unnecessary. IRON. The Glasgow pig iron warrant market has been tending decidedly easier, notwithstanding considerable decreases of stocks, and the prices are understood to have receded in sympathy with other metal markets. Cleveland warrants have sold at 56s. cash, 58s. for delivery in early July, 58s. 9d. three months, 58s. ,6d. for September 2, and down to 57s. l|d. for August 19. There* have been buyers of cash iron at 55s. l|d. There has been a further decline in Scotch market prices. Govan and Monkland are quoted f.a.s. at Glasgow, Nos. 1, 72s. 6d., Nos. 3,71s.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 76s., No. 3, 72s.; Clyde, No. 1, 78s., No. 3, 73s.; Calder, Summerlee, Gartsherrie, and Langloan, Nos. 1, 78s. 6d., Nos. 3, 73s. 6d.; Coltness, No. 1, 98s., No. 3, 80s. • Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 73s, No. 3, 72s.; Glengarnock at Ardrossan, No. 1, 78s. 6d., No. 3, 73s. 6d.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 73s. 6d., No. 3, 71s. 6d.; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 78s. 6d., No. 3, 73s. 6d.; Carron, at Grangemouth, No. 1, 79s., No. 3, 74s. per ton. Two furnaces have been relighted in Scotland, the number now in opera- tion being 89 compared with 78 at this time last year. Shipments of Scotch pig iron were in the past week 5,039 tons, compared with 4,058 in the corresponding week of 1912. There is little or no improvement in the demand for bar iron, and the works are poorly employed. Happily a threatened strike of over 3,000 men at the works of the Steel Company of Scotland has been averted. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. There has been an improvement in the demand for steam coal in the Lothians, and an easier tendency in prices appears to have been arrested. • hipments have been at Granton 6 940 tons, Bo'ness 14.968, Grangemouth 41,508, and Leith 51,497—total 114 913 tons, compared with 121,739 in the preceding week, and 137,566 in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Best screened steam coal Secondary qualities .... Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 14/ 12/3 to 12/6 13/ to 13/3 12/6 12/ to 12/3 Last week's prices. 14/ 12/6 to 12/9 12/9 to 13/ 12/6 to 12/9 12/3 to 12/6 Bound coal has been selling well both for export and home use, but nuts have not been so much wanted. There has been a good deal of delay in discharging and loading owing to a strike of workers at some of the docks, but it is expected that an arrangement will not be long delayed. The reduced shipments at Fife ports is the result of the previous week's miners' holidays. But the demand is quite active now, and loading is proceeding briskly. The output of the collieries has been largely sold ahead, so that there is plenty of contract business in hand apart from what comes forward from day to day. The past week's shipments were at Methil 41,256 tons, Burntisland 30,360, Dysart 2,012, Alloa 1,194, Wemyss 770; Tayport 234, Charleston 80 —total 75,906 tons, compared with 128,056 in the preceding week and 71,028 in the corresponding week of last year. There has been some cutting of prices for certain qualities of coal. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current Last week’s prices. prices. Best screened navigation coal 16/9 to 17/3 17/ to 17/6 Unscreened do. 14/6 to 15/ 15/ to 15/6 First-class steam coal 14/3 to 14/9 14/6 to 15/ Third-class do 11/9 to 12/9 12/9 Treble nuts 13/ to 13/6 13/ to 13/6 Double do 12/6 to 13/ 12/9 to 13/ Single do 12/ to 12/6 12/ to 12/6 iorthumberlandj. Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 119,074 tons of coal and 3,483 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease of 14,563 tons of coal and an increase of 3,483 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 63,195 tons of coal and 1,532 tons of coke, a decrease of 12,695 tons of coal and an increase of 750 tons of coke. The Bly th shipments totalled 94,689 tons of coal and coke, an increase of 15,963 tons. A communication from St. Petersburg is to the effect that a recent statement that the Bussian Government had decided to abolish the import duty on coal intended for railways and manufacturing purposes was based on a misconception, and that no decision in that sense had been arrived at. The statement is rather ambiguously worded, but, if it may be taken on its face value, there need be no more speculations (for the time being, at all events), as to what increase the tax abolition is likely to effect in the trade of this country with Bussia. It renders it probable also that the enquiry now in circulation for 350,000 tons of steams—of which 200,000 tons are stipulated to be best Northumberland or Durham and best South Yorkshire coals—for shipment on account of the Bussian State Bail- weys up to the end of October is only a “ feeler," and that business will not result therefrom. Tenders are due in on June 23, so that, even if business is meant, shipments could hardly commence before July. Tenders of 70,000 tons of best steam coals have been forwarded to the Norwegian State Biilways, and are stated to be based on slightly under .£1 per ton c.i.f. at stipulated ports. It is reported that the Brussels Gasworks do not propose allotting the remainder of the order for 120,000 tons of gas coals, for delivery over 12 months, at present. Last week it was mentioned that the w rks had ordered 17,000 tons of local coals. An enquiry for 60,000 tons of Durham coking coal for the Orleans Bailways (France) is reported to be circulating. The local coal market is in a very unsatisfactory condition. Prices for early shipment have varied a good deal during the week. On Monday and Tuesday some rally was apparent. At the time of writing, however, the temporary strengthening has vanished and prices are at a lower point than a week ago. F.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment are as follow, by comparison with last week's figures :—Best steams, Bly ths, easier; Tynes, 3d. to 9d. down. Seconds, Bly ths, weaker; Tynes, steady; unscreened, in buyer's favour; smalls (Blyths), inclined to fall; Tynes 3d. to 9d. cheaper; specials, unaltered; smithies, Is. reduced; gas bests, firmer; seconds, easier; specials, 3d. advanced; unscreened bunkers (Durhams), from l£d. to 3d. increased. Northumbrians, 6 i. to 9d. lower; coking coal, 6d. cheaper; smaLs, 6d. less; households, from 6d. to Is. 6d. reduced; coke (foundry), from Is. to 3s. reduced; blastfurnace, 4s. lower, and gas coke, 6d. less. Tnere is very little enquiry for coals for early shipment at present. Genoa advices are to the effect that there are sellers of Tyne gas primes for June delivery at 24s. 9d. per ton c.i.f. and for July at 24s. 6d. O^er the present year sellers ask 24s. 3d. For 1914, 22s. c.i.f. and 13s. 4£d. f.o.b. are asked. A cargo of Pelaw Main coal for June delivery has been offered at 24s. 3d., buyers counter- offering 23s. 6d. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Steam coals:— Beat, Blyths (D.C.B.) Do. Tynes (Bowers, &c.) Secondary, Blyths Do. Tynes (Hastings or West Hartleys) Unscreened Small, Blyths Do. Tynes Do. specials Other sorts:— Smithies Best gas coals (New Pelton or Holmside) ... Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) Special gas coals Unscreened bunkers, Durhams Do. do. Northumbrians Coking coals Do. smalls House coals Coke, foundry Do. blast-furnace Do. gas Current prices. 14/9 to 15/ 14/6 to 15/ 13/3 to 13/6 13/6 12/ to 12/6 8/3 to 9/ 7/3 to 7/9 10/ 13/6 to 14/ 15/3 13/6 to 13/9 15/3 to 15/6 13/71 to 14/3 12/ 13/6 to 14/ 13/6 15/6 24/ to 26/ 20/ 18/ 1 Last week's prices. 15/ 15/3 13/6 13/6 12/6 9/ 8 10/ 14/6 to 15/ 15/ to, 15/3 13/9 15/3 13/6 to 14/ 12/6 to 12/9 14/ to 14/6 13/6 to 14/ 16/ to 17/ 27/ 24/ 18/ to 18/6 Sunderland. GOAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 108,090 tons of coal as compared with 90,810 tons of coal for the corresponding period of 1912, being an increase of 17,280 tons. The downward trend of the market is some- what checked, although the tone is still weak. Shortage of tonnage has been a deterring factor to any improvement, but t< nnage is now offering a little more freely, which should help shippers with spot supplies to take advantage of the situation. Holders of coal are pressing sales. Gas qualities are easier, there being more coal on the market. Coking coals are also easier. Bunker sorts are freely offered at lower prices. Household coals are quiet. Gas and foundry coke is without change; if anything quieter, in sympathy with the lower prices in the iron trade. The Brussels gasworks are said to have accepted tenders for 17,000 to 18,000 tons of seconds at about 17s. c.i.f. The Bussian State Bail ways are in the market for about 350,000 tons of steam coal. Quotations are about as follow:— Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current Last week’s Gas coals:— prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals ... 15/6 15/9 Secondary do. House coals:— 14/ 14/3 Best house coals 17/ to 18/ 16/ to 17/ 17/6 to 18/ 16/6 to 17/ Ordinary do. Other sorts:— Lambton screened 15/3 15/6 15/3 14/3 South Hatton do 15/3 Lambton unscreened 14/ South Hetton do 14/ 14/3 Do. treble nuts 16/6 16/6 Coking coals unscreened.. 14/6 14/9 D ». smalls 14/3 14/6 Smithies 14/6 17/3 14/6 17/6 Peas and nuts Best bunkers 14/ to 14/6 13/6 to 14/ 14/6 Ordinary bunkers Coke:— 14/3 Foundry coke 27/ 26/6 Blast-furnace coke (dlvrd. Teesside furnaces) 22/ 25/ Gas coke 18/ 17/6 Owing to the scarcity of steamers the outward freight market is firmer Becent fixtures include:—Coasting : London 3s. 6d., Hamburg 4s., Havre 5s. 3d , Calais 4s. 3d., Dunkirk 4s. 6d. Bay: Bordeaux 6s., Lisbon 8s. l|d., Oporto 9s. 10|d. Baltic: Cronstadt 5s. 6d., Lubeck 5*. 6d., Pillau 5s. 6d, Biga 5s. 4|d., Memel 4s. 9d. Mediterranean : Genoa 10s., Palermo Ils., Pnseus Ils., Ancona Ils., Port Sud 9s., Las Palmas 9s. 3d., Venice Ils., and Civita Vecchia Ils. Middlesbrough-on-Teea GOAL. The volume of business in the fuel trade shows shrinkage. More spot gas coal is on the market, but for the season of the year deliveries are on a good scale. Best Durham gas coals are 15s. to 15s. 3d., and specials 16s. to 16s. 6d. Bunker coals are in fairly good request. Ordinary Durhams are 13s 9d. to 14s. f.o.b., best 14s. 6d. to 15s., and superiors 15s. 6d. to 16s. For household ordinaries 17s. is quoted, and 18s. is asked for better qualities. The expected down- ward movement in coke has set in. Though local consumption is heavy, and some users are having to purchase, few firms will now offer more than 20s. for average blastfurnace qualities delivered at Teesside works, and there are keen sellers at up to 21s. Foundry coke is offered freely at 27s. 6d. f.o.b., and gashouse coke is on sale at 17s. 6d. IRON. A rumour that a large firm of iron merchants had suspended payment has caused considerable excitement in iron trade circles this week. Business is on a very limited scale, and Cleveland pig iron prices have fallen to lower rates than have ruled for the past twelve months. No. 3 g m.b. is now offered by second hands at 55s. 6d. f.o.b. No. 1 has fallen to 57s. 6d., No. 4 foundry 55s., No. 4 forge 54?. 6d., and mottled and white iron each 54s.—all for early delivery. Buyers are not prepared to pay these prices, and on the other hand makers are not sellers at them, declaring that they cannot produce the iron at such rates, notwith- standing reduced cost of output. Though supply of East coast haematite pig is none too plentiful, values are falling in sympathy with the drop in Cleveland pig. The general market quotations for both early and forward delivery of Nos. 1. 2 and 3 haematite is now 77s. Business in foreign ore is still inactive, and in the absence of transactions, market quotations remain on the basis of 20?. ex-ship Tees for best rubio. There is very little doing in manufactured iron and steel, but producers are kept busily employed on running contracts. Small enquiries for steel rails for China and Japan are reported, and Messrs. Bolckow, Vaughan and Co., have booked an order for 5,300 tons of tram rails for the London Counoy Council. Through the Cast Iron Pipe Association a very substantial South. American order for pipes has been placed in this country, and has been distributed amongst the associated firms. This week there are no changes to record in finished iron and steel quotations. South-West Lancashire. COAL. There is nothing new to be said in regard to the house- hold trade, an average June delivery being in progress, but nothing more. Forges continue to take good supplies of screened coal, and also other manufactories using this grade of fuel. As regards shipping, matters continue in a satisfactory condition, the excellent demand for steam coal for bunkering and export being well maintained. There is not perhaps quite the same difficulty in obtaining supplies as was the case a few weeks ago, but there is comparatively Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). Current Last week’s House coal:— prices. prices. Best 16/3 16/3 Do. (f.o.b. Garston, 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 12/6 to 13/ 12/6 to 13/ Best screened steam coal (f.o.b.) 13/9 to 14/6 13/9 to 14/6 Best slack 10/6 10/6 Secondary slack 9/9 9/9 Common do 9/3 9/3