1336 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. June 20, 1913, THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, June 19. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. The coal trade of this district has bulked well in the past week, as has also that of the Fifeshire district. The aggregate shipments at the Scotch ports in the past week reached 358,045 tons, being 50,666 tons more than in the preceding week and 1,642 tons over the quantity despached in the corresponding week of last year. From Glasgow, 52,997 tons were despatched abroad and 41,883 coastwise the total of 94,880 tons comparing with 79,896 tons in the preceding week and 82,937 in the corresponding week of 1912. The output is greater than is actually required at the moment, so that there has been more difficulty in clearing away the entire produce of the collieries. The shipments at the lower Clyde ports have been at Bowling 249 tons, Irvine 2.807, Greenock 1,455, Ardrossan 5,182, Tro^n 6,128, Ayr 22,871—total 38,692 tons, compared with 36,674 in the preceding week, and 36,525 in the corres- ponding week of last year. Owing to the strikes affecting various trad* s, there has been considerably less coal required for manufacturing purposes, so that the competition for shipping orders has increased, and prices have been from 3d. to 6d. per ton reduced from the figures that recently prevailed. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Steam coal Current prices. 13/ to 13/6 13/ to 13/6 14/ to 14/6 12/9 to 13/ 12/9 to 13/ 12/3 to 12/9 Last week's prices. 13/ to 13/6 13/3 to 13/9 14/3 to 14/9 12/9 to 13/3 12/9tcfl3/3 12/6 to 12/9 Ell Splint Treble nuts Double do Single do The retail prices of house coal for home use have been well maintained in the larger centres of population, but some concessions are now being made to those who take larger supplies. The warmer weather has been gradually reducing the demand, however, so that the domestic trade is now assuming summer proportions. IRON. The announcement made towards the close of the past week of the failure of one of the older and more influential firms of ironbrokers came as a great surprise on all bu» those who were more immediately concerned ; but the strain borne for a long period during which prices w^rr gradually tightened up was such that a very large amount of money must have been paid out before the stoppage. From about 60s. the price of Cleveland warrants advanced to 71s. for cash, and thence came b*ck to 54\5i. There has since been a partial recovery. Business has been done in the last few days up to 56s 91. cash, from 55s 61. to 56s. lid. one month, and 55s. to 57 >. 3d. three months. A comparatively large amount of iron has been changing hands, and the condition of the market has been irregula* The prices of Scotch iron are lower. Scotch baemntite L quoted 80<. per ton for delivery at local steelworks. G >van and Monkland Nos. 1, are q ioted f.a s. at Glasg 'W, 71«. 6d., Nos. 3, 70«.; Carnbros, No. 1, 76s., No. 3, 72s ; Clyde, No. 1, 77s., No. 3, 72'*.; Calder, Gartsherrie, and Summerlee, Nos. 1, 77s. 6d., Nos. 3, 72s. 6 i.; Langloan, No. 1, 78s. 6 1., No 3 73s 61.; Coltness, No. 1, 98s , No 3, 80s ; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No 1. 72s, N> 3, 71s.; Glengar- nock at Ardrossan, No. 1, 77s. 6d., No 3, 72s. 6d ; D Imell- ington, at Ayr, No. 1, 73s.., No. 3, 71s.; Snotts, at Leith, No. 1, 77s. 6d., No. 3, 72-j. 6d ; Carron, at Grangemouth, No. 1, 78s., No. 3, 73s. per ton. The shipments of Sc‘tcJ pig iron in the past week were 1,696 foreign, and 3 397 coastwise, the total of 5 003 tons comparing with 4,593 in the corresponding week. The arrivals at Grangemouth of pig iron from Middlesbrough and district were 6.645 ton«. showing a decrease of 1,905 compared with the quantity received in the corresponding week of 1912 Q iietness continues to prevail in the malleable iron trade, makers finding it impossible to keep their works anything like fullv employed. The steel trade, on the other hand, has fair employment, with the prospect of this continwng, if a threatened strike in the shipbuilding industry can be averted. ---------------------------------- Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. Business has not been quite so brisk in the coal trade of the Lothians. There has been more coal offering for ship- ment, and the clearances are reduced from various causes. The inland demand has been weakening owing to the advance of the season, so that larger supplies are having a tendency to press down prices to some extent. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Best screened steam coal Secondary qualities Treble nuts Double do Single do Current prices. 13/6 to 14/ 12/ to 12/6 12/9 to 13/ 12/3 to 12/6 12/ to]2/3 La.-t week's prices. 14/ 12/3 to 12/6 13/ to 13/3 12/6 12/ to 12/3 The shipments were at Granton 12.480 B /ness 12 637, Grangemouth 38,921, and Leith 44,354—tota!108,372 t ns, compared with 114 915 in the preceding week, and 107,522 in the corresponding week of last year. There was a large increase in the quantity of coal despatched to the Thames, which made up to a considerable extent for smaller ship- ments sent abroad. There has been an improved demand for first-class steam coal at Fifeshire ports. A good supply of vessels has been available, and at times the coal coming to hand has been absorbed with great readiness. The clearances were at Methil 66,084 tons, Burntisland 46,260, Dysait 1,245, Wemyss 1,053, Tayport 1,283, and Charleston 176—total 116,101 tons, compared with 75,906 in the preceding week, and 132,703 in the corresponding week of last year. As a consequence of the active demand prices are a shade firmer than they were a week ago. The holidays of a fortnight ago had the effect of throwing orders behind, and this has no doubt helped to give greater appearance of activity, but the enquiry is such as to promise a continuance of good business. 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. 16/9 to 17/3 14/6 to 15/ 14/3 to 14/9 11/9 to 12/9 13/ to 13/6 12/6 to 13/ 12/ to-12/6 Last week's prices. 16/9 to 17/3 14/6 to 15/ 14/3 to 14/9 11/9 to 12/9 13/ to 13/6 12/6 to 13/ 12/ to 12/6 Sorthumbarland. Durham and Cleveland. ffevcaitle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 138,045 tons of coal and 2,397 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, an increase, of 5,660 tons of coal and 724 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 55 574 tons of coal and 4,854 tons of coke, a decrease of 19,698 tons of coal and an increase of 3,837 tons of coke. The Blyth shipments aggregated 103,805 tons of coal and coke, a decrease of 80 tons. With further reference to the Russian import duty on coal, it is now stated that the Board of Trade is in receipt of information to the effect that the Russian Council of Ministers has decided to sanction the importation of foreign coal into Russia for one year free of duty to meet the needs of the State and private railways. Under these circumstances there is a renewed hope that the tenders of 350,000 tons of steams required by June 23 by the Russian State Railways will result in genuine business. The bulk of the supplies are wanted for shipment to St. Petersburg. Only best steams are asked for. The Austrian State Railways have received tenders of their requirements of steam coals over 1914. Some 400,000 tons are required. It is stated that Silesia has offered 70,000 tons, We.-tphalia 132 000 tons, and this country 550,00 » tons. The contract co supply the Bas-Indre Ironworks with some 20,000 tons of Northumberland steams has been allotted to local mer- cnants at c.i f. prices estimated to leave about 14<. 6d. per Con f.o.b. for large and 9s 61. to 10s. f.o.b. for smalls. A quantity of special Durham unscreened bunkers is stated to have been sold for delivery over the ensuing 12 months at 15s. per ton f.o.b., and some 15,000 tons of ordinaries for ■similar delivery are said to have been sold at 14s. f.o.b. Ordinary Tyne brands for delivery in regular monthly quantities up to the end of the present year have been sold at 13s. 1|1. f.o.b., it is said. The Norwegian State Riil- ways, which have been enquiring for 70,000 tons of steams for shipment over the rest of the season, are stated to have contracted for the following quantities (18,600 tons in all) for shipment over the mxt three months:—16 000 tons Lambton, at about 15s per ton f.o.b., delivery at Cnristiania Eis-t; 1,500 tons Bowers West Hartleys at 14s. 6d., for delivery at Christiania West; and 1,100 tons Snireoaks at kr. 20 70 c.i.f Egersund for 400 tons and Flekketj >rd for 700 tons. Tne balance of the contract remains to be allotted. There are s ated to be considerable enquiries for ■ trfam coals for Norway over 1914. For Biyth smalls, 7s. 6d. per ton f o.b. is stated to have been offered, and 12s. 10|d. ♦.i.f. done. The report lacks confirmation, however, as does he further statement that smalls for like delivery have been offered at 7s. f.o.b. Although next week is the great annual holiday week in this district—race week—ther, s not that rallying tendency in the local market which H u-Uy precedes that festival. Tonnage is very scarce and huyers continue to hold < ff. Most descriptions of fuel show some cheapening on the week, as the following figures will show. F o.b. quotati< ns for prompt shipment have varied is follow during the week:—Best steams, Blyths, are 3d. cheaper; Tynes, 6d. reduced; Seconds, Blyths, 3d. to 6d. lower; Tynes, easier; unscreened, 6d. down ; smalls, Blyths, 3 <. to 61. fallen; Tynes, 3d. advanced; specials, s eady ; mithies, unaltered ; gas best?, Is. down ; seconds, 3d. to 6d. lower; specials, 6d. to 9d. reduced; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, 6d. to 7^d. reduced ; Northumbrians, 6 1. higher ; coking coal, 3d. to 6d. fallen; smal s, 3d. cheaper; house- holds, steady; coke (foundry), 2s. down; blastfurnace, unaltered ; and gas coke, 6d. increased. The largest cargo of gas coke ever shipped from the Tyne has just been sent off to Kustendjs ; a quantity of 3,200 tons. 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 k 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 14/6 13/ 13/ to 13/6 11/6 to 12/ 8/ to 8/6 7/6 to 8/ 10/ 13/6 to 14/ 14/3 13/ to 13/3 14/6 to 15/ 13/ to 13/9 11/6 to 12/6 13/3 to 13/6 13/3 15/6 24/ 20/ 18/6 Last week's 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 13/7J to 14/3 12/ 13/6 to 14/ 13/6 15/6 24/ to 26/ 20/ 18/ Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 99,415 tons of coal, and 1,275 tons of coke, as compared with 103,730 tons of coal, and 190 tons of coke for the South-West Lancashire. COAL. It is natural with the present weather that the household trade will be simply a summer supply. A certain amount of stocking will no doubt be done very shortly at t^e different wharves, as probably ground stocks held by merchants and others are rather less than usual at this time of the year. With regard to shipping, the requirements for bunkering pur- poses, though still satisfactory, are perhaps hardly as heavy as they have been during reont weeks, and as supplies are somewhat more readily available, the steam coal market corresponding period of 1912, being a decrease of 4,315 tons of coal, and an increase of 1,085 tons of coke. The coal market has not undergone any improvement, and the approaching holidays (race week) is not tending to help matters. Collieries and merchants are still hampered by the scarcity of tonnage, supplies generally are ample. Buyers continue to act caution«ly, and there is not much business passing. Household coals are dull with a slow demand. Gas coals are not at the period of the lowest consumption. There is a plentiful supply of coking coals. Bunkers are also offering freely at cheaper prices. Foundry and blastfurnace coke are easy, but gas-house coke is in fair demand. It is reported that special Durham bunkers have changed hands at 14s. 9d. f o.b. for next year's ship- ment, and ordinary bunkers have been sold at 13s. 6d. for prompt and later shipment. The Norwegian State railways have contracted for 20,000 tons of best steams shipment July to September at a price estimated to allow 15s. 3d. f.o.b. Current prices are as follows.— Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current Last week's Gas coals:— prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals ... 14/9 15/6 Secondary do. 13/9 14/ House coals:— Best house coals 18/ 17/ to 18/ Ordinary do 16/6 16/ to 17/ Other sorts:— Lambton screened 15/6 15/3 South Hetton do 15/ 15/3 Lambton unscreened 13/9 14/ South Hetton do 13/9 14/ Do. treble nuts 16/ to 16/6 16/6 Coking coals unscreened.. 13/6 14/6 D >. smalls 13/3 14/3 Smithies 13/3 14/6 Peas and nuts 16/6 17/3 Best bunkers 14/3 14/ to 14/6 Ordinary bunkers 13/3 13/6 to 14/ Coke:— Foundry coke 25/ 27/ Blast-furnace coke (dlvrd. Teesside furnaces) 20/ 22/ Gas coke 17/ 18/ Outward tonnage is still scarce, and freights are well maintained in every direction except to the Baltic. Recent fixtures include:—Coasting: London 3s. 3d., Hamburg 4s., Havre 5s., R men 6«i., Antwerp 5s. Bay : Bordeaux 6s. 9d., St Nazaire6<. 6d., Lisbon 8s. l|d. Baltic: Cronstad 5<6d., Libau 5s. 6 i, Rostock 5s 9 1. Mediterranean: Genoa 10a. 6d., Marseilles 9s. 9d.. Barcelona Ils., Leghorn 10s. 91., Algiers, 8s. 6d., Civita Vecchia Ils. 3d., Venice Ils. 3d., and Port Said 9s. 9d. Middlesbrough-on-Teet. GOAL. Several branches of the fuel trade are easier, and the business passing is on only a limited scale. As is usual at this season of the year deliveries of gas coal are but small. Best Durham gas coal is quoted 14<. 6d. to 14s. 9d.; second kit.ds, 13s. 61. to 14s.; and specials up to 16s. Bunker coal is steady, but, for the time being, enquiries on forward account are few. O dinary Duihams are 13s. to 13s. 6d. f.o.b., superior 14s. 3d. to 14s. 61. ; and specials 15s. H< usehold coal is quiet, with pi ices ranging from 15s 3d. to 16-*. Coking coal continues in fairly good request, and prices vary from 13«. 6d. to 14s. Coke shows a further downward movement, but many buyers consider prices still too high. Local consumption keeps heavy, but no difficulty is now experienced in obtaining average blastfurnace coke at 19s. 61. delivered at Teesside works. Best foundry coke is in the neighbourhood of 25s., and gas-house coke is quoted 17s. 6d. IRON. The market is somewhat erratic so far as quotations for Cleveland pig iron are concerned, due to the ii fluence of fluctuations in Middlesbrough warrants quotations for which have varied from 56s. 7ad. to 54s 9d. cash buye s in each case. Makers quote round about 59s. for No. 3 Cleveland pig, but buyers will not pay that figure. Second hands have sold No. 3 g.m.b. freely at 57s. f o.b., and are now (ffering the ruling quality at 56s ; whilst they put No. 1 at 58s. 6d. to 59s.; No. 4 foundry, 55s. 6d.; No. 4 forge, 55s.; and mottled and white iron each 54s 6d., all for early delivery. East coast haematite pig is lifeless, but very dear as compared with values of Cleveland pig, for whereas mixed numbers of haematite used to be 8s. to 10s. above No. 3 Cleveland, the difference is now 21s. Though the price might be shaded, the general market quotations for both early to forward delivery of Nos. 1, 2, and 3 haematite is 77s. There is little or nothing passing in foreign ore, but sellers as a rule adhere to quotations on the basis of 20s. ex-ship Tees for rubio of 50 per cent, quality. Business, however, might be done on slightly lower terms. A few small contracts for various deicrip- tions of manufactured iron and steel are coming to hand, but orders of any magnitude are scarce. In all branches, however, producers are busily employed, and work on hand will keep them so for some months. Principal market quotations stand: Common iron bars, £8 15s.; iron ship plates, £7 15s.; iron ship angles, £8 15s.; iron ship rivets, £9 10s.; steel bais (basic), £8; st*el bars (Siemens), £8 10s.; steel ship plates, £8 5s.; steel ship angles, £7 17s. 6d.; steel joists, £7 7s 6d.; cast iron railway chairs, £4 15s.; light iron rails, £7 to £7 5s.; heavy steel rails, £6 12s 6d. to £6 15s.; steel railway, £7 10s ; and iron and steel galvanised corrugated sheets, £11 15s.—sheets less 4 per cent, f.o.b. railway material net, and all other descriptions less 2| per cent.