628 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. March 20, 1914. THE COAL AHD IROH TRADES. Thursday, March 19. ScotiamL—W®st@rn District. COAL. The general position of the trade in the West of Scotland district is much the same as in the preceding week. There has been a further fall in prices but collieries do not appear to have benefited to any extent. Best ell coals have sold at 12s. per ton f.o.b. Glasgow, with secondary qualities one shilling less, but buyers do not seem inclined to purchase at even these prices. Splint coal is plentiful, and although one or two vessels have been fixed for prompt loading, shippers are holding off until the very last moment. Navigation coals are comparatively well booked, but second- class steams are decidedly weak. In smalls, the position is unchanged. Treble nuts continue quiet, but doubles are in better demand, while singles remain firm. The ship- ments during the week amounted to 100,653 tons, compared with 110,636 in the preceding week and 110,896 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current L’st week't j Last year's prices. prices. prices. Steam coal 12/ -13/6 12/6-13/9 13/6-14/ Ell 12/ -12/3 12/9 13/9-14/6 . Splint 12/6-14/3 12/K-14/9 15/ -15/6 Treble nuts 11/9-12/ 11/9-12/ 14/ -14/6 Double do 11/ -11/3 11/ -11/3 13/9-14/3 Single do. 11/ -11/3 11/ -11/3 13/6-14/ IRON. The Glasgow pig iron warrant market was very inactive during the week, the total turnover not exceeding 5,000 tons. Advices from America have not been very favourable and the reports from the Continent do not show any improvement. Prices are practically the same as in the previous week, Cleveland iron closing at 50s. 4d. cash buyers. The number of furnaces in blast in Scotland is 73, the same number as last week but 18 fewer than in the same period of 1913. Monkland is quoted f.a.s. at Glasgow, No. 1, 62s., No. 3, 60s. 6d.; Govan, No. 1, 61s., No. 3, 60s.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 66s. 6d., No. 3, 62s. 6d; Clyde, No. 1, 68s., No. 3, 63s.; Gartsherrie, Summerlee, Calder and Langloau, Nos. 1, 68s. 6d., Nos. 3, 63s. 6d.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 71s., No. 3, 66s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 62s., No. 3, 61s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 63s., No. 3, 61s.; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 68s. 6d., No. 3, 63s. 6d.; Carron, at Grangemouth, No. 1, 69s., No. 3, 64s. per ton. Consumers of the ordinary qualities of pig iron continue to buy on a hand-to-mouth principle, and enquiries for forward delivery are very few in number. Scotch heematite is still being quoted 65s. per ton for West of Scotland delivery, but only small quantities are being booked at that figure. The import of pig iron into Grangemouth from Middlesbrough and district during the past week amounted to 11,970 tons. In the manufacturing branches of the trade black and galvanised sheet makers are fully employed and have, work on hand sufficient to ensure employment for some time. The malleable iron trade, on the other hand, is in a depressing condition, and the keen quotations of foreign competitors hold out little prospect of an early improvement. Scotland,—Eastern District. GOAL. Business in the Lothians coal trade cannot be called satisfactory. Collieries are badly off for orders for all classes of round coal and the quantity of tonnage available is also disappointing. Treble and double nuts are still quiet, but singles continue active. The clearances for the week reached the total of 88,103 tons, compared with 77,976 tons in the preceding week, and 104,543 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Current L’st week's Last year's prices. prices. prices. Best screened steam, coal 11/3 11/3 13/3-13/6 Secondary qualities 10/6 10/6 12/3-12/9 Treble nuts 11/9 11/9 13/6-14/ Double do 10/9 10/9 12/9-13/6 Single do 10/3 10/3 12/3-12/ The trade in the Fifeshire district is also in a less satis- factory position than in the previous week. The only out- standing feature is navigation coal, which is fully booked to the end of the month. First and third-class steams are easy and can be secured a trifle below the official quotations through middle hands, who are “shunting” contract coals. Treble and double nuts are comparatively inactive, but singles are being well taken up. The arriv Is at the ports have not come up to expectations and the total shipments for the week amounted to 95 829 tens, compared with 91,576 in the preceding week and 118,708 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current prices. L'stweek'b Last year's prices. prices. Best screened naviga- tion coal 16/6-16/9 16/6-16/9 16/3-17/ Unscreened do 14/9 14/9 14/ -14/6 First-class steam coal... 12/6 12/6 13/ -13/6 Third-class do. 10/6 10/6 12/ Treble nuts 11/9-12/ 11/9-12/ 13/3-13/9 Double do 10/6-10/9 10/6-11/9 13/ -13/3 Single do 10/ -10/3 10/ -10/3 12/6-13/ The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports amounted during the week to 284,585 tons, compared with 280,188 in the preceding week and 334,147 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 0DAL. During last week 174,795 tons of coal and 1,857 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, an increase of 35,419 tons coal, and a decrease of 751 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 63,358 tons of coal and 1,028 tons of coke, an increase of 4,436 tons of coal, and 220 tons of coke. The Blyth shipments totalled 105,592 tons of coal and coke, an increase of 18,621 tons. It now appears to be clear that the contract to supply the Egyptian State railways with 260,000 tons of steam coals has gone, as to 200,000 tons, to Wales and, as to 60,000 tons, to Yorkshire. Germany appears to have secured the entire contract to supply the Amsterdam gasworks with 50,000 tons of gas coal over the 'ensuing 12 months. Last year a portion of the order came here. It is reported that considerable direct sales of Blyth steams have been made for shipment over the Baltic season at 13s. 3d. per ton, f.o.b., and for delivery up to the end of the year at 13s. There have also been considerable bookings for October-November delivery. This class of coal has also been sold for April-May-June shipment at 13s. 3d., whilst, for May-September delivery, 13s. 3d. for large, and 7s. 3d. for smalls have been paid. Ten thousand tons of Durham ordinary unscreened bunkers have been sold by second- hand holders, for delivery over the remainder of the year at 10s. 9d. f.o.b. A well-known German shipping firm is stated to have contracted for 80,000 tons of best Durham bunkers for delivery at Hamburg over the remainder of the year at 16s. per ton c.i.f., which, after all, represents some compensation for the business lost to Germany. Very large shipments of Durham bunkers are being made to Las Palmas just now, and considerable enquiries for additional supplies are reported from the coaling stations. A very considerable quantity—stated to be in the neigh- bourhood of 200,000 tons—of good gas seconds is reported to have been sold for shipment over the rest of the year at Ils. 9d. f.o.b. Tne contract to supply the Norrkoping gasworks with 4,500 tons of Wear gas coal has been closed at a c.i.f. price estimated to leave about 13l 3d. per ton f.o.b. The Chilian railways invite offers of 280,000 tons of steam coal for delivery over 12 months. As a rule, however, this business goes to Australia, and is likely to do so until, at all events, the Panama Carnal is open for traffic. Tenders are invited by a coastal steamship company at Stockholm for the suply of 10,000 tons of steams, namely, 5,000 tons of prime single-screened smokeless coal, such as Scottish Gemmel's, Aitken Navigation or similar, and 5 000 tons of prime single-screen coal, such as best Blyths. The coal is to be offered c.i.f. Stockholm, and to be delivered by steamers carrying up to 2,000 tons. Tenders to supply the Rotterdam gasworks with 200,000 tons of gas coal over the year had been forwarded. It is feared that a large portion of this order will go to Germany. The prompt coal market is rather firmer this week, although both buyers and sellers are now holding off pending developments in the Yorkshire coalfield, where a strike is threatened. F.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment have varied as follow :—Bast steams, Blyths, are stronger on the week; seconds, Blyths, 3d. to 6d. reduced; smalls, Blyths, 3d. dearer ; Tynes, 3d. to 6d. up; specials, 6d. more; smithies, from 6d. to 9d. increased ; gas bests, easier; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, 3d. higher; coking coal, 3d. advanced; smalls, 3d. to 6d. improved ; and foundry coke, 6d. weaker. Other descriptions of fuel are unaltered. Sales of patent coke for shipment over the Baltic season are reported at 19s. per ton f.o.b. There is an improved enquiry for foundry coke for export, and two large cargoes are to be despatched to the West Coast of South America in a few days. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Steam coals:— Best,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 .........I Coke, foundry .......... Do. blast-furnace ...... Do. gas ................ Current prices. 13/6 13/ -13/6 11/ 11/3-11/6 10/ -10/6 7/6- 7/9 6/6— 6/9 7/6- 8/ 12/6-12/9 13/3-13/6 11/9-12/3 13/6 12/ -13/ 10/ -10/6 12/ -12/6 12/ 15/ -16/ 19/ -20/6 18/ 13/ -13/6 L’st week’, prices. 13/3-13/6 13/ -13/6 11/3-11/6 11/ -11/3 10/ -10/6 7/3- 7/6 6/3 7/6 Last year’s prices. 15/6 15/ 14/ 14/ -14/6 13/ -13/6 10/9-11/ 10/6 I 11/6-12/ 12/ 15/6 13/6 15/3-15/6 11/9-12/3 14/9 13/6 15/6 12/ -12/9 15/ -15/6 10/ -10/6 11/9-12/3 11/6-11/9 15/ -16/ 19/ -21/ 18/ 13/ -13/6 13/6 15/6 14/6 15/6-16/ 27/ 23/ 17/ Sunderland. GOAL, The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 89,840 tons of coal and 390 tons of coke, as compared with 95,110 tons of coal, and 510 tons of coke for the corresponding period of 1913, being a decrease of 5 270 tons of coal and 120 tons of coke. The coal market is firmer, no doubt owing to the threatened strike in Yorkshire. Turns are well filled, with a fairly active trade passing. For forward delivery there is still an absence of any marked improvement, except in the case of bunkers, which are being freely dealt in over the year at round about Ils. 9d. per ton for ordinary unscreened. For other coals prices are still considered to be too high, and the majority of con- tractors are still postponing their annual purchases. Gas qualities are offered freely, and tend easier, but coking coals are in fair demand. Coke is firmer, and with the recent spell of cold weather the household trade has been well sustained. It is reported that the Naples Gasworks have contracted for 40,000 tons of New Pelton Holmside, ship- ment over 12 months, at a price stated to be equal to 12s, 4d. free on board. A contract has been arranged for 120,000 tons of best secondary Durham gas qualities, delivery over 12 months from April, at Ils, 9d. f.o.b. The sale also of 10,000 tons of ordinary Durham unscreened bunkers is reported at Ils. 9d. f.o.b., shipment April to December, and it is also stared that 80,000 tons of best Durham unscreened have been sold at 16s. c.i f. Hamburg. Current quotations are approximately as follow:— Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current L’st week’s Last year's Gas coals:— prices. prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals 13/6 *13/6 15/6-15/9 Secondary do. 12/ 12/3 14/9 House coals:— Best house coals 17/ 16/6 17/ Ordinary do 16/ 15/6 16/ Other sorts:— Lambton screened 14/3 14/3 15/9 South Hetton do 14/ 14/ 15/9 Lambton unscreened ... 12/3 12/6 15/ South Hetton do. 12/3 12/6 15 Do. treble nuts 15/ 15/ 17/6 Coking coals unscreened 12/6 12/3 15/3 D i. smalls 12/ 12/ 15/ Smithies 15/ 15/ 14/9 Peas and nuts 15/3 15/6 18/ Best bunkers 13/ -13/6 13/ 15/6-15/9 Ordinary bunkers Coke:— 12/3-12/6 12/6 15/ Foundry coke 20/ -21/ 20/6 27/6 Blast-furnace coke (did. Teesside furnaces) ... 19/ 19/6 25/ Ga s coke 13/6 14/ 17/ The outward freight market is steady. Coasting fixtures include London 3s., Antwerp 3s. 7id., Rotterdam 3s. li-cl, Rouen 5s., and Hamburg 3s. 1|1. The Bay has been firmer, with B >rdeaux at 5s. 3d., St. Nazaire 5s. 3d., La Rochelle 5a., Bayonne 6s., and Oporto 7s. 3d. There is more doing for the Mediterranean, and better rates are being paid— viz, Genoa 7s. 9d., Venice 8s. 3d., Piraeus 7s. 31., Algiers 6s. 3d., Port Said 8s., Alexandria 8s., Cette 7a. 6d., Barcelona 7s. 9d., and Las Palmas 7s. There are more orders circulating for the Baltic, charters concluded being Memel 4s. 3d., Lubeck 4s. 3d., Windau 4s. 6d., Kiel 4s. 6d., Elsinore 4s. 3d., Norrkoping 4*. 9d., Neustadt 4s. 9d., and Fair water 4s. 6d. MiddlesBn’ough-oa-Teea. OAL. The threatened trouble in Yorkshire has stiffened the local fuel market, but it does not appear to have resulted to any extent in increased demand for Durham coal. Business is on only a moderate scale. Forward, there continues an absence of any marked movement, except in the case of bunkers, sales of which have been made over the year. Gas coal is steady, but buyers consider prices too high, and the London gasworks and other purchasers are postponing their yearly purchases. Best Durham gas coal is 13s. 4-ad. to 13s. 6d; and seconds Ils. 9d. to 12s. 6d. Ordinary bunkers are Ils. lOg-cl. to 12s. f.o.b.; bests 12s. 3d. to 12s. 9d.; and specials 13s. 6d., but the contracts reported over the year are understood to have been made at a little below these prices. The house coal market has been sustained by the recent cold weather, and prices are high for this season of the year. Ordinary households are 17s., and bests 18s. Coking coil is in fairly good request, and unscreened kinds range from 12s. to 12s. 9d., whilst smalls run from Ils. 9d. to 12s. 3d. Coke is steady and firm. There is a fairly good demand for local consumption, and average blastfurnace qualities are fully 17s. delivered at Teesside works. Foundry coke for shipment is quoted 20s. to 21s. f.o.b., and gashouse coke runs from 13s. to 14s. Quietness continues to characterise the pig iron trade. Buyers and sellers alike are cautious in their dealings, and the business passing is mostly in only moderate lots for early delivery, but as a good deal of iron has yet to be bought on both home and foreign account to meet spring and summer requirements, a renewal of activity may be experienced in the near future. * So far as Cleveland pig is concerned, the statistical situation is excellent, and continues to slowly but steadily improve. The quantity of Cleveland pig in the public warrant stores here now stands at 127,246 tons, or 4,828 tons less than at the beginning of the month. Shipments of pig from the Tees are up to expectations, and the March clearances promise to be up to the average for the third month of the year. No. 3 g.m.b. C.eveland pig is 51s. f.o.b. No. 1 Cleveland pig is reported scarce, and the price has stiffened to 53s. 9cl, whereas for some time past this quality has stood at half-a-crown above No. 3. For No. 4 foundry the market quotation is 50s. 6d., No. 4 forge is 50s. 3d., and mottled and white iron each 50s. All the foregoing quotations are for either early or forward delivery. There is very little doing in East Coast haematite pig. Quotations show a tendency to ease, but are not quotably reduced. Noe. 1, 2, and 3. are on sale for either early or forward delivery at 62s., and possibly that price could be shaded. Foreign ore is lifeless, and in the absence of trans- actions quotations remain on the basis of 18s. ex-ship Tees for best rubio. That is the seller's price, consumers considering a basis of 17s. 6d. quite high enough. Producers of nearly all descriptions of manufactured iron and steel - have good order books, and they report specifications coming ' in freely. There are good enquiries in the market for constructional steel for tho colonies. Rail makers report a few orders coming in. Messrs. Dorman, Long and Co. have secured a contract for 10,000 tons of rails for Australia. South-West Lancashire. COAL There is a satisfactory household trade in progress for the inland market, without there being an extraordinary acute- ness in the demand. In shipping, steam coal on contract account is fairly steady. Outside business, however, is on the quiet side, the recent heavy weather, delaying arrivals, tending to limit requirements at the moment. Prices are somewhat the same as reported last week—viz, 13s. to 13s. 3d. f.o.b. for ordinary grades to 13s. 6d. for the best descriptions. The coastwise and cross-Channel trade for household coals keeps on satisfactory lines and probably will take care of itself until well after Easter. There is nothing