March 20, 1914. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN, 629 new to report with regard to slacks. The best slacks are very much called for, but the commoner qualities are rather in excess of the demand. Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). House coal:— Best ................. Do. (f .o.b. Garston,net) Medium................ Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) Kitchen............... Common (f.o.b. Grstn., net) Screened forge coal..... Best sornd. steam coalf.o.b. Best slack ............. Secondary slack ........ Common do............... Current; prices. 17/ 16/9-17/3 15/3 15/ -15/6 13/ 13/9-14/3 12/3-12/6 13/ -13/6 9/9-10/ 9/ - 9/3 8/6- 8/9 L'st week’fr prices. 17/ 16/9-17/3 15/3 15/ -15/6 13/ 13/9-14/6 12/3-12/6 13/ -13/6 9/9-10/ 9/ -9/3 S/6-8/9 Last year’s prices. 16/3 16/6-16/9 14/6 15/ -15/3 12/3 13/6-14/3 12/6-13/ 13/9-14/9 10/6 9/9 9/3 Smth Lancashire and Cheshire. OTAL, The Manchester Coal Exchange was well attended on Tuesday. There is no improvement in the demand for house coal, which can only be said to be moderate. Furnace coal is fairly steady, and shipping coal is also on the moderate side, with prices somewhat uncertain. Slack is meeting with good enquiry, but ample supplies are offered, and prices for open sale are somewhat lower. Prices generally are as below:— Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). House coal:— Best ............... Medium.............. Common ............. Furnace coal ......... Bunker (f.o.b. Partington) Best slack............ Common slack ......... Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. 17/3-18/ 17/3-18/ 16/6-17/ 16/ -16/9 16/ -16/9 15/3-16/ 13/3-14/ 13/3-14/ 12/6-13/ 12/6 12/6 12/6 14/ 14/ 14/ 10/ -10/6 10/ -10/6 10/ -10/6 9/ - 9/6 9/ - 9/6 9/ - 9/6 IRON. The attendance on 'Change in Manchester was fairly good, but there is no improvement to report. Pig iron remains as last reported. Forges are still asking £7 5s. for Crown bars, second quality ,-€6 15s., hoops £7 17s. 6d., sheets .£8 12s. 6d., and are all clamouring for orders. Steelworks are slack, and are quoting «£6 10s. for bars and ^5 for billets, but there is not much new business coming forward. The foreigner is still dumping these commodities in at con- siderably less than these prices. Wagon builders and founders are slack. Heavy engineers fairly busy. Lecdn, COM. There was a good attendance at the Yorkshire Coal Exchange on Tuesday, and business in most departments showed an improvement compared with the past few weeks. How much of this, however, may be in view of a possible strike in South Yorkshire cannot be stated, but the fact remains that there has been a pretty brisk all-round demand during the past five or six days. The enquiries on the market were chiefly for prompt parcels of gas and house coals, and one or two fairly heavy sales were reported. It was stated that the pits had worked fully five days, and that not only had siding stocks of best house coal been cleared, but the collieries were behindhand with deliveries. Empty wagons had been fairly plentiful and traffic has been moved expeditiously. House Coal.—London merchants and factors have taken full contract quantities and have also sent a fair number of orders for the best qualities of Haigh Moor and Silkstone house coal. Reports from London indicate a quiet state of things at the depots, but it is also said that supplies in the hands of factors at the wait-order junctions are very light. Pit prices for London are fairly well maintained. In the coastwise trade a biggish tonnage of secondary sorts is being dealt with at Goole, but trade with the River is reported to be very quiet. The selling of fairly good house coal from the Barnsley bed at 143. to 14s. 6d. f.o.b. Hull still continues, and has the effect of influencing prices for the local product. In Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and other industrial centres merchants report a fairly satis- factory retail trade, the chief business, however, being done House coal:— Current L’st week’s Last year’s Prices at pit (London) : prices. prices. prices. Haigh Moor selected ... 14/ -15/ 14/ -15/ 13/9-14/3 Wallsend & London best 14/ -14/6 14/ -14/6 12/9-13/6 12/9-13/6 11/6-12/6 Silkstone best 13/6-14/6 13/6-14/6 Do. house .. 13/ -13/6 13/ -13/6 House nuts 11/6-12/6 11/6-12/6 11/ -11/6 Prices f.o.b. Hull: Haigh Moor best 16/9-17/9 16/9-17/9 16/6-17/6 Silkstone best 16/ -17/ 16/ -17/ 16/ -16/6 Do. house ......... 15/ -15/6 15/ -15/6 15/ -15/6 Other qualities 14/ -14/6 14/ -14/6 13/6-14/3 Gas coal :— Prices at pit: Screened gas coal 11/6—12/ 11/3-11/9 12/3-13/ Gas nuts 10/6-11/3 10/6-11/ 11/6-12/ Unscreened gas coal ... 9/3-10/ 9/3-10/ 11/ -11/6 Other sorts:— Prices at pit: Washed nuts 10/9-11/9 10/6-11/9 11/6-12/3 Large double-screened engine nuts 10/ -10/6 10/ -10/6 11/ -11/6 10/9-11/3 Small nuts 9/ - 9/6 9/ - 9/6 Rough unscreened engine coal 9/3- 9/9 9/3- 9/9 10/9-11/3 Best rough slacks 7/3- 7/9 7/3- 7/9 9/ - 9/6 Small do. 6/6- 6/9 6/6- 6/9 8/3- 8/9 Coking smalls 5/6- 6/ 5/6- 6/ 8/ - 8/6 Coke:— Price at ovens: Furnace coke 10/ -11/ 10/ -11/ 18/ -19/ in the cheaper qualities, especially house nuts and seconds. Merchants ;are buying sparingly, however, in view of the fact that contracts will be automatically reduced by Is. per ton on April 1. Pit prices for the present are quoted as under:—Haigh Moor selected, 18s. to 19s.; Wallsend and London best, 17s. to 18s.; Silkstone best, 17s. to 18s.; Silkstone house, 15s. 6d. to 16s. 6d.; secondary sorts, 14s. to 15s. 6d. Gas Coal.—There are no important enquiries as yet for tenders for the new season, but at the same time a fair amount of spot buying is taking place, probably in view of the unsatisfactory outlook. The gas coal pits are able to work full time without carrying any stocks, surplus tonnage finding a fairly ready outlet for shipment at the Humber ports. Pit prices, if anything, are a shade firmer on the week. Manufacturing Fuel.—A. fair tonnage is going into con- sumption, as business generally is reported to be improving in the Bradford and heavy woollen districts. Prices are certainly no weaker, and stocks throughout the district are light, with the exception of the smaller qualities of slack. Washed fuel in particular maintains a firm position. Washed Furnace Coke.—There is no improvement in the outlook in this department. The make is considerably above market requirements, and buyers are declining to contract forward even at the very low prices now prevailing. Further sales at from 10s. to 10s. 6d. per ton at the ovens are reported, which shows a reduction as compared with a year ago of 8s. to 9s. per ton. Hull. COAL. Owing to the unsettled state of affairs in South Yorkshire there is very little business to record in the Humber coal market. Holders have not been eager to sell, and exporters requiring spot lots to complete cargoes have paid up to 15s. for best South Yorkshire hards, while secondary sorts and manufacturing fuel generally are also much in demand, and much dearer. Derbyshire and Nottingham steam hards are also firm, and have advanced somewhat for Hull delivery. The trouble has arisen at a very awkward time, and if it develops seriously it will have a prejudicial effect upon the Baltic season, which is due to open almost any time now. Shipments at the docks are only about normal. In the freight market Baltic business is all but suspended. Rates nominally are higher on the week, Baltic ports being quoted on the basis of Riga or Reval 5s., Libau 4s. 6d. to 4s. 7|d., Swedish Sound 4s. 3d., and Danish deep water ports 4s. Rouen has been done at 4s. 6d. for small steamers. In the Medi- terranean direction rates on offer are Genoa-Savona 7s. 3d. to 7s. 6d., Alexandra 7s. and Bona 7s. 3d., while Black Sea ports are on the basis of Odessa 8s. 6d. The approximate prices for prompt shipment f.o.b. Hull, Grimsby, Immingham, &c., given below are largely nominal:— South Yorkshire:— Best steam hards Washed double-scr’ned nuts Unwashed double- screened nuts Washed single-screened nuts Unwashed single-scr'ned nuts Washed smalls Unwashed smalls West Yorkshire:— Hartleys Rough slack Pea slack Best Silkstone screened gas coal Best Silkstone unscr'ned . gas coal Derbyshire and Notts:— Best steam hards (Hull) Do. (Grimsby) Derbyshire nuts (d'bles) Derbyshire nuts (d'bles) (Grimsby) Derbyshire large nuts... Do. do. (Grimsby) Nottinghamshire hards Do. do. (Grimsby) Leicestershire hards (Hull and Grimsby)... Current prices. 15/ 13/9-14/ 13/6 13/3-13/6 12/6 9/6 9/ 13/ -13/3 9/3- 9/6 8/3- 8/6 14/ 12/6 14/ -14/3 13/6-13/9 12/6 12/3 14/3 14/ 14/ -14/3 13/6-13/9 14/ L’st week’s prices. 13/9 13/9 13/ 13/3 12/6 9/S-9/6 8/9 13/ -13/3 9/3- 9/6 8/3- 8/9 14/ 12/3 14/ 13/6-13/9 12/6 12/3 14/6 14/ 14/ 13/6-13/9 Last year’s prices. 15/3-15/6 14/9-15/ 14/ -14/3 14/6-14/9 13/6-13/9 12/ 10/ 13/6 10/9-11/ 10/ 14/9 13/ 15/3-15/6 15/ -15/3 13/6 13/ 14/6 14/ 15/3 15/ Barnsley’s CML The possibility of a strike had a decided effect on the attendance and the range of business at the usual weekly coal market. The outcome of the renewed meeting at the Coal Conciliation Board held on Friday was keenly prospected, but in view of the possibilities of the decision both buyers and sellers were holding off, committing them- selves, except in regard to small quantities of various kinds of fuel. Should a strike occur opinions are very divided as to the extent of duration, and some colliery owners are of opinion that if work is stopped, the stoppage will prove to be of a far longer character than had been anticipated. The balance of feeling, however, was in favour of a settle- ment being arrived at, although all of the notices have now been handed in by the men. There has been a slight rush to place orders for steams on export account, but an advance in prices has quickly checked this, and there has not been a great deal of extra business put through with prices considerably advanced. Best sorts show an increase of 6d. per ton, and secondary descriptions have also made more money, but there is a big tonnage of coal on offer, the out- put having been materially improved during the last week. With regard to manufacturing fuel, the demand for washed sorts continues to be of a strong character, and best nuts have remained firm at something like the prices quoted about a week ago, whilst secondary descriptions have also shown features of improvement. The consumption of slack in sqme of the textile districts has increased in a considerable degree, and tho demand for best quality fuel has shown considerable improvement, the finer slacks making more money, perhaps 3d. per ton, and rougher kinds have been more taken for cokemaking account, and prices are a little stronger, apart from the effect which a possible strike has given|to the market. With respect to gas coal, the output has been pretty well cleared on contract account, but there is not much enquiry for current supplies, but little is done so far in regard to next year's contracts. The position in regard to coke continues to be of a weak description. The output is being increased by the addition of patent plants, and the demand continues to be very sluggish, though there is a little more buying on forward account, no doubt to cover the probability of disturbed conditions. Prices at pit. Carrent L'st week'* Last year's House coals:— prices. prices. prices. Best Silkstone 15/6-16/ 15/6-16/ 14/6-15/ Best Barnsley softs 15/ -15/3 15/ -15/3 14/ -14/3 Secondary do. 12/6-14/ 12/6-14/ 11/6-13/ Best house nuts 13/ -14/ 13/ -14/ 11/6-12/6 Secondary do Steam coals:— 11/ -12/ 11/ -12/ 10/6-11/6 Best hard coals 11/6 11/3-11/6 12/ -12/6 Secondary do n/ 10/9 11/ -11/6 Best washed nuts 11/3 11/ 12/6 Secondary do 10/6 10/3 n/6 Best slack 7/3- 7/6 7/3 9/ - 9/6 Rough do Gas coals:— 6/ 5/9- 6/ 8/ - 8/6 Screened gas coals 12/ -12/3 12 /-12/3 12/6-13/6 Unscreened do 10/ -10/6 10/ -10/6 — Gas nuts c 11/6-12/ 11/6-12/ 12/ -12/6 Furnace coko 10/6-11/ 10/6-11/ 18/6-19/ Chestaflold. OM. The condition of the coal trade of this district is unchanged on the week. There is a good steady demand for house coal, and all pits are working full time. The fear of a strike in South Yorkshire, where the men have tendered notices, is producing little or no effect upon the demand for any class of coal. The prevailing opinion is that the difficulty will be overcome without any stoppage of work. Manufacturing fuel is in good request, cobbles and nuts being in specially active demand for steelworks, where the prospects are encouraging. The demand for slack for boiler firing is satisfactory so far as the best sorts are concerned, but the secondary qualities move slowly and stocks are accumulating at the collieries, with the result that prices show a weakening tendency. Gas coal continues in good demand, and heavy deliveries are going forward daily. Prices are firm. Steam coal for locomotive purposes moves freely, and the demand is likely to keep up to the present level during the next few months. There is not much change perceptible in the stat® of the export trade. Shipments are scarcely up to the normal at this time of the year. Labour troubles are accountable for the nervousness that has come over foreign buyers who are afraid to enter into contracts for coal for delivery very far forward. The position will become clearer next month when the Baltic season begins. In the meantime, sales that are being made are only of a hand-to-mouth character. Prices are about 3d. per ton higher than they were a week ago for the best brands of Derbyshire Top Hards. There is a satisfactory volume of business passing in cobbles for near Continental ports. Washed nuts are also in good demand. On the other hand, washed slack is in poor request at the moment, and prices are weaker. The coke market is depressed and there are no indications of any improvement. Many ovens have been put out of operation, but tho supply is, even now, more than necessary to satisfy market requirements. The depression is as great as ever. Pig iron is going into stock at some of the works, and the bar mills of the district are working little more than half time. Prices at pit. Current L’st week’ Last year’s Best house coals prices. 15/6 prices. 15/6 prices. 14/6 Secondary do. 13/6 13/6 12/6 Cobbles 12/6 12/6 12/ Nuts 11/6 11/6 11/ Slack 7/9 7/9 9/ GOAL. During the past week the coal trade of Nottinghamshire has not even been quite as active in some departments as in the preceding week, but on the whole the position cannot be regarded as unsatisfactory. There is a gradual falling-off in the domestic fuel section, both in local orders and orders from the southern and eastern counties. For this the weather is accountable in some measure and the advancing season, too, is naturally making a difference, as merchants are purchasing cautiously in the hope that prices may decline. At present, however, there is little indication of any general reduction, for values on best qualities are being maintained. In the steam coal branch, a moderate trade is passing. No marked activity is evident in the demand for industrial fuel in the home market, while the export trade has not commenced to expand to any material extent, though an early improvement is anticipated. Best qualities are having a fair sale, but secondary sorts are more than sufficient to meet present requirements. There is no improvement in the slack market, for while best sorts are selling well, other qualities are rather quiet. Gas coal is making a satisfactory showing, but coke is going out of hand slowly. Prices at pithead. Hand-picked brights ...... Good house coals.......... Secondary do............... Best hard coals .......... Secondary do.............. Slacks (best hards)....... Do. (seconds) ......... DO. (SOft) .•« .eooeoaeoocoeo. Current prices. 14/ -15/ 13/ -13/6 11/6-12/ 10/6-11/ 9/6-10/ 7/ - 7/3 6/ - 6/6 6/3- 6/9 L'st week's Last year’s prices. 14/ -15/ 13/ -13/6 11/6-12/ 10/6-11/ 9/9-10/3 7/ - 7/3 6/ - 6/6 6/3- 6/9 prices. 11/6-13/ 11/ -12/6 10/6-11/6 11/6-12/ 10/6-11/ 8'3- 8/9 7/6- 8/ 7/6- 8/3