April 24, 1914. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 907 than half the average. Both the coal and patent fuel trades were extremely inactive; the shipments together only amounted to 54,440 tons. There was an average attendance on ’Change, and the anthracite coal market opened quietly; business was slow on the whole. Swansea Valley and Red Vein large were easily obtainable at low figures for prompt delivery. Machine-made nuts and cobbles displayed little movement of note. Bubbly culm was a little easier, but prices underwent no material change. Duff maintained its steady position. Conditions were again easy in the steam coal market, the demand for most classes being very poor. Prices-of coal f.o.b. Swansea (cash in 30 days). Current L’st week’s Last year’s Anthracite:— prices. prices. prices. Best malting large (hand picked) (net) 21/6-23/ 21/6-23/ 22/ -24/ Secondary do. 18/ —19/ 18/ -19/ 19/ -20/ Big Vein large (less 2| per cent.) 14/6-15/6 14/6-15/6 16/ -18/ Bed Vein large do. ... 14/ -15/ 14/ -15/ 13/9-14/6 Machine - made cobbles (net) 22/ -24/6 22/ -24/6 22/ -23/6 Paris nuts (net) 23/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 French do. do 23/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 German do. do 23/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 Beans (net) 16/ -17/6 16/ -17/6 18/6-20/6 Machine - made large peas (net) 11/ -12/ 11/ -12/ 11.3-13/ Do. fine peas (net) — — Bubbly culm (less 2|p.c.) 6/ - 6/6 6/ - 6/6 9/9-10/3 Duff (net) 4/6- 4/9 4/6- 4/9 6/3- 7/ Steam coals:— Best large (less 2| p.c.) 18/6-19/ 18/6-19/ 19/6-21/ Seconds do. 14/9-15/9 14/9-15/9 16/3-17/ Bunkers do. 10/9-12/ 10/9-12/ 15/6-16/ Small do. 7/ - 8/3 7/ - 8/3 13/6-15/6 Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Rhondda— Large (less 2jp.c.) ... 18/ -18/6 18/ -19/ 19/ -20/ Through-and-through (less 24 p.c.) 14/ -15/6 14/ -15/6 16/6-17/6 Small (less2| p.c.) ... 10/3-11/3 10/3-11/3 14/9-16/ Patent fuel do 16/9-17/3 16/9-17/3 21/ -22/6 IRON. Last week trade conditions were affected by the Easter holidays. At some of the tin-plate works holidays were extended to allow for repairs and alterations. There were substantial increases in the production of steel ingots at the various steelworks, and the bar-rolling mills were actively engaged towards the latter part of the week. The pig iron plant at Landore was in full operation from Tuesday morning. The shipments of tin-plates last week were 148,562 boxes, receipts from works 88,961 boxes, and stocks remaining in the dock warehouses and vans 296,594 boxes. Llanelly. COAL. The coal market of the district is none too firm, and the holidays of the previous week, beyond reducing stocks, has had little effect on the market generally. Orders from both inland and the Continent are still quiet, but it is expected that enquiries from the latter ports will be received ere long. The sudden. change in the weather has also proved detrimental to some qualities, especially for Red Vein and stove qualities, both of which can be purchased at lower figures to have stocks reduced. House qualities are quickly affected by weather conditions, and merchants find orders slow in coming in from householders. All the machine made kinds are dull, and prices are easy. Culm and duff show no falling off in demand. Bituminous fuels are going all right, but steams are dull. Prices this week are :— COKTIMEKTAL MIKING NOTES. Austria. Official Wholesale Coal Prices, Vienna Exchange.—Pilsen large coal, 33’90 kronen per ton, in truck loads, ex Franz- Josefs Bahnhof. Ostrau - Dombrau - Karwin coals: Large 30-31 kr., cubes 29’60-30’60 kr., nuts 29-30 kr./small 23-23*20 kr., washed smithy coals 30-30’50 kr., coke 38-40 kr. per ton net cash, ex shutes Nordbahnhof. Rossitz- Zbeschau-Oslawan coals : Best washed smithy coals, coarse or fine 30’50-31’50 kr., coke 30-32 kr. per ton, ex shutes Nordbahnhof or Staatsbahnhof. Upper Silesian coals: Best large or cubes 32’30-33 10 kr., intermediate large or cubes 31’50-32 30 kr., seconds large or cubes 26’70-27’80 kr., best nuts I. 32’70-33 50 kr., II. 29’60-30’10 kr., best smalls 23*50-24 kr., seconds 22’50-23 kr. per ton net cash, ex shutes Nordbahnhof. In truck loads : Best large or cubes 30'70 31’50 kr., nuts 31’10-31’90 kr. per ton, ex Nordbahnhof. Gas coke from the Vienna Gasworks, 33’60- 35’46 kr. per ton, ex works. Lignites : Dux large 2210- 23’60 kr., Brux or Dux cubes 2210-23’60 kr., nuts 21’60- 2310 kr., Mariaschein cubes 24’10-25 60 kr., nuts 23*60- 2510 kr. per ton, ex shutes Franz-Josefs or Nordwest Bahnhof. ________________________ France. The Patente ” Tax.—The annual report of the British Chamber of Commerce in Paris contains a reference to the patente tax on coal contracts. With respect to the request made recently at the instance of the Chamber and of their colleagues of Swansea th&t patente should not be levied on coal contracts passed with the French Government Departments and State railways during 1912, the French, Government have stated that such exemption cannot be decided upon, as the matter is before the Courts, and may require the decision of the Council of State. So far as the Chamber have been able to learn, however, the question of the imposition of patente upon the British collieries interested has not yet been brought before the Council of State. Several companies have brought their claim before the Conseil de Prefecture de la Seine, which has given a decision, in one case, against the claimant and in favour of the fiscal authorities. The other claimants still await the decision of the Conseil de Prefecture. As the Conseil de Prefecture has already decided unfavourably to the claimant in one case, the chances are that it will decide in the same manner for other similar cases. If so, the only appeal will be to the Conseil d’Etat, but such pro- cedure would be long and costly. The Chamber still consider that, whatever may be the result of the legal action, the French Government should consent to forego the tax so far as regards British companies who are taxed for contracts executed prior to July 1912. The fiscal authorities admit that no steps were taken to advise contractors of their liability, and a tax was therefore “ sprung” upon such contractors, which had never previously been claimed. This is manifestly unfair, and H.M. Government has been to represent to the French Government the justice of excluding from the operation of this tax coal contracts passed between October 1911 and the end of June 1912. Meanwhile, British contractors for the supply of coal, machinery, &c.; to the French Ministries, the State railways, and other administrative departments, are warned that the fiscal authorities are now claiming this patente (or trading licence) at the rate of over | per cent, on the amount of Lall contracts. If, as appears probable, the fiscal authorities can make good their claim, it will be necessary to make allowance for same in all future tenders. _______________________ EXPLOSIVES IN COALMINES. Further Order. The Explosives in Coal Mines Order of April 7,1914, amends the Order of September 1,1913, by the addition of certain new explosives, whilst so much of the First Schedule to the said Order “ Tutol No. 2 ” is repealed, explosives is as follows :— as relates to the explosive The composition of the new Abelite No. 1. Ingredients. Nitrate of ammonium Di-nitro benzol........ Tri-nitro-toluol ...... Chloride of sodium.... Moisture........................ Parts by weight. Not more Not less than than .......... 70 ... 66 . 7’5 ... 6’5 .......... 7’5 ... 6’5 . 18’5 ... 16’5 . 1 ... — The explosive shall be used only when contained in a case of Manilla paper, fireproofed and thoroughly water- proofed with a mixture of carnauba and paraffin waxes, with a detonator or electric detonator of not less strength than that known as No. 7. The greatest weight of the explosive which may be used in any one shot-hole shall not exceed 14 oz. The explosive must have been made at the works of the Lancashire Explosives Company Limited, at Withnell, in the county of Lancaster. Four ounces of Abelite No. 1 gave a swing of 2’85 in. to the ballistic pendulum compared with a swing of 3’27 in. given by 4 oz. of gelignite containing 60 per cent, of nitro-glycerine. Arkite No. 2. Parts by weight. Ingredients. Not more Not less than than Nitro-glycerine 33 ... 31 Nitro-cotton 1’5 0’5 Nitrate of potassium 28 ... 26 Wood-meal (dried at 100 degs. Cent.) 10 8 - Oxalate of ammonium 31 ... 29 Moisture - 2 — The explosive is to be used only when contained in a non-waterproofed wrapper of parchment paper; detonator, No. 6; limit charge, 40 oz.^; makers, Messrs. Kynoch- Arklow Limited, at Ferry bank, Arklow, Wicklow; swing, 2’41 in. Duxite :— Parts by weight. Ingredients. Not more Not less than than Nitro-glycerine 33 ... 31 Nitro-cotton 1’5 0’75 Nitrate of sodium 29 ... 27 Wood-meal (dried at 100 degs. Cent.) 10 8 - Oxalate of ammonium 31 ... 28 Moisture 2’5 — The explosive is to be used only when contained in a case of paper thoroughly waterproofed with paraffin wax; detonator, No. 6; limit charge, 12 oz ; makers, the West- phalia Anhalt Explosion Company, at Haltern and Reinsdorf, in Germany; swing, 2’45 in. Super Curtisite :— Parts by weight. Ingredients. r~ Not more ■ 'i Not less than than Nitrate of ammonium 40 37 Nitrate of potassium 31 28 Tri-nitro-toluol 11 9 Chloride of ammonium 23 ... 21 Anthracite:— Best malting large .. Secondary do. Big Vein large....... Red Vein do_______........ Machine-made cobbles German nuts.......... French do............ Paris do............. Machine-made beans ... Do peas.......... Rubbly culm.......... Duff ................ Other sorts:— Large steam coal..... Through-and-through... Small................ Bituminous small coal... Current prices. 20/ -22/ 18/ -20/ 16/ -17/ 13/6-14/6 18/ -21/ 20/ -22/ 20/ -22/ 20/ -22/ 16/ -20/ 11/6-12/6 6/ - 6/6 4/ - 6/ 16/ -17/ 11/6-12/ 9/ -9/6 11/ -11/6 L’st week’s prices. 19/ -21/ 17/6-19/ 15/ -17/ 14/ -14/6 20/ -21/6 20/ -21/ 21/ -22/ 21/ -22/ 15/ -20/ 11/6-12/6 6/ - 6/6 4/ - 6/ Last year’s prices. 22/ -23/ 19/ -21/ 17/ -18/ 13/9-14/6 21/ -22/ 23/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 19/ -21/ 11/6-12/6 . 9/ -10/ 6/3- 7/ 17/ -17/6 11/6-12/J 9/ - 9/6 11/ -11/6 18/ -18/6 15/ -16/ 11/6-12/6 14/6-15/ ____________________________________________________ TB BY-HODUm TOMB. Tar Products.—Prices are steady, but business is distinctly quiet, and there seems to be but little movement in most products. Benzols continue to rule firm. Pitch is quiet, and carbolics are unchanged. Nearest values are:— Benzols, 90’s .............................. 1/1 Do. 50’s ....................................... /11| . Do. 90’s North ....................... /10 to /10| ................................... Do. 50’s North .................,______ /10 Toluol .................................. /10| Carbolic acid, crude (60 per cent.)........... l/0| to 1/1 ............... Do. crystals (40 per cent.)............. /3| Solvent naphtha (as in quality and package) ... /9| Crude ditto (in bulk) ..................... /5| Creosote (for ordinary qualities) ........... ............... Pitch (f.o.b. east coast) ____.............. 37/ to 37/3 Do. (f.a.s. west coast) ............................ 36/ to 36/6 Do. (f.o.b. gas companies) ............. — Sulphate of Ammonia.—There is practically no change in the market either for prompt or future delivery. In the absence of anything like serious business prices must be taken for what they are worth. Closing prompt prices are:— London (ordinary makes)............. .£11/10/ to <£11/15 ............. Beckton (certain terms) ........................ — Liverpool............................ .£12/5/0 Hull .................................................... <£12/3/9 Middlesbrough _______________________ .£12/2/6 Scotch ports.............................................. .£12/7/6 to .£12/10 Nitrate of soda (ordinary) per cwt. ... 10/3 Germany. The Krupp firm have purchased the right to work 60 mines of coal owned by the Duke of Croy, near Dulmen. Coal Market in Upper Silesia.—There is no change in the situation, which cannot, however, be termed bad, though an unfavourable tendency has been manifested of late in the reduced traffic returns. On the one hand, this is accountable for by the natural shrinkage in the consumption of house and gas coals; and on the other by the increasing com- petition of English coals in the remoter districts of this market, especially in Berlin and on the Baltic coast. In other respects the export trade is satisfactory, though Austria-Hungary is taking smaller consignments, dealers having become overstocked, whilst the State Railways are buying more extensively in the home market. Of course, the depressed state of the iron industry is having an unfavourable influence on the trade in industrial coals. On the other hand, the coke market is in a satisfactory con- dition, large coke being readily saleable, though the smaller grades for heating purposes are in less demand. Coal Market in South Germany.—The stand-off attitude of many consumers and dealers last month has resulted in some of them running short of fuel, it being impossible to get prompt delivery in all cases, i Shipments to the Upper Rhine, although better since the flood water subsided, are not sufficient to fill up the deplenished stockyards and make provision, in the Main ports, for the time when that river will be closed to traffic. The demand for house coal is falling off on account of the mild weather, and the same applies to gas coke, the output of which, however, is smaller as the days lengthen. Lignite briquettes are still brisk, though in less pressing request than they have been of late. The trade in Saar coals has been satisfactory so far, there having been no need to hold back in the expectation of reduced prices ; and large quantities have been consigned to central France, in consequence of the local strike. Ruhr Coal Market.—It is reported that the chief difficulties in the negotiations for the renewal of the Syndicate have been overcome by the ironworks’ pits having agreed to give up their right of covering the whole of their works’ require- ments in respect of coking coals from their own pits. In future, their surplus consumption will have to be covered by purchasing coals from the Syndicate. This arrange- ment will make matters easier for the other pits, by lessening the quantity of coking coals thrown on the market. The business situation remains unchanged. The cokeries are finding it necessary to restrict the output, stocks being overflowing. The volume of traffic in coal and coke is about the same as before, except for the lessened demand for gas and house coal, as the year advances. The South German demand is quieter, but France, Holland and Belgium continue to take large supplies, though English competition is being felt. Moisture........................................ 2 ... — The explosive is to be used only when contained in a case of paper thoroughly waterproofed with paraffin wax; detonator No. 7, limit charge, 16 oz. Makers, Messrs. Curtis’s and Harvey Limited, at Cliffe, Kent; swing, 2’71 in. Super-Excellite No. 2 :—: . Parts by weight. Ingredients. leS than than Nitroglycerine..............•_____ 6 ... 4 Nitrate of ammonium ............ 51’5 ... 48’5 ............ ............ Nitrate of potassium______........... 21 ... 19 Starch.......................... 5’5 ... 3’5 Chloride of ammonium............. 6 ... 4 Oxalate of ammonium ............. 16 ... 14 Moisture......................... 1’5 ... — The explosive is to be used only when contained in a case of paper thoroughly waterproofed with paraffin wax. detonator No. 7, limit charge, 14 oz. Makers, Messrs, Curtis’s and Harvey Limited, at Cliffe, Kent; swing, 2’72 in, Super-Kolax No. 2.— Parts by weight. Ingredients. Not more Nor less than than .... 29’5 ... 27’5 1’5 ... 0’5 .... 17’5 ... 15’5 6 4 .... 10’5 ... 8’5 at.) 29’5 ... 26’5 ... 9’5 ... 7’5 5 ... 2 only when contained Nitro-gly cerine__............ Nitro-cotton................. Nitrate of potassium......... Nitrate of barium ............ Oxalate of ammonium ......... Wood meal (dried at 100 degs. Cei Starch (dried at 100 degs. Cent.) Moisture..................... The explosive is to be used in a non - waterproofed wrapper of parchment paper • detonator, No. 6; limit charge, 32 oz * ; makers, Messrs, Curtis’s and Harvey Limited,”at Cliffe, Kent; swing, 2’21 in, Tutol No. 2.— Parts by weight. Ingredients. Not more than ... 26 ... 30 10’5 34 0’5 5 Not less than 24 28 8’5 31 Nitro-glycerine................... Nitrate of sodium ................ Chloride of sodium................ Wood-meal (dried at 100 degs. Cent.) Bicarbonate of sodium...........:.. Moisture.......................... The explosive is to be used only when contained in a non-waterproofed wrapper of parchment paper, the outer waterproofed paper having been previously removed; detonator, No. 6; limit charge, 22 oz.^ ; makers, Westphalia Anhalt Explosive Company, at Haltern and Reinsdorf, in Germany ; swing, 2 11 in. 2’5 * This was the greatest weight which could be loaded into the gun when the explosive was submitted for the test.