258 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN July 31, 1911. coal standing in sidings, which causes inconvenience to some collieries. Excursion steamers are now taking their maxim quantities, but beyond this trade generally is quiet. Prices for Lancashire screened steam coal range from 12s. 3d. to 12s. 6d. f.o.b. Garston, up to 13s. for the best qualities, but there are cases where less is being taken to clear wagons. There is not much to complain of with regard to the coastwise and cross-Channel trade for house- hold coals, the average being quite equal to the time of the year. In slacks there is still a certain amount, a decreasing quantity, without a billet, although the short time being worked at the pits is materially reducing what surplus there was. Gas coal acceptances still come in, and generally on the basis mentioned last week. South Lancashire and Cheshire. COAL. There was a good attendance on the Manchester Coal Exchange on Tuesday. There is no improvement to be reported in the demand for house coal, but prices remain steady. Furnace coal only meets with moderate call, but there is a better enquiry for shipping coal, and prices are steadier. The demand for slack is naturally quieter owing to the short time being worked in the cotton trade, accentuated by the annual holidays. Short time is being worked at collieries, and at different places seams are being .stopped owing to unprofitable working. Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). House coal:— Best ............... Medium.............. Common....'......... Furnace coal.......... Bunker (f.o.b. Partington) Best slack ........... Common slack ......... Current prices. 17/3-18/ 16/ -1679 13/3-14'/ 12/6 14/ 9/6-10/ 8/6- 9/ L’st week’s prices. 17/3-18/ 16/ -16/9 13/3-14/ 12/6 14/ 9/6-10/ 8/6- 9/ Last year’s prices. 16/6-17/ 15/3-16/ 12/6-13/ 12/6 14/ 10/ -10/6 9/ - 9/6 IRON. The attendance on ’Change was fairly good, but trade in this district continues very dull. Forges are short of specifications, but prices remain unchanged—viz., Crown bars ~£7 5s., second quality £6 15s., hoops <£7 12s. 6d. Steel works are also short of specifications, and are asking about £6 7s. 6d. less 2| per cent, for bars, and £5 net for billets. Foreign material is offered at considerably under these figures. Trade here is very depressed indeed, and the majority of the works are closing down for the whole of next week for holidays. Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Leeds. COAL. The demand for all descriptions of coal has this week been considerably better, probably in view of the stoppage for August Bank Holiday; One or two well known collieries have decided to set down for a week, but generally the pits will suspend work on Friday night, and resume on the following Wednesday morning. Stocks in colliery sidings have been reduced in some qualities and on the whole are less on the week. The increase of 4d. per day in adult labour under the Minimum Wage Act has caused some surprise among producers, as it was thought that, with the recent trend of prices and trade, at least /there would be no advance. House Coal.—The scarcity of the best sorts is still a feature of this branch of the trade. A very large tonnage is being taken for London and Scotland, and prices are firm. It is reported that the retail trade in London is considerably better, one of the largest merchants having reported this week that they have more orders in now than they have had since April, and that the better class houses have commenced buying. A few new contracts are also reported this week, while a fair quantity of Silkstone best and Haigh Moor best has been sold for stacking. In the coastwise trade the bulk of the business done is of the medium qualities of Silkstone house coal, and on the whole, these are firmer in price. In Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Hudders- field and other industrial centres merchants report more orders coming to hand from the public, and it is expected that after Bank Holiday business will be still further improved. Current pit prices average as under:—Haigh Moor selected, 18s. to 19s.; Silkstone best, 17s. to 18s.; Silkstone house, 16s. to 17s.; other qualities, 13s. to 14s. 6d. Gas Coal.—Possibly owing to the threatening European outlook and the possibility of labour troubles in Scotland, sellers of gas coal have adopted a much firmer attitude, and House coal:— Current ' L’st week’s'Last year’ Prices at pit (London) : prices. prices. prices. Haigh Moor selected ... 14/ 14/ 14/ -14/6 Wallsend & London best 13/ -13/9 13/ -13/9 13/ -13/6 Silkstone best 13/ -13/9 13/ -13/9 13/6-14/6 Do. house 12/ -12/6 12/ -12/6 12/ -12/6 House nuts Prices f.o.b. Hull:— 11/ -11/6 11/ -11/6 11/ -11/6 Haigh Moor best 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/3 Silkstone best 15/6—16/6 15/6-16/6 15/6-16/6 Do. house 13/9-14/6 13/ -14/3 13/9-14/6 14/6-15/6 Other qualities Gas coal:— Prices at pit: 13/ -14/ 14/ -14/9 Screened gas coal 11/ -11/6 11/ -11/6 12/3-12/9 Gas nuts 10/ -10/6 10/ -10/6 11/6-12/6 Unscreened gas coal ... Other sorts:— Prices at pit : 9/6-10/ 9/6-10/ 10/6-11/ Washed nuts Large double-screened 11/ -11/6 11/ -11/6 11/6-12/3 engine nuts 9/6-10/6 9/6-10/6 11/ -11/6 Small nuts Rough unscreened 9/ - 9/9 9/ -9/9 10/ -10/6 engine coal... 9/6- 9/9 9/3- 9/9 10/ -10/6 Best rough slacks 7/ - 8/3 7/ - 8/ 8/ - 9/ Small do. 6/ - 6/9 6/ - 6/9 7/6- 8/3 Coking smalls Coke:— Price at ovens: 6/ -7/ 6/ - 7/ 7/6- 8/ Furnace coke 10/ -10/6 10/ -10/9 13/ -13/6 those who have still to buy will probably have to pay slightly higher figures than the contracts recently concluded. A large number of contracts have been settled up this week, and in most cases the best qualities have not been reduced beyond 6d. to 9d. per ton. One or two of the best brands of coal are already fully sold, but there are still large quantities of secondary qualities to place. Manufacturing Fuel.—The demand is quite equal to the output as a number of the larger works are taking in to stock. On the whole, business in Bradford, Huddersfield and Leeds is reported to be slightly better. The scarcity of washed nuts still continues, and good quality rough slacks are also somewhat scarce. Washed Furnace Coke.—The improvement of the last two or three weeks seems to have spent itself, and there is a slight set-back with regard to new business. Makers still quote 10s. to 10s. 6d. for washed patent oven coke, and a few contracts have been booked to the end of September ; but generally speaking, business is still of a hand to mouth character. Barnsley. COAL. In regard to the steam section of the district coal trade, the trouble in the Near East was the absorbing topic at the usual weekly market on Wednesday. It was a matter of difficulty to calculate what the effect might be in the event of war being continued, and the large amount of business which is being done with the Baltic ports in this district of course renders the matter of keen importance. The fact that coal is contraband of war of course renders the possibility of a large portion of the output which is being taken for the Russian markets being held up with the inevitable possible serious effect in regard to price, whilst on the other hand a rush in the demand would stiffen prices, having regard to the fact that the output is more level with the enquiry. However, neither buyers nor sellers were inclined to commit themselves, and apart from the fact that late prices were held with marked firmness, there was little change in the position. The prospects of the holiday next week had some little influence on the delivery of fuel, and the collieries this week will no doubt work to the full extent. In regard to the best hards the tonnage on offer was not large, and coalowners had no difficulty in maintaining their firm position of a week ago. Secondary descriptions showed some slight improvement although sellers have yet to contend against a fairly high output. There was also rather more activity shown in regard to steam nuts, although the best kinds were keenly sought after and quotations were unaffected, whilst secondary descriptions are still rather troublesome to sellers, but quotations were generally unaltered. The enquiry for slacks has not improved to any material extent although the best brands are rather more firm though showing no increase, but stocks are still comparatively heavy of the rougher kinds of slacks. In regard to the gas coal contracts the position has altered very little during the week, and gas companies who were unable to obtain a reduction of Is. per ton are placing orders very slowly, and for reduced tonnage believe it will be to their advantage to come into the market again for the balance of the supplies. The producers of the best classes of coal are showing a determination not to concede any further concessions, and apparently the matter will remain in abeyance for some little time. The demand for house coal has not materially altered, and the best classes are still the more easy to dispose of, although stocks at the collieries are still being accumulated to keep up prices. Secondary descriptions are almost neglected, and despite the reduced working of collieries stocks are of a considerable character. There has been some little improvement with regard to coke, and smelters are inclined to place orders more freely, and up to 10s. 6d. per ton has been obtained for good class brands. Current L’st week's Last year’s House coals:— prices. prices. prices. Best Silkstone 15/ -15/6 15/ -15/6 14/6 Best Barnsley softs 14/9-15/ 14/9-15/ 12/ -13/ 13/9-14/ Secondary do 12/ -13/ 11/ -13/ Best house nuts 12/9-13/ 12/9-13/ 10/9-11/ 13/ -13/3 Secondary do Steam coals:— 10/9-11/ 11/ -12/ Best hard coals 11/9 11/6-11/9 13/ -13/3 Secondary do 10/9-11/ 10/9-11/ 12/ -12/3 Best washed nuts. 10/9 10/6-10/9 9/9-10/ 12/ Secondary do 9/9-10/ 11/ Best slack 6/9-7/ 6/9- 7/ 8/6 7/6- 8/ Rough do Gas coals:— 5/9- 6/ 5/9- 6/ Screened gas coals 11/6 11/6 12/ -12/6 Unscreened do 10/6 10/6 — Gas nuts 10/6-11/ 10/6-11/ 10/ -10/3 11/ -12/ Furnace coke 10/3-10/6 13/ -13/6 Hull. COAL. Though there is nothing akin to excitement on the Humber Coal Exchange in consequent of Continental complications, one effect is very obvious in the restricted business doing for abroad. With the financial position on the Continent what it is, exporters decline to do business except there is cash with order ; consequently, prompt sales have been confined chiefly to lots required to complete cargoes shipped under contract. With regard to forward business a waiting policy is being pursued, but generally speaking the impression seems to be that the Humber coal market may benefit if the situation further develops. The market thus being more or less in a state of paralysis prices are nominal, but where business has been done last week’s figures have ruled. Best South Yorkshire hards have changed hands at 15s. for prompt shipment with holders asking up to 15s. 3d.: and washed doubles, which have been in good request, have been done at 13s. 9d., and washed singles 13s. 3d. A similar state of stagna- tion has been reached in the freight market, where Russian and German ports are concerned. Operations both in coal and freights are now suspended. With the approach of the holiday, there has been the usual rush to get vessels away, and there has been a little pressure at some of the docks, but it has not been so pronounced as a week ago. Coal being in plentiful supply has enabled vessels to be cleared with good despatch. Shipping freights are somewhat firmer for Baltic ports, 5s. to 5s. Hd. being demanded for Cronstadt for handy-sized vessels, though 4s. 10|d. has been accepted for a large steamer. Mediterranean rates are about unaltered. A large steamer to carry about 4,500 tons has been chartered to-day at 7s. 3d., with 500 tons daily delivery at Alexandria, while another has been taken at the same figure for Port Said, 400 tons daily delivery. The following are the approximate prices for prompt delivery f.o.b. Hull:— 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 hard s Do. do. (Grimsby) Leicestershire hards (Hull and Grimsby)... Current prices. 15/ -15/3 13/9-14/ 13/6 13/3 13/ 9/ 8/3 12/3 9/6 8/3-8/6 13/6 12/ 14/9-15/ 14/3-14'6 12/6 ’ 12/3 14/ 13/6 14/9-15/ 14/3-14/6 L’st week’s prices. 14/9-15/ 13/9-14/ 13/6 13/3-13/6 13/ 9/ 8/3 12/3 9/6 8/3- 8/6 13/6. 12/ 14/6 14/- 14/3 12/6 12/3 14/ 13/6 14/6 14/ -14/3 Last year’s prices. 16/3-16/6 15/3-15/6 13/ 13/ -13/3 12/6 10/6-10/9 9/ - 9/6 13/3-13/6 10/9-11/ 9/9 13/3-13/6 13/ 15/6 15/ -15/3 13/ 12/9 14/ -14/3 13/9-14/ 15/6 15/ -15/3 Chesterfield. COAL. There is little or no change in the condition of the house coal trade of this district compared with a week ago, and the pits working this class of coal are still on short time. Stocks, however, are not by any means large ; indeed, they are lighter than they are usually at this time of the year. Prices are fairly well held. The demand for fuel for manu- facturing purposes is of a satisfactory character, and the prospects continue hopeful. Cobbles and nuts for gas producers at the large steel works of Sheffield and district are in steady request, and heavy deliveries of these classes of coal are made daily. Prices are firm. There is no improvement in the demand for slack for steam-raising purposes. The unsatisfactory condition of the cotton industry has caused a very serious reduction in the require- ments for small coal, and, until the Lancashire mills resume working full time, this section of a colliery’s output will be difficult to dispose of. Prices, however, are probably as low at the present time as they will be during the remainder of the year. The outstanding feature is the continued strength of the export trade. Several causes have con- tributed to the improved position. There is no doubt that the market in steam coal is oversold, and speculators who sold before the opening of the shipping season in anticipa- tion of a fall, are compelled to buy now in a market that has become strong owing to the heavy buying that is going on for Russia, and to the fear of labour troubles in the Scottish coalfield. The price of the best brands of Derby- shire Top Hards is strong at 14s. 6d. per ton, delivered free alongside steamer at Grimsby. Supplies, however, are comparatively scarce, and will be difficult to obtain during the remainder of the shipping season. There is an active demand for cobbles and nuts for near Continental ports, and washed doubles as well as washed slack find a ready sale. There is no new feature in connection with the coke trade. The demand remains dull, and prices weak. Prices at pit. Best house coals ...... Secondary do........... Cobbles ................ Nuts ................... Slack ................. Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. 12/ 12/ 14/6 11? 11/ 12/6 10/6 10/6 12/ 9/6 9/6 ! 7/6 7/6 9/ IRON. The condition of the iron trade of the district is still depressed, and it is impossible to find sufficient orders for finished iron to enable the plant to be kept employed more than about 50 per cent, of its capacity. Nottingham. COAL. There has been rather more activity in most branches of the coal trade in Nottinghamshire during the past week, the better tone undoubtedly having arisen in consequence of the approach of the holidays. In the domestic fuel section, while best qualities are having a satisfactory sale, common sorts are in quiet request, and although the pits aie working short time, stocks do not tend to decrease. Nevertheless, the trade in this section is about up to the average for the time of year. Merchants are still manifesting a cautious attitude, but owners continue to adhere to late quotations. In addition to the holiday advent, the reports concerning labour troubles have probably helped to strengthen the steam coal branch. Shipments have made a satisfactory showing, whilst industrials have been in better request. Business in regard to forward buying has developed, and best hards are just now showing a firmer tendency. A more active tone has characterised the gas coal branch, as some works have renewed contracts at rates from 9d. to Is. per ton under previous figures, and are now beginning to take supplies for the coming season. There has been no distinct improvement in the slack market, with the exception that better-class qualities are going out of hand rather more freely, but common sorts are somewhat sluggish.