September 4, 1914. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 520 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. and bars at <£8. The textile engineers are not busy., and this is one of the weak features in our part of the county. Wagon works report rather more business doing. Heavy engineers are better employed, but boiler makers have found no improvement. Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Leeds. COAL. There was only a moderate attendance at the market on Tuesday, but business on the whole was better than for the past few weeks. There were more enquiries both for house- coal and manufacturing fuel, and a few sales were made of steam coal for shipment. It was reported that the pits had worked nearly four days on the average without adding to siding stocks. The supply of empty wagons has been limited, and the movement of traffic is very slow, especially to the distant markets. The position at the collieries with regard to pitwood is becoming serious. It is estimated that there are stocks at the collieries sufficient to last for a month, and it is said that offers of suitable material have been made from France, but that the timber that is offered is uncut. The suggestion has been made that English cutters should be sent across, as it is very unlikely that anything like normal supplies will be coming through from Russia, where the Baltic ports will soon be closed by ice. Colliery owners generally are being compelled to pay from 25 to 331 per cent, extra price even for contract deliveries, and this forms a very serious item in the cost of working. It is understood that the matter of the supply of pitwood is receiving the attention of the Government, and that returns are being filled up by the collieries giving particulars as to the quantity and size of the material required. Full contract quantities are being taken by London merchants, and it is understood that deliveries of the very best qualities are considerably in arrear, some of the pits pro- ducing best Haigh Moor being fully sold to the end of September. For the secondary qualities the demand is irregular and prices not so firm. In the coastwise trade quite a number of parcels of medium quality house coal have been shipped at Goole this week for the Thames and South coast. In the Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, and other West Biding centres, merchants report an improve- ment in the retail trade since the turn of the month. Pit prices officially are unchanged and may be averaged as under:—Haigh Moor selected, 18s. to 19s.; Silkstone best, 17s. to 18s.; Silkstone house, 16s. to 17s.; other sorts, 13s. 6d. to 14s. 6d. With reference to gas coal the number of fresh contracts booked this week shows an increase. Generally speaking, the parcels realised are from 9d. to Is. per ton less than those of the expiring commitments, but for the very best qualities of screened gas coal prices are very firm, as the supply is limited and most of the collieries are fully sold. Factory fuel maintains its position, and there are appreciably higher prices for best rough slacks and washed nuts, while supplies of coking smalls are quite inadequate to meet the demand. Washed furnace coke has firmed up during the past few days, and makers of the best qualities are able to realise 12s. at the ovens, with average samples about Ils. 6d. There is a stronger enquiry from the Middlesbrough district for furnace coke, while good supplies are also being sent to Frodingham, the Midlands, and the Leeds district. The subjoined list of pit prices must not be taken too literally, but they represent the figures realised on recent business :— remain as about a week ago. The improved enquiry for coke has been well maintained, especially for the North Lancashire district, and the best brands are being well taken at the quotations of last week. Current L'st week’s Last year's ________ House coals:—________ prices. prices. prices. Best Silkstone 15/ -15/6 15/ -15/6 15/ Best Barnsley softs 15/ . 15/ 14/3-14/6 Secondary do. ...... 12/ -12/3 12/ -13/ 11/ —13/6 Best house nuts 12/9-13/ 12/9-13/ 13/ -13/3 Secondary do 10/9-11/ 10/9-11/ 11/ -13/ Steam coals:— Best hard coals 11/3-11/6 11/6 13/3-13/6 Secondary do 10/3-10/9 10/3-10/9 12/ -12/3 Best washed nuts 10/9-11/ 10/9-11/ 11/6-12/ Secondary do 9/9-10/ 9/9-11/ 10/9-11/ Best slack 6/9 6/9 8/ - 8/9 Rough do 5/9- 6/ 5/9- 6/ 6/6— 7/6 Gas coals:— Screened gas coals 10/6-11/ 10/6-11/ 12/6-13/ Unscreened do 10/ 10/ 11/6-12/ Gas nuts 10/ -10/6 10/ -10/6 12/ -12/9 Furnace coke 11/9-12/ 11/ -12/ 12/6-13/ troops. Advices indicated that supplies of spelter have been arranged between home makers and the United States for September and October. Corrugated sheets (24 gauge) are quoted at <£14 to d£14 10s., according to the order. The steel makers are in receipt of a moderate amount of new business. There is no special pressure, but the orders placed recently, coupled with the absence of foreign competition, ensure a considerable amount of activity at the works. The basis for plates and angles has been advanced officially by 2s. 6d., and all classes of boiler plates by 5s. Lancashire and Cornish plates are now £8, and marine plates .£8 2s. 6d. _________ _________ House coal:— Prices at pit (London) : Haigh Moor selected ... Wallsend & London best Silkstone best ....... Do. house .......... House nuts ___.......... Prices f.o.b. Hull:— Haigh Moor best....... Silkstone best ...... Do. house .......... Other qualities....... Gas coal:— Prices at pit : Screened gas coal.... Gas nuts.............. Unscreened gas coal ... Other sorts:— Prices at pit: Washed nuts........... Large double-screened engine nuts .......... Small nuts........... Bough unscreened engine coal........... Best rough slacks..... Small do. ........... Coking smalls ........ Coke.-— Price at ovens: Furnace coke ......... Current prices. 14/ 13/6-14/ 13/ -13/6 12/ -12/6 11/ -11/6 16/6-17/6 15/6-16/6 14/ -14/6 13/ -14/3 11/ -11/6 10/ -10/6 9/6—10/ 11/ -11/6 9/6-10/ 9/ - 9/9 9/6-10/ 7/3- 8/3 11/6-12/ Barnsley. COAL. L'st week's prices. 14/ 13/6-14/ 13/ -13/6 12/ -12/6 11/ -11/6 Last year's prices. 14/6 13/6-14/ 13/6-14/6 12/3-12/9 11/6-12/ 16/ -17/ 15/ -16/ 13/6-14/3 13/ -14/ 16/6-17/6 15/6-16/6 14/9-15/6 14/3-14/9 The improvement in regard to the steam coal branch of the trade continues to be more expectant than realised, and the collieries are only working about the same proportion of time as a week ago. The more active enquiry continues, but the completion of arrangements is subject to varying circumstances. On the whole there has been a larger tonnage taken in view of the fact that many collieries will be affected, both in regard to transport and the number of men at work owing to the Doncaster races next week. There has been, however, nothing sufficiently material to affect prices. Secondary descriptions of large steams are still fairly steady owing to the restricted output. Business in regard to steam nuts continues to be of a very varying character. Certain districts are taking larger quantities, whilst in other parts the engineering industries are quieter, and less fuel is required. The best grade nuts are the stronger feature. With regard to slacks the demand on the whole is fairly quiet owing to the decreasing consumption in the manufacturing districts, and in spite of the fact that more fuel is being required for coke manufacture. The demand for house coal is perhaps rather quieter owing to the exceptional weather, but contract supplies are going forward in a fair degree, and prices Hull. COAL. There are further signs of improvement in the Humber coal export trade, and with foreign buyers again in the market some amount of business is in progress. Several of the leading buyers in neutral countries have yet to complete their requirements for the season, while others, unable to get supplies from their usual sources, are turning to the Yorkshire district, in which it is reported large orders have been placed by the Bussian and Italian State railways. Up to the present, however, it is not possible to do anything with Bussian Baltic ports, or with Austrian and other ports in the Adriatic while, of course, the German trade has gone altogether. But there is a large field still open, and as foreign firms are adapting themselves to the requirement of cash-with order, and as banking facilities are improving, a further development is confidently anticipated. The reduc- tion of cargo insurance against war risks to two guineas per cent, is an agreeable factor, and minimises the alarm felt from the presence of German-laid mines in the North Sea. So far the Humber estuary has not been menaced by this danger, thanks to the alertness of the British naval patrols. Shipping at the docks is resuming something of its normal aspect, and the loading of coal is now fairly brisk. Last week the shipments to neutrals showed an increase, the total from the Humber being about 70,000 tons. The local demand is also stronger. Approximate prices are about as under :—Best South Yorkshire hards firm at 14s. f.o.b. Hull, Grimsby, or Immingham; ditto washed doubles 12s. 6d. to 12s. 9d.; ditto washed singles 12s. 3d. to 12s. 6d.; washed small 10s Derbyshire and Nottingham best steams are steady at 13s. 9d. f.o.b. Grimsby or Immingham. The freight market remains quiet, the rate to London being about 4s. 6d., while Mediterranean destinations are on the basis of 7s. 6d. to 7s. 9d. Genoa. Nothing can be done in the Baltic direction. __________________ Leicestershire. COAL. The changes which are going on are of very great importance, and certain general principles are being evolved as a guidance for the future. One of these prin- ciples is that in future, wherever possible, larger stocks of reserves should be carried to meet emergencies. The whole of the experiences of colliery managers, so far, goes to establish this element of commercial safety that reliance ought not to be placed on hand-to-mouth supplies which unexpected events may turn to local, individual or national disadvantage. In the midst of abundance of orders for all descriptions of coal the supply is only partial and for the moment. There are three factors which operate to the reduction of the output. One is the reduction in the number of miners available through the Army absorbing so many of the best of the young men; the second factor is the periodic failure in the supply of empty wagons ; and the third is the withdrawal of railway facilities for several days in succession in consequence of the military authorities being in possession of the line. Thus, although there are orders to accept a very full output, this has been impossible in consequence of the military authorities being in posses- sion of the lines from Friday to Monday night. This was succeeded on Tuesday by a shortage of empty wagons, which suspended work for three-fourths of the day. It is hoped this week to work full time, and thus overtake some of the arrears of orders. Household coal of the best class is selling very freely, cobbles and nuts for London are in strong demand, and steam coal is 6d. per ton dearer. Manufacturing fuel is cleared off as fast as it comes to the pit bank. The following are the prices now generally current at the collieries in this district:— Per ton at pit. s. d. s. d. Best household coal ................... 13 6 to 14 6 Second, hand picked................... 12 6 to 13 6 Deep screened cobbles ................. 12 3 to 13 3 Deep large nuts __....................... 11 6 to 12 0 Bakers' nuts........................... 11 6 to 12 6 Small nuts ........................... 10 6 to 11 3 Deep breeze........................... 9 6 to 10 0 Peas ................................. 7 9 to 8 3 Small dust ........................... 2 0 to 2 3 Main cobbles and nuts for London bakers 10 0 to 10 6 Steams, best hand picked.............. 9 6 to 10 6 Steams, seconds ......................................... 8 6 to 9 3 Cobbles and nuts for kitcheners ........ 10 0 to 10 6 South Staffordshire, North Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Birmingham. COAL. The coal trade, if not brisk, is in an interesting position. A kind of duel is going on between the owners and the traders. The former, or at least a number of them, are seeking an advance in prices, and the traders are deter- mined to resist it at the present juncture. The coal owners have to pay more for their timber owing to the dislocation of shipping and the necessity of securing supplies of English material; on the other hand, merchants argue that the state of the trade does not warrant any advance at the moment from the public, who have long since overcome the feeling of panic noticeable at the outbreak of hostilities. Neither is there a particularly large request for manufacturing fuels. No doubt the public will very shortly have to pay a little more for their coal, but meantime the following remain the ruling prices :— Prices at pit. " — 1 Current L'st week’s Last year’s Staffordshire (including Cannock Chase) :— prices. prices. prices. House coal, best deep ... 17/6 17/6 18/ Do. seconds deep 15/ 15/ 13/6 16/6 Do. best shallow 13/6 14/6 Do. seconds do. 12/9 12/9 14/6 13/ Best hard 14/6 14/ Forge coal 10/6 10/6 11/ Slack Warwickshire:— 7/ 7/ 8/6 House coal, best Ryder.. Do. hand-picked 15/6 15/6 16/ cobs 13/ 13/ 13/9 Best hard spires 14/6 14/6 14/6 ■ Forge (steam) 10/6 10/6 10/ D.S. nuts (steam) 9/6 9/6 9/6 Small (do.) 8/ 8/ 8/6 IRON. The new movement which became apparent after the first shock of the war is not making further headway for the time being. Buyers are not disposed to add materially to the commitments into which they have already entered, and producers are content to wait developments. Steps are being taken to bring more blastfurnaces into operation. The price of pig iron, upon which the district trade is mainly dependent, remains substantially as last week. South Staf- fordshire forge qualities are quoted at 58s. to 60s.; Northamp- tonshire, 60s. to 62s.; and Leicestershire and Derbyshire, up to 63s. The orders placed are mostly on the small side. There has been no further advance in high-grade Stafford- shire iron. Hence the marked bar basis is unaltered at 4-9. Anything from 1-8 to £8 10s. is asked for merchant qualities delivered in Birmingham. Users of common bars who for- merly drew largely upon Belgium for supplies are now practically dependent upon home production, and have to pay from £7 15s. to £8. There is very little buying in galvanised sheets for the time being. Exports have been prohibited by the Government, mainly on account of the shortage of spelter, and the prospect of large requirements of sheets in the near future for the temporary housing of _____________________________________________________ MINE MANAGERS’ CERTIFICATES. The May Examinations. The following is a list communicated by the Secretary to the Board of Examinations of successful candidates at the examination held by the Board for Mining Examinations on May 26 and 27, 1914 :— For a First-Class Certificate of Competency as Manager of a Mine.—Messrs. J. Allcock, A. Atherton, H. Baddeley, E. T. Barke, B. Bauld, H. Bigsby-Chamberlin, W. Blyth, T. Brown, S. R. Campbell, E. J. Davies, R. Dodd, R. J. Edwards, P. W. Ellis, L. C. Ellson, A. W. Fordyce, A. Fowkes, C. S. Greaves, G. M. Gullick, A. Hayes, S. J. Hughes, A. J. Ibbotson, G. G. Jones, A. E. Kaye, F. B. Lawson, J. P. Lumsden, junr., T. W. Machin, W. A. Machin, A. Miller, J. Monaghan, W. Morgan, G. T. Oglanby, W. C. Parker, J. Peden, J. S. Penman, G. Perkins, E. J. Phillips, R. H. Piggford, F. Rhodes, D. Richards, D. de M. Robertson, W. D. Rose, J. Russell, J. Sharpe, W. Smith, J. S. Vincent, L. W. Walters, J. Wilson, H. K. Wolf. For a Second-Class Certificate as Under-Manager of a Mine.—Messrs. J. Anthony, D. Archibald, junr., J. Aspin, E. Barker, G. B. Barling, E. Beardmore, C. E. Beedham, J. Bell, A. Bithell, R. C. Blackbird, T. Blair, P. Brady, A. J. Brealey, F. Brown, G. H. Brown, T. B. Brown, F. Buckroyd, G. W. Bunn, J. R. Chadwick, J. W. Chambers, G. Clark, S. Clark, F. C. Claxon, A. Cox, H. Crawford, G. Davies, W. H. Davies, G. D. Dawson, W. T. Dodds, A. E. Doleman, W. Durno, R. Evans, P. Flannigan, G. T. Fletcher, W. Fletcher,*G. Foster, D. Gibb, J. Gillespie, J. Glover, A. Gracie, B. Hadfield, J. M. Haggarty, J. W. Hargreaves, G. T. Harrison, H. Harvey, W. Hawthorn, R. H. Henry, J. E. Holmes, T. Holt, junr., T. J. Hopkins, W. Hughes, D. Humphreys, J. W. Humphreys, R. W. Jackson, R. Jacques, W. J. Jenkins, J. John, W. John, D. Jones, E. Jones, W. T. Knowles, E. Lord, W. McCor- mick, R. McCullock, A. R. McKnight, W. McFarlane, T. J. Macoustra, O. Mill, A. T. Minhinnick, M. D. Moore, T. Moss, D. Moyes, J. Myers, F. P. Newman, A. D. Notman, E. W. Oswald, G. R. Pepperell, F. Peters, J. H. Phillips, G. Pollock, R. J. Prince, J. Redfearn, H. Reed, H. J. T. Rhodes, J. T. Rodgers, A. Scargill, C. Seamens, J. Severn, F. Shaw, H. Sloane, F. Storer, T. E. Storey, J. C. Strang, A. V. Tabor, R. Tempest, H. J. Thackeray, G. Thorpe, W. C. J. Tucker, J. W. Turley, A. Walker, H. E. Whaling, J. Whyld, W. Williams, R. Young.’ For a Certificate of Qualification as Surveyor of Mines.— Messrs. H. Abbott, I. F. Allan, A. Anderson, junr., R. B. Beilby, S. Bell, A. I. Beveridge, M. B. Craig, W. Craigie- Hood, H. N. Davies, R. B. Davies, A. B. Dawson, C. W. A. Deans, E. B. Flint, J. K. Forrester, H. Foster, W. Galloway, junr., H. Gething, J. M. Gibb, H. S. Handy, R. K. Hinshalwood, junr., J. Hogg, J. T. Hughes, J. G. Hughes, S. Jackson, J. H. G. Johnstone, J. D. Jones, P. Kay, R. B. Kershaw, T. Lewis, J. P. Marshall, J. W. Milne, R. O. More, B. Morrell, J. W. Morrison, A. W. Muggock, W. H. Napier, C. North, E. Owen, J. E. Phillips, W. M. Price, A. V. Priest, W. H. Rees, J. Rhodes, T. Ritchie, G. W. Robson, P. Rogers, R. H. Snook, J. J. Staley, R. A. Stock, M. G. Thurwell, D. G. Thomas, H. H. d’Estamps Vallancey, R. N. Watkin, T. Watkins, C. E. Whitaker, S. J. Williams, O. T. Wintie.