September 11, 1914. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 569 THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, September 10. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. No change of note has occurred in the coal trade of this district during the past week. The export trade is still restricted to some extent owing to the difficulty in getting remittances through to London from buyers abroad, and there does not appear to be any immediate prospect of an improvement in this respect. Splint coals have been in fairly good demand for export, but as usual, the best qualities have received the larger portion of the business, and consequently prices of these have firmed up slightly. Ordinary qualities are rather dull, and the supply is much in excess of the demand. Best ells are not so busy, and values are somewhat easier, while secondary qualities are absolutely stagnant. A steady demand has been experienced for navigation coal, but the collieries can easily overtake all the business in the market for this quality. Steams for bunker purposes have fallen off considerably, and business is very difficult to obtain. Smalls generally are plentiful. Shipments from the district amounted to 104,781 tons? compared with 93,923 tons in the preceding week, and 111,227 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current L’st week’s Lastyear's prices. prices. prices. Best screened navigation coal 15/6-16/ 15/6-16/6 16/6-17/ Unscreened do 13/6-14/ 13/6-14/6 14/6-15/ First-class steam coal 12/3-12/6 12/6 14/3-14/6 Third-class do 10/ 10/ 11/9-12/ Treble nuts 11/9-12/ 11/9-12/ 14/3-14/6 Double do 11/ -11/3 11/ -11/3 12/6-13/ Single do 10/3 10/3 11/ -11/6 The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 270,9Q5 tons, compared with 248,895 in the preceding week and 333,710 tons in the corres- ponding week of last year. The total decrease to date is 975,678 tons. Steam coal.............. Ell .................... Splint.................. Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 11/ -11/3 11/3-11/6 13/ -14/ 11/6-11/9 10/6-10/9 10/3-10/6 L’st week's Last year's prices. I prices. 11/6 j 11/9-13/ 11/6 I 12/6-13/ 13/ -14/ I 12/9-15/6 11/9 13/3-13/9 11/6 i 12/6-12/9 11/ -11/3 ; 11/ -11/3 IRON. A moderate business was done in the Glasgow pig iron warrant market during the past week, and the total turn- over amounted to 11,000 tons. The tone was firm through- out and after a few minor fluctuations, Cleveland iron closed unchanged on the week at 51s. 3d. per ton. cash buyers. There are 64 furnaces in blast in Scotland, compared with 60 in the preceding week, and 88 in the corresponding week last year. Scotch pig iron makers are not securing much fresh business at present either in the ordinary qualities or haematite, and deliveries are unsatisfactory, particularly in the case of foundry qualities. The shipping departments, however, both coastwise and foreign, are beginning to show signs of recovering from the initial effects of the war, and it is expected that a considerable improve- ment will soon be apparent. The import of pig iron into Grangemouth from Middlesbrough and district amounted to 10,258 tons for the week, an increase of 1,386 tons compared with the same week last year. Prices of makers' iron are as follows Monkland, f.a.s. at Glasgow, No. 1, 64s. 6d., No. 3, 63s.; Govan, No. 1,64s., No. 3, 63s. ; Carnbroe, No. 1,68s. 6d., No. 3,64s.; Clyde, No. 1, 69s. 6d., No. 3,64s. 6d. ; Gartsherrie, Summerlee and Calder, Nos. 1, 70s., Nos. 3, 65s.; Langloan, No. 1, 72s., No. 3, 67s.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 71s., No. 3, 66s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 64s., No. 3, 63s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 65s., No. 3, 63s.; Shotts at Leith, No. 1, 70s., No. 3, 65s.; Carron at Grangemouth, No. 1, 70s. 6d., No. 3, 65s. 6d. per ton. The manufacturing branches are beginning to adjust them- selves to the altered conditions and circumstances of trade existing since the commencement of the war, and there is an appreciable improvement in several directions. Black sheet makers are very busy in the heavy department, but the demand for thin gauges is adversely affected by the poor position of the galvanised sheet trade due to the scarcity of spelter. Perhaps the best indication of the improved conditions is to be found in the present position of the malleable iron trade compared with that occupied during the past 18 months. Since the imports of competi- tive material from the Continent have been stopped, local users have had to purchase their requirements from home firms, and makers report a large and increasing business with good prospects. The only difficulty is in the supply of raw material for the steel departments. Hoops and strips have shared in the increased business, but in respect of steel bars, which makers have been in the habit of manu- facturing from foreign billets, producers have been using up stocks, and in some cases have been obliged to cover their requirements by purchasing billets from local sources at much higher rates than they were paying for foreign material. The outlook in the iron trade generally, however, is much brighter. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. N e wcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. The steady growth in the volume of coal and coke ship- ments from Tyne and Blyth shipping places, which has proceeded ever since the week following the outbreak of war, received somewhat of a check last week, the total clearances amounting to 199,755 tons, a decrease, when compared with the previous week, of 13,555 tons. The falling-off was not great, however, and last week is still to be classed as the second best week since hostilities started. The details of the shipments are as follow:—Tyne Dock, 81,844 tons of coal and 684 tons of coke, a decrease of 34,829 tons of coal and 2,672 tins of coke, when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year; Dunston, 46,343 tons of coal and 3,980 tons of coke, a decrease of 11,724 tons of coal and an increase of 934 tons of coke ; and Blyth, 66,904 tons of coal and coke, a decrease of 29,396 tons. Many matters have agitated the minds of coalowners and merchants during the week now ended. The question of the shortage of mining timber has impressed itself very forcibly upon many. However, this scarcity may now be considerably modified by the decision of the Russian Government to allow those British vessels which are at present taking steam coals to Archangel to return with cargoes of mining timber. On the other hand, Sweden is stated to have declared pit props to be contra- band of war, and there is, therefore, little chance of getting many supplies from that country. The many casualties resulting from the presence of German explosive mines in the North Sea has somewhat scared shipowners and made them very reluctant to send their vessels within the“sphere of influence " of these death-dealing machines. The result is that trans-North Sea business is very slight. Another question which still impedes business is that of foreign exchange. It is pleasing to note that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made certain proposals which, he believes, will solve the problem, but it is not so encouraging to learn that the Advisory Committee of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, after examining these proposals, is of opinion that they will not meet the difficulty in this district. On the whole, there has been some little improvement in the working of local collieries. The Blyth steam coal pits are well stemmed, there being considerable production on Russian account for Archangel. Greece is enquiring for best steams for early loading. Collieries producing best bunkers find a ready market for their coals with the Mediterranean coaling stations, and are well employed. A fair quantity of coal is being despatched to Norway, Holland and Denmark, and several thousand tons of gas coal have been sold for shipment to Italy. Taking it generally, however, ‘ the enquiry for fuel is considerably in excess of the business possible until the financial tangle is straightened out. F.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment have varied as follow :—Best Blyth steams are 3d. cheaper on the week; Tynes, 6d. reduced ; unscreened, 6d. fallen; smalls, Blyths, 3d. to 6d. cheaper; Tynes, 6d. lower; specials, 2s. reduced ; smithies, weaker; gas specials, easier; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, rather firmer; Northum- brians, easier; and gas coke, 6d. cheaper. Other descriptions of fuel are unaltered. Later.—The Egyptian State Railways are reported to be enquiring for 360,000 tons of best Welsh and 40,000 tons of Lambton steams. Delivery is to be over 12 months, and tenders are wanted by October 20. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. ports to Norway, Denmark and Holland, and some sales are reported for Mediterranean coaling depots. A little gas coal has been sold to Italy. Coal pits are only partially employed. Home deliveries of gas coal show improvement. Best gas coal ranges from 12s. 6d. to 13s., and second kinds from Ils. 3d. to 12s. Ordinary Durham bunkers run from 11s. to Ils. 6d., and bests from 12s. 6d. to 13s. Household coal very quiet. Coking coal is in fairly good request, at Ils. 3d. to Ils. 6d. Coke prices are well upheld. Supply is none too plentiful, and sellers take a very firm stand. Local requirements are rather heavy. Durham beehive blast- furnace coke of average quality is quite 18s. delivered at Teesside works. Best foundry coke for shipment is quoted up to 22s. f.o.b. Gas house coke ranges from 12s. 6d. to 13s. 6d. IRON. In the iron trade a quiet tone prevails, and there is still a feeling of uncertainty with regard to the war future, with the result that business continues to be confined to transac- tions for early delivery. Home buyers of pig iron are placing a few orders, but oversea sales are very limited, though it is understood that many Continental customers are running short of supplies. An assurance that the North Sea was free from mines would doubtless be followed by fairly good shipments. A blastfurnace has been damped down at the Clarence works of Messrs. Bell Brothers, and there are rumours that other firms contemplate putting furnaces out of operation. The number of furnaces blowing on the north-east coast now is 70, and of these 37 are making Cleveland pig iron. No. 3 g.m.b. Cleveland pig is 51s. 6d., No. 1 is 54s., No. 4 foundry 51s. 3d., No. 4 forge 51s., mottled 50s. 9d., and white 50s. 6d. East coast haematite pig is decidedly easier. Several makers still ask up to 70s. for Nos. 1, 2, and 3, but second hands are ready enough to sell at 67s. 6d., and even the latter figure might be shaded. Foreign ore shows a rather downward tendency, notwith- standing the closing of mines in Spain. Sellers are rather pressing business on the basis of 19s. ex-ship Tees for rubio of 50 per cent, quality. Freights Bilbao-Middlesbrough are put at 4s. 6d., but boats are not easily fixed, as under present conditions owners are inclined to avoid sending vessels to this part of the coast. Producers of nearly all descriptions of manufactured iron and steel are busy. Firms turning out shipbuilding material, and joist-makers, are especially well placed, and rail manufacturers have fairly good contracts made. Quotations all round are firm. South-West Lancashire. COAL. The inland household coal trade continues quiet, and is only about in quantity what is usual at this time of the year. Screened coal for forge and manufacturing purposes show a steady increase in consequence of the slightly better time being worked. With regard to shipping, the position is much as was last reported. Bunkering require- ments are only poor both on contract and open sale account, and the few enquiries* for foreign cargo account have led to very little business as yet. The demand for Lancashire steam coal is further reduced by the substitution to some extent of South Wales coal now that steamers are going with troops. The requirements for excursion steamers also tend in a downward direction. Prices of screened Lancashire steam coals are if anything weaker, notwithstanding lessened output, and range from 12s. 3d. to 13s., or 13s. 3d. f.o.b. according to quality. There has been a little slackening off in the shipments of household coal for the coastwise and cross channel trade, but on the whole the business is quite as much as can be expected for the time of the year. Possibly towards the close of the month an increase may be looked for. With regard to slacks, there is a certain quantity being stocked about the collieries in consequence of the short time at the mills, but the broken time which is in operation here and there at the collieries is preventing any very serious accumulation, and the output or lack of it at all the pits is becoming more and more a matter of anxiety in consequence of the large number of men leaving for active service. Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. The coal trade in the Lothians is not so well placed as in the preceding week, and collieries are rather slacker again. Shipments amounted to 73,060 tons, against 74,320 tons in the preceding week and 109,139 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Best screened steam coal... Secondary qualities..... Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 11/6 10/6-10/9 11/6-11/9 10/9-11/ 10/3-10/6 L'st week's prices. 11/6-11/9 10/9 11/6-11/9 10/9-11/ 10/6 Last year's prices. 13/ -13/3 12/ —12/3 13/6-14/ 12/6-12/9 11/ —11/6 There has been practically no change of importance in the Fifeshire coal (trade, but the position is considered to be less favourable. Shipments show a slight increase over the preceding week, and amounted to 93,064 tons, against 80,652, but are still considerably below normal; the ship- ments for the corresponding week last year amounting to 113,344 tons. 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 oals Unscreened bunkers, Durhams Do. do. N orthumbr ians Coking coals Do. smalls House coals Coke, foundry Do. blast-furnace Do. gas Current prices. 13/3 13/ 11/ -11/6 11/ -11/6 10/6-11/6 8/3 8/ 9/ 11/6-12/ 12/6-13/ 11/ -11/6 12/6-13/ 11/ -12/6 11/ -11/6 11/3-11/6 11/ 15/ -16/ 19/ -21/ 18/ 12/ -12/6 L’st week’s prices. 13/3-13/6 13/6 11/ -11/6 11/ -11/6 11/ -12/ 8/6- 9/ 8/6 11/ 12/ 12/6-13/ 11/ -11/6 13/ 10/9-12/6 11/6 11/3-11/6 11/ 15/ -16/ 19/ -21/ 18/ 12/ -13/ tast year’s prices. 15/ 15/ -15/3 13/ 13/ -13/6 11/9-12/6,, 8/6- 8/9 7^6 9/6- 9/9 14/ . 15/ 13/9-14/3 15/3-15/6 13/ -14/3 12/ -13/ 13/6-14/ 13/6 15/6 18/ -20/ 17/6 17/ -17/9 Current L’st week’s Lastyear’s House coal:— prices. prices. prices. Best 17/ 17/ 16/3 Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) 16/6—16/9 16/6-16/9 16/6-17/ Medium 15/3 15/3 14/6 Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) 14/6-15/ 14/6-15/ 15/ -15/6 Kitchen 13/ 13/ 12/3 Common (f.o.b. Grstn.,net) 13/3-13/9 13/3-13/9 13/9-14/6 Screened forge coal 11/6-12/ 11/6-12/ 12/6-13/ Best scrnd. steam coal f.o.b. 12/3-13/* 12/6-13/3 13/6-14/3 Best slack 9/9 9/9 10/3 Secondary slack 9/ 9/ 9/6 Common do 8/ - 8/6 8/ - 8/6 9/ * Or 13/3. s South Lancashire and Cheshire. COAL. The attendance of members on the Manchester Coal Exchange on Tuesday was moderate. There is no improve- ment to report in house coal, or indeed in any quality, including slack, and the little business done gives very little guide as to prices. The nominal prices are as at foot. Short time is being worked at the collieries with very few exceptions. Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. The fuel trade is steady. Business in coal, however, is very restricted, owing to shipments being once more limited in consequence of the mine dangers in the North Sea. A fair number of cargoes are going from northern House coal:— Best ............... Medium.............. Common.............. Furnace coal.......... Bunker (f.o.b. Partington) Best slack .......... Common slack ......... Current prices. 17/3-18/ 16/ -16 '9 13/3-14/ 12/6 14/ 9/6-10/ 8/6- 9/ 'L’st week’s jLast year's I prices. prices. ! 17/3-18/ I 16/6-17/ 16/ -16/9 15/3-16/ 13/3-14/ 12/6 14/ 9/6-10/ 8/6- 9/ 12/6-13/ 12/6 14/ 10/ -10/6 9/ - 9/6