December 4, 1914. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 1179 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ South Staffordshire, North Worcestershire and Warwickshire. ____________________________________________________ Birmingham. _____________________________________________________ COAL. The trade in domestic fuel is growing, and all the signs point to another advance before the end of the month. What with shortage of men and transport difficulties the pits are not turning out too much coal, and the cost of delivery by the merchant has also gone up considerably. The public must, therefore, be prepared to pay at least another Is. For works fuel the demand is steady without any pressure, and there is not the glut of slacks there has been recently. The accepted quotations are:— Prices at pit. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Staffordshire (including prices. prices. prices. Cannock Chase) :— House coal, best deep ... 18/6 18/6 18/6 Do. seconds deep 16/ 16/ 16/ Do. best shallow 14/6 14/6 14/9 Do. seconds do. 13/9 14/6 13/9 14/ Best hard 14/6 15/ Forge coal 10/6 10/6 11/ Slack 7/ . 7/ 7/6 Warwickshire:— House coal, best Ryder.. . 16/6 16/6 16/6 Do. hand-picked cobs 14/6 14/6 14/ Best hard spires 15/ 15/ 15/ Forge (steam) 10/6 10/6 11/ D.S. nuts (steam) 9/6 9/6 10/ Small (do.) 8/ 8/ 8/3 THE WELSH COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, December 3. North Wales. Wrexham. COAL. Taking an all-round view of the market, it would appear that there has been a slight improvement in the demand during the past week. The majority have been able to work full time, but with a restricted output, owing to shortage of labour, which is becoming a serious question with some of the collieries. The best demand has been for house coal, for which there is now no lack of orders, and there is every indication that prices will advance in the near future, but so far there has been no appreciable differ- ence in prices. Buyers evidently expect advances, as numbers of merchants are apparently willing to make for- ward contracts on the ruling figures. In addition to the good amount of business done on rail, the local land sales are all busy just now. In regard to gas coal, there is little, or no change, although many gas works are still asking for extra supplies about their contracts, with a view to laying in stocks. The steam coal department is still the worst off as regards orders. True, the railway company are taking large supplies against contracts, and the colliery people are appreciating such contracts just at present ; now that so many works are either standing or working short time. One cannot learn that any additional works have closed down during the past week, but, on the other hand, there does not appear to be any that have gone back to normal hours of labour; in Flintshire a number of brick works, which hitherto have worked full time, have now had to be placed on short time. The dispute between the seamen and shipowners with regard to wages at the Merseyside ports has adversely affected the shipping of coal, and only small lots have been despatched during the past week or so. Things should improve in this respect, however, now that the dispute is in the hands of the Government officials for settlement. Nuts are scarce, owing to the bulk being sold under contract for gas making purposes. Slack still sells cheaply, and buyers are able to purchase spot lots on advantageous terms td themselves. With regard to gas coke, it would appear that stocks are accumulating at some of the works, as the gas companies are advertising their coke at low prices, more freely than they have formerly done. The general prices for the various grades of fuel, as quoted in the open market’, are as follow ;— THE LONDON COAL TRADE. Thursday, December 3. The London coal trade for the past week has been very brisk. The attendance on the marked has been good throughout, and the demand for all qualities of the better class of house coals has been unusually good. Only in a few cases, however, has the ordinary current price been advanced, but buying has been on a muqh larger scale. The difficulty, however, of getting the loaded trucks forward has been increasingly apparent, and in some of the southern railway stations it is reported that a famine has set in, notwithstanding the fact that merchants have hundreds of loaded wagons on the way, many of which have been invoiced for two or three weeks by the various collieries. Derby brights have experienced a very strong demand, but soft bright coal is still neglected. The retail trade fell off slightly during the earlier part of the week, but the colder and wet weather has greatly stimulated the orders from the general public during the latter part of the week. The problem of the railborne traffic has become acute, and the shortage at all the depots is making itself felt. Bakers’ nuts are still in good demand, and kitchener cobbles are selling more freely now. Manufacturing qualities also have been fairly brisk. The seaborne market has also had a better supply, but no official quotations are recorded. All the vessels arriving are with contract coal. Twenty-four vessels were returned as arriving in the Thames for Monday’s market and seven for Wednesday. Sharlston Wallsend were reported on Wednesday to be 22s. 6d., and Sharlston Main 21s. to arrive. Best Cardiff and Newcastle coals have been quiet during the week, with prices unchanged. South Yorkshire hards are quoted at 10s. to 10s. 6d. per ton at pit, or 12s. 6d. to 12s. 9d. f.o.b. at the Humber ports. Derbyshire hards are quoted at J 3s. 3d. to 13s. 6d. per ton f.o.b. Best Cardiff Admiralty qualities range from 20s. to 22s. f.o.b. Gas coals are also in better demand and coke is improving. Freights are still rising, and the export trade, especially to the French ports, is increasing. There are indications that the present scarcity of fuel may lead to an increase in the public prices before many days are over, particularly if the present difficulty of obtaining the supplies already invoiced, is not in some way surmounted. The shipments from the Tyne are showing an appreciable increase as compared with the past few weeks, but many of the collieries are still working short time on account of the higher freights, and the difficulty of navigation in the North Sea. Durham gas coals are turning much more regularly. One large contract, however, for 80,000 tons for the Mediterranean, which has usually been held by Durham coal, has been given this year to America. The truck difficulty is an increasing problem, for not only are the wagons in many cases terribly delayed on the railway companies systems through the movements of the troops, war materials, and the cancelling of so many of the ordinary goods trains, but hundreds of wagons are standing loaded in the colliery sidings labelled ready for transit, the shortage of men and engines com- pelling them to wait, in some cases, as much as a fortnight or three weeks before being moved towards their destinations. Wagon owners are naturally heavy losers by the delay, and are now taking the matter up earnestly with the railway companies. At the various London barging stations also the lines are becoming totally blocked with loaded trucks waiting for barges. The recent pontoon bridge across the River Thames has absorbed from 150 to 200 barges, and is being constantly used for the transport of men and material from one side of the river to the other. The port of London notice shows that barges have been moored for a distance of 1,240 ft. from the Gravesend side, and 480 ft. from the Tilbury side, and the gap between is the only available channel for all outgoing or incoming vessels, and the requisite number of empty barges are commandeered to fill up the gap at any moment, so as to make a complete bridge across the river for military purposes. The ferry from North Woolwich to Woolwich Arsenal has been constantly going, but is found to be inadequate for the increased traffic, and the number of barges necessary for the pontoon bridge has created a terrible shortage in the ordinary number available for the usual river coal traffic. Generally prices are as quoted last week. IRON. The iron and steel trades have a more encouraging tone than recently, and there is every hope, barring unlooked-for accidents, that a return to better times is not far away. This is based not merely on the Wages Board returns for September and October, which show an increased output of over 2,000 tons compared with the preceding two months, and an increase of 9s. 8d. in the selling price. During these months the full effect of the boom following the outbreak of war was felt, and that has now subsided. But now the general demand is gradually expanding, if the number of enquiries can be taken as an indication, and the tendency is for prices to be firmer in a number of branches, notably raw material, and the heaviest kinds of finished steel. The steel market is in rather an interesting state at the moment. The midland area had not followed the northern and southern areas in officially declaring an advance for finished material, with the result that Midland makers were not hampered with outside competition. But where they could safely do so they imposed an advance, and the official declaration on Thursday of 5s. advance was expected. A. lot of light trellis girder work is being ordered for Northern France for temporary bridge building. The quotation for angles is now £1 5s. to £7 10s., and for plates <£7 5s. for lots of 100 tons and upwards and 2s. 6d. extra for smaller orders. No improve- ment can be recorded in galvanised sheets. The export trade to Scandinavia has developed, but the large South American and Indian markets are dead. Sales for export have been made as low as <£11, ranging to £11 5s. with 2s. 6d. to 5s. extra for the home trade, and with spelter at £26 10s. to £2? delivered in this district, and sheet bars firm at £5 to __________________ £5 2s. 6d., these figures allow the barest margin of profit. Marked bars are upheld at £9 a ton, and there is no immediate prospect of a reduction. There is sufficient work to keep the mills going practically full time. While there is no quotable change, in second-class bars, they are firmer at the old rates of £7 2s. 6d. to £7 5s. The demand is still irregular, but is improving. Nut iron at Darlaston is obtainable at £6 17s. 6d., and bolt iron at £7 to £7 2s. 6d. Small rounds, squares, and flats range from £7 7s. 6d. to £7 10s. (three-eighths basis). Pig iron has gathered in strength to a small extent. Northamptonshire forge ranges from 51s. to 53s., Derbyshire is about 54s., Staffordshire common 51s. 6d. to 52s. 6d., and part-mine 53s. Substantial parcels are still being sold. Prices at pit f.o.r.: — Best house coal ...... Secondary do.......... Steam coal............ Gas coal.............. Bunkers............... Nuts ................. Slack ................ Gas coke (at works)... Prices landsale:— Best house coal ...... Seconds .............. Slack ........•....... Current prices. 14/6-16/ 13/9-14/6 12/ -12/6 12/ -13/3 11/6-12/3 11/3-12/ 5/6- 7/ 11/8-13/4 18/4-20/ 17/6-18/4 10/ -12/6 L’st week’s tast year’s prices. 14/6—15/6 13/9-14/6 11/9-12/6 12/ -13/ 11/6-12/3 11/3-11/9 5/9- 7/ 11/8-13/4 18/4-20/ 17/6-18/4 10/ -12/6 prices. 15/3-16/9 14/3-15/3 12/6-13/6 13/3-14/ 12/4-12/6 11/6-12/ ! 6/9- 8/6 ! 13/4—15/ [ 17/6-19/2 • 16/8-17/6 10/ -12/6 ________ ________ Forest of Dean. Lydney. COAL. The house coal market of this district, although there is still much room for improvement, has been stronger during the past couple of weeks, and prices, which have been unchanged since May 4 last are advanced Is. per ton from December 1. Shipments are easy this week owing to the heavy weather preventing the movement of vessels. Orders from the inland merchants are being maintained. Slack coals are in poor request, and there are substantial stocks to be seen. There is practically no change in steam coals. The requirements of buyers are only moderate, and the pits are not busy. Prices at pithead. ___________________________ From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Co.’s Report. Friday, November 27.—The seaborne house coal market was without alteration to-day, no cargoes pressing for sale at present Cargoes 17. Monday, November 30.—The seaborne house coal market was steady to-day, a cargo of Yorkshire was disposed of at an advance on last prices. Sharlston W.E., Yorks., 22s. 6d., Sharlston Main, 21s. Cargoes 25. Wednesday, December 2.—The seaborne house coal market was quiet to-day, no cargoes on offer. Sharlston W.E., Yorks., 22s. 6d.; Sharlston Main, 21s, Cargoes 7. Current L’st quot’d Last year’s House coals:— prices. prices. prices. Block ...• 17/6 16/6 17/6 Forest 16/6 15/6 16/6 Rubble 16/9 15/9 16/9 Nuts 15/ 14/ 15/ Rough slack Steam coal:— 6/6 6/6 6/6 Large 12/6-13/ 12/6-13/ 12/ -13/ Small 7/9- 8/3 8/ - 8/6 8/6- 9/ Prices Is. 9d. extra f.o.b. Lydney or Sharpness. ___________________________ Northumberland Miners and Out-of-Work Pay. — The Northumberland miners have, on a ballot, by a small majority, declared against a levy of 6d. a week upon members working full time, and is also against the unem- ployed members registering twice a week at a local Labour Exchange. These were the conditions the men had to comply with in order'that the association might obtain an emergency grant from the Board of Trade under the National Insurance Act towards the cost of out-of-work pay. ___________________________ THE TIN-PLATE TRADE. Liverpool. Business has been unsatisfactory the last week, and unless an improvement quickly sets in, some of the works will have to close entirely for a time for want of orders. Quotations, however, are fairly well maintained, although here and there spot lots are being disposed of at low figures. Makers all state that current rates do not leave them any margin of profit; they are certainly not inclined to book ahead unless at an advance. Quotations for shipment over the next couple of months may be called:—Coke tins: IC 14 x 20 (112 sh. 1081b.), 12s. 9d. per box ; I C 28 x 20 (112 sh. 216 lb.), 25s. 6d. to 25s. 9d. per box; IC 28 x 20 (56 sh. 1081b.), 13s. l^d. to 13s. 3d. per box; IC 14 x 18| (124 sh. 110 lb.), 13s. (nominal) per box; I C 14 x 19| (120 sh. 110 lb.), 13s. (nominal) per box ; I C 20 x 10 (225 sh. 156 lb.), 17s. 9d. (nominal) per box ; I C squares and odd sizes, 13s. to 13s. l|d. basis for usual specifications. Wasters are easier, the demand having fallen off. Quotations :—C W 14 x 20, Ils. 6d. to Ils. 71d. per box; I C 14 x 18|, Ils. 6d. to Ils. 71d. per box; C W 28 x 20, 23s. 6d. to 23s. 9d. per box ; C W 20 x 10, 14s. 3d. to 14s. 6d. per box. Charcoal tins are quietly asked for, and prices rule firm at 14s. 9d. basis and upwards, according to tinning. Monmouthshire, South Wales, &c. Newport. COAL. Conditions in the steam coal market remain weak for prompt shipment, the stormy week having unduly delayed the arrival of a considerable amount of tonnage, and restricted shipments. Consequently sellers are disadvan- tageously placed for getting off their stocks, which just now are exceedingly heavy, and are making concessions wherever they can ensure buyers taking immediate delivery. The recent spurt in chartering induced a stronger tone through- out the market, although to-day’s quotations show7 little variation from last week's figures. After a slight lull, chartering is now’ showing renewed activity, rates maintain- ing their high values for Continental and Mediterranean ports. Colliery salesmen, under these conditions, and W’ith outputs lessened by the very large number of men who have joined the Forces, have very decided opinions regarding prices for future business, and quote very firmly indeed. Small coals meet with a brisk enquiry, while supplies have lessened, values trending upwards. Coke and patent fuel remain quiet and unchanged. The house coal trade is more active both for inland and export, wffiile pitwood, supplies of which are hardly equal to requirements -of collieries, is in good demand at Is. more than last week, good w’ood being quoted 23s. to 23s. 6d. ex ship. Prices f.o.b. cash 30 days. Current I L’st week’s Last year’s Steam coals:— prices. I prices. prices. Best Black Vein large... 16/6—16/9 • 16/6—16/9 17/6-18/6 Western-valleys, ordin’y 15/9-16/3 ! 15/9-16/3 16/6-17/ Best Eastern-valleys ..J 15/6-15/9 ; 15/6-15/9 16/ —16/6 Secondary do. | 15/ —15/6 1 15/ -15/6 15/6-15/9 Best small coals ......1 7/ - 7/6 i 6/9- 7/3 8/6- 8/9 Secondary do........! 6/ - 6/9 ! 6/ - 6/9 8/3- 8/6 Inferior do........; 5/6- 6/ | 5/6— 6/ 7/6- 8/ Screenings............' 7/3- 7/6 ! 7/ - 7/3 8/6— 8/9 Through coals ........; 11/3-11/9 11/ -11/6 12/3-12/9 Best washed nuts...... 13/6-14/ | 13/ -13/6 13/6-14/ Other sorts :— I Best house coal........ 18/ -19/ I 18/ -19/ 18/ -19/ Secondary do.......... 16/6—17/6 16/6-17/6 17/ -18/ Patent fuel .......... 17/ -17/6 i 16/ -16/6 19/ -20/ Furnace coke.......... 18/ -19/ 121/ -23/ 19/ -20/ Foundry coke ........ 21/ -23/ j 18/ -19/ ■ 23/ -25/ IRON. The better tone reported last w’eek in the local iron and steel trades is well maintained, owing to the war, more buying having taken place. In some quarters this is explained as being the result of buyers, who have been hold- ing off the market, covering for their requirements early in the new’ year, and some doubt is expressed whether the conditions’ will be long upheld. On the other hand, works