1332 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. December 24, 1914. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ requirements, namely, 50,000 tons of large, and similar quantities of through coal and patent fuel, it was stated that no definite decision had yet been arrived at. The Central Argentine Railways are reported to have arranged their contract for second best Admiralties with several collieries, at prices ranging from 18s. 6d. to 19s., f.o.b., which is about Is. to Is. 6d. per ton higher than the rates paid last year. With regard to prices generally, there is a firmer tendency all round. Best Admiralties are slightly higher, at 21s. to 22s., and second grades are strongly held from 20s. and even higher figures for January shipment. Ordinaries are 18s. Monmouthshire coals are steady, Black Veins commanding 17s. 3d., western valleys 16s. 9d., and easterns 16s. to 16s. 3d., in each case f.o.b. Cardiff. The heavy demand for washed coals still continues from the French market, and best nuts are quoted at 19s., seconds 17s., and peas at 15s. 6d. to 16s. and 14s. 6d. respectively. The biggest advance, however, has taken place in small coal, best bunkers now being held for 12s. to 12s. 6d., ordinaries at Ils. 9d. to 12s., and cargo qualities at 9s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per ton. In Rhondda bituminous coals there is little change, No. 3 large being 17s. 6d., No. 2 15s. to 15s. 6d., and other grades in proportion. Coke is firmer, and patent fuel is quoted at 18s. both for prompt sales and delivery over next year. Pit wood has advanced considerably, owing to short deliveries, and the price is now between 28s. and 30s. per ton. The Custom House returns for November show that the exports of coal from the Bristol Channel amounted to 1,426,275 tons, compared with 2,382,723 tons in the corresponding month of last year. From Cardiff the shipments were 878,399 tons, against 1,502,082 tons; from _________________________________________________________ Newport, 209,538 tons, against 411,355 tons; from Port Talbot, 112,354 tons, compared with 159,167 tons; and from Swansea, 219,201 tons, against 289,924 tons. These figures are, of course, exclusive of Admiralty shipments, details of which are unobtainable. _________________________________________________________ IRON. The outlook in the tin-plate trade has been rather better, but the shipments are not yet what they should be, con- sidering the amount of enquiry there has been on the market during the last few days. Shipments last week amounted to 34,337 boxes, and receipts from works 63,128 boxes. Stocks in docks warehouses and vans now amount to 300,069 boxes, compared with 271,278 boxes the preceding week, and 227,450 boxes at the corresponding date of last year. Prices are practically stationary, Bessemer standard cokes being 12s. 7Jd. to 12s. 9d., and oil sizes 13s. to 13s. 3d. and 18s. 3d. respectively. The galvanised sheet trade is still in a most unsatisfactory condition, and the majority of the sheet mills are either stopped altogether or only working short time. Spelter works are fully occupied, but there is a dearth of orders both on home and Colonial account, and 24 gauge corrugateds do not command more than £11 5s. to £11 10s. Welsh steel bars are in better request, and it is _____________________________ anticipated that the official price will be increased in the new year. At present, however, it remains at £4 15s. for both Siemens and Bessemer qualities. Welsh pig’ iron is again firmer, and is now quoted at 72s. 6d. to 73s. f.o.t. The iron ore market is irregular. Sellers refuse to do business at the old rates, owing to the great increase which has taken place in freights, and best Rubio is now quoted at 19s., seconds 17s. to 17s. 6d., and Almeria at 19s. per ton. Scrap metals are steady, steel scrap being 54s., heavy wrought 52s. 6d., light wrought 35s., double-headed steel rails 60s., double-headed iron rails 65s., mixed sections 55s., cast scrap 54s., and new steel crop ends 60s. to 61s. Swansea. COAL. With a large supply of tonnage, there was a great improvement in the coal trade last week. The patent fuel trade, however, continued quiet. The shipments of coal and patent fuel amounted to 123,576 tons. A capital attendance assembled on ’Change, and. the condition of the anthracite coal market continued to display a strong tone. There was an excellent demand for Swansea Valley large, with prices firm at recent quotations. Red Vein large also maintained its improved position. Machine-made nuts and cobbles were vfery scarce and difficult to obtain, even at the high prices now ruling. Rubbly culm and duff were still dull, and were offered freely for prompt loading at low figures. The steam coal market showed some improvement. Large continued strong, whilst a further advance was noted in both bunkers and small. Prices f.o.b. (cash in 30 days). Anthracite:— Best malting large (hand picked) (net)... Secondary do. Big Vein large (less 2| per cent.) Red Vein large do. ... Machine - made cobbles (net) Paris nuts (net) French do. do German do. do Beans (net) Machine - made large peas (net) Do. fine peas (net) Rubbly culm (less 2|p.c.) Duff (net) Steam coals:— Best large (less 2| p.c.) Seconds do. Bunkers do. Small do. Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Rhondda— Large (less 2| p.c.) ... Through-and-through (less 2| p.c.) Small (less 2| p.c.) ... Patent fuel do Current prices. 22/6-24/6 20/6-22/6 19/6-22/ 16/6-17/6 24/6-26/6 27/6-30/ 27/6-29/6 18/6-19/ 12/6-13/6 3/9- 4/6 2/9- 3/6 18/9-21/6 16/6-17/6 13/ -14/6 6/6— 8/9 17/6—18/6 10/ -10/9 15/6—16/6 L’st week’s prices. 22/6-24/6 20/6-22/6 19/6-22/ 16/6-17/6 24/6-26/6 26/6-30/ 26/6—29/ 18/6-19/ 12/6-13/6 3/9- 4/6 2/9- 3/6 18/9-21/6 16/6-17/6 12/ -13/ 6/6— 8/9 17/6-18/6 10/ -10/9 15/6—16/6 Last year’s prices. 21/6-24/ 19/9-21/ 18/ -19/ 14/6-16/ 21/6-24/6 23(6-26/ 23/6-26/ 23/6-25/6 16/9-18/9 13/6-14/6 5/6- 5/9 3/ - 3/6 19/6-21/6 14/9-15/9 12/9-14/6 7/ - 8/ 17/6-18/ 13/9-14/6 10/3-11/3 17/3-17/9 IRON. During the past week a more hopeful tone was noticeable in the tin-plate trade, and the production was heavier than in the previous week. There was some slackness at the sheet mills in the district. The tin house sets were doing well, the full complement of hands being engaged. The steel trade was in a fair condition, but in some instances works were on short time. Business was very brisk at the Mannesmann Tube Works, Bandore, and means were being adopted to cope with the increasing demand. Regular employment was noted at the iron foundries. The shipments of tin-plates last week were 34,337 boxes, receipts from works 63,128 boxes, and stocks in the dock warehouses and vans 300,069 boxes. Llanelly. COAL. Not for the past few years has there been such a large demand for local coals with colliery order books in so satisfactory a position. The falling off in the outputs is partly responsible for the great scarcity of coal; but for the past couple of weeks the demand has been much beyond the make, with the result that the collieries, have had to refuse orders from their regular customers. The advance in prices which has taken place seems to have had little effect on the number of orders received. There is a big rush for most of the anthracite qualities, all the large kinds are going well, and the enquiry for the horticultural sorts is greater than it has been for a very long time, and not for years have prices been so high. For nuts, too, especially French, the demand is very heavy, and beyond the make. The only qualities which seem to make any improvement, and which are still difficult to dispose of are culm and duff. The steam and bituminous collieries are all very busy this week. The manufacturing works of the district require far heavier supplies, but there is every prospect of an improve- ment in these coals in the early future. Prices are advancing, and for contracts over the next three or six months collieries are asking much higher figures. This week’s quotations approximately are :— Prices f.o.b. ; Current Anthracite:— prices. Best malting large ... 21/ -24/ Secondary do........20/6-21/ ....... ........ Big Vein large........ 19/ -21/ Red Vein do........... 16/ -17/ Machine-made cobbles... 25/ -27/ German nuts......... 27/ -301 ......... ......... French do....... 27/ -30/ Paris do....... 27/ -30/ Machine-made beans ... 19/ -21/ Do. peas.... 13/ -13/6 ............... Culm ................. 3/6- 4/ Duff................. 2/9- 3/ Other sorts:— Large strain coal.....__ 18/ -20/ Through-and-through... 13/6—14/6 Small ............... 8/ - 9/ Bituminous small coal... 10/ -11/ L’st week’s prices. 23/ -24/ 21/ -22/6 19/ -21/ 15/ -17/ 24/ -25/6 26/6-29/ 26/6—29/ 26/6-29/ 19/ -21/ 13/ -13/6 4/ - 4/6 2/9— 3/6 Last year’s prices. 21/ -22/ 19/ -21/ 17/ -19/ 13/ —14/ 19/ -21/ 23/ -25/ 23/ -25/ 23/ -25/ 18/ -22/ 12/6-13/6 5/6- 6/ 4/ -.5/ 18/ -20/ 10/9-11/3 8/ - 9/ 9/ -10/ 17/ -18/ 13/ -14/ 9/ -10/ 11/ -11/6 THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products. — The market is steady, but for some obscure cause prices are mostly inclined to be easier. This is notably the case with carbolics, toluol, and pitch. Benzols, however, keep firm, and crude naphtha holds to the advance.. In the North 50/90’s benzol is the turn easier. Nearest values are :— Benzols, 90’s ................................ Do. 90’s North ........................... Do. 50’s do.................................................................... Toluol ....................................... Carbolic acid, crude (60 per cent.) ......... Do. crystals (40 per cent.) ....... Solvent naphtha (as in quality and package)... Crude ditto (in bulk) ......................... Creosote (for ordinary qualities) ............. Pitch (f.o.b.) ................................ Tar (liquid- in 1 ton) ....................... /10J /8|to/9 1/2 to 1/3 2/4 to 2/6 3/ to 3/1 1/3 to 1/4 /9 /6 /3t7o 24/ 16/6 to 18/ [Benzols, toluol, creosote, solvent naphtha, carbolic acids, usually casks included unless otherwise stated, free on rails at maker's works or usual United Kingdom ports, net. Pitch f.o.b. net.’] Sulphate of Ammonia, — With a quietly advancing market, “ bear ” rumours are multiplying, but the export figures for November are evidently carrying weight amongst makers. While some exporters are crying Peccavi, other shipping merchants seem busy enough, only they keep silent. In the North £11 15s. has been paid for prompt, but it is doubtful if that price would now secure anything for January-March delivery. Closing prompt prices are :— London (ordinary makes) .........". £11 to £11/5 ............................... Beckton ........................... £10/18/9 Liverpool _________......................... £11 /10 Hull ................................. £11/7/6 Middlesbrough .................... £11/5 to £11/7/6 Scotch ports ______......................... £11/15 to £12 Nitrate of soda (ordinary) per cwt. ... 10/ [Sulphate of ammonia, f.o.b. in bags, less per cent, discount; 24 per cent, ammonia, good grey quality; allowance for refraction, nothing for excess.] _______ Trade Notes. It is a matter for great regret that the joint committee of tar distillers that met recently under the auspices of the Institution of Gas Engineers, and issued a draft scheme regulating the sale of coal tar by-products, has so soon been shattered on the rock of dissension. Everything had been agreed upon with the exception of one point, and that was settling the minimum selling price for pitch. The deter- mination of this point was delayed until a subsequent meeting, and it now transpires that this question has proved to be a bone of contention. It is noteworthy that much the same thing happened some 25 or more years ago. When the Sulphate of Ammonia Manufacturers’ Association (which eventually blossomed into the present existing organisation) was started, a Tar Distillers’ Association was likewise formed. But, whereas the Sulphate of Ammonia Association did much good work (propagandists and other- wise) quite a hopeless lack of unity, or even the bare desire to co-operate for the benefit of the trade as a whole, was found to be wanting, and the tar distillers’ section died prematurely from sheer inanition. But things were very different then compared with to-day, and one would naturally think in time of war many of the minor differences would have been negotiable. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, for when it came to the price of pitch, tar producers and tar distillers could not come to any definite agreement. Regrettable as this is in itself, the final upshot is even more so, for, owing to the impossibility of agreeing on the price of pitch, the whole draft scheme has been abandoned, and things are back again into the old statu? quo ante of 25 years ago. Toluol has, naturally, been advancing steadily, and perhaps not unreasonably, in price of late, but with the issuing of the new Army Council’s edict that the War Office has recently published, the trade in this product is likely to be hampered somewhat. The Government have virtually commandeered all the supplies of toluol, not only as toluol per se, but also through the other commercial products, such as certain benzol distillates, light tar oils, and solvent naphtha, from which toluol is, or can be, obtained. Even existing contracts may have to be modulated to meet the requirements of the nation during the war, as although the proclamation expresses a desire to interfere with existing contracts as little as possible, never- theless, it is emphatically stated that this desire will only be practical as long as the continuation of contracts is con- sistent with the requirements of the national defence. It '• is evident that there is every intention to act up to the - possibilities in this clause, because, full particulars of all contracts entered into prior to the date of the Army Council Order have to be sent to the secretary of the Committee on Supply of High Explosives, Storey’s-gate, London, S.W.,> from which source all additional details can be obtained. The imports of pitch and tar have been light, viz., 570 casks and 50 barrels of tar, and 25 barrels of pitch. The exports have been fairly good. Pitch amounted to 1,520 tons, three cases, 202 barrels, and £247. Tar, 5,835 galls., 70 drums, 100 barrels, and 51 casks. The exports of, sulphate of ammonia have been about 4,670 tons. THE IRISH COAL TRADE. Wednesday, December 23. Dublin. The healthy tone is maintained in the coal trade, merchants now being busily engaged fulfilling orders to cover extra requirements for the holiday period. The cross-Channel trade has improved somewhat since the weather moderated, but the supplies coming in fall short of actual requirements, as stocks have run down and will need substantial additions in order to bring them up to a good business standard for the new year. Prices are firm at the recent advance of Is. per ton in household qualities, and the tendency is still upwards. The following are the present quotations in the city .-—Best Orrell, 28s. per ton Hulton Arley,* 27s.; best Whitehaven, 26s.; best Wigan, 26s.; Pemberton Wigan, 24s.; kitchen nuts, 23s.; best Orrell slack, 22s.—all less Is. per ton discount for cash; house coal, retail, Is. 8d. per sack; best coke, 22s. per ton delivered. Steam coals all tend upwards, Scotch being about 22s. per ton. Irish coals at Wolfhill, Queen’s County, are:—Large coal, 21s. 8d. per ton, Is. Id. per cwt.; small coal, 20s. per ton, Is. per cwt.; nut coal, 16s. 8d. per ton, lOd. per cwt.; culm, up to 10s. per ton. The coaling vessels arriving during the week were chiefly from Garston, Preston, Liverpool, Ayr, Glasgow, Maryport, Point of Aire, Newport, Saundersfoot, Llanelly, Cardiff, Manchester, Partington and Clydebank. Belfast. Stocks in this port are still rather low, owing to the difficulty in obtaining tonnage at the other side as a consequence of the scarcity resulting from the increased number of miners who have now joined the army. There is a very large demand this week for all qualities of coal owing to the nearness of Christmas, and steam coals are now much dearer as supplies are scarce, and freights much above the normal. The following are the current quota- tions :—Best Arley house coal, advanced to 30s. and 31s. 6d. per ton ; Hartley, 29s. and 29s. 6d.; Wigan, 28s. to 28s. 6d.; Orrell nuts, 29s. to 29s. 6d.; Scotch house coal, 26s.; Orrell slack, 26s.; Scotch steam coal, 18s. to 19s. per ton; Scotch steam slack, 14s. to 15s.; Welsh steam coal, 20s. per ton delivered. Coal cargoes arriving during the week were chiefly from Ayr, Garston, Maryport, Ardrossan, Troon, Workington, Glasgow, Sharpness, Preston, Silloth and Irvine. Between November 29 and December 12 the total number of coal-laden vessels entering the harbour amounted to 90. At a recent meeting of the Traffic and Navigation Committee a communication from the general manager of the Great Northern Railway was under consideration, having reference to an application from a prominent firm of local coal merchants for an adequate supply of railway wagons for the carrying on of the coal traffic. ________________________ COAL SHIPPED FROM PORTS IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES During November 1914 Compared with the Corresponding Month of 1913. The following figures, extracted from the monthly coal tables issued by the Commissioners of H.M. Customs and Excise, show the quantity of coal shipped from each group of ports during November. The effect of the war will be at once noticeable:— Cargo. Nov. 1913. Nov. 1914. Tons. Tons. Bristol Channel ports 2,382,723 . .. 1,426,275 North-western ports 76,702 . 29,491 North-eastern ports 1,827,498 . .. 939,259 Humber ports 726,392 . .. 301,653 Other east coast ports 40,358 . 8,515 Other English ports 22 . 842 Ports on east coast of Scotland 678,033 . 344,113 Ports on west coast of Scotland 181,676 . .. 230,012 Total 5,913,404 . .. 3,280,160 Bunker. Nov. 1913. Nov. 1914. Tons. Tons. Bristol Channel ports 387,231 . .. 321,917 North-western ports 372,216 . .. 303,003 North-eastern ports 291,554 . .. 189,768 Humber ports 261,328 . .. 133,640 Other east coast ports 143,271 . ... 111,947 Other English ports 77,840 . 14,370 Ports on east coast of Scotland... 113,404 . 76,468 Ports on west coast of Scotland... 106,200 . 98,310 Irish ports 2,046 . 532 Grand total 1,755,090 . .. 1,249,955