January 1, 1915. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 29 THE LONDON COAL TRADE. Thursday, December 31. The London coal trade has scarcely recovered yet from the Christmas holiday influence, but all the wharves and depots reopened on Monday last, only to find that during the interval the railway companies had neglected to bring forward any of the recent consignments, so that all the London depots are very short of fuel. The demand still falls principally upon the bakers’ nuts and Derby brights. The market on Monday was only thinly attended, as it was known that very few collieries would be at work on that day; in fact, many have given notice that they do not resume work until the middle of the week. Business on ’Change was limited almost exclusively to small orders for loaded trucks either standing at the re-labelling stations, or for trucks in stock. Both colliery representatives and factors were slow to book anything for forward deliveries. Merchants also were reluctant to buy in view of the end of the month, and the prospect of a quieter month directly the new year comes into existence. Collieries have practically nothing to offer, and many are reported to have a considerable accumulation of old orders yet unexecuted. The Christmas orders are satisfactory, and at all depots the delivery trade has been brisk, but crippled for want of men. Only nine vessels have entered the Thames during the past week ready for Monday’s market, and these were all contract cargoes. On Wednesday’s market 25 vessels were entered, many of them have been seriously delayed. The seaborne market continues merely nominal. Tonnages from the north are more freely offering for the coast and the Drench ports, but freights are still quoted high. The New Year holidays in the Scotch coal market commence to-day (Thursday), and it is feared that the whole of the following week will see very little Scotch coal coming forward to London. Colliery quotations are largely withdrawn. The small quantity available is selling at higher than list prices for prompt delivery. The Yorkshire coal prices continue high. Best hards are still quoted at Ils. 6d., and seconds at 10s. 9d. Steam nuts are scarce. The best sorts are 10s. 6d. and seconds 9s. 9d., whilst slacks are fetching 7s. 3d. Best Silkstones are quoted at 16s. 6d., Barnsley 14s. 9d., and the demand for coke is also firm. South Wales coals have shown very little change. Admiralty qualities are quoted at 21s. to 22s. f.o.b., and seconds at 19s. to 20s. f.o.b. The Humber ports are gradually increasing in the volume of trade, but the quantities shipped are still very much below last year. The storm on Monday wrought sad havoc among the barges on the Biver Thames, and many of them sank. The rainfall was reported as 1’22 in. and the snow in many parts of London was 3 to 4 inches deep. Ten barges were sunk off Woolwich Arsenal loaded with stores, and a large coal barge was sunk off Greenwich; altogether 50 barges are reported missing in the Biver Thames alone. The congestion at the Port of London docks is very acute just now. Both at Tilbury and the London Docks vessels are arriving in far greater numbers than can be dealt with, and some of them are loaded with cargoes of grain. Lighters and barges are at a premium all down the river, and a good number of the vessels are lying in Greenwich Beach waiting their turn for a berth in the docks. ’ The London Stock Exchange, which has been closed since July 30 last, is to reopen on Monday next, and with the reopening the publication of the daily official list will be resumed. ----------------:---- From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Co.’s Report. Monday, December 28.—The seaborne house coal market was quiet to-day, with no cargoes available at present. Cargoes 9. Wednesday, December 30.—The seaborne house coal market was without [alteration again to-day, no cargoes at present forthcoming. Cargoes 23. Home Office Prosecution at Bradford—At the Bradford West Biding Police Court, on Thursday, before Dr. W. H. Ellis (presiding), Sir James Boberts, Bart., Sir Ellis Denby, and other magistrates, Mr. David Clark, colliery manager, of Cleckheaton, and the Cleckheaton Colliery Company Limited, Cleckheaton, were summoned at the instance of Mr. Thomas H. Mottram, H.M. inspector of mines for the division, for a breach of the Coal Mines Act. Mr. Mottram prosecuted, and Mr. I. Baley (Barnsley) represented the defendants, who pleaded guilty. Mr. Mottram said the charge was brought for a violation of section 80 of the Coal Mines Begulation Act, and was caused by the manager of the mine not reporting to the inspector of the division the fact that an explosion had taken place at the Hunsworth Lodge Colliery as far back as June 24, 1913. No report was made to him—he being the inspector for the district—and, consequently, he knew nothing about the explosion until some months afterwards. He then incidentally heard of it, visited the colliery, and a candid admission was made that an explosion had occurred on the date he had mentioned, and that the manager had failed to notify him of it. It might be said that although the explosion did occur, the injury was not severe, as the man was only off work for a few days, but it did not matter whether any injury was received or not—the statute still required that the explosion should be reported, because when firedamp had been once found in a mine it was an indication of danger, and inspectors of mines had to look very closely into all such cases. Mr. Baley said that when the defendants were accused of this omission they very candidly admitted it. They admitted their failing to notify the explosion all the way through, and he had been asked to come there to express to Mr. Mottram and the magistrates the defendants’ regret that they had thoughtlessly infringed the Act. There was a maxim in law which said, “ The law does not bother about little things,” but that, he understood, did not hold good in coal cases. It was, however, the defendants’ excuse—they thought it was such a slight matter that they considered it was not worth while reporting it. The accident occurred in some old workings, and under peculiar circumstances.—Mr. Mottram said that a certain miner—Freer—was working underground when some firedamp was exploded by his candle. In consequence of that he was injured, and was off work for a few days. He might say that if the magistrates decided to convict the manager, the charge against the company would be withdrawn, with their consent, upon payment of costs. The chairman imposed a fine of =£10 and costs, and the summons against the company was withdrawn upon payment of costs. THE COAL AID IRON TRADES. Thursday, December 31. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. Business in the West of Scotland has been very brisk during the past week, and prices are firmer. Best splints are well sold, and tonnage is arriving with gratifying regularity. Secondary qualities are in heavy demand, principally on local account. Best ells are now very scarce and washed produce of all sizes are difficult to obtain. Shipments amounted to 111,181 tons against 118,865 in the preceding week, and 102,960 tons in the corresponding' week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Steam coal prices. 11/3-13/3 prices. 11/ -13/ prices. 13/ -14/6 Ell 13/9-14/ 13/6 13/9-14/ Splint 13/3-15/9 12/9-13/3 12/9-15/ 13/9-17/ Treble nuts 11/6-12/3 12/9—13/ Double do 11/9-12/ 11/3-11/9 12/6 Single do 11/ -11/6 10/6-10/9 11/ IRON. A firmer tone prevails in the pig iron trade. Makers are not now booking anything in the way of large lines, but in the aggregate the volume of new business is satisfactory. The demand for foundry iron is not so good as for forge and haematite, large quantities of the latter being consumed by the steelworks. There are 68 furnaces in blast, the same number as in the preceding week, and one more than in the same week 12 months ago. The prices of Scotch makers’ iron are as follow :—Monkland is quoted 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, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1, 70s., Nos. 3, 65s.; 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 Leith, No. 1, 73s., No. 3, 68s. per ton. The Glasgow pig iron warrant market has been quiet during the past week. The total turnover amounted to 9,000 tons, 6,000 of which changed hands on the same day. At the outset prices were very firm, 54s. Id. being recorded, but thereafter a slight reaction occurred, and the closing price of Cleveland at 53s. 7id. per ton cash buyers was on the same level as in the preceding week. Warrant stores have been increasing steadily, and stocks now total 103,832 tons compared with 135,877 tons 12 months ago. The manufacturing branches of the trade are now in a better position, and the outlook is much more promising in practically every department. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. Conditions in the Lothians are now considerably improved* and business is very active. Collieries have a good deal of work on hand, and in some instances January orders have already been placed. Clearances total 36,033 tons against 34,481 in the preceding week, and 88,374 in the same week a year ago. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Best screened steam coal... Secondary qualities.... Treble nuts ........... Double do.............. Single do.............. Current prices. 11/9-12/ 10/6-10/9 12/6-12/9 11/ —11/3 10/6-10/9 L’st week’s prices. 11/6-11/9 10/6-10/9 12/6 10/6-11/ 10/3-10/6 Last year’s prices. 12/ -12/6 11/3-11/6 13/ -13/3 12/ -12/3 10/6-10/9 Trade in Fifeshire continues steady without any special feature. There is a plentiful supply of tonnage, and collieries have as much business on hand as they can manage at present. The number of wagons available is still insufficient, and this is interfering with despatches. Shipments amounted to 57,081 tons, against 53,296 in the preceding week and 118,135 tons in the same week 12 months ago. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Best screened navigation prices. prices. prices. coal 15/9-16/3 15/6-15/9 H/ Unscreened do 14/ 13/6 15/ First-class steam coal 12/6-12/9 11/9-12/ 13/ Third-class do. 10/3-10/6 10/ -10/3 11/ Treble nuts 12/6-13/ 11/6-12/6 13/ -13/3 Double do 11/ -11/3 10/9-11/ 12/ -12/3 Single do 10/9-11/3 10/3-10/6 10/9-11/ The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports amount to 204,295 tons, compared with 202,642 in the preceding week, and 310,169 tons in the corresponding week of last year. ----------------- Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 54,321 tons of coal and 746 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease of 49,716 tons of coal and 822 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 17,895 tons of coal and 2,092 tons of coke, a decrease of 13,943 tons of coal and 1,216 tons of coke. The Blyth shipments totalled 37,620 tons of coal and coke, a decrease of 28,284 tons. The total shipments from the three places, therefore, were 112,674 tons only, a decrease of 93,041 tons when compared with those for the previous week. The main reason for this huge falling-off was the restriction placed by the Admiralty on North Sea navigation, following on the German naval raid and further sowing of mines. As might be imagined, prompt business has been very slack in the local market during the week, Christmastide having claimed priority of consideration. A fair amount of forward business has been under discussion, however, and the prospects are brighter. The North Eastern Bailway Company is stated to have practically completed its contracts for 500,000 tons of steam coals to be supplied to the Northern Division over 1915. The same collieries which secured the business for 1914 have been dealt with, and the prices obtained are stated to be those of the expiring contracts, so far as Northumbrian coals are concerned, about 3d. less for North Durhams, and from 3d. to 6d. less for South Durhams. Best Blyth steams are stated to have been sold for January delivery at 13s. 3d. per ton f.o.b., whilst, for similar ship- ments, smalls are quoted at 8s. For January-March loading the same quotations hold good, whilst for April- December shipment 14s. is quoted for large, and 8s. for small coal. Durham bunkers are stated to have been sold for delivery onward from April at fully Is. to Is. 3d. over current figures. There is a considerable amount of enquiry for steam coals for Scandinavian countries, and collieries could sell largely at current prices for forward delivery, but are not disposed to do so. F.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment have varied very little on the week, the only changes being as follow :—Best Blyth steams are stronger ; Tyne steam seconds, firmer ; and gas seconds 3d. reduced. It is gratifying to learn that Northumbrian collieries are working more regularly now than at any period since the commencement of the war. If it were only possible to secure a regular and adequate supply of tonnage at reasonable rates there need be no fear of any depression in the local coal trade during the coming year. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. 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 oafs .... 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 12/3-12/6 10/9-11/ 11/3-11/6 10/ —10/6 7/9- 8/3 7/ - 7/3 9/ 10/ -10/6 12/6 10/9 12/9-13/ 10/6-11/6 10/ -10/6 10/ -10/6 9/3— 9/6 14/ -15/ 19/ -20/ 18/ 10/6-12/ L’stweek’s Last year’s prices. prices. 13/ -13/3 14/ -14/6 12/3-12/6 14/ -14/6 10/9-11/ 12/6 11/ -11/6 12/6 10/ -10/6 11/ -12/ 7/9- 8/3 6/9 7/ - 7/3 6/ - 6/3 9/ ' 7/ - 7/6 10/ -10/6 13/6-14/ 12/6 15/ 10/9-11/ 13/6 12/9-13/ 15/6 10/6-11/6 12/3-13/6 10/ -10/6 11/ -12/ 10/ -10/6 13/ -14/ 9/3- 9/6 12/6-13/ 14/ -15/ 15/6-16/6 19/ -20/ 21/ -23/ 18/ 19/ -20/ 10/6-12/ 14/6-14/9 Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 36,660 tons of coal and 2,130 tons of coke as compared with 68,990 tons of coal and no coke for the corresponding period of 1913, being a decrease of 32,330 tons of coal and an increase of 2,130 tons of coke. The approximate shipment for 1914 is 4,060,000 tons as compared with 4,850,000 tons for the previous year. The coal market is quiet, with a continued holiday tone and hardly any fresh business is being done. There is, however, a good enquiry for the new year and the prospects are brighter. The North Eastern Bailway Company are said to have com- pleted their arrangements for supplying rhe northern section of their trade over next year, about 500,000 tons at prices ranging from 12s. to 12s. 9d. per ton according to quality. The following are the nominal market quota- tions :— Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Gas coals:— prices. prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals 13/ 12/9-13/ 15/9-16/ Secondary do. House coals:— 11/3 11/ 14/3 Best house coals 14/6-15/ 16/6 18/ -18/6 Ordinary do Other sorts :— 13/6-14/ 14/ 17/ Lambton screened 13/9 13/3 15/6 South Hetton do 13/6 13/ 15/6 Lambton unscreened ... 11/ 10/6 10/6 14/ South Hetton do 10/9 14/ Do. treble nuts 13/6 13/ 16/6 Coking coals unscreened 10/6 10/ 13/6 Do. smalls 10/ 9/6 13/ Smithies 13/6 11/6 16/6 Peas and nuts 14/ -15/ 13/6 16/9 Best bunkers 12/ 11/9 15/ -15/6 Ordinary bunkers Coke:— 11/ 10/3 14/6 Foundry coke Blast-furnace coke (did. 20/6 20/ 22/ Teesside furnaces) ... 19/ 18/6-19/ 19/6 Gas coke 12/ -12/6 12/ 17/6 The outward freight market continues very firm particularly for Mediterranean ports. Becent fixtures include : London 12s., Bouen 17s., Caen 17s., Dieppe 15s., Nice 22s. 3d., Genoa 22s. 3d., Naples 22s., Marseilles 21s., Porto Vecchio 21s. Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. Quite a holiday feeling prevails. Collieries, are well placed as to business on paper, but difficulty is experienced in getting orders executed. Complaints of shortage of steamers continue to be made. The North-Eastern Bailway Company have completed their purchase of 500,000 tons of coal for the northern division of their