January 29, 1915. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 235 THE COAL AHD IROH TRADES. Thursday, January 28. Scotland..—Western District.' COAL. The position of the coal trade in the west of Scotland continues very strong, and good prices are being obtained for practically all grades of coal. There is a good local demand, and the export enquiry is brisk, while indications point to a period of high prices. Best splints are well sold, and supplies cannot be had for over three weeks, while ells are in much the same position. Secondary sorts of both classes are also very strong, navigations are very busy, and the enquiry for ordinary steams is rather better. Smalls of all sizes are in heavy demand, and prices are firming up. Shipments from the district during the week amounted to 121,290 tons, compared with 98,766 in the preceding week and 107,198 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. prices. 12/6-14/6 J 14/9 J 14/9-18/ | 14/3-14/6 ! 13/3-13/6 I 12/3-12/9 Steam coal.............. Ell .................... Splint.................. Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current L’st week’s prices. 12/6-14/6 14/ -14/3 14/6-17/ 13/9-14/3 13/ -13/6 12/ -12/6 Last year’s prices. 13/ -14/ 13/3-13/6 13/ -16/ . 12/3-12/9 11/6-12/ 11/ -11/3 IRON. Business in the Scotch iron trade is very brisk. Pig iron makers are very strongly placed. Prices have been advancing, and show an inclination to advance still further, particularly in the case of haematite iron, for which 90s. per ton is now the usual quotation. There has been a better demand for foundry qualities, and forge iron is moving away without difficulty. Users of haematite and ordinary brands have been covering their requirements to a greater extent recently and, notwithstanding a poor shipping demand, makers’ prospects are encouraging. There are 73 furnaces in blast, the same number as in the preceding week and 7 more than in the same week last year. The prices of Scotch makers’ iron are as follow :— Monkland is quoted f.a.s. at Glasgow, No. 1, 67s., No. 3, 65s. 6d.; Govan, No. 1, 66s. 6d., No. 3, 65s. 6d.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 71s., No. 3, 67s.; Clyde, No. 1, 73s. 6d., No. 3,68s. 6d.; Gartsherrie, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1, 74s., Nos. 3, 69s.; Summerlee, No. 1, 75s., No. 3, 70s. ; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 73s. 6d., No. 3, 68s. 6d.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 67s. 6d., No. 3, 66s. 6d.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 67s. 6d., No. 3, 66s. 6d.; Shotts at Leith, No. 1, 75s., No. 3, 70s. ; Carron at Grange- mouth, No. 1, 77s., No. 3, 72s. per ton. During the past week the Glasgow pig iron warrant market was more active than has been the case for about two years. The total turnover amounted to 53,000 tons. The tone was firm throughout and while prices fluctuated to some extent the closing price of Cleveland iron at 57s. 51d. per ton cash buyers represented a gain of Is. lid. per ton on the week. The manufacturing branches of the trade are well employed. Black sheet makers report that they are finding a ready ■outlet for their products, especially the heavy gauges. Prices are keeping firm and the quotation for 7-11 b.g. is about <£8 15s. per ton less 5 per cent, for the home trade. Malleable iron makers are busily engaged in the production of iron and steel bars, but could do with more orders in the hoop and strip department. Owing to the increased ■costs of raw materials iron bars have been raised 10s. per ton and the basis price is now <£8 2s. 6d. per ton less 5 per cent, for Crown quality for Glasgow delivery. Mild steel bars have also been raised 10s. per ton and the minimum quotation is now <£8 10s. per ton less 5 per cent. The export demand for wrought iron and steel tubes is far from satisfactory and though the home trade is fairly good plants are running below their productive capacity. The all round position of the iron trade, however, is very encouraging. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. Collieries in the Lothians are well sold at present, and have very little available coal to sell. Shipments amounted to 34,577 tons, against 32,967 in the preceding week and .89,649 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. Best screened steam coal... 12/ -13/9 12/9-13/ 12/ Secondary qualities 12/ -12/6 11/6—11/9 11/ Treble nuts 13/3-13/6 13/3-13/9 12/9-13/ Double do 12/3—12/6 12/3-12/9 11/6-11/9 Single do 11/9-12/ 11/9-12/ 10/3-10/6 The market in Fifeshire continues strong. In this district collieries are fully sold, and have very little coal to dispose of. All classes of coal are heavily booked, and considerable notice is necessary in each case. Shipments during the past week amounted to 42,161 tons, compared with 47,577 in the preceding week and 123,224 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Best screened navigation coal Unscreened do First-class steam coal Third-class do Treble nuts Double do Single do Current prices. 16/ -16/6 14/6 12/6-13/ 10/3-10/9 13/6-14/ 12/3-13/ 10/3-11/6 L’st week’s prices. 16/6 14/6 12/6-12/9 10/3-10/9 13/6-14/ 11/9-12/6 10/9-11/6 Last year’s prices. 16/6—16/9 14/3-14/9 12/6 10/9 12/6-13/ 11/3-11/6 10/6 The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 198,028 tons, against 179,310 in the preceding week and 320,071 tons in the same week of last year. The Swedish State Bailways authorities have invited tenders for a supplementary supply of steam coal, amounting to 175,000 tons, for delivery from February to the end of June. Tenderers are asked to quote both c.i.f. and f.o.b. prices, and these are to be sent in by January 24. IScrthumberland, Durham and Cleveland. N e wcastle-upon-Ty ne. COAL. During last week 59,984 tons of coal and 812 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease of 86,041 tons of coal and an increase of 208 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 60,528 tons of coal and 1,751 tons of coke, an increase (somewhat noteworthy fact) of .10,091 tons of coal, and a decrease of 5,071 tons of coke. The Bly th shipments amounted to 62,575 tons of coal and coke, a decrease of 31,088 tons. The total clearances from the three shipping places, therefore, amounted to 185,650 tons, an increase of 19,690 tons when compared with those for the previous week, a matter of some amazement when the high rates of freight are taken into consideration and one only accounted for by the great pressure for supplies from abroad. Tenders of the Swedish State Bailways’ requirements of 175,000 tons of steams, for delivery up to June, have now been sent in. It is said that the collieries are not particularly anxious for this business, in view of the unprecedented tonnage conditions at present prevailing. Tenders have been sent in on an f.o.b. basis at, it is stated, a general level of about 14s. 6d. per ton. The order, by the way, is offering also in the other coal centres of the country. It is now stated that the prices at which the Admiralty dockyard contracts, previously detailed, were closed, ranged from 13s. 6d. to 13s. 9d. per ton f.o.b., for best Blyth steams. The Aarhus Gasworks are enquiring for 10,000 tons of Wear gas specials for delivery over the year. Very considerable quantities of Durham gas bests are stated to have been sold by one of the leading collieries for delivery over various periods up to six months hence at prices ranging from 12s. 3d. to 12s. 6d. f.o.b. Best Blyth steams have been sold for April delivery at 14s. 7^d. per ton f.o.b., for large and 9s. for smalls. The prompt market is still fettered by tonnage shortage and highness of freights, and compara- tively little spot business has been transacted during the week. The general level of prices is higher, however, and the outlook is not devoid of hope. Of course, everything depends upon adequate tonnage supplies at reasonable rates. F.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment have varied as follows during the week:—Best Blyth steams are easier; Blyth seconds, 3d. to 6d. advanced; Tynes, 6d. increased ; unscreened, 6d. increased ; Tyne smalls, 3d. more ; specials, 3d. more; smithies, 6d. up; Northumbrian unscreened bunkers, 6d. higher; coking coal, stronger. Other descrip- tions of fuel are unaltered. 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 CDals Unscreened bunkers, Durhams Do. do. N orthumbr ians Coking coals Do. smalls House coals Coke, foundry Do. blast-furnace Do. gas Current prices. 13/6-14/ 13/6 12/ -12/3 12/ -12/6 11/ -11/6 9/ 8/ - 8/6 10/ -10/3 11/ -11/6 12/3-12/6 11/ -11/6 13/ 10/9-12/ 10/6-11/ 10/9-11/3 10/6 14/ -15/ 18/6-19/6 18/ 11/6-12/6 L’st week’s prices. 13/9-14/ 13/6 11/6-12/ 12/ ■ 11/ 9/ 8/ - 8/3 ■ io/ n/ 12/3-12/6 | 11/ -11/6 \ 13/ ;10/9-12/ 10/6 . 10/6-11/3 ( 10/6 : 14/ -15/ 18/6-19/6 18/ 11/6-12/6 Last year’s prices. 14/3-14/6 14/ -14/6 11/9-12/ 12/ H/ -12/ 7/ 6/3 7/6- 8/ 12/6-13/ 13/6-13/9 12/6-13/ 13/6-14/ 12/ -13/ 10/ -11/ 12/ -12/6 12/ 15/ -16/ 20/ -22/ 18/ -19/ 13/ -14/ Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 40,320 tons of coal and 200 tons of coke, as compared with 109,860 tons of coal for the corresponding period of 1914, being a decrease of 69,540 tons of coal and 200 tons of coke. For the moment the coal market appears to be entirely dominated by the commandeering of steamers by the Admiralty and the consequent scarcity of tonnage. It appears that the Admiralty have practically guaranteed the French Government the delivery of a certain large amount, of coal within a stipulated period, and are requisitioning steamers right and left; as a result the market is in a peculiar position. There is no lack of enquiry, but merchants find it very difficult to fulfil their orders owing to the lack of boats. Though the collieries are fairly well stemmed, many of them are in want of Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Gas coals— prices. prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals 13/ 13/ 14/ -14/3 Secondary do. House coals:— 11/3 11/6 12/9-13/ Best house coals 16/ 16/6 17/6 Ordinary do Other sorts :— .15/ 15/6 16/6 Lambton screened 14/3 14/3 14/6 South Hetton do ;. 14/ 14/ 14/6 Lambton unscreened ... 10/9 10/9 10/9 . 12/9 South Hetton do 10/9 13/ Do. treble nuts 13/6 13/6 16 Coking coals unscreened 10/3 10/3 12/9 Do. smalls 10/ 10/ 12/6 Smithies 13/ 12/6-13/ 15/6 Peas and nuts 13/6 13/6 16/3 Best bunkers 12/ 12/ 13/9 Ordinary bunkers Coke:— 10/6 10/6 13/ Foundry coke Blast-furnace coke (did. 19/6 20/ 22/ Teesside furnaces) ... 18/6 19/ 20/ Gas coke 1 12/6 12/6 13/9-14/ prompt boats, and are therefore working irregularly. The tone, however, all round is firm, and colliery owners are holding for full prices. Best steams are firmly held, but prices for gas can be occasionally shaded. Bunkers are the turn steadier. For forward shipment the enquiry is still brisk, and a strong tone in evidence with values well upheld, but merchants are still faced with the problem of finding sufficient freight space, and this restricts the volume of business passing. Contracts closed include 8,000 tons and 12,000 tons secondary gas at Ils. 6d., January to June, 150,000 tons at Ils. 9d., July to December, and 15,000 tons best ordinary bunkers at 12s. 6d., April to December— all f.o.b. The Aalborg Gasworks are in the market for 10,000 tons best Durham gas coals for shipment over 1915. Outward rates have ruled firm, but at the moment there is a distinct decline all round, more especially for the coast and Bay trades. Becent fixtures include : London 12s. 6d., Havre 19s., Bouen 20s., St. Nazaire 27s., Nantes 30s., Bordeaux 29s., Algiers 30s., Marseilles 30s., Naples 35s., Genoa 36s., Palermo 39s., Catania 40s., and Las Palmas 25s. Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. The fuel market is rather uncertain. The tonnage position is more difficult than ever, and orders for the South of France and the Bay have been suspended owing to the very high freights named. Business is thus quieter, but collieries report enquiry well maintained. In Durham gas coal a fair amount of business is passing, but with the lengthening days deliveries are lessening. Best kinds are put at 12s. 3d., seconds Ils. to Ils. 3d., and special Wears 13s. to 13s. 6d. Bunker coal is in pretty good request. Ordinary Durhams run from 10s. 3d. to 10s. 6d. f.o.b., bests from Ils. 3d. to 11s. 6d., and specials are in the neighbour- hood of 12s. 6d. Household coal is steady and firm. Coking coal is fairly well taken up. Unscreened kinds range from 9s. 6d. to 10s. 3d. Coke prices show very little change. Local consumption threatens to shrink, and Durham beehive blastfurnace coke of average quality is 17s. 9d. to 18s. delivered at Teesside works. Foundry coke for shipment runs from 18s. to 19s. f.o.b. Gas-house coke is round about 12s. 3d. IRON. Business is quiet, but producers of all kinds of iron and steel have excellent order books. Pig iron makers, however, are still experiencing much inconvenience in consequence of the short supply of local ironstone and foreign ore. The inadequate deliveries of local stone are due to the shortage of labour in consequence of so many miners having joined the Colours, and the insufficient supnlies of imported ore are owing to the shortage of tonnage, and consequent great freight difficulties. High freights for foreign ore vessels have been responsible for the suggestion that importations could be made to the west coast, and are conveyed from thence by rail to this district, with the result, that after negotiations, the carriage rate of ore from Liverpool to Teesside has been reduced from 10s. to 6s. 6d., and the rate from Heysham, Maryport, and other western ports has been fixed at 5s. lOd. to the whole of the north-east coast. These rates apply to carriage in owners’trucks, but as no such trucks are available further negotiations are taking place on this point. Freights Bilbao-Middlesbrough are 15s. to 16s. Values of Cleveland pig are steady and firm. No. 3 g.m.b. is 57s. 9d., No. 1 is 59s. 9d., No. 4 foundry 57s. 3d., No. 4 forge 56s. 9d., and mottled and white each 56s. 3d. East coast haematite pig is very firm, and the general impression is that it will continue to advance. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 range from 90s. to 95s. Foreign ore quotations cannot be definitely fixed, but nominally prices are based on something like 29s. 6d. ex-ship Tees for rubio of 50 per cent, quality. In finished iron and steel most descriptions have been advanced, and many makers are so busy, and are so pressed for delivery, that they hesitate to make further contracts. Principal market quotations now stand : Common iron bars, £8 10s. ; best bars, £8 17s. 6d.; best best bars, £9 5s.; packing iron, <£7 ; iron ship plates and iron ship angles each <£8 10s.; iron ship rivets, £9 to £9 5s.; steel bars, =£8; steel ship plates, £8 10s.; steel ship angles, <£8 5s.; steel joints, £8 7s. 6d. to £8 10s.; steel hoops, £8 5s.; steel strip, £7 10s.; cast iron railway chairs, £4 7s. 6d. to £4 10s. ; heavy steel rails, £6 10s., steel railway sleepers, £8 ; and galvanised corrugated sheets, 24 gauge, in bundles, £11 10s. to £12. Cumberland. Maryport. COAL. The Cumberland coal trade is now in a more active condition than it has been for the last three months. The home demand for both domestic and works requirements is steady, and shows signs of expansion, while the increase in the export trade this week is marked. At Maryport 20 steamers loaded for Irish ports, and the shipments were heavier than they have been since October of last year. As things are, the demand both for the home and coastwise trade is much in excess of the supply. Since the new year Irish requirements have increased considerably, and all sorts are now in brisk request for Belfast, Londonderry, Cork, and other Irish ports. The pits are all working full time, but owing to the scarcity of labour, outputs are still slightly below normal, and large quantities of coal have had to be bought from Northumberland and other districts in order to keep the coke ovens going, and to meet the requirements of Irish merchants. The tonnage from Maryport to the Irish ports last week amounted to 5,990 tons, an increase of 1,360 tons compared with the previous week ; 1,200 tons were shipped to Londonderry, 1,030 tons to Belfast; 940 tons to Cork; 720 tons to Carrickfergus; and 420 tons to Dublin, while the remaining cargoes were consigned to White Abbey, Larne, Portaferry, Carnlough, Portrush and Douglas (Isle of Man). The shipments for the various collieries were as follow : Brayton Domain, 2,800 tons ; St. Helens, 2,450 tons ; Flimby, 750 tons. The coal exported from Workington to Irish ports amounted to 1,460 tons, an increase of 500 tons compared with the previous week; 500 tons of pitch was shipped at Maryport, and the imports included a cargo of pit props from Polnachie for the local collieries. Coke makers are busy, and all the coke ovens are fully employed. All the available supply is being' absorbed by the local smelters. Prices are firm, but unchanged ; best coal being quoted at Is. 2^d. delivered in bags ; best coal delivered 23s. 4d. per ton; washed nuts 21s. 8d. per ton ; and seconds 20s. per ton.