March 26, -1915. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 659 convert it into coke. Local consumption is rather heavy and furnace kinds are realising higher rates than for a number of years past. Nothing under 25s. is now named for Durham beehive blastfurnace coke of average quality delivered at Teesside Works, and some sellers hold out for a higher figure. Foundry coke for shipment is 30s. Gas- house coke runs from 14s. to 15s. IRON. Pig iron prices are very strong, and there is a general opinion that the upward movement will continue. The rise, so far as Cleveland kinds are concerned, has undoubtedly been influenced by speculative operations in warrants, but a good genuine demand for iron has also been largely responsible for the improvement. Deliveries of all kinds of pig are heavy, and in fact come near absorbing the out- put, but they are almost entirely to home consumers shipments having fallen to almost vanishing point. Some improvement in exports, however, is looked for, and fair deliveries to Scandinavian customers may occur in the near future. Freights are easier, but suitable tonnage is scarce. No. 3 g.m.b. Cleveland pig is 63s. 3d., No. 1 is fairly plentiful, and is obtainable at 65s. 3d., No. 4 foundry is 62s. 9d., No. 4 forge 62s. 3d., and mottled and white iron each 61s. 9d. There is very little east coast hsematite on sale, merchants and makers having next to none to offer for early delivery, and prices are now higher than have ever previously ruled in this branch of the staple industry. Nos. 1, 2 and 3 stand at 100s. Values of foreign ore are fully maintained, notwithstanding the large supplies now coming to hand and the easier freights. The basis of quotations remains at 30s. ex ship Tees for rubio of 50 per cent, quality. To date this month imports of foreign ore to the Tees amount to 130,055 tons, which is considerably above the average. In the finished iron and steel industries, manufacturers are kept very busily employed, mostly on Government work. Further advances in quotations have to be reported. Iron bars, iron and steel ship plates, iron and steel ship angles, and steel joists are each up 10s.; iron ship rivets and steel hoops have each been raised 15s.; and steel strip has gone up 20s. ; whilst galvanised sheets have also been substantially advanced. Principal market quotations now stand: Common iron bars, =£9 ; best bars, £9 7s. 6d.; best best bars, £9 15s.; packing iron, £7 ; iron ship plates, £9 10s.; iron ship angles, <£9 ; iron ship rivets, <£11; steel bars, <£9; steel ship plates, <£9 10s.; steel ship angles, <£9 5s.; steel joists, <£9 ; steel hoops. <£9 ; steel strip, <£8 10s.; heavy steel rails, <£7 15s.; and galvanised corrugated sheets, =£14 10s. ; sheets 24 gauge in bundles less the customary 4 per cent, f.o.b., rails net, and all other descrip- tions less the usual 2| per cent. Maryport. Cumberland. COAL. Briskness continues to characterise the operations in the Cumberland coal trade and production is still very much below requirements. Best house coals for the home market are in firm request and manufacturing needs are on the increase. The collieries are all working 6 days a week and although outputs are still low, they are said to be increasing at some of the collieries, where the hewers are working more regularly. The export trade continues to be very brisk and there is a firm demand for all sorts from Belfast, Londonderry, Cork and Carrickfergus. As things are, however, it is simply impossible to cope with the demand and Irish merchants in some cases are still unable to obtain more than half of their usual contract supplies. At some of the pits which deal with the demand for local manufacturing fuel, either for works, mines, or coke ovens, landsale has ceased for the present, while one or two of the collieries are unable to supply any coal for shipment owing to the increased requirements of the coke ovens. Twelve vessels sailed from Maryport last week for Irish ports and the shipments amounted to 4,180 tons, a decrease of 450 tons compared with the previous week. Coke makers are very busy and all the ovens are fully employed. There are now over 300 ovens in operation throughout the county and the whale of the supply is being freely absorbed by local smelters. Trade is also very brisk at the local by-product works. The exports from Maryport last week included 400 tons of benzol for Rouen from the new works at the head of the Senhouse dock. Prices of best coal are firm but unaltered. Best Cumberland coals are still quoted at the advanced prices of from 17s. to 18s. per ton free on board at Maryport, with best house nuts at 16s. per ton f.o.b. At the pit, best house coals are quoted at from 19s. 2d. to 20s. per ton, with nuts at from 17s. Id. to 18s. per ton. At Workington, Allerdale best coals delivered are quoted at Is. l^d. per cwt., or 21s. per ton with washed nuts at 20s. per ton. At Maryport, St. Helens and Flimby best coals are quoted at. Is. 2|d. per cwt. delivered, or 23s. 4d. per ton, with washed nuts at 21s. 8d. per ton and seconds 20s. per ton. Other quotations are as follow Old St. Helens best coal at pit.. Do. best house nuts „ ....... St. Helens (Siddick) best coal at pit Do. washed nuts ... Best Cumberland coal, f.o.b. .... Bunkers „ ....... Coal for gasworks................ Current prices. 19/2 17/1 19/2 17/1 17/ -18/ 15/6-16/ 14/6-15/ L’st week’s prices. 19/2 17/1 19/2 17/1 17/ -18/ 15/6-16/ 14/6-15/ IRON. After a period of comparative quietude, the Cumberland iron trade is gaining in strength, and prices are once more soaring. Bessemer mixed numbers are now quoted at 97s. 6d. per ton free on board at the usual ports, with warrants at cash at 87s. 6d. per ton. Ferro-manganese is firm at <£15 per ton, while special iron is quoted at from 105s. to 106s. per ton f.o.b. Another buying movement was expected about the beginning of April, but the revival has come more quickly than was anticipated. The sudden change of tone is probably due to the Government’s request for an increase in the production of war material. There is, however, a firmer demand for both special and ordinary haematites, and buyers are coming into the market freely in order to cover their requirements for some time ahead. If the brisk business continues, it would not be surprising if values reach a higher figure than they did at the beginning of February, when Bessemer mixed numbers are quoted at 108s per ton, with warrants at cash at 87s. per ton. Makers are now so well sold forward that the present production can be fully maintained till the end of June ; and in the course of a few weeks it may be safely assumed that sufficient orders will be booked to keep the furnaces in full blast till well on into the autumn. The present strong demand for both ordinary and special iron in normal times would have compelled an increase in production, but under the present circumstances that is altogether out of the question. There is not only a shortage of labour at the steel works, blastfurnaces, and the iron ore mines, but there is. a groat scarcity of both local ore and limestone, and the present supply of raw materials is barely sufficient to keep the whole of the furnaces in full operation. It is true there is more foreign ore coming to hand, but the local product is more suitable for making the special haematite iron, which is at present being used for the manufacture of munitions of war. The output is being drawn from 23 furnaces, 15 in Cumberland and eight in the Furness district. The steel trade continues very brisk, and Workington and Barrow are busy bn rails, axles, tyres and shot steel. There is a firm demand for iron ore, and all the mines in the Cleator Moor and Egremont district are in full operation. The exports from Workington last week consisted of 651 tons of rails for the Continent, 450 tons of ferro-manganese for Llanelly, and 30 tons of fishplates for Liverpool. South-West Lancashire. COAL. Although there is perhaps not the acuteness in the consumers’ demand for household coal that there was a few weeks ago, it is still extremely busy, and orders are very much behind as between the retailer and the producer, and with no apparent chance of getting straight on this side of the Easter stoppage. It is much the same with regard to the demand for screened coal for forge and manufacturing purposes, and it is with difficulty that the necessary, quantities are got out. There is not much fresh to report with regard to the steam coal trade. There is very little on offer outside contract account, and for these limited sales at the moment prices range from 19s. 6d. for commoner sorts up to 20s. 6d. f.o.b. for the best qualities, although there is a tendency to stiffen prices owing to the approach of the Easter holidays, and for shipment during Easter week Is. to Is. 6d. per ton more is being quoted. With regard to the household coal trade for coastwise and cross- Channel purposes, enquiries are numerous and more than can be adequately met. Respecting small fuel and slack, some quantity is being filled from stock to augment the restricted output, where labour can be obtained; but it is with great difficulty that ends can be made to meet and there is very little free fuel available. For this small balance high prices can be obtained. Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). House coal:— Best ................ Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) Medium............... Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) Kitchen.............. Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) Screened forge coal.... Best scrnd. steam coal f.o.b. Best slack ............ Secondary slack ....... Common do.............. Current prices. 17/9 21/ -22/ 16/ 19/ -20/ 13/9 About 18/ 14/ -15/ •19/6-20/6 12/ 10/9 9/9 L’st week’s prices. 17/9 21/ -22/ 16/ 19/ -20/ 13/9 About 18/ 14/ -15/ 19/6-20/6 12/ 10/9 9/9 Last year’s prices. 17/ 16/9-17/3 15/3 15/ -15/6 13/ 13/9-14/3 12/ -12/6 13/ -13/6 9/9-10/ 9/ - 9/3 8/6— 8/9 South Lancashire and Cheshire. COAL. The Manchester Coal Exchange was well attended on Tuesday. The pressure for house coal continues easier. The demand for furnace coal is still brisk, and there is good enquiry for shipping coal, which in cases there has been difficulty in meeting. Slack is moving away in good quantities. List prices are as follow :— Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). House coal:— Best ............... Medium.............. Common.............. Furnace coal.......... Bunker (f.o.b. Partington) Best slack ........... Common slack ......... Current prices. 18/ -19/ 16/9-17/3 14/ -14/3 14/ -15/ 18/6-19/6 L’st week’s Last year’s 11/ 9/6-10/ prices. 18/ -19/ 16/9-17/3 14/ -14/3 14/ -15/ 18/6-19/6 11/ -12/ 9/6-10/ prices. 17/3-18/ 16/ -16/9 13/3-14/ 12/6 14/ 9/9-10/3 8/9- 9/3 IRON. There was a good attendance on ’Change in Manchester on Tuesday last. Pig iron remains very firm and prices are somewhat higher. Forges are busy, and the associa- tion have advanced their prices 10s. per ton, making the price now of Crown bars <£9 5s., second quality <£9, hoops <£10 12s. 6d., and steel hoops .£10 7s. 6d. Steel works continue very busy indeed and are unable to cope with the demand. Bars are quoted at about <£9 5s. to <£9 7s. 6d. less 2?> per cent., and billets about <£7 15s. net. Generally speaking, the trade of the district is good, but there is a great shortage of labour of all kinds. Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Leeds. COAL. The market was largely attended on Tuesday, but sellers were in a minority and business was quiet, as there was very little coal on offer. There were insistent enquiries for gas nuts, screened gas coal, and steam coal for prompt shipment, while there was also considerobly more activity in the demand for coking smalls. It was said that, with one or two exceptions, about five days had been averaged at the pits, but that the output continues disappointingly small by reason of the large number of absentees amongst the men. One colliery manager stated that out of just over 600 miners 93 were absent on Tuesday. It is probable that all the pits will work on Good Friday, and, if at all possible, on Easter Tuesday. The supply of empty wagons has been a little more satisfactory this week, and fewer complaints are heard as to delays of loaded trucks. The demand for house coal continues very full, and there is no weakening in pit prices, except for the very cheapest grades. London merchants have sent for all possible supplies of best coal, and although sales at anything over .£1 have been the exception, prices generally are very firm. With regard to forward business in London, nothing has yet been done, although one or two enquiries have been sent out. Generally speaking, producers are unwilling to quote forward until the outlook is rather more settled. It is certain, however, that what contracts are taken will be at considerably higher prices, it is said at not less than 5s. per ton advance. Coastwise there have been a few cargoes of house coal shipped. As indicating values it may be mentioned that a cargo of Haigh Moor house coal has been shipped at Goole this week, and the price paid was 24s. 6d. per ton f.o.b. In the local markets there is very little change, but merchants are buying sparingly in view of the end of the month, and also in view of the fact that most house coal contracts are automatically reduced |ls. per ton from April 1. Apart from this, however, the following pit prices are well maintained :— Haigh Moor selected 19s. to 20s., Silkstone best 18s. to 19s., Silkstone house 17s. to 18s., other qualities 16s. to 17s. It is reported that one or two meetings of owners of gas coal have been held this week to consider the question of forward business, and have decided tentatively not to accept renewal of contracts at a less advance than 6s. per ton. It is also reported that additional contracts in this district have been placed by London works at high prices. One such contract for screened gas coal is said to have realised 17s. per ton at the pit for nearly 20,000 tons for delivery over the ensuing 12 months. Strong efforts are being made to obtain prompt supplies in view of the Easter holidays, but generally speaking there is nothing to be had, as producers are fully sold. There is very little change in the position of manufacturing fuel. Supplies are quite inadequate to meet the market needs, and where consumers must have supplies, very high figures are being offered, especially for washed nuts. Washed furnace coke is becoming scarcer, and it is said that spot lots of good quality have changed hands this week at nearly <£1 a ton at the ovens. Forward business, however, is still being booked for three months at from 16s. to 17s. The under- mentioned pit prices must not be taken too literally, but are based on actual transactions :— House coal:— Current L’st week’s Last year’s Prices at pit (London) : prices. prices. prices. Haigh Moor selected ... 20/ -21/ 20/ -21/ 14/6-15/ Wallsend & London best 19/ -20/ 19/ -20/ 14/ -14/6 Silkstone best 19/ -20/ 19/ -20/ 14/ -14/6 Do. house 17/6-18/6 18/ -19/ 13/6-14/ House nuts 16/6-17/6 17/ -18/ 12/ -12/6 Prices f.o.b. Hull:— Haigh Moor best 22/ -24/ 20/6-22/ 17/ -18/ Silkstone best 20/ -22/ 19/ -20/6 16/6-17/6 Do. house 19/ -20/ 18/ -19/ 15/6-16/ Other qualities 17/ -18/6 17/ —18/ 14/6-15/ Gas coal:— Prices at pit: Screened gas coal 16/ -17/ 15/ -16/ 11/6-12/ Gas nuts 15/ -16/ 14/ -15/ 10/6-11/3 Unscreened gas coal ... 13/6-14/6 12/6-14/ 9/6-10/ Other sorts:— Prices at pit: Washed nuts 14/ -15/ 13/ -15/ 11/-12/ Large double-screened engine nuts 13/ -13/6 12/6-13/6 10/ -10/6 Small nuts 12/6-13/ 12/ -13/ 9/ - 9/6 Rough unscreened engine coal 12/6-13/6 12/ -13/ 9/6-10/ Best rough slacks 10/6-12/ 10/ -11/6 7/6- 8/ Small do. 9/6-10/ 8/6- 9/6 6/6- 7/ Coking smalls 9/6-10/ 8/6- 9/6 5/6- 6/ Coke:— Price at ovens : Furnace coke 16/ -17/ 15/ -16/ 10/6-11/ Hull. COAL. The condition of the Humber coal export trade continues to show improvement, the now active demand coming from Scandinavia, where supplies are short, and from whence a good enquii y is emanating for all kinds of steam fuel. The fillip given to business by the break in freights is even more marked, as shipping tonnage continues to be in ample supply, and shipowners are ready to accept terms that they would not have considered for a moment a fortnight ago. The extent of the trade, however, is now almost wholly dependent upon the available supply from the pits, and as this does not exhibit any signs of increasing, but rather of diminishing, the tendency is towards still firmer markets. The margin of free coal is limited, and, as most collieries are booked up well over Easter, there is little disposition on the part of their agents to operate very far ahead. On the contrary, they are holding firmly to late rates, not only for prompt but for future shipments. Altogether, the Humber market may be regarded as very firm in tone and the possible demand very promising. Current prices for prompt and nearly prompt shipments f.o.b. are about as follow:—Best South Yorkshire steam hards, 24s. 6d. to 25s.; Parkgate hards, 19s. to 20s. ; washed double-screened nuts, 19s. 6d. to 20s. 6d.; unwashed ditto, 17s. to 18s.; washed singles, 18s. 6d. to 19s. 6d. ; unwashed ditto, 17s. to 18s.; washed smalls, 14s. 6d. to 15s. ; unwashed ditto, 12s. 6d. to 13s. 6d. Best Derbyshire steam hards (Grimsby or Immingham), 21s. 6d. to 22s. 6d., West Yorkshire Hartleys, 17s. to 18s. Shipments at the docks continue fairly good and there is little delay con- sidering all the difficulties. There is, however, no waiting for turns. In the freight market there has been in view of falling rates a distinct lull, exporters holding off until they are assured of coal supplies. Rates have further declined, and 17s. or less is now the economical rate to French ports as compared with 22s. and 24s. a fortnight ago. . Coastwise rates have also dropped to about 7s. 6d. to 8s. London. There has been nothing chartered for either the Mediter- ranean or South America. In both these directions quoted rates are very much easier.