814 THE COLLIERY GUARDIA^. ' April 16, 1915. THE COAL AHD IRON TRADES. Thursday, April 15. Scotland,-—Western District. COAL. While the demand for all qualities of coal continues strong, there appears to be some slight diminution in the extreme pressure existing for some months back. The industrial demand is unabated, but the household and other civic demands have slackened somewhat. This, however, is counterbalanced by the improvement in the export enquiry, a considerable volume of tonnage being in port loading for Mediterranean destinations. Splints and ells are under pressure for early loading, and quotations for other sorts are firm. Navigations are strong, and steams main- tain their position well. Washed produce is in good demand, but supplies are scarce, particularly in the case of single nuts. Shipments from the district for the past week amounted to 117,112 tons, compared with 127,625 in the preceding week and 119,848 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current L’stweek’s Last year's Steam coal prices. 17/ -19/ prices. 17/ -19/ prices. 12/3-14/ Ell 20/9—21/ 20/6—21/ 11/9-12/6 Splint’ 21/ -28/ 21/ -28/ 19/9-20/9 12/6-15/ Treble nuts 19/9-20/6 12/3-12/6 Double do 19/6-20/ 19/6-20/ 11/3-11/6 Single do 18/6-19/ 18/ —19/ 11/6-12/ IRON. The current high prices of pig iron are causing some restriction of business, consumers for the most part con- fining their purchases to the barest necessities. The production is being quickly absorbed, however, particularly in the case of haematite iron, and makers are not apparently over-anxious to book new business, in view of the fact that a price which may seem good one day would not be acceptable to them the next. Haematite iron is quoted 110s. per ton. There are 73 furnaces in blast, the same number as in the preceding week and at the same period last year. The prices of makers’ iron are as follow:—Monkland is quoted f.a.s. at Glasgow No. 1, 80s. 6d., No. 3, 79s.; Govan, No. 1, 79s., No. 3, 77s. 6d.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 83s., No. 3, 79s.; Clyde, No. 1, 85s. 6d., No. 3, 80s. 6d.; Gartsherrie, Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1, 85s., Nos. 3, 80s.; Glengar- nock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 86s., No. 3, 81s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 80s., No. 3, 79s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 81s., No. 3, 79s. ; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 85s., No. 3, 80s.; Carron, at Leith, No. 1, 86s., No. 3, 81s. per ton. Owing to the holiday season the Glasgow pig iron warrant market has been quieter, but nevertheless the turnover was fairly satisfactory during the past week, when 19,000 tons of Cleveland changed hands. Prices receded somewhat but firmed up ultimately, when Cleve- land iron closed on the same level as in the preceding week at 68s. 6d. per ton cash buyers. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. Collieries in the Lothians district are very busy, and outputs are fully taken up, going away mostly against contract, and they have very little available coal. Clear- ances from the ports during the past week amounted to 38,920 ■ tons, against 30,548 in the preceding week and 98,589 tons in the corresponding week last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. Best screened steam coal... 18/ -19/ 18/ -19/ 12/3-12/9 Secondary qualities 17/ -18/ 16/6-17/6 11/3-11/9 Treble nuts 18/ -19/6 18/ -19/ 12/ -12/3 Double do 17/ -17/6 17/ -18/ 11/ -11/6 Single do. 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/ 11/ -11/6 A fair amount of tonnage is awaiting despatch at the Fife ports, but the pressure is lessening. Night work has been started, and this has helped matters considerably. Values all round are high, and collieries are understood to have very little free coal for April loading. Second-hand sellers are holding off in the meantime, but here and there a transaction is reported. Shipments have improved and during the past week amounted to 77,104 tons, compared with 63,222 in the previous week and 125,988 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current L’st week’s Lastyear’s Best screened navigation prices. prices. prices. coal 22/ -23/ 22/ -23/ 16/6-17/ Unscreened do 20/ -21/ 20/ -21/ 19/ -20/ 15/ First-class steam coal 20/ -21/ 13/3-13/6 Third-class do 17/6-18/6 16/ -17/ 10/6 Treble nuts , 17/ -18/6 17/6-18/6 11/9-12/ Double do. 16/ -17/6 17/ -18/ 11/ -11/6 11/ -11/6 Single do 15/ -16/6 16/ -16/6 The aggregate clearances from Scottish ports during the past week reached the total of 233,136 tons, compared with 221,395 in the preceding week and 344,425 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. N ewcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 93,310 tons of coal and 318 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease of 34,543 tons of coal and 1,174 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 36,372 tons of coal and 2,916 tons of coke, a decrease of 6,572 tons of coal and an increase of 2,234 tons of coke. The Blyth ship- ments totalled 38,017 tons of coal and coke, a decrease of 32,726 tons. The Tyne, shipments were only 4,638 tons in excess of those for the previous week, and were compara- tively small altogether, but regard must be had to the fact that both weeks were broken into by the Easter holidays. The Norwegian State Railways are reported to' have contracted for a portion only of the 50,000 tons of best steams required for May-July delivery. News is to hand that some 17,000 tons of best Bly ths have been taken at 30s. per ton f.b.b., and some 12,000 tons of Yorkshires at rather under that figure. Blyth steam smalls have been sold for end April-early May shipment at 15s. per ton, f.o.b. Gas bests for similar delivery have been disposed of at 25s. An enquiry for 60,000 tons of steams for shipment to Russia from June to September is in circulation. There is a very strong demand for fuel, and buyers are now enquiring for supplies over the second half of the year, especially for Durham sorts and manufacturing qualities. Many collieries report full order books for a considerable period ahead. Loading turns are very much congested and few collieries have any coal to offer for shipment before the end of the month. There is reason to believe that the Admiralty and the metropolitan gas companies are pressing for the delivery on contract quantities of steams and gas coals respectively, a circumstance which is making the situation worse in the matter of turns. The fact that coal freights are again rising considerably adds to the worries of the market. F.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment are fully maintained on the week, and, in several instances substantial advances are reported. Changes in prices on the week are as follow:—Tyne steam seconds, 2s. 6d. cheaper; unscreened, 2s. dearer; Tyne smalls, 6d. more; specials, Is. advanced; smithies, 6d. to 2s. 6d. higher ; gas seconds, 6d. to Is. 6d. increased; coking coal, 2s. up; smalls, 2s. to 3s. dearer; foundry coke, 2s. 6d. to 5s. advanced; blastfurnace, 5s. more; and gas coke, Is. to 2s. 6d. dearer. It will be noted that coke has advanced very markedly. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Steam coals :— prices. prices. prices. Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) ... 30/ 30/ 14/ Do. Tynes (Bowers,&c.) 30/ 30/ 14/ Secondary, Blyths 27/6 27/6 13/ Do. Tynes (Hastings or West Hartleys) ... 27/6 27/6-30/ i 13/ Unscreened 23/ -25/ 23/ 11/9 Small, Blyths 15/ 15/ 8/ Do. Tynes 14/6 14/ 7/6 Do. specials 16/ 15/ 8/ Other sorts:— Smithies 23/ -25/ 22/6 13/6 Best gas coals (New Pelton or Holmside) 25/ 25/ 14/ Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) 23/ -24/ 22/6 13/6 Special gas c'jals 25/ 25/ 14/6 Unscreened bunkers, Durhams 24/ -26/ 24/ -26/ 13/ -14/ Do. do. N orthumbrians 23/ -25/ 23/ -25/ 12/ Coking coals 24/ -25/ 22/ -23/ 13/6 Do. smalls 23/ -24/ 21/ 13/ House coals 25/ -30/ 25/ -30/ 15/ -16/ Coke, foundry 40/ 35/ -37/6 19/ -21/ Do. blast-furnace 30/ 25/ 18/ Do. gas 17/6-20/ 16/6-17/6 11/6-12/6 Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 52,720 tons of coal and 950 tons of coke, as compared with 72,510 tons of coal and no coke for the corresponding period of 1914, being a decrease of 19,790 tons of coal and an increase of 950 tons of coke. The coal market continues very strong, but prices are not materially changed. Business is still difficult to transact owing to the congested state of loading turns, few of the collieries being able to stem until the end of the month. It is understood that both the Admiralty and the London gas works are pressing for deliveries of coal, thus making the situation worse in regard to the matter of turns. Best class gas coals are worth 27s. 6d., and seconds 23s. Ordinary house cod is dearer, while bunkers command 25s. for bests and about 23s. 6d. for secondary kinds. Steam coals are nominally the same at late figures. Coking fuel is on the easy side at 23s. 6d. for unscreened and 23s. for smalls. Foundry coke is strong, but gas sorts are easier at about 27s. Blastfurnace coke is unchanged. On account of the high prices of coal and the advancing rates of freight there is very little contract coal being put through. Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Gas coals :— prices. prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals 27/6 25/ 14/9 Secondary do. House coals:— 23/ 22/ 14/ Best house coals 30/ 30/ 17/6 Ordinary do Other sorts :— 27/ -28/ 25/ 16/6 Lambton screened 30/ 30/ 15/ South Hetton do 30/ 30/ 14/9 Lambton unscreened ... 24/6 24/6 27/ 25/ 13/6 South Hetton do 25/ 13/6 Do. treble nuts 27/ 15/6 Coking coals unscreened 23/6 25/ 22/6 13/6 Do. smalls 23/ 13/3 Smithies 25/6 25/6 15/6 Peas and nuts 27/ -28/ 30/ 16/6-17/ Best bunkers 25/ 30/ 14/3 Ordinary bunkers Coke:— 23/6 24/ -25/ 13/6 Foundry coke Blast-furnace coke (did. 40/ 40/ ■ 20/6 Teesside furnaces) ... 36/ -38/ 36/ -38/ 19/6 Gas coke 27/ 20/ 14/ The outward freight market is decidedly firmer. Owners having to wait for loading turns are holding out for more money, and merchants are conceding advances. Recent fixtures include:—London, 7s.; Caen, 15s.; Rouen, 16s. 6d.; Bordeaux, 16s. 6d.; St. Nazaire, 16s.; Genoa, 25s.; Algiers, 21s.; Oran, 22s,; ’Palermo, 30s.; Port Said, 27s. 6d.; St. Vincent, 21s. 6d.; Las Palmas, 21s. Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. The fuel trade is firm. Freights are hardening, and there seems likelihood of tonnage scarcity towards the end of this month. There is a good and growing demand for coal, and trade is brisk. Many pressing enquiries, indeed, are reported for all classes of Durham coal for forward loading. With confidence in the future thus emphasised, collieries and merchants take a very firm stand and are by no means keen to commit themselves ahead to any great extent. Best Durham gas coal is in the neighbourhood of 25s., and second kinds 22s. to 23s. Bunker coal is in good request, and ordinary Durhams realise 24s. to 25s. f.o.b., with best kinds at 26s., and specials at 27s. Household coal is scarce, and is advancing in price. Coking coal is strong. Collieries are selling their coal they usually turn into coke, the high prices obtainable for coal tempting them to do so. The result is that coke is becoming more and more scarce. Unscreened coking coal is 23s., and coking smalls 21s. to 22s. 6d. With prospects of manufacture of coke being still further curtailed, home consumers and shippers are anxious to secure supplies. Local demand is rather heavy, and for spot lots of Durham beehive blast- furnace coke of average quality delivered at Teesside works up to 30s. is demanded. It is understood, however, that regular customers could renew contracts for delivery over a period at round about 27s. 6d. Foundry coke for shipment is quoted 40s. f.o.b.; gas house coke is put at 17s. IRON. There is not a great deal passing in pig iron just now, but there is a feeling of confidence in the future. Producers have good contracts made and are not pressing sales. Especially is this the case so far as haematite iron is concerned, several makers of which have closed their books at current quotations. There are still complaints that raw material is none too plentiful, but supplies of coke are understood to be adequate, deliveries of local ironstone are said to be better, and imports of foreign ore are very heavy. Certainly blastfurnaces are kept going, and in fact an additional one on haematite has been started by the Weardale Company, which once more brings the total blowing on the north-east coast up to 70, of which 35 are making Cleveland pig, 24 are manufacturing haematite, and 11 are producing special kinds of iron. Values of Cleve- land pig are somewhat unsteady owing to fluctuations in Middlesbrough warrants, caused by outside speculative operations. No. 3 g.m.b. is in the neighbourhood of 67s. 9d., No. 1 is 70s., No. 4 foundry 67s. 3d., No. 4 forge 66s. 9d., and mottled and white iron each 66s. 3d. The minimum quotation for Nos. 1, 2 and 3 east coast haematite is 105s. Possibly some second hands would still accept that figure for small odd lots, but many sellers now ask 110s., and even more. There is very little foreign ore selling just now, but market rates are upheld on the basis of 30s. 6d. ex ship Tees for rubio of 50 per cent, quality. Manufacturers of finished iron and steel are working at full pressure, chiefly on Government orders. Firms report the conduct of the men good, but intimate that shortage of labour is causing some unavoidable delay. Quotations all round are fully maintained. Cumberland. Maryport. COAL. The coal trade is slightly easier than it was a week ago. Manufacturing fuel is still in firm request, but the export demand has fallen off considerably since the beginning of the month, and it is evident that the requirements of Irish merchants have been satisfied for some weeks to come. Belfast, which is probably one of the best customers at Maryport, only took 400 tons last week, compared with 1,760 tons a fortnight ago. The tonnage to this port since the beginning of the year has rarely fallen below 1,000 tons per week. Shipping coal, however, is firm, and is still quoted at the advanced prices of from 17s. to 18s. per ton f.o.b. at Maryport, with washed nuts at 16s. per ton f.o.b. Orders are not now so plentiful for best house coals for the home market, but with the return of more spring-like weather this can only be expected. The whole of the collieries are working full time and outputs are gradually increasing, but the amount of coal raised is still insufficient to meet ordinary requirements. Last week, 11 steamers sailed from Maryport for Irish ports, and the shipments amounted to 3,010 tons, an increase of 130 tons compared with the previous week; 1,760 tons were shipped from the Brayton Domain Colliery, 800 tons from St. Helens, and 450 tons from Allerdale ; 720 tons were consigned to Carrick- fergus, 400 to Londonderry, and 400 to Belfast, while the remaining cargoes were for Portaferry, Drogheda, Larne, and Douglas, Isle of Man. All the by-product ovens are in full operation, and the full production of coke is being maintained. The whole of the Cumberland supply is being absorbed by local smelters. The quantity of east coast coke consumed in West Cumberland amounts to about 3,500 tons weekly. Quotations for the home market are firm, but unchanged. At the pit, best Cumberland coals are quoted at from 19s. 2d. to 20s. per ton, with washed nuts at from 17s. Id. to 18s. per ton. At Workington, Allerdale best coals, delivered, are quoted at Is. l^d. per hundredweight, or 21s. per ton, with best washed nuts at 20s. per ton. At Maryport, Flimby, Oughterside and St. Helens, best coal, delivered, are quoted at Is. 2^d. per hundredweight, or 23s. 4d. per ton, with washed nuts at 21s. 8d. per ton, and seconds at 20s. per ton. Other prices 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. The Cumberland haematite iron trade is increasing in strength ; the upward movement in prices continues, and the prospects for the next few months are exceedingly bright. Bessemer mixed numbers are quoted at from 110s. to Ills, per ton f.o.b. at the usual ports, while warrants at cash at 95s. per ton are perhaps higher than they have ever