April 16, 1915/ THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 817 available, the Admiralty having taken the whole, not only of best qualities, but even second and third grades. Outputs continue low, and there does not appear to be much prospect of any material improvement in the near future. It is found that the younger men continue to dribble away even from the Admiralty collieries, where recruiting is supposed not to take place at all. The management have practically no control over their men, as they simply give notice to leave the colliery, and, of course, when that notice expires they are free to do just as they please. Whilst the present stress to obtain men continues, recruiting officers do not enquire too closely where the men come from, with the result that there is really no check on .recruiting from collieries where best Admiralty coals are produced. This state of affairs, therefore, is likely to continue if not accentuated. Prices are purely nominal, and no transac- tions are taking place. For small lots it is generally thought that there would be no difficulty in obtaining 40s. provided a guarantee could be given for shipment, but this, of course, shippers are unable to give, and the result is that prices con- tinue exceedingly firm. Ordinary qualities command as much as 37s. to 38s., and, in fact, almost any figure can be obtained in order to complete the loading of a cargo. In the small coal market almost the same state of things prevails. The demand by the French Government is as firm as ever, and very little free coal is left for outside buyers. Best bunkers are 21s. 6d. to 22s. 6d., ordinaries 20s. to 21s., and cargo sorts readily obtain 19s. to 19s. 6d. For the moment freights appear to be on the easy side, but the general opinion is that this is only a temporary matter, and that prices will increase in the near future. For instance, Genoa can now be done at about 20s., or nearly 15s. less than a month ago, but the probability is that these rates will increase owing to the prohibition of German coal. It is believed that the demand for English coals will become more pressing, and South Wales coals will, of course, receive the benefit. It is conceded that during the last few months large quantities of American coal have been purchased, not that the purchasers prefer this quality of coal, but owing to the fact that British supplies have been practically unobtainable. Dry coals continue to be very high, and there is no alteration in Mon- mouthshires, which are quoted at anything between 35s. and 38s. In bituminous coals there is a steady demand, but there has been a big rise in through and small quali- ties of No. 2, which are being freely taken for mixing purposes. No. 3 Rhondda large continues at 33s. to 34s., No. 2 at 28s. to 30s., but other grades are much higher than they were a week ago. Coke is steady, and there is practi- cally no fuel available under 37s. 6d. to 40s. The Italian Government are in the market for fuel, but no quantities are stated, and it is reported that they are taking anything they can get that comes on to the market. Shipments last week amounted to 313,617 tons compared with 693,622 tons in the corresponding week of last year, or a decrease of 380,005 tons. It must be remembered, however, that this total includes a two-days holiday, in addition to the fact that no Admiralty figures are included. From Cardiff alone there were shipped 191,713 tons compared with 503,927 tons or a decrease of 312,214 tons, from Newport 44,542 tons or a falling off of 42,526 tons, from Swansea 54,482 tons or a decline of 14,190 tons, and from Port Talbot 22,880 tons or a decrease of 11,066 tons. In the patent fuel trade matters were rather better. From Cardiff there were exported 8,362 tons which shows an increase of 354 tons, from Newport nP, from Swansea 17,680 tons against 23,563 tons, and from Port Talbot 10,317 tons or an increase of 8,642 tons. Chartering during the week amounted to only 83,130 tons compared with 73,960 tons in the preceding six days or a decrease of 9,170 tons, but there are sufficient vessels in dock to carry on the trade for at least a fortnight without worry. The pitwood trade is rather easier, and supplies are obtainable at 35s. to 36s. per ton. Prices f.o.b. Cardiff (except where otherwise stated). Current L’st week’s Last year’s Steam coals:— prices. prices. prices. Best Admiralty steam coals nominal nominal 18/6-19/ Superior seconds do. do. 17/9-18/3 Ordinary do 38/ 34/ -35/ 17/6-17/9 Best bunker smalls 22/ -22/6 21/6-22/ 11/6-11/9 Best ordinaries 20/ -21/ 21/ -21/6 10/3-11/3 Cargo qualities 19/ -19/6 20/ 8/9- 9/ Inferior smalls 18/ -18/6 17/ -19/ 7/ - 8/ Best dry coals 37/ -38/ 34/ -35/ 1 / '-’I 17/ -18/ Ordinary drys 35/ -36/ 32/ -33/ 15/6-16/ Best washed nuts 28/ 24/ 16/ Seconds 26/ 22/ 15/ Best washed peas 26/ -27/ 23/ 14/3-14/6 Seconds 25/ 21/ -21/6 13/3 Dock screenings 20/ -21/ 19/ -20/ 11/9-12/ Monmouthshire— Black Veins 37/3-38/3 35/ -36/ 17/6 Western-valleys 36/3-36/fi 35/ 17/ -17/3 Eastern-valleys 35/3-35/6 35/ 16/6-16/9 Inferior do 33/ -34/ 33/ -34/ 15/3-15/9 Bituminous coals:— Best house coals (at pit) 30/ 30/ 20/ Second qualities (at pit) 28/ -29/ 29/ 17/6-19/6 No. 3 Rhondda— Bituminous hv’ge 33/ -34/ 33/ -34/ 17/6-18/ Through-and-through 30/ -31/ 30/ -31/ 14/9-15/ Small 27/ -28/ 26/ -27/ 12/3-12/6 No. 2 Rhondda— Large 28/ -30/ 29/ 14/ -14/3 Through-and-through 25/ -27/ 23/ 19/ -20/ 11/6 Small 20/ -22/ 8/9- 9/ Best patent fuel 37/6-40/ nom. 40/ 21/ Seconds 32/6-35/ 32/6 19/ -20/ Special foundry coke ...... 43/ -45/ 43/ -45/ 27/ -28/ Ordinary do. 38/ -40/ 38/ -40/ 22/ -25/ Furnace coke 31/ -33/ 30/ -33/ 19/ Pitwood (ex-ship) 35/ -36/ 37/6-38/6 19/6-20/ IRON. The past week with regard to shipments of tinplates has been the best since the outbreak of the war. A number of new licences have been granted to Dutch firms, with the result that stocks have been materially affected. Exports last week were 105,302 boxes compared with 100,327 boxes received from works. This leaves 305,416 boxes in stock compared with 310,385 boxes the previous week and 356,195 boxes at the corresponding date of last year. Prices are harder, and Bessemer standard cokes are 17s. to 17s. 6d., and oil sizes 17s. 6d. to 17s. 9d. and 24s. 6d. respectively. For the latter, however, there is only a poor enquiry. Welsh tin-bars are firm at 5s. per ton for both Siemens and Bessemer qualities. In the galvanised sheet trade there is little alteration. The colonial demand is poor, and home consumption is considerably below normal, with the result that prices continue low. Quotations for 24-gauge corrugateds are on the basis of <£1410s. to £14 15s., but makers are accepting less for prompt shipment. In other departments matters are more promising. Welsh pig iron is dearer, and lowest quotations are 100s. delivered, and even up to 110s. The iron ore market is firm, but irregular for certain grades. Best rubio commands 30s., on the basis of 10s. freight, but seconds are obtainable at 25s. to 26s., and Almeria and Seville ores at 22s. to 23s. 6d. In scrap metals, there has been a slight relapse in steel, and prices are now as follow: - Steel scrap, 77s.; heavy wrought, 67s. 6d.; light iron, 50s.; light steel, 54s.; double- headed iron rails, 76s.; ditto steel, 75s.; mixed sections, 70s. Swansea. COAL. When taking into account the holidays, the trade of the port last week was very satisfactory. The shipments of coal and patent fuel were favourable, amounting to 79,520 tons. A capital attendance assembled on ’Change on Tues- day, and the anthracite coal market did not display any very appreciable alteration from the conditions in evidence during the latter part of last week. There was a good demand for the better qualities of large, and there was an improved enquiry for Swansea Valley large. Red Vein large continued to maintain its strong position. Of the machine-made sizes, peas and beans were firm, whilst nuts and cobbles were a shade easier. Both rubbly culm and duff were in excellent request, the price of duff being marked up a trifle. In the steam coal market all descrip- tions were firm, and sellers appeared to be very fully stemmed. 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 2o p.c.) Seconds do. Bunkers (net) ...... Small (less 2f p.c.) ___ 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/ 19/6-21/6 17/ -18/6 17/6-18/6 24/6-26/6 25/ -27/ 24/ -26/ 24/ -25/6 14/6-16/ 10/6-11/6 5/6— 6/6 28/6-31/ 24/6-27/6 25/ -27/6 16/6-20/ L'st week’s Last year's prices. prices. 22/6-24/ 19/ -21/ 17/ -18/ 17/6-18/6 21/6-23/ 18/ -19/ 14/6-15/6 14/ -15/ 24/6-26/6 25/ -27/ 24/ -26/ 23/6-25/ 14/ -16/ 10/6-11/6 5/ - 5/6 28/ -30/ 23/6-27/6 24/6-27/6 16/ -20/ 22/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 23/ -24/6 16/ -17/6 11/ "12/ 6/ - 6/6 4/6- 4/9 18/6-19/ 14/9-15/9 10/9-12/ 7/ - 8/3 28/6-32/ 28/ -31/ 18/ -19/ 19/6-22/6 28/ -30/ 19/6-21/6 27/ -30/ 14/ -15/6 10/3-11/3 16/9-17/3 IRON. During the past week the blast furnaces were in full operation, and the steelworks throughout the district were in full swing. The tin-plate establishments were idle at Morriston, but others in the district were engaged the whole week. The shipments of tin plates last week were 105,302 boxes, receipts from works 100,327 boxes, and stocks in the dock warehouses and vans 305,410 boxes. The Mannesmann Tube Works were running full time, with more orders than they could fulfil, whilst iron foundries and engineering shops had ample work on hand. Llanelly. COAL. No alteration of any note has taken place in the local market. There is a weakness noticeable in several of the anthracite kinds, and prices are somewhat easier. The spring months are generally quiet, and the present diffi- culties on the Continent, where so much anthracite is exported, has greatly affected the demand. For Big Vein large, cobbles, and nuts there is not a strong enquiry, and most collieries have a good stock on hand. For beans, peas, and culm the orders received are very numerous, and con- siderable delays are being experienced in having orders executed. The big demand for bituminous and steam coals shows no abatement, and far more orders are being received than can be delivered. Prices paid are higher than they have been for years, and from present appearances there is every probability of their being adhered to. This week's quotations are:— Prices f.o.b. Anthracite:— i Best malting large... Secondary do. ....... Big Vein large....... Red Vein do.......... Machine-made cobbles... German nuts.......... French do............ Paris do.......... I Machine-made beans .../ Do. peas...i Culm ___•............; Duff................. Other sorts:— Large steam coal..... Through-and-through... Small ... ........... Bituminous small coal... Current prices. 21/6-22/6 17/ -19/ 16/ -17/ 16/6-17/ 24/ -26/ 22/ -25/ 24/ -26/ 24/ -26/ 23/ -25/ 14/ -15/ 10/6-11/6 5/6- 6/ 30/ -32/ 25/ -27/ 16/6-19/6 19/ -21/ L’st week’s Last year’s prices. ! prices. 21/6-23/ i 19/ -21/ 18/ -19/6 17/6-19/ 17/ -18/6 i 15/ -17/ 17/6-18/6 14/ -14/6 26/ -29/6 i 20/ -21/6 28/6-30/ ' 20/ -21/ 28/ -30/ : 21/ —22/ 28/ -30/ i 21/ -22/ 22/ -25/ j 15/ -20/ 14/ -15/ I 11/6-12/6 10/6-11/6 1 6/ - 6/6 4/ - 5/ j 4/ - 6/ 26/ -28/ ' 17/ -17/6 23/ -25/ : 11/6-12/ 14/ -18/ 9/ - 9/6 19/ -21/ 11/ -11/6 _________________________________________ THE LONDON COAL TRADE. Thursday, April 15. _______________ The London coal trade for the past week has been slightly firmer in the house coal market, on, account of the colder weather, but the buying has been very limited. Larger consignments have been offering, but the market is still uncertain as to the future, and merchants have been very careful not to buy more than hand to mouth requirements. In fact, many of the principal buyers report having still to put a good proportion of the coal coming forward into stock. The cheaper qualities have had a fairly good demand, but it is largely on account of these qualities being suitable for manufacturing purposes. Bakers’ nuts and kitchen cobbles have been somewhat neglected, but best hard steam coals are selling freely. All colliery prices are firm, and the limited quantity available for the open market keeps the price fairly high. Considerable difficulties are still experi- enced in ths deliveries of railborne coal to many of the stations__both in London and the South, and in some cases the stations have been actually closed to coal traffic, especi- ally barging stations. The question of the further reduction in the public prices was discussed on the Exchange, but it was decided to leave them unaltered for the present. It is thought by many that the decision as to the “ lowest, summer prices ” will take place much earlier this year than usual, as it is feared the expenses will be somewhat higher as the year advances, on account of increased wages and the war bonus. No cargoes are offering in the seaborne market, and no prices are . quoted. Twenty-nine cargoes were entered for Monday’s market as arriving in the River Thames, .and seven for Wednesday, but all had been sold previously. Steam coals are still maintaining good prices, and the factories along the riverside are 'working well. The depot trade is slow, and merchants report a great falling off in public orders. The demand for small coal is fully main- tained, and prices are unusually high. The shipping trade is brisk, and there are a number of vessels reported, both in the Tyne and in the Humber ports awaiting cargoes, so that the collieries are fairly confident of a steady prolonged demand. Tyne gas coals are getting scarce, and are quoted at 23s. to 25s. f.o.b. The freight market has slightly advanced during the week, and the Newcastle rate to London has been advanced to 8s. From the Humber ports also 8s. has been obtained. In one case 7s. has been accepted. The Italian Government are enquiring for very large quantities of Welsh coal, but at present the prices for best Admiralty steam coal are abnormally high. The Welsh coal market is in a very unsettled condition, and the British Govern- ment are still claiming all the best qualities. The current prices of best South Yorkshire .hards are now returned at 23s. to 24s. per ton, and Derbyshire hards at 22s. to 23s. per ton, and the local demand is reported very firm. The strong demand for all manufacturing coal absorbs very quickly all the contract supplies, and many works are compelled to buy heavily in the open market, the contract supplies not being sufficient for present requirements. The general feeling on the London market is that there will be no alteration in the public prices until the beginning of May, and then the “ lowest summer prices ” will be immediately arranged. Contract coals are still being pressed for, but as these were for the most part concluded before the war broke out, the fixed prices are consequently low. _____________________ From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Co.’s Report. Friday, April 9.—There was no alteration in the sea- borne house coal market to-day, which continued quiet, with no cargoes pressing for sale.' Cargoes, 11. Monday, April 12.—The seaborne house coal market was again without supplies to-day, but the enquiry was some- what limited, with no business reported. Cargoes, 30 Wednesday, April 14. — There were no seaborne house coal cargoes on offer at to-day’s market, which remained' quiet. Cargoes, 7. _____________________________ THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products.—There is but little change in the general position. Benzols keep firm, as also do carbolics. Toluol unchanged. Pitch inclined to rise. Naphthas steady, with crude fractionally firmer. Creosote also is, if anything, the turn easier in favour of buyers. Nearest values are :— Rise (+) or fall (-) on the week*. Benzols, 90’s ...................... ./Il—/11J ... — ,, 90’s North ............... /9i— /10 ... — ,, 50’s ,, ............... 1/3—1/4 ... — Toluol ............................ 2/2—2/4 ... — Carbolic acid, crude (60 per cent.) ... 3/5—3/6 ... — . ,, crystals (40 per cent.). 1/4 ... — Solvent naphtha (as in quality and package) ...................... 1/5—1/7 ... — Crude naphtha (in bulk) ........... /5| ... +ld. Creosote (for ordinary qualities) .... /3| ... — |d. Pitch (f.o.b..east coast) ........... 17/—18/ ... +6d. ,, (f.a.s. west coast) ........... 18/—19/ ... — Tar (v.l.p.) ........................ 21/—25/ ... — [Benzols, toluol, creosote, solvent naphtha, carbolic acids, usually casks included unless otherwise stated, free on rails at maker's tvorks or usual United Kingdom ports, net. Pitch f.o.b. net.] Sulphate of Ammonia. — Looked at collectively, the markets are as satisfactory as can be expected. There is a fairly good enquiry for future delivery, but transport, diffi- culties hamper buyers, and sellers are firm in their ideas, two factors which tend to restrict sales. There is a.moderate home demand, which gives promise of expansion. As against nitrate-of soda, there is a distinct advantage in price in sulphate of ammonia. Closing prompt prices are :— Rise ( + ) or fall(-) on the week. London (ordinary makes) ___ £13/13/9—£13/15 ... —1/3 Beckton ______.......................... £12/17/6 ... Liverpool .................. £13/10 ... Hull ....................... £13/8/9 ... -1/3 Middlesbrough ............. £13/12/6 ............... Scotch ports ................. £H • • • Nitrate of soda .(ord.) per cwt., 12/ ... +/3 [Sulphate of ammonia, f.o.b. in bags, less 2J per cent, discount; 24 per cent, ammonia, good grey quality; allowance Jor refraction, nothing for excess.] Trade Notes. With the increased purity and more rigorous conditions as to acidity and packing demanded for sulphate of ammonia