THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN April 30, 1915. 922 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ beans and peas were firm, bnt other sizes were easy. Both rubbly culm and duff were strong at last quotations. In steam coals, large and bunker through were slightly easier, whilst smalls continued firm. Prices f.o.b. (cash in 30 days). Anthracite:— Current prices. L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. Best malting large (hand picked) (net)... 22/ —24/ 22/6-24/ 21/6-23/ Secondary do. 19/6-21/ 19/6-21/6 18/ -19/ Big Vein large (less 2| per cent.) 16/6-18/ 17/6-18/6 14/6-15/6 Red Vein large do. ... 17/ -18/ 17/6-18/6 13/6-14/ Machine - made cobbles (net) 23/ -26/ 24/6-26/6 22/ -24/6 Paris nuts (net) — — 23/ -24/6 French do. do 23/ -25/ 25/6-27/ 23'/ -24/6 German do. do 23/ -24/ 24/ -26/ 23/ -24/6 Beans (net) 24/ -25/6 24/6-25/6 16/ -17/6 Machine - made large peas (net) 15/6-16/6 14/6-16/ ii/ ~U' Do. fine peas (net) — — Rubbly culm (less 2| p.c.) 10/6-11/6 10/6-11/ 6/ - 6/6 Duff (net) 5/9- 6/6 5/9- 6/6 4/6- 4/9 Steam coals:— Best large (less 2^ p.c.) 28/6-31/ 28/6-32/ 18/6-19/ Seconds do. 24/ -27/ 24/6-27/6 14/9-15/9 Bunkers (net) 23/ -25/ 25/ -27/ 16/6-20/ 11/3-12/6 Small (less 2| p.c.) 16/6-20/ 7/3- 8/6 Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Rhondda— Large (less 2| p.c.) ... 28/ -31/ 28/6-32/. 1 18/ -18,6 Through-and-through (less 2| p.c.) — — 14/ -15/6 Small (less 2| p.c.) ... 19/6-22/6 19/6—22/6 10/3-11/3 Patent fuel do 32/ -35/ 28/ —30/ 17/' -17/6 IRON. Last week trade generally was brisk throughout the district; work was running smoothly in all departments at the blast furnaces, and there was a ready demand for all pig iron produced. In the steel trade there was great activity, and the furnaces were fully operating. Inter- ruption of trade continued in the tin-plate industry, and stoppages of short duration were constantly going on. Employment was uniformly good in the Morriston district, and the three sheet mills remained in operation. The shipments of tin-plates were 81,492 boxes, receipts from works 89,746 boxes, and stocks in the dock warehouses and vans 347,293 boxes. Llanelly. COAL. The coal market of this district is still characterised by a certain amount of weakness, and not near the usual demand is experienced for most of the coals raised. The scarcity of tonnage has quite upset the market, and this, with the prohibition of anthracite to some of the Continental ports, has had the effect of bringing down prices. As far as anthracite is concerned no great alteration is expected for the next few weeks, and very probably collieries will have to accept comparatively low figures to have wagons dis- charged. Large, cobbles and nuts are rather a poor market, and prices are not very steady. Peas are in excellent demand, and prices are being maintained. Culm and duff are also going well. Bunker qualities during the past few days have been very much easier, and prices for prompt shipments have been reduced quite 2s. per ton. Large is also not as firm as it was, but for bituminous smalls for manufacturing purposes there is still a scarcity. Prices asked by collieries on account of contract are very high, and are likely to remain so for some little time. The extra war bonuses which will have to be paid to the men will, it is expected, cause a further advance. This week’s quotations approximately are:— Prices f.o.b. Anthracite:— Best malting large .. Secondary do. ....... Big Vein large....... Red Vein do.......... Mhchine-made cobbles... German nuts ......... French do.......... Paris do.......... Machine-made beans ... Do. peas......... Culm ................ Duff_____»............... Other sorts:— Large steam coal..... Through-and-through... Small ............... Bituminous small coal .. Current iL’st weeks Last year’s prices. I prices. prices. 21/6-22/6 21/6-22/6 20/ -21/6 18/ —19/6 i 17/ -19/ 18/ -20/ 16/ -17/6 i 16/ -17/ I 15/6-17/ 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/6 13/ -13/6 23/ -26/ ' 24/ -26/ ' 19/6-20/ 22/ -23/ 23/ -24/ 19/ -21/ 23/ -24/ . 24/ -25/ 20/ -22/ 23/ -24/ 24/ -25/ : 20/ -22/ 22/ -25/ 23/ -25/ 16/ -20/ 15/ -15/6 i 14/ -15/ 11/6-12/6 10/6-11/ 10/6-11/6 6/ - 6/6 6/ - 7/ ! 5/6- 6/6 5/ - 6/6 30/ -32/ ; 32/ -32/ 16/ -17/ 23/ -25/ 23/ -25/ ! 11/6-12/ 16/ -19/6 16/6-18/6 1 9/ -10/ 20/ -22/ 19/ -21/ 11/ -11/6 _____________________________ The London County Council has sanctioned the purchase from Messrs. E. Bennis and Company of a complete equip, ment of stoker links for experiment with different types of coal at the Greenwich generating station, at a cost not exceeding <£160. A report of the Council mentions the fact that it has met to the extent of 50 per cent, (namely, £4 9s. 8d.), the request of Messrs. Robert Hyde and Son Limited, for some payment towards royalties due to be paid by them in connection with the supply of stoker links to the generating station. It is reported that the steamship “ Louise,” of Malmoe, bound from England to Sweden with coal, was stopped off Falsterbo by German torpedo boats and taken to Swine- munde. The capture, it is understood, was effected under regulations recently drawn up by the German Prize Court. — The Swedish steamers “ Hanna ” and “ Viking,” bound from England to Sweden with coal, are also said to have been stopped by German torpedo boats near the Swedish coast in the Baltic Sea, and are being kept under control until it has been decided whether they shall be sent to a German port or not. THE LONDON COAL TRADE. Thursday, April 29. ________________ _____________________________________ The London coal trade for the past week has varied con- siderably. Some of the merchants report a very sparse number of orders in from the general public, and conse- quently a very slow delivery trade, but others, and especially those who have depots at stations a little way outside the Metropolis, report a great shortage of certain kinds of coal, and are still ordering freely, evidently with a good amount of public orders still unexecuted. Colliery prices remain unaltered, with a slight downward tendency in the house coal market, but a decidedly firmer tone for all manufac- turing qualities. In fact, many of the cheaper qualities of house coal are now being used for manufacturing purposes, and this keeps the market fairly steady. The seaborne market is gradually overtaking the demand, and the enquiries are not so large now. . The Durham qualities, however, are not offering yet on the open market. All the boats arriving are loaded with contract cargoes. Thirty-five vessels were reported as entering the Thames for Monday’s market, and eight for Wednesday. There are distinct rumours of the intervention of the Government in connection with the regulation of the retail prices, but as to the methods to be employed nothing is known at present, nor is it con- sidered practical whilst so many conflicting features are operating in regard to the well knowm extra cost and expenses entailed on all sides through the shortage of labour. The London County Council have had under discussion a practical suggestion that a large quantity of household coal should be bought and stored at convenient points in and around London during the summer months, when the actual consumption is at its lowest level, and presumably prices also are at their lowest, with a view to being able to retail these quantities at a reasonable value when the demand is strongest in the winter months, but even in this case the problem bristles wflth many difficulties, for not only is storage ground of great value in the Metropolis, but the expense of stacking and the waste by slacking, in addition to the double handling of the coal from the trucks to the ground and from the ground to the householders, is that a material difference in the first cost must be taken into consideration before selling the coal in the winter to cover the actual expenses. The current quotations for best York- shire hards by rail are 22s. to 23s. per ton. Derbyshire hards are 20s. to 21s. per ton, but the local demand is strong, and therefore very little is offering for London. Gas coals also are in good demand. Freights are quoted this week at 10s. from the Humber ports, and 8s. 6d. from the Tyne. The question of the coal contract renewals is now beginning to occupy a good deal of attention. The bulk of the present contracts run to the end of June, but in face of the labour agitation, and the lessened tonnage available for contracts this year, merchants are considerably exercised as to what is best to be done. Many are inclined to keep from contracting at the higher prices asked, and to buy on the open market from time to time, as it is felt that with the cessation of hostilities at any time a large number of the men now serving under the Colours will return to the pits, and ease the pressure. An advance of 5s. to 6s. per ton is asked for on the fixed price contracts for next year, but up to the present no definite arrangements have been fixed, except for a few gas coal contracts. The coke trade is still brisk, and all kinds of gas, furnace, and foundry cokes are scarce. The demand is so pressing that as much as 30s. has been obtained for furnace coke. Freights are advancing slightly, and the difficulty of getting steamers has greatly hindered business during the W’eek. The best Yorkshire hards are quoted at 26s. to 27s. f.o.b. in the Humber ports, and Derbyshire steam 24s. to 25s. f.o.b. In the Tyne district the Admiralty have requisitioned a certain number of the boats available for immediate use, so that the freights are again increasing. The stoppage of the shipments to Holland has not at present- affected the market, as the tonnage let loose has been quickly absorbed by contractors who are more or less in arrear. A stronger demand also is noticeable for London and the French Channel ports, especially now the Admiralty have commandeered the colliers. South Wales descriptions are still ruling very high; 34s. is quoted for best Admiralty qualities, and very little is to be obtained even at that price. ___________________________ From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Co.’s Report. Friday, Aprii 23.—The seaborne house coal market was steady to-day, with a fair enquiry, but no cargoes available. Cargoes, 24. Monday, April 26.—The seaborne house coal market was steady again to-day, but no cargoes reported sold. Cargoes, 36. Wednesday, April 28.—The seaborne house coal market was rather quiet to-day, with little enquiry, and no cargoes offering. Cargoes, 8. _____________________ THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products.—The market is firm, and for most pro- ducts there is sufficient demand to maintain prices. Pitch is the outstanding product of the week, having gained Is. on the East Coast. Otherwise prices remain much about the same. Nearest values are :— Rise ( + ) or fall (-) on the week. Benzols, 90’s /II—/111 — ,, 90’s North /9J-/10 — ,, 50’s ,, 1/3—1/4 — Toluol 2/2—2/4 — Carbolic acid, crude (60 per cent.) ... 3/4—3/5 — ,, crystals (40 per cent.). Solvent naphtha (as in quality and 1/4 — package) 1/5—1/7 — Crude naphtha (in bulk) — Creosote (for ordinary qualities) /3i ... ■ — Pitch (f.o.b. east coast) 18/6—19/ ... +9d. ,, (f.a.s. west coast) Tar 4 19/—20/ ... +6d. 21/—25/ — [Benzols, toluol, creosote, solvent naphtha, carbolic acids, usually casks included unless otherwise stated, free on rails at maker's works or usual United Kingdom ports, net. Pitch f.o.b. net.] Sulphate of Ammonia. — The position of sulphate of ammonia is anomalous. Prices are more or less nominal, and theoretically weaker. Yet nitrate of soda keeps rising without any apparent reason or justification, until it is far and away dearer to the user than sulphate. Forward has been done at £13 5s., and seemingly much has been made thereof by bears, but £13 10s. at least would have to be paid for same delivery. Closing prompt prices are :— Rise (+) or fall (-) on the week. London (ordinary makes) .... £13/13/9 ... — Beckton .................. £12/15 ... — Liverpool ................. £13/7/6—£13/10 ... — Hull ...................... £13/10 ... +5/ Middlesbrough ............ £13/13/9 ... — Scotch ports .............. £13/17/6—£14 ... — Nitrate of soda (ord.) per cwt. 12/6 ... +/1J [Sulphate of ammonia, f.o.b. in bags, less 2^ per cent, discount; 24 per cent, ammonia, good grey quality; allowance for refraction, nothing for excess.] ______ Trade Notes. The position of the Russian fertiliser trade just now is of great interest to producers in this country. The demands upon the capabilities of Russian manufacturers are too large to be met all at once, and the probabilities are in favour of British supplies, once established, being able to retain a profitable share of future business. It is true that the tariff adjustments just made public do not include any alterations effecting either manures gener- ally, or sulphate of ammonia in particular, the existing rates of duty remaining unchanged. On the other hand, no date has as yet been given for the revised tariff coming into force, and, in any case, it is only intended to be a temporary tariff. The main point is the absolute necessity for a right under- standing of the needs of the Russian farmer, and the right way to do business. Russian methods are so utterly different from the prevailing ideas as to export trading, that we need to take very much to heart the undoubtedly valuable and trustworthy advice given by Consul-General Clive Bayley, of Moscow, in his last report. He gives some excellent information concerning the granting of credit, which is a sine qua non. He also proves the preference given to British goods, even if the price is higher than that of competitors. Lastly, there are plenty of British men in Russia willing and capable of taking up agencies. Would it not be pos- sible to interest some of these in making known the economic and general superiority of British sulphate of ammonia, as compared with any other nitrogenous fertiliser? To start such a scheme, there would be no particular stock to supply, and but little expenditure, if such propagandists were offered reasonable terms for selling parcels of sulphate later on. Incidentally it is noteworthy that concurrently with this report on Russian trade, and also the marked need of manures there, and enquiry comes from Spezzia for quota- tions for sulphate of ammonia, ordinary grey, in bags, c.i.f. Leghorn or Genoa, and cash against documents. The Scotch kelp industry looks like being actually revived, and the process will not injure sulphate of ammonia makers, but rather strengthen the position of “ artificials,” which is desirable, with potash so scarce. The Government is getting busy ensuring adequate sup- plies of sulphuric acid. Welsh plants seem to be keeping steadily at work, all of which means greater stability for the sulphate of ammonia manufacturer. Attention should be called to the Swedish experiments that- are being prosecuted on parallel lines to the Scottish shale distilling industry. The main object is to produce fuel oil, and satisfactory results are reported, but it may mean com- petition in sulphate of ammonia and paraffins later on. An admission has at last been made concerning the by-product trade of Germany. It appears that “ scarcity of labour and the stoppage of the export trade ” has compelled the coke ovens to work short, so that the production of by-products has been compulsorily curtailed just when an increased output “ is one of the most important requirements of the nation.” To remedy this, the policy of frightfulness is adumbrated even in things industrial, for it is stated that- the “ consumption of coke ” must be substantially augmented, if necessary with the “ assistance of more or less mild compulsion.” How nice! The export figures for the week have been a little brighter. Pitch can account for 4,150 tons and £4,286 worth. Tar returns are 49,080 galls., £256, and 125 drums. The figures for sulphate of ammonia are 3,400 tons. _______________________________________________________ THE IRISH COAL TRADE. Thursday, April 29. _________ __________________ ________________________ Dublin. The tone of the coal trade continues to be good, and merchants are well engaged, although there is no imme- diate prospect of any change in prices of any class of fuel, as freights remain so high. The rates for best household qualities are 32s. and 34s. per ton, less Is. per ton discount; retail, from 2s. 2d. to 2s. 3d. per sack of 10 st.; steam coni, from about 29s. per ton; best coke, 34s. per ton delivered; best Irish coal at Wolfhill, Queen’s County, 25s. per ton outside of contracts. The import trade continues to improve, and the recent small labour troubles on the quays have not interfered with the coal traffic of the port. The coaling vessels arriving during the past week amounted to 58, as compared with 47 the week previously, chiefly-from Parting- ton, Ayr, Garston, Swansea, Preston, West Bank, Liver- pool, Manchester, Troon, Newport, Glasgow, Whitehaven, Ellesmere Port, and Cardiff. The total quantity of coal dis- charged upon the quays was 25,685 tons, as against 18,277 tons the previous week. There are »a few new contracts issuing from the inland districts this week. Belfast. Prices in this port are firmly maintained, although business generally is quieter, and the freight market is somewhat easier. Large supplies have been coming in of late weeks, and the local merchants have now fairly good stocks of all qualities. Quotations for house coals are as follow :—Best Arley, 36s. per ton; Orrell nuts, 35s. ; Scotch house coal, 32s. ; Orrell slack, 32s. per ton delivered. Coal- laden vessels arriving during the past week were chiefly from Ayr, Maryport, Garston, Ardrossan, Swansea, Workington, Glasgow, Irvine, Girvan, Troon, and Partington. From April 4 t<5 17 the total number of colliers entering the harbour was 102. , The Lurgan Urban Council have estimated that the coal supply for next year will cost £225 more than last year. The price paid last year wTas 19s. lid. per ton, while the present price is 30s. per ton.