May 14, 1915. THE COLLIERY , GUARDIAN. 1027 THE WELSH COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday; May 13. North Wales. Wrexham. COAL. Things have been moderately brisk in the coal business of this locality during the past week, but the general demand appears to have slackened a trifle for certain sorts of fuel. All the pits have been able to work full time, and trucks have been coming to hand fairly freely, which has enabled the traffic to be worked with regularity and freedom. With regard to the house coal trade, orders are not very plentiful, and a goodly tonnage of this class of coal has perforce to be disposed of in other markets, but all sent away seems to obtain good prices, and there are no stocks being held. There are few, if any, contracts in course of settlement for house. coal at the present time, and prices remain at about the same figures as quoted last week. There is continual pressure being brought to bear by the gas companies on the sellers of gas coal, for supplies towards making up the remaining tonnage due on account of expiring contracts, and this is being met as far as is practicable, though it is doubtful whether the coal owners will be able to make up the arrears in their entirety. There are a number of gas companies now asking for tenders, and the work of fixing up new contracts is now in full swing, and the prices appear to be fairly steady on the 5s. to 6s. advance basis. Gas coke is now being boomed by the various sellers on the market at varying prices on the advancing basis. The steam coal business is little altered as from last week in respect of locomotive coal and fuel for industrial purposes, towards which the bulk of the steam coal raised hereabouts is sent. As regards the shipping trade, there is no doubt that the edict to restrict exporting of coak will affect some pits adversely, but only to a small extent, and for the ordinary coaling of ships at the Mersey ports a fair amount of business has been done during the past week. Undoubtedly more would be done if only something could be accomplished that would relieve the continued congestion at the Liverpool docks, and enable vessels now lying in the river to discharge their cargoes and re-load and coal their vessels for further outward voyages. There were over 50 boats waiting for service this week in the River Mersey. The demand for slack and nuts is good, and all the collieries readily dispose of their output of small coal, and at good prices. Prices this week have been as follow :— Prices at pit f.o.r.:— Current prices. L’st week’s prices. Lastyear’s prices. Best house coal 18/ -20/ 18/ -20/ 15/6-16/3 Secondary do 17/ -19/ 17/ -19/ 14/6-15/3 Steam coal 16/ -18/ 16/ -18/ 12/3-13/6 Gas coal 16/6-18/6 16/6-18/6 13/ -14/ Bunkers 15/6-16/6 15/6-16/6 12/ -12/6 Nuts 14/6-17/ 14/6-17/ 12/ -12/9 Slack *. 7/6- 9/6 7/6- 9/6 6/ - 8/ Gas coke (at works) Prices landsale: — 13/4-16/8 13/4-20/ 13/4-15/ Best house coal .... 23/4-27/6 23/4-27/6 18/4-20/ Seconds 20/ -23/4 20/ -23/4 16/8-17/6 Slack 11/8-13/4 11/8-13/4 13/4-15/ Monmouthshire, South Wales, &c. Newport. COAL. The position in the steam coal trade still shows much uncertainty, with a considerable amount of disinclination to transact business until the effect of the export prohibi- tion jvith its system of licences for shipment to certain nationalities can be more clearly understood. The London conference will help matters considerably, and already there is a brisker tone in the chartering market, where several conditional fixtures have been arranged. There are minor difficulties with regard to shipments for Italian and Algerian ports, which it is hoped can be soon overcome, which will relieve the situation, but as yet the most fixtures have been for French ports. It is noted with satisfaction that the patent fuel trade will not be interfered with, the commodity being not classed with coal. Buyers are still inclined to hold off the market in the hope that they will get better terms, but colliery salesmen are not showing any weakness, quotations being varied but slightly. The house coal trade maintains its recent values. Pitwood continues in big demand with inadequate supplies, while home growers all round are making efforts to realise on present high prices. Prices f.o.b. pash 30 days. unobtainable for prompt, with quotations nominal at 105s. to 110s. Rather more has been passing in rails, and values are firmer, on a basis of <£7 15s. for heavy sections. Ship- ments of tin plates have been heavy, stocks moving off well, and prices have advanced another 6d. .per box, being now officially quoted 18s. for 14 k 20 and 18s. 3d. for 28 x 20, with many works asking more money. Cardiff. COAL. There is practically no change in the position of the market so far as prices are concerned, but the announce- ment that, the Government intended altogether to pro- hibit coal exports produced a paralysing effect. Shippers refused to charter, because they did not know whether they would be able to carry out their contracts, and the result was that there has been within the last few days a consider- able falling - off in the quotations for freights, more especially in the Mediterranean district. This statement was looked upon so seriously that a deputation from the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce was appointed to wait upon the authorities at the earliest possible moment, and this took place on Tuesday. The hardships of the order were pointed out, and, as a result, it was stated that licences would be granted on-a free scale. These, however, depend in great measure on the reputation of the shipping firm, and more than that on the position and status of the recipients. This amounts practically to a guarantee by the shipper, who must be above suspicion, that the coal will not be diverted into enemy hands, and on no account will be Utilised for the production of munitions for our opponents. Of course, such a guarantee as this can be readily given, but the process involves delay, which in .these times is extremely costly. This factor was pointed out to the authorities on Tuesday, and it was conceded that licences would be granted by telegraph in order to relieve the pressure. This has had a material effect on the market, and business which a few days ago was impossible is now being transacted because it is realised that.efforts are being made on every side to continue business as usual. Best Admiralty qualities of steam coals are still unobtainable except for Government purposes, and the same remark also applies to superior second qualities. In the ordinary division, however, there is a more free tendency, and quotations vary from 35s. to 36s. In the case of collieries these figures are firmly maintained, but so far as merchants or middlemen are concerned, a fraction less is accepted, in order to minimise responsibilities and get the best advantage of the contracts entered into some months ago. Mon- mouthshire coal shows very little change, although the demand has been fully maintained. Speaking generally, there has been no restriction of this class of coal, but the output has been materially reduced owing to the large number of enlistments which have taken place throughout the district. Best Black Veins are 34s. 3d., western valleys 32s. 9d. to 33s., and the best of the easterns 31s. 9d. to 32s. In the latter department, however, business is scarce. In bituminous coals, the market is fairly steady, but there is a great indisposition to buy at present rates. No. 3 Rhondda large is 29s. to 30s., through-and-through 27s., and small 24s. No. 2 large is a trifle firmer, No. 2 being 27s., through-and-through 23s., and small 19s. 6d. to 20s. In the small coal market there has been practically no change. Best bunkers are 21s. 6d. to 22s., ordinaries 21s., and cargo qualities 19s. New business, however, is at a standstill, and it is reported that the enquiries by the French, Russian, Greek and Italian Governments have been a long way from being supplied. Such a strict watch is now being kept on all cargoes, that it is practically impossible to conduct business except on the most secret terms, and in some cases considerable concessions are being made in consequence. So far as general prices are concerned, there is little change to report. Best and second steams being off the market, the nominal quotation for ordinaries, of course, depends on the position of the man able to supply ; all sorts of difficulties may crop up, but unless he is protected by the war clause there is no allocation. In most cases the war clause has become operative, and the position is, in a measure, satisfactory, but the banks are less conscientious, and are exacting more than full value for the amounts they advance. Of course, one cannot complain of nervousness at a time when every- body' is nervous, but the general expectation is that banks. will run the risks of their everyday existence, and not pull a, man up because he is a few pounds behind his usual position.. Shipments last week amounted to 378,385 tons compared with 576,910 tons in the corresponding week of. last year, or.a decrease of 198,525 tons. These figures do not, of course, include Admiralty shipments. It must not be forgotten, however, that outputs generally have decreased from 20 to 30 per cent, since the war started, and there is a great probability that the production will be considerably less in the near future. From Cardiff alone the exports were 252,350 tons compared with 400,308 tons in. the corresponding week of last year, or a decrease of 147,958 tons/ From Newport there was a decrease .of 20,111 tons, from Port Talbot a decrease of. 4,861 tons, and from Swansea a falling-off of 25,595 tons, which, considering the. war conditions, must be taken as eminently satisfactory. Charterings were anything but in accordance with..what was expected. The amount of tonnage taken up last week was only 136,880 tons, compared with 217,590 tons in the previous week, or 80,710 tons decrease. In the patent fuel market it is difficult to arrive at definite figures owing to grace allowed by the authorities for making returns. This much is certain, however, that 28,000 tons were shipped from the Channel during the last week, 13,732 tojis being from Cardiff and 14,874 tons from Swansea. Of the quantity despatched from Cardiff the Crown Company, was responsible for 8,126 tons. Pitwood is rather stronger, and realises between 33s. and 34s. per ton. IRON. It is difficult to write about the tin-plate trade without giving offence to somebody. Some firms are doing fairly well owing to new orders which have been placed during the last month. On the other hand, there are others who are living a hand-to-mouth existence, and would willingly shut down for a period. Exports last week were 78,066 boxes, compared with t>8,498 boxes received from works, leaving in stock 313,929 boxes. This, of course, is a sub- stantial reduction on last year, and generally speaking the trade is in a healthy condition. Prices are higher, Bessemer standard cokes being 18s., and oil sizes 18s. 3d. to 18s. 6d. and 25s. 6d. respectively. The galvanised sheet trade remains very dull, and many mills are practically at a standstill for the want of new specifications. Spelter is rather cheaper than it was a week ago, but it is still =£64 against about £20 before the war commenced. Welsh steel bars are quoted at £7 10s., but in some instances merchants are demanding higher values. Welsh pig iron is 105s. free on truck, and there is no relaxation in the quotations for steel rails and other heavy material. Scrap metals are unaltered, but firm. In the iron ore market, best rubio is quoted at 29s. to 30s., with seconds at 27s. to 27s. 6d. Almeria is selling at 27s. per ton. Swansea. COAL. The trade of the port last week, which was disorganised to a considerable extent by the coal-tippers’ strike, and the suspension of the shipments of coal to neutral countries, may be considered satisfactory. The shipments of coal and patent fuel were 69,172 tons. There was a capital atten- dance on ’Change on Tuesday, but the undertone of the anthracite coal market was easy. There was no improve- ment in the general demand for large, Swansea Valley being offered for prompt delivery at low’er prices. Red Vein large was steady. There was a little better demand for machine-made nuts, and prices were a shade firmer. Peas and beans were particularly strong, whilst rubbly culm and duff were steady at last quotations. In steam coals, large and through showed littlb alteration, smalls were maintaining their strong position. Steam coals: — Best Black Vein large... Western-valleys, ordin’y Best Eastern-valleys ... Secondary do. Best small coals ..... Secondary do.......... Inferior do. ......... Screenings ........... Through coals ........ Best washed nuts..... Other sorts:— Best house coal....... Secondary do.......... Patent fuel .......... Furnace coke.......... Foundry coke ......... Current prices. 34/ -35/ 32/ -32/6 31/6-32/ 29/ -30/ 19/ -19/3 18/ -18/6 17/ -18/ 19/3 22/ -22/6 22/ -23/ 28/ -29/ . 26/ -27/ 35/ -37/ 32/ -33/ 37/ -39/ L’st week’s prices. 34/ -35/ 32/6-33/ 31/6-32/ 29/6-30/6 19/ -20/ 18/ -18/6 17/ —17/6 19/6-20/ 22/ -21/ 23/ -24/ Last year’s prices. 17/3-17/6 16/9-17/ 16/ —16/6 15/ -15/6 8/6- 9/ 8/ - 8/9 7/6- 7/9 8/9 12/6-12/9 13/ -13/6 IRON. There is little or no alteration to report in the general conditions of the iron and steel trades of the district. Whilst there has not been any large amount of fresh business consummated, forward enquiry continues satis- factory, and makers are holding firmly for last figures. The strongest feature is the. tinplate department, where further advances are reported, with the trend to still higher figures. At the bar mills there is no change. Work continues full, with values at <£7 10s. for Bessemer or Siemens maintained. Enquiry is again good, while makers are not showing any anxiety to commit themselves further forward except at better rates. Welsh hsematite is still Prices f.o.b. Cardiff (except where otherwise stated). Steam coals Best Admiralty steam Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. coals . * * 19/3-19/9 Superior seconds 35/ -37/6 18/9-19/ Ordinary do 35/ -36/ 33/ -34/ 17/9—17/10^ Best bunker smalls 21/6-22/ 21/6-22/ 10/9-11/ Best ordinaries 21/ 21/ -21/3 10/6 Cargo qualities 19/ 18/6-19/ 9/ - 9/3 Inferior smalls 17/6-18/6 17/ -19/ 7/ - 8/ Best dry coals 35/ -37/ 37/ -38/ 17/6-18/6 Ordinary drys 32/ -34/ 32/6-35/ 16/ -16/9 Best washed nuts 28/ -29/ 28/ -29/ 16/ Seconds 27/ 27/ -27/6 15/ Best washed peas 26/ 26/ 14/9-15/ Seconds 24/ 24/6 13/9-14/ Dock screenings Monmouthshire— 20/ 20/ 11/6-11/9 Black Veins 34/3 33/3 17/6-17/9 Western-valleys 32/9 32/9 17/3 Eastern-valleys 31/6 32/3 16/9 Inferior do. ...... Bituminous coals:— 30/ -31/ 31/6 15/ Best house coals (at pit) 30/ 30/ 20/ Second qualities (at pit) No. 3 Rhondda— 27/6-29/6 28/ -29/ 17/6-19/6 Bituminous large 29/ -30/ 30/ 17/6-18/ Through-and-through 27/ 27/6 15/3-15/6 Small No. 2 Rhondda— 24/ 25/ 12/ -12/6 . Large 27/ 27/ 24/ • 14/ - Through-and-through 23/ 12/ Small 19/6-20/ 19/6-20/ 9/6-10/ Best patent fuel 37/6 37/6 35/ • . 21/ . Seconds 35/ 19/ -19/6 Special foundry coke 43/ -48/ 43/ -48/ 27/ -29/ Ordinary do. ...... 39/ -43/ 39/ -43/ 22/ -25/ Furnace coke 35/ -38/., .35/ -38/ 18/ -20/ • Pitwood (ex-ship) ......... 33/ -34/ 34/ -35/ 19/6-20/ * Nominal. Prices f.o.b. (cash in 30 days). Current L’st week’s Last year’s Anthracite:— prices. prices. prices. Best malting large (hand picked) (net)... 22/6-23/6 22/ -23/6 21/ -23/ ' Secondary do. 20/ -21/', 20/'-21/ 18/9-20/■ Big Vein large (less 2^ per cent.) 16/ -177 16/ -17/ 16/6-17/ Red Vein large do. ... 16/ -17/ 16/ -17/6 13/ -14/ Machine - made cobbles (net) 23/ -24/3' 23/ -24/3 21/ -23/ Paris nuts (net) ■■ — ■ —_ . 22/' -24/ French do. do 23/6-24/6 23/6-24/6 22/ -24/ German do. do. 22/6-23/6 22/6-23/6 22/ -24/' Beans (net) 24/' -25/ ; 24/ --25/' 16/ -17/6 Machine - made large peas (net) 15/6-16/6 15/6-16/6 11/ -12/ Do. fine peas (net) ' ■ ; — - — Rubbly culm (less 2-2- p.c.) 10/ -11/ 10/ -11/ 6/ - 6/6 Duff (net) 5/9- 6/6 5/9- 6/6 4/6- 4/9 Steam coals:— Best large (less 2i p.c.) 28/ -30/ 28/ -30/ 18/' -19/ Seconds do. 24/ -27/ 24/ -27/ 13/6-15/6 Bunkers (net) 22/ -24/ 22/ -24/ 11/ -12/6 Small (less 2| p.c.) ...... 16.-20 16/ -20/ 8/ - 9/ Bituminous coals :—: No. 3 Rhondda— Large (less 2| p.c.) ... 28/ -34/ 28/ -30/ 18/ -18/6 Through-and-through (less 2£ p.c.) — ■ — — Small (less 2| p.c.) ... 19/ -21/ 19/ -21/6 11/ -12/ ' Patent fuel do. —..... 32/ -35/ 30/ -35/ 1 17/ -17/6 IRON. Last week there was great activity at the blastfurnaces, and the outputs at all the steelworks increased considerably, although there was a shortage of men. There was some- depression in one section of the tinplate trade during last week. The tin and sheet mills, and the bar-rolling mills at the Upper Forest Works were idle all the week owing to. a dispute. Most of the tin-house sets at all other works were going. The weldless tube trade1 continued brisk, whilst the whole of the departments at the engineering and fitting shops were very busy. Shipments of tin-plates were 78,066 boxes, receipts from works 68,498 boxes, and stocks in the dock warehouses and vans 313,929 boxes. Llanelly. ' COAL. There is no alteration noticeable in the local market over that of last week, and prices are if anything slightly easier The weakness is due to the falling off in shipping, as the