June 18, 1915.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

1279

Brussels; together with 893 tons (2,620 tons) of
ammonia liquor. Owing to the outbreak of war being
somewhat late in the year, the Association had com-
paratively few accounts outstanding in enemy countries.
A large portion of the A ssociation’s stocks of sulphate
in France were seized, by request, as booty, and, it is
expected, will be paid for by the military authorities..
As far as possible, the Association has kept up its
foreign offices, so as to be able to extend business on
the conclusion of peace.

Fuel Traffic in Rhine Harbours During April.

Shipments to Coblenz and places higher up river
(coal, coke and briquettes), 512,197 tons (743,775 tons, a
deficit of 231,688 tons ; to places below Coblenz 18,283
tons (22,259 tons), a deficit of 3,976 tons; to Holland,
137,699 tons (774,690 tons), a deficit of 636,991 tons ; to
Belgium, 55,411 tons (430,102 tons), a deficit of 374,691
tons; to France, nil (43,826 tons) ; to other destinations,
8,187 tons (11,572 tons), a deficit of 33,385 tons. Total
shipmentsfrom Duisburg-Ruhrort, 582,500 tons (1,771,692
tons); Rheinpreussen, 69,250 tons (115,262 tons);
Schwelgern, 20,664 tons (86,516 tons) ; Walsum, 59,363
tons (82,864 tons); aggregate, 731,777 tons (2,056,334
tons, a deficit of 1,324,557 tons. For January-April the
total shipments were 3,124,894 tons (6,309,949 tons), a
deficit'of 3,185,055 tons.

Ruhr Coal Market.

In consequence of the increased number of workers
available, the coal output rose in May, but the scarcity
of labour has not yet disappeared, so many young men,
liable to military service, having been taken away. The
holidays during the month unfavourably affected the
volume of traffic, so that June should show an improve-
ment in this respect. The scarcity of coal extended to
all grades, small as well as large, nuts, through-and-
through, &c. Most of the increased output has been
absorbed by the cokeries. Ovoid briquettes of semi-
bituminous coal (used chiefly by electric power stations)
are particularly scarce. The growing production of
pig iron has increased the consumption of blastfurnace
coke, and other consumers are taking larger supplies
for locomotive and bunker fuel, as well as for producers
and ordinary boiler firing, so that the quantities no
longer required for domestic heating are finding
industrial application. The amount of coke delivered
in May exceeded the participation 60 per cent,
by 1 to 2 per cent., and for the present month the
participation has been raised to 65 per cent. The
Syndicate has been supplying a special mixed coke
(0-70 mm. grain) for steam raising, and this is said to
have given very good results on flat grates ; whilst in
other cases the coal used is mixed with one-quarter to
one-third of coke without giving rise to any difficulties.
Less satisfactory results are obtained with travelling
grates, the coke not burning away completely, though
this drawback has now been obviated by feeding the
coke through a hopper on to a sloping grate in front of
the travelling grate, which latter it reaches in a glowing
condition, burning completely. The river has been in
good condition for some time, enabling fully-laden craft
to get up as far as Lauterburg, though large barges
have had to be lightened to reach Strassburg. Owing
to the demand for coal in the northern and eastern
districts, formerly supplied from England, the deliveries
to the Ruhr harbours have not increased to the extent
anticipated, and delays have occurred in completing
cargoes. Supplies to Belgium have practically ceased,
except in gas coal; but the Dutch demand is unabated,
and coke has to be shipped to make up for the lack of
coal. The Rhineward traffic on the Rhine-Herne Canal
increased, from 184,396 tons in April, to 196,438 tons
in May.

German Output of Medium Steel in April.

According to the report of the German Iron and Steel
Industrial Association, the total production of medium,
steel in the Customs Union during April was 1,012,334
tons, as compared with 1,098,311 tons in March, this
total being made up as follows: Basic Bessemer steel
524,205 tons (553,456 tons), acid Bessemer steel 13,931
tons (14,808 tons), basic open-hearth steel 398,823 tons
(451,796 tons), acid open-hearth steel 16,714 tons (15,875
tons), basic steel castings 35,388 tons (34,507 tons), acid
steel castings 8,595 tons (10,866 tons), crucible steel
7,793 tons (8,214 tons), electro-steel 6,882 tons (9,089
tons). The production in the various districts was
Rhenish Westphalia 573,979 tons (630,230 tons), Silesia
88,687 tons (96,211 tons), Siegerland and Hesse-Nassau
h23,710 tons (23,725 tons), North, East, and Mid Germany
44,477 tons (45,612 tons), Saxony 16,687 tons (21,519 tons),
South Germany 86,645 tons (95,290 tons), Elsass-
Lothringen 91,451 tons (100,568 tons), Luxemburg 77,493
tons (72,295 tons).	•

Coal and Iron Market in Upper Silesia.

During the past month there was practically no cessa-
tion of traffic facilities, such as occurred in the earlier
periods of the war, and consequently the delivery of the
coal available could be effected promptly. The output
of the pits has increased, though in some cases the number
of miners was reduced. The chief business is in the
home market and with Austria-Hungary, but regard
has been paid to the requirements of neutral countries
who are disposed to return the favour in some way or
other. All kinds of coal are in good demand, but as
regards the supply of gas and coking coals, the diffi-
culties already existing before the war have become
accentuated, owing, on the one hand, to the lessened
output, and on the other to the fact that consumers
have to be supplied who previously obtained English
coals. The coke market remains about the same as
before, the cokeries working up all the coal they can
get from the pits, whilst all grades of coke and by-
products find a ready outlet, so that stocks are scarce.
The conditions as regards the supply of iron ore are

unchanged, but though it has not always been easy to
furnish the requisite material for the blastfurnaces
promptly, the output of pig iron has been maintained
and none of the furnaces have had to be blown out.
The demand for pig iron continues very active, but
though there is no surplus (the previous stocks having
been exhausted), there is no scarcity. Prices have
hardened, though not in proportion to the increased
cost of production.

Miners’ Strike in Silesia.

According to the Vorwaarts, a strike has broken out
among the miners in the Neurode district of Lower
Silesia. Negotiations between the owners, representa-
tives of the men, and Government officials have begun.
The situation is serious, and the number of strikers is
hourly increasing. The reason of the strike is a dispute
as regards wages.

TRADE AND THE WAR.

The Board of Trade direct the particular attention of all
manufacturers and traders concerned in the export trade to
the need for scrupulous care in the transaction of. their
business abroad. The Government’s reprisals policy,
formally announced by the Order in Council of March 11,
1915, is directed to suppress all enemy trade, whether
import or export. The main difficulty in making this policy
thoroughly effective arises from the fact that some traders
in some neutral countries are making themselves agents
for the supply of goods to enemy countries. British firms’
engaged in foreign trade, therefore, must have regard to
these circumstances, and survey with great caution every
opening for business which is offered them by neutral
importers or exporters. Especial care should be taken in
opening new accounts in neutral countries, and in relation
to any orders or enquiries of an abnormal character. In
any case of doubt as to the bona fides of particular con-
signees, business should be suspended pending reference to
the Board of Trade. It must be added that the proclama-
tions relating to trading with the enemy cover indirect
trading with the enemy through neutral agents, and that
carelessness in transacting neutral business may involve
traders in the severe penalties attaching to trading with the
enemy.

On Tuesday, over 100 members of the House of Commons,
embracing all shades of politics, - attended a meeting to
discuss the statements made to them last week by a joint
deputation, representing the gas and electricity under-
takings of the United Kingdom, with reference to the
reduced output and the increased price of coal. Lord Claud
Hamilton occupied the chair. It was urged that the situa-
tion was so urgent as to require the intervention of the
Government. In the end a committee was formed to con-
sider the subject, in consultation with the Government,
especially the Home Office and the Board of Trade. The
committee consists of 12 members, representing by threes
the coal owners, the workmen, the great consumers, and the
shipowners :—Coal owners—Sir Alexander Henderson, Sir
Arthur Markham (Mansfield), and Sir Joseph Walton
(Barnsley). Workmen—Mr. Charles Fenwick (Wansbeck),
Mr. Tom Richardson (Whitehaven), and Mr. Barnet
Kenyon (Chesterfield). Consumers—Sir Daniel Goddard
(Ipswich), Mr. Joynson-Hicks (Brentford), and Sir Corbett
Woodall (chairman of the Gas Light and Coke Company).
Shipowners—Lord Claud Hamilton (South Kensington),
Mr. R. P. Houston (Liverpool), and Mr. R. D. Holt
(Hexham). To these were added Mr. R. J. Neville Wigan),
who has acted as convener of the meetings.

Additional regulations for the defence of the realm are
made by an Order in Council, which is published in a
supplement to' the London Gazette. They extend the power
given to the Secretary of State under section 150 of the
Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, to exempt from the
operation of the statute factories employed during “ public
emergency.” The section referred to factories belonging to
the Crown, and these regulations provide that the exemption
shall apply also to factories in which there has been a loss
of men through enlistment or transference to the Govern-
ment service.

In the House of Commons, on June 9, in reply to Mr.
Anderson, Mr. Runciman said he would consider the sugges-
tion that information should be obtained with reference to
the contract prices for coal paid by municipal authorities.

A private message to the Dagens Nyheter (Stockholm)
states that the British Government has proposed to enter
into negotiations with representatives of Scandinavian
countries on the subject of continuing the export of coal in
the most practical way to neutral countries.

It is officially announced that it has been arranged that
the Public Trustee shall keep a record of all debts, includ-
ing bank balances, due to British subjects from persons
residing in enemy countries, and other property in enemy
countries, including securities belonging to British subjects.
Any person desiring to record such claims or property can
obtain the necesary form for the purpose (Form G in the
first case, and Form H in the second) from the Public
Trustee, Trading with the Enemy Department, 2, Clement’s
Inn, Strand, London, W.C. It must be clearly understood
that the action of the Public Trustee will be confined to
entering upon the record claims of which particulars are
supplied to him, and that it in no way commits his
Majesty’s Government either to the responsibility for the
correctness of the claim entered, or to taking any action on
the conclusion of hostilities or otherwise for the recovery of
the debts or property in question. Other claims against
enemy Governments (e.g., in respect of. goods or property
requisitioned or sequestrated), as distinct from claims against
enemy subjects, Should be notified to the Director of the
Foreign Claims Office, Foreign Office, S.W.1

THE IRISH COAL TRADE.

Thursday, June 17.

Dublin.

Business continues to be fairly good generally, owing to
the quantities which are being bought for future use, but. for
current requirements consumption of house coal is about at
the summer level. Best Orrell coal has been - advanced
another Is. per ton during the week, and one class of steam
coal has gone up 4s. 3d. per ton, the price now being £2 2s.
for the latter. There is no change in other qualities.
Quotations are as follow:—Best Orrell coal, 34s. per ton ;
Hulton Arley, 33s.; best Wigan, 32s.; best Whitehaven,
32s.; Pemberton Wigan, 31s.; kitchen nuts, 30s. ; best
slack, 26s.; all less Is. per ton discount. ’ Best Irish coal
at Wolfhill, Queen’s County, 25s. per ton outside of con-
tracts. Pit prices for Kilkenny (Castlecomer) coal are as
follow:—Best large, 21s. 8d. per ton;- best smalls, 20s.;
second quality coal, 17s. 6d.; bottom coal, 15s. ^ breakage,
10s.; culm, 5s. to 6s. 8d. Quotations for coke are now. with-
drawn, and the Gas Company state that it will shortly be
much dearer. Stocks are still small, owing to the difficulty
experienced in getting full cargoes at the' other side, and the
rapidity with which the coal changes hands on arrival. The
coaling vessels arriving during the past week ■amounted to
72, as compared with 42 the week previously, chiefly from
Garston, Ayr, Liverpool, Glasgow, : Preston,. .Partington,
Troon, Irvine, Newport, Point of Aire, Campbeltown, White-
haven, Swansea, Workington, Saundersfoot,' and Maryport.
The total quantity of coal discharged upon the quays was
31,000 tons, as against. 18,000 tons the previous .week. The
Wolfhill Colliery Company have entered into contracts fol
the supply of steam coal for the .Carlow and Mullingar
asylums, the quantities contracted for being respectively
1,500 tons and 500 tons. It is stated that the .high quality
of this coal has already been brought under the notice of
the Admiralty. The Cashel Board of Guardians have also
decided to utilise Irish coal, and, in reply to a circular from
the Castlecomer Colliery Company, . they have ordered a
quantity of best small coal at 33s. 9d., per ton. , It is. stated
that turf is to be considerably advanced in price,, and the
attention of the owners of bogs, and of turf cutters
generally, has been directed to .the importance of making
special efforts this season to .secure an increased output of
this class of fuel.	■.

Belfast

Although the house coal trade is quieter for present require-
ments locally, there is a good deal of business offering on
contract account, and the prices quoted . for this year are
from 8s. to 10s. per ton above those of' last year> .Demand
from the inland districts has improved, as many consumers
are purchasing 12 months’ supplies. . The Harbour Com-
missioners are inviting tenders for supplies representing
some 8,200 tons, and a contract is open in.connection with
the Belfast Union for 5,500 tons. Quotations .for house
coals are unchanged, as followBest Arley, 36s. per ton;
Orrell nuts, 35s.; Scotch house coal, ,32s.; Orrell slack, 32s.
per ton delivered. Coal-laden vessels arriving during the
week were from Maryport, Preston, GarSton, Troon, Ayr,
Girvan, Silloth, Ardrossan,. Ellesmere Port, Glasgow, Point
of Aire, Llanelly, Workington, - Sharpness, Irvine,'. and
Saundersfoot.	•	•>.,	■	;-

THE TIN-PLATE TRADE.

Liverpool.

The tone of the .market continues Very firm. There is a
steady demand, and most works are'now booked up to their
present capacity for the next 2/3 months18s.:9d. was freely
paid for I C 14 x 20 cokes, squares and odd sizes realising
19s. to 19s. 3d. basis. It is'very doubtful,, however, if
makers are to be found to-day who are. .willing to sell at
these figures. The tendency all round is' towards still
higher prices, and quotations at the moment range as follow :
Cokes, IC 14 x 20 (112 sh/108 lb.), 19s. IJd. to 19s. 6d.
per box; IC 28 x 20 ‘(112 sh. 2161b.), 38s. 6d. to 39s.;
I C 28 x 20 (56 sh. 1081b)), 19s. 9d. to 20s.; I C 14 x 18}
(124 sh. 156 lb.), 19s. 3d. to 19s. 6d.; PG 14 x 191 (120 sh.
1101b.), 19s. 3d. to 19s, 6d.; IC 20 x 10 (225 sh. 156 lb.),
28s. to 28s. 3d.; IC squares and odd sizes, 19s. 6d. to
19s. 9d. basis. Charcoal tins , run ,21s,; 6d; basis and
upwards, according to tinning. Terncs are in. steady
request, and prices rule firm at. 35s, 9d. pep box (I C 28
X 20), and upwards. There.is a good enquiry for. wasters,
which are very firm, as follow :—-C W 14 X 20, 18s.‘3d. per
box and upwards; C W 28 x 20, 36s. 9d.; C W 14 x 18f,
18s. 10id.; CW 20 x TO, 26s. 9d.; CW 30 x 21, 41s.;
all f.o.b. Wales, less 4 per cent: ' ' ' ■ 1 ■ '■ ■ '•

Goal Shipped from Ports in England, Scotland and Wales
During May. — The following figures, which, have been
extracted from the returns issued by the-Commissioners of
H.M. Customs and Excise, show the quantity ' of ' coal
shipped from each group of ports during the month of May,
as compared with the corresponding month last yeal :—

Cargo.

May 1914. .		May 1915.
Bristol Channel ports 					Tons.	• Tons.
	2,453,229 ,	... 1,503,038
North-western ports 			41,970	50,846
North-eastern ports 		2,109,574	... 1,255,701
Humber ports 		645,711	...	367,358
Other east coast ports 		31,461 .	1,491
Other English ports 	.		20 .	10
Ports on east coast of Scotland..	713,588 .	...	350,194
Ports on west coast of Scotland	212,778 .	...	257,156
Total ..... 			6,208,331 .	.. 3,785,794
Bunker.	May 1914.	May 1915.
	Tons.	Tons.
Bristol Channel ports 		431,635 .	..	296,199
North-western ports			322,674 .	..	302,248
North-eastern ports 		347,894 .	..	210,217
Humber ports 	,		238,010 .	... 110,603
Other east coast ports 	,...	160,817 .	..	■ 85,119
Other English ports 			74,476 .	/.	20,994
Ports on east coast of Scotland...	128,254 .	..... 55,194
Ports on west coast of Scotland...	181,395 .	98,619
Irish ports 		.....				3,795 .	954
Total.,,.,.,.		1,840,950 .	1,180,147