1282 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. . June 18, 1915. the general standard of which he has always regarded as being inferior to that of his own. The first difficulty may not be insuperable; perhaps the second is also surmountable. It is that the conditions as regards market are so numerous and variable that it would require a superman to fix a maximum price to meet every possible combi- nation of circumstances. We have throughout contended that the Government made a mistake at the outset in taking the London house coal trade as a starting point. No doubt, from the sentimental point of view, the needs of the poor consumer are those which first demand the attention of a sympa- thetic Government, but from a purely commercial point of view the London market is of less value and interest to the collieries or to the nation than the provincial markets, and taking the trade as a whole it is almost contemptible when compared with the entire volume of output required for manufacturing purposes, for the generation of power and light, and the transport of goods. We go further and say that, from a national point of view, it is lamentable that the London household trade should have been raised as a standard and these other branches of trade lopped and distorted, without much reason, to serve the exigencies of the man who buys his coal by the pennyworth. It has been suggested, however, that if the price of the better-class house coals were fixed, other grades of coal, leaving the best class of steam coals out of the account, would follow in their due proportions. We very much doubt if there is any justification for anticipating such a result. When coal is scarce it is a common experience to find a tendency towards an equilibration of prices; this is due to the fact that all the best coal at the time may be off the market, as well as to a desire on the part of consumers to economise; but this reasoning would hardly account for the rise in the price of industrial coal; that is to be accounted for, not so much by its diversion to the cellar of the householder, as to the paramount necessity of keeping works going, even if the citizen in his private capacity has to go without a fire. This is a consideration which, in the light of existing circumstances, the Government cannot afford to ignore. Whatever the remedy may be, we do not think that the coalowners will fail to respond to any reasonable appeal or to deny the necessity for action, if only in their own interests, for they probably place a higher evaluation upon the national importance of their industry than do some of their self-appointed critics, who are swayed mainly by the magnitude of their own necessities. Control of Mining Labour in Germany. — An important debate on trade subjects, and especially on the maintenance of important industries during the war, took place in the Budget Committee of the Prussian Diet on Monday. Even the published report, says the Times, is of considerable interest, although all such reports are very carefully edited. The report carefully suppresses the remarks which Herr Hirsch is stated to have macle about the position of particular branches of industry, about wages, 'and about the manufac- ture of ^aeroplanes. The Minister of Trade and Commerce called special attention to the happy co-operation between mine owners 'and miners. He said that everybody recog- nised the willingness of the miners to produce the necessary amount of coal by working overtime. The production of different sorts of coal was from 70 to 90 per cent, of the production in peace time. As Herr Hirsch had said, the question of overtime must not be mixed up with the question of wages. The increase of overtime found its natural limit in the physical powers of the workmen. Hitherto the workers had readily agreed to work overtime, and the neces- sity for this had been recognised by the workmen’s organisations. As was shown by the official figures, wages had risen, and they would certainly rise further. The need for increased wages must be recognised on account of the increased cost of living, which in the Rhenish-Westphalian coal district was about 25 per cent. On the other hand, it must be remembered that the profits of coal mining had not increased, but decreased. It appears from the report that the employers, or the employers and the Government between them, have successfully resisted the establishment of committees which should include representatives of the workmen, and should settle questions of overtime and wages. It was argued that wages had already risen considerably, and that there was no need for any fresh machinery to express the wishes of the workmen. The Minister of Commerce said that as the effort to establish special com- mittees had failed, the mine authorities had been instructed to intervene in any cases of dispute, and that their efforts had been successful. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, June 17. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. The quieter conditions in the west of Scotland coal trade continue. Even with a shortage of labour and a consequent reduction in output, the supplies at present appear to be equal to all requirements without any particular pressure being felt. Household coal is completely off, and whereas in normal times large quantities of this coal would be shipped as ell coal, the present demand for the latter is so small as to make it difficult to find an outlet for the entire production. Best splints are also quieter, and the restric- tions in exports do not tend to improve matters. Naviga- tions are still the strongest feature of the market, and are particularly booked, while quotations are round about 21s. 6d. to 23s. per ton. Smalls are all more plentiful, and the price appears to be a matter of arrangement. Ship- ments from the district are well maintained, and during the past week amounted to 134,513 tons, compared with 132,200 in the preceding week and 109,986 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow :— Steam coal.............. Ell .................... Splint.................. Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do................ Current prices. 14/6-17/ 15/6-16/ 15/ -19/ 16/6-17/ 16/6-17/ 16/6-17/ L’st week’s prices. 15/ -17/ 16/ -16/6 16/ -19/ 16/9-17/3 16/9-17/3 16/9-17/3 Last year’s prices. 10/6-12/9 11/ -11/3 10/9—14/ 11/3-11/6 10/6-10/9 9/6-10/ IRON. The position of the Scotch iron trade has not materially changed during the past week. Pig iron makers are still actively employed. All the haematite that is being pro- duced is being easily disposed of, and forge qualities are finding a good outlet, but there seems to be some difficulty in disposing of foundry iron. New business is still restricted, however, consumers limiting their purchases to their most urgent requirements, while the export trade has not yet shown the expansion expected. The number of furnaces in blast in Scotland is 72, the same as in the preceding week and at the corresponding period in 1914. 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.; Gart- sherrie, Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1, 85s., Nos. 3, 80s.; Glengarnock, 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.; Shiotts, at Leith, No. 1, 85s., No. 3, 80s.; Carron, at Leith, No. 1, 86s., No. 3, 81s. per ton. The Glasgow pig iron warrant market was more active during the past week, and the tone was firmer. Cleveland iron closed at 67s. Id. per ton cash buyers, compared with 65s. 4d. in the preceding week. The total turnover amounted to 23,000 tons. Warrant stores continue to increase and now stand at 152,313 tons, com- pared with 85,160 tons in the corresponding period of 1914. Makers of manufactured iron have nothing new to report. Black sheet makers are still turning out large quantities of the heavy gauges, both on home and French account. Galvanisers continue to suffer from the scarcity and unusually high price of spelter, supplies of which, it is rumoured, are likely to be commandeered by the Govern- ment, and this is reflected in the comparatively restricted outlet for the thin gauges. Malleable iron makers are full up with work at present both in the iron and steel depart- ments, the latter of which appears to have benefited by the regular arrival of raw materials from Russia. Wrought iron and steel tube makers still depend to a large extent on the home demand, any improvement in the export trade being of very little account. Conditions generally, however, may be called satisfactory under the existing circumstances. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. The position in the Lothians is becoming somewhat difficult, due in a measure to the refusal of a number of licences, and collieries are now evidently willing to make concessions in price in order to clear stocks. Shipments amounted to 36,674 tons, compared with 40,488 in the pre- ceding week, and 108,083 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith :— Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. Best screened steam coal... 16/ —18/ 17/ -18/ 11/3 Secondary qualities 15/6-17/ 16/ -17/6 10/3 Treble nuts 17/ -18/ 17/6-18/3 11/ Double do 15/ -16/6 16/ -17/ 10/9 Single do 17/ 17/ -17/6 10/6 Conditions in Fifeshire continue very active. Shipping has been curtailed, owing partly to miners’ holidays, and also to Government restrictions on exports, refusals here also being fairly numerous. It is stated, however, that collieries are hopeful with regard to the future, as most of the cheap contracts expire this month. Prices are fairly steady, although the tendency is a trifle easier. Clearances, for the week amounted to 58,916 tons, against 77,181 in the preceding week, and 109,835 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 25/ -26/ 23/ -24/ 25/ -26/ 15/9-16/ Unscreened do. 23/ -24/ 14/ First-class steam coal 19/ -22 18/6-22/ 12/6-12/9 Third-class do 15/ -17/ 15/6-17/6 9/9-10/ Treble nuts :.. 17/ -18/ 17/ -18/ 10/9-11/ Double do 16/6-17/6 17/ -17/6 10/6-10/9 Single do 16/ -16/9 16/6-17/6 10/ -10/6 The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 230,103 tons, compared with 249,869 in the preceding week, and 327,904 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 88,857 tons of coal, and 2,695 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease of 59,405 tons of coal, and an increase of 2,695 tons of coke, when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 56,139 tons of coal and 1,016 tons of coke, a decrease of 6,717 tons of coal, and an increase of 69 tons of coke. The Bly th shipments aggregated 65,821 tons of coal and coke, a decrease of 34,251 tons. The total shipments from these three places were 4,934 tons down on the week. There is no improvement in the facilities given for the shipment of fuel to neutral countries. On the contrary, the regulations appear to be enforced with increasing stringency, and it is really difficult to “ carry on,” in the military phrase, under the circumstances. . Some steam coal colliery fitters aver, indeed, that the outlook is so gloomy as to portend a general closing down of collieries, but this view is much too pessimistic to be worthy of acceptance. After all, there is a good deal of business in circulation for destinations which are unrestricted by the necessity of obtaining licences for shipment thereto, and this may be depended upon to continue to be of sufficient volume to avert the prophesied catastrophe. It may ultimately prove. to have been a prudent course for the Coal Export Control Committee to adopt, for it to satisfy itself completely that all home and allied demands are being met before liberating any large quantity of fuel for those who are neither for nor against us. Meanwhile, however, it must be admitted that opera- tions in the industry and in the market are being very much hampered, and that the inherent vitality of the coal trade is a matter for congratulation, for without great tenacity of life it would have been extinguished long ago. Very little business for prompt shipment is reported at present, and such changes as have taken place in prices during the week favoured buyers, as a rule. F.o.b. quota- tions for prompt shipment have varied as follows since last report:—Best Blyth steams are from 6d. to Is. reduced; unscreened, weaker; Blyth smalls, 6d. cheaper; Tynes, easier ; specials, 6d. lower ; gas specials, Is. 6d. decreased ; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, a shade firmer ; coking coals, in buyer’s favour; smalls, Is. fallen; foundry coke, 2s. 6d. advanced ; and gas coke, Is. dearer. Other descriptions of fuel are unaltered. Quite a large amount of forward business has been transacted or is in progress, thereby confounding the Jeremiahs of the industry. The Admiralty is stated to have purchased about 100,000 tons of Northumbrian steams at from 21s. to 22s. per ton f.o.b., for delivery over the remainder of the year, and 100,000 tons of Durham unscreened coals for similar shipment, at from 20s. to 22s. 6d., with a special brand of bunkers at 23s. Some of the bunkers are to be taken out in very consider- able quantities during the next few weeks. The Egyptian State Railways have invited tenders of 50,000 tons of large steams for July-August delivery, tenders to be either f.o.b. or c.i.f. Alexandria and Port Said. The Blyth Gas Company has received offers of 10,000 tons of good unscreened gas coals, for delivery over the ensuing eight months. It is understood that the Government is in the market for a quantity of Durham gas coal, and also for further lots of Durham bunkers. Operators in the market are counting on a heavy demand for coal for South Russia, if and when the Dardanelles are forced. The careful manner in which applications for licences are being scrutinised is illustrated by the fact that, in several instances, only sufficient bunker coal is being allowed to be taken in a steamer for the outward passage. The result is that the vessel has to purchase its supplies for the homeward voyage at exorbitant prices abroad, a circumstance which piles up the costs, and certainly does not reduce the freights. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Steam coals :— Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) ... Do. Tynes (Bowers,&c.) Secondary, Blyths Do. Tynes (Hastings or West Hartleys) ... Unscreened Small, Blyths Do. Tynes Do. specials Other sorts:— Smithies Best gas coals (New Pelton or Holmside) Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) Special gas dials Unscreened bunkers, Durhams Do. do. Northumbrians Coking coals Dq. smalls House coals Coke, foundry Do. blast-furnace Do. gas Current prices. 20/ -21/ 20/ -21/ 17/6-18/ 17/6-18/ 16,6-17/ 15/ -15/6 14/ -15/ 17/ 20/ 21/ -22/ 19/ -20/ 22/6 17/6-20/6 17/ 18/ -20/ 17/ -18/ 22/6 37/6-40/ 32/6 22/ -23/ L’stweek’s prices. 21/ -21/6 20/ -21/ 17/6-18/ 17/6-18/ 17/ 15/6-16/ 15/ ■ 17/6 20/' 21/ -22/ 19/ -20/ 24/ 18/ -20/ 17/ 19/ -20/ 18/ -19/ 22/6 ' 35/ -37/6 32/6 21/ -22/ Last year’s prices. 14/ -14/3 13/6 12/ 12/ -12/6 10/6-11/6 9/ 8/ 8/6- 9/ 12/6 13/ 12/ -12/3 13/6 11/3-12/9 10/9-11/9 12/ 11/6-12/ 15/ -16/ 19/ -20/ 18/ 13/ Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 64,780 tons of coal and 1,595 tons of coke, as compared with 82,550 tons of coal and 140 tons of coke for the corre- sponding period of 1914, being a decrease of 17,770 tons of coal and an increase of 1,455 tons of coke. Weakness still prevails in the coal market. Continued difficulty is experienced in obtaining licences for shipment to neutral countries, and merchants consequently still have coal to offer for prompt and early loading, while many of the collieries are short of trade, and are quoting lower prices for open market business. The position, therefore, is unsatis- factory. Coking coals are weaker, several licences to ship this class of coal to Spain having been refused. Bunker coals are short of trade, and are offering at a further reduc- tion in price; coke is steady. It is reported that the Admiralty have contracted for 100,000 tons of best steams at slightly under contract quotations for delivery over the remainder of this year. It is also said that the Government