76 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. July 9, 1915. dearer on the week. A large number of forward contracts have been booked during the past few days at advances of from 6s. to 7s. per ton over last year’s figures. Washed furnace coke is unchanged, best qualities realising 25s. per ton at the ovens, with secondary sorts about 24s. Current pit prices. House coal:— Current L’st week’s Last year’s Prices at pit (London) : prices. prices. prices. Haigh Moor selected ... 19/6-20/6 19/ -20/ 14/ Wallsend & London best 18/6-19/6 18/6-19/6 13/ -13/9 Silkstone best 18/6-19/6 18/6-19/6 13/ -13/9 Do. house 17/6-18/ 17/6-18/ 12/ -12/6 House nuts 16/ -17/ 16/ —17/ 11/ -11/6 Prices f.o.b. Hull:— Haigh Moor best 23/ -24/ 23/ -24/ 16/6-17/ Silkstone best 21/ -22/ 21/ -22/ 15 6-16/ Do. house 19/6-21/ 19/6-21/ 14/ -14/6 Other qualities 18/6-19/6 18/6-19/6 13/ -14/ Gas coal:— Prices at pit: Screened gas coal 17/ -18/ 17/ -18/ 11/ -12/ Gas nuts 16/ -17/ 16/ -17/ 10/ -11/ Unscreened gas coal ... 14/ -15/6 14/ -15/6 9/9-10/6 Other sorts:— Prices at pit: Washed nuts 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/6 10/9-11/6 Large double-screened engine nuts 14/ -15/ 14/ -15/ 9/6-10/6 Small nuts 13/6-14/6 13/6-14/ 9/ -. 9/9 Rough unscreened engine coal 13/6-14/6 13/6-14/ 9/3- 9/9 Best rough slacks 13/ -14/ 13/ -14/ 7/ - 8/ Small do. 11/6-12/6 11/6-12/6 6/ - 6/9 Coking smalls 12/ -13/ 12/6-13/6 6/3- 7/ Coke:— Price at ovens: Furnace coke 24/ -25/ 24/ -25/ 10/ -10/9 Barnsley. COAL. The attendance at the local market was of a larger character, but the bulk of the business circulating was not large. The collieries are in pretty much the same position of having little surplus fuel to offer, owing to the continued reduction in the output, but a good deal of enquiry is circulating in regard to the renewal of occasional contracts which are about due to expire. Wherever circumstances permit, buyers still hold off in the expectancy that the Government will introduce regulations which will prove beneficial to them. In respect to small steam coal, collieries are finding no difficulty in obtaining the renewal of contracts at the advanced prices which they have asked for. The position of large steam coal remains practically unaltered, except for the fact that prices for best quality hards are of a firmer description. There appears, however, to be con- siderable doubt whether this recovery will be maintained, inasmuch as the position is largely controlled by the extent to which exports are permitted to be made. Merchants at the Humber ports continue to find it necessary to dispose of a considerable tonnage in the open market, owing to the delay in obtaining shipment, and they can afford to sell at less prices than collieries are asking for, owing to the favour- able contracts which they made in the falling market last December. Collieries have very little stock on hand, and a big bulk of secondary grade fuel is being readily taken by the railway companies, who continue to pursue the policy of adding to their stocks which are still below the average. Best hards are again firmly quoted at about 17s. per ton, and secondary descriptions are making from Is. to Is. 6d. per ton less. The scarcity of steam nuts continues to be very pronounced, and there is no difficulty in disposing of any odd lots at coal owners’ prices, whilst in regard to slacks the output still continues to be insufficient to the needs of the market, and again prices are of a very firm description. The position in respect to gas coal has also undergone no change. The heavy export demand and the desire of gas companies to add to their stocks is sufficient fully to absorb the output, although at this period of the year there has usually been some little difficulty in keeping the sidings free from stocks. The somewhat unique condition of affairs in respect to house coal continues to be experienced. Col- lieries are working full time, and although the output is reduced, no doubt under normal circumstances it would be more than adequate to meet the consumption. Evidently the merchants are finding their customers desirous of laying in stocks for the winter months, and in this way the advanced prices are not subject to much competition, and are generally obtained. The demand for coke is as strong as ever, and with the heavy demands prevailing, there are no stocks at the ovens. Prices show no weakness, and buyers still have difficulty in fixing new arrangements, having to rely upon daily deliveries, which is causing not a little anxiety. Prices at pit. Current L’st week’s Last year’s House coals:— prices. prices. prices. Best Silkstone 21/ -22/ 19/ -20/ 17/ -18/ 21/ -22/ 15/6-16/ Best Barnsley softs 19/ -20/ 15/ -15/3 Secondary do. 17/ -18/ 12/ -13/ Best house nuts 16/ -17/ 16/ -17/ 13/ Secondary do 15/6-16/ 15/6-16/ 10/9-11/6 Steam coals:— Best hard coals 16/ -17/ ’ 15/ -16/ 11/6-11/9 Secondary do. 14/ -15/ 13/6-14/6 10/6-11/ Best washed nuts 16/ -17/ 16/ -17/ 15/ -15/6 10/6-10/9 Secondary do 15/ -15/6 9/9-10/ Best slack 13/6 13/6 6/9- 7/ Rough do 12/ -12/6 12/ -12/6 5/9- 6/ Gas coals:— Screened gas coals 15/6-16/ 15/6-16/ — Unscreened do 14/6-15/ 14/6-15/ 10/6 Gas nuts 15/ -16/ 15/ -16/ 10/9-11/ Furnace coke ; 25/ 25/ 10/ -10/6 Hull. COAL. The coal export market has taken a decided turn for the better, and with more licences coming to hand and difficulties disappearing, there seems at last good hopes for a revival. A report that an arrangement has been come to with the Danish Government regarding the coal export from this country to Danish ports, and the subsequent granting of licences, has had a very steadying effect upon steam coals, best South Yorkshires especially being in good demand at prices roughly 2s. per ton advance on those ruling a week ago, current values to-day being 21s. to 22s. for prompt shipment. There is also a stronger demand from Norway, to export to which country several licences have been received. As has been pointed out more than once, there is a good potential demand from Scandinavia, and it only requires difficulties smoothing out to see business develop. Secondary sorts of South Yorkshire coal are also a steady and improving market, washed doubles being worth 19s. to 19s. 6d., ditto singles 18s. to 18s. 6d., and small coal 14s. 6d. to 15s. Derbyshire steam coal, for which Sweden is the principal market, has not shown a similar improvement, and 18s. to 18s. 6d. for ship- ment at Grimsby or Immingham is the nominal value in the absence of business. There is not much doing in house coal, West Yorkshire Hartleys standing at about 18s. to 19s., according to quality. Shipments at the docks, which were exceptionally light last week, are heavier, and several vessels are now loading. Though there is plenty of shipping tonnage available, owners hold out firmly for late rates, and these are about maintained at 15s. to 16s. for Rouen (according to size of steamer), with about 13s. to 13s. 6d. for other French ports in the Channel, and 7s. London. Not much enquiry is manifest for Italy, rates to the west coast being on the basis of 25s. 6d. to 26s. Genoa. The June returns of the exports from Hull complete the half year. In June only 124,649 tons were sent abroad (exclusive of bunkers and coal for the Admiralty and the Allied Governments) against 469,266 tons in June last year, which embraced five full weeks against four this year. The total exports for the six months, January-June, is 1,107,765 tons, as compared with 1,601,694 tons in the same period last year, a decrease of 494,129 tons, equal to just over 30 per cent. Of the total, France took no less than 646,345 tons, equal to 58*3 per cent., and 436,390 tons more than in January-June 1914. Denmark was the only other country to show an increase—viz., 90,628 tons, against 58,489 tons. Sweden, next in order to France, took 125,244 tons, South America 54,767 tons, Italy 47,578 tons, Holland 41,480, Norway 38,639, Egypt 39,533, Portugal 11,996, all others taking small quantities or none. t Russia received received only 652 tons (vid, Archangel), as against 503,407 tons in the same half of last year, when the Baltic and Black Sea ports were accessible. The shipments London and coastwise were 347,313 tons, against 397,687 tons January-June last year, London’s receipts being 260,903 tons, against 307,365. The amount received at Hull from the collieries in the half-year was 2,375,916 tons, against 3,123,583 tons. Chesterfield. COAL. There is not much change upon the week in the condition of the trade of North Derbyshire, which on the whole is satisfactory. A good business is being done in fuel for domestic purposes, and orders are still coming to hand pretty freely. Prices remain firm. Stocks have disappeared from the pit banks. All classes of coal for manufacturing use continue in great demand, and deliveries are now proceeding satisfactorily. Slack for boiler firing is much wanted, and good prices are paid for the best brands. Steam coal for locomotive purposes is in brisk request, all the railway companies being anxious to add to their stocks wherever possible. The steam coal trade for export has shown a little more activity during the last few days, which is due to the fact that exporters have been fortunate to obtain a few more licences permitting them to ship to neutral countries. This has steadied the market slightly, and caused prices to be a shade firmer. This market is now entirely influenced by the number of licences issued. The coke trade maintains its firmness, and the whole production of the ovens is readily absorbed. Prices at pit:— Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. Best house coals 17/ 17/ 12/ Secondary do 16/6 1. 16/6 11/ Cobbles 16/ 16/ 10/6 Nuts 15/6 1 15/6 9/6 Slack 12/9 12/9 7/6 IRON. There is no improvement in the demand for pig iron, and the market continues in a very quiet condition. The finished iron branch of the trade is fully employed, and no difficulty is experienced in securing sufficient orders to keep the plant running full time. Engineers and wagon builders are well placed for work. Nottingham. COAL. The condition of trade in the Nottinghamshire coal field retains its activity, there having been no marked change during the past week. Collieries are succeeding in main- taining a fair output considering the abnormal circumstances, but the demand is such that they are able to put little, if any, in stock of any description of fuel. Regarding domestic fuel, the demand is keeping up remarkably well, and local merchants are doing a much better business than in ordinary times, for a certain class of the community are purchasing freely to replenish stocks for the winter. No general advance has been made in prices, but for ashless coal collieries put Is. more per ton on at the commencement of the month. Steam coal continues in very good request, but there is less pressure for quick deliveries than recently and the demand is more consistently met. Nuts are in brisk request for industrial purposes, and unusual prices are being realised. There is no change in the position of slacks, the output of which is quickly absorbed, merchants being willing to give slightly advanced rates for prompt delivery, especially for best qualities. Gas fuel is being drawn freely upon by the companies on the renewed contracts despite the advanced rates, while coke is in better demand than of late. Prices at pithead :— Hand-picked brights ..... Good house coals......... Secondary do............. Best hard coals.......... Secondary do............. Slacks (best hards)...... Do. (second) .......... Do. (soft)............. Current L’st week’s prices. prices. 18/6-20/ 18/6-20/ 16/6—17/6 , 16/6-17/6 15/ -16/ ’ 15/ -16/ 17/6-19/6 ; 17/6-19/6 16/ -17/ i 16/ -17/ 12/ -13/ . 12/ -13/ 10/ -11/ i 10/ -11/ 10/ -11/6 I 10/ -11/ Last year’s prices. 13/ -14/ 11/ -12/ 10/ -11/ 10/6-10/9 9/3-10/ 6/3— 6/9 5/6- 6/ 5/6- 6/ Leicestershire. COAL. The pressure to secure supplies increases in intensity at the collieries in this district, and prices have again assumed an upward tendency. The orders keep flowing in day by day in greater volume than ever, and it is quite impossible to deal with them. The whole of the output is absorbed as it becomes available, and at some of the collieries the agents have been instructed to book no more orders during the current month. The only exception to this will be an odd wagon load or two to meet special requirements or to cover urgent necessities. Although the new contract prices have only just come into operation, coal merchants in certain districts are urging colliery managers to make larger deliveries, and offers are being made of an advance of 6d. per ton for all deliveries in excess of the quantities provided for in the original contracts. This fact is re- garded as significant of what is likely to become more general in the near future. The fundamental basis of the situation is the inadequate supplies available for the vastly increased consumption. At the same time at nearly all the collieries the production would be greater but for the inadequate numbers of railway owned wagons which are available. This limits the output to five days per week, and there is no prospect of this being generally extended at present. At some of the collieries the supply of railway- owned wagons is only 10 to 20 per cent, of the normal numbers for several days per week. As more and more wagons are required for military purposes, the problem in- creases in importance. There has been a great improvement in the movement of full wagons to their destinations, and coal merchants who own their own rolling stock are able to command a great advantage in deliveries. But for these privately owned wagons the output of the bulk of the collieries would be most seriously curtailed. There are no stocks of any kind at the pits. The most outstanding feature is the vast increase in the demand for all classes of fuel for manufacturing purposes. This so far exceeds the ordinary supplies that every week witnesses a further inroad on the output of cobbles and large nuts to make good the deficiency. This is generally regarded as a most important feature which is bound to exert a vital influence on values later in the year, when large quantities of cobbles and large nuts will be required for household purposes. By the introduction of premiums on contract prices, colliery managers are taking the view that coal merchants are practically fixing the rates for their supplies. There is an enormous strain at present on all concerned, and there are no prospects of any relief in the near future. The following are the quotations, subject to special modifications, which are now generally in force at the collieries in this district:— ' Prices at pit. Best household coal .... Second, hand picked .... Deep screened cobbles ... Deep large nuts ........ Bakers’ nuts............ Small nuts.............. Deep breeze ............ Peas ................... Small dust ............. Main nuts for London kitcheners.............. Steams, best hand picked Steams, seconds ........ Main cobbles for kitcheners Main breeze............. Current prices. 18/6-19/6 17/6-18/6 16/6-17/6 16/ -17/ 15/6-16/ 14/ -14/6 14/6-15/ 12/3—13/3 5/6- 6/6 15/9-16/9 15/6-16/6 14/6-15/ 15/9-16/9 13/9-15/ L’st week’s prices. 18/6-19/6 17/6-18/6 16/6-17/6 16/ -17/ 15/6-16/ 14/ -14/6 14/6-15/ 12/3-13/3 5/6- 6/6 Last year’s prices. 12/6-13/6 11/6-12/6 11/3—12/3 10/ -11/ 10/ -10/6 9/3 8/6— 9/ 7/9- 8/3 2/ - 2/3 15/9-16/9 15/6-16/6 14/6-15/ 15/9-16/9 13/9-15/ 9/ -10/ 9/ - 9/6 8/3- 8/9 9/3- 9/9 South Staffordshire, North Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Birmingham. COAL. There is not quite so much buying of household fuel: all the same, merchants have plenty of business to overtake, and find difficulty in getting supplies of the right sorts. Manufacturing fuel is in active demand. Some complaints have recently been heard of slacking on the part of the men, but there is a danger lest these complaints be over- done. On the Warwickshire side the men are putting in about five days a week, and on Cannock Chase four to four and a-half. The output is relatively greater than at this time a year ago, for in the summer the men are accustomed to play a good deal, their average during the hot weather being three to four days a week. Quotations are unchanged on the week, and are as follow:— Prices at pit. | Current Staffordshire (including ! prices. Cannock Chase) :— i House coal, best deep .. J 23/ Do. seconds deep 21/ Do. best shallow^ 20/ Do. seconds do. i 19/ Best hard ............' 19/6 Forge coal............ 16/ Slack ................ 11/6 Warwickshire:— ( House coal, best Ryder.. 21/ Do. hand-picked cobs ................. 20/ Best hard spires ....... 19/6 Forge (steam) ........ 16/ D.S. nuts (steam) .... 16/ Small (do.) ...j 15/ iL’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. 23/ 21/ 20/ 19/ 19/6 16/ i H/6 i 21/ i 20/ 19/6 . 16/* 16/ i 15/ 17/6 15/ 13/6 12/9 14/6 10/6 7/ 15/6 13/ 14/6 10/6 9/6 8/ IRON. The attendance was not large for a quarterly meeting of the iron trade. District visitors were fewer than in normal times. In South Wales, in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the north generally manufacturers are so busy that at the moment they feel it wiser to stay at home superintending output. Still, the attendance was good, the tone of the market throughout was confident, and values were not only well maintained, but one gathered the impression that they have not yet reached high-water mark. A substantial