230 July 30, 1915. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN ________________________________________________________________________________ IRON. Business is still somewhat restricted in the iron and steel trades of this district, although forward enquiry is coming along better, and it is anticipated some good lines will be placed soon for the last quarter of the year. Values in all departments are well maintained, and the trend of prices is perhaps firmer than a week ago. There is no alteration in the position of tin-plate bars, which are again priced at <£7 10s. for both Siemens and Bessemer. Some of the mills which were engaged in producing these have been put on to munitions work, and that has counteracted a slightly lessened demand. Rails continue in good request and are inclined to be firmer. Officially prices are unaltered at <£9 to <£9 5s. for heavy sections. Work continues full at blast furnaces, with values strong at 105s. to 107s. 6d. for Welsh hsematite delivered locally. Iron ore values are unaltered, best rubio ruling 24s. to 25s. c.i.f. Newport. In tin-plates there is very little change. Shipments being further restricted, works are now producing more for stocks, while holding firmly for recent values, based upon 19s. for 20 * 14’s Bessemer or Siemens primes. Cardiff. COAL. Following the settlement of the coal dispute last week there was a prompt resumption of work at all the collieries, but, unfortunately large numbers of men have not yet presented themselves at the pits. Many of them took advantage of the stoppage to commence their summer holidays, and, in some instances, it is reported that not more than 70 per cent, have returned. The result is that outputs are considerably below the normal, although the production is daily increasing. All coals suitable for Admiralty purposes have been retained by the Government, and the small quantities of free coal which have come on to the market have realised much higher prices than those which prevailed before the strike. There is general com- plaint by colliery owners, not that the men are callous or unpatriotic, but that they are appallingly ignorant of the seriousness of the position, and that they do not appreciate the importance of straining every nerve to supply the needs of our own Government and those of the Allies. How this can be best brought home to them is a question which is exercising the minds of many employers, and it is not unlikely that an educative campaign will shortly be undertaken in order to stimulate the interest of the miners to put forward their best efforts in the matter of production. Shipments last week only amounted to 260,075 tons compared with 631,055 tons in the corre- sponding week of last year, or a decrease of 370,980 tons. These figures, of course, are exclusive of business on Admiralty account. From Cardiff alone there were exported 146,833 tons against 426,105 tons or a decrease of 279,272 tons, from Newport 28,565 tons or a falling off of 65,319 tons, from Swansea61,771 tons or a decrease of 18,350 tons, and from Port Talbot 22,906 tons or a decline of 8,039 tons. Chartering was also seriously affected by the stoppage, and the amount of tonnage taken up was only 81,100 tons compared with 100,500 tons in the preceding six days, or only about one- third of the normal requirements [of the port, {exclusive of Admiralty traffic. The tenders for the Egyptian State Railways contract were due on the 22nd inst., and fortu- nately the settlement of the strike was announced in time, otherwise it is probable that the whole of the business would have gone to America. As it was, many firms delayed sending in tenders until the last moment, and in other cases firms who would have entered into competition declined to quote prices at all. Although no announcement has yet been made, it is hoped that a large proportion of the 360,000 metric tons asked for will be placed in South Wales. The contract extends from September for a period of eight months. The statistical returns of the London Custom House for the month of June show that the exports of coal from the Bristol Channel amounted to 1,468,386 tons, against 2,189,984^ tons in the corresponding month of last year, or a decrease of 721,598 tons. From Cardiff the ship- ments were 798,185 tons, compared with 1,433,844 tons; from Newport, 257,594 tons, against 364,610 tons; from Port Talbot 130,556 tons, against 135,418 tons, and from Swansea 273,635 tons, compared with 232,227 tons. With regard to prices, it is difficult to’gauge the market, as so much depends on individual circumstances. Best steams are still unquoted, and the same remark applies generally to second Admiralties, although they are nominally valued at 27s. to 29s. Ordinary qualities are about 26s. For Monmouthshire coals much higher figures are being asked, but little business is being done owing to the scarcity of supplies. Black Veins are offered at 31s., but a transaction was concluded on Wednesday at 27s. Western valleys are quoted at 28s. to 30s., and easterns at 25s. to 26s. Best nuts and peas have gone up several shillings, as much as 30s. being asked for the former and 28s. for the latter, with second grades in proportion. The small coal market is firm, and there is a steady demand not only from France but Italy also. Best bunkers are 22s. to 23s., ordinaries 21s., and cargo qualities 19s. to 20s. In bituminous coals there is little doing, although the market has stiffened considerably in consequence af the stoppage. No. 3 Rhondda large commands 27s. to 28s., through 24s. to 26s., and, singularly enough, the small realises 25s. without difficulty, owing to the demand for coking purposes. No. 2 large is 25s., through 22s. to 23s., and small 20s. to 21s. Coke is again higher, special foundry being 43s. to 47s., ordinary 40s. to 43s., and furnace 31s. to 33s. Patent fuel is firm, best brands being quoted at 35s. Work has been resumed all round, and makers are busily engaged in fulfilling their contracts. Shipments last week totalled about 25,000 tons, of which Cardiff contributes 10,928 tons, Swansea 11,081 tons, Newport 2,622 tons, and Port Talbot 1,135 tons. Pitwood is in good supply, and realises between 24s. and 25s. IRON. There was a slight improvement in the shipment of tin- plates last week, the total being 54,158 boxes, compared with 57,131 boxes received from works, and leaving 326,986 boxes in stock in the docks warehouses and vans. Prices are a shade easier in some instances, Bessemer standard cokes having been sold on the basis of 18s. 9d. io 19s. For oil sizes 18| x 14 19s. 6d. is demanded, and for 20 x 10 sheets 27s. 3d. is being realised. Makers continue to be well employed, but reports that are coming to hand show that the American manufacturers are losing no opportunity of capturing the Welsh trade whenever they are able to do so. It is stated that a very large Russian order has recently been placed in the States, but at what price has not been disclosed. The galvanised sheet trade is still dull, and no material improvement is looked for until spelter is considerably cheaper than it is at present. It has now receded to £100 per ton, and local works are increasing the production whenever possible. The price of 24-gauge corrugateds is £20 to £20 10s., and business has been done at the former figure within the last few days. Welsh steel bars are a shade easier, Bessemers being £7 5s., and Siemen qualities £7 5s. to £7 10s. per ton. Pig iron is steady at 105s. to 107s. 6d. per ton delivered. Some of the mills are busily employed in the manufacture of heavy steel rails, and prices are distinctly firm, as much as £9 to £9 5s. being asked. Light rails are quoted up to £9 10s., and order books are reported to be unusually satisfactory. The only drawback is the uncertainty of delivery, in consequence of all private contracts being subservient to Government work, in which many firms are now engaged. The iron ore market is a shade easier owing to the decline in the freight market, best rubio being offered at 23s. to 24s., seconds 21s. to 21s. 6d., and Almeria at 21s. per ton. Scrap metals are dull, and quotations unaltered. Swansea. COAL. The trade of the port last week was seriously affected by the miners" strike, and shipments of coal were about 50,000 tons less than in the corresponding period of last year. The shipments of coal and patent fuel amounted to 50,138 tons. A capital attendance assembled on "Change, and the anthracite coal market displayed a very strong tone. Swansea Valley large was keenly sought after, and values were harder. Machine - made nuts and cobbles were practically unobtainable at any price. Rubbly culm and duff maintained their position. There was a steady demand for steam coals. Prices f.o.b. (cash in 30 days). engaged, whilst the iron foundries had plenty of work on hand. The shipments of tin-plates last week were 54,158 boxes, receipts from works 57,131 boxes, and stocks in the dock warehouses and vans 326,986 boxes. Llanelly. COAL. The coal market of this district is very much firmer than it has been for the past few weeks, and the strike has had the effect of considerably improving the position. There has been a big rush for coal, and collieries have had more than they can do to keep pace with the orders received. Prices, too, are very much better, and there is no difficulty in securing advances of 2s. and 3s. per ton for prompt ship- ment. The steam and bituminous market is certainly more satisfactory, and the higher prices which have lately been asked have been easily maintained. The anthracite market has not been so firm for a considerable time, and for practi- cally every quality collieries have plenty of orders. For the machine-made kinds especially the demand is heavy, whilst prices show no sign of coming down. This week’s quotations approximately are:— Prices f.o.b. Anthracite:— Best malting large... Secondary do. ....... Big Vein large....... Red Vein do.......... Machine-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 prices. 24/ -26/ 22/ -25/ 21/6-23/6 18/ -20/ 31/6-34/ 33/ -33/6 34/ -37/6 33/ -36/ 24/6-25/6 18/ -19/6 10/6-11/ 6/6- 6/9 24/ -26/ 20/ -23/ 14/ -16/ 20/ -23/ L"stweek"s Last year’s prices. —'— 24/ -26/ 22/ -24/ 21/6-23/6 18/ -20/ 3G/ -32/ 30/ -33/6 32/ -35/ 32/ -33/6 24/6-25/6 18/ -19/ . 10/6-11/ 6/ - 6/6 prices. 21/ -23/ 17/ -19/6 16/ -17/6 12/3-13/3 19/ -21/ 21/ -23/ 21/ -23/ 21/ -23/ 17/ -20/ 12/6-13/6 6/ - 6/3 3/9— 5/6 24/ -26/ 17/ -19/ 14/ -16/ 18/ -20/ 16/ -17/ 10/9-11/3 8/6- 9/6 11/ -11/6 ____________________________________ THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products.—The market is very firm, and prices are inclined to advance. There has been a marked upward move in benzols, and tar is the turn better. There is a slightly easier feeling about toluol and creosote. Carbolics remain firm, and naphthas also hold their own. Nearest values are :— Benzols, 90"s ........................ ,, 90’s North ................. ,, 50’s ,, ................. Toluol ............................... Carbolic acid, crude (60 per cent.)... ,, crystals (40 per cent.) Solvent naphtha, south (90% at 190 degs.), as in quality and package Solvent naphtha, north (90% at 190 degs.), as in quality and package Crude naphtha, north (in bulk) .... Creosote (for ordinary qualities) .... Pitch (f.o.b. east coast) ............ 1/01-1/1 Rise (+) or fall (-) on the week. /iii-i/ 1/4 2/2—2/4 3/6 1/4—1/6 2/—2/1 2/—2/1 /6-/6i 13—/3 22/—23/ + /1 + /1 + /1 -/2 ~/0?o ,, (f.a.s. west coast) ......... 20/—23/6 ... — Tar (per ton ex works) ........... 21/6—25/6 ... — [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.—There is a persistent tendency towards higher prices at all ports save the south-west, which so far shows no change. The forward enquiry is good, and sellers are very firm in their ideas. In the North £15/2/6 to £15/5 is asked for July/Oct.. according to delivery, while for Nov./Dec. quite £15/7/6 would have to be paid. Closing prompt prices are :— Rise (+) or fall (—) on the week. ________________________________________________________ Prices f.o.b. Cardiff (except where otherwise stated). Current L’st week’s Last year’s Steam coals:— prices. prices. prices. Best Admiralty steam coals * * 21/ -23/ Superior seconds 27/ -29/ * 20/6-21/ Ordinary do 26/ 25/ -26/ 17/9-18/ Best bunker smalls 22/ -23/ 20/ 10/3-10/6 Best ordinaries 21/ 19/6 9/6-10/ Cargo qualities 19/ -20/ 15/6-16/ 8/ Inferior smalls 18/ -18/6 14/ -15/ 6/6- 7/3 Best dry coals 26/ -27/ 26/ -27/ 18/ -18/6 Ordinary drys 23/ -24/ 23/ -24/ 15/6-15/9 Best washed nuts 30/ 27/ 15/6 Seconds 28/ 26/ 14/6 Best washed peas 28/ 25/ 14/6 Seconds 26/ 24/ 13/6-13/9 Dock screenings 21/ 18/6 10/6-10/9 Monmouthshire— Black Veins 28/ -31/ 25/3 17/3-17/6 Western-valleys 30/ 23/9-24/3 16/6-16/9 Eastern-valleys 25/ -26/ 23/3-23/6 16/ -16/3 Inferior do 23/ -25/ 22/ 15/3-15/6 Bituminous coals:— Best house coals (at pit) 30/ 30/ 20/ Second qualities (at pit) 27/6-29/ 27/6-29/6 17/6-19/6 No. 3 Rhondda— Bituminous large 27/ -28/ 25/ 17/6-18/ Through-and-through 25/ -26/ 23/ 15/6 Small 25/ 21/ -22/ 12/3-12/6 No. 2 Rhondda— Large 25/ 20/ 13/ -13/6 Through-and-through 22/ -23/ 18/6 11/ Small 20/ -21/ 16/6 8/6 Best patent fuel 35/ 35/ 21/ Seconds 32/ -33/ 32/ 19/ -20/ Special foundry coke 43/ -47/ 42/ -45/ 26/ -29/ Ordinary do. 40/ —43/ 38/ -41/ 22/ -25/ Furnace coke 31/ -33/ 33/ -38/ 17/ -19/ Pitwood (ex-ship) 24/ -25/ 25/ -26/ 20/6-20/9 * Nominal. Anthracite:— Best malting large Current L"st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. (hand picked) (net)... 24/ -26/6 23/ -25/ 21/ -23/ Secondary do. Big Vein large (less 2| 22/6-23/6 22/ -23/6 17/ -18/ per cent.) 22/6-25/ 21/6-23/6 16/6-17/6 Red Vein large do. ... Machine - made cobbles 19/ -20/ 18/6-19/6 ! i 12/6-13/6 (net) 31/ -34/ 31/6-34/ 21/ -22/6 Paris nuts (net) — — — French do. do 35/ -37/6 34/ -35/6 21/9-23/9 Stove do. do 33/ -36/ 30/6-32/6 i 21/9-23/9 Beans (net) Machine - made large 24/3-25/3 24/3-25/3 16/6-17/9 peas (net) 18/ -18/9 18/ -18/9 11/ -12/ Do. fine peas (net) — — Rubbly culm (less 2| p.c.) 11/ -11/6 11/ -11/6 , 6/ - 6/6 , 6/ - 6/3 Duff (net) Steam coals:— 6/ - 6/6 3/ - 4/ Best large (less 2| p.c.) 25/ -26/6 24/6-25/ : 18/6-20/ Seconds do. 22/6-24/9 22/ -24/ 13/6-15/6 Bunkers (net) 21/ -22/6 16/6-18/3 10/6-11/6 Small (less 2| p.c.) Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Rhondda— 13/6-15/6 13/ -15/ ' 8/6- 9/6 Large (less 2| p.c.) ... Through-and-through 25/6-26/6 24/6-25/ 17/ -18/ (less 2| p.c.) — — — Small (less 2| p.c.) ... 19/6-20/6 19/6-20/6 i 11/ -12/ Patent fuel do 30/ -32/6 30/ -32/6 ; 17/ -18/ London (ordinary makes) .... £14/17/6 .................... Beckton (25 per cent.) _____ £14/5 Liverpool ................ £14/17/6 Hull ........................... £14/15 Middlesbrough ........... £14/13/9 Scotch ports ............... £15—£15/10 Wales ................... £14/12/6 Nitrate of soda (ord.) per cwt. 12/3 [Sulphate of ammonia, f.o.b. in bags, less 2J discount; 24 per cent, ammonia, good grey allowance for refraction, nothing for excess.] +2/6 +1/3 per cent. quality; IRON. During the past week several branches of trade were inactive, owing to the strike in the coalfields. The blast furnaces continued busy, and there was a good yield of steel ingots at all the steelworks. The tin-plate trade was depressed; there were five mills stopped at Pontardawe, and 10 were operating at Baldwin’s instead of 12. The Duffryn works were entirely idle, and some mills at other works in the district were on stop. All sheet mills were still idle. The Mannesmann Tube Works were fully Trade Notes. They do not do some things by halves in France—anyway, not in wTar time. Tar is badly wanted as the basis of coal products for explosive manufactures, so the entire gas tar supplies in France have been commandeered by the Ministry for War. Further, the use of tar as fuel, its sale or use in any way, save for distillation, has been prohibited in toto unless a licence has been obtained from the War Minister. This is different to the way we dealt with the supply of cotton to the enemy, via neutrals, and Sir Wm. Ramsay’s recent handling of Dr. Reid’s statement, referred to last week, seems fully to justify the remarks then made, while the reply to Mr. Hunt’s questions in the House should be enough to warrant the stoppage of all supplies from this country to neutrals. Six of the seven sections constituting the benzol plant of Messrs. J. W. Leitch and Company (Milnsbridge) were unfortunately destroyed by fire recently. The fire originated from one of the benzol stills. The nitrate of soda position just now is of considerable interest, but it is not easy to summarise the probable effects on the sulphate of ammonia market. There are at present too many conflicting elements, and much depends on whether the Chilean Government really do anything to effectually control the trade. They apparently never had a better chance than at this moment, but can they take advantage of it ? The returns for the week are :—Pitch, 413 tons, 15 barrels, 5 kegs, 10 bags, at £738. Tar, 8,600 gals., 18 casks, 351 barrels, £90. Benzol, 444 drums to Dieppe. Toluene, 13 tons to Lisbon. Tar oil, £22. Sulphate of amonia, 6,325 tons.