736 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN October 8, 1915. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products.—There is very little change in tar products, and there is not very much business passing. For the most part prices remain firm. The exception which proves the ■rule is pitch, which on the West Coast is the turn easier, though there has been no change on the east coast. Nearest values are:— Rise(+)or fall (-) on the week. Benzols, 90’s .....'.................. 1/OJ—1/1 ••• — ,, 90’s North ............... /llj ... — ,, 50’s ,, ............... 1/4 ... — Toluol ............................ 2/2—2/4 ... — Carbolic acid, crude (60 per cent.)... 3/5—3/6 ... — ,, crystals (40 per cent.) 1/4—1/6 ... — Solvent naphtha, south (90% at 190 degs.), as in quality and package... 2/1—2/2 ... — Solvent naphtha, north (90% at 190 degs.), as in quality and package... 2/1—2/2 ... — Crude naphtha, north (in bulk) .... /6—/6| ... — Creosote (for ordinary qualities) .... /3 ... — Pitch (f.o.b. east coast) .......... 21/6—22/ ... — ,, (f.a.s. west coast) .......... 19/—21/ ... —1/ Tar (per ton ex works) ............. 21/3—25/3 ... — [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.—Reports are variable, but although paper prices are nominally easier, there is little sulphate to be had at these reported prices. The forward enquiry is satisfactory, and makers hold for a substantial premium. Closing prompt prices are :— London (ordinary makes) .... Beckton (25 per cent.) ...... Liverpool .................... Hull ........................ Middlesbrough ............. Scotch ports ................ Wales .................... Nitrate of soda (ord.) per cwt. Rise ( + ) or fall ( —) on the week. £14/17/6 £13/15 £14/12/6 £14/7/6 £14/12/6 £14/17/6—£15 £14/12/6 13/4} -5/ -2/6 -2/6 [Sulphate of ammonia, f.o.b. in bags, less 2| per cent, discount; 24 per cent, ammonia, good grey quality; allowance for refraction, nothing for excess.] _______ Trade Notes. Further development of the recovery coke oven industry is reported from the States, this time at the works of the La Belle Iron Company, Steubenville, Ohio. The installation will be capable of producing 1,000 tons of coke per day and by-products. The ovens are of the Koppers type, and are expected to be in operation by next June. The position of sulphate of ammonia in the United States has been of considerable interest for some months past. It appears that last year American production of sulphate of ammonia decreased by 12,000 tons, the sum total being 183,000 tons. This is attributable to the check the iron and steel trades of the United States experienced due to the war, seeing that the decline took place chiefly in the last half of the year. The actual position reveals an advancing consumption and a decreasing production, which increase, coupled with the shortened supply, shows a deficiency of about 22,000 tons of sulphate of ammonia. The actual con- sumption amounted to 272,000 tons. It is somewhat surprising to find that our own returns of exports to the United States for the first half of this year show a decline of about 16,000 tons, the total being 22,791 tons, against 38,864 tons in the corresponding period of 1914. Apparently there is cause for enquiry into why we are not getting a bigger share of this business, because it is well- nigh incredible that with an opening for 22,000 tons in the States, we should have to record a decline of 16,000 tons in our exports to the country. It is true there is a marked preference in the States for 25 per cent, sulphate of ammonia. Can this be the cause for the shortage, seeing that the high-grade export quality is still the exception rather than the rule with British sulphate? There is a striking difference between the American sources of supply and our own. The yield from coal and bone carbonising works for illuminating gas is as insignificant as our output is predominant, since only 43,500 tons come from this source out of 183,000 tons total production. In other words, 76 per cent, of the total output (namely, 139,500 tons) is derived from by-product coke ovens. How great the shortage of fertilisers is in Spain is empha- sised by the fall in their imports during the last six months. Sulphate of ammonia (including mineral manures) is nearly 30,000 tons down, while superphosphate and Thomas’ slag are less by half compared with the first half of 1914. The returns for the week are :—Pitch, 34 tons and 1-330. Tar, 3,900 gals., 5 tons, <£156, 114 drums, and 2,292 barrels. Sulphate of ammonia, 3,110 tons. _________________________________________________ THE LONDON COAL TRADE. Thursday, October 7. _________________________________ _______________ The London coal trade for the past week has been very firm, but the supplies are feeble for the season of the year. The return to milder weather has also influenced the market, but the limited supply of all kinds of house and steam coal has kept the prices unusually firm. The bulk of the collieries moved up on October 1 to winter contract prices, and as there had been no change in the advertised public prices until Thursday, October 7 (except in the south of London districts), the merchants seemed very disappointed over the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act. The difficulty is also considerably intensified by the shortage of labour at the various wharves and depots, and the lack of carman and loaders. Many of the principal merchants and factors report heavy unexecuted orders still on their books, and yet cannot fulfil their obligations on account of the insuffi- ciency of men to undertake the cartage. Very little sea- borne coal is available on the open market, and now that the tonnage of railborne coal is so restricted all wholesale prices are high, and the demand keen and strong. On Wednesday last the merchants decided to advance public prices Is. per ton on all qualities, except hard kitchen cobbles and the cheaper qualities of stove coal. The executive committee of the Coal Merchants’ Society had agreed to appoint a deputation to wait on Mr. Runciman at the Board of Trade Offices on the 6th inst., but when it became known that the appointment had to be postponed until Tuesday next, the 12th inst., it was decided to at once alter the public prices. The bulk of the merchants report a huge number of orders on hand from the general public still unexecuted or only delivered in part, and with the almost insurmountable difficulty with carmen, the outlook for the coming winter’s trade begins to look very gloomy. Colliery representatives are holding aloof from booking any further orders until the present orders in hand are cleared, and in many cases every offer of an order is refused unless from contractors who are entitled to a monthly quantity, so that the ordinary merchant without a contract is placed in a very awkward position. Derby brights are still a prominent feature of the London market, but these are exceedingly difficult to obtain. South Yorkshire house coal and North Derbyshire black shales are offering more freely, but the recognised legal prices rule above the average for London sales, and only a limited amount of buying takes place. Orders are still coming in somewhat freely from householders, but unless the delivery can be improved, it is feared that there will be a complete block. The depot trade is strong, and at many of the depots further orders are now refused. No cargoes of Durham or Yorkshire qualities are offering by sea, but the number of vessels bringing contract cargoes to the Thames is not diminished. The average number is fairly maintained; 26 cargoes entered the Pool for Monday’s market, and 12 for Wednesday, but none of these were for open sale. Manu- facturing coals a*re selling freely, but it is generally accepted now that both factories and railway companies Eire well provided for the winter, and have good supplies in hand. Small nuts are in good demand, and slacks also have improved during the week. Coke has been more plentiful with but little change in the price. Welsh coals are moving slowly, the stocks at the Cardiff ports are said to be heavy. All the best qualities known as Admiralty coal are still requisitioned by the Government. Wagon hire is one of the principal topics of conversation on the market just now, as the new Act provides that colliery companies may charge 50 per cent, more than the ordinary wagon hire rate, and in many cases this is leading to a good deal of complication. The railway companies charge Is. per ton to London, and Is. 3d. per ton to stations south, but the new rule enables factors and colliery owners to charge Is. 6d. to London and Is. 10|d. south. This causes a good deal of friction and irritation to those who have no rolling stock. The freight market from the Humber ports is reported very quiet. Chartering is checked by a sparse tonnage; the higher rates of last week .are fully maintained, but little new business is recorded, 8s. 6d. to 9s. per ton has been accepted from Hull to London, and 9s. 3d. to 9s. 6d. per ton from Newcastle to London. The call for the Mediterranean ports is especially strong, now that so many Greek ships are withdrawn. Tyne gas coals are offering at 19s. 6d. per ton f.o.b., and seconds at 16s. 6d. f.o.b.; bunker coals are strong at 15s. 3d. for ordinaries, and 16s. to 16s. 6d. for best Tyne brands. Best foundry coke is fetching as much as 30s. per ton f.o.b. Welsh prices are irregular; best Admiralties are not quoted; seconds are 20s. to 21s. per ton f.o.b.; Monmouthshire Black Veins, 20s. to 21s.; Western Valleys, 19s. 6d. to 20s.; Eastern Valleys, 18s. to 19s.; best bunker coal, 14s. 6d. to 15s. per ton f.o.b. ; patent fuels are quiet at prices ranging from 33s. to 34s. per ton f.o.b _____________________________ From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Co.’s Report. Friday, October 1.—The change to colder weather gave a slightly better tone to the seaborne house coal market to-day, but no sales were reported. Cargoes, 5. Monday, October 4.—The better tone in the seaborne house coal market noticeable on Friday was maintained to-day, but no cargoes were on offer. Cargoes, 23. Wednesday, October 6.—There was no alteration in the seaborne house coal market to-day; no sales reported. Cargoes, 12. _____________________________ OBITUARY. Intimation has been received in Glasgow that Lieut. Harold W. Whitson, 2nd Highland Light Infantry, has been killed in action in France. Deceased was a son of ex-Councillor Alexander Whitson, iron and coal exporter, Kelvinside. News has been received in Liverpool as to the death of Second-Lieut. Robert Gordon Spalding, of the 3rd South Lancashire Regiment. His father was the founder of the Perim Coal Company Limited, Liverpool. Previous to the war, Lieut. Spalding was in the service of the Perim Coal Company. Mr. John Lee Potter, of Lowestoft, Worsley, near Manchester, a member of the firm of Messrs. S. Wheeler and Son, Miles Platting, Manchester (one of the largest firms of coal merchants in Lancashire), was found dead in bed on Sunday, he having committed suicide by inhaling gas. The death is announced, at the age of 79 years, of Mr. Robt. Adam Robson, of New Delaval, a veteran official of the Seaton Delaval Coal Company. Mr. Robson had been in the employ of the company for 55 years, during 50 of which he had been an official. He was one of the rescue party which endeavoured, without success unfortunately, to reach the entombed miners at Hartley in the great disaster of 1862. The death has taken place of Mr. Charles Hinks, of Southend-avenue, Darlington. He was the agent of the Carnforth Iron Company, and was well known in northern commercial circles. Mr. Thos. Johnson, of West Holywell, who died recently, was the father of the late Mr. John Johnson, M.P., for many years treasurer of the Durham Miners’ Association. Mr. Thos. Johnson himself commenced work at the age of eight years in the old B pit, Backworth, and was employed in the mines for 63 years, during the whole of which period he worked at only two collieries—the B and the Maude, both at Backworth. He was an active member of the Northumberland Miners’ Association, in which he held several official positions, was at one time checkweighman, and took a leading part in the agitation for two shafts at all pits, a need which was manifested by the Hartley Colliery disaster. He was one of the founders of the Miners’ Permanent Relief Fund. He died, at the age of 83, in the same house in which he had lived for 60 years. The death took place recently, at Roe Green, Worsley, Manchester, of Mr. John Howell, for many years superin- tendent of the Earl of Ellesmere’s mineral railways. Altogether, the deceased gentleman, w*ho was 69 years of age, had been in the employ of the Bridgewater Trustees and Lord Ellesmere for nearly 60 years. INDIAN AND COLONIAL NOTES. __________________________________________________________ India. The Indian Mining Association are seeking for increased representation on the Calcutta Port Trust. Complaints have recently been raised as to the practice of the East Indian Railway and the North-Western Railway in selling dust coal to consumers to the detriment of the trade. It is urged that such coal should be briquetted. Representations have been made on the subject to the Railway Board. The association has also arranged for a joint discussion with agents of the East Indian and the Bengal-Nagpur railways of the question of coal lying under (assisted sidings in the coal fields, it being contended that the restrictions placed by railways on underground working are onerous. At the recent Simla conference it was proposed to appoint a Board of Colliery Siding Commissioners to deal with the matter. ____________________________ Africa. Coal from Somaliland.—A sample of coal, stated to have been obtained from a locality 53 miles east of Berbera, and 30 miles south of Karam, has been analysed at the Imperial Institute. It consisted of lumps, varying from about Jib. to 5 lb. in weight, of black and fairly compact coal of the sub- bituminous type. The coal had a specific gravity of about 1-3. Streaks and nodules of iron pyrites were present in some of the lumps. The coal gave the following results :— Moisture (on drying at 110 degs. Cent.), 13-01 per cent.; volatile matter, 35-16; fixed carbon, 39-78; ash, 12-05; sulphur, 0-64; calorific value, 5,661 small calories. The coal burnt freely, without caking, and gave a light cream- coloured ash which did not fuse. The coal much resembled certain samples from Nigeria which have been examined at the Imperial Institute, but was not so good as the better qualities obtained from the Udi-Okana coal field of that country. The sample was somewhat shaly in appearance, but the ash appeared to be fairly uniformly disseminated through the coal. The proportion of sulphur present could probably be substantially reduced by rough hand-picking. If the sample now reported on is fairly representative of the coal obtainable from this deposit, the latter can be of no immediate value except for local use, as the coal could not compete even in the nearer Mediterranean and East African markets with better coals available from other sources. The deposit may, however, be of great economic value to Somaliland later on, and it ought to be thoroughly examined in order to ascertain its extent and the general quality of the coal. Vryheid Railway and Coal Company and the Government. —A Bill covering a revised agreement between the Union Government and the Vryheid Railway, Coal and Coke Com- pany Limited has been duly passed through the Union Assembly. It is agreed that the Hlobane Railway shall be worked and maintained by the S.A.R*. Administration, and the. gross earnings derived from the working of the Hlobane Railway shall be divided as to 35 per cent, to the company, and 65 per cent, to the Administration. The Administration shall include in the earnings of the Hlobane Railway a charge for the conveyance of coal for the railways at the rate of id. per ton of 2,240 lb. per mile over the Hlobane Railway. The present contract for the supply of 12,000 tons of coal of 2,2401b. per month at the rate of 5s. per ton, as provided in the seventh clause of the agreement of November 24, 1910, shall be extended for a further period of three years, reckoned from January 1, 1914, and shall in all respects be subject to the same rights of renewal as already apply under the agreement of November 24, 1910. As a special considera- tion for the settlement of certain points in the negotiations, the Administration agrees to take and the company to supply the Administration with an additional 3,000 tons of coal per month for a period of three years as from January 1, 1914. The price of such coal delivered at Vryheid station shall be 6s. 3d. per ton of 2,240 lb. All such coal shall be of the best quality produced in the company’s collieries, screened or washed and screened and free from dross and other impurities, and fit in all respects for locomotive purposes and for use on steam tugs or dredgers. _________________________ Australia. It is reported that a powerful European syndicate is investigating the prospects of the Bowen Valley coal field, Queensland, with a view to development. Some of the seams attain a thickness of 25 ft., the coal is of good quality, and the measures lie close to the seaboard. Trade with America.—The Trade Commissioner for New South Wales in America has been making enquiry as to the effects of the Panama Canal on the west coast of America coal trade as it affects New South Wales, and states that the prohibition of the export of Australian coal to all but those countries which were British possessions or those of the Allies has given a distinct trade opening, which interests in the Eastern States had been quick to see. Already coal from the Eastern States had been going to South America, but not yet in large quantities, owing to the lack of shipping. There was at present a great scheme on hand to build 50 modern ships to ply between ports of South America, Central America, and the United States. Half the cost of the enter- prise was to be financed in South America. The ships would be allotted to ports in South America on the basis that 1,000,000 tons of coal per annum be contracted for. The establishment of such a line would be serious to Australian trade in coal, and would affect in the matter of return freights Australian opportunities in the United States. Many of the South American countries were producers of raw material, food products, and metals which the United States would take in return for coal and manufactured products. The Trade Commissioner does not regard the prohibition of the export of coal as a factor in the matter, being satisfied that under any circumstances Australia is destined to lose her coal trade with the West Coast of South America. The unemployment, owing to the difficulty of obtaining sufficient supply of explosives to carry on the work of the mines, has caused the Minister for Mines to take action, and he has now placed super-rippite on the permanent list of permitted explosives, and has put the following explosives on the temporary list until November 30, 1915 :—Abbcite, excellite, kolax, monobel powder, rendite, rippite, samsonite, stonax, stowite, westonite No. 3. The use of gelignite is to be permitted in certain places in specified mines. ___________________________ A Johannesburg telegram reports that an alarming tremor resembling an earthquake, which was recently felt there, was due to a fall of rock or slipping strata at a depth of two-thirds of a mile. Three men were killed and 27 injured in one mine.