782 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. October 15, 1915. conference of the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain, the opinion being that the hygienic effect of stone dust needs further investigation. Even shale dust contains free silica, and although Altofts shale has been demonstrated to be probably harm less, on account perhaps of the colloidal state of the silica, we have no certain proof that this assumed immunity from danger is either absolute, or even a general property belonging also to other shales of coal measure age. The question becomes more important when we consider the size of the silica particles responsible for the mischief in the silicotic lung. Dr. Collis gives us a diagram showing particles of silica from a diseased lung. These are generally so small that their dimensions are best given in microns (1 micron == one-thousandth part of a millimetre). About 70 per cent, of the particles are less than 1 micron in diameter, and 30 per cent, vary from 2 to 10 microns. A feature of the particles is the presence of elongated, acicular forms in larger proportion than is found in ordinary dust, showing that the lungs are capable in some way of concen- trating these sharply-angular fragments. Dr. Moir has given much attention to this influence of size of the silica particles in suspended dust in mine air, and he describes a method whereby they can be quantitatively examined by sorting them out from mine air by means of a sugar solution. The rate of falling of such minute particles of silica can be determined theoretically by Stokes’ formula, and Dr. Moir calculates that whereas a 10 micron particle would fall 5 ft. in three and a-half minutes, a 1 micron particle would take five and a-half hours to fall the same distance. These small quartz particles are, of course, present in the air of our roads and streets. Dr. Moir tells us the air of a dust storm in South Africa may introduce as many as 10,000 particles for every breath inhaled; but even this quantity is insignificant with what occurs in a South African mine, although some authorities maintain that there is a connection between the dust storms of Johannesburg and the incidence of pneumonia in that city. An important point, however, seems to emerge from Dr. Moir’s researches. The fact that the lungs retain and apparently sift out the finest particles of dust, which also are those remaining the longest in suspension in mine air, seems to suggest the desira- bility of submitting mine air, after stone dusting, to an examination by Dr. Moir’s method, in order to ascertain the nature and amount of the finest material present. The sieve test for stone dust is useless for this purpose, because even a 260-mesh has openings large enough to pass 50-micron particles. Moreover, it is necessary by microscopic examination to deter- mine how much of this fine dust is due to crystalline silica. v Dr. Collis says that inhalation of silica dust takes several years, varying with the intensity of the exposure, to produce any obvious effect, and by the time this effect shows itself much mischief will have been done. This applies especially to silicosis, but probably the dangers of bronchitis and pneumonia are more prominent in the case of coal miners. It is suggested by Dr. Collis that there is reason to suspect an inverse relation between these diseases and fibroid phthisis, the reason for which is obscure unless the former have an inhibitory effect upon the latter. But most inexplicable of all is the apparent influence of clay in modifying the action of silica, for in some cases, such as the refractory brick industry, where highly-siliceous dusts are concerned, there is apparently no excess of phthisis, although bronchitis and pneumonia are still abnormally high. There is an obvious moral to be drawn from these investigations. Stone dusting should be restricted absolutely to innocuous material. According to present knowledge, it is certain that some mineral dusts are highly dangerous; others, like Altofts shale, are possibly harmless ; but safest of all would be non-siliceous material, such as limestone or gypsum. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, October 14. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. There is practically no change to report regarding the coal trade in the west of Scotland. A better feeling exists, however, and with a little more enquiry prices are once again tending upward. Ell coals are slow to move, but splints are in active request, while navigations are fairly well placed, and ordinary steams are improving. Among smalls double nuts are the principal feature in a good all round demand. Household coal is becoming more active as the season advances, and values are rising accordingly. Business is still difficult to conduct in view of the scarcity of tonnage and the insufficient supply of labour. The clearances from the various ports during the past week amounted to 131,555 tons, against 123,502 in the preceding week and 112,041 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current prices. L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. Stea,rn coal 16/ -17/ 15/ -17/ 10/6-12/6 Ell 17/ -17/6 17/3-17/6 11/3 Splint 18/ -24/ 17/ -22/ 11/3-14/3 Treble nuts 17/9-18/6 18/ -19/ 11/9 Double do 17/6-18/ 17/ -17/6 10/ -10/6 Single do 16/ -16/3 16/ 10/ -10/3 IRON. There is nothing of fresh importance to report in connec- tion with the Scotch iron trade. Pig iron makers are adhering to their recent quotations, and new business is not expanding. Haematite iron is still being consumed in large quantities, but other qualities are distinctly quiet. The number of furnaces in blast in Scotland is still 72, five more than at the corresponding period of 1914. The prices of Scotch makers" iron are practically unchanged, and are quoted as followMonkland, f.a.s. at Glasgow, No. 1, 79s., No. 3, 78s.; Govan, No. 1, 79s., No. 3, 77s. 6d.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 82s., No. 3, 78s.; Clyde, No. 1, 84s. 6d., No. 3, 79s.; Gartsherrie, Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1, 85s., Nos. 3, 80s.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 85s., No. 3> 80s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 80s., No. 3, 79s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 81s., No. 3, 79s.; Shotts, 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 continued inactive during the past week, and in the absence of speculative support, and also owing to some realising sales, quotations receded 9d. per ton on the week, Cleveland iron closing at 64s. 2d. per ton cash buyers. The different branches of' the finished iron trade are extremely busy. Works are fully employed directly and indirectly in the manufacture of materials on Government account, and very little ordinary mercantile work is being put through. Prices are all very firm. Black sheet makers are now quoting <£12 7s. 6d. for 7-11 b.g., less 2£ per cent. Glasgow delivery, while malleable iron makers are naming <£11 5s., less 5 per cent, for Crown iron bars for home delivery. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. In the Lothians district the collieries report a fair turn- over, and were export licences granted with more facility there would be a better feeling in shipping circles. On the whole, however, the collieries are well booked for early delivery, and prices show a tendency to stiffen. Shipments for the past week amounted to 52,117 tons, compared with 40,896 in the preceding week and 70,212 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Current L’st week’s Best screened steam coal... Secondary qualities Treble nuts Double do Single do prices. 15/6-16/ 15/ 18/ -18/3 17/6-18/ 16/ -16/3 prices. 15/6 14/6 19/ -20/ 16/6-17/6 15/6—16/6 Last year’s prices. 11/3 10/ -10/3 11/9 10/ 10/3-10/6 The position in Fifeshire is slightly improved. Tonnage is more plentiful, and collieries are experiencing little trouble in handling the business which is coming forward. The undertone, however, is still a little uncertain. The shipments for the week reached the total of 56,940 tons, compared with 43,042 in the preceding week and 81,425 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Shipments of Bunker Coals.—The quantity of coal, etc., shipped for the use of steamers engaged in the foreign trade during September was 1,064,967 tons, as against 1,332,935 tons in September 1914, and 1,825,057 tons in September 1913. The aggregate so shipped during the nine months ending September 30 was 10,722,894 tons, as compared with 14,581,962 tons and 15,545,617 tons in the corresponding periods respectively of 1914 and 1913. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Best screened navigation prices. prices. prices. coal 21/ -22/ 22/ -23/ 20/ -21/ 15/6-15/9 Unscreened do 18/6-19/ 13/6 First-class steam coal 16/6-17/6 17/6-18/ 12/6 Third-class do 14/6-15/ 14/ -15/ 10/ Treble nuts 18/ -19/ 20/ 11/9-12/3 Double do 17/6-18/ 17/ -18/ 10/3-10'6 Single do 16/ -16/6 16/ -17/ 10/ -10/6 The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 240,612 tons, compared with 207,440 in the preceding week, and 263,678 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week, 103,711 tons of coal and 5,743 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, an increase of 531 tons of coal and 5,146 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 52,937 tons of coal and 2,730 tons of coke, an increase of 4,670 tons of coal and a decrease of 1,601 tons of coke. The Blyth shipments aggregated 60,639 tons of coal and coke, an increase of 5,552 tons. Thus, the shipments from the three places amounted to 225,760 tons, an increase of 23,615 tons when compared with those for the previous week and of 14,298 tons when compared with those for the corresponding week of last year. The Paris Gasworks are now stated to have practically completed their purchases in respect of next year’s requirements of gas coal. In addition to quantities reported as bought last week, from 250,000 to 350,000 tons of Durham coals are stated to have been taken, for delivery over 1916, at from 17s. to 17s. 6d. per ton f.o.b. for seconds, and up to 19s. for bests and Wear specials. Contracts for supplies for delivery up to Christmas this year and, in a few instances, up to Easter and June next, are still running, so that the works should experience no shortage of gas coal. The Norwegian State Railways are stated to have contracted with local merchants for 30,000 tons of best Blyth steams at 19s. per ton f.o.b., and 20,000 tons of best Durham steams at from 19s. to 19s. 6d. per ton f.o.b., and to have taken also 20,000 tons of prime Scottish steams, the price of which has not been divulged. Delivery is to be from now on, over six months. Much will depend upon the facilities granted in the shape of export licences, of course, and on this point the War Trade Department has given the Newcastle Advisory Committee a few “ helpful hints ” as to the advisability of applicants giving very full information as to these proposed cargoes. Considerable sales—aggregating about 250,000 tons—of Durham unscreened coking coals are stated to have been made to French merchants for shipment over 12 months at prices which average about 16s. per ton f.o.b. Contracts totalling about 100,000 tons of special Tyne bunkers, for like delivery, have been made at an average price of about 19s. per ton f.o.b. Several small contracts for good quality Durham bunkers are stated to have been made for delivery over 1916 at from 17s. 9d. to 18s. per ton f.o.b. Consider- able enquiries for steam coal for shipment on French account from November to March are reported. Best Blyth steams are stated to have been sold for delivery over the first half of next year at about 18s. 6d. per ton f.o.b. In some cases, however, offers of that price have been declined by sellers. Good shipments of coke to France are being made at present, a fact which saves the coke market from collapse, a not impossible effect of the present limited demand at home and the great reluctance to grant licences for export to neutral countries. There is said to be good reason, however, for believing that the restrictions in the export of gas coke will be less severe henceforth, in which / event an immediate and urgent demand from Norway should assist in rallying the market. Generally speaking, there has been a strong healthy demand for Northumbrian coals during the past week, but Durham sorts have been quiet. This state of affairs finds its reflection in the tendency of prices. F.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment have varied as follows on the week : — Best Blyth steams are from 6d. to Is. stronger; Tynes, ditto; Blyth seconds, 6d. advanced; Tynes, ditto; unscreened, stronger; Blyth smalls, firmer; gas bests Is. reduced; seconds, 6d. lower ; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, 6d. fallen; Northumbrians, 3d. to 6d. more; coking coals, easier; households, firmer ; coke, foundry, Is. to 2s. higher; and gas coke, Is. to 2s. fallen. Other descriptions of fuel are unaltered. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Current Steam coals :— prices. Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) ... 19/ -19/6 Do. Tynes (Bowers,&c.), 18/ -18/6 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) i Special gas c )als ..| Unscreened bunkers, Durhams’ 15/ -16/ Do. do. | 16/6 17/ 15/ 11/6 11/ 14/ 16/ -16/6 19/ 16/6-17/ 20/ L’st week’s prices. 18/ -18/6 17/6 16/ Last year’s prices. 13/ -13/3 12/6 11/ 11/ -11/6 I 10/6-11/6 ! 8/3 ; 7/6 ! 9/6 16/6 14/6-15/ 1 11/ -11/6 ! 11/ ; 14/ ! 16/ -16/6 | 11/ -11/6 19/ -20/ 12/3-12/6 16/6-17/6 20/ i 15/6-16/6 \ Northumbrians! 15/ -15/6 14/6-15/3 15/6-16/6 | 16/ -16/6 15/6—16/ I 15/6-16/ 19/ -20/ i 18/ -20/ ’ 28/ -32/ t 27/ -30/ i 26/ 26/ I 27/ -28/ I 28/ -30/ Coking coals...... Do. smalls House coals ...... Coke, foundry ...... Do. blast-furnace ... Do. gas ........... Sunderland. COAL. 11/ -11/3 12/6-13/ 10/6-12/ 10/9-11/3 10/6-11/ 10/ -10/6 15/ -16/ 19/ -20/ 18/ 11/6-12/6 The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 72,065 tons of coal, as compared with 57,685 tons of coal and 750 tons of coke for the corresponding period of 1914, being an increase of 14,380 tons of coal and a decrease of 750 tons of coke. The tone of the coal market continues steady, notwithstanding that freights remain very high and offer an impediment to the flow of business. Prices are practically unchanged. Steam coals are well stemmed, and, with a fair supply of tonnage on hand, prices are firm. There is a moderate enquiry for best gas. Coking coals are moving fairly well and bunkers are steadier, but prices are unchanged. Stocks of gas coke are increasing in view of the curtailment of export permits, and values tend lower. The shipments to France of coke is increasing, and this, no doubt, will have the effect of steadying prices. Small coals are in poor demand, and nominal. Several small contracts for bunker coal have been closed recently for shipment over next year on the basis of 17s. 9d. to 18s. f.o.b. for best