936 ' THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN November 5, 1915. satisfied. All this, of course, tends to increase the scarcity of tonnage and to raise freight rates. We believe that the Government would do wisely to call the shipowners to their assistance, and we understand that the South Wales owners are quite prepared to co-operate with Mr. Runciman in his endeavours to improve the position in the export trade. The present circumstances are rather different from those which arose last year in relation to the coastwise trade from the northern coal ports, which was relieved to a great extent by the use of interned enemy vessels. It is the overseas trade that is mainly hampered in South Wales, but even bunkers are not easily obtained just now without special Government sanction. BOOK NOTICES. Colliery Manager’s Guide. By H. 0. Harris, B.Sc. (Min. Eng.). 168 pp.; 8J in. x 11 in.; 217, fig. Wigan : Thos. Wall and Sons Limited. Price, 5s. This volume comprises the solutions to questions set at examinations under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, during 1913 and 1914. The proper method of answering the questions set at examinations is always a difficult matter to decide, and the mining student who goes up for his first examination under the Board, with all the terrors of the “ oral ” before him, would do well to make up his mind clearly in advance as to the method that is best adapted to his powers and facilities of expression; other- wise he may find that valuable time has been expended upon undue elaboration at the outset, and that subse- quent questions have to be “ scamped.” It will be recognised, therefore, that Mr. Harris’s task has not been an easy one; he has had to place himself for the time being in the chair of the candidate and take into account the limitations surrounding that uncom- fortable locus. For example, it is easy in such a work to make a parade of accurate knowledge with which humanly the student cannot be credited, by the use of works of reference that are not admissible in the exami- nation room; and there is the temptation to refine the drawings merely to improve the appearance of the. book. Mr. Harris is county council lecturer for Lanarkshire and chief mining lecturer at Coatbridge Technical School and Mining College, and his experience has pre- vented him from going astray in such matters. He has attempted to supply what, in his opinion, would be suit- able and satisfactory answers to the papers set at four of the examinations held by the Mining Board; it is admitted that some of the answers have been amplified beyond what could be reasonably expected by an examiner, but these portions have been clearly indicated in the text by asterisk's. On the other hand, the draw- ings, whilst clear and workmanlike, are not elaborate, and are just the sort of thing that a candidate should aim at. As the author says, “ the candidate should never fail to remember the rule to answer only what is asked for. and nothing more,” and this apophthegm applies with even greater force to drawings, where the artistic sense may lean towards undue refinement. Mr. Harris’s guide should be extremely useful to the mining student, both as an exemplar and as a well of information. Some of the questions might perhaps have been answered in other ways, but there is little to criticise in the replies given. Aids to the Analysis and Assay of Ores, Metals, Fuels, etc. By J. James Morgan. Second Edition, viii. + 138 pp. 4| in. x 6| in. London: Bailli&re, Tindall and Cox. Price, 3s. cloth, 2s. 6d. paper, net. This edition follows the general arrangement of the first edition, published in 1902. It has been enlarged to the extent of about thirty pages. The object of the book has been well carried out. The book has undoubtedly proved useful to students, to many of whom the larger standard works are unavailable. The work may, in fact, be looked upon as a note-book founded upon the larger text-books. The author has digested the works of Fresenius, Crookes, and many others at great pains, and it is a privilege to students to be able to acquire these laborious results at so small a cost. There are, of course, so many methods, and modifications of methods, in analyses, such as those described, that many ordinary students would possibly be bewildered by the larger treatises. Mr. Morgan has made a selection from these methods, according to his knowledge and experience, and we consider his selection to be a good one so far as our judgment goes. We are glad to see, for example, that the simple and trustworthy Lawrence-Smith method for the estimation of alkalies in silica bricks, limestone, etc., is given in preference to the more cumbersome process in vogue in our early laboratory days. The section on coal and coke analysis is adequate for the purpose in view. The calorific power by Thompson’s calorimeter is, of course, less satisfactory than the bomb method, but in a students’ book of this type the latter would hardly be in place. Liquid fuels and gaseous fuels, including flue-gases, are discussed, and the author gives a description of Hempel’s apparatus for gas analysis, which, as he truly says, for quick working and results of reasonable accuracy commends itself. Amongst other sections connected with coal products may be noticed those on analysis of ammoniacal liquors, ammonium sulphate, benzol, coal-tar creosote oil, and the valuation of coal for gas and by-products—a rather more difficult matter than ordinary students would be called upon to attempt. 'The book is a veritable multum in parvo, neatly printed and clearly arranged, with an adequate index and an agreeable absence of superfluities. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, November 4. Scotland.—Western District. . COAL. The coal market in the west of Scotland continues to show considerable strength. Tonnage is more plentiful and collieries are heavily booked, and values are likely to become firmer. Best ells are particularly strong, while splints are heavily booked and navigations are improving their position. Ordinary steams, however, could be better placed. Washed produce, as a rule, is in good demand, although treble nuts1 are a trifle easy. The demand for household sorts is increasing in view of the colder weather. Shipments are well maintained, and for the past week amounted to 126,368 tons, compared with 110,547 in the preceding week and 116,246 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Steam coal.............. Ell .................... Splint.................. Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current IL’st week’s prices. I prices. 15/6-17/6 15/ -17/6 18/ -18/6 , 17/6-18/ 18/6-24/ ; 18/ -24/ 18/3-18/6 • 18/ —18/6 17/9-18/ < 17/9-18/ 10/3-10/6 16/ -16/6 ( 16/3-16/6 110/- 10/3 Last year’s prices. 10/9-12/9 11/9-12/ 11/9-14/3 11/6 IRON. Some improvement is reported in the Scotch pig iron trade during the past week, and prices have a firmer tendency, partly in sympathy with the strength of the warrant market and partly owing to some covering. Haematite is particularly strong, makers quoting 112s. 6d. per ton, and ordinary qualities, for which the export demand has improved, are tending firmer. The prices of Scotch makers’ iron are quoted as follow:—Monkland, 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, No. 1, 86s., No. 3,80s.; Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1,85s., Nos. 3, 80s.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1,85s., No. 3; 80&.; 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. A moderate business was done in the Glasgow pig iron warrant market during the past week, amounting in all to 16,000 tons. Values fluctuated to some extent, Cleveland iron advancing to 67s. 8d. per ton, and dropping thereafter to 66s. 4d., and finally closing at 67s. 4d. per ton cash buyers, an increase of Is. 2d. per ton on the week. The manufacturing branches of the trade report no falling off in the activity which has characterised their operations for some considerable time past. Black sheet and malleable iron producers are particularly busy, and prices are firmer all round. Black sheet makers are now quoting <£12 2s. 6d. to <£12 5s. for T3^ in. sheet, while malleable iron producers quote <£11 12s. 6d. per ton, less 5 per cent, for Crown iron bars for home delivery and <£11 net for export, and mild steel bars <£12 10s. and <£12 respectively. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. Collieries in the Lothians district are well booked, and the position is regarded as satisfactory. Shipments for the week amounted to 29,488 tons, against 47,564 in the pre- ceding week and 67,252 tons in the corresponding, week last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Best screened steam coal... Secondary qualities..... Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 18/ -18/6 16/ -16/6 19/ -20/ 17/9-18/6 16/ -16/6 L’st week’s [Last year’s prices. | prices. 17/ -18/ ! 11/3 15/6-16/6 : 10/ -10/3 18/6-19/6 ■ 11/6 17/3-18/3 10/ 16/3-16/6 10/ -10/3 The market in Fifeshire shows no change on the week. Tonnage is fairly plentiful, and business in first-class qualities is brisk, with secondary sorts easy. The clearances amounted to 63,453 tons, against 60,844 in the preceding week and 65,869 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Best screened navigation prices. prices. prices. coal 20/ -21/ 20/ -22/ 15/6-15/9 Unscreened do 18/ -19/ 18/ -20/ 13/3 First-class steam coal 17/6-18/6 17/6-18/6 11/9 Third-class do. * 14/ -15/ 18(6-19/6 14/ -15/ 10/ Treble nuts 18/6-19/6 11/9-12/3 Double do 16/9-17/6 16/9-17/3 10/3-10/6 Single do 15/6-16/ 15/6-16/3 10/ -10/3 The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 219,309 tons, compared with 218,955 in the preceding week and 249,367 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week, 99,828 tons of coal and 8,910 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, an increase, when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year, of 8,987 tons of coal and 7,873 tons of coke. The Dunston clearances totalled 49,615 tons of coal and 3,375 tons of coke, a decrease of 5,318 tons of coal and an increase of 695 tons of coke. The Blyth shipments amounted to 57,762 tons of coal and coke, an increase of 12,745 tons. Thus, the total shipments from the three places mentioned amounted to 219,490 tons, an increase of 24,982 tons when compared with the shipments for the corresponding period of last year, and an increase of 4,338 tons when compared with the clearances for the previous week. Only a very moderate amount of prompt business has been transacted during the week under review, and the market has been upset during the whole of that period by the ever-increasing scarcity of steamers. Early in the week there was a strong demand for coal of all descriptions, and prices began steadily to improve, but the shortage of boats and the exorbitant rates of freight now being extracted have got the upper hand of the market, and the position is one of extreme quietness. Despite the great shortage of supplies —for many collieries report that they are well sold up for a few weeks ahead—prices are easing, chiefly owing to the presence of considerable quantities of second-hand coals. The following variations of f.o.b. prices for prompt ship- ment during the week:—Best steams, Blyths, 6d. down ; Tynes, firmer; seconds, Tynes, 6d. reduced, steam smalls, Blyths, ditto; Tynes, ditto ; specials, ditto; gas bests, ditto ; seconds, Is. decreased ; unscreened, bunkers, Durhams, 6d. to Is. lower ; Northumbrians, 6d. less ; coking coals, weaker ; coke, foundry, 5s. to 5s. 6d. advanced ; blastfurnace, 3s. increased ; and gas coke, Is. down. It is hoped that the position as regards tonnage will be improved with the advent of the newly-announced Governmental scheme of requisitioning vessels in order to cope with any emergency of national importance set up by acute scarcity of tonnage. The licence trouble is again causing anxiety, and it is reported that unusually large numbers of applications have been turned down. The concession recently enjoyed by Greek vessels of being allowed to proceed to the Mediterranean with bunkers without first obtaining licences has been withdrawn, and in future Greek steamers are to be treated like any other neutral ships. A quantity of prime steams for prompt shipment is stated to have been sold at 19s. per ton by second-hand dealers, and other parcels are said to be offering at a similar figure. The forward market is very unsettled, and little actual business has been done. It is tetated that only a few tenders for the Danish State Bailways’ requirements of best steams for January-April delivery were sent in, because the railways requested that offers should be on a c.i.f. basis and merchants were disposed to do business only on f.o.b. terms. It is averred that local coalmen held out for big prices, and as much as 22s. per ton is stated to have been quoted for prime Blyths. Consequently a large slice of the order will probably go to Yorkshire and Scotland. Enquiries for considerable quantities of bunkers for delivery over next year at the coaling stations are reported to be in circulation, afid business is said to have been done on the basis of 17s. per ton f.o.b. for Tynes and 18s. 6d. to 19s. for bests. There is little else worthy of note in the forward market. 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 Current iL’stweek’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. 19/ -19/6 1 19/6-20/ 13/ 19/ 1 18/6-19/ 12/6 16/6-17/ , 16/6-17/ 10/9-11/ 17/ 17/ -17/6,11/ -11/3 15/ -16/ 15/ -16/ 10/ -11/ Small, Blyths 11/ 11/6 8/3—8/6 10/6 11/ 7/6 13/6 I 13/6-14/ ' 9/6 16/6-17/ j 16/6-17/ 10/6-10/9 19/6 : 19/6-20/ 12/6 16/6 16/6-17/6 11/ -11/3 20/ : 20/ 13/ Do. Tynes Do. specials Other sorts:— Smithies Best gas coals (New Pelton or Holmside) Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) Special gas oals Unscreened bunkers, Durhams Do. do. N orthumbr ians Coking coals 15/6-16/6 : 16/ -17/6 10/6-12/ 15/ -16/ ' 15/6-16/6 10/9-11/3 16/ -17/ i 16/ -17/ 10/6-11/ 15/ -16/ ! 15/6-16/ 10/ -10/6 20/ • 20/ 15/ -16/ ■32/6-37/6 i 27/ -32/6 19/ -20/ 28/ -30/ i 25/ -27/ > 18/ 27/ -29/ 27/ -30/ i 11/6-12/6 Do. smalls House coals Coke, foundry Do. blast-furnace Do. gas Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last weak amounted to 68,890 tons of coal and 1,125 tons of coke, as compared with 61,160 tons of coal for the corresponding period of 1914, * being an increase of 7,730 tons of coal and 1,125 tons of coke. The coal market has been easy for a few days, and business is still quiet, with second-hand sellers offering coal for near loading at somewhat lower prices ; the collieries are holding out for late quotations, but these are for the most part merely nominal in the absence of sales. So far as actual business is concerned the market at the moment seems to be largely under the control of middlemen : the tonnage difficulty is becoming acute, and there are fears that the coal market will be considerably affected thereby before the month closes. Licences for steam coal are being closely watched, and issued with a sparing hand. Best gas coals are scarce and dearer. Households are in demand, and inclined to stiffen in price. Coking unscreened and smalls remain steady, in view of French enquiries, and prices are dearer: both best and ordinary bunkers are steady at late values : coke values show a strong upward tendency, in consequence of heavy local requirements and demand for shipment. There is very little forward business passing : enquiries are circulating for bunker coal over next year for shipment to the coaling stations, but buyers and