612 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. March 31, 1916. scientific method into our national industries. Here is a fitting opportunity to put into practice some of the precepts which are now almost stereotyped in, the utterances of the publicist and economic reformer. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, March 30. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. The coal trade in the west of Scotland is exceptionally busy. A. very keen demand is being experienced, both for home and export account. A continuance of this state of affairs is anticipated, and the collieries are adopting a very firm attitude with respect to forward buying. Best ells are very strong, and long notice is necessary, while splints are booked to the end of April. Navigations are well taken up, and the price is very firm round about 29s. per ton. Smalls of all sizes are being readily dssposed of, chiefly for home consumption. Shipments during the past week amounted to 104,813 tons, compared with 110,590 tons in the preceding week and 124,605 tons in the corresponding week last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. Steam coal 20/ -22/6 19/9-22/6 17/ -19/ Ell 23/6-25/ 23/ -24/ 20/6 Splint. 27/6-34/ 25/ -34/ 21/ -28/ Treble nuts ..J j 21/ -21/6 21/ -21/6 20/ -20/6 Double do. 20/ -20/6 20/ -20/6 19/ -20/ Single do. 19/3-19/9 19/6-19/9 18/ -18/6 IRON. There has been little or no change in the Scotch iron trade during the past week. Pig iron makers maintain their position, and report an increasing demand for both ... heematite and ordinary qualities. Outputs are heavy all round, and are mostly for home consumption. The prices of makers’iron are quoted as follow:—Monkland, f.a.s. at Glasgow, No. 1, 120s., No. 3, 119s.; Govan, No. 1, 116s., No. 3, 115s.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 120s., No. 3, 115s. ;-Clyde, Gartsherrie and Calder, Nos. 1, 127s. 6d., Nos. 3, 120s.; Summerlee and Langloan, No. 1, 125s., No. 3, 120s.; Glen- garnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 125s., No. 3, 120s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 120s., No. 3, 118s.; DalmeL = lington, at Ayr, No. 1, 122s., No. 3, 120s.; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 127s. 6d., No. 3, 120s. per ton. Apart from one transaction which was recorded at 88s. per ton, the pig iron warrant market was idle during the entire week. Despite the absence of business, however, the tone was firm throughout, and Cleveland iron closed at 88s. per ton cash buyers, with sellers at 90s. per ton. Warrant stores now amount to 65,569 tons, compared with 116,098 tons at the end of 1915. Manufacturers of finished iron are as active as ever, if not more so. Black sheet makers are somewhat handicapped by a shortage of materials, and are finding great difficulty in keeping pace with the demand. Conse- quently deliveries are falling further into arrears. Prices are very firm, and from <£18 5s. to £18 10s. per ton less 2| per cent. Glasgow warehouse is being quoted for 7 to 11 b.g. Malleable iron makers are producing large quantities of material in both their iron and their steel departments. Crown iron bars are still quoted £14 per ton, less 5 per cent, for home delivery, and £13 10s. to £13 12s. 6d. net f.o.b. Glasgow. —---------------------------------- Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. The coal trade in the Lothians continues in a very strong position, and the collieries are all heavily sold till the end of April. Shipments for the week amounted to 29,003 tons, against 25,386 in the preceding week and 28,741 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Best screened steam coal... prices. 1 prices. prices. 28/ 26/ -27/ 17/ -18/ Secondary qualities 27/ 25/ 16/ -17/ Treble nuts 23/ -24/ 23/ -23/9 16/ -18/ Double do. 21/6-22/6 21/ —22/ 16/ -17/ Single do. 19/ -20/ 19/6-20/6 ■15/ -16/ Conditions in Fifeshire are similar to those in the Lothians. The collieries are fully sold for some time to come, and any extra supplies which may be available for disposal are realising very firm prices. The turn in the meantime is about seven days, but steamers booked for first- class qualities have, as a rule, to wait even longer. Ship- ments amounted to 56,289 tons, compared with 40,349 in the preceding week, and 47,515 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current L’st week’s Lastyear’s Best screened navigation prices. prices. prices. coal 28/ -29/ i 28/ -29/ 26/ -27/ 20/ -21/ Unscreened do 26/ -27/ 19/ -20/ First-class steam coal 29/ -30/ 29/ -30/ 16/ -17/ Third-class do 23/ -24/ 22/ —24/ 14/ -14/6 Treble nuts 22/6-23/6 22/ -23/6 17/ -18/ Double do. 21/ -21/6 20/6-22/ 16/ -17/ Single do 19/6-20/6 19/ -20/ 14/6-16/ The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 190,105 tons, compared with 176,325 in the preceding week and 200,861 tons in the corre- sponding week of last year. Supplies of household sorts are still very irregular in most districts, and prices are fluctuating accordingly. In the Glasgow area Is. 8d. per cwt. bag is a common charge. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 104,895 tons of coal and 3,921 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock—a decrease, when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year, of 1,148 tons of coal and an increase of 1,522 tons of coke. The Dunston clearances amounted to 37,064 tons of coal and 5,530 tons of coke, a decrease of 21,097 tons of coal and 4,941 tons of Coke. The Bly th shipments totalled 48,226 tons of coal and coke, a fall-off of 16,293 tons. Thus, the total shipments from the three places mentioned amounted to 209,636 tons, a decrease of 31,975 tons when compared with the clearances for the corresponding period of 1915. When compared with the shipments for the previous week, the figures record a decrease of 9,362 tons. Great firmness in the steam coal section has been the outstanding feature of the Newcastle coal market during the past week. The enquiry for all varieties of Northumberland coals has been and continues to be very heavy, and, as the majority of the collieries have been in the fortunate position of having an adequate supply of tonnage, chiefly of Scandinavian boats, values have increased considerably. The great strength of the market for smalls is particularly noteworthy, and this class of fuel is now meeting with an almost overwhelming demand for industrial concerns in this and allied countries. At the time of writing, all sorts of steams are extremely scarce for prompt shipment, and quotations are tending strongly to advance. Throughout the week, the Durham section of the market has been troubled by tonnage shortage. The coking coal collieries appear to have suffered most and are still rather badly off for spot boats. Consequently, merchants with steamers in hand have been able to obtain substantial reductions on recent prices, and it is stated that a quantity of unscreened coking coal was sold towards last week-end at 21s. 6d. per ton f.o.b. The demand for all sorts is heavy, however, and there is little fear of a slump setting in. The following variations in f.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment have occurred during the week:—Best steams, Blyths, Is. to 2s. 6d. advanced; Tynes, firmer; seconds, Blyths, ditto ; Tynes, 2s. dearer; unscreened, Is. up; smalls, Blyths, Is. to 2s. increased; Tynes, Is. to 2s. more; specials, Is. advanced; smithies, ditto; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, easier; North- umbrians, stronger; coking coal, Is. down; gas coke,. Is. down. All other descriptions of fuel are steady. It is expected that April will prove to be a month of very short output from the collieries, and, in consequence, quotations are very firm. Besides the Easter holidays—extending over about four days—there are five Sundays and three pay Saturdays, on all of which, of course, no work will be done. The forward market has been rather more active during the week. Full current prices are asked for all sorts, even up to June, and collieries are taking advantage of the fact that they are well booked up with orders to hold out for big prices for the surplus output. The general feeling is that there is not likely to be a full supply of coal for a considerable time, for the withdrawal of men from the collieries is causing the output to be gradually diminished. The Norwegian State Railways are stated to have come to the market, inviting immediate tenders for 17,000 tons of best Blyth or Tyne steams, for delivery over April, May and June, and it is expected that the contracts will be closed shortly. The Danish State Railways are also enquiring for supplies for similar delivery. The quantity required is 30,000 tons of best Blyth, Tyne or Durham steams, and, in this case also, prompt offers are invited. It is reported that several speculative buyers are negotiating for considerable quantities of ordinary unscreened Durham bunkers for shipment over 1917, and are offering from 19s. to 20s. per ton f.o.b. Sellers, however, are not disposed to consider business at these figures, and put forward 22s. as a basis for bargaining. 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 Small, Blyths 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. Northumbrians Coking coals Do. smalls House coals Coke, foundry Do. blast-furnace Do. gas Current prices. 35/ -36/ | 35/ 30/ 30/ -32/ 26/ -28/ 19/ -20/ 16/ -18/ 21/ 25/ -26/ 25/ -25/6 24/ 27/ 22/6-25/6 26/ 23/ 22/ 32/6-35/ 41/ -42/6 41/ 26/ -27/ L’stweek’sl prices. 32/6-35/ | 32/6-35/ j 29/ -30/ 30/ 25/ -27/ 18/ 15/ -16/ 20/ 24/ -25/ 25/ -25/6 24/ 27/ 23/6-25/6 25/ -26/ 23/ -24/ 22/ 32/6-35/ 41/ -42/6 41/ 27/ -28/ Last year’s prices. 30/ 30/ 25/ -27/6 27/6-30/ 23/ 15/ 14/ 15/ 22/6 22/6 21/ 22/6 23/ -25/ . 23/ -25/ 22/ -23/ 20/ 25/ -30/ 35/ -37/6 25/ 15/ -16/ Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 63,905 tons of coal and 810 tons of coke, as compared with 74,725 tons of coal for the corresponding period of 1915, being a decrease of 10,820 tons of coal and an increase of 810 tons of coke. Though the coal market is somewhat variable the general tone is fairly steady, steam coals being very firm. Gas descriptions have been in limited supply, and are held for full prices. Coking classes, however, are not in good demand, and values are barely maintained. Bunkering trade for prompt shipment is easier. Gas coke is also on the easy side; the collieries are well sold up to Easter. Scarcity of tonnage is still the chief handicap to business, which would otherwise be brisk, for the enquiry is good, and prospects for April and May are excellent. The London Gas Light and Coke Company are reported to be making good progress with their contract purchases. The Danish State Railways are said to be. in the market for a quantity of steam coal, to be shipped over the early summer months, and a settlement of the Norwegian Rail- ways enquiry for 17,000 tons of steam coals is expected shortly. Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Gas coals:— Special Wear gas coals Secondary do. House coals:— Best house coals Ordinary do Other sorts :— Lambton screened South Hetton do Lambton unscreened ... South Hetton do Do. treble nuts Coking coals unscreened Do. smalls Smithies Peas and nuts Best bunkers Ordinary bunkers Coke Foundry coke Blast-furnace coke (did. Teesside furnaces) ... Gas coke Current prices. 26/ 2i‘l 35/ ’ 30/ 35/ 34/6 23/6 23/ 27/ 23/6 21/ 23/6-24/ 27/ 25/ 22/6 45/ 28/ 26/ L’st week’s ! prices. 26/ 24/6 35/ 30/ 34/ 32/6 24/ 24/ 28/ 24/6-25/ 22/ 25/ 27/6 25/6 : 23/ 42/6 28/ 26/6 -Lastyear’s prices. ! 25/ 21/ -21/6 30/ 25/ 30/ 30/ 24/6-25/ 25/ 27/6 25/ 23/ 26/ 30/ 30/ 25/ 40/ 38/6 20/ -21/ Outward chartering continues at a low ebb, owing to the scarcity of tonnage. Recent fixtures include:—London, 17s.; Havre, 40s.; Bordeaux, 56s.; Rochefort, 54s.; St. Nazaire, 55s.; Archangel, 40s.; Genoa, 97s.; Savona, 97s. ; Civita Vecchia, 95s.; Leghorn, 97s. 6d.; Port Said, Ills. 6d.; Las Palmas, 45s. Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. Some branches of the fuel market are rather weak for prompt loading, owing to the continued shortage of tonnage, but values on forward account are, if anything, stronger. Best Durham gas coal keeps in fairly good request, and the quotation is round about 25s., whilst seconds run from 23s. 6d. to 24s., and Wear specials are put at 27s. Durham unscreened steams are firm at 25s. Bunker coal is decidedly steadier—due, to no small extent, to a certain amount of Government stemming. Ordinary Durhams are 23s., bests 24s. 6d., and specials up to 26s. 6d. Coking coal is in good request, and maintains its value well at 25s. Substantial enquiries from abroad are reported for coke, and good foundry kinds for shipment range from 42s. to 45s. Gas house coke is in good request at 27s. to 28s. Furnace coke is well taken up. Local requirements are heavy, and business continues at the fixed maximums for home con- sumption of 28s. at the ovens for medium blastfurnace kinds, and up to 30s. 6d. at the ovens for qualities low in phosphorus. IRON. Shortage of pig iron is causing considerable anxiety. Practically the only iron available for prompt delivery is the 59,123 boxes of Cleveland pig in the public warrant stores, and it is obtained with increasing difficulty. To meet current needs the stores are being drawn upon at the rate of nearly 1,000 tons per day, and as there is no likeli- hood of pig iron production being increased to any extent, labour for that purpose not being forthcoming, and every reason to believe that demand will not slacken, the remaining stock threatens to disappear altogether in the no distant future. The local committee appointed by the Ministry of Munitions to regulate the supply of pig iron to home consumers will commence their duties next week. There is a growing feeling that the committee, in order to satisfy home requirements, will have to curtail shipments of pig. During the first quarter of the year something like 40,000 tons of pig iron have been exported from Middles- brough to neutral countries. A little business has been put through this week at 91s. 6d. f.o.b. for No. 3 Cleveland pig iron for export, but the general market quotation has now settled to 91s., whilst the export price of No. 1 is 96s. 6d. For home consumption, No. 3, No. 4 foundry, and No. 4 forge all stand at the fixed maximum of 82s. 6d. Transactions in east coast hsematite pig are very few, and in fact, with iron unobtainable for supply earlier than July, and makers disinclined to sell ahead, business is practically at a standstill. Mixed numbers remain at the fixed maximum of 122s. 6d. for home consumption, and the export quotation still stands at 140s. There is little new ascer- tainable concerning foreign ore. Open market rates are based on 43s. ex-ship Tees for best rubio, but that is on the assumption that freights Bilbao-Middlesbrough are in the neighbourhood of 26s. 6d. With the Government arrangement of freights at 17s. to ore consumers making iron for home use, the price of best rubio is reduced to the intended maximum of 34s. As regards manufactured iron and steel, producers continue too busily engaged on Government work to pay much attention to the numerous ordinary commercial enquiries that are in the market. Quotations all round are strong :—Common iron bars, are £13 10s.; packing iron, £10; iron ship plates, £11 10s.; iron ship angles, £13 10s.; iron ship rivets, £16 ; steel bars, £13 10s. to £14; steel ship plates, £11 10s. ; steel ship angles, £11 2s. 6d.; steel strip, £13 10s.; steel hoops, £14; steel joists, £11 2s. 6d.; and heavy steel rails, £10 17s. 6d.—rails net f.o.b.; steel joists and steel ship- building material net at works ; and all other descriptions less 21} per cent, discount. ----------------------------------- Cumberland. Mary port. . COAL. The Cumberland coal trade is at present busier, and the demand in all markets is perhaps keener than it has been at any time during the year. The collieries are all working six days a week and yielding a large output, but the amount raised is still insufficient to meet the needs of all users. The severe weather of the last few days has given a further stimulus to house coal. Industrial fuel is in very strong request, and the requirements of the local industrial works have been so large that the surplus for distribution amongst other consumers was considerably less than usual. Loco- motive fuels are a very steady trade, but gas coals for local use are still rather quiet. The cross-Channel trade is as