April 20, 1916. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 763 Cardiff. COAL. There is little alteration in market conditions. The position is exceptionally strong, and may become still firmer during next week. There were at the beginning of the week over 330 vessels in the various docks awaiting cargo, and in the natural course of events these would pro- vide facilities for the next fortnight’s loading, even when working at high pressure. Outputs, however, are below the normal, and the decision of the miners to take a two days holiday will have a material effect on production over the next few days. It must also be remembered that there is usually a marked degree of absenteeism after a holiday, especially when wages are high, and this is almost certain to be the case to a more or less extent next week. The net result of these probabilities is that owners are sitting tight. In fact, some collieries are so fully booked that they altogether decline to entertain new business, and the small quantities of free coal coming on to the market command almost any price that a seller likes to name, in order that a shipper may fulfil his contract con- ditions. Quotations, for the most part, are nominal, but there is a wide range. The Government demand for best and superior second Admiralties continues unabated, and, in fact, not only is the whole output of these qualities absorbed by the authorities, but many thousand tons of other grades are also being utilised in national service at home and abroad. Shipments last week amounted to 391,055 tons, compared with 408,374 tons in the corresponding week of last year, or a decrease of 17,319 tons. From Cardiff alone there were shipped 210,545 tons, against 220,470 tons, or a decrease of 9,925 tons; from Newport 90,821 tons, or a decrease of 708 tons; from Swansea 57,125 tons, or a falling off of 2,983 tons; and from Port Talbot 32,564 tons, or a decline of 3,703 tons. Exports of patent fuel amounted to 8,369 tons from Cardiff, 6,255 tons from Newport, 15,379 tons from Swansea, and 5,965 tons from Port Talbot, the largest quantity for some time past. Chartering was not quite so brisk, the amount of tonnage taken up being 123,300 tons, against 128,450 tons in the preceding six days, or a decrease of 5,150 tons. As indicated above, there is generally a wide range in prices, and ordinary second Admiralties command anything between 48s. to 50s., and ordinary qualities 45s. to 47s. 6d. Dry coals are inclined to be a trifle easier, owing to the difficulty in obtaining Monmouthshires for mixing purposes. The latter are in short supply, and top quotations are being realised. Best Black Veins sell freely at 45s. to 47s. 6d. and even higher in particular cases, ordinary western- valleys 45s. to 47s., easterns 42s. 6d. to 45s., and inferior grades at 40s. to 42s. The small coal market is exceedingly firm, owing to the very large quantities now being taken by the Government for shipment to France and Italy. Best bunkers readily command 27s. to 28s., ordinaries 23s. to 25s., and cargo descriptions 19s. to 22s. per ton. A notable feature of the market is the high level which has been reached for bituminous coals. These are very largely being used for coking, and only small quantities are available for export purposes. No. 3 Rhondda large is anything between 45s. to 50s., No. 2 38s. to 40s., and other grades in proportion. Patent fuel is nominally quoted at 45s. to 47s. 6d., but some of the best makers are declining to entertain new business under 50s. per ton. Coke prices are well maintained, and there is a great demand from all quarters. Pitwood is much easier owing to large arrivals, and current quotations are not more than 36s. to 38s. per ton. The statistical returns published by the London Custom House, which have just come to hand, show that the quantity of coal exported from the Bristol Channel to foreign countries and British possessions during the month of March amounted to 1,408,161 tons, against 1,923,279 tons in the corresponding month of last year, or a decrease of 515,178 tons. From Cardiff there were shipped 725,385 tons, ‘ against 1,283,040 tons ; from Newport 286,151 tons, against 295,133 tons; from Port Talbot 165,879 tons, against 100,094 tons ; and from Swansea 224,857 tons, compared with 237,272 tons in the corresponding period. 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 # * ■ Superior seconds * — Seconds 48/ -50/ 48/ -50/ — Ordinary do 45/ -47/6 45/ -47/6 35/ -36/ Best bunker smalls 27/ -28/ 25/ -26/ 21/6-22/ Best ordinaries. 23/ -25/ 23/ -24/ 20/6 Cargo qualities 19/ -22/ 18/ -21/ 18/6-19/ Inferior smalls 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ 17/6-18/ Best dry coals 42/6-45/ 48/ -50/ | ' 35/ -37/ Ordinary drys 37/6-40/ 42/ -46/ ' 32/ -34/ Best washed nuts 31/ -32/6 31/ -32/6 28/ -29/ Seconds 28/ -30/ 28/ -30/ 26/ -27/ Best washed peas 29/ —30/ 29/ -30/ 26/ -27/ Seconds 26/ -28/ 26/ -28/ 25/ Dock screenings 20/ -22/ 18/ -20/ 20/ Monmouthshire— Black Veins 45/ -47/6 49/ -50/ 34/3 Western-valleys 45/ -47/ 48/ -49/ ; 33/3 Eastern-valleys 42/6-45/• 40/ -42/ 43/ -45/ 32/9 Inferior do 40/ -42/6 30/ -31/ Bituminous coals:— Best house coals (at pit) 23/ -24/ 23/ -24/ 30/ 27/6-29/ Second qualities (at pit) 22/ -23/6 21/6-23/ No. 3 Rhondda— Bituminous large 45/ -50/ 48/ -50/ 32/ Through-and-through 36/ -38/ 36/ -38/ 29/ Small 29/ -30/ 29/ -30/ 26/ -27/ No. 2 Rhondda— Large 38/ -40/ 36/ -40/ 29/ -30/ Through-and-through 32/ -33/ 27/ —30/ 24 -25/ Small 22/ -23/ 18/ -20/ 19/ Best patent fuel 45/ -47/6 43/ -45/ 44/ -46/ 37/6 Seconds 42/ -43/ 35/ Special foundry coke 60/ -65/ 57/6-62/6 43/ -45/ Ordinary do. 55/ -60/ 52/6-57/6 38/ -40/ Furnace coke 42/6-47/6 42/6-47/6 38/ -40/ 31/ -33/ Pitwood (ex-ship) 36/ -38/ 34/6 growing smaller. The shortage of labour is increasing, owing to the number of men being released for military purposes, and the receipts from works last week only amounted to 46,241 boxes, against 38,136 boxes in the preceding week and 96,455 boxes in the corresponding week of last year. Shipments are steadily becoming smaller, owing to the high prices now ruling, and consumers are not buying anything beyond their immediate necessities. In fact, it is stated that the great bulk of the output to-day was contracted for many months ago at prices ranging from 18s. to 20s. per box, whereas the current market rates are up to 33s. 6d. and 33s. 9d. per box. Shipments last week amounted to 51,927 boxes, against 38,814 in the preceding week, and 62,826 boxes last year, leaving 314,506 boxes in stock, against 339,039 in the second week of April 1915. Bessemer standard cokes are quoted at 33s. 6d. to 34s., and oil sizes at 33s. 9d. to 34s. 3d. and 47s. 6d. respectively. Welsh steel bars are <£13 10s. to <£14, and pig iron is nominal at about 150s. delivered. The galvanised sheet trade is unaltered. Spelter has again gone up to over <£90, and 24-gauge corrugateds are quoted at <£28 to <£29 per ton. The iron ore market remains steady at 39s. to 40s. per ton for best rubio. Scrap metals are in steady demand at slightly firmer prices. Swansea. COAL. The coal trade of the port last week continued fairly favourable, but there was a falling off in the export of patent fuel. The shipments of coal and patent fuel amounted to 84,817 tons A very good attendance assembled on ’Change, and the anthracite coal market was very strong. Swansea Valley large was moving off satisfactorily, but Red Vein large was without improvement. There was a good demand for machine-made nuts and cobbles of all descriptions, and higher prices were asked for any free parcels. Bubbly culm was again harder, whilst duff was steady at last quotations. In steam coals a strong tone was in evidence, and all descriptions were firm. Prices are all net f.o.b. (cash in 30 days). Anthracite:— Best malting large (hand picked) Secondary do. Big Vein large Red Vein large Machine-made cobbles Paris nuts French do *Stove do Beans Machine - made large peas Do. fine peas Rubbly culm Duff Steam coals:— Best large Seconds Bunkers Small Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Rhondda— Large Thro’-and-thro’ Small ...... Patent fuel Current prices. 23/6-24/9 18/6-20/ 17/6-19/6 16/6-17/6 27/6-30/ 28/6-30/6 j 27/6-30/ 31/ -32/6 22/6-23/6 10/6-11/ ; 4/3- 4/6 36/ -42/6 29/6-33/ 28/ -35/ 16/6-17/6 38/ -45/ 23/6-29/ 38/ -41/ L’st week’s Last year’s prices. 1. prices. 23/ -24/ ! 22/6-24/ 18/ -20/ ■ 19/6-21/6 17/ -18/6 | 17/6-18/6 16/6-17/6 , 17/6-18/6 27/6-29/ ; 24/6-26/6 28/ -30/ i 25/6-27/ 27/6-30/ / 24/ -26/ 31/ -32/ 24/6-25/6 21/6-22/6 j 14/6-16/ 9/6-10/ / 10/6-11/ 4/ -4/6. 5/9- 6/6 35/ -38/6 28/6-32/ 27/6-30/ ' 24/6-27/6 26/ -33/ '■ 25/ -27/ 15/6-16/6 ’ 16/6-20/ 36/ -42/ , 28/6-32/ 22/ -25/6 , 19/6-22/6 35/ -36/ | 28/ -30/ * Previous to the war these were described as German nuts. IRON. During last week great outputs were maintained at the blast furnaces, and the position of the various steelworks was extremely satisfactory. Production was in excess of the previous week. The tin-plate trade was brighter, and as nearly all the mills available were working regularly, there was a fairly good production. Sheet mills in most instances were slack. There was a considerable increase in the pro- duction at the Mannesmann Tube Works. The shipments of tin-plates were 51,927 boxes, receipts from works 46,241 boxes, and stocks in the dock warehouses and vans 314,506 boxes. Llanelly. COAL. The general position of the coal market locally is stronger than it has been for a long time, and coals which have been very difficult to dispose of are now more quickly bought up at higher prices than have been ruling for the past two or three months. The anthracite large qualities have for a long time been in poor request, as also have nuts and cobbles, but it is hoped that the improvement will be maintained for a long period after the holidays. The make of beans and peas should thus improve to an appreciable extent, as for these two kinds customers have been compelled to give notice of six weeks or two months in order to avoid delay in the execution of orders. Culm and duff are keeping firm at satisfactory prices. For the steam and bituminous qualities the scarcity continues, and all round these classes are difficult to secure. Although it has been agreed to resume work on Tuesday morning, it is feared it will be quite the middle part of the week before pits will get into full swing, and outputs will be decreased * Nominal. IRON. The position of the tin-plate trade is becoming more difficult day by day, and outputs as well as shipments are Prices f.o.b. • Current L’st week’s Last year’s Anthracite:— prices. prices. prices. Best malting large . 24/6-26/6 22/6-23/6 21/6-22/6 Secondary do. . 20/6-22/6 18/ -20/ 17/ -19/ Big Vein large . 18/ -19/ 17/6-18/6 16/ -17/ Red Vein do . 1 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/ Machine-made cobbles.. 30/ -32/ Z6/6-28/6 24/ -26/ German nuts 30/ -32/ 27/ -29/ 23/ -24/ French do . 30/ -32/ 27/6-29/6 24/ -25/ Paris do i 30/ -32/ 27/6-29/ 24/ -25/ Machine-made beans .. J 30/ -32/ 30/ -32/ 23/ -25/ Do. peas 21/ -23/ 20/ -22/ 14/ -15/ Culm .; 10/6-11/ 9/ -9/6 10/6-11/6 Duff . 4/ - 4/6 4/ - 4/6 5/6- 6/6 Other sorts:— Large steam coal . 37/6-41/6 36/ -38/ 32/ Thr ough-and-through.. . 28/ -35/ 28/ -32/ 23/ -25/ Small .! 16/6-17/6 15/6-16/6 16/6-18/6 Bituminous small coal.. . 25/ -28/ 23/6-26/ 19/ -21/ rather considerably in consequence. Buyers areTthus most anxious to get in as heavy a stock as possible, and to be sure of sufficient supplies to keep working over Easter are endeavouring to pick up spot parcels here and there, but the amount of free coal available is very limited. Large and small steams, as well as manufacturing fuels, are hard to get, whilst for throughs some sellers are unable to accept orders for shipment this week or next, as they are so fully stemmed. THE L0MD0N COAL TRADE. Wednesday, April 19. The London coal trade during the past week Jias shown very little variation. The demand for all qualities of house- hold and manufacturing coal still continues unusually strong, and the shortage is very pronounced. The cold weather has somewhat increased the pressure for house coal, but fortunately the railway traffic is working more freely, and the quantity coming forward has increased. Many collieries, however, are still suffering from lack of empties. The wages question has now been settled, but during the week the question of forward business has been discussed, and it is thought very probable that coal owners will apply to the Board of Trade to allow them to increase the maximum selling price to cover the additional cost. The whole question of the renewals of the contracts will undoubt- edly be a first item for discussion at the coal owners’ meeting. The other question will be the wide margin between the London selling prices and the prices obtainable f.o.b. at the various shipping ports. The extra price paid for export coal has distinctly lessened the quantity available for the London market, and the pronounced shortage of house coal may be largely traceable to this effect. Freights continue unusually high, but the scarcity of coal has led to a slight weakening in the rates. From Newcastle to London 14s. has been secured, and 13s. 9d. from Hull to London; 34 contract cargoes arrived in the Thames for Monday’s market, (and 7 for Wednesday. The depot trade is slightly down, but as so many of the merchants have large numbers' of orders still unexecuted, the volume of trade doing has not diminished. There is a growing feeling on the London Exchange that, with the return to milder weather and the consequent diminution of the actual con- sumption of house coal, there will be an easier tone on the market, but so many of the wharves and depots are completely cleared of all stock coal that for some consider- able time the demand is not likely to lessen to any appreciable extent. At present, with the holidays immedi- ately in front, and the terrible delay in the railway traffic, it is urgent to secure a sufficient supply. The Coal Exports Committee issued a notice that, in view of the pressing- demand for coal, arising out of the increased munition activity, they have found it necessary to reduce the period of the validity of specific licences for export coal. Licences bearing date Tuesday, April 25, will only be valid for six weeks for shipment for America, and only four weeks in other cases. The period will no longer run from date of shipment, but from the date on the licence. All requests for extension must be addressed to the War Trade Depart- ment (Coal Division), 3, Central Buildings, Westminster. Hitherto the period allowed has been eight weeks. Steam coals are very firm on the London market, and very little is offering for open sale. Smalls are in strong demand for manufacturing purposes, and any offers for small nuts or nutty slacks, for forward delivery are eagerly caught up. A large number of the London merchants have agreed to close their offices and depots from Thursday, April 20, until Tuesday morning, 25th, owing to the Easter holidays. The requisitions of the Admiralty, and the recent heavy demands for shipment, have practically cleared the market, and left it bare of supplies. Bunker coals have risen from 35s. to 40s. f.o.b. for the best brands; coking coal from 25s. to 30s. ; and best steams, in the absence of coal to sell, have been quoted nominally at 45s. per ton f.o.b. From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Co.’s Report. Friday, April 14.—There were no seaborne house coal cargoes on offer at to-day’s market, but the enquiry for supplies continues good. Cargoes, 16. Monday, April 17.—There was again no supplies of seaborne house coal at to-day’s market, and no prospect of any being available, at the moment; no sales were therefore reported. Cargoes, 34. Wednesday, April 19. — Owing to the approaching holidays there was a very quiet market, and no transactions reported in the seaborne house coal market to-day. To economise fuel and lighting, the French Chamber has decided to set the clock hands forward an hour. The German authorities have decided on a similar step. Coal Shipped from Ports in the United Kingdom during March.—The following figures, which have been extracted from the returns issued by the Commissioners of H.M. Customs and Excise, show the quantities of coal shipped from each group of ports in the United Kingdom during the month of March, as compared with the corresponding month last year :— Cargo. Mar. 1915. Mar. 1916. Tons. Tons. Bristol Channel ports 1,923,279 . .. 1,408,161 North-western ports 44,058 . 24,254 North-eastern ports 1,259,636 . .. 1,075,917 Humber ports 288,126 . .. 103,194 Other east coast ports 3,301 . 784 Other English ports 5 . 42 Ports on east coast of Scotland . 294,999 . .. 226,026 Ports on west coast of Scotland 163,869 . .. 194,555 Total 3,977,273 . .. 3,032,933 Bunker. Mar. 1915. Mar. 1916. Bristol Channel ports Tons. Tons. 433,139 . .. 274,256 North-western ports 236,846 . .. 283,277 North-eastern ports 217,081 . .. 193,878 Humber ports 116,931 . 80,681 Other east coast ports 109,922 . 89,814 Other English ports 22,196 . 19,310 Ports on east coast of Scotland... 44,507 . 27,229 Ports on west coast of Scotland... 118,855 . 68,247 Irish ports 990 . 692 Total 1,300,467 .. ,. 1,037,384