864

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

May 5, 1916.

CONTRACTS OPEN FOR COAL AND COKE.

For Contracts Advertised in this issue received too late
for inclusion in this column, see Leader and Last
White pages.

Cheltenham, May 25.—Tenders are invited for the supply
of household and small steam coal for 12 months, from
July 1. Endorsed .and sealed tenders are to be deposited not
later than May 25. The lowest or any tender will not
necessarily be accepted. Forms obtainable from J. S.
Pickering, borough engineer, Municipal Offices, Cheltenham.

Neath, May 16.—The Gas Committee invite tenders for
the gas coal required at their works during the year
commencing July 1 next. Estimated quantity, 6,000 tons
of through and through coal and 3,000 tons of small coal,
but subject to the requirements from time to time of the
Committee. The coal to be delivered into the gas works,
situated at the Millands, Neath, in such weekly er monthly
quantities as may be appointed by the manager: Payments
to be made monthly, subject to 2} per cent, discount.
Fuller particulars on application direct to the gas manager
(W. Clark Jackson), Gas Works, Neath. No forms issued.
Sealed tenders, endorsed “ Gas coal tender,” specifying the
description of coal offered and the pits and veins from which
raised, to reach the town clerk, Neath, by May 16.

Shrewsbuy, May 26.—The directors of the Shrewsbury
Gas Jj.ight Company .invite tenders for the supply of about
20,000 tons of screened gas coals, to be delivered free at
the Great Western or London and North-Western Goods
Yard, Shrewsbury, during the year ending June 30, 1917.
The directors reserve the right to divide the quantity into
two or more contracts, and do not bind themselves to accept
the lowest or >any tender. Tenders must be made on forms
(containing further particulars) which may be obtained on
application at the company’s works, or by post, 'and must
be sent to Wm. Belton, A.M.I.C.E., engineer and secretary,
Gas Works, Shrewsbury, by May 26.

Abstracts of Contracts Open.

Airdrie, May 23.—Fuel for Board schools (12 months).
Forms from the joint clerks, 10, Bank-street, Airdrie..

Bed ale, May 8.—500 or 600 tons of screened gas coal
or nuts (12 months). Forms from the secretary, Gas
Company, Bedale.

Doncaster, May 12.—30,000 tons gas coal, for the
Corporation. Forms from the manager, Gas Works,
Doncaster.

Edmonton, May 12.—1,000 tons of steam coal, for the
Guardians. Forms from Mr. F. Shelton, Lower Tottenham.

Hull, May 9.—210 tons per month (four, six or twelve
months’ supply), for the Guardians. Forms from Mr. L H.
Wild, 12, Harley-street, Hull.

Kirkcaldy, May 9.—Coal (six months), for the Joint
Hospital. Forms from Mr. A. Beveridge, solicitor,
'Kirkcaldy.

Littlemore, May 20.—For 900 tons house coal, 700 tons
for steam boilers, 550 tons gas coal. Forms from the
steward, Asylum, Littlemore.

Manchester, May 10. — Slack (12 months), for the
Corporation. Forms from the secretary, Electricity Depart-
ment, Town Hall, Manchester.

Newmilns, May 9.—Gas coal (12 months), for the Corpora-
tion. Tenders to the town clerk depute, Newmilns.

Wickham Market, May 15.—160 tons of coM and 40 tons
of coke, for the Guardians. Forms from the clerk, Board
Boom, Wickham' Market.

The date given is the latest upon which tenders can be
received.

CONTRACTS OPEN FOR ENGINEERING, IRON
AND STEEL WORK, &c.

Bradford, May 16.—Stores.-—Iron castings, iron, steel,
piping, etc., for the Cleansing and Team Labour Committee.
Forms from the superintendent, Hammerton-street depot,
Bradford.

Brisbane, May 16.—Bridgework.—Superstructures for
steel bridges, for the Queensland Government Bailways.
Tenders to the Agent-General for Queensland, 409, West
Strand, London, at whose office specifications, etc., may
be inspected.

Singapore, August 14.—Bridgework.—Steel bridge over
the Muda Bi ver. Specifications, forms of tender, etc., from
the Chief Clerk, Colonial Engineer’s Office, Singapore, on
presenting receipt for £5 16s. 8d. paid to the Colonial
Treasurer

Weymoutfi, May 8.—Boiler, etc.—6 horse-power steam
boiler, complete with fittings, pressure 201b. per sq. in., for
the Guardians. Particulars from the clerk, Bank Chambers,
Weymouth.

THE FREIGHT MARKET.

Outward freight market conditions have been very
unsettled during the past week, with the result that charter-
ing has been carried on in scrappy and rather half-hearted
fashion. Throughout the greater part of the period under
review, the principal coal markets have been kept almost
idle so far as prompt business is concerned, owing to the
very choked condition of loading berths. Business was thus
rendered very difficult of transaction, and only odd fixtures
were recorded a»t the Tyne and the Bristol Channel. At the
former centre, l^owever, the markets have more recently
opened out somewhat, and business is now a good deal
brisker. Generally speaking, tonnage supplies, although
small, were adequate to meet the demand, but, at the time
of writing, there is a distinct shortage on the North East
Coast. Competition for loading turns is rife, and rates from
the Tyne, therefore, are moving forward rapidly, especially
in the nearer trades. Coastwise, London is quoted at from
15s. 6d. to 16s., as against 14s. 6d. a week ago. A big
business continues to be done with the ports of Northern
France, and the following advances in prices for cargo space
are to be recorded :—Bonen, 7s. 6d. to 9s. 6d.; Dunkirk,
2s. 6d. to 5s. for coke, and 5s. to 9s. 6d. for coal; and
Havre, Is. to 5s. Bay wards, there is little movement, but
rates have increased in sympathy with those for other
destinations. Bordeaux is Is. 6d. up on the week at 57s. 6d.
and St. Nazaire is firmer at 56s. . In the Mediterranean
section, Italian rates have rapidly recovered from the recent
weakness, and Genoa has repeated 97s. 6d., an increase of
from Is. to 5s., whilst Marseilles has been done at the
higher rate of 94s. The South Mediterranean is represented

by Algiers or Oran at 77s. 6d. At Cardiff, there is no sign
of any opening-out of turns, and chartering operations,
therefore, are seriously retarded. This has been the state of
affairs during the whole week, as a glance at the fixture list
will indicate. Tonnage is scarce, however, and, if anything,
rates are tending upwards. For North France, quotations
have ruled somewhat irregular, but are now strong at about
Is. advance on the week. Bay rates are firmer at 60 fr. to
Bordeaux, 62 fr. to Bayonne, and 63 fr. to Marans. The
Mediterranean is represented by Genoa at 90s., an increase of
5s., and Port Said at the unchanged figure of 110s. The
River Plate Is easier at 60s. for Monte Video.

Homewards, the Biver Plate is very firm at about 170s.
from up- or down-river to United Kingdom, 175s. to the
French Atlantic, and 180s. for the Upper Mediterranean.
The Wheat Committee is prepared to operate at up to 150s.
for late summer loading to the French Atlantic. The States
market is quiet, and from 12s. 6d. to 13s. is the best obtain-
able for the Bristol Channel, although 30s. can still be
secured for the French Mediterranean. For Government
account, 15s. to 15s. 3d. is indicated for the French
Atlantic, and 15s. 6d. for West Italy. From the St.
Lawrence, 13s. 6d. is mentioned for wheat to the Bristol
Channel, with barley at 12s. 6d. Coal rates are firm at
from 127s. 6d. to 130s. to West Italy, and 85s. to the River
Plate. The Eastern markets are decidedly firmer, and
tonnage is scarce. Bombay has been done at 127s. 6d. on
d.w. to United Kingdom, and Kurrachee is worth about
110s. on scale terms. The Madras Coast, however, is easy
at about 150s. to M-arseiHes with kernels. The rice forts
are quiet, with rates based on about 160s. from Saigon-
Haiphong to France.

Tyne to Algiers, 2,500, 77s. 6d.; 3,000, 77s. 6d.; Bagnoli,
6,000, 96s. ; Barcelona, 1,250, 80s. ; Bordeaux, 2,000,
57s. 6d.; 3,100, 57s. 6d. ; Caen, 1,000, 40s.; Calais, 1,500,
42s. 6d.; Dieppe, 700, 35s. ; Dunkirk, 600, 37s. 6d. ; 600,
60s., coke; 1,500, 40s.; 1,500, 42s. 6d. ; 450, 43s.; 500, 45s. ;
1,800, 44s.; 450, 62s. 6d., coke; 500, 47s.; Genoa, 3,000,
97s. 6d.; Havre, 1,550, 37s. 6d. ; 1,800, 40s.; 1,300, 40s.;
600, 39s.; 900, 40s.; Leghorn, 3,000, 97s. 6d.; London,
1,500, 15s.; Marseilles, 3,000, 92s. 6d. ; 3,300, 94s.; Nice,
3,000, 94s. : Oran, 2,500, 77s. 6d.; Porto Ferrajo, 6,000, 95s.;
Rouen, 1,200, 40s.; 2,000, 40s.; 1,600, 40s.; 1,700, 43s.;
1,800, 45s.; 1,000, 45s.; 1,800, 42s.; 2,500, 45s.; 1,000,
43s.; 2,000, 44s.; 2,300, 42s. 6d. ; 2,000, 46s. 6d.; 1,500,
46s. 6d.; 500, 47s.; Savona, 3,000, 97s. 6d.; St. Nazaire,
3,100, 56s.; Spezzia, 3,000 , 97s. 6d.

Cardiff to Alexandria, 4,600, 107s. 6d., 800; Barcelona,
3,000, 60s.; 70s.; Bordeaux, 50 fr. ; 53 fr.; 1,350, 60 fr. ;
1,500, 58 fr.; 2,900, 60 fr.; Bayonne, 62 fr.; Ferrol, 1,000,
37s. 6d. ; Genoa, 85s.; 3,400, 87s. 6d. ; 2,200, 90s. ; Gran-
ville, 1,050, 32s. ; Honfleur, 700, 32s..; Lisbon, 1,600, 35s.,
350; Monte Video, 4,000, 60s., 400; Marans, 650, 63 fr.;
Naples, 3,400, 87s. 6d., 400; Port Said, 6,500, 110s.; Bouen,
1,650, 35s.; 800, 37s.; 2,500, 35s.; 2,000, 35s.; 1,600, 36s.;
St. Nazaire, 4,600, 52 fr. ; 3,500, 51J fr.; 5,000, 52 fr.;
Savona, 3,400, 87s. 6d.

Swansea to Bouen, 520, 37s. ; 1,800, 36s. ; 800, 37s.; 1,300,
37s. ; Barcelona, 900, 75s. ; Flonflcur, 750, 33s. ; Genoa,
Savona, Spezzia, or Leghorn, 2,000, 87s. 6d. ; Dieppe, 2,100,
32s.; Genoa, Savona, or Leghorn, 2,800, 90s.; 2,800, 99s.;
3,400, 90s.; Belfast, 400, 13s.

Newport to Gene a or Savona, 4,000, 87s. 6d. ; Bordeaux,
1,600, 58 fr.

Port Talbot to Nantes, 1,700, 52 fr. ; Rouen, 1,650, 34s.;
St. Nazaire, 53 fr., fuel ; Rouen, 1,130, 36s. 4}d.

Troon to Genoa or Savona, 90s.

Firth of Forth to Rouen, 1,700, 42s. 6d.

Goole to Dunkirk, 900, 40s.

Japan’s Iron and Tin-Plate Trade.—The Board of Trade
publishes >a consular report relative to the iron, steel and tin-
plate trade of Osaka, Japan. The report states that supplies
of Oriental (i.e., Chinese, Manchurian, Indian and Japanese)
pig iron to the Osaka market are controlled by a syndicate,
which contracts yearly for anticipated requirements. For
1915, supplies amounting to 100,000 tons were arranged for,
but this proved to be 30,000 tons in excess of requirements ;
for 1916 contracts have been made for 45,000 tons, which
with the excess from last year make a total of 75,000 tons.
Pig iron from other sources came mainly from the United
Kingdom. With the increasing difficulty of obtaining sup-
plies from the United Kingdom, imports therefrom may be
expected to decrease. Increasing output in the Far East
will in time probably lessen the demand for Bengal pig iron
also; at present shipments from India are much hindered
by the lack of tonnage. Imports of bar and rod iron dropped
from 73,000 tons in 1914 to 29,000 tons in 1915. The
difference thus shown was partly made up from stocks
and partly from supplies obtained from Japanese works.
Imports of plates and sheets increased, as a result of activity
in ship building, from 46,000 tons in 1914 to 54,000 tons in
1915. Part of the trade done by Germany was taken by the
United Kingdom, imports from.which increased from 17,000
tons to 24,000 tons, but most of the difference was supplied
by the United States, imports from which increased from
7,000 tons in 1914 to 3'1,000 tons in 1915. The share of the
United Kingdom would no doubt have been much greater
if it had been possible to get orders filled. Plans have been
projected to establish rolling mills in Japan, the present
being regarded as a favourable time, as supplies from abroad
are becoming more and more difficult to obtain. Imports of
tin plates rose from 6,000 tons in 1914 to 8,000 tons in 1915
owing to the demand for a substitute for the zinc sheets
formerly used in packing matches for export. It is expected
that in time zinc sheets will be made in Japan. There was
a drop in imports of galvanised wire from 9,000 tons to
8,000 tons. Imports of rails, and pipes and tubes almost
ceased; this was due, in the case of the last-mentioned, to
an increased output of Japanese tubes, and in the case of
rails to the fact that no new electric railways were built
in the district during the year. There were only small
imports of tool steel during 1915, and local requirements
were met mostly from stock on hand. Imports of galvanised
sheets were checked by the growing domestic output. It
may be surmised that the demand for iron for general pur-
poses will become brisk whenever prices resume a more
normal level; at present, however, the demand has ceased
owing to high prices. On the other hand, the extraordinary
industrial activity in the manufacturing centres, caused by
the war, has given rise to a demand for plates, sheets, and
angles, etc., which is so keen that the only concern appears
to be where to obtain supplies.

COAL, IRON AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES.
REPORTS AND DIVIDENDS.

Albion Steam Coal Company Limited.—The directors have
decided to pay a further dividend of 6 per cent., being the
arrears of preference dividend due for the year 1914, leaving
only one year’s dividend, that for 1915, in arrears.

Apex Mines Limited.—The report for 1915 states that net
profit from colliery was £20,534, dividend on holding in New
Kleinfontein Company Limited £15,000, sundry revenue,
interest, etc., £2,070, which, with £31,422 brought in, makes
£69,026. Dividends Nos. 18 and 19 of 5 per cent, and 10
per cent, respectively have been paid, and £20,774 carried
forward. The output was 195,180 tons, an increase of 29,540
tons compared with 1914.

Babcock and Wilcox Limited.—The report for 1915 states
that the net profit amounts to £396,551, and £69,492 was
brought in, making £466,043. Interim dividends were paid
in October of 3 per cent, on preference shares, 2J per cent,
on second preference, and 6 per cent, on ordinary, and the
directors now recommend dividends of 3 per cent, on prefer-
ence and 2J per cent, on second preference (less tax), and of
9 per cent, on the ordinary (free of tax), placing to reserve
£150,000, granting to staff pension fund £10,000, and carry-
ing forward £42,125.

British South African Explosives Company Limited.—The
report for year to October 31 shows a net profit of £55,998,
after deducting £4,250 for directors’ fees, £20,771 for factory
depreciation, £8,000 written off investments, and £2,500
added to explosion, insurance, and workmen’s compensation
fund. The profit includes £24,413 interest. Adding £52,176
brought in, the amount is £108,174. The directors recom-
mend a dividend of 7^- per cent., subject to British income-
tax, leaving £58,674 to be carried forward. Provision has
been made for meeting South African income-tax.

Campbell (P. and A.) Limited.—The report for the year
states that after payment of interest on the preference shares
and an interim dividend on the ordinary shares, there remains
a balance of £33,304, which it is proposed to deal with as
follows : To sinking fund (raising same to £135,000),
£25,000; final dividend of 5 per cent, on ordinary shares (free
of tax), making 10 per cent, for the year, £2,500; carry for-
ward, £5,804.

Dixon (William) Limited. — The report for. the year to
February 29 states that the net profit, after payment of
debenture interest, and providing for depreciation, amounts
to £184,339; £30,129 was brought forward, making a total
of £214,468. The directors recommend payment to mortgage
debenture stock trustees, for redemption of stock, £15,000; to
suspense account for war profits taxation, income-tax, etc.,
£100,000; dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum on
the ordinary shares, tax free, making 7J per cent.; and to
carry forward £35,268.

Furness, Withy and Company Limited.—A circular inti-
mates that the audit is incomplete. The profits appear to
show a substantial increase, and a bonus on the ordinary
shares may be recommended at the annual meeting in July.

Horden Collieries Limited. — Interim dividend of 4 per
cent., less tax, payable May 31.

Lancashire Wagon Company Limited.—The net profits for
the half-year ended March 31 were £3,292, and £1,087 was
brought forward. A dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per
annum, free of income-tax, is proposed on the ordinary shares,
adding £2,000 to the reserve funds, and carrying forward
£920.

Parkgate Iron and Steel Company Limited.—The directors
propose to pay 17-^ per cent., free of tax, for 1915-16, as
against 12J per cent, for 1914-15, and 15 per cent, for
1913-14.

Reddaway (F.) and Company.—The profit for the year,
after making provision for bad debts, depreciation of invest-
ments, and contingencies, is £29,409, out of which £6,397
has been set aside against depreciation of mills, machinery,
etc., £14,414 is required for debenture and other interest and
income-tax, leaving a balance of £8,598. After adding
£10,984 brought forward, the available balance is £19,582.

Stephenson (Robert) and Company (1914) Limited.—The
report for the year ended December 31 states that the profit,
after providing £10,000 for depreciation, is £13,446, which,
with the balance brought forward, £23,190, makes £36,636.
A dividend of 4 per cent, for the year, less tax, is proposed,
carrying forward £27,103.

Thornycroft (John I.) and Company Limited.—Interim
dividends on account of the vear ending July 31 next of 3
per cent, on the preference shares and Is. 6d. per share on
the ordinary shares.

Whitehaven Haematite Iron and Steel Company Limited.
—The directors have declared a dividend of 10 per cent, on
the ordinary shares for the year. This compares with 5 per
cent, for each of the three previous years.

NEW COMPANIES.

Dean Forest Iron and Colour Mines Limited. — Private
company. Registered office, 210, Capel House, New Broad-
street, E.C. Registered April 26. Nature of business indi-
cated by title. Nominal capital, £12,000 in 12,000 £1 ordi-
nary shares. First permanent director, T. 8. Leadbeater.
Qualification of directors, £100.

Laycock (J. W.) Limited.—Private company. Registered
April 25. To carry on the business of iron merchants, agents
for iron, steel, and other metals, etc. Nominal capital,
£15,000 in 2,500 £1 ordinary shares, and 12,500 £1 preference
shares'. First managing directors : J. W. Laycock, J.
Wrathall, J. A. Houldsworth, J. Sugden, and A. Binns.

Rhiw Manganese Mines Limited. — Private company.
Registered April 25.. Nature of business indicated by title.
Nominal capital, £5,500 in 5,000 £1 preference shares, and
5,000 2s. ordinary shares. First directors : J. J. Stoner, J.
Wright, W. J. Nowell, and J. W. Scott. Qualification of
directors, 250 shares.

Tibbington (1916) Company Limited.—Private company.
Registered April 25. To carry on business of miners,
colliery proprietors, coal, coke, and iron ore merchants, iron
masters, and founders, dealers in bricks, tiles, pipes, and
other articles made from clay. Nominal capital, £3,000 in
3,000 £1 shares. First permanent directors and subscribers
(one share each) : E. Howl and O. Howl. Qualification of
ordinary directors, 100 ordinary shares.

This list of new companies is taken from the Daily
Register specially compiled by Messrs. Jordan and Sons
Limited company registration agents, Chancery-lane, E.C