May 12, 1916. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 905 THE COAL AMD IRON TRADES. Thursday, May 11. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. The coal trade in the west of Scotland continues to develop strength, and prices are still being advanced. The household demand has diminished somewhat owing to warmer weather, but the retail price remains about Is. 7d. per cwt. bag. All sizes and qualities of industrial coals are in tremendous request, and even shipping qualities are being used for this purpose. Most coals are contracted for, and any available supplies in the market are realising extreme prices. Shipments during the past week amounted to 118,989 tons, against 123,865 in the preceding week and 139,907 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Steam coal Current L’st week’s’ Last year’s prices. | 30/ j prices. 28/ -30/ 1 prices. 17/ -19/ Ell 34/ -35/ 33/ : 19/ -19/6 Splint 38/ -39/ 28/ -35/ 19/ -25/ Treble nuts i 21/ -21/6 21/ -21/6 118/9-19/3 Double do 20/ -20/6 20/ -20/6 1H/6-19/ Single do 19/3-19/9 19/3-19/9 18/3-18/6 IRON. The general position of the Scotch iron trade is unchanged. Pig iron makers are delivering large quantities of haematite and ordinary qualities, particularly the former, to home consumers, and outputs are easily absorbed. While exports are almost entirely at a standstill, values are very firm, and makers’ prices are quoted as follow .— Mbnkland, f.a.s. at Glasgow, No. 1, 125s., No. 3, 120s.; Govan, No. 1, 122s. 6d., No. 3, 120s.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 125s., No. 3, 120s.; Clyde, Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1, 130s., Nos. 3, 125s.; Gartsherrie, No. 1, 131s. 6d., No. 3, 126s. 6d.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 130s., No. 3, 125s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 126s. 6d., No. 3, 121s. 6d.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 126s. 6d., No. 3, 121s. 6d.; Shotts and Carron, at Leith, Nos. 1, 130s., Nos. 3, 125s. per ton. The pig iron warrant market has been practically lifeless throughout the past week, although buyers raised their quotations for Cleveland iron to 90s. per ton. Warrant stores now stand at 40,250 tons, compared with 116,098 tons at the end of 1915 The various branches of the finished iron trade are extremely active, and works are going as full as possible. This is particularly the case in the malleable iron trade. Makers experience a large call for both their iron and their mild steel products. Crown iron bars are quoted =£13 15s. net f.o.t. works for home delivery, and <£13 10s. to <£13 15s. net for export, while mild steel bars are from £16 to £18 per ton f.o.t. works. extremely small, but a good deal of activity was manifested. The general conditions are almost identical with those reported a week ago, except that supplies for all positions are very much more difficult to secure. The steam coal market especially is strong, and the scarcity of supplies for loading during the present month most acute. It is not out of place, therefore, to mention that a number of local colliery owners are complaining of the bad time being kept by a section of their workmen, and the small output caused thereby. It is felt in some quarters that drastic action by the Government is the only solution of this vexed question. The demand for all classes of steams is overwhelming, and any odd lots offering for this month—for only odd lots are to be had—are the object of the keenest competition. Consequently, prices, though largely nominal, have gone up to amazingly high levels. Following on the sale of bests reported last week as having been made at 50s. per ton f.o.b., several quantities of best Blyths and Tyne primes were sold last week end for delivery over the remainder of this year at the same figure, whilst best Blyth smalls for like shipment realised 30s. per ton f.o.b. For earlier loading, however, these prices were quickly eclipsed, and sales of D.C.B.’s for May-June delivery have been effected at 52s. 6d. and 53s. per ton f.o.b. Best Blyth smalls for delivery over the summer months have been disposed of at 32s. 6d. and at 35s. per ton, f.o.b. A parcel of good Durham steams for early shipment has been sold at 48s. per ton. All the foregoing prices are being fully main- tained, and for best large steams the figure now indicated is 55s. Durham coals have been offering in rather better quantity, and, in consequence, slight weakness has been apparent in some sections, notably best bunkers. The demand, however, is excessive, and quotations are generally higher on the week. At the time of writing, loading turns appear to be well packed, and the tendency of prices is to move forward again, most buyers being willing to concede higher figures for prompt turns. A contract is stated to have been arranged for 30,000 tons of good Durham gas seconds for delivery over the second half of the year at 28s. per ton, f.o.b. The sale was arranged towards last week end, and it is very doubtful whether collieries would now accept such a figure for this class of coal. The following varia- tions in f.o.b. quotations have occurred during the week:— Best steams, Blyths, 5s. to 7s. 6d. advanced; Tynes, 5s. to 10s. up; seconds, Blyths, 2s. 6d. to 5s. dearer; Tynes ditto, unscreened, 5s. increased ; smalls, Blyths, 5s. to 7s. 6d. higher; Tynes, 2s. to 2s. 6d. more; specials, 2s. 6d. to 5s. up; smithies, firmer; gas bests, Is. up; seconds, Is. advanced; specials, 2s. 6d. advanced; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, ordinaries stronger, and bests Is. down; North- umbrians, 2s. 6d. to 5s. up ; coking coal, Is. 6d. to 2s. more; smalls, 2s. to 4s. more; households, 5s. advanced ; coke, foundry, 3s. 6d. to'6s. dearer ; blastfurnace, Is. up ; and gas coke ditto. The enquiry for supplies for June loading is extremely heavy, and prices are rising. It is stated that export licences are being granted very sparingly just now for steams and small coal, and that a number of these permits have been refused to local shippers during the week. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Scotland.-Eastern District. COAL. Business in the Lothians coal trade proceeds on a brisk basis. Collieries are committed to old contracts, and have only small quantities of coal to sell at present prices. Clearances for the week amounted to 28,952 tons, com- pared with 48,132 in the preceding week and 44,940 tons in the corresponding week of 1915. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Current Steam coals :— prices. Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) ... 55/ j Current L’st week’s Last year’s 1 prices. prices. prices. Best screened steam coal.. .! 38/ -39/ 35/ 18/ -19/ Secondary qualities .1 36/ -37/6 33/ 17/6-18/ Treble nuts .! 24/ -25/ 23/ -24/ 1 17/6-18/ Double do . 22/ -23/ 22/ -23/ 16/6-17/3 Single do ■ 21/ -22/ 20/ -21/ 16/6-16/9 Do. Tynes (Bowers,&c.)! 55/ Secondary, Blyths .....! 42/6-45/ Do. Tynes (Hastings* or West Hartleys) ...* 45/ Unscreened ...........’ 37/6-42/6 Small, Blyths .........* 32/6-35/ Do. Tynes............. 25/ -27/6 Do. specials.......... 32/6-35/ Other sorts:— Smithies..............| 35/ Collieries in Fifeshire are experiencing a strong demand for all classes of coal, but, as in the Lothians, the bulk of the output is accounted for by old contracts. Shipments reached the total of 61,123 tons, against 51,059 in the preceding and 78,399 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Best gas coals (New* Pelton or Holmside)! 35/ -36/ Secondary gas coals j (Pelaw Main or similar) j 32/ -33/ Special gas oals......i 35/ -37/6 Unscreened bunkers, I L’st week’s Last year’s prices. 47/6-50/ 45/ -50/ 40/ prices. 24/ -25/ j 24/ -25/ 22/ 40/ -42/6 i22/ -23/ 32/6-37/6 20/ -21/ 27/6 1 16/ -16/6 23/ -25/ 1 14/6-15/ 30/ 17/6-18/ 32/ -35/ 22/ -23/ 35/ 23/6 Do. Durhams do. 32/ -35/ Best screened navigation Current prices. ’L’st week’s’Last year’s prices. prices. coal 40/ I 37,6-40/ 24/ -26/ Unscreened do 35/ 30/ -34/ 22/ -24/ First-class steam coal 38/ -40/ 35/ -37/6 21/ -22/6 Third-class do 35/ -37/6 32/ -35/ 16/6-17/6 Treble nuts 24/ -26/ 23/ -24/ 17/6-18/6 Double do 23/ -24/ 22/ -23/ 17/ -18/ Single do .' 21/ -22/ 19/6-21/ 16/ -17/ N orthumbr ians Coking coals.......... Do. smalls ...... House coals .......... Coke, foundry .......... Do. blast-furnace...... Do. gas ............... 37/6-40/ 32/ -34/ 32/ 45/ -50/ 47/6-50/ 44/ 26/ -28/ 28/ -30/ 35/ 30/ -36/ 32/6-37/6 30/ -32/6 28/ -30/ 40/ —45/ 44/ 43/ 26[ -27/ 21/6-22/6 24/ 22/ -24/ * 20/ -21/ ! 23/ j 22/ | 25/ i 37/6-40/ j 32/6-35/ 19/ -20/ The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 208,064 tons, compared with 223,056 in the preceding week and 263,246 tons in the corre- sponding week of last year. Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 53,475 tons of coal, as compared with 66,905 tons of coal for the corresponding period of 1915, being a decrease of 13,430 tons. The coal market remains strong and nominal with little free coal obtainable for this month, and prices firm, with a continued tendency upwards. Special Wear Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 99,284 tons of coal and 5,411 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease of 5,961 tons of coal and an increase of 4,329 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 32,044 tons of coal, and 6,282 tons of coke, a decrease of 14,696 tons of coal, and an increase of 5,589 tons of coke. The Blyth ship- ments totalled 57,053 tons, a decrease of 12,382 tons. Thus, the total shipments from the three places mentioned amounted to 200,074 tons, a decrease, when compared with the shipments for the corresponding period of last year, of 23,121 tons. When compared with the clearances for the previous week, the figures record an increase of 25,840 tons. The shipments are therefore well up to the pre-holiday average. Very firm conditions have prevailed on the coal market during the whole of the week under review. The amount of actual business transacted is Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current L’st week’s'Last year’s Gas coals:— prices.' prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals 37/6 36/ 26/ Secondary do. House coals 32/6 30/ 23/6 Best house coals 50/ -52/6 47/6 27/6 Ordinary do Other sorts :— 42/6-45/ 45/ 25/ Lambton screened 52/6 47/6 27/6 South Hetton do. ...... 52'6 47/6 27/6 Lambton unscreened ... 33/ 35/ 23/9 South Hetton do 32/6 35/ 23/9 Do. treble nuts — 28/ 24/ Coking coals unscreened 32/6 35/ 23/ Do. smalls 30/ 32/6 22/6 Smithies 35/ 35/ 24/6 Reas and nuts 37/6 37/6 24/6 Best bunkers 37/6 39/ 24/ Ordinary bunkers Coke:— 32/ 33/ 22/6 Foundry coke Blast-furnace coke (did. 47/6 45/ 40/ Teesside furnaces) ... 28/ 28/ 30/ Gas coke 25/ 26/ i 24/ -25/ gas is 37s. 6d., and steam qualities are making up to 50s. to 52s. 6d. Coking classes are very firm with moderate enquiries on forward account, but the scarcity of tonnage is adversely affecting the market. There is a strong demand for bunkers, ordinary brands being from 32s. 6d. to 35s. Licences continue to be granted very sparingly, those for neutral destinations being practically unprocurable. The outward freight market is still remarkably firm, with a fair amount of business transacted, and an upward tendency in rates for all directions. Recent fixtures include: — London, 16s.; Havre, 45s.; Rouen, 47s. 6d.; Treport, 46s.; Boulogne, 47s. 6d.; Rochefort, 60s. ; Bayonne, 63s. 6d.; Lisbon, 65s.; Oporto, 70s.; Oran, 77s. 6d.; Algiers, 79s. ; Gibraltar, 52s.; Marseilles, 97s. 6d.; Genoa, 100s.; Trapani, 102s. 6d.; Las Palmas, 45s.; Buenos Ayres, 60s. Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. All kinds of fuel keep very firm. There is an increasing demand for Durham coal, but the supply is still very scarce, and business is therefore on only a limited scale. Orders could be booked in abundance, but they cannot be accepted. There is a prevailing feeling that quotations are much more likely to rise than to remain even at the present very high level. Best Durham gas coal runs from 32s. 6d. to 35s., and second qualities from 30s. to 31s., whilst Wear specials are quoted up to 37s. 6d. There is a good steady demand for bunker coal. Ordinary Durhams range from 32s. 6d. to 35s., and best sorts vary from 35s. to 40s. Steam locomotive coal is making up to 50s., but there are buyers who endeavour to purchase at as low as' 42s. 6d. Coking coal is in very good request at 30s. to 34s. Demand for coke is by no means easily satisfied. Best foundry kinds are 45s. to 47s., gas-house coke varies from 24s. to 26s., according to place of delivery. Local consumption of coke is heavy. Average blastfurnace kinds remain at 28s. at the ovens, and up to 30s. 6d. at the ovens is named for qualities low in phosphorus, but a movement is being made to effect a uniform price of 28s. for both qualities, users declaring that the low phosphorus coke is often less suitable for Cleveland pig iron purposes than the other and cheaper descriptions. IRON. There is very little new ascertainable concerning pig iron. The scarcity is being very acutely felt, and the local committee appointed to regulate supplies are experiencing considerable difficulty in arranging for home needs without cutting off supplies to our Allies. Enormous shipments are due over the next month or two, and doubt is expressed as to whether it will be possible to carry out such commit- ments without jeopardising the supply for home use. Makers have no iron lying at their yards, and practically the only stock in existence is the 37,316 tons of Cleveland pig in the public warrant stores, and most of that is earmarked for shipment. So far this month, 3,089 tons have been taken from the warrant stores. There seems no hope of increasing the production, as such a step would require more labour, and that is not obtainable. Licences for shipment to neutral countries cannot be secured, and even for shipment to France permits are granted sparingly. The consequence is that little effort is being made to do business with foreign countries. Nominally the export price of No. 3 Cleveland pig is 95s., but shippers would readily pay a higher figure if they could procure the iron. For home consumption No. 3 still stands, at 82s. 6d. Quotations for No. 1 Cleveland pig are put at 4s. to 5s. above the prices named for No. 3. East coast haematite pig is much enquired for, but there is none on the market, and makers have sold all they can turn out for the next few months. For export 140s. and upward is quoted for Nos. 1, 2 and 3, and the home price remains at 122s. 6d. In foreign ore Mediterranean freights are firm, but the Bilbao-Middles- brough freight has fallen in the open market to 19s., so that with the f.o.b. price of best rubio at 17s. 6d., the ex-ship Tees figure becomes 36s. 6d. Consumers buying to manufacture iron for home use, however, are still able to arrange through the Government freights Bilbao-Middles- brough at 17s. Thus to them the ex-ship Tees price of best rubio is only 34s. 6d. Imports of foreign ore to the port of Middlesbrough so far this month amount to 67,654 tons. In the manufactured iron and steel industries producers are kept at full pressure on Government work, and have no time to attend to the rather numerous private enquiries. Quotations all round are very strong. ------------------------------------ Cumberland. Maryport. COAL. The Cumberland coal industry continues in a very firm condition. Business is exceptionally well maintained in all the main branches, and there is a very strong enquiry for all classes of fuel. The collieries are well off for orders, and there is a keen and vigorous demand for coal in both the home and export markets. Outputs at the pits are larger than they have been for some time, and home consumers are enabled to get more regular and adequate supplies. As far as local manufacturing requirements are concerned, no very great difficulty is now being experienced, but after the needs of the local iron and steel works, the iron ore mines and other public works have been met, the surplus left for Irish and outside consumers is still far from being adequate. The amount which has been sent to the docks this week is smaller than usual, and the tonnage to Irish ports is lower than it has been since December 1914. Irish merchants are still going short, and this, it is feared, will be their experience until the pressure on home account is somewhat relieved. Business has been brisker than usual at the landsale depots this week, but gas coal for home use is dull, and no change may be expected in this branch before the turn of the year. Engine fuels are in very strong demand, and slacks, smalls and all kinds of coal for industrial purposes are in very keen request for local use. Nearly all the production of works fuel is going to the iron and steel works and the by-product coke ovens in the district. The cross-Channel trade is brisk, and there is a steady demand for all sorts for the Irish market. The disturbance in Ireland has affected the shipping trade at. both Whitehaven and Mary port to a certain extent, but it is fully antici- pated that sailings to both Dublin and Belfast will be resumed before this week end. The shipments from Maryport last week to Irish ports amounted to 1,855 tons, compared with 5,450 tons a year ago, and a decrease of 480 tons compared with last week. Coke is in very strong