THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. May 19, 1916. 956 ________________________________________________________________________________ standard cokes are 36s. to 37s. per box, and oil sizes 36s. to 37s. and 51s. 6d. to 52s. respectively. The galvanised sheet trade is without alteration. There is practically no change in the position, and 24-gauge corrugateds are still offered at £28 per ton. Spelter has dropped to <£95 per ton. There is a great shortage of Welsh steel bars owing to the demand from France, and prices are purely nominal. The current quotations are £13 10s. to £14, but much more than this is being realised for oddments which come on to the market. Welsh pig iron is nominal. The iron ore market is steady, rubio being 15s. 6d. to 16s. f.o.b., with a basis of about 17s. freight; secondary grades are Is. to Is. 6d. less. Scrap metals are very firm, but prices generally are unaltered. Swanseae COAL. The trade of the port, last week, showed a further improvement, coal and patent fuel showing considerable activity, the shipments together amounting to 114,064 tons. There was a good attendance on "Change this morning, the anthracite coals displayed a very firm tone, supplies being far short of the demand. Swansea Valley large was scarce, whilst Bed Vein prices were strongly held. Machine-made nuts and cobbles were difficult to obtain, and beans and peas were harder. Bubbly culm maintained its strength. Steam coals were also strong, with little free coal offering. Prices are all net f.o.b. (cash in 30 days). Anthracite:—: Best malting large (hand picked) ....... Secondary do. Big Vein large ...... Bed 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 I/st week’s.!Last year's prices. prices. I prices. 33/6-35/ 27/6-32/ ( 22/6-23/6 29/6-33/6 ! 26/6-27/6 { 19/ -20/6 31/ -35/6 ' 26/ -30/ 16/ -17/ ■24/6-27/6 ! 22/ -25/ < 15/6-17/ 34/6-37/6 ' 33/6-35/6 ! 23/ -24/3 34/6-36/6 ; 33/6-35/6 23/6-26/6 34/6-36/6 i 33/6-35/6 i 22/6-23/6 33/6—36/ ; 32/6-33/6 ! 23/6-24/6 23/6-25/3 23/6-25/3 ! 15/6-16/6 13/9-14/6 ! 13/9-14/3 ' 10/ -11/ 4/6- 4/9 : 4/6- 4/9 ' 6/ - 6/6 I 45/6-47/ ' 40/ -44/ ! 28/ -30/ 35/6-39/ , 30/ -31/ j 24/ -27/ 33/6-37/6 ! 32/6-36/6 ’ 20/ -23/6 21/ -26/ 19/ -20/6 . 15/ -18/ 45/ -50/ 39/6-45/6 ! 28/ -30/ 30/ -35/ ! 25/6-29/6 ! 19/ -20/6 46/ -50/ | 45/ -50/ j 32/6-35/ Llanelly. COAL. The coal market of this district is still marked by much firmness, and for all grades of coal the demand far exceeds the make. Enquiries from abroad have been more numerous of late, and shipments chiefly to France and Italy# have been good. The proposed limitation of prices on account of export, it is expected, will materially affect the market and prevent bookings for any definite period. The proposal is not looked upon at all favourably by the colliery people; they state that seeing neutrals are allowed such big margins for freights they certainly ought to pay far more for the coal than the figure mentioned. They all admit that to-day’s prices are far too high. It really means that in future prices will be about 100 per cent, less than they are at the moment. There is no difficulty in securing up to 40s. per ton for good through coals and the new price will be anything from 18s. to 20s. f.o.b. Anthracite coals are still keeping very firm and for large and the machine- made kinds there is an excellent enquiry. There is also a big demand from the manufacturing works for coals suitable for their purpose, and much inconvenience is being experi- enced owing to shortage of supplies. This week’s quotations approximately are:— Prices f.o.b. Anthracite:— Best malting large... Secondary do. ....... Big Vein large....... Red Vein do.......... Machine-made cobbles... German nuts.......... French do............ Paris do............. Machine-made beans ... Do. peas____ Culm ................ Duff................. Other sorts:— Large steam coal..... Through-and-through... Small ............... Bituminous small coal... Current prices. 33/ -36/ 31/ -32/6 32/6-34/6 25/ -27/ 34/ -36/ 33/ -35/6 34/ -36/ 33/6-35/6 33/6-36/6 24/ -26/ 14/ -15/ 4/6- 5/ 45/6-48/6 34/6-38/6 22/ -26/ 30/6-35/6 | L’st week’s Last year’s | prices. ! prices. | 28/ -32/ j 21/6-22/6 i 24/ -26/ ' i 24/ -26/ i i 23/6-25/6 | 32/ -34/ 32/ -34/ 32/6-34/6 32/6-34/ 31/6-33/6 22/6-23/6 13/6-14/6 4/6- 5/ 38/6-44/6 32/6-38/6 18/6-20/6 25/6-29/6 18/ -19/6 16/ -17/ 16/ -17/ 23/ -24/ 22/ -23/ 23/ -24/ 23/ -24/ 22/ -25/ 15/ -15/6 10/6-11/ 5/6- 6/6 30/ -32/ 20/ -22/ 16/ -18/ 18/ -20/ ______________________________ THE TIBI-PLATE TRADE. Liverpool. There is not a great deal doing just now. Makers hesitate to quote at all, owing to the uncertain outlook, and the pro- bability of further restrictions in the output of steel for tin-plate purposes, and also the restriction in the supply of labour. Transactions are now largely confined to spot lots and second-hand parcels, and we should call current rates about as follow :—Goke tins, 10 14 X 20, (112 sh. 1081b.), 36s. 9d. to 37s. per box; IC 28 x 20 (112 sh. 2161b.), 73s. 6d. to 74s. per box; I C 28 x 20 (56 sh. 108 lb.), 37s. 6d. to 38s. per box; I C 14 x 18f (124 sb. 1101b.), 37s. per box (nominal); IC 14 x 19| (120 sh. 1101b.), 37s. per box (nominal); IC 20 x 10 (225 sh. l-561b.), 52s. 6d. per box (nominal). IC squares and odd sizes, 37s. 6d. basis and upwards. Ternes are difficult to obtain at all. To-day’s figure is nominally 68s. for I C 28 X 20. Charcoals rule firm, at 39s. a box and upwards. Coke wasters are in good demand, and rates verv firm, as follow :—C W 14 x 20, 34s. per box and up; C W 28 x 20, 67s. 6d.; C W 14 x 18f, 34s. All f.o.b. Wales, less 4 per cent. THE LOHD0H COAL TRADE. Thursday, May 18. _______________________________________________ The London coal market is still suffering from short sup- plies, and merchants are anxious as to the prospects for the summer trade. All the depots are running short of fuel, and the bulk of the merchants have heavy accumulations of orders. The coal coming forward does not enable them to place any quantity in stock, and “ buying.” is as keen as during the winter months. Collieries are working upon the maximum pit prices, but representatives still refuse any fresh business, and the small quantities offering on the open market barely enable them to cope with the public orders, so, that the con- tinued lessening of the output, which has lately become more acute, is viewed with considerable alarm. Happily, the warmer weather has lessened the consumption of household qualities, but there is no diminution in the demand, and all the principal merchants are still eagerly pressing for larger supplies. The renewals of the contracts lately occupied a good deal of attention. In many cases collieries have given formal notice of their inability to continue anything like the normal monthly quantities, so that in every case a lessened tonnage has been entered into in the few cases of contract renewals. Practically all the renewals are at last year’s prices, with a special proviso that, should the Board of Trade agree to a higher price being chargeable on account of the extra wages or extra cost of production, the contract price shall be pro- portionately advanced; and in many cases, also, a special clause in the new contracts provides for a reduced weekly or monthly tonnage, should the Government find it necessary to commandeer the output or a portion of it for special muni- tion work. The restricted output is not the, only difficulty experienced lately, for the railway transit has added con- siderably to the shortage at the majority of the London stations. The freight market still continues high. Ships have been chartered from Newcastle to London at 16s. per ton, and to Northern French ports at 45s. to 47s. Seaborne house coal is in good demand, but all the vessels arriving in tire Biver Thames are contract cargoes. No free cargoes are on offer. Twenty-nine vessels were reported as arriving in the Biver Thames for Monday’s market, and 11 for Wednesday. The “ lowest summer prices ” appear to be settled upon the present rates. On the notice board of the London Goal Merchants’ Society, in addition to the announce- ment with reference to the public prices, viz. : “ The Goal Prices Committee announce that they are making no altera- tion in delivery prices until further notice, and the Board of Trade have been notified accordingly,” the following notice was posted yesterday:—“Coal Exchange, London, E.C., May 17, 1916. It has been arranged to pay an increase of 2d. per ton on all landing as from May 15, 1916.” The Goal Merchants’ Society have been in correspondence with the Board of Trade, pointing out that the colliery prices are unchanged, and the costs ail round are increasing, so that the present level of public prices is fully justified. The pressure for colliery supplies is as strong as ever, and the difficulty in satisfying the demand is equally apparent. Merchants on all sides are endeavouring to replenish their stocks, but the higher prices obtainable for shipment entirely precludes the possi- bility of any increase in the London arrivals. Consequently the outlook for the future supply is not very encouraging, and the serious question of summer stocking is viewed with a good deal of anxiety, especially as the Price of Goal (Limita- tion) Act seems to provide for large quantities being diverted from the London market, to either the provinces or shipping ports, where .higher prices are obtainable, and the Act does not apply. The difference in the prices obtainable is clearly indicated by the current quotations for the week of Yorkshire best hards. The London quotation is 17s. 6d. to 18s. per ton, but for export trade the same collieries are quoting 28s. to 30s. per ton f.o.b. Derby brights are still fetching 17s. 6d. to 18s. 6d. per ton, and best Kilburn nuts 17s. to 18s. London brights, 16s. Reports are to hand from the Humber ports that as much as 36s. per ton f.o.b. has been obtained for South Yorkshire best hards, and 33s. for Derbyshire steam hards. Hartleys also are quoted 27s. fid. for shipment. The brighter weather has not yet affected the pressure for house coal on the London market, nor lessened the demand. ________________________ From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Co.’s Report. Friday, May 12.—Seaborne house coal was again in strong demand, but no cargoes available, and the prospect some- what unfavourable. Cargoes, 21. Monday, May 15.—The seaborne house coal market was again without supplies to-day. The demand continues good, however, but no prospect of any cargoes being on offer. Cargoes, 29. Wednesday, May 17.—Although the weather was slightly warmer, the demand for seaborne house coal was still good, but no transactions were reported. Cargoes, 11. ______________________________________________________ THE IRISH COAL TRADE. Thursday, May 18. __________________ __________________________________ Dublin. Coal cargoes are now coming in somewhat more freely, although business with the cross-Channel ports is still restricted to a certain extent. The coal trade is rapidly recovering after the recent suspension, and deliveries are being made without interruption. House coal sales show a slight falling off as the season advances. Brices, as recently advanced Is. per ton, are as follow :—Best Orrell, 39s. per ton; Hulton Arley, 38s.; best Wigan, 37s.; best Whitehaven, 37s.; best kitchen, 35s.; Orrell slack, 31s.; all less Is. per ton discount for cash. Coke, 38s. per ton delivered. The only qualities in stock, in some instances, are best Orrell, and a small quantity of Wigan. Fresh cargoes are daily expected. Welsh steam coal still commands 50s. per ton in the city. The coal vessels arriving in the port amounted to 53, being chiefly from Maryport, Garston, Partington, New- port, Liverpool, Whitehaven, Ayr, Workington, and Cardiff. The total quantity of coal discharged upon the quays was 23,500 tons. The usual yearly Army contracts are now open for supplies of coals and coke to the various stations through- out the country. Tenders are also invited by the Rathmines Electricity Works for some 500 tons. Belfast. Fuel of every description continues to be extremely scarce, especially manufacturing coal, some qualities being unobtain- able at any price. Supplies of house coal are very limited, but there is not new such a great demand. Prices of steam coals are still advancing, but household sorts remain unchanged, as follow:—Best Arley, 38s. 6d. per ton; best ____________________________________________ Wigan, 37s. 6d.; Scotch household, 34s. 6d. ; Orrell nuts, 37s. 6d.; Orrell slack, 34s. 6d. Coal-laden vessels arriving during the past week were from Garston, Glasgow, Girvan, Partington, Ayr, Manchester, Silloth, Newport, Saundersfoot, Whitehaven, Maryport, Point of Aire, Troon, Ardrossan, and Birkenhead. Contracts are open in connection with the Belfast Union for 5,000 tons of English and Scotch coal, and the Lurgan Town Council for 3,500 tons of gas coal. __________________ THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products.—The market is quiet, and prices steady, if unchanged. Carbolic crystals seem to have settled down again, while naphthas have not moved from the recent change. Nearest values are :— Rise ( + ) or fall (-) on the week. Benzols, 90’s ..................... 1/0-^- ... — ............................. ,, 90’s North.................. /lOJ— /11| ... — ,, 50’s North ............. 1/3—1/4 ... — Toluol ...............,................ 2/3 ... — Carbolic acid, crude (60 per cent.)... 3/4 ... — ,, crystals (40 per cent.) 1/3 ... — Solvent naphtha, south (90% at 190 degs.), as in quality and package... 2/3—2/4 ... — Solvent naphtha, north (90% at 190 degs.), as in quality and package...2/1—2/2 ... — Crude naphtha, north (in bulk) .... /6J—/7 ... — Creosote (for ordinary qualities) .... /2£—/2f ... — Pitch (f.o.b. east coast) ............ 15/—16/ ... — ,, (f.a.s. west coast) ............ 14/—15/ ... — Tar (per ton ex works) ............. 16/—20/ ... — [Benzols, toluol, creosote, solvent naphtha, carbolic acids, usually casks included unless otherwise stated, free on rails at maker's works or usual United Kingdom ports, net. Pitch f.o.b. net.’] Sulphate of Ammonia. — As far as any change in the market can be chronicled, the tone is easier, but, generally speaking, this is barely reflected in current quotations, which are rather wide and irregular for prompt, and still more elastic for forward, as even substantial premiums on spot values do not seem to tempt sellers. Closing prompt prices are :— Rise ( + ) or fall (-) on the week. London (ordinary makes) ... £16/13/9—£16/15 Beckton (25 per cent.) ___ £1'5/15 Liverpool ............... £16/15—£17 Hull ’..............’..................... £16/10 Middles!) rough................ £16 /15—£16 /17 / 6 Scotch ports ............ £16/15—£17 Wales ........................ £16/12/6—£16/15 Nitrate of soda (ord.) per cwt. 18/9 [Sulphate of ammonia, f.o.b. in bags, less 2-1 per cent, discount; 24 per cent, ammonia, good grey quality; allowance for refraction, nothing for excess.] ____________________________ OBITUARY. By the death of Aid. J. B. Garr, of Morpeth, who vas found drowned in the Biver Wansbeck, a friend of the Northumbrian miner has passed away. Mr. Carr did especially good work as chairman of the Aged Miners’ Homes Football Cup Coinpetitions, whereby a good deal of money was raised for the purpose of erecting cottages for the aged and indigent miners of Northumberland. Mr. B. J. Worth, of the engineering firm of Messrs. Worth, Mackenzie and Company, Phoenix Works, Stockton, whose death has occurred, at the age of 72, was identified with the industrial life of Stockton for close upon half a century. He produced a number of engineering inventions, of which his company are the sole makers. Not the least important was his patent over-winding prevention gear, which is used mainly for controlling the winding of cages. He was a past-president of the Cleveland Institute of Engineers. Mr. Thos. Bailton, colliery proprietor and mining engineer, of 100, Connaught-road, Cardiff, died on May 9, aged 64. Early in life he was articled to Mr. Llewellyn at the Bisca Colliery, and later managed in succession the Aberaman Collieries, the Abercynon Collieries, and the Lewis Merthyr Collieries. Six years ago he retired. Mr. Bailton was an ex-president of the . Colliery Managers’ Association. Mr. Tom Gibb, a prominent member of the Lanarkshire Miners’ Union executive, died last week. As Labour candi- date in a Parliamentary by-election in South Lanark, he received 1,674 votes. Mr. Thos. Bailes, mining engineer and colliery surveyor, of 2, Fen wick-terrace, Newcastle, died last Sunday, in his 83rd year. Despite his advanced years, he continued at business until quite recently, and had a large connection in Northumberland and Durham. The death has occurred at New Delaval of Mr. Christopher Pordum, one of the oldest members of the Northumberland Colliery Enginemen’s and Firemen’s Association, at the age of 77 years. He was for many years winding engineman at the Forster pit of the Seaton Delaval Coal Company, and served that company for a total of 68 years—the whole of his working life. The death occurred recently of Mr. Andrew Leitch, coal exporter, Dundee. Upwards of 60 years ago deceased began work in the offices of Holbeath and Kingseat Collieries, and was afterwards appointed to represent the collieries at Tay- port and Dundee. Within a short time Mr. Leitch began business as a coal exporter on his own account in the home markets and with the Baltic and Mediterranean ports. Mr. Leitch was one of the founders of the Loch Line Steam Shipping Company, and a director of the North of England Protecting and Indemnity Association. Sir C. Woodall, governor of the Gas Light and Coke Com- pany Limited, died on Tuesday. He joined the board of the company in 1897, and became governor in 1906. He was instrumental in inaugurating, in 1909, the system of- co-partnership. ______________________________ Mr. George Henfrey, aged 93, of Tregeyh, Llandilo, Car- marthen, formerly engaged in engineering work in India and Italy, who took a prominent part in developing the mineral resources of Corsica, left £18,951.