1240 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. June 30, 1916. and miners are not allowed to. rearrange the working shifts in order to get a fuller output, and, while the best of the men are not able to work overtime, the slackers are encouraged to lose much even of the limited legal working time. This rather scathing indictment may possibly have been better deserved in the earlier days of the war, but since then a large proportion of the men have, we think, become convinced of the urgency of the present need for more coal; and, so far as present appearances go, there is a good prospect of the working conditions in the pits becoming far more satisfactory in the future. Meanwhile, however, this is scarcely the time for experiment, and the Government is quite right in taking what measures are possible for dealing with a probable shortage of coal. The Summer Time Act was largely adopted with a view to effect economy in the use of coal by the public utility bodies, as was stated by Mr. Harcourt in the House of Commons recently, and the public is unreasonable in kicking against the increased charges for electric light resulting from diminished consumption in conse- quence of this Act. The public is now reaping some of the consequences of allowing scientific adminis- tration to be displaced by party considerations, and we are not yet at an end of the troubles traceable to this cause. The Government has now definitely decided to undertake the regulation of coal contracts, and the supply of coal and coke is in future to be dealt with in accordance with national requirements. This may mean a further reduction in the supplies available for private use, and the public may find it necessary in the ensuing winter to adopt some new method of fuel consumption. This might not prove to be an unmixed evil, not only because it should lead to the less wasteful use of coal in the future, but also because the inconvenience will bring home to the multitude the position which has been brought about by past neglect of so much that is vital to the national interest. THE IRISH COAL TRADE. Thursday, June 29. Dublin. A strike occurred last week amongst the coal labourers employed in discharging cargoes, which involved practically all the steam colliers in the Liffey and docks, and com- pletely disorganised business with the cross-Channel ports,, the result being a serious shrinkage in the week’s supplies. At present no coal of any sort is coming into the port, and merchants’ stocks are run out. The demand for all qualities continues to be good, prices of house coal now being 42s. per ton for Orrell, and "Wigan 40s., less Is. per ton dis- count. Coke is advanced to 40s. per ton in the city. The coal vessels arriving last week only amounted to 35, as com- pared with 89 the week previously, chiefly from Troon, Ellesmere Port, Ayr, Garston, Liverpool, Port Dinorwic, Fleetwood, Newport, Glasgow, and Swansea. The total quantity of coal discharged upon the quays was 14,140 tons, as against 32,2'80 tons in the previous week. Owing to the great uncertainty of the outlook, and to the difficulty of obtaining supplies and steam tonnage, as well as recent labour troubles, merchants are not prepared to tender in the ordinary way. The North Dublin Guardians lately adver- tised for tenders for a supply of coal to the Union, but failed to receive any offer. The War Department decided, instead of following the usual custom of calling for tenders to supply coal to the barracks in Ireland extending over a period, to ask quotations for an immediate supply in bulk. Belfast. Low stocks, and the continued difficulty in procuring supplies of all descriptions, still hamper the coal trade of this port, and prices remain firm. Current quotations for household coals are:—Wallsend coal, 41s. per ton; second Orrell, 40s.; Orrell nuts, 40s.; best Wigan, 40s.; Scotch, 37s.; Orrell slack, 37s.; all less Is. per ton discount. The Harbour Commissioners invite tenders for a supply of Welsh and Scotch steam coal for works purposes for a period of 12 months. Coal-laden vessels arriving during the past week were from Garston, Troon, Ayr, Neath Abbey, Ardrossan, Cardiff, Glasgow, Workington, Point of Aire, Silloth, Swansea, Lydney, Preston, Liverpool, Partington, Birkenhead, Fleet wood, Newport, Burryport, Maryport, and Ellesmere Port. The total number of colliers entering the harbour from June 4 to 17 was 1155. THE TIN-PLATE TRADE. Liverpool. There is a distin'ct falling-off in business this last week or so, and prices are down to 34s. 6d. per box for I C 14 x 20 cokes, with but few buyers even at this. It is not thought, however, that values can drop much lower while the war is on, as there is no change at all in regard to the supplies of steel and labour. At the moment quotations may be called Coke tins : I C 14 x 20 (112 sh. 1081b.), 34s. 6d. to 35s. per box; IC 28 x 20 (112 sh. 2161b.), 71s. to 71s. 6d. per box ; I C 14 x 18f (124 sh. 110 lb.), 35s. nominal. IC squares and odd sizes, 36s. to 36s. 6d. basis. Charcoals are quoted 38s. basis and upwards. Ternes are about 67s. nominal for I C 28 X 20. Coke wasters are easy, at the following rates :—C W 14 x 20, 32s. 6d. per box; CW 28 x 20, 65s. 6d.; C W 14 x 18|, 32s. 6d.; C W 20 X 10, 46s. 6d.; C W 30 x 21, 74s. All f.o.b. Wales, less 4 per cent. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday; June 29. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. Business in the west of Scotland coal trade has quietened down to a considerable extent within the past week or two. This is largely owing to a scarcity of tonnage, and the difficulty experienced in securing export licences. These conditions are handicapping the collieries to a large extent, and it has been reported that it will be necessary to resort to idle time unless the position changes for the better. Ell coals are very quiet, and splints could be doing with more business, while the demand both for navigations and steams has also fallen off to some extent. Smalls are scarcer, owing to the quieter demand for large coal. Ship- ments for the week amounted to 109,522 tons, compared with 131,276 in the preceding week and 120,181 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Steam coal.............. Ell .................... Splint.................. Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 25/ -29/ 27/ -30/ 40/ -45/ 22/ -23/ 22/ 21/ L'st week's Last year's prices. prices. 28/ -32/ 13/6-16/6 28/ -32/6 15/ 34/ -45/ 15/ -18/ 21/ -23/ 16/3—16/6 21/ -22/ 15/9-16/3 19/6-20/6 16/ -16/6 IRON. There is still no change to report in the position of the Scotch iron trade. The demand for pig iron is so heavy that makers are delivering more than they are producing, and stocks are decreasing. Haematite is strong, practically the entire output being consumed locally. Ordinary brands are more scarce owing to the fact that furnaces are being turned on to haematite production. Considerable surprise has been occasioned in local circles by a rumour that the Government intend to prohibit the import of Middles- brough pig iron into Scotland. Middlesbrough pig iron, which comes in about 20s. under the Scotch production, is largely used amongst founders, and is also more suitable than Scotch pig iron for the light casting trade. This latest restriction will, consequently, mean that a con- siderable advance will require to be made in finished material. Details are not yet to hand, but the opinion has been expressed that the depletion in Middlesbrough stocks, and the ability of the Scotch makers to meet the needs of local consumers, have been the principal reasons for this latest move. The prices of Scotch makers’ iron for export are unchanged, as follow:—Monkland and Carnbroe, f.a.s. at Glasgow, Nos. 1, 125s., Nos. 3, 120s.; Govan, No. 1, 122s. 6d., 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, and Dalmellington, at Ayr, Nos. 1, 126s. 6d., Nos. 3, 121s. 6d.; Shotts and Carron, at Leith, Nos. 1, 130s., Nos. 3, 125s. per ton. The pig iron warrant market is still suspended. Total stocks now amount to 32,376 tons, compared with 116,098 tons at the end of 1915. Business at the malleable iron works is extremely active. Makers are full up with orders both for their iron and their mild steel products, and deliveries are falling behind. Crown iron bars are quoted .£14 to .£14 5s. per ton, net, home or export. The demand for black sheets is as large as ever, particularly the heavy gauges, on behalf of the British and French Governments. The price for 7 to 11 b.g. is quoted about <£18 10s. per ton, Glasgow delivery. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. A fair business is being done in the Lothian coal trade at present. The collieries have booked a considerable amount of business recently, and the position has also been improved by the granting of a few more licences of late. Clearances for the past week reached the total of 35,771 tons, against 25,672 in the preceding week and 45,125 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Current L'st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. Best screened steam coal... 37/6-40/ 36/ -39/6 14/ -16/ Secondary qualities 36/ -38/ 36/6 i '13/6-15/ Treble nuts 23/ -25/ 23/ -25/ i 16/6-17/6 Double do 22/ -24/ 22/ -24/ 16/ —17/ Single do 21/ -22/ 21/ -22/ 1 15/6-16/ As in the west of Scotland district, the position in Fifeshire is adversely influenced by a scarcity of tonnage. All sorts of coal are plentiful, and values are declining. Shipments for the week amounted to 47,406 tons, against 53,658 in the previous week and 75,834 tons in the corresponding week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current prices. L'st week's tasty ear's prices. prices. Best screened navigation! coal ! 45/ -50/ 45/ -50/ 24/ -25/ Unscreened do ’ 40/ -45/ 40/ -45/ 22/ -23/ First-class steam coal 40/ -45/ 45/ -50/ 18/ -20/ Third-class do 35/ -36/ 35/ -40/ 13/6-16/ Treble nuts 23/ -25/ 23/ -25/ | 16/6-17/6 Double do 22/ -24/ 22/ -24/ i 16/ -17/ Single do 21/ -22/ 21/ -22/ 15/6-16/6 The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 192,699 tons, compared with 210,606 in the preceding week and 241,140 tons in the corre- sponding week of last year. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 97,604 tons of coal and 7,730 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year of 17,000 tons of coal, and an increase of 6,415 tons of coke. The Dunston clearances amounted to 38,470 tons of coal and 9,505 tons of coke, a decrease of 13,109 tons of coal, and an increase of 5,901 tons of coke. Thus, the total shipments from the two places mentioned amounted to 153,309 tons of coal and coke, as against 171,102 tons shipped during the corresponding week of 1915, a falling off of 17,793 tons. When compared with the clearances for the previous week, the figures show a decrease of 6,558 tons. The week under review has not differed to any great extent from other recent weeks, and business continues to be dominated by tonnage supply. During almost the whole period collieries have been “ gasping " for boats, and not a few have been seriously threatened with stoppages, which are particularly unde- sirable at the present time. One of the chief causes of the shortage is the extraordinarily long time which vessels have recently had to spend waiting for discharging turns at French ports, especially Bonen. It is now reported that the congestion of boats is rapidly diminishing, and it is hoped that the position at the port will be about normal in a week or so. Congestion at Bonen is by no means an uncommon circumstance, and there is no information as to what measures have been taken to prevent its recurrence. The establishment of the French Committee under the limitation scheme should help matters considerably. At the time of writing, collieries are not so badly placed for tonnage for this week, and quotations are firming up again. The following changes in f.o.b. prices for prompt shipment have occurred during the week:—Best steams, Blyths, easier; Tynes, 5s. down; seconds, Blyths, weaker; Tynes, 5s. reduced; unscreened, 6d. to 5s. less; smalls, Blyths, 2s. 6d. to 4s. decreased; specials, 2s. 6d. to 5s. reduced ; smithies, weaker; gas bests, Is. down; seconds, Is. to 2s. cheaper; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, easier; Northumbrians, 2s. lower; coking coals, 2s. 6d. down; smalls, Is. to 2s. down; and gas coke, 2s. 6d. to 4s. 6d. advanced. Other sorts of fuel are steady. There is now not nearly so much second-hand coal offering for June shipment, but, in odd instances, cargoes are still being picked up at considerably less than the prices quoted below. There is an improved feeling in the steam coal section, and producers, anticipating a better situation as regards tonnage, are indicating higher prices for July shipment. There is also an improved tone in gas coal, but bunkers are still offering plentifully and are weak. It is stated that a cargo of best Blyth steams for July loading has been disposed of at 55s. per ton f.o.b., and a parcel of similar quality smalls for like leading at 32s. 6d. per ton. Beyond these there have been no sales of note. In the forward market there is an enquiry from the Norwegian State Bailways for 15,000 tons of best Blyth steams for shipment to named ports during July. Several tenders are reported to have been telegraphed already, and offers are understood to be based on about 55s. per ton f.o.b. Beplies are expected in the course of a few days. Apropos of Norwegian business, there is no news yet regarding the recent enquiry from the Norwegian Navy for steams for delivery over the summer months. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Current L’stweek's Last year's Steam coals :— prices. 1 prices. prices. Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) ... 52/6-50/ : 55/ 20/ -21/ Do. Tynes (Bowers,&c.) 50/ -55/ i 50/ -60/ 20/ Secondary, Blyths Do. Tynes (Hastings 47/6-50/ ! 50/ i 17/ or West Hartleys) ... 50/ ■ 50/ -55/ i 17/ -17/6 Unscreened 37/6-40/ 31/ -32/6 j 38/ -45 i 15/ -16/ i 14/ -14/6 Small, Blyths ! 35/ Do. Tynes 27/6 ! 27/6 ! 14/ Do. specials Other sorts:— 30/ -32/6 i 35/ j I5/ “16/ Smithies Best gas coals (New 35/ -37/6 37/6 18/ -19/ Pelton or Holmside) Secondary gas coals 36/ ’ 36/ -37/ 20/ (Pelaw Main or similar) 33/ -34/ 34/ -36/ 17/ -18/ Special gas coals Unscreened bunkers, 37/6-40/ 37/6-40/ j 21/ I Durhams Do. do. 33/ -37/ 34/ -37/ j 16/ -19/ N orthumbr ians 36/ -38/ 38/ -40/. 16/ -17/ Coking coals 35/ ! 35/ -37/6 , 17/6-18/6 / 16/ -17/ Do. smalls 33/ -34/ ' 34/ -36/ House coals 50/ -55/ 50/ -55/ i 20/ Coke, foundry 43/6-47/6 43/6-47/6 37/6 Do. blast-furnace 43/6 43/6 28/ ■ 30/ ' 32 6 Do. gas 32 6 26/ -30/ Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 60,355 tons of coal and 1,515 tons of coke, as compared with 64,020 tons of coal and £65 tons of coke for the corre- sponding period of 1915, being a decrease of 3,665 tons of coal and 550 tons of coke. There is little change to report in the coal market. Slightly more tonnage appears to be available—at least for the Mediterranean ports—for which rates are a little lower, and the slackness in the French business is not so keenly felt. Best steam coals are firm owing to a short supply, coupled with a good enquiry, and command about 50s., and unscreened are moving off at 35s. Best gas coal is firmer at 37s. 6d., and second gas collieries have fuller turns, and are now quoting about 33s. Coking qualities are a shade stronger at 34s. to 35s. for unscreened, and 33s. 6d. for smalls. Bunkers are steady, with bests at 36s. and ordinary kinds at 33s. Coke is in strong request. Sellers are offering coals freely for July shipment, but so far the dearth of tonnage has limited transactions. It is understood that tenders for the Norwegian State Bailways