November 17, 1916. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN 963 Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. N ewcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 92,446 tons of coal and 2,773 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease of 1,537 tons of coal and 3,509 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 34,641 tons of coal and 11,502 tons of coke, an increase of 532 tons of coal and 9,543 tons of coke. Thus the total shipments from these two places amounted to 141,362 tons of coal and coke, an increase of 54,284 tons when compared with the figures for the previous week, and of 5,029 tons when compared with those for the corresponding week of last year, quite a good result in view of the great scarcity of tonnage. That scarcity has now become greatly minimised, the arrivals of vessels over the week-end being larger than many optimistic persons hoped for. The shortage has not dis- appeared, but the supply of shipping is, at the time of writing, sufficient to prevent the lying idle of collieries and to ensure clearance, at a fairly rapid rate, of considerable portions of the great accumulations of coal. Alterations in f.o.b. quotations during the past week have not been numerous, but the tone of the prompt market is much more buoyant than in the very recent past, Prices have undergone the following changes during the week:—Best Blyth steams are 2s. 6d. dearer ; unscreened steams, ditto; Bly th smalls, ditto; special smalls, stronger; gas bests, easier; foundry coke, 4s. to 5s. advanced ; and blast-furnace coke, 3s. to 4s. increased. The activity of the coke market is quite a feature at present, North France especially taking large quantities, in the aggregate, in small vessels. Forward business is somewhat checked by the incertitude as to tonnage supplies, especially as the Norwegian ship- owners do not appear to have yet composed their differences with merchants as to who shall pay the extra premiums for war risks. The only business of any consequence on offer is the supply of a quantity of 18,000 tons of best steams to the Danish State Railways during December, and 11,000 tons of Wear gas specials for delivery to a Danish municipal gasworks during the same month. Tenders in respect of these requirements were despatched on Wednes- day of this week. It is stated that local colliery fitters have agreed as to the inadvisability of permitting any fuel sales for restricted destinations at under the full maximum prices allowable under the schedules. Later.—Twenty thousand tons patent coke, for delivery over next year, have been sold at 36s. per ton. Further large quantities, for delivery respectively over three, six and twel t e months next year, have changed owners at from 35s. to 36s. The North-Eastern Railway Company is negotiating for annual supplies from 400,000 to 500,000 tons locomotive coal for Northern Division. This business will be transacted, prices permissible, under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act. The Norwegian State Railways invite immediate tenders for 10,000 tons of steams, for delivery from November 20 to December 20. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Steam coals:— Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) ... Do. Tynes (Bowers,&c.) Secondary, Blyths Do. Tynes (Hastings or West Hartleys) ... Unscreened Small, Blyths Do. Tynes Do. specials Other sorts:— Smithies Best gas coals (New Pelton or Holmside) Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) Special gas coals Unscreened bunkers, Durhams Do. do. N orthumbrians Coking coals Do. smalls House coals Coke, foundry Do. blast-furnace Do. gas Current prices. 30/ -35/ 30/ -32/6 27/6 27/6 20/ -25/ 20/ -22/6 17/6-20/ 21/ -22/6 20/ -22/6 27/6-30/ 21/ -23/ 30/ 18/ -20/ 20/ 20/ 18/ -20/ 30/ —35/ 40/ -45/ 36/ -39/ 33/ -35/ L’stweek’s prices. 30/ -32/6 30/ -32/6 27/6 27/6 20/ -22/6 20/ 17/6-20/ 20/ -22/6 20/ -22/6 30/ 21/ -23/ 30/ 18/ -20/ 20/ 20/ 18/ -20/ 30/ -35/ 36/ -/40 33/ -35/ 33/ -35/ Last year’s | prices. ; 19/6-20/ ; 18/9-19/6 | 16/6-17/ ' 17/ ! 15/6-16/6 10/9-11/ 10/6 12/6-13/ 16/6-17/6 19/3 16/6-17/ 20/ 16/6-17/6 15/6-16/6 16/6-17/6 16/ 20/ 30/ -35/ 30/ 27/ -29/ Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 56,200 tons of coal and 1,115 tons of coke, as compared with 60,898 tons of coal and 1,605 tons of coke for the corre- sponding period of 1915, being a decrease of 4,695 tons of coal and 490 tons of coke. A slightly better tone is Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Gas coals:— prices. prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals 30/ 30/ 20/ -20/6 Secondary do. House coals:— 26/ 25/6-26/ 17/ -17/6 Best house coals 30/ 30/ 22/6-23/ Ordinary do Other sorts:— 25/ 25/ 18/6-19/ Lambton screened 28/6 30/ 21/ South Hetton do 28/6 30/ 20/6-21/ Lamb ton unscreened ... 20/ 20/ 16/9-17/ South Hetton do 19/ 20/ 16/6-16/9 Do. treble nuts 23/ 23/6 17/6 Coking coals unscreened 21/ 21/6 17/3 Do. smalls 18/ . 18/6 17/ Smithies 19/ 19/ 18/6-19/ Peas and nuts 24/6 25/ 20/ -20/6 Best bunkers 19/ -20/ 23/ 17/6 16/9 Ordinary bunkers Coke 18/ 17/6 Foundry coke Blast-furnace coke (did. 37/ 37/6 35/6-36/ Teesside furnaces) ... 28/ 28/ — Gas coke 31/ 31/ 26/ -26/6 noted in the coal market, but business continues to be com- pletely at the mercy of tonnage supply, which is no better, and consequently very little is doing. Coal of all classes is offered freely for prompt shipment, and prices are simply nominal, depending more on individual bargaining than upon market values. The French Government is coming forward with an assurance scheme for neutral vessels which it is hoped will have the effect of inducing a better supply of tonnage ere long. So far as new business is concerned there is practically nothing doing, and the efforts of merchants are mainly concentrated in fulfilling existing orders, many of which are now far in arrears. A contract is reported for 20,000 tons of good foundry coke for monthly deliveries over next year at 36s. per ton. Outward chartering still continues to move very slowly owing to the dearth of tonnage. Limitation fixtures for France and Italy are very few, while for“outside ” destina- tions, rates are very firm and advancing. Recent fixtures include:—London, 14s.; Gothenburg, 30 kr.; Bergen, 32 kr.; Barcelona, 62s. 6d.; Malaga, 60s.; Valencia, 60s.; Alexan- dria, 62s. 6d.; Port Said, 62s. 6d.; Gibraltar, 45s.; Palermo, 67s. 6d. Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. Supply of tonnage shows improvement, but the bulk of the collieries are still far from having at their disposal full loading facilities. Prices generally show little change. Demand for gas coal is growing, but no difficulty is experienced in placing orders for best Durhams at 26s. 6d., whilst second qualities are in the neighbourhood of 20s. The feature of the market is the recovery in bunker coals. A renewal of demand has brought in buyers of ordinary Durhams at 18s., and from that to 19s. is quoted. Best Durham bunkers are put at 20s. Household coals present no new feature. Coking coals are well taken up, and prices are steady. Smalls are 18s. to 18s. 6d., and unscreened kinds range from 18s. to 20s. Coke continues in good request for local use, and values of the qualities needed are fully maintained notwithstanding the much more than ample supply. Average blastfurnace kinds remain at 28s. at the ovens, and up to 30s. 6d. at the ovens is still asked for qualities low in phosphorus. Best foundry coke for shipment runs from 35s. to 40s., and patent coke is round about 34s. Gas coke varies very considerably. As much as 34s. is asked by some sellers, but there are buyers who report that they can purchase at a good deal below that Only a moderate business is passing in Cleveland pig iron. Makers are well sold to the end of the year, and very little iron is purchasable for delivery before January. Home consumers generally, however, are well bought, and are not necessitated to place orders for early delivery, but they are putting out a good many enquiries with a view to arranging supplies over the early months of 1917, and they find producers willing to entertain offers for delivery after the turn of the year. Demand for shipment is heavy, and fairly large parcels are selling to our Allies, whilst under exceptional circumstances small sales to Scandinavia are permitted. For home consumption No. 3 Cleveland pig iron is 87s. 6d.; and that price also rules for No. 4 foundry, and for No. 4 forge; and No. 1 is quoted 91s. 6d. For ship- ment to our Allies No. 3 is 97s. 6d.; No. 4 foundry, 96s. 6d.; and No. 4 forge, 95s. 6d.; and for export to neutral countries No. 3 is 105s. and No. 1 110s. As regards east coast haematite iron, it is gratifying to learn that makers are decidedly less disinclined to ignore enquiries. Home con- sumers are well covered, and much less difficulty is experienced in securing permits for despatch to the Allies. France continues to take substantial supplies, and more iron is being sent to Italy. Nos. 1, 2 and 3 stand at 122s. 6d. for home use, 137s. 6d. for shipment to France, and 142s. 6d. for export to Italy. Imports of foreign ore to the port of Middlesbrough so far this month amount to 63,921 tons. In manufactured iron and steel pressure for delivery of war material continues, and considerable quantities of mercantile shipbuilding material are being turned out. Such work keeps producers very busy, and they are unable to deal with more than an inconsiderable percentage of ordinary commercial needs. Quotations all round are steady and firm. Cumberland. Mary port. COAL. The Cumberland coal trade is in a remarkable state of activity, and the busiest season of the year is now in full swing. A phenomenal demand for coal prevails. All branches are experiencing the greatest pressure, require- ments are increasing more quickly than they can be coped with and the scarcity on both local and coastwise accounts is now more pronounced. Enquiries are made for all classes of fuel in both the home and export markets and local needs are now almost large enough to absorb the entire output. A shortage this week even on home account is observable, and small coal has had to be imported from outside districts in order to keep the by-product coke ovens in full operation. The collieries have sufficient orders on hand to keep them busy for some weeks, and one or two of the pits are at present so actively engaged in dealing with local manufacturing requirements that they have little or none to spare for the export market. Requirements on all accounts are very much larger than can be satisfied. Some idea of the enormous pressure which is being experienced in the home branches may be gathered from the fact that at Mary port last week two of the large collieries were only able to send little more than a thousand tons each to the Irish market. All the pits are working regularly and out- puts are now more satisfactory than they have been for some weeks. By order of the Ministry of Munitions no fairs were held in this neighbourhood during Martinmas and there is every reason to believe that this had the effect of preventing a good deal of absenteeism at the pits. Every effort is still being made to induce the men to work regularly in order to keep the output as high as possible. Landsale is brisker than it was a week ago and the majority of the depots have more business on hand than they can cope with for some weeks. Local merchants are still hampered by the scarcity of suitable labour for carting. Locomotive fuels for the local railways are in very brisk demand and gas coal is very firm, but supplies are not too plentiful and the only stocks going away at present are on contract. There is a clamorous demand for all classes of industrial fuel and local manufacturing requirements, which are at present very large, and likely to be very much larger before the end of the year, when more furnaces are put into blast. The stormy weather has interfered considerably with the cross-channel trade during the last few days. Only six steamers have sailed since last week, and several vessels which usually make three trip’ have only made one this week. All sorts are in very brisk demand for the Irish market, but supplies are scarce, and it is still impossible to cope with requirements. The shipments of the week have amounted to 2,010 tons, compared with 2,340 tons this time last year, or a decrease of 1,195 tons compared with the previous week. One cargo has been shipped to Belfast, another to Dublin and the remainder has been consigned to Larne and Carrickfergus. Coke makers are very busy all over the county, and when it is possible to secure sufficient coal, the majority of the coke ovens are in full blast. The entire output is going to the West Cumberland blastfurnaces. Business is still very brisk in the by-products trade and all the plants in this district are working at their fullest capacity. Prices of all varieties are firm, but unchanged. Best Cumberland coal at the pit is quoted at from 22s. 6d. to 23s. 4d. per ton, with best washed nuts at from 20s. lOd. to 21s. 3d. per ton. Best export coal f.o.b. at Maryport is 19s. 6d. per ton, with best washed nuts at 17s. 6d. per ton. Best gas coal is 20s. per ton, with washed nuts at 19s. per ton, delivered in the district. Bunkers are in very firm demand at from 21s. 6d. to 30s. per ton. At Maryport, best house coal is quoted at from Is. 5|d. to Is. 6d. per cwt., or from 27s. 6d. to 28s. 4d. per ton. At Workington best house coal delivered is from Is. 3d. to Is. 4d. per cwt. or from 24s. 2d. to 25s. lOd. per ton. Other current quotations are as follow:— Best Cumberl’nd coal at pit Best washed nuts at pit... Buckhill best coal „ ... Do. double-scrned washed nuts at pit Oughterside best coal at Fit Oughterside best washed nuts at pit St. Helens (Siddick) best coal at pit St. Helens best house nuts at pit Best dry small at pit Best steam nuts „ Best Cumberl’nd coal, f.o.b. Best washed nuts, f.o.b. ... Best bunkers (coastwise) Do. (for foreign-going steamers) Bunkers (mixed nuts and steam coal) (coastwise) Do. (foreign) Best coal for gasworks ... Best washed nuts for gas- works Current prices. 23/4 21/3 22/6 21/ 22/6 21/ 22/6 21/ 12/6 19/ 19/6 17/6 25/ 30/ 21/6 25/ 20/ 19/ L’st week’s prices. 23/4 21/3 22/6 21/ 22/6 21/ 22/6 21/ 12/6 19/ 19/6 17/6 25/ 30/ 21/6 25/ 20/ 19/ Last year’s prices. 23/4 21/3 22/6 21/ 22/6 21/ 22/6 21/ 12/ 19/ 19/6 17/6 19/ 19/ 17/ -17/6 17/ -17/6 20/ 19/ IRON. There is no new feature of interest to record this week in connection with the Cumberland and North Lancashire haematite iron trade. Business is as brisk as ever, the clamour for iron is undiminished, and there is feverish activity in every department of the iron and steel industry. For some weeks there has been a scarcity of raw materials, more particularly iron ore, and smelters have had some difficulty in maintaining all the furnaces in full blast. Indeed, a week or two ago it was feared that one or two of the furnaces, which depend largely on imported ore, might have to be damped down for a short period, on this account. Since then, however, some good consignments of foreign ore have arrived by boat, and smelters are now receiving sufficient of both native and foreign ore to keep all their furnaces in full operation. Makers are doing all they can to secure as large an output as possible, and the entire make is going into immediate use. The demand for metal, both ordinary and special, is unprecedented. The bulk of the requirements of low phosphorus iron still come from the high class steel makers in Scotland and the Midlands, but since the Government took control of the distribution, good consignments are now being sent away to consumers in other parts of the country. Local needs are also in- creasing, and practically the whole of the output of Bessemer is now required for use at the steelworks. Several furnaces in the district are almost ready for lighting, and it is fully expected that one or two will be put into draught during the next few weeks. Makers cannot possibly cope with the demand, and the needs of local and outside consumers are now so large that even if the output was increased by 20 or 30 per cent., it would still be short of actual requirements. Stocks of pig iron in public stores are still very low. With the demand for metal so much in excess of the supply, prices are easily maintained at the Government maximum, and Bessemer mixed numbers are again quoted at 127s. 6d. per ton f.o.t., with warrants at cash at 115s. per ton. Special iron is 140s. per ton, and semi-special is quoted at 135s. 6d. per ton f.o.t. There has been no increase in production since last week, and the number of furnaces in blast in this locality is 29, 20 of which are in Cumberland and the remaining nine in the Furness district. The Workington Iron and Steel Com- pany have 12 furnaces in blast, 10 at Workington and two at Maryport. Millom have four furnaces in operation, Dis- tington and Cleator Moor have two each in blast, and in the Furness area Barrow have five, while Carnforth and North Lonsdale have each two furnaces blowing. The steel in- dustry is very actively engaged on special work for the Government, and outputs at both Barrow and Work- ington are still expanding. Steel rails, light sections are from .£12 to <£12 10s. per ton, with heavy sections from <£10 17s. 6d. to <£11 10s. per ton, and billets are in firm demand at <£12 per ton All the engineering shops in the district are very busy on Government work. The Cumberland iron ore industry is in a very prosperous condition. There is a strong and growing demand for all varieties of local ore, and all the mines in this neighbour- hood are working at their fullest capacity. Production is now fairly satisfactory, but there is still barely sufficient for all requirements. Prices are firm but unaltered. Best sorts are 38s. per ton; good ordinary grades are from 21s.