THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. ________________________________________________________________________________ November 24, 1916. 1017 of the pots being utilised. Galvanised sheets are quoted at <£28 10s. to £29, and black £19 (unpainted). There are signs of more strength in pig iron, the lower grades of which have been weak. Buyers, however, are still strong enough to get concessions, though on a reduced scale, but there is a good deal of irregularity. Some Staffordshire and Derbyshire makes average about Is. below the maxi- mum, and Northamptonshire about 2s. 6d. for some brands. Foundry qualities are in brisk request. The scrap market tends to firmness, both wrought iron and steel melting scrap. There have been .three rises in copper sheets within the last week or 10 days of £4 and £6 and £6 respectively, making the basis the abnormal one of £184, the highest figure ever reached. A fair amount of business has been done recently, and American supplies of copper are on the short side. ________ ________ Forest of Dean. Lydney. COIL. The scarcity of house coal and the inadequacy of avail- able supplies to meet the requirements of merchants continues to be the position in this district. That the volume of coal produced is considerably below the demand is evident by a glance at the enormous number of accumu- lated orders at all the collieries. Heavy trainloads are daily consigned along the line, but shipments are not satisfactory at the moment, owing to bad weather and lack of tonnage. Steam coals continue in heavy request, and it is a matter of impossibility to meet the demand with anything like prompt despatch. Prices at pithead. Current L’st week’s Last year’s House coals:— prices. prices. prices. Block 24/ 24/ 21/6 Forest 23/ 23/ 20/6 Rubble 23/3 23/3 20/9 Nuts 21/6 21/6 19/ Rough slack Steam coal.— 13/ 13/ 11/6 Large 20/ 20/ 18/ -19/ Small 16/ -17/ 16/6-17/ 14/ -15/ Prices 2s. extra f.o.b. Lydney or Sharpness. ________ _______ Devon, Cornwall, and South Coast. Plymouth. COAL. Messrs. W. Wade and Son report that supplies of house, steam and gas coal are now coming forward with regularity, and house coal merchants, in many cases, have been able to accumulate stocks of fuel. Steam coal merchants and factories are not quite so favourably placed. Prices continue firm. Gas coke is particularly scarce at present, and users find considerable difficulty in obtaining full supplies. ___________________________________________________ THE WELSH COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, November 23. ___________________________________________________ Monmouthshire, South Wales, Ac. Newport. COAL. The weak conditions lately prevailing in the steam coal market continue without any relief, the slackness being even more pronounced now than for many months past. Tonnage arrivals have been on a scale wholly insufficient to hold up last week’s values for prompt shipment, the acute position at collieries making for keen cutting in all cases where coal can be promptly handled. Pit stoppages have been frequent and serious, with little relief in prospect. Despite these unfavourable conditions, and a freight market which presents no encouraging features, colliery salesmen are quoting firmly for all December business. Smalls and large coals of all descriptions show much weak- ness, the only strong feature being pitwood, which, on lessened arrivals, is being quoted up to 48s. and 49s. per ton for good wood ex ship. The amount of home-grown timber now coming into the district is not so large as it was, cutting being doubtless affected by the scarcity of suitable labour. Prices f.o.b. cash 30 days. Cardiff. COAL. It is extremely difficult to write with exactitude about the position of the Cardiff coal market. Conditions vary immensely according to the necessities of individual buyers and purchasers, and concessions are being made of such magnitude that it is almost impossible to give even an approximate idea of market values. As indicated last week, there were stoppages at certain collieries owing to shortage of wagons. The position improved later in the week, and tonnage arrived more freely, with the result that shipments were heavier. Collieries, however, were still hard pressed for wagons, and middlemen with settled contracts were pressed to take delivery, with the result that many transactions took place at figures much below the nominal quotations. It was currently reported on ’Change that some of the best coals had been negotiated at as low as 25s., but this, of course, was no indication of market values, and only emphasised the straits that some people were put to in order to keep things going. As a matter of fact, the market generally has been depressed, and stocks have accumulated to such an extent that several weeks must elapse before the pressure is relieved. Best Admiralties are still reserved by the Government, but seconds and ordinaries have been freely offered. The former are 29s. to 30s., and ordinaries 27s. to 28s. The same position has prevailed with regard to Monmouthshires. Tonnage has been scarce, and with a reduction in the per- centage of absenteeism there has been more coal produced than the limited facilities of transport could handle. The result has been a further decline in rates. Best Black Veins have been done at 29s. to 30s., western valleys 28s. to 29s., and easterns 26s. to 28s., with a slight decrease for inferior grades. The small coal market has been weak, and prices have gone down to a fraction below limitation rates. Best bunkers are 18s. to 20s., ordinaries 18s. to 19s., and cargo qualities 16s. to 18s. per ton. In the bituminous section, although the demand is good, buyers are unwilling to pay the prices previously asked, owing to the decreased quotations for steams, and the tendency is generally easier. No. 3 Rhondda large is 28s. to 30s., No. 2 26s. to 28s., and other grades in proportion. Patent fuel is lower owing to the decreased price of small, and the general rate is 37s. 6d. to 40s. per ton. Coke is still scarce and unchanged. Pitwood imports have been lower, and the price has risen to 47s. to 48s. per ton, and even 50s. has been obtained during the last few days. Shipments last week amounted to 330,052 tons, compared with 397,163 tons in the corresponding week of last year, or a decrease of 67,111 tons. From Cardiff there were exported 182,561 tons, against 193,947 tons, of which 76,453 tons went to France, 40,604 tons to Italy, 46,642 tons to British and Allied depots, and 18,862 tons to neutrals. Newport shipments were 72,605 tons, against 52,633 tons in the corresponding period, of which 40,688 tons went to France and 15,583 to various depots. Swansea shipments were 48,927 tons, against 65,204 in the corresponding period, of which 39,802 tons went to France. Port Talbot exports showed a great decrease, only amounting to 25,959 tons, against 85’379 in the corresponding week of last year. Of this total 20,732 tons went to France. Patent fuel shipments were rather heavier, Cardiff being respon- sible for 3,340 tons, Newport 3,355 tons, and Swansea 22,473 tons, but these figures of course; as in the case of coal, do not represent shipments made on Admiralty account. Charterings were again low, the amount of tonnage taken up being only 76,850 tons, against 68,470 tons in the preceding six days, or an increase of 8,380 tons. Speaking generally, the tone of the market is steady, from the point of view of influence, but there is some uneasiness as to the attitude of the miners on the wages question. There is undoubtedly a great feeling of unrest in many districts, and the miners feel that they are not being fairly dealt with. Demands for increases have been put forward, and the owners claim a decrease, but the margin is so wide that there is no hope of mutual settlement, and Mr. Runciman has undertaken to make personal investigation as to the position. Both sides have great faith in Mr. Runciman’s business capability to grasp the situation, and it is hoped that he may be able to arrive at such a decision as will stave off any rupture until, at all events, the conclusion of the war. The official returns for the month of October are now to hand, and they show a large increase in the exports as compared with a year ago. From the Bristol Channel ports the shipments were 1,600,429 tons, against 1,482,104 tons in the corresponding period, or an improvement of 118,325 tons. From Cardiff the exports were 927,862 tons, against 706,630 tons; from Newport 361,952 tons, against 169,185 tons; from Port Talbot 137,177 tons, compared with 144,966 tons; and from Swansea 143,034 tons, against 451,572 tons in the corresponding period of 1915. Most of the increases recorded are to French and Allied ports, although in the case of Italy itself there is a falling off. IRON. There is no change in the tinplate trade, but the position is such that a conference of manufacturers has been held with the object of fixing minimum rates in order to steady the market. Many mills are idle, and men are being con- tinually drafted off to steel works. In fact there is little business being done except on Government account, and makers view with grave apprehension the prospect of curtailing production, whilst the Americans are doing their best to capture the Welsh markets. Quotations for all grades are nominal, but substantial concessions are obtain- able for Government contracts, and in fact it is only Class A and B work that can secure the requisite steel bars and acid for production. There is again a decrease of galvanised sheets, but most makers are engaged in rolling sheets of a heavier make for trench purposes. Shipments of tin plates last week were 21,450 boxes against 14,788 boxes received from works, leaving in stock 120,957 boxes. Spelter has again advanced to £56 10s. per ton. Pig iron is nominal; Welsh steel bars the same, and all production is under Government control. The iron ore trade is unaltered. Swansea. COAL. There was a good attendance on ’Change, but slow condi- tions still prevailed in the anthracite coal market. Tonnage arrivals over the week-end were few, and chartering was almost at a standstill, with the result that all grades of coal were generally weak. Large descriptions were freely offered, and machine-made cobbles, nuts and beans could be obtained at less than quoted prices Peas remained steady, and rubbly culm and duff slightly easier. Steam coals were very weak, particularly in the case of bunker through, and considerable concessions could be obtained in some cases for early shipments. Prices are all net f.o.b. (cash in 30 days). Current L’st week’s Last year’s Anthracite:— prices. prices. prices. Best malting large (hand picked) 31/ -33/ 31/ -33/ 36/ -37/6 Secondary do. 28/ -30/ 28/ -30/ l ! 34/6-36/ Big Vein Valley large... 25/ -28/ 26/ -29/ ( 36/6-37/6 Red Vein large 247 -26/ 25/ -27/ I 32/ -35/ Machine-made cobbles 40/ —42/ 40/ -42/ ! Paris nuts j 43/ -45/ French do 40/ -42/ 40/ -42/ 47/ -49/6 Stove do 40/ —41/ 40/ —41/ ! 44/ -47/6 Beans 30/ -31/ 30/ -31/ 32/ -34/6 Machine - made large peas 20/ -22/' 20/ -22/6 ! 18/6-19/6 Do. fine peas — — i — Rubbly culm 12/6-13/ 14/ -14/6 ; 8/ - 9/ Duff 6/ - 6/6 6/ - 6/6 , 2/6- 3/ Steam coals:— Best large 29/ -31/ i 32/ -33/ i 20/ -24/ Seconds 27/ -28/ 30/ -31/ 1 17/ -19/ Bunker throughs 23/ -26/ 24/ -28/ 1 13/ -14/6 Small 16/ -20/ 17/ -20/ ; 6/ - 8/ Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Rhondda— | Large 30/ -32/ 30/ -33/ . 23/ -26/ Thr o’-and-thro’ - - i - Small 18/ -22/ 18/ -22/ ' 15/ -16/ Patent fuel 38/ -40/ 38/ -40/ ' 22/ -23/ Prices f.o.b. Cardiff (except where otherwise stated). Steam coals:— | Best Black Vein large...j Western-valleys, ordin’y Best Eastern-valleys ...! Secondary do. ...' Best small coals ..... Secondary do......... Inferior do........... Screenings ........... Through coals ........ Best washed nuts...... Other sorts:— Best house coal....... Secondary do......... Patent fuel .......... Furnace coke.......... Foundry coke ......... Current prices. 30/ -31/ 29/ -30/ 27/ -28/ 24/ -25/ 19/ -20/ 17/ -19/ 16/ -17/ 19/6-20/ 20/ -23/ 25/ -27/ L’st week’s prices. 32/ -33/ 30/ -31/ 29/ -30/ 25/ -27/6 20/ -22/ 19/ -20/ 17/ -19/ 21/ -22/ 23/ —25/ 26/ -28/ Last year’s prices. 18/ -18/6 17/ -17/6 16/6-17/ 16/ -16/6 11/ -12/ 9/6-10/ 6/6- 7/6 14/ -15/ 15/6-16/ 24/ -26/6 22/ -24/ 37/6-40/ 50/ -52/6 57/6-60/ 24/ -26/6 22/ -24/ 37/6-40/ 50/ -52/6 57/6-60/ 22/ -24/ 21/ —22/ 24/ -24/6 32/ -34/ 36/ -38/ IRON. The conditions of the local iron and steel trades remain very much as a week ago, extreme activity being reported from all departments. Works being well booked for some time ahead, makers are not at present seeking for any further commitments. Tin-platejand sheet-bar mills continue very busy, as also are the rail mills, prices in these depart- ments keeping very firm. Blastfurnaces are being kept working at full pressure, with an unabated demand, and very little free pig iron is to be had. There is no altera- tion in late ruling values, which are very firm. Iron ore imports are arriving in fair quantity. There is but little improvement in the tinplate trade, and not much new business doing at the moment owing to the prevailing adverse conditions. Steam coals:— Best Admiralty steam coals ................ Superior seconds...... Seconds .............. Ordinary steams ...... Best bunker smalls.... Best ordinaries....... Cargo qualities....... Inferior smalls ...... Best dry coals ....... Ordinary drys ........ Best washed nuts ..... Seconds .............. Best washed peas...... Seconds .............. Dock screenings ...... Monmouthshire— Black Veins ........ Western-valleys .... Eastern-valleys .... Inferior do......... Bituminous coals:— Best house coals (at pit) Second qualities (at pit) No. 3 Rhondda— Bituminous large.... Through-and-through Small ........ ..... No. 2 Rhondda— Large............... Through-and-through Small .............. Best patent fuel ....... Seconds ................ Special foundry coke ... Ordinary do. ........... Furnace coke ........... Pitwood (ex-ship) ...... Current prices. 29/ -30/ 28/ -29/ 18/ -20/ 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ 15/ —16/ 30/ -31/ 27/6-30/ 30/ -31/ 29/ -30/ 29/ -30/ 28/ —29/ 29/ -30/ 28/ -29/ 26/ -28/ 25/ -26/ 25/6-26/6 24/6-25/6 29/ -30/ 24/ -25/ 20/ -22/ 28/ -30/ 20/ —22/6 18/ -20/ 39/ -40/ 37/6-39/ 62/6-67/6 55/ -60/ 50/ -55/ 46/ -48/ * Nominal. L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. __* __* 30/ -31/ 29/ -30/ 20/ -22/ 20/ -21/ 18/ -20/ 17/ —18/ 30/ -31/ 28/ -30/ 30/ —32/ 30/ -31/ 30/ -31/ 29/ -30/ 30/ -31/ 29/ -30/ 28/ -29/ 27/ -28/ 17/6-19/ 11/6-12/ 10/ -11/ 7/6- 8/ 6/ - 7/ 23/ -24/ 21/ -22/ 24/ -25/ 22/ -23/ 17/6-18/6 15/6-16/6 10/ -12/ 18/ -19/ 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ 15/ -16/ 25/6-26/6 23/ -24/ 23/6-24/6 22/ -22/6 30/ -31/ 23/ -24/ 27/ -28/ 21/6-22/6 25/ -26/ 19/ -20/ 29/ -30/ 22/ -24/6 19/ -20/ 41/ -42/6 40/ -41/ 64/6-67/6 55/ -60/ i 50/ -55/ j 46/ -47/ 15/ -16/ i 13/6-14/ 10/ -11/ ! 24/ -25/ I 22/ -23/ 38/ -42/ 1 36/ -38/ I 30/ -32/ 51/6-52/6 Llanelly. COAL. The shortage of tonnage is upsetting all arrangements on the market here, and until tonnage arrivals are much more satisfactory, the tone of the market will remain weak. Prices for most qualities are irregular, and for prompt shipment concessions in value are obtainable. Collieries are experiencing many idle days, and both colliery and docks sidings are congested with hea*y stocks. Orders are very plentiful, but owing to the difficulty of giving clear- ance both buyers and sellers are severely handicapped by the tonnage position. Anthracite large qualities are very weak, and machine-made qualities have also an easier tone. The idle days at the collieries affect the supply of beans and peas and nuts, thus helping to maintain a steadier tone for these qualities. Steam coals are also affected by the tonnage question, and throughs and smalls are very easy. Large steams of the better qualities maintain a steadier enquiry. The inland market continues active, and as consumers are able to get better despatch for most qualities, orders are coming in very freely. A better tonnage supply would immediately harden the position^ of all qualities. Manufacturing coals are firm, with local works taking heavy supplies. House coals are also in strong demand, and there are no stocks on hand. This week’s quotations are approximately as follow :— Current Anthracite:— prices. Best malting large.... 31/6-32/6 Secondary do________ 29/ -30/ Big Vein large........ 26/ -28/6 Red Vein do.......... 24/6-27/ .......... Machine-made cobbles... 39/6—42/ Stove nuts............ 39/6-41/6 French do............. 40/ -42/ Paris do........... 39/6—41/ Machine-made beans ... 28/6-29/6 Do. peas.... 20/ -22/ Culm ................ 13/ -13/6 .................. Duff.................. 6/ - 6/6 Other sorts:— Large steam coal...... 31/6-32/6 ................ Through-and-through... 24/6-28/ Small ................ 18/ -20/ Bituminous small coal... 18/6—21/ L’st week’s prices. 31/6-32/6 29/ -30/ 26/ -28 6 24/6-27/ 39/6-42/ 39/6-41/6 40/ -42/ Last year’s prices. 35/ -37/ 33/ -35/ 35/ -37/ 32/ -34/ 42/ -44/ 43/ -45/ 45/ -47/ 39/6-41/ ; 43/ -45/6 28/6-29/6 31/ -32/ 20/ -22/ 13/ -13/6 6/ - 6/6 31/6-32/6 24/6-28/ 18/ -20/ 18/6-21/ 19/ -20/ 7/6- 8/6 2/6- 3/6 22/ -24/ 13/6-15/ 6/ - 8/ 15/6-16/6