1070

December 1, 1916.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

________________________________________________________________________________

factory, enabling’merchants to give better attention to their
customers. This week’s quotations are approximately as
follow:

Prices f.o.b.

Current
Anthracite:—	prices.

Best malting large .... 29/6-32/

........

Secondary do........ 27/6-30/
Big Vein large........ 25/6-28/
Bed Vein do........... 24/ —25/

Machine-made cobbles... 37/6-40/6
Stove nuts........................ 37/6-39/6

French do...........! 38/ -40/
Paris do........... 37/ -39/6
Machine-made beans ... 28/6-29/6

Do. peas....■ 20/ -22/

.................

Culm ...............{ 10/6—11/6

Duff..................! 6/ - 6/6

Other sorts :—	|

Large steam coal...... 27/ -28/6
Through-and-through... ’ 19/6-22/6
Small .....................'..j	13/6-17/

Bituminous small coal... 17/ —19/6

L’st week’s Last year’s

prices. prices.
31/6-32/6 35/ -37/
29/ -30/	33/ -35/

26/ -28,6 35/ -37/
24/6-27/ : 31/ -33/
39/6-42/ ; 42/ -44/
39/6-41/6 ; 44/6-47/
jn/	a<~> I I Ah a ah/

101 -42/
39/6-41/
28/6-29/6
20/ —22/
13/ -13/6

6/ - 6/6

31/6-32/6
21/6-28/
18/ -20/
18/6-21/

47/6-49/
46,6-47/
31/ -32/
19/ -20/

7/6- 8/6
2/6- 3/6

22/ -24/

13/6-15/

6/ - 8/

15/6-16/6

________________________________________________________

THE IRISH COAL TRADE.

Thursday, November 30.

____________________________
_____

____________

Dublin.

Demand is improving as the season advances, and there
has been no change in prices of any class of fuel since last
report. Judging from the stocks held, there appears to be
no immediate prospect of a shortage of coal, although it is
anticipated that there will be increased difficulty in obtain-
ing supplies for the next few months. The conveyance of
coal inland is somewhat hampered by the shortage of rail-
way wagons. Current prices are as follow :—Best Orrell,
44s. per ton net; Yorkshire brights, 43s.; best Wigan, 42s.;
best slack, 36s. ; retail prices, 2s. lOd. to 3s. per sack of
10 st.; best coke, 44s. per ton in the city; steam coal, about
40s. per ton. Irish coals from the Wolfhill Collieries,
Queen’s County, are : Malting, gas, and house coal, 45s.
per ton; steam coal, 20s. to 40s.; culm, 12s. to 15s. per ton
—all f.o.r. Athy. The price of turf is now 10s. per load in
some districts, the former price being 5s. per load. The
manufacture of briquettes has been resumed, and wood
blocks are being sold freely at the labour yards from Is. 8d.
to 2s. petr cwt. The coal vessels arriving during the past
week amounted to 55, as compared with 69 .the week pre-
viously, chiefly from Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Ayr,
Whitehaven, Garston, Troon, Birkenhead, Ellesmere Port,
Newport, Point of Aire, Preston, Maryport, Cardiff, Irvine,
Partington, Silloth, Neath Abbey, Swansea, and Ardrossan.
The total quantity of coal discharged upon the quays was
22,000 tons, as against 27,000 tons in the previous week.

Belfast.

There is little or no change in any direction, but business
in most* qualities has improved considerably, and the trade
is now fairly brisk. Quotations for house coals are as
follow :—Best Arley, 41s, per ton; second Orrell, 40s.; Orrell
nuts, 40s.; Scotch, 37s.; Orrell slack, 37s.—all less Is. per
ton discount. Approximate prices of steam coal run from
about 35s. to 40s. per ton; best gas coke, 37s. 6d. to 40s.;
and foundry coke, 60s. to 63s. per ton. Coal-laden vessels
arriving during the week were chiefly from Ellesmere Port,
Troon, Cardiff, Ayr, Partington, Ardrossan, Garston,
Glasgow, Silloth, and Preston. The total number of
colliers entering the harbour from November 5 to 18 was
108. At a meeting of the Omagh Board of Guardians last
week, it was stated that steps were being taken to open the
Tyrone coal fields at Coalisland, and that there was every
prospect of them being worked on a very large scale.

_________________________________________________

THE LONDON COAL TRADE.

Thursday, November 30.

__________________

_____________

_______

The market for the past week has slightly eased its posi-
tion. The mild weather during the past week has to a certain
extent enabled merchants to obtain a fairly good quantity,
and stocks have improved somewhat, but the return to colder
conditions has increased the demand, and the position on the
market is again very acute. The depot returns show an
increasing number of orders, and carmen and loaders have
been very busy dealing with the orders on hand. In many
cases the balance of old unexecuted orders have not been
quite cleared up, and the quantity coming forward to London
shows very little increase. Colliery companies are still
refusing all further orders, and factors have all their contract
coal ear-marked, so that very little free coal is obtainable
on the open market. The attendance has been fairly good,
and all kinds of coal are in good demand. Hard steam coals
are very scarce, owing <to the increasing demand for Govern-
ment use and for large manufacturers, so that the provincial
demand absorbs the bulk of the quantity, and leaves very
little for the Metropolis. House coals are moving freely,
and the difficulties in obtaining boats for the shipping centres
have 'occasionally set free a better tonnage for the London
market. The seaborne market has been steady, and the
quantity coming forward has improved; 41 vessels were
returned for Monday’s market as entering the River Thames,
and four for Wednesday, but as all the coal was contract
cargoes, there was no ease for open sale buyers in this
direction. Gas works are very busy now, and the electric
works are all in full swing, as the shorter days and long
nights are now at their worst. Slacks are still plentiful, and
the bulk of the factories on the riverside are making the best
use of this class of fuel. In the freight market, new charter-
ing has been, to a large extent, at a standstill, owing to the
scarcity of boats. The licences have been coming forward
somewhat easier, and steam coals have been loaded readily
in the Humber ports. Prices are still firmly held. South
Yorkshire hards fetch 30s. per ton f.o.b., and Derbyshire
hards 29s. Gas coal, 26s. The London market prices are
unchanged. Barnsley and South Yorkshire Silkstone are
round about 20s. per'ton at pit: Derby brights, 18s.;
Warwickshire and Leicester coals, 17s. to 18s. 6d.; kitchener
cobbles. 16s. 6d. to 17s.; and bakers’ nuts, 16s. to 17s. The
scarcity of wagons has become more acute during the week,
and many collieries report having lost time in consequence.
Durham steam coals are quoted at 27s. per ton f.o.b. Tyne;
gas coal, 25s. 6d.; bunker coals, 19s. 6d. best, 18s. seconds.
South Wales prices are slightly higher. The best

Admiralties are still controlled by the Government, but
seconds are quoted at 27s. 6d. per ton f.o.b.; Monmouth-
shire Black Vein, 29s.; Western Valleys, 28s.; and Eastern
Valleys, 26s. 6d.; patent fuel at 38s. During the week the
Coal Merchants’ Society of London have held a special
meeting in connection with the wharf managers and depot
clerks. Hitherto these men have been on the exempted list,
but the recent legislation has withdrawn this privilege, and
now they are all liable to be called up if within the age limit
for the war. A deputation waited upon the authorities, but
no modification could be obtained.

__________________________

From Messrs. Dinham Fawcus and Company’s Report.

Friday, November 24.—Seaborne house coal remains in
demand, but no supplies forthcoming at present to offer.
Cargoes, 30.

Monday, November 27.—The demand for seaborne house
coal continued good to-day, but supplies still scarce. No
sales reported. Cargoes, 40.

Wednesday, November 29.—There was no alteration in
the seaborne house coal market to-day, no cargoes being on
offer. Cargoes, 4.

___________________________

COASTWISE SHIPMENTS IN OCTOBER.

According to the returns issued by the Commissioners
of H.M. Customs and Excise, the following quantities
of coal were shipped coastwise from the United Kingdom
during October:—

From	Total	cargo.	Total bunker.	
	1915.	1916.	1915.	1916.
Bristol Channel ports 	  North-western ports 			  North-eastern ports 	  Humber ports	  Other ports on east coast	  Other English ports 		Tons.  157,525 223,688 518,865  88,181  3,280 2,628	Tons.  93,919  266,971  494,200  62,462  534  4,251	Tons.  11,551 51,760 36,991  8,535 12,307 1,503	Tons.  9,775  48,486  21,393  7,522  7,835 2,040
Total from England and Wales		994,167	922,337	122,647	97,051
Ports on east coast of Scotland	  Ports on west coast of Scotland		50,414  133,944	45,951  !	132,459	8,940  22,376	8,002  18,424
Total from Scotland	 ;	!	184,358	178,410	31,316	26,426
Irish ports 	 j	—	110	2,599	2,818
Total from United Kingdom 		1,178,525	1,100,857 i	156,562	126,295

The destination of cargo shipments was as follows

To ports in
England and Wales	.....

Scotland.........
Ireland .........

Oct. 1915. Oct. 1916.

Tons.	Tons.

751,014 ... 652,191

50,398 ...	31,836

377,113 ... 416,830

_____________________________

TRADE AND THE WAR.

The British Ropeway Engineering Company Limited, 34,
Fenchurch-street, London, E.C., recently purchased from the
Controller of the Board of Trade the enemy business of
Bleichert’s Aerial Transporters Limited, of Egypt House,
New Broad-street, E.C.

A new list of additions to the Statutory List of firms of
enemy nationality or enemy association with whom persons
in the United Kingdom are forbidden to trade has been
published. Copies of the list can be obtained for 3d. from
Messrs. Wyman and Sons, Fetter-lane, E.C.; or H.M.
Stationery Office (Scottish branch), 23, Forth-street, Edin-
burgh.

By -a Proclamation regarding contraband, the following
amendments in previous lists are made :—For “ emery,
corundum, natural and artificial (alundum), and carborundum
in all forms,” substitute “ emery, corundum, carborundum,
and all other abrasive materials, whether natural or arti-
ficial, and the manufactures thereof.”

The British Legation has informed importers of coal, says'
The Times Copenhagen correspondent, that in case they
take any part in the importation or distribution of German
coal or re-sell British coal to merchants who buy German
coal, they will not be able to obtain British licences. The
coal firms have consequently demanded guarantees from
retailers that they will not use German and British coal
indiscrim ina tely.

In modification of the notice issued in the Press on
September 11, 1916, it is announced that the restrictions on
the importation of pitch into Norway will be cancelled,
and that consideration will again be given to the grant of
licences for the exportation of reasonable quantities to that
country.

The Board of Trade desires ro impress upon all traders the
urgent importance of taking every step in their power to
avoid delays to wagons, both in loading and unloading. The
saving of a day all round means in effect a substantial addi-
tion to the rolling stock of the country. Economy and
despatch in the use of sheets for covering wagons is also
of great importance. The Board of Trade have urged the
railway companies on their part to adopt all possible measures
to expedite the handling of the traffic.

_____________________________

Messrs. Evan Thomas Radcliffe and Company, Cardiff,
have acquired three steamers of 8,000 tons carrying capacity
each from builders at Sunderland and Stockton-on-Tees for
£500,000.

Coal Contract Dispute.—In the King's Bench Commercial
Court, before Mr. Justice Bailhache, an action was heard in
which Messrs. W. A. Jenkins and Company, coal exporters,
of Swansea, claimed from Messrs. C. K. George and Com-
pany, of East Tndia-avenue, London, and Cardiff, damages
for the non-fulfilment of two coal contracts. The action,
which was undefended, related to sales of anthracite under
contract, and the neglect to take delivery. Judgment was
given for £288 (the amount claimed), and costs.

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
__________________________________________________

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—November 27.

Coal Supply in Ireland.

Mr. Field asked whether the Chief Secretary for Ireland
was aware that coal was selling at Garston for 25s. or 26s.
and in Dublin at 42s. to 43s. per ton, and whether any steps
were being taken to meet the urgent need in Dublin.

Mr. Duke replied that he had no official means of ascer-
taining coal prices in England, and was not aware of circum-
stances which would warrant special legislation for require-
ments in Dublin. The Local Government Act, 1898, provided
means by which local authorities could give some assist-
ance, and the Lord Mayor and Mayoress were again opening
a special fund. He (Mr. Duke) would be delighted to assist
any effort that would help without legislative action being
taken.	________

November 28.

Coal Prices.

Mr. Haslam asked whether means would be found by
which the prices charged for coal at the pits would be fixed
by the Government both with regard to coal for export and
for home consumption; and whether the desirability of
fixing such prices as would settle the questions of exorbitant
profits and fair wages in the South Wales coal districts
would be taken into account.

Mr. Pretyman replied that the pit price of coal for home
consumption was limited by Act, and the price of coal f.o.b.

for France and Italy was limited by agreement. He did
not think a limit on other coal would answer the purpose
mentioned.

Mr. F. Meehan asked whether expert advice would be
sought regarding the possibility of developing Irish mines,
specially those of Arigna and Glenfarme, in Leitrim.

Mr. Duke replied that the Department of Agriculture
already possessed a large amount of expert information
regarding Irish coal resources, and would be glad to answer
specific enquiries. _________

November 30.

South Wales Coal Mines (State Control).

Mr. Alden asked whether the Government had considered
the advisability of taking over the South Wales mines by the
State, in order to eliminate war profits, to avoid industrial
disputes during the war, and to secure the best results from
the labour of the miners.

Mr. Runciman replied that a Regulation had been made
empowering the Board of Trade, so far as they considered
necessary for the national safety and the defence of the
realm, to take possession of coal mines, either generally or
in any particular area. The Board had already made an
Order applying the Regulation to the coal mines in South
Wales and Monmouthshire, in the confident belief that this
action would secure the advantages set out in the question.

Mr. Snowden asked if it was intended, under that arrange-
ment, that the coal owners should be guaranteed a fixed
profit and that any increased wages would be borne by the
general community.

Mr. Runciman said he could not make any statement at
present as to the financial arrangement that would be
arrived at, but would do so at the earliest possible moment.

Coal Mines (Horses and Ponies).

Mr. Butcher asked the Home Secretary whether his atten-
tion had been called to the fact that in 1912, out of a total
of 71,526 horses and ponies employed in the coal mines of
the United Kingdom, 2,850 suffered injuries resulting in
death, and 7,873 suffered non-fatal injuries; whereas in
1914, out of a total of 70,396 of such horses and ponies, 2,999
suffered injuries resulting in death, and 10,878 suffered non-
fatal injuries; whether there was any special reason for this
increase of fatal and non-fatal injuries in 1914; and whether
he would take steps or give directions which would remedy
this state of affairs. He also asked whether, in view of the
fact that in the year 1914 there were 4.870 deaths of horses
and ponies in those coal mines, he would state whether the
conditions under which horses and ponies w?ere now employed
necessarily led to this very great number of deaths; and
whether he could, by means of more frequent inspection or
otherwise, improve those conditions.

Mr. Samuel said that the percentages for 1914 were much
lower than those for 1913, and that the figures for 1915
would show a further decrease. The returns for 1912 were
incomplete, and ought not to be taken as a basis for com-
parison. The situation, therefore, was -better than the
published figures would indicate. The horse inspectors had
instructions to watch carefully the causes of injuries to pit
ponies, and to report where the conditions were unsatis-
factory.

In replv to further questions by Mr. Butcher and Sir
George Greenwood, the Home Secretary promised to con-
sider the suggestion of appointing more inspectors, though
the Government were not anxious to increase the number
of appointments.