1172 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN December 15, 1916. over the holidays is causing' anxiety, and while strong efforts are being made to secure stocks, these meet with very little success. The appended list of pit prices must be regarded as more or less nominal. Current pit prices. House coal:— Prices at pit (London) : Haigh Moor selected ... Wallsend & London best Silkstone best ....... Do. house ......... House nuts .......... Prices f.o.b. Hull:— Haigh Moor best...... Silkstone best ...... Do. house .......... Other qualities...... Gas coal:— Prices at pit: Screened gas coal.... Gas nuts............. Unscreened gas coal ... Other sorts Prices at pit : Washed nuts.......... Large double-screened engine nuts ......... Small nuts........... Rough unscreened engine coal.......... Best rough slacks.... Small do. ........... Coking smalls ....... Coke:— Price at ovens: Furnace coke ........ Current prices. 20/ -21/ 19/ -20/ 19/ -20/ 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ 23/ -24/ 22/ -23/ 20/ -21/ 19/ -20/ 16/ -17/ 15/6-16/6 15/ -16/ 15/ -16/ 14/ -15/ 12/ -13/ 12/6-13/6 25/8 L’st week’aLast year’s prices. I prices. 20/ -21/ 20/ -21/ 19/ -20/ 1 19/ -20/ 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ 23/ -24/ 22/ -23/ 20/ -21/ 19/ -20/ 19/ -20/ 19/ -20/ 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ 21/6-22/6 20/6-21/6 18/6-19/6 18/ -19/ 16/ -17/ 15/ -16/ 15/6-16/6 15/ -15/6 15/ -16/ 13/6-14/6 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ 15/ -16/ 15/ -16/ 14/ -15/ 12/ -13/ 12/6-13/6 25/8 16/ -16/6 14/6-15/6 13/6-14/6 13/6-14/6 12/6-13/6 10/6-11/6 11/ -12/ 17s. 6d.; rough slack, 15s. to 15s. 6d.; screened gas and house fuels, 25s. to 27s.; West Yorkshire Hartleys, 27s. to 27s. 6d.; Derbyshire steam hards (at Grimsby or Imming- ham), 28s. to 29s. The quantity of coal shipped from the Humber ports to foreign countries (excluding bunker coal and Allied Government requirements) in the 11 months January-November was only 1,587,662 tons, as compared with 3,757,916 tons in the corresponding 11 months of 1915. Of the total, France received 635,119 tons, against 1,978,742 tons ; Sweden 219,685 tons, against 636,923 tons; Italy 167,760 tons, against 85,994 tons; Holland 133,309 tons, against 357,171 tons—all other countries being served with minor quantities. Chesterfield. COAL. There is an active demand for all qualities of coal, but the supply continues far below the requirements of the market generally. Collieries are inundated with orders, which it is impossible to execute promptly. Matters in this respect are made worse by the difficulty in obtaining an adequate number of wagons with which to keep the pits in regular work. The pressure is heavy for fuel for munition works, and the supply of cobbles and nuts falls short of consumers’' requirements. Slack is again in improved request, and to some extent this fuel makes up for the shortage in nuts. Gas works, electricity works and railways are all in urgent need of fuel, and this week’s bad weather has increased the difficulties of these industries. There is no alteration in the condition of the export trade, which continues very quiet. Orders for steam coal are fairly plentiful and licences are rather more readily obtained, but the serious scarcity of shipping tonnage makes business almost impossible. The coke market shows a steady state of things, and the output of the ovens is readily absorbed. Coking fuel is in greater request and prices are firm. Prices at pit. because of the shortage of labour for stoking purposes at the places of consumption. The orders coming to hand are far in excess of the supplies, and there is still a very serious absence of any reserves of stocks at country coal yards. Very heavy orders flow in for both deep and main cobbles and all classes of nuts from London and district, and the country business is also very large. Urgent orders for great centres of population are being met as far as possible, but an increasingly large proportion of the total output has to be reserved exclusively for the requirements of factories and works under Government control. It is expected that there will be a stoppage for two days at Christmas, and at present full time of five and three-quarter days is being worked. Lydney. _______ _______ Forest of Dean. COAL. The market for the house coals of this district shows practically no change. All the collieries have a large number of orders on the books, for which they are being greatly pressed for delivery. Orders received in November are being executed this month. There continues a very heavy demand from the inland districts, but it is difficult to discover a merchant who is satisfied with the quantity supplied him. In the shipping department the scarcity of tonnage is as pronounced as ever, and deliveries are below the normal. There is a heavy, continuous demand for all grades of steam coal, the requirements at the various establishments engaged on Government work are increas- ing, and an effort has to be made to meet them as nearly as possible. Prices at pithead. 23/ -24/ Barnsley. COAL. The demand for practically all classes of fuel has increased considerably, and the sparse attendance at the market reflected the scarcity of supplies. Consumers and merchants are not only experiencing delay in delivery but also the shortage of wagon supplies which is causing a rush for supplementary lots to provide against the contingency, but efforts are practically useles^ in this direction, for owners of wagons are shy at accepting long journeys in the present circumstances. Though there is an absence of panic there is not a little anxiety prevailing regarding the adequacy of stocks to get over the holiday problem. Hardly keen pressure is felt regarding large steam fuel owing to the restricted supply of shipping tonnage. Supplies at the pit are now of a fairly heavy description, and deliveries are being diverted to home needs, which though of an increasing character are fairly well met, having regard to the substantial nature of the stocks which have been accumulated. This class of coal is still being utilised for other purposes, particularly in substitution for nuts, the demand for which appears to be continually increasing and exceeds the capacity of collieries to supply. The enquiry for gas coal is also more active, with the demand upon the concerns of a heavier description, and delays in delivery cause inroads to be made on stocks. Supplies, however, are very difficult to procure, especially of screened sorts, though the export of this fuel to France is not so brisk as formerly, owing to the difficulties referred to. The supply of ordinary small slacks is again in excess of the enquiry, and collieries have still to accept lower prices in order to reduce stocks, but this is their only difficulty. The pressure for supplies of slack suitable for coke-making is in no way abated, and the greatest difficulty is experienced in getting adequate supplies for the by-product ovens. The demand for house coal has grown in an extensive degree, and collieries are deluged with enquiries to which they have perforce to turn a deaf ear. The contract requirements are of a very heavy character, and practically absorb the output, and it is not easy to fully supply these wants. Arrears are occurring, and, of course, these have a prior claim to enquirers for supplementary supplies. Producers of coke are also keenly pressed for heavier deliveries by the pig iron district, but though the make continues to be large, it is inadequate to meet the demand upon the plants. Prices at pit. Current L’stweek’s Last year’s Best house coals prices. 17/ prices. 17/ prices. 17/ Secondary do 16/6 16/6 16)6 Cobbles 16/ 16/ 16/ Nuts 15/ 15/ 15/ Slack 12/6 12/6 12/6 IRON. The active condition of the iron trade is fully maintained. Every class of iron is in great demand, and orders are abundant. ________ ________ Nottingham. COAL. The pressure on all branches of the coal trade has shown no particular alteration in the past week, and the out- put of nearly every class of fuel is rapidly disposed of. In the domestic fuel section the demand on collieries has become keener following on the increased number of orders received by merchants from the public since the colder weather set in, and a larger tonnage is in requisition at the local landsale depots. Owners are unable to fully satisfy the demand, and there is a reluctance to accept any new business. There is a decided shortage of better class grades. Steam fuel of all descriptions continues in brisk request. Large steams are in better supply to home consumers in consequence of the restriction of exports, but even under this favourable circumstance the output is well absorbed, while the demand for cobbles and nuts cannot be fully met. The slack market is displaying an active tone. Best and medium size grades are selling freely, but common qualities are not in very keen request. Coking slacks continue scarce. Prices at pithead. Current L’st week’s Last year’ 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 ’ 13/ : 13/ 11/6 Steam coal — Large 20/ 20/ 18/ -19/ Small ... 16/ -17/ 16/ -17/ 13/ -14/ Prices 2s. extra f.o.b. Lydney or Sharpness. ___________________________________________ THE WELSH COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, DecBMBBB 14. Current L’st week’s Last year’s House coals:— ______ prices. prices. prices. _______ Best Silkstono 20/ -22/ 20/ -22/ 20/ -22/ Best Barnsley softs 18/6-19/ 18/6-19/ 18/6 Secondary do. 17/ -17/6 17/ -17/6 16/6-17/6 Best house nuts 16/ -17/ 16/ -17/ 16/ -17/ Secondary do 15/6-16/ 15/6-16/ 15/6-16/ Steam coals:— Best hard coals 17/6-18/6 17/6-18'6 17/6-18/ Secondary do 16)6-17/6 16/6-17)6 i 16/ -17/ Best washed nuts 16/3-16/6 16/3-16/6 1 16)3-16/6 Secondary do 15/9-16/3 15/9-16/3 15,9-16/3 Best slack 12/6-13/ 12/6-13/ 12/6-13/ Secondary do 10?6-ll/ 10)6-11/ 10/6-11) Gas coals:— Screened gas coals 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/6 Unscreened do 15/6-16/ 15)6-16/ 15/6-16) Gas nuts. 16/ 16/ 16/6 Furnace coke 25/8 25/8 i *vlv 23/ -24/ Hand-picked brights ..... Good house coals......... Secondary do............. Best hard coals.......... Secondary do ............ Slacks (best hards)...... Do. (second) .......... Do. (soft)............. Current prices. 18/6-20/ 18/ -18/6 17/ -18/ 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ 12/ -13/ 10/6-11/6 11/ L’stweek’s prices. 18/6-20/ 18/ -18/6 17/ -18/ 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ 12/ -13/ 10/6-11/6 11/ Last year’s prices. 17/6-18/6 16/6-17/ 15/6-16/ 16/6-17/6 15/ -16/ 11/9-12/6 10/6-11/ I IV Leicestershire. COAL. The changes in progress are all in the direction of still greater difficulties in administration, and there is no indication of any relief in the near future. The question of railway transport is becoming more acute every day, and some collieries are now practically dependent on private traders’ wagons. There are also complaints that in some cases wagons are shunted into wayside sidings, involving such serious delays that weeks are occupied in accom- plishing a journey well within 50 miles of the collieries. In some of the neighbouring collieries coal is being accumu- lated at pit banks because of the want of wagons in which to load it as it reaches the surface. There is also a general tendency for small coal dust to accumulate at the pits, Prices at pit. Hull. COAL. Though there has developed a firmer tone in the Humber coal market, and steam coal is somewhat improved in value, it is probably of only a temporary character induced by the buying of a few odd spot lots to complete cargoes for shipment between now and Christmas. The main factor in the export trade continues unchanged and without relief, and until more steamers are available there is no possibility of the demand developing as it otherwise would. Both France and Italy are in urgent need of coal, and have pressing enquiries in this market, but as shipping tonnage does not offer to any extent, nothing appreciable can be done to advance business. There is no disposition either to make commitments of any description for the new year. Prices under the circumstances are largely nominal, and for this month's shipment are somewhere about as under:—Best South Yorkshire hards, 28s. 6d. to 29s. 6d.; washed nuts 24s.; washed small coal, 17s. to Best household coal ....; Second, hand picked ... Deep screened cobbles ... Deep large nuts ........ Bakers’ nuts........... Small nuts.............. Deep breeze ............ Peas .............______ Small dust ............. Main nuts for London kitcheners............. Steams, best hand picked Steams, seconds ......... Main cobbles for kitcheners Main breeze__............. Current prices. 17/ -19/ 15/6-17/ 16/6-17/6 16/ -17/ 15/ -16/ 14/6-15/6 12/9-13/6 12/ -12/3 6/ - 7/ 14/ -15/ 14/6-15/6 13/6-15/ 14/ -16/ 12/6-13/6 L’st week’s [Last year’s prices. 16/6-18/ 15/6-16/6 14/6-15/ 14/ -15/ 12/6-14/ 12/ -13/ 13/ -13/6 11/ -12/ 5/ - 6/ prices. | 17/ -19/ 15/6-17/ 16/6-17/6 16/ -17/ 15/ -16/ 14/6-15/6 12/9-13/6 12/ -12/3 6/ - 7/ 14/ -15/ 14/6-15/6 13/6-15/ 14/ —15/ 12/6-13/6 13/9-14/9 14/ —15/ 12/6-13,6 13/9-14/9 12/6-13/6 Monmouthshire, South Wales, Ac. Newport. COAL. There is little change to record in the conditions which dominate the coal trade here. Large stocks and low exports are the leading features, with the inevitable accompani- ments of shortage of empty wagons and colliery stoppages. About the tonnage position one can not write a great deal in these times, but it is pleasant to know that within the last two days arrivals have been better than for some time past, with a prospect of bigger shipments between now and the holidays. Certainly it is not lack of coal that will prevent this. There is practically no forward business being done, as buyers are so very uncertain what the outcome of Government action will be, while sellers maintain their optimistic attitude and express confidence regarding January values, which it is somewhat difficult to credit. In the chartering market the tone remains firm, while the supply of tonnage offered continues very restricted. Pit- wood rules a shade harder at 48s. to 49s. ex-ship for good wood. Prices f.o.b. cash 30 days. _________ ! Current L’st week’s Steam coals:— prices, i prices. Best Black Vein large... 26/ -27/ 27/ -28/ Western-valleys, ordin’y 25/ -26/ 26/ -27/ Best Eastern-valleys ... 24/ -25/ 25/ -26/ Secondary do. ...’ 23/ -24/ 24/ -25/ Best small coals ......| 17/ -18/ 18/ -19/ Secondary do. __.......' 12/ -16/ 15/ —17/ Inferior do......... 10/ -12/ 12/ -14/ ........ Screenings ..........[ 17/ -18/ 18/ -19/ Through coals ........I — — Best washed nuts......• — — Other sorts:— ; i Best house coal........j 24/6-25/6 24/6-26/6 Secondary do.........i 221 —24/ 22/ —24/ Patent fuel ..........1 35/ -37/ / 36/ -38/ Furnace coke..........j 47/6-52/6 ; 47/6-52/6 Foundry coke ........I 62/6-65/ j 57/6-65/ Last year’s prices. 22/ -23/ 21/6-22/ 21/ -21/6 20/ -21/ 12/6-13/ 10/6-11/ 8/ -9/ 15/3-15/6 15/9-16/3 22/ -24/ 21/ -22/ 24/ -24/6 32/ -34/ 36/ -38/ IRON. With the one exception of tinplates, continued activity again rules the present conditions of the iron and steel industries. All establishments are very busily employed in the execution of important contracts, and there is no sign of any weakening in any department. Tinplate and sheet bar mills are working at fullest pressure with prices nominal, whilst rail mills are in the same busy state. There is no indication of any change at blast furnaces, Welsh haematite being officially unaltered and makers well booked for some time ahead. There are no fresh develop- ments in the tinplate trade, and at the moment the outlook is not very encouraging. The output has been considerably reduced lately, owing to the many difficulties encountered by makers. Prices remain purely nominal. Cardiff. COAL. There is no improvement in market conditions, and quotations remain on the easy side. The political situation has had no effect on prices, the main factor apparently being the tonnage question. At the commencement of the week there were nearly 260 vessels in the various docks, of which 100 were either loading or discharging, and the remainder waiting for berths at the loading tips. Since then the departures have been considerably in excess of arrivals, with the result that there is again a serious