February 9, 1917. 286 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________ THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, February 8. worthy of her inventive genius and originality. Progress in coal mining methods may be measured either by the tonnage of coal produced, or by the rate of diminution of the accident death rate. Judged by the latter standard, notwithstanding the relatively favourable conditions of German coal seams, her progress will not compare with that achieved in France, Belgium or Great Britain. M. Bouvier’s paper is long and full of detail. It is written rather from the point of view of con- trasting French and German methods, and some of his statements may be open to criticism. But the paper undoubtedly serves the purpose of refuting any claim to German superiority. It is a subject we should like to see argued more fully from the British standpoint, and we may perhaps throw out a hint that it would make excellent material for a presidential address before one of our mining institu- tions, not for purposes of boasting or self-glorification, but rather as a part of that process of inward searching which the nation is now undergoing. United States in 1891, in the mines of Plymouth in Pennsylvania, and at first attracted little attention. But ten years later it came into practice in Upper Silesia, where it soon replaced the wasteful and crude method of pillar working without stowage, by which at least 40 per cent, of the coal was lost. Although Germany, in this case, cannot lay claim to the invention of this process, it cannot be denied that she was the first to recognise its value in suitable circumstances. But the conditions in Silesia were particularly favourable to the method of hydraulic packing, and the rapid development of this system was due more to the physical character of the seams than to the originality of German engineers. It is only another example of the facility with which the Germans are able to assimilate foreign inventions. In coal-working machinery much the same thing happened. Compressed air drills of the rotary type originated in the United States about 1849, and electric drills appear to have been invented later in the same country. These appliances came rapidly into general use in engineering works in Europe and __________________________ America. M. Bouvier, however, finds that the first modern percussive drill was the Flottman type, invented in Germany in 1903. German manufacturers took up the idea instantly, and thus again succeeded in demonstrating a remarkable capacity for adopting and developing the discoveries of other nations. Turning to the question of explosives, there is no German discovery or invention on a par with the advances made by .Nobel, the Swedish scientist, who first showed how to bring nitro-glycerin under control in the form of dynamite. There are no German names that can take rank with Berthelot, Mallard and Le Chatelier, whose researches led directly to the manufacture of the so-called safety explosives for use in fiery mines. In systematic timbering, France takes a high place, due in part, to the special difficulties met with in the coal mines of that country ; and the Prussian Commission, when on a visit of inspection to the Loire coal field, acknow- ledged that France was far ahead of Germany in this respect. In haulage, the development of the compressed air locomotive is due to French rather than to German enterprise; and the appearance at Bethune of the turbo - compressor, invented by Bateau, marks an epoch in the history of air- compressing machines. It is true, perhaps, that Germany shares with the United States some pre- eminence in aerial transport; and the Koepe system of winding, a German invention, possesses features of originality that claim recognition. In pumping, however, there are no German innovations at all comparable with the duplex system invented by .Worthington in 1856, or with the multicellular centrifugal pumps made by Sulzer and Bateau. M. Bouvier reminds us that, in ventilation, both France and Belgium were far in advance of Germany, and in this domain the names of Murgue, Marsaut, Verpilleux and Bateau stand out in relief at a time when firedamp in Saxony was still dealt with by means of the “lampe e ternelie.” .In regard to modern safety lamps, the development of Davy’s original invention in 1815, it is only necessary to contrast the works of Marsaut and Wole. The substitution of benzine for oil in Wolf’s modification can scarcely claim equal importance with the careful and minute work of the French inventor. The study of firedamp, as M. Taffanel has claimed, is a French science, and its effects are reflected in the fact that the death-rate from this cause between 1892 and 1905 was about six times [greater in Prussia than in France, Belgium or England. There have been no investigations in Germany that can compare, in practical results, with those of Lievin, Frameries, Altofts and Eskmeals; and we may be pardoned, perhaps, for recalling the fact that the recognition of the coal dust danger had its origin in Great Britain. Germany, owing to circum- stances prevailing in her coal mines, had at an early date recognised the importance of rescue apparatus, but M. Bouvier tells us that the highly-organised German rescue corps were conspicuously unsuccessful at Oourrieres, and although the Draeger, Shamrock and other German breathing apparatus once dominated other types, the invention was originally due to France, and the modern Tissot apparatus is in every respect THE AMERICAN COAL TRADE. Railroad embargoes at various points (owing to con- gestion), combined with 'a better supply' of cars, depressed bituminous quotations. Receipts are notably better at Hampton Roads, and the vessel delays there have been largely eliminated. The Pennsylvania shippers are in an especially difficult position, due to the uncertainty in the labour conditions prevailing there (says Coal Age). The prices per gross ton f.o.b. cars at mines are as follow :—Georges Creek Big Vein, 6 to 6'25 dols.; South Fork Miller Vein, 5-75 to 6dols.; Clearfield (ordinary), 5-25 to 5-50 dols.; Somerset (ordi- nary), 5*25 to 5’50 dols.; West Virginia, Freeport, 5 to; 5’25 dols.; Fairmont gas, lump, 5-50 to 5’75 dols.; Fair- mont gas, mine-run, 5-25 to 5-50 dots.; Fairmont gas, stack, 4’50 to 4’75 dols.; Fairmont lump, ordinary, 5 to 5’25 dols.; Fairmont mine-run, 4-75 to 5 dols.; Fairmont slack, 4’50 to 4-75 dols. In the Boston market, Pocahontas and New River are quoted at 6-50 to 7 dols. f.o.b. Norfolk and Newport News, Virginia, for spot coal, and 9’50 to 9-75dols. on cars Boston and Providence for inland delivery. Spot cargoes are a rarity, and prices are a shade easier. Georges Greek cargoes are few and far between. Operators in the Baltimore market have been offering coal at prices which show a considerable decline. These prices, average about as follow per gross ton : Georges Creek Tyson, 5 dols.; Quemahoning, 4-75 dols.; South Fork, 4’50 dols.; Somerset, 4 to 4-50 dols.; Clearfield, 4 to 4’50 dols.; Freeport, 4 dels.; Fairmont gas, three- quarters, 3’50 to 4dols.; ditto, run-of-mine and slack, 3’50 dols. The anthracite position is slightly easier under the influence of the very erratic weather conditions, and slightly better shipment's, combined with the feeling that the end of the winter is at least in sight. However, the improvement is of modest proportions, the market being far from easy. Prices per gross ton f.o.b. cars at mines for line shipment are as follow : Broken, 3-60 dols.; egg, 4-15 dols.; stove, 4-10dols.; nut, 4’50dols.; pea, 2’80 dots.; buck, 2 dols.; rice, 1’25 dols.; boiler, 1’10 dols.; barle y, 1 dol. Many shipments have been held up owing to tonnage scarcity. There are no stocks at Hampton Roads, and it seems an impossibility to accumulate any. Bunker suppliers have received a large number of contracts from foreign steamship owners on the basis of 5 dols., plus trimming. Prices -are fluctuating around 7 to 7-50 dols. for Pocahontas and New River for coastwise shipment >and export, 6’50 to 7 dels, for local delivery on tracks, and bunker coal 7-50 dols. plus trimming. Freight's are quoted about 48 dols. West Coast of Italy, and 46*80 dols. Marseilles. Recent clearances of coal included six cargoeiS for Italy, and one for France. Spot furnace coke continues to fluctuate widely. Sales have been effected 9 dols. Not much interest is taken in contracts. The German Lignite Industry. — The German lignite industry has fared well during the war, and better than ever in 1916. It has gained considerable importance, not- withstanding the development in the coal mining industry, and though it comprises some 300 private installation's, these are controlled by comparatively few companies, some, of which are fairly large concerns, with a substantial capital. The shortage in the production of coal since the war broke out—some 28 per cent, for the first year of the war (as fair as the. Rhenish-Westphalian Coal Syndicate was concerned), compared with the preceding 12 months, and about 10 per cent, for the second war year—caused an immense increase in the demand for lignite, and, as the following figures show, the production, in spite of shortage of labour, was larger in 1915 than in 1913. In 1.913, the raw lignite production amounted to 87,100,000 tons; briquette production, 21,400,000 tons; 1914, raw lignite production, 84,000,000 tons; briquette production, 21,400,000 tons; 1915, raw lignite production, 88,400,000 tons; briquette production, 23,300,000 tons. The year 1916, for which no final figures are available, is expected to show a. further rise. From a financial point of view, also, the results of the lignite industry during the war have proved quite satisfactory, in spite of materially increased expenditure. The war not only has not done this industry harm, but it has opened out new markets, and has brought new classes of consumers. Lignite has now become a factor of some moment in various chemical industries. __________________________________________________ Scotland.—Western District. COAL. No change of importance has occurred in the Scotch coal trade during the past week. Markets continue quiet, particularly export, owing to the scarcity of tonnage and the licensing difficulties, while the prohibition of the loading of Norwegian tonnage is still strictly adhered to. It is anticipated, however, that the increased limits of rates of freights to the North French and French and Italian Mediterranean ports will induce more tonnage to Scotch ports and provide a substantial stimulus to the export business. In the meantime, trade in the west of Scotland continues on recent lines. Local industrial demands are large and increasing, but do not altogether make up for the loss of the shipping turnover, and prices are still subject to arrangement for immediate tonnage. Household require- ments are still heavy, in view of the severe weather. Ship- ments for the past week amounted to 96,947 tons, against 89,767 in the preceding week and 121,900 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. • ! Current |L’st week’s'Last year’s prices. | prices. I prices. Steam coal..............( 18/ -24/ 18/ -24/ ■ 19/ -21/ Ell .....................| 19/ -23/6 ! 19/ -23/ 22/ Splint...................J 22/ -31/ i 22/ -31/ ! 25/ -33/ Treble nuts ............■ 24/ j 24/ ; 21/ -21/6 Double do...............j 22/ i 22/ j 20/ -20/6 Single do...............| 20/ | 20/ | 19/3-19/6 IRON. All round, activity still characterises the various depart- ments of the Scotch iron trade. Pig iron makers report heavy outputs of all qualities. The production of haematite is quickly absorbed by local steel works, and ordinary brands at the iron works. Shipping orders are few, licences only being granted for consignments to the Allies and an occasional colonial shipment. . Pig iron warrant stocks now amount to 4,305 tons, compared with 5,338 tons at the end of 1916, and 116,098 tons at the end of 1915. Prices are unchanged, and'Scotch makers’ iron quotations are 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 Malleable iron makers are as busy as ever. Outputs from the steel department are practically confined to Govern- ment material, but a moderate general business is being done in iron products. “ Crown ” quality iron bars are quoted .£14 12s. 6d. to .£14 15s. per ton net for export, and mild steel bars about .£17 per ton for basis sizes. Black and galvanised sheets are very scarce, and the price is unchanged at <£18 5s. to £18 10s. per ton net for export. The export trade, naturally, is at a very low ebb all round. _______ _______ Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. Conditions in the Lothians coal trade are comparatively good. Tonnage is a little more plentiful, and any coal not taken up for shipment is easily disposed of for home consumption. Shipments amounted to 17,154 tons, against 17,972 in the preceding week and 22,400 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... 25/6-26/ 26/ 22 /—23/ Secondary qualities 24/6 24/6 21/'-22/ Treble nuts 24/6-25/ 25/ 22/ -22/6 ________________________ Double do 22/6 22/6 20/ -21/ Single do 20/ 20/ 18/6-19/ There is no change in Fifeshire. Local requirements account for the bulk of the production. Values are firm. The clearances amounted to 31,559 tons, against 44,385 in the preceding week and 60,527 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current prices. L’st week’s prices. Last year’s prices. Best screened navigation coal 30/ -33/ 30/ -33/ 26/ -27/ Unscreened do 24/6-26/6 24'6-26/6 24' -25/ First-class steam coal 27/ -27/6 27/- -28/ 24/ Third-class do 20/ 20/ 18/ -18.6 Treble nuts 24/ 24/ 22/ -23/ Double do 22/ 22/ 20/6-21/6 Single do 19/ 19/ 18/6-19/6 ______ The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 145,660 tons, compared with 152,561 in the preceding week and 204,827 tons in the corresponding week of last year.