386 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN February 22, 1918. authors have confined their remarks to material practical details. This we regard as a feature of the work. There is an absence of anything but strictly relevant matter, and this has enabled the authors to present a remarkably large quantity of information within the compass of two strikingly slim volumes— an achievement not only creditable in itself, but in existing circumstances of paper shortage, of funda- mental importance. SOUTH WALES MINING TIMBER TRADE. At the present time the scheduled prices, over which collieries are not allowed to purchase supplies of mining timber, are 65s. ex ship for foreign fir. Importers have fallen in with these prices, forced upon by the collieries through the Order of the Coal Controller, and naturally the question has arisen as to importers’ profits. Importers are desirous of securing a minimum profit per ton, and, with this object, have combined to make arrangements with the growers in France to purchase, or endeavour to purchase, at fixed c.i.f. values. This course has been decided upon, and efforts are now being made to put the proposition before the French growers, and secure the aid of the French authorities in carrying out this scheme. Thus, instead of individual offers, French growers will be met with offers at a fixed c.i.f. price. There are considerable difficulties in the way of securing this, inasmuch as the growers may feel disinclined to fall in with the proposal. For the demand for French fir is particularly heavy in France, owing to the military requirements; and the South Wales trade is by no means so important as it once was. The total quantity allowed to be received does not amount to more than 40,000 tons per month, so that growers might feel inclined to sell their wood elsewhere. Unless the aid of the French Government is sought to fix c.i.f. prices to British importers, the scheme, by the mere force majeure of the combined action of §outh Wales buyers in offering a certain price, is not likely to prove successful. The importers are asking for a most moderate profit for their services and expenses, and have agreed that the c.i.f. price of French timber should be limited to 63s. c.i.f. South Wales ports for steamers, and 62s. 6d. c.i.f. South Wales ports for sailing vessels. This would leave a gross profit for remuneration of 2s. to 2s. 6d. per ton, out of which must be deducted importers’ expenses, possible demurrage costs, and loss of weight. It is a moot point whether the importers have not fixed too high a c.i.f. value, as the demurrage risks are great, while the loss of weight on cargoes is an item which is ofttimes very important. The weight of wood is agreed at the port of shipment, but collieries accept discharge weight as ascertained by the dock company at the port of discharge. It is understood that the Cardiff and Bristol Channel Pitwood Owners’ Association and the Pitwood Committee of the Admiralty Collieries have agreed to combine in order to secure fixed c.i.f. values. Foreign Imports Fair. The imports of foreign mining timber were upon a fair scale, 5,893 loads being received during the week ending February 15, of which 3,000 loads were taken by the Admiralty Pitwood Committee. No consignments were received from Portugal or Spain, although it is stated that arrangements are being made to ship supplies from the latter country as soon as licences to import are granted by the authorities. The actual quantities imported for the week ended February 15 were as follow :— Cardiff {Barry and Penarth) :— Date. Consignee. Loads. Feb. 9 Budd and Co.............. 375 „ 11 Morgan and Cadogan....... 108 „ 11 Mathew Thompson.......... 370 „ 11 A. Bromage and Co...... 1,020 „ 13 E. Marcesche and Co...... 180 „ 14 Lysberg Limited.......... 840 „ 14 Lysberg Limited........ 2,160 „ 14 Morgan and Cadogan....... 840 Total...... 5,893 Newport, Swansea and Port Talbot:—Nil. Home-Grown Wood. The imports of Irish and Cornish timber were upon a slow scale. The low freight rates fixed are tending to make the larger-sized coasting vessels desert the trade for the near French port trades, where better terms are procur- able. Owners of the small type of craft have threatened to lay their vessels up, and so force the Shipping Con- troller to work the craft on behalf of the Crown, but it is doubtful if this threat will be carried out. Nevertheless, the fixed rates are not without their influence on the pit- wood trade between Ireland and South Wales. The deliveries of home-grown timber to collieries through the medium of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Coal Owners’ Pitwood Association continue to be well main- tained, notwithstanding the difficulties of transport. The South Wales Pitwood Allocation Committee, which was formed to so allocate supplies of wood, is working admir- ably; and, fired by the success secured by Mr. Finlay Gibson, who carried through the arrangements, the 'South Wales Coal Owners’ Association are seeking to allocate the orders for coal amongst collieries. Improved facilities as to transport of wood have been arranged by Mr. Gibson and Mr. J. J. Anthony, the latter of whom is a Govern- ment official. Imports and Quick Discharge. Since the necessity for conservation of shipping tonnage, it has become incumbent upon those responsible to give as rapid discharge as is possible to vessels, in order that they might be kept in active commission. Mr. W. R. Hawkins, the secretary of the Cardiff and Bristol Channel Ship Owners’ Association, has for some months past made arrangements to secure the instant clearance of cargoes through the Customs authorities, in order to facilitate the rapid discharging which the Controller of Shipping insists upon. During the past 10 months, which covers the period when the shortage of tonnage has been extremely short, there has been no case which has involved delays to steamers, although many difficulties presented themselves during that period. It is therefore a matter of congratu- lation that services have been rendered with an eye to the necessity for quickness. Now the machinery of the Allo- cation Committee is running smoothly, there is no disturb- ance to existing methods of delivery. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, February 21. Scotland.—-Western District. COAL. The general situation in the Scotch coal trade is still fairly satisfactory. In the west of Scotland district industrial demands are heavy, while household require- ments continue to bulk largely. The export turnover remains much below normal, but the war-time average is fully maintained. Shipments from the district in the past week amounted to 91,804 tons, against 133,799 in the preceding week and 89,943 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. Steam coal ’. 27/6 27/6 18/ -24/ Ell 26/6-28/ 26/6-28/ 19/ -23/6 Splint 28/ -30/ 28/ -30/ 22/ -31/ Treble nuts 23/ 23/ 24/ Double do 22/ 221 22/ Single do 21/ 2!/ 20/ Do. IRON. The various branches of the Scotch iron trade continue at high pressure, and producers, generally, find it impossible to avoid an accumulation of arrears. Pig iron is very firm, and supplies are short. The entire output of haematite is consumed locally, while some brands of foundry are off the market for ordinary consumption. No change in prices has been announced so far. Approximate values:—Monk- land and Carnbroe f.a.s. at Glasgow, Nos. 1,140s., Nos. 3,135s ; Govan, No. 1, 135s., No. 3, 130s.; Clyde, Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, No. 1, 150s., No. 3, 145s.; Glengarnock at Ardrossan, No. 1, 140s., No. 3, 135s.; Eglinton at Ardrossan or Troon and Dalmellington at Ayr, Nos. 1, 145s., Nos. 3, 135s.; Shotts at Leith, No. 1, 150s., No. 3,145s. per ton. The makers of manufactured iron products are also extremely active. At the malleable iron works all classes of bars are in strong demand, particularly small sizes. Export prices continue strong round about «£16 5s. per ton. Black sheet makers are suffering from a shortage of billets and sheet bars. Galvanised goods are still off the market for general use. Scotland.- Eastern District. COAL. The collieries in the Lothians report that outputs con- tinue to move off without difficulty, mostly on local account. Shipments were 20,260 tons, against 17,349 in the preceding week and 17,298 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... 26/6 26/6 25/6 Secondary qualities 25/6 25/6 24/6 Treble nuts 23/ 23/ 24/6-25/ Double do 22/ 22/ 22/6 Single do 21/ 21/ 20/ Similar conditions characterise trade in Fifeshire, where business still moves on satisfactory lines, the improvement of a week or two ago being fully maintained. Shipments were 33,102 tons, against 35,695 in the preceding week and 23,104 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Best screened navigation coal Current prices. 29/ -31/ 24/ -25/ 28/ 24/ 23/ 22/ 21/ L’st week’s prices. 29/ -31/ 24/ -25/ 28/ 24/ 23/ 22/ 21/ Last year’s prices. 30/ -33/ 24/6-26/6 27/ 20/ 24/ 22/ 19/ Unscreened do First-class steam coal Third-class do Treble nuts Double do Single do All prices quoted only apply to French and Italian business ; for other orders 2s. 6d. per ton must be added. The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 145,166 tons, compared with 186,843 in the preceding week, and 130,345 tons in the correspond- ing week of last year. Northumberland! Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-on-Tyne. COAL. Throughout the week, there has been a fairly large volume of official business, and the supply of requisitioned tonnage has been sufficient to enable the steam coal collieries to maintain a fairly high degree of regularity. Gas coal pits also benefited by the revived demand, and by the larger influx of tonnage, but not to the same extent as the Northumberland pits. Shipping arrivals over the week-end were hardly up to expectation, especially so far as Durham collieries were concerned, and the position is, to that extent, rather unsatisfactory. Steam coal pits remain fairly busy, comparatively speaking, but gas coal collieries are very quiet, and could do with much more cargo space. All descriptions of steams and gas sorts are still readily obtainable at bare minimum figures. The market for bunkers is poor and supplies excessive. Smithies, coking sorts and households continue to be in very healthy demand on inland account, and the production is absorbed to an extent which leaves little fuel for export. There is a good request for these descriptions of coal for shipment but here again tonnage scarcity blocks the way so far as business is concerned. The same is very largely true of the coke market, supplies on home account moving off briskly, but export business being very attenuated in character. The only new feature in reference to coke is that gas sorts are in rather larger stock owing to transport difficulties. Business for forward loading is, in the main, conspicuous by its absence; the only item of any dimensions is the enquiry of the Norwegian State Railways for 16,000 tons of Northumberland and/or Durham best steams for delivery at stipulated ports for April-May. Tenders of this quantity are to be sent in by the end of the present week. 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:— Current prices. 30/ -32/6 29/6-32/ 25/6-28/ L’stweek’s Last year’s prices. prices. 30/ -32/6 30/ 29/6-32/ ! 28/ 25/6-28/ j 22/ -24/ 27/ -29/6 ! 27/ -29 6 i 22/6-25/- 23/6-27/6 i 23/6-27/6 ! 20/ .-22/6 20/ -22/6 : 20/ -22/6 j 18/ -19/ 18/6-21/ 18/6-21/ i 17/ -18/ 20/6-23/ 20/6-23/ 19/ -20/ 20/ -22/ 25/ -33/6 Smithies.............. Best gas coals (New Pelton or Holmside) Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) Special gas coals .... Unscreened bunkers, Durhams do. 25/ -27/6 23/6-26/ 26/6-29/ 25/ -33/6 25/ -27/6 j 26/ -28/ 23/6-26/ i 20/ -21/ 26/6-29/ ! 31/ -33/ 26/6-32/6 ! 18/ -20/ Northumbrians 26/6-27/6 ; 26/6-27/6 ; 19/ -21/ 26/6-32/6 Coking coals...... Do. smalls House coals ...... Coke, foundry ...... Do. blast-furnace ... Do. gas ........... . 24/ -27/6 1 24/ -27/6 | 20/ -21/ . 24/ -27/6 s 24/ -27/6 i 18/ -20/ . 28/6-32/6 | 28/6-32/6 27/ -30/ . 42/6-45/ ! 42/6-45/ 1 4^' ' 42/6-45/ j 42/6-45/ ' 40/ -42/ 35/ -40/ | 35/ -40/ f 30/ -32/ 18/ -20/ 40/ -42/6 Sunderland. COAL. The week has again opened without any change in the general position of the coal market, which remains dull, but with a steady tone in steam coals. As a rule, tonnage is acutely scarce, but official requisition tolerably well employed. Neutral business is very meagre, and of the smallest possible account. As usual, the chief enquiry is for industrial fuel in the home trade, and these are drawn largely from local pits, but not to the extent to keep them more than partially employed. Many of the collieries lose much time. Nuts, peas and washed smalls, as well as gas coal, are in fairly good demand, but steam smalls are depressed and bunker coals neglected. Coke is rather quieter, with the supply more in keeping with the demand. Values both for coal and coke remain at the schedule figures quoted below. Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. ! Current L’st week’sfLast year’s Gas coals:— ! prices. prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals 29/ -32/6 29/ -32/6 26/ Secondary do. 25/ -27/6 25/ -27/6 19/ House coals:— Best house coals 32/6 32/6 30/ Ordinary do 30/6 30/6 24/ Other sorts:— Lambton screened 31/ -32/6 31/ -32/6 29/6 South Hetton do 31/ -32/6 31/ -32/6 29/6 Lambton unscreened ... 26/6 26/6 17/6 South Hetton do. 26/6 26/6 17/6 Do. treble nuts 22/6 22/6 21/ Coking coals unscreened 27/6 27/6 18/6 Do. smalls 27/6 27/6 17/6 Smithies 27/6 27/6 19/ Peas and nuts 27/ -28/6 27/ -28/6 22/6 Best bunkers 27/6 27/6 18/6 Ordinary bunkers 26/6 26/6 17/ Coke:— Foundry coke 42/6-45/ 42/6-45/ 43/ Blast-furnace coke (did. Teesside furnaces) ... 42/6-45/ 42/6-45/ 28/ Gas coke 35/ -40/ 35/ -40/ . 31/ Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. Home demand is strong, and rather better enquiry on behalf of neutrals is reported. The colliery situation is still irregular. Whilst some producers are well placed, others are quite the reverse, and the latter are the majority. In the steam coal trade best kinds are in good request and are firm, but smalls continue depressed. Best steams are 32s. 6d., ordinaries 28s., and smalls 21s. to 23s. according to quality. Gas coal keeps steady, with a moderate business passing. Best gas coals are 27s. 6d., seconds 26s., and specials 29s. Bunkers show no change, practically nothing but best kinds being sought after. Unscreened Durhams range from 26s. 6d. to 27s. 6d. Coking coal continues to be fairly well taken up at about 27s. 6d. Coke keeps its value well. With demand good and supply very ample, quite a brisk business is passing. For home consumption average blastfurnace kinds are 33s. at the ovens, and qualities low in phosphorus 35s. 6d. at the ovens ; whilst foundry descriptions are 38s. For ship- ment, gas-house product is 38s. to 40s. f.o.b., and foundry coke 42s. 6d. f.o b. to the Allies, and 45s. f.o.b. to neutrals. IRON. Supply of Cleveland pig iron is quite plentiful, and a good deal of business is passing. Supply of trucks shows some improvement, so that deliveries of foundry iron under the allocation system may be heavier this month than was anticipated. There are continued heavy enquiries for forge iron on forward account, but they do not lead to sales to any extent, producers being still reluctant to commit themselves ahead. Moreover, furnaces are now working well, with the result that there is not so much of the lower qualities of iron coming on to the market. Export trade is lifeless. A few shipments to France are reported, but shippers experience difficulty in obtaining tonnage for Italy. For home consumption, No. 3 Cleveland pig, No. 4 foundry, and No. 4 forge are all quoted 95s., and for shipment to France and Italy these qualities stand at 114s.; whilst No, 1 is 99s. for home use, and 119s. for export to the Allies. Conditions continue very stringent in the east coast haematite department, though the restriction in output is counterbalanced by the increasing use ©f basic iron manufactured from native ores, and the smaller pro- duction thus still sufficient to meet essential home needs. Only very small quantities, however, are now available for export. Nos. 1, 2 and 3 are 122s. 6d. for home use, and 147s. 6d. for shipment to France and Italy. New business in foreign ore is of a hand-to-mouth kind, but supplies against running contracts are stated to be coming forward fairly satisfactorily. There is no abatement in the demand for manufactured iron and steel for the Government, and for the ship yards. Ordinary commercial business is prac- tically at a standstill.