492 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. March 8, 1918. qualities. Some of the commoner qualities of Yorkshire slack have been offered in limited quantity. The demand for coal for bunkering continues. Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). House coal:— Best .............. Medium............. Common............. Furnace coal......... Bunker (f.o.b. Partington) Best slack .......... Common slack ........ Current iL’st week's prices. prices. 24/6 I 24/6 22/ -23/ i 22/ -23/ 20/6-21/ ! 20/6-21/ 20/ -20/6 i 20/-20/6 __* I ______* 18/6 upwds 18/6upwds 17/ upwds |17/ upwds Last year's prices. 22/ -23/ 19/6-21/ 18/ -18/6 17/6-18/ 25/ -26/ 16/ upwds 14/6 upwds pressure, so far as London is concerned, more relaxed, collieries are able to give the nearer districts fairly good supplies. The demand for furnace coke, which has been slightly easier of late, is again in full activity, and it is difficult for the by-product plants to provide the supply which is desired Prices at pit. Prices at pit. * As per official list. IRON. There is no change to report in the condition of trade in this district. Prices remain the same, and are all controlled along with the deliveries, by the Ministry of Munitions. All works are on high pressure. Yorkshiro and Derbyshire. Leeds. COAL. The market on Tuesday was comparatively featureless, so far as any change in the conditions is concerned. The enquiry was chiefly for nuts and good rough slacks, supplies of which are inadequate. Regarding other descriptions, requirements are being met, although there is no surplus, except in small slacks unsuitable for coking. Fewer repre- sentatives of the London market were present than for some weeks past, but the demand for house coal has been stimu- lated a little by colder weather, and merchants are buying more freely, supplies being not very difficult to secure. Coastwise shipments are not worth speaking of. The local demand for house coal shows no change, merchants being moderately employed. Supplies are somewhat irregular, and the best qualities are generally not obtainable in adequate quantities. Most of the gas coal contracts are in arrear, and consequently gas engineers are in the market for any spot parcels that may be offering. Rather more is available for inland works, as there has been a temporary lull in the demand for France, owing to the scarcity of boats. It is still a feature of manufacturing fuel that nuts and the better quality rough slacks are in keen request, and that supplies of these sorts are insufficient to satisfy the demand. Inferior qualities of small slacks are relatively plentiful, but so far as coking qualities are concerned the reverse is the case. There is a little ease in the pressure for furnace coke, some of the iron and steel works now having stocks accumulating. House coals:— Best Silkstono ....... Best Barnsley softs... Secondary do.......... Best house nuts ...... Secondary do.......... Steam coals:— Best hard coals....... Secondary do.......... Best washed nuts...... Secondary do.......... Best slack ........... Secondary do.......... Gas coals:— Screened gas coals ... Unscreened do......... ‘ Gas nuts.............. Furnace coke............ Current L’st week’s prices, i prices. 23/ -24'6 | 22/ -24'6 21/ -21/6 21/ -21/6 19/ -20/ : 19/ —20/ 18/6—19/6 i 18/6-19/6 18/ -18/6 ; 18/ -18/6 20/ -21/ ! 20/ -21/ 19/ -20/ ; 19/ -20/ 18/6-19/6 ! 18/6-19/6 18/ -18/9 18/ -18/9 15/ -15/9 I 15/ -15/9 13/ —13/6 i 13/ -13/6 Last year’s prices. 20/ -22/ 18/6-19/ 17/ -17/6 16/ -17/ 15/6-16/ 17/6-18/6 16/6-17/6 16/3-16/6 15/6-16/3 12/6-13/ 10/6-11/ 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. 20/ -21/6 19/ -20/ 18/6-19/6 18/6-19/6 17/6-18/6 17/ -18/ 15/3-16/ 14/6-14/9 8/6- 9/6 16/ -17/6 16/6-17/6 15/6-17/ 16/ -17/6 14/9-15/6 L’st week's prices. 20/ -21/6 19/ -20/ 18/6-19/6 18 6-19/6 17/6-18/6 17/ -18/ 15/3-16/ 14/6-14/9 8/6- 9;6 16/ -17/6 16/6-17/6 15/6-17/ 16/ -17)6 14/9-15/6 19/ -19/6 19/ -19/6 16/6-17/6 18/ -18/6 | 18/ -18/6 i 15/6—16/ 18/9 I 18/9 I 16/ 32/ 32/ i 25/8 Last year’s 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 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. 21/6-22/6 21/ -21/6 21/ -21/6 20/ -20/6 18/6—19/6 25/6-26/ 24/ -25/ 23/ -24/ 20/6-22/6 L’st week's tast year's prices. I prices. 21/6-22/6 20/ -21/ 21/ -21/6 i 19/ —20/ 21/ -21/6 i 19/ -20/ 20/ -20/6 . 17/ -18/ 18/6-19/6 j 16/ -17/ 25/6-26/ ; 23/ -24/ 24/ —25/ 22/ -23/ 23/ -24/ 20/ -21/ 20/6-22/6 | 19/ -20/ 18/ -18/6 18/ -18/6 ; 16/ -17/ 17/ -18/ 17/ -18/ j 15/6-16/6 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/6 ! 15/ -16/ 18/6-19/6 18/6-19/6 ; 17/ -18/ 17/6-18/6 i 17/6-18/6 ; 16/ -17/ 16/6-17/6 | 16/6-17/6 j 15/ -16/ I 16/6-17,6 i 16/6-17/6 ; 15/ -16/ 15/6-16/6 15/6-16/6 ; 14/ -15/ 13,6-14/6 13/6-14/6 12/ -13/ 14/ -15/ 14/ -15/ I 12/6-13/6 32/ 32/ 25/8 Barnsley. COAL. Although the pressure for various grades of fuel varies considerably, the demand, on the whole, continues to be of a brisk character. There is little opportunity to obtain surplus lots in the open market, in consequence of the continued scarcity of most classes of fuel and the close attention to the distribution which is shown by the local committees. Periodically some surplus of particular fuel occurs, owing to varied circumstances, but little of this finds its way into the market, and is diverted to other sources. The demand for all kinds of steam fuel continues to be of an extensive description, and although the export enquiry has strengthened considerably, the output, generally speaking, is of such dimensions as to enable these wants to be fairly promptly supplied. There are reports that various collieries have been more keenly pressed in regard to deliveries for the railway companies. In the comparatively easy area the transit arrangements are working smoothly, although weather conditions inevitably cause some little dislocation. The output of steam nuts is promptly distributed, and continues to be largely confined to munition works. The improvement referred to in regard to gas coal has been maintained in the sense that the supplies are prompt and adequate for the present needs ; but the various gas concerns are hoping for something better than this with a desire of accumulating stocks as quickly as possible in preparation for the winter period. Their efforts at the present have not met with much success, and consequently there is only small margin on present deliveries which can be laid by. All descriptions of small steam fuel, are in good demand, and there is great difficulty in obtaining an adequate supply to meet urgent requirements. The supply of ordinary slacks continues to be comparatively easy, but in regard to slacks required for coke making, the position is almost as difficult as ever. The increasing consumption has to be provided for, and in order to do this some collieries are crushing soft nuts, which are not as urgently required, to create the necessary coke-making material. In respect to house coal, conditions are again of such a character as must be regarded as satisfactory. There is no doubt that the effect of laying in considerable stocks is being appreciably felt, and with the Hull. COAL. The export trade from the Humber continues on about the same lines as last week. The bulk is on French account, with a little for Italy, and only a small proportion for neutral destinations. After the Admiralty and other prior demands, upon large steam coal in particular, have been met, there is very little left, and to ship this to neutrals the utmost difficulty is experienced in obtaining licences. Where transactions take place they are round 35s. for best South Yorkshire hards. West Yorkshire screened coal sorts are fully absorbed, and industrial fuels, notably nuts, not easy to buy. A slight improvement in the request for house coal is to be noted. Shipments from the docks are up to the average, but shipping tonnage is very scarce. Chesterfield. COAL. The demand for house coal is stronger again, the colder weather bringing in a number of fresh orders. The supply is by no means sufficient to satisfy market requirements. Coal for industrial purposes is in pressing request, con- sumers experiencing the greatest difficulty in securing all they need. This applies particularly to cobbles and nuts, of which there is a serious shortage. Slack for boiler firing continues in good demand and supplies are by no means plentiful. Large steam coal is much sought after for furnace work. Gas coal is in strong demand, and steam coal for locomotive use is urgently needed. There is no change in the condition of the export trade. The inland demand readily absorbs the production of hard coal. The coke market maintains its satisfactory position, and the demand for all qualities of coke is active and sufficiently heavy to require all that can be produced. The whole out- put of the ovens is going steadily into consumption. A good demand is experienced for coking fuel. IRON. Pig iron and manufactured iron of all qualities are in strong demand, and the works of the district continue in a state of great activity. South Staffordshire, North Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Birmingham. COAL. The return of wintry weather caused a rush of orders to be sent to merchants, who have a lot of arrears to work off. Labour and transport are serious obstacles against rapid execution. Every description of fuel that can be used for manufacturing purposes is eagerly snapped up. Distribu- tion, too, remains under strict control, in order to safeguard the needs of munition works and other establishments employed on essential work. Slacks remain tight, with the exception of smudge, which workmen do not care to handle, and which is rather a drug on the market. Nuts are scarce. There are no stocks at the collieries to speak of, and surplus lots are unobtainable. Prices at pit. Current L’st week's Last year’s Staffordshire (including Cannock Chase) :— prices. prices. prices. House coal, best deep ... 24/6 1 24/6 22/ Do. seconds deep 22/6 ' 22/6 20/ Do. best shallow 21/6 ; 21/6 19/ Do. seconds do. 20/6 ; 20/6 / 21/ 18,' Best hard 21/ 18/6 Forge coal 18/6 18/6 16/ Slack Warwickshire:— 13/6 13/6 11/6 House coal, best Ryder.. Do. hand-picked: 21/6 21/6 19/ cobs j 20/6 20/6 18/ Best hard spires 1 22/6 22/6 20/ Forge (steam) 18/6 18/6 16/ D.S. nuts (steam) J 17/ 17/ 14/6 Small (do.) j 17/ 17/ 14/6 IRON. Nottingham. COAL. There is a good general demand upon the output of coal in this county, and the position is such that collieries have no reserve stocks. In consequence of colder weather, local merchants are having more enquiries, but they are receiving supplies sufficient to satisfy the current needs of the public. When the requirements of the districts supplied by the collieries in Notts have been attended to, there is little surplus fuel to be obtained, all classes of households being drawn freely upon. Steam-raising fuel continues in heavy request. Large steams are taken extensively by railway companies, while smaller grade fuel is in heavy request by munition works and engineering firms. Nuts and cobbles are in heavy demand. There is a good enquiry for nearly all qualities of slacks, coking sorts especially being in brisk request. The output of gas coal is readily disposed of, as there are eager purchasers for any surplus left after con- tract obligations have been fulfilled. The supply of coke is scarcely sufficient to meet the demand. Prices at pithead. Uncontrolled material continues to harden in price. The basis for small rounds, squares and flats, is <£17 12s. 6d.; for puddled iron, although little is offered on tbe market, the current level is about £13 in the form of bars, and £13 10S. to £14 as billets, these being frequently used for finished iron purposes ; no gas strip is now heard of under £16 10s.; while steel strip is quoted as high as £18 10s. ; nut and bolt iron is still generally quoted £14 10s., but sales at £14 15s. are also mentioned, and probably this will soon become the market level. The increased wages bill has to be met by increased prices to the customer. Firms making marked bars find a ready market for all their output for the manufacture of cables, chains, anchors and general high-class engineering work. It seems generally accepted that the subsidy recently granted applies to crown bars only, and consequently the bar iron which does not fall within this category is being advanced by an amount, in addition to the 2s. 6d. added to the maximum, to cover increased wages. The pig iron market is difficult owing to shortness of supplies to go round. As the workmen are overcoming the difficulties of the basic furnaces, less off- iron is coming on the market. Its high silicon contents made it unsuitable for steel making, but it helped out sup- plies of forge qualities while it lasted. Foundry sorts are tight, and are distributed in modest quantities amongst regular customers. The scrap coming on the market falls short of the demand, and full rates are obtained for all available. The few sheet mills running are kept busy; demand is concentrated almost ontirely on black sheets at £ 17 for lots of two tons and upwards. Copper sheets have risen by £2 to £149, and a period of renewed activity is foreshadowed. Current L’st week’s Last year's prices. prices. prices. Hand-picked brights 21/ -22/ 21/ -22/ 18 6-20/ Good house coals 20/ -21/ 20/ -21/ 18/ -18/6 Secondary do 18/6-19/6 18/6-19/6 17/ -18/ Best hard coals 18/3-19/ 18/3-19/ 17/ -18/ Secondary do 17/ -18/ 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ Slacks (best hards) 14/ -15/ 14/ -15/ 12/ -13/ Do. (second) 13/ -13/6 13/ —13/6 10,6-11/6 Do. (soft) 13/ 13/ 11/ Forest of Dean. Lydney. COAL. The pressure for supplies of this district’s house coal continues very strong. The output at each of the collieries is considerably below the needs of merchants, and many orders have to be refused. Full time is worked every week, and there is a complete absence of stock. Shipments are not so heavy at the moment. Railborne orders are very numerous. The heavy run on all steam qualities continues, and the pits are hard pressed for deliveries. Prices at pithead. Leicestershire. COAL. Pressure for speedy deliveries of all classes of steam fuel is increasing, and while the consumption is growing week by week the supplies available become more restricted. The continued combing out of men is making itself felt in the output, and managers are powerless to prevent it. There is a noteworthy increase in the demand for small nuts for mechanical stokers; and the calls for deliveries are more urgent as Government works and works of great national importance are concerned. The whole of the supplies are cleared day by day, and a shortage is threatened. More and more household fuel is being diverted for steam raising purposes. The demand for all classes of household for London and the South of England continues, and these deliveries have to be treated pre- ferentially. A return of very severe weather stimulated the demand for domestic consumption, and all surplus coal has to be very strictly subdivided. There is an excessive number of private wagons available, and the colliery, sidings are crowded. Country merchants are again under very severe pressure. There are no stocks of any kind at the collieries. ; Current L’st week's Last year's House coals:— prices. prices. prices. Block . f 24/ Forest (T Bubble > Large.. .; 26/ 26/ ) 23/ ) 23/3 Nuts ) (.21/6 Rough slack .. 15/6 15/6 13/ Steam coal;— Large . 22/6-23/6 22/6-23/6 1 20/ -21/ Small ... .; 18/ -19/ 18/ -19/ 1 16/ Prices 2s. extra f.o.b. Lydney or Sharpness. In the supplementary treaties between Russia and Ger- many, the latter is permitted to “organise” Spitzbergen, in which there are extensive coal deposits. At a recent meeting of the Wandsworth, Wimbledon and Epsom Gas Company, the chairman stated that, as a test, the heavy work of unloading the coal trucks has been given to women, but it had not been successful. The work was too heavy, and they could not undertake it.