698 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN April 5, 1918. affairs, and our only excuse for referring to this topic at all at such a time is to remind our readers that there is a coal problem in India arising out of the special circumstances in which that country is placed. Mr. Godfrey has adopted a principle the soundness of which in theory cannot be questioned. In a nut- shell, his policy is to concentrate all the available resources of the country upon the production of the best coal. In this respect it differs somewhat from the policy pursued in Great Britain, where we have been told that even inferior coal is better than none. But there is no possibility of a comparison between the two cases, for even the poorer kinds of British coals would probably rank as first-class in India. In the meantime the latest information from India seems to point to the conclusion that Mr. Godfrey’s policy has been sound. ___________________________ In our issue of last week, under the The New same heading as this note, we Coal Control referred to the importance of the Directions, matter raised by Mr. W. Russell in his letter to The Times. As some misconception may exist respecting Mr. Russell’s point of view, we take the opportunity of pointing out, for the information of those who may not have realised his identity, that Mr. Russell’s invaluable work as secretary to the Royal Commission on Coal Supplies entitles his opinions to the most serious consideration. As we pointed out last week, Mr. Russell has undoubtedly performed a public duty in calling attention to an aspect of the present situation which might otherwise have been overlooked. _________________________________________________ THE LONDON COAL TRADE. Thursday, April 4. _________________________________________________ The market assembled on Wednesday last after an unusual interval of nine days, but the attendance was poor and of a holiday nature. The oulk of the London merchants are still comfortably off for stock, and notwithstanding the recess the buyers wei e not very eager for supplies and com- paratively few sellers were present. At the wharves and depots the delivery trade has been brisk, and a good tonnage has been carted, especially in the poorer neighbour- hoods where the weekly supply is dependent upon the trolley trade. In nearly all the larger houses where good stocks of coal were laid in during the summer months, the economies practised, together with the comparative mild- ness of the winter, enabled householders to carry forward a satisfactory supply into the spring months. Gas companies are still concerned as to the coming supplies, particularly as some of the shipshave been withdrawn and consignments by rail are to take a more prominent part. In the sea- borne market the supplies during the holidays have been unusually well maintained. Twenty-four vessels were received in the River Thames during the recess and 27 additional steamers are returned for Wednesday’s market, making 51 for the week. All are contract cargoes. No free coals are offering. The bulk of arrivals are for the local gas works, bio change has been notified in any of the pit prices. Usually the summer contract rates take effect from April 1, but as the Controller’s circular last autumn practically cancelled all contract arrangements, and subjected the monthly tonnage to any variation that may be necessary for munition demands, the daily output has been accepted, and the recognised official quotations paid without demur. Stocks are steadily increasing at the wharves and depots, so that the outlook is much more promising. During the week also more attention has been paid to the outlying districts, and a good tonnage has been received. The usual Easter passenger traffic has somewhat interfered with the prompt delivery of the loaded wagons, but in every direction an unusually large number of empties have been marshalled ready for removal to the colliery centres, and with the full resumption of work it may fairly be assumed that a satisfactory tonnage will be forthcoming into the London districts. The limitation of the hours of lighting in the London districts is still one of the principal topics of conversation on the coal market. The Order will affect the householder as well as the shopkeeper, for although it is not specified as to the time the householder’s lights must be extinguished, yet it is evident that in the summer quarters he must use less gas and electricity, so that the average in the two winter quarters must be one- sixth less than last year. Ordinary householders see in this an increase in the consumption of coal, for thousands of London houses have installed gas stoves in place of the ordinary fire grates, and the limited quantity of gas and electricity available and the higher rates will throw an additional burden upon the coal supplies. ________________________ From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Company’s Report. Wednesday, April 3.—There was a good supply of seaborne house coal at to-day’s market, which, however, ruled quiet in consequence of the holidays, arrangements as to their disposal having been previously made. Cargoes, 27 ______________________________ Iron Mining in Sweden.—It is reported that some of the largest deposits of iron ore in central Sweden have been acquired from foreign owners by a new company, with a minimum capital of 18,000,000 kr. (maximum 54,000,000 kr.). This company was formed for the purpose of taking over these mines, as well as a number of other mines which can be worked with the former. It is estimated that the output from these mines will amount to about 500,000 tons of ore and concentrates per annum, and it is con- sidered possible that this output may subsequently be increased. The enterprise is expected to become the second largest producer of Swedish iron ore. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, April 4. _____________________________ Scotland.—Western District. COAL. Conditions in the Scotch coal trade show little change on the week. The shortage of wagons is still apparent, and has caused a loss of time in some instances. In the West of Scotland district there is a strong demand for all classes of coal. Industrial sorts are in constant demand, and household orders show no falling off despite the advance of the season. Tonnage continues restricted, but shipments are comparatively heavy. Clearances for the week amounted to 128,136 tons compared with 126,104 in the past week and 92,377 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current prices. L’st week’s Last year’s I prices. prices. Steam coal 27/6 ; 27/6 18/ -24/ Ell 26/6-28/ 26/6-28/ 19/ -21/6 Splint 28/ -30/ 1 28/ -30/ 18/ -31/ Treble nuts 23/ j 23/ 23/6 Double do 22/ 22/ 22/ Single do 21/ . 21/ 20/ IRON. In all departments of the Scotch iron trade extreme activity is the keynote, and if deliveries are falling short it is only because the demand is beyond the capacity of the works. In pig iron circles the scarcity in forge and foundry qualities is becoming more and more accentuated. One grade or another continues to fall out of the market for general use, until now consumers have very little choice in the matter. In fact, producers have at times to divide their orders to meet the more urgent calls. Prices are all firm, and export values are still about the following prices:— Monkland and Carnbroef.a.s. at Glasgow, Nos. 1,140s., Nos. 3, 135s.; Govan, No. 1, 135s., No. 3, 130s.; Clyde, Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1,150s., Nos. 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. p^r ton. The output of finished iron is also almost entirely swallowed up by Government requirements, and ordinary home and overseas customers are finding great difficulty in securing enough to enable them to keep going. The demand for black sheets of the heavier gauges is incessant. Makers of machine tools have good orders on hand, while the output of rivets, bolts and nuts is unequal to the demand. Exports generally are practically at a standstill. _________________ Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. Business in the Lothians is still fairly satisfactory. Local demands are maintained, and Admiralty orders of considerable bulk are on hand at present. Shipments were 19,238 tons against 17,252 in the preceding week and 21,501 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... 26/6 26/6 23/ -23/6 Secondary qualities 25/6 25/6 21/ Treble nuts 23/ 23/ 23/ Double do 22/ 22/ 21/ Single do 21/ 21/ 19/6 Tonnage has been more in evidence at the Fifeshire ports, and along with demands from local consumers this has constituted a brisk demand for all grades of coal. Ship- ments were 25,833 tons against 36,170 in the preceding week and 23,469 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Best screened navigation coal Unscreened do First-class steam coal Third-class do Treble nuts Double do Single do 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’; prices. 30/ 25/ 25/ 20/ 24/ 22/ 19/ s The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 173,207 tons, compared with 179,526 in the preceding week, and 137,347 tons in the correspond- ing week of last year. ________ All prices quoted only apply to French and Italian business; for other orders 2s. 6d. per ton must be added. _________________ Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-on-Tyne. COAL. The customary holidays were taken by all sections of the coal trade this Easter, but at the time of writing a good restart has been made, both industrially and commercially. The steam coal and gas coal collieries are all well supplied with requisitioned tonnage, and their output is being taken up almost exclusively on official account. Rarely, indeed, since the outbreak of war have these pits been more busily engaged. The bunker section is still dull, although stocks are moving off a little more freely because of the larger arrivals of official tonnage which need bunkers. Coking coals, smithies, households and coke are all well absorbed mainly for inland and Allied consumption, and customers in other countries are finding it very difficult to obtain the requisite supplies. On the whole, therefore, the mining industry is working well and practically up to its fullest capacity at present. The contract to supply the Norwegian State railways with 16,000 tons of best steams for May-June delivery has been divided equally between two North country firms for options of Northumberland, Durham and, it is believed, Yorkshire coals on the usual terms, i.e., scheduled prices, plus 5 per cent, for merchants’ profit. It is said to be likely that half the coals required will be drawn from Yorkshire. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Steam coals :— ! Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) ...I Do. Tynes (Bowers,&c.) Secondary, Blyths ..... Do. Tynes (Hastings or West Hartleys) ... Unscreened ............ Small, Blyths ......... Do. Tynes..........i Do. specials........I Other sorts:— ! Current L’st week’s JLast year’s prices. i prices, j prices. 30/ -32/6 30/ -32'6 i 30/ 29/6-32/ ' 29/6-32/ ; 27/ -28/ 25/6-28/ ' 25/6-28/ ! 21/ -22/ 27/ -29/6 27/ -29 6 22/6 23 6-27 6 23/6-27/6 18/ -20/ 20/ -22/6 ! 20/ -22/6 ■ 18/ 18/6-21/ ; 18/6-21/ = 16/ -17/ 20^6-23/ ' 20/6-23/ : 19/ -20/ Smithies..............j 25/ -33/6 i 25/ -33/6,20/ -21/ Best gas coals (New: Pelton or Holmside) 25/ -27/6 ! 25/ -27/6! 26/ Secondary gas coals j (Pelaw Main or similar)! 23/6-26/ j 23/6-26/ j 17/ -19/ Special gas coals ......j 26/6-29/ j 26/6—29/ 30/ -31/ Unscreened bunkers, | Durhams' 26/6-32/6 ; 26/6-32/6 ! 16/6-20/ Do. do. ! Northumbrians: 26/6-27/6 : 26/6-27/6 i 18/ -20/ Coking coals..........24/ -27/6 : 24/ -27/6 | 18/ -20/ Do. smalls....I 24/ -27/6 : 24/ -27/6 17/ -18/ House coals ..........' 28/6-32/6 ■ 30/ -32,6 ! 27 6-30/ Coke, foundry ..........! 42/6-45/ ' 42/6-45/ 37/6-40/ Do. blast-furnace......1 42/6-45/ j 42/6-45/ 37/6 Do. gas ..............J 35/ -40/ i 35/ -40/ ( 30/ -32/ Sunderland. COAL. Owing to the holidays there is no business to report. The prospect for trade when collieries get settled down is good. The foreign enquiry is quiet, but requisition and home demands continue brisk, so that buth steams and all classes of gas, coking and manufacturing fuel are well held. Bunker coals are dull, especially the poorer qualities, and steam smalls are superabundant as usual. Coke is still in steady request for home consumption, but exports at the moment are below par. Prices are steadily maintained at the scheduled figures quoted below. Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current L’st week’s'Last year’s Gas coals:— prices. prices. i prices. Special Wear gas coals 29/ -32/6 29/ -32/6 25/ Secondary do. 25/ -27/6 25/ -27/6 17,6 House coals:— Best house coals 32’6 32/6 30/ Ordinary do 1 30/6 30^6 23/ Other sorts:— Lambton screened : 31/ -32/6 31/ -32 6 28/ South Hetton do 31/ -32/6 31/ -32/6 28/ Lambton unscreened ... 26/6 26 6 17/ South Hetton do. 266 26/6 17/ Do. treble nuts 22/6 22/6 21/ Coking coals unscreened 27/6 27/6 18/ Do. smalls 27/6 27/6 17/ Smithies 27/6 27/6 20/ Peas and nuts 27/ -28/6 27/ -28/6 22/ Best bunkers 27 6 27 6 17/6 Ordinary bunkers 26/6 26/6 16/ Coke:— Foundry coke 42/6-45/ 42/6-45/ 41/ -42/6 Blast-furnace coke (did. Teesside furnaces) ... 42/6-45/ 42/6-45/ 28/ Gas coke 35/ -40/ 35/ -40/ 31/ Middlesbrough-on-Tees. i COAL. The position as regards collieries is little changed. Gas coal continues steady, and coking coal is still well taken up, but several other descriptions are in very moderate demand. Bunker coal keeps quiet. The coke market maintains its strength. Supply is very ample, so that the heavy home demand is adequately dealt with. Sales to customers abroad are on a very limited scale. Average blastfurnace quality is 33s. at the ovens, and low phosphorus sorts 35s. 6d. at the ovens, whilst foundry description is 38s. for home use. The export quotation for gashouse coke still ranges from 38s. to 40s. f.o.b. IRON. Cancellation of home March contracts for Cleveland pig, owing to non-delivery under the allocation system, has been heavy, and, unfortunately, producers have had to stock their output, whilst heavily pressed for much-needed iron. The truck shortage continues, and is causing much anxiety. Foreign sales are on a very limited scale, but improvement is looked for, and with the Italian Government assuming control of all shipping to that country, heavier exports to Italy are expected. No. 3 Cleveland pig, No. 4 foundry and No. 4 forge are all quoted 95s. for home consumption, and 114s. for shipment to France and Italy; whilst No. 1 is 99s. for home use, and 119s. for export to the Allies. Better accounts are given of the east coast hsematite department, and the issue of licences for shipment on a more liberal scale is taken as an indication that difficulty of meeting home needs is no longer experienced. The stringency has been considerably relieved by enlarged output of basic iron, which is being more extensively used for steel making. Mixed numbers are 122s 6d. for home use and 147s. 6d. for export to France and Italy. Manu- facturers of finished iron and steel are demoting all their attention to coping with Government requirements and the huge demands of shipbuilders. By the expansion of the shipbuilding programme the latter are increasing, but it is gratifying to hear of promised adequate handling of the extra calls expected on the steel plant. _________________ Cumberland. Maryport. COAL. For the first time for some months the coal trade in this district is a shade easier. This is probably due to the holidays, and also to the return of more spring-like weather. All important home consumers are practically receiving as much as they require at present. Business continues fairly steady in all the main branches. Works fuel is in sharp call, and the demand for gas and engine fuels is very steady. All the pits were idle on Good Friday and Easter Monday. The cross-channel market remains in a very firm condition. It is expected that increased supplies of Cumberland coal will shortly be released for shipment to Ireland as soon as the demand on landsale is easier. The shipments for March amounted to 21,983 tons, compared with 12,785 tons at the corresponding period of last year, an increase of 9,198 tons. The coke industry is