1202 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. June 14, 1918. scheme. Buildings will have to be erected and teachers will have to be trained, if the full advan- tages of the continuation schools are to be reaped. It would not be possible to bring the Act into effective operation at once. A complete reorganisa- tion both of our industrial life and of our educational system will be necessary, and we think that the latter will prove the more formidable task. It is not only a question of attracting a sufficient number of teachers of the right sort, although this will not be an easy matter in view of the lamentable condi- tion into which the teaching profession has been allowed to fall. An even more important require- ment is the elaboration of a system suitable to meet the needs of young men who have already begun their business careers. This compulsory adolescent training will be a new departure in this country. It is intended to be a different thing from the system of technical evening classes hitherto in vogue, the success of which has been largely due to the voluntary principle which has ensured that only those who are sufficiently keen have taken advantage of the opportunities afforded by them. What should be the ideal education that will be provided for these adolescents ? They will already have become interested in the practical things of life, and the majority of them will be more anxious to develop their vocational faculties than to spend further time upon purely literary studies, the practical value of which they cannot be expected to appreciate. And unless their interest is aroused, the ultimate benefits of these studies will be extremely nebulous. So far as the mining industry is concerned, the conditions are very much the same as those of Lancashire. If this Bill becomes an Act—and there seems to be every prospect of this—it will be necessary to make what preparations are possible for the new order of things that will eventually arise. We have already, on previous occasions, indicated what the scheme will involve in the case of collieries. To what extent it may be found possible to provide for the withdrawal of boys from the mines to the extent required by the Bill is a question which only experience can decide. In the meantime, some interest attaches to the meaning of the term 4 i appointed day.” This is defined as the day appointed by the Board of Education, and different days may be appointed for different purposes and for different provisions of the Bill for different areas, or parts of areas, and for different persons or classes of persons. This implies that there will not be a single appointed day for the whole country, but that there may be a different appointed day not only for the separate sections of the Bill, but also for different industries. The above remarks must not be misunderstood. We believe thoroughly in education, but we use this term m a wider sense than is generally understood, and in a totally different sense from that which is too often implied. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, June 13. __________________________________________ Scotland.—Western District. COAL. No change of importance has occurred in the Scotch coal trade, and all classes of fuel are becoming more difficult to secure. In the western district many of the industrial concerns are working on very meagre supplies. House coal continues exceptionally active for the time of the year. Splint coal and all sizes of nuts are especially scarce. There is a fair turnover in the shipping department. Ship- ments amounted to 118,966 tons, against 93,418 in the preceding week, and 115,2*74 tons in the same week last this district before September at earliest—everything depends upon whether the present official and home demands continue, whether, even in September, there will be much more “ free ” coal than there is at present. The Swedish State railways are dissatisfied at the prospect of having to pay 60s. per ton, plus 5 per cent, for their require- ments for shipment over the third quarter of this year and are requesting merchants to submit modified offers. Merchants are not in the least degree likely to do so, and the Swedish buyers would be well advised to grasp the present opportunity of getting their supplies even at the inflated figure of <£3 per ton rather than turn down the present offers and have to pay say 70s. per ton in the very near future or find that there is no British coal obtainable at any price. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Current year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Steam coal Current prices. 27/6 26/6-28/ 28/ —30/ 23/ 22/ 21/ L’st week’s prices. . 27/6 26/6-28/ 28/ -30/ 23/ 22/ 21/ Last year’s prices. 17/6-20'6 18 6-20/6 21/ -26/. 23/6 22/ 20/ Ell Splint Treble nuts Double do Single do IRON. Conditions in the Scotch iron trade have undergone little change in the past week. Pig iron is active in all branches, and deliveries are heavy. This is particularly the case with regard to haematite, the production of which still receives principal attention. Other grades are scarce, home consumers finding difficulty in securing adequate supplies of foundry and forge qualities. Exports are prac- tically a dead letter, but prices are still maintained on a high level, with approximate values as follow Monkland 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, 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. per ton’ Makers of finished iron are as busy as ever. At the malle- able works the bulk of the output is on official order, but an occasional consignment is going through for Eastern destinations, with a few lots for the Allies. The heavier sections are chiefly in demand at present. Galvanised material is still more or less only procurable on Govern- ment account. ________ _______ Scotland. Eastern District. COAL. The demand for fuel in the Lothians is still in excess of the output, and collieries are falling into arrears with deliveries. Local requirements show no falling off. Admir- alty orders are still in evidence, though not quite so heavy at the moment. Shipments were 15,9*75 tons against 18,201 in the preceding week, and 19,728 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b Leith. Steam coals :— prices. Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) ... 30/ -65/ Do. Tynes (Bowers,&c.): 29/6-60/ Secondary, Blyths ....j 25/6-55/ Do. Tynes (Hastings' or West Hartleys) ..J 27/ -55/ Unscreened ............! 23/6-40/ Small, Blyths ........ 20/ -40/ Do. Tynes............. 18/6-35/ Do. specials.......... 20/6-40/ Other sorts:— Smithies.............. 25/ -40/ Best gas coals (New Pelton or Holmside) 25/ -45/ Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) I 23/6-35 / Special gas coals ......j 26/6-45/ Unscreened bunkers, | Durhams? 26/6-40/ Do. do. I Northumbrians1 26/6-40/ Coking coals..........! 24/ -40/ Do. smalls ....24/ -40/ House coals ..........; 28/6-60/ Coke, foundry ..........; 42/6-50/ Do. blast-furnace......1 42/6-50/ Do. gas ..............j 35/ -40/ L’st week’s iLast year’s prices, j prices. 30/ -65/ I 30/ 29/6-60/ ! 28/ -30/ 25/6-55/ 22/ -23/ 27/ -55/ 23 6-40/ 20/ -40/ 18/6—35/ 20/6-40/ 25/ -40/ 22/6-23/ 18/ -20/ 18/ 16/ -17/ 19/ -20/ 21/ 25/ -45/ 25/ -26/ 23/6-35/ 17/6-19/ 26/6-45/ 30/ —31/ 26/6-40/ 26/6-40/ 24/ -40/ 24/ -40/ 28/6-60/ 42/6-50/ 42/6-50/ 35/ -40/ 16/6-19/ 18/ -20/ j 18/ -20/ 16/ -18/ ' 27/6-30/ : 40/ -42/6 i 40/ j 30/ -32/ ___________________________________________________ THE LONDON COAL TRADE. Thursday, June 13. __________________________________________________ The pressure for all qualities of house coal and manu- facturing coal on the London market does not show any signs of diminution, although the warmer weather is with us and the actual consumption has been materially de- creased. The great demand at the present time appears to be for coal to put into stock in anticipation of the shortage in the output for the coming winter. The total number of miners called up recently seems to have been fixed at 75,000, and in view of this it is estimated by the trade generally that the reduced output may be something like 400,000 to 500,000 tons per week. This view is natu- rally causing some little concern amongst merchants and factors. The heavy requirements in the munition centres and industrial undertakings, which must take priority, mean that the bulk of the reductions will be felt most in the house coal market. On July 1 doubtless the scheme for rationing supplies will come into effect, but whilst everyone is particularly anxious to secure as much stock as possible during the summer months, the regulations unfortunately preclude anyone putting into stock more than one month’s requirements. Since the war began, pit prices have advanced 6s. 6d. per ton, viz., 4s. allowed by the Coal Prices Limitation Act, and 2s. 6d. per ton by the Coal Controller in October last. The recent ad- vance of Is. 6d. per ton in public delivery prices in London from June 1 last is anticipated to carry with it an all-round advance very shortly in the pit prices. The seaborne market has been fairly well supplied during the week, 22 vessels arriving in the Thames for Monday’s market, and 11 for. Wednesday. This will considerably help the gas works in the metropolitan district. Reports from the Humber and the Tyne show coal is very short at all the ports.. The new Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918, was fully explained by the Coal Controller at an important meeting held in London during the week. Certain councils are preparing to store a good quantity of coal during the summer months in anticipation of the winter’s demand, and the Coal Controller has already been approached with reference to a special permit for storing coal during the summer months. From Messrs. Dinham Fawcus and Company Limited. Friday, June 7.—The seaborne house coal market was quiet, with short supply and no cargoes on offer. Car- goes, 11. Monday, June 10.—There was a good enquiry for sea- borne house coal, but supply was short. No spare cargoes were on offer. Arrivals, 22. Wednesday, June 12.—The seaborne house coal market was quiet, with no cargoes on offer. Cargoes, 11. __________________________ Best screened steam coal... Secondary qualities..... Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 26/6 25/6 23/ 22/ 21/ L’st week’s prices. 26/6 25/6 23/ 22/ 21/ Last year’s prices 20/ 18/ 22/ 20/ 19/ Conditions in Fifeshire are similar to the Lothians. Local demands are strong, and shipments are of good bulk and mostly to neutrals, which means good prices. Clear- ances amounted to 22,970 tons against 42,645 in the preceding week, and 20,964 tons in the same week last year. Prices f o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current prices. L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. Best screened navigation coal 29/ -31/ 29/ -31/ 28/ Unscreened do 24/ -25/ 24/ -25/ 24/ First-class steam coal 28/ 28/ 23/ 19/ Third-class do 24/ 24/ Treble nuts 23/ 23/ 24/ Double do. 22/ 22/ 22/ Single do 21/ 21/ 19/ The prices quoted only apply to French and Italian business; for all other orders 2s. 6d. or more per ton must be added, with the exception of secondary qualities Lothian coal. ________ The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 157,911 tons compared with 154,264 in the preceding week, and 155,966 tons in the corresponding week of last year. The address of Fastnut Limited has been transferred from 159-161, Great Portland-street, London, to 49, Queen Victoria-street, E.C. ________ ________ Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-on-Tyne. COAL. The activity of the local mining industry has undergone no modification on the week and the energies of the collieries are being fully expended in an effort to keep pace with the arrivals of requisitioned vessels and of rail- way wagons for supplies of coal on Government, Allied and home accounts, a task sufficiently difficult to cope with without attention being diverted to the satisfaction of neutral requirements. With many of the pits denuded of much of their essential labour power, especially of the putter class, it is quite impossible to produce the fuel required. Cases are cited where the output is only from 25 to 30 per cent, of the pre-war average owing to the care- less way in which the Government has called up the miners. Under these circumstances, very little actual business is reported so far as neutral needs are concerned, and prices are very firmly maintained at last week’s quotations. Neutrals are not likely to be able to secure much coal from Sunderland. COAL. The market for all classes of coal shows a strong and hardening tendency, but the seriously reduced output is a great handicap, especially for prompt shipment. Neutrals are ready buyers for any position within the next two or three months. With many collieries the present output, as compared with the normal in pre-war years, is from 50 to 60 per cent, less, and accounts for the stiff rise in price to neutrals. The advance covers practically all classes of coal — best and second gas qualities, as well as bunkers, being quoted in proportion to best steams—and all alike are unob- tainable except in small quantities at the maximum figures. Special Wear gas coal is quoted at 45s., but lack of licences limits business. Coking and smithy descriptions are fully taken up for inland trades. Sellers continue to ask 40s. for bunkers, irrespective of brand. Coke manufacturers are in a satisfactory position, and any surplus can be readily cleared off to neutrals at 50s. Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. No improvement in the coal supply can be reported, and little is now purchasable for this month. Official demand is exceedingly heavy on Allied account, and also for rail- borne supply. For home and the Allies prices remain at the standard levels, but inflated figures are named for neutral business. Though the quantities now going to neutrals are very small, enquiries continue heavy. Gas coals and manufacturing coals are quoted 45s. to 50s. and upwards for best sorts, and 35s. to 40s. and upwards for second kinds. Bunkers show no alteration. Supply is less than could be wished, and good qualities are quoted 50s. Coking coal scarce and very strong. Supply of coke is insufficient to the heavy demand. Local consumers are experiencing considerable inconvenience by the shortage, and shipments to neutrals are small. For home use foundry quality is 38s.; average blastfurnace kind, 33s. at the ovens; and low phosphorus sort 35s. 6d. at the ovens, whilst for export to neutrals the quotation for both foundry and furnace coke is in the neighbourhood of 55s. IRON. All branches of the pig iron trade are characterised by much firmness. Home business in Cleveland pig is less, practically all the June allocations of foundry iron having been placed, but a good few sales of forge are still reported, though pressure for supply is not so urgent, as recent large deliveries of this quality enabled customers to accumulate stocks. The tonnage situation continues satisfactory, and shipments to France and Italy are going forward For home consumption, No. 3 Cleveland pig, No. 4 foundry, and No. 4 forge are all quoted at 95s.; and for shipment to the Allies these qualities are put at 114s.; whilst No. 1 is 99s. for home use, and 119s. for shipment to France and Italy. There seems little or no prospect of production of east coast hsematite being increased, and the current make promptly passes into consumption. It is possible to export a little haematite without interfering with the essential needs of home consumers. Mixed numbers are 114s. for home use, and 147s. 6d. for export to France and Italy. Manu- facturers of finished iron and steel are very busily employed, and it is satisfactory to have the assurance that the huge demand for shipbuilding material is adequately dealt with. Quotations are firm. __________________ Cumberland. Mary port. COAL. Business in the Cumberland coal trade continues exceed- ingly brisk, and there is a strong market for all classes of fuel. A marked shortage of coal for all purposes is still evident. The pits have been working steadily since the holidays, but production is still very much below normal. Landsale is dull, and business at the depots has been very quiet.'"The home market is very firm, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to cope with all the business that is being offered on local account. Locomotive fuel for the home railways is steady, and bunkers are in strong request. Slacks, smalls, and all varieties of fuel for industrial pur- poses are in keen demand. House coal is quiet, but gas and manufacturing fuel is very firm, and the shipments from all the Cumberland ports are fairly satisfactory. Very little Cumberland coal can be spared for export. Quotations unchanged.