October 25, 1918. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 869 attention of late, and supplies for the depots have been larger. All varieties of bunkers are very firm. Locomotive fuels for the home railways are in brisk request, and gas coal is in strong demand. Prices firm and unchanged. Current quotations. Current prices. L’st week’s prices. Last year’s prices. BestCumberl’nd coal at pit 29/10 28/2 29/10 25/10 Best washed nuts at pit... 28/2 24 2 Seconds at pit 27'4 27/4 23/4 Washed nuts at pit 27/4 27/4 23/2 23/4 Dg. smalls „ 23'2 19/2 Do. peas „ 21 6 21/6 17/6 Best dry small, at pit 26/ 26/ 22/ Buckhill best coal at pit... Do. double-scrned 29/ 29/ 25/ washed nuts 27'6 27 6 23 6 Oughterside best coal Oughterside best washed 28 2 28/2 25/ nuts St. Helens (Siddick) best 26/6 26 6 23,6 coal at pit St. Helens (Siddick) best 29/ 29/ 25/ house nuts at pit Best Cumberland coal. 27/6 27/6 23 6 f.o.b 26/ 26/ 22/ Best washed nuts, f.o.b. ... 24/ 24/ 20/ Best bunkers (coastwise) 35/ 35/ ■ 31/ Do. (foreign)... 38' 38/ 31/ Best works fuel 26/6 26 6 22 6 Best gas coal Best washed nuts for gas- 26,6 26 6 22/6 works ... . 25,6 25 6 21 6 Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Leeds. COAL. Pressure for fuel, especially house coal and gas coal, tends to increase. On the whole, collery representatives report a little better output, but this extra production varies considerably in different districts. Wagons, which have been comparatively plentiful for a few months, are now scarcer, and complaints of delays are raised. Although improved a little, supplies generally are insufficient to meet requirements. London merchants and factors reported that the Metropolis was very short of coal, but there is absolutely nothing to secure in the open market. House coal values locally range about a shilling a ton higher than pit prices for London. Merchants are pressing for deliveries. The demand for steam and gas coal for France and Italy is still active, but delays to shipping are causing some difficulty at present. As to manufacturing fuel, the market remains bare, as the bulk of the available coal is required to satisfy priority claims, and other users have to be content with restricted deliveries of hand-to-mouth character. No ease is yet felt with regard to gas coal. The demand for washed furnace coke is vigorous, and exceeds the capacity of the ovens, although every effort is made to maintain the output. Nominally pit prices are as follow :— Current pit prices. _________________ Fuel for manufacturing purposes is in strong demand, especially cobbles and nuts, of which there is a growing scarcity. Many of the large steel works experience the greatest difficulty in carrying on, as deliveries are most uncertain. The best brands of slack are practically unobtainable, and secondary kinds are not readily found. There is no improvement in the supply of gas coal, and gas engineers are unable to make suitable provision for their winter requirements. Steam coal for locomotive use is equally difficult to secure, and serious inroads are being made to the reserve stocks held by the various railway companies. There is an active demand for all classes of coke, and the full production of the ovens is readily taken up. The supply of coking slack is still very difficult to obtain. IRON. There is no change in the condition of the iron trade of the district. All the works are in a state of great activity. IRON. The haematite pig iron trade on the West Coast remains in a very active condition. Production is again on the rise, and since last week an additional furnace has been lighted at Askam Labour is still rather scarce, but supplies of raw materials, both coke and native and foreign ore, are said to be more plentiful, and the outlook is therefore more encouraging. At present there is just sufficient iron available to enable users to keep going from hand to mouth. Prices are still at the official maximum. All the make of special iron is being allocated and distributed to important users in Scotland and the Midlands, and practically all the output of ordinary Bessemer iron is going into consumption locally at the steelworks. _________________ South-West Lancashire. COAL. There is very little that is new with regard to the coal trade in this district. If the output from the mines is increasing, the increase is not very marked. In the mean- time the demand in the household trade gets very acute, with no appreciable increase in ability to meet it, and the same remark applies to the gas fuel position. Require- ments for bunkering and export are fairly well maintained, though owing to delays to steamers the demand is hardly as active as might be expected in view of the quantities allocated for export to Allied countries and South America Under the circumstances supplies of shipping coal about equal the demand. With regard to the coastwise and cross-Channel trade, particularly in reference to Ireland, charters are not readily forthcoming, coal is difficult to get, and in the meantime the merchant across the water is an anxious buyer. The partial stoppage of the weaving industry for the week has been the reason given for a con- siderable diversion of steam and manufacturing fuel to other users whose demands are urgent. Generally, there is a distinct shortage of this class of fuel, and certainly less coming in on the easterly side of Lancashire from other counties, than was the case even some few weeks ago. Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). 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........... Bost rough slacks..... Small do. ............ Coking smalls ........ Coke Price at ovens Furnace coke ______. j Current | L’st week's Last year's prices. I prices. prices. 25/6-26/6 ! 25'6-26/6 21/6-22 6 25/ -25/6 ! 25/ -25/6 21/ -21 6 25/ -25,6 i 25/ -25 6 21/ -21 6 24/ -24 6 i 24' 24 6 , 20/ -20 6 22 '6 23 6 I 22 '6 -23/6 ! 18 6 -19 6 i ■ ■ 29/6-30/ 29/6-30/ 25/6 26' 28/ -29/ 28/ -29/ ; 24/ -25/ 27/ -28' 27/ -28/ •. 23/ -24/ 24 '6 -26 6 24/6 -26 6 ' 20 6 -22 / 22/ -22 6 j 22/ -22 6 17,6-18 6 21/ -22/ j 21/ -22/ 17/ -18/ 20/6 21 6 | 20/6-21,6 ■ 16 6 -17 6 22 6 23.6 j 22,6-23,6 ; 18,6 -19 6 21,6-22,6 i 21,6-22,6 ' 17,6-18 6 20/6-21,6 i 20*,6-21 6 16/6-17/6 20/6-21/6 19/6-20/6 17,6-18/6 18/ -19/ 32/ 20/6-21,6 19/6-20,6 17/6-18/6 18/ -19/ 16/6-17/6 15/6-16,6 13 6-14/6 14/ -15/ 32/ 25/8 House coal:— Best ................. Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) Medium ............... Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) Kitchen .........._____ Com. (f.o.b. Garston,net) Screened forge coal..... Best scrnd. steam coal f.o.b. Best slack ............. Secondary slack ........ Common do..............__ Current prices. 27/6-28/6 29/ -30/ 25/6-26/6 28/6-29/ 24/6 27/ -28/ 24/6 _____* 22/6 21/6 20/6 L’st week's! Last year ’s prices. > prices. 27/6-28/6 23/6 24 6 29/ -30/ 27/ upwds 25 6-26/6 21 6-22 6 28/6-29/ 26/ upwds 24/6 20/6 27/ -28/ j 25/ 24 6 : 20 6 30/6 22 6 18/6 21/6 1 17/6 20/6 j 16/6 .. __________________ Barnsley. COAL. The only material question is still that of production. The influence of the return of miners to the pits is steadily becoming apparent, but difficulties crop up. A holiday under any conditions is still welcomed by some sections, especially the younger men, who appear to quickly revert to their old habit of absenteeism. The Brierley Colliery, which has been quickly developed, and employs about 1,500 men, has been set down for nearly a week owing to a dispute. The position regarding supplies shows practically no alteration. So far as steam fuel is concerned, energies are still directed to obtain the required large tonnage for the use of the Allies and the Admiralty. This is slightly variable. Home supplies are in proportion to what can be spared, and the great scarcity of screened coal is particularly evident. The railway companies are still working on reduced deliveries, and stocks are very low. Munition works take a big tonnage of screened fuel. The distribu- tion of manufacturing fuel causes a good deal of disappoint- ment. A greater assurance is felt with regard to gas coal. Generally, however, stocks are confined to about one month's requirements. T he pressure for coking fuel continues very strong, but it is not yet possible to keep the by-product plants in full operation. The rationing of house coal is affording some assistance to merchants, who are still only obtaining supplies in proportion to the reduced allotments. Values are again only nominal about as follow:— * New schedule. ________ ________ South Lancashire and Cheshire. COAL. The Manchester Coal Exchange was well attended on Tuesday. There is practically no fuel on offer, collieries having more demand than they can meet. This applies to house and manufacturing fuel. The call for shipping coal is a little easier, principally through the difficulty in obtaining steamers. Prices generally are as below:— Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). .. I Current E’st week'sj Last year's House coal:— ! prices. ; prices. I prices. Best ...............• 28/6 i 28/6 ! 24/6 Medium.....................i 26/ -27/ ; 26/ -27/ | 22/ -23/ Common.............J 24/6-25/ 24/6-25/ • 20'6-21/ Furnace coal...........| 24/ -24/6 24/ -24/6 | 20/ -20/6 Bunker (f.o.b. Partington)! —* i —* I —* Best slack ............,. 22/6 upwds 22/6upwds;18/6upwds Common slack .........1211 upwds |21 / upwds 117/ upwds * As per official list. IRON. There is no cessation in the volume of orders coming in to the various works in this district, and all have more allocations than they can carry out. The output generally has been interfered with by influenza here, and whole shifts have had to be stopped in consequence of one or two being laid off through this plague—there being no spare men available to take their places. Prices remain without alteration. Foundries are very busy, but the reduction that took place in cast scrap was considered to be very unwarranted, and the dealers are not interesting them- selves in the matter, so that there is not likely to be any available here shortly. Prices at pit. House coals:— 1 Current iL’st week’s;Last year’s i prices. prices. Drices. Best Silkstone _________ 27/ -28/6 ; 27/ -28/6 _________ 1 22/6-24,6 Best Barnsley softs 25/ -25/6 : 25/ -25/6 | 21/ -21/6 Secondary do. ; 22/ -24/ 23/ -24/ 19/6-20/ Best house nuts i 22/6-23'6 : 22/6-23/6 18/6-19/6 Secondary do. ... ■22/ -22/6 I 22/ -22/6 18/ -18/6 Steam coals:— Best hard coals 24/ -25/ ! 24/ -25' 20/ -21/ Secondary do < 1 23/ -24/ 23/ -24/ 19/ -20/ Best washed nuts ! 22/6-23/6 22/6-23/6 18/9-19/ Secondary do i 21/ -22/ i 21/ -22/6 18/ -18/9 Best slack 19/ -19/9 ! 19/ -19/9 15/ -15/6 Secondary do 16/ -17/6 i 16/ -17/6 13/ -13/6 Gas coals ■— Screened gas coals 23/ -23/6 23/ -23/6 19/ -19/6 Unscreened do 22/ -22/6 22/ -22/6 18/ —18/6 Gas nuts.., 22/ 22/ 18/6 Furnace coke 32/ 32/ 25/8 Hull. COAL. The position seems to be slightly better, and current business, within limitations, is less difficult. The bulk is still on account of France and Italy, and little neutral trade is possible. Some hope seems to be engendered by the prospect of better supplies. French demands are steadily met, but shipments of late have become irregular in conse- quence of variable weather. Locally, the position regarding gas and house coal does not improve, and it is only with difficulty that modified deliveries are maintained. Chesterfield. COAL. The condition of the coal trade of this district shows little or no change from week to week. Efforts are made to obtain an increased output, but these have not effected any very appreciable results. Supplies are still much below market requirements. House coal orders continue to come to hand in substantial numbers, but it is impos- sible to execute them with any degree of promptitude _________________ Nottingham. COAL. Activity continues to characterise every branch of the trade. Domestic fuel of every description is in urgent demand. A fair tonnage is despatched to outside areas, and though the amount allocated to this district is on a limited scale, local merchants are able to attend to the more urgent needs of householders. There is increasing pressure on collieries for every grade, of steam-producing fuel. Preferential claims absorb a considerable proportion of the output, with the result that ordinary industrial con- cerns can only obtain comparatively small supplies. To supplement the shortage there is a bigger demand for slacks, all grades of which have a very active sale. Notwithstanding the economic policy adopted by local authorities, the output of gas coal is quickly disposed of, while coke finds a ready market at maximum rates. Prices at pithead :— Hand-picked brights ..... Good house coals.....__... Secondary do............. Best hard coals..........i Secondary do ..........i Slacks (best hards) ......I Do. (second) ........j Do. (soft)...,___...____| Current prices. 25/ -26/ 24/ -25/ 22/6-23/6 22/ -23/ 21/ -21/6 18/ -19/ 16/6-17/6 16, -17/ L'st week’s prices. 25/-26/ 24/ -25/ 22/6-23/6 ! 22/ -23 I 21/ -21 6 I 18/ -19/ i 16/6-17/6 i 16/ -17/ s (Last year's j prices, j 21/ -22/ i 20/ -21/ ; 18/6-19/6 ( 18 9-20/ ! 17/9-18/6 • 14/6-15/ : 13/ -13 6 | 9/6—10/6 _______________ Leicestershire. COAL. There is again an increase in the extreme pressure for speedy deliveries to the great centres of population. There is a steady return to first class miners from the Army, and the output is maintained. The demand for munition works is as great as ever, and heavy quantities of household have to be diverted for this purpose. The claims for London and district are very extensive, and the minimum quan- tities are sent every day. All classes of steam-raising fuel are in urgent request, and sub-division is very strictly enforced. Household, cobbles and large and small nuts are in very keen demand for the country generally, and merchants are reorganising their deliveries as speedily as possible so as to avoid cases of absolute want of fuel. Wagons available, but there are no stocks of any kind either at the collieries or at country stations. Prices at pit. Current 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 prices. 24/ -25/6 23/ -24/ 22/6-23/6 22/6-23/6 21/6-22/6 21/ —22/ 20/ -21/ 19/6-19/9 13/6-14/6 kitcheners.............. 20/ -21/6 Steams, best hand picked 20/6-21/6 Steams, seconds ... .....J 19/6-21/ Main cobbles for kitcheners 20/ -21/6 Main breeze.............j 19/9-20/6 L'st week’s prices. 24/ -25/6 I 23/ -24/ 22/6-23/6 : 22/6-23/6 ! 21/6-22/6 | 21/ -22/ ; 20/ -21/ 19/6-19/9 ; 13 6-14/6 20/ -21/6 20/6-21/6 19/6-21/ 20/ -21/6 19/9-20/6 Last year'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 South Staffordshire, North Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Birmingham. COAL. The situation shows little change, and the market remains inactive because of the absence of supplies. The coke position is, if anything, a shade easier, making for improved production at the blastfurnaces. Consumers of nuts and slacks experience difficulty in obtaining their contract tonnages, though munition factories and works engaged in providing for the war services have supplies allocated. Vigorous efforts are being made to obtain a larger output, and the aid of the pit committees is being invoked in this direction. They are able to do somethin^ ____________________________________________________ Prices at pit. Staffordshire (including ; Cannock Chase) :— | House coal, best deep ... I Do. seconds deep! Do. best shallow; Do. seconds do. | Best hard ............j Forge coal............j Slack ................i Warwickshire:— House coal, best Ryder..; Do. hand-picked cobs ____.............; Best hard spires ......; Forge (steam) ........i D.S. nuts (steam) ....j Small (do.) ....j Current 1- , , . , L st week s Last year’s prices. I prices. prices. 24/6 i 24/6 24 6 22/6 ; 22/6 22/6 21/6 . 21/6 21/6 20/6 : 20/6 20 6 21/ 21/ 21/ 18/6 18/6 ' 18 6 13/6 13/6 ' 13/6 21/6 21/6 21/6 23/6 20 6 20,6 22/6 ! 22/6 22 6 18/6 18/6 18/6 17/ ■ 17/ 17/ 17/ ! 17/ 17/