1196 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. December 6, 1918. THE WELSH COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, December 5. North Wales. Wrexham. COAL. There is nothing exceptional to report in respect of the coal trade of this area at the time of writing. All the pits are working full time, and every effort is being made to maintain a good output. All grades of fuel are in keen demand, and the number of orders received is increasing daily, especially as regards household fuel. Efforts are being made to keep up the allotted tonnage of gas-making fuel, but there are complaints of a shortage. All steam coal raised is quickly disposed of, the bulk going to railway companies, and the major part of the balance for shipment at Birkenhead and Ellesmere Port. No material changes occurred in prices during the past week, and most of the quotations issued have been based upon the following figures : — Current L’st week’s Last year’s Railborne: — prices. prices. prices. Best house coal 27/6-30/ 27/6-30/ — Secondary do 25/ -27/6 25' -27/6 — Steam coal 27/6-30/ 27/6-30/ — Gas coal 25/ -27 6 25/ -27 6 — Bunkers 27 6-30/ 27/6-30/ — Nuts 20/ -22/6 20/ -22 6 — Slack 17/6-19/6 17/6-19/6 — Gas coke (at works) Landsale: — 26/8-28/4 26.8-28/4 — Best house coal 32/6-35/ 32/6-35/ — Seconds 30/ -32/6 30/ —32/6 — Kitchen coal — — — Slack 21/8-23/4 21/8-22/6 — Monmouthshire, South Wales, Ac. Newport. C0AL The utmost pressure still exists in the matter of coal supply. Tonnage arrivals have been considerable, but the supply of coal is still much short of the required amount, with the result that there has been a good deal of delay of ships. Some of them have gone away light in order to bring homeward cargoes, instead of waiting indefinitely here. The best sorts of steam coal are still requisitioned for official purposes. Through coal and smalls have been selling freely, but very little has been going to neutral markets. There is a great demand for house and gas coals. Coke is also in general request. Prices for home and Allied markets f.o.b. cash 30 days. Neutrals extra. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Steam coals:— ) prices. prices. prices. Best Black Vein large...' 37/ 37/ 32/6 Western-valleys, ordin’y 36/ 36/ 31/6 Best Eastern-valleys ... 36/ 36/ 31/6 Secondary do. 35/ 35/ 30/6 Best small coals ’ 28/ 27/ 28/ 23,6 Secondary do | 27/ j 22/6 Inferior do 25/ 25/ i 20/6 Screenings 30/ 30/ 25/6 Through coals 34/ 37/ 34/ 29/6 Best washed nuts 37/ 32/6 Other sorts:— Best house coal, at pit .. 40/ 40/ 35/6 Secondary do. do. ... 38/ 38/ 33/3 Patent fuel 37/ 37/ 32/6 Furnace coke 52/ 52/ 47/6 Foundry coke 52/ 52/ | 47/6 IRON. Not much change has occurred as yet in the position of the iron and steel works of the district. A good deal of the former output is maintained from some of them. Prices are still nominal in those cases, and in others, where bars and pig iron are being dealt with, the newly established price list applies. There is plenty of tonnage available for iron ore cargoes, but in some cases ships are bringing part cargoes of ore and part of fruit. A general improvement in the tin-plate trade may be looked for early in the new year. Cardiff. COAL. The principal topic on ’Change this week has been the proposal of the Italian Government to introduce a Bill by which the import and sale of coal shall be a State monopoly, and controlled as such. Not only is there an outcry against the proposal in Italy, but the project will strike a serious blow at the British exporters if carried out on the lines suggested. Prior to the outbreak of war, Italy took between 800,000 and 900,000 tons of coal from this country, of which the greater proportion was shipped from South Wales. When hostilities commenced the coal producers of this country were asked to enter into a scheme for the supply of coal to France and Italy, and they readily did so on the understanding that the arrangement would only be a war measure, and that a return would be made to pre-war conditions as soon as hostilities had ceased. The present announcement has come as a bombshell on the shipping community, and it is argued that the proposal is distinctly unfair. The French scheme worked more or less satisfactorily, but the Italian arrangements were looked upon as a failure, because a few firms reaped enhanced benefits to the detriment of others. In the case of the smaller firms, their business was cut down to negligible proportions, and in some instances withdrawn altogether. The difficulty of interfering with the domestic arrange- ments of another country is a knowledged, but it is felt that the conditions now sought to be introduced are such that it is a matter for international conversations. The Italian exporters—that is, the merchants who have built up a good commercial connection with Italian firms—resent the limitation of their market, because they realise that the bulk of the trade will drift into the hands of the big combines and powerful firms, thus leaving them out in the cold. No definite action has yet been taken, but a suggestion has been made that a Coal Exporters Association should be formed, whose special objects will be to look after the welfare of the coal exporters. It is pointed out that the Chamber of Commerce represents a variety of interests, but on the other hand the ship- owners and shipbrokers have their own organisations, and have been able to make their voice heard by taking united action. The same applies to the pitwood importers, and it is not unlikely that the coal exporters will band themselves into a defensive body in order that their interests may be properly safeguarded. The general position of the market remains unchanged. Tonnage arrived freely over the week end, and at the time of writing there were no fewer than 300 vessels in the various docks awaiting cargoes. Such a state of affairs has not existed since the early part of 1914, and the facilities for shipment are not equal to what they were in those days—mostly due to lack of repairs and general upkeep. On the other hand, outputs are steadily improving and now approximate about a million tons per week, although these figures are still below the average of the pre-war period. Every effort is being made to cope with the situation, but the labour element has again put a sprag in the wheel by declining to work the tips on Sunday. This, of course, adds to the difficulty of getting the ships away to sea, and in order to relieve the congestion vessels are being diverted to ports where the pressure is not so great. All Admiralty grades and superior quality steams are retained for official purposes, and although more permits are being issued on private account, these are mainly for Allied destinations, so that there is practically no margin for neutrals. The inland demand continues heavy, and coastwise shipments are being resorted to in some instances in order to release as many. wagons as possible for the journeys between the collieries and the port of shipment. The demand for smalls for bunker and coking purposes remains unabated, and there is no diminution in the home requirements for industrial and household needs. There is no change in prices, either to Allied or neutral consumers. Cardiff prices f.o.b. (except where otherwise stated). ! Current ! Allies’ Neutrals’ ^astyears fixed : minimum ( Prlces- Steam coals:— prices. ; prices. Best Admiralty steam coals 1 40/ r' 50/ 33/ Superior seconds ; I 38'6 :47/6 31/6 Seconds ... 1 37/9 ( ’ 46/ 30 9 Ordinary i 37/ 45/ ; 30/ Steam smalls No. 1 i 28/6 28/6 21 6 Do. 2 ' 28/ 28/ ■ 21/ Do. 3 ; 27/6 27/6 20/6 Do. 4 ■ 27/ 27/ 1 20/ Do. 5 26/6 26/6 19 6 Do. 6 26/ 26/ 19/ Do. 7 25 6 25/6 18 6 Do. 8 25/ 25/ 18/ Best dry coals 37/ 45/ 30/ Ordinary drys 35/6 42/6 28 6 Best washed nuts 37/ 45/ 30/ Seconds 35/6 42/6 28'6 Best washed peas 34/6 40/ 27/6 Seconds 33/6 38/6 26/6 Monmouthshire Black Veins 37/ - 45/ ! 30/ Western-valleys 36/ I 43 6 ! 29/ Eastern-valley s ......: 36/ ! 43/6 | 29/ Inferior do 35/ 1 42/ , 28/ Bituminous coals:— Best house coals (at pit) 40/ 50/ ! 33/ Second qualities (at pit) ; 37/9 1 46/ i 30,9 No. 3 Rhondda— 1 Bituminous large 37/9 1 -46/ i 30,9 Small | 33/ 38/ ! 26/ No. 2 Rhondda — 1 Large 34/ ! 41/ i 27/ Through-and-through 29/ -30/6 33/ -35/6 1 22/ -23/6 Small ; 24/ -26/ i 24/ -26/ I 17/ -19/ Best patent fuel ! 37/ 1 45/ ! 30/ Seconds ; > 37/ 45/ 30/ Special foundry coke ; 54/6 70/ 47/6 Ordinary do. ' 54/6 1 70/ 47/6 Furnace coke 54/6 i 70/ 47/6 Pitwood (ex-ship) 65/ ! — 70/ -75/ IRON. The tin-plate trade remains firm, and prices are main- tained at the official maximum. Orders are plentiful, but makers are chary of entering into fresh contracts pending an announcement as to the intentions of the Government. Repairs now in progress will enable a number of additional mills to be restarted in the near future. Shipments last week amounted to 27,054 boxes, whilst receipts from works totalled 24,741 boxes, leaving 132,679 boxes in stock in the docks warehouses and vans, compared with 99,004 boxes at the corresponding date of last year. The price of block tin continues its downward tendency, and current prices are on the basis of £274 10s. to £275 10s. for cash, and £269 10s. to £270 10s. at three months. A corresponding reduction has been made in the price of tin-plates, Bessemer standard cokes being obtainable at 30s. 10|d. at works, with other sizes in proportion. Wasters and oil sizes are scarce, and buyers find it difficult to cover their requirements. In the general iron and steel trades supplies of ore continue satisfactory, and all works are operating at maximum pressure. In the galvanised sheet trade there is little movement at present, but with spelter more plentiful busier times are anticipated. Spelter remains steady at £56 to £52 per ton. In scrap metals there is a firmer enquiry, but no change in prices, which are main- tained at the official maximum. Swansea. COAL. There was a capital attendance on ’Change, and the coal market continued to show a very strong tone. With an excellent arrival of tonnage over the week-end there was a very brisk demand for all classes. Anthracite large, especially the best qualities, were firmly held. Machine- made descriptions were particularly in demand. Bubbly culm and duff continued slow. In steam coals there was an active demand for all varieties, and bituminous coals were practically unobtainable. Llanelly. COAL. There is no easing off to report in the active position of the local market, and practically all grades are well booked up. Shipping is much busier, and collieries are well supplied with empties, so that full time is being reported at practically all. Anthracite co Is are firm, and for prompt shipment buyers find it difficult to secure their quantities of the better grades of large. Red Vein sorts are also in steady demand. Cobbles and nuts are hard to secure, and beans and peas are also busy. Culm and duff are slow, and there is not much business doing. Steam coals are very active. Large kinds are in request, and throughs are also strong. Not many spare lots are available. Smalls are busier than last reported. Manu- facturing and gas coals ar© very firm, and consumers are pressing for heavier deliveries. The inland demand is very satisfactory, but orders are not being executed very quickly. Prices f.o.b. Anthracite;— Best malting large Seconds Thirds Current prices. 37/ 36/ 34'6 34/6 49/6 48/6 46/ i 43/ 49/6 48/ 46/ 43/ j 42/ 41/ 40/ 38/ 27/ 20/ 18/ 15/ 13/6 37/ 34/ 30/6 24/ 34/ ! 31/ i — 54/6 L’st week’s prices. 37/ 36/ 34/6 | 34/6 : 49/6 ' 48/6 46/ 43/ 49/6 48/ 46/ 43/ 42/ 41/ 40/ 38/ 27/ 20/ 18/ 15/ 13/6 37/ 34/ 30/6 24/ 34/ 31/ 54/6 | Last year’ ; prices. ! 30/ 29/ 27/6 25/6 42/6 41/ 39/ 36/ 42/6 41/ 39/ 36/ 35/ 34/ 33/ 31/ 20/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 6/6 30/ 27/ 23/6 22/ 23/6 19/ 17/ 27/ 24/ 23.6 21£ Red Vein large... Machine-made cobbles... Seconds Thirds Red Vein cobbles i Machine-made nuts Seconds Thirds Red Vein nuts Machine - broken beans (best) Seconds Thirds Red Vein beans Peas (all qualities) Rubbly culm Red Vein culm . Breaker duff ■ Billy duff Steam:— Best large steams Seconds Cargo through Seconds Bunker through Smalls Second smalls Bituminous:— Bituminous through ... Smalls Gas through Gas smalls (Coke-oven) coke THE IRISH COAL TRADE. Thursday, December 5. Dublin. There is not much improvement in the supplies, although a large number of vessels which have been delayed in loading arrived in the port. A fair proportion is being sent to the provinces where the shortage has been most acute. Many of the banks at the Custom House docks are depleted, and supplies have been awaited for weeks past. Prices remain unchanged. The total quantity of coal dis- charged upon the quays during the past week was 21,548 tons, as compared with 17,363 tons the week previously, chiefly from Glasgow, Liverpool, Ardrossan, Garston, Whitehaven, Newport, Maryport, Ayr, Preston, Partington, Irvine, Greenock, Cardiff, Troon and Point of Aire. Coal for Dublin is still being supplied on a strictly rationed basis. Under 'a new regulation of the Coal Controller cargoes of coal for this and other Irish ports are only to be supplied on permits, the issue of which came into force last week. These permits are issued to the collieries by the Controllers, and merchants’ orders are only carried out according as permits are available. At the Wolf hill Collieries, Queen’s County, the new railway sidings are not yet complete, and the mines are not in full working order. The present price of the coal is 50s. per ton f.o.r. Athy, on the Great Southern and Western Railway line, and lime- burning culm, 20s. per ton. At the weekly meeting of the Celbridge Board of Guardians last weok a letter was read from the Castlecomer collieries, stating that they are unable to supply any coal at present owing to the difficulty of transit. Belfast. The coal situation in the port was never more acute, and not much improvement is expected until after February. Only limited quantities are being shipped from the Scotch side, and it is feared that unless more coal is soon forth- coming, the city gas and electricity supplies will be seriously jeopardised. Current prices for house coals are: —Best Arley, 56s. 6d. per ton; Scotch house, 49s. 6d.; Orrell nuts, 54s. 6d.; all less Is. per ton for cash ; standard coal, 48s. 6d. per ton, net cash. THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products.—Pitch has been quoted at 65s. in London for a number of weeks, and has been freely purchased at that figure. The export position is still one of difficulty, inasmuch as tonnage remains scarce. Any improvement in that direction, as mentioned last week, would be re- flected in the provincial quotations. Briquette manu- facturers in South Wales have been negotiating relative to their supplies in the coming year, but circumstances have not been altogether in their favour regarding the price they contemplated. Buyers and sellers differ in their outlook regarding the trend of values in the next few months, but in any case the London producers claim special consideration on the ground of the high cost of production in their locality. Solvent naphtha is steady at about 3s. 9d., and toluol is quoted at 3s. 6d. net per gal. in bulk ex London works. Not much of sixties carbolic is offered on the basis of 3s. 6d. net per gal. in sellers’ tank trucks. Creosote is firm, and cresylic steady. Business in most of the other products is rather light just now, owing to buyers feeling uncertain about arrangements. Sulphate of Ammonia.—The usual business is proceed- ing at schedule prices. No expectation of an immediate abandonment of control is entertained. Stoppage of the export of Scottish coal to Denmark threatens considerable -inconvenience to railways and industrial works. London Iron and Steel Exchange Limited.—We are advised that the Exchange is formed not only in the interest of iron and stebl, but of all metal industries, including manufactured cast iron, brass, tin, lead and copper. Both merchants and manufacturers will find a means of transacting business through the Exchange at the Great Pillar Hal], Cannon Street Hotel. The offices of the company are at 123 Cannon-street, E.C. 4. Com- munications addressed to the secretary will receive prompt attention.