288 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. February 7, 1913. gone to the Tyne. Under the circumstances the market to-day was somewhat disorganised, and no great amount of foreign business passing. Coal is, however, still very scarce, and collieries being busy satisfying contractors there is little to be had prompt. Smalls are still in good demand for home consumption, and prices are firm. The house coal market is very dull. There has been a steady volume of traffic at the docks, and the January shipments, both foreign and coastwise, will no doubt show a very considerable advance over the corresponding period. The freight market has remained quiet for prompt steamers, the Baltic ports for the most part being closed, only Reval and Riga remaining open, and at these, wintry weather and drift ice are reported. To-day a prompt steamer of medium size was chartered for Reval at 7s. 3d. There have, however, been some transactions for the first open water, and over the Baltic season a single steamer has been fixed Hull to Cronstadt at 6s. 3d. f.o.w., while a contract for 30,000 tons over the season has been done at the same figure. Hull to Pernau, this latter comparing with 5s. 9d. and 6s. some weeks ago. In the Mediterranean direction rates show an easier tendency, Genoa having been done at 10s. 9d. from Hull for a 3,800 ton steamer, and Alexandria at 10s. 7|d. for a 6,500 ton steamer.; Chesterfield. COAL. There was no change in the condition of the coal trade of North Derbyshire during the past week, which may be described as of a steady character. The demand for house coal is rather slow for the time of year, without, however, any reduction in prices. The mildness of the season is, of course, in favour of buyers. The demand for fuel for manufacturing purposes is well maintained and there is not the slightest sign of any weakening. Consumers of cobbles and nuts for gas-producers continue to press for supplies. Prices of these qualities are exceptionally firm and, apart from contract quantities, there is very little of this class of fuel now available. Slack for boiler firing is in as great request as ever and prices remain strong. Best qualities ard now fully disposed of under contract. The demand for steam coal for locomotive purposes continues active and heavy deliveries are going forward daily. The export trade has quietened down somewhat during the last few days and not much improvement in shipments is looked for during the present month. February is usually a slack time, and there is therefore nothing remarkable in the present condition of things at the Humber ports. The undertone, however, is good, and prices remain firm for the approaching season. The price of Derbyshire best Top Hards stands at 15s. to 15s. 3d. per ton, delivered free alongside steamer at Grimsby. Owing to the smaller shipments of steam coal there is less need for slack for bunkering purposes, and there is a temporary falling off in the demand for this fuel for this reason. This does not, however, affect the general position of the slack market, which is inherently strong. As the year advances it will be found that the supply is below the demand, owing, in a great measure, to the fact that collieries are retaining more and more of this small coal for by-product plants which are being erected at almost every colliery and in every district. From this cause the price of slack in future is to be on a higher level than hitherto. There is no falling off in the demand for washed slack, which is in great request at firm prices. This applies equally to washed nuts, the supply of which does not, by any means, meet the requirements of the market. The coke market maintains its strong position. The demand for the various qualities is on an extensive scale and prices remain on a high level. Coking fuel continues scarce and dear. Prices at pit. Current Last week’s Best house coals prices. 14/6 prices. 14/6 Secondary do 12/6 12/6 Cobbles 12/ 12/ Nuts 11/ 11/ Slack 9/ 9/ IRON. There is no relaxation of the activity which has now, for many months, characterised the iron trade of this district. The demand for all classes of iron is as great as ever and the outlook is encouraging. Nottingham. GOAL Though the general tone of the coal trade in Nottingham- shire has, if anything, been not quite so active this week, still the business done has certainly been of a satisfactory character. In regard to the branch for domestic fuel, a slight falling off has been noticeable in the demand for best qualities, but second rate and common sorts have sold well in the city and district, whilst a good tonnage has been sent away to the eastern and southern counties. In the steam coal branch there is no slackening cff of orders, and most of the pits are making full time in order to meet the demand. The position is favourable to owners who are seeking advances on new contracts, as the prospect of continued activity for some time is very promising. Slacks are being eagerly sought after, nearly all kinds going out of hand freely, with the result that there is practically no stock at the collieries. There has been little change in respect to both gas ccal and coke, which are in fair request. Prices at pithead. Hand-picked brights ...... Good house coals.......... Secondary do.............. Best hard coals .......... Secondary do.............. Slacks (best hards)....... Do. (seconds)........... Do. (soft).............. Current prices. 12/6 to 14/ 12/ to 13/ 10/6 to 12/ 12/ to 12/6 10/6 to 11/6 8/6 to 9/ 7/6 to 8/6 Last week's prices. 12/ to 14/ 12/ to 13/ 10/6 to 11/6 12/ to 12/3 10/6 to 11/6 8/6 to 9/ 7/9 to 8/3 7/6 to 8/ Leicestershire. COAL. The state of business in the past week has not displayed any notable variation. Business has continued full and steady. Most of the collieries are quite well supplied with orders, and the total of business on hand is sufficient to provide a full week's working. The bulk of the output is delivered, and the stocks on hand are comparatively light. Business may be said to be good all round. Household coal is in good enquiry, and there is every probability that this branch of business will continue active for the present. The enquiry for the middle qualities of these has somewhat improved, as also for all small household coals. Local merchants are generally doing a good business. The market for steam coals is as brisk as ever. Enquiry for nut slacks for special use is quite pressing; other sorts of slack are also in good request. Steam cobbles and coal also are in very good demand. From all appearances the pros- pects of business here are quite cheerful, and the present activity will continue for some time. Quotations respond to the active market, and are quite maintaining their position, and late full rates are the rule. South Staffordshire, North Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Hednesford. COAL. On the whole the coal trade throughout the Cannock Chase district continues in a satisfactory condition, although perhaps there is not quite so much pressure in some depart- ments. Prices are about the same as when last reported, and there is not very much coal in stock. The collieries throughout the district are kept well employed. The demand for coal for manufacturing purposes continues satisfactory, and slack is in good request. The house coal trade is keeping up fairly well considering the mildness of the weather. Business at the landsale depots shows no appreciable change. Birmingham. COAL. The household trade is slightly less, and the supply of smalls and slacks is even more restricted, quotably altered. They are :— Prices at pit. Prices are not Staffordshire (including Current prices. Last week’s prices. Cannock Chase):— House coal, best deep 18/ 18/ Do. seconds deep 16/6 16/6 Do. best shallow 14/6 14/6 Do. seconds do. 13/ 13/ Best hard 14/ 14/ Forge coal 11/ 11/ Slack 8/ 8/ Warwickshire:— House coal, best Ryder ... 17/6 17/6 Do. hand - pickec cobs 13/9 13/9 Best hard spires 14/6 : 14/6 Forge (steam) 10/ ; 10/ D.S. nuts (steam) 8/9 j 8/9 Small (do.) 7/9 1 7/9 IRON. The weekly meeting of the South Staffordshire iron trade revealed, if anything, a quieter tone. New business is not offered so readily ; manufacturers have practically got through arrears of orders, and buyers are not so anxious about furnishing specifications. In addition, a large volume of trade is being “ held up "by the war in South-east Europe, and it is generally agreed that the declaration of peace will be followed by a large demand for material, particularly sheets and tinplates. No slackening is discernible in the demand for pig iron, and supplemental supplies in addition to contracts are difficult to obtain. But, as indicated last week, values seem to have reached their limit, and within the last few days sales have been made at 6d. below top prices, though at Thursday's market the old rates were re- established. Best iron manufacturers are favourably situated, and a large volume of business is held in merchant bars, for which the average price is about £8 12s. 6d. delivered Birmingham. Common iron used mainly in the Darlaston district is dearer, £8 5s being asked and obtained for lots delivered in the district. The galvanised sheet branch does not gain strength. There is no heart in it and there is considerable competition from Wales, where tinplate makers, being short of orders from South Europe, are turning their attention for the time being to the production of sheets.. Prices, therefore, are weak, as low as £12s. 2s. 6d. being accepted, with .£12 5s. as an average. Blacks sheets are unchanged at £8 12s. 6d. for hard doubles for galvanising, and £9 2s. 6d. for 26-gauge. Small rounds, squares and flats continue in good request at £8 12s. 6d. to £8 15s. a ton (fth basis) delivered in Birmingham. Makers of gas tube are sparing in giving out orders for gas strip at the high prices now ruling—viz., £8 10s. to £8 12s. 6d. Non- associated houses are selling at 5s. a ton under these figures, but official quotations are not affected. The steel trade - generally is as busy as ever for all kinds of finished sections- Prices continue firm and makers are in a position to select their customers and charge extra for quick deliveries.. Demi-products are firm at £6 2s. 6d to £6 5s. Forest of Dean. Lydney. GOAL. The steam coals of this district are still in heavy request,, and the demand, with the outputs much reduced in con- sequence of the continued water trouble, cannot possibly be met. Contract sales are practically absorbing the output, and the high prices for current business are not benefiting the owners to any appreciable extent. The house coal market does not show much change, but some of the pits are engaged five and six days this week. Shipments have been heavier than of late, but stems are light. Slacks from the house coal seams are selling well, and the price has gone up to 9s. at pit. Prices at pithead. , Current Last week’s House coals:— prices. prices. Block i 16/6 16/6 Forest ! 15/6 15/6 Rubble ! 15/9 15/9 Nuts 14/ 14/ Rough slack ; 9/ 8/ Steam coal:— 1 Large : 13/ 13/ Small 9/ to 10/ 9/ to 10/ Prices Is. 9d. extra f.o.b. Lydney or Sharpness. Devon, Cornwall, and South Coast, Plymouth. COAL. Messrs. W. Wade and Son report an average demand for- house and steam coal, but as prices and freights continue- high, those importers who are not relying on contract purchases are buying very sparingly. The prevailing mild: weather has caused some slackening of the usual demand at this time of the year. THE IRISH GOAL TRADE. Thursday, February 6. Dublin. There is no change in prices of any class of coal, and the' demand upon the whole is active, more particularly for household qualities. Merchants' stocks are very moderate, although there has been a good import trade for the past week or two, but supplies have changed hands quickly on arrival, so that there has been little opportunity for increasing them. Quotations in the city are as follow:— Best Orrell, 27s. per ton; best Arley, 26s.; best White- haven, 25s.; best Wigan, 25r. ; best kitchen, 23s.; best Orrell slack, 21s.; house coal, retail, Is. 5d. to Is. 7d.. per sack; best coke, from 23s. to 25s. per ton. Pit mouth prices of Irish coals at Wolthill, Queen’s County, are:— Large coal, 21s. 6d. per ton; small household, 20s.; gas producer coal, 20s.; culm for household, lime and brick burning, also briquette and ball making, 6s. 8d. per ton. The coaling vessels arriving during the week amounted to 41, as against 62 the week previously, chiefly from Ayr, Garston, Liverpool, Preston, Mary port, Newcastle-on-Tyne,. Troon, Newport, Swansea, Saundersfoot, Whitehaven, and Cardiff. The total quantity of coal discharged upon the quays was 20,500 tons. Belfast. There has been a larger demand for household qualities owing to the wintry weather of last week, and business in all other classes continues to be active. Prices in the local market are firmer, but there is no further change. Quota-. tions in the city are :—Giant’s Hall Arley coal, 26s. 6d. per ton; Hartley, 25s. 6d.; Wigan, 24s. 6d.; Orrell nuts, 25s. 6d.; Scotch house, 22s. 6d. ; Orrell slack, 22s. 6d. Current rates ex-quay are about as follow :—Arley house coal, 22s. 8o. per ton; Scotch household, 19s. 6d.; Scotch steam coal 17e. to 18s. per ton; navigation steam, 17s. to 18s.; Welsh steam coal, 20s. per ton; English steam slack, 15s. per ton delivered. The supply is now more plentiful, although some classes of Scotch coals are difficult to obtain. Cargoes arriving during the week were chiefly from Ardrossan, Widnes, Ayr. Mary- port, Workington, Manchester, Irvine, Neath Abbey, Girvan, Preston, Newport, Campbeltown, Ellesmere Port, Ardrossan,. Garston, Partington, Troon, Swansea, and Burryport. Mining Institute of Scotland.:—A general meeting of the Mining Institute of Scotland will be held in the Heriot- Watt College, Chambers-street, Edinburgh, on Saturday, February 8, at three o’clock. Mr. Henry Briggs will read a paper entitled “ Improvements Relating to the Anemometer and Hygrometer"; Mr. C. J. Wilson will read a paper on “An Investigation into the Influence in Variations of Atmospheric Pressure on Gas Caps ’’; and Mr. Thomaa Stubbs’s paper, “ Notes on Gob Fires near Ashby-de-la-Zouch,. Leicestershire," will be discussed, the discussion being, introduced by Mr. Henry Rowan.