102 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. April 4, 1913. THE COAL AHD 1R0B TRADES. Thursday, April 3. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. The coal shipments, while smaller in several districts, bulk well on the whole. Aggregate clearances at Scotch ports in the past week reached 317,147 tons, showing an increase of 38,371 tons, compared with those of the preced- ing week. At Glasgow the quantity despatched fell away to the extent of about 5,000 tons, 35,821 tons being despatched abroad and 34,686 coastwise. The demand in the last few days for shipment has been fairly satisfactory, but there is still room for improvement. The contracts for the supply of coal for the Danish State Railways have now been fixed and the quantity taken from Scotland amounts to 17,400 tons, the prices quoted for German coal being generally considered below those tendered from this country. Present supplies of coal are full for all purposes, but in some cases it is apprehended that a scarcity may be experienced later in consequence of the difficulty of obtaining sufficient labour for the mines. Steam coal has been in fair demand at steady prices. For the best house coal the enquiry shows little or no abatement. Splint coal is becoming somewhat more plentiful as a consequence of some relaxa- tion in the consumption, which, as usual, is taking place with the lengthening of the days. There is a good demand for nuts, of which the supply is occasionally scarcely equal to the amount of business that can be done. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Steam coal Ell........ Splint..... Treble nuts Double do. Single do. Current prices. 13/6 to 14/ 13/9 to 14/3 14/9 to 15/3 13/9 to 14/3 13/6 to 14/ 13/3 to 13/9 Last week's prices. 13/6 to 14/ 13/9 to 14/6 15/ to 15/6 14/ to 14/6 13/9 to 14/3 13/6 to 14/ The inland sections of the coal trade are in an active condition. House coal for home consumption meets with a strong demand, and the trade in coal and drosses for manufacturing purposes is extremely busy. Business at the lower Clyde ports has been somewhat fuller in the past week. The shipments were : at Bowling 350 tons, Greenock 1,014, Irvine 2,174. Ardrossan 3,003, Troon 8,069, and Ayr 14,752—total 29,362 tons, compared with 26,560 in the preceding week. IRON. There has been a firmer tendency in the Glasgow pig- iron market. Business has been done in Cleveland warrants since last report at 66s. 3d. for cash, 65s. lid. to 66s. 8d. one month, and 63s. 6d. to 643. three months. A good deal of iron has also been taken for fixed future dates, including 66s. 6d. for delivery in 11 days, 66s. 8d. for 28 days, 65s. 9d. to 66s. 61. May 16, and 63s. 4d. June 17. A quantity of Cumberland haematite warrants was done at 79s. cash, f.o.b. Cumberland ports. The arrivals at Grangemouth of pig iron from Middlesbrough and district were 6,128 tons, being 1,638 tons less than in the corresponding week of 1912. There is a steady business in Scotch pig iron, and prices are well maintained. Govan and Monkland are quoted f.a,s. at Glasgow, Nos. 1 75s. 6d, Nos. 3,74s.; Carnbroe, No. 1,78s. 6d., No. 3, 74s. 6d.; Clyde and Calder, Nos. 1, 80s. 6d., Nos. 3, 75s. 6d.; Summerlee and Gartsherrie, Nos. 1, 81s., Nos. 3, 76s.; Langloan, No. 1, 82s., No. 3, 77s.; Coltness, No. 1, 99s., No. 3, 81s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 75s. 6d., No. 3, 74s. 6d. ; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 82s., No. 3,77s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 76s. 6d., No. 3, 74s. 6d.; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 80s. 6d., No. 3, 75s. 6d.; Carron, at Grangemouth, No. 1, 82s., No. 3, 77s. per ton. There is no change of importance to note in the finished iron and steel departments, which are busy with old contracts; but there is not a great amount of fresh business coming forward, and competition is becoming more keen in the malleable trade. The accountant of the manufactured iron trade certifies that the average net selling price at works for January and February was £7 13s. 2 54d. per ton, and under the sliding scale this rate allows of an increase of 5 per cent, in the wages of the workmen. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. The coal trade of the Lothians has been well employed and the demand generally continues good, with steady employment, and an encouraging outlook. Shipments at Firth of Forth ports showed an improvement of about 12,000 tons, compared with those of the preceding week. The clearances were at Grangemouth 35,935 tons, Leith 34 281, Bo'ness 12,728, and Granton 9.770—total 92,714 tons, compared with 80,131 in the preceding week. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Best screened steam coal Secondary qualities .... Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 13/3 to 13/6 12/3 to 12/9 13/ to 13/6 12/6 to 13/ 12/6 to 13/ Last week's prices. 13/3 to 13/6 12/3 to 12/9 13/3 to 13/9 13/ to 13/3 12/6 to 13/ There has not been quite so good a demand for treble nuts, but all other sorts have been selling readily at full prices. The additional loading capacity in Fife supplied by the recently opened extension of Methil dock is already manifest in an increased shipment. Shipments in the past week were, at Methil 69,385 tons, Burntisland 49,710, Alloa 1,765, Dysart 1,631, Wemyss 1,413, Tayport 415, Charleston 275— total 124,584 tons, compared with 96,642 tons in the preceding week. The pits are well employed, and shippers appear to be expecting a good business presently with Baltic ports. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current Last week's Best screened navigation prices. prices. coal 16/6 to 17/ 16/3 to 17/ Unscreened do 14/ to 15/ 14/ to 14/6 First-class steam coal 13/6 to 14/ 13/ to 13/6 Third-class do 12/ ,12/ , Treble nuts 13/3 to 13/9 13/3 to 13/9 Double do 13/ to 13/3 13/ to 13/3 Single do 12/6 to 13/ 12/6 to 13/ The demand for house coal for home use is active, and prices are well maintained. Korthumberland. Durham and Cleveland. iewcasUe-upon-Tyne. GOAL. During last week, 100,960 tons of coal and 355 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne dock. The Dunston shipments amounted to 40,516 tons of coal and 394 tons of coke. The Blyth clearances aggregated 64,837 tons of coal and coke. Owing to the national strike of miners, there were no shipments in the corresponding period of last year. The Danish State Railways' contracts for 80,000 tons of steams for delivery over the season appear to have gone to Westphalia, with the exception of the order for 17,400 tons of Scottish coals. The British Admiralty is enquiring for its annual supplies of steam, gas and smithy coals for delivery over the ensuing 12 months to Chatham, Sheerness, Portsmouth, Devonport, and other places. The quantity of coals required amounts to about 100,000 tons. The Christiania Gasworks are stated to have succeeded in extending their existing contract until July, when they will come into the market for further supplies. The Berlin Gasworks, which recently invited offers of their annual requirements, are stated to have decided to arrange for odd quantities only at present. Some 40,000 tons of New Pelton- Holmside gas coals for May-December shipment have been sold at 14s. per ton f.o.b. The St. Petersburg Municipality is enquiring for tenders of 170,000 tons of steam and gas coals for the gas, water and electricity works. There is quite a boom in steam coals at the time of writing. The factors which are responsible for this are mainly the shortage of supplies, largely contributed to by the slack fashion in which the miners “turned in'* after the Easter holidays, instances being known in which collieries only worked three shifts altogether last week, and by the keen demand for early and forward shipment, particularly for the Baltic. For April loading 16s. per ton f.o.b. is the minimum figure; 17s. per ton, indeed, is known to have been paid. But for some dislocation in loading turns caused by delays to tonnage due to recent bad weather and some considerable congestion at the shipping places, the market would be even stronger. Gas coals have weakened during the week, but are now firming up again. Bunkers are in strong request for shipment during the next few weeks. Coking coals are wanted in considerable quantities for the patent coke ovens. Coke is in improved demand. The possibility of a strike of miners in Belgium and of some trouble over the non-unionist question in South Wales is having a bracing effect on the market here. Changes in f.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment are as follow:—Best Blyth steams are from Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d. dearer on the week; Tynes, 6d. higher; seconds, Blyths, 61. more; Tynes, 3d. to 6d. increased; unscreened, stronger; gas bests, 3d. to 6d. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Steam coals:— Best, Blyths (D.C.B.).. Do. Tynes (Bowers, &c.) Secondary, Blyths ..... Do. Tynes (Hastings or West Hartleys) ... Unscreened ............ Small, Blyths ......... Do. Tynes ............. Do. specials .......... Other sorts:— Smithies .............. Best gas coals (New Pelton or Holmside) ... Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) Special gas coals...... Unscreened bunkers, Durhams Do. do. Northumbrians Coking coals........... Do. smalls ........ House coals ........... Coke, foundry ... .«...... D x blast-furnace......... Do. gas .................. Current prices. 17/ to 18/ ie/ 14/6 14/6 to 15/ 13/6 11/ 10/6 12/ Last week’s prices. 15/6 15/6 14/ 14/3 to 14/6 13/ to 13/6 11/ 10/6 12/ 15/6 15/ to 15/3 14/9 15/6 15/3 to 15/9 13/6 15/6 15/ 15/6 to 16/ 26/ to 27/ 23/ 16/6 15/6 15/6 14/9 15/6 14/9 to 15/6 13/ to 13/6 15/6 14/6 15/6 to 16/ 27/ 23/ to 24/ 17/ down ; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, 3d. to 6d. improved; Northumbrians, firmer; coking smalls, 6d. higher; foundry coke, easier; blastfurnace, Is. reduced; and gas coke, 6d. cheaper. In the case of coke, however, it should be noted that there was a mid-week “dip" in prices, and that figures are now advancing. Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 79,595 tons of coal as compared with nil for the corresponding period of 1912, being the time of the miners’ strike. The enquiry for all descriptions of coals continues very strong; further, the output is much below the average, with the result that coal is scarce, and is likely to be so for some time to come, unless the men make up their minds to do better work. Meanwhile, prices are firm, and are likely to go higher. Best gas coals are very scarce. Coking sorts are more enquired after. Bunkers are in full request, and steady in price. Coke is also steady. Cronstadt buyers are in the market for 25,000 tons of steams, contracts have been placed for 40,000 tons new Pelton Holmside at about 14s. f.o.b* delivery May to December. The Christiania Gas Company invite offers of 40.000 tons of best gas coals. The St. Petersburg Municipal Authorities are also inviting offers of 170,000 tons of steam and gas coals for their gas, electric and water works; the Berlin Gasworks—which recently received tenders but declined to buy—have been buying from hand to mouth, but are now enquiring for larger supplies. Quotations are as follow:— Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current Last week’s Gas coals:— prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals ... 15/9 16/ Secondary do. 14/6 15/ House coals:— Best house coals 18/ 16/6 Ordinary do Other sorts:— 17/ 15/6 Lambton screened 16/6 16/ South Hetton do 16/3 15/9 16 Lambton unscreened 15/3 South Hetton do 15/9 15/3 Do. treble nuts 17/3 17/6 Coking coals unscreened... 15/9 15/3 D >. smalls 15/6 15/ Smithies 15/3 15 Peas and nuts 16/9 17/9 Best bunkers 15/9 16/ Ordinary bunkers Coke:— 15/ 15/ Foundry coke Blast-furnace coke (dlvrd. 27/ 27/6 Teesside furnaces) 24/ 25/ Gas coke 16/6 16/6 Chartering is still affected by the congested loading turns, and for this reason rates are on the easy side. Recent fixtures include coasting—London 3s., Rotterdam 3s. l£d., Hamburg 3s. 6d., Calais 4s. Bay—St. Nazaire 5s., Bordeaux 5s. 3d, Rochefort 5s. 3d., Lisbon 5s. 9d. Baltic—Memel 4s. 9d., Pillau 4s. 6d., Korsoer 5s., Stockholm, 5s. 3d. Malmo 5s. 6d., Fair water 5s. 4£d., Libau 6s. 3d. Mediterranean— Genoa 9s. 3d., Marseilles 9s., Venice Ils. 61., Port Said 10s. 6d, Las Palmas 9s., River Plate 16s. Middleibrough-on-Teea. GOAL. The fuel market is strong. Coke and coke are none too plentiful. Delivery of gas coal is falling away somewhat with the lengthening days, but fairly large quantities are still being supplied to consumers. Best Durhams are 15s. 3d. to 15s. 61., seconds 15s., and special Wear 15s. 6d. to 16s. Bunker coals are in good request and ordinary kinds are 15s. to 15s. 3d.; superior sorts 15s. 6d. to 15s. 9d., and special descriptions 16s. Household coals are quieter and are quoted 15s. 6d. to 16s. 6d. Coking coal is being well taken up and prices range from 15s. 6d. to 17s. There is continued good demand for coke and loc^l consumption is heavy. Average blastfurnace kinds are 25s., delivered at Teeside works. Foundry coke ranges from 27s. to 28s., and gashouse coke from 17s. to 17s. 6d. IRON. Shipments of pig iron from the Tees during March were quite up to expectations, totalling 103,982 tons, 94,420 tons having been despatched from the port of Middlesbrough and 9,562 tons from Skinningrove. The total clearances of pig iron for the previous month were returned at 92,851 tons and those for March of last year at 133,439 tons. Of the shipments of pig iron from Skinningrove during the month just ended, 9,022 tons went to Scotland and 540 tons to Holland. Of the pig loaded at Middlesbrough during March 60,664 tons went abroad and 33,756 tons coastwise. Scotland was once more the largest customer, receiving 18,911 tons, Belgium being second with 10,077 tons, whilst Germany took 8,687 tons, France 8,287 tons, Italy 7,061 tons, Wales 6,633 tons, Japan 6,108 tons, Sweden 5,851 tons, and Holland 4,070 tons. Shipments of manufactured iron from the Tees during March amounted to 15,810 tons, and those of steel to 40,920 tons. Of the former 6,080 tons went to foreign ports, and 9,730 tons coastwise, and of the latter 36,892 tons went abroad, and 4,028 tons to coastwise customers. As usual India was the largest customer for both manufactured iron and steel, importing 3,130 tons of the former, and 9,802 tons of the latter. Other principal buyers of steel were:—South Australia, 3,648 tons; Victoria, 3,417 tons ;