April 11, 1913. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 753 'there is a very considerable demand for household fuel for the coastwise and cross-Channel market, and it is with difficulty that merchants’ requirements are being promptly met. There is nothing new to report with regard to slacks, prices for present sale and contract renewals being firmly held to. South Lansashira and Cheshire. COAL. The Manchester Coal Exchange was fairly well attended on Tuesday. There is really no change in the demand for house eoal. It is only moderately good. Prices remain unchanged. The call for furnace coal still keeps steady, but shipping coal is somewhat dull. Slack continues in good demand and prices are firm. Generally prices are as ■quoted:— Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). House coal:— Best ................ Medium .............. lIRCommon .............. Furnace coal ........... Bunker (f.o.b. Partington) Best slack.............. Common slack............ Current prices. 16/6 to 17/ 15/3 to 16/ 12/6 to 13/ 12/6 14/ 10/ to 10/6 9/ to 9/6 Last week’s prices. 16/6 to 17/ 15/3 to 16/ 12/6 to 13/ 12/6 14/ 10/ to 10/6 9/ to 9/6 IRON. Market unchanged, purchasing of very hand to mouth 'Character. The quarterly meeting to-morrow in Birming- ham may tend to show how prices are likely to go during the next few months, but the feeling here is that nothing will be done in the way of buying. In the meantime prices remain as previously quoted, and works are well employed on old specifications. Yorkshire «nd Derbyshire &eedi. COAL. There was a large attendance at the Yorkshire Coal Exchange on Tuesday, and a firm tone in all departments. The attendance was thoroughly representative, and included a good many exporters from the Humber ports and a big muster of local merchants. A good many parcels of steam and gas coal changed hands, and a fair number of orders lor house coal for the local depots were also given out. It was reported that the pits had worked full time this week, but that the output had been below the average. Empty wagons have been more plentiful, particularly those belonging to the railway companies. Stecks all round are very light, and supplies of most qualities are insufficient to meet the needs of the market. House Coal.—Business in house coal continues very good for the time of the year, and all pit prices apart from contracts are maintained at the March level. The question of forward business has received close attention this week, and at a meeting of owners from various districts interested in this branch of the trade it was decided that no forward contracts be accepted unless at Is. per ton advance on the figures obtained last year. We understand that this applies not only to the local markets, but also to London and the coastwise trade. A good many orders for best coal have come to hand this week from London and the southern and eastern counties, and pit prices are firmly maintained. Reports from London show that the retail trade is fairly brisk, and that ground stocks have nearly all been lifted. In the coastwise trade, teo, there is a readier sale for the better qualities. Freights are still weaker, and coasting tonnage is fairly plentiful. At the local depots in Leeds, Bradford and other West Riding centres merchants are pretty well employed. Pit prices average as under:—Haigh Moor selected, 18s. to 19s.; Wallsend and London best, 17s. to 18s.; Silkstone best, 16s. to 17s.; Silkstone house, 15s. to 16s.; other qualities, 13s. to 14s. 6d. Gas Coal.—The position in this branch of the trade is even stronger than last week. One reason for this is probably the firmness shown on the Tyne. At all events there seems to be a unanimous decision amongst gas coal- owners not to accept new business at under Is. per ton advance on last year’s figures, and with regard to gas nuts and other specialised samples at not less than Is. 6d. per ton advance. The current demand is also very brisk, as reserves at the gasworks are on the light side. A good deal of gas coal is being taken off the market at present for export to the nearer Continental ports, but the threatened strike in Belgium has interfered to some extent with this business. ^Manufacturing Fuel.— Consumers in the Bradford, Huddersfield and heavy woollen districts are complaining Current Last week’s prices. prices. 14/ to 14/6 14/ to 14/6 13/ to 13/6 13/ to 13/6 13/ to 13/6 13/ to 13/6 11/6 to 12/6 11/6 to 12/6 11/ to 11/6 11/ to 11/6 16/9 to 17/6 16/6 to 17/6 16/6 to 17/ 16/3 to 16/9 15/3 to 15/9 15/3 to 15/9 13/6 to 14/6 13/6 to 14/3 12/3 to 12/9 12/3 to 12/9 11/6 to 12/ 11/6 to 12/ 11/ to 11/6 11/ to 11/6 11/9 to 12/6 11/9 to 12/3 11/3 to 11/9 11/3 to 11/9 10/9 to 11/3 10/9 to 11/3 11/ to 11/6 10/9 to 11/3 9/3 to 9/9 9/ to 9/9 8/3 to 8/9 8/3 to 8/9 8/3 to 9/ 8/3 to 8/6 18/6 to 19/ 18/6 to 19/ 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...... ,S ilk stone best .... Do. house ........ Other qualities...... Gras coal:— Prices at pit: Screened gas coal ... Gas nuts ............ U nscreened gas coal ... Other sorts :— Prices at pit: Washed nuts ......... Large double-screened engine nuts ......... Small nuts ......... Rough unscreened engine coal ...;.... Best rough slacks ... Small do. ........... Coking smalls ....... Coke:— Price at ovens: Furnace coke ........ about the scarcity of supplies, particularly of washed nuts and good quality slacks. One or two large contracts in the West Riding have lately fallen out for renewal, and it is said that fresh arrangements show an advance on the old commitments of Is. 6d. to Is. 93. per ton. Coking smalls are very scarce, and for prompt delivery 9s. per ton at the pit has been paid this week. Washed Furnace Coke.—The demand is quite equal to the output and prices, if anything, are a shade firmer on the week, although there is no alteration in official prices. Average samples realise 18s. to 19s. at the ovens. Forward business is just now very difficult, as iron and steel makers refuse to buy far forward in view of the uncertainty prevailing as to prices for pig iron. Barnsley^ COAL. There was a large attendance of buyers at the local market this week, when all classes of steam coal were in active demand. Though the collieries are working full time, the production is far short of the requirements of the market, which showed a very spirited feeling in face of the upper tendency of values. So far as the export trade is concerned, business is likely to become more settled when the higher Baltic ports are available for navigation, and this is now expected at any time. In the meantime shippers are preparing to land cargoes at the earliest possible moment, and there is a strong rush to obtain deliveries, which is not at all an easy matter. Apart from this circumstance, coal- owners find it advantageous to restrict their attention to the home markets, where there still continues to be exceptional activity shown, especially on the part of railway companies and large industrial concerns who are in the market to supplement the tonnage arranged for under contract. Under these conditions, neither sellers or buyers are inclined to make arrangements for any material period forward, and there is a good deal of speculation as to whether the increased prices which have been enforced will be maintained a little time ahead. The best quality of large steams are particularly good to sell and are about 6d. per ton dearer on on the week, whilst some coalowners are able to realise 13s. 9J. per ton for special consignments. In a similar degree, the value of secondary classes of Barnsley hards have increased and for the present there is no difficulty in disposing of the whole of the output on advantageous terms. The enquiry for all kinds of small steam coal continues to be remarkably good, and again little effort is needed on the part of sellers to dispose of their tonnage, whilst prices for the best quality fuel are also about 6d. per ton dearer on the week. Tais is particularly the case in regard to slacks, for coke manufacturers find it difficult to get along with the high prices which are now demanded, whilst on the other hand collieries can find a more profitable market for this class of coal than by reserving it for their own coking plant. In regard to gas coal contracts, the position continues to be favourable to the demands of the coalowners, who are advancing prices for current sales in proportion to the extra amount demanded to arrange for contracts. There is little weakness shown yet in respect to house coal, and whilst the demand keeps up so well there is not likely to ba any reduction in prices for some little time. Coke is still in very strong demand, but the position of values from makers’ standpoint is very disappointing, having regard to the high price of raw material. Prices at pit. Current Last week’s House coals:— prices. prices. Best Silkstone 14/6 to 15/ 14/6 to 15/ Best Barnsley softs 14/ to 14/3 1.4/ to 14/3 Secondary do 11/6 to 13/ 11/6 to 13/ Best house nuts 11/6 to 12/6 11/6 to 12/6 Secondary do Steam coals:— 10/6 to 11/6 10/6 to 11/6 Best hard coals 13/ to 13/9 12/9 to 13/ Secondary do 12/ to 12/6 11/6 to 11/9 Best washed nuts 12/ to 12/6 12/ to 12/6 Secondary do. 11/6 11/6 Best slack 9/ to 9/6 9/ to 9/6 Rough do Gas coals:— 8/ to 8/6 8/ to 8/6- Screened gas coals 12/3 to 13/ 12/3 to 13/ Gas nuts 12/ 12/ Furnace coke 18/ to 19/ 18/ to 19/ Chesterfield. COAL. The demand for house coal continues active, and orders coming to hand are sufficiently numerous to enable pits producing this class of coal to work full time, and to be kept free from stocks. Prices are firm, and are maintained on the winter level of values. There is no likelihood of any reduction in prices for some time to come; indeed, there is a growing feeling that these will not go any lower even in the summer. For fuel for manufacturing purposes the demand is very brisk, and the market is even stronger than it was a month ago. Coal suitable for steelmaking is in specially active request, and much difficulty is experienced in obtaining adequate supplies. Prices of cobbles and nuts for gas producers continue to move upwards. Consumers and collieries are absolutely devoid of stocks, and are dependent upon each day’s output of coal. Slack for boiler firing is in very great demand, supplies in most cases being urgently required so as to prevent a stoppage of work. Prices are fully 6d. per ton dearer than they were a fortnight ago. The heavy demand is not peculiar to any one district, but is general and persistent. Steam coal for locomotive use is much called for, and railway companies are pressing for deliveries against contract, and are compelled to enter the market for such spot lots as are available. There is great activity in the export section of the coal trade, and the demand for steam coal is strong. Prices are very firm, with the prospect of going higher when the Baltic season opens towards the end of this month. Supplies of steam Prices at pit. Best house coals Secondary do. Cobbles ....... Nuts .......... Slack.......... Current Last week’s prices. prices. 14/6 14/6 12/6 12/6 12/ 12/ 11 Q/ 11/ a coal are already exceedingly scarce. To-day’s price of Derbyshire Top Hards is 12^. 3d. to 12 l 6d. at the pit, but collieries are so heavily sold that they are unable to add to their present commitments. There is a strong demand for all classes of small fuel, both washed and unwashed, but it is impossible to satisfy the needs of the market. The tone of the coke market is unchanged. There is a fairly steady demand, and prices are inclined to become firmer. Coking fuel continues scarce and dear. IRON. Great activity still characterises the trade of the district. Work is abundant, and the prospects continue very bright. Hull. GOAL. There was a good attendance on the Humber Coal Exchange to-day, and generally an active demand, especially for export. A good deal of business is in progress for the Baltic ports for April-May delivery, and this and other factors at home and abroad conduce to a very, firm tone all round. Prices for best Yorkshire steam hards are advancing, and coal for prompt shipment fetches a high figure owing to its scarcity and collieries being booked up under con- tract. Forward, the market is equally strong, and prices are firmly held. Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire steams are also dearer on the week. Secondary sorts and smalls, though somewhat irregular, in several cases are dearer, and house coal is quoted 3d. higher. Coal is coming along from the collieries in steady volume, and the shipments at the docks have been on a large scale. Loading conditions, however, are good, and ready tump at the appliances available. Reports from the Baltic are of varying character, and the navigation is not expected to be open to Cronstadt before the third week of the month. To-day’s telegrams state that there is considerable drift ice in the Neva. The freight market has been somewhat neglected owing to the impossibility of getting coal cargoes early, and with plenty of tonnage on offer rates are again easier In the Baltic direction Cronstadt has been done at 5s. 3d f.o.w., and other ports are mostly about the same or slightly less. In the Mediterranean direction business is in negotia- tion on the basis of Genoa 9s., and Alexandria and Port Said 9s. 6d. to 10s. The following are the approximate prices for prompt shipment f.o.b. Hull, &c.:— Current prices. Last week’s prices. 16/6 16/3 to 16/6 15/ 15/ 14/3 to 14/6 14/ to 14/3 14/6 to 14/9 14/6 to 14/9 14/ 13/6 to 13/9 12/3 12/3 11/6 11/ to 11/3 14/ 13/9 11/6 11/3 to 11/6 10/6 10/6 14/9 14/9 13/ 13/ 16/3 16/ 16/ 15/9 13/9 13/9 13/6 13/6 14/6 14/6 14/ ' 14/ 16/3 16/ 16/ 15/9 South Yorkshire;— Best steam hards......... Washed double - screened nuts .................. Un washed double- screened nuts ......... Washed single - screened nuts .................. Unwashed single-screened nuts .................. Washed smalls.......... Unwashed smalls........ West Yorkshire:— Hartleys ............. Rough slack............ Pea slack ............. Best Silkstone screened gas coal............... Bast Silkstone unscreened gas coal............... Derbyshire and Notts:— Best steam hards ........ Do. (Grimsby) Derbyshire nuts (doubles) Derbyshire nuts (doubles) (Grimsby)............ Derbyshire large nuts ... Do. do. (Grimsby) Nottinghamshire hards ... Do. do. (Grimsby) The returns of the coal exports during March show the trade from the Humber to be in a very satisfactory condition. Hull alone exported to foreign countries the exceptionally large quantity of 377,760 tons, this being due in a consider- able measure to the very heavy demands made by the Russian Government, and by Germany and Holland in particular. Goole exported 80,525 tons, Grimsby 71,867 tons, and the new port of Immingham 96,410 tons. All these, of course, exhibit very large increases when compared with the corresponding month of last year, which, however, was considerably affected by the coal stoppage. For a true comparison it is necessary to turn to March of 1911, the result being a net increased export from the Humber to foreign countries of 218,763 tons. Taking the three months January-March, the foreign export from the Humber ports a£grGgat0d 1,739,198 tons as compared with 990,396 tons in the same period of last year, and 1,304,535 tons in January to March in 1911. As showing the influence of the Immingham Dock on the sister ports of the Humber, it may be noted that while the Hull exports have greatly expanded, those of Grimsby and Goole have somewhat contracted. Immingham is now shipping over 100,000 tons per month, exclusive of bunkers and coastwise shipments. Great regret has been caused on the Humber Coal Exchange by the tragic death of Mr. Claude Warren while on a ski-ing expedition in Norway. He was the Hull manager for Messrs. Sievewright, Bacon and Co., and was a very popular member. Nearly all the leading firms of coal exporters on the Humber were represented at the funeral, which took place at Cottingham, near Hull, on Tuesday. Mr. Warren was only 29 years of age. Nottingham. GOAL. There is no marked change in the condition of the coal trade in Nottinghamshire compared with a week ago. the tone generally being satisfactory. The weather has been favourable to the section for household fuel, and the sales by merchants and at the landsale depots have been well up to the average for April, if anything, better than is customary in the beginning of the month. The demand is such that most of the collieries are making five days per week, and stocks are on a moderate scale. At present there does not appear any likelihood of an immediate