962 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. May 9, 1913. THE COAL AMD IROB TRADES. Thursday, May 8. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. The coal trade has been well employed in all departments since last report, and there has been a large increase in the shipments. From the whole of the Scotch ports the aggregate shipments reached 352,255 tons, showing an increase of 36,195 tons compared with the quantity despatched in the preceding week. At Glasgow the clearances amounted to 88,061 tons, compared with 58,339 in the preceding week, and at the lower Clyde ports the quantity despatched was 36 565 tons, against 33,797. The details were—at Bowling 303 tons, Ardrossan 1 937, Irvine 2,979, Greenock 4,724, Troon 8,487, and Ayr 18,135 tons. Steam coal has been in fair request, and the enquiry promises to be maintained. The collieries are for the most part well booked, and are anticipating a busy time. For splint coal the enquiry has been increasing for municipal supplies, and the demand altogether is such that there has been so far no difficulty in obtaining full prices. The better qualities of house coal have been in brisk request both for home use and export, at good prices. Treble nuts have scarcely been so much wanted. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current Last week’s prices. prices. Steam coal 13/6 to 14/ 13/6 to 14/ Ell 13/9 to 14/3 13/9 to 14/3 Splint 14/9 to 15/3 14/9 to 15/3 Treble nuts 13/3 to 13/9 13/3 to 13/9 Double do 13/3 to 13/9 13/3 to 13/9 Single do 13/3 to 13/6 13/3 to 13/9 Merchants report that the demand for household supplies keeps up in a way that is somewhat remarkable for the season of the year. The full employment and good wages of the working classes render them less careful or more free in the use of coal, and the call for supplies has shown little modification so far, compared with the earlier months of the year. The consumption of furnace coal and dross for manufacturing uses continues on an extensive scale, and there is also a good coastwise trade to various Scotch and Irish ports. IRON. The pig iron trade has been comparatively quiet since last report. The Glasgow market was closed on Monday, which was a Scotch Bank holiday, but there has been little demand for warrants apart from that of the operators who have found themselves in a corner, by reason of the trouble they are finding in arranging for their oversales. The prices of one month’s iron have now been subjected to the“ bear” squeeze, as well as those of three months’ iron, and the general public is taking little or no interest in the business. A good demand exists for Cleveland pig iron in Scotland. The arrivals at Grangemouth from Middlesbrough and district in the past week amounted to 11,142 tons. There are 93 furnaces in blast in Scotland, compared with 92 in the past week, and 53 at this time last year. A fair enquiry exists for Scotch pig iron, and while the current shipments are unsatisfactory, the enquiry is said to be such as to promise an early increase. In the meantime, there has been a relaxation in prices of 6d. per ton generally and in several cases quotations are even Is. lower. Govan and Monkland are quoted f.a.s. at Glasgow, Nos. 1 74^.61., Nos. 3, 73s.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 78s., No. 3, 74s.; Clyde, Calder and Summerlee, Nos. 1, 80s., Nos. 3, 75s ; Langloan, No. 1, 81s., No. 3, 76s.; Gartsherrie, No. 1, 81”. 6d., No. 3, 76s. 6d.; Coltness, No. 1, 98s., No. 3, 80s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 75s. 6d., No. 3, 74s. 6d.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 81s., No. 3, 76s.; D dmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 76s., No. 3, 74s.; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 80s., No. 3, 75s.; Carton, at Grangemouth, No. 1, 81s., No. 3, 76s. per ton. The shipments of Scotch pig iron in the past week were 1,459 tons foreign and 3 498 coastwise, the total of 4 957 tons comparing with 7,536 in the corresponding week of last year. The finished iron and steel departments do not show material change. The makers of malleable iron are contending with a good deal of competition on the part of imported materials which are being supplied by merchants at comparatively cheap prices. Concessions have to be made on the official rates in order to obtain a share of the new business passing, and this business is only of moderate amounts. In the steel trade there is no lack of employment, the makers having contracts in hand that will keep them going for some time, but there is a distinct lack of fresh demand, especially in the home departments of the trade. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. The shipments of coal at Firth of Forth ports show a considerable increase compared with the preceding week At Granton 9,472 tons were cleared, Bo’ness 15,103, Grange- mouth 40,258, and Leith 45,103—total 109 962 tons, against 93,758 in the preceding week, and 132,626 in the corre- sponding week of last year. There is still a very strong call for whole coal, and the pits are well supplied with orders. The demand for shipment has been active, and the inland trade has kept up in a satisfactory manner, with the exception of the call for treble nuts, which is not quite so good. All kinds of fuel have been in active request. Prices f.o b. L°ith Best screened steam coal Secondary qualities .... Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 13/9 to 14/ 12/3 to 12/9 12/9 to 13/ 12/6 to 12/9 12/3 to 12/6 La-t week’s prices. 13/6 to 14/ 12/3 to 12/9 12/9 to 13/ 12/6 to 12/9 12/3 to 12/6 Small coals meet with a good demand, and pearls are quoted 12s., while dross sells for shipment at 9s. 6d. to 10s. per ton About 200,000 tons of coal have been purchased by the Edinburgh Gas Commissioners at prices which are reported to be generally about 2s. per ton above the figure paid at this time last year. There has been no lack of vessels for coal cargoes at Fife ports, but the shipments are considerably less than in the preceding week. Demand has increased, however, for Baltic and other ports, and there is evidently a large business in prospect. The shipments have been at Methil 67,298 tons, Burntisland 43,110, Alloa 3,175, Wemyss 1,532, Dysart 1,357, Tayport 894, and Charleston 301—total 117,6^7 tons, com- pared with 130,166 in the preceding week, and 129,529 in the corresponding week of last year. Prices are generally well maintained. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current prices. Last week’s prices. Best screened navigation coal 17/ to 17/6 17/ to 17/6 Unscreened do 15/ to 15/6 15/ to 15/6 First-class steam coal 15/3 to 15/9 15/3 to 16/ Third-class do 12/9 12/9 Treble nuts 12/6 to 12/9 12/6 to 13/ Double do 13/ to 13/3 13/ to 13/3 Single do 12/3 to 12/9 12/6 to 12/9 There is a good call for 10s. to 10s. 6d. per ton. done at steady prices. dross, which is quoted f.o b. from A fair inland business is being Northumberland! Durham and Cleveland. ffevcaatle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 133,975 tons of coal and 360 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease of 34 629 tons of coal and 1,000 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 49 320 tons of coal and 1,848 tons of coke, a decrease of 12,485 tons of coal and 2,lb5 tons of coke. The Bly th shipments totalled 92,063 t ms of coal and coke, a decrease of 9,463 tons. The Altos- Hornos Ironworks, Bilbao, while postponing ordering their annual requirements of coking coal, are stated to have renewed a contract with a local colliery for a limited quantity of coal to be shipped over the next few months. The Chilian Government is enquiring for nearly 200,(XX) tons of steam coals for delivery from July to December., Tenders are now being submitted, but, in view of the competition of Australian coal, it is doubted whether much of the order will come this way. The tenders of about 300,000 tons of Durham gas coal submitted to the Newcastle and Gateshead Gas Company are stated to show an advance of from 3s. to 3s. 6d. on the expiring contract rates. There has been a good deal of abstention from business in the market during the week on account of th« industrial situation in South Wales and at Silesia. The Welsh dispute, however, appears to be gradually flickering out. The Silesian strike seems to show no diminution in thoroughness, but, thus far, the only business traceable as having been diverted here in consequence of the stoppage is the enquiry of a few odd cargoes of steams from Swinemunde and Stettin. Prices are generally firm, but a few descriptions show some weak- ness, due to the holding-off of buyers. Supplies for prompt shipment are now more plentiful than they were a week ago. F.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment show the following variations on the week:—Best Tvne steams, 3d. to 91. cheaper; Blyth seconds, 31, down; Tynes, ditto; Blyth smalls easier; specials, 3d. reduced ; Durham un- screened bunkers, 3d. to 61. cheaper. All other descriptions of fuel are unaltered. The Swedish Cellulose Works are enquiring for 100,000 tons of best Blyth steams for delivery over 1914. Tenders are wanted next week. The St. Petersburg Municipality are stated to have allotted the contracts for the supply of 160,000 tons of Northumberland and Durham steam and gas coals, etc., for delivery over the Baltic season, to St. Petersburg merchants, who, it is believed, will have to cover for their supplies on this side yet. The coals contracted for are stated to include Holmside, Thornley and Mickley gas coals on the basis of 14s per ton, f.o.b , best Bl) th steams at 16s. 6d., and steam smalls at Ils. 6d. The steam coals are for the electrical department. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Current Last week’s Steam coals:— prices. prices. Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) w/9 16/9 Do. Tynes (Bowers, &c.) 16/ to 16/6 ,16/9 Secondary, Blyths 14/ 14/ to 14/3 D >. Tvnes (Hastings or West Hartleys) 14/3 14/6 Unscreened 13/6 13/6 Small, Blyths 11/6 to 12/- 12/ Do. Tynes 11/ 11/ Do. specials 12/ 12/3 Other sorts:— Smithies 15/6 15/6 Best gas coals (New Pelton or Hulmside) ... 16/ 16/ Secondary gas coals (Pelaw Main or similar) 15/3 15/3 Special gas coals 16/ 16/ Unscreened bunkers, Durhams 15/ to 15/9 15/3 to 16/3 Do. do. Northumbrians 13/6 to 14/ 13/6 to 14/ Coking coals 15/6 to 16/ 15/6 to 16/ Do. smalls 15/ 15/ Hou^e coals 16/ to 17/ 16/ to 17/ Coke, foundry 27/6 ' 27/6 Do. blast-furnace 24/6 24/6 Do. gas 18/ 18/ Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 94,475 tons of coal and 990 tons of coke, as compared with 110,570 tons of coal and 700 tons of coke for the c ^respond- ing period of 1912, being a decrease of 16,095 tons of coal and an increase of 290 tons of coke. The uncertainty about Silesia and South Wales is having a strengthening effect upon this market, at the same time there is a disposition to hold on pending developments. Supplies of every description are scarce for the greater part of this month, and as a consequence, holders are asking full prices. For later shipment, however, there is a quieter feeling, buyers being of the opinion that present values will not be maintained, and that by waiting the market will go in their favour. The general output is still very much on the short side, and the production during the holiday period is likely : to be much curtailed. Best gas is very difficult to secure, I and seconds are in good request. Household coals are firm, | and there is a good demand for bunkers; there is also a steady market for coke. The Newcastle and Gateshead Gas Company are inviting offers of 300,000 tons Durham gas coals for delivery over 12 months, and the Chilian Government are inviting offers of 200,000 tons of steams for shipment between July and December. The Swedish Celluloid Works invite offers of 100,000 tons of best steam, delivery over 1914. The freight market is easier owing to turns being so full. Fixtures include coasting: Hamburg 3s. 6d, London 3*. 3d., Calais 3s. 9d., Rouen 5s, Antwerp 4s. 3d. Bay : St. Nazaire 5s. !£•<., Bordeaux 5s. 4|d., Rochefort 5s. 9d. Baltic . Cronstadt 5s., Pillau 4s 7|d., Menel 4s. 61., Sundswall 5s. 9d. Mediter- ranean : Port Said 9s. 6d., Genoa 9s. 6d., Marseilles 9s. 3d., Barcelona 9s. 3d., Las Palmas 9s. Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Gas coals:— Current prices. Last week’s prices. Special Wear gas coals ... 16/6 16/ Secondary do. 15/3 15/ to 15/3 House coals:— Best house coals 17/6 to 18/ 18/ Ordinary do 16/ to 16/6 17/ Other sorts:— Lambton screened 17/ 16/6 South Hetton do 16/9 15/6 16/6 Lambton unscreened 15/6 South Hetton do 15/6 15/6 Do. treble nuts 17/ 17/ Coking coals unscreened... 15/9 15/6 to 15/9 D >. smalls 15/6 15/3 Smithies 15/3 16/ Peas and nuts 18/ 17/ Best bunkers 16/3 16/3 Ordinary bunkers 15/6 15/6 Coke:— Foundry coke 27/ 27/ Blast-furnace coke (dlvrd. Teesside furnaces) 25/ 24/6 Gas coke 17/ to 18/ 17/ Middleibrough-on-Teea. GOAL. The fuel trade continues steady and firm. Coal producers are very well sold for this month, and some classes of coal cannot be obtained before June. Labour troubles in Germany may divert orders to the north-east of England, and thus there is a disposition to hold on pending develop- ments. Deliveries of gas coal are good for this season of the year. Best Durhams are 16s. to 16s. 3d. and seconds 15s. 3d. Bunker coals continue in good request, and ordinary Durhams run from 15s. 3d. to 15s. 6d. f.o.b., with bests at 16s. 3d. and specials realising up to 17s. Household coal is quiet at 18s. to 19s. There is a good demand for coking coal, and unscreened and smalls range from 15s. to 16s. Coke is firm. Local consumption is very heavy and average blastfurnace qualities stand at 24s. 6d. delivered at Teeside works. Needs for shipment are large. Best foundry coke is 27s. to 29s. f.o.b., and gashouse coke 17s. to 18s. f.o.b. IRON. There is very little business passing just now in pig iron. So far as Cleveland pig iron is concerned, business is still interfered with by the uncertainty of the warrant market, due to the struggle between the “ bulls” and the “ bears,” whose speculative operations are liable at any time to cause considerable fluctuations. The stock of Cleveland pig in the public warrant stores here is now slowly but steadily accumulating. The quantity held now stands at 218,334 tons, or 4,414 tons more than at the beginning of the month. Middlesbrough warrants are quoted 67s. 4|d. cash buyers. No. 3 g.m.b. Cleveland pig is < ffered by second hands at 67s. f.o.b., and, in fact, a trifle below that figure might be accepted, whilst No. 1 is 69s., No. 4 foundry 66s. 6d., No. 4 f >rge 65s. 9d., and mottled and white iron each 65s. 3d.—all for early delive’y. Forward contracts could be made at below the foregoing quotations, but customers just now are not disposed to commit themselves ahead. Tnere is still some difficulty in meeting fully the demand for E*st coast haematite pig for immediate use, and mixed numbers are 81s. 3d. for prompt delivery, but June business is possible at 81s., and there are sellers at 80s. 6d. for delivery over periods in the second half of the year. Foreign ore is liftless. Market rates are still based on 2 Is. ex-ship Tees for best rubio, but consumers consider that much too high a figure, and it is understood that sellers would accept lower terms. Freights (Bilbao-Middlesbrough) are in the neighbourhood of 5s. Nothing new of moment can be reported concerning the various branches of the finished iron and steel industries. Manufacturers are busily employed on running contracts, and are well booked up, but very few orders are now being placed. Quotations are unaltered, but for some descriptions they show a tendency to ease. South-West Lancashire. COAL The inland house coal demand is quietly easing down, although it is likely there may be a little increase of demand this week-end to prepare for the holidays, which, as regards the pits, will extend from Friday night until Wednesday morning. With regard to shipping, as might be expected immediately before the Whitsuntide holidays, the demand for bunkering fuel is well maintained, both on contract and open sale account. Owing partly to the unsatisfactory way in which wagons are working, supplies are not over plentiful, and prices for such quantities of steam coal as may be available are firm at about 14«. f.o.b. for ordinary screened Lancashire grades, and up to 14s. 6d. or thereabouts for the best. There are a good few enquiries for shipments of household coal for the coastwise and cross- Channel trade which cannot be met this week. No doubt shipowners are anxious to find, at a broken time like this, freights to carry them through. With regard to slacks, the winter consumption has now ceased at the mills, and this is easing the position a little, but whatever small amount there is hanging round will be cleared off before the resumption of work. Prices for all grades rule without change.