June 6, 1913. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 1209 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE SCOTCH COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, June 5. _________________________ Scotland.—Western District. COAL. There has been considerable irregularity in the coal trade of this part of Scotland since last report, due to a variety of causes, chief of which.are labour disputes. A strike of dock labourers at Troon reduced the shipments there to very small proportions. Happily this dispute is now at an end, and business has improved accordingly. The aggregate shipments of coal at the Scotch ports amounted to 343,658 tons, being 3,844 less than in the preceding week, and 24,651 tons less than in the corresponding week of 1912. The clearances at Glasgow were 33,822 tons for abroad, and 38,176 coastwise, the total of 71,998 tons comparing with 91,809 in the preceding week, and 95,754 in the cor- responding week of last year. The shipments at the lower Clyde ports were at Bowling 267, Troon 727, Ardrossan 2,450. Irvine 3,214, Greenock 5,238 and Ayr 9,969—total 21,865 tons, against 25,763 in the preceding week, and 43,220 in the corresponding week of 1912. There has been an easier tendency in some departments of the trade. Still, the enquiry is, on the whole, not unsatisfactory for the season of the year. Steam coal has been in fair demand, and the quotations are about the same as before. The better ________________________ qualities of house coal have maintained their value, but secondary sorts are not quite so firm. Splint coal is becoming more plentiful, but there is, so far, little alteration in quotations. The prices of nuts are generally steady. ____________________Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current Last week’s Steam coal prices. 13/3 to 13/9 prices. 13/3 to 13/9 Ell 13/6 to 14/3 13/6 to 14/ Splint 14/9 to 15/3 14/9 to 15/3 Treble nuts 12/9 to 13/3 12/9 to 13/3 Double do 12/9 to 13/3 12/9 to 13/3 Single do 12/6 to 13/ 12/6 to 13/ The demand for coal for manufacturing purposes has been slacker, owing to the large numbers of men who are at present idle either from strikes, lock-outs and stoppage of works from other causes. IRON. The “ corner” in the pig iron market has come to an end after a period of about three months, during which the “ bears ” have had to pay high prices for settlement of their over-sold accounts. Last week cash iron was as high as 70s. 6d., and this week business began at 58s. 6d., so that the charge exacted from the “ bears ” was as high latterly as 10s. per ton. Very little has been generally heard by the public regarding the persons interested who found them- selves caught, and had to pay dearly for their release; but they are believed to have been trading from the south. There is now a prospect of the market getting into a position in which iron can be obtained by consumers and shippers at something like its purely commercial value. The quotations of Scotch makers’ iron have been upheld steadily for months, largely by the influence of the "squeeze,” but they have now begun to recede, and tne prices have fallen in the last few days 6d. to Is. per ton, and may probably go lower. Govan and Monkland are quoted f.a.s. at Glasg ow, Nos. 1, 73s., Nos. 3, 71s. 6d.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 76s. 6d., No. 3, 72s. 6d.; Clyde, No. 1, 78s. 6d., No. 3, 73s. 6d.; Calder, Summerlee, Gartsherrie, and Langloan Nos. 1, 79s., Nos. 3, 74s.; Coltness, No. 1, 98s., No. 3, 80s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 74s., No. 3, 73s.; Glengarnock at Ardrossan, No. 1, 79s., No. 3, 74s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 74s., No. 3, 72^.; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 79s., No. 3, 74s.; Carron, at Grangemouth, No. 1, 80s., No. 3, 75s. per ton. There are 87 furnaces in blast in Scotland compared |with 71 at this time last year. Shipments of Scotch pig iron have been unsatisfactory in amount, but now that the market has got into a normal state, it is expected that they will increase. They are at present about 13,000 tons behind the quantity despatched for the corresponding period of last year. There has been a considerable decrease in the past week in the arrivals into Scotland of pig iron from the Cleveland district, this being attributed to the lock-out of some 5,000 men in the foundry trade of mid-Scotland. The makers of mailable iron held a meeting in the early part of the present week, and had under consideration the question of prices. A week ago, the matter was discussed and no alteration made; but it is no*w different, when the prices of pig iron have been relaxed, and it has been determined to reduce the basis price of “ crown ” bars from .£8 10s. to £8 2s. 6d. per ton. Since this intimation was made, a little more business has been obtainable, but the trade is still insufficiently supplied with orders. The steelmakers are fairly well supplied with work in the meantime. __________________ Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. There has been a good business in the coal trade of the Lothians, notwithstanding that the work of loading is hindered by strikes of labourers. The men who deal with the forwarding of pit props are out on strike, and it is feared that supplies of these may run short at the collieries, if the dispute is prolonged. The timber is discharged from the Vessels, but left lying on the quays in such a manner as to obstruct loading operations. In these circumstances, the coal shipments are larger than was anticipated. At Granton 8,667 tons were despatched, Bo’ness 13,121, Leith 44,748, and Grangemouth 55,203—total 121,739 tons, compared with 99,746 in the preceding week, and 124,312 in the corresponding week of last year. The demand for coal is fairly well maintained, and prices are generally unchanged. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Current La^t week’s prices. prices. Best screened steam coal 14/ 14/ Secondary qualities 12/6 to 12/9 12/6 to 12/9 Treble nuts 12/9 to 13/ 12/9 to 13/ Double do 12/6 to 12^9 12/6 to 12/9 Single do 12/3 to 12/6 12/3 to 12/6 The inland demand for house coal has been quieter in the last few days owing to milder weather. The coal trade in the Fife coalfields has been more active thon was anticipated; or probably it should be put that the shipments are particularly good, seeing that the miners have been taking holidays. The past week’s clearances were at Methil 75,362 tons, Burntisland 48,020, Dysart 1,936, Wemyss 1,104, Tayport 838, Alloa 550, and Charleston 246 —total 128 056 tons, compared with 120,204 in the preceding week, and 105,023 in the corresponding week of last year. There has been less doing in the last few days, as the pits were idle for holidays in the early part of the week, but the enquiry is reported to be encouraging. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Best screened navigation coal Current prices. 17/ to 17/6 Last week’s prices. 17/ to 17/6 Unscreened do 15/ to 15/6 15/ to 15/6 First-class steam coal 14/6 to 15/ 15/3 to 15/9 Third-class do 12/9 12/9 Treble nuts 13/ to 13/6 12/6 to 12/9 Double do 12/9 to 13/ 13/ to 13/3 Single do 12/ to 12/6 12/3 to 12/9 THE LOHDOfl COAL TRADE. Thursday, June 5. The London coal trade for the past week has been exceedingly slow. The warm weather has undoubtedly had a serious influence on the consumption of house coal, and merchants who have any stock bought or on hand, are equally anxious to clear, even at a loss, rather than hold the loaded wagons for fear of a lower price being current. The trade at the various depots was quite up to the summer average, but the prices are in every case low and unremunerative. In the manufacturing market the demand continues fairly good, and the volume of trade doing is well maintained. The kitchen coals and bakers’ nuts are proportionately lower, as the demand is not so strong, but factories still keep up a fair enquiry, and for the season of the year are buying freely. Some of the smaller merchants are endeavouring to stimulate trade by quoting a lower price. The seaborne market continues stationary, and prices have been for a long time nominal; 2Is. 6d. has been the price quoted on market for months past, but as the vessels arriving are all sold, or are forwarded under contract, there has been no opportunity of testing the strength or otherwise of the market. Twenty- six cargoes were entered in the Thames on Monday’s market, but no return is given for Wednesday. The London Coal Market was closed on Wednesday last on account of Derby day, but the ostensible reason given by the Coal Merchants’ Society was that it was the “anniversary of the birthday of Julius Ceesar’s wife.” Railborne house coals are neglected very largely j ust now, and bu/ers are avoiding them, but collieries are maintaining the full prices, although stocks are accumulating and causing some considerable anxiety. Fortunately the shipping trade ontinues firm, and many of the usual London qualities are now finding their way to the seaborne ports for shipment abroad. Prices remain unchanged. __________________________ From Meoin. Dinham, Favoui and Oo.’a Report. Friday, May 30.—Owing to the excessive heat and few enquiries for seaborne house coal, the market was fairly steady, with no supplies. Cargoes 23. Monday, June 2.—The seaborne house coal market was very quiet to-day, and enquiries for supplies scarce. No transactions reported. Cargoes 26. ____________________________________________________ THE IRISH DUAL TRADE. Thursday, June 5. Dublin. There has been no change in any direction during the week, the house coal trade now being rather quiet and prices unchanged at rates ruling during the winter. Steam coals and coke are also unaltered and there is a fair demand both for current wants and contracts. Quotations in the city are as follow;—Best Orrell, 27s. per ton; best Arley, 26s.; best Whitehaven, 25s.; best Wigan, 25s.; best kitchen, 24s.; best Orrell slack, 21s.; steam coals from 22s. per ton upwards; best coke, 23s. per ton; house coal, retail, Is. 7d. to Is. 8d. per sack. The coaling vessels arriving during the past week amounted to 44, as compared with 55 the week the week previously, chiefly from Girvan, Garston, Ayr, Liverpool, Newport, Partington, Whitehaven, Preston, Maryport, Irvine, Campbeltown and Workington. The total quantity of coal discharged upon the quays was 18,864 tons. The recent notification of increased rates upon the majority of the Irish railway systems will, it is anticipated, affect the inland tiade by increasing the cost of coal to the consumer, as the estimated freight upon wagon loads of six tons will be about 5s. more. It is thought probable that in the more remote country districts coal will now be dispensed with as far as possible, and that timber will be largely used as a substitute. It is stated that a new company is about to be fl >ated, to be named the Leinster Railway and Collieries Company, with a capital of .£120,000, to work and further develop the Modubeagh and Gracefield Collieries at Wolf hill, Queen’s County, and to construct a connecting railway, 10 miles long, for the conveyance of the coal from the mines to Athy. The present price of best coal from these collieries delivered at Waterford is 25s. 6d. per ton. Belfast. There is still a fair demand for steam coals, but business in house qualities continues to fall off, although prices have not yet been reduced. Quotations for ail classes are unchanged. City prices are as follow:—Arley house coal, 27s. 6d. per ton; Hartley, 26s. 6d.; Wigan, 25s. 6d.; Orreli nuts, 26s. 6d.; Scotch house, 23s. 6d.; Orrell slack, 23s. 6d. Current prices ex-quay:—Arley house coal, 24s. per ton ; Scotch household, 20s. 6d.; Scotch and navigation steam coal, 17s. to 18s. per ton; Welsh steam coal, 20s.; English steam slack, 17s. per ton delivered. There is a fairly good supply, although labour troubles at some of the Scottish ports are responsible for a considerable falling off in the shipments from those districts. Sea freights continue to be easier. Cargoes arriving during the week were chiefly from Garston, Maryport, Ayr, Partington, Troon, Glasgow, Ellesmere Port, Preston, Manchester, Irvine, Ardrossan, Llanelly, Newport, Whitehaven, Bristol, and Lydney. THE TIH-PLATE TRADE. Liverpool. Business has been very slow during the past few days. Enquiries have fallen off considerably, and buying has been almost at a standstill. Unless matters quickly improve, the output will have to be further reduced, or some keen com- petition for orders will be seen. In the meantime, makers are standing pretty well to their quotations, which might be called :—Coke tins, IC 14 x 20 (112 sh. 1081b.), 14s. 3d. to 14s. 4|d. per box; IC 28 x 20 (112 sh. 216 lb.), 28s. 9d. to 29s. per box; IC 28 x 20 (56 sh. 108 lb ), 14s. 9d. to 14s. 10|d. per box; I C 14 x 18f (124 sh. 1101b.), 14s. 9d. per box; IC 14 x 19| (120 sh. 110 1b.), 14s. 9d. per box; I C 20 x 10 (225 sh. 156 lb.), 20s. 9d. per box; IC squares and odd sizes, 14s. 7|d. to 14s. 9d. per box. Charcoals are easy at 17s. basis and upwards, according to tinning. Coke wasters are in quiet request. Quotations:—C W 14 x 20, 13s. to 13s. Ijd. per box; C W 28 x 20, 26s. 9d. to 27s. per box ; C W 14 x 18f, 12s. 6d. to 12s. 7?d. per box; C W 20 x 10,18s. to 18s. 3d. per box—all f.o.b. Wales, less 4 per cent. i THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. 50’s ...... 90’s North ........................ 50’s North ........................ Tar Products,—The general tone is one of quietitude. There is in reality but a sluggish market, and prices are hardly indicative, save as a guide to the lull that prevails. Benzols steady. Pitch inclined to be easier. Naphthas quiet, and carbolics still wet1;. Nearest values are:— Benzols, 90’s ................................. Do. ‘ Do. Do. Toluol ..................................... Carbolic acid, crude (60 per cent.) .......... Do. crystals (40 per cent.)................ Solvent naphtha (as in quality and package) ... Crude ditto (in bulk) ....................... Creosote (for ordinary qualities) ............ Pitch (f.o.b. east coast) ..................... Do. (f.a.s. west coast) ..................... Do. (f.o.b. gas companies) ................ 1/14 /ioi i/i /io /lot to /Il 1/4 to 1/5 J 154 l^l /5i /3 44/6 to 45/ 43/6 to 44/6 49/ [Bensols, toluol, creosote, solvent naphtha, carbolic acids, usually casks included unless otherwise stated, free on rails at maker s’ works or usual United Kingdom ports, net. Pitch f.o.b. net.] Sulphate of Ammonia —The market is very quiet, and prices rule easy. For the forward positions up to .£13 10s. is asked, but buyers are holding off in spite of business having been done thereat. This shows somewhat the artificial tone of the market. American price is 3 35 dole, per 100 lb., with a steady feeling. Closing prompt values are:— London (ordinary makes)............ £12/10/ Beckton (certain terms) ............ £12/17/6 Liverpool........................... ^£12/1^/9 Hull ................................ £ 12/17/6 Middlesbrough ..................... £12/16/3 Scotch ports......................... £13/2/6 to £13/6/3 Nitrate of soda (ordinary) per cwt. ... 11/ [Sulphate of ammonia, f.o.b. in bags, less 2{ per cent, dis- count ; 24 per cent, ammonia, good grey quality ; allowance for refraction, nothing for excess.] ___________________________ The Kent Coalfield.—At a meeting of the Extended Extensions Limited, on the 3rd inst.,Dr. Malcolm Burr gave some account of the progress at the various collieries in the concessions group. He said that at the Snowdown Colliery, for instance, headings had been driven in pairs north, south, east and west, and they had begun to open up the face. They had secured several thousand tons of coal which had been used in connection with boilers. They had decided that it would be advantageous to wash the Snowdown coal. The Tilmanstone seam, which is 5 ft. 2 in. in thickness, is at present giving rather more favourable results than that of Snowdown, showing a bigger proportion of large coal than Snowdown worked under the same conditions. There is, moreover, no permanent dirt in the seam, as at Snow- down, and there is temporary screening plant working at the colliery, which removes a lot of the dirt and sizes the coal into four categories; but, on analysis, Dr. Burr believed the coal not to be so good as that at Snowdown, though it had met with a greater demand in East Kent. When thrown into the fire as fine dust, it coked directly the heat reached it. Some of the coal from the pits, he added, had been used for the manufacture of gas in several places. To the Ramsgate Gasworks they had sold 1,000 tons, and they were going to let them have another 5,000 tons. Canterbury had also been using Tilmanstone coal recently, and the engineer was delighted with the result. A stock of about 3,000 or 4,000 tons lying in the pit yard at Snowdown had been disposed of to one firm at a good price. The test made by the electrical engineers in respect of this coal was satisfactory. The suggested programme at Tilmanstone was that one shaft should start working this seam of coal and the other two shafts should be carried down to a greater depth to some of the lower seams. Unfortunately neither the Tilmanstone coal nor the Snowdown coal was really suitable for domestic pur- poses, the former being essentially a gas and coking coal and the latter a particularly good steam coal. A new board of directors was being organised for the Snowdown Company, and they were in treaty now with some of the leading colliery men in the United Kingdom to join the Board. Dr. Burr next referred to the sale of some of the company’s areas. These sales were effected in order to establish positive evidence of the intrinsic value of their minerals. Two contracts would be signed on the following day in respect of about 3 500 acres. The total purchase money working out at £283,000. If the programme was carried out—namely, the disposal of some 35,000 acres —it would bring in £2 830,000, and would leave enough for the development of four or five, or a good many more, of the largest collieries in the United Kingdom. They had an offer for a third area and enquiries for two or three more, one being from Belgium.