July 3, 1914. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 25 THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, July 2. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. There has been an improvement in the West of Scotland coal trade since the previous week, so far as regards the export branch at least. Best ells are firmer and deliveries cannot be arranged under about 10 days’ notice, while secondary qualities are also in better demand. The best brands of splint coal continue active, but very little business is doing in ordinary qualities. The position of navigation coal is unchanged, but ordinary steams are, if anything, quieter. Smalls generally are in better demand, and prices are firmer. There has been a falling-off in the industrial demand in this district, due largely to trade disputes and also the dulness in the iron trade, and matters are not likely to improve until after the holidays ; while owing to the continued good weather business in household coal is very quiet, but, nevertheless, retailers are still charging Is. 2d. per hundredweight in most districts. The clearances at the ports amounted to 112,455 tons for the week, com- pared with 125,979 in the preceding week and 111,102 tons in the same week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Steam coal.............. Ell .................... Splint.................. Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 10/6-12/6 11/3-11/6 10/6-14/ 11/ -11/3 10/6-10/9 10/ -10/3 L’st week’s Last year’s prices. I prices. 10/6-12/6 I 12/3-12/9 11/.-11/3 | 12/3-12/9 10/6-14/ i 13/6-14/ 11/3-11/6 1 12/6-13/ 10/6-10/9 ' 12/6-13/ 9/9-10/3 12/ -12/3 IRON. Business on the Glasgow pig iron warrant market has, with the exception of one day, when 2,500 tons changed hands, been quieter. On two separate days no business was done, while on each of the others, Friday excepted, one session was completely idle. Prices showed practically no change and closed at 51s. lid. per ton cash buyers, compared with 51s. 2d. in the preceding week, Makers of pig iron report that consumers continue to purchase on a hand to mouth principle, and that some difficulty is being experienced in disposing of their outputs, particularly of ordinary qualities and haematite iron. There are 71 furnaces in blast in Scotland, compared with 72 in the preceding week, and 89 in the corresponding week of last year. The import of pig iron into Grangemouth from Middlesbrough and district amounted during the week to 8,492 tons. The prices of Scotch makers’ iron are as follow:—Monkland is quoted f.a.s. at Glasgow, No. 1, 61s. 6d, No. 3, 60s.; Govan, No. 1, 61s., No. 3, 60s.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 65s. 6d., No. 3, 61s. 6d. ; Clyde, No. 1, 67s., No. 3, 62s. ; Gartsherrie, Summerlee, Calder, and Langloan, Nos. 1, 67s. 6d., Nos. 3, 62s. 6d.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 70s., No. 3, 65s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 61s., No. 3, 60s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 62s., No. 3, 60s.; Shotts at Leith, No. 1, 67s. 6d., No. 3, 62s. 6d.; Carron at Grangemouth, No 1, 68s., No. 3, 63s. per ton. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. The coal trade in the Lothians district is fairly active, and with tonnage arriving in good quantity collieries are disposing of their productions in a satisfactory manner. The local demand is not so good as it might be, but it is expected that after the holiday season is over there will be an improvement in this respect. The shipments from the district during the week amounted to 94,603 tons, compared with 101,078 in the preceding week, and 76,515 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. Best screened steam coal... 11/3 11/3 12/9-13/ Secondary qualities 10/ -10/3 10/ -10/3 11/9-12/ Treble nuts 11/3-11/6 11/ 13/ Double do 10/6-10/9 10/9 12/ -12/6 Single do 10/3-10/6 . 10/6 11/3-11/6 The outstanding feature in the Fifeshire district is the large increase in shipments, which were particularly heavy and amounted to 139,728 tons, compared with 111,091 tons in the preceding week, and 126,400 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Business continues on a brisk scale, and there is a large supply of tonnage available. Most of the steamers are loading first-class steams, and this quality is practically sold out for prompt shipment. Navigation coals are also fully sold and a month’s notice is necessary. Third-class steams are moderately active, but most collieries could overtake more business in this quality. Smalls are particularly busy, and it is reported that some collieries have disposed of their output of nuts so far ahead as November and December. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current L’st week’s Lastyear’s Best screened navigation prices. prices. prices. coal 15/9-16/ 15/9-16/ 16/9-17/ Unscreened do 14/ 14/ 14/9-15/ First-class steam coal 12/6-13/ 12/6-12/9 14/3-15/ Third-class do 10/ 9/9-10/ 11/6-12/9 Treble nuts 11/- 11/6 10/6-11/ 13/6-14/ Double do . 10/6-10/9 10/6-11/ 12/9-13/3 Single do 10/ -10/6 10/ -10/6 11/9-12/ The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports amounted to 346,786 tons, compared with 345,148 tons in the preceding week, and 314,017 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week, 133,753 tons of coal and 816 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, a decrease of 7,850 tons of coal and 856 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 56,765 tons of coal, and 3,734 tons of coke, a decrease of 2,916 tons of coal, and an increase of 79 tons of coke. The Blyth clearances amounted to 88,697 tons of coal and coke, a decrease of 4,377 tons. The Gefle-Dala Railways are stated to be enquiring for a supplementary quantity of steam coals. 100,000 tons are wanted, for delivery up to the end of the year, 40,000 tons of which are to be shipped to Stockholm, 30,000 tons to Gefle, and 30,000 tons to Gothenberg. Tenders are due this week. The Altos-Hornos Ironworks, Bilbao, which annually take about [ 400,000 tons of coking coal from Durham, are now buying, and are stated to have arranged, so far, for over 250,000 tons at from 11s. 6d. to 12s. per ton, f.o.b. The Paris, Lyons, and Marseilles Railway are stated to have arranged for about 250,000 tons of Durham coking smalls for delivery mainly at Marseilles over next year at about 17s. 6d. per ton, c.i.f., which is calculated to leave about 10s. f.o.b. This coal is, in addition to the large contracts said to have been made by these railways, for German fuel. The Russian State Railways invite imme- diate tenders of 100,000 tons of best steams for delivery over the rest of the present season. The local coal market is making a good recovery from the holiday season which ruled last week. There is a much improved general enquiry for fuel and steam coals in particular are in good demand. There is, too, some scarcity of steams for July loading, and it is not unlikely that further increments may be added to the present prices ere the month ends. There is some considerable enquiry for several descriptions of fuel for forward delivery, but, whether this is mainly in the nature of “ testing” the market, or represents bona-fide business, it is impossible to say. F.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment have varied as follow:—Best Blyth steams are from 3d. to 6d. dearer on the week; Tynes, 3d. advanced ; Blyth smalls, 6d. cheaper ; Tynes, weaker; specials, 3d. down; unscreened Durham bunkers, slightly cheaper; and foundry coke, Is. increased. Other descriptions of fuel are unaltered. Later.—The Northern Railways of Russia have entered the market for tenders of 80,000 tons of Northumbrian, Yorkshire, or Derbyshire steam coals for shipment this season. Tenders are to be forwarded by this week-end. 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 ceals Unscreened bunkers, Durhams Do. do. N orthumbr ians Coking coals Do. smalls House coals Coke, foundry Do. blast-furnace Do. gas Current prices. 14/6 13/6-13/9 12/ 12/ -12/6 10/6-11/6 8/6 7/9- 8/ 8/6 12/6 13/ 12/ -12/3 13/6 11/44-12/6 10/9-11/9 12/ 11/6 15/ -16/ 19/ -21/ 18/ 12/6-13/ L’st week’s prices. 14/ -14/3 13/6 12/ 12/ -12/6 10/6-11/6 9/ 8/ 8/9 12/6 13/ 12/ -12/3 13/6 11/3-12/6 10/9-11/9 12/ 11/6-12/ 15/ -16/ 19/ -20/ 18/ 12/6-13/ Last year’s prices. !5/ 14/9 13/ -13/3 13/3-13/6 11/6-12/6 9/ - 9/6 7/9- 8/ 10/ 13/6-14/ 14/6-14/9 13/ -13/6 15/ 13/3-14/ 12/ -12/6 13/6-14/ 13/ -13/6 15/6-16/ 23/ -25/ 20/ 18/6 Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 96,375 tons of coal and 725 tons of coke, as compared with 92,885 tons of coal and 470 tons of coke for the corre- sponding period of 1913, being an increase of 3,490 tons of coal and 255 tons of coke. The coal market is beginning to display a distinctly firmer tone, this is especially the case regarding steams, the turns for which are being rapidly filled. A feature of note is the firmer tone in bunker coals. Smiths are rather scarce, and gas coals are quoted on the easy side, as is usual at this time of the year. The Prussian State Railways are inviting offers for 100,000 tons of best steams delivering this season; it is reported the Paris Lyons and Mediterranean Railway have bought about 250,000 tons of Durham coking smalls at a c.i.f. price of 17s. 6d., based on a freight at 7s. delivery Marseilles. The Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Gas coals:— Special Wear gas coals Secondary do. House coals:— Best house coals Ordinary do Other sorts :— Lambton screened South Hetton do Lambton unscreened ... South Hetton do Do. treble nuts Coking coals unscreened Do. smalls Smithies Peas and nuts Best bunkers Ordinary bunkers Coke Foundry coke Blast-furnace coke (did. Teesside furnaces) ... Gas coke Current prices. 13/6 12/3 16/ 15/ 14/3 14/ 12/3 12/ 15/6 12/6 12/ 13/6 15/3 13/6 12/ 20/6 19/6 13/ L’st week’s prices. 13/6 12/ 16/ 15/ 14/3 14/ 12/3 12/3 15/9 12/6 12/3 13/6 15/6 13/3 12/ 21/ 20/ 13/ Last year’s prices. 16/ 14/ 18/ 17/ 14/6 14/6 13/6 13/6 16/9 13/6-14/ 13/6 16/ 16/ 14/ -14/6 13/6 23/6 19/ -20/ 18/ Altos-Hornos Works in Spain have also purchased a large quantity, said to be 250,000 tons of Durham coking smalls at a f.o.b. price of Ils. 9d. The Gefle-Dala (Sweden) Railway is in the market for the supply of 100,000 tons of steam coal. The outward, coal market is firm; despite the situation caused by the engineers’ strike tonnage is more plentiful, and chartering is brisk. Recent fixtures include :—Coasting : London, 3s.; Hamburg, 3s. 6d.; Rouen, 4s. 6d.; Boulogne, 3s. 7|d. ; Rotterdam, 3s. l|d.; Antwerp 3s. 9d.; Bay : Bordeaux, 5s. 10|d. Baltic : Koenigsberg, 5s.; Cronstadt, 5s.; St. Petersburg, 5s. Mediterranean: Genoa, 8s.; Barce- lona, 9s.; Port Said, 7s. 10|d.; Naples, 8s.; Marseilles, 7s. 6d.; Algiers and Las Palmas, 7s. 6d. Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. The fuel market keeps firm. A good general enquiry is reported for both prompt and forward delivery, and in some branches there is a tendency to buoyancy. Deliveries of gas coal are, as is usual at this season, on a small scale. Best Durham gas coal is 13s. 6d., second kinds are put at 12s. 3d., and Wear specials up to 15s. Bunker coal, especially of the ordinary kind, is in good request, at round about 11s. 6d. f.o.b., while best sorts are 12s. 4|d. to 12s. 6d., and specials 14s. to 14s. 6d. Considering the time of year, household coal is very high. Sellers show no inclination to give way, and they quote from 15s. 6d. to 16s. 10|d., according to quality. Coking coal is in fairly good request, at prices ranging from Ils. 3d. to 12s. Supply of coke is none too plentiful, and values are well maintained. Foundry kinds for shipment readily realise 20s. f.o.b. Gas coke runs from 12s. 6d. to 13s. Durham furnace coke is uninfluenced by competition of Yorkshire kinds. Sellers of Durham blast- furnace coke, of average quality, adhered firmly to 17s. 6d., delivered at Teesside works. IRON. Iron and steel shipments from the Tees during the month of June were up to expectations. The clearances of pig iron reached 86,907 tons, of which 76,207 tons went from Middlesbrough and 10,700 tons from Skinningrove. For May the despatches were returned at 94,174 tons, and for the corresponding month a year ago the loadings amounted to 95,403 tons. Of the iron loaded at Skinnin- grove, 10,224 tons went to Scotland and 476 tons to Holland. Of the iron shipped from Middlesbrough, 53,955 tons went abroad and 22,252 tons to home buyers. As usual, Scotland was the largest importer with 13,914 tons, whilst Sweden took 7,089 tons, Italy 6,721 tons, and Germany 4,928 tons. Tees loadings of manufactured iron amounted to 8,227 tons, and those of steel to 46,796 tons. The Argentine took 4,962 tons of manufactured iron, and India 14,206 tons of steel. Business in pig iron is on a very limited scale, the considerable concessions which sellers are prepared to make failing to tempt buyers into the market. All descrip- tions—and especially haematite—are now obtainable at a good deal below the cost of production, and the blowing-out of furnaces would cause no surprise, although it must be borne in mind that the output is just about equal to requirements, and that stocks are very low. Thus, any curtailment of make would substantially strengthen the already very healthy statistical situation. No. 3 g.m.b. Cleveland pig is 51s. 3d. f.o.b., No. 1 is 52s. 9d., No. 4 foundry 51s., No. 4 forge 50s. 6d., mottled and white iron each 50s., and Nos. 1, 2 and 3 east coast haematite pig 59s. —all for either early or forward delivery. Foreign ore contracts might be made on rather easier terms than have ruled for some time past, but spot lots realise high prices owing to stiff freights. Vessels have been fixed at 5s. Bilbao-Middlesbrough. Though sellers quote on the basis of 17s. 6d. for best rubio, business could be done on the equivalent of 17s. 3d. There are no new features of moment in manufactured iron and steel. South-West Lancashire. COAL. In household coals the demand is fast getting down to the lowest summer level. With the commencement of the new half year a little stocking is beginning to be done by merchants and dealers who have facilities for putting down something as a provision for the winter. In forge coals matters move on pretty much as they were, the demand being a restricted one owing to the scarcity of orders at the forges. There is nothing fresh to report with regard to bunker fuels. It is true the large quantities now being taken for excursion steamers tend to help matters a little, still the general business in shipping is flat, and shows no sign of improvement. What few orders there are in the market are eagerly sought after owing to large supplies of fuel in hand, and in consequence low prices are being quoted. Prices for screened Lancashire steam coal are now 12s. 6d. to 12s. 9d. f.o.b. tips Liverpool, up to 13s. 3d. for the best descriptions. The coastwise and cross channel household coal trade is fairly satisfactory for the time of the year, and possibly as soon as the contracts, which are- now in many cases under negotiation, are completed an increase in the shipments may be looked for. With regard to slack, a good deal of broken time is making its way in the various pits, and this is bound to have an effect very soon upon the slack market, even though on the other hand the holiday time in the manufacturing towns is beginning, and first one and then another will be set down for their annual stoppage. Gas coal acceptances are beginning to come in generally upon the basis of about 6d. per ton reduction upon the expiring prices. Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). Current L’st week’s Lastyear’s House coal:— prices. prices. prices. Best 17/ 17/ 16/3 Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) 16/6-16/9 16/6—16/9 16/6-17/ Medium 15/3 15/3 14/6 Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) 14/6-15/ 14/6-15/ 15/ -15/6 Kitchen 13/ 13/ 12/3 Common (f.o.b. Grstn.,net) 13/3-13/9 13/3-13/9 13/9-14/6 Screened forge coal 11/6-12/ 11/6-12/ 12/6-13/ Best scrnd. steam coal f.o.b. 12/6-13/3 12/9-13/6 13/6-14/3 Best slack ' 9/9 9/9 10/6 Secondary slack 9/ 9/ 9/9 Common do 8/ - 8/6 8/ - 8/6 9/3