July 10, 1914. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 83 THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, July 9. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. The coal trade in the West of Scotland continues in a strong position, and the market is firm. The export demand is not so good, but local requirements are more numerous, owing to the approach of the holidays and also to the uncertainty which prevails with regard to the future, owing to labour clouds. The demand for best ells is fully maintained and prices are firming up, while seconds are more active at slightly higher rates. Best splints are still very strong, and collieries are fully booked for this sort. Navigation qualities are busy, but ordinary steams are weak. Smalls are in heavy demand, and great diificulty is experienced in arranging for large supplies for shipment. Shipments from the district are well up to the average, and amounted to 113,420 tons, compared with 112,455 in the preceding week and 126,362 tons in the corresponding 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 10/9-14/6 11/ -11/6 10/9-11/ 10/3-10/6 Last year's prices. 12/6-14/6 12/ -12/9 13/ -15/ 12/ -12/6 L’st week's prices. 10/6-12/6 11/3-11/6 10/6-14/ 11/ -11/3 10/6-10/9 ! 11/9-12/ 10/ -10/3 ! 11/3-11/6 IRON. Business in the Glasgow pig iron warrant market has been almost at a standstill during the past week. On two days of the week the market was dead idle, while the total turnover only amounted to some 3,000 tons. Under these circumstances prices have been more or less nominal, and Cleveland iron closed at 51s. 2d. per ton cash buyers showing a gain of Id. per ton on the week. Middlesbrough stores have decreased by 1,353 tons on the week, and now amount to 78,945 tons. There are 70 furnaces in blast in Scotland, compared with 71 in the preceding week and 89 in the corresponding week of last year. Even with the reduced production, makers are finding it difficult to dispose of their output of ordinary qualities and haematite iron, and prices are unsteady. Monkland is quoted f.a.s. at Glasgow, No. 1, 61s., No. 3, 59s. 6d.; Govan, No. 1, 60s. 6d., No. 3, 59s. 6d. ; Carnbroe, No. 1, 65s. 6d., No. 3, 61s. 6d. ; Clyde, No. 1, 68s., No. 3, 61s. ; Gartsherrie, Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1,66s. 6d., Nos. 3,61s. 6d.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 70s., No. 3, 65s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 60s., No. 3, 59s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 61s., .No. 3, 59s.; Shotts at Leith, No. 1, 66s. 6d., No. 3, 61s. 6d<; Carron at Grangemouth, No 1, 67s., No. 3, 62s. per ton. The import of pig iron into Grangemouth from Middlesbrough and district amounted, during the week, to 8,733 tons. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. The collieries in the Lothians are fairly well occupied, but in most cases could do with more orders for round coal. Smalls, on the other hand, are in strong demand at firm prices. The clearances at the ports were very satisfactory, and amounted to 99,825 tons, compared with 94,603 in the preceding week and 70,050 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Best screened steam coal... Secondary qualities..... Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current prices. 11/ -11/3 10/ -10/3 11/3-11/6 10/9 ' 10/6 L'st week's prices. 11/3 10/ -10/3 11/3-11/6 10/6-10/9 10/3-10/6 Last year’s prices. 12/9-13/ 11/9—12/ 12/9-13/ 12/ -12/6 11/3-11/6 The position of the trade in the Fifeshire district continues strong, and a fair number of steamers are avail- able. Most qualities of coal are in good demand at firm prices. Navigation coals are practically unobtainable for over a month ahead, while first-class steams are practically in the same position, except that an odd lot can be had through middle hands. Third-class steams are in much better request, and collieries are proposing to raise the price of this quality. Treble, double and single nuts are well booked, and are moving off in large quantities. The shipments from the district amounted to 126,602 tons for the week, compared with 139,728 in the preceding week and 129,183 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Best screened navigation coal Unscreened do First-class steam coal Third-class do Treble nuts Double do Single do Current prices. 15/9-16/ 14/ 12/6-13/ 10/ 11/ -11/6 10/9-11/ 10/ -10/6 L’st week’s prices. 15/9-16/ 14/ 12/6-13/ 10/ 11/- 11/6 10/6-10/9 10/ -10/6 Lastyear’s prices. 16/9-17/ 14/9-15/ 14/3-15/ 11/9-12/9 13/3-13/9 12/6-13/ 11/9-12/ The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports amounted during the week to 339,847 tons, compared with 346,786 in the preceding week and 325,595 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week, 138,245 tons of coal and 2,402 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, an increase of 5,390 tons of coal and 1,661 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 54,001 tons of coal, and 5,050 tons of coke, a decrease of 7,676 tons of coal, and an increase of 3,830 tons of coke. The Blyth shipments totalled 93,173 tons of coal and coke, an increase of 8,523 tons. With reference to the Russian Northern Railways’ enquiry for 80,000 tons of Northumbrian, Yorkshire, or Derbyshire steams—mentioned last week—for shipment over the present season, there is a strong feeling that much, if not all, of the order may go to Derbyshire, on account of the relative cheapness of the coal of that county at present. Regarding the Gefle-Dala Railway’s enquiry for 100,000 tons of steams for delivery up to the end of the year, tenderers have until July 13 in which to submit their offers. The following foreign gasworks are enquiring for supplies of gas coal:—Stavanger, 10,000 tons, tenders by July 20; Gothenburg, 16,500 tons, tenders by July 20 ; Beziers, via Cette, 10,000 tons, prompt offers ; Toulouse, via Bordeaux, 30,000 tons, prompt offers; and Tarbs, via Bayonne, 10,000 tons, prompt offers. In each instance delivery is to be over 12 months. The Altos Hornos Ironworks, Bilbao, are stated to have now completed arrangements for their annual requirements of 400,000 tons of Durham coking coal, and to have bought direct from the collieries at from 11s. 6d. to Ils. 9d. per ton, f.o.b. Some 10,000 tons of Durham ordinary bunkers have been sold for delivery up to the end of December at 11s. 6d. f.o.b. Quantities of best Blyth steams for shipment from August to the end of the year have been disposed of at from 13s. 10|d. to 14s. f.o.b. A small quantity of ordinary Tyne bunkers for shipment to the end of the year has been sold at Ils. 3d. f.o.b. Hamburg merchants are stated to be offering 14s. 3d. per ton c.i.f. for best Durham unscreened bunkers for shipment over next year, but, thus far, without inducing business. The decision of the Russian Government to admit coals for use on the public and private railways free of duty into Russia up to the end of the year, will, it is hoped, lead to a considerable improvement in the demand from that empire for British fuel. The general tone of the prompt coal market is exceedingly healthy just now. The advent of July appears to have coincided with a marked improvement in the demand for coals for early loading. Best steams are, comparatively speaking, at a premium for this month’s shipment, supplies being very scarce and prices advancing. Most descriptions of Durham fuel are in very good request. A shortage of shipping, coupled with irregularity in the arrival of expected tonnage, is causing a good deal of embarrassment, but, apart from this disturbing factor, the market is more happily circumstanced than has been the case for some time past. The possible stoppage in the Scottish coalfield is being closely watched for locally on the principle that “ it’s an ill wind,” &c. 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 ; Tyne smalls, stronger; specials, 6d. increased; gas bests, 3d. more; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, firmer; and gas coke, 6d. higher. Other descriptions of fuel are unaltered. Later.—Ten thousand tons Durham gas bests August- September loading have been sold at 13s. lid. Russian State Railways are stated to have purchased 200,000 tons Newcastle, Yorkshire, and/or Derbyshire steams delivery this season. The business has been through Russian merchants who will have to cover commitments on this side. 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 oals Unscreened bunkers, Durhams Do. do. N orthumbr ians Coking coals Do. smalls House coals Coke, foundry Do. blast-furnace Do. gas Current prices. 14/9-15/ 13/9-14/ 12/ 12/ -12/6 10/6-11/6 8/6 8/ 8/6- 9/ 12/6 13/ -13/3 12/ -12/3 13/6 11/6-12/6 10/9-11/9 12/ 11/6-12/ 15/ -16/ 19/ -21/ 18/ 12/ -13/6 L’st week's 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 11/4J-12/6 10/9-11/9 12/ 11/6 15/ -16/ 19/ -21/ 18/ 12/6-13/ Last year's prices. 15/ -15/3 14/9-15/ 13/ 13/ -13/6 11/9-12/6 9/6- 9/9 7/9- 8/ 10/ 13/6-14/ 14/9-15/ 13/6-14/ 15/ -15/6 13/3-14/3 12/ -12/6 13/6-14/ 13/ -13/6 15/6-16/ 23/ -24/ 19/ -20/ 18/ Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 90,650 tons of coal and 1,580 tons of coke, as compared with 95,810 tons of coal and 240 tons of coke for the corre- sponding period of 1913, being a decrease of 5,160 tons of coal and an increase of 1,340 tons of coke. The tone of the market is firm, which is helped by the threatening aspect of the labour trouble in Scotland and also to the approaching holidays there. Collieries are recovering somewhat from the short supply of tonnage which has troubled them for some time, and even yet the supply is still inadequate for their requirements, and will remain so until the engineers’ strike is settled. For forward loading, the prospects are bright and quotations are higher. Gas descriptions are steady, bunkers are unchanged. Steams are strong, with coke a turn easier. A contract is reported as having been placed for 10,000 tons of Durham bunkers at Ils. 6d. f.o.b., delivery July to December. Hamburg merchants are said to be offering 14s. 3d. c.i.f. for best Durham unscreened bunkers, over next year, but so far without business resulting, the price being considered too low. The Stavanger Gasworks are asking for tenders for 10,000 tons of gas coal, Prices f.o.b. Sunderland. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Gas coals:— prices. prices. prices. Special Wear gas coals 13/6 13/6 16/ Secondary do. House coals:— 12/ 12/3 13/6-14/ Best house coals 16/6 16/ 16/6 Ordinary do Other sorts :— 15/6 15/ 15/6 Lambton screened 14/6 14/3 15/9 South Hetton do 14/3 14/ 15/6 Lambton unscreened ... 12/3 12/3 14/ South Hetton do 12/3 12/ 13/9 Do. treble nuts 16/ 15/6 16/6 Coking coals unscreened 12/3 12/6 14/ -14/6 Do. smalls 12/ 12/ . 14/ Smithies 13/6 13/6 14/6 Peas and nuts 15/6 15/3 16/3 Best bunkers 12/9 13/6 14/3 Ordinary bunkers Coke:— 12/ 12/ 13/9 Foundry coke Blast-furnace coke (did. 21/ 20/6 23/6-24/6 Teesside furnaces) ... 20/ 19/6 19/6-20/ Gas coke 13/ 13/ 17/9-18/ and the Gothenburg Gasworks for 16,500 tons. Tenders are due about 20th inst. The outward freight market is fairly active. Recent fixtures include : — Coasting : London, 3s.; Hamburg, 3s. 6d.; Rotterdam, 3s. 3d.; Havre, 4s. 4|d. ; Antwerp, 4s. 10|d. ; Calais, 3s. 9d. ;» Boulogne, 4s.; Caen, 4s. 9d. Bay: Bordeaux, 6s. l|d.; St. Nazaire, 5s. 10|d., Boucan, 6s. 4|d. Baltic : Cron- stadt, 5s. 3d.; St. Petersburg, 5s. 4|d.; Memel, 4s. 7|d.; Riga, 5s.; Stockholm, 4s. 7|d. Mediterranean: Genoa, 7s. 3d.; Algiers, 7s.; Spezzia, 7s. 6d.; Palermo, 8s. 9d.; Ancona, 8s. l|d.; Marseilles, 7s. 6d.; Constantinople, 9s. Middlesbrough-on-Tees. COAL. Fuel prices are maintained, and there is a fair amount of business passing. Enquiry for both prompt and forward delivery of many classes of coal is rather brisk, and the situation generally is satisfactory. The Stavanger gas- works are in the market for 10,000 tons of coal, as are also the Gothenburg works which require 16,500 tons. The tenders are due on the 20th inst. Fairly good deliveries of gas coal for this season of the year are reported, and best Durhams are 13s. to 13s. 3d.; seconds, 12s. to 12s. 3d.; and specials, 14s. to 14s. 6d. Bunker coal is in abundant supply, so that the rather free buying is more than fully met. Ordinary Durham bunkers range from 11s. 3d. to 11s. 6d. f.o.b.; best kinds are in the neighbourhood of 12s. 6d.; and specials run from 13s. 9d. to 14s. Sellers of household coal show no signs of giving way, and quote 17s. to 18s. according to quality. There is a rather easier tone in coking coal, good brands having been sold for August at Ils. 6d., but output continues to be well taken up. Current quotations are : Coking unscreened 12s. to 12s. 6d.; and smalls, Ils. 6d. to 12s. Coke prices keep high, but if anything the tendency is easier. Local demand is rather heavy, and Durham blastfurnace sorts of average quality still stand at 17s. 6d. delivered at Teesside works. Foundry coke for shipment ranges from 19s. to 20s, f.o.b. Gas coke runs from 12s. 6d. to 13s. IRON. Though the present season is regarded as the quietest period of the year, there are not wanting indications of revival in trade. Buyers’ and sellers’ views of values of pig iron are much less apart than they have been, and more disposition to operate is shown. More enquiries on Russian account are reported, and an opinion now prevails that the removal of the Russian import duty on iron may result in more orders from that quarter than was at one time expected, though it is fully realised that Germany being much more favourably placed geographically than the North of England, will reap most benefit from the Russian concession. At the same time, however, merchants report having sold a little more iron to Russia. There are better enquiries on general Continental account. Cleveland pig iron prices are moving upward. A few odd lots of No. 3 g.m.b. have realised as much as 51s. 9d. f.o.b., and the general market quotation is now quite 51s. 7|d., whilst No. 1 is 54s. l|d., No. 4 foundry 51s. 4|d., No. 4 forge 50s. 10|d., mottled 50s. 4|d., and white 50s. l|d.—all for either early or forward delivery. There is more doing in East coast haematite pig, and buyers are more inclined to agree with sellers as to values than for some time past. The recognised market quotation for practically any delivery of Nos. 1, 2, and 3 is 59s., and a number of sales have been recorded at that price. Buyers report transactions at below the foregoing quotation, but they now find it very difficult to break 59s. Foreign ore is weaker. Sellers are- prepared to make contracts on the basis of 17s. 3d. ex-ship Tees for rubio of 50 per cent, quality, and consumers declare that they could readily buy at the rate of 17s. Little new can be reported concerning the finished iron and steel industries. Orders are scarce, and there are complaints that specifications for work secured some time ago are being very sparingly given out. Heavy steel rails are now <£5 15s. to <£5 17s. 6d. net. South-West Lancashire. COAL. Nothing that is new has transpired as regards household coals during the week. Prices are without change, and the demand is a summer one. The quantity of screened coal- going into consumption for forges and manufacturing purposes shows no change, this being much below the maximum. There is only a moderate amount of business outside contract account being done at the present time, enquiries being few and lowish prices are quoted. Some of the pits in Lancashire district are playing owing to local holidays, but this does not appear to have had much effect, supplies of fuel being quite equal to requirements. Prices for screened Lancashire steam coal are about as named last week—viz.: 12s. 6d. to 12s. 9d. f.o.b., up to 13s. 3d. for the best qualities. Average summer shipments are being- made of household coals for the coastwise and cross-Channel trade, and many of the contracts are now being fixed up for another 12 months. Slack is not being produced in quite