July 24, 1914. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 207 THE WELSH COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, July 23. North Wales. Wrexham. GOAL. The volume of trade done during the past week has not been great in this locality. Most collieries have been compelled to work short time. The bulk of the tonnage has been for locomotive steam coal, and coal for manufac- turing purposes. There has been little demand for house coal, but the average amount of gas coal has been disposed of under contract. There has simply been no demand for steam coal for shipment. The strike at the Mersey ports still continues, and very few vessels indeed have been berthed. A fair amount of slack has been disposed of, chiefly to works in the local and adjoining counties. With reference to prices, there is little change as regards the price of house coal, but the amount of coal which has had to be disposed of elsewhere, which would, in the ordinary course of things, have gone for shipment, has materially affected the price of steam coal, which has fallen quite 6d. per ton. Prices of gas coal, at which contracts are being renewed, show a decline of 6d. and upwards. Slack remains unaltered. The gasworks appear to be experiencing a slump in the demand for gas coke, and have reduced prices to the extent of Is. 8d. per ton at the local works. The present week’s quotations are as below:— Prices at pit f.o.r.: — : Best house coal .....' Secondary do........... Steam coal............. Gas coal............... Bunkers................ Nuts .................. Slack ................. Gas coke (at works).... Prices landsale.-— Best house coal ....... Seconds ............... Slack ................. Current prices. 14/6-15/ 13/6-14/6 12/ -12/6 12/3-12/9 12/ -12/3 11/3-12/3 6/ - 7/6 11/8-13/4 18/4-19/2 16/8-17/6 10/ -12/6 L’st weeFsLast year’s prices. | prices. 14/ -15/6 ! 14/ -15/ 13/ -14/ : 13/ -14/ 12/3-12/9 12/3-12/6 12/ -12/3 11/9-12/3 6/ - 7/9 13/4-15/ 12/3-12/9 13/ —14/ 12/ -12/6 11/6-12/ (5/ - 7/9 15/ -16/8 18/4-20/ 18/4-19/2 16/8-17/6 16/8-17/6 10/ -12/6 10/ -12/6 Monmouthshire, South Wales, &c. Newport. GOAL. The steam coal market during the past week has not made any improvement—indeed the tendency is rather the other way. Heavy stocks have accumulated, while tonnage has not come along in sufficient quantity to keep these down to comfortable working dimensions. Some collieries are very cramped for tonnage, while even those best stemmed would welcome much brisker shipments. Of actual new business there has been very little done. Buyers seem keen on depressing the market to the utmost, and are holding aloof, but sellers nevertheless do not quote lower, adhering to recent figures. They anticipate a good run of August business, and that the Bank Holiday stoppage will cut out a good week’s output. Inferior-grade coals are rather weaker comparatively than best qualities, smalls being relatively stronger. House coals display no variation, likewise patent fuel. Coke remains an extremely quiet trade, being dependent upon the iron and steel business, which now is slacker than ever. Pitwood has rather strengthened, and best French fir is to-day quoted up to 20s. 6d. ex-ship. In the freight market there has been little animation shown. Enquiry is dull, and rates for the most part unchanged. For the Mediter- ranean business is steady, likewise for the Plate. Prices f.o.b. cash 30 days, less 2| per cent. Steam coals:— Best Black Vein large... W estern-valleys, ordin’y Best Eastern-valleys ... Secondary do. Best small coals ..... Secondary do.......... Inferior do........... Screenings............ Through coals ........ Best washed nuts...... Other sorts:— Best house coal....... Secondary do.......... Patent fuel .......... Furnace coke.......... Foundry coke ......... Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. 17/ -17/6 16/6-16/9 15/9-16/3 15/6-15/9 7/6- 8/ 7/ - 7/3 6/6-7/ 8/ 13/ -13/6 13/9-14/3 18/ -19/ 17/ -18/ 20/ -20,6 22/ -24/ 26/ -28/ prices. prices. 17/ -17/6 17/3-17/6 16/ -16/3 16/ -16/3 15/6-15/9 15/6-15/9 15/ -15/3' 15/ -15/6 8/ - 8/6 8/3- 8/6 7/6- 7/9 ' 7/6- 7/9 7/ - 7/6 7/ - 7/6 8/3- 8/6 8/6 11/9-12/ 11/9-12/ 11/9-12/3 11/9-12/3 18/ -19/ ! 18/ -19/ 16/6-17/6 16/6-17/6 19/ -20/ ! 19/ -20/ ! 17/6-18/6 i 17/6-18/6 | 20/ -23/ j 20/ -25/6 IRON. The conditions of the local iron and steel trades remain very much as a week ago. There is not much fresh business about, and those works that are not closed down are for the most part only partially employed. There is only a moderate demand for tin-plate bars, while large stocks are on hand at local works. Imports of foreign bars for the week total over 6,000 tons, quotations from this quarter remaining very steady. The rail department remains dull, there being little enquiry about, and hardly any fresh business is being put through. There has been practically no change in pig iron, whilst iron ore also is an unaltered market. It is generally believed that the worst has been seen in the tin-plate trade, and a certain amount of covering has taken place during the week. Despite this, the market generally continues quiet, but the trend of values seems upwards. Steel rails : heavy sections, <£6 10s. to <£6 15s.; light sections, <£6 15s. to £7. Tinplate bars (Welsh) : Bessemer steel, £4 10s. to £4 11s. 3d.; Siemens steel, £4: Ils. 3d. to £412s. 6d. Tinplates : Bessemer primes, 20 x 14 x 112,12s. 3d. to 12s. 4|d.; Siemens primes, 20 x 14 x 112, 12s. 4|d- to 12s. 6d. Finished black plate, <£9 12s. 6d. to <£9 15s. per ton. Pig iron: Welsh haematite, 62s. 6d. to 63s. 6d. delivered locally. Iron ore: Best rubio, 16s. to 16s. 6d. c.i.f. Newport. Cardiff. COAL. There is very little change to report in the position of this market, notwithstanding the strenuous efforts of the engineers to bring about a deadlock in the shipping trade. The number of vessels laid up is variously estimated at anything between 30 and 90, but of these a considerable proportion were undergoing repairs, and were therefore not in a position to proceed to sea. Although the daily ship- ments are considerable, there is no disguising the fact that there is a falling-off in the tonnage of exports, as will be seen by the Customs returns. Last week the shipments from Cardiff amounted to only 371,564 tons, as against 439,813 tons in the corresponding week of last year, showing a decrease of 68,249 tons. From Newport there was a decrease of 48,335 tons, but from Swansea and Port Talbot there were increases of 24,577 tons and 2,970 tons respec- tively. Outputs in most instances have been up to the average, but in some cases stocks have accumulated, and temporary stoppages have occurred owing to shortage of wagons. The chief difficulty has been experienced at collieries producing ordinary qualities, and these have been obtainable at materially less than quoted figures by shippers having prompt tonnage with guaranteed sailing at their disposal. Best Admiralties continue firm at 21s. to 22s., and in several cases salesmen are asking even as high Jas 23s. for August shipment. These figures, however, only apply to collieries with full order books and those producing the best descriptions. Superior seconds realise 19s. 6d. to 20s., but for ordinary grades 17s. 6d., and even 17s. 3d., has been accepted. The general quotation, however, may be taken to be from 17s. 3d. to 17s. 9d., with frequent business at the mean figure. Supplies of small coal have been plentiful, and the market all round is slightly easier. Best bunkers do not command more than 10s. 6d., ordinary qualities 10s., and cargo sorts are down to 7s. 9d. to 8s., which is about Is. lower than the prices ruling a month ago. Nothing has been heard of the Belgian Railway contract for 20,000 tons of bituminous smalls, and as it is known that the home producers were making strenuous efforts to secure the business, it is considered probable that South Wales tenders have not been accepted. News is still unobtainable as to the result of the Argentine Navy contract for 100,000 tons, which was on the market a few weeks ago. The only other enquiry of any note at the present time is from the Bulgarian State Railways for 14,000 metric tons of Cardiff coal for loco- motives, tenders for which have to be in by August 5. In Monmonthshire coals there has been a considerable amount of unsteadiness, chiefly owing to the irregularity of tonnage supplies, but at the time of writing the market was more settled, and prices ranged from 17s. 3d. for Black Veins to 16s. 6d. for western-valleys and 16s. for the best easterns, in each case f.o.b. Cardiff. Bituminous coals have been rather easier, but quotations are without appreciable alteration, No. 3 Rhondda large commanding 17s. 6d., and No. 2 12s. 6d. to 13s., with other grades in proportion. The Customs returns for the month of June, which are just to hand, show that the exports of coal from the chief Bristol Channel ports to the principal foreign countries of the world and to British possessions amounted to 2,189,984 tons, compared with 2,475,292 tons in the corresponding month of last year. This shows a decrease of 285,308 tons on the month, and there is also a decrease for the six months. For the first half of the year the figures are 14,469,769 tons, compared with 14,823,019 tons in the first six months of 1913, or a falling off of 353,250 tons. There was a decrease to Italy last month of about 93,000 tons, and France’s imports of Welsh coal showed a decline of 108,000 tons. There is no doubt also that the labour troubles have contributed to a delay, if not a decrease in shipments. Charterings last week were considerably below the average and only amounted to 264,830 tons, as compared with 339,960 tons in the preceding six days, which was also looked upon as being below the normal requirements of the port. Shipments of patent fuel have again been of a very heavy character, the total exports last week amounting to no less than 51,334 tons. Of this quantity the Crown Company despatched 17,590 tons, other local makers 2,940 tons, and Swansea 30,804 tons. Prices of best qualities are still maintained at 21s., with second grades from Is. to 2s. less. In coke there is practically no alteration for best makes, but inferior qualities are inclined to be easier. Pitwood has again improved, and is now selling at 20s. 6d. to 20s. 9d. per ton. Prices f.o.b. Cardiff (except where otherwise stated). Steam coals:— Best Admiralty steam coals Current prices. 21/ -22/ 19/6-20/ 17/3-17/9 10/6 10/ 7/9- 8/ 7/ - 7/6 18/ -18/6 16/6-17/ 15/6 14/3-14/6 14/6 13/3-13/6 10/6 17/3 16/6 16/ 15/3-15/6 20/ 17/6-19/6 17/6 15/ 12/3 12/6-13/ 10/6 8/9 21/ 19/ —20/ 26/- -29/6 21/ -25/ 16/ -19/ 20/6-20/9 L’st week’s prices. 20/6-22/ 19/9-20/ 17/6-17/9 10/6-10/9 10/ 7/9- 8/6 7/ - 7/6 18/ -18/9 16/6-17/ 15/6 14/3-14/6 14/6 13/3-13/6 10/6 17/3 16/6 16/ 15/3-15/6 20/ 17/6-19/6 17/6 15/ 12/3 12/6-13/ 10/6 8/9 21/ 19/ -20/ 27/ -29/6 22/ -25/ 16/ -19/ 19/6-20/ Last year’s prices. 20/6-21/' 19/6-19/9 18/3 10/3-10/6 9/6-10/ 8/ - 8/3 7/ - 7/6 18/ -18/6 15/9-16/ 16/6 15/6 14/6 13/6 10/3-10/6 17/3-17/6 16/9-17/ 16/6 14/9 20/ 18/ 17/ 15/ 12/3-12/6 13/3-13/6 11/6 8/3- 8/6 22/ -22/6 20/ 31/ -32/ 27/ -28/ 20/ -221 22/6 Superior seconds Ordinary do Best bunker smalls Best ordinaries Cargo qualities Inferior smalls Best dry coals Ordinary drys Best washed nuts Seconds Best washed peas Seconds Dock screenings Monmouthshire— Black Veins Western-valleys Eastern-valleys Inferior do Bituminous coals :— Best house coals (at pit) Second qualities (at pit) No. 3 Rhondda— Bituminous large Through-and-through Small No. 2 Rhondda— Large Through-and-through Small Best patent fuel Seconds Special foundry coke Ordinary do. Furnace coke Pitwood (ex-ship) IRON. Although there has been a weaker tendency in the price of the raw material, quotations for tinplates have remained steady, and the shipments have been of a very satisfactory character. Last week the exports amounted to no fewer than 166,050 boxes, or 60,000 more than at the corresponding date of last year, and receipts from works were only 117,832 boxes. Stocks in the docks warehouses and vans have thus been reduced to 210,279 boxes compared with 421,363 boxes at the corresponding week of 1913. There is, however, still a dearth of new business, and several works are badly in need of specifications. Bessemer standard cokes, 20 x 14 are officially quoted at 12s. 3d. to 12s. 4|d., but business has been done on the basis of 12s. to 12s. l|d. For 18| x 14 sizes 12s. 3d. to 12s. 6d. is demanded, and for 20 x 10 sizes 17s. 6d. to 17s. 9d. The firmer tone noticed in the galvanised sheet trade a week ago has been fully maintained, and although foreign buyers are holding off the market, makers profess indifference, and are not inclined to make concessions. For 24-gauge corrugateds <£10 17s. 6d. to <£11 is quoted, but business has been done in several instances at .£10 15s. for prompt shipment. There is little doing in steel rails, and orders are scarce. Welsh steel bars are maintained at <£4 Ils. 3d. for Siemens and £4 10s. for Bessemer qualities. There appears to be no falling off in the importation of foreign bars, and it is stated that one important firm has contracted for 100,000 tons at a price fully 10s. below the cost of production at their own works. As a matter of fact between 11,000 and 12,000 tons were imported from the Continent into this district last week. Welsh pig iron is 61s. 6d. to 62s. f.o.t. In scrap metals the market is lifeless, with a further sagging tendency. Iron ore is still weak, best rubio not realising more than 15s. 6d. to 16s. per ton. Swansea. GOAL. The returns of tne trade of the port were very favourable during the past week, the improvement recently displayed being maintained. The coal trade was more active and exports of patent fuel large. The shipments of coal and patent fuel together amounted to 121,623 tons. There was a very good attendance on ’Change, and although there was not a lot of new business doing, the tone of the anthracite coal market was fairly steady. There was a good demand for the better classes of Swansea Valley large, but Red Vein large showed no improvement. The majority of machine made descriptions moved off satisfactorily, but Germans continued easy. There was little movement in rubbly culm and duff. In the steam coal market the position was much the same as last week. Smalls were again in good request, at last prices. Prices of coal f.o.b. Swansea (cash in 30 days). Current L’stweek’s Last year’s Anthracite:— Best malting large prices. prices. prices. (hand picked) (net)... 21/ -23/ 21/ -23/ 21/ -23/ Secondary do. Big Vein large (less 2| 17/ -18/ 17/ -181 18/6-20/ per cent.) 16/6-17/6 15/ -16/ 16/ -17/6 Red Vein large do. ... Machine - made cobbles 12/6-13/6 12/6-13/6 12/ -13/ (net) 21/ -22/6 21/ -22/6 21/ -22/ Paris nuts (net) — — 22/6-24/ French do. do. ’ 21/9-23/9 21/9-23/9 22/6-24/ German do. do 21/9-23/9 21/9-23/9 22/6-24/ Beans (net) Machine - made large 16/6-17/9 16/6-17/9 16/6-19/ peas (net) ll/j-12/ u/ 212/ 11/6-13/6 Do. fine peas (net) — Rubbly culm (less 2| p.c.) 5/9- 6/3 6/ - 6/3 6/6- 7/ Duff (net) Steam coals:— 3/ - 3/9 3/ - 3/9 5/9- 6/3 Best large (less 2| p.c.) 18/6-20/ 18/6-20/ 19/ -20/ Seconds do. 13/6-15/6 13/6-15/6 16/ -17/ Bunkers do. 10/6-11/6 10/6-11/6 11/ -12/ Small do. Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Rhondda— 8/6- 9/6 8/6- 9/6 8/ - 9/6 Large (less 2| p.c.) ... Through-and-through 17/ -18/ 17/ -18/ 17/ -18/6 (less 2| p.c.) — — 14/ -15/ Small (less 2| p.c.) ... 11/ -12/ 11/ -12/ 11/ -12'/ Patent fuel do 17/ -18/ 17/ -18/ 18/ -19/ IRON. Depression continued in the tin-plate trade last week; prices remained at a low level, and the demand continued small. Many works were on short time, and some sheet mills were completely on stop. There was an improvement in the production of pig iron at the blastfurnaces. The Mannesmann tube workers had settled down to work again, but a few men were still idle. There was a heavy shipment of tin-plates last week, amounting to 166,050 boxes : receipts from works were 117,832 boxes, whilst stocks in the dock warehouses and vans were 210,279 boxes. Llanelly. COAL. The coal market of this district is still unsatisfactory, and the demand is a poor one. Collieries are working short time, but stocks are very heavy, and empty wagons are scarce. The demand for anthracite is most dull with the exception of the best large kinds, and prices show no sign of improvement whatever. It is only natural to expect an upward movement shortly, and it will be quite September Prices f.o.b. Anthracite:— Best malting large .. Secondary do. ....... Big Vein large....... Red Vein do.......... Machine-made cobbles... German nuts.......... French do............ Paris do............. Machine-made beans ... Do. peas......... Culm ................ Duff ................ Other sorts:— Large steam coal..... Through-and-through... Small ............... Bituminous small coal... Current prices. 21/ -21/6 18/ -19/ 16/ -17/ 12/9-13/6 21/ -22/ 21/6-23/ 21/ -23/6 21/ -23/ 16/ -18/ 12/6-13/6 5/9- 6/3 3/6- 5/3 16/ -17/ 10/9-11/3 8/6- 9/6 10/6-11/ L’st week’s prices. 20/ -21/6 18/6-19/ 15/6-16/6 12/6-13/6 20/ -22/ 20/ -22/ 21/6-23/ 20/ -22/ 16/ -18/6 12/6-13/6 6/ - 6/3 3/6- 5/6 Last year’s prices. 21/ -23/ 19/ -21/ 17/ -18/ 12/6-13/6 18/ -20/ 20/ -21/ 22/ -23/ 22/ -23/ 19/ -21/ 11/6-13/6 7/ - 7/6 5/ - 5/6 14/6-16/6 10/6-11/3 8/3 - 9/3 10/6-11/6 16/ -17/ 11/ -11/6 10/ -11/ 11/ -12/