November 13, 1914. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 1029 been a basin formed in the old red sandstone, and the mines had gradually filled that up. Mr. Wynfield Rhodes (Fife Mining School, N.B.), in a written communication, said that quite apart from the valuable information as to the coal measures in Kent contained in it, Dr. Arber’s paper should give a stimulus to further research in connection with our concealed coal- fields. Dr. Arber had outlined in his paper the chief methods of gaining information on the tectonics of a coalfield. To many of them, familiar with the text book diagrams of folds and faults, the actual exposure of the measures in the underground mines would seem the only way to ascertain the architecture of a coalfield. In a new field, however, mines were few and far apart, and the faults and folds met with in working were aften only of local significance. In a rough way the boun- daries of the field could be obtained from borings. Special attention should be paid to Dr. Arber’s use of palaeobotanic zones. The preservation of fossils and the details concerning their horizon was an essential to the future development of our coalfields. The contouring of the concealed coal measures by Dr. Arber, and his deductions therefrom were perhaps the most interesting features of his paper. Even on the surface of the study of the contours of the land was often a singularly accu- rate guide to the structure of the underlying field. The suggestion that the contour of the coal measures of Kent was partly the result of upheaval (ge-anticlinal structure) was one that would at one time have been regarded as a reaction to catastrophism. It was now becoming realised that the deposition of sediment had gone on during the earth movements, so that the structure of the field might be due not only to subsequent, but con- temporaneous movement. In the final pre-mesozoic denudation the coal measures did not seem from Dr. Arber’s map to have been completely planned, but the anticline seemed to have been left as a well-defined ridge. Thus the presence of a ridge was, under those circumstances, evidence of anticlinal structure. The careful use of contour maps of a country might be made to afford valuable information as to its structure, and that was a method of research peculiarly applicable to new fields. The Chairman, in closing the discussion, said he was sure the members would like him to thank Prof. Boyd Dawkins for his very valuable contribution. Rescue Appliances. The Chairman said he should like to offer a contribu- tion on Dr. Haldane’s paper on “ Self-contained Rescue Apparatus for Use in Irrespirable Atmospheres : Report to the Doncaster Coal Owners’ (Gob-Fire Research) Committee.” Dr. Haldane compared the merits and demerits of five different types of apparatus, leaving the reader, of course, to draw his own conclusion as to which might be the best. In treating the subject gener- ally, the author alluded to the fact that whereas legisla- tion had made the presence of rescue apparatus in mines compulsory — they were compelled to have a certain number within reach — so far only one life had been saved by it. Of course, at first sight that was a little discouraging, but he did not think there was any real cause for discouragement. His answer to such a criticism would be that nobody knew how many lives had been saved by means of such apparatus. They could not put it into numbers, because they all knew from their own experience that the apparatus had been used on many occasions, especially in connection with underground fires, and proved exceedingly useful. No one could say what would have been the result if those fires had been tackled without a rescue apparatus; pos- sibly, and he might almost say probably, lives would have been lost. They knew also it had been used many times after explosions, though unfortunately the number of lives saved, as the author stated, had only been one. Dr. Haldane alluded to one particular type of apparatus w’hich had been specially made for the London Fire Brigade as being suitable for use in connection with fires. It was pointed out that the supply in that par- ticular apparatus lasted for at least one hour, where a man did such heavy work as running up and down ladders and carrying bodies about, and it struck him when reading the paper that something might be said for the adoption of that apparatus, not instead of, but in addition to the apparatus used in coal mines at present, because the conditions underground in relation to fires must be very similar to those which the London Fire Brigade had to face. The great point in discussing a paper of that sort was that the use of an apparatus of the kind described should not be condemned, because it had not so far been enormously successful in saving life. If people took that line of argument, there would be very little improvement at all, because very little could be done in the way of invention with the object of saving life without lives being lost during the pioneer work, and that must be so in reference to rescue appa- ratus, whatever form it took. The meeting then came to a close. Hull Coal Imports.—According to the official return made by the Hull Corporation’s coal inspector, Mr. W. Herbert Truman, the quantity of coal brought into Hull during the month of October was 382,635 tons—348,505 tons by rail and 34,130 tons by river—as compared with 702,392 tons in the corresponding month last year. The aggregate imports during the period January to October reached 4,914,950 tons, as against 6,783,450 tons in 1913. Coastwise shipments during October were 48,473 tons, the figures for the first 10 months of the year amounting to 621,460 tons. The exports, exclusive of those shipped for Admiralty purposes and for use of the Allies’ Governments, were i67,572, as against 413,717. The totals for the first 10 months of this year and last were respectively 2,591,773 tons and 3,771,408 tons. THE WELSH COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, November 12. North Wales. Wrexham. COAL. The coal trade in this locality recently has been in a very apathetic state, and the volume of trade done has been but moderate. Possibly the house coal trade is in the best condition, but more orders would be welcomed in this department. With reference to steam coal, the locomotive steam coal is despatched in good quantities against con- tracts, but the demand for industrial purposes is only weak. There is also very little being done in shipment coal at the Mersey ports, owing to the small number of craft now coaling at those stations. Prices have fluctuated but little of late, and the following may be taken to represent present figures:— Current L’st quot’d Last year’s Prices at pit f.o.r.: — prices. prices. prices. Best house coal 14/6-15/6 14/9-15/9 15/6-16/6 Secondary do 13/6-14/6 13/9-14/9 14/6-15/6 Steam coal 11/9-12/3 12/3-13/ 12/6-13/6 Gas coal — 12/ -12/6 13/ -13/9 Bunkers 11/6-11/9 12/ -12/3 12/3-12/6 Nuts 11/ -11/6 11/ -11/9 11/6-12/ Slack 5/ - 6/6 5/6- 7/ 6/6- 8/ Gas coke (at works) — 11/8-13/4 13/4-15/ Prices landsale:— Best house coal 18/4-20/ 18/4-20/ 17/6-18/9 Seconds 17/6-18/4 16/8-18/4 16/8-17/6 Slack 10/ -12/6 10/ -11/8 10/ -12/6 Monmouthshire, South Wales, Ac. Newport. COAL. The steam coal trade remains still in a most unsatisfac- tory position. Stocks are excessive, and encumber the docks and colliery sidings to the point of congestion. Stoppages are frequent, even at the best collieries, and as yet there are few signs of early improvement. Most of the scarcity of tonnage for loading has occurred from lack of chartering, but this is increased by the backward arrival of steamers delayed by various causes, and whose prompt loading would partially relieve the situation. A strong factor at the moment is the big increase in freights for the Adriatic, these having run clean away, and now stand higher than they did in the boom time of 1912. Egyptian ports also have advanced very consider- ably. Colliery owners speak very confidently of advanced business and while making concessions for immediate shipment, show no weakness whatever for forward bookings. Small coals, of which supplies are relatively scarcer than large, are stronger in tone, otherwise the market may be said to remain unchanged. Pitwood is in better request, and nearly Is. higher at 22s. ex-ship for good wood. Cokes remain easy. Prices f.o.b. cash 30 days, less 2| per cent. Steam coals:— Best Black Vein large... Western-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 prices. 16/9-17/ 16/ -16/6 15/6-16/ 15/ -15/6 T- 2!. 11/3-11/6 13/ -13/6 18/ -19/ 16/6-17/6 17/6-18/ 18/ -19/ 21/ -23/ L’st week’s Last year’s prices. 16/9-17/3 16/ -16/6 15/ -15/6 14/6-15/ 6/3- 6/9 5/9- 6/ 5/3- 5/6 6/6— 7/ 11/9-12/ 13/ -13/6 18/ -19/ 16/6-17/6 16/ -16/6 18/ -19/ 21/ -23/ prices. 17/ -17/3 16/ —16/6 15/9-16/ 15/3-15/6 8/3- 8/6 7/9- 8/ 7/ - 7/6 8/6 12/ -12/3 13/6-13/9 18/ -19/ 17/ -18/ 19/ -20/ 19/ -20/ 23/ -25/ IRON. There is little new to report in the condition of the local iron and steel trades. The present tendency of values is undoubtedly still easier, while fresh business is only of a very restricted character. There has been little or no improvement in enquiry, while small confidence is expressed of any early reversal of the existing depressing decline. Rail mills, bar mills, and blast furnaces alike show disappointing returns, with quotations trending downwards. In the tinplate trade too, matters are unsatisfactory. Shipments are small, and prices rule easier, while all forward enquiry is limited to inconsiderable business. A good deal of local interest has been taken in the course of events at the large new works, the erection of which was commenced here a few months before the war started, by the British Mannes- mann Tube Company. It is now authoritatively stated that the company have no intention of abandoning the con- struction of the works, and, in fact, workmen are constantly engaged on the site. Cardiff. COAL. There has been a change for the worse in the position of the coal trade since last week, and prospects are anything but promising for the near future. The high rates of freight now obtainable for homeward voyages has had the effect of attracting a large quantity of shipping to South American ports, and many steamers, after taking a cargo of coal to the Mediterranean, are proceeding in ballast across the Atlantic in order to take advantage of the better condi- tions now prevailing. The result has been a great shortage of tonnage both for prompt and forward business. This, however, is not the only difficulty. Recent experiences have had the effect of sending up freights, and whereas 8s. and 7s. 9d. was freely accepted for Genoa a few weeks ago, several shillings more are demanded, and Port Said is now as much as 14s. 6d. This, of course, is mainly due to the outbreak of hostilities with Turkey ; but the sinking of the “Emden,” and the bottling up of the “ Konigsberg,” has had the effect of restoring confidence so far as the Indian and Eastern trades were concerned, and rates are likely to become easier in consequence. The unsettled state of the market, however, has had a material effect on prices, and quotations are widely divergent, according to the necessities of the various collieries concerned. For the most part best Admiralties are still retained by the Government, but permission to ship to private customers has been more freely given during the last few days. This privilege, however, has not been taken much advantage of owing to the scarcity of tonnage and the high rates of freight, with the result that some collieries are working short time, and others have been temporarily stopped. Prices are nominally 21s. to 22s., with superior seconds at 20s., and ordinary qualities at 18s. 6d. In Monmouthshires there has been a certain amount of easiness, and although quotations show little alteration it is understood that for prompt business sales- men were prepared to accept 3d. per ton less than the current rates. Best Black Veins are 17s. 3d., western- valleys 16s. 9d., and easterns 16s. 3d., in each case f.o.b. Cardiff. First grade nuts are still 17s. 6d., but other qualities are in moderate demand at recent quotations. In small coal the market is showing increased weakness^ and best bunkers do not command more than 7s. 6d. to 7s. 9d., ordinaries 7s., and cargo qualities 5s. 6d. to 6s. Although rumours have been current as to the recent enquiries on the market no definite information is yet forthcoming as to the allocation of the contracts. The Egyptian State Railways business is believed to be only partially settled, one parcel of about 25,000 tons having been placed at a figure said to be 16s. 7|d. per ton. No confirmation, however, is obtainable, and the parties interested absolutely refuse to disclose anything either as to price or quantity. The Algerian and North of Spain con- tracts are still in abeyance, and nothing is yet known of the French railways contract, tenders for which had to be in on Tuesday. The requirements in the latter case were 20,000 tons of Newport large, 95,000 tons of Cardiff or Newport semi- bituminous smalls, and 95,000 tons of Durham coking smalls. At the outset delivery was to be within three months, but the congestion prevailing at the northern French ,ports owing to the war has had the effect of varying the conditions. Nevertheless it is believed that high rates will prevail, especially as'•British boats have been under demurrage at French ports for several months past. Since last week a further enquiry has come on to the market by the Greek Government for about 100,000 tons of best Admiralty large coal for shipment over the next three months. In bituminous coals the tendency is dull, and prices are rather nominal. No. 3 Rhondda is 17s. to 17s. 6d., through 14s. 6d., and small Ils. to Ils. 6d. No. 2 qualities are rather firmer, large being 14s., through Ils. 6d., and small 7s. to 7s. 6d. The coke market remains fairly satis- factory, and prices are practically unchanged. The fuel trade is suffering from severe depression, and the output is not one-fourth of the normal quantity. During the last fortnight shipments have been reduced to a minimum, and at present there is little sign of improvement. The Custom House returns for October show that the shipments of patent fuel from Cardiff only amounted to 20,398 tons, or 47,040 tons less than in the corresponding month of last year. From Newport there was a decrease of 385 tons, from Swansea a falling-off of 59,663 tons, and from Port Talbot a decrease of 6,754 tons. Prices have also been greatly affected, and best brands are now offering at 16s. 6d., with second grades at 15s. to 15s. 6d. Pitwood is rather firmer, best French fir realising 22s. to 22s. 6d. per ton. Prices f.o.b. Cardiff (except where otherwise stated). Steam coals:— . Best Admiralty steam coals Current prices. 21/ -22/ 20/ 18/6 7/6- 7/9 7/ 5/6- 6/ 4/6-5/ 20/ -20/6 17/9-18/ 17/6 15/ 15/ 14/ 9/ • 17/3 16/9 16/3 15/ -15/6 20/ 17/6-19/6 17/ -17/6 14/6 11/ -11/6 14/ 11/6 7/ - 7/6 16/6 15/ -15/6 26/ -30/ 22/ -25/ 19/ -20/ 22/ -22/6 L’st week’s prices. 21/ -22/ 20/ -20/6 18/6-18/9 7/9- 8/ 7/3- 7/6 5/6- 6/3 4/6- 5/ 20/6-21/6 18/6-20/ 17/6 15/ 15/ 13/6-13/9 9/ 17/3-17/6 16/9 16/3 15/ -15/6 20/ 17/6-19/6 17/ -17/6 14/6-15/ 11/ —11/6 13/6-13/9 10/6-11/ 7/ - 7/6 17/ -17/6 16/ -16/6 27/ -30/ 22/ -26/ 19/ 20/ -21/ Last year’s prices. 20/3-20/6 19/3-19/9 18/6-18/9 10/9-11/ 10/3-10/6 7/6- 7/9 7/ 18/9-19/ 16/6-17/ 16/ 15/ 14/ 13'/ 12/6 17/3-17/9 16/3-16/6 15/6-15/9 15/ -15/3 20/6 17/6-18/ 16/6-17/ 14/6-15/ 12/ 13/6 11/ -11/3 7/9- 8/ 22/6 19/6-21/6 28/ -29/ 25/ -26/ 20/ 23/ 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-valley s 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. There was a substantial increase in the shipments of tinplates last week, and the total is by far the largest since the commencement of the war. The total exports were 99,806 boxes, compared with 129,960 boxes in the corre- sponding week of last year. Receipts from works were 71,646 boxes, against 110,243 boxes last year, and 63,317 boxes the previous week, and stocks now remain at 224,658 boxes compared with 252,818 boxes the previous week and 328,070 boxes at the corresponding date of last year. Prices are still low, but there is a rather firmer tone, probably owing to the increase o the price of block tin, which has gone up to <£150. Bessemer standard cokes are 12s. 6d. to 12s. 9d„ and oil sizes 13s. to 13s. 3d. and 18s. to 18s. 6d. respectively. There was a heavy falling off in the shipments last month, the exports only amounting to 26,950 tons, compared with 40,733 tons in October 1913. The total for the ten months of the year amounts to