1036 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. November 19, 1915. consumption, and thereby double the life of our coal fields, who can say that in a hundred years we shall not be able to halve it again, or even displace coal altogether ? But do these attractive economies appeal to the practical man to-day ? There is much to be said on the other side of the question. The factory owner will not be inclined( to scrap his steam boilers merely for the benefit of posterity. Nor would posterity be very much the better for the knowledge that so many millions of tons of coal were still lying in the earth, unworked, and possibly by that time not worth working. Shall we in the course of centuries look back upon the coal mines of to-day as reminiscences of a dark age, when solid fuel was crudely used in the laborious conversion of a fraction of its potential energy ? Again, there are some who think that the economic exhaustion of our coal seams is not very remote. We talk of a life of 500 years, but who will be bold enough to speculate upon the value of a coal seam in this country in the course even of next century ? We do not believe that our manufacturers will be stirred by any appeal to the needs of posterity. The only factor that influences the power user of to-day is the question of cost. And in this question is also included the question of scrapping and replacing old plant. In many cases this is undoubtedly true economy. As coal becomes dearer, as it must, this economy will become increasingly manifest, and it will be dear coal rather than the interest of posterity that will gradually produce the revolution in power production which the engineer foreshadows. The power user’ of the future will not, we think, need to reproach us because we have used our coal seams extravagantly, for he will be in the full enjoy- ment of the industrial position we have thus built up. Nor is cheapness the sole factor to be considered. Convenience also has its place. In so far as the engineer is able to produce engines which in both cheapness and convenience are superior to the coal- fed boiler, to that extent will existing methods be supplanted. But the change will come gradually. There can be no sudden revolution in our industrial conditions. In the meantime we are building up for posterity a weighty incubus of debt, incurred in securing our future freedom and the establishment of a position which will concern posterity rather than ourselves. By the proportion of this debt that we can pay out of our mineral resources, posterity will be the richer. While the foreigner is willing to pay us his hundreds of millions in return for coal, it does not appear that we ought to curtail our exports out of any undue concern for the duration of our supplies. If so, we arrive finally at the conclusion that the coal question will solve itself not by moral, but by economic forces. We can leave to posterity either more coal in the seam or its equivalent in realised wealth. We can hardly do both under present conditions, and we wonder which posterity would rather have. It is quite otherwise when we consider the ques- tion from the point of view of users of coal at the present day. Colliery owners are also large power users, and any saving in fuel is thus a direct economy, influencing the colliery balance sheet. There is, however, no need to urge the present advantages of fuel saving. Waste is altogether unjustifiable, and our only object has been to protest against the wholesale scrapping of engines from purely altruistic motives. Prof. Bone has this week discussed the same subject from rather a different point of view—viz., that of by-product recovery in its broadest sense. This aspect of the coal question is quite as important as the purely mechanical view we have been con- sidering, and it is of undeniable interest to the present generation. Motor Transport. — We understand that Messrs. Garner Limited are prepared to supply 3, 4, and 6-ton motor lorries for immediate delivery to any established firm on a system of deferred payments. A point to be borne in mind is that Messrs. Garner carry an ample stock of spare parts. Every Garner lorry is guaranteed for 12 months and the tyres for 10,000 miles. This offer is somewhat of a novelty, and readers who arc interested in the motor transport question could not do better than communicate with Messrs. Garner for further details. The difficulties of transport at the present time offer a good field for motor conveyance, especially as the railways are congested, and delays are frequent. It is claimed also that a first-class motor lorry will save its cost in 12 months. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday. November 18. Scotland.—Western District. COAL. No change of importance has been reported in the west of Scotland coal trade during the past week, and values are practically unaltered. Best ells are fairly well booked for early loading, while splints cannot now be obtained under about two to three weeks’ notice. Navigations are improving, and are quoted 19s. to 21s. per ton, but ordinary steams are still plentiful. Smalls of all sizes are very active, doubles and singles particularly, and supplies are difficult to arrange. Tonnage has been somewhat scarce, and shipments have suffered in consequence. Clearances for the week amounted to 88,676 tons, against 127,171 in the preceding week and 116,976 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current [L’st week’s Last year’s Steam coal prices. | prices. prices. 15/6-17/6 i 15/6-17/6 10/9-12/9 Ell 18/3-18/6 18/3-18/6 12/ -12/3 Splint 18/6-24/ 18/6-24/ 18/3-18/6 11/9-14/3 Treble nuts 18/3-18/6 11/6-11/9 Double do 18/ -18/3 17/9-18/3 10/3-10,'6 10/- 10/3 Single do 16/6-17/ 16/ -17/ IRON. The tone in the Scotch pig iron trade has been stronger during the past week. Haematite is in increased demand, particularly on shipping account, and prompt deliveries are not easily secured. It is possible that some of the ordinary furnaces will, in the near future, be used for the production of haematite, the price of which is now 115s. per ton and upwards. There are 71 furnaces in blast in Scotland, the same number as in the corresponding week last year. Ordinary qualities are in better demand, and values are tending firmer. The prices of Scotch makers’ iron are quoted as follow :—Monkland, f:a.s. at Glasgow, No. 1, 80s., No. 3, 79s.; Govan, No. 1, 80s., No. 3, 78s. 6d.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 83s., No. 3, 79s.; Clyde, No. 1, 85s. 6d., No. 3, 80s. 6d.; Gartsherrie, No. 1, 87s., No. 3, 81s.; Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1, 86s., Nos. 3, 81s.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 87s., No. 3, 82s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 81s., No. 3, 80s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 82s., No. 3, 80s.; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 86s., No. 3, 81s.; Carron, at Leith, No. 1, 87s., No. 3, 82s. per ton. The Glasgow pig iron warrant market has shown increased strength throughout the past week. Buyers have been more in evidence, and with further withdrawals from public stores values show a substantial advance. Cleveland iron closed at 69s. per ton cash buyers, compared with 67s. 7d. per ton in the preceding week. The total turnover amounted to 15,000 tons. The various branches of the finished iron trade are extremely active. Black sheet makers have more orders on hand for the heavy gauges than they can over- take, and the position is not improved by the irregular supplies of raw materials. The price for in. sheet is about <£12 10s. for home delivery, and <£12 5s. for export. Makers of malleable iron products also report heavy bookings and advancing prices. Crown bars are now quoted <£12 to <£12 10s., mild steel bars <£13, and Siemens- Martin bars <£13 10s.—all less 5 per cent, for home delivery. Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. Business in the Lothians, while still fairly good, has been somewhat interfered with owing to the trimmers’ strike at Leith, which has now been settled. The supply of tonnage is fair, and collieries have plenty of orders on hand. Ship- ments for the week amounted to 23,592 tons, against 26,708 tons in the preceding week, and 47,320 tons in the corre- sponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. Best screened steam coal... Secondary qualities..... Treble nuts ............ Double do............... Single do............... Current 'L’st week’siLast year’s prices. | prices, j prices. 17/6-18/6 ; 17/6-18/ 11/ -11/3 16/6-17/ ' 16/ -16/6 i 10/ 18/9-19/6 ! 19/ -19/6 i 11/6 18/ -18/6 I 18/ -18/6 | 10/6 16/ -16/6 15/9-16/3 | 10/3 The trade in Fifeshire is in a strong position. First- class steams are very heavily booked mostly against old contracts, and, with the turn against shippers, collieries are doing their best to improve matters by declining to quote for new business. Screened navigations are also well booked at firmer prices. Smalls, generally, are moving off well, with treble nuts the chief feature. Shipments for the week amounted to 56,126 tons, compared with 66,469 in the preceding week and 65,880 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Best screened navigation coal Current prices. 23/ -24/ 21/ -22/ 18/6-19/6 14/ -14/6 18/6-19/6 17/6-18/ 15/9-16/3 L’st week’s prices. 21/ -21/6 19/ -20/ 17/9-18/6 14/ -15/ 18/6-20/ 17/.-17/6 15/6-16/6 Lastyear’s prices. 15/6-15/9 13/6 11/9 10/ 11/9-12/3 10/3-10/6 10/ -10/3 Unscreened do First-class steam coal Third-class do Treble nuts Double do Single do The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 168,394 tons, compared with 220,348 in the preceding week and 230,176 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 93,983 tons of coal and 6,282 tons 6f coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, an increase, when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year, of 32,061 tons. The Dunston clearances amounted to 34,109 tons of coal and 1,959 tons of coke, a decrease of 13,778 tons of coal and 2,540 tons of coke. The Blyth shipments totalled 56,962 tons of coal and coke, an increase of 16,967 tons. Thus, the total shipments from the three places mentioned amounted to 193,295 tons, as against 187,983 tons shipped during the previous week, an increase of 5,312 tons. When compared with the shipments for the corresponding period of 1914, the clearances show an increase of 37,518 tons. During the first part of the week under review, the prompt market was very active, and with an improved tonnage supply offering a considerable amount of business was transacted for early loading. The tone was strong until the week-end, and prices for almost all grades of fuel were appreciably advanced, but since then the market has had a slight relapse, with the result that, at the time of writing, there is practically nothing doing. Gales and heavy weather at sea have delayed tonnage to an extent which has caused shippers consider- able anxiety, and for what steamers there are on offer prohibitive prices are demanded. Throughout the week the bunker section hars been firm, owing chiefly to heavy purchases of ordinary unscreened Durham sorts by the British Admiralty. Despite the set-back caused by the scarcity of tonnage and the irregularity with which steamers have arrived in port, prices are, generally speaking, improved on the week’s work. Owing to lack of licences steam smalls are a notable exception. The following variations in f.o.b. quotations for prompt ship- ment have occurred during the week:—Best steams, Blyths, 6d. advanced; Tynes, easier; unscreened, 6d. advanced; smalls, Blyths, 3d. to 6d. reduced ; Tynes, 6d. lower; specials, 6d. to Is. decreased; smithies, 6d. dearer; gas bests, 3d. cheaper; unscreened, bunkers, Durhams, 6d. to 9d. increased; Northumbrians, 6d. advanced ; coking coal, 6d. higher ; smalls, 6d. down ; coke, foundry, Is. to 2s. 6d. reduced; blastfurnace, 2s. 6d. down. Other descriptions of fuel are unaltered. The forward market has been very active, and numerous sales have been effected. The tone for the whole of next year is very firm and, in many instances, current prices have been exceeded, Further information regarding the Danish State Railways’ contracts shows that 60,000 tons of Scottish coal were purchased at prices based on 40s. per ton, c.i.f. The contract was equally divided between Cowdenbeath or Lochgelly, Aitken’s navigation and Bannockburn. A portion of the order is stated to have been booked by local merchants, and the reason offered for North-country collieries having fared so badly in the allotments is that few were disposed to tender on c.i.f. terms. There is no information regarding the allot- ment in respect of Swedish State Railways’ enquiry for 20,000 tons of steams for November-December shipment. There is a considerable demand for coking coals from France, and best unscreened sorts have realised 17s. 6d. per ton, whilst ordinaries have been sold for 17s. per ton, f.o.b. Numerous sales of best Blyth steams for delivery over the first half of next year are reported to have been made at 20s. per ton, f.o.b., and several quantities of best second steams (Broomhills) for January-March shipment have been disposed of at 18s. 6d. per ton, f.o.b. Warkworth. Large quantities of second Tyne steams for similar delivery are stated to have realised about current figures. D.C.B. smalls for January-March loading have been sold at 11s. 6d. per ton, f.o.b. For delivery over next year, good Durham gas coals have realised from 18s. to 19s. per ton. There is a strong enquiry for coke from France for next year, but, owing to uncertainty of getting supplies, merchants are not encouraging such business. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Current L’st week’s Last year’s —_•— prices, i prices. 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); 16/6-17/ Special gas oals .....| 20/ Unscreened bunkers, Durhams' 16/6—17-/6 do. prices. 19/6-20/ i 18/9-19/6 16/6-17/ 15/6-16/6 10/9-11/ 10/6 12/6-13/ 16/6-17/6 19/3 Do. do. Northumbrians, 15/6-16/6 15/6-16/ 10/6-10/9 16/6-17/6 16/ -17/ : 10/ -10/6 16/ ------- 20/ 30/ -35/ 32/6-36/ ■ 19/ -20/ 30/ 30/ -32/6 ; 18/ Coking coals...... Do. smalls House coals ...... Coke, foundry ...... Do. blast-furnace ... Do. gas ............ 19/6 19/6 16/6-17/ 17/ 15/ -16/ 10/ -10/6 11/ -11/6: n/ , 13/6 ’ 13/ 12/6 10/9 11/ 8/3 7/6 9/6 16/6-17/ i 19/6 10/6 12/6 16/6-17/ < 10/9-11/3 20/ 13/ 16/ -16/9 : 10/6-11/9 16/6 20/ 9/6-10/ 15/ -16/ 30/ ' 30/ -32/6 ; 18/ 27/ -29/ j 27/ -29/ | 11/ -12/ Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 58,480 tons of coal and 1,605 tons of coke, as compared with 65,740 tons of coal and 325 tons of coke for the corre- sponding period of 1914, being a decrease of 7,260 tons of coal and an increase of 1,280 tons of coke. In spite of drawbacks in the shape of irregular tonnage movements and extraordinary rates of freight, the coal market main- tains a strong position, and collieries with moderate outputs to dispose of have no difficulty in realising full market prices. There is a good all round enquiry for November shipment alike for coals and coke, turns are full for gas coals, and unscreened coking coal is well stemmed for France. Bunkering qualities keep steady, and prices are firmer. There is a fuller demand for house coal, and prices are higher. There is strong demand for all classes of coke, and although the output has been considerably increased recently this is readily absorbed, for, in addition to large