January 7, 1916.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

19

SOUTH YORKSHIRE.

Difficulties of an unparalleled character have thickly
encumbered the path of all concerned in the mining
industry during the past year. Changes have been -rapid
in regard to the conduct of business, and have created
obstacles in the arrangement of forward transactions.
The original, and no doubt most deterrent, factor has
been the loss of the services of so large a percentage of
skilled miners, whose response to the country’s call has
obviously resulted in a very serious reduction in the
output of coal; at a time, too, when a good supply was
never more urgently required. The total of enlisted men
can hardly be less than 30,000 from Yorkshire alone, or
about 25 per cent, of the membership of the Yorkshire
Miners’ Association. The amount of the allowances
made to the families of those men by the colliery pro-
prietors will have 'assumed a formidable total in the
balance-sheet of the various concerns. Though repeated
efforts had been made to impress the authorities of the
necessity of stopping recruiting among mine workers,
it was only towards the end of -the year that this was
officially recognised, and in spite of the industry having
been seriously crippled by the delay, it is some satis-
faction to know that there will be no further depletion of
the numbers of underground workers.

In almost every direction coal owners, although
suffering a loss of from one-quarter to one-third in
output, have been subjected to strong pressure to secure
supplies for varied industries. Whilst the importance
of this has always been kept in view by the producers,
they have inevitably had to cause great inconvenience
to many concerns in regard to their supplies of fuel.
Restrictions of a varied character operated in regard to
business until it is hot too much to say that the industry
had become almost controlled by the various Govern-
ment Departments.- One very regrettable feature of the
year in this district has been the invariable difficulty of
making the miners left at home realise the serious
importance of regular attendance at work, in order that
the output might be maintained; but it is only fair to
say that the officials of the miners’ association joined
with the coal owners in appealing to. the men to realise
their duty at such a time. There is no doubt that in
certain districts the statistics of absenteeism have
revealed a deplorable state of affairs. The extent of the
reduction of output is almost a matter of speculation;
and, moreover, there are two further considerations
which affect the question. On the one hand, collieries
have not been able to utilise their plant to its maximum
extent in respect of corves, haulage, etc., owing to the
smaller number of men at work; and, also, regard must
be paid to the undoubted fact that the men who joined
the Services were obviously the younger and the more
physically fib of the workers in the mine. Selling
prices for a long period have been unequalled in the
history of the trade, and unquestionably at certain
periods values would have assumed a very high range,
but for the fact that foreign business was restricted by
the Government, who not unnaturally had regard to the
needs of the home markets. The operation of the Price
of Coal (Limitation) Act also had the effect of steadying
business during the latter half of the year, in such a
way that buyers practically knew the prices of fuel before
entering the market. Although there have been frequent
periods when the only question prevailing was that of the
capabilities of the collieries to supply, on the other hand
there has never been a period when the productive costs
have been so high. The war bonus in May was
really a heavy charge upon the collieries, whilst the cost
of timber increased by something like 40 to 50 per cent.,
and practically everything incidental to colliery working
increased in a very heavy degree. A very serious added
charge arose from the fact that increased costs, despite
all economies, 'accrued in relation to the loss of output
which continued for so long a period. The scarcity of
labour compelled some collieries to occasionally dispense
with one of the two working shifts, and to close parts of
areas and seams which could not be profitably continued.
According to the report of his Majesty’s mines inspector
for 1914, about 15,000 workers from the collieries in the
West Riding of Yorkshire, left owing to enlistment, and
the output for the year showed a reduction of about
four million tons. A rough estimate shows that about
double that number of men are now serving their
country, so that it seems likely that, based on the
experience of 1914, the loss of output will be between
12 and 13 million tons compared with 1914.

Steam Coal.

Probably no section of the trade has been more greatly
affected than that concerned with the production of
steam, which forms so substantial a proportion of the
output of the district. The effect of the war was to put
a stop to business with North Russia and Germany, two
of the largest markets, but this loss -was compensated
for in some degree by the increased buying on behalf of
France and other Allied Governments, and the greater
needs of the Admiralty.. However, the institution of
licences for shipment, in the first instance to neutral
markets, and subsequently to Allied countries, had the
effect of limiting the volume of business in accordance
with the calculated needs of the home markets. Other-
wise, there is no doubt tliat business for abroad would
have been on such a scale as would have contributed
materially towards reducing the balance between the
imports and exports of the country.

Tracing the effect during the war period, as shown by
the official return relating to the traffic at Hull at the
end of July 1914, the foreign business was about half a
million tons short of the quantity which had been sent
during the corresponding period of 1913, but at the end
of December the deficit had grown, until it reached over
1| million tons. At the end of March 1915 the tonnage
of foreign business (exclusive of coal shipped for
Admiralty purposes or for use of the Allied Govern-
ments) sent to the port was 1,105,087 tons, a decrease
of 430,000 tons compared with the first quarter of 1914.
The export trade for the same period was just short of

half a million tons, a decrease of a quarter of a million
tons, compared with the same period of 1914. In April
a considerable, proportion of the deficit was wiped oft,
owing to the fact that in April 1914 there was a strike
in the district. The improvement, of course, was more
apparent than real, but at the close of the half-year the
tonnage sent to the port exceeded 2| million tons—about
three-quarters of a million tons short of the total during
the first six months of 1914. The export for the same
period was 1,107,765 tons, a decrease of half a million
tons. The comparison wTith the pre-war period of 1914,
of course, was ended by the return for July, the position
then being that the trade during the seven months
showed a decrease of one million tons, and on export
account a falling off equal to about 650,000 tons. In
August the tonnage sent to the port showed an increase
of roughly 200,000 tons, and on export account of about
100,000 tons. At the end of November the total trade
done at the port was 4,393,790 tons, a decrease of nearly
900,000 tons, whilst on export account the total was
2,364,317 tons, a decrease of 400,000 tons. Comparing
the traffic during the after-war periods August to
November, the business during that period showed an
increase in the traffic sent to the port of about 180,000
tons, whilst the increased export trade represented a
quarter of a million tons, compared with the correspond-
ing period of 1914. In normal times the trade from this
district with Russia and Germany was equal to about
one-half of the total traffic (in 1913, two million tons),
and that of France equalled about a quarter of a million
tons per year. The growth of the business with France
has been a most notable feature during the year, and at
the end of November about three-fifths of the business
done last year was with our ally across the Channel, the
total being roughly If million tons, compared with about
one-third of a million tons during the same period of
1914. This was practically the only instance of increased
business with foreign countries from Hull, the next
largest buyers being Sweden, which took, roughly,
300,000 tons, a decrease of about 100,000 tons; the
normal tonnage of 140,000 tons went to Denmark, and
nearly 60,000 tons less was sent to Italy, and 50,000 tons
to Norway. The business coastwise was also materially
affected, the total for 11 months being 560,000 tons, a
decrease of about 130,000 tons, practically the whole of
this being in respect of the London trade.

The principal contributing collieries were again those
of the Denaby and Cadebjz Main firm, who sent about
15 per cent, of the total traffic, showing a reduction on
the year of 130,000 tons. The second position was. just
held by the Grimethorpe and Frickley collieries, who
sent over a quarter of a million tons — a decrease of
150,000 tons. The only other firm contributing over
200,000 tons during the 11 months was Bullcroft Colliery,
but this total was again in arrear compared with the
similar period of 1914.

The experience of the year in regard to values is
incomparable, at all events, for a very long period.
Towards the close of 1914 there was a decided slump in
business, so far as large steam coal was concerned. An
instance of this is provided by the fact that the contracts
for supplies to the railway companies were renewed at a
reduction of 6d. per ton on the basis of Ils. per ton for
best hards, prices in the open market then being about
Ils. 6d. to Ils. 9d. per ton for best sorts, and 10s. 9d.
to Ils. per ton for secondary descriptions. The majority
of the railway companies wTere content with the conces-
sion stated, but the Great Central Company demanded a
reduction of Is. per ton, an attitude which subsequently
proved disastrous to them, for later in the month the
company had to pay at the rate of 12s. per ton for best
sorts, and Ils. per ton for Parkgate fuel, an increase in
each instance. The steam trawler companies, who were
seeking a reduced tonnage, also adopted a waiting policy,
but eventually secured a portion of their contracts at
about 11s. 6d. per ton for best steams. Prices advanced
to such an extent that early in February special lots of
hards realised 16s. 6d. per ton, and but a couple weeks
later it was reported that as much as 20s. per ton had
been obtained for special lots for export. In March
ordinary business was fixed up at from 17s. to 18s. 3d.
per ton, or something like 7s. per ton advance on what
the railway companies’ contracts in December had been
fixed. About this time a number of railway coal con-
tracts ended, and an advance of 3s. 6d. to 4s. per ton
was obtained for their renewal, whilst there was con-
siderable difficulty in arranging for the renewal of con-
tracts for the Great Eastern Railway Company.
Influence from high quarters was applied, and even
collieries who had refused to tender were practically
ordered to give supplies, and the contracts were renewed
at the end of March, at about 15s. per ton for Barnsley
and Parkgate fuel, although at that time best hards in
the open market were selling at from 22s. to 23s. per
ton, and even prices as high as 30s. per ton were paid in
respect to forward business. About this period coal
owners reduced their contract deliveries in a correspond-
ing degree, as the general output had suffered, which
led the Great Central Company to take very unusual
action in order to obtain a fuller supply. Instructions
were given that tonnage for other consumers was not to
be moved from the colliery sidings until the required
tonnage for the railway company’s purposes had been
obtained. Although, generally speaking, the higher
quotations which have been mentioned were only
obtained for special lots, it was reported that a contract
for 12,000 tons at 30s. per ton was made with the Nor-
wegian Railways, and the high range of values led to
the discussion that some control should be placed upon
prices, with the ultimate legislation in the shape of the
Price of Coal (Limitation) Act. The more strict control
of licences also affected business,'with the result that
prices became rather easier, owing to the fact that coal
which was in second hands at the port had to be realised.
Consequent upon the lack of facilities for shipment,
business was very unsettled during July, and prices were
very sensitive to changes, best hards selling about 17s.

per ton. Since that time the various regulations have
had the effect of steadying prices. With the exercise of
the Limitation Act, business continued on matter-of-fact
lines, but, of course, with a continued shortage of sup-
plies. The arrangements of the yearly contracts for
Lie railway companies were soon made, the companies
agreeing to 16s. per ton for best hards, and about 15s.
per ton for Parkgate fuel, an increase of 5s. per ton,
compared with the prices of the expiring contracts, and
an advance of 4s. per ton on the prices paid for similar
contracts existing prior to the war. The railway com-
panies also had to accept the inevitable position of
arranging under contract for a considerably less tonnage
than they were able to procure under the previous con-
tracts. On the other hand a better indication of values,
owing to the exceptional state of affairs, is shown by the
contracts made with some of the Grimsby steam trawler
companies for supplies of large steams, at the rate of
17s. 6d. per ton for best hards, an increase of 6s. per
ton compared with the previous year; and even at this
price, so strong was the colliery position, they were
able to stipulate a reduced tonnage.

Manufacturing- Fuel.

There has rarely been a year in which the demand for
all kinds of steam fuel used for manufacturing purposes
has been so well sustained. The requirements for home
purposes have been colossal, due largely to the prolonged
working by munition and engineering firms. The con-
sumption of steam nuts has been of a very exceptional
feature, and practically all through the year there has
been a marked scarcity, owing'to the short output and
increased demand. During the latter part of the year
prices which were at the maximum permitted by legisla-
tion were practically of a nominal description, owing to
the absence of this class of fuel on the market. At the
opening of the year prices for nuts varied from 10s. 3d.
to Ils. per ton, but, like other classes of fuel, they
quickly advanced to the extent of 5s. to 6s. per ton, with
the demand strongly maintained. Although the licence
restrictions stopped a considerable bulk of this fuel being
exported, prices were scarcely affected. In April, the
coal owners, acting through their associations, decided
to renew contracts at prices not exceeding 5s. to 6s. per
ton, and they had no difficulty in obtaining these. A
reduction in tonnage under contract had to be made
in regard to this class of coal, but every effort was made
to give a regular and maintained supply to munition
and engineering works. In regard to nut slacks
and ordinary slacks, pressure has been applied to
secure fuller deliveries for consumption by the electricity
plants and firms engaged in work incidental to muni-
tions, whilst towards the end of the year the value of
the residuals resulting from coke manufacturing became
so important that something like drastic instructions
were conveyed to collieries to maintain supplies of fuel.
The position of collieries who were unable to produce
sufficient slacks for their own by-product plants became
very serious, to say nothing of similar works which had
to rely upon supplies of coke fuel in the ordinary way.
The inevitable result was that other industrial concerns
relying upon this class of fuel had to submit to a still
further reduced tonnage in their contracts. At the
beginning of the year the price of best slacks wras from
7s. 3d. to 7s. 6d. per ton, and common slacks about
6s. per ton. At the end of the year the prices for. the
best qualities had advanced to something like 12s. 6d. to
13s..per ton, and commoner sorts from 10s. to 10s. 6d.
per ton. Contracts for this class of coal could only be
renewed subject to an advance varying from 5s. to 7s.
per ton on the previous year, the amount of increase
obtained bringing up the contract prices to something
like an equal figure. The Barnsley Corporation renewed
their contracts at about 7s. 6d. per ton advance. The
shortage of supplies excited the greatest anxiety, and
arrangements had to be made practically irrespective of
the prices demanded.

Gas Coal.

The year, on the whole, has been a very favourable
one to collieries concerned in the production of this
class of coal. The most important factor in the situa-
tion has been the requests from France, which, in former
years, did very little business in the district. During
the greater part of the year heavy buying took place in
a market in which supplies were very much reduced,
and this had the effect of fixing prices very firmly for
special lots of fuel which were wanted by home concerns
to supplement 'their contract deliveries. Then in regard
to the usual contracts, the collieries have rarely been
in such a strong position. The extraordinary situation
caused buyers to seek renewal of contracts at a much
earlier date than usual, and 'although at the first onset
the advance demanded by coal owners was somewhat
ignored, the strength of their claim was subsequently
established. In March some contracts were renewed at
from 5s. to 5s. 3d. per ton advance, and subsequently a
larger increase was asked for, and the tonnage materially
reduced for the new period. The prices in the open
market remained very strong, and a big bulk of business
was done on contract account, although during May
some gas companies held off, anticipating Government
intervention. Collieries were also seeking to make con-
tracts conditional upon a larger tonnage being taken
during the summer months to be held in stock at the
gas works. In July, the Doncaster Corporation accepted
contracts for screened nuts at from 17s. 9d. to 19s. per
ton. Practically the whole of the contracts had been,
renewed, when the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act came
into force, and the reduction which had to be made
subsequently resulted practically in a net increase of
about 5s. per ton. In regard to prices in the open
market, -at the opening of the year, screened coal sold
at from Ils. to 11s. 6d. per ton, unscreened 10s. per
ton, nuts from 10s. to 10s. 6d. per ton. It was early
in January that values began to increase, owing to the
foreign buying, from Is. to Is. 6d. per ton advance being
made, whilst at the end of the month special lots of
nuts were sold at 16s. per ton—about 5s. per ton in