January 7, 1916. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 21 Second Quarter. Conditions continued satisfactory throughout the month of April. All qualities of coal in every district were heavily booked, with ells, splints, and navigations particularly brisk. Shipments were well up to the average, and a good business was being done with Mediterranean ports. At the outset of May the market still had a strong appearance, but the under-current was distinctly easier, due to the fact that there was now more coal available for disposal, and. a decrease in exports, principally to France and Italy. Employment was still very full, however, as may be gauged from the fact that in the Lothians 90 per cent, of the miners were obtaining the maximum employment of 11 days per fortnight. The Swedish State Kailways were again in the market, inviting tenders for between 300,000 and 350,000 tons of coal for delivery from May to October. About the middle of the month the Scottish miners intimated a claim for a 20 per cent, rise in wages, and at a meeting of the Scottish Coal Trade Conciliation Board, it was decided to grant an advance of 18| per cent, to miners and underground workers on the 1888 basis, equal to 9d. per day, thereby raising the nominal fate of pay from 7s. to 7s. 9d. per day. Towards the end of the month, con- ditions became decidedly easier, and values declined con-, siderably. Prices showed a drop of 2s. to 3s. per ton, compared with those current in March. The advent of the month of June witnessed a complete reversal of the position of the market. This change of affairs wTas largely due to the great difficulty experienced in obtaining export licences, and the throwing back on the market of large quantities of coal. Producers of household coal, for instance, were heavily hit by the cur- tailment of exports. In former years, large quantities of this coal were shipped as ells. In the West of Scot- land collieries endeavoured to induce business by making further concessions to buyers, but their efforts did not meet with much success, and a still lower level of prices was foreshadowed. The only redeeming feature was the strong position of navigation coal. The collieries in the Lothians and Fifeshire were, however, the chief sufferers through the Government restrictions. These collieries had large contracts on hand for the Swedish State Rail- ways, and the curtailment of licences in that direction was a severe blow. During this month the contracts for the supply of coal to the Corporation of Glasgow for gas- making purposes were placed. The quantity used is about 750,000 tons annually. The price paid was considerably in advance of the previous year’s average of Ils. 6d. per ton. Matters did not improve towards the end of the month, and values continued to decline steadily. Prices were now quoted as follow :—Steam coal, f.o.b. at Glasgow, 14s. to 17s.; ell, 15s. to 15s. 3d.; splint, 15s. to 18s. 6d.; treble nuts, 15s. 9d. to 16s. 6d.; doubles, 15s. 9d. to 16s. 6d.; singles, 16s. 3d. to 16s. 6d. Best screened steam coal, f.o.b. at Leith, 16s. to 18s.; secondary qualities, 15s. 6d. to 16s. 6d.; treble nuts, 16s. to 17s.; doubles, 15s. 6d. to 17s.; singles, 17s. to 18s. Best screened navigation coal, f.o.b. at Methil or Burntisland, 25s. to 26s.; unscreened 23s. to 24s.; first- class steam coal, 19s. to 21s.; third-class, 15s. to 16s. 6d.; treble nuts, 15s. 6d. to 17s. 6d.; doubles, 15s. 6d. to 16s. 6d.; singles, 15s. 6d. to 16s. per ton. The decrease in shipments for the first half-year amounted to 2,011,718 tons, compared with the same period in 1914. This decrease was wholly confined to the East of Scotland, the shipments from the Western district being over 300,000 tons in excess of the figures for the first six months of 1914. Third Quarter. Trade in the first two weeks of July was distinctly quiet. The licensing difficulty was still the chief stumb- ling block, and Spain and South America were now included in the restricted areas, while applications were also being refused for Danish destinations. The situa- tion was, however, relieved to some extent by the issue of permits for the despatch of coal under the Swedish State Railways’ contracts. After the middle of the month an improvement was noticeable in the West of Scotland. Splints and ells became very active, and smalls, of all sizes, were in much better demand. On the other hand, in the East of Scotland, the position developed further weakness, and although towards the end of the month the Fifeshire collieries found them- selves in a stronger position, trade in the Lothians was seriously affected by the stoppage of the Baltic ship- ments. In spite of these drawbacks, the undertone in the market was now much firmer. About the beginning of July Sir G. Askwith, acting as arbiter, granted an increase in wages of 12| per cent, on the 1888 basis, thereby making the men’s wages 8s. 3d. per day. The ton© at the beginning of August was firmer all round. Conditions having been adjusted to suit the licencing difficulties, business was conducted on more settled lines. All qualities of coal were in better request, and towards the close of the ffionth the position became firmer. The report was circulated that, as a direct result of the Government Bill for the limitation of coal prices, Glasgow Corporation was expected to benefit to the extent of .£50,000 or £60,000 on the contracts made by the Gas'and Electricity Departments. The Corpora- tion had just sanctioned contracts for the Gas Depart- ment totalling about 800,000 tons of coal at a price equal to an advance of 5s. 3d. per ton compared with the preceding, while at the same time it was stated that the Electricity Department had completed con- tracts for the supply of 170,000 tons of coal at a price which showed an increase of 6s. 3d. per ton over the preceding year. A return to quieter conditions characterised trade during the first two weeks of September. This was in a measure due to the refusal of licences to Allied as well as neutral countries, causing uncertainty in the market, while the attitude of the Government with regard to the licensing question as a whole was now more severely felt than at any other period of the year. The close of the month found trade far from satisfactory. In the West of Scotland, round coal was completely off, and in the Lothians, short time was very prevalent, while business in Fifeshire was being conducted on a day to day principle. At the beginning of September, Sir George Askwith, acting as arbiter, granted the miners an advance of 6^ per cent, on the 1888 basis, equal to 3d. per day, and thereby bringing the standard rate of wages in Scotland up to 8s. 6d. per day, the highest figure in the history of Scottish coal fields. The highest level reached with the exception of this year was 8s. per day fin 1900. The prices of Scotch coal were now quoted as follow :—Steam coal f.o.b. at Glasgow, 15s. to 17s.; ell, 17s. 3d. to 17s. 6d.; splint, 17s. to 22s.; treble nuts, 18s. to 19s.; doubles, 17s. to 17s. 6d.; singles, 16s. Best steam coal f.o.b. at Leith, 15s. fid.; secondary qualities, 14s. fid.; treble nuts, 19s. to 20s.; doubles, 16s. 6d. to 17s. 6d.; singles, 15s. 6d. to 16s. fid. Best screened navigation coal f.o.b. at Methil or Burntisland, 22s. to 23s.; unscreened, 20s. to 21s.; first-class steams, 17s. to 18s.; third-class, 14s. to 15s.; treble nuts, 20s. ; doubles, 17s. to 18s.; singles, 16s. to 17s. per ton. The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports were now 2,228,399 tons below the returns for the same period in 1914. Fourth. Quarter. The general position of the trade at the beginning of rhe last three months of the year could hardly be called satisfactory,, and the outlook was anything but promis- ing. Although the turnover was of fair proportions, the tone of the market continued weak all round. Tonnage which had been scarce throughout the year now reached famine point, and coupled with the licensing trouble, created a very difficult situation. For instance, it was not an unusual occurrence for a shipper to spend days, and perhaps weeks, fixing up suitable tonnage, and when all was ready for loading, have to release the steamer owing to the refusal of, or the delay in securing, a licence. Conditions such as these had the effect of making merchants go warily, and also of restraining buyers. Booking at the beginning of October was slow, but about the end of the second week an improvement began to be noticeable, both in round coal and in the smaller sorts. Just at this time a renewed strength in house- hold coal was reported. Quotations were advanced 2s. per ton, and best qualities were being retailed at 31s.; second qualities, 30s.; and cheaper sorts, 28s. per ton. The general improvement was maintained, and condi- tions at the close of the month were more favourable. Business throughout November was very brisk. Trade seem „cquire a new lease of life, and the demand for ._ ...... ..^©s was most insistent. Best splints and ells Wv.._,__^/ily booked, steams wTere improving, while smans of all sizes were going away in large quantities. Conditions were now completely changed, and, while a month before, the collieries had difficulty in disposing of their output, there was now hardly coal of any sort available, and commitments, in some instances, covered a period of weeks, and most qualities were absolutely unobtainable for prompt delivery. The outlook at this period was distinctly encouraging. The arrival of the final month of the year found trade in a satisfactory position. The market showed consider- able strength all round, and prices were very firm. All classes of coal were in heavy demand, particularly splints and ells, which were fully taken up to the end of the year. Th© industrial demand was very brisk, and house- hold qualities were improving every week, while exports from the West of Scotland were fully maintained. Trade in the East of Scotland, which had been very moderate for a considerable period, now showed decided improve- ment, with values rising accordingly. The wages of the miners were advanced at this tinye, under the award of Sir George Askwith as arbiter, a further 3d. per day, which brought the average rate of wages in Scotland up to 8s. 9d. per day. This increase was the fourth granted since May 1915. Conditions continued to improve, and collieries became particularly hard pressed. The home demand was now so large that very little coal was avail- able for shipment. This may be judged from the fact that 75 per cent, of splint coal was ear-marked for local delivery, while best qualities of the same brand were sold up to the end of February 1916. The market continued to increase in strength, and when the close of the year was reached, there was practically no weak spot notice- able. Maximum and Minimum Quotations of Scottish Coals foe Each Month of 1915. Best screened Splint P11 x Treble Single navigation.* coals.J c nuts.* nuts.* Jan. 15/9—16/6... 13/3—18/ ...13/9—14/9... 12/6—14/ ...10/9—11/6 Feb. 16/ —18/ ...14/6—28/ ...14/9—20/ ...13/9—16/6... 10/6—15/ Mar. 19/ —21/l. 20/ —30/ ...20/ —21/6...16/6—18/ ...14/ —16/6 Apl. 20/ —26/ ...19/9—28/ ...20/6-21/ ...17/ —19/ ...14/6—17/6 May 23/ —26/ ...18/ —26/6...18/ —20/6...17/'—18/6...16/ —17/9 June 24/6—26/ ...15/ —24/ ...15/ —17/6... 15/6—18/ ...15/6-17/6 July 24/ —25/ ...14/9—19/6... 15 —15/9... 16/6—18/6...15/6—17/ Aug. 24/ —25/C...17/ —24/ ...17/ —18/6...18/ —22/ ...16/ —17/ Sep. 21/ —24/ ...17/ —23/6...17/ —18/ ...20/ —21/6...16/ —17/ Oct. 20/ —23/ ...17/ —24/ ...17/ -18/ ...18/ —20/ ...15/6—17/ Nov. 20/ —24/ ...18/6—24/6 . 18/ —18/6... 18/6—20/ ...15/6—16/6 Dec, 23/ —25/ ...19/ —26/ ...18/3—21/6...19/ —22/ ...16/3—18/6 * F.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. f F.o.b. Glasgow. After making a final survey of the trade of the year, there appears to be ample reason for congratulation. When the difficulties of conducting business are con- sidered, such as a scarcity of tonnage, insufficient sup- plies of railway wagons, the delays in securing and also the withdrawals of shipping licences, and the large cur- tailment of exports from the East Coast ports, it must be admitted that the amount of business put through has been highly creditable. The present position is very satisfactory, and the outlook for 1916 is decidedly hope- ful. Prices, which have been subject to considerable fluctuation throughout the year, show a substantial gain, compared with those current at the beginning of 1915. F.o.b. Glasgow. January 1915. December 1915. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Steam coal 11 0 to 13 6 ... 18 0 to 20 0 Ell 13 9 „ 14 0 21 6 Splint ... 13 0 „ 16 6 22 0 „ 26 0 Treble nuts ... 13 0 „ 13 6 21 0 Double ,, 11 9 ,, 12 3 19 6 ,, 20 0 Single „ 11 0 ,, 11 9 F.o.b. Leith. January 1915. s. d. s. d. Best screened steam coal 12 0 18 6 December 1915. s. d. s. d. ... 20 0 to 21 0 Secondary qualities .. 11 0 to 11 3 ... 18 0 „ 19 6 Treble nuts 12 6 ... 21 0 „ 21 6 Double ,, Single ,, 10 9 „ 11 10 6 0 ... 18 6 „ 19 17 6 0 F.o.b. Methil and Burntisland. January 1915. December 1915. Best screened naviga- s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. tion coal 16 0 to 16 6 ... 25 0 Unscreened 14 6 22 0 to 23 0 First-class steams 13 0 21 0 „ 22 0 Third-class ,, 10 6 „ 10 9 15 0 „ 15 6 Treble nuts 12 6 „ 13 6 ... 21 0 „ 22 0 Double ,, 11 3 ,, 11 9 ... 18 6 „ 19 6 Sine-le .. 11 0 11 3 ... 17 6 18 6 The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports for the year amount to 11,202,136 tons, compared with 13,678,345 tons in 1914, showing a decrease of 2,476,210 tons. This decrease is wholly attributable to the falling- off in exports from the East of Scotland ports. (Continued on page 33.) EMPLOYERS AND THE WAR. The fourth anhual report of the Employers’ Parliamentary Association, for the year ending December 31, 1915, con- tains a review of the principal subjects dealt with by the central executive committee during the past year. It states that the national dye scheme was instrumental in bringing forcibly home to the country the great need for a very much closer co-operation between science and industry. It was realised that if progress was to be made, chemical research—the mainspring of the industry—would have to be systematically organised. The committee there- fore expressed the opinion that it was the duty of the Government to delegate to the Royal Society the duty of organising the chemical talents now available in the universities, technical schools, and university colleges in the country, with a view to their services being utilised in research work. The utmost possible pressure was brought to bear in favour of the policy thus outlined, and on July 23, the President of the Board of Education announced the appointment of a small Advisory Gouncil, to advise the Government as to the best methods of securing the organisa- tion and development of industrial and scientific research. Referring to the question of British plant and stock in enemy countries, the report states that the sudden outbreak of war between great industrial nations such as the United Kingdom and Germany, gave rise to great difficulties in respect to the property in Germany owned by British sub- jects, and that of property in this country owned by enemy subjects. An attractive scheme was advanced by the Association of Chambers of Commerce, to the effect that the Government should establish a clearing house, and that British subjects owing money to Germans should pay their debts to the Government, and that the money so received should be employed to liquidate the debts owing by Germans to British subjects. The committee supported this scheme, which, however, the Government rejected. The committee urged that the Government should take steps to compile a record of debts owing by British subjects to alien 'enemies. This course has been adopted, and traders—debtors of enemy subjects—are now compelled to furnish the Public Trustee with particulars of their indebtedness. The central executive committee have also, in .addition, drafted a bill which, in their opinion, adequately safeguards the interests of British subjects in respect of simple trade debts. This measure, when opportunity serves, will be presented to Parliament. One of the most painful aspects of the war has been the revelation of the deep-seated character of the antagonism between employers and employed. Even during the greatest war in history industrial troubles have been too prevalent. Many methods of dealing with industrial friction have, been suggested, but the committee are strongly of opinion that to secure industrial tranquility, the subject must be tackled with the root-cause of industrial warfare well recognised and clearly faced. The cause of industrial unrest is largely ignorance— ignorance on the part of the workers as to the difficulties of the employer in keenly competitive markets, ignorance on the part of employers as to the conditions under which the workers live. In the opinion of the committee, the most practical remedy lies in the principle of conference. Employers and employed must by joint conference educate each other, so that both sides can view matters in a right perspective. The present policy of appealing to the Board of Trade for an arbi- trator is wrong; each side views the other with antagonism, and the cleavage of interests becomes even more pronounced. Furthermore, a study of the results of labour disputes would indicate that the arbitrator, in a very large proportion of cases, simply divides the demand for an increase in wages by two. Parliamentary or departmental interference with the relation- ship between capital and labour ought to be discouraged. Steps have been taken within the last two months to create a Federation of Employers’ Associations,, which, it is hoped, will bring the agricultural, trade, scientific, and financial interests into co-operation. The report concludes by remark- ing that the employers’ associations in the country, combined in one federation, would ensure practical legislation, as opposed to hastily enacted, ill-considered measures. Mr. J. I. M’Connel, of Eliock, proprietor of Sanquhar and Kirkconnel collieries, has erected .a new Red Cross hospital as an .annexe to the mansion house of Eliock. Mr. Geo. Marley, for 27 years under-manager at West Cramlington Colliery, died on Saturday last. A native of West Cramlington, he spent most of his long life of 81 years there, with the exception of 10 years at the gold digging in Australia, and a short time at Backworth, where he assisted his father in sinking the C pit. He passed through all grades of colliery work from trapper boy to under- manager. He retired into private life about 10 years ago.