February 4, 1916. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 227 SS^SSBSSKt are asking fully £ Is. more., the market tone unmistakably trending higher. Outputs are being restricted by a scarcity of acid. Cardiff. COAL. Arrivals of tonnage have been far beyond expectations, and the supply in the docks at the present moment is sufficient to fulfil all requirements until the middle of February. Gales at the commencement of the year inter- fered very much with the position, but it has only been within the last few weeks that the effect of the new Government regulations compelling vessels to call at British ports have been felt. The result is that, for the time being, there is a glut of tonnage. The time is coming, however, within the next few weeks, when there will be a great dearth, unless the decision of the Government to take over the whq'e control will have the effect of providing the necessary outlet for the produce of the South Wales mines. There is a big demand from all quarters of the globe, and there is no denial of the fact that the supply is not equal to requirements. There is one satisfactory feature to note this week, and that is the great fall which has taken place in certain freights. To Bay and Italian ports there is not at present much change, but in other directions large concessions have been made, and it is believed that a drop of 20s. to 30s. per ton may be realised within the next fortnight. The market is, of course, very sensi- tive, and anything in the nature of Government control has a deteriorating effect on current outside business. Best Admiralty steam coals are still monopolised by the Government, and the same may be said generally with regard to superior seconds. Ordinary seconds are 34s. to 35s., and ordinaries realise 33s. to 34s. Although these figures may seem high, there is little free coal available, and contractors have freely given 5s. per ton more in order to complete cargoes for prompt shipment. During the week the Argentine Naval Commissioners have been in the market for 10,000 tons for prompt shipment, to be followed by a further 20,000 tons in March. Although quotations have been sent in, it is believed that no straight acceptance will be made owing to the Government restrictions and licences. The Egyptian State Railways contract for 260,000 metric tons of Welsh coals has not been placed. Several firms offered prices, but the conditions were such that they were not acceptable. It was rumoured that the whole of the order was going to America, but from what can be gathered this is not so. A portion may be placed there certainly, but so far as the State Railways are concerned, it is conceded that the British Government will do all that is necessary, and will supply the Egyptian Authorities with all that is required. The Greek Govern- ment have been on the market for many weeks for 50,000 tons of steam coal, but nothing has been done. It is now reported that individual cargoes will be released, but the coal must be conveyed in Greek bottoms, for which purpose a number of Greek steamers have been requisitioned by their own Government. Quotations for Monmouthshires are also firm, and it is exceedingly difficult to obtain free coal at any price. Best Black Veins easily realise 34s. to 35s. (with an extra value in case of a squeeze), western valleys 34s. to 34s. 6d., and the best of the easterns 32s. to 33s. Bituminous coals are a firm market, and command anything from 29s. up to 35s. per ton according to quality. Inferior grades are less. Coke is exceptionally dear owing to the increase in home consumption, and prices all round have advanced at least 2s. 6d. per ton. In the patent fuel trade, the position is that makers are well supplied with orders, and reluctant to accept any further business on a contract basis. Latest quotations are 32s. to 35s., and even at the latter figure there is nothing moving, as small quantities have been negotiated at larger rates. Shipments from Cardiff last week amounted to 367,580 tons, compared with 383,222 tons in the corresponding week of last year, or a decrease of 15,642 tons. From Cardiff alone the shipments were 200,328 tons, against 212,964 tons, or a decrease of 12,636 tons ; from Newport 70,154 tons, or a decrease of 10,676 tons ; from Swansea 51,549 tons, or a decrease of 16,065 tons ; and from Port Talbot 45,549 tons, or an increase of 23,729 tons. Patent fuel shipments amounted to about 17,000 tons. Charterings cannot be stated to be satisfactory as they only amounted to 109,970 tons, compared with 115,940 tons in the preceding six days, or a decrease of 5,970 tons. The Custom House return of the coastwise shipments from the Channel for December has just come to hand. From this it appears that the shipments from the Bristol Channel ports amounted to 78,799 tons, against 106,572 tons in the corresponding period of 1914. From Cardiff alone there were sent away 47,861 tons, of which London took 14,450 tons and Bristol 13,747 tons; from Newport 43,920 tons, of which Falmouth received 7,290 tons; Cork 9,080 tons ; Avonmouth 6,170 tons ; and Dublin 7,290 tons. From Port Talbot there were shipped 6,175 tons, and from Swansea 10,732 tons—a very low record. IRON. The position in the tinplate trade has not altered since last week. Outputs have not increased, but on the other hand there is no abnormal demand, probably owing to the high prices at present ruling. Bessemer standard cokes are 26s., and oil sizes 26s. 6d. and 37s. 3d. respectively. Receipts from works were 70,451 boxes, and shipments 61,692 boxes, leaving a stock in docks warehouses and vans 354,921 boxes. There is a pronounced shortage of labour, and a difficulty in negotiating new business. Welsh steel bars are scarce and dear. As much as <£12 per ton is being quoted for both Siemens and Bessemer qualities, and even at these rates it is almost impossible tb do business. A suggestion has been made that the Government should be <£10 15s., but this figure is looked upon as too low, and there is at present a difficulty in securing material at even =£1 per ton more than these figures. In the galvanised sheet trade there is no change, and 24-gauge corrugateds are still selling at <£26 10s. or £27 per ton, which is practically about <£1 more than is being asked a week ago. This is probably owing to the advance in bars and also in spelter, which is now £90 per ton. Welsh pig iron is £7 2s. 6d. to £7 5s. delivered, with a decided firmness. Iron ore is nominal at 33s. to 35s. per ton, with second grades about 2s. less. Swansea COAL. Last week, the trade of the port was fairly satisfactory, considering the restricted conditions. The shipments of coal and patent fuel were moderate, amounting to 88,122 tons. A capital attendance assembled on ’Change, but there was no improvement to report in the general condition of the anthracite coal market, the demand being still very poor. All classes of large were freely offered for immediate delivery at reduced prices. Machine-made nuts and cobbles were also easier, but peas and beans remain strong. There was a better enquiry for rubbly culm and duff, and values were again marked up. In steam coals a very strong tone was in evidence, and sellers are very fully stemmed for some time forward. Prices are all net f.o.b. (cash in 30 days). Smalls are firm, and the various works are finding it difficult to get sufficient supplies of manufacturing fuels. Prices of all these kinds are advancing. This week’s quotations approximately are :— 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 L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices, i prices. 25/ -28/ 28/ -30/ 22/ -23/6 z2/ -25/ 23/ -25/ ; 19/ -21/ 20/ -22/ i 20/ -22/ , 18/ -20/ 19/ -21/ ; 19/ -21/ 17/ -18/ 40/ —41/ j 40/ -43/. 30/ -32^6 41/ -42/ ' 41/6-42/ ' 29/ -31/ 41/ -42/6 42/ -43/ ' 30/ -33/ 41/ -42/ : 41/ -42/ 30/ -33/ 32/ -34/ ■ 32/ -34/ ' 20/ -22/ 19/ -20/ ' 19/ -20/ 12,6-13/6 6/3- 6/9 i 6/6— 7/ ■ 3/6- 4/ 2/6- 3/6 ! 2/6- 3/ § 3/ - 3/6 28/ -31/ ' 30/ -32/ 20/ -21,6 20/ -23/ I 20/ -23/ ; 13/6-14/6 12/ —14/ ! 12/ -14/ ! 8/6—10/ 18/ —20/ i 18/ -20/ ' 11/6-12/6 Prices f.o.b. Cardiff (except where otherwise stated). Steam coals:— Best Admiralty steam; coals ................ Superior seconds ... 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) ...... I Current prices. __* 34/ -35/ 33/ -34/ 19/ -19/6 17/ -18/ 13/ -15/ 10/ -12/ 34/ -35/ 32/ -33/ 28/ -30/ 26/ -27/ 25/ -26/ 23/ -24/ 14/ -15/ 34/ -35/ 33/ -34/ 32/ -33/ 31/ -32/ 23/ -24/ 21/6-22/6 32/ -35/ 26/ -28/ 21/ -23/ 29/ -31/ 23/ -24/ 16/ -17/ 33/ -35/ 31/ -32/ 45/ -47/6 40/ -45/ 33/ -36/ „ 52/6-53/6 * Nominal. L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. Anthracite:— Best malting large (hand picked) ....... Secondary do. Big Vein large ...... Red Vein large ...... Machine - made cobbles Paris nuts .......... French do............ * Stove do............ Beans ............... Machine - made large peas ................ Do. fine peas ... Rubbly culm.......... Duff................. Steam coals:— Best large .......... Seconds ............. Bunkers.............. Small ............... Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Rhondda— Large ............. Thro’-and-thro’.... Small ............. Patent fuel ........... Current prices. 25/ -28/ 22/6-23/6 20/ -22/ 19/ -21/ 40/ -42/ 42/ -44/ 41/ -42/ 32/ -34/ 19/6-21/ 7/ - 8/ 2/9- 3/6 26/6-32/6 24/ -27/6 19/6-24/ 12/6-14/ 26/6-31/ 18/ -21/ 26/ -27/6 L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. 28/ -30/ j 22/6-24/6 23/6-25/ ; 20,6-21/6 20/ -22/ i 18/ -20/ 19/ -21/ I 17/9-18/6 40/ -42/ j 26,6-30/6 42/ -44/ j 31/ -35/ 41/ -42/ ; 31/ -33/6 32/ -34/ i 19/6-21/6 19/6-21/ j 12/9-13/3 6/6- 7/6 j 3/9- 4/ 2/9- 3/3 i 2/9- 3/3 26/6-32/6 i 19/9-21/6 24/ -27/6 ’ 17/ -18/6 19/6-24/ . 13/3-14/6 12/6-14/ , 8/6-11/ 26/6-31/ | 20,6-21/6 18/ -21/ | 12/6-13/ 26/ -27/6 j 16/9-17/6 __* __* 33/ -35/ 32/ -33/ 19/ —19/6 17/ -18/ 13/ -15/ 10/ -12/ 34/ —35/ 32/ -33/ 27/ -28/ 25/ -26/ 23/ -24/ 20/ -21/ 12/ -14/ 34/ -35/ 33/ -34/ 32/ -33/ 31/ -32/ 23/ -24/ 22/ -22/6 32/ -35/ 27/ -28/ 24/ -25/ 27/ -30/ 23/ —24/ -15/ -16/ 33/ -35/ 28/ -30/ 42/ -45/ 38/ -40/ 33/ -35/ 52/6-53/6 21/ 19/6 18/3-18/6 15/ 14/6 12/6-13/ 11/6-12/ 19/ —19/6 17/6-18/ 18/6 16/6-17/ 16/ -16/3 14/6-14/9 13/ 18/6-18/9 18/ -18/3 17/6-17/9 16/3-16/9 20/ 17/6-19/6 17/6 16 3-16/6 15/6-16/ 16/6-17/ 15/ 12'6-12/9 22/ . 19/ -20/ 31/ -34/ j 25/ -29/. I 20/ -22/ 28/ -28/6 Previous to the war these were described as German nuts IRON. The iron and steel trades during the past week were satisfactory throughout the district. The yield of pig iron was very heavy, and overtime was often resorted to at the steel works. • The tin-plate trade continued to show an improvement. Most of rhe mills were operating, and the sheet mills at the Upper Forest Works were regularly engaged. The tube works were experiencing great activity, and there was a constant call for material from the iron foundries. -The shipments of tin-plates were 61,692 boxes, receipts from works 70,461 boxes,.and stocks in the dock warehouses and vans 354,921 boxes. Llanelly. COAL. Not the least improvement is noticeable in the demand for anthracite coal. Most of these qualities are now experiencing a very indifferent enquiry, and it certainly looks as though buyers on the Continent have sufficient stock on hand for the time being. Owing to the mildness of the winter there has not been near the demand antici- pated, and the market has fallen off earlier than most of the colliery people expected. Stocks of these kinds are now very heavy, and prices are, in consequence, weak, whilst concessions are always obtainable for prompt shipment. There is also a weakness noticeable in the demand for cobbles and the various nut qualities, but for beansand peas orders are still very numerous. Collieries are quite unable to keep pace with requirements, as owing to so many of their wagons being hung up at the docks under load, there are but very few trucks available to send inland, and as delays a.re so very great it is with a certain amount of reluctance that orders are booked. There is a slightly better demand for culm, but there is still a large amount of stock in truck and on collieries’ banks. Steam coals are keeping very firm, and collieries are able to get advances of several shillings per ton on those ruling a few weeks ago. THE L0HD0H COAL TRADE. Thursday, February 3. The London coal trade for the past week has been strengthened by the return to colder weather. The volume of business can hardly be said to have increased very much, on account of the continued scarcity of fuel, but the enquiries are more pronounced, and the demand is stronger. The depot trade still continues somewhat slow, but as the bulk of the merchants have a good number of orders on hand still unexecuted: the delivery trade is brisk. Factors are the prin- cipal sellers, for colliery orders are restricted largely to the monthly contract quantities, beyond which very little free coal is obtainable. The best qualities of house coal, both from South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, are weaker, but as the pit prices remain fairly high, the bulk of the coal'is going for shipment. Derby brights are slightly increasing, and the few offers available are readily caught up. Kitchener cobbles and bakers’ nuts are largely augmented by cheaper qualities of coal offering from new and comparatively unknown collieries, and a large tonnage has been coming forward for trial purposes, many of which will doubtless establish a good regular trade with London. Small nuts are exceedingly scarce, and the demand is unusually strong. The pit prices are at the maximum rate allowed by the Price of Coal (Limi- tation) Act, and the scarcity of this quality of coal makes the pressure very keen. Slacks are also in good demand for manufacturing purposes. The factories on the River Thames are handicapped largely by the shortage of barges, and the difficulty of getting the coal through to the ordinary barging stations. Cargoes are allow’ed to come forward only under special restrictions, and in the majority of cases merchants have to certify the actual arrival of the barges at the docks before the coal will be accepted by the railway companies for forwarding traffic. The arrival and despatch of coal wagons has been improved considerably during the past few weeks, "but in some cases there are still serious delays, and especially to stations on the Great Eastern Railway. The block is still on for many of the Great Eastern stations. In the sea- borne market, chartering has been much quieter, but the freights rule very high still; 15s. has been fixed from the Humber to London. On Monday’s market 29 contract cargoes were entered as arriving in the River Thames, and 16 for Wednesday’s market. Only a very small quantity has been on offer of the Yorkshire best coals by sea. The heavy claims of the Admiralty for hard steam coal, both from Newcastle and Cardiff, has left the quantity very small for London and the coasting trade. Government steamers are also reported to be waiting their turn for loading,, so that very little pros- pect of spare coal is apparent for this current month. The best Admiralty qualities at Cardiff, and the best hard steam qualities at the Tyne, are all secured for Government use, and all prices are merely nominal. Seconds are quoted at 23s.. to 24s. for Newcastle qualities f.o.b. : Wear special gas coal, 25s.; Tvne primes, 23s.; seconds, 21s.: bunkers, best, 23s. ; and ordinaries, 22s. Best foundry coke has been quoted at 40s. f.o.b. In the South Wales market second Admiralties are 34s. 6d. f.o.b. ; Black Veins, 24s. to 25s. ; Western Valley, 24s. ; and Easterns, 22s. Coke has increased in price, and patent fuel is off the market, as makers decline to book any- thing further. South Yorkshire hards are quoted at 17s. 6d. to 18s. per ton at pit: Derbyshire hards at 17s.; seconds 15s. 9d., but for prompt shipment as much as 25s. to 25s. 6d. f.o.b. has been quoted. The demand for hard steam coal in the London area is-increasing, but as the prices obtainable for export are much higher than the London prices, there seems little prospect of any material improvement in the supply. From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Co.’s Report. Friday, January 28.—The seaborne house coal market con- tinued quiet to-day, with no cargoes on offer. Cargoes, 14. Monday, January 31.—There was a slight improvement in, the demand for seaborne house coal at to-day’s market, but no cargoes |of either Durham or Yorkshire on offer. Cargoes, 30. Wednesday, February 2. — There was a steady enquiry for seaborne house coal to-day. but, owing to the shortness of supplies, the general tone was firm. Cargoes, 14. THE TIH-PLATE TRADE. Liverpool.' The tone of the market is strong, but there is not .a great deal of business going through, makers not caring to commit themselves too far ahead. 25s. to 25s. 3cL has been accepted for spot lots of I C 14 X 20 cokes, and 28 x 20 have been clone at 50s. 9d. Makers are quoting for March-April about as follows Coke tins : I C 14 X 20 (112 sh. 108 lb.), 25s. 6d. to 25s. 9d. per box ; I C 28 X 20 (112 sh. 2161b.), 51s. to 51s. 6cL ; I C 14 x 18| (124 sh. 1101b.), 26s. to 26s. 3d.; I C 20 x 10 (225 sh. 1561b.), 37s. to 37s. 6d. ; I C squares and odd sizes, 26s. to 26s. 6d. basis for approved specifica- tions. Charcoal tins are in quiet demand, and prices run 28s. 6d. basis and upwards, according to finish. Ternes are nominally 47s. per box for I C 28 X 20 unassorted. Coke wasters are in steady demand, and prices firm as follows :— C W 14 X 20. 24s. 6d. per box; C W 28 X 20, 49s. 6d. ; C W 14 x 18*, 24s.; C W 20 x 10, 32s, 9d., all f.o.b., ’Wales, less 4 per cent.