710 _____________ _____________ THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. ______________ April 14, 1916. bulk. The notion is feasible for certain classes of goods, but not, of course, for coal, except in quite abnormal circumstances. Prof. Luiggi also men- tioned a case, which had passed through his hands, of an Italian firm which had to build a coal washery in Cardiff. The work was placed with a German in preference to an English firm, because the latter would give no credit, while the former accepted pay- ment in three years. We make no comment on this transaction, but we commend* Prof. Luiggi’s remarks to the attention of our manufacturers, and of all who are desirous of extending our trade relations with Italy in the future. We believe Italian business men are sincerely desirous of cultivating commercial interests with ourselves. Like many other countries, they have had enough of German methods, and they will not allow any temporary economic exasperation over the cost of coal to prejudice a closer relationship with Great Britain. In the meantime there has been some discussion at Cardiff respecting German efforts to capture the patent fuel trade in Italy by underselling. The situation will require careful watching, but there should be little to fear as soon as water carriage resumes its normal course. ______________________ MAXIMUM PRICES OF COICE, STEEL, AND BAR IRON. In continuation of the notice to the Press of April 6, the Ministry of Munitions forwards for publication the following list of maximum prices :— Per ton net, Coke. f.o.t. makers’ ovens. s. d. Durham.—Blast furnace coke ............. 28 0 Special blast furnace ditto, guaranteed under 0-008 phosphorus ............... 30 6 Foundry ............................... 30 6 South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Staffordshire, North Derbyshire ...... 24 0 South Wales.—Blast furnace coke ........ 30 0 Per ton, f.o.t. Steel. makers’ works. £ s. d. Angles, ordinary sizes ................. 11 2 6 Joists .............__.................... 11 2 6 Ship plates .......................... 11 10 0 Boiler plates .......................... 12 10 0 Bails (railway) ....................... 10 17 6 Sheet and tin-plate bars ............... 10 7 6 Billets, ordinary mild steel .......... 10 7 6 Billets, special ....................... 11 0 0 All plus usual standard extras. Per ton net, f.o.t. Bar Iron. makers’ works. £ s. d. South Staffordshire bar iron* ___........... 13 15 0 Marked bars ..........less 21- per cent. 15 0 0 South Yorkshire bar iron* ............. 13 15 0 North of England bar iron* ............. 13 15 0 Lancashire bar iron* ................. 13 15 0 * Standard quality ordinary sizes and merchants’ lengths, and all subject to the usual extras for special sizes and qualities. These prices are not intended to apply to sections rolled by manufacturers who do not make their own steel or puddled bars, but have to purchase blooms, billets, or puddled bars from other sources. High-Speed Tool Steel. The maximum prices for high-speed tool steel have been fixed as follows :— . Per lb. basis. s. d. Finished bars 14 per cent. Tungsten ...... 2 10 Finished bars 18 per cent. Tungsten ...... 3 10 1 Usual trade extras for special sizes, etc. These prices are net delivered buyers’ works. The fixed prices for scrap which must be returned to steel makers’ works are as follows :— Delivered steel makers’ works. Millings and turnings .......... 5d.perlb.net. Bar ends ........................ 6d.perlb.net. ______________________________ The late Mr. J. Burley, coal merchant, Bidston Hill, left £37,052. The late Mr. A. Stanley, M.P., agent of the Cannock Chase Miners’ Association, left £3,200. For some time past there has been considerable difficulty in obtaining supplies of sulphuric acid for sulphate manu- facture, both on coke ovens and gas works. Even before the outbreak of war numerous plants were working from “ hand to mouth,” and were being put to considerable trouble and inconvenience by this method of delivery, as well as the quality of the acid supplied. According to Mr. Christopher Barber, who recently read a paper before the Sheffield University Gas and Coke Oven Students’ Association, the only way out of the difficulty is for coke oven proprietors and gas undertakings to erect sulphuric acid plant on the site. He said : “ Why should we not recover the sulphur from coke oven gas by means of oxide of iron in a similar manner to that already carried out on the gas works? No one is in a more favourable position for manufacturing sulphuric acid than the gas engineer or coke oven manager. A good many coking plants and gas works are perfectly qualified to enter into the field for its production at the present time. On the other hand, some works, although not individually large enough for manufacturing sulphuric acid, and where situated in the same 'district, can take up the manufacture by the formation of an. independent company capitalised by the private money of the smaller concerns, which company could trade and compete with the present makers of sulphuric acid.” THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, April 13. ___________________________________________ Scotland.—Western District. COAL. The coal trade in the west of Scotland shows additional strength on the week, and values are firmer all round. All qualities of coal are in limited supply, and the position is not improved by the disinclination of the collieries to con- tract, even at the present rates, they evidently preferring to await a further substantial rise in prices. The recent improvement in the weather has reduced the demand for household sorts, but, on the other hand, industrial require- ments are heavier than ever. Curtailments of shipping licences have been many, but this has failed to relieve the position to any extent. Shipments, however, show an im- provement on the week, and amount to 114,364 tons> compared with 98,753 tons in the preceding week, and 117,112 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. Steam coal 26/ -28/ 20/ -25/ 17/ -19/ Ell 27/ 1 26/ 20/9-21/ Splint 1 27/ -35/ 27/ -34/ 21/ -28/ Treble nuts | 21/ -21/6 21/ -21/6 19/9-20/6 Double do 20/6-20/9 20/6-21/ , !19/6-20/ Single do 19/3-19/9 19/3-19/9 18/ -19/ IRON. There has been no outstanding change in the Scotch coal trade during the past week. Pig iron makers continue to deliver large quantities of haematite to local consumers, and other descriptions are also being well disposed of, mostly for home consumption. The prices of makers’ iron are still on the increase, and are quoted as follow :—Monkland, f.a.s. at Glasgow, No. 1, 125s., No. 3, 120s.; Govan, No. 1 122s. 6d., No. 3, 120s.; Carnbroe, No. 1, 125s., No. 3, 120s. Clyde and Gartsherrie, Nos. 1, 130s., Nos. 3, 125s.; Summerlee and Langloan, Nos. 1, 127s. 6d., Nos. 3,122s. 6d.; Calder, No. 1, 127s. 6d., No. 3, 120s.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossan, No. 1, 130s., No. 3, 125s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, No. 1, 125s., No. 3, 120s.; Dalmellington, at Ayr, No. 1, 123s., No. 3, 121s.; Shotts, at Leith, No. 1, 127s. 6d., No. 3, 120s. per ton. The pig iron warrant market has again passed through a period of idleness during the past week, and though buyers advanced Is. per ton to 93s., sellers showed no inclination to deal. Total stocks now amount to 53,207 tons, compared with 116,098 tons at the end of 1915. Producers of manufactured iron are over- whelmed with orders, and with materials difficult to secure arrears of deliveries continue to accumulate. Black sheet makers still quote <£18 5s. to <£18 10s. per ton for 7; to 11 b.g., while malleable iron makers are asking <£14 per ton, less 5 per cent., for Crown bars for home delivery, and <£13 10s. to <£13 12s. 6d. per ton net f.o.b. at Glasgow. ___________________------------------ Scotland.—Eastern District. COAL. A satisfactory state of affairs from the owners’ point of view exists in the Lothians district. Collieries are heavily sold for some time ahead, and practically nothing is being delivered outside of contracts. At a recent conference under the auspices of the Lothians Federation, at which 20 colliery districts were represented, reports showed that fully 90 per cent, of the workmen were receiving the full time employment of 11 days per fortnight. Shipments for the week amounted to 27,430 tons, against 21,163 in the preceding week and 40,628 tons in the corresponding week of last year. _______________ I Current I prices. Best screened steam coal... i 30 / Secondary qualities......' 29/ Treble nuts ............; 23/ -24/ Double do............... 21/ -22/6 Single do...............| 19/6-20/6 L’st week’s Last year’s prices. ! prices. 29/ | 18/ -19/ 27/6 17/ -18/ 23/ -24/ 18/ -19/6 22/ 17/ -17/6 20/ 16/6-17/6 The conditions in Fifeshire are much the same as in the Lothians. . Supplies are very scarce, and collieries are not in a position to take full advantage of present high level of values. All sorts of round coal are in heavy demand, and, in the circumstances, these are very firmly held. Prices are likely to go still higher. Smalls are a trifle more plentiful, but licences are being 'refused, except to the Allies. Shipments for the week amounted to 58,521 tons, compared with 48,788 in the preceding week and 79,030 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. Current | L’st week’s tasty ear’s Best screened navigation prices. ! prices. 1 prices. coal 35/ 34/ ; 22/ -23/ Unscreened do 32/ 1 30/ 1 20/ -21/ First-class steam coal 32/6 30/ 1 20/ -21/ Third-class do 30/ 37/ i 17/6-18/6 Treble nuts 22/6-23/6 22/6-24/ : 17/ -18/6 Double do 21/6-22/ 21/ -21/6 1 16/ -17/6 Single do 19/ -20/ 19/6-20/6 15/ -16/6 The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 200,315 tons, compared with 168,704 in the preceding week and 236,770 tons in the corre- sponding week of last year. Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. COAL. During last week 103,121 tons of coal and 5,755 tons of coke were despatched from Tyne Dock, an increase of 9,811 tons of coal and 5,437 tons of coke when compared with the shipments for the corresponding week of last year. The Dunston clearances amounted to 29,856 tons of coal and 9,364 tons of coke, a decrease of 6,516 tons of coal, and an increase of 6,448 tons of coke. The Bly th shipments totalled 53,477 tons of coal and coke, an increase of 15,460 tons. Thus, the total shipments from the three places mentioned amounted to 201,573 tons, an increase of 37,156 tons when compared with the shipments for the corre- sponding week of 1915: It is noteworthy that, when com- pared with the clearances for the previous week, the Tyne Dock coal shipments are 24,282 tons more and the Dunston coal shipments 11,440 tons less. The shipments of coke from both these ports are steadily increasing, a fact which augurs well for the future of the coking industry on Tyne- side. The coal market has shown a considerable amount of animation during the past week, and there continues to be a very heavy enquiry for all descriptions of fuel. For the most part, however, buyers’ activity has been fruitless, for spot supplies have been practically unobtainable during the whole period. Loading turns have rapidly filled up, and collieries continue to be served with a fully adequate arrival of tonnage. The Northumbrian section of the market has easily maintained its recent strength, and the Durham section, whilst somewhat slower to respond to the conditions prevailing on the market, is now no less firm. At the time of writing, the only coals buyable for loading before Easter are a few small, stray quantities, for which amazingly high figures are soon forthcoming. Prices, therefore, are nominal, but in several instances the figures here quoted have been paid for small lots. The advances in the prices of gas coals are, perhaps, worthy of special mention. The following statement shows the variations in f.o.b. quotations for prompt shipment which have occurred during the week: —Best steams, Blyths, 5s. advanced; seconds, Blyths, 8s. up; Tynes, 7s. dearer; unscreened, 4s. 6d. to 5s. 6d. more; smalls Blyths, 2s. 6d. reduced; Tynes, 3s. to 4s. increased; smithies, Is. to 2s. up; gas bests, 4s. higher; seconds, 5s. higher ; specials, 12s. to 13s. advanced ; unscreened bunkers, Durhams, 6s. to 9s. advanced; Northumbrians, 4s. to 7s. up; coking coal, 3s. 6d. to 5s. increased; smalls, 3s. to 4s. dearer; foundry coke, Is. 6d. to 3s. up. There appears to be every prospect of the present state of affairs continuing at least until Easter. The forward market has been inactive during the week, largely owing to the disordered conditions prevailing in the prompt market, and few merchants are endeavouring to negotiate business for after this month. A quantity of best Blyth steams has, however, been disposed of for June shipment at 40s. per ton f.o.b.—a price which shows the forward market for steams to be very firm indeed. The Norwegian State Railways are stated to have contracted for 15,000 tons of best Blyth steams for shipment over April, May and June at prices which have not been dis- closed. The business was on an f.o.b. basis, and prices are understood to be round about current levels. The enquiry, it will be remembered, was for 17,000 tons of bests. There is as yet no information to hand regarding the Danish State Railways’ contract for 30,000 tons of similar quality coals for like delivery. A Swedish ironworks is said to be on the market for about 6,000 tons of best steams for delivery in monthly quantities until September 30. Much gratification was expressed on Newcastle Commercial Exchange on Tuesday at the prompt withdrawal, in response to numerous representations to the Government, of the Order relating to coal export licences. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Current iL’stweek’stastyear’s Steam coals :— i prices. prices. [ prices. Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) ... ; 40/ -45/ 1 40/ , 30/ Do. Tynes (Bowers,&c.) ! 40/ 1 40/ 1 30/ Secondary, Blyths ’ W 32/ 27/6 Do. Tynes (Hastings ) 40/ or West Hartleys) .:. 33/ i 27/6 Unscreened 1 32/6-35/ i 28/ I 23/ -25/ Small, Blyths 22/6 22/6-25/ j 15/ Do. Tynes Do. specials ' 21/ -22/ i 22/6-25/ 18/ 22/6-25/ 14/6 16/ Other sorts:— Smithies 27/ 25/ -26/ 23/ -25/ Best gas coals (New 30/ Pelton or Holmside) Secondary gas coals 26/ 25/ (Pelaw Main or similar) 30/ 25/ 23/ -24/ Special gas oals Unscreened bunkers, 40/ 27/ -28/ 25/ Durhams 30/ -35/ 24/ -26/ 24/ -26/ Do. do. Northumbrians, 30/ -35/ 26/ -28/ 23/ -25/ Coking coals 27/6-30/ 24/ -25/ 24/ -25/ Do. smalls 26/ -28/ 23/ -24/ 23/ -24/ House coals 37/6-40/ 44/ 28/* 37/6-40/ 7 41/ -42/6 j 41/ | 25/ -30/ 40/ 30/ Coke, foundry Do. blast-furnace Do. gas 26/ -27/ 26/ -27/ 17/6-20/ # Government price. Sunderland. COAL. The exports from Sunderland last week amounted to 67,945 tons of coal and 105 tons of coke, as compared with 48,130 tons of coal and 950 tons of coke for the corresponding period of 1915, being an increase of 19,815 tons of coal and a decrease of 845 tons of coke. The position of the coal market is very strong, with loading turns full, and extremely little coal of any class obtainable for early ship- ment, even at the high prices now ruling There has been a sharp advance in bunker coals, with an exceptional demand for loading before Easter, and the supply being extremely limited, sellers were easily able to run up prices ; 35s. has been paid for good brands, best gas coals being worth 30s., and seconds about 28s. 6d. There is a good demand for ordinary unscreened coking coals at the higher rate of 30s. per ton. There is no alteration in coke, gas coke being on the dull side and nominal at 27s. f.o.b. The Government still continues to requisition both coal and coke, and as this is likely to continue for some time to come, there is every prospect of short supplies on the open market.