I February 2, 1917. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 237 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE WELSH COAL AHO IROM TRADES. Thursday, February 1. ___________________________________ Monmouthshire, South Wales, Ac. Newport. COAL. The steam coal market is in a very dull condition. With stocks of coal now very heavy, sellers were prepared to sell even below the low quoted prices for prompt clearance. It is expected that there will be more tonnage available in the course of a week or so, and forward dealing therefore showed a hardening tendency. House coals still keep up, and are in good demand at best prices. There is not much change in patent fuel and coke. There are some indications of a steadier tone for steam coals in the near future, though it must be admitted that optimism of this sort has prevailed without much realisation for some weeks past. Prices f.o.b. cash 30 days. Steam coals:— Best Black Vein large... Western-valleys, ordin’y Best Eastern-valleys ... Secondary do. Best small coals ..... Secondary do. Inferior do........... Screenings ........... Through coals ........ Best washed nuts...... Other sorts:— Best house coal, at pit .. Secondary do. do. ... Patent fuel .......... Furnace coke.;........ Foundry coke __........ Current L’st week’s prices. I prices. 26/ -27/ ' 28/ -29/ 25/ -26/ 1 27/ -28/ 24/ -25/ ! 26/ -27/ 23/ -24/ 24/6-26/6 16/ -18/ : 17/ -18/ 11/ -16/ ! 11/ —16/ 5/6- 7/6 ( 6/ - 9/ 17/6-19/ 18/6-19/6 20/ -22/ j 21/6-22/6 — 33/ -35/ 24/6-25/6 24/6-25/6 22/ -23/ 21/ -22/ 35/ -36/ 35/ -36/ 47/6-52/6 47'6-52/6 57/6-60/ I 57/6-60/ Last year's prices. 34/6-35/ 34/6-35/ 33/ -34/ 32/ -33/ 17/6-18/6 16/ -17/ 13/—14/ 18/ -18/6 23/ -24/ 26/ -28/ 23/ -24/ 22/ -23/ 32/6-34/ 36/ —37/6 44/ -45/ IRON. The iron and steel trades remain in the same busy state as recently reported, with no likelihood of relaxation. New plant is being installed in some of the blast furnaces to meet the increased demand. There is very little alteration in the tin-plate trade, and fresh business is very difficult. Pitwood is scarce and dear at about 60s. for best fir. Cardiff. COAL. The market continues very quiet, and little business is passing, chiefly owing to the increasing lack of tonnage. For the foreign export trade 75 per cent, of the shipments are made in neutral-owned vessels, and it is now an accepted fact that efforts have been made for some time past to divert many of these ships ft far distant destinations, and they have not since been engaged in the United Kingdom carrying trade. The situation was rapidly becoming serious, and a conference was held in London a few days ago to discuss suggestions which might prove acceptable to the owners of neutral ships. It had been urged that the limitation rates had become unremunerative owing to a variety of circumstances, but chiefly on account of the high insurance risks which had to be covered. Coal exporters, freighters and ship owners were all interested in the question, and as a result of the conference it was decided that, so far as neutral ships are concerned, there should be an increase of 20 per cent, in the freights to French, Channel and Atlantic ports, and of 50 per cent, to French and Italian Mediterranean ports. The time-charter rate for neutral ships above 1,000 tons was fixed at 47s. 6d., and not exceeding 52s. fid. for vessels up to 1,000 tons. For instance, the maximum rate for British and Allied vessels from the Bristol Channel to Rouen is 24s. 6d., but for neutral vessels 29s. 5d. will be paid, and so on in proportion to the various French ports. To Genoa the rates are 59s. 6d. and 89s. 3d. respectively. Whilst the scheme met with general approval in coal shipping quarters, it was felt by many that the rates to the near French ports had not been sufficiently increased to attract neutral tonnage, and that the demurrage question would continue to restrict private business. Another matter which is causing considerable concern both to owners and workmen is the vigorous combing out process now going on amongst the collieries in South Wales and Monmouthshire. It has been frequently stated that large numbers of men engaged in other occupations prior to the war have become colliers or employed in some other capacity in the mines, in order to escape military service. Whilst there is some ground for the suggestion, the figures have been much exaggerated. The Miners’ Federation consider they ought to have been consulted before the combing out was put into operation, and the owners, whilst anxious to assist the authorities in every w’ay possible, point out that if large numbers of men are withdrawn for military service it may seriously affect the working of the collieries, where conditions are already difficult. Both sides of the question were placed before the Home Secretary • on Tuesday with the result that the “ comb out'’ has been temporarily suspended pending a further conference between all parties concerned. In the meantime the eight travelling medical boards are visiting the various centres, and will continue their examinations. It is reported that of the total number of men called before them over 50 per cent, are in Class A, and should be immediately available for military service. With all sorts of complications and difficulties, both as to production and shipment, there is little wonder that the market is dull and depressed. A month ago the prospects were brighter than they had been for some time, but the hopeful outlook was not justified by subsequent events. The uncertainty of the position from day to day had a deterrent effect on business. Sellers were optimistic, but buyers did not share this feeling, and held off the market in the hope of more favourable conditions. The result has been that the buoyant tone experienced at Christmas has given place to one of pessimism, and all quotations are more or less nominal owing to the readiness of sellers to make con- cessions to buyers who are favourably circumstanced. For both large and small coals it has been possible to obtain reductions of from 3s. to 5s. below limitation rates, and the same remark applies to bituminous descrip- tions. Lack of tonnage is the chief factor, but the weather conditions have also been responsible for much delay and inconvenience during the last few days. Most of the tips are worked by hydraulic, and what with bursts frozen pipes and other kindred sources of trouble, the lines of shippers have not been cast in pleasant places. Hundreds of fire “devils ” have had to be employed in order to keep the tips working, and the men themselves have been handicapped by the extreme cold which has been experienced. It is not now possible to give the usual summary of the coal shipments from the Bristol Channel, as the Customs authorities, since January 23, have, at the request of the War Department, declined to supply the information. The statistical returns of the coastwise ship- ments for the month of December have just come to hand, from which it appears that there were despatched from the Bristol Channel ports 105,818 tons, compared with 78,799 tons in the corresponding month of 1915. Cardiff shipped 34,310 tons, of which 13,772 tons went to Bristol, 4,180 tons to Birkenhead, and 7,380 tons to Purfleet. Newport shipped 36,343 tons, of which Dublin took 12,365 tons and Cork 8,395 tons. Swansea despatched 9,429 tons, Port Talbot 2,706 tons, and Briton Ferry 3,465 tons. Quotations are more or less nomihal. Ordinary second Admiralties are 26s. to 27s., and ordinary steams 24s. to 25s. The same relative proportions are maintained by Monmouth- shire coals, Black Veins being 26s. to 27s., western valleys 25s. to 26s., and easterns 24s. to 26s. according to quality. Small coal is not much enquired for, and stocks are accumulating. Best bunkers are 17s. to 18s., ordinaries 16s. to 17s., and cargo descriptions anything from 12s. to 16s; per ton. The scarcity of tonnage is affecting the export of bituminous coals, and prices are easy, No. 3 Rhondda large being 27s. to 28s., No. 2 24s. to 25s., and other grades in proportion. Patent fuel is a shade lower ot 35s. to 37s. There continues to be a great shortage of aitwood, and 59s. to 60s. is easily obtainable. . The question pf supply has for some time been under the consideration of a committee of the Coal Owners’ Association, and a scheme has been drafted which, if carried into operation, may have far-reaching results. It is suggested that a committee shall be appointed with full power to make all arrangements necessary for the purchase, supply, distribu- tion, and the price to be charged for home-grown timber. A meeting is to be held next week to consider the proposals, which it is believed will lead to the development of forestry, and make the colliery owners less dependent on the supplies of foreign-grown material, and which incidentally must liberate a considerable amount of tonnage, which could with advantage be employed in the carriage of other commodities. Prices f.o.b. Cardiff (except where otherwise stated). without enquiry for early shipment, but machine-made classes were about the steady. Rubbly culm was slow, while duff was in fair demand. Steam coals were quite inactive , and many concessions were obtainable. Prices are all net f.o.b. (cash in 30 days). Anthracite Best malting - large (hand picked) Current prices. 28/ -30/ 26/ -27/ 22/ -24/ 21/ -24/ 31/ -36/ 34/ —36/ 33/ -35/ 23/ -24/6 20/ -22/ 9/6-10/6 6/6- 7/ 27/ -28/ 25/ -26/ 18/ -22/ 11/ -15/ 28/ -30/ 18/ -20/ 34/ -35/ L’st week’slLast year’s prices. ! prices. 28/ -30/' i 25/ -28/ 26/ -27/ j 22/6—23/6 22/ -24/ (20/.-22/ 21/ -24/ i 19/ -21/ 34/ —36/ j 40/ -42/ 34/ -36/ i 42/ -44/ 33/ -35/ ! 41/ -42/ 23/6-24/6 ( 32/ -34/ 20/ -22/ ! 19/6-21/ — .1 v — 9/6-10/6 7/ - 8/ 6/6- 7/ J 2/9- 3/6 Secondary do. Big Vein Valley 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 27/ -28/ 25/ -26/ 18/ -22/ 11/ -15/ 28/ —30/ .18/ -20/ 34/ -35/ ' 1 ' 26/6—32/6 24/ -27/6 19/6-24/ 12/6-14/ ; 26/6-31/ 18/ -21/ 26/ -27 6 Seconds Bunker throughs Small Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Rhondda— Large Thro’-and-thro’ Small Patent fuel Steam coals:— Best Admiralty steam coals ................ Superior seconds......i Seconds .............. Ordinary steams ...... 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:— Current prices. __# __* 26/ -27/ 24/ -25/ 17/ -18/ 16/ -17/ 12/ -16/ 10/ -12/ 21/ -25/ 23/ -24/ 24/ -25/ 23/ -24/ 23/ -24/ 22/ -23/ 26/ -27/ 25/ -26] 24/ -25/ 23/ -24/ Best house coals (at pit) 25/6-26/6 Second qualities (at pit) 23/6-24/6 No. 3 Rhondda— Bituminous large.. Through-and-through Small _____.......... No. 2 Rhondda— 26/ -28/ 22/ -23/ 18/ -20/ Large.............. 24/ -25/ Through-and-through 18/ -20/ Small ............. 15/ -17/ Best patent fuel ........ Seconds .....’....._____ Special foundry coke .... Ordinary do. .... Furnace coke __........... Pitwood (ex-ship) ...... 36/ -37/ 35/., -36/ 62/6-65/ 55/ -60/ j 47/6-52/6 | 59/ -60/ * Nominal. L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. __* __* 28/ -29/ 25/ -27/ 17/6-19/ 16/ -17/ 13/ -16/ 10/ —13/ 25/ -26/ 23/ -24/ 25/ —26/ 24/ -25/ 23/ -24/ 22/ -23/ 27/6-29/ 27/ —28/ 25/ -27/ 24/ -25/ 25/6-26/6 23/6-24/6 27/ -29/ 22/ -23/ 20/ -21/ 24/ -25/ 18/ -20/ 15/ -17/ 36/ -37/6 35/ -36/ 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/ 62/6-65/ 45/ -47/6 55/ -60/ ( 40/ -45/ 47/6-52/6 I 33/ -33/6 58/ -60/ 52/6 53/6 IRON. Business in the tin-plate trade continues very quiet, although there are numerous enquiries on the market from various quarters. Merchants, however, will not buy unless their customers undertake to secure the necessary licences for shipment from stocks. Exports last week amounted to 25,056 boxes, against 39,116 boxes received from works, leaving 191,549 boxes in the docks, warehouses and vans. Prices are nominally 27s. to 28s. for Bessemer standard cokes, and other quotations are in the same ratio. In the galvanised sheet trade there is no improvement, the exports last week only amounting to 84 tons, compared with 33 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Shipments of blackplate also show a falling off, and only amounted to 125 tons compared with 806 tons in the corresponding period. Spelter is <£52 10s. per ton. All the steelworks are busily employed, and production is being steadily increased week- by week. The same remarks apply to the blastfurnaces, where outputs have reached maximum limits. Quotations are nominal. Bars are nominal, the entire production being under control. The scrap metal trade is unchanged. Swansea. COAL. On the whole there was a loss in the trade of the port last week. The improvement, however, shown in - the import trade was satisfactory and the general exports were also favourable. The coal and patent fuel trades, on the other hand, were very inactive, shipments being no more than 54,175 tons. There was a good attendance on ’Change, but quiet conditions still prevailed in all branches of the anthracite coal jnarket. Large descriptions were almost Llanelly. COAL. Tonnage arrivals have during the past week been very short, and there is therefore no change in the position of the market to report. Stocks are very heavy, and collieries are experiencing idle days for lack of emjity wagons. Prices for prompt shipments are easy for practically all qualities, and both buyers and sellers are finding the position very difficult. Anthracite large qualities are in poor request and concessions in values are offered for clearance of stocks. The machine-made sorts are also far from satisfactory and prices are slightly lower. Culm and duff are not so firm and the anthracite market generally is unsatisfactory. The steam coal market is also affected by the lack of facilities for clearing wagons, and throughs and smalls are obtainable at lower figures. Large steams are firm and there is a strong enquiry ruling from inland. There is also an active inland demand for most of the machine-made anthracite qualities. 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... Stove 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 prices. 28/ -30/ 26/6-27/6 22/6-24/6 22/ -23/6 34/ -36/ 33/ -35/ 33/6-35/6 33/ -35/ 23/6-24/6 20/ —22/ 10/ -10/6 6/ - 6/6 27/ -28/ 18/ -20/ 11/6-15/ 17/ —19/6 L'stweeVs Lastyear’s prices, i 29/6-32/ I 27/6-30/ I 25/6-28/ - j 24/ -25/ 37/6-40/ 37/6-39/6 38/ -40/ 37/ -39/ 28/ -29/6 20/ —22/ 12/ -12/6 6/ - 6/6 prices. 25/ -28/ 22/ -25/ I 20/ -22/ i 19/ -21/ i 40/ —41/ j 41/ -42/ i 41/ —42/6 41/ -42/ 32/ -34/ 19/ -20/ 6/3- 6/9 2/6- 3/6 27/ —28/ 20/ -23/6 13/6-19/6 17/ -19/6 28/ -31/ 20/ -23/ 12/ -14/ 18/ -20/ _____________________ THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products.—For the most part the market is steady, and. prices well maintained. Naphtha is firm. Pitch on the west coast is variable, Liverpool values being above average quotations. Nearest values are :— Rise ( + ) or fall (-) on the week. I/Oi ... - /10J-/1H - 1/3—1/4 ... - 2/3 ... — 3/4 ... - 1/3 ... - 2/ ■ ... - 1/8—1/9 ... — /6J-/6| ... - /3i-/3^ ... - 16/6—17/ ... +/6 16/—17/ ... — Benzols, 90's ‘ ............................... ,, 90’s North .............. .............. ,, 50’s North .........•...... Toluol ........................... Carbolic acid, crude (60. per cent.)... ,, crystals (40 per cent.) Solvent naphtha, south (90% at 160 degs.), as in quality and package... Solvent naphtha, north (90% at 160 degs.), as in quality and package... Crude naphtha, north (in bulk) __.. Creosote (for ordinary qualities) .... Pitch (f.o.b. east coa.st) ............ ,, (f.a.s. west coast) ............ Tar (per ton ex works) __............ Sulphate of Ammonia.—Though there is a further restric- tion on export licences except to Colonial destinations, the enquiry is good, and prices are well in favour of sellers. Nitrate of soda has advanced sharply. Closing prices are. :— Rise ( + ) or fall (-) on the week. London (ordinary makes) ... £18/10 ... — Beckton (25 per cent.) ......... £17/10—£17/12/6 ... — Liverpool __............... £18/16/3—£19 ... — Hull __________................... £18/10 ... — • Middlesbrough .......... £18/10 ■ ... — Scotch ports ............ £19—£19/5 ... — Wales .................. £19—£19/2/6 ... +2/6 Nitrate of soda (ord) per cwt 21/9 ... +/9 ____________________________ Mr. C. J. Hunt, who until recently was chief contract engineer to Bruce Peebles and Company Limited, Edinburgh, has been appointed chief engineer to the company, and Mr. Wm. Oliver, who has for some, time been acting chief esti- mating engineer (in . the absence of Mr. R. Shaw on active service), has been appointed chief contract engineer,