February 16, 1917. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 341 noted that [small rounds, squares and flats are in as big demand as ever, on the basis of <£16 10s. for three- eighths sizes. Few galvanised sheets are being turned out, but black sheet mills are rather busy, consider- able quantities being utilised for keg work. The basis price is £19 10s. Users of steel semis find supplies inadequate, the position being accentuated by the almost entire stoppage of American material, with the exception of some wire rods, for which heavy prices are charged. Discard steel is employed wherever possible, and is being put to uses undreamed of before, the war. Gas strip (uncontrolled) ranges from £15 to £15 10s. Copper sheets have been advanced £2 during the week. Forest of Bom. Lydney. GOAL. The effect of the recent spell of cold weather keeps the house coal trade going at very high pressure. All qualities are being heavily called upon, and most buyers are willing to accept the sorts that can be most quickly despatched. Shipments are steady, and there is about a week's delay in loading vessels. Good train loads are leaving the collieries daily for the inland districts, but merchants with depleted stocks are clamouring for more regular supplies. The heavy pressure for steam qualities reported during the past few months is still in evidence ; orders for work of national importance are taking the bulk of the output. Prices at pithead. House coals:— Current ; L'st week's Last year's prices. prices. prices. Block 24/ 24/ 21/6 Forest 23/ 23/ 20/6 Rubble 23/3 23/3 20/9 Nuts 21/6 21/6 19/ Rough slack Steam coal;— 13/ 13/ 11/6 Large ... 20/ -21/ 20/ -21/ 16/ 18/ -19/ 13/6-14/ Small ... _ 16/ / Prices 2s. extra f.o.b. Lydney or Sharpness. TOE WELSH COAL AID TRADES, Thursday, February 15. lorth Wales. Wrexham. COAL. In common with other parts of the country, the deman in this district for all classes of coal of late has been very keen indeed. Orders are coming to hand with increasing freedom, and it will be some considerable time before colliery companies are able to clear off the accumulation of indents now on their order books. The pits are all working at high pressure, and apparently the men are doing their best to maintain the output as much as possible. At a conference recently held in Wrexham, the members of the North Wales Surfacemen's Union (which comprises colliery surface workers, brick yard workers and chemical workers of North Wales) decided to petition the employers for an all round additional war bonus of 10s. per week. This is in addition to the bonus previously granted to these men, and if the request is acceded to will bring the war bonus up to 15^ per cent. Owing to the wintry weather which has prevailed for some time past, and still continues, the demand for house coal is greater than it has been for some years. Merchants find it increasingly difficult to get sufficient to enable them to meet their customers’ demands, and the latter may be seen at retail depots practically begging for even small supplies, and in some of the larger towns during the past week the position has been most acute. The various railway companies and the contractors who buy for various manufacturing concerns are all pressing for supplies. These demands are met as far as possible, but with the restricted output consequent on shortage of labour and difficulty in regard to empty wagons, it is found impossible to give full contract quantities. A fair amount of coal from this locality is being regularly sent down for shipment from Liverpool, Birkenhead and Ellesmere Port, where it finds a ready market. The gas companies, like other buyers, experience difficulty in obtaining their requirements, but as in most cases they have a certain amount of reserve stock, they are able to carry on with the tonnage which is allotted to them. There is a keen demand for gas coke, and, as a result, stocks have become depleted, and buyers who require this commodity for heating public buildings of various kinds are seriously hampered at the present time. There is only a very limited quantity of nuts available for the open market, as the bulk is sold under contract for gas-making purposes. Slack is quite at a premium owing to the output being much less now than it was some months ago. Best house coal is now sold at 21s. 6d. to 23s. 6d. per ton at pit, with seconds, quality at Is. to Is. 6d. per ton less. Steam coal is making £1 a ton, and nuts about 19s., with rough slack at 12s. to 14s. per ton according to quality. Gas coke is quoted at 25s. per ton and upwards at the gas works. Retail prices average 27s. 6d. to 30s. per ton for house coal, and 15s. to 17s. 6d. for household slack. The following is the week's list of prices :— I 1 Current L'st week’sjLast year’s Prices at pit f.o.r.- ! prices. 21/6-23/6 prices, j prices. Best house coal ! 21/ -22/ 20/ -21/ Secondary do. — / Steam coal 20/ -21/ ) I 18/ -19/ Gas coal 19/ -21/ ) 18/ -19/ Bunkers — i 17/6-18/6 Nuts 19/ -20/ — ! 17/ -18/ Slack 12/ —14/ ' 1 ; 10/ -11/ Gas coke (at works) Prices landsale:— 25/ -27/6 — 21/8-23/4 Best house coal 27/6-30/ — 25/ -27/6 Seconds 26/8-28/4 . 22/6-25/ Household slack 15/ -17/6 — 15/ —16/8 Monmouthshire, South Wales, &c. Newport. COAL. Practically no change has occurred in the coal market during the past week, unless a slight weakening for prompt delivery be recorded. Sellers are now settling down with patience to the time, whether quite near or distant, when the conditions will be more favourable. The large amount of tonnage now building, as well as that which already afloat may be available in the near future, invests the position with hope. Stocks are large, and steam coal has drooped perceptibly. House coal and manufactured fuel, however, remain practically unchanged, and are in great demand. In some instances there have been stoppages of the collieries, but happily they have not been for more than a day or two. Prices f.o.b. cash 30 days. - Current L’st week's Last year's Steam coals: — prices. 1 prices. prices. Best Black Vein large... 24/ -25/ 26/ -27/ 35/ -36/ Western-valleys, ordin’y 23/ -24/ ; 25/ -26/ 35/ -36/ Best Eastern-valleys ... 22/ -23/ ; 23/ -24/ 34/ -34/6 Secondary do. 21/ -22/ ; 22/ -23/ 33/ -33/6 Best small coals 16/ -17/6 i 16/ -18/ 18/ -19/ Secondary do 11/ -15/6 ; 9/ -15/6 16/6-17/6 Inferior do 7/6- 9/6 6/ - 9/ 13/6-15/ Screenings 17/ i 17/ -18/6 18/6-19/ Through coals 20/ -21/ 19/ -21/ 23/ -24/ Best washed nuts 27/ —28/ ' Other sorts:— Best house coal, at pit .. 24/6-25/6 24/6-25/6 23/ -24/ Secondary do. do. ... 21/ -22/6 22/ -23/ 22/ —23/ Patent fuel 30/ -32/6 33/ -34/ 33/ -34/ Furnace coke 47/6-52/6 47/6-52/6 37/6-40/ Foundry coke 57/6-60/ 57/ -60/ 45/ -46/ IRON. The general condition of the iron and steel trades of the district remains much the same as m the preceding weeks, and, with the continued restrictions, fresh business is naturally severely handicapped. In all departments manu- facturers are working at full pressure to keep pace with the demands. At the tin-plate and sheet bar mills quota- tions remain nominal, with work going at full pressure. Much the same conditions apply in the rail mills. The tin- plate market remains rather quiet. There is not much fresh business, but enquiries point to an improvement in the near future. Pitwood has advanced in price, 70s. being the quotation for best fir. Cardiff. COAL. Although tonnage arrivals have been maintained on recent levels, the shipping available is inadequate for the requirements of the trade, and the greatest inconvenience is being experienced not only by shippers but by the collieries. Stocks have accumulated to such an extent in the sidings that a shortage of wagons has been acutely prevalent, and temporary stoppages have taken place at some of the pits, with the result that both employers and employed are not only dissatisfied but are openly expressing their views on a situation which ought not to be possible at a period like the present. In order to facilitate matters, the official representatives of the Admiralty have recommended that the banking of small coal should be resorted to. This would have the effect of releasing a large number of wagons, and the colliers would be able to be kept in full employment, but -the suggestion has its drawbacks, owing to depreciation of the coal, and the extra cost of discharging and re-loading when oppor- tunity arises for the stocks to be cleared. Although not strictly affecting the market, another point has arisen which may have serious effects in the future. When the comb-out of eligible men who had joined the collieries since August 1915, was decided upon, the South Wales Miners' Federation protested, on the grounds that they had not been consulted. Opinions were freely expressed, and the usual deputation waited upon the authorities in London, with the result that the order was withdrawn. Among other concessions made by the Home Secretary was one relating to habitual absentees, and bond fide miners who had been transferred to the surface since the exemption period. Although this phase of the question was agreed to as fair and reasonable by the National Federation, the South Wales Federation on Tuesday took an antagonistic view and rejected the proposals by a card vote which represented 26,700 miners. Although in itself it may be a minor incident, it illustrates the spirit now prevailing among the men. The official returns of the Bute Docks Company have just been issued, from which it appears that the exports? of coal and coke in 1916 amounted to 8,634,234 tons against 8,934,235 tons in 1915, 10,278,963 tons in 1914, and 10,576,506 tons in the pre-war period of 1913. Naturally there has been a great decrease all round since the outbreak of war because many markets have been closed, but the figures are eminently satisfactory, and show that the volume of trade at Cardiff, although diverted into other channels, has been well maintained. Details of weekly shipments are not now given by the Customs authorities, but the total exports from the four principal ports of the Bristol Channel, last week, amounted to 185,905 tons, com- pared with 364,302 tons in the corresponding week of last year. Of this quantity, Cardiff despatched 120,713 tons, or a decrease of 89,812 tons ; Newport 37,210 tons, or a decline of 14,909 tons; Swansea, 22,141 tons, or a falling off of 20,185 tons; and Port Talbot 5,841 tons, or a decrease of 53,491 tons. The total decrease amounts to 178,397 tons, and is almost entirely attributable to the scarcity of tonnage. An increase has been made in the limitation rates of freight to Mediterranean and Italian ports, but the position is little better, and neutral tonnage continues to be diverted westwards, where the freights are exceedingly remunerative, and the war risks almost nil. The chartering fixtures reported last week were almost the lowest on record, and amounted to only 8,250 tons, or a decrease of 37,450 tons compared with the preceding six days. The outlook for the future, therefore, is not promising, and the market is weak and irregular in consequence. Second Admiralties are obtainable at 24s. to 25s., with even further concessions to those who are in a position to release wagons ; ordinaries 23s. to 24s. All other descrip- tions are in similar proportion. Black Veins realise 24s. to 25s., with a depreciation down to 22s. according to quality. The small coal market, as indicated above, is slow, and buyers are holding off. Best bunkers are 16s. to 17s., ordinaries 15s. to 16s., and cargo qualities anything from 12s. to 15s. per ton. Owing to lack of shipping facilities bituminous coals are in. little demand, and most of the output is being utilised for home consumption. No. 3 Rhondda large is 25s. to 26s., No. 2 22s. to 23s., and other grades in proportion. The increasing stocks of small coal and the decline in price have affected patent fuel, which is now obtainable from 30s. to 32s. 6d. per ton. Coke is unchanged. The pit wood market is difficult, and there is a strong feeling among colliery proprietors that tonnage should be allocated in order to secure the necessary supplies at a reasonable price. Current values are 65s. to 70s. per ton. Prices f.o.b. Cardiff (except where otherwise stated). Current L’st week’s Last year’s Steam, coals:— prices. prices. prices. Best Admiralty steam coals ! * * Superior seconds * i —* — Seconds 24/ -25/ 26/ -27/ [ 34/ -36 Ordinary steams 23/ -24/ 24/ -25/ 1 33/ -34/ Best bunker smalls 16/ -17/ 16/6-17/6 [ 19/ -20/ Best ordinaries 15/ -16/ 15/ -16/ 17/ —18/ Cargo qualities 12/ —15/ 12/ -15/ 13/ -14/6 Inferior smalls 10/ -12/ 10/ —12/ 12/ -13/ Best dry coals 24/ -25/ i 24/6-25/6 1 35/ -36/ Ordinary drys 22/ -23/ | 22/6-241 34/ -35/ Best washed nuts 25/ -26/ < ’ 25/ -26/ 28/ -30/ Seconds 24/ -25/ | 24/ -25/ 26/ -27/ Best washed peas 23/ -24/ [ 23/ -24/ : I 25/ -26/ Seconds 22/ -23/ 22/ -23/ i 23/ -24/ Dock screenings i i — 15/ -16/ Monmouthshire— 1 Black Veins 24/ -25/ 25/ -27/ 34/6-35/ Western-valleys 23/ -24/ 25/ -26/ 34/ -34/6 Eastern-valleys 22/ -23/6 24/ -25/ 32/6-33/ Inferior do 22/ —22/6 22/ -24/ 31/6-32/ Bituminous coals:— Best house coals (at pit) 25/6-26/6 25/6-26:6 23/ -24/ Second qualities (at pit) 23/6-24/6 23/6-24/6 21/6-22/6 No. 3 Rhondda— Bituminous large 25/ -26/ 26/ -27/ 32/ -34/ Through-and-through 20/ -21/ 20/ -21/ 27/ -28/ Small 18/ -20/ 18/ -20/ 21/ -23/ No. 2 Rhondda— Large 22/ -23/ 24/ -25/ 30/ -31/ Through-and-through 18/ -20/ 18/ -20/ 22/ —24/ Small 15/ -17/ 15/ -17/ 17/ -18/ Best patent fuel 31/ -32/6 35/ -37/ 35/ -37/6 Seconds 30/ -31/ 33/ -35/ 32/ -33/ Special foundry coke 62/6-65/ 62/6-65/ 45/ -47/6 Ordinary do. 55/ -57/6 55/ -57/6 f 41/ -44/ Furnace coke 47/6-52/6 47/6-52/6 j 32/ -35/ Pitwood (ex-ship) 65/ -70/ 62/6-65/ | 48/ —50/ * Nominal. IRON. The tin-plate trade continues very quiet, and makers complain that they are unable to supply orders from stock even for home consumption without the production of Class A or B certificates. Supplies are wanted in many quarters, and the delay which occurs before the necessary permits are granted is a prolific source of annoyance. Production is limited owing to the lack of raw material, but the exports are considerably less than output, so that stocks are increasing. Frequent stoppages are taking place owing to the lack of bars, and new business is practically at a standstill. For standard sizes 27s. 6d. to 29s. 6d. is quoted, with other grades in proportion. All the rail mills and blast furnaces are turning out maximum outputs. Prices, however, are nominal, and there is little business being transacted outside Government requirements. In the galvanised sheet trade there is no change, and exports have been still further reduced. There is also a decline in the demand for blackplate, in which these mills have been chiefly occupied. Prices are nominal and not quoted. Scrap metals are firm, with supplies short. Swansea. COAL. There was a good attendance on 'Change, but no improve- ment in the conditions prevailing in the anthracite coal market. Tonnage arrivals were few, and this being the governing factor, transactions for early shipment were extremely restricted. Business was confined within narrow limits. Most descriptions of coal were freely offered, and concessions on quoted prices could be obtained in almost all directions. Steam coals showed no change and prices remained easy. Prices are all net f.o.b. (cash in 30 days). Anthracite:— Current prices. L'st week’s!Last year's prices. [ prices. Best malting large (hand picked) 28/ -30/ 28/ -30/ 24/ -25/ Secondary do. 26/ -27/ 26/ -27/ 21/ -22/6 Big Vein Valley large... 22/ -24/ 22/ -24/ 18/ -20/ Red Vein large 21/ -24/ 21/ -24/ ■ 19/ -21/ Machine - made cobbles 3 4/ -36/ 34/ -36/ ; 31/ -34/ Paris nuts — _ 1 —- French do 34/ -36/ 34/ -36/ j 32 6-34/ Stove do. 33/ -35/ 33/ -35/ | 31/6-33,6 Beans 23/6-24/6 23/6-24,6 [ 32/6-34/ 1 Machine - made large peas 20/ -22/ 20/ -22/ 21/ -22/ Do. fine peas — — — * Rubbly culm 9/6-10/6 9/6-10/6 8/ - 8/6 Duff 6'6- 7 1 [ 6/6- 7/ 3/ - 3/6 Steam coals:— Best large i 26/ -27/ ! 26/ -27/ 31/6-35/ Seconds 25/ -26/ ‘ 25/ -26/ 28/ -31/ Bunker throughs ,.. 18/ -22/ > 18/ -22/ 22/ -25/ Small 11/ -15/ : 11/ -15/ 13/6-16/ Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Rhondda— Large 28/ -30/ 28/ -30/ 31/ -35/ Thro'-and-thr o' — - - - ■ Small 18/ -20/ 18/ -20/ 19/ -22/ Patent fuel 32/ -34/ | 32/ -34/ 30/ -32/6