854 THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. April 26, 1918. have been put on one side. Many horses, drays and men are waiting for long periods for coal to arrive, and this is creating a very difficult situation for all concerned. There are no reserves at the pits or at country sidings. THE WELSH COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday,. April 25. South. Staffordshire, North Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Birmingham. COAL. Demand is becoming more and more in excess of supply Merchants find themselves inundated with orders, house- holders showing a disposition to anticipate the rationing scheme. It is on domestic consumers that the major part of the burden will fall under that scheme next winter, as the supply for industrial purposes, and especially for national purposes, has to be maintained. Details of the scheme were given last week at a meeting of local authori- ties of the Midlands. The scheme includes coke as well as coal, but persons using coke as a substitute for coal will have an increased allowance. There is a fair amount of fine slack about, but the better qualities are exceedingly scarce, and nuts can hardly be obtained, after supplies have been allocated to munition and other establishments. The amount of fuel of any description available on the open market is negligible. Output must become more and more restricted as the men are drafted from the collieries into the Army, and to meet this as far as possible under the rationing scheme the reduction in the consumption of household coal will be in a larger proportion than the total reduction, varying from 25 per cent, as a minimum to 33| per cent, as a maximum. Prices at pit. Newport. COAL. The general improvement in the condition of the coal trade in this district has been maintained during the present week, and there is a brightening outlook for the immediate future. Tonnage arrivals have been much more satisfactory than for some months past, and colliery work- ings have consequently been steady and regularly main- tained. In some sections of the trade the demand, especially for best large steam coal, has exceeded at times the supply, with the result that ships have incurred demurrage. The supply of secondary class coals has been about equal to the demand, which has considerably improved of late. Small coal of the better class has been much enquired for, but lowest qualities are still slow of sale. There has been a good demand maintained for house and gas coals. Coke and patent fuel have also found a ready market. A circular from the Coal Controller, sug- gesting that collieries should not be stopped for want of orders or wagons, but that the output should be stocked, is scarcely applicable to this district, as the conditions referred to have now passed away. Many young men are leaving the mines for the recruiting depots. Coal prices are still those fixed by the Controller. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Staffordshire (including Cannock Chase) :— prices. prices. prices. House coal, best deep ... 24/6 24/6 22/ Do. seconds deep 22/6 22/6 20/ Do. best shallow 21/6 21/6 19/ 18/ Do. seconds do. 20 6 20/6 Best hard 21/ 21/ 18/6 Forge coal 18/6 18/6 16/ Slack Warwickshire:— 13/6 13/6 11/6 House coal, best Ryder.. Do. hand-picked 21/6 21/6 19/ cobs 20/6 20/6 18/ Best hard spires 22/6 22/6. 20/ Forge (steam) 18/6 18/6 16/ D.S. nuts (steam) 17/ 17/ 14/6 Small (do.) 17/ 17/ 14/6 IRON. Prices f.o.b. cash 30 days. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Steam coals:— prices. prices. prices. Best Black Vein large... 32/6 32/6 26/ -27/ Western-valleys, ordin’y 31/6 31/6 26/ -27/ Best Eastern-valleys ... i 31/6 31/6 25/ -26/ Secondary do. 30/6 30/6 231 -25/ Best small coals 23/6 23/6 15/ -16/ Secondary do 22/6 22/6 10/ -13/ Inferior do 20/6 20/6 7/6— 9/6 Screenings 25/6 25/6 17/ 0 Through coals 29/6 29/6 21/ -22/ Best washed nuts 32/6 32/6 Other sorts:— Best house coal, at pit... 35/6 35/6 25/ -26/ Secondary do. do. ... 33/3 33/3 22/6-24/ Patent fuel 32/6 32/6 ' 27/6-30/ Furnace coke 47/6 47/6 Foundry coke 47/6 47/6 j i —* * Nominal. IRON. The position in the iron and steel trades of the district remains practically stationary. Another step has been, taken with regard to the control of gas strip, and a final settlement is expected any day. This time the Controller offered a price of ^815 a ton, an advance of 12s. 6d. on the original offer. This figure, however, is still unacceptable to makers, and a deputation has been appointed to wait upon the Controller to state their case to him, particularly with regard to extras. Business has been done recently at <£16 5s., including carriage, which is roughly equal to .£10 a ton, whereas the suggested controlled price is at makers’ works. The tube works are making heavy demands on the output of strip. Now that the allocation scheme is in active operation, under which the country is divided into districts, each supplying its own requirements as far as possible, steel sections are not coming from outside in such volume as heretofore. Considerable quantities came from the north-east, together with plate shearings, and supplies of the latter, which are not available locally, are fairly abundant at <£10 7s. 6d. The pig iron situation becomes more difficult. The conditions under which coke is pro- duced have an effect on the quality of the product, and the inevitable result is a limitation of the output of pig iron. Supplies are called for in larger quantities than are available, and sales are made in small lots. Off-iron from the basic furnaces fetches, when cast in moulds instead of sand, an increased price of about 99s. a ton, and consumers are glad to get it. The feature of the finished branches is intense pressure for deliveries, and there is hardly any available for objects outside the primary classification Prices are unaltered. There is no change in the position of the iron and steel trades of the district. The works continue to be engaged up to the fullest maximum, and there is an increasing output, notwithstanding that a number of men have recently been combed out. There is still a good deal of buoyancy, notwithstanding many adverse circumstances, in the tin-plate trade. Enquiry for waste wasters continues steady. Cardiff. COAL. The strong conditions reported last week have been fully maintained, and loading pressure is greater than has been the case for many months. Tonnage continues to come forward in satisfactory quantities, and in some cases collieries have been hard pressed to maintain supplies. Chartering last week was not much above the average, amounting to only 18,600 tons, but this is looked upon as a favourable indication. It is stated that tonnage will be fully available for certain destinations. There has been a heavy demand for superior qualities of steam coals, and there has been difficulty in obtaining the release of these descriptions for ordinary commercial’ purposes. Inferior grades are reported to be fairly plentiful. Best qualities of bunker coals have also been in firm request, but other descriptions are a slow market, and stocks are again increasing. The comb-out is vigorously proceeding, but apart from any pressure by the military authorities, young men are volunteering in hundreds, with almost as much enthusiasm as was exhibited in the early days of the war. The position varies in different districts. Mr. Finlay Cardiff prices f.o.b. (except where otherwise stated), plus 2s. 6d. per ton, except for shipments to France and Italy. Forest of Dean. Lydney. COAL. With the continued scarcity of household coal there is little alteration to record in the position of business since last writing. The production of the coal field is fair under existing circumstances, but it is readily absorbed, and although the full six days are worked every week, double the output could be easily placed. Very satisfactory sales are being made of. all steam and manufacturing fuel, the demand generally being a very urgent one and much in excess of the supply. Prices at pithead. Steam coals:— Best Admiralty steam coals ............... Superior seconds ...... Seconds ............... Ordinary .............. Steam smalls No. 1 ..... 2 .... 3 .... 4 ...... 5 .... 6 .... 7 .... Current prices. L’st week’s prices. Last year’s prices. House coals:— Block Forest Bubble Nuts Rough slack Steam coal:— Large ............... Small ... ........... Large Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. prices. <24/ 26/ 26/ \ 23/ 123/3 121/6 15/6 15/6 13/ 22/6-23/6 22/6-23/6 20/ -21/ 18/ -19/ 18/ -19/ 16/ Prices 2s. extra f.o.b. Lydney or Sharpness. Reports this week indicate that if Germany broke off economic relations with Holland the latter would not have enough coal to continue the industries and railway traffic of the country. A proclamation was issued on Saturday under section 3 of the Military Service Act (No. 2), 1918, withdrawing a number of exemption certificates. The Proclamation does not apply to certificates granted by Colliery Recruit- ing Courts. Austrian Miners’ Strike—The Austrian Ministry of Railways announces the complete suspension of passenger traffic on the Northern Railway, in consequence of the shortage of coal due to the miners’ strike. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. 35/6 34/ 33/3 32/6 24/ 23/6 231 .22/6 22/ 21/6 21/ 35/6 34/ 33/3 32/6 24/ 23/6 23/ 22/6 22/ 21/6 21/ __* 26/6-27/6 25/ -26/ 16/6-17/ 15/ -16/ 12/ -14/ Do. 8 Best dry coals Ordinary drys Best washed nuts Seconds Best washed peas Seconds Monmouthshire— Black Veins Western-valleys Eastern-valleys Inferior do Bituminous coals:— Best house coals (at pit) 1 Second qualities (at pit) No. 3 Rhondda— Bituminous large...... Small No. 2 Rhondda— Large Through-and-through Small i Best patent fuel Seconds Special foundry coke Ordinary do. Furnace coke Pitwood (ex-ship) 20/6 32/6 31/ 32/6 31/ 30/ 29/ 32/6 31/6 31/6 30/6 35/6 33/3 33/3 28/6 29/6 24/6-26/ 19/6-21/6 1 32/6 32/6 50/ 50/ 50/ 65/ 20/6 j 32/6 31/ 32/6 31/ 30/ 29/ 32/6 31/6 31/6 30/6 35/6 33/3 33/3 28/6 29/6 24/6-26/ 19/6-21/6 32/6 ’ 32/6 50/ 50/ 50/ 65/ -11/ 26/ -28/ 23/ -25/ 23/ -24/ 22/ -23/ 22/ -23/ 21/ -22/ 27/ -27/6 26/ -27/ 25/ -26/ 24/ -25/ 25/6-26/6 24/6-25/6 24/6-25/6 18/ -20/ 22/6-23/6 18/ -19/ 13/ -14/ 28/ -30/ 27/ -28/ 62/6-65/ 50/ -55/ 45/ -47/6 75/ * Nominal. Gibson, the secretary of the South Wales and Monmouth- shire Coal owners’ Association, has just issued a statistical return giving comparative figures for the war period, as compared with 1913, which was a record year. The results of his investigations are illuminating. A deal of the decrease is attributed to irregular working due to the shortage of tonnage, but those who have made a study-of the question express the opinion that the miners are not putting forth the same efforts to-day as they did in the earlier days of the war, and that the output per head of the men employed compares unfavourably with normal times, even after taking into consideration irregu- larity of working or causes beyond control. The figures come at an opportune time. The market generally continues steady. There is no new development with regard to the allocation scheme. Many collieries, in order to fulfil their obligations, are producing full outputs, but taking a monthly average, it is anticipated that when the present pressure has subsided the reaction will reduce the propor- tions to figures approximating the allocation limits. At all events, the Coal and Coke Supplies Committee at a meeting this week expressed their intention of adhering to the scheme, although it is admitted that some modifications may be necessary. There is still a strong enquiry for household and gas coals, and supplies are on the short side, without there being an actual scarcity. Patent fuel is in good demand, and considerable quantities are being utilised for home consumption. The pressure for coke is also unabated. There is no alteration in the pitwood trade. All other prices are without change on the basis of the Controller’s fixed schedule. IRON. Production of tin-plates last week showed a marked decline, and only amounted to 14,080 boxes, whilst ship- ments on the other hand showed a big jump, the total exports amounting to 44,100 boxes. Stocks in the docks warehouses and vans have thus been reduced to 98,069 boxes compared with 128,089 boxes the week previous and 207,569 boxes at the corresponding date of last year. Generally speaking, the tendency is rather easier, although maximum rates are being maintained. Makers, however, are operating with extreme caution owing to the mercurial state of the market in block tin. An advance of over <£20 per ton has been recorded in a fortnight, and although the official price on Tuesday was <£333 for cash and three months, it was stated that little business was being done, and holders of stocks were demanding <£10 per ton more. Quotations for Bessemer standard cokes are on the basis of 32s. per box f.o.r. at works, with other sizes in proportion. There is a brisk demand for wasters, but stocks are now comparatively low. At all the steel works outputs are being well maintained, and there is difficulty in coping with the heavy demand on all departments, particularly for rails, bars, plates and billets, as well as constructional steel. Iron ore supplies continue satisfactory. In the galvanised sheet trade there is no change, and the few works operating are engaged chiefly on the production of black plate and painted sheets for Government purposes. All prices are nominal. Swansea. COAL. The trade of the port during the past week was very unfavourable. The tonnage available was very restricted, and consequently the coal and patent fuel trades were extremely inactive. The shipments together amounted to 40,590 tons. There was a very good attendance on ’Change, but no improvement to report in the undertone of either the anthracite or steam coal markets. Stocks of all classes were heavy, and very little business was done. Values were on scheduled terms. Llanelly. COAL. Easy conditions continue to rule on the local market, and there is a decided lack of enquiry for many qualities. Stocks are still on the heavy side, and the shortage of wagons interferes with the working of the collieries, some of which have only managed about half-time during the past week. There is no improvement in the enquiry for anthracite qualities, and buyers are able to get delivery of reasonable quantities of large, cobbles, nuts and beans for prompt shipment. Culm and duff are still very easy and stocks very much on the heavy side. Steam coals of the better grades are a little firmer, but there is no improve- ment in the position of the lower qualities. Smalls in particular are very heavy, and stocks on hand show no reduction. The inland enquiry is maintained on a steady basis, but with collieries working so irregularly the execu- tion of orders is erratic. Manufacturing coals and also the better grades of house coals are moving satisfactorily. Prices f.o.b. Best malting anthracite... Seconds................. Thirds ................. Red Vein large.......... Machine-made cobbles.... Seconds................. Thirds ................. Red Vein cobbles........ Machine-made nuts....... Seconds ................ Thirds.................. Red Vein nuts .......... Machine - broken beans (best) ............... Seconds ................ Thirds.................. Red Vein beans ......... Peas (all qualities).... Rubbly culm............. Red Vein culm........... Breakers duff .......... Billy duff ............. Steam:— Best large steam...... Seconds .............. Cargo through......... Seconds .............. Bunkers through....... Smalls ............... Second smalls ........ Bituminous:— Bituminous through ... Smalls................ Gas through........... Gas smalls............ Current prices. 30/ 29/ 27/6 25/6 42/6 41/ 39/ 36/ 42/6 41/ 39/ 36/ 35/ 34/ 33/ 31/ 20/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 6/6 30/ 27/ 23/6 22/ 23/6 19/ 17/ 27/ 24/ 23/6 21/ L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. 30/ 24/6-26/6 29/ 22/3-23/6 27/6 25/6 — 18/3-19/6 42/6 33/ -35/ 41/ — 39/ — 36/ 42/6 41/ — 39/ — 36/ — 35/ 26/6-28/ 34/ — 33/ — 31/ — 20/ 20/ -22/ 13/ 9/ - 9/6 11/ — 8/ — 6/6 5/3- 5/9 30/ 23/ -24/6 27/ — 23/6 18/ -21/ 22/ — 23/6 — 19/ 8/6-11/ 17/ — 27/ — 24/ 16/ -18/6 23/6 — 21/ —