July 26, 1918. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN 185 shipping and coal programme, as well as to decide all questions of priority with regard to instructions of the Admiralty, Ministry of Shipping, Controller of Coal Mines, and the Coal Export Committee. The members are well known throughout South Wales, but it is complained in some quarters that the actual commercial element is not sufficiently represented, but it is generally agreed that conditions will be improved, and that the work of the trade _ will be considerably facilitated. Recruiting has markedly decreased in the mining areas, and whilst the outputs remain about 20 per cent, below normal, as at present, it is not probable that the military authorities will make a further call on the coal field until it has been definitely ascertained what percentage of men will be available under the extended calling-up scheme. There is no alteration in prices, and all quotations are in accordance with the schedule of the Coal Controller. Pitwood is fairly plentiful, and large quantities of home-grown timber are now being used for colliery purposes. Prices are unchanged. IRON. Outputs at many of the works have been seriously inter- fered with, owing to the influenza, but, except in particular districts, this is now abating. Iron ore supplies are satis- factory, and, as far as labour conditions allow, all the steel works and blastfurnaces are working at maximum pressure. Particularly does this apply to the rail and bar mills, the products of which are in great demand, not only for home consumption, but for shipment overseas. The tin-plate trade is very firm, and some large orders having recently come on to the market, most firms report full books for several months ahead. Block tin is .£377 per ton, and Bessemer standard sizes are on the basis of 32s. 6d. to 33s. 6d. per box, with other makes in proportion. Ship- ments last week were considerably lower, amounting to 37,146 boxes, against 47,306 boxes in the previous week. Receipts from works, on the other hand, were heavier, and totalled 38,921 boxes, compared with 28,658 the previous week, leaving 129,275 boxes in stock in the docks ware- houses and vans, compared with 127,509 boxes the previous week and 94,372 boxes at the corresponding date of last year. There is no change in the galvanised sheet trade, and little is being done, except in the production of black plate for official purposes. Spelter works are busy, but outputs are being interfered with, owing to the irregularity in the deliveries of ore. Scrap metals are in strong demand at maximum price, and supplies are on the short side Swansea. COAL. A very good attendance assembled on ’Change. No material alteration occurred in the general condition of the anthracite coal market. Large, especially the better qualities, were moving off satisfactorily. Of the machine- made varieties, cobbles and beans were the only kinds that were readily obtainable, all other sizes being strongly held. Rubbly culm and duff continued slow. In steam coals all classes were fully stemmed. Llanelly. COAL. The market has improved owing to better tonnage arrivals. The anthracite market in particular is more active than last reported, and in most instances the better grades in this department are moving more satisfactorily. Red Vein large is not particularly busy, and for prompt shipment supplies can be obtained without difficulty. The machine-made qualities are generally firm, but cobbles are at present less active than other descriptions. Beans are in good demand, and nuts are much firmer than has been the case during the past few weeks. Peas are scarce, and buyers are finding it difficult to place their orders. There is no improvement in the demand for rubbly culm and duff, and there are heavy stocks available for any orders offering. Bituminous coals are in strong demand, and not many spot lots are offering outside contract bookings. The steam coal market maintains its firm position, and there is no easing off in the demand for the higher grades, which are very scarce. Large and through qualities in particular are very strong. The lower grades of small are the only easy qualities in this section of the market, and these are offering freely. There is a steady inland demand for practically all descriptions on the market, but long delays in the execution of orders are unavoidable in consequence of the shortage in supplies of many qualities. Prices f.o.b. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Anthracite;— prices. prices. prices. Best malting large 37/ 37/ 30/ Seconds 36/ 36/ 29/ Thirds 34/6 34/6 27/6 Red Vein large •32/6 32/6 25/6 Machine-made cobbles... 49/6 49/6 42/6 Seconds 48/ 48/ 41/ Thirds 46/ 46/ 39/ Red Vein cobbles w/ 43/ z 43/ 36/ Machine-made nuts 49/6 49/6 42/6 Seconds 48/ 48/ 41 / Thirds 46/ 46/ 39/ Red Vein nuts 437 43/ 36/ Machine - broken beans (best) 42/ 42/ 35/ Seconds 41/ 41/ 34/ Thirds 40/ 40/ 33/ Red Vein beans 38/ 38/ 31/ Peas (all qualities) 27/ 27/ 20/ Rubbly culm 20/ 20/ 13/ Red Vein culm 18/ 18/ 11/ Breaker duff ... 15/ 15/ J. J. / 10/ Billy duff 13/6 13/6 6/6 Steam:— Best large steams 37/ 37/ 30/ Seconds 34/ 34/ 27/ Cargo through 1 / Seconds Bunker through 30/6 30/6 25/ Smalls 26/ 26/ 19' Second smalls z Bituminous:— Bituminous through ... 34/ 34/ 27/ Smalls 31/ 31/ 24/ Gas through Gas smalls (Coke-oven) coke 54/6 54/6 47,6 The above prices are subject to an advance of 2s. 6d. per ton in the case of shipments to France and Italy, and coal for the manufacture of patent fuel for shipment thereto. THE LONDON COAL TRADE. Thursday, July 25. The pressure for both household and manufacturing coal continues unabated in the London district, and merchants on all sides show a great eagerness to buy. In many directions, however, serious differences of opinion exist with reference to the propriety of granting the increases in the pit prices recently given —Is. 6d. per ton on the top of the 2s. 6d. per ton already notified a few days ago. The new Order provides that the maximum delivery prices in the Metro- politan area shall be:—Best selected house coal, 45s. per ton, Silkstone 43s , Derby brights 42s., best kitchen coal 41s., hard cobbles or kitchen nuts 40s., stove coal 39s., gas coke, unbroken 44s., broken 45s. 8d. This is an increase of 5s. 6d. per ton since January 21 last, and of 4d. per cwt. on trolley prices. These increases commenced on July 8, and apply to all coal and coke delivered on and from that date. Warning notes have been freely issued lately regarding coal supplies for the winter months, and special emphasis is laid upon the present moment as being the time to economise. Gas supplies will also be rationed, and strict economy is absolutely necessary. Prominent coal owners state that from 25 to 30 per cent, less coal will be pro- duced than was the case last winter.. The continued reduction in the output owing to so many of the men being on the sick list, together with the enormous strain to build up a stock of coal in France and Italy, is causing consider- able anxiety on the London market. The demand from merchants is unusually keen, but the limited quantity available is rapidly caught up. The delivery trade at the depots is reported to be steadily progressing, and as far as possible all back orders from the public are being partially supplied. The seaborne market has been fairly maintained. The total of 68 vessels reported las' week was considered very good, and this week 22 vessels have arrived in the River Thames for Monday’s market and 8 for Wednesday. One of the most attractive handbills issued from the Con- troller’s office and circulated largely on the London market, dealing with economy in the coal question, contains the startling announcement that a piece of coal about 3 in. cube, saved each day by every man, woman and child, in every household in this country would mean a saving of 6,700,000 tons of coal during the year, or 744,000 wagon loads or 33,000 train loads. The new Order for regu- lating the coal supply in London during the coming winter has already been published, and apparently has been in operation for over three weeks, but the forms for house- holders to fill up are given until the end of September for registration. Generally speaking, it provides for one ton of coal per room per annum, but the rooms must be “occu- pied.” A six-roomed house will have five tons of coal and 15,000 cu. ft. of gas, or 300 units of electricity; but a 12- roomed house will have six more tons of coal, but no more gas or electricity. It is a matter of supreme importance that householders should exercise the strictest care and economy, in view of the cold winter months. From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Company’s Report. Friday, July 19.—The seaborne house coal market was quiet to-day—only a small supply and no sales reported. Arrivals, 6. Monday, July 22.—The demand for seaborne house coal was good, but no cargoes on offer, therefore no sales reported. Cargoes, 22. Wednesday, July 24. The demand for seaborne house coal continued good, but the supply being very small, no cargoes were available for sale. Arrivals, 8. COASTWISE SHIPMENTS IN JUNE. According to the returns issued by the Commissioners of H.M. Customs and Excise, the following quantities of coal were shipped from the United Kingdom during June:— From | Total cargo. Total bunker. ' 1917. 1918. 1917. 1918. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Bristol Channel ports .. i 107,657 130,693 8,495 7,903 North-western ports .. i 229,583 123,432 39,299 32,224 North-eastern ports .. i 586,041 256,133 22,622 16,191 Humber ports .. i 35,705 25,184 4,245 2,326 Other ports on east coast .. I 1,090 12,022 2,926 1,276 Other English ports .. 1 4,840 8,776 2,658 838 Total from England and Wales .. j 964,916 55*,240 80,245 60,758 Ports on east coast of Scotland 59,649 39,611 6,698 6,197 Ports on west coast of Scotland .. j 171,478 185,800 21,957 16,389 Total from Scotland 231,127 225,411 28,655 22,586 Irish ports •• i “ — 1,970 1,064 Total from United Kingdom .. s 1,196,043 781,651 110,870 84,408 To ports in The destination of cargo shipments was June 1917. Tons. as follows:— June 1918. Tons. England and Wales....... 760,181 ... 402,986 Scotland................... 25,157 ... 18,157 Ireland .................. 410,236 ... 360,508 Procedure for Obtaining Steel.—A system of control of rollings has been instituted in conjunction with the Ministry of Munitions. The country has been divided up into six areas, each of which has been placed in charge of a steel superintendent, who represents the Admiralty and the Ministry of Munitions. The six areas are the Scotch area, north-east coast area, South Wales area, Midland area, Sheffield area, and north-west coast area. Canal Barge Propulsion,—In a system of propelling canal barges devised by Mr. H. McReynolds, the serew is placed in a chamber in which a vacuum is formed by means of an air pump driven by the engine. In this way water is drawn up into the chamber above the water level of the canal, and the screw rotates in ‘solid water, the result claimed being a great increase in the propulsive efficiency. It is claimed that the screw gives rise to much less dis- turbance of the water behind the boat than the usual arrangement, so that higher speeds are practicable with- out damage to the canal. OBITUARY. Mr. N. Musgrove, traffic manager at Craghead and Holmside collieries, died last week. Two of the most regular attenders on the London Coal Exchange passed away during the week. One was Mr. J. H. Gilman, coal factor, of No. 53/55, Coal Exchange, and the other Mr. A. R. Lockwood (of Messrs. Stephenson, Clarke and Company), St. Dunstan’s-alley, E.C. Both were well known members of the Exchange, and both were active members of the Carbon Lodge, No. 2910. Mr. H. Holbrow, well known in connection with mining in the Forest of Dean, died suddenly in London after an attack of influenza, from which pneumonia developed. He had been engaged in developing the iron ore seams, Cole- ford district, and was connected with the Easter Iron Mines at Milkwall. Aiderman John Davies, miners’ agent for many years of the Dowlais district, and an ex-Mayor of Merthyr, died on Wednesday. THE BY-PRODUCTS TRADE. Tar Products.—In the London market the price of pitch is inclined to be over 55s. rather than under, and business on that basis is reported. Even at something over 55s. sellers are firm. As usual, the provincial quotations are much lower, and it is not quite clear how the position may develop, in view of the transport difficulties. The quotation now averages 30s. east and west coasts at gas works. Solvent naphtha is too plentiful for ready clearance at recent prices, and the tendency is lower. Crude car- bolic, 60 degs., is somewhat uncertain, but the basis is fairly represented by 2s. 6d. per gal. in sellers’ tanks at works in London and provinces. Benzol remains at the fixed price. Only a medium sort of business is being done in heavy naphtha. Anthracene 48-50 per cent., is quoted in London at 6d. per unit at works. Sulphate of Ammonia.—A large business is recorded at official figures. THE IRISH COAL TRADE. Thursday, July 25. Dublin. . Scarcely any improvement has occurred in the matter of supplies, and although the Irish Coal Controller is doing his utmost to meet the situation, the shortage is still very acute, and there is practically no coal in some of the merchants’ yards. Only limited deliveries are made to recognised customers, and one large city firm had to close down its works last week for lack of supplies. A conference of coal merchants and bell-men, under the chairmanship of the Coal Controller, was held recently to consider the question of supplies to the bell factors. On behalf of the latter it was contended that excessive quantities of coal were being despatched to the country at unusually high prices, thereby seriously curtailing the local supply. It is understood that steps have now been taken to meet the factors’ grievance, and a committee has been appointed to arrange equitable distribution and to deal with future developments. The electricity commit- tee has given notice that supplies must be substantially reduced during the six months commencing September, during which only two-thirds of the supply during last December or March quarter can be supplied. Where more than the allotted two-thirds is used the supply will be cut off for the following quarter. Prices of household coal remain unchanged, as follows : Orrell, 55s. 6d. to 56s. per ton• Wigan, 54s. 6d. ; Whitehaven, 54s. 6d. Pem- berton Wigan, 53s. 6d. ; Standard coal, 51s. ; slack, 50s. ; all less Is. per ton discount. Coke is advanced to 53s. per ton. The total quantity of coal discharged upon the quays from cross-Channel ports during the past week was 20,137 tons, as compared with 22,017 tons the week pre- viously. The Chief Secretary and the Coal Controller last week visited the Wolfhill Collieries, Queen’s County, and inspected the sidings erected at Athy in connection with the new branch line to the mines, and the new bridge over the Barrow. The mines at Gracefield and Modubeagh were also visited, and satisfaction was expressed at the progress made. An inspection was made of the new Castle- comer line in course of construction from the mines in that district to connect with the Great Southern and Western Railway at Kilkenny. Belfast. Supplies have been further curtailed by the Scotch miners’ holidays, and no improvement can be expected until late this week. Stocks in some of the depots are almost depleted. Prices of house coal recently arranged by the Corporation Committee are : Best Arley, 54s. per ton; Orrell nuts, 53s. ; Orrell slack, 50s. ; Scotch house, 48s. ; standard coal,' 47s. Operations have commenced for the reopening of the Minnie Pit, Halmer End, Staffs, where a disastrous ex- plosion occurred last January, resulting in 155 deaths. When the pit had to be closed in February, 61 bodies had been brought up, leaving 94 still in the workings. Ex- ploration is expected to be very slow and attended with considerable danger.