868 ______________________________ THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. _________________________ October 25, 1918. covers a far wider field. In the course of the discussion Mr. Percy Wallis gave some results of his study of the reverse problem, viz., the relation- ship between the rise of profit and the increase of trade, as deduced from statistics of the French coal trade. His figures, representing the value output per person employed, show that wages rose much slower than prices on the upward movement, leaving a larger margin for possible profits, and the quantity of trade always increased during these periods. He claimed that by this method it is possible to forecast some years in advance the increase or decrease in trade. THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. Thursday, October 24. Scotland.— Western District. ____________________________________________________ THE LONDON GOAL TRADE. Thursday, October 24. ___________________________________________________ The London coal trade for the past week has settled down to a steady effort at fulfilling orders on hand, but arrears are still very considerable. Supplies are appre- ciably better both in the seaborne and the railborne quali- ties, but the question of putting much into stock has been practically given up. Never before has the winter been faced with such a sparse quantity on the ground, and it now only remains to be seen how far the summer stocks, so eagerly pressed for by the ordinary householder, will carry now that the colder weather is upon us. There has not been a single day throughout the whole of the summer months when the delivery trade has been quiet. The pres- sure has been uniformly strong, and undoubtedly a vast quantity has been stored away in ordinary cellars—rationed, of course, but distinctly earlier than is usual in many households. Only a few more days remain for house- holders to apply for their ration forms. All have to be in by October 31, and after that, if application has not been made, it is understood that they will be unable to obtain more than 1 cwt. per week. The colder weather has greatly emphasised the demand on the London coal market, and merchants are particularly pressing for coal on order, but colliery representatives report that it is impossible to do more, and in many cases are refusing orders, even for contract quantities. Considerable attention has been called to the vast increase in the cost of loading and carting coke in the London district lately, and the charges as agreed between the London Coal Merchants Society and the Coal Porters’ Union have been analysed and widely circulated. For every chaldron of coke delivered the cost of handling is approximately 9s. lid. per chaldron, or 16s. 7d. per ton, made up as follows : Loaders landing, 3d. ; loading 12 sacks (a chaldron), Is. Id. ; carmen delivery, Is. Id. ; war bonus, Is. ; average cost of cartage and delivery to householders, 6s. 6d. ; 9s. lid. per chaldron. If the margin of 12s. per ton is continued, the merchant will stand to lose 4s. 7d. for all his coke delivered. Peat is not rationed at present, but the Controller has intimated that an announcement will shortly be made as to regulating both price and distribution. The Chelsea Borough Council are pressing for local fuel and lighting committees to be appointed in London districts similar to those in force in the provinces, but up to the present time the Controller states that he thinks no public advantage would be gained by the introduction of these committees in the metropolitan area. The Westminster City Council have made arrange- ments for a reserve stock of coal for use during the winter in cases of emergency. The caretakers at the Westminster dwellings and other places have been licensed as coal dealers, so as to supply coal if necessary to the poorer people, and coal merchants also in the neighbourhood are called upon to provide and sell coal on lines similar to last year. The shipping trade has been very brisk. The supply has not been sufficient for the export trade. Twenty-four vessels were reported as arriving in the Thames for Monday’s market, and 20 for Wednesday. All, however, were contract cargoes, and principally gas coal. On Monday the Coal Exchange was largely given up to an auction sale of various commodities on behalf of the British and Foreign Sailors’ Society centenary year. Sir A. Cory Wright (chairman of Messrs. W. Cory and Son and Messrs. Rickett, Cockerell and Company) opened the proceedings by a short speech, and was followed by Sir Henry Foster and Capt. Tupper, each of whom paid a very graceful and grateful tribute to the wonderful work the merchant seamen had rendered to the country by their patriotism and sterling heroism. Mr. Geo. Robey pro- ceeded in his own inimitable way to dispose of the articles, all of which fetched a sum vastly in advance of their intrinsic value. In addition to the auction sale, which realised some £280, a subscription list was started, which bids fair to realise a large amount. From Messrs. Dinham, Fawcus and Company's Report. Friday, October 18.—The seaborne house coal market was very quiet to-day, no cargoes being on offer. Arrivals, 7. Monday, October 21.—There was a better supply of seaborne manufacturing and gas coals at to-day’s market to meet contracts. No seaborne coal on offer. Arrivals, 24. Wednesday, October 23.—There was a good supply of coal for gas and other contracts at to-day’s market, but at present no house coal is arriving in London bv sea. Cargoes, 20. COAL. The Scotch coal market continues very active—the demand for all classes of coals, both for export and home consumption, being very strong. Outputs in some districts have been further reduced of late, owing to the prevalence of influenza. The output in the west of Scotland collieries is quickly taken up. Government requirements for naviga- tions and steams are still to the fore, and shipping is strong. Local supplies for industrial and household purp >ses are still scarce. Shipments amounted to 108,081 tons, compared with 101,422 in the preceding week and 125,708 tons in the same week last year. __________.. per ton for good Durham sorts, but the forward market is strong, from 42s. 6d. to 45s. being quoted for these same descriptions. Coke still offers abundantly to neutrals with prompt tonnage at about 60s. per ton for foundry sorts ; for later loading, the price is from 62s. 6d. to 65s. Generally speaking, the forward market is very little affected by the impediments to business which operate at the moment. Prices practically all round are firmly adhered to. A good deal of trade offers for December-January loading, and no difficulty is likely to be experienced in obtaining full current figures for such shipment. As a matter of fact, sellers are not particularly keen on operating ahead, but odd sales continue to be effected, especiady in the steam coal section, at 70s. p r ton for best Bly ths, 67s. 6d. for Tyne primes, 65s for seconds and 40s. to 45s. for smalls. Gas coals are very scarce for forward positions, the demand from the south-country gasworks being still very con- siderable. The Norwegian State Railways are again on the market for 8,000 tons of Northumberland and/or Durham best steams, this time for shipment over December. Tenders are due on November 4. Prices f.o.b. for prompt shipment. Prices f.o.b. Glasgow. _______________________________________ ______ .. Current ' prices. j L’st week’s Last year’s prices. prices. Steam coal 34/6 ; 34/6 27/6 Ell 32/6-35/ 5 32/6-35/ 26/6-28/ Splint 35/ —37/ ; 35/ -37/ 28/ -30/ Treble nuts 30/ ■ 30/ 23/ Double do j 29/ 29/ j 22/ Single do. . 28/ 28/ i I, ; 21 IRON. The output from the Scotch iron works is maintained. In pig iron everything is disposed of on production. Most of the furnaces are still making basic iron, and other quali- ties are suffering in consequence. Forge iron is perhaps a little more plentiful, but foundry is very scarce, despite the restriction of exports. Prices are nominal, but very firm figures are obtainable for any shipments pos- sible. Approximate values: Monkland and Carnbroe f.a.s. at Glasgow, Nos. 1, 140s., Nos. 3, 135s. ; Govan, No. 1, 135so No. 3, 130s.; Clyde, Summerlee, Calder and Langloan, Nos. 1, 150s., Nos. 3, 145s.; Glengarnock, at Ardrossam No. 1, 140s., No. 3, 135s.; Eglinton, at Ardrossan or Troon, and Dalmellington, at Ayr, Nos. 1, 145s., Nos. 3, 135s.; Shotts at Leith, No. 1, 150s., No. 3, 145s per ton. At the malleable iron works light rails, bolt and nut iron, and shipbuilding and locomotive sections, provide constant work for the mills. Business in sheets is confined to national interests Generally speaking, very little new work is possible. Stocks everywhere are greatly reduced, but practically nothing but repair work is permitted. __________________ Scotland. -Eastern District. COAL. A slightly easier feeling is noticeable in the Lothians— neutral demands having dropped off a little. Supplies for local consumption are, nevertheless, difficult to obtain. Shipments were 16,664 tons, against 18,983 in the preceding week and 17,344 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Leith. ____________________________________ Current prices. Best screened steam coal... 33/6 Secondary qualities 32/6 Treble nuts 30/ Double do 29/ Single do 28/ iL’st week’s|last year’s j prices, j prices I 33/6 j 26/6 I 32/6 j 25/6 30/ I 23/ 29/ ! 22/ 28/ ! 21/ Arrivals of tonnage at the Fife ports are regular, and business in first and third steams is brisk. Local indus- tries are receiving poor supplies, and household deliveries are meagre. Shipments amounted to 42,634 tons, against 36,050 in the preceding week and 29,713 tons in the same week last year. Prices f.o.b. Methil or Burntisland. ____________________________________________ Best screened navigation coal..................... Unscreened do............ First-class steam coal... Third-class do........... Treble nuts ___............ Double do................ Single do................ Current L’st week’s Last year’s prices. ! prices. prices. 36/ -38/ 36/ -38/ 29/ -31/ 31/ -32/ 31/ -32/ 24/ -25/ 35/ 35/ 28/ 31/ 31/ 24/ 30/ 30/ 23/ 29/ 29/ 22/ 28/ 28/ 21/ ___________________________________________________ LETTERS TO THE EDITORS. The Editors are not responsible either for the statements made, or the opinions expressed by correspondents. All communications must be authenticated by the name and address of the sender, whether for publication or not. No notice can be taken of anonymous communications. As replies to questions are only given by way of published answers to correspondents, and not by letter, stamped addressed envelopes are not required to be sent. _________________________________________________ All prices quoted only apply to French, Italian and Portuguese shipments. The aggregate shipments from Scottish ports during the past week amounted to 167,379 tons, compared with 166,455 tons in the preceding week and 172,765 tons in the corre- sponding week of last year. EXAMINATION CANDIDATES’ PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE. Sirs, I am sorry for “ Perplexed Candidate” and the difficulties be is up against, but would advise him to send in his papers again, and give the secretary of the Board for Mining Examinations the name of the man he is hinting at going to the examination under false pretensions ; and then the secretary will look into his credentials. Another Perplexed Candidate. ________ ________ Northumberland, Durham and Cleveland. Newcastle-on-Tyne. COAL. Throughout the week, the industry has suffered con- siderable inconvenience from the continuance of the shortage of arrival of official tonnage, and the scarcity of railway trucks. As a result, those classes of fuel that were easy last week are, if anything, easier now, whilst other qualities, which were fairly well absorbed a week ago, are now offering in larger quantities, and although late prices are nominally adhered to, slight discounts are available for prompt neutral shipment. Considerable quantities of most descriptions of coal, indeed, are available for spot loading to neutrals, in consequence of the dislocation of loading turns, resultant from the failure of expected vessels to arrive in due time. Neutrals are handicapped in their efforts to take advantage of the present comparative plentifulness of coal, by reason of the fact that their own vessels are not turning up as numerously as might be the case, and that the difficulties in obtaining licences have not lessened during the week. Bunkers continue to be especially easy, being obtainable for spot loading at 40s. | Current ! L’st week’s Last year’s prices. Best, Blyths (D.C.B.) ...! 37/ -70/ 37/ -70/ ~ ~ " '— - — 36/6-70/ 29 6-32/ Steam coals;— prices. prices. 30/ -32/6 Do. Tynes (Bowers,&c.I 36/6-70/ , Secondary, Blyths ....32/6-65/ 32/6-65/ 25’6-28/ Do. Tynes (Hastings! or West Hartleys) Unscreened ... Small, Blyths ......... Do. Tynes... Do. specials Other sorts:— 34/ -67/6 34/ -67 6 i 27/ 30 6-40/ ___ ! 27/ -45/ ! 25/6-40/ ; 27/6-45/ Smithies..............j 32/ -40/ Best gas coals (New! Pelton or Holmside): 32/ -50/ Secondary gas coals! (Pelaw Main or similar) < 30/6 -45 / Special gas coals ......j 33/6-55/ Unscreened bunkers, I Durhams; 31/ - 50/ Do. do. i Northumbrians! 31/ -45/ Coking coals..........• 31/ -40/ Do. smalls ....; 31/ -40/ House coals ..........i 35/6-70/ ............... Coke, foundry _____......... 49/6-65/ Do. blast-furnace......• 49/6-65/ Do. gas ................ 47/6 ! 30/6-40/ , 27/ -45/ ' 25/6-40/ i 27/6-45/ ; 32/ -40/ : 32/ -50/ : 30/6-45/ j 33/6-55/ i 31/ -50/ : 31/ -45/ ; 31/ -40/ I 31/ -40/ : 35/6-70/ 49/6-65/ 49/6-65/ j 47;6 / -29/6 23/6-27 6 20/ -22 6 18/6-21/ , 20/6-23/ ; 25/ -30/6 ; 25/ -27/6 23/6-26/ ! 26/6-29/ ! 26,6-27 6 i 26 6-27/6 ■ 24/ -27/6 i 24/ -27/6 28/6-32/6 ! 42,6-45/ : 42,6-45/ i 32,6-35/ Sunderland. COAL. The prompt market is weak, owing to the shortage of stemmed tonnage. The collieries also complain of the scarcity of wagons, which makes full work at the pits diffi- cult. The men are turning up well. Sellers offer freely, and buyers are favourably placed in the way of discount, but are unable to take immediate delivery. For for ware1 shipment the market is firm. Official and home trade demands continue heavy. Steam coals, gas and coking coals and manufacturing fuel are in full enquiry, but neutral business remains slow, though enquiries are circulating for November-January delivery. Except for bunker coals, which are plentiful and easy, open market prices are sustained. Coke supplies are scarce generally. Foundry for neutrals 55s. is still offered. Gas-house make is from 47s. 6d. to 50s. M i d d I esbrough-on-Tees. COAL. The fuel trade is firm, with a fair amount of business passing. On the whole, the tonnage position is better, but it still leaves a good deal to be desired. Whilst some collieries have more than ample, others are sparingly supplied. Neutral trade is uncertain, but there is a very considerable under-current of enquiry, particularly for December-January delivery. Prices for such trade are steady and unaltered Gas coal and manufacturing fuel are in keen request on home account. Official demand is large and exacting. Bunker coal is rather quiet and some- what plentiful, with second-hand holders offering sales ata little below direct quotations. Coking coal continues to be well taken up. Demand for coke is heavy, and supply generally is scarce, but marked improvement in delivery to local consumers now leaves little ground for complaint from that’quarter. Average blastfurnace kind keeps at 33s. at the ovens, and low phosphorus quality is 35s. 6d. at the ovens Good foundry coke is selling to neutrals at 65s. f.o.b. IRON. The pig iron market fully maintains its strength, and is fairly active. Continued limited supply of Cleveland foundry iron, however, restricts business, though rather better deliveries to home customers are reported, notwith- standing difficulties as regards the truck supply, and shipments to the Allies are on quite a substantial scale. Forge iron is plentiful, and is selling somewhat freely both on early and forward account, with good enquiries for delivery early next year. For home consumption, No. 3 pig, No. 4 foundry and No. 4 forge all stand at 95s.; and No. 1 is 99s.; whilst for delivery to France and Italy No. 3 and the lower qualities are 122s. 9d.; and No. 1 is 127s. 9d. Conditions in the east coast haematite branch are regarded as satisfactory. Supply is sufficient for essential needs, and an outstanding feature is the heavy exports to Italy. Nos. 1, 2 and 3 are 122s. 6d. for home use, and 147s. 6d. for shipments to France and Italy. There is no abatement in demand for finished iron and steel. Avery large proportion of production is for shipbuilding purposes, but manufacture of constructional material and of light sheets is also heavy. _______ _______ Cumberland. Mary port. COAL. Business in the Cumberland coal trade is very much brisker all round this week. There is a strong market for fuel, and the demand on both home and export accounts is again increasing. For the past fortnight the requirements of home consumers have been fairly well satisfied, but there is still a marked shortage of smalls and coking fuels. Coke makers are having a keen struggle to keep going. New business is coming in more freely than it can be dealt with, and at present the collieries have more on hand locally than they will be able to cope with for some weeks. House coal is very active. Landsale has been receiving rather more