November 29, 1918. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 1141 Mixed numbers are 122s. 6d. for home use, and 147s 6d. for export to France and Italy. There is more doing in foreign ore, and imports are on a large scale. Pressure for delivery of heavy manufactured iron and steel material is unabated, but there is slackness at smaller works, due to cancellation of Government orders. met. Whatever easement has been caused by the lessened demand at munition and such like works for slacks and small fuel is offset by requirements in other directions, with an appearance still of more being required to ensure to consumers an adequacy. Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). Cumberland. Maryport. COAL. The situation in both the coal and coke industries is slowly but steadily improving. All the collieries are working regularly. Production, of course, is not yet equal to requirements. Business remains in a very firm condition, and the clamour for fuel on all accounts is well maintained. As far as the home markets are concerned, the demand for coal is growing keener. Local manufacturing requirements are probably not so heavy as they were a month ago, but gas companies and other users are pressing for increased supplies, and the landsale depots are taking all the stocks they can secure. No supplies can yet be spared for outside consumption. New business is coming in freely. Works fuel is in keen request, and there is still a shortage of smalls and coking fuels. Bunkers and gas coal are in steady request, and gas coal for local use is in very firm demand. Shipping is very brisk. A good cargo of pit props arrived from Dumfries for the local collieries, and the exports this week have included 1,000 tons of pitch for Bilbao from the West Cumberland By- Products Works. Coke makers are fairly well employed. Current quotations. Current L’st week’s Lastyear’s House coal:— prices. prices. prices. Best 27/6-28/6 27/6-28/6 23/6-24/6 Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) 29/ -30/ 29/ -30/ 26/ upwds Medium 25/6-26/6 i 25/6-26/6 21 6-22/6 Do. (f.o.b. Garston, net) 28/6-29/ 1 28/6-29/ 25/ upwds Kitchen 24/6 24/6 27/ -28/ 20/6 Com. (f.o.b. Garston, net) 27/ -28/ 24/ Screened forge coal 24/6 1 24/6 20/6 Best scrnd. steam coal f.o.b. ( 34/6* I 65/t j 34/6* > ; 65/+ j 30/6 Best slack 22/6 21/6 20/6 ■ 22/6 18/6 Secondary slack 21/6 17/6 Common Jo 20/6 16/6 * Allies. t Neutrals. Current prices. L’st week’s prices. Last year’s prices. BestCumberl’nd coal at pit 29/10 29/10 25/10 Eest washed nuts at pit... 28/2 28/2 24/2 Seconds at pit 27/4 27/4 23'4 Washed nuts at pit 27/4 27/4 23/4 Do. smalls „ 23/2 23/2 19/2 Do. peas „ 21/6 21/6 17/6 Best dry small, at pit 26/ 26/ — Buckhill best coal at pit... Do. double-scrned 29/ 29/ 25/ washed nuts 27/6 27/6 23,'6 Oughterside best coal Oughterside best washed 28 2 28/2 25/ nuts St. Helens (Siddick) best 26/6 26/6 23,6 coal at pit St. Helens (Siddick) best 29/ 29/ 25/ house nuts at pit Eest Cumberland coal. 27/6 27/6 23,6 f.o.b 26/ 26/ 22/ Best washed nuts, f.o.b. ... 24/ 24/ 20/ Best bunkers (coastwise) 35/ 35/ 31/ Do. (foreign)... 38/ 38/ 31/ Best works fuel 26/6 26/6 26,6 22/6 Best gas coal Best washed nuts for gas- 26'6 22/6 works 25/6 25,6 j 21/6 IRON. Very great briskness continues to characterise operations in the West coast haematite pig iron trade. The diminution in the demand for shell steel and other war material has so far not affected the staple industries. There is still a very keen demand for special and ordinary iron, and all the output from the 31 furnaces in blast is being readily absorbed. Consumers are getting more regular and adequate supplies. Prices are still at the official maximum. The position in the iron ore industry is a shade easier. All the mines are at work, and the output is fairly satisfactory. Tonnage is now more abundant, and some good assignments of foreign iron ore are coming to hand. The imports of foreign iron ore at the Senhouse Dock at Maryport last week amounted to 5,000 tons. Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Leeds. COAL. Fairly nominal conditions are restored at the pits, except that influenza is still affecting the output of coal to some extent. In regard to house coal, the position is more serious, both in London and the local markets. London representatives present on the Yorkshire Coal Exchange on Tuesday reported that many depots were entirely without coal, that stocks were practically worked up, and that it was possible to satisfy only a little of the public demand. In the local markets the situation is no less severe. It became known on the Exchange that the Coal Controller had wired instructions to the collieries, via the local sup- plies committees, that during the next six weeks deliveries of house and gas coal are to be on the basis of a 100 per cent, of the deliveries in the corresponding weeks of a year ago. This instruction, by the way, followed with an interval of a few days the issue of a new regulation to the effect that deliveries by the collieries generally shall be at the rate of 75 per cent, of quantities delivered in the year ending June 1918, which by ante-dating the basis period, meant a further reduction in supplies on 1917. Whether the extra deliveries in the next six weeks are to count against the 75 per cent, for the year is a matter about which some doubt exists. Gas coal deliveries are on a scale which fails to meet the day-to-day requirements of the works. It is understood that house and gas coals will have priority next in order to Admiralty requirements and those of our Allies. Manufacturing fuel is a shade easier in con- sequence of the munition and similar works requiring less, and the ordinary consumer is rather better supplied. There is a keen enquiry, especially for rough slacks, and nuts are almost unprocurable. The demand for washed furnace coke has also eased off a little, but the output con- tinues to be quickly cleared. Applications for licences to export are meeting with refusal. Pit prices continue very largely to be nominal. Current pit prices. their low stocks, and to provide for delays in transport owing to bad weather conditions. Although the release of fuel is gradually becoming larger, there are so many outlets that there is nothing offering in the open market. Gas coal supplies are rather better, and include some small pro- portion of nuts, though representations are necessary to procure attention to the considered needs of the situation. Supplies for electricity plants are improved not only in regard to quality but also bulk. Though a good deal of coking fuel is still needed, the pressure has fallen away and a reduced make of coke meets the situation, consequent upon the less pressure for furnace coke from the pig iron districts. The supply of house coal is a matter of greater concern, and with the demand continually increasing, there is little effect felt owing to the continually increasing demand. HulL COAL. Export business has been on quiet lines during the past few days, practically the whole of the allocation of supplies for the month having been absorbed a week ago. There is a strong enquiry for early December loading, and efforts will be made to get as much as possible shipped this side of Christmas. Deliveries from the collieries are still far from satisfactory, and it seems unlikely that anything approaching a substantial increase in production can be reached this side of the new year. Demands for coal for France continue heavy. Some relief in the Admiralty requirements of large steam coal is experienced, and the local demand for industrial purposes is not so pressing. Deliveries of gas and house coal are on the short side, and anxiety on this account is far from being removed. Ship- ments this week have been fairly good, and have included one or two neutral cargoes. Chesterfield. COAL. Coal supplies continue scarce. Household kinds, which have been on order for many weeks, are difficult to secure. In spite of the great delay, orders for domestic fuel are coming to hand freely. Since the cessation of hostilities there has been no falling off in the demand for coal for munition works. It is impossible to meet all the needs of the market, especially for cobbles and nuts suitable for gas producers. Slacks for steam-raising purposes are urgently wanted, and much difficulty is experienced in obtaining delivery. There is no change in the position regarding gas coal, which is in very pressing demand for current consumption. Railway companies are badly in need of coal for locomotives, and their reserve stocks have in some cases completely disappeared. The position with regard to the export trade is unchanged, as licences are still unobtainable. The coke market is in an active condition, all qualities being in great request. Supplies of coking slack are barely equal to the needs of the ovens, which are only kept in operation with great difficulty. IRON. There is no change to report in connection with the iron trade of the district. All the works continue to be actively employed. South Lancashire and Cheshire. COAL. The Manchester Coal Exchange was well attended on Tuesday. There is really no change in the position. All qualities of house and steam coal are strong in demand, with practically no free coal to offer. Shipments are about as usual, with fairly adequate supplies coming forward. Prices arenas below : — Prices at pit (except where otherwise stated). House coal:— Best Current prices. 28/6 26/ -27/ 24/6-25/ 24/ -24/6 * 22/6 upwds 21/ upwds L’st week’s prices. 28 /6 26/ -27/ 24/6-25/ 24/ -24/6 * 22/6upwds 21/ upwds Medium Common Furnace coal Bunker (f.o.b. Partington) Best slack Common slack Last year's prices. 24/6 22/ -23/ 20/6-21/ 20/ -20/6 ______* 18/6 upwds 17/ upwds House coal:— Prices at pit (London) : Haigh Moor selected ... Wallsend & London best Silkstone best ........ Do. house .......... House nuts ........... Prices f.o.b. Hull:— Haigh Moor best....... Silkstone best ....... Do. house .......... Other qualities....... Gas coal:— Prices at pit: Screened gas coal..... Gas nuts.............. Unscreened gas coal ... Other sorts:— Prices at pit: Washed nuts........... Large double-screened engine nuts .......... Small nuts............ Rough unscreened engine coal...?....... Bost rough slacks..... Small do.............. Coking smalls ........ Coke Price at ovens Furnace coke ......... Current prices. 25/6-26/6 25/ -25/6 25/ -25/6 24/ -24/6 22'6 -23 6 29/6-30/ 28/ -29/ 27/ -28/ 24'6-26,6 22/ -22/6 21/ -22/ 20/6-21/6 22/6-23/6 21/6-22/6 20/6-21/6 20/6-21/6 19/6-20/6 17/6-18/6 18/ -19/ L’st week’s prices. 25/6-26/6 25/ -25/6 25/ -25/6 24/ -24/6 22/6 -23/6 s Last year's I prices. i 21/6-22/6 21/ -21/6 ! 21/ -21/6 | 20/ -20 6 18'6-19 6 29/6-30/ | 25/6-26/ 28/ -29/ | 24/ -25/ 27/ -28/ j 23/ -24/ 24/6-26/6 20/6-22/6 22/ -22/6 21/ -22/ 20/6-21/6 22/6-23/6 21/6-22/6 20,6-21/6 20/6-21/6 19/6-20/6 17/6-18/6 18/ -19/ 18/ -18/6 17/ -18/ 16/6-17/6 18/6-19,6 17/6-18 6 16/6-17/6 | 16/6-17/6 i 15/6-16/6 ! 13/6-14/6 14/ -15/ 32/ 32/ 32/ * As per official list. IRON. For buying and selling one can say “nothing doing.’' As far as the buyer is concerned there is too much uncertainty, and the same remark applies to the seller. At the moment “hand-to-mouth" seems to be the plan being adopted. Even if any small quantity is sold, the makers have a proviso that it shall be invoiced at the price ruling at the time of delivery. One learns the contracts for shell steel and such like are being cancelled right and left; where works have been fully employed on this material and no permit has been given to them to come into the open market to take orders, it is rather embarrassing. Wire drawers have now been released, and can go out to the rope makers, and others to secure orders. Barnsley. COAL. Experience has realised severely the alterations in the distribution which were prospected a week ago. Illness in some parts of the district is causing a good deal of absence. With the return of these men a greater improvement in the output is relied upon. The stronger demand for shipment is felt, though so far as district coal is concerned efforts are directed towards the business with neutral countries. The demand for France and Italy is fairly strong and the allotted deliveries on behalf of the Admiralty are not much reduced. The railway companies are seeking larger supplies to add to South-West Lancashire. COAL. Notwithstanding the fact that economy in household consumption is undoubtedly being exercised, the call for daily supplies is in excess of the tonnage forthcoming. Requirements of steam coal for shipment are much as they were last week, there being fair enquiry both for bunkering and export. Supplies on the whole are short, and some difficulty is experienced in obtaining the full quantities needed to complete cargoes. In gas coal much pressure continues to be exercised for adequate deliveries. In the coastwise and cross-Channel trade the same urgency prevails, and the merchants’ requests can only be partially Prices at pit. Current L’st week’s Lastyear’s House coals:— prices. prices. prices. Best Silkstono 27/ -28/6 27/ -28/6 22/6-24,6 Best Barnsley sof ts 25/ -25/6 ’ 25/ -25/6 21/ -21/6 Secondary do. 23/ -24/ ! 22/ -24/ 19/6-20/ Best house nuts 22/6-23/6 22/6-23/6 18/6-19,6 Secondary do 22/ -23/6 22/ -23/6 18/ -18'6 Steam coals:— Best hard coals 24/ -25/ 24/ -25/ 20/ -21/ Secondary do. ... 23/ -24/ 23/ -24/ 19/ -20/ Best washed nutis 22/6-24/6 22/6-23/6 21/ -22/ 18/9-19/ Secondary do. 21/ -22/ 18/ -18/9 Best slack 19/ -19/9 19/ -19/9 15/ -15/6 Secondary do. .... 16/ -17/6 16/ -17/6 13/ -13/6 Gas coals:— Screened gas coals 23/ -23/6 23/ -23/6 19/ -19/6 Unscreened do 22/ -22/6 22/ -22/6 18/ -18/6 Gas nuts 22/ 22/ 18/9 Furnace coke 32/ 32/ 32/ Nottingham. COAL. There is an insistent demand for all classes of coal raised in this county. Unfortunately the position has been rendered more difficult owing to influenza. With the supplies available from the collieries local merchants are unable to satisfy customers' requirements, and delay in delivery is in many cases inevitable. A comparatively fair tonnage is leaving the district for outside areas. Despite the fact that there is a reduced demand from munition works, the output of steam-producing fuel is not sufficient to meet the general needs. A heavy tonnage is required by railway companies, and works not directly engaged on Government work have a difficulty in obtaining sufficient supplies for ordinary running. Slacks are in rather better supply. There is a very active demand for gas coal and coke. Prices at pithead :— Hand-picked brights ..... Good house coals......... Secondary do............. Best hard coals.......... Secondary do ............ Slacks (best hards)...... Do. (second) .......... Do. (soft)............. Current prices. 25/ -26/ 24/ -25/ 22/6-23/6 22/ -23/ 21/ -21/6 18/ -19/ 16/6-17/6 16/ -17/ L’st week’s,Last year’s urices. j prices. 25/—26/ | 21/ -22/ 24/ -25/ 20/ -21/ 22/6-23/6 18/6-19/6 22/ -23 18/6-19/ 21/ -21/6 17/ -18/ 18/ -19/ J 14/6—15/ 16/6-17/6 I 13/ -13/6 16/ -17/ I 13/ Leicestershire. COAL. The position of affairs is still very serious. The influenza epidemic is raging with such severity that the output has been greatly reduced at every colliery, and there is no prospect of any relief within a month. Sub-division of supplies all round is more strict than ever. The demand for the London district is extremely heavy, and preferential treatment has still to be rigidly observed by minimum deliveries day by day. Easily handled economic fuel, such as large and small nuts, bakers' nuts and small nuts for mechanical stokers, is in very great request. Supplies are inadequate Country merchants are under very extreme pressure, with an exceptional demand all round. There are plenty of wagons available, but transport from the collieries is severely handicapped by dense fogs. There is quite an absence of reserves at the collieries and at country sidings. Prices at pit. Current prices. 24/ -25/6 23/ -24/ 22/6-23/6 22/6-23/6 21/6-22/6 21/ -22/ 20/ -21/ 19/6-19/9 13/6-14/6 Best household coal ..... Second, hand picked ...... Deep screened cobbles ... Deep large nuts ......... Bakers’ nuts............. Small nuts............... Deep breeze ............. Peas .................... Small dust .............. Main nuts for London kitcheners............... Steams, best hand picked Steams, seconds ............. --/ Main cobbles for kitcheners', 20/ -21/6 Main breeze.............. 19/9-20/6 20/ -21/6 20/6-21/6 19/6-21/ L’st week’s orices. 24/ -25/6 i 23/ -24/ 22/6-23/6 22/6-23/6 21/6-22/6 21/ -22/ 20/ -21/ 19/6-19/9 13/6-14/6 20/ -21/6 20/6-21/6 19/6-21/ 20/ -21/6 19/9-20/6 Last year’s prices. 20/ -21/6 19/ -20/ 18/6-19/6 18/6-19/6 17/6-18/6 17/ -18/ 15/3-16/ 14/6-14/9 8/6- 9/6 16/ -17/6 16/6-17/6 15/6-17/ 16/ -17/6 14/9-15/6