plates are 2s. 6d. per ton up to £5 7s. 6., steel bars 5s. at £6 10s., and steel angles about 2s. 6d. at £5.

Labour disputes are not yet at an end, several of the large engineering shops on the Clyde being still at daggers drawn with their masters. In one shop the men came out a fortnight ago, and unless some speedy settlement is made others may follow. The men contend that the employers, by dismissing certain workmen and refusing to give pay lines, are not implementing the terms of arrangement for the reinstating of all hands as drawn up by Lord James and the Lord Provost when the lock-out terminated. The masters, on the other hand, maintain that they are determined to have some say in the conducting of their business. By some of the officials there are doubts that there will be a spread of the troubles before all are again at work. Every effort to avoid such a misfortune is, however, being made by the executive of the A.S.E. in London.

It was officially announced at a meeting of the Board of Conciliation and Arbitration for the manufactured steel trades of the West of Scotland, held in Glasgow during the month, Dr. Dyer, the vice-president, in the chair, that it was agreed to grant to the men connected with the Board an advance of wages at the rate of 5 per cent.

The by no means overcrowded ranks of yacht designers on the Clyde have received a worthy recruit just now in the person of Mr. William Jardine, jun., Dumbarton. At the recent exhibition and competition of models in the Metropolis, held under the auspices of the London Sailing Club, a model of his was very favourably spoken of, and early in the month Mr. A. W. Steven, Helensburgh, commissioned Messrs. Paul Jones & Co., Gourock, to build a first-class 17 by 19 ft. racing boat from plans by Mr. Jardine.

It has been known for some time that Messrs. D. & W. Henderson & Co., Meadowside, had on hand a large racing yacht, from designs by Mr. G. L. Watson. The circumstances has aroused much interest in yachting circles, which have been considerably exercised to discover the ownership of the yacht. It now transpires that the racer is being built for Sir George Newnes, with whose name rumour was busy towards the end of last year as a possible challenger for the American Cup It is believed that it is Sir George's intention to challenge with his Clyde built racer.

Messrs. J. & G. Thomson, Clydebank, are steadily progressing with the machinery of the Pelorus, and although this firm were kept very much behind on account of the recent engineers' strike, they are hopeful of delivering H M.S. Terribly before the contract time, January, 1897.

Messrs. Caird & Co., shipbuilders, Greenock, have now, it appears, lost the monopoly so far as the supplying the wants of the P. & O. Co. is concerned. Orders have been placed for new tonnage on the Tyne and at Belfast, and this has occasioned considerable surprise, as Messrs. Caird have built all their boats until now and their work has always been up to the very highest standard of excellence.

Messrs. Gourlay, Brothers & Co., Dundee, contracted with Messrs. James Rankine & Son, of Glasgow, to build a screw steamer for their Grangemouth and Rotterdam service, to replace the steamer Dundee. The new vessel is to be of large power, with special accommodation for the Continental pas. senger trade, and she will be built to the highest classification of the British Corporation Registry.

Messrs. Archibald M'Millan & Son, Limited, Dumbarton, contracted about mid-month to build a sailing ship for Liverpool owners.

Messrs. Wm. Simons & Co., Limited, Renfrew, received an order, in the early part of the month, from the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, for the construction of a large and powerful stationary barge-loading dredger, similar to the Walter Glynn recently constructed, this being the eighth dredging vessel ordered from Wm. Simons & Co. by the abovementioned Harbour Board.

The steam yachts Hebe (Mr. Coats) and Wolverine (Mr. Ackroyd) were taken into the graving dock of Messrs. Scott & Co., Greenock, during the month for an overhaul, the former also to be fitted with two new masts. The steamer Greatham, which arrived from Londonderry, will also have her hull cleaned in the same dock before going to Glasgow to load.

The Ailsa Shipbuilding Co., Troon. contracted late in the month for a new screw steamer, 275 ft. long by 36 ft. beam by 17 ft. 6 in. mculded depth, for the British and Irish Steam Packet Co., Limited, of Dublin, for their passenger and cargo

trade between Dublin and London. She will be similar to, but somewhat larger than the steamer Lady Hudson-Kinahan, built by the same firm for the company a few years ago.

TRADE NOTES FROM THE TYNE, WEAR TEES, HARTLEPOOLS, &c. (From our own Correspondent.)

THE TYNE.

Shipbuilding.-The new naval programme has given an important fillip to the industry of steel manufacture, and also to shipbuilding throughout the kingdom. There is, as was to be expected, some grumbling among a certain section of the public; but their protests and complaints are little heeded, and there is abundant evidence to show that with the mass of the people the project of the Government with regard to the further strengthening of the fleet, is immensely popular. The placing of two of the new cruisers with the Palmer Co., and one with the Elswick firm (Messrs. Armstrong, Mitchell & Co.), is a notable event for the Tyne, and will greatly help to stimulate business throughout the district during the next fifteen months.

The Admiralty additions to local work contracts are, however, not likely to be confined to the three cruisers; for there is the machinery required to equip the vessels about to be built in the Government yards, to be apportioned among private firms, and it will be strange indeed if part is not secured by Messrs. Hawthorn, Leslie & Co. There is, in addition, the 20 torpedodestroyers to be allotted, and it seems reasonable to suppose that some of these also will be placed with builders on the Tyne. The Palmer Co., are undoubtedly well provided with work, having no less than nine Government ships to build, besides the P. & O. boat of 8,500 tons carrying capacity, and another large vessel ordered more recently by the Steam Shipowners' Co., Liverpool. Simultaneously with the advent of the new management at this establishment an era of prosperity seems to have dawned, and it is gratifying to find that both as regards the quantity of work in hand and the reputation for quality in respect of work turned out the company now occupy a position to be envied. To receive repeat orders from the P. & O. Co., and from the Admiralty, is no slight distinction, and this in itself affords a guarantee that the company will safely keep the position of preeminence they have attained. The first of four HamburgAmerican steamers which the company are building has been launched and is now at the sheerlegs receiving her machinery. The vessel, which has been named the Asturian, is as fine a specimen of the passenger-cargo steamer as could be met with anywhere.

Having secured an order for one of the third-class cruisers, offered to the competition of private builders by the Admiralty, Messrs. Armstrong, Mitchell & Co. have now warships in hand for no less than six Governments, namely, those of Japan, Chili, Brazil, Argentina, Norway, and the United Kingdom. They have also in hand a large railway ferry steamer and other work of a special character for Russia, besides two passenger boats for Finland, and several cargo vessels.

Messrs. C. S. Swan & Hunter have for some time past been engaged in completely remodelling the machinery throughout the various departments of their works, and have also been making such alterations in their older yard as were thought requisite to bring it quite up to modern requirements. They have put down new plate, bending rolls, and planing machines of the very best modern manufacture, capable of dealing with plates up to 26 ft. 6 in. in length, with punching and shearing machines of the newest types, and of greater capacity than those which were formerly employed. They have also provided an electric crane for each yard, by which plates can be conveniently and promptly "racked," and when required for working can be taken out and delivered to the platers, with the minimum of labour. Hydraulic cranes and lifts have been fitted to all rolls, as well as to countersinking, planing and pun-hing machines, by which arrangement labour is again very greatly economized. Electric overhead cranes are employed for erecting and beaming vessels, and for lifting plates and other heavy weights into position. This, we believe, is the only shipbuilding yard in existence that possesses such an arrangement, and it may therefore be said with confidence that there is no other establishment that can set forth

better claims to combining the possibilities of speed and economy in production. Among the other appliances lately provided with a view to make the equipment of the yards as perfect as possible, is a set of heavy plate straightening rolls. There are also two very effective "scarfing" machines,and a variety of other moderntype accessories, which it is unnecessary to particularize. In fact, nothing which can facilitate production, or which can contribute to produce accuracy and soundness in the structural details of ships, has been omitted, and it is no exaggeration to say that the firm, by their enterprise and forethought, are placing their great establishment-comprising two large yards-amongst the most complete and admirably equipped shipbuilding concerns in the world.

Messrs. Hawthorn, Leslie & Co. despatched from their yard, on the 18th inst., the torpedo destroyer Ranger-which is the third vessel of the kind built by them-for the purpose of delivering Ler to the authorities at Chatham. She made the run to the latter port in the unprecedentedly short time of 13 hours, and it is reported that on the passage the machinery—also constructed by Messrs. Hawthorn, Leslie & Co.-worked splendidly. As the two boats previously supplied went the journey in very bad weather, this latest run is significant as showing what the vessels can do when the meteorological conditions are favourable. The vessel will be at once completed for commission, and will be armed with six quick-firing guns and three torpedo tubes.

It is to be legretted that the large and well-equipped yards of of Messrs. R. Stephenson & Co., and Messrs. Edwards & Sors, are still without a vessel on the stocks, and this circumstance ought surely to moderate the exuberant optimism of those persons who are trying to make themselves and others believe that the long-looked-for" boom" in shipt uilding is come at last. These are not the only yards on the Tyre that show a "beggarly account of empty berths, and it is safe to say that so long as there is any unappropriated building accommodation to be met with, the state of business cannot be described as having reached more than a partial measure of activity.

The Tyne Shipbuilding Co. continue to be well supplied with work, and at Messrs. Readhead's yard all the building berths are occupied, while in the repairing department business is active. Messrs. J. P. Rennold'son & Sons have just built for the Tees Conservancy Commissioners a large iron paddle steamer, which will be the most powerful tugboat yet possessed by that body, or indeed, by any other owner connected with the Tees.

Engineering. An agitation for increased wages has been initiated by the officials of the Engineers' Society, and meetings with the employers' representatives have already been held in reference to the matter. It is probable that, for the sake of preserving amicable relations, the employers will offer to concede something, though it is well known that the state of trade and prices does not admit of an advance. The men may, of course, try to force matters; but if they succeed in compelling the masters to give more than they are inclined to give, they will be inflicting upon themselves a grievous injury. They may find this out when it is too late-that is to say, when the shops have again become empty through the masters having to decline crders, and they (the workmen) are again parading the streets in enforced idleness. A couple of years ago, the moulders made the huge mistake of going out on strike for higher wages, when there was no real pressure of work in the country. The lesson they were taught was a bitter one indeed; for after spending half the accumulated fund of their association (the savings of more than 80 years) they were obliged-such of them as room could be found for-to return to work on the same terms as they had before they came out. It is to be hoped that on the present occasion the engineers will keep this in mind, and not allow themselves to be led into a similar pitfall.

The marine engine works at St. Peter's, Jarrow and Low Walker, continue to be well employed, but at the Wallsend Slipway Works business has not yet reached that state of uLiform briskness in the various departments that has characterised the establishment for some years past. The two marine engine establishments at Newcastle and Gateshead are extremely slack, and at most of the smaller works at these centres business is dull.

Owing to the greatly improved demand for steel plates used in Loilermaking and shipbuilding, the plate mills at Newburn (Messrs. John Spencer & Sons) are now kept in busy operation. There is also a great increase of work in other departments, and appearances throughout the whole of the very extensive premises are favourable to the belief that a long term of

prosperity has been entered upon. As a result of the better state of business, the value of the company's shares has risen considerably within the past few weeks.

Messrs. Emerson, Walker, & Thompson Bros., Limited, have just added to their works at Dunston a new forge, the equipment of which is specially adapted to the manufacture of small stern frames, and other forgings of the lighter class. They have also put down new plant in other departments, and have added to their productive facilities generally.

Messrs. Crosier, Stephens & Co., the Newcastle representatives of Messrs. George Richards & Co., Manchester, have, in addition to the "scarfing "machine for Messrs. Swan & Hunter, referred to elsewhere, received orders for a 20-in. side planer from a firm at Wallsend, and for a 12-in one for a firm at Sunderland. These machines are becoming very popular and are now in use at the works of the following local firms:-Armstrong, Mitchell & Co.; Black, Hawthorn & Co.; Clark, Chapman & Co.: Blair & Co.; Robert Thompson & Co.; Smith's Dock Co.; Wigham Richardson & Co., and others. They have also received an order from a well known Hartlepool engineering firm for two machines of very special type, namely, a 48-in. boring and turning machine, and a No. 2 Patent Pipe and Universal facing and boring machine. This latter machine is designed for facing and edging flanged pipes, elbows, bends, &c., and for facing and boring valve seats. By the attachment of a boring stay the machine can be used as a borer for cylinders and general work, and by fitting a slide rest, it can be used with advantage for turning and boring small flywheels and pulleys. By providing slots in the facing head, and arranging an automatic feed to the cross slide of the table, it becomes a valuable tool for facing pliant surfaces. This tool is rapidly coming into favour, and firms who are using it are finding it a very good investment indeed.

The boiler covering works of Mr.W. F. Snowdon, Side, Newcastle have been kept very busy lately, several important contracts having to be completed within a specified time. Among the contracts may be mentioned a high-class Russian Volunteer boat, which is the second vessel of this type, the boilers and steampipes of which were covered with Mr. Snowdon's composition during the present year. The reputation of this composition for its effectiveness as a non-conductor, as well as its economical and lasting qualities, is very high, and hence the sustained demand and consequent activity in its production.

Blyth.-The Blyth Shipbuilding Co. have just completed the conversion of the 8.8. Golden Fleece from a cattle ship to a fruitcarrying steamer, and have also carried out alterations to the engines, resulting in increased speed and lessened coal consumption.

THE WEAR.

Shipbuilding. On the plea that a scarcity of men existed, the supply not being equal to the demand, the shipwrights of the N.E. Coast have sought an advance of wager, and have been successful in obtaining the same. What we ventured to predict last month would be the case, in the event of this contingency happening, has come about, and various other sections of men who have no such excuse as the shipwrights to offer, are clamouring for advances. In the interests of peace, it is probable that the employers will find it expedient to make concessions to them. No one would grudge them a fair share of enhanced values, if they would only wait till the enhancement had taken place; but when they are asking for advances before the trade is strong enough to bear any appreciable rise in prices, it is impossible to regard their action with sympathetic feeling. The shipbuilders, no doubt, will be willing to risk something on the endeavour to satisfy these men, but it will be well for the latter to keep their expectations within small limits, as there is not much to draw upon.

In addition to having some half-dozen vessels of a special and most expensive class to build, Mr. Laing is now carrying out on a large vessel which has just been sold, extensive alterations to adapt her to the requirements of the cattle trade. This vessel is still on the stocks but it is expected that she will be launched shortly. A large hydraulic plate flanging machine by a Glasgow maker, has just been added to the varied and extensive plant of the Deptford yard, and for convenience of working has been placed in contiguity to the great plate-bending rolls that were put down some months ago.

Messrs. Short Bros., Messrs. Doxford, and Messrs. Priestman, are still busy, and it is rumoured that Messis. Osborne &

Graham have booked an order for a vessel of large size. Messrs. Blumer & Co. have secured orders for a passenger-cargo steamer for Portugal, and for two cargo boats for English owners. Messrs. Austin & Son have also obtained orders for three steamers, the keel for one of which is now being laid, while frame-turning for another has been commenced.

The Sunderland Shipbuilding Co. have sold to Messrs. Jenkins & Co., London, the owners of the "Japan" line of steamers, a large vessel, which has stood some time on the stocks in a partially constructed state. The work of completing the vessel is being proceeded with, and it is expected that she will be launched next month. She will le fitted up similarly to the s.s. Merionethshire, supplied by the company to the same owners a couple of years ago. The vessel being intended for the passenger service to the East, will have a superior equipment.

At the North Sands yard there are now two berths vacant, but it is hoped that they will soon be filled up. From this establishment three exceptionally fine vessels were launched this year, i.e., the two boats ordered by Messrs. Rickmers, of Bremen, each of which is capable of carrying 7,250 tons of cargo, and one for Messis. Turner & Brightman, London, intended for the dead. meat trade.

Engineering.-Some improvement is noticeable at the NorthEastern Engineering Works, and also at Messrs. John Dickinson & Sons; but at Messrs. Doxford's and Messrs. Alian's considerable quietude prevails. The Southwick Engine Works are very actively employed, and at the Monk Street Foundry business is also brisk.

There is a fair amount of work in hand at the Sunderland Forge, and in the fitting shops attached some work of importance has just been carried out in connection with the equipment of ships built at the North Sands Yard.

At the

The Hartlepools.-The Thompson Steam Shipping Co. have placed an order for one of three steamers they are about to have built with Messrs. Furness, Withy & Co. Both the yards of Sir W. Gray & Co. are well filled with work in progress, and the repairing department of the firm is also pretty busy. Engineering establishments are fairly well off for work, and both foundries and forges show signs of improving business. docks trade is dull, timber imports being as yet inconsiderable. Stockton. In the shipbuilding yards there is no change to note since last month; but we are pleased to learn that bridge building shops are becoming busier, and that new contracts are being booked. One firm, it is stated, has secured contracts for bridges, girders, and ire-proof warehouses, the material for which will amount to a total weight of something like 10,000 tons. In some engineering establishments night work is being resorted to, and in boiler-shops the pressure of work is much greater than at the opening of the year.

Middlesbro'.-At Messrs. Raylton, Dixon & Co.'s yard there has been a sectional strike, which, while it lasted, caused very great inconvenience. The firm are not members of the Employers' Association, and hence their subjection to exceptioual treatment from the operatives. Messrs. Cragg & Sons have completed the removal of their business to new premises, wherein they will be able to build vessels of the very largest class. Steel works at this centre are still very busy.

THE MERSEY.

(From our own Correspondent.)

THE general prospects of trade are decidedly improving, and firms engaged upon the construction of all descriptions of marine engineering work are in this district mostly well engaged, considerable orders having been received recently both for hone and foreign Governments and private firms. The shipbuilding industry is also in a satisfactory condition, at any rate, as regards the principal firs that are still engaged in this branch of industry.

Messrs. Laird Bros., of Birkenhead, are fairly busy with work in hand, principally on warships for home and foreign Governments. During the month, the Capitan Munoz Gamero-the second of four torpedo-boat destroyers on order for the Chilian Government, has been launched, these vessels, it may be added, having been ordered in August last, and H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer Quail underwent a second preliminary trial on the 14:h

March, attaining a speed of over 30 knots, or about 35 statute mile, per hour, which is a record, and assures her complete success. The firm is also making satisfactory progress with the other destroyers on order for the home and Chilian Governmentss whilst the battleship Mars will probably be floated in a few days. The Banshee, Lynx, and Ferret left the Mersey for Devonport on the 2nd March, in very boisterous weather, which, however, they underwent satisfactorily, the engines working splendidly, and the torpedo tubes and gun fittings showing no signs of weakness or vibration. Messrs. Laird are also busy in the construction of the four boats for the Government mail service between Kingstown and Holyhead, which are to be fitted out with the most recent improvements, and to steam at 23 knots per hour. The firm submitted an estimate for a still more costly type of vessel, but for economical reasons the offer was declined. We understand that there is no truth in the rumour that the German Government have ordered from Messrs. Laird a large number of warships.

In the general engineering trades continued increasing activity is reported generally. Machine tool makers report inquiries from all directions for every variety of light and heavy tools, one or two firms being very busy on orders for home and foreign Governments as well as for private firms engaged in supplying boilers and guns for the equipment of warships, and Messrs. Wm. Muir & Co., of Manchester, have secured some large orders for machine tools for the Ameer of Afghanistan's arsenal and workshops, and these tools have to be made in pieces not weighing above 3 cwt., and not more than 9 ft. in length, to meet the requirements of transit. Stationary engine builders continue well engaged, and machinists in many cases are full of wok for some time to come. A considerable weight of new work is also being given out amongst boilers makers, and locomotive builders are booking further large orders, the Vulcan Foundry Co., of Newton-le-Willows, having in hand 14 heavy goods engines and tenders for the Indian Midland Railways, of a similar type to those previously supplied by the above company.

The usual monthly returns issued by the engineering trades unions are of a more satisfactory character as regards the number of members on the unemployed list than has been the case for five or six years past. The Amalgamated Society of Engineers has now only 3 per cent. of the total membership on donation, as against 5 per cent. last month, and in this immediate district the position is still better, only 2 per cent. of the local membership being now on the unemployed list, which is a lower percentage than has been recorded for a long time past. In the Steam Engine Makers' Society there are now only 1 per cent. on donation benefit-a record which has scarcely been equalled since 1891, and the officials of the society are expecting a still further reduction of the out-of-work list in next month's returns. The reports from the different districts as to the state of trade are of a very encouraging naturé, most departments being well employed, with some branches-especially heavy stationary engine builders-exceedingly busy. There is also a substantial improvement in most of the marine centres. Messrs. Hulse & Co., Ordsal Works, Salford, are introducing a new band-sawing machine suitable for cutting webs out of large double cranks, cutting runner heads of large steel castings, and generally for heavy marine work. It is provided with feed motions which give a perfectly steady movement to the traversing saddles, and is throughout very strong and massive. The machine consists of a baseplate in T form, the upright of the T carrying the frame which supports the top pulley, over which the band saw passes, and the transverse part carrying the bed on which the articles to be cut are traversed. The lower pulley over which the band-saw passes is secured beneath the baseplate. The saw is kept in tension by a balance weight acting under a vertical sliding block which carries the top pulley. There are two beds on the transverse side of the baseplate, each carrying a traversing saddle, actuated together by twin screws, which are driven through change wheels on a swing frame, so that any desired traverse is obtainable. The firm have also designed a new universal horizontal boring, drilling, tapping, studding, and milling machine, which has a very powerful headstock, and which will drill and tap holes, and fit them with studs with great rapidity, the space commanded being 16 ft. long and 10 ft. high. Amongst work which the firm have in hand are complete plants for Belleville boiler work for Dockyards and private firms in England and abroad, including special screwing, cutting off, tapping, and facing machines for tubes and junction

boxes, and hydraulic presses for staving the tubes, and they have also in progress massive armour-plate slotting machines, with universal adjustments for cutting at any required angle without disturbing the work. Other work in hand, for marine purposes, includes a large horizontal and vertical side planing machine, to plane a height of 6 ft., and a length of rather more, and a horizontal side planing and shaping machine, with an overhang of some 7 ft., which is the largest of its class that has ever been made, and these two machines Lave been specially designed for machining irregular shaped steel castings, such as stern frames and other large marine work of the above class. The firm are also engaged in the construction of a number of special machines suitable for gun work.

A handy saw.bench called the "Albion," which will be found a very useful adjunct on board ship, has just been brought out by Messrs. T. & R. Lees, of Hollinwood, near Oldham. This machine, which is worked by hand-power, has variable speeds for light and heavy jobs, and can be worked by one or two handles, according to the thickness of the sawing required. The table is 4 ft. by 2 ft., and has rising and falling steel spindle for rǝbating, grooving and turning, and a self-acting drag motion is provided for feeding the timber. The bearings are of gun-metal, and an adjustable canting fence and suitable boring apparatus are fitted to the machine. The bench is portable,so that it can be readily moved about from one part of the ship to another, and it is well adapted for shipment abroad, as it can be packed in one case. The machine can also be supplied in a form suitable for steampower, if required. The firm have also an improved horizontal steam engine, which is particularly adapted for driving where varying loads have to be dealt with. The engine is fitted with a patent automatic cut off, under control of a high-speed governor, by which the valve is regulated with great precision, and supplies the steam according to the varying load, thus securing the greatest economy in steam and more uniformity in speed. The working parts are readily accessible, and the cylinders, which do not overhang, are fullsized, with long stroke, and work in double slides. The fly. wheels are turned on the face to receive the belt, and are of ample width and diameter. The pistons are fitted with a patent coil spring on the Mather and Platts' principle, and the glands are bushed with gun-metal.

In the iron trade here, business has shown a decided falling off during the month, merchants and consumers being apparently overbought, and prices are not so firm as they were, iron held in second hands being offered at lower figures, although makers generally are fairly steady at late rates. In pig-iron only a slow demand comes forward, and it is not likely there will be any

similar advance, there is no official alteration in list rates. Delivered in this district, prices are now as under :-Solid drawn brass boiler tubes, 61d.; solid drawn brass surface and condenser tubes, 8d.; solid drawn copper tubes, 71.; brazed copper gas and steam tubes, 74d.; brazed brass gas tubes, 74d.; brazed brass machine tubes, 7d.; brass wire, 6d.; copper wire, 74d.; rolled brass, 6d. per lb.

In the timber trade a steady business is reported, with prices firm. Imports have been moderate, and deliveries fairly satisfactory, whilst stocks, which generally are none too large, are in some articles light. Of teak the arrivals have been chiefly by steamers, and have gone direct into consumption. The stock is not too heavy, and, in anticipation of probable Government requirements, sellers are now asking a substantial advance on recent prices. In greenheart there has been no import, and with a large demand, stocks have been considerably reduced, and are now much lighter than for several years past.

No specially new feature is noticeable as regards the coal trade, which remains in a depressed condition, with pits, in many cases, not running above four days per week. House coals have been in moderate demand, but with the advent of spring, business is now falling off, and prices are barely maintained at late rates, best house coal averaging 10s. to seconds, 83. to 8s. 6d.; and common 78. per ton, at the pitmouth. Steam and forge qualities are in but indifferent request, and although colliery owners are restricting the output, supplies are excessive, with low prices ruling, 6s. representing about the average figure for ordinary qualities at the pitmouth. Engine fuel has shown a hardening tendency, especially in the better qualities, supplies of which are anything but plentiful, and although any better prices are difficult to get, colliery owners will not book forward contracts except at some advance upon present rate. At the pitmouth the better qualities of slack average 43. 6d. to 5s., with common sorts ranging from 3s. to 33. 6d. per ton.

For shipment, business continues slow, with no improvement in prices, common steam coal, for bunker purposes, being readily obtainable at 63. 9d. to 7s., with 7s. 9d. about a maximum figure for better qualities, delivered at the Garston Docks, or at the High Level, Liverpool.

BELFAST TRADE NOTES.

(From our own Correspondent.)

are firm at recent quotations, foundry qualities averaging 46s. 6d. less 2, delivered Manchester, but in district brands the maximum figures recently quoted by makers are not now obtainable, 428. for forge and 44s. for foundry Lincolnshire, and 468. 6d. to 47s. for foundry Derbyshire, net cash, delivered Manchester, being now the average prices. Outside brands offering here have also eased down in price, Middlesbrough being about 3d. to 6d. lower, good foundry qualities averaging 46s. 6d. to 47s. net cash, delivered Manchester, with Eglinton about 47s. 3d. to 478. 6d. delivered Lancashire ports, and 498. 62. delivered Dock Quays, Manchester, net prompt cash.

In finished iron makers have been securing a moderate business, which keeps them well engaged, but the advanced prices for bars are scarcely maintained, Lancashire bars being now obtainable £5 10s. to £5 12s. 6d., with Staffordshire, up to £5 158.; sheets remain at £7 103. to £7 12s. 6d. ; and hoops £6 2s. 6d. for random to £6 7s. 6d., for special cut lengths, delivered Manchester district, and 2s. 6d. less for shipment.

A strong tone has prevailed in the steel trade, with a hardening tendency in prices. Makers quotations for good foundry hematites remain at 57s. 6d. to 58s. 6d., less 24d., and steel billets are now quoted £4 108. to £4 12s. 6d. net cash. Steel boiler plates have got up to about £6 10s. delivered in this district, with, however, not much business doing at this figure.

In the metal market, the opening of the month was marked by a rise in list rates for manufactured goods of d. per lb., and with the continued upward move in raw material, a considerable weight of buying has been going on, and several large contracts placed in the expectation of a further advance in manufactured goods. These expectations have been realised to some extent by an advance of d. per lb. on brass and copper wire, and rolled brass, but on other descriptions, although makers are quoting a

in the condition of both the shipbuilding and engineering trades in Belfas', and judging by the large amount of tonnage now on hand, there should be no lack of work for a considerable time to come. Among the orders booked during the month may be mentioned the following, viz. :-a large twin-screw steamer for the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (Japan Mail Steamship Co.), a single screw steamer for the well-known City Line of Glasgow, and a cargo boat for Messrs. T. & J. Harrison, of Liverpool. The Japanese boat is similar in dimensions to four others lately placed on the Clyde. These orders have all been secured by Messrs. Workman, Clark & Co., Limited, who are now very busy, Messrs. Harland & Wolff's extensive yards are also turning out a large amount of work. Messrs. Victor Coates & Co. are also extremely busy, but principauy with land engines. Night shifts are working in all three places and it is improbable that a stoppage of over two days' duration will take place for the usual Easter holiday, which commences on April 6th.

Several steamers of large tonnage have been launched during the month. The first of these was the twin-screw steamer Iran, for Messrs. Bates & Co., Liverpool. This vessel is 462 ft. in length, with a tonnage of about 6,100. She will be fitted with twin sets of triple-expansion engines, and all the most approved appliances for working both ship and cargo, as well as with a complete installation of electric light. She will be employed in the Eastern trade. On the following Saturday, March 14th, another large steamer for the same owners was put into the water. The vessel is named the Istrar, is 400 ft. long, and with a tonnage of about 4,600. She will be fitted up in a similar manner to the Iran, with the exception of being only single screw. Both steamers were launched from the south end of Messrs. Harland & Wolff's yard.

The Belfast shipyard also launched a large barque, named the

Lord Dufferin, from their North yard. The vessel has been built to the order of a Liverpool firm. Her construction was only commenced in the third week of January, so that only two months and a few days have elapsed before the vessel entered the water.

From the same yard another large steamer will be launched for Messrs. A. Holt & Co., Limited, Liverpool, on the 30th of this month.

On the 5th inst. the s.s. Cestrian left this port for her trial trip in the Lough, and afterwards proceeded to Liverpool. The Cestrian is the third steamer which Messrs. Harland & Wolff have built lately for Messrs. Frederick Leyland & Co., Liverpool, for their Liverpool and Boston service, and is of similar dimensions. These are:-512 ft. long, 59 ft. broad, and 39 ft. deep, of 8,766 tons register, and propelled by single screw engines, with cylinders 31 in., 52 in., and 86 in. diameter, by 66 in. stroke. She will class 100 A1 at Lloyd's, and also carries Board of Trade passenger certificate. Accommodation has been provided for over 900 head of cattle on upper shelter decks. The trial trip was very satisfactory.

The new Johnston liner Vedamore is being pushed on with all speed, and should be ready to leave in a fortnight.

The s.s. Langton Grange has had all her propelling machinery fitted on board, and is now receiving her refrigerating plant. This work is being done under the superintendence of Mr. Swainston, of London.

The lengthening of the Union Co.'s steamer Scot is proceeding rapidly in the Alexandra Dock. She has been drawn apart, and the work of joining up again is now going on. I purpose giving a short description of the whole of this interesting operation when nearing completion. When on this subject, I may be allowed to correct a slight mistake which appears in the weekly paper Work. In its issue for March 21st, it is stated that the South African liner Scot is being lengthened in the New Southampton Docks.

I was not aware that there were two South African steamers of this name, much less that two of them were being lengthened simultaneously.

Messrs. Burns's cross-chanrel steamer Hound, and the 8.8. Black Head, belonging to the Ulster Ship Co., have both undergone an extensive overhaul lately; the latter vessel receiving a new tail shaft.

Messrs. Workman, Clark & Co., are repairing the s.8. Lismore, which vessel was towed into the port in a disabled condition, having met with very heavy weather off the coast of Ireland, and having rudder post broken and other damages sustained.

The engines of H.M. battleship Hannibal are proceeding rapidly in the engine works of the Queen's Island. Part of the shafting and the stern tubes have already been sent off to Pembroke to be put in place prior to launching.

Large quantities of shipbuilding material continue to arrive per steamer from across the Channel.

NORTH-WEST OF ENGLAND. (From our own Correspondent.)

Barrow. The announcement that Lord Harris had accepted the post of chairman of the Naval Construction and Armaments Co., recently resigned by the Duke of Devonshire, who is very largely interested in the concern, but who felt the necessity of withdrawing from official connection with the company seeing that the Barrow Co. does so much work for the Admiralty, was news that was popularly received in Barrow, because it is known that Lord Harris, who perhaps is best known as a prominent cricketer, is nevertheless a nobleman of distinctly marked admini. strative bearing, having served two offices of State, and more recently having been Governor of Bombay. His lordship will henceforward take an active interest in the affairs of the Naval Construction and Armaments Co. This the Duke of Devonshire could not possibly do,owing to the numerous and important engagements he has to fulfil every day of his life. There has, however, teen no appointment to the vice-chairmanship of the company, resigned by Lord Brassey when he went out to Australia; but this is a question which is engaging the attention of the Board. During the month no new orders for shipping have been booked by the Barrow Co. They were unfortunate, or perhaps fortunate, in missing any of the orders for third-class cruisers which have

been placed on the East Coast, because it is felt that the prices at which this work has been undertaken will yield no profit, especially in view of the general advance in wages which is going on all round, and which must result in a considerable increase in the cost of tonnage built. Other and more important work is coming out from the Admiralty, a share of which the Barrow Co. will endeavour to secure, and with that view efforts are being made to push forward the work in hand towards as early completion and delivery as possible. The work of building the first-class cruiser Niobe is proceeding very satisfactorily, and her keel plate and ribs are being set. A large tonnage of the plates and other material required in her construction are accumulating at the yard of the company, and it is evident every effort to complete this great cruiser in even less time than taken with the Powerful, the first ship of its class built at Barrow, will be made, and it LOW seems certain that H.M.S. Powerful will be delivered to the Admiralty six months prior to the contract date. Barrow is now well fitted for the rapid completion of all Admiralty work, and the hope is expressed that it may fall to the lot of Barrow to secure from the present programme one of the battleships and some of the other big work to be given out. Tenders have been sent in for one to three of the 30-knot torpedo-boat destroyers, and experiments are being made with a view to tendering for others of an even higher rate of speed-33 knots per hour. That this can be accomplished there can be no doubt, and experiments which are taking place here are more in the direction of securing a perfect and scientific model from a naval architect's point of view than in the matter of engine power, as it is known the latter can easily be provided, especially if the length of hull gives the requisite space for the boilers required, and that of course, will be a condition. The building of the two 30-knot torpedoboat destroyers, Avon and Bittern, has made wonderful progress during the month, and it will not be long before these craft are launched. It is astonishing what experience does in this class of work. The engines are already well on their way, and the work of building the Thornycroft boilers with which these torpedo boat destroyers will be fitted has already been commenced. The only other craft on the slipway at Barrow at present are two 4,000 ton steamers for the Clan Line, one the Clan Lindsay, which will be launched on April 2nd, and the other which as yet is only known by a number.

The Devonshire Dock, at Barrow, is at present a busy hive of engineering industry, as the work incidental to the engineering and fitting up of the Powerful, Juno and Doris is finding employment for a considerable body of men, and efforts are being made to complete this work at the earliest possible date. At present the Doris is receiving her boilers and engines, and in a week or two she will be removed from under the 100-ton crane to make room for the new Clan Liner, which, however, will only remain in this position for a week after being launched, and then the Powerful will go alongside again to receive her finishing touches before being put on her dock trials. Her boilers are all fixed and her engines are ready to turn round. By the end of June this monster cruiser will be ready for sea and for delivery to the Admiralty. The Juno will also be ready about the same time. The engineering and boiler-making departments of the Naval Construction and Armaments Co.'s works are exceedingly busy, and generally speaking more forward with their work than they have been for some time past, under the management of Mr. McKechnie. The new engines of the s.s. Clan Sinclair are being built, and the boilers are also well in hand.

Shipbuilding Material.-The new Admiralty programme has brought about new life in the shipbuilding material trade, and the mills at Barrow are all very busily employed, orders being plentifully held and plentifully offered, but it is evident the Barrow Steel Co. requiries additional Siemens-Martin furnaces to feed their mills, as they are capable of producing vastly more material than the furnaces can supply them with. This defect will, however, soon be remedied, especially in view of the good paying prices which are now ruling for plates and other classes of material. Plates are quoted firmly at £5 2s. 6d. net cash. There are reasons to believe that some of the West Cumberland steel makers intend soon to devote their attention to the production of shipbuilding material, as their position on the seaboard gives them undoubted advantage for cheap delivery to points of consumption. The trade doing in bolts, rivets, chains and anchors is so large as to suggest the expediency at an early date of works being provided in this district for this type of product. There is a big trade doing in heavy steel castings, chiefly for shipbuilding work, and overtime is being worked all round.