Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 12 December 1879

Local Coal and Iron Trade.

Six inches of snow and a continuance of keen frost have had most potent influences on the coal trade of this locality.

At Denaby Main and Manvers Main great activity prevails, full time is being worked, and, what is more satisfactory still, prices have made a move in the right direction. Other local pits are also well employed, and the total output of the district is now greater than it has been since the days of depression. All qualities of house coal are selling freely, and although the demand for steam sorts does not greatly increase, there are many indications that in a very short time this branch will experience a beneficial change.

The re-starting of iron-smelting furnaces in the Frodingham district has given an additional impetus to the coke trade of this part. Gas-making coal is being sent off in increasing quantities, and locomotive fuel (principally on contract) forms a heavy item amongst the consignments from this neighbourhood.

The frost is beginning to interfere with the canal traffic, and, in consequence, there is increased work on the railway between here and Doncaster. Wheel and axle makers are becoming very busy, and prices have advanced considerably of late for all classes of railway material for rolling stock uses. — Colliery Guardian.