Thirteen boats carrying a total of 2,153,000 bushels of grain cleared from Fort William Thursday for lower lake and St. Lawrence river ports.

The steamer Natironeo owned by A.B. Mc Kay of Hamilton, bound up light from Kingston, carried away two gates in Lock No. 3 fo the Welland Canal. The delay to navigation was about 24 hours.

Dewit Carter, president of the Welland Canal Tug Company, limited has completed the sale of his two tugs Alert and Escort, to the Montreal Transportation Company. The tugs will continue towing in the Welland Canal.

Captain Hinckley of Cape Vincent has purchased from James Simpson of Brockville, the steamer Cecelia. Captain Hinckley proposes removing the engine and boiler to another one and using the hull of his latest purchase for a houseboat. The Cecelia S., was purchased and brought to Brockville by Mr. Simpson two years ago. It was formerly the Orizaba and plied for Years between Waddington and Ogdensburg.

Vessel owners hope to make considerable money this year in carrying coal from Oswego to Canadian points. The rate last year was 45 cents a ton, but this year 75 cents is being paid. It is believed the shortage of coal cannot last and that charters will be secured rapidly. Wages have increased 10 per cent leaving a handsome margin for the owner of the coal carrying craft.