Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - Some newspaper reports from the 1880's

• May 1887 - Explosion on a Steamer at Penarth - "Considerable excitement was occasioned at Penarth on Wednesday night by the report of an explosion which occurred on board a German steamer lying in the docks. The steamer in question proved to be the J. H. Niemanns, a vessel of 676 tons register, bound for Lisbon. It was laden with coal from the Glamorgan Coal Company, and but for the untoward event under notice, would have left Penarth by that evening's tide.

The effect of the explosion was to blow some of the hatches as high into the air as the mast heads, but fortunately no personal injuries were sustained by any of the crew with the exception of a seaman named Johann Harr, who was severely burnt about the hands and face. He was with all possible promptitude removed to the Hamadryad Hospital Ship, where his injuries were attended to by Dr. Hughes, the medical superintendent. The vessel, which had sustained but trifling damage, was passed through into the basin clear of all other vessels, and will probably sail in the course of to-day (Thursday). The explosion naturally attracted a large crowd to the vicinity of the docks, the most extravagant rumours having been circulated in the neighbourhood." Cardiff Times [019] 28th May 1887.

• June 1887 - Assault on a Board of Trade Officer at Penarth - "At Penarth Police-court on Monday (before Major-General Lee and Mr. E. Thomas), James Crawley, a seaman on board the British steamship Mohur was charged with assaulting John Lewis Thomas, a Board of Trade officer, and a constable of the borough of Cardiff, whilst endeavouring to prevent him deserting on the 9th of June. - Mr. Vachell prosecuted on behalf of the Board of Trade. On the day named the vessel was preparing to leave Penarth Dock. The men had just received their advances, and the captain instructed Thomas to intercept any who attempted to leave the vessel, in accordance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1880. Crawley attempted to desert as the vessel was passing through the dock gates.