Volume Four - An Era of Change, Uncertainty, Depression & War - Penarth Dock closure in 1936 . . .

The Coal Industry of South Wales - Consul John R. Bradley, Cardiff, Wales - The coal shipped from Cardiff, including the subports of Barry, Penarth, and Newport, during the six months ended December 31, 1921, was approximately 7,400,000 tons. In considering this statement it is well to remember that the mines of this district opened July 1 after a three months' strike, and that it is reasonable to suppose that the numerous British coal depots throughout the world had depleted stocks.

The natural conditions which contribute to the success of South Wales as a coal producing and export center are the large number of veins found at different depths within the same area, the excellence of the coal, the proximity of these veins to tidewater, the fairly good (tidal) ports, the nearness of the field to the large European markets, and a dense population from which to draw a supply of labor.

Among the created advantages are the excellent rail facilities; many mining operations carried on by the longwall system, which permits the recovery of a larger quantity of the coal and facilitates operation by machinery; fairly good loading equipments at the ports ; more than a million tons of shipping registered at Cardiff. The present exchange situation and the low operating cost of the British Mercantile Marine, as compared with the American standards, are the deciding factors.

Factors Contributing to Success of Coal Industry.

One of the greatest factors and one which has recently received much attention is the amalgamation of interests owning mines, steamers, railroad cars, and having their own export organization and coal depots, as well as frequently being associated with iron and steel mills and other allied industries. This amalgamation of allied industries permits concerted action by a large amount of capital and the influence of many trade associations for or against any matter, labor, legislative, or otherwise, affecting these industries. It is thus seen that in many cases the coal is produced, sold, and carried to the foreign consumer under one management.

As indicating the extent of these allied industries, one company and its associated firms controls the output of some 8,000,000 tons of coal, over 1,000,000 tons of briquets, and a fleet of 28 steamers.