Volume Six - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - Select Aspects - Working the Ely Tidal Harbour . . .

1891 - "The South Wales Petroleum Works - Visit of the Mayor and Corporation of Worcester - On Monday afternoon the Mayor of Worcester and several aldermen and councilors of that borough, together with several Severn Commissioners who visited Cardiff as a deputation to the corporation with reference to the Severn Navigation scheme. inspected the Petroleum Storage and Transit works, situate at the Ely Tidal Harbour, Penarth Dock. Mr. Robert Johnston, managing director, conducted the visitors, who expressed astonishment at the vast industry which had sprung up in about twelve months.

The pyramids of empty barrels alone, representing £16,000, indicated the extent of the petroleum business. There are twelve acres now under the occupation of the company, which is largely interested in the proposed Severn Navigation scheme.

The greatest interest was taken in Mr. Johnston's explanation of the petroleum process and other details of the various work carried on. After refreshments, during which Mr. Johnston was cordially thanked for his courtesy and attention, the party returned in carriages to Cardiff in time to catch the 6.10 train to Worcester." Evening Express - 14th April 1891 [157]