Volume Nine - Pre-Victorian to the present day - even more aspects - Swing Bridge Connections : Penarth Dock, River Taff and Glamorganshire Canal . . .

The Messrs. De Berque, whose business at Manchester is, we are glad to hear, in a prosperous condition, are said to have been induced to determine on closing their Welsh branch in consequence of the depressed state of trade, and the low rates at which goods are now carried from the chief centres of industry in the Midlands districts. The event, when it takes place, will be seriously felt by the Wauntreoda workmen, who have hitherto been kept in constant employment, and in receipt of good wages.' - Weekly Mail [325] [361] 15th March 1879.

Back to the swing bridges next for a selective review of the Penarth Harbour, Dock, and Railway Bill of 'Anno 24' Victoria', or 1861, and the Journal of the House of Lords. [522]

'The Earl of Doncaster reported from the Select Committee, on " The Penarth Harbour, Dock, and Railway Bill " ; that they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true . . . ' They recommended a number of amendments and inserted new clauses which make interesting reading, assuming you have the time and inclination. Alternatively, skip through the next pages : -

Clause (A.) During the Construction of the Bridge over the River Taff and Works connected therewith, the Company shall cause to be hung out or exhibited, every Night from Sunset to Sunrise, a Light, to be kept burning by and at the Expense of the Company, for the Navigation and safe Guidance of Vessels ; and after Completion of the Bridge the Company shall if required by The Lord High Admiral or the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral, cause to be hung out or exhibited upon or near to the Centre of the Bridge, every Night, from Sunset to Sunrise, a good and sufficient Light, to be kept burning by and at the Expense of the Company, for the Navigation and safe Guidance of Vessels ; and which Lights form Time to Time altered by the Company in such Manner, and be of such Description, and be so used and placed as The Lord High Admiral or the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral shall, by Writing under the Hand of the Secretary of the Admiralty, approve of ; and in case the Company shall neglect to exhibit and keep either of such Lights burning as aforesaid they shall forfeit and pay for every such Neglect the Sum of Ten Pounds.

Clause (B.) dealt with waiting time to open the bridge to permit vessels to pass and another ten pound fine for allowing any person to charge a toll for using the bridge or for causing the unnecessary detention of a vessel.