Volume Nine - Pre-Victorian to the present day - even more aspects - Cefn-y-Wrâch . . .

An important observation was made in reference to the time occupied before the water flows into the channel of the Wrach, the tide being at first, after the turn, as is well known, diverted into the Taff channel. It was found that 1 hour 10 minutes elapsed after this turn before the water flowed into the Wrach channel. The shallowness of the entire channel was simply demonstrated by the grounding of one of the small boats ; and the general result of the visit may be said to confirm the investigation made by the pilots on Wednesday, except as to the passage of the vessel over the shoal.' - The Cardiff Times [019] [361] 23rd March 1878.

• March 1878 - The Cefn-y-Wrach Obstruction - Visit of Mr S. Plimsoll, M.P. to Cardiff - 'The great agitation which has been created amongst the Cardiff pilots by the action of the Cardiff Pilotage Board in suspending Mr John Howe, pilot No.40, for refusing to pilot a steamer through the Cefn-y-Wrach channel, led to a visit of Mr Samuel Plimsoll, M.P., to Cardiff yesterday. The invitation was conveyed to Mr Plimsoll by the following letter being addressed by the Cardiff pilots to Mr Moore, of Bristol, the secretary of the Bristol Channel Life-at-Sea Association : -

"Pilotage Office, Bute Docks, Cardiff,
"March 19, 1878.
"Roger Moore, Esq., Bristol.

Dear Sir - The attention of the people of Cardiff has at length been drawn to the fact that several vessels have gone out from this port of late which have struck heavily on the Cefn-y-Wrach Shoal in going out. This is a question for the Bristol Life-at-Sea Association to investigate, as this fact may account for the numerous missing ships which are posted at Lloyd's.

The pilots of Cardiff have sent a memorial to the Board of Trade to ask a survey of the place. Could you come down to-morrow. The pilots and merchants of the town are going out to see it for themselves, and could you ask Mr. Plimsoll, M.P., if he would give notice of the question in the House to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he had received such a communication, and what he intends doing in the matter. We, sir, your most obedient servants, The Cardiff Pilots.'