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

I hear that the channel is being deepened to fully two feet below the sill of the Roath Basin, and that it is being considerably widened and straightened, so that vessels may have a perfectly straight run out from the Low-water Pier. This work, if fully carried out, will undoubtedly free the entrance to the port from the slightest obstruction, and not only render the approach to the Cardiff docks superior to that of any other docks in the Bristol Channel, but admit the very largest class of the commercial marine.' - South Wales Daily News - [136] [325] - 27th May 1878.

The Bute Trustees had clearly recognised public opinion and the obvious the need to dredge the channel. The suspended pilots were, however, another matter and the Cardiff Pilotage Board clung on like drowning men to their untenable position. The Cardiff Council Minutes for 17th June attest to their continued attitude.

'The Corporation having had their attention to the fact that two Cardiff pilots have been suspended for refusing to take out certain vessels, request the Pilotage Board to reinstate them. The Council deem the fact of its being found necessary to engage in dredging operations on the Cefn-y-wrach shoal sufficient evidence that caution was needed by the said pilots. (The Pilotage Board declined to comply).' British History Online - [232] - Council Minutes 1876-80.

• 22nd June 1878 - Cardiff Town Council - The Corporation and the Pilotage Board - 'A special meeting of the Cardiff Town Council was held on Monday. . . .

Mr Rees then moved as an amendment, "That this board views with great regret the action recently taken by the Cardiff Pilotage Board, in suspending the two pilots. Messrs Howe and Samuels, and deems the fact of its being found necessary to at once engage in dredging operations on the Cefn-y-Wrach shoal, sufficient evidence to prove that the exercise of due caution was needed by the said pilots, and would therefore respectfully, yet firmly, recommend a reconsideration of the decision by the said Pilotage Board."

Mr Armstrong seconded the amendment, in the hope that it would be the means of reinstating the pilots to their position, believing that they had already been punished sufficiently for any laches (unreasonable delay) on their part. The amendment, on being put to the meeting, was carried unanimously.' - The Cardiff Times - [019] [361] - 22nd June 1878.