№$$ *… ::::：::::：：: & ' ?，aevº, ¿?#{ ſ. *****¿** … *…**……………+**（.*?”& ****~--~~~~''' ' ）, ·· *·* . .„ ………. „ …….…..….… … »， , , ， , ， ， ， ， ， ， （***********· · · * * · *************（.* • . . . . . . . … ~a · · · · · 4 · · · · * * · * * * · * * **· · · * * ·· -· : „……… ► ► ► ► ►•••• ** * * * ** **** **********} ** * * * * * * * · * * ·· } & & - - - ， : •* • • • • • • • • • • * * * tº º e 33 Hood, Archibald ... 137, 140 Hooks and Suspenders g Hill Homfray * Insole, Mr. George Inspectorship of Mines Ironmasters * * * Incidents and Varieties In a Colliery Explosion Joseph, Morgan Thomas David ... Jenkins, Richard Jones, Mordecai Tylacoch Jenkins, W., Ocean Jenkins .. Kirkhouse kirkhouse Family Longford Estate, Neath Lockett... Llanelly Lletty Shenkin Llanvabon, Early Lewis, James, Plasydraw Llwynypia Llanharran Llewelyn, W — D. . Lewis, Sir W. T. g ºt tº Lock out and Strike of 1874-5 Literature of the Welsh Coal Field ... e Margam Monks — Early Colllelies Martin, Writer on Coalfield .. Mumbles Merched y Mera Marychurch, –. e & 4 * g : Merthyr Coal Working, Early Morley ... Morlais Castle ... ' Monks as Colliers is tº ºr Mackworth, Sir Humphrey ... Merthyr Vale ... . 75, 131 PA&E 370 394 396 235 374 339 340 69 69, 89 69,90 84 | 20 133 137 405 36 236 31 73 39, 43 S8 14 122 14() 146 245 246 252 289 334 15 147 33 21 T *. 33 73, 96 64, 68 16 14, 15 *. 23, 31 102 INDEX. iii. PAGE Mardy Colliery . . . J 21 Maesteg gº º * * * 146 Monmouthshire Coalfield . 159-162 ——— Canal 162 Mineral Riches 223 Mining Engineers 235 Martin Family . 240 Miners' Provident Fund 295 Menelaus 402 Machinery 367 Neath and District 23-37 Neville ... 40 Nixon, John 94, 103, 117 Newport 159, 176, 177 Names of Coals 372 North Wales Coal 373 Owen, Lord of Henllys. 18 Oliver Cromwell 2I Overton 8& Ocean Collieries .136-137 Our Mineral Riches 223 Our Coal Produce 322 Parsons, Richard 34 Parsons, John ... * * * 36. Pembrokeshire Ancient Work- ing ... 18, 20 Pryce, Mr. * * 31 Powell of the Gael 90, 94, 145 Powell Duffryn te ll 7 Price, Joseph Tregelles 33 Prichard, Vicar 22 Penrhiwceiber .. R22 Pontypridd 144 Pentyrch FA5 Plummer, Edward } 49 Porthcawl & º & 158 Pontypool ... 162, 163 Penarth... ...204, 214 Provident Fund ...295, 309 Price of Coal ... * 325 Parish Records ... 327-332 Quakers of Neath Abbey 32, 36. Raby ... tº $ tº 33 Rhondda Valle 123, PAGE Riches of Coal Field 372 Risca I65 Rhymney 174 Railway ... • 202 Roath Basin ... 206, 207 — Dock ...206, 207 South Wales Coalfield 9, 12 Swansea District 16, 21, 45 Swansea Docks 61, 64 Smith, Mr. Charles 49 Simons ... 39 Scale º 85 Sirhowy * * * º º ºs 164 South Wales Railway 203 Synclinal 233 Sliding Scale 293 * e e 309 Statistics of Trade 315 Shipping of Wales * 3.18 Steam Composition of Coals... 333 Shot Firing — Ele-tric Light , ~370. Safety Cages 369 Shipment 37I Safety Lamps 368 Scale * e ºs 400 Townsend, Mr. Chauncey 48 Thomas, Mr. Robert .. 71 -——— Mrs. Lucy ... 71, 73 — — — Samuel, Yscyborwen 88, 89 Jabez 132 T. . . . . 132 Tynewydd 132 smsº Inundation of 353 Tylacoch ... 133 Tylorstown 143 Talbot, Mr. 147 Taibach... 157 Tredegar * * * 168 Taff Vale Railway ... 184, 198 Truran, Samuel 242 Thomas, W., Brymawel 252 Tappington ... 401 Utilization of Gas & ſº e 370 Ventilation ... ... ... 369 V. INDEX. Worthington * & & Wonders of Coal Field Welsh Coal and the Russian War ... tº gº & Williams, Edward Yscyborwen PAGE Vivian, Sir H. H., Bart., M.P. 53, 60 Vicar Prichard tº $ tº * @ e 22 Western Valleys º 4-, -, 45, 53 Waun Wyllt ... 8 º º . 71, 73 Wayne Family * * * & e ſº 81 Werfa ... e tº & tº gº º * = & 87 Williams, David, Ynyscynon 117, 120 PAGE 145 371 367 404 88 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, Private Library, Windsor EARL OF POWIS THE MARQUESS OF BUTE LORD DUNRAVEN LORD TREDEGAR LORD ABERDARE SIR. H. H. VIVIAN, Bart., M.P. SIR GEORGE ELLIOT, Bart., M.P. SIR DANIEL GOOCH SIR. W. T. LEWIS SIR MORGAN MORGAN SIR JOHN JONES JENKINS, M.P. ADAMS AND WILSON, Messrs., Docks, Cardiff ADAMS, E. R., Esq., Penarth ABRAHAM, W., Esq., M.P. (“Mabon') ABRAHAM, D., Esq., Cyfarthfa ABRAHAM, R. A., Esq., Glanyrafon, Rhymney ARDUSER, GEO., Esq., Docks, Cardiff ALMOND, J., Esq., Wharncliffe House, Bristol ALLEN, S. W., Esq., Exchange Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff AUBREY, JoHN, Esq., Ty Mawr, Hirwaun ARNOTT, E., Esq., Queen's Hotel, Aberdare ALEXANDER, Mrs., Tarbert House, Merthyr BISHOP, JUDGE, Llandovery * BROWN, FoRSTER, C.E., Esq., Cardiff BELL, W., Esq., Merthyr Vale BAILEY, T. H., Esq., Plymouth BAILEY, E., Esq., Plymouth ii. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. BAILEY, E. J., Esq., Plymouth BAILEY, H., Esq., Merthyr BOULANGER, JOHN A LE, Esq., J.P., Cardiff, Kt Commander Order of “Isabella la Catholica,” Spain BEDDOE, WM., Esq., Llancaiach BATH, C., Esq., Fynone, Swansea BEVAN, Mr. R., Overman, Treharris BEITH, W., Esq., Ynysybwl BEVAN, E. E., Esq., Cadoxton Place, Neath BREWER, M., Esq., Taff Vale Railway, Cardiff BEDLINGTON, R., Esq., Aberdare BRADNEY, J. H., Esq., Talycoed, Monmouth BLACKWELL, R., Esq., New York BURNIE, R. D., Esq., Swansea Wagon Company BLAKEMORE, W., Esq., 81, Newport Road, Cardiff BLAKE, G., Esq., Stradey Castle Estate Office, Llanelly BUTE DOCKS ESTATE OFFICE CLARK, G. T., Esq., Talygarn CRAWSHAY, W., Esq., Cyfarthfa COSSHAM, HANDEL, Esq., M.P., Bristol CORY, T., Esq., Swansea CORY, R., Esq., Cardiff CRoCKETT, J., Esq., Taff Street, Pontypridd CARADOC, Cardiff CARR, H. LASCELLES, Esq., Cardiff CHAMBERLAIN, Mr. H., Merthyr COLQUHOUN, J., Esq., Tredegar CARNE, J. W. T., Esq., D.C.L., St. Donats CoRBETT, J., Esq., M.P., Droitwich à, COCHFARF, Cardiff CONSUL, THE AUSTRIAN, Cardiff CAPPER, R., Esq., Swansea CALVERT, JOHN, Esq., Pontypridd CRAWSHAY, Mrs. ROSE MARY DAVIS, LEWIS, Esq., Ferndale DAVIES, D., Esq., Beaufort Works, Morriston LIST OF SUBSCR /BERS. iii. DAVIES, E., Esq., Llandinam DAVIES, Dr., Fochriw DAVIES, E., Esq., Bassalleg , DAVIES, Mr. W. B., Cross Keys, Mon. DAVIES, Rev. Ll., Cwmtaff DAVIES, -., Esq., T.V.R., Treherbert DAVIES, WILLIAM, Esq., Brynhaulog, Neath DAVIES, T., Esq., Penydarran DAVIES, Mr. T., Pontmorlais DAVIES, J. H., Esq., Ferndale DAVIES, E. H., Esq., Pentre Rhondda DAVIES, JOHN, Esq., The Treasury, London DAVIES, D. E., Esq (Dewi Mabon) DAVIES, Rev. W. H., Vicar of Cenarth DAVIES, D., Esq., Glebeland. Merthyr DAVIES, W., Esq., Colliery Manager, Ferndale DAYSON, W., Esq., Ebbw Vale Works DANIEL, E., Esq., Heathfield, Swansea DANIEL, W. L., Esq., Merthyr DAKERS, JOHN, Esq., Blaina DAKIN, E., Esq., Merthyr DREW, T., Esq., Overman, Treharris DAVIES, D. J., Esq., Mardy Hotel, Mardy DAVIES, J. E., Esq., Merthyr * DARLING, CHARLEs, Esq., M.P., 36, Grosvenor Road, Westminster, S.W. DAVID, Rev. W., St. Fagans, Cardiff DAVIES, JAMES, Esq., Gwynfa, Broomy Hill, Hereford DAVIES, Messrs. D. & SoN, Docks, Cardiff Dixon, JoHN, Esq., General Superintendent Swansea Harbour º DoCTON, Mr. J. T., Merthyr EVANs, CHRISTMAS, Esq., Penheolgerrig Evans, WM., Esq., Llwyncelyn & EVANs, J., Esq., Brewery, Pontypridd EvANS, HENRY, Esq., Plymouth EvANs, T., Esq., Troedyrhiew iv. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. EVANs, D., Esq., Barrow Steel Works EVANS, W. DownING, Esq., (Leon), Newport EVANs, T. J., Esq., Glyncelyn, Brecon EVANS, H., Esq., Brecom Bank, Cardiff EVANS, E., Esq., Brecon Bank, Merthyr EVANS, D. J., Esq., High Street, Merthyr EVANS, J. J., Esq., M.I.C.E., Penarth EDWARDS, E., Esq., Gilfach Glyd EDWARDS, LEWIS, Esq., Mountain Ash EDWARDS, E., Esq., Risca EDWARDS, FRANK, Esq., Glanymys, Aberdare EDMONDS, T., Esq., Cowbridge EVANs, W., Esq., Mardy Library, Mardy EVANS, Mrs., Greenhill, Crickhowell EVANs, E., Esq., Burry Port FISHER, GEORGE, Esq., Taff Vale Railway FISHER, H. O., Esq., Taff Vale Railway FREE LIBRARY, Cardiff FREE LIBRARY, Newport FREE LIBRARY, Pontypridd FREE LIBRARY, Liverpool FRY, HolmAN AND FRY, Messrs., Docks, Cardiff FOREST IRON AND STEEL COMPANY, Docks, Cardiff FERRIER, J. B., Esq., Bute Docks GRIFFITHS, Rev. C., Blaenavon GRIFFITHS, T., Esq., Cymmer Collieries GRIFFITHS, W., Esq., Waterloo Colliery, Blackwood GIBBON, J. P., Esq., Glyn Colliery, Pontypridd GREEN, W., Esq., Tycelyn, Abercarne GREEN, Rev. W., Pontyrhun GAY, Mr. A., Post Office, Ystrad GILLELAND, Mr. J., Tydfil's Well GITTLESOHN, Mr., Dowlais. GRAY, THOMAS, Esq., Underhill, Port Talbot GRAY, Col. C. M., Mountain Ash GRIER, Mr. —., Overman, Cwmpennar LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. GUNSON, Robert, Esq., Merthyr Gwyn, Mrs. H., Dyffryn, Neath GUNN, Mrs., Cardiff HARRUP, R., Esq., Merthyr HoweLLs, F. D., Esq., Gelly Isaf, Aberdare HowARD, S., Esq., Llanishen House, Cardiff HIBBERD, C. M., Esq., Cheltenham HANSARD, H., Esq., Merthyr HANSARD, H., Esq., Swansea HANSARD, J., Esq., Llanelly HARRIs, W., Esq., J.P., Merthyr HARRIs, W., Esq., jun., Merthyr HARRISON, J., Esq., Bwllfa Dare HURMAN, J., Esq., T.V.R., Cardiff HUGHES, H. P., Esq., 113, Bute Docks, Cardiff HOOPER, R., Esq., 24, Park Place, Cardiff HOOD, A., Esq., Sherwood House, Cardiff HUZZY, H. F., Esq., Newport HENSHAW, A., Esq., Brecon & Merthyr Railway, Newport HUGHES, Mr. I., Craigfryn, Quaker's Yard HOPKINS, GEORGE, Esq., The Hayes, Cardiff HALLIDAY, T, Esq., Cardiff HARVEY, T. H., Esq. (C.E.), Merthyr HANN, E., Esq., Powell Duffryn HOSGOOD, T. H., Esq., Swansea HOLLAND, C. B., Esq., Ebbw Vale HARRIS NAVIGATION COMPANY, Docks, Cardiff HOWELL, J. C., Esq., Llanelly JAMES, S., Esq., Madras Villas, Newport Road, Cardiff JAMES, C. H., Esq., Brynteg, Merthyr JAMES, GWILYM, Esq., Gwaelodygarth, Merthyr JAMES, C. RUSSELL, Esq., Courtland House, Merthyr JAMES, D., Esq., Office, Dowlais JAMES, FRANK, Esq., Merthyr JoRDAN, R., Esq., Ebbw Vale JORDAN, Rev. A., M.A., Gowerton Vicarage, Swansea vi. g: ZIST of subscribers. JENKINS, W., Esq., Ocean Collieries JENKINs, C., Esq., T.V.R., Pontypridd JENKINS, Mr. —., Post Office, Pontyclown JENKINS, Rev. D., Rector of Vaynor JENKINS, REES, Esq., Brynderi, Glyncorrwg JENKINS, S., Esq., 3, Well Street, Swansea JENKINS, D. W., Esq., Bro Dawel, Caerleon ENKINS, J., Esq., Brick Works, Merthyr JENKINS, RICHARD, Esq., Port Talbot JENKINS, W. M., Esq., Consett Hall JENKINS, J., Esq., Tyla-Morris, Briton Ferry JoNES, B., Esq., Goring Place, Llanelly JonBS, Mrs., Brick Works, Risca JoNES, Dr. EVAN, Aberdare Jones, REES, Esq., Finchley House, Cardiff JoNES, E., Esq., Snatchwood House, Pontypool JONES, Dr., Cardiff JONES, WILLIAM, Esq., J.P., Navigation House JONES, J., Esq., Glanymant, Merthyr JONES, Rev. L., Rector of Taf Fechan Jones, W. J., Esq., Merthyr JONES, Rev. KILSBY, Llanwrtyd JoNES, Mr. J. E., T.V.R., Troedyrhiw JONES, O. H., Esq., Fonmon Castle JONES, E. SouTHwood, Esq., Cwmbran JoNES, D., Esq., Treharris Hotel JoNES, D. (David Morganwg), Esq., Cardiff JONES, T., Esq., Hafod, Dowlais JONES, HoweLL, Esq., Cefn Coed JONES, T., Esq., Tylacoch t JONES, J. O., Esq., Cwmdwr, Clydach, Swansea JONES, J. C., Esq., Brymbella, Penmaenmawr JONES, DAVID, Esq., Church Street, Merthyr JONES, G. W., INGRAM, & Co., Messrs. JONES, J. ROBERT, Esq., Dowlais JoNES, Mr. T. BowFN, Merthyr B, IST OF SUBSCRIBER S. vii. . JONES, Rev. J. D., Bethesda, Merthyr JOSEPH, T., Esq., Brynawel, Rheola, Neath Kirk, J., Esq., Brecon KIRKHouse, Rev. H., Cyfarthfa KIRKHOUSE, H., Esq., Tylorstown LLEWELYN, Dr., Caerphilly LLEWELYN, J. G., Esq., Penarth LLEwBLYN, J. T. D., Esq., Penllergare LLEwBLYN, L., Esq., Abersychan House LLEWELYN, L. C., Esq., Penrhiwceiber LLEWELYN, RHYs, Esq., Bwllfa LLEWELYN, W., Court Colman LEwis, JAMES, Esq., J.P., Plas-y-draw, Aberdare LEWIS, LEWIS, Esq., Glanyrafon LEWIS, W. M., Esq., Cwm Clydach LEwis, Mr. W., Bookseller, Cardiff LEwis, Major D. R., Merthyr LEwis, T. W., Esq., Abercanaid LEwis, H. WATKIN, Esq., Abercanaid LEwis, J., Esq., 88, Queen Street, Tredegar LEwis, L., Esq., Bank Chambers, Cadoxton-juxta-Barry, Cardiff LEIGH, Dr., Glyn Bargoed LoCKET, G., Esq., Mill Hill, London, N.W. LLANw ARNE, T., Esq., Coroner, Hereford LAYBOURNE, R., Esq., The Firs, Malpas LASK, W., Esq., Llwympia LANCASTER, J., & Co., Blaina LEwis, W., Overman, Merthyr Vale LEwis, W., Esq., Tylacoch, Abercarne LEwis, J., Esq., J.P., Tynycymmer, Rhondda LEwis, D., Esq., Castle House, Caerphilly LINTON, H. P., Esq., 3, Llandaff Place, Llandaff 'Lewis, W. T., Esq., Worcester Tin Plate Works, Morriston LoCKET's MERTHYR COAL COMPANY, Docks, Cardiff LEWIS, Evan, Esq., Llandaff LLOYD, Mr. H., Nantygwenith Street, Merthyr viii. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. LLEWELYN, J., & Co., Docks, Cardiff LLEWELLIN, D. M., Esq., C.E., F.G. S., Glanwern Office, Ponty- pool W MARTIN, E., Esq., J.P., Dowlais MARTIN, H., Esq., Dowlais & MORGAN, W. PRITCHARD, Esq., M.P., Dolgelly MORGAN, T., Esq., Abercwmboy MORGAN, Dr., Hafod MORGAN, MAJOR, Brecom MORGAN, D., Esq., Walnut Tree MoRGAN, D., Esq., Merthyr Vale MORGAN, Mr. D., Miners’ Agent, Aberdare MARYCHURCH, W., Esq., Cardiff MARYCHURCH, J. G., Esq., Cardiff MACDONALD, D., Esq., Merthyr MATTHEws, F., Esq., Cwmbach MORIEN, Treforest McCoNNOCHIE, JOHN, Esq., Cardiff MAY, G. J., Esq., Cardiff MoRRIS, T., Esq., Cefn MoRRIs, E., Esq., Heathfield Street, Swansea MoRGAN, W., Esq., Hampton House, Humphrey Place, Merthyr MoRGAN, ARTHUR E., Esq., 5, Dock Chambers, Cardiff MOREL BROS. & Co., Docks, Cardiff McLELLAN, J., Esq., Docks, Cardiff NIxoN, JOHN, Esq., Merthyr Vale NIxoN, E., Esq., Methley, Leeds NICHOLSON, J., Esq., T.V.R., Cardiff NIxoN's NAVIGATION COMPANY, Docks OWEN, DANIEL, Esq., J.P., Ash Hall, Cowbridge Owen, J., Esq., Taff Vale House, Merthyr OWEN, D., Esq., Troedyrhiew & OGILVIE, G., Esq., 4, Great George Street, Westminster, London PARRY, P. W. J., Esq., Bristol Chambers, Bristol PLEws, JoHN, Esq., The Cottage, Merthyr PEARCE, H. D., Esq., Pembrym, Cefn Coed LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. ix. x= PERCH, Messrs. W., & Co., Docks, Cardiff PERCH, Messrs. W., & Co., Cwm Clydach PHILLIPs, DAVID, Esq., Merthyr PARFITT, Capt., Newport PRICE, Mr., T.V.R., Pontypridd PRICE, Mr. T., T.V.R., Merthyr PRICE, JOHN, Esq., Navigation Powell, Mr. W.M., Merthyr Powell, D. B. W., C.E., Esq., Pendleton PHILLIPs, Mr. B., Merthyr PLUMMER, E., Esq., Glyncorrwg PRICE, C., Esq., Neath Abbey PRICE, Mr. S., Troedyrhiew º PRICE, R., Esq., Penarth Road, Cardiff PRITCHARD, W., Esq., Tonypandy PRITCHARD, W., Esq., Rhymney PAYNE, T., Esq., National Provincial Bank, Cowbridge POOLE, E., Esq., Cownty Times, Brecon Powell, Mr. J. E., Bedlinog PARKES, C. J., Esq., J.P., Wentland, Pontypool PRICE, Rev. LEWIS, Vicar of Llandilo PARK LIBRARY, Rhondda Valley, by D. DAVIES, Esq., Cashier, Ton Pentre, Pontypridd PRICE, Miss SYDNEY, Cammarch Hotel, Llangammarch PREST, T., Esq., Bedlington, Northumberland PHILLIPs, T. C., Esq., 9, Adelaide Street, Bute Docks, Cardiff ROLLS, J., Esq., Hendre, Monmouth * REES, W. P., Esq., Gadlys Cottage, Aberdare REES, DANIEL, Esq., Glamdare REES, D. G., Esq., Colliery Manager, Tondu REES, Mr. T., Swan Inn, Aberaman REES, W. T., Esq., Maesyffynon, Aberdare RHYs, LEYSHON, Esq., Hirwain REES, HOWELL, Esq., Tyrbach, Cwmaman ROGERS, J., Esq., Cyfarthfa. Robinson, JoHN, Esq., Barry Dock X. LIST OF SUBSORIBERS. ROSSER, JOHN, Esq., Fernhill, Rhondda ROBERTS, J. D., Esq., G.W.R., Newport RICHES, T. H., Esq., T.V.R., Cardiff RICHARDS, D., Esq., Bute Collieries, Treherbert RICHARDs, Mr. D. M., Aberdare ROBINSON, G. E., Esq., Haddon Villa, Cardiff RHOS LLANTWIT COAL COMPANY RICHARDs, R., Esq., Mountain Colliery, Rhondda RICHARDS, Rev. Mr., Cefn ROACH, WM., Esq., Baggallay Road, Hereford RAY, JACOB, Esq., Tom, Rhondda Valley RHYMNEY IRON COMPANY RICHARDS, C. W., Esq., Newport, SOLDENHOFF, R. de, Esq., Cardiff SOUTHERN, E. W., Esq., Cardiff SouTHERN, FRANCIS RICHARD, Esq., Ludlow SARVIS, I., Esq., Castle, Merthyr SPICKETT, E. C., Esq., Solicitor, Pontypridd SANDBROOK, S., Esq., Merthyr STEELE, J. H., Esq., Stroud SHARP, Mr. W., Troedyrhiew SHORT, W., Esq., Her Majesty’s Inspector, Merthyr SIBBERING, J., Esq., Grove House, Merthyr STEWART, W., Esq., Harris’ Deep Navigation STEPHENs, Mrs., High Street, Merthyr SUTTON, ABBAHAM, Esq., 6, Lapps Quay, Cork TALBOT, C. R. M., Lord Lieutenant of Glamorgan TRURAN, S., Esq., Bedlinog Hall THOMAS, M., Esq., Merthyr THOMAS, T., Esq., Tynybedw, Pontypridd THOMAS, J., Esq., Clifton House, Aberdare THOMAS, EVAN, Esq., Cambriam Works, Aberdare THOMAS, JOHN, Esq., Court Herbert, Neath THOMAS, JAMES, Esq., Merthyr Vale THOMAS, T., Esq., Tynywern, Pontypridd THOMAS, Rev. H., Vicar of Penydarran LIST OF SUBSORIBERS. & Xi. THOMAS, T., Esq., Energlyn THOMAS, Mr. T. H., Abercanaid THOMAS, W. J., Esq., Chemist, Aberdare THOMAS, W., Esq., Medical Hall, Builth THOMAS, D., Esq., Crown Hotel, Builth THOMAS, D. A., Esq., M.P. for Merthyr THOMAS, JOHN HowARD, Esq., Ysguborwen THOMAS, H. G., Esq., 5, Gnoll Park Road, Neath THOMAS, THOMAs, Esq., Courtland Terrace, Merthyr THOMAS, T. H., Esq., The Walk, Tredegarville, Cardiff TRAHARNE, -, Esq., Coedriglam Park, Cardiff TELLEFSEN AND WILLs, Messrs., Cardiff THURBORN, JOHN, Esq., Newcastle-on-Tyne TURBERVILLE, D. BEVAN, Esq., Pontardawe THOMAS, W., Esq., J.P., Brynawel, Aberdare THOMAS, G., Esq., Ely Farm TOLFREE, R. W., Esq., Treforest TYLOR, A., and COMPANY, Messrs., Docks, Cardiff TYLKE, S.A., Esq., Docks, Cardiff THOMAS, RICHES & Co., Messrs., Docks, Cardiff TRAVIs, A. W., Esq., Exchange, Cardiff THOMAS, Mrs., Ysguborwen, Aberdare VAUGHAN, JOHN, Esq., Solicitor, Merthyr WARREN, -, Esq., 99, Great Russell Street, London WALL, J. SARGENT, Esq., Clovelly - WATTs, E., Esq., Wattstown WEBSTER, Dr., Merthyr WAKELING, J., Esq., Merthyr WILKES, A., Esq., Plymouth WILLs, Mr. V., George Town WARE, J., Esq., Briar Villa, Penarth WILLIAMS, DAVID, Esq., Taff Vale Brewery, Merthyr WILLIAMS, Mr. E., Tydfil's Well WILLIAMs, H., Esq., Belle Vue, Merthyr WILLIAMs, IDRIs, Esq., Brynglas House, Porth WILLIAMS, J. P., Esq., Tonyrefail Xii. * LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. WILLIAMS, J., Esq., Caetwmpin, Merthyr # WILLIAMS, W. J., Esq., Devil's Bridge, Aberystwyth WILLIAMS, T., Esq., J.P., Gwaelodygarth, Merthyr WILLIAMS, JUDGE GWILYM, Miskin WILLIAMS, Mr. D., Post Office, Cefncoed WILLIAMS, J. P. D., Esq., Colliery Manager, Blaina WILLIAMS, MORGAN STUART, Esq., Aberpergwm - WILLIAMS, T., Esq., Pengam WATKINS, J., Esq., G.W.R., Pontypool WILKINS, F., Esq., Merthyr WILKINS, H., Esq., Cape Town WINSTANLEY, -., Esq., Pendleton WIGHT, W. D., Esq., Cwmaman, Aberdare WoRMs, JossE & Co., Messrs., Docks, Cardiff WATTs, WARD & Co., Messrs., Docks, Cardiff WILLIAMs, J. H., Esq., National Coal Company, Wattstown WILKINSON, GEORGE, Esq., Risca - WILLIAMs, Mr. T., Merthyr Vale WILLIAMS, W., Esq., 3, Ship Street, Brecon WILLIAMS, JOHN, Esq., 53, High Street, Brecon WILLIAMS, IGNATIUS, Esq., Stipendiary of Pontypridd WILLIAMS, ILTYD, Esq., Pontypridd, and Cleveland House, Middles- borough WILLIAMS, W., Esq., Wyndham Arms, Treherbert WILLIAMS, F. C., Esq., Royal Hotel, Rhymney INT R O DU C T O R Y. HERE are few substances in nature more unprepossessing in appearance than coal; few, gleaming with a ruddy light on winter eves, that are more attractive. Similarly, if the theme has a hard, repellent look, let us see if it cannot be made interesting and have an instructive influence as well. Widespread in its location, coal may be assumed to have a place in the language of most nations. It is the gahal of the Hebrew, the glo of the old Briton, the anthraa, of the Greek, the carbo of the Roman, the coll of the Saxon, the kohle of the Teuton and his Dutch and German descendant, and the charbon de terre of that vivacious neighbour of ours opposite, the Frenchman. There are twenty-five references to coal in the Old and New Testaments, and these show conclusively that its uses were as well known and as varied as now. - - “There shall not be a coal to warm at l” cries Isaiah. “Visage blacker than a coal,” states Lamentations, as if the collier had been a familiar spectacle. “The Smith with tongs worketh in the coal,” again exclaims Isaiah; adding in another place “the smith that bloweth the coal.” - s - “I have baked bread upon the coal thereof,” remarks Isaiah, referring to the homely routine of baking. “They saw a fire of coal, and fish laid thereon,” observes John. The Psalms, which are a perfect storehouse of historic fact, giving insight into social life amongst the Jews, their handicraft and customs, refer to fuel in a manner suggestive that, though coal was known, the chief fuel was that of wood. “He scattereth the hoar frost like ashes. Who shall withstand his frost.” 2 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE The ashes of the six and the nine feet are white compared with those of bituminous coal, but the ashes of wood unquestion- ably come nearer to the psalmist’s description. Du Bartus, the French poet, does not go so far as to say that coals were known in Eden, but he conjectures that Adam knew the comfort of fire, and as an odd conceit that may relieve a lot of practical details and heavy reading, we quote a part of his poem from Sylvester, who translated it at the beginning of the reign of James I. In the summer time Adam was not much distressed for lack of fire, but “Winter being comm again, it griev'd him T' have lost so fondly what so much relieved him. Musing, one day he sat down, Upon a steep rock’s craggy forked crown. A foaming beast come toward him, he spies Within whose head stood burning coals for eyes; Then suddenly with boisterous arm he throwes A knobbie flint that hummeth as it goes. Hence flies the beast, th’ il-aimed flint shaft grounding Against the rock, and on it oft rebounding, Shivers to cinders, whence there issued Small sparks of fire, no sooner born than dead. This happy chance made Adam leap for glee, And quickly calling his cold companie, In his left hand a shining flint he locks, Which with another in his right he knocks. So up and down, that from the coldest stone, At every stroak small fiery sparkles shone. Then with the dry leaves of a withered bay, The which together handsomely they lay, They take the falling fire, which like a sun Shines clear and smokeless in the leaf begun. Eve kneeling down with hand her head sustaining, And on the low ground with her elbow leaning, Blows with her mouth, and with her gentle breathing, Stirs up the heat that from the dark leaves glowing, Kindles the reed, and then that hollow prix First fires the small, and they the greater sticks.” Here we have an interesting picture of Paradise, and of the pursuits in that leafy retirement, certainly more poetic than if Adam had been described with a mandril, and Eve gathering the coal from the outcrop. But let us turn to more prosaic matters. Theophrastus, the pupil of Aristotle, who flourished 300 years prior to the invasion of Britain by Caesar, described coal minutely in his Book of Stones, and as regards Britain, historians generally AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 3 concur in the opinion that coal was well known here before the arrival of the Romans, and was used by workers in brass. - That coal was known to the Britons may be inferred from their . having a primitive name for it—glo. So also thought Pennant (Towr, vol. I., p. 25); and he further gives interesting confirma- tion of the native use by citing the fact that at Craig-y-Parc, in Monmouthshire, a flint axe, identical with that used by the aborigines, Kelts or a still earlier race, was found, deeply embedded in the exposed vein of coal. It had, we assume, been driven in by the fierce blow of one of the untutored children of the woods, and could not be pulled out again, but was left through the wonderful generations that followed, a marvel of antiquity. A fly in amber is literally “nowhere” by such an illustration as this. “E.W.” (who was most likely Iolo Morganwg), writing in the Cambrian Register (vol. III., p. 50), refers also to a coal mine in North Wales, where a flint axe was found; and in another a similar weapon by the side of the bones of an elephant. This carries back the mind to a time when this country had a climate vastly dissimilar to the present. Whether the Romans were acquainted with the value and use of coal previous to their occupation of Britain is a moot point, but that they turned British coal to account is certain, cinders having been found at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the West Riding of York, and in the neighbourhood of North Brierley, and the discovery of , Roman coins amongst them stamps the date as being contemporary with that of Roman rule. To the mass of our readers, however, who, we doubt not, will approve of our taking narrower grounds and localising this enquiry, it may be of interest to state that the use of coal by the Romans in Wales was proved in 1883, by an interesting discovery of a Roman villa in the neighbourhood of Caerleon. In the earth beneath a tessellated pavement—a plan of which is in the Cardiff Free Library—coal was found which had evidently been used. Coal was known and partly used by the Anglo-Saxons, but is only slightly mentioned under the Danish usurpation; the earliest notice we have of coal trading in England is dated 852. The 4 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE earliest document recording the establishment of collieries is Bishop Pudsley's Boldar Book, A.D. 1180, wherein mention is first made of collieries at Bishop Wearmouth. A charter dated 1239 is extant, empowering the burgesses of Newcastle to dig coal, and in 1281 it is stated that a fair trade was being done. For several centuries after the Conquest, the Crown asserted its prerogative in the ownership of all mines and minerals, of course including coal and iron. Edward I. directed the tithe of the ore dug out of the Welsh mines to be paid to the parochial churches in the vicinity. In 1306 the fact is publicly noted that sea coal smoke was regarded as deleterious, Edward I., in that year, issuing a proclamation against its use in London and suburbs, people being commanded to make their fires of wood. In 1315 we learn from a charter of Edward II. that Derbyshire coal was known and in use, but objections were entertained against it for its employment in domestic matters, presumably from the Smoke, that of wood fuel, not being considered so hurtful. In 1321 coals were used in the palace, and soon became an important article of commerce. It was not until the reign of Henry VI. that the owner of the ground on which a mine was found derived any benefit from its being worked. Then the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France, obtained a lease of all the gold and silver mines within the kingdom for ten years, on condition of giving a tenth to the Church, a fifteenth to the king, and a twentieth to the pro- prietor of the land. Henry VII. on his accession appointed Jasper, Duke of Bedford, with other eminent persons, governors of his mines in England and Wales. It was understood that though gold and silver only were specified, all minerals were included. In the year 1452 Henry VI. had engaged three miners from the Continent to work his mines. Queen Elizabeth levied a tax of fourpence per ton upon coal, but the Virgin Queen appeared more solicitous about the health of her people than of her revenue, for she prohibited the use of stone coal in London during the sitting of Parliament, “lest the health of the knights of the shire should suffer during their residence in A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. - 5 the metropolis.” Still, the Virgin Queen, with her immense Tudor vitality, was not the woman to remain apathetic to the development of the country's riches, and so she sent into Germany for some experienced Germans to carry on the business of the mines. To two of these, one named Thurland, clerk in holy orders, and Houghsetter, she gave licence, 1584, to search “for their sole use and profit,” reserving to herself only a tenth of all gold, silver, and quicksilver ores. The charter empowered them to search, dig, etc., for all manner of mines in York, Lancaster, Cumberland, Westmoreland, Cornwall, Devon, Gloucester, Wor- cester, and within her principality of Wales. This was confirmed by another charter in 1604, granted by King James I., and as the grantees and heirs were mostly dead, it was extended to the Earl of Pembroke and others named Governors, Assistant and Society of London and of the Mines Royal. Two leases were granted by the society, one in Bedfordshire and the other at Little Taunton, in Gloucestershire, but were not successful. They had silver mines in Cardiganshire, Corisumloc and Talibont being specially named (two Roman mines). Iron was not in their patent only for wire, for which they had mills in Tintern. Of lead in England and Wales, blacklead only was worked in Cumberland, from which, in 1683, pencils were first made as being more useful than pen and ink. The above charters were copied by Mr. John Thomas, of Court Herbert, and presented by him to Mr. G. J. Francis, and are to be seen in his valuable work on the copper works of Swansea. A year afterwards the Queen made two more grants—one to William Humphrey, evidently a Welshman, and Christopher Shutz, probably Shultz, and another to Cornelius Devisse. The one to the Welshman and the German was the most compre- hensive, for it included all mines, minerals, and subterrannean treasures. During Queen Elizabeth's reign the copper works in the Swansea district were established, as we shall see in our notice under that head. - In the 16th century efforts were made to establish coal 6 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE monopolies in Bristol, but though many collieries are specified no reference is made to the Welsh coal field. - Robert Mansell, Vice-Admiral of England (for biography see Red Dragon) utilized the Pembrokeshire coal about 1615 in his glass works at Milford Haven, but was not successful until he transferred the works to Newcastle-on-Tyne. There the venture proved a good one, the Northern coal probably better suiting his purpose. - - In Galloway's History of Mining (p. 41) reference is made to a company which obtained a grant in 1620 for the use of sea coal in iron making and other metals; and in this company the Welsh element is easily noted by the names—Lewis, Powell, Walter, Vaughan, John Pruthro, and Henry Vaughan, Esquires. This compry proved a failure, and succeeded no better than Rovenson, who secured the patent granted in 1612 to Simon Sturtevant (see Metallica *). For a peculiar blending of Biblical reference and lamentation commend us to the history of these ventures. A further patent granted in 1633 for chartering sea coal yields us Welsh names—Sir Abraham Williams, Walter Williams, and Henry Regnolds (Reynolds 2) - . Then we have experiments in iron making in the Forest of Dean, where one Master John Williams is leagued with a Master Edward Dagney, an Italian, in the affair, but it proved unsuccess- ful.—(Metallica, p. 17.) By 1632 sea coal was getting more and more into vogue, though England still maintained its densely wooded character. - Stowe, in his Ammals, 1632, says:– “Not only in the City of London, all haven towns, and in very many ports within the land, the inhabitants in general are constrained to make their fiers of sea coale or pit coale even in the chambers of honourable personages, and through necessitie, which is the mother of all arts, they have of very late years devised the making of iron, the making of all sorts of glass, and burning of brick with sea coale and pit coale.” - - - . . . . . ... ." In 1649 objections against it came to the front, Blythe, an * Metallica, Simpkin's reprint. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 7 author on agricultural subjects, writing thus: —“It was not many years since the famous City of London petitioned the Parliament of England against two amusances, or offensive commodities, which are likely to come into great use and esteem, and that was Newcastle coals, in regard of their stench, etc., and hops, in regard they would spoyle the taste of drinck and endanger the people.” Taking the whole of the country's produce in 1660, it amounted to only two millions and a quarter tons, and twenty years later it appeared even less, and Charles II., in 1665, had to admit the existence of a severe depression. From the old statutes we learn that King Charles II. passed an Act (1685) to encourage the building of ships in England so as to benefit the coal trade. At that time there was a general lament that our ship industry at Newcastle, as well as our coal industry, required support. They were languishing on account of foreign competition. Charles, who in 1677 had shown an interest in coal by taking into consideration the admeasurement of keels, and boats for that mineral, felt the decaying character of his coal shipping acutely, as it was a source of much revenue, and remained so until 1695, when five shillings per ton was levied on all coal—sea or water borne. Previous to this the tax levied by Queen Elizabeth was only fourpence per ton. Between this period and the middle of the next century, very energetic, and often abortive, attempts were made to bring pit coal into more general use. Its successful introduction in iron smelting is accredited to Richard Ford, who married a daughter of Abraham Darby—a family long and honourably associated in after years with the coal and iron industries of Ebbw Vale and district. Richard Reynolds (Smiles’ Industrial Biography) was born at Bristol in 1735, and succeeded Darby (1757) in the management of the works at Coalbrookdale, after which date iron smelting became more general, and its use more successful. It will have been seen by the charters empowering grantees to work all sorts of mines that the Crown retained its ownership, and did not permit of any mining without authority–coal and iron not being exempt; but in the reign of William and Mary it abandoned 8 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE its rights to all mines, except those metals containing gold or silver only, claiming the yield at the current price of base metal. - And now, having reviewed coal and mining generally in the past years, let us come more closely to our subject and our own coal field. A N/) WTS ALLIED WINDUSTRWES. 9 CHAPTER I. THE SOUTH WALES COAL FIELD. If we could soar up with the eagle to an altitude commanding the Monmouthshire hills and the Pembrokeshire coast, the great field would be seen spread out before us, extending from Pontypool to St. Bride's Bay, assumed by various authorities to be from seven hundred to a thousand square miles in length. Then, looking more westwardly, we should be able to take in its extreme breadth of twenty-four miles from Dowlais to Llantrissant in Glamorgan, and thus compass the whole. This great field includes nearly the whole of Glamorgan, and a huge slice of Monmouthshire; it further extends into the shires of Brecom, Carmarthen, and Pembroke. The mass of the coal field is covered by mountain and valley, by wood, pasture, and river. Nine miles in length by two and a half miles in breadth are covered by the Swansea Bay, nine miles in length by five miles in width are covered by the estuary of the Burry and the Llwchwr rivers, and from Kidwelly the Carmarthen Bay covers an extent in length fifteen miles, with an average width of six miles. So the journeyer, guided by the practical experience of the first describer of the coal field, Edward Martin, and of later writers, wishing to perambulate the field after the old parochial manner, would start from Pontypool and proceed on the outskirts, first to Nantyglo and by Sirhowy to Dowlais, Merthyr, and Hirwaun. Then on to the wild district bordered by Banwaun, Craig-y-Nos, Amman, Ty Llwyd to Gwendraeth, and next Kidwelly. Here he would cross the sea to the Kilgetty pits, and then to Landshipping and St. Bride's Bay. His tastes being more geological than archaeological, he would leave St. David’s unnoticed, turn around and cross sea to Gower. Next leaving Swansea to the left, make his way to Tondu, 10 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Llantrissant, Caerphilly, Machen, Risca, and end where he began, at Pontypool. This great field is assumed by various authorities to be approxi- mately one thousand square miles, which are distributed as follows:— Glamorganshire tº e º vº º ſº 518 square miles. Monmouthshire e tº e • * * 104. • 2 Carmarthenshire & is e tº e g 228 25 Breconshire ... tº $ tº tº ſe & 74 55 Pembrokeshire tº a tº º º & 76 29 Of the above, nearly eight hundred and forty-six square miles are exposed, about one hundred and fifty-three square miles lie beneath the sea, and about one square mile is covered by newer formations. - - . The coal field is one of a rugged and mountainous character, the more hilly part characterised by a treeless expanse, upon which the fern and heather, with scant herbage, form the most developed of its vegetation, while the margin ground of deeper soil, such as the old red sandstone affords, yields richer crops and loftier trees. Nothing is more striking to the agriculturist than the contrast of soil afforded by the coal land, the limestone, and the “old red,” all in close conjunction so to state. He finds the mineral land to be chilly and feeble in productive power, and to require all the appliances which agricultural chemistry suggests to improve that soil, and to enable him to get anything like a moderate return for his labours; but the limestone is near at hand to assist, and that which the mineral field lacks, he has on the one hand in the “vale,” prolific with its sea influences, and on the other the rich lands of Breconshire, to make ample amends. - Nature is parsimonious of her riches and refuses to give mineral wealth beneath and luxuriant crops above. Hence, in similar way, the bleak districts of carboniferous limestone yield lead with only a thin soil above, the cold shales of Cardiganshire silver, and the Snowdonian heights gold, with the scantiest covering of earth. The coal field is noticeable for its valleys, which all trend upon the Bristol Channel, and are admirably adapted for railway and port, A WD IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 11 The coal ground of highest elevation is Carn Moesau, on Craig y Llyn, a few miles from Hirwaun, where it has an elevation of 1,971 feet above sea level. The lowest is on the Aberavon Burrows, where the Messrs. Vivian work the Morfa pits beneath the low water mark of the Swansea Bay. The thickness of the coal measures has been estimated by various authorities at from ten to twelve thousand feet. Sir W. T. Lewis and Mr. Morgan Reynolds, in a paper read before the South Wales Institute, stated that there was a greater thickness of coal in the Neath Valley than at any other part of the basin. - - - Now let us take one more glance at our field from another point of view. Its great cradle is the carboniferous limestone, resting upon its bed of old red sandstone. Between the carboniferous limestone, which is fossiliferous in a high degree, with its shell fish of pre-Adamite seas, are sandstones valuable in the make of steel, and the Farewell Rock, locally known as the Pudding Stone, from its containing quartz, the fragments of older rocks. We have said the cradle is the limestone. But instead of a cradle the bed might be more aptly described as in a stone box. It is a veritable stone box, where nature has stored her coals with limestone beneath and the Pennant slabs for the cover. Now come and open it, and find the relics of an old world which had its sunshine and its storms ages, vast beyond conception, before man came upon earth. Gathered here, carbonized where they fell, are the leaves and the branches and the trunks of the trees of old, with some few flowers and some bivalves that lived on pre-human shores, and varying with the coal seams are measures of ironstone, sometimes so blended as to be worked together. The strong trunks of trees tell us of tropical growth, and around them the most delicate tracery of stem and leaf, for so nature revelled in art and abundance when there was no audience of little, critical, sceptical man Three hundred years of patient investigation by the most gifted of our geologists, while fairly disclosing the extent of the coal field, has not exhausted the catalogue of its flora and fauna, or ceased, let us add, now 12 THE SOUTH WA LES COAZ, TRADE and then to disclose something from the workshop or laboratory of nature, by the side of which our relics of human genius, and skill, and labour are but as the handiwork of yesterday. A finer scope for reflection could not be found than in looking upon the great store, with its remarkable arrangements, which have facili- tated ease of working, thus showing that nature has acted in harmony with human intelligence, and by so doing yielded us a sermon in stone of profoundest nature. s But we must pass on, and next show the gradual way in which the coal field began to be known and worked, leaving the special characteristics of the “field " and of the coal and its duration for a future chapter. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 13 CELAPTER II. ANCIENT COAL WORKING IN WALES. T has hitherto been supposed that the earliest coal working in Wales took place in Pembrokeshire, but this is incorrect. Llanvabon and Neath claim priority. This is established by the Compotus, or Ministers’ Account for Glamorgan, for the year ninth Edward I., published among the old charters of Glamorgan, by Mr. G. T. Clark, to whom the mineral as well as the archaeological world is much indebted. The first relates to the Manor of Caerphilly, and is as follows:- Cartae et alia munimenta quae ad Dominium de Glamorgan pertinent. - VOL. I. 1102–1350. BY GEO. T. CLARK. CCXXXV PATRIA DE SENGHENITH. Manerium de Kaerfilly cum membris supra Caagh. Subtus Caagh Lavendu. Redditus assise et advocatio. gº tº Et de vis. viijd. de firma piscariae aque de Taaf per idem tempus. De molendino de Landivedon nichil quia combustum et destructum fuit in guerre. De firma mine carbonum ibidem nichil pro defectu operariorum causa guerra. Sum : vi s. viijd. & “And 6s/8d from the fishing water of the Taff during the same period half-yearly. From the mill at Llandivedon (Llanvabon) nothing because it was destroyed by fire in the war. From the farming of the coal mine there nothing through lack of workmen on account of the war.” Total 6s/8d. The translator gives here the word war for guerre, but the “war” may fairly be taken as more an affair of small detach- . ments, such as often occurred between the Normans and Welsh 14 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE upon the Glamorgan hills, than a pitched battle between two countries. Sir Walter Scott has immortalized one of those conflicts in his “Norman Horse Shoe,” of which the second stanza is very descriptive of our “guerre”:- “From Chepstow's towers ere dawn of morn, Was heard afar the bugle horn, And forth in banded pomp and pride Stout Clare and fiery Neville ride. They swore their banners broad should gleam In crimson light on Rymney's stream ; They vow’d Caerphilly's sod should feel The Norman charger's spurning heel.” The old coal working referred to is very likely that of Velin Vach, Llanvabon, which, by old men, is stated to have been of very early date. It occurs on the crop of the Mynyddislwyn seam. The next entry relates to the monks of the Neath Manor:- CCXXXIII. VILLA DE KENEFEG CUM CASTRO. [MEMB. : 6] MANERIUM DE NEETH. Bxitus Manerii. . . . . “De carbonibus nichil per idem tempus pro defectu operariorum causa guerre.” “And for coal for the same time nothing through lack of workmen on account of the war.” - We thus see that while native industry was turning out coal at Llanvabon in the thirteenth century, the monks of Neath were similarly employed. This account is of great interest. The Abbey dates from the conquest of Glamorgan—the chapel within the castle and certain lands having been given by Richard de Grenville, a knightly follower of Fitzhamon, to a brotherhood of monks. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and figures conspicuously in the bardic eulogies of the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries. From the same valuable store-house of antiquity we have also been enabled to extract a record showing that iron, as well as coal, was worked at Neath. It runs as follows:— FERRUM.—Et de ij. summis ferri, provenientibus, de unofabro fabricanto, in foresta de Neeth, et non plus quia plures fabri non fabricaverunt ibidem, per idem tempus causa guerre. Sum: ii. et venduntur ut infra. Et nihil remanet. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 15 Thus translated:— IRON.—And for two lots of iron produced by one [iron] worker, working in the forest” of Neath, and not more, because many workers did not work in the same place in the same period, the war" being the cause. Total ii. Sold as below, and nothing remains. The monks of Margam appear also to have had the benefit of a coal working in the thirteenth century, and very likely used it for their temporal good. We glean this from the contribution towards a cartulary of Margam by Mr. G. T. Clark. In the list of benefactors to the Abbey—a long list, bequeathing pastures, commons, fishing rights and sheep folds—there figures one who gave three acres and a half, which was more than equivalent to the three acres and a cow of our modern benefactory days. This was a certain worthy named Owen Ap Alayth, who gave stone and coal, with a right of access.f The monk as a collier and an ironworker has rather a grotesque look, especially to those who recall the “Holy Friar,” but it was from the ranks of the monks came our skilled workmen, our intelligent artizans, in fact our middle class. The monastery was not simply the place for the disconsolate knight, as at Llanthony, to resort to for penitence and prayer, but for hard manual work and skilled labour. Sometimes, it must be admitted, as in Flint, for carving little images of saints to sell for miracles, but more frequently, as at Caerphilly, for making substantial furniture, which, up to a century or two ago, could be seen in the better sort of farm houses. The monk was a builder too, he built his own house, and painted his windows in a way we emulate and envy to-day. And then his missal work yields in design and harmony of colours subject matter for wonder and pleasure, and his woollen work was equally creditable. We cannot find any reference in the Liber Lamdavensis to any bequests implying a knowledge of the existence of coal in the district surrounding Llandaff immediately. “Wood, water, and pasture” are referred to, and donations of all the ordinary produce * Foresta is not necessarily a forest. In Medieval Latin it may be translated an open or unenclosed land. - + Camb. Arch. Journal, 1867, p. 319. 16 THE SOUTH WA. LES COA I, TRADE of farms, but not a trace of coal land. There is a similar innocence on the part of the bards. They extolled the beauty of women, and of nature, and the prowess of man; dwelt on battlefields strewn with the dead, and the raven's croak blending with the groans of the wounded; but of industry, the only trace is in forging the spear, or making the sword. Gold is commented upon, iron and coal are passed by. The third claim for ancient coal working must be given to Swansea. In the charters (the leases of old days) published by Colonel G. G. Francis, one is cited given by William de Breos, the Norman lord, A.D. 1305, “empowering the tenant to dig Pit coal at Byllywasted, without the hindrance of ourselves or heirs.” It has been contended by Colonel Francis that this was the earliest in Wales. He was not able to identify the place, which is unknown, and the derivation obscure. We have seen that it was not the earliest. It is possible that the name was Pwllwasted—the Norman clerk was a bad hand at Welsh names-–and would mean the “Pool in the flat.” In the Rhondda Valley we have a Gelly wastod. t The old Norman castles of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries were fortresses provided with all things necessary, from the bakery that supplied the wants of man to the chapel, where his fretful mind was soothed, and to the crypt where he was laid. Within the centre of the castle grounds stood the Smithy, and here, as we have personally seen at Morlais Castle, the investigator may find that the Smith, who was our earliest ironmaster, used coal as well as charcoal in his labour to free the metal from its clayey matrix. The date of Morlais Castle, from its architecture and brief history, is the thirteenth century. In connection with castle building in Wales, we have also notices of purchase of coal" at Carnarvon and Beaumaris, coal being used by the smiths, and the lime burners in their building operations. Our next step takes us to the Tudor era, when civil conflict and foreign war had abated, and the faint signs of industrial and * Galloway's Coal Mining, p. 11. AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 17 trading life burst forth from amongst the land which had been scorched and desolated by slaughter. The Sussex and Kentish ironmasters claim priority in waking up the industry in Wales. It was considered probable by one who has given the subject very great investigation, the lamented W. Llewellyn, of Pontypool, that the Sussex men were induced to come to Wales for ironmaking purposes from the exhausted character of their woods, and from the superabundance of ours. He believed that small iron workings existed in Wales from the time of Henry VIII., principally at Aberdare and Merthyr, hence the inducement to come where iron, and wood, and water were in abundance. - . . . . . . , - . The men of Sussex and Kent came and settled, and traces exist to this day of their primitive works; but every year they are lessening. At Pontygwaith, in the Taff Valley, some remains can be seen, also at Abercanaid and Llwydcoed, and again near Caerphilly. Mr. Llewellyn refers to a casting given by Mr. Anthony Hill to Mr. Mushet, evidently of the Sussex mould. ... We have also met with another, which can still be admired in the old feudal like building of Llancaiach-ucha. The chimney back found by Mr. Hill, whose old building is supposed to be that of the Sussex settler, is dated 1553. Morley, who was the chief man at Merthyr with his Pontyrhun furnace, etc., was unfortunate in his later days, and died somewhat poor, as is shown by Chancery documents extant. The works passed into the hands of one Menyfee, and it is in the public records regarding the disputes between Robert Martin, of Aberdare, in the county of Glamorgan, gentleman, and his wife, administratrix of the goods and chattels of Thos. Menyfee, that we first glean the fact that coal was used in the iron manufacture of that time. The deed cites, in the peculiar abbreviated manner of the period, “third pºte pºp' lye and pore'on of c'ten iron’ forgs, . . . . . scituate and beinge in Lanvuno, . . . . . places to laye coal, myne, scymder, and iron.” Further on we read that one Constance Relfe “had, or ought to have had, woods, underwoods, myne goods, leases, chattalls, with lib’tye to cut coole, dygge, and carye,” etc. * B 18 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE That coal was used is evident, as it is mentioned in connection with the wood from which the necessary charcoal was obtained, and the liberty to cut strengthens our contention, though it must be admitted that the common use of pit coal in iron manufacture was of later date. Still the use of coal, which we ’ was very limited, chiefly, it is conjectured, taken have “proven,” from exposed croppings, and used at mills and limekilns—and these faint records have only been gleaned as curiosities. During Queen Elizabeth's reign the copper works in the Swansea district were established, and we read in the letters published by Colonel G. Grant-Francis the first references to the new trade. Under date 15th January, 1583, to Carnsewe, Mr. Smyth, the founder of the Welsh copper trade, refers to “Y’or meltynge howsys and woodys for cole and fewell.” July 7th, 1584, Smyth mentions, “O'r new meltinge howse at Neath in Wales.” March 7th, 1586, Frosse to Carnsewe, “We will melt in the space of 7 howres the quanttitie of 24 C of eure, and spend not above 8 or 9 Seks of chare coles and thre horslod of sea coles.” These and further efforts we shall note again. It was also in Elizabethan days that coal working began in Pembrokeshire, and of this minute accounts have been handed down by George Owen, Lord of Henllys. After describing the luxuriant woods which appear to have abounded all over Wales at this period, Owen states:– - “With these woods and others of the meaner sorte, which I cannot remember, most of the gentlemen of the sheere are well served with wood for theire fuell; but for the most parte, those that dwell neere the cole or that may have it carried by water with ease, use most cole fiers in their kitchings, and same in their halles, because it is a ready fiere, and very good and sweete to rost and boyle meate, and voyd of smoake where yll chymnies are, and doth not require man's labour to cleve wood and feede the fiere continually. Next unto the wood, or rather to be preferred before it for fuell, is cole fiere, for the generalite of it as that which serveth most people, especially the cheefe townes. This cole may AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 19 be mombered as one of the cheffe comodities of this country, and soe necessarie as without it the country would be in great disstress. It is called stone cole, for the hardness thereof, and is burned in chimneies and grates of iron; and, being once kindled, giveth a greater heate then light and deliteth to burne in darke places. It serveth alsoe for smithes to worke with, though not soe well as the other kindle of cole called the running cole, for that when it first kindleth, it melteth and runneth as wax, and groweth into one clodd, whereas this stone cole burneth a parte, and never clyngeth together. This kindle of cole is not noysome for the smoke, nor nothing soe lothsome for the smell as the ring cole is, whose Smoake annoyeth all things neere it, as fine lynen, men's hands that warm themselves by it; but this stone cole yeeldeth, in a manner, noe Smoke after it is kindled, and is soe pure that fine camerich or lawne is usually dried by it without any staine, blemishe, and is a most proved good dryer of mault therein, passing wood, fern, or strawe.” The primitive mode of working in Elizabethan days is shown as follows. (Just contrast it with our Rhondda collieries and their 1,500 tons output per day):—“After driving a levell to get off the water at a cost of £20, and sometimes much more. When they have found it (the coal) they worke sundrie holes, one for every digger, some two, some three, and four, as the number of diggers are, eche man working with candle light, and sitting while he worketh; then have they bearers, which are boyes that beare the coles in fitt basketts, on theire backes, going always stooping by reason of the lownes of the pitt; each bearer carieth this baskett six fathome, where upon a benche of stone he layeth it; where meeteth him another boy with an empty basket which he giveth him, and taketh that which is full of coles, and carieth as farr ; where another meeteth him, and soe till they come under the doore where it is lifted up. In one pitt there will be sixteen persons, whereof there will be three pickaxes digging, Seaven bearers, one filler, four winders, twoe ridlers who riddle the cole when it is a lande first to draw the small cole from the bigg by one kind of rydell, then the second ryddling with a smaller rydell with 20 THE SOUTH WA LES COAJ, TRADE which they draw smaller coles for the smythes from the colme, which is indeed but very dust which serveth for lyme burning. These persons will lande about eighty or a hundred barrells of cole in a day. Their tooles about this work are pickaxes with a round pole, wedges and sledges to batter the rockes that crosse their work. “All tymes of the yeare is indifferent for working, but the hott weather worst by reason of sodaine dampes that happen, which oftentymes cause the workmen to sound (swoon?) and will not suffer the candells to burne, but the flame waxing blew of collor, will of themselves go out. They worke from six o'clock to six o'clock, and rest an hour at noone, and eat their allowance as they term it, which is 6d. to every man, and 4d. in drinke amonge a dozen. ” (Ale was 1d. per quart, so the allowance was good). “The danger in digging these coles is the falling of the earth and quelling the poore people, or stopping of the way forth, and soe dye by famine, or els the sodaine irruption of standing water in old works. The workmen of this blacke labour observe all abolished holydayes, and cannot be wayned from their follye.”” - Owen next comments upon the tax upon “cole,” which was equal to the price of the article, but adds a fact not previously stated, that this tax was remitted to the Irishmen frequenting that part of Wales for coal, a consideration rather unusual to a people who, from the time of Edward II. to that of Charles, had rigorous treatment in their traffic with England and Wales. In Owen's time it was the habit to compare Welsh coals favourably with those of Newcastle. “This cole,” says Owen, “for the rare properties thereof, was carried out of this countrey to the cittie of London to the late Lord Treasurer Burley, by a gentleman of experience, to shewe how farre the same excelled that of Newcastle, wherewith the citie of London is served ; and I thinke,” adds Owen, “if the passage were not so tedious there would be greate use made of it.” * Camb. Register, 1799, pp. 107-8. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 21 Our next notice of coal dates back again to Swansea in the time of the Commonwealth. In the Survey of Gower by Oliver Cromwell we can find but one entry of coal working, and it runs as follows:– “Swanzey Parish. There is a coal worke in Morwa Lligw, which the tenant houlds by lease from the Lord, dat. 26° Sep., 1639, for xxjtie years, and is to pay for every wey (ten tons), that shall be wrought iiijs at Anncon and Michás.” This is the only instance of a coal work in the parish; and that it had not begun to figure in export, but that iron had, is shown by the next record from the survey. “The key of Mumbles, within the said lordship, hath a custom payable by strangers, vizt., for every stone of wooll, there laden and unladen, ob; for every boat load, cattle, iiijd. ; for every tom of iron, ijd., and also killage.” There is a record of coal working in Glamorgan in the time of James I. “Coyty member, Manorial particulars of Glamorgan, by Mr. G. T. Clark," the lord has coal mines at Hirwaun and at Bryn Gethin, the former let at £7 for this year, and the latter at £134 per annum. Hirwaun was one of the commons pertaining to the lordship.” No other particulars can be gleaned. In the same paper, referring to another member of the lordship, Tir yr Iarl, or the earl’s land, coal is stated to be under Fforest or Brombil, the lord’s land. In the annals of trade, the northern counties and Cardigan were in advance of the south of Wales generally. Hence we find that while a slender working of coal is going on in the South, a good deal is being done in North Wales. From the Historical MSS. Commission cited by Camb. Arch. Jowrmal, p. 225, Vol. for 1878, there are several leases quoted with right to dig and sell coal. One is dated A.D. 1565; another A.D. 1583 : one of the considerations was to carry so many pecks of coal “to the sea syde yerly;” a third, A.D. 1596, to dig and sell coals for twenty-five years, with licence to “take and sell the sea coales in the township.” We close our collection of antique gatherings with the earliest reference by one of the old Welsh minister poets, Vicar Prichard * Camb. Arch. Journal, 1878, p. 121. The Hirwaun here referred to is not Hirwain, Aberdare. 2 2 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRAIDE (the vicar was born in 1579.) He refers to it in his Canwyll y Cymry (p. 371, Vicar of Llawhaden's translation) in his description of hell. “On red hot coals the tongue is broiled.” A description that would suit the taste of the most severe of Calvinistic Methodists. Coal by this time was well known, and hence the vicar's reference, for his similes and illustrations were always of the most homely kind, in order to impress his exhortations more forcibly upon the minds of his people. AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 23 CHAPTER III. NEATH AND DISTRICT. EATH, with its traditions of monkish effort at the working of coal, with its adjacent mountains, from whence, to the most inattentive eye, gleamed a broad band of coal, which afterwards made the Graigola famous, and its excellent river, was fitted to be, as it became, a nursery ground of the coal trade. The monks were followed by others who are glanced at in our history, and then dawned the copper trade, which gave that of coal a vigorous impulse. - A little was done, as we have shown in our chapter on ancient workings, by “our lovinge frynde "Ulick Frosse, who lit his first furnace near Neath in 1684, but a greater influence was brought to bear by Sir Carbery Price in Cardiganshire, who, finding his copper and lead mines expensive to work, divided the company's property into twenty-four shares, and this was the origin of the Mines Adventurers Company, which, failing, caused a great deal of poverty and misery in this country. Previous to the formation of the company, and when Sir Carbery Price's venture was hanging fire, Sir Humphrey Mackworth came upon the scene, and though dates are loosely given—in some authorities at A.D. 1693 and others at A.D. 1700—we must assume that it was even a year or two before the earliest date, when he was the ruling power at the Gnoll, Neath, and had not linked his fortunes with the “Adventurers.” - - In a rare work by Waller on the mines of Carbery Price in Cardiganshire, reference is made at considerable length to the worthy knight and his numerous contrivances. He had, amongst other things “too secret to be referred to,” a new method of coffering out the water from his shafts and sinking pits, by which means he recovered large quantities of coal—“never before,” said 24 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE the old writer, “attempted by other artists.” He had also “sailing wagons on land for the cheap conveyance of coal to the water side, which were simply the wonder of the world and the praise of poets, one horse doing the work of ten, or when the wind was in its favour, actually doing the work of twenty.” The old writer says that as the inventor of sailing engines on land driven by the wind “he was not actuated by vain applause or curiosity, but for real profit, and could not fail to obtain Bishop Wilkins's blessing on his undertakings in case he were in a capacity to bestow it.” As a proof of his care and economy, it is further stated that his copper men worked by the ton, and his colliers by the weight, at a certain price, which was constantly and punctually paid. Then his works were so well situated that his men could run the coal in wheelbarrows into the very furnaces, and the copper oré could be brought by water within a stone's cast of the works. A good deal of this praise, with additional eulogy, formed the groundwork of Waller's petition that Sir Humphrey might be induced to re-start the mining operations of Cardiganshire in connection with Sir Carbery Price. When it came to the mind of inventive, as well as imitative man, that it was easier to convey a load on a smooth road than on a rough one, the next step was easy, namely, to improve the smooth one by still smoother appliances, such as tramways or railways. No one dreamt then of iron rails—that was still in the future—but wooden rails were suggested, and as early as 1620 were used at Coalbrookdale in Shropshire. In 1698 Sir Humphrey Mackworth introduced them at his Gnoll Colliery, Neath. They were successfully used for eight years, but after that a grand jury at Cardiff found them to be a nuisance, and a portion of the rails which crossed the road between Cardiff and Neath was torn up and cut to pieces. "… # In some evidence brought forward about 1706 to rebut the presentment of the Cardiff jury, it is set forth that, not only had Sir Humphrey introduced the most improved methods of AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 25 conveyance for his coal, but a number of other novelties were to be found at his collieries and copper works at Neath. From 1698 he was employing coal in the Smelting of copper, thus clearly establishing the fact, that, though a greater impulse was given to the coal trade when pit coal was used in the smelting of iron, it was the exigencies of the copper trade which brought the “black diamond*into the commercial world in anything like considerable quantity. * * - • With regard to one of Sir Humphrey's special inventions, the trams with sails, called by the old writer Waller a sailing vessel on land, we have bequeathed to us the following by Yalden, a poet favourably known by his imitations of Cowley, uniting poetry with science, in an epistle to Sir Humphrey Mackworth :— What spacious veins enrich the British soil, The various ores and skilful miners toil; How ripening metals lie concealed in earth, And teeming Nature forms the wond’rous birth, My useful verse, the first transmits to fame In numbers tun’d and no unhallowed flame; O, generous Mackworth, could the muse impart A labour worthy thy auspicious art ; Like thee succeed in paths untrod before, And secret treasures of the land explore, Apollo's self should on the labour smile, And Delphos quit for Britain's fruitful isle. After carrying on his collieries and copper works at Neath single-handed, Sir Humphrey appears to have joined the Mines Adventurers, bringing his collieries and copper works into the company, which, starting with twenty-four shares, had been increased to four thousand and eight. The date of his joining is given in the account of the Mines Adventurers as 1698. The Duke of Leeds was established governor of the company, and Sir Humphrey Mackworth deputy-governor, for life. With this change, certain alterations and additions took place, and amongst these houses for smelting copper at Melinerythan. This stimulated the exertions of others in kindred rivalry, all aiding in the improvement of the district. - * About the same time Mr. Pollard, who had copper mines upon his estate in Cornwall, erected works, in connection with his son- in-law, Dr. Lane, where the Cambrian Pottery was afterwards 26 THE SOUTH WALES OOAL TRADE carried on, and he had also works near Landore, but the promoters having failed, as many others did at the time of the South Sea Bubble, their works were purchased by Richard Lockwood, Edward Gibbon, the grandfather of the great historian, and Robert Morris, father of the first Sir John Morris, by whom and their immediate representatives they were carried on for nearly a century, together with extensive collieries; and the result was marked improvement in Swansea and its commerce. A Mr. Wood appears also to have had copper works in the year 1720, at or near Neath Abbey, but his halfpence being boycotted in Ireland, the earliest instance of the scheme, his works came to decay, and his fortune to ruin. Thanks to his industrial efforts, but in all probability only due to his commercial troubles, we are indebted to him (Sir Humphrey) for the first literary production in connection with Welsh mining. This was “A Familiar Dis- course or Dialogue Concerning the Miner's Adventurers, Wherein Sir Humphrey Mackworth and other Welsh Gentlemen were Concerned.”—London, 1700 (Rowlands's Bibliog., p. 266). Another pamphlet, published five years later, shows that mining adventures, the same as most of our early industries, were attended with difficulties. This was entitled “The Case of Sir H. Mack- worth and of the Mines Adventurers with Respect to the Irregular Proceedings of Several Justices of the Peace for the County of Glamorgan, and of their Agents and Dependents.”— (London, 1705, 4to.) From those early pre-newspaper days little has been handed down of the social life of that time or the details of industrial effort. All that we know is that, successful at first, he signally failed when in league with others, and eventually came to grief. When this happened it was naturally the great sensation of the time, for his connection with Neath was not simply a speculative one, the Mackworths of Derbyshire had married into the family of Evans, Sheriff of Glamorgan 1661, and a descendant of Iestyn ap Gwrgant, and the issue, Sir Humphrey, was thus of unquestioned Welsh descent. In the pamphlet published 1705, with respect to the illegal action of certain justices, he says:–“The coal trade had been AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 27 totally lost at Neath for thirty years and upwards, until he, in 1695, began to adventure great sums in finding and recovering the coal of that neighbourhood, since which time the town of Neath, which had grown very poor for want of trade, was then become one of the best towns of trade in South Wales.” Further, “The convenience and cheapness of coal hath occasioned the building of great workhouses or manufactories.” Again, “These coal works and workhouses employ a great number of men, women, and children, to whom several thousand pounds are paid every year, which circulates in the neighbourhood, and other trades are there- by increased, the market much improved, and the rents better paid, as has been acknowledged by Sir Edward Mansel and others, the country receiving money for provisions.” The next paragraph is of interest, as indicating still earlier coal works than 1695:— “The coal works wrought at that time lay chiefly under the common lands belonging to the town of Neath, and the coals were in ancient times wrought by the Burgesses—each Burgess sinking a pit for himself. The Burgesses at last came to cross each others works, which caused great differences and several law suits, and these led to an arrangement, by which the Burgesses granted a lease of the coal works to Daniel Evans, of Neath, Esq., a Burgess, yielding the Burgesses sufficient coal for their firing at the rate of twopence for each barrow of coal, and also a rent or duty of one shilling to the town for each wey of coal sent to sea.” A wey of coal meant ten tons. After this arrangement, we find from the same source that the Burgesses granted leases in succession to David Evans, Esq., eldest son of their former lessee; to Frances, the relict of Edward Evans, and to Sir Herbert Evans (the Eaglebush family), whose daughter and heir became wife of Sir H. Mackworth. During the last mentioned lease, Sir H. Mackworth, being desirous to promote the good of the town of Neath, gave liberty to the Burgesses “to endeavour the recovery of the coal in that Liberty for their own use, which they attempted at some expense; but, failing of success, all the Burgesses in September, 1697, did unanimously grant a lease to Sir H. Mackworth * for the term of 28 THE SOUTH WA. LES COAL TRADE thirty-one years, of which, at the time of Sir H. Mackworth's complaint, twenty-three years were then unexpired. Sir Humphrey then “attempted the recovery of the coal works by the assistance of the colliers of that neighbourhood, but failed of success, whereupon he travelled into other counties to find skilful miners to assist him therein.” He appears to have gone to the North of England, for he continues, and this gives the date of entry into Wales of our first Northern Mining Engineers, “After great expense, and by carrying on a level or wardway, commonly called a footrid or waggon-way, after the manner used in Shrop- shire and Newcastle, he recovered the said coal works, and at great expense continued the said waggon-way on wooden rails from the face of each wall of coal—one thousand two hundred yards under ground down to the water side, three quarters of a mile.” The extent of these works is further shown :-" From the coal works carried on by these means great quantities of coal are brought forth, and sold to use, whereby Her Majesty (Queen Anne) and the public receive annually for the duty on these coals the sum of one thousand pounds or upwards.” It appears that the coals were shipped to the port of Bridg- water and other parts. In succeeding parts of the complaint by Sir H. Mackworth against the justices, it seems that he himself netted several hundred pounds a year from his collieries, and one charge against the justices was, that an attempt was made to disparage the goodness of his coal at Bridgwater and at Neath, and to “press” the seamen who came to his works for coal. From other sources we learn that Mackworth's - waggon-ways were made of oak, that his “works” were on the opposite side of the river, and were carried on by means of a level to a considerable distance under ground. That he had a large steam engine, a water engine, and another water engine upon one of the level pits. - - - ... • * . . . . . Sir H. Mackworth's experiences will be gathered from the following :—“The first select committee of the Fortunate Adventurers was held at Durham Court, in Great Trinity Lane, AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 24) London, Wednesday, the 10th day of May, A.D. 1699; present, Sir Humphrey Mackworth, deputy governor, Sir Thomas Mackworth, and ten others.”* Some of the minutes of the committee will be read with interest:- “1699.-Committee informed that the men in their employ at the Black Raven in Southwark, who had been brought from Cardiganshire, are ready to be employed by Sir H. Mackworth at Neath. . . . . . Ordered that the men be sent forthwith to Neath. That they have a week's wages and a bounty of 10/- each man.” Just as the Romans employed their criminals in their mines, and penal servitude was Eden-like in comparison, the ventilation being bad and the odours infamous, so it was customary even in the days of Sir Humphrey Mackworth to use condemned men in the Neath mines. This is shown by the following extracts:— “An account received that seventeen condemned criminals had been pardoned by the king, provided that they would, within two months, apprentice themselves to Sir H. Mackworth and partners for five years to work at the mines. If they refused or departed the mines, the pardon to be void.” - They must have been a bad lot, as the note further states — “The jaylors would not undertake the charge of the criminals brought from London, from Bedford and Aylesbury, and the company having a vessel under charter which they were obliged to freight to Neath, ten were sent down to that town by it.” Work in mines did not suit the criminals, for we are told:— - “16th October. —Reported that two of the criminals sent to Neath hath run away.” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ‘... By this time, the Government had their eye on the mines as a nearer place of:-exile for criminals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * “27th November.—Secretary of State writes to ask whether the eompany would take any, and what number, of pyrates condemned tº work in the mines.” -* - * On the Copper Works of 'Swansea, G. G. Francis. 30 THE SOUT H WA LES COAL TRA DE This appears, from the sequel of the note, to be disapproved of “without the power of an Act, and the possibility that the gentry and commonalty would be alarmed and dissatisfyed at it.” So Mackworth drew the line at pirates' Malkin says that Sir Humphrey figured in several expensive law suits, waged between Sir Carbery Price and the patentees of Royal Mines, and acted as peace-maker in arranging the differences between them. And he himself had afterwards considerable impediments thrown in his way by the irregular proceedings of agents, servants, and dependents, and this, with the quarrels incident on those irregularities, acted most detrimentally to the mining interest and the discouragement of its future prosecution. And now comes the final picture. It is drawn by the hand of an old tourist, and describes the scene when the worthy knight rested from his labours. “At a short distance from Neath is the Knoll (Gnoll), a castellated seat of the late Sir H. Mackworth, occupying the summit of a hill at the termination of a noble lawn. The fine views which this elevation commands, encompassed by hanging woods and extensive plantations, shady walks and picturesque cascades, render it a place deservedly attractive.” But the writer reminds us that the early coal owner of the West is dead, and his picture of the Gnoll becomes a gloomy one:—“An awful circumstance strikes every beholder visiting this mansion, that this lovely place has closed its gates upon its hereditary possessor, the estate being gone out of the Mackworth family. Every apartment is unfurnished, uninhabited, and forsaken, no minstrel strikes the harp, no bard celebrates the heroic actions of its ancient owners, the dance, the feast, and the song are no more. Nay the fish ponds, the bowling green, the benches, the basin of gold fish, the velvet walks, shady alcoves, shrubberies, embellished with the choicest flowers, the murmuring waterfalls, all these have perished as if they had never been.” - A W D IT'S A LLJED INDUSTRIES. Peace to the memory of the good knight ! We cannot recall him as represented in marble, like one of the Crusaders, with folded arms and sword by side, but as the student knight, poring over plans and inventions, or as the man of energy whose tools were pick and spade, and in carving our industrial history, was far worthier of remembrance than the Paladim of old. The first inspector of mines in Wales, Mr. Mackworth, was a descendant. THE LONG FORD ESTATE, NEATH. Previous to the Quakers there was a Mr. Pryce. He lived at Longford Court, near Neath Abbey. He was an iron manufacturer at Yniscedwyn, in Swansea Valley, and other places, before the Hills and Crawshays. He had a number of small furnaces in various places, first for charcoal and then coke. Pryce died about the middle of last century, leaving a large fortune to his widow, and an only son. She gave up the furnaces, and bought an estate, Dyffryn St. Nicholas, near Cardiff, for her son, a minor. This son became the father of the Hon. Mrs. Grey, wife of the late Hon. William Booth Grey, son of the Earl of Stamford, of that period. This lady died soon after the general election, 1837, and the late John Bruce Pryce, of Dyffryn, Aberdare, succeeded to her property and took the name. Mrs. Pryce was in many respects an eccentric woman. She had the reputation at Longford of mending the sacks of coke, and especially the charcoal ones, used by her husband at his furnaces. Her purchase of Dyffryn St. Nicholas was characteristic. The estate was sold in Bristol, and she appeared amongst the bidders as a quaint looking Welshwoman with her little son by her. Her bids were so quickly given that the company present joked her immensely, and all looked merry when it was knocked down, and she was asked for a deposit. Not being acquainted with anyone in the old city, she had taken the precaution of bringing a good round sum in spade guineas, and these were tendered, much to the company's discomfiture. 32 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE NEATH ABBEY COLLIERIES. These were previous to 1793 worked by the lords of Neath Abbey through their agent, Mr. Williams, of Court Herbert. It was deposed by Mr. Beavan before a Parliamentary Committee in 1810 that forty years before that, namely in 1770, Neath Abbey Colliery was worked by level which emptied itself into the river Neath. It had a steam engine up above, and one water wheel at least. The mines there were at such a depth that they could not be worked without machinery of that sort. They (the coal works) continued for many years to be worked by Mr. Williams, and afterwards by Mr. Richard Parsons. Coals were conveyed by the side of the river upon waggon-ways. In 1793 Mr. Richard Parsons, who was father of the late Mr. John Parsons, of Graig, near Neath Abbey, leased the whole of the minerals of the Abbey estate. His entry into the Neath coal field was soon afterwards followed by that of the Quakers. w In 1800, just before the Quakers' advent, the “coalery of Neath Valley” is represented as extensive,” and “at Llandwr (now called Landore) is a stupendous steam engine erected for the purpose of drawing the water from a valuable mine. This machine brings up water at the rate of seventy-eight thousand gallons in an hour, and is reported to have cost from four thousand to five thousand pounds.” * - THE QUAKERS OF NEATH ABBEY. During the latter part of last century the Prices and Foxes, who were Quakers of Cornwall, came and settled down at Neath Abbey Works, and no men did so much as they did in the construction of engines in the Principality. Not only did they supply the works on the hills—Cyfarthfa, Dowlais and Plymouth—with engines, but the fleet of early steamers and sailing vessels came from the hands of these indefatigable men, who made thoroughness and genuine- * Cambrian Old Guide. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 33 mess—tenets of Quaker faith—the trade marks of their business. One of their achievements was a sailing vessel of one thousand five hundred tons burthen, another was the well-known Prince of Wales. - Joseph Tregelles Price (eldest son of Peter Price), one of the most humane of men, was for many years managing partner in the Neath Abbey Works and Collieries in the neighbourhood, and Abernant Furnaces and Works in the Neath Valley. He was well known all over the hills, and a particular friend of John Guest and W. Crawshay. Mr. Edward Martin, of Swansea, one of the earliest writers on the mineral basin of South Wales, was employed by the Quakers to find some coal for them after they started Neath Abbey Works, and, acting under his directions, they leased the minerals under the Duffryn estate, near Neath, the property of an old county family, the last survivors being the Misses Williams, who were co-heiresses. Not being of age, it was necessary for the Williamses and the Quakers to go to Parliament to get an Act to grant the lease. This was done, a lease of sixty-three years obtained, and the first deep pit in the country forthwith sunk. This was Pwll Mawr (Bryncoch), two hundred yards deep, and considered at the time a marvel. The colliery was an excellent addition to the works, and was carried on to the close of the lease with vigour, when it passed out of the hands of the Quakers to that of the landlord, the late Mr. Howel Gwyn, who had in the meantime purchased , the Dyffryn estate. In connection with the Quakers, another family came into Glamorgan, Mr. Samuel Hosgood, the grandfather of the late manager at Plymouth Works, and was one of the contemporaries of the Martins and Kirkhouses. In the early coal workings of the Gnoll Colliery, Neath, the “Mera” men figured. They are supposed to have been emigrants from the North, who settled down in one colony at Neath, but how or why the place of their abode became known as the “Mera” cannot be stated. The females were called “Merched y Mera,” and these were the hawkers of crockery up amongst the hills C 34 THE' SOUTH WA. LES COAI, TRADE before the railway age. In their bright costume, like the Gower people or the Langwm folk, they formed interesting pictures as they travelled over the hills, now seen in groups on the canal boat, and again clambering the mountains. They were the vendors of most things. Nothing came amiss, from oranges to cockles, and in the good times at Merthyr and Dowlais they picked up ample reward for their labours, sometimes settling down in the smoky towns, and making bright, active wives for colliers and ironworkers. This Mera was the school of miners where coal delving went on years before there was any important coal working in the Aberdare or Merthyr Valleys, and it was from the Mera, Neath Abbey and Llansamlet came the first experienced coal cutters into these valleys. In reference to the Quakers and to their collieries we are indebted to Mr. John Thomas, of Court Herbert, as to certain events and transactions in connection with the lords of Neath Abbey's estate, Mr. Stanley's Court Rhyd Hir estate, and Mr. Howel Gwyn's Dyffryn estate, in the parishes of Killybebill and Cadoxton-juxta-Neath, during the past eighty years. “During the year 1806 Mr. Geo. Croker Fox, Mr. Peter Price, and others, commonly called the Quakers, of Neath Abbey Iron Works, obtained a lease from Mrs. Maria Williams and her three daughters, the co-heiresses of Dyffryn, to work their minerals for a term of sixty-three years. “During the year 1809 the Quakers entered into an agree- ment with Mr. Richard Parsons, the then lessee of the lords of Neath Abbey estate minerals, and of Mr. Stanley's Court Rhyd Hir (Longford) minerals, for making a tramroad to connect the Dyffryn Colliery with Mr. Richard Parsons’ tramway, and to extend the same alongside Neath River, below or south of the Crown Copper Works, and there to erect stages for shipping Dyffryn coal to vessels at Quakers’ old bank, on payment of a wayleave to Richard Parsons, to the lords of Neath Abbey, and Mr. Stanley. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 35 “During the year 1823 Mr. George Tennant, who appears to have previously obtained a lease from the lords of Neath Abbey, and others, constructed a canal from Aberdulais to Swansea, which was opened in 1823 for traffic. . . . . “In or about the year 1827 the lease from the lords of Neath Abbey, at that time vested in Mr. John Parsons (son of Richard Parsons), expired, and the same was renewed to Mr. John Parsons of the whole of the minerals under the Neath Abbey estate, excepting some portions which were intermixed with Dyffryn estate minerals, of which last mentioned portions the lords of Neath Abbey granted a lease to the Quakers. Such last mentioned leases and the mineral lease, etc., from Mr. Stanley to Mr. Parsons expired in 1850. “In the year 1838 Mr. Compton, one of the lords of Neath Abbey, sold a portion of the surface comprising the original Neath Abbey estate to various purchasers, amongst whom were the Messrs. Henry and Charles Tennant, sons of the late Mr. George Tennant. 6% During the year 1830 Mr. John Parsons and Mr. Joseph T. Price entered into a mutual agreement to work as partners certain coals in the Swansea Valley called the Graigola Colliery, out of which colliery under the lands of Neath Abbey and a portion of Dyffryn estate were worked for a period of twenty years, when the partnership came to an end in 1850, and the Neath Abbey mineral lease similarly by effluxion of time. . “During the year 1850, after Mr. Stanley's mineral lease of Court Rhyd Hir estate to Mr. John Parsons expired, the Quakers took a lease thereof, together with the lands and Longford House, which they surrendered during 1874. & - “During the year 1850 the lords of Neath Abbey agreed t renew the lease granted in or about 1827 to the Quakers, and allowed them to construct a locomotive railway alongside of Mr. Parsons’ railway to the new bank or wharves, south of Parsons' ‘wharves, on Court-y-Bettws Marsh, and which they did between 1853 and 1855, and for this purpose the Quakers widened to some extent the Quakers’ bridge over the Tennants’ canal. . - 36 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE “During the year 1853 Mr. Howel Gwyn became the purchaser and owner of the Dyffryn estate. In the year 1855 the late Mr. John Parsons sold to Mr. John Thomas and the late Rev. David Hanmer Griffith his interest in a portion of the property granted to him by the lords of Neath Abbey, less the minerals granted to the Neath Abbey Coal Company. “During the year 1869 the Dyffryn mineral lease, granted to the Quakers in 1806, expired. These minerals the present owner of Dyffryn agreed during 1867 to let on lease to other parties. The lords of Neath Abbey's mineral lease to the Quakers expired in or about 1874, thus ending the connection of the Quakers of Neath Abbey Iron Works with the Neath Abbey estate, the Longford estate, and the Dyffryn estate, which commenced at Neath Abbey Iron Works during the last century.” MR. JOHN PARSON S. We have referred to Mr. Parsons and his connection with Neath Abbey Estate Collieries long before Aberdare coalfield was worked. Mr. Parsons had another colliery, the Primrose Colliery, in Killybebill parish. He worked bituminous and steam coal. He was a bachelor, and was succeeded by his brother, William Parsons, of Pontardawe Tin Works, Swansea Valley. The Bryndewy Colliery, near Dyffryn, owned by the Quakers, worked a good deal of steam coal fifty years ago. This was brought to Port Tennant by canal, and shipped there. Mr. William Kirkhouse was the principal agent to the Tennant family. He was a brother of Mr. Henry Kirkhouse, Llwyncelyn, Merthyr. His grandfather had been one of the earliest mining engineers who had come into Wales from the North of England, as will be shown in our notice of the family. Previous to Mr. Wm. Kirkhouse's sinking of the Pwll Mawr for the Quakers on Dyffryn Estate, twenty men were burnt at the Neath Abbey Coal Works—one of the earliest instances known— but the number of deaths is not on record. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 37 —z- Mr. Henry Kirkhouse, of Llwyncelyn, was agent for Mr. Parsons at the commencement of this century, before his removal to Merthyr. Mr. Thomas (who died in 1856) succeeded him. From a Blue Book” containing evidence before a Parliamentary Committee, we glean interesting details in connection with Neath collieries previous to 1810. Mr. Evans and Mr. Raley (query, Raby) had a colliery one mile and a half distant (from Neath) worked by levels. Mr. Gryffid Price, a colliery one mile and a half distant (Martin one of the proprietors). In addition there were collieries of David and Hopkins. Reece Williams had a colliery on the Swansea Canal. There is also notice at this time (1810) of vessels taking coal from Neath up the Ogmore and to Aberthaw.” At Neath and Swansea (it was deposed before this Parliamentary - Committee) many persons were employed on the banks in breaking large coal into small so as to evade the duty. The duty on large coal was five shillings and fourpence, but upon small only one shilling and ninepence. In order to be rated as culm it was necessary that it should pass through a riddle two inches square. The cutting price at Neath was sevenpence per ton. Sale price at Neath wharf, five shillings per ton. Selling price at Landore Colliery, seventy-three shillings f per wey (ten tons). At one of the Abbey levels the lessee, long previous to 1810, had broken the large coal into small, so that, instead of paying one shilling per ton royalty, he paid but threepence. An action was brought, and lessor awarded five thousand pounds. After this Mr. Williams took and worked the level. - The export trade of Neath in 1790 is given on evidence as follows:—“Sent to Bridgwater one thousand six hundred and eight tons; in 1796, one thousand three hundred and eighty-four tons; in 1800 it declined to three hundred and sixty-eight tons; but in 1809 rose again to one thousand four hundred and forty- six tons.” * Blue Book, 1810, p. 18. + Blue Book, p. 10. & 38 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE CELAPTER IV. CARMARTHENSHIRE AND THE BREconSHIRE coAL FIELD. "t was but natural, while Pembrokeshire on the one hand and |- Glamorganshire on the other were showing that they possessed coal, and were beginning to utilise it, that some of the more enquiring minds in Carmarthenshire would speculate in the same way, and see if the same good fortune awaited them. They were late in their day, for about 1700, so runs tradition, handed down from father to son, people of Carmarthenshire were in the habit of journeying from Llandovery into Monmouthshire for coal. They came, many of them, from even the top of Carmarthenshire over the hills to Brecon, and thence by the Bwlch to Cwmtaff Wechan and so to Pwll Düon, Monmouthshire. They used horses and mules, and near the upper reservoir, Taf Fechan, can be traced the ancient “cymmorth” or “rosſa,” where they used to halt and camp. - The first historic notice we get is derived from an old road book, dated 1724. At this time Llanelly—then described by the writer as Llanelthy—“drove a pretty good trade in coals.” So they had made haste in making up for lost time. - - In corroboration of this it was stated in evidence before a Parliamentary Committee, in 1810, that “a great many years ago a large trade in coals was carried on between Carmarthenshire and France.” Previous to 1770 Mr. Smith, grandfather of Mr. C. Smith, of Swansea, sunk pits, erected a fire engine, and made a canal for leading coals down to the water side near Llanelly. These A ND, . ITS. A.LLIED INDUSTRIES. 39. collieries, passed to his son, and from him to his sons, who sold them in 1801 to Major-General Ward. * At this enquiry the exports from Llanelly to the English coast, principally Bridgwater, were in 1796, thirty-eight tons; in 1797, twenty-one tons; in 1798, twenty-seven tons, when they ceased until 1804, nineteen tons; 1805, forty tons; ceased again until 1809, seventy-one tons and one hundred and twenty-seven tons small. The culm trade: from Llanelly began in 1804. Collieries, at Llanelly established in connection with the iron' works were started early in the century by Mr. Alexander Raby, a North of England man, who brought into the district a sum little: short of a quarter of a million of money. Mr. Raby and his associates constructed, in connection with. his iron works at Llanelly, the Carmarthen line tramroad, leading from the furnaces to Mynyddmawr—the Great Mountain—where extensive iron mines were worked in the carboniferous shale formations. They also opened extensive collieries near Llanelly, - from the small of which coke was made. At first wood charcoal, produced from the then abundant forests of the district, was used for smelting. The coke made from the coal of the district was expensive. The furnaces were continued until about the year of t panic 1825, but were then discontinued, but the collieries were kept going. - + In 1817 Mr. Raby, in conjunction with Mr. Simons, father of Mr. W. Simons, of Merthyr, opened some collieries in the anthracitic measures in the Gwendraeth Valley. They erected the first steam engine used for raising coal in that valley. This coal was sent down by the tramway for exportation at Llanelly. But considerable quantities were sold for domestic use. It was conveyed by carts to Carmarthen, Lampeter, and Newcastle. Emlyn, and districts beyond, Country gentlemen used to have, their coal for a year's supply carted a distance of twenty, thirty, and forty miles by their tenantry. This was commonly a tribute, of affection by the tenantry, and for which they asked no rewards: * Blue Book, 1812, p. 8. - - - ... . . . . 40 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE The coal carrying journey occupied, depending upon the distance, sometimes two or even a part of three days. A feast was usually provided for the carters, whether they were farmers, or their sons or Servants, at the landlord's mansion. After 1825 Mr. Simons carried on these anthracite collieries for several years on his own account. Other collieries were about that time being opened by several persons in the district. In 1824 Mr. Ling Urey, a brother of the then Sir Bouchier Urey, took a lease of extensive mineral tracts from Lord Cawdor, upon which he established collieries. These afterwards became possessed by Messrs. Martin, of Carmarthen. As mentioned, the iron manufacture at Llanelly proved unsuccessful. - - About the close of the last century several large copper works were erected at Llanelly, and in its neighbourhood. In most of these works copper-miners were partners. Mr. Raby was associated with them, and his collieries gave an abundant supply of coal for the manufacture. One of these was possessed by Messrs. Neville, Druce and Company. These works were for years under the management of Mr. Richard Neville. He was a man of great energy and ability, and became the managing partner in the concern, and in after years succeeded Mr. Raby as king of Llanelly. His firm carried on very extensive collieries there, and in the neighbourhood. Much of the coal produced was used at their own large works, but there were considerable quantities exported coastwise, and to France. - Cornwall was a great market for Llanelly coal. In 1810 Messrs. Farquharson and Simons commenced opening some collieries and constructing iron works at Pembrey, but these were soon discontinued. Other collieries had also been opened by surface adits in that district, but there were no considerable works established until Messrs. Grant and Company built a furnace for iron smelting, and opened considerable collieries in connection with them. A large capital was spent in that venture. It is said that AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 4l ten thousand pounds were spent in a fruitless endeavour by Messrs. Grant and Company to sink a shaft on the sand burrows near Pembrey. Messrs. Grant and Company failed, and the coal trade at Pembrey remained without any further development until the establishment of the copper works at that place. In connection with the coal industry, it may be mentioned that in the anthracite districts of Carmarthenshire the usual rate of wages up to 1827 was about one shilling and tenpence to two shillings a day. And that was about the rate of earning when the cutters were paid by the dray or bucket for the coal won by them. Coal used then to be sold at about six shillings and sixpence or seven shillings a ton at the pit head, and used to be sold delivered on carts in the town of Carmarthen, a distance of twelve miles, at about twelve shillings a ton. The price of cartage was very low, but the turnpike gate charges were high. It is remarkable that there are no indications of working coal from the anthracite seams in the Gwendraeth Valley before the last century. Wood seems previously to have been the only fuel in that country of coal. - The Pembertons of the North were also early associated with the coal trade at Llanelly. Their extensive collieries close to and around the town produced very large quantities of coal. One of the first Welsh coals that won celebrity for steam producing properties was that from St. David's Colliery, near Llanelly. These were the collieries worked until recently by the Llangennech Colliery Company, Limited. The Llangennech coal was very peculiar-—it had a silvery sheen; but was very friable and made much small, and that soon resolved itself into dust. It was all hand picked for shipment, and was actually carried into the holds of ships and there packed by hand. To Mr. Raby is due in a great measure the method by which an amalgam of iron and copper fused together can be again separated. After the peace of Amiens he bought a quantity of guns, which were successfully treated, and at the conclusion of the war with France a great bulk of the cannon came under his hands. 42 THE". SOUTH". WALES COAL TRADE He died at Bath, in circumstances: which may be regarded as reduced, considering his former position. - Mr. Cox, a connection of Mr. Raby, was connected with the establishment of iron works at Arigna, in Westmeath. Here some time after the establishment of the works, a terrible tragedy occurred...; A. band of miscreants assailed Mr. Cox's works in expectation of “getting the pay” which had been prepared ; and, On going to the window to see what the disturbance was, he was shot dead. Several prisoners were apprehended, but the jury were obstinate and would not give a verdict at the first trial. In this case occurred the last instance of the method employed in correcting perverse jurymen. This was by drawing them upon a hurdle to the confines of the county, and there dismissing them. At the next trial four men were convicted and hanged; and subsequently three others were captured, and, being tried and convicted, were also hanged... In all seven men suffered for the murder of the English ironmaster. - The uprise and development of Llanelly, wherein Mr. Raby may be said to have sown his wealth, are worthy of note. The general export trade, which had improved to the extent of thirty thousand tons between 1830 and 1837, reached in 1840; one ºhundred and fifteen thousand seven hundred and twelve tons. In 1845 the Amman Valley and its coal, wealth, worked previously by tramway, started by Mr. Raby, was more fully developed, and in 1847 the Dafen Tin-plate Works were started; in 1852 the Morfa Tin-plate Works and old Lodge Works. Following these in the next decades, the Old Castle and Marshfield, and an iron ship building yard; and in 1871 the South Wales Works—one of the largest and most complete in the country. Burry Works figure as the last. The settlement upon which Mr. Raby entered, and which, in his day, was so insignificant, now exhibits the following:—Seven large tin-plate works, at two of which steel is also manufactured; a large copper works; a lead and silver works; four large foundries; ...AND ITS. ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 43 a pottery, on which ten thousand pounds was originally expended. by Mr. Chambers; a shipbuilding yard; three steam saw mills, and half a dozen collieries. From the early coal workings of Mr. Raby, and succeeding him the Copper Works Company, many a “’prentice hand,” becoming skilled by experience, found his way to Swansea, and eventually to the Aberdare and Merthyr Valleys. The coal exports of Llanelly in 1886 amounted to eighty-seven thousand five hundred and seven tons, and in 1887 reached ninety thousand two hundred and nineteen tons. . . . THE BREconSHIRE COAL FIELD. We have seen Glamorganshire, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthen- shire at their early workings, and it now only remains to end this section of enquiry by noting the efforts in Breconshire, a county which has the least slice of the coal field, but is compensated by the richer lands of the old red sandstone, and the “ deeper woods” which flourish thereon. - It may surprise many to learn that in the time of Edward I. and Edward II., the veins of minerals—iron and other—in Breconshire were regarded as of considerable importance. In the seventh year of the reign of Edward I. a commission was issued—De Mimera infra Balliwum de Built Commissa Hoelofilio Meuric; and in the same year Howell ap Meuric, then being the King's bailiff, and having the castle and manor of Builth demised to him at a thousand pounds a year, had the care of the minerals of that: county for the King's use (see Ayliffe's Ancient Charters). r For many years similar commissions were issued, but in after days our good friends of Builth have been content to extract mineral waters, leaving the beds of lead, copper, iron, etc., intact. In the matter of coal, which crops out at Llanelly, Breconshire, and must, in consequence, have been early known (see Lhuyd's Letters), the regular working began, it is conjectured, about 1600. Jones, in his History of Brecomshire, published 1805, said that 44 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE the iron works of Clydach were started two hundred years before by John or Richard Hanbury, son or grandson of the first Capel Hanbury, of Pontypool Works. These certainly gave an impetus to coal digging. In 1711 coal was sold at the pit, Llanelly, for twopence per bag, the rent of the coal mine was twenty pounds per annum, and bar iron was to be had for sixteen pounds ten shillings per ton. Messrs. Wilkins, Lloyd and Company had the chief trade in coal, which was obtained principally from the Llwyn-y-pwll Colliery, taken by tramway down the Clydach, thence into Brecon by barge, and dispersed over Radnorshire and the western part of Hereford- shire. The iron was taken on horseback or in carts over the mountains into Newport. In the early days these iron works must have been of the same primitive character as they were throughout the district. Even in 1800 they only consisted of two furnaces for melting the ore into pig, and two forges for converting the pig into bar. The make ranged from forty to a hundred tons weekly, and in the make of each ton three tons and a half of coal were used. At this time four hundred hands were employed, some of whom, states our venerable authority, got a hundred pounds per annum, and none less than forty pounds. Another stimulus to coal and iron working was the completion of the canal in 1800, from Brecon to Pantymoyle, near Pontypool, where it joined the Monmouthshire. The Act for this was obtained in 1793, operations began 1796, and on the 24th December, 1800, the first boat-load of coal was sent from Gellifelen Colliery, Llanelly, to Brecon. The tonnage rate was twopence per ton per mile for coal and iron ore, and threepence for bar iron. The iron ore was raised at Llammerch, on the Duke of Beau- fort's estate, and the royalties in 1800 upon ore and coal were two thousand pounds a year. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 45 CELAPTER V. THE WESTERN coAL FIELDS—SWANSEA. N our notices of ancient times we have referred to the charters of the Norman lord of Gower, de Breos, empowering the digging of pit coal, but the Norman was a conservative of conservatives, as he would not allow it to be used but as necessaries, and no foreigner was to have any. De Breos encouraged ship building, but the very article which would have given an impetus to it was sparingly used; and, later down in history, we read in the “escheats” of the time of Henry VI. a notice of only one colliery then in existence, at Kilvey, It was copper that first gave the stimulus, and even that was slow at first, as in the early copper make peat was used. An innovation upon this was by Steinhayer and his father, “who have used much woode.” The earliest notice of a smelting-house is 1479. This was near the castle, but it did not pay. - The earliest notice of coal in copper working at Swansea was unearthed by Colonel G. G. Francis in his charters. The date is 1564, when the population only numbered one thousand two hundred and sixty persons.” This was about sixty years before King James I. granted a patent to Dudley for using “sea coales or pitt coales in furnaces with bellowes.” The earliest notice of a copper works of larger size is dated 1690. The working of coal in the west, was contemporary with the establishment of copper works, first by Sir Carbery Price in Cardiganshire. * Nautical Magazine. 46 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE In 1717 copper works were erected upon the Swansea river. In 1718 another works appear to have been constructed within the boundary by a Mr. Phillips. Shortly afterwards the Forest Works were started by Lockwood, Morris and Company. This lease expired in 1837. In 1719 copper works were erected at Bank y Goetrus, at Swansea. About this time (1720) Swansea is described in an old work, quoted by Malkin, as being noted for the manufacture of straw hats, and for doing a considerable trade in coal. - Ogilby, Roads (1724) states:—“Swansey, an ancient large and well-built town, governed by a Portreeve, belonging to the Duke of Beaufort. It drives the greatest trade of any in the county, especially in coals, and holds a very considerable correspondence with Brystol.” The works of Bank y Goetrus, which were removed to Landore, passed into the hands of Lockwood, Morris and Company in 1727, and, later in the same year, were removed to the new works at Forest. In the Forest accounts for 1768 there is an entry of trial for coal, four pounds one shilling and sixpence. In 1740 there were several collieries on the opposite side of the river to Smith's collieries, and in 1750 Swansea is represented as doing a flourishing coal trade. This was “flourishing” compara- tively, for in 1768 only six hundred and ninety-four vessels came into port during the year. The great coal wealth was not even then suspected. It was left for De La Beche" to estimate that the mass of the various beds of coal in the neighbourhood of Swansea amounted to eleven thousand feet, as compared with the five thousand feet of the Bristol district. In evidence given before a Parliamentary Committee in 1810, it was stated that in 1770 considerable collieries were at work on both sides of the river, and later “Mansel Phillips had a colliery at Swansea.” * Geological Observations, p. 584. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 47 In 1775, Windham's Towr in Wales, descriptive of Swansea, states that it “carries on a considerable trade in coals. The plenty of coals in this neighbourhood, and its convenience of export, have caused the preference for this locality.” From the diary of Mr. John Place, manager to the Mines Royal Company at Swansea in 1795, some 'extracts referring to coal will be read with interest:— “18th March.-Thirty-five furnaces working. “16th May.—Coal so bad, men left work for two days. “10th October. —Ores smelted this week, one hundred and thirty-six tons; copper made, seventeen tons; furnaces working, thirty-eight; coals burnt, three hundred and fifteen tons. “14th November.—Coals, forty-two shillings per wey (about four shillings per ton). “13th February, '97.-Men began working twenty-four hours at a stretch. “Mr. Parsons complains of them stealing much of his coal. “8th May.—Mr. R. Parsons should send us better coals and better measure. Mr. Weaver, a partner of Rose and Company, of Macclesfield and Neath Abbey, is here, and makes the same complaint. “ 1797.-The furnacemen on account of bad coals left the work this morning.” In 1796 no less than one thousand six hundred and ninety-seven vessels came into port, showing that a considerable quantity of coal was exported every year from Swansea to Bridgwater, but it decreased when put into competition with Monmouthshire coal, which was sent free of duty. The Swansea and Neath Collieries were of much greater extent than the early ones of Monmouthshire. Between the two counties there was a great deal of rivalry, and it was stated before a Parliamentary Committee in 1810 that while the cutting price at Swansea was four shillings and sixpence per ten tons, that of Risca was fifteen shillings, and that Swansea could deliver for forty 48 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE 2–w:- shillings. This was doubtful. It was stated again by one of the Glamorganshire witnesses that coal could be delivered for as low as five shillings per ton. Sold to copper works, four shillings and sixpence. Before the same committee, it was deposed that Lockwood's Collieries had been offered for fifty thousand pounds, and that seven thousand pounds per annum had been cleared there. Previous to 1810 there had been, for fifteen years, a progressive rise in the price of coal. MR. CHAUNCEY TOWNSEND. The credit of originating the coal trade on the Kilvey side of the Tawe is claimed for Mr. Chauncey Townsend (G. G. Francis's book). Previous to 1750 the Birchgrove Collieries were in operation on a small scale, and were the property of a Mrs. Morgan. He leased them from her and shipped coal at White Rock, whither it was conveyed on horses backs, in bags of a small size, only a degree larger than those of the mule caravan of Glamorganshire east. Mr. Chauncey Townsend was an important man in London, and an alderman in the city. It is also claimed for him that he was at one time M.P. for Westbury, in Wiltshire. In after time his Llansamlet Colliery was reputed to be the deepest, to have cost him a large sum of money, and to have some of the most powerful engines at work. But this was considerably after 1849, when Messrs. Davey and William Pegg were proprietors, and Mr. George Southern, whose family has since been favourably known in the coal field of Wales, was asked to report upon the colliery of Birchgrove. & We have been favoured with an inspection of the correspondence which passed, disclosing the old tale of troubles, London capitalists, bad and good times, difficulties. Mr. Southern's report was favourable. Taking the coal at eight shillings and sixpence large, and four shillings small, he suggested an annual profit of two thousand and thirty-nine pounds thirteen shillings and tempence. This by the way. AND ITS ALLIED. INDUSTRIES. 49 Returning to Mr. Townsend, we find that his daughter Elizabeth, in 1770, married Mr. John Smith, of the Drapers' Hall, London, who thus succeeded to one undivided fifth part of the Llansamlet Colliery, and in his life time purchased three other undivided fifth parts, thus acquiring the Gwernllwynwyth leasehold property. John Smith died 1797. He was succeeded by his sons, Charles and Henry. . In connection with Mr. Chauncey Townsend, we must note that the Reverend J. Townsend, his son, wrote a work on geology in which he states that “ his father, in opening for coal at Llansamlet, commenced before 1750. He was then searching for coal.” To Mr. Chauncey Townsend we owe the introduction of an important class—the earliest mining engineer. To the pioneer of this body we refer in our list of mining engineers. CHARLES SMITH, GWERNLLWYNWYTH, SWANSEA. About 1806, Charles Smith and his brother Henry had extensive collieries in the Swansea Valley, one, the Charles Pit, long reputed excellent geologist, and took a lively interest in the literature of the coal field. Under the signature “Viator,” he gave an interesting series of letters in the Cambrian Visitor, a Swansea magazine which was published in 1813, and came to a conclusion in the same year. This series began with a general sketch of . . geology, and ended with observations on the coal field of South Wales. For many details, he was indebted to Mr. Martin, of Morriston, whose paper was read before the Royal Society, May 22nd, 1806. The series indicated a thoughtful and devout mind, bent upon reconciling the Jewish Cosmogony, with the latest scientific researches of his day. In a note by the Editor of the Visitor, we are told that “his talents were of a superior order, and his knowledge was practical, whilst his pursuits were scientific. In a radical knowledge of the Welsh language few equalled him, T) 50 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE and, perhaps, no one has excelled him, though he acquired it entirely by application after coming to reside in this country. His illness was short, and his death has spread a shade of sorrow over many circles, the recollection of which will often return so long as affectionate memory can revert to departed worth.” - Such was the tribute to one of the early coal owners, who flourished half a century before the wave of coal development reached the valleys of Aberdare and Merthyr. The son of Squire Smith, who succeeded him as coal owner, had a small locomotive, which worked on a wooden tramroad. Mr. Charles H. Smith was the last Smith of Llansamlet. He married a daughter of Sir George Leeds, of Herefordshire. Their only offspring is Mrs. Morris, wife of George Byng Morris, Esq., son of Sir John Morris, Sketty Park, Swansea. In an early Blue Book of the century, for which we are indebted to Sir W. T. Lewis, Henry Smith's examination before a Com- mittee of the House of Commons is given, from which a good deal of interesting matter relative to the early coal field of Llansamlet may be gleaned. For this object the examination is quoted in full:— “That I, together with my brother, Charles Smith, Esquire, are possessed of Collieries in the parish of Lansamlet, in Glamorgan- shire, not far from Swansea; that we succeeded to four undivided fifth parts of these Collieries upon the death of our father, in the year 1797; that we have since purchased the other fifth part from a person who had an undivided interest in it; That John Smith, deceased, our late father, succeeded to one undivided fifth part of this Colliery, in the year 1770, in right of his wife Elizabeth, the daughter of Chauncey Townsend, Esquire; That, in his life he purchased three other undivided fifth parts of the same Colliery; That the Collieries which we are now possessed of and working in Lansamlet, were originally opened by the said Chauncey Townsend about the year 1750; That from my remembrance, I, being now forty-five years of age, can remember this Colliery as long as I can remember anything, and that from my earliest remembrance very AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. - 51 deep pits were sunk, which must have cost a great deal of money; That there were several very powerful fire-engines at work, one of them, I believe, of the largest dimensions then in use ; that there were very expensive waggon-ways made, the frame work with timber at that time, and it is perfectly evident from my recol- lection of the whole face of the country that a very large capital must have been sunk previous to my earliest recollection, but the amount I cannot speak to otherwise than by guess, but I am certain that my grandfather had expended his whole fortune in it, for he died without any property but that; That when my brother and myself succeeded to the Collieries upon my father's death, in 1797, he was then of his own proper money, without taking into account anything which had been expended previous to his becoming entitled in the year 1770, in advance to these Collieries to the amount of upwards of £54,000; That I know that in the year 1773 he gave for two undivided fifth parts of that same concern the sum of £6,000, which was not included in the sum of £54,000 which I have previously mentioned, and which had been wholly unprofitable to him from the time he made the purchase in the year 1773, and with interest, if interest had been calculated upon it up to the year 1797, the sum which would have been in the nature of capital invested upon that concern, would have been upwards of £70,000, which was the whole of it invested and at risk and at stake previous to the year 1797; That from the year 1797 the profits of the Colliery had by no means reduced the capital or that advance, and it is only to the future prospect of working that Colliery that any reimbursement of any part of that sum can arise; That there are now upon the Colliery two fire-engines, I believe, of the largest dimensions which are made; There is also a small fire-engine for the purpose of drawing water; There is also a fire- engine for the purpose of raising coals from a deep pit, and a very extensive water-engine for raising them from another pit, and there is a canal wholly private property, which was made some time previous to the year 1786 (the precise time I cannot from recollection specify, but I am certain it was previous to 1786), for the purpose of leading coals down to the water side; That I know 52 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE by the evidence of my own eyes and recollection that in the neighbourhood of Swansea there were existing Collieries of equal dimensions and extent, more than one, from my earliest recol- lection, upon which I should think that a less capital could not have been invested; That I also know that, previous to the year 1770, my grandfather had sunk pits, erected a fire-engine, and had made a canal for leading coals down to the water side, near Llanelly, in Carmarthenshire. I am unable, from any document which I have access to, to ascertain precisely what that expendi- ture was, but I am very certain from the depth of the pit, from the view of the engines, from the canal, that it must have been a considerable expenditure which was made there; But that this Colliery and concern passed from my grandfather to my father, and from him to my brother and myself, and we have since made it over to Major-General George Ward, who is, I believe, now working upon the same capital which was invested in that concern, and he is making use of that capital, which had a pre-existence previous to his becoming engaged in it, and I have heard that he has spent very large sums of money in addition to it since he has been engaged in that work; That I know to a certainty, having been down to the bottom of the Collieries which we now work at Lansamlet, that they are working at the depth of upwards of ninety fathoms from the surface. I also know, by having seen coals drawn up from collieries belonging to other persons near Swansea, that they are working them at a very great depth; but, never having been down them, I am not competent to give evidence of what exactly the depth is, but I am certain they are working at a very great depth. I also know that General Ward's collieries are worked at a considerable depth, but the particular depth I am not competent to speak of.” Swansea's export to Bridgwater in 1790 was four thousand eight hundred and eighty-one tons; in 1792, five thousand four hundred and ninety-one tons; but it gradually declined to twenty-six tons in 1807, and was only one hundred and twenty-three tons in 1809. The selling price was stated in evidence in 1810 to be seven shillings and threepence per ton, and in that year very few French A WI) ITS. A LLIED . INDUSTRIES. 53 ships were in Swansea river. The falling off in trade was then ascribed to the stoppage of Irish distilleries. In the earlier days of coal shipping at Swansea the coal was brought down from the collieries to the ships on the backs of pack horses, and shipped at five shillings per ton. This was continued for a long time, until, following Sir H. Mackworth's plan, trams were adopted. These, on their introduction, were strongly opposed by the inhabitants, on the grounds that the rumbling of the waggons soured the beer in their cellars. From the same Blue Book, to which we have been greatly indebted, we learn that in 1810 Mr. Simons had a colliery at Llangemnech, and that he offered his coal at four shillings and sixpence on board. SIR HENRY HUSSEY VIVIAN, BART., M.P. The name of Vivian is inextricably blended with the growth and advancement of Swansea. Penclawdd, founded by John Vivian (1800), and the great Havod Works, by R. H. and J. H. Vivian (1810), are remarkable starting points. Sir H. H. Vivian is the eldest son of the late John Henry Vivian, Esq., M.P., F.R.S., of Singleton Abbey, Swansea, by Sarah, daughter of Arthur Jones, Esq. He was born at Singleton, July 6, 1821, educated at Eton, and Trinity College, Cambridge. The worthy baronet is descended from an old Cornish family, who have figured at times very conspicuously in their country's annals. Sir Richard Hussey Vivian, Baronet, 1828, and created Baron of Glynn 1841, served with great distinction under Wellington in the actions of Orthez and Waterloo. Sir H. H. Vivian, Bart., first entered public life as M.P. for Truro, in 1852, which position he retained until 1857, when he became M.P. for Glamorganshire, and has retained that position, conjointly with Mr. Talbot, to the present time. 54 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE In the volunteer movement, which has given England a military reserve force of great value, he has taken an active part, and is Lieutenant-Colonel of the 4th Glamorgan Rifles. Few men have taken a more prominent place in the literature, so to state, of our coal-fields. His large coal possessions, his geological predilections, and keen interest in the welfare of his country, which is so bound up with the duration of our coal measures, have brought him to the front on several occasions in the House of Commons and elsewhere, and we may cite him as one of the best authorities we possess on the extent and character of our coal fields. In him, too, we have one who, basing his deductions upon known conditions, gives reasonable hope that discoveries of coal may be expected to be made beneath rocks not generally thought to overlie any fringe of the carboniferous system, and thus extend indefinitely the duration of our coal wealth. This, however, is a departure from the Orthodox path of the geologist, and may be open to keen criticism; and some may urge that the general estimate is quite sufficient for our purposes, as nature is already beginning to evolve the substitute which will give us a motive power superior to coal. His special knowledge of coal was first publicly indicated in a lecture on coal delivered at the Truro Institution January 4, 1856, and is well worthy of seeing the light in the present day. It was given in his early and happiest manner, with the cogent understratum of fact supporting eloquent and poetic fancy. His survey of the coal riches of the world formed an interesting and instructive prelude to his sketch of the probable state of the earth's surface, immediately preceding those creative acts by which the abundant foliage and vegetable growth generally were formed into storehouses for the use of the coming generations of men. In this he showed himself more a follower of the Hugh Miller school than of the Italian, and recognised a duration of vegetable existence in lofty forests, great undergrowth, and smiling plains, rather than a belief in the plastic theory which AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES, 55 would have us accept the indications of life as only an eccentric similitude. º Coming down the vista of human existence to this great Eng- land of ours, he drew a striking contrast between the England which conquered the army of France at Cressy, and the England of the present. Then she had only a seventh part of her present population. Even when Cromwell's Ironsides filled Europe with terror; when that great chieftain raised England from the position of a third rate State, and caused her to become the most powerful nation in the then known world, the champion of a pure Protestant faith, the avenger of the wrongs of Christendom—then her population did not exceed five millions and a half, not two-thirds of the population of Ireland “What enabled her,” asked the lecturer, “in the year 1855 to support a population absolutely double what it was fifty years ago? How was it, that while in 1790 the population of England and Wales was estimated at eight million five hundred thousand souls, and that of France at upwards of twenty-six million ; that in 1841 the population of England and Wales was sixteen million, and that of France thirty-four million? England doubled its population, while France increased but one-third. Now, to what was this extraordinary increase of population due, and where has been the increase ? It would be an easy task,” he added, “to show how and to what extent the great towns, the foci of manufacturing industry, have multiplied and increased—how new cities, surpassing in magnitude the capitals of the proud nations of Europe, equalling in population the petty States of Germany, overflowing with wealth, exceeding the visionary El Dorado of Ancient Spain, have sprung up in the green meadows and hawthorn glens of merry England. And what but coal,” he exclaimed, “is the very essence, the being, the heart's blood and pulsation of this essential portion of our country P. How could manufactures be carried on without coal, without the power o steam-engines? Could the land have supported this vast and teeming population ?” - - 56 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE The lecturer next touched upon the agricultural questions that were ripe in his day; upon the coal influences; upon Manchester and other large towns ; upon the intimate connection between the coal and iron industries, and ended as follows:– « We all remember the first steam vessel that crossed the Atlantic ; she is still alive and vigorous, doing good service for her country. How was it prophesied and demonstrated that she could not effect her purpose ; with what interest and wonder was the feat regarded; how was the sailing and arrival of each steamer chronicled; how long a time elapsed between each trip. Now a steamer starts almost every day from both sides of the Atlantic. The certainty is as great that, on stepping on board, you will be landed in America in a given number of hours as any other human undertaking can claim. The space has been bridged, measured, and reduced to hours, and what but coal impels the vessel.” “What mighty revolutions coal has brought about, bridged over space, annihilated time, lengthening our days when, with the speed of a whirlwind, we rush on, over bleak down and snow clad moor comfortably reclining in an arm chair, with our feet enveloped in railway wrappers reposing on the opposite seat, doing the fifty- two miles to Didcot in sixty minutes, and grumble because the time should be fifty-eight! How little do we call to mind the old cramped, straight-backed, rough, noisy four inside coach, dragging its tedious way through heavy roads, or snow drifts, over the same bleak country; how little do we reflect that the road we travel on, the wheels which bear us, the springs which relieve us from every shock, the engine that draws us, and the power to which its motion is due, all owe their being to coal.” The summing up of the lecture shows that coal is man's best benefactor :— “It prepares our food,” said the baronet, “affords us that warmth which is second only to food, while it cheers us, and adds brightness and happiness to our happy homes. Then, again, through the agency of one of its constituent parts the darkness of A.ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 57 night is dispelled from our cities, and thus in our northern clime the dusk of eve and dawn of winter's morn are controlled, lengthened, and accelerated as our wants may command.” More forcible testimony to the value of coal could not be afforded; but is the value of coal even yet fully ascertained ? Thirty years have passed since the Cornish lecture, and during those thirty years the perfumes, bottled up, so to state, before man's appearance upon the scene, have been wrested from coal, the colours of the vernal and of the summer fime, and the glory of autumnal sunsets stamped upon the leaves— a glory upon which no human eye ever gazed—have been liberated from the coal coffin, and, in the form of magenta and the long train of mineral colours, given to the service of the world. The latest discovery is that the stores from which pre-Adamite bees gained their honey are also obtainable from coal, and that, by it, a new source for our sugar is won. - In 1860. Sir Hussey Vivian, who had not then won his baronetcy, spoke upon the coal wealth of the country in the House of Commons during the debate.which took place upon the coal clause in the Commercial Treaty with France. He claimed to be as intimately acquainted with the South Wales coal field as with the floor of the House, and said it would startle honourable members to know that the coal field was of such an enormous extent as to be equal to the supplying of the whole wants of England for five hundred years. In his opinion; it contained six hundred and forty thousand acres. The north-eastern crop was about thirty-one feet; at Merthyr it was from fifty to seventy-five feet of workable thickness. Taking an average of sixty feet, assuming one thousand five hundred tons to the acre (a cubic yard of coal weighs one ton), we had in Wales alone fifty-four billion tons of coal, or enough, allowing for waste, bad working, and faults, to supply the then consumption of England for upwards of five hundred years. . . How far these calculations may have been upset by the enor- mous increase in output we will not now discuss; but the speech 58 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE is an interesting one throughout, as it demolished Mr. Horsman, who drew a gloomy view as to the speedy exhaustion of the coal field. But it was on June 12th, 1866, that his most important speech on the Welsh coal field was delivered, when he introduced the following motion:- : “That an humble address be presented to her Majesty praying that she will be graciously pleased to issue a Royal Commission to investigate the probable quantity of coal contained in the coal fields of Great Britain, and to report on the quantity of such coal which may reasonably be expected to be available for use ; whether it is probable that coal exists at workable depths under the permian new red sandstone and other super-incumbent strata, to ascertain and report on the quantity of coal at present consumed in the various branches of manufacture, for steam navigation, and for domestic purposes, as well as the quantity exported, and how far, and to what extent, such consumption and export may be expected to increase, and whether there is reason to believe that coal is wasted either by bad working, or by carelessness, or neglect of proper appliances for its economical consumption.” The chief prompter of the speech was the rumour circulating in the kingdom based on the investigations of Hull and Jevons. The speech is a thoroughly practical one, and the analysis of Hull's theories and conclusions is very searching. His survey of our own mineral riches is a close one, and, to a great extent, consolatory, as he questions the limitations of Hull, and has faith in mechanical and engineering labours to work the deepest depths, and his inference as to incalculable coal wealth in other strata is, to say the least, ingenious. His theory in this case would amount to this, that many other stratifications besides the carboniferous represent an age more or less lengthy in the history of the world. That each stratum had its flora, its deep woods, it may be its laden swamps, its tree ferns, which in the blast of the tornado or AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 59 whirl of the torrent were swept away or cut down and the wreck buried in hollows, there to lie until transformed into coal. And the morning of each stratum, and its night, make the creative day, as pictorially represented to the mind of the Biblical narrator. But we must not digress, good as the theme is. In his survey of the coal fields of the world we are simply appalled. America, for instance, is stated to possess one hundred and eighty-six thousand square miles—about forty-four times more than we possess; the coal fields of Northern France and Belgium cover one thousand two hundred square miles; in Rhenish Prussia, nine hundred square miles; the Westphalian, nine hundred and sixty; the Russian coal fields, eleven thousand Square miles; and so on, every country having its coal. Dis– heartening as this is we can fall back on two comforting facts— first, that the steam coal of Wales is the best in the world; and, Secondly, our population have been the first in the field with their energy and ability to make it commercially valuable. Spain had its great quarries of iron ore, yielding fifty per cent., lying idle, while we were laboriously working at ours with its twenty-five per cent. of iron, and railing the world with its results. It is evident that England has been the workshop of the earth. Here we teach, and our scholars go to all lands and carry out their lessons to the practical good of all men. The time will come, perhaps, when the coal pits of England will be unused, and the anvil ring no more; but the task of England will have been accomplished and the greatness of her labour recorded. For the nation, like an individual, has its life; its duration is only a question of time. Our baronet does excellent service every year in moving for “returns” which enable the world to see the advance made in the Welsh coal trade. His vigilance in the interest of our industries is always commendable, and of greater practical service to his generation than if he were simply engaged in Parliamentary melee8. His stake in the property of his country is amply shown by the lists of his works and collieries. The list tells its own tale, and is worth more than a column of praise. 60 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Hafod Isha Silver Works, now a limited liability company; Hafod Foundry and Engineering Works for doing the work for the works and collieries; Hafod Copper Works; White Rock Silver Works; Manure (Superphosphate) Works, Hafod; Sulphuric Acid Works, in conjunction with Manure Works, utilising the (formerly wasted) vapour from the furnaces; Spelter Works at Clase, Morriston; Lythrid Alkali Works, near Park Mill; Margam Copper Works, Taibach; Electro Plate Works, Birmingham. Brynnyllach, Llangyfelach, H. H. Vivian; Pentre Colliery, Morfa, 1849; Pentreporth or Brynhyfryd, Vivian and Som ; Pentre Welin, Morriston, Vivian and Son; Penfilia, Vivian and Son; Mynydd Newydd, Vivian and Son; Cathelyd, Vivian and Son; Spelter Mine (or calamine ore), in Norway. JOHN GLASBROOK, J.P., ALDERMAN OF SWANSEA. A farmer's son, reared up at Penybedw, familiar in his youth with agricultural and malting pursuits, and then getting out of the rut and selecting another kind of life. Such was the early start of Mr. John Glasbrook. His education was of the ordinary kind of his day, such as was given by the peripatetic schools, namely two months in the year—the time when the farmer's labours were over, and the results of spring industry on his part, and summer labour on the part of nature, had filled the granary. We find him later on in life acting as overseer and relieving officer at Llangyfelach as his father had been, and then, brought into contact with Edward Martin, he found another turning point and began coal working. This was by entering in a small way into partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. P. Richards, in the Raven Hill Colliery, and like many a beginner in the coal trade, the firm had a trying time of it until the coal was won. The eventful day came, they were on the high road to success, when to their consternation the few colliers employed by them threw down their tools, and refused to go on any further without being paid AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 61 some of the wages due. They were in a dilemma, but fortunately a pig, the property of Richards, had just littered. They sold the mother and family, paid the men, and on went the colliers and won the coal Such is the narrative amongst the Swansea gossips. From this time fortune smiled, and as the years rolled on, John Glasbrook prospered. His connection with collieries in the Aberdare. Valley, in conjunction with another able Swansea man, Mr. Yeo, was a matter of recent years. His death, and that of Mr. Yeo, have only just been recorded in local history, which also records that “The firm of the late Mr. J. Glasbrook about two years ago commenced to sink pits at Gorseinon to try for the Five Foot seam, and have now been rewarded for their perseverance by striking the seam at the depth of two hundred and five yards.” SWAN SEA DOCKS. The formation of docks of some primitive character or other is lost in the mists of antiquity. The first of modern times, started by individual effort, dates from 1789, and took the form of a small tidal inlet with quay wall and machinery for shipment. This was known as Port Tennant, from Mr. H. T. Tennant, who also constructed the Port Tennant Canal, connecting the docks with the Neath Canal at Aberdylais. - The Harbour Trust Act, dates from 1791, and from that time until the present no less than sixteen Acts of Parliament have been obtained for increasing or improving the powers of the Trust. North Dock, South Dock, and East Dock are given in the order of formation. The Swansea Canal Navigation Act, suggested by the need of colliery owners, was obtained in 1794. Canal formed, 1798. It extends from the North Dock, through Landore, Morriston 62 - THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE and Clydach, along the western bank of the Tawe, to Hen Noyadd, Brecon. From 1791 the action of the Harbour Trust was slow at first, in harmony with the quiet progress of our forefathers, who, children of nature, were often as tardy as nature in her ordinary moods. Yet the Trust progressed after a way. They built the Mumbles Lighthouse to improve the incoming and outgoing, and thought they had accomplished great things at the time of the Queen's accession by having added to this an inner harbour. In or about 1836 the dock movement began, and in 1837 an Act was granted empowering them to add to their number, and to do substantial work. Then they started. In 1837 four thousand five hundred and five vessels came into port with a tonnage of two hundred and seventy-six thousand nine hundred and seven, and the revenue of the trust was four thousand six hundred and forty-nine pounds one shilling and a penny. In 1837 Swansea was at the top of the tree in coal shipments, shipping four hundred and ninety-One. thousand nine hundred and sixty-six tons, while Newport was next with four hundred and eighty thousand four hundred and seventy- two tons, and Cardiff last with one hundred and sixty-nine thousand two hundred and forty-eight! The North Dock was opened in 1852, the South Dock in 1859, and the Prince of Wales Dock in 1881. Mr. Capper's estimate of the development of the port is worth quoting. He states that “the shipping of 1884 shows an increase on that of 1852 of three hundred and fifty-three per cent., when the North Dock was opened; of one hundred and thirty-eight per cent. on 1859, when the South Docks were opened, and of fifty- three per cent. when the Prince of Wales Dock was begun. Following the copper industry earthenware works were established, 1750. In 1790 they were extended by Mr. George Haynes, and in 1802 Mr. Lewis Weston Dillwyn purchased them, and won repute for beautiful execution in opaque china. In 1817 Swansea porcelain was produced. The tradition lingers now of its AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 63 excellence, but the works are gone, and it is only in a few places that specimens can be met with. The establishment of iron works are secondary matters in connection with Swansea. Early in the century an old guide book thus picturesquely refers to them :— “A large tract of country north of Swansea is covered with coal, copper, and iron works, the operations of which are much facili- tated by a canal passing among them. The dismal gloom of the manufactories hanging over the river Tawe is pleasingly contrasted by the whitened walls of their appendant villages, springing from the dark sides of the hills, which rise above the river.” This was the last of the picturesque descriptions. Straw hats, porcelain, china, and the reputation of being the cleanest town in Wales have disappeared, and the din of wheel and fume of smoke are the privileges of Swansea. The discovery of black band iron stone in the Swansea, Amman, and Gwendraeth Valleys gave a great impulse to iron manufacture, and it was still further stimulated by the successful make of anthracite iron in 1836, for which the Ynyscedwyn Works, under Mr. Crane, attained a considerable reputation. It was here that David Thomas, the pioneer of the anthracite iron trade, passed his early years, before beginning a great career of usefulness in the iron industries of America. In 1843 there were twenty-one furnaces in the Swansea Valley, and sixteen in the Amman and Gwendraeth Valleys. Pig iron was the chief product then of the Swansea district. Ynyscedwyn at this time had seven blast furnaces; Ystalyfera, eight, and three in building; Millbrook Company, one; Onllwyn, for tin-plate, two. Allied industries being in this work secondary to coal, we can only glance at the stride made in tin-plate as shown in our table of dock business last year, and to the excellence of the Landore Works, which have won celebrity for their manufacture of ship and bridge plates. Tin-plate figured early, as Malkin refers 64 THE SOUT H WA. LES . ÇOA L’. TRADE to the Ynysygerwn bar iron, which, nearly a century ago “was worked up into tin-plates after having been made into bar from pig-iron at a forge below.” In 1800 two thousand five hundred and ninety vessels entered Swansea. In 1887 nine thousand two hundred and ninety-seven vessels were entered and cleared. In 1887 the coal and coke exported amounted to one million three hundred and thirty-one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight tons; iron and steel, twenty-four thousand eight hundred and twenty-two tons, as compared with fourteen thousand and twenty tons for 1886; copper and zinc, seventeen thousand six hundred and thirty-six tons; tin, terne and black plates, two hundred thousand mine hundred and twenty-two tons; patent fuel two hundred and forty thousand four hundred and thirty- nine tons. COAL WORKING AT MERTHYR AND ABERDARE.-MERTHYR FROM THE 17th CENTURY. Leland, a writer in the time of Henry VIII., tells us that “the Welsh mountains had sum redde dere, kiddes plenty, oxen and shepe”; that “Aberdare was celebrated for a race of horsis,” and that “Rhygos grew sum good corne.” There is no reference to coal. Our early picture is purely an agricultural one. The sword had been turned into a reaping hook, but war had left only a sparse population. The “early picture * of the eternal hills is much the same as that which meets us when the snowy coverlet is taken away in this year of grace, 1888. A few little hamlets, densely-wooded valleys—not so much wooded now, it must be stated, on account of the forays of early ironmasters. Perhaps, too, the more elevated parts of the hills were better tilled than now. You may note ancient furrows, broken down enclosures, and in your wanderings meet with old worthies, who will tell you that the past race was more industrious than the present, but that cold seasons have led to “wasted land.” Ramblers over the AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 65 Welsh mountains are familiar with their characteristic features, with the long stretches of prairie like wastes, ending at primitive enclosures, which are either scant hedgerows, such as the winds never allow to grow to any height, or are formed of mortarless walls. Within the enclosed land is the whitewashed farm and its old-fashioned garden, always eminently practical, and fuller of potatoes than of flowers. You may find, though, some herbs, reminiscent of old days, in the corner of the garden, with marigold and mint, and sage and lavender. Beyond again are the few acres of tillage and pasturage, which one generation has handed down to another almost unchanged. In describing one farm you describe nearly all. The whole extent is limited, but, taking the sheep run of the mountains, the farmer rules over a large extent, and his grizzly hair and weather-beaten face and the sheep and active dog are in keeping with the surroundings. Many such a farmer has stepped into the shoes of the older man who has been taken churchwards, and has been in turn succeeded by his son, and the annual round of sowing and reaping, of marketing and shearing, has been lived out without the slightest idea dawning upon the farmer's mind that underneath his feet lay wealth surpassing that of Aladdin's Even when at length it “came into the old man’s head " to see if the “black stuff” in the ravine would burn, and prove better than peat, or when actually coal found its uses, no one thought of the lurking. enterprise, the huge shaft, the rapid rail, the great steamers which the small level in time was to feed. When the fact dawned upon the people's mind that coal existed underneath the mountain, and that it was not only a useful but a marketable commodity, the search by men of enquiring minds was persistent, and to this day you may see the trial spots, more or less deep, where the seeker burrowed, and, as it too often turned out, where the seeker failed. One of the earliest mineral leases, a copy of which we have been favoured with from a descendant of John of Gwernllwyn, Dowlais,” is dated the 20th day of September, 1757, in the - * The late Mr. Davies, of the Cwm, Caerphilly. 3. 66 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE thirty-first year of the reign of George II., between Thomas Rees and David John, both of the parish of Merthyr, yeomen, on the one part, and Thomas Lewis, of New House, in the parish of Lanishen, and Company, on the other part. This lease empowered the company formed by Lewis, who had ironworks at Caerphilly, to work the ironstone and coal, erect three furnaces, etc., for a term of ninety years, for twenty-six pounds per annum ! This is known as the Dowlais Lease, and in the working Thomas Guest was afterwards engaged, and in a humble way. started the fortunes of the Guest family. Thomas Guest worked his iron ore, but coal was not then required in the primitive ironworks. Both at Aberdare and Dowlais the ironmasters sold a little coal in sacks. They would exchange a sack of coal for a sack of lime, getting a halfpenny by the barter. The farmers would take the coal away and divide each sack into three, and journey away into Breconshire and Herefordshire, charging tempence per sack. The Cwmtaff farmers were the chief buyers both at Dyllas (Aberdare), and at Pantywaun (Dowlais), and the curious may find at Pontsticill remains of a much larger place than now exists—a place that had its “mayor” and annual celebration, in which there was a good deal of fun and practical joking. This hamlet was the starting place and the home of many. An old man of eighty-five, late letter-carrier to Cwmtaff, tells us that his father was one of the buyers, and that the Aberdare coal was sold to the farmers about a mile lower down the valley than the “directing post.” Their journey, often taken by him when a boy, was first to Cwmtaff, then by the Storey Arms over the Beacons, and then by Heolffynog into Brecon. This would be about 1765. This was the earliest coal traffic of the hills. The trade of coal at Cyfarthfa was of a much later date. The Cyfarthfa lease, drawn up in August, 1765, between Bacon and the Earl of Plymouth, empowered him to work iron and coal, but charcoal was the fuel originally used in the manufacture of iron, and it AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 67 was in comparatively recent times that Cyfarthfa worked coal, and still more recently, in the time of William Crawshay, that the family entered into the coal trade with anything like vigour. In 1801 coal was sent to Cardiff from Merthyr on mules' backs, each carrying a load of about one hundred and thirty pounds, and three or four mules were in charge of a woman or boy. Half-way a provident collection, called a Cymmorth, was established. We glean from evidence before a Parliamentary Committee, that a little previous to 1810 Mr. Crawshay (Richard) had opened a colliery for sale purposes, and had sent the coal by canal to Cardiff, but the great ironmaster said the concern was so bad that he would give it up. The price of this coal in Cardiff was from nine shillings and sixpence to ten shillings per ton. The colliery was reported to be about twenty miles from Cardiff. It was attempted to be shown at the enquiry that Mr. Crawshay had abandoned coal getting on account of the misconduct of an agent, but it was stated that the agent had remained in Mr. Crawshay's employ until his death.* By the establishment of ironworks at Dowlais, Cyfarthfa, and Plymouth, coal began to be worked more freely, principally for smelting purposes, though large quantities of wood were also used. It is handed down from old Cyfarthfa men that the custom was to devote two or three days a week to cutting down wood, and the remainder of the week to ironmaking. Cyfarthfa had its supply of coal from the crop as early as the time of Anthony Bacon, who, having bought up the leases of the old farmers for one hundred pounds each, employed them afterwards, when the money was gone, in hauling coal to the furnaces. Afterwards, in the time of Richard Crawshay, one of the levels was widened out, and a canal formed from it to the works. This canal can still be traced near Llwyncelyn. Barges, rude and small, worked by girls, were run into the level, and *Blue Book, June 12, 1810, South Wales Collieries, etc., p. 18. 68 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE filled and hauled out with infinite labour and noise by massive hooks of iron. A description of this early canal has been given to us by a friend. Some shrewd eye, he said, had detected a streamlet running down the mountain side, near the Vale of Neath Tunnel, Merthyr, and saw how easily it might be diverted to his purpose. Hence a canal, a few feet in width, was cut from Blaencanaid to Cyfarthfa Yard. It was, so arranged as to pass by several of these “coal holes,” or “levels,” and by a little skill to flow into, but not overflow, the primitive “workings.” In each level a small bay was constructed for the convenience of loading the coal. On this canal long strings of iron barges were kept, of a liliputian size, six fastened together, and this convoy of six was entrusted to a couple of men, sometimes a man and a girl, one being on the bank with a shoulder strap, and the other in the first barge furnished with a long boat-hook, which was used in pulling the barge to shore or keeping it away from the banks. About the same time as coal was used and sold at Aberdare and Dowlais, near about the middle of last century, the coal at the southern outcrop of the basin was worked about the neighbourhood of Pentyrch, between there and Caerphilly, and it is stated, on the evidence of old and respectable inhabitants, one a gentleman and a magistrate eighty years of age, that it was the tradition in their families that such coal was carried down in a wheelbarrow to Cardiff by Will Rhyd Helig. Thus a sack load at one point, a wheelbarrow full at another. Even when the century dawned, only three men were employed on the extensive Plymouth coal fields, one of whom in 1806, according to parish registers, was “burn by dampe.” Coal was growing, though slowly, into note, and trials on the mountains were numerous. Amongst many adventurers, states Mr. William Jones (Cyfarthfa), there was a Will Sor Saes, living at Quaker's Yard, who hunted about the hills, and eventually did find coal, and sent several barge loads to Cardiff; but Will's change from the blast of his smithy to the damp ground was not a AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. i 69 good one, and his shuffling off the mortal coil was speedy. At Fiddler's Elbow, Quaker's Yard, may still be seen in the bed of the river a well sunk by Robert Thomas, afterwards of Waun Wyllt, the first winner of the four feet at Merthyr, and it is creditable to his sagacity that he commenced boring with the view of sinking over the great coal treasures of the district now worked by the Harris’ Navigation Colliery, the deepest one in Wales. The difference in the cost of coal to the early ironmasters was considerable. Dowlais coal being nearer the crop than at Peny- darran, it followed that, while it cost the Guests one shilling per ton only to get coal to the furnaces, it cost the Homfrays, of Penydarran, three shillings per ton, and this at a time when part of the works was literally built into a coal seam. Bags of coal were sold at the pit for twopence. Cwmglo was one of the early levels at Cyfarthfa, and it was not until 1826 that the first balance pit was sunk at Cyfarthfa. This was one hundred yards deep, and was called the Mountain Pit. The Yscybornewydd family at Merthyr had a tradition that coal was cut in a ravine, called Cwm Blacks, close by for domestic use long before the iron works were in existence. This primitive custom is also certified by Dr. Dyke, who, in his youth, when visiting in the Rhondda Valley, heard the farmer's wife tell a servant to go and cut some coal; and, being desirous of seeing how it was done, followed the man to a “gulley” where the coal cropped, and saw him “cut out ’’ a quantity. In the annals of Plymouth Works Morgan Joseph, grandfather of the David and Thomas Joseph of our day, figured as the first systematic coal getter for the works. Morgan Joseph and Anthony Hill had been together with Anthony Bacon at Cyfarthfa, and when one left the other followed. Morgan and his brother David entered into a contract with Hill to supply him with coal, the agreement to last “so long as the furnace was in blast,” and the price four shillings per ton. Three colliers were first 7() THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE employed, but these were soon increased to a dozen, and gradually, under the vigorous operation of the Josephs, the colliery work was expanded and the number of men multiplied. From these early coal winners we have a family long and intimately associated with the collieries and ironworks of Wales— one the late D. Joseph, of Plymouth; Morgan Joseph, connected with the Ocean Colliery, and Mr. T. Joseph, who has had a long mining experience, and is linked with our mining literature. One of the earliest levels at Plymouth was one near Cwm Wernlaes. This was opened and worked by the grandfather of Sir W. T. Lewis. Lewis Thomas Lewis, uncle of Mr. T. W. Lewis, was the first underground manager under Mr. Morgan Joseph, and was himself severely burnt at one of the first explosions by acting as a rescuer. It is interesting to note how well the old coal worthies are still represented. Llewelyn Llewelyn, the father of the present manager at Penrhiwceiber, Mr. Llewelyn, was the first under- ground fireman at Plymouth, and it is in the early recollection of the son, who was employed in the same collieries, that every Monday a number of men could be seen returning home with about half a dozen of their comrades “almost burnt to death.” The coal winning was of the simplest kind, one hole to go in and another hole to go out, and the level was much like a rabbit burrow. No one had any idea of ventitation by air doors and fires, and when “damp * collected on Sunday it was Monday morning's work to dust it out with their jackets, a process necessitating ale afterwards. The first supply of coal for Plymouth was from Waun Wyllt, and was brought over the River Taff on horses and mules, but the supply was small and intermittent, the coal being constantly lost. It was from the same quarter that the earliest sale of steam coal took place in Glamorgan, the coal level opening upon the celebrated Four Feet. This was in the neighbourhood of Abercanaid, and a little more than a mile from Merthyr. You may AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 71 see the old level any day. In summer it might be passed by, so thickly is the mouth overhung with brambles and ferns. It is in a hollow, and but for the Great Western line passing near would seem to have been left in an out-of-the-world solitude. If you want to dream go there when the fern and foxglove are come again, and picture the early workers and the rough mountain roadway down which the mules carried the coal to the works or to the barge. This was the level opened by Robert Thomas (who came from the West)—Waunt Wyllt Level, and one may well dwell on the fact, seeing that it has the distinction of being the first working for trade purposes in the steam coal. - The level was opened in 1828 for the purpose of supplying the town of Merthyr with coal. It was on the land of the late Earl of Plymouth, and the grant by the agent, Mr. Maughan, of Barnt Green House, Birmingham, was to “open a sale colliery without power to sell to any of the ironmasters, and not to interfere with works which may be erected for the smelting of the Earl of Plymouth’s iron mines, which may be in that quarter.” The grant was upon a yearly tenancy only. In five or six years the landlord determined the tenancy, and the colliery was given up. Upon this Mrs. Thomas, widow of Mr. Robert Thomas, with her son, William, obtained a lease of the minerals under the Graig Farm from Mr. Thomas Morgan and others, the owners. The lease was prepared by Mr. William Davies, the solicitor of Merthyr, and was signed in 1837, and as regards the payment by royalties was one of the earliest leases of the kind, the leases previously referred to of Dowlais and Cyfarthfa being based on rentals or fixed sums. A still earlier one was at Abernant upon royalties in 1805. The royalty arrange between the Thomas family and Morgan was at the rate of one shilling and threepence per ton, and some idea may be obtained of the importance of even this small taking when we state that, during the period this coal was worked by the Thomas family, forty thousand pounds have been paid in royalties alone, for but a portion of the coal under property about fifty acres in extent. 72 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE Here, then, we have the first level with a Sagacious and persevering old Welsh lady as owner. From this place, taken down in barge loads, Mr. Insole shipped on the 12th of November, 1830, four hundred and fourteen tons “Waun Wilt coal,” per Mars, of Shields, consigned to Samuel Welford, London, but so little was the cargo appreciated that it scarcely realised sufficient to pay the freight. Mr. Insole claims to have been the first trader, but in the same year, 1830, Mr. Marychurch's coal venture to London occurred, and to him we are bound to give second, if not first, place. One reason that we do not give him first is, that Welsh coal had found its way to London, that some keen eye had detected its nature, and that, though the venture of Insole was not a tempting one by its results, the seed had been sown in good soil, and was to bear fruit after many days. Go now back with us to the small level where the dreamer has been picturing—like a scene of Rip Van Winkle's—an old world story. The widow and her son worked busily, and from the small level on the mountain side were brought, with infinite labour, little tramloads of coal that were taken down to the canal near Abercanaid and placed in a barge, and when this was full—and to fill it was an undertaking of many hours—a horse and man journeyed with it to Cardiff, where Mr. Insole received it, and it was dealt out in small cartloads of half a ton or so to the early Cardiffians. And now, in historic sequence, we must narrate how Mr. James Marychurch became connected with the Welsh steam coal trade. At the time of the London Smoke Act a determined cry for smokeless coal arose, and one day, men's minds being much exercised upon the subject, a whisper was heard on the London Exchange that somewhere “down in Wales,” then a far-away country, as remote as Patagonia to all appearance, there was a peculiar coal to be found which gave out great heat and no smoke at all. Forthwith men thought of starting an expedition to the far-away country, but the venture was great, peril by land and water to be encountered, immense mountains to be crossed, and A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 73 a strange people, of a language unknown, to be dealt, perhaps fought, with ! There was at this time a man named Lockett, managing partner to the firm of T. Wood and Co., London, who were sellers of coal, contracting to railways and steam packets. Lockett was a connection by marriage with Mr. James Marychurch, and with him talked over the strange coal and the strange country. Then, another day, in the full heat of the coal discussion, Lockett met a coal merchant named Duke, afterwards Lord Mayor of London, and Sir James Duke, and he and Lockett, kindred spirits, agreed to go down into Wales and look for the coal. It was a bold step. They started forth ; they passed on until they came to Bristol, where they fell in with Mr. James Marychurch, and, crossing over, found themselves in Cardiff. They looked about them in the strange little Welsh place, that was so like the old world creeks and coasting places on the way up from Cardigan to Aberystwith even now, and finally went into the Angel for refreshment and bed. But as they sat down in the old-fashioned hostelry, that is gone, with so many of the landmarks of ancient Cardiff, both were struck with the character of the fire in the room, and as soon as the girl had gone out to prepare their supper, rung her back to put on a fresh supply of coal. She did so, and Lockett “stoked ” it carefully the moment the girl left, and turning to Duke exclaimed, “Our journey is ended, we need go no farther.” Early next morning, having found the yard from whence the “Angel” was supplied with coal, they went to it and found it was kept by one Insole, and from him ascertained that the coal came from Mrs. Lucy Thomas's colliery, Waun Wyllt, near the ironmaking village of Merthyr. We may be sure that little time was spent in journeying up the mountains to the village, and there, in company with Marychurch, they speedily found the trim little Welsh widow, who bustled about, and brought the enquiring Londoners a few small lumps of coal in her checked apron to show her treasures. The three men and Mrs. Lucy Thomas soon came to terms for the entire output of the colliery, and James Marychurch was appointed shipper, and became the shipper of the famous Four Feet steam coal of Wales. 74 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE The price then paid to Mrs. Thomas per ton was four shillings at pit, and the coal realised in London about eighteen shillings. Mr. James Marychurch was the first and only agent to Mr. Lockett, until he joined him in the business. There is one incident of the homeward journey to Cardiff of Lockett, Duke, and Marychurch, and that is, that the three adventurers “ sailed” away in a coal barge, going at the leisurely rate the one horse and man chose to take them, and that JLockett was the proud custodian of a butter cask filled with lumps of the Welsh coal, which he was bent upon taking to London, so that he might make a fire and startle his friends with the blaze of his discovery. The first cargo of coal was despatched in a sloop to London in 1830, consigned to Marychurch and Co. We may be assured that the event was a stirring one, that the little mountain level was worked at high pressure, but the sloop had to wait the arrival of several barge loads ere it started on its way with the produce of “the strange country.” We might safely calculate that a week would pass in loading the sloop, that each barge load was watched eagerly by the old inhabitants, and that the small crowd of the little Welsh village noted the departure of that sloop with interest and with much expression of emphatic Welsh language as it passed out of sight. Never was a more portentous cargo. The destinies of Cardiff, and of Wales it may be added, were there. Was Cardiff to continue to be like the Aberayron and Cardigan of fifty years ago, or to spring up like an American city ? Time was to tell, other men to come to the front, the sturdy pioneers of a new industry, who, with English stubborn- ness, believing not in failure, were to push ahead, and in the coming years win the rare reward of perseverance. James Marychurch opened an ironmonger's shop in Duke Street, Cardiff, in a small way, and had a card in the window, “Agent for T. Wood and Co., coal merchants, of London,” and eventually he gave up the shop to Mr. John Williams, who succeeded him, A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 75 and began a business which has flourished on the primitive basis laid by the first steam coal shipper. It will not be out of place to give the closing scene with regard to the old level in the steam coal—the birth place of steam coal. Twenty-six years ago the Waun Wyllt Company, then working the Graig, were sued by the lessors for a large sum for damages for the purpose of testing the liabilities of the lessees under the lease to open out and work certain seams which the lessees alleged were not workable to a profit in so limited an area. An expensive law- suit was commenced and a trial took place at Swansea Assizes, when a verdict was obtained by the lessees. At this trial most of the leading mining engineers of the county gave evidence, the case for the landlords being conducted by the veteran, the late Mr. W. Adams, and for the lessees by Mr., now Sir, William Thomas Lewis. On appeal this verdict was upheld in London, and from that time the colliery was simply kept open. After considerable negotiation an arrangement was arrived at years ago to give up the colliery to the landlords, but so complicated were the interests of the numerous persons owning the property that it was only on the 17th of November, 1880, that the final surrender was executed, and on the 5th of this month the landlords were put into possession of the place. In this way has ceased the first steam coal colliery in the South Wales Colliery District. - It is claimed on behalf of Mr. George Insole that he was the earliest shipper of steam coal. It is stated (Cymmer Steam Coal Book, p. 7) that “there can be no doubt that the first steam coal sent away from South Wales was shipped in the year 1830 by the late Mr. George Insole. Being convinced that the London market was the only place where this could properly be tested, he shipped on the 12th November, 1830, four hundred and fourteen tons “Wain Wilt” coal per Mars, of Shields, consigned to Mr. Samuel Welsford. So little was the coal known, however, and so little appreciated commercially, that this cargo realised barely sufficient to pay the freight from Cardiff to London.” This is circumstantial 76 THE SOUTH WA LES COA I, TRA DE enough, and may be accepted as authentic, and, moreover, does not conflict with our contention, which is that Mrs. Lucy Thomas, Waun Wyllt, was the pioneer or mother of the South Wales steam coal trade, and we may endorse the statement with this little exception, that Mr. Insole's shipment, though not actually the first, was one of the first, and that Marychurch’s venture and his both occurred in 1830. The admission that the early cargo of steam coal was not considered of much account in London is paralleled by a statement made to us by the late Mr. D. Davis, Blaengwawr, that their early shipments to France were similarly regarded. In the meanwhile, while London is awakening to a sense of the excellence of Welsh steam coal, let us see how fared the early shipments foreign. In the following year to the first venture, viz. 1831, states the Cymmer Book, Her Majesty's steamer St. Pierre, Lieutenant H. Denham commander, was bunkered in the Penarth Roads, and a cargo was shipped to Malta, both by the same firm. Notwith- standing the pecuniary loss in the shipment by the Mars, it became very evident by the actual results obtained that this fuel would, in spite of all discouragements, eventually maintain its ground. By 1834 the export of Welsh coal to London had increased, and the total of that year shows us that no less than a little over a hundred tons a day was being sent to London. Into this groove of about a hundred tons a day, or seven hundred and fifty tons a week in round numbers, the London trade, and we may add the whole trade outside of the district, seems to have fallen, for in two years from that date, 1836, the total of the year was only thirty- three thousand nine hundred and seventy tons. All so far was on a small and primitive scale, and it was evident that these early essays were not attended with rapid fortune making. The payment at Aberdare and Merthyr was very similar, three shillings and eightpence per ton, hand picked into boat, and AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 77 this coal was sold in Cardiff ea boat at seven shillings per ton. The Aberdare Company, who had each invested seven hundred pounds, received for many years a profit of one hundred and fifty pounds per annum, and the Thomas family left but a few thousand pounds to be divided, as shown by the will of Mrs. Lucy Thomas. In each case the small level turned out a comfortable speculation, yielding a fair return, and nothing more. From 1836 to 1839 there was an appreciable increase in the • trade of coal, and the total “supply” sent to London for 1839 advanced to forty-five thousand eight hundred and sixteen tons. By this time it was seen that in Welsh coal there was subject for commercial enterprise, and in the year 1840 an association was formed in the metropolis for the development of the Welsh coal trade. The report issued by them was substantially as follows:— “The durability of the ordinary bituminous coal, the very peculiarities of the anthracite or stone coal, and the great superiority of the intermediate or steam packet coal of South Wales are now so well ascertained, that it would appear as if nothing more were required to ensure a preference at all places of import, which can be reached at a moderate rate of freight. It has only been, however, by very small degrees, by very great individual exertions, and by very considerable private loss, that the Welsh coal has just begun to obtain a reputation in the port of London.” By 1843, thanks to the association, the exports to London were doubled and the total of that year was no less than eighty-one thousand seven hundred and twenty-five tons. It is admitted that up to this time the eastern edge of Monmouthshire and northern crop of the Neath valleys were yielding a large quota of the coal sent to London; but now that the better seams of the Aberdare and Rhondda were coming * Quoted in Cymmer Book, p. 8. 78 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRA DE into play, it will be but right to hand down the great pioneers of the trade, and break in for a little while upon the continuity of our narrative. EARLY COLLIERIES IN THE WALLEY OF ABERDARE. Where Prince Rhys Ap Tewdwr fought on Hirwain Common, and the knell of Welsh native liberty was tolled, the north crop of iron ore came to view, and, read by the light of later days, we may say that the knell should have been changed to a merry peal, for the * birth of the iron age was to succeed that of serfdom, and with commerce was to dawn over all England greater freedom than had been vouchsafed by the most tolerant of her kings. Iron and coal were priceless discoveries for Wales. Without them the impulsive character of its people, the spare agriculture, the little holdings, the peculiar land laws and family arrangements would have retained Cardigan as another Kerry, and the Tipperary boys would have had their similitudes in many a Cambrian valley. Not only have they made Wales prosperous and happy, com- paratively, but they have contributed to a greater fusion of races; and the impulsiveness of the Kelt has been blended with the dogged staying power of the Saxon. One of the earliest coal leases was at Hirwain, granted by the Countess Dowager Windsor to Wilkins and others, the coal being sent on mule back to Brecon. This lease was afterwards acquired by Mr. Crawshay. If you want to see what Wales was like before the iron and coal age began, go into the wilds of Cardigan now, and there are traces left—small cots and shoeless urchins with wild tangled hair. Enter such cots, where the bog fire gives its smoke and smell, and in clothing, furniture, wooden spoons, bowls and diet, you are a couple of hundred years behind Cardiff. Foremost amongst Aberdare worthies were the Tappingtons, Scales, Fothergills, Crawshay Bailey, and Wayne, and while the AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES." 79 great lights of Cyfarthfa, of Dowlais, of Plymouth, and Penydarran made a brilliant glare in the valley, Abernant (which dates from 1805), and little Gadlys, in the Aberdare dingle, did their best to emulate the illumination. To all but the last named we refer in our chapter on the early ironmasters. Gadlys was first owned by Mr. Williams, of Garth Hall, father of the Rev. D. W. Williams, of Fairfield. It came into the family of the Waynes by purchase. Matthew Wayne, the founder, had been furnace manager at Cyfarthfa, from which place, after amassing some wealth, he entered into arrangements with an agent and kinsman of Mr. Crawshay, named Joseph Bailey, to try their fortune elsewhere. Before stating what they did it will be well to reproduce the story of Joseph Bailey’s connection with Matthew Wayne. Frequently, it appeared, the furnace manager, tired of the din and dust of Cyfarthfa, would get his old-fashioned gig out and drive down to Quaker's Yard, a place full of leafy and woody attraction, very soothing to the reflective mind, with its quiet mountain views, and the babble of the Taff as it wandered on its way to the sea. - Here one day with a friend, sipping, it may be, a jug of the good old-fashioned ale of those times, in the sandy parlour of “mine inn,” there entered a poor boy, dusty and travel worn, who inquired the way to the iron works of Cyfarthfa. Hearing the name Cyfarthfa, Wayne looked up and asked the boy what he wanted, as he lived there. “Oh ” said he, “then you know my uncle, Richard Crawshay; I am a nephew of his ; my name is Joseph Bailey, and I am going to see if he will do something for me.” Wayne looked and whistled. The boy had an honest face. There might be something in it. At all events, after considering a minute, he made the boy happy with a good lunch and then took him with him in his gig to Merthyr. On arriving there Kirkhouse, of Llwyncelyn, the great authority in all family matters, was called into council, and the grave cross-examination of the small boy by the two old-fashioned Northerners, huge of bulk and deliberate of 80 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE speech, was a picture. Kirkhouse, however, was satisfied that there was something in it. Wayne's face beamed, and then the three made their way to the smoke-dyed house where Richard, if he was not about the works or on the tramways, was to be found. No “ushering” then, or waiting, hat in hand, but a sturdy northern voice giving welcome, yet whose mandates, in closing doors, or getting rid of obnoxious intruders, were pungent with adjectives | Crawshay was soon satisfied that the lad was his nephew, and from that day the boy’s fortune was made, and the foundation of the house of the Baileys established. It is thus, O moraliser, that families are made, and far more interesting is the fact than the equally true one—the rapidity with which they run down. The intimacy thus begun between Bailey and Wayne ripened, and when both were tolerably rich men, and Crawshay was dead, they entered into treaty for Nant-y-glo Works, which they bought of the Blaenavon Company; but getting tired of the speeulation, Wayne migrated to Aberdare, where, by this time, Rowland Fothergill was doing good work, and giving employment to a quickly increasing population. Gadlys furnace was an unerring indication of the times. If they were bad it went out, but when revival was at hand the first indication was given by the relighting of the furnace. And thus it happened that the good old worthies of the valley would go out into the road and scan, not as we do the direction of the wind, but the appearance of Gadlys, and no gleam was fuller of augury than its light. Welcome as the sun in spring, as the primroses on the banks of the village lane, were the fire beacons of Gadlys. While Mr. Matthew Wayne was in ownership of Gadlys furnace, he was at first assisted by his sons, but Thomas became agent at the Canal, and William mining agent at Llynvi, and it was only on occasional visits that the family council was renewed. They often pressed him to add mills and forges to his one furnace, AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 81 but he was immovable, and kept on in the steady old-fashioned track we have described, putting the furnace out when trade was bad, and starting it again when things began to look up. As years passed, and Matthew felt their influence, he was joined in the management by Thomas, who deserves celebrity as the pioneer of the Aberdare steam coal trade. Mrs. Lucy Thomas having won the Four Feet in the Merthyr Valley, it naturally occurred to reflective minds that a similar winning might take place in the Aberdare Valley, and Thomas Wayne was the adventurous spirit which started forth on the undertaking. He proceeded to a place on the Abernant y Groes Estate, Cwmbach, the property of William Thomas David and Morgan Thomas David, and getting easy terms began to sink. This was in June, 1837, and in the following December the Four Feet coal was won and actually exhibited in London. This was the origin of the original Aberdare Coal Company, which has had a duration of fifty years, and has now, as regards the working of Cwmbach, only lately ceased to be. The members of the firm were Matthew Wayne, Thomas Wayne, William Watkin Wayne, William Thomas David, Mrs. Gladis Davis, and William Morgan, Havod. Mr. Evan W. David joined the company afterwards. Looking back at the winning with all the halo of fifty years around it, and knowing as we do the world-wide celebrity of this smokeless Four Feet coal, the event is apt to be regarded as one that must have aroused a good deal of excitement at the time. Not a bit of it. Coal was not thought much of. The coal worked up to 1837 in the valley was simply used for the parish needs and for the ironworks. No one dreamt then of sale coal. No wonder that some of the projectors stepped back when they thought of speculating in working a sale colliery. Mrs. Lucy Thomas was sending a few barge loads to Cardiff, but Cardiff was only a small place, and a few barge loads kept it going. And as for London, trusting anyone you did not know, especially at a distance, was F A* 82 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE in those days regarded as a hazardous venture. So even when coal was gained the necessity was forced upon the winners to be very careful. They now had coal equal to that of Mrs. Lucy Thomas, and the next thing was to make a profit of it. That adventurous lady had by this time made her coal famous in London, and as her customers increased in business it was but natural that other Londoners should try and profit, as Duke and Lockett were doing. Hence it was that some little time after the starting of the Aberdare Coal Company “a gentleman from London’ came down and sought her acquaintance, and tried to get a share of the coal, but failed. However, he heard when at Merthyr that in the next valley similar coal had been found, and with little delay, he phade his appearance before the Waynes and told them his mission. They received him very kindly, after the cordial manner of the period, and the next morning he went with them into the colliery to see the coal for himself. It was quite an expedition, and when he came forth, begrimed like the rest of them, you may depend upon it that the people roared at the look of the “London gentleman,” as he was called, and the transformation scene by which the smart Cockney had been changed into a veritable collier. But the Londoner was more than delighted; he had a tale to tell his friends that would astonish them. He could pose before them as little short of a hero. He had been down in the deep pit under the earth, in all the roar of work and bustle, the black diamonds catching the gleam of the candles and making the seam one of gold. What would his quondam friends say to that ? What would they say when they saw the brilliancy of the sea coal fire itself? It took some time to restore the Londoner to his wonted condition, but not long to enter into arrangements, and off went the traveller with the first load of Aberdare steam coal done up in the form of a decent-sized parcel! A butter-tub full from the Merthyr Valley, a parcel like a cheese from the Valley of Aberdare—such were the faint, small beginnings of the giant industry ! - AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 83 To stand amidst the northern hills and see where the Wye and the Severn take their rise is to get into a similar reflective mood to that aroused by these simple but significant facts. But people run away with the notion that the little rill is to be credited with all the glory of the great river, and that the plodding coalowners in early days who struck the first Four Feet have all the lustre derived from the vastness of the trade. This is not true. & The little rill goes on its way, and, if left to itself, would only be a little rill at the close; but from every valley and hillside come tributaries, more or less abundant, and the stream grows in greatness and becomes mighty ere it sweeps into the sea. So with our industry; and we say that without detracting one atom from the reputation deservedly gained by the enterprise of the early seekers. Their example stimulated, their small trade soon had accessories; first one and then the other started, and in a few years, as we shall proceed to tell, the canal began to have a busy time of it, and there was a movement on foot to start a railway. Mr. Wayne told us that it was not long after the Londoner and his parcel of coal had gone—some few weeks—when he entered with him into arrangements to supply two barge loads, or forty-four tons per day, and this was the practical beginning of the Aberdare steam coal trade. Thus there were new two rival houses in London using steam coal, and from Mr. L. Davis, Ferndale, we were told an incident of the experimental use of the early cargoes in London. Mrs. Lucy Thomas was visiting the great City on business and staying at a friend's house, and early in the morning, Welsh- woman-like, more familiar with the song of the blackbird than the din of London, went downstairs, in her homely way, to the kitchen, where the girl had just kindled a fire. It was a grand fire, and Mrs. Thomas, warming her hands by it, exclaimed, “Ay, there, girl, there's coal for you; that's my coal, my girl—my coal; and there isn’t anything like it in the world !” When she went 84 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE upstairs again and sat down to breakfast she was a little bit chagrined to hear that the coal she had been praising was not hers, but that of Aberdare. As the trade grew, the prophets began to preach, and, after a little more than ten years of steady trade, speculation was wont to range high as to the ultimate success of our steam coals. One worthy who published an eisteddfod pamphlet, told his readers that the Aberdare coal was going, not only to London, but India, China, to East and West; aye to St. George's Sound. The Welsh steam coal has gained distinction in the years that have passed since the death of the pioneers. Their coals are placed on the lists of the English, French, Spanish, and Italian Governments, and the following awards have been made :-Diplôme d’Hommewr, Exposition Maritime International, 1868; Diplôme d’Hommewr, Exposition Internationale, Paris, 1875; Medaille d’Argent (ler Pria), Exposition Universelle, Paris, 1878. A tribute this to the memory of the early coal owners who first prospected in a simple way in a field on the hill side. The authors of Gardd Aberdare relate that in 1845 no less than thirty-eight thousand tons were obtained from Cwmbach pit, and are further astounded in declaring that in 1846 forty-eight thousand tons were worked One of the authors of Gardd Aberdare has lived to see a thousand tons a week an insignificant out-put, and one thousand five hundred tons per day no unusual occurrence. In Mr. Matthew Wayne's time there was a balance pit for coal at Gadlys, and after this Pwll Newydd was started, and then followed Pwll-y-Graig. We must here note a few contemporaries in the early essays at Aberdare and Hirwain. One of the earliest pioneers was Mr. Richard Jenkins, afterwards manager at Dinas. He was in many respects a remarkable man, and no history of the development of the Glamorganshire coal measures would be complete without a notice of him. In his youth he had a great yearning after practical geology. It is more AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 85 than doubtful if he had any book learning, or knew, save from conversations, of the various stratifications and points of development apart from the coal system. Put amongst the Wenlock shales, he would have been out of his bearings; in the oolite, or new red sand- stone, or in the gravel beds of Gloucestershire, completely at sea; but he became an adept in his own locality, was familiar with the uprising of the old red sandstone of the Beacons, knew the line of curvature of the carboniferous limestone, trending from the Trefil Range down into Pembrokeshire, and gloried over the boundless stores of coal that lay in this limestone cradle. But that was not enough. He knew from practical knowledge of these great stores. Not only had Nature indicated the existence of coal by showing a seam peering out at the rise or crop, or hinted at faults by indica- tions in the river bed or in brooks, but by this time patches and levels of man's handiwork had begun, and of most of these Richard had early acquaintance. The earliest coal levels south-east of Neath were those that tapped the crop of the Rhondda seams in the Hirwain district. One of these was Level Fawr, worked by Overton, Meyberry, and Company. This Overton was the father of Mr. George Overton, the late coroner. The father was first engaged on Trevethick's line at Penydarran to the “Basin;” and left to take charge, and was part proprietor, of the Hirwain Works. Another early level was also called Level Fawr. This was at Llwydcoed, worked by Mr. Scale, an ironmaster, who brought one hundred thousand pounds into the country and sunk it. Bryn Gwyn Level was another early one, worked by Mr. Llewelyn, father of William and David, both well known in mining enterprise, and the first especially noteworthy for his literary efforts. Still another was the “Gotra Machine,” the Marquess of Bute's. This was under the very spot where the long, grey haired warrior from Brittany, Rhys Ap Tewdwr, fought his last fight, and, failing, escaped to the Rhondda hills, and on the site of Pen Rhys Monastery was captured and slain. Still another early one, and this is in the Rhondda, Aberghorki, where, in 1817, the first Rhondda explosion occurred, by which two men were killed. Such levels, with a few more in various directions, were the only 86 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE practical insights which man, and Richard Jenkins in particular, had obtained of the great coal storehouse. But how small these peerings were—these scratchings in the earth, these little holes in the sides of the mountains. Not even Richard had any conception of the incalculable riches beneath. Neither he nor anyone else dreamt that coal working was to transform the country and fill every valley with great townships., Watt, when plodding with his steam toy, as he himself called it—the locomotive—and biassed into the belief that low pressure, and not high pressure, was essential, was just in the same rut as our early coal owners, who never looked beyond an output of one hundred and fifty tons a day, and thought this excessive. It was while Richard was tramping the mountains in all directions, familiar with the indications of outcrops and faults, that De la Beche came into the country, and to the eminent geologist he became an invaluable aid. He was the shadow, often following in his steps, but more frequently the pioneer, leading the way. There was not a hill that he did not know, not a ravine with which he was not familiar as with the bearings of his own little house and garden. It is unfortunate that no record of these wanderings exists. It would have been as interesting as the trampings of Borrow, the gipsy linguist, in Wales, or the walks of Murchison by the Wye. Doubtless the quaint sayings and inferences of the pioneer were often of interest, and not infrequent that his local knowledge and language served a good end when the white beacon of a farmhouse came in sight, and the hospitality of the race was windicated in example. De la Beche admitted the services rendered by Jenkins, and it has been handed down in family record that they were invaluable. This is all, the only remnant of the days when Richard - O'er mountain, moor, and fen, literally “showed the way.” After his wanderings with De la Beche he became associated with Walter Coffin, and, for a time, as we have stated, was manager at Dinas. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 87 cRAWSHAY BAILEY. The colliery at Aberaman was begun on the 15th March, 1845. This dates his connection with the Aberdare district. His first appearance in the valley was at the sale of Aberaman Estate, which was disposed of by public auction. No one dreamt that the farmer-looking man, who was bidding freely, was in a position to acquire such a property, and a good deal of fun was made at his expense, some of the company prompting him on in a spirit of mischief. When the hammer fell to his bidding, and the auctioneer looked enquiringly, as he spoke of the ample security demanded, the farmer-like man silenced all doubt by his quiet remark, “I am Crawshay Bailey.” It was regarded as a grand day for Aberdare when the news went forth. Joseph Bailey and Wayne having dissolved partnership, Crawshay Bailey continued with his brother, but, during a disagreement, Aberaman was bought, and for a time he had little to do with Monmouthshire. This was, however, resumed in after years, as will be seen in our notice of Nantyglo, etc. Crawshay Bailey has left behind him the recollection of a master having all the eccentricity and outspokenness of his family, with the dogged resolution which commands success. Crawshay Bailey was always intent upon acquiring mineral ground. He, more than most men of his day, saw the great future of Welsh steam coal. Old-fashioned, eccentric, he was yet far-seeing, and the finest stroke of business of his life was in acquiring a group of farms in the Rhondda. Their total rental was about one hundred and sixty pounds, but the revenue accruing from them amounts to thirty thousand pounds a year. He died January 9th, 1872, aged eighty-four. The next sinking to that of Aberaman in the Aberdare Valley was at Werfa by John Nixon. The colliery is now worked by Evens and Company. i 88 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Lletty Shenkin Collieries were commenced by Mr. William Thomas, of Wainwyllt, in 1843, and then carried on by his sister's children—Messrs. Rees, of Lletty Shenkin, until 1872, when they were sold to Burnyeat, Brown and Company. In December, 1849, Yscyborwen Colliery was begun by Messrs. Thomas and Joseph. MR. SAMUEL THOMAS, YSCYBORWEN. One of the old farmers in the early days of the Cyfarthfa family was Mr. John Thomas, a great friend of Mr. Richard Crawshay, who built for him the house at Penyard. Mr. Thomas came originally from Magor, where he had been a copyholder, and the date of his settlement at the iron works was about 1780. With the uprise of the works he abandoned farming to a great extent, letting out his horses for the conveyance of coal to the works, and employing them in similar contracts. He had three sons—Samuel, John, and David. John, the second son, went to England and returned home consumptive. David first became a clerk in a bank in London; but having indicated a strong bias for the pulpit, entered Highbury College, where he formed a lasting friendship with Henry Richard, afterwards Secretary of the Peace Society, and senior Member of Parliament for Merthyr. David eventually rose to considerable distinction as minister of Highbury Chapel, Bristol, Samuel was born with the century, January 17th, 1800, and was early sent to the Eagle's School, Cowbridge, where Taliesin Williams was then one of the masters, previous to his settling down at Merthyr, and remained there for two years before his father's death and for two years afterwards, when he rejoined his mother at Penyard. He was next apprenticed to Mr. William James, of Merthyr, and afterwards joined his mother in shop-keeping, eventually succeeding her in a thriving business, which he continued for a number of years. - AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 89 While a tradesman of Merthyr he joined his brother-in-law, Mr. Thomas Joseph, in coal operations at Danderi in 1842. His next enterprise was in 1849, when he began opening at Yscyborwen, and spent many thousand pounds, but struggled on, and just when the gloom was most dense brought all to a successful ending. He left Merthyr finally for Aberdare in 1852, and still in company with Mr. Joseph started at Bwllfa, joined by Mr. Ebenezer Lewis, who afterwards retired. This was in 1856. Subsequently the partnership with Mr. Joseph ended, and from that time until 1871 he was associated with the old coal owners of the valley, and a familiar figure in their gatherings and councils. His last colliery was Clydach. The coal was won in 1875, and the event was noted by the Bristol Times and Mirror as one of no ordinary significance. Poor Hayhurst, who was long associated with it as manager, used to say it completed the fifth mile of his pit sinking. w The event was certainly not an ordinary one, as the Clydach Vale is regarded as one of the finest takings in Wales; the seam (six feet) being more like a quarry than a coal field, and its output of from one thousand five hundred to two thousand tons a day, under the direction of Mr. Pritchard, has been well maintained. Mr. Thomas died April 2nd, 1879, leaving three sons and two daughters. His widow, fortunately for a district which has of late years suffered great depression, survives. MR. THOMAS JOSEPH. Mr. J oseph comes of an old Merthyr family connected with the Plymouth coal-field from its earliest history (see Plymouth Collieries). From the time that he aided Mr. Samuel Thomas in working Yscyborwen he has been prominently associated with the coal- fields of Wales, and few men have been abler commentators on 90 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE its special characteristics. His papers before the South Wales Society of Engineers are especially notable on this head, and on the iron stone measures. We refer to him at greater length in our chapter on Mining Engineers. His latest enterprise was at Dunraven Colliery. - THOMAS POWELL OF THE GAER—THE FOUNDER OF THE POWELL DUFFRYN COMPANY–A PIONEER AT GELLYGAER AND ABERDARE, Thomas Powell was the man of action, not of learning ; of decision more than of sentiment. A burly man, whose physical vigour fruited out in energy, and never once was absorbed in contemplation, except it took a speculative form. Thomas Powell came originally from Chepstow, and may be said to have flourished under the shadow of the great ruin that stands so hoary a monument of our Civil Wars. He appears early in life to have been transplanted to Newport, and is first noticeable as a timber merchant. The change from this to coal will appear, probably, to the general reader as an incongruous one; but the scientific man will tell you that our coal deposits are the relics of primeval forests, the timber which never knew the Gladstonian axe, or the Sawyer's skill. And then, apart from science, timbering is an essential feature of coal working, and in several ways the necessities for pitwood would bring coal owner and timber merchant into contact. However, be this as it may, from whatever cause, it is certain that many are the men who have begun in timber and gravitated towards coal, and of these a conspicuous instance is given in the case of Thomas Powell, who has stamped his mark legibly on the history of the early coal trade of the Monmouthshire and the Glamorganshire Valleys. AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES, 91 Thomas Powell began his colliery experience in Monmouthshire, and was engaged in working the house coals, first by a level in the parish of Gellygaer, when the success of the Waynes in Aberdare called his attention to that valley, and in February, 1840, he began to sink for steam coal at Tyr Founder, and by June, 1842, was fortunate enough to win the coal and to send away his first cargo. This success would have satisfied ordinary mortals, but Powell's horizon was an expanded one, as the mere enumeration of his coal winnings will show. In addition he sunk the Plough Pit, then Lower Duffryn, Middle Duffryn, Cwm Pennar (Upper and Lower). His third venture was the Llantwit series, where he and his sons sunk several pits and gave work to many colliers. In his speculative ventures at the outset he was necessarily at times driven to get advances from his bankers, and it is said that at one time the overdraft was so great that the banker called his attention to it and wished him to put it right. “I cannot do it yet,” was his reply, “but if you pull me down I will pull you with me !” All he wanted was time. He had confidence in the great mines of wealth that he was engaged in, and the banker, inspired by his hope and energy, waited patiently until the corner was turned and he was above the need of help. He told a friend, after some of his successes in Aberdare—and he said it with a great amount of animation—that he had now in his possession a sufficient acreage of coal to last a thousand years. “Indeed ” was the reply, “and have you secured a life lease for yourself correspondingly.” “Ah!” said the coalowner, “there's the rub; but I am very careful of myself, and can see my way to last over a hundred years.” He did reach an advanced age, and in his meridian of vigour helped largely in supplying labour and its resulting comfort to large populations. He was the amasser of wealth, and in doing so, in growing up from small beginnings, was, like men of his class, frugal and careful of small things. Wealthy men will tell you that unless the same care be continued in exercise over the fortune that has been won it flies away far 92 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE more rapidly than it was gained, and, knowing this, the thrift becomes a habit which lasts to the end of the chapter. It is Nature which is invariably the corrector, and in the annals of many a family—and we are not referring now to our coalowner in particular—the succeeding generation exhibits the opposite qualities to those which characterised the past. The close grip becomes the open hand, and the ear which was deaf to the pitiful complaints of the poor readily lends its full attention. It is in these corrections—which are often noted by the observant mind—that we read the semblance of human action in that of Nature, and become more confirmed in the belief of a directing Providence, and more inclined to make our short run of existence of benefit to others as well as ourselves, by the practical display of sympathetic virtues. Ere he died, Powell, of The Gaer, had won a great name as a successful pioneer, and his stout form and loud confident voice were well known to all who journeyed in the coal districts by rail. A friend tells us that on one such journey he travelled with him, and they had a fierce discussion on the subject of Welsh coal. Powell was then in his heyday— his pits were turning out their thousands of tons, and by rail and sea the coal wealth of Aberdare was being sent to all parts of the world. In so doing Powell thought that he was not only doing well for himself and his family, but doing well for the country. Conceive, then, his amazement, his positive disgust at the argument of his fellow traveller. “You are doing well,” he said, “both for yourself and for this generation, but you are taking away the legacy which other generations also should enjoy. This enormous drain will tell. You are hollowing out the mountains. Acres of coal are being swept away, and what will become of the enormous population which has been attracted here when the last ton is gone?” Powell, shrewd, far-sighted, persevering, was not much of the philosopher, and, instead of suggesting that other agencies for motive power and for heat would be evolved long before our coal supply is exhausted, contented himself with the argument A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. - 93 that the future must look after itself, and that the man would be a fool who would not drive out and sell as much coal as possible. Powell was a shrewd reader of men, if he was not philosophic, and knew very well that he was acting as men would generally. It was no more to be expected that he would limit his output than for a gold digger to come across a dozen nuggets and, taking half, leave the rest to the next seeker | The annals of his family after he had amassed his wealth and reached the highest point of his ambition are a startling contrast to his plod and quiet life and endurance. Like men of the old school, his world of survey was a limited one. From Newport to Aberdare. From Aberdare to Newport. Now haranguing with Harrison, his engineer; again laying down the law at his wharf at Newport and upon his ships. Such was the round, slightly varied, which ended in his ninetieth year. We all know the rest of the family history. How Tom Powell, the son, and his family, following in the track of peace which attended on victories in Abyssinia, was, on the 17th of April, 1869, there murdered with his wife and family. And next how another son, skilled as an aeronaut, and who was noted for his physical powers, his fearlessness, as well as for his geniality, sailed aloft in a balloon and was never seen again. One son only remains, the owner of Llanhilleth and adjoining collieries, but at present he is more engaged in pig iron at Glasgow than in the coal trade, the great bulk of the collieries, the Powell Duffryn, being now in the possession and under the direction of Sir George Elliot and others. The experience of Thomas Powell, the founder of the family, may be said to have taken in the simplest form and most primitive custom of coal work. He had one explosion at Gellygaer, but no one was killed. The men then worked with a candle and “dusted" the gas out with their jackets when it became troublesome ; but he lived to have painful experience of the Duffryn explosion of 1852, when sixty-four were killed, and of the 94 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Duffryn explosion of 1858, when twenty were killed and the death blow was given to single shafts. . . . . . . . . . - In connection with the early development of the Welsh steam coal trade another of the great pioneers comes to the front in the person of Mr. John Nixon. MR. JOHN NIXON, NAVIGATION, DEEP DUFFRYN, AND MERTHYR VALE COLLIERIES. It is one thing to discover the existence of some of Nature's treasures and another to make them useful and commercially valuable. The race of early coalowners, whom we have been describing, did their part, and did it well. They surpassed their predecessors, who simply made levels, for they sunk deep pits and won the steam coal, and had its merits made known outside of their district. The coal sent, up to 1830, came in larger part from the eastern edge of Monmouthshire, and the northern crop of the Neath Valleys. But owing, as we have before stated, to our friends of the Merthyr and Aberdare Valleys, the superior steam coal was beginning to tell, the time was opportune, circumstances favourable, the only thing needed was the man, and he came forward in the person of John Nixon. Fair play, we reiterate, and all honour to the old Welsh coal- owners. Excepting Lewis of Caerphilly, they represented native enterprise very much better than Welsh ironmasters. But for the energy of such men as Bacon and Crawshay, Guest and Hill, we should have been nowhere in the matter of iron; but the Welsh coal- owners did their part, they cleared the way, they won the coal and opened the ground, which John Nixon's ability, his practical skill and resolution, were to utilize for the general good. Mr. John Nixon was brought up as a mining engineer in the North of England, and as such served his apprenticeship with Mr. Joseph Gray, of Durham, working for two or three years as A N D ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 95 washman and overman. He came to Dowlais as mining engineer, and soon afterwards identified himself with the coal trade, buying large quantities of Abernant coal, and sending it to London, where, on the Thames especially, he had fullest evidence of its excellence. - His reputation was first established by the Four Feet coal of the Aberdare Valley, which he personally and energetically introduced. Afterwards he took the Werfa property, which had been leased to Lord Bute by the Court Estate, and which he sunk pits upon and opened out and worked with his partners for years. His next venture was the Deep Duffryn, bought by him from David Williams, Ynyscynon, for forty-two thousand pounds. He was told by Mr. Williams that the maximum output to be expected would be one hundred and seventy tons of large coal per day, and that this was considered fair work. John Nixon pondered, but went to work. The condition of things at Deep Duffryn was unpretending. There was one steam engine only for pumping and winding, and only one current of air in the working for ventilation. The ventilating power was a furnace on the top of the pit, with a chimney about fifty feet in height, and when Mr. Nixon went down the pit he found the air so heavily charged with firedamp as to be almost insupportable. In fact, the owners had been served by the Secretary of State with a notice that the workings were in a dangerous state from imperfect ventilation, and that they would be held responsible in case of loss of life from explosion. The outlook was not a pleasant one, but the pioneers of great industries know no such word as failure, and obstacles only afford the necessary stimulus to unfaltering action. Mr. Nixon, taking possession of the colliery, re-modelled it completely, a long and anxious process, but, in the end, the reward was great, and Deep Duffryn, in splendid working order and adequate ventilation, instead of turning out the maximum of one hundred and seventy tons a day only, turned out one thousand tons. Mr. Nixon's services to the district have been twofold—first, in 96 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE making the Welsh steam coal of world-wide fame, and, secondly, in ventilating and working arrangements for the security of life. He was the first to ship the smokeless steam coal of Wales to foreign parts. Mr. Marychurch and Mr. George Insole had been the first shippers to London. It was Mr. Nixon's privilege to send it farther afield. The early cargoes to London were not thought much of, and the early cargoes to France shared the same fate. The prejudice was so strong in favour of North of England coal, that it took him six months of uninterrupted effort to get consumers to make a trial of it. He had, indeed, either to give them coal free of charge, or allow them to have it at a mere nominal price to induce them to use it at all. The Frenchman shrugged his shoulders, and gesticulated wildly; but when Mr. Nixon failed in the persuasiveness of his argument he took the bull by the horns, and, throwing off his coat, “stoked” the coal to show its goodness. One of the notable incidents of his career was on the Seine, when he stoked a steamer all the way, and vindicated conclusively his boast that the Welsh coal was the finest in the world. - It was by personal action such as this that he brought the shippers to his own view, and then the demand set in upon the Welsh collieries, requiring every effort to meet. By 1850 the coal exports from Cardiff alone amounted to seven hundred and eight thousand five hundred and eighty-two tons, and so they went on until they totalled a million and over in 1854; by 1864 exceeded a million and a quarter, reached three millions by 1869, over four millions and a quarter in 1876, five millions in 1879, its six millions and nearly a half in 1881, its seven millions and nearly another in 1883, and its eight millions and a quarter in 1885. So astounding an increase from a sloop load of a few tons is without parallel in the whole history of commerce. And equally unique the contrast from the solitary collier plying his “pick” into the “crop" and sending the produce in a sack or wheelbarrow to Cardiff, and the huge, well-appointed collieries, - AAWD IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 97 with their five or six hundred men each, their output of ten to twelve hundred tons a day, the endless train, the methodic drive and bustle, the screeching trains, and the clouds of sails and crowds of funnels at the ports bent to every port in the world. Mr. Nixon was the pioneer in this vast transformation scene. Now let us turn to his other services, those rendered for the security of life. He had five years experience of pillar and stall working in Wales, and saw that it was disadvantageous in respect of the yield of large coal and dangerous with regard to ventilation. This led him to confer with Mr. Dickenson, and then to introduce the long-wall system, which he did not, however, attempt without the fullest consideration. He had been particularly struck with the difference in the roof of North of England and South Wales collieries. In many places in the North the timbering cost only twopence or threepence per ton, while in South Wales it was a common occurrence to cost one shilling, and even as much as one shilling and ninepence. It was this fragility of roof which also caused so great an expenditure of life, nearly doubling the mortality in Wales as compared with the North of England. It was at the Deep Duffryn Mr. Nixon introduced the long-wall System, and we well recollect its introduction. The collier, a Liberal in politics, is a Conservative in customs and habits, and likes no innovation unless its monetary advantages are at once perceptible. The colliers fought against the long-wall, and refused to work under it. Many of them not only refused to work, but took out a summons in the county court for a month's wage, alleging that it was dangerous to life to work coal by such a plan. The trial case was that of W. Lewis v. Nixon. - We have now before us the report of the case, given to us by the lamented Judge Falconer, and annex a few of the facts. The action was for two pounds four shillings. Lewis had worked in the colliery under Messrs. Nixon, Taylor, and Cory from the beginning of their ownership. Prices, one shilling and fivepence a ton, and two shillings and eightpence a yard for driving headings. The long- wall system was introduced on the west side, and it was admitted G 98 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE that the men could have left if they pleased. His Honour's summing up was elaborate. He said it was contended that the system was introduced for the better working of the colliery and had been found to answer, and that a saving of coal was effected, which was important to the district. It was said also that the plan of working improved the ventilation of the pit and put the ventilation under better control than any other system, and thus the plan must conduce to the greater safety of the workmen. On the point, therefore, that the system was proper and commendable, and part of the general plan for the working of this pit, and also that the payment was the same as under the old system, he decided the case in favour of the company. Such was the beginning of a change from the time-honoured “pillar and stall,” and little by little opposition was allayed, and the plan thoroughly adopted eventually, to the entire satisfaction of the colliers. With the trial before Judge Falconer ended, practically, anything like serious opposition to the long wall system, and now, after thirty years' experience of its work, Mr. Nixon confidently avers that it has proved so much in favour of the colliers, that if they were asked to go back to the old pillar and stall system they would demand a considerable increase in the cutting price of coal. Twenty-five years ago Mr. Nixon and partners became owners of the Navigation Colliery, adjoining the Deep Duffryn, and here he introduced another of his inventions, which has since become general–steam gearing. Its efficiency has been shown by the fact that for twenty-five years, with one thousand men descending and ascending daily, not a single case of loss of life has occurred from over-winding. The Deep Duffryn was the scene of several important changes. We may instance first the “Battle of the Machines” for weighing the small coal. It was here that “Billy Fairplay” made his appearance, introduced by Mr. Nixon and his partners, and though Billy has had a rough “bringing up,” he has proved a good friend to master and man, and will undoubtedly live to an advanced age. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 99 The second invention, and this was Mr. Nixon's own, was the spiro cylindrical drum for winding coal, by which the weight of the rope is balanced, and a much less strain thrown on the engine and machinery. This was first erected at Deep Duffryn. The third invention was the winding drum, placed on the fly-wheel shaft, or first motion, instead of being placed on a separate shaft called the second motion, which was an invariable rule under the old Welsh system. The fourth invention was a new ventilating machine known as Nixon's ventilator, which has been at work for thirty years, and has never occasioned a single day's stoppage of the colliery from accident or through any part being out of repair, and has always furnished an abundance of ventilation for the colliery. This was also first introduced at Deep Duffryn. These inventions speak for themselves, and it may be added further, to the credit of Mr. Nixon, that, though introduced into almost every important colliery in South Wales, he did not take out any patent with the exception of the one for ventilation, and so gave the benefit of them to the country. Mr. Nixon has been from the first an advocate of the “double shift,” and may fairly claim to have had a great deal to do with its successful introduction. The first occasion when he came to the front in its advocacy was immediately after the first Ferndale explosion, when he wrote to the Mining Jowrmal a letter full of characteristic vigour. It ran as follows:— SAR,--The terrible catastrophe in the Rhondda Valley makes me anxious again to press on the notice of my fellow coal-owners and the public in general the advantages of a system of working collieries by which the loss of life on such occasions as that which has now spread dismay through the district would be reduced to nearly half of what it now is. I allude to the system of “double shift,” which is in general use in the Northumberland and Durham coal fields, and which I have long been endeavouring to introduce into South Wales. In the Northern system there are two relays or “shifts” of men, working seven hours each, the first shift leaving the face of the works when the second shift commences work in the places vacated. In South Wales, and, I believe, in all other districts in Great Britain, except Durham and Northumberland, there is only one shift, and, consequently, all the colliers and workmen employed go down the pits in the morning and remain till the day's work is 100 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE finished at night. When, therefore, an explosion occurs in a colliery worked on the short-hour or double-shift principle, only about half the number of victims are exposed to destruction as what there would be under the long-hour or single-shift system. - * . * . - In every respect the double shift is equally advantageous to master and man. There is a much better supervision of the colliery, in consequence of the thorough organisation arising from a perfect division of labour, which makes every officer, and almost every workman, personally responsible for any neglect or carelessness. The coalgetter is employed exclusively in cutting coal, and has nothing to do, as in the single shift, with examining the roof of the mine, setting timber, laying railways, etc., so that, with ordinary exertion, he can earn as much wages in seven hours with the double shift as he can get in eleven or twelve hours with the single shift. There is, however, no time for idling ; he must keep vigorously at work, for he knows that his comrade of the second shift will turn him out and take possession of his place at the end of the first shift. Now, as twice the quantity of coal is got out of such working place with the double as compared with the single shift during the twelve hours the pit is at work, only half of the extent of pit room, or, in other words, half the number of working places, is required in the former as compared with the latter system. And mark the great advantages that arise from such a state of things — 1st.—The volume of gas exuding from the strata is probably little more than one- half. * * . 2nd.—The quantity of air required to dilute it is diminished in the same proportion, consequently where the ventilating power in any colliery under the single shift is only barely equal to the requirements of that colliery, with the double shift the same power would be greatly in excess. - 3rd–There is only half the number and extent of air passages or windways to keep open, one of the most important considerations in a “fiery' colliery with an inferior roof. - 4th.-Only half the number of air doors, the leaving open of one of which for twenty minutes has been known to cause explosions, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives. ... • - - 5th.-Only half the quantity of temporary “brattice,” the extensive use of which “throttles” or impedes the free passage of the air through the whole district where they are employed. - - 6th.-Half the number of “splits * or divisions of the volume of air required for ventilating the workings, and, therefore, only half the number of “regulators ” to attend to and adjust. - - 7th-Half the number of horse roads to keep, the cost of which forms an important item in collieries where the pavement and roof of the coal seam have a tendency to approach each other or “pouch.” - - 8th.-The working places with the double shift are never left for an instant unoccupied, and every premonitory indication of danger from an outburst of gas, the giving way of the roof, or falling of the coal, will probably be observed and prepared for. Whereas, with the single shift, the workmen leave their places sometimes for AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 101 an hour or more to congregate for dinner, during which time gas may have been given off and accumulated, or the roof or coal ready to fall. On the collier's return to his place he may be crushed or killed without the slightest warning. I have known a severe explosion, attended with great loss of life, occur on the collier's return from the igniting of gas given off during the absence of the colliers at dinner. 9th.—The working face of the coal seam moves twice as fast, and, therefore, the roof of the mine is much easier and better kept up, and loss of life from “falls” of the strata, from which accidents constantly occur, greatly diminished. This last is a most important consideration, on account of the great proportion which accidents arising from falls of the roof bear to all other causes. In the year 1866 there were three hundred and sixty-one deaths from falls of the roof, and two hundred and twenty-two from falls of coal. On the other hand, one would think that the advantage to the collier of spending half his day above ground could hardly be over-rated, in addition to the privilege of being half of his time out of reach of accidents, and earning the same amount of wages in the short as in the long hours of labour. I deeply regret to say that such is not the case, The prejudice of the collier in favour of the old single-shift system is so great, that every effort on the part of my firm hitherto has proved unsuccessful. I sent some of our most intelligent workmen to the North of England, where they remained until they had an oppor: tunity of thoroughly learning every part of the double shift system. When they returned, they wrote me a report approving of it in all its details. They explained all particulars to their fellow-workmen, recommending them to adopt it, but without the least success. We have some one thousand or one thousand two hundred workmen employed in our South Wales collieries, and out of that number we could not induce twenty to make a trial of the short-hour or double-shift for a period of two months, although on the condition that, if not approved of by them, at the end of that time it should be discontinued. It may be said that we ought to enforce the system. My reply is, No individual proprietor can do so; and I question whether any number of proprietors in any single locality have the power. In fact, nothing short of the whole of the iron and coal masters of the district entering into a combination and arrangement to stop their works in case the double shift be not agreed to by the colliers will ensure its introduction, and I despair of getting unanimity where there are such numbers of individual firms to deal with. The question arises, What is to be done to remedy such a lamentable state of things? My answer is, Let the Mines Inspection Bill be at once amended, and a clause added “That no colliery liable to give off explosive gases shall be worked except on the double shift or Northern system.” This Bill has been amended to meet the loss of life arising from having only a single shaft. But the loss of life arising from the working only a single shift, by which the lives of all the workmen are jeopardised, in place of by double shift, in which only about half the number are exposed to such a calamity, is of equal, if not of much greater importance. - As the collieries which are being sunk and opened are each year getting deeper and more extensive, greater outlay of capital is required to complete and put them in operation; and in order to get any return of profit on the large outlay (some costing 102 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE upwards of a quarter of a million), increased numbers of workmen are employed; and if, on the one-shift system, all are exposed to destruction, hence these increasing appalling calamities. I know many collieries where there are five or six hundred men employed at the same time working on the single-shift system. The number of deaths arising from accidents in coal mines, as published in the report of the Inspector of Coal Mines for 1866, is one thousand four hundred and eighty-four. In 1865 the number was only nine hundred and eighty-eight. There is, therefore, an increase of five hundred deaths, or fifty per cent, and this awful loss of life must still go on increasing if the single-shift system be allowed to remain in force. I may state that I am managing partner of the firm of Nixon, Taylor, and Cory, who are owners of the largest collieries in Great Britain, a native of Newcastle-on- Tyne, and brought up as a “viewer,” or mining engineer, in that district. I have had twenty years’ experience of coal mining in South Wales, am perfectly acquainted with the nature of both the Welsh and Northern coalfields, and know practically the systems of working pursued in each. In conclusion, I ask the powerful press of England, my brother coalowners, all parties interested in coal mines, and the humane and thoughtful of all classes to aid me in putting an end to this single-shift system of North and South Wales, Yorkshire, the Midland, and other coal districts, a system which, I repeat, has caused double the loss of life from explosions of firedamp. —I am, yours truly, London, 21st November, 1867. JOHN NIXON. It was one of Mr. Nixon's eventful experiences to first try the Aberdare steam coal on one of the Taff Vale locomotives This he did in company with Mr. George Fisher. Following the Navigation came the last venture of our veteran coal winner—the Merthyr Vale. He and his partners commenced sinking August 23rd, 1869, and proved the Four Feet Seam January 1st, 1875. The two first trams were raised on December 4th of the same year, and on the 10th of December the first lot of coal was sent to the market. Thus it took six years of persistent labour to win the coal, and ever since there has been a constant outlay in extension and improvement, all tending to make it, as regards compactness and arrangement, the premier colliery of South Wales, second only in depth, area, and magnitude of scientific appliances to Treharris. No. 1 winding engine has two cylinders, eighty-three inches in diameter, four feet stroke, and one thousand horse-power. No. 2 winding engine, two cylinders, fifty inches in diameter, six feet stroke, and eight hundred horse-power. Air compressor, two AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 103 steam cylinders, thirty-six inches in diameter; two air cylinders, forty inches in diameter. Waddle ventilating fan, forty feet in diameter; Nixon's ventilator, consisting of three exhausting pistons fifty feet by twenty-two feet, capable of exhausting four hundred thousand cubic feet of air per minute. - In many respects Merthyr Vale is worthy of being regarded as a model colliery, and the township which has grown around it promises soon, in its proportions and social additions, to become another Mountain Ash. It has gas works, reading-room, volunteer organisation, building clubs, etc. Mr. Nixon and his partners employ at the three collieries over one thousand eight hundred workmen. During their ownership—he stated before the Mines Commission—six millions of men and boys have been up and down his pits without an accident. He uses the Clanny lamp and has done so for twenty years successfully, wastemen and firemen using the Davy. - We have stated that Mr. Nixon was the pioneer in the use of steam coal on locomotives. It is now the fuel used by the majority of the railways in the South and West of England, and is shipped abroad to every port in the South of Europe and to India. What higher testimony to Mr. Nixon can we add than by stating that in his time the puny port of Cardiff has become the first in the world. This enormous trade, which is attested by our statistics of the docks and Taff Vale, has been literally developed in a life time. The steam coal trade is the mainstay and support. of the whole of South Wales. The iron and steel trades are now subordinate. Coal is king. One of the latest arrangements in connection with steam collieries has been successfully carried out at Merthyr Vale, under the direction of Colonel Gray and Major Bell. This was in diverting a large portion of a blower, which had been brought from the workings to the surface, and for a long time maintained there as an illuminant at the pit top, underneath three of the boilers to the saving of one hundred tons of coal weekly. This has been an excellent plan, literally yoking a fiend, the curse of the colliers, into the rut of useful labour. 104 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE THE DAVIS FAMILY OF BLAENGWAWR AND THE FERNDALE - COLLIERIES. . . . . . . In point of time we step backwards a little from the annals of John Nixon, and touch once more upon the series of early Welsh coalmasters in giving the narrative of David Davis, of Blaen- gwawr. Our early coalowners were from the people, reared amongst the people, and in thorough sympathy with the people. One is reminded by the career of our coalowner of the good apprentice of the Hogarthian series, who, stoutly breasting the waves of social temptation, sits at length in judgment over the brother apprentice who lacked his moral grit. David Davis, the founder of the Ferndale Collieries, was only a draper's apprentice, and as such began in the London Warehouse at Merthyr, kept by his relative, Mr. Lewis. Ending his term he opened a shop for himself at Hirwain, when the century was young, and, being industrious and shrewd, he prospered. He was one of the sons, so to state, of Benjamin Franklin, never too proud to work or to do himself what he directed others to do, the class of man who is in the shop before his assistants and sweeps it out or cleans the windows even when he has a good balance at his bankers, without thinking that he is doing anything degrading, O ye men with hair parted in front, and purity of white collar, and amplitude of white cuffs, how infinitely behind art thou to the sturdy worthies who are gone ! David, in the beginning of his trading life, bought most of his goods at Merthyr, and many a bundle he carried upon his back over the mountain. He married a most excellent woman, who proved a good helpmate, and journeyed over the mountains, and shared his burdens like the true wife she was. : The small shop at Hirwain—the home afterwards of a worthy - family who succeeded him; the Williamses—paved the way to a large shop, which, in the innocent ambition of the day, was, like AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 105 the master's, dignified by the name of the London Warehouse. ' London to the mountaineers was the acme of all perfection and greatness. - Here drapery became blended with grocery and chandlery, and the small trade was increased to speculations of an important character. As an instance of his sagacity we may give an anecdote. He was dealing extensively in tallow at the time, and heard of certain political movements affecting Russia which were likely to advance the price of tallow considerably. Forthwith, along with other traders, he journeyed to London, an expedition even then, and early in the morning he was up, and before breakfast made large purchases. At breakfast with his friends there was a good deal of conversation as to the plans to be adopted and the purchases to be made. David said little, but kept his face bravely, and they soon knew that his early rising virtues had done him good service, and that he had cleared the market. Their only course was to deal with him, and he made a thousand pounds sterling by that morning's transaction. David opened another shop at Mill-street and one in Aberdare, and prospered’; and now came the eventful turn of his life. - He began working a small level in the anthracite coal under Lord Bute at Rhigos, and succeeded; next a shallow pit into the four feet coal at Blaengwawr, and succeeded again, his shops giving him the necessary money supplies until the coal was won. While steadily working on in the coal trade his son David, in apprenticeship like the father, but in another shop, the Post- office shop at Merthyr, opened a shop at Aberdare, and after some years both he and the next brother Lewis, also a shopkeeper, joined the father in his collieries. - The next step was to Ferndale, where they sunk for the bituminous coal, but it did not prove well, and for a time the fortunes of the family were clouded, but they persevered and struck the steam coal, and the cloud passed away. - Coffin had previously tried for the steam coal at Dinas and failéd, so the gratification was marked, as many a knowing 106 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE authority on coal refused to believe in the existence of steam coal out of the Aberdare Valley until Lord Bute found steam coal at CwmSaebron. Ferndale a grand success, everything hopeful! The corner of the road turned, the top of the mountain gained, what fears now for the future ? Strange that it is when in the fulness of wealth and happiness that the dark cloud, “small as a man's hand,” comes upon the sky, and the storm is not afar off. It was only a sudden fall of the barometer just as the autumn was ending and the hill sides were covered with the yellowing fern. Only a sudden fall, but it preceded disaster, and one hundred and seventy-eight men and boys, who had gone down into the pit in the morning, were stricken dead! Let us break in upon the course of the biography with recollections of Ferndale. It was on the 9th of November, 1867, that the accident occurred, over twenty years ago, and yet, to us, the scene comes as vividly back as do the incidents of yesterday. A day or two after the explosion we were on the spot, long before all the dead had been taken up, and when amongst some of the mourners hopes yet remained of the possible survival of their kindred, husbands and sons, below. There were one or two scenes that will never be forgotten: A poor woman from the apple orchards of Hereford, with cheeks as ruddy as the fruit, but wrinkled with age, sat near the pit waiting, hoping. Her son was below, and she had travelled all the way from the distant county as soon as the news of the explosion had reached her. Her curious face, wondering and grieving, the coloured print dress she wore, so different to the dress of the women about her, and the sleepy Doric of her speech, heard now and then amidst the quick impetuous Welsh, rivetted one's attention, and many a look of curiosity and sympathy was cast upon the poor troubled woman, who never, this side the boundary of human life, and aim, and greed, was to see her son again. Looking around us, it seemed as if the whole manhood of the little community had been brushed away, and only women and children A ND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 107 left. Into that peaceful valley, where the abundance of ferns had given its name to the spot, there had gravitated from all parts of Wales and from English shires a crowd of industrious men, and for them the Blaengwawr family had amply provided; the houses were well-built, trim gardens were in front, schools, and the indis- pensable chapels, which always follow in the wake of the Welsh collier, were to be seen, and the isolation from the great world seemed complete; the comfort of the wanderers all that could be wished. Looking down from the mountain top, the old farmers, unused for half a century or more to any sign of life in the valley, other than the sheep and herds, had watched the sinking of the great shaft and the rising of the little town. How often have we in our mountain rambles come upon such a scene, so far removed from the mountain top that sanitary imperfections, perhaps some unsightly arrangements, untrimmed gardens, with the thorm and thistle luxuriant therein, could not be seen, and from whence, mellowed by distance, came the hum of the life below, the shrill call to a recreant child, and the song of woman at her household labour. w On some such scene with staff in hand the farmers would look in wonderment and plod home to talk of the marvels in the valley, little thinking of the thunderstorm at hand. Azarael's dark wing had fluttered over the picture of seclusion and the ruin seemed complete. Talk of the ruined Cities of the East, those that glare out upon us like ghouls from the sand! What flowery description and poetic sentiment have been used in bringing them before our mental eyes, and yet in stern reality they are not to be mentioned with such as Ferndale. For this was not the home of the Arab, but of our own people, progressing happily in their quiet way, the little streak of civilisation growing slowly bigger, and then from none of the causes which led to the destruction of the Cities of the Plains, or on the mountains, came seemingly irretrievable TÜll IQs * 108 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Associated in our mind to the end of the chapter will be “Ferndale and Arthur Morris.” He was one of the most genial of men, truest of friends, all too suddenly swept away. Good and noble hearted as he was in his young manhood, what would he not have been if he had lived out the ordinary span 2 The picture which age mellows, the vintage which time matures. - Morris was detailed by Mr. Fothergill to visit Ferndale the day after the explosion, and to take two French gentlemen down into the workings to see what an explosion was capable of doing. Their visit to England was to see some of the deepest collieries, and become acquainted with our mining life, and this incident was . not to be overlooked. - They reached Ferndale in the midst of a great throng from Aberdare, a literal mob of pedestrians and of others, oddly mounted on or in every conceivable kind of vehicle. But when they came to the opening of the colliery, not then cleared of its dead, they stepped back, for as out of a huge charnel-house came the suffocating fumes of decay, and of burnt flesh, human and horse. Valiant men, agile, keen-eyed, both would have charged a line, or dashed up a breach where there was glory to be won; but down into this sickening rat-hole And for what 2 But pride came to the aid of their guide. He stepped on to the cage, and they followed. Just previous to the descent he told them to hold him firmly by the arm, and for a month afterwards the blue marks showed how nervously they had clutched him, holding on for dear life. - - - As the earth seems to spring back and send the balloonist off into space, so the cage, spurning, so to state, its environment, launched them into the inky blackness of the awful void, only relieved by the glimmer of a lamp carried by the guide. Downward, ever downward, gliding into the unfathomable, seeking not only the haunt of the fire demon, who had wrought such destruction, but a closer proximity to the mysterious earth's centre whence come the subterranean fires that whelm cities, and blot out a country, and earthquakes which convulse mother earth, AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 109 and bring home, even to the highest intellectual conviction, the littleness, the puny character of man. Some such thoughts passed through the mind of the guide, and then a perceptible slackening of the speed and they were at the bottom. Close by, waiting the carriage to ascend, were two men black as might, each with a handkerchief bound around mouth and nostrils to save them from the evil smell that abounded, and by them in a sack were the remains of a brother collier, who the morning before had descended to work, full of life and health, his mind bent upon the little surroundings of his life, his wife, children, home, the small garden plot, friends, or, if devotional, like so many of the old Welsh colliers, his chapel. And now his body had been so mutilated that the sack contained only fragments, and the only clue to his name was by his boots. There was a stoppage of the ordinary work at the bottom of the pit on account of the accident, and relay parties were constantly going up or coming down. There was no whirl of work—laden trams going up incessantly, varied by empty ones coming down, and all the haste necessitated by an output of a thousand tons per day. In this condition of things, when half the workings were obstructed by falls, and the business of restoring ventilation was nothing like complete, the little party only proceeded a short way in, and then made again for the bottom of the pit and reached the surface. - Ferndale, always a pleasant spot for the eye to rest upon, never looked so green, the sky never so blue and delightful, as when the panorama of earth and heaven burst upon them on reaching the top. The Frenchmen strode like the brave men they really were, with something to tell kith and friends on the other side of the Channel, of the great coal grave, where in peaceful labour fell almost the total slain of a battle field. We have often, to ministers of Church and Dissent, propounded the problem—the reconcilement of these explosions with the Providence that watches over the sparrow, but have invariably been met with the reply that “The ways of the Deity are 110 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE mysterious and past finding out.” We would rather take the solution that the laws of nature are unalterable, and that in the carrying out deacon and evil doer share the same fate. It is in the next chapter the account is squared Energy and perseverance were the mottoes of the Blaengwawr family, and even the disaster of Ferndale failed to daunt them, though the blow was very great. They plodded on. The little village grew; the memory of the disaster was becoming fainter; you might hear the ring of laughter again on the hillside, for so Nature soothes. Just as spring violets push their way to the light through dead leaves, so new life and new hopes and aspirations spring up even amidst the scenes of sorrow. “Man was made to mourn,” but in the plan of Nature the wound heals, physical or mental; grief ceases, though remembrance may not. Then came, only two years after, on the 19th of June, 1869, the second Ferndale explosion, and here again the destruction was great, though not so much as the time before, the death-roll amounting to fifty-three. It was a repetition on a slightly smaller scale of the first Ferndale. Into houses from whence mourning had been banished and new families had settled the shadows came, and it seemed as if an evil spell had fastened itself upon the place and that the valley was ill-fated and doomed. But the coalowners struggled with the difficulties, contended with every obstacle, and did all they could, it was frankly admitted, to lessen the sorrow of the poor, so that want should not be endured as well as grief. In the meanwhile they projected other undertakings, and the meridian was gained. By this time the founder had ceased from active exertions, the helm being taken in hand by his son, David, assisted by Lewis, who bad also the Cardiff agency; William, the other son, being engaged on his own account with his colliery at Oakwood, Maesteg. The present generation are familiar with the succeeding history of the founder, a repetition in many respects of that of most successful men who have lived out an energetic life, and then AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 11 E quietly retired into the shade. David's wandering over the hills was done, his sedate presence in his shops had ended, his hearty personal interest in his collieries come to a close. Living to a good old age, he remained in the latter years of his life in the corner chair of the old homestead. For a long time he thought, as old men think, that the boys could not do without him, that his direction was necessary to success. And they humoured him, though it was imperative to be led by their own fuller and later acquired knowledge, and so quietly dying away, he ceased to be, and it was only when the old arm chair was vacant that the depth of the bereavement was known, and the truth forced upon their minds that he who had worked so well had indeed gone for ever. His death produced little change in the direction of the collieries. David and Lewis Davis conducted the colliery business through times of the brightest as well as of the most trying character, times such as 1874, when boundless wealth seemed to be in the grasp of coalowners; times like 1880, when ruin stared the best of them in the face. There is a duality about most men. It is in the very order of things. The London merchant, the Cardiff broker, keen, wary, alive to every speculative movement in office or docks, is an utterly distinct man to the London merchant and the Cardiff broker at his home or amongst his friends, or, indeed, in the movements of social life. In trading life you don your office coat and put on your office mask. And often what a mask Wrinkles and crowsfeet, dimmed eyes, fixed lips. Passiveness, geniality, are put aside; they are not items for business. Aggressiveness, tact, decision of character are essentials, and far beyond the little circle you must glance to the life of the world, to each political movement, if you would thrive. David Davis, of Maesyfynon, possessed this duality, but in a less marked degree than most coalowners we have known. Even in trading life he was gentle, though necessarily rigid when his mind was made up, and resolute in business relations. He lacked the quick sagacity of coalowners who make rapid strokes of fortune 112 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE utterly unmindful of the “why and the how.” Few men were more rigidly conscientious, and, compared with coalowners in general, few more dissimilar, the thoughtful, intellectual, and religious mood prevailing, the last characteristic being without any show or formality, but genuine and illustrated by good, - practical deeds. He was genial and homely, and towards the close of his life most entertaining with his intelligent reminiscences of times and men. MR. LEWIS DAVIS, FERNDALE. Upon the death of Mr. David Davis, he was succeeded in the direction of the collieries by his brother Lewis, but who held it for only a short time, dying at the comparatively early age of fifty-eight, in the New Year, 1888. - In many respects he was the antithesis of his brother. Prominent in early life as the captain of his cricket club, and associated with vigorous outdoor pastimes, he possessed the sterner individuality which his brother lacked, his was the positive where the other was passive, the energetic where the other was meditative. Like his brother, he had deeply-seated religious views, was a Liberal in politics, and in established and kindly relations with his men. His sole direction of Ferndale, in the interest of himself and the company, was not of long duration. In 1887 he had a partial attack of paralysis, and though he recovered from this he remained at his sea-side residence, Langland, for many months, unable to take any active part in the coal trade, and died there on New Year's Day, 1888. SIR GEORGE ELLIOT, BART., M.P. Shall we sketch Sir George in his home at Aberaman P. Take the room, for example, with wall-papers representing many an interesting Eastern scene, so graphically done that, though you are in a Welsh homestead, and in a Welsh valley, yet fancy persuades you that you are passing through the famous Canal of AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 113 Suez, or actually amidst the very phases of Egyptian life. Or shall we picture Sir George with fez and bubble-bubble, perched Turkish-wise on divan 2 No, far-travelled man as he is, it is as the Welsh coalowner we know him, and, as such, sketch his portrait, and hand him down, an example in the school of energy and industry and shrewd farsightedness, which is of the stamp that has made England famous. The great engineers, such as the Stephensons, Brunel, the early canal makers and dock builders, the host of men, in fact, whom Smiles has gossipped about, plodding, not springing, mark you, from obscurity into the light of day, these are the men who have built up the greatness of England. Heaven born genius has something to do with it, but the “staying power” of the Saxon and “6lan” of the Kelt IIl QI'62. We talk of glory on sea and land, of our men who have carried their ensign through the storm of battle and won us renown— and far be it from us to quibble at this, or undervalue the efforts made for the honour and the security of England, but greatness won by the sword is ephemeral. What now is Rome, or Egypt, or Greece P But greatness achieved in the light of art, science, or industry, is, as Thomas Carlyle would say, amongst the eternities. It is immortal. So preaching, let us touch upon one more of the industrial heroes. The biography of Sir George Elliot has been pithily given by himself in a speech delivered at Swindon on December 13th, 1882, on the occasion of distributing prizes to the successful students of the Science and Art Classes in connection with the Mechanics’ Institute. He was prompted by the large number of boys present to refer to his own youthful experience. He was born and bred in the county of Durham, and from being a small boy, going down a coal pit at nine years of age, he became the member for that county. As he truly said, he had nothing to gain by telling them this, and he mentioned it merely for their encouragement. He saw an old man since he came to that place called Robert Patterson. That old man was what was termed brakesman, and H 114 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE used to lower him, Sir George, down the pit called Whitefield Pit, in the county of Durham, when nine years of age. This was in 1825 or 1826, and the boys then—he was one of them—worked fourteen hours a day down the pit. For many a year he never saw the light of the sun from the Sunday until the Saturday, and in the winter months they never saw the light of the sun on a week day. The great strike—which was, perhaps, the greatest strike ever known in the North of England—in 1831 and 1832 was to reduce the hours of labour from fourteen hours a day to twelve. Sir George then referred modestly to the part he had taken in shortening those hours to nine, and said that there was no part of the history of his life of which he felt so proud as the fact that he had been instrumental in reducing the hours of labour from fourteen to nine. Reverting again to the scene of his early labours, he said that of the very pit into which Patterson used to lower him he in a few years became manager, and finally owner. When he went back to the pit as responsible manager under the Marquess of London- derry (who gave him the appointment), after an absence of fourteen years, would they be surprised to learn what was his first impulse when he got to the bottom of the pit 2 He had his under- viewer and the different members of the staff with him, but his first impulse was to get away from them and see if he could find the little trap-door he used to keep when a boy. He left them, and found that little trap-door which he used to keep when only nine years of age, and he did there and then take upon himself to thank God for His mercies. Thus far Sir George, and we are sure the sentiment of the reader will be that of the writer, that the man who could so act has his “heart in the right place.” There is a dash of John Bunyan, and Penn, and the early Christian Fathers about the closing sentiment. The inner mechanism of the utterer is strong and vigorous, and the pendulum moves with steady and certain beat. In his after years, when he became linked with the Welsh AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 1 15 coal industry, Sir George materially assisted Lord Aberdare in the framing of the Mines Regulation Bill, for which his widely based and practical knowledge eminently fitted him. Lord Aberdare says that “both during the preparation of that measure, and its subsequent progress through the House of Commons, Sir George rendered very valuable assistance.” His Lordship did not refer merely to the difficult and intricate question arising from the attempt to improve and extend the existing legislation for the safety and health of the miners, but also to the hardly less delicate questions connected with the employment of the young and the securities to be taken against their overwork, and for their education. Lord Aberdare adds that “not only did I receive from Sir George invaluable advice, with reference to the more technical parts of the Bill, but that he also displayed the warmest sympathy with the interests of the mining population.” “I can truly say,” he continues, “that I found him full of humane- consideration for the welfare of a population with whom he was so closely connected, and to whose labours he was so largely indebted.” “I can remember,” his lordship adds, “that on more than one. occasion I felt it my duty to resist the insertion of provisions. devised by Sir George in the interest of the workmen, but which, appeared to me to be beyond the due province of the Legislature.” This is excellent testimony, and we all know that Lord, Aberdare never uses a word of praise without due deliberation, thus rendering his encomiums of greater than ordinary eulogistic value. The testimony of Alexander Macdonald, M.P., president of the Miners' Association, is also a strong one. “To you,” he said, “the miners of the United Kingdom owe a debt of lasting gratitude for your strenuous advocacy of fixing the responsibility of timbering on the mine owners. You chiefly promoted the settlement of the great dispute in South Wales in 1871 by the establishment of arbitrations.” 116 THE SOUTH WA. LES COAL TRADE Sir George's connection with Wales began by the transfer, or purchase, of the Powell Duffryn Collieries. He was connected with the valuation of these important collieries, and, becoming thoroughly acquainted with the extent and value, aided in the formation of the company of purchasers, of which he may be regarded as the leading mind. Their importance will be better seen by the following list:- g POWELL DUFFRYN. List of collieries in connection with the company:—Aberaman, Abercwmboy, Abergwawr, Cwmdare, Cwmneol, Cwmpennar, George Pit, High Duffryn, Middle Duffryn, Treaman, Fforehaman, Old Duffryn, Lower Duffryn, Plough. To these in the Aberdare Valley must be added the New Tredegar Colliery and the fine new pit the Elliot. One of Sir George's aims in the House and out of it has been in advocacy of every collier having a house and garden of his own, making it his own freehold. And this belief was expressed at length in a speech delivered at the opening of the Cardiff Conservative Club, November 8th, 1883, when he made his well- known comparison between the prices paid for land occupied by donkeys and other animals and the price paid for land occupied by human beings. The theory of Sir George's, with regard to colliers having their own freeholds, is one we hope some day to see carried into practice. It would conduce to peace and order, and this is taking the most selfish view of the case from the public side. Colliers with freeholds would be chary of strikes, and not disposed to ramble about from pit to pit as the young collier used to do. . Sir George is one of the class of men who carve out new roads for themselves. Not for them the old track and the old appliances. To him may be credited to a great extent the new dock enterprise at Newport, which has given the district the Alexandra Docks, and materially aided in the development of the coal traffic and AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 117 trade of Newport. To him also the new line from Treforest to Caerphilly and Newport is due, one of the most important railway enterprises of Wales. It is gratifying to know that at the last election politics were regarded as secondary matters, and that Radical and Conservative felt that the truer practical representative of Newport was Sir George, and forthwith returned him. . In politics a Conservative, in social life homely and accessible; a zealous Freemason withal, and the leading Masonic ruler for the eastern district of South Wales. Such is Sir George, one of the most important colliery owners of Wales. In addition, to his mining interests in this country, he has a large stake in those of Nova Scotia. In a recent visit to his Albion Mines, Pictou, Nova Scotia, where he was accompanied by Sir William Thomas Lewis, Sir George had an interview with his miners, and told them that each might have half an acre of land as his own freehold, which he could cultivate and build one house upon. This land they should have for fifty dollars, or ten pounds sterling, and that the payment should be extended to ten years in periodical amounts, without interest. This was an excellent offer, and one which there is every reason to believe will be accepted. In this country, perhaps, the arrangement with regard to the surface between coalowners and landlords may not admit of so easy a scheme, but we should be delighted to see it tried, and for Sir George Elliot to crown his services to the people by handing down some such tangible benefit as he has conferred in Nova Scotia. - DAVID WILLIAMS, YNYSCYNoN. ... } The next worthy who began coal working at Aberdare was David Williams, of Ynyscynon. David came of an old bluff sea stock. His father fought in the battle of the Nile. Then, war over, he relapsed into industrial life, and hearing of the growing 118 THE SOUTH WA. LES COAL TRADE importance of Aberdare journeyed thither from the Vale of Glamorgan, and settled there for life. No more sea fights or wanderings. The early years of David were passed in humble life, and it was his pride when he had won the position of a wealthy coalowner to say that he had begun as a haulier, at nine shillings a week. Some men always remain hauliers, or hewers of wood and drawers of water. David did not. There are many advantages in springing from the people, for, even though so many go down, it is, after all, the survival of the fittest, and those who do rough it are more vigorous than the pampered children of fortune. And, more, your sympathies with the mass will be keener if—and this must be considered—your intellect becomes thoroughly awakened, and the education of head and heart keep pace with the growth of your wealth; not otherwise. David Williams, from being a servant to others, next became his own master. His first attempt at coal winning was at Ynyscynon, in 1843, in connection with Lewis Lewis, of Cefn Coed. This essay was with a short drift to intersect the Four Feet coal. There was some difficulty at first, and Lewis retired, but David Williams persevered, and eventually won the coal. At Ynyscynon the arrangements were of the simplest kind; he had a little wheel to deal with the underground water, and the scale of everything was small. But, succeeding here, he next went to Treaman, then Duffryn, and this was a great success. The history of that adventure shows the shrewdness of the man. The offer by Lord Aberdare—then Mr. Bruce—as agent to his father, was six hundred pounds a year dead rent, and ninepence per ton royalty. David put on his considering cap. It struck him that to make six hundred pounds a year he must turn out a large output, and, if so, then it would be a consideration to have a reduced royalty. Weighing this in his mind he went to Mr. Bruce and said, “I will give you eight hundred pounds a year dead rent if you have the royalty reduced to eightpence.” AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. I 19 This was conceded after some discussion, and David Williams entered upon his enterprise. The sinking was a costly one-no diamond drills or dynamite, no good pumping or winding machinery, or other famous appliances in his day. It was here that Mr. W. S. Clark's services in tubbing the water back in sinking were invaluable. David vowed that some part of the sinking cost him a guinea an inch, but friends were around him—Edwards (Gilfach Glyd) and George Insole—and the coal was won. His method of working Duffryn was of the old school, and he was content with an output of one hundred and thirty to one hundred and fifty tons a day. This was regarded as good, and the goal was excellent. After working for some time he sold Deep Duffryn to John Nixon for forty-two thousand pounds, and then turned away to other speculations. This was in sinking a pit at Cwmdare," which he sold to a firm, including Mr. Rhys, of Llwydcoed ; Mr. G. Martin; Mr. Jenkin Rhys, and Mr. Richards. Prior to and after this he was consulted by Mr. Crawshay Bailey in coal working, and his practical knowledge and force of character were of considerable value to that gentleman. He had a great liking for bards, and preferred few things better in life than to preside at an eisteddfod. In this position, or as chairman over other matters, his facility in rhyming, in telling a good story, or indulging in playful humour made him a special favourite with the multitude. The eisteddfodic was the sunny side of his character. His aid was always to be had, and his genial presence for the chair and his purse for the funds certain of obtainment. Another good feature of his was his homeliness. He knew every one of his colliers, and called them by name, and knew their families and their ailments. There was not so much distance then as now between master and man. The link was a human one, of kindred sympathies, and there was less of the hard, machine-like condition into which finance and speculation have * The pit afterwards became the property of Messrs. Brogden, then it passed into other hands, and is now worked in connection with the Bwllfa Dare Colliery, 120 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE drifted the industries of the country. In our midst we have a fine redeeming exception—the Miners' Provident Fund, a grand, sympathetic conception. - He died suddenly at Bridgend just before attaining the Scriptural age of three score and ten. To him and his son, Judge Gwilym Williams, the County of Glamorgan is indebted for the first daily newspaper in Wales—The Cambria Daily Leader. MR. MOR DECA JONES, The early career of Mr. Jones was as a coal merchant at Brecon, and his first public undertaking of any account was the purchase of Abergavenny Gas Works, in connection with Mr. Kirk. In the year 1866 Dr. Roberts and he leased the coal area of Nantmelyn, in the Cwmdare Valley, Aberdare, from the Gwynne- Holford family, and entered upon the hazardous speculation of sinking for coal. But in this, as in the principal aims of his life, he was most successful, and before twelve months had passed he struck coal. This proved a most valuable property, turning out five to six hundred tons daily, and Mrs. Roberts, relict of Dr. Roberts, obtained as her share on retirement twenty-two thousand pounds. He entered upon the Mardy enterprise with vigour. It was a bleak waste amongst the Rhondda hills, with only a lone farm house to be seen. Thanks to his enterprise, the great tract is now a populous district, a whole township, of houses, churches and chapels, meets the eye, and its history up to the great tragedy of 1885 has been a bright and progressive one. He bought the tract of Mr. Crawshay Bailey for one hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds, Mr. Bailey returning him three thousand pounds. In sinking he was again fortunate; he won the coal in 1876, and the first truck, gaily decorated with flags, was sent into Brecon on the day of his taking the post of high sheriff for the county. - A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES, 121 He was offered twelve thousand pounds per annum for a tract of land each side the river, but refused it, spent seventy-two thousand pounds, and eventually sold for ten thousand pounds. In this Mardy enterprise he was joined by Mr. Cobb, of Brecon, who, in trading enterprise and in archaeological effort and castle restoration, deserves special mention and honour. - Failing health led to the leasing of the Mardy Colliery, not the estate, to Mr. Lockett (and others), descendant of Mr. Lockett of the Four Feet coal history, and its value was shown by the fact that the plant alone was estimated at fifty-five thousand pounds. This was his last great speculation, and though his mind retained its robustness, and his sympathetic nature was shown by unceasing acts of good will and charity, the body rapidly faded, and on the 30th August, 1880, he died. In addition to his colliery engagements, he was chairman of Brecon Gas Works from the commencement, had been mayor, was deputy lieutenant of his county, and J.P. for three counties. From youth he was a member of the Calvinistic Methodists, and materially assisted in founding a Welsh and an English chapel in Brecon. He was superintendent of the Sunday School and deacon, and energetic in the cause of moral and religious effort. His was not a lengthened career, but it was characterised by remarkable success. In his youth, in early trading speculation, he was one of the fortunate. Whatever he touched turned to gold. He was energetic to a degree, his perseverance undaunted. In habits plain, in all positions taken by him unassuming, sober, and discreet, unaffected by success. Perhaps the tribute of a widow lady at his last resting place in Brecon was as fitting as it was brief:— “A spotless life from the cradle to the grave.” THE ABERDARE COAL COMPANY. Cwmbach Colliery, after being worked by Mr. Wayne and his partners, was subsequently acquired by Messrs. James and 122 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRA DE Evan Lewis, and the Messrs. David, of Llandaff. The company has worked a considerable quantity of the Four Feet coal, and the portion remaining will, it is anticipated, be worked from the Tunnel Pit. This and the other collieries, with the works at Abernant and Llwydcoed, are now in their possession, and the collieries are being vigorously worked. One of the members of the firm, Colonel David, died in recent years, after a long and honourable association with the uprise and advancement of Cardiff. Mr. James Lewis, of Plasydraw, Aberdare, has identified himself with the progress of his native district. His early connection with the Glamorganshire Canal,in which his father was locally interested, paved the way for a thorough business life, and a large number of men, during the time the company has been in existence, have had in him a considerate master, a long way intellectually in advance of the mass of the pioneer coalowners, but as approachable and as sympathetic as the most homely of them. PENRHIWKYBER, NEAR MOUNTAIN ASH. Ground was opened in 1872 by Messrs. Cory, Yeo and Glasbrook, and coal proved after considerable difficulty had been encountered— the water being very troublesome. It is stated that on several occasions Mr. Glasbrook, who had proved no faint-hearted colliery speculator in the Swansea Valley, was tempted to abandon the undertaking altogether. Operations for sinking began early in 1872, and it was not until September, 1878, that the coal was reached. Under the direction of Mr. Llewelyn it has attained an out-put of over one thousand tons daily. Total for 1887, three hundred and ninety-seven thousand five hundred and thirty-four tons. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 123 CEIAFTER VI. T H E R H O N D D A VA L L E Y. E have seen the industrial wave stray from Neath into the Merthyr and Aberdare Valleys, and quiet plodding give way to enormous energy. Let us note its further progress. If coal in one valley, why not in another, in close neighbourhood 2 In Walter Coffin we had one of the pioneers, the leading one of the Rhondda Valley. Walter Coffin was the son of Walter Coffin, tanner, of Bridgend, and a member of the well-known family of Morgan, of Ystrad- yfodwg, related to Richard Price, the actuary; and Williams, another well-known Glamorgan man, actuary of the Equitable. A relative of this Williams, was Cadwgan Williams, one of the far-seeing, suggestive minds of his day, and to him is attributed the first idea of Post-office Assurances and Savings' Banks years before the latter were started. The Post-office Savings' Banks have proved of signal benefit to the country, and the originator deserves a record as having rendered good service not only to his generation, but to many a succeeding one. Very likely he derived no benefit; the world's best benefactors rarely do, except in the form of tombstone eulogy, which Nature soon veils with its moss and lichen. A member of the House of Commons tells us that he had a misty remembrance of a gaunt, shadowy man, haunting the lobbies and corridors of the House, always carrying a roll of paper—describing his cherished idea—illuminated with masses of figures. And this gaunt, shadowy man, Cadwgan Williams, would button-hole every member he could, and into unwilling ears pour the story of his labour and his woes. So much by way of explanation and preface, for Coffin, like his relative, was of an actuary turn of mind, but, unlike his relative, he was more practical and successful. 124 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Indeed, as late as 1847, a few years following the time when he had opened at Dinas, a traveller thus described the valley as he descended it at Ystrad -–" The clouds which had been down on the hills, began to lift, and suddenly the glorious ‘green valley’ —for that is the translation of Ystradyfodwg—appeared. The vale stretched for a distance of eight or ten miles between two nearly parallel lines of hills, broken by a succession of bluffs of singular beauty. . . . . . . The emerald greenness of ineadows is most refreshing. “The people of this solitudinous and happy Valley are famed for hospitality—a pastoral race, almost entirely dependent upon their flocks and herds for support. The chief farmer, Mr. Edwards, has no less than three thousand sheep; but most of the farm houses are rude and small, the population thin and scattered. . - The air is aromatic with wild flowers and mountain plants. A summer stillness reigns” (Cliffe). And so on, the writer conveying in picturesque language his impressions of a district which is altered all but in name. Coffin sunk his pit at the Dimas into No. 3 coal; and though he essayed to win the lower steam coals, failed, and remained content with the upper coals, especially as they coked excellently, and enabled him to make good contracts with the Great Western Railway, which he supplied by tram to Pontypridd, canal to Cardiff, and trow to Bristol. He was impressed, like many others, at the time that the No. 3 was the lowest coal to be found in the Rhondda, and that Dinas was the limit of all coals of any consequence, the rest of the valley being “washed out.” Dinas paid him very well, especially as the rights of neighbours and restrictions of way-leaves were “easy” in his day; and the colliery at Dinas and the little tramway, six miles in extent, formed the sole picture of industry in connection with Pontypridd and the Rhondda. In its early years this quite justified the forecast of Brunel, who, in sketching the programme of the Taff, thought the neighbour- A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 125 hood of Quaker's Yard and of Pontypridd unremunerative. Iron was then king; the huge industries at Merthyr were the great items to be considered, and these “coal holes” by the side of the hills were literally nothing in calculating the probable income of the Taff Vale, as we shall show when giving the remarkable history of that line. Walter Coffin, Sir John Guest, and Christopher James were the first directors. During his directorate the shares were as low as forty-four, and few people cared to touch them. He opposed the idea of a line up the Rhondda, though it would have served his interests well; but he saw no prospects of a return, the coal was washed out, so he plodded along with his tramway, and was content to journey to and from thereon in a tram that was built expressly for him—a kind of box with a seat —the rate of travel being about an hour for the journey. There was a good deal of shunting on these periodical journeys, for Coffin, who in 1839 had sent as much as fifty-six thousand tons of coal to Cardiff, and Mrs. Thomas, of Wain Wyllt, the Waynes, of Aberdare, and George Insole and a few others, were steadily increasing their output. Dinas Colliery was on the 1st of January, 1844, the scene of the first great explosion in the Rhondda, when twelve men and boys were killed. An interesting anecdote of Coffin, when he was the leading mind of the Taff Vale Railway, has been related to us by a Member of Parliament. The Taff Vale had to contend against the marrow Bristol policy, which sought to get as much out of the line as possible, and do as little as need be done in developing the district for the benefit of the people. In forming the line great expenses had been incurred, and many of these had not been cleared off. One in particular may be named —the bridge at Quaker's Yard. This had been built by Mr. Howell, Patriot, Merthyr, and a partner, at the suggestion of Sir John Guest. Howell was a good contractor, and what he did was done well, as instance the bridge, which is now worthy even of the present Taff. But Howell could not get his 126 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE money, and having waited three years and tried all quiet persuasion, consulted a solicitor of Merthyr, who accompanied him to Cardiff, where a directorate meeting was sitting, and preferred his claim. Mr. Coffin was in the chair, and, having heard the appeal, exclaimed, “We cannot pay it if we have no funds!” The solicitor pressed the claim, but to no purpose. Then he ventured upon a bold step. He had faith in the future of the Taff if the people generally had not. So he said, “Well, my client must have his money, and the least you can do is to give him shares to the amount of his bill at their present value.” Coffin thought it was not an unfair suggestion, but told client and solicitor to adjourn while they discussed the offer. In a few minutes both were called in and the offer accepted. Howell had his bill settled —it was several thousand pounds—in scrip, and the shares, which at one time touched three hundred pounds, are still in the family. It was a fortune at a stroke. No better illustration of the sagacity of the Merthyr solicitor could be given. O In 1852, Coffin sought Parliamentary distinction and contested Cardiff and its contributory boroughs against the Right Hon. John Nicholl, D.C.L., and went in by a majority of twenty-six. He held this position until 1857, when he was succeeded by Colonel Stuart. Coffin resided at Llandaff, and in a variety of ways aided in the social as well as the commercial progress of the country. In his day he was regarded as the leading mind, yet never gained a tithe of the wealth which succeeding coalowners won. Few pioneers ever do. They lay the basis of great institutions which other generations rear. They sink pits which others develop. (The Dinas Coal Company in 1882 had trebled Coffin's output.) They form canals, railways, and roads which a keener and more personally interested class utilise for their own good. As one of the founders of our mineral prosperity he stands high. His evidence in the House was always sound and practical, and bristling with statistics. Like Guest, he revelled in figures, and may be classed with another worthy who always preferred to take his leisure hours of enjoyment in going AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 127 through ledgers than in “mooning ” about by seaside or on mountain. He reached an advanced age, eighty-two, dying on the 15th of February, 1867, and though he had retired from busy life, and was no longer at the helm of the Taff Vale or a representative in the House, still his services in the past were not forgotten, and the whole district felt that one who had initiated the mineral industry, and set a huge machine in motion for the general good, was gone to his rest. The bards were not unmindful of this. One composition by D. ap Joan is now before us, penned at the time. In ten verses he laments the loss of a countryman, who at Dinas, in the directorate of the Taff Vale, and on various boards did so much general service. As a specimen of eulogy we give the concluding verse:– “Penybont-ar-Ogwy’n ddiwegi, Da gelli di höni dyhawl It’ fagu mab anvyl morenwog O feddwl cryf, doniol, di-dawl; Ar ochrau dy lanau dolenog Yn fachgen glān, bywiog, y bu, Cyn meddwl o hono am henoed, Yn chwareu á'i gyfoed morgu ; Dymunaist, tigefaist, do ’n gyfiawn, 'R. anrhydeddyn gyflawn o’i gael Iarffed glan Ogwylle 'imagwyd I ro'i hān na welwyd mo'i hail.” In strict justice, Coffin was not the pioneer of the Rhondda Valley, for he was preceded a short time only by Dr. Griffiths, who opened the Hafod level; but at that time there was so little belief in coal existing in the Rhondda that this necessary article was obtained from Aberdare, though old inhabitants have told us that houses then built in the Rhondda had actually their foundations in the coal. Coffin followed Dr. Griffiths, who married the sister of Mr. George Thomas. Cliffe, who was in the neighbourhood in 1847, states that the colliers' wages varied from three pounds to five pounds ten shillings a month, and the average earnings were about 128 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE one pound per week. From Coffin the Dinas passed into the hands of the Dinas Coal Company. The second explosion at Dinas occurred on the 13th of January, 1879, when sixty-two men and boys were killed. MR. JOHN CALVERT, ONE OF THE PIONEERS OF g PONTYPRIDD. • Mr. Calvert is the son of Mr. George Calvert, of Nettlewell, Yorkshire, land and mineral agent to Mr. James Dearden, lord of The Manor, Rochdale, Lancashire. He was born October 12th, 1812, and when comparatively young figured as timekeeper on a Birmingham line. A certain contractor had taken part of the line, but lost heart, and, seeing nothing but failure, gave up his under- taking. The engineer (one of the Stephensons) knew Calvert as a man of energy and resources, and asked him to take it up, promising that he would see that he did not lose by it. Calvert took up the contract, and, to his surprise, it was “a case of shovelling” only, scarcely a pick was required, and when he had completed it he found himself several thousand pounds sterling in pocket. His success with that and other contracts then induced George and Robert Stephenson—father and son—to send for him to London, and, arriving there, he was requested to put in a tender for “a crooked line down in Wales.” This was the description by the Stephensons of the now famous Taff Vale Railway. Calvert came into Wales when the Chartist rising was the subject of every tongue. It was on the Monday following the march into Newport that his connection with Wales began, and the exciting circumstances of the period have naturally fixed the date indelibly on his memory. Mr. Calvert was fortunate enough in securing a good deal of the Taff Vale contract, that portion from Llandaff to Merthyr. He also completed the Llancaiach Branch after the retirement of Storm and Douglas, the former of whom gave his name to the cluster of houses near Aberdare Junction, still known as “Storm’s Town.” AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 129 Mr. Calvert's mining career dates from March, 1844, when he obtained an agreement from the Rev. George Thomas and his brother, Mr. Thomas, to work the coal underlying their extensive landed property, known as Gelly wion. The document, faded with time, is now before us. It is only a sheet of letter paper. None of the lengthy folios and unending terminology, full of “whereases” and “heretofores.” The two owners, one of Pencerrig, in Radnor, and the other of Llandaff Court, “agree to let, and John Calvert agrees to take, so much of that vein of coal, called John Edmunds's Vein, as lies under part of Gelliwicn and Lan Farms, in the parish of Llantrisaint, for a term of twenty years, dating from January 1st, 1845.” The tenants were to pay four hundred pounds per annum in cash, “to work six thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven tons per annum without further payment, but beyond that, then one shilling and twopence per ton for large, and sevenpence per ton for small.” The colliery was duly sunk and the No. 3 seam of coal won at fifty-four yards. It proved in excellent form, and the colliery, named the Newbridge, has been one of the great producers of a seam unrivalled in the country for iron making and general purposes. In 1848 Mr. Calvert turned his attention to another property at Gyfeillion. In that year he began sinking his shaft, and in May, 1851, the coal was won at a depth of one hundred and forty-nine yards. He next expended seventeen thousand pounds in building coke ovens, and established an excellent trade with the Great Western Railway, thus competing successfully with Dinas for his coke, the greater part of which was conveyed to Bristol by trains for various parts of the line. In August, 1851, he gave a festive treat to all his friends and workmen, and it would appear that this was the earliest occasion for a special correspondent and artist to journey from London into the coal districts. - We make a few extracts from the letterpress:– “Mr. Spencer, of Taff's Well, purchased a Hereford ox– one that won the prize at Sir Charles Morgan's show—which weighed J I 30 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE upwards of forty-four score pounds, and which was roasted whole in an immense oven, planned by Mr. Calvert. From Gelly wastad a procession was formed, Mr. Calvert and Pontypridd tradesmen, with red rosettes, two Union Jacks, the Cardiff Band, Master Calvert in a gaily decorated chair, borne on the shoulders of eight workmen; tradesmen and other residents in the district, two banners, workmen three abreast, workmen with emblems. As the procession passed along, the discharges of cannon reverberated throughout the valley, and the enthusiasm of the people broke forth in the loudest cheers.” Then follow the description of the feast and the speeches on the occasion, the whole ending with the correspondent's moral— that the importance of the event may be inferred from the fact that the winning of the coal ensures employment to between two and three hundred men, and, including the wives and children, food to a thousand souls. The writer was a far-seeing man in adding that the mineral district was the richest in the world, and he was quite justified in quoting from De La Beche, that, though mining operations were being conducted on a large scale, the mineral basin hitherto had been “scarcely scratched.” Mr. Calvert persevered with his valuable colliery until 1854, when overtures were made by Sir Daniel Gooch, on behalf of the Great Western Railway, that the company should work the colliery for three months on trial, and, this being arranged and carried out, it was finally bought by them for thirty-one thousand pounds. Having worked it for ten years, and made a large profit, it was resold to Mr. Calvert at a considerable sum in excess of what was given, and in after days passed into the hands of a limited company which has since been reformed, and of late considerable addition has been made to its area. In addition to working the Great Western Colliery, Mr. Calvert worked the Havod, now amalgamated with Lewis's Merthyr—the Coedcae. He also leased minerals from Mr. Francis Crawshay, at Hirwain, and aided in developing the coal measures in that district. Though anterior to Mr. Coffin and John Edmunds, we AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES, 131 may claim for him the credit of having been one of the earliest and most successful pioneers of the Rhondda. Dr. Griffiths, one of the early coal workers of the Rhondda, having a level at Hafod, owned part of the canal land from Pontypridd to Treforest, and is reputed to have lived near there in a place still called Tyr Doctor. He figured in a case of slander brought against him by Samuel Homfray, of Penydarran, who accused him of cheating at cards during a midnight meeting in Cardiff. They had dined at “Wrixon's" with several other gentlemen, and had a card game called Lazarus, during which Griffiths won two hundred and fifty-one guineas. Homfray charged him with cheating, and he was tried at Hereford, and found not guilty. Amongst the early pioneers of the Rhondda was Mr. John Parsons, of Neath, the son of Mr. R. Parsons. He opened a little drift at Tyntylla into the No. 3, and worked it out. Captain Lewis also had a level at Gellygaled, the adjoining property. MESSRS. |NSOLE. Mr. George Insole commenced his career as coal dealer, and subsequently shipper, at Cardiff. He shipped, 12th November, 1830, four hundred and fourteen tons Waun Wyllt coal to Samuel Welsford, London, but so little was it known that it barely realised. the freight. His next shipments were to E. Wood and Son. He them, in conjunction with his son, became the shippers of the Aberaman Merthyr, the property of Alaw Goch, and also of the Plymouth coal. His next step was to become partner with Mr. David Williams in the Deep Duffryn Colliery, which Mr. John Nixon afterwards developed. From this point their attention was turned to the Rhondda Valley, where they worked the Cymmer Colliery, and next became possessors of Abergorki, which, in 1873, was disposed of to Burnyeat, Brown and Company. At the same time they also owned Maes Mawr, a Llantwit colliery. - 132 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE The subsequent course of the firm; which has rendered good service in the development of the steam coal trade, was the deep. sinking of the Cymmer. This was begun on December 6th, 1875. In 1877 the two feet nine was won, at a depth of two hundred and ninety-nine yards. In June the four feet at three hundred and twenty-one yards; in July the six feet at three hundred and forty- four yards; and in August the nine feet at three hundred and seventy yards. The name of Mr. Jabez Thomas is deserving of honourable mention in connection with the Messrs. Insole. He was their chief agent, and acting upon his thorough local and mining knowledge, many coal properties were obtained and successfully relet. OTHER COAL WINNERS OF • THE RHONDDA, CONTRIBUTED BY THE LATE MR. C. BASSETT. About 1841 Dinas Colliery was the only colliery with the exception of a small level, the Eirw Colliery, worked by Francis Crawshay, who obtained the No. 1 Rhondda Seam from this place for his works. Mr. Davies, the Cwm, next opened a small level not far from his residence, the old Hafod manor of the Homfrays. In 1841 John Edmunds began sinking in Gelliwian Valley, half a mile from Pontypridd, and after going a depth of from fifty to sixty yards won No. 3. The next venture after John Calvert's successes was the pioneer pit of the Upper Rhondda by the trustees of the late Marquess of Bute on Cwmsaebron Farm, in the occupation of William Davies. (See our notice of Mr. W. S. Clark, chapter on Mining Engineers, for this most successful enterprise). - Following this, Tynewydd, of inundation notoriety, was opened by T. Thomas. Ynysyfeio was next taken by him and partners, who were joined by Cope of Newport; this became the Troedyrhiw Coal Company. . . . . . . . . . A ND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 133 On the banks of the Taft, Craig yr Hesg, near Pontypridd, one of the leading insurance offices of its day, the Phoenix, sunk a colliery, but unsuccessfully. 2 The order of succession in the Rhondda openings was:—Dinas; Cymmer, by George Insole; Hafod, Troedyrhiw, in the house coal; Great Western, by Calvert ; Bute Merthyr; Tylacoch; Ynysyfeio; Dunraven; Ocean Collieries; Coedcae, opened by Mr. T. Jones, Tylacoch, was afterwards disposed of to a company, including Sir W. T. Lewis, J. Jones, Fairwater; W. Jones, Navigation, and others; and now known as Lewis's Merthyr. It is one of the conspicuous places in the Rhondda for its mechanical and engineering arrangements, combining in a high degree the great point—utilization—as shown in the coking details. All most ably carried out by Mr. T. W. Lewis. The limit of the No. 3 in the Rhondda Valley is the Gelly pit. Here it is workable, but afterwards becomes thin and is lost. No. 3 did not prove so well in Rhondda Fach as in Rhondda Fawr. The Great Western Colliery Company followed the vein towards Llanwonno to the north, where it became only six inches thick. DAVID DAVIES, OF THE “ocEAN" coll-IBRIES. We were travelling one day on the Mid-Wales Line, in company with one of the most intellectual of the Western Mail staff, and gossiping of the delight that would be ours on reaching the North Walian seaside, the goal of our journey, when our téte-à-tête was interrupted by the entrance of two men, very dissimilar in appearance, who, with the frankness given by knowing the world, entered at once into conversation, now with us, then with them- selves. In fact they were at home, and showed none of the snobbish reserve which is so common. One was a man of burly frame, with. strongly-marked features, careless as to dress, and - - * * * * * * ~. or trader. The other had a London air about him, his clothes 134 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE were better cut. He wore knickerbockers, talked of game and of dogs and gun, and as we were whirled by deep coppice and thicket his eyes glistened with the ardour of a sportsman. Yet, though so dissimilar, it soon oozed out that both were in the coal trade, that our burly friend was Mr. Davies, of the Ocean Collieries, and his friend had a particular connection with the deepest colliery in Wales. Both men, in their dissimilarity of training and of education, were a study. You could have pictured one, the bluff dweller on the Welsh hills from his childhood, the other familiar with the specialities of London. To one the constant refrain had been the mighty surge of Cardigan Bay, never regarded much with the sentiment of the poet; to the other that strange turmoil, compound of all sounds of human and mechanical outcome, which vex and worry the huge Metropolis of the Empire. And this bluff farmer man, then, was David Davies, a man with the courage of his convictions, who, roughly brought up as he had been, was not ashamed to stand amidst hundreds of the most cultured men of England, and tell them his opinion of things. The man who vowed before six hundred of the gentlemen of the country that there was no coal in the world equal to Welsh coal; who stood by it, struggled for all the advantages he could get for it, was ever ready in lending his aid to the industrial, moral, and social benefit of Wales, apart from sect or class, and who, in return, was a “rejected candidate.” But there, we must refrain from party views in our industrial series, and view men irrespective of their politics or creeds. David Davies, of the “Ocean,” is the son of a small farmer in Cardiganshire. He was born in a cottage on the estate of Crewe Rhyd, of which estate he has since become proprietor. His advent into hard, physical life was as a Sawyer, and as a sawyer he and his brother worked. There was a great amount of endurance in David, and as great a rivalry in working with his brother, but David was the stronger and the survivor. His first AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 135 ventures were in buying small coppices of oak and selling them, and when he attained to the dignity of a house, the skirtings were those sawn by his own hands, and he was proud of them. His first public work was the erection of a bridge over the Severn, near Llanidloes, on the first railway in that district, that from Llanidloes to Moat Lane. Then he was concerned in the railway from Rhyl to Denbigh, next on the extension from Moat Lane to Aberystwith, and it was when making this line that he encountered his first serious difficulty. Most men would have given up in despair; not so David. The difficulty was this. Right in the track the men came to a rock near Llanbrynmair. . It was so huge and so hard, that to drive through it seemed impossible, and there was no going around it. There it stood, and said he, speaking of it in after days to his friend the Rev. Kilsby Jones, “It was the rock upon which I was to be wrecked.” But with iron will he attacked it and found it laminated, like the leaves of a book, and it supplied him with excellent stone for all the bridge work of the line. “It was the rock,” he added, “ of my salvation.” Those accustomed to travel on the line from Moat Lane to Aberystwith are familiar with its peculiarities. It is admirably arranged. Each way you have literally to climb the hill, seeing the beauties of the landscape; then, in reward for the long climb, you race down with such fleetness and “round" the curves of awful precipices so abruptly that you get all the delight of a run with the hounds. The excitement is intense, and when you are brought up all right at Machynlleth Station, thankful for safety, you mentally think that David Davies, the constructor of that line, was a very clever fellow. He had to work upon the ideas of a genius in railway engineering, and he has modified the dash of genius with the best principles of security. His next line was from Tenby to Pembroke; then an extension from Aberystwith to Pencader; and, lastly, a short line from Caersws to Trefeglwys—the Van line. His railway experience was at times a hard one. “Often,” he said, “when making the line from Rhyl to Denbigh I have slept in a locomotive with its 136 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE stomach out.” From birth a teetotaller, with an education that cost his father sixpence per week, and so thrifty in habit was he that even when contesting Cardiganshire his personal expenses were under ten shillings per week. His habits were simple to a degree; as the Rev. Kilsby Jones stated in his lecture, “His greatest expense was milk, of which he drank as much as would have kept two calves.” This was when contesting the county of Cardigan against Sir Thomas Lloyd in 1865, and it cost him one thousand pounds. His personal expenses would have delighted the keenest examining barrister into electioneering outlays, and this was a noticeable feature about him, that though he lived on the plainest fare, denying himself everything in the form of luxury, his friends and political aides were allowed to live like princes. Poor Askew Roberts, one of the most genial and truest of men, and a great personal friend of Mr. Davies, was always proud to refer to his colliery friend, to his excellences of “head and heart,” and his open charitable disposition. His entry into colliery speculation in the Rhondda was eminently characteristic. He applied to Mr. Crawshay Bailey for a lease of the coal near Treorky, and in an interview with him Mr. Bailey remarked that he did not like to part with his land to speculators and adventurers. “I am no adventurer,” said Davies, “but an honest trader, and for every honest guinea you will put down I will put another.” Mr. Crawshay Bailey was so pleased with his warmth that advantageous terms were at once arranged, and the first step to a great future in coal enterprise at once taken, which placed the dweller on the Cardiganshire hills, the bluff sawyer, energetic railway contractor, and thoroughly honest and sagacious man in the position of a millionaire. The collieries of the Ocean Company are as follows:—Maindy, Park, Dare, Eastern, in the Rhondda Valley; Western, Ogmore Valley; Blaengarw, Garw Valley; Lady Windsor, Ynysybwl, Clydach Valley. About five thousand hands are employed, and the average output is one and a half million tons per annum. The collieries AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 137 are worked by a scale differing in some respects to that of the associated masters. - - The chief manager, Mr. William Jenkins, succeeded Mr. M. Joseph. He is a native of Breconshire, received his mining engineering training under Sir W. T. Lewis, in the office of the late Mr. W. S. Clark, Aberdare, and in his direction of the collieries has had remarkable immunity from explosions. When it is considered that in these deep sea coal collieries the coal gives off so much gas per square foot per hour, requiring unceasing vigilance to combat, praise for skilful management is well deserved. In the selecting of the Lady Windsor Colliery at Ynysybwl, Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Joseph were very successful. THE GLAMORGAN COAL COMPANY AND MR. ARCHIBALD HOOD. - There is a place in the Rhondda Valley which, in the memory of old people, was about as secluded a spot as could be imagined. It was at the foot of a steep hillside covered with woods. At the foot ran a sylvan trout stream, and of house, mansion, or cottage, only one lone and distant representative. The place was known as the “Magpie's Bush,” or, in the language of the valley, “Llwynypia,” that loquacious bird coming over the mountains from seaward haunts, and giving there forth its song. Such was Llwynypia in the memory of our grandfathers. The greybeards of the district can tell of marvellous changes in connection with it ; but let us go back to an earlier date, when old “Iolo Morganwg” trudged the mountains and gossiped with Malkin, the tourist. - Malkin, writing of the place in 1804, says:– “The next object of interest is a substantial farmhouse placed in a most pleasing solitude as beautifully situated as anything in the parish. Its name—for it is dignified with a name—is Llwyn y Pia, signifying the Magpie's Bush. It is occupied by 138 THE SOUTH WA. LES COAL TRADE Jane Davis, a widow, but its situation seems little calculated for the feebler exertions of female industry, though, in truth, the delicacy and supposed corporeal imbecility of the fair sex are little respected in these mountains. The women at least divide the severest labour, and seem by their hardy, robust constitutions, to triumph over the bleakness of their winters, and the ruggedness of their toils. On the farm of Llwyn y Pia, standing alone by the road side, there is the tallest and largest oak that ever I have happened to meet with. There is also on the same estate, if you pass through a gate on the left, a little beyond the house, a very beautiful field with a magnificent grove at the upper end of it under the shelter of a towering rock.” So much for Malkin. At the period of our last visit the scene was in all respects different; the bush and the magpie were gone, rows of houses, churches, and chapels abounded. A great, and in many respects, a model community had banished solitude, and the Glamorganshire Coal Company, instead of the chatterer, stood the recognised founder of the district. Addisonian writers refer with philosophic gravity to the fact that he who makes two blades of grass grow where one grew before is entitled to the gratitude of his generation. But what about the man who converts a ravine into a busy township, and by his vigorous industry gives subsistence to thousands. This is what Mr. Archibald Hood has done, as the leading spirit of the company, and thanks principally to him the coal and coke of the Glamorgan Company are known in every part of the world. Mr. Hood was born at Kilmarnock in the year 1823. His father and his grandfather before him had been employed for many years at the Duke of Portland's collieries. Left motherless at eleven years of age he was induced, partly from choice and partly from necessity, to work an atmospheric engine at a sinking pit of which his father was manager, and the strain put upon the lad can be imagined from the fact that the labour arrangements of that time necessitated twelve hours' work per day and seven days a week. A few years afterwards his father was appointed manager AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES 139 of a Glasgow colliery, and young Archibald, accompanying him, saw other and varied occupations of colliery life, and was well grounded and fitted for taking the responsible post which, when he was only twenty-two years of age, was offered him in his native county of Ayr. Messrs. Dunlop and John Wilson, sole proprietors at that time of the celebrated Dundyvan Iron Works, had taken a large territory of mineral property in the south of Ayrshire, where the well-known black band had been discovered, and upon this they erected the Lugar Iron Works. To the post of chief mineral agent, to explore the mineral field and conduct the mining operations over a twelve mile extent of country, Mr. Archibald Hood was appointed, and this to his own credit and the great satisfaction of his employers. But his destiny was not to remain unprogressive. We next find him associated with a capitalist in the proprietary. of a colliery near Glasgow. Succeeding in this, he became owner of other collieries in Midlothian, and eventually married the eldest daughter of Mr. William Walker, who had been the pioneer of the coal trade in the south of Ayrshire, and probably, the first discoverer of the black band in that particular neighbourhood. We may note here that the colliery established on the Ballochmyle property seventy years ago by Mr. Walker is still owned by one of Mr. Hood's sons. - Mr. Archibald Hood's connection with Wales dates from about the year 1860. Our famous coal had made its reputation known by this time, and Mr. Hood, like many an investigating mind, was desirous of seeing it. He came, saw, and was not long before, in conjunction with kindred spirits, he, fortunately for the Rhondda Valley, became identified with the Welsh coal industry. The Glamorgan Coal Company, in persevering industry and kindly government, have won a lasting name. They have not been content with simply directing their own fortunes. Simultaneously with the sinking of shafts, make and exten- sion of coke, the progressive growth, in fact, of most extensive works, there has been a fitting social accompaniment. 140 THE SOUTH, WA. LES COAL TRADE You see no shanties at Llwynypia, no beavers huts, no squalor. Poverty there is, and other incidents of poor times, little forethought and bad habits, and where will you not find these things 2 But at Llwynypia they are not blended with the wretchedness and rottenness, the filth and unsavouriness of bad, unsanitary dwellings. The Company have started their men well. They have given them excellent houses, and good gardens, they have been prudent, just masters, in many ways ministering to the ordinary and higher needs of their people, and if some have not availed themselves of these aids, not with them the disgrace and the discredit. In the good times we have known nearly two thousand men employed in the collieries and associated coke works. At Gilfach, where two pits are sunk to the No. 3, further sinkings to the steam are now in progress, which, when completed, will still more increase the importance of the works, which, with engineering and mechanical appliances, building of railway trucks, and coal wagons, Smiths and fitting shops, form one of the principal and most compact establishments in the Glamorgan coal field. . Mr. Hood's last public appearance of an exceptional kind was as President of the South Wales Institute of Engineers, when he gave an interesting review of the progress and probable future of coal mining. - The collieries of the Glamorgan Coal Company are Llwynypia, which was opened in 1861, Gilfach shortly afterwards, and Penrhiwfer, which was purchased in 1872. The output is over two thousand tons a day, and when the other two collieries are fully developed the output of each will be one thousand tons daily. A VISIT To LLWYNYPIA. We had heard that the Glamorgan Company were famed for their coal and coke, and wished to see whether the rumour was true. The first point was the grinding of clay for mortar. From AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 141 this, or similar crushers, came the material for the brick-kilns; and brick making, it was evident at a glance, formed an important part of the industry there. A whole battalion of busy men and girls filled the place, and moulding, baking, and stacking went on briskly. In the centre of the estate lies the principal coalpit, sunk to the celebrated No. 3 Rhondda; No. 4 steam coal is also worked by the same company, but for coking purposes No. 3 takes the highest rank, and it is for its coke that the Llwynypia is famed. - - Follow our description now, and imagine yourself there. We clamber up steps, we stand under the glare of two huge flames of gas. “That gas,” says our guide, “is the gas of the coal pit utilised.” We look at it with wonder. It has a weird colour. It dances about wickedly, as if endowed with wicked power and spirit. It seems to hiss, serpent-like, as it twines about, while black-faced men hurry here and there; and seems to yell as if it could devour, destroy, break up homesteads, and wreck happiness. We turn our eyes away reluctantly from the phantom gas, and watch the work going on. Up glides a carriage from the “vasty deep”; it is double, and its freight is coal. Two stalwart men seize a truck, run with it to the screen, and down goes the cargo into a railway truck underneath. But even as soon as the great lumps of the famous No. 3 find rest in the truck, the small lumps and dust are to be seen, as if endowed with a vitality of their own, making their way up to a level, the small lumps running away from the rest again into another truck, while the dust still ascending, gets, at length, to a platform, where the action of water is brought to bear upon it, and it is washed thoroughly. Talk of washing a Blackamoor white If the dingy colour of coal could be extracted this would do it. From the moment the coal is cut until the fine pulverised dust is in the oven it has no rest. Through the troughs well washed it runs down, forced along tubes barred away from escape by percolated zinc, until at length it gets into trouble, is crushed finely, sent up again by a Jacob's ladder, falls into a truck, and is forthwith deposited into the oven, from whence, in the form of coke, free from the slightest 142 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE shale, it is brought out by an active little engine, and, when cooled, placed in wagons or railway trucks and sent to all parts of the world. In the last process numbers of girls are employed, and the activity shown is a remarkable sight. The number of coke ovens at Llwynypia is considerable, amounting, indeed, we found, to two hundred and eighty-one, and the yield from these is fully one thousand four hundred tons a week. We get away at length from coke, from the intense heat, the strong smell of carbon, from the palpitating little engine, the Swarthy men and plump Hebes, who seem to do as much work as the men, and fare well in consequence. We leave these and the railway trucks rapidly filling with coke, and enter in detail the various engine rooms. Here our guide, and exceedingly able mechanical engineer of the district, is in his element. We are deafened. To him, the shriek, the roar, the wail, are music; the engine-room is his nursery; and as the ponderous arms go around, or the great legs shoot forth, or the vast spiral revolves, his eyes gleam, and he smiles his satisfaction. And the engineering appliances are worthy of more than a passing note. The winding engines and air compressors are all of excellent make, and it is clear that the mistake of getting “weak horses to carry great burdens” is not committed at Llwynypia. The fan ventilating the colliery is one of Guibal's, and is enclosed in the usual square brick erection which distinguishes the patent. But the collieries of the company are not confined to simply one or two; there are six pits sunk—three to the steam, two to No. 3, and one to No. 2; and the total number of men employed at Llwynypia is fourteen hundred. At Gilfach, which is a dependency also of the company, there are two pits sunk to the No. 3, and at Penrhiwfer, two to the steam and two to No. 3. This alone represents a great field of industry; but, in addition, we found that the make of coke is extensively carried on at Gilfach and at Penrhiwfer. At the first-named place there are ninety-six coke ovens, and at the second thirty-seven ; and at each place the usual attendant brick works are to be found. The AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 143 engineering and mechanical appliances include also fitting and Smiths' shops. In fact the company appear to do everything, even to the make of railway trucks for their own use, and the outside work of the company, apart from working coal and making coke and trucks, must be considerable. In 1850 the Taff Vale Railway Company advertised in the Cardiff and Merthyr Gwardian a premium of five hundred pounds to sink a depth of one hundred and twenty yards in the Rhondda Valley. This was successfully accomplished for Lord Bute by Mr. S. Clark, and on the 17th December, 1855, the first tram load was sent up from the Bute Colliery, Treherbert. LATER col_LIERIES IN THE RHONDDA. Tylorstown, opened by Mr. Alfred Tylor, 1872, and now under the direction of Mr. H. Kirkhouse. Cwtch Colliery, sunk by Messrs. Griffiths and Company, and now, with its neighbouring colliery, the property of Watts and ‘Company. This colliery was brought into prominence by the disaster of February 18th, 1887, when thirty-seven lives were lost. The colliery has since heen one of the most conspicuous in the use of the future light—the electric—in the hands of the collier. PONTYPRIDD PRE-colliBRY DAYS, BY THE LATE MR. C. BASSETT. The wonderful change wrought by the opening of collieries in the neighbourhood and in the Rhondda can only be realized by those who can look back fifty or seventy years. From the late Mr. Charles Bassett we had the following notes:— “Pontypridd was a little colliery village when I knew it first. Tommy Morris" kept the general stores, and supplied all the village. He sold wholesale and retail. There was a waggon to Cardiff daily. - * One likes to see this homely method of reference to individuals. Pitt, the great - statesman, was familiarly known as Billy Pitt. - 144 - THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE “The communication with Cardiff and Merthyr was by coach, which continued to run for two years after the completion of the Taff Vale Railway, but it could not come into Pontypridd on account of the bridge, and passengers had to get down at the Bridgwater Arms. , “There was no Post Office at Pontypridd, but there was one at Treforest. Letters from London came in at eight in the evening. Used to post at eight in the morning for all parts, and to do so had to send to Treforest. Earliest postman was one Roberts, with a lanthorn and spectacles “straight from nose to forehead.” First Post Office at Pontypridd kept by a Merthyr man named Thomas, a grocer, who removed to Caerphilly. Mr. Bird was then postmaster of Cardiff, and nominated Mr. Bassett. This was in 1843. Letters weekly, four hundred. - “The market was then at Llantrissant, a much more important place then than Pontypridd, and it was there that the district around obtained their principal requirements until the dawn of the coal trade. - “The change wrought in half a century has been remarkable. In the early days it was perilous to send a constable to the Rhondda to execute a warrant. Civilization has been slowly developed, and now, with over fifty collieries, a population bordering upon one hundred thousand, Pontypridd office, with its twenty- eight sub-offices, gets forty thousand letters a week. We instance this as showing the enormous increase of the valley, and as a contrast to Malkin's description.” CAERPHILLY MOUNTAIN AND PENTYRCH. About the same time as Dowlais worked the coal at the north crop, the south crop was worked on the Taff Vale verge of the Caerphilly mountain. It was worked for a time in the form of levels, but in some instances resort was had to a small pit worked by a wineh. In those days coal was sent from this district to Cardiff on donkeys and mules. This was a step in advance of the wheel- AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 145 barrow era of Will Rhyd Helig. An early level is remembered at Pentyrch worked by Thomas Williams long before Mr. Blakemore's time. In this valley Coffin opened. Maesmawr was also opened by Mr. Grover, but a fault was struck to the east. On the east side another level was worked in the same vein by the first Insole. Early in the century, and previous to any great output from Coffin's Pit at Dinas, Morgan Thomas, of Ynyscoy, opened the Lan Colliery, Pentyrch. The opening was upon the steam series, but in this district they are bituminous. After a time Mr. Blakemore joined him in partnership, and ultimately Morgan Thomas retired, and the whole of the coal in the neighbourhood was worked by Mr. Blakemore, and afterwards by Mr. Booker. THE GELLYGAER DISTRICT. The first colliery company in Wales was that of Duncan and Company, long prior to the Taff Vale opening. They opened at Llanvabon level, and sent coal by tramway and canal to Cardiff. They were followed by Worthington and Company, and the last of the name was George Worthington. Following these came Powell to Gellygaer (see Powell, Duffryn) and opened a level. Then Beaumont at Tophill, and followed by Cartwright. The Brothers Beddoe came next in rotation, and from simply working as colliers became coalowners, and carried on several important collieries. In William Beddoe, who died in 1887, an excellent type of the persevering and conscientious master disappeared. - The Gellygaer district is now worked extensively by the Dowlais Company from collieries sunk in the Merthyr parish, but a great deal of the Gellygaer neighbourhood and the Taff Bargoed may be regarded as the field of operations for the future. In New Rhondda Harris's Deep Navigation is the only important colliery on its borders. Bedlinog, which is in the Taff Bargoed, has not proved well as regards the No. 1. A new colliery at Deri is projected by the Dowlais Company. 146 THE SOUTH WA. LES COAL TRADE BRIDGEND, MAESTEG, CWMAVON, AND DISTRICT. One of the earliest records of modern times of coal working in the Vale is prior to that of the Ogmore and the Garw Valleys. We have been favoured by Dr. James Lewis, of Penarth, with an old document purporting to be a list of coals delivered to various persons, amongst whom is Mr. Turberville. The date is 1729, and the coal was worked from Bryn y Menin, about four miles from Bridgend. - - One mile and a half to the north of Bridgend Dr. Lewis discovered an early industry in the form of a Roman furnace. It is on the side of an old tramway, and its position near the river points to the water power by which it was worked. The peculiar narrow bricks attest its Roman origin. LLAN HARRAN. It is conjectured that the levels in this district were opened prior to the starting of the Dinas, and that in all probability the Gwaun Llanharran Colliery suggested to Mr. Coffin the start which he afterwards made successfully in the Rhondda. MAESTEG. We are told that when Mr. Talbot first visited the place, seventy- seven years ago, he saw only two ravens perched on a tree, which croaked at him as if they had never seen a human being before. The description is a graphic one, and well portrays the utter loneliness of the great mineral tract, which, in half a century again, was to be thronged with men—colliers and ironworkers, copper and tin men. - - In 1798 three brothers—Thomas, Charles, and William Jones— came from the neighbourhood of Abergavenny with the intention of starting ironworks. They leased the farm of Llwyni from Llewelyn AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. - J47 *— Davydd at a rent of one hundred pounds yearly, but from some cause or other operations were delayed; and it was not until 1826 that we hear of the survivor of the brothers, William, and a company, composed of Buckland, Rushel, Moteley, Bitchild, and others, establishing the works. In the month of September, 1828, iron was first smelted. The company was succeeded by the Llynvi Iron and Coal Company in 1839. During their time, and in the course of the past fifty years, four important pits have been sunk in the district—Garth, Oakwood, Duffryn, and Coegnant. Duffryn is now abandoned. In 1846 Mr. Brogden worked Tywith Colliery, and afterwards Cwmdu and Garth. In 1872 Mr. Brogden, then owner of the Tondu Works, bought the whole of the Llynvi Collieries and Ironworks, and formed the company known as the Llynvi, Tondu, and Ogmore Coal and Iron Company. The first coals at Maesteg were all worked by levels. In 1880 Mr. Talbot, referring at a public dinner to the mineral resources of the district, believed that a great future awaited it— there being such a large unworked area of minerals. Thanks to Mr. Talbot we are able to give dates and particulars of the coal leases on the Margam estate. THE MARGAM COAL FIELD. One of the earliest leases is dated 1st July, 1757, from the Rev. Thomas Talbot to Messrs. Isaac Newton and Cartwright of coal in Margam parish. The Governors and Company of Copper Miners obtained renewals of this. One is dated 19th June, 1823, by trustees of Thomas Mansel Talbot, Esq., to Governors and Company. - - There is a lease dated 14th December, 1838, by Mr. Talbot to Messrs. Charles O'Neil, Wright, and Blount, of coal at Mynydd Bychan and Oakwood, under various leases until they failed in 1877, and their successors continued the work until the leases 148 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE expired in 1883, since which time the present proprietors of Cwmavon Works have been working out the old winnings by permission without a lease. They are now arranging to take a lease of minerals. - . .. There is a lease in 1841 to Sir R. H. Vivian and his brother of coal under land in Margam parish, which was once included in the lease of 1757. This was called Goytre Colliery and Brombill Colliery, and came to an end in 1880. - - Messrs. Vivian, in 1849, took a lease of coal under Margam Moors. This is Morfa Colliery, and is now in vigorous operation. There is a lease 29th September, 1836, to William Malins, of coal, etc., at Cefn Cwsc, known as Cefn Colliery, in Margam, Tythegston, and Laleston parishes. Another, dated 21st April, 1838, to George Somerville Digby, of coal, etc., at Bryndſ. This was not the first grant of minerals there, apparently, for the map shows severals pits on the ground called O'Neil Pit, Engine Pit, etc., but the earlier grants are mislaid. The last two properties have for twenty-two years been in Mr. Talbot's own hands, and are known as Bryndú and Cefn Collieries and Coke Works. There are several leases dated 19th March, 1841, to John Melville, Isaac Nicholson, and William Shadbolt of coal, etc., at Nantycrynwydd and Ton y Cwd, in the parish of Llangynwyd. A lease, 25th March, 1857, to Messrs. Charles Sheppard and others of coal and iron ore at Cwmdā, in the same parish. These are now held by the Llynvi and Tondú Company, Limited, and the property is known as Maesteg and Llynvi Iron Works and Collieries. There was a lease 1st May, 1854, to Silvanus Padley, of Swansea, of coal at Cefn Gorwydd, in the parish of Loughor, now abandoned. In 1887 there was a lease granted to Llewelyn Howell and David Rees of coal at Argoed and Lluest, in Llangynwyd AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 149 parish, and the coal is about coming to market by the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway. . . . - * - - - . . . . It would be an interesting fact if it could be shown that the Romans knew of the “black band” of Glamorgan. This ore was first discovered in the Maesteg district, in a brook at Nantyfyrthing, Garnwen, Maesteg, by De la Beche. EDWARD PLUMMER, PIONEER OF THE GARW VALLEY. Taking your way from Bridgend to Tondú you will find from that point several valleys radiating, the Llynvi, the Garw, and the Ogmore, all important districts, with collieries of more or less extent, each affording a miniature type of the broader valley of Aberdare or of the busier Rhondda. Each valley has been transformed from its arcadian character, and its sheep walks and small, sparsely tilled fields converted into busy settlements, wherein, according to their lot, a fair portion of the world's happiness has been meted out to the natives and the strangers who have met to dig the coal stored beneath, and send it down for shipment. Over these mountains and through the valleys the old wanderer was the Norman, and later his shadow, the black or gray friar. Now it is the men of black visage from the mines below, and the pilgrim is gone as irrevocably as the superstitions which inspired him. As the pioneer of the Garw Valley we are justified in Selecting Mr. Edward Plummer, in himself another of many instances we have in connection with the coal fields of Wales of advancement from the humblest position in a colliery to the sole management and ownership. As such, his life is an example written in the largest round hand for the benefit of his fellow workmen. What he has done others may do. Perseverance, sobriety, and economy are simple endowments, easy of cultivation, and by their aid, even without great adventitious advantages, the humblest may aspire to govern where he once had to obey. Those who are conversant with the history of the coal trade of Wales know of the constant loss of life that goes on year after 150 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE year, but the annals of the social life can tell of the greater loss taking place from careless habits and unbridled passions. Crowds of doorboys, beginning as Mr. Plummer began, never reach anywhere the point he gained, but, instead, either end prematurely in precocious excesses, or live one half the proper life of man, burdened with double its just allowance of sorrows. The story of Mr. Plummer's life is an unpretending one. He is a Caerphilly boy, born at Pentwyn Farm, near Caerphilly, in 1834, his father, William Plummer, of English descent, as is apparent from the name, being born at Penygroes Farm, near Caerphilly. On the mother's side he belongs to the Edwardses and Lewises of that district, good old Welsh families whose pedigrees can be traced for upwards of six hundred years in the registers of Llanfabon and Eglwysilan parish churches. He was but a lad when the family migrated to Pontypridd. This was in 1839, one of the most important eras in the history of many families. It was a time when deep roots were shaken and long associations ended. When from mountain and valley, from deep cwm and ravine, came the men who were to fashion the edge of new circumstances and make a distinctive mark upon a new era. The Taff Vale Railway was being made ; crowds of men were needed; contracts, many and varied, were open; and impulses given to the little mine and coal workings here and there, for was not civilisation coming, as it always does, on the back of the steam god! . Plummer's first duty in life, however, was not like that of most of the strangers, in a railway cutting. He began to work as doorboy in No. 3, Edwards' colliery, and this when he was only eight-and-a-half years of age. For years he worked there, and then left for the adjoining colliery of Mr. Calvert's. Then came great sorrow, and heavier burdens. When he was only twelve years of age his father died, leaving himself and a younger brother to maintain the family. At the age of nineteen the brother died, and the cares of home were borne by himself alone. So far it will be seen that prospects were not looking up; that to all appearance the ending would not be much more ambitious A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 151 than the beginning. But we have run ahead a little too fast. When he was thirteen he had a slight improvement in being employed as assistant fireman, and when in his fourteenth year , he became fireman and had control over a large district in the colliery. It is astonishing that one at such an age should hold a position of the greatest importance in a pit, but the fact tells volumes, implying in him a capacity beyond his years, and in the colliers a confidence in his truthfulness and care which could only have come from the fullest and most practical experience of his character. We are writing now of early days in connection with the Pontypridd collieries, and of times when, though the dreaded gas was known, it had not made itself notorious in wholesale massacre. The collieries where Plummer worked were in the Gelly wion Valley, a branch of the Rhondda, closely adjoining Pontypridd. In this maiden valley, previous to the beginning of the pits, large blowers of gas had been visible in the bed of the brook where the strata were to be seen; and as the collieries were being opened out the gas was tapped freely, making the workings very dangerous; but, thanks to the early insight into the nature of the gas, and the gradual acquisition of knowledge in battling effectually with it, he was able then, and in after years, to say that during his career as firgºman and manager not a single life was lost by gas in any of the collieries entrusted to his charge. When Llwyncelyn Colliery was opened he was appointed fireman there, though only eighteen years of age. Next, after twelve months’ experience, he went to the Gyfeillion Colliery— now the Great Western—and was there employed as head fireman and overman for a term of seven years, after which he became manager. He held this appointment for eight years, and during a great portion of this he did the underground surveying, kept up. the colliery plans, and carried out great improvements in the working of the colliery. The ending of his tenure at this colliery was gratifying in the expressions of approval and regret that were elicited, and to him made memorable by the handsome 152 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE testimonial presented to him by the company and the officers and workmen. The past years had not been unmarked by eventful incident. In his twenty-first year he had married, and, as the years passed, necessity for increased energy was not wanting in the crowding afterwards of little aspirants for both love and aid. But his back grew broader as his burdens increased, and we find him, not only winning his way upwards, with a family growing rapidly around him, but with leisure hours for quiet study, for grounding himself in English, for obtaining a thorough knowledge of surveying, of geology, and combining his practical knowledge of coal working with a complete insight into the whole coal field of South Wales. That he did the last well is shown by the fact that in 1864 he was awarded a prize of ten pounds at an eisteddfod in Pontypridd for an essay on “Practical Mining in the Rhondda,” and, not only this, but was complimented by the adjudicators. He was manly enough, however, to claim only merit for the ideas and plans, a young schoolmaster, of Gyfeillon Schools, named Davies, having put it into more grammatical shape than when it came originally from his hand. He required no borrowed plumage. In 1867 he removed, by request, to Glyncorrwg Collieries, which were at that time in a very bad condition, and nearly closed, but in a very little time he had opened them out, increased the output, and lessened the cost in putting it into waggon. As the pioneer of the Garw Valley he leased the minerals under the Llest property, and before the railway was opened began operations to develop the coal. He also took the mineral leases for the Ffaldau Collieries, was part owner of some, and managed and superintended the whole business for about six years, during which time the excellent nature of the coal was well shown. In addition he is proprietor of the Gelly Mill Colliery, Avan Valley, and in 1879, in his capacity as a member of the South Wales Institution, brought out two interesting papers, on the coal AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. . 153 district between the Avan and Neath Valleys. It is something for one who began as doorboy to be able to say that in his tenure, so far, he has aided in developing four million tons of coal; Something, too, indicative of a power of governing men with wisdom and kindness, to add that, throughout, he had only had a strike of two days in duration. But better than all this, he has not been simply the colliery manager interested in getting out so much coal and disposing of it at the highest value. As chairman of the Cymmer and Aber- gwynfi School Board, interested in this literary institution, taking a leading part in that, doing his duty well in the varied posts which his social position commands, it is here that our friend commends himself to the esteem of all, and the round-hand copy set for the imitation of present and future doorboys becomes rounder. What he has done by perseverance and self-denial the humblest may do. - EVAN EVANs, "six BELLs.”—PIONEER OF THE GILFACH Goch - VALLEY. The annals of our coal field would be incomplete if we did not include such men as Evan Evans. For though he was not, as Sir W. T. Lewis has been, the originator of institutions, and the director of the local government by which the great trade has been controlled and its workers moulded into good citizens and law abiders; or, like Sir Hussey Vivian, the eloquent represen- tative in the House of Commons of our coal and its commercial requirements; or such as Mr. Hood, or D. Davies, bold in aim, and far-sighted in speculative skill—yet, in his way, he was in many respects notable, showing what energy can accomplish, and honesty attain. His life is, especially, a lesson to working men, and, no doubt, has had many a worthy imitator. To the humblest there is a road to better things than is generally, enjoyed. Just as in the physical, the greatest obstacle gives way in time to persistent effort; so in the walks of social work-a-day life, the iron will, 154 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE ... exerted upon mental constructions of like nature, breaks down opposing circumstances, and triumphs in the end. What a legacy of advice our song writers have given us, inspiriting strains of more or less value, which the pilgrim hums as he travels on. Mackay, Eliza Cook, Wordsworth, Longfellow, Tennyson, and many more ; but though all are valuable, and serve, as music does, to cheer the way, they are not so significant, so fruitful as the lesson of a man's life lived out amongst us. Not so far removed from us as to conceal defects which all, more or less, possess, and which, telling of our common humanity, show how a man can rise superior to them. Mr. Evan Evans came from the Neath Valley to Merthyr, when he was a boy, attracted to the metropolis of the iron trade in the same way as thousands of adventurous spirits were, in all parts of Wales. Like most of the early pioneers, his individuality was a bold one, and prompted him to forsake the insignificant details of . a farm life, and try for a new field for his energy. Less enterprising men in the Welsh counties kept to their old pursuits, tilling the few acres by the Cardiganshire or Gower coast, as their fathers and grandfathers had, and satisfied to reach three score years and ten and be quietly “put by.” Not so Evan Evans and his fellows. And what a temptation rose before them | Merthyr, in the last quarter of the eighteenth century, was an El Dorado, a land of riches incalculable. It is true that streams did not flow over golden sands, or diamonds sparkle in the mud heaps; but iron was scattered profusely by the river beds, and was quarried in deep ravines, and coal peered out here and there, showing of vast heaps lying underneath the mountains. So Evan came to realise some of this wealth, and, like many a successful man before him, began at the lowest rung of the ladder. He was simply a haulier, and in that capacity had to endure a good deal of the hardship that is to be met with under, as upon, the earth. Small boys, in whatever capacity, generally come in for this—in domestic life, school, college, or trade; but the haulier boy grew bigger and stronger, and was soon able to take AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 155 * care of himself, and was not long before he reached the next step and began to cut coal. For some years he was simply a collier, plodding and saving, and showing little difference to the ordinary worker; but eventually the same speculative trait which tempted him to leave the Neath valley again exerted itself, and he started a public-house, and progressed until he had also a brewery of his own, and went on prospering, showing in his own life a pattern of sobriety, honesty, and perseverance. It will be seen by this that he had taken one of those important diverging roads or turns of life, one leading him on to wealth. Fellow-workers in coal with him, on reaching the same point, had chosen other ways. Some became devotional, and aimed at the “seiat fawr " and deaconship; others, fallen away to die as they lived, colliers; and not a few to break the ties of land and home, and found respectable families in countries far remote. Such is life, with its eternal change. Evan had settled down at Penheolgerrig, and his wanderings were over. Heolgerrig, or the “Stony-road,” was but a line of poor cottages. It became a pleasant suburb. Before the buildings of rough mountain stone trees were planted; over others ivy trained. Each cottage seemed to emulate the other, and it was an exception to see a garden in which the nettle and briar told a tale not only as old as Solomon but as ancient as the human race. Building improvements and reclamation of waste land had in him a good pioneer, and the hillside, which had never given anything but ferns and foxgloves, grew corn and mowing grass, and produced yields for many a scythe in haymaking days. In the fulness of his prosperity as a brewer his collier experience served him well. He had information of a fine coal area at Gilfach Goch, or the Little Ogmore, and having satisfied himself that it had been well prospected, opened upon No. 2 in 1863, and became at once a successful colliery owner. In 1868 he sunk to No. 3, and from that date Dinas Main Colliery has been well-known, and the quality of its coal and coke unquestioned. In his second sinking he had the valued assistance 156 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE of Sir W. T. Lewis, who entered into partnership with him, but, after the development of the collery, sold out his interest. Mr. Evans was a Welshman of Welshmen, and could not by any manner of means be induced to learn English. This was a failing of his, and one, perhaps, which, later on in life, he regretted. It was interesting to see his delight as he turned from a couple of conversing Saxons to the outpouring of his own language. The face, which was strongly marked, would light up, and the taciturn man of a minute before be transformed into an intelligent listener and companion. This dislike of, and refusal to learn, English was amusingly shown one day in a court of justice where he was called upon as witness. When the presiding magistrate was informed that Mr. Evans could not speak English, and that his evidence must be given through an interpreter, he exclaimed that it was surprising that a man of Mr. Evans's position had not acquired English. This was translated to the worthy coalowner, who retorted, “Tell him not more surprising than that he, a magistrate in a Welsh town, does not know the language of the people.” Mr. Evans was one of the old-fashioned type of masters. His word was his bond, his sympathies were strong, his charities numerous. He helped the struggling, and when they could not succeed in this country, aided them to emigrate. Even this was not the ending, for when they failed to get on in their new home he would again help them to return. He had no regard for the distinctions of men. To be honest, truth speaking, and industrious was to win his respect, and the neglect of these was certain to gain his contempt, which was never slow in being aroused, and never tardy in being expressed. When he died the hamlet, from one end to the other, felt its desolation. The strong man who had lived a long lifetime amongst them, and was as familiar as the outline of the hills, had gone down. The strong friend, so able and willing to aid, was no more. It was difficult to realise it. The bereavement was that of the village, and not of one house of mourning alone. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 157 The date of his death was March 3, 1886. His funeral was attended by many thousands. Professions, trades, occupations were represented. Never since the times of Arthur Morris or of Dr. Thomas had so large a one been seen. It was an old-fashioned funeral, like the man, and the sonorous chant of the choirs, and the plain unadorned service in the Unitarian Burial Ground at Cefn, were the fitting sequels to the unobtrusive career of one whose type is fast dying out. TAIBACH, CWMAVON, There were works at Taibach about 1750, and coal was obtained . at Cwmbychan, a valley branching off from Cwmavon. A wooden railway aided in the conveyance of coal from Mynydd Bychan to the works at Taibach. From Level Wernlaes, coal and ironstone were also taken at this time on mule back to Penrhiwdin. In 1811 Samuel Fothergill Jetsome took a lease from the Earl of Jersey for ninety-nine years for one side of the river, and from Mr. Talbot for the other. * * He began opening for coal and ironstone by levels, and started a blast furnace and formed a canal, but failed in 1819. Vigors and Smith followed. They came from Cornwall, bought the lease in conjunction with the Earl of Jersey, and in 1820.started making black plate, and working coal and mine with a good deal of success until 1835, when Mr. Smith retired, and Bullen and James conducted the works, Vigors acting as manager. In 1835 W. Griffiths, J. Griffiths, Samuel Bamford, and R. Hopkins began copper works, and in 1838 copper was first made in the district. In 1836 Port Talbot was commenced by H. K. Patmer, C.E., and it was completed at a cost of one hundred thousand pounds. At Pontrhydfen one Mr. Reynolds built a furnace in 1825, and constructed the great aqueduct for carrying the water. This is four hundred and fifty-nine feet long, seventy-five feet high, and 158 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRA DE twelve feet wide, and cost sixteen thousand pounds. Reynolds spent eighty thousand pounds and failed. After several changes the works came into the hands of the Copper Miners of England in 1841, who were also owners of Cwmavon Works for the making of copper, iron, and tin. The chairman at that time was John Dean Paul, head of the Copper Miners of England, afterwards transported for forgery. He was succeeded by John Biddulph. In 1845 the company raised one hundred and thirty-four thousand five hundred and fifty-six tons of coal at Cwmavon, and sold fifty-two thousand six hundred and eighty-nine tons. They made in that year thirty-six thousand four hundred and twelve boxes of tin-plates, and smelted and refined two thousand three hundred and eighty-nine tons of copper. In addition to this, they raised and partly sold forty-two thousand one hundred and thirty-six tons of coal at their collieries on the Swansea river. PORTHCAWL. This is the natural outlet for the Llynvi and other valleys, and dates principally from about 1846. Soon afterwards the Duffryn, Llynvi and Porthcawl tramway was merged into the railway system. . The discovery by Mushet of the celebrated black band has had a great deal to do in the uprise and extension of iron works and of collieries, though the industries have been of slow progression. In 1846 the iron export from Porthcawl was only twenty-five thousand five hundred and fifty-four tons, and coal but twenty-two thousand nine hundred and thirteen. - James E. Bichens, secretary of the Linnean Society, lived at Newton Nottage for several years about 1834. He took an active part in the completion of the railway from the coal fields of Glamorgan, for which eight Acts of Parliament were obtained. He too was instrumental in the formation of the harbour at Porthcawl. - AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 159 NEWPORT, MON., AND THE MONMOUTHSHIRE COAL FIELD. The earliest notice of Newport, Mon. (Casnewydd), occurs in the Triads, where it figures as one of the three principal ports of the kingdom. The three are Port Ysgweyn, Gwent, Gwygyr, Mon- mouthshire, Beaumaris and Gwyddno, which is supposed to be Ribble, Yorkshire. This prominence of Newport may be due to the accident of its proximity to the Old Passage, that being the direct route to Bristol, and Bristol was regarded as the nearest citadel to the Welsh coast. In peace or war the metropolis of the West exercised a strong influence upon Wales, and may in later days be said to have been its commercial instructor. With Newport in feudal days we have nothing to do in this work, but pass on and simply note it in the time of Henry VIII. Leland then refers to it in his Itinerary as “a town yn ruine.” Tracing thus the growth of the port we naturally direct our attention to the background from whence came the mineral riches which have had so important an effect on the uprise and progress of Newport. \ 4- The earliest coal workings on a very small scale would appear from certain charters conceded to the manor holders of Mon- mouthshire to be on the eastern croppings of the coal basin in the neighbourhood of Pontypool (Pont ap Howell). The Pontypool Works date from 1565, as shown by early conveyance deeds. A regular account of sale of iron commenced 1588.* - The Society of the Mines Royal in the time of Queen Elizabeth established wire works at Tintern in addition to other places. Amongst the shareholders was Richard Hanbury, goldsmith, of London, descendant of an ancient family. In his time wire was much in use for the carding of wool for clothiers. About the year 1577, according to the Lansdown MSS., “Mr. Richard Hanbury got to his handes ij. or iij. iron works there * Coxe's Monmouthshire. 160 THE SOUTH WALES COAI, TRADE in Wales, whereat he made much merchant iron to great gain.” Hanbury leased the minerals of the Nevilles, ancestors of the present Earl of Abergavenny. Mr. Llewelyn thought that one of the “two or three " works was that of Pontypool. - It is believed that old Glyn Forge and Cwmfrwdoer are the old Hanbury Works, and that a little coal working was carried on, judging from ancient levels. In the time of Major Hanbury, who was the most successful of his family, one Allgood, an agent, went in the disguise of a beggar to Woburn, and acquired the art of japanning which gave the desired polish to the wire, and laid the basis of a thriving industry which has now faded away. In Hambury's time he leased the whole of the Blaenavon mineral property for less than a hundred pounds a year. The ore and coals were then sent to Pontypool. In 1701 Newport declined into the position of a creek under Cardiff. In 1750 one Rosser, a sea captain, took coals from Newport to Chepstow in his sloop, and delivered them free from duty, only paying three shillings and sixpence or four shillings and sixpence as a coast despatch. In 1788 Clydach Works were started with some coal levels in connection, Mr. Freer as manager. At this time there was little belief in the existence of large coal measures in Monmouthshire. The Duke of Beaufort's estate in that county was offered for ten shillings an acre. This fact was given to the Rev. T. Jones, of Swansea, and by him mentioned to our old friend Kilsby Jones. But speculators came on the field. An Englishman surveyed a small hill farm and wished to buy it. The owner, who held two or three, eventually sold it to him for four hundred pounds, and thought it the best business he ever did, but the English speculator began coal digging, and in one year cleared one thousand pounds. A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 161 No Custom books for Newport are extant for an earlier date than 1779, but from that year books exist which show that a small coal trade was carried on, the export principally to Bridgwater. It appears from these books that Tenby coal also was sent into Newport, probably from its superior value for malting to the general run of Monmouthshire coal. In the year 1791 thirty baskets of coal were so sent. In 1780 Newport only consisted of two hundred and twenty-one houses, and its population was but one thousand and eighty-seven. In 1788 Bristol coal was exported to Newport. An entry in the Custom House returns occurs of forty chaldrons. This was an early version of sending coals to Newcastle. In 1786 the Blaenavon Works were in operation. Mr. B. Pratt, a Worcester man, was one of the principal directors. The works had decayed from the exhaustion of the wood supplies in the vicinity, and its restart was due to the discovery of pit coal as a better means in ironmäking. Pratt, who was one of the promoters of the Monmouthshire Canal, died 1794, aged fifty-two. In 1800 the coal yield of Blaenavon was so abundant as not only to supply the works, but Abergavenny, Usk, and Pontypool.” In 1795 Hill, Hertford and Company started at Pontypool under 8, long lease from the Blaenavon Company, and having worked for about twelve months gave up on account of a disagreement amongst themselves. In the course of evidence given before the same Parliamentary Committee, it transpired that one Blanning had a colliery near Pontypool in the latter part of last century, and that having sent coal in the sloop Fanny to Gloucester, the cargo was seized for duty. One of the leading colliery owners at that time was Sir Henry Protheroe, who not only owned extensive coal land in Monmouth- * Coxe's Monmouthshire. I, 162 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE shire, but in Pembrokeshire as well. For the Penivan Coal Company's property he gave eight thousand pounds. He also made a railway, and in this was opposed by Mr. Benjamin Hall, (Llanover), who obtained an injunction against it in Chancery. MON MOUTH SHIRE CANAL. This was the first great promoter of improvement in Mon- mouthshire industries. The Act was obtained in 1792 for making a canal from near Pontnewynydd into the Usk at Newport. In 1797 another Act for extending the canal and for raising more money was obtained. By 1797 the promoters had expended two hundred thousand pounds, and in that year duties imposed in the twenty-seventh year of the king's reign on coal carried coastwise were demanded on all coal sent from Newport eastward of the Holmes. This was a great discouragement, and led to a petition to Parliament, and to the insertion of a clause exempting them from all duties on coals carried eastward of the Holmes. In 1810 duties being levied on all coals carried westward of the Holmes, the canal proprietors found themselves again obliged to petition, as Bridgwater was one of their best customers, and though Bridgwater lay to the east it was necessary to go a little to the west of the Holmes to avoid the shoals and sandbanks. This petition was opposed by Cardiff, Neath, and Swansea, and the principal colliery men. Previous to the formation of the canal no colliery had been opened on the Pontypool side. From the opening a good trade began to be carried on between Newport and Devonshire by sailing vessels, and the total export for the whole year reached the promising total of thirty-two thousand tons. In 1802 an Act of Parliament was obtained for making a tramway from Newport, Mon., to Nine Miles Point, and upon this it is stated that Trevethick experimented with his locomotive, a similar one to that used on the Penydarren tramway. It was the opinion of a Rural Dean of Monmouthshire, when the tramway was formed from the hills to the sea for coal export AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 163 purposes, that it tended to demoralise the district through which it passed in an uncommon degree. The results, he stated, were theft, drunkenness, and prostitution. The canal had a remarkable history, and compared with it, even the success of the Taff Vale Railway, great as it has been, is inferior. Shares were taken up with rapidity, and in the year 1793 were sold at a premium of four hundred and fifty pounds. But at the end of the year came the great banking crash, and they fell into an ordinary groove. Dr. Griffiths, of Cardiff, when asked what was the reason, was it not due to the badness of trade, said no, but to the badness of men's heads. The estimated cost was one hundred and eight thousand pounds, the real cost three hundred thousand pounds. The first coal tonnage was twopence halfpenny; this was reduced to twopence. At one time coalowners were very backward in paying, and but for long credit by the canal would have been ruined. In 1800 John Barnaby, of Herefordshire, bought iron works at Pontypool, and in January, 1804, exchanged with Mr. Capel Lee the whole of the iron works, which originally cost ten thousand pounds, in order to work the coal. Mr. E. Martin, of Swansea, was consulted about driving the level. Mr. Martin was then on his return from surveying the Duke of Beaufort's works at Kingswood Colliery, near Bristol, and he told Barnaby that they were declining so fast that he had no doubt Bristol would be chiefly supplied with coal from Newport. Barnaby spent thirty thousand pounds. In 1809 raised twenty thousand tons binding coal, but did not make three per cent. - Estcourt and others early in the century embarked a capital of nearly twenty-four thousand pounds in Llanhyddel Colliery, fourteen miles from port, which they worked by an inclined plane. By the projection of the canal we learn also of other collieries, such as that of Stoughton and Hanbury's, with an output of one thousand tons per week, and Pratt's Collieries, estimated to send down as much. From all, at the time the canal was under 164 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE consideration, the annual get of coal from collieries likely to use the canal was one hundred and fifty-six thousand tons, and the produce of iron works three hundred and thirty-four thousand tons; this included the yield of Varteg Furnaces, which were then going, and Blaenavon, which were producing three thousand six hundred tons of iron per annum. - From the Parliamentary Blue Books we learn that the old Monmouthshire coalowners of the last century were not without their rivalry. It was bitter between Swansea and Newport, but still more so between Newport and Kingswood, and the under- selling that went on was constant. In 1802 the Sirhowy Tramway Act was passed, fifteen miles in length, and cost upwards of thirty thousand pounds. Of this and of Sirhowy Works the Tredegar proprietary were the owners. Sir Robert Salisbury was another of the old colliery owners of Monmouthshire. He had a bank at Newport. He gave twelve thousand pounds for his colliery, and took an active part in protecting the interests of Monmouthshire coalowners. Smithers estimated before a Government Commission that his dues on Bedwellty and other collieries were between three thousand and four thousand pounds per annum. Smithers and Company also had three collieries on the opposite side of the river Sirhowy. The coal land had been leased from Sir Henry Protheroe to the extent of two thousand eight hundred acres, and it is significant as showing the little faith people then had in the long continuance of coal seams that the lease in this and most other cases was for ninety-nine years, or “so long as the coal would last.” Yet, authorities such as E. Martin, of Swansea, declared at this time that the Monmouthshire coal field was large enough to supply the United Kingdom. Thomas Edwards, on the line of the Sirhowy tramroad, in 1804 leased extensive tracts of coal lands for ninety-nine years, and spent upwards of twenty-three thousand pounds. He worked by pits and steam engine, but derived no profit until coal advanced in 1809. He made a tramway of two miles in length. AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES 165 In 1806 large quantities of coal were brought down a railroad to Newbridge from the mines of Mynydd Islwyn to be conveyed by the canal to Newport. - In 1809 Edwards took additional coal-land at an annual rent of four hundred and twenty pounds. He represented to a Parliamentary Committee in 1810 that his coal cost him in Newport nine shillings and sixpence per ton, that he contributed fourpence per ton to the Salusbury Fund to provide means for giving bounties to the captains of vessels so as to induce them to come to Newport instead of Swansea. Neath in particular, he said, gave high bounties, and if they did not follow suit captains would run to the western ports and put all the fault upon the weather. They paid bounties for all coal carried west of the Holmes. . Risca Colliery, which in our time was to have ill-omened notoriety for disaster, was started early in the century by Edward Jones, who had been a clerk in a merchant’s office at Bristol. His arrangement with Sir Charles Morgan was to give five hundred pounds a year, but it was several years before he had obtained partners to embark finally with a capital of sixty thousand pounds. They were two years in getting free of water, and up to 1810 no profit had been made. The price of coal was then thirty-two shillings per wey, delivered by him at Swansea Copper Works. Blaina Colliery was first started by G. Jones, of Staffordshire, and the furnaces by Russell and Brown, the latter the ancestor of a family since strongly identified with Monmouthshire. From the Browns the works passed to the Baileys, from these to Levick and Simpson, and finally to the late company. THE BAILEYS. Joseph Bailey was the first to come upon the scene. His advent we have related in connection with Richard Crawshay, of Cyfarthfa, whose nephew he was, and who left him two-eighths of the works. Retiring from Cyfarthfa with Wayne, they bought Nantyglo from the Blaenavon Company. - 166 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Hill and Hopkins appear to have been the original lessors from the Earl of Abergavenny of the whole of the mineral property, including Blaenavon and a part of Ebbw Vale on the east of the Ebbw. They were succeeded by Joseph Harrison, and he by the Baileys. The original taking of Bailey and Wayne included Beaufort Works. The start was satisfactory, but in the development of the works capital soon began to take wings, and Mr. Wayne, an excellent man, but somewhat timid in the matter of speculation, sold out and retired to Aberdare, his place being taken by Mr. Crawshay Bailey. As an illustration of the difficulties encountered by these pioneers of Monmouthshire, we may state that at one time they were almost coming to a breakdown, and the doubt every Saturday when the cheque was sent to the bankers at Abergavenny to get money to pay the men was, would it be honoured, their balance being very much on the wrong side. One eventful Saturday the banker was actually on the point of stopping supplies when a second mounted messenger dashed up to the bank with the great news, “They had struck the black band " “Tell Mr. Crawshay Bailey,” exclaimed the banker, “he may draw upon us to any amount ” The Baileys in their perseverance, sagacity, and eccentricity were unmistakably a branch of the Crawshay family. Each characteristic would form a fruitful text for comment and anecdote. Both men were of the same stamp—shrewd men of business, with great energy and force of character—and the field they possessed afforded full scope, with the certainty of the most brilliant returns. The black band alone was a great fortune, and the coal area—very secondary then—a large one. Up to 1859 the coal property of Monmouthshire was regarded in some quarters as of slight account. We have been favoured with the inspection of a lease, dated 15th June, 1859, by the Right Honourable William Nevil, Earl of Abergavenny, to the executors of the late Sir J. Bailey, Bart., AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 167 and Crawshay Bailey, Esq. This was a mining lease appertaining to the land of Pen y Llogn, in the county of Monmouth, consisting of ninety statute acres. It empowered to dig pits, work ironstone, coal, lime, etc., set up works, form railways, and allowed, in addition, a right of shooting game on the property. The term to be sixty-three years, from the 25th December, 1855, for the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds yearly, free from all deductions, landlord’s property tax only excepted. This property was afterwards valued at three thousand pounds an acre, and Mr. Crawshay Bailey sub-let it to Nantyglo for twelve thousand pounds a year. - It would fill a volume to recount the prominent incidents of the career of the Baileys. They surrounded themselves with the best of practical ability. Mr. Needham was mining engineer at Beaufort, and Mr. James Phillips at Nantyglo, and both accredited themselves in the most satisfactory manner, increasing the output as the market opened, at the minimum cost and minimum injury to life—two necessities in the Bailey estimate. But the Baileys were men of the old school, and neither contemplated the great change which has swept Beaufort from the face of the earth, and converted Nantyglo into a tin mill. In their time the Blaina Works were in the proprietary of Levick and Simpson, and when any new invention was brought under the notice of the Baileys, Crawshay in particular, he would say, “Take it down to Levick and Simpson. Let them try it, and then come and tell me.” New-fangled things, new men, new ideas were not in their esteem. Crawshay Bailey was the originator of the tramway from Nantyglo to Hereford, vià Clydach and Abergavenny, and it was his connection with dramway tramways and early engines that has contributed as much as anything to the perpetuation of his name. The song of “Crawshay Bailey's engine ” threatens to be as lasting as the “Men of Harlech.” - * After the Baileys, Blaina and Nantyglo were formed into a company, with Mr. John Richardson as director, Mr. Crawshay 168 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Bailey retiring to Llanfoist. Amongst the company were the Honourable W. Massey, Sir Henry Lennox, and several leading Manchester men. When the bad times came the company stopped their works. Then several directors died, amongst them Mr. Richardson, and a project of much hopefulness to the locality faded. The company afterwards sub-let all they could, and the Ebbw Vale Company worked their coal on the other side of the hill. The Blaina Mills are now tin mills, and are, with Abertillery, in the possession of Mr. Phillips, one of the leading tin-plate makers of Monmouthshire. The Blaenavon Works, the small beginning of which we have traced, have for a number of years been carried on by a limited liability company, with Mr. Kennard as chief director, and a large coal field is in vigorous development. TREDEGAR. The earliest date of coal working by level at Tredegar is 1750. One was struck into in 1799, and rude barrows and tools found The works and collieries generally date from the latter end of the last century, when Samuel Homfray built the first furnace at Tredegar and Sirhowy, and was aided by Fothergill and William Forman. Homfray married a sister of Sir Charles Morgan, and to this fact owed a lease of special length and favour which is now running, three thousand acres for ninety-nine years at two shillings and sixpence per acre, and a good deal now intact. No. 1 level and other drifts date from 1799. The first pit sunk was the Duke's Pit, in 1806, and the coal, etc., was raised by water balance. In 1818 No. 1 Pit was sunk, and others followed—No. 2 in 1820; Ashtree Pit in 1826; Water Wheel Pit and No. 4 in 1830; No. 6 in 1832; Nos. 1 and 2 Tytrist Pits and Quick Pit in 1834; No. 8 Pit, which for many years was the principal colliery, was sunk in 1838; Nos. 5 and 11 in 1839 and 1840, and No. 7 (probably the deepest balance pit in the world) was sunk to six hundred and thirty feet in 1840; Upper A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 169 Tytrist in 1841. Bedwellty Pit began to raise coal in 1850. Bedwellty Levels were opened in 1856, but no other pits were sunk until the new company’s time in 1876. An engine locomotive, high pressure, was erected at Tredegar Works in 1801 by Trevethick, and as late as 1854 was still working well. It seems that up to 1817 all the coal raised was consumed in the works. The first railway communication was the tramway from Sirhowy to Crumlin; but in 1812 the Sirhowy and Tredegar Company made their tramway to Risca and Newport, and in 1817 the first sale coal was conveyed to Pillgwenlly. In 1829 the first locomotive began to run, making the “extraordinary" speed of “two journeys a week” to Newport | The twenty years from 1853 to 1873 have little recorded of advance in mining or iron making, save in connection with men of a high stamp such as Ellis and Hunter, but a new era for Tredegar commenced in 1873, when the Tredegar Iron and Coal Company, Limited, purchased the iron works and mineral property, and the present general manager, James Colquhoun, Esq., took charge. - The collieries have been remodelled and greatly extended; the “patches” are a thing of the past. Instead of thirteen old- fashioned water balance pits, five daylight levels and drifts, and three steam winding pits, forming twenty-one collieries, and raising two thousand tons per day, there are now only one water balance pit, two levels, eight steam winding pits, and engine drift, forming five centres or establishments, and raising three thousand tons per day (sometimes three thousand five hundred tons). The network of tramways through the town, with “wobbling ” trams and loose wheels, has disappeared. The extensive surface haulage necessary in the old style has thus either altogether ceased or is superseded by modern fitted self-acting inclines, greatly reducing the cost. The old trams have been superseded by wood trams with fixed steel wheels and axles. As a sample of what this has saved, the following speaks for itself:-Bedwellty Pits with the old trams, Af 170 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE etc., was raising five hundred and fifty tons per day, with fifty-one horses underground, whereas, twelve months after, the new tram and round rails were introduced, six hundred and fifty tons was being raised with thirty-six horses with lengthened haulage way, and with no additional steam haulage—each horse hauling seventy-five per cent. more coal a slightly greater distance with less toil. In 1876 Whitworth Colliery was completed, with its two winding shafts and daylight engine plane drift, capable of raising easily one thousand two hundred tons per day. This colliery is fitted up in the best style—the surface arrangements being extensive and complete—two pairs of winding engines; one large pair of hauling engines; one small hauling engine ; coal screening, nutpicking, coal-washing machine, and coking ovens; the small coal passes from screens to washing machine, and from washing to crushing machine, and from crushing to coking ovens without manual labour. The underground haulage is also very good, both “main and tail rope,” and “endless rope” systems being extensively in operation. Tytrist Pits have been remodelled—the old balance winding gear superseded by steam winding, the pit bank raised, and screens erected, coal washing machines and coke ovens put up, extensive underground haulage put in, and the surface endless rope haulage introduced. Bedwellty Pits are also remodelled, and endless rope haulage put in underground. - Pochin Pits, about three miles of Tredegar, were sunk in 1880. These pits, which are eighteen and sixteen feet in diameter, and three hundred and twenty and three hundred and eighty yards deep, are the first example of quick sinking in Wales. The contractors were Beith Brothers, and although heavy feeders of water were met, yet an average of more than one yard per day was maintained—the pits being sunk in less than twelve months. As each feeder or spring of water was met a Cameron pump was put in, and in this way delay was avoided, and the outlay on temporary pumping arrangements was about one-fifth what such a AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 171 sinking usually costs. When the sinking was completed a large compound pumping engine was put in half way down the pit at largest feeder, and the fall of feeders above this was arranged to raise a feeder below by a hydraulic pumping engine. Besides pumping machinery these pits have large winding engines, capable of raising easily one thousand tons a day from each pit, and a large Guibal ventilating fan, besides the usual screening arrangements. Looking at these collieries all round, the progress made since 1873 is simply enormous, what with the introduction of the new tramways—trams of endless and tail-rope haulage, although the distance from pit to face of workings has been extended from seventy to one hundred per cent., and the output raised more than fifty per cent. ; yet the number of horses has been reduced twenty-five per cent, the quantity raised per horse being increased one hundred and thirty per cent. By the introduction of modern screen arrangements, coal washing and crushing machinery, the profitable disposal of the output greatly improved. The small coal that in 1873 was good for nothing, having twenty-five per cent of ash, is now, after washing, economically coked with only from six to eight per cent. of ash, and the coke that was not fit for home consumption now commands a good Sale in Wales, Forest of Dean, and the Midlands. In 1873 thirty-two per cent. Only of the total output was sold as large, there is now sixty-two per cent. In 1873 twenty-one per cent. of output was used as large in the works, now only 1.5 per cent. is so used, the rest being small. The old-fashioned iron works at Tredegar were in keeping with the generality. The cupola furnaces were only forty-five feet high, the make only two hundred tons per furnace a week, the stoves of the antique cast-iron type. All were in harmony with the tramways running through the town, and the shambling and “wobbling” trams. Now the furnaces are modern, the yield six hundred tons per furnace, the stoves Cowpers, and the steel works have all the latest and best appliances. The cogging and rail mills, instead of turning out single lengths of twenty-four to thirty feet, 172 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE turn out a length of one hundred and forty feet, which can be sawn into lengths up to six, and the steel sleepers, for which Tredegar was first in the market, is a great and a growing industry. EBBW VALE WORKS AND COLLIERIES. The Ebbw Vale Works were first built by the Homfrays, prior to 1793. They consisted at first of blast furnaces only. These were built upon the land which formed part of a farm called “Pen-y-Cae,” and for many years the works were better known by this name (locally at any rate) than by the more poetic mame of Ebbw Vale. This land was freehold and belonged to Henry Lewis, who and whose family were the owners of considerable property in the parishes of Aberystruth, Bedwellty, and Llangynider. The Pen-y-Cae Farm was in the parish of Aberystruth. It is said that Lewis did not sell the land readily, but for some time resisted the advances of Homfray; yielding at last, partly to Homfray's persistent importunity, and partly to his wife's (Mrs. Lewis's) counsel, who, it is said, used to say, “Gwerth é. Cofiwch y brad y cyllyll hirion. Saeson ydyw ef” (“Sell it. Remember the long-knife perfidy. He is a Saxon *)! The mills and forges were not built until after 1816, as shown by plans made from surveys made by Thomas Pride in that year. Nearly the whole of the land required for the works appears to have been obtained by the purchase of freeholds and copyholds. . But there were two small leaseholds acquired in 1792 and 1793. The former was taken by Jeremiah Homfray (the lessee) from the aforenamed Henry Lewis (the lessor), for ninety-nine years. The property leased is known as the “Gantre.” The latter lease was taken from William Jones (the lessor) by James Harford and Jeremiah Homfray (the lessees) for a term of ninety-nine years, from 25th March, 1794. The date of the lease is 10th April, 1793, and the property was called “Ty’n Wain Llwyd.” From the presence of Harford's name in the Wain Llwyd lease, and its non-presence in the Gantre lease, it must have been that A VD 7TS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. - 173 at this time the Harfords became connected with Ebbw Vale Works, from which Homfray then or soon after retired, as his name does not appear in subsequent documents. The “Ty’n Wain Llwyd "property is now the Marquess of Bute's, bequeathed to him by Mr. Williams, of Pwll-y-pant, near Caerphilly. In 1818 the Harfords acquired the Sirhowy Works from Messrs. Featherstone and Monkhouse, and from then till now they have formed part of the Ebbw Vale Works. The Harfords remained at Ebbw Vale until 1842, when, through commercial mischance, they failed, but the works were kept on without any stoppage by trustees until 1844, when they were sold to the Messrs. Darby, of Coalbrookdale, Shropshire. In 1848 the Messrs. Darby took over the lease of the Victoria Iron Works and Collieries from Sir Benjamin Hall, Bart., afterwards the Right Honourable Lord Llanover. These works were built in 1836 by a joint stock company, which ultimately failed, and the lease reverted to Sir B. Hall. From 1848 to the present time the Victoria Works have formed part of the Ebbw Vale Works along with Sirhowy. In 1864 the works were sold by the Ebbw Vale Company (Mr. Abraham Darby and partners) to the Ebbw Vale Company, Limited, which company was reconstructed in 1866, under the title of the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company, Limited, by whom they have since been carried on, and remodelled and extended to more than double the size and capacity they were in 1864. The first of the pits now in existence was sunk by the Harfords about 1820 to 1825, but there was an older pit in existence in 1803—as we see by a plan of that date—called “Engine Pit,” situated near to Rhyd-y-blew, on the northern side of the coach- road from Abergavenny to Merthyr. This pit was also sunk by the Harfords, but nothing of it now remains. The number of persons employed in the collieries of Ebbw Vale, Sirhowy and Victoria is about two thousand five hundred, and about five hundred at the Ebbw Vale Company's Colliery at Pontypool. - 174 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE The special coals of Ebbw Vale are the “Elled,” “Big Wein,” “Three Quarter,” and “Old Coal,” all excellent steam and Smelting and coking coals—unsurpassed in evaporative power. There is a large area still unworked of the special coals—about three thousand acres, and a larger area of other coals. An average output would be as follows:—Ebbw Vale, three hundred and sixteen thousand two hundred tons; Sirhowy, two hundred and one thousand one hundred and seventeen ; Victoria, two hundred and twelve thousand two hundred and forty-nine ; Waunlwyd, three hundred and six thousand one hundred and sixteen ; Pontypool, one hundred and thirty thousand seven hundred and seventy. The mining engineer from the early days of the collieries was Mr. William Adams, a native of Ebbw Vale. His connection was continued until the explosion at Bedwellty, when some offence was given by Mr. Lionel Brough, whose examination will be remembered by those who attended the various colliery inquests of his time as more brusque than gentle, and Mr. Adams retired. Mr. R. Jordan went to Ebbw Vale as surveyor in February, 1855. In June, 1860, was removed to Sirhowy as manager of the collieries and ironstone mines. In January, 1872, was removed again to Ebbw Vale as manager there and Sirhowy. In 1874 he was appointed chief of the mining operations of the Ebbw Vale Company at home and at the various branches then worked by the company. In 1803 Sirhowy was spelt Sirwy, and Ebbw was spelt Ebbwy. RHYMNEY. In the early days of the century a company of Bristol merchants who called themselves the Union Company started iron making at Rhymney and worked the coal by levels, but the speculation did not pay and the company was broken up. The works soon afterwards were bought by Mr. William Crawshay, of Cyfarthfa, who gave one hundred thousand pounds for them. AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 175 These works and levelsformed the dowry given to Mr. Benjamin Hall on his marriage to a daughter of Mr. Crawshay, but Mr. Hall, the father of Lord Llanover, soon retired from the works to Hensol. The works were then sold by him to Crawshay Bailey for seventy- three thousand pounds, but from some cause the purchase was not completed, and they passed to the hands of a joint stock company in 1826 for one hundred thousand pounds. The company was formed of William Forman and others, but was soon reconstructed. It was at this period that furnaces were built on the Bute estate, and that portion was known as the Bute Works. The joint stock company was composed of one hundred shareholders at fifty pounds each, and the capital was thus but a small one. Still they started well, and in 1839 devoted a certain area for the site of a church, and in 1840 established the famous shop and brewery, both associated with men who were conspicuous and respected in their day and generation. We may instance the Buchans and Johnsons amongst the men whose history is linked with the valley, and its industries and progression. In 1849 the place had a population of eight thousand people. In 1871 the present company was formed, of which Sir Henry Tyler is the chairman. Capital six hundred and fifty thousand pounds. From the dawn of the steel era the works have kept good pace with the requirements of the age. They have now an average steel make, rails, tin bars, etc., of sixty thousand tons annually, and a coal output of four hundred and fifty thousand tons. The latest sinking is at Gilfach, and the future of the coal field, which is a large one, may be regarded as important, and certain to figure well when the smokeless coals of the more westerly fields begin to fail. Abercarne, another of the deep sea coal collieries of Monmouth- shire, was, on September 11th, 1878, the scene of the greatest colliery explosion of the county or of Wales—the loss being two 176 TEIE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE hundred and fifty-eight lives, one hundred and thirty-one widows, three hundred and sixty-three orphans, and twenty-six other dependants. While we have thus seen the gradual development of the coal field, and the coming forth of various industries, from the old- fashioned furnace to the latest designed for steel making, let us glance once more at the port and note its advance. If in these later years Newport owes more to one individual than to another it is to Sir George Elliot; his foresight, his resistless energy have been well aided, and for the port there is a future opening out which will hand down his name in worthy record for many a year to come. In 1829 Newport sent away sixty thousand tons. This was a small total, considering that at this time the port enjoyed an exemption from the coal duty of four shillings per ton, which all other Welsh ports had to pay (see Author's History of Newport). - From 1830 the coal trade advanced. In 1842 the export foreign and coastwise was half a million tons. In 1870 the foreign coal shipment alone was three hundred and eighty-five thousand three hundred and eighty-eight tons, and during that year, instead of the few small sailers, which used to crawl in and out of the port, eleven thousand four hundred and eighty-eight vessels and steamers of all sizes, of a burden amounting to one million two hundred and eighty-seven thousand three hundred and fifty-eight tons, entered and cleared. That year the population had risen to seven thousand nine hundred. sº In 1880 Newport shipped one million, thirty-two thousand, five hundred and seventy-two tons of coal, to foreign destinations, and eight hundred and sixty-nine thousand, eight hundred and twenty tons coastwise. In 1884 foreign coal shipments were one million, seven hundred and sixty-seven thousand, seven hundred and ninety-one, and coastwise one million, thirty-one thousand, five hundred and forty tons. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 177 In 1885, foreign, one million seven hundred and sixty-seven thousand, seven hundred and ninety-one tons; coastwise, one million, one hundred and twenty-eight thousand, five hundred and forty-six. The returns of coal exported for 1887 show an increase of nearly four hundred thousand tons over 1886, the actual figures being three million, seven hundred and eighty-five thousand, and eighty- two tons for 1887, as against three million three hundred and eighty-nine thousand three hundred and fifty-two tons for 1886; increase, three hundred and ninety-five thousand seven hundred and thirty tons. The details are:— ALEXANDRA DOCK. Foreign. Coastwise. Bunkers. Total. 1887 ... 1,979,057 ... 261,848 ... 334,393 ... 2,515,298 1886 ... 1,670,112 ... 252,146 ... 303,012 ... 2,225,270 Increase tº º º e ſº e tº dº e ... 290,028 OLD DOCK. Foreign. Coastwise. Bunkers. Total. 1887 ... 284,740 ... 346,050 ... 33,000 ... 663,790 1886 ... 218,209 ... 315,598 ... 23,725 ... 557,532 Increase ... tº e º ge tº tº ... 106,258 RIVER, Foreign. Coastwise. Bunkers. Total. . 1887 ... 22,729 ... 583,265 ... —— ... 605,994 1886 ... 22,355 ... 584,195 ... —— ... 606,550 Decrease ... tº $ º © tº sº º º 556 It will thus be seen that the tendency has been towards shipping coal at the docks. A summary of the total shows:— Alexandra Dock. Old Dock. River. Total. 1887 ... 2,515,298 ... 663,790 ... 605,994 ... 3,785,082 1886 ... 2,225,270 ... 557,532 ... 606,550 ... 3,389,352 Total increase © º e tº ſº º ... 395,730 M 178 THE SOUTH WA LES COA I, TRADE THE GLAMORGANSHIRE CANAL. The history of this undertaking is a prominent one in the progress of the coal trade. That trade was in its infancy as regards the Taff Vale Valley when the canal movement was under discussion. Prior to this date coal was brought to Cardiff from Tenby, Llanelly, Swansea, and Carmarthen, in sloops of fifty to sixty tons burden (see Cardiff). The Bill for the construction of the canal was promoted, says the title page of the Act of Parliament, “at the Parliament begun and holden at Westminster the Eighteenth day of May, Anno Domini 1784, in the Twentieth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third.” “And from thence continued, by several prorogations and adjournments, to the Twenty-first day of January, 1790, being the seventh session and the sixteenth Parliament of Great Britain.” The preamble of the Act of Parliament sets forth that the “making and maintaining a canal for the navigation of boats and other vessels from a place called Merthyr Tidvile,” to and through a place called the Bank, near to the town of Cardiff, would open communications with several extensive ironworks and collieries, and be of public utility. . The Act incorporates the following company of proprietors, viz., John Basset, John Blannin, John Butler, the Right Hon. Lord Cardiff, Richard Crawshay, Mary Crawshay, William Crawshay, Mary Crawshay, jumr., Ann Crawshay, Charlotte Crawshay, Elizabeth Crawshay, James Cockshute, Edward Cockshute, Henry Charles, Thomas Charles, Thomas Dadford, Thomas Dadford, jun., the Rev. Thomas Davis, Richard Davies, Richard Forman, Thomas Guest, John Harris, Francis Homfray, Jeremiah Homfray, Samuel Homfray, Harford, Partridge and Company, Mary Harford, Elizabeth Harford, Richard Harford, sen., Samuel Harford, John Harford, John Hall, Richard Hill, Calvert R. Jones, Elizabeth Jonas, Wyndham Lewis, Henry Llewellin, Samuel Lund, William Morgan, Thomas Mabury, John Morgan, William Morgan, John Morgan, John Peirce, William Porter, Walter Powell, John Powell, AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 179 Richard Reynolds, Count de Redin, Thomas Ransom, William Stevens, Samuel Sabin, John Kemys Tynte, William Thompson, John Thomas, William Taitt, Godfrey Thornton, Samuel Thornton, Robert Thornton, Henry Thornton, Joseph Vaughan, John Wilkinson, William Wilkinson, Bloom Williams, Daniel Williams, Geoffrey Wilkins, Wilkins Jeffreys, Wilkins and Williams, William Wilkins, Pennoyre Watkins, Robert Williams, William Williams, Thomas Wilkins, and John Williams. The company were empowered to make and complete a canal navigable and passable for boats and other vessels from Merthyr Tydvile, through the parishes of Llanvabon, Eglwysilan, Whitchurch, Llandaff, and St. John and St. Mary, Cardiff, to a place called the Bank, at Cardiff, and to supply the said canal with water whilst the same shall be making, and when made, from all such brooks, springs, streams, rivulets, and water courses as shall be found in digging or making the canal, or within a distance of two thousand yards thereof, to make the necessary reservoirs, feeders, aqueducts, &c. The proprietors were authorised to raise sixty thousand pounds to carry on the work; and this money was divided into six hundred shares, and deemed personal estate. If this sum were insufficient, a further sum of thirty thousand pounds might be raised by calls upon the company, and we may here observe that all this money was raised, and the ten thousand pounds, which made up the hundred thousand, were subscribed on a provisional order sub- sequently obtained. The company were empowered to levy rates as follow :—For all stone, iron, timber, goods, wares, merchandise, and other things (except ironstone, iron ore, coal, limestone, lime, and manure) any sum not exceeding fivepence per ton per mile ; for all ironstone, iron ore, coal, limestone, lime, and manure, any sum not exceeding twopence per ton per mile. Ships passing through the lock into or out of the dock or basin, which might be made by virtue of that Act, were to be subject to the payment of one penny per ton; and no ship or vessel should be allowed to remain in the dock or basin for a longer time than should be reasonable for loading or unloading. Certain payments were also to be made for wharfage; and powers were given to the company 180 THE SOUTH WA LES COA L TRADE to alter the rates whenever necessary, a provision being inserted that the profits should not exceed eight pounds per cent. per annum, Power was given to make railways from any collieries or works within four miles from any part of the canal; subject to certain conditions relating to the acquisition of the land, &c. Previous to the formation of the canal coal and other produce of the surrounding country was conveyed to the town principally on the backs of mules. These animals arrived periodically in large droves, discharging their burdens at the Old Quay, where the small vessels which visited the port at that time discharged and took in their cargoes, the River Taff not being navigable by ships of large burden. The canal was commenced in August, 1790, partially opened in 1794, opened all the way June, 1798. In 1796 the previous Act was amended, and power obtained which enabled the company “to extend the said canal to a place called the Lower Layer, below the said town,” and in June, 1798, the first vessel passed the sea lock. The length of the canal was twenty-five miles, three furlongs, three chains. It was brought through a mountainous country, the head of the canal at Merthyr Tydfil being five hundred and sixty-eight feet eight inches higher than the sea lock at Cardiff. The beneficial results of the construction of this canal were soon made apparent in a large increasing trade, and the undertaking became so inadequate to the traffic of the district that the large vessels were obliged to take in their cargoes from lighters in the Penarth Roads. In 1801 the population of Cardiff was one thousand and eighteen, and in 1841 it was ten thousand and seventy-seven. The increase of trade was proportionate to the increase of population. And in 1838, the year before the opening of the first dock at Cardiff, the value of the foreign shipments amounted to three hundred and sixty-two thousand pounds, carried in two hundred and ninety- two vessels. When the Bute Docks were constructed the Glamorganshire Canal lost its great commercial importance ; but it has, nevertheless, continued to carry on a considerable traffic, and to earn for its proprietors a moderate return on their share capital. It is now close upon one hundred years since the canal AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 181 was formed ; and the people of Cardiff will ever look upon it with a certain amount of veneration, as being the enterprise which gave the first impulse to the trade, not only of the town, but of the district. At the final opening of the canal its sea pond received vessels of one hundred and fifty to two hundred tons burden. It was then found that each barge with its load of twenty-four tons, drawn by one horse, and attended by a man and a boy, brought down just as much as had previously occupied twelve waggons, forty-eight horses, twelve men, and twelve boys. : Previous to its opening the whole trade of Cardiff was carried on from the Old Quay at the back of the town. The progress of the canal, and the increase which followed, can be seen in the following list:-Coal sent to Cardiff, 1819, 34,606 tons; 1829, 83,729 tons; 1839, 211,214 tons. It may be of interest also to add the consignments to Cardiff in the year 1839, the year, it must be noted, in which happened the next great event in local history, the opening of the Bute Docks. 1839, Coal sent to Cardiff by barges on canal:—Thomas Powell, 27,096 tons; Powell and Company, 34,841 tons; W. Coffin, 51,100 tons; George Insole, 23,444 tons; Lucy Thomas, 17,097 tons; Morgan Thomas, 14,924 tons; John Edmunds, 14,073 tons; Duncan and Company, 13,386 tons; D. Davis and Company, 8,978 tons; Aberdare Coal Company, 3,373 tons ; E. Evans, 2,902 tons; total, 211,214 tons. The undertaking from the early years of the century was a fairly paying one, but in the good days of the iron trade it was successful beyond the wildest dreams of the projectors. Very frequently the freighters would receive the carriage of their goods free for three months at a time, so as to keep the profits below ten per cent. The only serious evil that threatened them at any time was an intended opposition by Penydarran and Dowlais, who proposed competing with the canal by having a railway, worked by horses, 182 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE to Cardiff. Against this the canal proprietors appealed in a pathetic manner, as we have seen in a worn and tattered document handed to us by one of the old landowners. It ran as follows:— “An address from the Glamorganshire Canal Proprietors (and Commissioners of the Turnpike Road from Merthyr Tydvil to Cardiff) to the landowners in their vicinity. “A drawing having been published of an intended railway by the side of the Glamorgan Canal and the turnpike, the proprietors beg leave to state some facts. “Under two several Acts of Parliament they have made a canal at an expense of one hundred and three thousand six hundred pounds, competent to carry on the traffick from all the iron works, etc., in its vicinity; for which they have received five per cent. interest, and no more ; by the Act they are proscribed from ever receiving above eight per cent. from and after the term of three years after the said canal is finished, which we believe is the least encouragement ever stipulated for, on so great a risque. It has been urg'd the money was spent wastefully—we deny that, for though we had very great difficulties to encounter, and the engineer ran away from his contract, to the company's great loss; yet this very extraordinary work is now finished for less money than any other of its magnitude and utility that we have heard of. It is asserted that by a Dram Road goods will be carried cheaper than by the canal. It cannot be believed that horses and waggons can be made to do this. On the canal the whole expense is twenty-five miles at fivepence, and two shillings to two shillings and sixpence; carriage, twelve shillings and five- pence or twelve shillings and elevenpence per ton. There are clauses in the Act of Parliament to enable any person to make railways, as far as four thousand yards from the canal, to partake of its benefits, explore and bring the mineral wealth of the country by it to the sea; and by an increase of trade tolls will in time be reduced to perhaps half what they now are without injury to any set of men. But if this retrograde plan of going back to carriage by horses should take place the country can never AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 183 benefit by a reduction of carriage. It will deprive the canal of Penydarran and Dowlais works, which have been so much benefitted by it as to become its rivals, after the company have bestowed on both every convenience they want, as roads, bridge over the Taff, etc., and to the cutter eleven hundred pounds in cash to pay for their railroad to join the canal, so that the injustice and ingratitude of both are too glaring to be kept from the public. “In short, it is designed to ruin the canal company; and the Deed Poll-holders or Turnpike Road will never after have five per cent. for their advance, or will it's presumed be intended subscribers to this barbarous horse road ever have half five per cent. “This statement is submitted to the landowners where the road is marked on the drawings to shew the futility of a pretended benefit to them, or to any person whatever; the attempt is to terrify the company to give up a present moiety of what they are justly, under the faith of Parliament, entitled to ; and on which they subscribed their money. “Coal, limestone, etc., are now carried on the canal for twopence per ton per mile, that never can be the case on any road whatever. We appeal to every person's own understanding on this point, and refer the reader to Kent's Swrvey of Norfolk, pages 18 and 141. . - “Whoever looks candidly on this attempt will see the injury done to two useful sets of men, viz., the Canal and Turnpike Road subscribers. A waste of lands to profit nobody “Whatever may be urg'd per contra, we are of opinion that by a road the iron never will be carried so cheap as it now is by the canal, and that in three years time it will be considerably lowered by the increase of trade upon it.” - N.B.—This is nearly illegible, but sufficient remains to show the conclusion of the address) “ that in their opinion the action is 184 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE one of an ungrateful character, as it is directed against the interests of the canal, and without the canal the iron works would have been poor concerns indeed. “BY ORDER OF THE PROPRIETORS. “Cardiff, Jan. 14, 1799.” The old writer punctuates oddly, and emphasises Money, Men, and Trade, in the old-fashioned manner; but it does not appear that the rivalry was ever carried out. Mr. E. D. Howells, of Gelly Isaf, to whom we are indebted for a great deal of assistance in our work, states that the tramway scheme was a very ambitious one. It was surveyed by T. Davies, of Crickhowell, and included a direct tramway worked by horses from Cardiff to Merthyr, Aberdare, Dinas, Rhondda, Ely, Llan- trissant; by way of Llancaiach to Bargoed, and by way of Troedyrhiew to Rhymney. These facts are interesting, as they show that some people believed in the existence of the coal measures of the district at that early period. This part of the plan was never carried out. The first practical rivalry was the tramway to the Navigation, followed by the Taff Vale. The further history of the canal is of interest. It has outlived its originators. In 1882 sanction was given by Parliament for making a dock at the mouth of the canal, and railway connection with the Great Western Railway system. Next it was transferred to the Marquess of Bute by the company on advantageous terms, then deepened, and had the addition of new locks and timber float. - THE TAFF VALE RAILWAY. A traveller journeying from Merthyr to Cardiff may notice, at a curve of the line, before coming to Quaker's Yard, an ancient looking tramway, almost hidden from sight by grass and weeds. That bit of tramway is worth more than a passing glance, for it may well be termed the mother of the “Taff Vale Railway.” The A VD IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 185 big son has long out-grown the parent, and attained an importance and a position such as Isambard Brunel and the three iron kings who started the Taff Vale Line never, in their most sanguine moments, contemplated. When the Merthyr Iron Works had become of some degree of consequence under the hands of Bacon, he found himself hampered by the want of roads, or means of conveying the produce of his furnaces. He was cooped up in a hollow—a huge basin, with a narrow outlet at the northern and southern extremities. In this huge basin, where the making of iron was being fostered, Bacon first, after using mules for the conveyance of his iron to Swansea and Cardiff, made a substantial road. He was followed by Crawshay, Guest, and Homfray with a canal, and that again was supplemented by the tramway from Penydarren to Navigation. It was made in 1803, and was the first tramway for which an Act of Parliament was sought. Upon this tramway, in 1804, Samuel Homfray made a bet of one thousand pounds with Richard Crawshay that he would convey a load of iron by steam power from his works to the Navigation, nine miles distant. The man selected to accomplish this feat was Trevethick. Trevethick was materially assisted by Rees Jones, of Penydarren, an ingenious and self-taught mechanic, whose homely features are now enshrined in the Art Exhibition of Kensington. The Cornish genius brought most of his materials to Merthyr, and, by the assistance of Jones, the locomotive known as “Trevethick's High Pressure Tram Engine’’ was in readiness on the eventſul day, and such a day Merthyr had rarely seen before. Great crowds assembled at Penydarren, and on the route all the population gathered in expectation on the eventful 12th of February, 1804. The locomotive was a curiosity. With a tall, clumsy stack it had a dwarf body, perched on a high framework, and large wheels. The cylinder was upright, and the piston worked downwards. Attached to the engine were trams laden, not only with ten tons of iron, but with seventy persons also, each of whom had a yearning to distinguish himself amongst his 186 THE SOUTH WALES OOAL TRADE fellows. On the locomotive, stern faced, but hopeful, was Richard Trevethick—his fortunes hung on the venture; and there stood honest Rees—doubt and hope amusingly blended, and William Richards, the driver, anxious for the signal; and the Homfrays and the Crawshays, too, were there, and managers and agents. The signal was given; a jet of steam burst forth ; the wheels revolved with hideous clang, and slowly the mass moved, and Richard Crawshay the same instant felt his thousand pounds take wing ! But it was not a smooth run ; just below the village the stack, which was made of bricks, came into collision with a bridge, and away went bridge and stack. Trevethick was not the man to be daunted; and though no one was allowed to move hand or foot to help him, he soon built up the stack, and steamed away at the .rate of five miles an hour, reaching Navigation with ease, and winning the wager. It did not, however, settle the question of the possibility of these locomotives being used for transport, as it failed utterly then, on account of gradients and curves, to bring the empty trams back again. The Cambrian newspaper of that day stated that the load amounted to ten tons of bar iron, and that, as fully seventy people rode upon the trams, this was increased to fifteen tons. The writer, evidently moved by the fact that this was an enormous weight to be moved by a “kettle,” added—“It performed the journey without feeding or using any water, and will travel with ease at the rate of five miles an hour.” Then comes the startling moral,—“It is not doubted but that the number of horses will be considerably reduced, and the machine in the hands of the present proprietors will be made use of in a hundred instances never yet thought of for an instant l” Old inhabitants recollect the successors of this ancient locomotive, which, in after years, was exiled to Foss y Vram, where it did duty until its boiler, a capital bit of work, was used up. The successors were “noisy, screeching things,” making a great clatter. The sound of the cogs, the asthmatic puffing, the clouds A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 187 of smoke, and the sulphurous smell clinging around long after the engine had passed, are all part of old Merthyr and its primitive era. - The efforts of Trevethick, who ran a locomotive also from Mill Street to Hirwain, and those who followed him, led gradually to changes. Before 1791 there was not a yard of iron rails laid down in South Wales, but by 1811 the tramroads and railways connected with the various iron and copper Works and collieries amounted to one hundred and fifty miles. By 1814 Dowlais alone had thirty miles of tramroad underground. The introduction of locomotives was a tedious and disheartening process. At Cyfarthfa, for instance, the first engines used would rear up like restive horses instead of keeping to the rails and going ahead. With the next the wheels revolved violently, and that was all. The early ones were more or less defective and ponderous and clumsy, but the idea was right, and time and ceaseless mental effort had their customary results—success. It is just a repetition now in the case of the electric light—trial and partial failures: Some day, and not remote, the struggle will be over. It was not until the year 1835 that any definite steps were taken to improve on this tramway. Dowlais had its tramway down to the canal, passing through Pontstorehouse. Penydarren and Plymouth had the mother of the Taff Vale in laborious servitude; and Crawshay the canal. But the iron trade was growing, and Guest, of Dowlais, one of the three great freighters of the tramway, openly expressed his desire for an improved mode. It is stated that Guest, Homfray, and Anthony Hill had serious discussions on the ways and means, and that Anthony Hill under- took to confer with an engineer upon the matter. In February, 1835, Isambard Brunel, who was a personal friend of Mr. Anthony Hill, was asked to report upon the possibility of making a line between Merthyr and Cardiff, to be called the Merthyr and Cardiff Railway. Not only was he directed to enter fully into the mode of forming the line, but to give every particular respecting the expense. - 188 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE It was a big undertaking for the time, but Brunel grappled the theme vigorously, and his report is able and interesting. Brunel throughout has no idea of more than three persons in the coal valley. He takes no note of populations, hamlets, parishes, villages, towns. He shows at starting that he has no cognisance of mayors or aldermen. Nay, what is more, he does not give the reference to groceries as an element of income, and could he look from his grave would be startled to find that a grocer in one of the leading towns pays no less than five hundred pounds a month for carrying his sugar, soap, flour, and other matters, and that three years of that grocer's payments to the Taff would repay the entire cost of making the line as first propounded by Brunel ! No, Brunel, only notices three worthies, and these, with all the old- fashioned courtesy of half a century ago, he addresses, and from the first it is evident that the great object in starting the railway is to carry iron from Merthyr to Cardiff. That is, with slight exception, the great aim. No talk of passengers, convenience to the towns, developing great populations; but iron to Cardiff. The slight exceptions are the Waun Wyllt Collieries, and a small iron trade carried on in the Valley of Aberdare. Mrs. Lucy Thomas, at Waun Wyllt Collieries, was then the only supplier of coal from the Merthyr Valley to Cardiff. Wayne supplied from Aberdare, and Coffin, with his five or six miles of tramway, to which Brunel refers with great respect, supplied from the Rhondda Valley. The Glyn Rhondda were pasture solitudes, around which, to a few musty men, hung traditions of Pen Rhys Monastery, and ancient eisteddfodau, and of Owen Glyndwr. Coffin, and his five or six miles of tramway, was the only interloper amongst the traditions ! What the character of the coal traffic between Merthyr and Cardiff was may be gleaned from the report. Brunel calculates, and evidently from direct information from the first sources, that the railway would take ninety thousand tons of iron down per annum; the exact total, by the way, which the canal was then taking. In addition to the quantity from Merthyr, there was A ND ITS A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 189 fifteen thousand, tons of iron from Aberdare. And coals from the Waun Wyllt Collieries, thirty thousand tons per annum. Isambard is very much impressed with the importance of this fact, and makes his O’s very round, in the same way as a man dwells pleasingly on the enumeration of thousands. No returns of coal sent down prior to the Taff from all districts can now be obtained, but as Brunel lays great stress on the Waun Wyllt, and refers only slightly to the other valleys, it is fair to conclude that, putting the three at equal amounts, not more than one hundred thousand tons went over the rails. Having dilated upon the iron traffic—the great staple of the valley—Brunel next touches upon the possible income from the coal development of the Bargoed Valley—a valley, by the way, from whence the Taff has derived the least benefit. The great tract from Plymouth Works to Quaker's Yard is regarded as non- remunerative. It is to Brunel like that large expanse without a plum which a boy comes to when eating a cake, and passes over as rapidly as possible. What would he say now to Castle Pit and Merthyr Vale and Harris’ Navigation ? Three fine plums | There is another piece of the unremunerative from Pontypridd down to Cardiff, and, having glanced at these two points, Brunel proceeded to touch upon the formation of the line. He supports the incline theory strongly, because, as he naively argues, it is only at this point great power will be required, and it would be better to construct the line accordingly, with a certain gradient and an important incline, for then power of any magnitude will only be required there; whereas, if otherwise constructed, the same power would be required the whole length of the line. To his thinking the line can be most inexpensively constructed. Land and compensation he calculates at nineteen thousand pounds; excavations and embankments at forty-six thousand six hundred and sixty-six; masonry for the only important bridge and tunnel adjoining, twenty-four thousand pounds; incline, two thousand seven hundred and seventy-two; rails at eight pounds ten shillings per ton, fifty-five lbs. to the yard; chairs at seven pounds ten | 90 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE shillings, eighteen lbs. to the yard; blocks, bolts, keys, ballasting, etc., at one thousand eight hundred and sixty pounds per mile; constructing the line thirty-three miles, including branches and partings, sixty-one thousand three hundred and eighty pounds; machinery of inclines, a thirty and twenty horse power engine, six thousand three hundred pounds. The rolling stock necessary in the working of the line, six locomotives with tenders, six thousand pounds—just one thousand pounds each ; Waggons for part of the trade, one thousand six hundred pounds; four watering stations, eight hundred pounds; total cost of the line, one hundred and seventy-three thousand three hundred and ten pounds; an additional ten per cent. to be added for contingencies; the whole forming a grand total of one hundred and ninety thousand six hundred and forty-nine pounds ten shillings; and to start the whole and have capital for working only four hundred thousand pounds was first raised. In looking over the management of the line, Brunel regards the possibility of one engine taking down as much as one hundred tons at a time. He never dreamt of a locomotive taking down something like one thousand tons at a time, such as one can see almost any day; and six of these locomotives of the antique pattern of the old “Columbia.” will work the whole line, running up and down within half-an-hour or an hour of each other. Now the distance between them is scarcely ten minutes. In the length of the line there were to be six partings, so as to allow the trains to pass, and eventually these partings might be lengthened and form a double line, which Brunel thought would meet the greatest possible trade which the most sanguine could expect in the matter of passengers, the estimated revenue was four thousand and seventy-six pounds, sixteen shillings. Total last year was over ninety-two thousand pounds. Such were the dimensions of the projected line. There was no time lost in the formulas, the Act was obtained in 1836, and the funds soon collected. Bristol never did a better AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 191 thing than in contributing largely, and thus obtained a hold over the line which has been maintained throughout. The Taff was only constructed at first as far as the Navigation, and only a single line of rails, but in 1841 it was opened to Merthyr, a distance of twenty-four and a half miles. It was not smooth running for the Taff, in a pecuniary sense, for many years. At one time shares were down to thirty-eight and the directors had no money to meet liabilities. We give an illustration of the directors’ troubles. Mr. Howells, of the Patriot, Merthyr, an able man of the old unlettered school, who had carried out several contracts with skill, had been applied to by Mr. Guest when the railway was forming to build the bridge at Quaker's Yard. He built it in conjunction with Mr. Evans, a partner, and remained several years without his money; finally he called upon his solicitor, Mr. C. H. James, and asked him to go down with him and see the directors. Mr. James readily accompanied him, saw them and pressed his claim ; but, said Coffin, them chairman, we have no money; we cannot pay. Mr. James suggested that his client should have an issue of “stock” at the then market rate to the amount of his bill. Coffin said it was a fair enough proposal, and, after some discussion, Howells obtained shares to the amount, which members of the family still hold, and we need not add, as the shares at one time touched upon three hundred pounds, it was an enormous fortune. Even when at forty-four per cent, there was no move, and a Cardiff capitalist (Mr. William Jones) being advised to buy, crossly replied, “I wouldn't touch them with a pair of tongs " To show the little estimation in which they were held, Mr. Guest, Mr. W. Crawshay, Mr. T. Evans, and Mr. C. H. James, journeying together from a directors' meeting—we had the anecdote from one of the gentlemen—discussed the subject in the railway carriage, and Crawshay, addressing Thomas Evans, said, “Here, Evans, I have so many shares; they are at sixty per cent. now, take them at that price. I should like to be rid of the whole lot.” Evans hesitated. “Give me your hand,” continued Crawshay, “and it 192 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE is a bargain. I will make them over to you.” “No,” said Evans, “it is too much for me to manage,” and the great bargain was lost. Those early days of struggles, when the little grocers and publicans, having put in their mites, were only too eager in getting them out again, and the increase at best was slow, was marked by the entrance upon the scene of one who has been identified with the progress and development of the Taff Vale Railway, and has lived to see the poorly paying line one of the best ventures in the Kingdom—Mr. George Fisher. Guest from the first to the end of his days was a leading spirit of the Taff. Mr. Homfray figured less, and it must be admitted that Mr. Hill, whose conference with Brunel initiated the line, kept to his own tramway and the canal, and was the least of the three freighters in advancing its interests. Hill almost to the last believed more in water than in steam power. The early locomotives of the Taff Vale (eight in number) deserve more than a passing notice. They were the forerunners —we can scarcely say forefathers—of the present squadron. One must go back nearly fifty years to recall them, and to remember the astonishment of the native population who came to cottage doors with babies in arms, and looked until they were out of sight, then went in to wonder. First there was “Taff,” a neat little engine, very compact, and her sister engine the “Rhondda.” “Merthyr " came next, a heavy engine of great power, intended to work the iron rails down and the long train of wagons back. Its sister engine was “Cardiff,” also of formidable size. Then came “Llancaiach,” with its chimney the wrong way—placed on the top of the fire box. The sister of this was “Dinas,” with the same peculiar arrange- ment of chimneys, but in both cases this was afterwards rectified. The last two were “Dowlais” and “Plymouth.” The first four locomotives came from Manchester; the other four from Hawthorne, Newcastle-on-Tyne. These were the original engines of the Taff. The original or first drivers were all imported. It was not to be expected that a Welshman would have any knowledge of a locomotive, though one had been an able assistant AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 193 with Trevethick. So there was an importation of the necessary talent—all Newcastle men, some of whom settled down in the strange country, and taking to themselves the black-haired damsels to wife, helped to give the dialect its diversity both in Cardiff and Merthyr. They are remembered—strong, resolute men, something after the “Jack Llandaff.” (Cowen Llandreth) stamp, who was a driver of a later time. The name of one was Cochrane, another James Rate. Two of these engines were stationed at Merthyr—“Dowlais ? and “Llancaiach”—and for a long time there was great interest in being allowed to watch the cleaning down of the iron horses, an after dinner process, the brightening of their boxes, and the polishing of their side rods. The carriages were original. The first was something after the present day pattern, the second had doors at the side, but the third It is a pity one of them has not been preserved as a curiosity. They were known as tubs, “yr hen twb’’; were simply open vans, with a seat around, and no protection from the weather or the smoke and cinders of the locomotive. In the gusty days of March, or on wet days, the discomfort was great, and to come into town with a cinder in your eye or drenched was nothing unusual. Nor was this the only discomfort; the “tub” was a kind of general repository of passengers and goods. With the goods also live animals . It was nothing strange for a fat sheep to be put in, and calves were common. Pigs were not allowed A lively time in the “tub” was when the Merthyr hucksters came back from their weekly journey to Bristol, bringing their purchases—from veal to onions. There was always an odour of gin about those Bristol journeys, and this comforter imparted hostile views sometimes, and led to inharmonious dialogues in the tub, sometimes to the alarm of the peaceable. - But this was nothing to the early excursions on the Taff, when the puddlers—few colliers in those days—went to Cardiff. The row at night was something terrible. The stationmaster always had a pair of handcuffs ready, and these were generally used. The N 194 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE puddler, whether from mixing the beer—taking Cardiff ale after that of Dowlais, or from the motion of the train or inordinate quantities taken, or what not, was lively on his return, and pugilistic and argumentative. Tickets had been lost. The idea of retaining a ticket from the morning ! “Dim Saesoneg,” and references in Welsh to the dark gentleman and his abode. Talk of swearing ! The old Welsh preachers have shown the force of the Welsh language in their Biblical comments, and have awe- stricken thousands. But imagine all this capacity in untrained hands or tongues, and some idea may be obtained of the official horror of the early excursion. An old Taff Vale man after the lapse of forty-five years recalls them with a tremble ! The old Taff Vale man has described to us the eight engines which formed the rolling stock of the Taff. Aberdare then was not regarded as important enough, or, perhaps, it was reserved for No. 9. The trains were “mixed,” and the weekly receipts about three hundred and forty pounds—just the takings of a grocery The line was first opened halfway (1840) to Aberdare Junction and Llancaiach. In 1841 it was opened to Merthyr. “I well remember,” states our informant, “when the thousands of people lined both sides of the road from Pentrebach to Merthyr to witness the opening; and after the trains returned from Merthyr to Cardiff there was a prize fight in honour of the occasion between Shoni Scybor Fawr-a Rebeccaite, who was afterwards trans- ported for twenty years, and John Nash, railman at Cyfarthfa.” Mr. George Fisher may be said to have been connected with the Taff from its youth, as he joined it in 1840. The line was then single throughout, with a branch to Aerw, communicating with the tram road leading to the collieries at Dinas. After that it was extended to Ystrad and then to Treherbert. The first notable act of Mr. Fisher was to open the Ynyscoi tunnel in order to make a double line to the Aberdare Junction. By that time the Aberdare branch had been made by the late Sir John Guest and Mr. Crawshay Bailey. Then, with the increase of traffic, Mr. Fisher commenced increasing the number of AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 195 engines, and he undertook the working of the Aberdare branch instead of Captain Lewis, who managed it for Guest and Bailey. Up to 1864 Mr. Fisher worked the Merthyr end single, but the pressure of traffic could not be resisted, that from Dowlais and Plymouth being very large, and the double line was forthwith made from Incline Top to Merthyr. It is most creditable to the management to add that the whole of the work, with the opening of the Goitre Coed Tunnel and the widening of the Great Bridge, which is one hundred and four feet high, was carried on without stopping the traffic one hour, or causing any serious accident to any person. Following this came the building of the new bridge at Ponty- pridd to do away with an old short radius curve for the Rhondda, and double that branch to Treherbert. The enormous coal increase next necessitated the making a triple line for the Rhondda part of the way. Next followed the “tripling ” on the main line to Taff's Well, then to Treforest, and at present four lines of rail are laid between Cardiff and Pontypridd. The first locomotives brought down as a rule thirty coal trucks, each containing four to five tons of coal. The company had no waggons of their own, and the coalowners had to provide their own trucks. Let us now resume the progress of the line. The shares started at one hundred per cent., and, at one time down to forty, have since touched three hundred. The line of one, solitary, has increased to four, the one branch into eight : the six locomotives to close upon one hundred and eighty-two, all in admirable condition, and under the able direction of Mr. Riches. The locomotives are an addition of great power. It is no longer the primitive engine only constructed to take a train . of thirty five-ton waggons. Each can now take eighty ten tonners, and this has been frequently exceeded. The railway now owns one hundred and twenty-eight tenders, two hundred and four passenger carriages, and two thousand three hundred and forty-nine waggons and mineral trucks. It started with 196 THE SOUTH WALES OOAL TRADE fifty men all told, it now, gives employment to over seven thousand, and many hundreds casually. It expends eighty thousand pounds a year in salaries and in wages for the main- tenance of its traffic and the keeping of the permanent way in repair. It is worth while, with these results in mind, to look down from the swiftly rolling carriage upon that grass-covered railroad, and while paying just meed to Anthony Hill, and Brunel, and William Crawshay, and Sir John Guest, note with infinite satisfaction to what a pitch of greatness and excellence the Taff Vale has attained. From 1840 to 1850 it brought to Cardiff for shipment at the West Dock three million forty-three thousand nine hundred and sixty tons of coal; from 1850 to 1860 it brought down twelve million five hundred and eighty thousand two hundred and eighty-four tons; from 1860 to 1870 the quantity brought down was thirty-four million two hundred and thirty-two thousand four hundred and ninety-seven tons; from 1870 to 1880 the quantity brought down was forty-eight million eight hundred and seventy- one thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven tons; and from 1880 to 1885 the quantity was forty-one million seven hundred and eight thousand and seventy-eight tons. At this rate the quantity brought down up to 1890 will be nearly double that between 1870 and 1880. Up to 1887 it had brought down for shipment at Cardiff and Penarth one hundred and forty million four hundred and thirty-six thousand eight hundred and eighteen tons of coal, and the value of this when placed on board ship would exceed seventy million pounds. The total coal and coke brought down in 1887 was nine million five hundred and five thousand nine hundred and seventy-five tons, the largest total yet, so that ten million tons may be said to be within grasp. The only time when there was a falling off from a vigorous advance was in 1874 and 1875. In 1876 the march of progression was taken up again, and authorities believe that this year of 1888 will certainly see a total recorded of ten million tons of coal sent on the Taff Vale Railway. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES 197 In Mr. Geo. Fisher, who may be called the father of the line, it has had its engineer and general manager, with the skilful aid of his son, Mr. H. O. Fisher, in the engineering, carriage and wagon department; Mr. Hurman, as traffic manager; Mr. T. H. Riches, in the locomotive department. Eulogy in either, case would be obtrusive, and out of place. The life of each has been written in practical achievements which he who runs may read. - Mr. Hurman has grown up with the line, and has been untiring and devoted to its interests and that of the public, aiding well in mineral and commercial needs and in social requirements. To Mr. H. O. Fisher, who succeeded his father as engineer, must be credited an immense amount of improvement in our later days in new branches, stations, signalling, all tending to make the Tafi Vale one of the most perfect lines in the kingdom. - Now that the old railway is getting on in years it seems to have renewed its youth, and the line to Lavernock promises to be followed out still further, and the new station at Cardiff to have prototypes in various districts in proportion to general arrange- ments. It has been said that the Taff should have monopolised the whole railway system of the coal district, and from the first to have had branches in every valley. But, when we look at its Small beginnings—its being started by a few grocers, aided by an ironmaster or two, and to the rigid law of its directorate to be penurious to a degree in the matter of expense—it must be admitted to have done well, to have kept well up to the needs of the district, and to have aided well in the development of the coal field. Its leasing of Penarth Dock, under the management of Mr. Edwards, its branches to Cilfynnyd and the Ynysybwl, are alone striking proofs of this. . Its dovetailing with the new route to Newport is another, and, as showing the progressive development of traffic, this line, opened 7th July, 1884, took down that year one hundred and twenty-five thousand five hundred and thirteen tons; in 1885 it carried four hundred and twenty-nine thousand one hundred and nine tons; 198 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE in 1886, four hundred and eighty thousand one hundred and sixteen tons; and in 1887, six hundred and sixteen thousand six hundred and forty-three tons. The now venerable line has its history, as we have shown, and associations of the usual mingled character. Wonderfully exempt from accident, it yet had one at Pontypridd, which entailed a great loss of life and injuries too. Preserving its controlling hand in the person of Mr. Fisher from its infancy, so to state, it has yet suffered in the loss of many of its able promoters and workers—G. Bush, Marwood, E. Kenway, E. E. Page, J. C. Nicholson, and of late J. T. Williams, of Hendrescythan, the inevitable at Parliamentary Committees with his plans. In his case it is fortunate for the Taff that his mantle has fallen so well on his friend and pupil, Mr. Brewer. - CARDIFF AND THE BUTE DOCKS. Those who have followed the course of our history will have noticed the increasing development of the back ground—the hills burrowed by a host of colliers, the valleys lit up with the glare of furnaces; but so far, the little port—nature's outlet—remains unaffected. Let us now, under the distinctive heading of Cardiff, again march backwards to the earliest signs of industry, and follow afterwards the stream up to the present time. The history of Cardiff, apart from Roman Governor and native Prince, from Norman ruler, knight, and monk, is a scant one; its industrial development having been hardly expressed. In the sixteenth century the town is referred to by Merrick as having “a faire Key, to which both Ships and Botes resort,” but what they resorted to was certainly not for iron or coal. The commercial history of Cardiff dates from 1701. In the shipping returns of the kingdom, published in the Cambrian Register, all Custom dues from Newport, Penmark, and Aberthaw are totalled AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 199 under the head of Cardiff. By these returns we find that in 1701 Cardiff with its three creeks had eleven vessels, and that its trade consisted in having shipped two hundred and eighteen tons. What these exports were cannot be stated; oats, Welsh mutton, and mountain produce generally would not be far from the mark. At this time it imported coal. This is a fact that must be borne in mind. Blue Book (Customs) returns show that in 1704 four chaldrons and twenty-four bushels of culm were “landed at Barry, in the port of Cardiff.” - “20th May.—Duty paid at Cardiff, three shillings and fourpence. “August 26th, 1704–Two chaldrons from Cardiff to Sully (Pembrokeshire coal unquestionably). Duty paid at Cardiff, ten shillings and fivepence. “September 14th, 1704.—Eight chaldrons of coals from Tenby landed at Cardiff. Duty, two pounds ten shillings. “Eight chaldrons from Tenby to Cardiff same year. Duty, two pounds eleven shillings and threepence.” In 1711 we have entries of coal being sent from Newport to Cadoxton Pill. In 1712 repeated cases of coal sent from Newport to Barry. In 1717 coal sent from Neath to Aberthaw, in the port of Cardiff, and during the period from 1705 to 1717 only one entry of two tons from Cardiff to Sully, which may have been a case only of re-shipment. In 1717 many small cargoes appear to have been sent from Tenby to Cardiff. In 1791 there is a Customs entry of thirty baskets of coal from Bristol In 1792 Cardiff (and its creeks) is reported to have twenty-two vessels, and during the year to have shipped seven hundred and eighty-nine tons of general merchandise. In 1795 we get the first distinct signs of shipment of coal. During that year it sent thirty-eight tons of coal to Bridgwater. In 1796 it had thirty vessels, and its shipments increased to one thousand and sixty- nine tons, which included one hundred and forty-six tons of coal to Bridgwater. But after 1797, according to Blue Book evidence, page 18, 1806, the opening coal trade began to decline, two or 200 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE three collieries, states a witness, have stopped. Questioned why was this, the reply was that the coalowners who sent their coal to the port of Cardiff could not compete with Monmouthshire. They had to pay a duty of five shillings and four pence, and in addition to give a bounty of one shilling and sixpence per ton to captains, the same as the Monmouthshire people did, or do nothing. Still, with it all, the feeble coal trade with Bridg- water kept on and slowly increased to 1801, when it totalled one thousand three hundred and ninety-eight tons, then it fell off as gradually to 1804, when it was only seventy-six tons; the faint light was flickering, and with this it—went out ! Entries from that date ceased for a long time. It was to the Glamorgan- shire Canal that even this feeble beginning was due (see Canal), but Cardiff had to wait, and by slow growth lay the enduring foundation of its greatness. Its progress up to this century had been small. In 1801 Cardiff only had three hundred and twenty-seven houses, and the population was but one thousand and eighteen. The operations of the Glamorganshire Canal in ten years told slightly, the houses increased to four hundred and ninety-one, the people to two thousand four hundred and fifty-seven. This was scarcely more than a natural progress, such as a village would show, for, by 1821, the houses were only six hundred and seventy- one, the population three thousand five hundred and twenty-one. Still the colliers burrowed on, and the furnaces flashed, and there was a more incessant tramping down the canal bank of horse and man. By 1831 the houses had increased to one thousand two hundred and ninety-six, the population had doubled, and were actually six thousand one hundred and eighty-seven. And now one of the secrets of progress which men study as if an algebraical problem, but which nature flashes out upon us as an inspiration, dawned on the mind. We had our fast increasing collieries, our busy canal, but the port—What of the port 2 Lord Bute had at length taken the momentous step towards making a Liverpool in Wales. Initiatory proceedings began in AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. - 201 1825, and reports from leading authorities obtained in 1828. . The Bute Docks Act was obtained on the memorable 1st of July, 1830, and nine years of hopeful work saw the dock completed and the prosperity of Cardiff assured. Captain Beaufort, Mr. Telford, Mr. Green, Mr. Cubitt, and Captain Smythe were the consulting advisers, and the outlay three hundred and fifty thousand pounds. Figures are wonderful revelations—the condensation of . eloquence, appealing to the mind as paintings to the eye, at a glance, telling in sententious brevity what pages of fine writing would fail to tell as well. So now let us trace by a few figures the results achieved by the Docks from 1841 :— Houses. º Population. 1841. . . . . 1,832 ... 10,077 1851 ... 2,624 ... 18,351." 1861 º 5,161 ... 32,954 1871 * e tº 8,156 ... 59,494 1881 ... . 12,137 ... , 86,364 So much for population and houses. We will now note the gradual increase of business at the port, an increase which Merrick with his few “Ships and Botes” would have looked on with astonishment. - In 1840 only four hundred and ninety-two vessels left the West Dock, but in 1847 this number had increased to four thousand one hundred. In 1840 (one year after the dock was opened) two hundred and three vessels cleared at Cardiff for foreign ports. In 1847 the number was six hundred and thirty-three. In 1840 the quantity of coal shipped to foreign ports was four thousand and sixty-six tons; in 1847 the quantity ºwas eighty- one thousand two hundred and forty-seven tons. The tonnage of the vessels sent was rapidly increasing, and Lord Bute saw that the foreign export trade—the trade he desired to secure to Cardiff—was largely increasing every year. . . . This great development of the coal trade created the necessity of providing more rapid facilities for the shipment of coal. In 1850 the Taff Vale Railway Company had some coal tips fixed at * 202 THE SOUTH WA LES OOAL TRADE their dock on the canal, giving a stimulus to the coal trade here. Lord Bute's managing trustee (Mr. John Boyle) soon afterwards began to take measures to carry out his lordship's wishes. Taking advantage of a creek on the Moors, this was developed and formed into a tidal harbour, round which coal tips were fixed, and coasters took in their cargoes of coal here, thus relieving the pressure sometimes felt by the overcrowded state of the West Dock. He then commenced constructing another dock of much greater capacity than the West Dock. The East Bute Dock was begun in 1851. It was a work of great magnitude, and is one of the finest docks in the country. It was built in three sections, commencing at the lower end, and each section was terminated with an artificial barrier, which was removed when the section beyond was completed. The East Bute Docks were constructed from plans originally prepared by Sir John Rennie in conjunction with the late Mr. W. S. Clark, but subsequently modified in order to provide for various necessary extensions by Mr. Walker and Mr. W. S. Clark. It now became evident that the coal trade would be the great industry of the future for South Wales, and would take the lead of the iron industry, which a century previous had done so much in changing the character of the whole county of Glamorgan. Land was being taken here and there along the Taff and Aberdare Valleys, and collieries were being sunk and connected by sidings with the Taff Vale Railway. The Rhymney Valley was regarded as nearly equally fertile in mineral deposits. The large ironworks here sent their productions for shipment at Newport, and in 1854 a company was incorporated, with Mr. John Boyle as chairman, to bring down coal, iron, etc., for shipment at the new dock when opened. It was at first proposed to construct the railway from Rhymney to Hengoed, and then join the Taff Vale Railway at Walnut Tree Bridge, over which the new company obtained running powers to Cardiff, whence again a new line and a magnificent viaduct conveyed the traffic to the East Dock. The capital of the new company was fixed at one hundred and thirty thousand pounds, one hundred thousand pounds to be raised by shares of one hundred pounds, and the remainder by loans. The next step AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 203 was running powers over the Great Western Railway into Aberdare. Next, the line by way of Llancaiach and Bargoed to Dowlais, and then a direct line to Merthyr. The next alteration of the Rhymney arrangements was, first, running powers over the Taff to Quakers' Yard, then by “loop line” to Llancaiach, and thence by an independent line via Caerphilly to Cardiff, and the last the construction of a distinct line and viaduct to Quakers' Yard, thus sundering a long connection with the Taff Vale. In these alterations, in the gradual development of the line and efficiency of management Mr. Cornelius Lundie has done excellent service, The South Wales Railway was opened as far as Swansea in 1850, and, as it passed through a mineral district west of Cardiff, this railway was placed as soon as possible in connection with the Bute Docks. The East Dock was partially opened in 1856, and the Great Western Railway was connected with it in 1857. This company was the first to apply hydraulic power to the lifting of the coal wagons and tipping their contents into the vessels' holds. This improvement increased the facility for loading vessels enormously, and hydraulic tips were attached to the sides of the new dock as it progressed. The Rhymney Railway was opened in 1859, and the three lines of railways—Taff Vale, Rhymney, and Great Western—were bringing down the mineral produce of their several districts for shipment at the Cardiff Docks. In 1850 the total quantity of coal shipped at Cardiff was Seven hundred and eleven thousand three hundred and ninety- two tons, of which five hundred and thirty-three thousand nine hundred and four tons were shipped at the West Dock. In 1855 the quantity of coal shipped at the port was one million two hundred and eighty-four thousand eight hundred and seventy- four tons, of which eight hundred and sixty-four thousand five hundred and sixteen tons were shipped at the West Dock. In 1860 this quantity had gone up to nearly two million tons. From 1850 to 1855 the increase of coal shipments from Cardiff was at the rate of one hundred thousand tons per annum, and 204 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE from 1855 to 1860 the increase was one hundred and fifty thousand tons per annum. The iron shipments also increased in a similar ratio. In 1850 the iron shipments amounted to ninety- six thousand one hundred and three tons; in 1855 they had gone - up to one hundred and twenty-six thousand eight hundred and sixteen tons, and in 1860 they reached one hundred and sixty- nine thousand five hundred and forty-seven tons. w Up to 1840 native ironstone was almost exclusively used in the manufacture of iron at the South Wales Iron Works. The increasing demand for South Wales coal at foreign ports brought with it an increasing fleet, part of which found employment in bringing ore from Whitehaven. Spanish ore is comparatively of recent import. In 1840, when only a few vessels sailed from Cardiff to foreign ports, the quantity of ore imported was under two thousand tons. In 1845, owing entirely to the opening of the West Dock, this quantity had gone up to thirty-nine thousand tons. In 1850 it was sixty-three thousand tons; in 1855 it was sixty-eight thousand tons, and in 1860 one hundred and thirteen thousand tons of iron ore were imported at Cardiff. - In 1856 a company was formed for the purpose of utilizing the entrance to the River Ely as a harbour for shipping coal and for constructing a dock under the headland at Penarth, and a railway to be connected with the Taff Vale Railway at Llandaff, over which line they also proposed to obtain running powers. The great increase of wealth, population, and commerce which resulted from the construction of the docks at Cardiff probably stimulated the large coal freighters to follow the example of Lord Bute. The original promoters of the company were C. Bailey, T. Powell, J. Nixon and other colliery proprietors. The Tidal. Harbour was opened in 1859, and the dock in 1865. The dock, though only seventeen and a half acres in extent, was well adapted for the purpose, and the depth of water at the sea gates was three feet greater than at the entrance to the East Dock. - In 1864 the trustees of Lord Bute sought Parliamentary powers to carry out a magnificent undertaking, including pier and docks, º AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 205 but as Lord Bute was then a minor, and as the cost of the under- taking involved an outlay of two million pounds sterling, the Parliamentary Committee disliked granting power to trustees to expend such a large sum of money, and this was more especially the case as in four years Lord Bute would attain his majority. In 1866 the trustees took before Parliament a modified scheme, consisting of a low-water pier and a large dock and basin, still further east than the existing East Dock. This scheme was sanctioned, but only the Roath Basin and Low-water Pier were carried out ; and in 1882 further Parliamentary powers were obtained for constructing the present new Roath Dock in the . place of the one originally #oposed, and which dock we shall note in due course. The shipping accommodation at Cardiff from 1860 to 1870 consisted, therefore, of the Glamorgan Canal, the West Dock, Tidal Harbour, East Dock, and the harbour and dock at Penarth. In 1865 the quantity of coal shipped at Cardiff was two million five hundred and one thousand six hundred and eighty-nine tons, and of this quantity one million four hundred and fifty-one thousand seven hundred and eighty tons were sent to foreign ports. In the same year thirteen thousand four hundred and ninety tons of coke, fifty-six thousand tons of patent fuel, and one hundred and sixty-six thousand seven hundred and forty-two tons of iron were shipped to various places, and one hundred and fifty-three thousand three hundred and sixty-five tons of iron ore were imported. In 1870 the quantity of coal shipped from Cardiff was three million one hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred and forty-two tons, of which two million three hundred and one thousand seven hundred and sixty-one tons were sent to foreign ports. There were besides sixty-one thousand six hundred and forty-one tons of patent fuel and two hundred and fifty-seven thousand three hundred and ninety-five tons of iron exported, and one hundred and nineteen thousand two hundred and one tons of iron ore imported. . . The shipments of coal had, therefore, increased between 1860 and 1870 one hundred per cent. - - - - 206 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE At this period there was another change observed in the character of the vessels sent in the coal and iron trades. Ships of larger and larger capacity had been sent for some time, and the shipments in the West Dock were stationary, while those in the East Dock were increasing rapidly; but during the ten years between 1860 and 1870 steamers were rapidly supplying the place of sailing vessels. In 1860 ten thousand four hundred sailing vessels and one thousand steamers cleared at the Cardiff Custom House, and in 1870 there were eight thousand four hundred and fifty sailing vessels and three thousand three hundred steamers. Under the powers of the Bute Dock Act of 1866 the trustees of the Marquess of Bute constructed a Low-water Pier, which was opened by Lord Bute in 1868, and the Roath Basin, under the superintendence of Mr. John McConnochie, with Mr. T. E. Harrison, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, as consulting engineer. This basin is a dock in itself. It is fitted with coal staiths, and the depth of water at the sea gates is thirty-five feet eight inches. The opening of this basin in 1874 gave an immense impetus to the shipment of coal, as vessels of four thousand tons register could be admitted with ease into it. The last great addition was the new dock, which was opened on August 24th, 1887, and was formerly inaugurated, amidst great public rejoicing, by the Marquess of Bute, on 31st January, 1883. It has a water area about thirty-three acres (exclusive of timber ponds), and is upward of two thousand four hundred feet long, and six hundred feet wide. The bottom of the dock is forty-three feet six inches below the level of the coping, and the depth of water ranges from thirty-six feet to twenty-six feet, according to the tide. The dock is entirely enclosed with walls of masonry, thus affording the largest practicable extent of quayage, as well as the greatest facilities for loading and discharging vessels. The length of quay space, including the jetty, is seven thousand five hundred and twenty lineal feet, or nearly one and a half miles. The area of quay space for the storing of cargoes and the general carrying on of the trade of the dock is over sixty acres, and the A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 207 capacity of the dock is equal to an additional trade of over five million tons per annum. The jetty is fitted with cranes of the most modern construction to discharge and load goods from or to the railway trucks direct for their destination, and will be especially useful for the loading of Manchester and other goods coming direct from the shippers. The dock is approached from the Roath Basin by a magnificent lock (the largest in the world), eighty feet in width and six hundred feet long between the gates, having a depth of water over the sills of thirty-six feet at ordinary springs, and twenty-six feet at ordinary neaps (the same depth as the entrance lock to Roath Basin). The gates are worked by hydraulic machinery, and the swing bridge across the lock has been designed to carry the heaviest traffic. The machinery, cranes, and other appliances for loading or discharging vessels, and for other purposes connected with the working of the dock, are of the most modern design and construction, of unusual power, and of greater capacity than anything hitherto in use. With a view to save breakage of coal, to ship it in as good condition as possible, and to meet the convenience of vessels by obviating the necessity for moving from the berth or from hatchway to hatchway during loading, the coal is shipped by means of a system of movable hydraulic cranes and other appliances, which have been invented and patented by Sir William Thomas Lewis, agent and manager of the Bute Docks estate, and Mr. Hunter, mechanical engineer of the Bute Docks. By means of this invention vessels are loaded in a much shorter time, and as much as six thousand five hundred tons have been put on board in one day. The quantity of coal shipped at Cardiff in 1875 was two million five hundred and forty-nine thousand six hundred and forty-one tons, only a slight increase on the shipments of 1870. In 1880 the shipments were five million eight hundred and sixty-two thousand four hundred and forty-nine tons, an increase of over one hundred per cent in five years, and in 1885 this had gone up to eight million two hundred and twenty-two thousand four hundred 208 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE and six tons, another increase of over seventy per cent. in five years. From 1880 to 1885 over forty million tons of coal were shipped at Cardiff, and in the latter year more coal was shipped from the port in one week than was shipped at Cardiff during the whole of 1837. The declared value of the coal shipped at Cardiff in 1885 was three million seven hundred and twelve thousand five hundred and nineteen pounds, while the value of the ninety thousand tons of iron shipped that year was declared to be four hundred and sixty-five thousand pounds. The value of the articles imported was declared to be one million six hundred and seventy-one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, while the value of the coals shipped in 1837 was sixty-one thousand six hundred and thirty-nine pounds, and of the iron three hundred and eighty-four thousand one hundred and sixty pounds. Under a very old charter the corporation were empowered to charge a harbour due of two shillings and sixpence for every vessel under sixty tons burthen and five shillings for every vessel over sixty tons entering the River Taff or the harbour outside. In 1839, when the West Dock was opened, these harbour dues amounted to about five hundred pounds a year; in 1845 they had gone up to nine hundred and thirty-six pounds; in 1850 to one thousand two hundred and eighty-four pounds; in 1860 to two thousand and sixty-six pounds; but owing to the enormous increase in the size of the vessels the number of the vessels entering the docks since 1860 has not materially increased, and the income to the town from this source alone remains now about two thousand or two thousand five hundred pounds annually. The Glamorganshire Canal has only a depth of water of seventeen feet as far as four hundred feet from the entrance. Near the Custom House Bridge it shallows to six feet, and only very small vessels could come up the canal beyond four hundred feet from the entrance. At the present time the West Dock has a depth of water of twenty-eight feet eight inches at the entrance gates at spring tides. The East Dock has a depth of thirty-one feet eight inches, and the Roath Basin a depth of thirty-five feet AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 209 eight inches at the sea gates at spring tides. The depth of water at the entrance to the Roath Basin is sufficient to admit the largest vessel in the merchant service. A vessel carrying four thousand tons of coal will draw from twenty-five to twenty-eight feet, and a vessel carrying six thousand tons will not draw thirty- five feet of water. The Great Eastern, which carries thirteen thousand tons, only draws thirty-one feet of water. The rage for building ships of enormous tonnage has ceased, and in all human probability no vessel will be constructed which cannot with ease be admitted to the Roath Basin at spring tides. The Cardiff Docks are supplied with forty-two tips for loading coal, seventeen of which are worked by hydraulic machinery, and twenty-five are constructed upon “the balance” principle and are worked by hand labour. A movable hydraulic crane has for some time been added to the tips at the Roath Basin, and is capable of shipping ten tons of coal in three minutes. It is moved further from or nearer to the fixed tips, according to the length of the vessel and the distance of the holds from each other. The balance tips can only load from eighty to one hundred tons per hour, while the tips worked by hydraulic machinery can load from one hundred to one hundred and fifty tons per hour. From Sir W. T. Lewis's. estimate in the proceedings of the Barry Bill, we learn that the tipping power at the Bute Docks at the present time is equal to twelve million tons annually. The new Roath Dock, connected with the Roath Basin and intended for vessels of very large tonnage, is now open, and fitted with coal staiths worked by hydraulic machinery, in the same manner as those at the Roath Basin. The loading power at the docks is thus considerably increased. - - The quayage accommodation at the Bute Docks at the present time exceeds twenty thousand lineal feet, and, assuming two hundred feet to be the average length of vessels carrying On 62 thousand tons of cargo, there is sufficient quayage space for one hundred vessels to be discharging ballast, or unloading and loading at the same time. To carry on the traffic at the docks, moving O 210 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE trucks to and from vessels, etc., the Marquess of Bute has thirty locomotives, and there are over seventy miles of sidings, as a storing place for coal waggons, etc. A few statistics of comparison may not here be out of place:– Up to 1839 (when the West Dock was opened), and for many years afterwards, Newport was far in advance of Cardiff as a port for the shipment of coal and iron. The Monmouthshire Canai and the tramway alongside brought to Newport far more coal and iron than was brought to Cardiff by the Glamorganshire Canal. In 1830 five times as much coal and iron was shipped at Newport as at Cardiff. In 1835 the quantity of coal shipped at Newport was four hundred and ninety-five thousand seven hundred and seventy- seven tons, and the quantity of iron one hundred and forty thousand nine hundred and twenty-eight tons, while the quantity of coal shipped at Cardiff was only one hundred and twenty-three thousand two hundred and seventy-nine tons, and the quantity of iron forty-eight thousand and twenty tons. In 1839 the quantity of coal shipped at Newport was five hundred and forty-eight thousand nine hundred and twenty-two tons, and the quantity of iron one hundred and seventy-four thousand three hundred and forty-nine tons. At Cardiff the quantity of coal shipped was only one hundred and sixty-five thousand seven hundred tons, and the quantity of iron one hundred and forty thousand tons. . At Swansea the business done was very small indeed, as the “Old Dock” was not made till 1852, and the opening of this dock was due to the rapid increase in the coal shipments at Cardiff after the West Dock was opened. Newport continued to hold the lead as the chief shipping port on the Welsh side of Bristol Channel until 1850, when the balance was turned in favour of Cardiff. In 1850 Cardiff shipped seven hundred and eight thousand five hundred and eighty-three tons of coal, and Newport only three hundred and seventeen thousand four hundred and seventeen tons. At the present time Cardiff ships nearly three times as much coal as Newport and nearly five times as much as is shipped at Swansea. The shipments. of iron at Newport are greater than at Cardiff, AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 2] I but Cardiff largely exports coke and patent fuel, which Newport does not to any extent. The iron shipments at Swansea are very low. In rapid shipment since the opening of the Roath Dock the Lewis and Hunter's cranes have placed the docks in the first rank. The largest going steamer is now coaled in twenty-four hours. The water area of the Cardiff Docks is one hundred and twelve acres. In addition, there are twelve acres of seventeen feet water in the canal, and the twenty and a half acres at Penarth Dock, making a total area of one hundred and forty-four acres of water enclosed as docks. The water area of the Liverpool Docks is five hundred and sixty-five acres, and of London Docks five hundred and sixty acres. Next in the list stands Cardiff with one hundred and forty-four acres. Barrow Docks have a water area of one hundred and thirty-three acres; Newcastle (excluding the new Coble Dene Docks), one hundred and seventeen acres; and Hull has one hundred and two acres. At the present time Cardiff takes the third position with regard to dock accommodation and draught of water. She retains that position also in the number of vessels cleared with cargoes foreign and coastwise, and as a foreign coal exporting port she takes first place. Our next tabular list shows the great work accomplished during the last forty-six years :— § C A R D IF F-- I M PO R T S A N D E X POIR. T. S. The following Table shows the progress of the Import and Export Trade of Cardiff for the past forty-six years; as also the quantities of Coal, Coke, and Iron Exported, and the number of Vessels belonging to the Port. FOREIGN TRADE. COASTING TRADE. h IRON AND COAI, EXPORTS. - Vessels Imports. Exports. Imports. Bxports. belonging - to the --------------- - - - | Port; Vessels with Vessels with Vessels with | Vessels with t Cargoes. Cargoes. | Cargoes. Cargoes. Coal. Iron, &c. | & - - - ~ º rº - •c º ~3 - se º º rº-3 . s * Q Q} $–4 * $. SD G) 2- Sl) Qi.) s bſ) - rºd . rt; rº; * Q Q) # | 5 | #5 || 5 | #5 #5 || 5 | ## É Ā § 3 É ###| ###| 3 #| 5 | #5 * | 2 | #3 || 2 || 33 §§ | 2 || 3: Fr. O §: Fr. § | H | 2 || 35 1841 | 18 4,474 || 249 28,845 48,733 2732 175,936 4,066 || 153,667 | 157,733 67 6,780 1842 | 24 3,409 || 327 36,420 46,068 || 3279 222,202 5,701 || 239,757 245,488 71 6,424 1843 17 3,364 || 355 39,037 48,008 || 3615 245,405 9,106 265,751 274,857 69 6,034 l844 24 4,935 || 494 56,096 45,242 || 4173 || 280,233 22,498 || 327,452 349,950 61 5,459 1845 31 6,867 || 310 39,019 54,771 5662 365,529 32,498 || 414,159 446,657 62 5,561 1846 53 10,414 383 46,739 75,600 5698 || 392,072 45,508 || 438,781 484,289 60 5,501 1847 || 54 || 10,714 || 633 77,164 71,649 || 5787 || 367,804 81,274 || 429,448 510,722 69 6,243 1848 || 116 || 14,093 964 I45,772 60,059 || 6522 || 426,437 115,604 || 544,196 659,800 e - 70 6,526 1849 || 209 || 21,039 || 1182 | 182,981 68,237 6166 || 397,892 | 162,829 || 486,183 || 649,012 e 70 6,287 1850 | 181 23,167 1366 236,283 100,106 || 6314 || 429,093 213,697 || 494,885 708,582 tº a 68 6,522 1851 246 26,010 | 1387 260,916 100,103 || 6490 449,753 243,191 496,968 740,159 tº º 68 6,342 888‘9gT ZI6'ſ 9I 6g2‘IZI 226'6gI [IZ'8 II 899'ZOI ZOŤ'06 Øgg‘08 II6'0/ 6ý8‘gg 000‘SŤ 3403% †gjºßý IOZ'68 gIſºzg g#g‘8Z 640‘93 [88‘84 [28‘ZZ 99 I“OZ 0I º ‘6 [ [g].'8I 996‘8I 806‘OZ ggȚºț [ gg9‘gI 909$ I [9Zºș [ 91.1% I Egg'ſ I ††Zºff I 908‘ZI Z90‘OI 80I“）. 09I%2 Ź08 IZ8 I88 8{8 69% ††Z 6ZZ gIZ #0Z 28I 02 I 89Ț 19I 1ţI 681 99 I 6Ø I I9g‘06 I 802'033 9 IS ‘Z8I 68 I '99 I Zgg‘84 I 6ţţºgOI 990‘IGI 64$“ZII 8IO‘ZOU ýgO‘66 ZÝ Zº94 †8Ț‘86 I0859 IgŤ“Ş9 98.I“Z9 gțg‘99 g9g‘89 g8[ºgg 822'I9 gºz‘ZŤ Oý9‘89 †68‘gg Z49°08 80gºgº 8Z8‘UZ g9g‘9 19 Iºg SOI‘6g g69'48 686“†8 820‘gII †6IºßL 829“ZII Og8‘g/L g£I'8II 909'34 Ø20‘#8 288'89 9I6‘01 ĢIO‘9gI 0,1gºgg I 886'lga ř98‘894 OI8°094 Ø00‘ý94 Ig ſºgg. I Zț0‘ŌI ZIg‘IgI ZŤ Zº99I OZg"ZgI Z90‘8g I Z80‘ZZI #IO‘ggȚ Zțg‘69I 88g‘ý LI 640'94 I 6g/ºſz I ÝZ8“IĢI 80I'960'8 I99′6 Izºg 396，196|| 66 I‘661.'， ggſ.“Off Z'9 I0 Iºzýț‘9 6țgºz99 ºg Z88‘IĢIºg Ø60‘gI6% †6ý“69ș% 696'8.19% 60ý“gggºg gºgº64） ºg 8ý8“Z6gºg 973°18g‘8 8ț8‘616ºz '1813 ZIg‘820'8 089%88% 8ZO‘6.88% 3103343 88%`Ogg'Z 868‘9Ț8% 8ý6‘Zgg‘Z Z II‘90Zºz 986% 10% z Iz‘OI6'I 898‘9Ț9°I 6.1.1% I 18° I 886%ſ'， 996‘828’I † 18°3șZ‘I Zg2°0ř0‘I 8ZZ‘806 ZZO‘IQ8 Iggº/8I‘I gI6‘880“I 8ZO‘ț00‘I 9ý9‘890‘I 988‘OŤ6 g9țºș86 668‘ý98 ††0‘948 [48‘ý L8 OIŤ'882 † Izºg98 IgZ‘8† 1. †88‘188 8I8‘896 838°886 g0ț¢°098 I62%88 668'288 898‘984 II6°Ø48 098‘Z88 gZg‘868 69g‘698 g94°498 †09°188 ggſ“ 188 9ț8°19', ZZZ°099 8g8° 189 †68‘Ogg 6Ig‘Zgg ZŤ0‘ggſ Zggºț9ý ††6°I /# [82'8řſ 242'806‘9 9$2°08’I“Z †Z6‘Zg6'9 gggº09.2°9 6I6'661 ºg 989“ZOgºg Ogț¢°/66% 864 ºg08% IZº3'00I'ſ †80‘189ºg gg 1'80gºg 81 Iºg08% 6ýI“ZŤ6% 080‘649°Z 8I6'809% 89$'6II“z Zg0‘Z6zºz 8I9°06'I'z ZZg‘Z60°Z ZII ‘996‘I Ø9I“Zg8‘I 802'IgŤ“I #Z8‘Zaeſſºſ g8[‘06ý‘I 8Igºffzg‘I Zggº ZZI“I 99g‘ZŤI ‘I 91.g‘996 IØ6‘684 ††0‘ZI6 179'988 238°861 g0Zº94.g 622'IgÝ 9řZºzgg 343508 886; 366 804 %18.034 9II"889 0,1g' 8ț8‘g09 990‘g6g IŤ6°9/g 10.ZºgŤg gýſ '819 8I8°86ý Z69‘gÝg gggº [09 g08'009 IIO‘88g gțý“66g g8[‘409 g0Z“I6g 897'089 gg9‘9ý9 gZZºz99 18Zºgg9 600‘#89 16I“Z69 gggºg 19 †90‘609 I89'37.g 846'18ý 60089Y ſae; Iý gȚI:I9ý 998 Aÿſ 969’Igț 3999 gŤ Zg Z889 2099 89ý9 † Z99 8699 8999 6899 06][9 9/99 Iýgg 0I49 8ZZ9 #669 6I69 I†Z/ 9669 Ź969 1692 8.191. 849）, 89/, /, 9 Iſ.ſ. I 161 8961 649/, 8889 90ț9 99 Z9 8I09 %999 ý.089 0039 ZIZ9 68/'808 †8 I‘ggg 999′OI9 g06‘IIgſ Z9ý“609 gțgºț9Z gțgºg64 Ig3‘Iý% †g ſºggz Ø44,'983 069||43 696°48% 09ý“OgZ g09′6ZZ 906‘ggz 8I£'68% 800‘78， g6řºggz IZZºőſz 936‘Z#Z g8ý“ZŤz 8I6'18% †† 8‘6g% II6'ſſz ZIĻ“ZgZ 888‘20Z 996‘98I 78ZºZZI OZ6‘gŽI ZII ‘8ýI †08‘g II 6LI‘8II I#I'8g. I /03°/ſ. I Zgº'90T 90Ī8 ###9 Zg#9 9698 8938 688Z 8ZI? 969Z 0ý9Ø. ZI8Z Ź06% 1862 0639 8ț08 03/3 81,9% †66Z 0493 0043 9ý8Z 098% 8ý8Z # {08 6Z66 0.96% Z99 Z. 968Z 988Z 69 IZ 88ZZ † 96 I 89/, I ØZIZ 6.II3 Igț ‘Og [‘ț Z09′00gºſ 240$69'ſ 88ý“Zgºzºf 846°6'48"g I9gºſ 19‘g †69‘gggºg 889338% 801‘649'z Z8Lºț8ř‘Z 801‘6Zgºz 199“† [6‘I Ig9‘I60% Z63'698‘I 0IŤ“Z86‘I ZggºőZ9‘I 904“ZZZ‘I 0/g‘869‘I 66.gº84.g‘I OLI ‘9gïº T 098‘6/8“I 09gºſ@I'I †g L'OZI“ Į 060‘g9Iºſ 00ý“Z#0‘I 8/4‘648 Effff‘II6 8II‘982 ††g‘Ogg 998“Zg/ ZZ$'889 980‘Z09 Ig6°Ø0g 80ţºgāſ 9gſ. I || 683'Igg 6889 IØ69 Ø909 8.II.9 8/89 1689 #ZZ9° 0399 †999 9 Igg ggțg 92g} 9I6ý 08.giff 06.ſj ZIZŤ [01]）; 808# [89ý 99Þý g88 † 6189 9ýIŤ ZZ9ý Z6ZŤ 8098 8398 † 148 6963 %80%; 90I9 03/3 -8893 8IIZ ȚIAI 889°399 683“I99 086‘#69 Ig I‘694 880°Ø.gſ. ZgI“Zg9 109°9'Iſ. 60gººgg 690‘96ý 20ţ“Igg gțZ'60ſ; 288'488 89g‘Oýý 888‘86ý g00‘698 † 18°6gz 668’091 †86%ýI †86‘66 I 88 I'6#1 g08‘ IOI g£6°30'ſ gZ9°06 †8g‘I8 I86“ [g 139$$ 8g8°88 668‘9Z 688‘gg &#I“Off †Z9‘84 890‘ZZ 9g!ºgº [69‘ZU †69‘8į 6ZŤI ZZ$ I 389 I /8/I †88I I081 I904 101ſ ††8I 88/, I gțgI IIĞI /99. I 899I †881 Z0II ºgſ/, 8 [A, ". [99 019 89ý ZIg 86; 8†† 914 ZOZ Z8I · 6; I .991 88 I IØI . 89 I 6.LI ſg { 988 I g88 I #88 I 888 I Z88 I I88 I 088 I 6/8I 81.8I 248 I 948 I 948 I † 181 8/8I Z/8I IĄ8I 0481 698.[ 898 I 1981 9981 9981 †98ī 8981 Ø981 I98ļ 098I 698. I 898I 198I 998 I gg8I #98I. 8g8[ Øg8! 214 THE SOUTH WALES OOAL TRADE These tables close up accounts to the end of 1886. We further supplement them with the year's work of 1887 – CARDIFF. Coal. Iron. Coke. Patent Fuel. January 641,837 6,570 5,854 17,725 February 629,002 6,110 3,581 18,480 March 642,482 4,155 7,366 28,245 April © tº gº 612,869 7,930 4,593 13,469 May ... 645,616 6,123 3,001 22,130 June e tº e 616,936 ... 8,614 247 13,155 July ... 666,485 ... 10,433 5,223 17,010 August 611,702 1,196 7,991 16,442 September 618,773 4,508 4,508 1,079 October 631,887 3,809 4,263 19,524 November 570,763 5,837 5,733 10,541 December 628,253 6,008 4,443 16,461 7,516,695 71,343 56,823 194,261 PENARTH HARBOUR, DOCK AND RAILWAY. This Act was obtained in 1857, promoted chiefly by large colliery owners and ironmasters. It was opened 1865. Ely Harbour supplied with staiths and opened 1859, and both since leased to the Taff Vale Railway Company. Penarth Dock, though not within the Borough of Cardiff, is yet within the port. There is here a tidal harbour, with a frontage on one side of twelve thousand feet, and there are ten coal staiths capable of tipping one hundred tons of coal per hour. The dock has an area of twenty and a half acres. It is fitted with seventeen coal staiths, worked on the high level, and capable of tipping one hundred and fifty tons of coal per hour. The dock, though a small one, is so well managed that, compared with its size, a very large quantity of coal and iron and general merchandise is shipped here. In 1886 nearly three million tons were exported, besides A ND IT'S A LL/EI) INDUSTRIES. 215 one thousand two hundred tons of iron, and nine hundred tons of sundries. This dock increases the loading power of the port to sixteen million tons annually, nearly double the quantity now shipped here. COAL TRADE OF THE BRISTOL CHANNEL PORTS. On the motion of Sir H. Hussey Vivian a return was issued of the quantities of coals, cinders, and patent fuel exported from British ports to foreign countries, and also the quantities received coastways at the various ports of the United Kingdom in the year 1886. The total quantities exported to foreign countries and British settlements were :-- Tons. Value. Coals ... as e tº ... 22,107,144 ... 89,195,248 Cinders g º º & © tº 650,31 1 ... 388,537 Patent Fuel • * * & © a 525,934 ... 253,553 Total ... ... 23,283,389 29,837,338 The quantities and declared values of coals, cinders, and patent fuel exported from the Bristol Channel ports were as follows:— Tons. Walue. Cardiff... & © e ... 6,900,741 ... 83,242,389 Newport & º . ... 1,971,956 ... 898,434 Swansea & ſº tº e º e 987,874 ... 434,089 Bristol... & © tº • * * 9,733 ... 5,350 Briton Ferry ... s & e 53,755 ... 21,097 Port Talbot * e e e - e. 10,107 ... 5,106 Porthcawl - * > * * * 14,897 ..., 7,092 Llanelly - ſº tº • Gº tº 81,122 ... 30,940 Milford tº dº º . . . . 879 ... 366 Cardiff is far ahead of any other port in the quantity of coals, etc., exported abroad. Next to it stands Newcastle, with four million four hundred and ninety-one thousand six hundred and fifty-two tons; while below Newport are Shields, with one million 216 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE five hundred and forty-six thousand and fourteen tons; and Sunderland, with one million four hundred and thirteen thousand three hundred and sixty-five tons. The largest consumers of our coals are—Russia, one million three hundred and eighty-seven thousand one hundred and thirty-five tons; Sweden, one million one hundred and eleven thousand six hundred and three tons; Denmark, one million one hundred thousand two hundred and seventy-eight tons; Germany, two million eight hundred and four thousand eight hundred and eighty-three tons; France, three million nine hundred and sixty-eight thousand three hundred and thirty-two tons; Spain and Canaries, one million one hundred and thirteen thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine tons; Italy, two million six hundred and sixty-two thousand four hundred and forty-two tons; and Egypt, nine hundred and ninety- seven thousand and seventy-four tons. The quantities of coals, etc., shipped at the Bristol Channel ports coastways to other ports of the United Kingdom during 1886 were as follow :— Coals. Cinders. Patent Fuel. Cardiff... ... 1,187,331 ... 13,410 ... 2,020 Newport ... 1,137,610 ... 5,627 ... 470 Swansea * * g 318,614 ... 68 ... 744 Bristol © a o 245 ... 1,420 ... - Briton Ferry ... 143,206 ... — . . . - Port, Talbot * * * 79,855 ... —— . . . - - - Porthcawl * & © 133,363 ... —— . . . - - Llanelly tº e a 87,741 ... — . . . --- Milford * - - 32,319 ... —— . . . -- Newcastle shipped to other ports three million forty-two thousand seven hundred and fifty-four tons of coals, cinders, and patent fuel; Shields, four hundred and seventy thousand four hundred and seventeen tons; and Sunderland, three million forty-four thousand three hundred and thirteen tons. The coals and patent fuel brought into London in 1886 were—Coastways, four million six hundred and ninety-two thousand two hundred and thirty- AND IT'S A LLIED IN DUSTRIES. 2] 7 seven tons; by inland navigation and by railway, seven million one hundred and forty-one thousand and thirty-six tons, or a total of eleven million eight hundred and twelve thousand one hundred and sixty-three tons. We add the return also for 1887:— Coals. Cinders. Patent Fuel. Total. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Cardiff 7,369,243 ... 61,329 ... 236,023 ... 7,666,600 Newport 2,276,763 ... 7,859 ... 51,411 ... 2,336,033 Swansea 773,722 ... 2,878 ... 241,533 ... 1,018,133 Briton Ferry 71,850 ... 128 ... — 71,978 Port, Talbot, 9,734 ... 2,233 ..., *º 11,967 Porthcawl 10,878 ... — * * 10,878 Llanelly 91,816 ... — •ºmº 91,816 Milford 754 ... — ſº sºme 754 DECLARED WALUE OF THE EXPORTS. Coals. Cinders, Patent Fuel. Total. $ £ £ £ Cardiff 3,262,271 ... 50,076 ... : 111,834 ... 3,424,181 Newport 940,988 ... 4,974 ... 25,083 ... 971,045 Swansea 371,918 ... 2,019 ... 112,404 ... 432,341 Briton Ferry 25,116 ... 135 ... —- 25,251 Port Talbot, 4,412 ... 1,540 ... *-* * 5,952 Porthcawl 4,829 ... — . . . -* * 4,829 Llanelly 35,287 ... — ... * * * 35,287 364 ... — . . . ** 364 Milford The quantities shipped coastways to ports of the United Kingdom were:–Of coals, thirteen million eight hundred and eleven thousand three hundred and sixty-two tons; cinders, one hundred and forty-eight thousand one hundred and ninety-seven tons; patent fuel, thirty-seven thousand four hundred and twenty-eight tons; total, thirteen million nine hundred and 218 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE ninety-six thousand nine hundred and eighty-seven tons. returns relating to the South Wales ports are: – Coals. Tons. Cardiff 1,192,807 ... Newport 1,129,512 ... Swansea 346,863 ... Briton Ferry 166,669 ... Port, Talbot 85,632 ... Porthcawl 133,255 ... Llanelly 86,619 ... Milford 32,708 ... Cinders. Tons. 5,751 ... 4,055 ... 110 ... Patent Fuel. Tons. 1,080 195 128 The Total. Tons. . 1,199,638 . 1,133,762 347,101 166,669 85,632 133,255 86,679 32,708 The following shows the greatest quantities of coals exported to foreign countries : — Russia— Northern Ports .. Southern Ports ... Sweden Denmark Germany France Spain and Canaries Italy Egypt Tons. 1,163,754 54,224 1,134,606 1,147,043 2,747,983 4,094,107 1,123,274 3,031,332 . . 1,264,553 BARRY DOCK AND RAILWAYS. Value. £460,178 21,724 460,002 430,908 981,443 1,591,692 482,919 1,111,131 583,609 After meeting with an opposition involving a struggle of an unusually severe character, an Act of Parliament to authorise the construction of a dock at Barry Island, and railways and works in Glamorganshire connected therewith, and for other purposes, was obtained 14th August, 1884. The promoters were Lord Windsor, Lord Romilly, Mr. David Davies (late M.P. for the Cardigan Boroughs), Mr. Archibald Hood, Mr. E. H. Watts, Mr. John Cory, Mr. Richard Cory, Mr. Walter Insole, Mr. J. Howard Thomas, Mr. T. Roe Thompson, Mr. Edward Davies, and the late Captain A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 219 Jenner, Mr. David Davis, Mr. John Fry, Mr., Henry Riches, and Mr. Lewis Davis, and by many other gentlemen, colliery proprietors, ship owners, freighters of coal, and merchants. Practically, the same scheme was brought before the House of Commons in 1883, and passed after a very long and exhaustive enquiry of one hundred and forty-three days, but had the mis- fortune to be thrown out by a Committee of the House of Lords. Two other schemes, which were a sort of rudimentary forerunner of the present, were promoted in 1865-6 by Lord Wimborne and some other gentlemen—viz., a railway called the Barry Railway, which was to run from Peterstone to Cadoxton-juxta-Barry and Sully, and a harbour at Barry, for which an Act was passed. In consequence, however, of the great panic of 1866 these schemes came to nothing. Barry Dock lies seven miles south-west from Cardiff in a direct line, and occupies the eastern portion of the channel that existed between Barry Island and the mainland; the western portion of the channel being left intact. The island is about a mile in length, and half a mile in width, and the elevated portions of it are one hundred feet above ordinary mean sea level, or eighty feet above high water mark ordinary spring tides. Both the island and mainland, from the configuration of the ground, shelter the dock from the prevailing and strongest winds that blow in the Bristol Channel. The entrance is naturally protected by Nell's Point and Red Brink Point from the westerly and south-westerly gales, and is near deep water; between it and Sully Island there is good holding anchorage ground. The tidal range is thirty-six feet at ordinary spring tides, and nineteen and a half at neaps. To connect the dock with the coalfields of South Wales a double line of railway is constructed eighteen miles six furlongs in length, running from Barry to the Rhondda Fawr branch of the Taff Vale Railway and joins it eastward of Hafod Station. This railway is connected with the Great Western Railway by branch lines at Peterstone and St. Fagans, respectively two miles one furlong and one mile eight chains in length. At Treforest there is another 220 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE branch line, one mile five furlongs and seven chains in length, joining the Taff Vale Railway. The steepest gradient against the load on these railways is one in four hundred. An Act for another railway was obtained in 1885, branching from the main line at Cadoxton-juxta-Barry, and running westward to Cogan, and joins the Taff Vale Railway near the Penarth Dock Station. It is three miles five furlongs and seven chains in length, and now in course of construction. Lord Windsor, chairman of the Barry Dock and Railway Company, cut the first sod at Castle Land Point, November 14th, 1884. The water area of the dock is seventy-three acres. Its greatest length, three thousand four hundred feet ; and breadth, one thousand one hundred feet. Dividing the west end of the dock is a mole one thousand three hundred feet in length, and two hundred and twenty feet in breadth. For the protection of the entrance from south-east gales two breakwaters are con- structed, one running from Red Brink Point, and the other from the mainland, near Sully. There is an opening between them of three hundred and fifty feet for vessels to pass up the channel to the basin, the entrance to which has a width of eighty feet, and contains a pair of wrought-iron gates to be opened and shut by hydraulic rams, quite a novel feature in dock working. On the sill at high water ordinary spring tides there is a depth of water of forty feet eight inches, and at ordinary neaps, thirty-two feet four inches. The basin, which is tidal, is six hundred feet in length, and five hundred feet in breadth, having an area of nearly seven acres, and is surrounded by a stone wall. The passage between the basin and dock is similar to the entrance. A wall is built the whole length of the dock along the south side, coped with granite, six feet nine inches above high water ordinary spring tides. Along the north side of the dock are eleven square masonry towers for shipping coal at a high level, and are spaced at various distances apart ranging from one hundred and seventy- four feet to three hundred feet. The rails on the tilting platforms at the balance tips are thirty-one feet three inches above high A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES, 221 water ordinary spring tides. These tips are capable of lowering a waggon weighing when loaded nineteen tons, and measuring twenty-two feet in length outside the buffers, and of tipping the same at any point between rail level and three feet below coping level. Each tip is to have a hydraulic anti-breakage crane, capable of raising a load of two tons to a height of forty feet at the rate of six feet per second. Hydraulic bunkering tips are to be capable of raising a waggon weighing when loaded nineteen tons to a height of thirty-seven feet from coping level, and of tipping the same at any point. Coping level is forty-six feet six inches above dock bottom. On the north side of the mole are four square masonry towers, and one at the extreme end, for shipping coal at quay or coping level by hydraulic machinery. There is a timber tip at the west end of the dock for the same purpose. At the east end of the dock are three piers to be used chiefly for timber trade. The side of the dock between the coal tips has a slope of one and three-fourths to one, and pitched with limestone. There is a timber pond, twenty-four acres in area, entered from the dock, with an embankment along one side of it two thousand feet in length, and one hundred and fifty feet in breadth, for the convenience of timber merchants. At the north-east corner of the dock is a dry dock, seven hundred and thirty-two feet in length, divided unequally into lengths of three hundred and seventy-two and three hunded and sixty feet, with a width between coping of one hundred and thirteen feet seven inches, and at the bottom of one hundred feet. The entrance to the dry dock has a width of sixty feet, and the sill is thirty feet above dock bottom, and has a depth of water over it—at ordinary spring tides of twenty-four feet eight inches, and at ordinary meaps of sixteen feet four inches. Length of quayage round the dock and mole ten thousand five hundred lineal feet, and round the basin two thousand and forty feet. The most modern and powerful hydraulic machinery is to be employed in working the coal tips, cranes, bridges, and capstans. Barry is well placed for the growth of all manufactures and trades, and there is plenty of room for expansion. 222 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE The engineers are Messrs. J. Wolfe Barry, T. Forster Brown, and H. M. Brunel, and the resident engineer, who has had chief responsible charge from the commencement, is Mr. John Robinson, M.Inst.C.E. and M.I.M.E. Of the Pontypridd section Mr. J. W. Szlumper is the engineer. The contractors for the works are Mr. T. A. Walker, Messrs. Lovatt and Shaw, and Messrs. John Mackay and Son. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 223 CEIAPTER VII. O U R M | N E R A L R | C H E S. AVING shown in detail the history and development of each coal valley, it may not be out of logical sequence, before extending our enquiry to industries allied with that of coal, to glance at the special character of our coal seams, and note their probable duration. According to Sir Roderick Murchison and Mr. Hunt, in the Memoirs of the Geological Swrvey of Great Britain, the South Wales coalfield is larger than any in England, and, with one exception, has a greater vertical thickness than any known coal- field in the world, containing eighty-four feet of workable coal, distributed through twenty-five seams of two feet thick and upwards; but it must be noted that the same seams are found to vary in thickness to a very great extent in different parts of the basin, and to vary likewise in character. The coal basin is characterised by two distinct troughs, respectively known as the south and north trough. The south, the smaller one, extends from the Valley of Sirhowy on the east to the neighbourhood of Aberavon on the west. The larger trough, the north, reaches from Llanelly, through Morriston, Neath and Blackwood, to Pontypool on the east. The south trough passes out of the coal measures near Swansea, leaving to the west but one basin, a continuation of the north trough. The maximum depth of the carboniferous basin is estimated in the centre at three thousand yards. There are three large unworked, and so far, until science comes to our aid, in part unworkable portions—the under sea coalfield beneath St. Bride's Bay, the sea track from Llanelly to Saunders- foot and Swansea Bay, though, to some extent, the Morfa workings are under sea. 224 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE The quality of our coal ranges from highly bituminous or sea coal, to the semi-anthracite, or steam coal, and onward, pro- gressively changing, to the pure anthracite or house coal. There is also a considerable quantity of coal commonly known as bastard anthracite, the quality of which is inferior, for without having the strength and purity of anthracite it lacks the opening or smelting faculty of the steam coal, and decrepitates when burning to an unusual degree. The coals at the eastern end of the basin are chiefly bituminous (the small of which is made into coke), and continue so to Rhymney, between which and Dowlais a slight change takes place, becoming free burning, and this character is still greater at Cyfarthfa, where the anthracitic appearances begin to be fairly developed, as pointed out by the late Mr. David Mushet. This coal, progressively becoming more anthracitic, continues through the Hirwain Common—the head of the Neath Valley—across to Ynyscedwin in the Swansea Valley, the Twrch Valley, and thence to Mynydd Mawr and the Gwendraeth. At the two latter places perhaps the purest quality anthracite (Kilgetty, in Pembrokeshire, excepted), is now being worked for hop and malt drying, distillery purposes, etc. . The Llynvi Valley, all the south crop, and westwards to Carmarthen Bay may be considered as more or less bituminous and free burning, and Pembrokeshire as anthracitic. There are various theories as to the change in the character of the Welsh coal, and why it should be bituminous in one place and anthracitic in another. Mr. Nixon suggests that “the smokeless steam coal of Wales was originally bituminous, but has been changed by the action of the igneous rocks which run from Ireland to Cornwall and on to Brittany.” He states “that as the west part of the South Wales coalfield approaches this line of igneous rocks the nature and quality of the coal seams change from bituminous to steam coal first, and then ultimately to the anthracitic quality.” AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 225 Another explanation is that the anthracite character is given by the great pressure to which the coals have been subjected, many of the seams having ten to twelve thousand feet of superimposed strata, which would cause an internal temperature above the point of boiling water. - The action of heat of an intense character in close connection with our coal seams is shown by some of the ironstone, the interior of which is highly crystallised. In this quality of iron- stone the so-called Welsh diamonds are occasionally found. Another theory with regard to the change in the character of our coal is that it is due to the faults. Merthyr Mountain contains a fault of eighty yards. The coal up to that fault is of one quality, and beyond that it changes. - Against this it is contended that faults do not define the change, but that possibly the cause of one (volcanic P) had also its effect upon the other. The Merthyr Four Feet steam coal, represented by the Four Feet from the Castle Pit, Cyfarthfa, by Plymouth, Merthyr Vale, at Aberdare, and Rhondda, may be taken as the standard of excellence, and the closer approach to these the nearer perfection as Smokeless steam coals. From the original working of these coals at Merthyr and Aberdare, the best varieties of steam coal are all called “Merthyr steam coals.” It is a curious fact that the lower seams, Six and Nine Feet, that underlie the standard measure of Four Feet share in degree their superiority. We do not name this invidiously, and do not pretend to account for it, but the fact remains. - Some of the lower coals in the Swansea Valley are highly prized, and amongst these the Morfa. At Vipond's, Pontypool, one seam of bituminous is little, if any, inferior to the famous cannel coal for gas purposes. The Energlyn coal of Caerphilly is sought for from remote districts, Ireland in particular, as a good gas coal. The Mynyddysllwyn and Llantwit coals are excellent for house and gas purposes, and the coal generally of the Eastern P ,226 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE end of the basin, and those of the Rhondda, such as Dinas Main, Llwynpia, Coedcae, Great Western, admirably adapted for coking purposes. Next to the Four Feet steam coal the Three Feet Rhondda takes rank, and is even superior to it for iron purposes; a more useful coal probably for all uses has not been found. Large unworked areas yet remain, but the Number Three and the Mynyddysllwyn coals are those which are relatively nearer exhaus- tion, and the worth and price of which may be expected to advance. - The Six Feet of the Rhondda series, well represented by the Clydach Vale, is sometimes regarded as the extension or continua- tion of the old upper Four. Feet of the Merthyr and Aberdare Valley, though called the Six Feet in their present situ. The Rhondda No. 3 and Mynyddysllwyn take rank as the best of the bituminous measures. With regard to the district immediately served by Cardiff, it has been estimated by the highest authority that the area commanded by the port is composed of two hundred and ninety- four square miles, one hundred and twenty-nine square miles being steam coal, and one hundred and sixty-five square miles bituminous and semi-bituminous coal. At the enquiry before a Committee of the House of Lords, in 1865, when Messrs. T. Joseph and W. T. Lewis (now Sir William T. Lewis) gave interesting evidence on this point in connection with the Docks Bill, it was stated that seven square miles of steam coal were then assumed to have been exhausted. The remainder, one hundred and twenty-two square miles, would contain one billion four hundred and seventy millions (reckoning seams of only two feet thick and upwards). At that time the annual output was four millions only, and at that rate this quantity would last three hundred and sixty-nine years. Since then the output has increased enormously, and some alarmists look upon fifty years as the extent and duration of AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 227 our best coals, easily accessible in the district of Cardiff. Against this, however, we must place the protest of Mr. Vivian and Mr. G. T. Clark, of Dowlais, who have strongly contended that the estimate of Messrs. Joseph and Lewis is much too low. The report of the Royal Commissioners on this head is consolatory. The commissioners were—chairman (Sir H. H. Vivian), Mr. G. T. Clark, of Dowlais, with the assistance of Sir William T. Lewis, Mr. Daniel, Swansea, and others. They reported the superficial area of the coal basin to be nine hundred and six square miles, greatest thickness of the coal measures ten to twelve thousand feet. Number of coal seams not less than two feet thick twenty-five ; yielding about one hundred and twenty feet thick on a workable thickness of eighty- four feet of coal. Total quantity of coal in basin, thirty-six billion five hundred and sixty-six million tons. Making all deductions, the conclusion of the commissioners was that we have thirty-one billion seven hundred and eighty-three million tons. Taking our consumption at thirteen and a half millions yearly, we have enough coal to last two thousand three hundred years. If we now take a survey again of the coal field as we did at the beginning, this time say with a map of the district before us, showing the various sinkings, there is much to give encourage- ment for the future. Of all districts the Rhonddas has, perhaps, been the most assiduously worked, and there the cream of the coal in fifty years again may be swept away at the present rate of exhaustive working. But let us note that, taking the whole district in view, the openings of a hundred years have only cleared a fourth away of our total mineral riches in most of the valleys, and these openings will probably last for another hundred years before the coals in that portion of the district now at work will be exhausted. At Blaenavon only a few miles of the north-east crop have been worked. From Tredegar, Ebbw Vale, and Nantyglo to Risca fully 228 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE three-fourths, are unworked. Of the Dowlais and Cyfarthfa coal- fields four miles have been worked from the north crop ; but from Merthyr Vale and Bedlinog to the limit of the Pentyreh coalfield little practically has been done. From New Tredegar to Caerphilly a great field remains unworked. From Blaima to Risca three-fourths are unworked. The Taff Bargoed is also almost a virgin ground. From the Rhondda to the south and south-west crop a large district is untouched excepting in the Ogmore and Llynvi Valleys. And then we have the immense tract extending westwards through Neath and Swansea only a pair of pits by the Great Western Railway have been sunk, the remainder is undeveloped. The anthracite beds, extending from Swansea to Pembrokeshire, are not so liberally worked, and their duration must be regarded as of much greater length. They will probably come into freer use when steam coals are getting low, and when scientific appliances can be brought to bear for their more rapid combustion. Geologists are divided in opinion with regard to the coal deposits, some contending that the forests and woodlands must have been swept down and carried away by the floods until, intercepted at some delta of the stream, the burden was deposited, and there in process of ages carbonized. Against this it is objected that if so our seams of coal would be thin and freely mixed with sand and stone, whereas, in some places, we have a mass of twelve and even more feet in thickness without any clod; another objection adds that, finding as a rule unvarying solid coal in masses, it may be assumed that the vegetation was not carried away, but that our coalfields represent the site of the ancient forests that were thus carbonized in situ. The marks of subsidence we aver may be due to the lessened bulk of vegetation, and in carbonizing the formation of many of our valleys has been aided by that subsidence. - - An interesting train of thought is opened out by the con- sideration that the coalfield indicates one of the final stages in the creative act, as in that of arrangement for the entrance of AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 229 more advanced animal life than we can have in the carboniferous limestone period. In that era carbonic acid gas must have existed in the air to a proportion, it is stated, of even eight per cent. Gurnet, Professor of Botany, suggested that the era of vegetable life that followed the carboniferous limestone was essentially favourable to the assimilation of the gas by vegetation, which in turn exuded oxygen gas in large quantities, so purifying the air as to bring it into a condition favourable for the respira- tion of reptiles, beasts, and eventually men. It would be out of our province to dwell at any length upon the vegetation of the early world, the Vor Welt of the German philosophers. There should be a collection of fossils in each district—illustrations of the stone pages of our world's history, and their abundance would make it an easy task to collect. The most numerous are :- Lepidodrendom. Euphorbites vulgaris. Sigillaria. Stigmaria Ficoides. Asterophyllites. Sphenopteris. Calamites. In Wales mussels are occasionally met with, and in the iron- stone layers adjacent, but the bivalve of the carboniferous limestone, the so-called cockle, is not found. The immense destruction in the limestone period appears to have brought about for the time complete extinction of the species. - FAULTS. Two contending sections of engineers exist whose favourite subject is the cause of faults—one subsidence, the other volcanic. Those who support the former, state in reference to Hall's estimate of our coal seams that at the period of their deposition, and probably long afterwards, several seams now worked lay in perfectly 230 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE horizontal positions; but there is abundant incontrovertible evidence that what may be termed the upper crust of the earth has since undergone great changes, differing much in point of time and extent of development. They add:— - “It was at one period a favourite theory that those changes had been effected by vast upheavals of the surface, occasioned by forces of volcanic character operating from enormous depths beneath. The great difficulty in connection with this supposition is the consideration that the violent operation of forces sufficient to elevate large tracts of country with immense thicknesses of underlying rocks must have fractured and shattered the strata to an extent of which there exists no visible evidence. “From the condition of the “faults and “rolls' met with in mining operations it is more reasonable to suppose that they are the results of subsidence, occasioned, as many scientific authorities believe, by the shrinkage of the earth's surface, resulting from the gradual cooling of the igneous rocks forming the foundations of the later geological formations. It may be objected that, inasmuch as the upper strata contain abundance of marine fossils, and as the condition of the general surface affords very clear proof of extensive denudations, evidently occasioned by the operation of powerful currents, the former level must have been at some period beneath that of the sea. But it by no means follows that the water level of those remote ages may not have been much higher than it is at the present time, and it is possible that the strong currents which have left such apparent traces of their effects may have been occasioned by the same pro- cess of subsidence affecting the ocean bottom, and causing the retirement of the waters to their present bed. But whatever the cause, it is evident that its operation was more probably of a gradual character than the result of any sudden and violent natural convulsion.” Against this we contend that the coal district and its surround- ings abound with evidences of great disturbance, as instanced by Mr. Williams, Newton Nottage. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 231 the Beacons of Breconshire and the Sugar-loaf of Monmouthshire. The old red sandstone is thrust up into lofty peaks, the carboniferous limestone in parts converted into lime as in a section of the Dowlais quarries, and in many places twisted and contorted. In the northern strata adjoining the coalfields the masses of quartz tell the same tale of volcanic fire and convulsion: and the “pockets” of gold in one county, lead in another, are equally forcible evidences of volcanic fusion. - It is with coal we have to do, so we will confine our geologic speculations to the carboniferous series, merely observing that to one who has watched the working of metal in great masses, there seems a striking analogy in the effects produced thereby, and the appearances met with in colliery operations, the conical hollows in the limestone such as a ruptured bubble might form, the rolls in the coal, the faults due to general disturbance, and the fusion of strata, the coal seams running into one another and overlapping. So assuming our earth to have gradually cooled from its normal state, and upon its scorialic kernel secondary geologic changes to have been brought with atmospheric changes and conditions, one can glean a faint insight into action at a time compared with which the Sphinx and the Pyramids are but as the playthings of yesterday. Go with us into our coal valleys, and the annals of disturbance are constantly met with. In sinking, the rounded stones met with low beneath the surface tell of violent action in pre-historic times, and all around on the surface of the mountain and valley rolled boulders, long distances away from their original place, indicate disturbances at a later period, the verge we may say of human existence. These boulders, forming in some places the boundary marks utilized in the first chapter of civilization, the water-worn stones from the old red, or the sandstones between that and the limestone, now used up in the little mountain-side settlements of the industrious colliers, are all leaflets, so to state, of the old stone book, and upon them nature has written legibly her record of the storms that prevailed while the great stage of human life was in formation. 232 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE In the early history of our coal field we have evidences afforded of a free and luxurious growth of vegetation, tropical in character, and of the same having been buried where it fell, or having been swept away by the storm. . . . - Mr. Logan, with regard to the carboniferous strata of the Swansea Valley, found that the upper beds abounded in rolled pebbles of coal itself, implying the prior existence of land containing beds of perfectly formed coal, and of the action of great storms and torrents. But, with regard to faults, the most numerous in the field, with two important exceptions, run from north-west to south-east, and vary in amount of vertical displacement up to two hundred and fifty to three hundred yards, others running in an east and west direction, the amount of displacement being in some places from four to five hundred yards. An important fault trends from the vicinity of Cyfarthfa works, runs underneath the old church at Merthyr—whence the name, passes by the side of Plymouth furnaces, and through the mountains into Monmouthshire. The greatest fault, according to the testimony of the late Mr. Adams, is one in Pembrokeshire, which in 1841 was described as being equal to two thousand feet, or six hundred and sixty-six two-third yards. - The chief faults, in addition to the one known as the Merthyr Church, are Box Bar, Garden, Duffryn Reddings, Gnoll, Glyncorrwg, Moelgilan, Bwllfa, Dinas, Gadlys, Werfa, Llanvabon, and Risca. In some of the faults, states Mr. Forster Brown, the displacement increases as they pass south, and in others the reverse is the case. The internal separation is inconsiderable, seldom above eight or twelve yards. The coal in the immediate neighbourhood of the faults is generally affected for a few yards, and in the immediate districts where the general character of the coal is undergoing a change the difference in quality becomes in some cases more marked at the faults. - . . AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 233 According to the report of the Royal Commission, faults which range from east-north-east to west-south-west show a greater displacement of level. This, as leading mining engineers show, is borne out by the Meolgilan fault, for while ordinary faults range from six yards to one hundred yards, the depth of this, not yet fully ascertained, is variously estimated, from four hundred and fifty yards by the Royal Commission, to almost incredible depths by others. THE ANTICLINAL AND THE SYNCLINAL. Few physical arrangements of our coalfield are more important than the anticlinal and the synclinal, the first being the dip to the rise, the other the dip to the deep. The horizontal plane on which it is probable that the coal measures were deposited no longer exists. From the northern outcrop, where the millstone grit, limestone, and underlying old red sandstone rise to mountainous heights the seams of coal are found to have an average dip southwards—or rather slightly to the east of south—ranging about three inches to the yard, or one in twelve. From the southern outcrop the dip northwards – or slightly to the west of north—is in many places as much as eighteen inches to the yard, and rarely so little as nine inches per yard, or one in four. Between the extreme north and south there are, however, important changes locally, not only of angle, but occasionally also in the direction of dip and rise of stratifica- tion. The most extensive change of this kind is occasioned by the existence of a subterranean elevation or ridge traversing the larger portion of the coalfield in a direction from east to west, and familiarly known as the “Great Anticlinal.” Its course may be traced (though not in a line exactly straight or even) from the eastern outcrop of the coal measures in Monmouthshire, passing a short distance north of Risca and of Caerphilly, crossing the river Taff but a few score yards below the town of Pontypridd, 234 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE passing a couple of miles south of Porth Station by Gilvach Goch, and on to Pantyrus, on the hill between the Ogmore and Garw Valleys, where its width at the summit level appears to be greater than at any other part of its course, the upper seams having, it is said, a level course of from eight hundred to twelve hundred yards. From this point (still looking westwards) it inclines very slightly towards the south, passing close to Maesteg, until between Port Talbot and Briton Ferry it disappears in Swansea Bay. It can be further traced through Gower and part of Pembrokeshire. Were it not for the occurrence of this anticlinal ridge the natural effect of the dipping of the strata would have carried the larger portion of the most valuable seams of coal to a depth practically beyond the reach of mining operations. Now running lengthwise through the most important division of the coalfield, separating it into two synclinal basins or troughs, with inclina- tions at varied angles, it reduces very considerably the labour and expense of working the coal under an extensive range of country. Small anticlinal ridges (extending but for short distances) are also found in other parts of the coalfield, affecting locally to some extent the process of working some seams. The underground slopes of the great anticlinal are found to range from six inches to nine inches in the yard, though in some places on the south side the dip is found to become suddenly steeper, flattening, however, within a short distance, so that, practically, no serious difficulty need be apprehended in working the measures so situated. º AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 235 CEIAPTER VIII. | N S P E C T OR SH | P OF M | N E S. IN the early days of coal working, when the level was the principal means of getting at the coal, and the gas, when it did show itself, was dusted out with the jacket, Government inspection was unnecessary. It was first called for by the deeper workings of the Neath district, and the first inspector appointed for South Wales and Monmouthshire was Mr. Mackworth, a descendant of Sir Humphrey of the Gnoll. Subsequently, when the work increased, the district, which included the Forest of Dean, as well as Somersetshire, was divided into two, Mr. Mack- worth taking over the Somersetshire district, and Mr. Thomas Evans, who was the son of the late Mr. Thomas Evans, of Dowlais, was appointed to the South Wales district. He, after many years service, was removed to Derbyshire, and Mr. Wales was appointed in his stead. Upon the death of Mr. Mackworth Mr. Lionel Brough was removed from Staffordshire to the Monmouthshire and Somersetshire district. The first assistant appointed to Mr. Wales was Mr. Galloway, and upon his retirement Mr. Ithel Rees was appointed, who was subsequently succeeded by Mr. Randall. Mr. Galloway's in- spectorship will be favourably remembered in connection with his researches into the coal dust theory of colliery explosions, in so far as such explosions are extended and increased in volume by the dry coal dust of the colliery. Mr. Wales died in May, 1886, and was succeeded by Mr. Martin. OUR MINING ENGINEERS. We have given every credit to the pioneers who first discovered the coal seams, and also to the men by whose industry or capital the seams were made available for our colliers, and brought either º 236 THE SOUTH WALES OOAI, TRADE from level or pit into the light of day and the uses of the world; but there is one body of men who have as yet been scarcely noticed by us, our mining engineers. Men of sterling individuality, as many of them were, the early ones especially having a dash of the sea captain about them in firmness of build, steadiness of resolu- tion, bravery of character, never faltering in peril, offering up life without a thought save a momentary one for those that were left behind. - We have seen men in a long experience amongst collieries going down into the deep from whence came the sickening fumes of burning humanity, seen them tread on the stage, give the signal, and disappear, to lead a forlorn hope in amongst the workings in the chance of saving a life, and so seeing, have honoured them. Men with clear intellects, schooled and dis- ciplined, yet with all the bravery that marks the rank and file who think little, and have only the bulldog nature that will not allow of defeat. So thinking of these men of our time, let us begin a notice of the great class by singling out one of the earliest who figured in the western coal fields of Wales long before the Merthyr and Aberdare Valleys began to be worked for coal:— THE KIRKHouse FAMILY. George, the pioneer of the family, came from the North of England to assist Chauncey Townsend in the development of the Swansea and Neath coal valleys. He was one of our earliest mining engineers, and previous to his career in Wales had attained a position by his practical experience in the northern coal fields. He came here from Gateshead, and Wales being regarded as a foreign land, its people speaking a strange language, its mountains inaccessible, its valleys wild, few but bold adventurous spirits cared to venture hither. Even Kirkhouse is stated to have insisted upon one condition before sailing, and that was to have a settlement made for his wife's benefit. Then, making his will, he sailed, and in coming to the west went all around the island. AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 237 Of his successes nearly one hundred and thirty years ago little record remains, but that record is bound up in the fortunes of Townsend and those who followed him. His son was named Bedlington, who sunk the Llansamlet pits and the early Neath and Swansea pits, and Bedlington was the father of George Kirkhouse, first engineer at Dowlais, of Henry, who went to Cyfarthfa, and of William, who remained and won a name in the Neath district. . WILLIAM KIRKHOUSE. One glance at the portrait which has been preserved will show to any student of men the old fashioned eccentric genius of a past generation, who had a great deal to do in the building up of our scientific and commercial greatness. . Once free from 'prentice life, under the direction of his father, who possessed the engineering instincts of the family, he did good work, and as he lived to be ninety years of age, that work must have been prodigious. He was one of the earliest sinkers in the west of Wales, and an engineer of boldness and capacity. He constructed Tennant Canal and Docks at Swansea, and an aqueduct at Aberdyllis, and up to the date almost of his death was the great mining authority in that western district of Wales, whence came our earliest sinkers and miners into the valleys amongst the hills. In his bluffness he was a character, strong minded, clear headed, independent, and it is easily inferred irascible, caring for no one, having full confidence in abilities which had stood the varied tests of a long lifetime. . . He sunk the Main Colliery pit near Neath, and a number of others in Neath, Swansea, and neighbourhood, and also in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. The repute of his mining ability travelled to a considerable radius, and hence we find his services in request in many districts remote from each other. His skill was not confined simply to driving in levels or sinking shafts. Whenever there was an engineering difficulty he was sent 238 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE for. Thus we find his name associated with aqueducts, bridges, Port Tennant Docks, and sea locks. Then when the draining of the Crumlin Bog was undertaken for the making of the canal, and the scheme was regarded as a stupendous one, William Kirkhouse was the man whose clear intellect and energy carried it out suc- cessfully. The sturdy work of his day is occasionally to be seen in rough elm rung with iron for tubbing, and first used by him in the Neath district. The tubbing was so called from the circumstance of its having originally consisted of a frame of wooden staves like the sides of a tub. The invention, used by others at a later day, was a most important one, as the shafts became deeper, and without a system of keeping the water out of the shafts in this way, the working of deep seams of coal, lying under very wet strata, would have been in many cases impracticable. Kirkhouse used ten inch wooden rails, the progenitors of the iron ones. His mining instruments, after the service of a hundred years, are still perfect. They were in keeping with the age. Veneer and shoddy were the creations of a later day. H. KIRKHOUSE, LLWYNCELYN. Mr. Henry Kirkhouse was preceded at Cyfarthfa by Mr. Thomas, who simply worked the cross levels, and was manager at the period when the level and canal formed the special feature of colliery life at Cyfarthfa. Mr. Kirkhouse was the factotum of Mr. Richard Crawshay, the pioneer of the Cyfarthfa family, and was an engineer to the Crawshays for over fifty years. Mr. Kirkhouse sunk all the coal and mine pits of Cyfarthfa, and in his colliery operations showed that superior mining ability which had characterized his forefathers. He was succeeded at Cyfarthfa by his son, Mr. Bedlington Kirkhouse, who, after a life long service as engineer to the Crawshays, died at Llwyncelyn in the house he was born, aged seventy-three. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 239 HERBERT KIRKHOUSE, TYLORSTOWN. In this well-known and successful mining engineer we have another of the family who has preserved in a notable degree the traditions of his race. Mr. Herbert Kirkhouse was first mining engineer under Mr. F. Crawshay at Hirwain Works, and after the stoppage of the works he developed the coal field extensively, and next entered upon a mining career which has been associated with some of the earliest and most important successes in the Aberdare and Rhondda Valleys. He figured considerably in connection with the early coal workers, D. Williams of Ynyscynon, S. Thomas, of Yscuborwen, and the owners of Bwllfa. - Mr. Kirkhouse has also been consulting engineer to many of the large collieries in the west, and intimately linked with the history of the coal field, first as engineer, and afterwards as proprietor. He may fairly claim to have had one of the largest experiences in the sinking and development of our large steam coal collieries, besides managing in an important way large North Walian slate quarries, and similar properties in Pembrokeshire. Mr. Kirkhouse was one of the earliest of our mining engineers to suggest that coal dust was a medium for the extension of explosions in collieries, and some years ago he gave practical exhibition to this belief by patenting, in conjunction with Mr. H. W. Lewis, a water tram, which, while in motion, forces water in a fine spray all around. His last invention, now patented, is the Harbour of Refuge and Lamp Station, which is growing more and more into favour. The idea is to convert the Lamp Station, or some other part, if preferred, into a place of retreat in the event of an explosion. The refuge would be so constructed as to withstand the force of an ordinary explosion, and have a distinct air connection with the surface, with supply of water, etc., to last for a time. It has been initiated at Tylorstown. 240 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE THE MARTIN FAMILY. The first representatives of the family in Wales were two cousins who came from Martyndale, and settled in the neighbour- hood of Swansea. Edward Martin became principal mining agent upon the estates of the Duke of Beaufort in Wales, and had a considerable private practice. His extensive local and general mining knowledge made him indispensable in the early days of the Neath and Swansea collieries, and we find him consulted also by the Monmouthshire coalowners, and the coal- owners of the Bristol coalfield. He had not a high opinion of the Somersetshire coal seams, and admitted to a Newport coal- owner that he should not be surprised to see the people of Bristol served altogether with Monmouthshire coal. Mr. Edward Martin was author of one of the best descriptions we possess of the mineral basin of South Wales, and it may fairly be claimed for him that it has been the basis upon which most of the writers upon our coalfield have relied. He founded a family in the Swansea Vale at Ynystawe. One of the daughters married into the Strick family, and a descendant of Mr. E. Martin, Mr. Joseph Martin, in the present reign figured as high sheriff for the county. We must now follow the fortunes of the other cousin, Timothy, who came as mining agent to Jeremiah Homfray at Penydarran, after having earned practical knowledge in the collieries of Llansamlet and Loughor. He has the distinction of sinking the first pit on the Penydarran estate, that of Winch Fawr. He was a conspicuous agent in the early Penydarran days, and had the family geniality in a noteworthy degree. His death took place in his seventy-seventh year, and he was buried in the old parish , church, Merthyr. The son, Benjamin, succeeded him at Peny- darran; another, George, when well grounded in the necessary knowledge, went to Dowlais. He appears to have gone into the practical duties of life fresh from school, and in course of time succeeded Mr. Kirkhouse as mine agent. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 24] MR. GEORGE MARTIN, DOWLAIS.—Mr. Martin entered upon his duties at Dowlais when iron was king and iron mine was held in far greater repute than coal. Coal, in fact, was scarcely of any account. In the minds of old-fashioned men there was a lurking preference for charcoal, and a belief that it gave a tenacity to iron which the old Swedish makers imparted to their bars, and the Italians to their rapiers. Pit coal was under sufferance; pit coal very secondary. Mr. Martin opened out every level and pit at Dowlais, finishing with Vochriw, his last great undertaking, and he lived to see at the end of a long and honourable life despised coal take pre- eminence, and steel depose iron, to the complete ruin of the iron mine industry. The Martins are still conspicuously represented amongst us, both in the person of Mr. E. Martin, the manager of Dowlais Works, and Mr. H. Martin, the colliery manager. For Mr. E. MARTIN, the presiding mind at Dowlais, we may claim the distinction of his having been a pupil under Mr. Menelaus. He is the eldest son of Mr. George Martin, and had the advantage of being trained in a school which has given the iron world some most able men. We may note Mr. Edward Williams, of Bolcklow, Vaughan, the first mayor of Middlesboro; Mr. Jenkins, of Consett; Mr. D. Evans, at Barrow; Mr. W. Evans, Cyfarthfa. Mr. Martin's experience has been a varied one. His first position after 'prentice days, so to state, at Dowlais, was to the management of Cwmavon Works; from thence he went to Blaenavon Works, and it was from this place that he was called upon to take the supreme government of Dowlais. Mr. H. MARTIN, of the Dowlais collieries, like his brother, began literally in the Dowlais shops, under the late Mr. Menelaus. Then he entered into sub-management of the Dowlais collieries and mines, and next served for several years under Sir George Elliot, in the county of Durham. From that mining district he was trans- ferred to the Aberdare Valley, where his success was practically Q 242 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE shown in one instance by the discovery of a large area of four- feet coal. In 1873 he was induced by an offer of tempting magnitude to undertake the mining speculations of the Japanese Government, and remained in that country for seven years. Upon his return he resumed the direction of a portion of the Powell Duffryn collieries for a period of four years, and in 1884 became the chief colliery manager of the Dowlais collieries, where he has sustained his reputation by the vigorous working of a rapidly exhausting coalfield, and by the able government of the thousands of colliers connected with the Dowlais Company. MR. SAMUEL TRU RAN. In connection with the Dowlais coalfield honourable notice is deserved by Mr. Samuel Truran, who has been connected with the collieries from the time of Sir John Guest. Few are reputed to have a better acquaintance with the great coal world and its ramifications under the Waun and Gellygaer mountains than Mr. Truram. He can also claim to have had a remarkable immunity from explosion while working a larger quantity of coal than has been turned out from any other of the ironworks collieries. MR. W. S. CLARK, C.E., F.G.S. Mr. Clarke was born 17th December, 1817, in the parish of Wallsend-on-the-Tyne, in the county of Northumberland, where he served his time for a colliery viewer, and at the age of twenty- five was recommended by Mr. Joseph Gray (who was then the chief viewer of the Marquess of Bute for his Durham collieries) to come and take charge of Lord Bute's mineral estates in Glamor- ganshire, in October, 1843. About that time the steam coal in the Aberdare Valley, south of Abernant, was just being opened upon for exporting purposes, and Mr. Clark was largely consulted as to the sinking of the A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. - 243 pits and the opening out of the collieries, which at that time were considered to be deep pits in the South Wales basin. Amongst other works that he advised upon were Deep Duffryn pits, which, owing to the quantity of water met with, practically failed, until Mr. Clark advised the adoption of tubbing the water back, and it was in fact the first place that the tubbing of shafts was practised in the district. Mr. Clark was also very often consulted by his intimate friend Mr. Nixon, in connection with the sinking and opening out of the Navigation collieries, which at that time were the deepest and most extensive collieries in the district. - Soon after his establishment in Merthyr as Lord Bute's mining engineer, he was engaged with his assistants in preparing plans of the underground workings, and advising as to the most important negotiations for the renewal of the Dowlais, Peny- darran, and Rhymney leases, which extended over a number of years and were only finally settled after the death of the late Marquess of Bute in 1849. Mr. Clark was also engaged by the late Marquess of Bute, and subsequently by his trustees, in the laying out of the Bute West Dock and the Bute East Dock, and the construction of the coal shipping arrangements and the system of railways around those docks. He was also one of the engineers for the Rhymney railway at its inception, and for carrying the various Bills through Parliament as well as for a great portion of its construction, until he had to give up the work through ill-health. In addition to his work on the Bute estate, he was also mining engineer until his death for the Lords of Neath Abbey, the late Lord Dynevor, Mr. E. P. Richards, the late Earl of Shrewsbury, and others, and was engaged throughout the whole of the negotiations between 1854 and 1864 for the renewal of the Cyfarthfa lease, and also the renewal of the leases of the Neath Abbey collieries. In fact he was consulted upon most of the important negotiations for colliery leases throughout the district. Mr. Clark was the first to advocate the sinking of pits to the 244 THE SOUTH WALES OOAL TRADE steam coal in the Rhondda Valley, and much to the surprise of the mining authorities of that day recommended Lord Bute's Trustees to purchase the Cwmsaebren property belonging to the Davies family, for the purpose of developing the steam coal in that and adjoining Bute properties in the Rhondda Valley. - So difficult was it at that time to induce capitalists to risk sink- ing in the Rhondda Valley that the Taff Vale Railway Company advertised in the newspaper, offering a premium of five hundred pounds to anyone who would sink a pit one hundred and twenty yards below the level of the river Rhondda at the top of the Rhondda Valley. After great difficulties, in consequence of the absence of roads for the conveyance of machinery and materials, Mr. Clark proved the Upper Four Feet Seam in a pair of pits sunk on Cwmsaebren at a depth of one hundred and twenty-five yards, in the year 1853, whereupon the Taff Vale Railway Company extended a single line of railway up to Treherbert, and the first train of steam coal was taken from the Rhondda Valley on the 17th December, 1855, Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Sir W. T. Lewis accompanying the train right through to Cardiff. These are records of a busy and a successful life, but they only give one side of his career, the professional. In private life few men were more estimable. He had a keen love for humanity: charitable instincts formed a part of his nature. His whole social life was underlaid by a tenderness and a consideration indicative of a good and a pure mind. It may honestly be placed to his credit that he stands amongst the front rank of the men to whom Wales has been indebted for the development of her mineral riches, and hence his name is indissolubly linked with the early history and best successes of our coal trade. Mr. Clark was buried in the cemetery at Cefn, near Merthyr, and we well recollect, many years after his death, seeing one of his favourite pupils standing by his grave bareheaded, reverent. He had travelled far to show his respect and affection, and it was honourable alike to the lost master and the mourner, especially AND IT'S A LLIED IND STRIES. & 245 in an age when the best amongst us so quickly disappear, and are so soon forgotten. For the last nine years of his life Sir W. T. Lewis acted as Mr. Clark's assistant in connection with the whole of his various colliery, dock, and engineering engagements, and succeeded to his appointments upon his death 17th May, 1864, at the Mardy, Aberdare. MR. WILLIAM LLEWELYN, F.G.S. An ivy-covered dwelling in Mill Street, Aberdare, was the home- stead from whence came the Llewelyns, two of whom, William and David, attained distinction as mining engineers. William Llewelyn became the chief mining engineer in connection with the Llanover estate, and was a man of good theoretical and practical ability. He was member of several learned societies, and in particular the Cambrian Archæological, for whose journal he wrote several exceedingly interesting papers, one on the Jacobites in Wales (David Morgan), and the other on the Sussex Ironmasters in Wales. One of the principal collieries on the estate, Abercarne, was worked by the Ebbw Vale Company, Limited, up to the great explosion, September 11th, 1878. Mr. Pond was manager at the time, and the pit was “drowned out * to save it. The colliery is now worked by Milburne, Watts and Company, who also have the important colliery the National, Wattstown, Rhondda. Mr. W. Llewelyn conducted the arduous duties of his profession with great care, and was in public and private life much esteemed. As a geologist, he was locally and generally well informed, and but for his retiring habits, which confined the extent of his varied knowledge to a few, would have taken a more conspicuous place in society, and in the estimation of men. He was succeeded by Mr. W. W. Lewis, and he again by Mr. Thomas James, who retains the appointment. 246 - THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE Mr. David Llewelyn, the brother of Mr W. Llewelyn, was in many respects his antipodes, the active where the other was passive, the practical where the other was theoretical. Mr. David Llewelyn was for many years in private practice at Glyn Neath, and figured considerably in connection with the large mineral property of Mr. Bruce Pryce at Duffryn. MR. EVAN DANIEL, SWAN SEA. Mr. Daniel was born 13th January, 1825, at Llansamlet. On the father and mother's side he comes from old mining families, and was early articled to his father, the late Mr. Benjamin Daniel, mineral surveyor and colliery manager. His next step was an engagement with Mr. Joseph Martin, of Glyncollen, near Swansea, one of our earliest authorities on mining. On the death of Mr. Martin he entered into business for himself, and from that time to the present has taken a prominent position in the mining affairs of Wales. His experience in colliery lettings, of coal inspection, valuations of collieries, reporting on the valuations of same, mining arbitra- tions, and the practical evidence given before Committees of the Lords and Commons, Courts of Justice, etc., singled him out for his appointment by the Royal Coal Commission in conjunction with the late Mr. Wm. Adams, of Cardiff, to get up plans, sections, and calculations for the whole of the South Wales Mineral Basin. - For his successful labours he was complimented by Professor Hull in his work on the Coal Field of Great Britain for the elaborate way in which the work was done by him for the Com- mission. The extent and character of Mr. Daniel’s work may be seen by reference to the plans, etc., now deposited at the School of Mines, Jermyn Street, London. - Mr. Daniel is an old member of the South Wales Institute of Mining Engineers. A W D /TS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 247 In 1872, when the Mines Act of that year came into operation, he was, unsolicited, offered an appointment as one of the examiners for granting certificates to colliery managers in South Wales, and still retains that appointment. For over forty years he has been a conspicuous Mining Engineer in the Western District, having the management of some of the largest mineral estates in that part of the coal field, but now, with the exception of the Mining Arbitration and Parliamentary Committee Evidence, has retired from the more active details of mining life. M R. WILLIAM ADAMS. Few men were more conspicuous in the mining engineering of fifteen and twenty years ago than Mr. William Adams. He was an Ebbw Vale boy, the son of a working man, a block layer, it is stated, and we may trace his advancement from one step to another until he attained the distinction of being the chief in control of the whole of the Ebbw Vale collieries. Mr. Adams had the well merited distinction of being one of the earliest of native mining engineers. The majority of our mining engineers have been of northern extraction, and philosophic cogitations over material influences have traced an affinity between the vitalizing electric current, flowing north to south, as in some way paralleled by the revivifying mental influences which sweep from the same hardy nursing ground. - After his retirement from the control at Ebbw Vale he entered into private practice, and was consulted upon many important undertakings. In proof of the position he held, we may state that when a Government Commission was called for by Sir H. H. Vivian to report upon the duration of our coalfields, he was selected for the eastern, and Mr. Daniel, of Swansea, for the western district. MR. SAMUEL DOBSON, C.E. About eighteen years ago there passed away from our midst one of those gifted and persevering northern spirits who have had so 248 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE much to do in the development of our coal riches. The tale of his life is told in the journal of the institute with which he was associated. It is a biography characteristic of the engineering pen, is well and tersely told, and we cannot do better than incor- porate it. Mr. Dobson was the son of a farmer, and was born on the 28th of April, 1826, at Newton Hall, Horsley, in the County of Northumberland, and attended the village school at Ovingham. He was apprenticed as a colliery viewer to Mr. John Gray, of Garesfield, Durham, for three years, and at this time, finding himself somewhat deficient in education, he attended a night school at Crawcrook, near Rylan, kept by Mr. Craigie, a celebrated teacher of mathematics. At this school Mr. Nicholas Wood, Sir George Elliot, Mr. John Nixon, Robert Anderson, and other men of note received a considerable portion of their education. Mr. Dobson afterwards acted for two years as an assistant to the late Mr. T. J. Taylor, of Emsdon, Northumberland. About 1848 he removed to South Wales, on being appointed, through Mr. Taylor's influence, mineral agent to the Clive, now the Windsor estate, and subsequently he was engaged in business on his own account as a mining engineer, and became mineral agent for many of the principal properties in the district. He had charge of the opening and working of some of the most important and extensive of the steam coal collieries of South Wales. Amongst them, Powell's Duffryn Collieries may be especially named. He was also in extensive practice as a consulting engineer in all matters relating to mining, and of late years had turned his attention to civil engineering matters. He projected the Penarth Harbour, Dock, and Railway, for which he and Mr. John Hawkshaw, Past-President Inst. C.E., were afterwards the joint engineers. He was also instrumental in establishing several railways in South Wales, and reported upon experiments made by himself as to the comparative nature of Welsh and North Country coals for various purposes. Mr. Dobson was elected a member of the North of England AND JTS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 249 Institute of Mining Engineers, as well as a Fellow of the Geological Society of London. He was devotedly attached to the profession, worked very hard, and in private life was a man of engaging manners, very sincere, and one who formed many lasting friendships. Such is the brief story of a life that was of great service to Wales, but was unhappily brief also in its duration. He died of consumption, on the 26th July, 1870, in his forty-fifth year. MR. THOMAS FORSTER BROWN Mr. Brown was born about 1836, near the head of the South Tyne, in the house where his relative, Westgarth Forster, an eminent metalliferous mining engineer of the North of England, lived for many years. He was educated partly at the village school, and afterwards at the Grammar School, Bishops Auckland, in the County of Durham. School-days over and he became in 1851 a pupil of Mr. Thomas Emerson Forster, a mining engineer of conspicuous ability in the North of England, and moreover a distant relative. In 1855 he was appointed resident viewer of the Townley and Stella Collieries, Newcastle, under the chief viewer, Mr. Robert Simpson, and in this position remained up to 1858, when he made his entry into Monmouthshire in the capacity of manager of the Machen collieries. In 1865 we find him holding the important office of Her Majesty's Deputy-Gaveller of the Forest of Dean, under the Commissioner of Woods, Forests, &c., and in the following year (1866) began his connection with Cardiff and the South Wales Coal Basin, which has since been inseparable from its scientific and progressive development. Mr. Brown in that year joined his friend the late Mr. Samuel Dobson in partnership, as Dobson and Brown, of Cardiff and elsewhere. The firm afterwards became Dobson, Brown and Adams, and since the death of Mr. G. F. Adams, Forster, Brown and Rees. 250 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE Mr. Brown is the author of a valuable paper on the coalfields of South Wales, which he read, as president, to the members of the South Wales Institute of Engineers at their meeting held at Newport, 2nd December, 1874. This paper has since been published in connection with the proceedings of the Institute, and has been supplemented with one of the best plans of the whole coalfield we possess. In connection with the late Mr. Adams, his partner, a gentleman whose loss socially and scientifically is keenly regretted, he was the joint author of a paper entitled—“Deep Winning of Coal in South Wales,” full of useful information. For this paper the authors were awarded the Telford Premium and George Stephenson Medal, by the Institution of Civil Engineers. Since his connection with our district Mr. Forster Brown has been largely engaged in the development of the South Wales coalfield, his firm having directed as engineers some of the most important winnings, besides being consulted upon mining questions extensively in other parts of the kingdom. The largest and deepest colliery in Wales, that of Harris's Deep Navigation, has been from the first under the direction of the firm. GEORGE FREDER!CK ADAMS. For details of Mr. Adams' life we are indebted to the Minutes of Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Mr. George Frederick Adams, only son of the late Mr. George Adams, of Aberdare, manager of the Aberdare Iron Company’s property, was born on the 9th June, 1842, at Ebbw Vale. He was educated at the Normal College School, Swansea, and at Cotham School, Bristol, and afterwards in the engineering department of King's College, London, where he obtained the practical scholarship in 1862. He then passed to the engineering shops of the Ebbw Vale Iron Company at Ebbw Vale, Monmouth- shire; his uncle, Mr. William Adams, M. Inst. C.E., being then the general manager of the company. After three years in the A ND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 251 mechanical department at Ebbw Vale, he was articled in 1865 for three years to the late Mr. Samuel Dobson, M. Inst. C.E. At the expiration of his pupilage he became the chief-assistant to. Messrs. Dobson and Brown at Cardiff, and in the beginning of 1870 was taken into that firm, which became Dobson, Brown, and Adams. Mr. Dobson died in July, 1870, and as a partner in the firm of Brown and Adams, Mr. Adams was continually engaged, until his health broke up in 1883, in extensive engineering works, both in the civil and the mining branches. In civil engineer- ing—the extension of the Llynvi and Ogmore Railways into the Avon Valley, the Ely and Clydach Valleys Railway, works on the South Wales Mineral Railway and other works; and in mining— the carrying out of extensive winnings for steam-coal in South Wales and Monmouthshire, one of which, the sinking of the Harris's Navigation Colliery, was made the subject of a joint paper by himself and his partner, Mr. Forster Brown, read before the Institution in the beginning of 1881, and in respect of which Telford Premiums and Stephenson Medals were awarded to the authors. Mr. Adams also assisted Mr. Brown in the preparation of a paper upon the South Wales Coal-Field, read before the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers when they visited Cardiff in the year 1874. One of the last works in which Mr. Adams was engaged was the preparation of plans and sections and preliminary arrangements in conjunction with Mr. J. Wolfe Barry, Mr. H. M. Brunel, and Mr. Forster Brown, for the Barry Dock and Railway Scheme in the autumn of 1883. Early in 1882 Mr. Adams caught a severe cold, which settled upon his lungs, and although after this he spent a great part of his time in the Riviera, his health continued to decline, and he died at his residence, Keswick House, Cardiff, on the 10th of October, 1884. He was especially well informed; amiable in disposition, and unusually popular with all with whom he came in contact, either socially or in business, and he was mourned by many friends. In his profession his judgment was sound, and he was especially expert in all arrangements which involved the application of machinery. 252 THE SOUTH WALES COAI, TRADE Mr. Adams was elected a Member of the Institution on the 30th of May, 1876. MR WILLIAM THOMAS, J.P., OF BRYNAWEL. Mr. Thomas came, to use the often repeated words, from the ranks of the people, and up to July, 1856, was gaining thorough practical knowledge by working regularly at the Great Western Colliery. Coming out on the day of the Cymmer explosion, when one hundred and fourteen men and boys were killed, the appalling sight had such an effect upon him that he decided to abandon the life of a collier. From that date he went to school, and by dint of great determination slowly ascended the social ladder, engaged in various avocations until he found his proper groove in Cwmaman Colliery. Fourteen years passed here, the early portion in a subordinate capacity, but afterwards in full management, prepared the way for higher positions, and his advancement to Pentre, Resolven, and Mardy was but a natural progression. His competency as a mining engineer has been shown by the large number of collieries entrusted to his direction, ten including Mardy, and his fearless- ness by the ready aid he has always given in the great explosions of the district. He has figured in the “rescue band ” of most of these great calamities, and in the case of Mardy was the first to descend immediately after the explosion, perilling his life with a coolness worthy of the battlefield. For his devotion in the cause of humanity he was awarded, with others, the medal for valour on the 14th May, 1886. Mr. Thomas has been one of the earliest amongst colliery managers to recognise the great part the electric light is certain to play in the future. SIR WILLIAM THOMAS LEWIS. For no purposes of eulogistic dissertation do we now tell the story of a life, useful in a remarkable degree to the people of our great coal field. We tell it as a lesson to youth, and as a moral to A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 253 man, and as such its value is enhanced by its having the simplest surroundings. Meretricious ornament in euphonious words, praise from fame's often discordant trumpet, would be out of place. It is the story of another of our mining engineers, the creator of his own success. The poet, we are told, is born, not made. The mining engineer, the geologist, the mathematician, are results of patient industry. The poet flashes his inspiration out upon us with the same spontaneity as nature does in her pictures of the beautiful and the terrible. Not so with our mining engineers and others we link with them. Their own plastic mind becomes the subject matter of laborious study, of treatment, and discipline, and the results are in degree such as the sculptor produces from his lump of clay, only that in the case of our men we have the active agency produced for doing a manhood’s work in the world; in the other, only an ornament to delight the eye. This is but the simplest justice to a class one might term self- created men. We would mete out the same to the blacksmith, from whose sturdy blows the sparks fly out into the night. The sparks are his The dead language element in the education of the schools, what is it in comparison, mere parrot-like acquisition, yielding only echoes of classic story ; no sparks from the anvil of thought ; no practical skill gained by life-long labour. The uneventful beginnings of a life that was afterwards marked with incident and advancement is soon told. He is the son of Mr. Thomas Lewis, who, nearly half a century ago, was engineer under Mr. Hill, of Plymouth Works. His position brought him into contact with Mr. W. S. Clarke, mineral agent for the Bute estate, and, in 1855, young William Thomas Lewis entered his office as an assistant. As a biographer in the Industrial Review correctly states:– “This was his starting point, and every step besides was the result of his own force of character. Few young men possessed keener perceptive powers, or a more active and painstaking disposition.” Very soon after his entry into the Bute mineral estate office the failing health of Mr. Clarke led that gentleman to forego active 254 THE SOUTH WALES OOAL TRADE duties in connection with the works and collieries, and thus Mr. Lewis had early and practical insight into the arduous labours connected with the position. Every night he had to send in reports, upon which Mr. Clarke based his direction of the estate; and the next step was close consultation with each other as to the better way of procedure; and, finally, the assistant had the entire duty delegated to him of directing the development of the whole of the mineral estates of Lord Bute. Upon the death of Mr. Clarke, the trustees of Lord Bute offered Mr. Lewis the appointment, with a salary of one thousand pounds and residence. The position at that time will be better understood, and the greatness of its demands upon the ability of the agent more clearly shown, when we state that the income derived by Lord Bute from minerals and royalties was little short of two hundred thousand pounds. His next step was in 1880, upon the retirement of Mr. John Boyle as acting trustee for the Bute estate, when that appointment was offered to and accepted by him. From that time, as agent to the Bute estate, the great docks at Cardiff and its numerous departments fell under his control, docks which had cost four millions of money, and a trade representing twelve thousand vessels annually to all parts of the world, and a coal export alone trending closely upon twelve million tons per annum. Guiding and directing everything, even controlling the employment of twelve thousand men, one would naturally exclaim that this was the fullest extent to which individual ability, however highly developed, could attain; but not so, and as the further details of his most active life are succinctly given in the Industrial Review of November, 1887, we will here quote them, especially as they are given by a stranger who tells the unadorned tale of a remarkable life:— “While Lord Bute's mineral agent he married Miss Rees, of Aberdare, whose father was a large colliery proprietor, and with her he received a handsome fortune. He now became colliery proprietor also. Success attended his speculations in this AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 255 direction, and the value of his mineral property grew rapidly. For many years after the Crimean War the South Wales coal trade passed through troublesome times. Strikes were frequent, and, as these involved considerable loss to the colliery owner, in 1864 a coal owners' mutual association for the Aberdare Valley was formed on the suggestion of the then Mr. William Thomas Lewis. Strikes, however, continued, and, as the sphere of the association was limited, it was abandoned. The great strike of 1871 led to the formation of a larger association, and this suffered severely, as the iron masters, by employing the men on strike, kept the coal owners' collieries closed. The great strike for an advance of wages in 1873 culminated in an understanding to which masters and men had arrived, again on the suggestion of Mr. William Thomas Lewis, to refer the matter in dispute to arbitration. This was done, and Mr. William Thomas Lewis was unanimously selected by the masters to place their case before the arbitrators. The outcome of this arbitration was the formation of the sliding scale arrangement of 1875, the principle of which was laid down by Mr. Lewis (as we have stated). This sliding scale was the first of the kind formed in this country. It was followed in Durham coal-field in 1876, in Northumberland in 1878, in Cumberland in 1879, and has ever since been the principle upon which colliers' wages have been paid in nearly every one of the great coal-fields of the country. When the Sliding Scale Com- mittee was formed, consisting of an equal number of masters and workmen's delegates, Mr. William Thomas Lewis was chosen by the masters as chairman of that committee, and has held that position ever since, and he is also president of Monmouthshire and South Wales Colliery Owners’ Association, so that he acts in the two-fold capacity of chairman of the committee which regulates the wages of the workmen, and presides over the deliberations of the masters when meeting as an association. The association now includes among its members the owners of 160 collieries of various sizes, the output from some averaging seventy tons of coal per day and others 4,000 tons. The annual output from these collieries exceeds 13,000,000 tons, and they give 256 THE SOUTH WA LES COAI, TRADE employment to 70,000 miners. For his eminent services Sir William became the recipient of a coal owners’ testimonial of one thousand guineas. “In 1878 the attention of Parliament was called to the number of accidents in coal mines and a Royal Commission upon ‘Accidents in Mines’ was appointed, with Earl Crawford and Balcarres as chairman. The other members of the Commission were Mr. Warrington Smyth, Professor of the Royal School of Mines; Sir Frederick Abel, C.B.; Professor Tyndal; Professor R. B. Clifton; Sir George Elliot, Bart. ; Mr. William Thomas Lewis; Mr. Thomas Burt, M.P.; and Mr. Lindsay Wood. They held their first sitting on 27th February, 1879; held two hundred and seventeen sittings between that period and 27th March, 1886, and in that time they examined a large number of witnesses. They presented an exhaustive report upon the causes that led to accidents in mines, and many of the recommendations contained in that report were afterwards embodied by the Home Secretary in his Mines Regulation Bill, which came into operation in 1888. In presenting that report to Parliament, the chairman bore testimony to the valuable assistance they had received from Mr. William Thomas Lewis, to whose ability and practical knowledge of the working for coal the success that had attended their inquiry was mainly due. This fact was communicated to Her Majesty, who conferred upon him the honour of knighthood as a mark of her high appreciation of the services he had rendered to the Com- mission. This was signalised by a grand banquet at Merthyr and a ball at Aberdare. In 1878 an explosion occurred at the Prince of Wales's Colliery, Abercarn, by which two hundred and sixty- nine lives were lost. In 1879 an explosion occurred at the Dinas Colliery. In 1880 an explosion occurred at the Ynysyfeio Colliery, and, two months later, an explosion occurred at the Penygraig Colliery, resulting in the loss of eighty-four lives. Appeal after appeal was made to the public for funds to support those who had lost their breadwinners by these explosions, and this caused public attention to be directed to the desirability of establishing a fund to which workmen and colliery owners should contribute, and AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 257 thus provide also for the survivors of those who meet with their death in the coal mine, and for whom no public sympathy is aroused because the calamity has only swept away a few lives. Sir William Thomas Lewis again came to the front, and, in conjunction with Mr. J. D. Llewelyn, of Penller- gare, founded, in 1881, ‘The Monmouthshire and South Wales Permanent Provident Society.’ The great importance of this society can be seen by referring to our history of the move- ment. Sir William Thomas Lewis is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers; a Fellow of the Geological Society; has been twice president of the South Wales Institute of Engineers; was, in 1880, president of the Mining Association of Great Britain. He is an ironmaster, having purchased the Forest Furnaces from Mr. Crawshay, and converted them into Bessemer furnaces, and this proved a very successful venture. He was a candidate for Merthyr during the general election of 1880, and, though very late in the field, he polled a large number of votes.” The regret of his numerous friends was so keen that a superb testimonial of the value of one thousand guineas was quickly subscribed for and privately presented to him. At the same time, while this presentation represented the class with means, the colliers of the district were not backward, and a touching presentation followed at the Mardy. A deputation of colliers, representing many thousands, waited upon him with a parchment scroll, lacking emblazonry, but full of earnest and grateful feeling. And those who know him best need not to be told which presentation was most prized. Here we pause, not that the list is exhausted, or even a tithe of labours, private and public, chronicled. The full catalogue of services rendered to his district and to the Principality must be left to the biographer of a later day, and we can only hope that the day may be very remote when his practical labours will have ended, and the recorder of deeds done, and lives lived out nobly in our industrial field, shall sum up and close the roll. 258 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE T H E S M | T H F A M | L. Y. The senior members of this well known family of mining engineers were connected with the early working of the Aberdare coal field under the Fothergills. Mr. John Smith retired to Abergavenny, where he died a few years ago. Mr. William Smith, the only surviving member in the profession, is now manager at Bargoed, after a varied experience in the Maesteg district. T H E W | L K | N S O N F A M | L. Y. Few men were better known in the early Aberdare days, when levels were giving way to sinkings, than Mr. George Wilkinson. Wilkinson and Brown were men of familiar presence and repute when the leading men of our day were in pupilage. Mr. George Wilkinson, after a long connection under the Powells, followed the fortunes of Sir George Elliot when the Powell Duffryn Company was formed, and did admirable service up to his retirement when he was succeeded by Mr. Hann, who has in all ways justified the selection. Mr. George W. Wilkinson, the son of the old mining agent of the Powells, is now connected with the Risca, and Rhondda, and numerous collieries. M. R. R. B E D L | N G T O N . This well known mining engineer made his mark in connection with the coal field of the Rhymney Works. He was for some time manager at Ferndale, and since has had a good deal of experience in the coal field generally. NOTABLE MEN OF THE COAL WORLD. DAVID MORGANWG. The list of men who have begun in the humble walks of a collier and attained positions of influence in the coal-field is a long one. “David Morganwg” is a good type. A Merthyr boy, with AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 259 no advantages but those of strong natural ability, he has not only worked his way to an important agency at Cardiff, but devoted his leisure to bardic and literary efforts, and is the author of several meritorious productions, one a Welsh grammar and another the History of Glamorgan in Welsh. It is satisfactory to know that there have been hundreds of colliers who, by dint of untiring efforts, have advanced themselves in trading pursuits and social callings, and even in the learned professions. While the mass have remained colliers, beginning as door boys, and dying often in harness, these men have shown by their practical example that the collier ranks have not been unfruitful in supplying the social world with teachers. The story of our Eisteddfodau tells this in a remarkable degree, and we can point to eminent men who have adorned the pulpit, who have figured in educational pursuits, have been shining lights in musical composition, and in song, whose early years were with the mandril and the lamp in the coal mime. All honour to them. They have reaped the reward of a persistent struggle, and the lesson has been a valuable one to their own and succeeding generations. - 260 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE CHAPTER IX. THE STATUTES RELATING TO COLLIERS AND COLLIERIES. Contributed by J. C. FOWLER, Stipendiary Magistrate, Swansea. Y the statute of 43 Elizabeth, cap. 2, sec. 1, it was enacted that Parish Officers should raise money for the relief of the poor by taxation of every occupier (among other properties) of coal mines, which were thus made expressly liable to the Poor-rate. Six statutes relating to coal mines have been passed during the reign of Queen Victoria. The first of the series, passed in 1842, was a most important one, inasmuch as it absolutely prohibited the employment of females in mines, and also limited the age at which boys might be so employed. This emancipation of women and girls from employment underground—a coarse and rough form of work unsuitable for females of any age—had been strongly recommended by Com- missioners who had been instructed to obtain information on this subject. There can be no doubt that the Act was of great benefit, and led to moral and physical improvement among the mining population. The next Act of Parliament relating to coal was passed in the year 1850. It recited that “it was expedient that provision should be made for the inspection of coal mines,” and empowered the Secretary of State to appoint Inspectors. Not only were these officers to acquaint themselves with its workings, but under the provisions of this Act notice was to be sent of all fatal accidents in collieries to the Home Office—a regulation which soon brought to light the deplorable loss of life which was then going on, and led to further legislation. Four Inspectors only were at first appointed, but the importance of their functions has caused an increase of their number from four to thirty-three. A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 261 The next statute was passed in 1855. This was the first Act that contained those practical directions for the mangement of a colliery called “General Rules.” It also enacted that every colliery should have a code of bye-laws called “Special Rules,” adapted to the peculiar circumstances of its workings. The Act passed in 1872, 35 and 36 Vic, cap. 76, was a great consolidated code for collieries. It regulated the employment of women, young persons and children most minutely, and also the mode of paying wages. It prohibited employment in mines having one shaft only, and enacted that every coal-mine should be under the control of a certificated manager. Further, it required notices of accidents, and of the opening and abandon- ment of coal-mines, to be sent to the Secretary of State; regulated the appointment and duties of the Inspectors; and authorized and regulated arbitrations between the owners or managers and the Inspectors on behalf of the Secretary of State. It also comprised some provisions as to Coroners' inquests or deaths from mining accidents; and after dealing with the General and Special Rules for the management of coal-mines, it concludes with the enactment of penalties for offences against the Act. Under these numerous provisions it is certain that fatal accidents in collieries have been reduced to a lower point in proportion to the numbers employed than at any former period. Indeed, these fatalities will compare favourably with those of other countries, or with those of our metalliferous mines, whether the standard of comparison be one of tonnage or the number of persons employed underground. Perhaps the special feature of the Act which has throughout wrought these good results has been that which required every colliery to be under the control of a manager certified as competent, either from long experience or by examination. The fifth Act was only passed in 1886 (49 and 50 Vic, cap.40). This was a very short Act, which empowered a Secretary of State to direct formal investigations as to explosions in mines. 262 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE The sixth Act was only passed in 1887 (50 and 51 Vic, cap. 58). It recited in the Preamble that it is expedient to repeal and re-enact, with certain amendments, the two Acts last mentioned. It extends the issue, after examination, of certificates to under-managers, and requires that a coal-mine shall be under the daily personal supervision of the manager or the under- manager, holding either a first or second-class certificate. Further, the number of general rules in the new Act has been increased to thirty-nine, two of them being entirely new—viz., that of requiring stretchers, splints, and bandages to be kept at the mine for giving first aid to the wounded; and that which imposes certain restrictions on the construction of safety lamps, thus tending to displace the Davy and Stephenson lamps by those of more modern forms. This consolidated Act is a great and beneficial enactment, and has probably carried the guarantees for safety and good manage- ment as far as is consistent with the interests both of employers and employed. Some defects in its operation may be revealed by experience, and made good by amending Acts, but certain it is that the Statute of 1887 is the most comprehensive and most promising measure that the coal-owners and colliers have yet See Iſle The Acts above-mentioned are the only Acts passed in the present reign which relate exclusively to coal mines. Some Sections of the two Acts passed in 1861, relating to larceny and malicious injuries, contain enactments with respect to offences connected with minerals and mines. AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 263 CELA PTER X. COLLIERY EXPLOSIONS IN SOUTH WALES AND * MON MOUTHSHIRE. Earliest disasters in collieries supplied to us by Dr. James Lewis, of Penarth. from a manuscript diary of the late William Thomas, of Michaelstone-super-Ely, an old Schoolmaster, and Clerk to the Commissioners for the Hundred of Dinas Powis. March 14th, 1788. Tº beginning of this month sixteen persons went to clean the bays from the foul air, in the colliery of Mr. Smith and Co., in the parish of Llansamlet, near Swansey. Thirteen came to their death, being suffocated by the foul air; also about the same time three persons went down in Wandish, in the colliery of the late Griffith Price, Esq., now of Mr. Morice. The lever broke and left them down a great depth against the sides, which broke their brains and bruised them that they died on the spot. The above sixteen persons that came to their death left behind nine widows and fifty-one children. At the Neath Abbey pit, known as the Fire Engine pit, there was an explosion in the later years of the last century by which twenty men were burned; years after Mr. Herbert Kirkhouse states that a number of skeletons were disentombed. Prior to 1849 the explosions in coal pits were rare. At Plymouth, in 1801, the first was simply a trivial burn, and from thence on to the date we have named the accidents were rare. The custom used to be for the men to go into the levels on Monday morning, and, taking off their coats, literally dust the gas out. It was when levels gave way to pits, and from shallow openings to deep workings, that the fire fiend began to assume full proportions, and so continued up to the margin of our enquiry, rioting every now and then over a holocaust of victims. 264 THE SOUTH WALES OOAL TRADE We append a list of the principal from that time, supplied to us from official sources:— Name of Colliery. Plymouth Aberghorki Cwmgwrach, Glynneath, Dinas, Cwm Rhondda, Risca... e e o Cwmbach, Aberdare Morfa, Taibach ... Lletty Shenkin, Aberdare... Middle Duffryn ... Morfa, Taibach ... Middle Duffryn ... Cyfarthfa Cwmbach Blaengwawr Ffosyfran Risca Vale . . . . Lletty Shenkin... Cyfarthfa Aberaman Ysguborwen Werfa. ... Abercwmboy Cwmaman, Aberdare Old Coal Pit, Blaima Ynys Davydd, Cwmavon ... Cymmer, Rhondda Ynyshir tº º ſº Tyr Nicholas, Cwmtillery ... Date. September, — 1806 1817 June 9th, 1820 January 1, 1844 1846 August 10th, 1849 June 22nd, 1849 August 11th, 1849 December 20th, 1850 December, 1850 May 25th, 1852 October, 1852 .. 1852... February, 1853 July, 1853 March 12th, 1853 September 16th, 1853 January 16th, 1854 April 20th, 1855 February, 1856 March 17th, 1856 July 5th, 1856 ... May, 1856 July 3rd, 1856 May 24th, 1856 July 15th, 1856 March 18th, 1857 May 27th, 1857 November 4th, 1858 February 25th, 1858 October 13th, 1858 March 14th, 1858 May 28th, 1858 Killed. 2 l 5 12 35 28 1 25 13 16 65 2 2 : 10 : 12 13 114 13 Morfa ... Cwmpennar Duffryn Aberaman Bryndu 19 20 2 12 A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. Name of Colliery. Kenfig Ysguborwen Plymouth © C. Cwmdare (Powell's) Cwmpennar Blaengwawr Black Vein, Risca Blaengwawr Gethin © tº e Lletty Shenkin... Mountain Ash ... Abermantygroes ... Abermant Morfa ... Maesteg (Llynvi, Duffryn)... Plymouth Abernant tº tº º Bute (Treherbert) Gethin e - G New Bedwellty Pit Cwm Neol Tyla Coch Cwmpennar Ferndale Fforchaman Llangyfelach Ferndale Ystalyfera Morfa ... Morton Pentre... tº dº o Gadlys... tº e e. Oakwood, Maesteg Victoria, Mon. Weigfach Date. August, 1858 November, 1858 November, 1859 March, 1860 November 6th, 1860 November 18th, 1860 December 1st, 1860 March 6th, 1861 February 19th, 1862 August, 1862 February 7th, 1863 March, 1863 September 21st, 1863 October 12th, 1863 March, 1864 ... August 10th, 1864 February 17th, 1865 December 20th, 1865 June 16th, 1866 January, 1866 ... July 21st, 1866 February 2nd, 1867 November 9th, 1867 December, 1868 March 26th, 1868 June 10th, 1869 November, 1869 February 14th, 1870 December 26th, 1863 tº C & September 30th, 1870 ... February 24th, 1871 October 4th, 1871 January 10th, 1872 1872 1872 142 13 47 29 : 178 49 30 37 11 10 18 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Name of Colliery. Worcester, Swansea Abertillery tº º o Charles Pit, Llansamlet, ... New Tredegar Llan tº º º tº ſº sº Plymouth, No. 2 South Duffryn tº e Abertillery Tynewydd Inundation Date. August 29th, 1873 April 5th, 1874 July 24th, 1874 December 4th, 1875 December 5th, 1875 February, 1876... December, 1876 11th April, 1877 (Survivors rescued April 20th). Abercarne (Prince of Wales) Dinas ... gº Victoria, Monmouthshire ... Risca ... September 11th, 1878 ... January 13th, 1879 June 21st, 1880 July 15th, 1880 (First bodies not recovered for three and a quarter years). Ynysyfeio, Rhondda Penygraig August 29th, 1880 December 10th, 1880 (27.1 Widows and Orphans; subject discussed at Mansion House, London, December 13th. Dr. E. W. Davies, Mountain Ash, wrote a poem in aid dedicated to Lord Aberdare). Penygraig 1882 ... (Two men entombed). Cwmpark Risca ... Coedcae tº º º e C ºr Coedcae Treorky, Crown Level Aberaman IPenrhiwfer Gelly ... Cwmaman Abercarn tº º ſº Pochin Pit, Tredegar Penygraig tº º º C - e. February 21st, 1882 January 15th, 1882 September 11th, 1882 February, 1883 May 11th, 1883 15th June, 1883 August 30th, 1883 August 21st, 1883 January 16th, 1884 January 24th, 1884 November 10th, 1884 1884 (weather stormy) ... (Daniel Thomas killed in rescuing). Mardy... * Cwtch, Ynyshir ... December 23rd, 1885 February 18th, 1887 Killed. 120 84 I º 14 81 23 AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 267 ACCIDENTS IN MINES RECOMMEN DATION OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION. From the time when the resort to deeper sinkings and extension of workings led to an increased percentage of injury and loss of life the attention of our mining engineers has been directed to the best means of prevention, and the results have been uniformly successful. Lessened falls of roof are now reported, fewer breakages, less overwindings, and almost total cessation of explosions. To the same good end the labours of the Royal Commission were directed, and after years of close investigation the result is now before us. We give a summary, first noting the question of shot-firing. “Electrical exploding appliances present very important advan- tages from the point of view of safety over any kind of fuse which has to be ignited by the application of flame to its exposed extremity, as the firing of shots by their means is not only accomplished out of contact with air, but is also under most complete control up to the moment of firing. Their simplicity and certainty of action have been much increased of late years, while their cost has been greatly reduced, and but little instruction is now needed to ensure their efficient employment by persons of average intelligence. The use of electrical arrangements for firing shots in mines where the employment of powder for blasting is inadmissible should be encouraged as much as possible.” Again they state that “it has been shown that mines which have hitherto been considered free from fire-damp may have the air which passes through them vitiated to an extent corresponding to about two per cent. of its volume of marsh gas. The air in many such mines may probably never be entirely free from explosive gas, at all events in the neighbourhood of freshly-cut faces of coal and in the return airways. It has been demon- strated in our experiments that when the atmosphere contains five to five and a half per cent. of marsh gas it becomes highly explosive. We have even obtained explosions which, though 268 THE SOUTH WALES OOAL TRADE less violent, might be nevertheless destructive of life if they occurred, on the large scale possible in a mine, when the air contained only four per cent. of marsh gas. It will thus be seen that air which would appear free from gas if tested in the ordinary way may become, by the addition of only about two per cent. of marsh gas, capable of propagating flame and causing destruction, while the addition of about three per cent. converts it into a highly explosive mixture. Air, which would appear quite free from gas, if examined by a lamp-flame may become explosive when laden with fine, dry coal-dust. Appliances now exist by which very small proportions of marsh gas in air may be readily detected, and which can be used for examining the atmosphere of a mine. With Liveing's indicator, gas present in the air can be estimated with sufficient accuracy for all practical purposes, even when the proportion is as low as a quarter per cent.” The commissioners had, therefore, arrived at the following conclusions:— That it is most important that all mines should be carefully examined by means of indicators capable of detecting as small a proportion as one per cent. of gas; such examination to be made before the commencement of each day-shift, and in case of an interval, also before the succeeding shift. That in all dry mines where the air may be laden with coal dust, and where fire-damp is either known to be given off from the strata, or may from experience be reasonably suspected to exist, the Secretary of State may require safety lamps to be used, unless the owners and workmen of such mines prove, to the satisfaction of a court of arbitration to be appointed by the respective parties, that less liability to accident, generally, will be involved by the working of the mine with open lights than by the use of safety lamps. It should be a special instruction to such court that the circumstances of each mine be taken into consideration with reference to the following points:– (a) The mode of working. (b) The mature of the coal seams and of the roofs and floors of the seams and of the adjacent A ND IT'S A LLIED ANDUSTRIES. 269 strata. (c) The proximity of the seams to each other. (d) The emission of gas from the seam, and the liability to blowers or outbursts of gas from the coal, roof, or floor. (e) The order of working the seams of coal. For the system which prevails in some places of working with mixed lights, that is, with open lights and safety-lamps inter- mixed in the same set of workings, there is no justification, and this practice should be strictly prohibited. We are of opinion that, in mines where safety-lamps are required, the position of lamp stations, or places where open lights are allowed, in reference to the possibility of access of vitiated air, should receive much more attention than at present. It is desirable that, at convenient places near the working faces, reserves of lighted and locked lamps be kept available for exchange with those extinguished in the workings. It has long been known that if the atmosphere become inflammable the Davy and Clanny lamps, and in a less degree the Stephenson lamp, are unsafe in currents having velocities much below those encountered in well ventilated mines. Our experiments fully confirm this. The ordinary Davy lamp becomes unsafe before a velocity of four hundred feet per minute is attained. The ordinary Clanny lamp will almost certainly cause an explosion in a current having a velocity of six hundred feet per minute. A Stephenson lamp will frequently cause an explosion in a current with a velocity of eight hundred feet per minute. From the information supplied to us by your Majesty's Inspectors of Mines and others, currents having velocities of more than four hundred feet per minute are now frequently found in working places. The currents sweeping long wall faces have very often higher velocities, in main airways current- velocities approaching two thousand feet per minute are recorded, and considerably higher velocities are encountered at regulators and in narrow places, or when large falls occur. 270 THE SOUTH WA LES COAI, TRADE It is thus obvious that, in the present improved ventilation of collieries, ordinary Davy and Clanny lamps have ceased to afford protection from explosion, and that the Stephenson lamp, though more secure than the two former, cannot be relied upon. We felt it our duty at an early stage of our investigation to draw the attention of the Secretary of State to the danger attending the use of the ordinary Davy and Clanny lamps, and our subsequent experiments have made this danger still more conspicuous. We have no hesitation in stating that these lamps should be prohibited, unless they are enclosed in cases capable of effectually preventing the gauze from being exposed to the full force of the current of air. Many lamps now exist which are able to resist, in highly explosive atmospheres, current velocities up to and even exceed- ing three thousand feet per minute, at all events for several minutes. Ample time is thus obtained for bringing into operation a “shut off” appliance for the extinction of flame produced both by the illuminant and by ignited gas within the lamp. We consider that all safety lamps should be provided with such an appliance. Four lamps seem to us as deserving of special attention, as combining a high degree of security with fair illuminating power and simplicity of construction. They are Gray's lamp, Marsaut's lamp, the bonneted Mueseler lamp, and Evan Thomas's modifica- tion of the bonneted Clanny lamp, described as number seven in our report. In our experiments the last lamp has given upon the whole the best results. It will be seen, however, from our experiments that many other lamps exist which are simple in construction, and almost, if not quite, as safe as the above. They generally, however, yield an inferior light in consequence of the flame being surrounded by gauze, but from this method of construction they derive the advantage of not being entirely dependent on glass for their security. t 3. AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 271 To make a particular lamp compulsory would be unwise, as calculated to throw difficulties in the way of introducing improve- ments which will no doubt arise in the future, but we think it desirable that some control should be exercised in reference to the descriptions of lamps employed in coal mines, and that only those lamps should be used which are authorised from time to time by the Secretary of State. A lamp may be of the safest pattern and yet small defects in the fitting of its parts may entirely deprive it of its power of affording protection. In preparing a large number of lamps for use in a mine it may happen, even with the greatest care on the part of the lamp-men, that a lamp in an imperfect condition may be allowed to pass. The detection of these imperfections by simple inspection is in mauy cases almost impossible, and we are convinced that the only way of avoiding the introduction into a mine of a dangerously imperfect lamp is to test every lamp in an explosive mixture of air and some inflammable gas before it is allowed to descend the shaft. Though we have good reason to believe that the practice of surreptitiously opening safety lamps in the workings is much less prevalent than formerly, it is still necessary that such lamps should be locked. We have examined many appliances for this purpose, and we consider that the plan of fastening the oil vessel to the other part of the lamp by a riveted lead plug, impressed at each end with marks or letters varied from time to time, is the simplest, the most efficient, and the one most likely to lead to the detection of any attempt to tamper with the lock. The power and uniformity of illumination given by a lamp can be notably improved by using, as the illuminant, vegetable or animal oil mixed with about one-half of its volume of a petroleum oil of safe flashing point. The use of petroleum spirit or benzine as the illuminant in safety lamps, instead of vegetable or animal oil, is attended with some advantages, but it is also liable to introduce new sources of 272 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE danger. Special care is needed in the filling and trimming of lamps, and in the arrangement of lamp rooms, to avoid the ignition of the highly explosive mixture formed by air with the vapour arising from this spirit. The selling of petroleum spirit, or of spirit of similar character as to volatility, under designations which are calculated to mislead in regard to the nature of the illuminant, is a proceeding fraught with danger, unless all vessels containing such illuminants bear a prominent label, indicating the dangerous nature of their contents. Stringent regulations as to the conditions under which illuminants of this class are to be used and stored, are absolutely necessary. The advantages in point of convenience and efficiency which attend the employment of electric glow-lamps, for illuminating the pit’s bottom and roadways immediately adjacent to it, have already been demonstrated at several collieries, where this utilisation of the electric light has been combined with illumina- tion at the surface by arc lights. In applying electric glow-lamps to underground illumination, to the extent indicated, through the medium of conducting cables leading from the generators to the pit bottom, it is essential to safety, as well as to the permanent efficiency of the installation, that the cables should be placed in positions where they are thoroughly protected against possible accidental injury. It is also essential, in all mines where fire-damp has been known to occur, that the glow-lamps should be excluded from direct contact with the air of the mine, in one or other of the ways indicated in this report. Portable, self-contained electric lamps have been devised, which will furnish, for several successive hours, a light consider- ably superior to that of the best safety lamps, and which at the expiration of eight hours and upwards will still give a light fully equal to that of a freshly-lighted Davy lamp. These lamps AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 273, are perfectly safe, but, as they do not afford any indication of the condition of the atmosphere in a mine, their employment, even if special fire-damp detectors are used, cannot in any case entirely dispense with the necessity for the use of some safety- lamps. For exploring purposes after accidents, or in foul places, these lamps must prove very valuable even in the present condition of their development, and as auxiliary lights they cannot fail to prove very useful. The great progress which has recently been made in the construction of portable electric lamps affords promise of a speedy utilisation of such lamps to an important extent in coal mines. Whilst we think that the safety hooks at present available may have contributed to prevent fatalities from over-winding, we believe that the best appliance for the purpose is an automatic steam brake attached to the winding-gear, and we think it desirable that such brake should be introduced where practicable. We consider that measures should be adopted to deal more systematically, and, if possible, more expeditiously, with casualties resulting from the various sources of accidents dealt with in this report. Collieries or mines should be required to provide an ambulance and stretchers for the purpose of conveying to their homes sufferers from injuries received while in the discharge of their duties. Arrangements should be made for the establishment of centres in mining districts, where additional appliances for succour and relief, and also special appliances for exploring purposes, should be maintained in an efficient condition, so as to be ready for use at the shortest notice. It is most desirable that facilities should be afforded for the instruction of men in the use of special auxiliary appliances for exploring purposes, and in simple measures connected with the provisional treatment of injuries. 274 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE We attach great importance to the systematic inspection of each mine by the workmen, as provided for in general rule thirty of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1872, and we recommend that this provision should be generally and regularly acted upon. DEEPEST COAL PITS. Graigola (Neath) ... Ocean, Rhondda Cwmbach, Aberdare Wernfraith (Neath) Gorwydd, Gowerton e Primrose Colliery, Pontardawe Mynydd Newydd, Swansea ... Ferndale, Rhondda Abercarne e - © © C tº Cymmer Colliery, Rhondda ... Castle Pit, Cyfarthfa Tylorstown, Rhondda Great Western Colliery, Ponty- pridd ... © º º Pochin Pits, Tredegar Llwynypia, Rhondda Blaen Rhondda Dinas Colliery, Rhondda New Tredegar Navigation Colliery Vochriw Colliery, Dowlais Mardy Merthyr Vale • * Penrhiwceiber, Mountain Ash Bedlinog (to 9 feet seam) Harris’ Deep Navigation Albion, Pontypridd (4 feet, struck February, 1887)... = Ebbw Vale Co. = Marychurch & Co. Powell Duffryn Nixon & Co. ... Nixon & Co. Dowlais Co. 375 380 382 402 403 418 420 435 435 550 527 580 700 550 AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 275 CEIAPTER XI. HARRIS’S NAVIGATION.—THE DEEPEST COALPIT 1N WALES. WATCHING the growth of infancy is an interesting task for philosophic or for parental observation, the development of the physical followed by the unfolding of the mental. Almost as interesting is the growth of a town, a process specially reserved for dwellers in colliery districts. In staid, old-fashioned country towns it is only the aged who can narrate garrulously of the various leading incidents of the town's progress. To the multitude the few changes of twenty years or so are unimportant. But we are better placed. A few years suffice to create a populous place. People need not be very old to remember valleys in Wales, once lonely solitudes, now occupied by thousands. Many of our busy colliery neighbourhoods are creations, so to state, of yesterday. Hedgerows, old thorns, ravines, boggy meadows, lanes, covered with streets. Where the mountain ash grew now stands a “public;” a dust bin by the side of an aged thorn, and a grocer's shop, where you can buy anything in the eating, drinking, chemical or furnishing line, on the very site of the homely gate through which for generations one Jones after the other had driven his cows. Treharris is just such a place. After the expenditure of a vast sum the steam coal was gained at a depth of seven hundred yards—nearly half a mile, and this is the result. Where boys went nutting Treharris has arisen, and Trelewis followed suit. In the first there are five hundred and seven occupied houses, and in the second eighty-six, and in course of building fifty or sixty more, and the total popula- tion is four thousand four hundred and forty-seven souls 276 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Everything at Treharris has been designed upon a great scale, It was to be the deepest pit, and the surroundings have been in proportion. The struggle has been a great one, the cost great; but up to the appearance of the late manager, Mr. Price, results have not been in harmony. Mr. Price, to his credit, and the Satisfaction, we imagine, of the company, turned the corner, and it is nothing to hear now of a thousand tons a day being sent up to bank. The tall shaft, the engine house, the various arrangements, especially the circular self-acting tramway, are worth seeing, the busy locomotive, now converted into a stationary engine, and puffing away with tremendous energy, as if dissatisfied with its lot; the ranges of boilers, the lamp house, the screen, a noble one, the handiwork of Mr. H. W. Lewis, of Treherbert, all are notice- able. No. 1 engine has a cylinder fifty-four inches in diameter; No. 2 engine a cylinder of forty-two inches diameter, one a seven feet and the other a six feet stroke. The weight of rope is six tons, the carriage four tons, and the load brought up in a few seconds from a depth of seven hundred and thirty yards is eighteen tons eight hundredweight. Then again the pumping engine has a cylinder one hundred inches in diameter, and eleven feet stroke, and two hundred and thirty gallons come up at each stroke. The “Schiele.” Fan is supplied by Penman, Manchester, and the ventilation, reminding one of the new “hurricane raiser,” gives two hundred and ten thousand cubic feet of gas per minute. The history of this big undertaking is associated with Messrs. Brown and Adams as mining engineers, and Mr. Beith as sinker, and Mr. Prichard, one of the principal landlords. We well recollect in the early days of the sinking the old-fashioned homestead of the Prichards, perched high up on the mountains, being the resort occasionally of London guests, sons and daughters of the company, who came down to see the wonderful spot, and were charmed with the homely ways, and thorough Welsh hospitality shown. What a change to them, the farm, the bacon-lined rafters, the wandering AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 277 sheep dogs, the winding paths amidst the nut bushes, and what a contrast now ! There is one name that must be handed down in the history of the place, worthy host Jones, of the hotel. It is he who has built pretty well everything, and under his hand streets have arisen one after the other, and continue arising. The young township has its shops, its Postal Telegraphic Office, and is to have that neces- sary adjunct, a cemetery. It has its coffee room, its Chamber of Trade, where the rising men meet and discuss the future of Tre- harris, in full belief that the world has its eye upon them. 278 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE CHAPTER XII. STRIKES. NE of the earliest and most general strikes was in the Chartist outbreak, 1839–40, when honest labour was neglected for training, in some cases for possible physical contingencies, and meetings where the illusory shadow was grasped at, and the prac- tical wages, small as they were, lost. In 1848 the most serious colliery strike occurred in the coal district of Aberdare. The Aberdare Valley was then the principal valley for the working of coal, apart from the iron works; and from Hirwain to Mountain Ash there were many collieries, each independent of the other, and the wages in all unregulated by any fixed rule. At this time the masters, with one exception, formed something like a temporary Union, and offered a reduction of four shillings in the pound. This the men refused, and a strike was the consequence. Mr. David Williams endeavoured to keep his colliery going, and offered to accept a reduction of two shillings if his men would keep aloof from the others. And he promised that if they would keep aloof he would have nothing to do with the other coalowners. This attempt to get the better of his co-owners the men, after some discussion, refused. The ironmasters were driven to great stress to keep their works going. Coal was hauled from Rhondda, and coke from Danderi and the Rhondda Valley. A good deal of suffering too was endured on the part of the men, and after about fourteen weeks the strike came to an end, the men going to work at the reduction offered. The next strike of any note was in 1853, in which colliers and ironworkers were engaged, and this gave occasion to one of the trenchant letters Mr. William Crawshay, then well-known as the AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 279 Iron King, was in the habit of writing to his men in vindication of his policy. The letter was addressed to Mr. Stephens, author of the Literature of the Kymry, and at one time rather prominent in public matters until historic literature absorbed him. CAVERSHAM PARK, Awgust 21st, 1853. MR. THOMAS STEPHENS, SIR, 4 My son Robert has sent me this morning your note of the 19th inst., attached to “a verbatim copy of an address agreed to at a Public Meeting held in the Market Square, Merthyr.” The address is worded as from the workmen, “To the Iron Masters of the Merthyr District,” and is signed by you as “chairman of the meeting above-named.” I am glad that the men express their “intention to continue in their work,” and that they disclaim all connexion with “The strike in the district,” and when I say this I feel as much for their own welfare and interests as for my own. The consequences of all strikes without exception have been and ever will be more injurious to the men than their employers. The master only loses time which can be regained by subsequent manufacture and sale of goods which were not. manufactured or sold during the strike. But the workman has irretrievably lost his time and wages, and has deeply distressed himself and family. However displeasing it might have been to myself to see my works stopped, and however injurious it might have been to my workmen to have stopped them, I was, and am thoroughly determined that they shall stop, if I am not to be master and the sole arbiter of what wages I can afford to give for labour performed in them for me. I will not admit any dictation on this point; but I have given, and will always give, a fair and reasonable participation in the prosperity of my trade to my workmen, of which, however, I must be the judge, not them. If I am, in their well formed and honest opinion, illiberal, they can leave me. If, on the contrary, I do give them a fair participation in my prosperity, I expect them to attend to their work, and enable me and themselves to benefit by the good times, and not to spend nearly half the week in idleness and drunkenness, and thereby shorten the production of my works. Is this expectation unfair for myself or them 2 At this moment I contend, and am prepared to prove, that the rate of wages which I am willing to give is a rate fair and liberal, in proportion to the price which I obtain for my produce. The last ten per cent, advance in wages was extorted at a period when absolute engagements made it necessary to submit; but it must now be withdrawn. Without this 10 per cent. the rate of wages is consistent with the price of rails. It has been stated on the part of the workmen that the price of rails is now £9 per ton. 280 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE This I deny most positively . And I beg you as Chairman (again 1 conclude of the adjourned meeting on Tuesday) most distinctly to say, that the price of rails at this moment does not exceed £8 10s. per ton, and that during the last week this price was not obtainable without considerable deduction. And if any one throws a doubt upon your statements you are at liberty to make what use you please of my name as to the assertion. Let us have truth and fact only. What is said of my son's statement, that “his father was being offered a contract at a pound a ton above the present market price, but doubted the propriety of taking it until assured that the men would work,” is not correct. My son said, in answer to an assertion of one of my men, that “he had heard the price of rails was £9 per ton,” that “he (my son) did not believe it. But that if it was so, that price must have been given to ensure delivery of the rails, and to stand the liability of non-delivery if the men struck. But that his father would not take a contract upon those terms if offered an advance of one pound per ton for doing so.” Now, Sir, as a brother tradesman, let us understand each other distinctly upon this point of the actual present price of rails, upon which I rather think the whole question of uneasiness between men and master exists. Bring me a good customer for five or ten thousand tons of rails, to be delivered between now and the thirty-first of March next in monthly proportions upon the usual security and terms of payment, and I will enter into a contract with him at £8 10s. per ton for the delivery of either quantity, and I will allow you the usual commission upon such transactions of one half per cent., which upon ten thousand tons will be £425. And I will hold myself liable to this offer for twenty- four hours after your meeting on Tuesday. If this offer is not accepted, I claim to have proved that the price of rails is not £9 per ton. And I further claim that my men shall give me credit for offering them a fair participation in wages of the present state of the Iron Trade ; and I call upon them to attend to their work with industry and diligence for all our sakes, and I further venture, and without offence, I hope, to call upon you, and all others connected with the prosperity of Merthyr ^ Tidvil, to use all the influence which you possess with the workmen to study their -own and their employers’ interest by cheerful and willing labour on their part, while it is fairly compensated and amply remunerated by the ironmasters for ordinary application and intention. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, WILLIAM CRAWSHAY. The next strike was caused by the revulsion of trade which followed after the Crimean War. During the war the coal trade was very brisk, but soon after its close in 1856 there was a fall in price, and it was a long time in a most depressed state. In 1857 the coalowners were obliged to notify a reduction of fifteen per cent, reducing the cutting prices of coal from one shilling and ninepence per ton to one and sixpence. The result was a strike, AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 281 and from four thousand to five thousand men left their work. After remaining out for six weeks the coalowners issued another notice to the effect that it was imperative to make a further reduction of five per cent. The men remained out another week, and then gave way, going to work at one shilling and fivepence per ton cutting price, after losing in wages over two thousand pounds. This arrangement, though it relieved the coalowners to some extent, left things in a critical condition, and during the four succeeding years they remained so. In many cases coal was sold. for the cost, in some for even less, and the result, as we all remember, was that coalowners, who had been regarded as in a prosperous state, were reduced to the borders of ruin, and in certain instances properties changed hands. The great storm was heralded by a few minor gusts. In May, 1864, the door boys of Abercwmboy struck for an advarce. This was refused by D. Davis and Sons, in accordance with an arrangement between the coalowners, and as the men would not work without the boys, pleading that it was unsafe to do so, the pit remained idle until 16th July, 1864, when a com- promise was arranged after a loss of nine weeks labour. The boys were receiving seven shillings per week, and struck for eight shillings; the compromise was ninepence, which was a fair average, taking the payments in the whole of the pits in the Aberdare Valley as a guide. It was remarked at the time as singularly absurd that four hundred men should sacrifice employment for nine weeks, so that about twenty boys might get ninepence a week more. The loss incurred by Messrs. Davis, four thousand seven hundred pounds, was awarded them by the Steam Coal Association, after prolonged arbitration. On the 17th January, 1865, a strike of short duration occurred at the United Merthyr Company's Fforehaman pit. The cause of the strike was the alleged defectiveness of the rope. In this case a new rope was ordered, and work resumed. The next strike of note was the largest which had taken place since the beginning of coal working in Wales. It was not 282 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE unexpected. The increase in the development of coal was enormous. Ironmasters, who for years had simply worked coal for iron making purposes, had become also almost as much interested in the coal as in the iron trade, and when the iron trade began to decline cast into the market increased quantities of coal, This told gravely upon the legitimate coal owner, for the ironmasters had command of the labour market, and were able to undersell the coal owner, and this is stated to have been done to a serious extent. The closing months of 1870 brought about no improvement, and as this gloomy condition prevailed also in the spring of 1871, the ironmasters and colliery proprietors of Monmouth and Glamorgan took united action, and resolved to give notice of a reduction of wages. On the 1st of March, a month's notice was given, indicating a ten per cent. reduction all round. But just on the eve Mr. Crawshay Bailey, on behalf of Nantyglo, and Mr. Abraham Darby for Ebbw Vale, signified their intention of making the reduction five per cent. only; and as Dowlais, Cyfarthfa, and Plymouth could not refrain from following suit, the coalowners were brought into collision with the ironmasters, but were obliged to give way, and to be also content with the five per cent. The coalowners, who had obtained a carefully drawn-up report of the rates paid for cutting coal in the Cyfarthfa, Dowlais, Plymouth, as well as in the Aberdare and Rhondda districts, com- plained that they paid more than the ironmasters did. Thus, Cyfarthfa and Plymouth paid one shilling and elevempence farthing per ton for cutting the two feet nine inches seam in their districts, where it is three and a quarter feet thick, and also had headroom made as well, whereas in Cwmdare, where it is two feet five inches, two shillings and sevenpence halfpenny was paid. And in the Rhondda Valley, comparing the difference in thickness, ironmasters paid less in their collieries by sixpence per ton. In the four feet seam ironmasters paid fourpence less than Aberdare and Rhondda. In the six feet twopence, and also in the mine feet. With regard to general labour, the compiler of the report found that coalowners paid from twelve and-a-half to fifteen per cent. A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 283 more than the ironmasters, and in timbering and cogging nearly fifty per cent, more.” The coalowners, encouraged by this report, were unanimous in forcing the original reduction, but for the time were influenced by their managers. In the meantime the split in the masters' camp was evident, and the men were prompted by local and professed unionists to take advantage of it, and general dissatisfaction was evident. On the 1st of May, 1871, the workmen gave a month's notice to the ironmasters of Monmouthshire and South Wales, and the coalowners of Aberdare and Rhondda, and it was alleged by the coalowners that this notice had the moral support at least of the Union, as was shown by the action of the Executive in Man- chester. On the 26th May, 1871, at a general meeting of the coal trade, held in Cardiff, it was unanimously resolved to refuse an advance, and the majority of the coalowners of the Aberdare and Rhondda entered into a compact, and decided to be uniform in their action with the workmen. It was, in fact, leaguing in self-defence capital against labour. They were supported in this by the unsolicited expression of the managers of nineteen collieries, who intimated at a meeting held by them that unless the colliery owner resisted to the utmost any demands of the men at such a critical period, and kept aloof from the action of the ironmasters, it would be fatal to their interests. The decision of the coalowners to “fight" was conveyed to a meeting at Mountain Ash on the 30th of May, when nearly nine- teen thousand colliers were represented, and the result was as follows:— For accepting the masters’ terms under the present circumstances tº º ºs tº º tº ... 3497 Neutrals ... ſº tº º tº G & tº e ºs ... 2742 For 10 per cent. advance ... e - e. ... 4940 For accepting a 5 per cent. advance ... ... 7147 18,326 * For statistics in confirmation see “History of the Strike ’’ by Mr. Dalziel. 284 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE It was stated at the time that Mr. Halliday's offer to support the colliers with levies from forty to fifty thousand miners in the North had a strong influence with them, and even timidity in the ranks of capital prompted them to strike, the ironmasters and some even of the Aberdare colliery owners offering the workmen five per cent. * On the 31st of May the collieries were stopped, to the number of twenty-three, belonging to the Associated Masters, employing ten thousand one hundred and thirty-two men, and having an annual output of over two million tons. In addition to these, Mr. Insole's colliery, and that of Messrs. Coffin and Co., sided with the associated owners, and so also, for a short period, did the owners of Ysguborwen, Gadlys, and Cwmaman. The colliery owners who gave the five per cent. to the men and remained working were:–Heath, Evens and Co., Werfa; Mr. R. Fothergill, Abermant ; Rhys and Richards, Aberdare, who had not reduced so gave no advance; Dunraven Co., Dunraven; Mr. Thomas Jones, Tylacoch; Mr. Ebenezer Lewis, Rhondda Merthyr ; Mr. William Cope, Ynysfaio. These collieries represented two thousand three hundred and fifty-one men, and an output of four hundred and fifty-seven thousand three hundred and fifty-seven tons. On the 9th of June, 1871, a large meeting was held on Aber- aman Mountain, which was addressed by Mr. Halliday and Mr. Brown, who counselled arbitration. The rejoinder of the masters was made on June 14th by refusing to allow the men to return to work at the old scale of wages, but, agreeing to arbitration, provided that due consideration was shown of the comparative difference in the scale of wages paid by coalowners and ironmasters, including the five per cent. last advanced. On the 13th July, the masters, at a meeting held in Bristol, made another offer. This was to refer all matters in dispute to arbitration, as offered in June, or, as an alternative, to resume the working of their pits at a reduction of seven and-a-half per cent. on the prices paid during the month of May last, such wages to last for twelve months; but should the ironmasters advance their A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 285 wages during that period of twelve months, the coalowners were not to give an equivalent. And also masters and men to be bound for twelve months to the scale of wages fixed by the arbitrators, whatever their decision. This was refused, ard the strike continued, some of the men getting work in the collieries of the ironmasters, others finding employment in the towns or in farms, but the mass suffering badly, as the levies from the Union were totally insufficient to meet their needs. It may be well to note here, in strict logical and historic sequence, the formation of an association which has been of incalculable good in the tranquilization and prosperity of the district —the MONMOUTHSHIRE AND SOUTH WALES COAL OWNERS’ ASSOCIA- TION. One notable event of the strikes was the forming of this institution. Previous to its establishment each coal owner arranged his own difficulty with his men, or rather tried to do so; but the prevalence of various rates of wages for cutting the same seams of coal led to interminable disputes, and was more provoca- tive of strikes than any other cause. When it was seen too that Labour was able to band itself, and almost wreck the industrial condition of Wales, it became imperative that Capital should also be martialled in defence. Hence, in 1865 this most useful organization was formed under the name of the Aberdare Steam Coal Association, and did good substantial work in allaying discontent and promoting a better feeling between master and man. Still it was but the nucleus of something better, and events precipitated the re-organization. Sir W. T. Lewis, who is justly regarded as the founder of the association, took the initiative, and seeing that the continuance of the strike was chiefly due to antagonism between the iron- masters and coalowners, endeavoured, but for a time unsuccessfully, to bring them together. Now he solicited this leading ironmaster, and then that leading coalowner, to meet and preside, yet from some cause or other neither would do so. Looking back to the time, we may without much hesitation trace the principal cause. The coalowners looked at the iron kings as intruders into their 286 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE special domain. The iron kings regarded coal as secondary to iron, and having large areas did not see why they should not add a branch to their trade. There were other reasons, but we pass them over. Personal piques and sores are healed, still the difficulty of allaying the strong antagonism existing, of bringing Capital into harmony, was one of a severe character, requiring great tact and discrimination to deal with. For a time, we repeat, Sir W. T. Lewis was unsuccessful, but one day time and circum- stances favoured him. He was fortunate enough to meet with a number of coalowners and ironmasters in London, away from their several domains. He seized the opportunity like a skilful general, and in Westminster Hotel a meeting was held, and the Associa- tion broadened out, strengthened and perfected. We now resume our narrative of the strike. On July 20th, after a general meeting of the associated masters, an influential deputation was appointed to wait upon Mr. Clark and Mr. Menelaus, of the Dowlais Co., the Gadlys Co., and Mr. Fothergill, respecting the employment given. Nothing satis- factory resulted. The next step was on the part of the masters, who sought, through Mr. Dalziel, to employ three hundred Staffordshire miners to come and work their pits, wages to be six shillings per day for good colliers, and three shillings for boys. On July 21st it was stated that one ironmaster alone employed between five hundred and one thousand of the old hands. This was felt as a serious evil. On July 22nd a number of hobblers and trimmers in Cardiff and Penarth were sent to the collieries, but only remained a short time. The next step on the part of the masters was to endeavour to procure five hundred miners from Devonshire and Cornwall. The Devonshire men responded very faintly to the appeal; but from three to four hundred came from Staffordshire, and settled down at Mountain Ash. When this was known the colliers held a meeting, and it was creditable to their good sense that though they did not waver in their opposition, they expressed themselves as determined not to transgress the laws of the land. Yet in view AND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 287 of any possible disturbances, strong bodies of police were stationed at various quarters, and the Mountain Ash Volunteers gave up by. request all their rifles and bayonets. In all four hundred and ninety-five strangers were imported during the strike, none of whom worked more than three weeks; and the total quantity of coal turned out by them came but to one thousand eight hundred and forty-four tons. On the 15th of August negotiations were re-opened, nineteen other representatives meeting the associated coalowners in Cardiff, and the result of the meeting and of the discussions which fol- lowed throughout the next few days was that the colliers arranged to resume work on condition that the dispute should be referred to arbitration, and that pending the award draws should be obtained regularly, based on the wages paid in the month of May. This ended the strike. - . On the 23rd and 24th of August the pits were re-opened, and excepting some slight hitch on account of local matters at Some of the collieries, work was resumed. During the strike the Union contributed six thousand three hundred and eighty-three pounds five shillings and twopence halfpenny, which, according to Mr. Dalziel's analysis, amounted to two shillings and three half-pence per man weekly. But it was a long time before anything like the former state of things was regained. Many of the old hands had found work elsewhere—at the ironworks or in non-associated collieries, so that even in three months afterwards there was a perceptible difference, and only the old output was obtained, and it was only in eight months after- wards that the full number of hands were re-engaged. It should be premised that before work was resumed a careful examination of all the pits was made. Following the resumption came the selection of arbitrators. The committee appointed by the masters were:—Messrs. Lewis Davis, Rees Jones, H. W. Dallas, W. T. Lewis, and T. Webb. The miners’ delegates were:—Messrs. Henry Thomas, of Aber- cwmboy; Bethuel Haycock, of Bodryngallt; Wm. Edwards, of 288 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Navigation; Timothy Davies, of Cwmbach, and Lewis Morgan, of Abergorki. For arbitrators the masters selected Mr. G. P. Bidder, barrister; the men, Mr. Alexander Macdonald. The umpire, who was not selected without a great deal of difficulty, was Mr. Macnamara. The next step was the selection of mining engineers, who should prepare evidence to lay before the arbitrators. This was entrusted to Sir W. T. Lewis (then Mr. W. T. Lewis), who retained as his assistant engineers Messrs. D. Llewelyn, Ponty- pool; Wm. Adams and T. Foster Brown, Cardiff; E. Daniel, Swansea, and L. Thomas Lewis, Neath. We are apt to regard Fishery disputes and other grave national difficulties as involving immense labour on plenipotentiaries, consuls, or arbitrators, but the majority of them sink in com- parison with the many details, to be sifted, discussed, and arranged, which fell to the lot of this celebrated Commission. Mr. Dalziel's “History of the Strike” contains the fullest evidence of this. The prices paid in every colliery between Pontypool and Swansea for all sorts of work; the various sections of the seams of coal worked at all collieries; the variation in section and roof; the various considerations paid for changes in thickness of coal; considerations for thinness, for softness, for clod, timbering, double timbering, modes of working, and the almost interminable arrangements, modes, and local points. All these, finally tabulated by Sir W. T. Lewis, were at length in readiness, and materially helped in the settlement. The first sitting of arbitrators took place on the 29th January, 1872, a memorable one. Upon these labours rested the peace and comfort of thousands. On the 1st February a compromise was effected, the arbitration workmen to be paid an advance of two and-a-half per cent. upon the rates paid in May, 1871, for wages from August 20th, 1871, to February 20th, 1872, and that, taking it as admitted that the ironmasters proposed at once to give an advance of ten per cent, then the arbitration proprietors will make such further advance as will make the wages in their collieries twelve and-a-half per AND IT'S ALLIED JNDUSTRIES. 289 cent. higher than those paid in May, 1871. Such advance to take place from February 21st, 1872. In April, 1872, the improvement in general trade sent the prices of coal up; and directly afterwards the men put in a plea for an advance. The coalowners and men held a meeting, at which the question was keenly discussed; but the coalowners refused to give way. tº On the 9th of May, the workmen of the ironworks having had a notification of an advance of ten per cent, the associated masters, in conformity with the award, followed the same course, and an advance of ten per cent. was conceded from the 10th June. Lock-ouT AND STRIKE OF 1874-5. The next strike was connected with the collieries and ironworks, and resulted in a lock-out. It began on the 1st of January, 1875, and continued seventeen weeks, during which great distress pre- vailed. At Merthyr a soup kitchen on the largest known scale was established at the Drill Hall, principally by the efforts of the Rev. John Griffith, the distribution being confined to the children. For these a fund liberally contributed to from all parts of the country was collected, and a portion is still intact. The gravest blow to the Merthyr and Aberdare districts may be said to have indirectly resulted from this lock-out, the stoppage of Plymouth, Abernant and Llwydcoed Works. The strike and lock-out was ended on May 18th, 1875, by the acceptance on the part of the workmen of twelve and-a-half per cent. The official report was as follows:–First—That the council in a spirit of conciliation consents to accept a reduction of twelve and-a-half per cent. Out of the wages, rates, contracts, prices and earnings, payable on December last. These reduced rates to continue without alteration for three months, from the 31st of May. • Second—That any change in the wage rate after the expiration of three months from the 31st of May instant shall depend upon a T 290 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE sliding scale of wages, to be regulated by the selling price of coal. The scheme for such scale of wages to be agreed upon by a joint committee of twelve persons, six to be nominated by employers and six by the men. Such committee to sit before any notice of advance or reduction of wages is given, and should the joint com- mittee be unable to decide upon the basis of a scheme for such sliding scale of wages, or any detail thereof, the solution of such question shall be referred to an umpire, whose decision shall be final. That it be a condition in any such scheme that either party may terminate the arrangement under it on giving six months' notice. Third—That as far as reasonably practical every workman out on strike against a reduction of wages may resume his usual working place where it is still vacant, and where such places are occupied work shall be found in other places. Signed by D. Davies, H. H. Vivian, W. T. Lewis (Bute), J. T. Johnson (Powell, Gelligaer); D. Davies and Co., for Glamorgan ; A. Hood, E. Thomas, D. Pryce, E. P. Marks (Blaenavon); W. H. Bell, R. Bedlington, T. H. Hosgood (Plymouth); J. Thomas, jr., Cardiff; J. Prosser, Nantmelyn : William Parry, Blaenavon ; J. Jenkins, Llanvabon; M. Dyer, Ferndale; W. Hopkins, Aberaman; T. King, Cwmdare; T. Curnick, Merthyr; G. Coles, Rhondda. Valley; W. Williams, Abersychan ; D. Morgan, Mountain Ash; J. Parry, Llwynypia; W. Charles, Loughor; T. Price, Abertillery; J. Jones, Mynydd Mawr ; W. Davies, Swansea Valley; J. Davies, New Tredegar. (Witness) A. DALZIEL. After the acceptance by the men a banquet was carried out impromptu at the Royal, and masters and men to the number of nearly seventy sat down together, and thus pleasantly and harmoniously ended the last great contest. Sir H. Vivian was in the chair; Mr. Simons in the vice-chair. The lock-out necessitating, as we have stated, an appeal to the country, laid the basis of the Children's Hospital for Merthyr, thanks to the lamented Rev. John Griffith, and we may note that this small foundation has since become a general hospital. AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 291 The Marquis of Bute helped the struggling committee nobly, and at the opening, October, 1888, by him, while thanking the crowds for their plaudits, he said their thanks were really due to Sir W. T. Lewis, whose better local knowledge of the needs of the district had been his guide, and whose wise counsel he always followed. 292 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE CHAPTER XIII. COAL OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE SLIDING SCALE. UR coal industry by this time had become a huge one, necessi- tating legislation, local and imperial. Hence, in 1866, as we have briefly narrated before, was formed the Coal Owners' Association of Glamorgan and Monmouth, under the designation of THE ABERDARE STEAM COAL ASSOCIATION, with Mr. Dalziel, senior, as secretary. This was reformed in 1874, and is now the MONMOUTHSHIRE AND SOUTH WALES COLLIERIES ASSOCIATION, with Mr. W. G. Dalziel as secretary. It numbers nearly two hundred collieries, representing an annual output of twelve million tons. As the House of Commons represents the country, and is entrusted with the important duty of regulating its affairs, and conducing to the benefit of all classes, so the association was based upon the same substantial foundation, and aspires to be the Parliament of the coal world, its deliberations fraught with the greatest consequences, its issues impartial and beneficial to coalowner and collier. The elaboration of our constitutional Government has taken centuries, and the intellec- tual effort of the wisest of men. Hence, in consideration of its miniature type, the parliament of the coal world, it will readily be accepted by all observant men, that in the establishment of this association, keenest intellect and unwearied effort were necessi- tated. An abortive institution, crudely thought out, with here and there a bias either for capital or labour, would have been worse than useless. It would have been accompanied by the most mischievous consequences, awakened antipathy, roused to anta- gonism, and have been fertile in disaster. The fruits bear witness to the excellence of the association, and time will yield such a verdict as will be grateful to those who aided its originator, and were amongst its early associates. AND JTS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 293 The association, up to this date (1888), has been attended with the happiest results; a better feeling has been brought about between employer and employed; and while the disposition of the owner has been, as heretofore, shown in thoughtful exercise of power, there has been more moderation exhibited in the conduct of the men. One great event since its formation was the Strike of Colliers, which began on the 31st of December, 1874, and lasted until the 28th of May, 1875. This, extending over a period of one hundred and forty-four days, was calamitous in its results to the working men, the loss in wages alone amounting, according to Lord Aberdare's calculation, to over three millions sterling. Yet it was a great lesson. Experience, bitter and severe, is one of the most effectual of teachers, and in our old pre-education days such teaching was the only sure one with a great majority of men. One result of the strike was the formation of the Sliding Scale at the suggestion of Sir W. T. Lewis, and settled after six months almost continuous sitting, discussing information obtained from all the collieries in the district by him. PARTICULARS OF SCALE. 1. The said parties hereto are hereinafter styled the Employers and Workmen. 2. The said Employers and Workmen agree upon the following Conditions to regulate the rates of wages to be paid at the said Colliery at and from the first day of February now ensuing. 3. The wages shall be regulated by a Sliding Scale, based upon the average nett selling prices of Coal, of the No. 1 Group of Collieries referred to in the Agreement as to wages (dated the 17th day of January, 1880, and made between the Monmouthshire and South Wales Collieries Association of the one part, and the Workmen employed at the Collieries of Members of that Associa- tion of the other part), as ascertained and from time to time certified by the Accountants employed for that purpose by the said Association, under the provisions of the said Agreement. 294 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE 4. The standard of wages upon which future advances and reductions are made shall be the several rates actually paid at the Colliery for the month of December, 1879, and such wages shall be the equivalent to a standard nett selling price of Coal, of 8s. 6d. per ton from Collieries in the said Group. 5. The wage rates shall be advanced, or reduced, at the end of each period of four months, by additions, or reductions of two- and-a-half per cent. upon the standard wage rate for every four- pence per ton advance or reduction, in the nett average selling price of Coal, in the said Group. 6. There shall be no maximum or minimum in the scale of wages under this Agreement. 7. The said scale of wages shall remain in force for two years, from the first day of February, 1880, and thenceforth until the Employers or the Workmen shall give six months' notice to determine the said scale, and such notice shall be given on the first day of February, or the first day of August. During the continuance of this Agreement only five out of every hundred workmen employed in each class shall leave the employ in any one month, and each Workman agrees with the Employers that should the Notices to leave in any one month exceed the before- mentioned percentage, the workmen entitled to claim and take their discharges at the expiration of such notice shall be those men whose notices shall have been first given and shall stand at the head of a list of such notices (to be kept by the Employers), and the remaining notices shall remain in abeyance, but shall hold good for the following months until all the workmen having given such notice shall have obtained their discharges by batches in each month of five out of every hundred of the number originally employed. 8. As of and from the first day of February now next, the Employers shall give the Workmen an advance of five per cent. on the rate of the standard wages payable in December last, whether the nett selling price of Coal shall or shall not yield such an advance under the scale now agreed upon ; but it is distinctly A ND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 295 understood that such advance of five per cent. is a bonus conceded by the Employers, and that, if the selling price shall advance beyond the standard, the bonus shall not be payable in addition to the several advances, but shall merge or form part of such advances as the price shall yield in accordance with the regulation scale, 9. In addition to the wages payable under the said scale rate, there shall be paid a further advance of two-and-a-half per cent. upon the standard wages, in respect of wages when the selling price reaches thirteen shillings and twopence per ton, and so on for every one shilling and fourpence of advance in the nett selling prices, there shall be an advance of two-and-a-half per cent. upon the standard in the wage rate, in addition to the wages payable under the said scale. When any such additional advances in wage rates beyond the ordinary scale rate shall have become payable, and there shall occur a reduction in the nett selling price of Coal, there shall be an equivalent reduction of two-and-a-half per cent. upon the standard wage rates in addition to the reduction under the scale, for every fall of 1s. 4d. per ton in the nett selling price of Coal down to the said nett price of 13s. 2d. The next great event in our coal history was the establishment in January, 1880, of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Perma- nent Relief Fund. The object as set forth was to raise a fund by means of contributions from ordinary members, for the purpose of relieving the relatives of deceased members in case of fatal accident, and in cases of accident not fatal to make suitable provision for the sufferers. The business of the society is con- ducted by a mixed committee, composed of eight ordinary mem- bers and six elected honorary members:—Trustees: The Most Noble the Marquess of Bute, Lord Aberdare, Lord Tredegar, Sir H. H. Vivian, Bart., M.P., and C. R. M. Talbot, M.P. Presi- dent : J. T. Dillwyn Llewelyn. Vice-Presidents: W. Menelaus and Henry Thomas. Chairman : Sir W. T. Lewis, Aberdare. Vice-Chairmau : Jonas L. Davies, Treherbert. Hon. Members, Sir W. T. Lewis, A. Hood, L. Tylor, J. Nasmyth, G. W. Wilkinson, 296 THE SOUTH WALES OOAL TRADE and E. Jones. Ordinary Members: W. Steadman, J. Llewellyn Davies, J. Stubbins, J. W. Andrews, Jonah Davies, Michael Kent, and J. H. Jones. Secretary: Evan Owen. Bankers: Bristol and West of England Bank, Docks, Cardiff. The original and chief promoter of this, the founder of the Coalowners’ Association, the originator of the Sliding Scale, and active instigator of the Permanent Fund, has been Sir W. T. Lewis, whom we simply name without ostentatious eulogy. He has been identified with every progressive movement in the coal world for the last quarter of a century, and has graven his name deeply in its annals. In our next chapter we give the history and progress of the fund. AND IT'S ALLIED ANDUSTRIES. 297 CHAPTER XIV. MON MOUTHSHIRE AND SOUTH WALES PROVIDENT SOCIETY. EW movements in the history of the coal trade of Wales have been so gratifying as that by which this excellen" institution was established. When levels gave place to sink- ings, and the working of house coal for home consumption principally was supplemented by the deep sea coal collieries of Wales, then began the record of greater casualty than had previously accompanied the operations of the house collieries. Our readers have only to refer to the tabulated list of explosions in Wales to see to what great proportions these accidents frequently attained, and they may as readily calculate the amount of distress and impoverishment caused. For a time the suffering was met, to some extent, by local charity and by a recourse to that unfailing resort of poverty, the Union Work- house; but when the calamities rose to vast dimensions, startling the whole country, their appeals were sent broadcast, and in the case of Gethin, Risca, and others, funds were obtained which did much to meet the distress of the widow and orphan. Still it was felt that this public charity could not be relied upon, and if on sound statistical basis it could be shown that for each thousand tons of coal worked there would be a certain percentage of injury, or even loss of life, it was necessary to establish a system as care- fully arranged to meet this. Many willing hands and heads laboured in formulating such a system. We give ourselves the credit for having fashioned one which had for its principal feature the compulsory action of Government in enacting that each thousand tons should be burdened with an accident rate borne by producer and purchaser in the selling price ; but it was left for Sir. W. T. Lewis to found the institution which now exists, and 298 THE SOUTH WALES OOAL TRADE which has up to the present done away with the necessity of appealing to the public. His scheme was contributions from ordinary members, the colliers of South Wales and Monmouth- shire, subscriptions from coalowners and landlords, and donations from honorary members. In two instances, it may be noted, the aim of the founder has not been sufficiently met. Landlords, whose incomes have been greatly increased by the development of their coalfields, have not subscribed in many cases as they should have done, and the local authorities, such as Boards of Guardians, have not shown their appreciation of a system which has relieved them of great and incessant burdens. It would have been easy to find out the amount of the annual burden once borne by local rates in relief of widows and orphans from colliery accidents, and for that relief given by the establishment of the society made some returns in the form of an annual subscription which would well have supple- mented the funds of the society. The outside public too might show a more lively and practical interest than they have done, and thus have strengthened the fund. When these failures in humane effort shall have been amended the fund will, in its vigorous action, come up to the proportions so long struggled for by the committee. The society was established on the 1st of January, 1881, its object being to raise a fund, by means of contributions from ordinary members, and subscriptions and donations from honorary members, for the purpose of relieving the relatives of deceased members in case of fatal accident, and in cases of accident not fatal to make suitable provision for the sufferers. The business of the society is conducted by a mixed committee, composed of eight ordinary members and six elected honorary members. On the 30th June, 1887, there were forty-one thousand six hundred and seven members registered on the books of the society, and some idea of the usefulness of this excellent institution may be gathered from the fact that up to the 30th June, 1887, the society had paid five thousand four hundred and twenty-nine pounds in AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 299 five hundred and forty-one cases of fatal accident ; six thousand two hundred and forty-one pounds ten shillings and eightpence to two hundred and fifty-one widows; six thousand four hundred and forty-three pounds five shillings and elevenpence to four hundred and eighty-five children; and sixty-one thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds eleven shillings and twopence in forty-one thousand one hundred and forty-six cases of disablement. Trustees: The Most Noble the Marquess of Bute, Lord Aber- dare, Lord Tredegar, Sir H. H. Vivian, Bart., M.P., and C. R. M. Talbot, M.P. President: J. T. Dillwyn Llewelyn. Vice-Presidents: Edward Jones and Henry Thomas. Chairman: Sir W. T. Lewis, Aberdare. Vice-Chairman : J. J. Davies, Treherbert. Hon. Members: Sir W. T. Lewis, D. Evans, L. Tylor, W. Thomas, G. W. Wilkinson, and E. M. Harris. Ordinary Members: W. Steadman, D. Bowen, D. R. Lewis, J. Sage, W. Phelps, J. J. Davies, W. H. Magor, and J. L. Jones. Secretary: Evan Owen. Central Offices: Dock Chambers, Cardiff. Bankers: Bristol and West of England Bank, Docks, Cardiff. Old inhabitants of the colliery valleys, who have long since passed away, have narrated to us many a time the incidents and salient features of the various means adopted by the provident collier for the sake of wife and child, and for the time of his own old age or infirmity. Friendly Societies were the chief means, some of them substantial, others and many of them illusory. Amongst the first the Oddfellows, Alfreds, Foresters, Rechabites, and where the officers happened to be trustworthy men substantial benefit was derived. But too many of the societies were “flimsy,” and the principal object seemed to be convivialities once a month, and a procession of guys, with feast and utter prostration by drunkenness as a sequel. Thus the funds were squandered, so that when the time came for the old members to derive any benefit the treasury was empty. The so-called provident Societies were only so in name. So much drink had to be drunk, no matter how few attended, and the principal aim seemed to be to benefit the public-house where 300 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE the “Lodge” was held, at the expense of the members' sobriety. When funds were accumulated they were sometimes lent upon security which proved valueless, and not unfrequently the one in trust proved untrustworthy. Then again there was the not unfrequent occurrence of imposition. A few worthless fellows would live upon the society, and goodhearted but not investigating doctors gave certificates which enabled the idlers to keep up the deception. Thus from various causes, a poor foundation, incom- petency, fraud, or so when the aged collier wanted relief, or when widows and children were left in poverty, it was the old tale—the workhouse or an appeal to the public for charity. Public companies looked askance when appealed to, to found a colliers' Insurance Society. The calamities were so great, the chances of imposition so numerous, and so the collier had to struggle on unaided, until Sir W. T. Lewis had worked out his scheme for the foundation of a society which should develop and aid the self-reliance of the collier, and enlist the aid of the land- lord and the coalowner. To his lasting credit it may be stated that out of the many institutions and movements in which he has been engaged, he is more proud of this society than of any. Its effect has been remarkable, and as time goes on there can be little doubt the latent powers of self-help will be more strongly developed, and the practical sympathies of landlords, who owe So much to the collier, will figure more worthily than at present. The first annual meeting was held June 24th. We give details of the proceedings as an interesting historic leaf for the interest of the present and a relic to hand down to succeeding generations. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE AND SOUTH WALES MINERS’ PERMANENT PROVIDENT SOCIETY. The First Annual General Meeting of this society was held June 24th, at the Royal Hotel, Cardiff, the President (Mr. John T. D. Llewelyn) occupying the chair. Letters of apology for non- attendance were read from Sir H. Hussey Vivian, M.P., Mr. W. Thos. Lewis, and Mr. Archibald Hood. The Honorary Members AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 301 present were:—Mr. J. T. D. Llewelyn (President), Swansea; Mr. Henry Thomas (Vice-President), Tylorstown; Mr. L. Tylor, Cardiff; Mr. G. W. Wilkinson, Risca; Mr. W. P. James, Abersychan; Mr. P. Williams, Blaenavon; Mr. Thomas Evans, Werfa Collieries, Aberdare; Mr. Edw. T. Richards, Forest Iron and Steel Co., Ld., Blaenclydach Collieries; Mr. Lewis Davis, Ferndale Collieries; Mr. R. C. Strelly, Ebbw Vale; Mr. E. Parry, Ebbw Vale; Mr. J. Howell, Auditor, Aberdare; Evan Owen, General Secretary; George L. Campbell, Organising Secretary. The Report of the Board of Management was read by the General Secretary (Mr. Evan Owen), as follows:— “The Board of Management present their annual report. On December 31st, 1881, the society had enrolled 5,684 members. The revenue of the society during 1881 amounted to £2,522, and the expenditure to £1,318. The available balance at the close of the year was £1,204. The income and expenditure are detailed in the appending statement of account, which has been duly audited. During 1881 there were (552 cases of disablement amongst the members, and five fatal accidents, by which five members were killed. These fatal accidents placed on the funds five widows and five children. In every respect the position of the society at the close of the first year of its history calls for congratulation. It must not be forgotten that at the outset the efforts of its pro- moters met with keen opposition. The altered state of the law as to the liability of employers had severely strained the relation- ship of capital and labour in regard to any efforts for dealing with the distress occasioned by accidents. Exaggerated expectations on the part of both colliery owners and miners as to the effect of the new law caused both parties to look with suspicion on the movement. Experience alone could show whether these doubts were justified, and, happily, the experience has been emphatically in favour of the society. It is true there has been one instance in this great coalfield in which compensation has been recovered at law, and efforts have not been wanting to show that this affords proof of an attempt on the part of the founders of the society to mislead those for whose benefit it has been established. The 302 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE Board have no hesitation, however, in leaving this point to be decided by the good sense and intelligence of the members. It was never denied that cases might arise in which the employers' liability could be established ; but it was contended that these would bear so small a proportion to the total number of accidents happening in the hazardous occupation of mining, that it was the plain duty of employers and employed to seek by mutual aid to cover the distress arising from all accidents. “It is satisfactory to know that, according to a recent decision of the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, the plan of mutual assurance carried out by employers and employed by means of the society is strictly within the law, and carries out its intention and purpose. - “The good foundation laid in 1881 has been succeeded by a steady growth of the society during the present year, and at the date of this report the membership is close upon 9,000, and the accumulated funds exceed £5,000. “The Board acknowledge gratefully the courtesy and considera- tion with which the society has been assisted by the trustees of the portion of the Hartley surplus allotted to the South Wales mining district in 1869. As soon as the society had been fairly established a deputation consisting of the President (Mr. J. T. D. Llewelyn), the Chairman of the Board of Management (Sir W. Thomas Lewis), Mr. Archibald Hood, and Mr. Campbell waited upon the trustees, Sir H. Hussey Vivian, Mr. L. Ll. Dillwyn, and Mr. G. T. Clark, and asked that the fund, which, with accumula- tion of interest, amounted to £3,200, might be transferred to the society, the formation and aid of such an institution being the chief object which the Hartley Committee had in view when the grant was originally made. The trustees kindly acceded to the request, and although the transfer could not, owing to certain legal formalities having to be complied with, be effected during 1881, the fund is now in the hands of the society's trustees. Encouraged by their efforts in this direction, the Board are now A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 303 applying for other similar funds within the society's district, and they have every reason to hope for success. Before long a further distribution of the Hartley surplus may be anticipated, and the district having carried out the desire of the Hartley Committee by establishing a permanent organisation to deal with accidents, may fairly hope to benefit by it. “The Board, by deputation, took part, along with the rest of the miners’ permanent societies in the kingdom, in the third annual Conference organised by the Central Association for Dealing with Distress caused by Mining Accidents. One object of this association is to establish these societies in every mining district, and this society has to acknowledge its indebtedness to the Central Association for the assistance rendered in its forma- tion. Another object, which is of special importance to this society, is to bring about an amalgamation whereby the societies may act unitedly in dealing with great disasters. The liability to accident causing heavy loss of life is undoubtedly the great danger which lies in the way of the permanent funds, and it is hoped to avert this danger by spreading the risk over the whole kingdom. The Board will consider carefully any proposal that may be made for accomplishing this desirable result. “With the object of enlisting the support of the mineral owners of the district, a circular has been issued setting forth the position of the society, as follows:— “‘On behalf of the Board of Management, we have been desired to place before you a statement of the position of the society. It was established, as you will no doubt remember, at the commence- ment of last year, and it is based on the principle successfully adopted in other districts, of methodically meeting the distress caused through mining accidents by means of joint contributions from employers and employed, and donations from mineral land- lords, and subscriptions from the public. Although the society has met with a considerable amount of opposition, we are glad to be able to state that no less than 52 branches have been estab- lished at collieries in the district, and that there is now a total of 304 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE over 8,000 members. At the commencement of the movement three special promises of support were held out to the miners of the district. The first was that the trustees of the portion of the Hartley surplus fund allotted to the district would entertain favourably an application for a balance of £3,200 in their hands being transferred to this society. The second was a promise from Lord Bute of a donation of £1,000, payable in annual instalments over five years, in aid of the objects of the society; and the third was that from the establishment of the institution the coalowners would subscribe 25 per cent. upon the amount of their several workmen's contributions. It was further mentioned that, as soon as the society was in operation, its claims to financial support would be brought before the mineral owners of the district, and that they would be asked to co-operate. You will be glad to know that the coalowners have in every instance carried out their pro- mise, that the Hartley surplus has been transferred to the trustees of the society, and that Lord Bute has paid the two instalments of £200 each which have become due. The available balance at the disposal of the society is now £4,400, but the risks to which it is exposed, especially with reference to large disasters, are so serious that the Board of Management is anxious to increase this as much as possible without delay. In the case of two accidents which have occurred since the formation of the society at Coedcae and Risca, the beneficial working of the society was prominently shown, six of the widows and families falling upon the funds. It would be exceedingly gratifying to the Board if you would take into consideration the society’s position, and would become a subscriber to its funds, and we have no doubt that if we are enabled to announce that the mineral owners of South Wales have given assurances of support, it would most materially assist in furthering the interests of the society.’ “The president of the society (Mr. J. T. D. Llewelyn) has forwarded to the treasurer a cheque for £100, being two years' subscriptions of £50; the Right Hon. Lord Aberdare has promised an annual subscription of £20, and Mrs. Blandy Jenkins one of £10, and the Board trust that the further responses to the AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 305 circular, which has only recently been issued, will be numerous and liberal. “The adjournment of the annual meeting was rendered neces- sary in order that the auditor (Mr. Jenkin Howell) might have time to complete his first examination of the accounts of the various agencies. In his inspections he was accompanied by the general secretary, and no pains were spared in the endeavour to establish uniformity of practice throughout the district. Although the old system, so far as its broad principles are concerned, is generally established on the same lines at each colliery, much diversity prevails in the method of carrying it out. The estab– lishing of one plan of working and the explaining to each set of local officers the method to be adopted to bring the organisation into manageable shape necessarily occupied more time than will hereafter be required for the audit alone, and next year an endeavour will be made to hold the annual meeting on the day appointed by the rules. In fixing the date, however, the pro- visional committee appear hardly to have realised the difficulty that would arise owing to the agencies being scattered over a very wide area, and it may be necessary hereafter to select a day later in the year. “The retiring members of the Board (determined by ballot) are Messrs. W. Thomas Lewis, J. Naysmith, G. W. Wilkinson, J. W. Andrews, J. L. Jones, and W. Steadman, and they are eligible for re-election. There is also a vacancy on the Board by reason of one of the members having ceased to be a contributor to the funds of the society. - - * “By order of the Board of Management, “Eva N. Owen, General Secretary. “GEORGE L. CAMPBELL, Organising Sec. “Cardiff, June 23rd, 1882.” The statement of account was also read. Mr. L. Tylor, in moving the adoption of the report, congratulated the members on the progress made by the society. He urged careful supervision U 306 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE on the part of the local officials, and pointed out that in all cases it was to the interest of employers that their official staff should assist the agencies as much as possible, although there were complaints that this was not always done. Mr. Henry Thomas seconded the resolution, and in doing so drew special attention to the recent decision in the Court of Queen's Bench by which it had been shown that, notwithstanding all that had been said to the contrary, the masters and men of the district, in supporting the society, were acting within the law, under the law, and up to the law. % After some discussion, the report and statement of accounts were unanimously adopted. - Mr. G. W. Wilkinson (Risca) moved the re-election of Mr. Llewelyn as President, and this was seconded by Mr. J. J. Davies, and carried with enthusiasm.–In acknowledging the election, Mr. Llewelyn specially referred to the forthcoming conference of permanent societies, and to the desirableness of some arrangement being arrived at whereby societies might act unitedly in dealing with great disasters. - - Mr. Lewis Davis (Ferndale) moved the election of Mr. Archibald Hood and Mr. Henry Thomas as Vice-Presidents. The proposer referred to the experience of the Ferndale collieries as illustrating the progress the society was making. The branch had only been in operation about two months, but it was now 700 strong— (cheers)—and he and his brother believed that before long all the 3,000 of their employés would be enrolled. He paid a high tribute to the memory of Mr. Menelaus, whose place Mr. Hood was to fill. The motion was seconded by Mr. Smith Long, and carried unanimously. The election of members of the Board of Management was proceeded with. All the retiring members were re-appointed, and Mr. Morgan Dyer (Ferndale) was chosen to occupy the vacant Seat. A long series of orders as to the mode of conducting the business of the local agencies was read and sanctioned according A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUST'R/ES. 307 to rule. Judge Herbert, who had been asked at the last meeting to act as one of the arbitrators, being unable to do so, it was decided to invite Mr. C. H. James, M.P., of Merthyr. A general resolution was adopted, appointing as trustees and arbitrators the gentlemen who had responded to the invitation of the society to accept the office. The president having to leave early, a vote of thanks was accorded to him by acclamation, and his place was taken by Mr. G. W. Wilkinsom. A large number of questions of practice were then raised and discussed, Mr. Campbell, the organising secretary, explaining many doubtful points in the rules, and answering a large number of questions. In acknowledging a vote of thanks, Mr. Wilkinson congratulated the meeting on the excellent tone that had prevailed throughout the proceedings, and said he was glad to remember that there had not been a discordant word. The following circular, signed by the Chairman of the Board, has been issued :- “ Monmouthshire and South Wales Miners’ “Permanent Fund, “ABERDARE, February, 1883. “Sir, This Association has been formed for the purpose of bringing home to our miming population the benefits of assurance against all accidents occurring in the course of their hazardous occupation. These benefits are as follows:–In case of disable- ment, an allowance of 8s. a week during the whole time a member is unable to work. On the death of a married member, a funeral allowance of £5, and a weekly allowance of 5s. for the widow, and 2s. 6d. for each child. On the death of an unmarried member, an allowance of £20 to his representatives. Our association therefore provides not only for the few accidents which awake public sym- pathy, but also for those very numerous cases which do not attract attention, but which are found by experience to entail ten times as much misery as is caused by the great colliery catastrophes. 308 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRA DE The fund is managed and supported by workmen, who are ordinary members, and by honorary members jointly. The subscription of ordinary members is 3d. per week, and those of honorary mem- bers, are in the case of employers, 25 per cent. on the payments of their workmen. Annual subscriptions varying in amount are paid by mineral landlords and other honorary members. Our association commenced its operations on January 1st, 1881, and by September 30th, 1882, it had made allowances in 2,376 cases of disablement, had dealt with 29 fatal accidents, providing for 24 widows and 35 children; while its accumulated capital amounted to £6,261; its branches being established at 52 collieries, and its enrolled members numbering 11,694. During the last quarter of 1882, our increase was still more rapid, and we had on December 31st, 1882, upwards of 14,000 members, so that in view of this unprecedented extension, a considerable augmentation of our resources is most desirable; I would, therefore, earnestly entreat all colliery proprietors who have not already joined us to become honorary members, as, by so doing, they will enable their work- people to share in the benefits of this association. I would also ask for the co-operation of mineral landlords as honorary members, as their assistance would materially promote the welfare of those who are engaged in developing the resources of this district. I should be grateful if other gentlemen, who are not pecuniarily interested in mineral undertakings, would aid in this movement, an annual subscription of £1 being a qualification for honorary membership. It would greatly facilitate the working of our association if those who are disposed to countenance our effort for the public good would kindly fill up the annexed form. - “Your obedient servant, “W. THOMAS LEWIS.” We concluded our narrative of the great strikes of Wales with a reference to the Sliding Scale. To Sir W. T. Lewis is due the great credit of its origination, and the broad and well thought-out basis by which the employed AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 309 as well as the employer enjoy mutual advantages in times of pros- perous trade, and share in proportion the alternate eras of depres- sion which are inseparable from the history of our industries. The combination to the Associated Masters and the Sliding Scale, while thus adapted to ensure peaceful relations, is also able to resist unjust demands and to protect members either at individual pits or at all the collieries belonging to the several members. As will be seen by the list, it includes ironmasters as well as coalowners, and this feature, it must be noted, is one of its most prominent advantages. In past times the heads of industries were as fre- quently in collision as the men, and the ability with which a recurrence is effectually prevented cannot be too highly com- mended. The stages of its progress have been well marked, and the years during which its influence has been exercised abound with settlements of grave differences which, under old regulations, would have provoked disaffection and strike, and led to the im- poverishment and misery of thousands. We give details of the Association and Scale up to date. Ac- cording to the last report, issued in April, 1887, the number of associated collieries was one hundred and fifty-two, with an aggregate annual output of thirteen million tons.—Trustees: Sir H. H. Vivian, Bart., M.P., Swansea; W. T. Crawshay, Cyfarthfa Castle; Ed. Jones, Varteg, Mon. Chairman: Sir W. T. Lewis, Aberdare. Vice-Chairman : J. Colquhoun, Tredegar. Bankers: National Provincial Bank of England, Limited (Bute Docks Branch), Cardiff. Solicitor: Wm. Simons, Merthyr Tydvil. Sec- retary: W. Gascoyne Dalziel, Cardiff. - Sliding Scale Committee.—Employers' representatives: Sir W. Thomas Lewis, John Nixon, E. P. Martin, F. A. Yeo, M.P., E. Jones, A. Hood, and C. B. Holland. Secretary: W. Gascoyne Dalziel, Cardiff. Worlimen’s Representatives — (Steam) —W. Abraham, M.P., L. Simonds, G. Goldsworthy, D. Morgan, and Philip Jones. (House)—Isaac Evans, J. Jenkins, and John Morgan. Secretary: J. W. Jones, Treherbert. & Finance Committee.—A. Hood, Ed. Jones, James T. Nettel), and Evan Lewis. & - 310 THE SOUTH WALEs coAL TRADE District Boards—Cardiff —Chairman: H. Kirkhouse, Tylors- town. Vice-Chairman : Evan Lewis, Cardiff. Secretary: W. Gascoyne Dalziel, Cardiff. Newport.—Chairman: E. J. Grice, Newport, Mon. Vice- Chairman: J. Colquhoun, Tredegar. Secretary: T. Latch, New- port. . § - Swansea.—Chairman : Sir H. Hussey Vivian, Bart., M.P. Vice- Chairman: J. Glasbrook, Swansea. Secretary: Houlton H. Morice. The further progress and present condition of the society are shown by the Seventh Annual Report:- On December 31st, 1886, the society had enrolled 41,117. members. At the close of the year the members numbered 42,168, being an increase of 1,051. The ordinary revenue of the society has amounted to £34,381, and the disbursements have been £31,138. . The available balance at the close of the year was £35,285. On December 31st, 1886, it was £32,042. The income and expenditure for the year are detailed in the appended statement of accounts. During 1887 there were 10,801 cases of disablement amongst the members, and 117 fatal accidents, by which 156 members were killed. These fatal accidents placed on the funds 74 widows and 161 children; and at the close of the year 251 widows and 499 children were in receipt of annuities from the society. - During the year the sum of £3,246 has been invested in Bute Docks 4"/, Debenture Stock; the sum of £240 in Treferig Railway Stock, and the sum of £6 in Rhymney Railway Stock. The principal event of the year was the holding of a special general meeting to consider the financial position of the society, and to adopt some measures with the object of bringing the expenditure and income into harmony. The Board of Manage- ment issued to the Local Agencies the following documents:-- “REPORT. “The Board of Management have had under their considera- tion the annexed Report from Mr. F. G. P. Neison as to the A W D IT'S A L L /ED I.V.DUSTRIES. 3.11 present financial position of the society, and they now ask the local officers and the general body of members to give to its contents their most earnest and thoughtful attention. The Board are very reluctant to raise a question which must necessarily demand for its solution some pecuniary sacrifice on the part of the members, either those who, as miners or colliery proprietors, contribute to its funds, or those who have the misfortune to require its aid; or it may be of both of these classes. “But the state of things disclosed by Mr. Neison is so serious that the Board have no alternative but the course they are now pursuing. They feel that if they were to allow the society to drift further into financial difficulty, they would lay themselves open to very severe censure for neglect of duty, and would be unworthy of the trust that has been reposed in them. To allow the society gradually to reach a state of bankruptcy would be an act of wanton cruelty to the many thousands of men who are now putting their trust in it as a means of making provision for themselves should accident befall them, and for their widows and children if their injuries unfortunately proved fatal. “Mr. Neison, in the report sent herewith, estimates the present deficiency at £30,000, that is to say the society ought to have this additional sum in its hands to meet the claims of the widows, children, and disabled members, who are now on its funds. “At the general meeting last year Mr. Neison presented a report prepared according to Act of Parliament, at the close of the first five years of the society's history, in which he showed that there was an accruing deficiency of £2,029 per annum, in respect of every 10,000 members, equal on a membership of 40,000 to £8,116 per year. This means that the society from its commence- ment has been giving benefits larger than were justified by its income, and recent experience has proved that in every district where these societies have been established, it has been necessary, after a few years' experience, to raise the contributions or reduce the benefits, or combine these remedial measures. When this institution was set on foot very little was known as to the actual 312 THE SOUTH JWA LES COAL TRADE experience of the district, especially with regard to non-fatal accidents. Of the fatal accidents careful registers have been kept for many years, but this had not been the case with regard to injuries not resulting in death. It will hardly be believed that the experience of this society shows that there are 100 per 1,000 non-fatal accidents amongst its members more than in any other district in which a Permanent Relief Society has been established. In this society the non-fatal accidents have numbered 280 per 1,000, and the next highest district in the kingdom is that of Lancashire and Cheshire, where it is 180 per 1,000. “With regard to fatal accidents, the experience has been better than was anticipated, and there cannot be the slightest doubt that if the society had only had to deal with widows and children there would have been no deficiency of funds, even with a less contribution than that now paid, and it must not be forgotten that at the inception of the movement, the claims of the widows and children had the first place in the minds of the promoters. “Now, the Board having to face these deficiencies, have had to consider what is the best method of treating them, and they have not been unmindful of the fact that action has to be taken at a time when neither employers nor employed are as well off as when the society began its operations. With regard to the widows and children, the Board is of opinion, as stated in their last report, that there should be no interference with the allowances, and they believe that this view will be taken by all the members of the society. Then it has been suggested that considerable Saving might be effected by reducing the disable payments after a term of years. The Board believe that the general opinion of the members will be against depriving old men of their benefits at a time when they are in special need. The word ‘permanent’ was placed in the title of these societies to indicate that the allowance to a man permanently disabled should be continued for the whole of his life, and it would be very ungenerous to alter this arrange- ment without absolute necessity. - AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 3.13 “At the same time, it must not be forgotten that in the depart- ment of disablement there has been the great leakage; but while it might be desirable that there should be some reduction in the benefits of this department, it seems hardly fair that it should bear all the strain. If that were allowed, only one section of the two great contributing parties would suffer. The employed would have to bear it all ! None would fall on the employers. “The Board therefore suggest that there should be a small additional subscription and a small reduction of benefit. They propose that one half-penny per week should be added to the contributions of the ordinary members, and this, with an addition of 25°/, from the colliery proprietors, would produce a sum of £5,416 per annum. It is proposed further that there should be a decrease of benefit in the first 6 weeks of disablement to the extent of 2s. per week, which would represent a saving of £2,719. So that these two alterations jointly would benefit the society to the amount of £8,135 per annum. It will be remembered that the accruing deficiency, according to Mr. Neison, is £8,116, so that this would leave no margin for dealing with the large debt which has already accumulated. The Board feel, however, that in the present state of trade, they are not justified in asking for anything further from the members of the society, and they look to two sources of financial improvement with a considerable degree of confidence. “In the first place, they believe that the circulation of this report and the disclosure of the society's difficulty will have the effect of arousing the local officers to a sense of their duty, and causing them to exercise greater watchfulness over the disable- ment benefit. There can be no doubt that in too many instances motives of generosity cause slack administration, and it is also impossible to overlook the fact that amongst so large a body there must arise cases of malingering. “In the second place, the Board look to an increase in the number of honorary members. Many of the mineral lessors have not yet responded to the appeal that has been made to them to 314 THE SOUTH WA LES COA. L TRADE give this movement the assistance which it may fairly claim at their hands; and as the society never advertises its good work, there are no doubt in this district large numbers of generously disposed persons who would be glad to assist the institution if they understood its objects and operations. “Since it was formed, the society has dealt with 566 fatal accidents, and 39,979 non-fatal accidents; it has distributed up to the close of last year £66,472 in the relief of suffering caused by mining disasters ; and has now on its funds no less than 256 widows and 495 children. Such a record surely carries with it an abundant recommendation.” A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 315 O HAPTER XV. THE FIRST STATISTICS OF TRADE, WITH COMPARISONs TO THE PRESENT TIME. HE coal first supplied from Wales came, as we have stated in reference to George Owen’s MS., from Pembrokeshire, and a small portion from Carmarthen. In 1745 Milford sent one thousand five hundred and sixteen tons to London; Tenby and Haverfordwest two hundred and ninety-eight, and Uarmarthen only forty-three tons. The Pem- brokeshire towns maintained an average sometimes increasing to three thousand, and occasionally falling to one thousand seven hundred tons; but Carmarthen, in the year 1746, sent only nine tons, and none at all in 1749 and 1750. Cardigan in 1749 put in an appearance, sending no less than eight tons ! In 1750 it sent three tons, then collapsed, and for years the good ports of Cardigan and Aberystwith refused stolidly to have anything to do with black diamonds. In 1756 some daring spirit broke in upon this isolation and despatched a cargo to London, but the effort was fatal, and for ten years Cardigan was out of the market. In the meanwhile other parts of Wales were coming into play, and in 1750, for the first time, Swansea and Neath began to figure as coal exporters, sending thirty-eight tons to the Metropolis. This was increased to fifty-seven tons the year following, then to one hundred and nineteen tons; but in 1754 the export fell to sixteen tons. Its biggest export was in 1755, when the two ports sent one hundred and eighty-six tons. In 1756 this fell to twenty-one, and to seventeen tons the next year. In 1760, 1762 and 1763 no coal was sent ; and in 1765, when Milford sent three thousand one hundred and twenty-two tons and Tenby eight hundred and seven, Swansea and Neath only sent forty-five tons. In 1799 six chaldrons of coal were shipped from Swansea to London, and to all other ports one hundred and thirty-nine Ö 316 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE thousand four hundred and eighty-six chaldrons of bituminous, and thirteen thousand three humdred and nineteen of stone coal.” A chaldron is two thousand pounds. With respect to coal from Newport it was deposed by the Chepstow Collector of Customs before a House of Commons Com- mittee that as early as December, 1740, coal came from Newport to Chepstow duty free. The Act of 1803 seriously interfered with this trade. Accounts of coals sent coastwise from the creek of Cardiff, and of the trading vessels from the said creek f :— NEWPORT, CREEK OF CARDIFF. An account of all coals sent coastwise from this creek from 1797 to 1809 (both inclusive), distinguishing the quantity in each year:- 1797. 1798. 1799. 1800. 1801. 1802. 1803. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. 6,939 9,715 18,375 32,277 29,931 38,813 36,219 1804. 1805. 1806. 1807. 1808. 1809. Tons. Tons, Tol’s. Tons. Tons. Tons. 64,393 73,823 89,129 109,648 132,316 148,019 An account of coals carried coastwise from this creek to any port or place in the Severn, eastward of the Holmes, from 1797 to 1809 (both inclusive), distinguishing the quantity in each year carried to each respective port, duty free. PORTS. 1797. 1798. 1799. 1800. 1801. 1802. 1803. } Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Bridgwater | 1,959 2,533 6,163, 10,842, 7,631|| 15,233,15,362 Bristol ... º 1,772 3,976, 6,370 9,100 wº 7,705 Gioucester. . 1,119 3,574 2,940, 5,981| 5,240 4,452, 4,104 Chepstow ... 2,894, 1,518 2,153. 4,226 4,442, 4,776, 3,550 _* McBherson's “Annals of British Commerce,” t Blu, Book. A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. PORTS. 1804. 1805. 1806. 1807. 1808. 1809. | Tons. TOns. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons Bridgwater ... 26,235 24,684 26,516. 29,807 35,989 41,703 Bristol 16,678 28,378 33,835, 41,278 45,484. 55,556 Gloucester — 10,632, 9,609 9,524 12,877 13,162. 16,169 Chepstow — 5,435 5,316 6,268 6,954 6,259 6,949 An account of coals carried coastwise from this creek to ports westward of the Holmes from 1805 to 1809 (both inclusive), distinguishing the quantity in each year:— 1805. 1806. 1807. 1808. 1809. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. 5,836 ... 12,986 ... 28,732 ... 22,422 ... 27,632 An account of vessels cleared coastwise at this creek from 1805 to 1809 (both inclusive), distinguishing the number cleared in each year – 1805. 1806. 1807. 1808. 1809. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. 1,722 2,216 2,458 2,774 3,239 Our early coal trade with Ireland was as follows:– An account of coals, with the number of vessels, sent to Ireland from 1805 to 1809 both inclusive, distinguishing the quantity sent, with the number of vessels in each year:- 1805. 1806. 1807. 1808. 1809. Tons. Tons. TOns. Tons. Tons. 5,423 ... 20,245 ... 33,372 ... 31,332 ... 21,155 Wessels. Wessels. Wessels. Wessels. Wessels. 75 ... 210 328 ... 333 244 Our next table gives the early condition of the Shipping of Wales:– 3.18 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE S H | P P 1 N G O F W A L E S, 1814–1815. From the Cambrian Register, vol. iii. South Wales and Monmouthshire. 1814. 1815. Ships. Tons. Ships. Tons. Chepstow ... 54 ... 5,026 56 ... 4,905 Cardiff ... 52 ... 2,687 52 ... 2,684 Swansea ... 128 ... 7,728 135 ... 8,581 Llanelly ... 93 ... 4,889 94 ... 4,937 Milford ... 76 ... 5,626 72 ... 5,351 Pembroke ... 95 ... 3,958 96 ... 3,970 Cardigan ... 306 ... 12,274 314 ... 12,954 Aberystwith ... 147 ... 8,202 157 ... 8,976 In 1828 the total exports were —coal, culm, and cinders, three hundred and fifty-seven thousand eight hundred and sixty-four tons, value one hundred and forty-five thousand nine hundred and forty-three pounds. In 1829 the Shipping of Wales was as follows:– Vessels in 1829. Tons. … Cardigan ... * * * ... 281 - - - 14,643 Milford ... ... ... 116 ... 8,104 Swansea ... • * * ... 122 - - - 7,772 Aberystwith ſº º tº ... 120 tº º º 6,423 Newport ... * - & ... 50 * * * 3,824 Llanelly ... • * > ... (59 • * @ 3,264 Cardiff .... - - - ... 38 e - - 2,742 Chaldrons of coals, cinders, and culm entered, and amount of duty thereon, brought coastwise into the respective counties of England and Wales in the year 1829:— º a nd Cindº * Culm. Dºg. Monmouthshire... 43 ... 22 ... 224 ... 22 Glamorganshire... 440 ... — ... 1,488 ... 73 Carmarthenshire 103 ... — ... 212 ... 14 Pembrokeshire ... 7,016 ... — ... 242 ... 59 | Cardiganshire ... 9,276 ... 10. ... 12,906 ... 1,099 A VD IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 3.19 From 1829 we proceed to 1833, another interesting date, just preceding the beginning of the great change. It will be seem how small the shipment of coal them really was. Shipments of coal from— Tons. Newport ... tº º º tº º tº * * > ... 440,492 Swansea ... e s - e - © e - e. ... 360,000 (Jardiff º º º tº G & • & º gº tº * ... 171,978 Llanelly ... tº e tº - e º tº º º ... 59,188 Neath a e e * G - e & s & e ... 27,176* Making in all from the Welsh ports one million and fifty-eight thousand eight hundred and thirty-four tons in the year. It will be well to note here as an illustration of the astonishing growth of the coal trade that one port alone, that of Cardiff, in 55 years afterwards sent away ten million tons ! By 1870 the growth had advanced as follows:–Coal shipments (foreign): — { Tons. Cardiff ... e - tº tº º e e - - ... 2,297,052 Newport ... & G & e - e. * - © ... 385,386 Swansea ... º e - e - - e - © tº º º 600,601 Llanelly ... & © º tº re - e tº º & © º 117,431 By 1877 another stride had been taken :- Tons. Cardiff ... tº dº tº e - tº tº º º ... 3,681,084 Newport ... • * > tº e º tº e - ... 611, 156 Swansea ... g tº º tº º tº * tº Q tº º º 653,630 Llanelly ... * - © * * * tº tº tº $º a tº 59,056 By 1882 – T Cardiff ... e - © e G & * > 0 ... 5,799,919 Newport ... tº ſº tº tº tº • * > ... 1,365,105 Swansea ... * - & º e - tº ſº tº tº tº º 937,275 Llanelly ... 66,318 For the succeeding Admiralty returns of 1884, 1885, 1886 and 1887 we are indebted to Sir H. H. Vivian. * Booker’s “Mineral Basin of Glamorgan.” * -- ------------ ------ * 320 THE SOUTH WA LES OOA L TRA DE Total shipments of coal in 1884 from the Welsh ports coast- ways:— º Tons. Newport ... - 1,051,659 Cardiff 1,004,028 Swansea ... 307,573 Briton Ferry 207,626 Port Talbot 84,709 Porthcawl 107,538 Llanelly ... 135,670 Milford © tº ſº e º º e e 33,043 Coal exported (foreign) from Welsh ports:– Quantity. Value Newport 1,712,211 $854,507 Cardiff 6,970,907 £3,659,994 Swansea 824,484 42382,670 Briton Ferry 115,351 £50,350 Port Talbot ... 13,500 36,245 Porthcawl 21,026 £9,725 Llanelly 71,890 £30,398 Milford 175 #988 Coastwise 1885 – Quantity. Newport ... 1,132,171 Cardiff 1,088,915 Swansea ... 311,943 Briton Ferry 162,270 Port Talbot 82,891 Porthcawl 129,683 Llanelly ... 112,016 Milford ... a º º 35,144 Export (foreign):- Quantity. Value. Newport 1,755,555 £859,600 Cardiff 7,094,205 £3,559,498 Swansea 791,957 $360,636 Briton Ferry 52,663 £23,104 Port Talbot ... 12,835 £6,017 Porthcawl 13,742 £6,692 Llanelly 103,159 ... £41,235 A W D IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 321 The returns of the exports from the principal ports of the United Kingdom of coal, coke, iron, and patent fuel show very satisfactory results for the year 1886-7. Whilst at most of the Northern ports there has been a considerable falling off in the shipments of coal, the four Welsh ports — Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, and Llanelly—show an aggregate increase of no less than one million two hundred and eighty-one thousand one hundred and sixty-nine tons. Taking them individually, Cardiff shows an increase of eight hundred and thirty-three thousand five hundred and fourteen tons; Newport, an increase of three hundred and seventy-five thousand four hundred and ten tons; Swansea, an increase of fifty-nine thousand two hundred and sixty-seven tons, and Llanelly, an increase of twelve thousand nine hundred and seventy-six tons. This, it should be explained, applies only to the foreign exports, but the figures quoted may be taken as a fair indication of the increase of the before-mentioned ports in this particular industry. So far as the monthly returns are concerned, the coal shipments, foreign and coastwise, from the four South Wales ports during the month of December were greatly in excess of those of the previous month. In iron and steel there was a falling off of five thousand seven hundred and sixty-two tons, but in fuel there was again an increase of nine thousand eight hundred and seventy-three tons. For purposes of comparison we give details from the principal ports of the Kingdom for one month, December, 1887, with corresponding month of December, 1886 : — Foreign. tº. Coastwise. 1887. 1886. 1887. 1886. Cardiff ... ... 628,353 ... 545,378 ... 101,748 ... 95,318 Newport ... 209,623 ... 169,572 ... 91,625 ... 86,483 Swansea... ... 76,494 ... 58,289 ... 54,909 ... 44,738 Newcastle ... 319,063 ... 287,044 ... 346,487 ... 315,137 South Shields ... 25,215 ... 23,380 ... 33,106 ... 45,473 Amble ... ... 11,574 ... 12,348 ... 13,995 ... 9,975 Kirkcaldy ... 77,879 ... — ... 3,896 ... — Sunderland ... 112,564 ... 95,639 ... 237,407 ... 223,634 V 322 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Foreign. Coastwise. 1887. 1886. 1887. 1886. W. Hartlepool ... 38,297 ... 26,036 ... 41,091 ... 46,283 Middlesborough 3,040 ... 1,440 ... 344 ... 1,080 Hull 52,931 ... 33,669 ... 13,201 . 2,780 Grangemouth 39,432 ... 30,462 ... — sº-º-ººs Stockton — . . 50 ... — ... 135 Liverpool 62,401 ... 40,464 ... 68,747 ... 64,880 Llanelly... 9,833 ... 5,387 ... 6,503 ... 7,872 Goole 33,988 ... 30,829 ... 16,997 ... 12,674 Glasgow... 39,697 ... '32,006 ... -- *E* P. Glasgow — ... 2,370 ... — ... ºmº, Borrowstoness ... 10,658 ... 14,498 ... 4,084 ... 2,057 Ayr 3,364 ... 4,456 ... 34,099 ... 28,414 Troon 12,899 ... 10,965 ... 13,483 ... 17,389 Irvine - . . . — — 9,203 .. 7,482 Greenock 1,350 ... — ... -- ... *-º-º: Ardrossan 1,700 .. 1,290 ... 6,327 ... 8,434 Dundee ... 1,623 ... 1,030 ... — ºmº OUR COAL PRODUCE. As an interesting table of comparison we give the total coal produce of the principal valleys in 1881 and 1886: — 1881– Tons. Rhymney Valley. 603,967 Bargoed (Rhymney) 607,743 Llancaiach 36,723 Bargoed (Taff) 257,027 Taff Valley ... 1,422,895 Aberdare Valley 2,356,573 Rhondda Vach 1,062,755 Rhondda Vawr 3,884,860 Llantrissant District 2,387 Ely Valley 254,258 1 NL) IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 323 --- ~---------------------— …------- 1886 – Rhymney Valley Bargoed (Rhymney) Llancaiach Bargoed (Taff) Taff Valley Aberdare Rhondda Vach Rhondda Vawr Llantrissant District Ely Valley List of Colliery Owners, showing the quantity by each during the year 1886:— Aberdare Merthyr Colliery Company Aberdare Coal Company Aberdare Iron Company Bargoed Coal Company Beddoe, W. & E. Bevan and Pryse Booker and Company Brogden and Sons iº & Burnyeat, Brown and Company ... Billups and others ... © tº Cardiff and Swansea Coal Compan Cartwright, W. G. Crawshay Bros. tº gº tº Crossley and Company ... Cymmer Colliery Company Cwmamman Coal Company Dinas Coal Company ... © tº gº Davies, D., & Company (Rhondda Davis and Sons Dowlais Iron Company ... Down, F. P. and Company Davies, Thomas Tons. 761,056 552,261 27,388 376,696 1,483,461 2,722,430 1,441,431 4,795,913 74,078 199,720 of Coal raised Tons. 29,921 7,985 305,542 59,184 25,602 34,932 Nil. 122,867 153,289 18,103 151,752 27,388 203,953 96,266 240,795 177,342 270,660 747,819 810,593 1,025,236 7,599 394 324 THE SOUTH WA. LES COAL TRADE Energlyn Coal Company Forest Iron and Steel Company ... Gadlys Iron Company ... e - tº © tº a Glamorgan Coal Company Griffith, Rowland Glyn Colliery Company Great Western Colliery Company Great Western Railway Company Harris's Navigation Company Heath, Evens and Company Humphries and Griffiths Joseph, T., Mortgagees of • * @ tº º ºt Jones, Mordecai º * * * Tylacoch Company ... e - © e º 'º Lewis Merthyr Navigation Coal Company ... Lockett's Merthyr Company tº º º e e ge London and South Wales Coal Compan (Blaenrhondda) Lewis, W. ... Marquess of Bute Maritime Colliery Company Naval Steam Coal Company Nance, W. E. ... tº ſº e National Colliery Company New Cymmer Level New Llantwit Company Nicholas and Johnson ... Nixon's Navigation Company ... Perch and Company Penygraig Coal Company Plymouth Iron Company Powell Duffryn Coal Company Penrhiwceiber Colliery Company... © e e Rhydywaun Coal Company Rhymney Iron Company * e ºs Rhondda Merthyr Coal Company Tons. 35,702 39,880 164,775 562,054 2,064 63,120 393,858 41,159 343,033 82,812 6,345 99,417 93,742 87,122 486,239 245,805 99,414 1,470 160,011 94,010 121,375 Nil. 282,615 • 12,415 10,918 17,086 714,624 263,418 50,268 337,819 1,072,012 368,494 457 407,432 60,128 A NAD IT'S A LLIED INT) USTRIES. 325 Rhos Llantwit Coal Company ... ... 46.36 Standard Coal Company * - sº e - © 227,505 Thomas and Griffiths ... ... . . ... 264,851 Thomas and Riches ... e gº tº e - e. 345,712 Thomas, Daniel ... * * * * @ º 8,237 Thomas, D., and Company tº º & * * * 38,209 Troedyrhiw Coal Company ºn tº ſº sº a tº 52,022 Tylor and Company ... & e e & e - 242,814 Thomas, S., and Company tº e e ... 77,885 Williams and Gwilym ... • . . tº tº tº 2,791 Wingfield Coal Company * * * tº ºn tº 42,519 Ynisfeio Coal Company ºf tº e e - © 81,725 Shewing the prices that smokeless steam coal averaged, f.o.b., at Cardiff, colliery screened, from 1840 to 1888 :- Year. w Price. Remarks. s. d. 1840 gº º º ... 10 0 1845 gº tº tº ... * 8 9 1850 ... ... 8 6 1855 tº e & ..., 10 6 1860 . . . . ... 8 3 Screening at port of ship- it ment commenced. 1861 ... ... 8 6 Y From 1859 to the end of 1862 e tº & ... , 8 7 1862 trade continued in a deplorable state. American War in 1863 1863 ... ... 8 9 1864 ... ..., 8 9 and 1864. 1865 8 9 1866 8 6 Great demand at the latter. - part of the year for the requirements of the - Abyssinian Expedition. 1867 & ſº & ... 8 6 * . . . . *, * 1868 8 0. 1869. ... . . . . . . 8 6 . - ºn - 326 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE Year. 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 • Gº e- Price. § d. 9 3 10 6 15 0 23 () 16 6 16 6 10 3 9 9 8 6 8 6 8 9 9 6 10 () 10 9 10 6 9 O 8 9 8 0 12 6 Remarks. In May the men demanded an advance in wages, which was refused them. A strike ensued on the 1st June, and continued to the 24th August. Some colliery proprietors even obtained as much as 26s. and 27s. per ton. A great strike and lock- out took place on the 1st of January, lasting until the 1st of June. Coal trade much depressed. Great depression in trade. Shipments greatly in- creased. Trade much firmer, al- though the men rather dissatisfied. Trade very steady. Trade steadily improving. A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 327 a-- Parish records for 1887, giving, by the favour of the respective overseers, the details of the last completed year :— PARISH OF ABERDARE. # Total Name of Owner. Situation of Collieries. #º Rhydywaen Coal Company ... Hirwaen e tº º 207 Humphreys and Griffiths ... Cwmdare tº e 6,756 Aberdare Merthyr Colliery Com- pany, Limited tº e & ... Hirwaen ... 42,278 George W. H. Brogden ... Bwllfa ... 143,462 Nantmelyn Colliery Company Limited ... • e e ... Nantmelyn ... 131,552 Wayne's Merthyr Company, Limited Gadlys ... 170,064 Samuel Thomas and Company ... Ysguborwen ... 65,749 Aberdare Works and Collieries Company tº G & ... Abernant ... 313,926 James Evens and Company, Limited Werfa e e > 88,829 Aberdare Coal Company ... Abermantygroes ... nil. Burnyeat, Brown and Company, Limited ... º ... Llettyshenkin ... nil. Nixon's Navigation Company, Limited ... e - e. ... Deep Duffryn ... 9,728 Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Com- pany, Limited e o o ... Cwmdare e tº º 19,872 Ditto ditto ... Old Duffryn • * > nil. Ditto ditto ... Lower Duffryn ... 96,246 Ditto ditto ... George Pit ... 139,259 Ditto ditto ... Abercwmboy ... nil. Ditto ditto ... Aberaman ... 115,440 Ditto ditto ... Cwmneol ... 136,985 Ditto ditto ... Fforchaman ... 147,758 Ditto ditto ... Treaman * * e e 45,938 D. Davis and Sons • Q - ... Blaengwawr º e - mil. Cwmaman Coal Company, Limited Cwmaman ... 155,782 Lockett's Merthyr Coal Company, Limited ... tº ſº º ... Mardy ... 78,217 .* 328 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE PARISH OF ABERDARE–comtönwed. Name of OWner. Situation of Collieries. Fforchneol Colliery and Brick Company, Limited ... Fforchneol David Jones ... “º º tº ... Tyrfounder Total Statute Toms. 3,680 1,160 -* -sºmsºmºs 1,912,888 Coal worked in the parish of Llanwomno, but brought to bank in the parish of Aberdare :— Nixon's Navigation Company, Limited ... tº e º ... Deep Duffryn PARISH OF GELLIGAER. Dowlais Iron Company ... ... Fochriw Pits Ditto tº e e ... Tunnel Pits Ditto de º º ... Pantywaun Lower º 4-ft. Pit, Ditto tº e G ... Bargoed Pits Ditto w tº º tº ... Bedlinog Pits Ditto * tº ſº ... Nantwen Pit Ditto tº gº e ... Colly Levels Ditto tº º ºs ... Brithdir Level . Rhymney Iron Company (Limited) Senghenydd Com- mon Pits Ditto ... & e tº ... Darran Pit Ditto ... & Q a ... Cefn Brithdir Pit Harris' Navigation Coal Company Navigation Deep (Limited) c - ſº ... Pits Powell's Duffryn Steam Coal Com- pany (Limited) ... ... New Tredegar Pit Ditto ... º G & ... Elliot, Pit Noah Morgan and David Saunders Penwaungoch Level Bargoed Coal Company (Limited) Bargoed Collieries Edward Beddoe tº e & ... Wingfield Pit Ditto ... - G tº ... Tir Adam Level ... Ditto ... - is tº ... New Gelligaer Level Ditto ... © tº º ... Rhos Drift 19,678 220,445 94,247 nil. (307 117,692 136,162 4,936 nil. 116,464 81,070 48,330 16,462 39,189 30,715 59 I 47,112 15,343 16,183 1,116 2,231 A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 329 PARISH OF GELLIGAER—continued. Name of Owner. Situation of Collieries. ... North Wingfield Drift ſº tº Exors. of the late W. G. Cartwright Tophill and Gelli- *g gaer Levels ... Gilfach Level . Bontnewydd Level . Penallta Junction Level . Hengoed Drift . Gilfachmain Level Daniel Pryce ... Ditto ... William Lewis M. H. Jones and Co. Richard Edwards Morgan and Edwards 1,041,436 Total Statute Tons. 28,122 5.53 858 nil. 315 155 Coal worked in the parish of Merthyr, but brought to bank in the parish of Gelligaer :— * Dowlais Iron Company ... ... Tunnel Pits Ditto ... ... . ... Nantwen Pit Coal worked in the parish of Bedwellty, but brought to bank in the parish of Gelligaer :— Rhymney Iron Company ... Cefn Brithdir Pit PARISH OF LLANTRISSANT. Glamorgan Coal Company . Penrhiwfer (No. 3) Ditto ditto Ditto (No. 2) Ditto ditto ... Gilfach (No. 2) ... Dinas Steam Colliery Company ... Dinas . Coedcae (No. 3) ... Ditto (Steam) ... lewis’ Merthyr Ditto Great Western Colliery Company... Great Western t (Steam) Cymmer Colliery Company . Cymmer (Steam) David Davies and Company . Tynycymmer (No. 2) Penygraig Coal Company . Penygraig (No. 3) Tons. 27,159 7,400 28,097 62,656 18,077 36,635 3,446 184,615 64,419 264,485 165,467 73,386 560 1,800 330 THE SOUTII WA. LES COA I, T'/'A DI' PARISH OF LLANTRISSANT—continued. Name of Owner. g Situation of Collieries. §: Great Western Railway Company... Cilily (Steam) 11,279 Ditto ditto ... Cilily (No. 3) 9,630 Ditto ditto ... Cilily Havods 18,490 Daniel Thomas … ." Pwllgwaun Havods 6,785 Glyn Colliery Company, Limited... Glyn (No. 3) 54,571 Ely Rhondda Colliery Company ... Dinas Isha (No. 2) 27,252 Maritime Colliery Company ... Pontypridd (Steam) 103,512 Cymmer Colliery Company ... Cymmer (No. 3)... 14,748 Crawshay Brothers . Newbridge (Rhon- dda No. 3) 19,281 John and David Morris ... ... Bedw (No. 2) 668 Jones and Davies . Caradog Vale (No. 2) 860 Thomas Williams . Lan (No. 2) 294 1,080,260 PARISH OF LLANWONNO. Tons. Navigation Colliery 166,755 Ditto 49,137 Deep Duffryn Colliery 21,886 Fforest Colliery 58,086 Glyngwyn Colliery 6,392 Great Western Colliery ... 182,609 Ditto © tº º 171,393 Ferndale Colliery, No. 1 Pit 120,984 Ditto e tº e - e. g. ... 139,545 Ditto No. 5 Pit, • & e ... 73,962 Ditto º º • * * ... 100,495 Ditto Nos. 2 and 4 Pits • e - 53,558 Hafod Colliery ... 153,593 Coedcae Colliery 511 Graigwen Colliery 79.5 Tylor's Colliery... 123,899 Ditto 152,339 A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 331 T^ns. Penrikyber Colliery 349,995 Cymmer Colliery 39,992 Darranddu Colliery 771 National Colliery 261,922 Monachdy Colliery 3,292 Lady Windsor Colliery 88,520 2,320,431 PARISH OF MERTHYR TYDFIL. Name of Owner. Situation of Collier y. s: The Dowlais Iron Company ... Dowlais 237,990 Crawshay Brothers ... Cyfarthfa 216,407 Mortgagees Plymouth Company . e v tº 326,722 Nixon and Company ... Merthyr Vale 333,841 Harris Navigation Coal Company... Treharris 299,862 David Davies ... . Abervan 1,635 1,416,457 PARISH OF YSTRADYFODWG. Name of Colliery. §e Tons. cwts. London and South Wales 100,146 18 Fernhill 76,627 9 Dunraven tº e 109,564 19 Rhondda Merthyr 263 8 Bute Merthyr. ... 88,261 19 Ynisfeio 157,454 3 Ynyswen 1,630 }0 Abergorky 92,722 14 Tylacoch 86,768 18 Ocean Collieries * @ º 925,124 10 Tynybedw and Gelli Collieries 146,634 19 Cardiff and Swansea 155,554 Bodringallt 216,819 I Bwllfa 13,070 19 332 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE PARISH OF YSTRADYFODwg—continued. Name of Colliery, Glamorgan Coal Company's Collieries Cwmclydach Blaenclydach Dinas Clydach ... Clydach Vale Dinas Drift Dinas Steam Colliery Naval Colliery ... Penygraig Gelligaled Tynewydd (Porth) Aber-rhondda ... Cymmer Ynyshir (Standard) Tylor's Ferndale Mardy & e Ynyshir (Old) ... Total for 1887 35 Increase 1886. 470,186 Total Statute Tons. 93,452 50,507 33,754. 395,509 nil. 38,749 nil. 49,639 784 30,455 64 24,449 188,366 143,772 531,746 161,207 26,495 568,331; Coal worked in other parishes, but brought to bank in the parish of Ystradyfodwg : — Ferndale (from Llanwomno) Mardy (from Aberdare) ... Tylor's (from Llanwomno) Penygraig (from Llantrisant) Total for 1887 25 Increase 1886 . 4,451,443 . 3,883,111; 51,421 88,999 116,920 1,800 259,441 203,635 55 º .* A: P: - f\ 6 Cwts. 12 12 18 : - l : º 1 5 A ND IT S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 333 ADMIRALTY TRIALS OF WELSH COAL. We append a few examples of Admiralty trials. They will give an idea of the general character of Welsh Steam Coal: – Weight of Water Specific Weight of cubic evaporated by gravity foot of Coal 1lb. of Coal. of Coal. as used for fuel. lbs. lbs. lbs. Duffryn, Aberdare ... ... 10° 14 ... 1'326 ... 53-22 Wards, Llanelly ... tº º º 9°40 ... 1'344 ... 57.43 Llangemnech Coal ... ... 8-86 .... 1-312 ... 56-93 Varteg, Mon. tº º º ... 8'54 ... 1.340 ... 56-38 Graigola, Swansea ... ... 9-35 ... 1:30() ... 60-16 Cwmllynfell Anthracite ... 9.46 ... 1375 ... 58-25 Bedwas Wein tº º tº tº e tº 9-79 ... 1-320 ... 50.05 Ebbw Vale 4-ft. © e > ... 10'21 ... 1.275 ... 53°33 ECONOMIC VALUE OF WARIOUS WELSH COALS. Evaporative Weight of Weight of Water ower of cubic foot evaporated by a 1lb. of Coal. of Coal. cubic foot of Cotul. lbs. water. lbs. lbs. Water. Aberaman ... tº dº ſº ... 10-75 ... 48-90 ... 525-67 Ebbw Vale .. tº e - ... 10-21 ... 53°30 ... 544-19 Thomas's Ysguborwen ... 10'16 ... 53. ... 538-48 Nixon's Navigation... ... 9.96 ... 51°70 ... 514-93 `Abercarne ... tº º º ... 9°47 ... 50°30 ... 443-96 Gadlys 4-feet e e sº ... 9-29 ... 51-60 ... 479-36 Raven, Anthracite ... ... 9°46 ... 58-25 ... 565-02 STEAM COMPOSITION OF COALS. Percentage Specific gravity, Carbon. Hyd. Oxygen. Ash. oºke €It. Aberaman... 1-305 ... 90-94 ... 4'28 ... 0-94 ... 1'45 ..., 85- Ebbw Vale. 1-275 ... 89-78 ... 5:15 ... 0-39 ... 1:50 ... 77.5 Ysguborwen 1-300 ... 90-12 ... 4.33 ... 2.02 ... 1-68 ... 80-53 Navigation. 1310 ... 90'27 ... 4-12 ... 2:53 ... 1:25 ... 79-11 Gadlys 9-ft. 1-330 ... 86-18 ... 4.31 ... 2:21 ... 5:34 ... 86'54 These may be taken as showing generally the characteristics of e Welsh coals. 334 THE SOUTH WALES COAI, TRADE CHAPTER XVI. THE LITERATURE OF THE WELSH COALFIELD. ALES may claim, with justice, the distinction of being the first to figure in the literature of coal. This was achieved by George Owen, of Henllys, in a manuscript dated 1570. In this materials were afforded for that rare old reposi- tory of Welsh literature, the Cambrian Register, and afterwards enabled Fenton to give the world his History of Pembroke- shire. To the quaint, garrulous Lord of Kemeys we give the *honour of first writing on coal, and it was long after that there came into notice the patient investigation and shrewd inference which have distinguished so many of our geologists. Following George Owen we have Humphrey Mackworth on the case of the Neath Collieries, to which we have referred again, and other pamphlets. He was succeeded in the literary rank by Edward Lhuyd, the antiquary and natural historian, who flourished from 1684, when he was keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, to 1709, when he ended a laborious life, having written and compiled no less than one hundred and fifty volumes, most of which were afterwards destroyed by fire. * Lhuyd was a Fellow of the Royal Society, and some of his views with regard to the geology of Wales—he appeared to be more taken up with the fossil illustrations—have been given in the Philosophical Transactºons, A.D. 1712, vol. 27, page 467. Writing about the year 1700, as he was advancing into Breconshire, he says that “at a place called Llan Elhi (Llanelly P) we searched some coal and iron mines. Their coal works were not pits, sunk like draw wells, but large inroads made into the sides of the hills, so that three or four horsemen might ride abreast ; the top is supported by pillars left at a certain distance, and they A ND /7'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 335 -------- –- - -- make their bye lanes as in other pits, as the vein requires.” This level was in work in 1697. The next describer of the coal field, and the one most generally quoted by writers on Wales, was Mr. Edward Martin, who read a paper before the Royal Society, 22nd May, 1806, “Descriptive of the Mineral Basin of South Wales,” published 1809. Buckland, the geologist, and the Dean of Llandaff (Conybeare) followed in 1822, and directed attention, in “Observations of the South Western District of England,” to the connection of the coal districts of South Wales and Monmouthshire with the Forest of Dean and Bristol coal fields. This is “Buckland and Conybeare's Observations on the South Western District,” published in the first volume of the Geological Transactions. Williams, a native of Wales, but principally resident in Ireland, wrote an able work on the Mineral Kingdom, in which full reference is made to Wales. He is stated to have had a good deal of information from Iolo Morganwg. In 1824 Edington wrote an “Historical Account of the Coal Mines in South Wales and their uses.” In 1825 Mr. Overton, father of the late Mr. George Overton, coroner, published a treatise on the Mineral Basin. In 1830 we have Mr. Francis Forster describing the South Wales coalfield before the Natural History Society of Northumberland and Durham. Then we have Walter Davies (Gwalter Mechain) in his careful, painstaking work on Wales, its agriculture, minerals, &c. In 1833 Mr. Robert Bakewell, the geologist, gave a description of the Welsh coalfield. He was followed by Sir W. Logan, who delineated the geological conformation of the district, after the completion of the Ordnance Survey. This was finished in 1837 and succeeding two or three years by Sir Henry De la Beche and Mr. Williams. The work of De la Beche was assisted by local and practical men in various districts. The result was given in Volume I. of the Memoirs of the Geological Swrvey of Great Britain, in a paper headed “The Formation of the Rocks of South 336 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRA DE Wales and Western England.” Several other papers on the Welsh Coal Basin are in this Survey. Murchison, whose specialty appears to have been the older rocks from the granitic to the old red, is stated to have carefully examined Radnorshire, with a view of ascertaining if the Shropshire coalfield had any link with that of the Breconshire, and disproved the current theories that coal existed at Knighton. Next we had in 1834 Mr. T. W. Booker's treatise on the Mineral Basin of South Wales, for which he was awarded a gold medal and a prize of ten pounds at the Gwent and Dyved Royal Eisteddfod, 1834, held at Cardiff. Mr. Booker's essay is an interesting compilation, prefaced with a sound Geological Survey, and includes an account of the progressive development of the Mineral Basin from 1800 to the borderland of his own time. 1n 1839 Sir Thomas Phillips delivered a lecture at Aber- gavenny, in which he treated of the Welsh coalfield. In 1841, in a history and description of fossil fuel, the collieries and coal trade of Great Britain, a good deal of interesting information is given with regard to Wales by one of the writers in the Cabinet Cyclopoedia. In 1848 a lecture, or speech, as it was termed, amplifying the essay by Mr. Booker himself, and delivered at Swansea. In 1849 we have a work on the ventilation of coal mines, by Mr. Brunton. The levels and works at the outcrop were then giving way to deep sinkings, and the necessities of ventilation of collieries beginning to attract notiee ; but we had to wait for the impulse given by explosions at a later date for the best remedial arrangements. Following we have other treatises. In 1849 Moses wrote on the “Coalfield of Wales,” and Ramsay on the “Coal Survey of Wales.” Mr. George Birbeck, Tondu, also read a paper on the Ogmore Valley District, before the South Wales Institute of Civil Engineers. A ND IT'S A LLIED WNDUSTRIES. 337 In 1854 Mr. Jellinger Symons, in his “Industrial Capacities of South Wales,” published in the Cambrian Journal, by Mr. Mason, of Tenby, gave a long and precise account of the coalfield, adding the results of the labours of practical men in the form of an analysis of several special varieties of Welsh coal. In 1854 Mr. Mackworth, the inspector of mines, delivered a lecture on Welsh coal. Next in point of date we have a paper by Sir H. H. Vivian, Bart., who had previously in 1856, when Mr. Vivian, given a lecture on Coal at Truro. Sir H. H. Vivian, still Mr. Vivian, comes again to the front, giving a speech, which we have summarised, upon the coal clause in connection with our commercial treaty with France. In the next year Mr. Hall came forward with his work on the coal fields of Great Britain, wherein he discoursed at some length on the coalfields of Wales, and their probable duration. This elicited a good deal of comment and some severe criticism, but by no one was it more vigorously dealt with than by a speech of Sir H. H. Vivian in the House of Commons, June 12th, 1866. Sir H. H. Vivian takes not only a more hopeful view of the future of our coalfield than Mr. Hall, but holds out the hope that coal may yet be found under other stratifications, and enormously increase our store. His ideas are suggestive. We may assume that in the age when the coal deposits were formed, they were on the surface, and that they represent the trees and undergrowth of the period. Why not many stratifications, as well as the carboniferous, have their coa'- field, the Permian, Lias, Oolite 2 Following him we have Mr. W. Adams on September 6th, 1870, and Mr. T. Forster Brown, in 1874, on the South Wales Coalfield; and Mr. T. F. Brown and Mr. G. F. Adams, in 1880, on “Deep Winning of Coal in South Wales,” to both of which we must express full indebtedness in our present work. Mr. Fowler's work on “Collieries and the Law relating thereto,” and the late Judge Falconer's decisions on strikes, may fairly claim W 338 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRAI).E. distinctive positions in this section. In the vernacular we have one treating principally on the Western Coalfield, and in 1875, Horman Fisher's “Amerchiad at y Gweithwyr Glo.” In succession, we have a paper on the Coal and Ironstone Measures, read by Mr. Thos. Joseph, before the South Wales Institute of Mining Engineers, another on Colliery Explosions in South Wales, and an excellent essay by Mr. John Williams, well known as the founder of the “Silurian.” The essay won the prize at the last Cardiff Eisteddfod, in 1887. And, lastly— A Concise History of Glamorganshire, including a Survey of the Coalfield, by J. Roland Phillips, Esq., 1888. ANT) 17'S 4 LLIED JNDUSTRIES. 339 ("HA I'TER XVII. | N C D E N T S A N D v A R ET | Es. SoCIAL LIFE IN WALES AT THE DAWN OF THE COAL ERA. OLO MORGANWG has handed down an interesting fragment which we have gleaned from the scarce series of the Cambºan Register. It is in the form of a letter sent by him to his London bookseller, and it gives a graphic account of the condition of things in Glamorgan at the time when its old agricultural condition was changing by the influence of mining and early iron manufacture. He writes:– - - “My abstemious habits of living require but little, but that little cannot be procured but at a great price. The rapidly rising trade, commerce, and manufactures, especially in collieries, iron, copper, brass, and tin works, with considerable woollen manufactures, potteries, &c., have occasioned such an advance in the prices of all the necessaries of life in this country, that living is, in most things, more expensive here than in London; in everything, I believe, but house rent and firing, which, though greatly advanced, are still less expensive than in London, but of everything else this cannot now be said; bread and many other necessaries are much dearer. The finest wheat is in London. no more than twelve shillings or twelve shillings and sixpence per bushel, here it is more than sixteen shillings; so almost every other article of life—all shop goods, all articles of clothing, &c., one-third dearer than in London. Myself and family have been obliged to relinquish animal food for more than ten years ; bread, cheese, butter, tea, and the vegetables of our garden furnish our tables. We have nothing in our cellar but old father Adam's wine; and yet we cannot furnish these simple articles at their present high prices for a guinea per week.” - f 340 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRA DE IN A COLLIERY EXPLOSION. Before me, in the darkening gloom of a December day, sits * stoutly-built man, who, as his dress betokens, is a minister of the gospel. But why those blue lines across the face, memoranda of some disastrous colliery explosion ? and the hands large and sinewy; they tell also of labour. He has been a collier; from boyhood to manhood has earned his bread by “working in the coal.” The face before me is full of intelligence. The eyes are keen, and the manner gentle and attractive. He is telling me the story of his life, of the long years of labour he passed through, until the time came when he left the pit for €Vel’. Not the only man I have known do so. Men who could lead choirs with judgment, who could string harmonious stanzas, or discourse sweet music. And listening to such men, whether they awoke the soul with melody or roused it by the trumpet voice of oratory, the reflection, to my mind, was always the same. It was well that these mem did eventually come out into the sunshine; but they lost nothing by their experience in the darkness below. My friend sits patiently, and tells a simple tale. I do not propose to use his own words, but to give substantially the narra- tion that he tells me, in his quiet, earnest way, and this I will call my experience of an explosion. Years ago, when I was a boy, I worked with my father in one of the Monmouthshire collieries near Nantyglo. He and I not only walked together every morning to the pit and home every might, but we laboured in the same stall and filled the same tram. And this went on for years until it is likely enough that I filled more of the tram than he did, just as in former time he had dome more than I. One of our advantages in that pit was that we A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 341 could get a little “iron mine,” for which we had extra pay, for at that time Welsh “mine” was in request, and for the best kinds the payment was good. Now it so happened that this very “mine,” which we thought a benefit, was very nearly being our utter ruin, and it was in this way. Very near us there was an 5 old working which we knew contained a lot of “mine,” and more than once we had completed a tram by going in there. But it was hazardous, and we had been cautioned not to venture, especially with naked lights, and it was with maked lights we worked in those days. Well, on this particular day, wanting to complete a tram, father and I groped into the old working, and gathered a quantity that had fallen. I don't know what you think, but there is more interest in getting a thing in danger than in plain, plodding work. Danger is a spice, and gives an interest to the under- taking, and we would work hard and stumble over falls and suffer from foul air in collecting a few little heaps, not worth anything like the coal we could have cut in the meanwhile. So it is. Well, somehow or other my father's attention was called to a point above his head, probably something glittering in the face of the heading, and, unthinkingly, he lifted his candle to see what it was, when off went the gas! We staggered back, and lo! before us arose a beautiful picture. Fancy a cloud snowy white and luminous; a cloud of snowy fire, moving with its own inward power—a thing of dazzling beauty, of life, of loveliness, that as we gazed upon it threw from its sides marvellous colours that came and disappeared and changed. It was but for a moment. As I looked in awe and wonderment, spellbound, it came with a rush upon us, and in the flash of an eye we were in a sea of glory, literally ; the next we were hurled senseless to the ground. - I lay there unconscious for a little time, and then struggled up on one arm and looked into the awful darkness. There was no sound to be heard. I could neither see nor hear. Yes, I could hear after a while. It was a sound as of falling waters at a great 342 THE SOUTH WALEs co., I, TRADE distance, gradually nearing me. It seemed to grow in its mellowed harmony, and then lull away. This left, and a stillness as of the grave fell upon me, and before the mind, like a panorama, passed every incident of my life—early years, friends won and lost, the mother whom I had mourned, and the little episodes of an un- eventful life, all passed before me. Like a; if the Angel of Death had unrolled the scroll of my life and said, “This thou hast been!” ere closing it up for ever. So thinking, back came a wave of life, and an intense feeling of anguish. My body ached with pains and burns. I felt sore to the very soul. Next, my arm grew weak, weaker; I was sinking again to the ground, when, as I did so, an odour as from beautiful flowers came to my senses, and in a dream I was passing away oblivious to my injuries and heedless of all things; but suddenly there was a rush of feet, the gleam of light, and a voice cried out, “Here is one ; lift him up!” And I was saved - “And your father ?”: Injured badly, but saved. For a long time we were lingering between life and death, but eventually we got better; and though, for my part, I never worked in the same pit again, yet I have worked in other collieries, and know from long experience all the perils, the hardships, and you may add, the happiness of a collier's life. Some may smile at the last expression, but when getting fair wages the collier has his share of the happiness of life. In his little way he is as independent of the world as he is of the weather. Such was the story of an explosion. in one of our deep collieries, and there is a soothing influence in the moral. We cannot but infer from this, and the repose shown on the faces of the dead, especially those who die from the afterdamp, that Nature soothes her children to sleep in the dread hour when escape is impossible, and so soothed, dead to the misery and the sorrow of the bereaved and to their own suffering, they cross the gulf. Not as pilgrims, good old John Bunyan with girded loins, and firm, erect tread, eyes glancing around to note the changing AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 343 landscape that characterises the boundary land, but spellbound, in a stupor, as in a dream. RECOLLECTIONS OF A GETHIN EXPLOSION. And where is Gethin 2 Every collier knows it, and a large proportion of those who are not colliers. It is within a few miles of Cyfarthfa, and previous to the great colliery sunk there was comparatively unknown. But just as wars and tragedies bring insignificant places to light of day so with Gethin. Gethin means harsh, cruel, a wonderful coincidence when we recollect the sad disasters which have occurred there. The first explosion took place on February 16th, 1862, and the loss of life on that occasion was forty-seven. There were thirty-nine widows and mothers left destitute, and a whole host of children. The calamity was a novel one for the English world, and the news aroused the sympathy of all classes; the richest man and the poorest servant girl sent their aid, and the total fund gathered amounted to six thousand pounds. Let us not forget that the Rev. John Griffith did his part, and a great one, in touching the nation's heart. This fund met all requirements well, and a committee formed, with Mr. Thomas Stephens, of Merthyr, secretary, carried out the wishes of the subscribers to the letter. By emigration, death, or re-marriage, the widows have been reduced to very few in number. In fact, at present, there are only ten persons “on the fund,” and these receive collectively four pounds six shillings per week. The money was first invested in the India Five per Cents, then, as money became of less value, in the Four per Cents., and at last in the Three-and-a-Half per Cents. About one thousand two hundred pounds now remains, and it is certain that the fund will not only outlive the last of the widows and orphans, but that a good round sum will remain to be handed, we hope, to that excellent society, the Miners' Provident Fund. The second Gethin explosion, in 1865, caused the loss of thirty lives and twenty injured, but in this case Mr. William Crawshay refused to allow a fund to be gathered, and met the needs resulting from the calamity from ly 344 THE souTIſ WALEs coa L TRADE his own purse. The second Gethin explosion was one of the first that came under our personal knowledge, and every detail has been so branded upon the memory that we cannot forget them, and never shall. Reaching the pit, we stood, a little cluster, Mr. Robert Crawshay, Mr. William Jones (the manager of the works), Mr. Thomas (the works doctor) and ourselves, within half a dozen yards of the shaft, and every time the carriage came to the surface during the next hour it brought some of the sufferers. A dead-house had been improvised by some arrangement of the outer offices, and as the doctor gave the fatal word “Dead,” the body was taken there and placed in a shell. Most of the men and boys who were brought up dead had succumbed to the afterdamp, and they looked so lifelike that it required strong assurance from the doctor to certify that the vital spark had indeed flown. This is one of the peculiar results of suffocation by the afterdamp, that the healthy colour is retained, and it does strike one as possible, in this scientific age, that where the physical organism is retained uninjured that resuscitation by magnetism would be possible. Get but the pendulum to swing again Marshall Hall's plan of resuscitation was tried on every one, but not in one case did we see it succeed. Here is a fresh, healthy young fellow, stripped to the waist, a glow upon his cheek; he smiles even, or seems to smile, but the rock of the body is veritably the hush to the eternal sleep; he is dead. A lad next, who should have been at his hoop or marbles, one would think, instead of down in the deep mine to work. Lay him down; there is a new patch, his mother's, on his little jacket. God help us ! there is no bringing back the spark of life. The mother will wail over her boy. - “Next man ſ" and a wreck of life is brought. One with a wooden leg, who had suffered in an accident before, and fell irretrievably in this. There is a sturdiness about the old wooden- legged man's build, a firmness of resolution about his face. With only a leg he would not be a pauper, and so stumped to and from work, and earned his bread and ate it thankfully. No use to rock º AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 345 the wreck, the shattered hull had foundered—gone below the wave. And so they came, one by one ; men whom we knew, roysterers in their cups, others decent men, God-fearing, chapel- loving, and looking at them with his heart in his mouth, as one would say, crying like a boy, was the Iron King, moved into an utter abandonment for the loss of his men. It was a fine trait in his character—“He loved his fellow man.” They filled two trucks with the dead; these were attached to an engine, and on this, at a quick pace, we made for the town, Mr. Crawshay gloomily seated on the coal on the tender, heedless of everything. Shall we ever forget it ! Ahead, by Cyfarthfa Yard, on the Swansea Road, there was a dense crowd awaiting us, and the moment the little train stopped, a wail went up from women and children such as we had never heard before, and hope never to hear again. Passionate, heart-breaking, the sobs of a ruined-life, Rachel mourning for her children, and refusing to be comforted. What a fight was there to get near the trucks! What a struggle for the dead An hour afterwards we visited many of the poor homes, most of them very clean, with signs of the coming Christmas in sprigs of berry holly here and there, and found in some father and son dead, or husband and brother. In many there were two bodies, and in all where the wife had been widowed, a total prostration of the mourner. Unexpectedly the calamity had swooped down, and staggered, dazed, she gave up herself to grief. With the young children Nature asserted herself. They could not realise the change; the transformation of the tired man who, after his meal, played with them, or sung to them, into the silent object covered in white in the little parlour bedroom, could not be grappled with, and if a serious thought Carſle OVér little faces a smile chased it away. And well that it is so in the order of things, and that even the grief of the matured mind is not destined to be of long continuation. It is in the necessity of human lot that, whether harshly, as in these explosions, or peacefully, as in old age, the pilgrim shall wander away. And so the river of life keeps on with song and surge, flowing from time immemorial to time blending into the eternal. 346 THE SOUTH WA LES COA L TRADE In connection with the last Gethin explosion a curious inven- tion was brought forth, which was suggested by the fact that one Gethin collier was saved by a can of tea - It must not be understood that this is a temperance anecdote, but a veritable incident of one of the Gethin explosions. A collier who was working at the extreme end of the colliery found from a disturbance in the air that something had happened, and having a can of tea near him he quickly saturated his cap with tea, and holding it tightly to his mouth passed through the afterdamp safely and managed to reach the bottom of the shaft, whence he was rescued. . An ingenious collier, then living at Twynrodyn, Merthyr, acting upon the idea thus suggested, constructed a helmet formed of tin, and fastened to the head with a leathern strap. This helmet was so made as to afford space for the head and a cavity to contain a quart of water. From this cavity a tube passed to the mouth, which was covered with a bandage made with woollen cloth and sponge, and his theory was that, if a collier wore the helmet in passing through the afterdamp, he would escape. º, Practical colliers who have examined the contrivance are of opinion, we must admit, that very few would carry the helmet to the colliery, and fewer still, in the great rush for life, think of using it, even if they had one by them. The nature of the collier is as a rule a fearless one. He is habituated to peril. From the descent by a rope, which may snap any moment, to the time he ascends, his life is in danger. Falls from the roof, barometrical depression, cavities of gas, which a blow from his mandril may send into the workings, his own rashness in opening his lamp, or the recklessness of fellow colliers in lighting a pipe, all make up a formidable total of dangers, regarded by him generally with the same indifference as the perils of the greater deep are by his prototype the sailor. FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE “FOUR FEET.” We expect that more than those practically interested in coal will dip into our History of the Coal Trade, and without AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. - 347 any more prelude give first impressions of the celebrated Four Feet. - “The finest coal in the earth ſº exclaimed a coalowner, looking with pride at a long train of wagons filled with four feet. And well he might feel proud. Like the ring and the lamp of the genii, it had worked wonders, and, more than the genii, filled valleys with thousands of homes of tolerable comfort where a solitary farm had stood, and, where the fern had grown up and died and grown again, brushed only by the farmer and his flock. The scanty produce of farms had scarcely sufficed to keep the wolf from the door of a few ; but the dark harvests of the underworld had brought its sunshine in floods of more substantial gold than had gleamed on the spare cornfields. And while the people had thus prospered from resources lying underneath the rugged mountains, the country, too, had grown in power, and the “workshop of the world” risen to vaster proportions than its courage and keen swords had ever won. Now to descend into the new field of industry to see the hive and watch the workers. Hence, not long ago, we stood, two English gentlemen and myself, in the manager's office of a noted colliery in the Aberdare Valley intent upon the descent. We were told that the manager was down the pit, and was expected up in a few minutes, and, true to the time, in walked sharply the favourite manager of the firm. A man over sixty years of age, a Welshman, in his youth a door-boy, in maturer age a collier. Very energetic, short of speech, curt in direction, hearty in expression, and a terror to young pitmen. Note his walking- stick. It is a part of the man. Never seen without, useful to walk with, to point, to give emphasis to his views, and it has been seen to fall weightily upon offending shoulders when matters were awkward and things stood in his way. Greeting us, he suddenly takes off his leather skull cap, show- ing, as he does so, the coal dust scattered amongst his grey hair, claps it upon one of our heads, throws off his working coat, into which I am bundled, gives other coats and caps, and we are 348 • THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE marched out. Passing the lamp-room, each is provided with a fine safety-lamp with shades to throw the light more to a point, and then we are handed over to the care of a sub, the manager not being able to accompany us. A more disreputable lot could not have been seen. Not one of us looked an honest collier. There was such a magpie blending of black and white, of clean linen and dirty coat, that a policeman would have made us a special study—something like the men one sees at Lambeth New Cut or in shady retreats in Birmingham. One regretted heartily, like the good Bristolian he was, that a photograph of the group could not be taken. It was just as well; no one would have owned it. g . The colliery is in full work. We stand at the pit top. Trams, loaded and empty, are being moved about like playthings, when suddenly the old manager re-appears upon the scene without a hat, his long, white locks caught by the wind. He holds, up a hand, everybody pauses, and has his eye upon him, even the , engineman. We are directed into the cage, told to hold firmly to the rod in the top. He gives a signal, and we are lifted a foot, and then, with the smiling face and grey hair, vision-like, before us, we sink into the darkness, rush into the dark profound. Down, as might have fallen one of the dark angels who fought with Michael, teeth set, hands grasping for dear life, yet still down, down. A few seconds, in their lapse an age, and we are landed. One thought of Egypt and the darkness that could be felt. Oil comets everywhere, but, to our untrained eye, only showing the inky folds lurking around. - There is, just as at the top, a rapid chess play going on, with tram and men for pieces. A tram is near you one moment, the next a man is in its place. What strikes us first is the silence of the players; above they yell and shout, and Saxon oaths get ..a mixed up with hot and fiery ones in pure Cymraeg, references not only to the tropical abode, but to the presiding dark one. Down here it is automatic ; sounds harsh, rattling, rolling, but not of human voice. A ND IT'S A LLIED J M DUSTRIES. 349 Just as in battle idlers are ordered or kicked out of the way, so we are unceremoniously brushed aside, handed over to a guide, and trotted off. We are taken a little way only, and are stopped abruptly, the guide opening a door, and after marching us to a room, carefully shutting it. It is a small place, capable of holding about a score, and very clean, whitewashed, with benches all around; a desk in the corner, with that peculiar polish from coal dust well known to the initiated. There our lamps are carefully examined one after the other, and while this is being done we compare notes, . wondering especially at the tomb-like solitude we are in, all that shouting and driving at the top lost, all that rattling of wheels and rush at the bottom. The silence now is painful, but the gloom and brooding around seem to give to the mind picturesque and vision-like power. Towns and cities we knew floated to the mind's eye, familiar faces passed, rivers flowed, trees waved, and one realised the solace of the blind, who, shut off from the sights of earth, have the memory's panorama at will, or views which fancy can evoke, surpassing the real. So Milton, blind to the littleness and disagreeables of earth, had, instead, sight of angels. Nature is wonderfully compensatory, and so human-like in its action that, to the philosopher, its teachings carry more con viction than the voice of the professor. r º “Wake, dreamer l’, shouts a friend, and, simultaneously the harsh cry of the sub was heard with, “Now, then, ready ſ” and, our wish being to see the four-feet, he led the way carefully, piloting us over various wire ropes along the ground until we come to two large tunnels, one to the left and the other to the right. We took the right, and for fully half an hour walked along, no one speaking, but an occasional exclamation was heard as an explorer was bumped on the head with the timber, the tallest suffering in particular, and grumbling, for the first time, that his growth had been so marked. But, out of the gloom, with the suddenness of a Spanish brigand, pounces a man, and, abruptly stopping us, takes each 350 T'IHE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRA DE lamp, and carefully examines it to see if it is locked. The guide was not even exempt; the law of the colliery was no respecter of persons. But all was right, and we were suffered to go on, a foot deep in coal dust, and the eternal wire rope by the side. Now came a new sensation, my hearing was becoming acute, and the first faint prick of the collier was a relief to the awful silence. We hurried down a short incline, lights ahead, sounds of labour. We were at last at the face of the celebrated four-feet. Men stripped to the waist, some pegging away merrily at the bottom, others filling, and in the dim light the play of mandril was a weird one. The bustle, however, was just ending, and the men were soon in groups at their mid-day meal, plain enough in all conscience with many. No one seeing them thus with can of tea and bread and cheese, which was of necessity accompanied down- ward in the throat with a full admixture of coal dust, would begrudge the collier a jug of nut-brown ale in the upper world, or wonder that with the sound of the harp around him and pleasant company, he sometimes takes a little too much. The turnip hoer, the white smock-frocked native of Herefordshire and Somerset has a king's life in comparison. The songs of the birds are always in his ears, the balmy wind around him; he shuffles off the mortal coil at three score years and ten, but long before that period the collier, if spared from explosion or falls, is a wheezy asthmatic. And yet the Welsh colliers we saw were hale and hearty, with a pleasant greeting for us, and not the remotest hint as to “backsheesh.” Fancy the deacon of a chapel taking a gift, or the leader of a choir, able to take part in the “Messiah,” accepting alms | One of the party expressed his opinion of them in a singular way, “They look like quiet demons !” One ſat horse took our fancy amazingly. He felt like a mole, so sleek, so fat. He was in a happy mood as we passed, taking his meal from a bag, and he was lord of the situation, never moving, and we had to force our way by him to get a good look at the famous coal. Evidently laid out by a master's hand, rubbish stowed into hollows; new headings with ledges for the trams to come and go, but the coal a mass of ebony, glistening, and AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 351 the dark seam, fully five feet in height, lost in the darkness beyond. . - It is related of a Welsh coal owner, that, when taken down into one of the silver mines in Spain, he fell upon his knees in the excess of his delight. - But silver gleaming like icicles, gold glistening in the cradle bed, diamonds flashing to the sight, from amongst the sand of Kimberley, pale in significance by the side of this famous seam. It means not vulgar wealth, financing or usury, the tricking of adornment and fashion, and gay allurements of Eve's fair and many daughters, but sober industry and a nation’s greatness. The smithy and the forge, the roar of Birmingham and of Sheffield, the great steel beacon lights that shine on Welsh mountains, the millions of glistening hearths and homes. It is simply a solid glistening band of black, the notable four feet, huge, sinuous, concealing in that great black band powers to enrich, to bless, to make little, lone, fern valleys sound with children's laughter and with music of chapel and fireside, and hiding within it—this we must not forget, cannot forget—a power to crush and to destroy. . It is only a solid glistening mass of coal, but it is the wonderful four feet, and when it is exhausted, unless Nature should yield another of her marvellous secrets to the busy intellect of prying men, England will not long continue to be the England of to-day. And now up, my merry, merry men, up, up ! Splendid as the “Four Feet” is, great as a factor in the welfare of England, still, this pit is not the place we would elect to live in or work in. The pit must have given the early Methodists apt metaphors for Biblical illustration. The sulphur is rather strong, strange smells, noises, draughts, hideous clangings as of chained im- potents. - We can imagine that a man taken in a deep sleep into a pit and suddenly wakened would think he had thrown off the mortal coil, and was beginning to receive his deserts. 352 * THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE So up, if ye are Christians. Let us see blue sky again, or some resemblance to it, and look upon the mountains that hide this great wealth, and houses, and hear the sound of human voice. And no sooner said than done. We look into the sumpt, which has destroyed so many a life, shake a grimy hand, enter a grimy cage, and in a few minutes reach the top, and only want a lamp in hand and a mandril on shoulder to pass muster as any collier to the manner born. THE INUNDATION OF TYNEWYDD. As no history of the coal trade would be complete without a record of the disaster of Tynewydd, and the world-wide notoriety it had, I now give the simple, yet touching, annals. Ten years have passed since the catastrophe, but its history is as endurable as that of Alma or Balaclava. The No. 3 seam of the new Cymmer Pit, becoming full of water, became, by its proximity to Tynewydd Pit, a source of danger, as the men there employed were working close to the boundary. It is stated that the day before the accident one of the Tynewydd men said that they were nearing water, and it is alleged that an approach was made so near that only a slight barrier existed in the pit between the men and an immense body of water. Suddenly, on Wednesday, the 11th of April, 1877, this barrier is supposed to have given way just as the men were leaving work, for forth into the workings came a torrent so strong and foam-crested that the workers thought the sea was actually upon them, and fled for their lives. Happily, most of the men had reached the surface, and only fourteen remained to do battle with the resistless enemy. Five of these escaped for a little while in one direction, and five in another, but the other four were overwhelmed and lost. The first five men, led by an elderly collier named Thomas Morgan, ran into what is known as the “rise,” and, the air being driven in before them by the rush and weight of the water, they found themselves, though hemmed in, yet in comparative safety. In this condition, and knowing that a relief party must be making for them, they plied A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 353 their mandrils vigorously on the sides of the stall, until a re- sponsive noise was made by the searchers, and then their where- abouts being known, a vigorous effort was made by them to cut themselves out. In one night eight yards of coal were cut through, and as the searchers worked with equal ardour, they came on Thursday morning, the day after the irruption, close to one another. When only a thin barrier remained Morgan's son, eager to get out, rushed at the place and made an opening with a chisel, but so great was the rush of the compressed air that this un- fortunate young collier was taken up just as the March wind takes a seared leaf from the ground, and hurled with immense violence against the opening. So great was the force that death was instantaneous, and some difficulty was experienced in getting the body out of the hole. The other four men were rescued and brought to bank. Poor Morgan's was an awful death. In the moment of release, just as the hard-fought battle had been won, struck down, battered, and slain ' That dead man, as he was brought to bank, was a picture on which no eye could look unmoved. The dust of labour was on the youthful head, the furrowed lines of fatigue were upon cheek and brow; even the hand that had wielded the mandril in the wild effort to escape was still clenched, and the eyeballs, protruding, seemed to have last gazed on the loved, fought-for liberty. . Poor Morgan | Not many years ago the dead man had been one of the South Wales Choir which won distinction and national applause at the Crystal Palace. - • When the others had been brought up and taken home, and were sufficiently recovered to converse with their friends, one of them related a touching incident, more illustrative than anything that occurred in the ten days of anxiety of the deep-seated religious feeling of the colliers. The incident was as follows:– After their race for life, with the torrent foaming at their very feet, and threatening every moment to overwhelm them, they rushed, as stated, into the heading from whence they were rescued. X - 354 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE Then, finding themselves on dry ground and seemingly safe, they, moved by a common impulse, knelt down and prayed, and then in concert sang a well-known and much-admired Welsh hymn, the translation of which I append :— In the deep and mighty waters, No one there can hold my head, But my only Saviour Jesus, Who was slaughtered in my stead. Friend He is in Jordan's river, Holds above the waves my head, With His smile I'll go rejoicing Through the region of the dead. ‘One states that he shall believe to his dying day that with the prayer the water seemed to subside. - As soon as the men were saved renewed efforts were made in search of the remaining five. While a determined band of men were searching others rigged up pumps, and brought every effort to bear in reducing the water in the pit, and on Friday the explorers heard, for the first time, knocking proceeding from Thomas Morgan's stall, where it was conjectured, and as it turned out, rightly, the following men were imprisoned:—George Jenkins, aged thirty, widower, three children; Moses Powell, aged thirty- one, single; David Jenkins, aged forty, married, one child; John Thomas, aged twenty-five, single; and David Hughes, aged sixteen. The sounds of those far-off knocks, heard in the deep cave of the earth and in the watches of the night, have been described to us by one who first heard them, as thrilling in the extreme, solemnly touching—they came like voices from the grave; yet, even as they thrilled to the very soul, they roused and inspired to effort. There was no halting then Having a thorough knowledge of the whole mine and the exact position of the place where the men were, it was soon seen by measurement of the place that thirty-eight yards of solid coal intervened between the men and the explorers, and in the other A N D 77'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 355. º direction access was completely cut off by so vast a body of water that it was not inaptly called an underground ocean. To drain this away in time or to cut away the great barrier of coal which lay between—which should it be? In this dilemma it was decided to obtain the aid of experienced divers, and on Saturday Frank Davies and Thomas Purvis, from the firm of Siebe and Gorman, London, came down, accompanied by Garnish, David Adams (Lord Bute's diver), and his son, James Adams, and descended the work- ings. The distance to be traversed was two hundred and fifty- seven yards; the drift was full of water to the roof, and the peril of the adventure was beyond question. The preparations in the subterranean world, on the edge of the black, flowing water, which seemed to sway about as if rejoicing over its triumphs and the captives it held in its grim embrace, were such as no one had ever seen before. Even the experienced diver who first entered the water appeared to have a misgiving of the result, for he said to one standing near, “Did you know George Smith, the Assyrian explorer 2" adding, “I dived with him just before his last expedition.” The tone was ominous, but, closing his helmet, the brave fellow waded away and disappeared. He was followed by the second diver, and the most intense anxiety was caused as the man who held the line called out at intervals, “Fifty feet,” “Eighty feet,” “A hundred feet,” “Two hundred feet.” Every cry woke a responsive echo from the hearts of the lookers on, and when five hundred feet was called, and this was known to be within about two hundred and fifty feet of the stall where the five colliers were, men looked at one another rejoicing, and already began to anticipate the recovery of the lost. But then came a dead silence, the line was no longer paid out, and after a brief interval the man in charge disheartened all by saying, “They are coming back.” The trial was then a failure, and blank dismay settled on every visage. Soon a bubbling and hissing noise was heard in the distance, and first one diver appeared and then another, and Frank, coming to the surface and taking off his helmet after he had stumbled exhausted to the ground, said, “We have done our best, and I am 356 THE SOUTII RA LES COA L TRA DB very sorry we have been unsuccessful. We found it was impossible to get on further owing to pieces of wood in the water, the broken road, mud, and the strength of the swell.” Still, unsuccessful as the effort was, no praise can be too great for the daring exhibited. Men applauded even as they sorrowed. After the failure of the divers it was seen that two courses were imperative—to put all possible powers to work the pumps, of which several effective ones were at hand; and also at the same time to cut through to the men. & - Pumping, which had been suspended, was at once resumed, and shifts of colliers were arranged to drive a heading to the im- prisoned men. But it was found impracticable to do this on the Saturday and the Sunday, as the water had gained, and at the time of examination by Davies, of the Coedcae, and Thomas, of Llwyncelyn, was up to the face of the heading intervening. By Monday morning the water had been reduced in the centre heading, the gob was cleared, and at a distance of twenty-two feet from the roadway the all-important work of cutting was begun. The rate of cutting was nearly two and-a-half feet per hour; four men worked in each shift, and changed every three or four hours. The spectacle of the first attack on the black face of the coal tomb was in the highest degree exciting. The place sloped downwards about four inches per yard, and every piece of coal struck away had to be again pulled up and placed on one side. As if assaulting a stoutly defended breach, the colliers advanced and plied their mandrils as they had never plied them before. They rained down blow after blow unremittingly; no halt, no looking back, no word; fiercely, and almost savagely, the men worked, and when the shift of three hours had passed only fell back exhausted for fresh men to advance again, and show that the same grand stimulus inspired them, prompting to the same desperate hardihood and determination. Monday night saw a considerable amount of work done, but night and day the assault was continued. -- - * A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 357 Early on Wednesday the progress made had been so great and the rappings of the entombed colliers became so distinct that an effort was made to elicit an answering shout. This was tried, and effectually. Far away, still faint, yet distinct, came the halloo ; and had a spur been needed, or had greater efforts been possible, this cry, which had in it more of a wail of despair than a tone of rejoicing, would have been sufficient. For, be it remembered, there were old and experienced colliers amongst the imprisoned, and these knew only too well that the nearer the rescuers came the greater would be the danger for both. Sixteen feet head of water ever menacing them and giving a pressure equal to seven pounds to the square inch above atmospheric pressure, demanded the utmost care on the part of the rescuers, who, working in a hole that, at its highest part, was only three feet, might any moment, for all they knew, with one blow of the mandril from the hand, let loose a power that would sweep captives and rescuers to destruction. While the work of cutting out was going on, directed by the ablest coalowners and mining agents of the valley, and under the personal superintendence, as well, of Mr. Wales, her Majesty's Inspector of Mines, no abatement took place in other efforts, such as pumping and in providing for the final moment of delivery. To assist the pumps, Mr. Riches, locomotive inspector of the Taff Vale Railway, placed a locomotive by the siding of the colliery, and by means of pipes conveyed steam down into the workings to assist one of the special pumps, and this, with one lent by the Llwynypia manager, did excellent service. By Wednesday night, thirty-two yards out of the thirty- eight had been cut through, and only six yards remained between the colliers and freedom. Then their cries became still more distinctly heard, and some of the working colliers were able to distinguish the shout of George Jenkins above the rest. A boring apparatus was now brought into action, in the first place to try and get a communication between the men, if possible, to supply them with food, and, in the third place, to test the air. The contrivance for sending food in was exceedingly ingenious, but failed, for the moment an opening had been made the rush of 358 - THE SOUTH WA LES COAA, TRA DE air was so terrific that it was found necessary to plug the hole. At the moment of opening the communication the roar is described to have been more like that of a blast furnace than anything else, and the plug put in was once or twice dashed out, and could only be re-placed by almost superhuman effort. - Through the opening thus made, or, it was believed, by crevices caused in the boring, another great danger was introduced, for on Thursday mid-day there came ominous signs of gas, and the pressure of air was felt to be so great that the gauze of the Davy lamp became no protection. The colliers then faltered. Again the plug was blown out, and through the opening the gas came steadily, and the roar of the air was such as to prevent the sound of the voice from being heard except at its highest pitch. It was then, and then only, during the whole of that long struggle, that the rescuers fell back. And it was no ordinary peril. Just behind that yard or two of coal, lurking, as it were, in the very dungeon where lay the five men, was a power, which, as one of the rescuers finely expressed it, “would have sent us up the heading like dust.” A hundred-ton gun would have been a toy to it. They were literally by the side of a mine which at any moment might explode and hurl every soul there present into eternity. It was mo wonder, then, they faltered. At that critical moment Beith, of Harris's Navigation Pit, sprang to the front. “Here,” said he, “I’ll volunteer. Shut the doors upon me, and I’ll cut the passage through.” “And I’ll go for another,” said others. “And I,” “And I.” But the heroic colliers had only shown that there was a limit to human endurance ; that tottering back was like to that of the strong man in the fight, who momentarily falters, only to rush onwards and overwhelm ; and so it was in this case. An old collier dashed forward, and was followed by others, and the work of cutting through went steadily on. And be it remembered and noted that these men were not working in a place where there was ample head room. The passage they had cut was in many places not three feet high, and at the highest point only four feet. Some way off stood Mr. Wales, like a commander directing operations, consulting and discussing with his generals ; and AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 359 down in this narrow way, in a stifling atmosphere, worked coal- owners, mining agents, and colliers, in supreme disregard of their positions in life, now working the air pumps, again on hands and knees, pushing clay before them to make the doors air-tight or pulling up the coal as it fell from the colliers' picks. No one asked the other to do what he scrupled to do himself. Here was Francis Crawshay at the air-pumps. Here was a fitter, a Cardiff fitter, who, sent ostensibly to help Mr. Riches, did anything and everything, and worked like a hero in the mine. The picture at this moment was one that spectators never will forget. Here were men ranking as gentlemen working in their heroic labour of love as if hard work and dry bread had been familiar to them for many a day. Let me introduce them more closely to the reader. There is Daniel Thomas, of Brithwenydd ; E. Thomas, of Llwyn- celyn, and Thomas Jones, Tylacoch —a host in themselves, with a hand ready for anything, and insensible to fatigue, then hard at work with door or brattice, giving signals, measuring air and water, defying death every moment, for they stood in the jaws of death ; David Davies, Kilylai; James Thomas, part proprietor and manager; Thomas, Resolven ; Curnew, of the Bute; E. Richards, Merthyr ; H. W. Lewis, Treherbert; Davies, Penrhiwfer; Jones, Cymmer Level; Davies, Blaencwm ; Lewis, Energlyn; Frank Bell, of Cardiff; David Evans, of Ferndale; M'Murtrie, of Llwynypia ; Thomas, of Tylacoch, and William Davies, of Coedcae. - These, possibly with an exception or two, are the gallant band —and directing out-door operations, Mr. Riches, of Cardiff, must be named with high praise— and to note them for days, lacking food, sleep, struggling with gas-heated and coal-laden air in the effort to get the five colliers away, was a spectacle more grand in its sublime and unseen heroism than that great Crimean battle charge which makes one proud to be a Briton. But it was at about half-past six that even those gallant men faltered—aye, and for the moment fled. The colliers were working steadily, the doors were up, when the indications of gas became too strong to be resisted, the flames were actually bursting out from the gauze; the ominous signs were everywhere visible; another moment, and 360 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE one of the direst catastrophes ever related would have had to be 12, told. “For your lives, fly; by heavens, the gas is upon us!” and round, as by instinct, moving as one man, they turned and dashed up the heading into the clearer and safer places where others stood. But, like the faltering of the colliers, the retreat was only for an instant. Back they went in the dark, groping, tumbling over one another, until brattices and doors had been re-arranged and the gas cleared, and then into the jaws, again, of death, dashed Less than one hundred Most wonderful were the endurance and action of the colliers. It was a noticeable feature that beating against this black face of coal, which at any moment might open out and destroy them, they never turned their heads. With blood streaming, in the earlier part of the week, from their hands, they yet rained blow after blow, and, said a looker on, never turned or paused. At one time it was thought imperatively necessary to stop the pumping, for the water flowed over the bars of the flue and put out the fires, and for a brief time the pumping was stopped. Had this been continued nothing could have saved the five colliers; but soon the pumps were at work again, and the decline of the water on Friday, at the rate of two vertical inches per hour, was watched with extreme interest. One of the most critical incidents of the rescue was, the blowing out of the plug. The roar is described as hideous ; no other sound could be heard, men looked blankly at one another, until a pitiable voice at its highest tension begged that the plug should be put in. “The water is coming up fast; we shall drown.” Another scarcely less thrilling incident was that when hope had been given up amongst the captives, and one, with all his strong life yet unsapped, George Jenkins, stepped away from the little desponding group, and, without light or anything to guide him, groped out of the stall into the dark waters, floundering, falling, still pressing on, until, the water getting deeper and deeper, he found himself up to his armpits, and then, sorrowfully, the brave A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 361 fellow groped his way back again to his comrades, then and only then resolved to die. “Had we,” said a leading engineer, “attempted to break through on Thursday, we should have lost every man.” It was science and valour which saved them; science which guided the measure- ments, the levels, the accurate estimates; science which coun- selled the doors, the brattice, the test for gas, which prompted the exertions at the pumps, and valour which nerved the arms of the - rescuers, which bade fatigue flee, which ignored the craving for food and prompted to deeds of endurance and daring unsurpassed by anything in the long mining annals of our country. When the breach was made on the eventful Friday the man whose pick first entered was hurled back, and for a moment there was terrible excitement; but the precautions taken to allow the compressed air and the gas to escape, and also the pumping operations, were too perfect to be overcome, and out, forth into the grasp of their friends, were brought the entombed. The excitement at the top of the shaft was nothing equal to that below. The grave giving up its dead, the solitary shrouded form rising from its trance was nothing compared to the procession of the five, borne one after the other, carefully attended by doctors and assistants to the bottom of the shaft. To see doctors and assistants, grimy as any colliers, to hear accents associated with culture and refinement from men sooty as sweeps was extraordinary; but coal dirt was a distinction that day, and there is not a doctor in the land who would not be proud to say, “I, too, was at Tynewydd.” § Such was the tale of the rescue, as gleaned from those who took part therein, and before whom for many a day will gleam, mind pictures for ever, the arduous efforts at the face of the coal tomb, the earnest discussions as to the best ways of rescue, the furtive naps on the ground, as Nature struggled to assert her needs, and the final supreme charge when the breach was won, and the captives released and brought forth to the light of day, and to the presence of a rejoicing and grateful world. . . . . 36.2 THE SOUTH WA LES COA I, TRA D/E It is an old tale to tell of the sympathy roused throughout the country by the event. From the Queen, to the humblest amongst her subjects, there was but one sentiment, that of admiration for the courage shown, and on the 4th of August, 1877, it found expression in the awards for valour distributed at the hands of the Lord Mayor of London. f - Not invidiously out of a number of brave men do we select - Henry Watkin Lewis, Abercanaid; D. Evans, Bodringallt, and William Thomas, Brynawel, as a memorable triad who figured in the rescue. - THE GOOD TIMES IN COAL. Up to 1869 the price of coal had sunk below zero, but in 1870 a slight upward tendency was observable to a few of the more sagacious of the coal owners. It was, however, so slight as to have no effect generally on buyer or seller. The one continued to press for lower quotations, if possible, and the other to get as much as could in any way be got. - An illustration of this has been given to us by a mining engineer. We omit names, and the reason will be evident. One of the great lines of steamers at Liverpool offered a coal owner in Aberdare five shillings and sixpence per ton for eight hundred tons of large steam coal per annum for three years. The price asked was six shillings, and both parties were firm. At length, the Liverpool firm offered to take three hundred tons as a sample at six shillings, and this was supplied. Shortly afterwards, a letter was received by the 'coal owner, stating that the coal was not up to the mark, and more than five shillings and sixpence could not be given. On receipt of this, the coal owner sent his representative to Liverpool to see for himself and report. Arriving there he sought the aid of Cymro Gwyllt, and was taken to one of the “liners,” and introduced to the mate as a man from the country who wanted to see one of the big ships. The mate willingly took them over the steamer, showing the various parts of interest; and, at length, said—“Perhaps you would like to see the engines P” A ND IT'S A LL/ED INDUSTRIES. 363 “I should,” said the Aberdarian, “very much ;” and the services of the second engineer were obtained, and the engines shown. They next examined the boilers, and seeing a quantity of coal that was being placed ready for use, the man from the country remarked “What peculiar coal? Is it anthracite?” “No,” said the stoker, “it is Aberdare coal, and splendid stuff.” This the engineer endorsed with emphasis ; and their visitor, thanking them and taking his leave, wired at once to his principal not to close the bargain until he returned. His report led to an instantaneous change of front. The coal owner wrote, stating that if his offer was not accepted by wire by mid-day next, it must be taken as “off.” The Liverpool agent did not wire, and negotiations ended. In a very short time they were re-opened, and the offer renewed at the price, but the coal owner wanted six shillings and sixpence. His manager pressed him to take the six shillings, as it would secure good regular work for a time, but he said that there were indications of an advance, and refused. The result was no contract; but, very shortly afterwards, the rise began, and, in the course of six months, prices went up rapidly. In the next year (1871) they were doubled, and most of the same coal sold readily for thirteen shillings per ton; and before the end of 1874 twenty-seven shillings per ton was realized, and some coal owners even sold at twenty-nine shillings per ton. Upon every tram load that came up, said our informant, there was a clear sovereign profit. The rise extended to everything that was like coal. All sorts and qualities were sought for with avidity. Small steam, which had been a drug, was advanced to an extraordinary price. The same coal owner had thousands of tons tipped, which cost so much to throw away that he offered it to a Newport buyer for sixpence per ton. This was just before the advance. The Newport man halted with the offer, and at last refused. In twelve months the great heap of small coal was sold for eleven shillings per ton. Many coal owners were less fortunate, and in one case that came under our knowledge in the Merthyr Valley a huge tip, for which a reasonable offer was made, remains to this day untouched, and may now be considered as “waste.” 364 THE SOUTH" Iſ A LES COAL TRA DE ----- - -----. ---------" In the good times of coal a few of the colliers were provident, and put by money for a rainy day, but the mass spent their wages lavishly. The men indulged in extra drinking, or squandered in things that were not required, and the wives purchased the costliest dresses. It was nothing unusual to see a collier in broad cloth, and with a gold watch and chain, and the wife decked in moire antique or in seals. Port and champagne were stated to be frequently indulged in ; and, when the better circumstanced of the men went to the wells or the sea side, they showered their gold about with all the abandom of a Jack on shore. On the Christmas of the good times, every door boy that went into the towns had his sovereign to spend, and it was spent, not unfrequently, in imitating the worst habits of the seniors. In the Rhymney Valley two colliers returned home one day about one o'clock. They had then earned fifteen shillings each ; and being asked why they had not remained to earn more, said it was enough. Better to do half a day's work and lessen the out- put, thus keeping on the good times. An old collier was noticed to be more industrious than the average. “Yes,” he said, “it cannot last, and I will make the best of it. I have always known a rapid rise to have a quick fall,” and the prophecy was soon realized. Many a collier has had an experience denied to the ordinary industries. Here is a true incident:- - In a Monmouthshire village now lives a collier, who, in the brief days of prosperity, had thirty pounds a month coming in for the labours of himself and boy. It was all spent as regularly as it came in. Joints of meat daily thrown away, or given away when cold ; open house for all colliers; beer and spirits in profusion. When the good times ended, he emigrated; saw a good deal of the downs of life in America, and came back, eventually, to a wage of sixteen shillings a week' - - A BRIEF NOTE OF THE UNSUCCESSFUL. In our record of success we pass over the many instances of misfortune. From the earliest times to the margin of our own AND IT'S A LLIED WNDUSTRIES. 365 days failures have been numerous. Many have been the men who, putting the hard earnings of an industrious life down the pit, have failed literally to get them up again. Fortunes again have been within the reach. It was only necessary to hold out the hand. - Lord Aberdare tells us that in the very early days of coal working in the valley of Aberdare, when only a few levels could be found from Hirwain to Mountain Ash, his father rented a little coal land to a man who worked a small level on the Duffryn estate. Whether this was running out, or from what other cause, is unknown, but Mr. Bruce Pryce offered him the whole of the coal on the estate for one hundred and ten pounds a year. The worker of the level on the mountain side shook his head and refused. A grand fortune was literally dangling before his eyes. He never had the offer again. Another case comes from the same authority. An agent of the Duffryn lent five hundred pounds to a farmer in Aberdare, for which he had five per cent. The security was a piece of freehold, with minerals, which were being scantily worked. One day the farmer, tired of paying twenty-five pounds a year, told the agent that if he would give him another five hundred pounds he should have the property. This, too, was refused. Then came an energetic coal-winner into the field, who sunk a pit and won the coal, and, after winning it, the royalties paid in the first year, or two at furthest, would have cleared the amount needed by the old farmer. Instances of a similar sort abound, but the day of risk and adventure is pretty nearly faded, and the lottery of coal sinking over. . . . . . CoAL AS A GAS PRODUCER. The escape of gas from a colliery in the North of England, about 1750, is said to have first suggested the lighting of towns, but nothing seems to have been done in carrying out the idea for the next half century. The first practical attempt dates from 1792, $ when Mr. William Murdock, engineer to Bolton and Watt, applied gas for lighting his house and offices at Redruth. * * * 366 THE SOUTH WALEs coAL TRADE One ton of best coal distilled at the gasworks yields ten thousand or twelve thousand cubic feet of gas, and from thirteen to fourteen gallons of tar. One thousand gallons of tar yield— Ammoniacal liquor ... ... tº € g 24 gallons. Crude light oils tº ºp tº ... ... 12 × . Heavier oils ... ... tº gº tº ... 12 s, Creosote oils ... tº ſº tº • . . . ... 288 ,, Pitch ... dº º tº … tº gº & ... 3 tons 6 cwt. The following elements are found in coal and shale:–Aluminum, calcium, carbon, hydrogen, iron, magnesium, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, and sulphur. COLOURS FROM COAL TAR. The old alchymists added to our scientific knowledge by the results gleaned in a laborious manner in the search for the elixirs of life, cordials to prolong human existence beyond the Psalmist's period, or in their endeavours to find the stone that should transmute metals into gold. Coy Nature, grudging to yield such marvels, yet threw casually little gems of wonderful character in the seekers' way. Similarly, in a manner we deem accidental, Nature has given us of her secrets. She has not told us how the flower is tinted, or the colour of insects and of birds bestowed, but left grains of comfort on the harvest field that profit and interest us. Her great secrets are, perhaps, too profound for the finite mind to grapple, so let us be grateful for the scattered grains. 4. The colours obtained from coal tar were first noticed with a . practical eye by a doctor's assistant at Aberdare on passing a tramway. He experimented, but failed to “set” the colour, until . he was joined by a London chemist, and a fortune of a million was the result. Recent years seem to have increased the wonders of our coal field. Not only have we a list of beautiful colours produced from A W D ITS A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 367 coal tar, but perfumes such as that of “new mown hay,” which may be regarded as yielding us the very fragrance of the copses and forests of pre human eras, and even the saccharine is distilléd now from the resources of the mineral basin, which Nature stored for the bee, in times before man trod upon the great stage of his career and achievement. WELSH COAL AND THE RUSSIAN WAR. The demand for Welsh coal was so great during the Russian war that a good deal of mixture was used. Engineers slept on their engines. Drivers and stokers had high wages, and worked day and night, and one can scarcely wonder that with the large and incessant demand, the “mixture” became, as time went on, not quite so good as it should be. At the close of the war, Newcastle took advantage of the rumoured depreciation in the character of Welsh coal, and petitioned for trials at the hands of the Admiralty. These were granted. A series of experiments followed on board the Isabella, screw steamer, in the Bute Docks, witnessed by Taplin and Lynn, two engineers sent by the Admiralty, when the results showed strongly in favour of Welsh as against Hartley coal. Failing in this, Newcastle urged the trial of a mixture. The first experiment was made April, 1860, on board H.M.S. Cwmber- !and, Sheerness, when the result showed a quicker consumption of the mixed coal by three hundred and twenty-eight lbs. in three hours than the Welsh coal. In these experiments, and in the successful vindication of the coal of Wales, Messrs. Vivian and Fothergill took an active part. MACHINERY. When the levels at the crop were worked out it was necessary to follow the coal, as it went deeper, to use the old collier's phrase, by means of shafts. This led to the old balance pits, and to the enlistment of practical science for the first time in coal 368 THE SOUTH WA. LES COA I, TRADE working. The early pits were called “winches,” from their resemblance to the primitive wells. These were worked by the bálance, namely, a contrivance by which a tram, with a certain quantity of water ballast, was carefully lowered, causing a tram of coal or mine to ascend. Winding engines followed ; first, single then double, and in process of time the output of one hundred tons a day became two hundred, and at the present one thousand, and even one thousand two hundred tons a day output is an ordinary task. For the progressive aid of machinery we refer to Mr. John Nixon's life. Few men have done so much as he has in supple- menting human labour in colliery operations. The most powerful winding engines, a pair by Nasmyth, are being placed for the Ebbw Vale Company, which are to bring up three thousand tons a day. Fleuss's Diving Machine. This is an apparatus for penetrating mines full of noxious gas. The principle of the invention, which was described before the South Wales Institute, October 8th, 1887, consists in extracting the carbonic acid and aqueous vapour from the air exhaled in breathing, and in returning to it the proportion of - oxygen previously absorbed, thus artificially returning the air to its previous condition, and making the same air fit to be breathed over and over again. For Kirkhouse's Harbour of Refuge, see our notice of that gentleman, who has also, in connection with Mr. H. Watkins Lewis, invented a tram for watering the coal dust of collieries. SAFETY LAMPS. The safety lamp of the future is in all probability the electric one, but up to the present date the difficulty has been in producing a lamp which meets the exact requirements. Some are too heavy, others too costly. Doubtless, it will not be long before the required lamp is invented. The earliest lamp, the “Davy,” is still in partial use, principally by firemen, or for testing the presence of gas, but there are nearly a dozen safety lamps more or less ingeniously constructed after the great model. Amongst these the “Clanny” is perhaps the greatest favourite, the Mueseler and Thomas's of Aberdare coming next. The latest A VD JT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 369 addition has been to affix a partial or complete shield, so as to prevent the action of a strong draught upon the flame. > Foster and Fleuss have the merit of constructing a safety lamp upon a totally different principle to the ordinary. It is claimed to be effective and safe in noxious gases of every description, by the production of a light on the basis of the well known lime light. BOILERS. The use of steam coal led to many changes. First we may note the construction of boilers more suitable for burning these coals, tubular boilers; direct acting engines followed, and the adoption of the screw propeller was the great and succeeding innovation upon the old order of things. As a writer cogently remarks, that simultaneously with the development of steam power and the continued improvement in ships, boilers and machinery have advanced the requirement for Welsh steam coal. VENTILATION. The same steady progression has characterised the ventilation of pits. In the early days it was only necessary to dust out the accumulations of Sunday on Monday morning, and an occasional burn was all that could be feared ; but with greater depths and larger areas ventilation advanced. The upcast as well as down- cast became essential, and in many cases the fires were supple- mented also with fams, one the Waddle, which has given an industry to the neighbourhood of Llanelly. SAFETY CAGES. Of safety cages there have been many. White and Grant invented one in 1852; Owens, in 1857; Aytoun, in 1858; White- laws, in 1861; Calous, in 1862; Denton and Whitaker, in 1864; Broadbent, in 1865; King, in 1867. , , , Y & 37() THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE A safety suspender was invented by King and Humbles, and a hook by Walker. - 3. In connection with safety hooks and cages we may add that in the five years ending 1879 thirty-two deaths have occurred from overwinding in Great Britain. Overwinds in Wales were at the Great Western, Cymmer and Harris's Navigation collieries. - UTILIZATION OF GAS May be noted here as a commendable feature in colliery operations. It was first tried at the Coedcae Colliery. The colliery is specially notable from its having been the first in the Rhondda where the system of utilizing the gas from the ovens to the boilers was successfully carried out by Mr. T. W. Lewis, Abercanaid. The plan adopted by him resulted in the complete saving of coal, not an ounce being now used under ten of the boilers. This and the system of underground hauling, also originated by Mr. T. W. Lewis, has placed the colliery remarkably high in the list of those that are economically worked. Gas has also been successfully utilized at Merthyr Vale, and will probably replace ordinary gas in the lighting of the place. - SHOT FIRINGS:—ELECTRIC LIGHT, &c. Science has been a close associate with coal mining in later days. Thus we have had shot-firings by electricity successfully tried at Ynyshir, March, 1886. The testing of an electrical hauling plant at Newcastle. Electric pumping in collieries by Mr. Brain, of the Forest of Dean, and the growing use in our own collieries of the electric light. While the enactment that a barometer and chronometer should be placed in each colliery has taught the coal-winner practically that the risks of life may be lessened by attending to scientific teachings. The Mining Schools are aids to the same noteworthy object. - X- . A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 371 SHIPMENT. Advance has been written in a large round hand on all matters connected with coal working, and nowhere is it more noticeable than in the shipment of coal. Some of the old veterans of the coal trade have described to us the simple way in which coal brought down by barge was placed on board sloop or brig, the barrow, the shovel, and the tardy process. But even this gave way shortly to quicker methods, and now for rapidity of loading the new arrangements at the Roath Docks may fairly defy rivalry. Coal in the deep workings of Rhondda or Aberdare collieries uncut one day is the next in bulk of several thousand tons going down Channel. EARLY WONDERS OF THE COAL FIELD. Malkin, a great friend of Iolo Morganwg, narrates the following (p. 99):- “On the left of the road above Pentyrch are very extensive collieries amongst the hills, and are thought to be capable of rivalling Merthyr Tydfil in quality and copiousness. One of these mines has been known to be on fire for many years, indeed, accord- ing to my information, during the memory of the oldest person in the neighbourhood ; the spot was generally to be traced by smoke issuing from the surface of the ground burnt to cinders by the pent up fire, and sometimes by flames issuing as from a miniäture volcano. About two years ago, Mr. Rickards, junior, the son of a very respectable clergyman at Llantrissaint, in pursuit of game, fell up to the middle in this heap of ashes, then burning, and was very much scorched. His companions experienced a good deal of difficulty in rescuing him, Mr. Malkin concluded that the fire had burnt out, as he and the country people failed to find the place, which previously had been easily found by pushing a stick into the earth and causing smoke and flames to ascend.” 372 THE SOUTH WA. LES COAL TRA DE RICHES OF THE COAL FIELD. Some of the best beds of fire clay, superior silicious fire brick are made in the Neath Valley. Good at Risca, Gadlys, Pentyrch, and Merthyr. Alum shales, aluminum, and oil shales at Dowlais. Horn coal worked near Pontypool, underlying the Meadow vein coal, containing from fifty to fifty-five gallons of crude oil per ton. Twelve to fifteen per cent. turpentine used for machinery paint, and a good lubricating oil is left ; and, by further refining, fine oil is produced. It also contains paraffin. Mr. Adams thought that the Japan ware, for which Pontypool was so celebrated years ago, obtained its celebrity from the varnish made from this oil shale. The same character of shale exists in other parts of the coal field. An oil used by colliers is also found in a concentrated form in coal shales. NAMES OF COALS. The yard coal of Glamorgan is invariably of the same thickness throughout. In Rhymney it is the “gloyr coch,” or red coal; in Tredegar, the “gloyr ehyd.” The four-feet of Glamorgan is 5 known at Rhymney as black coal, or “gloyr du ;” at Tredegar and Sirhowy as “gloyr mawr,” and at these places it is about six feet. The six feet coal at Dowlais, Rhymney, and Tredegar is really from nine feet to ten feet thick. The nine feet, known as “Rhas Las,” is thicker at Dowlais and Cyfarthfa than anywhere else. The lower four feet averages two to four feet. The yard coal is three feet at Cyfarthfa, but from Penydarren to Nantyglo four feet. - - - - Some peculiarities of the coal field may be noted. At Plymouth, where the four feet has proved the standard, it runs away literally into three splits and disappears; but the nine feet proves excep- tionally good. At Abercanaid and Waun Wyllt the nine feet has been swept into a heap, and this was worked for three months with only a single pair of rails. A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES, 373 Lord Aberdare mentions a seam on his estate exceptionally good as regards thickness, but so soft as to be useless. COAL IN NORTH WALES. The collieries of Mostyn and Bychton, Pennant states, have been worked for a considerable time, and, in the seventeenth century, supplied Dublin and the eastern side of Ireland with coals. They were discovered in the township of Mostyn as early as the time of Edward I., as appears by an “ extent” of that place in the twenty- third year of his reign. The coal is of different thicknesses—from three quarters of a yard to five yards. The beds dip from one yard in four to two in three. They emerge beneath the estuary of the Dee; are discovered again on the south side of Woral in Cheshire, as if corresponding with some of the Flintshire; they remain as yet lost on the northern part of the same hundred, but are found a third time in vast quantities in Lancashire, on the opposite side of the Mersey. Their extent from west to east in this county (Flint) may be reckoned from the parish of Llanasa through those of White- ford, Holywell, Flint, Northop, and Hawarden. In 1780, we hear of coal being worked freely at Ruabon. The information is gained inferentially from an ode to one Thomas Prichard, killed at Mary's Acre, Ruabon, when coal working. Another poem, in a work published at the same time, is addressed to Edward Foulkes, steward to a colliery at Mostyn. - 374 THE SOUTH WA LES COA I, TRA DE CELAPTER XVIII. O U R O L D J R O N M A S T E R S . HE industries of coal and iron are so inseparable that we glide naturally into a motice of the prominent ironmasters of Wales. They inaugurated a new industry, formed an army of labour out of the diggers and hewers, made the unattractive iron stone give forth its metal in the fierce blast of the furnace, and in so doing found new means for subsistence to the increasing thousands. Many of them were of the stamp of pioneers, fearless, hardy undauntable—men who in any field of enterprise would have gained distinction. Well for Wales that their path was industrial, and that literally they turned stone into bread. We maintain that but for our coal and iron, our tin-plate and other industries, Wales would have presented features not altogether dissimilar to those of the Sister Isle. Fortunately the sons of the small farmers on the shores of Cardigan and Carmarthen left their thatched dwellings by the shore and in the valleys of agricultural distric's for the “hills,” where Vulcan plied his art, and in the fierce, red light of early days won comfort for them- selves and insured peace and prosperity for the country. It is true “some died by the way side.” The sturdy son who ate his buttermilk and potatoes by the peat fire of home fattened the old graveyards of the “Zoars” and “Zions,” and the men of ocean-tossed hair and sea visage who gave up precarious boating and fishing for labour in the coal mines fell victims to the blast of the fire fiend. Still, they died at the post of duty, in the annals of that commercial campaign which has its unmedalled heroes and, alas! its martyrs, and, so far, won greater honour than if they had mooned away their life, or fretted it away in lawless enterprise. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 375 —r- From early days, as early as the Roman in Britain, as shown by Cinderford and other fords, the smith was a man worthy of the big following he had in after time. In the laws of Hywel Dda, which date from 925, or thereabouts, he was one of the great officers of State, though where he had his iron ore from can only be conjectured. He made his own iron, and had the perquisites for casting boiling pots for the palace, for making ploughshares, and various articles for fretting the land or for use on objectionable people. They wanted knives and axes then, and spear heads and pikes, and the Smith supplied them. Relics at Morlais Castle tell us where the smithy was, and at Caerphilly to this day you may see the furnaces for melting the iron ore, and possibly—for this is hinted at by old “ Iolo Morganwg”—for converting iron into steel. But we must come down to the time of Henry VIII. and of Queen Elizabeth for further evidences of the smith's progress in Wales. In the time of Queen Elizabeth, in particular, there was a furnace at Abercanaid. Then Sir William Matthews, of Radyr, not far from the residence of Mr. G. Fisher, had one furnace at work, and one some distance above in the valley. These were more pretentious than the earlier ones of Sion ap Hywel Gwyn at Llwydcoed in the time of Henry VIII., and at various spots about the Aberdare Valley, but not so important as the later ones of the Taff Valley, which the Puritans destroyed in the times of the Commonwealth, or of the important one of Lewis's at Caerphilly, which preceded Dowlais. The reader must understand that the forerunner of the genuine iron furnace was a very simple affair. You may see it in Italy to this day, and the method, evidently the same as the Romans used in Britain, seems like an echo, as one might be permitted to say of the past. - Here is the method as sketched by old “ Iolo Morganwg,” who had it, like his bardic lore, from unquestioned sources of informa- tion : — *. 376 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRA DE * - “Anciently the method of smelting iron was in bloomeries; the ore, charcoal, and limestone were in due tº proportion heaped together in the form of a tumulus, similar to what are now called charcoal pits, or the heaps of cordwood as put together for being converted into charcoal, and, like these, well covered over with earth or sods; but for iron there was, it is said, a kind of funnel of iron set up in the middle, on the top of the heaps thus formed, to give vent to the smoke. Below, on or near the ground, there were two, three, four, or more pairs of large bellows, fixed or hung to posts in a manner similar to that in which blacksmiths hang their bellows. When the blower had raised the upper part of the bellows by pressing down the arm or handle, he stepped upon it that it might thus be pressed down and blow with greater force. Such a bellows was termed “megin dan draed,” i.e., a bellows under feet. At the base of the heap were formed two, three, or four holes, into which the noses of the bellows were inserted, and which were closely luted with well-tempered potter's clay (of the country), and thus were the fires blown, the smoke finding its vent at the central funnel. The fires were thus intensely kept up until the ore was smelted, and as often as the fire appeared through the covering more earth, or clay and sods, were added to cover it as closely as possible. When the ore was smelted the heap ( marteg) was opened, and the metal conducted into moulds in sand to form it into pig iron. It was then cast into moulds also, for boiling pots, posmets or skillets, &c. For the purpose of rendering the iron malleable it was melted over several times— tradition says nine times. It was afterwards heated for the hammer and anvil, and so worked until it became fit for general use; and tradition says that it was better iron than any that has ever since been made in a different. . . . Converting it into steel they passed it through the fire in a proper process many times; some say nine times. The fires for such purposes were made, in addition to charcoal, of horns, hoofs of horses and cattle, bones, and other animal substances in due proportions. After it had passed through the whole process it was (witness tradition) most excellent steel. Those old ironmakers, or, if you please. A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES." 377 ironmasters, had, it seems, a strong predilection for the number nine, or, at least, tradition has it for them. But the following ancient triad indicates clearly that steel was passed through nine fires —‘Tri chaled byd, y maen cellt, dur naw gwynias, a. chalon, mab y crinwas.” In English thus :—The three hardest things in the world: A flint stone, the steel' of nine fires, and the heart of the miser.” - Up to 1556 the iron manufacture of Wales could not produce an anvil. In the Stradling Correspondence, 1586, Sir Edward, writing to Sir George Sydnaham (or Sydnenham), in Somerset- shire, refers to an anvil which had been let or hired by Robert Hemsley, of Schoarthy, Somersetshire, to Thomas Sulley, of St. Athans, Glamorganshire, for the term of one year, at the rent of three shillings and fourpence. The owner, Robert, or any of his brothers, to give due notice if the anvil should be required within the year, or a quarter's warning or notice, and, in that case, an equivalent abatement in the rent - In the Universal Magazine, November, 1765 (quoted by Mr. Adams), in a geographical description of Glamorgan, there is this Statement—“ Glamorganshire has no manufactures.” This only shows how little Wales was known. - The “Waun y tinkers” on mountain slopes, found here and there in Wales, may refer to the earliest times of iron making (the fifteenth century), by foot blasts or bloomeries—teading of the bellows-by which method one little lump or bloom in a day, about one hundred pounds weight, was made. This, Dud Dudley, writing early in the seventeenth century, adds was not fusible or fined or malleable until long burned and wrought under hammers, . and the slag or cindar contained more iron than had been taken out. The next form of iron works was the valley bloomeries, that were worked by water, and to these the Pont y Gwaith of the Taff Valley and of the Rhondda refer. It is tolerably well proven that the brushwood in the vicinity supplied the charcoal necessary for both kinds of iron works, but it is not until the seventeenth 378 THE SOUTH WA LES COA I, TRA DE century that the invention of iron by “sea coale’ comes into note. The mighty industry was at first insignificant enough ; little buildings, like a limekiln, perched either on the mountain side for the sake of getting the wind, or by a stream to obtain a motive power from the water. But it grew. The first method was to bring the Welsh mine from the river, where it was picked up after “scouring,” or from the crop or little mine levels, and having been calcined in the kiln, taken to the blast furnace, whence it came out as pig. Pig was the first make, and for a long time pig only. No genius suggested any advance beyond this very primitive state. Next refineries were started to convert the pig into square blocks of metal, then the puddling furnace, then rolling, followed by piling for the furnace, after which the iron was rolled out into merchant bar up to the dawn of the railway age. Pandy Mills, Cyfarthfa, were the first where roughing ceased and rails were made direct from puddled bar. The wages paid to the most skilled workmen amounted some- times to as much as fifty pounds per month between two, and long before the end of the month it was gone. The stages in progress of iron making are, broadly stated, as follows:--Substitution of pit coal for charcoal by Dud Dudley; puddling process and rolling mills by Cort; hot blast introduced by Neilson ; cementation or blister steel, and crucible cast steel; Bessemer process, and Siemens. ANTHONY BACON, Like most of the early adventurers in mining enterprise, was of Northern extraction. In coming to Wales he was associated with Brownrigg and Wood, of Whitehaven, Richardson, and others. He came to Wales in 1763. In May, 1765, they bought up the Waunwyllt lease, Plymouth, granted by Lewis Windsor Hickman, Earl of Plymouth, and first started works there, and at the same AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 379 time are stated by old inhabitants to have had only a smith's shop at Cyfarthfa. The Cyfarthfa lease was signed August, 1765, between Bacon and Brownrigg, of Whitehaven, and Earl Talbot, and Mr. Richards, of Cardiff; terms, ninety-nine years—25th March, 1765, to 25th March, 1864. (See History of Merthyr). For the whole extent he paid two hundred pounds per annum, but had to buy up a number of small leases held by the farmers of the district, to most of whom he gave one hundred pounds, and as soon as this was exhausted the majority were employed to haul coal to the workers from levels in literally holes in the sides of the mountain or at the crop. Old inhabitants, vide History of Merthyr, relate that in his journey to Merthyr he travelled by mule carriage, and put up at the Star Inn. He was also at Hirwain. Report spoke of him as a successful London merchant, but little really is known of him. While still the leading ironmaster of Merthyr, he represented Aylesbury in the House of Commons, in conjunction with the famous John Wilkes, and this position he retained until 1780. His residence was first at Cyfarthfa, and in later years at Aber- aman House, where he took a lively interest in bardic doings, and was a personal friend of many of the Aberdare poets. While at Cyfarthfa he and John Guest were on intimate terms, and frequently Guest would travel down to have a confab with Bacon, carrying his dinner in a little basket, after the primitive fashion of his day. During Bacon’s career as ironmaster coal was not in general use, the woods supplied most of the fuel used, and small levels the rest. His personal connection with Merthyr appears to have ceased in 1784, Tanner taking Cyfarthfa, and Richard Hill Plymouth, each paying him five shillings per ton for all the iron they made. It was intended by him to start the mineral development of the Aberdare Valley; but this was never done. The coal era was 380 - THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE near at hand; other pioneers coming to the front. Bacon eventually left Aberaman House for London, and from that time disappeared from the knowledge of the “old inhabitants.” . He died when his children, three in number, were young. One son fought as an ensign at Waterloo. By the disposition of his will One son had Cyfarthfa, the other, Thomas Bushey Bacon, who died 1861, Plymouth, and a large fortune was given to his daughter. The works were soon afterwards purchased from the family, and the great ironmaster is now almost forgotten, for no bequest was handed down, as it should have been, to perpetuate his name in “ grateful recollection.” - Of Bacon's partners still less is known. Brownrigg was a leading man at Whitehaven, and assisted Bacon with means in making a road from Merthyr to Cardiff, whereby the iron trade was developed. Cyfarthfa iron mine and Cyfarthfa timber as fuel made excellent cannon, for which a good American trade was found. - Charles Wood was grandfather of Mary Howitt, and previous to his connection with Anthony Bacon had ironworks at Whitehaven. Mrs. Ann Botham, the mother of Mary Howitt, came from Wales —evidently one of the early Staffordshire immigrants at the starting of Penydarran under Homfray, and the early days of the amiable authoress were tinged with recollections of the primitive dingle under the shadow of the Rock. Richardson's memento in the district is an entry in the old rate books for land at Plymouth, and a copper token value one half- penny found in the neighbourhood - - WILLIAM CRAWSHAY. William Crawshay, the grandson of Richard, the first Crawshay, is a notable man, and the biographer of his race. - - At a dinner given at Merthyr in October, 1847, to William Crawshay, in reply to the enthusiastic toast of his health, he said:— . I ask not for public life; I never did, my whole object being to enjoy the esteem of those I see before me, and of the men whom I AND ITS ALLIED JNDUSTRIES. 381 employ; to know that I enjoy their goodwill is my greatest satisfaction. God grant that my sons, at sixty years of age, may receive the same compliment from your successors. My connec- tion with the place is so well understood that but little remains for me to tell you; but if I describe to you the first part of my grandfather's life, I trust you will receive it in the way in which I intend it. I mean that it should be heard, not by setting suns, but by arising suns. And think not, gentlemen, that I am proud to make a boast of my origin. Although I tell these things, and am in one sense proud of them, yet I do not boast of them. My grandfather was the son of a respectable farmer at Normanton, in the county of York. At the age of sixteen father and son differed. My grandfather could not agree with his father—the reasons are unknown to me—and my grandfather, an enterprising boy, left Normanton for London, and rode his own pony up. When he got to London, which in those days was an arduous task of some sixteen to twenty days’ travelling, he found bimself as destitute of friends as he possibly could be. He sold his pony for fifteen pounds, and during the time that the proceeds of the pony kept him he found employment at an iron warehouse, kept by Mr. Bicklewith ; he hired himself for three years for the price of his pony. His occupation was to clean the counting-house, to put the desks in order for his master and the clerks, and to do any- thing else that he was told to do. By industry, integrity, and perseverance he gained his master's favour, and in the course of a few months he was considered decidedly better than the boy who had been there before him. He was termed the Yorkshire boy; and the Yorkshire boy, gentlemen, progressed in his master's favour by his activity, integrity, and perseverance. He had a very amiable and good master, and at the end of a very short period, before he had been two years in his place, he stood high in his master's confidence. The trade in which he was engaged was only a cast-iron warehouse, and his master assigned to him (the Yorkshire boy) the privilege of selling flat-irons—the things with which our shirts are flattened. The washerwomen of London were sharp folks, and when they bought one flat-iron they stole 38.2 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE two. Mr. Bicklewith thought the best person to cope with them would be a person working for his own interests, and a Yorkshire- man at the same time. My grandfather sold these articles, and that was the first matter of trading ever he embarked in in his life. By honesty and perseverance he continued to grow in his master's favour, who, being an indolent man, in a few years retired, and left my grandfather in possession of this cast-iron business in London. That business was carried on on the very site where I now spend my days, in York Yard, London. In the course of time my grand- father left his business there, and came down here; and my father, who carried it on, supplied him with money almost as fast as he spent it here, but not quite so fast; and it is there I spend the produce of this county. And you know to what an extent the iron produce of this county has risen up. My grandfather established the ironworks at Merthyr and Cyfarthfa. He was only left three-eighths of it, but by purchase he obtained the whole, and by his benevolence I have succeeded to it. I)uring my time the concern has not diminished, and I pray God it never may diminish ; and I hope the rising generation will see that, by industry, integrity, and perseverance, wealth and rank in life in the position they have chosen are attainable by everybody who started with humbler prospects than my grandfather. No man in this room is so poor that he cannot command fifteen pounds. I have told you this before, and I am proud of it. Depend on it, any young man who is industrious, honest, and persevering will be respected in any class of life he may move in ; and do you think, gentlemen, that there is a man in England prouder than I am at this moment 2 What is all the world to me unless they know me? And you would not be here to-night unless you thought me entitled to your goodwill. Here, faded somewhat like an old picture, is the sketch of the first entry of Richard Crawshay into Merthyr. Can you not see the iron man and hear the cheers and the bells The day of Richard Crawshay’s arrival in Merthyr was a memorable one. The village was in a state of the greatest A ND IT'S A LLIED WNDUSTRIES. 383 excitement, and every conceivable plan, some of the wildest and strangest nature, was thought of, to do honour to the occasion and the man; for there was a romance about the life and achieve- ments of Richard which gave special interest to the people, and they looked forward to his coming as the entrance of one who had already gained a great name in the land, and was about to raise Merthyr to the utmost prosperity. Legendary gossip gave a colouring to this. It was said that he had entered as a poor boy into the employ of a London ironmonger; swept the shop ; risen step by step ; made one thousand five hundred pounds by a State lottery; married his master's daughter ; and, ultimately, become possessed of the business. Then other rumours came. He was going to enlarge the Cyfarthfa Works; a great many men would be wanted; he was worth a mint of money, may, he could even coin money. This completed the excitement. Merthyr turned out, the bells rang away merrily, if not musically, for, previous to the re-building of the church, we had bells; work was abandoned; and all the inhabitants—young, middle-aged, and ancient— marched down the valley to see the coming man, leaving the village in solitude to the decrepid and the dogs. Silence in the narrow street, in the meadows, by forge and furnace; silence by the mill and the farm. Soon the crowd saw a carriage in the distance ; no one doubted for a moment that it was Crawshay’s. The quick step became a run, the run a race, and near Troedyrhiw they met, and with deafening cheers gave their first hearty welcome. Then the horses were taken out of the carriage; a hundred hardy men took their places, and thus in triumph, Richard Crawshay was borne up the valley, through the village, and to Cyfarthfa–the scene of labours that were destined to enrich a great number of enterprising men—to be crowned as Iron King, to give his descendants a high position amongst the merchants of the world, and transform the village of Merthyr into a town of magnitude and importance. We dilate on this period with interest; for, though we underrate not the exertions of the first Guest, of Bacon, and of Homfray, yet, unquestionably, it was Richard Crawshay who gave the desired impetus, and Merthyr 384 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE may well hail and honour him as the founder of her greatness. When he came here he was in the prime of life, stout and stalwart, with strongly marked features, pitted by small-pox. His appear- ance, as described to us by an old inhabitant, was that of a rugged Yorkshireman—keen-witted, strong-tempered, and blessed with that kind of iron will which brooks no opposition, but must force its way. Qualities he had decidedly, in common with heroes of classic days, and men of modern story; but it was his destiny, not, like them, to leave his history written in blood and devasta- tion, glorified by eulogy and paean, by flaunting flag and the brazen trumpet of fame, but carved in the nobler records of a nation's progress, and glorified more harmoniously in the annals of peaceful and happy lives. He had his virtues, and, like the rest of us, his failings; and hundreds of reminiscences are at hand to prove that he enjoyed the one, and shared the misfortune of having the other. * - One of our noblest institutions, the Sunday School, was first started here by him, under the immediate auspices of the eminent founder of Sunday Schools, Mr. Raikes of Gloucester, who came by invitation of Mr. Crawshay to organise the school. It was first held in Cyfarthfa, but when the English Wesleyan chapel was built, it was removed to the building attached to that edifice. A volume might be written regarding the Crawshays and their establishment of the great iron industry, but here we simply note leading incidents of a time when Merthyr was the largest town in Wales, and when Swansea and Cardiff were insignificant in comparison. Now both have left the old Metropolis in the background, resting in the meditating light of its former great- ness, its long line of eminent sons, and the huge fortunes won from mountain and muscle. Two anecdotes of Richard, the first Crawshay, and we pass on. Lord Nelson came to Merthyr, accompanied by Lady Hamilton, and after breaking the journey at the Star Inn, where an old salt who had fought under the naval hero waited upon him and was made merry with ale, Nelson and his lady friend went to see the iron man. Richarl was delighted AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 385 to see him. He is represented to have been on the look out for his visitors on the steps of the smoke-dyed house opposite the works, with hands deep in the pockets, in which always were plenty of guineas, so people said, and the way he shook hands and hurried them in and the grand fête he gave in honour lived throughout his generation. A vast crowd gathered around, so Richard took him out to show them England's darling. His introduction was characteristic. “Here's Nelson, boys! D it, shout, you beggars ” And they did shout to his fullest satisfaction. And one last anecdote. Fifty years of success such as few men reap, and upon a sunny June Richard, was borne like a warrior in all the pomp, and pride, and circumstance of a king to his grave in Llandaff Cathedral. Nantygwenith, now long rows of workmen's dwellings and shops, a great district of George- town, densely populated, was then a cornfield, a trout stream, and a winding lane, and through this village lane he was taken amidst a dense crowd of men and women, everyone of whom knew him and looked up to him as their master and their friend. And so he was taken away, and all mourned as though one of their own household had died, and as long as the generation lasted, so lasted their regard for the man of rough speech and kindly action, quick in his anger, with stick or foot, but as quick with the guinea as a golden ointment. One of a bluff and hearty race, who said what he meant and was as honest as the day, believing in a man until found to be unworthy, and having, as a part of his creed, the doctrine that man and master were alike; it was only the coat and circumstance of life that differed. WILLIAM AND ROBERT CRAWSHAY. —THE END OF IRON MAKING.—BEGINNING OF THE STEEL ERA, Before passing on to the Cyfarthfa of the steel era, we must give a glance at the close of William Crawshay’s career, and an estimate of the Iron King taken twenty years ago:— Cyfarthfa Works now (1866) employ four thousand to five thousand men, and, at a rough average, may be said to support Z 386 THE SOUTH WALES COAL • TRADE twenty thousand souls. There are eleven furnaces; mine pits, seven ; coal pits, eight; and the yield is one thousand tons of coal per foot thick per acre. The steam and water power used is equal to more than four thousand horses, and the works in full force can produce one thousand three hundred tons of pig iron, and one thousand to one thousand one hundred tons of finished bars and railway iron. Such is the result of minute investiga- tion of these magnificent works, so admired for their order and completeness. Seen by might by the traveller entering Merthyr from the Brecomshire Valley, the picture is grand in the extreme. The border of, the scene, cast into deeper darkness by the brilliancy of the glare, in turn adds to the fiery glow by its gloom. Forked tongues of flame leap up defiantly ; and the very smoke is forced upwards, as it were, tinged with a ruddy glow. Here and there the molten iron sends forth an intense light ; myriads of fiery stars rush into the open air; and the clang and roar, the whirl of monster wheels and shrill escape of steam, combine to form one of the grandest pictures of the terrible it is possible to conceive. Entering the works the force of the picture is enhanced. Standing by the rolls on each side are hardy, muscular men, wiry and active, whose duty seems to consist in pushing long red-hot iron rails, now through one roller and then through another, until they become of the required form and size. The dexterity with which these rails are handled is most startling. One moment’s hesitation and nervousness would be followed by an accident ; but there is no hesitation or nervousness there. Ribbon in a Coventry factory, calico in a Manchester loom, cloth in a Gloucestershire mill, wind not through with more ease, nor are they handled with greater freedom and sang froid, though the rail is six hundred pounds in weight, and of an intense white heat. Watching this process for a moment we see one of the men suddenly seize hold of the six hundred pound rail with a pincers, pull it vigorously towards him, and them, by the aid of a roller, run away with it as though it were a plaything, to a place where a saw, worked by machinery, cuts it to the required measurements, scattering with a liideous noise a thousand fiery sparks around. AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. - 387 Then two men rush to each end and fashion them off smoothly, and the tortured iron is drawn out into the air to cool. Every moment this process is carried on. There is no hesitation. Each man takes up his task like an automaton ; little speaking is heard ; but the toil, the wear of the human machinery in this hard labour, must be most excessive. The iron works, the coal and mine works, are of a most extensive and perfect character. The domain of Vulcan extends four miles down the valley, and throughout its length we have indications of the excellent system into which all things have been brought. Railroads that a little community would get into a fret about, that would be announced to the world by prospectuses, heralded by shares and much ado, are here suggested and carried out with about the same lack of ceremony as making a few tons of rails. The Gethin Railway, three miles in length, is as well kept as the Great Western ; and at Cyfarthfa Yard the scene of engines, trams, weighing of coal, arriving and departure of long trains, either of laden or empty carriages, rivals many a terminus on a thriving line. At a distance from this scene of labour, surrounded by woodlands, is Cyfarthfa Castle, picturesque, and suggestive of repose. Behind it towers Morlais Height, the sole remnant left us of a feudal age, when iron workers were not ; and beyond, filling in the picture, are the grand old hills—the same bleak, untilled spots as when the first man trod the land. The career of the great ironmaster has been one of singular success, characterised by smart speculations and successful ventures. Like all men of strong individuality, his actions have carried with them the impress of a man above the ordinary stamp. Firm, even to the border of stubbornness; bold, even to the margin of rashness, he has yet proved that he did not lack the truest and most genial impulses in his relation to the world; that his mind was not warped solely to the gathering of wealth, nor his life of action simply that of speculation. He started into life with two mottoes — honesty and perseverance. These were the indices to his policy, the causes of his success. When Austria and Russia menaced the asylum of the Hungarians, William Crawshay was the first to step 388 - THE SOUTH WA LES OOA I, TRA DE forward and head a list with five hundred pounds to preserve inviolate their freedom. His connection with his workmen has been a firm and just one. If the men have been taught not to expect unwise leniency and licence, they have learnt that justice between man and man, irrespective of position, will always be meted out to them. Years before William Crawshay's death the principal manage- ment was vested in Robert Crawshay, but to the last William was the directing mind. The Iron King had an iron will, and news of his being at the Castle, Merthyr, on the way to Cyfarthfa was to the men and agents something like the intelligence to the foe that Napoleon had escaped from Elba. Wellington is said to have expressed this feeling in his usual laconic way, “The devil is loose.” At the death of William, who was reputed to have made eight millions sterling, Robert succeeded to the ownership of Cyfarthfa, and carried the works on upon the old lines. For this he was thoroughly competent. He had passed through the iron apprenticeship, had worked at the puddling and other branches, the same as the men, having his bottle of ale and can brought to the works. the same as the rest. Nature had gifted him with extraordinary strength, and few men, even of the old stalwart Cyfarthfa men, could equal him. One or two of the pleasant remembrances of his life may be given. The office was every morning the reception-room in which he sat listening to all sorts of troubles, all of which were soothed in one way or the other. He encouraged the Merthyr Flower Show, was a generous patron, and did a great deal of good in aiding his men in gardening and flower culture. The later years of his life were years of affliction. Ardent sportsman, his ending was in accordance with this, and few more touching scenes can be imagined than that end. The break, driven up to the door of the Castle, the placing therein of guns, and rods, and pic-nic baskets, then the coffin, the mounting up of keepers and friends just as in the old days, the driving away upon the imaginary hunting morn, and the return without the master. That he had generous instincts was shown by his large donations AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 389 to hospitals all over the country, and more would have been done for Merthyr had there been better tact shown. But, upon this, as a sore subject, we will not now enter. The spread of unionism amongst Cyfarthfa ironworkers broke the great bond of sympathy between him and his men. “I would have kept on making iron,” said he, “until I had covered the whole of my park with “pig and bar,' but my men joined the union against me,” and he blew out the works, for all he cared, for ever. If the old, kindly relationship had been kept up, there can be little doubt the ruinous blow that Merthyr received would have been averted. But the iron age was coming to an end; the patient kneading of the puddler in making his ball for rails, the vertical beam engines, the old “pull over,” the number of hands required to draw the rails from rolls to the saw, to place on the hot bank—all the various processes drawing to a close, except for bar iron, and the entry of Crawshay Brothers into iron making has been at a time when the make has been revolutionised in a most remarkable manner. We well recollect the time when, if the works turned out one hundred tons of iron a week, the “founder’ and “filler’” were presented with a new hat, and much rejoicing followed. Now five hundred tons and even eight hundred tons are ordinary achievements. Bessemer's plant has done away with the puddler, molten iron being conveyed from the furnaces to the converter. Here it is converted into steel ingots, which are placed while hot into soaking or heating furnaces, taken therefrom, and rolled direct into rails. And not only this, but the mechanical appliances are so arranged as to do away with the whole of the work in transit from the rolls to the cooling, in the shape of “live rollers,” skids driven by steam, &c. * Not to weary in giving details, we will note one or two of the startling changes now wrought. Molten iron can be tapped out of blast furnaces and converted into rails in the short space of an hour ! Instead of one length of rails, four are now rolled at once. Still another change. The first puddler could once earn his fifty shillings a week. Where is he now? Into his boots, literally, 390 THE SOUTH WA LES COA I, TRA DE & steam or water has stepped, and having no stomach to fill, and no wives or children to support, and no wages to receive, it follows that ironmasters have been able to make rails for a less figure than four pounds, that populations have decreased, that wages have fallen to a minimum. . We cannot pass from the history of the Crawshays without dwelling a moment upon the old associates and agents. Each era had distinctive men, who greatly aided the Iron Kings. Now it was Watkin George; then Mr. Williams; and the last to figure under the Crawshay dynasty, Mr. William Jones. What riotous days were those of the old times when Penydarren men kept a keg of rum on tap at the works, and spirits and tea went together, when cottagers habitually had a joint one day and threw away what was left the next, when sovereigns were as common as pence, and men earned freely and spent freely. We may deplore that ironmasters left no public parks, free libraries, bath houses, hospitals. The old industry had no accompaniment in any of these. Ruined constitutions, fattened graveyards, and a herding together in unsanitary way; vast wealth obtained ; grocers, drapers, spirit merchants, as well as ironmasters, making fortunes and hurrying away from the smoke, the sulphur, and the smells, where even the river made all haste to get away, and the springs which slattern women and shoeless children resorted to were tinged with a flavour of graveyards and of filth—such was the accompaniment of the iron industry. But for three men Cyfarthfa would be dark to-day, and the decay of the old town deeper set in. Who they were time will tell. But all honour to Crawshay Brothers for rearing on the site of the old industry the magnificent steel plant now in good work, turning out steel rails of the first quality, and in all its details rivalling the best works extant. With collieries near Pontypridd to make up for failing resources nearer home, and a practical management, able and untiring in its operation, they have restored a good deal of the old prosperity of the place, and 1889, with its increased demand for rails and sleepers, promises well. A ND IT'S ALLIED INDUSTRIES. - 391 THE GUEST FAMILY. In an unpretending country inn called the White Horse, in a hamlet known as Broseley, County Stafford, lived early last century John Guest, freeholder, brewer, farmer, coal dealer. He was of a good old Saxon stock, which had been resident in Broseley for two hundred years, and just before the time when he sought to better his fortunes in Wales, had, like many other energetic men in iron making counties, started a small furnace. With what result is not known, but it would appear that Lewis, of Caerphilly, interested in a branch iron works at Dowlais, heard of it, and induced John Guest to come and manage the branch, which is reported to have been simply a furnace of small propor- tions. And so John Guest gave up his Broseley furnace, his brewing, his farming, and coal dealing, and journeyed into the far country, accompanied by a faithful servant called Ben. A simple anecdote shows the man, and the kindly relations of his day. John Guest rode on a grey mare, Ben trudging by him, but in a very little while, John found that he could not enjoy his ride while his old friend laboured on foot, and so, in defiance of Ben's opposition, he was compelled to mount behind his master; and in this guise they came to the village of Merthyr, put up at the Three Salmons, and the morning after arrived at Dowlais. Life is too brief and fleeting to enable us to see the sapling tower into the lofty tree, just as space is too extended to allow the observer at the same moment to scan the spring amongst the mountains, and the mighty river into which it blends. And so the generation who witnessed the entry of the first Guest never knew or dreamt of the great industry, supporting twenty thousand souls, he would create, which grew up by degrees on the lone Welsh hillside, attaining vast proportions, not even in our own day at their fullest development. Poetic fable, which has found in Lady Charlotte Guest a faithful transcriber, thanks to her own sagacity, and to the genius of 392 THE SOUTH WA LES COAL TRADE Tegid, who sleeps not unmourned by the woods of Nevern, has selected the site of Dowlais for the traditional hunt of Arthur and his gallant knights, but facts, with their astounding results, have cast all fable into the shade. John Guest is described in the “History of Merthyr’’ as sitting on a huge boulder by the side of the first Dowlais furnace, similar in size to an ordinary limekiln. He did little in the huge coal field owned by Dowlais—no one knew that the Dowlais lease included six or seven miles of the best coal—and all he did was to sell a few sacks full to the farmers of the district, as stated in an earlier chapter on coal. The early ironmasters were not, as a rule, sagacious in the matter of coal supplies. In their time they regarded iron stone as the great necessity, and coal was looked at simply as an aid, just as limestone is for flux. No one dreamed then of the decline of the Welsh iron ore and of the supremacy of Spanish ore, and still less that iron would descend from its throne and coal be king. The only far-seeing ironmaster of the old school was Mr. Crawshay Bailey, who bought a group of farms in the Rhondda Valley that yielded only a rental of one hundred and fifty pounds a year, and now and for some years realized to him and his heirs thirty thousand pounds a year. Mr. John Evans, of Dowlais, had more than an inkling of the matter when he strongly advised Sir John Guest to secure the Gellygaer farms. It was then an easy case, but instead Sir John bought Sully and Newton. - Mr. Robert Crawshay again might have secured all the coal land to Quakers' Yard; but instead he stopped at Castle Pit, or rather at the margin of Ynysygored. - The leading mind of the Guest family was unquestionably Sir John Josiah Guest, and under his rule Dowlais Works attained their highest point in the old iron rail era. His relations with large European Powers were of only secondary rank to the national representative; and his chief agent, Mr. Thomas Evans, from his business duties and strong personal recommendations, became a A ND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 393 . frequent visitor at the Russian Court, and one of the Czar's personal friends. Sir John Guest was the first Member of Parliament for Merthyr, under the Reform Act of 1832, when the registered voters amounted only to five hundred and two. He was returned in 1835, and again in 1837, when he was opposed by Mr. John Bruce Pryce. The numbers were—Guest, three hundred and nine, Bruce Pryce, one hundred and thirty-five. He was made baronet in 1838, returned to Parliament in 1841, and was finally elected in 1847. Sir John never figured as an orator in the House, but was esteemed as a most valuable member of Committees, and did the State infinitely more service than by fervid declamation. His special forte was in figures, and Joseph Hume had in him one of the most valued and indispensable of friends. He died November 26th, 1852, aged sixty-seven, and was buried in the scene of his birth and of his marvellous success. He was succeeded in the Parliamentary representation (1852) by Mr. H. A. Bruce, now Lord Aberdare. The disposition of his collieries and works was to the widow and children, of whom Sir Ivor, now Baron Wimborne, is the senior and representative. We have referred to Thomas Evans, Dowlais. History' would be incomplete without a reference also to his brother, John Evans, who had the entire control of Dowlais Works at Sir John’s death, and achieved great success. He was a typical Welshman, impetuous, strong willed. Upon his retirement to Sully, there entered upon the scene, in the capacity of resident trustee, Mr. G. T. Clark, whose connec- tion with Dowlais still remains. It will always be remembered to his credit that in the arduous labours consequent upon the resident trusteeship of so gigantic an establishment as Dowlais, the slight margin of learned leisure has been sufficient to win him distinction as an archaeologist and historian. No one has 394 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE approached more closely than he to the position of the historian of Glamorgan. His genealogical works are of great repute, and in military architecture few are so frequently cited. PLYMOUTH Works. –RICHARD, JoHN, AND ANTHONY HILL. The original lessees of Plymouth were Wilkinson and Guest. They were joined by others, and finally were bought out in 1765 by Bacon, who retained Plymouth until his death. After his death his affairs were placed in Chancery, and it was from that court that Richard Hill, then a manager at Cyfarthfa, and who married Mrs. Bacon's sister, took the property. At this time Plymouth Works consisted of one small furnace, worked by two great. bellows, twenty-five feet in height, and a large water wheel. The gradual development of the works, the uprise, career of usefulness, and passing away of the men associated with the Hill family, constitute a substantial part of the integral history of Merthyr. 4 Anthony Hill, the last surviving son of the first Richard Hill, and the latest owner of Plymouth, was a man whose predilec- tions were essentially scientific. He was a friend of Mushet, and in his experiments went close to the edge of the Bessemer discoveries of later days. A man of the old school—his aim was to make good iron, and the test of his rails for forty years on the Great Western requires no other testimony. His liking for the old school methods rivetted him to water power, when other ironmasters were using steam, and making their fortunes thereby, and he only gave way to persuasion when he had reached the closing years of life. His trustees realized a profit of twenty thousand pounds the year after his death. It was in his service that men came to the front who have since taken conspicuous positions in our industries. This was the starting point of the Josephs and the Lewis's. The line is a long and a honourable one, and in no spirit of eulogistic notice do we point to the thoroughness and genuineness of Anthony Hill's teaching, and the lesson of his life imprinted on the character and AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 395 life of many of the men whose boyhood was passed in the little, sometimes prosperous, and sometimes embarrassed, kingdom governed by Anthony Hill. He died August, 1862. At his death the works were sold to Messrs. Fothergill, Hanky, and Bateman ; and, after a brief career under the direction of Mr. Fothergill, have passed into the hands of the mortgagees. The worthies of Plymouth include many who have taken distinction in the world, some now amongst us, such as D. Evans, of Barrow, who has made his mark in a new field. Place; gone over to the majority; Cernew, whose death was lately recorded; Evan Roberts, than whom one cannot find a more genial or kindlier memory. E. D. Howells, afterwards the successful colliery manager at Pentyrch. Mr. T. W. Lewis, and his son, Sir William, whom we notice elsewhere, and Mr. Henry Watkins Lewis, who was associated with the best days of Mr. Fothergill's era. We may note as an encouragement to youth a few salient characteristics of a typical Plymouth man—a medalled hero with Mr. Thomas, Brynawel, and D. Evans, Bodringallt, of Tynewydd. Well grounded in the pattern shop of his father, who was amongst the most trusted agents of Mr. Hill, Mr. H. W. Lewis, at fourteen, went literally into harness, and in 1858 made a model of a special indicator, which, if patented, would have realised a fortune, but Manchester pirated and reaped the advantage. His successes at Plymouth were considerable, and on the retirement of his father and Mr. Creswick he had entire command of the engineering department, mills, forges, and collieries. The testimony of Mr. Fothergill in his favour was a flattering one. In 1871 he was engaged as chief engineer to the Blaina Works, and in 1874, upon a change of directorate, built his own engineering place at Tre- herbert, which has since been amalgamated with the Bute Engineering Company. It is but ordinary justice to thus single out our representative Plymouth man, who has figured also in his time in every colliery disaster where skill and courage were essential—Tynewydd, Ferndale, and Pentre may be especially named. 396 THE SOUTH WA. LES COAL TRADE THE HOMFRAYS OF PENYDARRAN. The three brothers were connected with Cyfarthfa in its early days under Anthony Bacon, and eventually started for themselves at Penydarran, aided, after a while, by Mr. George Forman, a London gentleman, who was reputed to have some official connection with the Tower, and in later days by Mr. Alderman Thompson. - To the Homfrays, for whose detailed career we must refer to the History of Merthyr, the district is indebted for the introduc- tion of the locomotive. They also built the first furnace at Ebbw Vale, the first at Sirhowy, and the first at Tredegar, and at one time were connected with Abernant Works. Amongst the Penydarran men of eminence may be named Hopkins, the mineralogist, author of a thoughtful work on terrestrial magnetism ; Petherick, the navigator, and Mr. Davies, the worthy proprietor of Beaufort Works, Swansea, who has the proud satisfaction of claiming to have worked amongst the rank and file at an ironworks of which subsequently he became proprietor. The career of Alderman Thompson is worthy of note. We quote from the proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: ALDERMAN THOMPSON OF PENYDARRAN. The following is taken from Vol. XIV. of the “Minutes of - Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, 1855:”— “Mr. Alderman William Thompson, M.P., the second son of Mr. James Thompson, of Grayrigg Head, Westmoreland, was born at that place in the year 1793, and after receiving there the first rudiments of his education, was removed at about 15 years of age to the Charterhouse School, London, and was in due time placed in the counting-house of his uncle, the late Mr. Wm. Thompson, then the head of the eminent firm of Thompson, Forman, and Homfray, married the daughter of the latter gentleman, and at the death of his uncle succeeded to his AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 397 position as head of the firm, inheriting at the same time a considerable sum of money, the foundation of the colossal fortune which he amassed and left chiefly to the family of his only daughter—-married in 1842 to the Earl of Bective, who has recently succeeded his father-in-law in the representation in Parliament of the County of Westmoreland. “Under Mr. Thompson's energetic direction, and with the skilful co-operation of Mr. W. H. Forman and Mr. S. Homfray, the ironworks at Penydarran and Tredegar, South Wales, soon became flourishing and extensive concerns. He also embarked in lead mining in Westmoreland, and became a very considerable shipowner, besides taking interests in many other commercial undertakings. His remarkable commercial foresight and tact rarely failed in discovering the opportunities for the successful employment of his large capital, and he soon acquired an eminent position in the mercantile world. “At an early age he sought and obtained Parliamentary honours, for in 1820, when in his twenty-seventh year, he was returned as member for Callington, in Cornwall. He did not, however, remain for any lengthened period in the representation of that borough. His business habits and the commercial standing of his firm pointed him out as a fit representative for the City of London, and at the general election in 1826 he was returned as one of its members. He remained in the representation of London till 1832; but in the following year was returned for Sunderland, which he continued to represent till 1841, when he became the representative of his native county, Westmoreland, where he was the possessor of large estates.” . . . “In the years 1823 and 1829 he was consecutively chosen and elected Lord Mayor of London. . . . His decease occurred at Bedwellty House, Monmouthshire, on the 10th of March, 1854, in his 62nd year, in consequence of a cold caught whilst visiting his extensive ironworks in that district, where his loss was sincerely deplored; and his remains were interred at Kirkby Lonsdale, in his native county, where he had acquired great influence, and where his memory will long be cherished.” 398 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE JOSEPH AND CRAWSHAY BAILEY. In the early days of Richard Crawshay, of Cyfarthfa, when Wayne was his manager of furnaces, and Kirkhouse his mineral agent; Wayne journeying to Quakers' Yard with a friend met a barefooted lad who had travelled far, and looked wayworn in the extreme. But there, we have told the anecdote before, enough here to state that this was the first appearance on the scene of Joseph Bailey. - Crawshay at once took him in hand, brought him up in a hearty, practical way, and at his death left him, then manager at Cyfarthfa, two-eighths in the ironworks. g Bailey left for Nantyglo, and he and Wayne bought the works of the Blaenavon, and went on with moderate success until Wayne retired to Aberdare, from which time he was joined by his brother, Crawshay Bailey, and began a career of remarkable success. At one period a difference arose between the brothers upon a domestic question; and it was then that Crawshay Bailey purchased Aberaman Works, and started coalworking on a small scale. Aberaman Works, first started by Bacon, of Cyfarthfa, who resided also at times at Aberaman House, was bought at an auction which attracted the monied men from the neigh- bourhood. As the bidding went up, it was noticed that an old fashioned farmer-like man was bidding freely, and some of the clever ones forced the bidding, determined to let the farmer pay for his folly. When the hammer fell, the auctioneer asked in rather a doubtful tone how he proposed to pay the money, and the reply came as promptly, “Now, if you like, I am Crawshay Bailey.” There was a great deal of surprise shown at this; but, afterwards, immense gratification, as it introduced a capitalist into the district who set about iron making and coal delving with characteristic energy. In his first coal working he sent for David Williams, of Ynys- cynon, who promised him every assistance in the way of advice, A ND /T'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 399 but was himself too much absorbed in his coal workings to take any post of management, and this led to mutual acts of good will of marked benefit to both. Crawshay Bailey was a remarkable composite man, Sagacious, far-sighted, shown particularly in his acquiring the Rhondda , coalfields, in minor details penuriously near, and yet capable of most generous displays. He would lend a struggling colliery owner a thousand pounds without any acknowledgment, and at the same time haggle with a poor shoemaker about the cost of mending his boots. To a man repaying him a large loan and a considerable sum in royalties he would give the munificent gift of a pine apple, yet when work was slack at Nantyglo hundreds of men were employed for a long time in worthless labour just to keep them from idleness, and to fill their cupboards. He was one of the old-fashioned school, the doors of which have been closed long ago, who wore a straw hat until it better suited a scareerow, and openly declared that the only thing that, paid at Aberaman was his limekiln. It was unfortunate for the district that his eccentricities, like his sagacity, did not drift into farsighted operations, and that while he secured homely farms rented at a few pounds a year, confident that beneath them coal riches abounded, he did not make a provision for the social life that was to swarm around the quaint hedgerows and uplands of his new possessions. .* In this respect Wales has been unfortunate, and the memories of too many a native and stranger who gained colossal coal wealth in our midst are only preserved in tombstone eulogy. Many of them, fair play to them, had the great merit of employing labour and thus providing common sustenance for large populations, but few the greater merit of endowing institu- tions which should suit higher needs. Copies of Sir Joseph Bailey's letters now before us show that he was a man of more than average ability, forcible and pithy in expression, without any redundancy or circumlocution. He said 400 THE SOUTH IWA LES COA L TRA DE what he meant, and meant what he said. In the compass of a few lines tersely expressed he gave his opinion, or solicited one, entered into a great undertaking, or closed the negotiation. If his spelling were occasionally defective, such as in using “oblidge” for oblige, or “oppertunity” for opportunity, the little blunder was overshadowed by the strong good common sense of the writer. In conversation his misuse of the aspirate was unnoticed in the strength and flow of his remarks. You lost sight of the manner or method by which his ideas were conveyed, by their singular aptness and force. T. W. BOOKER. Mr. Booker's name recalls many of the leading men and incidents of half a century ago. Succeeding his relative, Booker Blakemore, Esq., at the works of Melin Griffith, he was at that time one of the prominent men of the county, a contemporary of W. Crawshay, the Iron King, of John Guest, of Anthony Hill, of Walter Coffin, and many others, the leading minds of their time. Mr. Booker, in addition to owning and conducting extensive iron and tin plate works, was distinguished as the author of an able treatise on the Mineral Basin of South Wales. He inherited an industry of considerable importance, which gathered a large population around, and though an estimable man socially, honoured and respected, had the misfortune to live long enough to see the decay and transfer of his own works, and the sale of greater part of the estates. MR. GEORGE SCALE. Mr. Scale, who came from the West of England to the parish of Aberdare, and is reputed to have brought nearly one hundred thousand pounds with him, commenced iron making at Llwyd- coed in 1799. The first ore was smelted July 20th, 1801. The history of these works is associated with the early career of Mr. Rhys, of Llwydcoed, who is particularly noted for the transforma- tion of the principal furnace carried out under exceptional AND ITS ALLIED INDUSTRIES. 401 difficulties, and with a success which was commented upon in the iron world at the time as a feat of singular ability. Mr. Scale was not fortunate as an ironmaster, but he has left a reputation which some of the more fortunate never attained. The world notes and applauds the ship which has weathered the storm and reached port in safety, but the vessel steered as gallantly, yet foundering.at sea, comes in for only a line of regret. Such is the lot of movers and workers in all industrial fields. The Llwydcoed works in 1823 passed into the ownership of Fothergill and Company. F. AND R. TAPPINGTON Commenced the Abernant Iron Works in 1800. The manager was Mr. Birch, who had previously been at the Penydarran Iron Works. These works were carried on without any profit to the owners until the year 1819, when they were acquired by Fothergill and Company. t - - Row1AND FOTHERGILL. The entry upon the scene of Rowland Fothergill, in succession to the Scales and the Tappingtons, inaugurated a prosperous era for Aberdare Valley, and still greater vigour was shown when the uncle had retired to Hensol, and the nephew, Mr. Richard Fothergill, had the reins literally in hand. That Mr. Rowland Fothergill had a good deal of resolution and ability is certain, as was shown by his successes. It is only in our own day that members of his family disappeared from amongst us after a life of retirement. RICHARD FOTHERGILL. In connection with iron making from primitive conditions until the steely-iron process, which was superseded by the make of the steel rail, we introduce one who, now in retirement at Tenby, was in his day one of the most prominent and energetic of iron- masters, Mr. Richard Fothergill. A 1 402 THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE His life, with its varied changes, his political aims and demon- strations, and the great collapse that followed, is not the life we intend to give. We take instead his career as the maker of iron, the successful ironmaster. When in connection with his uncle no one exhibited more energy, or was more devoted in acquiring the most thorough knowledge of all details in iron making, and this was continued when he had sole control. Becoming Member of Parliament for Merthyr he did satisfactory work for the whole coal field in bringing the special merits of Welsh coal under notice of the Admiralty; but whether Parliamentary duties and the duties of an ironmaster harmonized to his benefit is a problem which a future biographer must solve. The disastrous ending is too fresh now in recollection to permit one to retrace the closing incidents of his career as an ironmaster. WILLIAM MENELAUs. Born in Edinburgh 10th March, 1818; died at Tenby, 30th March, 1882. Such are the two lines which, like slabs of Pennant Rock, hold within them the memories of a great life. It is gone now. The man is away from the scene of his usefulness, and one can tell the truth about him without incurring his displeasure. There were few things William Menelaus hated more than praise, deserved or not. If he felt he deserved it, well and good, his own feelings gratified him. If he did not, then he despised the praiser. Such characteristics were natural to an admirer of Carlyle, and of similar rugged true grit spirits. His first appear- ance in Wales was in repairing some machinery at Hensol Castle. From there to Aberdare, and from Aberdare to Dowlais. No one knowing him and Mr. Richard Fothergill could believe in a long uncertificated partnership. Of the two, Menelaus had the master mind in engineering skill, in the practical government of men, and in far-seeing wisdom. Fothergill the higher position —and a man, let it be understood, by no means deficient in ability, in acquired knowledge, and in great gifts of geniality. AND ITS ALLIED IND USTRIES. .* 403 But the other man, Menelaus, was the natural leader; a genius in his way. Well, he left for Dowlais. There he found his feet, and trod upwards, and from managing a blast furnace managed the whole works, and had the greatest industry of the country at his command. As an engineer he was necessarily a man who looked to details. A cog the less here and the machinery is wrecked. A line out of the perspective, and who could work to specification ? So the minutiae of the works formed his careful study, and he knew all the needs. - He was inventive, and almost solved the ironmasters' problem when steely-iron gave way to steel. But he was, in addition to being inventive, far seeing. He saw ahead. If the world won't buy rails, make something that they will buy. It was Mechi's advice improved upon. He saw the steel era dawning, and prepared for it. While others looked on wondering, doubting, he began to remodel, reconstruct. It was he who aided Bessemer in his experiments, and when Bessemer succeeded he was one of the first to share in the success. Dowlais profited immensely by his sagacity. Dowlais Works became the pilgrimage of many an iron- master. He was a power in the council of the Associated Coal- owners, and did good service to humanity in the strike of 1875, so avers good evidence—Mr. Halliday, and so corroborates Sir William Thomas Lewis. He was a power in the South Wales Institute. In fact, William Menelaus could be no sleeping partner anywhere. He was a man of action, had a vast amount of energy, and his Scottish home and early life had laid solid foundation. But what are these when opposed to the fiery spirit. Strong must be the ganister to resist the fiery steel, but such an untameable spirit as his wears away the most solid of scabbards. And so the iron man, literally iron, died. A man of kind heart; of true humane impulses; fond of little children; of cultured mind, widely read, fond of poetry, and especially learned in the ballad poetry of the Scottish Border, and you may look all over Dowlais for a. memorial of him and find it not. No graven image, no church, 404 THE SOUTH WALEs coAL TRADE no chapel; but, as long as the fast greying generation lives, the name will be remembered, and the noble bequest to Cardiff Free Library of his gallery of paintings will remain when the name has ceased, and it soon does cease, sooner or later, to arouse personal associations. EDWARD WILLIAMS. Wales can point with satisfaction to a long array of bards, but in the industrial world she has few names of greatness. Her genius is inspirational, and her children, more children of song and of the field of valour than of the plodding round, the study, the laboratory, which has given us Mushet and Siemens and Bessemer. It was a wonder that Edward Williams, the grandson of a poet, the son of a poet, did not also fall into the old track and hand us down relics of the old bards and poetic conceptions of his own. Happily, at an early age, he left his father's school- room and entered Dowlais office, and thenceforth the practical became his ruling destiny, and the poetic remained uncultivated. His progress at Dowlais was thorough, and his grounding in iron work and steel details so complete that such as Mr. Menelaus, a good student of men, and their capacity, augured well, and few were surprised when eventually he was placed in London as the representative of the great ironworks. His transition to Middlesborough as the manager of Bolcklow-Vaughan's works followed, and here his career was in all respects satisfactory, as he not only succeeded in placing the ironworks amongst the first rank, but in winning such a high social position as to be called upon to act as the first Mayor of Middlesborough. From this time to when he became an ironmaster himself, and so on to the end of his chapter, which was only too brief for the good of his Country, he made an active life memorable with engineering and other enterprises. He founded the South Wales Institute of Engineers, which has continued in progressive usefulness to the present, and has brought many worthy men to the front. AND IT'S A LLIED INDUSTRIES. 405 He took part in many industrial speculations which have rendered great service to the increasing population, was connected with Tredegar Works, with Treforest Works, and in his recon- struction of Cyfarthfa Works upon the new steel lines necessitated by the changing condition of the manufacture, scored a great success. - This was one of the last services he did for his native town, the very latest was in leaving a small freehold for the Hospital move- ment, and his last honour was that of the Bessemer Medal, awarded to him by the Iron Institute, May 13th, 1886. A great honour, but conferred just as the shadow of the night was falling upon an impulsive, indomitable spirit. His last appearance in his native place was when he took the chair at the grand gathering which did honour to the knighthood of his old friend, Sir William T. Lewis, and then it was only too evident that the end was fast nearing. Not long afterwards the news came that he was gone. MR. WILLIAM JENKINS, OF CONSETT. Dowlais has been the nursery ground of eminent colliery and ironworks managers. We have named Edward Williams, of Middlesborough, and now note his friend and contemporary, Mr. William Jenkins, the son of one of Lady Charlotte's most trusted friends, Mr. Samuel Jenkins, who had the first control, exercised for many years to the advantage of the youth of his generation, of the Dowlais schools. Mr. William Jenkins passed through the curriculum of the Dowlais industrial school with credit, and had the distinction of being selected for the management of the best paying iron and steel works in the country, those of Consett. Here he has been signally successful. His management has been of marked benefit to the district, and his labours, judging from industrial biographies of his new home, thoroughly appreciated. THE END. ADWERTISEMENTS. '#'O Collier; OWHerg, Érigineerg, &c. & *. ~~~~ t ! i CEO, MNCIS & O, | ST. JOHN'S WORKS, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ſtianufacturers of LEATHER, INDIA RUBBER, AND GUTTA PERCHA Mining, Engineering, and other Mechanical purposes. BRATTKE GLOTH, WASTE, GAUGE GLASSES - &c. - Branch Stores— BUTE DOCKs, CARDIFF, DALE STREET, LIVERPOOL. WRITE FOR PRICE LISTS AND TERMS, ADWERTISEMENTS. BUTE DOCKS, CARDIFF. PROPRIETORS ... - - - - - - THE BUTE Docks company. CHAIRMAN . . . ... . ... THE MARQUESS OF BUTE, K.T. GENERAL MANAGER - - - - - - SIR WILLIAM THOMAS LEWIS. ~e?" *** * * vs. DOCK ACCOMMODATION. —ſº I) EPTH OF WATER ON SILL. NAME OF DOCK. 'Area in Acres º Spring Tides. Neap Tides. " - "--- – ------ - -...------_. | F 1'. I N. FT. IN. BUTE WEST DOCK ... * * * J.9% 29 9 18 9 BUTE EAST DOCK - - • gº º 46% 31 9 2l 9 ROATH BASIN ... * - - ... 12 35 9 25 9 ROATH DOCK (Opened 1887) ... 33 35 9 25 9 TIMBER FLOAT (Fresh Water) | Eight Acres. Eight Feet deep. GRAVING&FLOATING Docks tº in number ºup to 600 feet in Length and 60 Feet entrance. NOTE.-The Timber Float has Railway Communication with all parts. F- MAP SHEWING THE RELATION OF CARDIFFTO THE WELSH COAL FIELD, ITS RAILWAY COMMUNICATION WITH THE MIDLANDS AND ITS MARITIME POSITION. & § \\ \\ * & & & º Sº & * M E9EFoºt o' | U T H VV A &O A. - 9 O E S t ^324, - 2& CAAMAR rhin a | Gt. OUGE5);&R - MONMGui M 2 - * , ej * / sº havon º 2. 45 C / ºrity” : A O NBY \ 5°EA T z º \ T_ºf A $2. 30 ot" BRiStou Q. BATH * 2 º' Æ4//WAYS AAV/A/G com/M/c4//ow is -C $47/7/y///5 A3//7Z Z200/€ 5 A ondon 4 AVor/A Western wºoſ. 2-ºs %;ste” O § % “y S==Z # Žff Vø/& 5 NORTH DEVON % A/e/-//yr. y J. 7 Žd &ºuſly & Aewport. SO to 5 A 20 o 5 fo /5 3O 45 60 7.5 Cardiff is the Third Largest Port in the United Kingdom for shipping cleared, and the First Port in the World for the largest Shipment of Coal. - 4 - There are large spaces available for the Storage of Timber, Deals, Iron Ore, &c. The Dock Charges are less than at most of the First-class Ports. The fullest information on all matters can be readily obtained on application to the BUTE DOCKS OFFICE. 4 - ADVERTISEMENTS. LIED WIS’ Marily Navigation (lity (). (LIMITED). re-º-º->~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * > * > * > * ~ * OFFICES: Britannia Buildings, Bute Docks. Secretary and Shipping Agent—ROBERT HOOPER. • *-*~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ PROPRIETORS AND SHIPPERS OF Lewis' Mºrthyr Navigation Upper A Fêtſ S|MM| [[ML This Coal is unsurpassed in its evaporative power, which is as determined by Thompson's Calorimeter, 14.74 lbs. of Water per lb. of Coal. COEDCAE NO. 3 RHONDDA This is a Coal of pre-eminent value for all Manufacturing purposes, especially in Iron and Steel. Coedcae “Bessemer” Coke. . A splendid and highly esteemed Article for either Furnace or Foundry purposes. ALSO PROPRIETORS OF HAFOD NAVIGATION UPPER 4 FT. STEAM COAL. * “BUTE MERTHYR" Smokeless Steam Cºal IIIBES OF THE 1S USED IN THE TRANSATLANTIC STÉAMERs OF THE ALLAN Roy AL MAIL Co. THE MONTREAL OcEAN STEAMsHIP Co., THE PENINSULAR AND ORIENTAL STEAM NAVIGATION Co., STOOMVAART MAATschap PIJ NEDERLAND MESSAGERIES MARITIME, *WOIREXED AT THE MUST HON THE MARQUESS OF BUIE KI, IN THE RHONDDA VALLEY, AND SHIPPED AT CARDIFF south watts, NEWPORT, AND SHARPNEss, Aºry?&ale - ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET Co., THE Portuguese AFRICAN Royal. MAIL STEAMERs, PACIFIC STEAM NAVIGATION Co., &c., &c. SHIPPED ALSO FOR FRENCH AND SPAN is H COMPANIEs, AND CoAL DEPöTs AT GIBRALTAR, LISBON, ST. Michael's AND FAYAL. Address—Shipping Agent, Mr. SAMUEL JAMES, CARDIFF. ‘DUFFRYN-ABERDARE'SmokelessSteam (0al Tº ROIDTUCIED ALT The “TOWER " Colliery, Aberdare 2 *, *, *, *, *, ,- PRO PRIETOR- The Most Fion. The MARquess or Fure K.T. ****k-º-º-º/*A*-*~~~~~~~~~ Jº...ºve", ºr ºf .ºx 2^ -er ºf vºº ºf Jº-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º: Jºº-ºººº...”.”vº- Shipping Agent—Mr. SAMUEL JAMES, Cardiff. Jºvº-º-º/~~~~~~~~~~ -** *N*Nº._^_^_^_^ THE POSITION OF THE COLLIERY ENABLES THE COAL TO BE SHIPPED AT CARDIFF, NEWPORT, AND SWANSEA, AT BUYER'S OPTION. The Coal is of a Dry description, and is well adapted for Stationary Engines, and mixed with bituminous Coal, suits admirably for Marine and Locomotive purposes. Facilities for mixing at Port of shipment. ADVERTISEMENTS. Citrºtulº wº sº © ºf ZAlljill] A x//44/57 º- | Wº-- º º & -\, ºº | §) ST W. gº tº ſº tº *se *s *s * * tºmº * º º tºº * º * tºº * * * º sº sº sº sº * ::.. --. -S: Sº ; : * * * º : ... ." ses s t . . . © * * º º's A. * . . º [P.T.O. ADVERTISEMENTS. The Machine has the following advantages over any yet introduced for general Smiths' work :— It takes up very little room, scarcely any more than the Anvil on which it strikes. e It is very simple in its construction, the steam acting direct on the Hammer Arm without any intermediate joints or moveable parts of any kind. As the working parts are reduced to the greatest possible extent their durability is such that they seldom require any attention or repairs For Bolt making they are invaluable, as one man working with the Steam Striker can do as much work as three with the old fashioned and clumsy treadle Hammers or Olivers. The Hammer can be kept off the Anvil when not in use by the Steam acting on the Piston. This is effected by the simple arrangement of a hand-nut on the side of the Anvil Block. The force of the blow is regulated by pressing with the foot on a lever, placed in a convenient position. The stroke can be lengthened or shortened by an excessively simple arrangement. * The Steam Striker is invaluable for Coppersmiths' work or plan- ishing surfaces of any kind, and also for colliery purposes; making and Sharpening picks, and general tool repairs. N0 SMITH'S SHOP SEHOULD BE WITHOUT ONE TO EAGEI FORGE. TESTIMONIALS ON APPLIGATION. The following is a list of some of the Firms to whom they have been supplied :— M. Srs. Denny & Co., Dumbarton. Messrs. Cardiff Junction Dry Dock and ,, Wm. Denny & Bros, Dumbarton. Engineering Co. ,, Neilson & Co., Hyd Park Loco- 3? Phoenix Foundry Co., Ballarat, motive Works, Glasgow. Australia. ,, Clyde Locomotive Co., Glasgow. * * Jas. Morisson & Co., Hong Kong. ,, James and George Thompson, 23 London Brothers, Glasgow. Clyde Bank, Glasgow. 5 * Portland Nut & Bolt Co., Bir'ham. ,, McOnie & Co., Glasgow. 35 Laidlaw & Sons, Glasgow. ,, Mirrlees & Watson, Glasgow. 3 * Oswald, Mordaunt & Co, South- , Brownlie & Murray, Possil Park, ampton:, . º Glasgow. 3? William Bain & Co., Edinburgh , Wm. Grey & Co., West Hartlepool. , Duncan, Stewart & Co., Glasgow. , Ransomes & Rapier, Ipswich. ., Russell & Co., Port Glasgow. ., Samuelson & Co., Banbury. 3 * Finch & Co., Chepstow. , Fawcett, Preston & Co., Liverpool. 53 John Williams & Son, Cardiff. ., Taff Vale Railway Co., Cardiff. , Scott & Co., Greenock. ,, Tyneside Engine Co., Cardiff. 3? Lobnitz & Co., Renfrew. ,, D. B. McCallum & Co., Cardiff. 35 P. & W. Maclellan, Glasgow. ,, Trustees of the Marquis of Bute, 35 Glasgow & S.W.R. Co., Kilmarnock Cardiff. • 9 G.W.R. Co., London. Etc., Etc. S. W. ALLEN, CONSULTING ENGINEER, EXCHANGE BUILDINGS, MOUNT STUART SQUARE, CARDIFF. ADVERTISEMENTS. FRES IN ( SIHI (i. LIMITED. Ironworks, Furnaces, and General Offices— PONTYPRIDD, GLAMORGANSHIRE. R. W. TOLFREE, Secretary. - Collieries— BLAENCLYDACH, RHONDDA VALLEY, TAFF WALE RAILWAY. Shipping Offices— 48, MOUNT STUART SQUARE, BUTE DOCKS, CARDIFF. JOH.W. ROGERS, Shipping Agent. v."--~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. -->~~~~~~~~~~~~ MAKERs OF firmatiff Anh Biššimir Pig frºm Of the Highest Quality, made with the No. 3 Rhondda Coke, and especially adapted for Foundry work, Tin Plate Manufacturers, &c., &c. : for Steel Rails, Boiler and Ship Plates, by the Bessemer and Siemen's processes; also for Agricultural Implements and Machinery, where combined lightness and strength are needed, and for the general requirements of Engineers. It has been used for some years by most eminent firms in the Kingdom with complete satisfaction. FROPRIETORS AND SHIPPER'S OF NO. 3 ER.EIONDDA COAL, AND MANUFACTURERS OF LOGOMOTIVE, FOUNDRY, AND FURNAGE COKE FROM THAT GOAL. Deliveries can be made direct from the Works to any part of the Kingdom by the Great Western, London and North Western, Midland, and all the leading lines of Railway, and from Cardiff and other Ports in the Bristol Channel. - Prices, with samples, can be had on application to the General Office, as above. ADWERTISEMENTS. ESTABLISHED 1836. Rhymney Iron Co., Limited, MANUFACTURERS OF stetl Rails, ſigh platts, Blooms, Billrts, *Ittptrø, Cin 33latt 35arg, &c. PROPRIETORS AND SHIPPERS OF THE 'RHYMNEY MERTHYR LARGE SMOKELESS STEAM COALs (As used by the Royal Express Trains and by the Admiralty). BEST HO(ISE: HND FORGE G0HIS. Registered Offices––26, MARTIN'S LANE, CANNON ST., LONDON - THOMAS PEACOCK, Secretary. Works 22 RHYMNEY. - - - H. V. TRUMP, General Manager. s Shipping , 70, BUTE STREET, DOCKS, CARDIFF, J. R. THOMAS, Agent. 52 22 RHYMNEY WHARF, NEWPORT, MON. H. E. BADDELEY, Agent. ~~/ N-Z Cargoes, or Bunkers, of any of the above-named qualities of Coal supplied promptly, obtainable only through our offices. RHYMNEW. Telegrams—“Fishplate," London. “Rico," ; NEWPORT, Mon. * A \ºv./TV/N-rº-' ºrº-e-N-ºxz’ ANALYSIS MADE BY DR, EDWARD RILEY, F.G.S., LONDON, IN MAY, 1886, OF THE ‘RHYMNEY MERTHYR' STEAM GOAL. Carbon. - - - * - - ... 88°29 Hydrogen ... . . 434 Volatile Matter ... . . 14'46 Nitrogen ... - tº º • * s 46 Coke S5'54 Oxygen - - - * * gº tº º 4'32 tº º º * * * - - - sº e a * * * * : 100'00 l ()0:00 I)ried at 212° Faht. T VERSITY OF MICHIGAN 3RADUATE LIBRARY ±¿?， .*?****----§§ſº ¿•）›‹› ‹› ‹›. ¿ &&, && * : .' … & . 2. ± ） ķ · # ！ … --★ → UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 015 03667 3278 £ © ® （~~~~）;••• • •*…*…--~~~~）; ∞:---- ********~*~*~~~~！！！！！！！！！