The Cardiff Times recorded on the 25th February 1860 [019]

"Testimonial of Respect.- A pleasing occurrence took place at the Head inn, on Monday evening last, for the purpose of presenting Mr. W. Betts, deputy cashier to Messrs. Smith and Knight (contractors at the Penarth Dock works), who is removing to Devonshire, to another large piece of work which is being carried out by the above contractors, with a handsome English and guard, as a token of respect for his kindness to all the workmen during the time he was amongst them. the presentation devolved on William Richards, more generally known as "Leicester Bill", as being the oldest workman on the work, who said he was proud of the office they had placed upon him in, but he was not qualified to make a speech, as he was not a man of words but of actions; therefore he should not detain them with a long comment. He then handed the present to Mr. Betts, with the few following characteristic words- "Here, Mr. Betts, take it, and I hope you will live long to enjoy it." Mr. Betts, in reply, said- "My friends, I receive this present with heartfelt gratitude. It is what I never expected, I can assure you. I cannot find words to express myself; for as my old friend says, "I am not a man of word, but of actions"; He then resumed his seat, amidst loud cheers and musical honours; after which the evening was enlivened with some good songs, when the company separated highly delighted with the evening's entertainment. The watch and guard were supplied by Mr. Joseph Collings, Bute-street, Cardiff."

The same newspaper reported on the 17th March 1860: [019]

"Accident at the dock works. - Last Tuesday a fall of earth took place whilst men were excavating at the dock works, and Timothy Courey, aged thirty-five-years, sustained a severe fraction of the leg and injury to the head. He was conveyed to the Infirmary, where he is progressing favourably."

The Cardiff Times reported upon the new life-boat on 15th March 1861: [019]

"Penarth - The New Life-Boat - We understand that the life-boat will be launched for exercise on Thursday, the 25th inst., and capsized at noon; opposite the ballast cranes on the river Ely."

I like this report a few years later on 5th June 1863: [019]

"Novel tooth drawing.- On Wednesday, a man in search of employment, called at the blacksmith's shop at the dock, and had a tooth drawn by a pair of large tongs used by the blacksmith."

Then, there were other hazards of working at the dock as this report of 9th September 1864 reveals: [019]

"LOCOMOTIVE VESUS THIEVEs.- Locomotive is one of the direst foes a thief has. It carries the officer of justice in pursuit with the rapidity of the wind. This was illustrated this week at Penarth. For some time, the workmen employed here, have lost their meals in a mysterious manner, and owing to these petty depredations many of the men have been obliged to work with an empty stomach unless some companion shares his fare with them. These plunderers are carried on by idle fellows who lounge about the works. On Monday, a man entered a hut belonging to a pointsman named Runron, and carried away his "tommy." Another workman saw the stranger leaving the shed, and pursued him in the direction of Cardiff, along the line. At that time an engine came up, and information was given the driver, "who immediately gave chase, and the thief was speedily overtaken and placed in the hands of the police. He will be brought up on Monday."

The issue of the 22nd April 1864 provided and insight into a dastardly deed: [019]

"Discovery of a Human Skeleton. - On Saturday as the workmen who were employed on the new docks at Penarth were excavating near the Company's fitting shop, they dug up the skeleton of a man ten feet below the surface, and a pick-axe, the property of the late contractors, Messrs. Smith and Knight, with the names branded on it. How the body came there is a mystery. Some suppose that a murder has been committed, and that the body was thrown into one of the trial pits opened by the contractors just before they took the contract. The discovery of the pick-axe with the remains, throws great suspicion on the case that foul play has been perpetrated. A great many rumours are afloat, but they are mere surmises. It was reported that a cap and a watch had been discovered, but there is no foundation for this rumour. The bones are now in the possession of the police."

In the same edition: [019]

"Penarth Head Inn. - This old house will be demolished to make room for the entrance of the new dock. The new house will be built on the slope of the hill in the form of a terrace. This situation is a pleasant one - commanding an extensive view of Cardiff and the Bristol channel, &c. - Several new houses are now in the course of erection, and Mr. Alderman Watkins is about enlarging his house."