Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - The official opening of the docks . . .

He had to thank them for the kind manner in which they had received the toast, and when he said that they all felt deep interest in the undertaking which had called them together, he could not help adding that he believed the day would come when religion and commerce would come closer together, and when they would all see there was no reason why religion and commerce should be separated. Their material interests ought to be united with their spiritual; and when religion was more associated with common life, the day would have arrived when mercantile men would have the interests of religion at heart. (cheers.)

The Chairman next gave the army, navy, and volunteers. He was sure there was not one in that assembly but would feel when the honour of the country was entrusted to the army and navy, they would devotedly perform their duty. There had been many drawbacks in days gone by, but notwithstanding he was sure that the army and navy would discharge their duty in a faithful manner. A gallant body had been brought together within the last few years, and they had nobly performed their duty. A more gallant and useful body of men than the volunteers did not exist. They all felt that they were very much indebted to that body for the very excellent manner in which they had performed their duties. (cheers.)

The Hon. Capt. Clive responded for the army, regretting that no more worthy representative of the service than himself was present to perform the duty. The cordiality with which the toast had been received was indicative of the good feeling which he was happy to know existed between the army and all classes in civil life. There was no one who valued the honour of England but agreed as to the advisability of maintaining an efficient army, as a safeguard and defence of the country, in case its interest were attacked, in case its territory was invaded, its honour assailed, and to protect British interests in all parts of the world. If any contingencies arose the army would satisfactorily perform its duties towards the country. (cheers.)

Capt. Hatchard, R.N., returned thanks for the Navy. He said in rising to thank them for the cordial way in which the toast had been proposed and received, he wished to say, that it was a source of great gratification to him, that his first official visit to Penarth, and his first introduction to the ladies and gentlemen interested in the prosperity of that place, should, have happened on such an auspicious occasion, especially so, as it was one fraught with so much interest to the mercantile marine, in which no naval officer could fail to sympathise. The bond of good feeling that had always existed between the Royal Navy and the merchant service, had lately been more than ever cemented, from the fact of such a large body of officers and men from the latter service having enrolled themselves as a mighty reserve, to act with the Royal Navy in case of an emergency.