Volume Two - The Era of Optimism, Investment & Development - Some newspaper reports from the 1900's . . .

If the arrivals during the next day or two should happen to heavy, it is not at all unlikely that the example of Penarth will be followed at Barry and Newport, if not also at the Bute Docks. Detentions are becoming serious, and it is now a not uncommon occurrence for steamers to wait a week or more for a berth." Hull Daily Mail [217] 6th February 1907.

• March 1907 - Blown into Machinery - Singular Accident at Penarth Dock - "At noon on Wednesday a man named Phillip Keene, of John-street, Penarth, was employed at Penarth Dock "packing" the hydraulic pipes of one of the new tips when the wind blew him into the machinery which was in motion. The man was very seriously injured, his right arm being squeezed almost to a pulp. He was conveyed to the Cardiff Infirmary on a special engine. Upon examination at the Hospital it was found necessary to amputate Keene's right arm, the limb being taken off close to the shoulder." Cardiff Times [019] 23rd March 1907.

• August 1907 - Robbing Their Masters - Cogan Coaltrimmers Fined - "For stealing coal, the property of the Taff Vale Railway Company, two respectable Cogan men, named Charles Rogers and Thomas Hurley, were charged at the Penarth Police Court on Wednesday (before Dr. Howell Rees and Mr. David Duncan). P.C. William Jones, stationed at Cogan, stated that at 1 a.m. on Wednesday he saw the men coming from the subway leading from Penarth Dock. They were each carrying a sack containing coal. The men were employed by the company as coaltrimmers. In one sack there were 56lbs., and in the other 32lbs. George Byefield, traffic inspector, also gave evidence. The Chairman (Dr. Howell Rees) stated that the offence was a very serious one. The men were employed by the company, and should look after the company's interest instead of doing what they could against them. Defendants were fined £1 each." Cardiff Times [019] 17th August 1907.

• December 1907 - Penarth Dock Extension - Taff Vale Company's Scheme - "The Taff Vale Railway Company have deposited a Bill which they propose to introduce next Session. The Bill, which comprises only ten clauses, does not ask for any powers to raise additional capital, but is confined to obtaining powers to provide "sufficient accommodation" for the repair of steam and other vessels in connection with their Penarth Harbour and Dock undertaking. By Clause 2 the necessary powers are therefore sought to "construct, acquire by purchase or otherwise, maintain, equip and work floating dry docks, floating pontoons, gridirons, slipways, shipbuilding and ship-repairing yards, sheds, and engineering works and conveniences for the repair of steam and other vessels of every description.