Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - Cardiff, Penarth and Barry Coaltrimmers' Union . . .

Answer IV. - The stowing of coal, coke, patent fuel, iron, and steel cargoes requires some special training.

Question V. - Is the trade seasonal?

Answer V. - A good deal of the timber trade is seasonal.

Question VI. - Is the dock labour of the usual " casual " and irregular nature?

Answer VI. - Much of the work is of a casual nature.

Question VII. - Are there alternative employments open to men when not engaged at the docks?

Answer VII. - Not to any extent, most of the men stick to dock work when once they take it up.

Question VIII. - Is there ordinarily a surplus of labour seeking employment?

Answer VIII. - Yes, nearly always.

Question IX. - Can you give any account of labour-saving appliances at the docks, and any estimate of how they have affected the total demand for labour there?

Answer IX. - As far as my experience goes, the improvements in appliances have gone in the direction of increasing the tons shipped or discharged in a given time rather than in reducing the number of men in a gang.

As far as coal is concerned, two or three million tons are now annually carried coastwise in steamers denominated " self-trimming, " and these, as compared with the sailing ships and steamers of 25 or 30 years ago, have displaced very much labour.

Question X. - Has there been any indication that the men would prefer constant, steady work to be taken on by the job?

Answer X. - I think most men would like steady, constant work if it could be got and fairly paid for. Most dock work, when there is any, is better paid for than other work.