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 XI. - Has any attempt been made to " decasualise " the dock labour, e.g. are there any permanent staffs, or is there any system of " preference men, " as in the London and India Dock Company?

Answer XI. - There are gang me or " preference men " engaged here, and I should say they number about half of the whole.

Question XII. - Would it be possible, in your opinion, to make the labour more regular?

Answer XII. - Some little, but not to a great extent.

Question XIII. - Is there any Trade Union among the dock labourers? If so, how would it view any attempt at " decasualisation "?

Answer XIII. - Yes. The most casual would favour it, and those most regularly employed as " preference men " oppose it strenuously, and the Union which attempted it would not meet with much success.

Question XIV. - What is the general personal character of the dockers?

Answer XIV. - In this district the docker has attained to a good high average as regards character. The steady, sober, thrifty men by far outnumber the careless and indifferent.