Volume Ten - Pre-Victorian to the present day - even more aspects - Penarth Harbour, Dock & Railway Company . . .

16.11.1863 : Strike of masons and gantry-men at the dock Works. 214 masons and 84 gantry-men out. The strike is in consequence of a reduction of wages of 3d. per day where the wages all above 4/6d, and of 2d. per day where the wages are below that sum.

Mr. Dobson explained that the men on strike were receiving so much strike-wages from their Society that it would be impossible to get them to work at the reduced rates, and that if the Company refused to give way the men would soon be scattered, and the progress of the works seriously impeded.

Mr. Dobson was instructed not to insist upon the reduction, but to resume work at the old wages.

30.11.1863 : Resolved, that the Penarth Company only undertake to construct at present the entrance to the Graving Dock, leaving the making of the Dock itself for future consideration.

Mr. Dobson reported that he had been to Cochran's works and found that no very great progress in making the gates had been made, but that the appliances at their disposal were considerable, and that they had assured him the Company should have the gates in time to open 1st July next.

Payment : B. Bacon : Dock Works : £3,300.

14.12.1863 : Tender from Armstrong & Co. (£16,000) for Hydraulic Machinery for Dock Gates.

Payment : B. Bacon : Dock Works : £2,800.

28.12.1863 : Read a letter from Mr. Hawkshaw dated 23rd Dec, stating that he finally approved the detailed drawings of the Dock Gates on the 21st May 1863, and that "that day may be taken as the one on which Cochran & Co. were ordered to proceed with the work".

Payment : B. Bacon : Dock Works : £2,200.