Volume Ten - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - Even more aspects - Penarth Dock in 1924 . . .

Re-arrangement of the signals and points is also in hand with added junctions to expedite the working of the railway trucks on the north side.

From the observations of the Committee this dock is very suitable for steamers not exceeding 6,000 tons d.w, Apart from the invert on the inner and outer cills of the dock entrance, the removal of which would mean the stoppage of the docks altogether, the restricted width of the dock makes it almost impossible for steamers of larger size to be manipulated in the dock.

Outside the dock, on the river front, are situated five coaling hoists, which have with the construction of the dock become practically derelict.

On the north bank of the river there is, however, a wharf connected at the eastern end by rail communication with the shore and fitted with four movable hydraulic cranes. Oil in bulk is generally dealt with at this point by small craft.

The Visiting Sub-Committee make the following recommendations:—

(1) That they fully support the project of the railway company in regard to increased siding accommodation and the policy adopted by the railway company in regard to providing standage for at least three days’ coal supply for the whole of the hoists in the dock.

(2) All wagons to have doors fitted at each end to obviate the existing unnecessary delay in turning.

(3) The reconstruction and replacement of hoists wherever possible for the accommodation of 20 ton wagons.

(4) Instead of the present pooling arrangements for sections of about 300 men, the institution of pooling arrangements for smaller sections of about say 30 men.

(5) That the partial third shift should be resumed, as much of the congestion is due to the lack of this. Not only at the docks and in connection with delays to steamers is this congestion felt, but also along the whole railway system, and even in the restriction of the output of the collieries owing to the irregularity in the return of empty wagons.