Monday, 30 September 2019

CAERPHILLY. PWLL-Y PANT QUARRIES.








CAERPHILLY. PWLL-Y PANT QUARRIES.—A correspondent writes as follows:—"These quarries, which are now worked by the Marquis of Bute, are situated on the Rhymney val- ley, on the confines of the counties of Glamorgan and Monmouth, near the highway leading from Caerphilly to the iron metropolis, which is not so much used now as in fermer times, people in our days patronising the rail more than the road. The unfortunate King Charles I. passed over thib road on his w*y to Brecon. The valley from Maesycwmmer down to Pwll-y-paat is nar- row but picturesque, and is studded on both sides with trees, in which the rooks form a noisy'crowd and make their habitation. Near the quarries stands Pwll-y-pant Hou-e, the residence of Mr. W. E. Williams, a county magistrate. This house and the adjoining grounds are kept in excellent trim. Close to the house there is a massive clock, erected by the owner, which can Reheard a long distance off, and is much valued by the neigh- bouring cottagers. Between Pwll-y-yant House and the quarries there stands a neat villa, the residence of Mr. Monfries, the esteemed manager of the works, who has won golden opirions uf his neighbours since he has been here. On the works there is a row of wooden houses, built for the benefit of the men who are em- ployed theie. These houses are perfect models, every care having t een taken when they were constructed to provide for the men's health and (comfort. Divine service is performed there every Sunday, and a reading room is attached to the houses. The quarries have done and are doing a great deal of good to the locality. The men are regularly paid on Saturday mornings, and the greatest part of the money is circulated in Caerphilly, among the grocers, butchers, bakers, &c. One thing in connection with these works is worthy of commendation, that is, the orderly conduct of the men. Since the works commenced we have not heard of a single disturbance. such as is too orten the case among men who are em- ployed upon public works. There is a rule that no disorderly person shall be employed, and a very good rule it is, and it would be a blessing to the country at large if all employers were to adopt it. On Friday night all the men employed on the works had their an- nual supper, the catering of which was entrusted to Mr. and Mrs. Baker, the Casile Hotel. The supper was a first-class one. and was served out to the men in the club room, which was decorated for the occasion. Mr. Thomas Reynolds occupied the chaIr, and the vice-chair Wll5 ably tilled by Mr. Nicholas Goodfellow. After doing ju-tice to the good things laid befo»e them, and the cloth having been removed, the Chairman proposed the usual loyal toast-, after which The health of the Marquis of Bute was drunk with acclamation, and re- sponded to. The health of Mr. Monfries, the manager, was then given, with three times three. The healths of Mr. Watson, Mr. W. E. Williams (Pwll-y-pant), the Chairman, Vice chairman and visiting friends, and Mr. and M-s. Baher, were all duly honoured. In the course of the evening some capital sinuirg was given, accom- panie I on the piano by Mr. Wi liam Edwards. Mr. N. Goodfellow sang The Death of Nelson" II 1: h excellent effect, and Mr. Thom.s Goadf 11 w was well received. Mr. Lockyer sang some capital comic songs. The pro ceedings were brought to a close by dancing The Highland Fling," after which the company separated highly pleased with the meeting.

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