Welsh Journals

WHILE the earlier history of Aberystwyth harbour has been recorded effectively by others, and a more recent period dealt with by Professor Bowen in his interesting address to the Antiquarian Society, my record of happenings during my own lifetime may be worthy of retention for future research. The second quarter of this century and onwards is the period of this record. By 1925 the port was well past its heyday. The use of water transport had been rejected locally in favour of both methods of land transport. A decline in the standard of technical maintenance of the area gave the impression that it had been prized for its commercial value rather than because of any emotional attachment of the town towards the sea responsible for its growth. There was no concerted effort to stimulate revival until 1958, when the publicised effort of a sub-committee of the Borough Council prepared to respond to any genuine, long-term requirements of established trades who might use the harbour. There was insufficient response from the type of user who might have justified outlay with a view to permanency. That a genuine love for the sea still prevails among local youngsters is apparent during any week-end, when yachting receives more and more enthus- iasm and recognition. The splendid achievements of the local unit of the Sea Cadet Corps are widely known. But the career sailor now has to leave Aberystwyth by land for his first embarkation port. Not since 1935 has another man left the town finally on a ship, to seek his liveli- hood in this way. In the twenties and thirties, such use as could be made of deteriorat- ing effects was exploited without much outlay in replacement. The cheaply-imported superphosphates from the Netherlands, carried at competitive prices by British coasters, or at cut-throat rates by their foreign counterparts, kept the port nominally alive. Occasional visits had superseded all regular trade by 1925, and the reporters' predictions will bring cargoes fortnightly -never materialised. And as the appearance of horizon smoke became more occasional, so did the youthful or nostalgic older interest increase as men congregated behind a sheltered wall whenever a cargo was expected. Some were there for the few shillings to be gained from hobbling,' some to take stock of their commitments for a few days' stevedoring. The atmos- phere during this vigil was social, with fishermen bewailing exaggerated losses upon the depletion of nearby trawling grounds. To a very great extent the continuity of the commercial harbour depended upon the exploitation of those grateful for odd days of sporadic employment. In 1926 this could be admitted without shame.