Welsh Journals

DOLDOWLOD STATION FIFTY YEARS AGO Conclusion Contributed by J. A. STRATTON Editorial Note-The main part of this contribution appeared in The Transactions for 1965 (pages 60-61), but unfortunately the concluding sheet of the copy went astray. The concluding paragraphs are now supplied. Some of the larger houses regularly received bulk supplies of household necessities cases of tea from London and preserves from Kelvedon (Tiptree). Although his was no doubt economical for the persons con- cerned, the practice of landowners spending money received as rent outside the locality was an old bone of contention in the country. Certain nationally known firms' names were appearing at this time. Cocoa came from Cadburys (who were unusual in having their own prints of the railway invoice forms) and biscuits from Edinburgh. Milk churns came from Listers at Dursley and ironwork from the Coalbrookdale Company. Culture and the need to make amusements locally were illustrated by the receipt of four pianos in 1911. The parson received several cases of books. Although primarily stock-raising country it is noticeable that very little livestock came or went by rail. The record of livestock sent out from Doldowlod runs from 1870 in an old Mid Wales Railway Book although this company had been worked by the Cambrian for many years. Farming fifty years ago would have been in a pretty depressed state and presumably could not afford the rail transport costs so that almost all animals travelled to and from Builth and Rhayader markets on the hoof. In concluding this brief review one cannot help remarking on the efficiency of our railway system prior to World War I. To some extent modern aids were used as available (e.g. typewriters were coming in and being regularly used in the goods offices at Paddington) but much of the credit must go to a loyal staff working long hours for smallish pay packets. Goods regularly arrived from all over the British Isles (after being tran- shipped two or three times) in seldom more than three days-including such awkward items as bundles of trees from Elgin. Breakages and losses in transit were not frequent, and were the subject of searching enquiry and voluminous correspondence. Probably never again will it be as easy (or relatively cheap) to send "smalls" to any part of the country. Mr. Williams ( £ 60 a year plus house) and his staff served their community well.