The Cambrian Newspaper.

May 14 1824

We yesterday ( May 13) witnessed with great satisfaction, in which we were heartily joined by some thousands of spectators, on the opening of Mr. Tennant’s Junction Canal.

Ten barges, fully laden with coal, safely conveyed from the Colliery of Messrs, Protheroe in the Vale of Neath.

We were gratified by accompanying the procession throughout the line, beginning at the Junction with the Neath Canal, amidst the picturesque branches of Aberdylais. (Aberdulais)

A fine pilot-boat from Britton-ferry, named ” The Countess of Jersey,” led the van, Bearing several musical performers.

A handsome pleasure – boat followed, having on board Mr. E. Waring, private agent, and Mr. Kirkhouse, the able engineer of the concern, accompanied by several gentlemen of Neath and Swansea.

Then came a barge appropriated to the carpenters and masons, who had provided themselves with a sort of floating battery for the occasions, which they discharged at intervals by way of salute, with great regularity and good effect.

All the boats were handsomely decorated with flags – On reaching the wharf at Neath Bridge, the party in the pleasure-boat was transferred to a large river barge, affording more spacious accommodation, and the line being completed be Messrs.

Protheroe’s ten coal-barges, proceeded, amidst the acclamations of a dense crowd of spectator, a vast number of whom accompanied the boats-some on the towing path and others on board-the whole distance.

Near the Abbey the board – the whole distance. Near the Abbey the procession was joined by two barges of Mr. Parson’s, laden with coal, and flags hoisted.

The whole arrived at Salt House Dock at two o’clock, and as welcomed by the firing of guns, ringing of bells, and the display of colours from numerous vessels in the port, amongst which we may be permitted particularly to distinguish Capt. Sander’s fine brig, the William and Sally, on board of which a select party of friends were handsomely entertained by the worthy captain, in honour of this accession to the trade of Swansea.

Of course, loud and hearty cheers were not wanting, as on other public occasion’s of interest, but in these cheers we could not avoid joining con amore, from the conviction that the occasion of them was of most promising importance to our improved and improving port.

Mr. Tennant’s numerous workmen were gratified by a liberal treat of beef, mutton, and cwrw du, and some gentlemen partook of suitable refreshments by the hospitable invitation of Mr. Waring, in the course of which the health of “Geo. Tennant, Esq and may his canal return him a large interest for all the capital expended on it!” was drank with great enthusiasm, accompanied by three times three.

The weather was unfavourable, yet the pressure of the crowd was extremely inconvenient: and at an early hour Mr. Waring whose attention was necessarily much occupied in various directions, took occasion to return his warm thanks, on behalf of Mr. Tennant, for the kind wishes they had so handsomely expressed, and hoped, that under the existing circumstances of unpleasant weather, and a somewhat insubordinate spirt amongst the surrounding crowd, they would excuse his thus early taking his farewell glass of wine, wishing them at once a good evening, and the health and happiness of the whole company.

We were much gratified, and we believe everyone concerned, shared in the feeling, by the detail and issue of this day’s entertainment; and must here take occasion to express our persuasion, that, whilst Mr. Tennant’s very spirited concern appears thus propitious to his wishes, it cannot warrant any reasonable jealousy or rivalry in other similar and more established undertakings.

We heartly wish him, and all our other public commercial bodies, that fairly -distributed success, of which we entertain a doubt for none.

Source: Blaengwrach and Cwmgwrach Timeline Project