Welsh Newspapers

Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles

Hide Articles List

12 articles on this Page

LANDORE POWDER MAGAZINE.

News
Cite
Share

LANDORE POWDER MAGAZINE. PUBLIC MEETING. On Wednesday evening, a numerously and respectably attended Meeting was held at Silo Chapel, Landore, near this town, for tire purpose of adopting measures to procure the re- moval of a Powder Magazine, situated in the midst of that densely populated village, and which is justly considered a dangerous nuisance. At the unanimous wish of the meeting, the chair was occupied by George Bvitg Slorris, Esq., of Greenfield. The CHAIRMAN very briefly stated the object of the meeting, and then reiul the advertisement concerning it, which appeared in last week's Cambrian, after which, Mr. W. P. EVANS, surgeon, rose to address the meeting. After addressing a few remarks in Welsh to that portion of 'die audience who understood that language only, Mr. Evans observed, that it was not his intention to occupy their time in explaining the object of the meeting, for of that all were aware. Neither would he detain them by endeavouring to prove that great danger arose from the existence of a Powder Magazine in the midst of their Works, for that would be needless and superfluous but he would state different circumstances which had come under his notice relating to the Mag izine, and the various efforts made to procure its removal, especially as he had been himself personally concerncd in some of those efforts. He believed the Migazine had existed for twenty years (Cries of "three and twenty. ') Then say," three and twenty years, at which time Landore was a comparatively uninhabited neighbourhood. There were hut few, if any, houses in the vicinity, and, consequently no great objections to the erection of the building could be entertained; but in the course of a few yp,;rs, circumslances became quite al- tered. Buildings were projected—copper, iron, and coal-works, were established—aud the neighbourhood soon became densely populated. Ten or fifteen years ago, he remembered the place quite otherwise. About five or six years back public attention was first directed to the Magazine, by a letter which appeared in Camh'ian newspaper, stating the danger to which the inhabitants of the district were exposed by its existence. The only effect of that letter was, that a wall had been erected around the Magazine. Whether that was lhne in consequence of the appearance of the letter, he could not say, but it was effected very shortly afterwards. Of what utility the wall was, he (Mr. Evans) was at a loss to conjecture, but it appeared to him to be very much like an at- tempt to prevent the ignition of a cannon loaded with powder, by putting in a ball too. (Langhter.) The matter so much inte- rested the public, that the Trustees and Congregation of that Chapel, many of whom were workmen—as many of that meeting were—offered the proprietors to defray ali the expenses attendant upon building another Magazine in a more suitable spot He remembered reading the letter making that offer, and was greatly astonished at the reply, which rejected the proposal so generously made and at an interview subsequently obtained with the agent of the proprietors at Swansea, the deputation were received with something very much resembling ctiscourtesv, for lie (Mr, Evans) must speak plainly (Hear, hear.) Knowing that in some cases the law of might was stronger than the law of right, and that probably there was more law th in equity on the side of the pro- prietor, the subject was at that time allowed to drop, Lately, there appeared another letter in ihe Cambrian, signed Llais," directing public attention to this fearful nuisance. This letter brought the proprietor of the Magazine from Cornwall. He called at the office of the Cambrian, and demanded the writer's name. The Editor of that paper declined giving him the name, but sent for the author, whom he consulted. The latter went to town, called at the office, and immediately avowed himself, and lold the Editor that he would readily bear all the consequences of that letter. Here he (Mr. livatis) had to make the confession, that he was the writer of the letter in question. (Cheers.) He had never yet sent an anonymous letter to any paper without, at the same time, sending his name to the Editor. (Hear ) He sub- sequently had an interview with the proprietor of the Magazine, who said that he would hold him (Mr Evans) responsible for the letter—that it was highly inflammatory, and he did not remember how many other things the letter was. (Laughter ) He told the gentleman that he might hold him as he pleased, but that no covert threat would effect him, and that he could have no bad feeling towards him personally, as he had never seen him before. (Hear.) The genilemat. contended that the existence of a Ma- gazine in the neighbourhood was not dangerous, and his chief argument was, that the inhabitants had come to the nuisance, and not the nuisance to the inhabitants, and that lie had a right to erect a Magazine, powder mills, or anything else on the same ground. He (Mr. Evans) thought those arguments were not sufficiently strong, and invited the gentleman to attend their meeting, hut supposed lie was not present The letter would not have been written without first writing to the proprietor had one circumstance been known, aad that was, that the present proprietor of the Magazine was not so at the time former efforts were made to get }t removed. For that he apologised, and said he was not aware the property had changed hands. The meeting was aware that the. Powder Magazine was situated in the very cenlre of the borough. Whether any legal right to keep it there ex- isted he did not know—that enquiry had better be left to the Com- mittee. Of all Powder Magazines in existence, this was the most flimsy. The tiling was not much thicker than parchment—(a laugh)—aad it was not impossible, in the neighbourhood of fire- works like Landore, that a spark should enter, and who could calculate the disastrous consequences, and who could guard against an explosion from carelessness. He (Mr. Evans) could prove to the satisfaction of their Chairman, or, if necessary, to 8 Bench of Magistrates, that the carrier, in conveying powder to and from the Magazine, has been actually engaged in smoking Ills pipe while sitting on the cart—(sensation) ;—and he could prove, though it might scarcely be believed, that attempts had been made to cause an explosion. There were witnesses, who. on two occasions, found pieces of wood which had evidently beon fired under the door of the building. It was fearful to contemplate the dangers to which they were exposed. (Hear, hear.) There was a recent instance at Swansea, in which a tradesman was heavily fined for keeping on bis premises a few pounds of powder above what the Act prescribed, and how angry were the authori- ties at such conduct. He would lik'e to know if life was more valuable in the Strand, Sw"nsea, than at Landore-(hear) ;-or did powder loose its effects when kept in large quantities. ( Hear and a laugh.) How was s:ieh a difference made. Was powder in large quaniities innocuous, or d.d its contiguity to a blast fur- nace destroy its effects. (Hear, hear.) All those circumstances made ihem anxious to get the Magazine removed. Though many of them were coppermen, and more than salamanders, yet, they could not stand an explosion—(a laugh);—for they were men, and, as Shakspere said. if you tickle us we laugh, it you prick us we bleed, and if vou poison us we die." He (Mr. Evans) thought they should determinedly endeavour to effect their object, and he alsp thought lhey were laying the faundalioa rttjSKtceedings^wJiTcfi wonitf enable them to succeed. He had no ill-feeling towards the proprietor but, in conjunction with others, had called the meeting for the purpose of ascertaining their tef). ings upon the subject. Let them use every legitirnllte means In their power to eflVct their object; but, on no- accouut, let them take the law into their own hands, for though for a time some parties have succeeded in obtaining their ends hv taking the law 11110 their own ban's. Still, it was very hazardous as wdl as wrong to do so, and he was sure Ibey would effect their ends,by the use of peaceable means. He would conclude by expressing 81 bope, that all who took part in that meeting would exert them. selves in the most determined manner to procure the removal of tùe nuisance (Cheers ) The Rev. W. MORRIS, the Minister of the Chapel, next addrcsse,ltlae meeting in Welsh. They had learned I"roll1 Jir. Evans, anô fr"in the advertisement re: d hy their worthy Chair- man, what the object of the meeting WH-to eudeiivour, by the IlInst peaceable, vet most deterlllined measures, to obtain the remond of the Magazine. When contemplating the calamitous— the direful effects which would necessarilv resnlt from an ex- plosion, he was frequently astonished within himself th«t they had so long remained easy and indifferent. (Hear, hear.) Why had they been so careless I Was it because such an awful cala- mity hud not befallen them because nothing had occurred- because every thing hAd hitherto pissed on smoothly, thutthey concludcd thai nothing coul l possibly occur. What the res.ilts- of such a tragical occurrence would be, he ( Mr. Morris) could not und.-rluke to picture, but he could say that it would be one of the most deplorable disasters which could ever befal Ihem. There was a vast deal of propeity/ buildings,, Sec,, in the neigh- bourhood, but when he talked of property, he spoke of the least danger connected with the question. VViiat was all the property the world possessed compared wid), the siorifice of hllllla.1 life which would ensue. How many hundreds,ayethousands. ol human beings would be bulled toetptnity. (Hear, hear.) Itwasnot impossible for it 10 explode during Divine service in that chapel, where eight hundred to a thousand people were frequently assem- bled. How awful was the contemplation of such an occurrence, however remote it might appear. The wall built round the Magazine was noprotection whatever. It gave a better advantage to any evil-diposed person who might wi.sii to appropriate a part of the powder to his own use, and unwarily cause an explosion. They had also heard of attempts being made to effect that infernal object-the malefactor might be at anv distance before the effect wou'd take place. There was more than one witness lo the fact. Again, there were a great number of fireworks in the neighbour- hood; and, besides that, they all knew how frequently lightning and the elements caused accidents. (Hear, hear.) He had himself seen buildings which had beendestroted bv lightning, and why should they think that tWs building was proof against such accidents. ( Hear.) — MR. Morris concluded a very powerful Welsh speech, of whwh the above is merely ihe subslnnce, by exhorting the meeting 10 second the efforts made bv Mr. Evans and the Trustees to get the nuisance removed. Mr. POWELL, at the Chairman's request, read the following note which had been received from John Wick Bennett, Esq., of La- lestou, who holds considerable property in ihe neighbourhood :— No. 1. Fieelauii-place, Hotwells, Bristol.Dec. 3. 1843. Sir,— Your letter, Nov. eah. did not reach me here until last evening at 8 45, p. m" having been direeteci 10 Laleston House, I left Swansea, bv steam, for this place 010 Tuesday Now,21sl. My own business puts it out of mv power to lie at Swansea 011 the day required, 011 so short II notice. I most rully enler Into your fears as to the dangers to he expecle(1 at any moment from tbe powder magazine. Had I been iu time before your meeting I would have saggesJed, that I should, together wllh two or three of the Committee, have had Ii meeting wilh some of the most influential persons of the different Copper- Works, which would all slu re iu the common destruction if any explosion should take place. On the resulls of this meeting we could have acted, 811,1 so much 1I10re efl'- cltiHlly, liS we should have represented the sentiments of the various interests of all classes which could have any reason to remonstrate. Pray let me hear your wishes ill reply. Yours, faithfully, "J. WICIt. llENSETT." Mr. Thos. Powell. Landore, Swansea." JOHN Gt ORGK. a working man, delivered a very able Welsh address, (or un ollllilie of which only we can afford sInce. He observed thllt man was gelleraUv very eautiolls in avoiding d;.n¡ccrs-dallj{er 10 property—danger lo dnuacter-bnt more par- ticularly personal danger, especialy where life was endangered; for we iearn by a very high anthuritv ibat all thai IIIIIHn hath he would gi*e for his life. In his position, the life of a poor man was as valuable as that of a rich — lhat of a pauper as that of a prJnee-the lives 01 the inhabitants of Landore as those of the people of Swansea yet tlie utmost rigour of the law was enforced at Swansea for keeping a comparatively small portion of powder. while no steps have been taken to relief Landore of this great and alai ming danger, ft would be disgraceful were Beccaite means made use of 10 effect the removal of the Masraziie, but hy as. sembling in public meeting they submitted to the law —(hear) — and be hoped, would meet with success. He thought that all far as the proprietor of the building was concerned, he would come In terms, or he tllOught if be would persist in not removing it, a grenler disgrace would he reflected upon him than upon the people of L-tndore, were they 10 take the law into their own hands and remove it for him. (Hear.) The speaker then related the case of a wooden bridge which remained without a hand- rail ulltil a person wall drowned, and also referred 10 tbe de- stifiction by fire of a wind-mill in |lie neighbourhood a few years ago, and for which no causc could be assigned, to demori- strate how possible it was lor so ignilable a substance as powder to explode in 'he same manner. W ILLIAM JOHN, another working man, addressed some ap- propriate remarks to the meeting. The Rev. W. Mounts, for the purpose of explaining the hor- rible effects of an explosion, related in Welsh an instance of which the Chairman had informed him. The Chairman's brother, who was an officer in the navy, in writing to the Chairman, staled that the explosion of a cannon containing two or three pounds of powder only caused a t'embling sensation to be distinctly fell at nine miles distance. What would be the effect, observed Mr. Morris, of the explosion of seven or ten tons which was the quantitv generally contained in the Magazine The CHAIRMAN then pnt the following resolutions to the meet- ing, which were unanimously agreed to:— That as the Landore Powder Magazine, from its situation, being iu the centieof a densely populated neighbourhood, and vicinity of extensive copper and iron works, is highly dangerous to the lives of the inhabitants; And as the safety of the neighbourhood demands its removal to some other locality, where the consequences would be less awful in the event of its exploding, that the Rev. Wm. Morris and Mr. W. P. Evans be appointed to solicit the advice and support of the Mayor and aulhorities of Swansea towards its re- moval, and, if necessary, to petition the Magistrates for the removal of the said Powder Magazine." The Rev. W. MORRIS then moved that the thanks of the meeting be presented to their worthy Chairman for his kindness in presiding, and the efficient manner ill which he discharged the duties. Mr. W. P. EVANS seconded the resolution, and observed that ihe circumstance of Sir John Morris's son having laken the chair, be would hail as an omen that justice and public influence were on their side, as wet: as Iii" probability of success. The CHAIRMAN, after a few observations from Mr. Bigg, ex- pressive of concurrence in the resolution and the general objects of the meeting, in returning thanks, said, he had 10 return his best thanks for the support afforded him throughout the meeting. He should feel happy in doiug anv thing in his power to get the Magazine removed. He was as firm in opinion us any one that it was a great nuisance in the neighbourhood and should ue re- moved. How tital could be drecled lhey had not jet ascertained, but he had no doubt but tint they would find out some means of doing so, either by inducing the parties to remore it by fair ine i ns, or, if unsucccssfu I, by appeal big to the proper authoril ie,-<, as it was clear such a nuisance, which was prejudicial to the whole COllllnUllil\, could not remal/l, H" had hern inCormeo by a gentleman well versed in the law, that ihe magistrates had no right to grant a licence for a magazine within the distance of a tni'e from any borough. This Magazine was within the precincts of the municipal borough of Swansea, i:nd he (I!,k Chairman) thought that i: was within the old borough when lbs licence was granted if so. il must ha\e been illegally granted, and could be annulled. Bot he was of opinion the proprietor would give way when he perceived the feejiog of the whole district, and re- move the Magazine to a more eligible situation, instead of com- pelling them to appeal to the law. I ne Chairman concluded by assuring the meeting he would do everything in his power to for- ward their objects. — The Meeting then separated.

[No title]

| SWANSEA PETTY SESSIONS.

-'-----------' SWANSEA POLICE.

[No title]

To the EDITOR of The CAMBRIAN.

To the EDITOR of The CAMBRIAN.

A PLEA FOR THE EMPLOYED.

Family Notices

surp WE WS,

COUNTRY MARKETS. -----

JJ.q J1 :.m 'QAsaisDriAYu