Hosgood and Smith

of Aberdare

1881 Company in liquidation. 'The works were previously owned by Messrs George Smith and William Davies (Smith and Davies), the latter of whom retired in October, 1876, at which time Mr T. H. Hosgood was admitted a partner, and since that date the business has been carried on by him and Mr Smith. About 350 work people were employed, and the firm's operations were conducted on a large scale. The tin-plate trade, however, has fluctuated considerably during the last few years, and it is to the losses consequent upon such changes that the present difficulties are no doubt attributable. Great sympathy is felt for the partners, and it is hoped that some satisfactory arrangement will be come to which will enable the works to be re-started. With the stoppage of this concern Aberdare tradespeople have to depend almost entirely upon the coal trade, as there are no similar branches of employment in the district. Abernant, Gadlys, and Aberaman iron works have long ceased operations with, unfortunately, no prospect of resuming work, and the stoppage, temporarily at all events, of the tin works, will cast a deep gloom over the district. It was anxiously hoped that the works were being carried on at a sufficient profit to enable the proprietors to materially enlarge their business, and employ an additional number of hands. Tho present suspension, however, dispels that idea, and in addition to the hardship which it will undoubtedly entail upon the unemployed workmen, the stoppage will cause a heavy loss to the shopkeepers in the neighbourhood as the firm usually paid about £1,600 per week wages. It appears from the petition that the liabilities are estimated at about £26,000, a large proportion of which is secured, and the assets are unascertained. Mr William Henry Forester, of Swansea, iron merchant, has been appointed receiver of the estate'

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