"I, James Fanning of the Town of Wexford do swear that I will serve our Sovereign Lady, The Queen and the Wexford Harbour Commissioners in the office of a constable within the jurisdiction of said Commissioners without favour or affection, malice or ill-will and faithfully discharge all the duties thereof to the best of my skill and judgement.
Sworn before us at Wexford this 20th day of April, 1858.
John Walsh.J.P."
The harbour police were an autonomous group answerable to the Harbour Commissioners and were responsible for the upholding of law and order within the harbour area. The employees of the Commissioners were issued with clothing as an entry of May 22nd; 1858 shows.
"Ordered that a suit of clothes be procured for James Connor, and also a hat, the cost of which shall not exceed £4 and that Mr. Richards be requested to procure same.
John Walsh."
While these jobs were reasonably well paid, they also held high responsibilities and failure to carry them out was punished as follows.
"May 12th, 1857.
Resolved that James Cousins, Watchman, be fined 10/- for entering in his book false reports and for not reporting to the Harbour Master, the breaking of the windows of the tide gauge at the Crescent.
Signed, R. Allen."
The Commissioners were also busy making decisions on the material well-being of the port.
"August 24th, 1858.
Resolved that the Mayor, Robert Sparrow and Tim Gaffney be requested to act as a committee for the purpose of inspecting and reporting what is necessary to be done to the cot dock above the bridge.
Signed, John Walsh. "
Within a month, action was being taken.
"September 14th, 1858.
Resolved that Thomas Willis and Codd's proposal for repairing the Cot Dock for the sum of £10-12-8 be accepted, being the lowest tender produced.
Signed, JohnE. Hadden."
This cot dock was located at the end of Monck Street, between the old 1794 bridge and today's North Railway Station. The Thomas Willis referred to is probably the local builder who constructed the Wesleyan chapel in Rowe Street.
On Saturday, November 3rd, 1860, recommendations were made on the re-constitution of the Harbour Commissioners.
“In future it should consist of 26 members, 5 appointed by the Town Commissioners of Enniscorthy, 7 by ship paying dues, 7 by the Mayor and Council of Wexford and 7 by the householders of Wexford.
That rates on goods be collected in addition to dues on ships and a large proportion of gross income be allocated to pay the interest and secure the principal borrowed for improvement works on the harbour.
That at least one half of the breadth of the quay be deemed a public road and placed under the control of the County.
That the Commissioners acting under the 3rd of George III, Cap 31 and now managing the pipe water, be abolished and that the pipe water property and management be handed over to the Mayor and Council Signed, Charles A. Walker. "
These proposals indicate the extent to which the Harbour Commissioners were responsible for a large area of the town. By declaring part of the quay a public road, the Grand Jury for the County would be responsible for its upkeep. Likewise, the Mayor and Town Council would take on the cost of running the piped water system, much of which came from a reservoir above John Street.
At this time also there were two steamers on a regular Wexford to Liverpool run. They sailed once each week in Winter and twice in Summer. They carried passengers, merchandise, provisions and live cattle.
During this period an average of 720 vessels entered and left port annually.
The duties and responsibilities of the Harbour Commissioners and their employees are illustrated in these minutes from 1862.
"A memorial was received from certain inhabitants of the town complaining of irregularities taking place at night in the laneways leading from the Main Street to the quays. It was ordered that the Harbour Policeman lock both ends of each lane at 7.00p.m. and open them when coming off duty.
Ordered that the house of Laurence Duggan at Rosslare be hired as a residence of the Pilot Master for 9
months from September 29th for the sum of £15.
September 16th, 1862. Signed, Richard Allen. "
One is left to wonder what exactly the 'irregularities' were back in 1862.
"October 21st, 1862. Duties of the Harbour Master;
Care of the buoys inside the harbour, also for cot dock, quays and all avenues leading to quays. To superintend all repairs, alterations, cleaning and drainage thereof. Supervise the Harbour Police, including occasional visits to the quay at night.
Supervise the Harbour Pilots and supply extra if necessary. He will also be Ballast Master - supply ballast as required and obtain payment, He has charge of life buoys and other Wexford Harbour Commissioners properties within the town. To hold the keys of the cranes and collect dues for same, one half
of
which
he
may retain for his trouble. He collects dues of boats and cots in the river Slaney,
