Part 4 Economics

Introductory

The three great industries of Anglesey are mining, quarrying, and agriculture, all of which are conditioned, either directly or indirectly, by its geology. Of these, metallic mining, great as it once was at Parys Mountain, has for many years been slowly on the wane. Coal has been mined, and no doubt will be mined again, some time or other, but at present boring only is going on. Quarrying on a large scale, though active at Penmon, is somewhat fitful considered as a whole. Agriculture is without doubt the most important of the industries, by far the greater part of the population depending upon it in one way or another.

Some of the other industries have, however, suffered from a curious distrust of local products as such, that seems, in spite of the general spirit of provincial patriotism (stronger than usual in Anglesey, on account of its natural individuality as an island), to affect rural districts at the present time. Doubtless this is due to the facilities of railway transport, combined with the psychological effects of advertising, but it is a source of many evils. Money is wasted, and railway congestion aggravated. Industries that might afford wholesome employment languish; while structures and products all over the Island miss the charm that comes of local characters. Worst of all, countless opportunities of evoking the inventiveness and powers of design that are so often latent in the rural craftsman are totally missed. The depopulation of our country districts is rightly deplored; yet what better counter-attraction to that of the meretricious excitements of the great towns could there be than for the villager to acquire an interest, a pride, and a delight, both in his own work and in the special products of his district. It is hoped that some of the succeeding chapters may direct attention to local materials and resources that are being undeservedly neglected.

Those who desire to make use of this part of the hook are requested to refer also to the chapters dealing with the pure geology of the particular formations concerned. A number of expressions which it has been necessary (in order to avoid repetition and prolixity) to use here are explained in those chapters.