THIS image is Lower Dock Street featuring the Masonic Hall before it was refurbished.

Now, although shrouded in secrecy, it is popular for dinners and functions. Of course, it is a focal point for Masons with numerous Lodges, like Niobe and Jasper Tudor, meeting there.

Also, there were thriving businesses along this stretch of road. The most famous was probably Honest Ken and his used cars. Others included many Shipping Agents for the booming docks trade and I seem to recall a post office. There were two pubs. the Masons Arms and the Vulcan, and just further down is the renowned Riverside Club - Stick and Crutch.

Jim Dyer, Newport

THE Now and Then picture is The Masonic hall, Lower Dock Street. In the 60s as an apprentice electrician I had to do some work there and I was told not to look at anything as it was for masonic use only.

I used to live on Cardiff Road and I remember watching the animals being taken from the market which was located by the Masonic hall to the slaughterhouse which was next to the Argus office at that time. Cattle regularly broke free on the railway sidings.

Mr Ward, Goldcliff

THE Now and then photos show the Masonic hall on the corner of Lower Dock Street and Ruperra St. Behind the photographer is what used to be the Masonic hotel, and most of the buildings in the old photograph are still there.

On the opposite side of Lower Dock Street used to be the old Dock Street railway station which later became a goods yard and then later, still, a coal concentration yard where trains with wagon loads of coal arrived and from where local coal merchants took their supplies.

Ruperra Street used to lead to the back entrance of the cattle market, train loads of cattle, sheep and pigs would be taken into the market for sale. Those intended for the table would be taken, on the hoof through town to the slaughterhouse on Shaftesbury Street. Eventually movement by lorry became universal. Market day was a Wednesday, and I used to visit to see the animals.

Years ago pubs used to close at 3pm and re-open at 5.30pm, but those nearest the cattle market were allowed to stay open all afternoon .

Brian J J Jelf, Newport