The South Wales Star

PENARTH ANNNUAL LICENSING SESSIONS. ALL NEW APPLICATIONS REFUSED. The adjourned annual licensing sessions for the petty sessional division of Dinas Powis was held at the Penarth Police-court on Monday. The court was crowded during the clay, and much interest appeared to be manifested in the various applica- tions. The magistrates on the bench were Mr. O. H. Jones (chairman). General Lee, Col. Guthrie, and Messrs. John Cory, Lewis Williams, John Duncan. James Ware. T. Morel, J. S. Batchelor, S. H. Romilly, L. Lewellen Wood, and T. R. Thompson. TRANSFERS. The license of the Esplanade Hotel, Penarth, was on the application of Mr. Scott (Messrs. Morgan and Scott) transferred from Mr. D. Roberts to Mr. J. L. Burton.—Mr. T. H. Belcher applied for the transfer of the Ship Hotel, Penarth, from Mr. Ellis to Mr. Isaac Davies.—The application was granted.—Mr. F. P. Jones-Lloyd applied for the renewal of an off grocers' license on behalf of Messrs. Griffin and Davies, Vere-street, Cadoxton.—Mr. H. Reed opposed on the ground that the shop was opened during prohibited hours. —The Bench overruled the objection, and renewed the license. PARK HOTEL, BARRY. Mr. Arthur Lewis applied on behalf of Mr. R. H. George for a licence for premises at Park- crescent. Barry, to be called the Park Hotel.—Mr. J. A. Hughes opposed on behalf of Mr. J. A. Davies, Barry Hotel; Mr. George David on behalf of Mr. J. C. Meggitt (chairman of the Barry and Cadoxton Local Board), Mr. J. Lowdon (chairman of the Barry School Board), and other neighbour- ing residents Mr. Ernest Reed on behalf of Canon Allen and others Mr. C. J. Jackson for the licencee of the Ship Hotel. Barry Mr. Wilson on behalf of the Park Castle Land Syndicate and the Park Castle Land Co. Mr. Lewis stated that the premises were practically completed, and were occupied by the applicant. In spite of the chorus of opposition he trusted to be able to satisfy their worships upon the three points which he felt it would be his duty to answer—viz. (1) that the application was by a man of good character (2) that the premises were suitable for licensed pre- mises (3) that the neighbourhood required such a licensed house. He handed in a testimonial from the Chief-constable of Cardiff showing the excellent manner in which Mr. George had conducted the Canadian Hotel, Cardiff, during the three years it had been in his possession. With regard to the necessity of the licence he was sure their worships would have heard a great deal about the phenomenal growth of Barry, and he did not think it would be necessary for him to refer to it at length there. They would be familiar with the extraordinary growth of the place and the extra- ordinary growth of the population. The result of the last census showed that the population was 13,379, as compared with a very few hundreds ten years previously. During the year 1890 the ex- port trade at Barry Dock amounted to something like 3,200,000 tons. and that amount would be very largely exceeded this year. He desired to point out that notwithstanding the extraordinary growth of the district only two new licences had been granted during the past two years. The population was even now not stationary, but was constantly increasing, and anyone passing through Barry could not but be struck with the large number of houses which were in course of erection. With reference to matters more particularly con- nected with Barry or East Barry there were two licensed houses in existence-viz., the Barry Hotel, a distance of 625 yards from the proposed new hotel, and the Ship Hotel 858 yards away. With regard to the Barry Hotel, he might point out t-hatit was in the centre of a separate town of its own, and therefore would not in any way be affected by the trade which would be done at the Park Hotel. Within noo yards of the Park Hotel there were 153 houses actually built and 150 more were in course of erection. He maintained that in the vicinity of the hotel there was a sufficient popu- lation to demand a licence being granted, as the actual number of people living within a radius of 300 yards of the proposed hotel was 1,070.—The Chairman was certain the population was no such thing in that radius. — Mr. Lewis, continuing, pointed out that the house would not be a tied one, and that Mr. George had himself had the building erected at a cost of £ 4,000.— Mr. Phillips. of the firm of Messrs. Phillips and Holdgate, architects handed in estimated plans of the building, and pointed out in the course of his evidence that there were eleven bedrooms, besides bathrooms and other conveniences, a three-stall stable, coach-honse. &c.—Mr. Frank Ashley, who created much merriment, by describing himself as a finance surveyor," said that although the road in front of the hotel was practically only a lane, it was intended to be widened and improved to a width of forty feet.— Mr. R. H. George, the applicant, then gave evidence, and in the course of his cross-examination by Mr. George David was asked if the affair was a purely speculative one of his own. He replied that it was for the good of the public that he had had the place built. (Loud laughter).—Mr. David elicited, in the course of further cross-examination, that there was an agreement between him and the Barry Castle Land Syndicate whereby, if the licence was granted, he would pay them £600, and that if the licence was not granted they would reduce the ground rent.—Mr. W. J. Jeffries, builder, Barry Dock, gave evidence to show what buildings were in course of construction near the hotel.—Addresses against the granting of the licence were then given by Messrs. C. J. Jackson, G. David, J. A. Hughes, and E. Reed, after which Mr. David called Mr. J. C. Meggitt, the chairman of of the Barry and Cadoxton Local Board. This witness stated that he resided within a short distance of the proposed hotel, and he opposed the granting of the license. He had taken steps to ascertain the views of the inhabitants of the immediate neighbourhood, and he witnessed one half of the signatures to the petition against the granting of the license which he now presented. He objected to the license because he did not think it was re- quired by the inhabitants of the immediate locality. He thought that the establishment of a public-house would be a considerable nuisance, and he further objected because he himself had erected property in the shape of villas which had cost him £4.000, and he thought the establishment of a public-house would depreciate the value of that property.—Cross-examined He was a total- abstainer, but he did not oppose the granting of all licenses. He thought each locality should to a moderate extent be provided with conveniences for procuring intoxicants.—Mr. J.A. Davies, landlord of the Barry Hotel, was then examined by Mr. J. A. Hughes. He said there were 45 furnished bed- rooms at the Barry Hotel, and 12 unfurnished. The greatest number of beds he had ever let on one night was 18.—Canon Allen, rector of Porthkerry and Barry, examined by Mr. E. Reed. said he was stongly n gainst the granting of the license on the ground that it was not required as there were already two licensed houses at Barry, as well as a wholesale license. The new license in his opinion was emphatically not required, and on behalf of the parishioners he could also say that that was their view also. The Bench deferred their decision. BASSETT ARMS, HOLTON-ROAD. Mr. Arthur Lewis applied on behalf of Mr. George Thomas (Messrs. Seward and Thomas) re- presenting the Barry Dock Town Syndicate, for a license for premises in course of erection on the Holton-road, near Cadoxton, to be called the Bassett Arms.—Mr. E. Reed opposed on behalf of the temperance party.—Mr. Lewis stated that the building was situate midway between Barry Dock Hotel, and the Wenvoe Arms Hotel, Cadoxton, and would cost about £ 4.000.—Mr. George Thomas, architect, said the application was being made in his name on behalf of the syndicate who, if the license were granted, would find a respectable and responsible person as landlord. The land of the syndicate comprised 93 acres. There had been a very considerable number of houses erected re- centlv. Since the opening of Barry Dock there had been fully 2.000 houses built in the middle part of the district as distinguished from Cadoxton or East Barry. On their estate at the present time they had 393 houses, about 80 per cent. of which were inhabited. There were 236 houses nearer to the proposed hotel than to any other existing or contemplated licensed house. He undertook to say on behalf of the company that the house would not be tied to any brewery. The syndicate had expend r-d in roads and improvements in the immediate neighbourhood the sum of ;6 5,000. —Cross-examined by Mr. Reed as to whether or not the erection of the hotel was a speculative matter, the witness replied that he did not appear there professing to be a philanthropist, and to give land and erect a place a public-house for nothing. The portion of the building already proceeded with had taken three months to erect. If the license was not granted it would be a matter of very considerable expense to alter the building into dwellings.—Mr. Lewis Lewis, house and estate agent, Cadoxton, said he had lived in the district for over five years. He had heard complaints from several strangers of great inconvenience because there was not a 1 icensed house in that neighbourhood. There had been very great trouble in the neigh- bourhood through the existence of shebeens, and the opening of a good licensed house tended to put them down.—Cross-examined by Mr. Reed, witness stated that he did not think the reduction of shebeens could be accounted for by the action of the police and the stringent manner in which the magistrates dealt with offenders.—J. Price, builder, and — Shale also gave evidence.—The decision was deferred. THE CADOXTON HOTEL* The next application taken was that of Mr. H. P. Warburton. who applied for a licence for a building at Cadoxton, known as the Cadoxton Hotel. Mr. Arthur Lewis represented the appli- cant Mr. Ingledew opposed on behalf of the landlord of the Wenvoe Arms Hotel, and Mr. E. Reed opposed for the temperance party. Superin- tendent Wake opposed for the police, on the ground that the licence was not wanted.—-Mr. Arthur Lewis said that on two previous occasions the licence was granted by the local magistrates, but it had been refused at Neath.—The Chairman And it has been refused here several times. Con- tinuing. the Chairman asked Mr. Lewis if he had any fresh reason to adduce why the licence should be granted.—Mr. Lewis, who said he would not call any witnesses, said it would be perfectly use- less for him to go into the question of the growth of the neighbourhood, and so forth, as their Wor- ships were so well acquainted with that.—It was pointed out that there was no roadway in front of the hotel, and that the building faced the railway. —The decision on this application was also reserved. DOCK HOTEL, HOLTOX-ROAD. Mr. G. C. Downing (Messrs. Downing and Hand- cock) applied, on behalf of Mr. William Rees. for a licence for premises situate opposite the Barry Dock Police-station, on the Holton-road, and known as the Dock Hotel.—Mr. J. H. Jones opposed for Mr. E. Williams. Victoria Hotel, and Mr. E. Reed opposed for the temperance party.— Mr. Downing said the building had a frontage on Castleland-street and Ho-lton-road. It had been very substantially erected, and had cost over £ ;5,500. There were 283 houses in the neighbour- hood nearer to the building than to any other public-house. The population around the hotel was about 1,800. The building was situate oppo- site the Police-station, and that might be regarded as a guarantee that the house would be properly conducted. (Laughter.) He had no doubt but that the house would be of use to some of the bench who drove over to attend to their duties at the Police-court. (Laughter.) The business done at the Victoria Hotel, which was 533 yards away, was so great that there was really not enough accommodation, and plans for enlargement were being carried out. That was evidence, to some extent, of the necessity for further licensing accommodation in the district. The Barry Dock Hotel was 6ô5 yards away, the Witchell Hotel was 900 yards away, ane the proposed Bassett Arms 450 yards. The Dock Hotel, he desired to point out to their worships, was completed, whereas the Bassett Arms would not be finished for five or six months.—Inspector Rees gave evidence as to dis- tances.—Cross-examined by Mr. J. H. Jones There were, to his knowledge, three off grocers' licences at Holton.—Cross-examined by Mr. Rees I do not think it's necessary that licences should be granted to both the Dock Hotel and the Bassett Arms.—Mr. George Thomas, architect of the building, said there were 13 bedrooms, also coffee, dining, and smoke-rooms, as well as stables, coach- house, trap shed, &c. The premises belonged to a Mr. Young.—Cross-examined by Mr. Jones Last year the Land Syndicate were to have received £600 if the license were granted, but that has been altered, and if the license is now granted we shall receive an increased ground rent. I should say that the Dock Hotel has the priority of claim over the Bassett Arms as it has been erected some time.— Cross-examined by Mr. Reed I think both licenses are required.—William Rees, the applicant was next examined. He said he had been a butler. At present he was occupier of the hotel.—Mr. J. H. Jones then proceeded to cross-examine witness with the view of eliciting that the hotel was owned by the Ship Brewery Company. Witness stated that he entered into an agreement with Mr. Young at Plymouth-road, Penarth. He was re- commended to Mr. Young by Mr. Williams, of the South Wales Union Bank, Cardiff. Mr. L. W. Jones, South Wales Union Bank, Cadoxton, had mentioned the name of Mr. Williams to him. He (witness) agreed to take the hotel at a yearly tenancy the rent being £.400 a year for two years. He would have to furnish the hotel. He had seen the agreement between Mr. Young and Mr. J. J. Williams for purchase. According to his (wit- ness's) arrangement the house would be a free house.—Thomas Baruett, coal tipper, and William Rees, coal trimmer, both residents of the locality gave evidence against the granting of the lincense. —The Bench reserved their decision. PALMERSTOWN HOTEL, NEAR CADOXTON. Mr. White (Messrs. Cory and White) made an application on behalf of Mr. Albert Chappel for a provisional license for premises in course of erection at Palmerstown, near Cadoxton, to be called the Palmerstown Hotel. He pointed out that the applicant was at present managing the Wenvoe Arms Hotel for his father, but the hotel was about being disposed of. Palmer- stown was entirely isolated so far as licensed premises were concerned. He pointed out with satisfaction that there was no opposition to the granting of the licence. The Wenvoe Arms Hotel, which was the nearest licensed house, was nearly a mile distant, and in consequence of that fact the whole of the people resident iu that part of the district experienced the greatest possible personal inconvenience in obtaining necessary re- freshments. The learned advocate then proceeded to quote what he termed the powerful opinion of the Smith Wales Star in reference to the isolation of Palmerstown owing to the absence of proper communication with Cadoxton, and which pointed out that if a licence was required anywhere, it was required at Palmerstown. The inhabitants experienced the greatest danger in crossing the railway lines to come to Cadoxton.—Mr. E. H. Bruton, architect, was the first witness called, and he proceeded to give the dimensions of the build- ing, etc., and which showed that the hotel would be a very complete one in every sense. The building could be completed in six months, and the cost would be £3,000, the contract indeed being let for that sum. There were fifty houses within a radius of fifty yards of the proposed hotel.—James Palmer, contractor, Palmerstown, gave evidence as to the necessity of the licence being granted.—Albert Chappell, the applicant, said he had leased the land from Mr. Thomas Shepherd at a certain ground rent. He was about proceeding with seventeen houses near the new hotel, and he had taken 5 £ acres of land from the Palmerstown Estate for the erection of 150 houses.—The decision of the bench was reserved. —Mr. E. Reed essayed to oppose in this case, but being unable to prove that his clients were rate- payers, the Bench ruled that he could not oppose. PROPOSED OFF ALE AND SPIRIT LICENCE AT CADOXTON. Mr. B. G. Davies applied on behalf of Mr. Luke Yates Owen, 24, Vere-street, Cadoxton, for an off grocer's license for retaining of spirits and beer. —Mr. Ingledew opposed on behalf of the land- lord of the Wenvoe Arms Hotel, and Supt. Wake lodged an objection for the police.—Mr. Davies stated that the applicant at present held a wholesale licence. His client was a very respect- able tradesman, and had been a resident at the premises fo". some considerable time. He (Mr. Davies) produced a certificate signed by the rector of the parish and others showing the applicant's fitness, and expressing the view that the granting of the application would be beneficial to the neighbourhood. There was an off beer licence at Barry Dock, so that the principle of granting such licences would be admitted. If it was requisite at Barry Dock, how much so was it at Cadoxton where the population was much greater. His client had had several complaints from his cus- tomers of the distance they had to go to the Wenvoe Arms, and they also disliked sending their children to a public-house where there were only two entrances, and where there was no separate jug and bottle department. He pointed out that the opposition was only a trade opposition, more sentimental than real.—Luke Yates Owen, the applicant, was then called and said he held an off- licence at 113, Broadway, Cardiff, for five years. He had never had any complaints, and had never been summoned in respect of that licence. The district around his present premises at Cadoxton was very thickly populated, and such a licence was very much needed.—During cross- examination, Mr. Ingledew elicited that the whole- sale spirit licence at present in operation at the premises was in the name of Starkey. Knight and Co., and not in the name of the applicant.—Mr. Davies said he would withdrew the application in regard to spirits, and simply apply for an off beer licence.—Superintendent Wake gave evidence against the application, and said there were dis- orderly boarding-houses in the neighbourhood. The premises of applicant also communicated with the premises known as the Cadoxton Hotel. This was denied, and in cross-examination witness stated that he had known the applicant for 20 years, and that he was a most respectable person in every way.—Decision was deferred. THE DECISIONS. Their Worships then retired, and when they re- turned into court Mr. O. H. Jones stated that they had decided not to grant any of the applications. A CADOXTON OFF-LICENCE. The application for the renewal of an off-licence for Michael Taylor. Cadoxton, was not proceeded with, it being withdrawn. THE PROPOSED NEW HOTEL FOR DINAS POWIS. The application of Henry Hadley for the transfer of the licence of the Three Horse Shoes Inn, Dinas Powis, to a new building to be called the Dinas Powis Hotel, to be erected near Dinas Powis Station, was withdrawn. BARRY DOCK STATION REFRESHMENT ROOM. The renewal of the licence for the above was applied for by Mr. G. C. Downing, on behalf of Mr. R. P. Culley. Mr. E. Reed appeared to object, but, after a lengthy discussion, the Bench ruled that he had no locn.i .standi. It will be in the memory of our readers that the Bench adjourned the renewal of the licence at St. Nicholas a few weeks ago in order to enable the applicant to prove that the licence was not required now that the Barry Dock Hotel had been opened a shore distance away.—Superintendent Wake was examined, and said there were a very large number of passengers using the refreshment rooms every day. and the rooms had been of much convenience. The rooms were for the convenience of travellers going to and returning from the dock by train. The hotel was used by a different class of people. People would frequently miss their train if they went to the hotel for refreshment. The class of people who used the rooms were travellers, and consequently were people who might be expected to require refreshment.—Mr. R. P. Culley, the applicant, said he was frequently at the Dock Station. The number of people using the rooms was very exten- sive, being, in fact, 6,000 or 7,000 a week. The rooms were not used on Sundays or Christmas Day, and they were closed every night before ten o'clock. Travellers using the rooms svere persons who had business at the docks, and when they re- turned they made sure of their train first, and if they had time to obtain refreshments they went to the refreshment rooms. It the number attending the rooms had to be supplied at the hotel, there really would not be enough accommodation.—John Hill said he was manager of the third-class refreshment bar at the Barry Dock Station. A year ago he was for three months at the door to see that all who entered the rooms had tickets. After the first week none presented themselves butthose who had tickets. The number of people entering the room averaged 800 per day.—The Bench at this point stopped the case and granted the applica- tion.—Mr. Culley had a large number of witnesses in attendance, including Messrs. Richard Evans (manager of the Barry Company), J. B. Ferrier, E. Handcock, jun., W. H. Davies (('ardijf Fii/aro), and the Barry Dock station master. Several of the magistrates did not sit in this case, as they were interested parties. This concluded the licensing business.

PONTYPRIDD LOCAL BOARD. THE BARRY RAILWAY QUESTION. AN EVASIVE REPLY. On Friday last the ordinary meeting of the Pontypridd Local Board of Health was held, when there were present, Messrs. D. Leyshon (chairman),. W. W. Phillips, D. Rowlands, P. Gowan, R. T. Richards, J. Snape, H. L. Grover (clerk), and E. Rees (surveyor). THE BARRY PASSENGER SERVICE. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. W. Mein, the secretary of the Barry Railway Company, saying that the company were making such arrangements at Cardiff which would meet the Board's require- ments. The Clerk (commenting on the letter), said it was not at all satisfactory. He never saw a more vague letter. The Chairman We have had enough trouble with the company, and we must now move seriously in the matter. Mr. Rowlands I think we may write back, stating that their reply was vague, and that we want to know what they mean. Whatever ar- rangements they may make at Cardiff will not meet our requirements. The Chair Will you move that, Mr. Rowlands? Mr. Rowlands Yes. sir. Mr. Gowan And I will second it. The Clerk was, therefore, instructed to write again to the company asking for a. more lucid ex- planation. THE PROPOSED LOAN. The Clerk read a letter from the Local Govern- ment Board with reference to the proposed loan of £25,000 for the purposes of the subsidiary drainage scheme, and it was stated that the scheme would interfere with the river Taff and Rhondda and the Glamorganshire Canal.—The Clerk suggested that the surveyor should furnish him with the particulars of such interference, so that he might communicate with the different public bodies, and obtain their consent.—It was moved that the course suggested by the clerk should be adopted.— Mr. W. W. Phillips seconded, and it was carried. IRRECOVERABLE RATES. The Clerk reported that there remained on their books a balance of £159 13s. 41d irrecoverable rates, and the Finance Committee were anxious toO have the same written out.—Mr. Snape asked how they had accumulated.—Mr. Phillips explained that they had been left since the former collector, Mr. Williams, held that office.—Mr. Gowan moved that the amount be taken out.—Mr. W. W. Phillips seconded, and suggested that a list of the de- faulters be kept in the office for reference, and that the collector be empowered to take out summons against those who in future neglected to pay.—This was carried unanimously. CAB INSPECTION. On the suggestion of the Chairman, it was de- cided to inspect all the licensed hansom cabs in the town on the following Thursday. THE PROPOSED EXTENSION. The Clerk reminded the Board that the final Government inquiry with reference to the pro- posed extension of area would take place at the Court House on the following Tuesday. — Mr. Rowlands thought it would be well to let the clerk have a free hand in the matter.—The Clerk said that undoubtedly there would be a deal of work to do, for if it was true that the Dowlais Company intended opposing them, the whole matter would have to be gone into. He might say, however, that while personally he held that opinion, Mr. Abel Thomas thought it would be over in a few hours.—It was then understood that Mr. Abel Thomas should be retained as counsel, and that the clerk should do all in his power to bring the enquiry to a successful issue by bringing forward witnesses, &c. THE LIGHTING OF THE TOWN. The Clerk reported that he had been requested by the Gas Company to inform the Board that the non-lighting of the lamps in different parts of the town was due to the want of suitable men. It was very difficult to obtain suitable persons, but the manager had been instructed to use more vi- gilance in the future.—The Chairman asked whether the Gas Company could not appoint in- spectors to see that the lamps were properly lit. He had again to complain that on the previous Tuesday evening a number of lamps had not been lit.—Mr. Gowan said that on that night in his ward also there were at least half the lamps unlit.—The Chairman said he had instructed the superintendent of police to make such arrange- ments as would enable the Board to obtain full monthly reports of what lamps had been left unlit. A NUISANCE AT HAVOD. Mr. W. W. Phillips said that a nuisance existed at the Railway-terrace, Havod, and asked the Board to take steps to stop the same.—Mr. Row- lands moved that inspector of the Ystrad Board should meet the inspector of their Board, and report at the next meeting.—Mr, Gowan seconded, and it was carried. THE PROPOSED INCORPORATION. Mr. Spraff, the deputy clerk, reported that a. deputation from the Pontypridd Chamber of Trade had intended to wait upon the Board that day with reference to the proposed incorporation of the town, but as they wanted to add some facts to a memorial which had been partly drawn out they had decided to postpone waiting on the Beard until their next meeting. THE SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor reported that Mr. Thos. Evans, Temple of Fashion, had committed a breach of the bye-laws by erecting a balcony above his shops without submitting plans for the same.—It was decided that the clerk should write to Mr. Evans, and point out to him his mistake.—The Surveyor also reported a mistake in the tenders sent in by Messrs. Elliott and Jones for the private improve- ments. and asked whether he should be allowed to rectify the error.—Mr. W. W. Phillips was of opinion that that Would not be fair to the others who had tendered, and moved that theiBoard adver- tise again.—This was seconded by Mr. Rowlands and carried.—The Surveyor reported that the pavements in the private streets were not satisfac- torily laid down.—He also reported that the owner of the land they proposed buying for the erection of a slaughter-house had promised to communicate his decision at an early date, but as yet he had not done so.—The Surveyor further reported that the limestone supplied for the road had not been screened.—The Chairman said that he had heard several complaints to the effect that stone was not at all satisfactory,' and it was resolved that a* notice of the complaints should be sent to the con- tractor. The report of the inspector of nuisances was also read and adopted.

WHERE IS FOLLICK'S, the Pawnbroker, Outfitted Jeweller, &c. Corner of Barry-road and Main-street. —Advt.