Prestatyn Weekly

Christmas Cheer for the Poor. We have been requested to announce that the Vicar will be glad to know of any case of need in Prestatyn, arising from want of employment or extreme poverty, to whom a little Christmas Cheer would help to brighten this happy season,

Xmas Postal Facilities. We are informed that on the 22nd and 23rd inst. there will be special despatches from Prestatyn at 5-30, 6, and G-80 p.m. On the same days the piilar and wall boxes will be cleared 10 minutes before the usual time, and the latest time for posting at the Post Office on the 23rd and 80th inst will be 8 p.m. On Christmas Day the night despatch will be at 6-80 p.m.

Christmas Day Services. At Christ Church, in addition to the Com- munion Services at 8 and 10 a.m., there will be an English Service at 11 a.m., and Welsh Service at (;-So p.m. At St. John's English Wesleyan Church there will be a service at 11 a.m., conducted by Rev W. Bell. At Trinity Church also Rev Dr. Townsend will conduct the service commencing at 11 a.m.

Congratulations. 0 At their meeting on Wednesday, the Prestatyn Liberal Association resolved to send congratulations to Mr Herbert Lewis, M.P., on his appointment as Junior Lord of the Treasury. <

I CHRISTMAS MEAT SHOW. I Judging from the very large stock in the .establishments of the meat purveyors at Prestatyn, one cannot but come to the con- clusion that vegetarians are at a discount hereabouts. The show made this year will compare very favourably with that of any previous occasion, and we should way that there will be no diffi- culty in securing a choice joint to place on the festive board. At the shops of Messrs R. Ewart Owen, T. Dowell and Sons, Daniel Davies, H. Jones, and J. Owen and Sons, the ample stock seems to have been well and carefully selected. Messrs Daniel Davies and Dowell and Sons each shewing prize beasts, the otherfirm3 also having secured cattle from some of the best-known feeders in the district. A very extensive stock of poultry is also shewn at all these shops, some of the geese and turkeys being very fine specimens. At the establishment of Messrs Boyle and Son and Mrs Price is to be found the usual stock of fish, etc, with seasonable additions of geese, turkeys, game, etc., etc. Mr Ewart Owen had included in his stock three very prime bullocks, and in addition to a large number of wethers, porkers, etc, there were some very fine turkeys, geese, etc, to choose from. Mr Owen had the pleasure of supplying Sir Pyers and Lady Mostyn with a number of these latter. I.

THE FIRE BRIGADE. During the Christmas holidays the Fire Station is to be thrown open for the inspec- tion of the public. Members of the brigade have been busily engaged all week getting -1 1 9 everything into order, and the station will be decorated for the occasion. We understand that a complaint has been laid with the Council regarding outsiders getting into the station and making use of the hose, etc. The brigade greatly resent this, and are desirous of making it known that the general public are not allowed to make use of hose, etc., without having first obtained permission.

CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB DANCE. We understand that the prospects for the success of the above dance on Boxing Day are excellent, all the details being well in hand. Capt. Miller has been in communication with the railway officials at Chester, and has been able to make arrangments for the special excursion train which runs from Chester at midnight to .stop at Prestatyn to pick up passengers for Rhyl or Llandudno. Under the new arrangement the excursion train is timed to stop at Prestatyn at 12-27, and this will be a great convenience to Rhylites who intend to be present at the dance.

Xmas 30 Years Ago AT PRESTATYN. A well known correspondent writes,- School had broken up for the Xmas holidays, and away we went to dear old Tatyn." It was not a small town like it is to-day, but a sombre little village with its numerous thatched cottages in good repair, 0 9 and here and there a modern slate roof, whose look of warmth contrasted greatly with the thatched premises. Along the marsh to- wards Rhyl was a cottage dotted here and i-,here, aad save for a row of houses inhabited by the aristocracy (Victoria Terrace), and a row of cottages inhabited by fislier-folk, there was but little sign of life. The villagers were busy on Xmas eve making their "cynath (toffee), and reciting oft-told tales and stories—chiefly concerning ghosts-which the elder ones experienced in their younger days, always of course, before the memory of the wondering young- sters. There must have been an element of satisfaction in these revelations, for were they not also gulled by the same yarns when they themselves;were but young ? Young men, tired no doubt of the simplicity of their fairer relatives, would slip out into the village, and group together in well-known corners. It was imperative to have corners, and also to grope,itheir way towards" tlietii there were no lamps in the road (High Street now please—Ed.) a/M the sounds of footsteps quickened your ears in the frosty air. Then it was imperative to put out your arms at full length, in order to avoid knocking into the passer-by. If the collision was avoided Nos dawch (good night), with an emphasis on the first syllable, was the customary greeting in the dark. If the pass-word was not given, it gave you a kind of shock. It was very awkward when a tall man met a short man. The former's arm would probably spread about the face of the latter but an apology was not necessary because the tall man would feel a hand about his watch-chain (if he had one). Sometimes more than one footstep was heard, which certainly made things awkward for pausing purposes. For instance, it might have been Abel Green's donkey, and a loving embrace with that individual was certainly a luxury (not to me, but the donkey). Abel (iiabel) knew how to lay the rod, before the days of the Society for the Prevention of. etc. He had a short leg, not that sort an-inch- too-short, when the individual bends the longer leg to meet requirements, but a three-or-four-inch-too-short, which Habel lifted with dignity, to meet the requirements of the long leg. That, sir, was dignity it 0 gave more power to the arm, which the donkey khew too well. There was another character who seldom ventured into the dark, and woe betide a paöserQby if she did. Now this lady was tail and stout. Stout, I said. but that's not the word. It was like this. Opposite the Vicarage gate was a six-barred iron gate, which opened out into a circular" lawn (well, it was cinders instead of grass)—on 11 the inner side of which stood two thatched cottages. This lady kept house for Habel in one. Probably that is why iiabel stood on his dignity. Well, this lady came out of that cottage like some ladies get into a tram —sideways, and she stood on the roadside for exercise. There was an uninterrupted view to Plas on the one side, and the Station on the other. But that's not the point. This lady, sir, filled that gateway. Everybody was fond of her. Nancy Jones, or- rather, Nancy Fawr (big, large) was her appellation. But seldom did anyone stand to speak—-there was no necessity, sir she had other accomplishments, viz a voice like a—like a—(never mind, leave it.-Ed.) and an ear well she could hear (I am think- ing of the time she caught hold of my ear!) Xmas morning arrived —out of bed at 5-80, and away to the Plygain (a beautiful Welsh word meaning cock-crow) at the Wesleyan Chapel ("vlaes-y-Groes corner) which com- menced at six o'clock. Candlemas was evidently dying out, for half of the light was from paraffin lamps. The chapel was thronged, gallery as well, some having come long distances. The chair- man was Robt. J Carols were sung amid the excitement. One earnest fellow from Dyserth sang a short metre carol of about 20 verses. The audience got tired and shuffled their feet, whereupon the chairman ushered him off with a Thank you kindly, that will do." The man was startled, and turning round said well there's a half of it sir." I never heard what he did with the other half, but it wanted the soul of a lemon to sing a song where dozens,—yes dozens I-were sucking treacle toffee, and the youngsters competing for which could draw the longest string of toffee from his mouth. Another party got up—and this must be my last this year. This party sang a carol with a chorus. Had I known Welsh properly, things might be different, bnt I don't, and must put it down to one of my great grand parents being a Scotchman. This chorus I never forgot, and with learning more Welsh as time went on it developed some years ago thus,— Lol i gyd, lol i gyd, Gwagyeth o gwagyeth, ineddw pregethwr Via medda finna, lol i gyd." It has something to do with the Vanity of Vanities saith the preacher but has got mixed up with a jargon of "all nonsense." Z-1) A merry Xmas to you all. BYGONES.

Prestatyn Council. THE NEW BRIDGE ADOPTED. THE SURVEYOR RESIGNS. OVERSEERS & THEIR PjQfWERS. MR. BANKS & THE CHAIRMAN. The monthly meeting of the Urban District Council was held on-Monday night, when there was a full attendance, including Messrs Thos. Jones (in the chaif), J. B. Linnell, T. J. Scott, Peter Ellis, T. B. Griffiths, A. Greenwood, Rev F. Jewell, Messrs J.Williams, Thos. Hughes, T. P. Williams, and John Pritchard, also the clerk (Mr John Hughes), and the Surveyor (Mr W. Thomas). There were also several ratepayers present, including Messrs Marshall, Booz, Banks, 11 Tickle, H. Wright, W. Wainwright, etc. THE NEW ROAD AND BRIDGE. A letter had been received from Mr H. D. McLaren regarding the adoption of the above, 0 p and the committee had had the same under discussion. The contents of the letter were not divulged, but it was recorded on the minutes that the committee had resolved to defer the matter until Mr McLaren should have an opportunity of meeting the Council. SETTLEMENT ARRIVED AT. (Mr McLaren has since met the Council, and the whole matter thrashed out. It has been resolved that the new road and bridge be taken over on conditions as arranged with Mr Henry McLaren as follows That a sum of £7 10/- be paid to the Council, that the footpaths be properly made, 60 loads of gravel being placed on, and the same to be well rolled, all weeds to be destroyed and the whole to be done to the satisfaction of the Council. Lady Mc Laren also undertakes to insert in the conditions of sale of land abutting that the purchaser shall be held responsible for sewering, and also tiling footpaths opposite their respective plots. In addition Lady McLaren has given the Council a right to construct a sewer through her land to the shore without any compensation being paid). NEW BUILDINGS. Plans of two bungalows to be erected by Mr Cornelius Roberts in a new street off Vic- toria Road were approved, as also were plans of proposed alterations to Woodlands for Mr Tilston Jones, the latter to take all respon- sibility as to the cesspool. ADOPTING LINDEN WALK. A letter from Dr Townsend regarding the above matter had been before the Road and Improvement Committee, who had re- solved that the Council be recommended to proceed with the work of making good the I carriage way on payment of £30, but an undertaking would have to be given in writ- ing by Dr Townsend that the footways shall be tiled and kerbs put in order within six months. In the event of the above conditions not being carried out to the satisfaction of the Council they disclaim any responsibility as to the adoption of the road. (Dr. Townsend at the close of the meeting had an interview with the Council, when it was finally decided that the road be adopted on the foregoing conditions). SUGGESTED PUBLIC SLAUGHTER-HOUSE. The Inspector of Nuisances in his report had referred to the desirability of having a public slaughter-house. The question had been under discussion at the Public Health Committee, where it was thought advisable not to entertain the matter at present, but that pressure be brought to bear on the occupiers of the existing slaugh- ter-houses to keep them thoroughly clean. It had been further resolved that the fol- lowing Councillors inspect the slaughter- houses and report thereon Messrs T. P. Williams, T. B. Griffiths, J. Williams, and Rev F. Jewell. Mr Parry Williams said the above-named had complied with the resolution of the com- mittee, and they were accompanied by the Inspector of Nuisances, who had his report ready to submit to the Council. RESIGNATION OF THE SURVEYOR. Mr W. Thomas, the Surveyor and Inspector of Nuisances, had written tendering his resignation, this being subject to three months notice. The matter had been deferred in committee but Mr Thomas expressed a desire that the resignation be dealt-with at this meeting. Mr T. B. Griffiths proposed that the resignation be accepted. They regretted having to do so, but there was nothing else for it.. Mr Thomas Hughes seconded. Rev F. Jewell, said he was very sorry this matter was before them. They had hoped that by postponing the acceptance of the resignation Mr Thomas would have re-consi- dered the matter and withdrawn the notice. During his connection with the Council Mr 0 Thomas had commended himself to their favour and confidence by the excellent way in which he had carried out the duties which had fallen to him. He was a good servant and an excellent adviser, and it would be a pity for them to pass over the matter without making some attempt to come to an arrange- ment with Mr Thomas. The Chairman said Mr Thomas asked that they accept his resignation that night, and under those circumstances they could not do otherwise. They would have three months in which to consider the matter. Mr Thumas thanked the Couhcil for their kind remarks, and said he had now other interests to attend to, and he could not con- scientiously retain the office of Surveyor and Inspector of Nusances. If he resigned now he would be able to leave the Council having a clean sheet, whereas if he continued in office it might become slightly tarnished later, and he wanted to avoid that (hear, hear). If some other arrangement could be suggested he would be glad to consider it, but he asked them to accept his resignation as Surveyor and Inspector of Nuisances. This was put to the meeting and carried. 0 NEW FOOTPATH. The Surveyor was instructed to prepare an estimate of the cost of making a footpath from Bromley House to the shore. ILLNESS OF MR COWARD. The Council decided to convey to Mr Coward their deepest sympathy in his serious illness, and expressed a hope for his speedy recovery. RAILWAY EXTENSION. A letter from the Railway Company had been before the Road and Improvement Committee regarding the application the Company were about to make before the Light Railway Commissioners for powers to extend their line from Dyserth to Newmarket. The matter was deferred. THE TENNIS GROUND. A letter had been received from Mr H. D. McLaren regarding the letting of ground to the Council suitable for tennis courts, and also the control of the foreshore. The contents of the letter were not divulged, but Mr Parry Williams asked when the Coun- cil intended making a start with the Tennis Court. The time for doing so had arrived, and if put in hand it would be a means of finding work for the local unemployed. In reply the chairman said they expected to make a start on the courts early in the New Year. OVERSEERS AND THEIR POWERS. CHARGE OF UNFAIU RATING A BREEZE. After the Clerk had read the minutes of the Road and Improvement Committee of December 11th, Councillor Griffith pointed out that a resolution which had been proposed, seconded, and carried iu the usual way was not recorded. This was to the effect that the Clerk write to the Local Government Board asking what powers were transferred to Urban Councils under the L.G. Board Act of 1894. It was not right that this should be omitted from the minutes, seing that there was a charge against the overseers of unfair assessment on certain property. The Chairman said be was under the impression that only a casual remark had been made concerning this matter at the end of the meeting, but Councillors Scott, Linnell, and others supported Councillor Griffith's contention that a piopyr resolution had been carried. After consulting the Clerk the Chairman said a letter had been written to the L G, Board, but as yet no reply had been received, and under those circumstances they could not discuss the matter. Councillor Griffith seemed anxious to ventilate the whole question, and asked the Chairman if he was going to rule him out of order. The Chairman Yes, we cannot go further into the matter until we hear from the L.G. Board. Councillor Griffiths I must abide by your docision, but it is a very hard ruling. I "dis- tinctly refuse to discuss the matter in com- mittee. I want the question discussed in the public meeting, especially so as one of the Overseers is not a Councillor. The Chairman We must conform to the rules of the Council. Councillor Griffiths will have an opportunity of discussing the matter when the L.G. Board give their ruling on this question. The resolution referred to was then added to the minutes and the same were adopted. The Chairman said he had received a letter from Mr Banks (one of the overseers). Mr Banks had no right to send him such a letter, and he (the chairman) did not feel justified in placing the communication before the Council. In fact he did not know whether he ought to read it at all, but to shew he wanted to be fair on this question he would probably read it when the reply from the L.G. Board was received. He also wanted to mention that certain matters dealt with in committee were being spoken of outside, and the members had no right to do this. The subject was then dropped. FINANCE. Councillor Linnell suggested that cheques which were being then signed should be held until the end of the year. The Council would Dot then lose interest on the amounts. The Clerk explained that that method was always adopted. The cheques were signed at the meeting but not dated until due. This concluded the public business.