Prestatyn Weekly

Record of Coming Events. May 17.—The Messiah," at the Town Hall. May 24.—Trinity Church, Annual Church Meeting.

Councillors are still holding up to the rate- payers the happy prospect of a reduction of rates in the course of two years. It is to be hoped that this may be so, although a perusal of the estimates for the coming year, which we publish this week, does not seem to lead to that conclusion. At the end of the year, should the estimates be verified, there will still be an overdraft of nearly JE300 to be reckoned upon, -and it is impossible to shut one's eyes to the fact that amongst the estimated receipts are reckoned C280 of arrears. Even the most sanguine of council- lors will not assert that all arrears will be collected next year, yet no allowance for this is visible on the expenditure side of the estimates. It is to be noted that last year, although there was an estimated balance of overIlOO, and the water receipts realised k200 above the estimate, yet the deficit then announced has only been reduced by £ 83

I INTERESTING ITEMS. J Cuckoo! Cuckoo! This herald of the spring is now to be heard daily at Prestatyn. Especially since the refreshing rains of the last few days the voices of all the feathered songsters have greatly developed, and morn till eve, from the musical note of the thrush to the lnush rattle of the corn-craik, the chirping medley may be heard. Lovers of nature will also notice and admire the beautiful fresh green of the trees in our main street, and the blossom of varied hue on the fruit-trees in the gardens round about. Verily, with these and the almost Italian clearness of the atmosphere Prestatyn is now at its best. To Music Lovers. Public attention is called to the important fixture for next Thursday, viz., the oratorio, The Messiah," in the preparation of which the Choral Society have been occupied for months. A special orchestra, larger in number than the one which performed at the Elijah" last year, has been engaged under the same leadership (Mr Horace Haselden), and judging from the singing at the last lew rehearsals of the Society, the periorniance next week should be fully equal to any of the Society's .former concerts—perhaps it will surpass them. Chairman of the Council. Mr T. J. Scott, J.P., attended the Rhyl Petty Sessions on Tuesday where he took the oath of allegiance as a Justice of the Peace in virtue of his office as Chairman of the Prestatyn Council. Drinking Fountain. We notice that the fountain at the top of High Street, the gift of Two Sisters (the Misses Hughes, late of Rose Villa) which had been temporarily removed on account of street improvements, has now been erected on the footpath facing Meliden Road. The former position of the fountain on an island in the middle of the road did not seem a suit- able one, the construction of the monument not being of a circular pattern. In its present position, back against the Plas wall. it seems very much more at home, and of its utility there can be no doubt, provision being made for an abundant and free supply of aqua pura to both man and beast, including our canine friends of which Prestatyn can boast of specimens many and varied. The Fountain on the Shore. Perhaps the fountain on the" promenade will now receive the attention which is its due. During the hot weather a good supply of drinking water is a boon to the children playing on the beach, and this fountain has hitherto been a dissappointmeni in that respect. In Shipshape Order. A neat pavement has now been placed around the big lamp opposite the "Cross Foxes." This will serve as a refuge for pedestrians in their hurried flight from the motorists who now monopolise our roads. Another Concession. Everyone will bo pleased to notice that one of those irritating obstructions on the footway of High Street has now been removed. Let us hope that the owners of the remaining ones may soon be persuaded to follow a good example, so that it will be possible at last to walk almost from end to end of the street without being forced to leave the path. Constitutional Club Pic-nic. The committee of the above club are endeavouring to make arrangements to hold a pic-nic next month. The place mentioned is Eaton Hall, Chester, and members of the Rhyl Club are to be asked to amalgamate. Cricket Club. The newly-formed Cricket Club has com- menced practices, and the first match of the season is likely to take place in a week's time. The officials include Councillor Ingle- field (Chairman of Committee), Mr A.L. Watts (Treasurer), and Mr Wynne (Secretary), with any of whom intending members should communicate. The fee has been fixed at a popular figure, and there should be no dearth of members. To Golfers. Messrs T. H. Jones and Co. are now in a position to furnish intending members of the Prestatyn Golf Club with the necessary kit. On reference to our advertising columns it will be seen that this enterprising firm have in stock a variety of requisites for the game made by the well-known golfer, Mr Fred Collins, Llandudno. The Shady Side. Look always on the sunny side is a very good precept, but experience teaches the tradesman that the shady side is better for his stock. Mr T. E. Hughes, cash chemist, late Constitutional Buildings, has now removed to more commodious and otherwise convenient premises in Victoria Buildings, next to Miss Barber's drapery establishment, where he doubtless hopes to increase his already numerous clientele. Visit of Dr. Horton. This well-known Free Church leader will visit Prestatyn on Tuesday, July 17th,

PRESTATYN COUNCIL. Estimates for the Year. A 5/- Rate Levied. On Monday evening a special meeting of the Council was held for the purpose of con- firming the estimates for the year, and for levying the general district rate. Previous to this meeting the various com- mittees had met and discussed the probable expenditure likely to be incurred iu the several departments. The other business of the committees in- oluded the appointment of chairmen, and the following were selected Road and Improve- ment, Mr Thomas Jones Public Health, Mr John Pritchard Water, Mr Henry Wright Finance, Mr Joseph Banks. Mr T. J. Scott presided over the ensuing Council meeting, and there were also present: Messrs Thomas Jones, T. B. Griffith, A. Greenwood, H. Wright, Rev F. Jewell, Messrs J. Pritchard, Thomas Hughes, W. Inglefield, J. B. Linnell, J. Banks, together with the Town Clerk (Mr John Hughes), and the Surveyor (Mr C. Roberts). The Chairman read the estimates for the year ending March 31st, 1907 (see foot of column). The estimates were adopted, and Mr Banks proposed that a general district rate of 5/- in the £ be levied. Mr Thomas Jones seconded, and said that some people had got the idea from remarks made by him at the previous meeting that there would be a reduction in the rate this year. That was entirely wrong. What he said was that if the public waited patiently for two years they could expect a substantial reduction in the rates. He wanted that made clear, in fairness to himself and everyone else. Mr Linneli thought the public should know what economy they had to excercise to keep the rate at 5/ No doubt the new members would now realise how careful they had to be. Mr Banks, in reference to Mr Jones' re- marks, understood it was generally accepted that the latter's statement meant there would be a reduction of 1/3 in the rate in two years' time. Rev F. Jewell said it would be a matter of education for any ratepayer to go with the Council through such a day as they had just experienced, and see how difficult it was to arrange the finances for carrying on town matters. He questioned the advisability of tieing.the hands of the Council of two years hence. There would be enterprising men in Z) the Council Chamber, and they would have many things to do. If they were to compete, with rival towns he did not think there would be such a delightful reduction as was spoken of. If they wanted an attractive watsring place they must be prepared for a similar rate as now. If they reduced the rate the town's revenue would very soon suffer, as people would not come here unless we were able to compete with the many other attractive places. A rate of 51- was then unanimously adopted. PRESTATYN VIEWS. A communication was read from the Rail- way Company stating that, the 20 views of Prestatyn had now been placed in 10 main line carriages. Mr Jewell has brought this matter up time after time, and on this announcement being read he was complimented on his wish being gratified at last. j RAILWAY FACILITIES. > A letter was read from the Traffic Superin- 3 tendent regretting he could not see his way to stop the London train at Prestatyn which left Holyhead at 7-45 a.m. But from May 1st a train would stop at Prestatyn at 10-45 a.m. i Mr Banks did not consider this satisfactory. i For six years there had been a good train to 3 London calling at Prestatyn just after 10, and that had been taken off months ago. There had been no train between 9-27 and 12-22, and the one they were putting on now was but a poor substitute for the train taken off. ) This sort of thing was a great drawback to a place like Prestatyn, and there were very many complaints regarding it. He proposed that a further alteration be asked for. Mr Jewell secoudfcd. Mr Wright proposed that a deputation wait on the Superintendent. Mr T. B. Griffiths seconded, and this was agreed to. The following were appointed as a deputa- tion The Chairman, Mr Banks, Mr Linneli, Mr Thos. Jones, and the Clerk. Mr Griffith asked if anything bad been heard regarding opening the gate on the shore side of the station. The Clerk replied in the negative, and it was arranged that the deputation should also bring this matter to the notice of the Railway Company. THE MAGISTRACY. In reply to a communication from the Council regarding a permanent magistrate for Prestatyn, a letter was received stating that the Lord Chancellor had the matter under consideration.

PRESTATYN GYMNASIUM. Interesting Presentation. On Thursday night the Prestatyn Gymna- sium Club brought its season to a close with a whist drive, at which there was a large company present. The prizes were awarded as follows: Ladies—1st, Miss Williams (Rhyl) 181; 2nd, Miss M. Miller, 176; lowest, Miss Kelly. Gentlemen 1st. Mr George Roberts, 178 2nd, Mr C. Littler, 174 lowest, Mr Watts. During the interval there was a very interesting incident, Mr Inglefield being presented with a handsome chiming clock in oak case by the members. Mr Clement Hughes.in making the presenta- tion on behalf of the club, said the members were very desirous of acknowledging the services rendered by Mr Inglefield. A mere vote of thanks they did not consider sufficient, so that they decided to shew their apprecia- tion in a tangible way by making Mr Inglefield a little present (applause). lie was one of the prime movers in the formation of the the club, and throughout had taken a very active interest in it. As their instructor Mr Inglefield had done splendid work, and there was hardly any need for him (the speaker) to remind them that these services had been rendered free (cheers). He had much pleasure in asking Mr Inglefield to accept the clock. In Stepping forward to accept the present, Mr Inglefield was greeted with loud applause, and in acknowledgement he said lie hardly express his appreciation of their kindly action. Ho was only one of many that had worked on behalf of the club, and the speaker paid a tribute of praise to Mr Watts in this connection. Mr luglefield said that what pleased him more than anything else was the very kind feeling which existed 0 among all the members—thsy had a most happy time (applause). He was not the originator of the movement, for he had been approached by Mr Watts and Mr Hughes, and it was very pleasing to know the club had been a success (applause). He debired to acknowledge the generous support given the club in the form of prizes as well as donations, and he hoped this interest would be kept up. He again thanked the members for their very kindly action. The clock, which was supplied by Mr Freeman, jeweller, bore a silver plate with the following inscription :—" Presented to Mr William Inglefield by the members of the Prestatyn Gymnasium, as a small token of their appreciation of the valuable services rendered by him to the club."

Ode to the Telephone. Tinkle, tinkle, telephone; How I wonder why I own Such a thing as you at all, Like an earache in the hail

PRESTATYN URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. Estimates for the Year ending 31st March, 1907. EXPENDITURE. RECEIPTS. £ s- d- £ s. d. Water Supply. 199 10 4 General District Rate on assessable Roads 375 3 0 value of £9,000, at 5/-in the JE: 2250 0 0 Public Lighting 92 0 0 „ on n n Miscellaneous 15 15 0 Arrears of Former Rate 80 0 0 Scavenging 93 12 0 Water Rentals 800 0 0 Sewerage 117 18 0 Arrears of 200 0 0 I £ 893 18 4 County Council Grant towards Rds. 120 0 0 Fire Brigade ^0 0 0 „ Moiety of Salaries 35 0 0 Establishment 90 0 0 Salaries 300 0 0 Licenses and other sources 20 0 0 Election 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 Private Stieet Works 100 0 0 jE1323 18 4 Loans to be repaid (capital and interest)- 1 Sewerage 209 16 10 2 Fire Engine 52 0 0 3 Waterworks (£1,000) 445 14 10 4 Nant Hall Road. 78 4 0 5 Waterworks ( £ 6,000) 0.000000 267 811 6 11 cost of Act 606 10 0 7 Public Offices 74 15 0 8 Waterworks ( £ 1,000) 44 11 6 9 High St. and Meliden Rd. Sewer 86 10 0 10 Private Street Works (JMOO) 134 0 0 11 „ 11 (£168).. 46 0 0 12 High Street improvements 19 8 7 13 Fforddlas Road Sewer 26 7 2 # £3,415 5 2 Actual amount overdrawn on General Account 474 14 0 £ 3.889 19 2 I: jES.605 0 0