Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
9 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.…
RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting was held at the Work- house on Monday. Mr. Owen Williams pre- sided, and there were present Messrs. John Roberts (Vice-chairman), E. R. Evans, Edward Jones, E. Powell Jones, John Williams (Lian- rhaiadr), T. H. Roberts, E. T. Jones, John Worthington, John Jones (Llanarmon), Isaac Daniel, Robert Jones (Gytiylliog), Maurice Jones, Rev. W. Richards, Thomas Jones (Plas Coch), E. White, Corner Roberts, J. O. Wil- liams, with the Clerk (Mr. R. H. Roberts), and the two Inspectors (Messrs. E. Evans and Wil- liam Jones). MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. The Medical Officer (Dr. J. Medwyn Hughes), wrote saying he had been called that morning to attend an urgent case at Llanarmon, and begged the Board to excuse him. The Clerk then read the Medical Officer's report, which was to the ettect that a few more cases of scarlet fever had been notified to him since the last meeting. Two ca.seshad occurred as Llandyrnog, three at Derwen village, and one at Pen-y-bank, Derwen. He visited these places with the Inspectors, and saw that all precautions were taken to prevent the spread of the fever. Scarlet fever had also broken out at Mill House, Llanrhaiadr, and the filthy ac- cumulation in the mill pond and the pigstyes in the neighbourhood would be conductive to the spread of the disease. The report was adopted, and during the dis- cussion that followed, Mr. E. T. Jones was afraid that pigstyes were too often condemned as the source of scarlet fever and other diseases prevalent in the district. Scarlet fever was now-a-davs in the air, and the eamtary officers should be very careful not to condemn poor people's pigstyes ia this respect Mr. John Roberts said that one important thing for their officers to do was to see that pigstyes were kept fairly clean and disinfected. If this was done, there would be no need in most cases to condemn the pigstyes themsel- ves. No resolution was passed on the subject. WATER POLLUTION AT LLANDYRNOG. Mr. T. H. Roberts called attention to the pollution of a stream at Llandyrnog caused by sewage from the shippons and ctables at Pen tr(-fel in'fli-ii) He said that many people used this water for domestic purposes, and as the case had been before the Council several times before, he should like to know from the Inspector (Mr. E. Evans) why the cause of com- plaint had not been removed. The Inspector said thai the agent to the Kinmel estate had promised to carry out the necessary work at Pentrefelin at an early date. Mr. T. H. Roberts: We have heard that many times before. THE • BLACK LIST' OF THE BAGOT ESTATE. During the reading of the Inspector's report, several dwelling houses on the Bagot and other estates were referred to as being in urgent need of repairs. Mr. T. H. Roberts said the Council, some time ago, had ordered a black list' to be pre- pared in connection with the Bagot estate. He should like to know whether the list had been made ? The Inspector said the list had been made, and duly presented to the Council. The 'hairman: Yes, that is so, and the list has been read. The Clerk said great many improvements had been carried out on the Bagot estate lately. Mr. E. R. Evans: Yes, they are working very well indeed. More improvements bad been carried out on this estate during the last tnree years than any other estate in the Vale. THE DERWEN DRAIN. A letter was read from Mr. Wickham, of Derwen, to whose farm it is proposed to drain the village, stating, in reply to the Council's inquiry, that be was willing to allow the out- fall of the drain to be in his field provided the Council paid a nominal rent, say 5s. per annum, to give him the power to remove the nuisance at any time he required it, give com- pensation to the tenant for the damage (if any), and first obtain the consent of the tenant to the ariangemeut. A long discussion took place as to this. It appeared that the drain was only needed to can y the sewage from three houses and some pigstyes. There were some against the Coun- eii doing the work, as in that case they would have to keep it in order, and so forth, while it would only be for the benefit of one owner, Mr. William Davies, that the sewer be made. Mr. T. H. Roberts moved that the owner be asked to abate the nuisance, that he be granted permission to carry the drain under the road, but that he make his own terms with fcha land- lord. This was agreed to. BRIDGE OVER THE CLYWEDOG. A letter was read from the Parish Council of LJanynys asking the District Council to repair a footbridge over the river Clywsdog, between Hengoed Farm and Nant. It was explained in the letter that the footpath led to Ruthin, and that the present bridge was in a most danger- ous state. The Clerk said he had replied to the letter that it was a matter for the Parish Council and not for the District Council. Mr. T. H. Roberts said they ought as a. Council to treat all alike in this matter. They bad already refused similar applications. Mr. Henry Williams: Yes, treat all alike by all means. Some time ago, we authorised our surveyor to erect a bridge at Pandy'r Capel, and another by Derwen The present applica- tion was exactly a similar one, Mr. John Roberts asked whether the bridge had been repaired by the old Highway Board Mr. Henry Williams: Yes. Mr. Thomas Jones: I believe it is a private road on Lord Bag-ot's estate. A member: It is a footpath used by the public. Mr. T. H. Roberts: It might be a convenient path for the tenants of the estate. Mr. E. P. Jones: I think Lord Bagot himself should do the work. I know he has dene it before. The Clerk said his opinion' was, that unless it could be shown that the District Council, through the Highway Board, had taken upon themselves the erection and repair of these bridges, that formed no part of their'business, and it was a. mere matter for the Parish Coun- cil. ENCROACHMENT AT LLANRHA IADR It having been reported that Mr. J. Roberts' Brynmulan, Llanrhaiadr, had encroached op the road near his residence, it was decided to allow the encroachment to remain on payment of a nominal rent of Is. per annum. THE USE OF SLEDGES ON PENFOEL ROAD. Mr. W. Richards moved that the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Council pro- hibiting the use of sledges on Penfoel Road, Llanarmon, be rescinded. In supporting his motion, Mr. Richards said that he did not wish to say anything unpleasant on this matter, or to reflect in any way upon those who supported the resolution at the last meet ing. However, he wished to point out that to stop the quarrymen from using the sledges on the above road would cause a great deal of inconvenience and loss to these people, whilst the corresponding benefit to the parish or dis- trict would be but small. The Council should bear in mind that to keep the quarries at the top end of the road going was a matter of some consideration to the Union, because one quarry had been rated to E50, and the other to f25 per annum, and it was to the advantage of the Union to do something for the quarrymen. Moreover, the owners of the quarry were ready tnd willing to madfc good any damage sustain- ed through using the eledges, if the Council could prove that such da.ma.ge was done. The use made of these sledges did not prevent traffic being carried on along the road, because the sledges were not used until the stones placed on the road were properly set, It would be a matter of great convenience to the men to be allowed to me the sledges, and as the loss to the district in respect of the damage done was so very small, he begged to propose 61, that the resolution passed be rescinded. MI. T -H- Roberts- seconded, and pointed out that the union benetited to a certain extent from the rates paid on these quarries. The Council should be very careful not to do any- thing that would do away with the living of these people, unless it could be shown that the using of the sledges caufied a heavy loss to the ratepayers. Timber was continually being carried along the roads of the districts, and in his opinion these sledges caused no more dam- age to the roads than timber waggons. Mr. Richards: A great deal less. Mr. White proposed, as an amendment, that the resolution now on the books be adhered to. If they granted the use of th<a sledges, they would be bound to get into trouble. Mr. John Roberts seconded. Mr. Henry Williams asked whether it was not possible to arrive at a compromise in the matter? Mr. E. R. Evans asked whether it was not possible to get the quarry owners to take over the road in question and maintain it at their own expense? Mr. Richards said that would be hardly fair to the quarrymen. To expect them to main- tain a road id order to save the district was really too much to expect. As to the state- ment that the roadman spent half his time on the road in question, he begged to say that it was a most misleading statement. On being put to the meeting, 11 voted in favour of adhering to the resolution, and 4 against. Mr. Richards (warmly) said the case would not be allowed to remain where it was, although the majority of the Council had voted against him. He would have a statement of the case prepared, and circulated throughout the whole parishes. The Council had taken advantage of farmers who were paying rates like themselves, and the case would certainly not rest where it was at present. GYFFYLLIOG BRIDGE. A letter was read from Mr. Hagh Thomas, Gytry lliog, in reference to the state of a bridge called Afoii y Llan, Gyffylliog, and it was decided to appoint a committee to visit the place.
.. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.
BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Mr. Henry Williams presided at the fort- nightly meeting of the above Board, on Mon- day, and there were present, in addition to the District Councillors, Mrs. Lumley, Mrs. E. Roberts, Rev. J. F. Reece, Mr. J. H. Simon, Mr. T. P. Roberts, and Mr. John Evans, Llan rhaiadr. THE QUESTION OF CANVASSING. A HEATED DISCUSSION. Mr. Thomas Jones, Plas Coch, proposed the following resulution of which he had given no- tice That canvassing the Guardians by a candidate for any appointment to be filled up by the Board be a disqualiifcation, and that in all advertisements of the vaeancies to be filled, this be notified.' Mr. Jones said he would sim ply move the resolution without any comment. Mr. T. H. Roberts said that the Clerk wrote to the members of the Board, about a month ago, a post card to say that there was no canvassing to be allowed, but although the Clerk had written, he had authority for saying that canvassing did take place for the recent appointment. He thought it a farce to pass a resolution of that kind—(Mr. T. P. Roberts, 'Hear, hear.')—unless it was done in cases where they had authority to rule. He thought it best to let the matter alone. Mr. Owen William* Slid he begged to second Mr. Jones' motion. If canvassing was dis- allowed, it would save the candidates a great deal of trouble and expense, and would cause the Guardians less worry than under the pre- sent system. The amount of canvassing done when an office became vacant was a regular nuisance, and even now, when there was a pro- spect of one of the offices becoming vacant, al- though not ectually vacated, persons were al- ready canvassing the members of the Board. Canvassing had been disallowed by other pub- lic bodies, and he really thought that a resolu- tion of this kind should be adopted by them. Rev.W. Richards said he was not of the same opinion itS those who were in favour of doing away with canvassing altogether. There was certainly an advantage to be derived from can- vassing, as it afforded the members of the Board an opportunity of coming to know the applicants, and to form an opinion as to their capabilities. He would propose that canvassing be allowed. ¿ <> Rev. J. F. Reece said he had great pleasure in seconding Mr. Richards' proposal. If Mr. Thomas Jones had moved that canvassing be disallowed altogether by everybody, the candi- date and all his friends, he should have been inclined to support him, but Mr. Jones did not propose that. He only proposed that the candi- dates themselves should not be allowed to can- vass. If a son were a candidate, he could not canvass, but his father would be allowed to do so, and if the father was allowed to canvass, it would be as well to let the son do so too. If they allowed canvassing by others than the candidates, it was very unfair to the candi- dates themselves to be debarred. The Chairman said he understood Mr. Jones, in his resolution, prosposed to disallow can vas- sing both directly or indirectly. Mr. Reece said that it was canvassing by a candidate that was meant in the resolution. But what was the good of not allowing one person to canvass, at the same time permitting all his friends and relations to do so. There was also a great deal to be said in favour of what Mr. Richards had said, viz., that when there was canvassing, they came to know more of the candidates and their qualifications. Of course, they knew very well that in this district, if a man was a Calvinistic Methodist, he had a grand chance of being elected (Cries of Dis- sent). But a poor Wesleyan or an Indepen- dent or a Baptist must canvass to make known his qualifications. It was, on the other hand, a certificate of honour to be a Calvinistic Me- thodist, and no canvassing would be needed where that certificate existed (laughter and op- position). But they, as a Board, should allow the Baptists and the Wesleyaus and other de- nominations to canvass in order to make known their merits, otherwise they would have no means of making known their claims. The Chairman I must really call you to or- der, Mr. Reece. You must confine yourself to the subject. I see no good in anyone making speeches at this Board and attack one another, and making personal allusions in the matter. Mr Gomer Roberts I beg to propose, Mr. Chairman, that you permit Mr. Reece to go on with his speech, because I really think that this has been weighing on his mind for some Weeks (laughter). We heard a portion of this sermon a fortnight to-day (laughter); and as you, Mr. Chairman, put the extinguisher on him on that occasion, it is possible that he did not get an opportunity to say all he wanted to say (laugh- ter). Do let him proceed, Mr. Chairman, and let us hear all he has to tell us aboutthe Calvin- istic Methodists and their sins (laughter). If you will do that, I can assure you that Mr. Reece's sermon will not be a long one. Mr. E. R. Evans I support Mr. Gomer Ro- berts' remarks. Let us hear what he has in his belly' (loud laughter). Mr. Isaac Daniel: Can't we get all this in Welsh ? Mr. Reece said he was very glad that they had one wise Guardian, in the person of Mr. Gomer Roberts, amongst them, and that he had a much clearer conception of their duties in this matter than even the Chairman himself. If canvassing disqualified the candidates, the Board should see that no canvassing was done by their friends and relatives. In fact, can- vassing should be prohibited all round, or not interfered with at all. Mr. T. P. Roberts said he was in favour of allowing things to stand as they were. Mr. Richards had given a number of reasons for negativing the motion, and, in his opinion, they were very strong reasons indeed. Canvassing really afforded members of the Board an op- portunity to form an opinion as to the capabi- lities of those candidates who were strangers to ih em. Mr. White said that the passing of the resolu- tion would be a mere sham. Personally, he should like to interview each of the candidates. Mr. Thomas Jones said he was sorry that un. kind remarks were made in the course of this discussion. Had Mr. Reece forgotten that he himself was once an Independent? He (Mr. Jones) had often been told that the fly that rose from the dung, ascended the highest (laughter). It was a matter of regret that no member of the Board could'make a statement without being liable to be the object of unkind and uncalled-for remarks from Mr. Reece (hear, hear). The Chairman then proceeded to put the matter to the vote, and gave the resolution up first. Mr. T. P. Roberts The amendment should be put first, Mr. Chairman. The Chairman The amendment is a direct negative in this case, and there is no need of putting it. You can vote against the resolu- tion, and that is all required, A vote was then taken, 12 voting for the re- solution, and 9 against. The resolution was then declared carried. Mr. T. P. Roberts then proposed that votes be taken in future by ballot. The Clerk replied he was bound by the regu- lations to register the name of every voter. Mr. Reece proposed an amendment to the substantive motion that canvassing, either di- rectly or indirectly be disallowed. Mr. T, H. Roberts asked whether that would exclude canvassing by the member. He would be able to prove that certain members did can- vass, and pretty hard too. They canvassed more a good deal than many of the candidates. The Clerk said that the poor candidates could not be responsible for what the Guar- dians, did. A candidate could only be respon- sible for what it could be proved he, or his agents had done. They could not pass a resolu- tion to prevent a Guardian doing what he liked. Mr. T. H. Roberts If that is so, I think this resolution is a farce. Nine voted for the amendment, and none against, and the Chairman declared it carried. RESIGNATION OF A RATE COLLECTOR- The following letter, from Mr. Fox, Denbigh Collector of Rates and Assistant Overseer for the Llanrhaiadr District of the Union, was read Adval1dng years compel me to resign the office of Assistant Overseer which I hold, from the 25th day of March next. In doing so, I avail myself of the opportunity of expressing my sincere thanks to the past and present Guardians for the very great kindness and forbearance shown to me in the fulfilment of the duties of my office for upwards of 40 years, I having been appointed in the year 1855. I feel that I cannot allow the occasion to pass without making this acknowledgment.' The Chairman: He has been a very good officer to the Board,for a very long period.' Mr. E. T. Jones And very well paid. Mr. Owen Williams moved that the resigna- tion be accepted, and that the thanks of the Guardians be tendered to Mr. Fox for the man- ner in which he had carried out his duties. He had been a very experienced officer, and had carried out his duties in the most regular man- ner. He did not remember having heard a pin- gle word of unpleasantness with, or complaint against Mr. Fox. Mr. White seconded. After considerable discussion, it was decided that the Clerk should communicate with the different Parish Councils in the district with respect to filling the vacancy. He explained to the Board that, under the new Act, while that Board would have to appoint a Hate Collector, each parish had now power to appoint an As. sistant Overseer. It was desirable that the same man, as heretofore, should hold both offices, and the Board passed a resolution to this effect, and directed the Clerk to explain the matter fully to the parishes. It was stated that a salary of £ 105 was al- lowed for the duties of Rate Collector, and a net sum of 965 was allowed by the Revising Barrister for the Assistant Overseer's work in connection with all the parishes in the Llan- rhaiadr District. THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND TREATS TO THE INMATES. THE MASTER'S REPORT. The Clerk read the following report by the Master, Mr. J. E. Roberts, as to the Christmas festivities for the inmates:- On Wednesday evening, January the Cth, the above event took place. At 6 p.m., all the in- mates assembled in the dining hall, where tea was provided for them. An ample supply of currant and seed cake was also given to each inmate. After tea, the contents of a Christmas Tree were distributed between the children by Miss Jenkins, Colomendy, and Mrs. Dr. T. G. Jenkins, assisted by the Misses Roberts, Record House, and other kind ladies.This being over, a bran pie was brought to the dining hall, and all the children partook of its contents, includ- ing a purse for each of the elder children, each purse Containing a cash prize of Is. Gd., and smaller presents for the younger children. The town band played several selections of music during the evening. This treat was got up by the kind subscriptions of several ladies and gentleman. Among the numerous subscribers we beg to mention the following :—Mrs. Naylor Neyland, Nantclwyd, a cheque of W. Pil- kington, Esq., Ruthin Castle, f2; Stanley Weyman, Esq., Llanrhydd Hall, £ 1 Is.; .-Ed- ward Mapplebeck, Esq., £ 1 Is.; G. F. Lyster, Esq., Plas Issa., ;£1: R. Blezard, Ercq., Pool Park, £ 1 E. O. V. Lloyd, Esq., High Sheriff, ;Cl Mrs. Bamford, Llanrhaiadr Hall, El Thos. Williams, Esq.. Llewesog Hall, X- I Mrs. Brem- ner, The Woodlands, 10s. 6d.; T. H. Williarns- Idris, Esq., Camden Town, 10s. 6d.: Messrs. Knight and Co., Fleet Street, London, 10s.; Mrs. Tooth, Cerygllwydion Hall, 10s.; W. G. Rigby, Esq. Plas Llanychan, 10s.; Mrs. Corn- wallis West, Rulhin Castle, toys to the value of fl Col. G. Gregson Ellis. Hall, very kindly sent a basket of oranges and toffee for all the children. The adult inmates also received from the Christmas Tree, for all the men, tobacco, buns, oranges and for all the women, a bag each, containing a packet of tea and sugar. The Master begs also to report the receipt of presents from several of the trades- men towards cheering the inmates during the Christmas and New Year's Festivities. Per- haps it would not be altogether uninteresting to give a short description of the childrens' toys and other prizes. For the boys: a foot- ball and cricket set, and a ball each for the girls, skipping ropes and dolls. For the four elder girls, workboxes (which I am pleased to state had been fitted up by Mrs. Lumley, with thimbles, needles, cotton, &c.), also two aprons each for the two eldest girls. Each boy also received a scarf, handkerchief, and one pair of gloves and each girl, fur tie, lace collar, hand- kerchief, and a pair of gloves. In conclusion, the Master has pleasure in relating that four boys and four girls had opened accounts in the Post Office Savings Bank. They had each been provided with a Savings Bank Book, and they made their first deposit of 2s. each on the 12u'h inst. I may also state that presents of one pint of coffee for each inmate was provided for by E. O. V. Lloyd, Esq., High Sheriff, and W. G. Rigby, Esq., Plas Llanychan, and bun loaf and tobacco for all the men from the Clerk- Mr. Humphreys Roberts. The following letter had been received from Mr. F. T. Bircham, the Government Inspector: I enclose a Postal Order for 4s., two girls and two boys Is. each for their Savings Bank Book, as you or the Committee may select. I will do this yearly as and when you remind me.'
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THE FORWARD MOVEMENT. THE annual report of the Church Extension and Mission Society ('Forward Movement') of the Calvinistic Methodists of Wales, for 1S96, has just been issued. The receipts are returned at £ 4,493 9s. Id., the balance in hand at the end of the year being 9-1,765 10s. 3d. In the report stress Is laid upon the fact that the movement has been the means of arousing the country on behalf of non-attendants, and for kindling en- thusiasm for doing everything possible to win them to the hearing of the Gospel. The move ment at present has 30 centres under its care, and from its commencement, in May, 1891, 3u congregations have been formed, consisting of 13,000 hearers, gathered together for the most part from amongst the lowest class; 27 churches have been organised 24 halls have been built; and six old chapels taken over where the cause had almost become extinct. Of the 30 centres now in full operation, nine were started dur- ing the last twelve months, the whole of these, with the exception of Ruabon, being in South Wales. It is pointed out that the Presbyterian Church of England, which is closely related so the Calvinistic Methodist Connexion, has de- rived a powerful impetus from the success of the Forward Movement, to renewed effort to reclaim the large, populous waste of the En- glish towns. The great drawback of the move- ment in the past has been the scarcity of suit- able evangelist, but during the past few months several young preachers, after leaving college, have undertaken the work, so that at the pre- sent the great majority of evangelists are regu- lar ministers of the connexion. It is proposed to extend the women's branch of the move- ment, and Mrs. Davies, of Treborih, widow of the late Lord-Lieutenant of Anglesea, has un- dertaken to defray the expense of furnishing the first home which will be opened in Cardiff to carry on work amongst the women.
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Mrs. Miliill of Great Haddow, near Chelms- ford, has reached the 100th anniversary of her birthday. She has three children living, 27 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren.
PETTY SESSIONS
PETTY SESSIONS Before Messrs. T. Davies Cooke, B. E. Phil- lips, C. P. Morgan and H. St, John Raikes. LICENSING. Annie Maria Hill, was granted temporary authority at the Cross Keys, Mold till the first of March. SCHOOL BOARD. William Hookes, charged Thomas William8 of Wylfa for not sending his child to school- Defandant was fined 5s. To pay forthwith. POACHING. Walter Hurst, of Bedlwyn Farm Tryddyn, charged Richard Bailey and William Evans with poaching. Complainant stated that at 6-15 a.m he went out and found footracks and wires set. Defendants came and took the wires up, and a rabbit. They then went into another field and took some more wires. Complainant went up to Evans, and asked him for the wires. Complainant found them in his pocket. Bailey then made a rush at complainant, and threa- tened him. Defendants were tine i 10s. and 5s. 3d. costs each, or 14 days Bailey was bound over for three months and to pay costs, 9s. or 7 days. A DRUNKEN FOX. P. C. Jones charged Racliael Fox, with drunkenness. Complainant stated that defen- dant was sitting on the footpath in Chester Street too drunk to go home; he locked her up for safety. Defendant was ordered to pay 5e. costs.
. FLINTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL.
FLINTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. IMPORTANT MEETING. A SPECIAL meeting of the Flintshire County Council was held at the Town Hall, on Saturday last, when there were present, Ala. Dr. Easterby (presiding), Hr. W. Elwy Wil- liams (Vice chairman), Alderman J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., Mr. Herbert Gladstone, M.P., Alderman J. Williams (Buckley), Alderman Peter Jones (Catch), Ald. J. Roberts (Well- house), Alderman W. Davies, Alderman W. Davies, Alderman W. Jones (Holywell), Al- derman Samuel; Davies, Aid, Joseph Hall. Councillors G. A. Parry, P. Ll. Jones, T. W. Hughes, H. Lloyd Jones, Peter Roberts, J. Bellis, W. Williams (Tryddyn), T. Parry, H. G. Roberts, E. Blane, J. L. Muspratt, Dr. J. Humphrey Williams, R C. Eynon, R. Jones (Ffynnongroew), T. T Kelly (clerk), T. H. Olive (Deputy clerk), and Major "W ebber (chief constable). PROPOSED TRANSFER, OF MARFORD AND HOSELEY TO DENBIGHSHIRE. The Chairman explained that the primin- ary object of the meeting was t > take steps to oppose the application for the transfer of Marford and Hoseley to Denbighshire. Councillor H. G. Roberts, stating the cir- cumstances of the proposed transfer, re- marked that it would mean a great reduction in the rateable value of Flintshire. The inhabitants of the district itself were unani mously against the proposal, and he pro duced a petition to that effect. The rateable value meant a reduction of £ 2,241. He pro- posed that the council take steps to oppose the movement. Councillor J. Bellis in seconding, remarked that he could not understand why there was so much bother being made with the affair, and would like to know who was behind the scenes 1 Councilor Muspratt supported. He thought that Denbighshire ought to give more to Flintshire rather than take portions from them. The motion was unanimously carried, and a committee together with the clerk was appointed to oppose the application at Rhyl on the 20th inst. THE RAILWAY MONOPOLY IN NORTH WALES. SPEECH BY MR. J. H. LEWIS, M.P. LEVELLING UP OF RAILWAY RATES. The next business on the agenda was to receive the report of the Railway Rates and Railway and Parliamentary Committee on the Railway Bill to be brought forward at the next session of Parliament affecting Flintshire. Mr. J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., arising to state what had transpired at the conference, was received with applause, and said :— 'It is my duty to bring up the report of the conference of representatives of the Flintshire and Carnarvonshire County Coun- cils held at Conway on Thursday last. There were five representatives present from Flintshire, and six from Carnarvonshire, and lam glad to say that tbeproceedingsthrough- out were of a thoroughly united and har- monious character; there was no difference of opinion whateverwith regard to the course which the conference had decided to recom- mend, in the first instance to the respective County Councils that had appointed them, and in the second plr-ce to the the other councils, and Public Bodies in North Wales. The council will no doubt remember that last year a bill was introduced by the Lon- don and North Western Railway Company, to make certain changes in their line from Chester to Holyhead. Owing as was stated at the time, to the opposition which that measure then received, the portion of the bill'relating to North Wales was withdrawn, and the company undertook to bring in a. special bill relating to North Wajes this year. Gentlemen had gone up to London, one of them a member of this Council, pre- pared to give important evidence with re- gard to the rates that were charged not oily by the Chester and Holyhead Railway, but also on the Branch lines; they had no op- portunitiy of giving the evidence because the London and North Western Railway Company thought fit to withdraw that por- tion of the bill. However, I am glad to say as has already been reported to the commit te?. of this council, the railway company I have taken into consideration the repre sentations with regard to rates that were then made they have admitted the justice of these complaints, and they have, to some extent, at all events, redressed the inequali- ties that were then complained of, and re- dress has been extended to individual tra- ders, but what we as a public body repre- senting the public ask for is, that that re- dress shall be extended to the general body of traders and farmers all round. The ques- tions which we have to consider in connec- tion with this bill divides it, I think, into three parts; first of all, there are the questions relating to Flintshire itself, to its bridges, main roads, and the alterations that the company propose to make in this county. Secondly there is this general question of the higher maximum of rates that are charged upon the Chester and Holyhead section, higher than are charged on other sections of the main line. And then thirdly there will be the questions of Junctions at Hope and Shotton. Then there is also another impor tant question which perhaps comes under the heading of bridges, but which is of a general character, namely, clause 10, of the bill, and the rather extraordinary provision it seeks to make with regard to the question of rates and charges generally. A petition was sub-
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If you require your PHOTOGRAPHS taken in the best style, at moderate charges, go to D. & A. HUGHKS, Photographers, Mold. Clubs, Schools, &c., by appointment.
.. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING.
Clerk to supply each member of the Council with a copy of the modern bye-laws, and com- municate also with other towns in respect of their bvm-laws. If that was done, they could see for'themselves how far they could. follow the modern bye-laws, and frame Momethmg that would be useful for them ia Rufckis. Mr. T. P. Roberts said that the question put by Alderman R. P. Da vies was a very proper one to ask. He also should like t. know what was required more than was already in force. Mr. T. J. Roberts said he quite endorsed the sentiments expressed by the Mayor, and would propose that it be an instructioa to the Town Clerk to supply the members of the Council with a copy of Knights' Modern Bye-laws, and also of the bye-laws in force in the adjoining towns such as Denbigh, Wrexham, &c., together with a copy of the old bye-laws Mr. T. P. Roberts seconded the motion, which was agreed to. The Mayor, in reply to Mr. William Jones, said they had no new bye-laws under the Public Health Act of 1875. The old bye-laws had been in force for 35 years, and were adop- ted when Mr. John Jenkins was Town Clerk. THE STREET IMPROVEMENTS LOAN. The Town Clerk read the correspondence which had taken place on the above. He had received a letter from the Local Government Board, in which it was stated that the Board had had under its consideration the report of the Inspector who held a public inquiry at Ruthin, and would comply with the application of the Corporation for the loan of 9,500 except as regards two item of 920 and E-5 in respect of the improvements proposed to be carried out in Wernfechan and Fives Court Lane. They would therefore sanction the borrowing of £475, such sum to be repaid within a period not exceeding 15 years. Mr. Ronw: That means about a rate of a iid. The Mayor: That depends upon where you get the money. Mr. Bvford: We have agreed as to that, have we not ? The Mayor: No. The Town C:erk said he had been asked to inquire of the Public Works Commissioners, who charged 3b per cent. for all monfcy lent. Mr. Rouw: Might I lr-Ic whether a private offer is not obtainable ? The Town Clerk said he had enquired of some of his clients, but they did not seem anxious to give such an amount of money under per cent. They did not care either about 2 the repayment by instalments. However, he had been in correspondence with a firm in Liverpool, Messrs. Preston & Cet., who offered to advance the necessary amount for 31 per cent., their charge for procuring the loar: being £ 13 10s. Mr. R. P. Davies asked whether it would not be better to communieate with the Royal Exchange Insurance Company with whom, although paying a high rate of interest, they as a Corporation had previously dealt. He thought it only right for them to communicate with this company, and he was not at all pleased with the suggestion to deal with people they knew nothing about. Mr. Byford: What do we pa,y the Royal Insurance now ? The Town Clerk: Fiva per cent. The Mayor said that Messrs. Preston & Co. was a very respectable Hrm, aad were in the habit of lending large suuis of money to public bodies in different parts of fcha country. They | had now £ 200,000 in hand ready to be given out as loans. He knew scores of public bodies that had obtained money from this firm in the same way as they now proposed. The only objection there might be to negotiate with j them was the exho-rbitant sum charged for proem- ng the loan. Thefother day they nego- tiated a small loan, and the costs did not ^amount to one fifth of the sum mentioned by •Messrs. Preston. The Town Clerk said that no doubt the Royal Exchange Insurance Company would advance the money, but they would employ their own solicitor, and he v ould charge the usual charges under the Solicitors Remunera- tion Act, which would amount to about £ 11 10s. Mr- Rouw: If we decide to day to negotiate for this loan, how long will it take to get it.? The Mayor: A week or nine days, I should say. Mr. Rouw: I suppose none of the local banks will advance the loan? The Mayor: That is a question upon which I have a doubt. Mr. Rouw: I don't see why we should go out of the district if one of the local banks will advance us the money. Mr. W. Jones was anxious to know whether it was worth while advertising the loan, but the other members did not think that neces- sary. Mr. Thomas Williams supported Mr. R. P. Davies' suggestion in favour of communica- ting with the Royal Insurance Company. Mr, Rouw suggested that the local banks be included in the resolution, and it was ultima- tely agreed to the motion with this addition. Mr. Rouw: Failing to get better terms, I move that we acceps the terms ef Messrs. Preston. Mr. T. J. Roberts seconded, anli it was car- ried. The Mayor, in reply to a question, said that the loans now outstanding amounted to £ 882, and the total liabilities after obtaining the new loan would be about 1:1,600. Mr. Byford: That is very little in a town like this. The Mayor said they had decreased the loans very considerably during recent years. VOLUNTEER ENCAMPMENT. Mr. Rouw said he had given notice of his intention to call attention to the Volunteer Encampment for 1897, and to ask the Council to send an invitation to the Commanding Officers of different regiments to come to Ruthin. He understood that the Yeomanry had decided not to camp at Denbigh, but would go to Rhyl. They in Ruthin ought to do something in order to endeavour to bring money into the town, and he should like to see the same invitation extended this year to the regiments that had already encamped in Ruthin, and to notify the Commanding Officers that the camping ground would be provided free of charge. He under- stood that the officers of Volunteer Regiments were now deciding as to their camping grounds for the coming season, and now was the time to give them the invitation. He begged to pro- pose that the Council do extend an invitation to the officers commanding Volunteer Regi- ments to encamp in Ruthin the ensuing sum- mer. mi Mr. Thomas Williams seconded, and^ Mr. I P. Roberts supported the montion, which was carried nem. con.
. FLINTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL.
mitted to the company last year, showing that the railway company actually charged more than their legalised maximums. I have been informed that the company have posted notices in their stations.- I have not seen them myself, I do not know whether any other member has seen them—to the effect that the railway company are prepared to entertain any representations that their customers may have to make with regard to excessive charges. If that is the case, then the more widely and generally it is known the better. But I venture to think that the onus does not rest upon the individual trader to go to the company to complain of high charges being made, but the onus rather rests upon the company which has its charges at its finger ends, and know exactly how to deal with the the matter, to treat the whole body of traders as if they applied individually (hear, bear). Traders pay the railway company as they pay the rates of a rate collector, and there ought to be no more doubt about them any more than is about the Rate Collector's Bill. I may tell you briefly the position. A petition was made to reduce the charges of certain goods on the Chester and Holyhead section, but failed. In 1891, a strong effort was made in Parliament to equalise the then charges with those made on other portions of the main line. That effort was largely successful, but the charges remained higher in some res- pects. 1 shall be glad to be contradicted, if in any degree wrong when I say that the charges up to 20 miles are 25 per cent higher than on other portions of the main line; up to 50 miles, 32 per cent higher, and beyond 50 miles they are 60 per cent above those on many other portions of the main line (' shame '). If there is a profitable line of the company on the London and North Western Railway, it is the portion between Chester and Holyhead (hear, hear); it carries the whole of the enormous Irish traffic of the company, and if there was not a ton of goods a passenger traffic between there besides that, it would be well worth their while to keep for the sake of the Irish trade. The trade upon that railway has increased enormously since the early days when it was thought necessary to give the Railway Company owing bo the cost of construction, special and exceptional rates. That cost the London and North Western Rail- way Company were not called upon to pay, as a matter of fact, they only paid about half the cost of the construction to the Chester and Holyhead Railway Company. They are actu- ally at the present time doubling a large por- tion of the line, and to treat it in any way as a branch line, is a course for which there is no justification whatever (hear, hear). They can- not argue upon the ground of cost of constitu- tion, and they cannot argue upon the general low cost of maintenance, because their position on the coast which enables them to keep out any competing company. In this matter we only ask for justice as between the railway company and the trading community and the public of North Wales (hear, hear). We say that it is unfair that the public should be sad- dled with these exceptional charges. I know that everyone will agree with me 1. when I say that we desire to touch the question in the best possible spirit towards the London and North Western Railway Company (cheers). We are not attacking them in any way, it is simply and purely a busiaess transaction between the rail- way company and the public (applause). As to clause 10, it actually provides in contraven- tion-as I may say, in defiance of the ordinary statute law, the Railway Clauses Act, that the company shall be exonerated of the responsi- bility of maintaining roads and bridges when stopped by level crossings, and the respon- sibility shall be cast upon the ratepayers. They have succeeded, as you are aware, in doing that in the case of Prestatyn, and the unfortunate ratepayers and we, as a County Council, who re- present them have to bear the responsibility of maintaining the bridge over the railway. Then there is the important auestion of junctions. As the railway company have a valuable monopoly, the public have a right to insist that when junctions are provided for, that the dis- tance between different places shall be short- ened as much as possible. I believe that the companies concerned have powers both with regard to the junction at Hope and Shotfcoa to make a complete junction. These powers ought to have been exercised long ago. and it is time, for the convenience of the public, that those junctions should be made (hear, hear). Therefore in order to cover the additional ques- tions to which I have referred, I will venture now to add a few words to the resolution passed at the conference. One of the resolutions is as follows:— That in the opionion of this Conference, it is unjust that a higher maximum rate should be charged upon the Chester and Holyhead line than upon the main line of the London and North Western Railway Company, and that the clerks of the Flintshire and Carnarvonshire County Councils be jointly authorised to take the necessary steps, to petition against the London and North Western Railway Company's (Wales) Bill, with view to lower the rates to the maximum .charged upon other portions of the London and North Western Railway Main Line.' Mr, Lewis (continuing), I have also added to the resolution these words 'and to petitioil such other alterations in the bill as may appear to be desirable and necessary.' The other reso- lution deals with the desirability of other coun- cils and Public Bodies in the district rendering assistance in the matter and giving informa- tion generally. Mr. Lewis then moved the adoption of the resolutions. Alderman Samuel Davies seconded. He was very pleased to see the businesslike manner in which the conference had taken up the matter. It was clearly shown that some urban authorities had allowed themselves to be placed in a most invidious position as in the case of the bridge at Prestatyn. He hoped that the Urbnn Councils and other public bodies would render all the assistance they could, and 80 enable the County Councils to"do real and ser- viceable work for the public generally. Cer- tain individuals who knew a good deal more than others about the charges of the railway company, and had facilities for knowing, were listened to, but the great bulk of the traders were simply charged year after year, even more than the maximum rates, and it was a well known fact that if individual traders of that kind did approach the railway company, they got more trouble and expense to get their redress, than they would have to pay at first. Alderman W Davies pointed out that as the whole of the traffic from the County was mainly of a heavy class, such as stone, coal, lime. &c., a lower rateable carriage should be charged, and if it was lowered by one third the railway company would have a good profit in the bar- gain. There was a line at Hope continued Mr. Davies, to give to Flintshire and Wrexham ac independent approach to Chester. The place is all ready laid out, and had Mr. Piercy lived but another fortnight, it would have been opened, and traffic run through from Chester to Wrexham. There would have been proper accomodation there, and there were places made for a proper exchange. The fact is, that im- mediately upon Mr. Piercy s death. Mr. Evan Morris, and Sir Edward Watkin met on the spot. Mr. Morris said t • Sir Edward Watkin, shall I stop that line ? S r Watkin nodded his head, and the work stepped. I am not afraid of re- peating the words because I said that when I gave evidence in the House of Commons. It is a most important matter and it is not the fault of the London and -North AVestern Railway Company that the junction was not made some years ago. As to the Junction at Shotton there has been a bill since 1882 They have gone in for extension of time from time to time even up to now. Mr, Gladstone Who are they? Mr. Davies: The London and North Weaterit Railway Company. What prevents them there I do not know. I am connected with a line upon which they have powers. Mr. Piercy was in communication with Sir George Finlay ani the thing practically had been arranged. There- fore, I think that they ought to be compelled to