The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

Old Colwyn Ratepayers' Association. Is Colwyn to be Divided? A Lively Scene. A PCBLIC meeting called by the Colwyn Ratepayers' Association was held in the Schoolroom on Thurs- day evening last. At the outset it appeared as if the meeting would be rather poorly attended, but before the business commenced the place was well filled. Mr F. Booth, M.R.C.V.S., occupied the chair, and was supported by the hon. secretary, Mr A. J. Thomas. The Chairman, in opening the proceed- ings, said the first thing they had before them was the selection of a candidate for the Urban District Council, in the place of Mr Owen Williams, who was retiring. They had two names before them, one was the Rev John Griffiths, and the other Mr D. O. Williams. He felt when they were selecting a candidate on behalf of the Ratepayers' Associa- tion, they wanted one who had the interest of the place at heart, not a pro-Colwyn Bayite." and one who would properly represent them on the Board. Mr Thomas moved that the vicar be nominated, and said he had gone thoroughly into the case. He had personally no interest in Colwyn, but had an interest in its development. He did not think it was necessary to show them what they had been paying their offspring, Colwyn Bay, for the last twelve years. There was no doubt the place was neglected, and it was the fault of their representa- tives. In the vicar they would have a popular man, and one that could command a respectful hearing, and.he was sure he would try to get what others had failed to do. He was a man who sunk party politics and feelings, which should not be brought into municipal work. He was also a man of independent action. The Rev Mr Wynne here interrupted and said he would like to know Mr Griffith's policy. The Chairman said he thought no one knew that, and he did not think it mattered much, for, as a rule, councillors never stuck to any policy. They have had many promises before, but he thought it was "all self." A man should be nominated whom the ratepayers could trust, as he would have to pursue his policy according to circumstances. Mr Burrows said he had great pleasure in second- ing the nomination of the Rev. J. Griffiths. He did not know why politics and party feeling were introduced at all, and he thought it was a great mistake. There was not such a lot of things to look after, neither was it like a national question, and they should choose a man for his ability. The Rev. J. Griffiths was a man of high integrity, and would not go on the Council for his own purpose but for the public interests, therefore he had great pleasure in seconding the resolution. The Rev Mr Wynne here rose and claimed, as a ratepayer, to be entitled to address the meeting [shouts of Order "1 and commenced to do so in L Welsh. The Chairman .interrupted by saying he must speak to the meeting in English. Continuing, Mr Wynne said he did not know what the Vicar's policy would be. He had the greatest respect for the Vicar, but he would like to know his intentions, as it would be impossible to vote for him unless they knew. The speaker then proceeded to trans- late his speech into Welsh for the edification of those present. Mr Burrows rose to a point of order. [Cries of Sit down."] The Chairman then rose and explained that as the matter will come forward at a public meeting people should come there to listen. Mr Wynne The chairman is out of order. The chairman retorted that he was only trying to get order for Mr Wynne. Mr D. O. Williams I beg to rise to a point of order, and to propose that Mr Wynne be allowed to proceed. Mr Wynne then continued his speech in Welsh, after which a question was asked as to whether the voice of that meeting was to be considered as that of a ratepayers' meeting, as he noticed several people present who did not pay rates. He also asked was it necessary that the nominations should be proposed and seconded by ratepayers. The chairman said it was not absolutely necessary, but he thought it would be better. Mr D. O. Williams said that what Mr Wynne had said about knowing the policy of candidates before nominating them was quite right. His policy would be the lowest possible rate and the obtaining of the best benefits for Colwyn, and he challenged anyone to prove that he had not done all he could for the place. In answer to a remark, he said that when he rose to speak the chairman always ruled him out of order. He proposed that they ask the Rev J. Griffiths to state his policy. The chairman said Mr Griffiths was in favour of separa- tion. Mr D. O. Williams said he was present at a meeting the other night, but when he got up* to speak he was interrupted. However, when he was in the right he did not mind what was said about him. He had gone into the matter of co-operation, and thoroughly (A voice Question). The Chairman then, in an exasperated tone, said Mr Williams must confine himself to the subject of the nomination first, aud they would go into the question of separation afterwards. (Applause.)

A Scene. As Mr Williams continued, the hon. sec. (Mr Thomas) rose, and, in a heated manner, said as a ratepayer he protested against Mr .Williams drift- I ing on to another subject, emphasising the remark with his fist on the table. The scene then temporarily degenerated into something like a melee, in which the sec. and Mr Owen Williams took the leading part. This was owing to Mr Williams having refused to believe Mr Thomas' statement that he was a ratepayer. That gentleman was, however, able to produce papers which at once decided the point. Mr Owen Williams then, with an air of contempt and disgust for the proceedings, left the room. The chairman said he must put a stop to the discussion, and at once put the matter to the vote, which was carried in favour of the Rev. J. Griffiths.

The Separation of Colwyn. The next business was to pass a resolution ad- vocating a divorce" between Colwyn Bay and Colwyn. The chairman said he had attended a public meeting on the question, when figures were brought before them showing the financial effect on the place. He had tried to get particulars but had failed. However, he did not think figures could be obtained to show the amount expended. The papers which Mr D. O. Williams had dis- tributed (referring to the slip which Mr Williams had drawn up) put the rate we shall have to pay at is lod in the V", instead of 5s 6d as at present. But they can rely on it a great part of that must go to Colwyn Bay. Colwyn Bay made out that they paid 2s 4d for them. Was it likely they would do it, and at the same time stick to Old Colwyn like leeches. £8ï had been put down for maintenance. He felt sure it would not cost that. It cost about £ ooo at Penmaenmawr, which was three times the size, and the rate there was only 4s 3d in the -t. He had had information from several smaller places, and none of them exceeded that sum. They could be sure there was nothing left out of the statement to put the blackest side on the affair. He referred to an insinuation which had been made that a certain meeting was a "hole-and-corner "meeting. He thought it was certain that when the Local Government Board compelled the Colwyn Bay Council to proceed with the drainage scheme the rate could not be much under 9s. in the £ Mr Thomas rose to second the proposition. He said he would not go into details and figures. It had been said Colwyn Bay would be glad to get rid of them, but he did not think, judging by a meet- ing the previous day, the Colwyn Bay representatives had any wish to separate. Why did the men who supported separation years ago go against it now ? Nobody knew that but themselves. Was it on the ground of politics ? The speaker then proceeded to deiixmce the work of the Cowlyd Board. He said it was a municipal scandal that they had such a thing in the place, and pro- ceeded to give an explanation of the system. There were plenty of surveyors who could manage to force the water to the height required. He was proud to be a ratepayer in Colwyn, and he hoped they would not drive people away as they were doing in Colwyn Bay. Rhos would be trying to get powers of their own, and why should they not do so. The Rev W. V. Williams had obset ved in a recent letter -1 that the rates would soon be 10s. in the Were they prepared to pay that and get nothing for it He had written to several places to ascertain the cost of maintain- ing a separate board, and he found it did not exceed .-A500. Were they to accept the figures of a place that was going against them. The Chairman then said he would allow anyone a few minutes to say what they had to the resolu- tion, as it was getting late. Mr D. O. Williams rose and said lie had heard complaints about speaking in English. He was only allowed a few minutes here, whilst all the other speakers had plenty of time. He pro- posed that this matter of separation be deferred until the figures required were forthcoming. He objected to any more rates than they were paying ¡ at present. He had attended five meetings, and up to now his stand had been impregnable. It was well to say one thing and then another. The rates of Abergele were not 3s. 6d., as had been previously stated, but 3s. 9d: He challenged any- one to prove differently. As it is, fhey pay 5s. 6d. if they separate they must pay at least 7s. lod.; and if they take a part of Llysfaen, as suggested, it will be 7s. jd. He strongly advised them not to be misled by Mr Thomas, or anyone else, as to his statement. He thought when the matter of sepa- ration was taken up, if it were shown they would have higher rates it meant empty houses, and then higher rates still. If Colwyn Bay had a loan of £ 36,000 the rates would be 6s. 8d. in the C. Mr Robert Evans then addressed the meeting (in Welsh) at some length on the question of separation. Mr Saunderson said it appeared to him, even if the loan was spent it would be for Colwyn Bay. All these projects affect the Bay chiefly, even the promenade. The state of their foot-paths was shame ful. It was no good getting figures from a tainted source to show the position. Mr Burrows said he was present at a committee the previous night. There were only about fifteen persons present. Mr D. O. Williams talked the whole time, and then they all voted against his arguments. It was only reasonable to think that they could not all be wrong, and Mr Williams the only one that was right. The speaker went on at considerable length, discussing the subject of electric lighting, and advocating a separate council for Old Colwyn. Ultimately the resolution was put to the meeting and carried, with only one or two dissentients.

Rhyl Urban District Council Medical Officer's Report. A Healthy Year. The Electric Light Scheme. THE monthly meeting of the Rhyl Urban Dis- trict Council was held on Monday afternoon, under the presidency of Mr A. L. Clews.

Surveyor's Report. IM P'ORTANT SU GGE STIOXS. Mr Goodall, the surveyor, in his monthly re- port, said that, as there was likely to be con- siderable opposition to the sanction of a loan for workmen's cottages on a site off Vale and Victoria Roads, he felt it was his duty to inform the Council that the land lay below the level of the high tides, and there was danger of the site being flooded. He suggested that the Corn Ex change, a hall not now in use beneath the Town Hall, should be converted into a reading-room. It could be cheaply done, and if opened as a reading-room it would be a. great boon to the working classes and might form the nucleus of a free library. The suggestion was referred to the Committee.

Sewerage Loan. The items of ^90 for Fairfield-avenue, Z60 for Conwy-street, £ 60 for Chester. street, 6ioo for Russell-road, £45 for Elwy-street, and £.s° for West Kinmel-street sewers, recommended by the Finance Committee to be included in the proposed loan of C3,131, were considered and approved.

Sweetmeat Machines. The application from the L. and P. Automatic Machine Co., Ltd., for a renewal of the agree- ment for the placing of 14 sweetmeat machines at £5 each machine was granted.

Mutoscopes—Off! The application from the Birmingham and North-West Coast Mutoscope Co., Ltd., applying Z!1 for a stand on the foreshore for a Mutoscope van was refused.

Increase of Roadmen's Wages. The Road Committee reported that, having considered a memorial from the road staff for an increase of wages, they had resolved to recom- mend an advance of a shilling a week (from igs to £1) and 2s a week (from ^1 4s to £ 1 6s) to the foreman, also is a week for the steam roller man. The advance was to come into operation on May 1 st. Mr J. W. Jones congratulated the committee upon their action, and the recommendation was approved.

The Health of the Town. Dr Eyton Lloyd (medical officer of health) re- ported that the total number of deaths did not vary from last year, and' was 1.6 below the average for the decade, and was made up of 63 riiales and 70 females, total 133. The zymotic death-rate was made up of a total of n cases, nine under five years of age and two over that age. The nine cases of deaths from diarrhoea were all in young children under two years of. age, and as eight of them occurred during the months of August and September were probably due to the excessive heat, with the attendant difficulty in preserving milk and milk foods in a state of fluidity. Had it not been for these more or less accidental deaths from diarrhoea —a zymotic disease-the total deaths from pre- ventive diseases would have been reduced to two—one case of enteric and one of erysipelas. Alluding to cases notified under the N.I.D. Act, 38 in number, the doctor said, "None of these were due to any special local cause, nor were they in any way epidemic nor was there any evidence that they arose one from the other, all the evidence tending to show that they were isolated as to source, locality, and distribution." The death-rate of the district fos the year was a satisfactory one, the average for the decade being 19.14; that of this year was only 15.34, the lowest during the same period. This was again evidence that the sanitary conditions which sur- rounded them were satisfactory and encoura* ging, especially when it was noted that of the total deaths 31 were of people who had exceeded the age of 65, and that many of them were nearer 80. It was his pleasing privilege to say that the last had been AN EXCEEDINGLY HEALTHY YEAR. For comparison, in the years 1894 and 1895, 98 and 90 cases of infectious disease were notified, in 1898 and 1899, 31 and 38 of such cases were notified-a very decided improvement,especially when 11 of the 38 cases last year were returned as erysipelas, and were mostly slight cases. There could be no question, he thought, as to the improved sanitary conditions under which they were living. With respect to the site for the houses for the working-classes, he regretted that it was situated in the lowest part of the dis- trict, on a clay subsoil, and far removed from the centres of employment. As to the watel supply question, Dr Lloyd said increased reser- voir accommodation was required. It would be much better if the pressure could be maintained at the same amount day and night, and thif would help to reduce the amount of waste. A discussion followed. Mr Maltby referred to the question of refuse destruction, and said that tipping-places were now so scarce that they would be face to face with a serious difficulty in a very short time unless the proposed destructor were proceeded with at a quicker pace. Dr Girdlestone, Mr Frimston, and other: strongly endorsed Mr Maltby's statement. With respect to the site of the workmen's dwellings, Mr Mostyn Williams put a question, to the consulting surveyor, Mr R. Hughes, who said that the site was three to four feet below the level of the highest extraordinary spring tide, but was two feet above the high-water-mark of ordinary spring tides. Mr II. A. Tilby remarked that he felt the medical officer should have expressed his con- demnation of the site for the workmen's dwell- ings at an earlier period, and not brought his opinion before the Council as A BOLT FROM THE BLUE, when they were prepared to go on with the building. The speaker hinted that it would be unfortunate to have the doctor as a hostile wit- ness at the coming inquiry. Dr Eyton Lloyd said he felt hurt at the covert suggestion that he would take advantage of hi? position as a medical officer to further his per- sonal views. His report was absolutely un- biassed by any such consideration, and as Rhyl had known him for thirty years he thought they would be able to form an opinion as to his char- acter. Replying to Mr J. H. Ellis, Dr Lloyd said he should certainly not appear as a hostile witness at the inquiry. Mr Tilby: I am very glad to hear it. Mr J. H. Ellis spoke in support of the site for these houses, remarking that it was necessary for them to secure the land at a cheap rate, and they could take care that the sanitary surround- ings were satisfactory. The report was approved, and a vote of thanks passed to the medical officer for his com- prehensive report.

Cost of West Promenade Extensions. It was resolved that application be made to the Local Government Board for power to borrow for a period of 30 years £4,410 for the West Promenade extension. The total cost of the works will be ^7,350, but the balance will be contributed by the adjoining owners. Two- thirds of the work will be carried out within three years.

Invitation to the National Union of Teachers It was decided that the chairman of the Coun- cil and Councillor Tilby be appointed a deputa- tion to attend the conference of the National Union of Teachers at York on 16th and 17th April, to press thejinvitation of the Council for the conference of 1901 to be held at Rhyl.

Development of the West End. FIVE NEW STREETS. A DIFFICULTY REMOVED. Mr J. H. Ellis moved the adoption of the minutes of a meeting of the Works Committee held on March 2nd, together with the report of a deputation who met Messrs Williams and Sut- cliffe with respect to the drainage of this firm's property abutting upon the new West Promenade extension. Mr R. Hughes, the consulting engineer to the Council, who was a member of the deputation, submitted a report as to the result. Mr Ellis, the chairman, stated that "Messrs Williams and Sutcliffe proposed to construct five new streets across the Voryd field, the land in question. Across this land an old culvert passed which was now used for storm water. The Council felt that it would be very desirable that there should be no building over the line of the old culvert, and they intended to lay alongside the culvert a new pipe to act as a sewer overflow. The plan devised by the firm, however, crossed the line of the culvert at several places, and the conference was arranged to discuss the difficulty thus created. Messrs Sutcliffe produced the sanction of the Council to the firm building over the culvert. However, the firm proposed to abolish one of the new streets, and to run one of them along the length of the culvert, so that there would be no build- ing over it, on condition that the Council would pay a contribution of ^40 as compensation. (Applause.) He thought the Council might be congratulated on coming to an amicable and very fair arrangement with Messrs Williams and Sutcliffe. The line of the new street would be in harmony with the continuation of Castle- street, so that there would be one long street from the Promenade past the gasworks. Mr Whitley seconded the motion, remarking that Messrs Williams and Sutcliffe had met the Council in a very honourable way. Captain Keatinge congratulated the chairman of the Road Committee on getting the Council c-ut of a serious difficulty. (Hear, hear.) The motion was carried unanimously.

Trefnant Water Supply. PROPOSED NEW PIPE FROM ST. ASAPH. The Water Committee reported that on the 22nd of February, by arrangement, the following deputation from the St. Asaph Rural Sanitary Authority were preseiat Joseph Jones, Major Birch, Mr A. Foulkes, and Mr T. Lloyd, with the clerk (Mr Grimsley) and surveyor (Mr Geo. Bell), to discuss the question of improving the Trefnant water supply. It was explained by the Chairman and others with reference to the agreement between the Council and the St. Asaph Authority, as appear- ing in the third schedule to the Rhyl Improve- ment Act, 1892, that under present conditions the Council could not give a satisfactory supply of water for -Trefnant, without prejudicially interfering with the proper supply for all pur- poses to persons within the limits of the water district. The remedy would be the laying of an enlarged pipe (a 5-inch instead of a 3-inch) between Glascoed and St. Asaph, at a cost 01 about £ 820, which the Council were prepared to incur if the St. Asaph Authority would either contribute a moiety of the cost, or a moiety 01 the loan charges during the period of the loan -perhaps thirty years as shall be fixed by the Local Government Board) at a rate of interest of 3% per cent., in which case the annual con- tribution by the St. Asaph Authority, would be about £ 22. Bearing in mind the immense cost of the water undertaking to the Council, and the cheap rate with which they supplied the water, viz., is 3d per thousand gallons for Tref- nant, apart from the importance of an efficient supply of excellent water for the place, the com- mittee felt that the offer now made (subject to confirmation by the Council) a very fair way of dealing with the question of the proposed extra outlay—which as our engineer advises confi- dently is not at present needed so far as the sup- ply of water to any part within the water dis- trict is concerned. The deputation promised to report to their Council.

The Proposed New Reservoir. NOT SUFFICIENT STORAGE CAPACITY. The Water Committee reported that the reso- lution of the Council, -.ovember 15th, 1899- referring back to this committee the whole ques- tion of the Water Bill, rejected at a meeting oi owners and ratepayers, was considered, and it was resolved to meet again on an early day, the clerk in the meantime to get as much iliforina, tion as possible as to the rateable values in the outside districts, water rates in other places, etc. Mr Frimstone said the water storage capacity was not adequate for the wants of the town. The Road Committee now reported that the matter would be considered at an early date, and no further action seemed to have been taken. The town was growing, and more water was wanted, and yet no steps were being taken to provide another reservoir. Capt Keatinge said to take the water from the river was not a satisfactory way of providing water for the town. The Chairman said a special meeting had been called to consider the question, and the pectilialc thing was that nearly all the time of the meeting was taken up by other matters. (Laughter.) Mr Mostyn Williams said, as a matter of fact, the plans for the reservoir were ready, but the question was whether they should not increase the water-rates in the outside district. By the next meeting everything should be ready for the Council. The minutes were adopted.

Electric Lighting. PRESTATYN LIGHT RAILWAY. THE REFUSE DESTRUCTOR. The Electric Lighting Committee reported that on February 21st Mr Warwick Webb and Mr Armstrong were in attendance on behalf of the promoters of the Rhyl and Prestatyn Light RaIl- way, and Mr Trentham for the Council. The proposition to supply current for the tramcars on the light railway was discussed. Ultimately "it was agreed to offer, subject to confirmation by the Council, to supply current at a point near the end of the Marine Drive on the following terms :—i% d per unit up to 125,000 per aniitim; ij-sd per unit beyond that quantity up to 200,000, and when the consumption shall reach any figure above 200,000, one uniform price of I ,Gd per unit for the whole. Also to provide machinery for not fewer than 90 kilomatts. The company to enter into an agreement embodying satisfac- tory conditions with the Council, with a guaran- tee for not fewer than 125,000 units a year for five years." Mr Warwick Webb promised to give the committee a reply as soon as possible- Mr J. W. Jones said the terms were much the same as those accepted by the Llandudno Urban Council for the light railway to be made there by the same people. The committee also reported that the plans for the electric light works and refuse destructor had been submitted by Messrs Trentham and Peers, and had been approved. They recom- mended that a four-cell instead of a two-cell destructor be provided, and that Messrs Man- love, Alliott, and Co.'s tender for a four-cell destructor be accepted. An estimate was sub- mitted by the surveyor (Mr Goodall) showing that the buildings, inclined roadway, chimney* etc., for the destructor would cost £ 3,503, In- eluding £ 2^0 for land. It was resolved that ap* plication be made to the Local Government Board to increase the amount of the proposed loan from £4,ï5° to The Council unanimously approved of the committee's action, after some further remarks as to the urgency of the destructor question.

The Town Clerk's Office Staff. INCREASE OF SALARIES. The Finance Committee reported that they had considered the resolution of the Council to discuss a graduated scale of salaries in clerk's staff was considered, and it was resolve° to recommend as follows:—Senior clerk's office (Mr Bayliss), an increase of £ 10 a year up, to £ 150; second clerk (Mx J. II. Davies), an 111: crease of £6 a year up to 1,'qo; third clerk to C. H. Jones), an increase of ^5 a year up to ^'75 juniors (Mr T. Amos Jones and Mr W1l1' Smalley), an increase of Zio first year, and a year afterwards up to £5°' The recommendations were adopted.

The Council and their Tenants. A "COMICAL" EPISODE. Capt. Keatinge said Mr D. C. Radcliffe, solicitor, was a tenant of the Council, who h^ promised to repair the roof of his offices. Std nothing had been done, and whenever a went there in wet weather to give Mr Radcl'n instructions he had to hold his umbrella up, keep the rain off. The idea of a man in all office holding up his umbrella to keep the. ral off tickled the risible faculties of the councill01, to such an extent that they laughed loud an long. It was decided to inquire into the matter.

Golf Caddies. The clerk was instructed to write to the see; retary of the Golf Club to respectfully I-e4 ho the members not to employ school boys qp t golf ground during school hours.

_a The New Sheriffs of North WaleS. ■ 'ffs THE following are the names of the high-she*1^ of neighbouring counties, the high-sheriff Lancashire being appointed subsequently ts Cheshire: Mr Benjamin Chaffers ¡{OOcr, Oakfield, Chester. t Anglesey: Mr Richard Kennett, 6, Victor' terrace, Beaumaris. Carnarvonshire Mr Thomas Lewis, Gart wen, Bangor. e Denbighshire Mr Robert William )'u Garthewin, Abergele. (Ie, Flintshire: Mr Henry Ilurlbutt, Dee cottao. Queensferrv. Merionethshire Mr Robert Charles An^ J I Llugwy, Machynlleth. Vl1dle/ Montgomeryshire: Captain Peter David Arthur Lovell, Llanerchyclol.