The Barmouth and County Advertiser and District Weekly News

BARMOUTH COUNCIL. I MONTHLY MEETING. I I The Bathing Machines I Agreement. Coast Erosion at Barmouth. The ordinary monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Tuesday afternoon. Present:— Messrs J. Pryce Jones, J.P. (chairman), William Owen, Rees Jones, Henry Freeman, Edward Williams, Rhys Jones, D. 0. Hughes, Francis Morris and J. Llewelyn Davies; with Messrs William George (clerk), R. Llewelyn Owen (deputy clerk), T. R. Parry (surveyor), and Watkin Owen (boating (inspector). THE BATHING MACHINES CONTRACT. The Chairman said be understood that Mr Evan Davies, Old Belle Vue, would like an opportunity of appearing before them, and as Mr Davies wanted to leave early perhaps the Council would like to hear what Mr Davies bad to say. As they were all aware, Mr Hugh Davies, Old Belle Vue, bad appeared before the Local Tribunal, and be under- stood that the application bo be made by Mr Evan Davies, on behalf of his brother, was that the Council should support the appeal of Mr Hugh Davies for an extension of time before joining the Colours as be was one of the brothers who had signed the bathing machine contract, or to release them from the bathing agreement. Three members of the Council present were members of the Local Tribunal, and, of course, those three members could not sit on the Council when this matter was discussed. The three members of the Council on the Local Tribunal were Messrs J. Pryce Jones, Edward Williams and Henry Freeman. Mr Rees Jones said he could not see why the three members of the Council should not take part in the discussion. They were members of the Council that day. The Chairman said they must be Kttbrased on all matters. Mr Rbys Jones said the decision of the Local Tribunal had been given in the appeal of Mr Hugh Davips. The Chairman-Yes; but be under- stood that an appeal had been presented. Mr Evan Davies—Yes; an appeal had been presented. Mr D. 0. Hughes sail he thought it would be better if the three members on the Local Tribunal would not take part in this matter, and ultimately it was decided that Mr William Owen should he voted to the chair whilst this matter Was under discussion, and the three Members on the Local Tribunal took no part in the discussion. Mr Rbys Jones said he did not quite follow the matter as regards the appli- cation made. The bathing agreement was made out between Messrs Davies Bros. Mr Evan Davies said that the bathing business was under the charge of his brother (Hugh Davies), and the bathing agreement was binding betweem them and the Council for another year. The bathing machines bad been advertised for attle,and if his brother had an exten- sion of six months (until the end of the summer) then they would be in a posi. tion to pay the Council the £100 bath- jug contract for next summer. If his I brother joined, they would not be able to carry out the bathing contract. Mr William Owen said all of them would not be going away. Mr Evan Davies said be could not say bow many of them would be going away—perhaps two or three of them would be going. Mr William Owen said be thought it was ratber too soon for the Council to come to any decision on the matter that j day. He did not thmk the Council J could release them from the bathing contract at the present time. j Mr Evan Davies said that the bathing j machines belonged to his brother (Mr ) Hugh Davies) who would like to stay I until the end of September before join- ing, or perhaps the Council could re- lease them of the bathing contract. Mr Rhys Jones said that Messrs Davies Bros. would have a chance to sublet the machines to someone else. Mr William Owen said he thought the Council could not decide one way or the other that day. They wanted to do what was right and fair with Messrs Davies Bros. and the ratepayers. They did not know yet what would become of ,the bathing machines—whether they would be sold or not. | Mr Francis Morris said be considered J that this matter was a very important .J one, and as four members of the Coun- oil were absent, he favoured deferring the matter. Mr D O. Hugbes said that the matter bad come on rather suddenly. He be- lieved that the Council should take time over the matter before coming to any decision. Mr Evan Davies explained that he had appeared before the Works Com- mittee on Thursday, and be should like to have the Council's decision in the course of a fortnight. Mr D. O. Hughes proposed that the matter should be deferred so that the members could have time to consider the matter. Mr Rees Jones seconded, and it was carried unanimously. Mr Evan Davies said that the appeal of his brother would be submitted to the Appeal Committee in about a fort. night and be should like to know the Council's decision in the meantime. In reply to Mr William Owen, Mr Evan Davies said what be wanted the Council to do was to strengthen the appeal of his brother and to support same for an extension of time before joining. Mr William Owen said the Council would consider the matter later on and the result would be made known to him. Mr Evan Davies then withdrew from the Council. On the proposition of Mr Rhys Jones seconded by Mr Francis Morris, it was unanimously decided-because of several absentees that day—that a special meeting of the Council should be con- vened for Thursday night to discuss the matter fully. It was also decided to ask Mr Evan I Davies to submit his application in writing. I HORSE PROVENDER. I It was reported that the Works Com- mittee had observed that the horse provender purchased between November 6th, 1915, and March 10th, 1916, amounted to £21 12s. Gd., and in view of the fact that this was considered to be a heavy item, the Committee in- vited the special committee appointed to consider this question to meet and present its report. I CELLFECHAN FARM TENANCY. I Upon a letter being read from Mr HompbrGy Williams, tenant of Cell- fechan Farm, it was decided to give him an undertaking, on the plan showing the fencing, that the Council would re- pair the wall at Coedmawr and that dividing Cellfechan from Dinas Oleu. I It was decided to proceed with the j work of repairing, etc., Cellfechan farm- bouse and outbuildings as estimated for by the Surveyor. BOWLING CLUB. The Work Committee recommended I that any old pipes lying at the Council's Yard be placed at the disposal of the Bowling Club Committee, free of charge, for use in conveying water on to the bowling green. A letter was read from the Bowling Club conveying the thanks of the Com- mittee tor the soil which they had been alloHved to have from Cellfechan Farm and an appreciation of the manner in which representatives of the Club bad been received when approaching the Council for assistance. MUSSEL TANKS. Dr. J. Travis Jenkins, wrote explain- ing that the demand of the National Life Boat Iostitutionthat the proposed tanks at Aberdovey should be construc- ted at a distance of 50 yards from the slipway was a manifest impossibility, and as the proceeding with the Bar- mouth Tanks depended upon consent being obtained for the site it Aberdovey he appealed to the Council to invite the Board of Trade to consent to the appointment of an Arbitrator to settle the dispute. It was decided that the Clerk should communicate with the Board of Trade with a view to such an Arbritator being appointed. WAR DAMAGE. Following the reading of a letter from the Lord Mayor of York on the subject of the Memorial to the Government to abandon their scheme of War Damage Insurance and to provide out of National Funds for compensation to I those who suffer damage from the attacks of the enemy, it was decided to approve of the Memorial and to con- tribute J61 Is. Od. towards the expense connected therewith. I WORKS COMMITTEE. I The Committee accorded its best I thanks to Dr. J. Pngh Jones for the manner in which he had presided and discharged his duties as Chairman of the Committee during the past year. I PLANS OF ALTERATIONS. Pin-os of alterations at Marine Hotel such as the construction of new lavatories and of similar improvements at No. 3 and 4, Glanaber Terrace are recommen- I ded for approval, subject to a duplicate set of plans being deposited. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor, in his monthly report, stated that the now system of refnse carting worked satisfactorily so far: there being two loads on most days. The Reservoir at Eitbinfynydd was overflowing. THE WORKMEN'S WAGES. It was reported that the two work- men engaged by the Council as scaven- gers were paid at the rate of 28s. a week. In reply to Mr Edward Williams, the Surveyor said that two extra men were engaged as the Council were carrying out repairs, etc., at Cellfechan. They were paid the same wages as the Coun- cil's employees. COAST EROSION. A letter was read from Messrs Saunders, Bradbury, & Saunders, solici- tors, Birmingham, stating that they were concerned for the owners of the land facing the sea on the north-western side of Princes Avenue and situated between the Avenue and Mr W. W. Greener's land, and calling the Council's attention to the necessity of building a seawall or erect groynes so as to protect the property which was at the present time being, eaten up by the sea. In reply to a question, the Clerk said there was no legal liability upon the Council to construct a seawall to pro- tect private property from the inroads of the sea. On the other band there was no legal liability on the part of the landowners to protect their property, but an undertaking could be made be- tween both parties to carry out the pro- ject. Of course, it would be advisable to erect a seawail if that could be arrayed. Mr Rhys Jones enquired would it not be possible to have a grant from the Government towards the expense of erecting a seawall. The sea was gaining ground rapidly at that part of the Parade and something should be done in the matter. The Clerk said be saw no harm in making an appeal for a grant, but a seaside place like Blackpool bad made an appeal to the Government for a grant and they were not successful. No doubt the sea erosion was an important matter for a town like Barmoutb. Mf Rhys Jones suggested that the Council should erect something tem- porary. It was the duty of the Council to look into the matter, and no doubt the landowners would co-operate with the Council. He proposed that an appeal should be made to the Government for a grant. Mr Edward Williams said the Clerk bad reported that there was no legal liability on either side to erect a sea- wall. He was not against erecting a seawall, but why should they, as the I ratepayer's representatives, take the initiative in this matter. It was open for the landowners to approach the Council. He thought that the Council bad already sent three appeals to the Government for a grant, but to no put,- pose. Under the present circumstances be proposed that the matter should be deferred. I Mr D. O. Hughes seconded. The Clerk suggested that the Council should write to the Solicitors asking had they any scheme to submit to the Council for consideration. Mr Rhys Jones thought that the I Council should move in the matter at once. On the proposition of Mr William Owen, seconded by Mr Rees Jones, it was decided to vrite to the different landowners on the matter. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The sum of 25/- was to be charged Messrs Davies Bros,, St. Ann's Square, for water supplied up to the 31st, inst., for the use of their stone crusher at Llanaber. Notice was ordered to be given Mr W. J. Griffith, plumber, that the water supply to the yard he had taken near the Goods Warehouse would be cut off unless he was prepaid to be respon- sible for the usual water charge. The Committee accorded a vote of thanks to the Chairman and Deputy Clerk for the successful effort before the Union Assessment Committee, whereby the assessment of Barmouth Waterworks was reduced by R26 10s. Od. The Committee accorded c vote of thanks to the Chairman of the Com- mittee for the way in which he had discharged bis duties during the year, and of the excellent manner in which the Rate Collector had discharged the duties pertaining to bis office. Inspector Watkin Owen attended and produced sixty badges which he bad in stock. Instructions were given him to issue the badges forthwith. I MAIN ROADS. The Works Committee suggested that a deputation be appointed by the Coun- oil to meet representatives of the County Council to try and come to an arrangement for the maintenance of the imain road during next year. Mr William Owen proposed that the whole Council should meet the County Council representatives. Mr J. Llewelyn Davies seconded. As an amendment, Mr Rhys Jonas proposed that the Works Committee should meet the deputation. Mr Edward Williams seconded. Only 2 voted for the amendment, whilst 6 voted for the original pro- position. LARGE 'CREDIT BALANCE. The Finanee Committee reported that in view of the large credit balances which the Council bad at the Bank during the year, application was to be made to the Bank manager for some acknowledgement in lieu of interest thereon. Mr Edward Williams said that it was very encouraging that the Council should have had a credit balance of £1,300 on an average every month during the last seven months, and the Committee thought that the Council should have some acknowledgement; from the Bank for the credit, balance. The Conncil bad endeavoured to be economical as possible and had been able to make a saving of the year. Mr William Owen said the Bank Authorities bad treated the Council honourably in the past and had done all in their power to help the Council in every way possible. By now the Coun- cil bad come out of their difficulties and he hoped the Bank would meet the Council with the credit balance at; the Bank. THE WATER QUESTION. The Finance Committee reported that the Surveyor,Collector and Deputy Clerk bad been entrusted with the arrange- ments for demanding payment of cer- tain water rents which the Committee were now satisfied the Council were entitled to under the provisions of the Barmouth Local Board Act, 1891. Mr Edward Williams said that the recommendation made by the Finance Committee had been fully discussed. The Council bad not received what they ought to have bad from the water supply, and no one should tamper with water mains without the Council's per- mission. Mr William Owen said that it was reported to the Finance Committee tbat water bad been used and bad not been paid for and the matter had been left to the Council's Officials to recover pay- ment for same. The Chairman said the Finance Com- mitte had gone into the water question very fully, and it was only right tba.t those who were using the water should pay for it. The waterworks had cost a good deal of money to the town, and therefore it behoved the Council to see that all consumers, whether within the urban district or outside, should pay for the waiter used. Water bad been used, but the Council had not received any payment for same. APPLICATION FOR THE SURVEYORSHIP. The Deputy Clerk reported that an application bad been received for the post of Surveyor to the Council. Mr Rbys Jones—That is rather pre- mature, Mr Chairmar. The Cbairman-Yes. The letter was not, rpnrl VOTE OF THANKS. Mr Edward Williams said as this was the last meeting fol. the Chairman to preside, he proposed a hearty vote of thanks for the able manner in which he bad conducted the meetings. He had at all times acted most fairly with tne members, Mr William Owen, in seconding, said that they bad currents and cross currents, but the Chairman bad at all tinies brought the ship to a safe port, and the proof of that was the credit balances the Council bad bad from time to time at the Bank. The proposition was heartily sup- ported by Mr David 0. Hughe., J?! and the Clerk, wbo ^sta, te? d Ith? at the Chairman had been most iega ar at all the meetings and bad at all times conducted the meetings in a praiseworthy manner. The proposition was carried unatn- mously. The Chairman, in responding, ?h? t ?L t /t  <? ?? ?'- tLesappof year. ??° ? ?"°S the past Mr William Owen proposed a vote of ?.' to the COuncil's officials and the Press. Mr Rees Jones seconded, which was „ ca?t fnfe0d unammoQsiv The Cbainnan i a that Deputy Clerk (Mr R" Llewelyn Owen) r given ??' R ?.„ Lr lewe °Ken] bad given him every assistance and m?t ?eady to do Xim n ? r P"?' w,tb every matter. No RATEPAYERS' MPCITTMR, Zdr tien"Y FI-Cenan enquired whether the Council Were 90]r)g to convene a ratepayers meeting «•«? srsn  i.??t??" ???. propo.ed t? a ?te?yers meot?g should be held as in DrartoBJnLT oV,TS The Council bad a cgoonorf d report to present to the ratepayer,. Mr Rhys Jones seconded. As an amendment, Mr William Owen proposed that under the present circumstances no ratepayers meeting sbould be beld this year' Mr Henry Freeman, in seconding, said it was war time now, and they had no election this year. On a vote being taken, the amend- ment was carried by five votes to four. The Council sat for two hours.