Prestatyn Weekly

J. Lloyd Jones (From Clay and Abraham, Liverpool, Chemists to the Queen). Dispensing and Family Chemist, THE PHARMACY, PRESTATYN Prescriptions carefully compounded under the personal supervision of the Principal. Telephone No. 3yl. For Home-made BREAD THAT WILL PLEASE THE MOST CRITICAL PALATE, GO TO W.J.Williams THE STORES. RING UP NO. 10 FOR Plumbing, Gasfitting, and Glazing. Greenhouse Glass cut to sizes, from lld. 2 per foot. For Estimates apply T. PARRY WILLIAMS & Co., "The Grove," Prestatyn. Barley Bread CAN NOW BE OBTAINED AT A. W. JONES, Provincial Stores, (Corner of Nant Hall Road), Telephone 5x. PRESTATYN IIlORRIS DOWELL. DECORATOR, PAINTER, PAPERHANGER. GLAZIER, &c., HIGH STREET, PRESTATYN. Estimates Free and Satisfaction Guaranteed. Telephone 4x2. O. H. Hughes WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER, HIGH STREET, next to Post Office, PRESTATYN. Repairs on the Premises. IF. a. WIL- Lf*" us,, Boot and Shoe Maker, HIGH-CLASS WORKMANSHIP AND BEST LEATHER GUARANTEED. Opposite Church Gates, PrestatyD W. WILLIAMS & SON, Monumental & General Masons, High Street. Prestatyn. RESIDENCE 2, CAIRNS TERRACE. E. D. JONES, BUILDER & CONTRACTOR, and Bardic Chair Maker, OLIVE VILLA, Meliden Road, PRESTATYN. R. Morgan Hughes, TAILOR, ETC., 7, Hafod Terrace, Prestatyn. Men's Suits to Measure, from 351- Youths' Suits to Measure, from 25/- Making and Trimmingonly, from 18/- Repairs neatly and promptly executed. Mr. Frank Jones, EYE SPECIALIST, has opened Consulting and Sight Testing Rooms at Central Buildings, High Street (above Miss Summerskill's), 'Prestatyn, when he will attend every Monday, from 1 to 5 p.m. A. E. WILLIAMS, Pastry Cook and Confectioner, HIGH STREET, PRESTATYN. Wedding & Christening Cakes made to order. Tea Rooms. Luncheon Rooms. Pic-Nic Parties catered for. Urban District of Prestatyn. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PRESTATYN URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL held on Thursday, the 31st day of December, 1908, at 6-30 p.m., and pursuant to notice published in the "Prestatyn Weekly" on the 19th December, 1908, passed the following Resolution :— 0 That the Council do apply in the next Session of Parliament for an Act to transfer the undertaking of the Prestatyn Gas Company to the Council, to confer upon the Council further powers in relation to the supply of gas and water, and to make further provision for the local government, health, and improvement of the district. Dated this 4th day of January, 1909. JOHN HUGHES, Clerk to the Council. PRELIMINARY NOTICE. Miss Hansen begs to announce that she is ZD opening a Hand LAUNDRY under personal supervision, on January 25th, at U Edmonsley," Meliden Road, Prestatyn. Prestatyn Art Classes. These Classes are held three and four times weekly, including Still Life," Flower, Landscape, and Figure Painting, in Oil and Water Colour. For special terms and hours apply to Miss JESSIE TAYLOR (Certificated S.K.), Sandy way, Warren Road, Prestatyn. -<-

Record of Coming Events. 28th January.—Congregational Church Annual Test Concert. Feb. 4th.Christ Church Schools Tea and Com- petitive Meeting. Feb 14th and 15th (Sunday and Monday).Welsh Congregational Church Anniversary Meetings.

C.M. SOCIAL. On New Year's Eve, a large number of friends partook of a very sumptous tea, kindly provided by Mr and Mrs Thos. Jones, Brynhyfryd, at the old Chapel at Towyn. During the evening an excellent concert was held. The Rev Ezra Jones presided in the unavoidable absence of Mr Thos. Hughes, J.P. who was detained by important Council duties. A hearty vote of thanks was enthu- siastically accorded to the very accomplished accompanists, the Misses Dilys Hughes, Florence Burt, and Fanny Williams also for well rendered solos and duets to the Misses McEwen, Coultard, Gladys Lewis, L Hughes, and Messrs H. P. Jones, T. H. Thomas, R. Thomas, and J. Wynne. Much disappointment was felt that the Glee Party was unable to appear, owing the unfortunate accident which beiell the principal tenor, Mr W. Williams (Clwyd View), during the earlier part of the day, and with whom a sincere vote of sympathy was passed iu the meeting. The excellent arrangements in connection with the refreshments were very ably carried out by the following ladies: Mrs Hughes (Gronant House), Mrs Davies (Tanydon), Mrs Hughes (Bryntirion). Mrs Williams (Clwyd View), Miss Dowell (Brynhyfryd), The Misses Chadwick (Chapel St), B. Dowell (Craig-y-don), J. Williams (Clwyd View), A. Williams (Northop Villa), Gladys Lewis, A. Davies (Tanydon), L. Hughes, M. Evans, M. J. Hughes, and others. The building had been most tastefully decorated for the occa- sion with evergreens and mottoes by Miss Davies (Tanydon), Mr Tudor Hughes, and Mr R. J. Williams, who also carried out the secretarial duties with tact and thoroughness. A most enjoyable evening was spent and the nett proceeds amounting to £4 exceeded the anticipation even of its sanguine promoters.

Christ Church Literary Society. Mr T. J. Scott presided over the opening meeting of this society on Tuesday, when the Rev. Meredith J. Hughas read a very able paper on John Milton" before a large audience. The rev. gentlemen commented on the poet's great genius and his marvellous imagination, as shewn in "Paradise Lost," passages of which were given. The thanks of the meeting was suitably expressed to the Vicar by Mr Worfolk and Mr Inglefield. 0

PRESTATYN AND DISTRICT TONTINE SOCIETY. The above Society met 011 Monday last at Bradford Buildings, Mr Thompson presiding. There was an excellent attendance, and forty persons were nominated for membership. Dr. Tudor Griffiths was unanimously elec- ted Medical Officer, and he has examined the candidates this week. As a temporary arrangement the Society gratefully accepted the offer of the president, of the use of his office (near the Railway Station) for pay nights. The first fortnightly pay-night will be on Monday next, Jan. lIth, between 8 and 9 p.m. All persons desirous of joining and partici- pating in the full benefits of the Society should at once consult the Secretary, Mr G. 0. Williams, or any of the other officers. The district includes Gronant, Gwaenysgor, Meliden, Dyserth, and any other point within three miles from Prestatyn Town Hall. Nominations from the outlying districts were received at the last meeting.

To the rfditor of the "PrestatYII Weekly. Sir,—The Committee and those interested in the formation of the above Society, are much gratified at the response to their appeal, over 40 applicants having already been enrolled as members. The Society, which is governed by the members, is an organization whose object is to provide against sickness or death of its members at the minimum cost to each. The outstanding feature of the Tontine system is that the balance of cash in hand at the end of the year, after having met all demands, is divided equally amongst the members. I venture to hope that many more will associate themselves with what promises to be a useful Society. ILLINGWORTH THOMPSON, President. Winbert," Prestatyn.

AT BETHEL. New Year's day was celebrated Ly "Bethel" and Horeb chapels with a social tea and miscellaneous concert. Tea was given to the children, and later the adults partook of the good things provided. A miscellaneous meeting was afterwards enjoyed by the large assembly, and vocal and instrumental music was rendered by Miss Eunice Williams, Miss J. Williams, Miss Yeoman, Master Tudor Griffiths, Mr Alun Davies, and Mr Joseph Davies while Mr Lewis Hughes (Bryniau) recited. The accompanists were Miss M. E. Hughes, Miss Fanny Williams, and Mrs Yeoman. Mr Parry Williams gave selections on the gramophone. The chairman (Mr T. Pennant Williams) said they were met on an interesting day of the year—a day to make resolutions. Some would be kept, but the majority, he was afraid would be broken. Children when they left school thought they had completed their education, but that was only the foundation, and they should resolve to build up their education, with the help of their parents. Mr Peter Ellis proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding, and also for his kind donation, and to all who had taken part in the proceedings that evening,and the social in the afternoon. Mr John Thomas seconded, supported by the Hev E. Mostyn Jones. Mr Peter Ellis and Mr T. Williams, J.P., C.C., gave oranges to the children after tea. Mr T. H. Thomas, and Mr J. P. Williams, acted as secretary and treasurer respectively. Funerals completely furnished by WILLIAMS AND RICHARDS, Drapers, etc., Prestatyn.

THE RATEPAYERS HAVE THEIR SAY. A well-attended meeting of electors was held at the Town Hall on Monday, to approve or otherwise of the promotion of a bill in Parliament for the acquiring of the Gas Undertaking and other matters. Mr Thos. Hughes, J.P., presided, and he was supported on the platform by almost the whole of the Councillors, the Town Clerk, and the Surveyor. The chairman explained the object of the meeting, and spoke of the handsome profits made by other communities who had acquired gasworks of their own—profits which had been applied to the reduction of rates. He drew attention to the need of an increased water supply, locally as well as at Meliden and Dyserth, and mentioned the other matters, power to carry out which is being sought. He called upon the chairmen of the different committees to explain the clauses of the bill. A Roseate View. Mr Scott, as chairman of the Finance Committee, said that eleven years ago, when this district was formed, the assessed value was only £5,4<11 and to-day it is £ 10,000—a remarkable change The loans falling in during the past year amounted to £ 843, and the use made of this has been to reduce the rate by feixpence in the pound and to pay off about J6450 to the bank. After one more payment the latter will be cleared, said Mr Scott, and we shall be free to devote the whole of the £ 613 to the interest on the gas loan. Further than this, we may anti- cipate that the increased revenue in the next two years will come to £220, also available for gas expenditure, without counting any income from the Gasworks, although some will undoubtedly accrue. The loan debt of the Council has decreased from £25,284 in 1904 to £ 21,734 in 1908. Where the gas- works along the coast have been in the hands of the corporation they have invariably paid. Llandudno gasworks are making a profit of £ 1,800 and the price for gas is only 3/2. Rhyl gasworks pays well and relieves the rates to a considerable extent. At Conway the price of gas has fallen from 5/- to 3/6 since the Council took it over, while at St. Asaph it remains at 5/5 in the hands of a Company. It will be seen that the finances of the town are in a thoroughly sound con- dition and if this Bill passes we shall be in a good position to take the works over in 1910 I believe without any increase in the rates, while in few years there should be a reduc- tion in the rates. More Power to the Council! Mr Thos. Jones, J.P., chairman of the Road Committee, said there were many clauses in the proposed Bill which would make for the improvement of the town. He recapitu- lated some of the increased facilities in the government of the town which the new act would bring about. With regard to the present Gas concern digging up the streets at "I k71 0 inconvenient times, the Council now has no control. This would be remedied by the new act. Arrangements for town lighting would 11 a rl likewise be improved. An Important Point. Mr Henry Wright put the case for the Council from the point of view of Chairman of the Water Committee. During the nine years he had lived here, he affirmed, there had never been a proper supply of water all the year round. At times it had to be cut off from one part in order to supply another. As the place developed—which it was doing very rapidly—their own common-sense told them that it would be disastrous if the supply were not increased. It seemed a great shame they should lack for this commodity. If they went to the waterworks they would see near the entrance a mighty rush of water wending its way to the sea, and there was abundant proof that there was more water where the stream finished than where it emanated from the well. He defied anyone to say that all the water from the well was used. There was a plea that water was needed for the mills. Why, the mill ponds were all grown over with weeds. For a nominal figure an alteration could be made whereby the district could secure a plentiful supply of water. Whether they had the gas or not, water they must have. He could live longer without gas than without water (laughter). However, both were essential to the well-being of the place, which he described as "healthy, beautiful Prestatyn one of the prettiest places on the Welsh coast." Con- tinuing, Mr Wright said he was not disparaging Lady McLaren's agent," who was most inde- fatigable, and but for him the town would have had to buy the water years before. But if there was any advantage to be derived the ratepayers ought to have it (applause). He asked for their whole-hearted support in the purchasing of the gas and in securing an increased water supply. Providing for Posterity. Mr Inglefield spoke as Chairman of the Public Health Committee. He was glad to see some ladies present, especially as he understood they did not view this matter with favour. The prosperity of Prestatyn as a visiting resort depended on ladies, and it was the Council's duty to give them every facility. With regard to the purchase of the gas, he did not want to put too rosy a view on this question. They would not gain material advantage with regard to price. What they would gain would be extra facilities and as pure gas as it was possible to make. If the works were to continue to be privately owned, they might fare worse in the future, for Lady McLaren and Mr Linnell would not live for ever. The chief question asked was, Will it pay ? That depended on the happy co-operation of the ratepayers (applause). It was our duty to look to the future, and if the gas works were purchased now, generations to come would bless us. With regard to the water, it was absolutely necessary they should have an increased supply. It was not generally known that there had been a scarcity, but that was the case in July and August, with the result that the Council— and especially the chairman of the Water Committee—had had an anxious time. The clauses in the bill comprised improvements in the sanitary condition of the streets, and he was sure no one would object to that. Then it was suggested to lay two lines of drains instead of one. This would allow clean water from the roofs to run into the stream instead of having to be pumped as sewage. Then there were several other matters which concerned the public health, and as the health of a town was the life of a town, lie asked the meeting to give the Coun- cil every support in the position taken up. A Non-elector. Mr Gamlin, solicitor, Rhyl, here rose and said that previous to the meeting he had had an interview with the Chairman, to whom he had explained that he was acting on behalf of Mrs Rowley Conwy, with regard to the Marian stream. After a consultation with his colleagues, the Chairman had ruled that the present meeting was not the right place for him (Mr Gamlin) to make his explanation. But he put it to the audience, Was that fair to the electors ? It would have been better to hear what he had to say, for be would have confined himself solely to the water. If the chairman adhered to his previous ruling, he (Mr Gamlin) would request the press to disseminate his views to the rate- payers. The Chairman: This is a meeting of electors, and I must rule you out order. Mr Gamlin then withdrew. Mr J. E. Kelly here remarked that he bad no objection to the purchase of the gas if the works were taken further back. Mr E Sherlock took the same view. With the prevailing winds fumes were carried direct to High Street. He advocated that the works should be on the east side of the town. Mr Lloyd Ellis said that what they wanted was electricity, which was more up-to-date, and would do away with smells. He did not believe in buying a thing which was practi- cally dead. It was pointed out from the platform that electric light was impossible for a small town. The same remarks had been made years ago regarding gas dying out, whereas it was flourishing more than ever. Mr Garside asked several questions, one of which was whether if the Council intended spending an exceptional amount of money in connection with some of the new clauses, would the ratepayers have au opportuuity of saying something. This was replied to in the affirmative. In reply to another remark by Mr Garside, Mr Thos. Jones said it was not intended to lay a double line of sewers, except where thought necessary. Mr Joseph Williams (auctioneer), who was for many years manager for the Rhyl Gas Company, strongly advocated the Prestatyn Council securing the local works. He shewed by figures what an enormous amount Rbyl had had to pay through delaying the purchase. Now was the time to purchase, and the administration of the gas and water could go together, as the extra cost would only amount to a few pounds extra per annum, for prac- tically the same officials could work botb (applause). Not a Plunge. Mr Bauks then moved a resolution that the action of the Council be approved. He wished to say that it was not a plunge nor an aggression, and in explaining the position of the Council, he said that the owner of the gasworks was asking for powers to increase the capital, and when asked to sell privately to the Council had refused to do so. Therefore this seemed the most opportune moment for Council to promote a bill, as other things could be included at the same time, and thus save expense. It was not contemplated to put all the clauses into operation now, but the town was growing, and they would want all these things in the future. The Water Bill of 1901 was a good stroke of business, he considered, although it had cost a lot of money. Its fault was that it was not suffici- ently comprehensive. But the present Council was not to blame for that. It had not been foreseen that the population would grow at such a rapid rate. o In reply to Mr Lloyd Ellis, Mr Banks said the water had cost £ 18,000. Continuing, he pointed out that a year ago it had paid for itself. Many difficulties had had to be over- come, yet to-day it was a paying concern. With regard to the gas, he had no personal feeling in the matter, he said. when he asserted that the gas was dirty and its illumi- nating power poor. It took three lights where in reality one should be sufficient. He had taken fittings down in his own house after three weeks' use and found them covered with soot. He had now put them in a glass case (laughter). They were not a plunging Council. In fact they had gone into°the t)