Prestatyn Weekly

||rcslafmi meddy. ^SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 1906. £ 'Ihrowjh presxnre on our space we hare been compelled io hold ova reports of the (H,ristmas Tree a.t the Town Hall, and the Sen-ice of Sony at Trinity Church, till next week. ii-ill he found on page 4, aitd The Housekeeper on page 1. -+- THE pleasant relations which have invariably existed between our councillors during the past year is, as was remarked at the meeting on Monday, a matter for congratulation, especially when we remember the stormy scenes of years gone by, scenes which culminated in the alienation of at least one good public servant. When we contemplate the multitudinous matters, oftentimes affecting private interests, which come under the notice of our local authority, and the important questions to be decided, the amount of tact, firmness, and unbiased judgment which must be exercised by the chair at all times is an important factor in the maintenance of due decorum, and anyone in the habit of attending the Council meetings will agree that our present chairman possesses these qualifications in an eminent degree.

VENTILATING THE ASSESSMENT QUESTION. The monthly meeting of the local Council was held on Monday evening, presided over by Mr Thomas Jones, J.P. when there was a full attendance of members, including Coun- cillors J. B. Linnell, John Pritchard, T. J. Sc tt., Peter Ellis, T. B. Griffith, A Greenwood, Rev. F. Jewell, J. Williams (Roslyn), Thos. Hughes, T. Parry Williams, the Clerk, and Surveyor. NEW YEAR GREETINGS A RETROSPECT. Before proceeding with the business of the meeting the chairman said that as this was their first meeting in the new year, he desired to congratulate the Council on having been able to round the corner of the old year successfully. He considered they could look upon the past year's work with satisfaction and pleasure (hear, hear). The Council had done their duty by the ratepayers, every man having endeavoured to do his best. They did not make much noise, not enough noise for some people perhaps, but the noisiest were not always the best. The work they had accomplished had been done with the best intentions, and for the best interests of the place (hear, hear). Many developments had been pushed forward during the past year, which they could describe as a year of fruitful events. There was one thing in particular he desired to bring before them, and that was the desir- ability of extending every encouragement to Boys' Brigades to come to Prestatyn. He thought that one of the reasons why Prestatyn tradesmen had been able to weather the past depression better than those in other towns along the coast was due to the visit of the Boys' Brigades (hear, hear), and he asked them to do all they could to encourage the Brigades to continue coming here. Through the Brigade they had had a Red Letter Day last year, when there were said to be about 10,000 people m Prestatyn on the occasion of the visit of Sir George Z, White (hear, hear). That was undoubtedly of great benefit to Prestatyn, and according to rumours which are afloat they were likely to have another distinguished visitor this year (hear, hear). The Prestatyn Council was looked upon as a model Council. They had had a peaceful year—no squabbling—and the systematic way in which the business of the Council was carried out was chiefly due to the Clerk, who always insisted on everything being done systematically and in order (hear, hear). He much regretted that Mr Coward was absent through illness, and hoped he would be amongst them again soon. Mr Coward hai been a faithful and useful servant to Prestatyn (hear, hear). There were many things to be done in the spring which should tend to bring about the success of next season, and he hoped these would be attended to soon. He referred to the tennis and goif grounds, lavatories, control of the foreshore, etc. In conclusion he wished the Councillors, their servants, and the representatives of the Press a happy and prosperous new year. SLAUGHTER HOUSES. The Inspector of Nuisances had submitted the report of the sub-committee on the above matter, and after discussion it was resolved that Messrs Owens and Sons be requested to do all the slaughtering inside the building and not in the yard, and if possible to take steps to have the shippon removed further from the house PUMPING OPERATIONS. The Public Health Committee had had before them a letter from Mr Sparks, of the Royal Victoria Hotel, asking that the pump- ing at the sewage station be attended to daily. The Surveyor informed the committee that the recent heavy rains had affected the sewerage system, and pumping was carried on practically night and day. A reply was sent to Mr Sparks informing him that no effort would be spared to keep the main sewer clear. BASTION ROAD FOOTPATH. The Surveyor estimated that a sum of J615 would be required to defray the cost of carting quarry debris and gravel, and also labour for the proposed footpath on Bastion Road. It was decided to proceed with the work in March, so as to be ready for Easter. RAILWAY BRIDGE FENCES. The Road and Improvement Committee had had before them a letter from Mr Perkins, Bangor, representing the L. & N. W. Railway Compary, drawing the attention of the Council to the state of the fences on the bridge approaches to Prestatyn station, and suggesting that steps should be taken to have them repaired. After discussion it was resolved that a reply be sent stating that the Council con- siders it the duty of the company to repair and maintain the fence. THE TENNIS GROUND. The following sub-committee had been appointed to inspect the Tennis Ground, and to take steps to put the same in order Messrs. T. B. Griffith, Thos. Jones, T. Parry Williams, J. B. Linnell, and Rev. F. Jewell. The latter gave the sub-committee's report on the same, and stated that their idea was to get the large tufts of grass mowed down, and then have a heavy roller on the ground. This would bring it to a satisfactory condition by next season, and they would have two or three courts available. At the far end of the ground there would be accommodation for a couple of excellent bowling greens, and the whole expense would probably run to a trifle. Mr Linnell had given them great assistance when looking over the ground, and when the weather permitted they would proceed with the work. Mr Linnell pointed out that the unsatis- factory state of the fence was a great draw- back, as they could not keep the sheep from the ground, and he asked for Mr John Pritchard's assistance in having them put right. Mr Pritchard promised that if the owners would give materials he would do the work. NEW BUILDINGS. Plans of four houses in Hafod Road, to be erected by Mr Henry Wright, were approved. RAILWAY FACILITIES. Mr Parry Williams said that if a good train service was to be secured for the town this was the time of year to bring it forward, and not leave it until March or April, as the arrangements for the season were theiipra-e-. tically made. They fully appreciated the goodness of the Railway Company last summer, as the service at Prestatyn was as good as any place along the coast. But there were one or two trains that could be improved upou, and now was the time to speak (hear, hear). He proposed that a small sub-com- mittee be appointed to take up the matter. The Chairman agreed with Mr Parry Williams. Rev F. Jewell seconded the proposition, and as a sub-committee was to go into the matter, he suggested that they should also deal with the question of what had become of the local photographs which were taken some time ago for the purpose of their being put in the railway carriages. He had Dot seen any of them along this line. Mr Linnell, speaking of the railway-facili- ties, feit that it was a great drawback to the place on account of the 10-40 train not stopping here. The followiug were appointed as a sub- committee to go into the matter The Chair- man, Messrs Parry Williams, J. B. Linnell, T. B. Griffith, and Jno. Williams. OVERSEERS AND THEIR DUTIES: ALLEGED INTERFERENCE. At this stage of the meeting Mr T. B. Griffith handed in the following notice of motion relating to the question of the duties of Overseers which had been before the Council previously "That inasmuch as our Clerk has unduly attempted to interfere with the Overseers in carrying out their legal duties, this Council repudiates any such right of interference until such time as by law it has obtained the necessary powers for taking over the whole duties and responsibilities of Overseers." The Chairman then read a letter from the Local Government Board bearing on this question. The reply contained no definite information, but referred the Council to several sections in verious Acts. Mr Griffith If I had known that that letter had been received I should not have put in my notice of motion. If yOllwili allow me, I wish to withdraw it. I only put it in thinking we were not going to hear any more of the matter. The Chairman, thought the letter should be referred to Committee. Mr Griffith The whole question was whether the Council had any right to inter- fere with the duties of the Overseers. The Chairman You do not charge the Council with interfering, do you ? Mr Griffith No, it is the Clerk. The Chairman: As a servant of the Council the Clerk thought different from the Overseers. Mr Parry Williams proposed, and Mr J. Williams seconded, that the matter be referred to committee. The Clerk said it was time he had a say in this matter. He had seen several of the Acts, and they also had counsel's opinion to say he was right. The Clerk was proceeding to address the Council when Mr Griffith got up and said it was not right to allow this. He appealed to the Council. He had been attacked, and had had no opportunity of having his say, as at the previous meeting he was ruled out of order- Mr Jewell: There was an accusation of interference made against the Clerk. That naturally fetched him to his feet. A letter giving counsel's opinion on the matter was read, in which it was stated that the Council can appeal against any over- assessment in the usual way. I agree that they should have been consulted before the assessment was increased." The matter was referred to Committee. THE MOTOR RAILWAY EXTENSION. A letter was read from the Railway Com- pany giving notice that the Light Railway Company Commissioners would hold a public inquiry at the Town Hall, Prcstatyn, on Monday, the 29th inst., regarding the ex- tension of the railway to Newmarket. It was decided that as many members as possible should attend the inquiry to look after the interests of the Council.

MR J. HERBERT LEWIS. Visit to Prestatyn. Mr J. Herbert Lewis met on Monday a number of the local workers supporting his candidature, and briefly discussed with them the present situation, as well as details of the contest in this part of Flintshire. In view of the striking Liberal victories which have already been secured throughout the country, the meeting had a jubilant tone, congratu- lations being the order of the day. Mr Lewis exhorted his friends to beware of over-confidence, and hoped they would strain every nerve to bring to the pull every voter favourable to his cause. At present his efforts were being directed at the return of Lis brother-candidate of the Flint Boroughs. It was arranged to hold a public meeting on Thursday next week, when Mr Lewis will be supported on the platform by one of the returned members for Wales—possibly Mr Clement Edwards, who is standing for the 11 Denbigh Boroughs. Mr Herbert Lewis appears to be standing very well the strain of his present state of overwork, which must be very wearing to even a robust constitution.

A Plea for Trees. Now that the very-necessary improvement of Bastion Road is being considered, could not the owners, or the' Council, or a beauty- loving public, be persuaded to plant a grove of trees from one end to the other. There is only one word which describes the appearance of this, one of tho most frequented roads in Prestatyn during the season, and that word Is Horrible. Could we but exercise our imagination and think what a grand and shady avenue this would be in five or ten years time with a comparatively small ex- penditure, it is certain the improvement would be made. We could do without foot- paths.

Christ Church Literary Society. The subject for debate at the meeting of the Christ Church Literary Society on Mon- day night was "The Education Act of 1902," there being a goodly number of members in attendance. Copies of the Act were distri- buted among the audience, and the Vicar read out and explained the various sectioiis. Questions were invited and replied to, and altogether a very instructive evening was spent, the proceedings terminating with a vote of thanks to the Vicar for the lucid manner in which he had explained the Act to his hearers.

Tennis and Mole-hills. We read the tennis ground is to be inspected" by a sub-committee of the Council. An interested observer has already done so, and considers that whoever puts the same in order will have the present rt:sident-the industrious mole—to reckon with. The suggested heavy roller to go over the ground will be laughed at by our under- ground friend.

Temperance Meeting. On Monday next the Jocal adult branch of the Church of England Temperance Society will hold its monthly meeting in the Church 1 0 Room, when addresses are announced to be delivered by several local speakers.

The Disorderly Element. After the experience of the discreditable scenes at the Unionist meeting it would be advisable if in future those in charge of the arrangements would take steps to prevent tho admission of the disorderly element into political meetings. The great majority of those present on Wednesday came prepared to listen to the arguments put forth by the various speakers, and it is a pity that a few rowdy ignoramuses should be allowed to upset and spoil a meeting.

A FINGER IN THE PIE. Prestatyn Free Church Council and the Election. Public Meeting Convened. At an adjourned meeting of the Prestatyn Free Church Council the secretary reported that the replies of the candidates to four questions affecting the work of the Free Churches of Wales had been received. They were as follows :—- From Mr J. Herbert Lewis :—" My reply to all the questions contained in your letter of 9th instant is in the affirmative." From Mr Harold Edwards' agent:—"I am desired by Mr Edwards to acknowledge receipt of your letter and to say that he hopes to have an opportunity of replying to your questions when he is at Prestatyn." The Council, being satisfied with the answer received from Mr Herbert Lewis, passed a resolution pledging itself to support n that gentleman's candidature. It was decided to call a public meeting on Friday, at the Town Hall, to discuss the questions and the candidates' replies thereto.