The Weekly News and Visitors' Chronicle for Colwyn Bay Colwyn Llandrillo Conway Deganwy and Neighbourhood

CONWAY (continued). CONWAY AND LLANDUDNO PETTY SESSIONS. CONWAY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 3RD.Before the Mayor of Conway (Councillor Dr R. Arthur- Prichard, C.C.), Charles Frost, Esq.; County- Alderman Elias Jones and Councillor Morris Jones. ALLEGED OFFENCES AGAINST THE RAILWAY COMPANY. Titus Ellis, commercial traveller, Ruabon, was fined 40s and costs for travelling between Aber and Conway, without having previously paid his fare.—Mr Fenna prosecuted. Thomas Lever, commercial traveller, 5, Back Mostyn Street, Llandudno, pleaded guilty to travelling between Abergele and Llandudno Junction, without having previously paid his fare. —The Bench inflicted a fine of 40s and costs, but suggested that, in view of extenuating circum- stances, the Railway Company might remit part of the fne.-Mr Fenna, who prosecuted, said that the recommendation would be duly submitted to the Company. Thomas Williams, commercial traveller, Buckley, was charged with having travelled from Aber to Conway without having previously paid his fare, and with intent to defraud.—Mr Fenr.a prosecuted on behalf of the Railway Company, and Mr R. Bromley (Rhyl) defended. —John Roberts, booking-clerk, Bangor, said that on November 15th, for the 1.9 up-train, he booked the defendant parliamentary to Aber, the ticket being numbered 8516.—Edwin Brown Jones,, booking-clerk, Conway, said that on the Bang-or train's arrival he was collecting tickets at the Conway exit-door. The defendant showed a return-half parliamentary ticket (Holyhead to Lime Street) numbered 3249, but the date was un- decipherable. Detective Smart went after the defendant and brought him back to the booking- office, where the defendant gave up the two tickets from Holyhead to Lime Street and from Bangor to Aber. The defendant said that he had no other ticket in his possession. At 3.35 p.m., the defendant came back, and showed the witness the return-half of a winter tourist-ticket issued the previous day, this being available from Carnarvon to Chester. He said that he had given up the wrong ticket previously, because of absent- mindedness. The witness afterwards sent par- ticulars to Detective Smart. Cross-examined, the witness said that he thought that the defendant, on giving up his ticket to Liverpool, said Tourist." The witness did not hear the defen- dant add for Chester."—Detective-sergeant Smart said that, in consequence of information received, he went by the 1.9 p.m. train, on November 15th, from Bangor. The defendant did not alight at Aber. The witness saw the defendant showing a return ticket at Conway, and followed him and brought him back to the station, where the defendant gave up the tickets from Bangor to Aber and from Holyhead to Liverpool. The witness then told him that he saw by the nips that the Liverpool ticket had been used as far as Chester. The defendant said that he did not remember having used the the ticket previously, and, in answer to a question, said that he had no other ticket. Cross-examined, the witness said that, when he spoke to the defendant at Conway, he had not said to the defendant where the ticket was from rind to. That night, the witness heard from the Conway station- master, to the effect that the gentleman had come to the station, and had produced a return-half of a Chester to Carnarvon tourist-ticket, and had said that the previous day he had been excessed from Menai Bridge to Amlwch. The witness inquired, and found that the defendant had not been excessed at Gaerwen.-For the defence, Mr R. Bromley contended that the offence was not made out, for it had come out in the evidence that the defendant had already paid his fare from Car- narvon to Chester, and no intent to defraud had been proved. His client had, after starting from Bangor, decided to alight at Conway instead of Aber. At Conway, the defendant said "Tourist," and the ticket he had shown was not a tourist- ticket. Later, the defendant found that he had given up a ticket which he had not known he had possessed, and he went back to the Conway railway-station, and had reported the fact at once. He would call the Conway station-master.—John Braggins, station-master, Conway, said that the ticket produced (return-half Carnarvon to Chester) was the one the defendant gave up to the witness, and was a valid one at that date. Cross- examined, the witness corroborated the other witnesses as to the defendant having told Detective Smart that he had no other ticket.— The Bench found that there was not sufficient evidence to convict. CONWAY LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY. At the Conway Literary and Debating Society's meeting, on Tuesday evening, December 4th, at the Guild Hail, Conway, the President (Mr T. B. Farrington, C.E.) briefly introduced Mr John Humphreys {Liverpool Daily Post reporter, Bangor) as the evening's lecturer, his subject being Fairy Tales of Science The Birth of the Moon." The lecturer said that about fifty million years ago there was no moon. Centres of inertia developed in the nebulus congerie of atoms forming the solar system in embryo, and round these the atoms were gradually attracted together into the form of orbs. Among the globes thus evolved was the planet Earth, a molten globe flying tbrough space. The period of rotation, at its fastest, was probably three hours, for should that (the critical) velocity have been exceeded, tangential forces would not have allowed -the atoms at the Earth's equator to refrain from flying apart from the molten mass. The Moon, at an early period of its existence, was near the Earth, —almost touching, in fact and at that time the Moon's period of revolution synchronised with the Earth's period of rotation. The Earth, prior to the Moou's existence, was subject to tides pro- duced by solar action alone, and the accumulative force of tide's action after tide's action, until the Earth (at its equator in a state of critical equilibrium) threw off a mighty fragment, which was the material of the Moon. Gradually, the Moon receded, and the day and the month lengthened. But the month lengthened faster than the day, until the month equalled twenty- nine days. That time had now passed, and the month, though still increasing in length, was increasing less rapidly than that of the day, until the day and the month are again the same length, that length, however, being fourteen hundred hours. At that period, the Moon being- at a very remote distance, another influence will come into play, solar tides being- the only tides possible. The day would still lengthen, but the day would now lengthen faster than the month, and the Moon's influence would again begin 10 come into play. In conclusion, the lecturer expressed, at some length, and assigning reasons, an opinion that science did not come into conflict with religion. After some discussion of the paper, the President moved a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer. Although the lecture was perhaps a little above the knowledge of some members now, the lecturer's fascinating exposition of his subject could not but have a broadening influence on the minds of them all. Vice-President J. Roger Dawson, seconding the motion, commended especially the interesting manner in which a most difficult subject was explained in popular language easily understood. The lecturer, in briefly responding, said, with reference to an invitation to again lecture on a similar subject, that he had not now the time to devote to the study of astronomy that he once had had at his disposal, but it had been suggested to him that his lecture would be more enjoyed if accompanied by magic-lantern diagrams, making more clear than mere words could do the meaning of such phrases as "centres of inertia." He would be most happy, if they saw fit to invite him, to repeat his lecture on some future occasion, accompanied with magic-lantern illustrations. [Loud applause]. On December nth and 18th, there will be debates, respectively on the questions "Should Members of Parliament be paid for their services?" and Ought Cremation to be generally adopted as the means of disposing of the dead?" On December nth, Mr Turner will open affirmatively I and Mr Robinson will oppose. On December 18h, Mr E. Brown Jones will open affirmatively, and Mr Robinson will follow negatively. SPECIAL SESSIONS. CONWAY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5TH. -Before the Mayor of Conway (Councillor Dr R. Arthur- Prichard, C.C.), and Councillor Morris Jones. THEFTS OF WATCHES William Fletcher, a painter and sailor hailing from Liverpool, was charged, on remand, with stealing a watch, from a Conway dwelling-house, on October 5th last. Mary Roberts, wife of Hugh Roberts, Upper Gate Street, Conway, said that on October 2nd the prisoner came to her house, where he stopped until October 5th (Friday). On the following Monday, the witness, in consequence of something she was told, went upstairs, and, on searching the chest of drawers, found that her husband's watch was missing. The watch pro- duced was the missing one. She notified the police, on October 8th.—P.C. John Griffiths stated that he arrested the prisoner at Swansea on Nov- ember 30th. On the return journey the prisoner told the witness that he had taken the watch because of want of food through inability to get work. The prisoner also said that he would like to get the watch returned he had sold it, for 2s. to a watchmaker at Bangor. On December 1st, the prisoner, accompanied by the witness, went to a watchmaker's shop in Bangor, and asked Thomas Evans whether he remembered the watch he bought for 2s two months previous. Thomas Evans denied remembering it at first, and, on further interrogation, denied ever having seen the prisoner or having bought any watch. The further interrogation, denied ever having seen the prisoner or having bought any watch. The witness, after announcing who he was, asked Evans whether he had sold any watch within the last two months. At first Evans denied any such transaction, but afterwards gave the name of a young man, John Jones (son of a printer), as the name of the purchaser. The watch proved not to be the one wanted, and the witness went back to the shop, and asked Evans whether he had sold another watch. Evans, with an oath, denied either having sold another watch or having ever seen the prisoner. On December 4th the witness served Evans with a subpoena, and he again reiterated his denials, but he eventually said that about six weeks previous he had sold a large Geneva watch to an Englishman whom he did not know. Afterwards in the presence of the witness and Superintendent Harris, Evans said that he had sold a watch to an Englishman three weeks previous. The witness taxed him with inconsistencies of statements, and ultimately Evans offered to bring them the watch if they waited in the shop till six o'clock. The witness asked whether it was the watch wanted, with the name of "Theophilus Davies, Llanrwst" inscribed. Evans said that it was, but refused to give the name of the purchaser. Later, however, Evans banded-over the watch produced, which he said had been sold to him by the man accompanying the witness the previous Saturday.—Thomas Evans, watchmaker, High Street, Bangor, said that he bought the watch produced from the prisoner, who then appeared a respectable man. The witness bought it for three shillings, but the prisoner only received two shillings, that being all the money the witness had. The witness did not keep any register of watches bought, sold, or exchanged, but he did keep a register of watches brought for repairs,, The witness exchanged the watch with John Jones, farm-servant, Bryn Min- ceti, Llandegfan, for a watch and 7s or 8s to boot. —The prisoner, who elected to be-tried summarily, pleaded guilty, and, as it was the first offence proved against him (although there was another similar charge pending), was sent to prison for only two months with hard labor. The Bench expressed an opinion that steps ought to be taken (if possible) to prevent the purchase of a valuable watch for any such sum as two shillings. The prisoner, was afterwards charged with stealing, on November 5th, a silver watch at Bethesda.—David Davies, of Llandegai, an engine-driver in Penrhyn quarries, said that, between half-past five and six in the evening of October oth, the prisoner came to seek employ- ment in the quarry, and lodged at the witness's mother's house from October 30th to November 5th. The witness's mother and a lodger, gave him food. On the Monday morning, the prisoner was in bed when the witness went to work, and the witness's watch (the watch produced, valued 30s) was hanging to the bed-post. The witness missed it that night, on getting back from work. The prisoner had obtained work at the quarry, and was to begin that Monday morning (November 5th) he came to the Quarry, but did not work.— John Beattie, manager to Robert Williams, pawn- broker, High Street, Bangor, said that about noon on November 5th the prisoner came to the shop, and pledged (for 3s 3d) the watch produced, which eventually was handed over to the police. -P.C. John Griffiths (52) said that when he had the prisoner in custody at Swansea on another charge, he found on him the pawn-ticket pro- duced, which bore the name of Robert Williams, Bangor, as pawnbroker. The prisoner, on being charged, admitted taking the watch.—John Beattie (recalled) said that the watch's outside value would be only seven shillings, owing to the fall in the price of silver. — P.S. Thomas Jones (4), Bethesda, said that he readily found the watch at the pawnbroker's, where he was rendered every assistance.—The prisoner, who elected to be tried summarily, pleaded guilty, and the Bench inflicted a sentence of one month's hard labour, to follow the previous sentence. CONWAY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The following gives a list of valid nominations for Guardians and Rural District Councillors for Parishes in the Conway Poor-Law Union Conway (one seat) Alderman Hugh Hughes (L), and Councillor Edward Roberts (C). Gyffin (i) John Williams, Llechan. Dwygyfylchi(i): Robert Lloyd Jones, J. Allansoii Picton, Henry Roberts, and Richard Williams. Eglwysrhos (i) David Jones, Vaughan-street, Llandudno. Eirias (1): Owen Williams, draper. Llandudno (3): Hugh Caraher, Rev David Davies (Welsh Baptist minis- ter), John Roger Dawson, Thomas Roberts (Clement-street), and E. J. Watkins. Llanrhos (i) J. E. Fincham (C), and J. H. Harrop (L). Llandrillo (2) John Roberts, and County-Coun- cillor John Porter. Caerhun(i): William Edwards, and Robert Ellis. Llanbedr-y-cenin (i) William Edwards, and Richard Jones. Llangelynin (1) G. O. Jones. Llechwedd (i) W. F. Jones. Llangwstenin (i) Rev William Davies (Rector), and County-Councillor Hugh Owen (Nonconform- ist). Llvsfaen (1) Robert Evans. Penrhyn (1) Daniel Phillips. Llanelian (1) No valid nomin- ation. Llansantffrai d-glan-C on way (i) Rev William Morgan (Rector), and County-Councillor John Davies. CONWAY WORKINGMEN'S CONSERVA- TIVE CLUB. A capital two hours' entertainmeut was enjoyed, at the Workingmen's Conservative Club-room, on Monday evening, November 26th, the artistes being Mr W. R. Duncan, Miss Helen Conway, Miss Sydney Phelps, and Mr T. Brown (accom- panist). A large Union-Jack formed a very appropriate back-ground to the stage, on which the three laughable sketches, "A Fair Encounter," Mrs Caudle speaks her Mind," and The Lady Volunteers," were (admirably performed, the programme, which also included pianoforte solos, the humorous duett "Reuben and Rachel" (encored), and (by desire) Mr W. R. Duncan's original and most amusing sketch, The Would- be Elocutionist," concluded with the united singing of God Save the Queen." The large room was filled to overflowing, and the audience was a fashionable one. The interval between the two parts of the programme was occupied by an address from the Chairman of the Club (Councillor Dr R. Arthur-Prichard, Mayor of Conway), who said that, in starting the session with that enter- tainment, let him hope that the Club would be well-attended. He urged upon all Conservatives the duty and importance of not being lukewarm in fighting the various elections. The Primrose League had been ridiculed, but the Liberal League had been founded on its model, and the Primrose League had shown its power in Conway in the recent municipal election. Let each of the Club's members support the cause by regular attendance at the Club throughout the winter season, and strive to be a worthy foe to worthy antagonists. CONWAY URBAN SANITARY AUTHORITY. At the Conway Urban Sanitary Authority's November monthly meeting called for 5.0 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28th, at the Guild Hall, Conway, the Mayor (Councillor Dr R Arthur-Prichard, J.P., C.C.) presided. The Authority is constituted as follows, those present being indicated by an asterisk, the time of arrival being shewn within brackets follow- ing each asterisked name THE MAYOR: [Councillor Dr R. Arthur- Prichard, J.P., C.C.] ALDERMEN (4): *Griffith Jones (5 4). *Hugh Hughes (4.59). *Hugh Jones (5.6). *William Hughes (5.24). COUNCILLORS (12): *Humphre.y Lewis (5.23). C. J. Wallace. *Charles Drover. (5 3). *Hugh Jones (5.6). *M. J. Morgan (5 9) *Morris Jones (4.59). *John Hughes (5201. #Bdward Roberts. (5 5). *R. A. Prichard (4.59). *A. W. Jones (4 59). *J. W. Tosdevine (5.8). *Owen Jones (5.7). OFFICIALS: 'I *Mr T. E. Parry (4.59). Borough Surveyor. Sfc. *Mr T. B. Farrington, C E. (5.10), Saititai-,j tInspectoq- *Mr. D. M. Roberts (5 8). A COMMON LODGING-HOUSE APPLICATION. The Sanitary Inspector reported that he had received from Mr Samuel Blundell an application for him to inspect Plas Ucha' (Chapel Street), with a view to its re-registration as a common lodging- house. The Authority instructed the Inspector to inspect and report upon the house in question. THE INSANITARY HOUSES AT MOUNT PLEASANT. The Sanitary Inspector reported that certain houses at Mount Pleasant were insanitary. It was explained that the houses had been allowed (subsequently to a former report) to become and remain empty under the agency of Mr T. M. Jones, but since the agency had been transferred new tenants had moved in. Councillor Edward Roberts understood that the houses had been condemned as unsanitary, and asked for the minute to be read. The minute was accordingly read, and the Town Clerk was instructed to take proceedings. Councillor Humphrey Lewis complained of insanitariness at Bryn'rhall, and the Inspector (who said that no proceedings had been ordered on a previous report) was instructed to report thereon to the, next meeting of the Council, as the matter was urgent. THE PROVISION OF WATER-CLOSETS. The Ispector asked for instructions as to com- pelling water-closets to be provided in several streets, and on the suggestion of Councillor Edward Roberts the Authority deferred action except in the case of those localities already sewered. PIGSTYES IN BERRY STREET. With reference to certain pigstyes in Berry Street, Conway, the Inspector reported that these were undrained and in a fithy state, and, although more than the requisite distance from Berry Street habitations, were only the thickness of the Town-wall from the houses fronting on the Quay. Councillor Drover proposed that the pigstyes be condemned, but found no seconder. Councillor Tosdevine moved that the owners be compelled to keep the pigstyes clean, but found no seconder. However, on the Sanitary Inspector explaining further that matter oozed, through the Town-wall, from ;one of the pigstyes, into one of the Quay houses on a lower level, Councillor Edward Roberts said that he would second Councillor Drover. The motion was then passed without opposition. THE DISCHARGED WELSH PLATELAYERS. Pursuant to notice, Alderman Hugh Hughes moved a resolution protesting against the Railway Company's discharging workmen because of their inability to understand English, and asking Lord Stalbridge to use his influence to reinstate them. Councillor A. W. Jones seconded. Councillor Humphrey Lewis wished to know whether the allegations could be proved. Alderman Hugh Hughes read copies of circulars directing dismissals of men who could not speak English. Councillor John Hughes said that there had been four dismissals within the Borough, and instanced one case where he would like the dis- missed man to be afforded Corporation employ- ment if possible. Alderman Hugh Hughes said that he would like to add that the places vacated by the Welsh monoglot railwaymen had been filled by English monoglots, some of whom could not read and write. There was such a case within the Borough. Councillors Drover and Dr Morgan also spoke in support of the resolution, which was carried unanimously. The Borough Surveyor presented plans of two houses, on Broad Street, Llandudno Junction, and next to the Post-office. He recommended that they be disapproved, because there would be a cess-pool too near a dwelling-house, namely, within the specified distance (thirty feet). Discussion ensued, in which the Borough Surveyor suggested the formation of a Joint Urban and Rural Area in that neighbourhood. The plans were passed, conditionally on an out- side will, bounding a passage, being made seven feet high, and the passage four feet six inches wide. THE TALYCAFN BRIDGE. The Borough Surveyor reported a conference concerning the plans of Talycafn Bridge, these having been amended by increasing the centre- span's length from 113ft. to 150ft., and the head- way from 14ft. to 16ft. The promoters also wished a further modification, namely, putting the two centre piers 9ft. nearer the Denbighshire bank. He recommended the Council to approve the plans as amended, but not to confirm the further proposed modification so far as related to taking the Carnarvonshire pier further into the river. Alderman Hugh Hughes proposed that the matter be deferred till that day week, for the Corporation to hear also the report of Captain Roberts as an expert. Councillor Morris Jones seconded. Councillor Edward Roberts moved, and Councillor Drover seconded, an amendment to proceed at once, but this was negatived by 10 votes to 4- THE PROPOSED DEGANWY ELECTRIC TRAMWAY. The Authority tentatively approved in principle the plans of an electric tramway from Llandudno (Gloddaeth Street Post-Office),via the Green Road and the Warren, to a point near the Deganwy Castle Hotel. It was explained that the scheme involved a road and public right-of-way from Llandudno to Deganwy, and would be likely to develop the Llandudno Land Company's estate, which had over a mile of sea-frontage within the Borough of Conway. The plans were submitted on behalf of Mr Alfred Dickinson, C. E., Darlaston. A SANITARY SURVEY ORDERED. Councillor Dr Morgan moved, Councillor Drover seconded, and the Authority resolved, that the Medical Officer of Health be requested to inspect, and report upon, the sanitary state of the Borough. STAGE-COACH BYE-LAWS. The Stage-coach Bye-laws were ordered to be sealed. WORKMEN'S DWELLING-HOUSES. The Town Clerk reported that there had been no sanction yet given to the proposed working- men's dwelling-house loan. Councillor Edward Roberts, in an interrogative form, complained that an application, by him, for a piece of land for building, was in suspense until a definite answer had been received as to the loan. Alderman Hugh Hughes asked the Mayor's ruling on a point of order, whether Councillor Edward Roberts could speak on his own case. The Mayor ruled that Councillor Roberts could ask a question on such a matter, and advised him to renew his application. Councillor Roberts thanked the Mayor, and said that he would do so.