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

opened the scoring for the College by a lucky volley kick, and shortly afterwards scored a second goal by a fast low shot. The School forwards had been by no means idle, and, had the right wing been as good as the left, must have scored more than once. At length, a good centre of Jermyn's was put through by Mr Penn. At half-time, the score was Z-I against the visitors. Upon re-starting, the School made a strong attack upon the College goal, but Jenkins defended finely. Raby, however, after about 15 minutes' play, made the scores level. Play con- tinued fast and open, but, in the last 10 minutes, Gatenby was twice beaten, by Gray and Phillips. The Rydal team, whose defence suffered from the absence of Mr Stainer, was uneven. The goal- keeper was very fair, and could hardly be blamed for any of the goals. Wood was a brilliant back, and quite the best on the field. Aitken also played a steady and cool game, and gave the College left wing a lot of trouble. Raby and Firth played as well as they have ever done; it was not until they were both injured that the College scored the winning goals. Of the for- wards, the left and centre combined well and worked very hard, but were poorly supported. Jermyn was the pick. For the College, Jenkins, in goal, was very sound; the backs and halves, all of whom excelled in volleying, were a very even lot, Beauchamp-Williams being perhaps the best. The forwards were fast and clever, Gray and Phillips being especially prominent. Rydal Mount.-F. W. Gatenby, goal; K. Wood, J. H. Aitken, backs A. Firth, A. Proctor, R. S. Raby, halves H. Bedford, Dr Fuhrken (right), Mr Penn (centre), A. H. Whitehouse, O. R. Jermyn (left), forwards. U. C. N. W.-W. G. Jenkins, goal Roberts, Rees, backs R. Finlon, Beauchamp-Williams; T. Lewis, E. C. Phillips, Dr Marsden, J. Gray, Dr Taylor Jones. THE ST. CATHERINE'S (COLWYN) CHURCH CHOIR SUPPER.-On Tuesday evening, February 4th, the St. Catherine's Church Choir was enter- tained to a supper kindly given by ladies, through the energy of Miss Greeves, Miss Webb, Miss Oates, Miss Long, and Miss Ford, several other ladies rendering valuable assistance, as was also done by Mr Lawrence, Mr Hughes, and Mr Parry, Conway. The usual toasts were proposed and responded to by the Vicar (Rev J, Griffiths), Mr Jones, Minavon), Mr Owen, Mr Sanderson, and Mr Conway. After the tables had been cleared, dancing commenced, and was kept-up until an early hour next morning. A GRAND CONCERT AT COLWYN.—At the Assembly Rooms, Colwyn, on Wednesday even- ing, February 5th, a grand concert was held, Mr E. Lloyd Lewis (Roumania House, Colwyn Bay) presiding. The artistes were Mr Cetni Jones, Mr Jonah W, Owen, Megan Llechid, Colwyn Juvenile Choir, Mr E. C. Evans, Mr Llewelyn Jones, Mr J. Parry, Mr E. T. Bethell, and Miss N. Lloyd (accompanist). The programme was as follows. —Pianoforte duett, The Misses Evans; song, Marchog," Mr Cefni Jones song, Galwad y Tywysog," Mr J. W. Owen song, Holy City," Megan Llechid duett, Bydd bur i Gymru fâd," Messrs E. C. Evans and Llew. Jones; song, Merch y Cadben," Mr J. Parry song, Quite English," Mr E. T. Bethell, and, as an encore, Rocking the baby to sleep duett (encored), Excelsior," Messrs Cefni Jones and J. W. Owen song, Llancesau'r Eryri," Megan Llechid song, Hoff wlad fy ngenedigaeth," Mr J. W. Owen song, Niagara," Mr Cefni Jones, and, as an encore, A welwch V song, "Deio bach," Megan Llechid song, "Banerwr," Mr E. C. Evans duett (encored), A B C," Messrs J. W. Owen and Cefni Jones; song, "She Walked," Mr E. T. Bethell, and, as an encore, "You cannot think of everything"; song, Bwthyn yr amddifad," Mr Llew Jones song, "0 na byddai'n haf o hyd," Megan Llechid; duett, Peidiwch gofyn imi ganu," Messrs J. W. Owen and Cefni Jones. The celebrated Juvenile Prize Choir (under the able conductorship of Mr E. T. Davies) gave the renderings at intervals of the anthems" Cysegrwn flaenffrwyth and Dysg i ni Dy ddeddtau," and of the chorus Clychau Aberdyfi." The artistes so excelled themselves that we cannot find words to sufficiently praise them. The encores were deafening, especially when Mr Cefni Jones gave such an exquisitely pathetic rendering of "Niagara," and also at the duett, "Peidiwch gofyn imi ganu," he gave in conjunction with Mr J. W. Owen. Thanks are due to the Welsh Baptists for supplying such magnificent artistes. A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman and the Vicar, proposed by Bwlchydd Mon, and seconded by Mr Davies (coal merchant). The proceeds of the concert, which closed with the singing of the Welsh National Anthem, went towards liquidating the debt on the Baptist Chapel. HUDSON MEMORIAL CHURCH.—At the Hudson Memorial English Congregational Church, on Monday, February 17th, the respective pastor (Rev Thos Lloyd) will deliver a lecture on "Con- gregationalism in its early History."—Also on Tuesday, March 3rd, the popular lecturer the Rev Thos Evans (Pastor of Victoria Park Con- gregational Church, London) will give a lecture on ("Character You Find Beside the Bonnie Briar Bush." Many of our friends will remember the satisfaction Mr Evans gave when he delivered his popular lecture on Billy Bray," at the above- named Church 4 or 5 years ago. A RATEPAYERS' MEETING. COLWYN WANTS SEPARATION. On Friday evening, February 7th, at the Assembly Rooms, Colwyn, a public meeting of the ratepayers of the Eirias Ward, was held "To consider the advisability of petitioning against our inclusion in the present Urban District Council, and to take the necessary steps to ensure it." The chair was taken by Mr W. F. Williams-Rees, who, in his opening remarks, dwelt on the manner in which the former Board carried on its work, which was very neglectful, and also the absurd expenses that had been incurred he quoted several items, from different reports, to show that Old Colwyn did not get half her rights, according to the taxes paid. Mr Jones (Minafon) asked whether politics were to come into the question if so, he would have nothing to do with it. Mr Evans (Mohrcroft) quite endorsed Mr Jones' remarks. A show of hands was definite on the question. Mr Heap asked several questions bearing on the financial point, and was ably answered by the chairman and Mr Evans. Mr O. Williams said that it was a very import- ant question, one that wanted very careful con- sideration as for himself, he thought that there was no one in Colwyn Bay against disestablishing, and that they in Old Colwyn could manage their own aftairs very well, and, if they came to a satisfactory conclusion to their endeavours, the taxes, he thought, would be very much less in Colwyn than what they at present amounted to. Mr Evans (Mohrcroft) dwelt on the advisability of having a separation, and they had an Authority who knew the ins-and-outs of the Board, and he, as well as his friends, had no hesitation that it would be far better. The rateable value of Old Colwyn was ample security upon which to get a loan of £ 14,000, and they could do a vast amount of improvements for that. There s the Promen- ade," continued Mr Evans, "I'll guarantee that Colwyn Bay ill get the best share of this." Continuing, the speaker, after dwelling upon the balance-sheet, said, "There's^240 down expended on pleasure-grounds. I don't know in the world where they are." Further, Mr Evans found that contemplated and prospective drainage arrange- ments would spoil the Eirias shore and would cost thousands, and Colwyn would be fairly swamped by the rates. The sooner the better Colwyn got a separation, as it would only mean a trifle. Mr Jones (Minavon) thought they ought to have upon paper what the separation would cost. Mr Booth, in a lengthy speech, dwelt upon the improvements, and said that they ought to take a very careful view, and not to hesitate to sue for a separation. Mr Davies (Corn-merchant) said that he had attended Council meetings lasting 3 to 4 hours, and out of that time they could not get a quarter-of- an-hour to deal with Colwyn affairs. The speaker had no hesitation in saying that, if separated, Colwyn can do much better, and have its taxes much reduced. After further discussion, the resolution for a separation, moved by Mr Evans (Bryn-gwynt) and seconded by Mr Edwin Davies, was passed unanimously, the following gentlemen appointed a Committee being instructed to bring the separ- ation proceedings to a successful issue :—Mr Smith, Parian; Mr W. Jones, Minavon; the three Eirias Members of the District Council; Mr Evans, Bryn-gwynt; Mr Edwin Davies; and Mr Thomas Davies, junr. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman. COLWYN BAY AND COLWYN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday, the Chairman (Rev Thomas Parry) presiding. The other members present were the Rev J. G. Haworth, and Messrs John Roberts, George Bevan, Owen Williams, Hugh Hughes, Hugh Davies, Robert Evans, John Blud, and William Davies; Mr James Porter (Clerk), and Mr Wm. Jones (Surveyor), were also present. THE MINUTES OF THE LAST COUNCIL. These occupied the desultory consideration of the Council for about an hour, but, as far as our reporter knows, they were not confirmed. Among other things the question of Ty'nterfyn Farm, which the Council propose to acquire as a site for an Infectious Diseases Hospital was discussed, Mr John Blud observing that, while the Rev W. Venables-Williams had often paraded his anxiety to have an Infectious Diseases Hospital for the town, yet, though he had been written-to about land for the proposed Hospital, this gentleman, who was so very anxious to have an Infectious Diseases Hospital for the town, had not even deigned to reply to those letters. The Chairman, after consultation with the Clerk, said that no letters on the subject had been addressed to the Rev W. Venables-Williams. Mr Blud (effusively): Oh, in that case, I withdraw any remarks I may have made on the subject. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Two special meetings of the Council had been held since the last ordinary meeting, among the minutes of which appear the following :— Cowlyd Board.-The Clerk reported that he had written to the Local Government Board on the question of election of membors of the above Board, and read the reply he had received thereto.—It was proposed by Mr William Davies, seconded by Mr Robert Evans and carried that the following Resolution be sent to the Local Government Board That the majority of the Council voted for the members of the Cowlyd Board on understanding that we only elected them for the ensuing year the same as Conway mem- bers are appointed under the same Provisional Order, and the same as all other Committees." Mr Bevan said that the resolution ordered to be sent to the Local Government Board was an incorrect statement of the position of affairs. The understan- ding was that the members were to serve as before. Mr Evans Where is your authority for that? Mr Bevan My authority is that this was passed by three members of the Board, who call themselves a majority of the Board. Besides that, when this was passed, the Chairman had left the chair, and had taken outside business, and I should like the public and the press to understand that, although I am stated to have been present, I was not present, neither were three or four other members of the Board. Mr Davies here rose to say something. Mr Bevan (contemptuously) You are not the majority. [Laughter.] The Chairman I don't think it will be of any use to say anything more about it. It has been passed as it is. Mr. Robert Evans I should like to know whether the Clerk has had any reply ? The Clerk No. Mr. Bevan I beg to move that we drop it. We have had a reply from the Local Government Board. Mr. Robert Evans (shaking his clenched fist): Then, if you drop it, I will write myself. I am determined to have this matter settled. [Laughter.]. Mr. John Roberts I thought the question wis settled; and I WHS not in the room when this was passed. The Rev. Mr. Haworth Oh, we do our work, and then undo it again. [Hear, hear.]. It was decided that the Clerk should write to the Local Government Board again. Mr. Bevan proposed, and the Rev. J. G. Haworth seconded, that the resolution be rescinded, as it was entirely false, but it was pointed out that this could not be done without notice, and Mr. Bevan con- sequently gave notice that at the next meeting he would move the recision of the resolution. THE HIGHWAY COMMITTEE. The Council next proceeded to deal with the minutes of the High wayCommittee,though our reporter has no record of the minutes of the special meetings having been confirmed. The minutes of the High- way Committee contained the following (among other) items, in the order given Land Clauses Act.—It was proposed by Mr John Roberts, seconded by Mr William Davies, and carried unanimously, that it be a recommendation to the Council to put the Land Clauses Act in force as to the purchase of the Woods. Extension of District.-It was proposed by Mr John Roberts, seconded by Mr Owen Williams, and carried unanimously, that this Council ask the County Councils of Denbighshire and Carnarvonshire to alter the boundaries of the District under this Authority so as to include certain portions of Colwyn, now benefit- ing by and not contributing to this District. Sui-veyor.-It was proposed by Mr John Roberts, seconded by Mr Owen Williams, and resolved, that it be a recommendation to the Council that the Sur- veyor and Sanitary Inspector's salary be increased to X200 a year. The first item discussed was that relating to the ex- tension of the District, which Mr R. Evans strongly objected to, but which, after a while, was formally voted upon and confirmed. After this had been settled, Mr William Davies, reverting to the previous item, said, I am glad to see Mr John Roberts is going in for the Land Clauses Act at last." The Rev J. G. Haworth (severely): I should object to such a remark, were I the Chairman. [Hear, hear]. Mr Davies (astonished): I didn't say anything about the Chairman. Mr Haworth (gravely): You spoke about Mr Roberts. The Council here gaily, and with its usual incon- sequence and utter disregard of order, reverted to a discussion upon the resolution to put the Land Clauses Act, to which Mr Bevan expressed objections. Mr John Roberts said that he thought X400 an acre was too big a price to pay for such land as the Woods were on, especially when they could buy land close by (with no woods on) at .£50 an acre. It was ridiculous on the Company's part to ask i;800 an acre. It would never do for Colwyn Bay to have those Woods closed, neither would it do for the Estate Company to have the Woods closed. If they closed the Woods, they would close up public paths. One of the first things he could remember, was walking through those woods, and he felt that, on behalf of the public, the Council ought to make a protest against the Estate Company's proposal to close the Woods, contained in a letter addressed to the Council and that was the reason of the proposition as to the Land Clauses Act. The Clerk then read the letter referred-to by Mr Roberts, and this was as follows Your letter of the 23rd December came before the Board meeting of the Directors of the Estate Company on Saturday last and I was requested to send you copies of two resolutions bearing on the subject of your letter. 1st, Read letter dated December 23rd, 1895, from Mr Wm Jones, Surveyor to the Colwyn Bay District Council, asking the Company to grant certain privileges as to footpaths, etc. Resolved that the privileges asked for be declined. 2nd, The consideration of the ques- tion of closing the Woods which was brought before the Board meeting held on the 27th September last was resumed, and after discussion it was resolved to close the Woods to the Public from the 1st of June next." Mr. Davies, as seconder of the resolution, thought, after hearing that letter read, that Colwyn Bay would be deprived of one of the pleasantest walks in the country, but simply to save themselves they moved that resolution, and he thought himself that the Local Government Board would itself decide that it would be a great loss to Colwyn Bay, this Wood, and that it would depreciate Colwyn Bay to an enormous extent, and the valuation they put on their Woods was something enormous. Another thing, they held them fast that they could not improve those Woods as they liked, in buying them. Mr. Owen Williams spoke to the Woods having been open to the public as long as ever he could remember,—a period extending over 50 years. Mr. Blud I beg to move that our Clerk write to the agent for the Pwllycrochan Estate Company, stating that we consider the paths running through the Woods to be public footpaths, and that, in the event of them being closed, this Council will exercise its powers to remove any obstructions, and, with regard to the purchase of the Woods, that, rather than pay the exorbitant price they are now asking, we shall put the Land Clauses Act into operation. The Rev. Mr. Haworth I think we should get to know what right you have over these paths. They have been bought as private property, and they have asserted their rights by closing them. Mr Evans thought that the matter should be dropped. It could be taken up again. Mr Blud's motion was not seconded. Mr Bevan moved that the Council enter into negotiations with the Company for their terms as to leaving the Woods open, or for a reconsideration of the terms for purchase. Mr Davies thought that, if the Council did that, it would be an admission of the Company's right to close the Woods. The Rev J. G. Haworth seconded Mr Bevan's amendment, which, on being put, was lost. The Chairman All in favour of the resolution ? Four. Mr Davies Where's the four ? I only saw two. The Chairman: If you want the names, you can have them down. I gave my casting-vote for the resolution. Mr Davies Well, I move to have them down. The names were recorded forthwith. In order that our readers may have some idea of what happened, we hasten to add that the resolution which was passed, was the resolution (i.e., recom- mendation of the Committee) as to the Land Clauses Act. THE SURVEYOR'S SALARY. Mr Bevan said that he had a very great objection to the way this matter was brought before the Council. In the first place, the Highway Committee had nothing to do with the salaries. [Hear, hear]. That was the prerogative of the Finance Committee, and, if the Highway Committee thought otherwise, they should take all the duties of the Finance Com- mittee upon their shoulders, for this was clearly an infringement of the Finanoe Committee's duties. The next objection he had, was that an important matter like that should not be smuggled into the recom- mendations of any Committee at all, but that notice should be given, on the Agenda, that it was coming on. He thought it entirely out of order as it was. Another thing. He had serious objections to the increasing of the Surveyor's salary at all. They all knew that they had engaged an Assistant Surveyor some time ago, at a salary of .£80 a year, which was as much as the Council could afford to pay, without increasing the salary of Mr Jones. He moved that the matter be referred to a Committee, which should inquire into the duties and salaries of all the Council's officials. He thought, too, that the time had come when their offices needed re-arranging. [Hear, hear]. He was sure that the .£50 a year which they paid their Clerk, was entirely inadequate when they considered the enormous amount of work that gentle- man had had thrown on his shoulders. He proposed that a Committee be appointed to inquire into the duties and salaries of their officials, and to bring their recommendations before the Council. [Hear, hear]. Mr Blud cordially supported Mr Bevan, endorsing every word he had said, and he had great pleasure in seconding Mr Bevan's motion. Mr John Roberts I never thought this would come to a resolution on the minutes at all. I remem- ber Mr Evans protesting against it when it came in. 1 think, if we have a man worth the money, that we should pay him. That's my view, and I mentioned .£150 as an extra to this Council, and it would be only £ 25 a year if we gave him £ 200 a year. He is a man capable of making the plans of the foreshore. An outside engineer would charge at least 3t to 5 per cent, and that would come far more costly. Mr Jones has been here many years, has been brought up, and, so to speak, served his apprenticeship under us, and understands the whole of the District. He knows where all the mains—all the water-mains are, and I am able to tell you, gentlemen, that the last year he worked as much at night as in the day time. I don't like to change hands, and, if we got another man, it would take him sometime to get into the run of the business. I believe in giving a good man a good salary, quite equal to what he could get elsewhere. I don't want to give too much salary, but, if we have a man worth paying, I think we ought to raise his salary. He has worked sometimes 12 and even 15 hours a day, and I can't see that there is anything extra being charged for it. Of course, I am quite willing to drop this question, and fall in with the suggestion of Mr Bevan. I have no personal feeling in tne matter. Only I think he made the plans of the foreshore, and it means two or three years' work to carry those plans out. That's my suggestion, that the same man should carry his plans out. Mr. Evans: What's the present wages ? The Chairman £ 150. Mr. Evans: I don't think you are correct. Mr. John Roberts then dropped his motion, and Mr. Bevan's amendmpnt was adopted. THE SANITARY COMMITTEE. The minutes of this Committee contained the following (among other items) Cowlyd Water.-It was proposed by Mr. William Davies, seconded by Mr. Owen Williams, and carried unanimously, that the members of this Council on the Cowlyd Board, be requested to call the attention of the Cowlyd Board to the amount expended by this Council in breaking up of water-mains with a view to having the same paid by the Cowlyd Board." The Chairman asked what was the state of the water-supply now. The Surveyor said that the manner in which it had been supplied during the last two months, was very satisfactory, the average pressure during the day being 70 lbs., and during the night 130 lbs., at Colwyn Bay. The Chairman Did you find anything in the pipes to prevent the water coming here ? The Surveyor We have found nothing yet to account for the difference in the pressure now, and before. Mr Blud Then all the statements that have been made during the last year as to some obstruction in the pipes, has nothing in them ? The Surveyor We have found nothing in the way of obstruction in the pipes. Mr Bevan: Does the full flow come in now ? The Surveyor: Yes. with the exception of a little corrosion. The Chairman Will it come better than it does now if you go again ? The Surveyor I don't think so. The Chairman What's the expense ? The Surveyor: About X40. The Chairman Without any use to us ? The Surveyor Without proving anything as to us, exccept that the water was not allowed to come through somewhere. The Chairman Are you able to furnish the whole District with water without pumping ? The Surveyor Oh yes, and to spare. Mr Bevan Is it a fact that water is coming through the meter now ? The Surveyor No. Mr Bevan: Was the meter the cause of the difference ? The Surveyor: To some extent. lIir Blud: Will it supply the houses above the Parish district ? The Surveyor Oh, no. Mr Hugh Hughes Would it not be better to leave it till the examination is completed ? The Surveyor: The amount of corrosion is bad, for the number of years; but it is not enough to account for the difference in flow. The Chairman: I think it is only fair, after that explanation, to ask the Joint Board to pay for this examination, and I beg to move that we send the account to the Joint Board to pay. Mr Wm. Davies seconded the motion, which was adopted. The Chairman There is another matter, very im- portant to this District, in regard to the water. I am quite convinced we can't come on well with it; we must have a service reservoir at the top. I under- stand that the Estate Company will give us land to erect that, and we rnubt fix the old engine we have now doing nothing somewhere, to pump the water up to the reservoir. If anything will happen to the mains from here to Cowlyd, and that especially in summer, we shall be in a very great dilemma. But a reservoir would hold two or three weeks' supply, and I beg to propose that we ask the Estate Company to grant us the land for a reservoir. Mr William Davies seconded. Mr Blud: All this work will have to be done at the sole expense of the District? The Chairman: Yes, Mr Blud Is it a fact that one of the Schemes in. cluded that sort of thing ? The Chairman Yes. Mr Blud And the present Scheme does not P The Chairman: No.* Mr Bevan My own opinion about this reservoir at the top, is that it should be a small one, just sufficient to supply any property where the water otherwise would not reach. Mr W. Davies Nonsense. Mr Bevan Well, I can only warn you about this Scheme of pumping up the water-supply. Engineers will tell you it is a most expensive scheme to pump water which can't be supplied by gravitation. On Mr John Roberts's suggestion, the mater was referred to the Sanitary Committee. Mr Blud: While we are discussing these matters, might I be allowed to move the resolution of which I have given notice, and which appears on the Agenda P The Chairman: Very well. Mr Blud Then I beg to move That the Counoil's representatives on the Cowlyd Board be asked to inform the Council as to whether there has been a • meeting of the Cowlyd Board since the meeting held in December, whether any information can be given as to the progress of the work, and also whether the Board has any explanation to give in reference to the grave and serious statements made by Alderman Parry at a town's meeting held in Colwyn Bay on December 27th." Proceeding, Mr Blud said-I thought it only fair to put the questions on the Agenda, in order that members of the Cowlyd Board might be here to answer them. And before I can make any remarks on the matter, I should like to know if you have any answer to give to these ques- tions, or whether you intend to hold another meeting. Mr. John Roberts said that they were now waiting for the Contractor to put the final pipes down to the Lqke. He supposed that there was nothing for the Board to do specially. He could say nothing more than that. Mr. W. Davies I should like to ask, with reference to the embankment, is it a fact they have come across a bad foundation ? The Chairman I have not been informed. Mr W. Davies Well, the report is so, and, if that is the fact, a meeting should have been called long since. Mr Blud I wish to put these questions, because I think the Cowlyd Board is trifling with this very important matter. Here, whereas by the report of the November meeting that the lake would be tspped if the Contractor got five consecutive fine days, Mr John Roberts: End of February I said. Mr Blud Now we have had six weeks fine weather, and we have no report as to progress. And not only that, but some most grave and serious statements have been made as to the squandering of public money, and I have seen no answer yet. And then again, this Council has almost unanimously decided to ask for the production of the various documents relating to the work,—contracts between the Con- tract)r and the Board, Ac. Well, it seems to me that all these demands have been treated with contempt, just as the interest of this District has been ever since the Board has been formed. I had hoped to have seen the Chairman of the Cowlyd Board here to-day, and to find out as to whether he really had any answer to these charges. If not, there is only one decent course for him to pursue, and that is to resign. I am very sorry to find that the Board seems to be so indifferent. I had a letter from a friend the other day, and he tells me that they have discovered that the bed of the Lake has been found to be gravel. But these are matters for the Board to do with, and I should have thought, after the stormy meeting of November last, they would have had a meeting almost weekly to see after these officials, and to see that the ratepayers' interests were being looked after. I think, too, that it is only right that the attention of the public should be called to these matters, just to show that we are being treated in this way. Mr Robert Evans As to the meetings, there has been no meeting since. As to the work, the engineer tells me there are five more pipes to be laid before they reach the overflow. The Chairman The last report I had, was that they had laid pipes since we have been there. I think I am right in saying that no money has been paid since the last time. That is some consolation. Mr Blnd The embankment has not been started ? The Chairman No. The Council then reverted to the discussion of the Sanitary Committee's minutes. After a long time spent on the remainder of these minutes, THE MINUTES OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE were reached. They contained the following items among others The minutes of the last meeting were read and con- firmed. Surveyor's cash, .£96 19s lid; Collector's receipts, .£186 6s 2d; Treasurer's receipts, XIO 7s 3d; Treasurer's balance, .£317 2s 3d; Payments, X934 lls Id. Water Rate.—The Chairman and Clerk reported the interview with Mr Howard, of the London & North Western Railway Co with respect to the Separate Rate for Water, and the Clerk reported that he had not heard anything from the Company since the interview. Foreshore.-It was proposed by Mr John Porter, seconded by Rev J. G. Haworth, and carried unani- mously, that a cheque for £ 8 5s be drawn in favour of the ijondon & North Western Railway Company, for half year's rent of foreshore. Mr Davies moved the following motion, of which he had given notice" That, in view of the fact that the Allotment Clauses of the Local Government Act, 1894, with the control of the Charities and the appoint- ment of overseers has not yet been conferred on this Council, although this Council has made repeated applications for the same, this < ouncil deem it necessary to call the attention of J. Herbert Roberts, M.P. for this Division, to the matter, with the request that he will, in Parliament, get an explana- tion from the President of the Local Government Board." The Clerk explained that he had called at the Local Govern- ment Board Offices while in London recently, and the officials had informed him that thev were dealing with scores and hundred of cases arising out of the interpretation of the Local Government Act. They expressed the opinion that Urban Councils had powers of purchase under the Allotments Act of 1887, but not to cotnpulsorily hire. As to the control of Charities he was told that the delay rested with the Charity Commissioners, and the Local Government Board would not move in the matter unless they found the Charity Commissioners would not oppose. As to the appointment of Overseers that they agreed-to. He asked the other officials he saw to use their best endeavours to push the matter forward, and they promised to do so, but impressed upon him the fact that they had a tremendous lot of this kind ot work to deal with. The fact was that the Local Government Board had a lot more work than it could get through just now, especially since the Local Government Act was passed. They seemed to think it was a serious matter to meddle with sea coasts and suggested a visit. He (Mr Porter) offered to go up to London again, but he was told that it would be of no use. They must come down and see the place themselves. He asked if the Council could not go on and do the foreshore in the meantime, but he was informed that that could not be allowed before an official visit had been made to the place. He again urged the pressing importance of the case for this district, and at last secured the promise of an appointment and that General Carey would come down and view the spot. Beyond that he could secure nothing. The Chairman: I am sure we are all very much obliged to Mr Porter for what he has done in this matter to push it on. It is no use to leave them we must press them on, and I would suggest that we call a public meeting to do that, and to get a memorial or something to send them. Mr Blud seconded Mr Davies's motion, and said he thought if the Local Government Board was so congested with work, it was a very good opportunity to put on a lot of the un- employed to get the work done. Mr Bevan moved, as an amendment, that the words in Parliament" be left out of Mr Davies's motion. They ought to show sufficient confidence in their Member that he would do his best for them without tying him down to do it in Parlia- ment. He was quite sure Mr Herbert Roberts would do his very best for them. [Hear, hear]. Mr Bevan's amendment, being seconded, was put to the meeting and carried, Mr Davies himself, amid the laughter of the Council, voting for the amendment. Our reporter then left. FANCY DRESS BALL AT THE PUBLIC HALL. It is not often that we feel justified in publishing accounts of private entertainments, but a dance which took place on Friday evening (February 7th) in the Public Hall, was of so interesting a character and caused such wide-spread interest that we have no hesitation in giving some par- ticulars concerning it. The invitations were issued by two ladies who reside in the town, and the dance was at first only intended for children, but, as it was to be a "Fancy Dress" affair, it was thought that many who were grown-up, would not be averse to participating in the fun, and they were accord- ingly included, there being about 120 acceptances to the invitations. The Hall was most tastefully decorated by Mr Chaplin, and the floor was in proper condition for dancing. Everyone entered most heartily into the affair, and its success was assured by the spirit thrown into it by the guests, who almost all appeared in Fancy Costumes (many of which it would be almost impossible to excel for richness, beauty, and quaintness), and the opening March will not readily be forgotten by all who had the good fortune to witness it. Where all did so well, it is almost invidious to make dis- tinctions, but we could not help being struck amongst the gentlemen by a Mikado, an Indian Chief, Robinson Crusoe, Pierrot, a Lancer, Armenian Gentleman, and Earl of Leicester; whilst, amongst the ladies, a Juliet (aged 9), Daughter of the Regiment, Queen of Hearts, Music Carmen, Pierrette, Milkmaid, a Dr. of Music and Black Diamonds, were particularly noticeable. We congratulate the Hostesses upon the success of their dance. The following is a list of the guests and their costumes, as far as we have been able to obtain particulars of same :— Miss Bott, Spanish Dancer Miss E. Bott, Red Riding Hood Miss D. Astley, Folly Miss Sewell, Daffodil Miss M. Sewell, Japanese Lady Miss N. Bownass, Polly, Put the Kettle On Miss Berry, Milkmaid Miss Martin, Venetian Flower Girl Miss L. Pavey, Fairy Miss Bowkley, Tambourine Girl Miss D. Marston, Union Jack Miss N. Pryce-Morris, Juliet Miss Page, Violets Miss M. Page, Puritan Miss G. Page, Forget-Me-Not Miss Leila Grant, Red Riding Hood Miss P. M. Phillips, Gretchen Miss F. Piercy, Folly- Miss M. Piercy, Harliquinette Miss Madge Phillips, French Fishwife Mrs. Berry, Night Mrs. James Porter, 19th Century Dancing Girl Mrs. Grant, Portia Mrs. Rutter, German Peasant Mrs. Sewell. Hospital Nurse Mrs. Bott, Doctor of Musie Mrs. Hall, Night Miss Clinton, Icicles Miss Law, Mother Hubbard Miss Kennedy, Swiss Peasant Miss E. Kennedy, Poudrée Miss M. Kennedy, Milkmaid Miss Dyas, Queen of Hearts Miss M. Grant, Daughter of the Regiment Miss Earp, Harvest Miss Johns, Japanese Miss N. Lasbrey, Alsatian Peasant Miss L. Everett, Music Miss Wood, Night Miss Pendlebury, Pompadour Miss D. Pendlebury, Carmen Miss Piercy. Poudree Miss Shaw, Winter Miss L, Porter, Doctor of Music Miss N. Bownass, Fair Rosamond Miss Hopwood, Winter Miss Phillips, Black Diamonds Miss H. Phillips, Pierette Mr Latham, African Chief Mr Brenton, Barrister Mr J. Bownass, Chet de cuisine Mr W. Bownass, Court Dress Mr Willcocks, Elizabethan Costume Mr A. Toppin, Clown Mr Raymond Page. Ranch Boy Mr Harold Page, Baker Mr Edgar Page, Cook Mr Walker, Jockey Mr Henderson, Tennis Mr N. Marston, Boy Blue Mr A. Bolt, Jester Mr N. Hall, Knave of Hearts Mr P. Bowkley, Corsican Brigand Mr Blair, Robinson Crusoe Mr Moxon, Earl of Leicester Mr J. Astley, 19th Lancer Mr G. Astley, Folly Mr S. Martin, Prince Charming Mr F. Martin, Boy Blue Mr W. Earp, Jockey Mr Martin, Huntsman Mr Docking, Uniform Mr Wichelaus, Windsor Livery Mr R. Grant, Gondolier Dr Rutter, Turk Dr Venables-Williams, Uniform Dr Fraser, Medical Naval Officer Mr E. Jackson, Pierrot Mr G. Jackson, Mikado Mr J. H. Mee, American Mr Deane, Uniform Mr S. Wood, Jecko Mr Stewart Wood, Dr W. G. Grace Mr H. B. Rowley, Earl of Leicester The remaining ladies and gentlemen wore the usual evening dress. The catering was most satisfactorily carried out by Mr Sumner, of "The Grosvenor," Llan- dudno.