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

Conway and Colwyn Bay Joint I Water Board. THE PROPOSED NEW MAIN. A SERIES OF "SCENES." Considerable friction prevailed at an adjourned meeting, held at Colwyn Bay, on Friday, of the Cowlyd Water Board. The purpose of the meet- ing being an important one, that of considering the five alternative schemes for giving an in- creased supply of water to Colwyn Bay and Llysfaen, there was a full attendance of mem- bers. Mr. J. W. Raynes presided, and there were also present: -Alderman Hugh Hughes, Alderman Hugh Jones, Councillor Dr. M. J. Morgan, and Councillor John Williams (Conway Corporation), Messrs. Thomas Parry, John Roberts, George Bevan, Hugh Hughes, Hugh Davies, and Dr. J. E. Brookes (Colwyn Bay and Colwyn Urban Council), and Messrs. John Jones, Hugh Owen, and J. Rhys Davies (Rural Coun- cil), together with the Clerk (Mr. T. E. Parry), the Board's solicitor (Mr. R. S. Chamberlain), and the Engineer (Mr. T. B. Farrington. CONWAY CORPORATION OBJECTS. The Chairman, at the outset, said he had to read a letter from the Town Council of Conway Gentlemen,—I am instructed by the Town Council to transmit the following resolution:- That this Council observes the decision of the Cowlyd Board re constructing a new main from Dolgarrog to Sarn Mynach, and feels decidedly that the supply of water for 24 hours to each of the constituent authorities is ample, as has been so often stated by the Engineer to the Cowlyd Board, and that this Council's representatives be requested to oppose any further liability in this direction, pointing out the resolution of the Cowlyd Board, passed at a meeting held on the 13th July, 1901, that each of the constituent authorities should construct for their respective districts a storage chamber, or reservoir, if one is needed." A FLAT CONTRADICTION. The Chairman Has the Engineer ever stated such a fact? Mr. Farrington: Not tnat I am aware of. The Chairman You have not. Mr. Farrington: No. The Chairman Where did the Conway Coun- cil get that information from? The Mayor of Conway: As far as I can re- member, the Engineer said there was plenty of water going into the district every 24 hours, and I wish to know whether the Engineer denies that he stated that? Mr. Farrington: My answer is, if you refer to my written report, I was not aware that this question was going to be raised now, but if you refer to my written report of June, last year, I then recommended laying additional mains. That was over a year ago. Alderman Hughes That is no answer to my question. Mr. Farrington: Then I say No! distinctly, and decidedly not. Alderman Hughes: According to Mr. Farring- ton's report, the existing 12-inch trunk main from Dolgarrog to Sarn Mynach is quite suffi- cient for the supply of the district during ordinary times. Mr. Farrington Quite right. Alderman Hughes: He has emphasized the fact that the supply is ample during the 24 hours. Mr. Farrington: If the Mayor is going to read any, he should read the whole of it. The Chairman Yes, I think you must do that. Alderman Hughes I shall please myself about that. The Chairman Then I can't listen; you must read the whole or none. The Mayor replied that he desired to empha- size what Mr. Farrington had more than once stated, that the delivery in each 24 hours was sufficient; that although at certain parts of the day the supply was not equal to the demand, the delivery during the full 24 hours was quite sufficient. Mr. Hugh Davies What date was that? Alderman Hughes: June, 1900. Mr. Hugh Davies There is a great deal of difference in the ratable value and the popula- tion since then. Mr. Farrington: Let the whole report be read out: (To the Mayor of Conway) Will you allow me to read it? THE SCHEMES. Mr. John Roberts I move that we leave that matter on the table until the Conway Council hear what we may decide upon to-day. Their resolution is rather premature. Dr. Brookes seconded. They should first con- sider the business that had brought them together. Alderman Hugh Hughes proposed, and Coun- cillor John Williams seconded, that the Board first consider the points raised by the Corpora- tion's resolution. The original motion was carried by seven votes to five, and the Board then proceeded to consider the schemes. The Engineer read correspondence that had taken place between himself and the proprietors of the land on the route of the proposed new line of pipes, with reference to the charges in respect of easement; and all the replies showed a disposition on the part of the various estates to meet the Board. One of these replies was from a member of the Board, Mr. D. Rhys Davies, of Plas Isa', as agent to the Bodidda estate. Mr. John Jones and the other members there- upon objected to Mr. D. Rhys Davies voting upon the scheme, inasmuch as he was an interested party. Mr. Chamberlain advised. that Mr. Davies would not be considered an "interested party," even if he were an owner instead of being the agent, inasmuch as it was a case of compulsory purchaser. SUGGESTED DELAY. Alderman H. Hughes read extracts from the Board's minutes, and argued that in consequence of the Engineer's reports, and the financial posi- tion in which they found themselves, the Board had already decided not to proceed with the laying of a new pipe-line, and that the way out of their difficulty was for each constituent authority to construct local reservoirs. That resolution was proposed by Mr. William Davies, seconded by Dr. Morgan, and passed, and in reply to that the Colwyn Bay Council wrote, on the 12th October, iooo- The Chairman Has it anything to do with the present position? Alderman Hughes Yes. The Chairman What. Alderman Hughes: Let me read the reply. Proceeding, the Mayor read the letter from the Clerk to the Colwyn Bay Council, to the effect that that authority had already taken up the question of providing reservoirs. He wished to know had the matter been taken up by the Colwyn Bay Council, and how far they had pro- ceeded with it. It was objected by some of the members that this was a matter for the Colwyn Bay Council, not for the Joint Board, and that the resolution mentioned had been passed twelve months ago. Alderman Hughes said that if they had had twelve months to construct them the reservoirs should be completed by now. The Engineer had recommended that each authority should con- struct reservoirs. The Chairman: We have nothing to do with that; nothing but this scheme and I must rule vou out of order. PAST SINS. The Mayor of Conway said he would therefore move the further adjournment of the considera- tion of these schemes. He hoped they were not going to deal with that in the same way as they had dealt with other works connected with that Board. He might remark that at this time of the year there was always some cry of shortness of water and a demand for further expenditure; but he wished the Board to go into the accounts already owing to the Engineer for services ren- dered, whatever they might amount to. When they were choosing a scheme for the extension of the trunk main from Sarn Mynach to Colwyn Bay, there was no mention about any agreement as to his recompense for carrying the scheme through. The scheme was rushed," and 5 per cent. was claimed for laying the pipes. Now, if the Board adopted either of these schemes they should first consider what commission they would pay the Engineer. He thought they should take ample time before deciding on any scheme. He did not think that a report like the one before them was sufficient to enable them to decide that day on any scheme. As far as in- formation went, they were no better off that day than they were three weeks ago. They had simply got round figures. He believed they should have more information with regard to these schemes, and also should have some esti- mate of the cost. They knew very well that these schemes had a way of doubling themselves, and here they were going to pass a scheme of Z40,000 without considering the cost. He there- fore moved an adjournment. The Chairman: The first thing to do is to discuss the schemes. WHAT OF LLYSFAEN ? Alderman Hughes said he was as anxious as anyone present to discuss the matter, and to try to arrive at some practical proposal; but he hoped that the members for Colwyn Bay would not take advantage of their superior numbers and force any scheme without full consideration. In regard to Llysfaen, he wished to say that even with the proposed new scheme Llyst. n would be no better off than at present. Mr. Farrington had said over and over again ihat they must pump the water to the higher level. The Chairman: Can we pump water when there is no water to pump? Alderman Hughes There is plenty of water during the 24 hours. t The Chairman: I have been days without a drop of water. In the course of further discussion the Chair- man held that the motion to adjourn was not in order in face of the notice calling the meeting. Alderman Hughes I bow to your ruling. IN FAVOUR OF No. i SCHEME. Mr. George Bevan said there could be no questioning the shortness of the water at Colwyn Bay. The census showed that Colwyn Bay had 9,000 of a population, while they had been only estimating the population at 6,500, so that there was a larger number of inhabitants by several thousands than was anticipated a year ago. He thought No. i scheme was the best, as it would serve Colwyn Bay and also Llysfaen and Glan- conwy, while improving the pressure at Conway and Penrhynside. He moved that the No. i scheme be adopted, the cost being estimated at about ^22,000. There was no g intention by Colwyn Bay unduly to force their views at the Board, and they would be willing, as a compro- mise, that an outside expert should be engaged to advise them, but they opposed the statement made by the Conway Corporation that there was already sufficient water. Mr. John Roberts seconded the motion, point- ing out that the pressure at night at Colwyn Bay was so low that it did not even fill up the cisterns emptied during the day, and there was no reserve of water at all. Mr. John Jones objected to the Board being tied to any of the four schemes before an expert was consulted. Mr. Hugh Owen did not think either of the schemes would answer the purpose. There should be a main exclusively to supply the higher levels which were really in need, and it should not be tapped anywhere in the lower parts of the district. Mr. John Roberts said that Colwyn Bay Council intended to have a pumping station to supply the high levels. The Chairman said he feared that the elevated parishes of Llysfaen and Penrhynside could not afford to bear the expense of a main for their own use exclusively. Mr. John Jones moved as an amendment that an expert engineer be appointed to consult with the engineer as to the best means of meeting the requirements of the district and to consider the relative financial control of the scheme, also that two members of each authority be appointed to lay the evidence before the engineer. He felt that, in view of the very great burden which the scheme would impose upon the ratepayers, there should be the utmost possible investigation into the possibilities of their undertaking as it at present existed. Glanconway's requirements had never been thought of by Colwyn Bay until now, when it served the interests of Colwyn Bay to consider them, and he urged the representative of Glanconway not to commit himself to any scheme without due consideration. Dr. M. J. Morgan seconded the amendment. He said that until the districts had provided reservoirs, as the Board recommended a year ago, it would not be proper to lay a new main. Till that had been tried, there was no proof that a further supply was really needed. Mr. D. R. Davies said the ratepayers of Glan- conwy were tired of paying twice over for the water they consumed, and in any case the extra rates they would have to pay the Cowlyd Board would not be more than they now paid to Llan- dudno for the water received from that authority. At the same time he should support Mr. Jones's amendment. The Mayor of Conway appealed to the Colwyn Bay members to consider the minority and not to force the Board's hands, or they would arouse a fierce and bitter opposition, which would have its effect when the Local Government Board in- quiry was held. At this stage A WORDY WARFARE was waged between the Chairman and Mr. Raynes, and no sooner had the curtain dropped on this scene than it was raised to disclose another, the combatants this time being the Mayor of Conway and the Engineer. The Rev. Thomas Parry supported No. i scheme. At the outset he desired to say that he was very much surprised at his Conway friends, and particularly the Mayor, after the conversa- tion he had had with them. It was the Mayor who had suggested that the pipe should be 15 inches and not 12 inches. The Mayor I agree as regards the 15 inches, but not as to the route. Mr. Parry said he was surprised at his Conway friends, because they seemed determined to pre- vent the Board having any scheme carried out, notwithstanding that a new line would be the selection of the whole district including the borough of Conway. He was informed that there was great scarcity of water in the borough, particularly at Lark Hill, and even at Deganwy. Alderman H. Hughes: We are laying pipes now. Mr. Thomas Parry: And that is the very reason why we have to get bigger pipes here. If you are going to lay bigger pipes it will kill us here. Let us consider each other's require- ments in a fair spirit. EXPERT TO BE APPOINTED. After further discussion the voting was taken, when it was found that there were seven for and seven against Mr. Jones's amendment. The Chairman gave a casting vote against it, and the voting being similar, upon the resolution of Mr. Bevan to adopt the No. i scheme, the Chairman gave a casting vote, which carried it. Mr. Bevan then moved that an expert be en- gaged to consult with the engineer.—This was seconded by Mr. John Roberts.—The Mayor of Conway strongly opposed. He said that now that they had adopted the scheme they would t have to pay 2*4 per cent. for it, whether it was carried out or not. It was absurd to engage an expert to confirm the scheme they had resolved to carry out. Mr. John Jones desired to move an amendment to the effect that the responsibility of the pro- posed scheme rested entirely upon the repre- sentatives of Colwyn Bay and Llysfaen. The Chairman declined to accept that as an amendment. Dr. Brooks asked whether the engineer 'fould claim to be paid twice if another scheme was carried out. Mr. Farrington replied that the Board would only have to pay him for the scheme which was carried out. (Hear, hear.) The motion was then carried by seven votes to six.—In reply to Mr. Hugh Owen, Mr. Farring- ton said he was under an agreement with the Board to the effect that he was to be paid a cer- tain salary for superintending the existing works and a commission of 4 per cent. upon any new work undertaken. Before the Board rose another very exciting scene was witnessed, in which bitter words were exchanged between Alderman Hughes and Mr. Farrington, in reference to the accounts said to be due to the latter from the Corporation.

Neglectful Parent Punished. LLANDUDNO MOTHER IMPRISONED. A MATCH-MAKING CHAPLAIN. On Friday, at the Conway Police Court, before Dr. R. Arthur Pritchard, C.C. (chairman), and Alderman Ephraim Wood, Jane Beechy, of Grove Cottage, Llandudno, was brought up on remand, charged at the instance of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Chil- dren, with neglecting her two children, Kate, aged four years, and Evan, aged sixteen months, in such a way as to cause them needless suffering- Mr. J. E. Thomas prosecuted on behalf of the society. It appeared that after a long list of cautions, the prisoner and Hugh Jones, whom the police had understood to be her husband, were found sleeping out with their children on Sunday morning last, and arrested. The man was sub- sequently sent to a month's imprisonment for vagrancy, and the woman remanded for further inquiries, which culminated in these proceedings- Inspector O. G. Owen, of the N.S.P.C.C., stationed at Bangor, said that on Sunday, August 25th, the police telephoned to him, and he went to Llandudno the following day; but in the meantime the accused had been remanded until he made inquiries. He went to the workhouse, accompanied by Dr. Williams, and was present during the medical examination. There was some doubt about the age of the youngest child) and it appeared that there was a false registra- tion of birth, for the parents were registered as a married couple, whereas they were not married, and the children were illegitimate. The woman admitted she was not- married, but said that Hugh Jones was the father of the children she also admitted to being of drunken habits, and the man had admitted being the father of the children, who were not insured. The witness had reported the case to his chief officer, and the. society had given permission with their Worships' sanction, to remove the children. Inspector Griffiths, of Llandudno, had known the woman for some time. She was a woman o very drunken habits. He had repeatedly cautioned her as to her conduct. In September, 1898, Hugh Jones was brought to the Police Station between twelve and one o'clock at niSr,' together with the accused and the eldest child) s le Kate, who was then about 12 months old. They had been found in the Happy Valley," sleeping in a cave there. When questioned at the Police Station upon that occasion they both said they were a married couple, so the witness cautioned them. They were not locked up that night, bn 11 the police tried to get a bed for the woman wit" I her sister, and failing, they allowed her to sleep in a place at the Police Station. Since then tn woman had gone from bad to worse in drunken habits, and she was continually to be seen a]31?1! the streets till about eleven o'clock at nigh About five weeks ago a gentleman found one 0 the children and brought it to the Pp Station about eleven o'clock at j Upon inquiry at the house where the accuS?e was supposed to be residing she was not to found, and the child was left in the charge the other people. At the beginning of last weet the prisoner went to the Police Station at ten o'clock, having lost the same child. was not in a fit state to say anything, and ha not seen the child for hours. Last Sunday morning the witness and two constables went a shed or hovel near a haystack in a field Lloyd Street, and there found the prisoner an the man, Hugh Jones, with the two little ch1 dren all huddled up together. They were to the Police Station, and the following rn?r ing were conveyed to the workhouse. te found, the children were in a filthy dirty sta > but they were well clothed, and there waS g little food for them on the spot. The w*tnfgCj asked her on the Sunday morning how the child, and she replied from the bottle. Whe d asked to produce the bottle she could not, a d when asked how she expected to feed the c 1 then, she gave no answer. n Maria Williams, Grove Cottage, Llandudn > said she knew the accused, Jane Beechy) about four years. The accused had been 1ife with Hugh Jones as if she were married. k 11 witness could not speak as to her drun bt habits she had seen her drinking a glass, had never seen her with other men. From the witness had heard, she knew that the accu had been away from her children all night. f witness received the child from J-nSPejed Griffiths on the occasion mentioned, and han it over to "Mrs. Jones" about half-pas* gI1 The witness could not say whether the chn 1 were well cared for, and although she had he that the children had been sleeping on doorst F she had never seen it. -ue Dr. Joseph R. Williams, of Conway, s i&y. saw the children at the workhouse on They had then been washed, and the little g four years old, was fairly nourished, and "vvaStj1g normal weight. The little boy, Evan, 16 rn0lliiyJ old, only weighed i81bs., instead of, as norma 2ilbs. There was no skin eruption. teCJ Mr. J. E. Thomas said that it was sU§^ £ ajfs that the children should be placed in the »v and Strays Home, and the society had been & ,-gS enough to make an order to that effect. Hadley, the secretary of the Conway ComiJ}1, eii of the N.S.P.C.C., had arranged for the c"1oe(j. to be placed there, and the society quite agr-; The Chairman said he had a letter Prison Chaplain, and he was willing to Pu the banns of Hugh Jones and Jane Beechy) '^e to marry them. After a short deliberation- a Chairman said that the Bench considere very bad case indeed, but they were loo.Ki it verjr leniently. On the recommendation c0jji* Prison Chaplain the accused would be rli mitted to prison for 21 days, just to giye gXpijV time for the banns to take place. At the jgaSed tion ot that time Hugh Jones would be re trom the sentence of a month's impriso which he was undergoing, and since consented, they would be married, /l" gave the society the custody of the chn to Mr. J. E. Thomas applied to the Ben t0 costs. He wished to know whether they be borne by the society or the county- ti,;y The Chairman said he did not wisn lish a precedent, and the Clerk adv £ oVLl-t t0 Thomas to apply to the County Police have the matter settled once and for a • — Thomas to apply to the County Police have the matter settled once and for all "O-v.

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