Rhyl Journal

RHYL URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. PROPOSED SEA DEFENCES IN THE EAST END. INTERESTING DISCUSSION. A BRASS BAND TO BE ORGANISED FOR THE TOWN. THE COUNCIL AND ITS OPPOSITION TO THE RAILWAY COMPANY'S BILL The monthly meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall on Monday last. There were present Councillors Jos. Williams, J.P. (Alexandra Hotel), Chairman J. H. Ellis, Capt. E. W. Keatinge, Drs R. Moreton Prichard and W. T. Girdlestone, D. Evans, H. A. Tilby, J. S. Greenhalgh, S. Perks, Robt. Jones, D. Griffiths, Wm. Williams, Jos. Williams (Gas), A. Maltby, A. L. Clews, J. Bayliss, E. P. Jones. Mr A. Rowlands (Town Clerk), Dr Eyton Lloyd (Medical Officer of Health), Messrs Robt. Hughes (Town Surveyor), L. G. Hall (Gas land Water Manager), and R. J. Hnghes (Sanitary Inspector). New Year Wishes. At the opening of the meeting, the Chairman said he wished the members, officials, and representatives of the Press, a happy and prosperous New jYear, and expressed a hope that things would go on as pleasantly during the coming year as they had done in 1897. He was pleased to say that business had been carried out in a pleasant manner at all the meetings of the Council. Capt. Keatinge reciprocated the good wishes expressed by the Chairman, and hoped that he and his sister £ (Miss Williams) would have a prosperous, pleasant aDd enjoyable time in the future (applause). The Vice-Chairman joined with Captain Keatinge in what he had said, and added that he desired to offer to the Chairman, on behalf of his colleagues, their best wishes for a pros- perous New Year. The proceedings of the Council during the past year had been marked by a feeling of amity and cordiality, and he hoped that the New Year would be similar in character (applause). An Omission. Captain Keatinge said he desired to point out that the Clerk had made two important omissions in the printed minutes supplied to the members of the Council. In the first place Mr Rowlands had omitted to say that the Road Committee had congratulated the Town Clerk on the excellent wa he was conducting the proceedings with regard to the new Bill of the Railway Company, and secondly there was no record of the fact that the Town Surveyor's application for an increase of salary had been referred to a committee for consideration. The Chairman observed that no doubt the Town Clerk would make a note of what Capt. Keatinge had said. Proposal to Protect the Eastern Foreshore. It was reported by the Road and Foreshore Committee that after an inspection of the Eastern foreshore defences the Town Surveyor had been directed to prepare plans of defence works. It was recommended that the plan be approval, and that application be made to the Local Government Board for sanction to borrow 91, 500 to defray the cost of the works —repayable over a period of 50 years or such other period as the Board may grant. The Clerk was also directed to communicate with the owners of land east of boundary of Rhyl District, with the view of their taking steps to stop the erosion of the coast defences. Captain Keatinge in laying the minutes of the Committee before the Council, said he would abstain from making any observations at that stage on the question of the protection of the East foreshore, as he was interested in that part of the town. The Vice-Chairman then moved that the Council accept the Committee's recommenda- tions. He desired to point out that the Com- mittee were satisfied that steps would have to be taken to protect the Eastern end of the Marine Drive, as the sea was making inroads there, and whatever was done would have to be carried out quickly, as every high tide caused fresh erosion in that part of the town. The Surveyor had prepared the necessary plans, and had provided for the construction of sea-defence works at a level of 10 feet below the present highway, providing an asphalted Promenade, 30 feet wide. The works would extend from the extreme end of the district to a point oppo- site the flight of steps, which led from the Marine Drive to the beach, Considering the rapid development of the East End of the town he thought that they should at once take steps to protect their own road, as they had gone to considerable expense to maintain it, while the quantity of metal which had been placed on it since its adoption necessitated their looking well after it. In his opinion it would be a wise thing to protect the extreme end of their district. With regard to thr: question of the owners of property ir j neighbourhood contributing, he had to hpt the road had been taken over -7 th Council j from Conwy-street to tr, J > >e Mftiiae'; Drive, the rateable v; j >• >i m'u» hoitsey fni-j joining was £ l,20r<- vl iirunmt <> £ rates [ annually paid wa' ,</■* of f hat fact they should rto e stops bo mt- veIlt taking lifer-v xoari awfv 3. it LM undoubtedly df: at an ear'y fi-- unless aps vera I-eep ih ,ck. Mr Lugh. sanguine i-fcat work could be < ono £ 1/100, tiv sr n ayment of which if f .¡ oo,Nred h. ii): • lor 50 years at 2f pe" woui ,Úili to about JS70. Con- quering the lEft interests at stake he did not vhuifc uonncil would for one moment rojeot rbf ommittee's proposals. It was clear Vist i':fj gentleman who had purchased property .hat end of the town did so upon the under- standing that the road would be repaired by the Council. Such gentlemen as Mr O'Grady, Mr Palethorpe, Mr Dixon, and Mr Salt were no doubt induced to purchase after the road was adopted. Personally he had been charged with looking after the interests of the West end of the town only, and he desired to prove that to him every part of the district was the same. He was most anxious that they should look after their sea front, ever bearing in mind that they had one of the finest in the kingdom. He believed that the old National Liberal Land Company not only made the road, but they also left £300 in the hands of the" Commissioners for its main- benance. That money had been used for other purposes. The Company also laid down gas and water mains, but in consequence of the rapid development of the district the Council had had to replace them by larger services. He did not think that there was any analogy between the position of affairs in the West and East Ends. In the former there was no road, and so the Council got the adjoining property owners to contribute to the expense of making ¡ the highway, but in the East the road was al- ready made. Not only would the annual j repayments of the loanjon £ 1,500 be small, but; the Council would really save money by con- i structing permanent works, as the Surveyor now had an estimate to lay before the Council of £20 for temporary repairs. That sort of bhing was continually being brought before the Road Committee, and it would be better for the Council to make a good job of it once for all. Mr Perks asked the Vice-Chairman if he really argued that they would only require about £70 per annum to repay the loan. Capt. Keatinge replied that the figures had been obtained from the Town Clerk, the calculations being based upon their being able to secure a loan at 2t per cent. If they borrowed at 3i per cent the annual repayments would be about £105. Mr Perks wanted to know where Rhyl could borrow Y.1500 at 2f per cent. The Town Clerk replied that the Public Works Loan Commissioners were now em- powered to lend money at that rate on good security. Mr Wm. Williams felt that it was not right to ask the owners of property in the West End of the town to contribute towards the cost of ejecting sea defences unless they asked the East End property owners to do likewise. All should be served alike. Mr J. S. Greenhalgh considered that the whole matter had been sprung upon the Council too suddenly. He would certainly oppose any scheme for anjextension of the Promenade in the East, unless they would unite the West extension with that now proposed, and carry the new works right to the Foryd, and so make a circular drive to the Foryd. It was a very short-sighted policy for the Council to have ever permitted the road to be made so near the sea, and the result was that the town now had to pay for it. The fact that 930, 000 had been spent by the old Commissioners in the West End would compare very favour- ably with the amount expended in the East. The fallacy of the authority in the past had been to do the extensions piecemeal, and he could almost hope that Davy Jones would occasionally carry off a good slice of the fore- shore in order to bring the Council to its senses (laughter). Mr Maltby supported the recommendation of the Committee, and said that anyone who had watched the action of the sea along the coast could not fail to be convinced that some- thing would have to be done at an early date. He had no desire to travel about Vale Road in a boat, and pointed out that there was considerably more danger of the sea breaking through the East end than there was of its ever doing any great damage in the West. The sand was being carried away by the sea in shiploads from the sandhills. Dr Girdlestone certainly considered that the property owners in the East end of the town had already contributed very handsomely to the cost of keeping the road in repair. It was the greatest mistake in a town like Rhyl for the Council to take sides. To them every part should be the same. It would be folly for anyone to say that they were not bound to protect a publio road once it had been taken over by the Council. Mr D. Evans moved that the question be referred back to the Road Committee, as he considered that it was getting the thin end of the wedge in for the spending of thousands of pounds. What had been the attention bestowed on the consideration of the subject ? The Surveyor had had two days in which to draw up the whole plans, unless he worked on Saturday afternoon and Sunday (laughter). Well, hedid not think that their officials would do that, as there was usually a football match on Saturday, and Sunday was a day of rest. If they looked into the whole thing they would find that the scheme amounted to the construction of a beautiful Promenade at the extreme end of the district. Surely something a little more mode- rate than that would answer their purpose. He was well aware that a good job was the cheapest in the long run, but they should not rush headlong into an expenditure of perhaps 95,000 or f.6,000 without thoroughly consider- ing all sides of the question (hear, hear). Capt. Keatinge said he could not allow the statements made by Mr Daniel Evans to go unchallenged. The Committee had been considering the question for months past, while that end of the district had engaged the attention of the Surveyor for a very long time. Mr Evans added that he had spoken on the minutes, and adhered to what he said, that the Surveyor had only had a few days in which to prepare the scheme. Mr Clews agreed with Mr Evans, and said he would second the amendment provided it was altered, so that on its being referred back negociations would be opened with the ad- joining property owners with a view to their contributing to the expense of the work. Mr Evans agreed to the suggestion. Mr Clews, continuing, said he believed that it was the duty of every local authority to maintain in the interests of the people the sea-defences of their district, as by combating the sea they were doing a national as well as local service. It was their duty to preserve as much land as possible. The Council should, however, make it a condition to their carrying j sea-defence works in the East End of the wn that the adjacent property owners should apport them in anything they did. He did ,>t know whether the question of liability had b&en onsidered at all by the Road Committee. f; pt. Keasinge No one is liable except the Oounjil. Mr Clews replied that they had heard nothing finite upon that point, and he did not agree that they were liable for the preservation of Marine Drive. He desired to ask the Town Clerk whether he was prepared to say that the Council were liable for seeing that the road was not interfered with. The Town Clerk I do not think that we are liable. Mr Clews agreed with the opinion of the Town Clerk, but said that at the same time he thought it would be to the interests of the Coun- cil to do something to keep the sea out if the property owners were prepared to do their share. In the West End the owners of property were making the road as well as contributing to- wards the cost of the sea wall. Mr Tilby That is not the question before the Council. Mr Clews added that he did not think that it would be right to ask one person to contribute towards sea defence works in one part of the district without asking another at the East End to do likewise when similar work was carried out. Dr Girdlestone asked if the Town Clerk really meant to say that the Council were not respon- sible for the repairing of the road from the East Parade onward. Mr Clews: I do not say repairing. Dr Girdlestone Because if that is so are we responsible for repairing the West Parade road or ony other road in the district? The Town Clerk explained that the repairing of a road and the question of providing against the encroachments of the sea were two different things. They were bound to repair the roads they had adopted, but they were not bound to take steps to prevent the sea encroaching, al- though by the Rhyl Act of 1852 powers were obtained for protecting the whole of the sea front against the encroachment of the sea, and again in their Act of 1872 they obtained powers to carry out works of protection. Captain Keatinge In the East End as well? The Town Clerk replied that the whole of the sea front of the district was included.

Tea=drinking as a Fine Art Is now as much in vogue as it was in out Grandmother's days, when the choicest growths of China used to be served up in 4he choicest china-wareJ Now the FASHION HAS CHANGED TO DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE, J o-ftkg- to Chirr. having gons ":1!t of asa thrcu;:1. dctri- rmiLion in quality. Mazawatt«R oev.*r varies *nd L ifc« r-erfection^ pi tr>h-giatie "JV.i. As it goo far in brewing, it { <-> ec'Torruc^^jjt) Sold in Sealed Packeis Tins cc:y, by { G»oc«is tluywr;»*cut the V»Tcr?d, I

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New PopularWeekly Column FOR THE 41 RHYL JOURNAL." HEALTH AND HOME. By W. GORDON STABLES, M.D, R.N., Author of "Sickness and Health," "The People's A.B.C. Guide to Health," "The Wife's Guide to Health and Happiness," &c., &o, THAT MUDDY EYE. I beg to begin to-day where I left off last ween, and say a word or two about the sallow complexion and the muddy eye. It is but right that beauty should come to the front now and then. Well, if complexion depended altogether on the epidermis, or outer skin that covers the face, cosmetics alone would render one beautiful, if the features were otherwise regular. But it does not. In cases of bad complexion there is a deposit of impure matter beneath or on the very inner layer of the skin, and no cosmetic ever made can reach that. It is as if there were certain poisonous substances in the blood, and the blood were trying to get rid of them by spreading them out there. And this would seem really to be so. But there are absorbents all over and through the body, and their duty is to take up matter of this sort, and bear it away to be poured into the veins and purified elsewhere. But these very absorbents may be weak. They must not be hampered in any way. Not only should the liver be cleared out, but the diet should be lowered, and very little meat eaten for some days. This, with plenty of exercise in the pure fresh air, will soon make the eye clear and the complexion pure once more. FLUSHING THE SYSTEM. To aid the beauty of the complexion, if there be any dryness of the system, flushing it may often do much good. Those who live in cities can always get distilled water, and a large tumblerful or more of this, either hot or cold, should be taken half an hour before breakfast. Just sip it while dressing. Then, during the day, two or three pints may be taken. If it is considered that there is much heat of the system, especially if there be a tired and weary feeling, without much inclination for work, good may be done by using, twice or thrice daily, a small teaspoonful of effervescing citrate of lithia. This tired feeling, which many complain of, is really second cousin to rheumatism itself, an attack of which, indeed, frequently begins with titedness. especially in front of the thighs when getting up, for instance, from the sitting position. There is usually acidity of the secretions at the same time. Well, I have known the very best results accrue from flushing the system and -a few doses of the bicarbonate of potash. It is assuredly worth a trial. Meanwhile the skin must be kept warm with soft woollen, but not necessarily heavy, clothing. MEDICAL SCIENCE IS SLOW. Slow, but sure, I am bound to admit. Yet I think its progress might be hastened were medical men to study more. They have little time, however-not even to register the experience they gain at the bed- side. Yet I think that we are on the eve of great dis- coveries. The Hospital, from the following paragraph, appears to be of the same opinion: "The experience which has been accumulated in regard to the action of vaccines and anti-toxins has been taken by some as encouraging the view that some protective drug may be discoverable, and we are not going to suggest that such a thing is absolutely outside the range of what is possible. It is only right, how- ever, to emphasise the fact that the substances which have proved of undoubted efficacy in this direction, have so far been substances which have been produced in the laboratory of nature, not in that of the chemist, and that most attempts to prevent microbial diseases by soaking man's tissues with crude chemical, and sepecially mineral, pro- ducts have proved unavailing. Some interesting observations in regard to this point have recently been made by M. Albert Robin, who has related cases in which patients fully charged in the one case with lead, and the other with mercury, were attacked by infectious disorders, notwithstanding the assumed antiseptic influence of such a saturation of the system with metallic salts. The fact has to be recognised that every organism resists the in- trusion of other organisms in its own way; by dint, that is, of some property peculiar to living tissues, and that, whether we dub that property vitality, I or power of resistance,' or I Immunity, or what not, it is only by stimulating this normal activity of tissue-resistance that we can hope to influence for good the progress of an infective disease." NO BELIEVER IN PASTEUR. I think it but right to introduce myself here so far to the reader, as to let him or her know that I am no believer in the damnable inoculation tenets of the so-called savant, Pasteur. As to hydrophobia-a dis- ease which is almost a myth-I say with many celebrated French pathologists that he did not cure the disease, but gave it. That is, he often gave a disease that simulated it, and of which his patients died by the score. Imagine the case-there were more than one such-of the gentleman who after being bitten by a supposed rabid dog hurried off to Pasteur and was inoculated, dying soon after, while the dog at home was running about as well and happy as ever. RHEUMATISM AND DYSPEPSIA. I have no intention of going deeply into the path- ology of rheumatism in this paragraph; I only wish to draw the reader's attention to the connection that exists betwixt this horrible complaint and indigestion. I speak feelingly, for It was rheumatism that was the cause of my being invalided on half-pay from the Royal Navy. If I live to be as old as Methuselah I shall never forget the terrible sufferings of my first acute attack, while lying helpless and unable even to lift a hand to my head, in a lonely house in India. I do not think the kind-hearted army doctor who attended me gave me much medicine. Twelve large bottles of soda-water a day, or more, I know I drank, and with these some antacid. Probably this flushed the system, and did much good. I had several chronic attacks after that, but for many years I have not had a twinge, owing, I think, to the fact that I do not permit my blood to get soured from the acids of dyspepsia, and because I wear the best and softest of woollen underclothing and sleep in woollen sheets. This is a natural way of keeping warm, for should the temperature in winter be verging on zero, and hoar frost glistening on the wall paper, as I have often seen It, I will not have a fire in my bedroom to steal away my oxygen gas. Keep clear of dyspepsia, then, and swear by wool, reader, and yq" shall keep the enemy at bay. TWO DROLL CURES. Dro9 enough, perhaps, but there is reason In them. My father was between eighty and ninety when he died, and though not a teetotaller was very abste- mious. But all his life he used to have twinges of rheumatism now and then, and often suffered from heartburn or water brash. His plan of banishing a slight attack of his complaint was to jine off boiled haddock and sup the liquoi swamped in mustard. Whethor the phosphorus of the fish had anything to do with the cure or not, I am not prepared to say, but the mustard induced free action of the skin, and this would aid in carry- ing away the poison off the blood. The other droll cure is for dyspepsia, but probably only those living in the country can avail themselves of it. I myself, then, have the habit of chewing the stalks of many of the grasses, and those of the gowan or mountain daisy, as well as certain loavea and twigs, as those of the bay, the currant, or even the faurel. What is the action? Well, it increases the Wow of the gastric juice, and aids the digestion of to say nothing of the medicinal effeets of the leaves discussed. DUMB-BELLS. A turn with these-say for ten minutes-is such a capital form of exercise aft.r the morning tub that in all Probability I ieturn to the subjeo at no very distant date. Meanwhile, I just want to say here that unless they are used systematically they do little good. There is a small hand-book, published, I think, at the office of the Exchange and bTlu gives a11 the motions set to music. But then, you cannot expect anyone to play to you at six o'clock in the morning, so my advice is to thfuugi-th .1 j n()u:: vca Cl .iong. One other hiuu T.e xe: s" sbauidoe ,Ü¡,C with {!)I\t, ragul&tjty. and twice* ;y, &touttwouty miaote-s

Continuing he said There is no doubt about your powers of spending money, but if you ask me are you bound to protect the road against what the judges term the Act of God, I say "No." If the road is washed away there is nothing for you to repair (laughter). Mr Tilby There is certainly something in that (renewed laughter). Dr. Girdlestone said he should like to know whether it was to be argued that they had one law for one end of the town, and another for the rest of it. The Town Clerk added that Mr J. H. Ellis' view respecting the owners contributing was the correct one. The whole of the Marine Drive was made at the cost of the owners of the property, and in addition to that the Commis- sioners had a contribution of £380 towards its maintenance from Conwy-street to the end of the Eastern bounday upon the condition that the owners should be relieved of any further responsibility. Mr Tilby asked if the sum was paid in cash. The Town Clerk replied that cash was paid. It was also true that the present rateable value of the property there was £ 1,200, producing £300, and the probability was that it would be increased as soon as the new hospital would be erected. Mr J. S. Greenhalgh claimed his right to speak on the amendment, and said that there was an additional reason for referring the question back to the Committee by the fact that a division had been taken as to whether the new Promenade should be 20ft. or 30ft. wide. At Foryd they had to be content with a 16ft. Promenade, and if that was wide enough for the West End it was enough for the East End. Mr Jos. Williams (Gas) suggested that they had better refer the question to a special meeting of the Council when it could be thoroughly considered. He was in favour of treating all alike, and they should not forget that the property owners in the West End had paid for making the road all the Council did was to construct the Promenade, and no doubt in years to come they would be prepared to do the same for the property owners in the East End. Capt Keatinge here said that he was in a position to say that the property owners in the East End would not oontribute to the cost of the work. They had already contributed very handsomely, and the result was that the Coun- cil was receiving £300 per annum in rates with- out expending Id on the making of the road. The Chairman pointed out that the Com- mittee considered that the interest and repay- ment of the borrowed money for the carrying out of permanent works would be less per annum than they spent on temporary repairs. Mr Tilby said that he had listened to the arguments in favour of the amendment, and had come to the conclusion that if they carried such a proposal it would tend to delay matters. It was a dilatorv measure. Mr Greenhalgh No, no. Mr Tilby I was saying what I thought. I do "not say what Mr Greenhalgh thinks. Mr Greenhalgh I have no dilatory measures. Mr Tilby added that he considered the amendment would delay the carrying out of the work, and he had not heard a single argu- ment which would make him alter the opinion he had formed of the Committee's suggestion. There was a decided weakness along the coast, andithe only question in the mind of the Commit- tee was as to what would be the best means of protecting their forshore. Mr Robert Jones had told them that they could not do better than adopt the scheme proposed, although he differed as to the width of the roadway, and the vote was given for the Surveyor's suggestion, because that official would have to carry out the work. He was certainly in favour of the Betterment principle, but apart from the fact that the owners had already made the Marine Drive he was reminded of the fact that the very men who now said that the East End property owners should contribute had objected to his proposal at a recent meeting to ask the West Rhyl Land Company to hear a portion of the cost of extra work to be carried out in the West End at the suggestion of the Local Government Board. They had heard that the owners were responsible, but he asked whether it was not to the mutual interests of the Council, ratepayers, and owners that the work should be done even if the owners declined to pay. They had heard that they were responsible for the repairing of the road. Mr Clews The Clerk has told us that we are not responsible for the action of the sea. Mr Tilby I say we are liable for the repairing of the road. The Town Clerk That is right. Mr Tilby added that the sea encroached on the Marine Drive, with the result that there was danger to the security of the road and the property adjoining. It would not be to the interests of the ratepayers to allow the road to be swept away. If they were wise they should protect the coast and protect it well. He was bound to say that he believed that a new Promenade at the extreme end of the Marine Drive below the sandhills would be an attrac- tion to visitors. Mr Greenhalgh I want a pier there. Mr Tilby said he was glad to hear Mr Greenhalgh say so and they should not forget that there was a large amount of capital invested in the East End that already the Council drew f.300 per annum, and the more they looked after it the better it would be for the town generally. Mr Robert Jones said he felt inclined to support the amendment unless he could carry the motion he had proposed at the Road Com- mittee, viz., that the Promenade should be 20ft. wide instead of 30ft. He felt that the Council were making the same mistake aa the owner of the land had been guilty of when he made the road. They were carrying their works too far into the sea, and if they had a 30ft. Promenade it would cost them a great deal more for maintenance, while the chances of it being washed down would be inoreaaed. He thought that they should have more details, but he was thoroughly of the opinion that the work should be done. He agreed with the principle. He did not think that the property owners should be called upon to contribute on the same lines as those in the West End had been required to help the Council. They had to remember that they offered the owners of of land in the West End two schemes they could either pay cash down for the improve- ments or guarantee a fixed sum until there were a certain number of houses erected which would produce a sum that would cover the in- terest on the expenditure. In the East End things were quite different: the road was already made, and had been handed over, together with nearly £400 in cash. That was a very hand. some gift to the ratepayers, and while he agreed with the principle he thought that the details of the scheme should be further considered. Capt Keatinge Do you agree to the Council applying for the sanction of the Local Govern- ment Board, leaving the details as to width to the Committee ? Mr Robt Jones Yes. Mr Perks said he felt that the whole question was one of maintenance and protection of the sea defences. He admitted that they were bound to maintain the road, but that was another matter altogether. He desired to refer to what had happened in the past. In the first place the road had been made by a land speculator, and he (Mr Perks) had alway opposed the taking over of the road, as he felt Justified in that course by believing in the fact that it was made for the temporary purposes of getting rid of the land. It was not of that permanent nature which was required for the purposes of a town like Rhyl. Already there had been a large expenditure on the road, and a great deal more than would have been necessary had it been made properly in the first instance. It bad also been necessary to lay a new water main along the road, and he felt that the Council had be^yi led astray in taking it over. So far r-: V* ::r:¡:' .■■■■? 1_ y.;¡: -č 't1rt.t > wo rivoiecc the! roa-J, and consequently bo wouM not vote the I expenditure of any sum oi money. j Cap!. KeaihJtfO, in renlyin.ii to I<y uebate, said he could not understand the topsy turvy position that some of the Councillors had taken j that day on the question of maintenance. In face of the fact that the Council had accepted the road and a certain sum before relieving the owners of a certain responsibility, it was only reasonable to say that the Council would be responsible were the road washed away. With all due deference to the Town Clerk, if any of his (Capt. Keatinge's) houses were washed away they would hear from him again. Mr Clews You know perfectly well you would have no claim, and you are throwing dust in the eyes of the Council. A division was then taken on Mr Daniel Evans' amendment to refer the question back to the Committee with the object of asking the owners of property adjacent to the Marine Drive to contribute to the cost. The voting was as follows For the amendment-Messrs Clews, S. Perks, D. Evans, Griffiths, J. S. Green- halgh, Robt. Jones, Wm. Williams, and Jos. Williams (Gas)-8. Against-Dr Girdlestone, Capt. Keatinge, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Messrs J. Bayliss, E. P. Jones, H. A. Tilby, and A. Maltby -8. The voting being equal, the Chairman gave his casting vote against the amendment, which was declared lost. Mr Robt. Jones then moved that the Promenade be 20ft wide instead of 30ft, as proposed by the Committee. Mr D. Griffiths seconded. Capt. Keatinge said he would support that amendment. Mr D. Evans asked if the Council gave the Committee power to spend the money before coming to the Council again. The Vice-Chairman No. They are to apply for £ 1,500, but the details have to be settled. Mr Clews hoped that the Councillors would enter their protest against the expenditure of any money on the defence of the Marine Drive, and considered it short of a public scandal that such a thing should be suggested. He did not think that he would be doing his duty to the ratepayers unless he took that stand. In reply to Mr Clews, Oapt Keatinge ob. served that the extension was for the purposes of a Promenade in the East End. Mr Clews replied that he thought that was the top and bottom of the whole thing. He reminded the Council that the question would arise as to whether a Promenade was required in the East End or not. Mr Maltby pointed out that £380 of the money left for the maintenance of the Marine Drive road had been spent for other purposes. On a division being taken on Mr Robt. Jones' amendment, it was carried by 11 votes to 5. Mr Evans then moved that the Committee be not empowered to spend more than £300 (laughter and cries of "No"). He said he thought that that was quite sufficient for the works of the defence without the Promenade, which in itself would cost £2000. Mr Clews seconded. Capt. Keatinge considered it a waste of time to discuss such amendments, when the Council had already agreed to the principle. He moved that the question be put to the meeting. The Vice-Chairman seconded. Mr Greenhalgh thought that they had better defer the whole question, as the Council appeared to be in a muddle. On being put to the meeting Mr D. Evans' amendment was defeated by 9 votes to 3. Mr Robt. Jones' amendment was then put to the meeting as a substantive motion, and carried by 11 votes to 5. Adoption of Footways. The Town Surveyor was requested to sub- mit his schedule of all footways ready for adoption at the next regular meeting of the Road Commitee. Foryd Dredging. It was reported that a letter had been re- ceived on this subject from the Board of Trade, stating that the cost of the proposed Inquiry would probably not exceed £10. The Clerk had given an undertaking on behalf of the Council to pay the cost. Subsequently the Board of Trade wrote, proposing to alter the date of Inquiry to February 23rd, and requiring notice thereof to be published also desiring the Council to engage the services of a shorthand writer to take notes of the pro- ceedings. It was now resolved by the Coun- cil that the requirements of the Board of Trade be complied with. Also that the following be appointed a Committee to prepare evidence for the Inquiry, viz., Councillors S. Perks, W. Williams, P. Mostyn Williams, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council, with power to act. Public Order In the Streets. It was reported that the Road Committee had had a discussion on the disorderly conduct of persons congregating at corners in various parts of the town, especially in High Street, and the Clerk was directed to communicate with the Inspector of Police on the subject. Road Metalling and Sound Finance. The Road Committee recommended that 500 tons of Penmaenmawr mettelins be ordered for the roads. Mr Perks now proposed the amendment which had been defeated in Committee, viz, that having regard to the fact that the estim- ate has been exceeded by about f,300 no further order be given for metalling until after the end of the financial year." He had to point out that some of the gentlemen who opposed the making of a 5s rate were prepared to support the expenditure, notwithstanding the fact that the Road Committee's estimate had been ex- ceeded. He considered that it was illegal to mortgage the ensuing year's estimate in order to meet expenses whioh should have been pro- vided for by the rate for the current year. It was their duty to make each year bear its own expenses, and for years he had told the Council that It was bad finanoe not to adopt the oouise. He was also informed on good authority that with the new steam road roller they would be able to make their roads in April and May just as well as now. Mr Clews seconded. Mr Robert Jones thought it better to spend a few pounds in advance than to use the water from the mains on road-making in April and May, as at present they had plenty of water to spare. Others having spoken, on a vote being taken Mr Perks' amendment was carried by 9 to 8 votes. The Railway Bill. The Town Surveyor's Report on the plans of the proposed new works, also the sections of the Bill relating thereto, and the clauses which the Company had agreed to accept for their Bill of 1896 were considered, and it was re- solved to direct the Clerk and the Town Surveyor together to prepare a draft clauses, embodying the requirements of the Council, for the approval of Road Committee. It was also reported that the County Council had suggested joint action with regard to any opposition to the Bill. Mr Clews asked if the Council really con- templated taking action against the Bill. The Town Clerk replied that they only desired to get what they wanted, and would Hot unnecessarily oppose the Bill (hear, hoar). Mr Perks said it was more than probable that the Company would give the Council all they required. Mr Clews hoped that they would not land themselives into any expense with the County Council. The whole question was referred to the Road Committee. West Promenade Extension Loan Granted. The Town Clerk reported that the Local Government Board had approved of the new plans for the We&t; Promenade extension, but had only given their sanction to a loan of 1:1,400, repayable in 20 years. He had •tinevied the piang- in aeeovaaacc with the"! suji-restior .)f th. Bori-H /ind that '1. further mm vvfis Hir h&i» that day received t-l. j telegram saying 1-tiat the Board shouM paaa I resolution formally applying for the additional sum. It was agreed on the proposition of the Vice- Chairman that the necessary application be made, and that the Town Clerk take steps to secure tenders for the carrying out of the work, as the adjoining property owners were waiting to start building valuable houses. The Sanitary Condition of the Town. Dr. Girdlestone reported that the town was at present in a better sanitary condition and healthier than it had beenduring the past year (applause). improvements for the Isolation Hospital. Upon application from Miss Vizard it was resolved to order the following for improvement at the Isolation Hospital :-(l), a bier at a cost of about 91 (2), to erect additional poles to support the telephone wire, under the direction of the Chairman, and Councillors Robt. Jones and David Griffiths, with power to act; (3), to order two sets of food carriers, as per specimens by Mr R. K. Hughes, at a cost of Y.1 6s. The Pumping; station. The tender of Mr Wm. Middleton for repairing fthe roof of the pumping station, including joinery, was accepted. The Engineer's Salary. An application was made by Mr J. Oxley for an increase of salary from £ l 15s. to £ 2 2s. per week of seven days, and after discussion it was agreed to bv 9 votes to 6. A Brass Band -to be formed. The Chairman of the General Purposes Committee (Mr D. Griffiths) reported that the Bandmaster had informed him that the members would agree to a payment of Is. instead of Is. 6d. per man for performances of two hours in the streets or on the Promenade. Taking the average attendance to be 20, the cost of each performance (including extra to master) would be £1 Os. 6d. It was also suggested to dispense with the uniform, cap only to be provided at a cost of 2s. In that case the fixed cost for the first year would be as follows:— Band instructor and musio, £18 Os. 3d.; caps (36 at 2a.), £2 12s. Od.; total, £20 12s. Od. The Committee recommended—(1) That we proceed with the formation of a band (2) That the uniform be dispensed with, cap only to be provided at Is; (3) That the pay per man for performances ordered by the Council in the streets or on the Promenades be la. t (4) That Mr David Owen be engaged as band instructor and master at 4:18 a year, including oost of all the necessary music. Mr Perks proposed, after the confirmation of the Committee's report had been moved, that the question of forming a band be post- poned, as he did not think that the Council would be successful purveyors of musio. Dr Prichard seconded. Capt. Keatinge supported it, and said his experience of the band in the past was that they gave plenty of trouble and very little music. Mr Greenhalgh asked that the band should be given a chance. Mr Clews said that very few, if any, of the old members of the band would be re-engaged. Capt. ikeatingo: Then there is more hope for you. On a division the Committee's recommenda- tion to form a band was carried by 11 votes to 4. Summer Band and Minstrels. It was resolved that permission be given to Mr Tom Wood to supply a band and minstrels for the season of 1898, on the following con- ditions :—(1) Mr Tom Wood to pay the Council 1:70 (June, R.10, July, f,15, August, 9,40, September, 95); (2) Band to consist of not less than In June, 9, in July, 10, in August, 12, and in September, 10; as well as vocalists, &c.; (3) Subject to all the usual printed con- ditions as applied to Messrs Gilding and Jones' Band, amended consistently with 1 and 2. The Gas Manager his Salary. An application for an increase of salary had been received from Mr Hall, and the same was referred to a joint meeting of the Gas and Water Committees. Cas Report. The report of the working of the Gas Depart- ment for December was as follows "Gas made, 3,615,100 cubic feet; coal carbonized, 360 tons Gas made per ton of coal carbonized, 10,042 cubic feet; Gas sent out from works, 3,614,000 cubic feet; corresponding month last year, 3,487,200; increase, 126,800, equal to 3'63 per cent. The average illuminating power of the Gas supplied during the month was equal to 16'52 sperm candles. Warrington Volunteers to Vist Rhyl.-Timely Warning. An application by the Warrington Volunteers for water to Foryd camp field was considered, and granted with an instruction to the Clerk to write to the Commanding Officer requesting him to caution his men as to their behaviour in town, as complaints were made of disorderly conduct in the streets when the regiment was last here. Analysis of Water. It was decided that an analysis of the water be made twice a year. The water to be taken from the Llannefydd Reservoir, and from the Clear Water Tank at Glascoed also that an Analysis be made of water from the inlet at Llannefydd. The Water Supply. Mr Robert Jones reported that everything was satisfactory in the Water Department, and that the Committee had kept well within its estimate, also that negociations were being entered into in accordance with the resolution of the Committee re Melin Meifod Auxiliary supply. The consumption of water in gallons during December^was as follows :—Rhyl & Rhuddlan, 5,929.000 Abergele, Pensarn, Towyn, and St George, 1,113,000 St Asaph and Trefnant, 1,118,000; Total, 8,160,000. Delivered, 8,160,000 corresponding month, 9,677,000; decrease, 1,517,000. The Reservoir on Dec. 31st stood at 42ft 9in, or 47,850,000 gallons. An Offer Withdrawn. It was reported that Mra Burrows had with- drawn her offer of £50 towards erecting a Non- conformist Chapel at the Cemetery. The Elections. The Council gave instructions to the Clerk to the County Council to fix the Urban District Council election for the first Saturday in April. A Complaint-The Market Keeper as a Trader. The Town Clerk presented a petition signed by several tradesmen complaining that the Town Hall keeper was carrying on the trade of a wholesale dealer, although in receipt of a weekly salary from the Council.—It was decided to refer the matter to the General Purposes Com- mittee. To Advertloe Seaside Resorts. A letter was read from Llandudno, asking the Council to join in a petition for the conferring of powers on seaside Councils to spend money in advertising their towns and the same was referred to a Committee. This concluded the business, and the Council then rose. I