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RESULT OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATION.
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RESULT OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATION. EXPERTS' REPORT AND MANAGER'S REPLY. Colwyn Bay ratepayers are now afforded facilities for ascertaining the result of the expert investigation into the working of the Gas Department. We publish the report of the experts, Messrs. Newbigging-, and also the reply of the Manager, Mr. J. C. Pennington. z"2 Unfortunately, the public are not even yet able to form an independent judgment upon the matter, inasmuch as the experts have not complied with the Lighting Committee's request for an explanation of certain vague and indefinite passages in their report. It would therefore be advisable for the ratepayers to suspend judgment until the next meeting of the District Council. Z71-- r,
Report of the Gas Undertaking…
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Report of the Gas Undertaking by Thomas Newbigging & Son, M.M. Inst. C.E. To the Chairman and Members of the Council. Gentlemen, Agreeably to your request, conveyed to us by your Clerk (Mr Amphlett), we have visited Colwyn Bay, inspected the Gas Works and dis- trict of supply, and, having given consideration to all the circumstances of the undertaking, we now beg to report to you thereon. Before dealing in detail with the points con- tained in your letter of instruction to- us, we will briefly record the impressions which- our in- vestigation has made on our minds. You have a good Ga" Works, well equipped and well situated,, and capable of producing gas economically and of the required quality. The district of supply lis a most excellent one, with paying classes of consumers, as is proved by the consumption per consumer. All that is neces- sary to make the undertaking a success is good administration and capable management. We are reluctantly compelled to say that these essen- tials have been wanting. The undertaking has drifted (we say it advisedly) into a somewhat critical state, and only good guidance will bring it into a sound position. The Council acted wisely in acquiring the gas undertaking, and they acquired it at a reason- able price. In .support of this statement we draw attention to the figures of profit made dur- ing the first years 1902 and 1903-4 (fifteen months) of the Council's ownership of the undertaking, viz.: £ 486 Sd. and £ 1,947 183. 5d. respectively. But experience was lack- ring in dealing with a growing gas supply in A growing district, and it would have been well had the Gas Committee occasionally obtained advice from those competent to give it. The nnd«rtaking since its transfer /points to the absence of a strong guiding hand —your most pressing need- S THE GAS WORKS. Since the date of transfer, the sum actuallv expended on the Gas Works, including the raiZ nwl g exclusive of the distribution feet of tC> °nly £ 282 'per million cubic which* wn* S °r Puch less than ^e amount f .eCn nece?sary had it not fer ■. e j 1 time of the trans- Sssof th M 3 -Were of a caPacity in ex- Sen l l requirements. Had this, not 3 y°UrWOuldi have tinder the ne e_ssity of spending a much larger sum per W to !Pr°vide land, works concenter!ih^° aS the recent expenditure '■* ncemed, the railway siding (on which, ft. 2S0 SeSndtnr^ UTe-gr°Wth' and a iae expenditure to incur, irrespective nf +v,Q ti'traffi0°frem11be r o^d j;6™°^ fulf canadtTe "T Worfcin^n«arl7 UP to their will V-ery consid€Table expenditure 2eIvif SfiaXJ £ ^6 WOTks almost immedi. Snues "I thG consumPtion con- ,sch^me for extension should be jull> considered, and a wise foresight exer- cised m its adoption. S WORKING RESULTS. thJrr°™ thf: "ports of speeches of members of f they ypear io ,h<s ■of r n'°1e.a tendency on the part of some u^th tWUn°f V°mpare yOUr workinSr results Wtth those of other undertakings. There is jwiisdom in this, but when, such comparisons are WesCar<Tf S taken to Sive accurate ngures._ If the results are given incorrectly the comparisons are misleading. We have read the statement made by the Chairman of the Lighting Committee as to the buying of inferior coals. You have certainly not bought your coal to the best advantage as regards either price or quality. We note, how- ever, that your purchases for the current year are a distinct improvement, but there is room for still further improvement. The make of gas last year, 10,530 cubic feet per ton, compares Unfavourably with the 111,244 of 1906. There is no reason why you should not again reach and maintain the latter figure. You have the quality of coal and the plant to do it, and it should be done. The explanation offered by the Manager for the fall in the make was .that the works were still in an upset state owing to the construction of the siding. This should -not have affected the make. In any case, however, th- siding is complete now, and there is no longer any reason for last year's figures. There are at present six or seven labourers employed at the works, and nine lamplighters. No valid reason has been g-,ven why the num- ber of labourers could not foe materially reduced. To do this it would be necessary that the lamplighters should put in what is termed a short day" at the works, in which time they would get through the ordinary labouring duties required. Two or three labourers making the full day would then suffice. A saving would be affected by this means, and the work equally well done. Then again, we find that there is a foreman fitter, three or four fitters, an assistant fitter, and four labourers. We consider that it is quite unnecessary to have four labourers, as the work is not heavy. One labourer should be ample, and if more help is required, then a youth could be employed. The labourer would accompany one fitter, and the other two fitters could be put on one job at the same time, and you would fine the work much expedited, and the cost re- duced. REPAIRS.—WORKS, MAINS AND SERVICES. From the figures, as shown in the accounts, we say that the amount spent on work repairs- k940 19s. iiid.-fdr the year ending 31st March, 1909, is much too high, and the amount spent on mains and service repairs— £ 66 12s. lod.- is too low. Your Accountant, however, explains that the figures for repair of works should be averaged between 1908 and 1909. However that may be, we are satisfied that even the average amount of £600 spent on works is too high. There is no reason whv this expenditure should not be very materially reduced, and the works still maintained in a satisfactory state. SALARIES. We have carefully considered the question of the number and remuneration of the officials. The salaries paid amount to C627 ios., made up as follows — £ s. d. The Manager .300 o o (and house, coal, gas, rates, and a bonus in addition) Chief Clerk 130 o o Assistant Clerk 97 10 0 Apportionment of Town Clerk, Treasurer, Account- ant, and 'Collecting Depart- ment JOjJ 0 Z627 10 o In view of the fact that under present ar- rangements ordinary consumers pay their ac- counts at the Town Hall, we are of opinion that the transfer of the receipt of money from the Gas Office (to the Council's Collector would en- able the services of one clerk to be dispensed with. This would necessitate the regular attendance of the Manager at the Town Hall for some por- tiotii of each day, and this would be an advan- tage. He could then give more attention to the distribution department. You already have an experienced foreman at the works. So far as the amount proportioned under the head of Town Clerk, Treasurer, Accountant, and collecting department is concerned, we are of opinion that this cost should be borne by the Finance Committee, and that it is not legal to charge even an apportioned amount against the gas department. Hov/ever, as this may be considered a legal question, on which a layman is not competent to express an opinion, we simply draw atten- tion to the point. The remuneration paid to the Manager is sufficient. He takes about one half of the total sum paid by way of salaries as above. We are not prepared to cavil at the amount, though it is high for the size of the works, as we believe a good manager should be well paid. But we advise the discontinuance of the bonus system on increased output. It is wrong in principle in the case of a gas undertaking and should be abolished STATIONERY, PRINTING, AND GENERAL CHARGES. The figure of £150 18s. 4d. is higher than it should be, and a saving, though of necessity small, might be effected. ASSESSMENT CHARGES. As you are aware, the rateable value of the undertaking, as ascertained by the Assessment Committee ot the Union, has recently been con- siderably increased. Seeing that the advisability of appealing against the rateable value is under consideration we reserve our remarks on this head. DISTRIBUTING PLANT. As regards the mains and services, a capital sum of 6'1,787 16s. 8d. has been spent on these since the undertaking was acquired by the Council. Calculated on 26*4 millions of in. creased gas sold since the undertaking was taken over by the Council, this amounts to f445 per million Only great and certain confidence in the growth of the number of gas consumers could justify such an expenditure. Would-be consumers ait long distances from the mains should have been so charged as that the exten- sion would not have entailed a loss on the undertaking. Again, services have been put in free of charge at an estimated average cost of Zi 15s. 6d. each. This, under the circumstances, was a wrong concession to make, and should receive your early consideration with a view to instituting a charge. On cooking stoves £4,737 3s. iod. has been spent, an,d it is evident that in this department there is room for great economy. A packed cooker can be obtained at 35s. to 40s., suitable in every lespect for your purpose, and. the more costly cookers which 3rou have been accustomed to buy should not be purchased, except under 'special circumstances, and under special con- ditions. We express the opinion that in the distribut- ing department there has not been that thought and economy exercised so necessary if the under- taking is to be a financial success. taking is to be a financial success UNACCOUNTED-FOR GAS. The amount of gas unaccounted-for has in. crease(i_Jrcm 10.82 per cent. of the total gas made in 1902 to 14.17 per cent. im 1909. The percentage method of ieckoning is not, however, the best way of showing the loss incurred. It is better to state the loss of gas per mile of main. The loss of gas per mile of main in 1902 amounted to 280,964 cubic feet. This has in- creased to 366,553 cubic feet in 1909..This is very much in excess of what it might be under careful supervision. The excessive leakage is attributed by the Manager to three causes, namely 1. Excessive consumption of gas by pilbt lights of street lamps. 2. Non-registration of meters where single pilc.ts are used in houses and shops. 3. Subsidence of mains and the drawing of services by sewerage operations. The consumption of gas by the pilot light of street lamps s excessive. We recommend that these lights be done away with. There is no real need for them. It is, in actual practice, found as easy to light by torch as by pilot light. The second cause is possible, but from experi- ence it is found that where pilot lights are used there are, generality speaking, more than one light in use, and consequently the gas is regis- teredo Similar conditions as to pilot lights pre- vail in other towns where the unaccounted-for gas is normal. Sewerage operations causing subsidence is a common reason given for loss of gas. Inasmuch, however, as gas, even if it escapes into a sewer, finds its way out into the open air it is soon reported to the Gas Office. The offer of a small reward for notification of gas escapes in streets might be beneficial. Another point, which was not mentioned1 to us, but which we ascertained on the occasion of our inspection, is that there is no systematic inspection and testing of meters. When a meter fails it is made right either by repairing or by substituting another in its place. This ,is not sufficient. It is highly desirable that a system should be instituted whereby every meter in the district is inspected and tested once in three or four years. It 's to the interest of the con- sumers and the gas department alike that such a system should be adopted. Wa aie satisfied that it would result in a material reduction in the percentage of unaccounted-for gas.
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COLWYN BAY Pocket Timetables TO LONDON (Euston and Paddington), J MANCHESTER, BIRMINGHAM, LIVERPOOL and HOLYHEAD. L. & N.W. RY., G.W. RY., AND CAMBRIAN LINE TIME TABLES. Now on Sale for OCTOBER. To avoid missing your train, purchase one. R. E. JONES & BROS., "Weekly News" Office, COLWYN BAY, Of all Newsagents and Bookstalls.
The Manager's Reply.
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The Manager's Reply. To the Chairman and Members of the Lighting Committee. Gentlemen, In the first instance, I wish to record my most sincere appreciation of the consideration which has prompted you to ask me to reply to the report which has been made by Messrs Thomas Newbigging & Son, and' I wish to do so to the best of my ability with frankness. The chief matters that Messrs Newbigging & Sons appear to consider unsatisfactory are the following: 1. That the essential,si of good administratiori and capable management have been wanting. That the undertaking has drifted into a some- what critical state, and only good guidance would bring it into a sound position. 2. That coal has not been bought to the best advantage as regards either price or quality. That the purchases for the current' year are a distinct improvemei it; but there is room still for further improvement. 3. That the make of gas, per ton of coal, last year was 10,530 cubic feet, and in 1906 r 1,244 cubic feet. 4. That the employment of six or seven labourers at the works and nine lamplighters, and the employment of a foreman fitter, three or four other fitters, an assistant fitter, and four labourers is more than necessaiy. 5. That an expenditure on works of ^941 during tlhe year ending March 31st, 1909, was much too high. The amount spent on mains and services, £ 66 i2s., is much too low. 6. The salary the Manager receives per annum, viz., £300, and house, coal, gas, and rates is sufficient, and advise the discontinu- ance of the bonus to the Manager. The bonus system is wrong in principle in the case of a gas undertaking, and should be abolished. 7. That the stationery, printing, and general charges, amounting to "^151, is higher than it should be. 8. Distribution.— £ 11,788 has been spent on the undertaking since is was acquired by the Council. This amounts to ^445 per million cubic feet sold. Would-be consumers at long distances from the mains should have been so charged, that the extensions would not have en- tailed a loss in the undertaking. 9. Again, free services are supplied, costing £ 1 16s. each. This question should have early coMside r ati on. 10. On cooking stoves, £ 4.7.37 has been rpent. There has not been, that thought and economy exercised which is so necessary if the undertaking is to be a financial success. 11. That the unaccounted-for gas in 1902 was 10.82 per cent., in 1909 14.17 per cent. or per mile of maÍin, in 1902, 280,964 cubic feet per mile of main, in 1909, 366,553 cubic feet. This is very much in, excess of what it might be under careful consideration. 12. That the consumption of gas by pilot lights in street lamps is not satisfactory. 13. That there is no systematic inspection and testing of meters. 14. That in 1906 a reduction in, the price of gas was made, followed by another reduction in 1907. Taking, for instance, the accounts for Ithq year ending March 31st, 1908, the price charged for gas to ordinary consumers was less than .the cost price The charge was 3s. 4d. per thousand for gas which cost 3s. sd.29. 15. That the price charged for gas to the public lamps of 2s. per 1,000, is less than the cost price. 16. That the interest on borrowed money has increased from 3^3 to 4 per cent. i.-ADMINTSTRATIO,N AND CAPABLE MANAGEMENT. This is a very general impeachment, and I do not think the Committee will consider that such a, statement is warranted when all the par- ticulars I am about to enumerate are given their true value. 2 & 3.—PURCHASE OF COAL AND MAKE PER TON. 1902: The make was 10,423 cubic feet per ton. 1903-4 (15 months). 10,611 1904-5 11,028 1905-6 11,244 T906-7 11,170 1907-8 10,679 1908-9 10,530 • 7)75,685 10^812 average. It is quite true that the make was as started, 11,244 cubic feet, io 1905-6, and 10,530 cubic feet in 1908-9, but the coal used in 1905-6 was screened, and that in 19°8-9 was unscreened1. I cannot admit that the make per ton is bad. My average for the past seven, years is 10,812 cubic feet, and from the Gas Works statistics pub- lished by the Gas World," for 69 Municipal undertakings for the 1907-8, it will be seen that 33 do not reach that figure, and included in that number is the Widness Corporation, who sell the cheapest gas in the world, and their make per ton is 9,792. Further, it must be taken into account that our gas is 17 candle power. If the Committee will reduce the standard, I can in- crease the make. Messrs Newbigging will, I am sure, admit that the same yield per ton, cannot be expected from unscreened coal as from screened coal, and also that the quality of the gas has to. be taken into consideration. I may remark, in passing, that no complaint has been made by Messrs Newbigging as to the quality of the gas. Further, the fact of my having to stack coal in the open, and often to use it very wet, affects the question very seriously. 4.—EMPLOYMENT OF UNNECESSARY MEN, SIX OR SEVEN LABOURERS, AND NINE LAMPLIGHTERS. It is quite true that 6 or 7 labourers have been employed on the works to deal with coal, coke, and purifying; but it must be borne in mind that these men, were largely occupied m doing special work during the construction, of the sid- ing, in carrying out drainage, and preparing for the vvork. At the present time only four labourers are employed, and I am now occupied in a scheme by which the number will be re- duced. Coke has to be wheeled up to the rail- way level, purifiers- have to be continually emptied and re-charged, and other work done. I am endeavouring to. have the purifiers emptied and re-charged by contract at so much per box also the coke loaded into wiagons at so much per ton, and I shall later on report on this subject. With regard to employment of nine lamp- ligliteTS, two of these light and extinguish be- tween eighty and ninety lamps each, and are paid £ 1 each per week. Seven lamplighters, for the out, districts ,are paid as fc.Ilow-s:- s. d. i at 14s 14 o 1 at 12s. 3d 12 3 1 at 8s 6d 8 6 1 at 7s. 6d. 7 6 2 at 5s IO o 1 at 3s 3 o 62 15 3 so that the actual cost per week for lighting, ex- tiingui shmg, and cleaning about 400 lamps is £ 4 15s. 3d., which represents, if lamplighters were employed in the ordinary manner, men. I am confident the Committee will not con- sider this expenditure high. I know of no place where the number of lamps could be dealt with for less money, and I feel that it would have conveyed to. the Commute.-? a more true position had the wages for lanplighting been, given, or had the facts above-stated been given. With regard to the einployment of a foreman filiter, fitters, and labourers, I can only say tve do not employ more men in this work than are actually necessary. To satisfy consumers, in these days is no easy matter. I endeavour to meet the requirements of consumers; but if the Committee wish to restrict me in this matter, I shall do my best to carry out thsir wishes. As a matter of fact, at the present time, I have one fitter and two labourers less in the fitting de- partment owing to this work falling off. 5-—EXPENDITURE ON WORKS AND MAINó, I am aware that £941 expended on repairs and maintenance of works may be considered exces- sive, and quite likely the sum shewn as spent on mains is small. In this conneotion, it must be remembered that during the alterations at the works, costs are bound to increase. Now, how- ever, that the alterations are completed, I am reducing these charges, and the amount in the current year's account wiilll be found liess. Fur- ther, the maintenance of the works in an efficient order must be admitted to be sound policy, and this cannot be done without expenditure. Messrs Newbiggin.g say the expenditure can be very materially reduced, but they dOt not say in what manner. 6-SALARY OF MANAGER. Personally, I consider the bonus system a good one, as it acts as an incentive to the Manager to use every effort to, increase the sale of gas, by securing new con- sumers and this argument is supported by the faClt that many large Corporations and Com- panies have now adopted this system. 7.-STATIONERY, PRINTING, AND GENERAL CHARGES. All thei-je amounts come before the Committee from time to time in detail, and I do not think there is any serious excess here; and below I give you full particulars of the items which comprise this amount: — £ s. d. Wages of Clerk in Gas Office 36 2 6 Proportion OJ. wages or Clerks, pri iting. and general charges in Clerk's and Accountant's de- partment 29 5 0 Books and stationery 3S 7 4 Advertising for tenders, &c 4 1*5 6 Cheque books I iS o Postage and petty cash 25 15 6 Fidelity bonds 2 12 o Audit stamp 10 o o Telephone calls 1 4 o Miscellaneous. 3 18 6 o -1-150 18 4 Xili -i L kU]N 9-—EREE SERVICES. 10.—COOKING STOVES. The Committee ,iie aware of all the ex- penditure referred to under these heads; and if the Committee wishes to re-con- sider the present system, I shall be most ready to submit a report dealing with the points raised. 11 .—UNACCOUNTED-FOR GAS. Messrs Newbigging rightly say that the per- centage way of reckoning is not the best way of showing the loss incurred. But they do not tell you how the leakage should be reckoned, or what the factors are which go to increase the unaccounted-for gaj It will not be very difficult for the Committee to understand that leakage depends oin, the mile- age of mains and on the number and lengths of services, and the pressure at which the gas is supplied Owing to the distance of our distributing mains from the works, and also the fact that in the centre of the town most of the streets are supplied by two inch mains, it is necessary to keep on a pressure of thirty-five-tenths for part of the day, even forty-tenths, and never less than twenty-tenths on the Rhos. main; the least pressure On ihe town, during the night being fifteen-tenths Some works I know of never have more than twenty-tenths pressure on 'he mains at any time. Now, cur leakage per mile of main, in spite of these high pressures, is 366.5152, or forty feet per mile Der hour, which is rather less than the average figure of all works, and this you will see compares very favourably with other places given in the Gas World Year Book," &c. There are 69 works in the table for 1908. The highest leakage per m le of main, is Glasgow, 993.000 cubic feet, the lowest is Newbury, 77.000. In addition, to the above, there are the follow- ing:- Birmingham 402.2511 per mile of main. Leeds. 33I-97r Manchester 224.218 Salford. 398.938 Dover. 632.368 Eastbourne. 481.600 Gravesend 495.916 Plymouth 515.022 Southend 367.616 Bangor 628.452 Carnarvon 458.227 The leakage per mile of main at Glasgow is 2.7 more than that of Colwyn Bay-say 2% more per mile,—yet their consumption being so much greater per mile of main, their percentage of leakage stands at only 7.9, thus, with 2.% more loss per mile, they yet appear to have only half the percentage of leakage. This shows how necessary it is to fully consider the cir- cumstances of each case. If we doubled our consumption without ex- tending the mains, our leakage would be re- duced from 14.17 per cent. to 7 per cent. There- fore, whilst the sale of gas is so small per mile of main, the unaccounted-for gas per 1,000 cubic feet sold, must be high. The station meter may be incorrect. It would be well to have it tested. The Sales of Gas Act allows for consumes meters to be 2 per cent. or 3 per cent. slow, and some of the unaccounted-for gas is brought about by this. 12.—PILOT LIGHTS ON LAMPS. Undoubtedly, pilot lights consume gas, and "f we did not have them the gas charged for pub- lic lamps would be less; but probably more mantles would be used, as the use of the torch generally accounts for a good deal of mantles breakage. The matter of public lamps has already been under discussion, and, I hope, at no very, distant dlate, the Committee will consider the question oif installing clocks or pressure controllers, so that the lamps may be all instantly lighted or extin,guished without lamplighters, which, I am confident, would bring about a great r viuct:on in cost. 13.—TESTING OF METERS. I am quite prepared to undertake a systemic testing and inspection of meters if the Com- mittee think the result would be likely to war- rant the expenditure. 14.—REDUCTION IN PRICE OF GAS, ETC. There i- no question that on the face cf the accounts, the price charged for gas is insuffi- cient. I am, however, hopeful thai. 1.0W we Lave completed all the necessajy exp^n Wu "e t n new mains, siding, &c., that we !.hatl be able to materially reduce costs of manufacture, and I would submit that the question of re- mains over until the current year's accounts are dealt with. 15.—PRICE CHARGED FOR PUiUC LAMPS. The price charged for public lighting rs rut sufficient, and with all respect I submit the opin- ion that the amounts which have beer Uken out of the Profit and .Loss Account and put to the District Fund Account should be re-paid. If sums are taken from the gas profits n ttiis way it will Le bound to neoesitate an incrja- jn the price of gas to make up for it. 16.—INTEREST ON BORROWED MONEY. This is a matter altogether beyond my con- trol. GENERAL. In conclusion, I can only express my hcpe that many of the points emphasized by Messrs Newfhigging will be given serious consideration by the Committee, and thoroughly discussed. I am also convinced, that if we take eVè:y pos- sible step to obtain consumers on the une I), the 28 miles: otf main we r.ow have, and so in- crease the consumption, the profits will very speedily show an improvement. Tn our en- deavours to meet the desires of the town, we have, perhaps, laid mains in too free a way, and I agree with Messrs Newbigging that extensions of this kind should only be done when a quick return on the outlay is assured. In this (,,n- nection, it must be borne in mind that as Mr Newbigging says in his book, There is a time when the capital of any undertaking is high." It is bound to be so immediately after heavy expenditure, and we are just in that position now. Expenditure has been incurred, and we have not yet: reaped the benefit of that expendi- ture. So soon as the increased consumption and less cost of manufacture which the expenditure has brought about, apoear in the accounts, the result will speak for itself. Messrs T. Newbigginig & Son say that we have good works and well equipped. I may remark with regard to. this statement that with the ex. ception of the new Retort House, containing 24 retorts, and the Boiler House, all the extensions have been carried out under my advice and supervision. I have the horour to be, Gentlemen, Yovr obedient servant, JNO. C. PENNINGTON. 'Gas Engineer and Manager-
Councillor Bevan and the Newspaper…
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Councillor Bevan and the Newspaper Representatives. To 1HE EDITOR OF THE Weekly News., Sir, With reference to the discussion that took place at Tuesday's meeting of the Colwyn Bay Council, may I be allowed to supplement the few words wthich I was privileged to say in explanation-1a Pressmian does njOlt enfloy ithe same freedom of speech on such occasions as & 'Councillor; hence the need of this note. The conversation in which Mr George Bevan took part was not restricted to Mr Brocklehurst, ,coi the Manchester Guardian," and himself. As a matter of fact, Mr Hugh Owen, of the "Halfpenny Herald," and I had a no small share in it; so that, to accuse me of eaves- dropping was manifestly unfair. Moreover, the gas experts' report was the sole topic under consideration, and that Mr Bevan made state- ments upon which the paragraph referred to could be based can be substantiated by Mr Hugh O'wen.— Vours, &c., „ r W. HOWELLS TONES. Colwyn Bay, October 13th, 1909.
......--.:....-Cefn Nurseries,…
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Cefn Nurseries, Talycafn. MESSRS. A. JENKINSON & SONS' NEW CATALOGUE. Messrs. A. Jenkinson & Sons, proprietors of the celebrated Cefn Nurseries, Vale of Conwav and whose establishment at Colwyn Bay is so well- known, have published their new catalogue of general nursery stock, fruit trees, roses, trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, &c cultivated by them for sale. The catalogue, we observe, is considerably larger than any of its predecessors, and makes a very substantial as well as interesting book, the descriptive matter being enlivened by a number of photographic illustrations. As may be expected of a firm of such old-established repute as Messrs. R. E. Jones & Bros., the book is excellently printed, the two-colour cover being especially artistic. Among the illustrations there are some which call for special mention, notably that showing "Rose 1 ,1 JSt sea.s.°^ after planting; part of five hundred supplied to one customer" another remarkable one shows Water Lilies, background of Anemone Japonica Alba and Tritomas, giving a very striking effect"; whilst a third presents the beautilly rose, Madame Abel Chatenay." •x f Cefn Nurseries, 35 acres in extent, are situated on the banks of the Conway River, and on exposed ground, and consequently, the catalogue informs us, "our stock is very hardily grown, and being regularly transplanted, takes up with a good mass of fibrous roots, which enable them to thrive in any reasonable position. Our stock this year has made very fine growth, and is in excellent condition for removal. And here is a concluding note which deserves careful attention "Our Nursery wage Vh + ye,ar, amounted to £ 700, which was distributed to labour in the country so that all t0 fUS afe ,helPing to find honest and healthy labour for people on the land."
Flintshire Jottings.
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Flintshire Jottings. TALACRE ESTATE. At the meeting of the Holywell Rural District Council, plans sent in for the erection ofpip-ht cottag-es on the Talacre erecuon ot eigru ivr- ivr u ,i i estfte were approved. WELLS has relinquished his post at the Talacre Estate Office, and has removed to a similar position in Lincolnshire. During his two years stay at Talacre he made himself very popular, and was well liked. Good wishes go with him to his new sphere. TRELOGAN NEW COUNCIL SCHOOL. The local committee has arranged a good series of evening classes for the coming winter, and it is to be hoped that the youths of the dis- trict will avail themselves of the opportunities the classes afford. The classes are as follows:— Cookery on Thursdays teacher, Miss McClure, Holywell. Needlework, on Mondays; teacher, Miss S. J. Roberts, Newmarket. Rural science, drawmg, arithmetic, &G., Mondays and Fridays; teacher, Mr. B. S. Fidler, B.Sc NEW MAGISTRATE. A new J.P. has just been appointed for the it T3 I1" LTE PERSON of Mr. Charles Jones Batters, Tanlan Hall. It will be remem- bered that some time ago the Llanasa Parish J., ? \° M°VE LN THE matter of the need for additional magistrates for the parish, and it is surmised that the new appointment is the outcome of their application. Mr. Batters is an old resident amongst us, having lived at Tanlan Hall for 20 yesrs. He is popular with all sections J ^°MMUN Y'TA interest in educational and other movements tending to the benefit OF the people.
COLWYN BAY.
Detailed Lists, Results and Guides
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COLWYN BAY. LIST OF VISITORS. PWLLYCROCHAN HOTEL. J S Littlewood, Esq, resident Mrs Littlewood, do Miss G M Wright, do C Hoggs, Esq, London W Wycliffe Barlow, Esq, valet and nurse, Winchester Mrs Barlow, do J Barlow, Esq, do F W Collinson, Esq, Preston Mrs Collinson, do Mrs Atkinson, Cleckheaton T. R Job, Esq, Blundellsands Mrs Job, do Miss Job, do J Rowlands, Esq, Birmingham Mrs Rowlands. do H uw Williams, Esq, London Mrs Williams, do Miss Williams and maid, do J W Jones, Esq, Manchester Mrs Hornby Smith, Preston S Hodg-kioson, Esq, Liverpool J Parry Jones, Esq. Hoylake Mrs Parry Jones, do J B Job, Esq, Fresbfield Mrs Job, do Mrs C 0 Hughes, do Thos. Turner, Esq, Huddersfield Mrs Turner, do C Darnton Greaves, Esq, Southport Mrs Greaves, do Mrs Gorst. family, and maid, Huyton W Gray, Esq, Burnley Miss Gray, do Mrs R H Fernie, Blundellsands R Walker, Esq, Manchester H Walker, Esq, do W C Bramall, Esq, Manchester Miss Bramall, do N P Gray, Esq, Burnley Miss Gray, do H Hall, Esq, Rainhill S Pope, Esq, Manchester Mrs Hodgkinson, Marple Mrs Langley, Bowdon Miss Young, do Mrs Kisbey, Dublin Tugle Kisbey, Esq, do Miss Barnes, Bolton Miss Barlow, do J R Barlow, Esq, do S Ravenscroft, Esq, Oxton Trevor Ravenscroft, Esq, do COLWYN BAY HOTEL. W Whitehead. Esq. Manchester E Seymour Mead, Esq, Northwich Mrs. Mead, do Miss Mallett. do The Right Hon. Justice Gibson, Ireland Mrs Gibson, do The Misses Gibson, do J Dodd. Esq, Oldham Mrs Dodd, do Doctor Langdale, Warrington Mrs Langdale, do Miss Willcocks, do H E Kincaid, Esq, Dublin W Hooper, Esq, London Mrs Hooper, do Mrs Place Nottingham Orme, Esq, Bakewell Mrs Orme, do — Wilkinson, Esq, Sheffield Mrs Wilkinson, do Miss Wilkinson, do C Brig-gs, Esq, Cheadle Hulme Mrs Briggs, do J Willis, Esq, Nottingham Mrs Willis, do G W Curling, Esq. Dublin Mrs Curling, do F Hunter, Esq. Sheffield Mrs Hunter, do Miss Peel, do E Hiilme, Esq, Manchester S Vigers, Esq, London J Wynne. Esq, Cheshire J Batty, Esq, Southport Mrs Batty, do K Andrewes, Esq, Birmingham Mrs Andrewes, do Mrs Sankey, Bilston C Mitchell, Esq Liverpool F Litherland, Esq, Birmingham Mrs Litherland, do Smith, Esq, Manchester Mrs Smith, do A Ollerenshaw. Esq, Glossop Mrs Grubb and maid, Co. Tipperary W Gregson, Esq, Manchester Colonel Hughes, Denbigh IMPERIAL HOTEL. Thos. Leasdale, Esq, Liverpool John Thompson, Esq, do James Laurence, Esq, London A Foster, Esq, do F Thomas, Esq, Leicester C Steele, Esq, Manchester K Dewey, Esq, do G Carr, Esq, do R Lobb, Esq, Kettering J Cowell, Esq, Birmingham Mrs Forbes, London Master C Forbes, do C Richards, Esq. Manchester V Stubbs. Esq, Birmingham J Gibson, Esq, London Thos. Smith, Esq, do J Weigher, Esq, Glasgow K Williams, Esq, Lutterworth A Winpenny, Esq, Stockport D Lloyd, Esq, do F Freeman, Esq, Uttoxeter F Cole, Esq, Leeds J Gibson, Esq. Halifax K Grey, Esq, Middlesex O Wadsworth, Esq, do J Hoben, Esq, Liverpool C Wadsworth. Esq, London A Hughes, Esq, Coventry S Stephen, Esq, do A Ross, Esq, Liverpool HOTEL METROPOLE. J Workman, Esq, Liverpool W Mc Symon, Esq, do J Pratt, Esq, do M Walker, Esq, Huddersfield W Green, Esq, Manchester T G Backhouse. Esq, Wallasey — Irwin, Esq, do imartin, Esq, Dublin R S Jones, Esq, Garston B. Davids, Esq, London A Firth, Esq, Huddersfield Mr and Mrs Little H Dakin, Esq, Manchester Miss Brooksbank, do Miss Walker, do A Wells, Esq, London £ ?i"own- Escl' Nantwich [ £ Marshall, Esq. London Escl- Colwyn Bay Miss Nolan, Manchester T W Fitzgerald. Esq, London W Ray, Esq, Chester Mrs Reed, Liverpool LOCKYER'S PRIVATE HOTEL. Mrs Williams, Nottingham Miss Williams, do Williams, Esq, do Dr Friar, Dewsbury Ormerod, Esq, Manchester Miss Tyler, Leicester Mrs Morice, Northampton Mrs Vaughan, Portmadoc Miss Vaughan, do Mrs Tanfield, Dudley Mrs Preece, do Mrs Lathom. do Miss Crawford, do Mrs Hawthorne, do Pilling, Esq, Huddersfield Mrs Pilling, do Miss Pilling, do Thos. Robinson, Esq, Manchester Mrs Robinson, ido Misses Oldroyd. Huddersfield A Hirst, Esq, do Mrs Hirst, do Misses Hirst, do GREENFIELD ROAD. Heathfield Towers- Miss Retemeyer, resident Miss Foster, do Mrs Callister, Birkenhead Miss Callister, do Mr A J Bourne, Sandbach Mrs Bourne, do PRINCES DRIVE. Northffeld- J Dean, Esq, Middleton Mrs Dean, do The Misses Woodhead and friends, Dewsbury J G Woodman, Esq, Kearsley Mrs Woodman, do Mr Walker, Worsley Mrs Walker, do Mr Walker, jun., do RHOS-ON-SEA. RHOS HYDRO. J Pickard, Esq, Altrincham Mrs Pickard, do Nurse Moore, do C T L Bristow, Esq, Rhos Miss Bristow, do Dr Hunt, Derby Mrs Hunt, do I H Henshaw, Esq, Manchester G Edgar, Esq, Rhos T Bailey, Esq, Bowdon Mrs Bailey, do
Report of the Gas Undertaking…
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REDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF GAS. In 1906 a reduction was roadie in the price of gas, followed by a reduction, in 1907. It is not easy to see in face of so small a balance of pro- fit in 1905, and the knowledge of the capital cost that would have to be incurred to provide for the growth that always follows even a small rduction, why such sweeping reductions should have been made. The cost of gas in 1905 ex- ceeded 3s. 4d., and even with an increased co,-n- sumption a certain deficit was being courted. Neither a reduction, nor an increase in the price of gas should! be made without a special report being prepared jointly by the Account- ant and the Gas Manager, for the guidance of the Gas Committee and the Council, showing the effect of such reduction or increase. Take, for instance, the accounts for the year ending 31st March, 1908. The price charged for gas to ordinary consumers was actually less than the cost price of gas. That is to' say, you charged 3S. 4d. per 1,000 cubic feet for gas which cost you 3s. 5d.29. Again, taking the price charged for gas to the public lamps, ViZ. 2S. It is to be presumed that the Committee,, in fixing the price at zs., thought it proper to charge the bare cost of the gas, not including interest and (Sinking fund charges. But without interest and sinking fund charges the cost amounted to 2s. lid.08. Had it not been for the very substantial receipts from hireage of meters and stoves a deficit instead of a small profit would have been the result. The moral to be drawn from the foregoing ob- servations is that you should increase the price charged for (gas, until such time as you can see your way, by improved working results, to re- vert to the lower price. Again, we note with regret that the rate of in- terest on borrowed money has increased from 3^ to 4 per cent. We believe that had the undertaking beei in a sounder financial position the capital could have been raised at a lower rate on the security of the undertaking alone, not to mention the Isuperadded security of the district rates. Summarising briefly the chief points on which we have touched, we say i Coal.—Much room for improvement in. quality and price, 2. Wages.—Too high. A reduction possible. 3. Repairs to Works.—Too heavy. Could be reduced. 4. Production of Gas per Ton.-Too low. 1 Should be brought up considerably. 5. Capital Expenditure on Distribution.— Too high as regards mains, services, and cookers. 6. Expenditure on Distribution out of Re. venue.—Too low. More attention should be paid to leakages and to the testing of meters. 7. Unaccounted-fcr Gas.Too high. 8. Price Charged for Gas to other depart- ments of Council is below cost, and should he increased. 9..Selling Price of Gas reduced when iit should not have been. The undertaking is burdened for the time being, but we have no fear for its future, under careful administration and management. We remain, gentlemen, Your obedient servants, THOS. NEWBIGGING & SON. 5, Norfolk-street, Manchester, September 2nd, IgOg.