Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

TOWYN URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL The monthly meeting was held at Towyn on Friday afternoon, Mr W Jones Hughes, vice- chairman, presiding. There were also present; Messrs J Hughes Jones, J Maethlon James, Daniel Edwards, John Roberts, J M Howell, E L Rowlands, Henry Evans, Meredith Jones, J Geufronydd Jones with Messrs W R Davies, clerk; R Barnett, assist- ant clerk; R Price Morgan, surveyor; Dr Irvine Bonner, medical office of health and Edward Williams, inspector. THE ABERDOVEY COMMON. The Council having decided some two months ago to invite Mr Solomon Andrews to a friendly con- ference in reference to the Aberdovey Common, a letter was read at the last meeting accepted the invitation of the Council. Mr Guthrie Jones, Dolgelley (solicitor to Mr Andrews) now appeared before the Council and stated that as Mr Andrews was not in good health he could not be present. Mr Maethlon James asked the permission of the Chairman to explain the reasons which prompted him to move a resolution that that conference should take place. When the memorial was pre- sented to the Council two months ago he had listened attentively to all that Mr Edward Davies, chairman of the Common Defence Committee, had to say, in which he asked them (the Council) to help the Commoners to protect their interest in that piece of land, commonly called Morfa Dytl or the Aberdovey Common. He knew at the time that the committee had failed by direct negoti- ations to come to a settlement with Mr Andrews, and it was not surprising, considering that the feel- Ing on both sides ran so high. He,therefore, thought that the best step to help the Commoners would be to invite Mr Andrews to meet the Council to see if they could not find an honourable and an easy Way out of the difficulty. The position in which the parties found themselves was known to all. Mi- Andrews believed that he had bought the absolute right to that piece of land, or otherwise he would net have fenced it in and would not have warned people to stop sending their cattle there to graze. The Commoners and the Aberdovey people, on the other hand, were firmly of opinion that they had Common rights to that piece of land, or otherwise they would not have pulled down the fonces which Mr Andrews p-it up, and thus laid themselves open » to be prosecuted for so doing. They said that it /V was as difficult for Mr Andrews or anybody else to stop the grazing as it would be to prevent the South wind from blowing over the land. Proceed- lDg to give a brief history of the Common, Mr r^mes observed that Mr Sodon, the then owner of ,nysymaeugwyn Estate, purchased the Crown r'Rhts to that land, subject to a certain reservation ^ud subject no doubt to rights of Common which k;id been exercised fiom time immemorial. Mr Sodon did not believe, neither did Mr Andrews believe, that the people had Common rights, but he tried to appropriate it, and the Commoners re- sisted successfully. On every subsequent occasion that the land was claimed and an attempt made to eaclose the whole or a portion of it, the Commoners had been successful in their resistance. The Aberdovey people had done this when some of their est friends happened to be offenders, and was it ikely they would allow a stranger like Mr Andrews o appropej^e p jje ventured to say it was not. seemed to him, and that was the reason which be Proposed the conference, that as long as this dual OWnership was maintained, no possible settlement ^n'd be arrived at. What was the remedy F There w6re three ways out of it. One way would be for Mr Andrews to take proceedings, and he believed with great Misfaction because they belieyed it would add yidence of their title to the Common rights, j n er way would be for Mr Andrews to sell his erest to the Commoners, and another and a ^8 ter way for Mr Andrews to present his rights to e town as a new century's gift—(laughter and ab^1"' kear)—because they were told he was well 6 to do without it and bad done similar things elsewhere. These were some of his reasons for proposing that a conference should be arranged, and be hoped and trusted that some good would come out of it. Mr Guthrie Jones, after expressing regret at the absence of his client (Mr Andrews) said he was asked to say that Mr Andrews willingly consented to meet the Couucil for the purpose of endeavour- to come to a settlement. Whatever he did at Aberdovey would be done not for his own good alone, but for the good of the town as well. It would be unnecessary that day to enter into the merits of the case on one pide or the other, but he would say at the commencement that whatever rights the Commoners might have in that piece of laud, Mr Andrews was the owner of the soil. He would ask in the first place if the Council had any terms which they could suggest to Mr Andrews, and in the event of Mr Andrews agreeing to them whether the Council had the power to carry out such terms. He was not instructed to offer any terms to the Council before ascertaining that point. He was, however, requested to ask if the Council had any suggestions to make of a possible settlement. If they would do that, and they were satisfied that the Commoners would agree to such terms, Mr Andrews would do everything to try to meet them. He might say that there seemed to be a feeling abroad that it was to the detriment of Aberdovey, that Mr Andrews had obtained possession of this laud. He could assure them, and he had the authority of Mr Andrews to say so, if a reasonable settlement were arrived at between Mr Andrews and those who obtained certain rights, that whatever works were carried on, Aberdovey would benefit more from such works than he would. The Aberdovey peoole desired to develope the town as a seaside resort, and what Mr Andrews was prepared to do, was for the good of the town. Mr Andrews would gi ve every consideration to any suggestion received from the Council, and would meet the Commoners, but of course it should not be forgotten that he had certain rights to the property, which he hoped no one at that stage would discuss. The Chairman said they were very much obliged to Mr Jones for his explanation. The Clerk remarked that Mr Jones had asked if the Council had any authority to speak on behalf of the Commoners. They had none whatever. They were not authorised to represent the Commontrs in any shape or form. The Council however, was a commoner in respect of Bwlchgwyn Farm. They could not, therefore, speak on behalf of the other commoners. Mr E L Rowlands asked if they could not have obtained that power from the County Council, if the matter had been laid before them. The Clerk said the County Council could not give power to enable them to make terms binding upon all the Commoners. The only way would be to get an order from the Board of Agriculture to which the consent of all parties, including Mr Morgan, would have to be obtained. Mr Maethlon James proposed that authority be given to the Clerk to receive any communication on the subject of the Common from Mr Andrews, and that the Council should approach the Commoners with the view of getting a reply to such communi- cation. Mr G athrie Jones said Mr Andrews had been told that some Commoners wculd not come to any terms at all. If there was no prospect of settling the question it would be of no use to go oa. He would suggest that the Commoners should meet as well as the Council at the next conference. The Chairman said the Aberdovey members would, convey what had been said to the Com- moners. He did not think that what had been said by Mr Jones was quite correct. The number of those mentioned was very few. Mr Guthrie Jones I hope so. Mr E L Rowlands seconded Mr James's proposi- tion which was unanimously agreed to. ABERDOVEY AND ENLIGHTENMENT. Mr Edward Morgan, solicitor, Machynlleth, who is at present building on his Trefeddian Estate at Aberdovey, attended with the view of coming to an agreement with the Council in regard to a sewer and water main to his new houses. The clauses of the draft agreement drawn were gone through and no serious objection was raisd to any of them until the clause dealing with the water supply was come to. The Aberdovey Committee wished to bind Mr Morgan not at any time to become a competitor with the Council by selling the water. Mr Morgan said that if they had plenty of water at Aberdovey they had nothing to fear. Of course, they claimed that they had. The Aberdovey people were very inconsistent. Mr Howell (a member) could speak feelingly on that '"pointlas he had wanted [to make a drain. If they wanted the town to develop they were standing in their own light as this would pre vent building. He confessed that what he wanted was to induce building. He only trusted that the Towyn people would be found more reasonable than their Aberdovey colleagues.—The Chairman said there was another side to that question, which they in the interests of Aberdovey had to consider. Was it right for the Council to allow Mr Morgan to be- come a competitor ? They were not against Mr Morgan, but were they to sacrifice their right in order to please him ?—Mr E L Rowlands said he understood that Mr Morgan was going to provide the water supply from his own reservoir.—Mr Morgan: Oh, yes, I intended to build a reservoir bigger than yours—(laughter)—but I found it would cost £5,000 which I could not afford (renewed laughter). The Aberdovey Committee have gone wrong, but I hope the Council will put them right. -Mr J M James thought there was no reason to fear Mr Morgan's competition. The Council could deal with a competitor by selling cheaper.-In reply to a question the Clerk stated that there was nothing to prevent Mr Morgan or any other individual making a reservoir.—Mr Morgan That's it; the Aberdovey people require enlightening (laughter).—It was decided that Mr Morgan should meet the Council after the meeting to settle the question. A RATEPAYER COMPLAINS. Mr Meyrick Roberts wrote that he had given notices to the two tenants of houses at Rhydyronen to quit the houses. He wished to make a few remarks on the way this business had been carried out by the Council. The notice of October 9th stated that the rain and wind came in through the roof, and also that the house of Robert Williams was damp all through. He challenged the report of the inspector and defied him now to find the slightest trace of dampness on the roof of either of the two cottages. In respect to David Jones's cottage the inspector stated that the same condi- tions existed in this as in the adjoining one, viz, damp all through. He asked the Council to com- pare that with the medical officer's report at the last meeting which stated that the house was much better with very slight signs of dampness. Yet according to a statement made in the room This bore out the inspector's report." The report also stated that there were no ceilings, but there were ceilings and there was no dampness. Surely there was some mistake. He suggested that perhaps the inspector might have visited cottages belonging to people who were not usually called upon to repair any property whatever the conditions and what- ever their fitness for human habitation or not even though the tenants in order to go to bed had to be provided with lanterns, and then placed the blame inadvertently, of course, on the inoffensive Aber- gynolwyn Slate Co. He asked an explanation of the treatment he had received at their hands. When he first challenged the inspector's report the Council kindly appointed a committee to meet him on the spot to consider any necessary repairs. But instead of keeping their promised agreement they, like Kruger, made it convenient to forget, and in- struct [their medical officer to go there without giving him any facility to meet either them or the inspector. As the rental of the cottages was only £ 3 out of which rates and taxes had to be paid, barely C2 10s was left, so that it was useless expecting any return and he was therefore forced to close them. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor reported that the lower part of the Gwalia road which used to be under water had been raised, and about two-thirds of it could now be covered with hard material. -About two-thirds of the groyne protecting the sewer outfall had been washed away. Something should be done to pre- vent its recurrence. Sand which had accumulated on the Promenade had been cleared, and the water holes had been lowered, which prevented the stag- nation of water; still there were pools of water at the south end which could not be done away with without cutting the surface. He considered the present system of dealing with the sweepings of the streets unsatisfactory and unhealthy, because they were left on the streets for an unreasonably long time.—In reply to Mr James the Surveyor said that any other method would cost more money to the>atepavers.—The matter was referred to the Towyn Committee. TOWYN. The Towyn Committee reported that the Sur- veyor having strongly recommended that an experi- ment should be made in regard to street kerbings with Tonfanau granite chippings and cement in place of slabs which went out of shape, it was resolved that a length should be put down from Tredegar Arms to Porthgwyn as a trial. Resolved to have the Clerk's advice as to the liability of the Council to repair the road leading to Crynllwyn and Rhydygarnedd. It was also resolved to cover Pier road with metalling and to engage a steam roller in ordei to make this road smooth for the summer. An estimate of the cost of extending the water main to Penbrynmawr was considered, but deferred for further consideration. The Surveyor reported that he had tested the water main and found it intact. The pressure was 110lbs to the square inch where it entered the town, and about 351bs where it was in use. He therefore attributed the cause of the complaints of insufficiency of supply to the enormous quantity drawn from the pipes, owing to the rapid growth of the town. The committee recommended the adoption of a tender of zC22 10s by Mr Morris James for erecting a brick wall near the Market Hall. At a subsequent meet- ing of the commitee it was resolved that an estimate of the cost of laying a three-inch water main from Bryndedwydd to near Penbryn Mawr be made. It was further .recommended'that the sole right for performing on the sands (and not on the Pro- menade) at Towyn be given to Mr Frank Weir, a member of the troupe which visited the town last year.-As regarded the Crynliwyn road, the Clerk: stated that it opened a wide question and he wished the matter further deferred in order that he might inspect old maps to see who used to repair the' road. It bad not been repaired by the Council in his time. The matter was referred back, and the; report was adopted. ABERDOVEY. The Aberdovey Committed reported that they' had considered the agreement with Mr Edward Morgan for laying a nine-inch sewer from the Corbett Arms to Maesglas. Certain words in Clause 1. in the agreement were omitted in order to meet Mr Morgan. Mr Morgan again objected to the portion of Clause 2 wherein it was stated that he was not to sell any water in competition with the Council. The proceedings were brought to a standstill as Mr Morgan considered it inex- pedient to proceed any further. At another meeting of the committee the Surveyor reported on the condition of Hopeland View road. It was. resolved that two catchpits be made at its junction with Bryndovey-road to receive surface water, but the committee were not disposed to take the road over. It was resolved that the Clerk's advice be asked regarding bills incurred during Mr Edmunds term of office. The Surveyor submitted a detailed report on the condition of Bwlchgwyn farmhouse and outbuildings, and it was agreed to visit the place with the Surveyor when the weather was suitable for carrying out the necessary work.—In regard to the bills incurred during :Mr Edmund's, the previous surveyor's term of office, a letter was read from him pointing dtifc that he could not go over work which would occupy some days unlessi his expenses were paid. At the same time he' would be glad to furnish the Council with any in- form ition in regard to the money still owing' to him in respect to the bills paid by him on behalf of the Council, though the wages sheet and the receipted bills ought to give the desired inform' ation and he did not see what else was required. He hoped he would not be kept any longer for money which was due for a considerable time.-It was decided to ask Mr Edmunds to come over.- The report was adopted. RURAL WARD. The Surveyor reported that he had attended to, the road from Bryngarreglwyd. Mr Wynne bad agreed to repair his part of the road from Bryn- crug to Gessail and would carry it out at once. The old turnpike road to Dyffryn Gate and the old road to Pennal were now being attended to. Other portions of the roads were having attention. Some persons had not yet attended to their hedges. Finger posts and mile stones' were greatly wanted in this ward, but whose duty it waR to wor- vide them he did not know.

LLWYNGWRIL. HARE COURSING.-On Saturday at the invitation of Mr David Gillart, of Towyn, a large number of gentlemen assembled at Llwyngwril for hare cours- ing. The company included Mrs Capt Prestige,. Miss Kirby, Messrs D Gillart, Edmund Gillart, G W Griffiths, D D Davies (Wynustay), H Jones Evans (Fronygog), and his two brothers, Captain Prestige, Messrs Shuker, Chidlaw Roberts, Kirby, Latimer, Pugh (Llaubrynmair), Jones (Llanbryn- mair), Jones (Towyn), W Sadleir, Syd Griffiths, B Pearce, and Jarman. There were eight greyhounds and the coursing was very good, the country being- well adapted, three hares out of six being caught. Mr Evans, of Fronygog, did very well with his two greyhounds, his judgment of "slipping" being admirable. —

THE AT. & M. RAILWAY. -REPORTED PURCHASE NEGOTIATIONS'. sa For some time past it bas been rumoured in. Aberystwyth that the Cambrian Railways Com- pany are going to purchase the M. & M. Railway— a line which runs southwards from Aberystwyth to, Pencader, a distance of about 41 miles, where it is; joined by the G.W.R. In the summer time there is a good deal of traffic on this line, and there is much mineral traffic, which has recently been augmented by the output of blende ore from the Frongoch mines. The line also possesses a eiding- which runs into the Aberystwyth harbour, and is therefore convenient for shippiug purposes. This rumour has gained further strength from the fact that Mr C S Denniss, of Oswestry, secretary and general manager of the Cambrian Railways, with other officers of the Cambrian Railways, inspected the whole length of line between Aberystwyth and Pencader on Thursday. We understand that negotiations are pending between the Cambrian and M and M Railway Companies with a view to the line being taken over by the former. Whether this will be done remains to be seen, but should the Cambrian Com- pany purchase or work the line the traffic will, no- doubt, be greatly developed, atid great improve- ment effected generally.

THE CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS COMPANY JL issue FIRST CLASS 1,000 and 500 MILE: TICKETS, the Coupons of which enable the pur- chasers to travel between stations on the Cambrian Railways during the period for which the tickets re available, until the Coupons are exhausted. The price of each ticket is £5 5s 1,000 miles, and 1 17s 6d 500 miles, being about lid per mile. Application for the 1,000 or 500 mile tickets must be made in writing, giving the full name and address of the purchaser, and accompanied by a remittance, to Mr W. H. Gough, Superintendent of the Line, Cambrian Railways, Oswestry (cheques to be madtlpay- able to the Cambrian Co. or order) from w hom also books containing 100 certificates for authorising the use of the tickets by pur- chaser's family, guests, or employes can be obtained, price 6d each book, remittance to accompany order. C. S. DENNISS, General Manager