The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

Penmaenmawr Urban District Council. The Year's Wotk Surveyed. Resignation of the Chairman. Mr Picton Refuses to Consider his Decision. A Practical Democrat. The Education Question. THE ordinary monthly meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday, There were present: Mr Allanson Picton, J.P. (chairman), Drs. Wil- liams and Jenkins, Messrs W. J. Coverley, David Jones, C. H. Darbishire, J.P., John Bowen, P. H. McClement, W. D. Jones, Richard Williams, R. D. Jones, with the Clerk (Mr T. E. Parry), and the Deputy Clerk (Mr J. W. Po:-t). Rates. On the recommendation of the finance Com- mittee, a special water and district rate of 4s }d in the Z was declared for the year. Carting Contract. The Road and Improvements Committee re- commended that Messrs J. S. Coverley, David Jones, and Richard W illiams, be appointed to revise the specification and table of loads 'or the cartage contracts. ,,e co Approved Plans. Plans of twelve cottages for Messrs Brun- dritt's were approved. The Year's Work. The Chairman asked to be allowed to inter- polate at that point with the usual survey of the work of the year by the retiring chairman. lIe need not say the year had been in some respects an exceedingly anxious one. The speaker then dwelt at some length upon such events as the illness of his Majesty the King, and the cele- brations in connection with his Coronation. He then referred to the termination of a section of the Promenade, including the sea wall. Whatever division of opinion may have been or may still be existent, ilhey all agreed that it was an admirable piece of work. Since it had been completed iif had experienced many severe winter storms, and, as Mr Darbishire, who was well capable of judging in such matters, would agree, it had stood the test well; indeed, it appeared to have stability enough to withstand the storms of a hundred years to come. Another event had been the resignation of their former surveyor, and 'he might record the fact that an unanimous resolution was passed expressing the high opinion the Council entertained of the character Mr Worrall had borne in Penmaen- mawr, and of the good work he had done under the Council. Soon after that, their present surveyor (Mr R. John Hughes) had been ap- pointed, and if he (the speaker) were permitted, he might state in Mr Hughes's presence, that since he had entered upon his duties he had shown them that he was entirely the right man in the right place. (illear, hear.) Otherwise, there had not been many changes in the district during the year. The lighting arrangements had been extended, though there was still much in this direction to "De desired, particularly in the Capelulo district. He was pleased to note -that the roads were again being got into a good condition, and he was of opinion that all main roads should be controlled, by a central authority. Mr Picton reminded his hearers of the defective postal arrangements in the Capelulo district, and in this connection said that their Parliamentary representatives did not give sufficient at'tention to local grievances. After referring to last year's bad season, and the losses incurred by lodging-house keepers, pointing out on the other hand that, owing to the two great quarries, they in that district were not dependent on visitors, the chairman commented on tihe present neglect of the parish "waste," known as Frith Fawr. After dwelling on the virtues of the pure air in its vicinity, and the possibility of turning the waste land into good account, he said he believed it was quite possi- ble for the Council to get a scheme for the management of the waste, passed through Parliament by consent, inasmuch as they need not interfere with any existing rights. He suggested that the,, got a provisional order, whereby the Council could make its own regu- lations for preventing nuisances, checking en- croachments, rolling down stones, etc., and it might be, sanctioning, tramways locally. Ihe Education Qnestion. In accordance with notice of motion, the Chairman then moved "That this Urban Dis- trict Council of Penmaenmawr cordially wel- comes the arrangement proposed by the Welsh members of Parliament to be made with the managers of denominational schools, and believe that, if carried into effect, it will make for the peace and prosperity of Wales. That a copy of this resolution be sent to all the Welsh mem- bers and the Minister for Education." After again going into the question in detail, the chairman observed that some of the most pro- minent people in the country-the Lord. lieutenant, a good Churchman, amongst them- agreed with the suggestion, and' if they agreed with it they could not do better than pass that resolution. The Chairman's Resignation. OVERBURDENED WITH PUBLIC WORK. Before sitting down, the Chairman said he had an announcement which, with some regret, he was obliged to make, namely, that that was his last act, not only as chairman of the Council, but as a councillor for the district of Penmaenmawr. Some of the reasons which necessarily compelled his retire- ment mieht be suggested by the fact that he was late making his appearance at that meeting. He had just returned from Carnarvon, and had already attended threfe committee meetings at that town, while, by rights, he ought at that moment' to be attending a Co,unty School cele- bration 'at Llandudno. Having had considera- ble experience on the London School Board and elsewhere, there was an aptitude amongst the various school institutions to impose upon him a variety of duties, which he considered a very great honour, but which now took up far more time than he originally anticipated. His heartfelt acknowledgements were due to all the members of the 'Council. During his period of office, in particular, those even who had been opposed to him in ,their views had never given him much trouble, though he was scarcely rulin? in accordance with the standing orders of the Council. He could not help referring to the deep and painful regret with which he

v OLD ESTABLISHED 88.6 FIRST-CLASS FAMILY HOTEL^y^ SHELTERED POSITION IN S FINELY-WOODED PARK. National Telephone No. 13. Telegrams— J Pwllycrochan,Colwyn Bay f r ELECTRIC W SEPARATE TABl$s .1 Y MAGNIFICENT VIEWS, RECHERCHE CUISINE, POSTING. Y GOLF, TENNIS, BATHING, BILLIARDS, JOHN PORTER, Proprietor.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] Blaenau Festiniog. SYMPATHY WITH PEXRHYN QUARRY- MEN.—Much sympathy is felt in the town bv the local quarrymen with their less fortunate hrl tllren at Bethesda. Contributions towards the Parry defence fund are being made. BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.- On Thursday evening last meetings of the new com- mittee were held, when officers for the ensuing year were elected. Mr Robert Jones (Perorfryh), Seion, was made chairman Mr Alun Jones, book- seller, Calfaria, vice-chairman Mr J. N. Edwa. ds, Berlin House, treasurer Mr W. Hughes, Lord-st. Seion, secretary. Good work is being done by the union. THE RECIIABITES.—The yearly meeting of the Gwynedd Society was. held on Thursday last, under the chairmanship of Mr Edward Lloyd, Penrhyndeudraeth. Representatives were pre- sent from Ffestiniog, l'enrhyn, Penmachno, Dolwyddelen, Maentwrog, Carnarvon, Beth- esda, and other places. The number of mem- bers amounts to 723, and the children members number 308. The financial matters of the Society are in a flourishing condition. Mr J. R. Evans was appointed secretary, and Mr D. John Williams, treasurer.

Criccieth. THREEPENCE less in the prund will be the ex perience of the ratepayers during the ensuing year I MUSIC.—Mr Dawkins, of Kettering, will bring his hand to Criccieth for the summer. He has visited the town for the last two seasons.

Llandudno. CONFIRMATION.—The Bishop of Bangor held a confirmation service at Holy Trinity Church on Wednesday, when nearly 100 candi- dates were confirmed. WEDDING.—The nuptials of Mr Henry Parker, architect, of the Mostyn Estate Office, to Miss Rogers, were solemnised at St. George's Church on Thursday morning. The Rev. R. Williams, B.A., was the officiating minister. The honeymoon will be spent in Ireland. THE ROYAL OAK HOTEL.—We under- stand the tenancy of this hotel has changed hands, Mr Morgan, of the Clarence Hotel. having taking it over. The negotiations have been carried through by Messrs W. Dew and J by Mr Son, acting for the late tenant, and J lS Norbury and Mr F. J. :Sarson, acting for eot. S. Allsopp and Son, Limited, Burton-on- r PROPOSED CONSERVATIVE ASS-OC^, TION.—Mr E. Thorp presided at a meetillol to the Marine Hotel, on Wednesday eveI?in°'tlie consider the advisability of representing s Unionist and Conservative organisation in r* dudno. A strong committee was ^in- effective organisation, and a further me will be held shortly. MAY-DAY FESTIVITIES.—At a meej^o^ the May-day Sports Committee, held on at the Grosvenor Restaurant, it was decid go through the same programme as *aS with the addition of a bandmen's race. etc., will be the usual procession, May QueenV-ntry everything being much in the usual lines- forms will be ready on Tuesday next, an c3re be had on application to 'Mr J. A. Myler' of Mrs Wagstaff, Mostyn-street, Llandudno,

Llanfairfechan. 9 STILL STANDING—Despite all protestatjj and threats, the building complained of at the of Mr Jorss's premises on the promenade s still standing at the time of writing. OBITUARY.—After a comparatively s'ol('jjor, ness, Mr Robert Roberts, Erw Feiriol, ^• died on Friday, at the advanced age of *>° Deceased, who was unmarried, was of a disposition, and a staunch Churchman. The' j, took place on Tuesday alto no >n, at the V*^ Churchyard, the Rev Morns Jones, cU officiating.

Llanrwst. ABNORMAL RAINFALL-Ttic average for fall in the mountains above the Vale of Conway two months has been 29 s inches. A A CORRESPONDENT asks, "His the Town » been dis-bandjd ? Its Ulcicdious trains Ie dC's to be heal d as of yore. Can any of your I t: j,5 enlighten tho;e who take a lively interest I wclfare ? 'Ñ" SUDDEN DEATH OF MI«. R.O. BATTBJ^ The inhabitants 01 Hie lovvn were shocked to of the very sudden death of Mrs Batten, vvM, cn Mr Robert Batten, of the Swan Inn, Llauf\\ beell Wednesday morning. Deceased had only ill married about two years ago. She was 'ilK on Saturday, tiiid in the early hours of Wcdneral morning became worse and expired The flille b. takes ptaci this day (Friday), at S. Mary's Cnu yard. EASTER SERVICES. On Good WfJ he, special servic s will be held in the Cilu'L stv after the even ng service at 7 p m., at S- -0,i'' Church, a per or.m a e of Dr Stainer's "Cruci" ,y, Church, a per aLn; a e of Di- StaitiLi-'s It: will be given by II)c St. Ci-xx,st Cl-loi;tl IS, Special preaching services will he held c;ri 1 day evening, and 011 Friday at Ebentzer *vs gational Ci apei, where the Revs Probert and ill be %vi will preacl-S,)eci,,tl ,.eivic s oil Sunday d the held in the Patish Church and St Mary'?) aILV30s annual pre ichina meeting 01 the Welsh takes plac on Su day ana Monday next, at Chapel. L'rj. MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOClp ld t The annua.1 dinner of this society was Iff the King's Head Hotel on Friday 4pve,filrill W. II. 'Darbyshire presiding. After the P dent had proposed the health of the the Royal iFamily," ithe following t°a.j gone through "The bishops, clergy ters of all denominations," Mr Albert wa op responding. '-The Parliament" was prop'0 j {0 Mr A. E. Elias, The Brewery, and resp°n by Mr R. G. Owen, Greenwich House. 'jK Mutual Improvement Society," proposed jjf T. R. Jones, Borthwen, and responded -D. J. Williams, Board iSchool. "The Bodies of Llanrwst, proposed by$1 Parry, the- Pharmacy, and responded ipt Messrs AV. Hughes and T. R. Jones, sessl councillors. "The book of the last s viz., Wales," proposed by Mr Arthur J jed North and South Wales 'Bank, and re,s". v # to by Mr A. E. Elias. "The chairman, W. Hughes, Gwernfor..lzobe Hero (Glyndwr)," proposed by Mr R- Trefriw, and responded to by ,Mr Idvva, t,y The Pharmacy. "The ladies," propose if Albert Hughes, Church-street, and resp0 jtjte*' by Mr R. Roberts. "WTeIsh: music angtatio1' at-ure,"proposed by Mr W. H. William5' House, asnd responded to by Mr W- jja*1' County School. "The Town and Trade o Twst," proposed by 'Mr Idwal Parry, te ponded to by Mr John Hughes,T,IeNNIelY \V' "Welsh Education," proposed' a tc I Williams, County School, and -responds Mr W. Lloyd Roberts, Avondale. e! Africa," proposed by 'Mr B-enja.mio Brynconway, and responded to by M y. Parry. "The Caterers," proposed 1 to I Lloyd Roberts, Avond'ale, and respon Mr R. G. Owen. Mr D. J. Willi3"1^ School, gave a list of rules, and for the next winter's discussions, wh1 intended to be converted into a l ar, ,.qSrS 'j Session." Song.s were rendered by a-1' Parry, T. Thomas, and J. R. S. Wales Bank.

Penmachno. PREACHING MEETING.—Arran^jfri^ made by the Calvin;stic Methodists »° preaching meetings during Easter. 00 LADIES' TEMPERANCE SOOIETV- Tuesdav, last week, a hiehlv succ^e or the above society was held, Mrs rec Hughes being in the chair. Addresses, and songs were freely given bv A vote: of svmpathv was passed bv with Mrs Herbert Roberts, of Aber^f jC death of her father, the late Mr W. S. Call on Page 10.

regarded the loss to that Council and the public of Penmaenmawr of one of the most honour- able and benevolent gentlemen, it had been his good fortune to meet in a somewhat long life. He referred to Mr Kneeshaw. Mr Kneeshaw's kindness and benevolence were well-known to them all, and his simplicity and straightfor- wardness had always been manifested upon that Council. WThile Mr Kneeshaw was chairman of the Council he had given more time to his work than many men devoted to their businesses. He (the speaker) was heartily sorry it had been the ratepayers' will to deprive themselves of his services. In his (Mr Picton's) retiring now, he might perhaps say that, if at any time they thought anything he could do on behalf of the Council and the public would be 'of use, he would always be at the disposal of the Council, and 'anxious to do what little he could in the way of giving any advice they might seek. In conclusion, Mr Picton said his one prayer and hope would be for the health, wealth, happiness, and prosperity of the ancient parish of Dwy- gyfylchi-otiher, the Penmaenmawr Urban Dis- trict. (Hear, hear.) Mr John Bowen formally seconded the chair- man's motion on the education question, and this was carried nem. con. Acknowledgment. With evident and sincere feelirg,, Dr. Wil- liams, vice-chairman of the Council, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Picton for his services in the chair and on the Council. "No words of mine," said Dr. "Williams, "can adequately do justice to what I feel, because it is a great shock, and, I venture to. say, a great calamity not only to the district generally, but in particu- lar to the council—in the administration of its affairs—to lose the eminent services of our worthy chairman. (Hear, hear.) It is, in- deed, if not an unique thing, a very rare thing in the annals of o.ur District Councils through- out the country to have a man of the, eminence of Mr Picton—an ex-member of Parliament, and of the London School Board-to preside over the destinies and affairs of such a neighlbour- hood. (Applause.) I feel, really and deeply, that we should approach and beg and pray him to reconsider this decision to go from amongst us. (Hear, hear.) Proceeding, the speaker said that in proposing the vote of thanks he felt it would be absolutely impossible to replace Mr Picton in the chair, and it was disastrous to lose so able a man. lie sincerely hoped pressure would be brought to bear upon him to recon- sider his decision. Dr. IVilliarns also referred with regret to the loss of Mr Kneeshaw's ser- vices. Mr David Jones, Llan, seconded. Mr Darbishire, in supporting, said no chair- man had previoo.is.lv occupied that chair in so excellent a manner as Mr Picton. He echoed the words of Dr. Williams in regard to asking Mr Picton to reconsider his decision, especially having regard to those matters in which he had taken such great interest, 'and concerning which his influence was of special importance." Mr McClement also supported the motion. The motion was carried unanimously. In repaying, Mr Picton gently, but firmly, declined to reconsider his decision.