The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

The Long-Expected Inquiry at Conway. A Whole Day's Investigation. Keen Opposition by the Constituent Authorities. [BY OUR OWN REPORTER.] THE long-standing dispute between 'the consti- tuent authorities cctmi-)osir, )the Conway and Colwyn Bay Joint Water Board, in regard to the erection of a proposed new watermain for the supply of water for the Colwyn Bay district at an estimated cost of nearly £ 25,000, entered into another phase at the Conway Guildhall, on Friday and Saturday. For about seven hours on Friday the different points were discussed in detail before Mr F. H. Tulloch, AI.Inst.C.E., who conducted the inquirv on behalf of the. Local Government Board, and even then pant of the business had to be left over until Saturday. The notice convening the meeting invited evi- dence relating to the application made by the Board "for sanction to borrow ^'24,750 for works of water supply including works beyond the limits of the district of the Joint Board, viz., in the parishes of Dolgarrog, Eglwysfach, and The Abbey," and also concerning "the property of certain d the works proposed so be con- structed withou't the district of the said Joint Board and into objections which have been made thereto." The matter excited considerable interest, and the discussion was carried on in the presence of a representative gathering which fluctuated in. strength as the points at issue varied in their nature. Thanks to the very excellent manner in which the Inspector and the several advo- cates performed their respective' parts, the in- quiry was carried out in .good order, and the general impression -that 'there would be some "lively scenes" was not justified. Yet, there were a few "spicy bits" which were worth hear- ing, and the witty and ever-resourceful engineer of the Board:1—who bore the brunt of the day's work with remarkable good grace—was respon- sible for most of them. Amongst those Present, There were Air George Bevan, J.P., Colwyn Bay, chairman of the Cüwlyd, Board!; Dr Brooks, 'Messrs Hugh Hughes, Hugh Davies, T. Roberts, Berth Jones. Wm. Davies, Rowland Williams, Mr Jos. Roberts (clerk), Mr William Jones (surveyor)—(representatives of the Col- wyn Bay Urban District Council) Alderman Hugh Hughes, Messrs W. M. Sever, A. G. Kay, John Williams, J. T. Morgan, A. J. Old'man, T. Foulkes, the borough surveyor (Mr F. A. Delamoite), the borough accountant Hugh Parry)—(representing the Conway Corpora- tion) and M'essrs Hugh Owen, Rogers Jones, Edward Williams, J. W. Raynes, and Levi John (sanitary inspector), (representing the Conway .Rural District) Council). There were also pre- sent, amongst numerous others, "Mr T. B. Far- rington, engineer to the Cowlyd Board 'Mr T. F. Parry, clerk to the Board; lMr W. W'halley, waterman of the Board Mr J. B. Linnell (re- presenting Sir C. B. McLaren, M.P.), Mr J. M. Porter, Colwyn Bay; Mons. H. Verbrugghen, Colwyn Bay; Mr Maxhew Roberts, surveyor to the Llanrwst Rural District Council; and Mr W. B. London. The legal advocates were:-For the Cowlyd Board, 'Mr R. S. Chamberfain, Llandudno; for the Colwyn Bay Urban District Council, Mr James Amphlett; for the Conway Corporation. Mr Thornton Jones, Bangor; for the Conway Rural District Council. Mr Graham, of Shrews- bury (instructed by Mr For.ikes Jones. Llan- gollen) for Sir Charles McLaren", M.P., and other landowners, as well as certain Llansant- ffraid ratepayers, Mr Davidl Jones, Llanrwst. Mr D. McX~ico.ll, agent of the Coedcoch Es- tate, appeared for the Brynsteddfod and other estates. Mr Chamberlain's Opening Statement. In the course of his opening statement, MR. R. S. CHAiMBERLATX said the Cowlyd Board was made up of three constituent autborities- the Conway Corporation, the Colwyn Bay Ur- ban District Council, and the Conway Rural District Council. The combined! area was a large one, and in some places it was very hilly.. It ran for some distance up the Conway Valley, took in the borough of Conway, Deganwy, and ran on through Colwyn Bay, and up the hill to Llysfaen. On the Denbighshire side of the river, it took in Llansanfffraid. The cons-titu. ent authorities were represented, upon tihe Board as fol *low-Conway Corporation, four members; Colwyn Bay Urban District Council, six members; and the Conway Rural District Council, .four members—in all, 14. Their con- tribution to the annual cost of the concern was practically in the ratio of three-fifthsi by the Colwyn. Bay Urban District Counil, and one. fifth eac'h by the other two constituent authori- ties. Some few. years past the point had: been brought up that the present main did! not de. liver enough water to supply the inhabitants of Ccllwyn Bay and Llysfaen. MR GRAIHAIM That is not proved yet. The INSPECTOR: We will assume it is, just to proceed. 'Mr CHAMBERLAIN proceeded to say it was contended that the supply was insufficient. Col- wyn Bay was a place which was developing very rapidly, and dependted greatly for its exist. ence on the goodf c'h.aracter of the water supply which was, provided for its visitors. After de- scribing the route of the pipeline, Mr Chamber- lain ^said the main was presumed to be owned by the Board as a 'Board. The Water Board, early last year, resolved, by the casting vote of the chairman only, that an add,itio,nal supply of water was wanted, and they instructed their engineer to prepare plans for a sc'htme for an additional supply. He prepared three schemes, and advised the Board that the firSlt 'was the best. The schemes were submitted to Mr W. B. Bryan, engineer, of London, and he con- firmed Mr Farrington's opinion that the first was t'he most suitable. The us'ual notice was given the Local Government 'Board, and objec- tions were sent in by various landowners and tenants of land affected. By an unfortun.ate set of circumstances the parish of Llansan- ffraid, though it contributed1 to the scheme, got no water from 'the Board, bu as a matter of fact tney paid for water received from another source. The Conway Rural District Council and Conway Corporation contended that enough water was already brought to the point ot delivery on the western boundary of Colwyn Bay for tfhe purposes of everybody, and that, consequently, the scheme was net wanted at all. It was held that the water was there if the au- thority utilised every precaution against waste. His instructions were that it was also contend- ed tha: reservoirs should be constructed for the storage of water during the night time. At present .there were no reservoirs worth talking present, t'here were no reservoirs worth talking about in any of he constituent authorities' dis- tricts. The Conway Corporation argued that the original order obtained for the purposes of the scheme provided) only for the delivery of a supply up to a certain point, and that the order was simply made to carry out the scheme which now existed. Conway came first on the pipe- line, and naturally got the first delivery, while the Conway Rurdi District Council expressed their satisfaction with the supply t'hey obtained, but both authorities agreed that they should not be contributors to the large capital outlay now suggested. He would like to remark at that point that it was his desire to represent the case quite 'fairly, and as a neutral, because the Board itself was divided on the matter. (Laugh- Board itself was divided on the matter. (Laugh- ter.) In February last the Board passed another resolution, stating that it had not been established as a fact that there was a deficient supply of water. This was carriedl by two votes —Colwyn Bay against the two other constituent authorities, practicably speaking. Mr THORNTON JOXES: Nevertheless, it was a resolution of the Board. Mr CHAMBERLAIN replied that the other resolution was also one of the Board. UndTer the circumstances, the Board at that same meet- ing might have cancelled the present inquiry had they chose, but that was not done. It 'was left for the inspector to try and dispose of the differ- ences existing lbetweeii the two authorities. Another resolution was subsequently unani- mously adopted- that the Board provided' waste- detecting meters to check waste on the main and its branches. 'Mr OEORGE BE VAX pointed out that the resolution was not adopted unanimously. Mr CHAMBERLAIN accepted the correction. With one exception, all the meters were now in their places. It would thus be seen that the Board were in a most unfortunate position. In fact, its constitution was unfortunate; it was like water aird- oil trying to mix. (Laughter). They had the Corporation a1 one end of the main, which would always, of necessity, be pro- vided with its supply, and under the peculiar circumstances it was not to be wondered at that they should try to escape a further capital outliay. On the other hand, Colwyn Bay was a rapidly growing district, and suffered from an insuffi- cient supply. They must get a water supply, and ;the Colwyn Bay section of the Board said they would have it, no matter who- paid for it. !Mr GRAHAM If you say they will pay for it, I withdraw my opposition at once. (Laughter.) Mr CHAMtBERLAIN, continuing said, ithe re- sult of the presen arrangement was that every- thing was' carried o-ut in .a very expensive fashion, and the time had come when, in the interests of everybody, some scheme should be devised whereby the whole control of all! the matters connected: with it sho,uld, be under the observation of the Cowlyd Board. In regard to ,the question of waste, each authority was sup- posed to have its eye upon its own. pipes t'ne Board as a Board had no power to send their man to puit a stop to the enormous wastage going on in each district, and something ought to be done to put an end to so unsatisfactory a condi- tion of things. He (the speaker) was there practically representing two evenly-divided bodies, and he, therefore, did not propose taking part in the inquiry in any particular direction. He would simply content himself by calling Mr Earrington, the Board's engineer, and place him in the inspector's hand's.

The Engineer's Evidence. A LEXGHTY EXAMINATION. Mr T. B. FARRIXGTOX, engineer to the Board, then gave a detailed account of the scheme since its inception, and produced his report to ithe Board as to the new scheme, and also that of Air Bryan confirming the same. He said he designed the works, and superintended their construction. The Cowlyd Lake, which was the source of the supply, had an area of 210 acres, and the watershed of Soo acres. In 1891 the normal population of the whole district was 12,338, and the estimated summer population of the normal population was 20,133, and the estimated; summer population 39,000. The iakecontained practically an unlimited supply, but the supply actually available was limited to the capacity of the 12-in. main, and in ithe summer there was a deficiency in all parts of the district over 300 feet above sea level. Witness laid before the inspector a diagram showing the theoretical pressure on the main rt L various points in the district .with a head of 500 feet. He contended that this: showed: that. with a consumption of 25 gallons* per hea'd per day over a population of 39,000, the pressure was just sufficient to supply the whole of the district to. a height of 330 feet, but when, at certain busy hours of the day, the draw was increased, the supply was not sufficient. There s'hould be for such occasions provision for a consumption of 50 gallons, or at any rate 40 gallons per head. Mr Amphlett: What was the intention of the Joint Board when-it was formed? IJr Thornton Jones objected to the question. IIr Amphlett: Very well. (To witness). Would you consider that 'the dinv of the Joint Board was carried out if t'hev filled a large well at Sarnymynach with water? Mr Graham and Mr Thornton Jones contended that that was the same question in another form. Cross examination. Mr 'GRAHAM then subjected the engineer to cross-examination. Mr Graham: Have you had- instructions to appear here to-day? Mr F arrington: I have had instructions to prepare these plans, and ask for the loan. Have you had instructions oilier than those originally given you to prepare plans?—No. Since February, 1902) when the resolution was passed applying to the Local Government Board for this inquiry, the Board have changed their minds?—Yes. In February, 1903—about a monJh ago-a resolution was passed stating that it 'had not been proved as a fact that the" present supply is inadequate ?—I believe so. Do you suggest now that you are instructed by the Board to appear here t'O-day?—I received notice of this inquiry from the clerk in the or- dinary way, and I am here as engineer for this scheme with the fuH responsibility for the sup- ply of water forhis district. I want to know who has called you. Mr Chamberlain If that is what you want, I am calling him. Mr Graham, observed that the peculiar part of the affair was that the Board were against the very thing they were applying for that day. Ml Chamberlain replied dhat the members were in a dilemma concerning the matter, and it had been decided to. allow the inquiry to proceed in order that the full 'facts from" both sides should be made known to the Local Government Board. Ir Graham '(continuing his cros^-exomina- tion) Your idea is. that the Board's duty is to supply water to a head of 300 feet? Air F arrington: \-e-s; the scheme would be no good without it. Do not the Joint Board, as a matter of deliver sufficient quantity of .water at the 'W ern boundary fo.r Colwyn Bay—at 25 a^1i0fSi:yer' head per day of 24 hours?—-Yes they do de sufficient water, but not to maintain a hea give a supply all through. The Inspector: F'or Colwyn Bay only? Air l-'arrington Andi Llysfaen, for that naa* I The Inspector: With respect to the "sufficient," I don't want you to eliminate question of head at all. Do they deliver su cient water? unris- Mr Earrington, At the average of 25 g'al per head per day they do. „rt The Inspector Would people in the p„er of the Colwyn Bay district get 25 gallon head?—-Yes. f Mr Graham There are at present' a n'jrn -gay houses 011 the higher parts- of the CclwyN district which it was never intended should' supplied?—Yes, that is so. No Alternative Scheme. Can you make any alternative schems to th1 of laying down a new main?—No, sir. You have already made one, have yolt. 'fl- whic'h would be to provide a service reserv01 th higher point?—Yes, ithat has! toeein ,s mitted, but I advised the other. Why nc<t have service reservoirs? should be service reservoirs in every dis1^ If you li'ad these reservoirs, yo.u would advise a new main?—Yes I would. Witness contended that the provision 0 ..g0„ vice reservoirs would be introducing an 0 lutely new .scheme. If one reservoir, to s its purpose properly, were erected at Bay, the other districts- would have to similar provisions for themselves.. je. How much water does the present rnal_!Lvu-- .liver?—957,000 gallons- per day at S'arny ach. hOW" If there was a lake -ait Sarnymynacxi, dh much water would it .deliver through a 12 III main?—About million gallons per day- What quantity would it deliver at the weS,e £ iS, boundary of Colwyn Bay?—Very little because it is only about 1,000 yards Do you suggest it is not the d-uty of Co W. Bay to make its own provision for -water you get ithe water ddliveredl at the boundary I should say this has never been contempt?■ Air Graham then asked whether -the en?1(fl.jCt was aware that the Conway Rural Council were making provision to spend 4^' to erect a pumping station to -supply Llys'ia, a<j Witness replied he knew the authority obtained sanction to borrow nearly £8,000 ithat purpose. t!be Then why should not Colwyn Bay do same?—If you refer to my report of the June, 1900, you will see in the second P.t bJ graph that I say the scheme as sanctio the Local Government 'Board provisional a of 1891, "provides for a supply from a hea 500 feet above ordnance datum at Doilgaro°f As more than 95 per cent, of the houses in- 3^ce district are below 300 feet above °r f f0* datum, this was considered! an ample bead the purpose, andi in my opinion it w0' 0iy- urfwise to increase it for ithe purpose of sUP £ jfl- ing the small population above the present its of supply. The highest house in your ;zl trict is nearly 700ft. above ordnance be exact, 679ft. 6in. to ground floor level, most of the houses above the present llml ori- supply are between 500 -and 600ft. above ° nance datum. To raise the head of Dolganrog with a view to providing a sU"xC,^ height to supply these houses, would be unsatisfactory in its results, and .dasastrou the service-pipes and fittings throughout greater part of your district. Provision f°r supply of all houses- in your district1 abovs present limits of supply ought 'to be Pr°vljnt, by pumping to a reservoir at the highest. p° and supplying therefrom by gravitation." tet You consider the' Board1 should deliver rff for a head of 330 feet for the whole of l^0^cgs- Bay district?—For gravitation Chat is °e sary. The Question of Waste. Did And now about the question of waste. you on July 14th, 1899, report to your o at that the reas.on of the insufficient supplj of Llysfaen' was, careless waste and misuse water?—Yes. Does it not occur to you that tne hr.si te to be done is. to see, that this "carei'-ess j. and misuse" should be stopped?—Yes; advised the Board to put up meters wJJi1 t end! in view three years ago. r 0 At present these meters are put in It may be that the results as to the arn of waste will astonish you?—No; I w011 astonished at anything. (Laughter.) there Supposing that the waste was -stopped, 1 would be a great deal more water for the of the district?—Yes; there would. ,t yott The Inspector: I .understand that what iljCfeei b[y the Heaka[g-a isi, pressure?—yeS',aftV That I have pointed out to the Board time time. j jo -Air Graham It may be well for the B°ar r, hold their hand.s until the. results of the & ar tests are investigated;?—I am. afraid of a being lost. The matter should have beeD- vestigated three years ago. <(Jott You don't know what the waste is, b" bg if say it is enormous. What will the result' a the waste is stopped-?'—There will alw'ays certain amount of waste. The Objection to Meters. Is it not a fact that the Colwyn Bay i'e'P\I tatives have refused to put down jneter^^g don't like to separate the Board I irepreseo- whole Board. stlP' But is that not so?—They all passed to port them. In reply to the inspector, iact, Mr Graham stated that as a matter 01 the Colwyn Bay meter was* "not fixed even far' and they won't let it be put in." (To Mr DaJ rington) Is it not a fact that the Colwyn iIjSj representatives have always protested JE* these meters?—Everyone of them have UIX 1 cently. Is it a fact that Colwyn Bay refuse the one.in their district put up'now?—^°' gfi Then, what is the- state of affairs?—I ^ar the meters fixed except that of Colwyn B8o\, is a that has been left until the last because w I larger one, and will take more time to fi*' able After waiting a few months you wbe 0 IV, to check the meters, and then we shall what the -amount of t'he waste is?—Yes. Qos" Well, would it not be well for the Loc-a tba ernment Board to hold their hand! unt] r "be has been obtained?—That is a matter i°l Board. The Inspector: Supposing all this wastd fat found; what then? Would the scheme CIO' the district? Mr F arrington I don't know. rl1eJ Air Graham: That's my point, sir. don't know where they are until these 111 are tried. jtal 'Mr Graham You know a smaMpox ^jyS' has been established by Colwvn. I3ay 111 faen ? •Mr Farrington Yes. Continued on Next Page. J