The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

RHYL URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. A SURPRISE AS TO THE COST OF THE GARDENS. WORD MOSTYN TO OPEN THE NEW PAVILION. OPPOSITION TO A DRINK PERMIT DEFEATED. The monthly meeting of the Rhyl Urban Dis- trict Council was held on Monday. Mr G. A. taverner, J.P. (chairman), presided. and there 1 were also present: Messrs T. D. Jones, H. A. Tilby, J. H. Ellis, J. Frunston, E. D. Evans, IA. I). Hill, E. Hughes, Llew. B. Evans, I. 18athu, J. W. Jones, F. Wallis. T. Whitley, S. Pedes, E. B. Jones, Dr. Hughes Jones. Mr A. Rowlands (clerk), Dr, A. Eyton Lloyd (medical officer of health), Mr L. G. Hall Igas and water engineer). Mr E. H. Wright (electrical engineer), \.Dd Mr Robert Lowo (sanitary inspector). ADVERTISING BOARDS ON THE PRO. MENADE. Mr A. D. Hill said tie had noticed a large number of advertising boards on the Promenade, and iie did not think it added to the appearance pf the town to see the boards fastened to the seats and railings along the ironi. fie wanted to know who gave permission to place the boards fbore. Mr Ellis said it was a matter that was left io the surveyor, but he understood that they had been removed. He did not think they should object to the boards of the steamboats as they .were of service to thd public, inasmuch as they made known the fact that there was a steam- feopi service at Rhyl. If they were placed in approved positions he thought they should re- main, Mr Frimston was quite prepared that they should remain in suitable positions, but ho thought it was going too far to Itave 22 fastened to the railings of the flower beds and the backs f seats. It was decided that the matter be left with the fiurvevor. THE PIER PAVILION Mr Wallis raised the question as to whether the Council had an agreement with Mr Warhurst as to the removal of the temporary building in front of the pier pavilion at the end of the season. The Clerk replied that all negotiations were completed, and the Council depended on the letter of Mr Stafford Howard as to the building ibe" i). of a temporary character only. Mr Perks asked if the letter was stamped. The Town Clerk replied in the negative. Mr Tilby said it was an honourable understand- ing with Mr Warhurst. Mr Perks did not think it would be of much Use unless it were stamped. Mr T. D. Jones said he did not think they required more than they had had, as the magis- trates could deal seriously with any departure from the undertaking given. Mr Wallis said he would not bo satisfied Iwith anything that was not properly executed, and upon which they, could act if necessary to enforce the removal of the building. The Chairman said he was satisfied with what ad been done. THE SANITARY COMMITTEE. Mr Tiiby said he wished to call attention to the fact that the Sanitary Committee had spent the I !Y larger portion of their estimates on sewage during the first three months of tho year. Mr J. W. Jones replied that the committee had paid for the new crane at the pumping station, which was a big item, and the cause of the large expenditure. NOT TO OCCUR AGAIN. Mr Hill called attention to the fact that in Certain quarters it was the practice of the dust- men to empty the contents of ashbins on the road prior to filling the carts, with the result that some of the refuse was blown about. He hoped it ,would be stopped. Mr J. W. Jones said he had heard of this atao, vtd assured the Council that it would not occur »\gai> R TILBY AND THE GARDENS: STRONG REMARKS. Mr Tilby raised the question of the promised Weekly return of the expenditure on the con- structive work in the gardens. He said it was time that they dealt with the gardens on a busiaass footing. Aa directors for the ratepayers, having charge of public money they should see how they stood from week to week. It was not very long ago that they were assured that the excess of expenditure over the loan with all outstanding liabilities, and all anticipated expendi- ture would not exceed E500, yet when they on June 22nd had a statement before them they found that they had exceeded the sum granted by £ 1100. He was sure there was no man around that table but who was astonished that such waa the state of things, and yet that day they had not had presented to them a weekly return, such as they had asked for. Some of the state- ments they had had were not worth the paper they were written on, and it was only with great difficulty that they had been able to get some details. He wanted a statement prepared and sent to every member of the committee, so that they could at their leisure go through it and com- pare it with the original estimates. He was abound to say that a weekly return was what they had a right to ask for, and what any busi- ness concern would have. While he did not want to cry "Wolf," he was bound to say that he looked forward with dread as to the outcome of this scheme. It was time that some radical change was made in matters, and he hoped that the clerk would take the matter seriously in hand, Md get the responsible officials to make the Statement he had repeatedly asked for. It was oeccssary that they should have such a statement jw the business they had embarked on was ex- perimental. Tije Clerk replied that he had had the state- fttcnl for that morning's meeting. Mr Tilby said he did not see it, and the bring- ing of the statement to the meeting did not meet what he wanted. He wanted a copy of gt'sent to each member of the committee week by fflrcek, so that they could see how they were going on. He knew there were members who preached that they were doing mag-nificontly because on Sunday nights they had 1200 people paying to go into the gardens, but that was only one night. He wanted a return of receipts and expenditure, not only on the running of the gardens, but also on the constructive work "as well. He moved J(lt such a statement be prepared. Mr Hill seconded, and said he quite agreed vith Mr Tilby. He had asked for the same thing time after time, but be could not get it. {They had asked for such a statement for three morii!i3, but had not got it. The Clerk said the statements were on the table for any member to see, and up to one point they wore printed in the minutes. Mr Frimston supported Mr Tilby, and said tie had failed to find out how far the cost com- pared with the estimates. The Clerk proceeded to read certain figures from a statement he had, but Mr Tilby protested that that was not what he wanted. He wanted a statement sent to every member of the committee. He protested that they were not going on on proper lines, and, .as he had told his friends, he would rather re- sign than he would be a party to the way things yore going on. He felt he could not be of further service to the town, and he would rather sresign than waste his time in the way he was jdoing and getting no further. If the committee were aware of what they were doing—and he did not think they were -then it .:lWag all right for them, but he was sure that they idid not know where they stood, and they should have before them plain statements of facts. He did not say they could alter what they had done, but he wanted them to know what they were idoing in the future, and to realise that, if they sanctioned certain additional work, it had to be paid for. If they did decide to go in for some- thing more then let them arrange for a loan, as there was nowhere else where they could look for money. They had made an honourable agreement with their bankers as to the future and he was afraid that according to the way they were going on they would not be able to keep it. He persisted in his motion that thev .isliotild have a weekly return. Mr Hill, Dr. Hughes Jones, and Mr Frimston .Supported. The Clerk said he had prepared certain state- ments, and he would as soon as possible lay .them before the members. Mr Frimston said be did not blame the clerk "0 much as he blamed the surveyor, as .they did not really know where they stood, and DO member of the committee appeared to know either. It was said that they had declined to ,accept tenders for the tearooms, because they iwere higher than the estimates, but practical men assured him that the work had not been done lor the amount estimated for. Then again, on Wscoimt of the cost of the wall they had reduced Et by three courses of bricks, and substituted glass, pot practical men said it had cost a gTeat deal more. In fact the cost was described as "ex- prbitant." As regards the cost Of the footpaths they were surprised. Mr T. D. Jones: We were startled at the wages paid. Mr Whitley: And you would not have had the sheets had we not asked for them. Mr T. I). Jones said he hoped they would not blame him as chairman of the committee. He had asked for details t-iiiit, after time, but could not get them. They had had figures, but no details. Mr Hill agreed that it was time that they put their foot down, and got the details they re- quired. They should have a detailed statement, and with it they should have a report from the committee as to what they had asked for, the reason why it waR not forthcoming, and the difficulties they had had to contend with. When they had that, they could more fully discuss matters. Mr T. D. Jones said they could not really get at the cost of the tearooms as material brought to the grounds for the work generally was used there. Mr Frimston It has cost a great deal more than the estimate. Mr Tilby No one realiy knows. He added that he did not blame the clerk. Ho blamed the officials responsible for the work but he hoped the clerk would now insist upon having the in- formation he required to lay before the com- mittee. Mr J. W. Jones asked why the surveyor was not present. Mr T. D. Jones said they had to excuse his at- tendance that day, as he had ieft the morning's meeting in poor health, and had to get medical attention. Mr J. W. Jones said it was not what the gar- dens had cost, but the waste that had been going on that had caused the estimates to be exceeded. Mr Ellis asked where was the waste? Mr J. W. Jones replied that was obvious to everyone. They had done and undone many things. The turf had cost something enormous. Mr Perks said he hoped ho would be excused from any blame as a member of the committee. He had been away for ten weeks. Mr Tilby said he did not bring the matter forward for recriminations as to either the com- mittee or officials. Tho. money was gone, and all he wanted to do was to prevent a recurrence of what had gone on. Mr T. D. Jones pointed out that they had had the sanction of the Council for many large items. Mr Tilby agreed. It was decided to have a weekly return, and also a return to date of the cost of the con- structive work. STRUCK OUT. There was a recommendation from the Gardens Committee that railings be erected along the sea side of the new gardens promenade, as well as on the other sides, but Mr Tilby moved that the resolution as to the railings on the sea side be struck out. He said the committee had given the Council an honourable undertaking that they would not order the railings without their express sanction, and while he was willing that they should include that work in any further loan they might ask for he did not agree with paying it out of revenue this year, as would have to be done if it was sanctioned now. Let them wait a little, and if they did not get it out of a loan, they might deal with it next year. While agreeing that the railings were required, Mr Hill said he would abide by the undertaking given, and would support Mr Tilby. It was decided to strike the recommendation out. On the motion of Mr Hill, it was decided to give the committee power to act as regards a uniform for the gardens superintendent. NO TEAS ON SUNDAY. Mr Wallis said he had looked through the minutes, but failed to find any reference to the orders which had been sent to the caterer of the gardens tearooms forbidding her to open the rooms on Sunday for teas. He considered it was not right that an official letter should be sent to the caterer expressing surprise that she had opened the rooms on a Sunday, and forbidding her in the name of the Council to do so in future. He was a member of the Council, but knew nothing of the matter, and it was not right for any chairman of a committee or for anyone to authorise such a letter to be written without its coming before the Council. The Chairman said the matter had been dealt with by the committee. Mr Wallis replied that he failed to find any minute. He was as much a member of that Council as anyone also, and he did not think it was right that such a letter should be sent before the Council as a whole had had an opportunity of considering it. They had to consider the public, and if they wanted people to come to Rhyl they should cater for them. As a member of the vxmncil he protested against such a letter being s^nt in their name. When it was reported that the Railway Com- pany had consented to run late trains, Mr Hill observed that it was of little use running late trains on Sundays if no tea was provided. MORE LATE TRAINS WANTED. The Clerk reported that the Railway Company had written to say they were extending the Rhyl to Denbigh last train as far as Ruthin on Thurs- days and Saturdays, and on the same days had put on late trains for Prestatyn. Mr Ellis said he had had complaints from Abergele people that there was no late train their way on certain days in the week. He thought the Railway Company might run their motor train as far as Abergele at the close of the evening concerts. He moved that the Clerk, write to the company on the subject of running later trains to Abergele, Colwyn Bay, and Llan- dudno. Mr Frimston said he had had similar com- plaints, and he seconded the motion, which was carried, Mr Hill remarking that if the pre- sent service was well supported it would be an inducement to the company to grant other facili- ties. HARD SEATS FOR THE MIGHTY. It was reported that additional seats had been ordered for the gardens and new promenade, whereupon Mr Hill expressed the hope that they would be made a little different to the benches now in the shelters. He was quite sore after sitting on them for some time. Mr Ellis: They are the seats of the mighty. Mr Hill: Well they are mighty hard (laughter). Mr Tilby: I think the seats are decently com- fortable. Mr Hill: More power to you then (loud laughter). Mr Frimston: You do not take as big a seat as Mr Hill, Mr Tiiby (laughter). Mr -Tilby: I hope we are not approaching that time when every seat will be measured for a councillor (loud laughter). THE OPENING OF THE NEW PAVILION. It was reported that arrangements had been definitely, made with Lord Mostyn to open the new pavilion at eleven a.m. on Thursday, July 30th, and that in the evening the Rhyl Choral Society would give a performance of the "Elijah." Mr Ellis, in moving the adoption of the report, stated that the band in the gardens would be at its full strength by the 30th, and that for the performance the orchestra would be 40 strong, while there would a chorus of over 200 voices. It was also intended to have vocalists for the week-ends during August, and that steps were being taken to ascertain whether Madame Melba could be engaged for a concert. THE NEW PAVILION LICENCE. It was reported that the Gardens Committee had recommended that the clerk apply for a theatrical licence for the pavilion, and that he advertise the refreshment-rooms in the pavilion with a licence to sell wines, spirits, etc.; also that the fitting up of the rooms be left with Mr Taverner, Mr Ellis, Mr Whitley, and Mr Edmund Hughes Mr Frimston said he would not agree to the advertisement going out in that form. He wanted it distinctly understood that tea and coffee was to be sold in the rooms. Mr Ellis: That is what the "etc." means. Mr Frimston replied that he wanted it stated that tea and coffee must be sold. If he wanted a temperance drink he did not want to go down- stairs for it. Mr Ellis replied that the caterer would be sure to supply tea and coffee as he made a greater profit) out of tea and coffee than out of intoxi- cants. Mr Frimston: Quite so, but there is less trouble in serving a glass of whiskey than in making a cup of tea. Mr Ellis moved the adoption of the report, and said he was quite willing that they should have all kinds of refreshments sold in the place, and if he might, say so they should give facilities for the dispensing of "temporary" as well as intem- porary" drinks (laughter). If they debarred people from getting what they required in the pavilion it would simply mean they would go out to the nearest public-house and get what they wanted. Let them supply what people required. Mr J. W. Jones seconded. Mr T. D. Jones said he considered that they owed a duty to the public in this matter as well as in other ways, and they should certainly not put temptation in the way of the young people who would patronise the pavilion. He proposed that they apply for the theatrical licence on the same terms as it had been granted to the Town Hall—namely that no intoxicating drink should be sold there. Mr E. B. Jones seconded, and said that if they did have a drink licence attached to the place they would raise prejudice against the building among a certain section of the community. Mr T. D. Jones said they experienced that with other buildings in Rhyl, and they should be WArned by past experience. Mr ITill thought, that residents could look after themselves, but they had to cater for the public, and if people wanted a drink they would get it, and it simply meant that, if it was not provided in the pavilion under their sanction, those who attended the concerts would be rushing out in the interval to the nearest public-house and get what they required. People went to the seaside and expected to have the same facilities at a place of amusement as they got at home. Mr Batho supported Mr T. D. Jones. Mr Whitley observed that if people (M not want intoxicants they need not have them. On a division the amendment was defeated by nine votes to three. and it was decided to ask for a full theatrical licence. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PAVILION. Mr Hill brought forward the following notice of Riotion:- "That in consequence of the growing popular- ity of the Marine Gardens, and the necessity for providing varied entertainments in the Assembly Rooms, the Council approach an entertainer of repute, with a view of taking over the manage- ment, and the provision of concerts, entertain- ments, and other amusements, to the satisfaction of, and on sharing or such other terms as may be approved by the Council." Mr Hill explained that in submitting the reso- lution he did not intend to suggest any alteration affecting Mr De Jong's excellent band that had done so much to make the gardens such a suc- cess. It was largely a question of administra- tion that had prompted him to bring the matter forward. During the last, few weeks he had had an opportunity of closely observing the growing popularity of the gardens, and he felt quite con- vinced from what he had seen that it would be utterly impossible to continue the work at the gardens together with the pavilion by a commit- tee of the Council. In the first place the machin- ery was such that a long delay necessarily arose in order to have arrangements confirmed by the Council, and then dealt with by the Clerk. A committee could not possibly be expected to be present once or twice a week to make the neces- sary arrangements, and even if they could, he suggested that in a matter of this kind, for want of experience in public entertainments, it would not be satisfactory. In looking into the question of entertainments at Rhyl, and other seaside re- sorts, it was obvious that the majority of visi- tors required a varied entertainment, and it seemed to him that the Council must at once make up their mind as to whether or not they would cater for all tastes. It would be danger- ous to delay the experiment this year, as they would soon have to face serious competition, and he was convinced that by putting the manage- ment into the hands of a well-known entertainer, the Council would be able to give to the public concerts and other entertainments in addition to the band, by which means entertainments could be offered in the pavilion and gardens at the same time. The provision had been made for this by the Council, and the result would be that one or the other would be closed for the rest of the season. Recent events had proved that it would be fatal to take the band away from the gardens. As regarded accommodation the Assembly Rooms and Town Hall, or the gardens, could be used as weather permitted. He saw no ,,in reason why by that arrangement- the pavilion and gardens should not show a good return, and the ratepayers would have the satisfaction of knowing that the entire management was in com- petent hands, and that competent artistes would be obtained throughout the year. It was essen- tial that the matter be dealt with at once, as, should the Council agree, the way could be paved this year for a good start next season, and they could embrace the valuable opportunity of adver- tising the matter while the visitors were here this year. There was a growing demand for varied entertainments, and the Council should seriously consider this, and adopt the best means of ob- taining good companies which could only be done as he had suggested. It was not sufficient to provide for three months of the year only. The pavilion should be opened once or twice a week in the winter to make the place pay. This could not be done satisfactorily, through the clerk, whose time was already fully occupied. He felt that that was the only chance to move in the matter, as all were then making their arrange- ments for the next season. He hoped the Coun- cil would support the resolution, which, he felt sure, would enable them to proceed with further improvements on the front., at a much earlier date than otherwise would be the case. People did not come to Rhyl to be educated in any class of music, so that to ensure success they should provide the most popular entertain- ments. Mr J. W. Jones seconded, and said there was a great deal in what Mr Hill said as to their having a competent manager for the place. At present no one seemed to have authority to deal with urgent matters, and they could not have a committee meeting daily to settle questions. They should have a man who had had experi- ence in providing entertainments of a popular character. At the same time he thought it was a subject which should be carefully considered in committee. Mr T. D. Jones advocated waiting until Octo- ber or November, when they would be in a better position to judge how affairs were going, and then decide the matter. He would oppose all sorts of entertainments being "dumped in the gardens or pavilion." Mr Tilby said he was opposed to "dumping" in any shape or form (laughter). He had a cer- tain amount of sympathy for Mr Hill, and he ■did not think they should defer the matter until the end of the season, as that would mean put- ting it off until about March. They had to re- member that successful entertainments were run by men who devoted their whole time and ex- perience to them, whereas from the very nature of the Council they could not hope to do so. With all due deference to his colleagues he ven- tured to say that they did not give the public of their best, as the first thought in their minds was their own affairs. Neither had they the know- ledge, experience, or opportunity for catering for the public in a way that the gardens and pavilion would have to be run. They might ask Mr De Jong, or some other experienced man, to suggest to them how the entertainments should be run, and they should carefully consider the proposal brought forward by Mr Hill. Mr E. D. Hill and Mr Ellis, while agreeing that they should consider the matter, would be no party to losing control of matters in the gardens and pavilion. Mr Ellis added that in Harrogate and at Colwyn Bay there had been instances of divided authority with disastrous re- sults, and he would also point out that it was not every manager who could gauge the taste of the people who came to Rhyl, whereas at the present the Council were doing so. If they had a man who was used to Blackpool, they might find the same state of things as others in Rhyl had experienced who had followed on the same lines as Blackpool. Mr Perks thanked Mr Hill for bringing the matter forward, as it was time they considered what they had to do. Mr Frimston said they wanted something more than high-class concerts, morning, noon, and night, and they might arrango for something different in the gardens in the afternoon. Mr Hill replied, and said they would have to vary their entertainments if they wished to re- tain a hold on the public. The motion was agreed to, and referred to a committee for further consideration. THE RIGHT OF WAY TO PRESTATYN. A letter was read from the solicitor to the new Rhyl Estate, suggesting that the time was ripe for the Council to consider the advisability of making a road over the sand-hills to Pres- tatyn, and stating that the owners of the estate would be prepared to let the Council have the necessary land at a very nominal price. Mr Ellis stated, that the gentleman interested in the matter had called on him, and he had suggested the writing of the letter. As regards the °disputed right of way over the sand-hills, he understood that the matter could be amicably settled if the Council would define the foot- path. The matter was referred to the Road Commit- tee THE INSPECTION OF THE WATER WORKS. The Clerk reported on the recent inspection of the water works. Mr J. H. Ellis proposed that the best thanks I of the Council be given to Mr G. A. Taverner (chairman) and Mr Edmund Ilughes (chairman of the Water Committee) for their kind hospitality to the members on the occasion, adding that a more enjoyable day had not been spent for a long time. Dr. Hughes Jones seconded the vote, and com- plimented the Council and their officials on the splendid way in which the water works were cared for. Everything was spick and span, and in excellent condition. Nothing was lacking, and the day's outing was one which those present would never forget (hear, hear). The motion having been carried, The Chairman said it had been a pleasure to him to be present with his colleagues on the occasion of the recent visit. They had all en- joyed themselves, and a more pleasant outing it. would have been impossible to have arranged. Mr Edmund Hughes also acknowledged the vote, adding that as chairman of the Water Com- mittee it had been his privilege and pleasure to welcome his colleagues to the works, and he was pleased that they had spent such a pleasant day. FINANCE. The Finance Committee reported as Follows for the paot mouth;-Receipts Generalt JC822 Is 3d; rates, £ 7 10s 6d; gas rentals, etc., £ 1642 5s Id; water rates, etc., £ 217 os 10d; electric light, E542 17s 7d; total, JE5251 18 3d. The total ex- penditure for the month was B5229 7r; 5d. RHYL AGRICULTURAL SHOW. A letter was read from the Secrf-tary of the show asking for the services of Mr De Jong's I band on the show day, Thursday, 13th August. It was resolved that the application be not enter- tained, but that it be suggested that the town band be engaged for the occasion. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION. The Town Clerk reported the receipt of a letter from Mr J. Bevan Evans, director of edu- cation, asking the Council to appoint two dele- gates to confer with the District School Attend- ance Committees in regard to the organisation of evening continuation and technical classes. It was resolved that the Chairman of the Coun- cil and Vice-Chairman be appointed the delegates to represent the Council. JETTY AT FORYD. The Surveyor had reported that Mr Horton had commenced the construction of a jetty or landing stage for boats at Foryd, and he was instructed to further report on the subject to the Road Committee. POLICE SERVICE It was resolved that Inspector Pearson be re- quested to place an officer in the Marine Lake Grounds, and the Promenade Gardens, on Sun- days, and on special occasions, especially to keep order and to prevent injury to the grounds and property of the Council. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor presented his monthly report, which showed the number of loads of sand re- moved from the Promenade and Parade roads, etc., was 1237; that 98 cart loads of sweepings had been removed from the streets throughout the district; and that the amount of bright sun- shine registered at Rhyl, from May 24th to June 20th (28 days), was 184 hours, 40 minutes; an average of 6 hours 35 minutes per day.