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DOLGELLEY ANNUAL LICENSING…

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DOLGELLEY ANNUAL LICENSING SESSIONS. The Licensing Sessions for Dolgelley were held on Tuesday. The Magistrates present were:— Mr. John Vaughan, Nannau (chairman), Mr. C. E. Munro Edwards, Major Scott, Dr. John E. Jones, Dr. Edward Jones, Messrs 11. Wynne Williams, Thomas Edwards, J. Meyrick Jones, Romer Williams, Edward Griffith, and Francis Evans. POLICE REPORT. Superintendent Jones submitted the following respecting houses licensed to retail intoxicating liquors, and the manner in which they have con- ducted their houses during the year 1899:— To the Justices of the Peace assembled at the General Annual Licensing Sessions, holden on the 29th day of August, 1899, at Dolgelley, in the Petty Sessional Division of Talybont, in the County of Merioneth. Gentlemen,—I have the honour to submit to your worships my annual report showing the number of persons and premises licensed to sell all kinds of intoxicating liquors within your Petty Sessional Division, and their conduct during the year, with my general observations and remarks thereon the list is hereunto attached. Twenty-four licenses were granted at the last Licensing Sessions to sell beer, wines, and spirits to be consumed either on" or "off" the premises. Of the above-mentioned licenses seven are six days license, and consequently cannot sell on Sundays, except to persons residing on the premises. Out of the 24 licensed houses 46.6 per cent. are tied or partly tied houses. Two transfers and one temporary transfer have been granted during the year, viz. The Castle Inn, Dolgelley, from Richard Evans to Edward Rowe the Gwernan Lake Hotel, Islaw'rdref, from Emma Evans to David Roberts; the Talbot Hotel, Dolgelley (temporary), from Abraham P. Foulkes to Edgar Richards. A change has taken place in the ownership of one licensed house during the year viz.:—The Gwernan Lake Hotel, sold by Emma Evans to Mr. J. E. Fox, barrister, Croydon. During the year one licensed holder has been proceeded against and convicted for selling drink to a drunken person. With the above exception, the general conduct of the licensed houses during the year has been good. An application will be made to your worships this day for permission to transfer the license of the Talbot Hotel from Abraham P. Foulkes (late tenant) to Edgar Richards (present occupier). With regard to offences against public order 26 cases of drunkenness and drunk and disorderly were brought before the justices during the year as compared with 50 cases in the corresponding year (1898), shewing a decrease of 24. Since the last Annual Licensing Sessions, the Chief Constable has issued and served the follow- ing notice upon each licensed holder in the district:— Chief Constable's Offices, Dolgelley, Nov. 5, 1898. The Justices in Licensing Sessions have ex- pressed a wish that no children under 13 years of age shall be served with liquor for consumption off the premises, and have directed me to mention their wish to you. I have no doubt that you will do your best to comply with the wish of the magistrates. 11 THOS. W. BEST, Chief Constable." The requests made in the above notice have been well observed. The population of the district according to the last census is 6,595, therefore the number of in- habitants to each licensed house is 274'8. I herewith append a table showing the popula- tion and the number of houses in each Petty Sessional Division in the County of Merioneth:— No. of ublic No. of lnhahi- Division. Population. Pett/sessional tants to each Public House. Dolgelley 6,595 24 274-8 Barmouth 3,945 14 281-7 Towyn 8,131 20 406-3 Penrhyn 18,680 40 467- Corwen 5,171 23 224-8 Bala 6,115 13 4703 I give below a table showing the percentage of I tied and partly tied houses in each of six Petty I Hessional Divisions within the County of Mer- ioneth :— Total No. Auerage No. of No. of of Free & per cent. Division. Free Tied Tied of Tied Houses. Houses. Houses. Houses. Dolgelley 14 10 24 41 Barmouth 10 4 14 28 Towyn 18 2 20 10 Penrbyn 31 9 40 22 Corwen 14 9 23 39 Bala 8 5 13 38 The average percentage of Tied houses in the County of Merioneth is 29-104 per cent. Annexed to this report is a supplement shewing the accommodation available for man and beast at each Public House, with the number of doors, and remarks as to Police Supervision. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, THOMAS JONES, Superintendent. In the table which was annexed to the report it was remarked that the tenant of the Castle Inn, Dolgelley, had been cautioned; tenant of the Golden Goat Inn, Dolgelley, had been cautioned for serving a child under ten years the tenant of Cross Foxes Inn, Dolgelley cautioned for serving a child under 13 years of age; the tenant of the Unicorn Inn, Dolgelley, had been fined 10s with 37s 6d costs on the 25th of April, 1899, for selling drink to a drunken person, but the house had been well conducted since April. In the special return on the accommodation in each licensed house, and the number of doors to the house, the report stated that all the rooms at Gwernan Lake Hotel (with the exception of two) are unfurnished and cannot accommodate any visitors at present. In my opinion the rooms are not fit for habitation. The report also dealt with the number of back doors in each house. A MEMORIAL. The Magistrates' Clerk (Mr. Hughes) read the following memorial:—The memorial of the Dol- gelley Women's Temperance Branch to their Worships, the Magistrates of Dolgelley, sitting in Brewster Sessions assembled August 29th. 1899.— Showeth That your memorialists being resident inhabitants in this parish feel deep interest and concern in the welfare of the community of the district. That the increase of drinking habits is a source of great injury to our parish, and that this is specially caused, to an extent not fully realised, by the large number of side and back entrances to the public houses of this town, these being obviously not only generally unnecessary, but tending to foster habits of fciandestine drinking, especially in women, and to interfere with effective police supervision. Your memorialists therefore pray your worships to consider the advisability of closing these side and back entrances to the public houses. This has been largely done recently in several towns, especially Liverpool, with the effect of materially lessening the evils of the drink traffic. ANNB JONES, Caerffynon, vice-president; M. E. EVANS, 2, Arran Villa, general secretary; MARY EDWARDS, Coedcymer, assistant secretary. The Chairman said that all he could say was that the magistrates did all in their power to put down drunkenness. There was a decrease in the number of public houses. No doubt-if there's anything else you wish us to do" added the chairman "we shall be happy to do it." THE GOLDEN LION HOTEL, Hcv. John Williams, B.A., C.M. Minister, said he appeared as chairman of the Free Church Council of the town and district, and they desired to bring one point before the bench. They were very anxious, and the bench should take some definite step in connection with the side doors and the multiplicity of entrances to the public houses in the town. There was one case that they desired specially to bring before them, viz. the Golden Lion Royal Hotel. Some two or three years ago he was present at these Sessions, when it was made a condition of renewal of the licence, that the door of the tap room should be closed at six o'clock. He thought that undertaking was given by the licencee at the time. Recently, how- ever, the undertaking had not been observed, and they were very anxious that the magistrates should obtain the same undertaking this year in renewing the licence, for they thought it helped sobriety in the town to have as few facilities for drinking as possible, especially in connection with the larger houses in the town. He would respect- fully suggest that the case be adjourned in order to give them an opportunity of giving notice of objection of renewal, unless this undertaking was given. Major Best said Mr. Roberts never gave an undertaking that the door should be closed at six o'clok, although he did so willingly. It was Miss Bignall who did it. Mr. Munro Edwards: Have the police any objections to the structural conditions of the hotel? Major Best: No. There are two front doors and one side door, but we can observe them all perfectly well. Dr. Edward Jones said that he knew about this tap-room. Six years ago there was a condition asked that it should be closed, and it was closed for twelve months. However, it was re-opened, and the Justices found there was a very strong objection to having such a tap room in connection with a very respectable hotel. He did not say a word against the hotel in any way, but to have a tap room in connection with a respectable hotel, when that tap room was frequented by the very lowest people in the town was most objectionable, and Miss Bignall then promised to close the tap room at six o'clock. Recently, however, the tap room had been opened till 11 o'clock, & frequented by the lowest people in the town. He would ask Supt. Jones if that were not so. Supt. Jones: It is so, sir. Mr. Romer Williams There are no remarks in the police report as to this. Dr. Edward Jones: But the Bench, as the Licensing Commission have pointed out, should be an administrative body. We are not to come here as duffers to be led by anybody we must see to the needs of the people, ourselves, and go upon our own knowledge as to the state of the town. I would accept this six o'clock undertaking on the I rit-icijile that half a loaf is better than no bread. Mr. Romer Williams: Or no drink (laughter). Mr. Dunham (manager) speaking on behalf of Mr. Sheriff Roberts, the owner, said that during the past 15 months he had done his utmost to stop drinking In the tap room by low characters, and had given instruction to the barmaid accordingly. It was necessary to have a tap room attached to a hotel where the better class of workmen could go to, but as regards the" riff-raff" of the town lie did not know they frequented the house. Major Best suggested that the tap room door should be closed at six. Mr. Dunham: I'll do my best, but I can't bind Mr. Sheriff Roberts, who knows nothing- about this. Rev. J. Williams said his application was that the case should be adjourned to enable them to give notice to Mr. Roberts. They did not desire to oppose it in his absence. The Chairman He has taken the hotel with the tap room. If we give him proper notice that this will be the last time he will have it he will know what to do. Dr. Edward Jones: Mr. Sheriff Roberts is a gentleman who will listen to what is reasonable and fair, and he is anxious to conduct his hotel in a proper way. The Chairman: I am of opinion the best plan would be to give the tenant notice to close it altogether, and if he does not like it he can appeal. The case will be adjourned to the adjourned Licensing Sessions. GWERNAN LAKE HOTEL—LICENCE REFUSED. The application made by Mr. Guthrie Jones, on behalf of the licensee, David Roberts, for the re- newal of the licence of the Gwernan Lake Hotel, was opposed by Mr. William George on behalf of the Temperance Party. Mr. Fox, the owner, also appeared in person. Mr. Guthrie Jones said the hotel was situated at the foot of Cader Idris, and had the advantage of having a splendid lake attached to it, in which boating and fishing could be had. The hotel was intended to cater specially for visitors and tourists who resorted to Cader during the summer months. It was the intention of Mr. Fox, the owner, to put it in thorough repair, and make it. a TINt. /,1" hotel. The grounds of objection were (1) that the licence was not required and (2) that the situation of the premises was such as to render it difficult of proper police supervision. He pointed out. how- I ever, that notwithstanding strenuous opposition the magistrates bad granted the licence in previous years, and if there were grounds for granting it 10 years ago he submitted there were more grounds to-day. First of all, Dolgelley was progressive- at least he hoped it was (laughter)—in catering for tourists and visitors to the neighbourhood to view the beautiful scenery around, and for every one tourist that used to come there 10 years ago he ventured to say there were now 20. More people had visited Cader Idris and neighbourhood this summer than ever before, and if the town and neighbourhood was to succeed it must have proper hotel accommodation. Mr. C. E. Fox, the owner, gave a history of the hotel during the past nine years. Nine years ago, he said, li e- then a complete stranger in Dol- gelley, attended an auction where it was put up for sale, and bought it. It was an absolutely free house, but he declined to spend a lot of money on it, when there was a peri- odical opposition to the licence. It was his intention, if the licence was renewed, to put it in repair, and make it a credit to the neighbour- hood, and he would be perfectly content to accept any suggestion the police might make. As to the objection that it was too far away for proper police supervision, he was prepared to pay half the ex- pense of having a house built for a constable close by. He had known the district 10 years and it was much frequented. Replying to Mr. George, witness said he consid- ered a house in a tumble down condition was a fit and proper house if it were going to be repaired. He gave Z900 for it, He did :not know the value of a licence—he only had one hcuse and he did not want any more (laughter). He did not buy it as a speculation and he did not keep it as a specu- lation it was because he liked the district. The value was—house and grounds, £ 16 4s; agricul- tural land, £ 615sij buildings, £ 210s fishing rights, £ 2 15s, He did not consider the resident popula- tion small for an agricultural district. He thought the house was required as far as the necessities of the residents themselves were concerned. David Roberts, the licensee, testified to the num- ber of tourists who frequented the house. A great many came up for fishing, &c. By Mr. George: People who came to fish came into the house and asked for permission. Before he took up this he was working for Mr. Fox. He fol- lowed his occupation during the day and left his wife in charge so that he could not say what went on during the daytime. No visitors would stay the night because the house was not furnished. The house was in a bad: state of repair now. He had supplied tourists with tea. A few of the resident inhabitants came there, but he depended mainly on the visitors. The coffee room, the bar, and the kitchen were furnished. Mr. Fox said he desired to make the sanitary arrangements complete before he did any thing. Mr. George The fact that they are not complete is another reason why the magistrates should not grant a renewal. Rees Pugh, Penrhyngwyn, farmer, Islawrdref, living not far from the hotel, and on the road going up Cader, stated that he saw a large number of people going up Cader, and he was of opinion that the license was required in the neighbourhood. People had been coming to his house for food and wishing to dry their clothes. Mr. Guthrie Jones You can't supply them with food ?_Wit"ess: No indeed, not such big gentle- men. If they were poor men like myself I'd put them in my drawer or somewhere (laughter). Mr. George, in addressing the Bench, urged that the house was not required and that it was not in a fit condition to be used as licensed premises.—Mr. George then proceeded to call evidence. Mr. E. W. Evans said he knew the house well. He of ten went that way; he had accompanied tourists and had never heard any complaint as to the absence of a public house before this was put up, nor was it required by the inhabitants. Mr. Romer Williams Are you a total abstainer? —Witness: Yes I am, as regards taking daily drinks. By Mr Jones: In going to Cader the greater number of tourists did not pass this publichouse, but the path had been lately changed in order that Z!1 visitors might pass this house. Mr. Fox Oh, I did'nt know about that. Mr. Guthrie Jones Don't you think the tourists would like to have some refreshments at this spot —Witness I think that is a mistake concerning tourists. They don't care about public houses. I am prepared to say that the majority of tourists never turn in there. Would it be an advantage to have a temperance hotel there?—Yes, I think it would be.—Why do you think that?—Because the evil that's created by public houses is greater than the good. It would be an advantage to have refreshments without intoxicating liquor ?-It might be, but I don't admit the visitors require it. It is really a matter of personal sentiment that you object to this license?—No, a matter of principle. Replying to Mr. George witness said there was a farmhouse a mile beyond the public house where conveyances put up. Rev. E. Jones Edwards, C.M. minister, Islaw'rdref, said he was present at a meeting of his congrega- tion when this question was considered. He did not think it desirable to grant the license. By Mr. Guthrie Jones He lived at Arthog. He objected tothc license because he did not thinkitwas needed. More tourists went from Arthog than Dol- gelley. It would be an advantage to have a temper- ance house at the spot. He was a total abstainer and objected to the license on principle. The neighbourhood he added did not require a small pot house like this. Mr. David Evans, Cae Einion, farmer, said the house was not required. He had no animosity towards Mr. Fox or the licensee, they bad every respect for them. If Mr. Fox thought it proper to turn it into a lodging-house they would support it. He did not know what would be the fair annual value of it without the license, but there was an empty house near it which had been let for E5. Mr. Guthrie Jones: Why do you object to this ? --Witness (smiling): Oh! the question is quite plain (laughter). Mr. Jones: Well, let's have it.—Witness: Well, you know very well (laughter). Mr. Jones: Now, Mr. Evans, to be serious.—Wit- ness You look at me, I'll look at you (laughter). Would you support a lodging house at this spot? —Yes. You say there is need of a place there where visitors could get refreshments.—Well, they don't want it in going to the Cader. Well, it is a healthy phce ?-Yes, and no doubt a lodging-house would pay Mr. Fox very well (laughter). You are a total al).staiiier ?-Yeq, before you were born (laughter). Would you go so far as to say that all licenses should be taken away ?—Oh, no, I have not come here to prove that. I object to this license on principle. Mr. Fox Yon come here under a sense of duty ? —Yes, Mr. Fox knows that very well (laughter). The witness created much laughter by turning to Mr. George and asking, with reference to the petition put in by the congregation, 1 chi'n d'od a hwna'n mlaen ? Hugh Hughes, Erw Wen, "farmer and grocer, gave similar evidence. He said the selling of beer was wrong, and ought not to be allowed—It was contrary to rule and order. Replying to Mr. Guthrie Jones, witness said a temperance house might be a convenience to visitois. He was a total abstainer. Mr. Jones And you would like to do away with every license everywhere?—Yes, if it were possible I (laughter). Superintendent Thomas Jones, called by Mr. George, said he visited the premises on Saturday, and inspected every room. They were in a bad state, and not fit for habitation at present. The paper on the wall was mouldy, and there was very little furniture in the kitchen. Anyone who went there to sleep at present would be risking his life. The sanitary arrangements were bad. By the Bench: There was one room fit to supply refreshments to travellers. He did not consider it easy of police supervision. He had made en- quiries of the inhabitants and had only found one person who said the house was wanted—a fanner I in the neighbourhood. Mr. Guthrie Jones: Who was that farmer?— Witness: Mr. Edwards. Mr. Jones: That's not the one I brought, so there are two who want it. Mr. George: The other one said he wanted a place to dry clothes in (laughter). By Mr. Jones It would be fit as a public house if put in proper repair. He could not speak as to the necessities of tourists, but there were a good many who passed who never called. The house was 2 miles from Dolgelley. Mr. Fox said he would give an undertaking that the house would be put in a satisfactory state of repair and furnished to the satisfaction of the police. Mr. Romer Williams (to Superintendent Jones) If the house were put in a satisfactory state of repair would it then be beneficial or the contrary to have it there ?—Superintendent Jones: I do'nt think it would be. The Chairman, having consulted with his col- leagues, announced that the Bench had come unanimously to the decision not to grant the license owing to the unsatisfactory state of the house— that was quite a sufficient reason without any- thing else. Mr. Fox: I apply now for a temporary license during the pleasure of the Bench till the house is put in order. The Bench refused to entertain the application, and Mr. Guthrie Jones said there would be notice of appeal. DOLGELLEY LICENCE REFUSED. Mr. Daniel Williams (from the office of Messrs. Griffiths, Son &. Adams) applied for a renewal of the licence of the Talbot Hotel, Dolgelley, to Edgar Richards, to whom it had been temporarily trans- ferred from Abraham Foulkes. Mr. William George opposed the application on behalf of the Temperance party, on the ground that the house was not required in the town. Mr. Williams said the house was a large one, containing eight bedrooms, a large dining room, a bar, bar parlour, and a kitchen. It had hitherto been used chiefly as a house for farmers, and there was good accommodation for travellers. There was also a large square which would have to be closed if the licence was not granted. The house had been properly conducted, and there was no objection on the part of the police. Edgar Richards, the licensee, gave evidence. He said he was a bookbinder, and that the house was frequented largely by tourists. Mr. Guthrie Jones: Has any objection been taken to you as transferee?—Witness: Dr. Edward Jones objected to me because I was too respectable (laughter). By Mr. George: He would be able to carry on the work of bookbinding and be on the premises at the same time. Mr. George: You are a wonderful chap.— Witness: Perhaps so. Have young men been in the habit of coming to your house to play cards ?—Witness What's that got to do with it ? My private life has nothing to do with you. By the Bench; They came into his house as a private house. Mr. George repeated the question, and the witness replied that he had invited young men to his house to have a friendly game of cards. Mr. George: Have you never been warned by the police ?—Witness Certainly not. Have you ever conducted dancing classes?— I have. Was there a row among three young men in your house one night ?--They tried to make one but they did not succeed. I turned them out. With reference to this square do you hold it out as a threat that unless this license is granted you will close this square ?—I hold out no threat, but you can't expect any license holder to -open his public place for the convenience of the public unless he gets something in return. It was, he added, a tied house- He admitted there were several public houses in close proximity. The Chairman here said the Bench had heard enough, as they were agreed that there were far too many public houses in this part of the town, if not in the whole of Dolgelley. This was close to the Unicorn, and also to the Skinners' Arms, and there were two or three places within a stones throw, and the Bench did not wish to grant the license.

----ARTHOG.

CORWEN.

- DOLGELLEY.

BALA

LLANILAR.

TREFEIRIG.

CLARACH.

!LLANON.

GOGINAN.

TREGARON.

Weather and the Crops. ------------------