The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

Conway Corporation. I The Quarry Question. Quarry to be Again Advertised. The Marl Drainage. THE monthly meelirg of the Conway Town Council was held at Guildhall, on Wednesday. There were; present The Mayor (Mr James Porter), Mr W. M. Sever (deputy-Mayor), Alderman Hugh Hughes, Alderman Hadley, Councillors Dr. Prichard, Dr. Morgan, R. S. Chamberlain, Emanuel Jones, A. G. Kaye, J. Williams, J. T. Morgan, A. J. Oldman, with the Town Clerk (Mr T. E. Parry), and the usual officers. Chairmen of Committee. The following members were appointed Ald. H. Hughes,chairman of the Finance Committee, Councillor John Williams as chairman of the Highways Committee, Alderman Hadley as chairman of the Estate1 Committee, Councillor Roberts as chairman of we Gas Committee, and Mr Owen Rowland as chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee. Albert Drive Mains. It was reported that the Local Government Board had sanctioned the borrowing ef 6410 for the purpose of laying water mains along Albert-drivel and Overlea-avenue.—It was de- cided to make the usual application to the Public Works Loan. Commissioners for the loan. Marl Drainage. The General Purposes Committee reported the receipt of a similar sanction in respect of the sum of ZI,371 in connection with works of drainage at the Marl. The committee recom- mended application of the sum in the customary way, and that the borou'gh surveyor iinvite tenders for the work. Dr. Morgan said he understood the drainage operations would, to a great extent, benefit private property. Some years ago a similar scheme was introduced, and the property owners were asked to contribute towards the cost. He moved an amendment that the com- mittee's recommendation' be deferred pending similar negotiations. Mr J. T. Morgan seconded, and said pro- perty owners should contribute!, because it would materially affect the value of their pro- perty. Alderman Hughes, in supporting the amend- ment, said it milght be asked why they did not oppose the scheme and the Government inquiry, but they would observe that the scheme con- tained part of a road which they were called upon to repair, whilst another portion was private property, the public having a right to of way only. The did not want to oppose the whole scheme at the inquiry, because it might affect their application in reference to their own property. He suggested that Dr. Morgan add to his amendment something to that effect, that they made a claim upon the adjoining front- agers for an apportionment in connection with the scheme, so as to avoid delay. Dr. Mor'gan agreed to the suggestion. In reply to the Mayor, The Clerk said the Council could not com- mence the work before they sent out notices. The Mayor pointed out that the surveyor had stated that in draining their own property they must carry out the scheme through the other property, and it was apparent that it was highly necessary to carry out the whole scheme as suggested. Mr Oldman observed that, the drainage would affect no less than 4° houses, for the drainage of which the Corporation were at present paying £105 per annum, and by the adoption of the new scheme the Council would be saving the ratepayers about Z60 a year. The Mayor: About £ 2 per week, I make it. The amendment was carried unanimously. Demand for Gas Meters. '< The Gas Manager called attention to the de- mand for meters in consequence of the adoption of "cookers," and added that he was afraid the Council's outlay would be out of proportion to the (benefit .derived from the increased con- sumption of gas. He suggested the adoption of one uniform price for the supply of gas for all purposes. It was resolved to defer the question. A Technical Objection. The Surveyor reported that application had been made to the County Council for permission to break open roads in their district for the purpose of laying the main at Penybont, but consent had so far been withheld on a technical objection that the Corporation could not sup- ply gas beyond their district. Electric Light for Deganwy. A letter was read from Mr Boyd, of Llandud- no, asking for permission to erect a generating station for the supply of electric power for Deganwy. The Lighting Committee recommended that the application be refused. Mr Sever asked if that was not a dog-in-the manjgier policy. Mr Chamberlain replied that by giving a loose permission in that way the Council would have to compensate the applicant if at any time they adopted a system of their own. Alterations at the Gasworks. On the motion of Dr. Morgan, it was decided to defer application for tenders concerning the proposed alterations of the manager's office and workshop at the gasworks. Sate of Morfa Land. The Local Government, Board wrote stating an inquiry would be held before the iioard de- cided upon the application of the Council to sell certain land on the Morfa to the London and North-Western Railway Company. Councillor Oldman Resigns the Position of Vice-chairman. The Estate Committee reported that Coun- cillor Oldman had resigned the chairmanship of the committee. Dr. M. J. Morgan was ap- pointed in his place. Proposed Morfa Training College. In reference to the application made by Mr George de Belle Hall, of Southport, for a lease of a certain portion of the Morfa for the de. velopment of a scheme of educational and physical training, the Town Clerk was instructed to supply the applicant with particulars of the Corporation leasing powers, and to inform him that the Council would be pleased to arrange a meeting to discuss the matter, if desirable. r- The Quarry Question Again. QUARRY TO BE RE-ADVERTISED. The Estate Committee recommended the adoption of the following resolution in refer- ence to Anwell's Quarry: "That all previous resolutions respecting Mr Sellars be rescinded, and that Mr Sellars and Mr Thornton Jones be asked to attend a Council meeting, and that Mr Sellars be informed that Mr Thornton Jones would also attend the meeting." Dr. Prichard said they had been playing with the matter quite lonigi enoulgh. (Hear, hear.) They knew they could get a tenant, and that money was to be made out of the quarry. He proposed that they adhere to their original resolution, and that a copy of the draft lease be deposited at the Town Clerk's office for in- spection. The committee's recommendation was out of order, inasmuch as six months must elapse before such a step could be taken. The Mayor said the resolution passed on October ist could not be rescinded at present. Mr Kaye thought the suggestion of rescind- ing all previous resolutions was absurd. In answer to the Mayor, The Town Clerk said: It is on the standing orders, sir, that a resolution from committee like this demands sjx months' notice. Mr Edward Roberts s;aid the Council úad been dealing with that matter for nearly two years, and they appeared to be goingl backward rather than forward. (Laughter.) He seconded Dr. Prichard's motion. Alderman Hughes said they could not find a minute with regard to the Council's decision to re-advertise the quarry. Dr. Prichard But there is one. Alderman Hughes said he doubted it., but upon the Mayor remarking that the resolution had been found, Alderman Hughes apologised. Mr Chamberlain: The question would have been settled long; ago if the applicant had en- gaged a solicitor. Mr J. T. Morgan said the Council should have met Mr Sellars, and discussed details with him. The correspondence between the parties was expensive, while an interview on the lines suggested would have saved a good deal of it. Mr Chamberlain: Has Mr Sellars met the Council? The Clerk Oh, Yes; He had been here. Alderman Hughes supported the recom- mendation of the committee, and said if they meant business with Mr Sellars they ought to make one final attempt to brin'g matters to a satisfactory conclusion. The matter had, pro- bably, been to some extent thrown from pillar to post by the fact that the Council's leigal re- presentative lived at Bangor, and was not at hand to meet them. They wanted some indus- try in the neighbourhood; there were scores of men out of work, and he appealed to the Coun- cil to make one final effort to settle the matter amicably. Mr Oldman pointed out that in his letter Mr Sellars stated clearly that there were questions imported into the draft lease submitted to him which were not agreed to by him and the Coun- cil. Dr. Morgan said it was only courtesy to allow the applicant to meet the Council once more. If they disagreed on the next occasion then they could re-advertise the quarry as sug- gested. Dr. Prichard said the whole lease had been approved once by Mr Sellars-with the ex- ception of one item, but the whole thing had been upset again. After a "passage-of-arms" between Dr. Prichard and Alderman Hughes on a point of order, The Mayor briefly summarised the negotia- tions between the Council and the applicant. Commenting upon the point in Dr. Prichard's amendment, he said he was in favour of the idea of placing the draft lease in the Town Clerk's Office for inspection. He felt disappointed in Mr Sellars, because he thought he was not the man of business he took him to be. He was strodgly in favour of adheringl to the resolution to re-advertise the quarry. With regard to the point raised by Mr J. T. Morgan he would re- mind the Council that they had had a meeting with Mr Sellars, and gone into the matter care- fully, and the document had been simply re- ferred to their solicitor. He thought they should cut off the present negotiations alto- gether, and start afresh. Mr Oldman said that with regard to the agree- ment, the one sent to Mr Sellars was not the one agreed upon by the Council. Mr Edwards said Mr Oldman seemed to sug- gest that the thing had been "made up" by the clerk. Mr Oldman: I have not made any such sug- gestion. Mr Roberts: It looks very like it. After some further discussion, Dr. Prichard',S' amendment was put to the meeting, and carried by-seven votes to five. Those who voted for y the amendment were Dr Prichard, Mr Edward Roberts, Mr Emanuel Jones, Alderman Hadley, Mr Kaye, Mr Chamberlain, and Mr Sever. Dividing the Borough Into Wards. Alderman Hadley, in the absence of Mr Chamberlain, who had left the room at this juncture, read a notice of motion to be given by the latter 'gentleman at the next Council meeting, with a view to dividing the borough into wards for electoral purposes. Finance. The balance in the treasurer's hands on the general account was reported, to be £ 2,845 2S 4d, while the sum of £ 5,741 16s nd was due on the debit side from the Council. Military Authorities' Conditions. A letter was read from Captain H. Thornboe, of the ist V.B. Worcester Regiment, stating that unless' permanent latrines were fixed on the Morfa next camping season, the Worcester and Warwick brigades would not come to Con- way during Bank Holiday week. The clerk was instructed to write, replying that the latrines would be provided by the Council, as desired. The Fx-Mayor's Gift. The Mayor read the following letter from the ex-Mayor (Mr Albert Wood): — "Dear Mr Mayor,—I have the pleasure to send herewith an oak chair, on which I have carved the arms of Conway, and which I hope will take the place of the present clumsy struc- ture used by the County Court judge and the chairman of magistrates when sitting in our Guild Hall. I beg] your acceptance of it, as head of the borough and representative of the inhabitants of the good old town of Conway.— Believe me, Mr Mayor,yours faithfully, ALBERT WOOD." (Hear, hear.) On the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Alderman Hugh Hughes, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Wood for his kindly and thoughtful gift.

Gardening Notes. Operations for December. PLENTY OF WORK. ONLY the half-hearted horticulturist will com- plain that he has nto work to do. All plants must be at rest during the dark days of Decem- ber; he must, nevertheless, put his thoughts together for the forthcoming year, and he will find that there are many things which previous- arrangements will greatly benefit by the time the busy months' of the year come along. There' are soils to prepare, manure to turn over, and the beds to get ready. All dead leaves to be put in heaps to decay, making useful mould for kitchen and flower gardens and heavy soils. Sticks should be provided for their various- uses. Beds and borders to enrich, and many other duties to perform, all tending to save time during the growing season. The horticul- turist should also look back on the closing sea- son, and note what particular improvements are to be made for the forthcoming year, so that nothin'g may be lost for want of thought, and experience gained. Altogether there are abundant sources of profitable employment for those who have an interest in gardening. Cottage Gardens. It is very interesting to note how well some of our country cottage gardens are cultivated. We find amongst them the very best vegetables. and also hardy flowers grown. They seem never to be at rest. All spare hours are occu- pied. Even in the winter months, the soil is. prepared to receive the seed. A careful forecasting of the next year's crop- ping will show that even now many prepara- tions may be made to increase the chances of success. Peas and beans sown last month will now be making their appearance, and should L-e lightly protected, especially from the birds and slugs. Celery. Celery should be earthed up now for the last time. In case of severe weather, have material in hand, in the shape of litter. Pea sticks make good foundation on which to throw lonfg litter or old mats, the protection being easily re- moved, when the frost is over. Endive will be- valued now, and must be blanched as required. Parsley in Cold Districts. It is always wise to cover a bed of parsley with an old frame, but at the same time admit- ting plenty of air in mild and open weather, otherwise damp will be prevalent. It is im- portant to have parsley at hand, as it is so fre- quently wanted. It is worth the trouble to take care of it thus, rather than risk the loss of the whole bed in very severe weather. Radishes. Sow one of the long sorts for a drst supply 111 some warm spot, to secure a quick growm It radishes are not quickly grown, they eat hot ,and stringy. Fruit Garden. As soon as pruning is finished, clear orchai'i trees of moss and any rough loose bark, which should afterwards be painted or splashed over with freshly-slaked lime. To make them less conspicuous, add a little soot. Such a dressing may also be applied to plum and gooseberry trees. It is an excellent preventative against bud-pecking by birds. Cherry, peach, and apricot trees should be loosened from the walls, and also dressed over with a mixture of soft soap and a little paraffin, syringed over both wall and trees. Prune, nail, etc., as weather permits; and any planting, yet on hand, should be done at the first opportunity. Meanwhile, get soil ready for the trees, and top-dress all that are likely to benefit by the process. Ex- amine fruit stores, and remove decayed fruit; and use, first of all, fruit that is not likely to keep. Flower Garden and Greenhouse. Push on with tree and shrub planting, also any alterations that have been decided on. As weather permits, dig lightly over shrubberies. Turf edtgeSi may be cut, so as not to leave them. for the busy months. At the same time, see to grids so that there is no blockage during heavy rains. Gravel should be laid on where re- quired. Plant out all hyacinths, tulips, and narcissi that have not already been done. Pro- tect from rain, without lights, Christmas roses, as they are always useful this time of the year for-cutting. Bulbs in store, such as begonia, dahlias, gtladiolas, and gloxinia, should he looked over. Examination will reveal some unsound specimens, and their removal may save valuable companions from their contamin- ating influence. This practice should be fol- lowed up until the bulbs are starting into growth. Greenhouse ferns may now be potted. See that the soil is open and porous, and add a little powdered charcoal to keep the soil sweet- All greenhouse climbers should be thinned out, and a keen eye kept on all insect pests. Plentjr of air should be given on dry, sunny days, and floors kept dry. Water early in the morniligi thus giving the floor time to dry before night. 5 J. T.

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