The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

:aRYL URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. SUNDAY CraElLlTOGRirH ENTERTAIN- MENTS BARIIED. 110 PREACHING MEETINGS ALLOWED ON THE FORESHORE. ITERATION IN THE HOUR OF THE MEETINGS. -Che monthly meeting of tliis Council was on Monday, when there were preset. Councillor ii. Rhydwen Jones, J.P. (chair- Councillor Ll-ew. B. Evans (vice-chair- Councillors J. H Ellis, A. L. Clews, C-lieethani E. George Evans, A. D. Hall, B yatho, T. D. Jones, J. E. Buekley Jones, Jones, Frod Philips, S. Perks, G. A' .^verncr, E. D, Evans, J. Frimston, Mr vr'r^wlands (cierk;, Mr L. G. Hail (gas and engineer), Mr A. A. Goodall (surveyor), ght (elcctr.ic.al engineer), and Nn aej:'t Lowe (sanitary inspector). U ^LiNDAY ( INEMAiOGliAl'H ENTER- j, '1AINMEN lib. Coin reP0I>t-ed by the (i en oral Purposes that they had considered iive ap- K ations for cinematograph licences, and fi reo°IIded that tti-e same be granted, let complied with the conditions of the l> and that Inspector Pearson be appointed See that the law was carried out. I. D, Jones, in moving the adoption report, also proposed tJiat a clause be ^ie i"*conoes prohibiting cine- atlograph entertainments on Sundays. He sure that-it was the wish of the Council aRa aothi.ng should take place on Sundays ltLst the general wishes of the residents. ^atLJ' ^ilis P°iufce,cl outl tiiat tiie magis" ^ad already granted one place of Pict m'°Ut permission to give cinematograph t^. ifr'es of a sacred character. He did not attvtvi .t they as a Council had control over ajM aS other than seeing that the buildings ■Machinery were in proper order. °0nt ■ Clerk thought that the Council had a,^so as to the davs. He had. how- submitted the quevstion to the Home an<* was avvaltiuo reply on the Po^ The Act said that the Council had iof Srailt the licences for a year, or jL5 shorter period, and he took it that that £ ave them authority as to restricting V^eon Sundays. OJJ r EUis urged that the matter WAS out of wr> as it did not ai-kse out of the minutes. Jones asked that the question be tW ^ith in all seriousness. He was sure Kct did not wish cinematograph Ita. t1J.r to be shown in any building on Sun- Ptiv U-ndDr the auspices of the Council. Let b a.te IndIVIduals do as they liked. 46 a a§^1'os Jone>s seconded, and said that st^j. Pui»Bc body they should endeavour to g-r people in the right course. Cinema-to- >>H o shows were not allowed in many towns hito lnday's, and it would be well if Rhyl them. It was urged by some 5$uud»' was better for people to be indoors on J^y evenings than out on the sands, but that if people wanted to go on the they would go whether there were lwr^ini&eiits or not. They should not tlwr standard of their town more than °?uid help. tra^5 ton said he believed the magie- had refused to allow the picture shows. V i said that was not BO, and he tiu» -^ht the power should be in the hands of J.lU,iC>e6.. "P* J°n€s replied that the Council licensing authority, and had fuil all, toin hoped that the Council would -11<1 nllnoly pass the proposed restriction, ^vtn<>e^lln<^ the members that they were ^ad f. 131 Wales, and that the Welsh people views on the matter of Sunday ^ainnients. They were conservative in e&pect, and their feelings should be re- J. n. Ellis said he wished to respect the tltijji +u much any man, but he did not would be anything derogatory to io grajiting the licences. Tlie to OQie ^d already granted j>ermission in V,' Prov^e^ that the pictures were V-4IOUs f ^aracter, and it would be in- nH i ^>ar other places from having the c°u;ofini sieges. He again urgWl that the a body had nothing to do with .,w4 the all they were concerned with of the public. He a-sked Matter be left in abeyance until 3,8 the Home Secretary replied to Alj, 8 question. 'beÜheetham said he was penhaps the only tWf "the Council who thoroughly under- 6 Lon^6 "lUestion. Following the lead of 011 County Council, Manchester, Bix- ^Wpp^d^1' Cheltenham, and Blackpool had tr Sunday cinematograph shows. It e., tC?D that the question was being tested if °ourts, but if the larger towns it I-ry and desirable to refuse to ■Qio Sunday licences Rhyl should follow suit. Wi^istrateg could grant permission for Uv,°0ncorte and for exhibitions of pictures <\ Us s^^es. but they could not deal &Lr agraphs. 1 failed to see the difference be- antern pictures and cinematograph Pl with Mr T. D. Jones, and ^uite willing to aLlow a certain NOSQ ^t^tude for Sunday enjoyment for at it, but he would draw the i01 •«via71f1I1^iaatoora'P^ exhibitions. They did any more of the Continental Sunday 1.1 P^'hle, and it was a blessing that -and Wales it was felt that there itr p6 one day's rest in, seven. kl" ^on<)S said it was no argument l v'ilio °ause they had had pictures in the n]1on Sunday that they as a Council .^Ujl0;i ,k>w cinem-atograph exhibitions. The ^terfe let the Pavilion, and could not C.,1* no^ a^roe with some of Hhvi sa«red concerts he had heiard in ant^ where what were practically v w^re sung. u t*- Jones added that if the Council Uld rT authority over the Pavilion they .\fr have allowed the pictures there. Sotor;Jls :/They must have had the consent authority for exhibiting them. Jitter that he was willing to allow the K ri"'s j. ,star|d over until the Home Secre- b)' hi,. ?PJ-V was received, and he would stand v. ^tp^si<>11 • r T n t Evaas supported the motion of A Jones. Joul<i also urged that the matter over for the present. It was v^dav ^at no po^r to stop the L"howa- an<* if they did so without rtain they might make fools of them- °11 t 1 0riosl 1 >C!n? put to the meeting, Mr T. D. !it'jU-oii was carried by a large majority. I'IIE BA. I r lIrE RAND QUESTION. hanVi referred to the question of ST* ba.rwi that undoubtedly when ''av /'aj^ 'n the Marine Gar dens on ^Uring the first year it was a great 811^ anc*a^y an^ otherwise, and ho » uld a that 130111 and visitors I ^'Preo;'ate the open-air concepts. Mr # willing that there (should be some w*8 un Sunday entertainments, and hero in °PP°rtunity for giving something that ^ent. He proposed that Messrs h on q °S" to given open-air con- ^undays in the Marine Gardens. At Tj'ai^ the Council allowed the coaches, 73 v- cars, bathing machines, and Vh0 Lr things to be used on Sundays, k A s"ouW u<>t the band also play. p..(- '"■airman said he could only acoept Mi 'iJ^'tion after notice of motioia. L! [ thought he was as much entitled t to fi € matter forward on the minutes e band arrangements as Mr 'I'. D. C2 lionJ,46 t° bring forward the question of °°S 011 Sundays. The Chairman had (l4* ha,P "^boral" with Mr T. D. Jones, r &h^rv him to make six speeches k rlie rnj\ ^>Vej}*lrrnRl1 notioe of motion must And that means deferring it until th<? "SUa! w'th ,Evans then attempted to bring M th<V r^°8a| that the band be asked to play fr<*ui nr^n^ frorQ U Utttil 12.30, instead U.dO, but 0 The Chairman ruled him also out of order. Mr E. G. Evans contended that in as much as they were passing minutes dealing with the paying of £25 per week towards the band they could discuss it. The Chairman ruled otherwise. Mr HilJ later on attempted to reintroduce the question without effect. THE GASWORKS. Mr Frimston stated that the annual in- spection of the gasworks had taken place on the previous Friday, when everything was found to be in perf-cct order, and a credit to Mr Hall, the gas engineer. Tne to«n ^iouid be proud of their gas undertaking. Mr Perks, the chairman of the Gas Committee, took a great interest in the works, and had been chairman of the Gas Committee for years, as well as the first chairman of the old Gas Company. After the inspection Mr Perks had kindly invited the members to tea at the Queen's Hotel, and he moved a vote of thanks to him for his generosity. Mr J. n. Ellis seconded, and added that there had been many improvements carried out at the gasworks, and they hoped that thxiir engineer would gain strength and be quickly restored to health (hear, he-ar). The vote of thanks having been carried, Mr Perks replied, and said he was pleased that so much interest was being taken in the gasworks, which were a valuable asset to the town. Mr Hall was deserving of all credit for the excellent way in which he managed th-e undertaking. It was said they had a plentiful supply of water, and that some of it might be in the Council Chamber. lie suggested that they might have more water and less "ga-s" (loud laughter). THE WATER WORKS. Mr T. D. Jones referred to the excellent condition of the water works, and to the fact that the reservoirs were full. He was told that on analysis Rhyl water held second place in the United Kingdom (applausej. MOTOR CAR SPEED LIMIT. Mr Cheetham moved that the Council ap- ply to the Local Government Board through the County Council for power to place notice boards in the town limiting the speed of motor cars to ten miles per hour. He brought the matter forward as the Council at a previous meeting decided to put up notices, but they had no power to do so, and they did not want to be made the laughing stock of the whole country. He did not know whether he ought to bring the matter forward, as he was a new member when there were "sages" around the table (laughter). Mr Taverner: Don't apologise (laughter). Mr Cheetham said he did not want to apologise, but he wanted things done in the right way. Mr Ellis thought they should first obtain powers to restrict the speed of cars. Mr Cheetham's motion was putting the cart be- fore the horse, and providing boards before they had power. Mr Oheetham said it was one and the same thing. Mr xiill: It is a motor car, not a cart and horse (laughter). Mr Ellis suggested that Mr Cheetham should move that the County Council be asked to fix a speed limit. Mr Cheetham replied that he was willing to do that. Mr Ellis: I am only speaking to you as a sage (loud laughter). Mr Cheetham: And I stand corrected by one of the sages straight away. The Clerk explained that in 1904 the Coun- oil asked the County Council to apply to the- Local Government Board to limit the speed of motor cars through Rhyl to ten miles an hour, but they declined to interfere, con- sidering that the Motor Car Act amply pro- vided for protecting the public, one of the sections rendering motorists liable to prosecu- tion :if they proceeded to the danger of the public at any speed, and did not think that a speed limit would improve matters. Mr Perks explained that if there was a ten- mile limit motorists would think that they were entitled to travel at that speed, whereas now they would probably go at a slower rate. Mr Frimston hoped that all possible steps would be taken to secure a speed limit, as many cars travelled much too fast through E»hyl. There was a limit in other places, a.nd there should be a limit in Rhyl. Mr Choetfoam then proposed that the County Council be asked to petition the Local Govern- ment Board limiting the speed to ten miles an hour in Rhyl. Mr Frimston seconded. Mr E. D. Evans and Mr Hill supported it, the latter asking that the local police be asked to move in the matter under the pre- sent law. He added that it was a disgrace to see how a few local motor cyclists careered up and down the seafront on Sundays on their machines. M-any cars also were a nuisance. Mr Phillips pointed out that inasmuch as the County Council had been altered in com- position they might now do as the Council asked them. Mr Perks: Very likely-most of the mem- bers have motor cars (laughter). Mr Cheetham's motion was then put and carried unanimously. ALTERING THE TIME OF MEETING. In accordance with notice Mr E. G. Evans pro- posed that the Council meeting be held at 6 p.m. instead of at 3 o'clock as at present. He claimed that Rhyl was a progressive town, and he ap- pealed to "the sweet resourcefulness of the members present" to pass what he proposed (laughter). He believed that the hour at which the Council now met was handicapping the ad- ministration of the town's affairs, as there was always a rush with the business at about 5 o'clock as it was tea time, and matters which should have been discussed were smply passed over or left with the Clerk to deal with. By holding the meetings at an hour when many could not attend they -were making the Council an exlusive little circle, but by meeting in the evening they would be opening the door to many who were at liberty to thus serve the town. He bad before him a list of towns in North Wales where the Council meetin the evening, and with the excep- tion of two none met in the afternoon. Mr Ellis: What about Cwm? (laughter).. Mr Phillips: Like the Rhyl Council they would meet in the afternoon (laughter). Mr Cheetham seconded. Mr E. B. Jones said he was in sympathy with evening meetings, but suggested 5 o'clock as a more suitable hour. Mr Perks supported Mr E. B. Jones' sugges- tion, and said they could all have their tea be- fore they came to the meeting Mi E. D. Evans felt that 2.30 would be a more convenient hour, but would prefer 6 to 5 o'clock. Mr Ellis opposed any change, and said that 3 o'clock had been found to be the most success- ful hour for meeting, and it could not be said that 6 o'clock would suit the working men, as they could not very well get to the meeting until 7 o'clock. They did not want to sit there all night and listen to prepared speeches. Mr Phillips protested against, the continuous personal references which Mr Ellis was making. Mr Ellis said he spoke from personal experience that 3 o'clock was far more convenient to every- one. Tradesmen realised that the afternoon was better for them, and if at 5 o'clock there was a rush it saved them listening to a lot of hair- brain chatter. Mr Frimston supported 5 o'clock. Mr Taverner opposed any change upon the ground that it would disorganise everything, and they should have some feeling for their officials Mr Clews said ho felt they should study the convenience of members who could not get there at 3 o'clock, and so lie supported the change to 5 o'clock. Dr. Hughes Jones felt that if they did change the public would be better able to attend evening meetings. The Chairman opposed the proposed change, and said it was found that working men did not find any difficulty in sitting on Councils or on the Bench during the day, and by meeting at 3 o clock it gave business men an opportunity of transacting public business during the quiet time in the shops. If they did meet on Mondays at 5 or 6 o'clock it would seriously interfere with one section of the community who always held a service on that evening. Further, he did not see why the convenience of Mr Phillips-in whoso interest the motion was brought forward—should be considered more than anyone else. Mr Phillips said it was a personal matter with him, and he thanked Mr Clews for the attitude he took up, though he was surprised at the at- titude and speeches of two other members. Mr Taverner: Name, name: Mr E. G. Evans: I'll name them if you like. It is Messrs Ellis and Taverner. Mr Phillips said he did not pay much atten- tion to the arguments that County Councils met in the morning or afternoon or that Parliament met in the evening, and one of their own mem- bers aspired to office in that assembly, but whe- ther he would ever get there he did not know (laughter). Mr Taverner: 118 says he will get there before he is 40 (laughter). Mr Phillips added that the reference to written speeches was all very well, but he would like to see more of them, as members would then per- haps know what they were going to say before the meeting. Mr Evans said ho would accept the 5 o'clock motion of Mr E. B. Jones, and on being put to the meeting this was declared carried unani- mously. THE ELECTRIC LIGHT DEVELOPMENT. It was reported that the Electric Lighting Committee had considered a request from the Railway Company for terms for lighting as well as for power, and had agreed to supply them with current at 5d for any quantity up to 10,000 units in one year, but if that amount was exceed ed 4d per unit for the lot. These were the same ternip as the Rhyl Palace Company had, and the committee had also agreed to meet the Palace Company by reckoning their consumption as from the 1st of April last on the above terms. Mr Frimston moved the adoption of the report, and Mr Clews seconded, adding that he hoped the new arrangement would mean an increase in the consumption of current and a benefit to the town generally. THE TOWN BAND PERMIT. The Clerk said he had received a letter from the Ratepayers' Association stating that they understood that the Council had refused the Town Band permission to play in the streets and to collect money for their now uniform. He would point out that the Council had not refused permission as the letter was only dated July 6th, and had not yet been before them. There was a misunderstanding somewhere. It was decided to grant the band permission to play in the streets, but not to go on the Pro- menade or to interfere in any way with the en- tertainments now running in the town. It was reported that the Town Band had asked for E5 3s for their services on the Proclamation Day, and also a like sum for attending the memorial service to the late King. The matter had been before a committee, and it was felt that the band had overcharged, E5 3s for the Proclamation Day being considered sufficient, as on the occasion of the King's funeral there was a general holiday, and all who attended the ser- vice gave their services. The matter was left with the Finance Com- mittee with power to act. STOPPING PREACHING MEETINGS ON THE SANDS. A letter was read from an evangelist asking permission to hold services on the sands, but Mr Hill said he had heard many complaints as to some of the services already held being a nui- sance, and visitors asked that they should be stopped. Mr Cheetham said he had heard similar com- plaints as to the services at the top of Edward Henry-street. There was one individual who was strongly objected to. Mr Phillips said he felt they should stop all who were a nuisance, and The Council decided that as far as they have the power of doing so they will stop the ser- vices on the sands. PRICE OF FORESHORE STANDS. It was reported that at a meeting of the Coun- cil in committee Mr Victor Andre appeared and explained that he was prepared to supply a military band and daylight cinematograph show on the foreshore upon terms. He also applied for another stand on the foreshore and to erect a tent, large enough to accommodate 100 people for the purpose of an entertainment to be given by himself and Mrs Andre. The first application was refused, but the second application was granted subject to a rental of 250 for the season; that the entertainment close at 8 p.m. each evening, and that the Road Committee fix the site. At a subsequent meeting the matter was again dealt with, and it was decided that the applica- tion of Mr Victor Andre for a stand on the fore- shore could not be entertained, the rent offered by Mr Andre (£15) being much below the sum fixed by the committee of the whole Council. ELECTRIC LIGHT LOAN. The Clerk reported having received the sanc- tion of the Local Government Board-to borrow the extra money £300, required for cable exten- sions for Marino Lake, etc. The total sanctions to be raised on mortgage of the rates, etc., now amounting to £ 6,727. THE SEWER OUTFALL. The Surveyor was instructed to prepare esti- mates for training the river with ferro-concrete piling, and wood piling, and also for a fcrro-con- crete outfall pipe. He was also instructed to communicate with the Board of Trade to enquiro what powers the Council have as to training of the river. RIGHT-OF-WAY OVER THE SANDHILLS. The Surveyor drew attention to the resolution passed by the Joint Committee, and agreed to by Mr Pulleyne, at a meeting held on January 14th, agreeing to the lino of route of roadway over the Sandhills to Prestatyn, and that the Joint Committee of the Councils were prepared to fix posts defining the roadway. He now asked for instructions as to the carrying out of this resolution. The cost of supplying and fixing the posts would be about £ 30. It was decided that the other local authorities be informed of the probable cost, and to enquire whether they agree to the work being proceeded with. INSPECTION OF RESERVOIRS. The Chairman reported that at the annual in- spection of the reservoirs everything was found to be in a very satisfactory condition, and a credit to the men in charge. ANNUAL REPORT AND WORKING STATEMENT. The Gas Engineer presented his annual report on the working of the gas undertaking, showing a very satisfactory year's working. He was in- structed to forward a copy to each member of the Council. REDUCTION OF ELECTRIC STAFF. It was resolved that the question of the reduc- tion of electric staff, be left in the hands of the chairman of the committee and the engineer, such reduction to take place on or before Sep- tember 1st next. SUNSHINE. The Surveyor reported that the bright sun- shine registered from May 22nd to Juno 25th (35 days) was 252 hours 30 n-iintites-a daily average of 7 hours 13 minutes. KEEPING THE PROMENADE TIDY. Mr B atho asked what the ilem of B22 in con- j nection with the Promenade was for in the wages estimate of the road department for the ensuing month. The Surveyor replied that it was for the clean- ing of the Promenade and sands. Mr Batho: Have we not a contract covering that work? The Surveyor: The contract deals with the removal of sand only. This item of B22 is for the removal of paper and other rubbish and for looking after the "front" generally. Mr Batho expressed surprise that that work should entail an expenditure of E22 in a month. THE ISOLATION HOSPITAL EXPENDI- TURE On the report of the Sanitary Committee, Mr Perk,3 said he was surprised to learn that it had l'cen found necessary to re-roof the hos- pital at Towyn. He could not understand how a building erected not more than twenty years ago at the very outside should require re-roofing at present. Mr Ellis faid the work had been done at the instigation of the Sanitary Committee, and that was the department that should be castigated re- specting this matter. He believed the contract for the ro-roofing of the hospital amounted to about E90, and it seemed to him nothing but waste. Mr Frimston: Why did you do it then? Mr Ellis: It is the doing of the Sanitary Com- mittee, not the Road Committee. It is charac- teristic of the way in which the Sanitary Com- mitteo do things. Dr. Jones said it was idle to talk about one particular department being responsible for this work. It was provided for in the ^estimates which they recently had under consideration, and in which they all had a hand; and he could testify to the absolute necessity of the work. Had they allowed the hospital to continue in the state it was in recently, the Council would have been liable for a great deal more than this £90. Mr Hill said that, whatever the merits or the demerits of the question before them he thought there should be a bettor arrangement as to the carrying out of repairs at the hospital and else- where. He thought that instead of two or more departments having a voice in the matter all building work should be under the Surveyor, and that he should be held responsible for such work. The Sanitary Inspector said that all structural work wa.s under the Surveyor, but he sometimes attended to minor repairs himself. WILLIAM-STREET. Mr T. D. Jones asked whether the making up of William-street had now been completed. The Surveyor said it had, and he had done everything with the exception of giving the road a wet roll. That was a matter of impossibility for the present owing to the nature of the foun- dations of the road, but he meant to dry roll the road occasionally, and to wet roll it when he thought that course safe. Mr T. D. Jones moved that the road be put right forthwith. Mr Taverner: What is the use of ignoring what. the Surveyor has told us? Mr Perks, in seconding the motion, said he could not conceive of a road in any part of the town being of such a nature that it was impos- sible to make it up. The motion was carried. MAIN ROADS MAINTENANCE. The Surveyor produced the estimates for the maintenance of main roads as approved by the County Council, and ne was instructed to inform the County Council that in the opinion of the Road Committee it is impossible to maintain and cleanse the roads for the amount sanctioned, and to apply for the full amount of the estimate as submitted to the County CounciL Mr E. G. Evans said it was putting too much upon the Surveyor to leave a matter like that to him. As a town contributing one-seventh of the rates of the county, they were entitled to much better consideration in the matter of main roads than that which the County Council had meted out to them. According to the present attitude of the County Council they stood to lose JB128, the Town Surveyor's estimate being C416 and that of the County Surveyor E288. Ho moved that they strongly pressed upon the County Council the reasonable estimate of the Town Surveyor. He was also prepared to move, further, that the County Council he requested to immediately consider the advisability of appoint- ing a special committee to deal with the whole question of road maintenance with a view to a more equal distribution of the burdens of local authorities. Mr T. D. Jones said he did not think that the County Council had yet answered a previous appeal on this matter. Mr Ellis said Mr E. G. Evans was entirely wrong in his statements, and nothing but ignor- ance of tho matter could have led to such a state- ment being made. This remark led to cries of "0!" amidst which the Chairman appealed for a fair hearing for every speaker. "Then let every member speak fairly" was the retort of one member. The Chairman having rung the bell for order, Mr E. G. Evans said he might ring twenty times, but it was not going to deter him from saying what he wanted to say. The Chairman said he would not allow Mr Evans or anyone else to speak half a dozen times on one subject. As Mr Evans remained standing Mr Taverner made an appeal for respect for the chair. Mr Evans at length resumed his seat, and the subject" was dropped.