Didn't people travel back and forth between the IOM and Lancs to visit relatives? Maybe getting away for a few weeks in the spring? He didn't need to have lived there.
You are probably right, but I couldn't see a better option. Perhaps the bapt record will help. And/or John Dumbell's marriage and death certs in NZ (depending on the dates). Do you have these, Shane? What details were given about his parents?

Sue