[From Manx Quarterly, #3 November 1907]

THE WARD PUBLIC LIBRARY, PEEL.

OPENING CEREMONY.

HON J. K WARD
The Donor of the Ward Public Library.

Over eighty years ago there was born in Peel a man who has done the State some service. The Hon. James Kewley Ward, now of Montreal, first saw the light what time the nineteenth century was young, in Castle Street, one of those narrow and winding thoroughfares which contribute so largely to the quaintness of Peel, and during the intervening years his heart has ever been in the place of his nativity. Part of his school life was spent in Douglas, one of his school-fellows being the late High-Bailiff of Douglas, the much-respected Samuel Harris. Young Ward, so his contemporaries tell, was a modest and pleasant boy, and both in Peel and Douglas there yet linger a few ancient men and women who knew and loved him well.

He made many friends in Douglas, but ever his heart was in Peel, and after leaving school he returned to the town of the setting sun. In fullness of time he, recognising that the Isle of Man afforded little scope for his energies, decided, like many other good and true Manxmen, to seek his fortune beyond the seas, and accordingly he, over sixty years ago, proceeded to Canada, and ever since he has made his home with Our Lady of the Snows. He was industrious, and with industry he combined native shrewdness, much business ability, and a probity which gained for him the confidence of all with whom he came in contact. Eventually he entered the lumber business, and prosperity soon attended upon his efforts. He grew rich and honours were thrust upon him, but ever his heart was in Peel.

He frequently visited the Island of his birth, and though he for convenience sake generally made Douglas his headquarters, he never failed to sojourn for a time in Peel, and his great pleasure of life was to wander and linger among the scenes of his early life-scenes in which surprisingly little change has been effected, despite the rage for " improvements " which characterises these latter days. Of wonderful vitality, he has attained to a green and vigorous old age, and it was a marvel to witness the wonderful bodily and mental activity he displayed during his visits to the Island — visits which for some years were annual in character. Of generous disposition, he was ever mindful of his compatriots at home. His benefactions were large in amount and catholic in spirit. All parts of the Island experienced his munificence, but his heart was ever with Peel.

The poor of the fishing town always had in him a good friend, and in other ways he was unfailing in affording tangible proof that the dear old place was constantly in his mind. Some twenty years ago he presented to the Vicar and Wardens a fine clock, which yet adorns the tower of the old Parish Church, and serves the very useful purpose of marking the passing hours, the while it keeps the good people of Peel in remembrance of the fact that time is fleeting. In truth, Mr Ward has been almost prodigal in his endeavours to serve Peel, and Peel has been grateful. A prophet, we are told, is without honour in his own country. This may be so so far as foretellers of the future are concerned, but the saying certainly does not apply to Mr Ward in his character as benefactor of Peel. He is there held not only in high honour, but he has the esteem and affection of the townsfolk for whom he has done so much. Indeed his heart is ever in Peel.

The latest instance of his kindly interest in his native town takes the form of a free public library which he has presented to the people of Peel. And the gift is not by any means a half one. At his sole cost he provided the site, erected and equipped the building, and stocked it with books — in other words, he handed over to the Town Commissioners of Peel, to hold in trust for the citizens, a library complete in every respect. In connection with this handsome and useful gift, Mr Ward was actuated by sentiment which all will sympathise with. He desired that the house in Castle-street in which he was born should be acquired and its site utilised for the erection of the library, and his desire was given effect to. The negotiations between Mr Ward and the Peel Town Commissioners, to whom the offer of the library was made, were conducted through Mr J. J. Taggart, of Douglas, who for many years has enjoyed the honour of Mr Ward's friendship and confidence.

After some little discussion, the Commissioners accepted the offer — had they decided otherwise they would have proved themselves but a scurvy folk. About this time last year the foundation stone of the new library was laid by the Clerk of the Rolls (Mr Thomas Kneen), the ceremony being a very impressive one, and in due course the building was completed. It was hoped that Mr Ward would have been able to come to the Island this summer for the purpose of formally handing over the library to his townsfolk, but an accident which occurred to him in the Spring rendered a visit impossible, and accordingly the Town Commissioners decided to ask the Clerk of the Rolls to perform the opening ceremony. Mr Kneen, who has throughout taken a deep interest in the library, readily acceded to the request, and accordingly the ceremony was fixed to take place last Thursday. But the Town Commissioners and the Clerk of the Rolls alike regretted that Mr Ward could not in person take the leading part in the proceedings, for well they recognised that his heart was ever in Peel, and that it would have been the crowning joy of the grand old man's life to have personally handed over his splendid gift.

Here it may not be out of place to give a brief description of the library. The plans of Messrs James Cowle and Son, Douglas, were selected in an open competition, in which some 16 or 17 architects entered. The general design, is Ionic, and the exterior view is very pleasing. The frontage extends 27 feet in Castle-street, and the line of buildings is set back from the street, so as to allow an open area before the building, in which carriages may turn. There is a clear space all round the structure, planted with shrubs, and on the front enclosed by dwarf walls. The main walls are constructed of Glenfaba brick, cemented on the outward face, and lined in imitation of ashlar work. The sand for the mortar was all taken from the Peel shore, where huge quantities have been heaped up by the action of the tide. After passing through the front entrance there is a vestibule, opening into the lending library, the space for the public being shut off by a counter from that where the books are kept in cases. A passage leads to the public news and magazine room, which is located at the rear of the building. The reading room has dimensions of 24 feet by 15 feet, and is lighted from above and from all sides, there being in the open roof one of Boyle's patent air extractors. Out of the borrowers' space there also leads a staircase, giving access to the ladies' reading room on the first floor. The remainder of the first floor is taken up with the caretaker's premises, which includes living-room, bedroom, and domestic offices. Special attention has been given to the matter of ventilation, and fresh air is admitted throughout all the public rooms by inlet bricks placed at intervals right round the building. The heating arrangements comprise a complete installation of Messrs Seward's hot water system, with a boiler in the basement, and pipes and radiators in all the rooms. The furniture, which is very handsome and substantial, and the fittings have all been made in Peel, to the special designs of Messrs Cowle. The fittings are in white American wood, polished. The contract for the whole of the work was secured by Mr A. H. C. Kelly, of Peel, after a keen competition. in which several leading Insular builders took part. The masonry work was carried out by Mr Thos. Craine, of Peel, and Mr Stanley Cowell was responsible for all the plumbing. The result of the efforts of architects and builders is a very handsome and substantial and useful building, an institution of which Peel may well feel proud. The total cost of the building, fittings, and furniture — all defrayed by Mr Ward — will be about £700.

Glorious weather favoured the opening ceremony on Sept. 26th, and in consequence there was a very large gathering of people. These were for the most part residents in Peel, but a few people from other parts of the Island, and a sprinkling of belated visitors from England, put in an appearance. The function was al fresco, and with the Clerk of the Weather in kindly mood everything passed off in enjoyable fashion, the only drawback being a plague of flies — flies of peculiarly aggressive and vicious disposition and propensities. Among those who foregathered outside the building were the following: — The Clerk of the Rolls, Mrs Kneen, Dr Gell, Messrs W. H. Looney, James Morrison, J. J. Taggart, G. Cannell, T. W. Kermode, C.T.C., W. H. Cain, R. B. Kelly, J. Hall, T. H. Cormode, H.K., W. E. Kelly, T. Crebbin, W. J. Clarke, W. Lace, W. Quayle, H.K., T. Allen, J. C. Clague, S. K. Broadbent, P. Watterson, Q. C. Farrant, T. Shimmin, T.C., D. W. Kee, T. J. Graves, J. E. Kelly, F. Crowe, T.C., E. E. Christian, P. C. Moore, E. Cottier, T. C. Kermode, G. B. Kermode (chairman of Peel School Board), S. Dalgleish, Mrs H. Quayle, Miss Graves, Mrs Kee, etc.

It has been said that the only drawback to the enjoyment of the function was the flies, but in truth there was another — the inordinate number of speeches. Throughout the Island there is a tendency to inflict a superabundance of oratory of a kind upon the patient lieges, but for a plenitude of palaver commend us to Peel.

The proceedings were opened by Mr T. W. Kermode, the genial and respected chairman of the Town Commissioners, who at the outset read letters or telegrams of apology for non-attendance from Mrs Laughton, on behalf of the High-Bailiff of Peel; the Vicar of German (Rev W. Lewis), who was on holiday in Keswick and the Town Clerk of Douglas (Mr Robertson). All these expressed good wishes for the library, and the Town Clerk of Douglas added that he was sending a few books. Continuing, Mr Kermode said he had pleasure in calling upon the Clerk of the Rolls to declare the library open for the use of the public.

The Clerk of the Rolls, who had a cordial reception, and who in the matter of eloquence was even more torrential than usual, said he felt it to be an honour to be asked to open the library, and he had consented with pleasure to do so. It was just a bare twelve months since he had the pleasure of laying the foundation stone, and they were all pleased that the building was to-day ready for occupation in all its parts, and was well-stocked with useful literature for the use of the inhabitants of Peel. There were many topics which he would have liked to have spoken upon, but the Commissioners — with very good judgment, he admitted (laughter) — had placed them in more capable hands. His pleasant duty, though it was a small part of the programme, was to proclaim the building open for the use of the public. Perhaps, however, he would not trench on the remarks which the other speakers would hereafter make if he expressed his own personal regret, and, he was sure, that of all present, that Mr Ward, the generous donor of the library was not able to be with them to-day, though that Mr Ward was with them in heart and spirit he had no doubt. Mr Ward, in presenting this library to Peel, had done a work for the town which would place him in the same class in history as Philip Christian, who had done so much for education in Peel (hear, hear). 250 years ago Philip Christian bequeathed a property for the purposes of education in Peel, and to-day Mr Ward had given for the advancement of the education of the people of Peel a free library. He (the Clerk of the Rolls) hoped that others would thereby be induced to do something for the benefit of the town in which they had prospered (hear, hear). With regard to the actual use of the library, Mr Cormode and Mr Taylor would be able to address them at some length, but he would like to say that he hoped the people of Peel would appreciate the benefit of the library, which would be stored with books useful and amusing, and no one need now complain that there was nothing to do, or nothing to occupy spare time in Peel. In the library they would find much that would be educational and recreative, and the library shelves would be a mine well-stored, from which everybody might draw practically without money or price. On the shelves they would find works of entertainment, instruction, and amusement, and that would be a very great advantage in a place like Peel, where of necessity there could not be other advantages which many large towns possessed. A great deal had been said in abuse of libraries, but they should always bear in mind that they could not induce the people to read that which they did not want to read. It was said that too much fiction was read, but much of the fiction was often useful, and could not be harmful. He often saw advertised books which could be no good to anybody, but there were many splendid works of fiction which were not only entertaining, but were instructive. They had not come into this world to be children of drudgery all their lives. They must work and they must play — it was in the nature of things that they must have a change for the mind as well as for the body. They must remember that while the library was primarily for education, it was also intended for recreation and change. He did not know that he could say anything more at this stage, except to thank the Town Commissioners and Mr Taggart for honouring him by asking him to come and open the library. It had been a great pleasure to him to come, and be most heartily congratulated the Town of Peel upon the library. He also desired to thank Mr Ward, an old Peel boy, for the very handsome gift which he had made to the town (applause). He now declared the library open, and he might say he had been presented for the purpose with a very handsome silver key, which, he thought, was of American manufacture —

Mr Taggart (emphatically) : No, sir, Manx (laughter and applause).

The Clerk of the Rolls: I beg pardon, it's Manx. With this key I have very great pleasure in opening the door, and in the name of the people of Peel I ask the chairman of the Town Commissioners, as representing the people, to enter and take possession of the library.

Mr Kermode, having formally entered and taken possession of the building, said he had great pleasure in proposing, on behalf of the citizens of the ancient city of Peel, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Ward for his very generous gift. He endorsed the regret expressed by the Clerk of the Rolls as to Mr Ward's absence. Ever since the building was started they had looked forward with pleasure to having the generous donor of the library with them at the opening ceremony, and indeed the building was ready months ago, and the opening would have taken place long since but that they cherished the hope that Mr . Ward would be able to come to the Island. Unfortunately, however, he had not been able to come, and in his absence they took over this very handsome building. To ensure success in maintaining this grand institution, it was the intention of the Town Commissioners to ask Mr Ward's representative to co-operate with them in forming a Library Committee in accordance with the Local Government Act (hear, hear). It was with very great pleasure he moved this vote of thanks to Mr Ward on behalf of the town.

Mr Cormode, H.K., who seconded the motion, was in excellent form. At the outset he was in anecdotal mood, and related the story of the little boy who persuaded his father to buy him some bantam hens. To his disappointment, the eggs they laid were very small. However, he had a device for bringing about an improvement in this respect, and his father, on going into the yard one day, saw hanging to a post an ostrich egg, which the boy had taken, from the drawing room, and under the egg was a card on which was printed in big letters " Keep your eye on this, and do your best " (laughter). Now, continued Mr Cormode, the programme was evidently framed on this principle. He did not know how other gentlemen who had to follow the Clerk of the Rolls felt, but for his part he was thankful that, with six or seven speakers to follow, he was not expected to emulate the example of the Clerk of the Rolls, but had simply to make a few remarks. In the course of his address at the laying of the foundation stone, he had told them that he had not the honour of being acquainted with Mr Ward. Since that time Mr Ward had written to him in such very cordial and intimate terms that he felt he had now some small claim to speak of him as a friend (applause). Mr Ward was one of the men who had mastered and acted on the truth that "love's strength standeth in love's sacrifice," and these were the men who were the very salt of the earth. In thanking him to-day, they did not measure their gratitude by the number of pounds he had given; they should not estimate it by the value of this library to, Peel ; but they should measure it rather by the nobility of the motive which prompted him to raise the souls of the citizens. It was better, said a great and good man a long time ago, that they worked for the State not by raising the roofs of the houses, but by raising the souls of the citizens. It was better that great souls should live in small houses than that vile serfs should live in great palaces (hear, hear). He was quite sure that Mr Ward's main object in giving this library to Peel was to raise the souls of his fellow-countrymen in his native town, and he (Mr Cormode) was of full confidence this would be achieved (hear, hear). Those who had the honour and privilege of speaking to the King and Queen when they visited Peel would remember the experience the longest day they lived. Inside this library they had kings and queens in the realms of truth, thought, and imagination, and every citizen of Peel could have the privilege of enjoying their company when at their best — the choice spirits which were on the shelves would speak to them in their highest moods and most inspired moments. He was down on the programme to speak on the advantages of libraries, but be would leave that to Mr Taylor; but there was one point he would like to say a word or two about before closing. Emerson, in a striking passage, pointed out how rare were unmixed emotions, and he (Mr Cormode) supposed that the emotions of the Town Commissioners on this occasion were not entirely unmixed. Mingled with joy was an element of anxiety springing from financial considerations. The commissioners were for the support of library limited to a penny rate, which produced barely £40. In addition, the handsome endowment of £200 which Mr. Ward had given would bring in about £7 a year. Now £47 a year was hardly adequate to pay for the librarian, lighting and cleaning, refurnishing supply of books, providing magazines, and the other expenses. He did not know that the Commissioners need trouble themselves on the subject. He was not a Micawber, but in this matter a little of the Micawberian philosophy might not be out of place. Peel had always had good friends, and he thought they might cherish the hope that some friends with large hearts and long purses would come forward to help the Commissioners in carrying on the institution (hear, hear). They thanked Mr Ward, and he was sure Mr Ward would appreciate their thanks; but he (Mr Cormode) was sure there was one thing which Mr Ward would appreciate more, and this was that the people of Peel, and more particularly the youth of Peel, would avail themselves to the greatest possible extent of the privileges which he had placed within their reach (hear, hear). The last word he had to say was to urge that in Mr Ward's closing days, in the far-off home of his adoption, they should give him this good cheer which he so richly deserved — that they make the utmost they possibly could of this good thing which he had placed within their reach to improve their minds and brighten their lives (applause).

Mr Looney, who supported the motion, said the well-furnished building and nearly 2,000 books was a very handsome gift. Mr Ward had altogether given them £1,300, and it had been expended in this way: The site had cost £100; the building, fittings, and books had cost £980 — leaving a. balance of £220. Of that, £100 was invested in their own town stock at 3½ per cent., and another £100 would be similarly invested, while the balance of £20 would be available for revenue account. The income would be about £47 a year, and after the librarian was paid this would leave a very small margin, but they hoped, with other help, to be able to work the library on lines that would be a real benefit to the town.

Mr J. Taylor, public librarian, Douglas, then delivered an exhaustive and able address on the subject of the advantages of free libraries. He remarked that it was fitting the Clerk of the Rolls, who was chairman of the Council of Education, should have been chosen to perform the opening ceremony, as he (Mr Taylor) hoped that the library in Peel would be the handmaid to the schools. He urged they should, as in Douglas, adopt the plan of distributing books from the library to the schools, and from the books sent the children choose for themselves. He also impressed the importance of placing upon the library committee gentlemen of experience in books and literature, as by having experts on the committee the reading public would be benefited, and a financial saving would be effected. He was of opinion that the books in the Peel library had been most carefully chosen, and they included works which would be of advantage in connection with navigation, ship-building, fishing, engineering. and other industries. He had found that in Douglas books on electricity were very widely read — so widely that they could hardly provide sufficient of them. Recently they put in the library a book on turbines, and such was the great call for it that they had to add three more. The ladies of course were more tired than the men, and had more exhaustive duties to perform ; therefore, it was not surprising they were the greatest readers of fiction. Concluding, Mr Taylor advocated that some means should be adopted whereby the loan of books could be obtained in every nook and corner of the Island. He wished the Peel library every success.

Mr H. Cowle, architect, was called upon for a description of the building, and its complying, he mentioned that the library was built of Peel brick, and that the whole of the work had been carried out by Peel men — inside and outside everything was made in Peel (applause). He would like to say how pleased he had been with the contractors. Mr Ambrose Kelly and Mr Craine had carried out the work in a very workmanlike manner (applause). He mentioned that the buildings were heated by hot water, and the ventilation was upon a very good system. His chief object in designing the building was the comfort of the public (hear, hear).

The vote of thanks was then put, and was carried with three cheers.

Mr Taggart, in replying on behalf of Mr Ward, said he was very pleased indeed to see such a large audience. At one time he was afraid that not as much interest was being taken in the library at Peel as ought to be; but that idea was entirely removed this afternoon — their presence and their enthusiasm had removed it. He regretted that Mr Ward was not present to reply in person to the very hearty vote of thanks which had been passed to him for the gift of the library and its contents. He believed that at this very moment Mr Ward knew they were engaged in opening the library; for he (Mr Taggart) took care eight or nine days ago to send him a letter telling him the day and hour of the opening ceremony, and that it would be performed by his friend the Clerk of the Rolls. He, on behalf of Mr Ward, thanked the Clerk of the Rolls for opening the library, and he also thanked the chairman of the Town Commissioners and the Commissioners. He also thanked Mr Cormode for his very beautiful and helpful address, and Mr Taylor for the very great assistance he had given in selecting the entire contents of the library. The thanks of the people of Peel were due Mr Taylor, for without his assistance they could not have furnished the library as they had done (hear, hear). What he (Mr Taggart) liked about Mr Ward's gift was its completeness. Mr Ward had, upon ascertaining that his native town would accept from him a library, first of all bought the site, put up the building, and provided the books. He knew of no other library donor who had made such a complete gift as Mr Ward had done. Not only had he given the library, but he had contributed a very handsome sum towards the endowment. He (Mr Taggart) was very glad that Peel people had received Mr Ward's gift so cordially, and on his behalf he thanked them.

Mr T. C. Kermode, a churchwarden of German, and hon. secretary of the Peel Poor Relief Society, in expressive terms called attention to the Home for the Poor, which had recently been provided, and acknowledged the very handsome donation of £200 by way of endowment of the home which Mr Ward had given them. He also alluded to Mr Ward's constant kindness to the poor of his native town for fifty years past.

Dr Gell, Medical Officer of Health for Peel, said that as a native of the parish, and as a resident in Peel for eighteen years, it afforded him great pleasure to associate himself with the expression of thanks to Mr Ward not only for what he had done for the poor, but for the gift, of the library. He urged that borrowers should take care of the books, and that in the case of infection occurring in a borrowers home, the books, before being returned to the library, should be disinfected (hear, hear). With regard to the poor, he impressed what a friend the poor of Peel had in Mr Kermode.

Mr Kee proposed a vote of thanks to the Clerk of the Rolls and Mrs Kneen, and said they could not have made a better selection for the purpose of opening the library than the chairman of the Council of Education, for he was satisfied it was Mr Ward's intention that the library should be an educational institution.

Mr Looney seconded the motion, and said they were always delighted to see the Clerk of the Rolls in Peel.

The motion was carried with three cheers.

The Clerk of the Rolls, in the course of a rather lengthy reply, expressed approval of Mr Taylor's suggestion that the schools should be supplied from the libraries with books, from which children could make selection. He deplored that while the Legislature allowed rates to be levied an unlimited extent for some purposes they limited the library rate to a penny in the pound. The fault lay with electors, and he hoped they would insist on the Legislature passing laws which in the matter of education would place this country on an equality with other countries. He had been foolish enough to believe there was a demand for higher education in the Island, but had been disillusioned on discovering that when it came to a rate of a penny or twopence for the purpose, there was no demand. So long as he was a member of the Legislature and the Council of Education, he so far as lay in his power would try and induce people to adopt higher education, and if he failed in persuading them, he would do all he could to drive them to it (applause). Mr Kneen concluded with a stirring appeal that Manx people should in the interests of their children realise the advantages of higher education.

At the conclusion of the Clerk of the Rolls' speech, the company present sang "For he's a jolly good fellow." Subsequently the library was thrown open to public inspection, and was greatly admired. Mr Henry Halsall, who has been appointed by the Peel Commissioners as librarian, was in charge.

At the invitation of Mr Taggart, acting for Mr Ward, the Clerk of the Rolls, Mrs Kneen, the Town Commissioners, and a number of other guests partook of tea in the Marine Hotel. Mr T. W. Kermode and Mrs Kermode, the host and hostess, excelled themselves in the provision they made and in the service available, while the tasteful table decorations evoked much admiration.

After Mr Ward's hospitable entertainment had been thoroughly appreciated, Mr Looney proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Taggart for all he had done in connection with the building, furnishing, and stocking of the library.

Mr Kee seconded the motion, and remarked that Mr Taggart could not have done better for them had he been a citizen of Peel.

Mr T. W. Kermode (chairman of the Peel Commissioners) heartily endorsed what had been said concerning Mr Taggart's kindness.

The motion was agreed to, and the company cordially sang " For he's a jolly good fellow."

Mr Taggart, in returning thanks, said it had been a great delight to him to do what he could. In the first place, he had served his friend Mr Ward, and in the second he had done something for Peel. In the course of the negotiations with the Commissioners as to the library, there might have been some little friction at first, but with a little diplomacy, a little talk together, and a " gennal " smile, all friction had disappeared, and they were now all animated by a desire to do their best for the town.

It should be mentioned that Messrs Broadbent and Co., Ltd., issued a post card illustrated with an excellent picture of the library, the proceeds from the sale of these post cards being devoted to the library fund. This postcard is reproduced in another page, and Mr W. H. Warburton, . of Douglas, took an excellent photograph of the opening of the library.

The Ward Public Library,
PEEL, ISLE OF MAN.
(Presented to the Peel Town Commissioners by the HON. J.K. WARD, of Montreal, Canada.)

Foundation Stone laid Sept. 6th, 1906, bb the Clerk of the Rolls (T. Kneen, Esq.) Opened Sept 26th, 1907, by the Clerk of the Rolls.

Representative of Hon. J. K. Ward,-Mr. J. J. Taggart, of Douglas.
Acting-Chairman Peel Commissioners-Mr. T. W. Kermode.
Chairman of Library Committee-Mr. W. H. Looney.
Librarian-Mr. H. Halsall.
Architects. J. Cowle & Son. Douglas.
Contractor. A. H. Kelly, Peel.

Peel Bay