[From Manx Quarterly, #5 Nov 1908]

Honouring a Laxey Mining Captain

PRESENTATION TO CAPT. JOHN KILLIP.

An interesting presentation took place in the Workingmen's Institute, Laxey, on Saturday, July 13th, when Captain Killip was the recipient of a handsome marble clock and bronzes, and an illuminated address, from the directors, officials, and employees of Great Laxey, Limited. — Captain Roberts occupied the chair, and said he would first ask some of Captain Killip's old friends and fellow-workers to say a few words as to the "Grand Old Man" of the Laxey Mines. — Messrs John Currie, W. H, Corlett, John Bateman, Ed, Christian, and J, Lawton reviewed Captain Killip's life for different periods up to sixty years, and they one and all could not say anything but praise of a man who had lived amongst them the whole of his life, and had risen from the ranks to the position of assistant manager in the company's service. — Mr Miller, the local secretary of the company, said he was not given to using many words, as deeds spoke louder; but he must say that he had always found Captain Killip one of the best of men, and ever ready and willing even to go out of the way to give assistance to anyone whenever he could. He had helped him (the speaker) in many ways which he could not forget. He shirked nothing, and his record could only be described as having been a faithful one both to his employers and his fellow-workers. — Mr R. T. Corlett said Captain Killip was a man in the highest sense of the word, and was always ready to further any object redounding to his credit, He had served his company well for a long term, and he trusted he would live long and enjoy good health, and that he would hear the clock chiming the hours and feel contentment at not having to rise in the mornings at the old accustomed hour. — The Chairman read a letter from Mr R. Williamson, regretting his inability to be present, and stating that the object of the meeting had his hearty support. — The Chairman said Capt. Killip had initiated him into his duties when he came in as manager of the mines some five years ago. He wondered when he was appointed what manner of man his assistant would be, and he soon found he was thoroughly reliable and competent. He would be ever thankful to him for his many kindnesses, and would testify to the excellent spirit that guided him all through, He had only met few men that could excel Captain Killip in his work. He had great presence of mind and never lost his head in an emergency. Capt. Killip was intimately connected with the public life of the villagers, being one of the chief officials of the Oddfellows Friendly Society, an early supporter of the Industrial Co-operative Society, and had acted as secretary to the Snaefell Mines Disaster Fund from its commencement. Only a few days since he had learned that the committee of the latter some time ago refused to accept Capt. Killip's resignation; what better token of appreciation could a man have? His character was irreproachable and in many things he (the speaker) had taken his advice and found it to be to his good, He called upon Mr Geo. Preston. — Mr Preston said he was overwhelmed with the honour thrust upon him of making this presentation. He could endorse every word that had been said as to Captain Killip's good qualities as a man and a friend, The whole ground had been covered by the previous speakers, but it was not necessary to sing Captain Killip's praises to a Laxey audience — they knew his qualities and abilities too well. He thought it was a splendid testimonial he had the pleasure of presenting to Captain Killip, and one that would last long after the recipient and the speaker had passed away. The illuminated address read: —

Presented to Captain John Killip as an earnest token of esteem and respect, on his retirement from the Laxey Mines after a long period of office which he has filled with ability and faithfulness.
Signed —
F. J. Robertshaw, Ed. Mcgee, W. B. Knapman, Thos, Settle, and Thos, Studdard, directors.
John Roberts, manager,
John Bateman, John Currie, Thomas Coole, W. H. Corlett, W. J. Scarffe, Wm. Redpath, W. C. Scarffe, R, R. Scarffe, and Ed. Christian, committee representing employees and others.

He (Mr Preston) asked Captain Killip to accept of these beautiful tokens, and hoped he would live long and enjoy his well-earned leisure.

Captain Killip, who was much affected, said he did not know what he had done to deserve these lovely presents and the kind things that had been said about him. He felt that he had only done his duty, and he had been paid for what he had done; but he took them all as an eloquent expression of general good-will, and he would ever appreciate the many kindnesses shown to him. He wished a long prosperity to the Mines, which were the means of livelihood to the majority of the villagers, and he asked the assembled company and all who had contributed towards this movement to accept his thanks from the bottom of his heart. — The Chairman said Captain Killip had responded with his usual excellent spirit, and although the Mining Company had lost an old and faithful servant, they one and all knew that they had not yet lost an old and tried friend. — Mr Miller said he was sorry to have heard that Mrs Killip was very ill and confined to her bed, and he wished to propose the hope that she would soon be restored to good health. — Mr R. T. Corlett supported, adding the wish that Mrs Killip and the Captain would live long together to enjoy their rest and happiness. — The company joined in singing " For he's a jolly good fellow," and the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding. — The illuminated address was the work of Mr J. M, Nicholson, the well-known artist; and the marble clock and bronzes were supplied by Mr C. Wallace, Victoria-street, Douglas.