[From Manx Quarterly, #5 Nov 1908]

MEMORIAL NOTICES.

DR. JOHN CLAGUE

Died August 3rd, 1908.

A prominent figure in Manx life has been removed by death in the person of Dr John Clague, of Crofton, Castletown, who was for a long time the foremost medical practitioner in the Isle of Man. For several years Dr Clague had been suffering from heart disease, and he, as the result of his medical training, knew that at any time a period might suddenly be put to his life; nevertheless, death had no terrors for him, and to the end he was cheerful and even merry of disposition, despite ill-health. At dinner with Mrs Clague, on Sunday, August 23rd, he bent forward, saying "Oh, dear! oh, dear!" and remained in that position. Mrs Clague, on going to his assistance found his condition was serious, as he did not move. His old and trusted man, Mr Charles Clague, was sent for, and in twenty minutes the doctor had breathed his last. When the news of his death became known in Castletown, and subsequently throughout the Island, there was a general expression of deep sorrow, for Dr Clague was respected and loved by all sorts and conditions of Manx people. On all hands sympathy was voiced with his widow in her sad bereavement, and she was immediately the recipient of many condolences.

The late Dr John Clague came of a good old Manx stock, and, like many other Manxmen who have carved out careers for themselves, he was a son of the soil, his father being the late Mr Henry Clague, for many years tenant of Ballanorris farm, Arbory. Dr Clague was born on the 10th October, 1842, and his early education was received at the parochial school in Arbory, from which he proceeded to the Castletown Grammar School, under the Rev G. Parsons, and thence, in 1854, to King William's College. At the famous Manx public school he had a meritorious career. His ambition was to enter the medical profession; for from boyhood he had had a penchant for the healing science, and he eagerly devoured such medical books as came his way. On leaving school, he for some years worked on his father's farm and the while studied medical botany. Indeed there are people yet living who remember the youth treating his fellows with the simples to be found growing in the fields and hedgerows of Kirk Arbory. Eventually his father decided that the boy's natural inclination should have its way, and accordingly young Clague, while still in his teens, was entered at Guy's Hospital, London, for the study of medicine. There the young student had a brilliant career while preparing himself for admission into the ranks of the medical profession. His first examination was passed with flying colours, and his subsequent examinations also saw him in the front ranks of the successful candidates. He was a first prizeman and exhibitioner at Guy's in 1870, and after qualifying he was, in 1873, admitted a member of the Royal College of Surgeons (London), while in the same year he took his L.R.C.P. diploma. It should be mentioned that during his career as a student Dr Clague met with much kindness and assistance from his cousins, Dr Joseph Cregeen and Dr W. Cregeen Faraker, both of whom were at the time in practice in London. Upon qualifying, Dr Clague came to the South of the Island and started to work up a practice. His great skill in diagnosis, his intelligent treatment of disease, and his modesty, intelligence, and cheerfulness soon established his position, and while still young in his profession he was acknowledged throughout the Isle of Man to be a master of it. There can be no doubt that had Dr Clague elected to strike out a career for himself in London he would in due course have become one of the leading lights of Harley-street, but although he was an ardent lover of his profession, he was a still more ardent patriot. To him the Isle of Man was everything; he revelled in the Island scenery, he was steeped in Manx lore, and Manx minstrelsy was with him a devouring passion. He preferred, then, to make his home among his own folk rather than seek wider fame in his profession. As things were, his medical attainments secured him honour not only in the Isle of Man, but in England. Many Manx people who deemed it expedient to proceed to London to take the opinions of medical and surgical specialists concerning their complaints found to their astonishment that Dr Clague's name was well-known among the elite of the profession, and they were not infrequently told that they would have saved much money and secured just as good advice had they been content to trust themselves in the hands of their countryman. Dr Clague, on returning from London, resided at and practised from Ballanorris for a time; but on the departure from the Island of the late Dr Thomas Wise, the leading practitioner of his day in the southern district, he took up his residence in Castletown. He succeeded to most of Dr Wise's appointments — medical attendant at the College, Surgeon to the Isle of Man Gaol and to Castletown military garrison, and medical officer to a number of Friendly Societies. Also he became the leading consulting physician in the Island, and in this capacity his services were in great demand from the Point of Ayre to the Calf of Man. On the death of the late Dr Nelson, he was appointed Surgeon to the Household, and held this honourable, if not very lucrative, appointment from 1888 to 1901. Busy as he was in the pursuit of his profession, he always found time to devote to his hobbies. He was a splendid Manx linguist, and took a leading part in the Manx renaissance — in the movements for the conservation and revival of the Manx language and Manx music. Yet was he very modern, for we find his name among the Esperantists. A fine amateur musician, he collaborated with Mr W. H. Gill and the late Deemster Gill in the compilation and publication of the Manx National Song Book, and was thus instrumental in preserving much old Manx traditional music which must otherwise have been lost. Amongst hymn-tunes which he composed, "Crofton" and "Erinport" are in constant use in the chapels of the Island. He also brought into being the Castletown String Band, which for many years gave instrumental concerts in aid of charitable objects in Castletown. He was, too, a mechanic of more than ordinary ability, his forte in this direction being wrought iron work. Always delighting in flowers, he, about twelve years ago, took up the cult of the chrysanthemum, and, working in conjunction with his coachman, Mr Chas. Clague, he achieved marvellous results in improving the beautiful Japanese flower. The collaborators succeeded in bringing out several new varieties, some of them of great beauty. Their chrysanthemums were exhibited in Mr Charles Clague's name at the Manx shows, and the exhibits not infrequently swept the board of prizes. A book which has been compiled jointly by the late Dr Clague and Mr Thomas Moore (Brookfield), chairman of Rushen Parish Commissioners, is finished, and at the time of the Doctor's death was being revised. It treats on many subjects, both scientifically and medicinally, and is in the English and Manx languages. Unless prevented by illness, Dr Clague almost daily (Sundays excepted) visited Brookfield, the last occasions being on the Monday and Tuesday prior to his death. Since then Mr Moore had been off the Island, but he returned in time for the funeral. Dr Clague was the most pleasant and most kind-hearted of men. His manner itself suggested to patients that they wore improving, and his cheery greeting was better than a dose of physic. He was ever amenable to a tale of woe, and it is to be feared that his good nature was frequently imposed upon. Fees were with him a secondary consideration, and it is an open secret that he was never paid for half the work he did. The poor had in him a sincere friend, and indeed he was just as assiduous and careful in his treatment of patients from whom he well knew he would never receive a penny of remuneration as he was with regard to the rich and influential folk who came under his professional care. For several years before his death Dr Clague had retired from active practice, as the state of his health was such that he could no longer devote the time and attention and undergo the strain which are incumbent in the case of a busy professional man. He continued, however, to give advice and treatment to old patients, and was frequently consulted in cases of doubt by other medical men in the Island. In 1873, Dr. Clague married Margaret Eliza, the only daughter of the late Mr H. J. Watterson, C.P., of Arbory, who was for several years a member of the House of Keys for Rushen Shedding. There was no issue of the marriage. Mrs Clague survives. Dr Clague was one of the most distinguished of the alumni of King William's College, the following being his record as set forth in the College Register, under the entrances in January, 1854: —

" Clague, John; born October 10th,1842. Left Midsummer, 1859, Son of H. Clague, Ballanorris, Arbory, Isle of Man, Day Boy, First Prizeman and Exhibitioner, Guy's Hospital, 1870. L.S.A., London, 1872, M. R.. C. S., England, 1873, L.R.C.P., London, 1873. Surgeon to the Household, 1888-1901. Surgeon, Castle Rushen Gaol, 1874-1901, Medical Officer in Charge of Troops, Castletown, Isle of Man, 1874-1896, Surgeon to the R.N. Reserve, 1884-1901, Joint compiler of the Manx National Song Book. Crofton, Castletown, Isle of Man,"

THE FUNERAL,

Evidence of the high respect and esteem in which the late Dr Clague was held was forthcoming in the representativo character of the attendance at the funeral, which took place on the following Wednesday. As a mark of the loss which Castletown had sustained in the death of the able and kindly doctor, the great majority of the places of business in the town were closed the while the funeral proceeded, and the blinds of all the windows in the principal streets were drawn. The bell of St. Mary's Chapel Royal, too, was tolled, and generally there were unmistakeable manifestations of sorrow and regret. A Manxman from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet, Dr Clague, as was only meet, was accorded a real old Manx funeral. When the coffin containing his mortal remains was brought out from the principal door of Crofton, it was placed on a bier which stood on the garden path. The mourners and the others who attended gathered round, and the Rev J. M. Spicer, Vicar of Malew, gave out the beautiful hymn " O God, our help in ages past," which was sung with deep feeling. The coffin was then carried, the hearse and a carriage, both covered with flowers, preceding it. There were several changes of bearers the while the cortege proceeded along the Arbory-road as far as the town boundary, and those who followed sang hymns in the homely and devotional old Manx style. At the town boundary the coffin was placed in the hearse, but at Ballabeg it was taken out and again carried, this time to Kirk Arbory. The Rev Canon Kewley, who had met the procession at Ballabeg, walked immediately behind the hearse, and in sonorous tones gave out, two lines at a time, the hymn " O God, our help in ages past," which was again devoutly sung, as was the hymn "There is a land of pure delight," In Arbory Church, the first portion of the burial service took place. Canon Kewley leading in the Psalm, while the Ven. Archdeacon Gill read the lesson. The graveside portion of the service was also taken by the Archdeacon and Canon Kewley, the latter reading the committal sentences, while the Arch-deacon in impressive fashion recited the part commencing " I heard a voice from heaven." The Benediction was pronounced by Canon Kewley. The inscription on the coffin plate was as follows:-

JOHN CLAGUE.

Born October 10th, 1842.
Died August 23rd, 1908.

The grave is situate in the southern slope of the beautiful old kirkyard. Among the principal mourners were Messrs J. and .V. Wood (nephews), Misses Lily and Rose Wood (nieces); Mr Charles Clague (cousin) and Mrs Clague; Dr Cregeen Faraker, Mr A. Cregeen, and Mr S. K. Broadbent, Mr Thomas Clague (Peel), Mr Thomas Clague (Port Erin) (cousins), Among the great concourse of the general public who followed the remains from Crofton to Kirk Arbory were the Clerk of the Rolls (Mr Thomas Kneen), the Ven. Archdeacon Gill, the High-Bailiff of Douglas and Castletown (Mr J. S. Gell), the Rev J. M. Spicer, the Rev Canon Kewley, Rev C. H. Leece, Rev W, Gell, Rev J. Davidson (Douglas), Rev Smith T. Parr, Rev S. R, Wilkin, Rev J. Doran (London), Dr Hannay, Dr Mackenzie, Dr Richardson, Dr Jones, Dr Pantin, Dr Gell, Colonel Moore, H.K., Captain George Karran, Captain Clague, J.P., Messrs J, C. Bacon, J.P. (Seafield), G, W. Darkin, H. E, Gelling, W. McLaughlin, H. Kelly (Ballaqueeney), H. P. Kelly, J, Stowell, J, Taggart, G. L. Trustrum, H, S. Christopher, G. H, Quayle, J.P., W. A. Stevenson, J.P., T, Moore (Billown), R, Cain, G. E. Kewley, J. C, Radcliffe (Douglas), H, Mellor, J.P., T, C. Corrin, J. W, Corrin, E, Martin, Thomas Kewley (Douglas), R. Radcliffe, P. W. Briscoe, W. W, Duggan, R, C, Cretney, W. Cubbon (Douglas), T. E. Moore (clerk to the Port Erin Commissioners), James McLaughlin, J. Cooper, W. Lawson, W. Quayle, A. Stead (Douglas), J, Kneale (Douglas), J, Kaye (Douglas), R,. Cain, jun., J. H. Christian, W. J. Corlett (Douglas), C, M. Austin, J, Qualtrough, R, Reid, S. Watterson J, T. Wicksey, V. Pleignier, A. Christian, A. C. Backwell, T. C. Backwell, J. T. Gell, J. C. Christian, T. Qualtrough (Port S1,. Mary), Thomas Lace (Mount Gawne), R, Qualtrough, T, Clague (Peel), G. Moore (Balladoole), W. Kneen (Douglas), R, E. E, Quilliam (Douglas), H, S. Pyne, W. Kermode, Geo. Collister, E, Qualtrough (Port St, Mary), J. Mylchreest, J.P., T, Maddrell, T. Clague (Port St. Mary), J, T. Cooil (Ballagawne), T, M, Dodd, W, H, Kermode, R. Moore (Ballavilley), E. Shimmin (Grenaby). J, Gale (Billown), J, Joughin (Bibaloe), A, E, Gawne, T, A. Sale, -. Corrin, -. Costain, J, Moore (Port St. Mary), J. J, Qualtrough, S, Keggen, and Daniel Lace. About 30 carriages joined in the cortege, among them being those of the Misses Quayle (Bridge House), Miss Stevenson (Balladoole), Col. Moore, Mr Thos, Mooro, Mr J, Kennaugh, Mr T. Quayle, Mr R, Lawson, Mr J. Mylchreest, Captain Clague, Mr T. Maddrell, Mr J, T . Cooil (Ballagawne), Mr T. M. Dodd, Mr W, H. Kermode, Mr R, Moore (Ballavilloy), Dr Jones, Mr E. Shimmin (Grenaby), Mr J, Gale (Billown), Mr J. Joughin (Bibaloe), and Mr J. C, Bacon, C.P. Attired in black sashes, a deputation from the Harbour of Peace Lodge of Oddfellows (Port St, Mary) walked in the procession, This deputation consisted of Meesrs A, E, Gawne, N.G. ; S, Keggin, Treas. ; J, Moore, P.P.G.M. ; Thomas Qualtrough, P.P.G.M. and Sec.; Thos. Clague, P.G., Lodge Trustee; and Daniel Lace, P.G., Lodge Trustee. Dr Clague was for about seventeen years medical officer of the Lodge. The following is a list of the wreaths sent: — Medical men of the Isle of Man, Members of Medical Society, Isle of Man Rev E. H. and Mrs Kempson, King William's College, Mrs and Miss F. B. Barnes. Mr and Mrs James Mylchreest. Miss Stevenson, Balladoole. Mr and Mrs Gawne, Kentraugh. Mr and Mrs Bickerstaff, and Mr and Mrs W, Corrin. Trustees of King William's College, .Miss Gawne, Ballagawne. Mrs G. Cary. Miss A. Gel]. Mr and Mrs H. Cubbon and sons, Colby. Mr and Mrs J. Moore, Crofton, Port St, Mary. Misses A. and E. Mylchreest. Mr G, H, Quayle, the Misses S. K, and E, Quayle, and Mrs L. Tomlin, Bridge House, Mrs A. Roberts. The Clerk of the Rolls and Mrs Kneen. Mr and Mrs J, C Christian, Mrs Adams, Mr and Mrs Trustrum. Mr and Mrs H, Cubbon, Arbory-street. Miss L, Swales. Dr and Mrs Hannay. Mrs R, K, Kermode. Mrs Moore-Lane, Colonel Moore-Lane, Capt. and Mrs Thompson, Captain and Mrs Burbury, and Miss Moore-Lane. Mr and Misses Pleignier. Mr and Mrs Mushett. Mr and Mrs Pyne. Masonic Brethren, Lodge of Mona. Miss M, Gawne. Miss Trustrum. Lt.-Col. and Mrs Moore, Great Meadow. Mr and Mrs R, Moore, Santon. Mrs T. Fargher and Mrs Garside, Holmcroft. Mr T, Corrin and family, Parade, Tribute to a Manxman : Cushag wreath, Mr and Mrs J, E, Bell, Mr Kelly, Ballasharry. Mr and Mrs H, E, Gelling. :Master J. B. S, Gell, Westwood (bunch of flowers). Mr and Mrs G. Moore, Balladoole. Misses Moore, The Green. Mr and Mrs W, A, Stevenson, Westhill. Mr and Mrs G. E. Kewley. High-Bailiff of Castletown and Douglas and Mrs Gell, Westwood. Mr and Mrs Swales. Mr and Mrs Cregeen, Mayland, Douglas. Mr Narramore, Scarlett. Miss J. Walkington. Mr and Mrs W. Quayle. Mr and Mrs H, Kewley. Mr and Mrs Christopher. Canon Kewley. Mrs and Miss Kewley. Miss A. B. Watterson Miss McClellan.

The funeral arrangements were in ,harge of Mr Harry Christian, under-taker, who supplied the hearse and carriages, and generally discharged the trust reposed in him in satisfactory fashion. Mr James Cooper, Castletown, made the coffin, which was of massive oak, with solid brass furniture.

WILLIAM KERRUISH

Died June 2nd, 1908,

We regret to record the passing of Mr William Kerruish, master mariner, aged 82, who died at his residence, Waterloo-road, Ramsey, on Tuesday, June 2nd, and on Friday his remains were interred in Maughold Churchyard, a large number of Ramsey residents attending the funeral to pay a last mark of respect to the memory of the worthy old skipper, He was a native of the parish of Maughold, and was a cousin of the late Mr John Kerruish, coroner of Middle, the father of Mr W, M. Kerruish, one of the Douglas members of the House of Keys, His first command as a sailor was of the coaster Pilgrim, of Ramsey. In succession he was master of the Gratitude and the Kate — of the latter for 35 years, so that he came to be familiarly spoken of as " Kerruish, the Kate," He retired from the sea to enjoy a comfortable competency and well-earned rest, Though visibly failing throughout the last year, his last illness was only of a few days' duration, Twice married, his first wife was Miss Kermode, of Ballajora, Maughold; his second wife was Miss Teare, of the Guilcagh, Andreas, who survives him, He left children: Captain William Kerruish, now sailing from South America; Mr John Kerruish, Western Australia; Mr Thos. Kerruish, in Alaska; Mrs Quayle, formerly of Gob-e-Volley, Sulby, and now in Cleveland, U.S.A. ; and Mr Philip E. Kerruish, of Ramsey.

THOMAS WESTON

Died May 28th, 1908.

By the death of Mr Thomas Weston, which took place on Thursday, May 28th, Douglas is all the poorer. Mr Weston was a worthy citizen and a true gentleman in the best sense of the word. His constant effort through life was to avoid wounding the feelings of his fellows by word or deed, and that his efforts were successful is very evident from the deep sorrow which is felt on all hands that he has been called away, For some considerable time, Mr Weston had not enjoyed good health, A few years ago he underwent an operation which, while it relieved him from bodily suffering, left him much shaken in constitution. About a month ago he had another serious illness, but was apparently well on the way to recovery. On Wednesday, however, he had a relapse, and Dr Hamilton, his medical attendant, was summoned. Everything possible was done to fight his malady, but during Thursday morning severe haemorrhage set in, and at half-past four Mr Weston succumbed to the attack and passed peacefully away, Mr Weston was a son of the soil, his ancestors for many generations back having been tenant farmers in Staffordshire, and he himself was brought tip to agriculture, In the 'seventies, however, on the death of his father, the farm was given up, and his mother and her family, of whom Mr Thomas Weston was the eldest son, came to Douglas. Mrs Weston became the tenant of the Talbot Hotel, Athol-street, and ever since the house has been in the family. Mr Weston, while still a youth, proceeded to the United States, and resided there — chiefly in Texas — for some time, He returned to the Island nearly thirty years ago with a view to assisting his mother, who was in failing health, in the conduct of the Talbot. Soon afterwards he took out the license in respect of the hotel, and at the time of his death he was among the three oldest holders of licenses in the Island, When his mother died, he succeeded her in the tenancy of the Talbot, and it is not too much to say that under his management the hotel achieved a reputation second to none in the Isle of Man, Somewhat conservative in his ideas, he conducted his house on the old-fashioned and comfortable lines which generally obtained ere the tieing system and company-owned hotels secured a footing in our midst, His first and constant care was the comfort of his guests, and it was this characteristic which gained for the Talbot renown and prestige by no means confined to the Isle of Man. He was indeed a model inn-keeper — courteous in bearing, careful and attentive in business, and pleasant if rather retiring in manner — and if there were but more like him in "the trade," less would be heard of proposals for licensing reform, In his youth, Mr Weston took a great interest in manly sport, and for some years he was a playing member of the Douglas (Rugby) Football Club, in the days when Harry Marsden, Arthur Paul, the brothers Penketh, Alf Preston, Walter Lucas, and other players of fame, were members of the club's well-nigh invincible team. On retiring from active participation in football he was placed on the committee of the club, and in this capacity he rendered useful service. He was, too, a member of the old Douglas Amateur Bicycle Club, which was wiont, nearly thirty years ago, to organise athletic sports on a large scale at the Strang racecourse. He also became connected with a cycling association of later date. From the inception of ti,e I le of Man, Anglers' Association, which has its headquarters at the Talbot Hotel, to the day of his death, he was honorary secretary of the association, and he ever took a keen interest in the gentle art.

Ere his health broke down, he was a member of the Douglas Rifle Volunteer, Corps, and, in fact, there was no movement for the promotion of the physical well-being of the nation that had not his warm sympathy, For several years he took a prominent part in the management of the Isle of Man Licensed Victuallers' Association, and he retained his membership to the last. Of late years his hobby was horticulture and poultry raising, and in his devotion to these pursuits his rural breeding was of great assistance to him, It is not too much to say that a multitude of people will hold his memory green and will feel that in his death they have lost a warm-hearted and genial friend. Mr Weston, who was 50 years old, leaves surviving him a widow, to whom and his sisters cordial sympathy will be extended in their sad bereavement,

In connection with the funeral of the late Mr Thomas Weston, of the Talbot Hotel, Douglas, which took place on Sunday morning, there were striking manifestations of regret and sympathy. All classes of Douglas people were largely represented at the obsequies, while many, despite the early hour of the day, travelled from more or less distant parts of the Island with a view of paying the last tribute of respect to one who was held in such high and general esteem. Altogether the gathering must have numbered over 500 persons. The funeral arrangements were in charge of Mr Douglas Kneen, of St. George's Walk, and Mr D. Kelly (of Messrs Kelly and Gawne) marshalled the carriages. The chief mourners were Mrs Weston (widow of the deceased), Miss Weston and Mrs Hindley (sisters), Major Cardwell (brother-in-law), Mrs Tatlow, Miss Sims, and Mr Stanley Cannell. The coffin was covered with beautiful floral tokens from sympathising relatives and friends, and an open landau was also loaded with wreaths and followed the following gentlemen: -Messrs H. Bamber, J. Russell, Stanley Cowen, R. J. Grindley, A. E. Rothwell, T. H. Royston, R. H. Corteen, J. H. Cubbon, H. Webb, T. J. Halsall, J. Quayle, H. Bregazzi, E. Broadhead, R. Kay, S. Burgess, T. Bawden, J. P. Smith, W. F. Price, J. Bucknall, V. Bucknall, A. Radcliffe, Alderman Brearley, R. J. Maley, P. G. Cannell, B. Cannell, A. Cottier, J. H. Clarke (Pulrose), Joe. Clarke, J. Cain, H. Jenner, R. W. Douglas, R. F. Douglas, H. Rylance, F. Archer, W. G. Spafford, F. Windsor, J. Austin, E. R. Colebourn, R. Kneen, A. Jones, J. Breadner, A. Kitto, S. Watterson, G. Watterson, J. J. Spence, F. Clulow, Councillor Marsden, T. H. Cowin, J. L. Dixon, Thos. Grindley, C. J. Ion, F. D. Johnson, James Gelling, A. Cowell, John J. Proctor, W. J. Qualtrough, - Kewley (Finch-road), J. H. Kelly, Alex Robertson (Town Clerk), J. S. Evarard, T. Flux, W. Colquhoun, M. Sharp, R. Williamson, jun., G. Harris Robinson, Alf. Robinson, Councillor Fayle, E. Costain, F. Anstruther, A. S. Lilley, R. Quayle, W. Knox, D. H. Rothwell, T. E. Clague, F. Kelly, J. Blakemore, G. H. Horne, F. P. Johns , G. W. Morrison, J. L. Garrett, T. G. Kelly, J. L. Killip, Jos. Rushworth, Chas. Fox, jun., F. W. Falkner, H. Race, G. R. Cookson, Thos. Marsden, and many others. Nearly twenty carriages were in the procession.

The cortege proceeded to St. George's Church, where the first part of the service for the dead was impressively read by the Vicar, the Rev J. Campbell, Mr Geo. Burtonwood presided at the organ, and as the coffin was borne into the church he played "O rest in the Lord," while at the chose of the first part of the service he rendered the "Dead March " in " Saul." The procession then filed out of church, and slowly wended its way to the Braddan Cemetery, where the Rev J, Campbell read the solemn committal service, The oaken brass-mounted coffin was inscribed: "Thomas Weston ; died 28th May, 1908; aged 50 years," The tombstone here the inscription of Mr Weston's mother, who is interred in the same spot-" Hannah, relict of the late Thomas Weston, of Goldhurst, Staffordshire, who died 18th October, 1889, aged 55 years."

The following is a list of the flora.l remembrance offerings sent :
" A last tribute of love from his sorrowing wife,"
" With love and deepest sympathy from his sisters, Pollie and Sallie."
" With love and deepest sympathy frmi his nieces, Daisy, Lilley May, and Winnie."
" As a mark of esteem and affection from his brother-in-law, 'Major Cardwell."
" With love from Ma, Joe, and Rosie."
" With love from Bet and all at Dufiield, near Derby."
" With deepest sympathy from Mr and Mrs Stanley Cannell."
" With love from Jennie and Walter, Oldham,"
" With deepest regret, from Mr and Mrs H, Marsden."
" With deepest sympathy, from Stanley Cowin, Hy.Bamber, and JoeRussell." "With deepest sympathy from Joe Clarke."
" With sincere sympathy and deepest regret from Mr and Mrs J. H. Cubbon."
" Messrs J. and V, Bucknall, deepest sympathy, "
" Mr and Mrs R. Williamson, deepest sympathy."
" With deepest sympathy, from A. B. Rothwell, W, Smart, and H. Bregazzi."
"Mr and Mrs Johns, with heartfelt sympathy."
"Members of Isle of Man Anglers' Association. with deepest sympathy," Licensed Victuallers Association Committee, with deepest sympathy.-J. P, Smith, chairman; T, Kelly, secretary." " In sympathy, Mr and Mrs S. Burgess,"
" With deepest sympathy, from A, G, Spafford."
" With deepest sympathy, from Mr, Mrs, and Madge Muckley."
" With deepest sympathy, from Mr and Mrs G. Johnson, New Strand Inn,"
" With deepest sympathy, from L, B, Lilley."
" With deepest sympathy, from Mr and Mrs Atkinson, Liscard."
" With deepest sympathy, from Mrs A, Clucas."
" With deepest sympathy, from Mr W, H, Stephens, Manchester."
" With deepest sympathy, from Mr and Mrs Ansdell, New Brighton,"

MISS TRAVIS,

We regret to record the death, on Sunday, May 17th, of Miss Florence Travis, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs John Travis, of Rock Villa, Strathallan Road, Douglas. Miss Travis was an affectionate and dutiful daughter, and bore her long illness with patience and resignation. The funeral took place at Onchan Churchyard on Wednesday morning. Among the mourners were: Mr Travis (father), Mr F. G. and Mrs Callow (brother-in-law and sister), Mr Travis (brother), Mr Dursley, Mr Willison, Mr Stott, Mr Thomason, Mr Daly, Mr and Mrs C. L. Fraser, Mr W. Todhunter, Major Greer, Mr W. Lewin, Mr S. K. Broadbent, and others. The Rev Walmsloy Stanley, Vicar, conducted the service, and two hymns were sang in the church, and also a hymn at the graveside. The deceased was 33 years of age. The following sent wreaths:-Mrs W. Kermode, Priory; Mr and Mrs John Travis, Northenden; Miss Nairs, Woodville ;the Misses Nairs, Rack House; Mr, Mrs, and Miss Thomason ; Mr and Mrs Dursley; Mr and Mrs Stott; Dr and Mrs Mackenzie ; Mrs Daly, Eastfield ; Mr and Mrs Cowley and family; Mr and Mrs Willison and family; Mr and Mrs Fred Willison ; Mrs Callow and family, Hawthorn Villa; Mr and Mrs Skillicorn, Christian-terrace. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr J. C. Cowley, of Onchan.

EDWARD FARAGHER

Died June 5th, 1908,

Mr Edward Faragher, late of Cregneish, who left the Island about eighteen months ago, died after a painful illness on the 5th June, at the residence of his son, Mr. W. A. Faragher, Blackwell Colliery, Derbyshire. Mr Faragher was about 76 years of age. Possessed of considerable natural ability, and being a bi-linguist, he wrote over four thousand hymns or poems in English and Manx. A few years ago he translated a number of Asop's Fables into Manx, which were published in book form, together with the translator's word-sketch of Old Cregneish. Amongst those who held Mr Faragher in high esteem was Mr Charles Roeder, of Manchester, and this gentleman who it was induced the bard of Cregneish to allow his productions to appear in print.

[TO THE EDITOR,

Sir,-I regret to have to inform you of the death, on the, 5th June, of our old friend, Edward Farquhar,* late of Cregneish, at the home of his son, W. A. Farquhar, at 56 Blackwell Colliery, near Alfreton, Derbyshire, to whom he went a few years ago when he broke up his home at Cregneish, in consequence of his house-keeping widowed daughter and her two sons emigrating to Canada. I know it cost him a great fight, and it was with a bleeding heart he had to tear himself away from the native heath which he so deeply loved. There was no man who loved his Mena so much as he, and every fibre of his heart was intertwined with her traditions and memories of the soil. To the Island his death is a real loss-he was one of the old links; there was no other Manxman who was so steeped in its lore, and, gifted with a true poetical vein, he sang its beauties and charms. He was a master of his native tongue, and used to compose many songs and hymns in Manx and English. It is entirely due to him that so much traditional folklore has been preserved; he had a fine memory, and his knowledge of things Manx seemed to be inexhaustible, which he would communicate with unreserved readiness and liberality to those who enjoyed his friendship. He was a great admirer of Milton and Scott, and an earnest and very religious man. He translated some of AEsop's Fables" into Manx, and contributed largely to "Manx Notes and Queries," A sketch of his life is given in the former. He suffered many disappointments, and as a fisherman led a very strenuous life; and the unmerited harshness he experienced during the last few years before leaving Cregneish, from some of the village people, left a deep mark upon his sensitive heart, May he rest in peace and his memory be ever green! He died at the age of 77.

I would have written before, but unfortunately the letter which announced his d~ath only reached me to-day-having been away from business during Whit-week.-Yours truly, C, ROEDER.

4 South Parade, Manchester, 15th June, 1908.

" Mr Roeder spells "Faragher" differently to the usual Manx way.

In his introduction to AEsop's Fables, written in 1901, Mr Roeder has the following :-

Edward Farquhar, who now stands in his 70th year, a true type of the " Manninagh Dooie," lives in the little hill-village of Cregneish, and has spent almost all his active life on the sea as a fisherman, and comes of a family of fishermen for generations untold. The Cregneish folk were just like a great fisher-family entirely to themselves, and little disturbed by the outside waves of modern life, with its rush and throbbing speed. They were frugal, hardy, and sea-toiling men, whose lives were divided between mackerel fishing and the harvesting of their little oat and potato crofts. The Mull, with its venerable stone-circle, the Calf, made memorable by Hall Caine, and the grand view spread varound, offers a sight scarcely rivalled in its beauty and impressive loneliness in the Island. They are dwelling in the high, rocky upland, amidst purple heather and gorse, and you can see the wild dashing and splashing breakers, and hear the roaring from the sea caves. The winter time is there rough and desolate, and the fishing is then resting, and they draw closer to their glimmering turf fires to tell weird stories and gruesome legends. It was here, in this mountain loneliness, so rich in natural scenery, that he grew up, and there is no man in the Island that loves his native soil more intensely, or is fonder of the contemplation of nature.

In his time, education was in a very backward condition, and a luxury few could afford, least of all, poor fishermen; for his schooling he was sent to Port St. Mary, where an old dame kept an infants' school for writing and ciphering. The nearest parish school was two miles away, and they had to take their dinner with them, the tiny things. He attended for two years, and became a pretty good reader and writer. There was little English taught and known in Cregneish, his mother being the only person who could converse with strangers. His father was a fair scholar, and wrote all the letters for the Cregneish people, and that was a great thing then. The family being large — there were twelve children — he had to go to sea very young, and joined his father's boat, fishing with him for seven years. In those days, to be thought a man, you had to give proof of your virility by hard drinking. All the fisher-villages were packed with ale-houses, and the " jough" went round merrily and noisily enough, singing and fighting alternating the entertainment. They were very successful in fishing — the fishing grounds yielded good catches then, and a great deal of their earnings went to the public houses; they were, to use a happy Manx expression, ` just like a cow that gave a canful of milk, and then put her foot into it and upset the can,"

Mr Farquhar is entirely self-taught, and knows his Scott, Byron, Milton, and his Bible well, to which is added a very retentive memory for the recitations of old ballads and folk-tales. His knowledge of Manx lore is simply unique; and as a man who can tackle a fish, or knows the ins and outs of the coast-line and its creeks and its caves, he is, I believe, unmatched. He speaks, of course, both Manx and English, and is considered to be one of the best vernacular conversationalists extant in the Island. He is of a poetical temperament, and was always able to make some verse, but his muse brought him little thanks, and the consequential jeers and derision of his uncultured companions and the buxom village belles, brought him more worm-wood than golden opinions. He never kept a copy until he was about 26 years old, and then began to write on many subjects — lyrical, contemplative, sacred., and legendary.

For a short time he went to Liverpool to become a safe-maker, working amongst Welshmen, who were worse English speakers than himself, and he learnt but little English there. His longing, however, for the sea and his heather-clad hills was too overpowering, and he returned again to Cregneish, and fished for mackerel at Kinsale and on the west coast of Ireland for twenty-five spring seasons. He has been shipwrecked and narrowly saved, and weathered great storms in his rough voyages. In middle age he married, and has a family, but has been a widower for many years, The earnings were good at first, but the last ten years have passed so poor that it is not worth while going fishing at all, and the men would be glad to give it up, if other employment could be found.

He has been a total abstainer for the last twenty years, and during that period he has composed about a thousand sacred songs and innumerable others, but seldom reads them to any.. He has achieved the great feat in his old age of translating the whole set of AEsop's Fables (313 in number) from English into Manx within four months, while not in the best health, and harassed by domestic afflictions. Should there be a public desire to have another sheaf of them, the publishers may not be unwilling to continue the series at a later period.

Mr Farquhar has done great services to Manx folklore, and it is due to him that at this late period an immense amount of valuable Manx legends have been preserved, for which indeed the Isle of Man must ever be under gratitude to him. His poetry is of the homely, descriptive kind, and appeals to the simple emotions of the heart. It expresses his deep and intense love for nature, and breathes a real religious feeling, His pretensions are modest — to have sung to himself has been a sufficient reward to him, Brought up in a different sphere, he would have gone forth as one of Mona's great and eminent sons.

Hall Caine, who kindly has perused a small collection of Mr Farquhar's verse submitted to him, says in a considerate letter he has written to me: " I have read the poems with pleasure; they skew a good deal of sensibility to poetic feelings — to a certain extent of emotion, That the author is a man of very amiable character, and that his love of his native Island is very tender and beautiful, is sufficiently obvious — a really admirable man, who has preserved a simplicity of natural feelings that is rather too rare," C. ROEDER.

MISS GELL.

In the death of Miss Gell, daughter of the late Sir James Gell, which took place at Castletown on Thursday, May 14th, the town of Castletown sustains a severe loss. In social circles she was distinguished by her kindly and genial disposition, and her benevolence made her beloved of the poor and sick. An ardent Churchwoman, her services were always ungrudgingly given in the interests of the young people of the parish, and for years she conducted a useful organisation in the Boys' Institute, where the young men of the town were taught carving and other accomplishments, She was president of the Castletown Nurse Fund, and she still continued at the head of that institution when its scope and objects were enlarged by the good offices of Noble's Trustees. As an amateur actress and reciter, she displayed more than ordinary versatility and ability; and, along with others, this talent she frequently exerted for the promotion of charitable objects, The respect and esteem in which the deceased lady was held not only by the townspeople, but by the Isle of Man people generally, was demonstrated on the Saturday following, when the funeral took place. No fewer than seventy wreaths were sent by sorrowing relatives and friends. The chief mourners were the High-Bailiff (Mr J. S. Gell) and the Rev W. Gell, of Pontefract (brothers), Mrs Hugh S. Gell, Mrs R. Stratham, Mrs J. Fred Gill, Mr and Mrs John Gell (Kennaa), Dr Gell (Peel), Mr Donald Clucas, H.K., C.P., and Miss Bertha Clucas. When the coffin was brought to 4he front of the house, on the Green, the Rev E, H. Leatham Locke, Government Chaplain, of St. Mary's, Castletown, announced the hymn " O God, our help in ages past," several verses of which were sung. The interment was at Malew, and on arrival at the church gates the cortege was met by the Lord Bishop, the Ven. the Archdeacon, and the Rev J. M. Spicer (vicar of the parish). Lord and Lady Raglan, attended by Colonel and Mrs Freeth, were in the church. The service in the church was performed by the Vicar (Rev J. M. Spicer) and the Rev E. B. L. Locke, and at the graveside by the Lord Bishop and the Archdeacon.