[From Manx Quarterly #7 1909]

WILLIAM ARTHUR HUTCHINSON

Died September 23rd, 1909.

W. A. Hutchinson (from 60 Years of Banking)

Mr William Arthur Hutchinson, of The Groves, Union Mills, died, after nearly twelve months ill-health, an Thursday night, September 23rd, in the 5r the year of his age. To know the late Mr Hutchinson was to esteem him -nay, regard him with affection He was one of the mast popular personages in the Isle of Man, and his death will cause general regret. " Hutchie," as he was known to his more intimate friends, had a disposition of the sunniest and most genial character. Bright and happy even in his suffering, he had not an enemy-even his political opponents adored him and were constant in their friendship towards him. He was charitable in thought and deed, and ever sought to discover the good rather than the bad points of his fellows. His disposition was aø bright as, his cheery ruddy countenance betokened, and he always had a kind salutation for everybody he met. A native of the Isle of Main, he was the only son of the late Mr Thomas Frederick Hutchinson, of The Groves. The Hutchinson family purchased the Castle Mona estate from the representatives of the Duke of Athol camp 70 years ago, and eventually sold it to the old Castle Mona Hotel Company, and to the building company which in the middle of the last century laid, out the portion of the estate upon which the Victoria-road and Falcon Cliff properties are now built. Mr Thomas F. Hutchinson married Miss Elizabeth Drury, of Snugborough, sister of the late Rev. Wm. Drury, vicar of Braddan, father of the Bishop of Sodor and Man, who is thus first cousin to the subject of this memoir. Mr W. A. Hutchinson was educated at King William's College, and on leaving school he was articled to the firm of Hutchinson & Co., cotton brokers, Liverpool, the members of the firm being his relatives. On completing his articles he was appointed to a responsible position in Clay's mills, Brighthouse, Yorkshire, but while still a young man he retired from business and came to reside at The Groves on the death of his father. In 1900 Mr Hutchinson was returned to the House of Keys-as one of the representatives of Middle Sheading in succession to Mr F. G. Callow. He retained his seat until the General Election of last year. Ill-health influenced him on deciding not to seek re-election, but had he decided to stand there is no question but that he would have been returned. In politics he was a Tory of the old-fashioned type. and ardently advocated the rural as opposed to the urban interests. Withal he was a fair-minded man and never hesitated to admit error when convinced that he had been in the wrong. By all members of the House he was loved, and we are sure the most radical of them would have been delighted to see him back in the House. Despite his agricultural leanings his training placed him in commercial life, and at the time of his death he was a director of the Isle of Man Steampacket Company, the Isle of Man Railway Company, and the Isle of Man Banking Company, the three most important business concerns in the Island. When a young man hø was a fine athlete. An admirable exponent of Rugby football, he was a member of the Douglas F.C, at its inception, and frequently played for the club in the early 'seventies. He was, too, a good shot and skillful angler, while ø his keenness after the hounds resulted in his appointment some twenty-five years ago to the position of honorary huntsman of the Isle of Man harriers. a member of the Established Church, he was a regular attendant at Kirk Braddan. A few years ago he strove hard to maintain the voluntary system of poor relief in the parish, and that the old order had to succumb to compulsion was not his fault. He married Miss Patterson, of Rock Ferry Cheshire, who survives him. They had four daughters, two of whom are married-, while two live at home.

Although but very brief notice of the funeral of the late Mr A. Hutchinson, C.P., J.P., of The Groves, Union Mills, could be given, a considerable concourse of people attended on Saturday, Sept 25th, to pay the last tribute of respect to a gentleman who was so highly and deservedly esteemed throughout the Island. The hearse was preceded by the carriages of Canon Moore and Dr Mackenzie, and was followed by the carriages of the chief mourners : Archdeacon Campbell, Rector of Worthington (brother-in-law); Rev C. Postlethwaite, of Barrow-in-Funrness (son-in-law);Mr Percy Clay, of Bradford (son-in-law) ; Mr Harry Layburn, of Liverpool (brother-in-law); Mr William Wellings, representing Mr W. P. Evans (cousin) ; and the Rev A. Whiteley. In the next carriage came Mr P. Cain, of Camlork, a neighbour and friend of Mr Hutchinson's, with his sons. Following these were the carriages of the directors of the Isle of Man Steam. Packet Company, the Isle of Man Banking Company, the Isle of Man Railway Company, the Clerk of the Rolls, the Attorrny-General, Mr Geo. Drinkwater, Miss Harris, Mr G. R. Cookson, Mr D. Maitland, H.K.; Captain Kitto, H.K., Mr W. Kissack (Scarlett), Dr Richardson, and Mr W. F. Dickinson. Those present included the Clerk of the Rolls, Captain Kitto, Mr Jas. Burman; Messrs W. M. Corkill, W. A. Waid, and D. Maitland, and Captain Reid, of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co.; Messrs T. Stowell, J. McMillan, G. H. Wood, and J. Sproat, of the Isle of Man Railway Company; Messrs E. T. Kissack, J. R. Kerruish, H.K., and T. R. Cubbon, Isle of Man Bank; the Vicar-General, Col. Freeth, Mr W. A. Stevenson, J.P., Mr G. R. Cookson, Mr J. C. Crellin, Mr F. Browne, Mr J. M. Cruickshank, Mr R. D. Gelling, Mr J. D. Clucas, H.K., Mr A. Penketh, the Rev E. H. Kempson, :Mr Ramsey B. Moore, Mr J. W. Cubbon (Ellerslie), Mr H. S. Christopher, Mr J. Gerard, Mr S. Coven, Mr R. Cubbon (Union Mills), Mr Faragher (Ballavare), Mr D. Kannen (Mount Rule), the Rev A. E. Clarke, Mr J. Casement, Mr T. Levin, Mr E. Clarke, Mr W. H. Forsyth (Crosby), the Rev Canon Quine, Mr Wm. Lewin, Mr R. Radcliffe (Ballachrink), Mr M. Hampton; Mr Henry Cowin ; Mr W. H. Blaker, Mr A. Rigby, H.K., the Rev C. H. Leece, Mr S. H. Wilson, Mr T. J. Bridson, etc. The Isle of Man Railway Company ran a special train to Braddan and Union Mills, which was convenient to those attending the funeral. The coffin was covered with flowers sent by sorrowing friends and relatives. The service was conducted by the Rev Canon Moore, the Rev D. S. Cowley (Rector of Bride), and the Rev C. H. Barlow, the interment being in Braddan Cemetery. Mr E. Clarke, of Glenvine had charge of the funeral, and Mr R. H. Collister attended to the carriages and supplied the hearse and mourning coaches.

ROBERT CURPHY

Died September 9th, 1909

Douglas was startled on Friday morning, Sept. 10th, by the intelligence that Mr Robert Curphey, of Verona, a member of the Douglas Town Council, had died in Liverpool on Thursday night. At time of writing, no details as to Mr Curphey's death are to hand. On Wednesday he attended the monthly meeting of the Town Council and was apparently in his usual health. He took some little part in the proceedings, and there was nothing to indicate that his end was nigh, and the deduction is that he must have passed away suddenly. On Thursday afternoon Mr Curphey left Douglas for Liverpool by the Ben-my-Chree, and it was his intention to return by that steamer yesterday and to subsequently voyage by her round the Island. Mrs Curphey yesterday morning received a telegram either apprising her of his death, or containing an urgent summons to Liverpool, and she left by the nine o'clock steamer. Subsequently, Mr Andrew Caley, a relative of the deceased gentleman, had a telegram stating that Mr Curphey had died on Thursday night, but beyond this bald statement no particulars were given.

Mr Curphey, who was about 74 years old, was born at Renscault, Braddan, and in early boyhood removed with his parents to Bawshen. Marown. Subsequently he went to live at Ballayemmy, Marown now called Eyreton, and while still a young man he came to Douglas and started business as a seedsman in the Market Place. For several years he engaged successfully in this commercial pursuit, and eventually retired. On retirement he entered with great ardour into public life. He became a member of the Board of Town Commissioners, and in this capacity was a strenuous supporter of tramway communication between lower and upper Douglas. Defeated in an attempt to secure election as a member of the Town Council for Hills ward in 1896, he for some years dropped open interest in public affairs, but three years ago was returned to the Town Council as a member for Hills Ward, His term of office expiring this coming November. He was also for many years a member of the Douglas Board of Guardians, and indeed while the voluntary system of poor relief prevailed in Douglas, he took an active part in the administration of relief. On two occasions he sought election to the House of Keys for Douglas, but failed to secure return. He was a director of the very successful Douglas Tramways Company up to the time of its dissolution on the sale of the Douglas Bay concern to the Isle of Man 'Tramways Company, and he was also up to a few years ago a director of the Villiers Hotel Company. He was a founder of the Manx Bank, Limited, and was a director of the concern from its inception to its absorption by the Mercantile Bank Limited. Also he was a member of the Manx Syndicate which in the later 'eighties bought the Castle Mona estate and disposed of it for building purposes and the establishment of the Palace. Other companies with which he was connected as a director were the Douglas Steam Saw Mills Co., and the one-time Belvedere Hotel Co. Lately he joined the Orange Society in Douglas, and took considerable interest in its operation While travelling in North America some few years ago, he was prostrated with serious illness, and his return to the Island was considerably delayed. Since then he has not enjoyed the best of health, but he has been able to got out and about and to bear a fairly active part in the conduct of municipal and other business. Of religions and philanthropic institutions he was an enthusiastic= and generous supporter. Particularly was he interested in the Douglas Town and Seamen's Mission, in connection with which he was chairman of the committee. In private life, Mr Curphey was a most genial and kindly person, charitable in thought and charitable. in deed. He, was a Wesleyan Methodist, and worshipped regularly at Rose Mount Church. By his first marriage, with Miss Archibald, of Douglas, he had two children, both of whom predeceased him. His second wife, who prior to marriage was Miss Thompson, survives him.

THE FUNERAL.

The funeral of the late Mr Robert Curphey, whose sudden death in Liverpool on Thursday, September 9th, was announced in our: last issue, took place on Monday on the arrival of the Viking from Liverpool. Out of respect for the deceased gentleman, whose connection with several important commercial concerns and the Douglas Town Council and Poor Law Guardians made him a well-known figure in Douglas, the flags on the Viking and on other steamers lying at Douglas were flying half-mast. A large gathering of prominent citizens of Douglas assembled at the Victoria Pier to take part in the funeral procession, which proceeded by way of the North Quay to Marown Churchyard, where the interment took place. The Douglas Town Council was represented by the Mayor (Councillor Marsden), Aldermen J. T. Faragher, R. Corlett, and W. Joughin ; Councillor R. D. Cowin, R. Moughtin, J. Craine, A. Bough, J. Kelly, D. Gray, A. Gill, D. Flinn, W. F. Cowell, Granville Clague, and A. H. Fayle ; Mr A. B. Cuthbertson, Deputy Town Clerk; Mr F. Cottle, Borough Surveyor; Dir James Caugherty, Water Manager; and Mr Thomas Cowin, Borough Overseer. Of the members of the Douglas Board of Guardians there were present Messrs J. Corkill (chairman), J. Kelly (Christian-road), John Kelly (Buck's-road), W. J. Corkill, S. K. Broadbent, R.. Garside, S. O'Hanlon, J. G. Genlett, J. Phillips, J. J. Kelly, J. D. Kellett, and D. H. Rothwell (clerk to the board). The Villiers Board was represented by Messrs John Caine and John Maclean, and the Douglas Steam Saw Mill by Messrs M. Hampton, J. C. Cannell, and J. C. Cowley (directors), and Mr A. E. Crewe (secretary). Dr Marshall's carriage preceded the hearse. Other gentlemen present were Messrs W. Goldsmith, H.K., A. Lewthwaite, W. Collister, R. Radcliffe, A. U. Patterson, W. D. Cowin, T. S. Keig, IV. J. Kermode, H. Shimmin, W. H. Kneale (chairman of the School Board), M. W. Corran, the Receiver-General (Mr J. T. Cowell, J.P.), Thos. Clague (Port St Mary), Thomas Clague, junr., Thomas Stowell (manager, Isle of Man Railway), James Gell, John. Young, Wm. Thomson, J. T. H. Cottier, C. W. Coole., Douglas Evarard, T. Gelling, C. Cain, J. Kewley, R. G. Fargher, A. Hyde, Wm. Lewin, W. Bridson, .I. A. Gelling, W. Clague (Eastbourne), T. Champion, J. J. Davidson, 1!'. J. Cowan, G. W. Smythe, Jas. Moore, H. J. Collister, A. Stead, H. Watterson, R. Oakden, Jos. Fargher, W. H. Bridson, Stephen (Derby Square), ,'inelair, T. W. Creer (Manx Arboricultural Society), J. Moore (Santon), and others. The Orange Lodge, 736, of which deceased was the master, was represented by Mr J. Kneale (deputy master) and Mr J. Kelly (secretary). Members of the other two Douglas Lodges, Nos. 750 and 764, were also present. The principal mourners included Mr T. and Mrs McKneale (Lonan), Mr W. Kennaugh (Castletown), Mr and Mrs Jas. Gelling (Crosby), Mr Thomas Clague (Port Erin), Mr W. Kelly (Tromode), Mr James Creer (Ballacain), Mr J. T. Kennaugh (Castletown), etc. The Rev W. H. Moseley (Wesleyan) was the officiating minister. The Revs A. Bradfield and J. W. Hall accompanied the cortege. The oak coffin was inscribed Robert Curphey. Died Sept. 9th, 1909. Aged 74 years. Funeral wreaths were sent by Mr and Mrs J. B. Clague (" Valetta"), Mrs Newton and sisters, Mr and Mrs Maclean, Miss Gelling, Dr and Mrs Marshall, and the Douglas Town Council. Mr J. E. Douglas had charge of the funeral, and the carriages were supplied by Mr Walter Shimmin.

JAMES CORRIN

Died, September 10th, 1909.

On Tuesday, Sept. 14th, were laid to rest in Smithdown-road Cemetery, Liverpool, the mortal remains of Mr James Corrin, Detective Officer in the service of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co., Ltd., for the last fifteen years, whose stalwart figure and genial face were a familiar sight on the crack steamers of this noted line in the season, a ray of comfort and security to those who knew the reason of his presence, and a terror to those of the light-fingered and card-skarping fraternity who frequented the landing Stages and Piers on the embarkation and debarkation of passengers to and from the Island.

Mr Corrin was a Southside man, born in the neighbourhood of Ballabeg some sixty-five, years ago, but in his early days he settled down in Liverpool, where he joined the Liverpool Constabulary and served for some twenty-six years, experiencing a variety of changes in this, which may be rightly termed, the finest Constabulary body in the United Kingdom. During a great portion of this time he was employed in the arduous task of keeping the cross traffic in the principal street of the city-Lord-street-in order. An exciting incident occurred during the time he was on this point, which is worth recounting. A boy, who was crossing the street in a hurry, tripped and fell just as a hansom cab was approaching at a good pace, when, with great courage and presence of mind, Corrin seized the wheel of the cab, lifting the same bodily over the fallen boy and almost dislodging the driver from his seat. This feat called forth the biggest praise from the shopkeepers in the neighbourhood, who, to mark their appreciation, subscribed for and presented the constable with a beautiful gold watch suitably inscribed, as an memento of the event. The inscription read as follows:-

Presented to Constable James Corrin, as a token of goodwill by many well-wishers, and as an encouragement to continue in the faithful discharge of his duties. Liverpool, August, 1889.

He was also an active pioneer in the formation of the Police Athletic Society and took a great deal of interest in every form of sport, more especially football. He was a trusted official of the well-known Everton Football Club, and as such his duties frequently brought him it touch with all the well-known players, and at most of the famous matches throughout the country he was always in evidence. About sixteen months ago he lost a favourite daughter, who, although she had been an invalid for the whole of her lifetime, was the pet of the family, and her death was to him indeed a severe blow, which he took very much to heart It was a pitiable sight to see this big-hearted and stalwart figure shaken by the emotion of inward grief at her grave side. It may be said that since this bereavement lie scarcely ever recovered his wonted good health, and on several occasions recently he has been obliged to give up his daily duties, and rest. Something less than a month ago, he had a seizure when attending to his work, which necessitated his removal to the Northern Hospital, and an operation which was considered necessary was performed a fortnight ago. Unfortunately, it was not successful, and Mr Corrin died on Friday of last week.

As a member of the committee of the Liverpool Manx Society, Mr Corrin was most assiduous, attentive, and punctual at the meetings when not away from hoarse, and was a careful and conscientious adviser, always looking on matters pertaining to the welfare of the society from the point of view of a member as well as a committee-man, his invariable object being to heighten the value of the work and to get the best possible results out of any scheme having for its end the advancement of the society. In this sphere he always made himself useful, and would take on any duty without thought of inconvenience to himself; and his colleagues on the committee feel they have lost a tried friend. That he was highly respected by his neighbours was particularly evinced by the marks of respect shown on every hand on the occasion of the funeral, the houses and slops along the roads the cortege travelled over having their blinds drawn, whilst the hundreds who filled the mortuary chapel and congregated around the, grave, including many of his old colleagues in the Constabulary, some of whom came from quite a distance, gave ample evidence of the high esteem in which Mr Corrin was held. The principal mourners were Mrs Jas. Corrin (widow), Messrs James and Alfred Corrin (sons), Mr William Corrin (brother-in-law), Mrs William Corrin, Mrs Sarah Parks, and Mrs Donnelly (sisters-in-law), Mr Robert Sampson and Mr Charles Sampson (nephews), Mrs C. Sampson and Mrs F. Coops (nieces), Mrs J. Corrin (daughter-in-law) and Miss Rita Corrin. Representing the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co. were Messrs Fred Orford, S. Jenkins, J. Todd, T. R. Hughes, and J Coutts. Representing the City Police were: Ex-Chief Detective Inspector J. Robertson, Detective Inspector LaMothe, Inspector Keelam, Detective Inspector W. Kelly, Detective Inspector Henry Mylchreest (Coroner's Beadle), Ex-Inspector John Stowell; Sergeants Quayle, Fayle, and Nelson, Inspector Murphy, Ex-Inspectors Batty and Nelson ; Ex-Sergeants Fleetwood and Chapman; Constables Corlett, Watterson, Brancker, Sinclair, Boyd, Hunt, Chapman, and others. Representing the Liverpool Manx Society were Supt. Stowell (chairman), Mr J. Scarfe (president), Mr Theo. Lowey, C.C. (ex- president) ; Messrs T. Qualtrough, J. T. Cowin, J. H. Kneen, Walter Moore, William Moore, and Robert Kneen (vice-presidents), Joseph Lowey (trustee), Thomas Kissack (hon. treasurer), John Costain (hon. secretary), J. R. Comaish, J. E,. Teare,J. T. Watterson, Sergeant F. Corkill, Inspector W. J. Callin, John Kay, B.A., S. Watterson, Robert Killip J.P. (members of the committee), and William McNally. There were also present Messrs J. Richman, junr., John C. Lowe, John Sarson, Capt. J. Moolton, V. Allen, Mrs Capt. W'. C. Corrin, Miss Nellie Corrin, Mrs Fred Craine, Mr J. Craine Mrs lt. Simcock, Mr John J. and Mrs Caine, Mr W. Gradwell, and numerous atltiers. Wreaths were sent by Mrs Corrin (widow), Members of the family, Isle of Man Steam Packet Co.'s employees, a beautiful wreath in the form of an. anchor in variegated flowers from the ticket contractors on the boats, the Members Of the Liverpoool Manx Society, Liverpool Police Athletic Society, Mr and Mrs Fred Bridson (Douglas), Mr and Mrs Wm. Corrin and family, Mr and Mrs James and family, Mr and Mrs Christian and family, Ms and Mrs Hill, Mr and Mrs James Corrin., junr, and family; Mr and Mrs Harold Wells (London), Mr and Mrs Taylor and family, Mr and Mrs Sampson. Mr and Mrs Webster and family, Mr and Mrs Armitage and family, Mr and Mrs Parry and farnily, Mr Street and Miss C'hadwick, and others. The officiating clergyman was the Rev J. E. Houglhtorn, M.A., Vicar of St. Gabriel's, Toxteth Park. The organist played the "Marche Funebre" (Chopin) whilst the congregation filed into the Cemetery Chapel, and "The Dead March" in Saul' ws played at the conclusion. A favourite hymn of the deceased-"Rock of Ages "-was very feelingly sung. Messrs T. H. Porter and Son carried out the funeral arrangements in the most perfect manner, under the personal supervision of Mr T. H. Porter, junr., a. personal friend of the, deceased, and a colleague for some years on the committeo of the Manx Society.