[From Manx Quarterly, #11 Oct 1912]

DOUGLAS PROGRESSIVE DEBATING SOCIETY

" OUR SOCIETY."

"Our Society " was the subject of a paper given by Mr S. K. Broadbent on Tuesday, November 18th, 1911, to the "Progressives." The essayist gave an interesting narrative of the society from its formation in connection with the Unitarian Church in November, 1890, and touched on the personalities of the men who have had most to do with the working of the society, and the essayists and lecturers who have taken part in its proceedings. He climed that the society had done much to stimulate intellectual life in Douglas, and to mould public opinion on social and political questions.

Mr Holmes, who is related to a Lancashire poet, at the close of an interesting speech, said he had composed a few lines for the occasion, and the meeting agreed to have them published

OUR SOCIETY.

To Argyle House, Marina Road,
On Tuesday nights we wend our way,
To settle all the knotty points
Of all the problems of the day.
We greet each other with a smile
As in the room we stalk,
And sign our names in various styles
While all the members talk ;
Until the Chairman with a dart,
Suggests we make a start.

Parson Chairman is a trump,
He gives us lots of play,
But he can make the Tories jump
When he gets on the way.
Two Secretaries we have got
The minutes to take down ;
You'll find one here as oft as not,
The other's out of town.
Ir: stretch your neck if you are able.
Tw'il see their handbag on the table.

Oar Treasurer Colster holds the cash,
A job he fancies never fear !,.
But, should he try to cut a dash,
He'll be relieved another year.
Vice-chairman Grindley, cool and calm,
Tory heavy-weight is he.
Liberals listen with alarm
To what takes place in Germany.
But still, from a progressive view,
He's more for singing "Kill-a-loo."

And what about our friend "S. K.,"
He's nearly always late,
But still he likes to have his say,
And loves a hot debate.
Then Mr Fyffe, the cannie Scot,
Another of the Tory ilk;
He's "no' so bad," and " kens whats what,"
And finds the water in the milk.
At Free Trade members he will rail,
You see he reads the "Daily Mall."

We've got another Scotsman, true
He never lets the engines race;
A stricter man you never knew,
He keeps the Chairman in his place.
Our old pal "Frank" we're glad to see,
His party views are somewhat queer;
And though at present he's Tee-tee,
He often talks of ginger-beer.
While telling stories full of mirth,
He'll book you anywhere on Earth.

We've Alexander Hough, also,
His Liberal views are very strong,
He's not been here this winter though-
I wonder is there something wrong.
Then there's the other Mr Hough,
Henry, of picture postcard fame,
A staunch Lloyd George's sure enough.
He seldom comes now-more's the shame.
There's no doubt he's a good debater,
Also an anti-vaccinator.

Then G. R. Halton, with his smile,
You'll find here nearly every night,
He's got a very racy style,
But still his views need putting right.
We've all beheld the noble sight
Of T . . m Dodd upon his feet,
He reaches to a higher height
Than any member you will meet.
The Tories to confound he'll try,
And also read us " Jus' the Shy."

In passing I must not forget
Our good friend Weatherill to name,
He thinks his views are strong, sand lyet
Methinks at times they're rather lame.
And what about the worthy pair
Of Constitutional Reformers;
Norris and Meyer are all there,
And very capable performers.
They strive to strike a knock-out blow,
And bring the Upper Council low.

Of Percy Johnson we are proud,
The gazer at the stars,
He often looks beyond the cloud.
We've heard him talk of " Mars."
Then Henry Simmonds has of late
Into our circle come
He's ever ready to debate,
And doesn't long sit dumb.
But on his name I mustn't linger,
Except to say he likes a "Singer."

With such a multitude of views
As you will hear expressed;
From such ability to choose,
And subjects of the best,
What wonder friends, that week by week
To Argyle House we wend our way,-
And, not in vain, for learning seek,
And vow we'll come another day.
On politics we love to fight,
Still, we enjoy a ladies' night.