[From Manx Quarterly, #11 Oct 1912]

VANCOUVER MANX SOCIETY.

ANNUAL RE-UNION.

" Man, through all ages of revolving time,
Unchanging man, in every age and clime,
Deems his own land of every land the pride.
Beloved of heaven o'er all the world beside,
His home, the spot of earth supremely blest,
A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest,"

In Vancouver, despite its mercenary tendencies, patriotic societies are numerous and nourishing — the Sons of England, the Sons of Scotland, the Caledonian Society, the Sons of Ireland, a Welsh society with a dreadful Welsh name, the East Anglians, the Tynesiders, the West Country Society, the Lancashire Old Boys, the Yorkshire Old Boys, the Bristol Old Boys, the Orkney and Shetland Association, the, Australasian Society, the London Old Boys, and many others, Few immigrants have occasion to feel altogether "from home" in this cosmopolitan city,

Vancouver seems to have a magnetic influence over Manx people. Anyway, they are here in increasing numbers, "from the north an' the south, an' the eas' and the wes'," and the Vancouver Manx Society were "at home " to their friends and fellow-countryfolk on New Year's night, The response was most gratifying, close upon 200 persons attending the re-union. A notable feature of the gathering was the number of new faces present. The Orange Hall presented an animated scene or making ana renewing acquaintances prior to the start of the proceedings, It should be mentioned here that among the decorations were pictures of "Douglas Head" and "Bradda Head," painted' by one of our Manx Vancouverites, Mr Robert H. Dodd. Feasting was inaugurated by the singing of grace to Dr. Clague's tune, "Crofton." When everyone had had a chance to relieve the tables of a proper share of burden, the retiring president, Mr A. E. Stevenson, called the meeting to order and proposed "The King," which toast was honoured with becoming loyalty, Then Mrs Johnson and Miss Bessie Kelly rendered a piano duet, and songs were given by Mr W, Mudie and J. J. Cornish. The toast " Ellan Vannin " was honoured in the usual manner — the singing of "My own dear Ellan Vannin." Mr Kinrade, in responding, remarked that as of the latest comers he could testify that leaving one's old home to look for a new one not all fun, but a great many Manx people are obliged to take such a course under existing conditions, He did not formerly feel pleased when he heard it said that the best people go abroad, but he had begun to feel more favourable to the idea he had come away himself! While deploring the declension of Manx industries, he was yet hopeful as to the future of their Island, as some wrongs must soon be righted.

Mr F, Kewley and Mr Alf Coole contributed solos, and a duet was sung by Messrs J. Watterson and W. J. Stevenson. The toast, "Our Adopted Country," was honoured by the singing of "The Maple Leaf." In response, Mr A. Lewthwaite said that, though not a native son of the Dominion, he might claim a sufficient extent of acquaintance and length of residence to warrant him in bidding his country-folk welcome to Canada — not that the conditions of this country are ideal, but because this was a land of opportunity, where the struggle for existence was not attended with the hopeless-ness which besets it in some parts of the world,

Solos were given by Mr T. R. Curphey, Miss Violet Quayle, and Mr W. J, Stevenson. Then "The Whiteboys " acted a folklore play, the characters being taken as follows: Turkish champion, Mr F, Kewley; King of Egypt, Mr Wm. Mudie; St, George, Mr J. Fargher; Sambo, Mr F. D. Corrin; the Doctor, Mr J. J. Comish.

To the toast "Our Society," honoured by the singing of "Comrades," Mr Alfred Kneale made response, commending to his audience the objects and operations of the society, and taking care to explain that it was not a gambling club, nor yet a matrimonial bureau, but a social organisation,

Mr Jack Watterson responded to the call for another solo, and then Mr Stevenson introduced to the assembly the members of the society's executive for 1912, as follows: Past President, Mr Alfred E. Stevenson, ,2,763 Powell-street; president, Mr J. Joseph Comish, 1.809 Eleventh-avenue, East; vice-president, Mr J, E. Costain, 515 Salsbury-drive; secretary, Mr Eden Q. Costain, 515 Salsburydrive; treasurer, Mr William J. Cain, 456 Pender-street, East; committee members, Miss Edith Cottier, 403 Drake-street; Mr Robert J, Thompson, 3,023 Victoria-drive; Mr Frank D, Corrin, 1,921 Main-street; Mr Ambrose Lewthwaite, 1,415 Commercial-drive; Mr Ernest G. Kermode, 450 Seventh-avenue, Fast; and Mr William Mudie, 1,921 Main-street.

President Comish gave a brief inaugural address, indicating the policy and potentialities of the society, after which the entertainment was officially brought to a close, and the gathering resumed an informal character, maintaining the same till one and all were satisfied that they really must get home,

As usual one of the celebrants endeavoured to take the census of the assembly, His list follows, and any errors and omissions being wholly inadvertent, and hereby apologised for. Readers will no doubt be able to sort out their own acquaintances: — Mr and Mrs J. H, Ashcroft, Mr Harry Ashcroft, Mr A. Ashcroft, Miss Gertrude Ashcroft, Mr Robert Barton, Mr T.E. Beck, Mr R. Bridson, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr J. J. Cain, Mr J. D. Cain, Mr G. M. Cain. Mr and Mrs W. J. Cain, Master Willie Cain. Master Jack Cain, Mr and Mrs T. H. Cain, Miss Jane Cain, Master Tom Cain, Mr John Callister, T. Clague. Mr John F, Callister, Mr Arthur Clucas, Mr John H. Clucas, Mr J. E. Connor, Mr Alf. Coole, Mr Bertram Corkill, Miss E. E, Corlett, Mr John Corlett, Mr Edw. Corrin, Mr F. D. Corrin, Mr E. Q. Costain, Miss Cottier, Miss Edith Cottier, Miss Flo Cottier, Mr J. J. Cornish, Miss Nellie Cowell, Mr J. F. Cowell, Mr T. Cowell, Mr W. Cregeen, Miss Mildred Cregeen, Mr Wm. R. Crellin, Mr Thos H. Crye, Captain Cowper, Mr and Mrs R. E. Craine, Master James Craine, Mr T. G. Craine, Mr J. K. Curphey, Mr J. W. Daugherty, Mr E. C, Daugherty, Mrs Davies, Mrs Deakin, Miss Sibyl Deakin, Mrs Dixon, Mr R. H. Dodd, Mr W. A. C, Douglas, Mr R. F. Douglas, Miss D. Edmondson, Miss M. Edmondson, Mr Jack Fargher. Mr George Farrar, Mr and Mrs Allan Fielding. Miss May Fielding, Miss Dollie Fielding, Miss Violet Fielding, Master Rae Fielding. Miss Stella Ferguson, Mr and Mrs R. C. Gale, Master Bert Gale, Miss Edith Gale, Master Jack Gale, Mr Geo. S. Gill, Mr and Mrs Caesar J. Gill, Mr and Mrs Wm. Gawne, Miss Gladys Gawne. Air and Mrs T, Greer, Miss L. Greggs, Mr and Mrs T, E, Griffin, Mr H, Grose, Mr E. Jeeves, Mrs Johnston, Miss Bessie Kelly, Miss Blanche Kelly, Master Douglas Kelly, Master Ralph Kelly, Mr and Mrs John Kelly, Miss Beatrice Kelly, Miss Bertha Kelly, Master Wilbert Kelly, Master Clive Kelly, Mr W, Keggin, Mr and Mrs Edw. Kermode, Miss Irene Kermode, Mr E, G, Kermode, Mr T. T. Kermode, Mr H, Kewish, Mr F, Kewley, Mr and Mrs W. T. Kinlay, Mr J. Kinrade, Mr A, Kneale. Mr Dan Kneale, Mr W. Kneale, Mr Jas. Kneale, Mr J. F. Kneale, Miss Lace. Miss Ida Lace, Mr D. V. Lewthwaite, Mr and Mrs A, Lewthwaite, Miss Mona Lewthwaite, Master Alex. Lewthwaite, Mr and Mrs W, H. Lindsay, Master W. Lindsay, Master T, A. Lindsay, Mr Marsh, Mrs F, Marsh, Miss Morach Marsh, Mrs C. B, Metcalf, Mr F. Metcalfe, Mr and Mrs T. C, Maddrell, Mrs McGregor, Miss McFee, Mr Wm. McGrattan, Master Donald McGregor, Miss Katie McGreggor, Mr T, McKinney, Mr Jas, Moffitt, Mrs Moore, Mr Wm. Moore, Mrs Morse. Miss Maggie Morse, Mr W. Mudie, Mr H, Muncaster, Mrs Pepke, Mr and Mrs J, H. Powell, Miss Evelyn Powell, Mr and Mrs Edw. Price, Mr and Mrs R, H, Quaggin, Miss Quaggin, Miss Katie Quayle, Miss Violet Quayle, Mr W. Quilliam, Mr and Mrs Ross, Master Douglas Ross. Master Roy Ross, Rev and Mrs A. M, Sanford, Master Aubrey Sanford, Mr Frank M. Sharp, Mr Thos S. Shimmin, Mr R. E. Skillicorn, Mr W, Sawyer, Mr H. Sawyer, Mr and Mrs A. E, Stevenson, Mr W. J, Stevenson, Mr and Mrs Jas, Taggart, Master Tom Taggart. Mr R, W. Taggart, Mr R, J. Thompson, Mr C. Watterson, Mr J. Watterson, Mr F. Woods.

PICNIC TO NEW WESTMINSTER.

The picnic-THE picnic, mind you-took place at Queen's-park, New Westminster, on Dominion Day (1st July), There was, however, no triumphal procession of "sociables." The Manx-landers of Vancouver made their way to Westminster by any route they liked. From Vancouver to Westminster you can travel by boat, on the "Pacific Highway," by two steam railways, and by three electric cars, The picnic ground was marked by a big "three-legged " banner, hung between two trees, Under the great firs the Vancouver Manx Society regaled themselves and their country-folk with suitable comestibles, and provided an excellent opportunity for re-union on the part of old neighbours. The period between the two festive sessions was largely taken up by a programme of events on the famous lacrosse field. As usual, the exciting item was the great tug-of-war, when about ten bachelors, arrayed against a similar number of married men. strove in vain to vindicate their right to a foothold on the earth, and on being given another chance, went down the second time to overwhelming defeat. The attendance was excellent; notwith-standing the cloudy look of the sky throughout the day, The subjoined list of sporting events is supplied by the Sports Sub-committee:

Race for boys under 12 — 1st, Willie Lindsay; 2nd, Jack Cain; 3rd, Bertie Gale,
Tug-of-War, married v. single. — Won by the married.
Race for boys and girls under 6, — 1, Jack Gale; 2, Edna Cain; 3, Phyllis Cain; 4, Madge Costain; 5, Beatrice Kelly,
Three-leg race. — 1, Douglas Kelly and Winston Churchill; 2, Bert Gale and Willie Lindsay
Quarter mile for men. — 1, Mr E, Q, Costain 2, Mr T, Connor.
Race for girls under 16, — 1, Blanche Kelly 2, Gertie Ashcroft.
Committee race. — 1, Mr F. D. Corrin; 2. E. Q. Costain.
Race for girls under 8, — 1, Evelyn Powell 2, Mildred Costain; 3, Irene Ross.
Race for boys under 8. — 1, Jack Cain; Clive Kelly; 3, Arthur Lindsay,
Race for single men. — 1, Mr J. Corlett; Mr W, McGrattan.
Race for single ladies. — 1, Miss D. Metcalfe 2, Miss M. Cregeen.
Race for married men. — 1, Mr A. E. Halsall 2, Mr F, E. Price.
Egg and spoon race for married ladies. — 1. Mrs A. Lewthwaite; 2, Mrs R. McWaters.
Race for girls under 12. — 1, Katie McGregor. 2, Jessie Priest; 3, Edith Gale,

NEW ZEALAND MANX SOCIETY.

Inaugural Meeting,

The inaugural meeting of the New Zealand Manx Society was held in the Socialists' Hall, Wellington, on February 1st, The Rev J. Dumbell, in the absence of Mr J. T. Griffin, presided over the meeting, and made an excellent chairman. In his address he outlined the aim for which this society had come into existence; if I may so put it, it is mainly to foster and keep fresh in the breasts of all Manxmen and their descendants the sweet memories of the dear little Island, with its beautiful glens, its golden gorse and cushag, purple heather, and its green hills by the sea; also to mutually help and assist any who may require assistance. The chairman referred briefly to the amount of money expended by both the London and Manx Societies during this last year in helping cases where help was needed, Mr Dumbell wished the new society every success, Mr J. Watterson, our energetic secretary, gave a very cheering and encouraging report, showing a membership of fifty-three — thirty-five in the Wellington City and suburbs, He then read an extract from the "Peel Guardian," stating a Manx Society had been recently formed in Sydney, Australia. Letters and telegrams of apology for absence, and wishing the society every success, were received from Messrs T. E. Corkill, A. Brew, J, Clucas, and J. T. Griffin. Although this society is just in its infancy, yet we are delighted that the invitation to attend the opening meeting met with such a hearty response, The enthusiasm manifested shows that it is a real live society, and speaks well for the future, It is hoped that ere long branches may be formed throughout the dominion. It was resolved to hold the next meeting in six weeks time, and to then make arrangements for a large gathering during Easter. The following officers were elected for the year : — President, Mr T. E, Corkill; vice-presidents, Rev J. Dumbell and Mr J. T. Griffin; secretary, Mr J. Watterson; assistant secretary, Mr Robinson; treasurer, Mr J. F. Turnbull ; committee, Mesdames Kelly, Watterson, and Griffin, Miss Quayle, Mr A. Quayle, with power to add to their number. Mr. Corkill was made a life member, The hall was tastefully decorated; bowls and vases filled with lovely ` blooms of oorreopsis and daisies were seen to advantage here and there about the room, while a large bowl containing fuchsias such as grow so profusely in the homeland adorned the chairman's table, not forgetting our symbol of the " Three Legs," which, in the form of a banner fastened on the centre of a huge Union Jack, was the central figure on the main wall; also the motto " Success to the New Zealand Manx Society." The banner and motto were the work of Mr J. Clucas, of Christchurch, Among those present were Rev J, Dumbell, Mr R, Corkill, Mr T. Kelly, Mr and Mrs Watterson, Master Roy Watterson, Mrs and Miss Callow, Mr and Mrs W. B. Callow, junr., Mrs J. J. Roberts, Masters Roberts (2), Mr J. Oates, Miss M. Quayle, Miss J, Quayle, Miss Killey, Mr A, Quayle, Mr and Mrs J. Callister, Miss Callister, Master Callister, Miss Humphries. Mr T. Turner, Mrs Ingerton, Mrs McWilliams, Mrs Cameron, Mrs Rex and little son, Mr and Mrs Parsons, Mr Calvert, Mrs McDonald, Master Cooke, Mr and Mrs J. F. Turnbull, Mr and Mrs Oswald Kelly, Miss Kelly, Masters Kelly (2), Mr Lloyd Moore, Miss A. Watterson, Mrs J. T. Griffin. During the evening a splendid programme added greatly to the enjoyment of all present, the following ladies and gentlemen contributing: — Song, " Ellan Vannin," Mesdames Kelly, Watters on, Roberts, Griffin, Misses M, Quayle. J. Quayle, Killey, A. Watterson, and Mr A. Quayle; flute solo, "Roses red and white," Mr Parsons; song, " Thora," Mrs Cameron; song, " Robin and Betsy," Miss A, Waatterson ; song, with flute obligate, "The Angels," Mrs Ingerton ; duet, " On the blue wave," Mesdames Ingerton and Watterson ; song, " Manx Exile," Mr A, Quayle; reading, " Phil and his mother" (from the "Widda Man "), Mrs J, T. Griffin; song, " Hush little darling," Mrs Kelly; song, "Mona," Mr Calvert; pianoforte sole, " Mannin veg villish veen," Mrs J. T. Griffin; song, " Ramsey Town," Mesdames Kelly, Watterson, Griffin, Misses Killey, and Watterson. The accompanists were Mesdames Ingerton and Griffin. An interval in the programme gave all present the opportunity to have a " cooish," and so form new acquaintances, and I think one and all availed themselves of having a friendly shake of the hand, and thus in a measure removing the stigma, or imagined characteristic of a Manxman — the being shy and " Tra dy liooar." But whatever may have been lacking in this respect was made up by the bounteous supper which was provided by the ladies, Included in the many and varied sweet and savouring dishes were " rael " Manx pridda cake, oat cake, bunloaf, etc. Needless to say every one spent a very enjoyable evening, Votes of thanks were accorded to the chairman, acrd to those who bad contributed to the evening's enjoyment. The meeting closed by all standing and singing the Manx National Anthem, 1:. J, G. P.S. — Any Manx friends intending to come out to New Zealand would do well to communicate with the Secretary, Mr J. Watterson, 21 , Cambridge-terrace, Wellington, New Zealand, giving name of boat, also probable date of departure or arrival in Wellington; so that if wishful they may be met on arrival on the Wellington wharf, E, J. G.

ANNUAL RALLY.

A very pleasant function was held in Wellington, N.Z., on Easter Monday, when a goodly number of Manx people, and people of Manx descent, met together from various parts of the Dominion to celebrate the first annual rally in connection with the New Zealand Manx Society,

The meeting, which was held in the "Tiffin," took the form of a drawing-room concert. Several small occasional tables and many chairs were artistically placed about the room ; flowers were also in evidence; and the banner, on which was the Manx Crest, with " Welcome," was hung on the main wall,

During the interval in the programme, ref:eshments were handed round, when an opportunity was afforded to make and renew acquaintances between fellow-country folk, one and all availing themselves of the opportunity of having a chat, the time for this friendly intercourse passing away all too quickly.

The meeting was presided over by the President, Mr T, E. Corkill. Among those contributing to the evening's entertainment were Mr J. Callister, who sang "Ramsey Town," and Mr J. W. Moore, who gave an address on "Manx Worthies," reference being made to Sir Mark Cubbon, who kept the Queen's peace in Mysore during the Indian Mutiny; also Lieut. Quilliam, who steered the Victory into action at Trafalgar. Mr Moore recited portions of " Betsy Lee," T, E. Brown's "Fo'c's'le Yarns," which were very much appreciated.

The Hon. C. M. Luke, a Cornish g,PntQe-n;an, conveyed greetings, as also did Mr Jones, on behalf of the Welsh Society, and a letter from Mr Allan, on behalf of the Scottish Society, conveyed greetings and regretted that he was not able to be present. Mrs Ellingham (nee Kerruish) and Miss Killey contributed songs in Manx.

Several of the parishes of the Island had representatives, the President and several others hailing from Bride, the two Vice-Presidents and the Treasurer from Rushen, and the Secretary and quite a host besides from Peel and surrounding districts, Braddan, Michael, Santon, Malew, and Arbory were also represented, and probably some more.

At the close of the evening, everyone expressed themselves that a very pleasant time had been spent. After all had joined in singing the Manx National Anthem, the President dismissed the gathering with " Traa dy goll thie " and Die Vie." E. J, G.

SYDNEY (N.S.W.) MANX SOCIETY,

The First Meeting.

A society has been formed in Sydney, N.S.W., Australia, to be known as the New South Wales Manx Society. The object of the society is the mutual improvement of its members and to assist by advice and otherwise fellow country-men on their arrival in this Colony; also to keep in closer communication with the Isle of Man,

The following officers were elected for the ensuing twelve months:-President, Mr R, W. Cottier; vice-presidents, Messrs Corkill, Magee, and Clucas ; trez.surer, Mr J. C. Radcliffe; secretary, Mr C. W. Kewley; committee, Messrs Kinley, Quine,and Kelly (M. G.). The first gathering was well attended, considering the short notice. Fully fifty have joined, and about the same number intend to do so when the society has got fairly launched — quite a satisfactory start for a young society, For the present it is intended to meet on the third Wednesday of the month, then, as the society gets in working order, and in communication with all kindred Manx Societies, say every fortnight. So far no hard and fait working rules have been adopted, but the, intention is to make the meetings as varied as possible, so as to suit the most fastidious. As open-air concerts and picnics are all the rage in flew South Wales at this time of the year, it is probable the new society will follow this routine to a large extent, Sydney, with its grand harbour and forty places of amusement, being specially suited for this kind of recreation. It is intended to hold a real Manx concert in the Society's rooms shortly, when the vocal items will be rendered by members, On Christmas Day, if possible, it is the intention to have an outing, combined with a real " tay fight," or as near to one as the Australian climate will allow; and to finish up with races for the children, also ducking for apples, both for big and little It will thus be seen that it is the intention of the promoters to be more Manx than the Manx in Ellan Vannin.

The following were present at the first meeting: — Messrs T. Quaggan, W, Quirk, G, Quine, T. Quine, J, Quaye, Bridson, Hawnt, J, Magee, G. C. Kelly, R, W, Cottier, C. W, Kewley, A. Joughin, J. Boddan, R, Boddan, W, T, Gelling, G, Wilson, J. R. Clucas, all from Douglas; Messrs J. T. Moore, R, C, Kinley, S, F, Shimmin, P, J. Williamson, from Port Erin; Messrs J. S. H. Cannell, W, T. Corkill, J. C, Radcliffe, from Ramsey; Messrs G. S. and E. B. Clucas, Santon ; Mr M. G. Kelly, Kirk Michael; Mr W. Kelly, Ballamodda; Mr P, Kelly, Port St. Mary; and these other names, Messrs Mylchreest, Cunningham, Garrett, Teare, Skinner, Crellin, E. H, Kelly, and J. B. Cottier, from various parts of the Island, The society's headquarters is the Protestant Hall, Castlereagh-street, Sydney, N.S.W.

Mr Charles W, Kinley, secretary of the new society, is notifying us of the formation of the new society, adds: — " We do not undertake to advise any person or persons to come to this Colony, The state of work here is good with plenty to do it, in spite of the Government reports. In conclusion, let me say that Manx seamen of all grades will be made welcome to any of our meetings when visiting this port. We wish all in Ellan Vannin and Manx folks in other climes, the Season's Greetings."