[From Manx Quarterly, #11 Oct 1912]

WILLIAM JAMES KERMODE

Died August 26th, 1912.

Had a plebiscite been taken in Douglas on the question, " Who is the kindest-hearted man in the town?" there is no doubt that the great majority of voting papers would have been returned filled up " William James Kermode." And when it got about on Monday morning that this personification of charity of thought and deed had passed away, expressions of deep sorrow were heard on every hand. Mr Kermode was both respected and loved by all classes of the community, and in his removal by death, everybody in Douglas lest a good friend. Up to four years ago Mr Kermode was one of the most active men in the Isle of Man, and to all appearances fairly brimmed over with good health. Just about the completion of his sixtieth year, however, he had a slight paralytic seizure; kidney trouble supervened, and towards the end of 1910 he entered Noble's Hospital for special treatment. On leaving the hospital, it was apparent that his condition had considerably improved, but, alas, improvement was only temporary of character, and it soon became obvious that he was on the down grade. His malady grew in strength, but with characteristic pluck he pursued his ordinary avocations almost to the end, and was, despite his sufferings, cheerful as ever. Some six months ago he had another seizure, but pulled through, though it shocked his friends when he got out and about to see that he was but a wreck of his former self. Still, he did his best to attend to business, and only last Saturday spoke hopefully of attending on Monday the half-yearly meeting of the Douglas Gas Light Company, of which concern he had been a director for twenty-one years. On Sunday his condition grew worse, and he gradually sank until about ten o'clock on Monday morning, at which hour he entered in eternal rest.

Mr Kermode, who was 64 years old, was the only surviving son of the late James Kermode, a Lonan farmer, who on giving up agriculture, came to reside in Hill-street, Douglas. It was in Douglas that Mr William James Kermode received his education and his business training — On leaving school, he became apprenticed to the late Mr Daniel Edward Gelling, grocer and wine and spirit merchant, and tobacco manufacturer, of Duke-street, Douglas; and after serving his time, he was for a period practically in charge of the extensive business which Mr Gelling in those days conducted. Nearly 40 years ago he, in conjunction with Mr J. D. Kellett, commenced business in the grocery and provision line, and as tobacco manufacturers, in Victoria-street. The firm of Kermode and Kellett soon secured a high reputation in the Island, and obtained a wide connection. About a dozen years since, the partnership was dissolved, and Mr Kermode continued to carry on the business, being assisted in its management of recent years by his eldest son, Mr William Kermode.

In his younger days, the late Mr Kermode took an interest in shipping, and his firm for some time owned the Lord Rollo, a famous trading schooner, sailing from Douglas. He was, too, one of the original shareholders in the Manx Bank, Ltd., a concern which became merged in the Mercantile Bank of Lancashire. In other directions he was largely interested in the welfare of Douglas, and either built or purchased a considerable amount of house property. His real estate dealings extended to Ramsey, and, unfortunately for himself, he invested a rather large sum of money in building on the Mooragh Estate. This proved a very unremunerative undertaking, and he, in his quaintly humorous fashion, was wont to deplore the day when he yielded to the solicitations of friends that he should have a stake in the gold mine which the Mooragh was bound to turn out

In association with the late Mr Thomas Cubbon. of The Priory. Mr Kermode founded the Douglas Coffee Palace, considerably over 30 years ago. Both gentlemen held strong convictions as to the harmfulness of intoxicating beverages, and both strove might and main for the advancement of temperance principles. They felt that some counter-attraction to the public-house was required — something in the nature of a temperance public-house, where men and women of the working class could be supplied with light and innocuous refreshment at cheap rates, and enjoy, if so disposed, a game of draughts or chess or bagatelle, and where the newspapers and magazines could be read. Accordingly they secured premises having a double frontage, the one to the North Quay and the other to the Fairy Ground, with a gable overlooking the 'Market-place; and in this building they established the Douglas Coffee Palace, an institution which exists to this day, and is carried on in the original premises by the same company which Mr Kermode and Mr Cubbon formed for the purpose of raising the required capital. And if the Coffee Palace have not fulfilled all the expectations of the more optimistic of its founders, it has served a most useful purpose in affording quayside workers the opportunity of procuring good food and non-intoxicating beverages cheaply. Moreover the Coffee Palace has always paid its way, the modest profits havng sufficed to return to the shareholders a reasonable turn upon outlay. For the social and financial success which has attended the institution, Mr Kermode was mainly responsible. From the opening of the institution to the day of his death he acted as honorary secretary of the company, and it was upon his willing shoulders that the burden of supervision of management mainly fell.

When the Belvedere, the temperance hotel on the Loch Promenade, which was founded by the late Mr James Cowin and carried on by him successfully for some years, was floated, Mr Kermode was constituted a director of the company formed for the purpose of acquiring and conducting the hotel, and he continued a member of the board for so long as the company lasted.

Though Mr Kermode's disposition disinclined him from taking an active part in municipal and political affairs, his sense of duty to his fellows induced him to seek election to the old Board of Town Commissioners, which was superseded by the Douglas Town Council in the management of Douglas. He was successful in his appeal to the electorate, and was returned a member of the board so far back as 1887, one of his confreres being Mr John Thomas Cowell, now Receiver-General, who was associated with him in much work of a religious and social character. Ever energetic and quick in business, Mr Kermode could not stand the circumlocution methods which in those days obtained in connection with municipal affairs, white the dreary speeches that were made at the Commissioners' meetings bored him terribly. His candour often impelled him to say out that which was in his mind, and this was not always flattering to certain of the other members. But his manner of reproof was merry, and his very outspokenness was so flavoured with humour that there was no resisting it. Indeed, Mr Kermode was extremely fond of a good joke, and the jokes he enjoyed most were those which were against himself. He had in truth a remarkable faculty for appreciating the humorous conjointly with the serious side of things. One term on the Town Board was enough for Mr Kermode, and he did not seek re-election.

That he eventually became a member of the House of Keys was due to the fact that the late Mr John W, Clinch. the well-known Douglas brewer, announced his intention to seek election in North Douglas, on the death of the late Sir John Goldie-Taubman, in November, 1898. The prospect of a gentleman concerned in the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquor representing the town in the elective branch of the Legislature was repugnant to Mr Kermode, and to very many other temperance advocates and workers — It was determined to bring out a temperance candidate in opposition to Mr Clinch, and Mr Kermode was persuaded to stand. Another candidate came into the poll in the person of Mc Robert Clucas, retired draper, but the contest really lay between Mr Clinch and Mr Kermode. The election was one of the most memorable ever fought in the Island, The Douglas Press took sides, the candidature of Mr Kermode being strenuously championed in the "Examiner," Polling took place on the 29th November, 1898, and resulted in the return by a not very large majority of Mr Kermode. At the general election in 1903, Mr Kermode was returned to the House for another term, unopposed; but in connection with the general election in November, 1908, he was defeated by the late Mr Armitage Rigby. There were four candidates for three seats — Messrs J. T. Cowell, W, J, Kermode, W. Goldsmith, and A. Rigby. The candidature of Messrs Cowell, Kermode, and Goldsmith was furthered by one committee. and the three appealed strenuously for a solid vote, and no plumping, Mr Rigby's opposition was, however, extremely strong, and when polling day came it was felt that either Mr Cowell or Mr Goldsmith must be beaten, but nobody thought for a moment that Mr Kermode was in the slightest danger of defeat, With a view, as it was thought, of returning the three who stood on the one ticket, many plumpers were cast for Messrs Cowell and Goldsmith, but so much was not done for Mr Kermode, who, as a result, had to be content with bottom place in he poll, And he took his defeat with the most perfect good Humour. As a matter of fact, he was not sorry to escape from legislative work, which he had never relished, He was too much of a free lance to submit readily to to disciplinary restraint and responsibility whch membership of the House imposed.

He made no secret of his belief that if the House talked less they would efect more good, and he was often impatient of the attempts of members to secure legislative materialisation of their fad His politics were in the main Radical character, but in some respects he had strong Conservative leanings. Of measures introduced with the object furthering temperance, he was a strong supporter, and indeed in this direction, was disposed to go further than his colleagues on the temperance side, With all classes in the House he was a great favourite, and no member was held in higher respect than he. He seldom spoke, and when he did it was usually to complain humorously of the loquacity of his confreres, His style of speaking was jerky, but he had a neat way of poking fun at the talkers which never failed to set the House in a roar, He served on several committees and boards of Tynwald, and in this capacity rendered most useful service.

By religion, Mr Kermode was an enthusiastic Wesleyan Methodist, but in his religious, as in his business life, he was extremely cheerful — gloom was altogether foreign to his character in every respect. Long before he achieved majority, he became a teacher in Thomas-street Wesleyan Sunday-school, and was subsequently appointed superintendent of the school, a post which he held for thirty years. In the twenty-first year of his superintendency he was presented with a handsome testimonial in recognition of his splendid servce to religious education, Secular education, too, had in him a warm friend. For very many years he was hon. secretary of Thomas-street Wesleyan Day Schools, and it was owing to his strenuous efforts and personal influence that the schools were kept going during the latter years of their existence — were, in fact, kept going when they would have been better closed, Mr Kermode never became a local preacher, but from the days of early manhood he was a class-leader, and in the course of his career he was a trustee of Victoria-street Church, trust treasurer of Rose Mount Church, and joint treasurer with Mr T. P. Ellison in connection with the rebuilding of Thomas-street Sunday School at a cost of £3,500. He likewise filled the office of circuit steward, and bore an active part in connection with all movements for raising money for Wesleyan objects, whether local or general,

So far as Douglas charitable institutions were concerned, he was ever in the van, and in their support he was unstinted of money and time. He was one of the hardest workers for Noble's Hospital, being a member of the General Committee and the House Committee of that great institution. Also he took a deep interest in the Isle of Man Industrial Home for Orphan and Destitute Children — in fact there was not a Douglas charity but found in him a good friend and substantial supporter. His private benevolence was unbounded, and there is no use concealing that it was frequently abused. Far too open Avas his purse to all who sought his aid — indeed indiscrimination in charity was one of his failings. Another was impulse — he frequently in his resentment of what he conceived to be a wrong course spoke his mind somewhat freely, and in so doing caused offence to friends, But it was impossible to remain angry with him, and it is probably a fact that he had not an enemy in the world when he died, Altogether, his disposition was a loveable one, and he counted some of his staunchest admirers among those with whom he came into conflict on political and temperance and other public questions, He ever took a great interest in boys and youths, and was always ready not only with good advice and cheerful encouragement, but with more substantial aid to success. Many people who are now prospering both in and out of the Isle of Man, owe their start in life to the influence and generosity of Mr Kermode, and some of them have not forgotten it, But there are others.

Soon after starting in business Mr Kermode married Miss Callow, of Ramsey, who ever proved a devoted helpmeet, and who assiduously nursed her husband in the days of his declining health, Four children were born of the union — three sons and a daughter — all of whom survive. These are Miss Annie Kermode, of Douglas; Mr Willie Kermode, of Douglas; Mr Charles H, Kermode, now of Seattle, U.S.A. ; and Mr John Kermode, of Vancouver, With Mrs Kermode and her children deep sympathy is felt in the hour of their sore affliction.

THE FUNERAL.

Amid many manifestations of sorrow, the funeral of the late Mr Kermode took place on Thursday, Aug. 29th, the cortege leaving his late residence at 11 o'clock for the Borough Cemetery. There was a large and representative attendance on the occasion, including members of the Legislature and various public bodies, while most Douglas business men were present.

The chief mourners were: — First carriage: Mr Wm. A. Kermode (son), Mr Hy. Crellin, Mr Percy Crellin, and Mr R, G, Fargher. Second carriage: Mr Kowley (Abbey Lands, Lonan), Mr J, L, Kneale, Mr Callow (Ramsey), and Mr W. Kewley (Abbey Lands, Lonan). Third carriage: Mr R, G. Fargher, jun., Mr R. G, Corkill (Ramsey), Mr T. Joughin, and Mr Stanley Kaye. Fourth cariage : The directors of the Douglas Gas Company. Fifth carriage: Dr T, A. Wood (Albert-terrace) and Mr M. W, Corran. In another carriage were the four ministers of the Douglas Wesleyan Circuit — Revs J. R. Ellis (superintendent), Wilson Stuart, M.A., B.Sc., W. J. Hartley, and J. C. Stuart (supernumerary)

Although there had been a request that no flowers should be sent, beautiful wreaths were forwarded by Mr Titus Kelly (a chief engineer in the service of the Steam Packet Co.) and Miss Gelling (West-view), who were unaware of the request

Service was held in the mortuary chapel, and the building was crowded, The Rev J. C. Stuart led in prayer, and the Rev J, R. Ellis and Rev W. J, Hartley read portions of Scripture, The hymns, " Come, let us join our cheerful songs," and " O God, our help in ages past," were feelingly sung.

The Rev Wilson Stuart said: William James Kermode lived a life crowded with service for his church and for his countrymen, and it is only fitting that we should, pay some public tribute in this, the hour of his departure from us, Daring his lifetime he was associated with nearly every department of public service in the town and in the church of his choice. In the Town Commissioners, Poor Relief Committee, and the House of Keys, all felt him to be straight; and true to his convictions, having courage to state them, and being prepared at all times to work to the last for what he believed to be best for the public good. In the Wesleyan Methodist Church, especially at Thomas-street, he was a great strength, ready to lead where others faltered, jprepared to admit of nothing but success in all Christian life and enterprise. He was connected with the Thomas-street Sunday-school all his life, either as boy, teacher, or superintendent, He was the head of the school, as superintendent, for over thirty years, and as he loved the school, so was he loved by every person in it, In his work as a class leader he was most successful in his influence with young men. He was president of the Douglas Wesleyan Mutual Society when, in its best days, it was training many men who have since entered the public service in Church or State. In all these spheres his sunny spirit and bright faith were an untold blessing to numbers of young lives, and set them in the right direction and in the right spirit along life's pathway. There are men in the Christian ministry and in various positions of influence in different parts of the world, living strong Christian lives, who owe their start in what was true and Christlike to his influence upon them. I have received a letter from the Rev Isaac Shimmin, one of his " boys," in which he says: " I can hardly express to anyone my sense of loss, for no one will ever know what an influence for good he was in my life, I remember the old days of ` Thomas-street,' when the young men used to meet in his class on the Wednesday evening-and we always came away stronger and better-and I shall never forget the Mutual Improvement Society, of which he was the leading spirit. There are men to-day in all parts of the world who are living the Christian life, and some of whom are preaching the Gospel, who were brought to Christ through the personal life and character of William James Kermode. He gave me courage when I first tried to preach, and it was through him I entered the ministry, And whilst in college, and later in South Africa, his letters, so full of optimism, were aways a source of inspiration and strength," In taking our last leave of William James Kermode, we are saying good-bye to no ordinary man and to no ordinary Christian. He was not made in any other man's mould, and we shall therefore miss him all the more. He was a fine example of how Christ can bring into captivity a unique personality, and indeed emphasise and give play to its originality rather than wear it down or suppress it to anything less than itself, All his distinctive qualities of character — and he was distinctive right through — were made more distinctive by the emphasis of Christ, He was one of those elemental personalities with which Christ can do so much, I think he can never have found it hard to have believed that saying, "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of Heaven," His personality was a simple one, in the best sense, No one ever suspected him of duplicity. He was clear as the day, open as his countenance, instinctive and impulsive in his sense of what was right and good, and unhesitating, immediate, and fearless in his pursuit of it; impatient of trifling and humbug, especially religious humbug, he got at the core of the matter with a penetration and singleness and fearlessness which were remarkable. Intolerant of all pretence and cant, generous almost to a fault in every case of felt failure and sincere need; very broad-minded in his religious outlook, catholic in his views when dealing with ultimate mysteries of religion and of personality and destiny, yet very determined and outspoken about the things which are clear and concerning which there may sometimes be practical motives for fogging with the less sincere and the less ruthlessly straight; tender as a child, laughing in his soul as a child, hopeful and trustful as a child, yet big and strong and persistent and forceful as a man could well be; humorous and bantering, but without a sting and ever tender, hiding his heart, yet giving it you all the time; full of activity and ceaseless energy, yet with an inner chalm. He was practical and shrewd, but without the least trace of intrigue; a fair, genial, kindly life, the friend of all, the enemy of none — except the false; never pushing his religion forward as a religion, but hiding it in a revealing life; never ashamed of his Master, his life an impulsive and immediate expression of the spirit of Christ within: a child's man, a young man's man, and a man's man, For he was ever a child, a youth, and a man all in one. He had that great secret of retaining the spirit of the phases of life through which he had passed, and he never lost his childhood or his vouth. And the secret of it all was his unbounded, his instinctive sympathy and love, He had been a child, and could never forget; and he was ever a child with children. He had suffered and he never forgot. Your joys were his, your sorrows too, No one could more naturally follow the injunction " Rejoice with those that do rejoice, and weep with those that weep." Unselfishness was the very fabric of the man's being. He was never drawing in to himself from you with indifference, suspicion, self-absorption; his very neighbourhood was suffused with his sympathetic nature; his soul expanded like a magnetic sphere of influence round his person and took you in. His unbounded charity was not a duty or an effort; i t was the irresistible outgoing of the man to the world which was drawn up into himself with its needs, To what a rich reward he has gone. The whole of our town can hear the King saying " Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in; naked, and ye clothed Me; I was sick, and ye visited Me; I was in prison, and ye came unto Me." And we can almost hear him in his self-effacement saying " Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, and fed Thee?"

At the graveside the Rev Wilson Stuart read the Committal Service,

Mr R. H, Collister, H.K., provided the carriages, and Mr J. E, Douglas carried out the funeral arrangements,

THOMAS MILNER DODD

Died August 26th, 1912,

On Monday, Aug. 26th, Castletown was plunged into grief by the quickly spreading news that Mr Thomas Milner Dodd, grocer and wine and spirit merchant, had passed away. Mr Dodd, who was in the fifty-sixth year of his age, had been in but indifferent health for some time past. About four months ago he underwent an operation in the Liverpool Infirmary for kidney trouble, and obtained relief, which, however, only proved temporary of character. A relapse took place, and his condition became such as to occasion Mrs Dodd and his family grave misgivings. Gradually he grew worse, and the end came, at his residence, The Cottage, Bowling Green-road, on Monday morning. Mr Dodd's father was a commercial traveller from Manchester, who married a Manx lady. One of the two sons born of their union was the subject of this memoir. From early youth Mr T. M. Dodd was brought up in Castletown by his aunt, who was the wife of Mr John Taggart, of Castletown, the most prosperous grocer and wine and spirit merchant in the Isle of Man. Trained to business in his urcle's shop and counting-house, Mr Dodd, on the death of Mr Taggart over twenty years ago, succeeded to the extensive concern, and carried it on successfully up to 1899, when he disposed of it for £24,000 to the Isle of Man Breweries, Ltd. In due course the Breweries Company had to go into liquidation, and Mr Dodd repurchased the business for about one-sixth of the money he had received for it. Since then he had conducted the undertaking in conjunction with other enterprises in which he was interested. He formed the Castletown Golf Links, and built the handsome Fort Island Hotel. This admirably conducted concern he floated, and joined the board of the company which was formed for its acquisition. He always took a leading part in the management of the company and it was in great measure due to his untiring energy and constant care that the hotel became one of the most popular golfing resorts in the British Isles. Mr Dodd's private business made such large demands upon his time that he never felt justified in yielding to the numerous solicitations which were poured upon him that he should seek membership of the Castletown Board of Commissioners and of the House of Keys. Had he consented to stand for election to either body, there is not the slightest doubt but that he would have been returned, for a more popular gentleman did not walk Castletown. He was both respected and esteemed by all who knew him — respected for his business integrity and esteemed for his modesty, geniality, and kindness of heart. He was a staunch Churchman, and both St. Mary's Church, Castletown, and the Parish Church of Malew were substantially aided by him. He married the youngest daughter of the late Mr James Kewley, chief clerk in the Rolls Office. Mrs Dodd survives her husband, and with their children — twin sons and a daughter — mourns the loss of a devoted husband and an affectionate father.

THE FUNERAL.

The funeral of the late Mr Dodd took place on Aug. 29th, and the esteem in which he had been held was evidenced by the large attendance, most of the principal people in the South of the Island being present. The chief mourners were : — Messrs R. F. and B. F. Dodd (sons), Mr George F. Dodd (only brother), Mr John Kelly (Baldroma), Mr George Doyle (Derbyhaven), Mr Edwin Faragher (cousins), Rev J. W. Kewley (of Matlock) and Mr G. E. Kewley (brothers-in-law), Mr Percy Rigby, and Mr John Kermode. As the cortege walked through the town blinds were drawn and shops were closed. All Mr Dodd's shop staff were present. Miss Spicer played " O rest in the Lord " on entering Malew Church, and the "Dead March" in " Saul " on leaving the church.

COL. WILLIAM JAMES ANDERSON

Died September 5th„ 1912.

At a ripe old age, Col. William James Anderson, for well nigh quarter of a century Receiver-General of the Isle of Man, passed away on Thursday, September 5th, the closing scene of the career being his residence in Woodbourne-square, Douglas. When he resigned the post of Receiver-General, Col. Anderson was in declining health, and from that time to the end he was in great measure confined to the house, so that the news of his death was not unexpected. During his last long illness he was assiduously attended by his only son, who returned from Florida on being apprised that his father's condition of health was becoming serious. Born in Douglas 81 years ago, Col. Anderson in early youth went to reside at Ballacooiley, Kirk Michael, a property which his father owned. One of his sisters was married to the late Mr Robert John Moore, for many years High-Bailiff of Peel, and another became the wife of the late Mr William Lumsden, of Ballaspet, Patrick. Col. Anderson was educated in the Isle of Man, and on leaving school entered the army, at the age of 17, as a subaltern in a marching regiment. For about thirty years he served with the old 32nd foot (now 1st battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry), and rose step by step until he retired some thirty rs ago with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. the course of his army career he saw nsiderable foreign service, and was for long time stationed with his regiment Mauritius, India, and South Africa. his retirement he came to live his native Island at Ballacooiley, erelong was elected to the House of eys as one of the representatives of Glenfaba Sheading. In 1886 he resigned membership of the elective branch of Legislature on being appointed receiver-General of the Isle of Man in succession to the late Mr William Bell Christian, of Milntown. The office of Receiver-General carries with it a seat in the Legislative Council of the Island, so that Col. Anderson continued to take a part in the proceedings of the Legislature for another period of twenty-three years, and he was, on his resignation of the Receiver-Generalship in 1909, the senior member of the Tynwald Court, with the possible exception of the Speaker of the House of Keys (Mr Dalrymple Maitland, J.P.). In 1880 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace, and in this capacity there is no question of seniority, his appointment being prior of date to that of any of his fellow magistrates in the Island. As a legislator, Col. Anderson was never prominent, but he brought to bear in the discharge of his duties as a law-maker, that conscientiousness and sound common-sense which distinguished him in all departments of public life with which he became connected. He was a very practical man with a wonderfully wide knowledge, and these characteristics; combined with his breadth of view, rendered him a most valuable member of the many administrative boards to which he was appointed or elected. For twenty-two years he was chairman of the Highways Board, and was also a member of the Asylums and Assessment Boards. He sat too on many special committees of Tynwald, his suggestions and his wide experience in many parts of the world being always most helpful to his colleagues. Singularly unassuming and courteous of demeanour and tolerant of the opinions of others, he was by nature as he was by training and calling, a gentleman of the type which is all too rapidly passing. During his term as Receiver-General, he was associated with the construction of many harbour works of considerable importance to the Isle of Man, such as the extension of the Victoria Pier, the erection of the Queen's Pier at Ramsey, and the building of the Alfred Pier at Port St. Mary, and of the Peel breakwater. In regard to all of these he displayed an astonishing acquaintance with works construction and with quantities and cost; and the same remark applies to the part he took as chairman of the Highway Board in the making of the new mountain roads from Craig-ne-Baa to Laxey, and from Snaefell to Ramsey. For some years after Col. Anderson had passed the Psalmist's span of life — three score years and ten — he maintained extraordinary vigour. His tall and spare and somewhat stooped form was tough as steel, and when well on in years he had powers of endurance which were the envy of men in the prime of life. As a pedestrian he was simply marvellous. With him a walk of fifty miles without stopping for refreshment was a mere nothing, and shortly after leaving the army he undertook to emulate a feat which up to then had only been achieved by one man — the late Mr John Cannell. at one time coroner of Middle Sheading. This consisted in touching the main door of each of the churches of the seventeen ancient parishes — Patrick, German, Marown, Michael, Ballaagh, Jurby, Andreas, Bride, Lezayre, Maughold, Lonan, Onchan, Braddan, Santon, Malew, Arbory, and Rushen — into which the Isle of Man is divided, in the course of a walls which did not extend over twenty-four continuous hours. He accomplished the task, and some years afterwards, when he must have been close on sixty, he repeated the achievement inside twenty hours. When it is taken into consideration that the feat involved a walk of seventy-eight miles — much of it over rough and hilly roads — the accomplishment must be regarded as one of the finest, so far as a display of physical prowess is concerned, on record. While serving in Mauritius, too, he visited Madagascar, and walked across that great island — a distance of 400 miles. That he possessed such powers of endurance was in great measure due to the simplicity and temperance of his life. He was a great believer in the virtues of fresh air, cold water, and frugal yet nourishing meals. On one occasion he horrified certain fellow members of a committee of Tynwald which was dealing with an application as to the water supply of Peel. The question arose as to what was a fair average daily supply of the indispensable fluid per head of the population, and a witness gave it as his opinion that fifty gallons was reasonable figure. Some members of the committee were inclined to regard the estimate as extravagant, and so expessedr themselves, but Col. Anderson remark " Well, it may be too much for you, but it's not sufficient for me. I use that quantity in my bath every morning." Hence the horror, one member going far as to suggest that in regard to the use of cold water the Colonel was enthusiastic to the point of monomania. In private life Col. Anderson was retiring of character, but he was good company, and had a fine fund of anecdote. He married a Miss Thomas, of Kirk Patrick, who pre-deceased him many years ago. Their family consisted of one son — Mr Arthur Scott Anderson — and two daughters. One of the daughters is the wife of Dr Ernest Black, formerly of Douglas. Nearly twenty years ago Dr Black returned to Australia, his native country, and was accompanied by Mrs Black, but they have for some time past resided in London. The other daughter became Mrs J. C. Crellin, of Ballacurry, Andreas, and her death, which occurred a few years ago, was a severe blow to Col. Anderson.

THE FUNERAL.

The funeral of Col. Anderson took place on September 9th. The cortege left the deceased's late residence, Woodbourne-square, at 10-30 in the morning, for Kirk Michael. There were in the first mourning coach: Mr Arthur S. Anderson (son), Mr John C. Crellin (son-in-law), and Mr M. M. Bridson (secretary to the Harbour Board, of which the deceased, as Receiver-General, was for eighteen years chairman). Amongst others present at Douglas were the Deemster Callow, the Canon Savage, Captain Kitto, H.K., Mr R. H. Collister, H.K., Dr Mackenzie, Messrs W. H. Blaker (engineer to the Harbour Board), C. C. Buckler (assistant engineer), Robert Clucas, J.P., W. A. Stevenson, J.P. (Castletown), Leigh Goldie-Taubman, J.P., G. R. Cookson, J. H. Clarke, A. M. Jackson, H. Cowle, Robt. Quayle (Athol-street), Richard Radcliffe, Hy.. Cowin (secretary to the Assessment Board), R. H. Cubbin (secretary to the Highway Board), W. A. Kay (Surveyor-General), J. S. Devereau, Jos. Kay, J.P., J. Morrison (harbour master of Peel), Quirk (Ballacosnahan, Patrick), etc. The interment took place in the family vault at Michael, the service in the church and at the graveside being conducted by the Rev Canon Savage. Among those present at Kirk Michael were the Lieut.-Governor, the Lord Bishop, the Clerk of the Rolls, the Speaker of the House of Keys, the High-Bailiff of Ramsey, Mr R. S. Corlett, H.K., Mr Thos. Allen, J.P., and several others.

MR. TOM CORRIN.

DEATH of Mr Tom Corrin. — One of the last links with the palmy days of Castletown was severed on Friday, March 8th, by the death of Mr Tom Corrin, of the Parade, Castletown, who passed away suddenly. Mr Corrin who was a son of the late Reverend William Corrin, Vicar of Rushen, a famous and highly respected Manx parson of the old school, was for many years manager of the Castletown branch of the Isle of Man Banking Company, Limited, a position which he held up to his retirement some few years ago, with much acceptance. He was kindness and geniality personified, and no resident in the southern part of the Island was held in greater esteem by all classes Up to the last he took a great interest in public matters, his devotion to movements which had the well-being of Castletown at heart being particularly marked. Mr Corrin had attained to the goodly age of 83, but his robust, physique and big heart enabled him to carry his years well. He will be much missed y a large circle of acquaintance. Much sympathy is felt with his bereaved family. he funeral took place on Tuesday and was largely attended. Interment took place at Malew Churchyard. Floral tributes were sent by the following : The family; Mrs Mallock and children; Son; High-Bailiff, Mrs Gell and Jim; Mrs Jefferson, Ballahot ; Miss Crellin; Col, and Mrs Moore, Great Meadow ; Mary and Eunice ; Miss McClellan ; Miss Gell; Mrs Clucas, Thornhill; Mrs and Miss Moore Lane, and Col. and Mrs Thompson; Mrs Ralfe; Bridge House: Mr and Mrs J. T. Gell : Mr and Mrs Stevenson, West Hill; Mr and Mrs Kempson ; Mr and Mrs Mellor ; Gas. employees; Miss Gawne ; Jeffcott and Mrs A. Roberts; Mr Moore, Billown ; Mr Pleignier and daughters.

MR. WM. COLLISTER.

Mr William Collister, an old and respected Douglas man, died at his residence, The Quinta, Victoria-road, on July 30th. For many; years Mr Collister carried on an extensive business in Douglas as a dealer in corn, flour, apd provender; and on his retirement he took a great interest in the Douglas Steam Saw Mill and Timber Company, Ltd., of which concern he was for a long time managing director. He rendered Douglas good service as a member of the School Board for several terms, and otherwise took a useful part in public affairs. Of unassuming demeanour, Mr Collister was held in high esteem by those who knew him, and who had opportunities of acquainting themselves of his strict probity and kindly nature. He leaves a widow and several sons and daughters, all of whom are grown up. He had attained to the ripe age of 80 years. The funeral took place on Friday, Aug. 2nd, interment being in St. George's churchyard. Mr Collister leaves the following sons and daughters: — Mrs R. D. Cowin, Mrs Gibson (West Africa), Mrs Trelfall (London), Mrs C. R. Grundey, Capt. Tom Collister, Mr Jack Collister (Vancouver), Mr A. Collister (London), and Mr H. Collister (Douglas).

CAPT. JOSEPH JAMES FARGHER

Died September 1st, 1912,

Capt. Joseph James Fargher, who for over quarter of a century was in the employ of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, and was for many years in command of one or other of the company's steamers, died unexpectedly on Sunday morning, September 1st. About a year ago, Capt. Fargher, who was a bachelor, retired from service at sea, and went to reside in Liverpool. Recently he returned to Douglas, and took apartments in a house in Murray's-road. On Saturday he was out and about, and was apparently in good health, chatting cheerfully with several acquaintances he ran across. On returning to his lodgings on Saturday night he partook of a hearty supper, and at midnight retired to bed. As he did not come down to breakfast on Sunday morning, his landlady went up to call him at about half-past ten, and, receiving no response to her knocking at the door, she eventually entered the bed-room and discovered Capt. Fargher lying dead in bed. Dr Woods, his medical attendant, was called in, and he having treated the deceased gentleman for heart disease, was in a position to give a death certificate, which rendered the holding of an inquest unnecessary. Capt. Fargher was to have taken tea on Sunday afternoon with his old friend, Mr John Frowde, chief librarian of Bermondsey, London, who was on a visit to his native Island. Some 56 years ago, Capt. Fargher was born near Ballabeg, Lonan; and on leaving school he was bound apprentice on a foreign-going ship sailing from Liverpool. On completing his time he gained his second officer's certificate, and subsequently qualified for chief officer's and master's deep water " tickets." He joined the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in the 'eighties as chief officer of the Ellan Vannin, under the late Capt Pritchard. Shortly afterwards he promoted to the command of the Ellan Vannin, and later on was given charge of the Fenella, from which craft he passed to the mastership of the Ben-my-Chree. He remained in command of the last-named vessel until she was sold for breaking up purposes, and then went back the bridge of the Fenella, remaining with her until his retirement. He was thoroughly competent navigator, a brought the Fenella safely through so many trying weather experiences. Of a genial and kindly disposition, he was held in warm affection by all his fellow office while he was both respected and esteem by the crews who served under him. With passengers, too, he was a great favourite, for when not on duty on the bridge he delighted in regaling them with nautical yarns, which he narrated with the pawky humour native to him. His maternal ancestors were members of the Kerruish family, and one of these had the honour of entertaining John Wesley what time the great evangelist visited the Island and preached in Laxey and Lonan. Capt. Fargher in due course inherited the cup and saucer from which the earthly head of " the people called Methodists" took tea while sojourning in Lonan, and he presented the relics to the late Mr H. B. Noble, of Villa Marina. At the sale by auction of Mr Noble's house-hold goods, the cup and saucer were purchased by Mr M. Canning, of Douglas. Generous to a fault, Capt. Fargher gave freely of his substance, and his liberality was frequently abused. He ever retained a deep regard for his native parish, and religious and charitable objects in Lonan never appealed to him in vain. The funeral took place on Tuesday, interment being in Lonan Churchyard.