[From Manx Quarterly, #16,1916]

ANDREW CALEY.

Died September 22nd, 1915.

Mr Andrew Caley, of The Laurels, Selborne Drive, Douglas, a veteran member of the Douglas Town Council, died at his residence on Sept. 22nd. Up to about a twelve months ago Mr Caley was one of the smartest men of his years to be found in Douglas, but he was then seized with an internal disease painful of character. He bore himself very bravely under his affliction for a considerable time, and attended to his public and private duties assiduously until the summer was well advanced. At last he was compelled to keep the house, and he gradually sank until the end came. Mr Caley was the second son of the late Mr Charles Caley, who was in his day one of the leading provision and wine and spirit merchants in Douglas, his business being carried on in premises in Lord-street, at the foot of Church-street, now demolished in connection with the Streets Improvement Scheme. Mr Andrew Caley's mother was a Miss Croughan, who came of a very highly respected Douglas family. Mr Caley's elder brother, Capt. Charles Caley, survives him. Another and younger brother, the late Mr John Caley, of Douglas, predeceased him, as did his only sister, the late Mrs Dalrymple Maitland. On the death of his father, Mr Andrew Caley for a brief period carried on the business, but he eventually retired, being succeeded by Messrs F. and W. Stephen, who conducted the old-established concern until the premises were acquired by the Municipal Authorities. In the year 1887, Mr Andrew Caley was first elected a member of the Douglas Town Commission, but he retired in 1892. When Douglas was incorporated in 1896, he stood for election to the Town Council as a representative of Hills Ward, and was returned after the stiffest municipal election contest ever experienced in Douglas. Since then he has retained membership of the Town Council, and has proved an exceedingly valuable member of the board. He was elected an Alderman of the Borough in 1907, and he served the office of Deputy-Mayor in 1911. In connection with his membership of the Town Council his chief interest lay in the work of the Sanitary Committee, of which he was always a member, while he was chairman on several occasions. He was also closely associated with the provision of the abundant water supply which is now enjoyed by Douglas, he being chairman of the Water Committee for two years in succession during the construction of the West Baldwin reservoir. From the inception of the Manx Fisheries Board, Mr Caley was Inspector of Fresh Water Fisheries. He was a director of the Peveril Hotel Co. Ltd., and of the Glen Helen Hotel and Estate Co. Ltd. A man of considerable wealth, he was largely interested in real property in Douglas, and he was in other directions closely associated with business and commercial) life in the Island. He belonged to the Wesleyan Methodist body, but held broad religious views. Mr Caley, who was about 72 years old, married Miss Elizabeth Clucas, daughter of the late Mr John Clucas, Strand-street, Douglas, and Mrs Caley survives her husband. Three children were born to them — Mr Andrew Caley, formerly of the firm of Caley and Gawne, Ltd., iron-mongers, Douglas, and now holding an important position in the service of the North British and Mercantile Insurance Company, Liverpool; Miss Emma Caley, and another daughter who died some years ago.

The funeral of the late Mr Andrew Caley, one of the representatives of Hills Ward on the Douglas Town Council, took place on Saturday morning from The Laurels, Selbourne-road, Douglas, the deceased gentleman's residence. There was a large gathering of people to pay the last tribute of respect to a useful citizen. By request of the family no floral tributes were sent from outside friends. and the only wreath laid on the coin containing the remains was one inscribed " From the loved ones at home." The chief mourners were Mr Andrew Caley (only son of the deceased) : Mr Charles Caley, of Liverpool (brother); Mr Dalyrmple Maïtland (Speaker of the House of Keys, brother-in-law; Messrs R. Moom Wm. Clegg. and Edwin Cowley (nephews). Members and officials of the Douglas Town Council fell into procession immediately behind the hearse, as follows: — The Deputy-Mayor (Alderman Corin), Aldermen R. Corlett and J. Craine; Councillors R. C. Cain, E. Corrin, John Kelly (Christian-road), John Kelly (Stanley-view), D. Collister, F. Gale, G. Gillmore, R. J. Kelly, J. J. Corlett, J. J. Quine; Mr A. Robertson (Town Clerk), Mr A. B. Guthbertson (Deputy Town Clerk), Mr F. Cottle (Borough Surveyor), S. Robinson (Tramways Manager), W. J. Coole (Chief Car Inspector), Cubbon (Borough Librarian), and E. Kneen (Legal Adviser). The burial service in the mortuary chapel and at the graveside was conducted by the Rev H. Williams (superintendent Wesleyan minister), assisted by his colleague, the Rev J. W. Hetherington.

FRANCIS WOODCOCK.

Died September 6th, 1915.

Mr Francis Woodcock, the well-known photographer, of Douglas Head, died in Noble's Hospital on Sept. 6th. Though he had been in very indifferent health for a considerable time, Mr Woodcock managed to get out and about up to a few days before his death, and on Monday of last week he kept a business engagement in town. It is possible that this hastened his end, as he was almost immediately afterwards compelled to take to his bed. Mr Woodcock, who was 75 years old, was a veteran among Douglas business men. He came to the Island over forty years ago, and opened a studio on Douglas Head. Subsequently he acquired the plot of land on which this studio stood, and considerably extended his premises to meet the growing requirements of his business. In the Isle of Man he was the pioneer of popular prices in photography, and his holiday customers were numbered by thousands. He was a gentleman of exceedingly courteous and kindly disposition, and was highly respected by all who knew him. Formerly he took a considerable interest in municipal politics, and on one ocassion he unsuccessfully sought election as a representative of St. George's Ward to the Douglas Town Council. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon from Mr Woodcock's residence, Stanley House, Douglas Head-road, and was largely attended. After service in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Douglas, the coffin was conveyed to the Borough Cemetery for interment.

MRS. KELLY.

Died August 12th, 1915.

Mrs Kelly, widow of the late Mr Thos. Kelly, seedsman, of Douglas, died at Great Crosby, in Liverpool, on Thursday, 12th August, She had been residing for some years with her son-in-law, Mr Andrew Caley, junr., at Great Crosby. She had been in failing health for some time, and her death was not unexpected. Her remains were brought to the Island on Monday, and the funeral took place at Kirk Braddan Cemetery, the Rev Henry Williams officiating. The mourners were Mr A. Caley and Rev T. M. Kerruish (sons-in-law), Mr David Kelly and Mr W. Kelly (brothers-in-law), Mr Creer, Ballacain, Jurby (nephew) ; Mrs McKneale, Gretch-vane, Lonan (niece) ; Mr T. McKneale, Mr Sinclair Gelling, Mr James Gelling, Mr R. Gelling, Mr J. Faragher, Mr E. H. Faragher, Mr Frank Kelly, and Miss Kneale. — Amongst those present to pay a, last tribute of respect were Messrs J. E. Douglas, J. H. Clarke, J. J. Davidson, A. J. Ridge, W. Cannell, R. D. Gelling, Jos. Faragher, Robt. G. Fargher, and many others. — Mrs Kelly was the mother of Mr R.. W. Kelly and Mr David Kelly, builders, of Johannesburg, South Africa; and Mr W. H. Kelly, of Vancouver, British Columbia. She was a sister of the late Mr Robert Curphey, Verona, and was born at Rhenscault, Baldwin, where her father was farming. They afterwards moved to Marown, and farmed Eyreton for some years, from which place she was married to Mr Kelly fifty-three years ago on the 12th August — the date of her death.

ISABELLA ELIZABETH COWIN.

Died October 1st, 1915.

Mrs Isabella Elizabeth Cowin, wife of Mr William Cowin, of 14 Finch-road, Douglas, died suddenly late on Friday night, October 1st Up to supper time on the day of her death Mrs Cowin was apparently in her usual health. She partook of the meal and afterwards ,retired to bed, but was subsequently seized with illness which proved fatal almost immediately. The deceased lady was a daughter of the late Mr John Craine, grocer and provision dealer, Strand-street, Douglas. She had reached the good age of 78 years. Much sympathy is felt with her husband and family. Mr Cowin for many years carried on an extensive business in Douglas as a draper and ladies' out-fitter, and his retirement is of comparatively recent date. He is a prominent and highly respected member of the School Board of Douglas, and of the Eastern District Higher Education Board.

The funeral of the late Mrs Cowin took place on Tuesday morning, and was largely attended. The cortege proceeded to St George's Church, and was met at the gates of the churchyard by the Lord Bishop, Canon Kermode, the clergy attached to St George's, the churchwardens and the choir. The service was conducted by the Bishop and the Rev Canon Kermode.

The chief mourners were Mr W. Cowin (husband), Messrs Jack, Will, Stanley, Frank and Cecil Cowin (sons), Mrs James Cowin (sister-in-law), Mr W. Cowin (Ballaquinnea), Mr Sim. Mr J. Craime (Laxey), Mr W. Christian (Ballacorey), Mr and Mrs Kelly (Bride), Mr and Mrs Corlett (Ballamenagh), Mr and Mrs Croxton (Liscard).

The hearse was followed by two carriages containing wreaths from "Her loving husband and daughter," "Sons-Jack, Will, Stanley Frank, and Cecil " ; " Granddaughters-Mona and Hilda " ; " Grandsons - Will and Sydney"; " Aunt Eliza and family " ; Mr and Mrs W, Christian, Ballacorey, Andreas ; Mr and Mrs Peddar and family, Onchan ; Mr and Mrs Croxton and family, Liscard ; Rev and Mrs Curry and Miss Keig, Luton ; Mr and Mrs Ramsey B. Moore ; Miss H. Clague ; Rev Canon and Mrs R. D. Kermode ; Mr and Mrs Bargery ; Mr and Mrs J. Russell, Finch-road ; Mrs and Miss Conibear, Prospect-terrace ; Mr J. H. Aitken ; Mrs Fitton and family, Liscard ; Mr and Mrs Taylor, Braeside, Onchan ; Mrs Edw. Cowell and family, Circular-road ; Miss E. Tyson, Selbourne-road ,' Mr and Mrs W. Q. Callister, Tennis-road ; Mr and Mrs Lewis Clague, Albany-road ; Miss Allen, Hendon ; Mrs Dixon and family, Manchsster.

GEORGE SKILLICORN.

Died September 8th, 1915.

It will be learned with very great regret that Mr George Skillicorn, assistant superintendent at the Douglas Post Office, passed away on September 8th. Mr Skillicorn had not been in good health for a. considerable time, and six weeks ago he was compelled to go upon sick leave. He was, however, able to get out and about in fine weather, and he frequently took gentle walking exercise. On Wednesday his medical attendant called to see him, and while they were conversing Mr Skillicorn had a sudden seizure, death quickly resulting from heart failure. Mr Skillicorn was a very valuable and much respected public servant, and by his colleagues he was greatly esteemed. He entered the postal service at Douglas in 1883, the late Mr William Isdale being at that time postmaster. He was promoted to the position of overseer in the Douglas office in the year 1908, and two years subsequently was further advanced in the office by being appointed assistant superintendent. Mr Skillicorn, who resided at Ballanard, near Douglas, leaves a widow and three children to mourn his loss. His eldest son is in the Metropolitan Tramways Service (London).

WILLIAM JOHN CORLETT.

Died October 16th, 1915

Though the news towards the end of the week concerning the illness of Mr W. J. Corlett, J.P., H.K., of Westbrook, Douglas, was grave of character, the announcement of his death on Saturday Oct. 16th,, came as a shock to Manx people. Mr Corlett was seized with congestion of the brain a fortnight ago, and it was at once recognised that his condition was a very serious one. He was assiduously attended by his medical adviser, Dr Hamilton, who did all in his power to bring about recovery. Skilful and constant nursing, too, were not lacking, but notwith-standing all this, illness gained ground, and for the greater portion of last week Mr Corlett was delirious. As might have been expected from a man so devoted to public duty, and who had so greatly concerned himself regarding the present distressful condition of Douglas, his delirium mainly took the form of expression of anxiety as to the position of affairs in the town, and doubtless the prospects of greater hardship for his fellow-citizens preyed upon him and hastened the end, which came peacefully shortly before three o'clock on Saturday morning.

Mr W. J. Corlett was a Douglas man by birth, breeding, education, and business standing. His father was a resident of the town, while his mother was a daughter of the late Mr Peter Clarke, of Lezayre. He was born in the year 1860, and being left an orphan while in early infancy, he was brought up by an aunt. His first school was the day school which in the early 'sixties was maintained and conducted in connection with St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Douglas, and on tine closing of that school he was transferred to Thomas Street Wesleyan Day School, and there ended his schooldays, though he did not complete his education, for being naturally studious of disposition, he afterwards by self-application added considerably to his store of knowledge. On leaving school he was apprenticed to the late Mr William Christian, ironmonger, Nelson-street, Douglas. On completing his indentures he became an assistant to Mr Christian, and as failing health over-took his employer, he was entrusted with the sole management of the business. Eventually Mr Christian retired, and Mr Corlett became the proprietor of the old-established concern. He conducted the business for several years with conspicuous ability and with such success that he was in a position to retire upon a competency some few years back. As a business man Mr Corlett was industrious, honourable, shrewd, painstaking, and courteous. Neither did he lack enterprise, for soon after acquiring sole control of the concern he so enlarged the premises as to admit of a great extension of trade. He dealt in both builders' and furnishing ironmongery, and probably he sold more tools than any of his trade competitors. The plumbing branch of his business was, too, a very important one, and during the building boom in Douglas he employed a large staff of workmen. Always keenly interested in public affairs, he entered municipal life about ten years ago, whoa he was elected as one, of the representatives of Derby Ward upon the Douglas Town Council, serving two consecutive terms of office in this capacity. As a member of the Town Council. he brought to bear the same characteristics that distinguished his business life-he was regular in attendance at meetings, conscientious, energetic, broad-minded, and urbane. He served on all the important committees of the Council and was chair-man of several of them, while had he chosen to continue active association with municipal matters, he would certainly have achieved to the highest municipal honour. He was in large measure responsible for the conduct of the successful negotiations which resulted in the formation at a comparatively trifling cost to Douglas of that splendid thoroughfare, Westmoreland-road, which connects the lower and upper towns. When the General Election of the House of Keys came about in 1908, Mr Corlett was requested by the Manx Liberal Association to become a candidate for one of the two seats in South Douglas, and, consenting, he fought a very strenuous contest. He came before the division in conjunction with Mr W. M. Kerruish, their opponent being Capt. Robert Moughtin. In the course of his election campaign Mr Corlett displayed great courage and conspicuous ability, but in the end he missed election by a few votes, the successful candidates being Capt. Moughtin and Mr Kerruish. He was not, however, disheartened, and when in 1909 there came a vacancy in North Douglas consequent upon the resignation of Mr John Thomas Cowell, who had been appointed Receiver-General, Mr Corlett. again at the instance of the Manx Liberal Association, became a candidate for the seat. He had as opponent Mr Mark Carine, whom after a very exciting contest he just managed to beat by a majority of 23 votes. Another General Election took place on the dissolution of the House in 1913, and once more Mr Corlett had to fight strenuously for a seat. In conjunction with Mr W. Goldsmith and Dr Marshall, his colleagues for North Dou-glas in the House just dissolved, he was opposed by Mr Mark Carine and Mr Joseph Garside, who both stood in the Conservative interest. The contest was a very interesting and exciting one, the outcome being that Messrs Carine. Garside, and Corlett were returned. Soon after election to the House, Mr Corlett resigned from the Town Council with the object of devoting as much of his time and energy as possible to his new public sphere. During his career as a legislator, Mr Corlett displayed sterling qualities. He was one of the foremost, most able, and most determined supporters of the Constitutional Reform movement, which was just on the point of succeeding when the present terrible war broke out. Also he earned the gratitude of the Manx working classes by his splendid efforts to bring about the adoption by the House of the Workmen's Compensation Bill. On the motion for second reading of the bill, he delivered a very telling speech-one of the ablest delivered in the course of the long and acrimonious debate. Opponents of the bill could not answer his facts and reasoning, but they had the weight of numbers on their side and much to Mr Corlett's grief his efforts to secure this measure of justice for the proletariat of the Island went for nothing. Earnestly, too, did he strive to bring to the aged poor of the Island the boon of Old Age Pensions. Mr Corlett was also firmly convinced of the unfairness of the existing incidence of indirect taxation which bears so unduly upon the poorer classes, and he ever advocated that direct taxation should be imposed. His fellow legislators recognised his ability and his integrity by frequently appointing him upon important committees of the House and the Tynwald Court, and this notwithstanding the modesty which moved him to shrink from public recognition. On these committees he brought to bear industry and astuteness, and his suggestions were ever respectfully regarded and were generally carried out. He took a very great interest in educational matters, and any movement that had for object the improvement of the mental and physical equipment of the rising generation had in him a warm friend. By his political supporters and opponents alike in the Legislature he' was held in both respect and esteem, for while he never sacrificed conviction to expediency, he always conducted himself as a true gentleman by avoiding unnecessary offence, by scrupulous regard for other people's feelings, and by constant courtesy. Mr Corlett was one of the legislators selected to administer the National Relief (Prince of Wales') Fund in the Isle of Man, and was appointed deputy-chairman of the committee. In this capacity a considerable amount of work devolved upon him, and, as in the case of everything else he put his hand to, he discharged the duties thoroughly and with great tact. This particular work occasioned him considerable anxiety and thought, and possibly it contributed to bring about the illness which proved fatal. By his death the electors of North Douglas have lost a most able representative, and the House of Keys has been deprived of one of its most energetic and efficient members. In religious and social matters, Mr Corlett took a keen and very useful interest. As has been mentioned, he was during infancy associated with St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, and he maintained this association to the end. When he arrived at years of discretion he became a communicant, and subsequently filled the offices of secretary to the Church managers and elder. Perhaps his chief religious interest lay in Sunday-school work. In boyhood he was a scholar of St. Andrew's Sunday-school, and afterwards he became a teacher in the school, eventually being appointed superintendent. So thoroughly did he discharge the duties attaching to control of, the school that the institution prospered greatly under his charge, operations being extended, while the roll greatly increased. Indeed he was never so happy as when engaged in endeavour to advance the spiritual, moral, and material welfare of young people. When a mutual improvement class and debating society was formed in connection with St. Andrew's some thirty years ago, he bore a prominent part in the proceedings, and later on he did all he could to encourage the juvenile ambulance class formed for the., benefit of young people associated with the church. The Isle of Man Home. for Orphan and Destitute Children had in him a warm and very practical friend, and his appointment as a member of the committee of management of this very important institution was richly deserved. The inmates of the House of Industry, too, were the subject of his kindly solicitude, and he was ever delighted to do his best to render their lot pleasant and easy. To movements for the conservation of Manx national life he extended a hearty support. He was a member of the Isle of Man National History and Antiquarian Society, the Manx Language Society, and the World Manx Association. Of the last named association he was a founder, and he always strove to make it the means of bringing and binding together Manx people at home and abroad. A great lover of Nature, he delighted in rambles, and these were by no means confined to his native land.- As he advanced in years and means he devoted a considerable portion of his leisure to Continental travel, and particularly did be enjoy visiting places abroad which had picturesque or antiquarian associations. Belgium was a favourite recreation ground with him, and he was wont to paint in glowing colours his experiences in the old world cities of Flanders and of the fine scenery of the Ardennes. The desolation of Belgium by the Germans was to him an awful crime upon which he was wont to descant with a. fierceness foreign to his equable and charitable disposition. Mr Corlett was one of the promoters of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce as founded some fifteen yeare ago at the instance of Mr F. W. Briscoe. Certainly it was not through any lack of interest on Mr Corlett's part that the Chamber languished and eventually died a natural death. When the present Chamber of Commerce was organised, be became a member and strove earnestly to make of it an institution beneficial to the Island. Two years ago Mr Corlett was appointed by the Lieut.-Governor to the Commission of the, Peace for the Isle of Man. As a magistrate he was most dutiful, and while he administered the law as he found it, he, as might be expected from him, tempered justice with mercy. Twenty-seven years ago Mr Corlett married Miss Fanny Proctor, second daughter of Mr William Proctor, J.P., an ex-Mayor of Douglas. Never had couple a happier wedded career. Mr and Mrs Corlett's tastes and inclinations ran on almost identical lines. They were both deeply interested in religious and social matters; they were both hospitable and kindly; and they had a common and exceedingly warm interest in music. Mrs Corlett in her day was a sweet and accomplished contralto vocalist whose services were much in demand at Manx concerts. Mr Corlett, too, was an ardent lover of the science of sweet sounds, and this being so it is not to be wondered at that he along with his wife warmly supported the Guild Musical Competitions. Both were on the Guild Committee, and both were indefatigable in striving to promote the success of the competitions. No children were born to them, but Mr and Mrs Corlett, as is so often the case with childless couples, were devoted to children, and many young people in Douglas have to thank them for encouragement which was ever practical of character. Needless to say, Mrs Corlett has the sympathy of the Island with her in her great bereavement. In fact countless messages of condolence have poured in upon her, and this evidence of the great esteem in which her late husband was hold by all classes of the community comes to her as consolation in .her day of sore trouble.

THE FUNERAL.

All sorts land conditions of people assembled to pay the last tribute of respect in connection with the funeral of the late Mr W. J. Corlett, which took place from

Westbrook on Tuesday morning. The members of the Legislature. were present in considerable force. and all the Douglas local governing bodies were represented, as were several institutions quasi-public of character. Among these latter were the Manx Liberal Association, of which the deceased gentleman was a vice-president, and the Manx Free Church Council, of which he was a prominent member. Also folk in humble class of life attended in large numbers to follow to, the grave a man who was ever thoughtful of his fellows whatever their rank. At the request of the relatives, no, floral tributes were sent, the only wreaths in evidence being those contributed by members of the family. The coffin of oak, with brass furniture, was placed in the hearse at Westbrook gates, and the cortege moved off to St. Andrews' Church, where the first portion of the funeral service was held.

The route taken from Westbrook to St. Andrew's Church was by way of Brunswick-road, Alexander-drive, Woodbourne-square, and Bucks-road. The blinds of many houses on the line were drawn out of respect to the, deceased gentleman. In St. Andrew's Church the first portion of the service for the burial of the dead was conducted by the Rev J. Davidson, minister of the church, and the late Mr Corlett's old friend. The church was filled, and the children belonging to the Sunday-school occupied the gallery. After prayer had been offered, the minister gave out the hymn " For ever with the Lard, Amen so let it be." In announcing this hymn, Mr Davidson said many present would remember that this was the closing hymn of the last service in that church at which their dear departed brother had been present. On the way home deceased had said how much he enjoyed the singing of that hymn. He referred in the, most earnest way to the sentiment expressed in the hymn, and considered the words fitted the tune and that they were beautifully wedded together. Let them sing that beautiful hymn, and so far as they could enter into the spirit of it. The hymn was then feelingly sung by the large congregation. Mr Davidson next react the lesson " Now is Christ risen from the dead," etc. After a further prayer, the hymn, " How bright those glorious spirits shine," was sung. The Rev J. Davidson, in announcing the hymn, said as bright-ness was the keynote of Mr Corlett's life, he (Mr Davidson) did not think in the whole range of hymnology there could be a more appropriate hymn than this., The hymn having been sung, the minister pronounced the benediction, and the congregation stood while Mendelssohn's " O rest in the Lord" was impressively played on the organ by Mr E. Kermode, organist at St. Andrew's. The cortege then proceeded to the Borough Cemetery, where interment took place, the committal portion of the service being conducted by the Rev J. Davidson.

FUNERAL SERMON.

At both morning and evening service in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Douglas, on Sunday, reference was made by the Rev John Davidson, minister of the church, in the course of his sermons to the death of Mr W. J. Corlett, H.K. The text of the morning service was taken from Heb. vii. 23: " And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death." The preacher said: A few Sundays ago we drew comparisons and contrasts between the High Priests of ancient Israel and our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. The High Priests of the old dispensations were weak, mortal men, who served their clay and generation and passed silently into the unseen. As the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews says, " They were not suffered to continue by reason of death." They laid aside their sacerdotal garments, their handsome mitre, and gorgeous breastplate. No longer they entered into the Holy of Holies. The temple courts no longer re-echoed to their tread. They were missed from their homes and from the busy haunts of men. The record of their earthly life was closed, and they handed in their account to the great Judge and Father of all. The rule which applied to the priesthood of Israel applies to all men the world over. They are not suffered to continue by reason of death. " We have our day and cease to be." The day may be longer or shorter, but for all of us the eventide draws on. We as a congregation are being forcibly reminded of our weakness and mortality. Early in the year we mourned the loss of Mr Hill, a prominent member of this church and of the community. For years he struggled with conspicuous bravery against declining health and fought to overcome an insidious disease. His life closed last March amid sincere regrets. Another and more terrible blow has fallen upon our church by the removal of Mr Corlett. Like Mr Hill, he has been cut off in his mellow prime and in the plenitude of his intellectual powers. Unlike Mr Hill, he was, or seemed to be, even in the eyes of those who know him best, in robust health almost to the last. He was at church twice and at his post of honour in the Sunday-school this day fortnight. To-day he lies cold in death, and his happy spirit has returned unto God, who gave it. So keen was his sense of duty that he rose from a sick bed to at-tend a meeting of church managers on the following Wednesday. And when I remonstrated he made light of the chill he had evidently caught. For more than twenty years he had been secretary to the Board of Managers, and at the meeting referred to he transacted the business with his accustomed clearness and skill. Although ill, on Thursday he attended a meeting of the Council of Education, of which he was a prominent member. That was the last public service he could render. Soon after he lay down on the bed from which he never rose. Mr Corlett was a child of St. Andrew's, and no one in all its history of 90 years loved this church more deeply; no one served this church with more un-swerving devotion. He was brought to God's House as a toddling child by his fond mother quite half a century ago: He was early planted in the House of the Lord. and he certainly flourished in the courts of our God. He passed from the scholar's form to the teacher's chair, and eventually to the Superintendent's desk in the Sunday-school. Is it not a strange coincidence that on this, our Sunday-school Railly-a day in which be was deeply interested-he; should be laid out for burial? In delirium his thoughts wandered to this day, and when my name was mentioned he said he wanted to sce; Mr Gibson and myself about the arrangements. His heart was in the Sunday-school. He was a splendid teacher, and some time ago I had the unspeakable pleasure of handing him a letter from an old scholar, now a successful business man, in which he acknowledged the spiritual blessing he had re-ceived in Mr Corlett's class. There will be, sad hearts among odd scholars across the, water, in the Colonies, aye, and in the trenches, when the news reaches them that Mr Corlett has been called home. He loved teaching, and was liked by the little bairns and the older boys and girls. For many years he was on the Committee of the Home for Orphan and Destitute Children, and no one was more popular with the inmates. The annual treat given by Mr and Mrs Corlett was eagerly looked forward to. He himself owed much to his minister, the Rev James Fetter, and to his Sunday-school teachers, Mr Churchill and Mr Sayle. Mr Churchill was an engineer superintending the erection of the Battery Pier and afterwards took orders in the Church of England. Mr Sayle has been for many years the esteemed postmaster of Kirk Michael. A couple of months ago Mr Sayle, in conversation with myself, waxed eloquent in praise of his old scholar. Mr Corlett's lasting memorial is the, splendid new school, which owes so much to his generosity and to his personal efforts. Yet he rendered conspicuous service to the church in other ways. He became in turn a communicant, a manager, and then an elder. His heart was in St. Andrew's, and its welfare was very dear to him. From his childhood Mr Corlett was a prime favourite with everyone. His bright, sunny nature, this obliging disposition, his real goodness of 'heart brought him friends everywhere. While he was manly to the core, there was in him at winsomeness which was almost feminine. Such a main was sure to, be successful in business, for along with suavity of manner and kind-ness of heart his commercial morality was of the highest. No one could associate anything shady with his name. He ever rang true. When his employer retired with a competency he left his business to Mr Corlett, who greatly extended it, and remembering the start he got, when his own time for retiring came some two years ago, he handed over his business to two of his assistants. Mr Corlett was endowed with intellectual gifts of a high order. He had an agile mind, which grasped truths by intuition rather than by ai course of reasoning. He was possessed of a ready wit, about which there was nothing caustic. It was the natural outflow of a sunny disposition. He had a full vocabulary, a readiness of utterance, and a facility of expression which many envied. His entrance into public life was through the Town Council, and she would probably have attained the Mayoralty of his native town had he aspired to that honour. He found a wider scope for his gifts in the House of Keys, and did valu-able work an commissions and committees. He was a Progressive. He could not be otherwise with his sanguine temperament. His heart went out to the poor and oppressed, and he sought to make their lives brighter and more comfortable. But he was not a revolutionist. He was a sane legislator and a wise administrator. Some time ago his name was added to the Com-mission of the Peace, an honour he richly deserved. There can be no doubt that the present deplorable condition of Douglas lay heavy on his heart, and perhaps hastened the end. He fretted under what he considered needless delay in dealing with a serious situation. He took an active part in the administration of the Prince of the Prince of Wales' Fund, and was vice-chairman of the Insular committee. He was anxious that all recipients should be worthy of relief, and more anxious that no deserving person should suffer. A few months ago he went try lice in a house which be enlarged and beautified and to a garden which he delighted to cultivate. As he was but fifty-five, he could reasonably look forward to many years spent for the Master in, this church and for the Island he loved so well, and of which he was so proud. Is it not strange, is it not baffling, that he should be rudely torn from it all, that to-day the busy hands should be cold and still and the eager, waive brain inert and numb? Had we not faith in the love and power of our Heavenly Father, would we not be tempted to think that some malevolent being controlled the destines of some men? We know better. For " He death all things well." I have spoken of the out ward fabric of my friend's home. I have diffidence in lifting the veil from the domestic felicity which reigned unbroken for 27 years in that home. The marriage bond was a singularly happy one. There was true union of hearts. There was loyal partnership in all good work. Our tender sympathy goes out to-day to the sorrowing widow, who sits with her dead. And yet the Dove of Peace sings in her heart, and Heaven's light is shining over her. Mingling with blessed memories of vanished joys in the steadfast hope of re-union in the Heavenly Home. And what of Mr Corlett's life-long friend, who is our friend too. Their souls were knit together by the strongest ties. They were co-workers in this church from boyhood for the common weal. One is taken and the other left. From their schooldays they were known as David and Jonathan, and the survivor can truly take up the very words of the Old Testament lover and poet, and say "I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan. Very pleasant bast thou been unto me. Thy live to me was wonderful." Our loss as a church is great. How great we. cannot yet measure. It is a lose we can ill afford in these dark days, when we need wise counsellors and helpful, prayer ful workers. God buries His workmen and carries on His work. But how does He carry it on? By means of consecrated men and women. Who will step into the trenches to take the place of our fallen comrade in the fight against evil? Yesterday morning, when I looked on the closed eves and sealed lips of our departed brother, I thought of Tennyson's lines which I had learnt long ago.-

Life and Thought have gone away Side by side, leaving door and window wide, Careless truants they; All within is dark as night, In the windows is no light; And no murmur at the doors., frequent on its hinge before. But there is another and a brighter side of death, which sang itself into my soul as I left the chamber of death-

Come away, Life and Thought, here no longer dwell, But in a city glorious--A true and distant city- you have bought a mansion incorruptible.

Our friend has gone to a beautiful home in the celestial city, freed from every stain of sin and every human weakness, to be for ever with the Lord. When our time comes, may we leave as fine a reword as he has done, and meet him in the realm of glory ! Amen.