[from Mona's Herald, Wednesday, 1st June 1892;

Report of the meeting of Santon Concordant Society 1892

While the present century was in its infancy a laudable co-operative movement spread throughout the Island which resulted in the formation of clubs in almost every parish. The idea was agreeable to the provident man's mind, and for one decade the clubs grew and flourished like "a green bay tree". Self-help is one of the first laws of political economy and, shut off from direct communication with the adjacent countries, as the Isle of Man then was, it is not to be wondered at that such mutual help-giving and help-receiving commended itself to a people like this. In those days men's minds, speaking generally, did not too deeply investigate into matters which when presented to them, appeared to contain a great deal of good. And in the matter of these clubs, the good was not unmitigated. Rules were formed, many of which yet are very sensible—a few are not so. But, good or bad as they undoubtedly were and are—most of the club rules being alike—yet for forty years no inconvenience was found to arise from them in any degree.

A zenith appeared to be reached about 1858, when many of these societies seemed gradually to slide down towards weakness and decay. One of the most pernicious rules was that no difference was made in the charge for admission and subscription to the club of a young man of twenty, and an old man of sixty. Possibly the valorous spirit of our grandfathers, too, was not re-echoed in their sons' and daughters' children. But be that as it may, young men began to talk in disfavour of the clubs, and associated themselves with other bodies formed for a similar purpose, but under vastly better regulations. The consequence was that no new entries were booked. Gradually the accumulated funds grew less and less. The number of recipients became more and more, with a correspondingly decreasing number of subscribers, so that in several cases the clubs have either been wound up voluntarily, or have, as it were, burned themselves out like a candle.

The meeting held at Santon on Thursday, to discuss the advisability of dissolving the Club, had a sort of dumb, tragic effect about it, and we learn that most of the other club meetings for such purposes were of a pretty similar character. Two or three groups of elderly men assembled in the picturesque lane leading to the Parochial School, and, for quite an hour after the advertised time of holding the meeting, stood discussing the history and future of the Society. Altogether, there were some thirty-five or six. An artist would have been delighted with the individuality of their faces. A silent, but, nevertheless, deeply inscribed history was markedly written there. Unaffected honesty, seriousness, and, therefore earnestness, characterised almost all, and the untutored gentlemanliness which each displayed had a pleasing pathos in it, causing one almost to feel it were a funeral. Because, after all, funerals have an attraction, whether it be of a human being, or (speaking figuratively) an institution. There is something about the word "last," when uttered with any degree of thoughtfulness, which commands a certain amount of awe. And these knots of men seemed to wish that the Society might continue during their day at least. Not that they many of them cared much about the pension, but that the Society which had known them as boys should remain unmolested, and quietly pass out of existence with them. No such words as these were spoken, but the whole atmosphere was pervaded with something akin to the words. In order that the contrast between now and the "good old former days" might not be made painfully great, Mr. Martin, H.K., and Mr. John Kelly, Douglas, provided a comfortable luncheon, of which all the members partook before the meeting commenced. Many old men's eyes were lighted up with an unwonted glow, and momentary physical strength seemed to be given them as they recalled the times when the Society held its annual procession, headed by a band, and concluded with a grand dinner, on that (Ascension) day. We are very sure that if the characteristics of the people of Santon were more widely known, many persons would be drawn thitherward. In the unpretentious conclave were men who, in their lives of seventy years and upwards, had never been off the Island—-men who spoke in the language which, to the great discredit of Manx patriots, is dying out, namely, the language of Mann ; men, who might have sat as models for Gustave Don in the first scene of the "Neophyte," The contemplation of them was impressive, and a study of these people would amply repay any one. It has been said, and said truly, that the Celtic element is more general in this parish than any other part of the Island. Between some of them and the natives of the Isle of Iona, one of the Hebrides, is the most marked similarity, and a people whose ancestry descended from Odin, Hengst, and Alaric, and are even yet possessed of a few traces of Odin's interesting Norse mythology, are surely vested with a charm sufficiently strong to draw even the superficial observer aside for brief reflection upon them.

We are aware that we have trespassed against the rules of good grammar by passing from the object we first introduced to a general description of the people, but the two seemed so deeply associated that it was scarcely possible to do otherwise. Even for the sake of sentiment one could deeply regret the passing away of old institutions, but it is a universally recognised fact that the old must ever give place to the new. And though, while honouring the well nigh obsolete and impracticable, yet we cordially welcome the dawn of new and brighter ideas, of which the discarded ones were the indispensable precursors.

THE CLUB MEETING AT KIRK SANTON.

The following members of the Santon Concordant Society were present on Thursday at the annual meeting held in the Parochial Schools-.—Messrs Robert Kelly, Patrick : John Kelly, Rushen, Robert Kneale, Patrick ; Thos Kewish, Andreas; John Caugherty, Keigscroft, Santon ; James Cowle, Lonan ; Jas. Bridson, Phildraw, Malew ; Thomas Fargher, Braddan ; Thomas Morrison, Silverburn; Thos. Moore, Rheast ; John Shimmin, Douglas ; Thomas Moore, Michael ; Robert Kelly, Cooil, Braddan ; Robert Corlett, Douglas ; James Kelly, Glenvine, Marown ; John Taggart, Ballacurry, Santon ; Thos. Lewin, Rosehill, Braddan ; William Looney, Marown; Robert Bridson, Close-Clarke ; John Fargher Newtown,Santon; Robert Corlett ; John Collister, Ballamodda, Malew ; Jas. McFee, Santon ; James Bridson, John Edwards, the Braaid, Marown ; Robert Garrett, Santon ; Thomas Cretney,Ballalingan, Marown ; Wm. Crellin, Ballasalla ; William Lawson, Malew ; T. Lewney, Ballasalla, T. Quine, Braddan ; James Lewney,Kirby, Braddan ; Thomas Kinrade, Ballasalla; and John Kelly, Douglas. Mr Edward Martin, H.K., was also present as auditor of the Society's accounts.

Mr James Lewney (Kirby), was appointed Chairman on the motion of Mr John Kelly, Douglas, seconded by Mr Thos. Quine. On the motion being carried,

The Chairman said he supposed they all knew the object for which they were summoned together. They were present that day to give their opinion on the working of the Society. There was a time when there had been 150 members of the Society. At that time a certain amount of money out of the fund was voted to pay for the working of the Society. Now its strength had dwindled down to 58, still the same amount was paid as when the Society numbered 150. The present meeting was called for the members to say whether they would continue the Society, or come to the conclusion to wind it up altogether. He supposed they would be well aware that the Society was losing a great amount of money every year. There had not one new member joined for the last seventeen years. All the members were now growing old and there were no new members whatever to keep the Club going. Mr. Martin had kindly consented to be present, and as he had gone through the books for the last two years, he would be able to explain to them the circumstances in which the Society was now found.

Mr. John Kelly, secretary, then read the minute agreeing to hold the meeting, which was as follows:—

"It is resolved that the members of the Kirk Santon Concordant Society, be noticed to attend at the School-room, on Ascension day, at 11 a.m. Business : To pass the balance-sheet for the year, ending December 31st. 1891, and to consider the workings of the Society in general. Such notice to be inserted in a newspaper or newspapers, and that Mr. Jas. Lewney attend to such insertion."

He regretted the President was not with them, and that no explanation whatever had been sent from him. The first business would be the passing of the balance-sheet, and if permissible he would move that it do pass. For the past few years the draw on the Society had been very heavy. The mortality among the members had been far above the average. And, again, a great deal of money had been spent since the close of 1891, to the present time. So that the likelihood was, there would be a much greater reduction next year. Mr. John Quine seconded. Mr. Martin said that before putting the balance-sheet, perhaps he might state that he had attended at the request of the officers of the Society. Last year and this year he had had the examination of the books and accounts of the club. On the first occasion on which he and Mr. Kelly had examined the accounts, they found them not satisfactory, and he (Mr. Martin), called attention to the matter in the report. That report was produced at the present meeting, and it would perhaps be a matter of satisfaction if the substance of it were read.

The report was as follows:—

We have this day had submitted to us the Books and Accounts of the Kirk Santon Concordant Society, We find the Subscription Book is kept posted up regularly for each night's takings. The manner of paying out the funds of the Society is capable of very great improvements in respect of the sums paid to Sick Members. We find that in many cases the applicant for sick pay merely sends in his own application, backed by the signature of one other person. This arrangement is liable to be abused by any member who might be so disposed, and we think that a great improvement would be made if a list of the members entitled to relief were submitted at each monthly meeting, and a cheque drawn on the bank account for the sum required. All monies received should be paid into the Bank, and all payments being made by cheque would very much simplify the business of the Society. From the large excess of expenditure over income, it will be at once seen that a great change will have to be made if the continuance of the Society is to he ensured. This is a matter that should have the early attention of the members. We think it right to call special attention to the fact that in the statement of the funds of the Society there appears a very large amount that cannot be considered as being fairly good, as it seems most unlikely that some, at any rate, of this amount will ever be recovered. The actual cash in the box is £13 7s 9d. The amount shown by the book that should be in the box is £13 9s 9d, showing a difference of two shillings. Subject to these remarks, the statement of accounts as made up to the 31st December, 1890, shows fairly the position of the Society as on such date. This 6th day of January, 1891, ED. MARTIN, EDWARD CRAINE, JOHN KELLY Auditors.

Continuing, Mr. Martin said they would see that a year ago when the auditors had this matter before them they thought it necessary to point out that the Society was being jeopardised, and there was only one thing that could be pointed out to the Society, namely, that if not wound up, it would run itself out, and nothing would be left of it to pay the remaining members.

Another matter he wished to point out to them was that in 1891 the auditors thought certain moneys ought not to be included, and when they examined the books twelve months afterwards they found that they were correct. There was a sum of £200 which was hopelessly and irretrievably lost. That sum had been lent out, and the parties had died, leaving no property, and accordingly the auditors put down the actual value of the Society's property at about £590. But with the draw which the Society had had since this year came in, it might be said its value was only a little over £500. If it was estimated how long the funds would last, judging by the record of the past ten years, and he thought there was no reason to think it would be better, there would be nothing left to the members—the Society would have run itself over the edge. There would not be a penny to the good. With the reduction of the capital, the bank interest had naturally become less. And as one of the auditors, he (Mr. Martin) felt it his duty to the members to put the matter in such a form that by means of a note upon the balance sheet, a true statement of the position of the Society might reach them. If the £520 or so now standing to the Society were divided, some £7 might be given to each member, whereas, if the Society continued for seven years more, in all likelihood those who remained to pay up to the last would not receive a penny. Having put a plain statement of affairs before them, they could each use their own judgment as to what course they pursued. He was sorry to say Kirk Santon was not the first Society in the Isle of Man which had had an experience of this kind. The parish clubs, one by one had given way, and, now having full particulars of the matter before them, it would be for them to decide as to what action was best for the Society to take.

Mr. John Caugherty said his opinion was that if the "mortality" money was cut down, then perhaps the club might be carried on longer, but be did not care one way or the other

Mr. Martin showed that the "mortality" money, as Mr. Caugherty called it, was only £25 up to December last, as against £84 paid for sickness, and in the year previous only £25 "mortality money" had been paid as against £125 for sickness.

A general feeling of satisfaction was expressed at the true explanation of the club's affairs by Mr. Martin, and on the motion being put, the balance-sheet was passed unanimously. The Chairman said that the next business before them was the consideration of rule 25, which was as follows :—

That this Society shall never be dissolved whilst three members thereof are living, and shall always be entitled 'The Kirk Santon Concordant Society.' Any member proposing its dissolution, or the appropriating of the stock to any other purpose than the aforesaid, shall be fined £1 Mr. Martin pointed out the necessity for cancelling the above rule before anything could be done to frame another in its place. Mr. John Kelly said that on the 5th of May he proposed the following resolution to the Committee :— In consequence of the Society's capital depreciating, and the expenditure increasing according to the number of its members becoming smaller, it is deemed necessary to alter and amend Rule 23. page 17, in the Society's Rule book.

Resolved,—That the rule be altered and amended to read as follows:— That this Society shall be entitled 'The Kirk Santon Concordant Society,' and that should a portion of its members at any future time consider it expedient through depreciation of its stock, or any inadventure in its working, to dissolve the Society and discontinue in its working, they shall request the President in writing, signed by at least one quarter of its members, to cause a notice to be sent to each member to attend a special meeting, and if a majority of votes given at such meeting are in favour of dissolving this Society, it shall be final. All members invited to attend such meeting may send their vote in writing to the Secretary and if it be decided to wind up the Society the aforesaid meeting shall by vote appoint a trustee or trustees to whom shall be assigned all the accounts, bonds, note books, and all other property of whatever description belonging to the Society, and such trustee or trustees shall immediately realise the estate, and after deducting expenses shall pay an equal dividend to each member then living on completion of the said assignment to a trustee or trustees. All sick, and funeral money shall cease, but the President, Secretary, and Stewards shall remain in office as a protection to the estate until the whole of the business is completed."

That proposal Mr. Kelly said the Committee had rejected, giving no reason for it whatever, but simply saying they would not pass it. There was not one man who had not paid more than double the amount of money he would get it the affair were wound up to-morrow ; so that showed no one could claim more than he had paid.

After further remarks, Mr. Martin, after an explanation of the powers of that meting, read rule 27, which showed, that should it be deemed necessary, at any future period, to make any rules or articles, or to alter any of those already in being, such new rules and articles, or alterations shall be delivered on a club-night in writing to the Committee, who may take one month to deliberate upon their propriety, and if they meet with their approbation, they should be publicly read at the next meeting, and then remain for another month, when they shall be balloted for by the members present, and if approved by the majority, they will be as binding as if here (Rule Book) printed, &c.,&c.

Mr. Kelly then moved the following recommendation from the meeting be submitted to the Committee:— That old rule 25 be struck out, and in its place the following— That so long as the Society continues to exist it shall be called "The Kirk Santon Concordant Society." And further,—That the said Society shall be wound up at any time that a resolution to do so shall be passed by the votes of three-fourths of the members present at any meeting called to consider the question—fourteen days' previous notice of the holding of such meeting first having been forwarded to every subscribing member of the Society

On the motion being put 20 hands were held up in its favour, and on a negative being taken only one hand was held up against. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Martin, who suitably replied. The meeting then terminated.

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