J T Baily - Problems with Authorities

Baily describes a significant problem that arose, especially with Government Secretary Bertram Sergeaunt who was the real power behind the throne occupied by Lt Governor Raglan - in his manuscript account of the camp he writes:

[p600] Just prior to my appointment from Industrial adviser to that of Industrial Superintendent an incident occured which almost ended my work at Knockaloe;we were just getting well into our stride with basket making and producing large quantities of round shopping baskets, a Manx bailiff and auctioneer was having a sale in Peel and brought a few of the handbaskets to include in the sale. Someone present at the sale eager to create mischief protested at German made goods being sold and inflamed the fishermen's wives of Peel to angry tumult; the police rather eager for a case like this reported it to Government Office.

The Government Secretary being very sensitive of anything which might bring him discredit and he being responsible to the Home Office for Camp affairs looked about for a scapegoat and naturally pounced on the Quaker representative, he immediately telephoned to Col Panzera instructing him to take away my pass and to restrain from any further contacts with the Camp. I was called to the Commandant's office and told this, he expressed his regret and stated that he did not understand it as he was totally unaware of any regulation such as the Government Secretary accused me of violating, I knew nothing about it. I tried to get the Government Secretary on the telephone to request an interview but he declined very sharply that or to hear me,so I had to report to London ; this brought along post haste William R Hughes and Alfred Lynn to the Island, they stayed at Fort Anne Hotel in Douglas, got me over to spend a night there with them and hear from me all the details of the affair and I judged also to give me a change as I was terribly upset about it.

Next day they both called at Government Office without making any appointment, asked to see Mr Sergeaunt the Government Secretary and when the clerk went to his office to announce their wish to see him, instead of awaiting the Clerk's return they followed on his heels and went in with him thereby preventing what they expected from the Government Secretary - a refusal to see them. I believe some straight forward though tactful arguments took place but he remained adamant in his decision that I must go. I was advised to leave things as they were at Camp and my family to remain at Glengaba Cottage, I to go to London where W R Hughes took up the matter with the Home Office. Meanwhile John Ransome of Warrington was prevailed upon by F.E.C. to fill my place temporarily at Knockaloe which he did spledidly.

It was while I was in London that I received a greeting card from Col Panzera with the Scriptural text printed upon it "Be not weary in well doing." I did so much appreciate it needing encouragement; and it revealed again the fine character of the man. Negotiations continued with the Home Office and at last I was asked to accompany W. R. Hughes for an interview with the Permanent Secreatry W Pedder; he was evidently trying to find a way that would make my return possible but as he said we would have to provide a ladder for the Government Secretary to climb down and "save face". I found out later that Col Panzera was repeatedly urging for my return and John Ransome paved the way by conversations with Government Secretary which revealed the latter to have used the "basket" incident as an opportunity to get a number of things settled which were an offence to him (see John Ransome's report). Finally I was allowed to return and I was again happy and thankful to God for guiding us all.

Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The Editor © F.Coakley , 2019