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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
The object of this society, instituted at a meeting in the National School, Athol Street on 27 March 1834 chaired by Col. Campbell of Ravensdale, a well-known franchise reformer and member of the Northern Association to secure representation of the people in the legislature by election by ballot was first 'to promote a cordial intercourse between the rich and the poor, for the purpose of assisting the industrious in establishing habits of prudence, economy and cleanliness' and secondly 'that the poor be encouraged to make small deposits, for the provision of winter stores, clothing , coal, rent &c.. This money to be rewarded with a premium of sixpence on every ten shillings (British) when withdrawn' [Manx Sun, 28 March 1834].
Beginning with a committee under the patronage of James Quirk, High Bailiff of Douglas, composed of a group of distinguished Douglas Clergymen, and other eminent townsmen, the society was very soon popular with the small savers of Douglas and its immediate neighbourhood. In the Manx Sun of 31 July 1852, the latest known reference at present to the society records its apparently healthy, if disorganised and somewhat changed financial position. 'We are happy to learn that this useful Society is almost as highly appreciated as in 1834. The sums paid by the collectors to the treasurer for May and June were £34 0s. 8d., and £58 2s. 9½d.: and when we state that no premium is given, and that several large districts are without collectors, the amount must appear large indeed.
M.N.H.L., Isle of Man newspapers ut supra
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