In 1894 Tynwald passed an Act that created seventeen elected boards of commissioners based on the seventeen ancient parishes of the Island.

In 1894 The Examiner reported:-

“Mr W A Stevenson, Captain of Arbory, presided as Returning Officer at the election of Commissioners for the parish, which was held at the parish school yesterday (Friday). The following gentlemen were elected:-
Mr Jno Moore, Claugh Vane, Colby
Mr Jas Costain, Claugh Vane, Colby
Mr Thos Watterson, Colby
Mr R Costain, Ballacrye, Colby
Mr G Moore, Balladoole, Colby”

Besides relocating Balladoole to Colby, The Examiner seemed to show little enthusiasm for the extension of local government into the rural areas or perhaps it was merely reflecting the mood of the time. In our neighbouring parish, Rushen, the newspaper reported that “very little interest seemed to be manifested.........there being but little over a score of ratepayers present at the time for commencing business.” Nevertheless there were seven nominations and the first five members were elected. At Michael “the election passed off quietly this morning being decided by a show of hands.”

Three years later, in 1897, the second elections received more attention from the press but it was very critical and, to ours ears anyway, condescending if not mocking.

In Arbory, under the headline “Safe in the Possession of Five Commissioners”, The Examiner reported on Saturday 2nd October that “quite a considerable amount of excitement has centred round the second attempt to secure parochial representatives, this being chiefly noticeable in Colby and Ballabeg. The procedure necessary proved a great stumbling block and much discussion and searching of the Act took place. Seeing that Rushen and Malew were both credited with having committed a blunder, not to speak of more remote parishes, it behoved the Arbory fathers to exercise a most wise discretion. Apparently all has gone off satisfactorily and the district is safe in the possession of five Commissioners.
Eight nominations were received, as follows:- Robert Cubbon, Ballaglonney, farmer, proposed by Robert H Maddrell, Ballamaddrell, seconded by John Cubbon, Ballamaddrell; William Costain, Colby, blacksmith, by John Costain, Colby, joiner and Richard Costain, Ballacrie, farmer; James Cooil, Erystein, farmer by Henry Kinvig, Colby, gardener and John Costain, colby, joiner; John Kewley, the Vicarage, clerk in holy orders, by Richard Costain, Ballacrie, farmer and Geo Moore, Balladoole, farmer; James Creer, Colby, miner, by Henry Kinvig, Colby, gardener and John Bridson, Colby, farmer; Richard Cooil, Cronkdarragh, farmer, by Robert H Maddrell, Ballamaddrell, farmer and John Cubbon, Ballamaddrell, farmer; Thomas Qualtrough, Beregeen, farmer, by Richard Costain, Ballacrie, farmer and Geo Moore, Balladoole, farmer; Thomas Kinvig, Ballavarkish, farmer by Jas Costain, Colby Moar, farmer and Richard Costain, Ballacrie, farmer.
All were in order, but the last three named withdrew at once. The remaining five, therefore, must stand, and it only remains for the names to be printed and posted on the election day. We believe two others also sought to retire, but were too late in signifying the same. For the next three years the parish will be served, then, by the Rev J Kewley, M.A. And Messrs Jas Cooil, Wm Costain, James Creer and Robt Cubbon.”

The Examiner went on, “The chief lesson from the last weeks is evidently that the Local Government Act is the biggest muddle ever thrust upon the people and the sooner it is mended the better. The whole election procedure, both as to season and detail, requires alteration; the areas are by some considered too small; the powers of the Commissioners require extension, the present duties being no inducement to gentlemen to seek office. Some suggestions regarding the latter are – control of highways, control of burial grounds, public weighing machines, as well as sanitary control. Doubtless the present Commissioners will have some work, as the inspection of dairies will probably take place during their time of office.”

Does that sound familiar to those who have been following the local government reform debate in 2005? Not much changes over 108 years but the parish commissioners are still here. (We will leave aside whether the present powers have induced any “gentlemen” to seek office in recent years).

For a full list of the members of Arbory Parish Commissioners since 1894, click on *****

The Minutes from the early days seem to have been lost but there is a record of meetings since 1922. These provide a very interesting peek at life in the Parish over the last 83 years.