THE ISLE OF MAN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 146, 5 June 1936, Page 15

THE ISLE OF MAN

Manx Hospitality

WOMEN’S LONELY LIVES

Thero is only one island to Lancashire folk—the Isle of Alan. But Lancashire people do not really know the island. How often do they penetrate more than a few miles beyond Douglas and savour the real Manxland and the genuine Manx hospitality? comments an overseas writer.

The Manx who live in the glens or die upland or in the many little coast villages are the soul of hospitality. Go to some thatched cottage on a summer afternoon and ask tor a glass of water and you will be certain to be offered instead either milk or butter-milk and a thick slice of soda eake. If it happens your call is round about four o’clock, you will probably be asked in to tea.

In return you will bo requested—quietly and somewhat shyly— to give the woman of the house anv titbits of news from “across.” The Manx have an insatiable appetite for news. They read little and travel not at all. Wireless sets in the country cottages are rare and so they appreciate a talk or, as they would say, a “lil cooish.” Occasionally cottages show in their windows a hand-painted sign, “Teas.” Go inside and just ask for tea. Leave the rest to the woman of the house. She will usher you into her parlour, tilled to overflowing with her muchbeloved household goods. In a few minutes her daughter will come in with your tea. For you of you there will be at least four boiled eggs, a loaf of home-made bread, a heap of sodacakes or scones, a pot of jam, a new comb of honey, a pot of tea, a jug of cream, and a big pat of butter. When you have eaten and asked tor your bill do not be surprised if the woman of the house diffidently suggests a shilling each.