I have quoted so largely from the reports of the society (1841) for two reasons—first, because the committee are, and of course ought to be, better acquainted with its proceedings than myself; and secondly, because its details are related with a striking simplicity of style, which must speak to every breast not devoid of the “milk of human kindness,” and I am sure no words of mine would be able to influence further the minds of those benevolent persons who, through the medium of these pages, may become acquainted with its existence, and feel wishful of adding a trifle to the funds of this invaluable society.
That it is an invaluable charity none can deny, for it strikes to the root of all West Indian misery—illicit love; and what can be more acceptable to “the community at large” than the endeavouring to inculcate into the minds of its youthful members the doctrines of chastity and diligence in well-doing? The twenty-sixth anniversary of this society was held on the 31st December, 1841. The children, inmates of the house, are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, and are instructed in all the arts of female plain-work,—straw-bonnet sewing and cleaning forming one branch of their employment. Their earnings for the last year were 107l. 0s. 7½d. currency, out of which, 5l. 13s. 10½d. had to be deducted for materials to carry on their different works. The matron receives a salary of 60l. currency per annum, and the children are clothed and boarded, and have medical attendance found them; and when death sends forth its summons, and any of the inmates fall a prey to its inevitable shafts, their last resting-place is provided, and the funeral expenses paid.
The next institutions worthy of mention are the town and country “Friendly Societies.” They are formed upon a similar plan to some of the “poor men’s clubs” in England, and prove of great assistance to the members in times of sickness and trial. The St. John’s Friendly Society was established in 1829, under the auspices of that zealous minister, the Rev. R. Holberton, and was intended to promote good feelings among the lower classes, to assist them in procuring articles of mourning, aid them in times of deep distress, help those incapable of helping themselves, and encourage sobriety and industry among them.
After the abolition of slavery, in 1834, many of the negroes removing from the estates to which they formerly belonged, and other estates not finding medical advice for their labourers, as in times of slavery, it was found necessary to enlarge the rules of the society; and by increasing the amount subscribed by every member, provide them with a doctor when ill, a certain sum per week during indisposition, and upon demise twelve dollars for the funeral expenses.
The first country Friendly Society was established in 1832; but since that period they have rapidly increased. “In 1834,” remarks Mr. Holberton, “there were eleven societies, with 1602 members; in 1835, 4197 members; in 1836, 4560 members.” The Moravians and Wesleyans have each their Friendly Societies, formed and conducted upon a similar plan.
On the first of January, 1842, I visited St. John’s church, to hear the anniversary sermon preached to the society. The members met at the parochial school-room, where they formed into a procession, the women first, and the men following behind, and marched to the church, headed by the Very Rev. the Archdeacon, the Rev. Mr. Holberton, the rector, the Rev. Mr. Piggott, and the Rev. Mr. Saulez. The morning service having been performed, and a very suitable and excellent sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Piggott, the members again formed into ranks, and marched back to the school-room, where the report of the society was read, short addresses made, and refreshments handed round, when the whole party dispersed. I could not help remarking the smart appearance of the members—such rainbow ribbons, and stylish bonnets—such parasols and sandals—such blue coats and white trowsers!—as made their appearance on that day would surprise any one.
The next society, which by-the-bye ought to have been mentioned first, as being the oldest in the island, is the Bible Society, organized in 1815. It is comprised of every sect and shade in the island, and its interests are managed by an efficient committee. After the abolition of slavery in 1834, the parent society sent a “munificent grant, by which a choice portion of the Holy Scriptures was gratuitously circulated to about one-third of the inhabitants of this colony. Nine thousand seven hundred copies of the New Testament, bound together with the Book of Psalms, were thus placed at the disposal of the committee.”
The remaining societies are the “Missionary Associations” connected with the Wesleyan mission, established in 1820, and intended for the purpose of raising funds for the parent society in England. The “Temperance Society,” introduced into Antigua in the year 1836; the “Juvenile Association,” established 1815; the “Ladies Clothing Society,” (or Dorcas Society,) and two other associations belonging to the established church, and known as the “Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge,” and the “Branch Association of the Society for the advancing the Christian Faith in the British West Indies, &c.” The Moravians have also a Missionary society, established in 1839.
Having now gone through the charitable institutions, I must proceed to mention the “Banks,” of which there are two in the island—the “Colonial Bank,” incorporated by royal charter, 1836; and the “West Indian Bank,” in 1840. The first of these banks issues a very neat note, (from five dollars [1l. sterling] and upwards,) bearing a lithographed representation of the royal arms, and encircled with a very prettily designed border; but the “West Indian” disseminates the most frightful “paper money” I ever witnessed. Some of their notes are red, and others blue; who was the designer of the “arms” which grace the head of them I know not, but they appear to be in direct opposition to all laws of heraldry. The shield (of an oblong figure) is divided into three quarterings: 1st, or, an eagle (apparently) sable, beaked, rising from the sea; 2nd, gules, a ship full-rigged, argent; 3rd, azure, a castle, argent, battled. The supporters are two dwarfish cocoa-nut trees, (palm?) apparently springing from the same root as their companions, two gigantic pine-apples; the whole surmounted by the crown of England. With regard to the benefit which the establishment of these banks has rendered the country, various opinions have been formed.
After the “Banks,” the only remaining institution to be mentioned is the “Antigua Library Society,” which according to its “rules and regulations,” is devoted to “the gradual formation of a permanent library of general literature, and the establishment, in connexion with the library, of a reading-room, to be furnished with newspapers, journals, pamphlets, periodicals, and other new publications.”