Paul Sparkes: ‘Congratulations, Sir William!’
At first glance, the dusty little booklet from 95 years ago did not suggest a very interesting “read.” A friend who discovered it among her late husband’s papers sent it along to me and I flicked through its 48 pages.
Title: “Messages of Congratulation to Sir William Ford Coaker on the occasion of his being knighted by His Majesty King George V June 3rd., 1923.” It was printed, as might well be expected, at the plant of The Fishermen’s Advocate in Port Union. There was a brief introduction, some words about the recipient of the knighthood and a little foreword ending with, “Those included in this booklet express, not only the public esteem with which Sir William F. Coaker is regarded, but indicates the general opinion that the royal recognition was wellmerited.”
Anyone even slightly conversant with Newfoundland history will know that William Coaker (1871-1938) born on the Southside, St. John’s and made the cause of our fishermen his lifelong crusade. He unionized them, helped construct a new fishery infrastructure with the union stamp upon it and rose into government. In his hey-day Coaker was welcomed like royalty in outports tiny and considerable.
This booklet collects messages from near and far, and from the low and high. As I read the letters (more correctly, notes) Newfoundland place names jumped at me like so many innocent jokers. Surely there is no other place in the world where names are so delightful or so honest: Gooseberry Island, Britannia, Leading Tickles, Shambler’s Cove (a shambler is one who moves awkwardly), Safe Harbour, Seldom Come By and others.
Politely taking credit
One of the brief letters was from the Colonial Secretary in London, who at that time happened to be The Duke of Devonshire (correctly signing his letter, of course): DEVONSHIRE. So like a duke, his grace politely takes credit for Coaker’s achievement:
“Allow me to congratulate you on the K.B.E. which the king has conferred on you. It gave me great pleasure to ask the Prime Minister to submit your name to His Majesty for this honour in recognition of your services to Newfoundland.”
Ah! The language!
While I am up there quoting from those set in authority over us, I needs must quote in its entirely the letter from retired Newfoundland Governor C. Alexander Harris. He lived at Government House here from 1917 to 1922 and at the time of Coaker’s elevation, was a resident at the Beach Hotel in the south coast English town of Worthing:
“Dear Sir William Coaker.
It could not be but with great interest that I observed your name in Saturday’s honours list, and I write to congratulate you on the attainment of so high an honour. I should fancy that not only to yourself, but to that band of loyal members whom you had around you, your new dignity will give much pleasure.”
Sounds rather like Coaker was Robin Hood. Perhaps, indeed, he was.
Still on the theme of “The Language” I must include the letter from Rev. G.S. Chamberlain at The Rectory, Catalina:
“”I gladly avail myself of the earliest opportunity afforded me of conveying to you the expression of the heartiest congratulations of Mrs. Chamberlain and myself, upon the well merited honour and dignity of knighthood which His Gracious Majesty, our beloved King and Sovereign, has seen fit to bestow upon you, his most liege subject; that you may be long spared to the enjoyment of a happy and useful life to your
fellow creatures, and all that makes for their welfare and advancement spiritually, socially and morally is the earnest desire of ”... (signed).
Yea, verily it doth seem as
thought the Middle Ages are back. By the way, God granted Coaker 15 years to enjoy the Knighthood.
Walter Cotton in Britannia wrote in part, “Your people at Port Union and all throughout the various councils must be glad because it is tantamount to a recognition of the F.P.U.”
Dr. Grenfell wrote:” you certainly have been a fighter and I hope that you may live long to enjoy your title.” (A 15-year title bout?)
George Badcock (of Josiah), at Bay Roberts West, wrote a “real” letter and ended with, “Now wishing you again God’s blessing and trusting that you will still go on with your face ever set towards the light and that many a good cause shall find in you its pillar and above all, the hard-working bread-winners of this land shall rise up and call you blessed.”
NOTE: Coaker’s story is, of course, an amazing one. For readers who want more, I would recommend for one source that they go online to a column written by Edward Roberts for The Compass (published in that newspaper on Sept. 29th., 2017). The column is headlined, “Coaker did things his own way to the very end”.