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THE LIFE-BOAT. JOUBNAL

OF THK IRo^al Bational %ife*Boat Jnstitutfon. (ISSUED QUARTERLY.)

VOL. XVI.—No. 183.] IST FEBRUARY, 1897. PRICE 3d.

TEE WEATHEB IN 1896 FEOM A LIFE-BOAT POINT OF VIEW. THE past year up to within the last ten days brought safely to shore in the last quarter of September was a singularly uneventful of the year is somewhere about half what one as regards Life-boat work; in fact, on have been rescued in the whole year. the 22nd September the number of lives When it was seen in September this year rescued by the Life-boats only totalled that there were such small results to 65, and had the weather continued in its show for the large expenditure in keep- peaceful frame of mind up to the end of the ing up the enormous organisation for year, it is probable that the full amount saving life, even though the yearly record of lives credited to the ROYAL NATIONAL was pretty rare to prove such a dis- LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION would have fallen appointing one from a life-saving point short of 100, which would have been of view, there was no in John the smallest record since its establish- Street or violent desire to remove about ment in 1824. The following table shows two-thirds of the Life-boat stations, so as the number of lives rescued in a corre- to satisfy that peculiar style of critic who sponding time, viz., between 1st January takes such delight in calculating what it and 22nd September in the six preced- costs the Institution in £ s. d. to save ing years and the totals for each year— one life. It was generally felt that there were great possibilities in the last quarter, and that the equinoctial gales (which a Lives rescued tip i Total lives rescued Year. 'to 22nd September.' In the year. large section of the public appear to believe are as regular in their courses as the planets) would pull up the record; 1890 254 555 and to a great extent this was realised, 1891 216 568 for by the end of 1896 the list had 1892 increased from 67 to 312, showing that 643 836 considerably more than three times the 1893 138 428 number of lives were rescued in the last 1894 378 649 quarter than in the three previous 1895 244 533 quarters of the year. The weather up to the time of the autumnal equinox was certainly re- On glancing at this table it is at once sponsible for the smallness of the BOYAL very noticeable that, with the exception of NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION'S list 1892 when there were 379 persons taken of saved, and it is to be trusted that the off the s.s. Eider, which had stranded on weather, which gratefully provides us the 31st January, the proportion of lives with so much subject for conversation,

VOL. XVI,—No. 183.—LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. 2 s 662 THE LIFE-BOAT. [!ST FEBRUABY, 1897. may often be saddled with a similar being both affected. Crews of vessels responsibility. On the 13th and 21st were rescued by the Whitehaven, Ramsey February there were two sharp blows (Isle of Man), Cemaes, Kingstown and from the eastward which affected the Wicklow Life-boats; the Abersoch and north-east coasts and which brought out Tenby Life-boats each took the crews off many Life-boats to the assistance of five vessels (ten vessels altogether) which the -—an extremely im- were riding at anchor in great danger, portant function of the Life-boats, as it but having managed to survive the inspires much confidence in the fisher- storm their crews boarded their vessels men, and has indirectly been the means again, and consequently the ROYAL of saying many a boat and its crew from NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION does destruction. In the last week in July not lay claim in these and similar cases a south-westerly gale passed up the St. to having saved their lives, although very George's Channel and pursued its way frequently work of this class is extremely north, crossing Scotland about the lati- arduous and attended by much risk. tude of Aberdeen, which disturbed the The Montrose No. 1 boat landed three atmospheric conditions generally, but passengers from a , which also did not cause many casualties, warm was in considerable danger, and vessels weather and short nights being wonder- were assisted by the Montrose No. 1, ful antidotes to shipping disaster. The Newbiggin and Aberdovey Life-boats. latter part of August and all September Of the remainder of the boats called out, were very wet, and on the 17th the weather their services were either refused or the began to show unmistakable signs of vessels had succeeded in getting into storminess. From the 23rd to the 27th safety without the aid of a Life-boat. there was a continuation of strong gales Although no further great storm blowing from S.W. to N.W. and affecting occurred in October the whole month was the whole of the coasts. The 25th was what might be called a rough one, both as the first really busy day of the year for to rain and wind; many days the wind is the Life-boats, and eleven boats rendered recorded at varying from seven to good service on that day, six crews were nine at various points on the coast, and at rescued, the crews of three other vessels Malin Head, in the north of , were landed but afterwards replaced on ten (Beaufort scale) was registered on the board their , which had managed to 19th and 26th, the wind being N. and ride out the gale, and two vessels were N.N.W. respectively. The barometrical assisted. The wreck most prominently readings throughout the month, except brought before the public, because it 14th, 15th and 16th, were very low. occurred in the sight of thousands of Life-boats were called out for service on people, was that of the barque Agdar, nearly every remaining day or night of which stranded off Folkestone beach. The the month: 4 were out on the 10th, 5 Folkestone Life-boat rescued four of her on the llth, 3 on the 12th, 6 on the 13th, crew under considerable difficulties, and 5 on the 14th, 3 on the 16th, 2 on the the remaining six refusing to leave their 17th, 3 on the 19th, 4 on the 20th, 4 on were with difficulty rescued by lines the 23rd, 1 on the 24th, 2 on the 25th, after the barque had washed over the 1 on the 26th-; after that the weather was rocks on which she first stranded and had somewhat quieter and no other Life-boat come to the beach. was called out until the 30tb, when the We now enter into the last quarter St. Andrew's boat was required to assist proper, although for purposes of com- some fishing-boats. This was certainly parison we have taken the 22nd September a change from the peaceful attitude of as the beginning of the last quarter of the elements in the foregoing part of the the year. Nothing serious occurs in the year, and the list of rescued had by meteorological aspect until the evening the 31st October risen to 184, besides of the 7th October, when a strong south- which a large number of persons in westerly gale sets in and thoroughly up- temporary danger had been lauded from sets the weather until the 12th October, different vessels, but are not included and between the 7th and 9th no less among those credited as rescued. than thirty Life-boats were called out November came in as if inclined to for service, the east and west coasts make up for the coarseness of October, IBT FEBRUARY, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 663 and until the 7th no Life-boat was be done whether the services of the boat stirring, but on the 7th, as if trying to are required or not, and the boat has emulate the -violence of the weather in also to be brought back through the October, a strong gale from the east- dangerous broken water to the beach. ward sprang up in the night on the Comparisons are often made by ignorant east coast of and continued till people between the Life-boat service and the 9th, although the immediate neigh- Fire Brigades. It is hardly possible to bourhood of Yarmouth was where it was imagine two such dissimilar organisations. principally felt, still the weather was With the exception that each must be generally disturbed over the British Isles. ready for immediate call, there is not one During this gale seventeen Life-boats single point in common. The Fire Brigade were launched for wreck service, twelve of would be the first to confess that there is which were stationed between Happisburgh, no special difficulty or danger in going in Norfolk, and Margate. Most excellent from their station to the place they are work was done by the Caister No. 2 and called to, and if their services are not Gorleston No. 1 Life-boats to the full- required they simply drive back again. rigged ship Soudan which had stranded Their dangerous work is, of , in on the outer side of the Scroby Sand off coping with a fire, whereas the Life- Yarmouth. An attempt wai at first made boat man's difficulties very often begin as to save the vessel, but when that easterly soon as the boat-house doors are open, gale sprang up it soon became evident for transporting a Life-boat along an open that the unfortunate vessel was doomed, beach in a -storm and heavy gale of and the Gorleston boat with difficulty wind is no sinecure; of course, this does rescued nineteen of the vessel's crew and not always happen, but it frequently does, eight Life-boat men who had been at work as life-boats are not required in fine on board the vessel; the Life-boat then weather. The crews are very often en- lost her communication with the Soudan, titled to more praise after a difficult but leaving eight men still on board her, who fruitless launch, than for some of the were rescued in very brilliant style by successful services. the Gaister No. 2 Life-boat. lu the rest of the month of November Outof the twelve Life-boats called outfor there is nothing very remarkable in the service on the east coast on this occasion, way of gales, but the weather is stormy no fewer than nine had fruitless errands, from the 14th to 17th, and again about and this is a good opportunity for calling the 28th. Two Life-boats were out on the special attention to these launches. When 9th, 1 on the 12th, 4 on the 14th, 1 on the a service is done and a crew landed, the 16th, 1 on the 23rd, and 1 on the 25th general public hear all about it, and the and 26th, 6 on the 28th, 2 on the 29th, pluck of the Life-boat men is very properly and 1 on the 30th, and the total of lives commended, but little is known of the rescued at the end of November was 242. number of cases when Life-boats are sum- The weather in December up to the moned and their services not required. 15th was generally rough, and very low After all the struggle to launch -and the readings of the barometer were frequent, hardship and exposure has been endured, but no storm of really first rate import- especially when called by a distress signal ance visited these islands. Nevertheless, made from an outlying light-vessel orvessel the Life-boats were kept very busy, and, near a distant sand, it is very disappoint- with the exception of the 2nd, no day ing to the men to find that their errand passed up to the 16th without some of has been made unnecessary and that the them being afloat. On the 1st 2 were vessel has got out of danger or a sudden out, 1 on the 3rd, 9 on the 4th, 3 on the shift of wind has enabled her to dispense 5th, 4 on the 6th, 2 on the 7th, 4 on the with Life-boat assistance. Taking a crew 8tb, 2 on the 9th, 1 on the 10th, 2 on off a vessel is no doubt often a most the llth, 2 on the 12th, 3 on the 13th, hazardous operation, but it is by no 4 on the 14th, and 1 on the 15th. After means all the danger that a Life-boat's that, except in the far North of Scotland, crew have to contend with; the launch the weather improved and became frosty | from an open beach and the struggle out for a week, but on the frost breaking up, through the broken water is, perhaps, the it again became unsettled, and, although greatest difficulty of all, and this has to the South of England had nothing

2 s "2 664 THE LIFE-BOAT. [IST FEBRUARY, 1897. much to complain of for the remainder of tempted service of the Appledore No. 2 the year, strong winds were experienced Life-boat on the night of the 6th to in parts of Ireland and most of Scotland 7th December. A strong N.W. gale on the 26th, 27th and 30th. The re- was blowing with a very heavy sea run- maining launches of Life-boats took place ning on the bar when the above boat was as follows: 2 on the 18th, 2 on the 19th, called to the assistance of the 1 on the 22nd, 5 on the 29th. Carrick, of St. John's, N.B., and in Although there was no gale of really attempting to cross the bar the Life-boat's great magnitude daring the time we have bows got thrown off the sea, a heavy been examining, still the last quarter breaker striking the boat broad on the cannot have been said to have been an un- beam capsized her, throwing all the crew eventful one from a Life-boat point of view. with the exception of one man into the The gales on the 25th September and 8th water. Although the night was pitch October were remarkable for the immense dark all hands managed to regain the amount of damage done to the slipways boat, which had instantly righted, and at and boat-houses belonging to the ROYAL once they proceeded to make another NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, and attempt to cross the bar, but had not likewise to the harbour and sea defences gone far before the boat was recalled from on the coast, in consequence of their the shore, the crew of the brigantine choosing spring for their visit. having been rescued by lines when she Among the very many praiseworthy struck the beach. This certainly was an Life-boat services and attempted services illustration of the sterling good qualities done, perhaps that most deserving of and courage of the inhabitants of oar special attention as an instance of coasts, and goes far to disprove that the determination and pluck was the at- race is deteriorating.

OUE LIFE-BOAT SATUEDAY FOND.

THE Central Committee of the Life-boat movement, now adopted by about 150 Saturday Fund have now completed important centres of population. From their first year of work and are issuing an Institution point of view, however, the their first Annual Eeport. We have most interesting part of the Eeport is read it with much interest and are that which has reference to finance, and satisfied that its contents will afford we draw attention to the financial results eminent satisfaction to all the earnest for the year with particular satisfaction. workers up and down the country who In 1895 the net amount, after paying have laboured so well and so zealously expenses, received by the Institution to sustain and extend the Life-boat from the Life-boat Saturday movement Saturday movement. We cannot but was 10,7907. 19s. 5d., whereas in 1896 think that the Central Committee them- this total has not merely been equalled, selves must be gratified at their own but increased more than 50 per cent., success, a success which has, we imagine, the actual net amount paid to the Insti- exceeded their most sanguine expec- tution in 1896 being 16,2057. 18s. 5d. tations. Notwithstanding the many Every farthing of this money has been obstacles they have had to contend with laid out by the Institution on the cox- during the year—placed in their way swains, crews, and launchers, &c., of the principally, we understand, by a few life-boats, on special rewards and re- persons, who, whilst professing great cognitions, in grants to men injured in solicitude for the well-being of the the service, and to the relatives of men movement, have in reality done their lost on service. level best to thwart and retard it— We are also pleased to find that not- remarkable progress has been effected, withstanding the great amount of new Life - boat Saturday demonstrations ground which had to be broken requiring and collections having been held and naturally a very considerable outlay, the made in 56 cities and towns which actual expense of working and managing had not previously participated in the the movement during the past year was IST FEBBUABY, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 665 less than in the previous year, when invitation of the Central Committee, on the headquarters of the movement were the 25th January last, and was presided in Manchester and there was no Central over by the LOUD MAYOR OF LONDON, Committee. There is every reason to who, in kindly welcoming the workers, believe that when the organisation has testified to the importance of the objects become more perfectly formed and good they had in view, which are at once lessons have been learnt by experience, humanitarian and national. the percentage cost of management will The Committee of the London Life- be still further reduced. One thing is boat Saturday Fund have also issued their however abundantly evident: that those Report, and have been able to show that well-wishers to the movement all over the their first attempt to rouse a greater country who petitioned the Institution to interest in the work of the ROYAL bring the headquarters from Manchester NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION in a to London, to be guided and managed by portion of the metropolis of the world, a Central Committee principally com- was thoroughly successful and has served posed of representative delegates sent as an incentive for a campaign on a from the various cities and towns where larger scale this year. Oar readers will Life - boat Saturday had been intro- be interested to note that the 15th May duced were true prophets, and that the next is to be "Life-boat Saturday" in transfer was not only fully justified London. but has been productive of excellent In a few weeks the Life - boat results. Saturday season for 1897 will begin, An interesting conference of delegates and we wish all the committees and from the Life-boat Saturday Com- workers " God - speed" in their self- mittees throughout the country was held denying efforts and labour — a labour at the Mansion House in London, by which is certainly one of love.

WHAT SOUTH ATJSTEALIA IS DOING* to aid the shipwrecked is a fairly afloat, and the sensation does not last accurate standard by which to measure long enough to demand completeness, till a country's civilization. In the South a second disaster stirs public sentiment Sea Islands, or Somali Laud, the un- once more, and another is made. fortunate castaway may struggle through This has been our casein South Australia, the breakers, only to be clubbed on and has resulted in something like a landing. On other coasts there may or regular "service." After the terrible may not be interested and sympathetic wreck of the Admdla, some forty years onlookers, but in either case the wrecked ago, a life-saving plant of boats and one will be left to work out his own rocket apparatus was provided, and salvation; while, if in danger on the placed along our coast. Although in the shores of Great Britain or the United south-east corner of the province there States, countries in the first rank of followed other disasters and some success- civilization, efficient life-saving services ful rescues, it was not till the Star of will do all that is possible, by pluck and Greece wreck that public attention was ingenuity, to save him. again awakened, and demanded some- It seems usual for life-saving services thing more than the mere provision to advance by spasmodic jerks. A of plant. The unfortunate ship was terrible wreck shocks the public mind, stranded so close to shore that all who and earnest, but too short-lived, efforts remained on the portion intact at day- are made to prevent such loss of life on light might easily have been saved with a future occasion. It does not closely the rocket apparatus, but there was concern the vast majority who never go neither a trained crew to use it nor transport arrangements to bring it from * Extracted from an article by Capt. R. W. its station twenty miles away, and it only CBESWELL, B.N., in the Australian Review of arrived many hours after the last of the Reviews, June 20th, 1896. unfortunates had either been drowned in 666 THE LIFE-BOAT. [1ST FEBRUARY, 1897. the breakers or straggled through them Modern steam traffic has enhanced the to the beach. There was an almost importance of time, for errors of navi- parallel case on the Victorian coast, when, gation are a more fruitful cause of mishap after waiting a long weary time, the than any other. In the old days apparatus arrived, but in snch an in- there was usually longer warning of complete condition that it could not be disaster, and in the case of a ship, help- used. A splendid young fellow among less and crippled, drifting to a lee shore, the spectators, a young selector, swam there were often hours to prepare for the out with a line, and established the com- end. Then, again, the proportion of sea- munication that saved all but himself. men to passengers or helpless landsfolk The young hero had been so battered by was in old days far greater than to-day, the sea in swimming off that he could when the steamer carries its hundreds, not return, and was left to die on board. where the sailing vessel carried its scores. Such a life was a heavy penalty to pay Too often in a steamer the midnight crash for lack of a proper system. After the on a is the first warning, and the Star of Greece disaster, "life-saving" at seamen * available to leaven the panic- wrecks Was made the care of the Naval stricken crowd is scarcely more than Department, and my predecessor, Captain sufficient to allow of one or two for each WALCOT,K.N.,establi8hed the system which boat carried. With steam, it is true, it has since been my object to perfect casualties are fewer, but the losses in each We have in South Australia, to an case have been deplorably greater. The exaggerated degree, all the difficulties of immutable law of averages tells us plainly the Australian Continent—uninhabited that, just as so many murders or suicides stretches of coast, and the added difficulty may be predicted for any given period here, where the coast is unapproachable with fair accuracy, it may be foretold that from inland to rescue parties. The so many men will make mistakes in attached map shows the life - saving navigation, either from neglect, over- stations on the South Australian coast, confidence, or lack of it. Add to this the sites selected being at the approaches occasional unseaworthiness, accidents to to ports where the traffic converges, and propelling power, stress of weather, and along dangerous prominences impinging the accidents to the more susceptible oh the traffic routes. It goes without sailing craft, and we have the continual saying that the existence of a resident incentive to live up to the motto," Beady, coast population is a governing factor. aye, ready." Years of immunity from a The next step was the thorough refit of sweeping wreck is the most insidious all the life-saving plant. At each Life- foe to the efficient maintenance of a boat station a volunteer crew was en- service of this kind. It encourages a rolled, and placed under the charge of a sleepiness in all concerned, to which suitable resident government officer— there is certain to come the inevitable usually the harbour master — who is awakening. responsible for the efficiency of the boat, To provide against the inevitable along gear and crew. Where the harbour the coast has been a question of excep- master is, from any cause, unable to take tional difficulty. Economy of fuel causes the active leadership, a coxswain is elected it to be skirted closely by all steam by the drew, as in the EOTAL NATIONAL traffic, and I am confident that at night LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION'S stations. There many pass it with a narrower margin of are regular quarterly practices, for which safety than they intend. the crew receive 10s. per practice of one The Life-boat stations at Beachport day. The harbour master furnishes and Fort Macdonne are 60 miles apart, quarterly reports to the Naval Depart- and at Robe, 30 miles north, the surf ment of the condition of his stores, boat gig would only be of service to the and crew. Excepting under very favour- smallest craft. This distance is too great able conditions of weather, a Life-boat's to bo covered by rowing or sailing Life- sphere of action is necessarily limited, for boats under adverse weather conditions, the struggle of many hours to get to a and even were the wreck so close to shore distant wreck must take more than their as to offer favourable hope of rescue from best out of a crew before even getting to the shore with the rocket apparatus, it is work at the wreck. a specially difficult road. Great lakes, 1ST FUBBUABY, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 667

20 and 30 miles in length, extend ready for service, to which, it is needless along the coast, and are only separated to say, the Government readily agreed. from the sea by a narrow margin of high Steam Life-boats are the latest application loose sand dunes. From inland, these of steam - propelling science to Life - lakes would have to be turned by rescue boat architecture. Water propulsion by parties, and, in any case, the progress powerful centrifugal pumps takes the would be disastrously slow. All the place of screw or paddle-wheel, and re- westward bound shipping of Australasia, moves all danger of its being fouled by and a large proportion of the European wreckage, and no tangle of canvas or traffic, pass along this stretch, and its cordage can affect the boat's progress. care is a responsibility forced upon South In manoeuvring power and sea-going Australia by her geographical position, qualities, she is everything that a Life- To add to it, by some curious fatality, boat should be, and her size, about 30 vessels sailing the southern route from tons displacement, allows of her carrying the Cape and Europe hare been drawn from sixty to eighty people, in addition in here far out of their coarse, and to her crew of seven. She carries coal wrecked. for about 180 miles' steaming, and has a The generous patriotism of a private maximum speed of 8 knots. She .thus citizen has gone far indeed to solve the commands an easy sphere of action p/ knotty problem of meeting our responsi- 50 miles on either side of her station ai bility in this region. Having learned of Beachport, whence, with steam ready at its need, Mr. E. BARE SMITH, of Torrens twenty minutes' notice, she can easily Park, ordered a steam Life-boat from cover the distance to any point along the England at his own expense, a cost of " prominence." The officer commanding 3,5002., and made a noble present of it to her will also have the whole charge and the colony, asking only, as a condition of superintendence of the stations on the the gift, that it should be maintained " prominence."

CIVIL SEEVICE LIFE-BOAT FUND.

AT the Thirtieth Annual Meeting of the to the Institution; 610Z. Os. Id. to meet Committee of this Fund, held on the the payment of all expenses connected with 15th January and presided over by the maintenance of the seven Life-boat Mr. CHABLKB G. TUBNEB, C.B., Controller- stations, for the building and endowment General of Inland Bevenne, Mr. CHARLES of the boats, for which the fund had DIBDIN, the Honorary Secretary, reported already found the means, and also a that there were now upwards of 15,000 further sum of 16Z. 7«. to recoup the contributors to the fund and that the com- Institution the money paid during mittee had paid to the ROYAL NATIONAL the year in rewarding the crews of LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION in 1896 the sum the Civil Service boats for launching of 2,076Z. 7s. Id. Of this amount 1,4502. for service. The Civil Service Life- was to defray the cost of the new boat- boats have up to the present time house and long slipway at Douglas, Isle been instrumental in saving 232 lives of Man, recently built for the new Life- and several vessels, besides aiding boat Civil Service No. 6, also paid for out numerous other vessels and crews in of the moneys already given by the fund distress. 668 THE LIFE-BOAT. [1ST FEBKUARY, 1897.

ADDITIONAL STATIONS AND NEW LIFE-BOATS.

BLACKPOOL.—The boat, which has its place she floats about 2 inches by the recently been sent to this station by the stern. In order to save her de- ROYAL NATIONAL LIM-BOAT INSTITUTION, signer has dispensed with the usual was designed by Mr. G. L. WATSON, Con- method of filling up the under-deck spaces salting Naval Architect to the Institution, with wooden air - cases, and has in- specially to meet the views of the Black- geniously substituted waterproof bags in pool Life-boat men. She is of a n on- each compartment, which are inflated set f-righ ting type, bat is insnbmergible. by means of a bellows, the nozzles of each Her dimensions are: length extreme, bag being brought np to small scuttles in 36 ft. 2 in.; beam extreme, 8 ft. 10 in.; the deck which are closed by brass screw- depth amidships from bottom of keel to gun- plates. There are however copper air- wale, 3 ft 8^ in., by which it will readily i cases attached to the hatches of the be seen that she has considerable beam I ballast-tanks to keep the water low down and consequently great stability. She is and to prevent it washing about. Another particularly intended for work under ; feature introduced with a view of saving oars, of which she pulls twelve; the ! weight and lowering the centre of gravity thwarts being 3 ft. 5 in. apart gives is the arrangement of side seats (a ample room to the men; she is also provided I method adopted by Mr. RCBIE, assistant- with one , and sets a standing lag I surveyor to the Institution, in the boat and . One of the great objects of her I specially designed by him for Dungeness designer has been to keep the weight I No. 1); these could be used by any ship- down as much as is compatible with wrecked crew, and by placing them where sufficient strength to withstand the severe i they are the weight and windage of such strain to which Life-boats are put. Her passengers would not be so detrimental. weight is 2 tons 19 cwt. 2 qrs. The boat has a bow and a stern end The iron keel has been made as moder- box; the tops of these are about 2 ft. ate us possible, only weighing 7 cwt.; but above the deck. The bow end box is to supplement this two water-ballast 6 ft. 3 in., and that at the stern 4 ft 7 in. tanks are arranged for, which will take in long. The boat is a handsome model, about 1 ton of water. The mean draught which was to be expected seeing who de- of the boat, with crew and gear in and signed her. Up to now no opportunity tanks empty, is 19.J inches, with tanks has occurred for giving her a good trial. full 21£ inches, and with everything in Like the boat she superseded she is IST FEBRUARY, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 669 named the Samuel Fletcher of Manchester. that a portion of his property which, It 'will be remembered by our readers that owing to his intestacy, had devolved on some years since the QUEEN, in view of Her Majesty in right of her Duchy of the intention of the late Mr. SAMUEL Lancaster, should be appropriated to the FLETCHEB, of Great Ancoats Street, building and maintaining in perpetuity by Manchester, to bnild and endow a Life- the Institution of a Life-boat to be named boat, was graciously pleased to direct after the testator.

SERVICES OP THE LIFE-BOATS OF THE EOYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION. STAITHES.—A sudden gale of wind vessel, on the evening of the 12th April, from E.S.E. arose on the morning of the reporting that a vessel was stranded on 14th March, 1896, and a heavy sea sprung the Shipwash Sands. A strong N.W. up, endangering the safety of the fishing- breeze was blowing, accompanied by cobles, which had proceeded to sea at squalls of snow, and the sea was rough. daybreak. The Life-boat Jonathan Stott The Life-boat Aldebiirgh was launched at put off at 10 o'clock to assist the boats, 4.58, eight minutes after the message and stood by them until the danger was arrived, and found the ship MacMillan, over. of Glasgow, in ballast from London for Frederickstadt, stranded near the middle LLANDUDNO.—On Sunday, the 12th of the sands, with her ensign flying, union April, a message was received by tele- down, in the mizen . The master phone from Colwyn Bay, at about 4 o'clock of the vessel gave up charge to the Life- in the afternoon, stating that a brigantine boat men, with the view of their getting was showing signals of distress. She was the ship off the sands, and at high water lying at anchor about two and a half this having been accomplished she miles distant from the shore, and her returned to Gxavesend. crew were working hard at the pumps. The wind was then blowing a gale from BLACKPOOL.—At about 6 o'clock on the N., and a very heavy sea was running. morning of the 13th April, while the The crew and launchers of the Life-boat, wind was blowing strongly from the Sunlight No. 1, were summoned, and the N.N.W. and a heavy sea was running, boat was got out of her house and was the fishing- Harriet, of Marshside, about to be launched, but owing to one of was observed in difficulties off Blackpool. the horses jibbing, the wheel-plate eanght After watching her course for a while, it the chain trace and pulled the horse down, was evident that she had become un- the wheel coming on to, but fortunately manageable, and therefore the Life-boat not injuring, the animal. The accident Samuel Fletcher was launched and went however delayed the launch, -but, once to her assistance. Proceeding in a afloat, the boat, after being rowed some southerly direction, the fishing - boat little distance from the shore to allow of struck the Crusader Bank, two miles being hoisted, sped towards the wreck, south of Blackpool, before the Life-boat being three times completely buried by the could bear down on her, and rolled over heavy seas which broke over her, reached on her starboard side. Her crew of four the vessel, rescued her crew of four men, men, who were in a very exhausted con- and safely landed them at Colwyn Bay. dition, were taken into the Life-boat, and She was the Waree, of and for Dundalk the vessel, which was not damaged, was from Liverpool, coal laden, and was in a afterwards taken to Lytham in charge of sinking state in consequence of having three of the Life-boat men. sprung a leak and of the stress of weather, and a report was afterwards received that WEXFOBD.—While a moderate gale from she had gone down. W.S.W. to N.W. was blowing, accom- panied by a rough sea, on the morning of ALDKBUEQH.— A message by telephone the 16th April, signals of distress were was received from the Ship wash Light- seen flying on a fishing-smack. The

2 s 3 670 THE LIFE-BOAT. [l8T FEBRUARY, 1897.

Life-boat .Andrew Pickard was launched a vessel was reported to have stranded on at 9.45, sailed over the bar, and on the beach at Waxham, two and a half reaching the fishing-boat—the Prairie miles southward of the Falling Life-boat Flower—found that all her had been station. The No. 1 Life-boat Good Hope blown away, and she had on board only was promptly got ready, horses were one man, who stated that his father had procured, and the boat was taken along fallen overboard and had been drowned the beach towards the scene of the wreck, before the signals of distress were hoisted. the coxswain sending two men forward to The man was almost distracted, and, find out the most available place for being entirely unable to help himself in launching. Meanwhile a boat, containing any way, his boat was simply drifting the master's wife and two of the crew, put out ta sea. Two of the Life-boat crew off from the vessel, but was unable to reach got on board the vessel and, having made the shore, as a rope by which the boat was ropes fast to her, towed her into Wexford attached to the vessel was not of sufficient Harbour, which was reached at 2.30 P.M. length. The boat was seen by the two men who* were going along the beach, and BBOADSTAIBS.—The Flamingo, of having ascertained that those on board Farsund, laden with pit-props from were unable to cut the rope, they, with a Christiansand for Cardiff, having been third man, waded out at some risk, observed running in the direction of the severed the rope, and the boat then drifted north end of the Goodwin Sands, the ashore safely. But for the prompt aid crew of the Broadstairs Life-boat were thus afforded there is little doubt that the summoned. Soon afterwards signal-guns boat would have been capsized in the were fired by the light-vessel, and the breakers. On the arrival of the Life- Life-boat was at once launched and pro- boat she was successfully launched and ceeded to the brig, which had stranded duly rescued the two seamen left on board on the sands. Some of the Life-boat men the vessel, which proved to be the boarded the vessel, stowed the sails and Rival of and for Eye from Goole, laden let go the port anchor. The Eamsgate with coal. tug then arrived and her help was GASTLBTOWN, ISLE OP MAN.—A small accepted. After towing about three , the Lu/ra, of Douglas, was reported hours, the vessel floated and was taken to be in distress and quite unmanageable to Bamsgate Harbour, where she arrived off Santon Head while a whole gale was at about 8 P.M. blowing from N.E. with a very heavy sea, on the 29th May. The Life-boat Hope. GOBLESTON.—The Life-boat Mark Lane was launched at 2.42 P.M. and rescued was launched at about 4 A.M. on the 13th the sole occupant of the vessel. She was May and proceeded to the assistance of the engaged over seven hours in rendering steam trawler Chanticleer, of Lowestoft, this service, and did not regain her station which had stranded on the South Scroby until 10 o'clock at night. Sand, on which a rough sea was breaking. It was found that the water had risen in FBASEBBURGH.—On the 6th June the the hold and had extinguished the engine coxswain of the Life-boat observed a fires. The crew at once transferred their vessel—the Nolle, of Banff, effects to the Life-boat. An anchor had laden with coal from Sunderland—driving already been laid out by the vessel's crew; towards the rocks. A heavy sea was the Life-boat men got a spring on it, and running at the time, and it was deemed with the flood the vessel swung off advisable to have the Life-boat Anna. into deep water, being then taken in tow Maria Lee launched to her assistance. by the steam-tug United Service, which When the Life-boat reached the vessel succeeded in getting her into the harbour she was just entering the broken water. before she sunk, her decks being level Some of the Life-boat men boarded her, a with the water when she was placed on kedge was run out, after which she was the hard. warped out seawards and then taken into the harbour. PALLING.—Soon after midnight on the 28th May, while a strong N.N.E. wind NEW BRIGHTON.—A telephone message was blowing and a heavy sea running, having been received from the lightkeeper IST FEBBUABY, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 671 at Bidston lighthouse on the llth June, launched, and proceeding out she escorted reporting that a ship was on fire in the boats safely over the bar, their crews Fonnby Channel and was showing signals being greatly encouraged by the presence of distress, the steam Life-boat Duke of of the Life-boat. Northumberland proceeded to her assist- The same Life-boat was launched five ance at 3.20 P.M., and found she was the days later in conjunction with her consort, ship Marshal Suchet, of London, bound the Robert and Mary Ellis, to the help of from Liverpool for Calcutta with a cargo the s.s. Lady Grey of West Hartlepool, of salt. She was taken possession of by which had stranded on Whitby Bocks the Dock Board tenders, which were about half a mile from the West Pier provided with pumps, the Life - boat head. Her captain had come ashore in remaining at hand until the crew were the ship's Life-boat in order to communi- out of danger. cate with the owners, but with the rising tide a very strong sea came in from NEWQTJAY, .—On the morning the N.E., which prevented the return of of the 15th July a telephone message was the ship's boat and made it too dangerous received by the coastguard that a vessel for cobles to approach the stranded vessel. was drifting to the westward with a Accordingly the aid of the Whitby Life- signal of distress flying, and asking for boats was solicited, and they took out the the assistance of the Newquay Life-boat. master and about 150 shoremen to throw It was then blowing a moderate gale of the cargo of coal overboard. After many wind from the N.N.E., accompanied by hours' work the steamer was got off, with rather a heavy sea. No horses being the aid of five powerful steam-tugs, and available the boat was taken by hand to taken to Hartlepool in a very damaged the slipway at Towan Head and quickly condition. launched. She reached the vessel in On the 3rd September and 16th No- about two and a half hours' time and vember the John Fielden Life-boat also found she was the pilot-boat Polly of proceeded out to the bar and remained Barry; she was in a dismasted condition there until the fishing-cobles, which had and had brought up about half a mile been overtaken by stormy weather, were from the shore. When the Life-boat all got safely into harbour. arrived alongside the men wished to be taken into her, as they were quite ex- HOYLAKE AND NEW BBIGHTON.—On hausted ; at the same time they the afternoon of the 29th July the were naturally desirous that the vessel s.s. Flying Falcon, of Liverpool, bound should be extricated from her perilous there from Mostyn with a large number position. Accordingly four of the Life- of passengers, stranded on the East boat men boarded her with some difficulty Hoyle Sandbank near Spencer's Spit. and proceeded with the aid of the main The weather was moderate, but as the gaff to rig a jury mast, after which she steamer was crowded with passengers it was, with the assistance of the Life-boat, was thought advisable to launch the taken to St. Ives where they arrived about Hoylake Life-boat Goard William Squarey, 7.30 P.M., the whole of the men being and also to take the Steam Life-boat drenched to the skin. It was found Duke of Northumberland to the spot from impracticable for the Life-boat to return New Brighton. The former boat was the to her station that night, but she did so first to arrive there, and after communi- safely the next day against a stiff breeze cating with the captain it was arranged after a passage of twelve hours' duration. to transfer seventy-six of the passengers to the Steam Life-boat, which was done by WHITBY.—Two fishing-cobles belonging the Hoylake boat, after which they were to this port, the Star of Peace and the taken to Liverpool. The remainder of Mary Ann, were observed to be making those on board the stranded steamer for the harbour on the evening of the decided to stay by her until the flood tide 27th July. On account of the heavy sea made, when she floated and was enabled and the ebb tide running out it was seen to resume her voyage. that there was considerable risk that they The Hoylake Life-boat was again afloat would not safely cross the bar. Accord- on service on the 25th September on the ingly the John Fielden Life-boat was occasion of the flat Catharine, of Liver- 672 THE LIFE-BOAT. [!ST FEBBTJABY, 1897. pool, going ashore about a mile from the was coming into Whitehaven Harbour Life-boat Station daring a whole gale light, for coal. She failed to get close from the north and a very heavy sea. enough round the West Pier, and shot When she arrived at the scene of the beyond the North Wall, threatening to wreck she found that the crew of two run ashore on the rocks at Redness Point. men had been compelled to take to the Her anchor was dropped, and she was rigging as the seas were making a com- brought up in just sufficient water to plete breach over the vessel; with difficulty keep her off the bottom and there she they were extricated from their perilous tossed helplessly, slowly dragging her position and brought safely ashore in the anchor, in no immediate danger, but Life-boat. gradually going ashore. After some time The Duke of Northumberland Steam the steam-tug Florence went out and Life-boat was also called out on the night endeavoured to obtain communication by of the 9th November by a telephone line, but without success, as in such a message from the Chief Officer of H.M. sea she was in danger of being dashed Coastguard at Waterloo, stating that a against the schooner. Then a couple vessel was making signals of distress on of rockets were discharged from the Crosby Beach. On arriving there it was neighbourhood of the Life-boat house, found that the brigantine Emma Ives, of and soon there was a crowd down there Dublin, had stranded, and that the cap- cheering lustily as the Life-boat was tain wanted the assistance of a pilot and launched through the surf. It was a steam-tug. The Life-boat remained in hard work getting clear of the heavy attendance until the vessel was taken in breakers, but the Life-boat succeeded tow by a steamer, after which she returned in passing a line from the vessel to the to her station. tug; a cable was then hauled on board and the Life-boat made fast astern. The SUNDEBLAND.—The brig Prince Consort, anchor was slipped, and vessel and Life- of Faversham, was being towed to Sun- boat were towed into the harbour just as derland in ballast when, on the 2nd darkness was setting in. September, the steam-tug ran ashore in a thick fog and was followed by the brig. RAMSEY, ISLE OP MAN. — What was Signals of distress were exhibited and the reported locally as " a most admirable Life-boat Richard and Nellie Hodges was at service, quickly and gallantly rendered," once launched through a heavy sea; the was that performed by the new Life-boat steam-tug Earl of Glamorgan also pro- on this station—the Mary Isabella—on ceeded to the spot. At the request of the 16th September. On the afternoon the master the Life-boat remained in of that day the smack Grace Darling, of attendance and passed the tow rope to Ramsey, was seen to be flying a signal of the steamer and eventually the vessels distress about two-and-a-half miles north- were extricated from their perilous east of the harbour. It was blowing a position. whole gale from the S.W.,and a very heavy PORT EBIN, ISLE OF MAN.—On the 14th sea was running at the time. The smack September the William Sugden Life-boat had lost her sails, and one anchor had was despatched to the assistance of two parted, while the remaining anchor was fishing-boats which had been overtaken dragging. The Life - boat was soon when on the lee side of Calf Island by a launched, but before she could reach the gale from the north-west and a heavy sea, distressed vessel she had drifted some causing great anxiety to be felt for the distance; great difficulty was experienced safety of the fishermen. The Life-boat in getting near enough to save those on having come up with the boats escorted board, but after a prolonged struggle the them safely into harbour, to the great three men were taken off and safely relief of all on shore. landed. The same Life-boat was also called out WHITEHAVEN.—On the evening of the in very bad weather on the 8th October, 17th September about 5 o'clock, at about a dismasted vessel having been observed half tide, there was a strong south- about three miles east of the harbour. The westerly wind and a heavy sea. The boat reached her in about an hour's time schooner Kate, of Peel, 122 tons register, and found she was the barque Giovanni, IST FKBBTJABT, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT.

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rfFJ^f,

THE LIFE-BOAT TO THE RESCUE. 674 THE LIFE-BOAT. [1ST FEBRUARY, 1897. of Lillesand, bound in ballast from Fleet- could not manage it, as every rope broke, wood to Savannah. The crew of thirteen owing to the severity of the gale. men having been taken into the Life-boat Fortunately the Caister No. 2 Life-boat, she had to anchor close by for some three the Seauchamp, had been launched in or four hours owing to the fury of the reply to signals a few hours previously gale and the strong ebb spring tide. after very hard work, some of the heaviest When the force of the tide had somewhat seas ever remembered being shipped,which abated the boat cast off and made for the thoroughly drenched the men, who ex- harbour, and after two hours' further perienced similar treatment in crossing battling against the storm she landed the the Barber Sands. They found that the rescued men at the Queen's Pier. They only way to fetch the wreck was through were very much exhausted by their long half-a-mile of heavy broken water on the exposure, and the Life-boat-men had a Scroby Sands, through which they pro- hard time of it; the latter were cheered ceeded, all hands lashing themselves in again and again by the great crowds the boat. They arrived there about 7 which had assembled to welcome their o'clock, and the Mark Lane Life-boat, return. which was there waiting at anchor a little way from the wreck, sailed for harbour, CAISTHB, NORFOLK, and GORLESTON, her coxswain and crew having by that SUFFOLK.— On the afternoon of the 7th time been afloat in the boat for about November, during hazy weather, signal nineteen hours. guns were heard from the St. Nicholas With the help of a steam-tug and the Lightship off the coast of Norfolk, in use of her own sails the Caister Life-boat response to which the Gorleston Life-boat after some time was enabled to approach Mark Lane was launched and proceeded the wreck, but could not get alongside, to the Lightship, when it was ascertained the heavy seas knocking her away time that guns had been heard to the eastward. after time, until lines had been passed to At once the Life-boat was taken in that her by the aid of Life-buoys thrown from direction, and proceeding over the Scroby the ship. The crew were then enabled to Sands she found on the outside of the haul her up to the stern, when she was Sand a full-rigged ship, named the Soudan, swept under the lee quarter amongst the of Liverpool, 1659 tons, bound from wreckage and the eight men jumped into Leith to Bio de Janeiro with a cargo of her amidships. Having accomplished her coal, and having a crew of twenty-seven mission the Life-boat made for harbour men and a pilot on board. By request under sail and safely landed the rescued of the master the Life-boat returned for men at Gorleston. The latter part of the assistance of steam-tugs, and every this service taking place in daylight, effort without effect was made to save thousands of persons watched it from the ship. The weather then got much the beach at Great Yarmouth, and as the worse, the wind ultimately increasing to boat made the harbour both piers were a whole gale, accompanied by a very thronged with spectators, who cheered heavy sea, and at 6.45 on the morning of lustily. The sum of 125Z. was granted the 8th November nineteen of the ship's by the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT crew were taken into the Life-boat along INSTITUTION in rewards to the Life-boat with eight of her own crew who had gone crews and helpers for their services on board to help in throwing cargo over- on the occasion of this shipwreck, which, board so as to lighten the vessel; the thanks to the determined and brave captain had previously gone ashore to efforts of the Life-boat men, was happily consult with Lloyd's agent as to the steps unattended by any loss of life. A relative to be taken to try to save the ship. The of one of those saved by the Mark Life-boat then remained at anchor close Lane Life-boat voluntarily forwarded the by for a time, after which she again bore crew of that boat 51. " as a small recog- down on the wreck and endeavoured to nition of gallant services, with heartfelt take off the remaining eight men, but thanks." IST FEBBUAKY, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 675

SUMMAEY OF THE MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE.

Thursday, 8th October, 1896. the courtesy and attention shown by the Secre- tary and other Officers of the Institution to Sir EDWABD BIBEBEOK, Bart., V.P., them in connection with the new Steam Life- in the Chair. boat for Adelaide. Bead and confirmed the Minutes of the pre- Beported that a new Life-boat station had vious meeting. iuat been formed at Carrickfergus. Also read those of the Building, Finance Also that the repairs and improvements of and Correspondence, and Wreck and Keward the Caister No. 1 Life-boat had been completed Sub-Committees, and ordered that their recom- and the boat returned to its station. mendations be carried into effect. Paid 3,5811. for sundry charges on various Bead the reports of the District Inspectors Life-boat Establishments. of Life-boats on their recent visits to the follow- Voted 189/. 17«. to pay the expenses of the ing Life-boat stations:— following Life-boat services : — Northern District — Newbnrgh, Peterhead, Life-boat. Vessel. Whitelink Bay, Fraserburgh, Port Erroll and Bamsey . Grace Darling, of Dornoch. Bamsey. .... Eastern District — Lowestoft (two boats), Pwllheli . Cutter Atalanta and Kessingland (three boats), Pakefield, South- schooner Mouse, landed wold (two boats), Dunwich, Aldeburgh, Thorpe- six men and saved the ness, Harwich (two boats), Margate, Hythe, cutter. Clacton-on-Sea, Walton-on-Naze and Southend. Port Erin . . Two fishing- boats Southern District—Hope Cove and Salcombe. piloted into safety. Western District—St. David's, Littlehaven, Whitehaven . Schooner Kate, of Peel. Angle, New Quay (Cornwall), Cemaes, Bull Bendered assistance. Bay, Bhosneigir, Bhoscolyn, Moelfre, Penmon, Cardigan . Smack Christiania, of Cemlyn and Llanddulas. Cardigan .... Irish District—Blackpool, Fleetwood. Form- Folkestone Barque Agder, of Fred- by, St. Anne's (two boats), Lytham, Hoylake, enkstadt .... Barrow, Cloughey, Groomsport, Bally waiter and Hoylake . . Flat Catharine, of Liver- Portrush. pool ...... Beported the receipt of the following special Lowestoft No. 1 Ketch Sussex Belle, of contributions since the last meeting:— London, and £. s. d. Mystery, of Lowestoft, Collected on board the passenger saved vessels and crews 1 1 steamer Bembridge by a dog be- Tenby. . . The Anne and Betsy and longing to Mr. W. BCTLEB, the ACbatrots, of Aber- Steward, per H. H. FBEEMAN, Esq. 5 - - porth. Landed crews. Collected on board the s.s. Nith, per SouthwoldNo.l Ketch Eliza and Alice, Capt. J. B. CBOOKS .... 39- of Goole. Remained Collected on board the Eastern by vessel. Monarch, per Capt. J. JONES . . 1 11 5 Aldeburgh . Schooner Aire, of Goole Offertories at West London School Gorleston No. 1Dandy Endeavour, of Chapel, per the Bev. H. J. FLYNN, Lowestoft. Landed D.D 372 —To be severally (hanked. The Wexford and Walmer Life-boats had also rendered assistance to the endangered schooner Also the receipt of the following legacies:— Eglington, of Glasgow, and the £. i. d. lAona. The late WILLIAM STEVENSON, Esq., Voted 497Z. 18s. 4d. to pay the expenses of the of Glasgow 900 - - following Life-boats in either assembling crews The late DAVID GUILLAN, Esq., of or putting off with the view of succouring the Tayport 500 - - crews of vessels in distress : — Aldeburgh, The late JOSEPH SNOWDEN, Esq., of Bembridge, Caister, Clacton, Dover, Dunge- Stratford 300 - - ness, Filey, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Har- The late BICHABD PELL, Esq., of wich, Hastings, Hayle, Holyhead, Hoylake, Forest Hill 20 - - Ilfracombe, Kingsdowne, New Bomney, North Deal, Padstow, Palling, Penarth, Port Patrick, Voted the thanks of the Committee to St. Ives, Southsea, Walmer, Walton-on-the- WILLIAM BOTD, Esq., F.B.8.E., in recognition Naze, Wells, Weymouth and Winterton. of his valuable services for the long period of Voted the thanks of the Institution inscribed thirty years in which he occupied the office on vellum to Captain JOSHUA ABMITAGE, and of Honorary Secretary of the Peterhead Branch 12. 10«. each to five other men for their of the Institution. good services in launching a punt, when the Read letter from the Agent-General for South Hoylake Life-boat could not be got afloat on Australia, of the 23rd September, expressing account of the horses used in drawing her re- the high appreciation of his Government of fusing to take the water, and with much diffi- 676 THE LIFE-BOAT. [lei FEBRUARY, 1897. cnlty rescuing the crew of three men from the Also the receipt of the following legacies :— Flat Catharine, of Liverpool, which had been £ ». d. swamped in a strong north-westerly gale and a The late Captain JOHN CALLANDEK, rough sea on the 23rd September. of Curly Dow, Airth .... 1062 17 3 Also 122. in acknowledgment of the services The late Dr. HENBY FEABNSIDE, of rendered by the Volunteer Life-boat True to Bournemouth 300 - - the Core, at Walton-on-the-Naze, for saving The late G. S. LEAN, Esq., of Bath 200 - - the crew of six men from the barquentine The late GEOBOE STEUABT, Esq., Sunderland Packet, of Gravesend, which had of Dover 90 - - stranded on the Gunfleet Sands in a strong The late Miss MABIA BOBEBTS, of W.S.W. Ttind and rougb. sea on the 18th. September. Busholme 65 8 2 Also 32. to JOHN JONES, coxswain of the The Committee expressed great regret at the Porthdinllaen Life-boat, and five other men death of Mr. J. S. DAWSON, who had for for saving by means of lines the crew of one thirteen years been the valued Honorary man and a boy from the smack Venture, of Secretary of the Gorleston Branch of the Carnarvon, which parted her cable and drove Institution, and it was decided that a letter of ashore at Porthdinllaen in a N.N.W. gale and a condolence be sent to his family. very heavy sea on the 25th September. Voted the thanks of the Committee to Dr. J. V. LAVBBICK, E. T. BASS, Esq., and J. B. PIKE, Esq., in recognition of their past valuable co-operation, extending over many years, whilst THURSDAY, 12th November, 1896. acting as Honorary Secretaries of the Bunswick and Staithes, Dungeness and Dawlish Branches Sir EDWABD BIBKBECK, Bart., V.P., in of the Institution. the Chair. The Committee also suitably recognised the past good services of Mr. O. H. PABBY, Mr. Bead and confirmed the Minutes of the T. EVANS, «.nd Mi. W. CoiAASTaa as Coxswains previous meeting. of the Cemaes, Bhyl and Port Erin Life-boats. Also read those of the Building, Finance Also the services of Mr. EDWABD UAMSON and Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward whilst acting as Second Coxswain of the Ex- Sub-Committees, and ordered that their recom- mouth Life-boat. mendations be carried into effect. Bepprted the transmission to its Station of Bead the reports of the District Inspectors of the Winterton No. 1 new Life-boat. Life-boats on their recent visits to the following Paid £6,466 for sundry charges in various Life-boat stations :— Life-boat Establishments. Voted 2002. towards the local subscription for Northern District.—Huna, Ackergill, Wick, the benefit of the widow and two young children * Thurso, Longhope, Stromness, Stornoway, of E. YOUNG, one of the crew of the Walmer Nairn, Cresswell, Newbiggin, Blyth (two Life-boat, who when the boat was alongside the boats), Cullercoats, Tynemouth (two boats), s.s. Trapani, of Hamburg, which stranded on the and Boulmer. Goodwiu Sands on the 23rd October, took off Eastern District.—Broadstairs, Kingsgate, his life-belt and climbed up a rope with the Whitby (two boats), Bunswick, Staithes, view of boarding the vessel, but his strength Upgang, Bobin Hood's Bay, Scarborough, failing him he fell into the sea, and notwith- Mley, Barmston, Bridlington Quay, Homsea, Withemsea and Flamborough (two boats). standing all the efforts made to save him, Southern District.—Selsey, Winchelsea, Bye, was drowned, although a good swimmer. Hastings, Mevagissey, Polkerris, Looe, Ply- Also 7562. 1«. to pay the expenses of the mouth, Yealm Biver, Torquay, Brixham, following Life-boat services ;— Teignmouth, Exmouth and Sidmouth. Lives Western District.—Llanddwyn, Llandudno, Life-boat. Vessel. Saved. Porth Bhuffydd, Holyhead (two boats), Bhyl Abersoch . . Twenty-two men landed (two boats) and Point of Ayr. from five endangered Irish District.—Greencastle, Culdaff, Aran- vessels. more, Carrickfergus, Newcastle (Dundrum), Brancaster . Dandy Silver King, of Tyrella, Greenore, Blackrock, Kingstown, Hale 6 Dunmore East, Fethard, Fenit, Tramore, Bade . . . Lugger Thyra, of Bonne 9 Dungarvan and Ballycottou. Caiater No. 2 . Ship Soudan, of Liver- pool 8 Beported the receipt of the following special Cemaes . . Schooner Mersey, of contributions since the last meeting:— Dublin 3 Cloughey . . Brigantine Brothers, of £ «. d. Drogheda .... 5 E. H. E. " In Memory of a Beloved Eyemonth . Remained by fishing- Sister" 1000 - - boats. Mrs. NOTTINGHAM 50 - - Filey . . . Barquentine Maria Moiety of Sunday Collections on Berner 10 board the Midnight Sun during Gorleston No. 1 Ship Soudan, of Liver- her last two cruises, per J. T. pool 27 WOOLETCH PEBOWNB, Esq. . . 13 1 8 Lynmouth . Smack Mary, of Lyn- —To be teveraUy thanked. mouth. Bend, assist. Isr FEBBUAKT, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 677

Lile-buat. Lives JAVES McBAT, the thanks of the Institution saved. inscribed on vellum, and II. to his father, Moelfre Schooner Water Bird, of EBWAKD McBAY, Master of the fishing lugger Liverpool .... friendship of Johnshaven, and coxswain of the Montrose No. 1 Barque Banldan&s, of Jolmshaven Life-boat, and 11. each to the Liverpool .... remainder of the crew of the lugger for their Montrose No. 1 Stood by ketch Kate services in connection with the rescue of the Madd and a fishing- crew of three men from another fishing boat, boat. named the Speedwell, which had been .swamped Newbiggin Remained by fishing- at the mouth of Loch Nevis in a southerly gale cobles. and a rough sea on the 26th September. After Padstow . Lugger Jules et Noe"mi . one man had been got on board the other two men in the water had drifted away, whereupon Pakefield . . Dandy Jolly Tar, of JAMES McBAY, with his father's permission, Lowestolt .... tied a line round his waist, swam a distance of Penmou . Barque Minde, of Far- fifty yards to one of the men, who was quite sund 11 exhausted and on the point of sinking, and Penmon Flat Seftan, of Liverpool 4 took him to the lugger, after which he swam Bamsey . Barque Giovanni, of to the third man, and was fortunately enabled Lillesand .... 12 to save him in the same way. St. Andrew's . Assisted fishing-boats. Also 6Z. to six Tenby men for putting off Seaton Carew. Dutch Dince . twice in a boat and rescuing the crew of three Southend . 7 men landed from pier men from the fishing-boat Grace Darling, and extension works. another man who had been at work on the new Tenby. . . Landed twenty men from pier and was in danger in his boat, a fresh gale from the S.W. having sprung up accom- several smacks. panied by a very heavy sea. Wexford No. 1 Lugger Ocean Pearl Also 41. 10*. to nine men who put off in two Whitehaven . Schooner Tom Henry, of boats and rescued two men from another boat Kirkwall .... which had been capsized off Warrenpoint. on Wioklow . . Schooner William and the coast of Ireland, in a strong S.E. gale and a Henry, of Wicklow. rough sea on the 7th October. Saved vessel and crew Also 15», each to Mr. JOHN JONES, coxswain of the Porthdinllaen Life-boat, and four other The Aberdovey, Arbroath, Holyhead No. 1, men, for rescuing the crew of three men from Hunstauton, Palling and Eamsgate Life-boats the flat Coldwett, of Liverpool, which had sunk had also respectively rendered the following on the rocks at Porthdinllaen in a W.S.W. gale services:— Ketch Adattdh, of Aberystwith, and a very heavy sea. They also brought a saved vessel; Arbroath fishing-boats, remained man ashore from the smack Messenger. in attendance ; ketch Clara, of Milford, assisted Also SI. 10s. to Mr. THOMAS QUICK, coxswain to save vessel; barque Ruby, of London, saved of the St. Ives Life-boat, and six other men, vessel and three men; s.s. Ellington, of New- for putting off in a shore-boat and searching for castle, and schooner Dorothy Watson, of Shields, a host which had been reported by telephone as rendered assistance. drifting off Portreath on the 9th October. A Also 994Z. 12s. 6d. to defray the expenses of like amount was awarded to the coxswain of assembling the crews or launching the follow- the Hayle Life-boat and the crew of a steam- ing Life-boats with a view of helping the crews tug for conducting a search for the same boat. of vessels in distress :—Aranmore, Berwick-on- Tweed, Brancaster, Broadatairg, Brighton, Bude, Also 21. 10s. to five Filey fishermen for going Caister, Carnsore, Castletown, Chapel, Clacton, out in a shore-boat and saving three men from Clovelly, , Filey, Formby, Girvan, the Anne, of that place, which was in a Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Holyhead, Hope perilous position off Filey Brigg in a strong Cove, lake, Hunstanton, Kessingland, wind and a rough sea on the 9th October. Kingsdowne, Llandudno, Lowestoft, Margate, Also 11. 15s. to three men who, on observing Maryport, New Brighton, North Deal, Plymouth, that a boat had been capsized off Donagaadee, Point of Ayr, Port Is,iac, PwJlheli, Kosslare, Ireland, during a strong gale and a rough sea, Sheringham, Skeguess, Thorpe, Walmer, Wells, at once proceeded out in a boat and were suc- Whithorn, Winterton anil Youghal. cessful in saving a man who had been thrown Toted the Silver Medal of the Institution and out of the boat into the water. a copy of the vote inscribed on vellum and Also II. 10s. to three men who put off from framed to Capt. JOHN MOBGAH, master of the Deal in two boats and saved a lady and gentle- Cardiff Cardigan, and 22. each to his man from a skiff which had been capsized in a two assistants and an apprentice lor launching rough sea on the 17th August. the punt belonging to their cutter during a galo Also 11. to two men who were instrumental of wind on the 6th October, and at much risk in rescuing two other men whose boat had been saving the crews, numbering &ix men, from two upset between Rathmalleu and Ind Fort,on the barges which they had previously attempted to Irish coast, in a strong S.W. wind and rough tow into port after they had got separated from sea on the loth September. the steamer which had beeu engaged to take them to Spnin. Also the Silver Medal and vote on vellum to 678 THE LIFE-BOAT. [!ST FEBBUARY, 1897.

THUBSDAY, 10th December, 1896. Honorary Secretaries of the Cambridge and Hornsea Branches of the Institution. Colonel FiTzRoY CLAYTON, V.P., in the The Committee also specially recognised the Chair. good services of Mr. WILLIAM HOOKE and Mr. ALEXANDEB DOTHIE during the long period in Bead and confirmed the Minutes of the which they acted as Coxswains of the Blakeney previous meeting. and Port Erroll Life-boats. Also read those of the Building, Finance and Decided that a new Life-boat Station be Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward Sub- formed at Rhos (Colwyn Bay), and that when Committees, and ordered that their recom- that station is formed the Llanddtilas Life-boat mendations be carried into effect. station be discontinued. Bead the reports of the Deputy Chief In- Also that the Bamburgh Castle Life-boat spector of Lite-boats on his recent visits to Station be discontinued. Liverpool, Button, and Rhos (Colwyn Bay). Reported the transmission to its station of Also the reports of the District Inspectors of the brixham new Life-boat. Life-boats on their recent visit* to the following Also that the Mablethorpe Life-boat had stations:— been altered, fitted with modern improvements Northern District—Holy Island (two boats), and returned to its station. Hamburgh Castle, North Sunderlaud, Aln- Paid 6.745Z. for sundry charges on various mouth, Hauxley, South end (Cantyre), Troon, Life-boat establishments. Campbeltown and Kildonan. Voted 127Z. 12«. 6