THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL

OF THE flatfonal Xife=boat constitution.

(ISSUED QUABTEBLY.)

VOL. XII.—No. 137.] AUGUST 1, 1885. [PRICE 3d.

MAEINE AKCHITECTURE AT THE INVENTIONS EXHIBITION. THIS department of the Exhibition is, simple, severe, yet beautiful in form, a from the small number of exhibits dis- type of the progress in art as applied to played in it, hardly calculated to advance ship-building during the last eighteen the knowledge of the general observer, in centuries. The transition from the incon- the vast changes that have taken place venient and unsightly forms of antiquity in the form of both fighting and mer- to the graceful outline and imposing con- cantile vessels during the last quarter of tour of a first-class ship-of-war, is no less a century. To effect this, some little remarkable as an indication of progress illustration is wanted of the state of ad- in this science, than instructive as prac- vancement to which this science had tical evidence of the consistency of beauty then reached, to be used, so to speak, as of form, with those qualities of speed, a starting-point for our meditations and strength, storage, and stability •which are comparisons. The most convenient we essential in such structures." know of, although it dates back further Where is this noble work of science and than the twenty-five years to which the practice combined now? Long ago con- Exhibition is restricted, is the substance signed to oblivion, and her model given a of the lectures given on this subject, place, amongst other antiquities, in the amongst others, at the instigation of the museum of the Naval College at Green- late Prases CONSOBT, after the close of wich, along -with Henry "VIII.'s Grace de the Great Exhibition in 1851, to show Dieu and Charles's Sovereign of the Seas. the result of that great and novel under- Not only has the form in which war- taking. The lecture on the Marine De- ships were then built and the guns with partment was given by the late Admiral which they were armed become things of WASHINGTON, long an active and valued the past, but the very material of which member of the Committee of this Institu- they were constructed has shared the tion. He said, " Now steam-ships of same fate. The refrain of the old song, 2000 tons burden and 500 horse-power " Heart of oak are our ships," is no longer are navigating the Pacific and Indian applicable. Nothing but iron and steel Oceans, and they weekly cross the Atlantic is admissible for such purposes. The sym- at an average rate of ten miles an honr." metrical tapering masts and beautifully- Turning to war-ships, and speaking of shaped sails which formed the propelling H.M.S. Queen, 110 guns, then one of the power of ships, and gave them the appear- finest " three-deckers" in the navy, he ance of a thing of life moving at sea, are said, " There sat the Queen of the ocean, now replaced by the huge funnel, fre-

YOL. XII.—No. 137.—LIFE-BOAT JOXJBNAL. 634 THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. [AUGUST 1,1885.

quently emitting a dense column of black ship of to-day, respectively representing smoke and dirt, the unavoidable accom- the Cunard Company's ships Umbria, and paniment of the marvellous machinery Etruria, of 8000 tons burden, 12,000 that has replaced the sails, and in some horse-power, with 20 knots speed ; and the cases exerts the power of twelve thousand White Star Company's ship Britannia, horses to force the ship ahead. There is 5000 tons, 5000 horse-power, both exhi- certainly one model that demonstrates to bited by their owners. Apart from the some extent these marvellous changes, increased luxury and comfort of their namely, that of H.M.S. Warrior, which internal arrangements for the accommoda- although only about twenty-five years old, tion of passengers, with which we are not is, as a vessel of war, fully qualified for a dealing, although it has quite kept pace place in the Greenwich Museum, by the with the other parts of the question, these side of the Queen. Admiral WASHING- ships are a study in themselves. They, like TON'S encomiums on the Queen, " simple, their < contemporaries amongst the war- severe, yet beautiful in form," showing ships, could not have been constructed in " the graceful outline and imposing con- wood; their proportional dimensions would tour of a first-class ship-of-war," are have forbidden it, because the necessary equally applicable to her, for, although strength could not have been obtained. the actual form had even at that period We have no experience of them at sea in been much changed, she retained far bad weather, but we cannot help thinking more of that beauty and symmetry of there is room to suspect their qualities mould which delighted the hearts of as " sea-boats" in really heavy weather, sailors, than her latest successor, the although by expressing a preference for a Benbow, just launched. The power and shorter and " handier " ship in which to utility of these ponderous modern en- encounter a severe gale, we run the risk of gines of war has yet to be proved in incurring the retort that such opinions actual conflict, as well as that of tor- are only fit to keep company with the pedoes, torpedo-boats, machine-guns, and models of the Queen and Warrior in the all the other various inventions of the Museum of Antiquities. The changes in day for warlike purposes. the powers of generating and .using steam If we turn from these to mercantile in marine engines, as well as in the ships, or rather to that class of them more engines themselves, have quite—if not particularly referred to by Admiral WASH- more than—kept pace with those in the INGTON, as navigating the Pacific, Indian ships themselves. Steam is now kept and Atlantic Oceans at an average rate of up to, and used at, a pressure never heard ten knots an hour, we find equally striking of or even dreamt of in marine boilers changes. They have risen from 2000 tons twenty-five years ago; one hundred burden, and 400 horse-power, to 8000 pounds of pressure to the square inch is and 6000 tons burden, and 1000 to nothing uncommon, where one-third to 1200 horse-power, nominal, but which one-fourth that amount was the common may mean from 10,000 to 12,000 indi- limit. The reduction in the consumption cated, and steaming from 16 to 20 knots an of fuel, in proportion to power obtained, hour. Although there is an interesting set has also increased tremendously—indeed of small" half-models " exhibited showing to even more than one-half. the changes from time to time in the form Amongst all these rapid and great of ship adopted, we can find no good full changes and improvements in marine model of a passenger-steamer, to take the architecture we cannot pass over that part place in the illustration of changes that of the science naturally most interesting to that of the Warrior does in those of vessels the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITU- of war; but still there are, amongst others, TION, viz., the construction and propulsion two beautiful models of the passenger- of Life-boats. After the failure of so sub- AUGUST 1,1885.] THE LIFE-BOAT JOUKNAL. 635 stantial a prize as that of 6002. offered independent pump and plug, that the by the International Fisheries Exhibition water can be run in in one minute and of 1883, to produce anything that could pumped out again in the same time, and compete successfully with the self-righting they in no way affect the self-righting Boat of the Institution, we suppose it was power of the Boat. hardly to be expected that the present The drop or sliding-keel is a complete Exhibition would be more fruitful. The novelty, and one that has added very position of this Institution renders it in- materially to the stability, weatherliness, cumbent on it to have the best Boat, and and the handiness in working of the Boat, to be always ready, like the knights of and consequently to her power and useful- old, to defend its pretensions to the posi- ness as a Life-boat; more particularly in tion it assumes against all comers, by working off a lee shore or to the relief of competing on all fitting occasions at vessels on outlying sands where the assist- exhibitions; and of course success at ance of a steam-tug is not procurable. such competitions must be very gratify- The drop-keel can be used wholly 01 partly ing to all concerned; but there is the down, or with one end triced up and the attendant danger in being always first, of other down; when running before a heavy being lulled into a sense of security, and sea lowering the after end only will assist consequent loss of readiness to go on greatly in keeping the Boat straight, and improving from time to time. We think consequently preventing her broaching- the two models now exhibited will show to. A judicious working of it by tricing that this misfortune has not yet fallen on up first one end and then lowering that this Institution whatever the f uture may and bracing up the other, considerably have in store. Both the models have the increases her power of tacking or wearing same object in view, namely, to increase the in a heavy sea. It is not intended that the stability and consequent sea-worthiness keel should be kept down in shoal water of the boats without lessening that quality or when approaching a wreck, but should vital to a Life-boat, viz., the ability to go this be done, and the keel be so bent by into shoal water by being of light draught. striking the ground, or a piece of wreck, The -water-ballast tanks are a re-intro- that it could not be triced up, it could be duction of an old principle but with con- slipped and abandoned altogether. The siderable modifications. The tanks vary Boat would still have the average sta- in number according to the size of the bility and other sea-going qualities of a Boat, and one or more can be filled as self-righting Boat of her class. Her self- circumstances demand that the Boat righting power is very good, and in fact should be more deeply immersed bodily, equal to that of any other boat either or trimmed more by the head or stern, with or without the keel. &c.; they are so arranged, each having its

COLLISIONS AT SEA IN FOGS. THE Council of the SOCIETY OF ARTS until his lamented death, when Admiral appointed a Committee in March, 1883, of the Fleet, Sir A. P. RYDER, K.C.B., was with the full concurrence of the Marine elected to succeed him. Department of the BOARD OP TRADE, to The SOCIETY OF ABTS in taking up this inquire into and consider the question important subject added another to the of collision at sea, the scope of the in- list of public services it has performed ; quiry being afterwards reduced to col- for the report resulting from the evidence lisions in fogs. The Committee sat under obtained by the Committee discloses a the chairmanship of Sir WILLIAM SIEMENS most undesirable state of affairs, which

2 B 2 636 THE LIFE-BOAT JOUENAL. [AUGUST 1,1885. in the interest of all who go to sea, cannot ' and ably-defended infraction; indeed be made too public, or the necessity for contempt of the law exhibited by the large reform pressed too strongly home on ' majority of those concerned, whether those who have the power, and whose ! captains, owners, or passengers, and appa- duty it is to initiate it. The subject was \ rently by the postal authorities, indirectly afterwards considered and discussed at if not directly. This more particularly the United Service Institution, and both applies to those parts of the regulations the report and the account of the discus- governing the action of vessels during sion, which was carried on mostly by fogs, and the speed they shall not exceed, speakers decidedly entitled to claim the &c.; also to merchant ships rather than to position of experts on 'the question, are vessels of war, because the latter have not deserving of serious thought and considera- the same inducements to break the regu- tion. In dwelling shortly on it in these lations as the former have. That this is pages, it is not our intention to criticise the case- is incontestably shown by the re- the subject in detail, or to put forward ' port, because statements that it is so, specific propositions of our own for im- , and arguments in favour of such a course proving the law. Even the Committee of were presented to the committee by those the SOCIETY or ARTS, specially appointed implicated, although their names are natu- to investigate the subject, do not consider rally withheld. Without entering into themselves in a position to recommend the merits of the case one way or the any one of the systems described in pre- other, we maintain that there is certainly ference to the others, so that we may well cause for immediate and exhaustive restrict ourselves to general notice of the inquiry, under the authority and responsi- matter, and by so doing show the sympathy bility of government, into the provisions of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTI- of a law so framed that it compels many, if TUTION with a work that, although it lies not most of the leading officers in the mer- beyond its immediate province—saving life cantile marine of this country systematic- from shipwreck on the shores of the ally to break it, and so render themselves United Kingdom—is very closely allied liable to all sorts of penalties, not ex- to it. cluding trial and punishment for man- The law governing the action of vessels slaughter. during fogs, based upon the regulations The question is one of great difficulty, for preventing collisions at sea, prepared and requires the most careful investiga- by the British government, and submitted tion and treatment, and we believe that to all foreign mercantile nations, by any law to be satisfactory must leave twenty-eight of whom, including all the much to the intelligence and the readi- great maritime powers, they have been ness of resource of the various officers adopted, may be considered not only in meeting ships. We think it impos- international, but also on the whole sible to lay down any hard and fast reasonably calculated to meet the re- rule to meet every case or combination quirements of the situation; otherwise of circumstances which may be encoun- they would not have secured, practically tered in such a constantly varying scene speaking, the universal adherence of;; as a fog at sea, and two ships meeting. governments to their provisions. If this The subject might be considered as is the case on the one hand, we might, on ' coming within the powers conferred on the other, look for general acquiescence, the Commission on Loss of Life at Sea, and indeed obedience to the law so laid i now sitting, with the Earl of Aberdeen down, on the part of those for whose pro- as chairman, but could probably be better tection and in whose interest it has been dealt with by a commission containing made. But what do we find ? Systematic amongst its members more marine experts. AUGUST 1, 1885.] THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. 637

ADDITIONAL STATIONS AND NEW LIFE-BOATS.

PENZANCE.—This Life-boat establish- | It was transferred by him to the Mayor ment has been entirely renewed by the of Penzance, who was in attendance with EOYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, I the other local authorities and thanked a handsome new boat-house, provided with | the donor in suitable terms. The boat, a bell-turret and bell, having been erected ! which is named The Dora, was sub- on a more convenient site, granted to the sequently launched from the quay into Institution by the Town Council, and a I the harbour, a drop of about 10 feet, and new 10-oared Life-boat, 34 feet long and | afterwards placed in the house. The 8 feet wide, furnished with a transporting • proceedings were witnessed by a large carriage, having been sent in the place of gathering of the local residents. The the smaller boat and carriage originally I new boat has given every satisfaction to placed here. The whole expense of the i the crew. It has already performed good renovation of the Life-boat Station was service in saving life, as described on defrayed by HENRY MARTIN HARVEY, Esq., p. 644. of Hexworthy, near .Launceston. The completion of the new house was cele- DCNMORE, Co. WATERFOB!).—A new brated by a public demonstration on the Life-boat station has been formed by the llth of February last. The boat, after Institution at Dunmore, near the entrance it had been drawn on its carriage through to Waterford Harbour, which is con- the town, was taken to the house, and sidered a good position, under certain Mr. HARVEY handed over the key of the circumstances, for a powerful sailing-boat, building to the representative of the In- there being a sufficient number of fisher- stitution, Commander C. LA PRIMAUDAYE, men in the neighbourhood to form the R.N., District Inspector of Life-boats. Life-boat crew. An influential Local 638 THE LIFE-BOAT JOUKNAL. [AUGUST 1,1885.

Committee has been formed, of which Sir ATHEETON HOWARD, of Cheltenham; and B. J. PAUL, Bart., is Chairman, and the that of the Bull Bay boat was provided by Vicar of Dunmore East, the Kev. W. G. Miss CUBLING, of Camberwell, the boat GILLMOB, the Honorary Secretary. A bearing her name. It will be remembered good site for the boat-house has been that it was in the neighbourhood of the granted to the Institution by the Com- Moelfre Life-boat Station that the terrible missioners of Public Works in Ireland, wreck of the Royal Charter took place many and a large Life-boat, 37 feet long and years since, with the loss of 455 lives. 9 feet wide, provided with sails, and rowing 12 oars, double banked, has been PALLING, NOBFOLK.—The No. 1 Life- placed on the station. The cost of the boat at Palling has been withdrawn, and boat has been defrayed from a legacy a new 37-feet 12-oared boat placed there bequeathed to the Institution by the late in its stead, the cost of which was pro- Mr. HENBY DODD, of Botherfield, and the vided by W. J. GUEBBIEB, Esq., the boat, boat bears his name. at his request, being named The Good Hope. The boat has been afloat twice on service, MlDDLESBBOUGH, YOBKSHIBE. The and the crew on one of these occasions Life-boat on this station has been replaced helped to save eight men from a stranded by a new 34-feet 10-oared boat, the cost barque. of which has been met by the bequests of the late Mr. and Mrs. EDWARD FIRBANK, LITTLEHAMPTON, SUSSEX.—-A new Life- of Uplyme, Devon, the boat being named, boat station has been formed by the in accordance with their request, The Institution at this port, for the protection Thomas and Isabella, Firbank. On the of the numerous sailing vessels trading llth of October last the new Life-boat there, and the boat at Chichester Harbour, had its first trial trip in a gale of wind named The Undaunted, presented by the and a heavy sea, when its seafaring late Mr. KICHABD THORNTON WEST and capabilities were severely tested ; in cross- Mrs. WEST, has been transferred here and ing the bar, one or two very heavy seas placed in a new boat-house erected for it were shipped, but were at once dis- on a convenient site granted by the War charged through the self-acting valves, Department. The boat will be worked and altogether the boat's behaviour gave by a combined crew of coastguardmen entire satisfaction. and fishermen. The public inauguration of the new station took place on the 25th MOELFBE AND BULL BAY. These two of August last. After the boat had been Life-boat stations on the Island of Angle- taken round the town on its carriage, it sey have been furnished with new boats was placed on the beach, and the possessing all the latest improvements, District Inspector of Life-boats, Com- including water-ballast fittings, which mander NEPEAN, E.N., then handed it consist of a series of tanks amidships, one over to the Local Committee, which was or more of which can be filled with water represented by Mr. WHITEHEAD, Chairman or emptied at will in the space of one of the Local Board, Eev. H. MITCHELL, minute. The object is to increase the Honorary Secretary of the Chichester, ballast and immersion of the boat, and Selsey, and Littlehampton branch of the consequently her draught of water and Institution, and Captain HILLS, E.N., stability, when circumstances admit of so Chairman of the sub-committee—all of doing, without materially increasing her whom responded—after which the boat fixed weight for land carriage, or her was launched, and the crew put through draught of water when launching, or in the usual exercise. very shallow water. The Life-boats have all the other characteristics of the boats FEERYSIDE, CABMABTHEN BAY.—A new of the Institution in the way of self-right- water-ballast Life-boat, 37 feet long, 8 feet ing, self-ejecting water, &c. A new wide, and rowing 12 oars double banked, transporting and launching carriage has has recently replaced the boat on this been provided for the Bull Bay boat. station. Like the former boat, which The cost of the Moelfre new Life-boat, was presented to the Institution by the which is named The Star of Hope, was Manchester Branch, it is named The City presented to the Institution by Mrs. of Manchester. AUGUST 1,1885.] THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. 639

CULLEBCOATS, NORTHUMBERLAND.—The lercoats Haven, the chair was taken by Life-boat on this station has been replaced Mr. THOMAS EULE, Chairman of the by one of the modern type, measuring Northern Section of the Central Co-opera- 37 feet by 8 feet, and rowing 12 oars, tive Board. The hymn, "For those in donble-banked, the cost of which was peril on the Sea," was then sung, the presented to the Institution by the Co- singing being led by a choir of fisher- operative Wholesale Society, the head- girls, after which prayer was oifered by quarters of w,hich are at Manchester, and the Eev. E. F. WHEELEH, Yicar of Whitley, which also possesses branches at London having special reference to the dangers and Newcastle ; the Society numbers up- of the sea. Mr. J. T. W. MITCHELL, wards of 400,000 members, and this gift Chairman of the Co-operative Wholesale commemorated the twenty-first anni- Society, then briefly explained the origin versary of the Society. A grand demon- and present position of that Society, and stration took place on the occasion of the trusted the Life-boat they had presented first launch of this new Life-boat, on the would be the forerunner of many such 13th-September last. The following was boats, whereby the lives of those on the the programme of the proceedings: — waters might be saved to serve and At 1 P.M. the members of the Northern benefit their country. Section of the Central Co-operative Board, In the unavoidable absence of Mr. with the Committees of the Local Life-boat EDWABD VANSITTABT NEALE, General Institutions, and the Board of Manage- Secretary of the Central Co-operative ment and Members of the North Shields Board, Mr. BLAND, of Huddersfield, on Industrial Co-operative Society, Limited, behalf of the co-operators of England, together with the crews of the Cullercoats presented the Life-boat to the EOYAL and Tynemouth boats, under the instruc- NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, and tion of Commander NEPEAN, K.N., District the gift was accepted by the District Inspector of Life-boats, received the new Inspector of Life-boats, Major WILLIAM Life-boat, Co-operator No. 1, at the rail- ADAMSON, Honorary Secretary of the Cul- way-station, North Shields, and escorted lercoats Branch, and Mr. P. J. MESSENT, it, in the presence of thousands of enthu- C.E., Honorary Secretary, Tynemouth siastic spectators, to the Aquarium at Branch. Major ADAMSON said that he Tynemouth, arriving about 2 P.M. ; when would guarantee that the Cullercoats the procession was re-formed, and pro- fishermen would always do their duty ceeded to Cullereoats Haven, to present, with the Life-boat. name, and launch the Life-boat. The pro- Prior to the launch, the ceremony of cession was then made up as follows:— naming was performed by Mrs. HENBY E. BAILEY, wife of the Honorary Secretary Band of the Northumberland Hussars. Members of the Central Co-operative Board. of the Northern Section of the Central Members of the North Shields Co-operative Co-operative Board. Having broken the Pioneer Fishing Society. customary bottle of wine over the bows Members of the Northern Section of the of the Boat, she said, " I name this Life- Central Co-operative Board. boat the Go-operator No. 1, and I hope it Committee and Officers of the Newcastle, Tyne- mouth and Cullercoata Branch of the KOYAL may be the means of saving many lives. NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION. God bless it." The new Life-boat, manned by the crew of the Votes of thanks, moved by Mr. ALBEKT Cullercoats Station, drawn by eight powerful GREY, M.P., and seconded by Mr. J. C. horses, the property of the Co-operative "Wholesale Society and North, Shields In- STEVENSON, M.P., closed the proceedings. dustrial Co-operative Society. The following Life-boats took part in Members of the General Board of Management the launch and trials of the new boat: of the Co-operative Wholesale Society. No. 1, the Cliarles Dibdin, Tynemouth; Members of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Branch Committee Co-operative Wholesale Society. No. 2, the Forester, Tynemouth; No. 3, Employees of the Co-operative Wholesale the Palmerston, Cullercoats; No. 4, the Co- Society, Newcastle-on-Tyne Branch. operator No. 1, Cullercoats. Deputation from the Wallsend Branch of the The band of the Northumberland Women's League for the Spread of Co-operation. Deputations from various other Local Societies. Hussars played selections during the Eepresentatives of the Press. launch and trial of the boat. The Directors of the North Shields The procession having arrived at Cul- Industrial Co-operative Society, Limited, 640 THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. [AUGUST 1,1885. entertained at tea the wives of the Culler- of the modern type, possessing all the coats fishermen ; also the staff of employees latest improvements. The Bridlington engaged by the Society. boat was provided from the legacy of the late Mr. W. J. PAYNE, of Eeigate, and is CLACTON-ON-SEA, ESSEX. — THE NA- named the William, John, and Frances. TIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION has re- The cost of the Eedcar new Life-boat, cently sent a new Life-boat to Clacton-on- which is named The Brothers, was defrayed Sea, to take the place of a smaller boat from a collection made by four ladies, on that Station. The new boat is 39 feet E. B., M. P., and A. and E. J., Cheddar. long, 9 feet wide, rows 12 oars double The new boat for Hythe is named The banked, and possesses all the latest im- Mayer de Rothschild, like its predecessor, provements. Amongst other things it is which was the gift of Lady EOSEBEHRY. fitted with a sliding keel, being a new The New Eomney Life-boat was presented adaptation of the centre board to the to the Institution by Mr. JOSEPH SPAW- requirements of a Life-boat, which mate- FORTH, and is named the Sandal Magna. rially increases her stability and weatherly The legacy of the late Mr. BRIAN BATES, qualities whilst in deep water, without of Buxton, was appropriated to the Brix- sacrificing the flat floor and light draught, ham new boat, which bears Mr. Bates's so necessary when in shallow water. The name. The Plymouth Life-boat, The sliding keel can either be lowered to its Escape, was the gift of Miss LUCY HARRIS, full extent at both ends, giving a uniform of Lower Clapton. The No. 1 Life-boat increased draught of 14 inches for its at Fishguard, like the one it superseded, whole length, or it can be triced up at will be known as the Sir Edward Perrett. either end, or put in any desired position. The No. 2 boat on that Station, the Should it be bent by a blow, or other Appin, was provided from the bequest cause, so that it cannot be triced up, it received from the late Miss DOWNIE, of can be slipped downwards and abandoned, Appin, Scotland. Miss ANNIE F. Howis, and the boat will nevertheless be a stable of Tulse Hill, gave the Silloth Station its self-righting Life-boat. A new transport- new boat, which, in accordance with her ing and launching carriage has been pro- wishes, is named the Emma Frisly. A vided for the boat, and two wooden slip- legacy left to the Institution by the late ways have recently been constructed for Mrs. BRADSHAW, of Beading, for three her use at a very considerable expense, so Life-boats to be respectively known as that she can readily be launched from Faith, Hope, and Charity, has been appro- either side of the pier at Clacton. The priated to the new boats sent to Castle- new boat, like the old one, is named the town, Cloughey, Co. Down, and Drogheda. Albert Edward, after H.E.H. the Prince of Those for Groomsport, Ballywalter, Black Wales. Eock, and Youghal were also the result of legacies to the Institution received BRIDLINGTON and BEDCAR, YOEKSHIRE ; respectively from the late Mr. GEORGE HYTHE and NEW BOMNEY, KENT ; BRIX- j POOLEY, of Hadley; Mr. WILLIAM WAL- HAM and PLYMOUTH, DEVON ; FISHGUARD i LACE, of Curtain Boad, Shoreditch; Mrs. (Nos. 1 and 2), PEMBROKESHIRE ; SILLOTH, \ HELEN BLAKE, of Handcross House, Sus- CUMBERLAND ; CASTLETOWN, ISLE OF MAN ; j sex ; and Mrs. MARY LUCKOMBE, of GROOMSPOHT, BALLYWALTER, BLACK EOCK Brighton. The Black Eock Life-boat is (DUNDALK), DHOGHEDA (No. 2), and , known as the General £. Dudley Blake; YOUGHAL, IRELAND.—The Life-boats on the other boats severally bear the names these stations have been replaced by boats of their donors.

SERVICES OF THE LIFE-BOATS OF THE NATION-AL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION—(continued). MABLETHORPE. — The fishing-smack the Life-boat Eeywood put off to her Primrose, of Grimsby, stranded on the assistance, and remained by her until she Knoll off Mablethorpe, during a S.S.E. floated. wind, at 2 A.M. on the 3rd of January, 1885. She made signals of distress, and LYDD, DUNOENESS.—On the evening of AUGUST 1,1885.] THE LIFE-BOAT JOUENAL. 641 the 10th of January, signals of distress the 3rd of April, in response to which were shown by a vessel anchored in the the David Hulett Life-boat went afloat at East Bay, Dungeness, during a moderate 10.30 P.M., and found the barque Queen W.S.W. gale and a rough sea. The Victoria, of Dublin, stranded on the David Hulett Life-boat was launched at Swallow Bank. At the master's request, 6.30 P.M., and found that the schooner the Life-boat remained by the vessel

Margaret, of St. Ives, laden with nuts until the tide ebbed, when the crew were from Spain, had dragged her anchors, and able to walk ashore. The barque became had been in collision with a steamer. a total wreck. She was bound from The schooner's crew of three men were Savannah for Hamburg, with a cargo of taken into the Life-boat and brought resin, and had a crew of eleven men. safely ashore. Signals of distress were observed on CAISTER, NORFOLK.—At 1.40 A.M. on

2 B 3 642 THE LIFE-BOAT JOUKNAL. [AUGUST 1, 1885. the 5th of January, flares were seen on towed out to the steamer, and found that the Barber Sand during a fresh breeze she had made but little water. The from S.S.W. and a moderate sea. A crew of the yawl returned to the vessel, a yawl having been promptly launched, tug bringing out the crew of the steamer, and proceeded to the sand, found the and with the efforts of all corubiued, the dandy Tyro, of London, aground there. vessel was got afloat, and was towed into About half-an-hour afterwards the yawl Harwich at 11 P.M. The Life-boat again signalled for the Life-boat, whereupon stayed in the harbour all night, and the No. 2 Life-boat, the Godsend, went off started for her station at 6 o'clock the and remained by the vessel until she next morning, arriving at 1 P.M. floated. On the 19th of January, at 9 A.M., the NEW BRIGHTON.—Eockets were ob- No. 2 Life-boat, the Godsend, was launched served from the Crosby Lightship, and to the assistance of the brig Triton, of from the Waterloo and New Brighton Svelvig—bound from Memel to France Coastguard Stations, on the night of the with oak boards—which was in a dan- 12th of. January. The No. 1 Life-boat, gerous position near the Scroby Sands, Willie and Arthur, put off in tow of the during a N.E. wind and a heavy sea. steam-tug Constitution, and found the With the help of the Life-boat and a screw-steamer Venetian, of Liverpool, steam-tug, the vessel, which carried a bound from Boston for Liverpool, with a crew of six men, was taken safely to general cargo and cattle, stranded near Yarmouth Roads. the bar. She had been obliged to port Large flares were seen in the direction her helm so as to pass another steamer, of the Cross Sand at 9 P.M. on Sunday and had been driven ashore on the Little the 8th of March, and the Lightships Burbo sand during a fresh gale and a fired guns and rockets. The No. 1 Life- heavy sea. At the request of the master boat, Covent Garden, went to the sand, and pilot, the Life-boat remained by the and found the three-masted schooner, steamer until the tide rose, when she Akyab, of Genoa, bound from Cyprus for floated with the help of a tug, and pro- Hull, with locust-beans. With the aid of ceeded to Liverpool. The Liverpool Life- a steam-tug, a yawl, and the Life-boat, boat belonging to the Dock Board also the vessel was got afloat, and made for put off and remained by the vessel. Harwich, the Life-boat accompanying her. The following is a copy of a letter On nearing the Shipwash Lightship, at addressed to the Honorary Secretary of about 7 o'clock the following morning, a the Institution's branch at New Brighton, steamer was seen on the sand, with a by the master of the Venetian:—- signal of distress flying. The Life-boat " BOOTLB, 16th January, 1885. at once cast-off, set sail, and went to "DEAB SlR, her assistance; she proved to be the " Myself, officers, pilot and crew of the Bedale, of Scarborough, bound from Hull s.s. Venetian beg you to tender our sincere for the south of France with coal-tar thanks to the coxswain and boat's crew for their prompt response to our signals on being pitch. The master engaged the Life-boat stranded on the Burbo bank at 10 P,M. on Sun- men to try to get the steamer afloat, and day, the llth instant, and for their kind volun- to remain by him in case of bad weather. tary behaviour in remaining by the ship all A yawl having subsequently arrived, her night. Enclosed pleaseflnd cheque for 21.6s. Wd., being half the proceeds of a contribution, in- crew were employed to heave the cargo cluding my own, collected at the pay table for overboard; but after working for some your Life-boat Institution. The other half goes time, the weather became so bad that to the Liverpool boat fund. they were compelled to leave. The wind " I am, dear Sir, yours gratefully, " W. H. GRANT, and sea continued to increase, and as the " Master B.S. Venetian." sea was breaking right over the vessel, her crew of nineteen men, a pilot, and a dog, WEXFOED.—At 9 A.M. on the 15th of were taken into the Life-boat, and landed January, the Civil Service No. 1 Life- at Harwich at about 5 P.M. While cross- boat, manned as usual by Custom House ing the sand several very heavy seas were officers and pilots, was launched to the shipped. The Life-boat remained in the assistance of the s.s. Slaney, of and from harbour during the night, and at about Liverpool for Wexford, with a general 7 o'clock on the following morning was cargo, which had stranded on the East AUGUST 1,1885.] THE LITE-BOAT JOURNAL. 643

Bar while entering the harbour during a BLTTH, NORTHUMBERLAND.—At 3.40 strong gale of wind from the E.N.E. and A.M. on the 19th of January, a steamer, a very heavy sea. The Life-boat was which subsequently proved to be the towed out by a tug, and at about 11 s.s. Jutland, of Newcastle, bound from o'clock came alongside the steamer, took Chatham to Blyth, in ballast, with a crew off fifteen passengers, transferred them to of thirteen men, was observed behind the tug, and a second time proceeded to Seaton Sea Rocks, burning lights and the vessel, and succeeded in rescuing blowing her whistle. The wind was her crew of seventeen men and the blowing very moderately from the S., but pilot. the sea was very rough. Shortly after- wards the vessel drove ashore on the GOELBSTON.—The No. 1 Life-boat, the rocks, and the No. 1 Life-boat, Salford, was Mark Lane, was launched at 1.45 P.M. on at once launched, and went to her assist- the 17th of January, during a strong S.E. ance. The Boat experienced much diffi- by E. wind and a heavy sea, to the assist- culty in getting round the East-pier, ance of the s.s. Speedwell, of Yarmouth, owing to the heavy sea; she went as close which had grounded on the North Sand to the vessel, however, as the rocks would while attempting to enter' the harbour. permit, but failed to get alongside. The The Life-boat laid out an anchor, and ran coxswain, therefore, hailed the crew, and a hawser from the south pier-head to told them to stop on board their vessel, the steamer; but in doing so she was and the Life-boat would remain by them cast on the sand, and driven ashore by until the tide fell. Communication was the force of the tide. The No. 2 Life- subsequently effected by the rocket appa- boat, the Leicester, then went out and ratus ; but the vessel was too far off from remained by the vessel until she floated, the pier for the men to work the gear. and was got safely into harbour. The crew, therefore, remained on board until the tide ebbed, when they got on to LOWESTOFT.—At 3 o'clock on the after- the rocks and were taken to the East- noon of the 17th of January, the second pier by the Coastguard boat. coxswain of the Life-boat observed that the trawler Snowdrop, of Eamsgate, had MONTBOSE.—On the 28th of January, run aground on the north part of the about thirty large decked-boats, and Newcome Sand, during an E. by S. wind twenty smaller ones went out to the and a heavy sea. The Life-boat Samuel fishing-grounds at about 4 A.M. during a Plimsoll was therefore at once sent under light wind from the N.W. About 10 sail to the vessel, which by this time had o'clock the wind suddenly shifted to S.S.E. hoisted a signal of distress, her rudder blowing strong, and the sea rose quickly. having been knocked away, besides which The smaller boats returned to port, she was leaking badly. She managed, followed by the larger ones; but unfor- however, to beat over the sand, and was tunately one small undecked boat was taken in tow by a steam-tug, the Life- detained by its lines fouling, and ran great boat following astern to steer her. risk, the seas breaking on board her several times. This was reported by the NEW EOMHET, KENT.—Distress signals other boats, and the Life-boat Mincing having been shown by the barque Win- Lane, manned by a crew of fishermen, dermere, of Newcastle, bound from London went out and attended the boat safely for Eangoon, with a general cargo, during over the bar. a moderate E.S.E. gale and a heavy sea, The Mincing Lane was also launched on the 17th of January, the crew of the at 9.15 A.M. on the 2nd of May, to the Sandal Magna Life-boat were immediately assistance of two large decked fishing- summoned, and the boat was launched at boats, the Excelsior and the Pilgrim, 9.15 P.M. On reaching the vessel, which which were in danger during a heavy sea had stranded off Littlestone, it was found and a dense fog. The Life-boat pulled she was striking very heavily, and was out about a mile and a half blowing a fog- driving along shore. The master and horn, and the fishermen, on hearing it, crew, thirteen in all, were therefore taken sailed towards the boat, which then into the Life-boat, and landed at about preceded them over the bar, consider- 1.30 A.M. able risk being incurred in crossing it, 644 THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. [AUGUST 1, 1885.

and the harbour was safely reached at boat afloat until the weather moderated noon. at about 10.30 A.M.

PLYMOUTH and YEALM RIVER.—On the PENZANCE.—During a strong S.S.W. night of the 28th of January the Plymouth gale and a heavy sea on the 31st of Life-boat Clemency and the Yealm River January, the Life-boat Dora was launched Life-boat Bowman went out in reply to at 7.30 A.M., in reply to signals of distress signals of distress shown by the barque shown by the barque Petrellen, of Pors- Wellington, of Windsor, N.S. The wind grund, Norway, which was riding very was blowing a gale from the S.W., accom- heavily at her anchors. Her crew of panied by a very high sea. It was found eight men, fearing the vessel would go that the vessel was brought up by her ashore, jumped into the Life-boat im- two anchors with all cable paid out, be- mediately she got alongside, but the tween the Mewstone and the coast, close captain and mate decided to remain on to the rocks, but not touching them, and board the ship. that she required a steam-tug to tow her On the following morning the crew re- to Plymouth. The Life-boats were em- turned to the vessel, the weather having ployed several hours in passing lines and somewhat moderated; but at 9.30 P.M. hawsers to and from the tug, nnder cir- the wind and sea again increased, the cumstances of difficulty and danger; re- ship's cables parted, and she drove ashore mained by the vessel while she slipped between Penzance and St. Michael's her cables, and accompanied her into the Mount, where she became a total wreck. River Yealm, where she was griunded on The Dora, Life-boat proceeded to her the mud at about 4.30 on the following again, and safely landed the eight men, morning. The sea being too heavy for and the master and mate, at about 11.30. the Plymouth Life-boat to work her way This was the first service rendered by back, she waited until the tug left at the Dora, the boat having been only about 4.15 P.M., and was then taken in placed on the Station a few weeks pre- tow and returned to her station. In con- viously. sequence of circumstances connected with A large number of fishing-boats were the death of the captain of the Wellington, running for the harbour during a heavy whose body was on board the vessel, and gale of wind from the S.W. and a rough some of the sailors being wounded, the sea, on the morning of the 24th of April. Queen's Harbour Master requested further At 8 o'clock the Dora was launched, and services from the Yealm Life-boatmen. remained afloat eight hours, assisting and They were placed on board the vessel, indicating the best course for the boats to and given full power to act as guard on take, the entrance to the harbour being the crew previous to the magisterial greatly impeded by the steamer Bansome, enquiry into the case. They remained which had sunk at its mouth. Happily there until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. the boats, notwithstanding the tremendous At 4.45 on the morning of the 31st of seas they had to encounter, got into the January, the Wellington, which had been harbour without any casualty occurring. brought from the Yealm to Plymouth At noon on the following day the Life- Sound on the previous evening, parted boat was again taken out and piloted from her moorings during a gale of wind some other fishing-boats, which were from the S. and a high sea, and drove making for the harbour, the entry to ashore at the back of Millbay Pier. This which was still attended with danger, being observed by the coxswain of the the sunken steamer having broken up. Plymouth Life-boat, he immediately called In connection with these services, the the crew together, launched the boat, and following letter appeared in the Cornish- proceeded to the vessel. The Life-boat- man :— men were requested to pass a tow-rope " SIB, from a steam-tug to the vessel, and re- "Permit me through your columns to mained by her until she was towed off at express the thanks of the fishermen who ran about 6.30. As the ship had lost her to Penzance harbour in the storm of Friday last to those through whom the Life-boat was anchors and chains, and had, therefore manned and made ready in the case of an to be moored temporarily to a buoy, it emergency. Under the most favourable circum- was thought advisable to keep the Life- stances, taking the harbour in such a heavy sea AUGUST 1,1885.] THE LIFE-BOAT JOUKNAL. 645 was a highly dangerous performance, but the Glasgow, from Jamaica, bound for Liver- danger was intensified by the obstruction the pool, with a cargo of logwood. Bansome offered. " The greatest care had to be exercised to get the boat through the confusion of fishing craft SKEGNESS, LINCOLNSHIRE.—The Herbert running into the harbour, and the greatest risk Ingram Life-boat was launched at 8.30 A.M. of her being smashed was run. Nevertheless on the 7th of February, and rendered she was got into a position to render assistance, if necessary. assistance to the schooner John Lee, of "Fortunately her services were not required and for Blakeney, from Shields, with a further, though several boats had narrowescapes. cargo of oilcake, which had stranded at As one of those who ran in at this critical time, IngoldmelFs point during a fresh breeze I can say the presence of the Life-boat inspired us with confidence; therefore we give thanks from S. to the authorities and crew. "Yours, &c., SCABBOBOUGH. — The fishing smack " A NEWLTN FISHERMAN. Lady's Page, of Scarborough, while run- "Newlyn, 28ft April, 1885." ning for the harbour during a strong S.S.E. wind and a very heavy, sea at 1 A.M. NEWBIGGIN, NORTHUMBERLAND. — At on the 22nd of February, grounded out- about 10 o'clock on the morning of the side the outer pier. A flare was shown 2nd of February, the sea became very for assistance, in response to which the heavy, and several fishing cobles, which Lady Leigh Life-boat was launched, took a had gone out at 5 o'clock, ran much rope from the vessel to the pier, and on the danger -while returning ashore. The rise of the tide the smack was warped off Life-boat William Hopkinson, of Brig- by the pier capstan and taken into safety. house, put off to their assistance, and piloted them safely in. SUNDEELAND.—The schooner James, of Inverness, bound for Sunderland in ballast, POBTMADOC, NOETH WALES.—At about while making for the port during a S.S.E. 11.30 P.M., on the 6th of February, the wind at 9 P.M. on the 1st of March, Life-boat John Ashbury was launched, stranded on the outer bar of the river signals having been seen in the bay, Wear, and made signals for assistance. during a strong S.S.W. wind and a heavy The No. 2 Life-boat Mary was launched, sea. She went in the direction of the but grounded on a bank, the water being light, which at 12.20 disappeared, and low; she got off again however, reached on the boat arriving at the place where the vessel, and at the request of the it had been shown, nothing could be seen. master remained by her until a tug ar- At 3 A.M. the Life-boat crew dropped rived and towed her off. their anchor; for an hour after which they worked to windward until daylight, KAMSGATE.—In answer to signal guns, the wind increasing to a gale from the the Eamsgate Life-boat Bradford went S.W., with heavy showers. At daylight out in tow of the harbour steam-tug they ran for Portmadoe bar, and then Vulcan at 2.15 A.M. on the 14th of March, had a signal from a tug, which had also during a fresh N.E. wind. After cruising remained in the bay during the night. about for some time without finding any At last the Life-boatmen found the wreck, vessel in distress, at 5.30, a small vessel, dismasted and covered by the sea, and which proved to be the ketch Minnie, of happily succeeded in rescuing seven of Bideford, bound from Newcastle with a the crew. The Life-boat was then taken cargo of manure, was observed stranded in tow by the tug, and landed the ship- on the North Sand Head, and a boat was wrecked men at about 11.40. The master seen riding astern of the Gull Lightship. and three of the crew had unfortunately The Life-boat proceeded to the lightship, been drowned in attempting to get ashore took off the shipwrecked crew of four in their own boat. The wrecked vessel men who had taken refuge there, and proved to be the barque Spanker, of landed them at Eamsgate at 8 o'clock. 646 THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. [AUGUST 1,1885.

THE LIFE-BOATS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. and that the Bishop should govern the WBXFOBD AND BOSSLAEE BBANCH. diocese> The tm£ and c*stle were LXIH. WEXFOED No. 1.—The Ethel eventually captured, it is believed through Eveleen, 40 feet by 10 feet 6 the treachery of one of the commissioners. inches, 12 oars. In the rebellion of 1798, the principal LXIV. Ditto No. 2.—The Civil Service battles between the people and the royal No. 1,34 feet by 8 feet 3 inches, troops were fought in Wexford, and all 10 oars. the records in the office of the Clerk of the Peace were then destroyed. It is THE early history of Wexford, like that supposed, however, that Wexford was one of other and larger towns, is made up of of the first towns to receive a Charter of internal feuds, periodical invasions and Incorporation, and that that in use until general anarchy, the last-named being a 1841, when its corporate dignities were natural result of such a state of things. taken away, was obtained from James I. It is doubtful who were the first inha- A new charter was ultimately granted by bitants, but we read of a settlement of the Government, which is still in force. Brigantes and Menassii, in the province We are indebted to a resident for the of Leinster, whose chief town was Ferns, following notes on the locality. Wex- or Wexford; that they suffered severely ford, a maritime town and Parliamentary from incursions of the Danes, who, having borough on the S.E. coast of Ireland, ravaged the open country, made a per- and the principal town of the new manent settlement in the country, with Parliamentary division of the country, their head-quarters at Weisford, or Wex- which will in future be known as S. ford, which signifies Washed by the Wexford, comprises 483 acres, with a Tide. The Danes remained in undis- population of 12,100. It is situated on turbed possession, protected by walls the south bank of the Biver Slaney, which •which they had built, until 1169, when discharges itself into Wexford Harbour. they in their turn were attacked, and Above the town, the river is crossed by their town of Wexford captured by the a well-constructed wooden bridge of about English under the command of one 500 yards in length. The manufacture of Bobert Fitzstephen, who had been in- malt is extensively carried on, but we vited over by Dermod McMurrough, King understand that since the abolition of the of Leinster, to put down the anarchy duty on this article, which has induced pervading the province, caused by his very severe competition to spring up in offensive rule. The price for this service other places, Wexford does not hold the was a grant of the town of Wexford. important position she once did. Those, Henry II. would not, however, confirm however, who know the locality well, and the grant, but transferred the town to the suitability of the adjacent country Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, who landed for the growth of barley, hope that, -with there two years after, and received more prosperous seasons than those ex- McMurrough's daughter in marriage. perienced for the past few years, Wexford During the Wars of the Hoses, Wexford will recover the position she appears was taken by Sir John Butler, and in now to have lost, or to be in danger 1641 the inhabitants took an active part of losing, for the production of malt. in the war of the Catholic Confederation. The important cement works five miles Large amounts were spent in fortifica- from Wexford, owned by an enterprising tions, and the channel was blocked by a gentleman in the neighbourhood, are sunken ship. Cromwell arrived from becoming celebrated for the manufacture Drogheda in 1649, but declined to accede of Portland cement, and deserve notice, to the terms of capitulation made by the as we believe this is the first attempt commissioners sent to him, which in- of the kind made in Ireland. The her- cluded, amongst many others, the follow- ring, salmon and trawl fisheries employ ing conditions: that the people should be many persons. Until within the last fif- allowed to practise the Catholic religion; teen years, oyster-dredging was the chief that the clergy should hold their livings, employment for about six months of the AUGUST 1,1885.] THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. 647 year of the fine fleet of Wexford boats; which will in future be known as New but reckless over-fishing of small oysters, Wexford; 61,0002. has been already ex- greedily purchased by French buyers to pended in building the breakwater at stock grounds on their coast, has left the Greenore Point, 1500 feet in length, but Wexford beds almost bare of oysters. it still requires to be- extended 220 feet People who have scarcely attained middle further before the harbour can be generally age have known oysters to be sold for used as an anchorage for all classes of 6d. per 120: the usual price now is 2<2. vessels, and when this very important per oyster. Notwithstanding the present work is completed, this port will, it is exhausted state of the oyster-beds, it is expected, become the principal harbour generally believed that, but for the trawl- on the coast, as the improved facilities ing allowed to be carried on all the year for commerce which will then be afforded, round, by which the spat of the oysters is combined with the traffic that will spring destroyed season after season, this very up from the undeveloped fisheries in the important branch of the Wexford fishery neighbourhood; the extensive trade in would at all events have a chance of be- corn, butter, cattle, and other agricultural coming resuscitated. In the year 1870 produce of the Barony of Forth which it a new oyster-bed was discovered in the adjoins, and the railway system of Ireland vicinity of the Lucifer Lightship on this with which it is already connected, cannot coast, and when it became generally known, fail in making it such. fleets of boats from other places, including Certainly, a harbour of refuge at the Wexford itself, succeeded, by incessant entrance to St. George's Channel would dredging for six weeks night and day, in be an undoubted boon to the numerous removing every shell from the ground. vessels engaged in the coasting trade and This circumstance will illustrate what a fisheries, as the difficulties of making reckless class of persons fishermen are. Wexford Harbour in bad weather must be Wexford Harbour forms a large and enormous. The outlying sands, too, have safe land-locked basin, into which the proved fruitful in disaster to more than River Slaney empties itself. It extends one ship, and we know of no more melan- three miles from north to south, almost in choly record than that of the wreck of a line with the coast, and is four miles the American clipper ship Pomona, of wide, embracing an area of 10,000 acres. 1800 tons burden, which occurred on the It is admirably situated for commerce, Blackwater bank on the night of the from its close proximity to England, and 30th April, 1859. She sailed from Liver- also being at the entrance of St. George's pool on the morning of the 27th April, Channel, but these advantages have not for New York, having on board 400 emi- heretofore been availed of to the extent grants and passengers, besides the officers that might fairly have been expected, and crew, 44 in number. Embarked in owing to the dangerous bar at the entrance a fine ship, with a fair wind, no fear was of the harbour. The banks which obstruct entertained of any approaching calamity. it (the entrance) shift so frequently as to Scarcely, however, had all retired to rest, render it difficult to trace accurately their than they were aroused by the cry of movements. Not many years ago, reports " Ship on shore! " It was shortly ascer- showed only from three to four feet of tained that she was a-ground on the Black- water on the bar; now it has improved to water bank off the Wexford coast, the a depth of eleven feet at low-water neap Captain having mistaken the then new tides; but in the passage up to the quay floating Blackwater Light for the Tuskar there are several shifting banks, that Light, and having in consequence ordered render the navigation dangerous even to a wrong course to be steered. For twelve those acquainted with it. An idea of the hours after striking the ship held to- nature of these banks may be formed gether, during which time the pumps were from the fact that one of them, the worked, but without keeping the water " Dogger," five or six years since, was under. 200 yards from the mainland; since then The boats were lowered or hoisted out, it has come in and joined it. It is, how- only to be, one after the other, destroyed ever, expected that the Government will or upset, with the exception of two in be induced to grant a sufficient sum for which a few survivors escaped. The re- the completion of the harbour at Eosslare, mainder were lost. The Life-boat belong- 648 THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. [AUGUST 1, 1885. ing to the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITU- relieve the Institution of the current ex- TION, stationed at Cahore, made several penses attending the gift—the average attempts to proceed to the wreck, but annual cost of keeping up a Life-boat unfortunately she was as often beaten Station then being about 501.—and were back by the sea, and never succeeded in successful. reaching the unfortunate vessel. In con- Having been informed in 1878 that sequence of this disaster, the INSTITUTION this Boat was worn out, and that it was determined to establish a Life-boat Station necessary a new boat should be despatched at Wexford, and in the latter part of the to Wexford without delay, the Civil Ser- same year, viz., 1859, a boat 38 feet by vice Committee paid 480?. for this pur- 10 feet, and pulling 12 oars, was provided pose, and in October of the same year, a and despatched to her destination, where new Life-boat, bearing the same name as she was placed at moorings just inside the the old one, but larger, was placed in a harbour mouth, with her crew of pilots house specially built for its reception. At and Custom-House men, who reside at the close of 1879, the Committee endowed Eosslare, close at hand ready for any this boat at a cost of 1000?., and so emergency. This boat became defective secured to the Civil Service in perpetuity and was condemned in 1871, after having a Life-boat bearing its title. saved 75 lives from nine wrecks. The The first of these two boats had, pre- Committee decided to replace her by viously to being broken up in October a new one 40 feet by 10 J feet, which 1878, attended 21 wrecks, saved three was presented by J. M. S., of London, vessels, and the lives of no less than and named the Ethel Eveleen; 73 lives, 122 persons ; the new boat has attended from four vessels, have been saved eight wrecks, saved one vessel and 49 lives. through the instrumentality of this boat. Altogether the Wexford boats have been In the year 1866 it was determined instrumental in saving, since 1859, 319 to strengthen this Station by the addition lives, and four vessels from destruction. of a second Life-boat; accordingly one In the year 1883, a binocular glass 32 feet long, pulling 10 oars double- with an inscription was presented by the banked, was presented to the Institution Institution to Mr. W. COGHXAN, J.P. by officers of Her Majesty's Civil Service, of Wexford, in recognition of his long among whom BOOL had been collected and valuable co-operation during the through the agency of the " Civil Service past twenty-five years as Hon. Secretary Life-boat Fund," established for this pur- of the Branch. Mr. COGHLAN was until pose. She was named the Civil Service, recently the Collector of Customs at Wex- and was sent to her station the following ford, and has always taken, and con- year. The Committee having presented tinues to take, a warm interest in the the Civil Service, determined if possible to Life-boats.

OUE INLAND BEANCHES.

HENLEY-ON-THAMES. LEAVING the main line at Twyford on the ; 1776, and here too Alfred Tennyson was Great Western Eailway, we proceed by a married. small local line to Henley, passing through As the train approaches Henley, Shiplake, a small station where the j glimpses of the noble river are obtained Thames is crossed. This village is situ- as it winds its silvery way through the ated at the foot of hilly slopes, on one of j beautiful valley, the exquisite scenes which is its picturesque church with an being enhanced by the richly wooded ivy clad tower, overhanging one of the slopes, and conspicuous-looking houses finest bends of the river. Here James which stand out boldly among the trees Granger, author of the Biographical on the sides of the hills on the right History of England, died while adminis- bank of the Thames; and we cannot pass tering the Holy Communion in the year by without alluding to one of them, AUGUST 1, 1885.] THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. 649

" Park Place," famous for its site, growth of the Chiltem Hills on the left bank of of trees, and the interest attaching to it the Thames, 35 miles from London. It as the former residence of Frederick, is traditionally the oldest place in the Prince of Wales, father of George III. county, as its name implies (Hen, " old," It is principally indebted for its many and Lye "place"), and stands on one attractions to Marshall Conway, who at of the most beautiful spots in the whole the close of the last century became its course of the Thames, the broad and full possessor, and who strove to render the river being here flanked by hills covered grounds as beautiful as art could make with hanging woods. It possesses a fine them. Visitors on certain days can land old church with a square perpendicular at the elaborate and beautiful boat-house tower, said to have been built by Cardinal on the bank, which contains several Wolsey; and in the churchyard is buried works of art. Here and there on green Richard Jennings, master builder of St. hillocks and dells mimic ruins have been Paul's Cathedral. introduced. In one of these there is a The fine reaches of the Thames at long subterraneous passage or tunnel Henley have long been noted as the leading to a miniature Boman amphi- course for the principal boat-races in theatre, the work of Marshall Conway, England, which give every variety of but there is an object of still greater racing boat an opportunity to show its interest in the grounds, namely the own capabilities, and the crews their Drnidic tomb which stands on the sum- power of endurance. The starting-point mit of one of the small hills, placed, is at Fawley Court, a summer-house exactly as it was found, on the top of a situated on a pretty island close to the high hill near the town of St. Heliers, village of Bemenham. The scenes so Jersey, in the year 1785. It was entirely familiar at Oxford are repeated at Henley covered with earth, and was discovered on a more important scale. At Oxford, by workmen who were employed levelling the number of the boats, and the narrow- some ground. General Conway was then ness of the stream, make it impossible for governor of Jersey, and he at once gave the competing crews to be ranged side by instructions for its preservation. On his side. They consequently start, and pull leaving the island it was presented to in line ahead, the object of each crew him, and removed to his residence at being to touch with their own boat the Park Place. It consists of forty-five stern of the boat before them in the line. stones of granite and is 66 feet in circum- Such a bump leads to a change of place ference. These tombs, several of which in these two boats, and thus the best have been found in the Island of Jersey, boat's crew bump their way to the head were used for the interment of the abori- of the river. The broad river at Henley, ginal chieftains, and additional chambers however, allows the rival boats to be were added as the original ones became alongside of each other, and then with filled with the remains of the great de- even bows they start upon a course which parted. not unfrequently brings them in, still Continuing our journey we arrive in side by side, the bow of the winner sight of Henley Bridge, a handsome stone perhaps being only 3 or 4 feet in advance. structure. of five arches, built in 1786, Henley is also noted for being the only and adorned with two sculptured masks town in the county of Oxford in which a of the " Thames " and the " Isis " from branch of the BOYAL NATIONAL LIFE- the chisel of the Hon. Mrs. Darner, BOAT INSTITUTION exists. In the year daughter of General Conway, to whom 1864 Mr. LUCET, a gentleman who has we have alluded. A female head round been long resident at Henley, and is well which water plants are entwined repre- known in the locality, undertook, at the sents the Isis on one side of the bridge, request of the London Committee of the and an ancient head, crowned with bull- ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION rushes, and little fishes peeping out to canvass the neighbourhood on behalf through the beard, the Thames, on the of that Society, and in the same year a other side. lecture was delivered in Henley by Mr. Henley, a municipal borough and LEWIS, the late secretary. These efforts market town in the county of Oxford, with to establish a branch attracted notice in 4,600 inhabitants, is situated at the foot Reading, where a meeting was held which 650 THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. [AUGUST 1,1885. led to a fund being started called the as honorary secretary by the appoint- Royal Berkshire Life-boat Fund, to pro- ment of a Local Committee. The Mayor Tide a Life-boat of that name, which was was kind enough to take the chair, and eventually placed at Aberdovey on the after a few introductory remarks from Welsh coast, and since then a very im- him, Mr. Lucey read a report giving a portant branch has been formed in that resume of the work of the branch during town, the subscriptions now remitted the twenty-one years of its existence, and to London amounting to above 150Z. also aptly pointing out the sympathy annually. These results may be fairly that ought to exist between the head- attributed to the initial step taken at quarters of the rowing world and the Henley two years before. The same de- Life-boat. Much surprise was expressed gree of success did not, however, reward by more than one speaker that Henley the exertions of Mr. Lucey in Henley. was the only town in the whole county The total subscriptions and donations where a branch existed. Oxford Univer- collected since the formation of the branch sity certainly raised a fund for a Life- in 1864 amount only to a little more boat which was named the Ms and placed than 4:001.; one half of the donations on the coast of Cornwall, but a branch having been given by the Misses Ovey, has never been formed there, though one three sisters, the last survivor of whom might with advantage be established; the left in 1878 to the Institution a bequest only other towns of any importance of 500?. free of duty. In the year 1882 besides Henley are Woodstock and Ban- another resident, Mrs. Noble, whose bury, but they are hardly of a size husband has always been a regular and sufficient to form successful branches, and, liberal supporter of the cause, presented as we have before pointed out, the Institu- a magnificent Life-boat to the Institution, tion is mainly indebted to Mr. Lucey for costing 800Z., and it was publicly the establishment of a branch at Henley. launched in the river in July of the same The Mayor mentioned that the regatta year, in the presence of a large and was not unrepresented in connection with enthusiastic concourse of people. An the parent society, since in 1880 a Life- accident unfortunately occurred during boat was purchased and named the the presentation; the grand stand used " Alfred Trower," in honour of a gentle- at the Royal Regatta the week before was man once well known at the Henley in course of demolition; to avoid the Regatta. This boat is now stationed at rain, which was coming down in torrents, Tramore, on the south coast of Ireland. between two and three hundred persons The meeting resulted in the formation of persisted in going into the structure not- an influential committee, including the withstanding the warning given them: Right Hon. W. H. Smith, M.P., as presi- the consequence was the flooring gave dent, and now that a fresh start has been way, and the people, with the mass of made by the Henley branch, it is earnestly timber beneath them, were thrown to the hoped that in future the claims of the ground from a height of 10 feet. Many Life-boat Institution may be more fully persons were injured in various ways by recognized and better supported in this the falling timber, but fortunately no one locality. was seriously hurt. Such have been the results of the Henley branch up to the present time, and the Institution owes a SUMMARY OF THE large debt of gratitude to Mr. Lucey and to those gentlemen who have acted with MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE. him, for their long-continued zeal and co- THUBSDAY, 5th February, 1885. operation under somewhat discouraging EDWAKD BIRKBECE, Esq., M.P., V.P., in the circumstances, relieved, however, by the Chair. two above-mentioned instances of libera- Read and approved the Minutes of the previous lity. Meeting, and those of the Finance and Corre- A public meeting was convened in spondence, and Wreck and Reward Sub-Com- June of this year by Mr. Lucey to endea- mittees. Read the Report of the Chief Inspector of vour to increase if possible local interest Life-boats on his recent visits to Clacton-on- in the Life-boat work in operation on the Sea,Walton-on-the-Naze, Ilfracombe, Appledore, sea coast, and to strengthen his position and Braunton. AUGUST 1, 1885.] THE LIFE-BOAT JOUENAL. 651

Also the Reports of the five District Inspec- tors of Life-boats on their visits to the following saved. Stations:— Schooner Margaret, of St. Ives .... 3 1. Sonthend. Steamer Venetian, of Liverpool. Remained 2. Weston-super-Mare, Bnrnham, Watchet, by vessel. -Lynton, Ilfracombe, Morte, Braunton, and S.S. Slaney, of Liverpool 33 Appledore (two Boats). Barque Windermere, of Newcastle ... 13 3. Drogheda (two Boats), Blackrock, and S.S. Jutland, of Newcastle. Remained by Giles' Quay. vessel. 4. Irvine, and Ardrossan. Barque Petrellen, of Porsgrund. . . .18 5. Clacton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, Har- wich, Witbernsea, Hornsea, Grimsby, Donna The Caister Nos. 1 and 2, Lowestoft, Nook, Mablethorpe, and Sutton. Gorleston Nos. 1 and 2. Montrose No. 1, Reported the receipt of the following special Plymouth, Yealm River, Arbroath, and New- contributions since the last Meeting:— biggin Life-boats also rendered services, as follows:— £ s. d. Lives The Misses HEWITT, Lytham (ad- saved. ditional) 100 - - Barque Loreley, of Arendal, assisted to save Trustees of the late WILLIAM THORN- vessel and crew 12 GATE, Esq. (annual subscription). 80 - - Dandy Tyro, of Lowestoft. Remained by B. A. B. PRESTON, Esq. (annual subscription in aid of Cornish Trawler Snowdrop, of Ramsgate, assisted Life-boats) 50 - - to save vessel and 5 EDWARD BIRKBECK, Esq. M.P., V.P. S.S. Speedwell, of Yarmouth. Rendered (annual subscription in aid of assistance. the Norfolk Life-boats) ... 47 5 - Montrose fishing boats, rendered assistance. Proceeds of performance by the Barque Wellington, of Windsor, N.S., LEWISHAM AMATEUR DBAMATIC assisted to save vessel and .... 15 COMPANY, per E, N. HOLE, Esq. . 20 18 - Arbroath and Newbiggin fishing boats, Mrs. PETER HARDIE (additional) . 20 - - rendered assistance. THOMAS K. HARDIE, Esq. (addi- tional) 20 - - [Detailed accounts of most of these services Trustees of BERMAN'S CHARITY (ad- will be found on pages 640-645.] ditional) 10 10 - Voted also 220Z. 4s. 4d!. to defray the expenses WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF ARMOURERS of the Braunton, Kessingland No. 2, Kings- AND BKASIERS (additional) . . 10 10 - town, Kildonan, Torquay, Rhosneigir, Harwich. •—To fee severally thanked. Walton-on-the-Naze, Wexford No. 1, Lowestoft. Hartlepool No. 2, Newcastle (co. Down), Tyrella, Also that the late Mrs. ELIZABETH CLBGO, of and Newbiggin Life-boats, in assembling their Rochdale, had bequeathed 100Z. to the In- crews or in putting off in reply to signals of stitution. distress shown by vessels which did not ulti- Voted the thanks of the Committee to JOHN mately require the services of the boats. POOLS, Esq., J. A. ROBINSON, Esq., and W. A. LLOYD, Esq., in recognition of their past The Ramsgate Life-boat was also taken out valuable co-operation as Honorary Secretaries on two occasions during the month, but her respectively of the Hayle, Southport, and St. services were not eventually needed. Anne's Branches of the Institution. Voted 20Z. to Mr. T. LEAR, of Torquay, with Reported the transmission to their Stations an expression of regret, on the part of the Com- of the Blackrock, Youghal, and Ballywalter mittee, at the injury which he received while new Life-boats. superintending the launch of the Life-boat on The Belfast and Londonderry Steam Packet that Station on the 2nd January. On that Company kindly granted a free passage to the i occasion the slings parted, and a rope caught Ballywalter Boat from Liverpool to Belfast his ankle, breaking one of the bones, and dis- —To be thanked. abling him for several weeks. Decided that the present Life-boat on the Also 10Z. in aid of a local subscription for the Drogheda No. 2 Station be replaced by a new relief of the widow of CHABLES HUMBERSTONE, one, possessing all the latest improvements. who was accidently killed by the parting of a Paid 2,4:111. 2«. Sd. for sundry charges on steamer's tow-rope, which struck him while he various Life-boat Establishments. was employed in getting a stranded vessel afloat. Voted 136Z. 10s. 8d. in payment of the ex- Humberstone was one of the launchers of the penses of the Caister No. 2, Mablethorpe, Donna, ^fook Life-boat for about ten years, and Lydd, New Brighton No. 1, Wexford No. 2, was enrolled as one of the crew of the boat New Romney, Blyth No. 1, and Penzance Life- about fourteen months ago. boats, in rendering the following Services:— Also 41. to eight men for putting off from Lives Brixham, Devonshire, in the Coast-Guard whale saved. boat, and saving five of the crew of the s.s. Brig Triton, of Svelvig. Assisted to save Antonio Stathato, of Ithaca, whose boat was vessel and 6 capsized while they were proceeding- from their Fishing smack Primrose, of Grimsby. Re- vessel to Brixham during a strong E.N.E. wind mained by vessel. on the 21st December. 652 THE LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. [AUGUST 1,1885.

7s. extra was granted, in addition, to one of £ s. d. the salvors who first observed the accident, and j Mrs. JOSHUA WILSON .... 50 - - gave an alarm. | WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OP CLOTH- A farther sum of 21. 10s. was at the same WORKEKS (additional) . . . 20 - - time awarded to five men who manned another Collected at Leith Custom House, per boat, and also went to the rescue at some risk, A. M. Boss, Esq 20 - - their boat being a small one. —To be severally thanked. Also 61. 15s. to the crews of two boats for rescuing the fishing coble Pioneer, of North Also that the following legacies had been Sunderland, and her crew of four men, which bequeathed to the Institution:— had her rudder broken, and was in danger £ during a gale of wind from the W. and a rough ; The late Mrs. E. A. Clare, of Higher sea on the 19th December. i Broughton, Manchester (duty free) . 1000 Also 21. to four men for saving the crew, I The late HENRY SKYNNER, Esq., of Ken- consisting of five men, from the boat of the i sington (duty free) 500 ! The late Miss MAKY CLABiDOE.of Bedford 500 steamer Ferifer, of Dundee, which struck on : Bondicar Point in thick weather on the 26th The late DENNIS HERBERT, Esq., of Hunt- January, and sank within a few minutes. ingdon (duty free) 200 A further sum of 21. 10s. was granted to the salvors, being the amount they would probably Reported the transmission to their Stations have earned by fishing, which they lost by of Life-boats for Fishguard and Littlehaven returning to Newbiggin with the rescued men. i (Pembrokeshire). Also II. 5s. to five men for rescuing the crew Decided that the present Life-boat at Black- of two men of the gig Spring, of St. Ives, pool be replaced by a new one, possessing all which while returning from fishing had been the latest improvements. upset by a sudden squall in St. Ives Bay on the i The Committee expressed their deep regret 26th January. With the help of another boat's at the recent decease of Dr. STOPFOBD W. crew the capsized boat was towed ashore. | HALPIN, of Arklow, who had been for eighteen i years, the valued Honorary Secretary of the Also 5s. to a man for rescuing a fisherman, 1 who had fallen overboard from his boat, off Arklow Branch of the Institution. Bucks, Devonshire, during a moderate breeze Paid 3,1781. 14s. Id. for sundry charges on from the E. on the 18th November. j various Life-boat Establishments. Voted 591. 4s. to meet expenses connected with the North Sunderland Portmadoc, and | Sunderland, No. 2 Life-boats in rendering the THURSDAY, 5th March. following Services:— Lives His Grace the DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND, P.O., saved. in the Chair. ! North Sunderland fishing boats rendered [ assistance. Read and approved the Minutes of the pre- Barque Spanker, of Glasgow .... 7 vious Sleeting, and those of the Finance and j Schooner James, of Inverness. Remained Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward Sub- by vessel. Committees. Bead the Reports of four of the District In- spectors of. Life-boats on their visits to the I The Skegness Life-boat assisted the schooner following Stations:— ! John Lee, of Blakenej, and the Scarborough Life-boat saved the fishing-smack Lady's Page 1. Clovelly, Bude, Port Isaac, Padstow, of Scarborough, and her crew of 5 men. Newquay, Sennen Cove, Penzance, Hayle, St. Ives, Scilly, Porthleven, Porthoustock, Cadg- [Accounts of some of these services will be with, and Slullion. found on page 645.] 2. New Brighton (two Boats), Southport, Voted 96Z. 16s. to pay the expenses of the Lytham, St. Anne's, Blackpool, and Fleetwood. Bridlington, Whitby No. 1, Briglistone Grange, 3. Tynemouth (two Boats), Cullercoats Blyth, ' Drogheda No. 2, Tramore Castletown, Montrose (two Boats), Newbiggin, and Cresswell. ] and Porthdinllaen Life-boats in putting off to 4. Sunderland (four Boats), Whitburn, Sea- the assistance of vessels which did not even- ham, Hartlepool (three Boats), West Hartlepool tually require their help. (two Boats), Seaton Carew, Saltburn, Middles- i Also 121. to twelve men for rescuing by brough, Redcar, Runswick, and Staithes. j means of two boats, the crew of five men of the Reported the receipt of the following special ' Norwegian schooner Nordenfeld, which stranded contributions since the last meeting: | on Craster Little Carr Rock, near Boulmer, | Northumberland, during a nioderate breeze from £ ». d. i S. to S.E., and thick weather, on the 23rd Mrs. MACDON ALD, towards the en- January. dowment of her Life-boat at Also 21. 10s. to five men for putting off in a Appledore 1000 - - boat, and saving the crew of two men from the HENRY M. HARVEY, Esq., further smack Eliza McDonald, of Wigtown, which on behalf of Penzance Lifeboat j was in distress in Port Yerrock Bay, Wigtown- Station 100 - - ' shire, during a gale from the S.S.E. on the 21st (Making a total of £1,100) February. - | AUGUST 1, 1885.] THE LITE-BOAT JOURNAL. 653

II. was also awarded to some men and boys who assisted to launch the boat, and 101. to a THURSDAY, 2nd April. carter who was injured by the boat, and the cart on which it was being conveyed from EDWABD BIBKBECK, Esq., M.P., V.P., in the Wbithorn Harbour to Port Yerrock Bay being Chair. blown over. Read and approved the Minutes of the pre- Also 51. Ws. to eleven men for putting off in vious meeting, and those of the Finance and a yawl, and saving the crew of three men from Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward Sub- the schooner Geneva, of Carnarvon, which was Committees. in danger outside the breakwater at Peel, Isle Elected the Members of the Sub-Committees of Man, during a strong S.S.E. gale on the (L. T. CAVE, Esq., Chairman) for the ensuing 28th January. | year. Also 21. 5s. to three men for saving the lugger | Read the Report of the Chief Inspector of St. Fergus, of Stornoway, and her crew of four I Life-boats on his recent visits to Clacton-on-Sea men. The vessel had her sail blown away, and and Southend. was in great danger off Barra, during a very Also the Reports of the five District Inspec- strong N.W. wind on the 20th December last. tors of Lifeboats on their visits to the following Also 11. 10s. to six men of Newburgh, Aber- Stations:—• deenshire, for rescuing four boys from a boat 1. Yealm River, Plymouth, Salcombe, Hope which had been carried out to sea from the Cove, Dartmouth, Brixham, Teignmouth, Tor- river Ytham on the 14th February. quay, Exmouth, Sidmouth, Lyme Regis, Kimeridge, Weymouth, Swanage, and Poole. Also 11. 10s. to three men for putting off in a 2. Lizard, Falmouth, Portloe, Mevagiasey, Txrat, and saving the crew of two men of a Fowey, and Looe. lighter which had struck and sunk on the flats 3. Piel, Seascale, Whitehaven, Silloth, Mary- offWexford, during a strong S.W. wind, and port, Rhyl (two Boats), Llanddulas, Llandudno, hazy weather on the 23rd February. Penmon, Bull Bay, and Moelfre. Also 11. Is. to six fishermen for putting off 4. Kildonan, Ardrossan,Whithorn, Port Logan in a boat, and saving two persons from another Port Patrick, Balcary, and Kirkcudbright. boat which was in danger in Newport Bay, 5. TJpgang, Robin Hood's Bay, Wliitby (two during a strong southerly wind, on the 10th Boats), Scarborough, Filey, Flamborough (two February. Boats), Bridlington,Barmstow, Hornsea, Chapel, and Skegness. Reported the receipt of 1000Z. from Miss BASS, of Dalston, to provide a new Life-boat, to be SATURDAY, 21st March. named the William and Frances. Decided that the best acknowledgments of The Annual G eneral Meeting of the friends the Committee be conveyed to Miss BASS, and and supporters of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE- that her gift be appropriated to the new Life- BOAT INSTITUTON took place this day at Willis's j boat about to be sent to Sidmouth. Eooms, St. James's, His Grace the DUKE OP ' Also the receipt of 5001. from Miss LVCY NORTHUMBERLAND, P.O., President of the In- L. HARRIS, of Lower Clapton, for a Life-boat to stitution, in the Chair. be named The Escape. His GKACE having made some suitable ob- —To be thanked. servations on the great and national character j Also the receipt of the folio wing other special of the operations of the Institution, Mr. \ Contributions since the last meetiug:— CHARLES DIBDIN, the Secretary, read the i Annual Report, which will be found in the j £ s. d. May number of The Lifeboat Journal. j HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN (Annual The Meeting was also addressed by His i Subscription) 50 — - Grace the DUKE OP PORTLAND; The Right Miss Howis (3 years' maintenance of Hon. The EABL PEBOY, M.P., V.P.,; the Right her Life-boat at Silloth) . . . 210 - - Hon. Sir STAFFORD H. NORTHCOTE, G.C.B., M.P.; Collected from Pupils at Taplow Sir WIIMAM CHABLEY, Q.O., D.C.L., Common Grammar School per, E. DYKE, Sergeant for London; Sir THOMAS FOWELL Esq. (additional) 119 BUXTON, Dart.; Sir WALTER (». STIRLING, Bart.; —To be severally thanl:ed. EDWARD BIBKBECK, Esq., M.P., V.P., Chairman of the Institution; and Colonel FITZROY CLAY- Also that the late Mrs. LAMBIE, of Edinburgh TON, V.P., Deputy-Chairman. had bequeathed a legacy of 501. to the Institu- tion. The officers for the current year were chosen Reported the transmission to their stations of and various resolutions were moved, seconded, new Lifeboats for Plymouth, Silloth, Ferryside, and carried unanimously, pledging the meeting Totland Bay, and Cloughey Bay. to renewed exertions on behalf of the benevolent The Belfast and Londonderry Steam Packet and national objects of the Institution. Company kindly conveyed the Cloughey Bay The officers' names and the resolutions will Life-boat from Liverpool to Belfast, free of be found in the May number of The Lifeboat charge. To be ilianked. Journal. Decided that the present Life-boat on the Bridlington Quay Station be replaced by a new one, possessing all the latest improvements. 654 THE LIFE-BOAT JOTJKNAL. [AUGUST 1,1885.

Also to appropriate the Boat to the legacy o Broughty Ferry, Buddonness, Arbroath, Edin- 5851., left to the Institution by the late W. J burgh, Hauxley, Newbiggin, Clacton-on-Sea, PAYNE, Esq., City Coroner, for a Life-boat t and Southend. be called The William John, and Frances. Also the reports of four of the District Also decided that various works be carried ou Inspectors of Life-boats on their visits to the at the Southend, Buckle, and Kilmore Life following stations:— boat Stations at an expense of 1,0862. Also that the thanks of the Committee b 1. Penarth, Porlhcawl, Pembrey, Ferry side, given to MELVILLE GREEN, Esq., and PATRICK Milford, Littlehaven, Port Eynon, Tenby, REID, Esq., in recognition of their past valuabl Swansea, Solva, St. David's, and Fishguard co-operation as Honorary Secretaries respec (two Boats). tively of the Worthing and Greystones Branche 2. Poolbeg, Howth, Arklow, Greencastle, of the Institution. Portrush, Groomsport, Port Erin, Castletown, Paid 5,1621 13s. 2d. for sundry charges on Douglas (two Boats), and Ramsey. various Life-boat Establishments. 3. Ballantrae, Girvan,Campbeltown,Southend Voted 201. 10s. to pay the expenses of th._ (Cantyre), Ayr, Irvine and Troon. North Sunderland and Porthdinllaen Life-boat 4. Sheringham, Cromer, Mundesley, Hun- in saving the crew of five men from the schoone stanton, Brancaster, Wells, and Blakeney. St. Fergus, of Wick, and the crew of four men Reported the receipt of the following special from the schooner Richard, of Nefyn. contributions since the last meeting:— The Caister No. 1 Life-boat assisted to save the three-mast schooner Akyab, of Genoa, ane £ s. d. her crew of eleven men; also the s.s. Bedale HERBERT A. FOSTER, for a Life-boat of Scarborough, and 20 men; and the Ramsgate to be named the Queensbury, and Lifeboat brought ashore from the Gull Light- placed on the Yorkshire or Lan- ship, the crew of four men of the ketch Minnie cashire Coast 650 - - of Bideford. Stewards of the COVENT GARDEN [Details of some of the services will be founc LIFE-BOAT FUND, in aid of the on pages 640-645.] support of the Caister Life-boat (additional) 70 3 2 Voted 240Z. 15s. 10

Decided that the present Life-boats on the Lydd, Penzance, and Whitby No. 2 Life-boats Newbiggin, Teuby, and Fishguard No. 2 in rendering the following services: — Stations be replaced with new ones, possessing Lives all the latest improvements, as soon as circum- saved. stances permit. Barque Queen Victoria, of Dublin. Bemained by vessel. — Also that the Plymouth new Life-boat be Penzance Fishing Boats. Rendered assis- appropriated to the gift of Miss LUCY L. HAKHIS tance. of Lower Clapton. Sloop Wear, of Scarborough 2 Voted the thanks of the Committee to JAMES HUNTER, Junr., Esq., in recognition of his The Eamsgate Life-boat assisted to save the valuable co-operation as Honorary Secretary of barque Rhuddlan Castle, of Liverpool, and 16 the Dundee Branch of the Institution during lives; and the Montrose No. 1 Life-boat ren- the past twenty years. dered important assistance to two endangered fishing boats. Also the Silver Medal of the Institution, and (Accounts of some of these services are given a copy of the vote, inscribed on vellum, to Mr. on pages 640-645.) JAMES ARMSTRONG, coxswain of the Hauxley Life-boat, in acknowledgment of his gallant Voted also 951.13s, to pay the expenses of the services during the past twenty-five years, in Broadstairs, North Deal, Dunbar, Montrose which period he has assisted to save 141 No. 1, Drogheda Nos. 1 and 2, Eedcar, Shering- ham, Bamburgh Castle and LlanaeVhaiarn lives. Life-boats in assembling their crews, or putting Also 51. on retirement, to Mr. JAMBS BRISGS, off to the aid of vessels not ultimately requiring in recognition of his good services during the their services. seven years he held the position of Coxswain Also 501. 4s. to HENRY CABBY, who was of the Wexford Life-boat permanently injured while assisting to launch Decided that the new Instructions to Cox- the Donna Nook Life-boat on the 21st Nov. last. swains of the Life-boats of the Institution, Also 21. 10s. to the Chief Officer of H.M. prepared in accordance with the directions of Coastguard at Pembrey, and four other Const- the Committee, be adopted and circulated. guard men for putting off in their boat, and saving a man from the cutter Gazelle, of Swan- Paid 1,763?. Is. Wd. for sundry charges on sea, which was totally wrecked off Pembrey various Life-boat Establishments. during a strong breeze from the S.E. on the Voted 521. in payment of the expenses of the 24th April.

THE LIFE-BOAT. I. II. Hark! amid the darkness falling, Soon the boat through billows tow'ring, And the thund'ring winds appalling, And the blinding deluge show'ring, Comes an urgent signal calling Nears the wreck where all are cow'ring, Help from o'er the seas! From a yawning grave; House, ye heroes, brave and daring, Now, amid the thunder pealing, Ye of life and limb unsparing, And the hungry billows reeling, Oft with death before you staring, In the Life-boat safe they're kneeling— Face the dreadful breeze! Rescued from the wave! Though the night be frowning, Hearts and eyes o'erflowing, On to save the drowning, Grateful thanks bestowing, Forward all! To the brave At mercy's call, Who came to save, Your noblest actions crowning! When death's pale face was showing. Man the Life-boat!—this is glory, The welcome haven gained at last, Rather to be famed in story All now are shelter'd from the blast: Than the field of battle gory While kindness dims the dreary past Nations hold so dear. And dries the bitter tear. A. S.

NOTICE. The next nuniber of the LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL will be published on the 1st November. KOYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, SUPPORTED SOLELY BY VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS.

s — !$)ti glost (Srwiocs gtsjtsfg % Quten. ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS of WALES. HIS ROYAt, HlGHKESS THE PBINCE OF WALES, K.G. VlOT_A])lnHA1 H.E.H. THE DUKE op EDINBURGH, K.G. t — His GRACE THE DUKB op NORTHUMBERLAND, P.O., D.C.L. Chairman —EDWAK D BIBKBBCK, ESQ., M.P., V.P. jlejprtg-ffijiairman — Colonel FITZ-KOY CLAYTON, y.P.

APPEAL. THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT have to state that during the past year (1884) the BOYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION expended £42,787 on various Life-boat Establishments on the Coast* of England, Scotland, and Ireland. During the same period it contributed to the saving of 792 persons from various Shipwrecks on our Coasts. Every winter that cornea and goes has its black record of wrecks, and its terrible list of lost lives, the average loss of livea from Shipwreck annually, on the shores of the United Kingdom, being 700.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OP THE INSTITUTION DURING 1884. Number of lives rescued by Life-boats, in addition to £ «. d. 18 Vessels saved by them . • 633 Number of Lives saved by Shore-boats, &c 159 Amount of Pecuniary Rewards for Saving Life during the Year 5,00019 9 Honorary Rewards:—Silver Medals and Clasps ... 6 ...... Votes of Thanks on Vellum. . . 9 ...... Total .... 15 792_ £5,000 19 3 The Committee desire to acknowledge, with gratitude, the liberal support which they have received from the British Public during the past few years,—a support which has enabled them to establish their present great Life-saving Fleet of 287 boats on the shores of the United Kingdom. Deeply sensible, however, of the great responsibility that rests on them to maintain the Life-boats in a thoroughly efficient state, and their crews practised in the management of their boats, which can only be effected by a large and permanent Annual Income, they earnestly appeal to all classes of their countrymen to continue to aid them in upholding and perpetuating so great and truly national a Work. The number of Lives saved either by the Life-bdate of the Society, or by special exertions, for which it has granted rewards since its formation, is 31,630: for which services 97 Gold Medals, 972 Silver Medals, and £84,422 in cash have been given as Eewardg. Annual Subscriptions and Donations are earnestly solicited, and will be thankfully received by the Secretary, CHARLES DIBDIN, Esq., at the Institution, 14 JOHN STREET, ADELPHI, London; by the Bankers of the Institution, Messrs. COXJTTS and Co., 59 Strand; Messrs. HERBLES, FARQUHAR, and Co., 16 St. James's Street; Messrs. HOAHE, 37 Fleet Street, London; and by all the other Bankers in the United Kingdom.—August, 1885.