THE LIFE-BOAT. JOUENA.L

OF THE IRo^al Bational Xife^Boat Jnstituticm.

(ISSUED QUAKTEHLY.)

VOL. XVI.—No. 186.] IST NOVEMBER, 1897. PKICE 3d.

THE NOETII COAST OF CORNWALL AS A SUITABLE POSITION FOE A STEAM LIFE-BOAT. ON the 8th April this year the SOYAI, is indeed a strand, a very skmy one, but NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION decided there is hardly another spot in those to build and station a Steam Life-boat at sixty miles where the sea does not, daring Padstow, and it is of considerable inte- some portion of the tide, wash the foot of rest to pass in review the reasons which the cliffs, excepting Hell Bay at Pad- led the governing body to adopt such stow, the very name of which is sufficient a course. warning to give it a wide, berth. A Steam Life-boats, so far as we know wonderfully beautiful coast—the inspira- them, are hardly boats to place haphazard tion of poets and artiste, but the despair at any harbour where they can be kept of mariners. afloat irrespective of the question of the Not only is the nature of the coast number and description of casualties in terrible, but the fact of being absolutely the neighbourhood, orwhether the existing open to the full force of the Atlantic service has proved itself efficient without subjects it to the onslaughts of a terrific one; so there must have been very weighty sea. There are two sorts of seas, the considerations to have brought about such wind sea, which is not of a very dangerous an important decision. character and is the result of local winds The north coast of Cornwall is about as not extending far from the coast, and dangerous a coast as is to be found in the ground sea, which comes in from the Great Britain and Ireland, but, unlike many Atlantic and results from disturbances other dangerous coasts, vessels are com- affecting a wider area. The wind some- pelled to approach moderately near to it times being expended or diverted before when making the Bristol Channel from the arriving at the coast, it is no un- southward and westward, and the English common thing to sea breakers of great Channel from the westward and north- magnitude suddenly roll iti without any ward ; consequently there is always con- wind to account for them. These are siderable traffic passing within sight. bad enough, but when the wind does A glance at the chart shows at once the accompany them, it is beyond the power nature of the Cornish coast. Take the of human strength to get a pulling boit sixty miles between Haitland Point and to sea, -while the nature of the coast St. Ives, it is practically all roek-bound. makes it impossible to work large first- At Widmoufch Bay, south of Bude, there class sailing Life-boats.

VOL. XVI.—No. 186.—LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL. 3 i 894 THE LIFE-BOAT. [Isi NOVEMBER, 1897.

Between Hartland Point and St. Ives, not to cope with this sort of work that the part of the coast where it is hoped the KOYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTI- the steam Life-boat will be of service, TUTION has decided to put a steam Life- there are six Life-boat stations, viz., boat at Padstow, but primarily to render Bude, Port Isaac,' Padstow, Newquay, assistance to larger classes of vessels Hayle, and St. Ives (or one for every ten unable to claw off the coast on to which miles of coast if they were equally divided, they may have been drifted by a break- which they are not). There are also on down of machinery or loss of sails and the same stretch of coast thirteen rocket spars. A slight outline of the cases stations, or one for every four and a half which have been chiefly instrumental in miles, this being essentially a coast where guiding the Committee in this action will the rocket apparatus is more important not be out of place. The wrecks are than the Life-boat. those of the s.s. Escurial on the 25th The oldest Life-boat station is Bude, January, 1895, on which occasion 11 were having been in existence since before 1852. drowned; the s.s. Sicilia, off Trevose Head, This station is credited with having saved 3rd October, 1895, when luckily there was 40 lives. Padstow was established in no loss of life; the terrible disaster which 1856, and has saved 215 lives. St. Ives, overcame the s.s. Syracusa, of Hamburg, on established in 1860, has saved 123 lives. the 3rd March this year, when every one Newqnay, also established in 1860, has on board perished by the vessel founder- saved 63 lives. Hayle, established in ing off Newquay, and the loss of the ketch 1866, is credited with 55 lives. And Engineer with all hands, between Morgan- Port Isaac, which was established in porth and Bedruthan on the same night 1870, has 72 lives as its score. or early on the morning of the 4th March. A considerable change has taken place The Escurial was a screw steamer of since the formation of these branches. In 1189 tons laden with coal. She left their early days there was a very large Cardiff on the evening of 23rd January, number of small coasters carrying on 1895, in fine weather with a light trade wi1;h the ports at which these N.W. wind blowing, smooth water and boats were stationed, and on referring the ship upright. During the night the to the wreck returns it is seen that wind increased and the ship took a slight the greater number of lives rescued list to port. By noon of the 24th it was were from these vessels, which often blowing a gale and the vessel was shipping got into difficulties in trying to make water on deck. In the afternoon the these dangerous little harbours. Doom vessel was discovered to be leaking, and Bar and Hell Bay (cheerful names!) at she continued to heel over considerably; Padstow have the most to answer for, and all the pumps were worked, but the many a craft has left its bones in the water gained on them, and at 1 A.M. on neighbourhood of St. Ives and Hayle Bar. the 25th the fires were drowned out and Bride-haven, which seems to have been all hands called on deck. Signals of so called ironically, has also been the distress were made and answered from scene of many a shipwreck. At Port Isaac the shore. At this time the vessel was one of the chief functions of the Life- off Newquay, Cornwall; at daylight she boat is to take care of the fishing boats was quite unmanageable, drifting in a which are manned by the hardy and daring S.E. direction along the coast. At noon fishermen of this beautiful little rocky the port anchor was let go but did not creek, but the Life-boat has also done some hold, and at 12.30 the vessel struck off a very good service to other vessels. The small place called Portreath about twenty small coasting trade having nearly van- miles from Newquay and nine from Hayle. ished, the casualties of the above descrip- When the ship struck, some of the crew tion have of course decreased, and it was took to the rigging, others went into the IST NOVBMBEE, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 895 chart house, and those on deck either rules to the conduct of Life-boat men. jumped or were washed overboard. Shortly Of course, undertaking the work of Life- afterwards both masts went overboard, boat men, they are bound to do their taking those who had sought refuge there duty . . . but it is impossible that all with them. The master, first and second Life-boats' crews can be equally efficient. mate, second engineer, and seven of the Some are composed of men who have long crew were drowned, and the remaining experience of seafaring life—experienced eight were rescued by the Hayle Life-boat seamen; others are mixed crews, as we and the people on shore. Such was the have seen, partly landsmen, partly men state of affairs with regard to the vessel her- living along the shore, and only partially self. On that occasion the action taken by making their living on the sea, and some the three Life-boats, Newquay, Hayle, and allowance must be made in circumstances St. Ives was, at the request of the Life- such as these. Upon the whole, it does boat Institution, included in the very | not appear to the Court that there is very exhaustive inquiry held by the Board of much to say— indeed, that there is any- Trade into the loss of the vessel. thing to say in depreciation of the conduct The Newquay Life-boat unfortunately of the Life-boat men." failed to render assistance, and through a Now whether, if a steam Life-boat had misunderstanding the St. Ives boat did been at Fadstow with the then existing, not round G-odrevy Light. The Hayle or rather imperfect system of, electric boat was taken overland and launched at communication, she could have reached Fortreath, and whilst pulling one of the the Escurial in time, is a speculative crew of the Escurial out of the water the question which nothing can be gained by boat got knocked broadside on and thrown trying to solve. Circumstances are altered on the beach, and owing to the extreme now, and undoubtedly the loss of the softness of the sand she was unable to get Escurial is a most important link in the afloat again in time to render further chain of argument in favour of placing assistance. The telegraphic arrangements a steam Life-boat on the north coast of on this occasion were all disorganised Cornwall. through the posts being blown down and The next wreck which has a distinct the telephonic arrangements were not then bearing on the utility of a steam Life- in a complete state; the chief result of boat on that part of the coast is that of this was that when eventually the news the s.s. Sidlia; and although there was of a vessel in distress reached Padstow, no loss of life on this occasion, the men the tug was ashore, and without her the were in imminent danger, and possibly a Life-boat could not have reached the steam Life-boat might have been the Escurial. means of saving the vessel. In this case In connection with the finding of the the above steamer of 1349 tons was on a Board of Trade inquiry, it is worth while voyage from Liverpool to Barcelona, laden to quote some of Sheriff GUTHBIE'S (the with coal, and her loss was strangely presiding judge) remarks: " With regard similar to that of the Escurial. She left to the Life-boats, there were three in Liverpool on the 30th September, 1895, question; and, as the answers to the and on the evening of the 1st October she questions (set by the Board of Trade) got into bad weather, and part of her will show, there is, in the main, no doubt cargo shifted; the sea broke over her at all as to the good conduct of the boats' heavily, and found its way down below, crews. The only., remark I would make the pvimpswere set going, but got choked is, that in dealing with Life-boat ques- the next morning. The engines were tions, it seems to me, judging from the kept going until noon on the 2nd, when evidence we have had, that it is not fair the fires were drowned out. The vessel to apply too strict and too stringent was then between Trevose Head and -__ 896 THE LIFE-BOAT. [IsT NOVEMBER, 1897.

Godrevy. Signals of distress were made, N.W. of Stepper Point, which is at the and a steamer called the Caerleon took entrance of Padstow Harbour. The wind the Sicilia in tow, and towed her for two I was W.N.W., blowing a whole gale, and a hours—from C P.M. to 8 P.M.—when the very heavy sea was running. Stepper tow-ropes parted and the Caerleon could Point heads about N.N.E., and the do no more, but offered to stand by. At channel on the east side of it, which leads 9 P.M. the Sicilia's engines were got to up to Padstow is very narrow; in fact, move again, and the Caerleon left; but only 160 yards of navigable water between 11 P.M. and midnight the fires separates the rocky promontory which were again put out, and signals of distress terminates at Stepper Point from the were made. The captain decided to Doom Bar, and outside the Doom Bar abandon the ship at 8 A.M. on the 3rd the coast trends away to the eastward October; and the crew, numbering twenty- and forms Hell Bay. A vessel therefore five, left in the two ships' Life-boats. The making .Padstow in north-westerly winds vessel was then off Park Head, and the must hug the Stepper Point shore as ships' boats made for Padstow. One boat close as possible to avoid being drifted was brought safely in, but the other, into Hell Bay or on the Doom Bar. getting too close to Hell Bay, was boarded As soon as the boat was sighted the by the Padstow Life-boat, and the crew Padstow Life-boat was launched, and the transferred and taken in safety to Pad- local tug, which is a boat of small power, stow. In the meanwhile the s.s. Sicilia communicated with. The Life-boat pro- drove ashore south of Trevose Head, and ceeded to Stepper Point, and met the first speedily broke np. It was not until of the Sicilia's boats jnst coming in, evi- 4.30 P.M. on the 2nd October that a dently steered by some one acquainted with telegram was received at Newquay from the place, for she was kept quite close to the the coastguard at Portreath, reporting Point. The men on board this boat told that a steamer was off there wanting the Life-boat men that there was a second assistance. This was the Sicilia. The boat still at sea; so attempts were im- Life-boat was launched and proceeded ten mediately made both by tug and Life-boat miles towards where the vessel was to round Stepper Point and get out, reported, but failed to find her; this was bnfc the sea proved too heavy and the not surprising, because it would have Life-boat returned and waited just inside been just the time when the Sicilia was so as to be ready to go to the second boat, being towed to the northward by the which came in sight shortly afterwards, Caerleon. After burning some signals, but unlike its predecessor was not being which were not answered, the Life-boat steered a safe course. The Life-boat returned to Newquay and was housed. started after her and reaching her when The following morning, about 2.30, signals close to the outer breakers of Hell Bay, were reported by the coastguard, and the transferred her crew to the Life-boat and coxswain came to the look-out station, returned with them in safety. but as nothing further was seen and This case has been quoted at some there was some doubt as to whether the length because, although no lives were signals were really distress-signals, and lost, there might very easily have been as neither the coastguard nor the cox- a great disaster, and also to show the swain connected these signals with the dangers to be encountered in making vessel of the previous evening, which they Padstow Harbour. With the improved considered had got safely to sea, the coast communication and a steam Life- Life-boat was not launched. boat at Padstow, such a position as the At Padstow nothing was known of the crew of the Sicilia found themselves in vessel in distress until a boat was seen at would certainly be stripped of a great noon on the 3rd October about 1J miles deal of its danger. 1ST NOVEMBEB, 1897.] THE LITE-BOAT. 897

We now come to the last two casual- March the coastguard saw a flare due ties, the terrible details of which are fresh east from Newquay, and immediately the in our minds, for the sad occurrences only Life-boat's crew were summoned and the took place this year on the 3rd and 4th boat was afloat by 4.30. The wind was March. Between 2 and 3 P.M. on the very changeable, varying from S.W. to afternoon of the 3rd of March, during a W.N.W., and at times of terrific force. very heavy N.W. gale, a steamer was seen The Life-boat proceeded under oars to- from Padetow and Newquay with a strong wards the flare, which was from time to list to port. She was then about twelve time lost sight of. It was not till day- miles W.N.W. of Stepper Point, and about light that the actual position of the six miles in a north-westerly direction unfortunate vessel, which proved to be from Newquay. She had a heavy list to the ketch Engineer, was seen, and a •worse port, and distress signals flying which position for her or a more dangerous could be distinguished from Newquay. position for a Life-boat to try to get to The vessel, as will be readily seen, was could not be imagined. The Engineer dead to windward of both Padstow and was near the shore between Morganporth Newquay, but apparently drifting into and Bedruthan steps, with the seas Newquay. No vessel could have been in washing over her and broken water a such a difficult position to reach as long way outside her. The Life-boat regards the North Cornwall Life-boat, made three attempts to get at her, each St. Ires was twenty miles off, and to time going into the broken water, but reach the wreck the Life-boat would was not able to venture close enough, for have had to have gone outside the in case of failure there was nothing but a " stones" which lie off Godrevy, and steep cliff to leeward, which would have Hayle was completely embayed. meant death to the whole Life-boat crew. The Newquay Life-boat made a gallant The unfortunate ketch went to pieces, and attempt to reach the distressed vessel, and all her crew were drowned. after trying for three hours to beat to The four wrecks cited most distinctly windward (for in such a sea and wind no- point to the necessity of a steam Life-boat thing could be done under oars) of Towan on the north coast of Cornwall, and Head, was obliged to give it up, and the although what might have been done had gale not moderating, no further attempt one been there is of course purely specu- was possible. The unfortunate steamer, lative, still it is not unlikely a steam which was afterwards found to have been Life-boat might have rendered good ser- the Syracusa, of Hamburg, foundered vice to the three steamers, and if she could off Newquay some time after 10 P.M., and have got to the ketch before she was all hands were lost. Although" there is discovered in the position the Newquay no proof as to the actual reason of the Life-boat found her, she might also have loss of the vessel, those who saw her saved her crew, but it is more than doubt- conjectured that her cargo had shifted as ful if even a steam Life-boat could be in the case of the Escurial and Sicilia. expected to go in among rocks on a dead It would have been futile for the Padstow lee shore with nothing but a cliff to boat to have attempted to beat the twelve receive her in the event of failure. miles to windward necessary to have The question for the EOYAL NATIONAL reached this vessel when she was first LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION to consider was seen, but a steam Life-boat might have where to put the steam Life-boat. At covered the distance in about four hours, St. Ives the boat could not lie afloat in as she would probably have been able to safety during all states of the tides—a make about three miles an hour even in sine qua non for a steam Life-boat. At the teeth of such a gale. Hayle, Portreath, Newquay, Port Isaac, At 3.50 A.M. on the morning of the 4th Bude, the same disqualification exists. 898 THE LIFE-BOAT. [Isi NOVEMBER, 1897.

Padstow is the only place on the north moored. Newquay's claims were most coast of Cornwall between St. Ives and carefully considered, but with the exist- Hartland where it is possible to keep a ing natural advantages of Fadstow there boat afloat and in a sheltered position, could be no doubt which had the greatest and it is also the most central place. New- j claim, and it is hoped before another quay naturally showed a great anziety to j six months have passed that a steam have the steam Life-boat stationed there, j Life-boat will be there, but it is at the but it would have entailed building a same time most earnestly hoped that very costly break-water to protect her in i it will be long before her services are a position where she could have been ; required.

THE LIFE-BOAT SATUBDAY FUND. SINCE the issue of the Parliamentary other out-of-doors entertainments must of Eeport last July, which stated that the necessity take place in the summer time charges of mismanagement brought against and in suitable weather, or, at all events, the EOTAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTI- when the weather ought to be suitable; TUTION with regard to the Life-boat effort has of late been rather directed, Saturday Fund were " entirely without therefore, to making preparations for the foundation/' greatly increased activity 1898 season, which in view of all that has been evinced by the Life - boat has happened should be more successful Saturday Committees all over the country. than any of its predecessors. Those The serious and extraordinary charges helpers who, directly they scented the which had been so unjustly made against breath of calumny, deserted with such the management had produced the most alacrity the cause which they had taken damaging effects, financially and other- in hand so enthusiastically, will now wise, making it extremely difficult for doubtless be only too thankful to make any of the committees to act, or to amends for their unseemly haste to arrange or promote demonstrations and forsake the great work which it had been collections. Thus not only was zeal their privilege to assist, by giving greater damped but progress paralysed. Justice support financially and by renewing their having now been done to the movement endeavours with greater singleness of by the most impartial and independent purpose to interest others in the Life-boat of tribunals, hope and effort have gene- Institution and the great national work rally revived, and the Life-boat Saturday it conducts. On the other hand, those friends have been making earnest en- real and staunch friends who, through deavours to recover lost ground and to I evil report and good report, have stood by open up new "gold-fields." It is of the Life-boat Saturday movement will course too late in the year now to arrange now go forward strengthened and sup- for demonstrations to take place before ported, and wte wish them all possible its close. Demonstrations, galas and success. LST NOVEMBER, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 899

THE PAELIAMENTAEY INQUIEY. " YOUR Committee cannot conclude their Institution from all parts of the United report without recording their opinion Kingdom and even from the Continent and that the thanks of the whole community the Colonies, and one and all, high and are due to the Committee of the BOTAL low, rich and poor, seem glad to find that NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION for the the oldest and largest Life-boat Service in energy and good management (often in the world has passed through the ordeal very difficult circumstances) with which of a searching parliamentary investi- they have for so many years successfully gation not only unscathed, but praised carried out tire national work of life- and encouraged. What should be the saving, and this without reward or pay- natural outcome and result of all this? ment of any sort." These are amongst Surely increased and substantial financial the concluding words of the Beport of support. Good words are excellent things the Select Committee of the House of in themselves, and sympathy is sweet; Commons appointed last March to inquire but the good words come with greater fully—and they did so for four months force, and sympathy shows proof of its —into the Institution's administration sincerity, when backed up by action. and the adequacy of its organization The weak part of the income of the for saving life on the coast. After Institution is the comparative paucity of considering every detail and hearing the annual subscriptions, which really all the complaints which the few but constitute, with the interest accruing on demonstrative enemies and traducers of such legacies as the Committee have the Institution had to advance, this is been able to invest, the only reliable the important and significant verdict: source of maintenance. We would there- that the thanks of the whole community fore appeal to our local committees and are due to the Institution. The view friends all over the country to urge all thus forcibly expressed has been fully those whom they can influence to become endorsed by the Press of the country, annual subscribers to the Institution. which has generously circulated broad- Donations are very necessary and much cast hundreds of leading articles and valued, but the annual subscriber is the paragraphs, not only concurring in the best friend to the cause. Some generous finding of the Select Committee, and friends may be contemplating mentioning expressing with one consent its entire the Institution in their wills. We hope satisfaction, but urging the public to there may be many such. "We would forthwith contribute without stint and draw their special attention to the without misgiving to the funds of the following paragraph in the Parliamentary Society, and so to make amends for the Beport. " The Institution would be help which has been so unfortunately greatly helped in its work, and seafaring withheld in consequence of the baseless men more fully provided for when in and improper charges which had been so danger, were money left to the managers unjustly, malevolently, and assiduously of the Institution to use in 'their dis- circulated against the Institution. Con- cretion for the objects prescribed in their gratulatory resolutions, letters, and tele- charter." We would earnestly commend grams have, during the last three months, and support this most useful suggestion been pouring into the office of the and recommendation. 900 THE LIFE-BOAT. [1ST NOVEMBER, 1897.

ADDITIONAL STATIONS AND NEW LIFE-BOATS.

POOLE.—This Life-boat station has were particularly interested in the event, recently been completely renovated, the and the local lodge, " Amity, 137," Bro. boathouse and slipway having been J. H. WHADCOAT, W.M., was very active altered and improved, and the Life-boat, in carrying the arrangements to a success- which was no longer fit for further i ful issue. A special meeting was held by service, having been replaced by another that lodge in the afternoon by dispen- and larger boat, which was designed by i sation from the P. G. M. of Dorset, Mr. G. L. WATSON, the Naval Architect which was largely attended. Amongst of the Institution. She is a non-self- those present were the following four righting boat of what is termed the delegates from the City Masonic Club, Sonthport class, and is fitted with a deck, London, viz., Bro. A. H. LILLEY (Presi- side air-cases, freeing valves, four water- dent), Bro. J. C. WILKINSON PIMBURY ballast tanks, a wooden drop-keel, and (Treasurer), Bro. J. BROCKETT SORRELL two small air-cases at each end. She is (Preceptor and Secretary), and Bro. 38 feet long, 9 feet 4 inches wide, and Louis FERGUSON. The Freemasons after- rows 12 oars, double-banked. She took wards proceeded through Market Street part in the competitive trials with pulling to the Odd Fellows Hall in full regalia, Life-boats at Montrose, and was placed and after luncheon they adjourned to the second in the order of merit, the first public meeting at the Guildhall, where place having been taken by a 38 feet by there was a crowded attendance, and the 8 feet self-righting boat. When it became proceedings were characterized with great necessary to replace the Poole boat she heartiness and enthusiasm. was sent there on trial; and the crew, The chair was occupied by the Eight after taking her out in a gale of wind and Worshipful the Mayor of Poole (Lord heavy sea, requested that she might be WIMBOBNE), who was supported by Lady allowed to remain permanently on their WIMBOBNE (the Mayoress), and the Hon. station. Her cost has been defrayed from Misses GUEST, Dr. and Mrs. HOSKEB (the the Oily of London Masonic Life-boat Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth), Fund, and the boat is named the City the Deputy-Mayor of Poole (Alderman Masonic Club. The ceremony of dedi- II. FARMER), and many other ladies and cating, naming, and launching the boat at gentlemen. The Mayors wore their chains its station in the presence of the repre- and robes of ofHce. sentatives of the donors was made an Lord WIMBORNE opened the meeting, and occasion of great rf joicing and display at called upon Mr. SORBELL, who on behalf of Poole on the 26tti August, the only the donors presented the Life-boat to the drawback being the weather, which was Local Committee. He said that the City very unpropitious, rain falling heavily Masonic Club was established in London nearly the whole time. The Freemasons in 1890 with two objects, first to improve IST NOVEMBER, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 901 its members in Masonic knowledge, and to Lord and Lady WIMBOENK, an adjourn- second to provide funds for distribution ment was made to the Life-boat house. among Masonic Institutions. They had A short dedication service was then spent some hundreds of pounds in that held, which was conducted by the Eector, way, besides what individuals had done, the Eev. J. A. LAWSON, assisted by Eev. but some of the members felt that they W. OKES PABISH (Vicar of Longfleet and should do something outside those objects, Kural Dean). The service consisted of and that they should establish a Life- the singing of the hymns "All People boat, and it was a proud moment for that on Earth do Dwell," and " Eternal them to see at last their object accom- Father, Strong to Save," with a portion plished with the help of the BOYAL of the 107th Psalm, the singing being NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION. In led by St. James's choir. After special asking the Local Branch to take charge prayers had been read by the Eev. W. 0. of their offering to the Institution he PABISH, the rector pronounced the expressed a hope that the occasions for Benediction. its use might be few and far between, but The naming ceremony was then per- he firmly believed, that if occasion should formed by Lady WIMBORNB in the boat- arise, no matter under what conditions of house, the boat at the time being manned peril, the brave crew who would man that by the crew, and ready to go off the boat would not be wanting in the dis- slipway. Before doing so, Lord WIM- charge of their great and glorious duty. BOBNE, the Hon. Miss GUEST, Dr. J. A. (Loud applause.) HOSKEB, and the Eev. J. A. LAWSON went Lord WIMBOBNE said that it gave him into the boat, and remained there until great pleasure to think that one of his after the launch. Lady WIMBOBNE Mayoral duties should be to receive and performed the ceremony amidst loud accept that splendid gift. (Applause.) applause. Her ladyship broke a bottle of He would always remember that day as champagne over the bows of the boat, and one that had greatly helped to advance in doing so said, " I have great pleasure the interests of Poole. To a seaport like in christening this boat the City Masonic Poole, he need hardly say the gift of a Club." Immediately the boat was released, new Life-boat was of inestimable value, and, gliding down the slipway, took the and he was perfectly satisfied from the water in a very graceful manner, amidst past records that when the cry " Man the loud cheers. After the boat had been Life-boat" was raised, they would find taken a little way down tho harbour, it the crew able and willing to go forth was rowed back to the slipway and again to succour their brethren in distress. housed, and this brought the ceremony (Applause.) to a conclusion. The procession after- The MATOB OF BOURNEMOUTH, who also wards re-formed and marched back to the replied, said that in the case of Foole and Guildhall. Bournemouth, which were situated on In the evening the members of the the sea, they had constant evidence Life-boat crew were entertained to supper brought to them of the dangers to in the Odd Fellows Hall, thanks to the which their fellow-creatures were subject. liberality of the donors of the boat. The They must remember that but for their Eev. J. A. LAWSON, as President of the sailors they would starve, but beyond Poole and Bournemouth Branch of the that selfish idea they should let a nobler EOTAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, thought impel them, namely, to help their occupied the chair, Mr. H. BUEDEN fellow-creatures who went down in ships (Hon. Sec.) being in the vice-chair. to the great waters. (Applause.) And besides that let them remember the poor SOUTHWOLD.—One of the two Life- wives and children of the sailors and the boats at Southwold, stationed there many Life-boat men, for while the latter did years since by the EOTAL NATIONAL their duty in a time of excitement, the LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, has just been former had to stay at home wondering replaced by a similar boat of the Norfolk whether they would ever Bee again those and Suffolk type, but of rather larger they loved dearly. dimensions. The new boat is 32 feet After hearing other addresses and long, 9 feet wide, and is fitted to row "12 passing votes of thanks to the donors and oars, double-banked. The cost of this

3 i 3 902 THE LIFE-BOAT. [lax NOVBMBBB, 1897. new Life-boat, with its transporting day of one of the most recent types of carriage and equipment, has been defrayed Life-boat yet built. (Cheers.) He testi- from a legacy of lOOOZ. bequeathed to fied to the never-failing courage of the the Institution by the late Mr. JOHN Southwold beachmen in time of danger, BOULDEBSON BAEKWOETH, of South Leigh, and trusted' that the new boat would Havant, Hants, for a Life-boat and boat- never be disgraced by any act of cowardice house for the east coast of England. The on the part of its crew. (Loud cheers.) boat has, in accordance with the testator's Mrs. BAEEWOBTH then came forward, and request, been named the Rescue, and the said: " I have great pleasure in present- balance of the bequest will be appropri- ing this boat to the Station at Southwold, ated in erecting a new Life-boat house at in the name of my late husband, Mr. Southwold when the present one is worn JOHN BOULDEBSON BAEKWOETH." (Loud out, the money in the meantime being cheers.) specially invested. This Life-boat was The gift was acknowledged in suitable exhibited at the recent Yachting Exhi- terms by the District Inspector of Life- bition held at the Imperial. Institute, boats, Commander HOLMES, E.N., who London, as a typical Life-boat of the handed the boat over to the care of the Norfolk and Suffolk class, and was much Local Committee, on whose behalf it was admired. Arrangements were made for a accepted by Mr. J. SINCLAIR, the hon. public ceremony on the occasion of the secretary. A short religious service was first launch of the Life-boat at its station then conducted by the Eector (Kev. C. H. on Tuesday, the 7th September. SUTTON), the surpliced choir of St. A procession was formed on the Edmund's Church singing the well-known Market Hill, composed of the Southwold " Hymn for those at Sea." Mrs. BAEK- Volunteer Artillery Band, members of WOETH then, in the orthodox manner, the Corporation, with the Mayor (Mr. E. broke a bottle of wine on the bow of N. U. ADNAMS) in his official robes, the boat and named her the Rescue, members of the Life-boat Committee and after which she was launched from the Coastguard, the rear being brought her carriage into the sea, amidst great up by the new Life-boat on its carriage, cheering. drawn by a team of six horses, and manned by its crew in their red caps and KESSINGLAND (SUFFOLK) and SUTTON life-belts. Although a slight shower (LINCOLNSHIBK).—The KOTAL NATIONAL occurred at the time appointed for the LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION has replaced start, there was a large assemblage of Life-boats at Kessingland and Sntton spectators. The procession, to the by new boats of the same type as strains of lively music, marched — via those superseded. The Kessingland the principal thoroughfares—to the foot Life - boat is a large sailing boat of of Gun Hill, where a short ceremony the Norfolk and Suffolk class, 38 feet long took place. The Mayor, members of the and 12 feet wide, provided with four Corporation and others, having boarded water-ballast tanks and two sliding or the Life-boat, the Mayor introduced Mrs. drop-keels. She has been provided from BAEKWOETH, the widow of the donor of a handsome gift received by the Institu- the boat, and in doing so—speaking not tion from a blind gentleman, Mr. JAMES only on behalf of himself as a member of PAUL, M.D., of Barnes, Surrey, at whose the Southwold Corporation and a humble request the boat is named St. Paul. The ratepayer, but on behalf of the town Button new Life-boat was presented by itself—said they were very pleased and Mr. HANS BLACKWOOD, of Leamington, in proud to receive such a handsome present memory of the late Mrs. BLACKWOOD, and as they were about to receive that day. is named, in accordance with his wish, (Cheers.) He reminded many present the Sir John. This boat is 35 feet long, that they were only summer visitors, who 8 feet 3 inches wide, and rows 10 oars, enjoyed fine weather; but after they had double-banked, she has one water-ballast gone came storms and gales, which tank and one drop-keel, and possesses the washed away their beach and called for latest improvements; she was shown at the services of the Life-boat. It was the Imperial Institute last summer as a therefore very gratifying that Southwold specimen of the modern self-righting had been chosen to be the recipient that Life-boat. IST NOVEMBER, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 903

UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SEEVICE. THE Life-saving Service in the United piloted out of dangerous places, and simi- States, which is a branch of the Govern- larly assisted by the station crews. Minor ment, has recently issued its Annual assistance was also rendered in 167 other Eeport, giving full particulars of its cases. There were, besides, 229 instances operations during the year which ended where vessels running into danger of on the 30th June, 1896. stranding were warned off by the signals We observe that at that time the of the patrols. organization comprised 256 stations, The surf-boats were used 743 • times, 186 being on the Atlantic and Gulf making 1100 trips, and the self-righting coasts, 55 on the coasts of the Great and self-bailing Life-boats were used 115 Lakes, 14 on the Pacific, and one at the times, making 147 trips. Palls of the Ohio, Louisville, Kentucky. The foregoing statistics exhibit the About two-thirds of the stations are most satisfactory results yet accomplished furnished with surf-boats; the remainder by this Service; while the total number are supplied with self-righting Life-boats. of disasters (680) was greater than in any The number of persons landed or taken previous year, the percentage of lives and to places of safety by surf-boats during property lost was less, being only one the year under consideration was 879, person out of every 260, and 11^ per and those rescued in the same period by cent, of property—a very gratifying result, self-righting boats numbered 72. the average for twenty years, excluding During the year there had been 437 one abnormally heavy year, being 1 loss disasters to vessels coming within the out of every 112 lives imperilled, and 21 field of station operations, this number per cent, of the property involved. being 46 less than in the previous twelve As directed by the Act of Congress months. There were 4,608 persons t>n organizing the Life-saving Service, special board these vessels, of whom 13 only inquiries were held into every case perished. The number of vessels totally where there was loss .of life, with results lost was 67, being a decrease of 14 as eminently satisfactory to the Service, it compared with the previous year. In being satisfactorily demonstrated that it addition there were, during the year was from no want of daring or skill on reported on, 243 disasters to smaller the part of their men that those lives craft, such as sail-boats, row-boats, &c., were unhappily lost. which had 597 persons on board, only 7 The Service has to deplore the loss by of whom were lost. The total number of death of an able and energetic member of persons succoured at the stations was 613. the service, viz., Capt. JOHN M. EICHAED- Besides the lives saved from vessels, SON, Superintendent of the First Life- the life-saving crews were instrumental saving District, who received his appoint- in rescuing 82 persons under various ment in July, 1874, and was the first circumstances, as follows:—21 had fallen officer to have charge of a district; from wharves, piers, &c., and would have he therefore necessarily performed an perished but for the timely assistance of important part in the initiation and the life-saving crews; 12, who were cut off development of the present system, from shore by the tide while fishing from which was then in the early stages of its outlying rocks, were rescued by the surf- organization. men, who waded into the water and The Report closes with an allusion to assisted them with heaving lines; 6 the inadequacy of the compensation bathers were rescued; also 11 persons awarded by Congress to the Super- were taken off an island which was under intendents of Life-saving Districts and water; the remaining lives were saved in to the surfmen, which was a source of various other ways. serious discontent and complaint, and In 571 instances vessels were worked which it was strongly hoped would lead off when stranded, repaired when damaged, to early remedial action being taken. 904 THE LIFE-BOAT. [!ST NOVEMBER, 1897.

SERVICES OF THE LITE-BOATS OF THE EOYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION.

WALMEK.—On the 6th Feb., 1897, in On the 7th June the Life-boat was response to guns and rockets, the reserve again called out. and proceeded to the Life-boat temporarily placed on this aid of the sLip Micronesia, of Liverpool, station was launched at about 3.45 A.M., which had her cargo of nitrate on fire. proceeded to the South Sand Head light- Two steam-tugs and a Deal galley were vessel, and ascertained that she had been in attendance on the vessel, some of her run into by a barquentine, and that three crew being on board one of the tugs, and of the vessel's crew were on board the at the request of the captain the Life- lightship. It was further stated that the boat remained by the ship, towing astern barquentine had drifted towards the in case of emergency, until she was put sands, and the Life-boat searched for her ashore on Deal beach. but failed to discover her. At dawn the Dover steam-tug took the boat in tow, and PEEL, ISLE OF MAN.—The smack Orion, shortly afterwards the vessel was seen of Ramsey, arrived in Peel Bay, from Anna- flying a signal denoting that she was in long, early on the evening of the 20th need of help. On reaching her the Life- February. During the evening, the wind boat men, finding that she had lost her increased to a tremendous gale from bowsprit and all her head-gear, rendered W.N.W. As the smack was dragging her assistance, and ultimately the steamer anchor, a second one was dropped, but took her in tow to Dover. she rode very heavily, and as the heavy IBT NOVEMBER, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 905 seas were breaking into her, signals of a perilous position, a strong breeze blow- distress were shown, in response to which ing from the W.N.W. The Life-boat the reserve Life-boat placed here in the H. G. Powell, stationed at Point of Ayr, temporary absence of the station's own put off at 7.30 A.M., was towed by a boat, was launched at 11.30 P.M., and an steam-tug, rendered a-sistance to the hour afterwards returned with the vessel's Oiling On and stood by the Polly, which crew of three men. On the following day was in a less dangerous position, until the smack, which had ridden oat the gale, she floated. was safely berthed in the harbour. WEXFOBD.—While the fishing fleet CAISTEB, NORFOLK. — On the 21st were returning, on the 2nd March, a February some of the crew and beachmen strong gale having suddenly sprung up on board the s.s. Varna, of London, which from S.S.W. with a rough sea, one of the had been lying on Caister beach since boats was observed to fly signals of dis- stranding there on the 23rd January, tress, and another, with her sails blown hoisted a flag. A moderate gale had away, anchored in broken water on the suddenly sprung up from N.W. with N.W. side of the bar. The Life-boat heavy squalls, and there was a heavy sea. Andrew Pickard put off at noon, and, The No. 2 Life-boat Beauchamp was sailing over the bar, proceeded to the launched at 7 A.M., proceeded to the first-mentioned boat, and advised her vessel and remained at anchor near her crew to anchor and wait for a steam-tug until she floated at midnight on the which had been summoned by telephone. 22nd February. The Life-boat then made for the other On the 28th April the Life-boat boat, the yawl Fairy Queen, which was Beauchamp was again called out. A in a dangerous position, and, having yawl had been employed to assist in veered down to her, succeeded with some getting the brigantine Watch, of Hull, off difficulty in getting a rope on board, and the Middle Cross Sand, where she had hauled her into deep water, remaining by stranded in very thick weather. The her until the arrival of the tug, which state of the weather was so uncertain towed her into the harbour. She had a that the crew of the yawl sent a message crew of four men. t ashore, in response to which the Life-boat Daring very thick weather, on the proceeded to the scene at 8 P.M., and stood 23rd March, intelligence was received by until the vessel floated at 7 o'clock on that a fishing-boat was aground on the the following morning. N. side of the bar. A moderate gale was blowing from S.S.W., and the sea was POINT OP AYR (FLINTSHIRE), and rough. At 4.30 P.M., the Life-boat HOYLAKE (CHESHIRE). — On the 21st Andrew Pickard went out to her assist- February, during a whole gale from W. ance, and found she was the yawl Arctic, with a very heavy sea, intelligence was returning to Wexford from the fishing received that rockets were being fired in grounds., She was beating heavily on the direction of Lime Wharf. The Point the sands, but, as there was a probability of Ayr Life-boat proceeded out and found that if she was not rendered leaky she the flat Ann Grace, of Liverpool, coal would float with the rising tide, the laden from Point of Ayr for Cemaes, un- Life-boat remained close to her. In about manageable, and her crew of two men half an hour she forged into deep water desirous of being taken off. They got with the loss of both anchors. As she into the Life-boat and were safely landed. needed no further assistance, the Life- The vessel was picked up on the follow- boat returned to her station. ing day by the Hoylake Life-boat Coard William Squarey, which had been out APPLEDOBE, DEVON. — The Life-boat with the view of assisting another vessel, Robert and Catherine was launched at and observing the flat drifting near the. 7.45 P.M. on the 2nd March, and rescued West Hoyle bank, made for her and, with the crew of three men from the ketch considerable difficulty, took her into port. John, of and for Bideford, from Lydney On the 7th May two fishing-smacks, with coal, which was totally wrecked the Polly and Oiling On, of Pargate, were near the bar buoy, in a strong W.S.W. seen aground on the West Hoyle Bank in gale, a very heavy sea and thick weather. 906 THE LIFE-BOAT. [!ST NOVEMBER, 1897.

SUNDEBLAND (SotTTH Pl*B>—The S.S. that a vessel was in distress and that the Jacinth,* of Dundee, in ballast from Warner Light Vessel was sending up Montrose for Sunderland, in making for rockets. At 7 A.M. the Life-boat Hey- the south entrance, on the night of the land was launched and proceeded, under 2nd March, struck on the South Beacon sail, towards the vessel, shipping several rocks and was badly holed. The wind seas on the way, and reached her just in was blowing a moderate gale from S.S.E. time to rescue her crew of two men, as at the time, and there was a heavy sea. her boat astern was full of water and the In response to her signals of distress, the vessel foundered soon after her crew had crew of the Life-boat Junius were sum- been taken off. She was the ketch Fox moned, and at 11.30 the Life-boat was of Cowes, laden with stoneware pipes launched, proceeded to the vessel and from Poole for Eroding, Isle of Wight. gallantly rescued her crew, consisting of On account of the strength of the wind eleven hands. The steamer became a it was feared that the Life-boat would total wreck. find it very difficult to accomplish her return journey, and an application was SOUTHEND, ESSEX.—A gale of wind therefore made for one of the Govern- having sprung up on the 2nd March, it ment tugs to be allowed to tow her back was feared that the barge Ada, which had to her station. The request was most arrived from London with a load of readily and kindly granted by the Admiral granite, would be in need of help. She Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard, was lying about half a mile S.E. of the and the steam-tug Dromedary was des- pier-head. The coxswain and crew of patched to the boat's assistance and the Life-boat Theodore and Herbert pro- brought her safely back with the rescued ceeded to the head of the pier at about men. 9 P.M. and remained on the watch until midnight, when it was seen that the GLOVELLT.—The smack Telephone, of vessel was driving, and they at once pro- and for Padstow from Newport, coal ceeded in the Life-boat to her assistance. laden, parted one of her cables in Lundy At the master's request some of the Life- Eoads, in a" moderate gale from N.N.W. boat men went on board to help to get her and a rough sea, on the 3rd March, and anchor up, and she was taken to Southend. was obliged to slip the other to avoid The Life-boat returned at 5 A.M., and at being driven ashore. She drifted about 2 P.M. was again called out by telegraph between Lundy and Hartland Point, losing from Lloyd's signal station. The crew most of her sails, and finally ran for were summoned, and on proceeding down Clovelly. Intelligence of her being in the pier saw a barge, with a flag in her distress having reached the Clovelly Life- rigging, about a mile E. of the pier. boat Station the crew were at once sum- The topmast had been carried away, her moned, and the Life-boat Elinor Roget sprit was broken in three places, and the proceeded out and met the smack about mainsail was hanging in ribbons to the five hundred yards westward of the pier. mast. The Life-boat proceeded to her The Life-boat's anchor and cable having and found she was the Charles Little, of been taken on board she was anchored, Bochester, and that in addition to the and her crew of three men were brought loss of spars, &c., her boat had been sunk. safely ashore. At high water the Life- The Life-boat men endeavoured to weigh boat again went out and brought the anchor so as to get her in shore. They vessel into harbour. tried hard for an hour but could not succeed, and, as a whole gale was blowing BUBNHAM.—On the morning of the from the W. with a rough sea and the tide 3rd March the barque Nornen, having was ebbing, the crew of two men were drifted up the Channel from Lundy taken into the Life-boat and safely Island and having lost all her sails, went landed. Aground on the Burrows Hats, in a whole gale from W.N.W., a heavy sea and thick SOUTHSEA.—On the 3rd March while a weather, with snow. As soon as she was strong gale was blowing, the weather observed, the crew of the Life-boat John being very cold and thick, with squalls of Godfrey Morris were summoned and at rain and hail, intelligence was received 10 o'clock the boat was launched and 1ST NOVEMBEB, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 907

proceeded towards the vessel, but the tide PENZANCE. —O n the 4th March a whole and wind prevented her from getting gale blew from the W., the sea was high, alongside until about 11.30. The captain and the weather very squally, with heavy had succeeded in wading ashore with showers of hail. At 9.30 A.M. the barque assistance, but the crew of ten men who Lady Gladys, of Tonsberg, bound from were on board were taken into the Life- Darien, U.S., to Dublin, with pitch pine, boat and landed at about 2 o'clock. was seen to be dragging her anchor in Mount's Bay, and as she was in a danger- BBOADSTAIKS.—A vessel being seen in ous position, her movements were closely the offing, with a signal of distress flying, watched from the shore. When half an on the 3rd March, the Life-boat tempo- hour later it was noticed that her cable rarily placed here in the absence of the had parted and that she was drifting station's own boat, was launched to her towards the G-rele Bocks, it was decided assistance about noon. A moderate to take out the Life-boat Elizabeth and W.N.W. gale was blowing at the time, Blanche to her assistance, but before the and the sea was rough. She was found Boat could reach her a second anchor had to be the schooner Nancy, of Goole, been lowered, and fortunately this one bound from Poole for London with pipe- held. The Life-boat men found her water- clay. She had lost her sails, her rudder logged, and her crew of seventeen men. was disabled, and she was leaking very were greatly exhausted: they remained badly. The master, hoping the weather by for about two hours, trusting that the would moderate, asked the Life-boat men weather would moderate, but as there to remain near the vessel, and they did so seemed no indication of it doing so, the for about two hours, when, as the wind vessel's crew boarded the boat, and were was increasing, he called the boat along- taken ashore, arriving at 2.15. The Life- side again, and, at his request, he and his boat was kept afloat in the harbour until . crew of three men were taken into the 5 o'clock, in readiness to hoist an anchor boat, which then made for Eamsgate, it light on the vessel, which was considered being impossible to land at Broadstairs necessary for the safety of other craft, but owing to the low tide and the heavy surf. the gale abated sufficiently to allow a The schooner's crew were taken care of pilot boat to go out and do what was at the Bamsgate Sailors' Home, and the required. Life-boat returned to her station on the following day. GOUEDON AND JoHNSHAVBN. — Several fishing-boats which had proceeded to sea FISHGUABD, SOUTH WALKS.—While a in favourable weather early in the morn- strong W.N.W. gale was blowing, with ing of the 4th March were overtaken by sleet, squally weather and a heavy sea, on a gale from the S.S.E., and as the sea the 3rd March the Coastguard watchman became very heavy considerable anxiety reported a schooner about five or six miles was felt for the safety of the fishermen. out, bearing N.N.W. from the look-out The Life-boat Theophilus Sidney Echalaz house, in a disabled condition, without stationed at Gourdon, and the Johnshaven any sail, and labouring very heavily. Life-boat, Meanwell of Glenbervie, were The No. 2 Life-boat, Appin, was launched launched, and stood by the boats in at about 4 P.M., and sailing towards the readiness to render help to their crews vessel, reached her when about three or should any casualty befall them. four miles distant from the station. She On the morning of the 26th March was in a sinking condition, having about these two Life-boats were~ again engaged seven feet of water in her hold; she had on similar service, fourteen fishing-boats not a stitch of canvas left, and as it was being in danger off Gourdon, and four off dangerous to be on her deck, owing to Johnshaven. the heavy seas sweeping over her, there was no alternative but to abandon her; . — A dismasted vessel was her crew of three men and a boy then observed about 2J miles S.S.W. of Johns- got into the Life-boat, and the schooner— haven, on the 17th March. The wind the Agricola, of Cardiff—drifted towards was then blowing a light breeze from Cardigan Head, and ultimately became a S.8.W., the sea was rough and the weather total wreck. thick and very cold. The Life -boat 908 THE LIFE-BOAT. [!ST NOVEMBER, 1897.

Meanwell of Gleribervie was launched at surrounded by rocks, and had to pull in 6 A.M., and on reaching the vessel found between the broken masts of the vessel her abandoned; she was the brig Terra to take the men off, and it was entirely Nova, of Tonsberg, bound for Leith, with due to the skilful management on the a cargo of wood. Some of the Life- part of the coxswain that the boat was boat men went on board, and as she was not seriously injured. The only damage, driving, more chain was paid out and she however, was three oars broken and was brought up. Signals were made for blisters on the hands of several of the more assistance, and a telegram was crew, who had a very hard pall. thereupon despatched from Johnshaven to Montrose for a steam-tug, and on her LOWESTOFT.— The shrimping lugger arrival the brig was taken in tow to the Faith, of Lowestoft, when near the East latter port, which was reached at about Newcome buoy, reaching in towards 12.30 P.M. the land, on the 19th March, had her sails blown away by a sudden squall. IBVTNE.—The Life-boat Busbie was The occurrence was witnessed by the launched at 1.30 A.M. on the 10th March, coxswain of the Life-boat, who at once and proceeded to the assistance of the mustered the crew, and at 7.45 A.M. the s.s. Texa, of Glasgow, bound from Glenarm Life-boat Samuel Plimsoll was on her for Irvine with limestone, which had way to the scene of the casualty. She stranded on the north side of the bar, at went out under sail, and on reaching the the mouth of the harbour, in a strong boat, which had a crew of two men on S.W. breeze, a heavy sea, and thick board, took her in tow and brought her weather. The vessel's crew, eight in into the harbour. number, were taken into the boat and . brought safely ashore. GIBVAN, AYESHIEE.—At 9 A.M. on the 19th March some of the fishing fleet WHITBY.— Two Whitby cobles, the which had been overtaken by a gale were Mary Alice and the Tranquil, which were seen approaching the harbour. A very returning from the fishing-ground in a heavy sea was breaking on the bar, and it light wind and a strong sea on the 12th was therefore thought desirable that the March, were seen in the offing, and as it Life-boat Sir Home Popham should go was evident that they would run con- out to meet the boats. She was imme- siderable risk in crossing the bar, the diately launched, and having accompanied Life-boat John Fielden was launched at them over the bar returned to the shore. 5.15 P.M., and proceeded to their assist- Subsequently another boat, which it was ance. Having supplied the crews of the thought had run for Lamlash for shelter, boats with cork jackets, the Life-boat came in sight, and as the gale was in- assisted the Mary Alice to land on the creasing and the sea on the bar becoming beach; the crew of the Tranquil, however, worse, the Life-boat again went out and decided to attempt to enter the harbour, stood by the boat until she was in safety. and safely did so, the Life-boat keeping close to her until she was out of danger. POEMBY.—Two vessels being sighted in a very dangerous position on the Great CBESSWELL.—While a fresh wind was Burbo Bank, having run aground in a fog, blowing from S.E., accompanied by foggy on the 21st March, the Life-boat John weather and a heavy sea, on the 13th and Henrietta was launched at 8.15 A.M., March, the brig Vaaren, of and from and after a long pull reached the vessels Tvedestrand for Newcastle-on-Tyne, laden and stood by them until they were out of with pit-props, stranded at Quarry Point. danger. One of them, the barque Con- The Life-boat Ellen and Eliza was current, of Ghristiania, timber laden for launched at 6.20 A.M., and rescued four of Liverpool, was towed off the bank; and the the vessel's crew, three others being other, the schooner Waterlily, of Liver- rescued by the rocket apparatus. This pool, bound for Euncorn with a cargo of service was rendered by the Life-boat clay, floated off without assistance. under very trying and dangerous circum- stances, and was most highly spoken of HILBBE ISLAND.—The Life-boat Admiral by those who witnessed it. The boat was Briggs was launched at 1.9 P.M., on the IST NOVEMBER, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 909

26th March, an intimation having been water. He was hauled towards the Life- received that a vessel was driving on to boat, bttt there was not sufficient slack the rocks. The weather at the time was to get him on board, and the Life-boat men misty, a whole gale of wind was blowing therefore hailed the men on the wreck to from W.S.W., and there was a very heavy let go the line or the boy would be sea on. The vessel in question proved to drowned. They did so and the boy was be the flat Swift, and at the request of got into the Life-boat almost lifeless. the master the Life-boat remained by, When the end of the veering line was got and ultimately helped to get her out of on board the Life-boat it was found that danger. The boat then went to three | the cane line had been cast off, and thus other flats, and found they were all right; j all communication with the wreck had arrangements were, however, made with i been severed. During this time the the crews that they should show lights flood tide had begun to make, and the should they find they needed any help. Life-boat was able to back nearer to the wreck, and endeavours were made to ABKLOW. — On the morning of the throw a coil of the veering line so as to 28th March, the schooner Express, of again communicate with the men in the and for Wexford, from Dublin, while rigging, but without success. Ultimately beating down against a strong S.W. wind the foremast went over the port side (the between the Arklow Bank and the main- opposite side to that on which the Life-boat land, the weather at the time being thick, was lying), taking the three men in the with rain, stood too far over and grounded rigging with it. It was impossible for on the bank. Shortly afterwards the the Life-boat to have crossed to the other master ordered the boat to be got out, side, for if the anchor had been lifted she and while assisting to do.so, a heavy sea would have been carried off the bank to broke over the boat and washed him the eastward by the tide and sea. The overboard. As soon as news of the Boat remained at anchor by the wreck casualty reached the Life-boat station, about an hour after the mast fell, but steps were taken to launch the Life-boat, unhappily the men were not seen again. Frances and Charlotte, and when she An enquiry was held by the Board of arrived near the wreck the sails were Trade into the circumstances attending lowered, the masts unstopped, and she the loss of this vessel, and the investi- was rowed through the breakers. In gation included the action of the Life- rounding the stern of the vessel, a fearful boat crew. The court found that there sea struck the Boat, completely filling her, was no delay on their part in proceeding but she emptied herself in about twenty to the wreck, and no undue delay in seconds. Having let go her anchor, the effecting communication with the men Boat veered as close as she could safely in the rigging; also that proper efforts do to the wreck, the hull of which was were made by the coxswain and crew to under water, three men having taken restore communication with the men, and refuge in the starboard fore-rigging, and that after the foremast went over the port one man in the port-rigging. After side, taking the men with it, it was im- several failures, owing to the position of possible, owing to the strong tide and the men in the rigging, a cane lice was sea, for the Life-boat, being on the star- thrown to them, a veering line was then board side, to reach them. bent on to this and was hauled on board and made fast to the rigging on the star- BAMSEY, ISLE OF MAN.-—-The Life-boat board side. The coxswain of the Life-boat Mary Isabella was launched at 7.40 P.M. tfcen shouted directions to haul plenty of on the 28th March, in response to signals slack' on board, and the men to fasten of distress shown by the brigantine Vlo, themselves to the rope and jump over- of Lillesand, timber laden from Gefle for board. Either they did not hear or did Ramsey, which was riding heavily about not understand these directions, and two miles E. of the harbour. On reach- hauled in onlj six or seven fathoms to ing the vessel it was found that she was which they fastened u boy. The coxswain leaking, and had lost her best anchor and crew shouted to the men to haul in when off the west coast of Scotland about more slack, but instead of doing so they a week previously. The Life-boat men immediately lowered the boy into the assisted the crew to pay out all the chain 910 THE LIFE-BOAT. [1ST NOVEMBBB, 1897. available for the three small anchors left, martin, who had boarded the vessel, she but as the wind was blowing a moderate was ultimately got afloat. gale from N.N.E. and there was a rough sea, it was doubtful if they would hold. DUNGABVAN,1 CO. WATBBFOBD.—While If they did not she would in all prob- a moderate breeze was blowing from the ability have drifted on the rocks at S.E., accompanied by a very heavy sea, Manghold Head. Her crew of six men on the 5th April, a vessel was seen burn- were therefore landed, as a precautionary ing flares, and on this being reported at measure, by the Life-boat, but fortunately the Life-boat station immediate steps the gale moderated and the vessel rode were taken to summon the crew. At safely at her anchorage. 8.20 P.M. the Life-boat William Dnnnlle was launched and rescued the crew of AYB.—While the barque Seech Holm, four men from the schooner Maria of Sunderland, bound from Ayr for Cape McMillan, of and for Dnngarvan, with a Town with a cargo of coal, was being cargo of coal from Milford. She had towed out of the harbour on the evening stranded on the northern end of White- of the 28th March, the tow-rope slipped house Bank, and the seas' were washing from her, and before it could be recovered she drifted on the St. Nicholas rock, completely over her. W.S.W. of the harbour. A strong W.N.W. SWANAGE.—Two coastguard men went wind was blowing at the time accom- off in their punt, on the afternoon of the panied by a heavy sea. The Life-boat 6th April, for the purpose of picking up Janet Hoyle was launched at 9.30 and some wreckage. A strong spring ebb tide rescued the vessel's crew, consisting of was running, and the wind was blowing fourteen men, who were in considerable | strong from S.E. There was a heavy sea danger. on the Ledge, and to this dangerous spot ILFEACOMBE.—On the 2nd April the the boat was drawn and capsized, both Life-boat Co-Operator No. 2 was called men being thrown out; they, however, out in squally weather to the assistance managed to right the boat, and got in of the barque Aberlomno, of Swansea, again; but she was full of water, and coal laden from Barry, which had stranded drifted out to sea. The Life-boat on a point called Egg Bock, W. of Comb- William Erie was launched, and after a martin, in a heavy snowstorm. The hard pull succeeded in reaching the boat Life-boat men laid out a kedge anchor, and and rescued the two men, one of whom with the help of some men from Comb- was in an exhausted condition.

SUMMAEY OF THE MEETINGS OP THE COMMITTEE.

Saturday, 15th May, 1897. Nairn, Stornoway, Lossiemouth, Buckie and Banff. Sir EDWABD BIBKBECK, Bart., V.P., Eastern District — Harwich (two boats), in the Chair. Clacton-on-Sea, Southend, Margate, Whitby (two boats), Upgang,Broad8tairs, Robin Hood's Bead and confirmed the Minutes of the pre- Bay, Staithes and Runswick. vious meeting. Southern District — Porthleven, Cadgwith, Also read those of the Building, Finance Mullion, Church Cove, Polpear, Porthoustock, and Correspondence and Wreck and Eeward Falmouth, Mevagissey, Polkerris, Looe and Sub-Committees, and ordered that their recom- mendations be carried into effect. Western District—Cemaes, Moelfre, Rhofr- Read the report of the Deputy Chief Inspector neigir, Cemlyn, Rhoscolyn, Holyhead (two of Life-boats on his recent visits to the follow- boats), Penmon, Llanddwyn, Forth Rhuffydd, ing Stations:—St. Anne's (two boats) and Llanddulas, Rhyl (two boats), Llandudno, Llandudno (Orme's Head). Point of Ayr (two boats), Weston-super-Mare Also the reports of the District Inspectors and Lynmouth. of Life-boats on their visits to the following Irish District—Port St. Mary, Castletown, Stations:— Port Erin, Ramsey, Peel, Douglas, Arklow, Northern District—Newbiggin, North Sun- Culdaff, Greencastle, Portrush, Aranmore, derland, Boulmer, Hauxley, Alnmouth, Holy Newcastle (Dundrum), Tyrella, Carrickfergus, Island (two boats), Dornoch, Huna, Acker- New Brighton (two boats) and St. Anne's gill, Wick, Thurso, Stromness, Longhope, (two boats). 1ST NOVBMBEB, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 911

Reported the receipt of the following special of Deal, which was filled by heavy seas while contributions since the last meeting:— launching from Deal beach, and was in a sink- ing state in a moderate gale and a heavy sea £. «. d. on the 4th April. A Lady 50 - - Also 31. to six men for putting off in a Stewards of the Covent Garden fishing-boat and rescuing five men and a dog Life-boat Fund, in aid of the from the ketch Mountsfield, of Eye, which had support of the Covenl Garden Life- stranded and sunk off Witbernsea, Yorkshire, boat at Caister 40 10 - in a strong S.E. wind and a somewhat rough Moiety of offertories on board the sea, on the llth April. 11. Is. was also awarded steam-yacht Midnight Sun on her to seven men who assisted to launch the boat last cruise 16 14 4 used by the salvors. —To be severally thanked. Also 15s. to three men for assisting a Broad- stairs skiff, which had been partly swamped at Also the receipt of a legacy of 100Z., be- Dumpton Gap in a strong N.N.E. breeze and a queathed to the Institution by the late Mr. moderate sea on the 10th April. 11. was also AUGUSTUS PHILLIPS, of Stoke Bishop. granted to the men, being the amount they Voted the thanks of the Institution to would have received for a pilotage engagement, VBBNON ALLEN, Esq., in recognition of his long which however was lost through rendering and valuable co-operation as Chairman of the this service. Aldeburgh Branch of the Institution, which Also 15s. to three men who put off in a boat office he had just resigned. and saved four fishermen, whose two boats had Also to Mr. JOHN LEWIS in acknowledgment been in collision and sunk off Port Stewart, in of his past kind services as Honorary Secretary squally weather, on the 29th April. 10s. was of the Filey Branch. also granted to two other men in payment for The Committee also specially recognised the rope lost in rendering help to one of the boats. long and good services of Mr. LAWBBNCB BTBNE, late second coxswain of the Drogheda No. 2 Life-boat. Reported the transmission to their stations of the Fraserburgh and Mevagissey new Life-boats. THUBSDAY, 3rd June, 1897. Paid 4948J. for sundry charges on various Sir EDWABD BIBKBECK, Bart., V.P., in the Life-boat establishments. Chair. Voted 911. 12s. to pay the expenses of the following Life-boat services :— Bead and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting. Life-boat. Also read those of the Building, Finance Cloughey . S.S. Eannoclt, of Glasgow. and Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward Landed 15 men. Sab-Committees, and ordered that their recom- Clovelly . Smack Emily, of Apple- mendations be carried into effect. dore. Landed 2 men. Head the reports of the District Inspectors Newbiggin Coble Try Again. Stood of Life-boats on their recent visits to the by boat. following Life-boat Stations:— Porthcawl Schooner James and Agnes, Northern District—Fraserburgh, Whitelink of Lancaster. ... Bay, Peterhead, Port Erroll, Newburgh, Stone- haven, Gourdon, Johnshaven, Montrose (two The Arbroath Life-boat stood by the fishing- boats), Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. boat Royal Arch, of Arbroath; the Caister No. 2 Eastern District—Scarborough, Filey, Flam- Life-boat remained by the brigantine Watch, of borough (two boats), Barmston, Bridlington Hull; the Kingsdowne Life-boat assisted to Quay, Withernsea, Hornsea, Grimsby and save the schooner Excel, of Bideford, and her Kingsgate. crew of 5 men; and the Broadstairs, Kings- Southern District—Newhaven and Shoreham. downe and North Deal Life-boats assisted to Western District—Burnham, St. Mary's and save the s.s. Langdon, of London. St. Agnes (Scilly Islands). Voted also 179Z. 13«. in payment of the Beported the receipt of the following special expenses of launches of the following Life-boats contributions since the last meeting:— with the intention of aiding the crews of £. s. d. distressed vessels :—Broadstairs, Cemlyn, Gor- Collection in garrison churches, leston No. 1, Harwich, Huiia, Kingsdowne, Malta, per the Bev. A. MALIM, Peterhead, Walmer and Winterton No. 1. M.A 2 18 8 Also 12Z. grant, including medical expenses, Contents of contribution box on to a man injured while on service with the board the ship Criceieth Castle . 1119 Walmer Life-boat on the 6th February. Contents of contribution box on Also 71. to seven fishermen for putting off in board H.M.S. Repuhe .... 1 11 7 two boats and saving the crew of four men from the fishing-boat Lily, of Lerwick, which had Also the receipt of the following legacies:— been caught by a high wave and dashed to pieces on a rock while returning to port in a £. s. d. strong S.E. breeze and a heavy sea on the The late HENBT Low, Esq., of 4th March. Southampton 2495 17 1 Also 51. to five men who put off in a boat to The late Mrs. OVEBBND, of Shef- the assistance of the galley punt Oipiy Queen, field 1000 - - 912 THE LIFE-BOAT. [Isi NOVEMBER, 1897.

£. t. d. Irish District — Helbre Island, Formby, The late G. W. COTTBTNEY, Esq., Southport (two boats), New Brighton (two of Richmond 100 - - boats), Hoylake, Peel, Port Erin, Castletown, The late E. J. ATLING, Esq., of Douglas, Blackrock, Giles Quay, Greenore, Kennington 20 — - Tyrella, Cloughey, Groomsport, Bally waiter, Reported the transmission to their Stations Barrow, St. Anne's (two boats), Fleetwood, of the Peel and Rhyl new Life-boats. Blackpool and Lytham. Decided that the Kingsgate Life-boat Station Reported that a contribution of 262. 5s. had be abolished. been received through Her Majesty the QUEEN The Committee specially recognised the long from the British residents iuMaranham, Brazil, and good services of Mr. ANDREW TAYLOR and such amount having been transmitted to Her Mr. RICHARD WADDEN whilst respectively Majesty as a Diamond Jubilee offering, with a occupying the office of Coxswain of the Culler- request that it might be presented to the Insti- coats and Arklow Life-boats. tution. In forwarding this gift the contributors Paid 31581. for sundry charges on various expressed the hope that the Institution would Life-boat establishments. be as prosperous as has been the reign of their Voted ¥11. 6s. to pay the expenses of the beloved Queen. Montrose No. 1, Point of Ayr and Wells Life- Decided that the best thanks of the Com- boats in respectively rendering the following mittee be conveyed to the contributors. services:—Ketch Acacia, of London, seven men Also the receipt of the following other special saved; fishing- smacks, Oiling On and Polly, of contributions since the last meeting:— Pargate, remained by vessels; a brigantine, £. s. d. rendered assistance. City of London Branch .... 1000 - - The Broadstairs Life-boat assisted to save " C. A. M." 75 - - the ketch Firefly, of London, with four men on Collected on board the Hamburg board; and the Holyhead No. 1 Life-boat American Company's s.s. Co- helped to save the capsized schooner Annie lumbia on her last voyage from Crosfield, of Barrow, after picking up her crew, and to New York, per Messrs. who had taken to their boat. SMITH, SUNDIUS & Co. ... 30 - - Voted also 721. 8s. (>d. to pay the expenses of Collected on board the R.M.S. Dun- assemblies of crews or launches, with the view vegan Castle, per Captain J. C. of helping distressed crews by the following ROBINSON 10 - - Life-boats :—Ackcrgill, Ballycotton, Clactou, Collected on board the s.s. Tantallou Kingsgate, Newbiggin, Palling No. 2 and Castle, per Captain DUNCAN . . 8 - - Shoreham. —To 6e severally thanJced. Also the receipt of the following legacies:— FRIDAY, 9th July, 1897. £. s. d. Sir EDWAKD BIBKBECK, Bait., V.P., The late Miss A. M. JABVIS, of in the Chair. Alexandra Road, St. John's Wood 500 - - The late W. F. RAWDON, Esq., of Read and confirmed the minutes of the Clifton 500 - - previous meeting. The late THOMAS HALL, Esq., of Also read those of the Building, Finance and Raymond Buildings, Gray's Inn . 450 - - Correspondence and Wreck and Reward Sub- Ditto, on account of residue of Committees and ordered that their recom- estate 225 - - mendations be carried into effect. The late G. A. MAIDEN, Esq., of Read the report of the Deputy Chief Brixton 369 3 9 Inspector of Life-boats on his recent visits to The late Mrs. SUSANNAH HOLTBY, the Gorleston Station. of Nafferton, York 100 - - Also the reports of the District Inspectors of The late Colonel C. H. PAGE, J.P., Life-boats on their visits to the following of Llandaff, Glamorgan . . . 100 - - Stations:— The late W. H. DEAN, Esq., of Northern District—Workington, Whitehaven, Stratford (additional) . . . . 26 3 10 Maryport, Southend (Cantyre), Campbeltown, The late Miss MARY COLES, of Thorn- Kirkcudbright, Balcary, Whithorn, Ballantrae ton Heath 20 - - and Irvine. The late H. B. TAYLOR, Esq., of Eastern District — Donna Nook, Button, Huddersfleld 20 - - Mablethorpe, Skegness, Chapel, Hunstantun, Brancaster, Cromer, Sheringham, Palling (two The Committee specially recognised the long boats), Hasborough, Kedear, Saltburn, Runs- and good services rendered by Mr. JAMES wick, Whitby (two boats), Robin Hood's Bay ABNETT SMITH and Mr. CHARLES PELHAM and Winterton (two boats). whilst acting as coxswains of the Selsey and Southern District — Brighton, Newhaven, Littlehampton Life-boats, which offices they Littlehampton, Southsea, Hayling, Cadgwith, had just resigned. Falmouth, Teignmouth, Exmouth, Worthing Read letter from Mr. F. NIOOLAN, Inspector- and Brighton. General of Mexican Lighthouses, of the 4th Western District—Hayle, Sennen, Peuzance, June, expressing his thanks for the facilities St. Ives, Bude, Port, Isaac, Aberystwyth, New afforded him by the Institution for visiting Quay (Cardiganshire), Swansea, Porthcawl, some Life-boat Stations on his recent visit to Lynmouth and Clovelly. England, and for the information given him Isr NOVEMBER, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 913 relating to the Life-boat work. He forwarded her in tow bat she immediately began to sink. a contribution of SI. to the Institution. The Storm King promptly launched a boat with — To be thanked, THOMAS KICKAKD and GEOBOE CAJJWIELD on Paid 48S5L Soi sundry charges on various board, -who took off the Dodger's crew of two Life-boat establishments. men, but that vessel's boom fouled the boat and carried it partly down, leaving the four men Voted 16SL It. 9d. to pay the expenses of the struggling in the water. They regained arid following Life-boat services : — righted the boat, but sho was capsized three Life-boat. Vessel. times by rough seas. The hoolcer Maymaid, Aberdovey Brig Moringen, of Dram- of Howth, then bore down and sent a boat men ..... manned by McLAtroLAN, KELLY and ROUBKE, Blackpool. Lord Nelson's old flag- who picked tip the four men from the water, ship Foudroyant . . 28 incurring great risk of their own boat being Criceieth . Schooner Catherine capsized. Henry, of Aberystwith 3 11, each was also awarded to the masters of Cullereoats Schooner Luna ... 6 the two vesseis for promptly proceeding to the Fleetwood Barque Svalen, of Tvede- | rescue, and the sum of 31. 11s. was granted to strand ..... j defray the cost of repairing damage to the Storm Barque Louisa, of Dram- j King's boat and replacing gear, etc., lost on the men ..... 10 j occasion. S.S. Zittali, of Liverpool 5 Also SI. 10s. to seven men, forming the crew Groomsport . Schooner Hollyhow, of of the steam-tug Brock, of Fleetwood, for rescu- Galway ..... 8 1 ing the crew of three men from the flat William „ . Smack Harp, of Arklow 4 and Alice, which had stranded on a bank oppo- Moelfre . . Ketch William Shepherd, site the Wyre Lighthouse, in a strong W.B.W. of Beaumaris ... ! gale and a heavy sea, on the 16th June. Peel . . . Three fishing - vessels. Kendered slight as- sistance. Port Patrick A fishing-boat. Eendered THURSDAY, 12th August, 1897. assistance. Sir EDWARD BIRKBEOK, Bait., V.P., Ramsey . . Schooner Maid of Irvine, in the Chair. of Belfast .... Schooner Furnem Read and confirmed the Minnies of the pre- ofGHenann . vious meeting. Also read those of the Building, Finance The Aldfcbwgh, Caister No. 2, PortMiallaen and Correspondence and Wicek and Keward and Walrae* Life- boats rendered the following Sub-Committees and ordered that their recom- services: — S.S. Tefcoa, of Plymouth, stood by mendations be carried into effect vessel ; e.s. Laleham, of Newcastle, assisted to Reported that the Select Committee of the save vessel ,• schooner Miss Bugbes, of Carnar- House of Commons, appointed »t tile request of von, assisted to save vessel and crew, four ; and the Committee of Management of the Institution ship Micronesia, of Liverpool, rendered assist- last spring to inquire into the administration ance. of the ItoYja, NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTTTU- Voted also 2661. 16s, 3d. to pay the expenses Tiosr and into the adequacy of its organization of assembling the crews or taking out the for saving life on onr coasts, after holding following Life-boats with a view of assisting twenty-four sittings for the purpose of examin- the crews of vessels in distress : — Aberystwyth, ing witnesses, and five private sittings, pre- Batrow, Broadstairs, Caister No. 2. Carriek- sented their report to the House of Commons fergua, Fethard, Helbre Island, Ilfraeombe, on the 16th July last. The report fully Kilmore, Margate, New Brighton (steam Life- vindicated and justified the administration boat), Palling Nos. 1 and 2, Forth Rhuffydd, and management of the Institution (vide page Port Logan, Southend (Cantyre), Thocpeness, 869 of this journal, August, 1897, for the Walmer and Winterton No. 1. report). The Committee specially recognised the good Bead the reports of the Deputy Chief In- services rendered by Mr. DAVID LEADBETTBR, spector of Life-boats on his recent visits to the coxswain, of the Fleetwood Life-boat, and his Aberystwyth, Newcastle (Dandrum), Tyrella crew in rescuing the crews of three vessels oa and Blaekrock Stations. the 16th Jane. Also the excellent services ren- Also the reports of the District Inspectors of dered by the crews of the Blackpool, Grooms- Life-boats on their visits to the following port and Southsea Life-boats. Stations :— "Voted tbe Silver Medal of tho Institution, Northern District—Ayr, Girrau, Ardrossan, accompanied by a copy of the rote inscribed on Troon, Cresswell, Blyth (two boats), Nenrbiggin, vellum and framed, with tlio sum of £2 each, to Tynemoutli (two boats), Hauxley, North iSun- TKOXAg RlCKARD, QEOKOE CMJWIELD, JAMES derland, Bouliuer, Alnmoath and Cullercoats. McLxTjGiu.vs, C. KELLY and ED-SABD ROTJRKE Eastern District—Blakeney, Wells, "Walmer, for gallant services rendered nnr)er the follow- KiDgsdowBe, North Deal, Dover, Folkestone, ing cirearostonces. On the IZih May the Broudstairs, Margate, Kacaegate, Hartlepool tt&wler Dodger, of Kingsend, sprung a leak (thiee boats), Seaton Care-w, West Hartlepoo), •when off the Nose of Howth and signalled to Boker, Sunderland (South Outlet), Sunderland the hooker Storm King, of Howth, -which took (South Pier), Seaham and Whitbnrn. 914 THE LIFE-BOAT. [1ST NOVEMBER, 1897.

Southern District—Winterton, Eye, Hastings, Bay in a strong breeze and a moderate sea on Lyme Eegis and Weymouth. I the 4th July. Western District •— Blorthoe, Ilfracombe, I Also 1Z. to two men for rescuing two other Appledore (two boats), Watchet, Pwllheli, men from a boat which had been swamped in Abersoch, Porthdiullaeu, Aberdovey, Barmouth, ! Dungloe Bay, cp. Donegal, on the 19th February. Criccieth, Llanaelhaiarn, Porthcawl and Pe- j Also II. to two men for rescuing three other narth. men whose boat, a pair-oared skiff, had been Irish District — Peel, Eamsey, Castletown, filled by rough seas and drifted ashore, her Port St. Mary, Douglas, Port Erin, Cloughey, occupants supporting themselves by the oars, Newcastle (Dundrum), Giles Quay, Greenore &c., in Poole Harbour, on the 14th May. and Blackroek. Also 5s. to a man who rescued another man Beported the receipt of the following special from a boat which had sunk near Shanes contributions since the last meeting:— Island, co. Donegal, in a strong W. breeze and £. s. d. a smooth sea on the 5th December. City of London Masonic Life-boat Fund, per J. BHOCKBTT SOBRELL, Esq., and A. H. LILLEY, Esq., THURSDAY, 9th September, 1897. further on behalf of the " City Masonic Club" Life-boat, Sir EDWARD BIBKBECK, Bart., V.P., in stationed at Poole (making a total the Chair. of 6501.) . . • 533 3 G Bead and confirmed the minutes of the Worshipful Company of Skinners previous meeting. (additional) 21 - - ! Also read those of the Building, Finance and ! Correspondence and Wreck and Eeward Sub- Also the receipt of the following legacies:— Committees, and ordered that their recommen- 3*.f sa. ii>.iJ dations be carried into effect. The late Miss ELEANOB DEVEY, Eead the report of the Deputy Chief Inspector of Southborough, for a Life-boat of Life-boats on his recent visit to the Campbel- to be named the William and town Station. Mary Deveij 1800 - - Also the reports of the District Inspectors of The late Mrs. M. A. WHITE, of Life-boats on their visits to the following Guilford Street, W.C. (on account Stations:— of residue of estate) .... 1620 - - Northern District—Holy Island, Anstruther, The late Mrs. E. P. ABBOTT, of St. Andrews, Crail, Whithorn, Ballantrae, Irvine, Lupus Street, S.W 900 - - Port Patrick and Southend (Cantyre). The late Colonel WILLIAM BRIDGES, Eastern District—Saltburn, Eedcar, Dunge- of Southampton 100 - - ness (two boats), New Eomney, Hythe, The late Miss SUSAN BAKER, of Winterton (two boats), Caister (two boats) and Crewkerne 9 — - Yarmouth. Western District—Cardigan, Fishguard (two Deep regret was expressed at the decease of boats), St. Davids, Tenby, Angle, Littlehaven, the following Honorary Secretaries of Branches Ferryside, Swansea, Port Eynon and Burry Port. of the Institution, and it was decided that Irish District—Balbriggan, Drogheda (two letters of condolence be sent to their families: boats), Skerries, Kilmore, Carnsore,Kosslare Har- —Mr. H. B. MACKINTOSH, Anstruther; Mr. bour, Wexford (two boats), Conrtown, Cahore, JOHN BBOAD, Melrose; and Mr. W. H. FOGG, | Arklow, Poolbeg and Howth. Brighouse. I Eeported the receipt of the following special Voted the thanks of the Committee to Mr. contributions since the last meeting:— WILLIAM GREEN, the Rev. J. E. KENNEDY, and £. *. d. Mr. FRANCIS QUIN, in recognition of their past Oldham Branch, for one year's main- long and valuable services as Honorary Secre- tenance of Oldham Life-boat at taries of the Leicester, Port Patrick and Abersoch 70 - - Grangemouth Branches of the Institution, C. S. HOLINSWOKTH, Esq., Birming- which offices they had just resigned. ham (additional) 26 5 - The Committee suitably recognised the long Proceeds of Gymkhana at Walmer and good services rendered by Mr. JOHN on 26th August, 1897, per Mr. TAYLOR whilst serving as coxswain of the CHARLES H. PAGE 17 8 9 Blyth Life-boat. j Proceeds of a concert at the Ehos- Paid 4885Z. for sundry charges on various neigir Life-boat House ... 7 - — Life-boat Establishments. Proceeds of a concert, &c., at Port Voted 160Z. 16«. to pay the expenses of the Eynon 5 12 6 Llanaelhaiarn, Cemlyn, Cemaes, Kessingland —To be severally thanked. No. 2, Filey, Winterton No. 2, Newhaven, Fonnby, Harwich No. 1, Caister No. 2 and Also the receipt of the following legacies:— Padstow Life-boats in assembling their crews, watching or putting off with the view of The late W. EOTHWELL, Esq., of rendering help to the crews of vessels in ColwynBay 1350 0 0 distress. The late GOSWELL JOHNSON, Esq., Also 11. 2s. 6d. to three men for rescuing of Branley 402-8 four men from the sailing boat Lily, of Holy- The late Mrs. OGDON, of Wirks- head, which had been capsized in Holyhead wath, Derby 279 8 4 IST NOVEMBER, 1897.] THE LIFE-BOAT. 915

£. «.

A LIFE-BOAT SONG.

'Tis a stormy night, and the wild winds Ah I the ship has struck, and the billows leap roar, Triumphant o'er the deck: The waves roll mountains high, In the cruel grasp of the mighty deep And the Life-boat crew are called to the Lies the battered, storm-tossed wreck. shore. Then gallantly bend to the oars, my lads, For a ship to the rocks is nigh. : And pull with all your might; Not a moment waver our heroes bold, Though loudly the tempest roar, my lads, As their boat they bravely man; j There are lives to be saved to-night. The fate of a crew in their hands they hold, : Though sorely pressed by wind and wave, And they'll save if save men can. j The Life-boat men draw nigh Then gallantly bend to the oars, my lads, ! To those they've fought so hard to save— And pull with all your might; ' For whom they dared to die. Though loudly the tempest roar, my lads, j Thank heaven! their help is not too late, There are lives to be saved to-night. I And saved are the shipwrecked crew; i So back, brave hearts, to the loves that wait Their loved ones watch on the foam-framed And watch on the shore for you. beach, Then gallantly bend to the oars, my lads, And pray with blinded eyes, And pull with all your might; That the gallant lads their goal may reach, Though loudly the tempest roar'd, my lads, And snatch from the sea men's lives. ' Your duty you've done to-night. A. A.

NOTICE. The next number of the LIFE-BOAT JOUBNAL will be published on the 1st February, 1898. ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, SUPPOBTED SOLELY BY VOLCHTABY OOHTBIIUTKms.

Stations His ROYAL HIGHHESS THE Pitmen OF WALES, K.Gk HEB ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OF WALES. H.R.H. THE DOKK OF SAXE-CoBDBO AND GOTHA, DDKS OF EOTKBDB8H, K.O. I CAPTAIH His ROYAL HIQHHESS THE DUKE OF TOBX,- R.N., K.G. t—His GEACK THE DUKX OF NORTHUMBERLAND, K.G. n—SIB EDWARD BIBKBECK, BABT., V.P. Stjorfi-itrRirman—Colonel Fnz-RoY CLAYTON, V.P. DtBDitr, ESQ., F.E.G.S.

APPEAL. THE COMMITTEE OP MANAGEMENT have to state that durinp: the past year (1S9G) the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION expended £71,476 on its 296 Life-boat Establishments GENERAL SUMMARY OP THE WORK OF THE INSTITUTION DURING 189G. Number of Lives rescued by Life-boats, in addition to f. >. d. 20 Vessels saved by them ...... 312 Number of Lives saved by Shore-boats, &c ...... 149 Amount of Rewards granted during the Year ...... 10,503 7 4 Honorary Rewards : — Gold Medal ...... 1 Silver Medals ...... 5 Binocular Glasses ...... 9 Aneroid Barometers ..... 4 Votes of Thanks on VeUnm ... 39 Certificates of Service .... 5 Total .... 63 461 £10,503 The number of Lives saved either by the Life-boats of the Society, or by special exertions for which it has granted rewards since its formation, is 40,152. The rewards and recognitions granted by the Institution in the same period comprised 99 Gold Medals and Clasps, 1,161 Silver Medals and Clasps, 271 Binocular Glasses. 16 Telescopes, 14 Aneroid Barometers. 1,567 Votes of Thanks, inscribed on vellum and framed, 66 Certificates of Service framed, and £174,593 in money. The Committee earnestly appeal to the British Public for Funds to enable them to maintain their 296 Life-boats now on Ihe Coast and their Crews in the most perfect state of efficiency. This can only be effected by a large and permanent annual income. The Annual Subscriptions, Donations and Dividends are quite inadequate for the purpose. The Committee are confident that in their endeavour to provide the brave Life-boat men, who nobly hazard their lives in order that they may save others, with the best possible means for carrying oil their great work, they will meet with the entire approval of the people of this the greatest maritime country in the world, and that their appeal will not be made in vain, so that the scope and efficiency of our great Life-saving Service, of which the Nation hag always been so proud, may not have to .be curtailed. Annual Subscriptiong 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. COUTTS and Co., 59 Strand ; and by all the other Bankers in the United Kingdom. — Irf November, 1897.