In looking over the list of wrecks, no one can fail to be struck at the prominent position occupied by the officers and men of the Coast-Guard Service on all such occasions.

The records of the National Shipwreck Insti- tution show that about one-third of the me- dals and rewards granted by that Institution for meritorious services are awarded to the Coast-Guard. Independently of then: other services, they have proved themselves in case of wreck to be an invaluable body of :n. They are familiar with the use of the mortar and the rocket; are always on the watch; always ready to act; and nothing can be more striking on such occasions than the advantage of a well-trained organized body acting as one man, over a willing, but undisciplined, assemblage of sailors and fishermen.

To the assistance and zealous co-operation of the officers and crews of the Coastguard, in carrying out the future operations of the National Shipwreck Institution, the Com- mittee still hopefully look. The good cause has been already heartily taken up by the present Comptroller-General of the Coast- Guard, Captain ELLICE, R.N., and the Committee feel sure that his good example in so noble an undertaking will be emulated through every grade in that branch of the . public service.

Knowing the onerous and often laborious duties already required from the Coast- Guard man, and also that on the occurrence of shipwrecks his services are frequently re- quired for the management of the rocket, or mortar life-apparatus, the Committee, in forming crews for their boats, do not deem it advisable to seek his enrolment amongst the primary numbers, but only as an auxiliary, to step in when any of the permanent crew are absent, or when other competent persons cannot be obtained.

But he may render invaluable service in other ways. Independently of his practical acquaintance with the management of the rocket and mortar as above alluded to, he is often, amidst the excitement occasioned by a shipwreck, the most cool and collected person on the beach; is acquainted with the most proper means to be resorted to for the restoration of drowned persons; is the first to despatch a messenger for medical aid, and thus, by his assistance and advice, may be, as he has often hitherto been, instrumental in saving the lives of those who might other- wise perish.

Whilst thus noticing the past services of the officers and crews of the Coast-Guard service,' and expressing the confidence felt by the Committee in their future aid, we now solicit their assistance in making known and understood along our coasts the nature and objects of the National Shipwreck Institution, and in securing the co-operation and help of all classes with whom they may be brought into contact, without which help and co-operation, the Society's sphere of usefulness will be necessarily much curtailed.