THE town of Ipswich has come forward in a novel and spirited manner in support of the life-boat cause. Although not actually on the coast, it has occurred to benevolent gentlemen resident at Ipswich, that inland towns might especially be represented on the coast, and there indirectly perform an important part in the national duty of protecting the lives of shipwrecked persons. It appeared to them that their part could thus be most effectually carried out by subscribing funds sufficient to procure a first-class life-boat, to be presented to the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, and to be named after their town.

The first to set actively to work in carrying out this benevolent design was Mr. W. BATEMAN BYNG, of the firm of Messrs. RASSOMES and SIMS, of Ipswich, who, a short time since, set a project on foot for raising funds in that town to purchase a life-boat, to be presented to the NATIONAL LIPEBOAT INSTITUTION, and to be called The Ipswich.

Accordingly on Sunday, the 10th Nov. simultaneous collections were made in the various churches and chapels of Ipswich; and in furtherance of the same object a public meeting was held in the Town-hall on the following day. The Mayor (E. GRIMWADE, Esq.) presided, and amongst those present were, Capt. Sir G. BROKE MIDDLE-TON, Bart., K.N., C.B.; Sir CHARLES ROWLEY, Bart.; and many others of the county and local gentry.

Sir E. PERROTT, Bart.; MONTAGD GORE, Esq.; and the Secretary, attended as a deputation from the Society, and severally addressed the meeting, pointing out the value of the life-boats, the many lives which had been saved through their instrumentality, and the necessity there was for the Institution being supported, and expressing the hope that the noble example set by Ipswich might be followed by other cities and towns of the country.

Mr. GORE remarked that life-boats were indispensable, for however much harbours of refuge might be increased (themselves tending to mitigate the dangers of a seafaring life), yet the very establishment of such harbours made the necessity of lifeboats very apparent in their vicinity, because vessels would naturally, in bad weather, make for those harbours. He aHuded to Holyhead, where, since its harbour of refuge had been formed, the life-boat stationed there had performed eminent services. The Secretary of the Institution showed, that the cost of a life-boat station was from 4001.

to 5CHM., and that the expense of keeping it up in a state of efficiency averaged 401. a year, independently of rewards to the crew of the life-boat.

Sir G. BROKE MIDDLETON ; Sir CHARLES ROWLEY; Hon. Rev. F. DE GREY ; ROBERT RANSOME, Esq.; J. P. COBBOLD, Esq.; S. A. NOTCUTT, Esq.; Rev. W. W. WOODHOUSE; Rev. E. JONES; W. RODWELL, Esq.; S. H. COWELL, Esq.; Rev. C. H. GANGE; and E. GODDARD, Esq., afterwards addressed the meeting. The following resolution was passed:—" That this meeting recognizing the philanthropic character of the operations of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, whose life-boats have within the last twenty-two months been the means of rescuing 485 of our fellowcreatures from a watery grave, resolves to present the cost of a life-boat to this benevolent Institution, as a practical demonstration of the sincere and deep sympathy of the town of Ipswich and the county of Suffolk in its meritorious exertions." Resolutions were also passed, conveying thanks to the several ministers of the town; to the Lord- Lieutenant and nobility and gentry of the county for their countenance and assistance; and to Sir E. PERitoTT, M. GORE, Esq., and the Secretary, for their attendance. The unanimous thanks of the meeting were awarded to the Mayor, who proposed a very hearty vote to Mr. W. B. BYNG for his great exertions in the cause of humanity.

The collections at the various places of worship amounted to 206Z. 11s. 2d., while the contributions from the gentry of the neighbourhood, and the amount subscribed in the town, raised the total to about 5001. We trust that this very laudable example of the town of Ipswich, on behalf of so truly benevolent and national a cause as that of the LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, will be followed by many other towns in the United Kingdom.