THURSDAY, 6th December, 1866. THOMAS CHAPMAN, Esq., F.K.S., V.P., in the Chair.

Read and approved the Minutes of the previous Meeting, and those of the Finance and Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward Sub-Committees.

Also the Report of Captain WARD, RN., the Inspector of Lite-boats, of the 30th Nov., on his recent visit to the following places:—Blyth, Cullercoats, Tynemouth, Boulmer, Rochdale, Liverpool, New Brighton, Swanage, and Chapman's Pool.

Also the Report of Captain D. ROBERTSON, R.N., the Assistant-Inspector of Life-boats, of the 22nd Nov., on his visit to Teignmouth, Torquay, Brix-ham, Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, St. Ives, Par, and Fowey.

Read letter from SAMUEL COLLINSON, Esq., Hon.

Sec. of the Nottingham Branch, of the 1st Nov., forwarding a sum of 452Z. he had collected in that town to pay for a life-boat to be named the Robin Hood of Nottingham. T. F. GIMSON, Esq., of The Park, Nottingham, had contributed 200/. of that amount, and it was the wish of that gentleman that the boat should have the above name, as he took great interest in the local Volunteer Corps bearing that title.—To be thanked, and decided that the life-boat be stationed at Boulmer, Northumberland.

Produced a Copy of the Will of the late HENRY JOHN RADCLIFFE, Esq., of Eastbourne, in which he bequeathed the residue of certain trust moneys, after payment of various legacies, to be equally divided between the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION and the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society.

Reported the receipt of the following contributions :—199/. 15s. lid. additional from the Glasgow Branch, per Capt. SMALL, of the Examiner's Office, Custom House, including 1007., being the legacy of the late GRAHAM GILBERT, Esq., of Yorkhill; 45Z. additional from the Greenook Branch, per E. MAXWELL, Esq.; 501. from the Ryde Amateur Musical Society, being the proceeds of a concert, on the 13th Sept., in aid of the Isle of Wight Life-boat Stations, per AUGUSTUS F. LEEDS, Esq.; 51. from the Ship's Company of H.M.S. Pylades, per JOHN GRAY, Esq., being part of balance of Accident Fund; 50 M., legacy of the late Mrs. STORY, of Kensington, to defray the cost of a life-boat to be named the Mary Ann ; 100'. legacy of the late SAMUEL TKAVIS, Esq., of Cheltenham; 18'., legacy of the late WILLIAM PEARSON, Esq., of York.

Read the following letter from the Rev. E. S. CORBIE, Vicar of Maplestead, Essex:— " Vicarage, Maplestead, Halstead, Essex, "Noe. 27th, 1866.

" DEAR SIR, " I beg to enclose a cheque for 61. 7s.

towards the funds of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION on the part of my poor boy, whose contributions you have more than once received, but which you will receive no more.

" He died on. the SOtli of last month, after five years of sickness, at the age of eleven years and ten months.

',' His interest in your Society continued to the last. He had collected II. 7s. from different friends before his death, in the same manner as he had made his former collections. When he found his end approaching, he made his last disposition of his little possessions; and when I told him he had a little money in the Savings' Bank, and asked how he would like it disposed of, he at once caught at the idea that he should leave 51. as a parting gift to the Life-boat Institution.

" In memory of my poor dear boy I shall wish to subscribe 10s. 6d. annually to the funds of the Society. " I am, &c., "E. S. CORBIE.

"To the Secretary of the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION." Decided that Mr. Corrie's letter be acknowledged, and that a Photograph of the Life-boat of the Institution going out to a wreck, with a suitable inscription at foot, be presented to him in memory of his lamented son.

Reported the transmission to their stations of the Fowey, Mundesley, Chapman's Pool, and IIfracombe new life-boats. In all cases the Railway Companies had, as usual, given a free conveyance to the boats over the lines.— To be thanked.

Ordered that the thanks of the Institution be given to the following gentlemen on their retiring from the office of Hon. Secretaries of the following three different Branches of the Institution:— ALEXANDER MUNRO, Esq., Banff; G. B. M. BEATSON, Esq., Fraserburgh; and P. H. HUME, Esq., Dunbar.

Reported that the Secretary, Mr. LEWIS, had delivered a Lecture on the Life-boat and its Work, at the Union Chapel Sunday School, Islington, on the 20th Nov.

Also that Mr. S. B. TAYLOR had recently delivered Lectures on the Life-boat at Belfast and Londonderry.

Read letter from Mr. E. P. BONNESSEN, boatbuilder, of Copenhagen, stating that he had built there a life-boat on the plan of the Institution.— To be acknowledged.

The Committee expressed their sincere regret at learning of the lamented death of Capt. T.

HEARD, R.N., who for many years had cordially and zealously co-operated with them in Sunderland.

Paid 4,9041. 3s. 3d. for sundry charges on various life-boat establishments.

Voted two Silver Medals, and 249Z. 14*. 6d.. for various services rendered .by the life-boats of the Society, and by shore-boats, to several wrecks, the particulars of which will be found detailed in the Annual Report of the Institution published in April last.

Thursday, 3rd January, 1867. THOMAS CHAPMAN, Esq., F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair.

Read and approved the Minutes of the previous Meeting, and those of the Finance. Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward Sub-Committees.

Approved of a draft of a letter to General Sir WM. KNOLLYS, K.C.B., inviting His Royal Highness the PRINCE OF WALES to take the Chair at the Annual Meeting of the Institution.

Also of a draft of the Annual Financial Statement of the Institution to the 31st ult., and ordered the account books of the Institution to be sent to Mr. G. C. BEGBIE, public accountant, that they might be audited as usual.

Read and approved the Report of the Inspector of Life-boats to the Institution, on his visits to the Rye, Lyme Regis, and Looe life-boat stations.

Also the Report of the Assistant-Inspector, on his visit to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ardrossan, Irvine, and Stranraer.

Read letter from the Rev. TEIGSMOOTH SHOTCE, of the 20th and 27th ult., forwarding on behalf of Messrs. CASSELL, PETTEH, AND GALPIN, a cheque for 228/. Ss. 8d., and stating that 150/. of that amount had been collected on behalf of a " Working Man's " Life-boat. Messrs. CASSELL, PETTER, AND GALPIN hoped the Institution would be able to meet the wishes of the contributors to name a life-boat the Wording Man, and to station the same on the Scotch coast.— To be acknowledged.

Reported the transmission to their stations of the Lyme Regis, Tyrella, Port Logan, New Brighton, and Looe new life-boats during the past month, the several Railway and Steam Packet Companies giving, as usual, a free conveyance to the boats.— To be thanked.

Public demonstrations had taken place at Lyme Regis, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Looe with the boats, and had been very successful.

Reported also the receipt of the following special contributions:—Manchester Branch, per ROBERT WHITWORTH, Esq., 801/.; Edinburgh and Leith Branch, per G. MATHIESON, Esq., 90/.; JOSEPH LEATHER, Esq., on account of the New Brighton new life-boat, 1501.; Miss BRIGHTWELL, in aid of the lean-to to the Blakeney Life-boat House, 40Z.; portion of Offertory on Advent Sunday at Ince Church, near ,Chester, per the Rev. C. C. SHARPE, 3/.— To be severally thanked.

Reported the receipt of 350i. from the Solicitors' and Proctors' Life-boat Fund, through F. OUVRY, Esq., and W. M. WILKINSON, Esq.— To be thanked.

Decided that the life-boat be sent to Winchelsea in lieu of the present boat on that station, which required to be replaced.

Read letter from Mr. THOMAS DAVIS, of Chippenham, of the 26th ult., stating that he had collected in the West of England 268/. Is. in aid of a life-boat to be presented to the Institution, and to be called the Western Commercial Traveller.— To be thanked.

Decided that the life-boat be stationed at Cadgwith, on the Cornish coast.

Reported that the Secretary had attended the annual meeting of the Manchester Branch of the Institution. The chair was taken by B. WHITWORTH, Esq., M.P. The whole proceedings were of a very satisfactory and encouraging character.

During the past year the Branch had sent to the Institution upwards of 1,600t Produced an extract from the will of the late Miss JESSIE MILLER LAING, of Abergele, in which she bequeathed 501. to the Institution. Also by the late Mrs. MARY CLARKE, of South Lynn, Norfolk, 30t Bead letter from the English Commissioners of the Paris Universal Exhibition, of the 28th nit., suggesting that the Institution might exhibit there a full-sized life-boat, and stating that they would undertake to prepare a shed in the grounds for its reception.

Decided that a large life-boat, fully equipped, and mounted on a transporting carriage, be sent to the Paris Universal Exhibition, and that the Inspector of life-boats visit Paris to make the necessary arrangements.

The Secretary of the French Shipwreck and Life-boat Society had also promised every cooperation to the Institution in the event of its sending a life-boat to the Exhibition.— To be thanked.

Ordered the thanks of the Institution to be presented to Dr. A. L'EsTRANGE on his retirement from the office of Hon. Sec. of the Arklow Branch of the Institution.

Bead letter from Messrs. FORRESTT AND SON, of the 1st inst., stating that the two life-boats built by them on the plan of the Institution for the India Board would be ready for survey on Wednesday, the 2nd idem.—Reported that the Inspector and the Surveyor of Life-boats had passed the boats.

—Approved.

Paid 2,831t 3s. 2d. for sundry charges on various life-boat establishments.

It was moved, seconded, and carried unanimously, that the best thanks of the Committee be given to THOMAS CHAPMAN, Esq., F.E.S., V.P., for his able conduct in the Chair during the past year, and for the continued important assistance he rendered to the Society.

Also to Sir EDWARD PERROTT, Bart., V.P., for his zealous and valuable co-operation as the Chairman of the Sub-Committees of the Institution in the same period.

Voted 171. 5s. to pay the expenses of the Whitburn life-boat in putting off in the face of a heavy sea and strong S.E. wind, in reply to signals of distress from the barque Margaret and Jane, of South Shields, which had become a total wreck on the Whitburn White Steel Bock, and rescuing the crew of 8 men, on the 30th Nov.

Also 14t 5s. to pay the expenses of the same life-boat in again putting off on the 1st Dec., in a strong wind, in reply to signals of distress, and bringing safely ashore the crew of 13 men of the barque Caroline Elizabeth, of London, which had gone ashore on the Whitburn Steel Bock.

Also 81. 2». 6d. to pay the expenses of the Fleetwood lite-boat in bringing safely ashore the crew of 12 men and a pilot from the barque Inga, of Kragero, which, during a heavy gale of wind, was in distress near the Danger Patch Sands on the 7th December.

Also 102. to pay the expenses of the Orme's Head life-boat in putting off during a gale of wind from the N.N.W. on the 7th Dee., in reply to signals of distress from the smack Cymro, of Amlwch, which was in '& dangerous position in Llandudno Bay, and bringing safely ashore the captain of the smack and his son, who at the time were the only persons on board.

Also 9t 17s. to pay the expenses of the Withernsea life-boat, in putting off in reply to signals of distress, and bringing safely ashore the crew of 6 men of the brig George, of Lowestoft, which during squally weather was in a dangerous position off WIthernsea, of the 12th Dec.

Also 16/. 2s. to pay the expenses, of the Pakefield life-boat, in going off in tow of a steam-tug to the assistance of the crew of the lugger William and Mary, of Yarmouth, which darings fresh wind from the S.S.W. was wrecked on the Barnard Sand on the 12th ult. The life-boat was the means of taking two of the men off the wreck, but one of them unhappily died immediately after being placed in the life-boat.

Also 121. 18s. to pay the expenses of the Civil Service life-boat, at Wexford, in going off during a gale of wind, on the 27th Dec., and bringing safely ashore 9 workmen who had been employed by the Wexford Harbour Commissioners on the Dogger Bank, and who were endeavouring to reach the shore in their own boat at great risk to themselves.

Also 91. 5s. to pay the expenses of the Whitby life-boat in saving 5 persons from the schooner | Lion, of Goole, which during a gale from. the I E.N.E. had stranded on Whitby Sands on the ! 31st Dec.

Also 91. 2s. to pay the expenses of the Llanddwyn life-boat, in putting off during a heavy gale on the 30th ult., and bringing safely into port the brigantine Zillah, of Liverpool, and her crew of 8 men, in distress, off Llanddwyn on the 30th ult.

Reported the services rendered by the Caister life-boat, in putting off during squally weather on the 28th Dec., in reply to a signal light of distress from the brig Kelpie, of London, which was on the Barber Shoal. After staying by the vessel all night, they succeeded in getting her off the shoal, and with the assistance of a steam-tug, took her and her crew of 8 men safely into Yarmouth harbour.

Voted 531. 4s. to pay the expenses of the lifeboats of the Institution at North Berwick, Porthleven, Holyhead, Penmon, Portmadoc, Rosslare, Penarth, and Filey, in either assembling or going off, during the late stormy weather, in reply to signals of distress from vessels which did not, however, ultimately require the services of the life-boats.

Also the Vellum Thanks of the Institution to Mr. J. LISTER, of Seaton Carew, and 10s. each to his boat's crew of 5 men, for putting off in a Trinity House boat, in tow of a steam-tug, during a light wind from the N.W., and bringing ashore 2 men "from the steam-sloop Wrecker, of Newcastle- upon-Tyne, which was in distress at the entrance to the Tees, on the 8th Dec. A grant of 10/. was also made to the parents and widow of a man named GEORGE COWELL, who unfortunately perished through the capsizing of the boat in which he had gallantly put off to the assistance of the sloop on the above occasion.

Also lot to the crew of the Scratby life-boat, for putting off during a strong .W.N.W. wind, and saving the lives of 5 persons from the schooner Active, of Buckie, which had sunk about a quarter of a mile from the Cockle Sand, on the 27th Dec.

Also 71. 10s. to 13 men for wading into the surf, at Scarfskerry, N.B., during a strong wind from the N.W., and effecting a communication with the brigantineGu/werna, of Liverpool, by which means the lives of 5 persons were saved on the 3rd Dec. last.

Also 51. to ROBERT WOODWARD, commissioned boatman of the Lelant detachment of H.M. Coastguard, St. Ives division, who, while assisting to haul up the Hayle life-boat, on the 3rd Dec., met with an accident to two of his fingers through the slipping of the hauling-up rope of the life-boat on the occasion.

Also It as an additional reward to J. SMALLRIDGE, the coxswain of the Braunton life-boat, in acknowledgment of the valuable services he rendered while acting as pilot to the steam-tug Ely, on the occasion of the wreck of the Wool Packet, on Bideford Bar, on the 21st Sept. last.

Special Meeting—Thursday, 17th Jan. THOMAS BARING, Esq., M.P., F.R.S., in the Chair.

Read and approved the Minutes of the previous Meeting, and those of the Wreck and Reward Sub- Committees.

The Deputy Chairman stated that the recent disastrous gales on oar coasts, the services rendered by the life-boats of the Institution, the public attention which had been attracted to the same, and the services rendered by the Rev.

CHARLES COBB, of Dymchurch, in saving life, had induced him to suggest that this Special Meeting of the Committee might be convened.

Several Members of the Committee expressed their concurrence.

Read letter from General Sir W. KNOLLYS, K.C.B., of the 12th inst., stating that His Royal Highness the PRINCE OF WALES had graciously consented to take the Chair at the forthcoming Annual Meeting of the Institution, on the 28th Feb.

Decided that His Royal Highness be specially thanked through Sir WILLIAM KNOLLYS.

Read also letter from the Lord Mayor, of the 16th idem, stating that he had pleasure in placing the Egyptian Hall at the disposal of His Royal Highness for the Meeting.— To be thanked.

Read and approved the Inspector's report of his recent visits to the Life-boat Stations at Dungeness, Lyme Regis, Exmouth and Teignmouth.

Decided that a new life-boat, 36 feet long, with 9J feet beam, be placed at Redcar, in lieu .of a smaller boat on that station.

Voted 274J. 18s. 4d. to pay the expenses of the undermentioned life-boats of the Institution in going off during heavy gales of wind, and saving the crews, consisting of 95 persons, from the following distressed vessels since the 1st of Jan.:—• Brig Chase, of Shields, 5 men saved by Falling life-boat.

Sloop Emma, of Portsmouth, 3 men and vessel saved by Blakeney life-boat.

Schooner Mary Tatham, of Chester, 4 men saved by Moelfre life-boat.

Sloop Shamrock, of Liverpool, 3 men saved by Wicklow life-boat.

Smack Oliver Lloyd, of Cardigan, 3 men saved by Cardigan life-boat.

Smack Turtle Dove, of Aberyswith, 3 men saved by Cardigan life-boat.

Schooner Salome, of Brixham, 6 men saved by the Penzance life-boat.

Schooner Selina Ann, of Looe, 5 men saved by the Penzance life-boat.

Schooner Heiress, of Teignmouth, 6 men saved by the Penzance life-boat.

Ship John Gray, of Glasgow, 13 men saved by the Penzance life-boat.

French schooner Anemone, 5 men saved by the Tramore life-boat.

Brig Emanuel Boucher, of Whitby, 6 men saved by the Tynemouth life-boat.

Brigantine Seraphin, of Dunkirk, 8 men saved by the Pembrey life-boat.

Lugger Espoir, of Nantes, 6 men saved by the Pembrey life-boat.

Brig Antaree, of Greiffswald, 1 man saved by the Poole life-boat.

Smack Coronation, of Bideford, 4 men saved by the Cardigan life-boat.

Schooner Teazer, of Ipswich, 1 man saved by the Plymouth life-boat.

Schooner Gem, of Hull, 2 men saved by the Carmarthen Bay life-boat.

Schooner Jeanne it Arc, of Nantes, 5 men and vessel saved by Swansea life-boat.

Smack Noah, of Cardigan, 2 men saved by the Wexford No. 2 life-boat.

Smack Catheritia, of Barmouth, 4 men and vessel saved by Porthdinllaen life-boat.

It was reported that the Ramsgate life-boat had also saved 8 men from the schooner Mizpah, of Dartmouth, which during a fresh wind from the E.S.E. had stranded on the Goodwin Sands, on the 5th inst.; and 10 men from the barque Aurora Borealix, of Rebe, which during squally weather had run on the Goodwin Sands on the following day.

Voted also 15U. 16a. Sd. to pay the expenses of the life-boats of the Institution at Kingstown, North Deal, Poole,Walmer, Kingsgate, Dungeness, Looe, Winchelsea, Lizard, Porthleven, Exmouth, St. Andrews, Cemlyn, Hayle, LAanelly, Ayr, Teignmouth, and North Berwick, in either assembling or putting off during the recent heavy gales, in reply to signals of distress from various vessels which, fortunately, however, succeeded in getting out of their dangerous positions, and did not require the services of the boats.

Also the Gold Medallion of the Institution to the Rev. CHARLES COBB, M.A., in acknowledgment of his extraordinary and heroic exertions in wading into the surf, and saving, at the imminent peril of his own life, one of the crew who had taken refuge in the rigging of the lugger Courrier de Dieppe, of Dieppe, which was wrecked off Dymchurch in a gale of wind and heavy sea on the morning of the 6th Jan.

Also the Silver Medal of the Institution to Mr. JOHN BATIST, of H.M. Coastguard Service, who bravely helped Mr. COBB on that occasion.

Also the Silver Medal of the Institution, and a copy of its vote on parchment, to SAMUEL HIGGS, Jun., Esq., of Penzance, in acknowledgment of his intrepid services in the Penzance life-boat, in assisting to save 6 men from the schooner Salome, of Brixham; 5 men from the schooner Selina Ann, of Looe; and 6 men from the schooner Heiress, of Teignmouth, which during heavy gales of wind were wrecked in Mount's Bay on the morning and night of the 5th Jan., 1867.

Also the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum to NICHOLAS D. DOWNING, Esq., in testimony of his benevolent and prolonged exertions on the occasion of the Penzance life-boat performing those services.

Thursday, 7th Feb. THOMAS CHAPMAN, Esq., F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair.

Read and approved the Minutes of the Special Meeting, and those of the Finance, Correspondence, Paris Exhibition, and Wreck and Reward Sub- Committees.

Read letter from the Rev. RICHARD TYACKE, Honorary Secretary of the Padstow Branch, of the 6th inst., detailing a most lamentable accident that had occurred to the Padstow life-boat on that day. The boat, while proceeding to the aid of the crew of the schooner Georgina, of Boston, U.S., wrecked on the Doom Bar, was upset, and although she immediately self-righted, her crew were prevented from regaining her by the violence of the surf, and 5 out of 13 of them unhappily perished on the occasion, including Mr. DANIEL SHEA, Chief-Officer of Coastguard. This gallant officer had been off in the present and previous life-boats on every occasion they had been afloat, and had contributed in the two boats to the saving of 55 lives from shipwrecks. The other four brave men had also never'shrunk from their dangerous duties.

The Committee expressed their deep regret at the sad accident, and voted 2101. in aid of the fund for the relief of the widows and orphans of the deceased life-boat men, and also undertook to defray the expenses, of the funerals of the drowned men. They also granted a reward of 3/. each, being a six-fold payment to the life-boat crew.

Approved of a draft of the Annual Report of the Institution and list of its officers for the current year.

Read and approved the Inspector's report of his visits to Blakeney, Sheringham, Norwich, Yarmouth, Lowestoft, and Pakefield.

Read letter from Capt. MAYNE, agent of the New South Wales Government, of the 29th ult., asking the Institution to superintend the construction of a life-boat on the plan of the Society for that Government.—Agreed to.

Reported the transmission of the Boulmer, Barmouth, Portmadoc, Courtmacsherry and Winchelsea new life-boats to their stations. The railways and steampacket companies liberally took the boats free to their destinations.— To he thanked.

A public demonstration had taken place at Nottingham, with the Boulmer life-boat, on the way to its station.

Decided that a grant of 201. be sent to the British consul at Calais, in aid of the fund being raised for the widows and orphans of the poor men who perished in the Shipwreck Society's lifeboat, at Calais, while endeavouring to render assistance to the crew of a distressed French vessel off that place, on the 17th Jan. last.

Reported the receipt of the following additional contributions :—401. from X. Y. Z.; 401. from the Committee for conducting the Edzell Drawing of Prizes, 27th August, 1866, per PETER FORREST, Esq.; 26f. 5s. from E. BIRKBECK, Esq.; 1001.

from the Earl of CARYSFORT; 20Z. from JOSEPH GOFF, Esq.; 5fil. from Lady COTTON SHEPPARD ; 101. from W. MCKEHRELL,, Esq.; and 231. contents of Liverpool Custom-House Boxes, per W. P. GARDNER, Esq.— To be severally thanked.

Reported the recent decease of A. H. MONTGOMERY, Esq., the late Hon. Secretary of the Tyrella (Dundrum) Branch of the Institution.

He had for some years past cordially and zealously co-operated with the Society.

The Committee expressed their sincere condolence with Lady MATILDA MONTGOMERY and her family in their sad bereavement.

The thanks of the Institution, inscribed on Vellum, were voted to W. STEVENSON, Esq., late Financial Secretary of the Great Western Railway Company, for his kind and valuable aid, under the instructions of the Directors, in affording, over its lines and their branches, every facility to the Institution to carry out its great and national work on the coasts of the United Kingdom.

The thanks of the Institution, on Vellum, were also ordered to be presented to the following gentlemen: —Mr. Alderman JESSOP, for assisting to collect the cost of the life-boat Sheffield, and the Messrs. WILKINSON and OUVRY, for collecting contributions in aid of the Winchelsea life-boat.

Decided that a life-boat station be formed at Mullion Cove, near the Lizard, where a fearful shipwreck took place on the 6th Jan. last.

The Wesleyan Methodists having collected the cost of a complete life-boat station, in memory of the late Rev. D. J. DRAPER, an able and zealous minister of that connexion in Australia, who unhappily perished in the ship London, in the Bay of Biscay last year, and who was a native of Cornwall, the Draper life-boat was ordered to be placed at Mullion Cove.

Paid 2,4597.9s. "id. for sundry charges on various life-boat establishments.

Voted 15/. to pay the expenses of the Caister life-boat in putting off during a very strong wind and rescuing the crew of 4 men and a boy from the schooner Clyde, of Yarmouth, which was in a dangerous position off Caisterou the 16th Jan. last.

Also 14Z. Is. 6rf. to pay the expenses of the Aberdovey life-boat, in putting off, on the 20th Jan., in reply to signals of distress from the schooner Jane Ellen, of Aberystwith, which, during a heavy gale of wind, had dragged her anchors off Aberdovey.

The life-boat assisted, after remaining by the vessel all night, to take the schooner and her crew of 5 men safely into harbour.

Also 171. 5 to pay the expenses of the Whitburn life-boat in putting off during foggy weather, on the 24th Jan., and bringing safely ashore 6 men belonging to the brig Bentm, of South Shields, which had become a total wreck on the Black Steel Rocks.

It was reported that the Winchelsea life-boat had put off during foggy weather, on the 23rd Jan., and assisted to save the barque Marie Amelie, of Quimper, which had gone ashore about three hundred yards west of the life-boat house.

Also 8L 6s. to pay the expenses of the Southport life-boat in putting off during blowing weather and rescuing the crew of 2 men from the rigging of the sloop Perseverance, of Liverpool, which had sank on the Salthouse Bank on the 2nd Feb.

It was reported that the Great Yarmouth large life-boat was the means, during a gale of wind, of taking safely into Lowestoft Harbour the brig Mary, of Sunderland, which was observed near the Scroby Sand with her mainmast gone on the 16th Jan. It was also reported that the surf lifeboat at Great Yarmouth was the means, on the 18th Jan., during a terrific gale of wind, of taking safely to Lowestoft, with the assistance of a tug, the barque Cltowdeans, of Sunderland, which was in distress off Great Yarmouth.

Voted also 142?. 13s. lid. to pay the expenses of the life-boats of the Institution at Porthleven, Cemlyn, Hayle, Great Yarmouth, Caister, Howth, Alnmouth, Boulmer, Teignmouth, Rye, Brighstone Grange, Ilfracombe, Lytham, and Porthdinllaen, in either assembling or putting off, during the recent heavy gales, in reply to signals of distress from various vessels, which fortunately, however, succeeded in getting out of their dangerous positions, and did not require the services of the boats.

Voted the Silver Medal of the Institution to Lieut. ELTON, R.N., and I I . each to his boat's crew of 5 men, for putting off in a coastguard galley, during a heavy gale from the S.W., and saving 2 men from the schooner Vulcan, and 1 man from the schooner Maria, which were in dangerous positions on the beach near Lyme Regis on the 8th Jan.

Also the Silver Medal of the Institution to Mr. THOMAS M. REES, in acknowledgment of his gallant and skilful conduct in saving, at the risk of his life, by being lowered down some high cliffs, during the very dark and stormy night of the 5th Jan. last, 4 men from the schooner Two Brothers, of Holyhead, which was wrecked on the Pembrokeshire coast.

Also the Silver Medal of the Institution and 21. to Mr. JAMES HARRINGTON, in acknowledgment of his gallant conduct in wading into the surf, and saving, at the risk of his life, 4 men belonging to the brig Charlotte, of Sunderland, which was wrecked during a strong gale from the N.E. on the East Scar, North Landing, Flamborough, on the 1st Jan., 1867. A reward of 10«. each was also granted to 2 men who assisted Mr. Harrington on the above occasion.

Also the thanks of the Institution to Inspecting Officer H. B. GAWLER, E.N., of the Ballyheige division of Her Majesty's Coastguard* and 10».

each to seven other men, for wading into the surf and saving the lives of 7 men from the boat of the brigantine E. L. Lydiard, of New London, which, during a storm, had become |a total wreck on Banner Strand, about seven miles from Ballyheige, on the 8th Jan. last.

Also 121. to the crews of the Kessingland lifeboat and a pilot's lugger for saving 3 men and a boy from the schooner Three Brothers, of Paignton, Devon, which, during a gale from the W.S W., had gone on the Barnard Sand, south of Pakeficld, on the 16th Deo. last.

Also 4i. to eight men for rescuing 4 persons from the schooner General Williams, of Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, which had become a total wreck on the south end of the Long Rock, about half-a-mile from Ballywalter, during a gale of wind, on the 1st Jan.

Also 32. to three men for putting off in a small boat and saving the lives of 3 other men who had been capsized from their boat near the breakwater, at Porthcawl, in a strong wind and heavy sea, on the 28th Jan.

Also 31. to the crew of 'the Fishermen's lifeboat, at "Whitby, for proceeding out on the 30th Dec., during a fresh wind and heavy sea, to the assistance of two Hartlepool pilot cobles, which were observed making for Whitby Harbour.

Also 21. to two men who, at the risk of their lives, dragged 2 other men, belonging to the barque Thomas Humphreys, of Liverpool, out of the water on to the rocks at Cemlyn on the 12th Jan.

Also 21. 10s. to five men for putting off in a small boat and saving one of the crew of the brigantine Julia, of Exeter, which, during a gale from the S.E., had become s, total wreck on the south-east end of the Pole Sand (Exmouth), on the 5th Jan.

Also that II. 5s. be given to 5 men for saving the lives of 5 other men who were capsized from the boat St. Bridget, of Passage East, during a squall of wind, on the 26th Dec.

Also a reward of 10s. to JOHN BAWDEN, of Weston-super-Mare, for saving the lives of 5 men who had been capsized from their boat near that place on the 20th Jan.

Thursday, 28th February.—The Annual General Meeting of the friends and supporters of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION was held this day in the Egyptian Hall of the Mansion House, by the kind permission of the Lord Mayor, His Royal Highness the PRINCE of WALES, K.G., in the Chair.

The Prince having opened the Meeting with an admirable address on the important and national character of the operations of the Institution, the Officers of the Society for the current year were chosen.

The Secretary then read the Annual Report of the Committee.

Various Resolutions were afterwards moved, seconded, and carried unanimously, pledging the Meeting to renewed exertions on behalf of the benevolent and national objects of the Institution.

The Resolutions will be found in the April number of the Life-boat Journal, page 269.

Thursday, 7th March. THOMAS CHAPMAN, Esq., F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair.

Read and approved the Minutes of the previous Meeting, and of the Annual Meeting. Also those of the finance, Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward Sub-Committees.

Elected the Members of the Sub-Committees for the ensuing year.

Read letter from General Sir WM. KNOLLYS, K.C.B., of the 1st inst., transmitting, on behalf of H.R.H. the PRINCE or WALES, a donation of one hundred guineas to the Institution, and expressing the thanks of the Prince to the Secretary, Mr. LEWIS, for the important assistance he afforded His Royal Highness on the day of the Annual Meeting of the Institution.

Decided that His Royal Highness be thanked for his munificent gift through Sir WM. KNOLLYS.

Also that the thanks of the Institution be presented to the Right HON. the LORD MAYOR or LONDON, for the use of the Egyptian Hall, in the Mansion House, for the Annual Meeting of the Institution.

The Committee also desired to express their approval of the able and satisfactory manner with which the Secretary of the Institution organized and carried out aft the arrangements connected with the Annual Meeting.

Read letter from W. BANTING, Esq., of Kensington, of the 7th March, stating that his friend, the donor of 600/. to the Institution, at its annual meeting, approved of the gift being appropriated to the life-boat about to be sent to Buddonness, Dundee, and that it was to be named the Eleanora.— To be thanked.

Also from Capt. E. W. HARRIS, of Roehampton, of the 26th ult., approving of his gift of 420/.

handed to the Society at its annual meeting, being appropriated to the Winterton life-boat, which he wished to be named the Ann Maria.— To be thanked.

Read and approved the report of the Inspector of Life-boats on bis recent visits to Falmouth, Mullion, Lizard, Cadgwith, Porthustock, Porthalla, St. Mawes, Plymouth, and the Isle of Wight.

Also the report of the Assistant Inspector on his visits to Liverpool, Dublin, Courtmacsherry, Queenstown, and Llandudno.

Ordered another safety fishing-boat, 45 feet long, to be built at Anstruther, for the use of the fishermen at that town.

Read letter from Mr. Sheriff WILSON, of Stonehaven, of the 27th ult., stating that the Committee of the Kincardineshire Life-boat Institution were prepared to place their station under the management of this Institution.

Decided that a Branch of the Institution be formed at Stonehaven, N.B., and that the life-boat establishment be completely renovated.

Also that a life-boat, 33 feet long, to row 10 oars, be stationed at Cadgwith, and that a boat-house be built for the same.

Also that a life-boat, 34 feet long, to row 10 oars, be stationed at Falmouth, and that a wooden house be constructed for the boat.

Reported the receipt of a legacy of 301. less duty, bequeathed by the late Mrs. MARY CLARKE, of Lynn.

Also of a contribution of 100A from the executors of the late THOMAS BOYS, Esq., of Hove, Brighton.— To be thanked.

Legacies had also recently been left to the Institution by the late Mrs. ASSE FRITH, of Deptford, 1007.; and the late JOHN ABRAHAMS, Esq., of Fairfield, Lancashire, 1007.

Reported the receipt of 1057. from SAMUEL MORLEY, Esq.; 97J. 13s. 0d. from the Torbay Gale Fund, per J. KITSON, Esq.; 577. 4s. Id. additional from the Commercial Travellers' Lifeboat Fund, per W. BISHOP, Esq.; 402. proceeds of a private ball held at the Hanover Square Booms on the 24th Jan. last, per H. BOOKING, Esq., and J. WEBBER, Esq.; 202. from the Sheerness Literary Institute, being proceeds of an entertainment given by the members, per T. W. PAEEISH, Esq.; 172.

from a dramatic entertainment, per Mr. R. FRANKLAND ; SI. collected on board the S. S.

Roman, per Lieut. K.ER, R.N.R.; 501. from the Earl of HARDWICKE ; 102. 13s. 3d. collected by Mr- J.

LOCET, of Camberwell;— To be severally thanked.

Head letter from J. G. FRITH, Esq., of Wimpole Street, of the 28th ult., forwarding 2002. on account of the cost of a life-boat, which he and Mrs. FRITH were prepared to present to the Institution.

— To be thanked.

Reported that R. M. BALLANTYNE, Esq., had been delivering lectures at different places on behalf of the Institution.— To be thanked.

Read letters from Mr. JOHN DOULL, of South Shields, of the 20th and 26th ult., calling attention to a new plan of life-boafr, invented by Mr. W. LENNEY, of that place.— To be acknowledged.

Also from Sir JOSEPH OLLWFE, M.D., of Paris, of the 15th Jan., presenting to the Institution, on behalf of his friend Dr. »E LABORDETTE, of Lisieux, an instrument invented by that gentleman called a Speculum Laryngien, for the inspection of the throat in cases of apparent death from drowning.— To be thanked.

Also from Messrs. GRASEBROOK and Co., of Gracechurch Street, of the 21st ult., calling attention to a new plan of boat-lowering apparatus.

— To be acknowledged.

Paid 1,868(. 19s. for sundry charges on various life-boat establishments.

Voted 62. to pay the expenses of the Dungarvan life-boat, in putting off during a strong breeze on the 21st Jan., and bringing safely into harbour the ship Cameronian, of Liverpool, and her crew of 20 men, which vessel was in distress off Dungarvan.

Also 252. to pay the expenses of the Caister life-boat in going off in reply to signals of distress on the 8th Feb., and bringing safely ashore the crew of 3 men from the sloop Telegraph, of Sunderland, which during a very heavy gale from the S.S.W. had become a total wreck on the Barber Sand. The same life-boat, on the 28th Feb., was the means, in conjunction with the Scratby lifeboat, of taking safely into Tarmouth the fishingsmack Striker, of Tarmouth, and her crew of 5 men, which vessel during blowing weather had stranded on the Inner Barber Sand.

Also 132. to pay the expenses of the Willie and Arthur life-boat, stationed at New Brighton, in proceeding out in tow of the steam-tug Rover, during a strong breeze, and rescuing the crew of 14 men and a pilot from the barque Coquimbo, of Sunderland, which had stranded on Jordan Flats, on the 25th Feb.

Also 62. 19s. 6rf. to pay the expenses of the Aberdovey life-boat in putting off during blowing weather, and rescuing the crew of 4 persons from the schooner Gratitude, of Aberystwith, which was totally wrecked on the North Bank, Aberdovey, on the 28th Feb.

It was reported that the Winchelsea life-boat was the means, during a strong wind, of rendering important assistance to the brigantine Estelle, of Preston, which was in distress off Winchelsea, on the 1st Feb.

Voted also 672. 2s. 6d. to pay the expenses of the life-boats of the Institution at Ormes Head, Hayling Island, Ark low, Greencastle, and Carnsore, in putting off, in reply to signals of distress during stormy weather, to the assistance of different distressed vessels.

Also the Silver Medal of the Institution to Mr.

WILLIAM NELSON, R.N., commanding officer of H.M. O. Gd. cruiser Eliza, and 52. to his boat's crew of 4 men, in acknowledgment of their gallant conduct, on the 3rd Dec., in putting off in a small boat from the Cruiser and saving, during a strong gale of wind, the crew of 5 men of the brigantine Jane, of Cork, which was in distress off the Irish coast, and which afterwards became a total wreck on Tramore Beach.

Also 102. in aid of a local subscription for the widow and orphans of the late DAVID RICHARDS, one of the crew of the Cardigan life-boat, who, it was stated, bad seriously affected his health through going out in the life-boat on the 6th Jan.

last, and assisting to rescue the crews of the Oliver Lloyd and Turtle Dove.

Also 102. to 20 men at Kingsdowne, Kent, for wading into the surf on the 17th Jan. last, during a heavy gale from the N.E., and effecting a communication with the stranded schooner Argo, of Brixham, by which means her crew of 6 men were saved.

Also 52. 5s. to 13 men for getting ashore 8 of the crew of the Padstow life-boat on the occasion of the unfortunate accident to the boat on the 6th February last.

Also 42. 10s. to 9 men for wading into the surf, and by means of a line saving two men and a boy from the sloop Lucy Ann, of Goole, which, during a N .E. gale, had become a total wreck off Great Yarmouth on the 1st Jan.

Also 22. to 2 men for wading into the surf and saving 2 men and a boy belonging to the schooner Johann, of Hamburg, which, during a strong gale from the S.W., had become a total wreck on the Rocker end, near Niton, Isle of Wight, on the 8th Jan. last.

Also 12. to a coble's crew of 4 men for saving the lives of 6 men who had been capsized from their boat off North Sunderland on the 22nd Feb.

A PRUSSIAN GRACE DARLING.— At Pilau, in Prussia, now lives a woman who has for some years consecrated her life to the noble and dangerous task of rescuing persons from drowning.

Whenever a tempest comes on, day or night, Catherine Kleinfeldt, who is the widow of a sailor, is ready with a boat, in which she puts out to sea, and frequently goes farther than any other, in order to give help to those who may be.

shipwrecked. More than 300 individuals have been saved by her efforts; and, accustomed for 20 years to make voyages with her husband, she possesses a skill and hardihood that render these efforts unusually successful. When she is seen, the greatest respect is paid to her, and the sailors regard her as their guardian angel; the very children of the fishermen go upon their knees to her, and kiss the skirt of her dress. The Prussian and other Governments have decreed her medals, and the Principality of Pilau has made her an honorary citizen for life. She is about sixty years of age, with an athletic figure of great strength (a Grace Darling enlarged into gigantic proportions) ; she has a masculine countenance, which, however, is softened by the benevolent expression that it constantly wears.