THE late Admiral Sir George Back, F.B.S., who had been accustomed during the latter part of his life to spend a portion of each year at Ramsgate, had at different times given a dinner to the crew of the Life-boat, to show his appreciation of their good services in saving life. On his death it was found that he had bequeathed 3001.

to the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, on the understanding that 200Z.

should be invested in Consols, and the dividends thereon appropriated in pro- viding the Ramsgate Life-boatmen, at periodical intervals, with a substantial dinner. He added, that the selection of the men who were to partake of the repast was to be left to the Secretary for the time being of the Institution, whom he requested to preside over the dinner.

In carrying out this trust, it is found that it is only possible to have the festival at triennial periods. The second gather- ing took place on the 17th of December last, at Corbin's Royal Oak Hotel, Rams- gate, when eighty men were entertained, including the coxswain, Mr. C. E. FISH, 6ie deputy-coxswain, Mr. B. GOLDSMITH, the voluntary crew of the Life-boat Brad- ford, the crew of her consort the harbour steamer, some men who assist when the Life-boat puts to sea, and a number of ex-Life-boatmen who, having grown old in the service, are forced to leave the good work to younger men.

The Chair was occupied on this occasion by MR CHARLES DIBDIN, F.B.G.S,, Secretary to the Institution, who was supported by the Mayor (Captain VAILE), the Rev. J. E.BRENNAN, Captain JONES, Harbour Master and Local Honorary Secretary, the Rev. H. CAMPBELL, and others.

After dinner there was a short list of toasts, the first, of course, being that of " The Queen and Royal Family," proposed by the Chairman, who called upon all present to honour it by standing up and singing the first verse of the National Anthem, a request which was most loyally responded to, and was followed by three ringing cheers led by the Chairman.

The next toast " The memory of the late Admiral Sir GEORGE BACK," was drunk in silence.

Captain JONES proposed " The Royal National Life-boat Institution," and said, that as a sailor he spoke warmly and with all his heart of the admiration which all sailors felt for this great Institution—an Institution which heeded neither nation- ality, creed, or politics; but bent its energies solely to succour and assist all in distress at sea. In this noble work they had the entire nation at their back, and the funds of no society were more readily contributed to by the benevolent of all classes than this Life-boat Institu- tion. Thus the Life-boat's crew must feel that the eyes of ail England were upon them in carrying out the objects of the Institution—(hear, hear)—which from small beginnings had grown into one of the greatest works of benevolence the world ever saw, simply because nothing touched their sympathies, as Englishmen, so thoroughly as contributing to the wants of those in distress—(loud applause).

He then gave the toast, coupling there- with the name of Mr. DIBDIN.

The sentiments expressed were enthusiastically honoured, and the Chairman, in responding, said he had to thank them very much for the very kind way in which they had received the generous and kind remarks of Captain JONES in proposing prosperity to the Institution which he re- presented, and which was presided over by his Grace the DUKE of NORTHUMBERLAND and Mr. EDWARD BIRKBECK, M.P., the " fisherman's friend." He would have them clearly understand that he did not take an interest in the work because he was the paid officer of the Society; but he was its paid officer because he took an interest in the Institution. He also mentioned other facts to show that he had the interests of the Life-boatmen very much at heart, and that the work of the Institution was pro- gressing most satisfactorily. He knew of no nobler work than saving life, and perhaps rescuing from a watery grave the mainstay of many a family.

After a short interval, the Chairman proposed " The Ramsgate Life-boatmen," and said that of all the crews round the coast the Institution had, if not the greatest respect, as great respect for the Ramsgate men as for any other crew. The authorities knew that in the event of a bad storm arising the Ramsgate men were sure to be in the right place. They never flinched from duty, and no storm was so bad, no circumstance so appalling as to deter them from the performance thereof.

In proof of this he need only remind them of one case—that of the Indian Chief. The story of that deed was not only read by all the people of this country, but the foreign press also expressed their great admira- tion for what British sailors could and did do—those sailors on that particular occa- sion being the Ramsgate Life-boatmen.

Since 1865 the local crew had saved no less than 789 lives—a record they might well be proud of. He was sure that, with the modesty characteristic of sailors, they did not want the praise of men. He trusted and believed they did their duty from very much higher feelings, and he therefore had great pleasure in asking the visitors present to drink to the health of the Ramsgate Life-boatmen. He coupled with the toast the name of Captain JONES, who, although not a Life-boatman him- self, took an important share in the work; also that of Coxswain FISH, who had as- sisted to save hundreds of lives, and they had only to look at the medals on his breast to see what sort of a man he was.

The toast was responded to by Captain JONES and Coxswain FISH, the latter re- marking that he was proud to say that every man present was ready and willing to do his duty when called upon.

The meeting was also addressed by Captain VAiLE and the Rev. E. J. BRENNAN, after which the men separated much pleased with the entertainment provided for them.