ARDROSSAN.—On the afternoon of the 31st January it was reported that a man and woman had been observed at about 7 A.M. going off in a small punt to Horse Island for the purpose of gathering whelks, and as a gale had suddenly sprung up from the S.S.W. with a broken sea, it was impossible for them to return in their own boat. The Fair Maid of Perth Lifeboat put off at 3 o'clock, was towed to windward by the harbour tug, and then pulled to the lee of the island where the two poor creatures were found drenched with rain and spray, and mnch exhausted.

They were taken into the Life-boat and brought safely ashore. In all probability they would have perished had they been allowed to remain all night on the island, there being no shelter there..