BALLYWALTER, Co. DOWN.— On the morning of the 4th January, 1892, while a moderate gale of wind was blowing from the N.N.E., with strong hail squalls and a heavy sea, signals of distress were seen in the direction of the Ship Rock, about a mile and a half N. of the Lifeboat house. The Life-boat temporarily placed here while the station's boat was being altered was launched, and, on reaching the rock, found that the steamtug Defiance, of Greenock, had stranded there. A very heavy sea was breaking round the vessel, but as she was lying head to wind and sea, there was every prospect that when the tide rose she could be floated off the rock. The Lifeboat remained by her until this was accomplished, and the vessel was able to proceed to Donaghadee harbour, the boat regaining her station at 10.30 A.M..