SEAHAM, DURHAM.—Towards midnight on the 31st Deo., 1898, signals of distress at sea were observed off this place, and when the New Year broke, the Life-boat SJcynner was on her way to render help to the vessel which had displayed them. The weather at the time was thick but calm, . following a strong S.E. wind which had prevailed throughout the day, and the sea was rough. The vessel which was reached at 1 A.M. was the s.s. Niord of Banders, bound from that port for Newcastle, and had stranded about a mile and a half N. of Seaham harbour, the seas washing over her. On nearing her the Life-boat's anchor was let go, the boat veered alongside and succeeded in saving the crew of eleven men. An endeavour was then made to recover the anchor, but it was found that the cable had fouled the rocks, and it had to be cut so as to ensure the safety of the Life-boat, which was in danger of being thrown broadside on. The vessel became a total wreck.

The following gratifying letter appeared in the Newcastle Daily Chronicle of the 7th January :— THE WBECK OF THE "NIOKD." To the Editor of the "Daily Chronicle." " SIR,—On behalf of my crew, who have now left, and myself, I beg to offer my best thanks to the captain and members of the Seaham.

Life-boat crew, the captain and members of the Seaham Life Brigade, for their timely assistance ; Mr. Kelly, agent for the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society; Mr. Smith, harbour-master, and the few people at whose hands I received the best of treatment the night our vessel came ashore. ,lYours &c., "F. EASMCSSEN," Seaham Harbour, " Master s.s. Niord." 5th January, 1899..