THIS enterprising and interesting Insti- tution was established in 1889, its object being "the saving of life and property appertaining to ships in distress off the coasts of Japan." Its affairs are successfully managed and worked by a President (H.I.H. PRINCE ARISUQAWA), a Vice-President (MARQUIS NABESHIMA), supported by a very influential Council, whose Chairman is COUNT YOSHII. The head office is at Tokyo, and numerous Branches with Local Committees have already been established. In June, 1900, there were 17 rescue stations in full work- ing order. The Imperial Government takes great interest in Japan's " NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION," not only con- tributing to it an annual subsidy of 20,000 yen (2,OOOZ.), but also giving it every possible assistance. We have been able to obtain the statistics of the lives and vessels saved during the years 1894 to 1898 inclusive, and they are as follows :— 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 Vessels saved.

33 17 22 60 208 Lives saved.

196 62 95 272 980 The Council of the Institution are very sanguine that in the course of a few years they may, with the assistance of the Government, be able to establish as many as 113 rescue stations, and these will, they think, be sufficient for the purposes of the objects of the Institution on the coast of Japan.

The Members of the Institution consist of three classes, Honorary, Ordinary, and Sub - Ordinary, the amount contributed by the Member determining the class in which he is placed. Any Member guilty of conduct detrimental to the credit of the Insti- tution, or of delaying to pay his annual subscription, is deprived of his membership at the discretion of the Council. The Chairman and Council are not, as in this country, appointed by the subscribers, but by the President, who must always be a member of the Imperial Family. The Institution bestows three medals :—(a) The Medal of Merit, to be awarded to persons rendering distinguished service to the Institution; (6) the Medal of Member- ship, to be held by honorary and ordinary Members or subscribers ; and (c) the Medal of Praise, which is bestowed on those distinguishing them- selves for special service in the work of rescue.