ON the 12th April, 1901, the fishing cobles belonging to Runswick, a small village on the Yorkshire coast, were afloat when a heavy sea sprung up imperilling their safety. It became evidently a case for the Life-boat, but unfortunately the men who usually form her crew were now actually those in danger in the fishing boats. The Life- boat was, however, got ready, and by that time one of the cobles was driven safely ashore. Her crew were joined by other men who volunteered their services for the Life-boat, and ultimately a scratch crew of twelve men was obtained. The launch of the Life-boat Gape of Good Hope was successfully effected by women, who bravely waded into the water to get her off. She stood by four of the cobles, each containing a crew of three men, until they had safely landed. The Life-boat was launched at 12.45 p.m.and returned at 2.30, the women who, of course, were thoroughly drenched by wading into the water, not leaving the beach until all the fishermen were out of danger.

Our illustration represents the launch of the Life-boat on this occasion by the women of Runswick, and it may be added that similar good service is fre- quently rendered by women on other parts of the coasts, and often in bitter wintry weather.

His Majesty the King, the patron of the Institution, in the course of an eloquent speech which he made as Prince ; of Wales and President of the Institu- tion, at the London Life-Boat Saturday Dinner on the 1st May, 1900, specially referred to the services rendered by women in connection with Life-boat work. About four hours after this speech had been delivered, the Institu- tion's Life-boat, Grace Darling, stationed at Holy Island, was called out to rescue the crew of a schooner which had struck on the rocks and was rapidly sinking.

Four of the most useful launchers on this occasion were women.