On the 18th July the Life-boats stationed at Hilbre Island and Hoylake visited New Brighton to take part in a demonstration which had been organized at that place in aid of the " Life-boat Saturday Fund." In order that the conditions respecting the return of the Life-boats to their respective stations the same night might be fulfilled, both boats left New Brighton at 8.30 P.M. in tow of the tug London. When off Leasowe and in the Rock Channel, the Hoylake boat cast off and proceeded under oars to the Hoyle Lake, where horses and her carriage were waiting to transport her to her house. The London proceeded with the Hilbre Island Lifeboat, Admiral Briggs, and in spite of advice given by the Life-boatmen, stood too near the North Bank, with the result that about 9.30 P.M. she ran ashore. There was a moderate E.N.E.

breeze and heavy swell and thick weather. As the tug was in a dangerous position and ran a risk of capsizing, the Life-boat remained in attendance until she floated off with the rising tide about 2.30 A.M. and came to an anchor in deep water; thence the Life-boat was rowed to Hilbre, and reached there at 3.45 A.M..