TORQUAY, DEVONSHIRE.—On the 2nd May a large four-masted barque was observed at anchor in Torbay flying a signal for assistance. The Coastguard reported the matter to the Harbour Master, and within a quarter of an hour of the crew being summoned the Life- boat Wighton was on her way to the barque. A strong gale was blowing from the west, and on arrival at the vessel the captain requested the Life- boat to stand by him through the height of the gale. They learned that the barque was the Hoictli, of Dublin, a vessel of 3000 tons bound from San Francisco to Liverpool with a general cargo. After remaining with her some time, the Coxswain was asked by the Captain to take a message to Lloyd's Agent at Brixhani, and the weather having moderated somewhat, this was done. On their return, as the wind was still dropping, the services of the Life- boat were no longer required ; she there- fore returned to her moorings during the afternoon.

WINCHELSEA, SUSSEX.—A telephone message was received on the 2nd May from Dungeness stating that a vessel off Dengemarsh was flying a signal, " Want immediate assistance." The crew and helpers of the Life-boat John William Dudley were assembled with all despatch, and the boat smartly launched, the helpers wading into the sea up to their necks in order to get her clear. The vessel proved to be the ship Derwent, of London, which in the strong south- westerly gale prevailing had broken adrift from the tug which had had her in tow. The Life-boat stood by her, and later, when the weather improved, she was again taken in tow by the steamer.

The Life-boat then started to return to Winchelsea, but on account of the heavy cross sea running had to make for Dungeness, where she remained, that night, returning to Winchelsea next morning.

FOLKESTONE, KENT. — At 7.20 r.M.

on 14th May the signal was heard denoting the Life-bout was required to assist some vessel in distress, and a ; steamer was seen in the fog making for the shore to the east of Folkestone.

Within a very short time the Leslie had been launched, and was alongside 1 ready to render aid if necessary. The | vessel, which proved to be the steam- ship Marzo, of Bilbao, had been in collision about four miles ofF, sus- taining serious damage, arid was in a sinking condition when beached.

Shortly after the arrival of the Life- boat a tug came from Dover, and it was then decided to move the steamer to a safer position. This was carried out by the aid of the tug and Life-boatmen, the pumps being kept going all night.

Meanwhile efforts were made to stop the leaks, the Leslie remaining alongside, and next morning the steamer was taken successfully to Dover, where she was docked. The Life-boat then re- turned to Folkestone, which was reached about 8 P.M.On the 5th October, about 10 P.M., signals of distress were seen from a fishing-smack being driven before a strong gale from the S. W. The assembly signal was made, and many willing hands quickly got the Life-boat Leslie to the water's edge; here a desperate struggle to launch took place. Enor- mous waves struck the boat, and time after time washed her broadside on ; but in spite of the difficulty of their task the launchers stuck to their post, and the Life-boat was at length got clear of the beach. A flare was then seen oil'Copt Point, and the boat made for it. When nearing the smack, which was the Good Intent, of Folkestone, a heavy sea struck the Life-boat and washed two of the crew out of her; happily the next wave brought the boat close to them, and both were picked up.

The Life-boat, was then anchored and veered alongside the wreck, the three men on board were rescued and the boat started ou the return journey.

Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour large crowds had assembled on the harbour piera awaiting the return of the Life boat, and at 2.30 A.M. a tre- mendous cheer from the crowd denoted the safe return of the boat and the success of her mission. The crew were loud in their praises of the Life- boat, and said she behaved splendidly throughout. Having landed the ship- wrecked men the boat was left in the harbour under the care of two watchmen, but her services were fortu- nately not required again. The smack within a short time of her crew being taken off was dashed on to the rocks and totally wrecked.

The Committee of Management as a special mark of their appreciation of the gallantry displayed during this service conferred the Silver Medal of the Institution with a framed copy of the vote inscribed on vellum on the Coxswain Superintendent, Mr. S. COOK, and made an additional monetary grant to each of the crew.

MARYPORT, CUMBERLAND.—Shortly before 11 P.M. on the 18th May it was reported that a vessel was showing signals of distress on the north side of the harbour. The Life-boat Civil Service No. 5 was launched and proceeded to her assistance. The weather was very squally, a moderate W.N.W. gale blowing, and a rough broken sea, but within a quarter-of-an-hour the Life-boat had rescued the crew of three hands from the vessel, which was the schooner Jane, of Wigtown, with a cargo of pitwood ; she had been making for the harbour when she stranded; eventually she became a total wreck.

ST. DAVID'S, PEMBROKESHIRE.— ! Shortly after mid-clay on the 25th May the Chief Officer of Coastguard reported that he had just received a telegram from Swansea, stating that the captain of the s.s. Tyne had reported a ship- wrecked crew on the North Bishop's Rock. When observed by the steamer her life-boat was at once launched, but they were unable to effect any com- munication on account of the high sea running. Immediately on receipt of the news the Life-boat Gem was despatched to the help of the five men, whom they found on the rock as stated ; they were taken into the Life-boat without delay and landed in safety at St. David's.

They subsequently stated that their vessel, the schooner Edith Crossfield, of Barrow, had struck the rock at G P.M. on the 23rd and sank in half an hour.

Happily they had all managed to get on to the rock in safety, but were compelled to remain there as the ship's boat was wrecked in landing.

HOPE COVE, DEVONSHIRE.—During a dense fog in the Channel on the 27th May, the passenger steamer Ladt/ Hudson Kinahan, of Dublin, ran ashore half a mile to the eastward of the " Holt : Tail," on the, South Devon, coast.

Information reached Hope Cove at 9.15 P.M., and the Life-boat Alexandra proceeded to the vessel with all despatch. Twenty-six of the passengers i were taken into the Life-boat and landed.

In the meantime steps were taken to refloat the steamer, and when this was successfully accomplished those who wished were taken back to the vessel which, in a damaged condition, pro- ceeded to Plymouth. The Life-boat then returned to her station.ISLE OP WlGHT.— On the 28th May, during a temporary lift in the prevailing fog, a schooner was observed on the Atherfield Ledge. The crew of the Life-boat Catherine Swift were summoned, and the boat proceeded to the vessel's assistance. On going along- side they found that she was the Dolly, of Harburg, bound from Teignmouth to Leith with a cargo of china clay. A kedge anchor was laid out, and an unsuccessful attempt made to get her off.

Later another attempt was made with the assistance of a tug, but without avail, and she gradually filled with water. The crew of five hands were then taken into the Life-boat, which landed them in safety about noon.

SCARBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE. — The Life - boat Queensbury was launched about 7.30 A.M. on the morning of the 9th June to render assistance to the fishing fleet, which had to return to harbour on account of the weather.

The cobles left for the fishing grounds about 3 o'clock in the morning, and shortly afterwards the N.E. wind in- creased until it was blowing half a gale, causing the sea to make very quickly.

The Life-boat stood by ready to render assistance in the event of any casualty, but happily her help was not called for.

SOUTHWOLD, SUFFOLK.—About 10 P.M. on the 9th June it was reported that a punt, named the Sapid, belonging to Southwold, had not returned ashore.

As the wind was blowing strongly O O t' from E. by S., accompanied by a very nasty sea, the No. 2 Life-boat Rescue was launched, and for a time searched for the missing boat; in the darkness, however, she could not bo found. The Coxswain then remained at sea until daybreak, when the punt was seen about a mile away. The Life-boat at once made for it, and succeeded, about 4 A.M., in bringing both it and the four occupants ashore in safety.

ARBROATH, FORFARSIIIRE. — At 3.30 A.M. on the 15th Juno two of the fishing cobles were observed trying to make for the harbour. There was a heavy gale blowing from S.S.E., and it was evident that they could not cross the bar without considerable risk to the men on board. The Life-boat James Stevens No. 13 was accordingly launched, and remained in attendance until both cobles were in safety.

NORTH SUNDERLAND, NORTHUMBER- LAND.—During a whole W.S.W. gale and rough sea on the 16th June, the fishing-boat J'ili/rim, of liuckhaven, was observed about three miles oft" North Sunderland Harbour showing signals of distress. At 3.45 P.M. the -Life-boat Thomas Be/rick was sent to her assist- ance, taking with her a borrowed sail, as it appeared probable that the fishing boat's sails had been blown away. This proved to be the case, and after several attempts the Life-boat got alongside and placed the sail and five men oil board. The boat's crew were much exhausted, but with the assistance thus rendered they were able to bring their boat safely into harbour.

On the 25th June the services of the Thomas Bewick were again called into requisition. Four of the herring boats belonging to the port were waiting for the tide to rise sufficiently for them to get into harbour, but in the prevailing weather—a N.E. gale and heavy sea — the harbour authorities considered it dangerous and hoisted the warning signal.

The boats having their catches of fish on board, the men were anxious to land them and it was seen they intended to try to get in. As an attempt would be attended with considerable risk, the Life-boat launched and proceeded out of the harbour, and convoyed each of the boats safely in.

The fishing-boat Affiance, of St. Ives, whilst bound for the fishing-grounds oil the 28th July, stranded on the Fame Islands, the weather being line and the sea smooth at the time. In response to her signals of distress, the Life-boat Thomas Bewick was despatched to assist her, and stood by the boat until the tide flowed sufficiently to float her ; the Life-boat then took her in tow and placed her in safety in the roadstead.

SWANSEA, GLAMORGANSHIRE.—About 110011 on the 6th July the Coastguard fired the Life-boat assembly signal, andin response the crew quickly mustered, launched the boat, and at once pro- ceeded to the s.s. Lilian, of West Hartlepool, which was ashore in a very dangerous position to the south of Mumbles Head. On the arrival of the Life-boat an offer was made to take the crew off, but this they declined as there was no immediate danger. After stand- ing by the vessel for some time the boat returned ashore; but later in the day, on the weather becoming rather threat- ening, the Life-boat again went off to the vessel and remained by her until after hijjh water. As the Lilian proved to be badly damaged and was in a very exposed position, no attempt was made to float her ; and the Life-boat's assist- ance not being required she returned to her station at 2 A.M.

BERWICK-ON-TWEED, NORTHUMBER- | LAND.—During a thick fog on the 24th July, the s.s. Torbryan, of Glasgow, stranded on the rocks at Dodds Well, about 1 i miles north of Berwick Harbour, at 1.30 P.M. The life-saving apparatus went to her assistance and stood by in readiness, but towards evening the Chief Officer of Coastguard sent a message to the Life - boat authorities that it was desirable for the Life-boat to stand by during the night, in case she was required while attempts were being made to refloat the steamer.

The Life-boat Matthew Simpson was therefore launched at G P.M. and pro- ceeded to the scene of the accident.

She remained in attendance until 11 P.M., when the vessel was refloated without mishap, and she then returned to Berwick.

YEALM RIVER, DEVONSHIRE. — A message was received shortly before nine o'clock in the morning of the 6th August, stating that a sailing-barge was in difficulties near the entrance to Mothecombe Harbour. The Life-boat Michael Smart was at once launched and proceeded to the barge, which was found dangerously near the rocks, and shipping a great deal of water, the crew of two men being in a very exhausted condition. She had put to sea the previous evening, but her rudder carried away ; she then anchored, but in the heavy weather which was prevailing, her cable also carried away, and when the Life-boat reached her she was depending only on two small anchors.

As there was not much prospect of the barge remaining afloat very long, the crew were taken into the Life-boat, which then returned and landed them at Yealm Harbour.

ILFRACOMBE, NORTH DEVON. — On the morning of the 6th August, the llfraecmbe Life-boat Go-operator No. - rescued two persons, who were found in a pitiable condition in a fishing boat, which was dismasted and drifting helplessly in a strong W.S.W. wind and rough sea. The boat Bonnie Lad, of Sermen, had been fishing at Sal von, and when about five miles east of Lundy Island homeward bound, had her mast and sails blown away in a squall, about 9 o'clock in the evening of the /5th. She drifted all that night, and it was only due to both men bailing continuously and pumping, that she was kept afloat. About 9 A.M.

she was observed from llfracombe, and reported to the Coxswain of the Life- boat. In less than five minutes, the Co-operator No. '2 was launched, and with the wind and tide in her favour, reached the disabled craft half an hour later, off Watersmouth. It was at once seen that the two men were in a thoroughly exhausted state and almost helpless. Two Life-boatmen were placed on board, who gave them rum and biscuits, and it subsequently transpired that they had had nothing to eat for : over twenty-four hours. The Bonnie Lad was then taken in tow, and both boats reached llfracombe har- bour during the afternoon. The two men, who were father and son, were both very grateful for their timely rescue, and the elder man subsequently stated that " he was never so delighted in his life as when he caught sight of the Life-boat." A few days later, after their safe return home, the Hon. Secretary ' of the llfracombe Branch, Mr. W. COLK, received a letter expressing the heartfelt gratitude of the rescued men and their relations to all who had assisted them in their hour of need.KINGSTOWN, Co. DUBLIN. - - About noon on the 6th August, during a strong W.N.W. gale and rough sea, the Coastguard reported that the ketch Standard, of Fowey, was dragging her anchors and was in danger on a lee shore in Dublin Bay. The Life-boat Dimleary was promptly launched, and proceeded to the place indicated. Tn the meantime, tiie Standard had brought up to her anchors, and on the arrival of the Life-boat was riding head to sea.

As the crew were in no immediate danger, the Life-boat stood by the ketch for an hour, and then, finding her services were not required any longer, returned to her station and was re- housed during the afternoon.

PENNON, ANGLESEY.—During a strong gale on the 6th August, the yacht Maude, of Glasgow, was observed flying a signal of distress while at anchor, and the Lite-boat Christopher Brown at once pro- ceeded to her. Having anchored to O windward, the Life-boat was veered down to the yacht, and three of her occupants were taken off; tho crew of two men, however, preferred to remain on board. The Life-boat therefore returned without them and landed the three men at Beaumaris. It appeared that the yacht was on her way to Scotland, but in the heavy weather lost her sails and some of her spars; she then anchored as stated above, and later in the day was towed by a steamer to moorings off Bangor.

POOLBEG, Co. DUBLIN.—On Sunday, the 14th August, the yacht Psyche, of Dublin, drove ashore near the Flash Light, on the north bank of the Liffey, during a heavy squall in a westerly gale, and as the position of tho occupants was OIK; of great danger the Life-boat Richard Cresswcll was promptly des- patched to their assistance. On reaching the disabled vessel the crew, three in number, were taken into the Life-boat, which conveyed them safely ashore.

HOWTH, Co. DUBLIN.—At 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the 25th August, two youths, aged 15 and 14 respec- tively, took a boat from her moorings in the harbour and proceeded out to sea.

OH getting clear of the harbour, it was noticed by the onlookers that they were inexperienced, and unable to manage their craft. There was a strong W.N.W. breeze blowing with heavy squalls and a moderately high sea. The boat, being driven before the wind and ' O tide, became unmanageable, and the lives of the lads were thought to be in danger. The Life-boat James Stevens No. 7 was therefore launched and was sent to their assistance. In the mean- time the wind lulled somewhat and shifted, and the lads rowed to the Bailey Lighthouse Cliffs, where two boatmen from the shore got on board.

i On the arrival of the Life-boat the whole party was taken on board, and the boat was towed back to harbour.

RHYL, FLINTSHIRE. — Shortly after ; noon on the 3rd August, while a diver was giving a performance fit thy pier- head, the attendant boat was capsized, | throwing her two occupants into the water. There was a moderate N.W.

gale, accompanied by a very heavy sea i at the time. With the assistance of the diver one of the men managed to reach the pier, but the other commenced to drift rapidly out to sea, clinging to au oar. As no small boat could launch in so heavy a sea, the Life-boat, Caroline Hichardson, was signalled for. Within j a few minutes the boat was in the water, i and with all speed proceeded to the- I drifting man, who was skilfully picked up in a very exhausted condition. As soon as the boat regained the shore medical aid was given the unfortunate man, who in due time was successfully restored. The accident having occurred in the middle of the day, both the launch and the rescue were witnessed by sojue thousands of spectators.

LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK.—About 8 A.M.

on the 1st September the Coastguard gave information to the Coxswain of the No. 1 Life-boat, Samuel Plimsoll, that a vessel was aground on the Holm Sand.

He promptly mustered his crew, and left for the vessel in tow of a tug. On reaching the sands the Life-boat was anchored and veered down to the wreck, which proved to be the trawler Paula Bertha, of Ostend, outward bound from Yarmouth. She was hard on the sand and leaking a great deal, the crew were therefore taken into the boat, which then proceeded to get clear of the sands. In the meantime the trawler on the rising tide floated off' the sand into deep water. The boat at once made for her, and several of the men were placed on hoard, and an attempt made to save her. A hawser was carried to the tug, and the trawler was towed to Lowestoft and beached. During the service there was a strong N.N.E. breeze, with a heavy sea running on the sands.

BLYTH, NORTHUMBERLAND.—On the evening of the 5th September, a Spanish steamer, when entering Blyth, collided with the s.s. Pena Cabarga, of Saiitancler, which was outward bound with a cargo of iron ore. The latter vessel nevertheless proceeded, but after getting a short dis- tance out to sea, it was found that she was badly damaged, and she put about to return to harbour ; in doing so, however, she struck on the Seaton Sea Rocks and commenced to settle down. Signals of distress were made, and in response the Life-boat Dash proceeded to her as- sistance. Shortly after the collision, fearing the steamer was about to sink, nine of the crew left her in one of the boats, and they were picked up by one of the steam cutters belonging to the Blyth pilots. On the arrival of the Dash, the remainder of the vessel's crew, fourteen in number, were taken ofl' the steamer. The Life-boat then made for the shore, taking one of the steamer's life-boats in tow, containing the ship's papers, the clothes of the crew, etc. The sea was rough at the time, with a moderate S.E. wind blowing.

ALDEBURGH, SUFFOLK.—About 1 A.M.

oil the 9th September, a telephone message was received from the Shipwash Light-vessel, stating that the brigantine Laura, of Whitstable, had been in collision with the Light-vessel, and was then drifting northwards. The Life- boat City of Winchester was launched, and proceeded to the Sauds, keeping a sharp lookout, in the meantime, for the brigantine, but without result. On arrival at the Light-vessel, the mate of the Laura was found there, he having been knocked overboard by the collision, and rescued by the Lightship men in a drowning condition. He was taken into the Life-boat, which then proceeded to make a further search for the missing vessel, hut no trace of her being found, the Life-boat returned ashore and landed the man they had brought from the Light-vessel.

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN.—During a moderate E.S.E. gale, signals of distress were observed at 10.30 P.M. on the 11th September. The Civil Service No. 6 Life-boat was immediately launched, and proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the pleasure yacht Ea/jle, of Douglas, and succeeded in rescuing her six passengers and crew of two hands. The yacht was hound from Derby Haven to Douglas, and when about three miles south of Douglas Head, her rudder head was carried away by a heavy sea. In spite of the accident, her occupants managed to reach Douglas, hut owing to the very heavy seas running, were unable to enter the harbour, arid drifted into a very perilous position. When rescued, the yacht was in great danger of being dashed on the Conister Rocks..