SKEGNESS, LINCOLNSHIRE.—On the 6th January two members of the Life- boat's crew were out fishing in one of the small boats belonging to Skegness, when a north-westerly gale sprang up, and shortly after three o'clock in the after- noon their mast carried away. In con- sequence of their signalling for assist- ance the Life-boat Ann, John and Mary was launched with all despatch and succeeded in picking them up before darkness set in; had they failed to do this the men would undoubtedly have perished, the wind and sea having in- creased greatly before the return of the Life-boat.

LONHHOPE, ORKNEYS.—The schooner Brazilian of South Shields, whilst bound from that port to Stornoway with a cargo of coal, became windbound and lay in Longhope Bay for some days.

A change in the wind enabled her to proceed on her voyage, but on the 6th January, when off Cantick Head, she was overtaken by a whole N.W. gale which blew away her sails and spars.

She drifted into the Pentland Firth and about 2 P.M. her distress signal was observed by the Lighthouse keeper who promptly telephoned for the Life-boat.

With all haste she proceeded to the disabled vessel, bub on reaching her found it was impossible to go alongside, the sea being exceptionally heavy. As the only hope of saving the schooner and her crew of eight hands was to get her into shelter, the Life-boat preceded her and by the aid of signals piloted her to South Ronaldshay, where she was beached. This was an arduous service rendered in very cold weather and snow-storms, the Life-boatmen being engaged for twenty-four hours. The help was much appreciated by the rescued men, who next day sent a letter of gratitude to the Coxswain of the boat.

Three days later the Life-boat was again called out to assist the s.s. Domino, of Liverpool. This vessel was bound from Liverpool to Copenhagen, and when off Dunnet Head, owing to the prevailing north - westerly gale, her rudderhead carried away. On the arrival of the Life-boat the steamer's anchor was weighed and together they reached Longhope in safety. The fol- lowing letter on behalf of the master and crew was received by the Coxswain :—• s.s. Domino, Longhope, Jan. 9th, 1905.

To the Coxswain and Crew, Gentlemen,—In my own name and also in the name of my crew, I heartily thank you for the prompt and ready assistance you tendered to us in our time of need. The services coining from an unexpected quarter made them more appreciated still, for I fully ex- pected the boat from the main. Again allow me to tender my thanks, and trust you will all be spared to render aid to those who need it.

Yours truly, (Signed) J. SIMPSON, Master.

HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY. — About 10 P.M. on the 7th January, two steamers, the Stella Maris, of Glasgow, and Oria, of Bilbao, collided off the Skerries.

Within five minutes of the collision the latter vessel sank, but happily her crew were able to get on board the Stella Maris. This vessel then attempted to reach Holyhead, but when within about 500 yards of the Breakwater Lighthouse she sank. The crews of both steamers managed to get into two boats, but unfortunately one had no oars and the other had only one. The casualty was seen from the Lighthouse and a few minutes after midnight an urgent message was sent by telephone for the Life-boat. In response the steam Life-boat DuJce of Northumberland immediately proceeded to the rescue.

Shortly after passing the Lighthouse a Holyhead boat was passed with one of the steamer's boats filled with men in tow.

The Coxswain was informed that the other boat was still missing. The Life- boat cruised about all night and at daylight found that the remaining men, twelve in number, had with the help of the oar and some loose board from thebottom of the boat reached Skerries Island in safety. The twelve men were taken on board and conveyed to Holy- head where they were landed shortly after noon. During this service the S.W. wind varied from a strong breeze to a gale and the sea was very heavy.

RAMSGATE, KENT.—At 7 A.M. on the 8th January a message was received that signal guns were being fired by j the Lightvessels which protect the .

Goodwin Sands. Orders were at once given for the Life-boat Bradford to proceed to sea. On arriving at the East Goodwin buoy, she found a steamer, the Ole Bull, of Bergen, ashore, having stranded about two hours earlier in the thick weather.

Her crew had endeavoured to run an anchor out in one of the steamer's boats, but owing to the strong tide were unable to do so. Six Life-boatmen were put on board and an anchor let go. At 10 A.M. the Harbour tug j arrived and a rope was at once carried to her and after an hour's efforts the steamer was towed off stern first. As there was no more help required the ; Life-boatmen returned to their boat, ' which made for home.

BEOADSTAIRS, KENT.—The crew of four hands of the schooner Volunteer of : Carnarvon, bound from Dunkirk to | Sligo with a cargo of slate, passed a terrible night on the Goodwin Sands on the llth-12th January. Shortly before midnight during a N.W. gale the vessel ran on to the dreaded sands, and fearing she would become a wreck flares were burnt to attract attention, j The sea quickly commenced to dash j right over the vessel, and the imperilled seamen took to the rigging where they '.

remained for eight hours drenched to the skin, awaiting help from the shore.

Although the men were unable to signal after their vessel first struck, the guns from the Lightvessels called out the several Life-boats in the neighbour- hood. They quickly reached the vicinity of the wreck, but in the storm and darkness were unable to locate her, ! so after many hours' search made for j home. At daybreak the coastguard at j Broadstairs saw the schooner on the I sands with the sea making a clean breach over her. He promptly reported it, and the Life-boat Francis Forbes Barton again put to sea and made straight for the wreck. On getting alongside the crew were found in a helplessly numbed and exhausted con- dition. Life - boatmen were put 011 board who unlashed them and helped them into the boat, and with all speed the return journey was commenced.

" First aid " was used to restore warmth and life to the men until landed, when all that was possible was done for their comfort.

NEW BKIGHTON, CHESHIRE.—During a W.N.W. moderate gale on the 12th January a telephone message was re- ceived reporting that a ship was ashore near the Formby Lightvessel. The steam Life-boat Queen was despatched, and on proceeding alongside found the ship Kalliope of Hamburg in a very dangerous position, with her anchors dragging. It was therefore considered advisable to stand by her in case of emergency, and this was done for some hours, when tugs succeeded in towing her clear and took her to Liverpool.

HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY.—On the night of the 13th January the s.s. M. J.

Hedley, of Penzance, collided with the mail steamer Connaught, and was so badly damaged that her crew were compelled to desert her. A message reaching Holyhead, the steam Life-boat Duke of Northumberland was at once sent to the scene of the accident, as it was not known what damage had been sustained by the mail boat. On meet- ing her, however, she signalled that she did not require help and the Life-boat proceeded to the M. J. Hedloy, which was found in the vicinity of the North Stack. Some Life-boatmen were placed on board, and she was taken in tow by a tug and eventually beached in the outer harbour.

APPLEDORE, NORTH DEVON.—While a whole gale from S.E. was raging, accompanied by a very heavy sea, on the night of the 14th January, signals of distress were observed from a vessel on the " Middle Ridge," near Appledore.The Life-boat Jane Hannah MacDonald was launched, and finding the ketch Advance, of Bideford, in a sinking con- dition rescued her crew of three hands.

The ketch was bound from Newport to Plymouth with a cargo of coal, but a few minutes after her crew were taken off she filled with water and sank.

GOBLESTON, SUFFOLK.-—One of the finest services in the neighbourhood of Gorleston in exceptionally severe weather was performed by the steam Life-boat James Stevens No. 3 on the night of 15th-16th January, 1905. A strong S.E. wind had been blowing for days, and that night had increased to a furious gale, the sea was terrific with the bar at its very worst, and the temperature was below freezing, in fact the Coxswain stated that in all his many years of experience he had never seen such a sea. Shortly after 6 P.M. a report was received that a vessel was in distress four miles away to the south.

Undaunted by the state of the weather the Coxswain and chief engineer called their men together and started to the rescue. On reaching the vessel—the brig Celerity of Lowestoft—she was found to be dragging her anchors, and her imperilled crew, six in number, were successfully rescued. As it was impossible for the Life-boat to return over the bar at low tide she anchored outside, her crew exposed to the biting cold and fury of the storm until after 2 A.M., when she made the harbour in safety and landed the rescued men.

The behaviour of the steam Life-boat in such exceptionally severe circumstances is spoken of in the highest terms, and her excellent sea-going qualities are now fully established amongst the local Life-boatmen.

The Committee of Management, as a special mark of their appreciation of the gallantry displayed by all on this occasion, awarded the Silver Medal of the Institution to Mr. SIDNEY HABBIS, Coxswain superintendent and to Mr.

JAMES SCLANDEBS, chief engineer, together with an additional pecuniary grant to them and to each of the crew and engine-room staff.

CLOVELLY, NORTH DEVON.—During a strong S.E. gale and heavy sea on the 15th January, several vessels ran for shelter toClovelly,and amongst them the ketches Jane Ann Elizabeth of Swansea, and Thomas Edwin of Plymouth, bound from Bideford with coal. At 8.10 P.M.

these ketches made signals of distress and the Life-boat Elinor Roget was promptly launched and rescued both crews consisting of six men, bringing them ashore shortly before 10 P.M.

MABOATE, KENT.—At 3.15 A.M., on the 15th January a message was received from the Kentish Knock Lightvessel reporting a ship ashore on the sands.

A whole S.E. gale was blowing, the sea was very heavy, and the weather bitterly cold. Without loss of time the Margate No. 1 Life-boat Eliza Harriet proceeded to the sands arriving about 8 A.M.

Owing to the very heavy seas it was only with great difficulty the Life-boat got alongside. The vessel proved to be the ketch Malvoisin of London, bound from Gravelines to Goole, with a cargo of phosphates; she had lost her rudder, her sails had blown away in the gale, her bulwarks were smashed, and the sea at times made a clean breach over her.

Finding that nothing could be done for the ketch and that she was twenty- three miles from Margate, the master decided to abandon her. The Life-boat proceeded alongside and took off the crew, all of whom were in a very exhausted condition, but whilst so engaged the position was one of great danger to all, owing to the seas break- ing over the vessel, and the boat was damaged. Margate was reached again at 1.30 P.M., the men having had an arduous task in very severe weather.

Two of the four rescued men when landed were in a state of collapse. The Committee decided to award the silver medal of the Institution to the Assistant Coxswain Mr. S. CLAYSON, who was in charge of the Life-boat on this occasion, and he and the other members of the crew were each granted an additional monetary reward.

Next day it having been ascertained that the ketch was still afloat, the Life- boat again put off, at the request of the owners, to see if the ketch could be saved. The severity of the weatherhowever prevented the Life-boat reach- ; ing her and she had to put back.

On the 17th idem, a further attempt was made, and together with the help of a tug the Life-boatmen were able to bring the ketch into port in a very battered and leaking condition.

ABERSOCH, CARNARVONSHIRE.—Dur- ing snowstorms and very cold weather, on the morning of the 16th January, signals of distress were observed off Benar Point, the Life-boat crew were immediately assembled and the Life-boat Oldham proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the schooner Seven Brothers, of Beaumaris, bound from Portmadoc to Newport. Her anchors were dragging in the prevailing south-easterly gale, and her crew of three hands being in danger were taken off by the Life-boat, which landed them at Penrhyn Point.

Two hours later further signals of distress were seen from the schooners Gowerian, of Aberystwith, and Sarah Dames, of Dublin. The Oldham was again launched, and rescued both crews nine hands all told. The gale had increased to the strength of a " whole gale" and the sea was very heavy and broken during this second service, but shortly afterwards the wind changed, and the vessels' anchors held. Next day when the storm abated the rescued ; men were able to return to their vessels.

j CLOVELLY, NORTH DEVON. — The schooner Ensign, of Plymouth, displayed signals of distress, in a strong S.S.E.

gale, off Clovelly, on the 16th January, and in response the Life-boat Elinor Roget, put off and rescued her crew of five hands, the service being performed skilfully and expeditiously.

GORLESTON, SUFFOLK. — The four- masted barque Optima, of Hamburg, stranded on the Haisborough Sands on the morning of the 19th January, and the guns fired by the Light-vessels brought several Life-boats and tugs in the vicinity to her assistance. The vessel was 2,845 tons register, with a crew of 32 hands on board, and was bound from Hamburg to Santa Kosario, South America, with a cargo of coke.

On the arrival of the steam Life-boatJames Stevens No. 3 she was employed to assist in an attempt to salve the vessel, and next day the Gorleston No.

1 Life-boat Marlt Lane arrived, and was also engaged, together with another Life-boat. That night half a gale of wind from N.E. sprang up, and for safety the crew were taken into the Life-boats, but hopes of saving the barque were not abandoned. About 5 A.M. on the 21st the wind moderated, and the men were put back, and worked all day at the pumps and to jettison all the cargo possible. Several tugs were also engaged to tow her clear, but all efforts were fruitless. The sea mean- while had been increasing in roughness and huge waves washed right over the ship. At 5 P.M. from the bumping and straining, the vessel's back suddenly broke, and she swung round, placing the Life-boats and the men on board in grave danger. The steam Life-boat then rendered most useful and valuable service in towing the other boats clear of the wreck, and her promptness alone averted a serious catastrophe, the Mark Lane being seriously damaged by being dashed against the vessel's side befoi'e help could reach her. All hands were eventually rescued and landed at Yar- mouth in safety but the magnificent vessel had to be left and became a total wreck.

CAISTER, NORFOLK. — The Caister No. 1 Life-boat Covenl Garden rendered valuable assistance to the ship Jessomene, of Liverpool, on the 21st January.

The vessel, whilst bound from South Shields to California with a general cargo, got in dangerous proximity to the Cross Sands during thick weather with a strong S.E. breeze and heavy sea. Her signals brought the Covent Garden to her aid, and the Life-boat- men, having got the vessel clear she was able to proceed.

HARWICH, ESSEX.—Information reached Harwich about 4.20 P.M. on the 21st January that a vessel was on the Cork Sands, amd the steam Life-boat City of Glasgow proceeded to her.

They found she was the schooner Dashing Wave, of Fowey, bound from Dunkirk to Ipswich. The crew werepreparing to leave the ship, but on the arrival of the Life-boat the crew were engaged to try and salve her, and in this they were eventually successful.

The weather was moderate but foggy at the time of the accident.

NEWBUEGH, ABEKDEENSHIKE.— About 10 P.M. on the 26th January signals of distress were observed on the North Sands. The Life-boat's crew was summoned arid the James Stevens No. 16 j proceeded to the spot. There they found the steam trawler Ulundi, of Grimsby, ashore. As there was no immediate danger, the Life-boat, at tho request of the master, stood by the trawler until some three hours later they succeeded on the flowing tide in getting the vessel clear. The Life-boat then returned to her station.

THUUSO, CAITHNESS-SHIEE.—During a, strong W.N.W. gale with heavy sea on the 28th January the schooner Helen Hutcliesou, of Peterhead, at anchor in the Roadstead, showed signals of distress after an unsuccessful attempt by the vessel's crew to land in their own boat, which they were obliged to abandon on account of the gale and heavy swell.

The Life-boat Co-operator No. 3 was launched and proceeded to the schooner which was dragging her anchors and rescued the three men on board. The vessel was bound at the time for Belfast with a cargo of paving stones.

VINTEKTON, NORFOLK. — On the 28th January, shortly before seven o'clock in the evening, a telephone message was received stating that a vessel was on the Haisborough Sands and the No. 2 Life-boat Margaret was launched with all despatch. On reach- ing the vessel, which was the s.s. Ben- crtjy, of Liverpool, bound from the Tyne to Algiers with a cargo of coal, they were asked to stand by as the master hoped to get his vessel clear on the following tide. In this he succeeded, and the Life-boat having remained a sufficient time to ascertain that the vessel was not making water, returned to her station.

GOKLESTON, SUFFOLK.—The s.s. Sinloo, of Newcastle, and s.s. Douglas, of Sun- derland, collided when near the Cross Sand Light-vessel in moderately fine weather, on-the 28th January. Guns were heard at Gorleston at 6.50 P.M., and the steam Life-boat James Stevens No. 3 proceeded to the Light-vessel where they found nine of the crew of one steamer taking refuge. As they were in safety the steam Life-boat proceeded to the scene of the accident. The Douglas had already foundered, whilst the Sinloo was on fire and rapidly sinking. Having ascertained that no one was on board, the Life-boat then went to another steamer which was in the vicinity, and found three ship's boats under her lee with the missing men. All were trans- ferred to the James Stevens No. 3 which then returned to the Light-vessel and took oft' the nine she had left there, and both crews, numbering in all thirty-three hands, were landed at Gorleston.

CULLKECOATS, NoETHUMBEELAND.— After the fishing cobles had put to sea on the 31st January the N.W. wind freshened, causing the sea to make rapidly. Two of the cobles ran into Shields, but as the return of the re- mainder was attended with considerable risk the Life-boat Co-operator No. 1 was launched and attended them into harbour.

GIKVAN, AYESHIBE.—A strong W.N.W. gale with a very heavy sea on 1st February caused great anxiety to be felt for some of the fishing boats which were at sea. About 4 P.M. a boat was seen approaching the harbour, and as it was felt that she could never weather the bar the Life-boat James Stevens No. 18 was launched to warn her not to come in. The fishing boat, which was the Helen Walker, ou the advice of the Coxswain then made for Woodland Bay, the Life-boat ac- companying her. Assistance was then given in anchoring the vessel, and the Life-boat remained by her and another boat, the Polly, of Girvan, also at anchor. At high-water both boats were riding so heavily that the crews, eight all told, were taken oft' and landed in safety. Next day it was ascertained that the Polly had driven ashore andwas wrecked, but the Helen Walker having outlived the gale was helped into Girvan by the Life-boat. The crew were loud in their praises of the behaviour of the Life-boat, and both ! the launch and services were skilfully carried out.

DUNBAR, HADDINGTONSHIRE.—About 9.40 P.M. on the 4th February during a ' strong westerly gale intimation was re- j ceived that s.s. Bt'so, of Haugesund, had run on to " Longcraig" rocks about seven miles to the east of Dunbar. The crew of the William Arthur Millward Life-boat were summoned and the boat launched in charge of the Assistant Cox- : swain, the Coxswain being at sea. On j reaching the steamer no one could be I found on board, and the Life-boat re- turned ashore. About half an hour later the Coxswain came into harbour from fishing and observed flashing lights being burnt. He promptly launched the Life-boat again and made for the spot. When four miles out they came upon a small pram, to ac- commodate five, in which were eleven seamen in a most exhausted state, the boat being almost to the water's edge.

The captain stated that the position of his vessel had become so critical that he had to abandon her, and that they had been at sea for some hours between life and death, perfectly oblivious of where they were. All were transferred to the Life-boat which brought them in safety to Dunbar.

POET PATRICK, WIGTOWNSHIRE.— On the 6th February, shortly after midday, the barque Marianna, of Arendal, in tow, was observed about one and a half miles off Port Patrick with a heavy list and not able to steer. There was a strong S.W. wind and heavy sea running, and as it was feared that the vessel must go on to the rocks the Life- boat Civil Service No. 3 was sent to her assistance. When six miles north of Port Patrick the vessel's tow rope | parted and she drove on to the rocks j and became a total wreck. Before this .

happened the tug was able to take off all the men on board, and with the j exception of one who was landed by the Life-boat, they proceeded with the tug.

WALTON-ON-NAZE, ESSEX.—A tele- phone message from the Gunfleet Light- house at 8.31 A.M. on the 15th February reported that a vessel was on the Gunfleet Sands. The Life-boat James Stevens No. 14 promptly proceeded to the place indicated and found the steam ketch Dunnikier, of Kirkcaldy, aground.

The Life-boat stood by her for some hours, and then returned home leaving a tug with the ketch to assist her if necessary, the men on lioard being in no danger. The ketch at the time was bound from Montrose to London with a cargo of potatoes, but went on to the sands in the prevailing haze.

STOKNOWAY, ISLAND OP LEWIS.—The westerly gale on the 18th February was one of the fiercest experienced at Stornoway for a long period, and the squalls at times attained hurricane force.

About 4.45 P.M. information was re- ceived that a fishing lugger, the Magni- ficent, of Buckie, which, owing to stress of weather, was compelled to anchor in a very dangerous position in Branahine Bay, was making distress signals. The crew of the Life-boat Sarah Pilkington were summoned, and although in going to the vessel they would be exposed to the full fury of the gale and a very heavy sea, they started undaunted on their errand of mercy. They found the fishing boat anchored in close proximity to a reef of rocks over which the sea was breaking fiercely. The wind just then veered to N.W. in a heavy squall, rendering the vessel's position safer, and the crew re- fused to leave her : but the Life-boat remained with the lugger until she got under way, which the change of wind enabled her to do. The vessel and Life-boat in company then made for Stornoway Harbour, which was reached after the boat had been out on service for seven hours. The Life-boat is re ported to have behaved excellently.

THURSO, CAITHNESS-SHIRE.— During the gale on the 18th February three schooners lying at anchor in Scrabster Roads made signals of distress, and the Life-boat Co-operator No. 3 put off to them and landed their crews, fifteen in number. The sea was rough, but allthe vessels were able to ride out the gale, and when the weather moderated the crews returned on board.

:-*HAKTLEPOOL, DUKHAM.— During a blinding snowstorm with the wind blow- ing a strong northerly gale, the ketch Myrtle, of Yarmouth carrying a crew of three hands was driven ashore near West Hartlepool Harbour, on the 20th February. The ketch was on a voyage from St. Andrews to London, with a cargo of potatoes when she sprung a leak. An attempt was made to reach Hartlepool but she drifted into broken water, lost her rudder and became un- manageable. A tug got communication with the ketch, but after about an hour's work had to abandon her, and the No. 2 Life-boat, Charles Ingleby, was launched at 10 A.M. to the rescue.

When the vessel was reached the heavy seas were washing right over her, but by skilful management the three hands were saved. The rescue was effected within view of hundreds of spectators who watched the scene with great in- terest, the behaviour of the boat being splendid. When she got clear of the stranded vessel an endeavour was made to regain the harbour and a tug put off and assisted her in.

NEWBICGIN, NOKTHUJIBEKLAND. — When the cobles were out fishing on the 23rd February, the sea increased so much as to cause the landing to be very dan- gerous, the Coxswain therefore took out the Life-boat Robert and Susan and stood by them as they came in.

Happily no mishap occurred and when all the cobles had come in the Life-boat was rehoused.

HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY.—At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 26th February, during a whole S.S.W. gale with a very heavy sea, signals of distress were ob- served from a vessel in the bay. The steam Life-boat Duke of Northumber- land was at once ordered out, and whilst on her way further signals were seen from another vessel near by. On reaching the vessels the crews requested the Coxswain to take them off as the anchors were dragging and they feared their crafts would not weather the storm. They were accordingly taken into the Life-boat which landed them at Holyhead about 3 A.M. Both vessels were schooners, the first being the Mary Annie, of Dublin, with three hands, bound from Arklow to Chester, and the other the Margaret Garton, of Castletown, with five hands, bound from Milford to the Isle of Man, with a cargo of coal.

WEYMOUTH, DOKSET.—At 8 A.M. on the 26th February, a telephone message was received from the coastguard that one of H.M. Torpedo Destroyers was rapidly drifting towards the break- water, and that the crew of the Life- boat Friern Watch should be assembled in case of need. As a hurricane from the S.W. was blowing and the sea was very heavy this was promptly done, and the men remained on duty until the Destroyer with the help of a tug got into safety. Within an hour a further message arrived, stating that a ship was in distress with her crew in the rigging 6 miles S.S.W. of Grovepoint. The Friern Watch was immediately launched and in tow of a tug proceeded to the • vessel, which proved to be the barque ! Countess cf Anglesey, bound from Rouen to Liverpool in ballast. The crew I wished to be taken off, and two of the men got into the Life-boat, one falling | into the sea and with difficulty being j picked up, the captain, however, for- ; bade any more to leave the vessel.

j The Life-boat then remained by her, ', and subsequently two tugs were able to | take the barque into safety.

j FLAMBOUOUOJH, YOKKSHIKE.—On the 1st March, during a N.E. gale ac- ! companied by a heavy ground sea, in- ; formation was received that some of the fishing craft were in distress off' the j Head. The Life-boat at the No. 1 j station was launched and convoyed them into safety. The sea by this time had increased so much that it was impossible for the boat to return to her station, she was therefore taken to the No. 2 station on the south side of the Head for the night and replaced in her own house the next day.BERWICK-ON-TWEBD, NORTHUMBER- LAND.—The brig Traen, of Christiania, was wrecked during a moderate north- easterly gale and thick weather, on the 2nd March, on the Goswick Sands.

About 7.30 A.M. the coastguard reported by telephone that a vessel was ashore.

The Coxswain quickly summoned his crew, and the Life-boat Matthew Simp- son made for the wreck. She was found fast ashore with the sea washing over her, and a quantity of telegraph poles, of which her cargo consisted, washing about her, and alongside was the ship's boat in a swamped condition.

The Life-boat hauled as close as possible alongside, and in doing so had much difficulty in getting through the floating cargo and wreckage, sustaining some damage. With all haste the crew of seven men were taken off, there being immediate danger of the masts going by the boai-d. The Life-boat then pulled clear of the wreckage and was picked up by a tug, which took them with all speed to Berwick, the rescued men being very exhausted and suffering from wet and cold.

This was a meritorious service, and the unfortunate sailors were loud in their expressions of gratitude to the brave Life-boatmen ; they were greatly affected when told that within two hours of their rescue their vessel had totally disappeared.

PALLING, NORFOLK.—About midnight on the 6-7th of March, during hazy weather, the coastguard observed a vessel ashore about a mile to the north of Palling and reported it. The No. 1 Life-boat, 54 A West Norfolk Regiment, was launched and proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the schooner Maria, of Hull, bound from that port to London with a cargo of coal. The Life-boatmen were engaged, together with a yawl which had also put off, to try and get the schooner off, and after some hours' work were successful. The Life-boat then returned to her station.

RAMSGATE, KENT.—On the 8th March, soon after daylight, it was reported that a ketch was ashore on the north part of the Goodwin Sands. The weather up to this time had been hazy. Orders were at once given for the Life-boat Bradford and a tug to go out to her.

On reaching the Sands the Life-boat could not get near to the vessel, there not being sufficient watei", but a rope was made fast to the ketch, and, as the tide made, she hauled alongside and took off the crew of three hands, one of whom had a wooden leg. It appeared that the vessel, which was the ketch Wesley, of Jersey, whilst bound from Montrose to Guernsey with a cargo of potatoes, ran ashore at 3 A.M.

It was then blowing a W.N.W. gale, and as soon as she struck she com- menced to make water and the seas broke over her. The crew took to the rigging until the tide ebbed, and when they were rescued the ketch was prac- tically a wreck.

PORT PATRICK, WIGTOWNSHIRE. — About midday on the 8th March, the fishing-boat Irex, belonging to Port Patrick, became unmanageable in the S.W. gale and strong tide. As it was seen she could not make the harbour, the Life-boat Civil Service No. 3 was sent to her assistance and when about a mile to the north of the harbour came up with her. The crew consisting of three hands were taken off and shortly afterwards a heavy sea struck the abandoned vessel and she capsized. The | Life-boat then made for home, and i although she had only a mile to travel the struggle against wind and tide was so severe that it was nearly four hours before the Life-boat regained her j station. The seas were exceptionally ! rough and at times broke right into the Life-boat, completely burying her, but she freed herself well and eventually with the exception of break- j ing some oars and rowlocks reached ; Port Patrick in safety.

' YARMOUTH, NORFOLK.—Shortly after 10 P.M. on the 8th March information I was received that a brigantine was ashore about a mile to the north of the station. The assembly signal was fired and the Life-boat John Burch launched.

On reaching the vessel she was found to be the brigantine Clio, of Ardrossan, bound from Littlehampton to Sunder- land in ballast. The sea was heavyand the wind S.S.W. moderately strong. The Life-boat was engaged by the master to stand by and render assistance in getting the vessel off.

About 7 next morning, with the aid of a tug, the vessel was floated and together with the Life-boat was taken into harbour.

MARGATE, KENT. — The schooner JR. T. K., of Fowey, was seen to show signals of distress when off the North Foreland, on the 12fch March. It was blowing a gale from W.S.W. and the sea was heavy. Without delay the No. 2 Life-boat, Civil Service, No. 1, proceeded to her. On approaching the schooner her signal was lowered, she having accepted help from a service galley. At the request of the master the Life-boat stood by him until his vessel was out of danger and then made for home. On the way a signal was made by the steamer St. Vincent, of Glasgow, and the Civil Service No. 1 made for her. On arrival the captain stated that one of his crew had been seriously injured, and requested that he should be landed. He was taken into the boat which then returned to Mar- gate and he was handed over to the local Ambulance Corps for removal to the Hospital.

BEMBRIDOE, ISLE OF WIGHT, and SOUTHSEA, HAMPSHIRE. — During a strong S.W. gale and heavy sea on the 12th March, a message was received stating that a large vessel was being driven rapidly ashore at Hayling Island and that unless assistance reached her promptly she would go ashore and become a total wreck. The Bembridge Life-boat, Queen Victoria, was launched with all despatch and proceeded under all sail possible to the vessel. She proved to be the barque Eugene Schneider, of Nantes, she was then at anchor, but in the storm they would not hold. About the same time the Southsea Life-boat, Heyland, arrived upon the scene, in- formation having also been sent to Southsea respecting the distressed vessel.

The crew of thirty hands were prepar- ing to leave the barque when tugs arrived, the Life-boats were therefore asked to convey hawsers to the tugs | and this was done. The hawsers after- ; wards parted, but others were got on I board and eventually the vessel was taken into safety.

I j TENBY, PEMBROKESHIRE.—About 2.30 in the morning of the 15th March, ! when a whole gale from S. was raging, the Life-boat, William and Mary Devey, was launched in response to signals of I distress from the schooner Millom Castle.

| Great difficulty was experienced in get- ting alongside the schooner owing to the pitching and rolling, but after four un- successful attempts it was accomplished j and the crew, numbering three hands all told, were safely taken off, together i with their dog.

j ABERSOCH, CARNARVONSHIRE. — A W.S.W. gale of unusual severity was experienced on the 15th March, and at 5 A.M. signals of distress were observed from a vessel in St. Tudwell's Roads.

The Life-boat Oldham was launched in response, and found the schooner Pluvier, of Aberystwith, had been in collision with another vessel and had lost her foremast and bowsprit. As the sea was very heavy and the squalls at times terrific the crew of six men were taken into the Life-boat, and brought into safety to Llanbedrog, about 8 A.M.

Some hours later when the Life-boat Oldham was about to return to her station, further signals were observed from the schooner Jannet of Carnarvon, the boat immediately proceeded to her and found she was on a lee shore in a very dangerous position with her anchors dragging, the five men on board were rescued, and when the weather mode- rated a tug was fortunately able to take the Jannet to a fresh anchorage.

YARMOUTH, NORFOLK. — During a strong southerly gale and heavy sea on the 15th March, signals of distress were seen from a vessel near the Barber Sands, and the Life-boat John Burch was launched and proceeded in the direction of the signals. On reaching the vessel, which was the brigantine Minnie Eaton of Lowestoft, it was found she had dragged her anchors about three-quarters of a mile, and was on the edge of the sand. The boat stood by the brigantineuntil the tide changed, and then assisted her to proceed on her voyage to Lowes- toft, whither she was bound with a cargo of coal.

POEMBY, LANCASHIRE. — During a whole S.W. gale on the 15th March tho steam hopper No. 3, of Liverpool, was observed to be in difficulties, and the Life-boat John and Henrietta was launched and went to her. The hopper had lost her rudder and was drifting perilously near Jordan's Flats ; she there- fore let go her anchors, which prevented her running aground. The master would not leave his vessel, but asked the Life- boat to stand by him. This she did for some hours until the steam dredger Blanche came to the vessel's assistance.

Owing to the very heavy sea communi- cation could not be made between the two vessels and at the request of the captain the Life-boat again gave her aid. After half an hour's battling with the heavy seas she succeeded in picking up a buoy with a line attached, floated from the Blanche, and then obtaining a another line from the vessel in distress, a hawser was soon established between the two. Finding the hopper did not require any further help the Life-boat then returned to Formby..