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New Life-Boats

PORT LOGAN, WIGTOWNSHIRE.—It will be remembered that in the number of the Life-Boat Journal issued in Novem- ber last it was mentioned that the boat on this station had been replaced by a new Life-boat of the latest self-righting type provided for by the legacy of the late Mr. WILLIAM McCunn, of Largs, Scotland, and named as desired ! | by Mm the Thomas McCunn. The inaugural ceremony took place on Saturday, the 18th July, and was attended by a very large gathering from all parts of the parish, the quiet little village with its pleasant outlook on the Irish Channel being given, for the time being, an unwonted appearance of bustle and activity.

Though the wind was somewhat high and the sea choppy, the weather on the whole favoured a successful launch and satisfactory exercise of the boat and crew.

The proceedings were opened with devotional exercises, conducted by the Rev. F. J. GUTTRIDGE of St. Agnes, Logan. After prayer, in which the new boat was dedicated to the service of rescue at sea, passages of Scripture were read. A choir of young ladies then joined in singing the hymn, " Eternal Father, strong to save." Lieut. BASIL HALL, R.N., District Inspector of Life-boats, said that it was a great pleasure to him to have the privilege of representing the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION that day. He wished, in the first place, to publicly acknowledge the gift of that beautiful Life-boat, which was provided by the late Mr. Thomas McCunn.

When it was found that a new Life- boat was required for the station at Port Logan, the Institution, as usual, allowed the crew to choose their own boat. The crew sent a deputation to see the different types, and eventually they selected the one which would be launched that day. In some respects the boat was unique, and there was only one other Life-boat of the same class on the coasts of the United Kingdom.

This type of boat was built specially for places where a boat was required to be light enough to transport, and at the same time to be a good sea boat.

When the Institution sent a new Life- boat they thought that they might also have a new boat-house, and so keep Port Logan to the front as a Life-boat station. He was sure they could not have a better Life-boat crew than Cox- swain Galloway and his gallant men.

(Applause.) Lieutenant Hall then asked Sir Mark MacTaggart Stewart, Bart., to accept the Life-boat on behalf of the Port Logan Local Committee.

Sir MARK STEWART, in replying, said he was accustomed to addressing audiences on various subjects, but never yet had he addressed an audience on the occasion of launching a Life-boat.

It was an interesting occasion on which they had met that day, and he thought he need hardly say that it gave them great satisfaction and great pleasure to receive this magnificent gift from the late Mr. William McCunn and the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITU- TION. (Applause.) They lived on a dangerous coast, surrounded by perilous tides, but they had on the station a thoroughly seaworthy boat and a good crew. He was sure they joined with him in conveying the heartiest thanks of the Port Logan district to the Institution for such a splendid boat.

(Applause.) He trusted that they would always have God-speed, and that the crew would always be ready to sacrifice their lives, if need be.

They knew what gales were, and as no part of the coast suffered more than their own, they were glad to have this boat there. He concluded by asking Mrs. McDouall, of Logan, to christen the boat.

The Life-boat having been run out of the boathouse, Mrs. McDouALL said—I feel it a great honour to have been chosen to perform the ceremony of naming the new Life-boat, and it gives me great pleasure to associate myself with you all on this occasion. I have always taken a great interest in the Life-boat and her welfare—perhaps the more so, as it •was at the launch of on« of these boats that I saw Port Logan for the first time. The Port Logan crew have always been ready at every call to do their duty. They have always done good work in the past, and I am quite sure when the occasion occurs they will do equally good work in the future.

(Applause.) Wishing the new Life-boat and gallant crew God-speed, and every possible success and good luck, I name her the Thomas McCunn.

A bottle of champagne was then broken across the Life-boat's bows by Mrs. McDouall, and amid the cheers of the large company the boat was launched and put to sea in a strong breeze.

After the exercise the crew were entertained at dinner by Mrs. McDouall in the Port Logan Inn.

The success of the proceedings was in great measure due to the excellent arrangements made by the Local Com- mittee and their Honorary Secretary, Mr. Gavin H. Love.

BUCKIE, BANFFSHIRE, AND SEATON CArEW, DURHAM.-—The Life-boats placed by the Institution on these stations have been replaced by new ones. The Buckie Life-boat is of the Watson type and was provided from the legacy of the late Miss Maria Langton, of Chelsea, London. She is named the Maria Stephenson as requested by the donor.

The new Seaton Carew Life-boat is of the latest self-righting type and was the munificent gift of Mr. Robert Lodge, and named at his wish the Francis Whitbourn.