.—On the evening -of the llth January, considerable anxiety was felt for the safety of fourteen fishing boats belonging to Poole, the south- westerly wind having suddenly increased to a whole gale whilst they were out at sea. Many members of the Life-boat's crew were in the boats, but a crew was obtained and the Life-boat City Masonic Club launched to their assistance. On reaching the boats she stood by them and accompanied them into port, the last one arriving at about 10.30 P.M. For- tunately all the boats got in safely, but many of them had their sails and gear carried away, and had a very narrow escape..