At 1.30 P.M.

| on the 1st January during moderately i rough weather Acting Coxswain Culham I received a message stating that a barge appeared to be in difficulties. The crew of the Life-boat James Stevens No. 9 at once proceeded to the pier- head and the boat put to sea. The vessel proved to be the barge Outsider, of Rochester, bound for Leigh, laden with ballast. When the Life-boat reached her the master expressed his thanks to the crew for coming to his assistance, but stated that as the weather was moderating he did not wish to leave his vessel, but would be glad if the Life-boat would stand by.

She accordingly did so until the Cox- swain was satisfied that the barge would require no further help..