IN 1914 supplies of oil were issued to eight Stations with a view to finding out the best way of using it to reduce breaking seas, and in 1920, as a result of these experiments, all Stations were supplied with canvas bags, pierced with holes, each bag containing a tin of fish- oil with a collapsible head.

The result of the experiments has been to show that the effect of oil is very uncertain. In moderate breakers or surf, the force of which a Life-boat could disregard, the effect is marked and beneficial, but in heavier breakers or surf the effect cannot be guaranteed.

There is no doubt, however, that the use of oil was of material help in reducing the seas in the service to the hospital ship Rohilla, off Whitby, in October, 1914, at the critical moment when the * See " Report of the International Confer- ence on the World's Life-boat Service, 1924." Motor Life-boat was manosuvring, broad- side on to the waves, to get under the lee of the wreck.

Oil was again used with good effect off Whitby in a service to the fishing boat Pilot Me, on 21st December last.

There was a very heavy easterly sea across the harbour entrance, and a strong run of fresh water out of the harbour from the River Esk. To make the harbour in such conditions would be extremely dangerous, and the Motor Life-boat put out to sea. As the Pilot Me got near, the Life-boat spread oil at the harbour entrance, and then waited, head to sea, just inside the har- bour bar. Her further help, however, was not needed. The Coxswain reported that the one oil-bag used had had a very marked effect ; it was very plain to see where the oil had been spread and where it had not, and the fishing boat got in without accident..