The Best Essay in the Competition.

By BKENDA DARLINGTON (aged 9J), of Summerbank Girls' School, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent.

THE QUALITIES THAT MAKE A GOOD LIFE-BOATMAN.

Just as a man who enters the profession of a doctor should have special qualifications and tendencies, so should a good Life-boatman, who, during his period of service, may be responsible for the lives of many people, have qualities which will enable him to carry out successfully his great work.

In body, the man must be strong and well- built, able to endure the hardships caused by rough weather and lack of food and sleep. He must be healthy so that the discomforts of wind and water have little effect upon his physique, and his appetite must be good to keep his body in good condition. He must be temperate, and abstain from alcoholic bever- ages so that there is no danger of his strength being even temporarily weakened. His eye- sight must be good so that even in the dark he can distinguish objects clearly, and he must be an excellent swimmer. He must be quick with his hands, and able to get all ready in the shortest time.

In intellect, the man must be quick-witted and ready to learn. He must be able to make the most of his training and to have a know- ledge of how to render " first aid," especially the application of artificial respiration. He must be able to read and give signals, and have an intimate knowledge of the sea and coast in the neighbourhood of his station, and make use of the quickest routes to and from the shore.

The moral and spiritual qualities are doubt- less the most important, for without them great strength of body and mind would be of little use. A good Life-boat man must possess a great and everlasting love of the sea, a love which no danger or shock can uproot. He must be brave, daring, and fearless, not shrinking from any danger or losing courage however great the peril. He must be pre- pared, even willing, to risk his life for others, yet far-seeing enough not to throw it away unnecessarily. He must be ready at any time to leave all he holds dear in order to carry out his duty, and must put all thoughts of self aside. He must allow no personal feeling to interfere with his great work, no likes or dis- likes, or hopes of rewards.

He must be ready to be either a leader or subordinate, to give orders or to take them, and although self-reliance is needed, yet a deep trust and firm belief in God are more important, and will help to carry him through the greatest dangers and difficulties. He must be cheery-faced and able to smile when things look darkest and least hopeful, so that those who trust in him will find strength and courage to do their best too. During the last century the priceless service rendered by Life-boatmen to humanity has proved that these qualities are possessed by many..