THE President of the German Republic has awarded to the Coxswain and Crew of the Margate Motor Life-boat certifi- cates in recognition of their services to the German motor-ship Hermine, of Wilhelmshaven, in the early morning of 29th December, 1929.

A strong wind was blowing, with a heavy sea and heavy rain squalls, when the Life-boat was called out to the help of the Hermine, which had gone ashore on the Margate Sands, and was burning flares. When the Life-boat reached her it was found that there was not enough water to get alongside. She stood by for an hour, and then, as the captain would not leave his vessel, she put three men on board and stood by for another two hours. It was then found that the Hermine was leaking; her captain decided to abandon her ; and he, his crew, and his wife and child were taken on board a pilot boat, which had also gone out to the rescue.

The certificates were presented by the Mayor of Margate at a dinner on 17th December of last year, given to the past and present members of the Life-boat Crew, by Mrs. T. W. Gomm, wife of the Honorary Secretary and a holder of the Institution's Gold Brooch. The Presi- dent of the German Republic was represented at the dinner by Herr G. A.

von Halem, a Secretary of the German Embassy, and among those present were the Mayoress, Col. E. 0. Skey, J.P., the Chairman of the Branch, and Mr. and Mrs. Gomm..