On the afternoon of the 12th September the Rt. Hon. J. H. Thomas, M.P., Secretary of State for the Dominions, went out in the motor boat Midge, with a friend and two members of his staff, to fish. The engine broke down and the boat began to drift. All attempts to row her ashore failed and handkerchiefs were tied to an oar as a distress signal. The coastguard saw the signal and the motor life-boat Rosa Woodd and Phyllis Lunn was launched to the rescue at 5.50 P.M. At that time a strong E.N.E.

breeze was blowing, the sea was rough, and it was raining. The life-boat came up with the Midge about two and a half miles S.W. of the harbour, took Mr. Thomas and the other three men on board, and towed the boat back to Shoreham. The life-boat returned to her station at 6.30 P.M. Mr. Thomas and one of the party sent donations in appreciation of the services of the life-boat.—Rewards, £4 10s..