THE interest of the natives of the Gold Coast in the life-boat service has on several occasions been mentioned in this journal. The Institution has received letters from them written to it as a general stores, as " the best dealers in Life-boat Service in the City of London," and as the authority on how to smoke or dry fish. It has now received a letter from a volunteer on the Gold Coast who wishes to come to Great Britain to serve as a life-boat- man. It runs as follows : DEAR FATHER, I am very glad to write you these few lines, that 1 got your address from one of my friends, and of the profession in which you are engaged.

As I am interesting the same work, and as I know how to swim very well, I put before you this my humble application, that I want to join the life-boatmen, but no money to pay my passage.

Please Sire I only pardon you to do all the expences for my passage and everything, then when I come, I will pay you when I work and get sufficient payment for your expence you made of me.

I will be more than happy if you accept this my humble application. With my best compliment to you and all— Yours unknown but faithful servant, S. K..