The following paragraph first appeared in THE TIMES on 20th February, 1866.

It was printed again in THE TIMES on i$th February, 1966: (Royal National Life-boat Institution) Nothing, in fact, that the Government could do would equal what is done by the Life-boat Institution already. Though money is wanted, the Institution tells us that it has only to appeal to the public and the funds pour in. If men are wanted, that is a want which neither the Institution nor the Government itself could at once supply. At present all classes co-operate with the Institution to the utmost of their power. The resident authorities give their superintendence, the beachmen of the place give their personal services, the railway companies transport the lifeboats carriage free, and the public finds money without stint.

Put all this into the hands of the Government, and nothing would be certain except the demand—probably 6o,ooo/., instead of 3O,ooo/.—made annually for the service by the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER. Lord MALMESBURY may be right in saying that there is still a deficiency of lifeboats, though the stations of the Institution, which were but 12 in number 16 years ago, are now 162. This, however, if we are to credit the confident professions of the Society, means not a lack of lifeboats, but a lack of the appliances for rendering them serviceable. Show the Institution a dangerous coast, a competent crew, and a local committee, and they will plant and maintain as many stations as can be desired. All this comes of private benevolence, energy, and zeal, and so striking is the result that the principle has at last commended itself to our neighbours..