ADMIRAL SIR WILLIAM SLAYTER • I would like to amplify the very brief obituary which appeared in the July issue of THE LIFE-BOAT (page 124). Bill Slayter, who had a very distinguished career in the Navy in both world wars, was a most respected member of the Committee of Management, particularly in the period 1960-70 when he was chairman of the operations committee for several years. He was also chairman of the design sub-committee and coast review working parties from their inception in 1960 until he retired from active participation in the affairs of the Institution some 18 months ago.

His views were progressive and carried great weight with the Committee of Management.

He had a considerable sense of humour and though he sometimes expressed himself in a forthright way he was held in great affection by his colleagues. He is greatly missed.—F. R. H.

Swann, Stratford Mill, Stratford-Sub-Castle, Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Commander Swann, O.B.E., R.N.V.R., is deputy chairman of the R.N.L.I.

PLENTY LIFE-BOATS • I have recently read a copy of The Life-Boat and its Work by Sir John Cameron Lamb (published in 1911) which makes a very brief reference to Plenty life-boats.

I am trying to foster an interest within the company of the past activities of Plenty and this is one of those landmarks about which we would like to know more. I was wondering whether you had any records of Plenty life-boats in your library?—J. F. Hall-Craggs, Chairman and Managing Director, Plenty & Son Ltd., Hambridge Road, Newbury, Berkshire.

The company has already been notified ot the following sources mentioning J. & E. Fellow Plenty: Britain's Lifeboats by Major A. J. Dawson, The Life-boat Story by Patrick Howarth, and the Duke of Northumberland's report which was published in 1871. The then Duke of Northumberland was President of the Institution and he offered a prize of100 guineas for the model of a life-boat and promised the same sum to cover the cost of building a life-boat according to the prize-winning model. Some 280 entries were received, including a design by J. & E. Fellow Plenty.

MAKE'EM BIG O According to January's issue of THE LIFEBOAT, there are 6,300 members of the Y.L.A.

Nobody looks for, expects, or welcomes trouble, but the most careful of us may need help some time or other, however experienced we may be.

There are life-boat crews who are prepared to drop their work and go out to help anyone. I do not know the routine at all concerning salvage. A 14-footer won't fetch much: there is a vast difference between my little outfit and a 20,000 tonner. This is beside the point. The point is, whoever is in need of help, life-boatmen are prepared to drop everything at the cry for help. Not only these, but the coastguards, too, have their fair share on a call out; therefore, what about us doing our bit to help? All aircraft have numbers allocated to them, and placed where it can do the most good— large letters on the side of the plane. We, too, have a number, a little pink card has it on, but in our pocket it won't do much good. I suggest we put it where it can do most good, on the side of the boat as large as the boat will let us.

At least let's try to help those who will, if needed, turn out in filthy weather to help us.

Also telephone the Coastguard station where you propose to sail from, as I do. . . . If you get the reception I get you have a surprise coming.

—H. G. Fewell (Y.L.A. No. 3354-F), St. Mary's Road, Swanley, Kent.

SHIPS' FIGUREHEADS • There are three or four of us interested in locating ships' figureheads and between us we have noted nearly 500. Mind you, as the 'sightings' were recorded over many years, some of the earlier ones may have now gone.The latest edition to our research group is a 14-year old girl from Debenham who has become a veteran figurehead seeker in only a year. She has featured in several papers, which have shown the lovely miniature figureheads she makes from Plasticine.

The 'nerve centre' is an American who gave us all the encouragement to pursue this hobby, and through him we exchange 'sightings' which he catalogues. He actually covers the world but as an ex-Geordie he has a special interest in the United Kingdom.

The figurehead which started me off was the Port Stanley at Troon, which is located in a cottage within 100 yards of the life-boat station.

The Port Stanley - she was built in 1890 - was broken up at Troon harbour in 1924.—Philip N.

Thomas, Moorfoot Avenue, Thornliebank, Renfrewshire.

THE LIFE-BOAT has received many letters about ships' figureheads since the publication of the illustrated article on the subject in the January issue. Mr. Thomas' letter must for the time being close the subject..