IN THE January number of THE LIFE-BOAT details were given of some of the R.N.L.I.'s plans to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its foundation in 1974. To these may now be added an important appeal which is being made to civic heads during the 1973/4 local authority year.

The idea of such an appeal originated from the Central Appeals Committee. As part of the programme to mark the R.N.L.I.'s 150th anniversary every civic head is being asked to raise a sum of not less than £150 of new money during the local authority year. This sum has been chosen, not only because of the obvious association of the figure 150, but also because it was thought to be one which could be raised by even the smallest authority. Clearly larger sums in multiples of 150 will be welcome from the larger authorities.

The appeal is being made to the existing local authorities, many of whom will be disappearing following the reorganisation of local government.

In order to maintain local identity all money raised will be credited to the respective branches and guilds of the Institution. It is intended that a token purse, symbolic of the total sum raised, will be presented to the R.N.L.I. on behalf of the civic heads participating at the annual general meeting in 1974.

PROLONGED WINTER GALES The months of November and December 1972 were a period of exceptionally prolonged and severe gales round all parts of the coasts of Britain and Ireland. Between 27th October and 30th December there were no fewer than 48 launches by life-boats in gale conditions of force 8 and above. The Lerwick life-boat was called out four times in such conditions, Bridlington and Dover were called out three times and Arranmore, Ballycotton, Longhope, Ramsgate, St. Peter Port, Stornoway and Walmer were each called out twice. The lives of 44 people were saved in addition to eight vessels.

Commenting on the work carried out by life-boat crews in these exceptionally demanding conditions, Captain Nigel Dixon, R.N., Director of the R.N.L.I., said in a statement to the press: 'Our life-boat crews have responded to thedemands made on them in a manner everyone has come to expect. The way in which these life-saving operations have been carried out is further evidence of the devotion to duty, courage and skill of these men. Those generous people who have given life-boats or who help to maintain them can feel very proud of the achievements of the past few weeks.' NO SALVAGE The totally mistaken but still widespread belief that people connected with the life-boat service grow rich on salvage is effectively refuted by figures for the past year. These show that the total amount received in salvage claims by all life-boat crews in Britain and Ireland was £278. Yet during the year no fewer than 428 vessels of different kinds were saved by life-boats. All those who are associated with the service are of course aware that the R.N.L.I, itself never makes salvage claims, although its crews have a right in law to do so.

Over a period of years salvage claims have been growing steadily rarer. Whereas in 1961 a little over £10,000 was paid out in salvage claims to life-boat crews—in itself a tiny fraction of the value of all vessels and cargoes saved—• by 1969 the total figure had fallen below £3,000, and it has continued to decline.

NEW FORM OF A.G.M.

The Institution's annual general meeting, which will be held in the Royal Festival Hall in London on Tuesday, 22nd May, will this year take a new form. It has been the practice in the past for the general business of the annual general meeting and the presentation of awards to be combined. This year there will be a general business meeting of the governors in the morning, and the presentation of medals for gallantry and awards to honorary officials and workers will take place at an afternoon gathering beginning at 3 p.m. The guest speaker this year will be Mrs. Bruce Coward, better known as Nicolette Milnes-Walker, who was the first woman to cross the Atlantic single-handed in a small boat.

SEARCH FOR RELICS The international life-boat exhibition, which is to be held in the West Hoe Park, Plymouth, from 14th July to 10th September, 1974, will include an important historical section. Other exhibitions on the history of the R.N.L.I. are also likely to be mounted in different parts of the country in 1974, including one at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. The Institution is therefore appealing to readers of THE LIFE-BOATwho may have in their possession important historical relics, including documents, to lend them, if they see fit, for exhibition purposes during the year.

Anyone who can help in this way is asked to contact Mr. S. E. Bartholomew, Deputy Public Relations Officer, R.N.L.I., 42 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W OEF..