you. It must be patent to
everybody that a society of this kind is an absolute necessity.
Look at what it has done. Since its foundation nearly 31,000
lives have been saved by its instrumentality. Already this year
up to now--the middle of March--300 lives have been saved, and
last year the total number was nearly 1000. The institution has
now 274 lifeboats, and no doubt you are fully aware, through the
medium of the Press, of the gallantry which has been displayed
by the coxswains and crews of those boats. This is so well known
to you, I am sure, that I need not engross your attention by
dwelling upon the topic. Of one thing, however, I must remind
you. I must impress upon your minds the fact that, although we
admit this to be a national and most important institution, it
is at the same time entirely supported by voluntary
contributions. Therefore I most urgently ask you to ponder well
over this fact, and impress upon you the great necessity which
exists for keeping it up and maintaining it in a state of
efficiency with adequate funds. A large annual income is, of
course, required for this purpose. To maintain a lifeboat
station in a good state L70 per annum is needed.

"Allusion has been made in the report to the fact that the
Princess of Wales has become a vice-patroness of this
institution, and I need hardly tell you that she shares with me
all the views that I hold in relation to it. It was a great
gratification to her quite recently to present medals to two of
the most deserving coxswains who had distinguished themselves
in saving lives. Upon the utility and merits of this
institution one might speak for hours, but our meeting to-day is
for business, and not merely for the purpose of delivering
addresses; so I will now call upon the Duke of Argyll to move
the first resolution."

Speeches having been made by the Duke of Argyll, Admiral Sir H. Keppell,
Lord Charles Beresford, and the Lord Mayor (Fowler), and resolutions
passed, the Duke of Northumberland proposed a vote of thanks to the
Prince of Wales for presiding, who in responding said:--

"I assure you it has been a source of sincere gratification to
me to take the chair on this occasion. I assure you also that
nobody more cordially wishes this institution continued success
and prosperity than I do. It is a thoroughly natio