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Harbours of Refuge

A society has been formed for the promotion of increased places of safety on our coasts for fishermen and mariners. The splendid society, the Royal National Life-Boat Institution, saves 500 lives per annum; but, in spite of this, there are about 800 lives lost each year.

It is desired to save as many of this latter number as possible. An influential committee has been formed to carry out this object, and it is supported by the Duke of Teck, by fifty Peers, the Archbishops, twelve of the Bishops, and nearly 200 members of Parliament.

The purpose of the society is to direct public attention to the existing national calamity, to arrange deputations and public meetings, and to carry out the work arranged by the committee. The Prince of Wales, on his recent visit to Hastings, in reply to an address from the fishermen, expressed great sympathy with the movement, he himself having a brother and two sons exposed to the perils it is sought to mitigate. The Rev. James Weller, of Amersham, and the Rev. G. Roy Badenoch, LL.D., Whitehall-gardens, have been amongst the earliest workers for this object; and Mr. F. Johnson, of St. Leonards-on-Sea, the hon. sec., was the original organiser. It is hoped that the public will subscribe liberally in support of so noble and patriotic an undertaking, a work which cannot fail to enlist the warmest sympathy of the English people. If energetically supported, the committee have every hope and prospect of success. Subscriptions should be forwarded to Mr. F. Johnson, the hon. sec. Cheques crossed London and County Rank, Hastings branch.

Source: The Illustrated London News, No.2254—Vol. LXXXI, Saturday, July 15, 1882, p.62