A LIFEBOAT SERVICE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1715, 11 January 1905, Page 51

A LIFEBOAT SERVICE.

CROWDED MEETING AT THE TOWN HALL. As one outcome of the sad yachting disaster Avhich occurred at the Heads last AA-eek, a proposal has been mad© that a lifeboat service should be established at or near Wellington; and a public meeting, convened by Mr James Moore (Seamen’s Missioner), to consider this question was held in the Toavu Hull last Monday night. The hall was crowded. A charge of 2s had been fixed for seats in the gallery, hut at 8 o'clock the throng in the lower parts of the hall was so great that those who sought admission were alloAved to take the unoccupied seats upstairs. The Mayor of Wellington presided, supported on the right by Sir Joseph Ward, and on the left by Mr James Moore, Seamen’s Missioner. There were also on the platform Mr William Cable (chairman of the vVellington Harbour Board), Councillor J. P. Luke, the Rev J. D. Russell. Captain King (president of the Shipmasters’ Association), Mr J. H. Williams (secretary of the association), and Captain Backstrom. The Mayor read the following telegram from the Premier:—“l regret to say that I will not be in Wellington on Monday night. If I were, I should be only too happy to address the meeting and assist in any Avay in my power to have provision made in the harbour to meet emergency and save life. My heartfelt sympathy is with the bereaved.” The Mayor said that the sad yachting disaster at the Heads on Monday had given rise to that meeting, and he was sure that there was not a man or Avoman in Wellington whose sympathy had not gone out towards those bereaved by that occurrence. On his motion, the audience, standing in silence, unanimously passed a vote of condolence Avith the bereaved relatives. The meeting was also addressed by Sir Joseph Ward (avlio promised the cordial co-operation of the Government in this movement), Mr James Moore (S-eamen’s Missioner), Mr Williams (Shipmasters’ Association), Captain King, Mr W. Cable and Mr J. P. Luke. The following resolutions were unanimously carried :—-“That this meeting, having heard the expression of ideas concerning the establishment of a lifeboat in or near Wellington harbour, is of opinion that steps should he taken as soon as possible to secure such a lifev boat and station for the benefit of those in peril on the sea ” “That, it is the opinion of this meeting that in the interests of public ■safety there is urgent necessity for the establishment of a low-lying light at PencarroAv Heads.; and (2) that the better lighting of the fairway inside the Heads demands the attention of the authorities.” A collection Avas taken up during the meeting and also at its conclusion. The total sum received aauis T4O. This does not include the amount realised from the sale of licke 4 v.