Continued Success. On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the beach presented one of those animated scenes usual in the height of a successful season, heap after heap meeting the eyes of spectators, while the usual female counting of "one-and-dirty", "two-and-forty" "score, Master White" "Score 'tis, my dear." was to be heard by strangers, to their amusement. The catches ranged from one to five lasts per boat, and were sold at from four to five pounds per last. On the following day, the catches were so enormous that the fishermen were obliged to throw many of the fish back into the sea to prevent overlading.
The Lifeboat
At the meeting of the Lifeboat Committee on the 19th of January, secretary T. S. Hide stated that the boat had been exercised three times, at the respective costs of £29, £9 9s. and £4 16d. Renumeration for saving lives had been made - 10/- to George Quinn and 50/- to George Tutt jun. Mr. Jas. Rock, jun. had been added to the Committee. The Collector had resigned and J Yarrol(illegible text), of East Ascent was appointed in his place. Henry ("Zuck") French tendered his resignation as one of the crew, unless a fresh coxswain was appointed. The then coxswain being called said he submitted to the crew whether it was prudent to launch the boat, and as there was silence for a minute or two, he said he should not risk his own life, and then there was a growl and the "raft" hooted and yelled at him like a set of New-Zealand savages. He wished it to be understood that no recurring motive induced him to accept the office, as he had a competency without it. He then handed the key to the Committee. Capt. Parish said the boat ought to be tried in rough weather, and Mr. Ross did not think there was any risk. The men were awared 3/- each. Picknell said he did not see why they should go to sea when there was nothing to go for.
The Lifeboat was, however, successfully exercised in quite as rough a sea, on the 25th of February, with almost a new crew, under the management of Coxswain Morfee.
A Donation of £10, was afterwards sent to the Committee for the Lifeboat Institution by T. Thistlewaite, Esq., then staying at St. Leonards.
A Quarterly Practice with the lifeboat was engaged in on the 4th of Aug. in a strong breeze and rather rough sea, under the direction of Coxswain Morfee - a man fearless of dangers.
Maritime Casualties
Damage to Nets in a strong sea compelled the "Crystal Palace" fishing lugger to return from her mackerel-catching on the 2nd of Feb.
The "William" Collier, belonging to Messrs. Kent, collided with the "Rock Scorpion" breaking her jib boom and tearing her foresail on Feb. 4th.
