A vessel was passing the calm summer seas,
And its streamers were floating and fann’d by the breeze;
While the radiance above, the bright waters beneath,
Smiled a promise of joy, and of safety from death!
And it seemed, as it sailed along gallant and free,
A bright spot on the wares of eternity's sea;
Where now is the vessel gone? –Sunk in the wave,
And the billows roll over its crew in their grave.
The Marine Fund provides rewards for such fishermen and other, as venture, at the hazard of their own lives, to save those of mariners wrecked on this coast.
Ninth Annual report
Committee: Lord Skelmersdale, Peter Hesketh, Esq., Rossal‑hall, Henry Bold Hoghton, Esq., Bold-hall, Rev. G. Ford, A. M., rector of North Meols, Joseph Ridgway, Esq., Ridgmont, Robert Holt, Esq., Bispham, Mr. William Gerard Walmesley, Mr. James Nevill.
The object of this charity is to reward the inhabitants of this parish who save, or attempt to save, lives and property in cases of shipwreck, and give assistance to vessels in distress.
- A reward will be given for the life of each person saved from a wreck.
- A reward will be given of two pounds ten shillings to the first boat that reaches a vessel in distress, or gives effectual assistance.
- A reward will be given to the second boat of two pounds, and to the third the sum of one pound one shilling.
- Independent of the sum each boat may be entitled to, a further reward will be given for every life saved, as expressed in the first rule.
- The committee reserves to itself, in every instance, the power of increasing or diminishing, or entirely withholding premiums, according to the circumstances of the case.
They say: “in publishing our ninth annual report, we congratulate the public that the prosperity of this local institution has increased, and that every year continues to afford the most decided proofs of its utility; since our last statement, three vessels have been effectually assisted in a state of distress, and conveyed into a situation of safety”. G. Ford, rector of North Meols; William Gerard Walmesley, Esq., treasurer.
The Marine Fund owes its origin to the benevolent exertions of the Rev. G. Ford, to whom we are obliged for the information.
About twelve or fourteen years since, a few persons at Southport formed the plan of having a life boat. One was built by subscription, but proved to be totally unfit for the purpose. There was no crew appointed, nor any fund to reward them. A house was erected for the boat, and she was used as a pleasure boat during the summer months. Under these circumstance, Mr. Ford, whose anxiety does him the greatest honor, recommended the disposal of the boat and boat‑house, and the establishment of a fund; the interest of which would be sufficient to defray the claims that might be made; the subscribers consented and the rector's charitable suggestions were carried into effect. In the first two or three years, the subscriptions were large: with these, added to the amount received at the sale of the property, the present fund has been created, and the interest has hitherto been adequate, generally, to the expenses of the year.
Its rules are few and, simple as they are, have been productive of real good, and found to be admirably adapted to the purpose for which they were intended. The charity has been effective– and is likely to answer the sanguine expectations of its kind and humane founder. Many lives have been saved since its establishment, and the boatmen have been particularly attentive in bad weather, in looking out for vessels which might require their assistance.
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