The MARINE FUND owes its origin to the benevolent exertions of the Rev. G. Ford, to whom I am obliged for the following 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 circumstances, Mr. Ford, whose anxiety does him great honour, 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 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 expences of the year. Its Rules, 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 very 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 66 "I confess, vessels which might require their assistance. (says the worthy Rector), that the charity, from its efficiency, has given me great satisfaction." Borth Meols Local Dispensary. A public meeting was held at Southport on Saturday the 26th March 1825-" for the purpose of considering the propriety of establishing a Local Dispensary, for the benefit of the poor of North Meols and its vicinity," Several Resolutions were passed, and a Committee appointed. The Dispensary was opened on the 3rd of May. Subsequent meetings were held, when the following RULES and REGULATIONS were finally adopted. RULE I.-The only proper objects of the Dispensary being the Sick Poor, recommended by subscribers of not less than five shillings per annum; no persons shall on any account receive relief who are able to pay for medicine;-but the Sick Poor may, in cases of emergency, be prescribed for, and receive Medicines in the first instance, on their personal application at the Dispensary :-in such extreme cases, however, they are immediately afterwards to procure regular recommendations. RULE II.-All Patients are to provide, and bring proper bottles and gallipots for their medicines, and to return any medicine which they may not use. RULE III.-All Patients who are irregular in their attendance, or disobedient to the directions of the Surgeons, or absent themselves longer than a fortnight, unless a sufficient excuse be given, are to be discharged for such irregularity. RULE IV.-All Patients from the time of their admission are to be under the care of the Surgeon, on whose days of receiving patients they were admitted. RULE V.-The Recommendations are to be filled up and signed by the subscriber himself, who is expected to inform himself as to the situation of the person recommended. FORM of the RECOMMENDATION. "To the Surgeons of the North Meols Dispensary : I have enquired into the condition of is poor and unable to pay for medicines." and believe N. B. Subscribers are at liberty to give Notes of Recommendation, which will entitle the bearer to relief at the Dispensary as follows ;— Subscribers of 5s. and under 10s..... Three Patients Ditto...... 2 guineas,-may recommend without limitation. RULE VI.-All Patients who are objects for the Dispensary, and recover their health, are expected to return thanks, at their respective places of worship. RULE VII.-Dr. Anderson's days of attendance are Tuesday and Saturday; and Mr. Longton's, Wednesday and Friday, at the Dispensary, Southport, at twelve o'clock. RULE VIII.-The persons who wish to be relieved from the Dispensary are to procure a recommendation from some one of the Subscribers. RULE IX. That the Committee meet the first Saturday in each quarter, and that the Secretary be requested to make the day of meeting known to the Committee. RULE X.-That the Surgeons be empowered to order Medicines when wanting. SURGEONS.-Dr. Anderson, and Mr. Longton. SECRETARY.-Rev. R. Walker. TREASURER.-Mr. Nevill. There have been seventy-four patients relieved, and the Charity is likely to be very beneficial. Southport National School. This Institution, is a truly important one. It is highly gratifying to find, that, in proportion as the population increases, so do the means of affording Instruction to the Children of the poor, increase also. Originally a SUNDAY SCHOOL only, a meeting was held, 27th April, 1825,-RALPH PETERS, Esq.-In the Chair,-" for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of converting it into a DAILY NATIONAL SCHOOL, for the Education of the Children of the Poor, in the principles of the ESTABLISHED CHURCH." In consequence of its being submitted to this meeting, that in the Township of Birkdale, and the district of South-Hawes in which Southport Church is situated, there were more than 200 Children who stood in need of cheap or gratuitous Instruction, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED. 1. That it is highly desirable that the Sunday School be converted into a DAILY NATIONAL SCHOOL, for the Education of the Children of the Poor in the principles of the ESTABLISHED CHURCH. 2. That in order to carry this object into effect, Subscriptions be solicited from those who have not already contributed, and that application be made to the National Society for a grant to enlarge the Building. 3. That a list of Subscribers for the annual support of the School be immediately made out, and the collection made on the first Wednesday after the 20th of July 1825. 4. That a Branch Society for the promotion of Christian Knowledge, be formed to supply the School with Books, and the poor of the Neighbourhood with Bibles, Testaments, Prayer Books, and Religious Tracts, either gratuitously or at reduced prices. 5. That the following Gentlemen be respectfully solicited to become Patrons of the Institution, viz. Peter Hesketh, Esq. Henry Bold Hoghton, Esq. Charles Blundell, Esq. Ralph Peters, Esq. Adam Lodge, Esq. George Blair, Esq. Rev. G. Ford. William Fox, Esq. And that the following Persons be appointed Trustees, viz. At the close of the business, the thanks of the Meeting on the motion of the Rev. W. Docker, seconded by Mr. Longton, were presented to Ralph Peters, Esq. for his obliging attendance, and readiness in taking the Chair. PATRONESS of the GIRLS' SCHOOL,-Mrs. BOLD HOGHTON, Committee to Superintend this Institution, for the present Year. Mrs. Docker, Mrs. Kingston, Mrs. Moxon, Mrs. A. Hargreaves, Miss Moon, Miss E. Moon, Miss S. Moon, Miss Whiteley, The views and intentions of the meeting, were approved of by the Lords of the Manor, PETER HESKETH, Esq. and HENRY BOLD HOGHTON, Esq, and they immediately contributed liberally to the support of the Institution. Their example was followed, and extensive usefulness has been the consequence. There have been, frequently, from 80 to 90 boys in the school, and as many girls, receiving instruction-daily. In the spring and summer months, many of the larger boys, and some of the girls, are taken from the school to assist their parents in managing their farms, or in fishing. The present state of the school is as follows: Receiving daily Instruction 73 Boys .... 68 Girls. 40 |