Connecticut western news., 1875-04-02
THE LIFE.SAVING SERVICE.
The Work of the Wreckers on the Coast of
 New Jersey.-HONy they Save Life.

The Work of the Wreckers on the Coast of
 New Jersey--How they Save Life.
 There are thirty-nine life-saving sta tions from Sandy Hook to Cape May, on the New Jersey coast, comprising Dis trict No. 4. Each district is in charge of superintendent all are under the supervision of captain in the revenue marine service, and the entire service IS in the hands of the Revenue Marine bu- reau. The stations are each ill charge of a keeper selected by the superintendent, who is held accountable for the property placed in his charge and the manage ment of the apparatus. Six srlrfmen are attached to each station, who are elected by the keeper from the ablest wreckers and fishermen along the coast. They live in the station-house from December 1st to April 1st, and are subject to call at any time during the rest of the year. The beach is patrolled every night its entire length, the watch from each sta tion going half way in both directions to the next station, thus making one con- tinuous patrol. The houses are placed as close to the shore as is safe, and are furnished with the most efficient appar- atus for saving life, principal among which are the life-boat, hfe-car, mortar and balls, hawser, lines, tackles, signal lanterns, Coston lights, life -preservers, etc. The kitchen is furnished with cook ing stove, table, stools, tinware and dishes, and the bedroom with mattresses and blankets. .- G
 On tempestuous nights when the "northeaster howls along the coast like blast from Labrador the greatest vigilance is necessary, for it is then when there is likely to be sore need of the services of the wrecker. The latter draws on his rubber clothing and starts out on his patrol, lantern in hand, the driving sleet and sand making 1t impossible to look in the direction of the wind. He pushes on, guarding his eyes with the visor of his cap, and peering here and there into the darkness. His route is dangerous, for the treacherous surf has worn gullies and formed deep quicksands in unexpected places, into which he IS liable to plunge at any step.
 When he hears the sound of 8 vessel pounding on the beach, and the Tapping and snapping of her sails, so soon as he can make her outlines he instantly burns a red light, as signal that 1t is seen. The surfman makes all haste to the sta tion and reports to the keeper, who sum- mons all hands. The life-car and nor tar are loaded upon the wagons, with hawser and lines and all that is needed, and the laborious task of hauling through the gullies and sand in the face of the storm is begun. Reaching the scene of the wreck, the keeper, with the aid of his night-glass, does his utmost to ascer- 4oi 41,o Of ln ctr lnl and selects spot in which to place the mortar It is bad time now to give orders, for the roar of the ocean and a man can split his throat without being heard six feet away. All, however, know their part, and there is little neces- sity for issuing commands. Rubber blankets are held by severel of the men, while the charge of powder and the ball, five and three-quarter inches in diame- ter, are carefully put in place. The line is skilfully coiled toprevent it's com ing entangled, and the end is fastened to the ball by spiral wire. The nor tar is ranged and elevated, careful re- gard being had to the force and direc- tion of the wind. A white light is burned to warn those on the vessel of what is coming, and the match is applied. Then there is heavy boom from the mortar, rising screech from the line, as it is drawn out with great velocity through the air and drops across the ship. The waiting seamen, by the aid of this line, draw off second one of larger size, and by means of the second pull off the hawser, which is made fast to the ship. The sand-anchor is firmly imbeded in the beach and powerful tackle is se cured to it, by which the hawser is drawn as tight as the rolling of the yes sel will permit. The ife-car is sus- spenied beneath, and drawn out to the ship by the second line and hauled back to shore by rope attached for that purpose, which process is continued until all are landed. The car is boat shaped and made of iron, fitted with @ tight cover, which can be secured by fastening both outside and within, and it will accomodate six men, although more may be crowded in. Only few minutes are required to make a "pas- sage." As the air speedily becomes vitiated and unableto support life, quick work is necessary. After the passengers are landed they are taken to the station and made as comfortable as possible.
 During the past year forty eight ves- sells, valued with their cargo at $2, ,331, eos, and having on board 1,166 persons, were driven on our shores, and 3O3 per sons were rescured by the Life-Saving Service last year.