30 SEPTEMBER 1865, Page 2

The evacuation of Greenwich Hospital has commenced. About 900 of

the pensioners have accepted a pension instead of residence, and have gone to live with their friends, to the grief of Greenwich publicans and their own great content. Some 450 infirm pensioners remain, and for the future the hospital will be devoted to these alone, its surplus revenues being devoted to pensions to seamen, which are to increase with age. The vacant space in the hospital will probably be devoted to sick seamen from the merchant service, a distinct preference being given, we hope, to all who belong to the Royal Naval Reserve. The reform seems to be a most sensible and practical one, and will, we hope, lead one day to a sound general system of pensions for seamen.