First, resolve the forces horizontally and vertically. Let the horizontal component be \(X\) and the vertical component be \(Y\).

For the horizontal component:

\(X = 30 - 34 \times \frac{8}{17} - 26 \times \frac{5}{13} = 4\)

For the vertical component:

\(Y = 34 \times \frac{15}{17} - 26 \times \frac{12}{13} = 6\)

Now, calculate the magnitude of the resultant force \(R\):

\(R = \sqrt{X^2 + Y^2} = \sqrt{4^2 + 6^2} = \sqrt{52} = 2\sqrt{13} = 7.21 \text{ N}\)

To find the direction \(\beta\) of the resultant force, use:

\(\beta = \arctan \left( \frac{Y}{X} \right) = \arctan \left( \frac{6}{4} \right) = 56.3^\circ\)

The direction is 56.3° above the 30 N force or anticlockwise from the 30 N force.