UNIQUE CEREMONY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 19, 24 October 1944, Page 5

UNIQUE CEREMONY

BRONZE MEDAL AWARD

A most unusual and inspiring ceremony took place at the Te. Puke District High School on Tuesday afternoon when His Worship the Mayor, Mr J. Brown was proudly privileged to on behalf of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand the rare revyard of a bronze medal to Valerie Roberts daughter of Constable and Mrs Roberts-, of Te. Puke. Mr Cool? in addressing the. gathering said it Avas a most happy oc-> casion as. theA r had gathered to pay homage to a girl Avho had perform-, ed a very brave action and her deed had been recogni s ed by the Society which gave reward to such acts. On the 23rd of November of last year Valerie. Roberts had risked her life by bravely rushing on to the. railway lines to rescue a small child who was too small ip know that in a second she wotild be ground under the wheels of an oncoming train. Not only did Valerie, save the child but she had to hold it and herself, close io the water standard while the train rushed by a few inches from her. The Society give s its rare awards to those, who have, proved they are prepared to give, their life for other and as Mr Cook said Valerie's action had shown ail the necessary qualifications.