SCOUT AWARD

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 3, 10 March 1947, Page 5

SCOUT AWARD

GALLANTRY RECOGNISED

OPOTIKI BOY DECORATED

The highlight of the Opotiki Scout Rally last Saturday was und,oubtedly the presentation of the Scout Silver Medal for gallantry to Patrol Second Henry Parkinson, by Scout Commissioner, C. Kingsley-Smith.

Flanked by this two troop colourbearers and escorted by his Scoutmaster (S. M. Jones) Scout Parkinson advanced to the Commissioner who made the formal presentation of the handsome award and congratulated him on behalf of the movement on having saved one child from drowning and possibly two. He commended his initiative and also his splendid example in living up to the Scout motto ‘Be Prepared.’

On the Commissioner’s call, rousing cheers were given for the recipient as he retired. The incident for which the award to Henry Parkinson has been made occurred in the Otara Channel, a deep portion of the Otara River, when a boy was endeavouring to carry his small brother across the river on his back. The younger boy slipped off his brother’s back, panicked and caught him by the throat. Another scout who was in the vicinity tried to help, but was unable to free the two boys. Henry Parkinson dived into the hole was managed to drag the smaller boy away from his brother and bring him ashore. Eyewitnesses were of the opinion that had Henry Parkinson not rescued the smaller boy both brothers would have lost their lives.