A BRAVE ACT.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1222, 2 September 1911, Page 4

A BRAVE ACT.

THE LATE Mil. CLAUDE. A petition to Parliament for a compassionate allowance for Mrs. Claude, of Otahuhu, wiiose husband died soon after his gallant endeavour to save the Main Trunk express from a collision, was yesterday reported from tho llailways Committcc of tho nonso of Representatives, which recommended it to tho favourable consideration of the Government. Tho report was strongly supportid by Mr. Lang, who said that the Railway Department, by awarding Mr. Claude ,€SO, showed that, in its opinion, his action had something to do witli the saving of the express, and it appeared that but for the shock ho then received he might now bo alive. The non. .T.' A. Millar. Minister for Railways, said he wished to disabuse the minds 'of the public of tho impression that Mr. Clando saved the express. Tho runaway train was on an upgrade, and was stopped bv the driver before Mr. Claude appeared. He had lwcn fully paid for what he had done. It was a fine and noble act, but it did not save the express. He suggested lli.it Auckland people should havio got up a subscription instead of approaching tho Government. Mr. Mnssey characterised the Minister's reply as ungenerous. Mr. Claude did all that a man could do. to save tlie train. In view of the medical testimony, and the opinion of the relatives, ho had no doubt that tho shock hastened his death. Mr. Claude had done his duty, and it was now for the Government to do its duty. The Auckland people thought it; was a matter for the Government, but. if there was a subscription list, he would gladly subscribe. Several other northern members spoke to tho same effect, and their representations were supported by Mr. G. AV. Russell, Mr. Buchanan, and Mr. Hogan (chairman of the committee). The report was adopted. ■