COURAGE HONOURED.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1917, 27 November 1913, Page 5

COURAGE HONOURED.

BY HUMANE SOCIETY. MEDALS TO FIVE RECIPIENTS, Tlie Seamen's Institute was crowded last evening, the occasion being the presentation by tbo Hoyal Ihiffiane Society of New Zealand of silver medals to live men for risking their lives m life-saving. The names of tlie five recipients were Messrs. Jobn Sanderson, Thomas Cairns, James Ashley, and John Cross, all of tbo New Zealand liailivay staff, and Mr. James Glasgow, of the Vacuum Oil Co.

Tlio act which was brought under the notice of the society by Mr. K. KFarnsworth, occurred at Paekakanki on February 18, 1913. Three men were fishing off the beach, when a heavy swell capsized their boat, which was then about a quarter of a miio from the shore. Two of tho men, Malcolm and Gitiaman, managed to cling to the boat, but tho other occupant, Pengally, was drowned. The boat was prevented from drifting ashore bv tho anchor, which had fallen out of it. For forty minutes tho iivo men who were honoured last night stuck to their task of endeavouring to effect a rescue. Cairns at length was exhausted, and had to bo assisted ashore. The gallant remaining quartet persisted in their efforts, and at last, as the' boat was driven m by tho heavy sea, they rescued the two occupants. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) presented the medals. Afterwards the Mayor moved the following motion, which was seconded by a member of tho audience: "That.this meeting assembled hero this evening wishes to show to the Minister ei Hallways its appreciation to these men connected with tho Kailwny Department, and is sure that the Department is all the richer for having such men in its service." A similar motion is to be forwarded to the Vacuum Oil Co., on behalf of Mr. Glasgow. On behalf of his four associates, Mr. Ashley modestly responded to the words of praise, and tendered his thanks to those present, to tho Mayor for making the presentation, to Mr. Farnsworth, and to Mr. Cox, for the interest of the society. Mr. TV. B. Cocks, who acts as agent for tho Royal Humane Society in Wellington, spoke, and described the gallant rescue of tho men. Mr. Farnsworth also addressed a few words to those present. An excellent musical programme, arranged by Mrs. F. M. B. Fisher, was contributed to by the following':—Mesdames P. Nathan, Loughnau, and I'\ M. 13. Fisher, Miss Gladys TVatkins, and Messrs. TV. A. Bowring and AUwright. Miss Mary M'Lean aeted as accompanist.