PRESENTATION OF ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY'S MEDALS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3004, 10 February 1881, Page 3

PRESENTATION OF ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY'S MEDALS.

Immediately after tbe former presentation had been concluded, Mr Swan took the chair, and proceeded to present the Humane Society's medals to Messrs K. Carter, J. Hindmarsb, F. E. Rich, and J. Begg, for their conduct in attempting to save the life of Mr J. E. Vautier. In making the presentation, Mr Swan said: — "Gentlemen, the duty which devolves on me this evening, through tbe absence of our worthy respected Mayor—wbo, under happier circumstances, would have presided here on tbis occasion, gives me great pleasure. That pleasure is only alloyed by the feeling that I can but inadequately fulfil the task allotted to me. I enn assure you that I esteem it a very high honour to be the medium of conveying the marks of distinction of so grand and noble an institution as the Royal Humane Society, a society whose mighty arms stretch from pole to pole, and whose great aud manifold good works are known and appreciated throughout the length and breadth of tbe civilised world. This society is an institution which, all English speaking people should ' and I believe are justly and truly proud of, for its good offices are distributed alike to the peasant aud the peer, its grand motto being " Honor to whom honor is due." Presentations of this kind are not always attended by the most pleasing associations, and unfortunately the present occasion is one of painful remembrance to us all. Nevertheless, the result does not detract one iota from the valour, pluck, and endurance shown by all you gentlemen, aud for which heroic conduct this distinguished society has done you the honor to recognise by asking your acceptance of their bronze medal?, a badge which I feel sure you will highly prize. And should occasion require, and it ia within your power, I feel confident from your past deeds that you will add further laurels to the wreath, the wearing of which those trophies are as emblems." The circumstances of the case were familiar to all present, and it was unnecessary for him Ito recapitulate the melancholy facts. He had been informed that shortly before this occurrence Mr Hindmarsh had been instrumental in saving the life of a youug man in the bay. The medals were then placed on the breasts of the recipients amidst great cheering.

Three hearty cheers were then given for the four fortunate gentlemen, and the meeting concluded.