ACT OF BRAVERY

Evening Star, Issue 19786, 9 February 1928, Page 2

ACT OF BRAVERY

BOY SCOUT HONORED: humane society medal presented BY MAYOR There was ii break in the usual prosaic proceedings at the City Council meeting last night; a picturesque break, it may bo added. The business of moving, debating, and passing reports was in process when the Mayor (Mr W. B. Taverner) asked that such business be suspended while he presented a Humane Society’s 'medal; The doors -were then opened, and .fifteen sturdy Boy Scouts, witli their officers, marched smartly into the chamber while one of their number detached himself and stood by the mayoral dais. His Worship said that he had been requested by cx-Mayor J. London, who was the Dunedin representative of the Now Zealand Royal Humane Society, to make a presentation of a bronze medal to Thomas Rennie. He felt greatly honored by the request,' and acceded to it with the greatest pleasure in doing so. The brave act which had gained Thomas Rennie the medal, said His Worship, was performed at the St. Kilda Bench on the afternoon of January 30, 1927. Mr H. F. Mdntyre, who was bathing there, was carried out some distance, and was prevented by the undertow from making any headway, especially as he was tiring. Ho signalled for help, but the other bathers present considered the man to be too far out, and that an attempt at rescue would bo too dangerous. However, the lad Rennie arrived, and, without hesitation, swam through a fairly heavy sea to MHntyro’s assistance, bringing him out after groat exertion. It was the opinion of MTntyre that Rennie undoubtedly saved bis life. Tfc was always a fine thing to honor the brave, continued the mayor, and he was particularly gratified, to have the opportunity of handing the medal to this brave youth of seventeen years of age, who saved the life of a man just twice his age. Young Rennie belonged to one of the numerous companies of Boy Scouts, and no doubt the inward promotings which sent him swimming through the surf to another’s aid were largely the result of the hign ideals associated with that very fine organisation. “ I am glad,” concluded His Worship, as he shook Rennie’s hand, “to meet a brave lad.” Mr J. London, on behalf of the Royal Humane Society, complimented Thomas Rennie on his act of bravery, and congratulated him on the honor bestowed upon him, an honor ho would appreciate not only now, but in the years to come. Mr Loudon also thanked the mayor for the kindly and gracious manner in which he had made the presentation. On the call of the speaker, throe hearty cheers were given for the brave lad.

Mr W. F. Meek, district commissioner of tho Dunedin Boy Scouts, added that Thomas Rennie had already been honored by the Boy Scouts’ Association, which had awarded him the silver cross of tho association, which was an award lor gallantry. Once more the mayor shook hands with Rennie, and, the Scouts having marched out, the council resumed business.