A CHILD HERO.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1631, 20 December 1905, Page 3

A CHILD HERO.

LIFE-SAYING AT TOKOMARU BAY. SPLENDID BR AYERY OF LITTLE TONGA WARU, AGED 9.

.(From Our Own Correspondent.) Tokomaru Bay, Dec. 18. On Monday, December llth, in the dinner hour, quite a flutter of excitement was caused in our little town-* ship. It appears that the excessive warmth of the weather made about half-a'-dozen native children (pupils at the Native school here) desirous of a swim. Instead of going into the creek, a safe place for bathing, the venturesome children went into the surf. They happened to strike a spot where the back wash was very strong, and before long one girl of 12 years, Maraea Wilson, was washed out a long distance from shore.

Being an excellent swimmer she kept herself afloat but was unable to get back to the shore.

On seeing her predicament a small but strong Maori boy, Tonga- Waru, aged 9 years, went bravely out to her assistance.

Ilp'littlo fellow pluckily swam to her smd caught hold of the girl, who is about two stone heavier than he is. He was then washed away by a big wave.

Both children were then in great danger, and were battling for their lives. Had they not been fine swimmers they must have undoubtedly been drowned.

The other children in the meantime had summoned assistance. Messrs E. Connolly and Gordon were among the first to arrive on the scene, and im-< mediately disrobed and went in to the "assistance of the children.

Just at the psychological moment a huge wave came along and lifted the children about ten yards further in to the shore. The two gentlemen named

seized the girl and brought her safely to shore.

The boy in the meantime was helped by others. The brave little chap was quite exhausted by his magnificent act of heroism, but after being attended to And put to bed for a few hours was hone the worse.

The - girl, however, was almost at her last gasp when rescued. [Remedial measures were applied immediately by the many willing ladies who had by this time arrived, and successfully. The girl was then taken to the schoolmaster’s residence, where she received every attention, and has now quite recovered. The schoolchildrenhad been warned against sea-bathing with no adults present, and will think twice before disobeying .orders again. Little Tonga Waru is deservedly regarded a 3 a hero by his school-mates. Words cannot describe fittingly the

heroism of this Maori boy, and steps

Lave been taken to publicly reward Mm and to get some recognition from Royal Humane Society. Although not successful in saving bis companion, and indeed be could not have been expected to do so considering his size, he yet risked bis life for her and did bis best.

During an entertainment last Saturday evening, Mr Sigley, the native school teacher, made a presentation to Tonga Waru from the public for his actofbravery, Themaster made feeling reference to the little fellow’s heroism, and called for three cheers, which were heartily given.