GALLANTRY RECOGNISED.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4834, 25 May 1925, Page 3

GALLANTRY RECOGNISED.

KARANGAHAKE RIVER EATAMTS.

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE

On Thursday evening last a large gathering was held in the Piiblic Ha'.l for the purpose of presenting Mr E. M McLeod with the Royal Humane Society’s Certificate, awarded to him for his gallant attempt to rescue tne late W. H. Morris from drowning diving tiie floods of last year when search-parties were scouring the river for the body of the little girl, Christina Pool, who was accidental!? drowned in the Ohinemuri River at Karangahake. Mr J. W. T. Jones presided, and associated with him were Mr. H. Poland, M.P., Mr E. Edwards, deputyMryor of Paeroa, Mr and Mrs J. McLeod, and Mr and Mrs J. B. Morris.

The chairman, in opening the ceremony, dwelt mi the importance o? the award, and on the great honour that had been conferred on the recipient. He stated that ’he award was the first of its kind to be made in the district, and the people of Kavangahake felt proud of the fact tint they had in their midst a idling mai who was prepared -o lay down his life for Ins friend. He congratulated M>- McLeod on his act of neroism and stated that all felt pride in the knowledge that the ’antry ciisplayeJ had been justly recognised by Jte P.oyal Humane Society.

Mr H. Poland, M.P., then presentee Mr McLeod with the Certificate of Merit, and in doing so stated that although the presenting of -.he award would revive feelings of sadness owing to the tragic circumstances connected with the occasion, he felt sure that the gallant act which was being recognised would help greatly to soothe the feelings of regret at the loss of two promising young lives. Mr Poland remarked that it was far better for a life to end suddenly by performing an act. of duty a'nd heroism than to live to be an old man who passed to his rest “unwept, unhonoured, and unisung.” He stated that by endeavouring to save the life of his friend Mr McLeod was folbwing the ideals set by the British people, who throughout the history of the Empire were noted for their pluck and selisacrificc. He also remarked that the associations of the mining (ommunitv weie no doubt partly responsible fothe courage displayed by the guest of the evening, for it was a recognised fact rhat the members of the mining communities .were noted fo.’ their self-sacrifice and bravery when faced with sudden peril. The teaching that the young people received both in the nome and in the school, and the high ideals set by the soldiers of this country during the Great War, were also responsible for raising the ideals placed before the young people of to-day. He exhorted the young people present to follow in the footsteps of their friend who was being honoured that night, and to take every opportunity of showing tyat the reputation for bravery wbn by the British people was safe in the hands of the rising generation.

in handing the certificate to Mr McLeod Mr Poland said that he felt it a great honour to be asked tb perform such a ceremony, and he congratulated both the parents and the recipient on the great honour that had. been conferred on them. Mr E. Edwards, deputy-Mayor cf Pareoa, iu apologising for the abseficc of His Worship the Mayor of Paeroa (Mr W. Marshall), Mr F. E. Flatt, district coroner and Mr P. B. Brenac, member of the Paeroa Borough Council. stated that he was proud to b.’ associated with the previous speakers in doing honour to a brave young man whose act of heroism reminded him of the many similar acts performer by our soldiers when on active service. Bravery and self-sacrifice were the foundations of British supremacy, and he - appealed to the young people present to follow in the honourable path set not only by Mr McLeed but by the thousands bf British soldiers who had been prepared t® give their all for the Sake of humanity. He congratulated Mr McLeod o.i the honour that had been conferred on him, and wished him success in his career.

In acknowledging the presentation Mr McLeod stated that he was deeply moved by what had been said, and he thanked the speakers for their kind remarks He fully appreciated the great honour that had been conferred on him, and trusted that he would always he able to live up to the great ideals set by the British people which no doubt had inspired him in. his endeavour to rescue his friend.

The singing of "For he’s a jollv good fellow” closed a ceremony which will live long in the memory of those privileged to be present.