BRAVERY REWARDED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 999, 1 June 1911, Page 3

BRAVERY REWARDED.

Auckland, May 31. One of the most impressive and pathetic scenes ever witnessed in Waihi took place at the Academy Theatre on Tuesday evening, in the presence of an enthusiastic assemblage of some 1200 people.

William Moran, the hero ot the Boweutowu Heads boating accident last December, now totally blind as the result of a subsequent explosion in a mine, was honoured by the citizens, and presented with a gold medal and clasp by the Mayor (Mr J. Newth), who pinned the medal on Moran’s breast, amidst great applause. Mr Moran, who was led on to the stage by the Mayor, was accompanied by his little sou and the man he saved (Mr Fruest Kdwards). His appearance was the signal lor three ringing cheers given by the audience. The Mayor referred to the heroism shown by Mr Moran, who battled for four hours through the sea, though the man whose life he saved pleaded with him to let him go and save himself. Mr Moran, however, stuck to his task, and both were eventually taken Irom the water. Mr Moran was a credit to Australia, his native laud.

The audience was deeply impressed. Mr Moran, who was recently the recipient of the Humane Society’s gold medal, in a written reply, expressed heartfelt thanks to his fellow citizens.