NEW ZEALAND HEROES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 162, 18 October 1910, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND HEROES

ROYAL HUM AXE AWARDS. ■ By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christclmrch, Last Night. The annual meeting of the Court of Directors of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand was held to-day. Application for recognition was made on behalf of Alice Wratt (13 years) and Ruby Agnes Wratt (20 years) for attempting to rescue Elsie Sclinc Wratt (14 years) from drowning in the Waimakariri river on January 24, 1010. It was decided to grant each of the first two named a letter of commendation. Application was made on behalf of A!-' bert Edwin Bull (seven years) for rescuing Violet Emily Bull (2V» years) from drowning at Peel Forest on Hay 14, 1910. A framed certificate was granted. Application was made on behalf of Douglas Percival McCalhim (22 years) for rescuing Leo Stopwork (10 years) from drowning at llokitika on June 30. 1910. It was resolved to grant a framed certificate. Application was made on behalf ot Thomas Robert MePherson (37 years) for rescuing Edward Crouch (38 years) from fire at Auckland on August 16, 190!). The facts of the ease were particularly meritorious. On the evening in question MePherson was passing the Strand Arcade, Auckland, when he heard a crash of glass and saw flames issuing from the third shop on the left side. MePherson ran into the Thistle Hotel and rn,ng up the Fire Brigade. On gaining the street stgain he saw a handbag fall from one of the windows, and on looking up he saw a man on the window sill at the third storey. The man was calling for help. MePherson took his hat and coat off and scaled the fire escape, which only went half-way up the building, and finished the ascent by placing his hand and feet in nicks in tliie wall. After that he had a 12-incU cornice to mount and a 4-foot palisade, at the end of which was a turret. He mounted tkat and was then able to reach the man, who was badly burned and in great pain. Had the rescued man struggled there was nothing but certain death for both rescuer and rescued. The greatest bravery had been displayed, and it was decided that the highest award, the Stead Medal, be granted. This is only the second occasion on which the Stead Medal has been awarded, the former recipient being Sergeant Redmond, a police officer.