A BRAVE ABORIGINAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 203, 16 January 1913, Page 6

A BRAVE ABORIGINAL.

T!ECEIYKS TIIK KINO'S ALBERT MEBAh. A UNIQCK KI'NCTtON. An interest in,!; and unique function took place 011 December 10 at Government House, Darwin, when his Excellency the Administrator (Dr. Gilruthi ('(inferred the distinction of the Albert Mfdal on an aboriginal native named Neighbour, who saved the life of another at frreat risk of losing his own.

A former resident of Taranaki sends us the following account of the proceedings. Professor Spencer briefly related the circumstances surrounding the act, for which the medal had been conferred. Neighbour. together with two other natives, was arrested for cattle stealing. and was being brought into Darwin by Mounted 'Constable Johns. The natives wore neck chains as usual, and the party camped at night by the side of the Wilton river. When they arrived there it was dark, and Constable Johns decided not to cross until morning. The river was in flood, and there was some difficulty in crossing. Johns, on horseback, went into the river, holding the chain by which Neighbour was attached. On crossing the river the horse turned over, and Constablfe Johns was kicked on tiie forehead. Neighbour looked round and saw Constable Johns was in danger, being insensible owing to the blow he had received. Constable Johns had released the chain, and Neighbour without hesitation pluckilv went to the assistance of the constable, whom he dragged out of the water to a panda nus tree and then on to land. Neighbour, after rescuing Constable Johns, went to Mr. Rogers' station for help, and on the way back they met Constable Johns, who had revived and was coming in. The Professor pointed out that this was the first occasion on which this medal had been awarded to anyone but a white man, so that Neighbour held a very unique position. The medal, moreover, lie explained, was presented only in cases of exceptional bravery. Neighbour's act was brought under the notice of the Government, and in' consequence of a communication from Archdeacon Lefroy to the Archbishop of Canterbury, it -was eventually placed before the King, who graciously decided to confer the distinction. This medal can. be granted by his Majesty only. The Professor said that Neighbour's act was 'bv no means the only instance of especial bravery on the part of an Australian aboriginal. He recalled the case of the lubra who had risked her life to save the life of a white man who had been a member of a party that had ■rf'iie out in search of white men who were supposed to have perished in the Downs country out to the east of Tennan t's creek. Neighbour was fortunate, inasmuch as his particular case was brought, prominently under the notice o" his Majesty the King: but there were other aboriginals who had performed acts quite as heroic as those of Neighbour. To those who are, endeavoring to uplift the aboriginals, it was a matter of great satisfaction that the natives had proved themselves capable of acts which amongst white people were regarded as heroic.

1-lis Lordship the Bishop of Carpentaria (Bishop White) stated that lie was glad to be present at such a memorable function. Some people, lie knew, charged the aboriginal with ingratitude in consequence of the fact that he is not one whose nature it is to give profuse thanks. The aboriginal had entirely a different social ideal. The aboriginals share and share alike. They hold property and everything in common. Consequently generosity and mutual help are taken as a matter of course, and so they do not appear profuse in their gratitude when a kindness is shown them. He pointed out, further, that that day they had a certain section or whites who advocate a state of society where each man will help his fellow man. The fashion in these days, he added, is to regard the. aboriginal as something even beneath our contempt. In fact, one of the great scientists, Haeckel, had gone so far as to say that the Australian aboriginal is little .better than the anthropoid ape. Those who knew the aboriginal at all believed this to lie entirely false. They were, it may be said, a child race, and they were often very troublesome children. Still they had the keen observation of children and could be taught and influenced: and it was on this fundamental basis that the missionaries are work in" amongst them to-day. This action of Neighbour, lie went on to say. inasmuch as it was one of bravery, was not unique, for to-day in Sydney could be seen the monument testifying to the noble action of .Tacky .Tacky, the native bov who risked his life for that of the il'l-fated Kennedy on his Queensland expedition. Then again he quoted the splendid example of bravery of the aboriginal boy who accompanied Eyre on his memorable exploring tour across the Great Australian Bight country. Many other instances of bravery of the natives, too, never came under the notice of the public. In his mind, this was a courageous action on the part of the Government to generously recommend this man's action as worthy of receiving the distinction. It would, he thought, be of great service to those who are trying to raise the aboriginal to a higher standard of life, and, in his opinion, would have a good effect.

His Excellency. in ;i few words, stated that there was not much left to lie said after the eloquent remarks of the previous speakers, whose sentiments he entirely agreed with. It gave him great pleasure to have the opportunity of presenting to Neighbour. in the name of his Majesty the King, the Albert Medal, as a mark of distinction in recognition of his act of bravery in saving a life. The conferring of this distinction could be directed by his Majesty only, and it was one of which Neighbour should indeed feel proud. He then handed Neighbour the medal amidst applause.