THE ALBERT MEDAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 January 1919, Page 7

THE ALBERT MEDAL.

A yALUABLE DISTINCTION. BESTOWED ON THE LATE AETHDB. AMBURY,

| The announcement that the King had been pleased to bestow the award of the Albert Medal upon the late Arthur H. Ambury for his gallantry and selfsacrifice on Mount Egcmont on June 3 last, will be received with satisfaction by residents of the whole district, as well as the relatives and immediate friends of the deceased. It will be remembered that at the coronial inquiry into the death of the late Mr. Arthur Ambury, the coroner (Mr. A. Crookie. S.Mi.) expressed an opinion that the act of Mr. Ambury was one such as merited the award of the Albert medal. This suggestion was taken up by the New Plymouth Borough Council, who resolved to bring the matter under the notice of the proper authorities, with a view to having the act of heroism fittingly recognised. This done, and recently the town clerk was informed by the Department of Internal Affaire tliat a cable has been received from the New Zealand High Ooml missioner in London, stating that tht King had awarded the Albert MedaL which would be forwarded to the Gover-nor-General for presentation to the next-of-kin of deceased.

It may bo of interest to state that the award was first instituted by Gazette notice issued on April 30, 1877. The award is intended only for those who, in saving, or in endeavoring to save the lives of others, endanger their own lives. Two medals are issued, the first class in cases of extreme and heroic daring; and the second class in cases which, though great courage is shown, are not sufficiently distinguished to deserve the firstclass medal. The design of the first-class medal is that of a gold oval badge, enamelled in ret), with a monogram consisting of the letters "V. and A." in gold, and surrounded with a garter in bronze, on which is inscribed in raised letters of gold: "For gallantry in saving life on land." This is surmounted with a repre sentation of the crown of the Prince Consort, and the whole is edged with gold. The medal is suspended by a crimson ribbon with four white stripes. The second-class medal is similar in design, but worked entirely in bronze, with red enamelling and suspended by a crimson ribbon with two white stripes.

Though no indication is given in the letter to the town clerk, it seems to he beyond doubt that the medal awarded to Mr. Ambury is of the first-class order. It would be in keeping with all the circumstances if the presentation could take place at the unveiling of the memorial to Mr Ambury, which if> about to be erected near the North Egmont Hostelry