A MERITORIOUS ACT.

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 8 June 1906, Page 2

A MERITORIOUS ACT.

It will be remembered that a few weeks ago Porter Collett received rather serious injury whi*e on duty at the Waipawa railway ssation. A goods train was approaching, and Collett kept hold of the lever of the apparatus that guides the points until the train passed. Experts believe that if he had released his hold the whole train would probablv have come to grief, and damage" to the extent of a thousand pounds or more might have resulted. Of course, in a sense the porter was only doing h s duty, but this is the crucial point: after one or two trucks had passed Collett, the man was struck on the head with a piece of projecting timber, but he kept his post until the last waggon had gone by, and then he collapsed. After being struck, most men would have dropped the lever like a hot potato. Collett’s injuries necessitated his going off duty and being put on half pay. The action certainly seems one calling for substantial recognition by the Department. At anyrate the fullest enquiry should be made into the matter, with a view of reward if the facts are found to be as stated. The Department is strict in cases of neglect; it should be just as quick to recognise real merit.