REWARD FOR BRAVERY.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 248, 18 October 1924, Page 48 (Supplement)

REWARD FOR BRAVERY.

PRESENTATION TO MAORI YOUTH. Some yeare ago, while going down. St. Helier's wharf with other pupils, William Royal dived into the sea to rescue a schoolmate, a boy named Howard Allen, of Kohimarama. Seizing the drowning child the Maori lad called for a life-<bouy and rope, which were lowered. By this means the child Allen was drawn to the wharf in safety. Royal then swam to the wharf steps which he mounted. In thus saving hiß little schoolmate, the Maori boy displayed courage and presence of mind remarkable in a boy eleven years old. The certificate of the Royal Humane Society was presented to the Maori lad in the Council Chamber of the Auckland Town Hall. Later Mra. Allen, mother of the rescued boy, donation, and other residents of St. Helier's and Kohimarama also subscribed. The money so raised was invested till Royal should be old enough to appreciate a suitable gift, and big enough to take proper care of it. Some time ago he left the native settlement at Orakei, and it was months before it was discovered that he was working on a farm near Levin. As his early return to Auckland seemed improbable, the trustees of the presentation fund decided to have the presentation made in Levin. A handsome and well-equipped bicycle, bealing a. silver plate suita/bly inscribed, was forwarded to Constable Bagrie, of Levin. Mr. T. Hobson, Mayor of Levin, presented the bicycle to the young Maori, William Royal, at a ipublic meeting in the County Hall, Levin, a few days airo. The llayor eulogised the action of the Maori youth, and made the presentation amid applause. A choice was offered to Royal who desired, a bicycle '•a Ms ijToaeni,