N.Z. ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12974, 29 November 1907, Page 4

N.Z. ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the ><ew Zealand Royal Humane Society wae held yesterday, when Colonel Slater presided.

The annual report of the directors stated that during th/j J«"" 1^ 06 the cases investigated by the directors mimbered 32, out of which 20 awards were made. These cases covered 16 of rescue from drowning, two unsuccessful attempts to rescue from drowning, one from burning and one of asphyxia. The character of these cases generally had been iof a higher standard than heretofore. I The awards clnimed by the North Island were 11, and the South Island nine, altogether consisting of:—Two silver medals, three bronze medals, tight certificates of merit, two "in (memorianv , certificates, five letters of commendation. The total awards made by the Society sinoo its formation amounted to 192. At the Intcri national Exhibition, the Society made an exhibit in conjunction with the Fire Brigade and St. John Ambulance Corps, which attracted a great deal of attention. The very valuable challenge shield presented by Sir John Hall to encourage swimming in schools, publio and private, formed a very attractive item amongst the exhibits. The diroctors continued to distribute life-sav-ing leaflets and charts, applications for which came from swimming clubs, schools and colleges all over New Zealand. The North Island contributed nearly £20 to .the funds of the Society during the year, being double the 6Uin contributed last year. From Otago not a single penuy was received. The financial statement presented an encouraging view of the position of the Society. The subscription list for the year the largest yet received. Tho directors thanked the honorary correspondents of the Society for their valuable assistance, and would especially mention Mr H. B. Kirk, of Timaru, who <-ollected £27 in his district. To the Press and the police the Society was much indebted for valuable assistance.

, In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the Chairman said that they must all deeply regret the death, of tLeir late.president, the Hon. Sir John , Hall, who had taken such a warm and personal interest in the welfare of the Society. Ho would ask some gentleman t<o move a resolution on the subject later on. Tho Rev. W. S. Bean seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

The Rev. E. E. Chambers moved:— "That this meeting desires to record ite appreciation of the many eervioee rendered to the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand by the late Hon. Sir John Hall, K.C.M.G. ; for seven years president of the Society." Hie late Sir John Hall was a tower of strength in connection with the Society, and always urged the conservation of their awards co as to intensify the value' of their medals when awarded. The late Sir John Hall w«* proud, amongst all the organisations which he belonged to, of being connected with the Society.

The Hon. H. F. Wigram seconded the motion, and suggested that they ehould add to the motion an expression of condolence with the family, and also that a copy of the resolution bo forwarded to them. ;

The R«r. Mr Chambers accepted the ■suggestion of the Hon. Mr Wigram, and the resolution was carried, with the addition of the words, "and that a copy of the above resolution be forwarded to the meml>ers of the late Sir John Hall's family." ■"• ' The officers for the ensuing year wero elected as follows:—President, Lieutenant-Colonel Slater; vice-presi-dents, the Mayors of boroughs in, the colony; court of directors, LieutenantColonel Snow, the Hon. H. F. Wigram, th© Reve. W. g. Bean and E. E. Chambers, Dr. Russell, Superintendent Smith, Messna J. A. H..8. Kirk, Ferrier, O. C. Bishop, J. Hon. treasurer, -Superintendent Smith. ■ The Rev. Mr Chamber* gave notice to more at next meeting tliat the number of directors be reduced to six.

Mr W. Jameson, was elected as hon. auditor. COURT OF DIRECTORS. A meeting of the court of directors was then held, Colonel Slater presiding. Ten cauos were brought before the'directors by the Examining Committee. In the case of Rangi Norman, aged 18i, schoolboy, for attempting to rescue Hinehiri Topjhum (female), aged twelre, from drowning at Papawai, near Greytpwn North, on 4th April, 1907, and the case of ICreti Pahura, aged forty-nine, for attempting to rescue Hinehiri Topikijru, aged twelve, from drowning at Papawai, near Greytown North, on 4th April, 1907, the recommepdftt-ion of the committee was that in the two cases bronze medals be awarded. This recommendation was adopted. In tho case of Maria Tamo Macfarlnne, aged twenty, for rescuing Charles Grigsby, aged thirty-five, from' drowning at Kiwitahi on 14th January, 1907, the committee recommended fhe award of a silre.r medal, \rhich wa* adopted by the director*.

In the qase of Edward Haughey, aged sixteen, 0f,209 Barbadoes street, Christchurch, {or rceouiug Lilian Jane Fisber, n-ged fourteen, from drowning at JJarbadocs street bridge Christchurch, on 10th December, 1900, the committee recommended the award of a certificate. After so mo discussion it Ivas resolvetl to bend # letter of commendation.

In tho case of George Edgar, aged forty, of Lyttelton, dairyman, for rescuing a schoolboy named John Fitzsimxnons. aged thirteen, from drowning at Lyttelton ou 16th December, 1906, the committee recommended a letter of commendation, which was agreed to.

In the case of Selnyn Thomas EUinghani, agod fifteen, of Ponsonby road, Auckland, carpenter's apprentice, for rescuing JJobert John Dowsing, aged 12J. and Charlws Edwin Dowsing, aged eleven, from drowning at Auckland on 28th March, 1907, tho committee recommended a bronze medal, tvhich was agreed to.

In tho case of Clarence Sheridan, aged fifteen, of Blenheim, hairdreeeer'e assistant, for rescuing William Hall, aged fourteen, from drowning on the 2nd October. 1907. the committee recommended a certificate, but it was decided to award a brouse medal. In the case of Henry William Schwass, aged thirty-three, railway surface-man, for rescuing Selina Josel nhine Bishop, aged about ten, from drowning at Nelson, on the 16th January, 190/, the committee recommended a certificate, which wa<s agreed to. In the cw» e of John A. Corrie. of Lyttelton. the committee recommended a certificate, but the directors agreed to give a letter of oommendation. * £v* -1 i" 6 ?* ltm J <* n Donaldson, of Chnetchurch matron of theOrphanl £ iK? 1 J.* 001 fire on the *& - r i * 8, *& Particulars were stated SLrftV^T 1010 °S5 haDa « c «uglrt fire abput 12.20 a.m. There were thirteen •leeping children in the Orphanage at the time, tten boys and three girle, and the work of arouring them and marshalling them to facilitate the deeoent was rendered more difficult fey reason of the' thick suffocating emoke that tilled each room. Twelve of tho children were taken down the front etair-

case, wnicn naa not b«>n touohoij by the flames, and reached tho outside safely, but it was then discovered that tho thirteenth was missing. Miss Donaldson, knowing whew tho child was to bo found, immediately returned to the burning building, and at very Considerable risk rescued the remaining inmate. Miss Donaldson effected the rescue of the children almost, if not altogether, stugje-lianded. through fright. It was resolved that a gold medal be awarded to Miss Donaldson.