HUMANE SOCIETY OF N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26514, 31 August 1951, Page 3

HUMANE SOCIETY OF N.Z.

BRAVERY AWARDS ANNOUNCED TWO BRONZE MEDALS INCLUDED Two bronze medals, one framed certificate, and three letters of commendation 'were awarded by the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand between March 31 and July 31. This was announced by the secretary (Mr R. K. Jamieson) yesterday. Bernard Hansen, aged 19, was awarded a bronze medal for his efforts in attempting to save the life of J. H. Olney, aged 13, who got into difficulties while trying to swim across the mouth of the Arewa river on December 26, 1949.

“Mr Hansen, noticing the swimmer’s plight, immediately entered the water fully clothed, endeavoured to assist Olney, but had to let go and was himself assisted ashore by some men in a boat,” said the citation for the award. “Mr Hansen gave no thought to any possible danger to himself, but responded promptly and courageously to the fact that some person was in difficulties and needed assistance." The other recipient of the society’s bronze medal was Malcolm John Mason. Associated with Mr Mason in an attempt to rescue John Retter at Riversdale beach on January 7, 1951. were Charles Ernest Smith, who was awarded a framed certificate, and Cyri] Arnold Batchelor, who was awarded a letter of commendation.

“Mr Smith went to the rescue of John Retter who was in difficulties in an undertow and a rip at Riversdale beach,” said the citation for the three awards. “Mr Smith also got into difficulty and Mr John Mason promptly entered the sea almost fully clothed. “On reaching Retter he found he was apparently dead, and Mr Maston turned his attention to Mr Smith, supporting him until Mr Smith had sufficient strength to take care of himself, by which time Mr Mason was almost exhausted, and had to be assisted from the water. In the meantime, Mr Batchelor had also entered the water to assist, and he too was nearly drowned, and was washed up on the beach some distance away. The rip and undertow at this beach are considered dangerous, and all three men disregarded all risk to their own lives when they entered the sea.” For their work in leading Occupants of an aeroplane, which caught alight on R’otorua aerodrome on January 16, 1950, to safety, James Brown and Charles Henry Robinson were sent letters of commendation.