Rescuers’ Bravery Recognised

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31177, 29 September 1966, Page 3

Rescuers’ Bravery Recognised

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Sept. 28. Cheques and wrist watches were presented to six members of the Wahine’s crew for their part in last Saturday’s rescue operation* at Lyttelton, by the chairman and managing director of the Union Line (Mr F. K. Macfarlane), in the company’s board room this morning. “We all feel terribly proud of you—you were so ready to respond,” he told the recipients—Messrs E. G. Kite, quarter-master; W. E. Sin-

clair, J. Baker, able seamen; J. Furlong, R. Kirkpatrick, and F. Hines, stewards. The presentation was attended by members of the board and company executives, the master of the Wahine, Captain E. G. K. Meatyard, and representatives of maritime unions.

A presentation to . a seventh man, Mr T. M. C. Hay, a watersider, permanently employed with the Union Line, was not held, as he was unable to leave Lyttelton. Mr Macfarlane asked Captain Meatyard to take the cheque and watch with him on the Wahine this evening

and present it tomorrow morning on his behalf. Addressing the six Wahine men, Mr Macfarlane said: “Nothing stirs the minds of people more than deeds of bravery and exhibitions of courage. On the occasion at Lyttelton we were fortunate in seeing a magnificent example. “Such an occasion should not be allowed to pass with just a letter, and this small gift marks our approval of the gesture of courage by each of you. Mr Macfarlane said the cheques were to cover damage to clothing in the water.-

One of the six men then mentioned there was an ' eighth person who assisted in ■ the’rescue. “He is a Welling- ' ton footballer, who also jumped into the water and : assisted one,” he said. “No i mention has so far been made • of him.” Mr Macfarlane said that he would inquire into the matter. Besides the watches and ' cheque, each man received a card which read: “Presented to to mark personal courage at the Wahine mishap at Lyttelton, September 24, 1966."