BRAVERY RECOGNISED

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 28, 27 October 1932, Page 6

BRAVERY RECOGNISED

Humane Society Awards PRESENTATIONS MADE Before formal business began at last evening’s meeting of the Wellington Harboqr Board, the chairman, Mr. C. J. B. Norwood, made two presentations of aivards on behalf of the Royal Humane Society. The recipients of the awards were Captain W. I. Morgan, of the Penearrow Sand and Shingle Company, and Mr. O. Ram stead, a member of the Waterside Workers’ Union. Captain Morgan received a medal tor conspicuous bravery during the rescue work which was done when the Progress was wrecked on May 1 last year, and Mr. Ramstead received the society’s certificate for the rescue from drowning of Mr. George Turner in Wellington Harbour on April 20 last. Before making the presentation to Captain Morgan. Mr. Norwood „ said that although it was 18 months since the wreck of the Progress the rescue work performed on that occasion and the bravery of those who took part in it were still fresh in the memory. Captain Morgan, in gaining one of the high awards of the society, had been rewarded for his fine display of courage and determination in rescuing and attempting to rescue the unfortunate members of the crew who were in distress. "You arc indeed living up to the high traditions of the British race,” said Mr. Norwood, addressing Captain Morgan, "and we feel that your part in the rescue work has been one of very considerable importance.” Referring next to Mr. Ramstead s rescue, Mr. Norwood said that Mr. Turner, who was a member of the crew'of the Komata, which had been berthed at the Railway Wharf, had fallen into the harbour and had not been able to swim. “He was noticed to be in extreme difficulty,” said Mr. Norwood, “and in danger of drowning when he was observed by Mr. Ramstead, who, fully clothed, dived into the water, secured him from below the surface, swam with him to a stringer and held him up until a rope was thrown him. He tied the rope around Mr. Turner, who was drawn up to .safety. After receiving attention both men recovered. The action of Mr. Ramstead was particularly meritorious, as he had been discharged only a few days previously from hospital, where he had been a patient for nearly four mouths. He ran a gra\e risk of suffering a relapse of his illness, but did not hesitate to perform a gallant rescue wffien a fellow-human being was in distress.” Brief speeches of congratulation were made also by Mr. P. Colra, honorary correspondent in Wellington of the Roval Humane Society of New Zealand, and by Mr. F. Cox, who spoke on behalf of the watersiders and seamen. Mr. Coira thanked Mr. Norwood and the board for their part in the ceremony