Native Intrepidity.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume VIII, Issue 518, 15 June 1852, Page 2

Native Intrepidity.

In a previous account of the recent fatal accident near Onehunga, — upon which occasion John Nolan, a servant of Major Greenwood, was drowned, by the upsetting of a canoe, — we stated that his native companion had made every possible exertion to save the life of the unfortunate man. Since then, the body of Nolan has been recovered, and a Coroner's Jury has elicited the commendable and the remarkable fact that the Native, named B Ware, supported Nolan upon his shoulders, in the water, for about three hours, during which time Nolan (who could not swim) perished through exhaustion ; his humane and benevolent comrade with diffic ulty escaping a similar fate in consequence ' of his dauntless fidelity. We cannot be content to pass this action with a mere record of its generous magnanimity. It is not the first time by many that the*rioble * New-Zealander has hazarded his own life to save that of an European brother. The conduct of E Ware was an instinctive act of the highest and holiest benevolence ; and meritorious as it is, it was not without its prototype, — the same generous native exertions having been made to, save the life of Mr. Piers Smale upon occasion of the capsizing of the unfortunate cutter "Maori." In the field, we have found the New Zealander a fearless but an honourable foe. In the every day relations of life, we know them to be just and straightforward dealers. And in moments of imminent and deadly peril — such as the present — such as the wrecks of 'L' Alcmene/ r Maukin/ cum multis aliis, — we have proved them to be deathless and dauntless friends. England has her Humane Societies to recognize and reward the man that risks his own life to rescue that of his fellow. Can we organize nothing of the kind in New Zealand ? Granted that the Local Government have been liberal in money compensation to the Natives. But what then ? Should we not seek to raise the rescue of human life beyond a mere marketable value ? Should we not by so doing refine the native mind ? — Englishmen are proud enough to display a medal won by valour, or humanity, or both. Would the native-born hero be less so ?