THE REWARDS OF VALOR.

Evening Star, Issue 8612, 4 September 1891, Page 2

THE REWARDS OF VALOR.

TO IHI XDITOB. Sin,—l see to to-night’s (Star a query from an anonym who assumes the name of “ Colonial,” asking why a Mr Henry Wilson has not received a certificate of merit. As honorary correspondent of the Royal Humane Society, will yon permit me to reply that his case has never been brought under my notice. If “ Colonial ” will kindly call upon me, or will write to me about the matter, I shall have great pleasure to inquiring into the merits of the ease, and of bringing it before the Court of Directors, : While I am writing on this matter, yon will possibly permit me to bring the claims of this society before the notice of those who think it meet to encourage brave deeds. The society is of a truly federal nature. It excludes no colony from its operations; it favors no special creed or race; and whoever it may be to the Australasian colonies that performs a deed of heroism to order to save another’s life or limb is recognised when the case is fairly brought before the Court of Directors. Beyond rewarding acts of gallantry, the society disseminates valuable information of what should be done in the various accidents on land or sea; it distributes life-saving apparatus to those localities and points where there may be special need for it; it encourages, by medals and certificates, school pupils to become proficient in the art of swimming and otherwise; and these are-open to all the public and private schools In the Australasian colonies. Of late years the Court of Directors have tried to influence legislation in several matters where human life is involved— e.g,, the proper equipment of sea-going vessels with efficient life-saving apparatus. To attain these objects the society need funds, and these funds are obtained partly by life members’ and other members’ subscriptions, also donations from other sources; and occasionally bequests are willed to it. The annual quota so far oontributed by New Zealand has been, I am sorry to say, rather small, especially when the number of awards that have been bestowed to this colony is token into consideration.

1 am extremely anxious to obtain from the society a further supply of life-buoys for various points where I feel they are required, and before making my request I should like to forward to the Coutt of Directors more subscriptions—the last were those I obtained at the time of the M‘Catoheon accident. Those of your readers who think it right to see growing op a national spirit of recognising those unselfish actions of ponrage, which are part of the noblest qualities of our common humanity, will, 1 feel sure, help me in this matter.—l am, etc,,

M HABIT COOOHTBBY, Hon. correspondent Royal Humane Society

of Australasia. Dunedin, September 4.