THREE BRAVE SCOUTS

Evening Star, Issue 19698, 27 October 1927, Page 2

THREE BRAVE SCOUTS

The Dunedin district is to honor three Scouts, who have been given awards for gallantry in saving life. Two of them have received the silver cross, tho second highest Scout award that is given, and then only when tho recipients have faced considerable risk. The third received a certificate of merit. The first rescue was effected by Second Thomas Rennie, of the First Dunedin Rover Troop, on January 30 last. A man got into serious difficulties in the surf at St. Kilda, and was being carried out by the undertow. He-man-aged to keep himself afloat, and signalled for assistance, but in his exhausted state could make no headway. Rover Rennie went to his assistance single handed, and after groat difficulty succeeded in bringing' the man ashore The second rescue were effected by Patrol Leader James Mohalski, of the Green Island Troop, who was instrumental in saving a hoy irom drowning on April 19 last at Burnside. A number of boys wore playing alongside the dam, when the youngest of throe brothers slipped down tho steep side into tho water. Mohalski at once jumped in to rescue the boy, bringing him to tile surlaee, and alter a big struggle succeeded in getting the boy to tho side of the dam, up which ho and the rescued boy were helped by others present. Unfortunately during the excitement, the two older brothers of the rescued boy got into the water and were drowned. Mehalski was too exhausted to do anything towards the rescue of these boys For tho above two acts of heroism, these Scouts have been awarded the silver cross for gallantry by the Chief Scout, Sir Robert Baden-Powell. Tho certificate of merit has been awarded to Patrol Leader G. M. Dodds, of tho Mosgiel Troop, for his promptitude and Scoutlike action in an emergency. On February 26 a number of boys were bathing in.a stream at Mount Stuart, when a small boy got into difficulties in a deep hole. Leader Dodds at once went to his assistance, and got him safely' ashore. Although the circumstances did not entail any groat danger to Leader Dodds, he would nor have hesitated to risk his life had the occasion warranted it.

The awards will be presented to these three Scouts at a. public meeting in the Burns Hall to-night.