"THE CHILDREN'S HERO."

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 July 1915, Page 8

"THE CHILDREN'S HERO."

HOW VANDERBILT WORKED TO THE END. In a conversation with a 'Central News' representative Mrs Lines, a Canadian lady, who reached Euston station from Queens-town, paid a glowing tribute to the gallantry of Mr. Alfred Vanderbilt and his valet, Ronald Denver, who were passengers on the Lusitania. "People," said Mrs Lines, "will not talk of Mr. Vanderbilt in future as the millionaire sportsman and man of pleasure. He will be remembered as 'the children's hero,' and men and women will salute his name. When death was nearing him he showed a gallantry which no words of mine can adequately describe. He stood outside the palm saloon on the starboard side with Ronald Denver by his side. He looked on the scene of horror and despair with pitying eyes. 'Find all the kiddies you can, boy,' he said to_ his valet. The man rushed off immediately collecting the children, and as he brought them to Mr. Vanderbilt the latter dashed to the boats with two little ones in his arms at a time. When he could no longer find any more children, he went to the assistance of the women, and placed as many as he could in safety. In all his work he was gallantly assisted by Ronald Denver, and the" two continued their efforts until the \ery end. I hope the young men of Britain will act the same for their country now as Mr. Vanderbilt did for somebody's little ones." Other survivors state that just before- the end Mr. Vanderbilt gave up the lifebelt which he was wearing and put it round a friendless old woman who came along. He could not swim.