HEROES OF PEACE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17179, 27 May 1916, Page 3

HEROES OF PEACE.

LYTTELTON SCHOOL RAILWAY ACCIDENT. PRESENTATIONS TO DRIVER AND FIREMAN. A large and representative gathering of citizens and scholars assembled in the playground ■of the Lyttelton Dis-, trict High School yesterday afternoon for the purpose of making some tangible recognition of the services rendered by Driver S. 0. T. J. Smith and Fireman 0. B. O. W00d,,-who were in charge of the picnic train ou March 4 last, when a, catastrophe was averted at Addington.

Dr 0. H. Upham, chairman of the School Committee, said bo looked upon the two gentlemen as heroes of peace. On that memorial day of March 4 few thought of accident or that they were in measurable distance of death. The promptitude of the driver and fireman had prevented a serious accident. The men had stuck to their posts and so had considerably lessened the danger of a catastrophe. (Applause.) Mr E. U. Just, head master, speaking on behalf of the scholars, parents and committee, said the Lyttelton District High School had had many picnics, some as far north as Ambcrley and others to Ashburton, but although between five and eight hundred scholars and parents had attended on each occa-i-ion there had been no accident. On March 4, however, the engine had van off the line. Messrs Smith and:Wood were in charge of the train, and thanks to their presence of mind and-pluck a calamity had been averted and nobody had been hurt. It was in no small measure due to the promptitude of their guests that such happy results had attended the accident. Those who attended the picnic thought it only right and proper that the driver and fireman should receive something in recognition of their services. The two men had a duty to perform on the engine, and at the risk of their own lives they had carried out their duty faithfully to save the lives of the little one. (Applause.) He congratulated Messrs Smith and Wood on their own fortunate escape from injury, arid trusted that it would be many a, long day before, they would be again called upon to exhibit such bravery under the same circumstances. (Applause.) Mr Just then called upon Misses Eunice Maze.y and Alice Russell to present Messrs Smith and Wood each with a silver toa service, inscribed, as a gift from the citizens of Lyttelton and scholars of the Lyttelton District High School for bravery and humanity on March 4,' 1916. On the gifts being handed over the scholars sang " For they are jolly good fellows," followed by loud cheers.

The Mayor (Mr W. Radcliffe) also spoke in appreciation of the men's action.

On. rising to respond Driver Smith was loudly applauded. He said he could only thank the citizens and the children for their handsome present. It had come as a surprise. He bad done his best in the hour of trouble, and in spite,of the cries of tho children, ho felt pleased when he knew, the train had been kept on the road. He recognised the valuable assistance rendered by Fireman Wood. Thov had only dono their duty to the best of their ability. The present would long bo treasured by himself and his family. (Applause.) Fireman Wood was also received with a round of applause. Ho thanked tho children for their gift, which ho would long remember as a tribute of that memorable day. With his colleague, all he could say was that ho had done his duty. (Applause.) At the invitation of lady teachers those present were entertained at afternoon tea.