STEWARDESS HEROINES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 57, 12 March 1910, Page 2

STEWARDESS HEROINES.

A REMINDER OP THE PENGUIN

W^EgK,

MEMORIAL CERTIFICATES OF

BRAVERY

A CHIEF OFFICER'S GALLANTRY

The Penguin wreck in Cook Strait on February 12th, 1909, was recalled last night (says Thursday's New Zealand Times) by the public presentation to the relatives of the two heroic stewardesses, Mrs Jacobs and Mrs Hope, of framed memorial certificates from the Royal Humane 1 Society of New Zealand recording: "That by their unselfish devotion to duty, they earned the gratitude of every passenger." On the same occasion, a crowded gathering of seamen and the general public in the Wellington Seamen's Mission, Mr James Moore presiding, the society's silver medal and certificate were presented to Chief Officer Robert Darroch of the Huddart Parker steamer Ulimaroa, for bravery in saving a life in Wellington harbour on June 25th, 1909.

REMEMBERING THE BRAVE,

Mr George Allport (secretary to the Marine Department) told the story of Chief Officer Darroch's . bravery. He saw a man fall between the ship and the wharf when there was a considerable range in the sea, rendering it a matter of extreme danger for anyone who went down to rescue the man. But, without thinking of the consequences, Mr Darroch's first thought was that the man was drowning, and he jumped down and was successful in rescuing him. These were the deeds which showed that British esamen had not deteriorated when compared with their brave ancestors. Mr Allport reminded the audience of the dreadful wreck of the Penguin on a dark stormy night, and*of the brave way in which the two stewardesses, Mrs Hope and Mrs Jacobs, went about their duties, distributing lifebelts to the passengers and fixing them on, encouraging women who were fearful of what was going to happen, and soothing the terrified children. The soldier in war had the excitement of fighting to spur him on, but these two brave women went quietly about their work on a dark a dnstormy night. He felt sure his audience would agree that what was being done was only right and proper, and although the relatives of the two brave women grieved for j them, they must be proud to think of what they did on the fateful night. (Applause).

Mr Moore stated that the father of Mrs Jacobs was present, an olcLman of ninety years of age who ha<l come to do the meeting honour whfle they were aiming to do slight honour to the memory of his beloved daughter. The sister of Mrs Hope was also present to receive the testimonial. One of the brave stewardesses in putting a lifebelt on a woman, was heard to J say: "You could not be better fitted in Kirkcaldie's." Such deeds as theirs should bo praised in verse, and not allowed to die out of the memory of New Zealanders. "THE TOUGHEST PART." Mrs M. A. Williams formally made the presentations, Mrs Jacobs's memorial certificate being received by Mr Edward Woods, her father, and. acknowledged by his son-in-law, Mr Benzie (Trentham). The recipient of Mrs Hope's memorial certificate was Mrs F. L. Dean (Wellington), the deceased's sister, who will forward it to her mother, Mrs Chisham. When Chief Officer Darroch was called upon to acknowledge the medal and certificato he made the briefest

speech of the evening. "This is the toughest part of the rescue," he said, and added thanks for the recognition.

As a mark of respect for _ the heroines of the Penguin, the audience stood in silence. Their relatives and Mr Darroch were honoured with rousing cheers. / During! the evening a concert was provided, the vocalists being Miss Page and Mr Fitzgerald, while Miss J. W. Hardie was the accompanist and Mr Toombs contributed several violin solos. The programme was arranged by Mr and Mrs W. Cable.