BRAVE SAMOAN SCOUTS.

Northern Advocate, 12 November 1923, Page 6

BRAVE SAMOAN SCOUTS.

HEROISM REWARDED. The bravery and resourcefulness of two Sanioan Boy Scouts, named Latai and Totoa, aged 18 years and 16 years respectively, was described to the Dominion Executive of the Boy Scouts' Association by Mr 11. S. Cordery, a former resident of Christchurch, who ■has just returned after some years' residence in Samoa. Mr Cordery said that on July 4 Messrs Rutherford and Williams (two ■schoolteachers) and four other people, including the two Scouts, left Fagamalo, on the northern coast of the island »f Upolu, for Apia % on the mail launch Bonito. They left about midnight, and about two o'clock in the morning the launch struck a reef. Every light was out, and those on board were in a very precarious condition, and the vessel was rapidly goiug to pieces. Mr Williams managed to light a hurricane lamp. The Scouts offered to swim ashore and get assistance, despite the fact that there were many shaiks about. The shore was three-quarters of a mile from. the reef, which is a mass of coral, and coral causos septic poisoning if a person is bruised against it. The boys jumped into the sea to try and ascertain whether they were inside or outside the reef, and were bumped up against it. They ascertained that the launch whs outside the reef, and got on board again. Both boys wanted to swini ashore, but one was ordered to remain on board in case his assistance was wanted. The bigger lad, Latai, got over the side, was thrown ngainst the reef, which he managed to. get over, reached the shore, and roused the villagers, who got out a big boat, and with it took off those on the launch. Both the Scouts worked on for six hours, assisting to save all that could be sived from the wreck. Latai and Totoa absolutely refused to take any monetary reward, saying that they were Scouts. With all their bravery and skill, the Samoans were almost child-like, and if anything could be. done to show that their action was appreciated it would be a wonderfill thing, and if it were done promptly it would be all the more valuable. In a written account of the incident Mr Cordery stated that these Scouts showed resourcefulness, courage, and ! self-sacrifice, and were worthy of some recognition that would serve as a great incentive to all Samoans when facing such dangers. After some discussion, and after Mr Cordery had answered several questions, it was decided, on the motion of Dr. P. C. Fenwick, seconded by Mr C. D. Hardie, to award each of the Scouts a bronze cross, and to ask the Gover-nor-Gener.il to present them. This is the highest award in the power of the executive to make.