FOR BRAVERY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 18 December 1936, Page 7

FOR BRAVERY

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY AWARD | CERTIFICATE PRESENTED TO MR C. G. SCARLETT ! I RESCUE OF MAN IN MOTUEKA | RIVER ■ The presentation of a framed certificate of commendation from the New Zealand branch of the Royal Humane Society was made to Mr Clifford George Scarlett, of Nelson, in the City Council Chamber last evening, in recognition of the bravery he displayed in rescuing from drowning, Mr Gerald Fitz Gerald, of Wellington, in the Motueka river, near Pokororo, on the Ist February 1935. Mr W. Lock, vice-president of the society, tendered an apology on behalf of Mr G. A. Edmonds, official honorary correspondent for Nelson, who was unable to attend. Mr Lock in asking the Mayor (Mr G. L. Page) to make the presentation, explained that Mr Scarlett diVed into a fast running river, clothed, swam to Mr Fitz Gerald,

Mr W. Lock, vice-president of the society, tendered an apology on behalf of Mr G. A. Edmonds, official honorary correspondent for Nelson, who was unable to attend. Mr Lock in asking the Mayor (Mr G. L. Page) to make the presentation, explained that Mr Scarlett diVed into a fast running river, clothed, swam to Mr Fitz Gerald, and returned to the river bank with him, a distance of approximately 20 yards. Mr Scarlett was hampered by clothes, and rescued him with considerable difficulty in 10 feet of water and was to be congratulated on the bravery he displayed. “It might be of some interest if I gave some brief information in regard to the parent society, and the New Zealand branch,” said Mr Lock. “Owing to the large number of deaths occurring from drowning in the rivers, and watering places in and near London, and especially in the Serpentine, Hyde Park, a society was formed 162 years ago with the object of rendering first aid in cases of drowning and restoring the apparently drowned. A site for a depot in Hyde Park was granted the Society by King George the Third. Boats and boatmen were soon provided to render assistance to bathers, and many lives were saved. Ice men were also provided in the skating grounds in and around London in case of accidents. The Society distributed money awards, medals, etc., to those who saved or attempted to save drowning people, and all cases of exceptional bravery in saving human life. The Society was very successful in its efforts and it was not long before over 100 depots had been established, and in recent years, it had over 300 depots supplied with suitable life saving equipment in the United Kingdom, and recently in one year over 500 lives were saved. It is maintained by private contributions. I might also mention that the* New Zealand Branch is financed in the same manner as the parent society, and is hampered in its work, through lack of funds. The Society distributes awards for bravery displayed in saving human life, and the grade of reward is determined by the amount of personal risk taken by the rescuer. The awards are gold, silver, and bronze, medals, certificates, and letters of commendation. Mr G. A. Edmonds is the hon. correspondent for Nelson and is always willing to hear of cases deemed worthy of being brought under the notice of the Society and supply any information desired. I congratulate Mr Scarlett on his brave action.”

The Mayor said he was pleased to have the opportunity of presenting the Royal Humane Society’s certificate and to congratulate Mr Scarlett on his brave action. Although not a good swimmer himself Mr Scarlett had boldly, at great personal risk, jumped into the river to render assistance to a man who would otherwise have lost his life and it was indeed a very brave action.

Continuing the Mayor said swimming should be encouraged in the schools of the Dominion and made compulsory. Such a decision would help to decrease the number of drowning fatalities.

The Mayor then, presented the certificate.

In reply Mr Scarlett thanked Mr Lock and Mr Page for their remarks and added that he had only done what any other man would have done in similar circumstances.