A BRAVE ACT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 2 October 1943, Page 2

A BRAVE ACT

BOY SAVED FROM DROWNING ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY’S AWARD CERTIFICATE OF MERIT FOR BRIAN ROBERTSON Fourtcen-ycar-o!d Brian Vernon Alfred (Laddie) Robertson, of Motupipi, Takaka, has been awarded a Certificate of Merit by thc Royal Humane Society of New Zealand, for his brave action in saving a boy from drowning at Pohara Beach. Mr G. A. Edmonds, of Nelson, who is the official reporter for the Nelson district to the Royal Humane Society, to-day told tm* story of the incident which had gained the Certificate of Merit for Ladiie Robertson. On the 10th January tho; year Robertson (then 13 years of age) went for a bathe at Pohara Beach, tie found the sea too rough and unsafe for sh imming and was on his way to get dressed again when he heard someone Culling tor help. The boy calling out was Vincent Forman who told Robertson that another boy, named lan William Foskett GO years), was drowning. Robe, tson saw Foskett struggling in the water some distance from the rocks, with the' undercurrent carrying him further out. Without hesitation Robertson dived into the water and went to Foskett’s assistance. The heavy sea made progress difficult but he managed to 'each the boy, who grabbed him round the neck and got on his back, thus oulling Robertson under the water. However, Robertson managed to get free but fo’-nd it necessary to swim back to a smail rock for “a breather,” as the boy had nearly choked nim. After a brief rest Robertson dived m again and swam underwater back to Foskett. grasping the boy’s hand. Swimming with the use of only one nard Robertson managed to retain his grip on the boy and pull him to the rocks. The waves kept knocking him against the rocks but he eventually managed to bring the boy safely to the beach where a Mr Humphries gave assistance. Robertson was badly bruised and scratched but later he was able to take Foskett home. The chairman of the Takaka County Council (Mr A. H. Rose) will present the Certificate of Merit t 0 Laddie Robertson at a public function to be held in Takaka.