PRESENTATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9083, 18 June 1888, Page 11

PRESENTATIONS.

BRAVERY AND COURAGE RE-

WARDED. We were shown on Juno 2, by Mr. G. P. Pierce, manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company, presentations which ho is about to make on behalf of his company. One of these was? a very handsome chain pattern gold bracelet with a plain shield at the opening where the lock is inserted. This is encased in a beautiful case of red morocco, the lid of which has on it a silver plate bearing the following inscription neatly engraved : —" Presented to Miss Mary L. Curtis, by the New Zealand Insurance Company, in appreciation of the presence of mind displayed by her in extinguishing the fire on May 4, 1888." This was accompanied by another present, a massive silver collar of chain pattern, the fastening of which bears the inscription : — "A gift to Floss, from the New Zealand Insurance Company." Tho explanation of all this is that the Insurance Company has recognised the service. rendered them in saving for them property worth £1500 (insured) and appreciated the cool courage displayed by the young lady and the sagacity of her dog. It. appears that on the night of the 4th of May, Miss Curtis was with her family, and retired to rest at the usual hour. During the night she was awakened by her dog, 1 loss, licking her face and attracting her attention. At first she took no notice, but the dog persisted and was not only satisfied with awakening her mistress but by yelps, barks, and other canine movements showed that she desired her mistress to accompany her. Miss Curtis followed the dog down stairs, and in the kitchen she found that a fired log had tumbled out of the fireplace and set Ere to the floor. She did not scream or sing out, or hurriedly open the doors and windows to admit as much draught as possible; but, like a cool, self-possessed phi, she procured a few buckets of water from the nearest tap, put out the fire thoroughly, went- back to bed, and told her mother of what had taken place in the morning. It is pleasant to find the New Zealand Insurance Company recognising the presence of mind so aptly displayed, and there is full consideration of the sagacity of the dog Floss, which is thoroughly deserved, and which will no doubt make her a canine celebrity.

On the 30th of May, at the temporary building formerly used as St. Benedict's Church, a number of the friends of Lieu-tenant-Colonel Mahon assembled to bid him farewell on the eve of his departure for Sydney. Father O'Sullivan, on behalf of the Benedictine Fathers and parishioners presented Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon with an address, expressing regret at his proposed departure, as well as appreciation cf his ability and many sterling qualities. The rev. gentleman also presented him with a handsome crucifix, a purse of sovereigns, and a book entitled " The Life and Miracles of St. Benedict," by St. Gregory the Great, translated by Bishop Luck, and which contained a suitable inscription. Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon, who was considerably affected, replied in a brief address, and said he also regretted his departure from amongst so many friends, and that he would especially treasure the gifts they had just, presented to him. At a meeting of the Auckland Fire Brigade, held on the 4th of June, superintendent Hughes presented firemen Keesing and Murphy with long service medals. The superintendent, in presenting the medals, congratulated the recipients, and •oped they would for many years wear the rewards they had so honourably won. It was agreed to grant the patronage of the Brigade to the entertainment to be given in aid of the funds of the Ladies' Benevolent Society. Mr. Carlaw wrote on behalf of Mrs. Granger, thanking the Brigade for the donation kindly given to her on the occasion of her recent bereavement.

Father Lynch, of Dunedin, who has been ordered away on account of throat disease, has been presented with 147 sovereigns by ftis congregation.