REWARD FOR BRAVERY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9024, 1 November 1892, Page 3

REWARD FOR BRAVERY.

A correspondent writing from Tuparoa 3ays :—October the 26bh will be a day long remembered by the residents of this little out of the way place, as on that day Mr. J. T. Connolly, of Waipiro, received from Sir George Whitmore (who on this occasion represented His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, Governor of New Zealand) tho Royal Humane Society of Australasia's medal for saving life ab a great risk of his own. The occasion dated as far back as 18bh of September, 1891, when a surf boat returning from the s.s. Australia was capsized at Waipiro Bay, the crew being thrown into the sea. A heavy sea was running at tho time. Mr. Connolly ran down to tho beach, and taking the end of a line, a very heavy one by the way, swam out to the rescue, and succeeded in bringing Mr. Gillinder, one of the crew, safely ashore, who, though much exhausted, happily recovered. Unfortunately two of the boat's crew were drowned. As regards the presentation of the medal, a handsome bronze one, together with o certificate, it took place on the lawn of " Sir George Whitmore's house fronting the sea, which is close to the hotel. There was > a large gathering of natives and Europeans present. Mr. J. Johnson, our worthy schoolmaster, marched up his native scholars in full force. When all were in position, Sir George Whitmore, attended by Major Swindley and one or two ladies, read out the certificate, and complimented Mr. J. T. Connolly on receiving the medal, saying at the same time that it was well merited, as it was a true instance of British pluck. Two native interpreters being present, the natives were soon in possession of tho gist of both speech and contents of certificate. Above the hotel, on a small hill, the British flag was run upland two guns fired. Then an adjourn-iompibT-was made to tho hotel, where the health of gallnnb J. T. - Connolly was drunk in bumpers by all present. Cakes, biscuits, etc., were supplied to the children, and after hearty good wishes had been again expressed, the recipient of the honour rode away to his home, while tho guns fired a parting salute.