THE SYDNEY RESCUE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18364, 3 April 1923, Page 6

THE SYDNEY RESCUE.

CHALMERS' GALLANTRY.

A PUBLIC TESTIMONIAL.

The gallantry shown by "Rob" Chalmers in rescuing Miss Tui : Kirby off Ben Buckler, Sydney, recently, was commended by* members of the North Bondi Surf Club, when • a public testimonial was opened. Among the subscriptions was £10 from one of the vice-presidents.

The following letter has been received by the club from Mr. John E. N. Kirby, brother of the rescued girl:—

"May I be permitted, on behalf of the family, to express our appreciation of your wonderful organisation. Words fail me when. I think of the bravery and sublime devotion to duty displayed by Mr. Chalmers and the other boys in rescuing and restoring to life my little sister Tui. But for the amazing feat of Bob Chalmers in taking that almost suicidal'dive and that long swim through those awful waters ray sister would certainly have crashed. "She was just 'all in' when Chalmers reached her, and then her great fear was that she had caused a brave man to share certain death with her. However, your great efforts on shore, combined with tho daring of the Doherty brothers, averted a terrible tragedy, and turned the event into what must be the greatest efficiency triumph ever gained by any life-saving club.

"The wholo thing is too big for more —believe me you have placed the Kirby family deeply in your debt. My sister is greatly concerned about all the poor boys who were injured in rescuing her, and hopes as soon as she is able to leave her bed to thank you all personally for the greatest gift you could possibly have given her—her life.'' At the Waverley Council meeting it was decided to send, under seal, a letter of appreciation to "Rob" Chalmers, and to those associated with him in the rescue. Chalmers, who is a motor mechanic, said ho had been out of work for three weeks, but that since the rescue he had been offered positions by six differentj persona.