FOR BRAVERY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7930, 13 October 1911, Page 6

FOR BRAVERY

POLICEMAN’S CONDUCT RECOGNISED.

His Excellency the Governor, Knight of Justice of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, yesterday afternoon at Gov-ernment-'House presented Felice Constable Slecth, with the certificate of honour of tho Order, for bravery in rescuing a child from certain death- 'The executive of St. John Ambulance Association were well represented, including members of the nursing division. Mr F. G. B. Waldegravo (Commissioner of Felice), In- j specter Ellison, Sir M. O Rorke, MFC. F. Fowles (chairman of the Wellington branch), Mr J. D. Avery (secretary), and Dr Izard were among those present. Lord Islington said that in compliance with a command from his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught, Grand Prior of St. John of Jerusalem in England, he had much pleasure in conferring upon Constable Sloeth this certificate in recognition of his conspicuous bravery on November Gth last. , A tramcar from Lambton quay was travelling towards Willis street when a small child ran in front of it. The constable rushed across the street and pulled tho child from almost underneath the wheels of the oar, and in doing so endangering his own life. By his courageous action he had saved tho child from what otherwise would have been perhaps a most distressing death. The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, in addition to the various institutions connected with it. both for ambulance work, nursing, and charitable aid undertakings, had established an award of various degrees for acts of gallantry in attempting to save life. This was annually presented by the Grand Prior to those who had earned them and were resident inEngland, but when the recipient was resident in one of tho dominions of tho Empire, as in the present case, the Grand Prior asked the Governor of tho Dominion. as the King's representative, to present it on behalf of liis Royal Highness. This he had great pleasure in doing, and in offering his congratulations to the recipient, he was sure the certificate would always bo regarded with pride and satisfaction by him and his family, whilst it would add credit to the Wellington police force, of which Constable Sleeth had proved himself a most efficient member. (Applause.) Lord Islington subsequently entertained the visit —-afternoon tea.