BRAVERY RECOGNISED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26703, 24 February 1948, Page 6

BRAVERY RECOGNISED

RESCUES FROM DROWNING HUMANE SOCIETY AWARDS Recognition of the bravery of Mr Edward Arthur Sell and the late Mr Wiliam Paterson, who went to the assistance of two girls who got into difficulties while bathing at Waikouaiti Beach on March 16, 1946, was made at the meeting of the City Council last night. The silver medallion and framed certificate of the Royal Humane Society were presented to Mr Sell, and a bronze medallion was presented to Mrs Elizabeth Paterson, whose son lost his life in attempting to rescue one of the girls. The Mayor, Mr Cameron, recalling the occurrence, said that Miss Jennifer Farquharson and Miss Rose Gilbert, who were attending the Central Mission picnic at Waikouaiti, got into difficulties about 100 yards out. Paterson, aged 17, and Sell, aged 26, went to the assistance of the girls, who were being carried out by a strong rip. Sell reached Miss Farquharson and brought her ashore. Paterson reached the other girl but must have outdone his strength and was carried further out. a Sell swam out again and brought Miss Gilbert ashore, and when he went into the surf a third time he assisted ashore Mr H. C. Vince, who had gone to Paterson’s assistance. Ten minutes later Paterson’s body was seen in the surf, and Sell went out a fourth time and brought Paterson, ashore. Artificial respiration was applied for about an hour, but without avail. , Paterson, who was not used to surf bathing, and could swim only about 100 yards, lost his life trying to save the girls. Sell was an experienced swimmer and surf bather. Mr H. H. Henderson, the Dunedin representative of the Royal Humane Society, extended the society’s 'congratulations to Mrs Paterson and Mr Sell on the awards, and conveyed to Mrs Paterson its sympathy on the loss of her son. One was lost in admiration for the marvellous task Sell had performed. To go into the surf and rescue cne person was a meritorious act, Mr Henderson said, but to. go out four times as Mr Sell had done was a tribute to his courage, ability and endurance. "

Mrs Paterson and Mr Sell briefly reolied.