HEROISM RECALLED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17844, 29 July 1932, Page 4

HEROISM RECALLED

SINKING OF THE WIMMERA DEATH OF MBS. E. GOULD The death which lias occurred at Taihoa of Mrs. Elizabeth Gould, at the age of 86 years, recalls the sinking of the steamer Wirnmera, which struck a mine olf the north coast of New Zealand cm the morning of June 25, 1918, when en route from Auckland to Sydney, 26 lives being lost. Mrs. Gould left the ship in the last boat, having insisted that tho younger passengers should be given first chance. There were, several instances of individual heroism on the part of the women passengers, among them being Mis. Gould’s conduct. It was stated after the wreck that Mrs. Gould’s heroism served as an inspiration to others. When the boats were being launched Mrs. Gould cried out, “Let the young people go. I have had my life. I will go down with the ship.” Willing arms, however, carried her into the boat, and she and another lady subsequently did much to cheer and hearten other members of the party. ' Upon her return to Malamata, Mrs. Gould was presented with an illuminated address by the residents in appreciation of her heroism.

Mrs. Gould was born at Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, England, and came to New Zealand in the sailing ship Hawser about 50 years ago. She was married at Timarn in 1885 to the late Mr. B. Gouicl. She was for many years a prominent worker in the Congregational Church in Timam.

On the opening of the Alangawhero settlement in 1903 Mrs. Gould went with her husband to Taihoa. Mrs. Gould took an active part in tho social life of the district. She is survived by one son, Air. Morgan Gould, land three daughters, Mesdames A. Alcl’hail and C. P. Wilson, of Taihoa, and Miss Gould, of Eltham.