ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 828, 5 October 1916, Page 12

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY.

The Court of Directors of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand met yesterday, there being present Lieut.Colouel Henry Slater (chairman), and Messrs R. C. Bishop, W. H. Cheesman, F. C. B. Bishop, and Canon Bean. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. H. Kirk, J. A. Frostick, and the Rev. E. Eliot Chambers. Letters of commendation were awarded to Aubrey Johnson, for rescuing a lady from drowning at New Brighton on December 19, 1915, and Archibald Black for rescuing Arthur Briggs from drowning at Wellington on May 15, 1916. Bronze medals were awarded as follow: —

Wilfred G. M.Roberts, for rescuing T. Emmis from drowning at Greymouth on March 3, 1916. This rescue was performed under difficulty, and ;-t considerable risk to Mr Mcßoberts. Rev. F. N. Taylor, for rescuing J. Hardy from drowning at Sumner on January 30, 1916.

Charles Middle ditch, for two rescues at Wellington on February 5, 1916, and September 3, 1916. For rescuing three ladies from drowning at Corsair Bay on March 18, 1916. Gladys Marriott was awarded a certificate.

In the case of Frederick G. Hewitt, who was himself drowned while attempting to rescue Sydney Murray from drowning at Wanstead on August 3, 1916, it was decided to award an in inemoriam certificate.

For rescuing Mrs Archer from drown ing at Wellington on August 10, 1910, Kiltie I'. Doughty was awarded a silver medal. It was evident, from the circumstances, that Miss Doughty ran a great risk, as she was fully clothe.l, and not an expert swimmer when sly? went to Mrs Archer's assistance.

Mr F. C. B. Bishop suggested that a member of the Life Saving Society should be on the Court of Directors of the society. There was at present a vacancy on the court.

The matter of filling this vaeancy was held over till the annual meeting.

Accounts amounting to £ll 3/- were passed for payment. A letter was received from Mr J. A. Frostick, in which lie stated that he considered it would lie advisable to abolish the letters of commendation awards.

Canon Bean said that it would be a mistake to do away with this award, as there were aids which, although not deserving of a high award, deserved some recognition. Other members and the chairman endorsed this view.