HEROIC SCOUTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1922, Page 4

HEROIC SCOUTS.

DROWING BOY SAVED. TWO AWARDS MADE. The bravery of two boy scouts in saving a boy from drowning at New Plymouth on January 5 last, was. publicly recognised last night, when, at a scouts’ gathering at St. Mary’s Hall. New Plymouth, the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson) presented a Gilt Cross and certificate to Assistant Scoutmaster W. H. James (late of St. Mary’s troop, Parnell, Auckland, but now of New Plymouth, and a Letter of Commendation to ex-Scout Eric Utiger, of New Plymouth. The official account of their act of bravery is as follows: “Assistant-Scout-master William H. James has been awarded the Gilt Cross; also ex-Scout Eric Utiger has been awarded a Letter of Commendation, for their action in rescuing a boy, Len Green, from drowning at New Plymouth in January last. Green, being a poor swimmer, got into difficulties and called for aid. He was being carried out to sea, when James and Utiger went to his assistance. Between the struggles of the drowning lad and tidal current they had a difficult time, Mr. James being kicked in the stomach by the struggling boy and winded. Eventually they got into shoal water and succeeded in getting ashore in an exhaust- • ed condition. The fact that Mr. James, < who was a student till lately of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, is almost totally blind, makes his plucky action all the more commendable.”

Mr. F. Trueman (chairman of the district Scouts’ Association) briefly introduced the Mayoi and called upon him to make the presentations. “I feel honored at being asked to make these presentations,” said Mr Wilson, who went on to refer to the details of theji ero *c rescue, especially referring to the fact that Mr. James was almost totally blind. His plucky action deserved special mention. Mr. James stepped forward and the Gilt Cross was pinned on his breast. A certificate was also handed him, signed by “D. Cosgrove, Chief Scout,” and dated August 8, 1922, stating that “this is to certify that I have awarded to Assistant-Scout-master William James, of St. Mary’s Troop, Parnell, Auckland, N.Z., the Gilt Cross of the Boy Scouts.” A letter was handed to Mr. James, being the one written by the Governor-General (Lord Jellicoe) to the Chief Commissioner.

It stated that the Governor-General was pleased to approve of the award of the Gilt Cross to Assistant-Scoutmaster James, and conveyed to him His Excellency’s congratulations on the gallantry he had displayed. Colonel Cosgrove, in forwarding the letter, added thereto his own congratulations.

Twice three cheers were accorded Mr. James as he left the platform with hia decoration, which has on it the inscription, “For Saving Life.” Ex-Scout Eric Utiger was then presented with a Letter of Commendation, which read: “The Dominion executive committee of the Boy Scouts’ Association (incorporated by Royal Charter), N.Z., has read with pleasure an account of your meritorious action in assisting to save one Len Green from dro.wning at New Plymouth on January 5, 1922. In going with AssistantScoutmaster W. James, who is almost totally blind, to Green’s assistance when he was taken out by the outgoing tide, you exhibited considerable courage, the Dominion executive has requested me to inform you that they highly commend your plucky act.” Three ringing cheers and musical honors were also accorded this recipient when the presentation was made. Opportunity was taken to present District Scoutmaster W. T. Scott with a five years’ service medal. Scoutmaster Scott first joined the movement in November, 19,10, and so has now been connected with scout work for 12 years, five years being as an officer.