RARE AWARD FOR BRAVERY

Taranaki Daily News, 25 July 1930, Page 3

RARE AWARD FOR BRAVERY

AUCKLAND GIRL HONOURED' FIRST TO WIN. THE GOLD MEDAL. PREVIOUS RESCUES RECALLED. (Bv Wire —Special to News.) Auckland, Last Night. The Royal Humane Society of New Zealand has bestowed an unusual honour on Miss Eila Munro, heroine of the dramatic rescue of three persons from drowning at Muriwai beach in February, presenting her with the gold medal of the society, a rare award that has been made only eight times in New Zealand. This was accompanied by a letter of commendation from the court of directors of the society. Mr. A. E. Eagleton, Auckland representative of the Royal Humane Society, who handed the letter to Miss Munro at Devonport last evening, said it was the first time that the court had issued a written commendation of the kind. Miss Munro is the first woman in New Zealand to be awarded the gold medal of the society. The North Shore Amateur Swimming Club, which has elected Miss Munro a life member, organised a social function at Devonport last evening in her honour. Mr. J. Hislop, deputy-Mayor, and members of the Devonport Borough Council, accompanied by Mr. A. E. Greenslade, Mayor of Northcote, attended. “Devonport and all New Zealand are proud of Miss Munro and her unequalled bravery at Muriwai,” said Mr. Hislop, who recounted the efforts of Miss Munro in saving a girl and- two men from the sea under very difficult conditions. The gold medal of the society has not often been awarded in New Zealand. Mr. J. Knowles, Napier, had the unique distinction of holding the society’s bronze, silver and gold medals. Mr. CoryWright was presented at Auckland with the medal for a thrilling rescue near Tailioa when a yacht came to grief. He was nine hours in the water. Mr. J. Morrin, a miner, at Thames, was awarded the Stead medal for a brave rescue off Thames. A few weeks later he was blinded in a mine accident, and later eked out an existence playing a gramophone around the streets in Auckland. He was one of the victims of the influenza epidemic. A Maori has also received the gold medal. He rescued 10 persons who were caught on a sandbank by the rapidlyrising tide. Since the inception of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand the following awards have been made: 125 letters of commendation, 194 certificates, 148 bronze medals, 8 gold medals and 25 “in memoriam” certificates.