A WORTHY “DIGGER.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16353, 16 February 1921, Page 6

A WORTHY “DIGGER.”

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Would you allow me space in your valuable columns to bring before your readers’ notice a Sumner incident of a lew days ago, which proves that the spirit which characterised the New Zealand .Digger while on active service is not dead. Two little girls had gone in to paddio in water not much above the ankles when, without any warning, the elder sister of the two, to her horror, noticed her little sister sinking in the sand, which had evidently been shifting or quicksand, only her bend being visible. The older girl bravely went to the help of her little sister, only to be sucked down in the same way just as she was within a few feet of reaching her. By this time the screams of the little ones readied the ears of a returned soldier (who I understand has been on a visit to Sumner for the purpose of improving his health), who immediately plunged in to the rescue. By this time the younger girl had been carried out beyond the jetty, and it was only after swimming out that the Digger succeeded in rescuing her from a watery grave. The father, who is a friend of the writer, informs me that but for the heroism of this returned soldier two little corpses would have been all that had been left to him.

Now, sir. after coming out of the water drenching wet, our hero went to a certain place seeking a little comfort, only to be refused. I understand also he is suffering from a severe cold. 1 know f that the spirit of such a man will shrink from anything in the nature of any commendation, but justice demands it. The thanks of a grateful father and mother prompts it. and the thanks of all are due to the man who was whiling to forget his own ill-health, and comfort for the sake of the little ones. who. when they say their r*r avers, will not forget to pray, “God bless our soldieiE. 7 ’ —l am, etc.. W. DUNLOP, King s Business Evangelist. Christchurch, February 35.