FOR GALLANTRY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17216, 6 December 1923, Page 1

FOR GALLANTRY.

A PAGE OF EARLY HISTORY The name of William de Blaginere Compton, a victim of the bridge accident near Taihape, will be familiar to many residents of Masterton, states the Wairarapa Daily Times.” The episode which resulted in Mr Compton’s being presented with a gold medal by the late Hon R. J. Seddon. mentioned in the Taihape telegram, occurred about 1894. An elderly prospector named Duncan had beeu in the habit of spending the summer in the high country beyond Metliven, returning to civilisation with the advent of winter’s cold and snow. That year he failed to return by the time the change in the weather made life, in the open in that region precarious, and much anxiety was felt by his friends, who feared that some mishap had befallen the old man. Their representations caused the. officer in charge oi the Ashburton police to send out a rescue party, for which an experienced leader was required. The choice tell upon Mr Compton, who very willingly volunteered to embark on what was considered n risky enterprise. 'Hie.

expedition in the end consisted of himself and Constable Morgan, of Metfaven. They struck Duncan’s trail and followed it under the greatest difficulty, the country being at that, time deep in snow. Eventually, after a long sea roll. they found the object of their quest in a snowbound shack, alive, but in the last stages of exhaustion. They began the more difficult, task of retracing their steps with their helpless burden. They accomplished t.he task successfully, and reached Ashburton again after an absence of severa.l weeks, and Duncan recovered under treatment. The Mayor of Ashburton convened a public meeting to take steps to recognise suitably the meritorious work of Mr Compton and Constable. Morgan, and thev were presented with an illuminated address and a purse of sovereigns each, Mr Seddon adding gold medals to the citizens’ gifts.