The Royal Humane Society.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XX, Issue 37220, 16 September 1904, Page 4

The Royal Humane Society.

AN INTERESTING CEREMONY. A most interesting cc m-my took ilace at the local school ■ . Tuesday, vhen Master Alec. AmUi-ou, son of tfr and Mrs J. Anderson, of Pinfold Road, was presented by the Mayor ;vith a framed certificate of the Royal Humane Society for conspicuous bravery. The incident which led to the presentation is still fresh in the minds of most of our readers, though it took place nearly a year ago. It was on the 28th last year that James Anderson, the five-year-old brother of A 1 , vas drowned in Murphy’s creek. The little chap was crossing a log over the creek when he slipped and fell into the stream, which was in high flood. Alec, who was then only eight years of age, at the x’isk of his own life went into the water to try and save his brother. He was not, however, strong enough to effect a rescue, and the little fellow was drowned. The jury at the inquest expressedj|their admiration of the bravery of“ the boy, and the matter came under the (notice of th« Royal Humane Society, with the result that, a certificate was forwarded to the Mayor for presentation to Alec Ander-nr.. 1 The school mildt.-n were mat- j shaded u;. in ft out < f the school building to witio vs the ceremony. Th ' ].■ •-i •, . r li. Rule hero were ;. i-es-..!. . The Mi. VO:, who was accompanied !, y ■ yd :.’ : ii.il addressed the i asse übled gathering. He said the matter of the presentation had hern delayed until the parents of AleC AutleiSvii couh.i be present. Then it v .s considered that they could not do better than present tue certi•ticat .iin tin* piesi-uce of tbe whole 'scho .d.. The rctimi c-f Alt C Anderson > as a noble example to tlmm all. He was not a very big boy ('even now, but ne must have a big heat t O.i that occasion when he j went mio the flooded stream, be for--1 got sell a! 1 ogetlier, and what be did I then waa ies.-mt to them all in selfl forgetfulness. He (the Mayor) hoped I that eVi.w.me of them would have don. the same thing as AleC Anderson, out no one cuniu n-d what tin;} would do under the same ciicutnstances, In presenting tbe certificate he expressed the hope that it would be treasured for the rest of his life, and that in the future he would be able to point to it with pride and tell his children of how tKwon il. The Mayor then called Alec Anaer‘■ou from the ranks, where the little fellow had been standing happily unconscious of the honor which was being done him. In handing him tbe certificate, which completely hid the bov when placed in front of him, the Mayor raid, “ We are all proud of you, your father and mother are proud of you, and your schoolfellows are proud of you, and wa hope you will have long life and health to do many another act of bravery. Mr Stevenson also addressed the children, and reminded them that these certificates were not thrown about indiscriminately. He was sure Alec Anderson would always be proud of it, though his pride would oe tinged with sorrow at the bis brother, and be hoped the children would take to heart the lesson 3hey had learnt that day, to be good rnd brave boys and girls. Cheers were then given for the recipient, alter which cheers were nven for the Mayor and for the larents of Alec Anderson.