THE RAGLAN TRAGEDY.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17742, 20 June 1929, Page 7

THE RAGLAN TRAGEDY.

HUMANE SOCIETY’S MEDAL

PRESENTED TO A YOUTH.

AMIDST SCENE OF ENTHUSIASM.

There was a good attendance at a social gathering in the Raglan Town Hall to witness the presentation of the Royal Humane Society’s silver medal to Lewis Park for bravery at the wreck of the launch “ Vally ” on the Raglan bar on January 20. Mr T. Parker, chairman of the Town Board, presided. He said the gallant action of Lewis Park was well known to all present. He (the speaker) had acted as coroner at the inquest upon William Park, who was drowned and at the request of the jury he had sent the details of the case to the Royal Humane Society and they had awarded their Silver Medal to Lewis Park for saving the life of Louis Bertling. Mr Lee Martin, M.P., said he deeply appreciated having been given the opportunity of being present that evening. The occasion was unique in the history of the Raglan district. Upon no previous occasion had the Royal Humane Society’s medal been awarded in Raglan. Most of them knew the story of how, on January 20, four men went out to Gannet Island on the launch “ Vally ” but only two of them returned, and one of them because of the gallant assistance given by Lewis Park. They had all heard of the youth’s bravery in trying to save his father William Park and Clarence Walker and in saving the life of Louis Bertling. Very few Incidents had happened in this Dominion more deserving of reward. These distinctions were not given indiscriminately but close enquiry was made into each case. These awards in civil life took the place of the V.C. and D. 5.0., in military life, and were only awarded when the bravery could be amply confirmed. He congratulated Park that in the hour of stress he had not been found wanting, and felt sure he would not fail when he had to face the great battles of life. He asked Mrs Lee Martin to pin the medal on the recipient, which she did amidst great applause. Lewis Park had unfortunately Injured his knee at football, recently, and was unable to walk, so he was carried into the hall by friends. Mr T. Parker thanked Mr Lee Martin on behalf of Park. t All present rose and sang “ For He s a Jolly Good Fellow.”