BRAVERY RECOGNISED

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19648, 7 August 1935, Page 6

BRAVERY RECOGNISED

TWO HAMILTON RESIDENTS HUMANE SOCIETY CERTIFICATES, PRESENTATION BY MAYOR. The gallantry of two Hamilton residents, Mr F. J. Cassidy and a 14-year-old schoolboy, Charles ' John Cook, was reoognlsed at a public gathering In the Theatre Royal yesterday when awards granted by the Royal Humane Society, were presented by the Mayor of Hamilton, Mr J. R. Fow. On January 21 at tho Cheltenham Beach, Auckland/ Cook displayed great heroism In going baok to an overturned boat to resoue a six- . year-old boy after he, himself, had regained the shore, while Mr Cassidy on February 6 made a courageous attempt to save the life of Mr L. J. Lovegrove who was drowned in the Walkatc River at Hamilton.

Opportunity was taken by Mr Fo\Y to present the awards during a community singing concert conducted for The purpose of raising funds for the purchase of footwear for indigent children in Hamilton. • He said that it was an added pleasure to make the awards as the families of both of the recipients had long been identified with the social and business life of Hamilton, where they were luniversally respected. “ The honour which is to-day being conferred upon these two young men is no mean recognition and it is awarded only if the greatest gallantry has been -shown," said Mr bow. “Only on two occasions during the last 30 years have such distinctions come to Hamilton- —one to the late Mr T. B. Dillicar, who lost his life in attempting to save a friend at Kawhia and the other to Nurse Margaret Swabey of the Waikato Hospital who daringly plunged Into the Waikato River to rescue a demented patient. Such deeds as these added lustre to the name of Hamilton and the two aotions which are to-day recognised, represent equal bravery and personal sacrifice.” Treasured Beyond Price. The Mayor added that he' had esteemed It an honour to make representations on the behalf of Charles Cook and Mr Cassidy and he had visited Christchurch for the purpose of furthering their claims to recognition. The Sooiety had duly made an award in each case. The intrinsic value of the certificates was slight but they would be treasured beyond price by the families concerned. The parents could be congratulated along with their sons who had brought credit not only upon themselves but also, upon their up-bringing and school training. Replying on behalf of Cook, Mr W. Fraser, principal of the Hamilton Technical High School,' which the recipient attends, said that Cook was a modest boy who disliked any publio “ fuss ” over his conduct. Although much had been made of his action Cook had shown no symptoms of a “ swelled head.” Mr Fraser spoke of the circumstances under which lie iiad earned the award and said that it was an extremely difficult task for the hoy to, return to the rescue of his friend when once lie had regained the safety of the shore. Spirit of Sacrifice. The Rev. Father Bleakley, replying on behalf of Mr Cassidy said that there was in the character of the recipients a spirit of sacrifice which should he a source of inspiration in a cold and greedy world. It was gratifying ,to see that the natural to help a fellow man remained.” “Without striking a jarring note may I suggest that we have put ourselves into a deplorable condition when a man of this calibre —a young man of excellent physique and more than average intelligence—should find no position open to him in the town,” stated Father Bleakley. "No doubt he would be a good deal happier if that certificate which he has so justly earned were rather a scrap of paper giving him the right ’' to a job." Musical honours were accorded - Cook and Mr Cassidy before the community singing was resumed. An enjoyable programme was presented, the song leaders being the Rev. H. G. Gilbert and Messrs G. O. Jones and N. S„ Johnson and the accompanist, Mrs FKear. The fund for the purchase ot footwear will benefit' to the extent r £6 16s as a. result of a door colie tion. '