BOY’S GALLANTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19665, 27 August 1935, Page 7

BOY’S GALLANTRY.

AWARD FOR BRAVERY. SCOUT ASSOCIATION'S MEDAL. HAMILTON YOUTH HONOURED. The heroic action of a fourteen-year-old Hamilton boy, Charles John Cook, in saving the life of a friend at Cheltenham Beach, Auckland, on January 21 last has been further recognised by the award of the Silver Cross for Gallantry by the Boy Scout Association. Cook, who is a member of the Claudelands Boy Scout Group, has been previously honoured by the presentation of a Royal Humane Society Certificate and of an inscribed gold watch on behalf of residents of Taumarunui. Several months ago representations were made to the headquarters of the association by Mr F. W. Hardingham, chairman of the executive committee of the Claudelands Group, and advice has been received from the Dominion headquarters of the movement in Christchurch that the award of a Silver Cross lias been approved by the council. Cook has received messages of congratulation from Major W. E. Furby, Dominion Headquarters Commissioner and Dr. P. C. Fenwick, Dominion Chief Commissioner. Dr. Fenwick mentioned that not only had Cook's gallant action brought credit upon himself but also upon his patrol, troop and .the scout movement generally.

On January 21, Cook swam back to an overturned boat to rescue a six-year-old boy, Bruce Rennie. The father of the boy, Mr B. R. V. Rennie, an accountant of Taumarunui, who was also a passenger in the boat, was drowned.