Papuan Awarded Rhs
pp. 19-20 · Read in the full issue
Bronze Medal
From Our Own Correspondent
Pt. Moresby, April 2.
FOR his bravery in saving the lives of two small boys, Boudano, a native of the Middle Fly River in Western Papua, recently was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s bronze medal.
Boudano was on board the MV “Chin ampa”, anchored off Sevirimabu village on August 13, 1939. It was a dark night and the flood tide caused the vessel to pitch and roll. While tossing about she collided with a native canoe, smashing it to pieces and throwing the occupants into the stream. Three natives managed to scramble aboard the “Chinampa”, but two small boys, entangled in the wreck age, were carried away into the darkness.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Bou dano dived overboard to their assistance and supported them in the turbulent waters. The three of them were picked up by the vessel’s dinghy after having been swept three miles down the river.
Boudano was recommended for the medal by the late Sir Hubert Murray.
Mr. Alexander Clarkson died suddenly in the Samarai European Hospital on March 3. He was a native of Scotland and recently had arrived in Samarai from Golden Ridges, Wau, New Guinea.