In acknowledging receipt of the application and promising to place it before his committee, the Secrelary of the Royal Humane Society, Commander J. N. Benbow, R. N. (Ret'd), remarked "there are several members of the committee, as well as myself, who know the Shanghai of happier days, and also the dangers of the Whangpoo. Mr. Huxley's claim for his gallant attempt will therefore be dealt with by persons with local knowledge of the risks he incurred in that rescue."
In a subsequent letter, the Secretary, Commander J. N. Benbow, forwarded to me, for presentation, the Royal Humane Societys "Honorary Testimonial on Vellum" which. has been awarded by the Committee to Mr. John Huxley for "his courage and humanity in having attempted to save life", and I was requested to make the presentation of this reward in as public a manner as possible, Mr, Huxley, I have therefore very much pleasure in handing you this testimonial and I will ask all present to join with me in congratulating you upon this recognition of your brave deed and in drinking your health.
In reply Mr. Huxley thanked Sir Herbert Phillips for the honour accorded him, adding that he did not feel worthy of it. He had one regret in connection with the presentation and that was that the poor unfortunate who had fallen in the river was not alive today.
Echo of Gallant Rescue Attempt *"N.C.D.N." Photo.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.