Honolulu Republican, Volume IV, Number 496, 14 January 1902 — HUMANITY IS COMMENDED [ARTICLE]

HUMANITY IS COMMENDED

CONSUL SAITO THANKS LIFE SAVER GIVES CREDIT FOR ACTION OF WILDER’S STEAMER HAWAII. Letter* From Ross and Wight Notify Consul of Saving of Lives cf Japanese Fishermen —In His Answer Mr. Saito Gracefully Offers Thanks Which are Acknowledged During the end of December two boats with Japanese fishermen were caught in a storm outside of Hakaiau on the Hilo coast. They managed to tie up to a buoy and clung on to it while the storm raged. One of the lioats * apsized but its occupants were rescued by the crew in the other l*oat. and the position of the boat was one*of the utmost peril, as the storm did not seem to abate. Wdder Steamer to Rescue. Manager George Ross, of the Hakalau plantation, on seeing their danger, telephoned to Manager Mac Kay of the Wilder Steamship Company, in Hilo, telling him the circumstances and asking him to send help. Mr. Mac Kay immediately dispatched the jteamer Hawaii, which happened to be in the bay. to the scene, when the Japanese were rescued, notwithstanding the fact that toe storm was then at its height. Thanks from Japan. Subsequently letters from Ixith Mr. Ross and President Wight were sent to Mr. Miki Saito. the Japanese consul general here, notifying him of what had happened. These letters were both answered by the consul, who. on behalf of the Japanese Government. thanked both parties for the humane action on their part, which had resulted in saving the valuable lives of Japanese subjects. The Consul general further notified Mr Wight that he had instructed the rescued Japanese that they tender their warmest thanks to Mr. MacKay and to the officers of the Hawaii for their humane act. and finally asked to be informed if any expense had b»-en incurred bv the company in saving these men. Word from Mr. Wight. A few days afterwards the following answer was received from Mr. Wight: Honolulu. T. H.. Jan. 9. 1902. To H. I. Japanese Majesty’s Consul General. T H.; Sir: We have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the Tih Inst..* expressing the thanks of His imperial Japanese Majesty’s Government for service rendered to Japanese fishermen at Hakaiau. •The expense involved therein was merely nominal, and this company is more than recompensed by the commendation expressed by you for the performance of a mere act of humanity. I have the honor to be. sir. Very respectfully. C. S WIGHT Pr. - Wilder? Suamship Company.