[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."1
SIR,—A few years ago I met a miner in the West Australian goldfields. The following is an account of a piece of heroism on his part which I think can seldom be surpassed :—He and his mate had sunk a shaft. His mate placed a dynamite charge in the bottom of the shaft, lit the slow match, and then climbed up the ladder to get out of danger. When be had got nearly to the top he fell and broke his leg. He shouted to his mate that he could not get out. His mate went down and carried him out whilst the slow match was burning. He got him to the top with about one second to spare before the dynamite exploded. The sequel is still more interesting. I met this hero one day whilst I was walking with a friend, a prominent member of the Legislative Council. My friend said to the hero : "I have been to the Governor about your late deed of bravery, and I hope I shall be able to get you the Albert Medal." The reply was as follows, viz.: "I do not want your d—d medal, Mr. He was my mate." I regret I have forgotten this hero's name.—I am, Sir, &c.,
REGINALD GILBERT.
Llanelweclel Hall, Builth Wells, Breconshire.
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