GEORGE FREETH RIDING A SURFBOARD.

AWARDED FOR SAVING LIVES.

Because a haole that is a kamaaina in Honolulu named George Freeth saved the lives of seven Japanese fishermen, he was honored by the Legislature of Hawaii with a gold medal on the 1st of August.

The value of the gold medal is about a hundred and fifty dollars, and upon it is written words speaking of the haole saving the Japanese fishermen on the 16th of December, 1908.

This haole learned to swim in Waikiki, and in the harbor; and while he lived in this town, he was one of the haole that were highly appreciated for his ability to hold his breath for a long time, as well as his fearlessness.

In a big storm in the seas of Venice [Beach], Freeth swam and fought for the lives of the Japanese fishermen, and while in the sea for two hours, he saved all seven Japanese.

Those who witnessed his rescue gave him a sum of money for his bravery and fearlessness, and from the Japanese he was given a gold watch.

Before this rescue by Freeth, fifty lives were saved by him.

When this brave and fearless act of that haole was witnessed he soon joined as a member of the lifesavers of Venice and from amongst that group was sent a request to Congress to give him a medal to honor him.

THE GOLD MEDAL AWARD.

(Kuokoa, 8/26/1910, p. 10)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XLVI, Helu 34, Aoao 10. Augate 26, 1910.