Just after sunset one day in January 1874, James Lloyd, master of the cutter Leader, fell into the waters of the Waitemata Harbour while trying to clamber aboard.
Charles Hopkins, a sailor coming ashore in a dinghy, was first on the scene. With great courage and presence of mind he plungedinto the water to search for the drowning man, reported the Herald.
"He dived to the bottom four times without success, but the fifth time his perseverance was rewarded by his coming in contact with the man.
"He brought him to the surface, and both were taken out of the water."
Lloyd was unconscious and all attempts to revive him failed.
Although Hopkins did not save Lloyd, the Herald said too much praise could not be given to him for his part in attempting the rescue.
The point was endorsed at the coroner's inquest when Hopkins was formally commended.
The Herald noted that he had on previous occasions saved three people from drowning. For the value that he put on human life, Charles Hopkins is our New Zealander of the Year.
