Royal Humane Society of Australasia
Date of birth / Date established
1874
Place of birth / Place established
Person/Corporate type
Clubs and organisations
Biography
"The Society was founded in 1874 as the Victorian Humane Society after the pilot schooner Rip was badly damaged in high seas at Point Nepean. A seaman clinging to a broken mast that was endangering the schooner told his mates to cut him adrift to save the vessel. Melburnians were inspired by his bravery, and a newspaper correspondent, Mr John Wilks, suggested that a Humane Society be formed along the basis of the Royal Humane Society in England. Preliminary meetings were held at the instance of the Hon. George S. Coppin, M.L.C, and the Society was formally inaugurated as the Victorian Humane Society at a public meeting in the Melbourne Town Hall on 28 September 1874." See Museum Victoria Source: http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/themes/2424/royal-humane-society-of-australasia
