THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1432, 15 December 1886, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

** Wellington, December 15. The Governor presented the New Zealand cross to Lieut-Colonel McDonnell at. Government House this morning, in the presence of the Fous. Buckley, Foie, Larnach, Major-General Whitmore, and garrison officers. His Fxcellency made a brief speech explaining that ttie cross had been instituted at Sir G. Whitmore’s nstance, aud by the Queen’s special order It ranked with, and next after the Victoria Cross being the only similar order in the Empire. He read from a Gazette proclamation of the deeds lor which Colonel McDonnell Was awarded the declaration, particularly his reconnaisance w fh Major Von Tempsky at Fararatu. in the Waika’o, in 1864. He explained that nur relations with the Maoris were very different then to now, when the wisdom of various Governments has brought about much more peaceful relations. He ended with a few complimentary expressions to the recipient. Colonel McDonnell said he felt that he ■ had obtained the cro-s a ter such a length of time through the kin ness of Mr Ballance, and ot L er members of the present Government, and owing to the persistent recommendations of his old commanders Generals Cameron and Chute. He ex pressed sorrow that his old friend, the gallant V.m Tempsky, was not by his aide to receive the full share of honor he deserved by a similar decoration He d d not appreciate the reward less by having had to wait so long, and thanked his Excellency and those present for the honor they had done him This concluded the pioceedings, The cross was specially mad« in England, and Is an extremely i-andeome decoration. *n shape it is similar to the Vic oria Cross, but the material is silver instead of tun metal, and each ray of the cross has a gold star on it In the centre is a gold wreath, inscribed “ New Zealand.” The Governor’s statement as to the value of the cross will probably be news to most colonists. There are only 18 holders in New Zealand. The decoration carries £lO a year with it.