PRESENTATION OF THE VICTORIA CROSS.

Evening Post, Issue 262, 9 December 1865, Page 2

PRESENTATION OF THE VICTORIA CROSS.

A military spectacle of more than ordinary interest was enacted here yesterday. According to garrison orders of Monday, the troops in Wanganui were paraded in the Market-place, to witness the presentation of the Victoria Cross to Sergeant John Murray, of the 68th regiment, for gallant daring at Tauranga, on the 2lst June 1864. At eleven o'clock, BrigadierGeneral Waddy, accompanied by a numbsr of officers, came upon the ground, and, after various evolutions, the several regiments were formed in open square, and Sergeant Murray having been called out from the ranks, Capt. Leech read the order from the War Office, enclosing the Cross. General Waddy then dismounted from his horse and said : Colonel Morant, Officers, and Men of the 68th Light Infantry — It is with the greatest pleasure I come here to-day to be the medium of decorating with the muchprized Order of the Victoria Cross a most gallant and distinguished soldier of one of most distinguished regiments in her Majesty's army ; the good and gallant conduct of the 68th has been so often noticed by officers of the highest rank in. her Majesty's service, that I feel it unnecessary to speak of it now : but I beg to record my testimony to the general soldierlike conduct and dis ipline of tne detachment under the command of LieutenantColonel Morant dur ng the time it has served in this district ; and I regret much I will soon have to part with you, because I feel certain I could always depend upon my orders being carried out by Durham Light Infantry. I wish you all success in your future career, and I feel satisfied that there are many men now in your ranks who will (if an opportunity be afforded them) show they have stout hearts, strong arms, and the true pluck of the British soldier, and who will win the same honorable and distinguished mark of their Sovereign's appreciation of their valour that has been conferred upon Sergeant Murray. At the conclusion of hia address, the General stepped up to Sergeant Murray and pinned the cross upon his breast, saying, as he did so, "I now place this Victoria Cross upon your breast, and I hot c y«u may live long to wear it, and to act worthy of the adornment." The Sergt. then retired, and the proceedings closed. We congratulate Sergeant Murray upon this distinguished recognition ol his bravery, and heartily echo the sentiment of the Brigadier- General, that he may live long to enjoy his well-won laurels. — Wanganui Chronicle.