WANGANUI.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 334, 21 December 1865, Page 1

WANGANUI.

PRESENTATION of the VICTORIA CROSS TO SEROT. MURRAY, 6Sth REQT. (Wanganui Times, stli December.) The troops iu garrison paraded on the Market Place to-day at 11 a.ra. for the purpose of doing honor to a brave soldier of 68th Regiment. We have delayed publication to be able to be able to report —briefly as we can —the following outline of this interesting ceremony : Sergeant Murray being called to the front, Brigadier-General Waddy approached with the Victoria Cross in his hand, and addressed the 68th as follows : Colonel Moranfc, Officers, and Men of the 6Sth Light Infantry—lt is with the greatest of pleasure I come here to-day to be the medium of decorating with the much-prized Order of the Victoria Cross a most gallant and distinguished soldier of one of the 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 discipline of the detachment under the command of Lieut.-Ooionel Morant during the time it has served in this district; "and I regret much I shall soon have to part with you, because I feel certain that I could depend upon my orders being carried out by the Uurham Light

Infantry. I wish vou all success in your future career, and I feel satisfied there are many men now in your ranks who will (if an opportunity be offered 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 teeir valor that has been conferred upon Sergeant When pinning the Cross on Sergeant Murray s breast. General Wathly said ; I now place the Victoria Cross upon your breast, aud 1 hope you may live long to wear it.