RECOVERED

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1928, Page 3

RECOVERED

- AFTER MANY YEARS. . . It is a good many years now since the late Samuel Mitchell, V.C.>, ol MiKonui, Ross, lost his Victoria Cross decoration. The late Mr Mitchell served in the Maori War in the North Island in the ’sixties, and in one of the pah engagements, carried a wounded officer out of' action, at imminent danger ;of himself personally. For that brave deed the young naval was awarded Queen Victoria’s most coveted decoration. Later this valuable decoration, together with the Maori War medal, was lost by some means, and tfor years following the demise of Mr Mitchell, the family could obtain no trace of the souvenirs of loyal and devoted service.

Medals of the value of tlie Victoria Cross, are not numerous, and .the family set about a world search. Ultimately it, was discovered that the medal which the family coveted so much as a treasure of their father’s bravery, was in England, having been purchased by an army officer who collected Imperial decorations. The decoration had been purchased at a sale for £7O, and the purchasei was loath to part with a souvenir so valuable to liis collection. But the family was persistent in the efforts, and on the occasion of a visit of Lord Jellicoe to the district, he was approached and promised to do all he could. Later the Duke of York was here, and again the enquiries were set m motion. Probably as -a result of this influential investigation, success was achieved, but not till after much correspondence and the repayment oi the £7O, the cost, to tlie purchaser at Home. The money was sent through the New Zealand High Commissioner, and last week the Mitchell family at Boss had'the great satisfaction of receiving the two medals which hat 1 been lost and missing for so longover sixty years.

The family received great assistance in the correspondence from Messrs Park and Murdoch, and the latter specially identified himself in the matter, affording the best advice, and all of which was given gratuitously, for which those concerned are most grateful, while they are specially rejoiced to have restored to them reminders of their father’s bravery so dear to them and to his memory.