PRESENTATION OF THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS TO DR. WALKER.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 116, 20 May 1876, Page 2

PRESENTATION OF THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS TO DR. WALKER.

It will be very gratifying- to the friends of Dr Walker—and their name is legion—to find that, though the recognition has been tardy, it has come at last, and that that gentleman has at length received the Now Zealand Cross, for. distinguished, bravery in the field, during the last native war. Never was a distinction more honestly earned, and we sincerely congratulate its recipient on justice being done to him. People must remember that in his case, as in the cases of all noncombatants, it requires more than usual courage to perform their du ies. Those actually engaged fighting hand to hand have the excitement of battle to incite and stimulate them. Medical men on the contrary, have all the same chances of being killed, without the opportunity of retaliation, and have to succour the wounded, very often under lire. We understand that Dr Walker times out of number,, carried wounded men out of the thick of various frays when bullets were as plentiful as hailstones; on one occasion he was carrying a wounded man on his hack (o a place of safety, when ho (the wounded man) was shot’dead whilst being so transported. May lie long live to wear this ornament, of which he has just reason to be proud, for it was gallantly won, and not obtained by backstairs influence or interest, but by sheer pluck and courage. In a Gazette of the Bth hist., there appears a lot of names, which we publish in another column, to whom the Cross is allotted. Our townsman is thus described: —“Assistant Surgeon Samuel Walker, Armed Constabulary, —For’ conspicuous gallantry in the performance of bis duties as Assistant-Surgeon on many occasions during the campaign of 18(!8-61), and notably at the successful attack upon the position and encampment ofTitoko-Warn at Otauto, on the 18th March, 18GU, where lie was exposed to a very heavy lire, and bore himself with great courage.” Tin*, following is a description of the decoration. The Cross is suspended by a deep crimson ribbon, the bar being of frosted silver with raised laurel loaves in gold on its plate. Beneath is hung the Cross itself, surmounted by a crown in gold. The Cross is Maltese in shape, the quarters being of frosted silver. The centre is a circular silver shield, encircled by a wreath of laurel in gold. On the ‘obverse the name of the recipient is engraved, together with the force lie belongs to. The whole is exceedingly - pretty as a work of art, and is a fitting testimonial for brave men to wear. The presentation will take place this day week, and a special parade will be bold for the purpose. The Wairoa Light Horse, Volunteers, will attend, and all the Colonial Forces available will be present to give eclat to tho occasion.