THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

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

THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

In addition to Dr. Walker, the, following ten gentlemen have received this decoration for conspicuous gallantry, and we extract from the Gazette of the Bth inst. the subjoined' record of their names, andthe deeds for which the distinction is conferred ; —r ‘;' ' '' ’ ' . ’ Inspector John Mackintosh Bobkhts, Armed Constabulary.—“ For the ‘gallant and conspicuous example shown by him (when Sub-Inspector) at ■ Moturoa, on the 7th November, 1868, to : his young and newly raised division, while,,covering the retreat from the pa, although outnumbered, and at.jone time almost surrounded. To Inspector/ Boberts’ fortitude and officer-, like qualities it was due chiefly that .these* young soldiers, who had only joined the force one day, not only maintained their ranks and discipline, in-a ;dense bush, in spite.of the repeated,efforts of the.enemy , to close with them-,' but were, enabled’, so efficiently to' perform the dangerous duty entrusted to them, that the force, encumbered with many ; J wounded,- was /able 'to drawoff in good order, .It must also be, to ! the honor ] of; Boberts, that it was mainly,to hisfortitude; and resolute bearing that the great bulk of

the force left behind at Te,'Kgntu*o-tc-Manu were rallied, and safely brought off i to Waihi, reaching that post the day. after the rest of the force had arrived and given' them up for lost." Aiajor Kbpa Uanoiwihnui, Native, Contingent, New Zealand Militia, —-“For devoted and chivalrous conduct at Moturoa; on the 7th November, 1808, avlicii at tiie head of a very small portion of his tribe, with which he covered a flank of the retreat, and assisted the removal of the wounded, although exposed to a.: very heavy fire at a close range. And for the ; personal gallantry and constancy shown by him in conducting the pursuit of Titoko-Waru’s followers .after their defeat at Otauto on the 13th March/ 1809, hanging 011 their rear, and constantly harassing them during several days in dense bush. His force on this occasion was composed entirely of i volunteers, several officers and many men of the Armed Constabulary having volunteered to follow’ this distinguished chief, besides the members of his oAvn tribe.” Major Papata Waiiawaha, Native Contingent. — “ For personal gallantry and loyal devotion on the occasion both of the first and last attack on Ngatapa, and more especially for the courage ho showed on the first occasion, at the head of only seventy men, when all the rest of the Native Contingent had retreated, and left him Avithont support. Major Kapata then pushed Ins way close to tlie entrenchments, and held a position at a pistol-shot 'distance all day, and until, under cover of night, he was compelled by Avant of ammunition to retire, having sustained losses.” Captain Francis Joseph Mace, Taranaki Militia.—“ For conspicuous bravery in the performance of his duty throughout the Taranaki Avar; for most valuable and efficient services in conveying despatches through the enemy’s country, and in acting as guide upon many important expeditions. Notably his conduct at the Kaitikara Kivor on the 4th June, 1803 ; at Kaitakc, on the 11th March, 1804 ; and at Warea, on the 20th October, 1805. Captain Mace’s services were publicly, noticed by General Pratt, Colonel Warrc, .and other officers, upon several occasions ; and he personally received the thanks of Governors Browne and Grey." Sub-Inspector George Preece, Armed Constabulary. (when’ Interpreter to the Native Contingent, and attached to Major Papata) on the occasion of the first attack upon Ngatapa. Mr Precce’s behaviour was so brilliant as. to elicit the admiration of Major Itapata, avlio recommended him for special reward-to the Colonel Commanding, on the following day, Avith the very complimentary remark that, with two or three more like him, he would have been able to break into"tlie pa, at that time not fully completed.” Sergeant Christopher Maling, Guides. — “ For most .valuable.and efficient, services as Sergeant of the Corps of Guidos on many occasions, and especially in going out to scout in advance with three men (two of whom were shot on the morning of the 20th February, 1809), by which an intended ambuscade was discovered, ami many li\es saved. Aiid for a long reconnaissance with two men of tlie Corps of Guides (which lasted two nights and days) in advance, to ascertain the direction of Titoko-Waru’s retreat after he had evacuated Tatiranga-ika. This service Avas a most daring one, and of the utmost importance to the force, as intelligence was thus obtained Avhich in no otuer way could have been procured. ’; i. Sergeant Richard' Shepherd. Armed Constabulary.—“Fordistinguished bravery at Otaiito, on the I3th Alareli, 1809, while holding the ground close to the encampment, and enabling a close!reconnaissance, to bo made by Major Kepa and the Colonel Commanding. Sergeant Shepherd was dangerously Avouuded on this occasion.’ Trooper Antonia Rodriguez, Taranaki, Mounted Volunteers.—“ For noble and daring conduct in assisting and carrying wounded men from the field, under lire on several occasions, liotably on the '2nd October, 1803, at Poutoko, and 11th March, 1804, at Kaitakc, upon which latter occasion lie was''particularly mentioned in garrison orders after' tlie engagement, Rodriguez's conduct was repeatedly men-’ tioned by Colonel Warns and other officers in their despatches.”, > , PrivateTnoMAS Adamson, G uidcs.—“ For good ami gallant ser\dccs as a scout and guide throughout the campaign of 1808-69, continually undertaking hazardous and laborious reeonitering, expeditions almost alone in advance of the force. And for personal gallantry Avhen attacked, with other guides, in advance of the column beyond Aliikoreru, on tlie 7th May, 1869, Avhere they unmasked an ambuscade, and Adamson, Avith others, Avas severely wounded, and the guide Hemi killed. ” Sergeant Samuel Austin, Wanganui Volunteer Contingent.—“ For gallant and distinguished conduct on the 7th January, 1800,’Avhen, at the 'capture of the Putahi Pa, Lieut-Colonel.McDonnell was severety wounded, and Sergeant Austin carried him during a greats part,:of the engagement under a raging fife, arid finally off the field, which action was Avitnessed by General Chute, Avhq then thaiiked him.for his fearless and heroic conduct, not only in this instance, biit : on all (occasions during the campaign on the West Coast. Also on the 17th October, I860,: at the capture, village of Keteonotea, Captain McDonnell, leading a small advance guard cf Maoris, came upon an ambush, and fell seA’efely wounded ; his men leaving him, retired on the main body, who commenced to retreat, wlieii Sergeant Austin, assisted by another man (since! dead), returned to where Captain McDonnell lay, on the point of being tomahawked by the qiierny, and at air risks carried him off under a lieavy ; firel M . # .. , r .