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I am informed that Mr. Wrigg is making application for the consideration of his claim to the New Zealand Cross, and I venture to express a hope that from the hands of our liberal-minded Government —and especially at a time when men's past services are being gratefully acknowledged by Her Majesty the Queen —Mr. Wrigg may yet receive, though long deferred, the coveted " Cross of New Zealand." I have, &c, A. M. Ceeagh, Lieut.-Colonel, Late 42nd Eoyal Highlanders (the Black Watch). Hon. T. Thompson, Minister of Defence, Wellington. My Deae Me. Wbigg,— Eemuera, 9th August, 1897. Having read the "Extract from camp orders, &c," and inquired into the facts, I am strongly of opinion that you deserve the New Zealand Cross. lam authorised by Colonel Dawson, late 18th Eoyal Irish (who is at present severely injured by an accident), to state that he considers your services merit recognition by the colonial Government in the way you desire. % I am, &c, .Frank Bbodie, Late Lieutenant, 71st Highland Light Infantry. Deae Sib, — Devonport, North Shore, Auckland, Ist August, 1897. Having carefully read over and considered the documents submitted to me with reference to your brave conduct in volunteering to carry important despatches at the time the murders were committed by the Natives at Opotiki, in July, 1867, I fully indorse the opinions expressed by ■ officers of known experience, that you are entitled to the New Zealand Cross for valour. I write as one who knows, for I served on active service through the Crimean and Waikato campaigns, and had the honour of being mentioned in general despatches for distinguished conduct under fire, but Ido not look upon it as in any way equal to your daring ride. I heartily wish you may be successful in your endeavours to obtain your just due. Sincerely yours, J. B. Aemstkong, Mr. Harry Wrigg. Late Captain, H.M. 14th Eegiment. Deae Sic, — Auckland, Ist August, 1897. You ask me my opinion relative to the camp orders, dated Opotiki, 28th June, 1867, and the 27th April, 1869. From these orders I gather that you performed a signal service tc the colony by riding through a country infested with Natives for a distance of some ninety miles at imminent risk to life, no carry out a duty allotted to you. The celebrated war correspondent, Mr. Archibald Forbes, rode from Ulundi to Landsmanns Drift, nearly a hundred miles, to carry the first news of the Battle of Ulundi, the first part of his route being infested also with native Zulus. For this performance he received the highest praise and thanks from the General Commander-in-Chief : yes, even from the House of Commons. To my mind you performed a fac simile feat, under equally trying circumstances. I think, therefore, that you are fully justified in applying for the New Zealand Cross, and that such daring conduct in the field should meet with its due reward. I have, &c, BUETON J. DaVENEY, Harry Wrigg, Esq. Formerly of Her Majesty's Service (Inniskilling Dragoons). Sic, — Devonport, North Shore, Auckland, 2nd August, 1897. I have the honour to state that I have examined the documents referring to gallant conduct of Cornet Harry Wrigg during the late Maori war, 1867, in taking despatches from the seat of strife to the officer commanding at Tauranga, a long journey through a most dangerous country. I consider his conduct deserves recognition, and I trust he will obtain the honour and distinction that should have been conferred on him long ago. The action deserves at the least the New Zealand Cross, which I hope he will obtain, and I trust he will live long to wear it. I have, &c, G. B. Beere, Late of H.M. 62nd Eegiment, and of H.M. 15th Eegiment, and Captain of 4th Eegiment, Waikato Militia. Hon. T. Thompson, Defence Minister, New Zealand. Sir,— Onehunga, 28th July, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that I have read Mr. Harry Wrigg's application for the New Zealand Cross, and, as an old Imperial officer of much and varied war service and experience, I have no hesitation in stating that the voluntary act of heroism which Captain Gwynneth's camp orders, dated Opotiki, 28th June, 1867, and indorsement thereon dated 28th April, 1869, shows to have been performed constituted an act of bravery and made a claim for recognition which would undoubtedly have been considered in the Imperial army as deserving of such a decoration as the New Zealand Cross was —and, I presume, is—intended to be—viz., a reward for special voluntary bravery. I have, &c, E. Eichaedson, Captain, Late Her Majesty's 95th Eegiment and Indian Army. Hon. T. Thompson, Minister of Defence.

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