H.—Bl.

Upon the morning of the ride I assisted in bringing in " portions " of the bodies of the murdered men (Mr. B. White and mailman) found upon the same track I had to travel. After fording, and in most cases swimming, the rivers then in flood (winter season), immediately after my return, and while yet saddled, I went with expedition to search for the two men of the troop who were also murdered, and succeeded in bringing in the bodies. I lost a valuable rifle, brought with me from England, which I had lent to one of these unfortunate men, and for which loss I have never asked compensation. lam prepared to make an affidavit of the above facts, should it be deemed necessary. I respectfully ask the Government to consider my case as one that should be dealt with upon its ■own merits. Haeey Wbigg, Auckland, January, 1898. Late Cornet, B.P.V. Cavalry. I was a personal friend of the late Colonel St. John, and after my return from carrying the despatches to Tauranga he was greatly pleased, and complimented me highly ; asked me whether I had not seen the correspondent of the Auckland papers, and said it was the first thing, after reporting myself, I ought to have done to give publicity to my services. I left the district a few months afterwards to join the Provincial Government of Southland, and did not see Colonel St. John until I met him in Wellington in 1871. He brought up "my ride," and said he would recommend me for the New Zealand Cross, but I declined, not only then but several times afterwards (lam, should it be deemed necessary, prepared to make an affidavit of the above facts), as I was not then aware that the New Zealand Cross was a colonial decoration similar to the Victoria Cross, and that it had been ratified by Her Majesty^—in fact, I only learned this within the last few months—and, as I had formerly served in the Imperial service, considered that if I were deserving of any decoration it should have been the Victoria Cross. Captain Bower (Town Clerk of Napier), I believe, knows the whole circumstances of the case, as also the feeling of the late Colonel St. John in the matter; and now that he is deceased, Captain Bower's (who was Adjutant of the district, and second in command) recommendation ought, I respectfully consider, entitle me to the favourable consideration of the Government for the decoration, and also comply with the Order in Council constituting same. Haeey Weigg, Auckland, 27th August, 1897. Late Cornet, B.P.V.C.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,425 copies), £3 9s. 6d.

Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9B.

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