I.—2b.

39

87. Mr. Holland.] In reference to these camp orders: The camp order we have is an extract signed by Captain Gwynneth. Is it not the senior officer in camp that issues the camp orders, and each of the captains of companies takes their orders from that ?—At the bugle-sound each orderly sergeant goes to the orderly-room and brings the orders round to the officers, and they bring them round to the mon. Orders are generally read to the men by captains of companies the following morning on parade. . , 88. We have nothing to show, Captain Turner, that these camp orders were not issued by tne senior officer ?—I have a recollection of being in camp myself, and every night I was instructed to go and get the orders for our company for next day. 89. So we have no proof that "Captain Gwynneth issued that camp order himself?—lt is an extract signed by Captain Gwynneth. 90. Mr. Field.] What do you understand, Captain Turner, by camp orders ?—Orders issued by the commanding officer in camp. 91. Of what?—He might order parade next day, or extra pickets. If an officer got leave it would be camp orders. 92. Were camp orders applying more particularly to camp affairs, or applying to the carrying of despatches?— They might.apply to any movement necessary to make the next day. They were general. 93. Mr. Hutchison.] Do you remember the name of Captain Skeen ?—Yes. 94. Would he be senior to Captain Gwynneth?—l think he would. lam almost certain Skeen would be senior. 95. The Bay of Plenty Cavalry Volunteers were only raised a few months before this occurrence?— Yes. 96. He would be the junior in the camp ?—Yes. And I think Captain Broun was also there, and he would be senior to Captain Gwynneth. Mr. A. Koch sworn and examined. 97. Mr. Hutchison.] What is your name ?—August Koch. 98. You are a draughtsman in the Public Works Department?— Yes. 99. Were you on the East Coast in 1868 ?—Yes ; principally at Napier. 100. When did you come to Wellington ?—ln December, 1871. 101 You have been in Wellington ever since then ?—-Yes. 102. Did you know Colonel St. John very well ?—Yes ; I knew him intimately during the last six years of his life. , . ... c 103. Was he in Wellington during the last six years of his life?— Yes. 104. You had frequent opportunity of conversing with him ?—Yes, I had. 105. Used you to talk over bygone events—events which occurred during the war ?—Yes, both at Napier, and here ws used to talk over them. 106. Did you know Mr. Wrigg also?— Yes. 107 Was"he stationed in Wellington for several years ? —Yes. 108. Did you ever hear Colonel St. John refer to any particular exploit performed by Mr. Wrig l7 ? No. K)9. Any act of conspicuous bravery in carrying despatches, or anything of that kind ?—Never heard of it before. 110 Did Mr. Wrigg ever mention such a thing to you himself ?—No. Ill' Do you remember a conversation with Colonel St. John about Mr. Wrigg getting the New Zealand War Medal ? . . . Mr. Wilford objected to this question on the ground that the evidence was inadmissible, it being purely hearsay. He suggested that it was not competent for the petitioners to call any evidence of conversations between the witnesses and individuals, which conversation had not taken place in the presence of Mr. Wrigg, on the ground that no such conversations could be evidence for Hutchison contended that if Colonel St. John were alive his statements as to the conduct of Mr. Wrigg while under his command would be relevant in this inquiry, and that as Colonel St. John was dead the statement-he made to this witness would be admissible as being the best evidence now procurable. _ . . 111 a. Mr. Hutchison] What was the conversation between you and Colonel St. John?—l remember a conversation, but it was not solely with regard to Mr. Wrigg at the time. 112. Did it affect Mr. Wrigg?—Yes. . ....„,_, 113. Tell us what the conversation was ?—lt was to the effect that it was doubtful if Mr. Wrigg was entitled to even the war medal. _ 114. Did he refer to Mr. Wrigg's conduct at any time when under fire?— No. Colonel St. John said Mr. Wrigg came to the field of battle after the engagement was over, but, being on the roll, he received a war medal along with the rest; that he was ill on the commissariat-cart, which arrived too late—in fact, after the battle was over. 115. It was for that you understand Colonel St. John said he received the war medal ?— Yes, along with the rest who had been in the engagement. _ 116. The further question I wish to ask you is, Did he refer to the illness that Mr. W ngg was suffering from in the commissariat-cart? —He said that he was intoxicated. Mr. Wilford : lobject to this as evidence, Mr. Chairman. The. Chairman ; I consider that hearsay evidence is not worth the paper it is written on. 117. Mr. Hutchison.] Did he (Colonel St. John) refer to a commissariat-cart or an ambulance wagon ?—I think it was a coimnissaiiat-cart.