47

I.—2b

308. You got into Opotiki, then, the evening of the day you had left Whakatane ? —Yes. 309. And on the following day hoard that Bennett White was murdered': , -Yes. 310. Did you go out to look for the body?— No. I told Major St. .John when J arrived at Opotiki what took place —what the ferryman told, me. 311. You reported to Major St. John the fact that you had been hailed by Natives and had ridden away, and also the communication that had been made to you by the ferryman ?—Yes. 312. Had you at that time anything particular to do, as far as taking part as a Volunteer in the cavalry was concerned?—No ; I joined it as an honorary member. 313. I notice from the minute-book that you have taken some part in it. Can you tell me when you began to take an active part?—l think it was in IHGH. In September, 1868, f think I was elected captain of the corps. 314. We notice on the 16th May, 1868, you were not at that time captain?— No. 315. You were elected in August, 1868?— I could not say the date. 816. At a meeting held at Opotiki on the 16th May, 18GK: "Proposed by Trooper W. Kelly, and seconded by Trooper McFarlano, That a letter be sent to the commanding ollicerof this district requesting Captain Gwynneth to hand over all funds belonging to the corps before the Government accepts his resignation " : would that be yourself? —Yes. 317. There is no doubt in 1863 you were at Opotiki, and also in 1867 ? —Yes. 318. You remember, you say, the time of Bennett White's murder?— Yes. 319. That would be conclusive evidence to you that hostile Natives were in the vicinity of Ohiwa? —Yes. 320. Do you consider it would be a dangerous thing to ride along that road the day after without an escort ?■—l consider it would be a dangerous thing. 321. Will you say it was a hazardous undertaking with a groat deal of danger ?—Yes. I heard it remarked in Opotiki at the time that the two that went would likely never come back. 322. Did you ever hear it tallted of among the men that it was three to one they would never return ?—I do not know that I heard the exact words. 323. Do you remember the circumstance of Cornet Wrigg and McDonald carrying despatches to Taurauga? —I remember the circumstance well. 324. Though you were not a member of the troop at that time? —No. 325. Do you remember Captain Gwynneth?—l do. 326. Do you remember in 1867 that he was captain of the troop ?—Yes. 327. Do you remember the fact that Cornet Wrigg did the clerical work for Captain Gwynneth ?—Yes, I remember that. 328. Have you seen Captain Gwynneth's handwriting ?—Yes. 329. Frequently?— Yes. 330. Here is a letter reported to have been written by Captain Gwynneth. We have been told Captain Gwynneth used to write one way and write his signature the other way ?—The signature is his, but I do not think the writing is his. 331. Do you notice it compares with the body of the camp order—shaky, and so on? It may or may not be ?—Yes. 332. The signature you are quite certain is his ?—Yes. 333. Do you remember at the time that these men, Cornet Wrigg and Trooper McDonald, carried despatches that volunteers were called for by Captain Gwynneth to carry those despatches ? I waB told by the men of the corps that they were the only two that volunteered to go; that is, McDonald and Wrigg. 334. Could you tell us of your own knowledge who actually carried the despatches to Tauranga ? —I could not. 335. It has been suggested by one gentleman who has been called here as a witness that an escort accompanied Cornet Wrigg and Trooper McDonald on the way to Ohiwa. Cornet Wrigg has sworn that they went alone. Is that eo?—I always said they went alone. 336. Do you remember Cornet Wrigg and Trooper McDonald returning from that ride ? —I do not know when they returned. 337. You remember the fact of them having returned?— Yes. 338. Do you remember the murder of Moore and Beggs ? Do you remember their bodies being found some six miles from Opotiki?—¥es. That was in another direction. That was not where the hostile Natives were supposed to be. 339. I understand that it was a long way beyond the cemetery?— Yes; the cemetery was within the township boundary. 340. It was six miles from Opotiki?—Yes; to where Moore and Beggs were killed. 341. Do you remember whether some of the members of the corps started out on the day or day after that Cornet Wrigg and Trooper McDonald started out ?—I think the troop went out. I think it must have been about the same time. 342. Could you say whether Cornet Wrigg went* to Tauranga with the despatches on that expedition ?—I do not know. 343. The matter was discussed before they went out that there was a probability that they would never return. Was the bravery or pluck of their action discussed afterwards ?—I heard it often spoken of—on several occasions. 344. As what class of an action ?—I have heard several of the men say that they would not have done it without they had an escort. 345. Did you say you had known Mr. Wrigg for a considerable time ?—Since 1867. I think he was on the survey works with Captain Gwynneth, who was District Surveyor. 346. Mr. Hutchison.\ You say, Mr. Kelly, that you were told that McDonald and Wrigg were the only two who set forth ?—Yes.