I.—2b

83

dragged from thoir dwellings into the bush, and murdered by the Natives, in which search we were successful in finding the bodies and bringing them into camp. John Gwynneth, 27th April, 1869. Late Captain, Commanding B.P.V.C. EXHIBIT No. 13. Extiiaot from Letter from Mr. 11. Wrigo to Captain Bower. (Private.) Frogmore House, Symonds Street, My deab Cahta(»i Bower, — Auckland, 26th June, 1897. [ am abput to ask your assistance in a matter concerning myself, and I think I can rely upon your support. I saw an extract from the Wanganui paper that Colonel McDonnell had written to that paper suggesting that, this being Jubilee year, the New Zealand Cross ought to be bestowed upon several old veterans of the late Maori War, and amongst others mentioned were Sir George Grey, Sir Walter Builer, Mr. Northcroft, and O'Connor, Government messenger in Government Buildings, Wellington. I believe from what I know personally that the two latter names have earned the distinction. O'Connor's almost mad acts of bravery were freely commented upon during my sojourn in the Empire City I noticed about a month ago that a Mr. Carkeek died lately somewhere in Wellington Province, who, it was mentioned, had the New Zealand Cross for having ridden thirty miles with despatches through the enemy's country. Now, I rode ninety miles, and ninety miles back. Now, by a curious coincidence, upon looking through some old papers some few months ago, I turned up the original order and indorsement —water-stained, where we swam rivers—a copy of which I inclose, but if you wish will forward the original should you 'losire to help me. Now, many years ago, the late Colonel St. John, who was a great friend of mine in Wellington, volunteered to recommend me for the Cross for that special service, and as he was at the time commanding the district, I regret very much now that I did not take advantage of his offer, but I held then the opinion that in carrying out the order I had only done a soldier's duty ; but since then I have been several times recommended by friends to go in for it. I wore Her Majesty's lively in the Dragoons in the Old Country in my very young days, and was amongst the first batch gazetted for the Now Zealand War Medal. Now, knowing you were in service at Opotiki at the time I voluntered for this service, I thought it would not be asking you too much to support me in my application should I finally make up my mine , to apply. You could word it as you feel disposed. I know of no one whose testimony would be so valuable or of so much assistance, especially were your signature to quote your late Imperial regiment. I have made inquiries in by-gone times as to my companion in the ride, but learned, as far as my memory serves, that he was either killed or drowned, I forget which ; however, should he happen to be still in the living he would, of course, be entitled to the honour Believe me, &c, Harry Wrigo. EXHIBIT No. 4. My deap. Mr. Wrigo,— Town Clerk's Office, Napier, 10th-July, 1897. Till I got your letter of the 26th ultimo I had no idea that Tom McDonnell had suggested the bestowal of the New Zealand Cross on any one, and was quite astounded when I read the names you mentioned —Sir G. Grey and Sir Walter Builer! Good heavens ! What did they ever do to deserve such an honour? Northcroft ("The Boy," as we used to call him), certainly, and O'Connor (although Ido not remember him) ; but the other two, surely not. I did not even know that Sir Walter had the War Medal. I remember Carkeek, the man you mention as having ridden thirty miles with despatches, and I think it was from Waikaremoana to Wairoa that lie rode ; but it was all in the course of duty, and he was detailed for the duty. In your case you both volunteered at a time when there was extra risk, and I think that this alone would entitle you to it. Personally, anything I could do to further your wishes should be done with pleasure ; and as I was district adjutant when St. John commanded perhaps I might be of use, and if you apply (which I should do forthwith) you can rely upon me. Many thanks for your photograph, which I have placed amongst all my old brother officers. I will send you mine with pleasure, but must get taken first as my last one went to get an enlargement. Ido not see any sign of illness in your likeness, so I hope that when it was taken you had got over the heart trouble you complain about. I see, on looking over your letter, that you think my signature over the name of my old Imperial regiment would be of use; but I think the fact of having been district adjutant would be bettor than " Late Lance-sergeant B Troop 10th Hussars," to meet your case. With kind regards to all old friends in Auckland, Believe me, &c, M. N. Bower. EXHIBIT No. 5. Extract from Letter from Mr. H. Wrigg to Captain Bower. (Private.) Frogmore House, Symonds Street, My dear Captain Bower,— Auckland, 16th July, 1897. Your kind and very generous letter to hand, and beg you to accept my grateful thanks for same. I think you will agree with me that it would be better for me to send the certificates with the application, as otherwise, if I only refe/red to you, I have been long enough in Government service to learn that any document of that description would be more complete, and otherwise might stand a chance of being shelved awaiting communication between the Government and yourself, especially as having all the documents appertaining to the subject is of great importance when submitting application to Minister ; therefore, I am going to tax your generosity further by asking