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EXHIBIT No. 21. Extuaot from liKTTNU from Mi - . 11. Wuioo to Captain JJowEit. (Coiiliiloiibial.) L'Yoginore House, Symonds Street, My dear Oai'Tain Bower,— Auckland; '.lih January, IHUB. Now re Gross again. I was not far wrong in surmising that 1 had an eneiuv in the Under-Socretary for Defence, as ouc of thu members of one of the deputations Who waited upon the Defence Minister informs mo that the Secretary was called in, and raised nothing but objections, and he could see at once that he was an enemy, and the case now stands as under. Several of my friends have waited upon Hon. Mr. Thompson, who is here now, and I interviewed him myself also, and it appears the Cabinet admit that I am entitled to the decoration, but the hitch is that it is not recommended by the "officer commanding the district." J told him that was merely a departmental " quibble," and pointed out that the commanding oilicer never dies. However, to come to result. He promised to bring the matter up himself upon his return to Wellington before his colleagues, and use all his influence to obtain the decoration for me, but laid great stress that he was only one amongst seven. Now, I took a hint from this, and immediately set my wits to work, as independent of my wishing to gain my ends, ... so have got friends here to write to lions. Cadman and Carroll, asking them to deal with the case on its merits—amongst others the editor of the Star, secretary of Harbour Board, Major Pitt (who knows you, and informed me he had seen you a few months ago, and that he never saw you looking better in your life). They have asked these Ministers to go thoroughly into the matter personally. So far, so good. Now, it has occurred to me that amongst your friends, of whom you have many, I am informed, but I surmise same, you have one who must know some of the Ministers, and, after you explaining how matters really stood, would not object to send a wire—a few words —" When Hon. Thompson brings Wrigg's Cross up before Cabinet deal with h upon its merits," or something to that effect; even if it be to one of fcho Ministers—Cadman or Carroll— who ■have been written or wired to, it would only add to the obligation. You grasp the situation, I surmise, and I unclose two shillings in stamps in case you act upon the suggestion : of course, it would in no case do for you to send -I need not remind you of that. The Hon. Downie Stewart has also been written to, to interview Hon. McKonzie. Of course, it is easy for Hon. Ministers to be misled with any minute upon papers placed before thorn, and, as the Under-Secretary for Defence is not a military man, lie does not know that in accordance with military usage " the commanding officer never dies," independent of the down he lias upon me. I never knew till the last few months how many friends I had. Colonel Creagh and Captain Brodie (late Highland regiments) have called twice within the last week to know result of interviews with Hon. Mr. Thompson, and I should have felt inclined to have dropped die matter in disgust long since only for my friends, who urge carrying it on until the "last shot is fired." Now, I would not have troubled you further, as you are by this time, I have no doubt, sick of the two names '■ Wrigg " and "Cross," only I am still in hopes that I have not exhausted your patience. I may mention that Mr. Wilson, proprietor of the Herald, lias interested himself upon my behalf as far as ho oan, i.e., interviewing or writing to Ministers, as he rightly says he is in " opposition," and it would only injure my cose. However, it was him who introduced me to the editor of the stor. . . . Yours, &c, Harry Wrigg. EXHIBIT No. 22. Extract from Lettek from Mr. H. Wrigg to Captain Bower. (Private.) My DBAli Captain Bowkb, — 26, Shortland Street, Auckland, 17th January, 1898. . I have just time for these few lines as 1 have only just received your letter. 1 see Hon. Carroll was late for s.s. " Mararoa," so you may meet him in Napier. Yours, &c, HaIUIT WlctGG. Private. —If Hon. Mr. Carroll, after interview with Captain Bower, is satisfied, then Hon. Mr. Carroll perhaps would send Hon. Mr. Thompson following wire to strengthen his hands, as he (Mr. Carroll) might be absent when matter is being dealt with : " From inquiries here and information received "shall support Cross being given to Wrigg." EXHIBIT No. 19. Captain Bovver, Napier. Auckland, 9,6 th January, 1898. Deff.ncb Minister picks up Carroll at Gisborne. Proceeds to Napier then Wellington without delay by " Westralia." Advise interview Carroll. WniGG, Auckland. EXHIBIT No. 31. Sir,— 4th March, 1898. Eeferring to previous correspondence, I have now the honour to inform you that His Excellency the Govornor has boon pleased to approve of your being presented with the New Zealand Cross for having, on the 29th June, 1867, voluntarily carried despatches from Lieut.-Colonel John H. H. St. John, at Opotiki, to Lieut.-Colonel Philip Harington, at Taurunga, through country infested by the Native tribes then at' war with the British. I will at as early a date as possible inform you as to the time and mode of presentation, I have, &0., Arthur P. Douglas, 11. C. W. Writfg, Ksi|. Auckland. Under Secretary for Defence.