I.—2b

89

EXHIBIT No. 11. (Private.) My dear Wrigg,— Napier, 29th June, 1898. I little thought when I sent in your application for the Cross that I was raising such a hornets' nest about my ears, and you would not wonder at my expressing my regret if you could only see the letters that I have received from old comrades and others on the subject. However, what I said to Preece was in a private letter, and I cannot but feel annoyed that it should have gained publicity. All the letters that I have received tend the same way—" That the danger run and risk incurred was not a sufficient claim for the Cross." This, of course, is a matter of opinion, some twenty of your certificates stating that the act deserved the Cross, whilst many of my old comrades (and here's where my regret comes in) think not. My position is this : I remember the occurrence, and in my opinion it was a plucky thing to do. I therefore sent in , the application, the more so because St. John, had he lived, would have done so, and he was then the officer commanding, both yours and mine. There is one thing in all our correspondence I never thought of, and that was that it carried £300 and £10 per annum with it. Knowing as Ido now that it was the honour you coveted, I should have suggested the waiving any claim to the back money— viz., £300. Well, they cannot take it away from you now, and so you need not worry about it. A lot of people are waiting for me, so that I cannot say any more just now. Yours, &c, M. N. Bo wee. EXHIBIT No. 25. Opotiki, 28th December, 1567. Mr. Haseldex entered the Ist Waikato Regiment as a substitute in November., 1866, since which time he has been to the date of his discharge under my command. He is a young man of good intelligence, sober and steady in his habits, and possessed of undoubted pluck. His name has been mentioned in despatches for gallantry. I much regret his leaving this district, but as there is no opening for him here I think he is right to try elsewhere. lam certain that wherever he tries he will make himself liked and respected as he has been in Opotiki. J. H. H. St. John, Major, Commanding Opotiki District. EXHIBIT No. 27. Dear Me. Wrigg,— Wellington, 14th October, 1897. With Major Harris, Mr. W. Kelly, and Mr. Holland, I saw Mr. T. Thompson concerning your application for the New Zealand Cross. There is no case, believe me, Mr. Wrigg, that has given me greater pleasure to advocate than your own. . I am quite convinced of the genuine nature of your claim, and therefore am strongly advocating it. We had a long talk with the Minister over the matter, and Sir Arthur Douglas was sent for to state precedents, &c. We did our best to break down the departmental objections urged by Sir Arthur. At the conclusion of quite an hour's talk, the Minister promised to see others over the matter, and to inform us as to how Colonel McDonnell got his recognition after so many years had elapsed. We shall do our best in connection with this matter, and will advise you further on. Yours, &c, Wμ. T. Jennings. EXHIBIT No. 28. Letter from Cornet Wrigg resigning his Commission in the B.P.V.C. Sib, — Invercargill, Southland, 11th September, 1867. It being probable that my stay in this province may be prolonged for a further period than I had at first anticipated, it will be unfair of me to retain my commission as cornet in the Bay of Plenty Volunteer Cavalry; therefore have the honour to request that you will forward this, my resignation as cornet in the above-mentioned corps, to His Excellency the Governor, praying his approval of same. I have, &c, Harry C. W. Wrigg, Captain Gwynneth, B.P.V.C, Opotiki. Cornet, B.P.V.C. Acceptance of resignation recommended.—John Gwynneth, Captain, Commanding B.P.V.C.— 3rd October, 1867. His Excellency the Governor is respectfully advised to accept the resignation of the Commission held by Cornet H. C. W. Wrigg, Bay of Plenty Cavalry Volunteers.—T. M. Haultain, 4/12/67. [Extract from the New Zealand Gazette.] Colonial Defence Office, Wellington, 20th December, 1867. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to accept the resignation of the Commissions held by the under-mentioned officers, viz.:— * Lieut. C. Stephenson, Auckland Naval Volunteers, Lieut. Wm. De Troy, No. 1 Company Canterbury Rifle Volunteers, Cornet H. C. W. Wrigg, Bay of Plenty Cavalry Volunteers. T. M. Haultain.

12—1. 2b.