A DISTINGUISHED OFFICER.

MAJOR J. 6L HUGHES, D.S.O. Major John Gethin Hughes, D.5.0., * V s *e be transteri 'ed to the staff ?t-i °™ cer commanding the Nelson Military .District, became a private in a New Zealand volunteer corps in 1884 says the "New Zealand Times." and progressed rapidly, so that at various times of liis career before he became a professional soldier, he commanded a battery of artillery, an infantry company, and was adjxitant 'of an infantry battalion. 'He relinquished the latter position in order to join the J*'irst iNew Zealand Contingent. He ejtlisted as a private hi this corps, and, rapidly rising to the rank of sergeant, he was .given a. commission after he had been a-few weeks in the field. , " Major' Hughes's record in regard to personal bravery in the field is almost unique as far as New "Zealand officers are concerned. When the Boers did the "Majuba trick" at New Zealand Hill, Major Hughes (then a subaltern) together with Major Madocks, R.A. (attached to the ifirst .Contingent), charging over the protecting gangers and unUoubtedly broke the attack. >it was here that Sergeant Gourley and Private Gonnell of the corps, were instantly killed, besides several riohcomsand privates of the Yorkshire Regiment. - Lieut Hughes bandaged Gourley's head while under an extremely heavy cross fire, and called for- volunteers from behind /the sangars to assist him to carry the mortally wounded man to cover. - At Thaba Hill, under a heavy fire, Major Hughes, with a retiring force, rode back, arid rescued a wounded man —-a particularly heavy soldier—helping him to mount and bringing him safely out: At Sanna's Post— so disastrous to Broadwood's Brigade, and where the Boers took four hundred prisoners and an immense convoy — Major .Hughes, in charge of,. a. division, was 'the last to retire. When he retired personally he brought with" him on his ,;horse a private soldier, unquestionably saving his life. For these particular acts;the Ne.w Zealand "officer was given the Distinguished tService, Order. Ma.jol l Hughes was promoted to his present rank in the field by General "Westonhaugh, in Natal ■■in.-,. 1902, but it was not until 1907 that on examination of his. papers he was promoted to the rank in New.. Zealand. He. was the only colonial officer recommended : by 'the late" General Sir: Redvers Buller V.C. to represent the. auxiliary 'colonial forces at, the Coronation of King Edward; :: - : : ': ; '■-.■ -'■': - ■ "•' v :■;- ' .-