A BRAVE SOLDIER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17097, 21 February 1916, Page 4

A BRAVE SOLDIER.

PRESENTED WITH DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL. One of the most impressive scenes witnessed in New Zealand since the outbreak o.f the war took place at the Mastcrton Show on Wednesday, when the Minister of Defence presented the D.C.M. to Private F. O'Connor. late of the Wellington Battalion, who has since returned from the front minus an eve. and has received his discharge. There was a record crowd in attendance, and great interest was taken in the proceedings. O'Connor, who was a member of the Masterton Pipe Band, appeared m Highland dress, and he was escorted by the band into the ring in front of the Grandstand. The crowd cheered heartily. , . ,

" It is with great pleasure." said the Minister, "that I have come here today to present the D.C.M. to a Masterton man. Private O'Connor was. and is, a member of the Pipe Band, which, I am informed, has sent away fifteen original members out of a total of sixteen. One has earned the D.C.M., five have been .wounded, and one, 1 regret to say, has died of illness. This is what General Orders said of Private O'Connor: 'On May 8, at Krithia, for distinguished service in the firing line, • until he was severely wounded and lost his right eye. Previously twice slightly wounded. His gallant example was* of great value. (Loud applause.) Mr Allen then addressed 600 mounted men who were also in the ring. "'To you soldiers." he said. "I want to say this: Here is an example which shows you what a man can do. Here also is an example of the reward which your King will give you. 1 know what sort of men von are, and I know that, if you have the opportunities, you will all distinguish yourselves, I just as Private O'Connor has done. [(Cheers.) _, t I Then, turning to the grandstand, tneMinister continued; "I want to tell ; the public that Ave must keep the rem- ■ lorcements going every four weeks. : This district has dono- splendid work m regard to the reinforcements, and 1 want to see that work continue. Splendid men have come from this district. O'Connor came from here." (Cheers.) Private O'Connor came forward at Mr Allen's request, and the medal was pinned on his tunic. Cheer upon cheer then rang out all over the ground, tne soldiers, raising their hats high, gave extra cheers, and the noise for a tune was deafening. Private O'Connor, D.C.M.. returned to the rank of his Scottish comrades, amidst the strains of'tho bagpipes.