CONSTABLE BLACK'S GALLANTRY.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 326, 30 January 1908, Page 5

CONSTABLE BLACK'S GALLANTRY.

CAPTAIN PREECE TELLS THBEJ STORY OF HIS NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

An article has been published in i several papers of the sale of the late Solomon Elack's New Zealand Cross iD London, for a large sum. Captain G. A. Preece, himself a distinguished veteran of the campaign, has kindly furnished us with this account of Black: — '' Solomon Black served all through the East Cape, Poverty Bay, and Wairoa campaign of 18G5 and 1866, under Major James Fraser; also at Opotiki under the same officer and Major St. John in 1868, again at Ruakituri against Te Kooti, and at Ngatapa in 1868-9 under Colonel Sir George Whitmore, also under the same officer through the latter part of the West Coast campaign against Titokowaru where he was severely wounded at Otautu, near Patea, in March, 1896, but was soon in the field again and afterwards saw service in Taupo under Colonel McDonnell in 1870. Black distinguished himself in the field on many occasions, indeed if there was a fight about he was bound to be in the thick of it, and he must have been in nearly 100 engagements. He was recommended for the cross by the Officer Commanding at the time of the actionhe did not tout for it 30 years after the event or get testimonials from people who were not qualified to give a recommendation; lie was a soldier at heart and let us remember him as such. The patent under which the decoration was granted sets out that it was "for gallant conduct at the seige of Ngatapa in January 1869. The rear of the enemy's position was assigned to the attack under Major Fraser, consisting of Nos. 1 aud 3 Armed Constabulary, and Hotenes' Ngatiporous. The extreme right on a scarped stony ridge, was commanded from the enemv's rifle pits and works, and a lodgment was only effected by cutting out standing room with a pickaxe. The enemy made several determined sorties against this point, and it became extremely difficult to maintain the position, which was essential to the success of the operations. A party of twelve volunteers were at length placed there, and they succeeded with some loss, in holding the position till the eud of the seige, and in repelling several resolute attacks. One of the most conspicuous for his bravery was Constable Black.''