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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 106, 8 May 1867, Page 2

Ottb readers are probably aware that, until very recently, the honorable decoration of the Victoria cross has been bestowed solely on persons serving in the Imperial Army and Navy! . v Jn consequence, however, of representations made to the Home authorities, by the Grdvernment of New Zealand, and warmly seconded by the Press of the colony, it has been determined to extend this honor to persons serving in the Colonial Porces, who may have distinguished themselves in action against the rebel Maoris, and we are gratified to record that the first individual in whtflse favor the original regulation has been rescinded is Major lieaphy, formerly a settler in this province, whose gallant conduct at the Mangapiko river, on the 11th Pebru- \ ary, 1864, caused him to be recommended \by the Colonial Government for this distinction. The following is the Gazette announcing this gratifying fact : — War Office, February 8. The Queen having been graciously pleased, by an instrument under her Royal Sign Manual, bearing date the Ist of January, 1867, to direct that the decoration of the Victoria Cross may be conferred on persons serving in the local forces of New Zealand, who have performed deeds of gallantry in that colony, her Majesty has accordingly been pleased to signify her intention to confer this high distinction on the undermentioned officer of the local forces of that colony, whose claim to the same has been submitted for her Majesty's approval, viz., — Major Charles Heaphy, Auckland Militia, recommended for his gallant conduct on the banks of the Mangapiko river, in New Zealand on the 1 lth February. 1864, in assisting a wounded soldier of the 40lh Regiment, who had fallen into a hollow among the thickest of the concealed Maories. While doing so he became the target for a volley at a few feet distant. Five balls pierced his clothes and cap, and he "was wounded in three places. Although hurt, he continued to aid the wounded until the end of the day. Major Heaphy was at the time in charge of a party of the 40lh and 50th Regiments, under the orders of Lientenant-Colonel Sir Henry Marshman Havelock, C.8., V.C., the senior officer on the spot, who had moved rapidly down to the place where the troops were hotiy engaged and pressed.