THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 93, 9 June 1911, Page 8

THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

MR 11. W. NORTHCROFT DECORATED. ‘ He on three occasions carried fir a wounded comrade under tearful (ire,” is the terse description of the deeds which have earned for Mr H. W. Northcroft the decoration of a New Zealand Cross. A somewhat tardy recognition of Mr North-muffs brave acts took place at rhe large Territorial parade -at the .Ai.iek.land Domain on Saturday, when die e'ess wins pinned on his breast by Lind Islington. his Excellency said !o 1. id very groat, pleasure in presenting Mr Noi thcroft with the New Zealand Cross—a decoration corresponding to the Victoria Cross in the Old Country—which Mr Northcroft had earned by distinguished and gallant conduct in the Maori war. Many years had lapsed, Out ttie memories of the reipicnt’s deeds remained as fresh today as then. After pinning the cross on Mr Norther oft’s breast. Lord Is'iugton took the wearer by the handy and expressed the hope that many years might lie spared to him to enjoy the distinction so gallantly earned. ohoars were given for Mr Nr."thereft, and on his return to the saluting hast he was introduced to Lady Islington, who shook hands and complimented him on his gallantry. Mr Northcroft was horn in Essex, England iu 181 b, and at fourteen joined the volunteers, when volunteerng involved active service of a very serious and dangerous nature H( was famous as a soldier, and earned for himself the distinction of heinj. one of the bravest of our defenders. Ho joined the colonial forces on tin outbreak of the Taranaki rebellion, and for eighteen years was seldom oui of the field. He was under fire on fifty occasions, and performed many other .acts of bravery. He was awarded the New Zealand war medal in 18G8.