NEW ZEALAND CROSS

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6438, 15 January 1924, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND CROSS

FOR SIGNAL ACTS OF VALOUR

ONLY FIVE RECIPIENTS LIVING

From an authentic source we are enabled to give a brief history of this coveted distinction with - an account of how in» almost'every instance it was won. The decoration is in the form of a silver cross with the name of the colony, and the name of the recipient engraved thereon, and is suspended from the left breast by a crimson riband. It may not be claimed by any individual on his own account, and can only be conferred upon the spontaneous recommendation of the O.C. Every person upon whom the distinction or circumstance whatever shows merit conspicuous bravery shall be held to establish sufficient claim to the honour. It shall be awarded by His Excellency the Governor-General only.

The New Zealand Cross was substituted for the more frequently awarded V.C., and is at present held only by five or six persons. This will show how carefully its bestowal was safeguarded. It is / regarded as the most rare and distinguished military decoration in the world.

Most of the distinguishing acts of bravery which won it in each case are appended. They are of sufficient importance to merit their republication after the lapse of many years:— Henare Kepa Te Ahururu, 1870 (dplonel Whitmore). Gallant conduct in the attack on Motorua, 1868. Kepa climbed the palisades of the fort alone, and was shot through the lungs, but carried his arms to camp. ' Solomon Black, 1870 (Colonel Whitmore): For gallant conduct at the siege of Ngatapa, 1869. Black was one of those whose position under galling fire waS tenable only by cutting standing room on the ridge by using a pick and in thus repelling several resolute attacks he was conspicuously brave and successful. Benjamin Biddle 1870 (Colonel Whitmare): This man’s action was precisely simialr to that of Black, referred to above.

William Lingard, 1870 (Captain John Bryce): For his gallant conduct before the enemy on Dec. 28, 1868. While reconnoitring the.enemy’s po-. sition at Taurankaika, the Kai Iwa and Wanganui Cavalry Volunteers galloped up to the palisades, receiving the enemy’s fire at'a few yards. Several horse's were shot. Lingard. rode past the pa at 40 yards’ distance and with his sword ’ cut the tether line of an enemy’s horse, brought it to a comrade and assisted him' to mount and escape; George Hill, 1870 (Colonel Whitmore): Accompanied the natives to the relief of Mohaka, then being attacked by Te Kooti. Hill and others ran the gauntlet of the enemy’s fire; and he led the pai’ty which ' dashed, into Jerusalem Pa which was sorely pressed. Subsequently Hill’s efforts so animated the defenders that Te Kooti was repulsed.

Angus Smith, 1870 (Captain Mo6rsom): In 1869 thirteen of Cornet Smith’s men were surprised by Te Kooti and nine were killed. Sorely wounded he attempted to bring relief to the three survivors, but was captured and tied to a tree after being stripped. He eventually escaped and reached Fort Galatea after four days without food or water.

Arthur Carkeek, 1870 (Colonel McDonnell): Carkeek carried despatches for 30 miles on foot through forests infested by the enemy, and secured the relief of Ohinemutu, which was being closely besieged by Te Kooti. Dr. Isaac E. Featherston, 1875 (General Chute): For intrepid and meritorious services, more particularly at the storming of that formidable pa Otapawa. Dr. Featherston so exposed himself to the enemy’s fire that by his noble example he stimulated the courage of the native allies at a moment when it was vitally needed. Kepa Rangihiwinui, 1876 (Colonel Whitmore): For devoted and chivalrous conduct at Moturoa in 1868, When at the head of a very small section of his tribe he covered our retreat and assisted to remove the wounded. For personal gallantry in pursuing Titokowaru’s followers through dense bush for several days, in which many o,f our constabulary joined: his tribe to follow so distinguished a leader. Francis J. Mace, 1876 (Colonel Moule): For bravery and the conveyance of despatches through dangerous country during the war in Taranaki, for which he was also personally thanked by Governors Browne • and Grey.

George A. Preece, 1878 (Colonel Whitmore): For personal bravery when attached to Major Ropata as interpreter in the first attack on Ngatapa. His behaviour was so brilljant as to elicit the admiration of Major Ropata who on the day follow-

ing recommended him for the special x’eward, with the complimentary remark that with two or three men like Preece he would have broken into the pa.

Samuel Walker, 1876 (Lieut. Col. McDonnell): For conspicuous gallantry in performance of the duties of assistant surgeon and riotably in the attack upon Titokowaru, at Otauto, where he was exposed to heavy fire and bore himself with great courage.

C. Maling, 1876 (Colonel Whitmore) For valued services as scout on many occasions particularly when he saved many lives by the discovery of an ambuscade, and for a reconnaisance lasting two nights and two days to discover the direction taken by Titokowaru from Taurankaika, a most daring service. R. Shepherd, 1876 (Colonel Whitmore): For distinguished bravery at Otauto While holding ground close to the encampment and enabling a reconnaisance to be made by Major Kepa. Shepherd was dangerously Wounded.

S. Austin, 1876 (Lieut. Col. McDonnell): For gallant and distinguished conduct at the capture of Putahi Pa in 1866. When Lieut. Col. McDonnell was dangerously wounded Austin carried him under a raking fire. General Chute personally thanked him. Eight months later Austin again carried Captain William McDonnell to safety when he lay severely wounded and about to be tomahawked.

R.' Antonio, 1876 (Lieut. Col. Moule): For noble and daring conduct in carrying wounded men from the field under fire on several occasions, notably in 1863 at Poutako, and in 1864 at Kaitaki.

T. McDonnell, 1887 (Major Walmsley and General Chute): In 1863, he, in company with Major von Tempsky, reconnoitred the enemy’s position at Paparatu. They ran extreme danger from scouting parties near Meremere, when they had to lay concealed in a swamp for 24 hours. In 1866 he distinguished himself by repeated acts of bravery. Gilbert Mair, 1887 (Colonel Whitmore) : In an impending attack on Rotorua ,by Te Kooti with a large force, Captain Mair created an impression of in defence by causing all the old men and women to show themselves as troops. Then 'With his handful of faithful Arawas boldly assumed the offensive and inflicted heavy loss on Te Kooti’s rearguard. During this spirited engagement of many hofirs Mair inspired bis few men in hapd to hand fighting. He himself killed the notorious Pepa Makarini, and the others were driven before them in disorder. Since the above list was gazetted the New Zealand Cross was worthily bestowed upon: H. W. Northcroft (Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell): For rescuing Sergt. Major Duff from the enemy under specially dangerous conditions. It was stated in evidence that there was not a more meritorious act in the annals of New Zealand warfare.

Of all the distinguished men who hold the i coveted Cross, only the following survive:—

Mr B. Biddle, Whakatane. Mr R. Hill, North Shore. Captain F. J. Mace, Oakura. Captain G. A. Preece, Palmerston North.

Colonel J. M. Roberts, Rotorua.