THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3585, 27 March 1886, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

«. Tlio following letter which was recently received by the Defence Minister will bo read with interest at a time when the gallant officer referred to has just obtained the New Zealand Cross : — Egmont, Brackwell, Berks, 28th January, 188 G. Sin, — Having recently received a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas M'Donnell, relative to his services when m command of the Nelive Contingent, and under my command and personal observation nt the end of 1865 and the early portion of 1866, with much pleasure I have the honour to inform you that during the above-mentioned period no soldier could havo served with more zeal, ability and distinction, or could have shown more intrepid and gallant conduct. On several occasions, under a galling fire, his heroic examples to his corps the force under my command frequently greeted with applause. Cplonel M'Donnoll, when severely wounded at the capture and destruction of the formidable Putaki Pah, insisted on leading his men until the engagement was ended. Very many soldiers I know have received for meritorious services the Victoria Cross, few, if any, more deserved the distinction conferred on them, than i,s duo to Ljontenant-Colonel Thomas M'Donnell, nnd I earnestly trust you will be pleased to obtain for this gallant oflicer the honourable decoration of the silver cross. I havo tho honour to be Sir, Your most obedient servant, Tkevob Chute, General. The Honourable John Ballance, Defence Minister, Wellington, N.Z.