CAMP, TEAWAMUTU.

Wellington Independent, Volume XIX, Issue 2082, 2 July 1864, Page 3

CAMP, TE AWAMUTU.

PRESENTATION OF THE VICTORIA CROSS TO ENSIGN MoKEN T NA.

(From the Correspondent of the Southern Crost.\ June 18.

The troops in camp paraded at 2-30 to-day, to witness the presentation of the Victoria Croso to Ensign McKennn, and of medals for meritorious conduct to Sergeants Bracegirdle aud Meara, Liii-ce-Coipotul Bullord, and Private Thomas, of the 65th Regiment. The troops were drawn ip in an open square, and after a short delay General Sir Dtw.can A. Cameron and staff walked into the centre of the square, and Ensign McKenna was called to the front. Colonel C.irey, C.8.. Deputv-Adjutant-General, then iead the letter from Earl De Grey and Ripon, in refurerence to the bestowal p£ the decorations; after which

Genera) Sir Duncan A. Cameron spoke as follows — " Ensign MoKenna, in obedience to her Majesty's instructions, it becomes my pleasing duty to present you with the Victoria Cross; und ;i It hough I could have wished to have cm tied out those instructions in a still more public, and formal manner, yet, it 1 is satisfactory to see that the presentation takes pl.ice in ihe presence of your own regiment. Your coolness, presence of mind, and personal daring in the engagement al Cameroutown, fully justified the confidence placed in you by the small party so suddenly thrown under your ccinmund, and are two well known and appreciated by the whole of the foice to need many comments from me. Enough for me to say that the honorable eleration of the Victoriu Cross was never conferred on a braver or more de« serving officer thnn you." The General then stepped forward and attaohed the ribbon and cross to Ensign McKenuu's left breast, and said, " I tmslyou will be long spared to wear it with kouor to yourself and country." The General shook hands warmly with Mr McKenna, after which the latter retired to bis place iu line with his brother officers. Tbres vociferous, hearty cheers, were given fur Ensign McKenna.