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1877. NEW ZEALAND.
TITLES, HONORS, AND DECORATIONS CONFERRED UPON COLONISTS OF NEW ZEALAND (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO).
Eeturn to an Address of the House of Representatives, 27th, July, 1877. " That a respectful address be presented to His Excellency the Governor requesting that lie will cause to be laid before this Houbc copies of all correspondence between any Secretary of State and the Governor of New Zealand, during the years 1860 to 1877, inclusive, relative to any titles or honors or decorations conferred, or proposed to be conferred, upon colonists of New Zealand, who have held office under the Crown in this colony, or who are or have been members of either branch of the Legislature, together with all farther correspondence on the subject."— (Sir d. Grey.)
No. 1. Despatch No. 132. —Auckland, 4th December, 1860. —Submitting the names of Mr. F. D. Bell, Mr. Donald McLean, and Lieut.-Colonel Nugent for seats in the Native Council; also recommending Mr. Donald McLean for some mark of Her Majesty's approbation for his long and faithful services. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir T. Gore Browne to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle. (No. 132.) Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, My Lord Duke, — 4th December, 1860. I have the honor to submit to your Grace the names of three gentlemen for seats in the Native Council should Her Alajesty be pleased to assent to the Native Council Bill, which I forward by this mail: — To be Secretary —Francis Dillon Bell, Esq. Paid Member —Donald McLean, Esq. Paid Member—Lieut.-Colonel Charles L. Nugent (late sSth Regiment). I beg to call your Grace's attention to the correspondence which accompanies this despatch, by which you will see that, to my great regret, Sir Wm. Martin has declined an unpaid seat in the Council for the reasons he assigns. Mr. McLean also disapproves of the altered relations established by the Native Council Bill, and it is only at my earnest solicitation that he has been induced to accept a seat should your Grace, after full consideration of all the circumstances of the case, recommend Her Majesty to assent to the Act passed by the Assembly. On the reasons given by these gentlemen I need make no comment. Tour Grace will perceive from my Despatch No. 120, of 26th November, that my views do not differ widely from theirs. It is now only necessary that I should say that Mr. Dillon Bell was a member of the last House of Representatives, that he has been in New Zealand for sixteen years, and has constantly been employed under Government. He enjoyed the full confidence of Sir George Grey, and has recently acted as a Commissioner under "The Land Claims Settlement Act," in which office he has given extreme satisfaction to the Government, and to all reasonable claimants. Of Mr. AlcLeau I need say nothing. This able and conscientious public officer is unrivalled in his knowledge of Maori habits and feelings, and possesses more influence with the Alaoris than any person without exception in New Zealand. As this gentleman will now cease to be in the service of the local government, and will (if your Grace approves) become a Councillor nominated by the Crown, I trust you will be good enough to obtain for him some mark of approbation for his long and faithful services. Lieut.-Colonel Nugent served in New Zealand for many years, and was Native Secretary to Sir George Grey for some time. He enjoys the esteem and respect of both races. Partly owing to the restrictions in the third clause of the Act, I have not been able to submit to your Grace the names of the two unpaid members, but the Council will be able to act with three members only, so that it is not a matter which presses. I have, &c, His Grace, the Duke of Newcastle, &c, &c. T. Gore Bbowne. I—H. 39.
No. 2. Despatch (Separate).—26th July, 1862. —Notifying that Her Majesty has been pleased to confer a Knighthood on Mr. George Alfred Arney. Copy of Despatch from His Grace the Duke of Newcastle to Governor Sir G. Grey, K.C.B. (New Zealand, Separate.) Sib,— Downing Street, 26th July, 1862. I have the honor to acquaint you that, on the strong recomme'ndation of your predecessor, the name of Mr. George Alfred Arney, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, has been submitted to the Queen for the honor of knighthood, and that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of that dignity by patent to Mr. Arney. I have, &c, Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B., &c, &c. Newcastle.
No. 3. Despatch No. 18.—Auckland, 19th February, 1863. —Becotnmending Major Herbert, New Zealand Militia, for distinction for services rendered during the war. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. Geey, K.C.B., to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle(No. 18.) Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, Mi Loed Duke,— 19th February, 1863. I have the honor to transmit a memorandum of my Eesponsible Advisers, enclosing copies of letters from the Colonial Deputy-Adjutant General of Militia and Volunteers, and from Major Herbert of the Militia, late commanding the Militia and Volunteers in Taranaki, asking that some distinction should be conferred upon him for his services during the late war. 2. I concur with my Responsible Advisers in thinking that it would be well if some special order of merit for the colonies could be conferred upon these officers of Militia and Volunteers who distinguished themselves in the defence of any of Her Majesty's possessions. 3. In past years, both in New Zealand and at the Cape of Good Hope, the want of some such special distinction has been felt as a great hardship by gallant men who have rendered Her Majesty good service in the field. This subject is well worthy of your Grace's consideration. I have, &c., His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G. Q-. G-eet.
Enclosure in No. 3. Memorandum for His Excellency the Goteenob. His Excellency is respectfully recommended to transmit to the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, copies of the enclosed letters, of the dates noted in the margin, from Colonel Balneavis, the Deputy-Adjutant General of Militia and Volunteers, and from Major Herbert, late commanding the Militia and Volunteers in Taranaki. Ministers wish that at the same time there may be transmitted to the Secretary of State an expression of this our opinion that it is of the highest consquence in order to secure the efficiency and zeal of the Militia and Volunteer Forces in New Zealand, that the services of those forces when in the field, together with Her Majesty's regular troops, should be recognized by such acknowledgment and honorary rewards as they may in each instance be considered to merit, in accordance with the course adopted in similar cases with respect to the regular forces. This observation is especially applicable where an officer commanding the Militia and Volunteers has been publicly honorably mentioned in general orders, and in the despatches of the General for his services in the field, in the same terms as Commanding Officers of the Line on the same occasion. In bringing this despatch to His Excellency's notice, Ministers also desire to draw attention to the zeal and gallantry displayed by Captain Brown, Taranaki Militia; Captain and Adjutant Stapp, Taranaki Militia ; and Captain Atkinson, Taranaki Volunteers, in the action at Waireka, as recorded in the enclosures to the Despatch No. 29, 31st March, 1860, from the late Governor, Colonel Gore Browne, C.B., to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, and they think that some mark of Her Majesty's gracious approbation conferred on those officers would be well bestowed, and give general satisfaction. At the same time they desire to guard themselves against being supposed to express an opinion, that precisely the same distinction should be conferred on the officers last alluded to as have been conferred on officers in Her Majesty's regular forces, upon whom these honors may be considered to be bestowed, not merely as the reward of a particular service of more than usual merit, but of a long course of more ordinary services or duties satisfactorily performed, of which the one that receives the distinction is only the complement, making up the sum of desert of which such reward is the acknowledgment. Auckland, 27th January, 1863. Alfbed Domett.
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Sub-Enclosures. Copy of Letter from Colonel Balneavis, Deputy-Adjutant-General of Militia and Volunteers, to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Colonial Forces. Sic, — Deputy-Adjutant-General's Office, Auckland, 6th August, 1862. I have the honor to enclose a communication from Major Herbert, late commanding the Militia and Volunteers at Taranaki, for the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor and the Government, and transmission to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for War. In submitting the communication, I beg to call the attention of His Excellency the Governor and the Ministry to his case. Major Herbert was formerly an officer in the 58th Regiment, and was wounded during the war at the Hutt, Wellington, in 1846. He was subsequently promoted to a company in that regiment, and exchanged into the 97th Regiment in the year 1857. He arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, having retired from the service by the sale of his commission, in order to become a settler in the province. On his arrival at Auckland during the Taranaki war, a difficulty having been found in obtaining a retired officer to command the Militia and Volunteers in that province, in the pressing emergency of the case, he was earnestly requested by Colonel Gore Browne, the then Governor, to accept the command. All the eligible retired officers in this province, I must here remark, in justice to them, had taken farms and were in different other occupations, and therefore could not be asked to leave this province at a day's warning and proceed to Taranaki. Had any eligible retired officer so situated been asked to accept the command at Taranaki, His Excellency Governor Gore Browne, C.8., foresaw that it would be improper to place him in the position of either going at a great sacrifice to himself or being obliged to decline. Aiajor Herbert without hesitation accepted the command, as I have already stated above, at the earnest request of His Excellency, and commanded the Militia and Volunteers during the whole war in that province although he had already purchased land; and there is a question now pending whether he is to get his remission land in consequence of his absence from this province. The manner in which his duties were performed in the field has been prominently brought forward by Major-General Gold, and Aiajor-General Sir T. S. Pratt, and' His Excellency Colonel Browne, in the published despatches relative to the Taranaki war. I now beg to bring under particular notice that all the commanding officers of brigades, corps, and regiments, both naval and military, have obtained from Her Most Gracious Majesty an acknowledgment of their services by the conferring upon them the Companionship of the Order of the Bath, an exception being made in Major Herbert's case, although commanding both Alilitia and Volunteers in the field. I am fully aware, from my position and knowledge of the Militia and Volunteers in New Zealand, that it has produced a very unfavourable impression in both services, and particularly so in those forces at Taranaki, and will operate very unfavourably in the minds of other officers when requested to undertake such services (if they should be unhappily required) when in doing so they naturally cannot but expect that their services, however gallant, will be overlooked. This occurrence will also operate most injuriously with regard to the views of the Home Government that the Militia and Volunteer Forces, so specially required in this colony, should be kept well organized, and be commanded by the most eligible retired officers. I therefore venture to hope that His Excellency Sir George Grey and the Ministry will favourably recommend the enclosed application, not only on its merits, but as it importantly bears upon the efficiency and popularity of the colonial forces under their immediate and special protection and command. I have, &c, H. C. Balneavis, Deputy-Adjutant-General of Militia and Volunteers in New Zealand. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Copy of a Letter from Major Herbert to Lieut.-Colonel Balneavis, Deputy-Adjutant-General of Militia and Volunteers. Sir, — Parnell, Auckland, 6th August, 1862. I have the honor to forward you annexed communication for transmission for the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor and Ministry. I have, &c, Chas. St. John Herbert, Late Major Commanding Taranaki Militia and Volunteers. Lieut.-Colonel H. C. Balneavis, Deputy-Adjutant-General of Militia and Volunteers, Auckland. Copy of a Letter from Major Herbert to Governor Sir G. Grey, K.C.B. Sir, — Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand, 6th August, 1862. I have the honor to bring to your Excellency's notice and that of the Ministry of New Zealand, that Her Alajesty has been graciously pleased to appoint the following commanding officers, viz., Colonel Alould, Royal Engineers; Colonel Wyatt, Commanding 65th Regiment; Lieut.-Colonel Leslie, Commanding 40th Regiment; Lieut.-Colonel Carey, half-pay, 40th Regiment; Commodore Seymour, Royal Navy, lately engaged in the war with the Natives at Taranaki, to the Companionship of the Order of the Bath. Having been in command of the Militia and Volunteers in that province during the same period, and brigaded with those regiments and force, I feel extremely disappointed that I should be the only exception made of an officer commanding a corps, which makes it appear that I have been from some unfavourable reason omitted. J beg to submit copies of the favourable mention made both of myself and the Militia and
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Volunteers under my command, by the several superior officers under whom I served, and also of the favourable mention made of my name by His Excellency Colonel Gore Browne, 08., the late Governor, and yourself, and the present Ministry, on the reorganization of the Taranaki Militia and Volunteers, at which time the appointment I held was done away with. Being fully aware that officers of the local forces have no one to look up to but your Excellency and the Ministry under whom they serve to support them in what I respectfully submit are their just claims, I shall feel extremely obliged if my case receive your favourable support by being forwarded to the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for War. I have, &c., Chas. St. John Heebeet, Late Major Commanding Taranaki Militia and Volunteers. His Excellency Sir George Grey, X.C.8., Governor of New Zealand.
Copt of Exteact from Despatch from Major-General Peatt, C.8., dated Head-quarters, New Plymouth, Taranaki, 10th November, 1860. (In printed papers relating to the recent disturbances in New Zealand.) I have now the great satisfaction of testifying to the gallant behaviour of the troops, Artillery Engineers, Line, Eoyal Marine Artillery, of the Naval Brigade, Militia and Volunteers ; all vied with each other as how best to reach the enemy. The behaviour of that noble corps, the 65th Eegiment, and the Militia, was most conspicuous, and at the commencement of the action the brunt fell upon them, as all the casualties except two, &c. And the following commanding corps, i.e., Captain Strover, E.A.; Captain Mould, E.E. ; Major Hutchins, 12th Eegiment; Lieut.-Colonel Leslie, 40th Eegiment ; Captain Turner, 65th Eegiment, who commanded the advance and stormed the pa, and was severely wounded after entering it; Major Herbert, Taranaki Militia, who gallantly led the storming party on the left flank ; and it is due to the continuous and energetic conduct of Lieut. Urquhart, 65th Eegiment, to name that officer also, &c. T. S. Peatt, Major-General Commanding. True Copy.—Chas. St. John Heebeet.
Copy of General After Order, dated 30th Alarch, 1861. (No. 623.) No. 1. Commodore Seymour, commanding Naval Brigade, having intimated to the Major-General Commanding, that in all probability the Naval Brigade will return to their ships shortly, the AfajorGeneral Commanding, before quitting New Zealand, has to express his great satisfaction with their services on shore, whilst under his command, which have been most conspicuous on all occasions; and he has particularly to thank Commodore Seymour for his very cordial co-operation, and for the gallant and unhesitating manner in which he has given him very effective assistance whenever it could be of use. The Major-General must also mention the very effective service rendered by Lieut. Battiscombe of H.M. s.s. " Pelorus," not only with the Naval Brigade, but also while employed as Assistant in the Royal Engineer Department. Midshipmen Hotham and Walden, while employed with the heavy guns on shore, had also an opportunity of showing their gallantry and good service, and the Major-General must add his high opinion of the services of the Royal Marine Artillery. Her Majesty having decided that the command of the troops in New Zealand shall be separated from that of the Australian Colonies, and that Liout.-General D. A. Cameron, C.8., shall assume command of the Forces in the colony, all reports will be made to Lieut-General Cameron from this date. In relinquishing the command of the Forces in New Zealand, the Af ajor-General feels it due to the troops who have served under him so gallantly and so energetically, and with such continued success as to have procured a cessation of hostilities and a probability of a permanent peace, to thank them of all arms for their arduous labours, and the unremitting cheerfulness with which they have performed them. The Af ajor-General begs particularly to thank the following officers, whose services he will bring more prominently forward in his despatches to the Home authorities: Commodore Seymour in command Naval Forces, Australian Colonies; Colonel Mould, R.E., Captain Mould, R.E., Lieut. Warburton, R.E., Lieut. Battiscombe, Royal Marines, employed in the Royal Engineers Department ; Captain Strorer, commanding Royal Artillery, and lately for a short time Captain Mercer, R.A., commanding; Colonel Wyatt, commanding 65th Regiment; Lieut.-Colonel Leslie, commanding 40th Regiment; Major Wilson, 40th Regiment, who commanded a detachment at Waitara for some time ; Major Logan, commanding 57th Regiment; Major Douglas, commanding 2-14 th Regiment; Major Hutchins, commanding l-12th Regiment; Aiajor Herbert, commanding Taranaki Militia; Lieut. Woods, commanding detachment from H.AI. s.s. "Victoria;" Colonel Sillery, D.Q.M.G.; Lieut.-Colonel Carey, D.A.G.; James Alouat, Esq., C.8., V.C., D.1.G.; Captain Paul, Major of Brigade; Lieut. R. A. Foster, R.A., A.D.C.; Lieutenant A. Thing, Militia. The Major-General has to regret the loss of many brave officers and men in this service, but more particularly Captain Strange, 65th Regiment; Lieut. McNaughton, R.A.; Lieut. Burke, 40th Regiment ; and Lieut. Jackson, 40th Regiment, who nobly fell in the execution of their duty. By command. James R. Carey, Lieut.-Colonel, D.A.G. True copy of original order.—H. Deßuroh Adams, P.F. N.B.—Some few days after the above was published, the names of Mr. H. S. Jones, Deputy-Commissiariat-General, and Mr. DuMoulin, Acting D.A.C.G., were inserted therein. True extract. —Chas. St. John Herbert, Late Aiajor Commanding Taranaki Militia and Volunteers.
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Copy of Despatch from Major Herbert. Sib,— Militia Office, 23rd February, 1861. I have the honor to report for the information of Major-General Pratt, C.8., commanding the forces in New Zealand, that, in obedience to garrison orders of yesterday's date, I marched from town at half-past 8 o'clock, and under my command one captain, four subalterns, nine sergeants, three buglers, and 188 rank and file, for the purpose of escorting provisions for the detachment stationed at Omata Stockade, and to reconnoitre. I proceeded on the Beach Road, and met with no opposition until I reached the stockade, and when in the act of giving orders to pile arms, there was a heavy volley from small arms fired at the escort, wounding two men slightly, from an ambuscade party of the enemy, consisting of about from seventy to 100, from an old fortified pa, situated on Aiajor Lloyd's property, on a high hill about 700 yards from the Omata Stockade towards the sea-beach. I promptly returned the fire, and after three rounds from the twenty-four pounder howitzer, I ordered the 57th Regiment to storm the enemy's position from the right flank, which was done in gallant style. I immediately advanced by the centre with the 65th Regiment and the twenty-four pounder howitzer, the Alilitia and Volunteers, and on getting possession of the hill I discovered several rifle-pits recently constructed, besides which a good deal of original fortification. I forced the enemy from every position he took up along the flats, swamps, flax bushes, sand-hills, &c, and drove him into the Wairika Gully, when I found I was short of ammunition for the gun, or I would have forced him from the gully. Lieut.-Colonel Toung, 65th Regiment, joined me about between 12 and 1 o'clock p.m., with a strong support, and being my senior officer took over command of the whole force. Before closing my despatch, I feel very desirous of bringing before the favourable notice of the Aiajor-General the gallantry and very determined manner in which the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the force under my command carried out my orders, and wish to bring before the special notice of the Major-General, Captain Brown, Taranaki Militia, under my command, and Lieut. Hasted, of Her Alajesty's 57th Regiment. The former officer was with the skirmishers the whole time whilst engaged, and his perseverance in gaining ground on the enemy whenever an opportunity offered gave great confidence to the men of the Militia and Volunteers. The latter officer commanded the men of the 57th Regiment to my entire satisfaction, and showed a very great readiness to carry out my orders. I cannot ascertain the exact loss on the side of the enemy, but from what I can learn he must have suffered severely, as several wounded were seen carried away. Subjoined is a list of casualties as forwarded to me by Dr. Nevin, Staff-Assistant Surgeon, whom I recommend to the favourable notice of Major-General Pratt, C.8., for his coolness under fire, and always being found wherever his services were required. I am happy to state that the wounds are all of a slight nature with the exception of one. I have, &c, Chas. St. John Herbert, Major Commanding Taranaki Alilitia and Volunteers. True Copy.—Chas. Herbert, Late Aiajor Commanding Taranaki Militia and Volunteers. Copy of an Extract from a letter from Deputy-Adjutant-Generai. of Alilitia and Volunteers to Major Herbert, Commanding Alilitia and Volunteers, New Plymouth. Deputy-Adjutant-General's Office, Auckland, 24th January, 1862. In communicating to you these arrangements, which will probably have the effect of terminating the present official position occupied by yourself, I am directed to express to you the thanks of His Excellency and of his Responsible Advisers for your valuable services and their full appreciation of your gallant conduct whilst in the command of the Militia and Volunteers. I am also to request you to convey to the offiers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of the Militia and Volunteer Forces in Taranaki, the thanks of His Excellency the Governor and the Government, and to express the high sense which they entertain of the courage and devotion displayed by that force under extraordinary difficulties. H. C. Balneavis, Deputy-Adjutant-General of Militia and Volunteers. True Extract. —Chas. St. John Herbert, Late Major Commanding Taranaki Alilitia and Volunteers.
No. 4. Despatch No. 186.—Auckland, 4th October, 1864.—-Recommending Colonel Sillery for some mark of Her Majesty's approbation for his services. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. Grey, X.C.8., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 139.) Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, Sir,— 4th October, 1864. I have the honor to enclose copies of a correspondence I have received from Colonel Sillery, late Deputy-Quartermaster-General in New Zealand, requesting that he may be placed in a similar position to that of Major Herbert, by being appointed a Companion of the Civil Division of the Order of the Bath. 2. The case is this : Colonel Sillery performed such services in New Zealand as would have entitled him to be appointed Companion of the Alilitary Division of the Order of the Bath ; but just previously to this class of honor being conferred on officers of corresponding rank and similar services in New Zealand to those of Colonel Sillery, he retired from the service, and it was decided that, as he
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no longer held a commission in the Army, his request to be appointed a Companion of the Military Division of the Order of the Bath could not be entertained, it being contrary to the statutes of the Order that an officer should be nominated thereto unless he actually hold a commission in the Army at the time of his nomination. 3. Under these circumstances General Pratt and Sir D. Cameron, having both certified as to the value of Colonel Sillery's services, and the latter having placed it on record that Colonel Sillery is the only officer of his rank who served throughout the operations in the field under Major-General Pratt who has not yet received some mark of Her Majesty's approbation for his services, I beg to recommend that Colonel Sillery's application should be complied with by his being appointed a Companion of the Civil Division of the Order of the Bath. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., &c, &c. G. Grey.
No. 5. Despatch No. 169. —Auckland, 22nd November, 1864. —Recommending Major Heaphy (Auckland Militia), for Victoria Cross. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. Grey, X.C.8., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 169.) Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 22nd November, 1864. I have the honor to transmit a letter I have received from Major-General Galloway enclosing statements relative to the gallant conduct of Aiajor Charles Heaphy (major unattached, Auckland Militia), on the 11th of February last, and recommending that, in consequence of his conspicuous gallantry on the occasion alluded to, Major Heaphy should receive the decoration of the Victoria Cross. 2. I beg further to call your attention to the following minute made upon these papers by Lieut.General Sir Duncan Cameron, X.C.8., commanding the forces in New Zealand:— "Having carefully read over the evidence relative to the conduct of Major Heaphy, Auckland Militia, at the skirmish on the banks of the Alangapiko River, in February, 1864, I am of opinion that he has established a very strong claim to the distinction of the Victoria Cross, which I earnestly hope may be conferred upon him for his conspicuous gallantry on that occasion.—D. Cameron, Lieut. - General.—Auckland, 14th November, 1864." 3. In consequence of the above recommendations, I beg earnestly to recommend that Major Heaphy should receive the distinction of the Victoria Cross. 4. I feel sure that the giving so great a distinction to a colonial officer, who has admittedly so fairly earned it, will produce a very happy effect, and be highly appreciated by Her Majesty's subjects in this colony. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., &c, &c. G. Grey.
No. 6. Despatch (Separate). —Auckland, 7th January, 1865.—Recommending Air. David Monro for Knighthood. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. Grey, X.C.8., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 7th January, 1865. I have the honor to state that David Alonro, Esq., the Speaker of the House of Representatives in New Zealand, is a person who, from character, personal qualifications, and position, is in every way worthy of receiving the honor of knighthood. 2. I am aware that a recognition of his claims to such an honor would be very well received in this colony, and I should feel very much obliged to you if you would authorize me to offer to obtain this distinction for him if he would accept it. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., &c, &c. G. Grey.
No. 7. Despatch No. 112. —Auckland, 12th September, 1865.— Re Victoria Cross to Major Heaphy, of the Auckland Militia. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. Grey, X.C.8., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 112.) Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 12th September, 1865. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 36, of the 22nd of May last, informing me that the Royal Warrant relating to the decoration of the Victoria Cross could not properly be extended beyond the officers and soldiers of the regular Army. 2. Aly Responsible Advisers have requested me to bring under your notice the expression of their regret that technical rules prevent so honorable a distinction from being conferred on officers and men of Her Alajesty's Colonial Forces. 3. Had it been possible to confer this distinction on officers and men of Her Alajesty's Colonial
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Forces, I had intended to recommend two other persons besides Major Heaphy as being worthy to receive it, one of whom is a Native, and who has by his gallantry established unusual claims to some such distinction. . 4. So many ties which connected the colonies to the mother-country being gradually rent away, I would venture to suggest that it has become the more necessary to unite them, by inhabitants of all parts of the empire sharing in honors and distinctions derived from their common Sovereign, as from the fountain of honor. I believe that such honors and distinctions would be most highly prized, and would greatly tend to keep alive a spirit of loyalty and personal attachment to their Sovereign amongst Her Majesty's subjects in every part of her empire. 5. If, therefore, such a course is possible, I would recommend that a special warrant should be issued, extending the distinction of the Victoria Cross to New Zealand and other colonies, some distinctive mark being placed on the decoration, which should show in which colony it was issued. 6. I feel sure that the General Assembly of New Zealand would cheerfully vote all funds necessary for paying all expenses incident to the extension and maintenance of this distinction in so far as the Colony of New Zealand is concerned. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., Ac, &c. G. Grey.
No. 8. Despatch (Separate). —Wellington, 10th November, 1865.— Re Knighthood to Mr. David Monro. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. Grey, X.C.8., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P.
(Separate.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 10th November, 1865. Adverting to your private letter in which you informed me that the Queen had been pleased to give you permission to submit to Her Majesty the name of Mr. David Monro, Speaker of the House of Representatives in New Zealand, for the honor of knighthood, I have the honor to state that Mr. Monro informs me that he shall accept with much pride any token of Her Majesty's approbation which it may please the Queen to confer upon him. 2. I should, therefore, feel very much obliged to you if you would, in accordance with Her Majesty's permission, submit to the Queen the name of Mr. Alonro for the honor of knighthood. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. G. Grey.
No. 9. Despatch No. 100. —27th November, 1865.—Further relating to the claims made by Major Heaphy to the decoration of the Victoria Cross. Copy of a Despatch from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Governor Sir G. Grey, K.C.B. (No. 100.) Downing Street, 27th November, 1865. Sir, — (Received at Wellington, 27th January, 1866.) I did not fail to communicate to the Secretary of State for War your Despatches Nos. 112 and 113, of the 12th of September, respecting the claims of Major Heaphy to the decoration of the Victoria Cross; and I have the honor to transmit for the information of yourself and of your Responsible Advisers copies of the correspondence which passed upon the subject. Tou will observe that Earl de Grey has under his consideration the question whether the existing regulations respecting the grant of this distinction should not be so altered as to admit of its extension to New Zealand and other colonies. I have, &c, Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B. Edward Cardwell.
Sir F. Rogers to the Under Secretary of State for War. Sir, — Downing Street, 22nd November, 1865. With reference to your letter of the 26th of April, I am directed, by Air. Secretary Cardwell to transmit to you, for the consideration of Earl de Grey, copies of two despatches from the Governor of New Zealand: the first forwarding a letter from Aiajor Heaphy, praying that his claims for the A'ictoria Cross may be again considered; and the second, enclosing a memorandum by his Ministers relative to Major Heaphy's application, and suggesting that the distinction of the Victoria Cross should be extended to New Zealand and other colonies. I am to request that, in laying these despatches before Earl de Grey, you will move his Lordship to take into consideration the additional reasons which are submitted in support of Aiajor Heaphy's application. It would give Mr. Cardwell much pleasure if these reasons should be found to be such as would enable Earl de Grey to comply with the wishes of Major Heaphy and of the Colonial Government. I am, &c, The Under Secretary of State, War Office. F. Rogers.
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Captain Galton to the Undee Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Sir — War Office, 25th November, 1865. I am directed by Earl de Grey and Ripon to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd instant, transmitting copies of two despatches from the Governor of New Zealand: the first forwarding a letter from Major Heaphy praying that his claims for the Victoria Cross may be again considered, and the second enclosing a memorandum by his Ministers relative to Major Heaphy's application, and suggesting that the distinction of the Victoria Cross should be extended to New Zealand and other colonies; and in reply, lam desired by his Lordship to request that you will inform Air. Secretary Cardwell that, as the existing regulations of the Victoria Cross do not admit of the grant of that distinction to Major Heaphy, and as the alteration of those regulations could not be undertaken without full and careful consideration, Lord de Grey is unable, before the departure of the next mail to New Zealand, to give a definite reply to Air. Cardwell upon that point. His Lordship will however give his immediate attentiou to this subject, which concerns the whole of Her Alajesty's colonial possessions, as well as New Zealand, and a further communication will be made to you on the subject. But Lord de Grey cannot permit any time to be lost in expressing his sincere regret that the letter from this department, dated the 26th of April last, should have been understood by the Colonial Ministers in the sense implied by their memorandum of the 11th of August last. The allusion to a grant of land made in Sir Edward Lugard's letter was intended to suggest to Mr. Cardwell a mode in which it might be possible for the Governor of New Zealand to mark his sense of Major Heaphy's services, although the regulations laid down in the Royal Warrant instituting the Victoria Cross precluded Lord de Grey from submitting the name of that officer to Her Alajesty for the grant of this high distinction; but nothing could have been further from his Lordship's intention than to have even the appearance of speaking in disparaging terms of the gallantry displayed by Major Heaphy at the skirmish on the banks of the Mangapiko, or of the valuable services rendered on many occasions by Her Majesty's Colonial Forces both in New Zealand and in other colonies. I have, &c, The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Douglas Galton.
No. 10. Despatch No. 139.—Wellington, 29th November, 1867.—Recommending Major W. R. Gray, Military Train, A.D.C., for some special mark of Her Majesty's approbation. Copy of a Despatch from Governor Sir G. Grey, X.C.8., to His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. (No. 139.) My Lord Duke, — Government House, Wellington, 29th November, 1867. I have the honor to request that your Grace would bring under the notice of His Royal Highness the Commader-in-Chief the services of my Aide-de-Camp, Major W. R. Gray, of the Military Train. 2. In my Despatch No. 94, of 22nd July, 1865,1 called attention to the services Major Gray had rendered on a very important occasion, for which services he received no reward. 3. I beg further to state that, considering the large force in the country, the composition of that force, sometimes consisting in part of as many as six or eight thousand men raised by the colony, besides large bodies of enrolled Natives, the duties of the Governor and his staff have during the continuance of a long war been very different from those which ordinarily devolve on the civil Governor of a colony. 4. Major W. R. Gray entered the service in April, 1843. 5. He went to China for the second time with the Ist battalion Military Train in November, 1859. 6. His commanding officer having been placed on half-pay and sent Home, Aiajor Gray, then a captain, was appointed captain commandant of the Horse Transport Service; it at that time consisted of twenty.seven officers and about 2,500 men of different races, including a complete battalion of the Military Train, and there were attached to it some 3,000 horses, mules, bullocks, &c. 7. I believe that the present Quartermaster General, Sir Hope Grant, will state that from its composition and other causes the Military Train was in a bad state when Captain Gray assumed the command of it; whilst from that date the efficiency of the corps so improved that at the end of the march from the Taku Forts to Tien Tsiii, Sir Robert Napier (now commanding in Abyssinia) sent his Adjutant-General to express his thanks for the manner in which the march had been conducted. 8. On returning from Pekin the Military Train remained with the Army of Occupation at Tien Tsin until October, 1861, when it embarked for England, still under the orders of Captain Gray, and landed at Woolwich on the 30th March, 1862. 9. The Military Train received two distinctions, Taku Forts and Pekin. Captain Gray was in command while the distinctions were earned, and he received the brevet rank of major, but was the only commanding officer who was not made a C.B. 10. I hope that when these services of Major Gray are brought before the notice of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, together with the services he has now rendered upon my staff in New Zealand during times of such serious and critical disturbances, His Royal Highness will be of opinion that Major Gray's long and arduous services entitle him to some such mark of approbation as has been given to the other military officers who have rendered good and distinguished services in New Zealand. I have, &c, His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. Or. Geey.
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Despatch No. 44.—"Wellington, 3rd April, 1869.—Recommending Colonel George Stoddart Whitmore, of the New Zealand Colonial Forces, for the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. P. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Earl Gea.xtille, K.G. (No. 44.) Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, My Lokd— 3rd April, 1869. I have the honor to submit the name of Colonel George Stoddart Whitmore, of the New Zealand Colonial Forces, and a member of the Legislative Council of this colony, for the Companionship of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. 2. From an authoritative statement now before me, it appears that Colonel Whitmore was for many years in the Royal Army, having entered the service in 1817 as ensign in the Cape Mounted Rifles. He served through the Kaffir war of that year and of the years 1850-53, and also through the rebellion of the Dutch Boers in 1848. During the above periods he held the appointments on the staff of District-Adjutant for the Fort Beaufort District, Commander of the Body Guard of the Governor of the Cape, and Brigade-Major of the Second Division, and afterwards of the Cavalry. He was also frequently thanked in despatches and orders, and was promoted for his services to a company in the 62nd Foot. 8. During the Crimean war, Colonel Whitmore went to the East as aide-de-camp to Sir Henry Storks, and afterwards entered the Cavalry of the Turkish Contingent, and served in it at Kertch. He was also employed on special service, in conjunction with Major G. Wliyte Melville, in Austria and the Danubian Principalities ; and was left after the army returned from the East to wind up several matters connected with the Turkish Contingent in European Turkey. For these services he was promoted in 1856. 4. Colonel Whitmore was afterwards employed as aide-de-camp to Sir William Eyre when in command of the troops in Canada. After the death of that officer, he entered the Staff College, passing out first at the examination of 1860. He then accompanied Sir Duncan Cameron to New Zealand, as military secretary, and served two years in that capacity. lie then retired from the Army to settle in this colony, and entered the colonial service as Chief Commissioner for the East Coast. Ho was afterwards nominated by Governor Sir George Grey to be a member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand, and to the command of the Colonial Militia in the Eastern District. He took part in General Cameron's first engagement at Katihana, and also in several minor skirmishes. He was present at Orakau, and commanded the Colonial Forces in the successful action at Omarau, near Napier. During the present campaign he has held command of the Colonial Forces on both coasts of the North Island, including several actions against Titokowaru and Te Kooti, and the capture of Ngatapa. 5. It will be seen from the above statement that Colonel Whitmore has served with distinction during many years in the Royal Army and in the Colonial Forces. The zeal and courage with which he lias organized and led the raw levies placed under his command are generally recognized. 6. I venture to express an earnest hope that the Companionship of the Order of St. Michael and St. George will be conferred on Colonel Whitmore; for this mark of Her Majesty's approval, while fairly earned by him personally, cannot fail to be an encouragement to the Colonial Forces, on which has now been cast the entire weight of the active suppression of the formidable rebellion against the authority of the Queen that has been so long raging in this country. Moreover, it will be remembered that the Companionship of the Bath has been conferred during Maori wars on several officers of Her Majesty's Naval and Military Forces, who, meritorious as their conduct was, have not had the opportunity of commanding on such important and difficult services as the capture of Ngatapa, and other services performed by Colonel Whitmore. At the present time Colonel Whitmore has under his command in the Wanganui and Taranaki Districts, according to the "states" of the 31st March ultimo, thirteen huudred and forty-eight (1,348) officers and men of the Colonial Forces, chiefly of the Armed Constabulary, together with four hundred and five (405) friendly Natives, making up a total in all of less than two thousand men. Now, it will be remembered in 1865, only four years ago, General Cameron had under his command, in the same districts and against the same hostile Maori clans, no less than four thousand four huudred and ninety-seven (4,497) officers and men of Her Majesty's regular troops, in addition to detachments of the Colonial Forces, making up in all a total of above six thousand men (6,000) men. It need scarcely be said that these facts and figures are not referred to in any spirit of disparagement of Her Majesty's Army, which behaved with its accustomed gallantry in New Zealand, as in all other parts of the world, but simply with the view of showing the extreme difficulties against which Colonel Whitmoro has to contend with his comparatively scanty, iinperiectlyorganized, and ill-provided Colonial Force. It will further be remembered that Generals Cameron and Chute had at their disposal the material aid of the Commissariat and of the Military Train, and oi a strong detachment of the Royal Artillery ; whereas Colonel Whitmore has no Commissariat Service or Land Transport Corps, and only a few small cohorn mortars, that are carried on pack-horses, or, as happened at the capture of Ngatapa, in the arms of his men over mountains and through forests inaccessible to horses. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl Granville, K.G., &c, Ac. G. F. Bowen. 2—H. 39.
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No. 12. Despatch No. 84.—13 th July, 1869. —Notifying that Her Alajesty had conferred the dignity of the Order of St. Alichael and St. George on Colonel AVhitmore. Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (New Zealand, 84.) Sic, — Downing Street, 13th July, 1869. I have received your Despatch No. 44, of the 3rd of April last, conveying a recommendation in favor of Colonel George Stoddart Whitmore, of the New Zealand Colonial Forces, for the distinction of a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, in consideration of his military services in the colony. I have before remarked with satisfaction on the skill and energy with which Colonel Whitmore has conducted the military operations which have been intrusted to him, and I have had much pleasure in submitting his name to the Queen for this mark of the Royal approval, which Her Majesty has graciously directed me to offer him. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.AI.G., &c, &c. Granville.
No. 13. Despatch No. 125. —Wellington, 18th September, 1869. —Reply to Despatch recommending Colonel George Stoddart Whitmore. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. (No. 125.) Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, My Lord, — 18th September, 1869. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch No. 84, of the 13th July ultimo, informing me that you had much pleasure in submitting to the Queen the name of Colonel George Stoddart Whitmore for the distinction of a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, in consideration of his military services in this colony, and that Her Majesty had graciously directed your Lordship to offer to him this mark of the Royal approval. 2. Colonel Whitmore requests me to submit the expression of the dutiful gratitude with which he accepts this distinction. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. F. Bowen.
No. 14. Despatch No. 18. —28th January, 1870. —Authorizing the Governor to offer Mr. Donald AlcLean the distinction of the Order of St. Alichael and St. George, at the same time expressing the high appreciation of that gentleman's character as a public officer. Copy of Despatch from Earl Granville, K.G., to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (New Zealand, No. 18.) Sir, — Downing Street, 28th January, 1870. I have much pleasure in authorizing you to offer to Air. Donald AlcLean the distinction of Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. I am aware, both from your despatch of the Ist September last, and from other sources, of the high character which Mr. McLean has long borne as a public officer. But in making this offer at the present moment I desire particularly to recognize the value of his services in opening negotiations which promise a permanent pacification of New Zealand. Whether or not that promise is fulfilled, the colony has great reason to be satisfied with the skill with which he has commenced his task, and with the confidence which his character commands from the leaders of the Alaoris. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., &c , &c. Granville.
No. 15. Despatch No. 43.—Auckland, 7th April, 1870. —Conferring on Mr. Donald McLean the distinction of Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.AI.G., to the Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. (No. 43.) Aly Loud, — Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, 7th April, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch No. 18, of the 28th January ultimo, authorizing me to offer to Air. Donald McLean the distinction of Companion of the Order of St. Michael aud St. George. 2. Mr. McLean requests me to state that he accepts this offer with gratitude, and is very sensible of the gracious terms in which your Lordship speaks of his public services. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. F. Bowen.
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No. 16. Despatch No. 110.—4 th September, 1870.- —Transmitting the names of Mr. Stafford and his colleagues, on their retirement in 1869, to be allowed to retain the title of " Honorable." Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.MG., to the Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. (No. 110.) Government House, AVellington, New Zealand, Aly Lord,— 4th September, 1870. I have been requested to transmit to } rour Lordship, in the terms of the Colonial Regulations (Chapter VII., section 6) the enclosed correspondence respecting the title of " Honorable" which Her Afajesty has been graciously pleased to allow various Colonial Ministers to retain, within certain limits, after their resignation of office. 2. Upon the retirement of Mr. Stafford and his colleagues in 1869, I asked them, iv conformity with the practice established for many years past in the Australian Colonies, if they wished to be recommended for permission to retain the title of "Honorable." On receiving a reply in the affirmative, I submitted their names accordingly iv my Despatch No. 124, of the 18th September ultimo. 3. In your Lordship's answer, No. 130, of the 13th December ultimo, it was stated, in the form used in similar cases in other colonies, " that the Queen has been graciously pleased to approve of those gentlemen (viz., Messrs. Stafford, Fitzherbert, Hall, Richmond, and Colonel Haultain) retaining the title wit bin New Zealand." 4. Copies of the last mentioned despatch were, in the customary manner, communicated to the above-named gentlemen, through the Colonial Secretary ; when Air. Stafford and Mr. Richmond wrote the annexed letters (enclosures 1 and 2), signifying that they respectfully " declined the distinction offered, in consequence of the limitation assigned to it," and for the other reasons stated by themselves. 5. I pointed out in writing to the Colonial Secretary, and verbally to Alessrs. Stafford and Richmond, that the two latter gentlemen appeared to have been under somo misapprehension of the case when they respectively addressed their letters of the 10th April and 17th Alay (enclosures 1 and 2) to the New Zealand Government. I remarked that the title of " Honorable" conferred on certain colonial functionaries is a local distinction while the holders are in office, aud would seem, not unnaturally, to remain so after their resignation; further, that there was nothing special with regard to New Zealand in what had been done in this matter, for the local limitation takes effect also in the Australian Colonies. I added that, by the 158 th article of the Colonial Regulations, it would be seen that a similar principle appeared to be in force throughout the empire, for "persons entitled to precedence ill the United Kingdom or in foreign countries are not entitled as of right to the same precedence in the British Colonies." 6. After consultation with Mr. Richmond and his other former colleagues, and on their part as well as on his own, Mr. Stafford addressed to me the letter of the 2nd ultimo (enclosure 3), in which he withdraws the letters to the Colonial Secretary of the 16th April and 17th Alay ; accepts the honor conferred upon himself and his "friends; and requests me to convey their acknowledgments to Her Majesty and Her Government." It will be seen that he adds the following general observations, which he requests me to bring under the notice of Her Alajesty's Government: "We do not contend that honors attaching to local official rank' should give a special precedency outside of the sphere of the office to which they attach ; but it is in our judgment natural and politic that permanent honors conferred by the Sovereign on colonists in recognition of services should have currency throughout the empire. The limitation to the colony of the right to any personal title of honor held by a colonist', at the same time that distinctions held by subjects domiciled iv Great Britain can claim recognition throughout the empire, appears invidious, and tends to weaken that sentiment of loyalty to the Throne and to a common nationality which is now the principal bond of union for many colonies. It is not the local limitation which is objectionable, but the invidious distinction it implies. " While wo should be sorry to intrude our personal claims, or to suffer any undue sensitiveness to influence us in such a matter, we feel it to be our duty most respectfully to record this our strong and unanimous conviction, and to request your Excellency to take an early opportunity of bringing it under the notice of Her Alajesty's Government in Great Britain." 7. It will be remembered that the principle for which Air. Stafford contends is virtually the same as that recently contended for by so high an authority as Air. Herman Alerivale in his article on the " Colonial Question," published in the Fortnightly Review of February, 1870, where he wrote: " Let philosophers deem of it as they may, the bestowral of public honors affords one of the noblest incentives to public virtue which the community has in its power to furnish. And the feeling of possessing such honors in common would be specially conducive to that sense of national unity which we wish to foster. We seem, in my humble opinion, to have thrown this advantage, which was within our reach, deliberately away. We have created a colonial order of knighthood, as if to give express sanction to the doctrines attributed to us by the discontented, that the mother-country and colonies are not to be classed together. Every honor which the Crown can bestow should be Imperial, in my opinion, and open to every subject of the Crown, in all its dominions peopled by Englishmen." 8. It appears to be felt in the principal self-governing colonies that the question of Imperial honors has obtained even greater importance than it had before, since the recent withdrawal of the Imperial troops has severed the other most tangible and conspicuous link of national unity. I am aware, however, that this matter is surrounded with many difficulties; and at present I simply (as requested by Air. Stafford) submit the enclosed correspondence for your Lordship's consideration. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. F. Bowen. Mr. E. W. Stafford to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir,— Nelson, 17th Alay, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th March, enclosing copy of a despatch from Her Alajesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, of th
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13th December last, intimating that the Queen has been graciously pleased to approve of my retaining the title of "Honorable" within New Zealand. My absence from home has prevented my sooner noticing your letter. 1 have to express my thanks to His Excellency for having, unsolicited, recommended that a distinction should be conferred on my late colleagues and myself, and I am duly sensible of the appreciation of my public services expressed by Her Alajesty's Secretary of State. I beg, however, to decline the distinction offered, in consequence of the limitation assigned to it. When a distinction is conferred for public services by the Imperial Government, it w rould appear to follow as a necessary corollary that it should be recognized throughout the Empire: any limitation of an Imperial distinction, when conferred on a colonist, would consequently be capable of being construed as a slight alike to the person and the colony with which he is connected. As I cannot consent to sanction, by any act of mine, what may have the appearance of a slight to New Zealand or to myself, I am unable to accept the distinction in question. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington. E. W. Stafford.
Mr. J. C. Richmond to tho Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir,— Nelson, 16th April, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of tho 26th Alarch, enclosing a copy of a despatch from the Right Hon. Earl Granville to His Excellency the Governor, informing him that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to allow me, as one of the late Alinistry of New Zealand, to retain the title of" Honorable" within New Zealand. I have to request that His Excellency may be advised to accept on behalf of tho Imperial Government the acknowledgment duo on my part for the honor conferred. I must at the same time most respectfully decline to avail myself of the permission so graciously accorded, on the ground of its local limitation. 1 am not insensible of the value of such distinctions, but I think that honors conferred by the Imperial Government should have currency throughout the empire. I should take pride iv a local honor conferred by the local Government, however narrow the limit of its authority, if I knew it had been conferred writh the approbation of the country; but the same distinction conferred by the advice of the Colonial Office, London, implies, along with an honor to myself, a policy towards the colonies and a slight upon the people of this country from which I entirely dissent, aud to which I am not willing to be, in the remotest degree, a party. I have, &c., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington. J. C. Richmond.
Mr. E. W. Stafford to His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. Sir,— Wellington, 2nd August, 1870. In consequence of several conversations with your Excellency on the subject of Earl Granville's Despatch No. 130, of 13th December, 1869, intimating that Her Majesty had been graciously pleased to approve that my late colleagues and myself should retain the title of " Honorable " for life within New Zealand, I now ask leave on behalf of Air. Richmond and myself to withdraw our letters to the Colonial Secretary of the 16th April and 17th May respectively, in which, for reasons assigned therein, we declined the honor in question. Tour Excellency has intimated to us that having, by implication, accepted your Excellency's offer to recommend us for honor, it would be looked upon as discourteous were we now to decline it in consequence of its limitation to New Zealand. This w rould place all concerned in a false position, and be a matter of great regret to us. I now r, therefore, ou the part of my late colleagues and myself, accept the honor, and request your Excellency to convey our acknowledgments to Her Afajesty and her Government. In doing so, I desire to offer tho following remarks in explanation of the view under which Mr. Richmond and myself wrote the letters we now ask leave to withdraw—a view in which we all concur. Whilst we are informed by your Excellency that the local limitation attached to the honor conferred on us is in conformity with precedents in other colonies, we adhere to the opinion that such a practice iv relation to honors awarded to colonists differs from that observed as respects [Her Majesty's subjects in other portions of the empire. To use an illustration employed by your Excellency, a Peer of the United Kingdom travelling in the colonies has possibly no precedence by right, whatever he may have by courtesy, over certain high officers of the local Government; but with respect to all other persons he can claim the precedence due to his rank iv the United Kingdom. It may also be observed that au English Privy Councillor, whose position is relatively analogous to that of a New Zealand Executive Councillor, and a Peer of Ireland (who has no official position), can claim to have their titular rank recognized in any part of the empire. We do not contend that honors attaching to local official rank should give a special precedency outside of the sphere of the office to which they attach, but it is in our judgment natural and politic that permanent honors conferred by the Sovereign on colonists in recognition of services should have currency throughout the empire. The limitation to the colony of the right to any personal title of honor held by a colonist, at the same time that distinctions held by subjects domiciled in Great Britain can claim recognition throughout the empire, appears invidious, and tends to weaken that sentiment of loyalty to the Throne and to a common nationalty which is now the principal bond of union for many colonies. It is not the local limitation which is objectionable, but the invidious distinction it implies. While we should be sorry to intrude our personal claims, or to suffer any undue sensitiveness to
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influence us in such a matter, we feel it to be our duty most respectfully to record this our strong and unanimous conviction, and to request your Excellency to take an early opportunity of bringing it under the notice of Her Alajesty's Government in Great Britain. I have, &c, His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. E. W. Stafford.
No. 17. Despatch No. 99.—23 rd October, 1871. —Requesting that Sir David Monro may be allowed a seat in the Legislative Council, on his retirement from the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 99.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,— 23rd October, 1871. I have the honor to transmit and to recommend to favourable consideration the enclosed letter from the present Speaker of the House of Representatives (Mr. Dillon Bell), forwarding a resolution recently passed by the House of Representatives to the effect " That a respectful address be presented to His Excellency the Governor requesting that Her Most Gracious Majesty may bo moved to confer on Sir David Monro, late Speaker of this House, some mark of Her Majesty's approbation on his retirement from the Chair. (2.) It will be seen from the accompanying Ministerial memorandum that I am requested to " inform Her Alajesty's Government that it would fulfil the intention of the House if a seat in the Legislative Council should be offered to Sir David Alonro." (3.) The resolution referred to above was proposed by Mr. Fox, the head of the Ministry, seconded by Mr. Stafford, the leader of the Opposition, and carried unanimously. (4.) Sir David Alonro was an early settler in New Zealand, and has for a lengthened period taken a prominent part in the public affairs of the colony, as I have already mentioned in my Despatch No. 81, of the 2nd September ultimo. He filled with dignity and efficiency the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives for ten years and during two Parliaments, and lately expressed his wish to retire on account of temporary ill health. It should be added that Sir David Monro has taken an active part alike in the development of the natural resources of the country and in the promotion of science and literature. He was knighted by patent in 1866. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley, &c, &c. G. F. Bowen.
No. 18. Despatch No. 106. —9th November, 1871. —Recommending that Mr. Henry Sewell be allowed to retain the title of " Honorable." Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 106.) Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, My Lord, — 9th November, 1871. Adverting to my despatch of 21st June, 1870, No. 61, I have now the honor to report that Air. Henry Sewell has resigned his seat in the Executive Council and his office in the present Alinistry, in consequence of a political difference with his late colleagues. (2.) In accordance with tho practice established here and in other colonies, I have the honor to recommend that Air. Sewell may receive Her Alajesty's gracious permission to retain the title of " Honorable." He was one of the founders of the Canterbury settlement, and has taken a prominent and active part in the public affairs of this colony, having been a member of several successive Alinistries during a period considerably exceeding three years. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley, &c, &c. G. F. Bowen.
No. 19. Despatch No. . —6th February, 1872.—Notifying that Her Majesty has been pleased to authorize that Mr. Henry Sewell shall retain the title of " Honorable." Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.AI.G. (New Zealand, No. .) Sir, — Downing Street, 6th February, 1872. I have received your Despatch No. 106, of the 9th November last, in which you recommend that A[r. Henry Sewell, who has retired from the Executive Council after having been a member of it for periods amounting in the aggregate to considerable more than three years, may receive the Queen's gracious permission to retain the title of " Honorable " ; and I have to acquaint you that Her Alajesty has been graciously pleased to authorize compliance with that recommendation. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., &c, &c. Kimberley.
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No. 20. Despatch No. 13. —24th February, 1872. —Conferring the honor of the Order of St. Alichael and St. George on Mr. William Fitzherbert and Mr. Julius Vogel. Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (New Zealand, No. 13.) Sir,— Downing Street, 24th February, 1872. I have the honor to acquaint you that I have had great pleasure in submitting the names of William Fitzherbert, Esq., late Colonial Treasurer of the Colony of New Zealand, and Julius Vogel, Esq., now holding that office to Her Majesty, for the honor of the Third Class, or Companions of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Alichael and St. George, and that Her Alajesty has been graciously pleased to approve of that recommendation. The grant of the dignity with the insignia will be conveyed to those gentlemen by the Secretary of the Order. I have, Ac., Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.AI.G., &c, Ac. Kimberley.
No. 21. Despatch No. SO.—2lst September, 1872. —Recommending Messrs. William Fox, Julius Voj;eL C.M.G., Donald AlcLean, C.M.G., and William Gisborne to retain the title of " Honorable." Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 80.) Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, My Lord, — 21st September, 1872. In conformity with tho established practice, I have the honor to recommend that, the following members of the late Ministry of New Zealand —namely, Alessrs. William Fox, Julius Vogel, C.M.G., Donald AlcLean, C.M.G., and William Gisborne, may receive Her Majesty's gracious permission to retain the title of" Honorable." 2. It will be remembered that Mr. Fox has taken an active and prominent part in the public affairs of this colony almost since its foundation. He has been at the head of three Colonial Administrations, and has acted as Premier altogether for nearly six years. Each of his recent colleagues who are named above has been a member of the Executive Council for more than three years. I have, Ac, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. Bowen.
No. 22. Despatch (General). —27th November, 1872. —Notifying that the honor of Knighthood had been conferred upon Mr. F. D. Bell. Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, • G.C.AI.G. (New Zealand, General). Sir, — Downing Street, 27th November, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that I have had great satisfaction in submitting to the Queen the name of Air. Francis Dillon Bell, Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Zealand, for the honor of Knighthood, and that Her Alajesty has been graciously pleased to sanction the grant of that dignity to Air. Bell. The patent of Knighthood will proceed through the Home Office as soon as it shall have been intimated by Mr. Bell, through you, by whom the necessary charges will be paid. They will amount to about £115. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.AI.G., &c, &c. Kimberley.
No. 23. Despatch (General). —9th December, 1872.— Re certain members of the Fox Ministry to retain the title of " Honorable "—Messrs. William Fox, Julius Vogel, C.AI.G., Donald AlcLean, C.M.G., and William Gisborne. Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.AI.G. (General.) Sir, — Downing Street, 9th December, 1872. I have received your Despatch No. 80, of the 21st September last, recommending that Messrs. William Fox, Julius Vogel, C.M.G., Donald McLean, C.M.G., and William Gisborne, late members of your Ministry, should be allowed to retain the title of " Honorable." In reply 1 have to request that you will inform these gentlemen that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of their retaining the title of " Honorable" within the Colony of New Zealand.
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I am glad to avail myself of this opportunity of recording my appreciation of the distinguished services rendered by Mr. Fox during the long period over which his connection with the public affairs of New Zealand has extended. I have, Ac, Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. Kimberley.
No. 24. Despatch No. B.—Bth February, 1873. —Transmitting the expressions of gratitude from Air. F. D. Bell for the honor conferred on him. Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 8.) Government House, Wellington, New Zealand. My Lord,— Bth February, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt ou the 4th instant of your Lordship's despatch of the 27th November ultimo, informing me that you have "had great satisfaction in submitting to the Queen the name of Air. Francis Dillon Bell, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Zealand, for the honour of Knighthood, and that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to sanction the grant of that dignity to Mr. Bell." 2. Air. Bell requests me to transmit the expression of his gratitude for the honor conferred on him. which has also produced a very favourable impression here among the Members of the Colonial Parliament and the public generally; for it is believed that this mark of the approval of Her Alajesty has been fairly earned by Mr. Bell, not only as Speaker of tho House of Representatives, but also as one of the leading public men of New Zealand —almost since the foundation of the colony. He has, moreover, been a member of several Ministries, and a Commissioner representing New Zealand in England at a critical period. 3. W Tith reference to the concluding paragraph of the despatch now under reply, Mr. Bell requests me to state that his London Agents, Messrs. Redfern, Alexander, and Co., of 3, Great Winchester Street Buildings, Old Broad Street, E.C., have instructions to pay the charges on tho Patent of Knighthood. I have, Ac, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. Bowen.
No. 25. Despatch No. 35.—9 th July, 1874. Notifying that Her Majesty had promoted Mr. Donald McLean to the dignity of a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Governor Sir James Ferhusson, Bart. (New Zealand, No. 35.) Sir,— Downing Street, 9th July, 1874. I have to request that you will inform Mr. Donald AlcLean that Her Majesty has been pleased on my recommendation to give directions for his promotion to the dignity of a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. I have, Ac, Governor the Right Hon. Sir James Fergusson, Bart., Ac, Ac. Carnarvon.
No. 26. Despatch No. 20.—25 th February, 1875.—Conferring the appointment of Knight Bachelor on Colonel John Larkins Cheese Richardson. Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Governor the Alost Hon. the Marquis of Normamby, K.C.AI.G. (New Zealand, No. 20.) My Lord, —• Downing Street, 25th February, 1875. I have to acquaint you that I have submitted the name of Lieut.-Colonel John Larkins Cheese Richardson, the Speaker of the Legislative Council of New Zealand, to the Queen for the honor of Knighthood, and that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to recognize the very valuable public services of this gentleman by approving of his appointment to be a Knight Bachelor I request that you will inform Colonel Richardson that I have had much pleasure in submitting his name to the Queen for this honor. Tou will at the same time inform him that the patent of Knighthood will proceed through the Home Office as soon as it shall have been intimated by Lieut.-Colonel Richardson, through you, by whom the necessary charges will be paid. They will amount to £96 14s. 6d. I have, Ac, Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G., Ac. Ac. Carnarvon.
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No. 27. Despatch No. 21.—25 th February, 1875. —Notifying the appointment of Air. Walter Lowry Buller to the dignity of a Companion of the Order of St. Alichael and St. George. Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Governor the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G. (New Zealand, No. 21.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 25th February, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that Her Alajesty has been pleased, at my recommendation, to give directions for the appointment of Mr. AValter Lowry Buller, the author of " The Birds of New Zealand," to the dignity of a Companion of the Order of St. Alichael and St. George, in consideration of the ability and attainments displayed in that work. I have, Ac, Governor the Most Hon. the Alarquis of Normanby, K.C..M.G., Ac, Ac. Carnarvon.
No. 28. Despatch No. 37. —28th May, 1875. —Conferring the dignity of Knight Commander of St. Alichael and St. George on Julius Vogel, Esq., C.AI.G. Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.AI.G. (New Zealand, No. 37.) Aly Lord, — Downing Street, 28th May, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that Her Alajesty has been pleased, on my recommendation, to give directions for the promotion of Julius Vogel, Esq., C.AI.G., to be a Knight Commander of St. Alichael and St. George. I have, Ac, Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normauby, K.C.AI.G., Ac, Ac. Carnarvon.
No. 29. Despatch No. 10. —Auckland, 12th March, 1876.—Recommending Mr. William Hunter Reynolds to be allowed to retain his title of " Honorable." Copy of Despatch from Governor the Alost Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.AI.G., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, K.C.M.G. (New Zealand, No. 10.) My Lord, — Government House, Auckland, 12th March, 1876. In my Despatch No. 8 I informed your Lordship that, on the reconstruction of the Government under the Premiership of Sir Julius Vogel, Air. William Hunter Reynolds had on purely personal grounds retired from the Government. 2. Air. Reynolds has long been connected with the Provincial Government of Dunedin, and for many years represented the City of Dunedin in the House of Representatives, and although defeated upon tho last occasion by Air. Macandrew, the Superintendent of the province, ho was at once returned by a considerable majority for Port Chalmers, the seat formerly represented by Mr. Macandrew. 3. Mr. Reynolds joined the General Government as Minister for Customs on the 26th October, 1872, and retained his seat in the Executive until the 16th of February last; he has therefore held office for three years and four months. I should therefore feel obliged to your Lordship if you would kindly obtain Her Majesty's permission for Mr. Reynolds to retain the title of " Honorable." 4. This mark of distinction would, I have reason to know, be acceptable to Air. Reynolds, and give pleasure to his former colleagues; and I understand that it has been customary in this colony for a Minister to receive this mark of distinction on his retirement from office after three years' service. I have, Ac, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, Ac, Ac Normanby.
No. 30. Despatch No. . —llth May, 1876. —Notifying that Her Alajesty has been pleased to authorize Mr. AVilliam Hunter Reynolds to retain the title of " Honorable." Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Governor the Alost Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G. My Lord,— Downing Street, 11th Alay, 1876. I have received your Lordship's Despatch No. 10, of the 11th March, in which you recommend that Mr. William Hunter Reynolds, who has retired from the Executive Council after having been a member for a period of over three years, may receive the Queen's permission to retain the title of " Honorable; " and I have the honor to acquaint you that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of Mr. Reynolds retaining the title of " Honorable " within the Colony of New Zealand. I have, Ac, Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G. Carnarvon.
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No. 31. Despatch No. 3.—Wellington, 10th January, 1877. —Recommending Mr. Edward Richardson to be allowed to retain the title of " Honorable." Copy of Despatch from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G, to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 3.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 10th January, 1877. I have, in my Despatch No. 2, reported to your Lordship the retirement of Mr. Richardson from the office of Minister for Public Works, an office which he has held since 1872 ; and I would now request your Lordship to advise Her Majesty to confer upon Mr. Richardson the privilege of retaining the title of " Honorable." 2. His retirement from office has been necessitated entirely on account of private reasons, and much to the regret both of myself and his colleagues ; and his services to the colony in the Public Works Department have been so eminent, and are so universally acknowledged, that I feel sure this mark of distinction would give very general satisfaction. I have, Ac. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, Ac, Ac. Normanby.
No. 32. Despatch (General). —24th March, 1877. —Announcing that Her Majesty has been pleased to approve of Mr. Richardson retaining the title of " Honorable," within the Colony of New Zealand. Copy of Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G. (General.) My Lord, — Downing Street, New Zealand, 24th March, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch No. 3, of the 10th January last, recommending that Air. Richardson, who has held office of Minister for Public Works from 1872, should be permitted, on his retirement from that office, to retain the title of "Honorable." In reply, I have to inform you that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of Mr. Richardson retaining the title of " Honorable," within the Colony of New Zealand. I have, Ac, The Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G., Ac, Ac. Carnarvon.
No. 33. Telegraphic Despatch.—London, 21st March, 1877.—Announcing the appointment of Mr. Fitzherbert to K.C.M.G. Copy of Telegraphic Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G. London, 21st March, 1877. Have pleasure in announcing to you that Her Majesty has appointed Mr. Fitzherbert K.C.M.G.
No. 34. Telegraphic Despatch.—London, 21st May, 1877. —Notifying the appointments of Governor the Alost Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G., and Mr. Thomas Russell, the former to a G.C.M.G., the latter to a C.MG. Copy of Telegraphic Despatch from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, K.C.M.G. London, 21st May, 1877. Her Majesty will appoint you G.C.M.G., and Mr. Thomas Russell C.M.G., on the 2nd of June next. Carnarvon. By Authority: Oeokgb Didsbt/by, Government Printer, Wellington. —1877. Price Is.]
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Bibliographic details
TITLES, HONORS, AND DECORATIONS CONFERRED UPON COLONISTS OF NEW ZEALAND (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO)., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1877 Session I, H-39
Word Count
13,366TITLES, HONORS, AND DECORATIONS CONFERRED UPON COLONISTS OF NEW ZEALAND (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1877 Session I, H-39
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