THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS: APPLICATION FOR—MR. H. WRIGG.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1898 Session I, H-31

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1898. NEW ZEALAND.

THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS: APPLICATION FOR—MR. H. WRIGG.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated the 12th July, 1898. Ordered, " That there be laid before this House the recommendations and certificates which accompanied the. application that the New Zealand Cross should be bestowed on Mr. Harry Wrigg."—(Mr. Massey.) Application, New Zealand Cboss for Mr. Harby Wbigg. Sib,— ftapier, 26th August, 1897. By an Order in Council of the 10th March, 1869, the distinction (the New Zealand Cross) , shall " not be claimed by any individual on his own account, but the claim must be made by the Commanding Officer of the Force or district." In accordance with this order (Colonel St. John, then commanding the district at Opotiki, being since deceased), it affords me great pleasure to recommend Mr. Harry Wrigg, late cornet, Bay of Plenty Volunteer Cavalry, to be a recipient of this highly coveted distinction, to which, in my opinion, he is fully entitled, for his act of bravery in voluntarily carrying despatches from Opotiki to Tauranga (and returning), through a country swarming with hostile Natives, along a. route where only the day before they had murdered two old settlers (Mr. Bennett White and the mailman, whose name I forget), and at a time when the rivers were in high flood and exceedingly dangerous to cross. Strictly speaking, perhaps, I should not be now making this application, as I was not "the Commanding Officer of the Force or district," but I was District Adjutant (through whom all orders were issued), and I am quite certain that had the late Colonel St. John been alive he would have made every effort to obtain the decoration for Mr. Wrigg. It may be said also that the claim should have been made before, but I respectfully submit, amongst others, as a precedent that Colonel McDonnell received his Cross in 1886 for an act of bravery in 1863, or twenty-three yearsafter. • A perusal of the accompanying documents will, I feel sure, enable you to strongly recommend Mr. Wrigg's claim to His Excellency the Governor's most favourable consideration. I have, Ac, M. W. Boweb, Hon. T. Thompson, Defence Minister, Wellington. Late District Adjutant, Opotiki.

Sic, — Auckland, 14th August, 1897. After getting to this stage, I find at the last moment that the Order in Council provides: " That the distinction shall not be claimed by any individual on his own account, but the claim must be made in favour of the person considered to be entitled to it by the Commanding Officer of the Force or district." Colonel St. John being deceased, will you, as late Adjutant of the district, kindly forward, with any recommendation yoa may be pleased to make. I have, &c, Haeey Weigg, Captain Bower, Town Clerk, Napier. Late Cornet, B.P.V.C. Lettee from Colonel Shepherd, late Leinster Eegiment. Deae Sic, — Wellington, 3rd November, 1897. I have just been shown the papers in connection with the services you rendered during the Maori War in 1867, and I must say that it appears to me that what you did merits the distinction of the New Zealand Cross being conferred on you. It is well recognised that true bravery is shown by those who volunteer for such hazardous solitary undertakings equally with those who win the Cross under fire before the eyes of their commanders and comrades in the heat of action. I should be very pleased to see the Crossawarded to you. Yours, &c, T. Vieet Shepheed, Major, Late Leinster Eegiment, and Lieut-Colonel, New Zealand Militia. Harry Wrigg, Esq., Auckland. I—H. 31.

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Extract peom Camp Orders. 8.P.V.C., Opotiki, 28th June, 1867. Cohnet Wrigg and Trooper McDonald will proceed to-morrow to Tauranga with despatches to Colonel Harrington or officer commanding the district, and await his reply (if any), report themselves to him, and return with all speed, taking two days' rations with him. John Gwtnnbth, Captain Commanding B.P.V.C. True extract. —John Gwynneth, Captain B.P.V.C. Indorsement. ■Cornet Wrigg and Trooper McDonald volunteered for the service at a time of great danger, as the Natives were known to be in force in the vicinity, and the road they had to travel was that upon which Bennett White and the mailman had been murdered only the day previously, and abounding with every facility for ambuscades. On the evening immediately after their return from this duty—which was performed with credit to themselves—and whilst yet in the saddle, they accompanied and assisted me in a search for the bodies of Messrs. Moore and Beggs, who had been dragged from their dwellings into the bush and murdered by the Natives, in which search we were -successful in finding the bodies and bringing them into camp. John Gwynneth, 27th April, 1869. Late Captain Commanding B.P.V.C. Dear Sir,— Napier, 24th July, 1897. In reply to your letter of the 16th instant, I have much pleasure in stating my recollection of what occurred at Opotiki when you volunteered to ride with despatches to Tauranga. When Bennett White was found murdered by hostile Natives, the late Colonel St. John, then -commanding the district, called for volunteers to ride with despatches to Tauranga, when Cornet Wrigg, of the Bay of Plenty Volunteer Cavalry, at once rode to the front and said he would go if a trooper would accompany him : this a trooper, whose name I forget, volunteered to do, and the two were sent. Their service was most dangerous, their route being along the beach where Natives were known to be in force, and the rivers in flood. They reached Tauranga and returned from thence to Opotiki the next day, thus successfully completing an arduous and very dangerous duty. I remain, &c, M. W. Bower, Late District Adjutant, Opotiki. "Sir,— " Normanby," Grattan Street, Melbourne, 4th August, 1897. Having served with the Expeditionary Field Force on the East Coast in 1865-67, I have the honour to state that I am fully aware of the valuable services performed by Cornet Harry Wrigg on many occasions during the campaign, but more especially, at the time when Bennett White and others were massacred, his having volunteered to carry despatches, a very dangerous feat indeed, considering that the country between Opotiki and Tauranga was swarming with the •enemy, and, in my humble opinion, is entitled to the New Zealand Cross ; in fact, this decoration has been bestowed for less bravery than that displayed by him. I have, &c, W. H. Percival, Late H.M. 55th Eegiment, and Captain Colonial Forces. Hon. the Minister of Defence, Wellington. Wellesley Street East, Auckland, 18th August, 1897. I certify that I was a voluntary trooper in the Bay of Plenty Volunteer Cavalry when Bennett White and mailman were murdered, and when Cornet Wrigg stepped forward and volunteered to ■carry despatches in the disturbances of 1867 and 1868. . Geo. H. Leaning. This is to certify that I was in Opotiki at the time Bennett White and the mailman were killed on the beach near that place, and when Cornet Wrigg volunteered to carry despatches to Tauranga. In volunteering for this duty Cornet Wrigg ran very considerable risk, not only from the hostile Natives, but also from the flooded state of the rivers, and I consider him fully entitled to the favourable consideration of the Hon. the Defence Minister in any application he may make for .a recognition of such service. Leonard Simpson, Maketu, 2nd August, 1897. Late Captain, 2nd Waikato Eegiment. Sir, — Auckland, 3rd August, 1897. I have read and inquired into the circumstances connected with the services in the Waikato war of Mr. H. Wrigg, late cornet, Bay of Plenty Volunteer Cavalry, and especially with regard to his having volunteered and successfully carried despatches through the enemy's country on the 29th June, 1867. I have no hesitation in saying that it was an act of bravery equal to many I have known for which the Distinguished Service Order for officers and the Distinguished Service Medal for non-commissioned officers and privates in the Imperial army have been awarded.

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I am informed that Mr. Wrigg is making application for the consideration of his claim to the New Zealand Cross, and I venture to express a hope that from the hands of our liberal-minded Government —and especially at a time when men's past services are being gratefully acknowledged by Her Majesty the Queen —Mr. Wrigg may yet receive, though long deferred, the coveted " Cross of New Zealand." I have, &c, A. M. Ceeagh, Lieut.-Colonel, Late 42nd Eoyal Highlanders (the Black Watch). Hon. T. Thompson, Minister of Defence, Wellington. My Deae Me. Wbigg,— Eemuera, 9th August, 1897. Having read the "Extract from camp orders, &c," and inquired into the facts, I am strongly of opinion that you deserve the New Zealand Cross. lam authorised by Colonel Dawson, late 18th Eoyal Irish (who is at present severely injured by an accident), to state that he considers your services merit recognition by the colonial Government in the way you desire. % I am, &c, .Frank Bbodie, Late Lieutenant, 71st Highland Light Infantry. Deae Sib, — Devonport, North Shore, Auckland, Ist August, 1897. Having carefully read over and considered the documents submitted to me with reference to your brave conduct in volunteering to carry important despatches at the time the murders were committed by the Natives at Opotiki, in July, 1867, I fully indorse the opinions expressed by ■ officers of known experience, that you are entitled to the New Zealand Cross for valour. I write as one who knows, for I served on active service through the Crimean and Waikato campaigns, and had the honour of being mentioned in general despatches for distinguished conduct under fire, but Ido not look upon it as in any way equal to your daring ride. I heartily wish you may be successful in your endeavours to obtain your just due. Sincerely yours, J. B. Aemstkong, Mr. Harry Wrigg. Late Captain, H.M. 14th Eegiment. Deae Sic, — Auckland, Ist August, 1897. You ask me my opinion relative to the camp orders, dated Opotiki, 28th June, 1867, and the 27th April, 1869. From these orders I gather that you performed a signal service tc the colony by riding through a country infested with Natives for a distance of some ninety miles at imminent risk to life, no carry out a duty allotted to you. The celebrated war correspondent, Mr. Archibald Forbes, rode from Ulundi to Landsmanns Drift, nearly a hundred miles, to carry the first news of the Battle of Ulundi, the first part of his route being infested also with native Zulus. For this performance he received the highest praise and thanks from the General Commander-in-Chief : yes, even from the House of Commons. To my mind you performed a fac simile feat, under equally trying circumstances. I think, therefore, that you are fully justified in applying for the New Zealand Cross, and that such daring conduct in the field should meet with its due reward. I have, &c, BUETON J. DaVENEY, Harry Wrigg, Esq. Formerly of Her Majesty's Service (Inniskilling Dragoons). Sic, — Devonport, North Shore, Auckland, 2nd August, 1897. I have the honour to state that I have examined the documents referring to gallant conduct of Cornet Harry Wrigg during the late Maori war, 1867, in taking despatches from the seat of strife to the officer commanding at Tauranga, a long journey through a most dangerous country. I consider his conduct deserves recognition, and I trust he will obtain the honour and distinction that should have been conferred on him long ago. The action deserves at the least the New Zealand Cross, which I hope he will obtain, and I trust he will live long to wear it. I have, &c, G. B. Beere, Late of H.M. 62nd Eegiment, and of H.M. 15th Eegiment, and Captain of 4th Eegiment, Waikato Militia. Hon. T. Thompson, Defence Minister, New Zealand. Sir,— Onehunga, 28th July, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that I have read Mr. Harry Wrigg's application for the New Zealand Cross, and, as an old Imperial officer of much and varied war service and experience, I have no hesitation in stating that the voluntary act of heroism which Captain Gwynneth's camp orders, dated Opotiki, 28th June, 1867, and indorsement thereon dated 28th April, 1869, shows to have been performed constituted an act of bravery and made a claim for recognition which would undoubtedly have been considered in the Imperial army as deserving of such a decoration as the New Zealand Cross was —and, I presume, is—intended to be—viz., a reward for special voluntary bravery. I have, &c, E. Eichaedson, Captain, Late Her Majesty's 95th Eegiment and Indian Army. Hon. T. Thompson, Minister of Defence.

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Dear Sir- Auckland, 29th July, 1897. From conversations with several Imperial and Volunteer soldiers present throughout theNew Zealand Maori war, as well as from my intimate acquaintance with the scenes of most of the engagements, I have no doubt that your volunteering to ride with despatches at a critical moment through an active enemy's bush was a special and personally dangerous service performed for the safety of the Force, and deserving marked honour from your country. As one of the Auckland community, where your character is held in high estimation, I would be pleased to know that your application for a distinctive record had been approved. Yours, &c, James Pibib, Major, New Zealand Militia, late Adjutant Ist Eoyal Guernsey Militia Mr. Harry Wrigg. Light Infantry. Deak Sir, — Auckland, 4th August, 1897. Having carefully perused the copy of an extract from the camp order, dated Opotiki, 28th day of June, 1867, and also its indorsement of 27th day of April, 1869, I feel fully impressed with the danger attending the service which you so faithfully performed, at the imminent risk of your life, a service which I entertain the opinion well merits a distinctive recognition at the hands of the Government. Having myself served with the Imperial forces in the late Maori war, and well knowing the hazardous character of such an undertaking, I consider that I am, to some extent, qualified ta express an opinion on the subject, and sincerely trust that you may be successful in obtaining the New Zealand Cross, which I consider you have so well deserved in the service of your country. Faithfully yours, A. Moebow, Harry Wrigg, Esq., late Cornet, B.P.V.C. Major, Honorary District Staff. Dear Sic,— Auckland, 30th July, 1897. On reading the copy-extract from camp orders, Opotiki, dated the 28th day of June, 1867, together with the indorsement dated the 27th day of April, 1869, I am of opinion, from my experience of warfare in the colony, that the duty you underwent and performed was of an extremely hazardous nature, and warrants recognition at the hands of the Government. Faithfully yours, C. Tylden, Barrister and Solicitor, Harry Wrigg, Esq. Late Lieutenant, 70th Regiment. Sib,— Auckland, 25th July, 1897. I have carefully gone over the documents accompanying Mr. Harry Wrigg's application for the New Zealand Cross, and, as an old Imperial man, deem that the special and dangerous service he volunteered for and carried out so satisfactorily fully entitles him to it. Trusting you will favourably consider his application. I have, &c, Adam Cairns, Late Royal Navy, and Chairman of the Crimean Veteran Association. The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Sib, — Auckland, 27th July, 1897. Having been connected with the Volunteers for about twenty-five years, and having seen Mr. Wrigg's papers in connection with his past services, I consider he is justly entitled to your most favourable consideration for the New Zealand Cross. I have &c, Wμ. Anderson, Hon. T. Thompson, Defence Minister. Late Major, Auckland Volunteers. Sib, — Auckland, 2nd August, 1897. From a perusal of the camp orders, dated Opotiki, 28th June, 1867, directing Cornet Wrigg and Trooper McDonald to convey despatches to Colonel Harrington at Tauranga, considering the very exceptional risk the performance of this duty entailed, I consider he is most worthy of the New Zealand Cross, for which he is now making application. I having served in the Eoyal Engineers during 1860 to 1865, throughout the Taranaki and Waikato campaign, am qualified to express an opinion that Mr. Wrigg exceptionally distinguished himself on that occasion. John Knight, Hon. T. Thompson, Defence Minister. Late Sergeant-Major, Eoyal Engineers. Sic, — Public Library, Auckland, 27th July, 1897. I have the honour to state that I have seen the papers in connection with Mr. Harry Wrigg's application for the New Zealand Cross, and consider him entitled to favourable consideration by the Government. I sincerely hope Mr. Wrigg may be successful in obtaining the distinction for which he appears to have qualified himself at great risk of his own life. I have, &c, Edward Shillington, Librarian, Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Late Eoyal Engineers.

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Sib,— Auckland, 24th July, 1897. With such strong documentary evidence produced by Mr. Harry Wrigg, and his wellknown integrity, I feel sure that his application, supported as it is, will gain him the distinction heprays for. I have, &c, William Tole, Hon. T. Thompson, Defence Minister. Late Royal Engineers. Dbab Sic, — Newton Eoad, Auckland, sth August, 1897. Having carefully read over all the documents submitted by you to me, I feel perfectly satisfied that the duty performed by you in riding with despatches through an enemy's country, which then appears to have been in a very disturbed and dangerous state, I quite concur in the opinions expressed by the many different officers, that your services are most deserving of favourable recognition by the Government, and I trust that I may yet have the pleasure soon of seeing you justly rewarded for your gallant conduct with the New Zealand Cross, which decoration you richly deserve. Having served in Her Majesty's Imperial and Indian Army, in the Indian Mutiny and North-west Frontier campaign, as also for nearly twenty years in India, I consider I ought to be a fairly competent judge in this matter. Wishing you the success you so justly deserve, I remain, &c, E. B. Moeeow, Late Captain and Honorary-Major, Her Majesty's Imperial Army. Harry Wrigg, Esq., late Comet, B.P.V.C. Dbab Mγ.. Wbigg,— ■ Auckland, 9th August, 1897. I have read the copy of extract from camp orders dated Opotiki, 28th June, 1867, and the indorsement on back thereof, and am of opinion that any man voluntarily undertaking such a hazardous and dangerous duty is certainly deserving of the highest commendation. I personally know well the line of country you rode through at the time, or track rather, teeming with possible ambushes. I have no hesitation in saying that I think the act of bravery then performed by you ought to be recognised by the bestowal of the New Zealand Cross. I shall, be pleased to hear of the success of your application for the above distinctive mark of merit. I am, &c* PONSONBY PeACOCKE, Harry Wrigg, Esq., Auckland. Late Captain, 2nd Waikato Begiment. Sic, — Auckland, Bth August, 1897. After perusing documents placed before me in regard to your services in carrying despatchesin time of great danger on the East Coast, and my personal acquaintance with many of those who have appended their names to them, I sincerely hope you will be successful in gaining the ■ hig~h honour of having the New Zealand Cross awarded to you for bravery, which I am sure you are justly entitled to. I have had considerable experience in Maori warfare, and consider your daring exploit in risking ambush by the enemy for so many miles, in rough country, besides the danger in crossing rivers in flood, required great tact and decision in carrying out the undertaking successfully. I trust length of time since the occurrence will not prejudice your claim, as it should, always be a pleasure to those in power to honour persons whose brave conduct was the means of saving the lives of many who were in very great danger at the time. Yours, &c, Waltek J. Habeis, Harry Wrigg, Esq. Late Captain, New Zealand Cavalry. Statement by Mr. Habby Wbigg re Captain Bower's (late District Adjutant and Second in Command of the Opotiki District, 1867-68) Application for the New Zealand Cross for Services rendered by Mr. Harry Wrigg, late Cornet B.P.V. Cavalry. I was a personal friend of the late Colonel St. John, and when I made the ride in 1867 the decoration of the New Zealand Cross was not instituted, being only gazetted in 1869. I left Opotiki in the latter end of 1867, and did not see Colonel St. John again until 1871, when I met him in Wellington, and he then, and afterwards, volunteered to recommend me for the decoration ; but I declined, owing to a misapprehension, in which he apparently must have shares (sic) (see my statement handed to Mr. private secretary, whilst in Auckland in attendance upon the Hon. Mr. Thompson, and which he promised to have attached to my papers already in Defence Department). Captain Bower, who was Adjutant and second in command at the time, and who has recommended me the Cross, knows the whole circumstances of the case, as also the feeling of the late Colonel St. John upon the duty performed (I may mention that Captain Bower and I have not met since 1867). In addition to this gentleman's recommendation, which was really the only document necessary, I have supplied four certificates from captains who were present, and supports to claim from three colonels (one since received from Wellington unsolicited since my papers were sent in, but a copy of which I attach hereto), three majors, five captains, one lieutenant, and five noncommissioned officers, all gentlemen who have seen service, and of well-known integrity. The officer commanding a district, in accordance with all military usage, never dies, and I would most respectfully point out that, supposing Colonel St. John should have been killed whilst I was away with the despatches, the command would necessarily have fallen upon Captain Bower, and so on down to the last non-commissioned officer upon the field.

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Upon the morning of the ride I assisted in bringing in " portions " of the bodies of the murdered men (Mr. B. White and mailman) found upon the same track I had to travel. After fording, and in most cases swimming, the rivers then in flood (winter season), immediately after my return, and while yet saddled, I went with expedition to search for the two men of the troop who were also murdered, and succeeded in bringing in the bodies. I lost a valuable rifle, brought with me from England, which I had lent to one of these unfortunate men, and for which loss I have never asked compensation. lam prepared to make an affidavit of the above facts, should it be deemed necessary. I respectfully ask the Government to consider my case as one that should be dealt with upon its ■own merits. Haeey Wbigg, Auckland, January, 1898. Late Cornet, B.P.V. Cavalry. I was a personal friend of the late Colonel St. John, and after my return from carrying the despatches to Tauranga he was greatly pleased, and complimented me highly ; asked me whether I had not seen the correspondent of the Auckland papers, and said it was the first thing, after reporting myself, I ought to have done to give publicity to my services. I left the district a few months afterwards to join the Provincial Government of Southland, and did not see Colonel St. John until I met him in Wellington in 1871. He brought up "my ride," and said he would recommend me for the New Zealand Cross, but I declined, not only then but several times afterwards (lam, should it be deemed necessary, prepared to make an affidavit of the above facts), as I was not then aware that the New Zealand Cross was a colonial decoration similar to the Victoria Cross, and that it had been ratified by Her Majesty^—in fact, I only learned this within the last few months—and, as I had formerly served in the Imperial service, considered that if I were deserving of any decoration it should have been the Victoria Cross. Captain Bower (Town Clerk of Napier), I believe, knows the whole circumstances of the case, as also the feeling of the late Colonel St. John in the matter; and now that he is deceased, Captain Bower's (who was Adjutant of the district, and second in command) recommendation ought, I respectfully consider, entitle me to the favourable consideration of the Government for the decoration, and also comply with the Order in Council constituting same. Haeey Weigg, Auckland, 27th August, 1897. Late Cornet, B.P.V.C.

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