H.—39.

6

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