I.—2b

6

221. How did the body of the copy of the camp order come to be in your handwriting ?— Because I was clerk to Captain Gwynneth at the time. 2 - 22. Do I understand you that on ordinary occasions you wrote what he dictated, and did all the clerical work?—l usually did his clerical work, especially as regards the corps. 223. Was it (the camp order) signed by Captain Gwynneth the same day that you wrote it out ?—lt was signed the same day. 224. You say you knew Colonel St. John well?— Yes. 225. And saw him previous to his death ?—Yes, previous to his death; two or three days before. 226. Were you on friendly terms up to His death ?—On close relations all through. 227. You have read in the petition, under clause 22, that Colonel St. John, on hearing Mr. Wrigg had received the New Zealand War Medal, granted to you in 1861, expressed himself most adversely regarding the presentation, and before several witnesses?—l am not aware of it. 228. Did Colonel St. John ever express any condemnatory expression to yourself?— Certainly not. 229. He was on friendly terms with you up to the end ?—Yes. 230. I understood you to tell Mr. Hutchison you got that war medal in 1868 on the recommendation of Colonel Lyon ?—Yes. 281. We notice by clause 28 of the petition it is suggested and alleged that a vote of censure was passed upon you by your comrades a few days after your supposed ride. Have you evur seen a copy of that vote of censure ?—No. 232. Is it included in the minute-book ?—I am not aware of it. 233. Clause 33 says you interviewed certain gentlemen, and asked them to draft recommendations for the decoration. I believe, as a matter of fact, you have gone round to get the thing up in a proper light for the purpose of putting it before Parliament ?—Not one of the officers can say that I drafted any of the recommendations, with the exception of Captain Bower, and he did not follow my draft, but put a stronger recommendation than was ever suggested. 234. At this time when volunteers were called for, about how many Volunteers would there be there?— About thirty-six. 235. On volunteers being called for, what would be the procedure : would they be mustered and formed up?—A company or troop would be formed, and then the officer commanding would call for volunteers. 236. Was there any one else beside yourself volunteered ?—Decidedly not. Out of the thirtysix that were there I was the only one that volunteered. I said I would volunteer if they would give me a trooper. 237. After you had volunteered Trooper McDonald said he would go with you?— Yes. 238. We have had it mentioned already that when you returned from this ride, which you had volunteered, jou had to start out right away again ?—Yes. 239. Without practically leaving the saddle ?—Yes. 240. For the purpose of bringing in these other bodies ?—Yes. 241. Had you to travel any great distance ?—About six miles. 242. That was partly through all the dangerous country ?—No; in another direction. 243. In what direction ?—ln the opposite direction in which they had gone to—to Tauranga. 244. And you undertook that further duty directly you returned?— Yes. 245. Have you been on perfectly friendly terms with Captain Bower right up to this time?—l never knew him for thirty years. 246. The whole of this correspondence that you have had from Captain Bower is quite intact ?— Yes. 247. Mr. Hutchison.] Do you say you were the first to volunteer to carry despatches? - Decidedly so. .248. Mr. Wilford.] Did you receive this document and enclosure—namely, " The Opposition will not leave a stone unturned. They will rake up and expose yours and your supporters' most sacred antecedents. They expect to associate your powers of caligraphy with the extracts. Your wife's name, also, is freely mentioned. The legality of your pension, it is hinted, will be tested. The whole aflair will probably be made a catch question next general election. Volunteers assert they ■will never let the matter drop. Is a distinction you can never wear without being subject to public ineult worth this ceaseless scandal ? The above appears to be well worthy of consideration " ? —Certainly. Mr. Wilford : I would ask, Mr. Chairman, that that be put in as a document received?— Yes. 249. Mr. Hutchison.] Had you private reasons, Mr. Wrigg, for going to Tauranga?—Decidedly not. 250. Did you not go to Tauranga to get some tracings ?—Ne7er. 251. You did not go for any?— No. 252. Mr. Lewis.] What time cf day did you start on this ride, Mr. Wrigg — oan you remember that ?—lt was daybreak, as far as I remember. 258. You said you did not know whether you started on the day in which they came back?— The next day, I believe, I started. 254. On the discovery of this outrage, were troops sent in pursuit of the Maoris who had committed it ?—I do not know that. I know only that we got orders to go. 255. Mr. Morrison.] Is it correct that a vote of censure was passed on you by your comrades a few days after this act of bravery ?—I do not know whether it was or not. I only know I left the district in a hurry. The captain wrote to say other people wanted to get my appointment, and I had better resign. 256. What was the opinion with regard to you and McDonald having volunteered ? Was it not generally remarked at the time the odda were three to one against you ? Was it not generally