DECORATIVE DISTINCTIONS.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 597, 18 May 1876, Page 4

DECORATIVE DISTINCTIONS.

It is notified in the Gazette that his Excellency the Governor has been pleased to award the decorative distinction, instituted by Order-in-Council, dated 10th May, 1869, to the undermentioned officers and men of the New Zealand Militia, Volunteers, and Armed Constabulary on account of the acts of bravery performed by them as stated below ; Inspector John Macintosh Roberts, Armed Constabulary-For the gallant and conspicuous example shown by him (when subinspector) at Moturoa, on the 7th November, 1868, to his young and newly raised division, while covering the retreat from the pa, although outnumbered, and at one time almost surrounded. To Inspector Roberts’ fortitude and officer like qualities it was due chiefly that these young soldiers, who had only joined the force one day, not only maintained their ranks and discipline in a dense bush, in spite of the repeated efforts of the enemy to close with them, but were enabled efficiently to perform the dangerous duty intrusted to them, that the force, encumbered with many wounded, was able to draw off in good order. It must also be remembered, to the honor of Inspector Roberts, that it was mainly to his fortitude and resolute bearing that the great bulk of the force left behind at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu were rallied and safely brought off to Waihi, reaching that poet the day after the rest of the force had arrived and given them up for lost. Major Kepa Rangihiwinui, New Zealand Militia, native contingent—For devoted and chivalrous conduct at Moturoa, on the 7th November, 1868, when at the head of a very small portion of his tribe, with which he covered a flank of the retreat, and assisted the removal of the wounded, although exposed to a very heavy fire at a close range. And for the personal gallantry and constancy shown by him in conducting the pursuit of Titoko-Want's followers after their defeat at Otauto on the 13th March, 1869, hanging on their rear, and constantly harassing them during several days in dense bush. His force on this occasion was composed entirely of volunteers, several officers and many men of the armed constabulary having volunteered to follow this distinguished chief, besides the members of his own tribe. Major Bapata Wahawaha, native contingent—For personal gallantry and loyal devotion on the occasion both of the first and last attack on Ngatapa, and more especially for the courage he showed on the first occasion, at the head of only seventy men, when all the rest of the native contingent had retreated, and left him without support. Major Rapata then pushed his way close to the entrenchments, and held a position at a pistol shot distance all day, and until, under cover of night, he was compelled by want of ammunition to retire, having sustained heavy losses.

Captain Francis Joseph Mace, Taranaki Militia—For conspicuous bravery in the performance of his duty throughout the Taranaki war; for most valuable and efficient services in conveying despatches through the enemy’s country, and in acting as guide upon many important expeditions. Notably his conduct at the Kaitikara River, on the 4th June, 1863 ; at Kaitake, on the 11th March, 1864 ; and at Warea, on the 20th October, 1855. Captain Mace’s services were publicly noticed by General Pratv, Colonel Warre, and other officers, upon several occasions ; and he personally received the thanks of Governors Browne and Grey. Sub-Inspector George Preece, Armed Constabulary—For personal bravery (when Interpreter to the Native Contingent, and attached to Major Rapata) on the occasion of the first attack upon Ngatapa, Mr Preece’s behaviour was so brilliant as to elicit the admiration of Major Rapata, who recommended him for special reward to the Colonel ’ Commanding on the following day, with the very complimentary remark that, with two or three more like him, he would have been able to break into the pa, at that time not fully completed. Assistant-Surgeon Samuel Walker, Armed Constabulary—For conspicuous gallantry in ia the performance of his duties as assistantsurgeon on many occasions during the campaign of 1868-69, and notably at the successful attack upon the position and encampment of Titoko-Waru at Otauto, on the 13th March, 1869, where he was exposed to a very heavy fire, and bore himself with great courage, Sergeant Christopher Maling, Guides—For most valuable and efficient services as Sergeant of the Corps of Guides on many occasions, and especially in going out to scout in advance with three men (two of whom were shot on the morning of the 26 th February, 1869;, by which an intended ambuscade was discovered, and many lives saved. And for a long reconnaissance with two men of the Corps of Guides (which lasted two nights aad days) in advance, to ascertain the direction of Titoko-Waru’s retreat after he had evacuated Tauranga-ika. This service| was a most daring one, and of the utmost importance to the force, as intelligence was thus obtained which in no other way could have been procured. Sergeant Richard Shepherd, Armed Constabulary For distinguished bravery at Otauto, on the 13th March, 1869 whi'e holding the ground close to the encampment, and enabling a close recounoisauce to be made by Major Kepa and the Coiouel Commanding. Sergeant Shepherd was dangerously wounded on this occasion. Sergeant Samuel Austin, Wanganui Volunteer Contingent—For gallant and distinguished conduct on the 7th January, 1866, when, at the capture of the Putahi pa, Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell was severely wounded, and Sergeant Austin carried him during the great partof the engagement under a raking fire, and finally off the field, which action was witnessed by General Chute, who then thanked him for his fearless aud heroic conduct, not only in this instance, but on all occasions during 'the campaign on the West Coast, Also on the 17th October, 1860, at the capture of the village of Keteonctea, Captain William McDonnell, leading a small advance guard of Maoris, came upon an ambush, and fell severely wounded ; his men leaving him,, retired on the main bod /, who commenced to retreat, when Sergeant Austin, assisted by another man (since dead), returned to where Captain McDonnell lay, on the point of beiug tomahawked by the enemy, and at all risks carried him oil under a heavy fire. Trooper Antonio Rodriguez, Tarar aki Mounted Volunteers—For noble and daring conduct in assisting and carrying wounded men, from the field, under fire, on several occasions, notably on the 2nd October, 1863, at Poutoko, and 11th March, 1854, at Retake, upon which latter occasion he was particularly aiwUo&ed is garrison orders after

the engagement, Rodriguez’s conduct was repeatedly mentioned by Colonel Warre and other officers in their despatches. Private Thomas Adamson, Guides—For good and gallant services as a scout and guide throughout the campaign of 1868-69, continually undertaking hazardous and laborious reconnoitering expeditions almost alone in advance of the force. And for personal gallantry when attacked, with other guides, in advance of the column beyond Ahikereru, on the 7th May, 1869, where they unmasked an ambuscade, and Adamson, with others, was severely wounded, and the guide Hemi killed.