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The New Zealand Wars: A History of the Maori Campaigns and the Pioneering Period: Volume II: The Hauhau Wars, (1864–72)

Photo about 1880] — Captain Gilbert Mair, N.Z.C

Photo about 1880] Captain Gilbert Mair, N.Z.C.

Photo about 1880]
Captain Gilbert Mair, N.Z.C.

The New Zealand Gazette (1st April, 1886) announcing the award of the New Zealand Cross to Captain Mair for his distinguished bravery in the fight of the 7th February, 1870, stated: “During this engagement which lasted many hours, Captain Mair, by personal example and devoted gallantry, inspired his men to come to hand-to-hand conflict with Te Kooti's rearguard, himself killing the notorious Peka McLean, and driving the rest before him in disorder.”

In decorating Captain Mair with the Cross at a Volunteer parade in Wellington (1887) Major-General Whitmore said: “New Zealand has the proud distinction, not enjoyed by any other of Her Majesty's colonies, of having this honourable order of valour to bestow on her citizens for brave deeds such as were performed by yourself. By Royal Warrant Her Majesty was graciously pleased to direct that this decoration should rank equal to her own Victoria Cross, and next in precedence. The particular action for which the New Zealand Cross has been awarded to you was the turning-point in the war, and but for your gallant conduct on that occasion Te Kooti and the rebels under his command would have long continued their career of bloodshed.”