3-028-794 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The New Zealand War Medal for the British Troops, 1870. 'The medal for presentation to the officers and soldiers of those regiments which were engaged in the Maori war, in New Zealand, six or eight years ago, is now being struck at the Royal Mint; and we give an Illustration of its very simple design, which is quite as devoid of originality or special significance as that of the Abyssinian medal. The head of her Majesty Queen Victoria, wearing a Royal diadem, and a veil which covers the back of the head and neck, with earrings, a small pearl necklace, and a locket or miniature portrait suspended from the necklace, is sculptured on the obverse side. The reverse side displays a wreath of laurel, to inclose the name or number of the recipient, with the motto "New Zealand: Virtutis Honor" [Honour of virtue]. The ribbon is dark blue, with a red stripe along the middle. It is to be presumed that the colonial militia, who did their share of the service, and the friendly Maori chiefs likewise, will not be overlooked in the distribution of these medals'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.