REGIMENT AT TAUPO.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2870, 6 October 1866, Page 5

REGIMENT AT TAUPO.

We are glad to see the question respecting the loca* tion of troops iv the Taupo districb taken up, as it has been, by our correspondent M., for it is one of vast importance to this colony. We think that onr correspondent might have gone further into the subject than he has, and described somewhat more lucidly the nature of the country, and its adaptability for the location of a large population. If, also, he could have said something defiaite as to the likelihood of the natives receiving favourably the scheme— one which they will regard in its true light, as the extinction of the last lingering hope of independent rule in New Zealand— it would have been better. The Taupo district, as few of our readers need be told, is situated very near the centre of the Northern Island, at an elevation above the level of the sea of about 1,300 feet — forming an extensive plateau of more than seven thousand square miles. The soil of all the level portion consists of a loose pumice-stone, covered with short grass. The district is bounded to the north by the Waikato valley ; to the east and north-east by deeply-intersected wooded ranges, terminating, in many instances, in bold promontories along the coast ; to the west by a range of hills tuning north from Tongariro, and parallel with the range on the west coast. The country between that range and the sea is generally of a broken and wooded nature, difficult of access, but interspered with spots of excellent land. This forms the present stronghold of disaffection. The southern boundary of the plateau is formed by a range of partially wooded hills between Waikaremoana and Tongariro, with the Kaweka in the centre, the southern slopes of which form part of the province of Hawke's Bay. This tract is very rough and difficult of access, so much so that in a width of sixty miles there is only one Maori track leading to Taupo. A glance at the map will, we think, show that in a strategic point of view, the location of a regiment anywhere near Lake Taupo would be attended with great advantage. The Europeans being in possession of the East and West Coast, and of the country bordering the plains, both north and south, they would be enabled, if necessary, to place the rebels between two fire*. Indeed, were a regiment placed in this central position, the rebels would become so uncomfortable, that, probably without a company leaving camp, their number would dwindle to such insignificant proportions, that within' twelve months the rebellion would be practically at an end. Some objections have been raised to the scheme, as entailing v«ry heavy additional expense upon the colony, and being got up merely for the purpose of the increased commissariat outlay. But the consumption would be the same wherever the regiment is stationed ; and the only, additional expense would be that of transport from the Bay of Plenty, which would not be heavy, as several navigable rivers can be made use of for a considerable distance, and the land carriage need not exceed twenty miles at the utmost. With respect to whether the natives would object strenuously to the location of troops in that district, and the consequent formation of a permanent settlement, our own conviction is thac they would make no objection if the matter 'were properly and judiciously gon,e about. On the contrary, we believe that the leading chiefs, and the thinking part o! the native population, would be only too glad to secure protection against roving and disorganised bands wandering about the country, and would be ready to make a heavy sacrifice to secure so great a boon. There are many other points of view from which this subject might be cousidered — notably the great impetus the location of troops at Taupo would give to the settlement of the interior, as striking at the root of all cause for uneasiness on the part of in* tending settlers ; and as to the many difficulties that have been conjured up, they exist, we are persuaded, for the most part, in the imagination of the respective writers.— Hawke't Bay Herald.