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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 3, Issue 130, 17 March 1860, Page 1

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O — ■ To the Editor qftlie Hawlds Bay Herald-. Sib, — It is an old axiom and a. true one, that ' The country zvkicJi is prepared for war is most likely io enjoy peace? Now Ido not wish to be thought au alarmist, but I would like to hear through your columns, what has been done, and what is doing for the self-defence of our Province. — 'Forewarned is forearmed.' Warning enough in all conscience, we have received, and are ieceiving almost daily, of the restless and aggressive disposition of the native population, and their contempt for law and government; on the other hand, 1 cannot see any signs of preparation for self-defence. Instead of that we hear of a threatened removal of troops, thereby hastening the crisis ; but we hear nothing of our militia being called out, or trained. It may be answered ' the arms have not yet arrived' — the leas need for the withdrawal of the troops from Napier ; but until the rifles do arrive, could the militia not be called out and be undergoing a process of drilling and training whilst the troops are here. The possession of arms in their hands is not absolutely necessary to the militia acquiring a knowledge of discipline, and, if required, fowling pieces might be used until the proper arms arrive. Winter is fast approaching when both weather and roads are if not bad at least uncertain. I think we aught to be pre~ pared. We are like a scattered floek — without leaders, without arms, without training and without any common rendezvous. We are in point of fact, a body of settlers scattered over a widely extended pastoral country, with our main possessions, our flock?, easily removable by an enemy ; the settlers are to a man agreed as to resisting aggression, but determined men when scattered and without unity of purpose, are comparatively defenceless. Now, in case of a collision, which may happen some day, are the inland settlers and their families supposed to hasten to Napier? They would all be cut off in detail, with very little exceptions. Now, Sir, what I would suggest would be* a stockade at Porangahau, one at Fatangata, and one at Olive, with a guard of soldiers to keep permanent possession of the stockade and block house — and meanwhile, if required, to drill the militia of each district. Peoplß in the country hear and see things as iliey are. lam for peace and good vvill to ail men, but I would be prepared before, as I think it is better to lock the stable door previous to, than after, the losing of the horse. Precaution is better than cure. I hope my caution may be aoted upon, before it is too late. It. DOKAEDSOW. Waipuka, March 6, 1860.