THE PUBLIC LANDS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 3, Issue 136, 28 April 1860, Page 2

THE PUBLIC LANDS.

To %he Editor of ike Hawke's Bay Herald. Sin,— The interesting sketch of the war at Tarana*k», from the correspondent of the Nelson Examiner, is well worthy the serious attention of our rulers and all connected with military administration, excepting always the actual military ad« miuistratora, who, to make a long story short, are by nature "muffs" to such a degree that in order to get through an action with credit, especially in New Zealand, it would be desirable to intrust the lighting men to a contractor, who should undertake the Maori war at, so much per pall ,the Government finding the men, who are, to' give them this due, only too anxious for the work. Contractoca to find two eligible securities and enter into bond to finish the war according to specification and to the satisfaction of the Governor, within 3 months of acceptance. The, formation of the various volunteer corps of riflemen, &c, tend 3to show that this service is preferred to the militia, and why ? Because the men prefer to elect their own officers, in whom they can confide, instead of having a number of second hand Queen of Spain's captains thrust 'over them, who, because they were too lazy to fight, prefer <to .get a grant of land in New Zealand with all "the stray J.E.s and other letters knocking -about, attached to their names. But, Sir, I would ask, are these the only men who come to New .Zealand who deserve a grant of land ? Are these -military settlers the only class of immigrants or colonists who can attend our auctions and claim ■so many acres of valuable land and enjoy a preference over the would-be cash purchaser with any reason ? Why should they any longer enjay a preference to either a militiaman or volunteer who, in a few months at most, will know his 'drill and Very possibly smell more powder in the same time than the favored military settler ? We have a >*ight to expect a better answer than to be told that it is the law, for we all know that colonial laws have not a character for extreme stability. To be sure we cannot expect much from our town members in altering this regulation, for they have either no weight in the council or have made it up with the representatives of the 40,000 sheep •of the Province, for whom all within 20 miles of the port are called upon to carry arms ; but we iiope tfeafc the open column of the Herald and Hawke's Bay Advocate will continue to be the true exponent of the opinions of the people in this matter, just as our council is the mouthpiece of •the aforesaid sheep, for whose sore feet, scabby «kins, aad dog-bitten ears, such ample provision and legislation has this sessipn been effected. While we have legislation based upon sheep instead of the electoral roll, it is idle to hope that anything which, would increase population or further the colonization of the country will be effected, and it is therefore almost useless to ask why the military who are paid and fed for fighting, should come in for a grant of land while the militia and volunteers get neither pay nor land, and are taken from their legitimate business to <lo soldier's work. If the rebel Maories indeed are to pay for the war, pray remember the militia and volunteers. FAIR PLAY.