LIEUT.-COLONEL WHITMORE IN COMMAND.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 988, 17 October 1868, Page 3

LIEUT.-COLONEL WHITMORE IN COMMAND.

(From the " Evening Post," Oct. 12.) Lieut.-Colonel Whitmore has signified his willingness, we are informed, of accepting the command of our forces on tho West Coast, rendered vacant by Licufc.Colonel M'Donnell's resignation. This officer may be expected shortly from Napier, en route for Wanganui and Patea. The Sturt, now due from Wanganui, will probably convey him to his destination. Notwithstanding tho many statements which have been made prejudicial to Col. Whitmore's efficiency as a commanding officer, now that he is about undertaking very arduous ancl responsible duties, ifc is to be hoped thafc a clear field ancl untrammelled powers will be allowed him upon a trial, the importance of which cannot be undervalued. (From tho " Advertiser," Oct. 12,) Of Colonel M'Donnell's resignation, and the reasons which prompted it, we do not foel inclined to speak. It may or may not be a good thing for the country. It is understood that he is to be immediately replaced by Colonel Whitmore, now daily expected from Napier, who will assume the command of tho Wanganui district. Notwithstanding the contcmptiblo aspersions which have been so unscrupulously made by the opponents of the Government against Col. Whitmore, we havo no hesitation in saying that ho is as efficient an officer — as plucky ancl bold a soldier — as is to be found in the Colony, and there is no doubt he will render the country good service. (From tho " Advertiser," Oct. 14) The Hon. Colonel Whitmore, who is about to assume the command of the forces at tho Front, was a passenger by tho Wellington, from Napier, yesterday. Later. — It is not certain that Colonel Whitmore will go to the Front.