MEANEE.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 997, 17 November 1868, Page 3

MEANEE.

A public meeting was held at the Meanee Hotel on Saturday last, at 10.30 a.m., to consider the best means to be adopted for the security of that district, until the militia authorities organized a system. On the motion of Mr. Hallett, seconded by Mr. Peacock, Captain W. R. Russell took the chair. Captain Russell, in opening the meeting, briefly stated that though he trusted there was no immediate danger to be anticipated, he, in common with, the rest of his fellow settlers, felt that it was absolutely necessary that something should be done, to guard against any sudden attack. After some desultory conversation for the purpose of ascertaining the feeling of those present at the meeting, — It was proposed by Mr. Maney and seconded by Mr. Smith, " that a system of volunteer patrols be organized, and that those present sign their names to a document agreeing to join, and that a copy be left at the Meanee Hotel for further signatures." Carried nem. con. It was then proposed by Mr. Maney and seconded by Mr. Hallett, " that Captain Russell wait upon His Honor the Superintendent, for arms proper for a cavalry patrol." Carried nem. con. Proposed by Mr. Smith and seconded by Mr. Hallett, " that the line of patrol be from Pa Whakairo to Parke's Island, until communication be held with the officer commanding the Puketapu company, and then the line of the patrols be left to the judgment of the two officers commanding the companies. The meeting then expressed their opinion that the three classes of militia should be called upon to take part in the patrolling duty ; and, after a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated.

The first patrol went out on the night of Saturday. We much regret to have to chronicle that a false alarm took place at 2 a.m., through one of the patrol firing at some object — resulting in nearly all the women and children on the Flat, numbering nearly 100, rushing, half clothed, to the Meanee hotel, where they remained till daylight.