LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 999, 24 November 1868, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THe Editor does not Hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by correspondents. Sic, — At such a time as this, when it behoves every one to dd all in their power to take part in the defence of the town, it seems a strange thing that the Napier Rifle Volunteers, who ought to be the first to appear, are non est. Surely, for the credit of a corps calling themselves Volunteers, the individual members, or their officers, ought to offer their services for patrol duty. If otfr officers show so much apathy* how is it to be expected that we are to show any spirit. — I am, &c, One op the Coeps.

Sib, — Allow me through the medium of your journal to call attention to the very inefficient state of militia arrangements in this district. We have suffered two false alarms in Meanee, within a week, on each of which occasions the inhabitants have rushed in a flock to the Meanee hotel — some halfdressed, in the wildest excitement—both men and women incommoded with children. Here they become huddled together — all sexes and ages in helpless confusion — many of the men unarmed or so taken up by domestic calls for assistance, as to be unable to use arms if they had any — no militia muster made — no militia officer present (until three-fourths of the men had taken themselves off on their own hook — some to catch horses, some to wake up more fortunate persons at a distance, who had not yet been disturbed.) All in confusion ! What better state of things than this could the enemy desire ? If he means to attack us, his plan would be to sound the alarm about half an hour beforehand, and then he will find all helplessly ready to receive the coup de grace by his tomahawk, or, to get it at the hands of a neighbour, who, panic-struck and ignorant of the proper way to use his weapon, is as likely to let off his rifle in his comrade's face as at any other mark. Now, Sir, could not this state of things be improved upon P I know very little of military affairs, and still less of what is usual at a time like the present ; but I should certainly say that a step in the right direction would be to muster all the militia and volunteers of the district every evening at sundown, examine arms and ammunition, and dismiss them after arranging a signal of alarm, and fixing a place of rendezvous to muster at in case of need ; make the mustering compulsory under penalty of fine ; and in no case allow a man to move from the muster" ground, fire off his piece, or take any action whatever without fhe command of his officer. There can only be said to be two approaches to the Meanee, and these could be reconnoitred by parties told off for the purpose, the rest remaining as a reserve, with the exception of a few mounted scouts, who could be held in readiness for any service required. By these means the commanding officer would soon ascertain the extent of real cause for alarm, and then would be quite soon enough to order the women and children to concentrate. With regard to the way in which alarm is spread at present, it seems quite eligible for any person to terrify a whole district — no matter upon what foundation. Surely there should be a responsible person appointed in each militia district, to receive reports and act by authority upon some properly organized plan — to be made generally known by publication in the Gazette — and any person creating alarm or taking action in any way likely to lead to such a result (excepting in accordance Trrbli x-alon laid «l-»wiri)-okLanlcl heuprQSOCuted as a serious offender. The foregoing or other regulations (that may be deemed best by those in authority) put in force at once, with the scouting service to Pohui already initiated, regularly performed, and the redoubt in contemplation erected, would not only engender a feeling of confidence and security to this immediate neighbourhood, but would constitute it a valuable outpost to Napier. The redoubt could be made a safe magazine to the district, and would ease the demands, on the resources of Napier, as a place of refuge for the outlying settlers, who, if the present state of excitement continues, must be driven to abandon their present homes for more protected localities. Hoping you will allow the importance of the subject my excuse for troubling you, I am, &c, Non-Militant.