LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1073, 10 August 1869, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by correspondents.

Sib,— Will you favor me by inserting in your valuable columns a few remarks I deem it my duty to make in reference to this much neglected settlement. It is with reluctance that I approach a subject of so much importance ; out the time has arrived that every man in this district should raise his voice ere it be too late. Our small population is fast becoming smaller, almost every day showing a decrease ; but when we look back at the last ten or twelve months, or since the Poverty Bay massacre, and consider how we have been harassed, we need not wonder that such is the case. Wo had some hopes that the last expedition that left Clyde would have done something towards instilling confidence amongst us ; but that expedition has not only blighted those hopes, but has also done a deal of harm. We have allowed the enemy to see our weakness, and have opened and cleared a road right Up to their door, so that they can come down on us much easier than they could have done hitherto. Now, seeing that we have aggravated the Maoriea by destroying their crops, and have also shewn ourselves so vile and weak in their eyes, what can we expect but a visit from them in return— knowing, as we do, that they are in large numbers at the- Lake. If we may judge from Colonel Herrick's despatches, what means of defence has the Wairoa at the present time? The number of men in it, I believe, are eight or ten : true, some fifty are Stationed inland from here about four miles ; but they can do no more than defend themselves in case of an attack ; however, as there are other roads and tracks by which they can come right into the township, there is not much danger of this fifty being molested. There is a valley which runs from the back of the Wairoa township for miles in another direction, and I have no hesitation in saying that they can come down this valley and walk into the town without a shot being fired. Wow, looking those facts in the face, and knowing that every settlement to within four miles of the township itself has been swept away, who amongst, us can look into the future without sorrow and dismay. It is with great relief wo find our rulers turning their baoks on the self-reliant policy, a policy that has well-nigh left this unfortunate island desolate. I^o doubt, it is a good policy for those who are getting fat thereby, and who feol so much pleasure in being empowered to trample upon the settlers with the iron heel of oppression, by a cruel and tyrannical Militia Act, dragging them from their homes when and where they will. This is just what the Maori wants ; he has got his heart's desire, and will rejoice over our neglected and desolate homesteads. I say, get soldiers to do soldiers' work, and let the settlera return to their peaceful occupations ; then, and then only, may we expect peace and prosperity. We must shew the 11 noble savage " that we can live under our vines and fig-trees, none daring to make us afraid. In this district we want troops j we know not the day nor the hour when they may be required. I sincerely hope our Defence Minister, who knows well our position, will consider onr case before it be too late.— l am, &0., w P. B. Wairoa, August 4, 1369,