LOCAL DEFENCE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 164, 26 October 1881, Page 2

LOCAL DEFENCE.

During the last few days, the question of local defence has naturally attracted some attention, aud suggestions have been made that a redoubt should lie built on the north-east boundary of the township, which unquestionably is a weak position. The general opinion seems to be that such a step is not necessary, but that the volunteer coi-ps shouhl he inacie as strong ami efficient as possible. We are inclined to think that the latter view expresses the sense of the community, and it would be well that it should be given thorough effect to. It is understood that the, Hawera Eifles are progressing very rapidly towards efficienoy, but there is no reason why the corps should not be a great deal stronger than it is, and we urge upon residents generally, the desirableness of placing themselves on the roll. We believe there will be no war, and if there were, it is not probable that Hawera would be attacked, but nevertheless, residents must not forget the truism, that the surest way to escape attack is to h& prepared foe it.. A. Wad o( two or three hundred men armed, and to a certain extent trained, would Vie an excellent safeguard, especially if the cavalry troop were available for patrol work. At present, the cavalry is in rather a bad way, but there is to be a meetiug on Saturday, when an effort will, no doubt, hi* made to improve matters. It is not easy to see why an efficient cavalry corps should not

be maintained in ILcuera — to he plain, it I would be a di-sgiace to let the troop disband, and thereto c we hope, that on Saturday there will be free discussion, so that if there be any bar in the way of success, it may be removed, and a good undei standing come to for the future. W :th a troop of cavalry, even 70 or 80 strong, and an infantry corps of 200 or 300, Hawera might rest perfectly assured of immunity from attack.