ANOTHER LITTLE WAR.

Southern Cross, Volume 6, Issue 5, 7 May 1898, Page 8

ANOTHER LITTLE WAR.

Britain’s ‘ little wars ’ are proverbial. It is rare indeed that the crack of the rifle and the prod of the bayonet cease altogether. Either some incursion of an unfriendly tribe upon the frontier, or a slice of territory to annex or explore, or a bloodthirsty wretch of a king to depose, keeps a number of our troops upon the war-path. Southern Britain seems likely to have a little war ali to itself. The Maoris of Rawene and Waima ere taxing the patience of the Government because the Government is taxing them. The Maori holds some native land under Crown grant, within five miles of a public road. He also owns a dog. Both land so situated and dog so owned are liable to be taxed up te a certain amount. This to his mind constitutes a grievanee which demands redress, in order to obtain which he brandishes a rifle frantically and dances furiously. This original method of calling attention to such slierht matters necessitates the presence of 100 men, three guns, the Government’s Hinemoa and H.M.S. Torch, The recalcitrants number about 150, and latest reports say they are determined to fight. Should they do this there will most certainly be a few ownerless dogs and some tenantless land. It is greatly to be hoped that better counsels will prevail.