THE INDIAN MUTINY COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT NEW ZEALAND DIFFICULTY.

Southland Times, Issue 4155, 24 October 1881, Page 3

THE INDIAN MUTINY COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT NEW ZEALAND DIFFICULTY.

TO THE EDITOR. giB } I was present as a Volunteer at Banackpore, about 12 miles from Calcutta, in May, 1857, when the first two Native Infantry regiments that mutinied, about 1500 men, were disbanded with disgrace. It was a mistaken leniency on the part of the then Viceroy and Governor-General of India, Lord Canning, to set at large these desperadoes, giving the first 6tepping-stone to plunder and bloodshed. It was a step I know, from the very best and most approved authority, that Lord Canning ever after regretted, and that contributed to hasten the death of one of tlia best, most noble and kind-hearted of men. Those scoundrels, let loose, made off towards Delhi and Meerut, breathing fanatical vengeance against us. It is admitted by the best authorities in India that had these 1500 Sepoys been blown from the guns (as I saw many after, besides others that were hung) it would have gone a long way towards preventing if it would not have prevented altogether, the moßt villainous atrocities and murders on record. Now, with regard to the prisoners of. late months let loose from the Lyttelton gaol. These men were released with the best intentions, tut the consequence is that they hive returned again to Te Whiti to heap all manner of threats and insolence on tbe colony. What the next fortnight or the end of that .time may bring forth it is impossible to foresee. But considering everything, the Government have made a m«st determined stand, have prepared for the worst, and are ready to strike if necessary. The Lyttelton Times does not believe in the assurance that a conflict with the natives would be short, sharp, and decisive; quite overlooking that twenty years and upwards ago w« had no popula-

tion urn) that the country was not opener up as it in now, with well drilled Volun tecrs and Constabulary in the North anc South. Capture Te Whiti and some o; liis notable followers, smd imprison them und t:.c difficulty will \<c over. — I am, &c. Old Colonist.