ARMS AND AMMUNITION ISSUED TO

Taranaki Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 1006, 30 July 1870, Page 6 (Supplement)

ARMS AND AMMUNITION ISSUED TO

NATIVES.

The following is a return of the arms and ammunition issued to natives since July last, which shows that although a large amount of ammunition has been issued to natives, the amount of arms has been comparatively small. There can be no doubt that the number of firearms in the hands of natives, issued by the Government from time to time is very large, and must be a source of considerable danger to the Colony, and we doubt the policy of issuing snch large supplies of ammunition to natives, as it is so easy in any slight skirmish with the enemy, to secrete great quantities of it from time to time, and account for the loss by the ready excuse, of expended iv service. As the temptation to natives to secure a stock of powder, when so easily obtained is very great, it is to be hoped that some attempt will be made on the part of the Goverument to get the large number of arms which aro now in the hands of the uatives, returned to the Colonial stores :—: — Return of Arms and Ammunition issued to Natives since Ist July, 1869.

Stoney River Bripge.—We believe that this bridge is being speedily pnshed on by the contractor, Mr. Bundle, and it is expected that it will be finished iv abont a month. The natives are working well, aud have made two excellent cuttings.

Quicksands at the Waitara.— We hear that Mr. W. George lost a valuable horse on the Waitara beach at the beginning of the week, through the animal sinking into a quicksand while crossing it. Taranaki Cord. — We had much pleasure in inspecting a sample of cord manufactured from "New Zealand flax by Mr. Moyle. It appeared to ■us to be excellent, and fully equal, if not superior, -to some European cord that is imported. The twist was close and even, and Mr. Moyle informs us that any fibre that will take a twist similar .to the cord he has made will take tar. We should imagine that now an extra duty has been put upon cord, Mr. Moyle would be able to compete with the home market.

Winter Evening Entertainments. — This •entertainment came off on the 18th July, and was well attended. The music and readings were attentively listened to and applauded, and the -audience, at the conclusion, retired evidently well pleased with the evening's entertainment. We may mention that Mr. W. Francis, during the .evening, played the cornet part of the finale to Donizetti's Opera " Lucia Di Lammermoor," and was accompanied by a lady.

Departure of J. C. Sharland, Esq. — On •the 16th July, J. C. Sharland, Esq., took his departure for Hokitika in the s.s. • Phoebe,' where lie intends commencing business. We cannot .allow an old and respected settler to leave this Province without wishing him every success in his new undertaking, aud hopethat onsome future occasion wo may have the pleasure of welcoming him hack again amongst iif.

Telegraph to Taupo. — The honorable Native Minister stated in the House lately, that, the telegraph was opened as far as Taupo.

More Hauhaus Surrendered. — Mr. McLean announced in the House on the sth July, that twelve surrendered, and that the last expedition in pnrsuit of the enemy had been withdrawn from the Urewera country.

Where issued. Am mi Caps. Vanganni 40,900 'atea 1,190 'aranaki 240 1,050 lay of Plenty 19,302 'overly Bay 7,8/0 [awke's.Bay 51,380 lunition, Rounds. ,33,100 840 200 700 12,132 5,290 33,750 Arms. 188 0 4 15 4 0 n i ) I I Total 127,932 86,012 282