THE MILITIA. TO THE EDITOR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 6733, 16 April 1885, Page 2

THE MILITIA. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — In common with many rustics yesterday I was greatly startled by tho appearance of a white helmet, riding over the field where we were at work. Our first impulse was to down tools and tako to the bush, but on reflection wo could not call to mind any particularly heinous offence of which we had been guilty, so we remained where wo were. Drawing re ; n the constable informed the circle of open mouths "he had come for our names, as there was going to be an Act passed forcing all those between eighteen aud th'rty to form themselves into a militia, and drill as might be ordered." " What for ? Have the Maoris broken out ? " were naturally our anxious enquiries. " Maoris broken out, indeed," said tho helmet, with a glance of contempt in our direction, <! don't ye know the Russians may be hero any day ? We've all got to turn out aud fight 'em, so look out my hearties." So s-iying, away rode our nun of war. leaving poor bewildered "Johnnies" quite dumbfounded. Now, sir, has the Government at Wellington lost its senses, or do they really believe we are in dangerfrom the Russians? llow can any sane man dread the Russians coming all this distance ? What could they gain by it ? Supposing they came to New Plymouth, what could they do? It is evident paper money would bs o£ no uce to them, for who would cash it? anel directly the character of our visitors was known, all the bullion could be easily removed from the B;in!c, put in a wheelbarrow, and trundleei into the bush. Peihaps our legislators are afraid of being eurrounded by an armed boat's crew, while in the midst of their sage deliberations at Wellington, and carried off struggling like the Sabine maidens. In which case let us devoutly pray wo shall thankfully allow the Russians to depart with their prizes. A few j ear's work at the mines in Siberia might knock the nonsense out of them so to speak. If there were any real danger to New Zealand, such as a Maori outbreak, we country people would be Ihe first to give our time and money in its defence, but we arc not to be taken with impunity from our farms to be at tho beck and call of a parcel of old women who are scared partly through timidity but greatly ilnough hopes of personal benefits to come, and 1 fmst if this Militia Act passes we shall do our to throw out those ineinbeis who" supported it and put those in who will repeal it as soon as possible. — I am &c , RusTicus.