THE Wellingtion Independent. "Nothing extenuate: Nor set down aught in malice." THURSDAY MORNING, 30th JULY. DEFENCE OF THE PROVINCE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1901, 30 July 1863, Page 2

THE Wellingtion Independent. "Nothing extenuate: Nor set down aught in malice." THURSDAY MORNING, 30th JULY. DEFENCE OF THE PROVINCE.

The intelligence brought by the Northern Mail is of tbe most momentous character. At length tbe battle of New Zealand is to be fought on its real issue, that of supremacy, and the first blow has been struck in the recent action with the Waikatos. That this bas resulted in a complete victory is a circumstance, highly gratifying, because, a successful opening of the campaign will do much to establish our prestige witb tbe must powerful tribe in New Zealand. We refer our readers *o the full details of the action which will be found elsewhere, and turn to a brief consideration of the effect which tbe commencement of this war is likely to have on this Province. " Tbe first shot fired in Waikato will be the signal for a general rising througheut the Island," is what has been prophesied long ago, ami now it has been done! Are we prepared for the consequences that may follow? Is this Province in a propar position oi defence, and have the necessary precautions for safety been taken in time ? We are not alarmists, and yet we cannot forbear speaking out at s, such a grave crisis. It is true the Militia have been called out, and a Colonial Defence Force is being organised for the Waimrapa and West Coast. But, and we make the statement after grave consideration and many scruples, there are not arms in the Province for more than one- half of the effective men who may be called into active service. What is to be said of the conduct of a Ministry, that can commence a war; and yet be guilty of so culpable a neglect, as to leave this Province in so defenceless a condition? The blame does not rest on our Provincial authorities, nor on the hon. Mr Mantell who is resident amongst us, because the Superintendent has strongly represented our defenceless condition, and a ministerial representation of a similar character has been addressed to Auckland. An application for 300 stand of arms, has resulted in 100 being recently sent to Wanganui, and none here. We make those statements because we conceive that there bas been themost gross negligence evinced by the Ministry — negligence which we must hold Mr Duraett as responsible for. He knew when tbe war was to commence, and while every other Province in the Island bas been adequately furnished with the means of defence, Wellington bas been grossly neglected. It is high time thai atonement should be made, and it is to be hoped that the next steamer from the North will bring tbe required supplies. Meantime, here, in the Wairarapa, and on tbe West Coast, with proper measures of precaution employed, we are fully able to face whatever danger may be in store, and of such danger theie are already sufficiently ominous indications.