TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 292, 16 December 1870, Page 2

TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Feliow Colonists, —In the very probable event of a general European war, by which our existence as aa almost independent colony of the British Empire may be imperilled, (he question naturally arises in wliafc stale of defence and preparation are we to meet and repel attack ? To commence with the cavalry : Is there in either island a properly armed, drilled, and mounted troop ? I have had 6ome opportunity of seeing this branch of the service during the last ten years, and I have no hesitation in saving that, except ill one instance, —a troop in the North Island—there is not a man who goes properly armed oveu to the inspection parades. The consequence is, that instead of being taught the use of their arms on horseback and made available as mounted riflemen, they come to parade dressed in purple flannel and bombnzine, carrying only a sword, leaving their revolvers and carbines at home, from inability to use them. Nor do they as a body shine in manoeuvres. Who that a1 tended the last Queen's birthday parade, will forget the ridiculous figure cut by the cavalry drawn up in line! On the crest of a hill to bo unsaddled by the first fire of the supposed enemy, from the hill, not two hundred yards in their front. If the public like these sham fight exhibitions, the movements should be prepared so as to bo as like the reality as possible, and not a ridiculous farce._ If a Volunteer Artillery force is raised in the colony, it should be an efficient one, and the gnns properly housed with the limbers and wagrgons, which should, on all occasions, be on parade. 1 have never yet seen tho waggons out with the guns on any occasion, they being left behind to rot from exposure and neglect. The material for having good infantry rifle corps is better, as regard the physique of the men, in New Zealand than any other colony ; but who will say conscientiously that there is a company properly armed, equipped, and drilled, so as to be able to take the field against a civilised foe to-morrow? A little more skirmishing drill, with supports and reserves at proper distances, not huddled, as they generally are, in a heap, with only ten or twenty yards between eitherbody will show less of the barrack yard drill, and make the men more efficient when called on in earnest. What is wanted nt the present time is the meeting for consecutive drill of as many men as can be conveniently got together of all arms of the service. They should bo taught to work together, both in camp and in the field, and a fcvi'tvnitrM <"t'*--- •** •tJ-'Ai.vfcfrSljAjS^i'c-ciio-MANILLA. BPJolonists feel confid - i , r^e .few than the present ridiculous t*sVsloin, which, if continued, will expose us to 'oe helplessly plundered by requisitions from any armed ship an enemy may choose to send against us. The enormous amount placed for defence on tho estimates should provide the colony with at least 3000 infantry, 500 cavalry, and 500 artillery, to be on pay and drill for a month in the year, instead of which it is frittered away chiefly in the vast charge for the Coastabulavy—whims of Gisborne and McLean, which never yet have proved, under the present system of auy use but to bully old women whoso cows are at large, or whose goats have suapped their picket lashings. XXX.