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Dunstan Times, Issue 381, 6 August 1869, Page 2

The resolution moved by Mr. Fox, ancnt, the retention in the colony of the 18th Regiment was not carried too soon, especially if the late Native intelligence is ever so remotely reliable. The junction of the King forces with those of Te Kooti, and a general rising in the Waikato would soon bring matters to a crisis, and render the withdrawal of the troops an act of extreme danger to the Colony. Of ;.&uch moment do the Government consider this movement of the enemy, that immediately that Mr. Fox’s resolution had passed the Council, they despatched Dr. Featherstone to Melbourne, as special Commissioner there to personally represent to General Sir Trevor Chute, the Commander of Her Majesty’s.forces hr Australia, the disastrous consequenc-'s which might follow the removal of the Regiment, Dr. Featherstone being also empowered to stipulate for the payment of the troops for a period of five years, or until such time as the desires of the Imperial Government are made known. The withdrawal of the last of the Imperial Regiments, especially knowing that we are threatened with a fresh uprising of the natives would naturally create in the minds of these savages an impression that we were weak and easily to be conquered, and that the opportunity for subduing us had arrived, especially that the Home Government had abandoned us to our fate, they could not but naturally arrive at the conclusion that the right moment was at hand for a spontaneous movement on their part, and the carrying out of the old threat of recovering possession of the North Island by driving every white inhabitant into the sea, was now easy of accomplishment. When we come to consider that a savage man instinctively looks upon an enemy as a thing to be destroyed, rather than conquered, and the extermination of a foe a mere expedient of warfare, consequences the most frightful might result in out lying localities bordering the disturbed districts. To dispense with the Imperial troops becomes therefore an impossibility, and even if only retained for

garrison duty, their presence is extremely desirable as ti wholesome check upon the enemy. Whatever previously may have been the difference of’opinion each conflicting party in the House seems fully alive to the necessity of Mr. Fox’s measure, as the majorities for the resolution bear ample testimony, while a similar feeling prevails in the Council. We can only therefore hope that Dr. Featherston’s mission may prove successful, and the cannibal savages prevented from committing further n'Dciiies by the creation of a ffitlss impression of our weakness. That we shall ultimately succeed in suppressing the robe linn, there can be no two opinions, time alone will accomplish this without our ever .preeipitating’mattters by seeking an engagement. The policy of retaining what we can conveniently keep and act only on the defensive is without’doubt wisest course to pursue and promises the easiest solution of the Native difficulty.