NORTHERN NEWS.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2109, 8 February 1870, Page 2

NORTHERN NEWS.

“On the Governor's return from the Thames,” writes the Lyttelton Times' correspondent, “ he found the Challenger, Blanche, and Virago at anchor in the Bay, on the dreaded removal of the troops business. The Virago had instructions to remove at once our portion of the ISth Regiment, but at his Kxcellency’s suggestion, backed by the representations of the Colonel, new arrangements were made. A delay of some weeks was obtained, when Sir George Jnqrcs that something may turn up to enable him to carry his wish, viz., securing one detachment for New Zealand for duty here. The realisation of this last hope will not, however, I think, lie confirmed. Sir George feels keenly on the point, and thinks that an Imperial Governor without Imperial military attendance is like a judge without policemen. The Auckland people take the departure of the troops with unconcern. The loss of the regimental band—a very good one by-the-by —is held generally a “ bore,” but no further regrets are expressed on the question. Fort Britomart has however been formally handed to the colonial authorities, and will be used as a depot and barracks for the Armed Constabulary. ” Mentioning the latter force reminds me of the presence here of Mr St. John Branigan, the new chief of that bod} 7 . Air Branigan has been in town some time. He is making a tour of inspection throughout the island, visiting the various stations of the constabulary, observing and improving as he goes, and, it is said, with successful discernment. He was engaged during several days recruiting for the Wellington , depot, where the newly-joined men are sent for a probationary term, to be rejected or drafted to various stations according to their qualifications. Large gaps in the force have to be filled up, as a systematic weeding out of unsuitable members has been necessary to render the corps thoroughly efficient for its intended purpose. It was Originslly raised in a rough and tumble manner, without any system, and it proved generally both expensive and ineffective. Air Branigan’s standard is a high one, morally and physically, and he is difficult to please in his selection. His perception in detecting unsuitable aspirants to military honours is said to be remarkable. Alilitia officers of all grades swarm in our city, and LieutenantColonels particularly are as plentiful as blackberries. The Commissioner of the new force, however, does not at all appear anxious to secure their services, which are freely offered, even for his rank and file. The general opinion here is, that the new system—the Irish Armed Constabulary—will suit exactly the requirements of the Colony, and that no better man could have been selected to introduce it than Air Branigan. Our volunteer organisation is far from flourishing ; yet we have an expensive and cumbrous machinery—a Alilitia staff presided over by a Colonel commanding, who draws a large salary, and whose time is generally his own ; another expensive legacy of the lata Administration. It appears now recognised that the combination of the defensive force with the police of the various provinces will be by far the most inexpensive and effective method. There is an agitation on foot towards endeavoring to do away with tho police of this Province, by obtaining the services of the Armed Constabulary in ita stead. Such a plan, if adopted, would go far to save the taxpayer’s pocket, while ensuring greater security to life and property, in country districts especially. Air Branigan is anxious to see the Irish system carried out in almost its entirety, and if properly established, it is thought that it will prove the most suitable for the requirements of this island.

Mr B. D. Danvers, late an officer in tho Chatham Island guard, has written to the Southern Cross as an authority on the point, to state that from the description given byMr Firth. ho clearly recognises the man he conversed with at Thompson’s monument as the veritable Te Kooti, the Chatham Island prisoner.