The Evening Star FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1871.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2492, 10 February 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1871.

Amongst the subjects only imperfectly known in the Middle Island, are the proceedings of the General Government in respect to the Armed Constabulary force of the Colony. We have had plenty of alarms lately—many of them apparently for purely electioneering purposes. Some of our contemporaries are evidently haunted with the spectre of a Native war ; at the same time being very industrious in pointing out how much more costly the war expenses of the present Government are than those of the last Administration. We are quite open to believe that insurrection may break out at any moment; for when civilised nations can be induced to waste each other’s lands on the most trifling pretences, or men born and educated among civilised and polished races can be found ready to destroy public buildings out of wantonness of revenge, no one can wonder that untutored savages may bo dangerous and uncomfortable neighbors. But as the true test of the utility of any Administration is the energy and success of its measures, the defence arrangements of the Fox Government stand in very favorable contrast to those of their predecessors. We have always maintained that the Stafford Ministry erred through want of preparation, and through laxity of discipline in the forces. As some slight excuse it must not be forgotten that they were under the disadvantage of having to initiate the self-reliant system ; but they were evidently not equal to meeting the contingencies consequent upon a change of plan. They had old habits to change—habits of thought, of action, and of organisation with which they had become identified : they leaned upon men who had traditional ideas of conducting warfare ; and though there is every reason to believe they would have conquered a peace, it must have been at immense cost to the Colony, and probably through the extermination of a large portion of the Maoris. We have before us, in the Appendix to the Journal of the House of Representatives, the report of the Commissioner of the Armed Constabulary, containing a brief summary of the steps taken to render that force more efficient. Without going into useless details, we may state that it is now modelled on the basis of the Royal Irish Constabulary system, modified to adapt it to the Colony. A depot was first established for instruction ; then the North Island was divided into districts, and one officer appointed in each, to command the combined forces of Armed Constabulaiy, Militia, and Volunteers. This officer has under his control the messing, clothing, and barrack arrangements of the men under his command. On the Commissioner first visiting the several stations throughout the island, he found that there was “an uneasy, “ unsettled feeling in all ranks.” The men neglected the means of comfort, and seemingly considering the service merely temporary, took little interest in it. He explained that his object was to organise a small, highly-trained force, which, through superiority in intelligence and discipline, would supply the place of numbers. That, as an inducement to really good men, permanent employment and prospect of promotion would be secured to each. To realise these ends, the first step was to dispense with those proved to be of bad or indifferent character; those reported by their officers to be useless; those unfit physically, through disease or constitution, of performing the work. On taking the command in July, 18(59, the force, which numbered 1460, was reduced by this means, and by the discharge of men at their own request, to 542 ; which however was increased by subsequent enlistments to 77G—the number in June, 1870. We have frequently had to notice the motley character of the Colonial force hastily got together when the war under Mr Stafford’s administration broke out. No doubt many persons may have thought the statement made for purely party purposes. They will hardly, however, doubt the truth of a parliamentary return ; and as such an one exists, and is somewhat of a curiosity in its way, never likely again to turn up in New Zealand, we will give its brief results. It is entitled “Numerical Return of “ Men of the Armed Constabulary dis- “ charged for Drunkenness, Arc., since “ the Ist July, 1869,” to 30th June, 1870, These dismissals took place in consequence of the representations of their own officers, and were as follows : —Discharged for drunkenness, 330 ; discharged for uselessness, 263 ; discharged for insubordination, 38, Total, 631—out of a force of 1460 ! Who can tell the real cost of such a set 1 If Maoris can be beaten, as they were beaten, by such instruments, there is no need to be continually quaking about Native wars.

To Correspondents.—We have received “ Otagoniau’s ” and other letters on the same subject, but as it is now in course of investigation before a legal tribunal, we cannot consistently publish them.

School Treat.— The Sunday School Children of the Port Chalmers Congregational Church, received their annual treat yesterday. The upper floor of the bonded store was obtained, and the children were provided with tea, cakes, lollies, fruit and other good things in abundance. Carnes were carried on which were thoroughly enjoyed by all present. The Mails.—Referring to a statement from a correspondent published in yesterday’s issue, on enquiry of the Chief Postmaster we find that the number of letters by the Taranaki (the mail complained of) was 10G4; the books, DO ; and newspapers, 1058. The letters were ready for delivery in less than three-quarte s of an hour. We feel it only justice to the department to give this explanation. Building Societies. —lt is satisfactory to note the progress, of the various Building Societies in Dunedin ; inasmuch as depressed as has been the condition of trade during the past 12 mouths, they indicate the certain growth of wealth in the paid of the people. Ro better means of investment for savings can be proposed than arc offered by by these societies, because whilst paying a larger rate of interest, the money is absolutely secure. The first annual report of the Commercial Building and Mutual Investment Society, has been published, and certainly shews results in the highest degree satisfactory. Shares to the extent of 1385 appear to have been taken up during the year, and the Directors have advanced to members the sum of L 3770 on approved security. With a view to the enlargement of the usefulness of the Society, the Directors require loans on debentures for 3, 8, and 12 months, at 6, 7, and S per cent, interest. Considering the ample security offered by the Society, there is no doubt that its debentures will be eagerly sought for by the public.