CORRESPONDENCE.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 135, 14 August 1863, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the 'Editor of the Hawke's Bay Times.

Sin, —The Country Settlers round about Napier comprised in No. 4 company of Militia, were mustered last Monday morning near Puketapu, and it certainly was an extraordinary sight to see amongst them, a young smart-looking gentleman who had served eight or nine years in her Majesty’s army, ai d retired or sold out as a caplain, standing out as a private in the Hawke’s Bay Mditia !! This would not be very remarkable or otherwise out of the case, if all the officers had been chosen from men who had served in the army, and ranked as high as the gentleman alluded to. But when we consider that the junior officers are civilians, and none of the brightest either, it is almost inconceivable. Pray can you tell me wdiat is the reason of this state of things. I, amongst others, always thought that the 400 acre gift of land to retired army or navy officers was to receive their services in case of war or other necessity arising for arming the people. I am, Sir, Yours, &c., A PRIVATE.

[Our correspondent expresses surprise at this anomalous state of things, and we imagine, from that circumstance, ;hat he must be a new-com-er to these parts. .Wc have only to say that when we see the provincial government putting “ the right man in the right place,” or otherwise conducting themselves as if the Public Service was anything but a private job, we will make a point of letting our readers hear of it. The Militia office business is nothing more or less than just a piece with all their Governmental doings, a mere — Ed.