THE WAIRARAPA.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 136, 21 August 1863, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE WAIRARAPA.

[From the New Zealand Advertiser, 11th Augustj. We regret to learn that the settlers in the district who are living at a distance from neighbors are frightening themselves on dark nights by expecting hostile visits from the Maories ; and we consider that the auauthorities are criminally negligent in not putting the district in some state of defence. We have received a letter from a settler on this subject, dated August 7, which we have reason to believe expresses the views of the small farmers, resident in the Wairarapa. It is as follows : Sin, —Seeing all the districts in this Province are supplied with arms, &c. can you inform us why we are left to our own fate ? What is the reason the militia is not called out here, as well as at the Hutt and other places? Is it because some people’s sheep may suffer by so doing. We are not afraid of the natives who are here, but if Wi Tako should send his men here we are not prepared to meet them, or if the Waikatos should come we have no chance with them in our present state. Can anything be done for us, or must we be left to perish by the hands of the natives ? Is the Superintendent empowered to call out the militia in this district, and, if so, why does he not do it ? I suppose we shall be told it will excite the natives ? If Wi Tako comes, we shall be excited too, but it will be too late. Does the Superintendent value the lives of sheep more than the lives of the settlers ? Ee this as it may, if we fall through the neglect of those who ought to have provided against it, who shall be answerable for the lives that may be lost —certainly those who should have put us in a state of defence. We think there should be a block-house built for our protection, a place where the women and children may be in safety. If there is nothing done for our safety, I thing there are many who will go where they may be more secure.