OFFICERS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 140, 18 September 1863, Page 6 (Supplement)

OFFICERS.

To the Editor of the New Zealander. Sm, —As we may expect 1,500 well selected men from the Australian colonies to assist in subduing the natives, it becomes a very serious question as to whom should be entrusted the appointment of officers. Without efficient and courageous officers, men and money will be thrown away. Would not the proper person be our Commander-in-Chief, assisted by General Gallo-

way and one or two of the senior Colonels of those serving in the imperial army. They wifi be free from political blindness and local influence. Hitherto, in most cases, the appointments have been made as so many pounds, shillings, and pence to the happy recipients, without the slightest reference to their fitness for the office. And this is the reason so many mistakes are made in the management of the militia and other local forces too numerous to name. Yours, &c., EXQUIIiEE. To the Editor of the New Zealander. Sm, —I am a mechanic, and earn at my trade 12s. to 14s. per day. Of course I am in the militia. lam sent out on duty and receive 2s. Gd. per day, well, I don’t grumble at that, we must all give something up : there is not a private in the militia but what gives up two-thirds of his earnings while on duty, but a lad just from school is put over him ; he cannot carry a gun, he is too weak, and they give him a small sword, the smaller the better as he cannot use it; they call him an Ensign, but ho is more like an ensign staff. Now this boy never earned a shilling in his life, he gives nothing up, but receives five shillings per day, all gain to him, whereas I, and others, who can meet a Maori, give up ten shillings or eleven shillings per day. Is that right ? Give us Captains and Lieutenants that can lead us. Boys at sixteen are as bad as old military officers that have for the last twenty years been growing potatoes. Yours, &e., Faie Plat.