To the Editor of the Hawke's Bay Times.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 150, 27 November 1863, Page 6 (Supplement)

To the Editor of the Hawke's Bay Times.

Sie, —In these troublous times it behoves the Government, and us (the settlers) too, to be “awake and active,” and “prepared for any emergency.” The recent evacuation of Meremere has, naturally, created feelings of uneasiness and anxiety among the settlers of this Province ; perhaps those who are resident in the town are not alarmed, but those who are located in all the out-districts are, and they have good cause for such alarm, seeing that they are, in a manner speaking, totally unprepared for any raid or attack which rebellious natives may make upon them in an unknown hour. My main object in making these few remarks is to urge upon the “powers that be” the necessity of serving out a given number of rounds of ammunition to all of the Militia and Volunteers in the Province, so as to make them in some degree prepared for the enemy, should he ever have the audacity to enter the Province with hostile intentions. I hope, sir, you will also urge this upon the Government, for it is absolutely necessary that something should be done, and that quickly. “ Prevention is better than cure.” I am, sir, yours truly, A MILITIAMAN.