CORRESPONDENCE.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 295, 7 August 1865, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

■We shall always feel pleasure in affording space for the free discussion of all subjects affecting the prosperity and progress of the province and colony, not endorsing any opinions expressed in this portion of our columns and always reserving to ourselves the right to curtail any expression wanting in courtesy on the part of the writer. * All communications must he accompanied hy the name “and address of the writer in confidence, and as a guarantee of good faith. pro the Editor of the Hawke’s Bay Times.]

glß, —Permit me to make a few remarks regardin the Hawke's Bag Militia. We are called out himohthly for manual and platoon exercise, but no mention is made of rifle practice; mhich, I think, is a very important part. What is the use of so much ornamental drill, and no ball practise at all ? There are plenty in the Militia who never fired a shot out of a rifle in their lives. Where would we be if called upon to take an active part in the “ play" that is now going on. Why we should be as bad shits as the Maoris. Although the Government can manage to find arms and ammunition for them, we militiamen cannot get any either given or told to us—at least as far as the country settlers are concerned. And why ? Is it because the natives are more loyal subjects than we are. and more to he trusted I Or is the Government afraid tha t we should kill too many of their “ dear children." I am. Sir, yours truly, Brssrzi. Puhetapu, July 23,1865.