THE NATIVE CAVALRY.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 13, Issue 651, 28 January 1869, Page 2

THE NATIVE CAVALRY.

We regard the formation of a troop of native cavalry on the West Coast as a mistake on the part of the Government. The only valid reasons for the employment of native contingents in our operations against the rebels will not apply to a cavalry troop, while all the objections that may be urged against such practice will apply with tenfold force against it when mounted. If it be said that a Maori can follow the rebels through a dense bush better than a European can, or a native contingent can by its skill in bush travelling better surround the rebel position and cut off his chances of escape—these things can only apply to a foot corps; horses will not in any way aid them in such work. But if, on the other hand, it be said, as is often the case, that there are traitors amongst the so-called friendly natives, who are in frequent or constant communication with the rebels —who not only keep them fully informed of our movements, but give them well-timed supplies of ammunition, arms, and the sinews of war, as far as it lies in their power to do —it is at once evident that the supplying such men with horses will add immensely to their power for mischief, especially if it be true that they can come and go as they please, and ride anywhere over the country without being called upon to give any account of their doings. It is so far' satisfactory to learn that the misunderstanding that existed between the Wanganui cavalry and their commanding officer, regarding the native corps, has been removed, and it is to be hoped that nothing of the same kind will again occur. In cases like this the wisest plan is to take things which cannot well be altered as they are, and make the best of them. If by any means the formation of the native corps could have been prevented, it would have been well; but, having been already formed, the only thing left is to try and work well together with it.