DEPARTURE OF THE ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE

Hawke's Bay Weekly Times, Volume 2, Issue 89, 14 September 1868, Page 222

DEPARTURE OF THE ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE

EOB PATEA. PUBLIC MEETING IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER. Oue readers will remember that the Armed Constabulary Force were last week under orders to proceed to Petane; and, accordingly, on Wednesday last, about a dozen of them started for their new quartersr— the rest to follow on Thursday. However, on that day, Major Fraser received a telegram from Colonel Haultain, ordering hiui and his force to hold themselves in readiness to proceed to P&tea by the p.s. Sturt, which ve93el had been despatched from Wellington for the purpose of conveying the force thither. The men who had proceeded to Petane were, therefore, sent for, and arrived in town on Thursday evening. When it became generally known that the Constabulary Force had received the route for Patea, the excitement amongst the public was intense, for it was universally felt that the removal of about sixty well-disciplined men from this district at the present critical juncture, was a step in the wrong direction, and one that might possibly lead to serious consequences to this Province. It was felt, also, that it might not, even then, be too late to make a protest. againßt the carrying out of this injudicious order. Accordingly, an impromptu public meeting was called for 3 o’clock on Thursday afternoon, and in an incredibly short space of time the Council Chamber was filled, to overflowing. 'Mr Kennedy occupied the chair. He explained the object of the meeting, viz, to give the people of Napier, an opportunity of expressing their disapproval of the action of the General Government in ordering the removal of the the small force stationed in Hawke’s Bay for service at Patea, which, if carried out, would leave outlying: settlers entirely unprotected in the event of a-native outbreak in this Province. The telegram from Colonel Haultain stated that the Sturt had already left Wellington ; however, he did not think the people of Hawke’s Bay would be doing their duty if they allowed this order to be carried put without expressing their strong disapproval of the action of the. General Government. Mr Newton then moved the first resolution, which (as well as those which followed) was carried unanimously:— That this meeting desires to express a feeling of much surprise and dissatisfaction at the intelligence received from the General Government of their intention forthwith to remove from the Province Major Eraser’s troop of Mounted Constabulary—at a time when the outlying district of Te Wairoa is without protection in a time of great need.

Mr Cuff moved—

That a telegram be at once. transmitted -by the chairman of this meeting to his Honor Donald M'Lean, Esq., containing the first resolution, and earnestly but respectfully praying the General Government to reconsider their determination to remove the detachment of Constabulary under Major Eraser, and requesting that the same be allowed to remain for the protection of the province. - The Chairman read the following telegram, which had been received from his Honor the Superintendent:— ■Wellington, Thursday, 3.15 p.m. Captain Kennedy, Napier— Inform the public at the meeting that Mr Ormond and I did our utmost to prevent the-removal of Major Eraser and his-force. We formally protested against it as likely to lead to serious consequences. Ministers, however, persisted in sending them, and the Sturt has gone from here to embark the force. The public of Hawke’s Bay have good ground for complaint.. (Signed) Donald M'Lean. • Mr Sutton moved— That this meeting desires to record its thanks to the members for the district in the General Assembly for having, in the present unsettled state of the province, protested against the removal of the Armed Constabulary Eorce.

Messrs Newton, Cuff G. B. Worgan, jun., and others addressed the meeting,—■ the last-named gentleman pointing out in forcible terms thattlie Armed Constabulary Force was urgently needed at Wairoa. The Chairman quite concurred with whafc Mr Worgan had said, that the force'was required at Wairoa. A vote of. thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.

Later on Thursday evening the following telegram was received from his Honor the Superintendent:— ~ t . . Wellington, Thursday, 7.30 pjn. Captain Kennedy, Napier,— I have received proceedings of public meeting, and will at once submit them, as requested, to the General Government,’ with a request that they will re-consider what has been done respecting the removal of Major Eraser and the force under his command. The action taken hy the Government in this matter is much deprecated by the Hawke’s Bay members. • • •■(Signed). Donald M‘Lean.

Early on' Saturday morning the paddle steamer Sturt arrived- in the roadstead, and entered. the Iron Pot shortly. before noon. About 2 p.'m./ the; Constabulary Force, tinder command of Major. Fraser and Captain Bichardson, were marched to the Eastern §pit, being , aocompanied .by the: Napier Brass; Band, playing several popular airs. The Sturt being alongside the Government Wharf the. work of embarkation was soon ’ accomplished. The men havipg received . some, pay, and the demands ; of. numerous creditors; being satisfied, the,Sturt cast-off from (He. iwfiarfi' and at 3.15 p.m. orossed the bar,; amidst loud and.prolqnged cheers from the : large concourse of. people oa shore, whichVwere heartily responded to by the gallant/feU lows who have gone to encounter; 'the rebels on .the .West CoasW May success attend Major Fraser aridflis brave band, whose Bafe rieturn to Napier'weTbope ©/q long to be able to chconicU. ‘ '