Original Correspondence. MOUNTED POLICE.

New Zealander, Volume I, Issue 52, 30 May 1846, Page 3

Original Correspondence. MOUNTED POLICE.

To the Editor of the Nevo-Zmlander. Sir,— In a recent number of your journal, the new corps of Mounted Police was subject of your remarks in which you seemed to be of opinion, that provided the colony was not saddled with the expense, that it is not matter of much importance to the settlers, at large, to what extent the experiment is made. Conversant, as you generally appear to be, by yonr observations, with the native character and habits, I was rather astonished, that you passed unnoticed, a far more important consideration, in my opinion, than the expense, in attempting to establish a native corps,— l mean, the policy,— particularly at this -crisis, of teaching the Maoris military evolutions. ' Having been some years in the colony, myself, and observed, closely, the native character, and their peculiar tact in imitation, atid their great intelligence in learning any martial feat, which they desire to accomplish, I consider the introduction,— among the whole native population,— of military tactics by the instruction of a few, in the first instance, a most dangerous and unwise experiment. S&You will observe, — I say, markedly, — the whole nativepopulation,—for although only a few are initiated, now, at regular drill, the evolutions will be rapidly communicated, by them, to every other native with whom they may come in contact. These native Police will be found very different to their European comrades in the service. No sooner do they leave parade, than the drill, which they have just gone through, is the eugrossing theme of their conversation, as well as repeated practice ; and no 9ooner do they fancy themselves perfect, than their greatest delight is to teach all their friends, not in the service. The desire of knowledge and practice of the drill and evolutions will, thus, be spread throughout the interior; and we shall very soon have morning drill and parade, in every pah, and if, perhaps they do not become so perfectly disciplined, as Europeans, they -will learn how to act, with order, in bodies, and how to support each other, by coolness aud regularity in their movements. Now, Sir, what may be the ultimate result of this rash experiment no man can foretell. If it is the commencement of forming corps, or regiments, of mative troops, to govern the colony— with a view to ■withdraw ultimately the Qneen's regulars— a more injudicious measure could not be devised. New Zealand is not an Indian empire;— -but quite the reverse, in every respect; arising from the numerous, distinct, religious sects and different castes, throughout the latter. The New Zealander has already proved himself a most formidable foe,— -in his own wilds and fastnesses ; —and he only requires a little discipline and practice to make him equally so,— -in the open field,— to regular troops. Besides, in another point of view, it appears to me most contradictory. What has been the avowed professions of all the Secretaries of State for the Colonies since New Zealand has been under the British Government. Lord Glenelg— -Lord Normanby—Lord J. Russell, and Lord Stanley; but that every means possible should be taken to allay the warlike propensities of the natives, and to introduce amoug them the arts and blessings of peace— and those social virtues and habits which Christianity inculcates? But, now, in the sixth year of the colony,— during which time nothing, whatever, has been performed, by the Local Government, in accordance with the above sentiments and instructions, —the natives are to be taught, by the Government,— the art of war ! ! But, Sir, everything in this colony is most truly, antipodean— and bouleverse,— -contrary to all sensible, established rules and practices. However, 1 have deemed it but right to call your serious attention to this point, connected with the Mounted Police ; and I only add, — let the Local Government remember the horrid fate of the European settlers in San Domingo—accomplished, chiefly, by the native iroops of the colony. I am, Sir, &c, FORETHOUGHT. Auckland, 27th May, 1346.