To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, August 29, 1845.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 47, 30 August 1845, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, August 29, 1845.

Sir, —l am informed by a person on whose statement reliance may be placed, that the natives who at present usurp the Hutt district, are yery much amused at the marching of the military and militia along the Pitone road, both parties with unloaded muskets, and the latter without bayonets, and that one of these maories remarked to a Hutt squatter on Monday last, how easy it would be for a body of armed natives to kill the white men if they suddenly rushed on them from the hills on the side of the road. The militia force has now been embodied more than three months, during which perioi we have been in constant expectation of an attack, and yet the men have not been provided even with scabbards for their bayonets! Supposing a surprise had been attempted on the day of the last " route march," it is most f>robable that after the natives had fired a voley, they would have rushed on our men with their tomahawks : the white men having so few bayonets amongst them, it is not unreasonable to suppose that most of them would have been cut to pieces. " I am no alarmist;" but knowing well that the most powerful native chiefs not only justify, but glory in treacherous warfare, I feel that we cannot be too much on our guard at all times and in all situations,

We are all exceedingly indebted to Captains Russell, Eyton, and the officers of the 96th and 58th regiments, for the persevering and patient manner in which they have superintended the drill of the militia, and I believe there is not a man in the place but would (in case of need) be but too glad to march under thena and the officers of the militia ; but it may be suggested that the open fern-country between Te Aro and the Happy Valley would be safer for exercising than either the Fitone or Porirua roads. It must not be forgotten that there is a native path from Porirua harbour and the Hutt, on which an immense body of natives might travel (crossing to the Pitone road, or going direct to the Hutt valley, near Mason's section) without the knowledge of the out-settlers. I am, Sir, yours, &c, A Bushman.