New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Wednesday, September 30, 1846.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 122, 30 September 1846, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Wednesday, September 30, 1846.

W»i very much question, at this present juncture, the prudence or expediency of disbanding the militia. We shall, perhaps, be told that the Superintendent in taking; this step has merely obeyed his instructions, but there can be little doubt that a discretionary power was entrusted to him as to time, that the militia was to be disbanded whenever practicable, and . on this point the whole question rests. Because there is at present a cessation of hostilities, ii may be the calm before a storm» the Superintendent assumes the country to be in a state of peace, and therefore that the services of the militia are no longer required. But has Rangihacata dispersed his band, has he given up all further thoughts of fighting ? Is it not, on the contrary, nocorious that the general impression among the natives is that \ the war is only beguu ? And is such a period the best calculated for taking such a I decided step ? One of the first consequences of this measure is the abandonment of the stockades and outposts in the occupation of the militia, thus remoring one of the principal safeguards against a sudden attack.' This is particularly to be noted in the valley of the Hutt, where the chief danger is to be apprehended. Indeed, a sort of half consciousness of danger appears to have been awakened- in the Superintendent for we are informed' he intends leaving a sergeant and eight men as a guard at the Taita. Now this is precisely one of those half measures which reveals a knowledge of the danger without providing a remedy ; for if the Taita were properly garrisoned it would be impossible for the rebels to approach the' cultivated portions of the Hutt from the upper part of the valley without their receiving a check at this point, and a timely warning being ghen of their coming, but it cannot be supposed that nine men could hold this post against a sudden attack. But there is another point connected with the valley of the Hutt to which we have on a former occasion directed the attention of the Superintendent, and which we would again earnestly press on the local authorities, in the hope that the suggestion will not be without its effect. It is well known that during the late disturbances on the Hutt, a principal reason for the frequent incursions of the rebels was the dcs re to obtain food, ! and their old cultivations from which they had been expelled served them as a depot whence to obtain supplies. It is also known that in the last skirmish which took place between the military under Captain Reid and the rebels, the latter were engaged in obtaining supplies of food when the military approached. We urged strongly at the time, and we know the same advice was given by tther persons whose opinions are entitled to consideration, that these potatoes should either be removed or destroyed. Very little was then done', and it may be pleaded in excuse that the presence of the enemy rendered the execution of this, measure difficult or impracticable. The same excuse does not exist now. " The altered and more pacific state of the country " renders it imperative on the local authorities to prevent these old cultivations from agairraffording sustenance to the rebels ; no time should be lost, no exertion spared in destroying the potatoes now in the ground, which if suffered to remain will in two months time be an invitation to the rebels to renew their hostilities in this quarter from the facilities which will exist for obtaining supplies of food. The Superintendent's order will not bear minute criticism, but we may notice that by a. species of, logic quite his own, lie conceives that the high discipline of a corps which he, has broken up, " cannot fail to give a feeling of security tq-the community." If the corps were^maintamed in its former state of

efficiency and discipline, it would afford -ample grounds to the community, to repose in full security on the willing and efficient aid of their fellow citizens. Muefi" time, great exertion and expense were- required* to organise the militia, on a sudden the men are dispersed to their several occupations, and it is idle to suppose that having been so suddenly disbanded, they can as uddenly be summoned together again in the same efficient stats of discipline. The militia could have been usefully employed under their own .officers in constructing portions of the projected roads. As a corps, the work would have advanced more n«pidly and more' efficiently, and the controlling superintendence of their officers would have ' een mote, pomplete.. than if the same persons were employed merely as labourers, while, their efficiency, in the event of military operations'being again renewed, would be fully maintained. A spirit of emulation, 1 of laudable rivalry, might have been excited, in the execution of these works. which might have been safely encouraged since its effect would have been to piomote the public good % But these ad* vantages are lost ; a few months will suffice to shew whether any real saving will be effected by disbanding them at the present junctuie.

Liwut. Col. JM'Clevertv has assumed the command of the troops in this district.

The Government Brig, which has for the last few days been lying at anchor at the heads, returned yesterday morning. She will sail in a day or two for Taranaki and Auckland. ,

If is reported that the Calliope will proceed again to Ponrua towards the latter end of the week.

Wellington Savings Bank. — Mr. Chas. Suisted, Mr. J. Sutton, Mr. W. Swainson, and Mr. A/M'Donald, the ' Managers in rotation, will 'attend to receive deposits ?»t .Mr. Rosa's office, from seven to eight o'clock on Saturday evening, the 3rd Oct., and' at the Union Bank of Australia, from twelve to one o'clock on Monday forenoon, the sth October. We are also requested to give notice that the monthly meeting of the Superintending Committee will take place at Barrett's Hotel, on Monday evening,, the sth inst., at Eight o'clock.