PREPARATIONS IN THE EVENT OF WAR.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5313, 5 April 1878, Page 2

PREPARATIONS IN THE EVENT OF WAR.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE HEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —No w that the voice of the English Government has gone forth to the colonies it seems high time that some one should stir the people up to readiness in the event of any surprise ; and do not let us suppose that we may depend upon the vessels of war cruising on these waters under the British flag, should England become involved in a desperate struggle, as they would certainly recall all available vessels Home, as they do officers and men, so that we will have a very scanty protection, unless we depend upon our own resources and the hardihood and determination of every man settled as a colonist. But what are we to do—when and what provision is made for repelling a foe—where would a colonist find arms and ammunition to protect himself and his belongings should it be required ? Every man in the colony should be able to put his hand on a rifle at any moment ; in fact, should have it at his command so as to use it immediately if necessary, following the example of the American colonists, who accustomed themselves to the use of arms and did good service in the struggle against the British troops. God forbid that it should be against the mother country, but against any foe who would trespass upon our colonial liberty that we should take up arms. Men might be at liberty to practise at any time, —not that strict military discipline is required in a rough country like ours, and it would certainly do more harm than good, as men do not like to be called from their work to go and perform certain so-called military evolutions, without knowing their meaning. Too much 11 leather collarism” will never do colonial sharpshooters one whit of good ; but they must be free to action and drill, and should take as an example of fortitude and courage the American or Spanish guerilla, or the Scottish covenanters, who were able to repel and keep superior disciplined troops at bay, and harass the very life out of their armies.—X am, &c.,