HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 434, 11 June 1879, Page 2

HAWERA.

(from our own correspondent.) A largely attended meeting was held at the Hawera Town Hall on Saturday to meet Major Noake, and to discuss means of defence, &c. Mr. J. U. Lysaght was voted to the chair, and opened the meeting by briefly stating what they were called together for. He said Major Noake had received instructions from the Government to come to this district and enroll Volunteers, and he hud assured him (the chairman) that as the month-piece of the Government he could inform all those that volunteered now would not have to go out of the district, but, would bo merely to stay at home as a defence for their homos &c. The Chairman said the number that were enrolled at the meeting last evening was thirty-two. and he called upon those present that intended to join to do so at once, as it would save a good deal of time and trouble. Major ,Noake here came into the'room, and was introduced to th« public. He said that the intention of the Government was, to enroll Volunteers to defend their town and property and not to leave the. district. He showed that to defend their homes they would have to be organised, and that he could assure them that none of them would be sent across the river. He then went on to say that the volunteers had: a great advantage in electing their own officers, and he would impress upon them that they should elect a man that they could look up to as a gentleman, a man without a stain to his name, and one that they could trust. Major Noake then concluded his remarks by stating that any peison that wished to ask him any questions he would answer them to thevbest of his ability, and in accordance with the instructions from Government. Mr King asked what class of arms would be served out to the Volunteers? Major'Noake said that the local corps would he supplied with Eufields, those who went into the field would have Sneiders, but it was his intention to recommend to -the Government that all should he armed with the Sneider, Ho would also inform them that to-morrow (Sunday) he would issue 100 stand of arms, with ammunition, for those who joined the Volnnterrs at Hawera, and fifty for Normanby. (Applause.) Lieut. Lukis enquired that if the Hawera Light Horse were required tor active service would they.-receive pay 7 Major Noake said undoubtedly they Wtldy Sfid he would recommend all young men who could ride to join ,the

Cavalry, as they would he the most- important body in the district. A few more questions were asked and answered, ami then Mr Lysaght, read out the names of those who had enrolled themselves last night, and called upon those who intended to join to do so now. A great rush was made, for both Cavalry and Infantry lists, the numbers i being sworn in were—Cavalry fourteen, (making. ,the Cavalry about seventy strong)" and fifty for the Infantry (which would make them about eighty strong.) Major Noake then asked those who had not joined to leave the room for the purpose ef electing the Officers for the Infantry. It was proposed and seconded that Mr Jas. Livingstone be elected Captain, and carried unanimously, there not being one single dissent. Major Noake said that he had had the pleasure of knowing Mr Livingstone for some years, and he was confident that they could not get a better man, and he begged to congratulate them. (Cheers and loud applause.) Mr Livingstone said that as they had elected him he would do his best. (Applause). It was resolved that the election for the other Officers should be postponed tor a few days. The meeting then closed.

Parade of both Cavalry and Infantry were held on Sunday. The number of Cavalry turned up were fifty-seven, Infantry about sixty. The latter company elected the remainder of their officers, Mr Watts was elected First Lieutenant, and Mr C. Johnston, Second Lieutenant. There is no doubt that the Infantry here used great judgment in electing their officers. Their Captain, Mr Livingstone, is a man universally liked and looked up to, he is also an old military settler, and consequently has seen a good deal of Maori warfare. Mr Watts has not been a resident of the place long, but I am informed he has had some experience in the field. Mr Johnston is another of the oldest settlers in the district; he also has had experience in Maori warfare. Captain Bayly’s absence has consequently obliged the Cavalry to accept nis resignation (which I believe lie left behind in case of war) and Captain J. Wilson has been elected in his stead. Captain Wilson is one of the oldest soldiers in the district. Having been through the last Taranaki War, and being raised up so much in native affairs since then, he is undoubtedly the best man to put at the head of a Cavalry Regiment. Several settlers have brought their families into town, great uneasiness being felt at the state of affairs. I have just been informed that the number of Infantry Volunteers has amounted to between 120 and 130.