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Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 435, 14 June 1879, Page 2

The manner p which the whole of the settlers from Taranaki to Waitntara have come forward to take up arms in defence of their county’', is a deed that will long be rememberej. Maori warfare is not a novelty, therefore the eagerness to handle weapons caunlt be attributed to that, but there is a determination amongst the settlers to have satisfaction in one shape or another froii the Maoris. Old and young have com) forward—aye, from the boy of 16 to the grey-headed old man of 60 ; and although it is not a pleasing sight to see those so acvancud in years having to take up arms, yet it is an act that will ever be recollected to their glory’. Much is now being said about the firm stand Government is making ; but we would ask this question—ls it not the settler, and not Government, who has put the country in its present state of defence? We say the Government are entitled to no praise for their actionthis matter ; they were simply compelled to follow out the demands of the people, and a Ministry’ that requires driving to do that which is urgently necessary, is not fit to hold that responsible position. The settlers may safely take all credit to themselves ; and although there may not be one who wishes to see a war, there is not a man who would not die in defence of his country.