DRURY.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 85, 28 August 1863, Page 3

DRURY.

1 " " " August Bth. Colonel Carey, of the 18th, arrived here yesterday, and being, Lieut.- Colonel it was supposed that he would take command of the forces, but for the present the Colonel returns to take charge in Auckland, and I cannot but congratulate him, in the present awful state of ihe camp ; not that he appears a man whose own comfort would weigh an atom in regard lo public duty. Colonel Carey has lived long at the Cape and has seen considerable service. Being a man of much energy, lie seems well suited for any emergency. Our militia and volunteer bodies are very genaraliy discussing- the piopriety and justice of the new Waikato military settlements being open to them also. biurely our own colonists, who have been driven from their homes and property, and have entered the arena of warfare, should possess the same advantages as new-comers brought here for a special object, The subject requires ventilation. The General is expected down this morning, and his tent has been pitched in readiness for his arrival. We shall not therefore have him at the hotel. I believe a redoubt with trenches is about to be formed completely round the camp, and the forces will thus be concentrated. One house here, Mr. Farmers's lodge house, about a quarter to half a mile from Drury, is now inhabited by nearly forty females and children, and is really -very indifferently guarded. Doubtless it would be infinitely better that they should not be there at all, but as lhcir husbands, brothers, &c, are either in the Militia or forming into cor^s to defend their own neighbourhoods, what are they to do ? for no provision seems to be made for such cases in or near Auckland. I have a great dread of settlers getting an idea of safety fiotn the lull and apparent quiet of the ptesent time,andbeing induced to return to their houses, for 1 am convinced if they do so, they may have cause to regret it. We have constantly to bear in mind that the real struggle has not begun yet.