STRENGTH OF THE NATIVES.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 89, 11 September 1863, Page 6 (Supplement)

STRENGTH OF THE NATIVES.

The Nero Sealander thus alludes to the numbers and resources of the Natives : — Let us first, then, look at the numbers that an intelligent and energetic man like William Thompson may be able to lead against Auckland, and whom lie is so successfully inciting that "To Auckland! To Auckland!' 1 is their urgent cry. The following is a carefully considered estimate : — "Waikato, including " Ngatihaua, may furnish (fighting men) - 2,500 Mokau ----- 300 Taranaki," including Ngatiruanui, Wanganui and Ngatiawa - 1,000 Taupo 400 Thames and Gulf of Houraki - 800 Rotorua ----- 500 East Coast .... 2,000 7,500 This estimate has not been loosely prepared, but ; on the contrary, by reference to Mr. Fenton's work on native statistics, the enumeration will be found to be rather under than over the mark. Here then, we have a native army of 7,500 men ; and, cutting off one-third, if necessary, even 5,000 would be found a powerful array for our scattered line of defenders to encounter and arrest, and rescue Auckland from panic, pillage, incendiarism, and partial slaughter. Granted — ome 'objecting hypercritic may say — that William Thompson.may mass his 5,000, 6,000 or 7,000 menHow is he to move ? How is he to feed them, and in what direction is the stroke likely to fall ? We have a ready answer to these and other objections ; and we brinjj them forward not to provoke ' controversy but to incite our rulers and fellow colonists to arouse aud guard themselves against the murderous designs of their infuriated foes. Thompson and his confederates have, it is said, been as skilful in arranging their as in sending forth their summons for collection of their forces. Their supplies have been organised so as to feed them to within thirty miles of the city. Even outside our lines they will find farms forsaken, flocks of sheep and herds of cattle left untented ; and on beef, mutton, pork, and fern root they can fare sumptuously as far as Taupo on the Thames, after which they will fall upon the abundant stores that have so long been providing by their Auckland emissaries, and which have been carefully deposited in the neighbouring forest ranges. Let the inquiry be made of the extent of purchases by natives of flour, biscuit, and else, of Auckland millers and bakers, and the amount will be found to be something surprising.