THE MILITARY.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 258, 10 April 1860, Page 3

THE MILITARY.

To the Editor of the Taranaki News, Marsland Hill Stockade, April 1.

Sir,-—As you have hitherto most ably and correctly detailed the various events connected with the present war, I trust you will, injustice and in consideration of the renowned merits of the military, afford publicity to this letter.

In your last publication, you^have, as must be admitted, elicited the warmest thanks of the military, and all concerned iv theaffray^ for the lengthened space you have ctevoted in'hallowing the glory of our united forces; but yet, sir, (with due deference to your informants) to those engaged in that affair at Waireka, there seems to be some if not many, of the principal movements of the day partly or entirely omitted. To your distant readers, a mysterous inaction on the part of the military appears, which has already called forth some severe but groundless criticism. , Without, in any manner, wishing to detract from the merits and well-deserved plaudits bestowed on the Militia and Volunteers, I think it but right to say that a superfluity of praise is bbstowed on one quarter at the unjust expense of another,—a proceeding which it is to be regretted should enter the breast of any wellthinking member of our well-tried force at this particular* crisis. " Honor to whom honor is due" is, and always has been, the custom of the British army. ;

The retreat of the military on the 28th has, by some persons unacquaiuted with field manoeuvres, been dwelt on in a sarcastic, manner, while from those engaged, and persons of understanding in" military movements, it has called forth the warmest approbation.

The priin'ijiai ii c .-ksu of the line of occupation seeuis 10 hayti Iceu omitted'from"your journal, which might have given a clearer account tc your readers. It will be recollected by Mr. Standisb that, on the march to the scene of action, he most kindly informed us that the Militia were attacked by.i the Muories, and, in his opinion, he considered that, from the rapid continuation of the fire, and the overwhelming furce of the rebels, the Militia would be worsted. On this information, Colonel Murray immediately sent forward the invincible Naval Brigade in skirmishing order, supported by the Light Company of the 65th Regiment. The Naval Brigade, acting with their usual lion-like courage, immediately opened fire on the Natives from the left front of the Militia, which drew the attention of the Natives to that quarter. It will be recollected that bet ween the right flank of the Naval Brigade and the Militia, a gully, unprotected, presented a very advantageous position' to the natives, which, by a dexterous manoeuvre, they endeavored to avail themselves of; but, fortunately for the Militia, the foresight of Colonel Murray, with the right support of the Light Company under the command of Lieutenant Urquhart, frustrated their designs, aud ultimately continued a fire for one hour and 35 minutes in that quarter, where the work of destruction" soon told on the natives. After a long-continued fire, it became necessary to make precautionary preparations, as it was evident that, from the limited supply of ammunition in possession, prudence and foresight were to be observed. Fortunately, of these great qualities Colonel Murray has an ample store, and, late irj. the evening, he sent word to Lieut. Urquhart to know how the.ammunition stood. At this period, the pouches only contained nine rounds each, and it was also ascertained that the Militia had even much less. It was here and at this very critical period the retreat was sounded, there being a cart with ammunition in the rear. Thus, Mr. Editor, on this movement has originated so many wide-spread and different opinions, known only to those engaged, which must call forth the firm conviction of all, that the movement must be performed on that occasion, as it is well known the natives will not stand the steel, or otherwise a retreat for ammunition would have never been thought of.

I am, Sir, One of the Right Sub-Division, Light Company.