Wanganui Chronicle. and TURAKINA X RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. THURSDAY, 6th MAY, 1869.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XIII, Issue 1023, 6 May 1869, Page 2

Wanganui Chronicle. and TURAKINA & RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. THURSDAY, 6th MAY, 1869.

It was never considered in sensible minds anything but likely that Titoko Waru would return to his own territory after he had once more recruited his strength. It was a question of time with us, of policy with him. We are not sure that he is yet at Te-Nguto-o-te-Manu, although as far back as Monday last the Wanganui natives, who, curiously enough, seem to be perfectly versed in the movements of the enemy, reported his return there in considerable force. If he is there, so long as he remains quiet, he had perhaps better be left alone, seeing the bulk of our force is on the East Coast. Col. Lyon with his corps d’ observation at Patea may possibly check any attempt on Titoko Waru’s part to gain a footing anywhere nearer, but more than this he can scarcely be expected to do. In even doing this much, he will naturally be anxious to secure as much in the way of reinforcement to his command as possible. For this purpose, we understand, he has sent down an urgent message for Kemp and his men to be sent up. It is of little consequence that Kemp has left the district for a time, or rather it is of some consequence, because, thereby, we hope the matter will fall through. We do not question Col. Lyon’s motives in making such a request ; he has precedent and example for doing so. Besides it is but fair to admit that Kemp has been a faitliful ally. Col. Lyon must therefore be held as having acted in the most perfect good faith in what he has done, but the remark we have to make, and we make it as emphatically as we can, is this, — that the local authorities ought not, on their own responsibility, to again enlist a band of Wanganui natives for fighting against the enemy. Our own opinion always has been, and we see no reason to change it in the least degree, that native assistance in war in any case is a mistake ; but waving this view of the question at present we recur to the enlistment of the Wanganuis. Our authorities must know the opinion of Colonel Whitmore on native fighting — an opinion in which (although often having the misfortune to differ from this gallant officer) we entirely agree — that Maoris to be even temporarily useful must be taken from the districts in which they reside, and in which they have sympathies and a perfect network of relationships. There is really no use of setting the natives here to fight against their own friends and relations. They might perchance fight on the East Coast.

Still farther, while we trust Kemp and put faith in a few of his men, there is really no dependence to be put in the Wanganui tribes generally. They are hand and glove with rebels, and are not rebels themselves simply because it does not suit their purpose. Many a time they have played fast and loose with us, but always played to their own profit. Let us therefore henceforth decline their services. They have had arms issued to them more times than one chooses to remember, let them for once go without. But if this new enlistment is to be proceeded with, let the responsibility rest upon the Government directly, although it strikes us that the Government is tardily beginning to form some correct estimate of our Putiki allies, and will think twice before expending more money upon them. [Since writing the above we learn that fifty Wanganui natives have been engaged, and proceed to Patea to-day, in command of Hori Grey.]

Lecture. — Mr Fox lecture this evening in the Odd Fellows’ Hall. Rifle Association. — A meeting was held in the Freemasons’ Hall, last evening, to organize a Rifle Association for this district. Major Noake presided and read the rules of the Otago Rifle Association, upon the basis of which, it was afterwards agreed, the undertaking should be made. The annual subscription was fixed at 10s ; and a provisional committee appointed to draw up rules to be submitted to a general meeting of the members. Upwards of 60 have already put down their names as members, and doubtless many more will yet come forward. Accident. — As the Turakina coach was leaving Campbelltown at half-past three yesterday afternoon it was driven or carried rather near the side cutting to the ferry. The result was that it capsized and the passengers — five females — were thrown out and more or less injured. One was so bruised as to require to be carried to a neighbourhouse, but we are happy to say that no serious consequences are apprehended, the vehicle itself and its horses were uninjured and after a short delay proceeded to Turakina. Fire. — About half past ten o’clock last night the alarm of fire was given, and in the black darkness of the night the powerful glare of fire suddenly visible in a populous part of the town, was calculated to raise the worst anticipations of those that flocked from all quarters to Wicksteed Place. It was found that the shop opposite the Phoenix Hotel, lately, in the occupation of Mr Vincent as a butchery, but at the time occupied, was on fire in every part. The efforts of those present were successful in confining the fire to the building where it originated. The premises were covered by an insurance effected the New Zealand Insurance Company. The Troops’ Question. — This question has caused much speculation and some contradiction. We must be understood to state what appears to us as quite probable, without being able to vouch for its absolute accuracy. The 3rd battalion of the 60th Rifles, — of which regiment there are four battalions of more than the usual regimental standard of strength, the whole composing the “Rifle Brigade” of between 10,000 and 12,000 men, — is at present stationed in India, and the report which we gave publicity to a few days ago came from the depot of the Rifle Brigade at Winchester, where orders had been received to complete the complement of the battalion by sending recruits — the crack shots of regiments of the line — to India. This, it will be observed, is is in direct confirmation of the intelligence by the previous mail that aid was coming from India. No such intelligence, beyond the mention of the fact in as many words by a telegram from Calcutta, is however, to be found in the English papers. Besides, the War Office, if acting in the manner indicated, will doubtless be largely guided by the course of events and will assuredly not intrude support upon a colony that persists in refusing it. This is how the “Troops’ Question” stands at present.