The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 884, 7 November 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1871.

It is with regret, we learn, that the finaucial condition of the Volunteer Firo Brigade and its general efficiency have been impaired by the apathy of many members, and the indifferent support extended to the movement of late by the general public. It is needless for us to point out the necessity of maintaining this body in a manner that would enable it to cope successfully with any disaster; yet, in the matter of public subscriptions, the claims of the Brigade have been sadly overlooked. Previous to its organisation, the exertions that ; wero from:timo to time made to awaken public attention to the defenceless condition of the town in the event of any disaster from fire, were quickened by a conflagration, which swallowed up many thousands of pounds worth of property. While thankful that the means available sufficed to limit the ravages of the tiro to tho block in which it originated, it was rightly felt that the entire town having narrowly escaped total destruction, some steps should be taken to obtain an engine and a well disciplined brigade. These steps were taken. Plant and appliances requisite for a high state of efficiency have been received ; but, so indifferent havo the public become of late to the practical working of tho institution, that many who did interest themselves have seceded from the movement, and others threaten to abandon it in dis- '■ gust. Why this should be, we aro at a loss to understand. Now that a very excellent engine has been obt: hied with hose and appliances, that wells have been sunk furnishing au inexhaustiblo supply of water, and that the chief items of expenditure have been defrayed, it is not a little singular that the public contributions necessary to defray the working expenses of the brigade should be churlishly withheld. While we have no desire to seek the imposition of unnecessary taxation, it would appear imperative that a suitable provision for Fire Brigade purposes should be made cumpulsory on all beneficially interested in its maintenance.

We caimot dismiss the subject without some referenco to the shortcomings of many of the Brigade members. It is a fact that, during the past few months, the attendance on practice nights and at the general meetings have been ridiculously small; and, there appears to bo a sad lack of that energy and devoted spirit essential to good discipline and general efficiency. The presence of these qualities are at no time more requisite than when the interest of the general public in the movement is flagging, and we would, therefore, strongly urge upon the members the necessity of increased energy and attention to their voluatarily accepted duties. Catastrophes by fire will occur despite the utmost precaution human foresight can devise, but it lOmaius to some extent with ourselves to secure the means which shall render their result least disastrous. If these precautions are wholly neglected or at least culpably trifled with, the risk must then become pre-emi-nently greater.

A petition recently addressed to his Exoellency the Governor, signed by IG7 settlers in the Waikato District, enables us to glean an insight into the risks which hourly theaten those of our fellow colonists who form the outposts of European settlement in the North Island. The subject matter of the petition has reference to the unsatisfactory state of their relations with the rebel natives, and may bo best gathered from the words of the petitioners. They proceedto state that for years past the settlers have been subject to constantly recurring threats of attack by the rebel natives outside the confiscation line, which have been the means of driving many of the settlers away, and have stayed hundreds of willing and useful men from settling who would have been willing to cast in their lot with their fellow countrymen,

but for the griovious uncertainty which paralyses all.industry and retards the advancement of tho district. It is certainly a fact that the lot of those settlors occupying tho frontier 1 rnds is one deserving of the sympathy of the colony. Their position has bee a a most* unenviable one. Without being engaged in actual hostilities with the Waikato tribes, it is felt that at any moment the uncertain peace may give place to open war, when the little homesteads of tho distant settlers would fall an immediate and easy prey to the ravages of the natives, and the lives of themselves and families would be probably sacrificed. There would be no warning other than might be casually gleaned from a friendly native or derived from the observation of the settlers themselves, and past experience teaches us the folly of relying upon some outward manifestation to obtain timely notice of intended outbreak. Tho settlers give it as their firm conviction that their liability to these threats of attack arises in a great measure from the rebel natives maintaining what they call an " aukati" line, which fchty forbid Europeans from crossing, but which they themselves cross at pleasure. Hence it follows from their being allowed to enter the settlements unchallenged, unlimited opportunities are pemnitted of spying the weakness of the settlers, and of obtaining information which would be of great advantage in the event of an outbreak, and which it is of the utmost importance for the security of such districts that they should not possess. As a means of security it is suggested advisable for the Governor to fix a frontier line, and to prohibit natives from crossing it under pain of death ; aud, also to prohibit Europeans, under severe penalties, from trading or holding any communication whatever with natives outside the line. Apart from the consideration as to whether such a precaution would have the effect of deciding tho natives to commence hostilities, causing the slumbering embers of disaffection to kindle Into open aggression, thcro can be no question as to the justice of the proposal. To permit the rebels to oppose a barrier to Europeans, but which they may cross at pleasure to indulge in hostile and defiant threats to weak and unoffending settlers must be the means of emboldening them to the committal of more direct acts of aggression. To acquiesce in their assumed right to exclude Europeans from the frontiers may bo expedient, but it is a dangerous concession a s investing them with a prerogative fatal to the supremacy of the British rule; but, how much more forcibly does tho argument apply, when Europeans are forced to take up inferior ground and permit free access to the rebel natives to their unprotected settlements? Sooner or later the question of supremacy must be settled definitely and for ever; and, that it should be decided quickly, the security and advancement of the Colony alike demand.