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Early Wellington

Militia

Militia.

On the 30th of May, Colonel Wakefield, as President of the Council, issued a notice to the inhabitants between the ages of 18 and 60, requiring them to form themselves into a militia under his direction. The intention was to occupy no more than one hour in each week in this muster of armed inhabitants, the object of which was to assure the minds of all persons of the existence of an adequate force for the preservation of order and protection of life and property, and to uphold the power and authority of the British race. They were asked to make it a point of honour to attend and answer their names when called upon the muster roll, with such arms as they might be in possession of. The employers were expected not to make any deduction in the men's wages for the time employed in such an important duty. The natives had been apprised of the scheme and expressed unfeigned satisfaction. It was proposed that they would be induced to train and that the chiefs be instructed to become officers.