Is there ever a moment whenpeaee reigns at all points
of the British Empire ? The :mail from New Zealand brings news of bloodshed arising out ot long standing quarrels on the vexed question of land sales. Under the circumstances as they exist, the authorities are right and the Natives are wrong, but the dis- pute has its roots in a period when this verdict could not be so safely given. It is remarkable that the officers of the regulars should have allowed the volunteers—all honour to them—and a band of sailors to carry off the honours of the day. It is a striking commentary on the declarations of those who are decry- ing the efficiency of local forces in our dependencies that they may exalt the regular army. There may, in future, be Queen's Colonels in India, as there have been Queen's Generals in the past, who will peril an empire which locals and volunteers will save.
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