The spontaneous rising to arms of the settlers here and at Patea must b 2 a convin cing proof to the Government that the people do not intend to be unprepared shoul.i the natives force affairs to a crisis ; and should likewise ba a warning to the Maoris not to drive their European neighbours to extremi ties. The British are a peaceful people, they are longsuffering, and will put up with much before they strike — but when once arouse 1, it is difficult to get John Bull to retire till he has most effectually accomplished his work, and taught the aggressive parties a lesson that they cannot easily forget. The action lately taken by the natives seems to have affected Patea in a very similar manner to this district — at both ends business has become paralysed, and all enterprise deadened , whilst the anxiety and disquiet of the settlers are almost bayond endurance. E.ich district can sympathise with the other ou this point, and as there is nothing like trouble to strengthen the bonds of friendship, so will Patea and Taranaki become more anil more united — the aim of the settler.? at both ends of the district being the settlement of the native question once and for ever. It is gratifying to find that the volunteer forces iv all parts of the Colony have come so loyally forward and offered their services to tho Go vernment in its present difficulty. The Thames Scottish Volunteers were the first ; the Naval Brigade, and Rifles at Wellington were the next ; and now, by the Canterbury papers we see that the Christchurch Artillery have off ere J to send three detachments of the E battery with a 121 b. Armstrong, and a 241 b. Howitzer, should au outbreak unhappily take place. It is to be hoped that their services will not be required ; still the G-overument must not patch up a peace with the natives. Hiroki must be brought in ; Te Whiti's in fluence destroyed, ami the natives dealt with generally by the Government accordingly as each case merits. 