Cartoonist unknown :Rather a poser. Punch, or the Auckland Charivari, 1868

A Maori warrior, fighting on the British side, asks New Zealand Premier, Stafford, "Will the great Chief tell me how it is, whilst we go to the front, the Queen's fighting men remain within the towns?'. Stafford replies that [British soldiers] "are retained here at present more for ornament than use'. In the background, a Pakeha soldier stands at attention on sentry duty.

In 1868 controversy arose over the level of military support for the provinces during the military campaigns waged by Titokowaru in Taranaki and Whanganui, and by Te Kooti in Poverty Bay. Public criticism was levelled against Premier Edward Stafford; issues cited as the garrisoning of Imperial troops in towns, the reliance on 'friendly' Maori forces, local militia and volunteers and the concentration of forces on the west coast of the North Island (see Colonist 4 Dec 1868 pg 7; Evening Post 7 Dec 1868 pg 2; Colonist 29 Dec 1868 pg 3; Daily Southern Cross 16 Nov 1868 pg3; and Edmund Bohan 'Stafford, Edward William' from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography Vol.1)

Extended Title - Friendly native - Will the great Chief tell me how it is, whilst we go to the front, the Queen's fighting men remain within the towns? His Excellency - Well, you see.. that is.. ahem.. they are retained here at present more for ornament than use. p. 45

Quantity: 1 cartoon bromide(s).

Physical Description: Bromide 164 x 213mm.

Alternative form available: A3 size laser copy on poster paper held at J-061-006.