THE GISBORNE MURDER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1485, 17 February 1887, Page 3

THE GISBORNE MURDER.

AtrCKiiABD, Fobuary J6. It having been stated In the newspapers that it waa supposed that Te Kootl had instigated the late murders at Poverty Bay, where two Maoris where killed by aotae of their countrymen on account of their haring bewirched members of the tribe, a gentlemen m Auckland acquainted with Te Kooti wrote to him and received the following answer :— 11 Otawa, February 10, 1887. "Salutations. Your letter reoohed me 9th February, In which you question me regarding the people who have been killed at Toranga (Poverty Bay) T know nothIng about it You have heard what wpb ■aid about Bryce and myself at Mangaorongo (referring to the occasion when Mr Bryoe, then Native Minister, met and pardoned him for the paßt). I paid to him, I will not revert to my old ways, never, never ! That fs to my evil deeds As to murder, I can give no countenance to that. My policy now is to obpj the law ; to ihow affection to both Europeans And Maoris, anri likewise to the Government, which I In my present position look on as pardon. — Te Koot'." Otawa where TeKooH m ? ow residing, m between KlhlklhlftndTeTuki. Wellington, February 17. Te Kooti has already been advloed by Government not to persnvere m his intention of visiting Poverty Bay and warned that If he persists Government would not be answerable for his safety. Te Konti's religious followers are scattered amongst ihe virlous distiic s and it !■ tlese he professen himself anxious to visit, having no wieh to go amon« other Natives or among European. He hi already on B»veral occasions expressed aentimerts to the Native M n'eter similar to those m bin letter to Mr Buck'nnd and showed that he fully appreciates hi < position. Of late he has given way largely to drink. A farther warning will be addressed to him if he shows ?ny intention of persisting m the design io visit the JECaat Coait.

A Perth (W.A.) telegram, dated tha Bth met., cays:— "His Exoellenoy Sir F. Napier Broome was injured on Monday night by tha bUrlUflg Of a {jartridße daring ball practice fit hie aammer residence at Bottneat Island The ball etrack him on the forehtsci, bat the iroand is not: dangerous,"