TE KOOTI'S VISIT TO PORVERTY BAY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2067, 19 February 1889, Page 3

TE KOOTI'S VISIT TO PORVERTY BAY

(FEB FRHSB AB800UTI09.) Qisbobnßj February 18. The largest gathering ever held la the country dlstrlot met to-day to take acticn to prevent the visit of Te Kootl. Five ihoneand were present. Mr Gi»ham, Mr R. Booth, R.M., and Polfo^rioßpeotor Kirk were present. Several epeakefs addreaaed the assemblage all ngraeiog as lo the danger of the visit. What they dealred was thai Te ' Kooti's presence should bo prevented. Mr Bardy moved " That th<B meeting expresses strong condemnation of the action of the Native Minister and otheri who feted To Kootl at Auckland the other day." Fonr natives then spoke agreeing to band themselves and follower* to take what steps were desired to keep Te Kootl away. Mr Graham did not favor forces going to meet Te Kootl. If the Government did not oome to their usslstanoo they would be compelled to use foroe to protect themselves. A motion by Mr Newman was oarried " That o vlgilanoe Committee be tpp iated to oarry out the resolutions." The following resolutions were ordered to be forwarded to the Government: — >: That a roll be formed of all willing to aot tinder the orders of the Committee daring the soare"; "That the heading of the roll be 'we agree to aot undei orders of Major Westrupp in'any steps found necessary to prevent Te Kootl entering the dlatrlot ' ", "That a requisition be sent to Government for 800 stands of arms " ; " That Major Ropata and his committee be asked to cooperate Immediately." Two hundred names were enrolled and a oonatderable sum subscribed. Wbilinoton, February 18. Government received a telegram this morning stating that a band of 40 armed natives has been formed at OpoMki for the purpose of lntercsptiog Te Kootl on bis way to Poverty Bay and preventing him from reaching the latter district. Te Kootl is now at Rotorua where he has a train of 100 men, all folly armed, but It U doubt fnl whether he will carry out his intention of going to the East Coast. Government have telegraphed to the native agents, who have armed themselves In that township, to refrain from oondoo< which 1b likely to bring themselves Into collision with the ex rebel and his party. Auckland, February 19 Government are informed thatTe Kootl has 70 m his train all unarmed, Including several women and children. Mr Mttohe'son states It Is very Improbable any bloodshed will oconr, as Te Rood's proposed route avoldu the residences of the settles whose relatives perished m the massaoTe at Poverty Bay and Mohaka In 1869. This route will be by way of Matata, Bay of Plenty* thence In a direct line across the south of the -Utlwera country toTuranganni. The threats made against him are thought to be mere bounce to frighten him from carrying out his Intentions. WiLLnraTON, February 19. The Government has received no farther news of Te Kiott exoept tbat he will probable reaoh Whakatane to day. He Is accompanied by men, women and children, whioh Is considered evldenoe of his peaoe(ol intent. As the road la mountainous and the natives are friendly he will probably stop some time on the way feasting with the Maoris. The Government have no Intention of toppling arms to the settlers as requested, considering the demand preposterous beoaase by eaoh a course they wonld themselves be helping people to break the law. They will rely on the volunteers to ke#p the peaoe and If these are not sufficient other measures will be taken