PURSUIT OF TE KOOTI.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 521, 11 September 1871, Page 2

PURSUIT OF TE KOOTI.

Oub Tauranga correspondent writes us that after the attack on Te Kooti'a enmp by Captain Mair, there was too much snow on the ground to permit the pursuit to bo continued, as all traces of his camp were covered. Afterwards the chase was resumed, and continued for several days to within a mile or two of Maungapohatu, for which place Te Kooti was evidently making to obtain arms from the Uriwera. Captains Porter and Preece, with 100 Ngatiporou,- were on his trail, but being out of provisions made for the camp at the Wairoa. On the 31st this column marched thirty miles to Mahia, and embarked on board the Luna on the 6th September, landing at Tauranga on Friday, September 8. Captain Freece landed at Whakalane, intending to go through Mangorcvva to Kaiteriria, and thence start for Maungapohntu, where Te Kooti is supposed to be at present. A rumour had reached Opptiki that he had been at the place named and had lost fourteen men, but. this is only a rumour, and m»y bo true or ;not. Tamaikoha and Wepihu, the well-known chiefs, had started from" Whanatane for Maungapohatu, with forty ineu, to' pursue Te Kooti. Captain Mail's' detachment has been in the bush since the 19th July; marching almost every day, and the weather at times has been very inclement, with severe falls of snow. Tho detachment will in all probability start for Kaiteriria to-morrow; overland by way of Oropi. It is composed mostly of, fine young fellows in splendid condition. As a specimen of the exposure %o which the expeditionary force was subjected, it is stated that for fifteen days they marched through snow! knee-deep, and on one occasion were for three daya without food ; yet the health of the men is excellent.