Te Kooti Visit to the East Coast

Feilding Star, Volume X, Issue 96, 19 February 1889, Page 2

Te Kooti Visit to the East Coast

GKREAT SCAEE IN THE DISTRICT. THE SETTLERS" ASKING FOE ARMS. (PER UNITED PRKS9 ASSOCIATION.) Gisbobnb, February 18. At noon to-day the largest gather* ing ever held in the country districts in thiß part of the East Coast assembled at Makaraka to take action to prevent Te Kooti coming to this district. There were 500 persons present, nearly all of whom were country settlers, including most of the leading men of the district. The meeting was a thoroughly respresentative one. Mr A. Graham, M.H.R., Mr Booth, R.M., and Police- Inspector Kiely were present. Mr Walsh, the chairman, said he was glad to see so many assembled to enter a protest against the conduct of the Government in fayjuring Te Kooti, and that those who were present were both able and willing to prevent the visit of Te Kooti, as such a visit would be an outrage on the feelings of the settlers of the district. Major We&trup explained the object of the meeting. If Te Kooti came he might never leave again, and would be a continual trouble. They would be quite justified in keeping the fellow away. If the settlers did not help themselves they would get no help from the Government. Mr Hardy said there were fully 600 followers of Te Kooti in the district. He moved — " That this meetting expresses strong condemnation on the Native Minister and others who feted Te Kooti in Auckland the other day." Mr F. Arthur said the up-country settlers were in a state of terror, and were removing their families to town. Four Natives then spoke, agreeing to bind themselves and their followers to take what steps the Europeans desired to keep Te Kooti away. The Maoris had petitioned Parliament on several occasions to stop the visit, and he (the speaker) was of opinion that Te Kooti's visit would decidely result in evil. Mr A. B. Newman proposed that a vigilance committee be appointed to carry out their resolves, and that they should not act with precipitancy, as another massacre might take place. It was proposed to send a large force to the boundary of the district and. not let Te Kooti come by. Mr A. Graham, M.H.8., did not favor the forces going out to meet him. If the Government did not come to their assistance they would be compelled to raise a force to protect themselves. It was resolved — " That a roll be formed of all willing to act under the orders of the Committee during the present scare ; Major Westrup to command." "That heading of the roll be— We agree to act under the orders of Major Westrup in any steps found necessary to prevent Te Kooti entering the district. If the Government fail to prevent Te Kooti visiting Poverty Bay the undersigned hold themselves in readiness to prevent at once and for all the terrorism of the threatened visit." " That a requisition be sent to the Government for 300 stand of arms." " That Major Bopata, M.L.C., and his tribe, be asked to co-operate immediately." 200 names are enrolled on the list, and a considerable sum subscribed to defray the expense. A Herald telegram from Opotiki, two days' journey from here, says Te Kooti is near there with a large following of influential chiefs and 200 Waikato Natives. An Opotiki tribe of Natives had determined to offer him severe armed resistance, but desisted on the application of the Resident Magistrate. Wellington, February 18. Information has been received that 40 natives under arms, have arrived at Opotiki on their way to Whakahana to intercept Te Kooti. Instructions have been sent to tell them they must not interfere. This Day. The Government have received no further news of Te Kooti, but expect that he will probably reach Wakatane to-day. He is accompanied by men, women, and children, which is considered an evidence of his peaceful intent. As the road is mountainous and the natives are all friendly he will probably stop some time on the way feasting with the Maoris. The Government have no intention of supplying arms to the settlers as requested. The Government do not anticipate any serious disturbances over the alleged visit of Te Kooti to Poverty Bay. Should matters turn out more serious than at present anticipated the Government will despatch men from other parts of the colony with all speed to Gisborne. The Government consider the inflammatory speeches made at yesterday's mass meeting near Gisborne unwise and caused needless alarm. — N.Z. Times.