INTENSE EXCITEMENT AT GISBORNE.

Feilding Star, Volume X, Issue 97, 21 February 1889, Page 2

INTENSE EXCITEMENT AT GISBORNE.

FAMILIES LEAVING THE COUNTRY DISTRICTS. STRONG LANGUAGE USED. Gisbobne, February 20 The excitement regarding Te Kooti is most intense. Families from the country districts are coming to town for protection. The chiefs •of the Tauranga and Ngatiporou tribes have sent a telegram to the Native Minister strongly condemning Te Kooti's visit, and stating that if he is not stopped at Opotiki they will immediately rise and stop him. The Ngatiporou tribe is the strongest on the East Coast and could place 700 or 800 men in the field. They are vehemently opposed to Te Kooti, against whom they fought in the last war. "•' A letter from the Ngaati tribe, near Opotiki, states, on the receipt of the information of Te Kooti coming, all the Ngaati immediately took up arms to fight against his coming. Many of the Ngaati are waiting, on the watch for his arrival. This Dav. Mr Chambers, chairman of the Vigil ance Committee, is reported in the local paper to have said—'* The Government had 48 hours to consider the matter, and if they had not made up their minds in 20 hours the committee should take decisive steps. They should act as if there were no Government, or the whole distnct would be brought into disrepute. The defence of their women and children would be left entirely m their own hands, and they should let Te Kooti understand' that neither now, nor at any future time, should he be allowed to enter the district, and if that was not done the alarm would continue so long as man lived." Napibb, February 20. The Premier addressed a crowded meeting at the Theatre Royal to-night. Immediately after the meeting the Premier left for Gisborne. Wellington, This Day. An Auckland telegram received by the Native Minister states Te Kooti will not approach within 20 miles of Gisborne.