MOVEMENTS OF M'DONNELL'S FORCE.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 634, 10 February 1870, Page 3

MOVEMENTS OF M'DONNELL'S FORCE.

The Wellington Independent of January 29 gives the following ;— ♦'We are informed that communications were received by Colonel Moule, of Jlimhera, near Cambridge, from Colonel M/ponneU; Letters were dated the 24th Instant Colonel McDonnell had effected a junction with Topia and Kemp, and the whole force was at Te Papa, within five miles of Te Kooti's position. The rebel was busily engaged on the 23rd building a pa in a piece of bush close by. McDonnell's fjorce surprised one pf the outlying picquets of the enemy, killing one man and capturing three others, and a, woman. From one of the prisoners it was ascertained that Te Kooti's force numbered 200. It was the intention of Colonel McDonnell to attack the pah on the eariy morning of the 25th, if, after reconnoitring the position, it appeared to be safe to do so. There is a clearing at the back of the bush in which all the horses belonging to Te Kooti's band were grazing. Colonel Moule had sent up a contingent to Himuora, with supplies for the Taupo and Wanganui forces, who were suffering from weakness for want of meat and from )ong fatiguing marches. ** Mr Firth met Te Kooti at the celebrated monument on the 10th instant. The following account of what took place is given by the Government Agent, Dr pollen. Te Kooti said :— * I wish to live in peace -at Tapapa with Hakaria. I will never fight again unless the Government jump on me.' The next day 1 (Dr Pollen) received a message from Te Kooti, in which he says : — * My wish to. you is, if lighting has ceased by you, by me it has ceased entirely. I will not go to Auckland ; let me remain in peace. The slaying shall cease, but should yon pursue me it will be well. Friend, cease you killing me «' I replied to Mr Frith that Mr M'Lean waß absent, and I would not parley with Te Kooti in Ids present attitude. " Mr Louis Hettit writes from Tokan* gamutu that the majority of the King's people are in favor of destroying Te Kooti, out some of the old men will not give their consent to interfere on either side,"