COLLISION WITH TE KOOTI.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1142, 26 March 1872, Page 4

COLLISION WITH TE KOOTI.

There has been another collision with Te Kooti;.but, as usual, the rebel escaped. It appears that Captain Preeco, with a party . of twenty-five Native Contingent, came across Te Kooti's track, and after following it as far as the Maungaone River, sighted Te Kooti's gang consisting of some ten natives, at about 300 yards distance,, scaling an almost precipitous cliff which rose from the other side of th« stream. Captain Preece«ung out to them tojsurrender, and as they did not reply, gave the order to fire. The command was/ however, easier given than curried out, for in consequence of the party having been out in the wet bush for about three weeks, during which time rain fell daily, and having forded many streams, their powder had become damp, and their rifles hung fire, rendering execution hopeless. This was especially, galling, since for the space of half an hour, whilst the enemy were slowly scaling the cliff they presented excellent marks that might have been wiped ont without the slightest difficulty. The damp powder, however, proved a bar to success, and as soon as the enemy gained the opposite summit they began to return the fire. Capt. Preece and his men skirted round the cliff, and followed the enemy as far as Waihea, when they were compelled to return to the remnant of the force, and encamp under the cliff on the site of the enemy's late camp. Here they discovered a quantity of food, a sheep dog, some candles, bacon, end sugar, which are believed to have been stolen from the shepherd's house on Dobell's station at Maungahaerera, which it will be remembered was attacked and burned by Te Kooti's party some little time since. The enemy had with them three rifles, believed to have been supplied by the natives in the district, and powder stolen at DobelTs station. For two days Captain Preece followed the trail, and at Wataroa Captain Ferris came up with his party and took up the trail, Captain Preece's men being much exhausted. Exposure in the bush, coupled with poor food, continued wettings, and forced marches, tells heavily upon both Europeans and natives. Te Kooti is said to select his catnps, usually, with great judgment, so as to admit of several loopholes for escape, and two sentries or scouts are always on the alert. His present party is made up of some of his old adherents who have been scattered at different times. He was last hrard of at Te Papune a spot lying east of Waikaremoana about 3d miles. Paerau, the chief at Botahuna and Te Whiu, tha capturer of Kereopa were in pursuit, the latter having gone round from Maungapowhatu to Papune. Captain Preece is also put again, and it is, probable that we may shortly hear some* thing more of the rebels..