THE PERMANENT FORCE. Auckland, Feb. 26.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 347, 2 March 1889, Page 3

THE PERMANENT FORCE. Auckland, Feb. 26.

At Fort Cautley and Fort Takapuna last nighfc the men were in readiness for immediate departure fdr the scene of possible strife, and everything was arranged so'that they could, at a moment's notice, be en route for Gisboine, base ancl baggage. The orderfordeparturedidnot arrive however till this morning, when it was arranged that the Permanent Force should proceed to Gisborne by the steamer Chelmsford, leaving the Queen-street Wharf at 2 p.m. It was arranged that Fort Takapuna should be left in charge of Sergeant-Major Silver (who is unwell), and he will have a corps of three men with him.

WAITEMATA N AVALS. A parade of the corps was held at the camping ground prior to to the big gun drill last nighfe. Captain Hitchens addressed the men, and then read the telegram from the Premier, containing the acceptance of their services should men be required from Auckland. He also announced to them that they were to hold themselves in readiness for immediate departure. The mtn displayed very great en-

thusiasm when the announcement; was made and expressed themselves- pleased at she prospect ot active service, which would enable them to show of what sort of stuff they are made. In camp everything was ready to strike tents ab a moment's notice, and had orders come dining the night the camp would have been cleared inside a quarter of an hour.

AUCKLAND NAVAL ARTILLERY. Lieutenant-commanding' Parker wiied to the Premier this morning as follows :—: — "Auckland Naval Artillery Corps otter them&elves for immediate active servico on the East Coast if required. (Signed) H Parker, officer commanding." The Auckland Navals form the strongest naval corps in the district, and they would be able to put into the field a fine and well-drilled body of men at an hour's notice.

DRUNK AGAIN. The Native Minister was in receipt of telegrams at irequent intervals to-day giving: the latest infoimation lelntive to the position of affairs in the neighbourhood of Opotiki. There is, however, \ery little change since yesterday. One message states that Te Kooti, who is at Waioeka, about se\ en miles from Oisborne, was drunk again to-day, and evinced no disposition to leturn.

A DOUBTFUL PROMISE. The latest, message stated that the chief with whom Te Kooti was staying had ridden to Opobild, and stated that he intended to return to Waikato. It appears however that he was intoxicated at the time and it is veiy doubbtul whether any weight can be attached to the promise.