TE KOOTI INTERVIEWED. OUR SPECIAL VISITS THE CAMP. AUCKLAND FORCE ON THE MARCH. Opotiki, Feb. 28.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 347, 2 March 1889, Page 4

TE KOOTI INTERVIEWED. OUR SPECIAL VISITS THE CAMP. AUCKLAND FORCE ON THE MARCH. Opotiki, Feb. 28.

The force fiom Auckland liy the steamer ChehiT-ford landed at Ohhva at half-past e!e\en yesteiday. They reached Opotiki about tin ec o'clock. The hip from Auckland was an enjoyable one, and the lime on boaid the steamei was made meviy by music and songs from several well known chaiaclers of the different ti oon«. The men looked fresh and fit for any work they might have to do, as they marched up the principal street of the S3ttlement, wheie Iheyweie warmly welcomed by young and old ot both bexes. A feeling akin to alarm has- cxi&ted in the district sinceTe Kooti established him c elf in the immediate locality, but thi.% feeling was at once allayed by the timely rrrival of the troops under Captain Morrisons command; and when at a later period of the day Major Pouer's expeditionary force, comprising the East Coa&t Hu&sars and Ngabiporou under Major Ropata made cheir appeal ance, the feeling was one of extreme lejoicing. Lieutenant Connelly brought from Auckland a supply of aims for distribution among any corps that may be enrolled in the pie&enfc emcigency, and. if necessary, he can quickly raise a \ery u&eful body ot men, compos-ed as tliey would be of many old-time waniors and young men who know the district thoroughly. In the evening after Mr Bush's return to the .settlement I interviewed Te Kooti. Hi& camp is situated in a charming spot about &ix miles from the settlement. The whares aie built with e\ident care and regard for effect. There must be habitatiopsfor several hundred people at Vfaioeka, as the place called " The House,'' occupied by the old liauhau rangatira, is boldly gabled anddecoiated with Maori characters in colours atti active lo the native eye — reminding one of the ideal whaie runanga of by-gone days, I rode into Te Kooti's camp. The natives called aloud that I was a chief of the soldiers, and gatheied around suspiciously as I n eared their leader. I nssuied them that 1 was not a Government man. 1 informed Te Kooti that I was your represent 'it' ve, and as such would take it as a favour if he would kindly inform me what his future intentions were. " I am going home to morrow," he said. "To Waikato?'' 1 asked. " Yes, tine ; to the Waikato." The cause of all the present excitement looked bloated and neivous, and apparently does not allow sufficient time to elapse between his drinks. Te Kooti's sympathisers are astounded at the turn affairs have suddenly taken, and show an unmi&takeable alteration in their demeanour towaids the pakeha. Since the soldiers and sailors marched in, the town presents an unusually busy, not to say warlike appeal ance ; but the behaviour of the troops of all branches is excellent.