TE KOOT I. RETURN OF THE AUCKLAND VOLUNTEERS. Auckland, March 4.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 348, 6 March 1889, Page 5

TE KOOT I. RETURN OF THE AUCKLAND VOLUNTEERS. Auckland, March 4.

From noon on Saturday numbers of people were waiting on the Queen-street Wharf anxiously watching the flagstaff for the signal that the s.s. Chelmsford, with Te Kooti and the troops, was in sight. Towards evening the crowd increased to some thousands, and at 20 minutes to 6 o'clock the long-looked-for signal was given. At 6.30 o'clock tho Chelmsford arrived alongside the Queen-street Wharf, being greeted with prolonged cheers. Much disappointment was felt when the crowd discovered that Te Kooti was not on board, having been transterred to another vessel outside the North Head and quietly landed at the Wynyard Pier. The Auckland Navals were the first to disembaik and form, and the Ponsonby and Waifcemataa then fell in. Colonel Shepherd, Captain LeRoy, and Colonel Payne were amongst the iirsb to greet the detachment, and Hunter's Band having arrived to escort them to the Drill-shed, the Navals marched up the wharf amidst loud cheers from tho crowd. On their arrival at the Drill-shed the companies were addressed briefly by Colonel Shepherd, who thanked them for their ready response to the call of duty, after which they were dismissed. Sergeant' Major Pratt awaited on the wharf for the constables who had been with the contingent. As soon as they landed the police foil in and marched to the barracks.

LANDING OF TE KOOTI. While all was excitement and expectation on the wharf, two gentlemen in plain clothes might be seen strolling quietly in the direction of Wynyard Pier, where a cab was standing. These men were Sergeant Lyons and Constable Donovan, who were under orders to wait at the pier until Te Kooti arrived. Unfortunately for the secrecy of the movement, the cab had to wait such a long time that about 20 persons were attracted to the spot, and had therefore the privilege of a private view of the notorious Maori. Amongst the few that had gathered were, of course, two press representatives. From the pier the s.s. Planet could be seen to run alongside the Chelmsford just outside the North Head, after Avhich the larger vessel steamed slowly up the harbour, while the Planet ran straight across to the pier. On board were Inspector Broham, Mr Thoraas Hill (Collector of Customs), and Te Kooti, in charge of Sergeant Kioly and Constable Lamb. As soon as the vessel was made fast Te Kooti was assisted out of the cabin by Constable Lamb. He seemed very dejected, and leaned heavily upon a whalebone walking stick, in fact the old warrior seemed a feeble specimen of humanity to have caused all the commotion of the last few weeks. As he walked to the cab he did not deign to look at those present, but looked far away, as if unconcerned as to what was in store for him. Upon arrival at the cab, Sergeant Kiely and Constable Lamb got inside with the prisoner and Messr.% Broham and Hill mounted the box. The cab then drove away, and in a short time Te Kooti was safely landed at Mount Eden and left to the care of Mr Reston.

IN GAOL. Yesterday Te Koobi sent a messasre to the Native Minister (the Hon. E. Mitchelson) that he wanted to see him. Mr Mitchelson visited him and found Te Kooti rather downhearted over being; put into gaol. He had not eaten anything, and stated to Mr Mitchelson that he would, if released, go back to Waikato, and refrain from going to Gisborne again. Tb was also his intention to give up the chink. Mr Mitchelson intimated to him that the Government would requite substantial bail, though there does not appear to be any intention of enforcing the magisterial decision as to bail for £1,500. Te Kooti is accompanied to Auckland by his youngest wife, but the Government have not permitted her to share his captivity. Yesterday Te Kooti attended the Anglican prison service held in the gaol.

VOLUNTEERS ENROLLED AT OPOTIKI. Prior to leaving Opotiki Captain Gerrard, afc the request of Captain Morrison, of the Permanent Force, enrolled a volunteer corps of Opotiki settlers. About sixty men joined and were furnished with arms and accoutrements. Captain Gerrard gave them their first drill just before the contingent left for Auckland.

TB KOOTI TO BE LIBERATED. Mr W. J. Napier proceeded to Mount Eden Gaol this morning, for the purpose of interviewing Te Kooti, so that he might explain to him the steps which were being taken in order to secure his release from gaol, pending the appeal to the Supreme Court from the decision of Mr Bush, KM. When Mr Napier arrived at the gaol he was received by Mr Reston, the chief gaoler, who informed him that Te Kooti did not wish to see him or any other lawyer. Mr Napier then asked Mr Reston if he would take a message to Te Kooti, which he consented to do. Mr Napier sent in a written message in Maori to Te Kooti, stating that Rowi Maniapoto had instructed him to take the requisite steps to obtain Te Kooti's discharge from what was an illegal imprisonment, and further stated that he wished to see him personally in order to explain to him what was being done. In a few minutes Mr Reston returned with a note written in Maori in Te Kooti's handwriting, of which the following is a translation :—: — To William Navieß; — Friend, your letter is good. But the Government has requested me not to see any lawyer and they will release me from prison. I have consented to that. — From I Te Kooti. On receipt of this Mr Napier sent in the following note in Maori : — To Te Kooti,— I have received your note. If the Government roleaae you at once it is well. The woi'd of the Government, however, is not to be trusted. They told you you might go in peace to visit your friends at Poverty Bay, and when you went there they sent an army of soldiers to bring you back, and have wrongfully put you in gaol. It is Rewi's wish that you follow my advice. Your committal to prison being unlawful, I can appeal to the Supreme Court and have you set Jree until the appeal can be heard by the judge. To do this there are certain papei'S for you to sign, and for this purpose it is necessary for me to see you. Write to me and tell me whether you consent to see me for the above purpose. It' not I cannot set you free. — From W. J. Napier. ,i Mr Reston said that he must decline to forward any answer from Te Kooti to the last note until 2 o'clock to-day. Mr Napier naturally requested that Te Koo ti's reply might be given him at o nee, as his continued incarceration might be the consequence of such delay. Ho told him that he was taking steps to have Te Kooti liberated, and if any delay

resulted Mr Reston would be responsible. Mr Keston said bhafc he might tell Mr Napier thabTeKootiwasaboufc to be released. He knew that, as it was told Te Kooli in his presence. Mr Napier then inquired i£ Te Kooti was told that by Mr Miichelson. Mr Reston declined to say by whom, bub admitted that it was a person in authority. Mr Napier said, " Very well, if you tell me on your official knowledge that Te Kooti is about to bo discharged at once, I can refrain from any further proceedings." Mr Reston replied, " I tell you this upon good authority." Mr Napier asked when he would be liberated. Mr Resfcon said " Shortly, but I cannot tell you bo-day."