TE KOOTI'S VISIT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1856, 21 February 1889, Page 4

TE KOOTI'S VISIT.

Gisborne, February 18. The largest gathering ever hold in this district met to-day to take action to prevent the visit of Te Kooti, Five hundred were present, including Mr K, Booth, 8.M., end Police Inspector Kirk. The speakers who addressed the assemblage were all agreed as to the danger of the visit. What they desired was that his presence should be prevented. The following resolutions were ordered to be forwarded to the Government: — “That a roll be formed of all willing lo act under the orders of the committee during the se re ; that the heading of the roll bo *Wo agree to act under the orders of Major Westrup in any steps found necessary to prevent To Kooti entering the district'; that a requisition be wont to the Government for 300 aland of arms ; that Major Ropata and his committee be. asked to co-operate." Immediately 200 names wore enrolled and a considerable sum of money subscribed. A vigilance committee was appointed. One of the speakers said if the Government did not come to their assistance they would bo competed to uso force lo protect themselves. February 19. Mr Booth, R.M., received the following telegram ut 4 p.m. from Mr Fergus, Minister of Justice Issue a notice to the people of Gisborne to the fo lowing effect: ‘ln deference to their feelings Government have used every effort except actual force, which would bo clearly llogul (Te Kooti since pardoned being a free man) to stop bis going to Gisborne, and will continue to do’so. Government have full information as to Te Kooli’s movements, and are satisfied that, there is no fear whatever of his breaking the law should he persist in going to Gisborne notwithstanding the efforts Government are still making to prevent him. Government hope that the settlers wilt help them to maintain the law evenly between the two races. Any breach of it must end in serious consequences to all concerned.’” Telegrams from Whakatane, aunt tbs morning, say that Te Kooti and his party of about sovonty-one, a quarter of whom are women, ore now there. They seem to be unarmed and peaceable, but may have revolvers. They may not leave Opoiiki for several days, Wellington, February 18. The Govarnmout received a telegram this morning stating that a band of forty armed natives hud been formed at Opittki for the purpose of intercepting Te Kooti ou his way to Poverty Bay, and prevent him jfrom reaching the latter district. Te Kop'i is now at Kotorua, whore he has a train of 100 men, all fully armed, but it is doubtful whether he will carry out hia intention of going to the East Coast. Government have telegraphed lo tbe native agents who armed themselves in that township to refrain from conduct which is likely to briog them into collision with the ex-rebel and his party. Auckland, February 19. The Government are informed that Te Kooti has 70 men in his train, all unarmed, including several women and children. Mr Mitchelson states that it is vary improbable that any bloodshed will occur, as To Kooti’s proposed route avoids the residences of settlers whoso relatives perished in the massacre »t Poverty Bay and Mobaka in 1869. His route wid be by way of Katala, Bay of Plenty, thence in a direct line across the south of the [Jriwera country lo Turanganui. The threats made against him are thought more bounce to frighten him from cairymg out his intention. The Government hove no intention of supplying arms to the settlers as requested, considering the demand preposterous, because by such a course they would themselves be helping the people to break the law. They will rely on the volunteers to keep the peace, and if these are not sufficient other means will be taken.