TE KOOTI'S VISIT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1859, 28 February 1889, Page 3

TE KOOTI'S VISIT.

Auckland, Fab. 26, A force of sixty men. comprising thirty volunteer*, embark by the Chelmsford for Opotiki at two this afternoon. Lathe. A total force from Auckland of 80 men, commanded by Captain Morrison, of the permanent force, including nine policemen under Sergeant Keily, will arrive at Opotiki to-morrow morning and march at onoe for Waioka to arrest To Kooti, by force if necessary, and bring him to Auckland. The Volunteers were tent out this afternoon for Opotiki by a crowd of several thousands. Much enthusiasm was displayed. The police from the suburbs and country districts are called into Auckland during the absence of the police detachment. Wellington, Feb. 25. The only information received by the Government is from Inspector Keily, who states thit Te Kooti retraced his steps some miles towards Opotiki out of deference to the wishes of the Government, but afterwards said, “I am now going on." Ministers here do not understand that the Premier haa promised to arrest Te Kooti, but only that he shall not be allowed to disturb the peace of the district. Five hundred of his friends are said to be assembled at Karaka, about twenty miles from Gisborne. The total force on the march to Opotiki is about 180. Wellington, Fab. 27. Although not definitely known, the Government have an opinion that Te Kooti will leave for Waikato to-day, and the whole scare will be at an end. If Te Kooti will diaband his followers, and leave the district quietly, the Government will not interfere with him in any way, but allow him to go to his home in Waikato. Later i The latest information received by the Government seema to show that it is not at all certain yet that Te Kooti intends to retnrn. His statements are vague. The Auckland contingent had not arrived at Opotiki at 11 a.m., though they were expected much earlier. Gibbobnb, Feb. 25. A Herald correspondent at the Hauhan encampment writea that there is much excitement amongst the Maoris but no trouble is expected. A meeting was held to discuss the Gisborne meeting. As the speeches were interpreted the Hauhaus ridiculed the idea of danger. The speeches of the Ngatiporcu chiefs were received in ominous silence. The Hauhaus decided to offer no resistance to Government under any circumstances whatever. "If Te Kooti come, very well j if he does not oome, very well; if he’s shot, very well; if angry Europeans come, very well.” Feb. 26. The situation is regarded as becoming more serious. The Premier stopped public and Press telegraphic communication with Opotiki. Last night Eopst.v sent fora reinforcement of 25 Ngatiporou, who are in Gisborne. It is not known whether the whole tribe will be called out. A number of volunteers left Gisborne this morning to join the expeditionary force. Later, A private telegram reached here from Opotiki this afternoon, stating that there is no danger now, Te Kooti is going back to Waikato to-day or to morrow. The troops did not leave camp till 10 o'clock last night, though orders for marching had been given and countermanded twice during the day, The Premier arrived at camp at 8 o’clock last night. After two hours consideration with the officers he addressed the force, thanking them on behalf of the Colony for coming out at the call of duty, and said that it was not a military exhibition, but one to vindicate the law of the country. Ho especially thanked Bopata and the Ngatiporous for their previous services. The force then marched towards Mott).