RUMOURED ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN TE KOOTI AND THE COLONIAL FORCES.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 894, 30 November 1871, Page 3

RUMOURED ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN TE KOOTI AND THE COLONIAL FORCES.

Reports coming from native sources were circulated in town yesterday to the effect that Te Kooti, while making his way into Waikato, had come into ■collision with the colonial forces at Horohoro, on the borders of the Waikato district, and that four of our men had been killed. The rumour further stated that after the engagement Te Kooti had proceeded on his journey safely, and had settled near Pirongia, under the protection of the Kingites. The last news of Te Kooti's movements received via Tauranga served to give a colour of veracity to tho reported engagement. It was some days ago stated that Te Kooti's party was proceeding by Herewiwi across Kingaroa plains to the Paeroa: thence to Horohoro. Considerable anxiety was caused in town yesterday by the reported loss sustained by the colonial forces, and telegrams were at once despatched to Alexandra, as it was believed the report had come from that quarter. The replies received in every instance denied that Te Kooti had reached Waikato, and stated that no news of an engagement had reached the settlement. Our Alexandra correspondent, in answer to a telegram sent yesterday morning, replied as follows , " Alexandra," Tuesday, 4.25, " It was reported yesterday that Te Kooti was near Cambridge, but the rumour has not been authenticated. Jt is of course quite possible that the engagement has taken place at Horo-

horo without those in the Waikato township being made acquainted with the fact, but no official report has been received in town, and the matter rests entirely upon native testimony, which is not always in these cases to be trusted. So far as the rumour that Te Kooti had reached Waikato is concerned it appears to be altogether un. true. It would really be a matter for regret if he suceeded in doing so, as the long pursuit and hardships he has undergone have made him appear in the eyes of the Kingites somewhat a martyr, and his presence at Tokangamutu at the present juncture might cause serious complications. It is extremely probable that the King will protect him if ho comes to Waikato— Southern Cross, Nov. 1.