“WILD MAN OF THE WOODS."

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2025, 9 March 1907, Page 1

“WILD MAN OF THE WOODS."

HAKE MATENGA AGAIN. Further details to hand show that the reappearance of Hare Matenga on tho Opotiki side of the dividing ranges had a sensational aspect. The impression was Haro had perished in the mountain snows and that he would never again trouble' tho dweller in the remote Coastal localities that had been his hunting ground. The native constable at Opotiki got on the “track” of the wily Hare, and the two men came face to face in the solitude of the hush. Hare, who had a repeating rifle with him, nimbly climbed a tree, liis manner of doing so betokening that he was not the emaciated being who had been thought to have been at least famishing through hunger and cold, nor apparently had he any of the twinges of rheumatism that had been so painfully experienced by some of the hunters afther this “wild man of the woods.” “In the King’s name I arrest you, Hare Matenga,” shouted tho constable in Maori, adding some wise counsel as to Ibe advisability or surrendering without giving further trouble.

Haro’s reply is said to have been a little like what Wi Pere, M.L.C., said about the pakc-ha in his famous speech in the House. With the repeater levelled at the head of the constable tho latter was advised by Hare to move off in rapid time.

The constable pondered, but while he was trying to think out some strategic plan by which Hare could bo peacefully made prisoner, sharp again came to the command, not to stand upon the order, but to go; also to go very quickly 1 The constable went. Some might say that he should have stood his ground, and made a great effort, or some effort, to capture the man who had Seen giving so much trouble and eluding the vigilance of all searchers. But a repeating rifle —for so it is declared to have been —in tlie hands of a desperate man who is a crack shot, is not to be faced with impunity, even by tho bravest of men. Tho question sometimes arises, “What could be done with Haro Matenga if lie wore captured?” hut -probably tho “outlaw” believes that capture, would mean death, and would prefer to sell his life dearly. The constable duly reported the exciting adventure, and soon there was a crowd of eager natives in pursuit. They were quickly on the right track, and had Hare surrounded. But there again was evidence of tlie potent argument Hare had at command, and the sight of the repeater induced cautiousness where only a few minutes before there had been imeontrqUable precipitancy of search. Capturing the desperado was not so easy as finding his whereabouts. The result was that the native De Wette soon broke through the cordon, and Is not likely to be heard of again until he makes another raid. Report saith that the natives are not now too eager to take any chance with the “deadly tube” handled by Matenga; and with the winter coming on no pakeha will take up the chase with enthusiasm.

Tho “outlaw” will surely yet figure in a romance, though for wayback settlers it is anything but romantic to have such a character hovering about.