The Gisborne Standard AND COOK COUNTY GAZETTE Published Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning. Thursday, February 7, 1889. TE KOOTI’S APPROACH.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 257, 7 February 1889, Page 2

The Gisborne Standard AND COOK COUNTY GAZETTE Published Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning.

Thursday, February 7, 1889. TE KOOTI’S APPROACH.

Be just and foar not; Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy conn try's, Thy God’s, and truth’s.

The question has been asked of us on several occasions, “ Why do you not strongly oppose the projected visit of Te Kooti to this district?” Well, we may say plainly that the subject has been purposely avoided, and of course with an object. The truth appears clear to us that whatever the Press may have to say about Te Kooti cannot prevent his coming here if he has definitely made up his mind to do so. He is as free a man as any of Her Majesty’s subjects who daily walk Gladstone Road, and the only thing that would act as a deterrent is the fear the savage would have that he was in peril of his life. That fear being removed, we know of no other barrier that could be placed in his way with any hope of success. He cares nought for public opinion, and not much more for the advice of the Native Minister, or any other minister, political or religious. Then, knowing full well that the only obstacle which might be employed can have no effect if a resolute determination has been made, it would be most injudicious for any journal to stir up that sullen wrath which it is impossible can ever be completely stifled by those who have had loved ones killed in the most cruel manner. Is is too much to expect that such people can forget the past, or calmly listen to the reasoning that all these horrible doings were the work of a savage whose acts, however repugnant they may be to us even to think of, were only the’ customs of barbaric times. What we have always feared most is that some of those who have so bitterly suffered by the atrocities of the pardoned rebel may not be able to restrain themselves when they see the perpetrator return in triumph after many years; that some one may risk his 'own life to avenge himself upon a worthless savage. If Te Kooti does come—and our information is positive that he will—it is our duty to counsel forbearance on the part of those who cannot forgive, and not to seek to stir up the coals of fire over which the savage must tread. If there should be one so rash as to fire a shot, the consequences may be terrible. If there can be any way suggested by which the murderer’s visit may be avoided, provided it is lawful, we should at once favor its adoption; but as there appears to be nothing of the kind, and the treacherous Hauhau has resolved

upon taking the risk, we know of no better coarse than to advise that patience be exercised. Those who feel they cannot control themselves would do well to hold aloof and thus make certain that no disturbance shall arise. In pardoning Te Kooti, Mr Bryce made one of the greatest mistakes of his lifetime, but what has been done in this respect cannot be remedied, and there is no use discussing that point now. If the Government can still bring any influence to bear to cause Te Kooti to alter his intention, we hope they will do so, but we have not got the slightest ground for believing they have any such power ; nor, as we have said, do we think that anything that is said in the Press can in this respect have any effect. Therefore it is best to let matters take their course, in no way try to arouse that vindictive spirit which has not yet been removed, and to hope that all will end weP.