THE OLD CRY.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 259, 12 February 1889, Page 2

THE OLD CRY.

Te Kooti’s determination to visit this district is the cause of much anxiety in some of the outlying places. Of the man personally no one has anything to fear, but it is the consequences to which his visit may lead that make the prospect a grave one. We did not think Mr Mitchelson had so much power over Te Kooti as the latter’s recent visit to Auckland proves, though it is possibly only an implied deference which has no existence in fact. The murderer had another favor to ask, and “bluffed” the Native Minister by his cunning. But things having taken this course, surely by tact the Government can use some influence? In this case there are none of the reasons which are usually given when a pardon is granted; pardon as a rule is only allowed to a murderer when there has been some doubt of his guilt. In this instance there is none, and after twenty years have elapsed the settlers are unable t<? soften their feelings towards one who has made them and theirs suffer so bitterly. It is more than can be expected of human nature that they who have suffered by these atrocities, and who are yet in the land of the living, can remain passive while the murderer returns in triumph. We again urge upon the Government that having gone so far in the matter, some method should be resorted to by which Te Kooti’s purpose will be averted. The very words he has used are a further insult and taunt to those who have already suffered much. He knows, he says, that if any harm comes .to him the Government will see that the offenders are punished. He wants to come here, he says, to see his friends. If he has not many friends why do they not go to see him ? If he has many friends it is the more reason that he should stop away. To make ourselves understood by those who are unacquainted with the circumstances, we may say that it is not Te Kooti himself that is feared. He is too much of a coward to attempt a repetition of any of his former deeds when he knows his capture could be so easily made. The fear is that a shot will be fired by some one who cannot forget the past, and then no one can tell what the consequences might be. We are not in any way assuming the position of an alarmist; our remarks are based on information that cannot be doubted. It is not from those who have much to say that action may be expected; there are others who say little but think much, and are of a spirit so determined that what they do say cannot be treated as vain boasting. We are sorry that such should be the case, that any brave man should risk his own life to inflict what he considers justice upon a cowardly savage; but we must not blind ourselves to the truth, and the Government will be guilty of a great wrong if they allow themselves to be lulled into a false sense of security. If they have so much influence with Te Kooti as to be able to induce him to go to Auckland—with a twofold object, though, be it remembered — their power might go much further. We beseech them to make the best use of that influence, for the trouble may very soon become one of colonial importance. If the Government have no further influence then we advise them to be prepared for contingencies.