THE TE KOOTI TROUBLE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 262, 19 February 1889, Page 2

THE TE KOOTI TROUBLE.

THE PUBLIC MEETING AT MAKABAKA. Thzbe was yesterday a ferment of excitement at Makaraka all the morning, people continuing to arrive from all quarters, until there was such a crowd at the place that those who ought to know said they had seldom seen such a number assembled there before. At half-past eleven it was decided to hold the meeting at the school house. There was at once a rush for seats, the room being soon crammed, and several people got bruises though not serious. The meeting included representatives from all parts of the district. Major Westrup proposed and Mr Hardy seconded that Mr Walsh take the chair. (Applause.) The Chairman said it was not a pleasure for him to take the chair on that occasion, but it was a pleasure to him to see so many present willing to enter a protest against the action of the Native Minister who had heaped indignity, not only on the people of this district, but on the people of the colony. Major Westrup said most of them knew why they had met. It was for the purpose of devising means to keep Te Kooti from coming to the district. There might bs some divergence of opinion ss to how that should be done, and it had been decided by a number of representative settlers to hold a meeting to consider it. He read correspondence with the Government to show that from the first there had been proper representation made to them to prevent Te Kooti’s coming here, and although the Ministers had recognised the danger they had done nothing to prevent him coming It was then for-them to take such firm measures as would prevent Te Kooti coming here. Te Kooti and his followers could not be judged by ordinary standards, b;iog fanatics who might be driven to any excess. He was the miscreant who instigated the murders and worse crimes of 1869, and it could not be looked upon by the settlers of this district other than that they were being exposed to an insult and indignity, if not worse, by the man being allowed to return to the scenes of his crimes. His wonderful influence under the guise of religion had increased greatly of late. He had now two hundred followers. He was a man of steady purpose who would work on until his purpose, whatever it might be, was achieved. If he came into the district, tha speaker thought he would never go out of it again, and these peaceful times would cease. They would have great trouble on their hands it they did not at once adopt decisive measures. The Government had failed them, and they must now take upon themselves to turn him back. (Cheers.) He did not think it necessary to refer to the history of the past, which would only excite them, but any new wttler who might think their proceedingsTtej. he wool J refer to a pamphlet whicWi’ie meld in bis hand and which gave the hisory of the affair. He apprehended that the spirit of the white man was amongst them still. They did not want to take revenge, but since the Government failed them they must themselves take measures to maintain peace, and the way suggested seemed to him the only one possible. He referred to the monstroushess of giving an unconditional pardon to Te Kooti. There should have been a condition that ho should not visit Poverty Bay. That had not been done although there had been plenty of time to correct the error, and they should not be brought to suffer the disgrace they would suffer if Te Kooti came into the district. The Government had not only given Te Kooti a pardon but had also given him a grant of land. Lot them suppose that they, in that room, were the greatest ruffians unhung, by the analogy of this Te Kooti affair they would not only be entitled to a free pardon, they should also have a grant of land. Te Kooti had gone further He did not like the land which was given to him, so he went, and asked for another piece which the Minister at once granted. Voice: He would get a big show in India.

His (the speaker’s) own idea was that if anything were going to be done they should appoint a Vigilance Committee to consider the best method of carrying out their intentions, and of doing it quickly. If they appointed a committee as suggested then in a quarter of an hour they would be able to decide.

Mr Chambers said he had little to say, Those present at the meeting seemed to be determined that they should not allow this insult to the district, and he agreed that they must prevent that man coming here. They should elect a committee first and then organise themselves for soma action. Those who enrolled themselves would feel they were within the law. When the law failed to protect individuals it allowed individuals to protect themselves. Those who joined should join with the clear understanding that in what measures they took to prevent this man coming into the district there was to be no attempt at revenge. They must go under the orders of ths Committee. He believed Te Kooti would turn back without any bloodshed, and no harm to the peace of the district. If any wild spirits were allowed to go with them they might break away and not be controllable. Voice : Supposing he wont go back ? Mr Chambers! Then we will have to not under the orders of ths Committee. It 40 or 50 men went out there might be trouble, but with two or three hundred they might not anticipate anything of the kind, The action of the Native Minister in Auckland in lionising Te Kooti was an insult to the colony, though perhaps it came in at an opportune time. Those of them who were later settlers in the district felt it their duty as Englishmen to respect tha feelings of tha earlier settlers, and to back them up in what they decided upon, (Cheers.) Mr Espie said instead of the Government placing obstacles in the way of Te Kooti they were doing everything to favor him. It they had told him he was not to oome the speaker knew very well he would not have done so. In spite of all protests they had told him the coast was clear. As there were so many people against his coming, and the trouble that might arise, he thought the only thing that they could do was to try quietly and peaceably to turn him bank again. They did not want to tske his life or that of anyone else, but it was not right that those who had to suffer should always have a rad rag In front of them. They might forgive but (hey could not forget, Te Kooti should go back to whore he had been given his land, (Obears.) Mr Hardy said by what had appeared in a Gisborne paper it would appear that Te Kooti was an ill-used man, that he had come back for peace. They had Sound in Te Kooti’s own handwriting statements that he would oome back to this place ” with the intention of destroying the pakeha for ever and ever and ever,” He had done his bast to carry that out, He might come here and lie peaceably for awhile, but they were never sure when the scoundrel would break out again. The people hera were in great terror. He (the speaker) had grounds for saying that Te Kooti had nearly 600 adherents in this district. Whatever was done must ba done with a firm determination that Te Kooti should not come hare. (Cheers.) He would propose that they pass a vary strong vote of censure on the Native Minister and those other persons who had escorted Te Kooti roujld Auckland igst week. . Hani Riniha laid i Friend* we are Wy glad we bite been tuumuaed to ktUad thie meet*

ing by Major Westrup. We are waiting to sec what you Europeans do ; we are residing amongst you and shall be glad to know what you intend. We shall be quite ready to bind ourselves to every decision you arrive at. (Loud applause). There was a gathering of Hauhaus last Tuesday, he was at that gathering and said he would never agree to Te Kooti coming. (Applause). He told them their insisting upon it would only bring trouble to the district.

Major Westrup said he had never tried to influence Hapi’s opinion, and would ask him whether the natives thought any harm would arise it Te Kooti were allowed to come and remain any time he chose.

Hapi could not answer the question—no one could know.

In reply to another question Hapi said Te Kooti was a determined man and would try all he knew to carry out anything ha undertook. He could not answer as to how far Te Kooti might be led by his religion. Mr Chambers explained that Hapi was one of their best friends during the troublous times of ’69. (Cheers.) Henare Kokapuuga also expressed his dissent to Te Kooti coming, and said the issue depended upon Major Westrup. Mr Keinpthorne asked them to be careful in what they did. Te Kooti was now a free man. When Te Kooti landed on a .well-known occasion they were marched out, a force of seventy or eighty,and Majorjßiggs ordered him to put down his arms, aad tho answer the Major received was that he would not, and they might come and try to take them —he would meet them if they wanted to fight. Supposing he should say the same now, very few of them were armed and it was no use of them going to stop Te Kooti unless they were. They must also obey the law, for if they transgressed it they would be amenable.

A voice: You can stop him from coming into the district.

Mr Frank Arthur said although Te Kooti had been pardoned by one man, ho came back to revel in the place where he had committed those deeds, and as the Government would not offer them any protection for themselves they had to act on the principle of self perservation. If the man came here they could not tell when a chance shot would be fired by an infuriated European or native, and then the up-country settlers would have to suffer for it. They had to have some regard for the safiy of those around them—the settlers were compelled to bring their wives and children into town rather than risk the danger; he had brought his own wife in on that account. Instead of offering protection to the settlers and their families Government sent policemen to look after Te Kooti, so they were bound to protect themselves, and they could best do this by not letting him come. (Cheers.) They were not safe themselves, and peaceful progress was thus being prevented. The Government should not allow the settlers to remain without protection if they -would not stop Te Kooti coming—if they took no action until some one was killed they had themselves to blame for it. Hoaui Buru was of opinion that harm would come of Te Kooti’s being allowed to visit the place—they had already said they were dead against him. Let him go to those districts the Minister had allowed him to parade, but not come hera—they had been troubled with him from 1869 to the present time. They had made an unavailing protest to Government, and should now be inclined to put a body of men at the boundary to prevent his coming. He was decidedly of opinion evil would arise if Te Kooti were allowed to come.

Another native repeated the remarks of the previous speaker, and said r he was in favor of a message being sent to Te Kooti telling him he must not come—he would abide by whatever decision the meeting arrived at. Mr Desmond got up to give Te Kooti’s side of the question. It had been his fortune, he said, to’become acquainted with some of Te Kooti’s followers. He did not coms there to advocate Te Kooti or murders, but they ought to hear the other side. He proceeded to give the version ot the story that he had heard, when Mr Espie and others said it was quite wrong. Considerable noise then ensued, some thinking it only waste of time to hear Mr Desmond, while there were a few who thought he should ba allowed to say what he wished.

A Voice : This meeting was not called to defend Te Kooti. Mr Desmond : It is a meeting of Englishman. (Hear, hear. Lat him speak. Cheers and groans.) A Voice': Are you a settler 1 Mr Desmond: I came here to stop bloodshed.

Major Westrup: Who has spoken aboul bloodshed ?

Mr Desmond: This meeting here may be the cause ot more than what there was before. Voice: Where did you get your experience ? Mr Desmond : I have no right to answer you. Mr Brown (Karaka): Let us have both side?. Lot him have his say. It can be easily refuted, (Applause). Mr Newman : Are we afraid of hearing both sides ?

Mr Desmond thought it would be only fair play allowing him to speak, but he would abide by the decision of the meeting. The Chairman then ruled that what Mr Desmond had to say did not come within the specific object of the meeting, and he could not allow any of the speakers to diverge from the point. Mr Newman wished to remove the im pression that they were not acting within the law. Their first interest was self protection. Settlers were forced to leave their homes and peaceful avocations on account of this man. It was not for them to think of the past but of the position at present. They must ba very careful what they did. They should warn him first, but if he were to resist what was the use ot talking of employing force at the present ? They must appoitt a Vigilance Committee, and in the meantime call upon the Government to take some steps, but if that did not work Te Kooti should be got out of the district. He was a determined man, and even if they went to the Motu and sent him back ha would return again at some other period. The making of a protest on the boundary might have some good effect, but they must not be too precipitate, and should guard against such atrocities as there had been formerly. If he osma here any man under the influence of drink might set tha blaze going. The danger was not so much in his being shot as that he would be fired at and missed. Hauhauism was greatly on tha increase. Ha believed at tha presant time the Government would taka advantage of the expression of feeling which had been made as a reason for preventing Te Kooti coming here. If he (tha speaker) were in Te Kooti’s place and was likely to cause a disturbance by going to any place tha Government would very quickly prevent him doing so. They must avert bloodshed. He would join with the old settlers in whatever was decide 1 upon (cheers). Major 'Westrup said no one had advocated bloodshed. He had deprecated the thought of any such thing. Mr Newman: You said you would stop him. Do you think you would do it without bloodshed P Major Westrup: Certainly. Mr Newman said they must be prepared for an emergency. He proposed the follow, ing gentleman as a Committee Major Westrup, Messrs Walsh, Hardy, H. E. Kenny, Espie, J. Wilson. G. Scott, Kemp, thorns, M. Hall, and Hapi Kinlha, with power to add to their number. Subsequently the following editions were made: —Messrs A. Graham, J. W. Sunderland. O. Gray, F. Arthur, Goldsmith, Hoani Ruru, Sitipi Awarou, Wi Keeha, Paratene. The motion yas parried by acclamation, The Chairman again commented on the position, which was inimical to the peace of the district. They did not know when anyone who had been brooding over the past would take upon himself to shoot at Te Kooti. That would be illegal, but the settlers would have to take the consequences. For this reason he wished to prevent Te Kooti coming. Mr Crawford wanted to know if Te Kooti’s followers were armed.

Some said yes and others said no. Mr Crawford said if there was any doubt they should give Te Kooti the benefit of it and be prepared themselves—there was no use of their going there just to sling stones at him; they would be simply laughed at. Major Westrup said Inspsetor Kiely, who was present, might bo able to give them some information. The Inspector said ko cflnl-1 not toll foe A certainty, but To Kooti’s folbwets had

carefully watched for two years, and no arms had been seen upon them. Mr Keinpthorne said Te Kooti’s followers were unarmed when they went to Bepongarae.

Mr Graham, while sympathising with those who felt grieved, and regretting the pardoning of Te Kooti, and the later insult to this district by the way he had been taken round in Auckland, said they must be very careful, though he could not help feeling that if the matter were properly represented to the Government, even now, they would take some steps. They should communicate with tho Minister of Justice. Inspector Kiely and Mr Booth, R.M., were at the meeting, and would be able to explain the feeling here. Really he did not think the Government understood the position of affairs. They did not know whether the natives had arms or not. If they had not them on them they would have them handy. If they sent a force to meet them they might turn them back without trouble if tho natives were unarmed, but if armed what was the use of sending an unarmed force to meet them ? In any case it would be illegal. If he went back now what was to prevent him coming again ? The proper course was to represent the matter very strongly to the Minister of Justice. [A voice : It would be merely waste of time.] They were unanimous it was not right that Te Kooti should be allowed to come. He thought the Committee might discuss the matter calmly, and communicate to Government before anything further was done. Major Westrup at this point read two telegrams just received, stating that TeKooti was then at Whakntane, and was expected at Opotiki on Tuesday night. Mr Newman said they could not trust the Government any further. They must ask them to be an auxiliary. (Cheers.) Mr Graham again counselled them on the delicacy of the position, One spark would be the causa of a flame, and terrible bloodshed might be the result. Major Westrup said there were several Government representatives present, and they could make what representations they thought fit. There was Mr Graham himself, Mr Booth, and Inspector Kiely. The Committees having been decided upon, the meeting broke up, and the Committee held their meeting. COMMITTEE MEETING. Mr H. E. Kenny was appointed Chairman, and spoke as to steps and measures to be taken. He said: You must remember you arc already acting illegally. The Government having pardoned Te Kooti, no armed force could possiblly ba organised legally to take action against him. Still at the aims time ha conceived the end justified ths means,

Mr Chambers followed, stating that although men willing to abide by the law they were as Britishers capable of upholding i‘.

Major Westrup said he wonld be willing to hear everybody. He himself had during the troubles of '6B and '69 taken a prominent part. He had fought and Te Kooti had fjutht. He (tha speaker), was not, however, satisfied with what might have been considered defeat, but he urged that it must be taken into consideration that it wae not his fault. Te Kooti is one of those clever men who aiming at an object will eventually achieve it, or die in the attempt. Mr Scott thought that although Te Kooti was admittedly a murderer, his actions should not be so harshly viewed as was done by most of the Committee. Mr Graham again repeated his remark that Te Kooti should not be allowed to visit the district,

Mr Kenny pointed out that the statements made as to action to be taken, were an indication of illegal proceedings, If Te Kooti arrived unwarned, and he were to be shot, the person using the weapon would undoubtedly be charged with murder should he die, and therefore he cautioned any person against committing such an ill-judged act. Mr Crawford said the illegality really rested with tha Government—if they would not give protection the settlers must protect themselves, the law of self preservation being their first consideiation. Mr Frank Arthur said his wife with others had to come to town on account of the danger that was felt. Resolutions were passel to th.? effect thata roll be formed of those willing to act under the orders of the Committee during the present scare, Major Westrup to be in command, and to hold themselves in readiness to prevent the threatened visit of Te Kooti to Poverty Bay; that the Government be asked for 300 stand of arms for protecting the district in the present state of alarm; that the co-operation of Major Ropnta be asked; that the resolutions be forwarded to the Government; and a subscription list be opened for the purpose of defraying expanses. Later on in the afternoon Mr H. E. Kenny, Hapi Kiniha, and Mr Espie delivered addresses from the balcony to, perhaps, a more orderly assembly of people than with such a number can often be found. A considerable sum was subscribed towards what was termed “The Poverty Bay Defence Fund.”

About 200 names were enrolled of men ready and willing to follow Major Westrup in any action which may be decided upon. It is to be noted, too, that nearly all the townspeople had returned before the list was made out, as they were not aware of whatjcourse was to be taken, and they did not have time to wait. About £3O was subscribed for the purpose of defraying any expenses, A VISIT TO THE SETTLEMENT. A representative of this journal visited the Maori settlement at the Karaka, on Sunday, when he was surprised to see the most extraordinary activity of the natives. The settlement is on the town side of the hotel at Karaka, It is different from the ordinary run of these settlements because of the fresh appearance which everything presents—- " frosh ” must not be understood to mean clean and tidy, for the reverse is the case. There is no sign of any plantation, or other provision for the supply of food, and there is an absence of many things that one had become acoustomed to regard as inseparable from a Maori settlement. There were about a hundred natives there, but everyone was at work, and several sets of natives ware engaged in fencing in enclosures for keeping pigs, others were erecting breakwinds to shelter tents, many were 11 grubbing ” stumps for use as fuel, and others were sledging scrub. The women and children were all busily engaged in cooking, eating, or plaiting flax. No one seemed to have the slightest regard for the Sabbath day. and our representative had never previously saw snob an attempt at work in a Maori settlement. It could not be termed other than an attempt at work, for there seemed to be no system whatever in what was being done. Oar regular expression, after saluting each group, was “ Kanui te mahi ?” and then they would sit down and yarn to us and tell us all they had to doout of every six engaged five would be resting themselves, though there were one or two really hard working fellows among the lot. We were warned that we must not go inside the house built fof the reception of Te Kooti, but one native obligingly offered to show us round. The “ house of state " was looked, though It was easy enough to enter through the opening tor a window. The building is of the ordinary style, covered outside with corrugated iron, The carving work is well worth inspection, and the whole work we are told was done in three months. The natives said they did not believe that Te Kooti had arrived in Opotiki on Saturday, as stated, as they had received no telegram, which they would, they said, have been certain of doing if he had got there. One native was very strong in asserting “It’s-all gammom—all sumbug." They said they had no knowledge of the time when he would arrive, which they would only know on receipt of a telegram from Opotiki. There was really no information whatever to be gained at ths settlement. Some of the Maoris said they had been told that fighting was expected, and they seemed to be rather frightened about it, as they did not appear to be in any mood to risk themselves in a fight. One went so far as to give our party a strong invitation to go up and see Te Kooti when he came ; he would not hurt us, said the native, ind if we liked he would be glad to let ua ■hake hands with him I Oar simple-minded Informant seemed to think that we would regard the handshaking privilege m a high tonor.