TE KOOTI TROUBLE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 265, 26 February 1889, Page 2

TE KOOTI TROUBLE.

DETAILS OF MILITARY PROCEEDINGS PROGRESS OF EVENTS. Add day long on Saturday the excitement in town was intense. There was scarcely a moment during the day that there was not at least half a dozen persons grouped in front of our office (sometimes the traffi: would be impeded) eagerly devouring the news conveyed by the extras we issued from time to time. During the evening Gladstone Road was unusally crowded, and there must have been a thousand people about. Various absurd rumors, having not the slightest foundation, ware in circulation, but it may be depended that had any authentic news arrived as to Te Kooti’s movements we would as usual have immediately given the people the benefit of it. The streets were still crowded tar into night, many people having oomein from the country on purpose to witness the disembarkation of the troop*. Tha steamer, however, did not arrive until nearly one o’clock, and it was nearer two when the passengers got ashore. Even at that hour the wharf was crowded, and as tha Snark drew near the members of the Permanent Artillery could be seen aboard, the dull colored uniforms showing off to advantage in the clear moonlight. The men were cheered as they stepped ashore and then marched up to drill shed, where they were made comfortable for the short time at their disposal. The detachment is a fine body of men, and oon tains people not unknown to Gisborne— Messrs L. P. Bullen, Reggy Caulton, Trevelyan, and G. Simeon. One cannot help contrasting the arrival of troops on Sunday morning with a similar one not much m ire than twenty years ago. It was the same Te Kooti that was the cause of the trouble. In spite of a Vigilance Committee* and strong appeals to Government for help, Te Kooti committed the bloodthirsty massacre which has earned for him the undying hatred of present and future settlers. Aid came then after the mischief was done, and the anival of the troops was looked upon as a God-send. To-day a Vigilance Committee backed up by the united voice of the settlers has compelled the Government to take atepi to guard us from a possible rocurronoe of those foul crime.. While the troops on this occasion are hoarlily welcomed, they ooms not to avenge or punish, but to prevent, STARTING FROM GISBORNE. At about half past six, the combined forces of Permanent Artillery, Torpedo Corps, East Ciast Hussars, Ngatipurous, and Constables, numbering in all about 150, moved forward on Unit uncertain ezpelition. The morning was a beautiful one, and was granfi for soldiering purposes. People had been crowding into the streets since daybreak, and there was a great numbar present to witness the departure, The Hussars led the way, closely followed by tha Artillery and Constables, who were packed like sardines in all conceivable kinds ot conveyances, The Ngatiporous (some 35 in all), who had received arms and ammunition on Saturday night, brought up ths roar. As the troops moved off. three hearty cheers were given, and the Ngatiporous oame in for an extra share of cheering, There were no affecting scenes at the departure, but there was many a warm grasp of the hand and a •• Good bye, and God bless you, old boy.” A keen observer scrutinising the faces ot the woman, could not but note the swollen eves and tear stained faces which told of affectionate partings and a sleepless night, whilst there was scarcely a face that did not betray some sign of anxiety, for who could tell what might happen? Tne Hussars which had been complemented by several members of tha late Vigilance Committee, who have thus proved their sincerity, oame in tor most attention. Soma of them affected to treat the matter lightly, others shammed fear, but beneath these outer appearances it was easy to see that come what may, our brave men wtuld nobly comport themselves, and that Poverty Biy will have no cause to be ashamed of her share in the present expedition. The people kept up with the cavalcade as long as they were able, but they were soon outdistanced, and the whole detachment went out of sight, carrying with it tho good wishes of all.

On the Road. [By our Special Reporter.] Nothing eventful occurred during the first fifteen miles of the journey. At Ormond a short stoppage was made for the purpose of allowing the men to quench their thirst. A few red coats were visible here and there, showing that the township was not in a defenceless state. Captain Kenny remained in Ormond to take charge of the Cook County Bifies. As the expedition passed through the township it was viewed by a number of residents. After the force had crossed the river at Kaiteratahi a telegram was received by the officer in charge, the contents of which were not made known, but it was quite evident that it was one of an important nature as the advance guard was strengthened and the troop brought into close order. From the action taken by the advance guard when on the Ormond Opotiki Road it is probable the message was to the effect that no one was to be allowed to pass the troop on the road. The road after turnin'* off at the Willows was rather rough in places, and as the horses were unaole to pull tho loaded conveyances, the constables and artillerymen had to walk over the greater part of the pond. Owing tq the number of persons on the road there was naturally a great deal of dust flying about, and the uniforms particularly of the constables, were coated with dust. The Hussars, being mounted and riding in a body, came in for the greatest share of the dust, and the majority of them were hardly distinguishable, their hair and the beards of those who possessei such being full of it, giving young men a decidedly aged appearance. On coming to a bridge a short distance from Mr Wethered’s homestead a halt was made, opposite a grove of peach trees, and all hands, including the artillery, constabulary, volunteers, apd civilians, wars scon under the trees, eating the feuit, which must have been very acceptable after their hot and dusty ride. After a few minutes’ spell the expedition was soon on its way again, and in a few minutes

ARRIVE D AT THE CAMPING GROUND, the Hussars halting at the woolshei on the Lome station, opposite Mr Wethered’s residence, the artillery, constabulary, and Ngatiporous going a little further, and halting at q grassy paddock, in which was a targe mound. Previously a guard had been stationed to prevent civilians peering ttye bridge where the forces halted, but a large number of the former evaded the guard by crossing the creek, and made their way to the camp. However, they were not allowed to go inside the paddocks, but still could see everything that was going on from the road. The brakes and waggons after discharging their iqad? returned to town, arriving home before dark. PITCHING TENT. Immediately ou arriving at the station the Hussars took up their quarters in the woqlshed, picketed their horses, and at once commenced preparations for their midday meal. In the other paddock the horses were let loose, there bring abundant feed. The Ngatiporoqs took up their quarters under some trees, while the permanent forces pitched their tents on top of the mound. As would be expected with regulars, their arrangements for camping out were perfect, and it surprised some of the onlookers to see how rapidly the tents were pitched. The members of the police perhaps were most adroit at this game. Before the others had got their luggage out of the waggons the police had their tents pitched on the flat, and had their blankets in the same. They had barely completed their job, when Inspector Kiely ordered them to remove their quarters to tho top of the hill. This was dorie in a very short time. Meanwhile a constable had gone a short distance away to get some hay for bedding, and oh his return it was amusing to see his look of surprise to And only a couple of swags where a few seconds before two tents had stood. He stood there with a bundle of hay in his anus asking where) the dickens the village hud vanished to.

A Visit to tha Maori Camp at K-iraka.

[By oub Special Reporter. 1 After seeing our “ brave defenders ” settling in camp, I went out io the Maori camp at Karaka for the purpose of seeing how things were going on, and in what spirit the natives took the latest turn of affairs. On arriving at the camp I was considerably disappointed to find that instead of the five or six hundred natives I had anticipated seeing there were hardly two hundred visible, the mijority being women and children. There was a good number of Europeans ou ths ground, having a look around. Tha natives did not seem at all unsociable or reserved, with the exception ot one or two who held aloof, and seemed unwilling to enter into ooaversation with the Europeans. The natives seem to bo well-informed ot the movemants of tho authorities, as when I arrived tho foroM had been less than an hour at Waikobu, and the natives at Ksrakt knew all about it. They firmly believe that, notwithstanding ths fact that a foroa has been sent out to stop him, Te Kooti will oome and visit them, and stale ha will bs here on Friday. In ths afternoon a Church of England service was*hsld by a young man from the Maori College. Nearly all the Maoris in the camp attended, but they did not join in the responses as fervently as is usual with Maoris, and seemed little impressed by the service. Directly tha service was over all the natives sprang to their feet ana oommanoed singing a song of welcome to some natives who had just driven oat from town, having only arrived that morning from Napier. Mr Crawford wae on the ground, and as a matter ot ooursa his samara was with him. His appearance with his instrument oiused soils exoitemint am tag the younger natives, who eagerly crowded around him. Mr Crawfoyd took several views while on the ground. Standing near him I noticed the individual who got such a lively lime of it at the public meeting on Thursday last. 1 I was not able to sse the inside of the Church as the door was looked, the key, I ■ informed, being in the possess! >n of Te it having bsen given to him by Wi Pare. natives say Te Kooti la to open the Church March 12, but whether this interesting senrunny will oome off is very doubtful, A native who is insane addressed the crowd several times during the day. The natives regard him as harmless, and ere amused st his vagaries. Just before I same away tba natives were killing plga, a large number of which are kept in a small enclosure. The chase was tn exciting one, men, pigs, and dogs being mixed in one indescribable heap, By the way the dog registrar should make a good haul at thia camp, as there are almost as many dogs as thare are natives, and very tew ot the animals are registered.

Back to the Station, SUNDAY. Shortly after three in the afternoon Con* stable Reddell, accompanied by two troopere , were despatched to the Mota bridge to strengthen the guard that had been placed there. Dr Innes is in camp, and is acting as sur* geon to the forces. Captain Winter is in charge of ths Hussats, Major Messenger the Artillery and Torpedo Corps, and Major Bopata the Ngatipofons. The Hussars fell in at four o’clock this afternoon, and were put through skirmishing and firing exarcise. Tho men in both osmpi are very sociable, and all are trying to mike the time pan pleasantly. Men are told off to keep guard to-nighh It is expected that we will be on the move at an early hour in tho muroing. 8 p.m. The latest order is that we shill make tha Motu bridge to morrow, and camp thare for the night, proceeding ou lo Opriki next day, as no word has been received ot Te Kooti having left Omaihuis. The Hussars will ba re. inforoad by natives, the whole numaerlaj about 150, MONDAY’S DOINGS. At 10 o’clock last-night Major Porter and Major Messenger returned to oamp, having left shortly after the troops’ arrival here to interview tbe P emier at Ormond, who, it is understood, will remain at that place till the scare is over. The latest orders are that we will probably march at 11 this morntag, A soldier's life is not a happy one, especially when he has to steep on a sack of grass seed, with a saddle tor a pillow, as wa did last night, and the rats running all round. The only fear of any trouble arising is when going through the Motu Bush, as the Permanent forces will stay bihind to watch the movements of the Karaka natives, and tho Hussars will not bo ra-inforcsd till they reach Opotiki, so that should the natives attack them at all the Hussars will probably have to return here. The officers are doing all in their power to make their men comfortable. My own treatment in oamp has been the best that could have been desired, all the men being ot tbe proper sort to make things comfortable, whatever may be tbe circumstance.*, When there is such a number, a few are generally to be found who throw a damper on the proceedings, but here all is different—the men recognise that they are entering upon no toy encampment, that no one can taunt them with playing at soldiers; but whatever may be the outcome, they are determined to make one another as happy and contented as possible, and if the time does oome when their services will be required, tbe boys will show they can be as brave as they can be sociable. At present it is picnic weather, and wo are enjoying ourselves capitally. Of course, wa have no idea what the outcome will be; ths general idea is that tbs trouble wjll not assume a serious form, and that it will ba much the sams as the Parifiska affsir —a Ikx demonstration, but no bloodshed. The Weilington men would like to see active sefvioe, and so would the local men, but all view the position in a sensible light and *dmic that they would not like a fight to occur unices there were sufficient justification. The Hussars expect that it anything occurs they will have the first brush, and I believe they would surprise the Gisborne people it they were under fire. Some ere inclined to underestimate the •’ oolts " on this aooount, but I believe the circumstances would show tho Hussars to be of the genuine sort—they recognise that they have ah object before then), amf no matter what their part mas be, 1 baiiovg they will perform it right nobly. As they ere all so well known, I need say nothing further of them than that in camp they display those qualities which become true eoldters. The Wellington men are a fine lot of feltowo, and if it came to fighting, I would much sooner be on fheir ride than against them. If actual fighting doss occur, I think the utmost reliance can be placed on the men in the field inexperienced as a greet many are. A report was circulated here tp the effect that Te Kooti bad turned tail and upset gll our arrangements. As no news came front che Staniubd, I feel pretty sure that either more or less than the truth has been told, and that is tbe general impression in oamp. Perhaps wa will hear the truth soon enough, for none believe the story as it has been told here. 9.80 p.m. The troops are under orders to march at any momna’, and I thought they would have been on the road before now. It iq

almost certain the Huazars at leaat w£U make a shift before dark. 330 p.m. News has been received that the canes of all this trouble, Te Kooti, is gatherirg all his followers, and has got them round hjg standard, numbers of the Uriwares joining him, A Ngatiporou has just been despatched to get a further force ot Major Bopata’e followers. We expect to move early to-morrow morning, Obxoxd, 6 90 p.m. I have juet taken a ride into Ormond to have a look round. The Ormond Rifles are keeping guard of tho township, Lieutenant Harper bring in oom* mend. Ngatiporous are being served out with arma and men are being aworn in to go to tbe front, Sir Harry Atkinson and Secretary and Mr Booth have just left tor the oamp. One can only conjecture what this moans, but I shrmld not be surprised if it moans definite marching orders.

Ormond Notes.

[from our special reporter] Mr James Orr has brought his family into town, having received word from a good source that it was safer for him to do so. Mrs Wethered has also gone into town. Several other families have gone in. Despite the vigilant watch that is being kept on the Motu Bridge I have good reason to believe that the Karaka Maoris are still having constant inland communication with Opotiki, and I have not much doubt that a messenger arrived through yesterday, it not being a difficult thing for them, when they find there is a guard on at the bridge, to plant their hones, and then make their way through the bush on foot. Much excitement is caused here by the •implemindedness of your contemporary in accepting as gospel a certain account of proceedings at the Haubau camp. People say they would sooner trust the Maoris themselves than go>betweens who are known to them—better to. it seems, not trust the devil you do know than the one who has not been proved to be such. Some very exciting rumors are in vogue here, and a problem I have yet to solve is how they get about, and many, too, without any circumstance that would give them the color of truth.

A WELLINGTON CRITIC. The verse article in the Wellington Evening Press is given in full, below :— The telegram which we received yesterday afternoon from Major Westrup, on behalf of the Poverty Bay settlers, earnestly requesting our help in influencing the Government to prevent Te Kooti returning to that district, placed us in a painful position. Major Westrup is a brave soldier and an honourable gentleman, for whom wo have a great reffird and whose advocacy of any cause, ordinary circumstances, would be by itself to bespeak our assistance 'Wmft. The Poverty Bay settlers, moreover, area body of colonists whom it would at all times give us pleasure to serve or help in any way con-istent with our public duty and our own sense of right. In this particular instance, too, it is impossible for us not to entertain a deep respect for the feelings of those of them who lost relatives or friends in the deplorable catastrophe of 1809, and whose natural emotions are at this moment keenly excited by the impending return to the distries of the man whom they look upon as the personification of that awful crime. Yet, what they ask us in such appealing terms to do, la so directly contrary to what we sincerely believe to ba for the public good and for the good of the Poverty Bay settlers themselves, that we could not for a moment hesitate to take exactly the opposite course from that urged upon us, Thera can ba no doubt about the nature of their request, for Major Westrup’a telegram is perfectly straightforward and specific. It will be seen from the last sentence of this remarkable message that the settlers fullv realise the illegality and wrongness of forcibly opposing Te Kooti’a visit. They admit without any reserve that they would •' compromise themselves” by taking such action. In other words, they would do something unworthy of good citizens and bring themselves under the penalty of the law, Yet what is it they ask us to do ? They ask us to employ our influence as a public journal to impel the Government to commit the selfsame outrage against humanity, which, in the next sentence, they acknowledge would compromise themselves. They ask us to "insist on ths Government taking the responsibility of keeping Te Kooti from the Poverty Bay district.” Can they possibly have reflected upon wbat that responsibility is? It is neither more nor less than the responsibility of unlawfully depriving a free subject of the Queen of his rights as a citizen and of exercising a despotic power totally unknown to and totally at variance with the Constitution by virtue of which alone the Government have any authority at all. Major Westrup is a magistrate, and among the Committee are several other magistrates and at least one Member of Parliament, Are these gan.lemen not aware that for the Government to attempt to restrain Te Kooti by force from entering Poverty Bay district, would actually give the right to take the life of any officer or other person so restraining him ? The law on this point was recently laid down very clearly by the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where the Judges warned the authorities that any person lawfully entitled to land in the colony and unlawfully restrained from landing, who should kill any person so restraining him. must be held harmless and within his rights ; whereas, on the contrary, if the person restraining him should kill him, he would be guilty of murder and must be condemned to death. The law is precisely the same with regard to the proposed forcihe prevention of Te Kooti from coming to Poverty Bav. Now, we cannot believe that the Committee or the settlers wish the Government to place their peace officers in the position of possible murderers who may be justifiably slain bv a citizen in defence of his rights. We cannot believe .that they seriously expect us, as a dispassionate and impartial newsnaper, well informed as to the law, and habitually upholding it, to advocate so disastrous a course. Why should we do so? “To obviate the necessity for the settlers compromising themselves ” by committing the crime which they ask us to urge the Government to commit ? We reply that there we take issue with the settlers upon clear ground. We deny that any necessity exists for the settlers to comnrn. raise themselves in any wav, or consequently, that there is any occasion for ns, or for the Government, to do anything to obviate such

a necess ty. In employing that word " necessity,” the Committee make a wholly unwarassumption. They assume that it is which, in reality, is only prompted revenge and which is not only quite nnneossary but in the last degree undesirable and reprehensible. The Poverty Bay settlers have made an appeal to us which we have felt bound to reject only from the strongest sense of dnty, We assure them there is no appeal they could make to us which would be in vain, if we helieyed that by responding to it, we should do them any good. Let us now, in this spirit of heartfelt friendship, make an appeal to them. We ask them, on behalf of our country, for which we have p.ll had to make great sacrifices in the past and are assuredly prepared to make sacrifices ’gain, if need be—we ask them for the fair fame and well being of this dear cormtry to place upon themselves that noble restraint which is the only true courage, and to set an example of high-minled humanity to their fellow subjects of both races. We aek them not to disgrace the nam a of New Zealand by reviving to-day the horrid traditions of a period in our history .murky with the smoke of battle, lurid with the flames of burning homes, incarnadined by the blood of massacre. We ask them to rise superior to such pagan passions, and to show themselves worthy members «f a Christain nation, the watchword of whose creed is, " Forgive your enemies.”

GENERAL NOTES. The telephone instruments at Ormond have been replaced ty the telegraph, of which Mr Cuming has been placed in charge. Sir Harry Atkinson has taken up his quarters at the Chandos Hotel, Ormond. Mr E. H. Fenton is anting aa Quartermaster Bargeant in town. Orderly Sergeant Csntle was endeavoring gt a late honr last night to enlist thirteen , volunteers to join the Hussars at daylight this morning. Yesterday onr special reporter telegraphed the alarming intelligence that 200 Maoris had left Karaka on Saturday night with the intention of joining Te Kooti, Subsequently thia was contradicted by a Maori whose information was gnaranteed as indisputable by a gentleman in whom we would put implicit faith, but from late information it would appear the latter gentleman must also have been deceived to an extent, for there is no floubt that a large number did leave Karaka, but they only went on to Kaitaia. There is an impression that they have really gone ‘“tough, but we do not know how true it is. .* Lyttelton Times concludes an article « *’?• Te Kooti trouble to the effect that whether the fears of the people of this ttthwttft 1 W n °‘ War,ftt

TE KOOTI'S MOVEMENTS. fuROJI OVE OWN COBBESPONDENT.] Opotiki, yesterday. Te Kooti returned from Omarumutu yesterday and got drunk in Opotiki.' He is now at Waioeka, about nine miles from here, and has ordered his followers to remain quiet for two days, when he will determine his movements. It is still uncertain whether he will resolve to visit Poverty Bay. He ordered Wi Pere and Baker (Peka Kerekere) out of the Waioeka camp. Some of the settlers meet this morning to consider affairs. The above telegram, published in an extra yesterday, is the latest received from our Opotiki correspondent, but it has a significance which is well understood by those who are capable of judging. It is probably a cunning move which shows that Te Kooti does not intend to allow himself to be arrested, or else intends to take time to mature bis plans. His present position allows him an opportunity to vanish into the Uriwera country ; still keeping to bis resold* tion, and intending to carry it out in some form. This telegram only makes the matter more serious instead of diminishing it as some suppose;—certainly there is nothing to warrant the statement that he has abandoned his intention. At present things have a graver aspect than they had a couple of days back. Offers of Volunteers have come from Auckland and Lyttelton, but the Defence Minister has replied that he does not think outside assistance is necessary. Ten mounted volunteers are wanted to supplement Hussars; to leave town at 11 a.m. Five constables have gone to Wellington from Chrbtchurch to Wellington. The settlers of Patutahi and Arai are taking steps to procure protection in the event of those districts being molested.