TE KOOTI IN THE WAIKATO DISTRICT.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4608, 31 May 1872, Page 3

TE KOOTI IN THE WAIKATO DISTRICT.

Our Cambridge correspondent saye :— " A few days ago intelligence of a reliable nature was received here that Te Kooti, of infamous memory, has had the audacity to take up his quarters at Wharepapa,a native village about eight miles from the Orakau block-house. The friendliea and ethers of his emisaarifea said that he brought with him a number of horses which he was desirous to barter for rum, and which, it seems, has become quite an indispensable requisite of his commissariat. And judging from the purchases made by natives iv our local stores during the week, he must have been well supplied with it. If this wretch hadibeen known to be in such dangerous proximity about 18 months ago, I have no hesitation in saying that a panic would have occurred, entailing, as it invariably haa done, considerable trouble and expense to the Government by the calling oub of the militia. Then we were not prepared either for attack or defence, and every man, woman, and child amongst us knew it ; but, as it is now, the timely and judicious policy of the Government of the day, in introducing Volunteering, as an auxiliary measure of defence for the Waikato frontier, has proved as efficacious iv averting those intolerable pests, native alarms, as it has been successful in restoring confidence and security to the settler. As I now write, and while Te Kooti's commissaries are in our midst, the Volunteer Cavalry, numbering somo 70 sabres, are assembled for their annual training. A number of these men are familiarised with the best route, track, pass, and ford, from here to that focus of rebellion, Tokangamutu. The following is the order of the day issued on the occasion of the inspection of the corps on Thursday last : — ' .Extract District Order : Hamilton, May 23, 1872.— 1. LieutenantColonel Lyon, having yesterday inspected the To Awamutu Cavalry Volunteers under the command of Major Jackson, desires to express to that officer, and to the officers, noncommissioned officers, and men of the corps, his entire satisfaction with their soldierlike appearance and general efficiency. The men are well mounted, their arms and appointments in good order, and the movements gone through were performed in a manner reflecting the highest credit on the corps, as well as upon their instructor, Sergeant Fraser, A.C. It will be his pleasant duty to report to the Government upon the state of the corps.— (Signed) William C. Lyon, Lieutenant - Colonel commanding Waikato Dis- ! trict.' " Our Alexandra correspondent says :—: — "With the exception of the arrival of Te Kooti at the Kuiti, as I advised you by telegram, there is very little news here. Jt appeals that Kooti and his party, consisting of niue men and two women, arrived at Wharepapa last week, and at once forwarded a letter to Tawhiao announcing his intention" of going to the Kuiti. They were met by the Ngakau (Wiremu Hunia), who escorted them to the Kuiti. The party, lam informed, presented a most miserable and emaciated appearance from the hardships they have undergone in making their escape. All their hair is cut as close as possible to their heads, and ihey had no European clothing amongst them, their only covering consisting of purakes (the coarsest kind of flax mats). Te Kooti says he now intends to settle down quietly, and niolest the pakebas no more in future if they will leave him alone. From what 1 can learn from the natives his room would be far preferable to his company j but notwithstanding the abject condition he has arrived in, they appear to a certain extent afraid of him, and will doubtless protect him."