THE TE KOOTI SCARE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 62, 3 November 1887, Page 2

THE TE KOOTI SCARE.

WHAT MAJOR PORTEB DID SAY-

As our contemporary has not yet had the fairness to contradict the misstatements in its report of Major Porter’s address to the Volunteers in reference to Te Kooti, we must again refer to the matter. Major Porter said that when Te Kooti previously wished to come here, he had urged the Government not to permit it, as “ I was afraid of someone attempting to shoot him and thereby causing a disturbance.” After further remarks as to how Te Kooti had always kepi clear, of our boundary, which he had promised not to come over, the Major said— 11 1 am very certain Te Kooti will not come over that boundary without the permission of the Govern ment, and myself. Re seems eager to coms, but I have always protested against it and will do so as far as lay in my power. But if Te Kooti does come,—T don’t believe the Government will allow ite-we shall have to be on the guard. I fear that any person who is suffering from any feeling of ill will through losing their relationat his hands, might, in the excitement of the' moment, shoot him.” The speaker went on to say that if Te Kooti were fired at and killed, there would not be any likelihood of a disturbance, as the natives who believed a bullet could not kill their chief would see that this was not so, and would say, “ That man is gone,” and would not bother much more about it. But if he were shot at and missed, 11 the result would be that the natives would possibly retaliate on anyone they might see near, and there would be some disturbance occur—l think that is the only danger. . , , Te Kooti and I know one another—we are old enemies. He knows very well that he dare not come within this district without permission from the Government and from myself, and while I am in command of this district he shall not have my permission, and if he does come, when he comes I shall be prepared to take strong measures in putting the law in force, should any disturbance occur. . . . This matter has really nothing to do with the inspection to-night, but as this is a matter which will effect us who might be called out at a moment’s notice should any disturbance occur,” We refrain from expressing any opinion on Major Porter’s words—it would be out of place here—and merely give the facts, at the same time challenging our contemporary or anyone else to say that there is a s single word of the above not substantially accurate, nor have any words directly bearing on the subject been omitted.

Our correspondent wires us from Wellington that, urged on by the Press of that city, the Government will most likely demand an explanation from Major Porter of the meaning of tho words reported to have been used by him.