WAIKATO.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1111, 21 December 1869, Page 3

WAIKATO.

REPUTED REINFORCEMENT OF

TE KOOTI.

(From the "Southern Cross.")

We understand that telegrams were received on Thursday morning by .the Hon. the Defence Minister, Donald M'Lean, Esq., from the Waikato district, informing him that Kereopa had joined Te Kooti, and that they, were now on their way to the King's residence at Te Kuiti. Apora, a messenger from the King's party, was sent to order these arch-rebels to remain quiet, but it appears they would not listen to the request. It is probable that-a rupture may take place between them and the King party. The following telegram was received by us yesterday from our Alexandra correspondent :—

" Alexandra, December 16, " 9.15 a.m.

"Te Kooti and Kereopa are between Marearoa and Te Kuiti, determined to have their own way. The King natives are mustering, and fighting is imminent."

It will be remembered that some time ago it was reported that Kereopa had .joined Te Kooti with a few followers. We now learn that these did not exceed six in number. Hakaraia had also made a movement with the evident intention of following suit, when he was prevented by the King party before he had succeeded in forming a junction. The next news published in our issue of yesterday was that Te Kooti and Kereopa were already on their way towards Tauranga, having left Tuhua, a settlement near the source of the Upper Wanganui river.? , T When met by Aporo, the lung's messenger, , they stated that they were determined to proceed to Tokangamutu "to make laws for themselves." Matutaera was then on his way to Kawhia, but on receipt of the intelligence he immediately returned and issued orders to collect his adherents. We may add that Maraeroa, where Te Kooti was said to be on Thursday, is situate about 60 miles from Tokangamutu. It is on the same route as that followed by Te Kboti at the time of his last visit to Waikato. A report has also reached town that Te Kooti has been reinforced, but we think it unlikely ; at all events the statement requires confirmation . We received the following last night from our Alexandra correspondent : —

" Alexandra, December 13

" All has been so very quiet here for some time past that I have not thought it necessary to occupy any of your valuable space. A great many of tho King natives have passed through here these last three weeks on their road to Ngaruawahia, to go to work afc gum-digging. But yesterday Arama Karaka, one of Tawhiao's messengers, came clown to recal them to Te Kuiti, as Te Kooti and Kereopa, with a number of natives, are on the road to attack the Waikatos. If this is true, I hope to soon hear the last of these scoundrels.