THE Otago Daily Times. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1871.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3043, 7 November 1871, Page 2

THE Otago Daily Times. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1871.

Amongst the papers which have been presented to the Assembly- during the present session, is an exceedingly interesting one relating to the surrender of rebel natives, and the expeditions in search of Te Kooti. The letters and other documents therein contained fuvnish a clear account of the movements of the various expeditionary forces which, during the past year, have been sent out by direction of the Government to capture the notorious rebel. In October last, the Defence Minister appears to have communicated with Major Ropata, requesting him to visit Opotiki and ascertain how Te Kooti might be captured. Shortly afterwards, it was arranged, through Mr Ormond, the General Government Agenfc at Napier, that an expedition under Ropata should proceed to Ruatahuna, and collect at that point all the TTriwera belonging to the district, as the chiefs of that tribe had complained that, in their scattered condition, the TJriwera were at the mercy of Te Kooti, and would be obliged to join him should he insist on their doing so. After occupying Ruatahuna it was desired that Ropata and his band of Ngatiporou, along with Capt. Porter, should proceed in search of Te Kooti. The 'no cure, no pay' principle seems to have been abandoned by the Government, as the Defence Minister, in conveying instructions to Mr Ormond relative to the proposed expedition, authorised him to engage the Ngatiporou at three shillings per diem and rations, while on active service. ■ This authority was conveyed to Ropata, who, after some haggling with the tribe j succeeded in raising a force of two hundred men, at the above rate of pay. 'They are dissatisfied,' the Major wrote,' and want-fjiree and sixpence a day, although this may be only a littlegrumbJingon the part of the people, which will have no effect.' We can imagine that 'a smile that was childlike and bland' came over the Major's face, as he continued, 'they have riot yet arrived at the knowledge of this thing, that is of money.' Everything being arranged to the satisfaction of Major Ropata, of the 200 Ngatiporou, and of the Government, and according to Captain Porter, * all auguries having been favourable,' the expedition started from Gisborne in good spirits on the 14th January last, and returned to the same'place on the 15 th April, after having endured for a period of three months great hardships and privations. The adventures of the expedition are duly recorded in the despatches of Major Ropata and Captain Porter. An extract from the diary of the latter is also published, in which the movements of the force are graphically described. The Ngatiporou appear to have behaved admirably throughout, and both officers and men fully deserved the commendations which were bestowed -upon them by the Government. Unfortunately, they were not successful in attaining the object of the expedition. As Major Ropata briefly reported to Mr Ormond, on the 2nd February, from Maraetahi, 41 have succeeded in findi^ Te Kooti's pa, Te Wera, He was not, in.it.'....,„ At Te Haupapa, also, on the 30th March, they were doomed to disappointment. Early on the morning of that day, the force had surrounded Te K6oti*s longsought hiding-place. At dawn the position was rushed from all sides. ' Our disposition of the men was very well arranged,' writes Captain" Porter, 'and the only fault was the absence of an enemy or occupant of the place.'. Some [ guns, ammunition, watches, books, pa-! perg, and . other articles belonging- to Te Kooti, were, however, discovered

and removed. Two days afterwards the expedition was fortunate enough to come across several of TeKooti's people, who were taken as prisoners. The rebel himself baffled pursuit, and when the force returned no one seems Ito have had any idea of his whereabouts. From Mokonuiarangi, Major Ropata wrote to Mr Ormond, '-all the bushes, plains, gullies, and hills of this country have been searched, but I have not f#und him; perhaps he has made a mysterious jump there is no where, as it is not through idleness that he is not found. We have been constantly after him.' After resting themselves for a few weeks, the Ngatiporou started on their second expedition from Turangariui on the sth June, Major Ropata being still in command, and the latest despatch contained "in the parliamentary paper "weiliave referred to, dated the middle of August, found the expedition in. the neighbourhood of Lake Waikaremoana, where the forces under Captains Maib and Preece were also hunting for the rebel. A subsequent report informs us, however, that the latter surprised' Te Kooti's camp towards the end of August, killing five Hauhaus, cajrturing five women, and taking 18 guns, a quantity of clothing and ammunition, and IjOOO percussion caps. Te Kooti, it is said, was recognised and fired upon twice, but escaped, minus his clothes." His blanket Was found with a hole in it. Again, on the 3rd September, Captain Porter reported that he came upon Te Kooti in a clearing between Maungapowhatu and Tawhana. The camp was rushed, five Hauhaus were killed, nine were taken prisoners, a quantity of ammunition and arms was obtained, but once more the rebel escaped; this time with a following of six men and foiir women. A few weeks later, we haveit reported that Captain Mair and force intercepted Te Kooti in the bush near Herewiwi, that a skirmish ensued, and that they chased him back some distance into the Uriwera country. Late telegrams announce that Te Kooti has written to E-EWij requesting that he should send an escort to take him to Tokangamutu, where he may live in peace. Rewi, it is also said, has written to Major Mair, telling him that he intends to comply with Te Kooti's request, and requesting him to give over his pursuit of the rebel. Should this report prove to be correct,

"and Te Kooti takes up his abode at Te Kuiti with Rewi, the Government dare not leave the rebel unmolested, as they have in the case of the murderers of Mr Todd, from fear of complications arising with the King party. The presence of Te Kooti in that district, under the circumstances, would not only be a standing menace to the Europeans, but, owing to the wonderful influence which he appears to exercise over those with whom he comes in contact, the result of his counsels would soon be made manifest. That lie has not been captured ere this is by no means siujprising, when the papers relating to the expeditions sent out against him are perused. The sympathies of the native population, with a few exceptions, are evidently with the rebel. There is evidence that through his spies the movements of the expeditionary forces were regularly made known to him, and it is. also certain that in many instances the commanders of the expeditions were purposely thrown off the scent by pretended ; friends. Moreover, there is not one welL authenticated instance on record of Te Kooti having been present in the

body on the occasion of ally of the re-

ported engagements with him. The policy of the Defence Minister in keeping up' a constant pursuit of the rebel

meets l; we believe, with universal approval. In whatever spot he locates himself for the time, there is the Alsatia of the- native race. To prevent him from possessing any fixed habitation is therefore most desirable.

The s.s. Wellingtdnj with' the Suez mail on board, left Lyttelton at 2.15 p;m. yesterday, and is consequently dueai : Port Chalmers about 11 o'clock this forenoon.

The minute or memorandum regarding the Polynesian slave-trade, referred to; in our Wellington telegram to-day, as having been addressed by the late Bishop Patteson to the General Synod of the Church of England, held in Dunedin some months ago, was published in our issue of the 23rd February last. We make one or two brief extracts from it: —Referring to* a communication ; received from the captain of a whaler regarding'the evil results of this trade, the Bishop says:— "We: experience to some extent the evil effects of this traffic, which has been described in this last extract.- In many islands where we were already on friendly terms with the people, we are now obliged to be very cautious. Unless we are so well known as to be thoroughly trusted, we have to begin to £qme extenj; the task of disabusing their minds of the natural, suspicion and distrust which these ' nefarious practices' excite. As for using our names and inventing any stories about us, which may induce natives to go on board their vessels, that is the common trick adopted by some traders. There are some—l trust very few—men sailing in these vessels who have taken a voyage in the Southern Cross, and the fact that they have been on. board the mission vessel gives a plausibility to their story." The measures that should be adopted to put an end to this traffic are referred to by the Bishop as follows :—" Imperial legislation is required to put an end to this miserable state of things. Stringent regulations ought to be made and enforced by heavy penalties as to the size and fittings of vessels licensed to convey natives to and from the South Sea Islands to Queensland and Fiji. All details should be specified and vigilantly carried out, as to the number of natives that may be put on board, their food, clothing, payment, term of labour, reconveyance to their homes. Two small men-of-war ought to cruise constantly in the islands, and especially in the neighbourhood of Queensland and Fjiji, to intercept vessels bringing natives to those parts, and to examine into the observance, or non-observance, of the regulations."

At an ordinary sitting of the Supreme Court, in Bankruptcy, yesterday, certificates of discharge were granted to George Horton, of Dunedin, dairyman, and Arthur Anthony Smith, of Oamaru, carrier.

We have been informed that it is the intention of the Artillery Company to play an eleven of our premier Club at a game of cricket Oh Saturday next. As several of the most promising players are in the Company, it is confidently expected that the match will be a well contested one. We have also been requested to mention that the Volunteers whose names are given below, would do well to practise together through the week, so that they may make as good a show as possible on Saturday. It is intended that the Volunteers shall play in uniform trousers and forage caps, which will no doubt add some attraction to the game. The following are the names from which the Artillery Eleven will be chosen:-—Captain M'Farland, Sergeants Smith and Muir, Corporals Ogilvie and Greenfield, Gunners Reade, Pell^ Tur. top, Fulton, Allen, Morrison, Peake, Coxhead, Kettle, and Reid.

Cases which frequently come before the Resident Magistrate's Court would lead to the belief that much ignorance prevails with regard to the provisions of the Stamp Act, and it is to be feared that the recent additions to the duties leviable under the Act, will tend to increase the hardships arising very often froni this cause, yesterday a case was heard in the Resident Magistrate's Court, in which rent was sought to be recovered ;for premises let under -a written agreement that proved to be insufficiently stamped. In order to put in the agreement as evidence, it would be necessary to pay a penalty of £5; but as the, claim; only amounted to a few pounds, the plaintiff allowed himself to lie nonsuited. The Magistrate remarked upon the frequency of the cases in which the Stamp duties proved to he a trap to illiterate men, and, as suggested by the plaintiffs counsel; said there could he no. doubt that they afforded great facility for dishonesty.

The regular monthly meeting of the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade, was held last evening at their rooms above the engine station. Capt. Wain in the chair. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed j and apologies were received trom several members. Mr F. Wain's resignation was duly received. A letter in reply to one from the Brigade received from the City Council, was read, and the Secretary wast instructed to acknowledge the same with thanks. A. letter was received from the Hokitika Fire Brigade, accompanied by a copy of their rules, requesting in return a copy of the Dunedin Brigade's rules. It was resolved that the same be forwarded. The Hon. Treasurer brought up his balancesheet for the past six mouths, and it was adopted as read. Captain Wain said that .he had nothing particular to report, only

that the : late watchman,had, according to notice given, resigned, and that a fresh one, he believed, had been appointed, but ke bad not received any intimation o,f same from the City Council. He trusted there would be a good attendance on Thursday, to join the Foresters' proctession. After the transaction of some, other ..business of a trifling nature, the meeting broke up. Previous to doing so, Capt. Wain drew the attention of the members to the fact that the monthly practice would take place on Wednesday, the 15th inst., and hoped there would be a full attendance on that occasion.

The use of the booths on the North Recreation Ground, during the ensuing Volunteer sports, will be sold to-day, by Messrs M'Landress, Hepburn, and Co. We understand that from the nrunber of tickets already reported to have been sold, it is anticipated there will be a gathering almost as large as the usual New Year one.

A couple of youths here and there throughout the city carrying a chair slung on a pole, on which was seated a dilapidated pair of straw-stuffed pantaloons and old coat, surmounted by an equally ancient "beUtopper," reminded the passers-by yesterday that Guy Fawkes Day had come round once more. The usual ceremony of a bonfire in the evoking was attempted1 in different1 quarters, but at untimely shower of rain acted as a cruel extinguisher.

Sweepstakes were drawn at the Empire Hotel last evening, for the forthcoming Canterbury Races. Sweetbriar was the favourite for the Maiden Plate, and for the Canterbury Jockey Club Handicap, Exile and Peeress were preferred. Sweepstakes in connection with other events will be drawn at the same place this evening.

A meeting of the Battalion Committee was held last evening—there being present lieu-teriant-Colonel CarguT (in the chair), and fourteen other officers. A Committee was appointed to draw up a draft of a prospectus as to the building of the proposed headquarters drill-shed, to be submitted to a special meeting of the Battalion Committee on a future date. Accounts amounting to £31 for expenditure/ on account of the Ranges, were presented and authorised to be paid. A Battalion Match Committee was appointed, to make arrangements for interprovincial and other rifle matches, and it was suggested that a match Iwith Canterbury was the one that should first take place.

I An interesting and volume has lately been published at Hokitika by Messrs J. Crerar and Co., entitled "The SunPainters' Portfolio and Art Journal, with Photographic Illustrations of New Zealand Scenery and Architecture. First Series." It consists of 54 photographic views of scenery and architecture in Westland, fonfring a collection of pictures of great interest. The photographs are admirably executed, and considerable taste and judgment have been displayed in the selection of the .subjects. They embrace views of Hokitika and several of the diggings townships in Westland, as well as of the river, mountain, and forest scenery so abundant in that portion of the Colony. The reading matter accompanying and explanatory of the views is equally deserving of praise, and the whole forms a volume that cannot but prove a lasting source of pleasure to the possessor., A specimen copy may be seen at the shop of Mr G. Hirsch, George street, who is also authorised to receive orders. At a meeting held last evening, it was arranged to hold a concert at the Masonic Hall, on Thursday, the 23rd inst., for the purpose of raising funds for the annual treat to the scholars attending St. Paul's.Sunday School. With respect to the state of the crops in the iTokomairiro, district the Bruce Standard says :—"The crops are, in some sheltered districts, looking well and forward; but in more open places, and where the land is naturally wet and cold, they arc not so promising as could be desired. The early crops are in most cases the best this season."

Mr Carruthers, C.E., the Colonial Engi-neer-in-Cbief, lias reported to the Chairman of the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works regarding the best method of providing harbour accommodation at Tunaru. He says :—" There are open to the Board three methods of improving the harbour accommodation. Ist. By erecting a breakwater on a large scale, completely stopping the shingle. 2nd. By endeavouring to give partial protection, and at the same time letting the shingle pass. 3rd. By improving the boat service." |Of the two first methods, and especially of the second, Air Carruthers disapproves. Regarding the third, he says:—" It is to the improvement of the boat service, that I think the Board shoitld look. An iron jetty would, by shortening the distance to be gone, over by the boats, help considerably to make the landing and shipping of goods less tedious: It would only be for very few days in the year that a ship could lie along it/so goods would have to be carried from the pier-head to the ship in boats as at present, and as the jetty would be very high there would be considerable inconvenience in raising and lowering ; still, there would be a balance in favour of the jetty, es- ! pecially if steam cranes were used. A jetty extending into 16 feet of water, supplied with two steam cranes, would cost about £10,000, and I think the expenditure of this sum. would give a good return. The use of a couple of small steam launches to tow the boats in and out would perhaps be nearly as good as a jetty. They would cost about £750 each."

At a meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society, held on Saturday week, Mr Travers, who presided, called attention to a series of valuable publications that had been presented by Professor Aglsisiz, and read the following extract from a letter addressed to Dr Hector, which accompanied' them : — " I have just received the diploma of membership of the New Zealand Institute, which you have forwarded to me. Please present my thanks to your learned society for this distinction. I have been more delighted in receivingitthan I can express. Certainly, when remembering the recent date of the colonisation of New Zealand, there can be no more surprising evidence of the rapid progress of modern civilisation than such a publication. Not that the printing of a book in any part of the world is now-a-days any marked event; but the volume before me is more instructive, and better put together, than the proceedings of most learned societies of a long standing. I have requested my friend, Mr T. G. Gary, who takes care of the affairs of the Museum of Comparative Zoology in Cambridge, to forward to you a series of the publications of our institution j: and I would now take the liberty of requesting you to send me also the first and second volumes of your transactions and proceedings. With our volumes you will also receive a set for each of your associated societies, which I beg you to forward. Allow me also to request you to send me whatever specimens of living and fossil animals you

can spare, and to let me know what I could send you in return. I have a series of casts of Mastodon heads, of different ages, which might be interesting, and can offer any of the natural productions of North America you may wish, or at least procure them shortly, if they are not at hand. It is my earnest desire to secure for our Museum as complete a representation of the living and extinct fauna of New Zealard as possible, before the progress of, your settlement has made it impossible to bring together complete collections of the original fauna of your islands. I would particularly value specimens of all the species described in your proceedings. I need scarcely add that specimens of the fishes described and figured by you would have a special interest for me. I shall direct my assistants in the different departments of the Museum to write to members of your Institute* who work in the same field, aiid beg you may secure for them a friendly response."

In the course of some remarks,on the late numerous insolvencies in Wanganui, the Herald makes the following disclosures : — "Someof our late insolvents must have had extensive financial . transactions, to judge from the fact that accounts at two banks were absolutely necessary for the proper * flying'of all the 'kites' used by them. Immense ' cards' they were too; one of these notabilities had a balance of 2s Id, in one bank, and no less than 9^d in another. Another, but he belonged to the law, which perhaps accounts for it, had 10s 8d arid 4a icL The business atmosphere of Wanganui has wonderfully improved since the late rush for the brush."

The settlers in Taranaki are reported to be doing an extensive trade with Tito Kowaru's men, especially in potatoes, of which the exrrebels appear to have a. plentiful store. ..-• ■ . ....' ■~. ..■ .. .■.". .•■: I

Eight or nine men, lately engaged as miners in the Caledonian claim at £3 a week, having saved some money, have been spending it lately in driving about Auckland in four-in-hand drags.

We learn that that old Dunedin favourite, Miss Edith Palmerston, will shortly re-ap-pear in Dunedin in an entirely new Protean entertainment, entitled. "A Day in Melbourne." : ;

; An entertainment in aid of the funds of the Benevolent Institution took place in "the Masonic Hall, last evening. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and he was supported by Councillors Barnes, Mercer, and Ramsay. The attendance was, not quite what might have been desired, considering the praiseworthy object; of the entertainment. The back seats were tolerably well filled, but the two front divisions were not half filled. The Chairman, on takingthe chair > commented strongly on the conspicuous absence of the " upper classes," and said that if, as might be said, their attendance was prevented by a little rain, then their charity was cold indeed. The first part of the [entertainment was of a rather mixed character. There were two quartettes, which were well given. Miss Webb, for her excellent singing, did not escape without an encore, and was greeted with rounds of applause. Mr Josephs's " Nil Desperanduin " was well received. A lady, who appeared, we believe, for the first time, sang nicely with him in a duet, and afterwards gave " I cannot sing the old songs.'' Mr.Marsden, in " I'Ji meet thee in the lane,'' appeared to meet with the appreciation of the audience. Mr Forbes supplied the comic element, as the " Bashful young gentleman," which he rendered very amusingly, arid being encored, gave another song, narrating the circumstances under which certain celebrators of Christmas were "awfully jolly." In this he was even more successful. " Craigilee" read a prose tale, entitled " The Broken Fiddle." Mr Murray* , for his gracefully skilful dancing in the Sword Dance, met "with unbounded applause, and being re-called, gave another Scottish dance. The cornet-a-piston music of/Messrs Oliver was pleasant to listen to, and duly encored; The second part of the entertainment consisted of a performance by the Gtago Sable Orphans, and was, we may aayjby far the livelier part of the evening's treat. The manner in which " Tambourine" handled his instrument was, we may freely say, really excellent, and during the overture he came in for a spontaneous outburst of applause. He also kept the audience at times in a constant roar, by his jokes, some of which, were very good. Jn this lie was ably assisted by "Bones," who as "T|ie happiest fellow out/ behaved as such. The various songs and choruses were well given; 'and "Nursery Rhymes," given loudly and laughably, ended with the fall of the curtain. It'again arose on the St. Patrick's Band, who played the audience out with the National Anthem. This Band also performed during the early part of the evening. We may mention that Mr Hudson supplied the refreshments to the performers free of charge. i

The annual general meeting of the Taieri Agricultural Society will be held in the Drill. Shed, Mosgiel, this afternoon at 3 6*elock.

A special general',meeting of the Otago Licensed Victuallers' Association will be held at the Fire Brigade rooms, this evening at 7.30.'; -■ ' •:■ . ■;■;•;.■ ' ' ■■ "

The 20th monthly meeting of the Third New Zealand Building and Mutual Investment Society will be held this evening at 7.

The regular Convocation of the Royal Arch Chapter of Otago, No. BU, E.C., will be held this evening at 7.30.