TE KOOTI'S JOITRNEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6482, 27 February 1889, Page 3

TE KOOTI'S JOITRNEY.

[Pxb Fbxbs Association.] AUCKLAND, Feb. 26. The Volunteers were seen off this afternoon for Opotiki by a crowd of several thousands. Much enthusiasm , was . displayed. The police from the suburbs and country districts have been called into Auckland during the absence of the police detachment. j GISBORNE, Feb. 26. Major Ropata has sent for a reinforce- ■• ment of twenty-five Ngatiporua, who are in Gisborne. It is not known whether the whole tribe will be called out. A number of Volunteers left Gisborne this morning to join the expeditionary force. A private telegram reached here from Opotiki this afternoon stating that there is no danger now. Te Kooti is going back to Waikato to-day or to-morrow. The troops did not leave camp till ten o'clock last night, though orders for marching had been given and countermanded twice dazing the day. The Premier arrived in camp at eight o'clock last night. After two hours' consultation with the officers he addressed the force, thanking them on behalf of the Colony for coming out at the call of duty, and said that it was not a military exhibition, but one to vindicate the law of the country. He specially thanked Major Ropata and the Ngatiporusfor their previous services. The force then, marched towards Motu. NAPIER, Feb. 26. Captain M'Cartney, of the .Artillery, wired to the Defence Minister to-day, offering the services of fifty men, and claiming . priority on the ground that nearly all the men are veterans,andthatmany had fought on the East Coast, thus knowing the country well. The Minister replied to the effeot that he did not anticipate any necessity for a further force, but if required he would accept the services tendered. The Naval Volunteers at parade last night also decided to offer their services. WELLINGTON, Pbb. 26. Ministers here are unaware of anything serious having occurred on the East Coast, but think an embargo has been laid on the wires merely to prevent Te Kooti's followers communicating with him, which they are known to have been doing freely^