THE EXPEDITION IN SEARCH OF TE KOOTI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3304, 16 September 1871, Page 3

THE EXPEDITION IN SEARCH OF TE KOOTI.

HIS LAST NARROW ESOAPE. The following telegram, addressed to J. D. Ormond, Esq., and received yesterday from Maketu, has been forwarded to us for publication. It represents the contents of two letters forwarded by Captain Porter to Mr Ormond, and containing a description of the last incident in the close, and all but successful pursuit of Te Kooti: — From Opokere, Maungapohatu, Dated September Sth, 1871. Sir,— lt is with extreme regret I have to report Te Kooti having once more narrowly escaped capture or death, I last reported having discovered Te Kooti's trail at Pa Puni, on the 24th ultimo. From that date, despite innumerable difficulties from continued wet weather, and Te Kooti adopting every stratagem to disguise bis trail, by alteri nately scattering through bush, passing through water, and so forth, after a most circuitous route through the dense forest ranges to the. north- west of Maungapohatu, we succeeded in coining upon him in a clearing of the Ure wera, at Tauranga, between Maungapohatu and Tawhana, on the 3rd ultimo. I selected sixty men, and advanced close to Te Kooti's camp, and slept under arms all night. At 4 a.m. on the lst September I proceeded to surround the place, by extending from both flanks. By daybreak I assured myself of Te Kooti's whare, seeing his halfcast wife, Olivia, going in and out in the preparation of food. I instructed men to keep an eye upon the wbare, and should Te Kooti attempt to escape to fire a volley at him. It was ray intention to completely surround the place, and to send a man forward to call upon all to surrender quietly. I had sent Ruka te Aratapu towards the right flank for that purpose, when greatly to my annoyance matters were precipitated by the over-eagerness of those on the left flank, who prematurely opened fire and charged upon the whares. The Hauhaus at once took the alarm, and fled in the direction of Te Kooti's whare. A general rush followed, and all was at once confusion, many of the Hauhaus escaping through us in a state of nudity. Te Kooti was the first to rush away, with only a blanket iv his left hand. No shots could be effectually fired without endangering our own men. Our best men were at once in pursuit of the fugitives, but without avail, the pursued being thorougly practised in woodcraft, and running for their lives in a state of nudity.

The loss on the part of the enemy is five killed, nine prisoners, three carbines, two rifles, and a small quantity of ammunition ; a number of tomahawks, and every article belonging to theui. Among the killed is "Wi Wehikore, a notorious murderer ; among the prisoners aro Te Kooti's two favorite wives, Olivia and Nia-le-whiu, and another had gone to Maungapohatu the day previous to the attack. Anaru Mateti and nine others separated from Te Kooti at Pa Puni, and went in direction of Waimaha ; the Ureweras of the Kaingas in this vicinity bave abandoned their home and gone to Tanaki. I sent to commuuicate with the chiefs of that pa, and was visited this morning by Te Awamutu and Ihaka Wheareapu, who inform me that thirteen of Te Kooti's followers have taken refuge with them. lam in treaty for their surrender. Te Kooti is now a fugitive with only six men and four women, without a weapon of any kind among them. I have parties out in search of traces of Te Kooti, and bave requested the Urewera to show tbeir sincerity by assisting us in the search. This defeat of Te Kooti appears to have a very salutary effect upon Ngati huri, who are very humble. Te Whiri is at Ti Kakari, and promises not to rejoin Te Kooti. I have sent to request him to assist in tbe capture of the latter, that tbe Government may deal leniently with him. I have omitted to mention the zeal displayed by Ruka Te Aratapu and' Mr John Lar^e throughout the expedition. — I have, &c-, T. W. Porter, Captain.

Opokere, Bth Sept., 1871.

Sir, — My messenger was not able to leave with my despatch of the sth till to-day, as we have been snowed up for some clays. Te Whemianui and Pairau arrived yesterday, via Ruatahuna. 1 was visited by them and otber chiefs — Renata Heterika, Te Awamutu, Ihaka Whereapu. They all spoke well. I replied firmly, but considerately. The long wavering Ngati bau may now be relied upon ; they have gone so far as to give ten men to help in the search for Te Kooti. The fugitives from Te Kooti are to be surrendered to me ; Tuatini is among them. Te Whiri has bolted again on account of Renata and Pairau, wishing him to be killed. The eight-shootei gun of Te Kooti's was taken from Te Whiri.

If you have any letter for Whemianui or Pairau tbey will remain. I would suggest some instructions to tbem relative to Urewera from Te Kooti's band. I have parties out in search of Te Kooti's trail, but cannot do much owing to tho snow. We aye living solely on potatoes. It would be as well, should you think proper to do so, to send a line to Renata. My messenger will remain at Opotiki to bring any letter you may have with any information of Ropata's movements. Paori Kingi goes out to Opotiki, and will write to you on bis arrival. — I have, &c, T, W. Porter, Captain.