The Sun. — 1870-04-20 (London, England)

AFFAIRS IN NEW ZEALAND.  _ . The Taranaki Herald, just arrived, gives full details of the proceedings in Waikato, which have been highly important since the beginning of the year. News WO received in Auckland on the 11th of January that Te Kooti was advancing towards Arakau. Warnings of O' similar kind came from several quarters, and preparations for his reception were immediately made. The news that Te Kooti is within ten miles of a European settlement is sufficient to create a panic, but it was thought on this occasion he could net avoid capture and destruction. Mr. Firth, a prominent, settler in the neighbourhood, received, on the 15th of January, a lettei from Te Kooti, stating that he had heard of the terror his presence inspired, and desired to allay the fears of the settlers and the Queen's natives. lie wished to see Mr. Firth, and appointed as the meeting' place a monument which Mr. Firth had erected on 111..° grounds to the memory of William Thompson, the 'Wm' kato Kingmaker, with whom he formerly made peace. The Government declined to sanction this proceeding in any may, but the meeting took place and after it Mr. Firto sent a telegram to the authorities that Te Kooti had offered to surrender on condition of receiving protection. The answer was that no surrender could be accepted that was not entirely unconditional Mr. Firth's account of the interview represents the redoubtable chief as anxious for peace. " I am weary of fighting," he said, " and desire to live quietly. If lam let alone I will never fight more, and will not hurt man, woman or child." In answer to the reproaches of Mr. Firth. he said the deeds he had done were not con' sidered murders by the Maories, and that even for them the Government was to blame. His _personal appearance is thus described by his visitor. "He was attended by two half-caste youths, fully armed, Te Kooti himself being unarmed. His height is about Mt. gin. ; he is about 35 years of age, stoutly built, browshouldered, and strong-limbed. His features are, not repulsive ; a rather large development °' jaw and chin conveys the idea of a man of strong and resolute will: He has no tattoo ; hair black and glossy; wears a black moustache and, short black beard. -tile dress consisted of woollen cords, top boots, and grey shirt ; over the latter he wore a loose vest with geld chain, and greenstone ornament. I noticed that he had lot the middle finger of the left hand. During the conversation his followers had formed in half a circle at his back. They were all well armed—some with short Enfields, some with breech-loaders, and one or twe .with double-barrelled fowling pieces—all apparently 5-11' excellent order. A well-dressed woman, about 25 yew old, of a handsome but melancholy cast of countenance, sat at Te Kooti's feet during the interview. I learn' afterwards that this woman was his wife." 1)1,.' Pollen having undertaken to guarantee Te Kooti 0 Nfe conduct to Auckland should he be willing to surrender, the Maori chief sent the following answer "To Dr. Pollen,—l have seen your letter. My WOr. to you. Mr. Firth to cease fighting. Afterwards your letter reached me. I will stop fighting—stop entirely' But as for me, I will not go to Auckland. Let me remain ab peace, The killing shall cease. But if you follow rue up, let it be so. Sir, cease your punishing of me. " This is all—From " TE