A MAORI PROPHET.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 93, 21 April 1887, Page 5

A MAORI PROPHET.

Fanaticism of Northern Natives.

pFFEBING HUMAN SACRIFICES. \

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

• , ■•■ ' Wellington, this day. Wiremu Katene an' important chief of the Ngapuhi tribe,; telegraphs from Russell dated the " 18th,. ; complaining that the evil arising : from the prophesying of'■ Aru Kaaori is increasing andthe natives havo burnt.the body of the dead in the fire. Ho objects to this and states that the chiefs ,of the Ngapuhi are considering the objectionable practice which had already taken place at Ngapuhi, and Rawara parts of the Island. He asks the, opinion of the Government. Tha Native Minister,' replying, regrets that cremation should disturb the minds of loyal natives, but points out that tho same justice, is carried out. in Europe, and is tolerated by Europeans, w,hc adhere to old customs; He' suggested that the natives should take1 no'notice o? the coronation, and the practice would sooi; die out. Wi Katene moved yes'terdaj! that tha Minister apparently did not) undertand the facts. The motive was that the body was burnt -as: a: sacrifieo to their God, and,even, if their God were to order them to; eat ithe dead they would d^ it. He considered it a most dreadful act Mr: Ballance1 now' advises the chiefs tc: caHall the! people together to discuss the whole.matter so,as to,create; public feeling and if possible hustle the prophet out cf th° district* •.•:.' :-.-. '....,». -~.., —.r'i