RATANA MOVEMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 88, 14 April 1927, Page 15

RATANA MOVEMENT.

INJURY TO NATIVES ALLEGED.

RELIGION REPLACING WORK

OBSERVATIONS OX THE WANGANUI

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WANGANUI, this dav

The extent to which the Ratana movement has been diffused through Wanganui River territory and its effects on the welfare of the natives who reside along the famous waterway, were investigated by a reporter who made a trip to Tipiriki. He found ample evidence that not only are the finances of the natives being seriously depleted, but that their health, and perhaps even their lives arc being menaced by the practice of faith-healing which is ousting medical aid. Doctor Called Too Late. At Pipiriki a native tangi was in progress, and the Maoris were lamenting the death of a woman who had died of consumption. The reporter learned from several reliable sources that those mostly concerned were in sympathy with the Ratana movement, and although the patient had been lying helpless for several weeks it had "not been until the disease had reached the final stages that a doctor was called. Before his visit the woman's treatment depended solely on the faith-healing methods of the Ratant nurse. "What do the Ratana nurses say if the patient fails to recover';" asked the | reporter of an intelligent Maori. "They say the sick man does not believe." was the reply. "And do you believe," asked the newspaper man. I The old man's eyes twinkled. "I put ! te money in Ratana Bank and I get back | the coupon," he remarked. "I am told j that for every £1 I put in I get i.Y> back. I am told, too, that God will reward me and I give cattle, but Cod send no more cattle to take the place |of the ones I give away, and now I I think all humbug." From further conversation it was evident that the Ratana movement is raising strong feeling among the natives. jan£ actually there is a split in camp.

Land Left to Weeds. The output from at least one Maori farm Las dropped away to nothing as the result of religious fervour. This was shown by a piece of country oi\ which noxious weeds were beginning to clothe the hillsides, and the only stock seen were a few goats. Not long ago sonic of the best fat sheep on the river lands were sent off this farm. Itwas stated that not long ago the owner gave r.s imuch as £200 for a gathering at Ratana i village.