RUA DEAD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 45, 23 February 1937, Page 8

RUA DEAD.

MAORI PROPHET.

COLOURFUL FIGURE.

CLASHES WITH THE POLICE "KIHG" OF THE TTREWERA. * (By Telegraph.—Own Correepondoivt.) WHAKATANE, this day. Rua Kenana, better known as Rua the Maori Prophet, is dead. His death at Matahi on Saturday night brought to a close one of the most outstanding careers in recent Maori history. He was 68 year* , old. He was born at Maungapohatu, in the centre of the Urewera Country, in 1869. As a young man of fine physique he interested himself iu farming pursuits, and, in company with Takarua Tamarau, went to work on the Waipawa sheep station, Oisborne. Later he moved about the Kast Coast, occupying hirj time with sheep shearing until he returned to this district and worked on the Opouriao Estate and also for Mr. P. Keegan at Taneatua.

During this time he studied the Bible, and about 100"> returned to Maungapohatu and Bet himself up as a prophet. Although not of high caste, his strong personality and profession of prophecies won for him a large following. About three years later he endeavoured to force the late Tuhop chief, Kereru, to link up with him. Kereru held out against Rua's throats, and a war between the two factions was averted by the then I'ritne Minister, the late Sir Joseph Ward, coming to Whakatane to enforce law and order. The natives of the district assembled here in an agitated state, and the Prime Minister explained to Rua that New Zealand was under democratic rule by Europeans, and that he had to abide by the law of the majority. M Two Seas Cannot Die." "Two suns cannot shine in the sky at the one time," was Sir Joseph's reply to Rua's demand for recognition as ruler of his people. Although the heat of the conflict had been somewhat subdued there was an undercurrent of unrest in regard to the occupation of the Urewera lands and in the following year the Governor, Lord Islington, came to Whakatane and was accorded a stirring reception at Waikirikiri (Ruatoki), when over 1000 natives danced a haka of welcome. With his knowledge of European methods Rua started a farming settlement at Maungapobatu. He and his followers grew their hair long and Rtia took unto himself twelve wives. He acted as banker for hit) people, taking 10 p«-r cent of their earnings, and also built a temple and ;i trading station. To supplement his earnings he commenced to obtain liquor for disposal to the Maoris, and in lj>io Constables T. J. humming* and Keepa went to the Lrewera armed with a warrant to arrest Rua and eight of his followers who were brought to Whakatane aud fined considerable amounts. In the seclusion of his mountainous country Rua soon regained his courage and again traded in liquor. In 1915 Commissioner Cullen conducted a party of 42 police constables to the Prophet's stronghold, via Rotorua and Murupara to arrest Rua, who subsequently stood his trial at Auckland and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. Since then he had lived in retirement *s a law-abiding subject. He had been in failing health for the past few years His remains were removed on Sunday a, *M l, T p ° h 1 tl ;', Where the curtomarj tatigi is being held. How He Won Three Wive*. Some of the best stories about Rua concern ]„. hold over credulous followers and the story of his walking on wa ter ' 18 V?f a, -,, Rua told hi* People that he 10 wive*, but he decided to marry three more and three East (oast J£ were S-2L H^Wl the the Sft y m P°f wssif,n objected to the addition to their number*, and since they were supported by a lar-e section of the people the girls were held at Galatea iiiit.l the matter was decided. Rua demanded his brides in vain and finally retired to his temple and eulked there, refusing all food until an opportune rainbow appeared in the sky and arched over the temple. The prophet then called his people together and told them that the rainbow was a eign that he must lie given his brides. His people believed this and the girls were sent to him immediately. One. unfortunately, was not sensible to the honour of being the prophet's bride and ran back to the Eaet Coast and could never be enticed to return to the prophet's village.