IMPORTANT KORERO IN RATANA TODAY

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 104, 26 January 1939, Page 15

IMPORTANT KORERO IN RATANA TODAY

Taupo Timberlands Case BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS OF PROPHET Dominion Special Service. WANGANUI. January 25. .. An Important Maori korero is to take place in Ratana tomorrow, when tribal leaders from various parts of the North Island will discuss the proposal to appeal io the Privy Council on the recent deeision of the Court of Appeal in the V est. Taupo timberlands case. A big gathering of Maoris is at present being held in Ratana for the birthday celebrations oi Mr T W. Ratana. who was 66 today. Between 3000 and -1000 Maoris from all parts of the North Island assembled in Ratana, 2000 having arrived during the weekend. Parties travelled by train, motor-ear and lorry. The assembled natives attended religions services in the Ratana temple, after which appropriate birthday observances were held. Music was provided by the Ratana Morehu Band and Ratana native bands from Hawkes By, Kikihiki, North Auckland and elsewhere. , , , , Mr. T. W. Ratana. who founded the Ratana movement in 1018, has built, up a large following all over New Zealand. Three of his followers. Mr. 11. T. Ratana, a son, Mr. E. T. Tirikatene and Mr. P. K. I’aikea, were returned to Parliament at the last election on the Labour ticket, i representing the Western. Southern and Northern Maori electorates respectively. 'The three members of Parliament were present at the celebrations. The last big gathering in Ratana was in August. when n large new building was opened by the Minister of Lands, Mr. Langstone. . ’