RUA’S CAMP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1795, 28 June 1906, Page 3

RUA’S CAMP.

A BIG MEETING. SQUABBLING ENDS IN NOSE RUBBING.

> There woe a great day at Bua’a camp yesterday. HaviDg heard that Wi Pare and the rival prophet Worota wore to arrive, Kua discreetly decided to remain at the camp to receive the visitors. Thus many people who came into town and went to meet the train were deprivod of a view of the much-advertised Eua. A large number of Maoris foregatbored in town, and oooasionaliy groups went in for a little chanting, the meaning of which oonld not bo explained. " The King has arrived at last,” was the jocular statement that went the rounds, and some nativos, who appreciated the comedy of the situation, were not slow to make the most of things. Even staid Wi Pt re must have his little joke, and when questioned on the subject of the King’s arrival, slapped his chest and proudly declared, 11 Mete King.” It was anticipated that things might become lively at tho camp, and three or more _ stalwart policemen visited the scone in tho afternoon. But they might as well have gone to a Sunday School gathering for all the excitement there was offering. There was a great crowd of visiting natives, hut things proceeded quietly. Eua again manifested his displeasure at not being given entry to the church, and the offer of the meeting house was treated with scorn. '' I know he not Jesus Christ,” deolared one native responsible for withholding the key. 11 He not of that color.” One obief, a sage who had aeeompanied a party driven out by Mr MoOoomb, went straight up and enquired for the King, whom be had been informed was to arrive that day. " Where te King , . ) ” he asked. On Baa seeking to eqnivooate, the old sage stamped his foot and angrily declared, “ Gah 1 yon te proomin’ riar 1” (ooly be put it stronger than that), and then indignantly sst off for town again. In the evening there was a loDg korero, dutiog which Bua sought to oonvioos the

. so.’ptias that ha was all ha claimed to be "fraud something mote. At first his pretea wT&ions were ridiculed, but after a good deal 1 of oratorical steam had been let off on ,'jjhher side, the rival factions agreed that ' bad no reason to ba bad friends, »jd then a remarkable nose-rubbing scene occurred. '■ t> Strange to say, even after these felicitations, prominent natives who had joined in them were ready to denounoe Rua. • “ ’lm te prasted ’umbug,” “ Allee same as spieler,’’ and so on. One nnfoitunate feature of the establishment of peaceful relations is that Eua declares himself so well pleased with the general prospect, that he has decided to

his stay for over a week. Some of the sportiDg natives hint that - will be able to pick the winners, for tVem at the Steepleebase meeting next weak, bnt as he preaches abstinence and anti-gambling, only the unbelievers will be permitted to put their utu on the y. 1 tote.” Rua says he will be pleased 1 to see ; holiday-makers this afternoon, but cannot ■“promise any hospitality as far aB his larder is concerned.