THE MAORI HEALER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 7 April 1925, Page 2

THE MAORI HEALER.

INTER VI RAVED BY PRESS VAN. A REPLY TO CRITICISM. Rat-ana, -who has so long been silent, nas at length consented to an interview, and to a Wanganui pressman has given a story of his work and a reply co various criticisms levelled against aim. He states that seven years ago rte was called to minister and sow the seed of the Gospel, and his administration and healing the sick has proved itself, and the results achieved have oecome widely known. Some 2CO,()\A) letters have been read from suffering .lumanity in almost every country. Sully So per cent, have testified as jither permanently cured or apparently lenefitedi in spite’of the fact that the (evil is continuously endeavouring to frustrate the predomination of JJro.•idential existence. There had lieen many attacks on his .vork, but up till no\V he did not feel constrained to repudiate them. Sections of the so-called wise, prudent and jcclestiastics had characterised his work of healing as Maorism. He had ieen attacked by a section of the Arawas, Kohiingwpn, of Hastings and Jaiiniverke and Wanganui tribes who lad characterised his utterances as disloyal, but 'they had failed to substantiate their allegations. He invited Maoris and pakehas to analyse the acts in order to see whether the •riticism was justified or not. In regard to the Treaty of Waitangi tatana said that while he was in Lon.ion he intended to place a question beore Mr. Ramsay MacDoald, and the' Jblonial Secretary, knowing that the onditions had not been respected. Unortunatelv at the eleventh hour, when ilk seemed opportune, he was informed ;hat the authorities could not meet them Information had been received tliat I die Treaty was under consideration elsewhere. Though his efforts were unsuccessful in that quarter he felt determined to know definitely' whether the Tfreatv was still a national document / or a scrap of paper. His loyalty to the Empire had been challenged. Loyalty, he maintained, was the outcome of loyaj expressions, more so of loyal deeds. During the 'Great War his eldest son, Hoami ToIkoura Ratana rendered three years and 'nine months service. Last year Ratana and party visited London not only on a divine healing nission, but to represent the Maori nee at the Empire Exhibition. He presumed that the Maoris were the only coloured subjects' in the Empire who were not officially represented. He hen detailed the various functions, charitable and otherwise, in which he unci the party participated. The allegations in regard to the visit to Japan were hardly worth referring to, as the Government had received information that there was no truth in them. His observations in different parts of the world led him to conclude that the faith in Christian doctrines in European countries was concentrated in merchandise. The strife for gold and silver was the objective of the Gospel in Europe. He had conferred with several ministers in London and asked the general conditions of Christian churches. Some of them had assured him that were it not for obtaining their daily bread and necessities of life they had round that preaching Christianity was a .'bygone conclusion’. Evidence of this Ratana viewed with' emotional feeling —churches for worshipping the Almighty now diabolical dens ; others converted into business premises. In Australia and even in New Zealand, similar changes had been effected. In Japan a different aspect met his observation. Buddhism and Shintoism were the dominating factors. The Christian elements, although few in number, were very progressive, and institutes were formed for mission schools and churches. In Tokio Providential guidance led him to the only Christian bishop in Japan. The bishop, recognising the importance of his (Ratana’s.) mission to the Christian world, invited him to be his guest. The bishop accepted the Christian doctrine, and realising that he and his people and the Maori people had become united hretliern spiritually, Ratana consented to his daughter and a member of the Maori party, Huia Whennaroa, being united in matrimony, the service being solemnised by the bishop. After, the ceremony gifts were presented in accordance with the customs of Japanese and Maoris. Ratana and members of the party were invested with Japanese costumes. They also received a traditional sword belonging to' an ancient Japanese King. In return Ratana invested the Bishop and his people with Maori mats. In regard to the Japanese lad who returned with the party, it had been said that a diplomatic mission in connection with the Japanese Government was involved. It was in London that Ratana first met the lad. He then and there offered himself to become a member of the party. He was an enthusiast to become a convert in the doctrine of the Gospel and to learn Maori, and this inspired Ratana to adopt him. Wljen he was capable of ministering he would be sent back to his own people to preach the Gospel. Others from different nationalities had offered themselves for the same purpose. Tn conclusion Ratana said one wonders whether gathering of ecclesiastics in silent conclave- would not sit in judgment on the Master himself and crucify Him afresh because of His methods- with men.