RATANA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 14 April 1927, Page 2

RATANA.

EFFECT ON THE MAORI. UNSAT!SFACTOR Y REPORTS. (by telegraph—press association.) ■WANGANUI, April 13. Tire extent to which, the Ratana movement, lias been diffused throughout the Wanganui River territory, and the effect on the welfare of natives who r.iside along the famous waterway were investigated by _a reporter who made the trip to Pipiriki. Ample evidence was shown that not only were the finances of the natives being seriously depleted, but that their health, perhaps even their lives, are being menaced by the practice of faith healing, which is ousting medical aid 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 lving helpless lor several weeks, it had not been until the disease had reached the final stages that the doctor was called. Prior to that visit the woman’s treatment depended solely on the faith-healing methods of a Ratana nurse. “What do Ratana nurses sav if the patient fails to recover?” asked the. reporter of an intelligent Maori. “They sav the sick man does not believe,” was the rep I }’. “And do you believe?” queried the newsman. The old man’s eve twinkled : “I put te money in Ratana bank, and I get back te coupon,” he remarked. “I am told that £6 back. I am tolcl too, that God will reward me. and I give cattle, but God send no more cattle to take the place of the ones I give away, and now I think it a 1! humbug.” From further conversation, it was evident- that the Ratana movement was raising strong feeling among the natives, and actually there was a split in the camp. That the output from at least one Maori farm had dropped away to nothing as the result- of religious fervour was evidenced. A piece of country on which noxious weeds were beginning to clothe the hillsides was pointed out, and the; on-’y stock seen was a few goats. Not. long ago some of the best fat .sheep on the river lands were sent off his farm. It was stated that not long ago the owner gave as much as £2OO for a gathering at the Ratana. village.