Ratana’s Cures.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 31 January 1921, Page 3

Ratana’s Cures.

WANGANUI, Jan. 27th. Considerable interest was evinced in a meeting of the Wanganui Ministers’ Association to-day, when a statement was made by Rev. Wilfred Williams, Church of England missionary among the Maoris, who has been investigating the work of the Maori “miracle man” Ratana, who is reputed to have effected many wonderful cures of sick people. Rev. Williams said he had examined Ratana's register, which contains over 1100 signatures of Maoris, who claim to have been cured of various ills. Recently 2000 natives gathered at Ratana’s pah. As to the actual cures, Rev. Williams would not express an opinion, as he had not had an opportunity of thoroughly investigating any particular case. Ratana was a wealthy man, entertained all his visitors free of charge, and ho refused any contributions. He did not claim hynotic power, but held that if Tohungaism was renounced and the Maoris had simple faith in God, all their diseases could be cured. Rev. Williams said Ratana had an extraordinary power over the natives, and the speaker after investigating, was satisfied his work was genuine. There had been a wonderful increase of spiritual fervour among the natives who had come under Ratana’s away, and many of the men had given up drinking and gambling.