RATANA’S WELCOME.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 2062, 3 January 1925, Page 5

RATANA’S WELCOME.

HUGE CONCOURSE AT KAINGA. For weeks past all Maori thoughts have been concentrated on the return of Ratana, who during the past two or three years has created interest in aril parts of the world as the result of certain faith-healing powers he is alleged to puissess. Rat-ana and his troop have for the past) nine months been on a tour round the world, and when it was known that the wanderers would be home for Christmas Eve all Maori roads led to Ratana’s kainga, named after Ratana’s ancestors. Noon on Christmas Eve was scheduled as the time of arrival of the large party from abroad, and when tho affair was actually staged it proved to be one of the most spectacular Maori ceremonies ever seen along the coasts. If Wirenla Ratana had been king he could not have received a more spontaneous welcome from his subjects. It is anticipated that close on 5000 natives took part. Spectacular effects were witnessed, hakas such as are seldom seen these days. THE UNASSUMING RATANA. There was a great commotion when the train arrived. After certain formalities and greetings the party proceeded to Marne, which was surrounded by a huge company. Here -the travellers were accommodated, with a special chair of state in the centre. It was noticed that this chair was nob occupied, and there was speculation, even with the Maoris, as to just which of the party was Ratana. Some pointed out one, some another. Was he one of the frock-coated ones among the arrivals? No, indeed, Ratana was dressed in a very ordinary lounge suit and soife shirt. Being of a shy, retiring nature, lie was just where he might he expected—on the omfckirts of the visitors, sitiing with bowed head during the lengthy ceremonies.

Tho health officer found that the iron hand of discipline ruled. He had driven in wkjh his car' and made a lengthy inspection of the arrangements. When he wanted to leavig however, he found all the gates locked. Ho was told that everyone was at prayers, and tjiat tho gates would not be unlocked until lengthy religious services had ended. The official was obliged to remain until the ceremony was concluded.

The large body •of Maori policemen are so alert that no liquor is taken into the camp. Christmas Day was wholly given up to religious observances. The congregational singing of close on 5000 Maoris is something to be remembered.