RUA'S PROFIT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15511, 11 January 1911, Page 6

RUA'S PROFIT.

A POLICE RAID. [From Ora CoßßEsroxnixr.j AUCKLAND, January 10: The Alaori prophet Rua, who has expected many things, including a visit from tlie late King Edward, received something at an early hour this morning that was possibly "as unexpected by .the prophet as it was unwelcome. - Six constables, without heralding their approach, made a very early.call. It was about four when they descended on Wairnana, and both the hour and thejr precipitancy must have startled the sleeping Ttuait-es. It seems that for some two months there have been rumours of sly-grog selling at Wairnana. Rua and his followers spent the. Christmas holidays at their new town, where about five hundred Maoris from various parts of the Auckland district assembled to participate in the celebrations. About a score of pakelias were .also present. The assemblage-was 'characterised by lavish hospitality on the part- of Rua., and much feasting by bis followers and guests. Tons of provisions were prepared for tho feasts, the most, important of which were held on Christmas Day. The nakehas, some of whom were from Opotiki, were treated with every consideration, Run's laiv being that, tlie pakeha guests must take precedence at meals and. receive every possible attention. The expenses of such a feast would naturally be very considerable, but Rua and Ins people have plenty of money just now, The “ Opotiki Guardian,”- from which the record of this jollification Is taken, did not hesitate to say that at least part, of the expenses was doubtless defrayed by the profits on the sale of “ mountain dew.” Under the circumstances it. is not surprising that tlie unceremonious police call was with the object of preferring a charge of sly-grog selling and obtaining evidence in support of tho charge. Details have riot yet been received as to the results of the raid, but there is every prospect that further trouble is in store for the long-haired prophet.