RATANA AND HIS DEBTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 4260, 4 November 1933, Page 2

RATANA AND HIS DEBTS.

MAGISTRATE’S COMMENT ON NON-APPEARANCE.

The Maori “prophet,” T. AY. Ratnnn, is not an unfamiliar figure in court proceedings, and he featured in two judgment summons cases in Marton on Thursday. For not appearing personally lie was strongly criticised by the magistrate (Mr R. AT. Watson), who said that in future Ratana must submit himself for examination or take the consequences. When the “prophet’s” name was called his private secretary —a dusky Native —stepped forward. “You are not Ratana," said the magistrate sternly. “No,” replied the secretary, “but I always appear in court on his behalf.” ‘ The Magistrate: Well, it won’t do. He is summoned to appear personally, and I would have him understand that he must appear personally. Mr Iv. A. Williams, who represented Low and Gregory, drapers, Marton, and sought an order for £159 12/10, said he felt justified in making the application. Ratana, lie said, had established a new pa at Patea, and with a party had just had a trip to North Auckland, and funds were now being accumulated for a further tour abroad.

The Magistrate: AA r ell, I have no evidence as to that. Had Ratana been here you could have examined him on it.

The Magistrate made an order for £ls per month to he paid in default three months’ gaol. Mr J. R. L. Stanford, representing AAA J. Beard, H. Austin, Mabel Greenwood, and Nellie Batchelar, applied for an order for the payment of £2O 3/0. He endorsed what Mr Williams had said regarding recent and present activities and enterprises, adding that the prophet had recently been fined £SO at Patea for being drunk in charge of a ear, and the fine had been paid immediatelv.

An order for £3 a month, to he paid was made, default being fixed at 21 days’ gaol. “You tel! Ratana that he must conn* here himself in future,” was the magistrate’s parting shot to the secretary.