RATANA AND JAPAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 17 January 1925, Page 5

RATANA AND JAPAN

ARAWAS REFUSE TO SIGN COVENANT

“OUTRAGEOUS DISLOYALTY” DE-

PLORED

(United Press Association.)

Vj , ROTORUA, Jan. 15 Yesterday a meeting .of Arawas at Ohinemutu discussed the proposals of the emissary of Ratana to sign the. Ratana Covenant, having in view Ratana’s statement that he laid the cause of the Maori before, the Japanese Government. Using the words of the emissary : ‘‘Ratana has married the Maori race to the Japanese race, and their salvation now lies in the hands of Japan.” This was regarded with great disdproval, and the folloing resolution was passed, as it was felt that under cover of these signatures, Ratana will use himself as a divine agent on earth and direct his people to disloyal tendencies. . It was' decided that ‘The Ngatiwhakahe sub-tribe of the Arawa people from their sacred court-yard, Te I’apaiouru, reaffirm unalterable loyalty to King George V., and that in any future divergence of Maori, tribes elsewhere, His Majesty’s representatives can always depend on this section doing its duty on the side of law and order. Further, that we bear witness to the Crown’s unfailing justice jn all matters properly placed before it for consideration. For these wo are grateful, deeply grateful. We gave of our best during the last Great War, to show our apreciation of a great nation’s rule and to preserve our liberties under the Treaty of Waitangi. We deplore this outrageous disloyalty, hence again recording the words of our elders to be true and steadfast to Queen Victoria and if needs be, be the rock to break disloyalty in twain.’ ’ There is keen interest in the matter.

STATEMENTS REPUDIATED

WANGANUI, Jan. 15. ‘‘Ratana has never made or suggested political or national alliance with Japan, and he repudiates the reported statements made at Rotorua,” said Mr Peter Moko, Ratana’s official executive officer, when interviewed by a Chronicle rrpresentative by telephone to-night. “ We,* visited Japan to disseminate the Gospel,” continued Mr Moko. “On our arrival there the Japanese people were so hospitable that we understood from their kindness ,that they were related. As a, matter of fact we found afterwards through,, inquiries that the Japanese people and oujg'people were related. We have sent no. emissary to Rotorua, and the oulv one person .that could be so regarded was a man who came from the sub-tribe to Ratana on the occasion of the recent gathering. On that occasion Ratana made the position clear, and said that there was a blood relationship with Japan.” Proceeding Mr ■Moko said that; the visitor from Rotorua may have met the Arawas with a view of getting signatures) to the covenant, and in this connection explained that while Ratana’s party was away Ratana mislaid some of the schedules of names _ and so intended to get them over again. Referring to the visit to London, Mr Moko’ said ther intention was to wait upon Mr Ramsay McDonald about,the, Treaty of Waitangi, but they, were informed that it was not possible at the time. It was suggested that an appointment might he made liter, but jt was not. He (Mr Moko) took; the platform, and addressed several meetings on the Treaty of Waitangi. Mr, Moko stated that he personally would mak-i’a further explanation when he had more information on the subject. - 1 - - ••