RATANA AND POLITICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18216, 9 October 1922, Page 4

RATANA AND POLITICS.

Sir,—The recent statements that Ratana nominated certain candidates were absolutely without foundation, and on behalf of Ratana I wish to givo them a strong denial. I was present in April last at a meeting of 3000 natives, at which Ratana wes asked to accept nomination or himself nominate candidates for the various seats. In reply, Ratana declined to stand or to make any nominations. The Maoris, he said, were to elect their own representatives, and he wished to disassociate himself from any participation in the campaign, and devoto himself to his own work. Ratana said his representatives are being blamed for advocating a, change in the present representation, which is desired by the Maoris. The natives are desirous of a change, and have just as much right as the Europeans, and maintain that it is just as necessary as a change in diet. Ratana is quite right in taking up an independent attitude. I have attended his meetings, and believe in the work he is doing in keeping down tohungaism, which has been the curse of the race in the past, and also in combating that other form of tohungaism, the waipiro. It hss been remarked that Christianity and politics should not go together. I say that hacl it not been for Christianity there would be no Parliament this day. Wo should be still uncivilised, running about with a mat over our shoulders, and tomahawk or patiti or mere pounemu in our hands. I say, give Ratana a fair deal. D. Stirling. \ i