THE RELEASE OF RUA

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9953, 24 April 1918, Page 6

THE RELEASE OF RUA

THE PROPHETS. JWTTURN.

Tho Maori prophet, Run., who was imprisoned some timo ago, was released last -week, and has returned to his former stronghold at Maungapohatu, in tho Urcwora oountry. An interesting account of tho arrival of Rua is given in a letter received by tho Rev. A. Doull, of Palmerston, from Miss Monfriea, one of tho teaphers at the Maori mission. Tho letter, states that there was great excitement when- the news of Rua's release was brought along. A messenger was dispatched to Maungapohatu to boar tho joyful tidings, and to bring back Rua's favourite horses to carry the prophet safely to his temple. There was quite a gathering of people at To Umaroa, and just as service was over news came of Rua's approach, accofmpanied by his faithful followers from To Whaiti. When tho "groat man" appeared, surrounded by his bodyguard, some riding ahead, some behind, ho was greeted with groat acclamation, criei* of joy and welcome mingling with the "tangi" of the womon who remembered and evidently sympathised with Rua, lin his time of tribulation. The flags, had boen hoisted early in the morning, and everyone seemed to be in gala dress*. The people of To Whaitd provided Rua with a cushion of, softest down, and thero was also a sheet to support his back. All tho people intended accojmpanying the prophet to his stronghold.