"BILL" RATANA TURNS IT IN

NZ Truth, Issue 1105, 3 February 1927, Page 5

"BILL" RATANA TURNS IT IN

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Wanganul Bepresehtative). BATANA, the man of miracles— plain "Bill" or "Wiremu, as he prefers to be called-r—has tossed inthetowIt will come as a surprise for the public and his followers to, learn that he is no longer president of the Ratana Church. This decision was arrived at the day following the opening of the temple, at which "Bill" was a prominent figure. * The apostles had arranged an elaborate form of religious service for the temple "opening, but "Bill" stepped m and j took charge of the proceedings, delivering two addresses to a gathering of upwards of 5000 Maoris. • He told them straight out that m the first place they had forced^ the church upon him and also, forced him to, register it. Any shortcomings he may have had would also have to be shared by those who forced his hands. v. " Bill, " m a cosmopolitan mood, also remarked that people were calling him Ratana all over the place. It was "Ratana" here and Ratana there," but he preferred to be known at "Bill" or Wiremu. Presumably "Bill" is still a member of the organisation, ' but intends m future to lead a quiet life. He advised the gathr .: eringthat m future — instead of telegraphing to him when sickness overtook them — they were to do the right thing and send for a medical man. It will be interesting now to learn the identity of the new : prophet to don the toga that "Bill" has cast off. ■