ANOTHER HEALER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18752, 4 January 1923, Page 6

ANOTHER HEALER

A RIVAL OF RATANA. GREAT GATHERING OF MAORIS. (Feoh Oub Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, January 3. A great gathering of Maoris was held at 'Poroporo, Bay of Plenty, during the holidays to welcome Wi Keepa Hakiaha, who came from Wanganui with some 60 followers. The visitor claims to have the power of healing the sick and suffering, and the Maoris appeared to have great faith in him. He is a strongly-built native ■with a quiet manner, and claims to bo a believer m the religion of Te Kooti, the Church of England, and the Church of Rome. Unlike Ratana, Wi Keepa does not hold aloof from the rest of the Maoris, but goes freely among thorn dressed in an ordinary way. Nevertheless ho appears to command the strong respect of his following. From Tauranga, Matata, Te Puke, and further afield the natives came to see the “healer,” many of them bringing along sick people to try his healing powers. Whether he has actually performed any “cures” could not be ascertained, although some of the natives are quick to credit him with powers of healing. Wi Keepa Hakiaha ■was formerly a resident of Whakatane, but has lately been residing- at Wanganui. It is* stated that some rivalry has lately arisen between him and Ratana in connection with “healing.” Religious services and high feasting were features of the camp.