RUA CAUSING TROUBLE.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5351, 7 February 1916, Page 5

RUA CAUSING TROUBLE.

ARREST WILL BK RESISTED

ARMED BODYGUARD FORMED

Electric Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Saturday. The “Star's” Whakatane correspondent wired on Saturday morning that grave anxiety was felt by settlers in the outskirts of the Urewera country on account of the "Prophet'’ Rua. who had taken the title of

“Kaiser” and prophesied the other Kai.ser will meet him shortly at Whakatane. Some credulous followers believe him and Rua is using the fact to influence them to assist him by avoiding arrest. I learn on the liest authority that meetings held throughout the Urewera agreed to resist by any means the arrest of Rua. who was recently sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment for supplying liquor to natives. No doubt the situation is grave since it is known that a fair number of rifles are in the possession of natives used for pig hunting. while half of the fanatical Maoris have been obtaining a considerable quantity of liquor. At the meetings referred to over three hundred bond ed in their names, as Rua’s bodyguard. It is certain that any attempt to arrest him will be met by force. Two native constables left here yesterday to try’ and persuade Rua to accept arrest qtiietly. They have to travel sixty-five miles over rough tracks and nothing can bo known till Monday. It is generally believed here that trouble, possibly very serious, is brewing. The correspondent is in a position to speak with authority and vouches that the facts stated are absolutely reliable. Auckland. Last Nigh -

There are no further details to-dav of t.ite antics of the “Prophet" Run, who has taken upon himself the title of “Kaiser.” and who is resisting ar-“-est in connection with his recent oonvictMHi in the Urewera Country ]wo native constables lave returned to Taneatna after an attempt to bring- Run in. They were told by Rua’s followers that he refused to come, and were asked to leave without delay ’they did so in order to avoid trouble A correspondent stat » that the followers of the “Kaiser of Urcwera’ ’number over .300. who onpledged to resist his arrest. The ‘Herald's’ AViinl.Pane eorres. pendent telegraphed to-night stat-

ing that great exeitement i\«s canid through vhe circulation of sens*, noil'll ind *‘alse nimonrs c< ncemitig

• Prophet” 'R>m. The constables sent to arrest Rita did not get more than half war to their destination owing to flooded rivers Constable Cummings states he does not anticipate any treat, hi" in arresting Run.