RATANA’S FOLLOWERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17116, 23 November 1929, Page 10

RATANA’S FOLLOWERS

CHRISTMAS GATHERING LARGER SCALE THAN EVER Anyone who imagines that l lie Eniuna movement is dead is very much mis;a,ken, writes a Wanganui correspondent-. \s the result of Ralana’s recent tour m ,he North Island the movement has uiken a new lease of life, and preparations are being made for holding at dliristmas one ol the larges! gatherings aver held in the pa. In order tu provide accommodation lor the expected visitors three large meeting houses have, been iroiighi to Ral.ana from l’arav mini, and ilie.v are now being reassembled. A pari if |he malerial is to be ulilised for extensions to the dining room, winch will accommodate 1000 people a! a sitting.

Tlit* exhibits hav ■ been removed from the old museum building, and this accommodation also will lie used. A new building has been provided for the museum exhibits, which Undoubtedly •oustit uli* the most valuable collection of Maori curios in the Dominion.

Addresses at the pa are usually given on a site adjacent to Ratan.Ts former residence, where there, is a certain amount of seating'accommodation. More seating is to be provided, so that the area will resemble a stadium on a miniature scale. In the enclosure it is proposed to have various competitions, such is pni dames, halms, choir singing, etc., ind to award special prizes. This alone should attract a large number of both Maori and pakelia visitors during the holidays. Special luncheon rooms are to be sei aside for the benefit, of pakdias. and this year the pa will he thrown open to them without the necessity of obtaining admission passes. A member of the executive was asked why Batumi had failed to put in an appearance the other day at a feast, at Temulm. ills reply was that, much as his party would have enjoyed the hospitality of their southern friends time did not permit of a southern tour, and advice was sent on accordingly.