NEW MAORI VILLAGE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18192, 13 September 1933, Page 11

NEW MAORI VILLAGE

RAT ANA’S MEMORIAL TO TIJRI

Ratafia hopes to make his Turi memorial village at Patca township similar to the one he built at the beginning of his movement, and which bears his name. Ratana, the town, has a population of 800, mainly Maoris. The streets are well designed and are electrically lighted. There are several stores and shops. Entertainments are regularly held in the largo hall, a prominent feature of the township. The recreation grounds are popular. The most conspicuous building is the Ratana temple, which has accommodation for 2500 people. The town has its own school. The building and grounds were presented by Ratnna to the Educa. tlon Department, and the department lias provided three certificated teachers. The school has a roll of 95 children. During tho past five years Ratana has devoted his time to grain-growing, up-to-date machinery being used. Tractors have to do the ploughing in order to have the 900 acres ready for wheat and other grain crops.

An executive committee with Ratana at its head controls the affairs of the town. The police officer of the Marton district, which takes in the Ratana township, works in conjunction with special officers of Ratana.