RATANA’S HOMECOMING

Southland Times, Issue 19434, 24 December 1924, Page 5

RATANA’S HOMECOMING

MAORIS FLOCK TO PA. GREAT STORIES OF TRIP. (Per United Press Association.) WANGANUI, December 23. Large numbers of Maoris are flocking to the Rat an a pa to be present at the homecoming of the faith healer and those who accompanied him on the grand tour. Ratana and party are due at the pa to-morrow. Yesterday’s outgoing trains from Wanganui carried many Maori passengers. “All off to meet Ratana?” inquired a reporter of a middle-aged man who appeared to be a person of some authority. “Yes,” was the reply. “Ratana is coming home, and we are going to welcome him.” In reply to further questions this seemingly well-informed individual said that Ratana and party had had a great trip. “We have heard of wonderful things,” he said. “Out on the big seas, where Europeans say it is always rough and stormy, always where Ratana’s ship goes it is calm, smooth water like glass. In England there is the same wind and storms all over the country, but wherever Ratana goes are sunshine and calm. On the ship the same wonderful power. Three people are taken ill. The ship’s doctor attends them; no good; they are very sick; they do not get better. ‘Let us have Ratana/ they say. Ratana comes to them, and at once they are healed. These things could not be if he did not have power in him.” Tons of provisions are being carted to the Ratana pa for the big gathering, and the pas around Wanganui are being well depleted of fat pigs. Ratana is said to accept no money, but at the same time plenty of “kai” is very welcome. —Dunedin Star correspondent.