GATHERINGS FORBIDDEN

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1933, Page 7

GATHERINGS FORBIDDEN

PRECAUTION IN FAR NORTH

SLEEPING SICKNESS OUTBREAK.

MAORIS’ PROGRESS STAYED.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Whangarei, Last Night. , In defiance of the Health Department s embargo on assemblies of Maoris as a precaution against the spread of sleeping sickness in the far north which has occasioned two deaths,. Katana’s numerous followers left Kaikohe this afternoon in motor vehicles with Ninety Mile Beach as their objective, involving various gatherings cn route. Arriving at a bridge between Kaikohe and Ohaeawai they found further progress barred by a barricade of lorries which the authorities have ordered. Thus outwitted in their purpose the Maoris offered to cancel northward congregations if they were allowed to proceed, but the authorities were adamant. The party then capitulated and agreed to return to their settlement. “We are going about like rogues, thieves and vagabonds,” said Ratana’s spokesman. “When we heard of the outbreak we agreed to abandon all huis. We are not out to break the law but only desire peace and a bit of pleasure which have been refused us.” And so with cries of “Come on you Kelly gang!” the Ratana-ites boarded their sundry vehicles and turned about, and the. last seen of them was a cloud of dust as they dashed down the Mangamuka Road.