FANATICISM AMONG THE MAORIS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3274, 25 March 1885, Page 2

FANATICISM AMONG THE MAORIS.

(By Telegraph.) rr, -„ . Wellington, March 24. a^lr. *°" owin 6, are the official reports ref™n% °^ fcbreak of mania among the natives north of Auckland. The Government are taking precautions through the ordinary Police force to prevent a£y breach of the peace arising. J " R.M. Office, Russell, 19th March, 1885 " Sir— ife my telegram to you on the subject of certain natives m this district being under religious delusions, I have the honor to inform you that hearing so many conflicting reports about the conduct of these people, I considered it my duty to visit them. They are camped to the number of about 200 about a mile to the north of Kaikohe (a nativ pettlement). Many of these, however, were ouly visitors attracted by curiosity, and the lavish hospitality of Meri Tapu, the ao-called prophetess, and her followers. I found her more immediate supporters and (hose who have suffered most to be from Waihou, near Hokianga, and the chief Hohaia Patuoue and his people, relatives of the late Tamati Waka Nene. Having the advantage of being well acquainted with them, they conversed freely and were most hospitable. Meri Tapu herself is a young woman of almost 25 years, rather pleasing looking, and although she has rather a dazed look, does not give one the idea of being deranged. She, as well aa her most ardent supporters are Roman Catholics. At the present time, however, they dp not seem to hold any religious service whatever, spending their time, when not eating, m various games and amusements. Meri spends a good deal of her time m discussing questions with unbelieving visitors, being well versed m Scripture. Up to the present time they have all behaved well and m an orderly manner, allowing no intoxicating liquors to be brought to the camp from fear of disturbances arising therefrom. Some of the neighboring Europeans seem a little uneasy, as they cay any change m Meri's teaching, which would be blindly obeyed, would bring about another state of things. Tdo not, however, anticipate anything of the kind, but will keep myself well informed, and report to you either direct or through Mr Clendon, R.M. On every subject but the one they talked quite sensibly. On my expostulating with Patuone on his people selling their property at such a ruinous sacrifice, he said the Maoris were accustomed to be impoverished, that they intended staying on until the end of the month, waiting for the fulfilment of Meri's predictions. Should they not be fulfilled, they would return home again. He did not' seem at all concerned for the future. What money they obtain is spent m purchasing food to carry them through the present month, and m buying clothes m which to appear at the Last Day. A storekeeper to whom come of them owed money threatened to summons them, being naturally uneasy about his money. They told him it waa no use his doing anything during March, it being tapu and they could not attend the Court, but would be ready m April to meet all demands if nothing happens. For the same reason many did not attend the Native Lands Court now sitting at Namene, Herd's Point. It ia the custom for each convert to present Meri with some valuable. She is said to have quite a stock of watches, chains and rings. On my taking my leave Patuone wanted me to give her my watch, and so become one of them. He said he waa vety pouri at my going away. It iB extremely fortunate Meri has given such a short time for the fulfilment of her predictions. Had the time been longer, what with the waste of provisions and prolonged idleness, it could not have failed to have a most" injurious effect on the district. Even now I anticipate much distress during the coming winter. " I am, &c., " J. H. Gbebnaway, " Clerk of Court." "Russell, 23rd March, 1885. "Sinco writing my report to you re my visit to the reported prophetess at Kaikohe, matters appear to have assumed a much more serious aspect. The delusions and her influence are spreading far and wide. She is now impressing on her deluded followers that on the final day (28th inst.) she may disappear through* the European nation, and that if so they must seek revenge. A very uneasy feeling prevails among settlers inland. Some intend moving their famiies, believing that from fear of meeting her followers on that day, she may disappear, when, being m a state of religious frenzy, they may commit many rash acts. The number at her camp is now about 400, and is daily increasing. . This ._., being the final week many hundreds are expected from the north of Hokianga and other parts. Havingbeen so wasteful, food will be getting scarce. "(Signed) J. H. Gbebnaway."