MAORIS ASSEMBLE AT RATANA PA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 21 December 1928, Page 11

MAORIS ASSEMBLE AT RATANA PA.

PREPARING FOR THE CHRISTMAS GATHERING.

(Special to the “Star.”) WANGANUI, December 21. Forces are assembling at Ratana once more for the Christmas gathering, and, besides those who have already arrived, a party of 800 Maoris is expected to-morrow, and others within the next few days. The gathering, however, will not be so large as previously, but a big gathering is to take place on January 25, when a sports meeting will also be held in honour of Ratana’s birthday. During the present meeting some important deliberations will take place, but whether political or otherwise it is not disclosed. A reporter this morning had an opportunity of inspecting the wheat crops, which have made exceptional growth, and, given favourable weather conditions, a prolific yield should result. The area under wheat is 520 acres. There are also 100 acres of potatoes and 75 acres of oats and barley. All the latter crops are looking well, and the whole scheme of cultivation is highly creditable to the Maoris. A traction engine and a combine have been bought in readiness for the harvest, and, generally speaking, the farm is well equipped with machinery. The traction engine is at present driving a dynamo to supply light to the pa.