THE MAORI "PROPHET."

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8215, 20 August 1906, Page 3

THE MAORI "PROPHET."

ASKED to move on

AN UNEPECTEH DEVLOPMENT

A deputation from the Tahitima Maori Council, Gi9borue, proceeded to Pakowhai on Tuesday to convey to Rur, tbe Maori 'prophet,' the resolution passed by tho Council more on. When tbe party arrived at llio oamp about. luO natives were eugaged in prayer. Ibey were ranged in a circle around tbe 'prophet's' tout, being at ihe doorway leading the devotions. Tbe representatives of the Council advanced to the line which roped off tho 'prophet's' tent." The visitors were received with suppressed excitement, and as Mr Ferris proceeded to explain the nature of bis mission, an old Maori woman, who evidently could not hold her feelings, vigorously demanded 'lf your Council has anything to say stand out here a distance and Bay it in a loud tone. We are Rnas' followers, and if you want to kill Run, kill us, or if you have anything to say say it to us.' Handing the official resolution to JRaa, Mr Ferris explained that the Oouncil bad been instructed by the Native Department to proofed against him under seotion 25 cf itta regulations. Kua gave a brond grin aa he remarked. 'Have you the regulafions? Before I open this letter .1 want a oooy of them. lam a member of one of the village aommittes of the Matatua Council, and I know there is uotbing in that section of the regulations wbieb gives your Council the right to interfere with us,' Proceeding he protested strongly against Buoh actiou, stating that upto date he had paid £3OO for provisions, iand h<3 was, therefore, not loafing on tnybody for a living. According to the old Maori he had expected the usual courfesy from the local rangatiras io the presentation of a cart load of food, but they had not given him anything. A general kore.ro ensued, the owners of tbe land loudly declaring that, although Rua and! his people had been ousted by pakeha influence off the other section and as he had now uome on to their property by invitation he was free to stay there as long as he liked. 'lf you want to clear Rua off the land, 1 am the cwner of the land, aod you will have to deal with me first,' was one of the final shouts of defiance as the party withdrew.