LIFE AT RATANA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 108, 10 May 1933, Page 9

LIFE AT RATANA

VITALITY OF FAITH. WOMEN PLAY RUGBY. There is at present considerable activity at the Ratana Pa, situated between Turakina and Wanganui. With the representatives of the Waikato, Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay tribes, and the permanent Ratana representatives, there is a population of over 1700 (says the Manawatu Standard). During Easter over 3000 gathered at the pa to discuss matters of importance to the Maori race and to take part in the special services and exercises connected with the Ratana faith. A party of Palmerston North residents who visited the encampment earlier in the week saw ample evidence of the continued vitality of tho movement, and of tho good work being done in furnishing a railing centre for the various tribes.

Tho theory that the Maoris are a dying race was belied by the fine physique shown by the men and the women who arc to be seen engaged in the farming and other activites of the settlement, and also in tho strenuous athletic pastimes indulged in. The visitors witnised a vigorous game of Rugby football played by two Maori teams. The contest was a dose and exciting one in which the referee occasionally found it necessary to restrain the exubcrent spectators from entering tho arena and taking part in the proceedings The match which was one by tho Hawke’s Bay Maoris with a of one point, was followed by a similar game by two teams of women exponents of the game, these displayed an astonishingly sound knowledge of the game, entering into tho full spirit of the Rugby code, and ran and tackled in a manner which would put to shame some players of “tho stronger sex.” A pair of opposing players also settled a difference in tho time-honoured custom, and had finally to bo separator by tho referee The game finished, however, with, the best of spirit prevailing. The prominent camp, laid out in streets and controlled much tho same as any other town of 600 or 700 residents, is a credit to those responsible, being clean and compact from a utilitarian point of view. Tho pa is organised on tho communal lines followed by the old Maoris, and all contribute labour in the common cause. Hundreds of acres are usually undec cultivation for wheat, while most of the staple food requirements are grown on the Ratana property. Tho public buildings include the imposing temple, built by the Ratana people themselves, a museum, picture theatre, hall, shops, and huge dining and sleeping quarters for special rallies wenn adherents of the faith gather together at special seasons of the year—principally at Christmas—the attendance then running into several thousands. One cannot but be impressed by the happy, care-free character of the Ratana Maoris, which augurs well for the continued success of the movement. Apart from tho religious aspect, the idea behind the movement in furnishing a focal point where all sections of the Maori race can gather together and discuss their problems and work for the common welfare is one which can be productive only of good.