MAORI MIRACLE MAN

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14712, 29 July 1921, Page 7

MAORI MIRACLE MAN

RATANA IN THE SOUTH. REPORTED CURES. Although very little could be learned on. Sunday at Rapaki about the effects ol Ratana's work there (says the Christchurch Sun) one of his secretaries, a well-educated young native, had something to say about it,when questioned at Lyttelton. One case, he staled, was that of a woman from Little River, who had been totally blind for many years. This woman, after Ratana had told her to have faith, stated to him that she could discern light, and Ratana told her that, if she continued to exercise faith, she might expect to regain her sight in three days. Hone Tikau, a leading man of the village, who had suffered from gout for nearly 40 years, and had scarcely had a complete night's rest in that time, received immediate relief, and slept soundly on Sunday night, for the first time in many years.

The secretary was asked whether Ralana could do anything for cases of actual bodily deformity. "God works in a mysterious way," he replied. "It has happened that, in the case of a crooked leg, the limb has been accidentally broken, and by this means a cure has been effected. Ratana adjures such a sufferer to be patient and look upon the mishap as a part of God's plan." Not at Home to Europeans.

Ratana, to use his own words, is "Not at home" lo Europeans. His mission is for the Maoris. He will answer letters from Europeans, but will not see llicm. Even t.lic European wives or husbands of Maoris are not allowed to attend his meetings unless they have gone over completely to the Maori side. Here it is interesting to note that, since Christmas, Ratana has received 40,000 lclters from all parts of Australasia, and even from Europe and America, whither his fame lias evidently travelled. One letter from Italy contained a substantial sum of money, which Ratana, who never accepts payment, promptly returned lo the sender. He docs not profess to perform miracles, nor docs he practice "the laying on of hands." All he points out is that cures can be effected toy prayer and belief in the Almighty, lie is the medium, not the "prophet" or a "divine being." £50,000 Offer from America. In Hie course of conversation, the secretary said that Ratana, at present, would not treat Europeans, except by correspondence. Every one of the 4 0,000 letters which he had received had all been answered. Certain people in America had offered him up to £50,000 if he would visit their country, but he had declined. He and his staff were paying all their own expenses, which amounted lo £2300 on their recent tour of Hie North Island. None of ihem received any salary or remuneration whatever.

MAORI SOLDIER. DISCARDS HIS CRUTCHES. A returned soldier undergoing treatment in Hie King George Hospital, Rotorua, writes to a Taumarunui friend as "There is a most wonderful example of a Ralana cure here. A Maori came in lliere three days ago. He had been nl Narrow Neck Hospital for two years on crutches, with a crushed hip. lie was due lo leave here on Saturday for Narrow Neck, hul he asked the Commandant's permission lo go to Or'akci (in Saturday In sec Ralana, who asked him if he believed Lhero was only one r.od, ami if he repented his sins, etc. His answers being satisfactory, Ralana said: 'ln the name of I.he Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, you are cured. Put away your crutches.' "He said a warm feeling like a hot wave wenl through him. He put away his crutches against the marquee, and then Ralana said, 'Walk.' and lie took hi-i First step, feeliup very uncertain uf himself, not having been on crutches for Iwo years, but he Look another slop, and thru walked as well ;l s ever he did. "II all look place in under live minutes, and two days after 1 saw him

running round like a hare. Isn't it miraculous? He lias just come back here to thoroughly regain his strength. The doctors here were greatly interested."