RATANA DRUNK.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18894, 8 January 1927, Page 14

RATANA DRUNK.

IN CHARGE OF CAR. A HEAVY FINE. . (ritESS ASSOCIATION TDLidßili.) WANGANUI, January 7. Ratana, the Maori prophet, who now has a tremendous following among the Natives throughout the North Island, was arrested on Thursday and charged with being in control of a motor vehicle while in a state of intoxication. He appeared before the Magistrate, Mr J. S. Barton, to-day, when an additional charge was preferred—that of driving a car without a license. He pleaded guilty. Senior-Sergeant Lopdell said that Ratana had failed to renew his license, which expired in March last. A chauffeur was provided for some time, but on Thursday accused drove himself. He was observed driving the car in an erratic manner. He was not bad enough to be arrested as a drunken pedestrian but being in charge of a car he could not be let go. Replying to the Bench the sergeant said that Ratana was formerly very .-sober, but during the last year he had been under the influence of liquor on occasions.

Ratana applied for the suppression of his name, as publication would affect his standing among the natives. His Worship: I think this is not a case for suppression. Defendant urged the fact of his standing and reputation, but there are some reputations which, in the public interest', should depend on character and manner of life and should not be bolstered up by the Arbitrary Act of a Court in proceedings like this. A fine of £25 was imposed on the first charge and £1 on the second.

A NEW PROPHET.

[THE PRESS Special Scrrlce.J

AUCKLAND, January 7,

A report is current that Ratana has a rival in another prophet. Ratana, however, has always denied that he is a prophet, his creed being that he is merely an instrument in God's hands for doing good. This new prophet hails from Karori, on the Main Trunk, and it is said that a number of Ratana's followers in the Ohakune district are linking up with him. He proposes to lead a delegation throughout the North Island.