THE MAORI PROPHET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2196, 21 May 1908, Page 4

THE MAORI PROPHET.

A VISIT TO RUA’S VILLAGE

A representative of the “New Zealand Herald” recently .paid a visitto the home of the Maori prophet Kua, and on his return supplied an interesting description of the village that Rua lias established in the Lrewera Countrv. The prophet may be mad on some points, but there seems to be no doubt that in several respects his influence lias been good. He insists, for instance, upon absolute cleanliness on tlio part of his followers. His village is situated on a sunny but exposed spur, surrounded by 8000 acres of land which lie claims as his own property. When asked .why be had selected an elevated position lor the village, Rua stated that lie had been instructed to do so by the Lord, in order that there might bo plenty of work. Tho'settlement consists of about fifty dwellings, built lor the most part of split timber. There are several streets and the reporter noticed a store, a. butchery :alld. a couueil office, in connection with which a bank has been opened. The land had been cleared and laid out in less than eight months, so that Hie Maoris must have worked with considerable energy. All the expenses in connection with the township have been met by Rua himself, but he gives no informatiaon as to where the money is obtained. The fact that ho pays in gold lends color to the suggestion that lie may have access to tiie hoard that the rebel Te Kooti is supposed to have accumulated, but there seems to be some reason for believing that several of the wealthier natives are financing Rua Jn the hope that ho will be able to do something towards the uplifting of the Maori race generally. The village is clear of dogs, and Rua insists that bis followers shall be clean in person, that food shall bo served on raised benches in buildings set apart for tlie purpose, and that plates and cutlery shall he. in daily use. All this is good, but trouble begins when Rua turns his attention to religious questions. He claims to be in person-, al touch with the Almighty, and to have Divine sanction for his actions. He disturbs the native mind by putting forward claims that could not be allowed by the white population, and by making wild prophecies regarding events of the future.