RUA AND HIS WIVES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2354, 21 November 1908, Page 4

RUA AND HIS WIVES.

A VISIT TO GISBORNE

Rua the Prophet—the'word can be spelled in any way and will correctly describe the individual—accompanied by four of liis wives, liis “Prime j\linister,” and about half a dozen followers. arrived in Gisborne yesterday to bring his desires and complaints under the notice of the Minister for Native-Affairs (The Hon. J. Carroll), the Hon. Wi Pere, and the Cook County Council. Rua and his diplomats were received in korero by the Hon. Wi Pere in the morning at the Masonic Hotel. The Council refused to open the doors to representatives of the Press and Run maintained an air of lofty kingship when approached by tiic reporters. Rua’s business with the County Council is to try and persuade the members to open up the Rotorua stock track so as to give access to- his settlement. Rua appears to he well provided with cash, and, during the day, treated his wives, who are girl from .about 15 to 20 yeans of age, to rides in a hired motor car. The wives are dressed in the most gaudy colors and when their noble lord deigns to appear in the street', humbly walk behind him two by two. One of Rua’s men told a “Times” reporter that Rua was still a gFeat man and plenty “te utu.” He has only brought half the number of liis wives on this excursion, having loft four at home to look after the. royal household. The party are staying with some Natives at Wacrenga-a-hika and will remain in the district until Thursday-next .as Rua intends to wait upon the County Council on Wednesday. The prophet will-probably be granted an interview by the Hon. James Carroll during the time ho is in the district.