The matana movement.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1921, Page 1

The matana movement.

BIG MEETING AT CHRISTMAS

AI'C'NI.ANI), on. 17. "Till i." M -K'lHl.-mi." wlm D <l,ody in tout'll with tin* Maoris and the Rafting movement .writes as follows to th ,, \uckUuul “Hornhi”. The Katana movement is till making groat progress among the Maoris. The names of s Omo ')•' |U)O men, women and children are now attn,died to the covenant, which is a simple to accept the Christian faith in the True f->d and abandon all superstitious and witchft Katana himself is now most at |, is time at home at Katana, and th-» railway station of that name .though l.at n line station, is holding the pre:L position on tW Aranmho-Marton line for a never-failing stream oi pilgrims is going to and fro and must add verv considerably to the rn.hvaj

i-,.vciiiic ' Hot ITatsoia does not ,-mouifolk in tile idea that it is necessary for them to see him it they are sink and wish to he cured by Otvine healiim-. lie is not an ordinary faith-, healer? lie contends that the whole matter depends upon the reality of the repentance and earnestness and purity of the beliefs and prayers of the sick person. In some districts he has appointed representatives to declare his message and secure signatures to Ins covenant. Some splendid results in the Divnm t,,,„10ur II CISC of the movement are still

koine i rr.aded. and the ant i-lol.ling: propaganda is making a great impres. Sion and breaking fellers that bay, long hindered the progress oi the ran in Christian faith mid ideals. The movement will probably read its culmination in December, when tin position will be reviewed. Not inn have been issued calling a native „,ed ino for Christmas Day at Katana. Ka tail:, invites Maoris of all shades o faith or of no faith. Tdhiinglis am prophets and teachers are challenged to ~01110 and show the fruits id Hum works also. Probably K-M'OO native' will he present. Croat preparations bn tko housing and victualling of the \ isi tors atro already in progress. K.v Christmas week the place will he n veritable canvas town. The report that has got abroad that Katana has a Church of KngDnd clor,,voian as his ollieial ehanlain is denied. There seems to he no more foundation of this report than lh< oarlier one that Katana was a momher of the Presbyterian Church. Katana, has 111:1 tiv chaplains assisting 1,;,,,. It is stated 011 the best, ol authority that ths movement no to tin present has been absolutely non-sectar-ian ill principle and character, and it is important that no other impression should find credence among the natives. The movement has grave per ils, hut is so far accomplishing an immense amount of good, and should he iriven .a “dear course and a fair run.’'