RATANA’S POLICY.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1925, Page 1

RATANA’S POLICY.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] ROTORUA, Jan. 15. Yesterday a meeting of the Aruwns at Ohinemueo discussed the proposals of an emissary of llatana to sign the Hainan Covenant, having in view Ra-t-ana’s statement that he had laid the cause of the Maori before the Japanese Government. The using of the emissary words:—

“Ratiuia lias married Hie Maori race to the Japanese race, and their salvation now lies in' the hands of Japan,” was, regarded with great disapproval. The following resolution was passed: “It was felt that, under cover of these signatures, he (Ralana) will use himself as the Divine agent on earth, and direct his people to disloyal tendencies.” It was decided that: “The Xgatiwhakane sub-Tribe of the Arawa people, from their sacred courtyard, lo Bapaiouni, reaffirm their unalterable loyalty to King George Y.. and that in any future divergence of Maori tribes elsewhere, His Majesty's representatives can always depend on this section doing its duty on the side of law and order ; further, that we bear witness to the Crown’s unfailing justice in all matters properly placed before it for consideration. For these we are deeply grateful. We gave of our best during the last great war to show our appreciation of a great nation’s rule, and to preserve our liberties under the 1 rooty of Waitangi. Wo deplore this outrageous disloyalty, hence we are again recording tiie words of our elders: ‘Be true and steadla.st to Queen \ ictoria, and if needs bo. lie the rock to break disloyalty in twain.’ ” Then- is keen interest' Lcing taken in the matter.

NO ALLIANCE SOUGHT. WANGANUI. Jan. 15. “Katana lias never made, nor suggested. a political or national alliance with Japan, and he repudiates the reported statements made at Rotorua,” said Mr Peter Mako, llatana's official executive officer, when interviewed by a “Chronicle” representative by telephone to-night. “We visited Japan to disseminate tin! gospel.” continued Mr Mako. “On our arrival Ihere, the Japanese people were so hospitable that we understood. from their kindness, that, they were related. As a matter of fait we found afterwards, through enquiries, that the Japanese people our people were related. We have sent no emissary to Rotorua, and the only one that could he so regarded was a man who came IToin the Sub-tribe to llatana on the occasion of the recent gathering. On that occasion, llatana made his opposition clear, and said that there vas a blood relationship with Japan.” Proceeding, Mr Mako said that the visitor from Rotorua may have met the Arawas with a view to getting signatures lo the Covenant, and in ibis conned ion, explained that while llatana’s party was away. Ralana mislaid some of tiie schedules of names, and so intended to get them over again. Referring to the visit to London. Mi Mako said that their intention was to wait upon Mr Ramsay MacDonald about i'-" Treaty of Waitangi, but they were informed that it was not possible at like time. It was suggested that an appointment might be made later, hut it was not. Mo (Mr Mako) tool? the platform and addressed several meetings on the I reaty of Yaitangi. Mr Mako stated that he personally would make a further explanation when lie had more information on the subject,

MAORI LANGUAGE. AUCKLAND. Jan. 15. At a meeting <d the Native leacbcrs Association, the President. Mr Cogliian. moved, and it was agreed, that the University Senate be asked to make it compulsory for all .Maoris sitting for matriculation to take Maori as a language also that the Senate be asked to set a higher standard in Maori for the examination, and that the Education Department lie recommended to allow teachers reasonable liberty, introducing in their programme Maori folk songs, hand work, simple war dances, eto.