RATANA AS A HEALER

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1931, Page 8

RATANA AS A HEALER

Inquiries have.been made from time to time as “to whether the mana. of Katana as a healer has declined. Various Maori followers of Katana, when questioned, say not. Cures have been reported from time to time, but with the Maoris it is very difficult to get corroboration. However, an incident in Wanganui on September 16 has aroused much interest. Mr “Jim” Coleman, retired business man, and a well-known follower of the Turf, had been suffering from neuritis of the right arm for a considerable time, and had received medical attention, but the pain in the* arm had not diminished. The day before the Wanganui races he met Katana., with whom he had been acquainted' for many years. During the handshake Mr Coleman used the left arm, and Ratana inquired the reason. On being I informed, Ratana remarked: “Let me j have a look.”' He then took hold of' Mr Coleman’s hand and rubbed the back and the palm, and remarked: “You will be all right in the morning, Jim.” To the surprise of Mr Coleman, the following morning the pain had en- l tirely disappeared, and the arm has bfcen perfectly well ever since.