MAORIS OUTWITTED

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1933, Page 5

MAORIS OUTWITTED

HEALTH DEPT. BLOCKS ROADS

WHANGAREI, August 16

Attempted defiance of the Health Department’s ban on Mapri gatherings was nipped in the bud to-day when a party of Ratana’s followers was turned back when it attempted to leave the Kaikohe district. The department imposed its embargo because of the presence of sleeping sickness in the far north, where two deaths have occurred. The Maoris left Kaiohe this afternoon in motor-vehicles, with the Ninety-Mile ‘Beach as an objective. Their programme involved various gatherings en route. . On arriving at the bridge between Kaikohe and Ohaeawai they found further progress barred by a barricade at lorries which the authorities had ordered. Thus, outwitted in their purpose,” the natives offered to can'cel northward congregations .if allowed to proceed, but the authorities were adamant. The party then capitulated and agreed to return to their settle-: ments.

“We are going about like rogues, thieves and vagabonds,” said Ratana’s spokesman. “When we heard of the outbreak we agreed to abandon all huis. We .are not out to break the law, but'only desire peace and a bit of pleasure, which have been refused us.”

And so, with cries of “Come on, you Kelly gang”, the Ratannites boarded their vehicles, turned about, and the last seen of theme was a cloud of dust as they dashed down the Mangamuka road. .