The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, February 24, 1910. RUA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 816, 24 February 1910, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, February 24, 1910. RUA.

Rua, the Maori prophet, who has been given much prominence by the Press and perhaps a little too much latitude by the Justice Department, is getting somewhat insolent. Recently he behaved in a threatening manner to a settler, and some of his fanatical followers smashed the windows ot the settler’s home. Whether the “prophet” was provoked to such an unlawful act we cannot say, but even so his action could not be justified. Commenting editorally on the matter, the East Coast Guardian says: Residents in scattered settlements of the surrounding districts will view with considerable alarm the recent unwarranted outbreak of the archimposter and his followers at Waiotahi and, judging by this latest outrage on the part of the so-called Maori prophet, no people or property on the countryside will be safe until this insolent imposter and his lawless band of followers are taught a salutary lesson. It seems to be perfectly clear that Rua and about thirty of his people while on their way from Opotiki to Maungopohatu, without the slightest provocation, entered a settler’s private property with hostile intents, smashed windows in the house, damaged other property, and threatened to murder a small party of pakehas. Most people will be surprised that an outrage by Rua is rendered possible by his continued liberty at Maungapohatu, where he has for several years practically defied the laws of the country, exercising authority to which he has no natural or legal right. Owing to this liberty which has been allowed him by the authorities, he has become encouraged to believe that he is a great man, possessing Crown-given authority over whosoever and whatsoever he pleases, and with sufficient power to exercise it. This inflated sense of authority has so obsessed him and his vanity has become so ridiculously great that he has added to his imposture a disregard of British law and order that cannot be allowed to pass unchallenged.” The Guardian regards the matter very seriously, and asserts that Rua’s continued reign at Mauugapohatu and in other parts of the country has been due entirely to the past leniency of the Government. It urges that the matter should be fully investigated. The Guardian also urges the Minister for Justice to appoint an additional constable at Opotiki, A police report is to be furnished.