THE MAORI MIRACLE MAN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2235, 5 February 1921, Page 4

THE MAORI MIRACLE MAN.

WANG A NUI PRESBYTERY’S REPORT. At the meeting of the Wanganui Presbytery on Tuesday, the Pres- j bytcry considered the affair of Ra- j tana, the Maori faith healer, In an j interview with a newspaper report- \ er, published some time , ago, it was j stated that Ratana was, a Presbyterian. This led the General Assembly to appoint the Wanganui Presbytery to investigate and report. The Presbytery, at its last meeting, appointed the Rev. J. E. Ward, of Taumarunui, and the Rev. J. Wilson, of Turakinu, to make inquiries and draw up a report. Mr Wilson stated.that Mr Ward and himself had visited Ratana, but did not find him at home. Mr Ward, however’, knew several natives in Taumarunui who had been to Ratana for various cures. They had received at least temporary benefit, but whether the cures were permanent time alone could tell. They did not offer any definite opinion on the reported cu>@, but - they desired to express their appreciation of the good work done by Ratana in-lead-ing the Maoris to faith in God, to prayer and Bible reading. They also were pleased that Ratana allowed no intoxicating liquor about his place. With regard to his church .connection, Ratana is not a Presbyterian. The Anglicans’claim him, and also the Methodists. In a letter Mr Wilson received from Ratana himself, he claimed all denominations, no matter what they are, as his if they believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, with a sincere and reverent heart. Mr Wilson stated that at the opening of Ratana’s church, representatives of the Methodist, Anglican, and Roman churches took part. Ratana asked him to convey to the Presbytery as his message to them: “Quit you like men, be strong.” The report which Mr Ward had drawn up was as follows: —“On .January 3rd, 1921, we called at the house of Air T. W. Ratana, the Maori healer, but found that lie was away from home. There is, however, ample evidence that many sick people, both Maori and Pnkelm, can claim to have been cured. In some instances the cures have not been complete, but they may be later on. We find that Mr Ratana is not a Presbyterian, therefore we'have no claim to closely investigate his work in a critical sense, but we trust that Air Katana and his associates will be able to publish an authoritative statement, such as will edify the Church of God, and will set forth the methods of the healer together with a summary of the cures wrought, and of the frails of faith which have been manifested not only towards the Maori race, but also towards the pakehas. That piety, grace, and goodness may thus make a good showing is our earnest prayer. Several members then spoke sympathetically of Ratana'and his work. Testimony was born as to his sincerity and disinterestedness.