OWNERSHIP OF CHURCH .

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3035, 13 May 1926, Page 1

OWNERSHIP OF CHURCH .

DISPUTED BY MAORIS. SERVICE UNDER POLICE PROTECTION. Auckland, May 10. There was a remarkable scene on Sunday at Manaia, a small settlement near Coromandel, where the right of the Anglican congregation to use the church was disputed by followers of Ratana. It appears that forty years ago the natives gave the church of England the land to build the church upon, and services were frequently held there. Now a great number of Maoris have become followers of Ratana, and they contend that the Church and the land belong to them, and they endeavoured to stop the Anglicans holding services there.

On Friday last, when Sergeant McDonnell, of Thames, was visiting Coromandel, he heard of the matter, and that it was likely to come to a head on Sunday, so with Mr. S. James, J.P., he went to Manaia and warned the Natives against creating a disturbance. This having little effect, the sergeant, with three constables, and also a constable from Whitianga, went to Manaia ‘on Sunday morning. They found the churchyard held by eighty Natives. A Maori clergyman told the sergeant he would not be allowed to enter the church. The sergeant warned the Natives, but two women obstructed the church door, and had to be forcibly removed by the police, who then unlocked the door and allowed the Anglicans to enter to prepare for the service.

The Ratana people remained in the grounds. The women were greatly excited, but the police would not allow any addresses and ordered them to go to their homes, which they did very unwillingly.

It is understood that the incident is not yet closed, as probably a prosecution will be taken against (he obstructionists. Archdeacon Hawkins, Maori missioner, arrives here this week to consult with the Maoris. The position may be ventilated in the Maori Land Court.