MAORI PROPHET DEAD

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 368, 24 February 1937, Page 6

MAORI PROPHET DEAD

RUA KENANA PICTURESQUE LIFE. The Man Who Hid In The Mountains. Press Association —Copyright. Whaksjtane, This Day. Rua Kenana, better known as Rua the Maxtri Prophet, is dead. His death at Matahi on Saturday night brought to a close one of the most outstanding careers in recent Macri history. He was 68 years' old. He v,'as born at Maungapohatu in the centre of the Urewera Country, in 1869. As a young man of fine physique he interested himself in farming pursuits. At one time he studied the Bible and about 1905 returned to Maungapohatu and set himself up as a prophet. With his knowledge of European tnethodt' Rua started a farming settlement at Maungapohatu. He and his followers grew their hair long and Rua took unto himself twelve wives. He acted as a banker for his people, taking 10 per cent of their earnings, and also built a temple and a trading station.

To supplement his earnings he com menced to obtain liquor for disposal to the Maoris, and in 1910 Rua and eight of his followers, who brought to Whakatane and fined considerable amounts. In the seclusion of his mountainous country Rua soon regained his courage and again traded in liquor. In 1915 Commissioner Cullen conducted a party of 42 police constables to the Prophet's stronghold, via Rotorua and Murupara, to arrest Rua, who subsequently stood his trial at Auckland and was sentenced to a term, of imprisonment.

How He Won Three Wives.

Some of the best stories about Rua concern his hold over credulous followers, and the story of his walking on water is typical. Rua told his people that he could “walk on the face of the sea,” and led the faithful down to the shores of Thiwa harbour. Standing on the beach he asked;—»"Do you believe that I can Walk the water?" When all had answered that they did, Rua said: “Well, if you believe I can there is no need for me to do it," and promptly marched them again to the Urewera. Another story illustrates his alertness to seize an opportunity. He already had 10 wives, but he decided to marry three more and three East Coast girU' were sent over. However, the “Mesdames Rua” already in possession objected to the addition to their numbers, and since they, were supported by a large section of the people the girls were held at Galatea until the matter was decided. Rua , demanded hit' brides in vain and finally retired to his temple and sulked there, refusing all food until an opportune rainbow appeared in the sky. He then called his people together and told them that the rainbow was a sign that he must be given his brides. His people believed this and the girls were sent to him immediately. One, unfortunately, was not sensible to the honour of being the prophet’s bride and ran back to The East Coast and could never be enticed to return to the prophet’s village.