MAORI MIRACLE MAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 April 1921, Page 9

MAORI MIRACLE MAN.

RATANA AT MORRINSVILLE. MANY “CURES” REPORTED. The visit of Tahu Wiremu Ratana, the Maori faith-healer, to Morrinsville, caused a considerable stir among the natives. Preparations on a lavish scale had been made by the Maoris of Morrinsville, Waikato, and Hauraki Plains for the reception of the visiting natives, who came from Wanganui, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, the East Coast, Kawhia, North Island, and the bouth Island. Over 2400 natives assembled at the marae situated within a mile of Morrinsville.

His work of healing commenced on Good Friday and was continued until Monday evening, when he left by special train for his home in the Wanganui district. Much to the chagrin of the local committees which had arranged the camp and had extended an invitation to white people to attend and .meet Ratana. the bodyguard of the healer assumed control and, assisted by 13 special police, vigorously excluded all white people. Ratana refused to see a press representative who desired to obtain confirmation of the stories that were current concerning the remarkable cures that were said to have been effected, but delegated to two members of the local committee the duty of giving information as to what had been done.

Among the 150 patients who were treated were men and women who had suffered from rheumatism, paralysis, deafness, and blindness. With the patient, Ratana, an inveterate smoker, continued to puff at his pipe. He asked the patient, “Well, what is wrong with you?” On an explanation of the affliction being given, Ratana told the patient to follow his example. A man of 70 years of age who had been a cripple for 15 years, made his way up to Ratana with the aid of two crutches. Ratana worked with him for half an hour, and finally took his crutches from him and told him to follow him. The man was able to do so. He danced about, it is said, and was nearly beside himself with joy. Another patient suffering from paralysis had had his right arm and hand rigidly held to his side for years. Ratana told the patient to open his hands. He then told him to tlu’ow his infirm arm about. The man was able to obey every injunction. Ratana gave relief to all who’ to him, including a bed-ridden sufferer who. was carried to him on a stretcher. He told the man to get uj and follow him. The sufferer did. so. After treating each patient. Ratana uttered a few words of prayer, concluding with the benediction, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.”

A number of white people who had come long distances to see Ratana went away disappointed. Remarkable features'of the camp were the quietness and orderliness that prevailed, the. ’strict discipline that was observed and the deep, religious feeling that permeated the people. There were six native clergymen in the gathering, and they held services each morning and evening. All the services were largely attended, and the people took a deep interest in the exhortations of the preachers. The singing of the hymns was a delightful feature of the services.