MAORI MIRACLE MAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1921, Page 9

MAORI MIRACLE MAN.

RATANA IN THE SOUTH.

REPORTED CURES. Although very little could be learned on Sunday at Rapaki about the effects of Ratana’.s work there (says the Cliristchurch Sun) one of his secretaries, a well-educated young native, had something to say about it when questioned at Lyttelton. One case, he stated, was that of a woman from Little River, who had been totally blind for many years. This woman, after Ratana had told her to have faith, stated to him that she could discern light, and Ratana told her that, if she continifS to exercise faith, she might expect to regain her sight in three days. Hone Tikau, a leading man of the village, who had suffered from gout for nearly 4 years, and had scarcely had a complete night’s rest in l that time, received immediate relief, and slept soundly on Sunday night, for the first time in many years.

The secretary was asked whether Ratana could do anything for cases of actual bodily deformity. “God works in a mysterious way.” he replied. “It has happened that, in the case of a crooked leg, the limb has been accidentally broken, and by this means a cure, has been effected. Ratana adjures such a. sufferer to be patient and look upon Iho mishap as a. part of God’s plan.” NOT AT HOME TO EUROPEANS. Ratana, to use his own words, is “Not at home” to Europeans. His mission is for the Maoris. He will answer letters from Europeans, but will not see them. Evett the European wives or husbands of Maoris are not allowed to attend his meetings unless they have gone over completely to the Maori side. Here it is interesting to note that since Christinas, Ratana has received 40,000 letters from all part<s of Australasia, and even from Europe and America, whither his fame has evidently travelled. One letter from Italy contained a substantial sum of money, -which Ratana, who never accepts payment, promptly returned to the sender. He does not profess to perform miracles, nor docs he practice “the laying on of hands.” All he points out is that cures can be effected by prayer and belief in the Almighty. He is the medium, not the “prophet” or a “divine being.” £50,000 OFFER FROM AMERICA. In tho course of conversation, the secretary said that Ratana, at present, would not treat Europeans, except by correspondence. Every one of the 40,000 letters which he had received had all been answered. Certain people in America had offered him up to £50,000 if he would visit their country, but he had declined. He and his staff were paying all their own expenses, which amounted to £2300 on their ’• cent tour of the North Island. None

them received any salary or remuneration whatever. ~. > - •