FANATICISM AMONG THE MAORIS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1319, 26 March 1885, Page 2

FANATICISM AMONG THE MAORIS.

The following, are the official report* regarding the outbreak of superstition* mania among the natives north of Auckland. The Government are taking precautions through the ordinary Police force to prevent any breach of, the peace arising:—

“R.M. Office, Russell, 19th March, 1885. Sir —Be my telegram to you on the subject of certain natives in this district being under religoua delusions, 1 have the honor to inform you fhaf, hearing so many conflicting reports about the conduct of these people, 1 considered it my duty to visit them. They are camped to the number of about 200 about a mil* north of Kaikohe (a native settlement). Many of these, however, were only visitors attracted by curiosity and the lavish hospitality of Meri Tapu, the so-called , prophetess/ and her followers. 1 found her more _ immediate supporters and those who have suffered moat to be from Waihou, near Hokiaugs, and the chief Hohnia Pafuone and his people, relatives of ths late Taraati Waka Nene. Having the advantage of being wall acquainted with them, they conversed freely and were most hospitable. Meri Tapu h*r* self is a young woman of almost 25 years, is pleasing looking, and although she has rather a dazed look, does not give one the idea of being deranged, She and her moat ardent supporters are Homan Catholics, At the present time, however, they do not seem to hold any religious service whatever, spending their time, when not eating, in various games and amusements, Meri spends a deal of her time in discussing questions with un? believing visitors, being well versed in Scripture, Up to the present time they have all behaved well and in an ordeiiy manner, allowing no intoxicating liquors to be brought to the camp from fear of disturbances arising therefrom, Some of the neighboring- Europeans seem a ' little uneasy, as they say any change in Mari’s teaching, which would be blindly obeyed, would bring about another state of things. I do n«t, however, anticipate anything of the kind, but will keep myself well informed, and report to you either direct or thiongh Mr Clendon/R.M, On every subject but the one they talked quite sensibly. On my expostulating with Patuone on bis people selling their property at such a ruinous, sacrifice, he said the Maoris were accustomed to be impoverished, that they .intended staying on until the end of the qipnth, waiting fob the fulfilment of .Meri’a predictions. Should they not be fulfilled, they would return home again. He did not seenj at all concerned for the future,, Tf hat money they obtain is spent in buying food to carry them through the present month, and in buying clothes in which to appear at the Last Day. A storekeeper to whom some of them owed money threatened le summons them, being naturally uneasy about his money. They told him it was no use his doing anything during March’, if befog tapu and they could not ation ! the Court, but would be ready in April to meat all . demands if nothing happen*. For the same reason many did not attend the Native Lands Court now sitting af Namene, Herd's Point. It is the custom for each convert to present Meri with some valuable, She is said to quite a stock of watches, chain* and rings. On my taking"my leave Patuone wanted me to give her my watch, and so become one of them. He said he was very pouri at my going away. It is extremely fortunate Meri has £iven such a short time

for the fulfilment of her predictions, Had the time been longer, what with the waste of provisions and prolonged idleness, it could not hare failed to have a most injurious effect on the district. Even now I anticipate much distress during the coming winter.—l am, etc., J. H, Greenaway, Clerk of Court.” “ Bussell, 23rd March, 1885. —Since writing my report to you re my visit to the reported prophetess at Kaikohe, matters appear to have assumed a much more serious aspect. The delusions and her influence are spreading far and wide. She is now impressing on her deluded followers that on the final day (28th inst.) she may disappear through the European nation, and that if so they must seek revenge. A very uneasy feeling prevails among settlers inland. Some intend moving their families, believing that from fear of meeting her followers on that day, the may disappear, when, being in a state of religions frenzy, they may commit many rash acts. The number at her camp is now about 400, and is daily increasing. This being the final week many hundreds are expected from the north of Hokianga and other parts. Having been so wasteful, food will bo getting scarce. —(Signed) J. H. Greenaway.”

Mr J, H. Greenaway, Clerk to the Court at Russell, sent the following telegram to the Native Department yesterday; —“ Russell, 25th. Mr Hakuene, M.H.R., reports having visited the camp of the prophetess, and found everything quiet and much as I left it on my visit, the number present being about the same. He had a long interview with the prophetess to-day, but could get no information whatever that any human sacrifice was intended, nor does he believe it. She admitted having said she might be missing on the final day owing to the pakehas, and that they should look for ‘ Utu,’ but only said it to some children with whom she had been playing, and without meaning. The people denied having any desire to alarm or injure the Europeans. They are all unarmed, and wished Hakuene to search their whards for arms or ammunition, and take them away with him if he found them, A considerable number of native* are expected on the final days, the 28th and 30th March. Their desire seems to be left alone until the final day, when they are convinced the ehange will take place. Hakuene does not anticipate any disturbance, and says the woman is certainly “ porangi." He is very angry at people being so led away, but his arguments were thrown away, and he is vexed at so many unfounded reports being circulated.