THE PROPHET ROA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2709, 13 January 1910, Page 2

THE PROPHET ROA.

OPENING OF THE NEW JERU-

SALEH

A correspondent supplies us with the following official record of a big gathering held by Ena’s followers at Christmas time. Tlie writer says: “Though there is a slight want of balance in the accounts, it- is interesting on account-of the .five resolutions adopted by the Maoris, as it shows the final advancement by Rua of his claim ito divine origin and power. This lias been gradually coming on for the last two vears, and will, I feel, be sure to help lidm in his efforts to raise bis people to a higher level. I have translated the report 'almost verbatim from the Maori ccpy.” Malmgapoliatu. New Jerusalem, Holy City of God' (See Revelations 21; 1,2, 3). December 29, 1909.

The real reason for this Christmas gathering at Maimgapohatu, the pa of Rua and his people, was the completion of the New Jerusalem, Holy City of God. It lias taken three years to finish. These are the rules agreed to by the people who came to this meeting; 1. To unite in body and spirit all peoples, Maoris and Pakelias. (See Paul’s word in Ephesians 4,3, and Christ’s in John 17, 11). To equalise the laws for -all, bctli Maoris and Pakelias. 3. To abolish the great days of tlie Eingntu religion as the day iu July, tlie Huamatapure, January the 12th, crying for the dead, and other needless meetings of the Maoris. Christmas Day and the Sabbath are reserved as great days for ever. 47 Rua and his people to cease from prophesying and other similar works. 5. The law for assisting Christmas meetings. Each man, woman and child shall contribute two shillings. Now on the 18th day of December, tlie people began to arise at the meeting place, and the total number of visitors was 563. On the 29th the meeting broke up. This is an account of the food consumed, -and of the money expended at this meeting: 5 cattle, 2S sheep, 8 pigs, and S calabashes of preserved pigeons. The expenditure on food other than the above, such as flour, sugar, jam, butter, and other foods, was £BS. The money in aid of this meeting, that is the money collected at the meeting under the law assessing each person 'at 2s towards the expenses of the same, £S4; subscribed by eight pakehas £2; total £B6. Returned to pakelias (Christmas present to police, 3), £6; paid for oil expenses of the meeting £S().