A DISAGREABLE GHOST.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 86, 13 April 1880, Page 3

A DISAGREABLE GHOST.

A strange and, to put it mildly, decidedly “ uncanny ” itory has reached us from the locality formerly, and by very many still, known as the Flat. A resident there (says the- “Southland News) has been for some time past engaged in trying to solve the problem of how to make the best of both worlds, in a way scarcely contemplated by the Rev. Mr. Binney. To be plain, he went in for table-rapping and with several others was in the habit of endeavouring, at regular intervals, to induce some former inhabitants of this sphere to “ revisit the glimpses of the moon.” Success followed their efforts, so they supposed, and they were soon in regular communication with intelligences of some kind or another. In succession, all varieties of human character were represented—good, bad, and indifferent, the second class including the spirit of one who said he had paid the last penalty of the law for a capital offence. In time this particular intelligence evinced a remarkable fondness for the house in which the “ circle ” sat, and gave place to less notorious but more desirable visitants with the greatest reluctance, and at length he, or it, intimated his intention of taking up his abode there permanently. This was more than the members of the circle, particularly the occupier of the house, had bargained for, and it was unanimously resolved to drop the acquaintance. This was easier said than done, however. The spirit wouldn’t go, but carried out his intention to the fullest extent. In season and out, at all hours, unearthly and otherwise, he made his presence known by tapping, rapping, and other manifestations familiar to circles. The occupant of the house stood'this for some time, but lately his nerves have got the better of him, and he decided to vacate it. He says “a man in possession” might be borne with, but he can’t stand a spirit. Here is a chance for a strong-minded person who doesn’t believe in “ that sort of thing,” and who thinks that human beings have enough to do in keeping upsides with the living, without trying to fight against those who were not paticularly amiable during their earthly pilgrimage.