SPIRITUALISTS' CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1103, 17 April 1911, Page 8

SPIRITUALISTS' CONFERENCE.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Dunedin, April 13. .The-fifth annual convention of tho National Association of Spiritualists opened in Dunetlin*to-night. The,-even-ing was devoted to welcoming the delegates, ancT to the deliverance of a num.ber. of addresses. There was a very good attendance, and Mr. Gibb (president of the Dunedin Society) presided. Among the speakers were: Mrs. Schutzo (Victoria), Mrs. Steincman (Nov.- South Wales), Mrs. Harris Roberts (Auckland), and Messrs. AV. C. Nathan (president- of the National Association of Spiritualists), C. Champness (vice-presi-* dent), AV.M'Lcan (president of the Wellington Association), and J. AVilson (English National Union of Spiritualists). Tho lasf-named proved himself a vigorous and eloquent speaker, and at the conclusion, Mrs. Steineman gave a medium demonstration. The conferonce will be continued to-morrow. Duncdin, April 14. The fifth annual convention of tho New Zealand. International Association of Spiritualists commenced this morning, some twenty delegates and a. large number of visitors being present from various parts of the Dominion. Mr. AV. C. Nation presided, and read a paper reviewing the general progress and advance of Spiritualism. The following officers wore- elected: —President, Mr. AV. C. Nation; vice-presidents, Messrs. C. J. Champness and AV. M'Lcan; secretary, Mrs. AV. E. Moore; treasurer, Sir. T. M'Nicholl: trustees, Messrs. u. D. Gibbs and F. O'Neill. A discussion was opened in the afternoon by Mr. lU'Lean on a proposed Bill having for its object State recognition of Spiritualists and the protection of genuine mediums by suppression of quacks. Dunedin, April 15. The convention of the National Spiritualists' Association concluded this afternoon. At tho morning session a resolution was carried, expressing the convention's appreciation of Parliament's attempts at prison reform, and of its neutrality on the Bible in schools question. It was decided that the Bill for the protection of genuine mediums should be left in the hands of the framer (Mr.AA 7 . M'Lean) and Sir. AV. C Nation to push forward. In the afternoon it was resolved that tho National Association of Spiritualists should bring mediums and platform speakers from other lands, and that they should commence work at Auckland and pass through to Invercargili, or vice versa, and that the cost be divided among the various societies. A motion was carried recommending societies to establish classes for the development of local mediums. It is probable that next year's conference will be held at Auckland.