A "TOHUNGA" WOMAN

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2211, 25 July 1914, Page 6

A "TOHUNGA" WOMAN

trial in Auckland;

STORY OF NATIVE CREDULITY. (Br T«l*ffraph.-Pre« Aijoolatloß.l Auckland, July 24. An unusual case came beforo Mr. F. V. Erazor, S.M., at the Police Court to-day, when a woman, 72 y«ars of age, named Masy Ann Hill, was charged under the Tohuhga. Suppression, Act, U'oß, with having/ between Marcli 30 and July 9 of tins year, attempted to mislead Maoris by professing and! protending to possess supernatural powers in treatment or euro of disease, and also with causing Maoris to gather round.-b.er by practising on their superstition and credulity. Chief-Detective M'Malioa conducted the case for >ho. police, and Mr. Prendergast appeared tor the accused.

In outlining the case, Mr. M'Manon said that the accused, who was a certified nurse/had been practising for some years. She had become famous among the; Maoris on account of her fortunetelling, clairvoyancy, and tohungaism, and Natives came from far and near to consult lief. Many wore treated by her, believing in lier assertion that she was possessed of eecond sight and supernatural powers. She was in the habit of. providing them with some liquids, which could not be called medicine, and thesewore to be sprinkled on tho pillow or used in some similar manner. Other ridiculous "cures" were Riven to patients. Her influence lad been farreaching,- for so great was their faith in her .that many Maoris neglected to call in proper medical aid when it was reeessary, with the result thaf many of ■ tlie patients diody The Public Health Department Had warned her, but she had taken no notice. Such, was her influence that Natives suffering from typhoid fever had refused to go to a hospital, and had died. Tho evidence for the- prosecution and defence was then given. ' . In giving judgment, His Worship said that, the case was a most serious one It was clear, that tho accused - had claimed to possess supernatural powers.. "It appears to mey" Sis Worship continued, "that the accused is d very wicked "old woman ; who has set out lo delude theso unfortunate.Natives, who are sick or have sick children. The law "provides a penalty of £25,.0r six months' imprisonment. If this wore an isolated case, I would feel it my duty U\ tako the accused's ago into consideration, and impose a fine, hut the evidence shows that the accused must have practised to a large extent for such serious results to have been obtained. The Maoris should know that these people who profess supernatural power lire the most dangerous people they can have to do with. Their only safe course is to see a qualified medical man, who is certain-to do his best. The Government, moreover, provide free medical treatment in Native districts. In view of the accused's age, it would be undue harshness to give Jier Lard labour, but I consider it my duty to Sentence her to a term of imprisonment. She will receive six months' imprisonment without hard labour." ■ :