AN INFLUENZA TOHUNGA

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 127, 22 February 1919, Page 7

AN INFLUENZA TOHUNGA

■ PROSECUTED IN AUCKLAND. .. Hy Association. , Auckland, February 21. A sequel to tho influenza epidemic at Te Reinga pa.was tho appearance in the Magistrate's Court of ono Maturu, of the pa, who was Charged on January I t with attempting to mislead tho Natives by pretending to possess supernatural powers of treatment for the cure of tho disease. "Witnesses gave ©videnco regarding the prayer offered by tho accused. Constable Money put in. a signed statement by the accused, which said: "I am d-tohuiiga. I. do not cure by medicine.' I just drive tho taipo (a devil) out of tho body. I drive evil spirifs from s7& peoplo by rubbing my hand on tho bad place .and -the. badness goes Q-woy. I knew tho sickness was going to break out. .There is another fever coming." Tho Magistrate said that the accused must have known ho was talking. nonsense. \ ''■ The fiocuscd was warned. Ho was con? victed and ordered to pay the costs, totalling .£l7 Bs. 3d. The Magistrate declined to allow the expenses of tho Nativo witnesses, whose evidence conflicted with the statements of the polico, holding that they were not entitled to consideration. Ho asked the Press to givo publicity to this point, so that others disposed to act in a similar manner would understand the position of tho Bench in such cases