The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY. MAY 31, 1907. PSYCHIC PHENOMENA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2094, 31 May 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY. MAY 31, 1907. PSYCHIC PHENOMENA.

The Most Rov. the Primate, when preaching in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dunedin, on a recent Sunday, stated that there had not been for several centuries such a revival of superstition as at present. “Palmistry, crystal-gazing, < fortune-telling, and other forms of necromancy were prevalent to an extraordinary degree’ ’; but his Lordship did not apparently indioato his opinion as to the causes of this recrudescence of what may bo termed occult science. It is probably due to at least three reasons, i.e., tho education which is now so widely disseminated among tho many, and which, while conferring great benefits, yet leaves many with the “little knowledge which is a dangerous thing.” The wonderful and unexpected developments of science during the last few years, together with inventions such 'as tho telephone, the phonograph, or wireless telegraphy—which while used aro not really understood by the masses —the resultant spirit of inquiry and investigation which permeates all classes of tho community, bred by the feeling that any assertion or statement, however wildly improbable, may possibly be capable of substantiation and proof, all tend to promote a belief in fascinating and mysterious theories which are imperfectly understood. Thero can bo no doubt that upon weak minds fortunetelling or clairvoyance by fraudulent mediums must have 'a most harmful effect, but that harm cannot be minimised or obviated by either ridiculing or' pooh-poohing the subject, or by merely condemning its practice as wicked, for human naturo loves a spico of wickedness; and tile fact that psychical phenomena have appeared constantly in all ages, and! appear constantly still, is so well established to the satisfaction of eminent scientists like Sir AVilliam Crooko or Professor Barrett that it will requiro convincing proofs to shake oxisting popular beliefs upon tile subject. Tho only way to establish the true valuo of clairvoyance or psychic phenomena is by searching scientific investigation and scientific explanation, thereby illuminating that which from its very darkness and mystery is so fascinating by the benevolent light of Truth. Omne ignotum pro magnifico.

An advertised in this issue has -a town property for sale on easy terms. A mail closing at 3 p.m. will be despatched for South to-day by tlie Delphic.

A reward of £3 is offered in our advertising columns to the finder of a bufihskin wallet.

A number of properties are advertised for sale in this issue by Mr. W Clayton.

The post office advises that mails despatched from Melbourne via Naples on April 24th, arrived in London on May 27th. Air. F. von Lubbo, teacher of the violin and piano, lias a new notice to intending pupils in this issue. The charge of alleged perjury against William James Lyons, will probably be heard at the Police Court this morning.

In another column Mr. W. Pettic returns thanks to the electors for bis election to the Borough Council.

The Gisborne Woolbrokers’ Association gives notice elsewhere of the date of their next sale of wool, skins, etc.

Owners, and trainers are reminded that nominations for the Gisborne Racing Club’s Steeplechase Meeting close with the secretary, Air. W. G. Nasmith, on Saturday, at 9 o’clock.

An elderly man named Patrick Walsh, died yesterday at his farm near Waereilga-o-'kliri. It was three weeks since the deceased called at the hotel lor his mail and a couple of men were despatched to his farm and found him dead. The nearest J.P., Mr. D. 13. Watt, of Patutahi, holds an inquest at midday to-day.

There is a bottle almost full of whisky at the local police station, which has cost £25 so iar, and it is expected that- another “tenner” will fill it. The bottle itself was empty when it was seized and has been almost filled by gradual instalments ol forfeited liquor.

The Kaiti and What-aupoko sections of the water-mains contract are practically completed, with the exception of the crossing of the Turanganui river, for which the services of the small harbor dredge is being secured. The water should be turned on in about six weeks.

At- the police court- yesterday morning before Air. W. A. Barton, S.M.. James Curran was fined 10a with 2s* costs or 48 hours imprisonment for being fpund drunk in the Esplanade on Wednesday. For a similar offence in the same place Alichael Purcell was fined £l, costs 2s, or 4 days imprisonment. A first offending inebriate was dealt with in the usual way.

When tlie new Legislative Assembly of the Transvaal met for the first time at- Preoria, the r committee of the Bible Society provided two lubles, one in English and .one ill Dutch, to be used by tlie members of the Assembly iin taking the oath. These books will b.e suitably inscribed and afterwards presented to General Botha, the first' Premier of the Transvaal, as a souvenir of this historic occasion.

How much do you caic . lor yot r head? If it is worth much to you don’t let it ache. Stearns’ Headache Cuie relieves all kinds of bead-n hes quickly and without bad effect.—

A judgmont summons was grunted by tho Magistrate yos tor day morning, for immediate payment of a claim toi £3 10s (id or in default 4 days imprisonment; in «■' c,lß ° between Thomas and James Dalrymple.

Uiu Toota, a Nativo, charged at (lie polico court yesterday morning with assaulting Charles Field, plouded guilty. Field gave evidence to the effect that while lie was passing up Glmlstono road oil AVediiesday, ho saw tho accused punching a man. AVitneSs urged his not to hit him further. Then the man got- up and started to walk away, when accused again struck him, knocking him to tho footpath. Witness again remonstrated, whereupon tho Maori sine , “AVhat aro you looking for?” Nothing like' that,” retorted tlio witness, and the next thing lie knew was that ho was stretched on tho tootpath. Ho reported the matter to tlio police. Accused stated that lie (lid not strike tlio witness. The man lie did assault asked him to pay lor his meal. The Maori had only 3d put tlio pakolia insisted and lie s.n< 11 would give him some cakes lie had in his pocket. At tliis stage, His AVorship said he would not hear any more of tho evidence, and added that lie was quito sure that tho assault was committed, and that it was unprovoked. A fino of £l, wtili costs los, in default 4 days imprisonment was miposed. _