A TOHUNGA.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1919, Page 1

A TOHUNGA.

INFLUENZA VICTIMS MISLED. GISBORNE, Eeb. 12. A sequel to the iniluenza outbreak at the To ltoinga pa was heard in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, when a native named Matutu was charged that on January 14tli he did attempt to mislead the natives by pretending to possess supernatural power in the treatment, and cure of disease. Witnesses gave evidence in regarding the offering up of prayers hv the accused.

Constable -Maloney put in a signed statement by accused, which said:—l am a tohungn. I do not cure by jnedieine, just drive the Taipo, or devil, out of the body. I drive the evil spirits out of sick people by rubbing my hand on the bad place, and the badness goes away. I knew sickness was going to break out. There is another

fever coming. Tile Magistrate said the accused must have known he was talking nonsense. The accused was convicted aiul ordered to pay costs, £l7 18 3d. The magistrate declined to allow expenses for the native witnesses, whose evidence conflicted with their statements to the police, holding that they were not entitled to consideration. He asked the Press to give publicity to this point, so that others disposed to act similarly would understand the position of tile I Solicit in such eases.