AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1920, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN.

rAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION j

SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE

FREMANTLE, Sept. 17

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who is termed “the champion of spiritualism,” accompanied by his wife ajud three children, reached Fremantle by the R.M.S. Nadere to-day. When interviewed regarding the visit, Sir Arthur stated: — “I propose to speak on psychic research. It is the object of my visit,” he said, “for I think that in Australia and New Zealand there is room for that propaganda which during the past four years has so marvellously transformed English opinion. There has been, and still is, much bitter opposition to the new science, but the appeals made to public intelligence in England during the past few years have borne fruit.” Sir Arthur produced a photograph ot himself, in which., over one shoulder, could be seen the slightly blurred, but still distinct face of a young man. “Now there is no fraud about that, he said. “I took the photograph myself, developed it myself, and took particular care that the negative was not inteifered with. When I had completed development I held the negative up to the lioht, and saw what you can now see on the print. It is my dead son. My feelings, although indescribable, "etc nothing to what I felt when I met my dear boy later at a seance, when ho placed his hand upon my head caressed it and spoke in his own familiar voie . I 1 not say that I expect, and, am prepared for every form of opposition, Jut I only ask for a fair hearing and impartial judgment.

A PROTEST: -SYDNEY, September 28. Jl special meeting of the Chamber of commerce passed a resolution protesting against the new taxation proposals of the New South Wales Government ; also urging that the Federal and State Governments should exercise economy; also denouncing the Anti-Pro-fiteering Bill.

A BIG OLA,Ti\r. MELBOURNE 1 , September 28. preliminary proceedings have been taken in an action wherein Mr Mark Blotch, a wheat investor, claims *1,500000 damages from the Government respecting losses on 1916-17 wheat. He aliened the damage was caused by negligence on the part of the Government’s servants.