Tohungaism at Te Kuiti.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 194, 27 January 1905, Page 2

Tohungaism at Te Kuiti.

" W. 8.,” To Kuiti, writes to tbe Herald :—“ That Dr Pomara’a strictures on tohungaism are unerringly correct, all who saw what I did on Monday last will heartily confirm* From casual ioquiries I find that a young woman living some 20 miles inland from Te Kuiti, believing that a rnakulu spell had been laid upon her, cimo iu to consult a noted female tGhuDga to have tbe matisou removed, but* recrimination ensuing, the hocus pocns ended in the afflictefl fiercely attacking tbe diviuer, and becoming insane; which then spread to tbe remainder of the family of four, iadud* ing the father and son-in-law. The young woman was arrested by the local constable and deported to the asylum ; but the scene at the native Among bet own pnople wu beyond dascription—a horrible exhibition ot degraded superstition, accentuated by its imanity. or its make belirae. Clothes were barat, planted ia tba earth, and otherwise dnstroyud; tbta they strutted about naked, bowled tncarnations, and tan amok, attacking both friend and imaginary iua; beclothed themselves in women’e garments, quoted Scripture, end until come neighbouring relations pacified them, behaved as what they ware—makutu bespotted maniaffl. Verily, tobungaoraft requires stamping out with merciless heel. It seems heartless io apply the ancient saying that whom the gods wish to dsstrey they first make mad; but it we aallmmly repudiate our reapoaaibilitiM tbe aa> quence will be cruelly ocmnptetn Preuminarily, I have warned them that the white mu also is skilled in magic spells, but that his magic spailetk gaol.”