TAMAHAU MAHUPUKU.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 980, 18 April 1911, Page 4

TAMAHAU MAHUPUKU.

A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE. The recent unveiling of a memorial to Tamahau Mahupuku at Papawai brings to mind (writes Mr W. C. Nation) a remarkable incident which occurred many years ago (1S83), in Greytovvn. In my lamily there had been surprising manifestations of psychic power, and scores of residents visited my house to witness the phenomena. I was asked by several influential raugitiras ol the Maori race if I would give them an opportunity of witnessing what they had heard so much about, and I gave them a cordial invitation.

1 cannot call to mind all who put in an appearance, but I think I am correct in saying that Messrs C. and J. Jury, Aporo, Poripi te Mairi, Tamihana, and Tamahau Mahupuku were present on two occasions. These gentlemen were first shown the extraordinary power exercised through a child of ten years of age, who put her fingers on a small round table. Tamahau was asked to hold the table still, but it oscilated forcibly ; theu another of the party went forward to assist, but both failed to keep the table still, although the little girl was merely touching the table with her hands. Then a large round table was brought into play, and the result was the same. Next a lady, now residing in Greytown, sat with the party, and there were rappings all over the table.

One Sunday afternoon another lady sat in an arm chair, the room was darkened, and the visitors formed a semi-circle. In a few minutes, by the side of the lady, a cloudy form appeared, came out into the midst of the circle, and then disappeared. This was repeated, and the light from the form cast a bright reflection on the wall.

During the first visit of the party, Tamahau was asked to take a piece of chalk and hold it to a slate. Almost instantly his hand was controlled to write without his own volition, and the name of an aucestor who lived fourteen generations before appeared. Tamahau could not understand what influence made him write. He looked at his arm and behind him, but was nonplussed. All the visitors were deeply interested. Mr Nation suggested that questions should be asked, and the visitors asked several, and were satisfied with the replies. Tamahau wrote freely under the power, and the whole party were much surprised. I heard afterwards that Tamahau had the automatic writing in his own home. —Wairarapa Standard.