ALLEGED TOHUNGAISM HEAR FOXTON.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 8964, 5 November 1907, Page 2

ALLEGED TOHUNGAISM HEAR FOXTON.

EXAGGERATED REPORTS. There have been exaggerated reports Of Tohungaism from Moutniti, near Poxton, and there were alleged to have been several deaths as a result of treatment by local tohuugas, who wore said to have dipped two infants suffering from influenza iu cold water, as a result of which one died. Tho body of tho infant who died—a girl aged six months —was taken to Rangitauo. In response to a message received it | was decided to hold an inquiry. On Sunday afternoon Scrgt. Stagopoole. Captain Mowlem (coroner), j Dr. O’Brien, and a posse of police went out to Rangitauo to hold an inquest on the body. It had been reported to them by a prominent I Maori that the child had fallen a victim to Tohungaism. The natives j concerned at first refused permission. I However, tho relatives allowed themselves to bo persuaded, and Dr. I O’Brien was able to certify that tho child died from natural causes. After the inquest tho Rangitauo

natives made speeches, in which they disclaimed any connection with tohungaism, and expressed a hope that their people would have nothing to do with it. Mr Moffatt, who wont out as interpreter, rendered valuable service iu persuading tho natives to consent to tho inquest. The police are satisfied that the child died through injudicious feeding and not through tohungaism.