A MODERN ASTROLOGER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2342, 18 September 1880, Page 2

A MODERN ASTROLOGER.

By Mask. Astrology is not dead ; the power of divining the secrets of the future is not amongst the lost arts ! Astounding as these assertions may seem, they are borne out by an advertisement which appeared in a recent issue of the Dunedin “ Star,’’ and which informs the wondering reader that “ Daniels: Philosopher, Astrologer, and Rcvoaler of the Future” “ wants it known” that he has arrived, and may be consulted. Why an individual, snpcrnaturally gifted like Daniels, should iind it necessary to make known his wants in the columns of a newspaper, like any ordinary mortal, is one of those things which we shall never know.

It is generally supposed that the race of prophets and seers died out with the dark ages ; let those who wish to unveil the secrets of the future rejoice that it is not so ; and that even in these degenerate days New Zealand can boast the possession of a real live “ astrologer and rcvcaler.”

In the good old days when men devoted their lives to the search for the philosopher’s stone which was to convert the baser metals into gold, and the water of life, which was to, confer immortality upon its fortunate discoverer ; when the belief in imps and hobgoblins was firm and unshaken, and old women went in mortal terror lest they should be seized and burnt as witches, it was doubtless a handy thing enough to be able to consult those giftcdindmduals whose profession it was to peer into the unknown. One’s only regret hitherto has been that they should have so completely disappeared ; for there arc secrets just as well worth knowing, and men just as curious to learn (hem, as in the ages past. Under these circumstances the advent of “ the Philosopher Daniels” cannot fail to be hailed with satisfaction. Let me .here express a hope that he may be induced to visit Timaru ; for there arc several questions which I should very much like to have settled. I won’t trouble the prophet to tell me how to find the philosopher’s stone ; I am not even curious to know when the end of the world will take place; but I loug to glean a little information about certain local events which are looming in the dim future. For instance, I should like to know whether the present Ministry is likely to last many years longer ? ; whether, if it does, when the next ten per cent reductions are likely to take place ; when the .Breakwater will be finished ; when it will please “ the powers that be” to give a little attention to remedying the acoustic defects of our Courthouse ; whether if I take Mr Parsons’ odds of £IOO to Is, I shall ho able to correctly place the three horses for the Melbourne Cup; which is the greater actor, Hoskins or Mewis ; when the Government is going to sec about the new railway station ; what has become of the £3OO laid aside for the purchase of a clock for the public buildings ; and whether if I invest a sovereign in Dan MeGuinncss’ sweep should I pull oil; the “big thing?” If the “ philosphcr, astrologer, and rcvealer of the future” will vouchsafe mo replies to these questions, Mr Editor, he shall not only have his fee, but xny blessing into the bargain.