PSYCHIC GIFTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 84, 6 April 1912, Page 5

PSYCHIC GIFTS.

STATUTORY PROTECTION. J •x- , I (Per Press Association.) Christchurch, April 5. The sixth annual convention of tin National Association of Spiritualists opened this afternoon. It was attended by delegates from different parts ol the Dominion. The retiring president) Mr.' W. C Nation, in his address, said that the time had come when they must seelthe protection of the Government foi their geniune and honest mediums, who, at present, were liable any da: to be haled before a Magistrate on the flimsy pretext of fortune-tolling. A Bill had been drafted by Mr. McLean which would be put before the dele gates, who must say how they judgec of its adaptability to bring about legislation. The administrators of the faw have no knowledge of psychic gifts, and, therefore, are not competent' to deal with those who possess and use them. For this reason then claimed the same protection of the Crown and their medium as is giv en to clergymen and the church. The;* were told that this law is put in force to deal with those who practise fraud and that was what the spiritualist* were aiming rft in seeking legislation. because they objected to any person practising fraud in the name of spiritualism. He concluded this portion of his remarks by . condemning the police methods of 'obtaining evidence against mediums, and said: "We, af spiritualists, object to the sanctity ol the home being invaded by a policeman or detective as ignorant as Paddy's pig of psychic manners, and securing a conviction under an Act thai is a disgrace to the statute book." H( als'.o dealt with the relationship between the church and spiritualism and also with psychic matters generally.

The convention will resume to-mor row*.