'SOPHIE WON'T BE THERE.'

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 28, 1 October 1915, Page 4

'SOPHIE WON'T BE THERE.'

A CBEAT CATHERINC OF ISRAEL- ' ITES. FATHER'S HOPELESS PLEA. i A i tall man of middle-age. wearing a long heard and hair, falling .losely around his shoulders, appeared before Mr E. 'Rawson, S.M., at, the close of the 'Hamilton Court proceedings on Wednesday, states the Auckland Star correspondent. He said his name was Malcolm Fleming, and that he was the father of the 1 girl whom his Worship committed to an Industrial Home on Tuesday for not being under proper care and control. He .was, he declared, a member of the Israelite House of David. The family lived in perfect harmony, and when he learned that Sophie (his daughter) had been 'arrested, he was under the impression that 'it vfas for street preaching without a permit. It had previously been discussed amongst the family as to who should go out with the message of faith, and it j was decided that Sophie', having plenty of intelligence and energy, was sure to carry the message forward; In the meantime, a "brother" of the creed named Parr,; a perfect stranger, came to live with them, and persuaded Sophie that the remainder of the family had fallen from the visitation, and that it was 'her duty and his (Parr) to run for their lives. It was while on her mission with Parr that she was arrested. He (Fleming) asked his Worship to reconsider his decision and order his daughter's release. Mr Rawson: What are the principles of your faith? Fleming: We believe in everything in its proper place. There is soon to be a great gathering of Israelites. Paulntells us in the Romans who are Israelites. We preach anywhere and* everywhere. We are afraid of none, and are as free as the atmosphere. We have a special message to deliver. His Worship: You think you are inspired? Fleming: Undoubtedly, your Worship. Mr Rawson: That is sufficient. The man who thinks he is inspired is not not a lit person to look after any child. I believe your daughter would he much better cared for where she

Fleming: But we have our great gathering at the House of David. If Sophie remains in this Home she will not be present. Air Rawson; She would be much better where she is. Her religion will be looked after. Fleming: We don't want any relir gious training in. the outside world. We are endeavoring to cast off the world, the flesh, and the devil. Sophie has a message to deliver. His Worship: Well, a girl of 15 is too young to deliver religious messages at street corners. Fleming: It is a matter of opinion. The Magistrate: That is my opinion. You can, if yon wish, make further application to the Industrial Home authorities. Senior Sergeant Cassells stated the girl has specially asked not to be sent hack to her parents. Fleming: That is because Parr told her we had fallen from the visitation* and were hostile to her going out with the message. Tim Magistrate told Fleming as h A was leaving the Court that the police were looking after Parr.