THE STRAIGHT ANSWER.

Taihape Daily Times, 9 February 1918, Page 6

THE STRAIGHT ANSWER.

MR. WILFORD ON SPIRITISM,

A deputation from the Wellington' Spiritualists waited upon the Minister of Justice (Hon. T. Wilford) and urged him to save mediums from persecution by the police. " Mr. Wilford, in reply, referred to a pamphlet which had~ been forwarded to him by the Spiritualists' Association, in connection with, which it was asserted that Spiritualism was legalised and reorganised as a religion in the law of the State of Illinois, U.S. That pamphlet only contained a statement of counsel on one" side of a case which was heard in a court in Illinois. What the Judge "said in that case was not fully reported. In that case the charge was dismissed because defendant was not shown to have been a fortune-teller. Every case in New Zealand would be dismissed if it were proved that defendant had not told fortunes or predicted the future. "It would be presumptive on my part," said Mr. Wilford, "to say whether Sir Oliver Lodge, in recognising Spiritualism, is right or wrong. I am not capable of judging. I do not hold for a moment that those who have waited upon me to-day or other members of the association, are not genuine In their belief; and I am not in a position to contradict them and say that they are wrong; but I am not convinced and I do not think you will have a Minister of Justice in this country who will alter the law in the direction you wish until he is convinced. You may "know what you -say (I do not admit you do, but you may); but I do not know, and, not knowing, ' cannot accede to your proposal. No- ".- --'-.cod me of the genu-

yohic phenomena."