Case of Witchcraft.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42744, 6 July 1905, Page 2

Case of Witchcraft.

ACCUSED COMMUTED FOR TRIAL. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Auckland, This Day. Madam Jordan, alias Mary Ann Hill, a widow, was charged at the Police Court, with unlawfully pretending to exerise or use witchcraft upon a Maori named Wilson, and also obtaining £IOO by false pretences from Wilson. Mjr Mays said that on December 13th or? 14th of last year, Wilson came to Auckland to be treated for jaundice. A day or two later a Maori directed him to go to Jordan. She said she could cure him, and would do so for £IOO. She-said he had “ghosts all over him.” After receiving the £IOO she treated Wilson, who died early in January. .Maimi, widow of Wilson, gave evidence supporting Mr May’s statement. Jordan said she was a tohunga, and would cure Wilson for £IOO in two weeks. Witness, when asked to demonstrate what defendant did to her husband, rubbed her chest and said that defendant told her husband that “ evil spirits were killing him.” Defendant put her hands to his forehead, then looked upwards and gazed at the sky. Her husband getting no better they went back to Mercer. After arrival at homo her husband got worse and she (witness) sent a Maori to bring defendant up but she refused to go and sent some medicine. Soon afterwards her husband died. Two other Maoris gave evidence. Defendant pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial. Bail was allowed.