TOHUNGAISM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 95, 7 September 1912, Page 5

TOHUNGAISM.

A MAORI FINED. By Telegraph.—Press Asssciatien. Wairoa, Yesterday. At the Magistrate's Court to-day, a case of itohungaism, arising out of the death of a native named Miri Kupa at Moliaka some time ago, was investigated by Mr. Barton, S.M. Whare Tarar was charged under the Tohunga Suppression Act with certain unlawful practices. The case was conducted by Detective Kemp, of Napier, and resulted in Tara's conviction, the fine and expenses totalling £33 fls Gd. It was proved that accused treated several persons at Moliaka and Wairoa for devils in a sick person, whom lie so terrified that they were feared to call in a doctor. He suggested that some of the women were wasting their lives -on old men, and made overtures on his own account. Accused, in defence, denied treating patients or charging them, but only prayed to God for them. Mr. Barton characterised accused as a gigantic fraud and a low blackguard, and expressed the hope that this case would be a warning to the Maori people not to consult such an utter fraud. A half-eatte named Thomas Stone plead'ed guilty to a charge of forgery and uttering two cheques. He was committed for sentence.