TREATMENT OF SPIRITUALISTS' MISSIONARIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1917, Page 7

TREATMENT OF SPIRITUALISTS' MISSIONARIES.

To the Editor Sir, —In reference to one of the above missionaries being fined £5 in Waihi, ;it would not be surprising for all Spiritualists ar-l sympathisers to assert, as Bishop Cleary has done, "t'-ft they are not going to take such treatment lying down," and could anyone be surprised if tho numerous supporters of spiritualism be blamed .• being as Paddy "agin the Government." The Government allow the Spiritualist body the right to issuo their missionaries' certificates granting the practice of spirit communications Now, Sir, any novice at the game knows that spirits nvailubly refer to the '-iture when communicating, and on account of their power to do so to mortal advantage, either spiritually, or materially, makes tho cult what it is. A more effective means than any other of strengthening the belief i# man of a hereafter, a trait that healthy and good to any nation or race, having the tendency of bearing their hopes beyond that dismal outlook usually presented ,by the act of death. As the counsel for Defence asserted, Spiritvalicm is a potent force, and I consider as such it is time the. Government, desisted from such action as here mentioned. If the affair needs legislation to regulate the matter, why have not the authorities long since intervened, instead yf penalising the individual who has dreamed himself safe, whilst holding the Association's certificate? —I am, etc., A. T. THOMPSON. Waitara, November 17, 1917.