SPIRITUALIST CHARGED.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 April 1922, Page 5

SPIRITUALIST CHARGED.

ALLEGATIONS BY POLICE. “HUMBUG STORIES TOLD.” FORTUNE-TELLING ALLEGED. Wellington, April 7._ Jonathan Pago, head of the Spiritualist Church in Wellington, appeared at the Magistrate’s Court to-day to answer several charges alleging that he had undertaken to tell fortunes, and with using “certain subtle means —to wit, simulated spiritualism—to deceive and impose.” The charges arose out of visits paid to the defendant by two constables. Sub-inspeetor McNamara appeared for the prosecution, and the defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was represented by Mr. A. B. Seivwright. Mr. Sievwright, at the outset, made an application that the magistrate should consider the question of having the matter dealt with finally at the Supreme Court, in accordance with his powers under section 224 of the Justices of the Peace Act, and section 261 of the Crimes Act. “My client,” said Mr. Sievwright, “looks upon these cases as an attack upon him as pastor.” Mr. Hunt, S.M.: Yes, but keep to the application. Mr. Sievwright : “My application is that the case should be taken as an indictable offence, and that it should be sent to the Supreme Court. My client is head of the Spiritualist Church in Wellington, and he looks upon this as an attack upon the very church over which he presides.” Mr. Hunt: “It does not matter how he looks at it.”

The magistrate said he had had a look at the Acts mentioned. Whether the case should be sent to the Supreme Court or not was at the discretion of the presiding magistrate. It was his intention to deal with the case summarily, but he would send the case to the higher court if the evidence warranted it. However, he would give Mr. Sievwright an opportunity nf preparing a proper defence, and would grant an adjournment if applied for after the police evidence had been tendered. Mr. Sievwright: “In that case could we have the evidence taken down in writing in view of a possible appeal?” Mr. Hunt: “You cannot appeal on a point of fact.” Mr. Sievwright: “No, sir, but we can on a point of law.” Mr. Hunt: “Well, you can have an adjournment if you want it.” Mr. Sievwright: “I will certainly ask for a remand after we have heard the evidence of the police.” NO QUARREL WITH SPIRITUALISM. The sub-inspector said he would withdraw two charges, thus reducing the number of charges to six. The police had no quarrel with spiritualism, but when a man told fortunes and told humbug stories that were not true he came down to the level of an ordinary fortune-teller, and would have to put up with a prosecution. The defendant in the present cases held meetings on Wednesday nights, a charge of Is being made at the door. On Wednesday, March 22, two constables attended the defendant’s meeting. There were about 60 or 70 people in the hall. The defendant and another man named Fabling were on the stage. There were several articles on the stage, and Page, picking these up and going through various weird movements, gave the owners certain information. In one case he strongly advised a woman not to undergo an operation. Mr. Sievwright: “Ratana does that.” Sub-Inspector McNamara: “Ratana is outclassed by this man.” One of the constables, continued the inspector, was told that he would have to leave New Zealand. Both constables also arranged to have readings with Mr. Page, who told them various things for a charge of 5s each. .

Constable William Robert Murray said that on March 22 he went to a hall in Kent Terrace used for Spiritualist meetings. He paid Is for admission at the door. There were about 60 or 70 people in the hall, including Constable Hayhurst, who was a little to the rear of witness. Fabling, pbo was on the stage with Page, announced a hymn, and then some of the lights were switched out. On the table on the stage there was a collection of articles, including wallets, books, ladies’ handbags, letters containing locks of hair, articles of jewellery, and pocket knives.

THE PAST AND FUTURE. Page, continued witness, then took up some of the articles on the table, and the owners signified that they were the owners by holding up their hands. He then described past events, and events of the future. He also described spirit forms that were supposed to be hanging round. The defendant picked up an article belonging to witness, and said: “About 18 months ago you were intending to leave the country. Since then you have had opportunities which you have allowed to pass by, but hold on to what you are now doing. It would take much hard study before you attained your ambition. You will eventually leave the counrty. You have got to go, you understand.” Witness went on to say that Page described the spirit of a woman that was standing over him and helping him. He said the spirit had passed away six years ago, and that she had two children. While saying this, Page appeared to be under great mental strain, and paced the platform.

ADVISED AGAINST OPERATION. On one occasion he addressed a woman and told her to be cautious for the future. Page said: “The doctors will want to perform an operation, but do not let them lhe operation will do no good. Look after yourself. Look after what you eat. Go m for a vegetable diet. This is what you want) n°t an operation. You understand. He spoke to several about operations. and said they were not necessary. What they really wanted was to consult a metaphysician, and he referred several to Mr. r ablmg. The case was not completed to-day.

THE PASTOR FINED. Ey Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Pastor Page, of the Spiritualistic Church forf ll fin 7 l l r s ° n e “ ch of ,hree cba Vs of fortune-telhng, the other charges being & d men? e 1