SPIRITUALISM IN DUNEDIN.

Temuka Leader, Volume I, Issue 81, 25 September 1878, Page 3

SPIRITUALISM IN DUNEDIN.

The Spiritists or Spiritualists of Dunedin are on the tiptoe of expectation, in consequence of the news that the celebrated Dr Slade intends visiting Dunedin and the colony. Mrs HardingeBrittcn, the eloquent American lady lecturer, has also expressed an intention to " do" New Zealand, while Mr Walker, the sot disant trance medium is likewise gravitating towards this centre. Of course in anticipation of visits from these bright and shining lights of the newest religion, the avowed believers in Spiritism are jubilant and confidently anticipate a " revival." Since the advent to Dunedin of Charles Bright, the number of the Spiritualists has greatly increased and very many circles have been formed. Of the " manifestations " met with, the most wondrous stories are afloat and most remarkable things vouched for. I have seen drawings executed by mediums, who, in their normal state, were said to be ignorant of the rudiments of drawing—drawings which, though weird and difficult to comprehend, gave evidence of proper attention having been paid to perspective and tone—and were in short excellent specimens of art —and, I am assured, there is a man in South Dunedin who does not know one note on the piano from another, and yet, when entranced, can exacute with ease and correctness most difficult operatic selections. A circle which sits at Kensington is honored with the sweet conversation of the spirit of a Yankee doctor who has such a love for his profession that he still prescribes for the ailments of his earthly friends. A patient is brought every evening to the circle for treatment, and the ghostly doctor's prescriptions are rigidly followed. Another circle, composed of influential citizens, has sat regularly for the past seven years, and its members have attained to such a wondrous degree of perfection in their " uncanny " investigations that the members can read with facility each others thoughts. These are but one or two samples of the marvels which are current, and though the " sceptics " laugh them to scorn, the number of those who firmly believe in them is not by any means insignificant. —' Ashburton Mail.'