TOHUNGAISM

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10587, 19 March 1912, Page 5

TOHUNGAISM

IN THE WAIRARAPA.

It may not be generally known that the W.airarapa possesses a Native "tohunga," or priestess of witchcraft, who claims the power to cast out devils, heal the sick, and perform .other feats of this class described as miraculous. The tohunga'; who is of middle age, and is a native of the district, resides at Gladstone. She has already established herself, and has a considerable number of followers. The ) male followers attire themselves in J j red; shirts and blue sashes (which is! symbolic of men in modern and sing hymns and incantations whilst the tohunga performs her cerej monies. The latter consist of the application of brandy to the external parts of the body, and the giving ofl a sip of the spirit to .the patient after treatment. It is hardly necessary to say that the number of patients"- is daily increasing, and notwithstanding the law which prohibits the admission of liquor to a kainga, many of the disciples of tli-e tohunga are possessed of

| flasks containing one or more stars. - The' circle! meets every Thursday,-and on occasions the ceremonies extend throughout the night. A head nurse has been established in connection with the institution, and a choir has been formed to .supply the musical accompaniments. •- So far, no miracle •has been performed' which is worthy of note, though it will be a decided miracle if some of the Natives do not cultivate a liking for that grand old Irish patriot, "Hennessy." i