1.—14.

58

W. P. BOUGH.

mental treatment, which takes time; and, in some oases, the patient could not be cured by drugs, and should be treated by suggestion as practised by metaphysicians. 108. Do you think that a man who practises metaphysics and mental treatment should have some knowledge of anatomy?—He should try and learn as much as he can, certainly, so as to have as great a knowledge as possible of what he is doing; but with sarcognomy a great deal of the subject of anatomy and physiology is not necessary, because metaphysicians do not treat broken arms and legs, nor cases where there is complete blood-poisoning or cancer, although a number have treated cancer successful^. 109. To treat diseases of the nervous system, should they not have some knowledge of the nervous system? —Yes. 110. Where is it obtained from?— From study. 111. Do you not think that a man should be tested as to his knowledge of the nervous system, so as to prevent people who know nothing about physiology or the functions of the body giving the treatment?— Unfortunately, there is no such school to go io on the lines of biology, where they could get the necessary instruction. You have to fight your way yourself to be successful. 112. I understand you to say that it is a science that is coming to the front?— Yes, it must come to the front. I will quote you a case I diagnosed myself. The case is that of a girl about twenty-two years of age. Her case had been diagnosed previously by a doctor, who said that nothing could be done for her. " She had consumption," he said, " she was fit for an insane asylum." I was asked to go and see the girl. I asked particulars about the case, and took the girl's hands in mine. She was wandering, and could not keep collected- She had lost complete control of the nervous system. She was so emaciated that she only weighed 5 stone 7 lb. I took the girl's hands in mine, and told her to look at my eyes and concentrate her attention on me, because she was wavering about. I told her to breathe hard, and she took in a deep breath and repeated that three or four times. I asked her aunt, who had brought the case to me, to see if she had consumption, to note her breathing. That was simply a case of anaemia and neivous prostration. The girl had been working in an office; but had been away two months, and her aunt said she was getting worse. By simply putting my hands on her head and recommending her aunt to give her massage, she put on 151b. in three weeks, and in another three weeks 141b. 113. She is all right now?— Yes, working in an office. 114. Where does she live? —In Wellington. I can give her name to the Chairman of this Committee, as I do not wish to mention any names publicly. 115. Have you cured many patients who have come to you?— Yes. I had another case in which a man in this town wrote me a letter thanking me for what I had done for his daughter. 116. Have you got that letter? —Yes. He said that four or five doctors had said that they could do nothing further for her. This girl had been sent to Mount View Asylum, but they had to take her away from there because they were afraid she was getting worse on account of her sulking. It was' a very bad case. The mother brought her to me before she went to Mount View, and I told her that the girl could be cured. Twelve months after I first saw her she came to me for treatment, and I completely cured her. 117. Will you read the letter without giving the name of the writer? —Yes. "Wellington, 20th August, 1907.—Deab Me. Rough,—Mrs. D.~ and I feel that it is only right that we should convey to you our appreciation and gratitude for the great service rendered to us by your successful treatment "of our daughter. The facts shortly are: In October, 1903, our daughter (then a girl of thirteen) was attacked by a severe illness, the aftermath of which was so serious that for over three years tier condition caused us the gravest possible anxiety. During that period she was treated by different medical men, but with so little success that in December, 1906, her condition was worse than ever. In that month still another doctor assured us that nothing whatever could be done on her behalf. At this stage you kindly undertook the case. After a course of treatment extending over a time of about four weeks she took a decided turn for the better, and there has been a steady improvement in her health ever since. There is now every indication that her complete recovery is within measurable distance. —Again assuring you of our deep sense of gratitude in this connection, I am yours sincerely, G.H.D." 118. Is the writer well known in Wellington?— Yes, known all over Wellington, and abroad too. . 119. Was that testimonial unsolicited?— Yes. A friend of his drew his attention to this Bill and he wrote me this, saying it would be a shame if the Bill were passed. I got nothing for treating that case at all. The people had been put to very much expense and trouble extending over a number of years, and I made no charge. 120. Mr. T. Mackenzie.'] How long have you been in Wellington? —About three years. 12]! Did you come across a man named "Leonard, who had the power of clairvoyancy ?—No, 1 do not remember him. There is another case I would like to mention—that of a boy three years of ao-e He was brought up to me from Dunedin by his mother, as the doctor attending him there could do nothing for him. The letter is as follows: " Dunedin, 25th August, 1907.—Mr. William Rough 53 Abel Smith Street, Wellington.—Deak Sik,—Hearing unpleasant rumours that a Bill was being introduced before the House whereby none but duly qualified medical practitioners could lawfully undertake the treatment of disease or other ills of the flesh, I take upon myself to offer you this testimonial to the successful treatmsnt of my son Lionel, aged now three years. In January last my boy exhibited most peculiar and startling symptoms which we could not understand ' In the midst of his play he would suddenly commence to stagger, and sometimes fall down, invariably crying out piteously that the sky (if outside) or the roof (if inside) was falling on him. He eventually would be pacified, and would then fall into a heavy slumber. I called in our doctor, who has been attending the family regularly for four years, and who thoroughly understands the little one having confined my wife at -his birth. He did not mention what he thought of the • trouble but gave a prescription, which did no good. The child became worse. The doctor doubled