SPIRITUALISM IN AUCKLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 191, 12 August 1911, Page 8

SPIRITUALISM IN AUCKLAND.

A WIGHT WITH THE SPOOKS. "PEDRO'S" PREDICTIONS. There was a time, not so very lono past, when persons with a too ardent taste for the occult were consigned to the stake. In those'times it was not considered a healthy thing to be i n too close a touch with the supernatural, for the simple reason that matter-of-fact folk generally associated the cult as being part of the diabolical machinations invented by the evil one to inveigle the innocent into his keeping. To-day, however, one may attempt to delve into the unknown without interference, and spiritualism and its attendant 'isms and 'ologies are forces almost, if not quite, fashionable in the civilised world. Indeed, the modern spiritualist, psychologist, aDd occultist is not content to allow his weird calling to remain a "side line" science; he has attempted to make it just as much a creed as Christianity or Bhuddism, going to the length of declaring that Scripture upholds him on every point. He calls his meeting-house a "church." and, moreover, has his own prayer book, budget of hymns and his catechism.

For the purpose of obtaining an insight into the methods of local spiritualistic organisations, a "Star" reporter paid a visit last Sunday evening to a certain "church of spiritualism" in Auckland, and a few days later attended a psychometrical circle, held by a wellknown lady medium connected with this "church." THE SERVICE AND HYMN BOOK. The Sunday "sen-ice," up to a point, was decidedly impressive. The congregation, mostly composed of ladies, was a fairly large one, and hymns and prayers opened the proceedings in quite the orthodox Church manner. Above one of the hymns in the book, something to the following effect was printed: "This was sung by a group of happy children in Homeland (the spirit world), and heard by Mrs. . who was able to obtain the correct words and melody." A Scriptural address was given by an Auckland lady medium, who afterwards gave a demonstration of clairvoyance through flowers. Numerous blooms had been left on the platform by members of the congregation, and the lady, under the "control" of a "spirit," proceeded to make observations on each. The owner of one was informed that a spirit giving the name of "Mary" had a great love for her, etc., then another spirit, described by the medium as "a beautiful soul, who gives me the name of William," came to light, and he also sent his kind regards and intimated the amount of his interest in the person concerned. And so the "reading" went on until the flowers were exhausted. Then the spook took its flight and normal conditions once more reigned THE MAGIC CIRCLE. The psychometrical circle is not misnamed when it is alluded to as a "magie circle." It is decidedly mysterious at all events, and many wonderful things happen there. The circle attended by the "Star" reporter was held in a large room not far from the city. Around the walls hung photographs of substantial looking individuals. surrounded by blurred "spirit faces." It was noticeable in one picture that, despite her having entered the "spook" world, a young lady still persisted in wearing a fashionable fringe. The men spirits were for the most part bald and highly respectable looking. The medium, a lady of middle age and with a pleasant voice, first opened her circle with a lecture on "the signs of the Zodiac." This was interesting, but the best was to come. Later, she approached the small table upon which lay the articles to be read, and picking up a piece of folded paper she shivered slightly Then a stream of broken English fell from her lips. The oracle was worked and madam was controlled by the spirit of "Pedro." FIBS FROM THE SPIRIT WORLD.

The reporter did not neglect to put an article on the table. He placed there an envelope written upon by a friend, nowdead. It was therefore quite a surprise to learn from "Pedro" that the writer was "likelv to have an affection of the eyes; would take a long train journey, and was carefully watched over by a kind old gentleman called "John," who resided in the spirit world. "Pedro" was evidently in a humorous mood. A gentleman placed a match box on the table. "What for you want to smoke these?" said the spook, pleasantly. "I used to smoke when I was on ze earth, but if I come back I would not do it now." Someone in the circle poshed a chair close to the medium in order that she might sit down. For this favour, "Pedro," despite the Mexican flavour of his name, expressed his thanks with a decided French accent. "Ah, tank you, tank you," said he; "ze kind lady Bhe give a chair to poor old Pedro." When the last article had been read, the friendly spirit concluded his entertainment by intimating that he would be pleased to advise on matters of a private nature if the particulars were sent through the post to his medium. Furthermore, "Pedro" wished everyone a pleasant "good night." and expressed the hope that he had been of some use. Then, as he departed, the "controller" fell backwards in her chair, and after a few shivers recovered her normal self. "Pedro" had returned to bis ethereal comrades.