D.Sc. DEGREE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 174, 24 July 1936, Page 8

D.Sc. DEGREE.

COST 50 DOLLARS.

FRAUD ALLEGED.

LECTURER IN COURT.

DIPLOMA TO BE PRODUCED,

A well known lecturer, Joseph Islierwood. who has also been giving messages and auric readings in Auckland halls recently, was prosecuted on summons, in the Police Court this morning by the police in connection with the letters "D.Sc.," which ho had used after his name in newspaper advertisements.

Isherwood was charged with publicly using on July 0, in connection with his calling, the initials "D.Se.," intended to cause persons to believe, contrary to fact, that he held a degree, diploma, or certificate issued by a university or otlier institution, socicty or association.

Senior Detective Hall prosecuted, while Mr. A. Hall Skelton appeared for defendant, who pleaded not guilty.

Adjournment Wanted,

At the outset Mr. Skelton asked for an adjournment to enable Islierwood to procure his diploma from Melbourne, where it was stored along with other effects, but Mr. Hall objected to an adjournment, pointing out that Islierwood had plenty of time to obtain the diploma, since being interviewed by a detective on July 7. "I am instructed that he has the "diploma and is entitled to use the letters after his name," said Mr. Skelton. "He got his degree at the University of Delaware. Of course he can go into the witness box and swear 6n oath that he possesses it." Senior Detective Hall said he would prefer to go on with the case-to-day. Detective T. Sneddon said he interviewed Islierwood on July 7 and asked him what the letter* "D.Sc." after his name represented. Isherwood said thev stood for "doctor of science." "Asked by me to produce the diploma. Islierwood said he did not have it with him, said the detective. "He said it was stored with his effects in Melbourne. In a statement which I took from him, Isherwood said he had at that time been in Auckland for two weeks after coining from Wellington. He said the diploma was an honorary degioc conferred on him by the University of Delaware, New ork, in 1928. Detective Sneddon added that Isherwood had been holding clashes in psychology and giving lectures on "Inferiority Complex" and other subjects in Auckland. He said he had full authority to use the letters after his name. "While I was speaking to him he struck out the letters 'D.Sc. from the newspaper advertisement wliich I showed him," added Mr. Sneddon. "He told me that if there was to be any trouble about it, he would not use the letters. I then told him that if he really had the authority to use the letters he was entitled to continue using tlieui." Counsel then made a further application for an adjournment, adding that Isherwood had already sent to Melbourne for the diploma. However, the magistrate, Sir. W. R. McKean, S.M., thought that the case should proceed.

Isherwood in Box. Isherwood then gave evidence and said that he had the diploma, which was ill Melbourne with his library and books. Senior Detective Hall: How long did it take you to get this degree or diploma? —About three months. I supplied a thesis on psychology and the degree was sent to me.

Are you aware that it takes five years to obtain the degree of Doctor of Science at Delaware University?—Xo, I am not.

Are you aware that before you can get this degree you must have the degree of Bachelor of Science? —Xo.

Were you in Delaware in 1928, or have you ever been there? —No, it was all done by correspondence. What did the diploma cost you? — About 50 dollars by way of subscription. (Laughter.)

Who-was presidont of Delaware University in 1928? —My diploma was signed bv Dr. Collins.

Are you aware that Dr. Houlihan was president in 1928? —No. Who was the dean of the university at that time? —I think Dr. Collins was the dean.

Police Allegations. Mr. Hall then asked witness a number of questions concerning his visits to other places, but Mr. Skein's objections in regard to these qußions were upheld by the magistrate. said the only point at issue in was whether defendant had the right to use the letters after his name. At a later stage counsel objected to certain questions asked by Mr. Hall, which Mr. Skelton described as questions put in an endeavour to discredit Isherwood and his reputation. Such questions as were put were most unfair, he said. Senior Detective Hall: This man is gulling the public of Auckland by false pretences and fortune telling Mr. Skelton: Then why don't you charge him with it ? Senior .Detective Hall: Give us until next week and see.

Mr. McKoan said the police were trying to show that there were substantial reasons for doubting the credibility of Isherwood's statement.

"It is an attempt to discredit him," said counsel.

Senior Detective Hall: You went away to Australia, you were in Victoria in 1928, and afterwards in New South Wales. Coming back home again, in Wellington last month you were convicted on six charges for fortune telling?— Yes. Mr. Skelton: Those charges were the result of questions asked him by the audience on matters of clairvoyance.

Absolute Fraud. "This man is an absolute fraud, your Worship," said Mr. Hall. "He is known to the police all over the southern hemisphere." Mr. Skelton: These statements by Mr. Hall are' gravely improper, sir. He has no right to make them at this stage." Mr. McKean (to Isherwood in the witness box): If you haven't got the diploma you know you have committed perjury to-day ? —Oh, I have it all right. Mr.'McKean: You got it. not for any course of study at the university ?—No. I am quite frank about that. The magistrate then adjourned the case for two weeks to give defendant an opportunity of obtaining and producing his diploma.