THE MORMONS

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1194, 1 August 1911, Page 6

THE MORMONS

« WHAT ABOUT POLYGAMY? (Br Teleeraph.—Snecial Correspondent.) Auckland, July 31. Tho spread of the Mormon religion amongst the Maoris will 'be tho subject of a question in Parliament shortly by Mr. G. SI. Thomson (Duncdin North) who proposes Uiat tho matter should be looked into and tho advisability of taking tbo necessary steps to rid tho coimtry of missionaries" of tho Mormon faith considered. Seen by a "Star" reporter this morning a yoang Mormon missionary, Mr. H. H. Crouch, whoso homo is in tho vicinity of Salt. Lake City, there'w«ru now 5000 Maori converts to Mormonism in New Zealand and about 1000 white people. He could not understand why the Teligion was so much objected to, because since 1890 polygamy (which, seemed to be the chief cause of complaint) was abolished, and tho penalty for a breach since that time was excommunication.

"But—or, President' Smith?" tho rs. porter inquired. "Oh, yes, we admit tho president has got fivo wives," raid tho missionary; "but ho married all of them lioforo 1890, when tho Church believed that a man might take moTO than ono wife."

Has Elder Smith disposed of them? "No. When tlio manifesto was issued it was decided by a eoinmittco' that it would be only right for him to look after his wives, ■as in the past. I do not think there is «i Mormon living," said Air. Crouch in conclusion, "who has contracted a plural marriage since the manifesto of 1890, and it is an absolute fallacy to «ay wo entice girls to Salt Lake City. Instead, we prefer those converted to stay m their own country, and so help to propagate our faiHi."

They talk of tho diamonds of Kjmberley, They're precious and fine, I've no doubt; But the wealth in good health is greater If we only trouble to find it out. And tho best health's obtained by avoiding Coughs, colds, and other such things; Woods' Peppermint Curo removes all those. Got a bottlo and seo what it bring?. -Advt. Tho Birmingham City Council has decided to confer tho freedom of the city ii pen Mr. Jesse. Ceilings, 114'., and Alderman William. Kenrick.