LECTURER'S TITLE

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 22, 25 July 1936, Page 13

LECTURER'S TITLE

AMERICAN DIPLOMA

CASE AGAINST JOSEPH

ISHERWOOD

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 24. Although he protested that he held a diploma which he had received after working for two or three months on a thesis and paying 50 dollars, Joseph Isherwood, described as a lecturer, herbalist, and psychologist, appeared on summons in the Magistrate's Court charged with publicly using in connection with his calling the initials "D.Sc," intended to cause persons to believe he held a degree diploma or certificate issued by a university or other institution, society. or association^

The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was represented by Mr. Hall Skelton, who asked for an adjournment so that the defendant could secure his diploma from Melbourne. His client said he had a degree from the Delaware University, and could go into the witness box and swear he had a diploma.

Senior-Detective Hall opposed the application for an adjournment, and evidence was given by Detective Sneddon that he interviewed the defendant regarding newspaper advertisements in which the letters D.Sc. were used. The defendant said the letters stood for doctor of science, and said that he obtained an honorary diploma at Delaware University, New- Jersey, in 1928. He intended to hold classes in psychology, and told the detective he would delete the letters. The defendant said that he was interviewed by detectives at Sydney, but was not asked to produce his diploma.

In evidence the defendant said his diploma was in Melbourne with his books.

Senior-Detective Hall: How long did it take you to get your degree? The defendant: The course takes about three' months.

Are you aware it takes five years to eet a doctor of science degree at Delaware?— No.

Are you also aware that you cannot get D.Sc. without first getting B.Sc.— No.

We're you in Delaware in 1928?— I merely submitted a thesis in psychology, it was done by correspondence. Who was president of Delaware in 192b?—My diploma was signed by Dr Collins.

Are you aware that Dr. W. Hullihen was president in 1928?—N0.

What did the diploma cost you?— About 50 dollars by subscription. Senior-Detective Hall then asked a number of questions regarding the defendant's movements in the past year and Mr. Hall Skelton objected to these being asked. Some of his objections were, upheld by the Magistrate (Mr W R. McKean). . ' '

"This- man is gulling the public of Auckland by false pretences and for-tune-telling," said Senior-Detective Hall.

Mr. Hall Skelton: Why don't you charge him with that?

Senior-Detective Hall: Give us another week.

After Mr. Hall Skelton had again objected to questions, Mr. McKean said the police were attempting to show that there were substantial reasons for doubting the credibility of the defendant's statements.

Mr. Hall Skelton: This is an attempt to discredit this man. He has his lectures in the Lewis Eady Hall and gets quite a crowd.

Senior-Detective Hall: He makes quite a lot of money. Mr. Hall Skelton: I have not seen any of it.

When Senior-Detective Hall asked the defendant questions regarding his movements in Australia the defendant said he preferred not to answer.

Senior-Detective Hall: Last month at Wellington you were convicted on six charges of fortune telling?— Yes. "This man is an absolute fraud known to the police all over the southern hemisphere." said Senior-Detective Hall.

Mr. Hall Skelton objected that such a statement was gravely improper. A warning that if he did not have the diploma he would have committed perjury, was given to the defendant by the Magistrate.

Oh, I have it all right. It is in a frame this big," said the defendant extending his arms."

Mr. McKean: You got it not for any course of study at the university?—No I am quite frank about that.

An adjournment for two weeks was granted to enable the defendant to get his diploma from Melbourne.