ARRIVAL OF COLONEL OLCOTT.

Evening Star, Issue 10402, 25 August 1897, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF COLONEL OLCOTT.

The president-founder of the Theosophkal Society, Colonel H. S. Olcott, arrived by the Talune this morning, and soon after reaching Dunedin was interviewed by a member of our staff. In reply to questions, he said that this was his first visit to New Zealand, but he was in Australia six years ago—in 1891. At that time the society had only twelve members in Australia; now it bad that number of branches, besides eight in this colony and one in Tasmania. In the same period of time the total branches of the society had increased from 240 to about 400. All over the world the interest in Theosophy was on the increase, and already the result of the work of t.hs society was showing itself in the growth of tolerance and good feeling between adherents of different religious systems. This was especially noticeable in India, where Mahomedan?, Farsee3, Buddhists, and Hindus were sometimes to be found on the same platform—a state of things that a few years ago would have been impossible. His society made it its object to keep alive the religious feeling, not in the interests of any creed, but for the purpose of furthering the cause of religion against unbelief. They saw plainly that the way was to found a sooiety on the basi3 of brotherhood of heart and spirit, irrespectiveof race, creed, or color. Yes, he had some experience as a journalist. He had been in association with the 'Tribune' and 'Graphio,' New York papers. For the latter he investigated the famous Eddy farmhouse phenomena, on which he wrote a book, and he represented the 'Tribune' at the execution of John Brown. "A curious thing happened on that occasion," said the Colonel. " John Brown came upon the scaffold clad in black, hi 3 feet encased in red woollen slippers. Just as he stepped forward the rays of the sun shot out from under a cloud, and, flashing across the edge of the scaffold, made his feet appear to be bathed in blood. It was a significant omen. Much blood was spilled before the execution of Brown was finally avenged, and before the cause for which he died triumphed." As to the literary work of the society, they now published no less than thirty magazines and papers, and their press had produced in the last few years forty-seven new books. They had also done much to revive in India the knowledge of Sanskrit literature, and to check the spirit of materialism which the colleges had been spreading amongst the Indian youth. As to the attaoks upon them, satirical and vindictive, which emanated both from Press and pulpit, he had onlj to say that the doctrines were spreading in spite of It all. It was, indeed, noticeable, he added, just since the fierce and vituperative attackb which were make by the missionaries against Madame Blavatßky In 1884, a greater accession to the rankß and multiplica. tion of branohes has taken plaoe than before. An impetus to the whole movement- has now been given that is irresistib'e. In the course of further conversation the Colonel explained that the leaders of the movement worked without salary, and devoted their private means to tho cause. His trip to Australia in 1891 waß to investigate a case in which a gentleman named Hartmann, in Queensland, had left him, as bead of the society, all his property, then valued at about £5,000. luquiring into the matter, and finding that the family had not been treated justly, he returned the property to them. This conoluded an interesting chat.

Colonel Olcott is sixty-five years of age, but full of health and vigor. Largely built, somewhat stout, with flowing white beard, long white hair falling on to his shoulders, and a benevolent cast of countenance, he has a strikiog personality. Throughout a long public career his integrity has never been assailed.