SPIRIT WRITINGS

Evening Star, Issue 19310, 24 July 1926, Page 4

SPIRIT WRITINGS

QUESTION OF COPYRIGHT BRITISH COURT CASE. ffjtss Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, LONDON, July 23. Geraldine Cummins, the professional medium, instituted an action againstErederick Bligh Bond, a prominent figure in psychical research, claiming the copyright of 0 literary work entitled ‘ Chronicle of Cleophas,’ purporting to be an account of the Apostles in tbo early days of Christionity. Cummins gave evidence in support of her claim. She said she auto-suggested herself into a dream state, in which spirit writing poured from her pen. Bond’s counsel explained that Bond was frequently present at those demonstrations. He claimed copyright because the communications wore addressed to him. Cummins claimed that Bond agreed that she should take cuethird of the profits of thy publication. Mr Justice Eve expressed wonder that Cleophas spoke in archaic English. Ho supposed the original Cleophas spoke Hebrew, not medieval English. 13ond gave evidence that he had been called to assist in connection with the writings because he was known to bo able to get writings of this character from mediums. In this particular instance Cleophas called him. The Judge; If you had Browning’s poems and endeavored to explain what Browning meant, you would not call yourself the author of them. They are just as unintelligible to the ordinary man as Cleophas. Counsel said Bond was a man of some distinction, whereupon the judge said; “I don’t care tuppence what his reputation is. A lot of things want explaining.” Ho decided the copyright belonged to Cummins, and Bond was ordered to pay costs.—A. and N.Z. Cable.