TOHUNGA WOMAN GAOLED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9857, 27 July 1914, Page 3

TOHUNGA WOMAN GAOLED.

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(Pn Pans Assocunov > ; Ar(^AN^ 3 if'F y*»** <>* age, named Mary Aim Hill. wa# chargte3 Maori* by profaUinf^ami pretending to po«eeft» supernatural ifc th® treatment oi- cine of alio Maori# to gather' round her by practicing on tbeir sUtterstitioii and credulity. McMshon conducted the tm'jkp the polios,' anil' Mr dergast appeared for the. accural. In outfitting the case )frMcMabon said that accused, who was a certified nurse, had beeu Practising for some years. She had become fauiou# among the Maoris on account of far fortiwetelling, clairvoyancy, and tohiingftjsai. Natives came from far and near to consult her, and many were treated by her, believing in her assertion tliat she was possessed of second sight and supernatural powers. She was in the habit of providing them with some liquids, which could not be called medicine. These were to be sprinkled on a pillow, or used in some similar manner. Other ridiculous "cures" were given to patients. Her influence had been farreaching, for so great was their faith in her that many Maoris neglected to call in proper medical aid when it was necessary, with the result that many of the patients died. .The Public Health Department had warned accused, but she had taken no notice. Such was her influence that nations suffering from typhoid fever had iv fused to go to a hospital, and died. - ~ Evidence for the prosecution and the defence was then given.

In giving judgment, his Worship.said that the cu«e a'a* a most serious one. It was clear that accused had claimed to possess supernatural powers. "It appears to me," hig Worship continued, "that accused is a tricked old woman, who has set out to delude these uniortunate natives who are sick or have sick children. The !uw provides a penalty of £25, or six months imprisonment. If this were au ;«* ;iated case, I would feel it my duty to lake, accused's age into consideration, and impose a fine, but the evidence shows tbat accused must have practised to a large extent for such serious results to have been obtained. Maoris should know that these people who profess rupernatural powers are the most dangerous people they can have to do with. Their only safe course is to see a qualified medical man, who is certain to do his b<*t. The Government, moreover, provided free medical treatment in native districts. In view of accused's age, it would be undue harshness to give her hard labour, but I consider it my duty to sentence her to a term of imprisonment. She will receive six months' imprisonment, without hard labour."