MEDIUM AS PLAINTIFF.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 8, 7 December 1935, Page 3

MEDIUM AS PLAINTIFF.

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Dec. 6.

A woman medium is plaintiff in an action against the Spiritualist Church of New Zealand, which is being heard in the Supreme Court before the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers. Plaintiff is Ethel May Craigie, a married woman living in Wellington, She is claiming £3OO damages from the church, its president, Samuel E. Williams, herbalist, of Christchurch, its secretary, Ernest C. Gray, storekeeper, of Christchurch, and its treasurer, Alfred Henry Heather, clerk, also of Christchurcli. She bases the claim on an allegation that the defendants wrongfully terminated an engagement she liad with them to 'act as speaker and medium of the church. She also alleges that the defendants wrongfully cancelled her speaker’s license and her permit to act as a medium.

In addition to her claim for damages, Mrs Craigie is seeking a declaration that the termination of her engagement is of no effect, and that the license and permit issued to her are still in full force, and she seeks an injunction against any interference with her status and privileges. It is alleged by plaintiff that her license was cancelled and she was dismissed without any charge being specified, and without any chance of being heard. It is contended that the purported termination of the agreement is ultra vires, as being contrary to the rules of natural justice. The defence denies the existence of a contract. The case is proceeding.