SPIRIT WRITING

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12507, 24 July 1926, Page 5

SPIRIT WRITING

“THE CHRONICLE OF CLEOPHAS’ JUDGE SEES AN ANACHRONISM MEDIUM CLAIMS COPYRIGHT By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received July 2d, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, July 22. Geraldiue Cummin*, a proieac*onal medium, lias instituted an actiou against Frederick Bligh Bond, an architect and author, claiming the copyright of a literary work entitled, “lie Chronicle of Cleophas,” which, purports to be an account of the Apostles in the early days of Christianity. Cummins gave evidence in support of her claim. She said she gested” herself into a dream state, in which spirit writing poured from hef pen. “ARCHAIC ENGLISH” Bond’s counsel explained that Bond was frequently present at those demonstrations. He claimed the copyright because the communications were addressed to him. Cummins asserted that Bond agreed that she should take one-third of the profits of the publication. Mr Justice Eve expressed wander that Cleophas spoke in archaic English, and said he supposed that the original Cleophas spoke in Hebrew. BOND CALLED TO ASSIST Bond, in evidence, said he had been called to ass st in connection with the spirit writings, because it was known that he was able to get writings of this character from mediums. In this particular instance Cleophas called for him. The judge: If you had Browning’s poems nnd endeavoured to explain what Browning meant you wouldn't call yourself the author of them. They are just aa unintelligible to the ordinary man as Cleophas. “A LOT TO EXPLAIN” Counsel said Bond was a man of some distinction. The judge: I don’t tire tuppence what his reputation is l A lot of thing* want explaining. The judge decided that tho copyright of the publication belonged to Cummins, and that Bond should pay the cost of the action.